TRUE MEDICINE COMES FROM EARTH, NOT FROM A LAB

"Ayurveda is the most sacred science of life, beneficial to humans in this world and beyond" I love this quote!

Ayurveda nutrition is in practice for 5,000 years. It emphasizes good health, prevention, and treatment of illness through balanced lifestyle practices (such as massage, meditation, yoga, and dietary changes) and the use of herbal remedies. I have learned first-hand that medicine comes from nature, not from a lab.

Ayurvedic medicine is holistic, which means viewing the body and mind as a whole. Nutrition with Ayurveda not only treats a person’s physical complaints, but it also changes lifestyle practices to help maintain or improve health.

Diabetes affects more than 62 million people just in India. My father was a diabetic for most of his life, but he was the only one out of his seven siblings who was not insulin-dependent, thanks to his ayurvedic diet. I never understood that at the time and honestly never even took interest in understanding how the ayurvedic lifestyle can restore balance. One thing that I remember very clearly is that my father would always drink a certain concoction first thing in the morning, which my mother prepared for him. According to my mother, whatever was in that morning drink was the reason for my father to stay on just a pill and not be insulin-dependent like all his other siblings.

The Ayurvedic Nutrition & Lifestyle

Later in life I asked my mother to explain what was in that drink. It had Ceylon Cinnamon Powder, Fenugreek powder , Neem Leaf powder with some freshly crushed ginger. According to Ayurveda, for thousands of years, we have understood that small amounts of all of these spices/herbs have been known to reduce the level of blood sugar in our body. She often raved about how my grandmother used this drink to keep my grandfather's blood sugar level in check throughout his life.

Neem leaves enhance insulin receptor sensitivity in Beta cells, lowers blood glucose levels, and reduces one’s dependence on hypoglycaemic drugs. It has been found that it reduces the need for insulin by the body by a significant percentage.

Understanding all the above made me appreciate Ayurveda and my mother’s knowledge in a new light. I resolved to lead a healthier life.

Cooking with Amla Fruit

What’s an Indian household without pickles and chutneys? All through the year, the one thing that was served with dinner every day was a sweet and spicy relish. We used to call it “Murabba” (similar to poached fruit). My mother used to make this relish at home in large quantities. This relish had the ability to turn even a boring meal into an interesting and delicious one. Little did we know that what my mother was serving us was Amla fruit also known as the Indian Gooseberry.

This beautiful looking fruit might as well be called the wonder fruit. In addition to many digestive benefits, it is also a great source of minerals, reduces arthritis pain helps in pregnancy, helps in constipation, prevents ulcer, keeps cholesterol in check, boosts immunity, helps with menstrual cramping, boosts iron levels, presents anti-aging properties, and helps with scars and acne if used in a face pack. I’m not surprised this “murabba” was a staple on our dinner table.

WOW! So much to share…. It’s hard to believe that all of the herbs and spices that grew literally in my backyard back home would be globalized and modernized at this scale many years later. I will continue to talk about some of these age-old Ayurvedic traditions that are returning with a modern-day spin!