Health Tips: From Ayurveda

The preventive and remedial measures derived under Ayur veda deal with multidimensional complexities and problems of human life and provide solutions in perfect harmony with Nature. It is therefore most relevant and promising towards achieving total health in the present times as well.

The following series of articles on health tips from Ayur veda gives the excerpts most relevant in today's context from such scriptures for our ready-reference. If we could adopt even a fraction of these in our daily life , lot of our time and money would be saved from running around the clinics and dispensaries in our hectic and stress-inducing schedules.

Following 9 articles are the tips covering holistic health . 



Health Tips:


Hitahitam Sukham Duhkhamayustasya Hitahitam

Meaning: The grand treatise, which contains the details of health y and long age (ayu) and which defines what is good (hita) and what is bad (ahita) for the four different types of ayus (namely, hitayu, ahitayu, sukhayu and dukhayu, concerning different conditions of diseased or healthy life ) is... Read More

Swasthasya Swastharakshanama Turasya Vikara Prashamanam Ca

Meaning: Ayurveda aims at the protection and maintenance of good health of the healthy people and elimination of and control over the ailments and health -disorders of the unhealthy. The following are the signs of a healthy person according to Ayurveda .... Read More

Samadoshah Samagnishca Samadhatumala Kriyah

Meaning: Only that person is health y, whose doshas, dhatumal and agni (the basic elements and functional energy streams as per one’s natural constitution or prakati) are balanced and free from all defects and disorders and whose mind and soul are in perfect harmony. The above definition conveys the comprehensive... Read More

Brahme Muhurte Budhyet Swastho Raksharthmayusah

Meaning: In order to enjoy a long, healthy life , a person should get up in the brahm-muhurta with positive thinking. He should also take care of what he eats at night; whether it is digested properly or not? (That means, the night-meal should be light and taken much earlier... Read More

Brahme Muhurte Budhyet Dharmarthacanucintayet

Meaning: Every man and woman should get up in the brahm-muhurta and think of dharma and artha. (That means one should determine the righteous mode of utilizing the day ahead and also plan for constructive use of his time and efforts during the day for progressive augmentation of resources and... Read More

Varna, Kirti, Mati, Lakshmim

Meaning: Getting up in the brahm-muhurta helps gaining beauty, charm, brilliance of intellect, glory, prosperity, health and long life . The body gets energized and blossoms like a lotus flower if one is awake at this time. We should get up in this supremely energizing phase of the day and... Read More

Samudra Mekhale Devi Parvatastana

Meaning: You who wear a waistband of oceans, huge mountains cover whose breasts; who is the eternal Companion of Lord Vishnu, I pay obeisance to you Oh Mother Earth! Kindly forgive me, as I have to commit the sin of putting my feet upon your surface (to begin my journey... Read More

Savituh Samudaya Kale

Meaning: "The person who drinks eight ’anjali’ (deep cup made by joining the two hands) water every day at the sunrise time becomes free from all ailments. He lives for hundred years and the (weakness and other problems of) old-age does not even touch him". Indeed, people used to have... Read More

Vigat Ghan

 Meaning: The person, who consumes water through the nose, soon after the darkness of the night is over, gains bright intellect and sharp eayesight; his hair do not become gray or white and he remains free from all diseases.The water used in ushapana may be kept at a lukewarm temperature... Read More

Ayushyamushasi Prokta

Meaning:  Excretion of the dirt inside the body in the morning before sunrise helps in maintenance of long health y life .The Indian style of toilets is most suitable in terms of proper pressure on the legs and stomach. Excretion at the right time in the morning is important as... Read More

Avekshyartum Ca Dosham Ca

Meaning:  A datuna of sweet, bitter, astringent or spicy taste should be used as per the state (determined in the Ayurvedic diagnostics in terms of kratu, dosha, rasa and virya) of the teeth and general health of a person. Datuna of Nima is acrid spicy, Khadira is astringent, Mahua is... Read More

Jihvanirlekhanam Raupayam Sauvarna

 Meaning: The tongue cleaner could be (if not of datuna) made up of gold, silver or any metal or wood but it should be soft, smooth, flexible and (long enough for proper cleaning of the tongue). In case people have problems in getting datun every day, they may make use... Read More

Atha Jatanna Paneccho

Meaning: If one wants to eat food for good health and wants to avoid loss of appetite or indigestion then as per the season, he should use warm and fragrant oil in winter and cooling and naturally scented oils that reduce gastric problems in summer for massaging the body.... Read More

Abhyangamacarenityam Sa

Meaning: Daily oil-massage (of the body) prevents gastric problems, fatigue and aging. Clear eyesight, good sleep, long age, beautiful skin and stout body are gained by this practice. Oil-massage should be especially applied on the head, ears and legs.... Read More

The rishis further state

Meaning: Mustard oil, fragrant natural-oil and oils extracted from flowers and mixed with other natural substances are usable. Massaging with the seasamum or mustard oil (as per the season) is supposed to be the best.... Read More

Snehabhyangadyatha Kumbhashcarma Snehavimardanat

Meaning: As polishing with lubricants makes a pot, leather and cartwheel shining, smooth and strong, the body also becomes strong and possesses beautiful skin by massaging it (daily) with oil. The vat (gas and movements related) problems are also allayed and the resistance and stamina of the body increases. Massaging... Read More

Paushtikam Vrashyamayushyam Shuci

 Meaning: Maharshi Charak (the founder of herbal medicines and Ayurvedic pharmacology) has defined "shaving" as a cleansing and beautifying exercise, which augments health , life span and happiness. The second shloka, which is from Sushruta Samhita, also has similar meaning (Maharshi Sushruta is revered as the founder of surgery in... Read More

Physical Exercise: According to Ayurveda

Meaning: The movements (and postures) of body aimed at stabilizing and strengthening it constitute what is known as "Physical Exercise". As food is essential for sustenance of life , so is physical exercise vital for its health . A (mechanical) clock doesn’t work without periodical winding. Similarly the body can’t... Read More

According to Maharshi Charak,

Meaning: Physical exercise gives lightness to the body, increases its stamina (for hard work), stability and potential for tolerance. It helps in elimination of the bodily deficiencies and defects and augments the appetite. As per the scripture named "Bhav Prakash"... Read More

Vyayamadradhagatrayasya Vyadhirnasti Kadacana

 Meaning: The body is strengthened by regular physical exercise and is prevented from catching diseases. Its capacity of resistance and defense (immunity) against diseases also increases. Physical exercise helps digestion of heavy food (which is difficult to digest easily). Physical exercise is a must to avoid or reduce obesity. Regular... Read More

Hradisthane Sthito Vayuryada Vakram

Meaning: If the air (oxygen) to be supplied to the heart begins to be absorbed in the mouth (i.e., gasping) then it is a sign of balardha. Unusual perspiration through the armpits, forehead, nose and leg-joints, etc implies balardha... Read More

The rishis of Ayurveda further say

Meaning: Improper or over-exercising may lead to excessive thirst, vomiting, giddiness, piles, problems of blood circulation, cough, breathing problems, fever and even tuberculosis (due to excessive weakness) etc.... Read More

Raktapitti Krashah Shoshi

 Meaning: The patients of plethora, asthmatic attack or severe cough, withering of body, acute anemia and underweight, heart disorders, vertigo, etc or the one who has just eaten or drunk something should not do physical exercise. Ayurveda recommends practice of yoga for physical and mental wellbeing. Yoga in its true... Read More

Apa Id Va U Bheshajirapo

 Meaning: Water is a medicine in itself; it is an enemy of diseases. It has the potential to kill diseases. It increases life -span and helps in well-being.... Read More

At one place the Veda s even say

Meaning: Water is the best among all medicines. Realizing this importance of water, water-therapy is given prominent place in Ayurveda and Naturopathy. Many of the modern healing institutes also use it as a significant mode of prevention and cure. Dr. Louis of Germany used to treat all his patients by... Read More

Pavitram Vrashyamayushyam Shramaswedamalapaham

Meaning: The body is purified by bathing. Bathing enhances life span, eliminates fatigue, sweat and dirt. It augments the liveliness and force of the body. According to Maharshi Sushruta... Read More

Snanam Dahashramaharam Swedakandutrashapaham

... Read More

A hymn in the Shastra says

Meaning: The great rishis the devoted seekers of God , the scientists of ultimate knowledge, the true followers of eternal religion had developed Ayurveda for pure altruistic purpose (of human welfare) and not for any materialistic gain. Today's scenario is just the opposite. People at large are draining their vitality... Read More

Vipro Vraaksastasya Mulam Cha

Meaning: Sandhya ( upasana ) is the root of the tree of ( health y, hearty and enlightened) life . The Veda s (i.e. source of righteous knowledge) constitute its branches and religious activities are its leaves. Blossoming growth of a tree is dependant on the life of its roots.... Read More

Ahoratrasya Ya

Meaning: Around the times of sunrise and sunset when neither sun nor any of the stars are seen even in the clear sky.) These time intervals (sandhya-times) are described as extremely sensitive with respect to the effect on bodily, mental and spiritual wellbeing. We should be very careful about what... Read More

Chatvari Ghorarupani Sandhyakale

Meaning: Eating, sexual intercourse, sleeping, reading/writing during the sandhya- times are extremely harmful and are strictly prohibited during these time intervals. On the contrary, doing pranayama, devotional meditation, and prayers in these time-phases of the day induce intensive positive ( health y) effects. Reemphasizing this point, the Garud Purana says ... Read More

Adityasya Manaskaram Ye

Meaning: Those who practice Suryanamskara every morning are relieved from all infirmities and sickness in this life and in the lives to follow. Pragya Yog a is a modified version of Suryanamskara and is more suited for the modern life -style. It is taught as an integral part of the... Read More

Brahadyogi yagya valkya Smriti states

Meaning: Having food should be treated like a yaj  a in which (holy) sacrifices are made in the sacred fire of prana (vital, spiritual energy). Such a food becomes a source of elimination of all sickness and weakness of the body and mind .... Read More

The Gita says Ayuh Satva Balarogya

Meaning: A person of Sattwika nature likes to eat foods that prolong life , purify one  s inner being, give strength, health , happiness and satisfaction. Such foods are juicy, fatty, wholesome and pleasing to the heart. The Gita further mentions about the foods liked by persons of Rajasika and... Read More

Katva-amla-lavanati-usna

Meaning: Foods that are bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning are dear to a person of Rajasik nature. Such foods cause distress, misery and disease.... Read More

Yatu yamam gata-rasam puti

Meaning: Stale, tasteless, decomposed, putrid and leftover foods are dear to a person of Tamsik nature. Jatayu's conversation with Ravana as scripted in the Ramayana also has some reference to the quality of food. Talking of moral principles, Jatayu says  "Eatable food is that which is completely digested in a... Read More

Jatharam Purayedardharmannairbhagam

Meaning: The portion of solid food should be about half the capacity of the stomach; one-fourth of the latter should be filled with liquid diet and water and the remaining one-fourth should be left empty for free movement of air and fluids inside the stomach. According to Ayurvedic insights, most... Read More

Jirnabhojinam Vyadhirnopasarpati

Meaning: He/she, who eats only when the food consumed earlier has been properly digested, remains free from all diseases. Notes: 1. Sandhya- upasana or sandhya-vandan: Upasana means devotional practice of sitting near God (i.e., with an emotional proximity with divinity). This, if practiced at specific time intervals (sandhya-times) with jap... Read More

Annaharartham Karma Kuryadanindyam

Meaning: Earn your food by proper (just and honest) means. Eat it with purity to sustain your vital energy (and body-force). Elevate your vital energy to be able to gain knowledge and attain vigorous potentials to get rid of all infirmities and sorrows. We have discussed several aspects of eating... Read More

Matrakalakriya Bhumidehadosa Gunantaram

Meaning: Quantity (of food), time (at what time it is prepared or is being eaten), process (of its preparation), place (including soil, climate and surrounding conditions, etc) at which its raw constituents have grown, constitution (chemical, botanical, properties, etc), defects (subtle and gross defects, unnatural effects or impurities, if any)... Read More

Yatkincitaddosamasadya, Na

We give below excerpts of what the Charak Sanhita describes as unsuitability of different types of foods or medicines under different circumstances:Non-compatibility w. r. t. Place: Rugged or arid food and herbs are harmful or unsuitable in a wild land or in a desert, while cold and greasy-smooth, oily or... Read More

Shukadhanyam Shamidhanyam

As per this shloka, the twelve categories of nourishing eatables are identified as shuka: grains (cereals, e.g. barley, maze, wheat, rice, etc); shami: grains (all kinds of pulses and grams); shakas: (all fresh vegetables; fruits; greens - fresh, naturally green substances that contain chlorophyll), Ambu: (watery substances); Goras: (cow-milk and... Read More

Ayurveda says

Ayurvedic MedicineWe have been discussing about what Ayurveda says about the role of food in maintenance of vigorous health ? There is an interesting and important episode described in the text of Ayurvedic Medicine. While discussing with rishi Punarvasu the author of " Charak Samhita ", some vaidyas (Ayurvedic doctors)... Read More


For most of us, food is meant to be only for satisfying hunger and nourishing the body. However, as per Vedic Scriptures, what we eat and drink significantly, though subliminally, affect our subtle and astral bodies as well. For instance... Read More

Chhandogya Upanishad says "Aharashuddha

 Meaning: Purity of food helps in purifying the inner self. Purification of the inner self and hence of the mind and intellect, accelerates elimination of illusions and ignorance. This in turn, paves the way for salvation of the soul . The sages of the Vedic times, the rishis, had research... Read More

the Divine Teacher says Aharastwapi Sarvasya,

Meaning: What kind of food one likes is also of three types according to one's own intrinsic nature. Similarly, yagya , tapa and alms are also of three types (satvika, rajasika and tamasika). Let me tell you their (broad) differences.... Read More

Ayuh Satvabalarogya, Sukhapritivivardhanah

Meaning: Pure, health -giving, juicy (watery), smooth (e.g. boiled vegetables), fresh and naturally soothing eatables that enhance life , vigor, mental strength and sharpen the intellect are liked and used as food by the people having satvika tendency. Sour, salty, bitter, hot, spicy, fried and dry kinds of food stuffs,... Read More

The Charak Samhita cautions

Meaning: -Don't eat because of the greed of the tongue or in forgetfulness. Be aware of what you should eat and eat everything carefully, because what you eat makes your gross body. Before consuming it you should test and make sure that your food is of satvika (or satoguni) tendency,... Read More

food is meant to be only for satisfying

For most of us, food is meant to be only for satisfying hunger and nourishing the body. However, as per Vedic Scriptures, what we eat and drink significantly, though subliminally, affect our subtle and astral bodies as well. For instance,... Read More

The Manu Samhita highlights Pujitam Hyashanam Nityam,

Meaning: Purified and consecrated food provides energy and power whereas impure, unconsecrated food causes adverse effects. Here, by "consecrated" is meant sanctified by offering to the Deity and eaten gracefully with corresponding feelings; it is found to have health ful, ennobling effects on the gross and the subtle bodies.The following... Read More

Tredha Vidhiyate Tasya Yah Sthavishtho

Meaning: Food has three parts. Whatever is eaten has three simultaneous effects accordingly. The gross part is what is not consumed by the body (by metabolism) and is excreted; the subtler part, referred as "rasa" (in Ayurveda ) is used in making the elements (flesh, bone, etc) of the gross... Read More

It is stated in "Brahaspati" that "Sarveshameva

 Meaning: Purification of food is the most important purification".... Read More

The rishi author of "Mahabharata"

Meaning: All diseases and sorrows escape from the life of the one who observes self- continence, who eats only minimal necessary quantity of food after offering it to his dependents; who works hard during the day for good purposes and sleeps in night only for the duration essential for health... Read More

Irshyabhayakrodha Samanviten,

Meaning: If there is any sentiment of jealousy, fear, anger, greed, lust, gloom, sorrow, hatred, etc, or there is an attack of some disease while eating, then the food consumed cannot be digested (and will be hazardous to health ). In short, it is repeatedly warned that the sickness of... Read More

The routine

This article is  focusing upon what should be the ideal routine since evening till early morning (called ratricharya). The following shlokas provide guidelines on the major aspects and activities pertaining to the ratricharya including late evening routine , going to bed, sleep, dream, disciplines of chastity, etc.... Read More

Etani Pancakarmani Sandhyayam

Meaning: Wise men and women avoid the following five activities during the first of the four phases of night eating, sleeping, general reading or studying, sexual activities, and roving away from the house. Eating in this phase causes health disorders or diseases, sleep makes one dull and eventually leads to... Read More

Maharshi Vedvyas writes in the Mahabharata

Meaning: One who cares for his wellbeing should avoid keeping awake at night, sleeping in daytime, lethargy, intoxication, habits of criticizing or complaining about others, extremities in eating and other activities. What is sleep? " Yoga sutra" gives its precise definition as "Abhava Pratyayavalambana Vratti Nidra" the state of mind... Read More

some more health tips especially those pertaining to sleep.

Here we highlight some more health tips especially those pertaining tosleep. Cleanliness of nightdress or the clothes worn while going to thebed is also emphasized in Ayurveda . One should preferably avoid wearingthe same clothes, which one has been wearing during the day. Theclothes on the body should be loose... Read More

Prasangat Gatra Sansparshanti shwasatsahabhojam

Meaning: -Sexual relationship, other kinds of bodily contacts, inhaling others exhaled breath, exchange of body-fluids, sleeping on the same bed, sitting neck to neck, eating together from a common plate, or eating somebody's leftovers, sharing clothes, ornaments, unguents (soap, lotions etc) spread leprosy, infectious (viral, etc) fevers and other diseases,... Read More

Rishi Charak writes Ratriswabhava Prabhava

Meaning: -The sleep of night is a natural (gift), which is rightly termed by the sages as bhutadhatri.In the views of Chakrapani... Read More

Bhutani Pranino Dadhati, Pusnati Iti Bhutadhatri

Meaning: Sleeping in the night is essential and most beneficial. As a dhatri (wet nurse, aayaa or governess) looks after an infant, sleep also nourishes all creatures. It is therefore called bhutadhatri.... Read More

According to Chand Kuashik Chittam Prasadayati Laghavamadadati

Meaning: Good sleep induces happiness in the mind , relaxation in the body and rejuvenation in its every component; it also enhances mental talents and intellect. It helps eliminate the defects and weaknesses and ensures harmonious balancing between health y functions of the body; sound sleep also offers the joy... Read More

Brahmcaryarate Gramyasukha Nispaha Cetasa

Meaning: One who reads good books and attempts acquiring knowledge (and mental enlightenment), who does not indulge in sensual pleasures and accumulation of material possession, whose mind is contented, his/her sleep remains punctual in its proper timings and duration. "Padma Puran" also states that one who has disciplined his sense... Read More

What is generally recommended as good or edible?

Wheat among the cereals, green kidney-bean pulse (green-gram) among the pulses, and vegetables like green gourd, raw papaya, pointed gourd, round gourd, ridged gourd, bitter gourd, cabbage, spinach, carrot, green fenugreek, sprouted beans, etc cooked with some ginger and / or a little quantity of green chilly, etc are most... Read More

The lists of edibles and non-edibles

              The lists of edibles and non-edibles in different classes of diseases are as follows.                              The diseases caused by excess of vata dosha.The diseases under this category include gastro problems, arthritis, rheumatism, joint-pains, spondylitis, etc. Vegetables like flower of silk cotton or kidney-bean, flowers and fresh beans of drumsticks, green... Read More

The diseases caused by excess of pitta dosha

Acidity and related ailments of the digestive system, some kinds of blood related diseases, chronic fever etc, are common manifestation of the disorders due to pitta dosha. Light diets of the eatables listed for generally good health are also beneficial here. Thin chapatis of whole wheat, daliya (meal prepared from... Read More

The diseases caused by excess of kapha dosha

Cough, cold, asthma, and other ailments of the respiratory, chest and throat-nose-ear system, etc fall under this category of diseases and disorders. Warm and fresh food prepared using the items listed in common category of edibles is suitable here. Drinking warm milk, which is boiled with small quantities of turmeric... Read More

In case of Diabetes

Eating thin chapatis of wheat flour mixed with soya bean and gram flours along with vegetables like bitter gourd, soya bean and blackberry seeds are supposed to be beneficial for the patients having this disease in acute state. They should also eat few leafs of margosa (neem) or drink its... Read More

In case of Piles

The items listed as edible for generally good health would suit the patients of piles. Extra care should be taken not to have chilly or spicy and deep- fried eatables. Raw mangos, brinjal etc should also be avoided. They should also pay attention to eat well before sleep and have... Read More

In case of Cardiac Diseases

In this case also, the easily digestible, light food as listed under the generally good category is suitable; the proportion of fresh green vegetables, fibers and sprouts should be more. Intake of salt and fatty substances should be minimized. Apple, papaya and juices of orange, sweet lime and other fruits... Read More

In case of Jaundice

Use of oil, ghee and other fatty substances and yellow colored eatables is prohibited for those suffering from this liver ailment. Even milk is restricted, so are rice, chilly and other spices. Chapatis of barley, wheat, fresh butter-milk, curd, boiled vegetables like green gourd, ridged gourd, boiled lentil of green... Read More

In case of Hypothyroidism

 It is caused due to deficiency of thyroxin hormone. The foods suitable for generally good health are also recommended here. Sour substances including raw mango (dried or fresh), curd, lemon, tomato, pickles, tart or acidic fruits etc should not be eaten. Cauliflower and artificially ripened fruits should be avoided. Naturally... Read More

In case of Obesity

Overweight of the body is the root cause of many other diseases and disorders. Strict diet restraint s should be followed in general. In particular, use of sweet, fried and fatty substances should be stopped. Light, but nutritious food (as described under generally good category) devoid of sweets and fats... Read More

What should be always avoided by everyone desirous of a naturally healthy life

Tea, coffee, cold-drinks, ice-creams, tobacco, gutaka, paanmasala, wine (liquor/alcohol), synthetic food and confectionery, fruits that are ripened artificially (e.g. using carbide). Ayurveda also warns against eating food-items preserved under cold storage and eggs, meat, breads prepared from maida (fine white wheat flour), etc.... Read More

Common Modes of Medication in Ayurveda

 Ayurvedic medicines are usually available in the forms of vati (tablets), curna (powder of herbs), ras-bhasma (specially grinded, prepared fine powders of processed herbs), syrups and decoctions of different types asava, arishta, kwatha or kadha etc. Apart from these, some herbal oils and ointments are also prescribed for external use.... Read More

For vati and churna

These types are usually recommended to be taken around 10-20 minutes after meal. Should be taken with warm water in case of diseases due to vataj-kapha dosha, and with normal water in case of pitta doshas. Unless they taste bitter or pungent, the tablets (vatis) should preferably be chewed rather... Read More

For rasa and bhasmas

These are usually eaten with honey, fresh cream of milk or with warm water (depending upon the dosha and ailment type) at least half-an-hour before meals. For asava and arishta: These are drunk with fresh water (mixed in equal proportion) about 10 to 15 minutes after meals.... Read More

For kwatha kadha

Kwatha should be best drunk freshly prepared at timings as prescribed by the doctor. It is recommended that nothing should be mixed in it. However, if it is bitter in taste and one just can't bear that bitterness then minimal quantity of honey or sugar-crystals (mishri) could be mixed.... Read More

For kwatha-bathing

At times, depending upon the type and state of disease, bathing or fomenting in the steam of boiling kwatha of specific types are advised. In such cases, the prescribed herbal medicines are to be cooked in a pressure cooker with about 1-1.5 kg water. A tube of appropriate size (and... Read More

For Massaging by Ayurvedic oils

Massaging of the particular body-part should always be done gently and at a slow pace. Its direction should always be towards the heart. If the guidelines and disciplines of Ayurvedic medication and preventive care are followed strictly, the patients enjoy fast recovery and natural vigor thereafter. In the succeeding issues... Read More



अपने सुझाव लिखे: