Ayurved also advises avoiding alcohol consumption, smoking, etc., to avoid fetal abnormalities. Ayurved suggests that a wholesome diet during the period of pregnancy is a must, since this ultimately results in fetal growth, maternal health and post delivery lactation.

During the first three months, fetal growth organs are only in a stage of formation. Thus, ayurved suggests a wholesome diet and moderate household work for the mother during this period. In the fourth month, the formation of tissues starts, thus ayurved suggests a diet to boost this tissue formation. In the fifth month, blood and muscles are formed. In sixth month, fatty tissue is formed and around the seventh month fetal growth is practically complete, after which only refining work remains. For this reason Ayurveda suggests a diet rich in ghee, milk, proteins, green leafy vegetables, fruits etc. By the seventh month fetal organs will acquire strength. Hence, this is the month when medicated ghee is recommended.

Modern science says that a pregnant lady should take a high protein diet in addition to vitamins and minerals. The above mentioned ayurvedic dietary plan matches this modern dietary thought. After the completion of the seventh month, herbs that are mild diuretics and urinary antiseptics such as Gokshuru and Sariva, are advocated. Basil (Tulsi tea) in small quantities is advised; it is also anti-spasmodic.

Consume a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, also whole grains and whole soy foods. Apple, Mango and Peach Chutneys help balance cravings. For morning sickness have warm ginger tea.

A few other activities like going out of the house without a justifiable reason, talking to unknown people, looking at things which create fear in the mind and strenuous physical activities, etc should be avoided. Sandalwood powder is good to keep the mind fresh and happy and are recommended for external use. Listen to relaxing music and do quiet, deep yogic breathing.

Olive oil which forms the source of Vitamin E. Olive oil has important functions on digestive system bone structure, brain and nerve tissues. While all olive oil is healthy, extra virgin olive oil contains the highest level of antioxidants such as vitamin E because it is less processed.

Olive oil reduces gastric acid when it is consumed cold or hot and protects against gastritis and duodenal ulcers, also reduces coagulation risk in blood vessels by affecting against factors that take role in blood cell aggregation. It is the best absorbed oil by intestines and regulates the intestine passage. Vitamin E present in olive oil makes a protective affect against cancer.

Olive oil for hair growth is one of the most natural ways to prevent hair from falling out and allowing it to grow. Another benefit to using olive oil is that it also acts as a disinfectant for the scalp and can remove many impurities that may have wound up on the scalp and can help with warding infections as well. Olive oil nourishes and conditions the hair and scalp. It also helps with the elasticity and strength of the hair.

Keep olive oil in a cool and dark place, tightly sealed. Olive oil is like other oils and can easily go rancid when exposed to air, light or high temperatures.

Many people think that cholesterol is bad, however, cholesterol is essential to many bodily functions, and only bad when unbalanced. Bad cholesterol is found in fatty foods, non-vegetarian food like meat, eggs, and dairy products like butter and cheese. Bakery food contains saturated oil, margarine and fats which cause bad cholesterol.

Ayurvedic herbs will reduce and control cholesterol level. Some of them are mentioned as below.

• Garlic: Garlic is easily available. It has a great medicinal value in fighting cholesterol. Intake of fresh and raw garlic along with your meal can reduce the bad cholesterol to an extent. Regular intake of garlic will keep the level of cholesterol under control.
• Coriander: Coriander helps the kidneys to function better. The kidney excretes the excess cholesterol from the body.
• Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna): This herb is useful in treatment as well as preventing cardiovascular diseases. It helps to prevent heart attacks.
• Alfalfa: The cholesterol that gets congested in the arteries can be treated with the use of Alfalfa. This is also used in treatment of arteries problems.
• Guggulu: This herb is very popular and effective in treating heart problems that is caused by cholesterol. When this is taken regularly, it reduces the cholesterol level.
• Fenugreek: Fenugreek also helps to reduce the level of cholesterol.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels

• Avoid eating fermented foods such as alcohol or vinegar.
• Avoid foods that contain chemicals, preservatives, additives, artificial flavors and colors.
• Eat high-fiber vegetarian diet rich in fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains and whole cereals such as oatmeal to lower cholesterol.
• Focus on reducing saturated fats such as butter, coconut oil and the fat in red meats.
• Avoid all trans-fats including hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils found in margarine and in most processed breads, crackers, cereals and desserts.
• Choose fresh foods cooked with small amounts of unsaturated fats such as organic olive oil.
• Include more walnuts in your diet.
• Season your meals with turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel and clove, as these improve fat metabolism.
• Exercise regularly and drink plenty of warm water throughout the day to help flush out toxins.
• Avoid excessive salt in your food.

It is important to consult a doctor before you start treatment to control cholesterol level with Ayurvedic herbs.

In India Saffron is cultivated in northern side (Kashmir). It is an indispensable ingredient in many recipes of rice, sweets and ice-creams. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine and in religious rituals. Research into its many possible medicinal benefits, ranging from cancer suppression to mood improvement and appetite reduction, is ongoing.

Saffron is generally used in beauty products, cooking and medicine preparations. Saffron contains more than 150 volatile and aroma yielding compounds and it also has many nonvolatile active components too.

Health Benefits

• Saffron (Kumkuma Poovu) is used for the improvement of digestion and appetite.
• Saffron (Safran) is found to be extremely beneficial for providing relief from gas and acidity related problems.
• A pinch of saffron taken with warm milk in the night helps curing insomnia.
• Saffron (Kesar) is a very popular answer to many skin problems, like dry skin, enhancing and lightening the skin tone etc.
• Massaging the gums with saffron helps in reducing soreness and inflammation of the mouth and the tongue.
• Saffron (Kumkuma Poovu) is used for the treatment of kidney, bladder and liver disorders. It helps in improving circulation to the organs of digestion.
• When saffron paste with sandal wood oil mixture is applied on the forehead, it helps to reduce fever and head ache.
• Saffron (Kesar) helps in treating various disorders like asthma, atherosclerosis, painful menstrual periods and even depression.
• Saffron regenerates the reproductive system in men. It is used in Ayurveda to manage circumstances like low sperm motility premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and low sperm count.
• Prepare a paste of saffron and sandal wood. Dilute it with little water and apply it as a face pack. It helps to reduce pimple, dark circle, acne, and increase fairness and blush of skin.
• Saffron (Kumkuma Poovu) is considered as a blood purifier and it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Saffron (Kumkumapoo) benefits in order to ease the catamenial flow and turns as an antispasmodic. Hence, it is used in order to ease delivery of baby.
• Kesar, along with other ingredients such as amla (gooseberry) is often found in herbal products and believed to have wound healing and antioxidant properties.

Kesar / Kumkuma Poovu is an ingredient of a substantial number of Indian dishes. Some of which are the Kesari Bhat, Saffron Rice, Rava Kesari, Kesar Kheer or Saffron Pudding and Kesari Murgh or Saffron Chicken.

Saffron has to be provided to pregnant women starting 3rd trimester. (approx 7th month). About 5-6 stigmas of saffron have to be given with milk. This milk has to be drunk at night just before bed. Saffron should not be used in early pregnancy because it may cause miscarriage.

Chyavanaprasha is beneficial for the health in a number of ways. Chyavanaprash’s basic ingredient, amla, has 30 times more vitamin C than orange and helps in strengthening the immune system and expediting the healing process. Regular intake of Chyavanaprash strengthens digestion, absorption and assimilation of food and balances stomach acids. Chyavanaprash nourishes the brain cells by supporting the nervous system and enhances co-ordination and memory power. Chyavanaprash helps purify blood, invigorates the liver and helps to eliminate toxins. It helps the downward flow of energy in the body and eases constipation. Apart from these, this herbal jam eliminates wastes from the body without overloading the urinary system. It promotes hair growth and helps absorption of calcium, resulting in strong bones and teeth.

Ingredients Of Chyavanaprasha
There is no exact recipe for chyawanprash. A number of recipes are formulated for Chayavanaprasha and the key ingredients of one of the most popular recipes includes herbs and spices. Traditionally, about 20 to 80 ingredients are used to prepare the Rasayana. One of the chief ingredients of Chyavanaprasha is Indian Gooseberry (Amla / Nellikka – The richest natural source of vitamin C). Other ingredients include Ashwagandha, Pippali, Cardammon, Nutmeg & Cinnamon, Asparagus, Chebulic Myrobalan, Clove, Feather Foll Plant (Bhumiamalaki), Galls, Indian Kudzu, Irish Root, Long pepper (Piper Longum), Malabar Nut (Seed of Adhatoda Vasica), Raisins, Sandalwood, Sesame Oil, Sugar, Wild Black Gram, Wild Green Gram, etc. All these ingredients are blended in a base of ghee (Clarified Butter) and honey.

It is mainly taken after food 20 gm and also rasayana is also used insted of our breakfast and taking only milk that day but this have to be done only after getting a doctors advice.

Some of the many possible causes of headache are as below.

• Mental stress
• Fever
• Excessive caffeine or nicotine
• Reading without proper lighting
• Sitting too close to the television, or watching too much of it
• May also be a symptom of some other disease
• Side-effect of another medication
• Head injury
• Not sleeping well

Headache Natural Remedies

• Take clove, cinnamon and almond in equal quantities (around 1 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.
• Mix 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. Mix 3 or 4 pieces of saffron in it, and rub it for two minutes. The saffron does not dissolve in the ghee, but its qualities are absorbed. Remove saffron and put two drops of this ghee in each nostril. · Dosage: Follow procedure twice a day.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of milk and half teaspoon of ginger powder and put one or Dosage; two drops in each nostril twice a day.
• Wrap a wet cloth around the neck.
• Oil massage on the scalp also relieves tension and headache. Sesame oil, almond oil, mustard oil or ghee (clarified butter) can be used for massage.
• Heat 1 teaspoon of almond oil. When it cools down, put two drops in each nostril.

If you suffer from frequent headaches, be sure to visit an ayurvedic practitioner who can thoroughly examine you and determine a specific treatment plan with your particular needs in mind.

For years, coconut has been known as a valuable source of food and medicine. The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, high blood pressure, etc.

Coconuts and virgin coconut oil have a significant role to play in a well balanced, nutritious diet. This oil is very heat-stable, which makes it suited to methods of cooking at high temperatures like frying. It does not contain trans fatty acids and does not break down, even at high temperatures, unlike many other oils. Virgin coconut oil is also used for making soaps and lotions.

Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shiny complexion. Regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry. It also acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. The oil is also used in massage therapy because of its stress relieving effects.

Physical Properties

1. Colour – Colourless at or above 30o C. White when solid.
2. Odour – Typical smell of Coconut.
3. Melting Point – Melts at 25o C (76o Fahrenheit). Solid below this temperature.
4. Smoking Point – 177o C (350o Fahrenheit).
5. Density – 924.27 Kg/Meter3

Coconut Oil is also called as Coconut Butter. The reason why it is called Coconut Butter in cold countries is that since it solidifies below 25oC, it is mostly sold as cubes or chunks, like those of butter.

It affects both the genders and may start at any age. Psoriasis is quite common, affecting around two per cent of the population, although people with very mild symptoms may not be aware they have it. It usually appears in the knees, scalp, forehead, elbows, crotch, buttocks, back, and sometimes in eyebrows, genitals, navel, armpits, and nails. Psoriasis can begin at any age but usually starts either around the age of 20 or between 50 and 60.

According to Ayurveda, Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha. Accumulation of low potency poisons (Dooshi Vishas) are the basic pathological changes taking place in the system. Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs that cannot be eaten together (Eg: diary products with fish, excessive intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood, sour and salted items, etc.) Alcohol and tobacco consumption will act as a catalyst here. Ayurveda do emphasize on the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Psoriasis

• The juice of the leaves of the black nightshade can be applied locally on the affected regions. It helps in reducing the inflammation of the skin, and also has beneficial properties in allaying the pain and the itch.
• The flowers of the jasmine have good effects in the treatment of psoriasis. The flowers are crushed, made into a paste and are directly applied on the inflamed parts. This application reduces the pain and the itchiness of psoriatic inflammations.
• Make fine powder of dried neem leaves and store in a clean bottle. Take 1 teaspoonful (5gm) with a glass of water twice a day. This preparation is also available as Neem capsule in the Ayurvedic store.
• Include turmeric powder in food. Due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, it relieves the pain, swelling and inflammation associated with psoriasis, arthritis etc.
• Garlic is a blood purifier. Eating a few cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach filters the toxins out of the blood and provides protection against psoriasis.
• Rub the psoriasis with celendula oil mixed with oregano oil and olive oil. The proportion is calendula (2 drops), oregano oil (1 drop), and olive oil (1 cup).
• Use lukewarm water to wash the skin affected with psoriasis. Do not over-wash the skin. It will result to more scales and sore.
• Half a teaspoonful of pure Haldi powder (i.e., turmeric) is added to the 1 teaspoon ful of neem powder, and taken twice a day with lukewarm water.
• Affected area of the skin should be treated with ointments at least 2 times a day. The salicylic acid, anthralin and tar preparations contained in ointments will control the growth of the skin cells.
• The use of curd in the form of buttermilk has proved useful in psoriasis and the patient should drink it in liberal quantities.
• Avoid taking spicy food and consume only easily digestible food.
• Do not eat too much of salty, sour or acidic foods.
• Taking bath in sea water is found to be very effective in psoriasis treatment.
• Mental health is absolutely necessary for an effective treatment of psoriasis. Try deep breathing and relaxation exercise to reduce stress.
• It is better to avoid refrigerated/chilled foods.
• Eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E or take food supplements daily.
• Do not take cold water bath immediately after a heavy work out, traveling, a long walk etc.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include occasional throbbing pain, itching, burning sensation, bright red blood on toilet paper or stool, or a lump of soft tissue protruding outside of the anus. Low fiber-diet is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids.

For hemorrhoids, good anal hygiene is a must. The proper way of cleaning and wiping after a bowel movement is to clean the areas in a bath using plain water since most soap can cause irritation. You can also use cleansing products but make sure to rinse the area thoroughly. After washing, dry the area with a clean towel or a light warm blow dryer.

Natural treatment for hemorrhoids is free from side effects and is believed to be quite effective. Some tips for hemorrhoids as below.

• Always take foods that contain high fiber include beans, whole grains, cereals, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables such as asparagus, cabbage and carrots. Keep in mind to limit your intake of less fiber food like ice cream, cheese, meat and other processed foods.
• Dry Figs is the most effective and most useful remedy for hemorrhoids. Soak 3-4 figs in water for the night and take them in the morning, empty stomach.
• Extract fresh ginger juice and mix it with lime juice and honey. Drink one tablespoon of this mixture everyday at least four times and you will experience great relief.
• Mix two to three drops of onion juice in a glassful of water mixed with two teaspoon of sugar. Drink this concoction at least two times in a day to gain quick relief.
• White radish is very useful. Mix the grated radish with honey and take it. Another way is that you make a paste of grounded radish with milk and apply it to the infected area.
• Mango seed is good for bleeding hemorrhoids.
• Warm water relaxes the sphincter muscle, which can help soothe the pain associated with hemorrhoid protrusions. Fill your bath tub with three to four inches of warm water and sit in the tub for 15 minutes. Repeat this several times a day.
• Applying ice packs to the anal areas on and off for 10-15 minutes for 5-times a day is another way to ease the pain from acutely inflamed hemorrhoids.
• Avoid using harsh toilet papers or moist towels because these will not only worsen the hemorrhoids but also irritates the skin more.
• Avoid eating or drinking caffeinated products such as coffee since this can lower the anal sphincter pressure, promotes flatulence and heightens anal skin sensitivity.
• Avoid sitting or standing for longtime. If sitting for longtime is necessary, use a pillow.

The dry air from furnaces and other heating sources also suck the moisture out of skin. To keep skin soft and supple, your goal is not to add moisture to skin, but to keep moisture in. The below tips show you how to do this.

• Should use scrubs to remove the dry scaly skin. Then apply ½ tsp of Vitamin E oil with 2-3 drops of lime juice and ½ tsp of glycerin.
• Apply a mixture of 1 tsp warm Olive oil with a few drops of glycerin and 2-3 drops of lime juice.
• Hot water robs skin of moisture causing dry skin, so it’s best to shower in lukewarm water. The hot temperature, combined with drying chemicals, is torture on dry skin.
• 1 tsp of milk cream with2-3 drops of lime juice mixed well. This should be applied 10 minutes before a bath. It reduces the dryness and also is good when applied in Winter.
• Moisturizer is the key to soft, supple skin. Apply product when skin is slightly damp. For best effect, pat skin dry instead of rubbing with your towel before application. Simply massage the coconut oil all over the body. This will get rid of dry, itchy skin and the oil isn’t sticky like lotion tends to be.
• Moisturizer is much more effective on properly exfoliated skin. Use a salt or sugar scrub in the shower and exfoliate your face with a mild scrub made for the face. The moisture in the air is actually good for skin. If you live in a low-humidity climate or you are around furnaces in the winter, invest in a humidifier.
• Soaps can be drying. Stick with a creamy moisturizing cleanser that contains glycerin or petrolatum, such as Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash for the body or Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash for the face.
• Eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts. Eat quality protein from vegetable sources. Increase your intake of raw foods.
• Eat foods such as garlic, onions, eggs, and asparagus that are high in sulfur, which helps to keep the skin smooth and youthful. Consume plenty of yellow and orange vegetables. These are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant. Carrots are especially good.
• Cantaloupes, carrots and apricots are heating foods for dry skin because they are rich in the vitamins A and C, both important for a supple, smooth skin. Eat them whole or take as fresh juices. Eat foods rich in pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), such as quark, raw. milk cheese, natural plain yogurt, kefir, leafy green vegetables, nutritional yeast and wheat germ.
• Every morning 15 minutes before taking your bath, mix the below ingredients together and apply on your skin.
  1 egg yolk
  1 teaspoon orange juice
  1 teaspoon olive oil and few drops of rose water
  few drops of lime juice
• Mix the below ingredients thoroughly and use as a mask.
  1 egg
  1 teaspoon of honey
  1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and few drops of rose water
• Once a week take a milk bath. It will nourish and smoothen your skin. Warm your bath water and put in 250 gram of powdered milk, half tablespoon of almond oil and a few drops of your favorite perfume. Then just lie in it and let your mind wander while the wholesome foam works wonders on your dry skin.
• Drink teas of camomile, dandelion or peppermint. Borage, Fennel, Coltsfoot or Calendula tea also helps improve the skin. Add 1 tsp. of herbs to 1 cup of boiling water and drink daily.
• Do not drink soft drinks or eat sugar, chocolate, potato chips, or other junk foods. Avoid fried foods, animal fats, and heat-processed vegetable oils. Use cold- pressed oils only. Heating oils leads to the production of free radicals, which have a destructive effect on the skin.