As the saying goes, “April showers brings May flowers.” It is a beautiful time of the year with all the flowers growing and the sun shining. However, if you suffer from outdoor spring allergies, you are not able to enjoy the beauty of spring as much as the rest of us. Before I share my secret remedy for prevention, let me briefly explain why allergies occur according to Ayurveda.
It is actually quite simple. Allergies, whether indoor or outdoor, arise due to a weak digestion and diminished Ojas. As you know, Ojas not only represents the finest product of your digestion, but it is also your immune system. Therefore, the key to preventing allergies is keeping your digestion strong and not compromising your immune system.
I haven’t come up with a name for this special mixture of mine…so if any of you come up with name suggestions, please do let me know. The remedy is quite simple. The ingredients are water, lime, lemon, and orange. Take one slice of each of the lime, lemon, and orange and squeeze them into one glass of water. Everything has to be fresh…packaged juices and such will not be as effective. Water should be at least room temperature and the warmer the water is, the better it is for your digestion and for Ojas. Have at least three glasses of this water a day until your preliminary symptoms go away and then continue for at least another three days afterwards.
And of course, on top of that, be sure to get plenty of sleep and maintain a balanced diet and routine. Exercise and happiness, as always, are also key in prevention.
Enjoy the beauty of nature!
Health and happiness,
Varsha
The one plant that you are guaranteed to find in my home is Tulsi, which is Sanskrit for Holy Basil. In fact, you will find the Tulsi plant in many Indian homes, as it is considered to be an auspicious plant that brings health, wealth, and prosperity. I will also let you know that Tulsi is not only my favorite plant, but it is also my favorite herb.
As we all know, plants in general purify the air, so in that sense, its always good to have plants around. Tulsi radiates positive energy and purifies the environment from any negativity that may be around. Beyond that, I love Tulsi because of all of its healing properties.
First of all, one of the easiest home remedies for a cough is Tulsi. For any kind of cough, drink Tulsi tea. Boil one cup of water with about 3 to 4 fresh Tulsi leaves and drink the tea at least 4 times a day and it will cure the worst of coughs. Fresh leaves work best, but dry leaves are fine as well.
Tulsi is pungent and bitter in taste; therefore, it decreases Vata and Kapha and slightly increases Pitta. However, because the quality of Tulsi is light and dry, it can actually balance Pitta as well. Tulsi has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It can be applied topically for skin lesions and fungal infections. It decreases pain and swelling and is recommended for fevers. It is excellent for all respiratory related imbalances, such as coughing, asthma, and pulmonary tuberculosis. Tulsi improves digestion and is especially good for the colon. It is also an excellent herb for the nervous system and all autoimmune diseases, as Tulsi promotes and enhances the functioning of Ojas. And the list continues. Depending on the condition, the leaf, root, or seeds are used. Tulsi is one of the most potent, sattwic (pure) herbs.
If I ever feel a cough or cold coming on, and even for family and friends, I simply boil a cup of water with Tulsi and fresh ginger and I am able to prevent an illness from coming forth. Doesn’t that sound rather simple? I would also like to add that drinking Tulsi tea with ginger will also prevent your chances of catching the swine flu, as it does increase Ojas, your immunity.
The entire science and knowledge of Ayurveda is actually quite simple with a simple approach to health. There is a science behind the combination of spices and when you combine various spices and herbs, you can heal just about any imbalance.
Health and happiness,
Varsha
