When was the last time you sat down for a meal, no distractions, no devices? You touched your food, feel its warmth and texture before taking a bite? Eating becomes more than a necessity—it becomes an experience, a ritual of connection with your food. Long before the invention of cutlery, generations across the world practiced this simple, mindful act, eating with hands. Now, modern science is catching up with ancient wisdom, particularly Ayurveda, which reveals that eating with hands offers surprising health benefits far beyond tradition.

Throughout history, Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Greeks, and many indigenous cultures from Africa to South America have embraced the practice of eating with their hands. It was not merely about convenience—it reflected a profound understanding of how touch enhances the eating experience and primes the body for digestion.\

Celebrity nutritionist Kavita Devgan shares, "As a nutritionist, I also eat with my hands. It's not just about tradition. It's about tapping into your body's natural signals." The nutritionist took to Instagram to dispel myths and talk about why more and more celebrities are ditching cutlery and with their hands.

Davgan says, "Somewhere between the hustle, the diet charts, and the fancy plates…we forgot what it feels like to truly eat. I’ve found so much comfort in this small act. It brings me back to my roots — and back to myself"

In her post, she also shares how the process works for the human body and how simply eating with hands can impact the body positively. "When you touch your food with your hands it sends a signal to the brain. And your stomach starts prepping for digestion, your senses get activated even before the first bite".

Devgan adds, "Every time you bring your fingers + thumb together to eat, you unknowingly create a yogic mudra - one that promotes healing. Imagine doing that 3x a day without even realizing it."

She goes on to explain how eating with 'hands > spoons' when it comes to eating speed. Slower eating = better chewing, more saliva, and fewer sugar cravings later.

In India, this tradition has deep roots in Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, which emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being. Eating with hands is seen not only as a practical approach but also as a sacred act—one that nurtures both body and spirit.

Ayurveda’s Says: Your Fingers as Extensions of the Five Elements

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the human hand is a representation of the five universal elements (Panchamahabhuta):

Thumb (Fire): Governs digestion and transformation.

Index Finger (Air): Controls movement and circulation.

Middle Finger (Space): Facilitates balance and expansion.

Ring Finger (Earth): Represents stability and structure.

Little Finger (Water): Supports digestion and fluid balance.

When you eat with your hands, you engage these elements, activating "prana" (life force energy) and preparing the digestive system for the task ahead. Ayurveda teaches that digestion begins well before the first bite—it starts with sight, smell, and crucially, touch. Feeling the food signals the stomach to release digestive juices, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Boost Your Gut Health Simply by Ditching the Cutlery

Modern studies reinforce what Ayurveda has long advocated: eating with hands taps into the gut-brain axis, a critical communication network between the gastrointestinal system and the brain.

When your fingertips touch food, sensory receptors send signals to the brain, prompting it to activate saliva production and release digestive enzymes. This gentle priming of the digestive system can reduce issues like bloating, indigestion, and slow gut motility.

Even more fascinating is the transfer of beneficial bacteria. Clean hands carry friendly microbes that, when introduced in small amounts during eating, can support gut microbiota diversity, bolster immune defenses, and promote gut health—a principle now being explored extensively in microbiome research.

Why Eating with Hands Is A Natural Way to Eat Mindfully

The health benefits of eating with hands are not limited to the body; they extend to mental well-being too.

Enhanced Sensory Satisfaction

Eating with hands engages multiple senses—touch, smell, sight, and taste—creating a multisensory experience. This deep engagement enhances satiety, meaning you feel fuller with less food. As a result, it helps prevent overeating, a major contributor to digestive discomfort and metabolic disorders.

Reduces Stress and Cortisol Levels

Mindful eating practices, like eating with hands, naturally slow down the eating process. Studies show that slowing down while eating reduces cortisol levels—the body's primary stress hormone. Since chronic stress impairs digestion, lowering stress levels through mindful eating can directly boost gut health.

Fosters Gratitude and Connection

The act of touching food creates a sense of gratitude and respect for nourishment, transforming meals into intentional rituals rather than mechanical acts. In Ayurveda, this connection is considered sacred, fostering emotional and psychological well-being alongside physical health.

How to Practice Eating With Hands Mindfully?

If you're new to this tradition, transitioning to eating with hands can be seamless and rewarding with a few simple practices:

Start with Clean Hands: Hygiene is non-negotiable. Thoroughly wash your hands before and after meals to ensure safety while preserving beneficial bacteria.

Use Fingertips, Not the Entire Palm: Contrary to common misconceptions, eating with hands involves using only the fingertips. This method keeps the process clean and controlled.

Feel and Mix the Food: Gently mixing food allows you to experience its texture and temperature, preparing your digestive system and enhancing taste.

Chew Slowly and Savor: Eating with hands naturally encourages smaller bites and slower eating, aiding digestion and increasing nutrient absorption.

End with Mindful Cleaning: Washing your hands mindfully after eating offers a sense of closure and reinforces the practice of gratitude.

Why Your Hands Might Be the Best Utensils You Own

Modern eating habits largely involve sight, smell, and taste, leaving out touch—the sense Ayurveda deems vital for holistic health. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, optimal health stems from a balanced "agni" (digestive fire). Protecting and nurturing this inner fire is key to treating illnesses and maintaining vitality.

Touch activates this process. When all senses—including touch—are engaged during a meal, the body’s agni stays strong, digestion improves, and the body achieves a balanced state, maintaining physical and emotional equilibrium.

In an age obsessed with speed and convenience, returning to age-old practices like eating with hands may seem radical. Yet, the wisdom behind this tradition is now increasingly validated by science. Devgan agrees and concludes, "With a spoon, we eat fast, distracted, and often too much. With hands? You notice the textures, temperature, and portion sizes. It's a simple trick to stop, overeating without calorie counting. This isn't just how grandma ate. It's science, mindfulness, culture, and gut health all in one simple habit. So try it. Your body's smarter than your fork."

Eating with your hands fosters mindfulness, primes digestion, supports gut health, and builds a deeper relationship with food—one filled with gratitude, respect, and awareness.

So, for your next meal, set aside your cutlery. Feel the food. Taste the connection. Experience the nourishment in its fullest form. It’s not just what you eat that shapes your health, it’s how you experience it.

Toothaches can be incredibly distressing, but traditional remedies offer natural ways to relieve pain and promote oral hygiene. Over the centuries, many herbs and natural ingredients have proven their effectiveness in soothing dental issues.

Cloves have been a trusted remedy for tooth pain for generations. Rich in eugenol, an oil with powerful healing and soothing properties, cloves help calm the nerves inside the tooth. Chewing a few cloves near the affected tooth allows the natural oil to seep into the area, providing relief. Alternatively, a mixture of clove oil and a few drops of olive oil can be applied directly to the aching tooth using a cotton swab. Afterward, rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater helps eliminate bacteria and clear any residual oil.

In rural parts of India, herbal sticks like Neem and Babool continue to be widely used for oral care. These sticks are known for their antibacterial properties, helping fight tooth decay and plaque. The Miswak stick, in particular, offers strong anti-microbial benefits. A fresh, soft stem, free of leaves and bark, can be chewed gently to clean the teeth naturally. For those seeking a more convenient option, herbal toothpastes fortified with extracts of Babool and Miswak, such as Dabur Babool and Dabur Meswak, provide similar benefits and leave the mouth feeling clean and fresh.

Amla powder, derived from the Indian gooseberry, is another powerful natural remedy. Rich in antioxidants, Amla helps strengthen connective tissues, supporting overall tooth health. Consuming a teaspoon of Amla powder daily can offer long-term benefits for stronger, healthier teeth and gums.

Another traditional remedy is asafoetida, or hing, a resin obtained from the Ferula plant. Beyond its culinary use, asafoetida possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can ease tooth pain. It can be applied raw directly onto the affected area or mixed with lemon juice to create a paste. The lemon juice enhances the antibacterial action, providing quick relief.

Wheatgrass is also known for its ability to relieve dental pain. It acts as a natural detoxifier and can be used as a mouthwash to combat bacteria. Chewing on wheatgrass strands or gargling with wheatgrass juice or diluted wheatgrass powder can help soothe the affected area and promote oral hygiene.

Turmeric powder, or haldi, celebrated for its antibacterial and healing qualities, can prevent dental infections. A paste made from finely ground turmeric and mustard oil can be applied to the affected tooth before bedtime for relief.

Garlic, too, has earned its place in traditional medicine. It is known to offer immediate relief from tooth pain when chewed raw. Alternatively, a paste made from garlic and salt can be applied to the sore tooth to harness its natural antibiotic properties.

Nutmeg, though less popular, is equally effective. It contains eugenol, like cloves, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. A paste made from nutmeg powder and mustard oil can help soothe dental discomfort.

Finally, Triphala Churna, a combination of three fruits, offers a simple solution for maintaining oral health. Gargling with a warm mixture of Triphala powder and water regularly can strengthen teeth and keep decay and pain at bay.

Tulsi is worshipped in Hinduism as it is believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Laxmi. Thus, it is not uncommon to find this herbal plant in Indian households. However, recently, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department planted thousands of Tulsi plants around the Taj Mahal. But do you know the reason behind them?

Here's Why Tulsi Is Planted Around Indian Households

Since ancient times, basil has been called the "Queen of Herbs." In India, almost every household used to have a basil plant in their courtyard. It is because they release oxygen for up to 20 hours a day and protect the ozone layer within just four hours. Additionally, basil can purify the air within a 100-square-foot radius. This is the same reason why these herbal plants were put in the Taj Mahal's vicinity.

Besides purifying the air, tulsi is known for its medicinal properties—it can help counteract the side effects of paracetamol and anti-TB medicines. It also reduces DNA damage, inhibits tumour growth, and is beneficial for conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

Rekevance Of Tulsi In Ayurveda

Tulsi is known for balancing the body's doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—tulsi is celebrated for promoting holistic well-being. It acts as a natural adaptogen, helping the body manage stress, and is valued for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Ayurveda recommends tulsi for boosting immunity, enhancing respiratory health, and supporting digestive function. Regular consumption of tulsi tea or leaves is believed to purify the blood and strengthen the heart. Its spiritual significance further elevates its role in promoting physical and mental harmony.

What Happens When You Consume Tulsi First Thing In Morning?

When consumed first thing in the morning, tulsi leaves can provide several health advantages.

• Immunity Booster: Tulsi is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and eugenol. These compounds help fight free radicals and support the immune system. Daily intake may help the body resist infections and improve overall resilience.
• Detoxification Powerhouse: Tulsi’s natural diuretic qualities help eliminate toxins and excess water. This cleansing effect can support kidney function, purify the blood, and result in clearer skin.
• Digestive Aid: Eating tulsi leaves on an empty stomach may stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. This boosts nutrient absorption and eases digestion, while its anti-inflammatory traits soothe the gut lining and reduce bloating.
• Stress Relief And Mood Enhancement: Tulsi is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress by regulating cortisol levels. This may lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of calm.
• Respiratory Support: Used traditionally for coughs, colds, and asthma, tulsi’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects support respiratory health and relieve airway discomfort.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies indicate that tulsi can help manage blood sugar by enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, potentially aiding those with diabetes or prediabetes.

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When doctors give you a tiny pill, saying it will provide instant relief. You swallow it, and in a matter of minutes, the pain starts to fade. What if that pill was just sugar? Welcome to the intriguing realm of the placebo effect—where faith can create physical healing. But what if a medical system—such as Ayurveda—is routinely criticized as being placebo-based? Can traditional remedies hold their own against modern science?

In a wellness-driven world, more people are turning to alternative healing systems like Ayurveda, seeking natural remedies that promise holistic health without side effects but one lingering question remains—do these remedies truly work, or are they merely benefiting from the placebo effect?

To answer this, we spoke to Dr. Rohit Sane, an Ayurvedic physician—a healthcare organization committed to merging ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern medical scrutiny. Their studies, particularly in cardiovascular health, are not just challenging the placebo narrative—they’re redefining how we look at holistic healing.

What is a Placebo Effect?

Placebo, by its nature, is treatment with zero therapeutic effect. Yet patients feel improved after ingestion of placebos because they assume that they have received actual medication. The body responds to anticipation—releases endorphins, alters perception, and even modifies pain. The effect is so powerful that today's pharmaceutical company drug tests incorporate a control or placebo arm so that efficacy may be validated and measured objectively.

As Dr. Sane points out, "The placebo effect is evidence that our minds play a huge influence over our body health. But to use placebo alone as a treatment is risky—particularly with chronic or potentially fatal diseases. That's where Ayurveda comes into the conversation with actual real-world results."

Challenge of Testing Ayurveda the Western Way

In contemporary medicine, therapy is frequently centered on isolated molecules—a single active ingredient attacking a single symptom. Ayurveda, by contrast, is holistic in nature. It combines herbal mixtures, dietary regimens, individualized therapies, and lifestyle modifications. Challenging this whole ecosystem with a classical placebo model creates a methodological challenge.

"Ayurvedic medicine isn't a pill. It's a protocol—a way of living," says Dr. Sane. "You can't isolate one variable and expect to understand the whole system."

That makes randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs)—the gold standard of scientific acceptance—challenging to design for Ayurvedic regimens. But difficult doesn't equal impossible.

One persuasive reference point is the ORBITA trial—a landmark study that looked at whether angioplasty works for people with stable angina. Patients who had what they thought was a real procedure (when actually it was just a simulation) had outcomes as good as those who had the actual procedure. The outcome? A major heart procedure, when compared to placebo, didn't have the strong benefit many had anticipated.

This highlights the significance of not brushing off Ayurvedic treatments as placebo. Contrary to ORBITA's results, trials have shown quantifiable, long-term gains without surgery.

Aside from heart health, studies indicate Ayurvedic treatments favorably impacting parameters such as:

• Regulation of blood pressure
• Cholesterol control
• Increased metabolic efficiency
• Long-term weight loss
• Increased cardiac output

Dr. Sane comments, "These are not merely patient perceptions—they are objective measures, monitored and recorded under medical supervision."

This real-world applicability gives Ayurveda an edge in managing chronic disease where pharmaceuticals often treat symptoms not the underlying cause.

Clinical evidence mounts that Ayurveda, rather than being a retro system or a placebo-based wellness fad, can be used alongside contemporary medicine. Its greatest value is in prevention, lifestyle modification, and sustained health.

Scientists are now calling for methodological pluralism—a strategy that permits the scientific assessment of holistic systems such as Ayurveda through measures other than those applied in conventional pharmaceutical trials.

As Dr. Sane summarizes, "Ayurveda isn't competing with modern science. It's a complementary model—based on centuries of knowledge, but now entering the world of evidence-based care."

So, does Ayurveda function outside of the placebo effect? Although its multifaceted nature makes it difficult to fit into standard research protocols, recent studies—show real-world effectiveness. With increased scientific scrutiny and improved study design, Ayurvedic treatments are losing their "alternative" status to be accepted as legitimate, complementary healing methods.

If you're considering Ayurvedic treatments, always consult qualified practitioners and seek interventions that are part of evidence-backed protocols because healing shouldn’t rely on belief alone it should be grounded in results.

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