Health Care in Sharad Ritu (Autumn)

Season means ritu in ayurveda. Ayurveda believes that body is in tune with nature and changes in season leads to impact on the body. Due to the same reason emphasis is given on following ritucharya for prevention of diseases. Ritucharya can be best described as set of regimens to be practiced by us to cope up with varying effect of the changing seasons on the human body. 

Sharad ritu is generally known as autumn or fall .It’s one of the three seasons in visarga kaal. As per the lunar calendar sharad ritu follows the varsha ritu(monsoon) and precedes hemanta (early winter). It comprises months of Ashwin and karthik, which is September to November in the Gregorian calendar.

The nature is at its benevolent best in sharad ritu. The oppressive heat of the summer is a distant memory, annoying downpour of the monsoon has just ended and the chill of the winter is still on its way.

In sharad ritu nature is bedecked as a bride with lush green all around, decorated with profusion of colorful flowers and bountiful laden fruit trees with chirping birds. The skies are clear blue with white cotton clouds floating lazily. The days are sunny, yet pleasantly cool and comfortable and nights are slightly chill, clear and cloudless. The weather is mild, pleasant and refreshing.      

Ayurveda considers it as breeding season for all diseases. There is aggravation of pitta dosha and decrease of vata dosha and digestive fire is moderate. 

        Do's and Don'ts for Sharad ritu 
       
        Lifestyle

• Eating food only when there is feeling of hunger is recommended. 
• Day-sleeping, Excessive eating is contraindicated. 
• Exposure to direct sunlight and eastern winds should be avoided. 
• Wearing of light colored and loose clothes is encouraged. 
• Enjoying a stroll in moonlight particularly during full moon (purnima) is beneficial for health. 
• Early morning dew is also not advisable. 
• Rigorous physical exercise and excessive work should be rejected.
• Wear Pearls on your body to achieve pleasant cooling effect. 
• Raktamokshan (bloodletting) and Virechan (purgation) are two important panchakarma procedures which can be administered under medical supervision in sharad ritu. 
• Chandan, Ushira, Kapurkachri, Musta, Sariva etc herbs should be used in the form of ubtan for protecting skin from the damage caused by seasonal change. 

        Diet 

• Foods which are bitter, sweet and astringent in taste should be preferred during this period. 
• One should consume water purified by rays of sun in day time and rays of rising Agasti star at night time for drinking, bathing etc.
• Food items with pitta pacifying or cold in potency such as rice,green gram,candysugar,honey,amla, patola,wheat,barley,pumpkin,pumpkin seeds, amaranthus(chaulai),whitegourd,white gourd melon,spinach,carrot,peas,bottlegourd,bittergourd sugarcane,ribbelluffa(torai),sweetlemon,meat of animals like chicken,turkey,rabbit,fresh water fish should be included in the diet.
• Fruits like plums,pears,pomegranate, apples,ripe banana,grapes,and avocado can be included.Dry fruits like figs,raisins,dates can be ingested in autumn. 
• Well cooked food which is light to digest in the form of porridge, stew or soup preparation is soothing in this season. 
• Meals should be accompanied by ghee medicated with bitter herbs. 
• Foods that are Fried,spicy,sour,salty,foods hot in potency,heavy to digest such as curds,alcoholic beverages, meat of aquatic animals,asafoetida,red chilies,mustard oil,millet,garlic,brinjals,groundnuts black gram,popcorns,frozen foods,ice cream are to be reduced in frequency or completely avoided for better results. 
• Cow’milk,butter,honey,jaggery,cumin,turmeric,cardamom,coriander,aniseeds etc can be used in ample quantity. 
• Herbs like shatavari, liquorice, amla, patola, chandan, ushira can be used for internal use to pacify heat. 
• Fresh buttermilk with cumin, coriander, candy sugar and aniseeds can be consumed during daytime to combat heat. 
• Warm tea fortified with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom is a beverage of choice during daytime similarly warm milk with ginger, honey, a pinch of cardamom and nutmeg is perfect before retiring at night. 
• Body is vulnerable to pitta diseases like hepatitis, allergies, piles, herpes, conjunctivitis, hemorrhages, gastric disorders etc. 

        Major festivals celebrated during Sharad ritu       

       

        Sharadiya Navratri

• Navaratri marks the beginning of the Sharad ritu.Sharad Navratri is celebrated at the change of seasons, a time for the body to change gears and get ready for the next seasonal cycle.In Sharad Ritu, the dry and hot atmosphere resulting from sudden exposure to sunlight after the rains and cool atmosphere increases pitta.Hence if we see the rituals followed during Navaratri, they are purely in accordance with the classical Ayurveda principles.It's that time of the year when people will be seen fasting and feasting to celebrate the 9 auspicious days.Navratri fasting if done in a healthy way can actually help you detox.It is a time to cleanse the mind and body,to rejuvenate.

      

        Dussehra/Vijayadashmi

• For detail post on dussehra you can click here

        Sharad Pournima/Kojagiri pournima

• Sharad purnima/kojaagari purnima/kumar purnima is a harvest festival which is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashwin, it marks the end of monsoon. Its also called as kaumudi celebration where kaumudi means moonlight. On this day its believed that moon and earth are very close to each other, the moon rays have certain healing properties of nourishing body and the soul hence night vigil is observed on this day.

      

        Stay healthy!

Fell in Love with Roses.... ( part 3)

             

Rose syrup 

In a wide pan put the rose petals and soak in  water. Leave this overnight.

Add sugar to the above mixture and stir over low heat ,till sugar is dissolved. When sugar is dissolved, increase the heat and let it come to a boil and cook till thickened(one thread consistency).Let it cool down,strain through a muslin cloth and store in a clean, airtight bottle.

Rose vinegar

Rose vinegar  can be prepared by sun drying  rose petals in  apple cidar vinegar  or white vinegar. The vinegar can be used for up to 6 months if kept at room temperature.

Internal uses

when diluted with water it makes refreshing drink.

It helps in relief from menstrual pain and PMS.

Clears toxins and heat from the body,helps in menopausal hot flushes etc.

External uses

Toning and energising for dry and normal skin.

Preventing wrinkles.

Clearing skin blemishes and redness.

It can be used in bug bites, sunburn, hair rinse ,in bath water, after shave splash, as room spray etc.

   

Rose tea

It is derived from the fruit of the wild rose hip plant. It is a popular herbal health tea which has a slight tart flavor but is refreshing and delicious to drink.

It contains many essential vitamins like C, D, K and E, as well as organic acids, like citric and malic acids and pectin. Many health benefits of rose tea,  include building a strong immune system, strengthening the digestive system and detoxification of the urinary tracts and kidneys. It has an uplifting effect on the nervous system and can relieve insomnia, depression and fatigue.

How to prepare

Ingredients Rose petals (fresh / dried ),water, sugar to taste. 

wash fresh rose petals in water(use dried rose petals for more intense flavor).

Per 5 ounce teacup, allow 1 tablespoon fresh roses, or 1 teaspoon dried .

Pour boiling water over roses in teapot. Steep 5 minutes for fresh roses, 3 minutes for dried. Strain into cups add sugar as per taste,serve hot .

Rose Powder

Rose petals are  dried to make into powder.

Use this fragrant, astringent powder in body powders, facials,scrubs, milk baths, and soaps. 

A mixture of Rose Petal Powder, Lemon Peel Powder and Multani Mitti Clay and yogurt  will pull oils from the skin and stimulate circulation. Add a little Neem Powder to this recipe for acne prone skin.

Rose Powder can vary in color ranging from dusty rose to beige to dark brown. It does not remain red after the roses are dried. Cold poultices with rose and sandalwood paste are sometimes prescribed to cool any kind of burning.

1-2 teaspoon of rose powder can be soaked in a litre of water for around 1-2  hrs and can be consumed twice daily  in diabetic patients to calm down heat syndrome, as in diabetic patients any sweet preparation from rose is contraindicated .

Rose Honey 

Rose honey is fresh rose petal infused honey .

 Rose flavoured  honey can be prepared by pouring  honey over clean organic rose petals in a clean airtight jar.

After a week filter the honey in another clean airtight jar.

Culinary uses and some easy rose recipes .

Rose is edible as long as it has been  grown organically (without pesticides or chemicals).

Intake of rose helps reducing excess of pitta, the heat element in the body, purifying the blood, increasing the memory power, augmenting digestion, reviving the reproductive tissues, treating menstrual problems, promoting the process of cell-regeneration, checking constipation, tiredness, acne, anemia, and certain other nervous disorders

Adding roses or their petals in a recipe will certainly add another dimension to your cooking. They are delicious when made into syrups that are then drizzled onto your favourite natural yoghurt. To make a punch look a little more spectacular, freeze petals into ice cubs and float them in the punch. Garnish a simple cupcake with a miniature rose and it will be transported into the realm of “exquisite”.  

Rose water, Rose essence and Rose petal jam(gulkand),Rose syrup are widely used for culinary purpose.It’s often used in Gulab jamun, Rasgulla, Falooda, Thandai,Milk shake,Ice cream,Rose Burfi, Rose flavoured  Shrikhand, Jelly, Kulfi

etc.

I would like to mention some easy once which you can try  at home. 

        Sweet Rose Petal Lassi 

        3 parts water

        1 part freshly made yogurt

        2 tsp rose syrup

        ice cubes( as required)

Blend together for a soothing summer drink, or to pacify Pitta all year round.

        Rose Petal Thirst Quencher 

        2 cups milk

        1/4 tsp. fennel seeds

        1 pod cardamom seeds (crushed but not powdered)

        2-3 tablespoon  rose syrup 

        dry fruits as required.

Boil milk with fennel seeds and cardamom for five minutes.Let it cool to room temperature. Mix rose syrup and dry fruits like cashew, pistachios to enhance taste.

If you are feeling the effects of the hot summer sun, have to skip a meal for some reason, or naturally have Pitta predominating, it can be challenging to keep cool. Any time you feel extra thirsty and dry-mouthed, even when you keep drinking water, try this summer thirst quencher.

          Rose Petal Lemonade

          2 cups pink rose petals ( crushed )

          1 and 1/2  cups of sugar.

          2-3 tablespoon lemon juice.

          ¼ tsp cardamom powder.

          ½ cup water.

In a pan add sugar and 1/4th cupwater,heat till sugar is dissolved completely.Now take  the remaining water  make it warm then add crushed rose petals and cardamom powder and mix well . Leave the mixture for 4-5 hours after that strain through fine sieve.Then add sugar syrup and lemon juice mix nicely.Lemonade is ready to serve by adding water and ice. Syrup can be stored in fridge for couple of weeks.

           Rose Petal Milk

           1 cup milk

           1 teaspoon.gulkand / rose syrup

Be sure to boil the milk and let it cool before adding the rose preserve. Boiling the milk makes it more digestible, but if it’s too hot when you add the Preserve, it will destroy the rose’s delicate properties. You can drink this before bed to help balance Sadhaka Pitta and produce a more restful sleep.

          Rose milk shake:

1 glass of milk+ 2 tsp of rose syrup +2 almonds + 2 pistachios+  a pinch of cardamom powder +kesar (few strands).Kesar should be soaked in some warm milk before using.

Blend together  all the ingredients to make  Rose milk shake.

Fell in love with Roses... (part 2)

Rose Water

Over centuries, the rose has become integral not only to beauty, but Indian tradition. Even today, the traditional way of greeting guests is to sprinkle rose water, made from the rose petals. They are also showered on bride and bridegroom on their wedding day.

Pure Organic rose water is ideal to use.
Rose water has been used for thousands of years in order to cool the body and mind.

 ·      Pure rose water sprayed on your face, especially in summer, is refreshing and brings out the natural glow of your skin by reducing excess redness and inflammation.  

·      Using rose water as a toner for your face before bed can be a great way to keep your skin naturally young. It also helps moisturize the skin at bedtime, or before and after exposure to the sun.It is also good for aging skin.

·      It is a great cleanser and aids in removing oil and dirt accumulated in clogged pores. Thus preventing acne and pimples. 

·      The aroma of roses is said to be a powerful mood enhancer. It rids you of feelings of anxiety and promotes emotional well being, thereby making you look relaxed. Since it is de-stressing, it helps you sleep better which means you will wake up feeling fresh.

·      Rose water can be used as an eyewash to reduce stress and fatigue of sitting for long hours in front of computer and television screens. Cotton eye pad dipped in rose water  if kept for 10-15 minutes daily will remarkably reduce dark circles around the eyes in 3-4 weeks.

                       

Rose  essential   oil

History and legends tell us how Mughal Empresses and Egyptian queens like Cleopatra used rose petals and rose oil as cosmetic ingredients, adding them to baths and perfumes. They also mixed rose petals and rose water, scented oil and rare herbs to make beauty aids.  Oil of rose is actually said to have originated in India and the Mughal Empress Nurjehan is credited with its discovery. The water in the fountains and canals in the palace gardens were filled with water and rose petals. The heat of the sun caused the oil to separate from the petals and float to the top. This was noticed by the Empress, who had the oil collected and found it to be most fragrant. Gradually other properties of the oil were discovered and led to the manufacture of rose oil.

·      Rose oil is such a unique essential oil that is good for all the three doshas and benefits the blood, nerve, plasma, liver, heart, stomach, reproductive system, marrow, skin and gastro-intestinal system. It transforms the moisturizing and cooling energy elements that controls negative feelings, strengthens the aura and stimulates the effective functioning of the body.

·      Inhaling the aroma of Rose essential oil by using it in baths, vaporizers, diffusers, burners, tissues or handkerchiefs can help in treating a number of physical and psychological illnesses.

·      Adding 2 drops of rose essential oil in your air freshener, diffuser,  vaporizer or burner can certainly aid in alleviating stress, depression, loneliness, tension headache, mental pressure and lack of confidence. The anti-depressant properties of this oil when inhaled, influences the central nervous system and boosts self-confidence, self-esteem, mental power, positive feelings, intelligence, hope and the power of fighting back.

·      Use it in a diffuser at night, and enjoy a deep, restful sleep as you gently inhale the healing essences of rose oil.

·      There is no romance without roses ,inhaling the aroma of Rose oil by adding 2 drops of Rose essential oil to a sensual bath before bed or to your diffuser in your bed room or your pillows can recreate the magic of love by boosting sexual feelings in both the partners

·      Skin is the largest organ of the human body and acts as a protective shield for other parts of the system .According to Ayurveda, skin aids in absorbing the vital nutrients in essential oils very quickly and transmits the energy through the bloodstream and the entire body.  Abhyanga is an ancient Indian Ayurvedic oil massage therapy for healing and detoxifying Body, Mind and spirit .

·      Massaging your body with 2 to 3 drops of Rose essential oil blended with soothing carrier oils like almond oil,olive oil , coconut oil  etc.aids in treating spasms, pain, inflammation, wrinkles, trauma, stress, nervous tension, sexual debilities, headache,insomnia like conditions.

·      Rose essential oil is a gift to women as it is known to treat womanly problems like menstruation, menopause and frigidity. Mood fluctuations, abdominal pain, muscular cramps, vomiting, headache and other problems associated with PMS(Premenstrual syndrome ) can be treated aromatically by gently massaging your abdomen with 2-3 drops of rose essential blended with coconut oil or by using 2 drops of rose oil either in cold or warm compress.  It help in regularizing menstruation, treating blocked periods and enhancing fertility by promoting the secretion of estrogen, the female reproductive hormones.

             

Note :Do not ingest or apply essential oils directly on your skin . without the advice of your healthcare professional as pure essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and may cause harm. Consult with your Ayurvedic practitioner before using essential oils for your specific constitution and health conditions.

Fell in love with Roses [part 1]

Rose is the King of flowers, Queen of essential oils and Gift of Angels, Cherished, loved and held high for its intrinsic beauty, mesmerizing aroma and stupendous health benefits Rose and its essential oil can simply make anyone addicted to the flawless elegance of Mother Nature. This mind-blowing flower is connected with love, romance and forgiveness that it can soften even the hardest of hearts.

History tells us how Mughal Empresses and Egyptian Queens enhanced their beauty and allure by using rose oil and perfumes. In Greek mythology they were believed to come directly from the blood of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The flowers are even found in literature like Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" The rose, one of the most glorious of flowers, it has been associated with beauty, fragrance and romance since time immemorial. It has also been eulogized in poetry and legend.

The medicinal properties of the rose are not lost on modern researchers, who are investigating the effect of the rose in balancing hormones and creating overall well-being. Yet, long before the advent of modern science, Ayurveda taught us that the fragrant rose has three main medicinal properties. It is soothing, cooling, moisturizing and above all, it can show us the way to love, beauty and good health.

Even though there are hundreds of species of wild and cultivated  roses, it's only the Rosa Centifolia(Latin name) that is used in Ayurveda.The ayurvedic name  for this particular rose is Shatapattri, meaning ‘a  hundred petals’.It’s also known as Cabbage rose due to  its appearance.

 Ayurvedic texts explain that the adoring qualities of  Rose and the  essential oil extracted from it are due to  the strong reasons that it balances  Sadhaka pitta and  Prana vayu.

Sadhaka  pitta  governs mental energy, creativity, beliefs and emotions, our powers of analysis and discrimination, and is responsible for motivation, self-confidence, and feelings of fulfillment. When Sadhaka Pitta is out of balance we may be prone to mood swings, anger and irritability, we can be domineering, critical, intolerant, we can be easily hurt and suffer from low self esteem, and feelings of hopelessness which can lead to despair and depression.

Prana Vata is the subdosha of Vata that governs the brain, head, chest, respiration, sensory perception, and the mind.

A rose literally soothe the heart and balances the mind. It enhances the coordination between Sadhaka Pitta and Prana Vata, by balancing Sadhaka Pitta; it enhances positive emotions, and intensifies the experience of happiness and bliss.

It also helps to pacify Ranjak Pitta a subdivision of the pitta dosha the influence of which is evident in the liver, spleen, and erythrocytes. It promotes red blood cell formation and balances blood chemistry; and when unbalanced, blood disorders, liver conditions, and anger-management problems result.

Given below are various product derived from rose and their uses.

                                                                     

Gulkand (Rose petal jam)

Gulkand is incredibly delicious, mouth-watering body coolant prepared from rose petal preserves. It is an ideal alternative to regular jams as it is credited with many health benefits.

                                                                     

                              

Method of preparation

In April-May, the flower petals are collected mixed with Sugar twice the weight of petals. Dried in hot sun for 8-10 days or on low simmering heat and stored in air tight jar after cooling.

In another recipe, light pink colored fresh leaves of the rose plant are taken and coarsely crushed in a grinder. About 1.5 to 2. times sugar is added. In a wide mouthed glass jar, arrange the layers of rose leaves and sugar alternately. Close the mouth of jar and keep in sunlight daily from 10 am to 4 pm for three to four weeks. The time varies depending on sunlight availability, season etc.One can add silver foil, Cardamom seeds etc. to increase the cooling or pitta pacifying properties.

Uses of Gulkand

• Gulkand has cooling properties, thus it is beneficial in alleviating all heat related problems like tiredness, lethargy, itching, aches and pains. It also helps in reducing burning sensations in the soles and palms. 
• Gulkand is a powerful antioxidant and a very good rejuvenating tonic for all ages. Consuming 1 – 2 teaspoons of gulkand  after meals helps to reduce acidity, this preparation is a very good digestive tonic it helps to improve appetite, improves digestion helps to reduce acidity and stomach heat. It also helps in treating ulcers and prevents swelling in the intestine
• It can help alleviate the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) by reducing irritability and menstrual cramps. It can be used to treat leucorrhoea.  
• Gulkand helps to remove toxins from the body and purifies blood.Thus, it helps in giving a clear complexion and prevents the occurrence of various skin problems like acne,boils,blisters etc.Can be used as an adjuvant in treating Herpes(Visarpa in ayurveda) Helps to reduce excessive perspiration and foul body odor. 
• Having two teaspoons of gulkand before venturing outdoors, can help to prevent sunstroke and controls nose-bleeding. It is good for all those individuals who have water retention problem, as it helps in increasing your urine output.  It has a calming effect on the nervous system, thus helps in reducing stress. 
• Rose is one of the best sources for water soluble fiber, 1-2 tspn gulkand taken along with milk helps to cleanse the intestines and alleviate constipation. Ayurveda calls it a “vrishya” i.e Aphrodisiac. 1-2 tspn can be taken with milk at bedtime.                                                                                                              

Note

Since it contains sugar, people having diabetes should consult their doctor before consuming it. In addition, obese people may consume this in reduced quantity.

To be Continued....