The 5 Best Breakfasts for Your Constitution

Published on October 9, 2016 by Ellen2 Comments

Balancing Breakfasts for Your Constitution

Breakfast is an important meal, setting the tone for the day and preparing the body for digestion and activity. Breakfast can be one of the more difficult meals to plan for when transitioning to a new way of eating. We all have foods that we are accustomed to, and those foods might not do a good job of balancing our constitutions. It is important to choose foods that calm your dosha and bring the body into balance.

The importance of breakfast for you as an individual depends in part on your constitution. Kaphas often are not hungry early in the morning and can function well if they choose to fast instead of eating an early breakfast. Vatas, however, often find it important to have a solid breakfast. Pittas can vary, but usually find it best to eat something by mid-morning. Failure to do so can lead them to become agitated.

Regardless of your constitution, it is beneficial to include grains in the morning, as they are one of the most grounding foods. Continue reading “The 5 Best Breakfasts for Your Constitution” →

8 Ayurvedic Remedies for Hair Loss

Published on September 10, 2016September 12, 2016 by Ellen5 Comments

Ayurvedic Treatment for Hair Loss

Hair loss is a symptom of Pitta excess, so the first and most important step in healing hair loss is to balance Pitta. Follow a Pitta-balancing diet and engage in activities that alleviate Pitta excess.

Stress creates a Pitta imbalance and is a major contributor to hair loss. Consequently, it is important to engage in stress-relieving activities, especially meditation and yoga. Sleep also is critical to maintaining low stress levels. Be sure to sleep at least 7-8 hours per night to allow the body to recover from the day’s activities.

Dehydration can worsen stress on the body and contribute to hair loss, so be sure to consume adequate amounts of water throughout the day. It is also best to avoid alcoholic beverages, which can worsen dehydration and aggravate the hair.

In addition to these important balancing activities, a variety of supplements and topical treatments can be helpful in halting hair loss and promoting growth. Here, I discuss 8 Ayurvedic treatments for hair loss. All are safe and natural and can help you regain your healthy, thick, beautiful hair. Continue reading “8 Ayurvedic Remedies for Hair Loss” →

All About Kitchari (Plus 4 Variations Tailored to Your Constitution)

Published on August 20, 2016September 12, 2016 by EllenLeave a comment

About Kitchari

Kitchari (also called Kichadi) is a simple stew based on basmati rice and split mung dal. It is at the center of healing in Ayurveda and is suitable for almost every constitution. Kitchari can be customized to create endless variations, each of which can be used for specific purposes. It is very easily digested and assimilated, and as such is a primary food in Ayurvedic cleansing therapy.

The essential components of kitchari are ghee, spices, basmati rice, and dal. Ghee is necessary for lubrication of the digestive tract and assimilation of nutrients. Other beans can be used in place of dal for specific healing purposes, as long as they are very well cooked. Vegetables are a very common addition to kitchari and are beneficial for balancing a variety of conditions.

It is important to source high quality organic ingredients. Ghee, in particular should be chosen discerningly. It should be sourced from pastured cows that are treated well, and should be prepared properly. I really like Tin Star Foods cultured ghee, which is completely free of any milk proteins (important if you have a dairy allergy). Banyan Botanicals also makes an excellent, high-quality kitchari kit if you prefer to purchase all of the ingredients together. Continue reading “All About Kitchari (Plus 4 Variations Tailored to Your Constitution)” →

Shatavari for Health and Fertility

Published on August 7, 2016September 19, 2016 by EllenLeave a comment

What is Shatavari?

Shatavari, or Asparagus racemosus, is a climbing plant that grows natively throughout India in low jungles. Translated as ‘she who possesses a hundred husbands’, it is the primary rejuvenative herb for the female reproductive system (as Ashwagandha is for the male). It helps women transition through all life stages, supporting health of the female organs throughout puberty, reproductive ages, into menopause, and beyond. Shatavari is supportive of fertility and libido and also increases love and devotion.

In addition to supporting reproductive health in males and females, shatavari promotes brain and digestive health. It calms the nerves and nourishes the brain, helping to balance Vata disorders such as spasms and insomnia. Digestive problems such as dryness and inflammation can benefit from supplementation.

Energetically, shatavari is sweet, cool, and bitter. It reduces Pitta and Vata and, in excess, increases Kapha.

Shatavari and Reproductive Health

Shatavari is known for its rejuvenative effect on female reproductive health. It can be used by both men and women, working in a number of ways to support healthy reproduction.

Fertility

Shatavari can be used by women and men to improve fertility. As an adaptogenic herb, it helps to protect the mind and body from stress. Excess stress can impair fertility, and reduction of stress in both men and women can help to improve fertility. Shatavari can also act as as an estrogen regulator, which can help to promote menstrual cycle regulation and fertility. In men, it can increase the production of semen and thereby improve the likelihood of conception. Continue reading “Shatavari for Health and Fertility” →

Ayurveda for Eczema

Published on July 14, 2016September 19, 2016 by EllenLeave a comment

Ayurveda for Eczema

Eczema is a term used for several types of skin conditions known as dermatitis. It is not itself a serious health condition, but can cause psychological stress and self-consciousness. Eczema is also an indication that the body is out of balance. According to modern medicine, there is no cure for eczema, however Ayurvedic treatment is a holistic approach that can manage eczema and sometimes cure it over time. Below are some guidelines and common recommendations for Ayurvedic treatment of eczema.

The Root of Eczema

Eczema more common in Pitta types, and almost all eczema has a Pitta component. Excess Pitta can overheat the blood and predispose the body and skin to toxic conditions. Eczema is caused by poor digestion, toxins in the bowel, incorrect diet, overuse of sour, salty, pungent, heavy, or oily foods. It can be worsened by the overuse of cosmetics, perfumes, and synthetic creams. Most skin issues arise at least in part from a Pitta imbalance. However, eczema can be rooted in an imbalance in any of the three doshas.

Eczema and the Three Doshas

An imbalance in any of the three doshas can trigger eczema. Eczema is usually related, at least in part, to a Pitta imbalance. It is not uncommon for someone to experience elements of each type of eczema, as would be the case when all three doshas are out of balance. Continue reading “Ayurveda for Eczema” →

Ayurveda for Acne

Published on July 10, 2016November 1, 2016 by EllenLeave a comment

Ayurveda For Acne

Ayurveda for acne treatment can be an effective way to heal chronic skin breakouts. Acne is often seen as a minor health issue not worthy of much concern. But for those who have struggled with acne, it can be extremely challenging and emotionally damaging. Importantly, acne is also an indication that something is amiss with the body, especially when it occurs adults. It is related to a disruption in the digestive process, impaired liver function, and a buildup of toxins in the body. Fortunately, all of these problems can be addressed and acne can be healed using ayurveda.

The Root of Acne

Minor acne can be worsened by an imbalance of any of the three doshas, but the Pitta dosha is the most strongly involved, especially for more severe acne. Pitta acne is characterized by redness, inflammation, and excess heat. Kapha acne is related to oiliness, and Vata acne is characterized by dryness. Pitta imbalance is at the root of all acne and Pitta-dominant people are more likely to experience acne when imbalanced. However, acne can occur in anyone, regardless of dominant dosha, if Pitta is out of balance. Ayurvedic face mapping tells us where acne tends to manifest when different doshas are dominant.

Acne on the forehead is common in Vata-dominant individuals, while acne around the mouth, chin, and neck is common in Kapha-dominant individuals. In those who are Pitta-dominant, acne appears in the cheek and nose area, where much of heat originates in the face. An imbalance in Pitta is also responsible for most body acne, such as that found on the chest, back, and shoulders. Using Ayurveda for acne treatment begins with identifying your dominant dosha and any constitutional imbalances. Continue reading “Ayurveda for Acne” →