Ayurvedamagazine

Category: AYURVEDA

  • Shepherd’s Purse play therapeutic roles in bleeding inflammation

    Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa pastoris), rich in bioactive compounds and haemostatic properties plays therapeutic roles in bleeding, inflammation, and hormonal dysregulation, according to studies.

    A member of the mustard family, it has heart-shaped or triangular seed pods, resembling the shepherd’s traditional leather purse. Native to Europe the plant has now naturalised in most places across the world and considered as a weed.

    Shepherd’s purse can address conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding ((menorrhagia) postpartum haemorrhage or nose bleeds. Its haemostatic properties help stop bleeding. Studies show that haemostatic action may involve vasoconstriction and pro-coagulant effects, owing to presence of flavonoids, tannins, and vitamin K mostly in flowers and fruit and anti-inflammatory effects, owing to presence of flavonoids and glucosinolates. Research suggests that it could reduce harmful compounds and interfere with inflammatory processes and thus can be used for joint pain and swelling. 

    The mild diuretic actions help augment increased urine production and support kidney function. It aids in excreting phosphates and uric acid, and is used for conditions like gout, arthritis, and kidney stones. Its diuretic effect may also help flush bacteria from the urinary tract, making it useful for urinary tract infections. It has been found to be taken as tea or in other forms in some ancient cultures.

  • New study debunks 10,000 steps myth: Fewer steps still offer big health boost

    Do you need to walk 10,000 steps a day to stay free from various diseases?

    A new study reveals that walking 7,000 steps a day provides similar health benefits.

    Research in the past has linked 10,000 steps to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, obesity and mental health issues. Since it is not based on solid evidence, the new study sought to clarify how many steps are needed for meaningful health benefits. 

    The study recently published in the journal The Lancet Public Health Trusted Source says that walking for only 7,000 steps a day can help reduce a person’s risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, cancer, depression, and all-cause mortality.

    For the work, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of studies conducted between 2014 to 2025 in more than 16,000 adult participants to look for correlation between step counts and its impact on various ailments.

    After analysis, researchers found that study participants who walked about 7,000 steps each day were associated with a lowered risk for: all-cause mortality by 47%; cancer by 6%; cardiovascular disease by 25%; dementia by 38%; depression by 22%; falls by 28%; type 2 diabetes by 14%

    Additionally, the research team found that study participants who only achieved a modest step count of about 4,000 steps per day still had better health outcomes than participants who had very low activity at about 2,000 steps a day.

  • Cleaning nasal passages using saline water helps tackle sinuses and improves eyesight, mental health

    The human nose plays key roles in filtering, warming, and humidifying air before it reaches the lungs. It is also closely tied to taste and memory and acts as the first line of defence against airborne pathogens. Clean nasal passages are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. It allows smooth, unrestricted airflow, ensuring that the body receives sufficient oxygen. Its filtration of the air protects the lungs and prevents infections. Clean passages also help ensure restful sleep and better oxygenation. 

    The nasal passage generally suffers from dust accumulation and stuffing. This is especially so when one sleeps on one side and the refuse begins to encrust on the other side, which then gets blocked. This impairs natural breathing and blood with less oxygen circulates in the body resulting in a functional disturbance in the circulatory, digestive, nervous, and other systems. The cumulative effect is a lowering of the vital index.

    Physiologic Yoga contends that the closure of one nostril reacts unfavourably on the energy cycle of an individual because the harmony between the left (Ida) and right (Pingala) electromagnetic currents gets disturbed. It also affects the temperature and pulse, and therefore, the health curve detracts much from thinking and concentration. This condition, however, could be easily avoided by timely and daily care of the nasal organs.

    The easiest and safest way of nasal cleaning is done using warm saline water. Water is sucked in through one nostril and let out through the other and alternated. This is known as Jala neti. To do Jala neti, boil a cup of water, cool it a bit, and add salt to make it taste like a tear. Take some water in one palm and inhale the same as in suction through one nostril at a time using the hand on the same side as the nostril. The practice can be repeated two to three times a day during cold or other nasal ailments. This will keep the area open, and one can breathe freely. 

    This process cools the brain, calms the nervous system, and improves vision. This is also considered an excellent treatment for catarrh and a splendid natural stimulant to the membranes and nerve endings in the nasal passages. Through the stimulation of these nerve endings, it has a tonic effect on the brain and the nervous system. 

    The practice purifies the air sinuses, and tones up the optic nerves, thus improving sight. Diseases like tonsillitis, mumps, sinusitis and even influenza, tuberculosis, and rheumatism could be easily prevented by taking good care of the nose. Cleansing the nostrils is also the cure for the insane and will diminish insanity by 90%.

  • Did you know? Oral hygiene involves the cleansing of the teeth, the mouth, the tongue, the ear, and the air sinuses

    In the modern world, our attempt at ensuring oral hygiene is often limited to brushing our teeth and rinsing the mouth afterwards. However, this is insufficient to ensure a healthy life and prevent illnesses including respiratory problems and sinuses. According to Ayurveda, a healthy practice of oral hygiene includes the five-fold purification of the teeth, the mouth, the tongue, the ear, and the air sinuses. This should be scrupulously adhered to every morning, like a yogi…

    Hygiene of Teeth and Mouth

    For cleaning teeth, an improvised toothbrush is used which is a 6-7 inches long stalk with a quarter-inch width taken from a fresh green twig of neem tree, babul tree or banyan tree. One end of it is chewed to create bristles which are dipped in a tooth-cleaning powder and the teeth are rubbed clean for about five minutes from the outer and inner surfaces. These branches have alkaline and astringent properties and can be used and thrown. Thus, unlike the modern toothbrush, it cannot collect any bacteria. 

    The tooth-cleaning powder is prepared by mixing catechu (10%), myrobalans (80%), and turmeric or alum (10%). The ash of burnt coconut shells and almond shells can be added to achieve the best results. Alternatively, mango leaves can be chewed and used as effective ‘toothpaste‘ as the chlorophyll released is great at cleaning and making teeth strong. Finally, wash your mouth by rinsing and gargling with plain water. This makes an alkaline solution of freshly secreted saliva in the mouth that neutralizes the mouth acid and digests the particles stuck in the mouth preventing decay.

    Hygiene of Tongue 

    The condition of the tongue acts as an index of the health of the alimentary canal. Tartar tends to collect at the root of the tongue and is responsible for foul breath and stomach conditions. The practice of massaging the root of the tongue is the way out. Join the first three fingers, push them into the throat deep enough, rub from the root to the tip of the tongue several times and throw out the phlegm and mucus surrounding the cavity. Follow with the use of a tongue scraper to finish it.

    Hygiene of the Ear

    The unhygienic condition of the ear may be responsible for the vertigo and pain in the ear. Cleaning of the ear involves washing the external part using plain hot water, then gently pushing the wet index finger into the ear holes and rubbing by rotating movement. It allows the wax scales, dry cells, and dust to loosen and fall off. If wax accumulates in the ear canal, pressure is caused, resulting in earache, itching, irritation, inflammation, and even vertigo.

    Frontal air sinuses

    Air sinuses are the two bony air chambers at the base of the nasal canals, which connect the corresponding nasal cavities through the front nasal duct. The cavity is lined by mucus, which should be freshly secreted every day to keep it free from dust, germs, and drying caused by air passing through it every time one breathes. The air chambers can be kept germ-free through a simple breathing exercise. For this, one should stand erect or sit comfortably with the chest forward and the arm passively hanging at the sides. Begin with throwing out the breath from the lungs, taking in a breath and quickly exhaling it without retaining it. Both movements must be deep and rhythmic and done in quick succession. Start with only 15 rounds for 30 seconds. As the capacity increases with practice, one can slowly go up to 60 breaths in a minute. Do not exceed 3 minutes even if mastered. One may rest for a few seconds whenever fatigue or shortness of breath is felt. This should go with strong rubbing and massaging of the depression in the forehead near the bridge of the nose. It is regarded as an aid in curing certain diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and sinus.

    Following this practice every day makes you remain fresh and fully focused during your awake hours. It helps you maintain the highest physical efficiency by raising the general tone of the body and carrying out auto-immunization instead of wasting time and energy fighting against disease-causing germs and carriers. Periodical removal of the accumulated toxins in this manner rejuvenates the body by ensuring better mental and moral purity. Here begins your journey towards a life of good health and general satisfaction. 

  • Explaining Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas in Ayurveda

    In Ayurveda, the concept of doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—forms the foundation of understanding human physiology, health, and disease. These three doshas are bio-energetic forces derived from the five elements (Pancha Mahabhutas): space (akasha), air (vayu), fire (Agni), water (jala), and earth (Prithvi). Each dosha is a combination of two elements and governs specific physical and mental functions in the body.

    1. Vata Dosha

    Vata is composed of space and air elements. It governs all movement in the body, including breathing, circulation, nerve impulses, and the movement of thoughts in the mind. It is light, dry, cold, rough, mobile, and subtle. People with a predominant Vata constitution tend to be thin, energetic, quick-thinking, and creative but may also be prone to anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues when imbalanced. Common signs of Vata imbalance include dry skin, constipation, restlessness, and irregular appetite. To balance Vata, Ayurveda recommends warm, moist, and grounding foods and lifestyle practices that create routine and stability.

    2. Pitta Dosha

    Pitta is made up of fire and water elements. It governs digestion, metabolism, transformation, and energy production. Its qualities are hot, sharp, oily, light, and intense. Individuals with Pitta dominance often have a medium build, strong digestion, sharp intellect, and a tendency to be ambitious and competitive. However, when Pitta is out of balance, it can lead to irritability, inflammation, acid reflux, and skin rashes. Balancing Pitta involves cooling foods, calming activities, and avoiding excessive heat, both physically and emotionally.

    3. Kapha Dosha

    Kapha consists of earth and water elements. It is responsible for structure, stability, lubrication, and immunity in the body. Kapha is heavy, slow, steady, solid, cold, and oily. People with a Kapha constitution are generally calm, compassionate, and have strong stamina, but they may also experience lethargy, weight gain, congestion, and depression when imbalanced. To manage excess Kapha, Ayurveda suggests a light, spicy diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation.

    Health in Ayurveda is defined as the dynamic balance of the doshas. Imbalance due to improper diet, lifestyle, stress, environmental factors, or seasonal changes, leads to disease. Ayurveda focuses on restoring this balance through personalized treatments involving diet, herbs, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle modifications. Rather than treating symptoms, Ayurveda seeks to harmonize the underlying energies within the body and mind, promoting long-term well-being. 

  • Panchakarma, the ancient Ayurvedic detox, gets endorsement from Dr. Naresh Trehan

    “Panchakarma in Ayurveda is the best rejuvenation you can ever do. Once a year, if you can do Panchakarma, you can detoxify yourself enough to live life healthily,” said Dr. Naresh Trehan, renowned cardiovascular surgeon and Managing Director of Medanta, earlier this week, endorsing a centuries-old wellness practice rooted in Ayurveda.

    As temperatures soar and people look for ways to reset their health, Panchakarma is gaining renewed attention as a summer detox therapy. This traditional five-fold Ayurvedic cleansing process aims to eliminate toxins (ama) accumulated in the body and restore the balance of the three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

    Panchakarma, which translates to “five actions,” includes Vamana (therapeutic emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enema), Nasya (nasal administration), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting). These procedures are carefully personalized after detailed consultations with Ayurvedic physicians and are usually preceded by preparatory therapies like Snehana (internal and external oleation) and Swedana (sudation or sweating).

    A well-conducted Panchakarma session not only removes physical toxins but also relieves stress, improves digestion, boosts immunity, and enhances mental clarity, experts say. They perceive a visible uptick in urban clients seeking Ayurvedic detox during summer, citing both seasonal imbalances and rising stress levels as triggers.

    Traditionally performed in specialized Ayurvedic hospitals and wellness resorts, Panchakarma involves a stay ranging from 7 to 21 days. Kerala, often referred to as the home of Ayurveda, sees a steady influx of domestic and international health seekers opting for these therapies — especially in the hot months when the body is believed to be more receptive to detoxification.

    However, caution has to be exercised against unregulated or DIY Panchakarma therapies. If not administered under expert guidance, the wrong treatment can do more harm than good, experts warn.

    With growing scientific interest in integrative medicine, Panchakarma is no longer confined to Ayurvedic circles. Institutions like AIIMS and Medanta have begun exploring its therapeutic potential in managing chronic lifestyle disorders.

    As modern medicine begins to acknowledge ancient wisdom, Panchakarma stands out not just as a detox therapy but as a holistic approach to preventive health. And in a world overwhelmed by fast-paced living and rising health issues, this timeless Ayurvedic cleanse might just be the annual ritual we all need.

  • How Ayurveda’s traditional wisdom is powering modern wellness trends

    A stream of medicine once confined to ashrams and the pages of ancient texts, Ayurveda is now riding the wave of global wellness with a modern twist. From AI-driven dosha assessments to neo-urban clinics offering Panchakarma detox packages, the 5,000-year-old system of medicine is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation.

    This evolution, often dubbed “Ayurveda 2.0,” merges time-tested principles with digital technology, evidence-based practice, and a rising demand for personalized wellness. Fuelled by post-pandemic health consciousness, startups and clinics across India are rebranding Ayurveda not as an alternative, but as a complementary and accessible lifestyle science.

    Doctors as well as fitness trainers vouch that Ayurveda is no longer a niche field, but an integrative part of holistic wellness. Millennials and Gen Z are embracing it for preventive care, stress relief, and skin health. The 21st-century person is now demanding ancient solutions in modern formats.

    Tech is playing a big role in this renaissance. Various online platforms offer authentic online consultations, customized herbal prescriptions, and follow-up care, all at the tap of a smartphone. Ayurveda-based nutraceuticals and skincare lines are booming, with global brands exporting their products to over 30 countries.

    Even the scientific community is taking note. Research into Ayurvedic formulations, particularly immunity boosters and adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Giloy, has gained traction in academic circles. The WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, inaugurated in Gujarat, underscores India’s ambition to put Ayurveda on the global healthcare map.

    However, the journey isn’t without hurdles. Experts caution against the over-commercialization and dilution of Ayurvedic principles. The challenge lies in balancing authenticity with innovation, experts say. 

    Still, the momentum is unmistakable. Wellness tourism is seeing a revival, with international travelers making a beeline to famed Ayurvedic resorts for long-term treatments and digital detox retreats. Domestic wellness seekers, too, are trading chemical-heavy quick fixes for holistic regimens rooted in balance and sustainability.

    As the world searches for meaning in wellness, Ayurveda’s holistic and preventative approach is striking a new chord, one that harmonizes ancient insights with 21st-century lifestyles. The day is not far when Ayurveda takes the lead in guiding the world towards a life of physical and mental fulfilment and makes the motto ‘one world, one health’ a reality. 

  • Stress-relieving, sleep-improving Ashwagandha captures the interest of the global scientific community

    Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional medicine systems across various countries, including Indian Traditional Medicine systems. Now, this popular herb has captured the global scientific community’s interest, leading to a surge in the number of scientific studies exploring its use for medicinal purposes. As per the PubMed database, while in 2019, 95 studies on Ashwagandha were listed, in 2024, the number rose to 201—an increase of 111.58%. This upward trend indicates a growing recognition of Ashwagandha’s potential in clinical research and therapeutic applications.

    Known for its adaptogenic and therapeutic properties, Ashwagandha is being studied for its potential to reduce stress, improve sleep, boost immunity, and many other health benefits. A small perennial herb with white flowers and orange-red berries thriving in the warmer regions of India, Ashwagandha is commonly referred to as “Indian winter cherry”.

    Scientists have discovered that Ashwagandha contains bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. It has been observed to positively influence the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems, making it a promising candidate for clinical applications.

    A recent systematic review analysing five randomised controlled trials with 400 participants found that Ashwagandha extract significantly improved sleep quality in adults, especially those diagnosed with insomnia. The extract was also noted to enhance mental alertness upon waking and reduce anxiety levels.

    Furthermore, several clinical trials suggest that Ashwagandha extracts may help alleviate stress and anxiety. A 2021 systematic review identified seven studies involving 491 adults from India, revealing that Ashwagandha supplementation for 6 to 8 weeks resulted in significant stress and anxiety reduction compared to placebo groups.

    Recognising the increasing scientific interest in and around Ashwagandha, the Ministry of Ayush has published a comprehensive safety dossier on the herb to aid scientists and scholars. Also, to address safety-related aspects of the herb, an expert committee was constituted, and its report was published. These publications aim to provide scientifically validated information about Ashwagandha’s safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential.

    With research activity accelerating, Ashwagandha stands at the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern scientific exploration, offering immense promise for human health and well-being. As ongoing studies unlock its full potential, the world may soon witness even greater therapeutic applications of this time-tested herb.

  • Why combining medicines in Ayurveda is a bad idea

    Combination therapy is the concurrent administration of two or more active compounds for disease treatment. It is a well-recognized strategy in modern pharmacology. In conventional medicine, combination therapy is strategically employed to enhance clinical outcomes by optimizing therapeutic efficacy, mitigating the risk of dose-dependent toxicity, and minimizing the emergence of drug resistance. 

    The therapeutic efficacy of such an intervention is influenced by multiple factors, including the quality and standardization of formulations, dosage precision, individual patient characteristics, and the synergistic potential of combined therapies. 

    However, in the context of Ayurveda, establishing a definitive advantage through such a combination process remains a complex challenge, particularly in clinical settings.

    Firstly, the bioactive profile of medicinal herbs used is influenced by factors such as growth conditions, seasonal variations, part used, and preparation methods, leading to distinct pharmacological outcomes even within classical formulations. 

    Secondly, Ayurveda formulations are complex and characterized by multi-ingredient compositions with diverse phytoconstituents within a single herb when compared to the conventional single-drug approach. This complexity poses significant challenges for standardization, analytical characterization, and pharmacokinetic profiling, making quality control and reproducibility critical concerns in Ayurveda-based combination therapies.

    Likewise, the selection of Anupana (vehicle) in Ayurveda plays a pivotal role in modulating the pharmacological activity of a formulation. Anupana acts as a bioenhancer, contributing to the multifaceted effects of polyherbal formulations, bringing further variation in Ayurveda-based combination therapies.

    Presently, going forward with combination therapy in Ayurveda carries various risks. One concern is the possibility of exceeding the recommended dosage threshold when the same ingredient is present in multiple formulations used concurrently, particularly in herbo-mineral preparations where a single mineral component may be a common ingredient in two or more polyherbal formulations. 

    This raises concerns regarding cumulative toxicity, especially for metals and minerals with narrow therapeutic windows.

    The potential for herb-herb and herb-drug interactions should also be considered during combination therapies as certain combinations may enhance or inhibit pharmacological effects, potentially leading to suboptimal efficacy or adverse reactions. 

    For combination therapy to be efficient in Ayurveda, 

    detailed documentation of medicinal formulations, including classical text references, preparation methods, plant sources, and seasonal variations, is crucial. Integrating modern analytical technologies, such as high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, can enhance the identification and quantification of active constituents, improving safety and efficacy assessments. 

    Collaborative research across Ayurveda practitioners, pharmacologists, and regulatory bodies is necessary to bridge traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of polyherbal formulations. 

    Furthermore, rigorous clinical trials and preclinical studies must validate the therapeutic and safety profiles of these therapies, combining classical Ayurvedic principles with modern pharmacological methodologies to optimize combination therapies while mitigating associated risks.

    (Source – Journal of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences) 


  • Here’s the Ayurvedic way to combat male infertility by increasing sperm count and motility

    Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility is estimated to affect 8%–12% of reproductive-age group couples (60–80 million couples) worldwide, with around 15–20 million (25%) in India alone. According to a report by the World Health Organization, one in every six couples in developing countries is affected by infertility.

    A significant contributor to male infertility is oligoasthenozoospermia, or reduced sperm concentration and motility. The prevalence of oligoasthenozoospermia among men has increased worldwide annually to 10%–15% under the influence of numerous harmful factors, such as environmental pollution, psychological stress, and unhealthy lifestyles. 

    The drawbacks of the current treatments include their side effects, ambiguous clinical effectiveness, increased cost, fear of loss of hope during a lengthy medical procedure that takes time, and the necessity for additional therapy in case of failure. Therefore, the focus has been on preserving or improving human sperm count, motility, and morphology. 

    In Ayurveda, semen (shukra) is seen as having the unique function of forming the embryo. Other functions attributed to semen are courage, ejaculation, affection, body strength and sexual arousal. Ksheena shukra is the condition in which the quantity of semen is less, and correlates with the condition of oligoasthenozoospermia. It is a pathology due to the predominance of Vata-Pitta dosha. 

    Causative factors include exposure to excessive heat and prolonged journeys. Excessive physical stress is another factor. High intake of red and processed meat and carbonated soft drinks are to be avoided. Hot water baths, wearing tight undergarments, tight jeans, long bike rides, prolonged sitting, prolonged placing of laptops over the thighs, frequent placing of mobile phones in pant pockets, excessive stress, daytime sleep, heavy work, and holding natural urges are other identified causative factors. 

    Drugs having similar qualities of shukra, aphrodisiac measures and formulations predominant of sweet and bitter taste to normalize vitiated Vata and Pitta are beneficial in the management of such conditions. Among them, the role of aphrodisiac medicine is of vital importance. Before the administration of aphrodisiac measures, steps to enhance metabolism, digestion and evacuation of flatus, faeces, urine, etc. should be carried out. 

    For this purpose, Saptasaram Kashayam made from a blend of seven powerful herbs – Punarnava, Bilwa, Kulatha, Eranda, Sahachara, Shunthi, and Agnimantha – is recommended. This can be taken along with ghee which enhances shukra and pacifies Vata and Pitta dosha. This is to be followed with mild purgative which is a compound powder preparation containing Triphala, Yashti and Markandika. 

    As an aphrodisiac, the Vidaryadi Vajeekarana Lehya can be used. The Lehya has strengthening and nourishing properties that increase semen and vital energy. It significantly increases sperm count as well as fructose levels of seminal vesicles. It is to be taken along with milk which is a daily used substance and increases semen. Most of the drugs in Vidaryadi Vajeekarana Lehya have antioxidant properties, which counters oxidative stress, one of the main causes of decreased seminal parameters. 

    The effect of this treatment will be a gradual increase in the seminal count and the motility rate in the person. The time required for the changes to fully manifest may vary, depending on their body nature. However, on a normal, otherwise healthy person, the effects can be found within 100 days of the commencement of the treatment. 

    (Source – Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports)