‘Ratri Chai’ or 'Night Time Tea'

Teas are time-honoured health beverages that have become a part and parcel of our lives. We love to learn about different teas & their health benefits, select our teas with care and simply enjoy the experience of indulging in our daily nourishing brew.

Teas abate stress and weariness. They are known for soothing the digestive system. Teas also reduce risk factors of cancer, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. But how about a special tea that can enhance your memory and learning abilities?

If you are in the habit of drinking a hot cup of tea during evening to relieve your stress and fatigue, you can switch to our memory enhancer ‘Ratri Chai’. The night time tea will not only enliven your mood and vitalize your nervous system, but also improve your learning abilities.

Modern lifestyle is characterized by never-ending workloads. We feel drained of energy at the end of the day that leaves us unable to pursue even our recreational interests sometimes.

'Ratri Chai' is a stress relieving tea rich in pure ayurvedic herbs that works magically to de-stress your mind and alleviate your physical enervation. You can calm down your nervous system in a matter of seconds with a cup of this ayurvedic tea for nervous system relaxation. Spasmodic pain in muscles and headache will get soothed. The herbal beverage has been thoughtfully designed for the night time between 6 to 10 pm to provide you good quality sleep so that you wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.

Ayurveda recommends certain herbs that are effective in mitigating stress and relaxing our nervous system. Further, there are descriptions of herbs to treat numerous diseases – minor and grave – in Ayurvedic literature. These gifts of Nature to human beings can help us naturally sustain our healthiness and ward off several diseases.

The Research & Development Department of Butterfly Ayurveda has carefully selected herbs that exert stress-relieving and muscle-relaxant effects on the human body. ‘Ratri Chai’ has been developed as a unique blend of pure herbs like Shankdpushpi, Guduchi, Lemongrass, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Brahmi & Kali Mirch useful in easing your stress and exhaustion of a tiring day as well as providing other health benefits. As you enjoy gulping down our night time tea, it enhances the bio availability of other herbs, nutrients & medicines in your body so that these are able to actively enter your blood circulation and exert desired effects. You can feel pepped up with this herbal drink that acts immediately to restore your energy level. You can also digest your dinner better with this herbal tea for digestion.

Another differentiating trait of our tea for nervous system is its effects like strengthening of memory and learning potential. Herbal extracts like Ashwagandha, Brahmi & Tulsi improve memory while helping to treat problems like asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, mild cold or fever, upper respiratory tract infection, anxiety, depression and convulsions.

This tea owes to its herbs in helping you treat a great number of other diseases as well. You can normalize blood pressure & heart rate, check high cholesterol & indigestion, cure cold & flu and detoxify your body with Lemongrass. Shankhpushpi makes better issues like insomnia, hypertension and anxiety. Guduchi is useful for jaundice and urinary tract infection. Risk factors of asthma, bronchitis and hypothyroidism go down drastically with this herb. Kali Mirch increases bio-availability of other drugs & nutrients that you ingest, has anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anticonvulsant, anti-diarrheal & anti-oxidant properties and helps treat low appetite, allergies, cold, flu & asthma.

Read More

Butterfly Ayurveda — ‘Shubh Saanjh Chai’

If you are a foodie, you can continue pampering yourself till no end. Butterfly Ayurveda has developed a special Digestive Tea or ‘Shubh Saanjh Chai’ that stimulates proper digestion and lets you digest all that you love to eat. You can enjoy this tea for digestive health anytime in your afternoons or evenings relishing the pleasant taste of its pure ayurvedic herbs. The beverage is not just great to taste but promotes instant digestion. It helps you treat symptoms of indigestion like flatulence, excessive burping, gas formation, nausea, bloated stomach etc. You can drink our Good Evening Tea after lunch or anytime after consuming a heavy meal to ease the digestion process. It is also useful in improving halitosis or unpleasant smelling breath which is usually an after-effect of indigestion.

Additional health benefits of this tea to help digestion include that it balances the risen Vata dosha in human body during late afternoon and early evening time. It has been especially designed to be taken between 2 pm to 6 pm to alleviate the symptoms associated with imbalanced Vata, such as, cramps in calf muscle, dizziness, insomnia, unsteadiness of mind, pain in joints, astringent taste in mouth, body pain and gas formation.

The beverage is also good for respiratory problems and helps you sustain your cardiac health. It proves useful for infective disorders. As you sip our Digestive Tea, it relieves your stress and endows a soothing effect as well.

The tea contains herbal extracts like Shankhpushpi, Ajwain, Mint, Elaichi Laghu and Saunf along with black or green tea leaves. Mint is beneficial in treating gallbladder & biliary tract disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anorexia, colic in infants, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, unpleasant-smelling breath, flatulence and indigestion. Saunf proves helpful in chronic cough, bronchitis, menstrual pain, respiratory problems and bloated stomach. Shakhpushpi has inhibitory effects for hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, stress, asthma, bronchitis and indigestion. Ajwain shows counteractive action for gas, lack of appetite, colic, diarrhea, bloating and indigestion. And, Elaichi Laghu is helpful to treat skin disorders, high blood pressure and is effective in assuaging cigarette addiction.

Green tea leaves are useful for flatulence, digestion, weight loss, improving mental processes and regulating blood sugar & body temperature. Black tea leaves are effective in breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, type 2 diabetes age-related disorders, heart problems and skin eruptions.

You can choose between the Green Tea Leaves or Black Tea Leaves variants of this tea for digestion as per your taste and preference. Each of the tea variants has its own special benefits for your health improvement. For the purpose of cooking, we recommend not adding sugar or milk to our teas. However, you can flavor the beverages with lemon. Or, even add milk and sugar to taste.

Read More

A Brimful of Health Everyday

Deliberate interventions in your health management can have amazing outcomes. Make small tweaks and see wonders happen. Butterfly Ayurveda is a team of Ayurveda disciples ardently devoted to enhancing people’s wellbeing and preventing diseases through some simple means.

You can align your health improvement with your daily cup of tea. We have designed special variants of our herbal teas enriched with ayurvedic extracts that strengthen your immunity, promote digestion, energize nervous system and treat common illnesses.

Our ‘Suprabhat Chai’ or Good Morning Tea validates itself as the ‘Cognition Enhancer Tea’. A unique concoction prepared with green or black tea leaves and pure herbs, it helps to increase concentration and make you feel vitalized during fresh morning time.

Brahmi in this herbal drink works as a magical herb to relieve your anxiety, exert muscle relaxant effects, enhance memory and act as an anti-depressant, anti-convulsions and anti-diabetic agent. Its properties also help to prevent risk factors of asthma, bronchitis and hypothyroidism. Likewise, Tulsi is a memory enhancer, stress alleviator and helpful for upper respiratory tract infection, mild cold or fever and bronchitis. Guduchi is useful for jaundice and urinary tract infection. You can also improve your digestion with Mulethi and Kali Mirch in this ayurvedic beverage. In addition, Mulethi is effective in curbing gastritis and high cholesterol and is good for cough, bronchitis and asthma. Kali Mirch can treat low appetite and is useful for allergies, asthma, cold and flu. Lemongrass is another important ingredient which is helpful for detoxification, normalizing heart rate and blood pressure, treating high cholesterol, indigestion, cold, flu and is a lipid-lowering agent.

This morning chai is a great immunity tea that enhances your body’s resilience to a number of diseases. A daily cup between 6 am to 10 am helps to balance risen Kapha dosha during morning time. Four variants have been developed of this herbal tea for immunesystem with their distinct health benefits.

‘Shubh Saanjh Chai’ or Good Evening Tea is primarily an ayurvedic tea for digestive health. It promotes healthy digestion along with helping to treat respiratory problems, removing unpleasant smelling breath and endowing a soothing effect. You can reduce excessive burping and gas formation after a sumptuous lunch with this herbal tea for digestion. It can provide relief from colic pain, diarrhea and is a tea for constipation as well.

The ideal time to drink the tea for digestion is between 2 pm to 6 pm as it balances Vata dosha risen during this time of the day.

Shakhpushpi in this herbal beverage is useful for insomnia, hypertension, anxiety, stress, fatigue, bronchitis, asthma and indigestion. Mint helps treat irritable bowel syndrome, gallbladder and biliary tract disorders, colic in infants, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bad breath and diarrhea. Saunf exerts useful effects in bronchitis, chronic cough, bloated stomach, respiratory problems and menstrual pain. Ajwain is helpful for gas, lack of appetite, bloating, indigestion, colic and diarrhea. Likewise, Elaichi Laghu is useful to treat high blood pressure, skin disorders and eases cigarette addiction.

Ratri Chai is our ayurvedic tea for nervous system that relieves stress and fatigue of a tiring day. It relaxes the nervous system immediately providing a soothing and calming effect. Your headache and muscle spasms disappear with this relaxing herbal tea so that you can sleep soundly. The night time tea is also effective in enhancing bio availability of other herbs, strengthening memory and learning abilities and detoxifying your body.

Other than Shankdpushpi, Guduchi, Lemongrass, Tulsi, Brahmi and Kali Mirch, this stress relievingtea contains Ashwagandha which promotes memory enhancement and is useful to treat diabetes, asthma and bronchitis.

Our Masala Chai is an ‘Immunity Enhancer Tea’ developed using six ayurvedic herbs and black tea leaves. This black tea for digestion acts as a great appetizer and carminative and stimulates digestion. You can balance tridoshas and treat loss of appetite and mild fever with a cough or a cold with this herbal beverage.

Banaphsa in the masala chai is a good expectorant, diuretic, has anti-bacterial, anthelmintic and anti-fungal properties and is useful for bilious disorders. Lavang exerts remedial action against sore throat, gastritis, diarrhea, ingestion and respiratory problems like cough, bronchitis, cold, asthma, sinusitis and tuberculosis. Cinnamon eases toothache and sore gums and has proven effects in the treatment of rheumatism, stiffness and aching joints. Ginger can arouse appetite and treat digestive problems, is a cure for motion sickness, nausea and vomiting and bolsters immunity and detoxification. Elaichi Laghu has inhibitory action against burning sensation, dyspepsia, haemorrhoids, gastropathy, anorexia, bad breath, asthma, bronchitis and kidney and bladder stones. Similarly, black pepper increases the bio availability of several nutrients and medicines and bears anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anticonvulsant, anti-diarrheal and anti-oxidant properties.

Read More

Treating Diabetes with Ayurveda

Statistics suggest that diabetes has become a common disease afflicting people worldwide. While oral medicines and injections will be recommended by your doctor, diabetic patients must also pay great attention at an individual level to constantly supervise their blood sugar through healthy diets, exercise routines, weight loss etc.

Ideal Diet for Diabetics

We would like to share some useful tips with diabetics or even those with high blood sugar to help them prevent or deal with this chronic disease. People with high blood sugar must categorically avoid high-calorie edibles, like, sweets, non-vegetarian diets, high-fat food items, creamed milk, fried items etc. that will exponentially surge their blood sugar level. Conversely, diabetic diet should be low in refined carbohydrates and sugar and rich in dietary fiber – both soluble and insoluble. Plant-based diets, like, fruits, vegetables, legumes etc. are fiber-rich which helps to slow the rate of sugar absorption into bloodstream. We can acquire our insoluble fiber from sources, such as, peels of grapes & kiwifruit, skins of potato & tomato and edibles, like - whole grain foods, corn bran, wheat, peas, beans, cauliflower, avocado etc. On the other hand, soluble fiber is found in legumes, like - soybeans, peas & other beans, fruits, like – avocados, prunes, berries, ripe bananas & plums and edibles, like - oats, barley, rye, carrots, broccoli, almonds, sweet potatoes, onions etc.

Useful Herbs

Juice of bitter gourd or concentrated bitter gourd extracts have a hypoglycemic or blood glucose lowering effect. Similarly, you can also directly consume powdered seeds of black plum to keep your immoderate blood sugar level in control. Indian barberry and the chief active constituent in Turmeric – curcumin – also exert anti-diabetic action helping to bring down high blood sugar. You can also season your meals with vinegar which helps reduce the glycemic index of carbohydrates and slow down the sudden rise in blood sugar level after a meal. Likewise, consumption of neem oil is highly recommendable that helps balance blood sugar levels and detoxify blood.

Easy Home Remedies

Diabetic patients can also take one teaspoon of methi seeds or five-six almonds soaked overnight in water every morning to bring their blood sugar level down. Drinking of tomato juice flavoured with salt and pepper in the morning on empty stomach also proves beneficial for cases of diabetes. Pulses - especially, sprouts and pulses with husks – are healthy alternatives to other carbohydrate-rich edibles due to their comparatively lesser effect on blood glucose. In the same manner, milk provides the right proportions of proteins and carbohydrates helping to control high blood sugar level. Leafy vegetables are high-fiber food items and must be essential components in the diet of diabetics. High-fiber fruits include pear, orange, papaya, guava, apple etc. whereas mangoes, bananas, grapes etc. are high on sugar and should only be consumed in limited quantities.

Why Small Meals are Better?

Diabetics should also take small meals on a frequent basis and must avoid heavy meals that will increase their blood sugar level. Moreover, small meals taken frequently help maintain consistent blood sugar level preventing both the adverse conditions of high and low blood sugar levels. In between the meals, seasonal fruits, butter milk, upma, dhokla, poha, raw vegetables, yogurt etc. can be your healthy choices for snacks.

If high blood sugar level is your worry, you should switch to Butterfly Ayurveda’s Pancreofly - the Blood Glucose Metabolizer Capsules. Pre-diabetic persons as well as diabetic patients (newly detected NIDDM: Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus – type 2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes with micro & macrovascular complications: NIDDM with early retinopathy and NIDDM with microalbuminuria) can take our ayurvedic diabetes medicine to bring down their blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Read More

Butterfly Ayurveda's Diabetes Mellitus Treatment

Butterfly Ayurveda is a dedicated team of Ayurveda adherents – that came into being in November 2014 – with the vision to come up with effective, curative solutions through our Ayurvedic products.

With the application of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom, their own extensive research and modern scientific technology, our product R&D team endeavours to develop ayurvedic medicines and tea variants to comprehensively improve the physical & mental wellness of individuals.

Our Pancreofly Capsule is a clinically evaluated, unique formulation of herbal extracts developed scientifically using Ayurvedic concepts. It is intended for use by pre-diabetic individuals with high blood sugar level and diabetic patients (NIDDM type 2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes with micro & macrovascular complications - NIDDM with early retinopathy and NIDDM with microalbuminuria) as an added therapy to existing medication. The ‘Blood Glucose Metabolizer’ helps in moderating high blood sugar level by increasing insulin secretion from pancreas and peripheral utilization of glucose.

Pancreofly is enriched with ayurvedic extracts, like, Methi, Jamun, Karela, Trikatu, Daruharidra, and Mesasrngi that exert antidiabetic action naturally, increasing peripheral utilization of insulin to bring down hyperinsulinemia - the root cause of diabetic complications, like, peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy and male impotency. The medicine is also helpful in maintaining healthy cholesterol and triglycerides levels. It revives a sense of well-being, improves quality of life and restores libido.

No side-effects, like, fluid accumulations, stomach upsets or issues of jaundice will be visible with this herbal medicine for diabetes. The capsules help normalize kidney and liver functions and minimize the side-effects of allopathic medicines.

If you have high cholesterol or blood sugar level, you can try our purely Ayurvedicdiabetes medicine, the PANCREOFLY capsules. Developed scientifically, the capsules have been clinically examined for their counteractive action against diabetes and help keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control. The Blood Glucose Metabolizer medicine even brings down hyperinsulinemia that causes long-term diabetic complications, like, peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy and male impotency.

Read More

Ayurvedic Remedies to Treat High Blood Pressure

Here we discuss with you some Ayurvedic remedies for hypertensive individuals to treat their high blood pressure. Ayurveda recognizes certain wonderful herbs and edibles that exert effective counteractive action against elevated blood pressure. It is important to note that stress is a major reason behind high BP and each of the said herbs controls stress or stress hormone production in its own unique way. Natural ways to normalize BP also include prevention of critical complications, like, inflammation, atherosclerosis, obesity, atherosclotic plaque etc.

Ashwagandha is useful in naturally controlling high BP. It also alleviates stress and is an anti-inflammation agent. As an adaptogenic herb, it helps normalize physiological processes and enhance body’s resistance to stress-related conditions. Moreover, it is good for rejuvenating mind and body, providing inner calmness and improving immunity. There is reduction in the circulation of stress hormones in body that consequently brings blood pressure under control.

Arjuna is another great high BP lowering herb that works by increasing low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) content in liver which leads to prevention of bad cholesterol oxidation in blood vessels and formation of atherosclotic plaque. It helps to curb the effects of stress and nervousness on cardiac health. The inner lining of blood vessels also gets safeguarded with the curtailment of stress hormone production.

Triphala is a formulation of amla, haritaki and bibhitaki used for diminishing hypertension, cholesterol, obesity, edema and atherosclerosis in arteries and improving blood circulation. It also exerts anti-inflammatory action which along with reduction of edema lowers the pressure against blood vessel walls.

Jatamansi safeguards arteries from free radical damage thus bringing down high BP. Blood vessels tend to get narrower with arterial damage leading to increase in blood pressure. It also helps to control excessive stress hormone production and subsequently the damage this causes to artery walls.

Ajwain helps to reduce high BP by curbing blood concentration of stress hormones which leads to constriction of blood vessels. Amla and honey also have proven effects to bring high BP under control. Likewise, other herbs identified for their useful effect in lowering hypertension and high BP include ashwagandha, katuka, myrrh, calamus, barberry, shankhapushpi, valerian, gotu kola, aloe gel, cayenne, motherwort, skullcap, sarpagandha, brahmi, chandana and hawthorn.

Vitamin C in lemon or other edibles prevents the weakness of capillaries. Potassium and calcium help in removing sodium, eventually ensuring the proper functioning of vascular system. Watermelon causes blood vessels to dilate and blood pressure to decrease, in effect. Boiled potatoes are also useful in controlling high BP. Magnesium-rich vegetables are equally good for their inhibitory activity on hypertension. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat that is effective for reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Apart from these remedies, Ayurveda recommends diets enriched with fruits and vegetables for people suffering with high BP. One mg of garlic thrice a day, mustard and onion are highly effective in controlling high HP. Honey along with crushed clove twice a week will also work wonders for lowering high BP. Saraswat powder with warm milk is another great combination for hypertensive persons.

Interested in learning more on Ayurvedic remedies? You can follow our blogs on www.butterflyayurveda.com for Ayurvedic recommendations applicable to other common diseases. Butterfly Ayurveda is a health firm devoted to analyzing the causes behind the most prevalent physical disorders in the contemporary times. We strive to provide curative solutions through our knowledge of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and research about lifestyle-induced factors that germinate diseases. Our blogs cater to a variety of insightful subjects like wellness of mind, body & soul, tridosha, prakriti or body constitution, mental health, fitness, five elements, panchmahabhuta, healthy diets, right kind of exercises, daily routine and much more.

Read More

Balanced Diet for a Healthy Life

Health of the busy modern man is susceptible to deterioration. Improper diets coupled with irregular eating routines result into poor health, weak stamina and impaired resistance to diseases.

We need to revise our diets, exercise routines, lifestyles and other habits to sustain good health. Below is summarized a balanced diet plan that you should follow to keep up your health.

A well-balanced diet must supply our body with the requisite quantities of nutrients - fluid, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids from proteins, carbohydrates, fats etc. without over-supplying with calories. Both plant-based and animal-based diets can fulfill these nutritional requirements. But, consumption has to be in suitable amounts to prevent excessive weight gain and the diseases associated with it.

At the same time, a healthy diet must check the infiltration of toxins and pathogens into our body and prevent infections and diseases like hypertension, cardiac issues, diabetes, obesity, myopia, hypermetropia, liver failure, cancer and other chronic diseases.

Seasonal fruits, legumes, vegetables, seeds, whole foods and nuts should be essential inclusions in our diets. Garlic, cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and tomato cooked using oil help enhance body’s immunity against cancer. Similarly, unprocessed and unrefined foods, like, unpolished whole grains, dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese etc. and animal products are beneficial for health.

Macronutrients:

1.     Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the energy suppliers of human body. Carbohydrates broken down to sugar or glucose act as the crucial fuel for our brain and body. 50-55% of one’s total calorie consumption should be carbohydrates. Complex carbs are healthier as the energy and satiety they provide sustain for longer and they also contain minerals, vitamins and fibre.

Rich carbohydrate sources are wholegrain cereals like wheat flour, bulgur wheat, rice, rice flakes & puffed rice, bread, barley, maize, oats, quinoa, bajra, sorghum, sago, semolina and pasta noodles. Root vegetables like potato, yam & sweet potato, fruits, milk and sugar and sugary products like, sugarcane, honey and jaggery also contain good amounts of carbohydrates.

2.     Proteins

Amino acids are the building blocks for our muscles, teeth, bones and skeletal structure. Proteins are essential for normal growth, tissue repair and healing of injuries and wounds. 15-20% of our total calorie intake should be proteins.

Good protein-providing foods include legumes (pulses, especially, moong dal), nuts (almonds, cashews & walnuts), seeds, poultry, beans, meat, dairy products, soy, eggs and fish. Pulses lack in certain amino acids and must be coupled with cereals to fulfill one’s daily requirement of proteins. Protein-rich cereals are oats, rye, buckwheat, millet, maize, wheat, rice, sorghum, quinoa and amaranth.

Fruits, kidney beans, lentils, white beans, chickpeas, cowpeas, pigeon peas, lima beans, lupines, Brazil nuts, wing beans, pecans, pumpkin seeds, cotton seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds are some other rich sources of proteins.

3.     Fats

Fats help in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, E, K & D) and supply energy to body. They safeguard our organs and monitor body temperature by forming a layer beneath our skin. 25-30% of one’s total calorie consumption should be good quality fat.

You can consume plant oils like olive oil, groundnut oil & coconut oil, eggs, cheese, fish, dark chocolate, chia seeds, nuts, peanut or almond butter, rice bran oil, ghee and avocados for obtaining healthy fats.

Micronutrients

1.     Vitamins

Vitamins are vital for several bodily metabolic functions. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants. Fruit servings must be twice a day and vegetables must be taken four-five times a day.

Vitamin Type	Source
Vitamin A	Leafy vegetables, milk, orange, fish, carrots, soya milk, pumpkin, spinach & ripe yellow fruits
Vitamin B1	Brown rice, potato, oatmeal, vegetables & eggs
Vitamin B2	Green beans, dairy products, popcorn, bananas & asparagus
Vitamin B3	Mushrooms, eggs, meat, tree nuts, vegetables & fish
Vitamin B5	Avocados, meat & broccoli
Vitamin B6	Vegetables, bananas, meat & tree nuts
Vitamin B7	Green leafy vegetables, raw egg yolk & peanuts
Vitamin B9	Bread, leafy vegetables, cereals & pasta
Vitamin B12	Milk, fish, meat, eggs & poultry
Vitamin C	Fruits & vegetables
Vitamin D	Sunlight, mushrooms, fish & eggs
Vitamin E	Nuts, seeds, fruits & vegetables
Vitamin K	Spinach and other green leafy vegetables & egg yolk

2.     Minerals

Minerals play a crucial role in the building of bones, teeth, hair etc. Fatty acids in minerals allow movement of fluids in body, blood coagulation, activation of enzymes and maintain body temperature. Minerals are indispensable for the regular functioning of multiple body processes.

Variety of fruits and vegetables including orange, banana, avocado, carrot, spinach, broccoli, potato, tomato etc. are good sources to obtain different vitamins and minerals. Other rich sources are whole grains (like oats), sweet potato, legumes, nuts (especially cashews), beans, bread, rice, seafood, red meat, seeds, lentils, prune, eggs, fish, milk and other dairy products.

Iodized table salt or sodium chloride, cinnamon, herbs like oregano, dill & thyme, peanut butter, dark chocolate, tea, coffee, seaweed, grape juice, brazil nuts, cheese, garlic, onion and sunflower seeds are some more healthy options for minerals.

3.     Calcium

Calcium is essential for the strength and development of teeth and bones. Deficiency can lead to easy fractures and osteoporosis. Children in growing age and women after menopause need calcium in greater amounts.

Milk, buttermilk, baked beans, cheese, collards, curd, fortified soy milk, lassi and bok choy are rich sources of calcium. Milk should be taken twice a day.

Liquid

Hydration vitalizes your body with freshness and energy whereas dehydration can cause bad breath, fatigue and headache.

Water is the best liquid and contains natural micronutrients like calcium and salts. Avoid sugary drinks completely and consume milk, coffee, juices, tea, artificially-sweetened drinks and alcohol in limited quantities. At least two litres of water every day is necessary for our body.

Read More

Ayurvedic ‘Tridoshas’: Vata, Pitta & Kapha:At the Level of Mind, Body & Cell

Ayurveda is a traditional repertoire of medical knowledge bestowed to human race by Lord Brahma himself.  The belief goes that the system of medicine has existed since time immemorial and has its genesis in the times when Lord Brahma created universe and mankind. Ayurveda is medical knowledge deemed as a subsidiary Veda – an Upaveda. Ayurvedic literature has even been discovered to contain medicinal plant names found in Atharvaveda and other Vedas. Atharvaveda is also inclusive of incantations and 114 hymns that are magical cures for treating various diseases.

However, other than salient medical prescriptions, Ayurveda also incorporates a holistic and comprehensive focus on our health, wellness, happiness and creative growth.

Ensuing here is an insightful discussion about the crucial Ayurvedic concepts of ‘Prakriti’ and ‘Tridoshas’ that will help you gain better knowledge of your core being to optimize your way of living towards a healthier you.

Like all forms of creation, human body comprises of three ‘doshas’ – Vata, Pitta and Kapha that are peculiar formulations of the five universal elements - Earth (Prithvi), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), Water (Jala) and Space (Akash). Vata is composed of Air & Space, Pitta of Fire & Water and Kapha of Water & Earth.

Our ‘Sharira’ is inclusive of Vata that represents the subtle form of energy associated with the nervous system. Pitta represents the form of energy associated with digestion and metabolism and Kapha is the form of energy associated with our body’s structure.

Our neurogenic system, muscle & tissue movement, breathing, heart pulsation, blinking and excretion are functions that fall under the domain of Vata.

 

Pitta oversees our metabolic system, digestion processes - absorption, assimilation & nutrition, eye vision, hunger, taste, thirst, softness of body, body temperature and skin luster & pigmentation.

 

Kapha takes care of bone, muscle & tendon formation, joint lubrication & strengthening, skin moisturization, maintenance of immunity, nourishment, viscidity, solidarity and sexual viguor.

At the level of cellular functioning, Vata is responsible for the inflow of nutrients into body cells and outflow of wastes out of cells. It also caters to movements within the cell membranes and cytoplasm.

Pitta activates the digestion of nutrients to furnish the energy essential for cellular operations.

On the other hand, Kapha monitors the proper structuring of our cells and allows the cells to be held together.

Having said that, it hardly needs to be emphasized that proper balance or harmony between the ‘tridoshas’ is highly desirable for our overall well-being. Any kind of excessiveness or deranged state of Vata, Pitta and Kapha in our body can jeopardize our healthiness in major ways. Ayurveda posits that imbalances in these three bio-elements, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, originate diseases.

In this context, it is important that one has a better knowledge of one’s ‘prakriti’ – unique mind-body constitution, distinct to each individual. A human body is typically predominated by one ‘dosha’ or by a dual constitution of two ‘doshas’.

To keep our ‘tridoshas’ in an optimum state of equilibrium, we must deeply understand our ‘prakriti’. Specific exercises, diets, yogic postures etc. are recommendable for specific ‘prakritis.’

This way we can not only forestall illness and diseases but also sustain a healthy state of physical and mental being.

Interested in learning more about Ayurvedic concepts? You can tune in to our official website (www.butterflyayurveda.com) or even follow our website blogs.

Butterfly Ayurveda is a dedicated team of Ayurveda adherents committed to develop effective, curative solutions in its ayurvedic medicines and tea variants.

Read More

Decoding Ayurveda ‘Doshas’

We might have caught snippets of information related to the ayurvedic concept of ‘dosha’ but not enough to fathom a deeper understanding. You are on the right page if you are interested in assimilating in depth the concept of ‘tridoshas’ – Vata, Pitta and Kapha and the roles these play in affecting our heath & well-being.

‘Dosha’, as per Ayurveda, is a bio-entity or a bio-element, which is an essential part of our bodily constitution. Inherently unstable by nature, the ‘tridoshas’ are constantly fluctuating in our bodies - changing during the span of a day and even as we consume food. Therefore, it is crucial that we keep our ‘tridoshas’ in good harmony at all times. For instance, Kapha is dominant during morning & night time, Vata during evening & dawn time and Pitta during midday & midnight. The paramount concept in Ayurveda is that sound health is the outcome of harmonious balance between ‘tridoshas’ whereas imbalances can result in diseases.

During the span of human life, Kapha dominates during infancy & childhood, Vata during old age or the age of senility and Pitta dominates during youth. The ‘tridoshas’ even follow the cyclical movement of seasons; Kapha dominates during spring, Vata during rainy season and Pitta during autumn.

Let us now delve deeper into each of the three ‘doshas’ – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – considered individually.

Vāta or Vata is the fine force of energy associated with motion, Pitta is the force associated with bile in our body and Kapha is the energy that determines our body’s structure. Vata is the principle of kinetic energy primarily linked with the nervous system. Kapha is the principle of potential energy concerned with stability and lubrication. On the other hand, Pitta controls our enzymatic and endocrine systems and represents energy that utilizes bile to regulate our digestion and strengthen body metabolism.

Human body is composed of five universal elements – the ‘Panchamahabhoota’ – Fire (Agni), Water (Jal), Space (Akash), Earth (Prithvi) and Air (Vayu) and so are the ‘tridoshas’. Vata is constituted by Air & Space, Pitta by Fire & Water and Kapha by Earth & Water.

Vata is the airy element characterised by qualities, like, dryness, lightness, coldness, roughness, erraticism, minuteness and motion. Vata causes movements in our body. Imbalanced Vata often causes pain and diseases, like, flatulence, windy humour, rheumatism and gouts.

Pitta is the fiery element or bile characterised by qualities, like, hotness, moistness, liquidness, sourness and sharpness. Pitta is oily, light, intense, fluid and malodorous in nature. Pitta’s processes essentially involve digestion of some kind even if it is the cooking of thoughts in our mind. Pitta is Fire contained in Water; fluid and able to consume food, it can digest and transform.

Kapha is the watery element characterised by qualities, like, heaviness, tenderness, softness, coldness, lubrication and slowness. Kapha is oily, stable, viscous and dense. It is the nutrients-transporter of the body that ensures its proper nourishment. Kapha is the predominant constituent in our soft organs and plays crucial role in nourishment of joints, taste perception and lubrication in our body.

‘Tridoshas’ are essential forces within us that influence not only our wellness and proneness to diseases, but also our growth, how we age and many other aspects.

All of us have one ‘dosha’ predominant in our bodies. ‘Prakriti’ is what defines this unique mind-body constitution of each individual. An identification and deeper insight into our ‘prakritis’ can help us adapt our lifestyles – diet, exercise habits etc. – in suitability to our ‘prakritis’ so that we can lead healthier lives.

It is an understanding of our individual habits, external body traits, emotions, mental capabilities, temperament and numerous other factors that can help us recognize our ‘prakritis’. Ayurveda recommends specific exercises, massage routines, yoga pranayama & postures, meditation, diet and more for specific ‘prakritis’.

When your ‘doshas’ are in disharmony, particular symptoms are visible with increased Kapha, increased Vata and increased Pitta.

Excessive Vata causes nervous or mental and digestive disorders, weakening of body tissues and low energy. Excessive Pitta causes blood toxification that leads to infections and inflammations. Excessive Kapha causes increased mucus formation, edema, lung disorders and weight gain.

SYMPTOMS WITH IMBALANCED ‘TRIDOSHAS’

EXCESSIVE VATA	EXCESSIVE PITTA	EXCESSIVE KAPHA
Gas formation	Burning sensation in stomach	Increased phlegm
Cramps in calf muscle	Hyperacidity	Cough in morning time
Astringent taste	Fever	Lethargic feeling and failure to wake up early
Body pain	Jaundice	Lethargy and drowsiness
Dizziness	Bitter taste in mouth	Sweet taste in mouth
Insomnia	Itching	Salivation
Unsteadiness of mind	Perspiration	Plumpness or flabbiness
Pain in joints	Gastric ulcer	Gallstones
Fractures in hip joints	Indigestion

Essentially, it is Vata that maintains the balance between Kapha and Pitta. We must, therefore, pay great attention to keeping Vata in balance so that other doshas also remain well harmonized.

Read More