Ayurveda Treatment: A Holistic Way Of Healing Mankind

With the cosmic development in the space of science and medicine, there are advanced surgical methods and instant remedies for addressing human illness. In this digital epoch, it may sound silly to talk about the age old method of healing named Ayurveda, with the use of medicinal plants, Ayurvedic essential oils, minerals, fats and extracts from animals. You may even feel like travelling on a handcart besides the presence of millions of advanced means of transport when someone says that Ayurveda treatment is the best approach to holistic healing. If you are uttering a concrete ‘YES’ to the above statements them I’m sorry to say that you are on the wrong side of the coin.

Ayurveda treatment is the mother of all healing sciences in the world and has an oldest history of about 5000 years. Anything right from a minor headache till the chronic cancer has natural remedies in Ayurvedic treatment. The exact meaning for the word Ayurveda stands as ‘knowledge of life’. This tranquil approach of curing aims at treating the person’s physical and mental health and not the actual ailment that has put him off. By doing this, Ayurveda helps to unearth the actual root cause of the problem and assist you in treating the sickness as well as prevent it from occurring again. According to Ayurveda, an individual is a unification of the mind, the spirit and the physical body. With this hard-hitting principle underlying, this natural therapeutic science trusts the whole body, psyche and the inner spirit to be treated together instead of treating the bodily disease alone.

The real effects of this remedial practice have been proved evidently with its uncompromising conquest and the chain progression even after thousands of challenging years with new-fangled remedial means. The theory of Ayurveda emphasizes on three important things namely raising a hale and hearty metabolism, resulting in apposite digestion, ultimately supported by a good excretory system for a happy life in the pink. It also encourages people in involving themselves in meditation, regular exercises and rejuvenating yoga practices for a complete living.

Swallowing pills for each and every sickness can only pretend to be the right remedy but temporarily. If this state continues, unfortunately the quantity of medicines you consume per day will be greater the amount of food you ingest. With Ayurveda treatment, most of the health conditions have been addressed with a single medication as your medicines are decided only after scrutinizing your corporeal, emotional, environmental, intellectual, social, spiritual and nutritional aspects that form a part of your daily routine. Say for example, you may suffer with sleepless nights and feel sick and dozy with distressing pain in the body and experiencing total depression due to your stressful and hectic schedule. If you are to take prescription medicines for all these conditions, then trust me you will be forced to take at least 4 different medicines for insomnia, depression, body pain and tiredness but if you choose Ayurveda, a soothing massage with the calming lavender essential oil can wholly wipe away your illness and help you regain your health with a new life in it.

Yes! This is the kind of magic and ultimate relief that Ayurveda treatment can proffer you and that is why it is rightly called as a holistic way of healing mankind.

Here are some reference links to help you quench your thirst for knowledge on Ayurveda treatment:

  1. Ayurveda by Wikipedia
  2. Ayurveda by University of Maryland Medical Center
  3. Ayurveda: An Overview by HeyMonicaB

Thyme Essential Oil

Fall in love with Thyme essential oil if you love Mother Nature and trust its innate wisdom of healing. Thyme is such a galvanizing herb and has its use etched in the history of various parts of the universe. When I started with this post, I was just hit with an important term that Thyme is often referred to and that is ‘Mother of Thyme’.Thyme-oil-bannerThis phrase brings out the significance of Thyme in both the conventional and contemporary medicinal practices, chiefly for addressing gynecological problems. Greeks named this plant as thyme meaning ‘to fumigate’, mainly because of its invigorating aroma and it is also said that this name is extracted from the Greek word ‘thumus’ denoting courage.

Apart from its use as a culinary herb, thyme and its essential oil has been in use for more than thousands of years, where the ancient Ayurvedic philosophers explored every essence of this powerful herb in treating an extensive range of illnesses naturally.

Saints, warriors and scholars of the prehistoric period valued Thyme for its power to grant physical endurance and valor along with emotional and spiritual insight to pursue their life’s vision perfectly.

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Historical Uses of Thyme and its essential oil:

History has a cluster of pages talking about the curative powers of Thyme. Almost all the continents of this world from Antarctica to Australia have used thyme for its impressive medicinal values.

Ayurveda, the science of life suggested the use of thyme for its expectorant, astringent, anti-microbial, antiseptic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. The ancient texts of Ayurveda suggests thyme for treating respiratory problems, headaches, halitosis, spasms, colic, dental disorders, gastrointestinal problems and few others.

Ebers Papyrus, the oldest Egyptian medical text which dates back to 1550 BC has recorded the healing values of thyme. The ancient Greeks offered thyme as a sacred herb to Adephaghia, the Greek Goddess of food and good eating.

Thyme was also burnt in Greek temples for sanctifying and purifying the environment. According to Greeks, thyme signified ‘graceful elegance’ and represented bravery, heroism and energy.

Bible honors thyme as the lining for the manger, which was the bed of Jesus Christ at the time of birth. European Pharmacopeia recommends the use of this herb for healing upper respiratory congestion and coughs.

Africans use thyme for its tranquilizing properties. It was in use in traditional Jamaican medicinal system to induce labor and support child birth, attributed to the emmenagogue properties of thyme. In southern France, thyme was honored as a sign of extreme Republicanism.

Nicholas Culpeper, the renowned English Botanist recommended thyme for treating musculoskeletal problems, warts, ophthalmic problems and certain other illnesses. He said Thyme isa noble strengthener of the lungs, as notable a one as grows, nor is there a better remedy growing for whooping cough.

It purges the body of phlegm and is an excellent remedy for shortness of breath. It is so harmless you need not fear the use of it. An ointment made of it takes away hot swellings and warts, helps the sciatica and dullness of sight and takes away any pains and hardness of the spleen: it is excellent for those that are troubled with the gout and the herb taken anyway inwardly is of great comfort to the stomach.”

The primeval Sumerians, Assyrians and Babylonians have used thyme before 5,000 years and the traditional food known as Zaatar in the Middle East countries contains thyme and is popular for its curative values.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Thyme essential oil:

Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing sciences on earth trusts on natural herbs including aromatic plants for healing human health conditions. It is known for its use of aromatics in treating numerous illnesses ranging from insomnia to bipolar disorders.

This healing power by using aroma is connected to the limbic system, which is known as the ‘center of control’ of the human brain. Another celebrated Ayurvedic therapy of healing is Abhyanga, the art of Ayurvedic massaging.

Ayurvedic texts strongly recommend massaging with therapeutic essential oils for relaxing the mind, strengthening the immune system and helping the system to strike perfect balance with nature.

Essential oils are extracted from plants. They are pure, free of chemicals, highly concentrated and contain the real essence of the plants from which they are extracted. Thyme essential oil is extracted from thyme herb, botanically known as Thymus vulgaris. The most significant constituent of thyme essential oil contributing to its healing properties is thymol.

The major Ayurvedic health benefits of thyme essential oil are:

Thyme-oil-broucher1. Time-honored emmenagogue:

The oil of thyme is regarded as a natural remedy for handling womanly problems in a gentle manner. Historical references report the use of thyme for inducing labor, encouraging easy child birth, irregular periods, obstructed menstruation, treating pains, depression, fatigue and nausea associated with menstruation. This is mainly because thyme oil stimulates the production of estrogen hormones in women, which is responsible for reproductive health.

Massaging a blend of 3 drops of thyme oil with 2 teaspoons of sesame oil gently on the abdominal area can grant relief from severe pain and foster blocked menstruation. 2 drops of Thyme oil can also be added to your bathing water for giving a refreshing start to the day and for alleviating fatigue. It can also be used in your diffuser for soothing your senses especially during the night time for a peaceful and relaxed sleep.

2. Overcomes oral problems:

Ayurvedic Vaidyas strongly recommended thyme oil for treating oral problems like bad breath or halitosis, gingivitis, plaque and tooth decay. Thyme essential oil is known as a powerful germ-killer with its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This is the main reason for the use of thyme oil in many popular mouthwashes like Listerine and certain other oral cleansers.

Thymol, the active constituent in thyme oil along with chlorhexidine is used as a dental varnish for treating and preventing tooth decay. Thyme oil is an important ingredient in popular toothpaste and liniment brands in the market for these special reasons. Adding 1 drop of thyme oil to a cup of warm water can serve as an effective mouth gargle in the morning for treating oral problems.

3. Absolutely skin-friendly:

The presence of caryophyllene and camphene components in Thyme essential oil contributes to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It helps in protecting the skin from harmful bacterial and fungal infections while effectively aiding in healing burns, wounds, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, rashes, cuts and sores. Thyme essential oil helps in keeping the skin free from marks, wrinkles and certain other symptoms of aging.

Scars and marks after surgeries, accidents, acne, chicken pox, measles and even stretch marks fade on eventual cosmetic application of thyme oil on the affected areas after blending it with mild carrier oils like almond oil. You can add few drops of thyme oil to your regular face wash for better results as thyme oil has excellent skin-cleansing properties.

4. Guards the respiratory system:

Thyme essential oil protects the respiratory system from various infections and is a trusted Ayurvedic remedy for treating prolonged coughs and cold. The essential oil of thyme acts as a powerful cough suppressant by checking the coughing spasms.

The presence of thymol strengthens the immune system and makes the body defensive against respiratory infections. The warming nature of this oil helps in clearing congestion and breaking up mucous and phlegm. 2 drops of thyme oil added to hot water for steam inhalation can open blocked nasal passages and soothe the respiratory system.

5. Natural stimulant:

It stimulates the functions of the liver and digestive system. Thyme essential oil acts as a tonic for the liver, nervous system, circulatory system and muscular system. This oil assists in treating dyspepsia, gastric formation, heartburn, stomach upset, cramps, nausea, headache and lack of sleep associated with digestive disorders. Intestinal worms like tapeworms, hook worms and round worms can also be discarded with the vermifuge properties of thyme oil.

6. Alleviates pain and inflammation:

Just like Eucalyptus oil, thyme oil is also an effective pain relieving oil by suppressing the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme. A 2012 study on ‘Effects of Thymol and Carvacrol, Constituents of Thymus vulgaris L. Essential Oil, on the Inflammatory Response’ proved that the anti-inflammatory property of thyme oil is attributed to the rich presence of monoterpene phenols like thymol and carvacrol constituents present in this oil. This makes thyme as an effective pain relieving massage oil in alleviating rheumatic pains, muscular aches, bruises, nerve stimulation, migraine headaches and skin inflammation.

7. Supports the entire system:

Thyme essential oil supports the entire body from head to toe and it is proven effective in treating hair loss, head lice, swelling, throat pain, sciatica, low blood pressure, convulsions, colic, bed-wetting, gout, diarrhea, athlete’s foot etc. This oil is also said to have antioxidant and antiviral properties.

It acts as an effective diuretic and helps in alleviating the toxins from the body through urine. Thyme essential oil is extremely beneficial for the heart as it fortifies the cardiac muscles and enhances blood circulation. Inhaling the aroma of thyme essential oil stimulates the mind, improves concentration and uplifts the spirit.

And now, you would have realized why I wanted you to fall in love with Thyme essential oil. Let me start. Thyme…. I love you.

Disclaimer: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children below 2 years should not use this oil. Do not ingest essential oils as they are highly concentrated and do not apply them directly to your skin unless it is recommended by your Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Thought for the day:

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.   –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt
  2. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  3. The Practice of Aromatherapy by Dr. Jean Valnet

Reference Links:

  1. Thyme in Medicine by Natural Standard the Authority on Integrative Medicine
  2. Effects of Thymol and Carvacrol, Constituents of Thymus vulgaris L. Essential Oil, on the Inflammatory Response by PubMed
  3. Thyme, Garden by Botanical.Com

Ayurvedic Fragrance Oils For Stress And Uplifting Your Spirits

Fragrance plays an important role in our life right from the time of birth, when the new mother smells her new-born’s forehead for engraving her first special kiss for the much-awaited joy. Fragrance takes different names when it is in different forms and few such names include aroma, odor, tang, smell, scent, whiff, perfume, bouquet, relish, savor, fragrant and many others. Every type of fragrance instills a different feeling and brings back the special thoughts about your memorable moments during which you experienced the same eternity for the first time. Yes! This is the kind of impact that Ayurvedic fragrance oils and its divine aroma are about to spell on your life for uplifting your spirits and assuaging your stress.

Stress: This is a universal phenomenon that most of us experience in our day to day lives. Lack of awareness and the incapability to manage stress ends in tensed muscles, sleep apnea, increased blood pressure, slow digestive mechanism, amplified pulse rate, rapid breathing and your immune system becomes weak. Stress is the root cause for various mental disorders like depression, anxiety, irritability, tendency to forget things, unsecured feeling, anger, fatigue, lack of concentration, unhappiness and agitation.  Ayurveda has ample remedies to alleviate stress, uplift your spirits and help you regain your hale and heartiness.

Ayurvedic fragrance oils for balancing stress: Fragrance oils are extracted from plants and the natural essential oils with original odor extracted from plants are highly desirable than the ones blended with synthetic aroma compounds for instilling the extra flavors. Brain is a vital organ that controls and contributes the mental health, emotions and feeling of our senses. As these functional areas are correlated with each other, the aroma of fragrance oils transforms your emotions and nurses back to health. Natural fragrance oils like Neroli, Jasmine and Lavender have proven effects in treating stress and stress-related symptoms.

  • Neroli oil: Neroli has an energizing and flowery aroma that aids in treating stress along with depression, insomnia, nervous disorders, headache, digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome and few other conditions associated to stress with its sedative, antidepressant, antispasmodic and relaxing properties.
  • Jasmine oil: With its antidepressant, expectorant, antispasmodic and antiseptic properties, Jasmine oil spreads a temperate and flower-patterned fragrance that rejuvenates your mind while gradually decreasing your stress levels. This spiritual oil treats tension, dry skin, sensitivity, headache, catarrh, stress, anxiety and boosts your confidence.
  • Lavender oil: Lavender is a splendid curative for stress and depression. The soothing, relaxing, revitalizing, therapeutic and calming effects of this oil help you to bounce back from your mental trauma with its proven anti-inflammatory, sedative, nervine, antidepressant, analgesic and antiseptic properties.

You can use these celebrated fragrance oils separately or as a heavenly blend in your bath tub, or your diffuser.

Ayurvedic fragrance oils for uplifting your spirits: When your stress is beautifully handled with the above stated fragrance oils, now try heartening and elevating your spirits with the lovely, passionate, worth-remembering, stirring and enriching fragrances of sandalwood oil, geranium oil, patchouli oil, peppermint oil, chamomile oil, lemon oil, mandarin oil, ylang ylang oil, rose oil and other citrus fragrance oils.

Try using these therapeutic oils for pampering your mind and body with a gentle massage and it’ll be a great experience to get massaged with the tender love of your near ones.

Reference links:

  1. What is stress? How to deal with stress by Medical News Today
  2. Fragrance oils by Wikipedia
  3. Scents for helping with relaxation and depression by Livestrong.Com