According to Ayurveda, Monsoon season is characterized by the aggravation of Vata dosha which leads to many health problems. Below given are few simple Tips to Balance Doshas & Stay Healthy during the Monsoon Season – Have a light and fresh foods prepared from barley, rice, and wheat. Practice having a small piece of ginger with rock salt before every meal. Having boiled and cooled water with honey is recommended. Green Gram Lentil (Moong Dal) is the most easily digestible. Avoid processed, fried, spicy and oily foods since it causes indigestion and bloating. Steamed and well-cooked food is recommended during the rainy season. Vegetables recommended during the monsoon are mostly the non-leafy ones such as gourd, bitter gourd, snake gourd, pointed gourd, yam, sweet potato, brinjal, pumpkin and cluster beans. Also, its ideal to reduce the intake of non-vegetarian foods. When it comes to fruits, its advisable to stick to seasonal fruits rather than non-seasonal ones since the latter may get infested with worms during the monsoons. It’s good to have bananas, pomegranates, peaches, plums, apples, cherries, litchis, etc. Navara rice popularly known as the rice with a wide range of benefits is advisable during the monsoon. The rice is used for Ayurveda specialty treatments as well. Having Karkidaka kanji, a type of Rice gruel prepared of Navara rice and few herbs during the monsoon season increases immunity and helps in preventing various diseases. Using spices like pepper, ginger, asafoetida, garlic, turmeric and coriander in cooking will help enhance digestion and strengthen digestive fire. Having Amla juice daily helps in improving the immunity. A small amount of Ghee made from cow’s milk is recommended during the Monsoon since it helps in digestion and boosts immunity. Practice light exercises like yoga and walking during this season. But keep it a habit that you practice this regularly. Strictly avoid sleeping during the daytime. It’s advisable to do Panchakarma Ayurvedic Therapy since it helps in detoxifying the body and trigger the healing process. Also, undergoing Ayurveda treatment like Basti during the Monsoon season will help avoid the aggravation of Vata dosha.      

A cracked heel is not a very serious condition but it is an unpleasant and unattractive sight to look at and could be painful at times. The condition is nothing but a sign of lack of attention to foot care rather than just overexposure or lack of moisturizing. The skin under our feet is much drier than the rest of our body as it comprises of no oil glands and relies on our sweat glands to keep it moisturized. When we don’t care for our feet much, the skin under our feet becomes extensively dry and develops cracks and that’s called cracked heels. So, all you need is a bit of care. Below given are few effective home remedies for the condition – Warm Salt Water Keep your feet in warm salty water for ten to fifteen minutes daily for getting alleviation from the agony initiated by split heels. Pat dry your feet and apply some foot cream or petroleum jelly to look after the dampness. Rosewater and Glycerine Soak your feet in a simple mixture of glycerine and rose water every day. This mixture of rosewater and glycerine is very soothing and it cures cracked heels. Honey Honey is a natural moisturizer and also has antibacterial properties which make it an excellent remedy for dry and cracked heels. Take half a bucket of warm water and pour half a cup of honey into it. Soak your feet in it for 20 minutes. Massage your feet occasionally and continue this routine for a few days to get rid of cracked heels. Bananas This is a simple and non-expensive remedy to cure cracked heels. Mash the pulp of one ripe banana and apply it on your feet. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off. Lemon The acidic property of lemon could be extraordinary if you utilize it in the right way. Apply the juice of a lemon on the feet and make sure it touches the unpleasant skin. Paraffin wax Take a little mustard oil and melt paraffin wax in it. Apply this mixture on the dry or cracked area of the heels. Rinse it off in the morning. Continuing this procedure for 10 to15 days can help achieve desirable results. Vegetable oil Applying vegetable oil on cracked heels can provide good results. Also, those having dry feet must use any type of vegetable oil to stop getting cracks on their feet. You can use olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil or any other hydrogenated vegetable oil to treat cracked heels. Oatmeal Take 1 tbsp. powdered oatmeal and any oil, to make a thick paste. Apply this over your feet, especially well over the heels and on the cracked parts. Leave this on your heels for about half an hour and rinse off with cold water and then pat dry. Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil is a good remedy to soften, dry and cracked heels. Using a cotton ball, apply some virgin olive oil to your heels and massage them in a circular motion for 15 minutes. Leave the oil on your feet and put on a pair of socks for an hour and then wash it off. Daily Diet Include cooked tomato, potato, brinjal, garlic, and onion in your daily diet as they have anti-inflammatory properties which help to heal cracked heels. It is also important to integrate Vitamin E in your diet – Some of the foods rich in Vitamin e are parsley, almonds, apricots, sunflower seeds, broccoli, avocado, papaya, turnip greens, taro, etc.

One of the most divine of all Ayurvedic therapies, Shirodhara where Shiro implies Head and Dhara implies Flow is a therapy in which warm medicated oil having therapeutic properties, is poured gradually to the forehead continuously for an extended period of time, to open up the pituitary gland, and nourish the brain. The treatment is mainly used to eliminate the diseases of the head, neck, eyes, ears, nose and the nervous system. Shirodhara can be used to treat a variety of conditions including migraine, stress issues, eye diseases, sinusitis and memory loss. The therapy is known to impart a healthy radiance to the skin and is also considered to be good for hair health. Indications Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Insomnia Psoriasis Hypertension Chronic Headaches and Migraines Memory loss Tinnitus and Hearing loss Procedure A special vessel with a hole would be hung up over the forehead of the patient, who will be lying on the treatment table. Before the stream of oil is poured the Ayurvedic practitioner will place a cloth over your eyebrows to prevent the flow of the oil from entering the eyes. Cotton balls dipped in cold rose water will be placed on your eyes to help you relax. The medicated liquid, which may be either medicated oil or milk (selection is based on the disease and the dosha state), would be poured into the pot and it would be gradually streamed onto the forehead. The treatment would be carried out for about 60 minutes and one would be allowed to rest after the process. The procedure is generally carried out for a period of 7 to 21 days depending on the condition of the patient. Shirodhara therapy helps to calm and restore the nerves, release stored emotions, purify the mind, remove fatigue, relieve anxiety, insomnia, chronic headaches, nervousness, and so on. Shirodhara Therapeutic Benefits Stabilizes the nervous system Relieves migraine and other headaches Enhances blood circulation to the brain Treats insomnia Reduces stress Improves Memory, concentration, and focus Prevents hair loss and premature greying

It’s simply magical how bay leaves elevate the flavor of food along with imparting awesome health benefits. Known as the famous ingredient in many Indian cuisines’, Bay leaf apart from its culinary benefits is used in various Ayurvedic remedies for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and other therapeutic properties. The aromatic herb is rich in Vitamin A & Vitamin C and contains vital minerals like magnesium, calcium, manganese, potassium, copper, iron and zinc. AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS 1. LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS Bay leaves reduce the level of blood glucose and are very beneficial in treating type 2 diabetes. Tip – Try to drink bay-leaf tea thrice a day or consume the powdered leaf for a month for the maximum result.   2. TREATS RESPIRATORY DISEASES Being a stimulant of respiratory passage, bay leaf has been used as a traditional remedy for numerous illnesses related to respiration. It relieves congestion and makes the air tracts clean making the body immune against diseases like cough and asthma. Tip – Mix the crushed bay leaves and holy basil. Boil the mixture in 250 ml of water and allow it to cool, then strain and drink this still sufficiently warm.   3. HELPS INDIGESTION Bay leaf is a natural remedy for the digestive irregularities such as constipation, heartburn and irregular bowel movement. Tip – Add thinly sliced ginger and five grams of bay leaf in 200 ml of water. Boil it till a quarter of the water remains and add some honey. Drink twice a day for relief.   4. STRENGTHENS HEART The abundant phytonutrients contained in the leaf improves the functioning of the heart and prevent the risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, and other severe complications. Try incorporating bay leaf in your daily diet and benefit from a healthy heart.   5. ANTI INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES Massage bay leaf oil to your skin to reduce inflammation and pain resulting from sprains, strains, arthritis, and general pains and aches. Bay leaf oil is also useful in massaging the temples so as to relieve migraines and headaches.   6. INDUCES RELAXATION   Bay leaves have a rejuvenating and relaxing effect which helps you get rid of anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is an essential component in many Ayurvedic massages and is used in various spa therapies as well. Tip – In 300 ml of water, boil 3 grams of bay leaves and wild rose flowers each. Strain and drink the concoction for relief from stress and anxiety.   7. FOR COUGH Take 1-2 grams of powdered dry bay leaves mixed with a tsp. of honey twice a day. It is very effective in stopping a cough.   8. HEALTHY HAIR Bay leaf oil provides you with a black lustrous and healthy hair besides helping you with getting rid of lice. Tip – Boil 50 grams of powdered bay leaves in 350 ml of water. Cool the liquid, and strain the water and apply it on the hair. Wash it after one hour.   9. FOR RESTFUL SLEEP Mix a few drops of the bay leaf extract with water and consume it at bedtime for relaxing your nerves and inducing deep sleep. The best way to guzzle all the health benefits of Bay Leaf would be taking a delightful Bay leaf Tea regularly. For a good bay leaf tea, add a handful (about 4-5 bay leaves) into a liter of water and simmer for about 20 minutes. For a weaker brew, just chop up the fresh or dry leaves, pour hot water over and allow them to steep. Add the sweetener of your choice and enjoy it.

Castor oil is truly one of the best-kept secrets in the world of natural health. Taken from the bean of the castor plant, this oil is one of the most ancient ones, known for its powerful therapeutic properties. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, for which it is being used for centuries. ESSENCE The castor oil benefits for health and wellness are extensive. It has been used as a great remedy for various illnesses and can be consumed internally or applied on the skin externally. It can be used on the skin or taken as a dietary supplement and can even be rubbed into the hair. Castor oil benefits the skin, hair, internal organs and many bodily systems, even increases and strengthen our immune system. BENEFITS Possessing anti-inflammatory properties, Castor oil is used as an effective remedy for Arthritis. It acts as an excellent massage oil for joint pain, nerve inflammation and sore muscles. Acts as an excellent source to relieve pain and reduce inflammations. An excellent remedy for Backaches and other back troubles. Consuming a teaspoon of castor oil can be an excellent remedy for constipation, as it is a powerful laxative. It provides the minerals essential to growing strong hair without split ends, benefits the scalp by improving blood circulation and moisturising dry, flaky and itchy skin. Castor oil provides Vitamin E that is essential for clear skin with reduced wrinkles, acne and help in removing corns. Castor Oil also moisturises the skin to keep it supple. Castor oil also contains active compounds called undecylenic acid which is very effective for treating the fungal infection that irritates the skin. Making this Health wonder ‘Castor Oil’ your best companion, will proffer you with glowing skin, shiny hair, strengthened bones and more active immune systems. INTAKE All we have to do is either take in a teaspoon of the oil mixed with orange/any other juice to result in a taste that is less bitter. Externally, it can be used as a pack on the affected area or can also be applied to a small quantity on the problematic region.  

Enormous and prickly on the outside, the jack of all fruits, Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit ever. It’s considered to be an exotic fruit as it smells sweet, tastes delicious and even promotes good health. Its health-promoting goodness embraces the high amount of nutrients like vitamin, minerals, electrolytes, phytonutrients, carbohydrate, fibre, fat and protein. STRIKING HEALTH BENEFITS: 1. BUILDS UP IMMUNITY It is an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful nutrient which helps in protecting against common infections and supports the white blood cell function. 2. FIGHTS AGAINST CANCER Jackfruit is also rich in phytonutrients, which may help in eliminating cancer-causing free radicals and slows down the degeneration of cells that can lead to degenerative diseases. A cup full of cut jackfruit a day can supply the body with a good number of powerful antioxidants. 3. AIDS IN  DIGESTION It is also known to contain ulcer-causing properties, which also helps in other digestive disorders. The presence of high fibre content in the jackfruit prevents constipation and helps in smooth bowel movements. 4. GOOD FOR EYES, GOOD FOR SKIN Jackfruit contains vitamin A and therefore is beneficial for eyes and skin. It also helps in correcting vision-related problems such as macular degeneration and night blindness. 5. BOOSTS ENERGY Jackfruit is energy generating as it contains simple sugars like fructose and sucrose, which provides an almost immediate energy rush. It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, making it even healthier. 6. LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Potassium content in jackfruit has been found to be helpful in the lowering of blood pressure and in turn, reduces the risk of heart attack as well as stroke. 7. CONTROLS ASTHMA The root of jackfruit is considered helpful for people suffering from asthma. Extracts of boiled jackfruit root can control and limit asthmatic attacks. 8. STRENGTHEN THE BONE Being rich in magnesium (a nutrient vital in the absorption of calcium), jackfruit strengthens the bones and prevents other bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis. 9. PREVENTS ANAEMIA Jackfruit also contains a lot of iron, which helps in preventing anaemia and also checks for proper blood circulation in the body. So, next time this wonder fruit pops in your way, don’t let go of the chance to savour and reap its immense health benefits.