AYURHERBAL

launching the TIPS and SCIENCE of beauty through AYURVEDA

Thursday, October 05, 2006

"Dincharya - 1 "
In Sanskrit the daily routine is called the Dinacharya. Ayurveda recommends that in order to be optimally healthy we should tune our bodies to the nature’s master cycle which in turn regulates the various other rhythms.Everyday two cycles of change pass through us, each bringing a Vata, Pitta, or Kapha predominance. The approximate times of these cycles are as follows:

First cycle:6 A.M. to 10 A.M. - Kapha10 A.M. to 2 P.M. - Pitta2 P.M. to 6 P.M. - Vata
Second cycle: 6 P.M. to 10 P.M. - Kapha10 P.M. to 2 A.M. – Pitta

Considering the above cycles the ideal schedule should be like this :MORNINGTime to wake up: A healthy person should get up two hours before sunrise. During this hours the Vata element is dominant. Waking up two hours before dawn you utilize the Vata qualities in the nature. Vata is light, subtle and clear and this helps in tuning the body to the delicate messages the nature sends. This is the time when there is the most sattva in the air. It is the most fresh and pure time of the day. Some exceptions to this rule of rising are the very young, the old, parents with small children, and people with fevers or diarrhea.
Elimination: Drinking a glass or two of warm water helps in the elimination.As soon as possible empty your colon and bladder. If you wait until later in the morning or during the day you are slowly poisoning yourself and creating an opportunity for chronic conditions to arise.
Cleaning of Senses: Wash the eyes with water. Preferably use rose water and Triphala to purify the sight.Brush the teeth and scrape the tongue with a tongue cleaner to purify your mouth and sense of taste. Ayurveda considers the coating of the tongue as an indicator of ‘Ama’ or toxins in the colon.Gargle with warm water or herbal tea to purify your voice and strengthen your teeth.Finally do Jal neti and put a little oil in your nose to purify the sinuses and your sense of smell. The traditional Dinacharya also recommends that you inhale the smoke of medicinal herbs every morning to purify the mind, head, face, neck and lungs.
Massage: Abhyanga is the name for oil massage with sesame oil. This is typically a self massage. It is one of the main ways that Ayurveda keeps us strong and prevents us from aging.This massage need not be long and cumbersome. Massaging the Scalp, forehead, temples , hand and feet for about 5 minutes is sufficient
Exercise: Vyayama is the name for physical exercise. This is usually some Yoga postures and breathing exercises(Pranayam) but it can be anything including a walk, a swim, sun salutes or whatever. This early morning exercise removes stagnation in the body mind, strengthens the digestive fire, reduces fat and gives you an overall feeling of lightness and Joy as it fills your body with good Prana. It is not to be strenuous. In fact, exercising at one fourth to one half of your capacity is recommended.
Bathe: After exercise bath to remove any excess oil and dirt. Both showers and bathtubs are recommended in the classics. Usually warm water baths are suggested. Put on clean clothing after the bath
Meditation: For a few minutes to an hour sit down and see who you really are, put your attention towards Awareness. This is the most important aspect of Dinacharya. Simply be quiet, sit in Peace

Common Herbs Used in Ayurvedic Treatment
Botanical Name-Ayurvedic Name
Acacia Concinna -Shikekai
Acorus Calamus -Vekhand (Sweet Flag)
Adhatoda Vasica -Adulsa
Alpini Galangal -Kashtha (Galanja Grand)
Aloe Indica -Korphad(Aloe wet)
Andropogon Muricatus -Wala(Khus)
Asparagus Racemoses -Shatavari (Wild Asparagus)
Azadirachta Indica -Kadunimb(Neem)
Balsamodendron Mukul -Guggul
Berberis Aristata -Daruhalad
Boerhavia Diffusa -Punarnava
Carica Papaya -Papai
Cinnamomum Cassia -Dalchini
Citrus Aurantium -Santra sal(Tangerine)
Curcuma Amada -Ambehalad
Curcuma Zedoaria -Kachur Sugandhi(Zeodary)
Cyperus Scariosus -Nagarmotha
Eclipta Prestrata -Maka(Bhringraj)
Embelia Ribes -Vavding(False Pepper)
Eugenia Jambos -Jambhool Seed(Jambolana)
Fagonia Arabica -Dhamasa
Ficus Religiosa -Pimpal mool
Glycyrrhiza Glabra -Jeshthmadh(Licorice)
Hedychium Spicatum -Kapur Kacherii
Herpestis Monniera -Brahmi
Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis -Jaswand
Holarrhena Antidysenterica -Kuda (Cinkona)
Lausonia Alba -Mehndi
Mesua Ferrea -Nagkeshhar
Momordica Charantia -Karle(Bitter Melon)
Ocimum santum -Seed -Tulas bee(Holy Basil)
Ocimum Senclum-Leaves -Tulasi(Holy Basil)
Phyllanthus Embelica -Avalkathi(Amla)
Phyllanthus niruri -Bhuiamla , Bhumiamalaki
Piper Nigrum -Black Mire(Black Pepper)
Piper Longum -Pimpli
Psoralea Corrglifolia -Bawchi
Rose Petal Pwd -Rose Petal Pwd
Rubia Cordifolia -Manjeestha
Santalum Album -Chandan
Sapindus Trifoliatus -Ritha(Soapnul tree)
Saraca Indica-Ashoka
Swertia Chirata -Kadechirayat
Symploccs Racemosa -Lodhra
Terminallia Bellerica -Behada
Terminallia Arjuna -Arjuna
Terminalia Chebula -Haritaki
Tinospora Cardifolia -Guduchi
Tribulas Terrestris -Gokhru
Trigonella -Methi
Triphala -Three herbs- Amalaki, Bibhitaka, Haritaki

Vernoia Anthelmintica -Kadujire
Withania Somnifera -Ashwagandha
Zingiber Officinale -Soontha (Ginger Pwd)

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

BEAUTY TIPS

Look Beautiful, the Natural Way

Our skin faces a constant barrage of chemicals everyday from pollution to harsh chemically formulated products that strip the skin of its natural balance. These simple Ayurvedic home remedies help you to attain a clear, healthy and glowing complexion. Ayurveda mentions many simple natural ways to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. Using these natural ways, one can stay beautiful for a longer period without having to suffer the side effects of the chemicals.
Below are some simple 'secrets' to achieve a naturally beautiful skin.

  • Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.
  • Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.
  • Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)
  • Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.
  • Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.
  • Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.
  • Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.
  • Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.
  • Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains.
    Try out some of these simple natural remedies for smooth, clear and radiant complexion.