As I mentioned in my last article, Part 1 of How The Psychology And Power Of Ayurveda Can Help You, there are three very important steps in cultivating inner peace and joy

Ayurveda is holistic in approach as it integrates healthy or optimal functioning of the different doshas or constitutions with different methods.

Understanding the function, composition and derangement of the different doshas is very important.

Most people are dual dosha types which mean their constitution is comprised mainly of two dominant doshas.

The following is a description and some valuable Ayurveda tips for the three dual dosha types.

In Ayurveda it is important to know and study your psychological profile so that you can make the appropriate changes to support your health and wellness.

Vata – Pitta types. These dosha types tend to move back and forth with fear and anger. They are very volatile and due to their fire and air element, they need to develop a sense of calmness, patience and groundedness.

They are often looking for someone to unload their negativity on (feelings of fear and anger).

Vata-Pitta types find it challenging to take any criticism or questioning. They often suppress their anger and their mental state can be very agitated.

They are usually very intelligent and can be logical, analytical, detached and capable of abstract thinking.

Vata – Pitta types need to relax and be nurtured and supported for treatment to be successfully implemented and effective.

Pitta – Kapha types. These dosha types have a lot of energy and stability and are generally healthy with good endurance and emotional stamina.

They are very strong, content and grounded and due to their fire, water and earth elements. They need to however develop a sense of adaptability and flexibility; not being too rigid in what they do.

Pitta – Kapha types can be dominating, possessive and controlling. They need to learn to “let go”, open up and be more receptive to creativity, new movements, activities and new challenges for treatment to be effective.

Vatta – Kapha types. These dosha types lack energy, motivation, passion and enthusiasm. They are very weak, passive and subservient in nature due to their lack of fire.

They can be very sensitive and extremely dependent on others and often need a push and the help of others to put ideas into action.

Vatta – Kapha types are generally artistic, creative and have a deep willing to please. They respond well to warmth and need to be treated with a sense of gentleness and firmness for treatment to be effective.

Vatta – Kapha people need to gain clarity and practicality of their lifestyle with dedication and motivation.

image courtesy of omnos

Ayurveda integrates a holistic approach to health and healing so by enhancing your health and wellness, you can enhance the health and wellness of others and the planet.

The power of Ayurveda through direct perception

Direct perception is important in Ayurveda because it allows us to observe things through your direct experience.

Through your own direct experience you are able to perceive truth, through the power of discrimination.

Discriminating means contemplating what is right for you without being influenced by others or your clouded mind.

Through this discrimination you can deduce your own conclusions regarding your health and healing.

Don’t rely on just inference (the power of reason through speculation) and instruction (perceptions from others) which are limited and can be misinterpreted.

Getting advice from someone trained in alternative medical or healing practices, such as an Ayurvedic practitioner is great in the beginning, and periodically through your journey to optimal health.

As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I personally must show and allow my clients to awaken their own direct perception for their own clarity, certainty and reasoning.

Therefore, you should learn to perceive yourself through your own direct perception and identify any imbalances or disharmony; then make the appropriate changes using the science and psychology of Ayurveda to come back into balance.

Here are some Ayurvedic steps you can take to help yourself

 1. Create positive impressions through your senses. What you take in through the external world, feeds this level of your mind. For greater health, you should take in wholesome impressions that enhance your life force and vitalize your mind. Some examples include spending more time in nature and simplifying your life; not taking in too many negative or violent impressions.

2. Develop positive emotions. The feelings and emotions you have towards yourself and other living things influence the state of your mind. For healthy emotional and mental nourishment you should contemplate and cultivate feelings of love through, compassion, forgiveness, acceptance, devotion, appreciation, joy and bliss.

3. Project positive thoughts. Having positive loving thoughts instead of fearful ones will allow yourself to create those events, circumstances and experiences into your life. Think of the law – projection/reflection as what you give out (through thoughts, emotions, actions and speech) is what is reflected back to you.

Creating a positive mind-set involves living in harmony with people, nature and your surroundings.

When you are able to practice the three important steps above, you get one step closer to finding ultimate peace and joy. You become an unconditional loving being on your way to mental, emotional and spiritual healing. You learn to help and heal yourself as well as others.

Take time everyday to cultivate positive impressions, emotions and thoughts through meditation, introspection and contemplation.

When this happens, you evolve and expand your higher mind of discrimination, intuition and consciousness.

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To help condition your body it is recommended that you practice some form of yoga postures or exercises.

Yoga is not only stimulates the brain but, it keeps your body strong, supple and flexible.

Practicing Ayurvedic Yoga (I am referring to yoga postures with an Ayurvedic mindset) quickly enhances your health and gives you vigor, vitality and strength.

It can also lead you into the deeper energetic aspects of Yoga and Ayurveda.

Remember there is specific types of yoga doe your dosha type: yoga for Vata, yoga for Pitta and yoga for Kapha.

But, for now, here are 7 tips for having a successful  Ayurvedic yoga practice.

1. Let go of the need to achieve a posture. Remove any aggression that pushes you too deeply and can injury you.

2. Less is often more. Practice doing less and become more conscious and aware of what you are practicing.

3. There is no hurry. Have patience and take your time to feel the postures.

4. Do not over power or over exert your body. Treat yourself gently and don’t move into any strain or pain.

5. Have a fresh attitude. Observe yourself – each new movement and posture is an opportunity to gain more insight.

6. Practice with a humble attitude. Let go of your positions and roles. Practice form a place of purity and oneness with all.

7. Be focused and Present. You have dedicated a certain amount of time to practice so make the best use of it and enjoy each and every moment.

More keys to advancing your Ayurveda yoga practice

The depth of your stretch. If you want to deepen your practice; instead of overpowering the body, go only to the depth of the stretch that you can hold without great effort.

This point should be where you can stay for a long time without feeling the need to stop or release the stretch due to over exertion or effort.

Gradually, as you settle into the stretch, move to your new point of lengthening without overpowering your body. Move in small increments leading with the breath.

The depth of your breath. Make your breath the primary focus. Try beginning your practice from the time you walk into your yoga space.

Stand in Mountain pose or sit in cross-legged for a few minutes and really tune into your breath before you start any movements or postures.

Practice a few deep breathing yoga techniques. Your breath can be used to monitor the degree of stress in the postures. Maintaining your focus as you breath and move will help to link the postures and movements together.

The sound of your breath will tell you if you have any disturbances in a pose. If you are not breathing then you are not practicing Yoga.

Enjoy your Practice. Remember to enjoy your yoga practice. Have fun knowing that there is nothing that you have to achieve.

Leave all your worries and concerns behind (at the door). Notice after your practice how tensions and worries seem to be released, often for good. Notice how your new clarity of mind reflects peace.

image courtesy of slowly back

In fact the main ingredients for this recipe is an organic zucchini and some organic cilantro.

The fresh ginger gives it nice, spicy little kick. Ginger of course is excellent for the digestive system and is used often in the Ayurvedic diet

In this recipe, I most often use olive oil because it sautes nice and tastes good too.

Be careful not to over cook the zucchini – lightly cook it to bring out the prana and various tastes.

This Ayurvedic recipe is one that can be used in place of a salad and often as a side dish with some dal, rice and veggies.

With respects to Ayurveda; zucchini, cilantro and ginger are quite balancing and nutritious foods.

Ginger is also sattvic (it can however increase pitta in excess) and so this Ayurvedic recipe would be excellent for all 3 doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Enjoy.

Prep time:  5 min Active cooking time:  5 min  Total time to make:  10 min

Serves: 2 to 3 people

Ingredients

• medium to large size zucchini

• 1/2 cup of cilantro
• 1 teaspoon of fresh ground ginger (1/2 a thumb size)
• the juice from half a lime

• 1/2 teaspoon rock salt or sea salt

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sunflower oil or safflower oil

• a pinch of fresh ground pepper (optional)

*Use fresh organic ingredients if possible

Preparation and cooking procedure

1. Shred the zucchini with a medium sized grater until you get 1 1/2 to 2 cups of shredded zucchini
2. Chop or cut the cilantro into small pieces using a knife.
3. Finely grate or chop the ginger.
4. Heat up a skillet, wok or frying pan on high to medium heat.
5. Add which ever oil you choose above, or specific to you dosha, and heat it up in the skillet.
6. Add the zucchini and ginger and into the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
7. Add the cilantro, salt and pepper and cook for another minute or so.
8. Let cool for a few minutes and and add the fresh lime juice mixing it all together.

Gotu Kola is well known for enhancing longevity and mental clarity and is considered one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine.

Many native Indians of the east noticed that elephants, renowned for their longevity, munched on the leaves of the gotu kola plant; thus the leaves became well known as a promoter of long life.

In India, Gotu kola or Brahmi – a very close relative, is regarded as a nervine herb (healing for the nervous system) and perhaps the most spiritual of all herbs.

Gotu Kola is found mainly in tropical climates of Asia, Africa, India, Madagascar, North and South America, China, Indonesia, and Australia.

It is an evergreen perennial with long, slender stems and rounded kidney-shaped leaves that produce clusters of tiny white or light purple flowers and a small oval fruit.

Gotu Kola grows well in wet places such as paddy fields or along the banks of ponds and lakes.

Once harvested the leaves and herb are dried and often cut & sifted to be used in teas and other herbal dietary supplements.

Gotu Kola is available in grounded powdered form, tinctures, liquid extract, creams, dried herb, tablets, capsules and teas. It is is also available by intramuscular injections.

The dried herb or tea can be stored for several years in a tightly sealed bag or container, and used when needed as a remedy or to treat certain conditions.

General uses of Gotu Kola

• high blood pressure

• heart disease

• water retention

• improving memory and concentration

• nervous disorders

• Alzheimer’s disease

• decreasing fatigue and depression

• breaking down cellulite

• rebuilding energy stores

• increasing sex drive

• stimulating the central nervous system

• multiple sclerosis

• improving the tone of blood vessels

• rheumatism

• psoriasis

• skin ulcers

• poorly healing wounds

• postoperative scarring

Healing Properties and Benefits of Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola has a wide variety of healing prpoerties and health benefits.

Gotu Kola is considered a rejuvenative nervine recommended for nervous disorders, including epilepsy, senility, insomnia and premature aging.

As a brain tonic, it is said to enhance intelligence and memory while strengthening the adrenal glands.

It is used quite often to help treat people with stress and depression but has many more health benefits than that.

Gotu Kola helps to cleanse the blood and treat skin impurities. It improves the nervous, digestive and circulatory system; ultimately rebuilding energy reserves.

Gotu Kola can relieve high blood pressure and is effective in treating rheumatism, blood diseases, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, venereal diseases and hepatitis.

The primary active constituents in Gotu Kola are the triterpenoid compounds. These saponins help to strengthen the walls of blood vessels which improves the flow of blood while strengthening the veins and capillaries.

It has been used successfully to treat varicose vein, leg cramps, scars, hemorrhoids, retinopathy (decreased eye site) and abnormal tingling of the extremities.

These same effects are thought to strengthen the lining of the GI tract (intestines), making gotu kola useful for treating ulcers.

Gotu Kola also contains calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C .

Gotu kola has strong anti-bacterial properties which have been used to heal sores and treat leprosy.

Ayurvedic Properties of Gotu Kola

In Ayurveda gotu kola is used as an adaptogen, alterative, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, nervine, rejuvenative, tonic, cardiac, depurative and anti-depressant.

It is most commonly used as a rejuvenative nervine to increases memory, focus and concentration

Gotu kola is also used in Ayurveda to strengthen the adrenal glands, cleanses the blood and treat skin impurities. It is prescribed as an Ayurvedic remedy to combat stress and depression; as well as to increase libido and improve reflexes.

Tastes – Gotu kola bitter in taste.

Energetics – Gotu Kola is cooling in nature. It balances all 3 dosha – Vata, Pitta & Kapha. It is a tonic for Pitta, calms the nerves for Vata and reduces excess Kapha.

Growing in some areas of the Himalayas, gotu kola is often used by yogis to improve their meditation. It is said to help open the crown chakra – the energy center at the top of the head, and to balance the right and left brain hemispheres (sympathetic & parasympathetic nervous system).

Gotu Kola Contraindications & Cautions

There are no significant adverse side effects from using the Gotu Kola herb either internally or externally. It appears to be safe when taken in the recommended doses.

Side effects are rare, but there may be an occasional allergic reaction. Make sure to discontinue if this is the case or if it doesn’t feel right.

If taking any medications (prescription or over-the-counter), it is best to consult with your physician before using this herb. Do not take while pregnant or nursing.

They have been used throughout the centuries as both a spice and medicinal herb.

Cloves are native to Indonesia, but are also produced most commonly in Zanzibar, Eastern Africa, as well as India, The West Indies, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Pemba and Brazil.

Cloves are the unopened pink flower buds of the evergreen clove tree.

These buds are picked by hand when they start to turn pink and are dried until they turn brown in color.

The size of a clove is about 1/2 inch long and 1/4 inch in diameter at the top of the bud – they have a tapered stem that resembles tiny nails.

Cloves have a hard exterior, but their flesh features an oily compound that is essential to their nutritional benefits and spicy, sweet and pungent flavor.

You can purchase cloves at most grocery stores in powdered or whole form but organic whole cloves are considered superior – as clove powder loses its flavor more quickly.

Whole cloves can be crushed or bruised with a mortal & pestle to release its prized oils right before use.

Cloves should be kept in a tightly sealed bag or glass container in a cool, dark and dry place.

Ground cloves will keep for about six months, while whole cloves will stay fresh for about one to two years if stored properly.

General uses of Cloves

• Cough and cold

• Infections

• Toothaches

• Labor pain

• Muscle spasms

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Indigestion

• Flatulence (gas)

• Colic

• Diarrhea

• High cholesterol

• Ulcers

• Sores

• Aphrodisiac

Healing Properties and Benefits of Cloves

The abundant health benefits and healing properties of cloves have been well known for thousands of years.

Cloves are highly regarded for their analgesic, antiseptic and germicidal properties that help fight infections and relieve pain for many conditions.

These properties are due to the significant amounts of an active component called eugenol, which has made it the popular subject of numerous health studies and research.

Eugenol, the primary component of clove’s volatile oils, functions as a powerful anti-inflammatory substance.

Cloves have 36 active ingredients and they contain several flavonoids, including kaempferol and rhamnetin, which additionally contribute to clove’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

They are an excellent source of manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. They also contain significant amounts of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Cloves are considered by many health practitioners to boost memory and increase blood circulation which is beneficial for the heart, liver and stomach.

They can effectively treat many digestive problems like stomach ulcers, flatulence and dyspepsia because they stimulate your body’s enzymes and enhance digestion.

In Aromatherapy and massage, clove oil can treat the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. The aromatic clove oil, when inhaled, can help relieve many respiratory conditions including coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.

Studies have also shown that cloves may also be effective in treating lung and skin cancer.

Ayurvedic Properties of Cloves

In Ayurveda Cloves are used as an expectorant, carminative, analgesic, stimulant, and aphrodisiac to treat coughs & colds, indigestion, cramps or gas, pain & inflammation, and sexual dysfunction.

Cloves are commonly used in Ayurveda as a stimulant and aromatic for the lungs and stomach.

They dispel chills and disinfect the lymphatics.

Cloves can also be chewed to disinfect and clean the teeth and mouth. Applying a cotton ball with some clove oil to the gums and teeth can reduce pain and swelling.

Tastes – Cloves are pungent in taste.

Energetics – Cloves are heating in nature. They have an energizing effect increasing Pitta but reducing Vata and Kapha.

Fennel is grown extensively across the planet but is native to Europe, The Middle-Eastern, China, India, and Turkey.

This fennel plant grows up to about 6 feet in height with deep green feathery or lacy leaves and produces golden yellow flowers.

The seeds of the plant are tiny and oval shape, about 3-4 mm long and have a light brown or gray color with fine stripes over their surface.

Fennel seeds are harvested when the seed heads turn brown.

The fennel bulb which is used as vegetable, is closely related to and has the similar properties and taste (sweet anise flavor) to fennel seeds.

Fennel seeds are available year around in stores and markets in the form of seeds or in processed powder form.

Store fennel seeds in a clean air-tight glass container or bag and store in cool, dry and dark place. Grounded fennel seeds  should be used within a few months as it loses its flavor quickly.

General uses of Fennel Seed

• Cough, cold & sore throats

• Immune support

• High cholesterol

• Liver detoxification

• Colitis

• Indigestion

• Flatulence

• Colic pain and indigestion for babies

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Increase breast milk in nursing mothers Insomnia

• High blood pressure & stroke

• Glaucoma

• Arthritis – both Osteo and Rheumatoid

• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Healing Properties and Benefits of Fennel Seed

Fennel seeds have many health benefiting nutrients, compounds, anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins that are known to help prevent and treat disease.

Most commonly, fennel seeds contain high amounts of flavonoid anti-oxidants like kaempferol and quercetin.

These anti-oxidants help to protect your body from cancers, infections, heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, aging and other degenerative diseases.

Their powerful anti-oxidant properties make it also a powerful anti-inflammatory which prevent oxidation and inflammation; thus preventing many chronic conditions such as colitis, Crohn‘s (inflammatory bowel) disease and arthritis.

In India it is common to chew fennel seeds after meals to facilitate digestion – they help prevent and treat flatulence, expelling gases from your stomach.

They contain numerous essential oil compounds such as anethole, limonene, anisic, pinene and cineole which have digestive, carminative, and anti-flatulent properties.

The oils in fennel seeds help facilitate proper absorption of nutrients in your stomach and intestines. The oils also contain anti-acidic properties.

Fennel seeds are also concentrated with minerals like copper, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc, and magnesium.

In addition to minerals, they contain important vitamins including Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C as well as many B-complex vitamins like thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and niacin.

Fennel seeds can not only help prevent and treat constipation but can also act as a laxative with their high fiber content.

They help clear your bowels and their stimulating effect helps maintain the proper peristaltic motion of your intestines.

Fennel seeds when used in a tea have also been known to ease and regulate menstruation.

Fennel seeds have also been know to strengthen the eyes & hair, relax the body, sharpen the memory and have a cooling effect when one becomes over-heated.

Studies have also shown that Fennel may also inhibit the formation of certain tumors caused by cancer-causing chemicals.

Ayurvedic Properties of Fennel Seed

In Ayurveda fennel is used as an expectorant, carminative, stomachic, stimulant, diuretic and antispasmodic to treat coughs & colds, indigestion, abdominal pain, cramps or gas, difficult or burning urination, children’s colic and low agni.

Fennel is also used in Ayurveda for its disinfectant and antibacterial properties. They can be used (chewed) as mouth fresheners, toothpastes and antacid remedies.

Fennel is an effective diuretic used to help remove toxic substances from the body and relieve rheumatism and swelling.

Tastes – Fennel seeds are sweet and pungent in taste.

Energetics – Fennel seeds are cooling. They are sattvic in nature and balance Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Fennel seeds are also calming to the nerves and promote mental alertness. They symbolizes longevity, courage, and strength

Lemongrass is a green and white, grass like plant with razor-like blades and it is grown across the planet in warm tropical climates.

It is native to the southern part of India but also found in abundance in other South East Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia.

You can get fresh lemongrass stalks at various grocery stores, as well as other forms such as a dried herb or grounded lemon grass powder.

Lemongrass herb should be kept in an air tight container and placed in a dark, cool and dry place where it will keep for up to 2 years

Lemongrass imparts a distinct lemon flavor when cut or crushed due to a release of an essential oil called citral. The dried herb also releases this same flavor when steeped as a tea.

Lemongrass may smell like lemon, but it is more mild and sweet in flavor. It is not sour to taste.

General uses of Lemongrass

• Cough, cold & sore throats

• Anxiety

• High cholesterol

• Type 2 diabetes

• Colitis

• Digestion

• Rough, dry, scaly skin

• Acne

• Constipation

• Kidney detoxification

• Insomnia

• Relaxation & deep sleep

Healing Properties and Benefits of Lemongrass

Lemongrass has many health benefits and healing properties containing many compounds, oils, minerals and vitamins that are known to have anti-oxidant and disease preventing properties.

The primary chemical component in lemongrass is citral which has strong anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.

Lemongrass therefore inhibits microbial and bacterial growth in the body, both internally and externally, helping to prevent and cure bacterial infections in the colon, stomach, urinary tract and respiratory system.

Its leaves and stems are high in folic acid and essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and thiamin (vitamin B-1).

Lemongrass also contains many anti-oxidant minerals and vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium.

Lemongrass oil when used in aromatherapy restores and revitalizes the whole body, helping to relieve the symptoms of headaches, body-aches, nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions.

Lemongrass tea can act as a diuretic and is highly effective in flushing toxins and waste out of the body; improving the function of many different organs including the liver, spleen and kidneys.

It can help you lose weight by shedding unnecessary water along with the impurities. This allows you to have more energy and process fat more effectively.

Many people use lemongrass as a calmative agent; to help them deal with anxiety and nervousness People who suffer from Insomnia report its ability to help them rest and sleep deeply.

Lemongrass may also have effects on cancer cells. There are many studies online and in medical journals illustrating how lemongrass kills cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Ayurvedic Properties of Lemongrass

In Ayurveda lemongrass is used as a diuretic, nervine, diaphoretic, febrifuge, sedative/calmative and tonic.

As a diuretic lemongrass increases urination, both in frequency and in quantity, to release toxins from the body.

As a nervine lemongrass acts as a tonic for the nerves and the nervous system. It helps treat many nervous disorders such as nervousness, shaking hands or limbs, vertigo, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

As a diaphoretic/febrifuge lemongrass helps to bring down fever by fighting the infections which causes the fever as well as by increasing perspiration.

As a sedative or calmative lemongrass has a soothing, sedating and calming effects on mind which helps to relieve tension and anxiety.

As a tonic lemongrass tones all the systems functioning in the body including the respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system and excretory system; it facilitates the absorption of nutrients in the body, thus providing strength and strengthening the immune system.

Tastes – Lemongrass is sweet and pungent in taste

Energetics – Lemongrass is cooling in nature. It helps reduce Pitta and Kapha dosha and has a neutral effect on Vata dosha. It is sattvic in nature. It gives one a sense of calm while restoring and revitalizing the mind and body.

Homemade healthy yeast-free bread can be very nutritious and included in your Ayurvedic diet.

This Ayurvedic recipe is one of my favorites that taste great, especially when eaten just out of the oven.

Spread some ghee and on it and let it melt into your mouth.

The bread is rich and hearty so you don’t need to eat a lot of it to keep your stomach full.

In fact the last thing you want to do is stuff you face and over fill your stomach.

Eat it in moderation, perhaps with some fruit for breakfast or with some dal at lunch.

This particular recipe includes dairy. Dairy such as ghee and whole milk strengthens the Ojas (your vitality), so in moderation it can be healthy and nourishing.

I do have a non-dairy version which I will share with you in the future but for now enjoy this delicious Ayurvedic bread recipe.

If you have some other healthy grains or seeds you would like to add to it, then go for it. Adding sesame seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds or flax seeds can increase this bread’s nutritional value.

You could also try adding some raisins (3/4 of a cup) with a teaspoon of freshly ground cinnamon for some hearty delicious raisin bread.

Prep time:  5 min Active cooking time:  25 – 30 min  Total time to make:  30 -35 min

Serves: 2 to 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 cups of rolled oats or grounded steel cut oats

• 1 cup of whole wheat flour or spelt flour

• 2 teaspoons of **baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon rock salt or sea salt

• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup/agave syrup (optional)

• 1/2 cup of apple sauce (good egg substitute, alternatively you could use 1 egg)

• 2 tablespoons of ghee

• 1 cup of milk

*Use fresh organic ingredients if possible

** Use aluminum free, corn free organic rice starch baking powder if possible

Preparation and cooking procedure

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Grind (optional) oatmeal or steel-cut oats in a coffee grinder or blender.

3. In a large bowl combine the oatmeal, flour, baking powder and salt.

4. In a separate bowl mix and stir the maple syrup/agave, apple sauce, ghee and milk.

5. Combine the dry and wet mixtures and stir until a soft dough is formed.

6. Kneed and form the dough into a ball and place on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

7. Bake in a preheated oven for about 25 -30 minutes, or when a tooth pick comes out clean – the bottom of loaf should sound hollow when tapped.

image courtesy of minato

Amalaki is used everyday to treat many types of conditions and diseases.

The Amla fruit is light green & yellow color.

It has a round shape similar to a plum and has a predominantly sour taste.

The fruit of the tree is used in either fresh or dried form.

Amla is often taken in dried powder forms or in capsules as a supplement.

Amla also retains most of its vitamin content even in dried form.

General uses of Amalaki

• Cough, cold, sore throats

• Respiratory infections

• Premature aging

• Dyspepsia (upset stomach)

• Hyper-acidity

• Skin disorders

• Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)

• Bleeding gums

• Rough, dry, scaly skin

• Bruising

• Nosebleeds

• Weakened tooth enamel

• Swollen, painful joints and inflammation

• Anemia

• Weight gain due to slowed metabolism

• Regulating blood glucose levels (diabetic patients).

• Absorption of iron in the body and improved hemoglobin level

• Gastrointestinal tract infections and inflammation such as gastritis.

• High cholesterol and

• High blood pressure.

Healing Properties and Benefits of Amalaki

Amalaki helps in protecting cells against free radical damage and thereby helps in the management of premature aging. Amalaki provides effective resistance against many diseases especially of the respiratory and digestive tract.

Amalaki  is considered to be the richest natural source of vitamin C, alkaloids, enzymes, and tannin then any other food source.

It contains up to 3000 mg of Vitamin C per fruit – around 20 time more then the vitamin C found in Orange juice. Amalaki also contains high concentration of minerals (zinc, copper, chromium) and amino acids – more then found in Apple.

Amalaki is known for its extreme adaptogenic and immune support properties making it one of the world’s best anti-oxidants.

It has antibacterial properties and astringent properties to help to heal ulcers and other infections.

It is also used as a mild laxative to relieve constipation and hemorrhoids. It is used in the overall treatment of leucorrhea and atherosclerosis.

Various studies and research have also shown that amla  can help prevent a build-up of toxic heavy metals -  caused by frequent exposure to metals like aluminum, lead and nickel.

Ayurvedic Properties of Amalaki

In Ayurveda Amalaki is used a antacid, laxative, refrigerant, diuretic, nutritive tonic and rejuvenative.

Amalaki rebuilds new tissues, increases red blood cell count and strengthens the blood, bones, liver and heart. It helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Amlaki is known as a rasayana that enhances and restores energy life force.

It is often used in the preparation of many gastrointestinal Ayurvedic tonics and medicines as it relieves inflammation of the colon and stomach.

It is one of the ingredients of a popular Ayurvedic supplement called Triphala. Amalaki is also the main ingredient in Chyvanprasha, a significant formula used in Ayurveda.

Tastes – Amalaki is sour, astringent, sweet, bitter and pungent in taste. It is primarily sour and does not contain the salty taste.

Energetics – Amalaki is cooling in nature. It helps reduce Pitta and Vata doha and may increase Kapha dosha in excess. It is sattvic in quality; It gives love, good fortune and longevity