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Showing posts from October, 2012

Triphala for Cataracts

Triphala compresses for cataracts is a recommendation from Ayurved practioners. As we age the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Here is a link from a vision explaining the different kinds of cataracts and how modern science understands their formation and treatments. http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm Basically the protein in the fluid matrix of the lens has to aline properly and intelligently and this allows the clarity of the lens to let the light pass properly to the optic nerve. When the proteins become damaged from a variety of reason as explained in the link the lens becomes cloudy and vision blurry. So we can crush a few triphala tablets or if we have powder available and make an infusion in warm water and then we use cheese cloth to make compresses for the eyes for 5-7 minutes once a day.  Chandika also makes a "Skin Clay" that can be used for eye compresses. I also have seen some beneficial effects for eyes with the herb "Eyebright...

Make your own spice mix

Turmeric's health benefits are well documented now and many "experts" are encouraging people to use it on a daily basis.  However like any powerful machine one has to know how to use it properly or you can have an accident. I have seen the accidents as a result of turmeric - overuse or improper use overheating the liver and causing all kinds of problems for psoriatic elbow to inflamed joints to mention just a few. So how is it best to use turmeric? Besides all its wonderful benefits Turmeric is also heating to the liver and drying. Therefore it needs to be cooked with unctuous substance like ghee and also cooling spices like coriander and fennel. So here is the recipe for our basic spice mix that is used when cooking lentils, chicken or fish and veggies.  Once you have made the spice mix it needs to be stored in a glass jar that is kept tightly closed so that the aromatic components to not escape. Also only make enough for 1-2 months - max 3 months. You want this fres...

Prescription on a plate lunch

What fun sharing sattvic (pure, nourishing uplifting) food with the like minded! Yesterday's cooking class was a great success with 8 of us around the table. As we gathered to prepare the food and pour our hearts into it, the energy in the room was joyous.  We started with the importance of hydration and "Smart Water" the herbal tea that has helped so many eliminate what seemed to be very serious problems. Here is the recipe again - to 1 to 2 litres of good quality spring water that is boiled then add: Coriander seed, fennel seed, marshmallow root, and mint - about 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful of each.  The quantities are not critical as really you are transferring the vibrational intelligence of the plants to the water. Once this has steeped for 10-15 minutes - you can strain or not and carry it through out the day in a thermos and drink. Sometime I just strain and carry in a water bottle and drink at room temperature - see what feels better for you. Then we sampled pear...