Mpox continues to remain a global concern, with cases continuing to be reported globally, particularly in Africa. This viral zootonic disease, last year, triggered an emergency response by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after several people lost their lives to this infection. As per experts, it is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family as the variola virus that causes smallpox. Symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle aches, and sore throat.

As the world continues to grapple with this infectious disease, many are turning to alternative systems of medicine for prevention and healing. One such system is Ayurveda, which offers a holistic approach to managing and preventing such diseases.

Epidemics Stem From Imbalance

Practitioners of Ayurveda believe that epidemics stem from an imbalance in nature and the collective weakening of individual immunity. This branch of medicine means "science of life" and underscores the concept of maintaining balance between three vital energies or doshas, that is, vata, pita and kapha. According to this 3000-year-old Indian system of medicine, preventing diseases like Mpox involves harmonizing the body and mind through diet, lifestyle, and mindful living.

Strategies To Prevent Mpox And Similar Diseases

Ayurveda prescribes a combination of dietary changes (that includes herbs) and lifestyle alterations to build up immunity against Mpox and other diseases. Here are some strategies that you can follow:

Dinacharya (Daily Routine)

Establishing a stable daily routine—including waking up early, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation—helps maintain physical and mental balance, which is key to building resilience.

Sattvic Diet

A sattvic diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, supports detoxification and boosts immunity. Ayurveda emphasizes clean, natural, and seasonal foods for overall well-being.

Nasya (Nasal Therapy)

Applying medicated oils such as Anu Taila to the nasal passages helps strengthen the respiratory tract, which is particularly vulnerable during viral outbreaks. This practice is believed to create a protective barrier against airborne pathogens.

Panchakarma (Detoxification Therapy)

Therapies like Virechana (therapeutic purgation) and Abhyanga (medicated oil massage) aid in removing toxins from the body, revitalizing the immune system, and promoting internal balance.

Ayurvedic Herbs That Boost Immunity

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Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Known for its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and strengthens the immune system. It is traditionally used to increase resilience against viral infections.

Think of it as a grounding herb that calms the mind while quietly preparing your body for whatever comes its way.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Guduchi, or Giloy, is regarded as an excellent immunomodulator. It helps in detoxification and boosts the body’s resistance to infections, making it ideal for strengthening immunity.

Often called 'Amrit' (nectar) in Ayurveda, Guduchi is like a gentle inner cleanser that supports you during seasonal shifts and stress.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is revered in Ayurveda for its potent antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

A cup of Tulsi tea isn’t just comforting—it’s like inviting a natural protector into your daily routine.

Ayurveda is more than herbs or recipes for health. It is a way of living that teaches you to nurture and grow from within. The ultimate sustainable living, ayurveda promotes habits and routines that ensure your well-being inside and out. One learns different healthy ways of living that help you age slowly, focus on living to the fullest and avoiding illnesses as much as possible.

As you may know, sleep is a pillar for our health. However, it is also something many people skimp on. People stay awake longer than they should, whether it is because they can’t sleep due to some illness, or they wish to spend more time doing things they like whether it is playing games, speaking to their loved ones or simply finding themselves to energetic to sleep. However, that is not healthy, here is what Ayurveda tells us about sleep and how to fix it.

Sleep In Ayurveda

According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, sleep (Nidra) is considered one of the three essential pillars of life in Ayurveda, along with diet (Aahar) and celibacy (Brahmacharya). It's vital for physical and mental health, helping the body repair and heal, and restoring our ability to perform daily tasks.

Ayurveda describes natural sleep as a state where the mind detaches from the senses due to tiredness. For healthy individuals, natural sleep occurs regularly at night. The ideal duration for a healthy adult is 6 to 8 hours daily, with a minimum requirement of 6 hours. Here are some ways you can fix your sleeping habits according to Ayurveda.

Relax Your Mind and Body

To sleep well, your mind and senses need to quiet down and detach from the outside world. This happens naturally when you're tired. Try gentle activities that soothe your mind, like meditation or quiet reading, to help you unwind. When your mind is at ease and not focused on external things, sleep comes more easily.

Stick to a Regular Schedule

Our bodies thrive on routine. Sleep is a natural rhythm, so going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time each day helps your body's internal clock. This consistent schedule trains your body to expect sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed, improving your overall sleep quality.

Eat Foods That Support Sleep

Nourish your body with foods that promote restful sleep. Choose sweet-tasting and slightly oily foods like those cooked with ghee. Including warm milk or comforting meat soups in your evening meals can be beneficial. Sweet options like grapes, sugar, or sugarcane juice products can also help calm your system before bed.

Create a Cozy Sleep Space

Your surroundings play a big role in how well you sleep. Make sure your bed is comfortable and inviting. Pay attention to your seating areas too, as comfort throughout the day can reduce tension. Even soft vehicle seats can contribute to overall relaxation, helping your body feel at ease when it's time to rest.

Nurture Your Body with Care

Give your body the attention it needs to prepare for sleep. Applying warm oil (like sesame oil) to your body, especially your head, can be very calming. Gentle massages or even traditional body trampling techniques help relax muscles and soothe your nervous system, setting the stage for deep and restorative sleep.

Avoid Things That Disrupt Sleep

Staying up too late at night can dry out your body and imbalance your energies, leading to issues like coughs, headaches, and indigestion. It's best to avoid prolonged nighttime awakenings. Similarly, sleeping too much during the day can make you feel heavy and cause other health problems, so generally limit daytime naps.

When Daytime Naps Are Okay

While generally discouraged, napping during the day can be beneficial in specific situations. It's often fine during summer because nights are shorter. Also, if you're very tired from activities like intense studying, exercise, travel, or if you're sick, elderly, or a child, a short daytime nap can help restore your energy.

Be Mindful of What You Do

Certain mental and emotional states can really mess with your sleep. Try to avoid too much intense thinking, worry, anger, or fear, especially before bed. These strong emotions can keep your mind active and prevent it from calming down enough for sleep. Cultivating peace before rest is key.

Steer Clear of Harmful Habits

What you put into your body can significantly impact your sleep. Excessive smoking, for instance, can lead to restlessness and sleeplessness. Being aware of substances that stimulate your system, especially close to bedtime, is crucial for promoting natural and undisturbed sleep, allowing your body to properly rest and rejuvenate.

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

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.