Narak Chaturdashi being one of the five days celebrations is one of the most important days of Diwali. It is believed that on this auspicious day Lord Krishna killed the demon called Narakasur. This day signifies the victory of good over evil.
Amla (Phyllanthus Emblica or Indian Gooseberry) is native to India and grows in tropical and subtropical conditions. Thus, it has been extensively used in many parts of India as traditional medicine or for its nutrients. Regionally, amla is known by various names as Amalaki, Dhatri, or Amrutphala. In Ayurveda, amla has been described as peculiar green plum-like fruit that has all six tastes (except saltiness). It has been referred for a host of health benefits that involve improving digestive health to relieving cough in respiratory diseases.
Immunity is the body’s natural response to maintain homeostasis in human. Usually, the immune system recognizes a variety of threats including viruses, bacteria, and parasites; and distinguishes them from the body’s healthy tissues. The overall immune mechanism is essential for our survival. It is a holistic system, which is interconnected with the psychological endocrine neurological systems. The immune system is associated with the proper functioning of different type of cells, organs, and constantly cooperates with the chemical signals to protect us against any infectious disease. Immune mechanisms are coordinated by different cellular components such as T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Each has a specific role in recognizing, attacking, recruiting, and killing foreign invaders like harmful bacteria, viruses, worms, and others.
The herb is known by different names. It is known as Brahmi in Hindi, Water Hyssop in English and its botanical name is Bacopa monnieri. It finds mention in a number of ancient Ayurvedic texts like Atharva Veda, Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
Brahmi is quite a prominent Ayurvedic herb, mostly famous for its ability to work as a tonic for the brain. Ayurveda classifies the herb as a Medha Rasayana which means herb that provides longevity and improves memory and intelligence.
Brahmi is a perennial creeping herb with soft and non-aromatic and can grow up to 6 inches in height. The herb is sometimes also called a water aquarium plant since it can grow in water.
Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris. Linn) is a herb with sharp thorny fruit. It is also known by Gokharu in Marathi and Hindi, and Small Caltrops in English. Other synonyms like Shvadanshtra, Trikantaka, Kantaki are also used.Ama: The Undigested Toxin
In Sanskrit, the term “Amaya” refers to disease. Ama (ah muh), derived from Amaya, means ‘unripe’ or ‘incomplete.’ The undigested waste which is formed inside the gastrointestinal tract (koshtha) as a toxin and cannot be utilized by the body, is called ama.
What is ama?
Obesity is an accumulation of excess fat in the body that may lead to negative effects on health, reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Presenting the figures given by WHO, in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight. Of these over 650 million adults were obese. Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight. Hence, it is vital to reduce and prevent obesity. Obesity is one of the aspects in Ashtanindita Purush (eight types of abnormal constituents) in Charak Samhita. In Ayurveda, Atisthaulya (Obesity) is described as excessive accumulation of Meda (fat tissue) and Mamsa (muscle tissue) leading to looseness of hips, abdomen, and breast. In Ayurveda, it is considered as one of Santarpanottha Vikaras (disease due to consumption of excessive calories).
Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris. Linn) is a herb with sharp thorny fruit. It is also known by Gokharu in Marathi and Hindi, and Small Caltrops in English. Other synonyms like Shvadanshtra, Trikantaka, Kantaki are also used.
Gokshura possesses a sweet taste and after-taste, it is cold in potency, and is heavy and oily in nature.
Agni (digestive fire) is the main governor of the body because overall digestion determines the health of an individual. According to Ayurveda, there are four types of agni based on whichever dosha is imbalanced in an individual. They are:
