Onion and garlic are both superfoods. Not only do they benefit cardiovascular health, but they also reduce inflammation in the body. While they are excellent for the body, it is often not recommended in Ayurveda. But have you wondered why?

Well, it is because onions and garlic, despite their health benefits, are considered negative in nature. While this ancient practice recognises the health benefits of these two, they recommend consuming them in lesser quantities. Their excessive usage is not supported as onion is considered as Tamasic in nature (makes people irritable) and garlic is rajasic (disturbs sleep and drained energy). However, this ancient practice acknowledges its individual health benefits. Here is why:

Heart Health: Onions are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels, helping to keep the heart healthy. Studies have shown that quercetin, a potent antioxidant found in onions, can significantly reduce blood pressure.

Boosts Immunity: The presence of vitamin C, sulfur compounds, and antioxidants makes onions a strong immune booster. Regular consumption can aid in warding off common infections and colds.

Anticancer Properties: Onions contain organosulfur compounds, which have been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers, including colon and stomach cancer. These compounds help eliminate toxins and inhibit cancer cell growth.

Diabetes Management: Onions can help regulate blood sugar levels due to their high fibre content and chromium. Consuming onions may assist in preventing insulin resistance.

Gut Health: The fiber in onions promotes gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria. Additionally, onions contain prebiotics that enhance digestive function.

The Health Benefits of Garlic

Heart Protection: Garlic is widely known for its heart-protective effects. Allicin, its key bioactive compound, can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve blood vessel health.

Immune Booster: Garlic’s antimicrobial and antiviral properties help fend off infections. It is also rich in vitamin C and B6, which further strengthen the immune system.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Regular consumption of garlic can reduce inflammation in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis.

Cancer Prevention: Garlic contains sulfur compounds that have been linked to the prevention of certain cancers, particularly stomach and colorectal cancer.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Studies suggest that garlic can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Ayurvedic remedies have been part of decades old medicinal practices. Many ingredients that are a regular part of our diet now, used to be important medicines that we added to our diets to ensure long-term health. One such herb is Myrobalan or haritaki. Ayurveda has many herbs that have been used for decades for medicinal purposes.

It's a very important herb in Indian traditional medicines. The fruit is small and oval shaped. Haritaki fruits are usually picked when they're green, then dried until they turn brown or black, and then ground into powder for medicine. How strong it depends on where it was picked, its color, and its shape. It's also known as harad or kayakalpa, which means something that makes your body young again and balances its energy. People often call it a "life-giving" herb.

Haritaki's Health Benefits

Ayurveda values haritaki a lot because it helps with many health issues. It helps balance all the body's parts, especially "ether" and "air," which are thought to cause most sicknesses. This herb is full of important things like vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and good chemicals called antioxidants. Ayurvedic doctors use haritaki to treat many health problems, both short-term and long-term. It's also one of the three ingredients in a famous Ayurvedic mix called triphala.

You can take haritaki in different ways for different needs. For example, you can mix it with butter to help with "air" imbalances, or with a little sugar for "fire" and "heat" imbalances. For "water" and "earth" imbalances, you can take it with a little salt. Always talk to a knowledgeable herbalist before adding any new herb to your health routine.

Studies suggest that different types of haritaki fruit are used for specific health problems. Research shows haritaki is good for things like coughs, constipation, indigestion, cleaning your body, weight loss, skin problems, and boosting your body's systems, immunity, fertility, and sex drive. It also helps with regular bowel movements and keeping your body's parts healthy. The fruit has substances that can fight cancer, fungi, bacteria, and diabetes, and also act as antioxidants. These properties also help your heart, heal wounds, and aid digestion. Older research also suggests it helps with hemorrhoids, but more studies are needed.

Haritaki's Beauty Benefits for Skin, Hair, and Nails

Because haritaki helps make cells new again and has antioxidants, people believe it can make your skin, hair, and nails healthier.

Skin

Hair

Old Ayurvedic books mention using haritaki powder in hair dyes. These mixes have been used for many years without known bad effects. Research shows that haritaki not only makes hair darker but also makes it softer.

Nails

A study from 2019 suggested that haritaki's ability to fight germs might help with nail infections. But, more good research is needed to be sure.

Safety and What to Watch For

Even though haritaki is generally safe, some people should not take it. Do not take haritaki if you are pregnant, have recently given blood, feel very tired, have diarrhea, are dehydrated, or are taking medicines for high blood sugar (like insulin). Even if you don't have these conditions, always talk to a knowledgeable herbalist before using haritaki.

Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest medical systems. Its origins go back over 3,000 years, found in ancient Indian writings called the Vedas. Today, it's still widely used as an alternative medicine. Ayurveda looks at health in a complete way, believing our bodies are made of five elements: air, space, fire, water, and earth. These elements form three parts called "doshas." When these doshas are out of balance, that's when illness is thought to happen.

While there isn't much scientific proof that Ayurveda directly cures common sicknesses like colds and flu, some of its herbal remedies might help you feel better and manage symptoms.

Ayurvedic Remedies to Know During Seasonal Change

For a Dry Cough (No Mucus)

In Ayurveda, tulsi is often called the "queen of herbs." It's a popular choice for dry coughs. Some small studies suggest tulsi might help loosen phlegm and improve coughs caused by allergies, asthma, or lung problems. One older study even showed it might help asthma patients breathe better. Tulsi is generally safe and might also help keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels healthy.

For a Wet Cough (with Phlegm)

Ginger is a very common herb in Ayurveda. It has properties that can fight off bad stuff in your body and reduce swelling. Early studies on human throat cells suggest that parts of ginger might relax your throat muscles, which could ease coughing. More research is needed to be sure if ginger helps with cold or flu coughs.

For Cough and Sore Throat

Licorice Root is a herb that contains things that can help reduce swelling and pain. Studies have shown that licorice applied directly can help with sore throats after surgery. One study found that gargling with licorice extract greatly reduced sore throats after an operation. While we need more studies for sore throats from colds or flu, it looks promising.

For Cough and Fever

Sudarshana Powder is a traditional Ayurvedic powder is often used to treat fevers. It's a bitter mix of 53 different herbs. It might help with fever that comes with not wanting to eat, feeling tired, sick to your stomach, or having an upset stomach. But more research is needed to know how well it truly works.

For General Cough and Cold

Garlic is believed to have properties that fight germs and viruses, which might help you avoid getting a cold. One small study found that people who took an active ingredient in garlic (allicin) had fewer colds. However, more research is needed to be certain about garlic's benefits for colds.

Other Helpful Home Remedies for Cough and Cold

Here are some other common home remedies that can help with cough and cold symptoms:

Honey Tea: Mix about 2 teaspoons of honey with warm water or tea.

Saltwater Gargle: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle. This helps loosen mucus in your throat.

Steam: Breathing in steam can help clear mucus from your lungs. You can do this by filling a bowl with hot water and leaning over it (carefully!) or by taking a warm bath or shower.

Bromelain: This is an enzyme found in pineapple. Eating pineapple or taking a bromelain supplement might help break up mucus in your throat.

Peppermint: Peppermint can soothe your throat and help break down mucus. You can drink peppermint tea or add peppermint oil to a steamy bath.

Skin care has become all the rage recently. There are many products and skin care routine tutorials that can help you find what products you should use and how you can go about building your own skin care routine. However, an issue you may face with these products and routines is how expensive and inaccessible they are. There are products that may not be available to you or may be way beyond your budget. If this is an issue for you, you can try ayurvedic remedies.

Ayurvedic skincare is a beauty approach rooted in ancient Indian medicine. It involves special Ayurvedic facials, treatments for various skin problems, and natural herbal products for your skin. While there are many Ayurvedic skincare products available today, it's important to know their quality and ingredients to get the best results. Ayurvedic home remedies for skin care are also popular and are thought to work best for specific skin types and needs.

However, before you go ahead and try ayurvedic recipes, one must know what kind of skin type they have, this will help you identify what kind of skincare you need.

Skincare for Each Dosha

Vata Skin (Dry & Rough)

If you have a dominant Vata dosha, your skin tends to be dry and rough and can wrinkle easily if not kept moisturized. According to ayurveda, Vata skin has less fat and needs more moisturizing, both from the outside (creams) and inside (food). She suggests using oil-based moisturizers and eating warming spices like ginger. The herb ashwagandha can also help reduce dryness when used in a face mask.

Pitta Skin (Oily & Prone to Breakouts)

People with high Pitta often have oily skin that might be prone to acne and redness (rosacea). Experts advise using cooling ingredients like aloe vera, turmeric (which helps with swelling), and sandalwood (which reduces pimples and redness) for this skin type.

Kapha Skin (Cold, Oily & Congested)

Kapha skin is typically cold and oily, and it might be prone to pimples, whiteheads, and puffiness. Experts recommend dry brushing to clear blockages, boost circulation, and exfoliate. They also suggests avoiding oil-based creams and using face masks regularly.

Easy Homemade Face Mask Recipes

Many Indian homes already have the ingredients for traditional face masks in the kitchen. Chickpea flour is a common base. You can mix it with a pinch of turmeric and milk, lime juice, or rose water to make a classic paste. Remember, Ayurveda teaches that different skin types need different care. If you're unsure about any ingredients in a DIY mask, it's always best to ask a medical professional.

Vata Face Mask (for dry skin)

Mix 1 tablespoon chickpea flour, a pinch of turmeric, and 1/4 cup rose water, yogurt, or cold milk to form a paste. Apply for 10-15 minutes (or until almost dry), then wash with lukewarm water and apply an oil-based moisturizer like sesame oil.

Pitta Face Mask (for oily, irritated skin)

Dab rose water on your skin to cleanse. Then apply 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel for 10-15 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water and use a gentle moisturizer (like one with geranium oil). Repeat 2-3 times a week.

Kapha Face Mask (for oily, congested skin)

Mix 1 teaspoon honey with a pinch of turmeric. Apply for 10 minutes and wash with lukewarm water. Or mix Multani mitti (fuller’s earth) with water to make a paste. Apply for 10-15 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

Face Mask for All Skin Types

Mix 2 tablespoons fine oat flour, 2 teaspoons almond flour, a pinch of turmeric, and 2-5 drops of an oil of your choice. Apply a thick layer for 15 minutes, then wash with lukewarm water. This paste can also be used for your whole body.