Oral Hygiene According to Ayurveda: Powders, Oils, and Ancestral Rituals

 

Ayurveda, India's ancient system of medicine, approaches oral health quite differently from conventional Western dentistry. Rather than industrial toothpaste, this tradition relies on herbal tooth powders (danta choorna), oil gargles (gandusha and kavala), and daily rituals designed to balance the doshas, the energies that, according to this philosophy, govern the body. Below is a practical guide to these techniques.

Mala Pariksha: The Ayurvedic Art of Stool Diagnosis

 

Long before modern gastroenterology developed its tools and technologies, Ayurvedic physicians were reading the body's messages through one of its most honest outputs: the stool. Known in Sanskrit as Mala Pariksha (mala = waste, pariksha = examination), this diagnostic practice forms part of a broader system of observational medicine that has been refined over more than 3,000 years.

How to make ashta choornam

 

Ashta Choornam is a traditional Ayurvedic blend of eight herbs used to relieve bloating and gas by balancing the 'vata' dosha and supporting digestion. To use, mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the powder with warm water and take it 30 minutes after meals, once or twice daily. You can add honey if the taste is too strong. Use consistently for up to two weeks, monitor your body's response, and always use in moderation.

The Power of Fasting: A Spiritual and Scientific Exploration

 

Fasting has been practiced for millennia across cultures and spiritual traditions. Today, it is also supported by scientific research for its profound effects on physical and mental wellbeing. This article explores both the spiritual and scientific dimensions of fasting, offering practical protocols and evidence-based benefits.

Guidelines to do after panchakarma

 Guidelines for Post-Panchakarma Care & Life Integration

Completing your 21-day Panchakarma program is a significant step toward lasting health and balance. To protect your progress and gently reintegrate into daily life, please follow these guidelines:

Flour- and Fat-Free Seed Crackers

 V- K- P+

Geneviève brought those delicious and nutritious crackers at our last puja. They are good for Vata and Kapha (use less sesame seeds), but can aggravate Pitta if eaten in excess.

 Mix together:
1/2 cup ground flax seeds
1/2 cup whole flax seeds
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 tbsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme... to taste)

Spicy Nuts

 This delicious recipe by Ottolenghi make a lovely snacks or appetizer for Vatas. You may want to double or triple the quantities, since you'll get easily hooked.

Ingredients for 6-8 servings:

• 100g cashew nuts
• 100g macadamia nuts
• 120g pecan nuts
• 60g whole almonds (skin on)
• 80g pumpkin seeds

Applesauce Delight

This recipe from Gabrielle makes a delicious breakfast, dessert or snack.

Apples have neurological, cardiovascular, lung, colon, systemic, and prostate benefits. They are amazing for the whole body wellness. They also prevent cancer, help with heart disease, help and control weight loss. They are high in antioxidant compounds. Apples are rich in calcium, potassium, vitamins A and C, folate, phosphorus and iron.

Baked Pears with Cardamom

 

This is a simple dessert but elegant, cooling, soothing, and hydrating. The trick for this dish is to select pears not too green, not too ripe. Ayurveda considers pears to have 7 properties that can balance all 3 doshas.

Apricot and Fig Bliss Bites

This delicious recipe adapted from Medical Medium is a nutritious treat for all doshas. 

Figs are a sattvic, rejuvenative fruit in Ayurveda—hydrating, gently cleansing, and nourishing to all tissues. Especially beneficial for Vata and Pitta, figs support elimination, immunity, reproductive health, and overall well-being when consumed soaked, stewed, or fresh.