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Ayruveda revers flowers beyond their aesthetics. blooms like hibiscus, rose, frangipani etc are often used for their healing and other medicinal powers. Whether infused into teas, applied as herbal pastes, or used in essential oils, Ayurvedic flowers provide holistic healing benefits. From skincare to immunity-boosting remedies, these Indian blooms play a significant role in promoting overall health. Let’s explore their therapeutic properties and ways to integrate them into daily life.
Amaltas (Golden Shower Tree)
This vibrant yellow flower is prized in Ayurveda for its natural laxative properties. It aids digestion, relieves constipation, and supports gut health. Amaltas is also used in Ayurvedic formulations to purify the blood and detoxify the liver.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus, with its deep red petals, is known for promoting hair growth and preventing premature graying. It also benefits heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Hibiscus tea is a popular remedy for circulation and skin health.
Lotus
Highly revered in Ayurveda, the sacred lotus flower has cooling and calming effects. It reduces stress, enhances mental clarity, and promotes emotional balance. Lotus extracts are also used in skincare for their hydrating and anti-aging properties.
Giloy Flowers
Giloy, or ‘Amrita,’ is known for its potent immunity-boosting properties. Its flowers help detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, and support longevity. They also aid in fighting respiratory infections and promoting overall wellness.
Frangipani
Frangipani is renowned for its soothing fragrance and therapeutic effects. Used in Ayurvedic aromatherapy, it promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality. Its essential oil is often added to massage oils and bath rituals.
Calendula
Calendula flowers possess strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. They are frequently used in Ayurvedic skincare to heal wounds, treat acne, and soothe irritated skin. Calendula-infused oils and creams are ideal for sensitive skin.
Jasmine
Jasmine is cherished for its uplifting fragrance and stress-relieving properties. In Ayurveda, jasmine flowers balance emotions, calm the mind, and enhance mood. Jasmine tea and essential oils are widely used to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
Marigold
Marigold, or ‘Genda Phool,’ is a staple in Ayurveda for its antimicrobial and healing properties. It is often used in herbal eye drops to improve vision and reduce inflammation. Marigold extracts also soothe skin irritations and minor wounds.
Ayurvedic flowers can be seamlessly incorporated into daily routines through various methods:
Giloy and amaltas herbal infusions for immunity and detoxification
Floral Hair Masks & Skincare
Hibiscus hair masks for stronger, shinier hair
Calendula face packs for acne-prone skin
Jasmine-infused oils for radiant skin.
Frangipani and jasmine-infused bathwater for stress relief
Marigold and lotus petals in warm baths for skin nourishment
Hibiscus Hair Tonic: Boil hibiscus petals in coconut oil and use as a nourishing hair mask.
Calendula Face Mist: Infuse calendula petals in rose water for a refreshing facial mist.
Jasmine Sleep Spray: Mix jasmine essential oil with water and spritz on pillows for better sleep.
Marigold Eye Compress: Soak marigold petals in warm water and place over tired eyes for instant relief.
Finding fresh Ayurvedic flowers is easier than ever. Whether you need them for herbal treatments, teas, or skincare, they are readily available at local flower markets in India. Online platforms also offer high-quality blooms for wellness needs, ensuring easy access to nature’s healing wonders.
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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.
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.
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.
The health benefits of eating with hands are not limited to the body; they extend to mental well-being too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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?
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
When consumed first thing in the morning, tulsi leaves can provide several health advantages.
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