INTRODUCTION TO AMLA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS INDIAN GOOSEBERRY –
Amla, also known as Amalaki, has a sour taste as its name suggests.
The botanical name of amla is Emblica Officinalis or Phyllanthus Emblica. Amla is from
Euphorbiaceae family. Amla is also known as Indian gooseberry.
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.
Sitkari pranayama is a Sanskrit term for Hissing Breath. Seetkari pranayama is similar to sheetali or sitali which helps to cool down the body temperature. Try practising pranayama on empty stomach.
Viruses are tiny microbes that survive by invading other living cells. Both covid-19 and seasonal flu are viral infections but covid-19 is due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and flu is from influenza A and B viruses. There are 4 types of seasonal influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D. Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics of disease. Seasonal influenza spreads easily and can sweep through schools, nursing homes, businesses or towns. When an infected person coughs, infected droplets get into the air and another person can breathe them in and be exposed.
Respiration is one of the vital systems of our body, which is involuntarily supplying oxygen to the body to feel energetic and lively. As per Ayurveda, Prana is a sub-type of Vata dosha, and responsible for inhaling oxygen from the outer environment. The inhaled oxygen is balanced by exhaling carbon dioxide with the help of Udana, another sub-type of Vata dosha. Such involuntary mechanism reciprocates throughout life, and thus, it is necessary to maintain healthy respiration lifestyle to avoid any respiratory-related diseases.
