Ayurvedic home remedies are a blend of commonly used herbs and spices to cure common symptoms and diseases.

To cure or prevent any ailment natural herbs are taken in ayurveda as juices, paste, powder, infusion and decoctions etc. ayurveda also prescribes some exercises, massaging techniques, colors, aromas, gems and cleansing therapies as home remedies. According to Ayurveda all the home remedies comprise of mostly the things that have their usage in homes and have multifarious medicinal usage also. Few such substances are clove, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, fennel, rock salt, turmeric, coriander, ginger, honey, licorice, garlic, onion, basil and mint.

Constipation
Symptoms Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment

!o bowel movements at least once a day "ain in the abdomen #eaviness in the stomach $ind formation %ucus coated tongue #eadache &oss of appetite "ain in the lower legs #ypertension, fever !ausea 'ertigo "alpitation (rowsiness

Causes: The aggravation of vata causes constipation. )mproper eating habits including eating a lot of food, eating food which is difficult to digest *such as meat+ and not eating enough vegetables and salads also lead to constipation. )rregular sleeping habits or emotional disturbances *stress, grief, fear or worry+ are other causes for the obstruction of the passage of stool, accumulation of toxins in the colon or excessive stimulation of the nervous system. ,moking, consuming too much tea and coffee, or intake of prescription or illicit drugs can also cause constipation. Remedies

(rinking a glass of warm milk before going to bed helps in easy evacuation in the morning. )n case of severe constipation, mix two tsp of castor oil in the milk. (rink one liter of warm water and walk around for a few minutes immediately after waking up early in the morning. (rinking lemon juice mixed with warm water two to three times a day eases constipation. -ne or two teaspoons of aloe gel can be taken twice a day. A common Ayurvedic medicine for constipation is Triphala .hurna. )t is a powder made by grinding three kinds of herbs. A teaspoon of this powder taken with warm water or milk at the time going to bed is beneficial.

Dos and don'ts

The diet taken during constipation must be easily digestible. "lenty of fruits, vegetables and salads Freshly cooked food, and chew food thoroughly. /at only when hungry and maintain at least 0 hours between meals. 1se spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric powder, fennel and asafetida as they make the food easy to digest. $hole grain bread and cereals 2egular physical exercise is also important for maintaining proper bowel movements. ,leeping hours should be regulated and efforts should be made to have a sound sleep. Fried foods, beans, gas forming vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, nuts and dried fruits should be avoided. (o not mix too many kinds of foods in one meal.

Diarrhea

Symptoms Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment

.ramps (ehydration $ind and distention in the abdomen $eakness %ild fever

Causes The augmentation of pitta in the body or weak digestive power causes diarrhea. )mproper eating habits, fried food in oil or ghee *clarified butter+, meats, vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, beans, nuts and sweets, milk and citrus fruits simultaneously and impure food or water causes diarrhea. Remedies

$ater boiled with coriander seeds should be given *after straining+. "omegranate juice in small quantities can be also given frequently. (ecoction prepared from pomegranate skin is very useful in stopping diarrhea. To prepare the decoction, take 34 grams of fresh pomegranate skin. ,oak it in 544 ml. of water for one hour. 6oil until a quarter of the volume remains *744 ml+. ,tore this mixture in a clean, dry bottle. A couple of tablespoons can be taken several times a day. )f there is blood in the stools, add half a teaspoon of honey to the decoction. ,ugar and salt solution. %ix one teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of common salt in a cup of water. ,mall doses of this mixture *around a quarter cup+ can be given whenever the patient wants to drink. A paste made of sesame seeds *8 teaspoon+ and a few tablespoons of goats milk is also beneficial.

Dos and don'ts

9ogurt 2ice 6anana Apple "omegranate 6oiled vegetables 6oiled rice :hichadi Fruits ,pices like cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric and cardamom should be used for cooking.

&iquids should be given in small quantities *; or 0 sips+ at one time Fruit juices can also be taken in small quantities.

The mind should be relaxed and free from all kinds of tension. A gentle oil massage on the head is also helpful. "hysical exertion of any kind like exercise, sexual activity, sports, singing, dancing etc. should be strictly avoided.

Fever

Symptoms Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment

#igh temperature #eadache %uscle ache 6urning eyes &oss of appetite .oated tongue /xcessive production of saliva Feeling of heaviness and nausea

Causes Fever is caused due to the aggravation of any one or all the doshas of the body. Fever can occur as a result of infection, because of external injury, insect bite or poisoning. )t must be kept in mind that fever can also be a symptom of many conditions, like bronchitis, pleurisy, tuberculosis, jaundice, malaria, measles or influen<a. Remedies ,ome general remedies that are beneficial in fever are

%ild sweating this helps to digest the toxins. &ie on a bed covered with a blanket, for 83 to 74 minutes. (rinking a hot liquid also helps. Take 84 grams *one=tablespoon+ raisins and 84 grams *one tablespoon+ fresh ginger. .rush and put in 744=ml. water for one hour. 6oil this decoction till the water reduces to 34 ml. ,train and drink while warm.

Dosage: This preparation can be taken twice a day. Dos and don'ts

/asily digestible diet is advised for the patient 6oiled or steamed vegetables vegetable soup fruit and fruit juices small quantities of cow milk can be taken two to three times a day :hichadi is very good with spices like cumin seeds, coriander, turmeric, ginger and salt can be also be added to it. /gg plant, bitter gourd and cooked radish and barley water is good. ,mall amounts of whole grain bread or biscuits can be taken with milk. #eavy foods that are difficult to digest like fried foods, fast foods, meat, chicken, fish, and raw foods should be completely avoided. The patient should take ample rest.

/xposure to extreme cold or heat, exertion, exercise, mental stress, sexual activity and any other type of physical activity should be avoided until the patient regains strength. Indigestion

Symptoms Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment

Feeling of heaviness or uneasiness in the stomach ,tomach ache .oated tongue &oss of appetite !ausea .onstipation (iarrhea 'omiting Acidity $ind (istention in the stomach &a<iness $eakness #eadache "ain in the lower legs

Causes )ndigestion can be caused due to the aggravation of any of the following doshas

or all three of them and by the following eating or physical habits carried on by individuals

)mproper eating habits /ating a lot of fried foods, meat, sweets, heavy foods and overeating /ating incompatible food items /ating at irregular times /ating before the last meal is fully digested /ating very quickly or mixing too many foods in one meal .onsuming too much tea, coffee and alcohol ,moking ,taying up late >/motional disturbances *stress, grief, anxiety+ Taking drugs like antibiotics, painkillers and steroids.

Remedies

Fasting completely for one day is an efficient method to digest Ama. Taking fruits, fruit juices and boiled vegetables for one week is also a very beneficial way of fasting. &emon juice mixed in warm water taken three times a day improves digestion. .hewing a small piece of fresh ginger with salt, five to ten minutes before meals, stimulates digestion. Take equal amounts of ginger powder, black pepper, dried mint leaves, asafetida *hing+, anise seeds, coriander seeds, cumin, fennel and common salt. ?rind together to make a fine powder. (osage Take about 8 teaspoon of this powder with water, twice a day after meals. (rinking buttermilk after a meal improves digestion. 2oasted cumin seeds and a little salt in the buttermilk enhances its effectiveness. (rinking water gives immediate relief to symptoms like wind, distended stomach and acidity. /at half a teaspoon of aniseed to improve digestion. A teaspoon of ginger juice mixed in a quarter cup of warm water can be taken two or three times a day. A teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt can also be added to make it more effective.

Dos and don'ts

/at boiled seasonal vegetables, fruits, fruit juices and lemon juice. ,pices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, fresh ginger, black pepper and asafetida. "hysical exercise, according to the strength and energy of the patient, is beneficial. (o not eat while moving or traveling in a car, watching television or reading. (o not eat fast food or food that has been cooked in a microwave oven. /ating should not be too fast or too slow and the food should be properly chewed.

,leeping during the day, especially after lunch is not recommended, as it produces indigestion.

The patient should not stay awake late at night and should be free from mental stress, anxiety, fear and grief. Headache

Symptoms Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment

#eadache can be mild, moderate or severe pain that affects the whole head, a part of the head, forehead or the eyes. !ausea (ifficulty in sleeping &oss of appetite Feeling of uneasiness

Causes According to Ayurveda, there are eleven types of headaches caused due to aggravation of three different doshas. #eadaches are also caused by

sinusitis #ypertension .onstipation -ver work %ental stress )ndigestion Acidity ,leeplessness Fever )t may also be present as a symptom of some disease /xcessive consumption of tea, coffee, aspirin or nicotine is also known to contribute to headache !ervous weakness Anemia (eficiency of oxygen in the blood ,itting too close to the television 2eading with insufficient light 2eading in a moving train or car

Remedies

Take clove, cinnamon and almond in equal quantities *around 8 teaspoon each+ and grind together with a little water to make a paste. Apply paste

on the forehead. A paste made of sandalwood powder can also be applied on the forehead. %ix a quarter teaspoon of clove powder in one teaspoon of cinnamon oil. Apply mixture to the location of pain. Take a few drops of ghee *clarified butter+ on your palm. %ix ; or 0 pieces of saffron in it, and rub it for two minutes. The saffron does not dissolve in the ghee, but its qualities are absorbed. 2emove saffron and put two drops of this ghee in each nostril. > (osage Follow procedure twice a day. %ix 8 tablespoon of milk and half teaspoon of ginger powder and put one or (osage@ two drops in each nostril twice a day. $rap a wet cloth around the neck. -il massage on the scalp also relieves tension and headache. ,esame oil, almond oil, mustard oil or ghee *clarified butter+ can be used for massage. #eat 8 teaspoon of almond oil. $hen it cools down, put two drops in each nostril.

Dos and don'ts

,imple cooked vegetables without oil, vegetable juices and soup, fruits like apple, mango, grapes and fruit juices should be taken in ample quantities. 2ice, salad and buttermilk are also good. ,ome sweets and milk products can be taken moderately with small quantities of nuts. #ot cow milk is very good to drink. Avoid fried foods, meat, sour and spicy foods and foods 9ogurt should be avoided, especially at night. Adequate rest should be taken and exposure to cold, heat and rain should be avoided. The natural urges *snee<ing, passing stool and urine, hunger, thirst, sleep, breathing and yawning etc.+ should not be suppressed. The patient should also try to keep the mind free from anxiety, anger, mental tension and worry.

Reduce Weight Naturally

)n ayurveda, .harak ,amhita describes eight different types of bodies that are disease prone. -ut of these, the obese body is described as the one afflicted with the most diseases and troubles. -besity is the condition or physical state of the body when excessive deposition of fat takes place in the adipose tissue. Extra fat puts a strain on the heart, idneys, !iver and the "oints such as the hips, nees # an !es and thus, over$eight peop!e are suscepti%!e to severa! diseases !i e coronary throm%osis, high &'(, dia%etes, arthritis, gout, !iver # ga!! %!adder disorders' Chief cause of o%esity is overeating, irregu!ar eating ha%its and not fo!!o$ing the ru!es of eating or mixing non) compati%!e food items in one mea!' To decrease weight and get rid of obesity three things must be kept in mind

.ontrolling eating habits. AA 2egular exercise. Avoiding the causes of weight gain.

Diet recommended !osing $eight

Ear!y morning: Buice of half a lemon mixed in a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of honey. &rea fast: $heat or %ung bean sprouts and a cup of skimmed milk. *idmorning: A glass of orange, pineapple or carrot juice. +unch ,alad of raw vegetables such as carrot, beet, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes. ,teamed or boiled vegetables o $hole grain bread or whole wheat chapatis *)ndian bread+ and a glass of buttermilk. o 2oasted cumin seeds, green coriander leaves, a little salt and some grated ginger mixed in the buttermilk. *id)afternoon o .oconut water o (ry fruits o &emon tea o Fresh vegetable soup Dinner o $hole grain bread or chapatis o ,teamed vegetables o ,easonal fruits except banana and apple.
o

Home Remedies for +osing ,eight

)ncrease the quantity of fruits C vegetables and low calorie foods. Avoid intake of too much salt as it may be a factor for increasing body weight. %ilk products like cheese, butter etc. and non=vegetarian foods should be avoided as they are rich in fat. %int is very beneficial in losing weight. .hutney of green mint with some simple spices can be taken with meals. %int tea also helps. ,pices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways. 2egular intake of carrot juice. Avoid rice and potato, which contain a lot of carbohydrates. Among cereals wheat is good. 'egetables like bitter gourd *:arela+ and bitter variety of drumstick are useful in loosing weight. #oney is an excellent home remedy for obesity. )t mobili<es the extra deposited fat in the body allowing it to be utili<ed as energy for normal functions.

Dosage: -ne should start with small quantity of about 84 grams or a tsp, taken with hot water early in the morning. A tsp of fresh lemon juice may also be added. Fasting on honey and lime= juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. For this, mix one teaspoon of fresh honey with the juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water. Dosage: Take several times a day at regular intervals. 2aw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. #ence, it is of great value in weight reduction. /xercise is an important part of any weight reduction plan. )t helps to use up calories stored in body as fat. $alking is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming or rowing. The gum of .ommiphora %ukul called DgugguluD is the drug of choice for the treatment of obesity.

(reparation of Home Remedies' According to ayurveda home remedies are prepared in the same way and with the same purpose as other ayurvedic medicines. The main aim is to obtain the maximum therapeutic benefit while making it palatable. ,ome common methods of preparing home remedies are

-uice: The juice may be taken from the fresh leaves, flowers or stems of the herb. The part of the herb used should be crushed or ground in a mortar and pestle, to make a paste. This paste should be put in a piece of cloth and squee<ed to take out the juice. Dosage: -ne to two tsp twice a day. (o$der: (ried herbs are used for powders. The herbs are usually dried in a cool, shady and well=ventilated place, although some herbs are dried in direct sunlight. The herbs are then ground into a fine powder and stored in a dry, airtight bottle. The powder may be taken with water, or if specified, with milk or honey. Dosage: #alf to one teaspoon twice a day Decoction: A decoction is prepared by boiling the herb in water *ratio 8 part herb to 8E parts water+. The herbs are broken into pieces and soaked in water overnight. This mixture is then boiled until it reduces to one quarter of the original volume. )t is then filtered and stored in a glass bottle. Dosage: -ne to two tablespoons twice a day. Infusion: #erbs are soaked in water to make an infusion *ratio 8 part herb to 5 parts water+. #ot infusions result from adding herbs to hot water, or gently heating but not boiling the mixture. This is strained and taken internally. #erbal teas are forms of hot infusions. .old infusions are made from soaking the herb overnight. #oney can be added. Dosage: half to one cup once or twice day.

(aste: A paste can be made from either fresh or dried herbs. The flowers, roots, stems, leaves or bark are ground and mixed with water. "astes are mainly used for external application, in cases of cuts, burns and swellings. The paste should be thick enough to be applied in a layer to the skin. .a%!ets: The herbs should be first dried separately and then mixed together in a powder form, in fixed proportions. $ater or herbal juice can be added to this powder to make a paste, from which tablets of a specific si<e or weight are made. Tablets remain potent longer than juices, powders, pastes or decoctions. Dosage: 8 or 7 tablets twice a day. *edicated ghee and oi!: ?hee is cooked with herbal juices, decoctions or pastes. The ghee should be heated with the herbal mixture at a moderate, controlled temperature. #igh temperatures can easily burn the ghee or oil, destroying its effectiveness. %edicated ghee and oils are either used internally or massaged externally. Dosage: #alf to one tablespoon.