In traditions around the world, ginger is used therapeutically. Most health professionals recognize the amazing healing qualities found in ginger. According to Ayurveda, ginger pacifies both kapha and vata, and it increases pitta. Ginger’s most impressive quality is how it helps digestion. It is an excellent spice for digestion and cleansing the body of ama (undigested food in the body). Ginger is excellent for constipation, the heart, cholesterol, coughs and colds, improves circulation, headaches, relieves distention, is a blood purifier and its great for respiratory conditions. Really, these are just some conditions in which ginger is good for. In reality, you can use ginger for just about any ailment.

The bigger question here is how do you use it. For coughs and colds, a remedy I use widely is green tea with fresh ginger and lemon. You will find some immediate relief and you will find that your recovery time has been reduced by at least half. Drink it about 3 to 4 times a day at minimum. If you find that you don’t like green tea, simply having hot water with ginger and lemon will also do the trick. Green tea is high and anti-oxidants and that is one reason why I like to add green tea to this home remedy.

To increase digestion, have a slice of fresh ginger before meals. Ginger will stimulate the digestion and is also good for those who have a loss of appetite. To prevent bloating, have a glass of hot water with ginger during meals. Another great way to ensure that you are able to digest your meal is to cook with ginger. Ginger adds spice and flavor to meals.

Ginger can also be used for chronic arthritis. Take about 10 grams of freshly grated ginger and boil it in about 1 liter of water. Sip this warm infusion only during the day. This same remedy can be used for vata type of pain.

Let me know if you have any questions, but ginger is excellent for just about everyone. However, never apply any sort of ginger pastes to skin lesions and rashes and do not use in cases of severe bleeding and high fevers.

Health and happiness,

Varsha

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