As the weather starts to change, so must our lifestyles. While you may enjoy cold drinks and sweet foods in summers, winter may bring out the urge to drink warm beverages as well as cravings for spicy and tangy foods. Whether it's getting colder, drier, or even suddenly warmer, many of us begin to notice a familiar pattern, which is when we start feeling unwell. It's almost like clockwork; when the seasons shift, our bodies often react. This can mean we're more likely to catch things like a common cold or experience a scratchy sore throat.

These changes in the environment can affect our immune system, making it a bit harder for our bodies to fight off germs. Plus, certain viruses and bacteria thrive in specific weather conditions. For example, cold and dry air can help flu viruses spread more easily. So, while a sore throat might seem like a small thing, it's often a sign that our bodies are adjusting to the new season, and that some common seasonal illnesses are making their rounds in our community. In these circumstances Ayurveda can play a big role, not only helping us cure the said ailments, but also strengthening our immune system.

Sore Throats in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, your throat is seen as an important area connected to two main energies, or doshas: Kapha and Pitta. Kapha controls how much mucus your body makes, while Pitta manages inflammation and how your body uses energy. When these doshas get out of balance, it can lead to problems like a sore throat or pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat).

Environmental elements like cold winds, dry air, or pollution can directly irritate your throat. Your food choices also play a role; eating too many cold, fried, or spicy foods can upset your body's natural balance. Seasonal changes commonly trigger imbalances, and there are many homely remedies you can use to help.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Sore Throats

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

This powerful herb actively fights germs. You can chew fresh tulsi leaves or enjoy a warm cup of tulsi tea. Both methods effectively soothe throat irritation and provide a noticeable boost to your immune system, helping your body's defenses.

Turmeric (Haridra)

Renowned for its ability to reduce swelling and combat germs, turmeric is highly versatile. Try mixing it into warm milk for a soothing drink or use it as a gargle with salt in warm water to alleviate throat discomfort and fight infection.

Mulethi (Licorice Root)

Licorice is well-known for its comforting and soothing qualities. For quick relief, you can simply suck on a licorice lozenge. Alternatively, boil mulethi in water to create a soothing tea that effectively helps to ease persistent throat pain and irritation.

Ginger (Adraka)

Ginger acts as a potent anti-inflammatory and a strong immune system booster. Preparing and drinking ginger tea with a touch of honey is a highly effective remedy. This warming concoction works to significantly reduce throat swelling and discomfort, providing quick relief.

Clove (Lavanga)

Cloves offer a natural numbing effect and possess strong germ-fighting properties. For immediate relief, simply suck on a whole clove. You can also mix clove oil in warm water for gargling, which can provide surprisingly quick and effective relief for a sore throat.

Fertility struggles are among the most emotionally taxing and physically draining experiences a couple can go through. While medical science has advanced to offer high-tech solutions like IVF and IUI, an increasing number of individuals are seeking holistic alternatives that nurture the body from within. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers just that—a deeply rooted, natural and time-tested fertility support plan.

This feature explores how Ayurveda views fertility, why it may be a viable option for couples trying to conceive, and how it can be integrated with or even before pursuing modern reproductive technologies. The goal is not just conception, but preparing both body and mind for a healthier, happier journey into parenthood.

In Ayurveda, fertility is seen as a reflection of a person’s overall health—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Rather than isolating the reproductive system, Ayurveda considers the entire body as a dynamic ecosystem where imbalances in any area can impact conception.

The foundational Ayurvedic concept of Garbha Sambhava Samagri outlines four essential pillars for successful conception:

Rutu (Timing): Refers to hormonal balance and the right physiological window for conception.

Kshetra (Field): The health and readiness of the reproductive organs, especially the uterus.

Ambu (Nourishment): The strength of digestion, nutrient absorption, and blood supply.

Beeja (Seed): The quality of the sperm and ovum.

When these factors align harmoniously, the chances of conception increase naturally.

Dr. Rohit Sane, an Ayurvedic doctor and wellness expert, shares the story of Meera and Rohan, a couple who turned to Ayurveda after five years of failed attempts at conception. “They had tried everything,” he recalls. “But what struck Meera most was how no one talked about preparing the body before conception.”

Through a customized plan involving detoxification (Panchakarma), uterine cleansing (Uttar Basti), and stress-relieving therapies like Shirodhara, the couple saw transformative changes. Meera’s menstrual cycles normalized, Rohan’s stress and blood sugar levels improved, and within four months, they conceived.

“Ayurveda doesn’t treat infertility,” Dr. Sane emphasizes. “It restores the natural ability to conceive.”

Why Modern Couples Are Turning to Ayurveda for Fertility Support?

Modern lifestyles—irregular diets, chronic stress, exposure to pollutants, and sedentary routines—create imbalances in the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which can directly impair reproductive health. Ayurveda offers:

• A natural, non-invasive approach
• Customized treatments based on individual constitution
• Long-term health improvements that benefit both parents and child

Many couples now opt to try Ayurvedic approaches either before exploring clinical treatments or in conjunction with them for better outcomes.

Ayurvedic Diet for Fertility

Diet is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic fertility care. The focus is on strengthening digestion (Agni), eliminating toxins (Ama), and building reproductive tissue (Shukra Dhatu). Key recommendations include:

Warm, Freshly Cooked Foods

These stabilize Vata dosha and enhance digestion. Think soups, stews, and steamed vegetables.

Healthy Fats

Ghee is a revered fertility food, known to deeply nourish the tissues. Sesame and coconut oils are also beneficial.

Proteins

Lentils, legumes, paneer, and moderate amounts of organic meat or fish are vital for tissue regeneration.

Spices

Cumin, fennel, turmeric, cinnamon, and especially ginger help kindle digestive fire and purify the system.

Avoid cold drinks, processed foods, and excess sugar—all of which weaken the reproductive system.

Sample Daily Meal Plan

Morning: Warm lemon water; porridge made with milk, cinnamon, and cardamom

Lunch: Rice, lentil dal, sautéed greens, and ghee

Afternoon: Herbal tea with soaked almonds or dates

Dinner: Light soup, whole-grain chapati, and steamed vegetables

Ayurvedic Herbs That Support Fertility Naturally

Herbs in Ayurveda aren’t just supplements—they are considered potent allies that balance doshas, strengthen reproductive health, and calm the nervous system. Some commonly used herbs include:

Ashwagandha: Helps balance cortisol and supports hormonal function

Shatavari: Known as the "queen of herbs" for female reproductive health

Guduchi: Detoxifies the body and boosts immunity

Kapikacchu: Enhances sperm count and motility in men

Gokshura: Supports hormone regulation and sexual vitality

Lodhra: Tones the uterus and regulates menstruation

Note: Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for dosage and suitability.

Specialized Ayurvedic Treatments for Fertility

Besides herbal remedies and dietary changes, Ayurveda offers powerful therapies:

Panchakarma: A detoxification process to remove toxins and reset body functions

Uttar Basti: Medicated oil enema therapy focused on uterine health

Shirodhara: A mind-calming therapy to reduce stress and balance the endocrine system

Sharir Shodhan: A full-body cleanse to correct metabolic and hormonal imbalances

The Hidden Connection Between Stress, Hormones, and Fertility

One of the silent saboteurs of fertility is stress. Elevated cortisol levels interfere with ovulation, libido, and sperm quality. Ayurvedic therapies like meditation, yoga, Pranayama, and Shirodhara not only reduce stress but also recalibrate the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis.

Sleep, too, plays a critical role. Ayurveda recommends a regular sleep schedule, oil massages (Abhyanga), and herbal teas to support restful sleep and hormonal balance.

Integrating Ayurveda with Modern Fertility Treatments

Many fertility clinics are now recognizing the value of integrating Ayurveda into their protocols. By combining traditional and modern approaches, couples can optimize their chances of success while improving their overall health.

For example, Ayurvedic detox and strengthening can precede IVF to prepare the uterine environment and enhance egg quality. Similarly, post-fertility-treatment support with herbs and diet can promote implantation and sustain pregnancy.

Final Thoughts: Fertility as a Journey of Wholeness

Fertility is not just a physical process—it is a state of readiness, balance, and vitality across body, mind, and soul. Whether you are just starting your family planning journey or have faced multiple setbacks, Ayurveda offers a gentle yet profound way to support your path.

As Dr. Rohit Sane says, “True fertility lies not just in the womb but in complete health. Ayurveda doesn’t promise miracles—but it can certainly help you reclaim your body’s natural potential to create life.”

Dr Rohit Madhav Sane is a Ayurvedic doctor and founder of Madhavbaug in India

Have you ever left the doctor's clinic with another script in hand, wondering is there more to curing than symptom management? Perhaps it was your third appointment for those chronic migraines, or yet another cycle of medication for joint pain, allergies, or stomach issues. You do as you're told, take the pills, and still nothing gets better for good.

Increasing numbers are beginning to wonder the same thing: "Is this truly the only method to feel better?" That's when interest tends to lead to action—and many begin investigating alternative medicine.

From homeopathy and Ayurveda to acupuncture and naturopathy, there's a subdued revolution going on in the way we approach chronic illness. Individuals aren't just searching for relief anymore—they're searching for explanations. They want methods that examine the larger picture, that don't just suppress the pain but actually facilitate the healing of the body.

Chronic diseases are on the increase worldwide, affecting millions with ongoing conditions such as arthritis, asthma, migraine, hormonal disorders, allergic reactions, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Chronic diseases, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), are responsible for almost 71% of the total deaths in the world each year. Even with decades of progress in mainstream medicine, patients continue to languish in cycles of pill popping, treating symptoms instead of finding lasting relief. This frustration has caused an increasing number of patients to look for alternatives—and homeopathy, a 200-year-old holistic system of medicine, is proving to be one hot choice for managing chronic illness.

Traditional medicine has advanced greatly in diagnosis and emergency intervention, yet to deal with chronic conditions, it tends to draw upon suppressive therapies—painkillers, steroids, and extended medications, to name a few. Effective in the short run, these treatments often bring along side effects like gastrointestinal distress, hormonal disruption, or addiction, which put patients in a vicious cycle of fleeting remedy and perpetual ailment.

Homeopathy, however, has a very different strategy. As Dr. Manju Singh, a noted homeopathy practitioner, explains, the objective is not only to relieve the pain but to trigger the body's own healing process by treating the cause of the ailment rather than the symptom alone. "Patients are fed up with Band-Aid solutions. They desire long-term well-being. That's where homeopathy comes into play," she illustrates.

Homeopathy is based on the law of similia similibus curentur or "like cures like." It is a concept that a substance that provokes symptoms in a healthy individual may, when highly diluted, cure similar symptoms in an ill person. Remedies, which are naturally sourced from plants and minerals, are crafted in tiny doses to stimulate self-regulation and the immune response of the body.

“With more patients becoming conscious about what they put in their bodies, they are questioning the necessity of long-term drug use for every ailment,” says Dr. Singh. “Homeopathy offers a sustainable and side-effect-free pathway to health.”

The growth of telehealth and online wellness platforms has also served to popularize alternative medicine. Homeopaths who are certified can now be consulted remotely, and prescription drugs can be shipped to a patient's doorstep. This democratization of medical services is broadening access to holistic therapies, particularly to patients in remote or underserved regions.

"With digital tools, we have revolutionized the way we access patients. From follow-ups to diet counseling to prescribing remedies, all can be done online without a reduction in quality," asserts Dr. Singh.

For example, in such conditions as eczema or arthritic pain when inflammation runs amok, homeopathic treatments seek to bring the body's immune system into balance instead of suppressing it with powerful steroids. This is a long-term approach, with emphasis on inner balance instead of superficial relief.

Numerous individuals are also re-exploring Ayurveda—India's 5,000-year-old system of medicine that doesn't merely silence symptoms, but rebalances. Ayurveda assumes that each individual has a distinct mind-body type, or dosha, and that disease arises from imbalances in this constitution. Therapies usually include customized herbal preparations, seasonal menus, yoga, detox regimens (panchakarma), and lifestyle rituals—all calculated to coax the body very gently back toward its natural state of balance.

Its rise in popularity, especially among patients with chronic issues like IBS, PCOS, migraines, or autoimmune flare-ups, is not surprising. Ayurveda offers what many patients are searching for today- a system that listens, adapts, and heals from the root. It’s slow, yes—but that’s the point. Healing, after all, is not a race.

Similar to Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is also gaining popularity with individuals suffering from chronic health conditions who feel marginalized by mainstream care. Based on millennia of Eastern philosophy, TCM considers health a dynamic condition of equilibrium between the body's internal forces (qi) and the external environment.

When that balance gets disrupted—by stress, lack of sleep, emotional tension, or imperfect digestion—persistent symptoms can ensue. That's when TCM's holistic array of treatments kicks in: acupuncture to energize the flow of life, herbal formulas to assist in the functioning of organs, cupping to relax pain, or tai chi to balance movement and breath.

Patients who've had difficulty with conditions such as joint pain, insomnia, irregular periods, or anxiety find relief in this method—not because it's magical, but because it's systematic. Every treatment plan is tailored, addressing the specific pattern of imbalance at the root of the illness.

Another reason alternative medicine resonates with patients today is its focus on prevention. Instead of waiting for disease to occur, the homeopathic model promotes early intervention, stress reduction, lifestyle optimization, and emotional balance—all of which are necessary to long-term health.

This increased interest in alternative medicine is not an abandonment of mainstream healthcare but a cry for more holistic, empathetic, and individualized healing alternatives. While the worldwide population struggles with chronic disease, the need for therapies that cure the body, the soul, and the spirit is only becoming more fervent.

All of these ancient yet ageless practices have something in common- they don't just cure diseases by themselves; they cure people. Whether it's through a homeopathic remedy that is calibrated to your emotional rhythms, an Ayurvedic regimen specifically for your dosha, or a TCM acupuncture treatment readjusting your energy currents, each approach bids patients to become active participants in the healing process.

Dr. Manju Singh is a Senior Homeopathic Medical Officer at SBL Global in India

Amaranth gets its name from a Greek word meaning "unfading." This plant has bright red flowers that stay colorful all summer, making it look beautiful. But the best part of amaranth isn't its flowers – it's the tiny seeds. Once harvested, these seeds are used much like other grains such as rice and oats.

Amaranth originally comes from Mexico and C.entral America. It was a main food for the Aztecs, and it's still eaten there today. In the U.S., amaranth has become very popular as more people learn about how good it is for you. It's easy to see why, with its nutty, slightly sweet taste and how easily it can be used in many recipes.

Amaranth's Health Benefits

The nutrients packed into amaranth can offer significant health advantages when included in a balanced diet. It's a good source of Vitamin C, which is vital for healing, helping your body process iron, form blood vessels, repair muscle tissue, and maintain collagen.

Naturally Gluten-Free

Amaranth is an excellent choice for people with Celiac disease, a condition where eating wheat gluten can harm the small intestine.

High in Protein

Amaranth is one of the best plant-based sources of protein available. Its protein is easily absorbed by the body and contains all the essential amino acids, including lysine, which is often missing in other grains. Studies show that amaranth proteins are very similar to animal proteins.

Rich in Antioxidants

Amaranth is full of antioxidants like gallic acid and vanillic acid. These help fight free radicals, which are harmful byproducts of normal cell activity. Antioxidants can help reduce everything from signs of aging to the risk of heart disease.

Eases Inflammation

Some allergic reactions cause uncomfortable swelling due to a substance called immunoglobulin E. Early studies suggest that amaranth might help slow down the body's production of this substance.

Lowers Cholesterol

Two animal studies have shown that amaranth and its oil can significantly lower "bad" LDL cholesterol without affecting "good" HDL cholesterol. More research is needed to see how amaranth affects cholesterol in humans.

Amaranth for Your Skin

Amaranth oil is becoming more common in beauty and skin care products. This oil, made from processing the seeds, has several things that can soothe and protect your skin. These include:

Squalene

Amaranth seeds are especially rich in squalene. Your body naturally makes squalene, and it's also found in plants and animals. As you get older, your body makes less of it, which can lead to dry skin and signs of aging. When squalene comes from plants, it's processed to be more stable, turning into squalane. Squalane can moisturize your skin without blocking pores and has properties that might help with acne and eczema.

Amaranth for Hair

The squalane in amaranth oil also benefits your hair. It can moisturize your hair, making it smoother and adding a glossy shine. You can try massaging a few drops into your scalp, then rinsing it out.

The tocopherols in amaranth oil are also good for your hair, as they protect it from the damaging effects of sunlight. Additionally, amaranth oil strengthens your hair and can help reduce greasiness.