Importance of Ayurveda in the West

Posted on April 24, 2024 by AyurvedicOils

16 FREE GLC BOXES with Promo Code: WELCOME - Beef Tallow

Modern world has gifted us with enormous innovative tools and techniques that have made life easier to live. But an explicit insight on the pros and cons of this massive technological development instinctively fills our mind with a wide range of chaos! The more the world progresses technically, the more the human life steps ahead in stress, ailments and an innate mechanical progress. Thus life becomes so insensible that one is always deemed with worries and stress. What could be the apt antidote to this malady? Ayurveda stands distinct as the most holistic remedy to end this mechanical life and mark the start of a natural way of living filled with eternal bliss! This is the reason why Ayurveda is widely recognized in the west in recent times.

Ayurveda serves as the root for Traditional European Medicine (TEM), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Unani – a natural system of healing of the Middle Eastern world. This is the strong reason why Ayurveda is rightly called as the ‘Mother of Natural Healing’. With its genesis in ancient India, the essence of Ayurveda spread to the west with the advent of many foreigners who translated the Ayurvedic encyclopedias namely Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita to Arabic, Latin, German and English.

It is a well known fact that the first major plastic surgery in the western world was performed in 1815 by Carpue who spent 20 years in India to study the Ayurvedic surgery methods. Amazing right!!! This is just a single piece of information that is known to the world and there are much more Ayurvedic secrets to be revealed and relived.

Importance of Ayurveda in the West: Western Culture is more secured with massive man-made technologies that are strong enough to weaken the resources of nature of which human resource forms a major part. Decrease in physical efforts makes life more involuntary thus increasing the mental stress. Apart from this, the modern medical system deals only with the ailments rather than their root causes, resulting in a temporary relief with more side effects that make the ailments permanent and vulnerable. Thus, people are drawn towards the most dependable holistic approach that has a unique gift of a meaningful, mentally strong life with eternal peace for every individual.

To add more life to the fact that Ayurveda has found its place in the west, down comes the sturdy list of causes that has made the western world to feel the importance of Ayurveda.

Exceptional Holistic Approach For Every Individual: Though the same ailment may affect different individuals, the process of treating them differs with each individual according to Ayurveda, which considers each human is unique with his/her own unique physical, mental, emotional and environmental characteristics. Thus Ayurveda helps in guiding every individual to recognize their individuality in terms of their body types and connection with nature to manage life more efficiently. This holistic approach is missing in the modern medical system, resulting in the wide acceptance of Ayurveda as a Complementary and Alternative medicine (CAM) in the Western world, especially in the United States.

Aiming at Mind-body-Soul balance: Western Allopathic medicine that cures diseases with drugs and surgery prove effective primarily but often weaken the entity due to the toxicity of the drugs. It is more corrective in nature, whereas Ayurveda is preventive naturally and aims at bringing a balance between the mind, body and soul by dealing with the energy levels that each individual possesses rather than dealing with the diseases. Attentive analysis of each individual before commencing with the treatment lays a strong foundation for the Ayurvedic practitioners to deal with the root causes of the ailments and eradicate them completely.

Natural Healing with no side effects: Taking a pill for a sickness just by analyzing the effects rather than the causes, though endorsed by the modern medical system often comes along with side effects. Thus one leads to another and eventually captures the human peace of mind. Explicitly equipped with natural potions like natural herbs, extracts from plants, Ayurvedic essential oils and innate peace giving simple yet supreme practices like Yoga, Meditation and strict adherence to a Unique Ayurvedic lifestyle, Ayurveda cures humanity with no side effects. This serves to be the main reason for Ayurveda’s global possession to grow stronger day by day.

Effective Stress Handler: Stress has the capacity to turn the strongest into subtle. In the current situation, stress stands tall as the greatest challenge to every single individual right from a school going boy/girl to a serene loving old man/woman. Ayurveda acts as a complete holistic therapy that includes effective ways to handle stress. It suggests the practice of Meditation to pacify the mind resulting in numerous positive outcomes few of which include significant decline of stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression etc.

Self-Realization for a Divine Living: Ayurvedic healing methodology includes a wide range of techniques of which Yoga, Meditation and Rejuvenation of the body and mind with effective Ayurvedic oils have gained wide attention in the West. These forms of practice leads to self-realization thus making one to realize the true purpose of living, paving way to eternal satisfaction and ecstasy of leading a meaningful life. Ayurveda serves its sole purpose of making one to realize self and live in harmony with self and nature thus giving comprehensiveness to human existence.

Good for All: Unlike modern medical system, Ayurveda is good for all individuals irrespective of their status of health. With its elegant regime, Ayurveda dignifies the diseased and strengthens the stronger ones leading to health and longevity.

Apart from this, Ayurveda remains as the most natural, less expensive medical system with homemade remedies of defensive nature. Effective utilization of Ayurvedic natural herbs, spices, vegetables and natural Ayurvedic Essential oils in your day to day living will support longevity and help you in the long run.

Ayurveda can be made more efficacious if its real essence is absorbed and utilized effectively. Studies have proved that Ayurveda is effective in the treatment of acute chronic diseases like diabetes and the integration of Ayurvedic Healing system with Modern therapy can pave way for finding a solution for some of the life threatening diseases like cancer.

One final yet valid reason that makes the West fascinated towards Ayurveda is its approach towards the patients that is lifted high with a sense of personal touch and care that is often missing in the western medical system.

As a true believer and benefiter of Ayurveda, I take this opportunity to thank all those strenuous efforts of the invaluable immortals who strived a lot in bringing the knowledge of Ayurveda to the west that has served numerous people in the past and will continue to serve in the future as well!!!

Thought for the day:

“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.” –Hippocrates

Suggested Reading:

Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Indian Medicine for the West by Frank John, M.D. Ninivaggi
Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life: Achieving Optimal Health and Wellness through Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, and Western Science by Claudia Welch
Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners: Familiar Western Food Prepared with Ayurvedic Principles by Amadea Morningstar

Reference Links:

Cumin Seed Oil

Posted on April 23, 2024 by AyurvedicOils

16 FREE GLC BOXES with Promo Code: WELCOME - Beef Tallow

Cumin oil is being used in California for enhancing the immune system of AIDS patients and has been proven in building immunity in allergic patients as well.

Celebrated as one of the most potent digestive aid in India, these cute little seeds stand special among the many natural condiments used since the ancient times, for it always blend with the food, making it extraordinarily delicious with its distinct earthy aroma and enticing flavor.

Ayurveda beckons Cumin as Jiraka, Ajaji and Ajajika. Botanically called as Cuminum cyminum, Cumin belongs to the Apiaceae along with its other siblings including Parsley, Caraway and Dill. Apart from its widespread culinary uses, Cumin seeds and its essential oil are being used in addressing digestive problems, migraine, low secretion of breast milk, piles, convalescence, poor blood circulation, anemia, skin disorders, insomnia and respiratory infections.

Purchase Cumin Seed Essential Oil – 4oz – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Cumin:

The most notable accolade to sing the glory and historical reference of Cumin seed is its use in the mummification process that dates back to 5000 years. Biblical references clad Cumin seed as one of the best offering to God. Moreover it was crowned as a tithing spice and valued as a currency used in exchange for trade.

Being a native of the Mediterranean region, Cumin seed has found its application and cultivation throughout the world for its ubiquity, low cost, culinary and medicinal properties. Best known for its ease in cultivation, Cumin seed is a part of the traditional cooking.

Cumin is the second most popular spice in the world; it is often used in culinary as a substitute for black pepper which was highly expensive. Being the only medicinal part of the plant this aromatic herb has been used since the primordial times as the best aphrodisiac, for which loafs of bread seasoned with Cumin seeds along with chicken were served for newly married men.

As a common subject of the works of Hippocrates, Pliny and Dioscorides, Cumin was used vastly in Greece and Rome for its bactericidal, culinary and stomachic qualities.

Few sources state that this herb had the ability to improve skin complexion. Cumin was also considered as a spice of avarice and greed, for which the Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius and Antoninus Pius were nicknamed as Cumin.

The Talmuds used Cumin seeds in the circumcision ritual to arrest bleeding and prevent infections. Cumin seed oil and cumin seed powder are still an effective digestive aid that helps one to get rid of flatulence, indigestion and constipation. It is an active component of the Jeera water in India that grants instant refreshment and makes one to feel warm and active from within.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Cumin seed oil:

Cumin seed oil consists of numerous chemical compounds and the major ones among them are aldehydes, monoterpenes hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes that include cumin aldehyde, α-pinene, safranol, linalool, thymol, myrcene, limonene, 1-8-cineole, p-menth-3-en-7-ol, p-mentha-1, 3-dien-7-ol , caryophyllene , β-bisabolene , β-pinene, P-cymene, β-phellandrene, D-terpinene, flavonoids, cuminyl alcohol and β-farnesene.

Cumin seed oil also serves as a rich source of iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, carbohydrates, starch, Vitamin C, A & B1 and glows as a rich dietary fiber.

It is often employed for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, anti carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, antitussive, stomachic, carminative, diuretic, stimulant, appetizer, galactogogue, anti-mutagenic, emmenagogue, antiseptic, astringent, detoxifier, anti-tumor, aphrodisiac, nervine and tonic properties.

Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Cumin Seed Oil:

Ayurveda is a 5000 year old medical practice from India and the word ‘Ayurveda’ means ‘Knowledge of life’, which insists on awareness about one’s life for leading a hale and hearty living.

Unlike other healing methodologies, Ayurveda aims at gifting mankind with holistic health by preventing illnesses and paving way for healthy aging and longevity. The National Institute of Health rightly quotes this as “The aim of Ayurvedic medicine is to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit. This is believed to help prevent illness and promote wellness.”

The ancient Ayurvedic texts namely Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, written by the renowned Ayurvedic physicians Charaka (the Father of Medicine) and Sushruta (the Father of Surgery) throw light on all kinds of treatment methodologies and healing techniques used in Ayurveda. These texts even talk about complex surgical treatments including plastic surgery and caesarean deliveries even before the evolution of machines or medical equipments.

Ayurveda conquers the world of medicine for thousands of years with its natural remedies including essential oils or the life force of plants, herbs, yoga, meditation, prayers, Ayurvedic routine and other Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma (Cleansing or Detox treatment) and Abhyanga (the art of Ayurvedic massaging).

These remedies reveal the trust of Ayurvedic philosophy on the power of Mother Nature, which is made up of five vital elements namely earth, water, fire, air and space.

This traditional system believes that everything on earth is a part of nature and is built up with the same five elements of nature. Every person on earth is a unique creation with a unique individual constitution that is made up of 3 dynamic biological forces known as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha. Each dosha is a combination of the 5 elemental forces of nature.

Pitta is a symbol of fire and water and is held responsible for metabolic activities and body temperature. Vata is a combination of air and space and is in charge of respiratory functions, circulation and nervous functions of the system.

Kapha is a representation of earth and water and is accountable for physical build up, reproductive health, sustenance and movement of fluids in the body. According to Ayurveda, balance between these doshas symbolizes health and imbalance causes illnesses.

Ayurvedic therapies are prescribed in such a way to correct the imbalance of doshas and to be in harmony with nature. Cumin seed and its essential oil is known to decrease kapha and vata doshas and increase pitta dosha, which makes this oil as an effective natural remedy for treating digestive disorders, respiratory illnesses, nervous problems and reproductive problems.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Cumin seed oil are:

1. Attenuates all your stomachic problems:

Cumin essential oil is known for its pitta-enhancing properties that are responsible for metabolism and body temperature. With the Sanskrit name Jiraka, which literally means digestion, Cumin seed oil enhances the metabolism and alleviates all kinds of digestive disorders. Indians drink Jeera water (Cumin seeds boiled in water) for augmenting their digestive potential.

The presence thymol, a natural stimulant in Cumin oil along with its rich iron content induces and regulates the secretion of bile and other digestive and pancreatic enzymes that assist in easing digestion, absorption of essential nutrients and excretion. The carminative properties of this oil helps in relieving flatulence with ease and comfort along with preventing the formation of gas.

The process of digestion starts in the mouth. Cumin aldehyde, the prime aromatic compound of Cumin seed oil triggers the salivary glands in the mouth that results in the proper secretion of saliva with good PH value. It also inhibits the growth of harmful microbes.

The anti-fungal and antibacterial activity of Cumin seed oil is found effective in preserving food items, destroying human and animal pathogens and in protecting plants from hazardous micro-organisms in the soil.

Using 3 drops of Cumin oil blended with 1.5 ml of sesame oil for massaging your abdomen, aids in stimulating Agni or the digestive fire that helps in alleviating flatulence, indigestion, dyspepsia, diarrhea, intestinal spasms, gastrointestinal infections, colic in infants, nausea and morning sickness due to indigestion.

You can also add 2 drops of Cumin oil in warm bathing water or in diffuser for enhancing your appetite and soothing your stomachic disorders.

2. Benefits in preventing cancer:

Cancer has now turned as an unavoidable life threat for the whole of humanity. The presence of flavonoids, monoterpene alcohols and linalool make Cumin seed oil an effective extinguisher of free hydroxyl radicals and lipid peroxides that play a major role in oxidation that initially targets in the single cellular death and when left unattended it may lead to fatality.

With its rich antioxidant property, Cumin seed oil is widely employed in preventing cancer and other health hazards caused due to cellular oxidation. A 2011 study on the numerous healing attributes of Cumin seed as published in PubMed states that no colon tumors were observed in the rats provided with a dietary supplementation of Cumin, in spite of being subjected to a colon specific carcinogen.

Along with this, Cumin seed oil decreases the activity of β-glucuronidase and mucinase enzymes that functions in liberating toxins and enhancing the hydrolysis of protective colonic mucus, either of which leads to the onset of colonic cancer.

Furthermore, Cumin seed is also an effective anti-mutagenic, apoptotic, anti-proliferative and anti-tumor herb enriched with the presence of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and monoterpenes that tones down the carcinogenic metabolism by increasing the activity of the corresponding enzymes.

Massaging your body with 20 drops of Cumin oil mixed with 10 ml of Virgin Olive oil helps in lessening the effects of free radicals and curbs the spread of cellular damage by penetrating through the skin and reaching every cell in the system.

3. Helps in treating diabetes and its associated symptoms:

Cumin seed oil has anti-diabetic and anti-glycating properties that assists in treating diabetes and its other associated symptoms. Certain studies on this regard state that rabbits when treated with Cumin seed oil exhibited a significant reduction in the blood glucose level and inhibited blood urea nitrogen along with inducing pepsin digestion and improvement in insulin and glycogen in tissues.

The anti-glycating property of Cumin seed oil delays the onset of cataract due to diabetes. It also lowers the cholesterol, fatty acids, triglycerides and phospholipids thus creating a protective shield on the liver, pancreas and the kidneys by lowering the level of toxic substances.

Inhaling the healing aroma of Cumin oil by adding 2 drops of this oil in burner, vaporizer or diffuser helps in controlling blood sugar levels, which is done when the aromatic molecules of this oil reach the limbic system and pituitary gland, the control center of the body by passing on the therapeutic properties of this oil to the entire system.

4. Helps in alleviating womanly concerns:

As a natural stimulant, Cumin seed oil induces and regulates the secretion of hormones and enzymes especially in women. Flavonoids and monoterpenes present in this oil have an estrogenic effect that corrects hormonal imbalances and cures blocked menses and irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

It increases the estrogen levels and strengthens the uterus and ovary which in turn has a positive effect in increasing the immunity.

The phytoestrogens in Cumin seed oil strengthens the bones by reducing the urinary calcium excretion and increasing the calcium content in the body thus helping in dealing with osteoporosis after menopause.

For dysmennorhea or painful menses, delayed or blocked menstruation and menopausal discomforts, massage your thighs, lower abdomen and genital part with 4 drops of Cumin oil mixed with 2 ml of coconut oil. Using 2 drops of Cumin oil in hot or cold compress is also a good idea in alleviating pain and treating hormone fluctuations.

Cumin seed and its essential oil have thymol, which acts as an effective stimulant in inducing the secretion of milk and increasing the quantity and quality of mother’s milk thus proving beneficiary for both the lactating mother and the baby. As a natural source of iron, manganese and zinc, Cumin seed oil helps in transporting oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body through blood and increases the immunity power of women.

5. Aids in skincare:

Cumin seed oil has an age old history of being applied on wounds, acne, boils and stitches for its antiseptic quality and quick healing attribute. Antioxidants play a vital role in maintaining the complexion and beauty of the skin. Cumin seed oil is rich in antioxidant with the presence of monoterpene alcohols, linalool and flavonoids.

Moreover it is rich in Vitamin A and C, which along with the antioxidants helps in blocking the pores and strengthening the roots of the cellular tissues. It is for these strong reasons, Cumin seed oil is used in skin care for enhancing skin complexion and in oral care for strengthening teeth and gums.

Mix 2 drops of Cumin seed oil with 1 ml of jojoba oil or your mild skin care cream and lotion and apply it on the skin for improving your complexion, fighting against aging symptoms like wrinkles, healing wounds and curbing the growth of microbes, which causes acne and other skin infections.

6. Detoxifies the body:

Being a natural diuretic, Cumin seed oil aids in increasing the quantity and frequency of urinating. It is for this important reason, it is often recommended for people with high pressure and rheumatism.

It aids in cleansing the system by reducing the bad cholesterol, fatty acids, urea and acid levels in the body. Cumin seed oil serves as a protector of kidneys and liver as it helps in effective excretion of toxins and poses less pressure on these organs.

With its kapha-reducing and pitta-increasing properties, Cumin oil increases the heat in the body and results in discharging water retention and fluid deposits along with fostering active metabolism.

Its stomachic property attributed by pyrazine and Cumin aldehyde helps in treating constipation and piles. Add 4 drops of Cumin oil in warm bathing water or massage your body with 20 drops of Cumin oil mixed with 10 ml of coconut oil for effective detox cleansing.

7. Alleviates the respiratory tract infections:

Cumin seed oil helps in treating common cold, bronchitis, asthma, coughs and other respiratory tract infections, which are caused by excess of kapha dosha causing phlegm and mucus deposits to block the nasal passages, bronchial tubes and the respiratory tract.

Being an antimicrobial agent it kills the harmful viruses and bacteria that cling onto the respiratory tract and its kapha-lowering and expectorant qualities help in loosening even thick deposits of mucus and phlegm thus relieving from cold, cough, bronchitis and other respiratory infections.

Add 2 drops of Cumin oil in steam inhalation followed by a warm and gentle massage with the decongestant ointment blended with 2 drops of this oil on the chest, throat and back can help in relieving nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and breathing difficulties.

8. Soothes the mind and strengthens the intellectual power:

Cumin seed oil is a natural relaxant and with its unique aroma, this oil instills a calming effect on the mind and it acts as an effective stress reducer. The presence of rich nutrients and other therapeutic chemical constituents make Cumin seed oil a powerhouse of energy that reinforces your mind and relaxes your body and results in sound sleep.

Studies have also proved that Cumin seed oil possesses anti-stress and memory enhancing activity, making it a must for students with poor memory and weak intellectual skills. 2 drops of Cumin seed oil added to your diffuser or vaporizer or to a tissue placed near your pillows helps in pacifying the mind, clarifying thoughts, clearing confusions and improving memory skills.

Other health benefits of Cumin Seed Oil:

Cumin seed oil is also used in treating anemia, insect bites and in the manufacturing of perfumes and disinfectants.

Disclaimer:

This information is only for the purpose of education and is not intended to treat, prevent or diagnose any health condition or replace any prescribed medicines or professional medical advice. We are not medical professionals and we share this information only with the interest in spreading the richness of Ayurveda, the oldest traditional healing methodology.

Never take essential oils internally and dilute essential oils before topical use as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances and may cause harm if used directly on the skin. Always consult your Ayurvedic practitioner/healthcare professional before choosing the appropriate essential oil that is suitable for your medical condition and unique individual constitution.

Cumin Seed Oil Possible Skin Issues:

Greener Life Diamond – Bio-Healthy Score => 3 Possible Skin Issues:

See => http://www.essentialdepot.com/GreenerLifeDiamond.html

The essential oil of Cumin is said to have phototoxic effects, which may lead to allergic reactions, mild skin irritation, sunburn, blisters and hyperpigmentation when the skin is exposed to direct light from the sun with increased use of dermal application of Cumin oil (more than the safe level) for up to 12 hours after use. The major chemical constituents held responsible for the adverse skin effects of Cumin oil are Cuminaldehyde and certain other phenols.

According to the International Fragrance Association, the safe and maximum level of dermal use of Cumin oil is 0.4%. Photosensitivity and other associated skin defects are said to occur when the safe limit of Cumin oil is exceeded and is used on the parts of the skin that are exposed to visible sunshine. This is applicable only for leave-on products like creams, massage blends, ointments and lotions and not for rinse-off products like bath preparations.

Cumin oil has the status of Generally Recognized as Safe by the FDA. The Research Institute of Fragrance Materials (RIFM) reports about 5% No-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for phototoxic effects on volunteers for Cumin seed oil.

Never use Cumin oil in an undiluted manner and ensure that you always blend essential oils with appropriate carrier oils as pure essential oils are highly concentrated and might cause adverse effects on the skin, eyes and the system.

The National Association For Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) states Cumin oil as a photosensitizer and dermal irritant thus it is always recommended to use in a diluted form and should be avoided on damaged skin, eyes, allergic skin conditions and inflammatory parts.

Cumin seed oil is prescribed safe only for topical applications and not for internal use. Certain animal studies have concluded that overdose of Cumin seeds proved anti-fertility activity. Cumin seeds, due to their emmenagogue properties were proved to exhibit mild abortifacient activity, when tested on rats with the gestational age of 8 to 12 days with aqueous cumin extracts.

These seeds were proved to cause anaphylactic reactions on overdose. Caution should be taken in using Cumin oil, if you have a history of irritation or inflammation of the kidneys. It is also said that Cumin seeds may also cause low blood sugar so it is best to avoid the use of Cumin oil prior to 2 weeks before and after any surgical conditions.

Kindly avoid Cumin oil if you are pregnant or getting ready to conceive as Cumin oil has abortifacient and anti-fertility effects, when used more than the prescribed level can end up in miscarriage, stimulate menstruation or premature labor and might delay the chances of getting pregnant.

Reference Links Substantiating the Possible Skin Issues of Cumin Oil:

Thought for the day:

Joy in looking and comprehending is nature’s most beautiful gift. -Albert Einstein

Suggested Reading:

Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
Fragrance & Wellbeing: Plant Aromatics and Their Influence on the Psyche by Jennifer Peace Rhind
Cumin & Coriander: A celebration of everyday North Indian cooking by Archana Nirad
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum): Production and Processing from Science Publishers
Curry Leaves and Cumin Seeds: A Healthier Approach to Indian Cooking by Jeeta Gandhi

Reference Links:

Save

History of Ayurveda: The Ancient Wisdom Of Healing

Posted on April 19, 2024 by AyurvedicOils

16 FREE GLC BOXES with Promo Code: WELCOME - Beef Tallow

History, when explored is always a key to unlock even the most unsolvable mystery. Let us spend some of our dear time in taking a trek through one such historic voyage, where each of our paces will provide us with a stack of treasure pacifying our soul. Let me tell you the name of such an estimable treasure island where I’m going to take you through!!! Yes, AYURVEDA is that one spectacular vicinity of more than 5000 years old, where we are going to fix our vision for the next few minutes. Let’s get started for this notable remark of our journey of life!!!!

Ayurveda – Name & Fame: ‘Ayurveda‘ is composed of two Sanskrit words, Ayus meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge. According to Hinduism, there are 4 major Vedas or the holy books namely Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda and Ayurveda is considered as a subdivision of Atharva Veda. As the name implies, Ayurveda is a true knowledge of life that helps in leading a cultured and civilized life.

This age old spiritual science of holistic healing, which dates back to about 5000 years is still fresh in the world as a newborn pride, the main reason being its efficiency and effectiveness over all sorts of ailing illness. Few reliable sources state that Ayurveda’s basic principles got standardized around 1500 BC but there is no real evidence for the exact beginning of Ayurveda and no one exactly knows when this miraculous science had its birth as it is ageless like Mother Earth.

Ayurveda & Mother India : With its roots being deeply set in ancient India, Ayurveda is still considered to be the only existing form of holistic traditional medicinal treatment of body, mind and soul, which when blended together forms an ideal human system. India is a land of holistic traditional cultures and values, where you can find its eminence in each one of its remnants and Ayurveda, the established epic is not an exception at all.

Ayurveda – Spiritual Methodology of the Eternal Master: A wise and a knowledgeable Master is often the reason behind any successful system in this world. Ayurveda, the miraculous medicinal approach is believed to have the Master of All Masters as its Mother. Yes, as per the Hindu mythology, Ayurveda is believed to be a boon granted by Brahma – The Lord of Creation to Dhanvantari who was crowned as the God of Medicine.

Ayurveda – Sources & Resources: The main sources of Ayurveda rest in three invaluable texts contributed by the most renowned Ayurvedic practitioners of ancient India- Charaka, Sushruta and Vaghbata. Their contributions include Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and a compilation of a set of major texts called Ashtanga Hridaya & Ashtanga Sangraha.

Charaka – The Esteemed Curator: Charaka is a man of mystical and legendary values. He is believed to have been in the court of Kanishka, an age old ruler of the Kushana Dynasty in India. Perfect preaching & practice of medicine together with ‘Privacy of Patient’s Confidentiality‘, one of the golden tenets of a tactful curator meant a lot to this man of values. Charaka’s literary exertion has Kaya-Chikitsa (Internal Medicine) – ‘The diagnosis and treatment of ailments through internal and external application of medicine’ as its core content.

Sushruta – The Skilled Surgeon: Sushruta is said to have served in the court of Gupta Dynasty as a surgeon. He is the man who took a giant pace in the field of surgery namely plastic, cosmetic and prosthetic surgery along with cesarean section and handling of compound fractures. Sushruta Samhita dealt with Shalya Tantra (Surgery) to a great extent.

Vaghbata – The Versatile Compiler: Vaghbata is believed to have existed in the 5^th century AD, who took strenuous efforts in perfectly expressing the essence of Ayurveda in rhythmic verse which is found to be very essential by all the students of Ayurveda who commit to memorize these verses, which is the basis of Ayurvedic study of healing.

Hope this brief journey through Ayurveda proved to be inspiring and informative for you, which will certainly clad your thoughts & actions in an Ayurvedic way!!! Happy Health to You!!!

Thought for the day:

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. By Marcus Garvey

Suggested Reading:

Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume One: Fundamental Principles by Vasant Lad
An English translation of the Sushruta Samhita, based on original Sanskrit text, volume 1: Sutrasthanam by Susruta Susruta
The Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, & Longevity by Swami Sadashiva Tirtha

Reference Links:

Essential Oil

Essential Oils

Tag Archives: Charaka Samhita

Importance of Ayurveda in the West

Cumin Seed Oil

History of Ayurveda: The Ancient Wisdom Of Healing