Category: Spirituality

The holy month of Ramadan – all you need to know!

With the advent of the pious month of Ramazan or Ramadan, hustle and bustle can be seen throughout all the Muslim households. The preparations begin a lot in advance. Excitement can be seen everywhere. From shopping for clothes and accessories to stocking up the eateries in order to avoid the last minute confusions, people do it all. This is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This is said to be the most sacred month. The word Ramadan is of Arabic origin. Its literal translation is ‘intense scorching heat or dryness’. It is a rigorous month of intense fasting wherein all the members of the family fast every day for the entire period. The fasting is mandatory for Muslims who reach puberty unless they are physically unable to do so. Certain exceptions are made in the case of children, ill people, pregnant women, diabetes patients, menstruating women etc. The fasting or the rozas commence from dawn and end at dusk. They do not consume any food or drink neither do they smoke. Swearing is something that is also avoided. As I have heard from some friends, they do not even gulp in their saliva. This might be a shocker, but it’s true.

Fasting is undoubtedly good for health. It has its perks. It gives the digestive system a rest along with allowing the cleansing and de-toxification of the body. It relaxes the body and revitalizes it. A tranquil spiritual feeling descends. In popular belief in Islamic culture, fasting washes away the sins and bestows upon the people many rewards. The fasting diverts the attention from materialistic activities and gives time for spiritual reflection, cleanses the soul and purifies the heart. The person becomes more considerate, empathetic and self-disciplined. He begins to see the less fortunate in new light and within him generosity creeps in.

The beginning of Ramadan is marked by a new moon. Fasting begins from the very next day when the moon is seen. The month lasts for approximately 30 days. It depends on when the crescent moon has been sighted.
The people who fast wake up early before the sun rises and consume the meal called ‘suhoor’ or the ‘seheri’ which keeps them going through the day. Thus the suhoor is a heavy meal which gives enough strength for the entire day to the people who are fasting. It is very necessary to consume ample amount of water or sharbat during suhoor in order to remain hydrated throughout the day. As soon as the sun rises, suhoor ends and the first prayer or the namaaz is offered. This first prayer is called the fajr or the morning prayer.

The entire day goes by without consuming anything. People put themselves through rigorous fasting. They offer five prayers or namaaz during the day. The devotion and dedication of these people is a thing to admire.
At sunset the last prayer is offered which is called the maghrib. The meal which breaks the fast at sunset is called ‘iftaar’. Most people eat dates for breaking the day long fast and later go on to have a proper feast.

At iftar, social gatherings are very common in which the meal is spread out in a buffet style. Friends and families gather for this small celebration together during the evening.

Traditional dishes and desserts are served which are specific to the month of Ramadan. Families also share the dishes they prepare for iftaar with their neighbours. Nothing quenches the day long thirst like a glass of water does! Juices and milk are also a popular choice, though caffeinated beverages are not usually consumed. Sewain is the most sought after dessert.

Common food items that are consumed during the two meals are fresh fruits and vegetables, dry fruits, kebabs, sharbat, salads, lamb stew, haleem, jalebi etc.
Some people also indulge in the practice of giving away food to the poor and homeless during iftaar. This can be done on an individual basis wherein the meal is offered to a few people. This can also be seen in large public areas where the less fortunate gather and break their fast with the food these people offer to them. This charity is one of the most important parts of Ramadan. It is believed that helping a fasting person break their fast garners great rewards.
Along with fasting and charity, reciting the Quran, the holy book, on a regular basis is also an integral part of the month of Ramadan. This recitation is voluntary rather than mandatory. Though it is pretty common to finish the entire Quran during the course of the 30 days.
Ramadan gets over on the next day after the sighting of the new moon. The day when it gets over is celebrated as Eid-ul-fitr. This festival is celebrated with huge pomp and show. The people flock the bazaars and shopping malls for new clothes and accessories. Henna or the mehendi, colourful bangles and beautiful suits are adorned by the women. This is a day of no fasting. People decorate their houses with pretty lights and set up a lavish feast. The gifts are given in the form of Eidi to children and relatives. ‘Eid Mubarak’ is the greeting that is said all around. Neighbours and family members visit each other to share sweets and dishes. Sewaiyaan is the most loved sweet dish which is prepared with vermicelli in milk along with dried fruits.

Ramadan is a month where people believe that all their sins get forgiven. And they do a lot to achieve that, fasting straight for 30 days is no easy task. It is admirable to see them put themselves through so many restrictions in order to stand by their culture.
Wishing all the people who are celebrating this holy month, Ramadan Mubaarak!!

July 1, 2014
The Mirror Theory

The world is a projection of our consciousness. The only way we can change the perspective of the people around us is by changing the way we look at the world. That simply means to bring about some change in our consciousness. Everything around is a mirror, a mirror that reflects all that you do or think. In every situation, every relationship, you would find reflections of your own self and doings. Each one of us has a world of his own, though all those private spaces of ours are entangled in each other to create a greater whole, a unified consensual reality. There is nothing too complex about this mirror theory though. The mirrors that exist all around us transform us socially and ultimately result in the formation of the being that we are today. We love some people and we hate some. But we love the ones who reflect the same energies as we do and we do not like the ones who possess the traits that we repel.

There is a simple exercise that will help you know yourself in a better way and you may understand the reflections the mirrors around you create each day. Think of a person whom you find really admirable and attractive. On a sheet of paper, think about the traits that they possess which you absolutely love and write them down. Now when you go through the sheet, you will realize that you have the same traits too. It’s just that you don’t believe in yourself. Stand up and manifest those traits in your life. You too can reflect all that they have in them.

Now, on the same sheet of paper, write down about the person you are emotionally detached to. Read through the traits. You contain them too, but it’s just that those negative traits aren’t that obvious in you. But they may be obvious before the ones, who spend more time with you, like your family. So when do these negative facets in your personality come to the surface? It happens when you are STRESSED! Stress becomes the villain here and people get to see the demons hiding within you during times of pressure. By getting to know ourselves and augmenting the qualities of those we admire in our own lives, we take a step further towards our spiritual awakening. When we recognise that the characteristics that repel us from others lie within us too, then a power is diffused that overshadows those traits which hold us in a state of denial. By doing this, we finally accept the wholeness that is contained within us and the compassion helps us create a different relationship with our own self and the ones we love.

Once you accept that you possess all kinds of traits, be it negative or positive, you may realize that the same holds true for others too. We are all angels and demons together manifested into a single human form. And as the mirror theory goes, when we cannot judge ourselves, we cannot even judge others. The world that we live in is a manifestation of our consciousness, a projection with all kinds of positive and negative qualities. So, when we focus on transforming our world by changing our perspectives, it changes our experiences and so our relationships with people change too.

Being self-righteous is alright at times, but feeling personally offended or letting your ego take over your sanity can be problematic. Even if you strongly disagree with people’s opinions and do not like what they do or say, you must not hold any grudges against them as individuals. Because, according to the mirror theory, it will all reflect back to you. Agree to disagree humbly and politely.

To learn to reflect and receive positive energies is a slow process, but be patient, and with time it will bring ease, love, comfort and spontaneity to every aspect of your life. Don’t be too harsh on yourself. Understand that this spiritual change would take time, but when it happens, it will be worth all the hard work that you put into it.

What is really important is while this entire change is taking shape within you; keep in mind those people who are deeply attached to you. Again when you begin to write all the good and the bad things about these people, you will know that it’s the emotional charge that associates you with all of them. Had it not been the emotions, nobody could have acted as a mirror for you or vice versa. Now mix up all these sheets of paper and put them in a circle. The circle represents the ‘whole’ which is YOU! Yes, you! You are a reflection of all that is around you. Wow, isn’t the theory so interesting? Indeed it is.

This entire theory is to let us know how each one of us are a part of the other and it’s the unique WHOLE that is more important than the special ONE! Its love and compassion that binds us together and hatred and envy breaks us into unimaginable, singular, helpless beings. Just be an amazing human being and see how all the amazing mirrors reflect your beauty.

June 15, 2014
Wicca: The Mysterious Religion

Wicca, even though treated as a religion, can also be termed as a school of thought or philosophy. A nature-based religion Wicca was brought into the limelight by retired British civil servant Gerald Gardner around 1950s. Wicca is the infamous witchcraft practice and the female followers of the beliefs of this religion call themselves as witch, but basically they are regarded as neo-pagans.

Wicca is a religion shrouded in mystery with no central authority or figure defining it. It is diverse in nature with various traditions, each having its own structural organization and level of centralization. The religion is quite controversial as well with the unknown facts of what actually constitutes Wicca. Being typically duotheistic, Wiccans celebration follows eight seasonally based festivals known as Sabbats.

Wicca often involves ritual practice of magic which is the core of discussion in this article.

The Use of Magic in Wicca

Wicca is regarded as the mysterious religion majorly for the use of magic in it. The magic is widely regarded as black magic or a manipulative force exercised through the practice of witchcraft or sorcery. Wiccans majorly believe in the definition of magic given by magician Aleister Crowley who says that “magic is the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with will”. Wiccans firmly believe magic to be a law of nature, and regrets that it is being misunderstood by the society by large and the contemporary science as something supernatural and is often being feared of. They believe that magic is the simple way to use the five senses with concentrated and pure soul in order to achieve surprising result. For example, if you are feeling depressed wiccans would suggest to light some scented candles in a dark room and resign from the outer world to look within. In this way a person would come close in contact with his/her five senses to eventually reach a state of relaxation. Or else they could also suggest on to welcome any spirit in order to get out from the depressed state.

Wiccan ritual practices are often staged in a sacred circle involving cast of various spells like dragon spell, moon spell, and nature spell, actually intending to bring changes in the physical world.

Dichotomy of White-Black Magic

Ancient Wiccans such as Alex Sanders, Sybil Leek and Doreen Valiente preferred to call their practice as white magic, might be in order to refer their work as serene and in the hope of recognition in the world; since their work was widely considered as something ominous and termed as black magic, purposed only to bring forth evil. Though in their words they say black magic is completely different from their kind of work and is related to pure evil and Satanism. Some modern Wiccans have however stopped using the white-black magic dichotomy arguing the skeptical theory that the color black should not be essentially attached with evil.

Days and Dates of Celebration

The magic used in Wicca ranges from the “low” or “folk” magic to a more complex rites and rituals influenced by ceremonial magic of Western Hermetic Tradition.

Apart from being performed rites in a sacred circle, the Wiccans celebration of Sabbats include fix days and dates for the celebration. Often these are carried out in the nights of full moon.

And in some cases during new moon known as an Esbat.

The Magical Tools in Wicca

The casting of spells involves the invocation of Guardians of the cardinal points along with the respective natural elements: earth, fire, water, and air. These rites often include a special set of magical tools such as a knife, known as athame; a wand, a pentacle, and a chalice. Other tools include the infamous and usually portrayed broomstick known as a besom, a cauldron, candles, incense sticks and a carved blade known as boline.

Sacred Attires Worn in Wicca

One of the aspects of Wicca includes working or performing the rites nude, something which is typical in Gardnerian and Alexandrian school of Wicca, known as skyclad. The practice is apparently being derived from a line in Aradia, Charles Leland’s supposed record of Italian witchcraft.

Other traditions involve attires like robes with cords tied around the waist worn while performing the rites.

Sex Magic

Another theme which makes Wicca a controversial and mysterious religion is the theme of Sex Magic. In certain traditions of Wicca ritualized Sex Magic is performed and is often termed as the Great Rite. In this a High Priest and a High Priestess invoke the God and the Goddesses to be seen before them performing the sexual intercourse. Wiccans believe that the energy that is being involved during the intercourse is completely pure and is powerful. The energy is thus believed to raise the power bar of the spell work making the spell more effective. In this rite the athame is used to symbolize the male organ while a chalice is used to symbolize the female womb.

Therefore it can be concluded that the use of magic in Wicca is like any other ritual and is nothing extraordinary. The Wiccan religion itself is as pious as any other religion. Like every religion has its own way of performance and execution Wicca too follows its own practices. Even though it is not a recognized religion yet but there are many groups such as Coven Celeste and The Aquarian Tabernacle Church in Canada has successfully campaigned against the British Columbian government which confined them to practice their religion. In India, Ipsita Roy Chakraverti is the sole Wiccan priestess who came out to call herself as a witch after the completion of her studies on Wicca without any apprehension. Even though this was opposed by the late Bengal CPM leader Jyoti Basu, Ipsita Roy Chakraverty has achieved a greater level of applause while administrating Wiccan ways of healing in the remote villages, and also in major cities like Kolkata in India.

June 15, 2014
Madurai: Symbol of Tamil Culture
History of Meenkashi temple :
- Meenakshi Amman temple is an ancient temple which is located on the banks of river Vaigai in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu.
- Meenakshi Amman Temple is also called as Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple. This temple is more than 2500 years old. This temple is dedicated to the deities mainlyMeenakshi who is the modern avatar of goddess Parvathi and Sundareshwar as Lord Shiva.
- The temple was originally built during 7th century by the first Pandya’s .
- Malayadwaja Pandya who was one of the kings who ruled Madurai, in South India.Meenakshi was the daughter of the king Malayadwaja Pandya and queen Kanchanamala.
- Meenakshi was a miracle child gift given by god to both the king and queen after their sincere performance of yagna to have children’s , as they din’t have children’s from many days.
- Meenakshi was a brave girl who was thought the art of war and martial arts. She got married to Lord Shiva . So Meenakshi temple was built after her and Madurai city was formed around the temple.
June 15, 2014
The pretty little butterfly! 🙂

“Happiness”! One of the most complex words to understand in the human vocabulary. And yet, each one of us runs to attain this intangible state all our lives. I wish I had a better partner, wish I had a new pair of clothes, wish I could buy a new car, and wish I had that job. Wish I had this or that and then I would be happy. But lets’ just look at it from another perspective. Will anything change when you have one of those things? The world would remain the same even if you have a better partner, or a new pair of clothes, or a bigger car or a job that looks nicer to you. Every time the wrapper could be different, but the gift inside remains the same. Happiness for me is like that pretty little butterfly we run around chasing, never being able to catch it while it comes and sits on our shoulder when we stop chasing it.

Every time we see a baby giggling and smiling at us, we realize how much we have lost as we grew up. We lost that sense of innate happiness as time passed and we attained maturity. Have we ever thought why that little baby’s happiness never seems to vanish? How does that baby appear all cheerful and full of joy all the time? The answer is simple. At that stage of life, the self is unaware of the complexities of life. It is ‘benighted’ if we can call it that. Basically, that young self is just in touch with the real happiness that lies within. That little baby does not get burdened by societal pressures or tensions. For the baby, happiness is a balloon, a piece of candy, or maybe a colourful new toy. Happiness for that baby is looking around and adapting to new things. Meeting new people and smiling at the faces who try to talk to him like they are his age.

As time passes, the boulders of pressures and responsibilities fall over and push that little baby in us beneath them. The real happiness gets overshadowed while finding a purpose in life, while sitting in the office for extra hours to get a bonus, while missing out on a summer trip because you had meetings scheduled during that time. As we grew older, we learn about sadness and suffering and loss. That innate happiness fades because of more externalised circumstances. The occurrences in the surrounding start mattering to us. We stop living in the present. Most of our times are spent in living in the past or planning the supposedly “perfect” future. If one of your friends criticized you for something, the next couple of days will be spent in contemplating about that criticism. What would happen or occur tomorrow occupies our minds and disturbs us greatly today. This again stops us from living in the moment. We fail to understand that living in THIS moment and being happy about it is more imperative that clinging to the past or thinking about what the future would bring.

So is there still a way we can get hold of the happiness we had within us while we were a baby? To find that innate happiness which maybe is still there within us but while accomplishing certain things in life, we put it on the peripherals of our existence?

Yes there is. And the solution is to ‘Live in the Moment’.

If we look towards tomorrow for attaining happiness, there are chances that tomorrow, we would feel the same. It sounds strange but it is actually true that while looking at tomorrow, we forget to appreciate the beauty of the moments that we are living in today. We should practice appreciating what we already have rather than waiting for all that we don’t. Start counting the blessings and we will know what our present is worth. At times, we get too worked up about things and get hyper. Maybe we did not get a promotion we were waiting for from months. We should stop taking ourselves too seriously. It is difficult to stay humorous at times of suffering or loss, but sharing a small laughter could actually help in making the weight of the circumstance lighter and help us accept the loss sooner. Remember that angles fly because they are light.

Just be yourself. It’s always good to be you rather than being pretentious and trying to be someone else. No other person is better than you. You are His unique creation and He loves us all equally.

Try to be friends with your own self. Close your eyes and try to find that little happy self that is hiding somewhere within. It is said that the greatest downfall for a man is when he does not know himself. That little baby is still there hiding within you. Find him.

Forgive yourself for all that you have done in the past. Had it not been the past, you wouldn’t have been what you are today. You need to forgive yourself for getting angry, for feeling hurt, for getting frustrated at times. Know that you have grown into a better person because of learning from those past experiences.

And finally, don’t forget to treat and surprise that little child within you. Play with the kids in the colony, go out on a hiking trip with strangers, sit in the balcony enjoying a cup of coffee reading your favourite book, buy yourself your favourite chocolate once in a while, dance in the rain, jump in puddles, spend time with the one you love, do all the small things that bring a smile to your face and the ones around you. Live each moment that you breathe and never miss out on the little things that life offers each moment for you to be happy.

Just find that little baby within you and that pretty butterfly will quietly come and sit on your shoulder.

June 15, 2014
New Food Trend : Organic Is The Way

Food is something without which we can’t live. As population has risen over the years, the demand for food has increased manifold too. This leads to extensive industrial farming, with the usage of chemicals and artificial ways to produce cheap and huge quantity of food. But are they nutritious? The answer is a big no. By eating this food we are poisoning our body and destroying nature, ecosystem and our environment. The only solution to this is buying organic products as much as possible. Every food has an organic counterpart, but the problem is that may not be available everywhere and is costlier than the normal, chemical-stricken food. And if you are on a budget, the matter just becomes all the more worse.

So while you love to buy 100% organic all the time, that is not always possible. So here’s a guide to help you decide as to what foods should be on your priority list for going organic.

Milk:

Dairy cows are usually fed hormones, antibiotics and pesticide-covered grains, which increase their milk production capacity. But these really harmful and carcinogenic chemicals end up in our bodies through the milk they produce. And the higher is the fat level of milk, the higher is the amount of pesticides. And this becomes a major problem because milk is fed to babies and toddlers, and it may result in retarded growth. So the absolute number one priority in your household should be organic milk for kids.

Apples:

Apples are at the top of the high pesticide level list. It is always correctly said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, provided that the apples are organic, especially if you and your family are a regular applesauce eater, because it is swimming in several different pesticides. Apples, these days are contaminated with thiabendazole, a possible carcinogen. So switch to organic varieties of apples, to get the fiber that they provide and to keep your digestive system in shape.

Nectarines:

About 97 percent of nectarines are found to contain pesticides and carcinogens like iprodiene. You should buy them organic to enjoy the nutrients that they provide to keep your eyes and skin healthy.

Grapes:

Grapes have more pesticides than any other fruits. Grapes contain 64 different pesticides. If they are bought organic, they offer a variety of vitamin and mineral health benefits as they are a great source of calcium, iron and manganese that are essential for production of healthy tissues.

Peaches:

Peaches are loaded with antioxidants and they are a great source of fiber. But these days they can contain almost 62 chemicals that are carcinogens, pesticides, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins. That is more than most fruits and veggies, so make sure your peaches are always organic.

Potato:

Potatoes are a great source of fiber and potassium and a great source of energy. But lately, they are found to be containing neurotoxin chemicals and cause mental and emotional changes, vision loss and weakness or numbness in arms and legs. Almost 80% of potatoes contain pesticides which are sometimes no removed even after peeling or washing them. So buying organic potatoes is a very good option.

Meat:

If you eat meat, it is important to be aware that conventional meat contains hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. And the use of antibiotics in foods contributes to rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Organic meats can be expensive, but they offer good nutritional benefits, for example the protein, iron and zinc packed in the red meat.

So these were the organic foods which are definitely worth paying more for. Organic food is safe, friendly, and highly nutritional, and is, in correct terms, the tastier and healthier food. Going organic is beneficial for the environment in more ways than you can imagine. It provides protection to the farm workers as there is no usage and inhalation of toxic and harmful pesticides. It promotes agricultural diversity .and is better even for wildlife and domestic animals as the foods are free of chemicals. Buying organic food balances the natural resources of environment as it is free of any genetic modification. And as they are away from all these bad things, they are obviously good to taste and are the most nutritional food stuff and surely, away from diseases. These foods protect the future generation as well, as they avoid the mutations in them due to the lack of carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals. It is also a way of creating a better, greener and sustainable future for the generations to come. So make the powerful decision of nourishing your personal and mental health by going organic!!

June 15, 2014
Beauty of the feast!

World consists of human divided by infinitesimal differences by region, religion, nation, race, caste, color, creed and what not. Things like globalization would be impossible to think of if we would not have been able to find the common binding factor among the differences. India here very well stands for its world known diversity which had stood as one against the tests of time. Apart of being multicultural from the very roots of it, Indians tend to employ these differences to propagate brotherhood among them. Sharing of cultural elements like native food, religious practices, festivals and language has only helped us to bind together. Thinking of food, how many of us really look for what’s in the platter is more than just a meal?

Every culture has their own essence and it can very well be witnessed by their local cuisine. As the saying by Adelle davis goes “We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are.” holds true when we think of food more than mere nutrition provider. Nowadays food has become an art, there are nutritionists and health inspectors their careers based on the quality of food served to masses. People like Tarla Dalal and Sanjeev Kapoor are superheroes of kitchens in India as they redefined the culinary art altogether and who can miss Masterchef series? They all prove that food is a serious deal and as fine and detailed the fine arts are, same is for the food or culinary arts.

Beauty of food is celebrated in every cuisine around the world like Chinese and Indian food are tangy and spicy where Italian cuisine is comparatively less zesty and prefer involving more of herbs. If we come to think of it, whenever we go to a new place and one of the first things that we look for is food available there. It makes a whole lot of impact on how we perceive that place for the rest of the time. I think that most would agree to the fact that we tend to look for our native flavors in the new region, so goes with the food. How much ever we buy pizzas and subs it won’t suffice the appetite of an Indian living overseas finding tikkas and kebabs.

Food does so much more than calming the hunger; it crosses boundaries of region and religion. In India especially during festivals which occur more than Sundays in the whole year, we have a pre-planned menu set for each one. The cooking of all the sweets gives the real pleasure of an occasion for the mothers in the household and children’s by making sure to consume every bit of them. The sharing of sweets signifies sharing part of happiness that had come with the festivals.

For a culture rich country like ours, food holds more meaning and there are regulations and provisions regarding cuisines in any religion, state e.t.c. Like in a Brahmin household usage of onion and garlic is avoided and in Christianity communion involves having bread and wine (or other substitutes) to represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. When a dietary practice is preserved by religious dogma it is given additional force, and if observed it tends to promote a balanced diet! It may be one of the reasons behind many of our grandma’s and grandpa’s resistance against diseases and allergies.

Food has many nutrients and a person should contain just the right amount for their age in their meals. Leafy vegetables as we all are very familiar of carries infinite benefits like building up one’s resistance to diseases, helping in one’s “weight management program” more like dieting? They are also known to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Like in all seriousness, vegetables no matter how much we despised them as kids do have a hand over pizzas!

Talking about pizzas, who doesn’t like having a large size ordered along with coke on a Friday? The fact that we had become conscious about our fast food intake is because of the general awareness regarding cholesterol related diseases like obesity, hypertension e.t.c.

Fast foods are source of saturated fats also known as “Bad fats” and are often linked with diseases like cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases as well as stroke. Nowadays many healthy choices regarding even the basic in groceries like flour and edible oils are available in the market. Once in a month or few weeks surrendering to the craving for fast foods is okay I guess, but the fact doesn’t change that dieting and refraining from them is the solution for the above problems. Yes! Exercise! Obesity is another much discussed disorder caused by the negligence of the individual’s choice of meals, caution should be taken where something can appeal to the taste buds doesn’t necessarily goes well with the rest of body. Moreover the skipping of meals in order to “diet” is a pointless thought as we can see an obvious difference visible between men who had his meals and who didn’t, the stark lethargy and dreariness is hard to miss. In the other words, skipping meals over a period of time without regarding with a nutritionist would only make you look like a zombie strolling in workplace out of the series “Walking Dead”!

June 13, 2014
QUEEN OF HERBS- THE HOLY TULSI
Since time immemorial, the mankind has relied on the healing power of herbs. If we dig into our ancient past, we would find enumerable references of traditional herbs with numerous health benefits. One such plant, which finds it mention everywhere, is tulsi or basil.

The holy tulsi, also known as the ‘ QUEEN OF HERBS ’ ,is the most sacred of all the herbs found in India. In Ayurveda, tulsi is regarded as a divine plant. The benefits of the plant are much beyond our knowledge and its mere presence can bring a change.

Dr. RM Gupta, a naturopath, says, “ tulsi is not only beneficial in curing cold and cough but it can also act as an anti-cancer and blood-purifying agent.”

There are three types of tulsi mentioned in Ayurvedic texts – Rama tulsi, Shyama or Krishna tulsi and Vana tulsi, all having their own different benefits. According to Hinduism, it is regarded as Goddess Tulsi. Its leaves are offered during the worship of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations of Krishna and Vithoba.

Beauty benefits –

Tulsi stems and roots are known for the making of the tulsi malas. Tulsi also known as skin rasayana, helps to stay healthy and supple as it is a good source of vitamin C, carotene, calcium and phosphorus.

For hair, add a small amount of tulsi oil to coconut oil and massage well. Tulsi helps to improve blood circulation and keeps the scalp cool. Applying tulsi paste, keeps the scalp and roots clean and dandruff free.

It has also been successfully tried by some naturopaths in treatment of leucoderma. Its anti-oxidant properties prevents the body from damages caused by free radicals, thus delaying the aging process and appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Health focus-

According to the reports published, an oily substance found in tulsi actively destroys tuberculosis bacilli. It is also used to prepare more than 300 medicines in Ayurveda and homeopathy. During eclipses, may people believe that if leaves of the tulsi plant are kept near the food items then it prevents any adverse effects on them

It is claimed that tulsi promotes positive thoughts among people who come in contact with it. The plant has the ability to clear bad air, and therefore known to promote positive thoughts among people who come in contact with it.

Medicinal value-

Not only from the religious point of view but from a medicinal perspective also, tulsi has endless medicinal values and these are –
1. Swine flu– wonder herb tulsi not only keeps this dreaded swine flu away but also helps in fast recovery from it. Tulsi improves the body’s overall defense mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese encephalitis. The juice of tulsi leaves, should be consumed twice a day with empty stomach as it reduces the chances of swine flu returning.
1. Cough– tulsi is one of the basic ingredient of almost all the Ayurvedic cough syrups and helps mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma.
1. Eye disorders– tulsi juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night blindness caused by lack of vitamin A.
1. Tooth disorders– tulsi is good for maintaining dental health and is an excellent mouth freshener and oral disinfectant as it destroys germs and bacteria found in mouth.
1. Radiation poisoning and cataracts– tulsi gives promising protection from radiation poisoning and cataracts.
1. Fever– during rainy season, when dengue and malaria fever prevail, tender leaves of tulsi, boiled with tea, acts to prevent these diseases. In case of acute fever, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in approximately half-a-liter water, mixed with sugar and milk brings down the body temperature significantly. This should be repeated after every two or three hours.
1. Headaches– tulsi is used as an effective medicine for headaches. A decoction of the leaves twice a day can help get rid of headaches.
1. Respiratory disorders– the herb, tulsi is useful in treatment of respiratory system disorders. Tulsi leaves boiled in half-a-liter water, till half amount of water is left, added with ginger and honey is an effective remedy for asthma, bronchitis, influenza, cough and cold. This can also be given with cloves and common salt, to get immediate relief.
Home remedies with tulsi-

Tulsi strengthens the body to fight diseases caused by the deficiency of vitamin A and C. It also has the potential to cure feminine diseases.
1. In case of sore throat, boil tulsi leaves with water and drink twice a day. This water can be used to gargle.
2. Tulsi juice and honey are effective in curing hiccups.
3. Tulsi leaves provide relief in ear pain and infection. Put a few drops of tulsi leaves into the ear for relief.
4. To get relief from pain due to burns, apply tulsi juice mixed with equal amounts of coconut oil.
5. To get quick relief from itching, apply tulsi juice mixed with lemon on the affected portion.
6. Eating a few leaves of tulsi improves digestion, relieves acidity and gastric trouble.
7. Tulsi leaves boiled with water, and then cooled can be applied on acne-affected area and eliminates pimples.
8. A few leaves of tulsi chewed can cure ulcers and infections in mouth.
9. To cure malaria, take 5-6 leaves of tulsi with black pepper powder twice a day.
10. Using the powder of dry tulsi leaves, and brushing teeth with this powder can keep healthy gums and prevent bad breath.
June 11, 2014
Food For Thought : Boosters and Busters

Ever thought about how food can affect how you feel and behave? Think about thanksgiving, that hearty meal that leaves you as sleepy as a dose of valium. Or think about a cup of mocha latte, there’s nothing like a foamy cup containing 2 caffeine saturated drinks, is there? And when you are feeling low, because of frustrating reasons like you run out of cash or you have exams, you don’t reach out for a bowl of spinach, do u ? You just grab a chocolate, because that is what makes you feel good.

Certain foods have mind-altering effects on you, which is why we crave for different foods in different situations or moods of our life. Some foods make us feel content, calm, happy or boosts our spirits, whereas some foods make us aggressive, sad or lazy.

It is still difficult to classify foods which influence your moods. So here is a simple list of foods that may boost or bust your mood, without filling you out.

Edible pick-ups for boosting your mood:

Berries:

Berries like blueberries, purple- berries, are loaded with vitamin -C, which acts as a great stressbuster. These berries also have anthocyanins, which are a type of antioxidants which uplift your mood and memory functions.

Cottage cheese:

Cottage cheese has tryptophan, which is a sleep inducing amino acid, that relaxes entire body and mind and helps to remove restlessness. You can also find tryptophan in soymilk, tofu and lentils.

Chocolate:

When you put a piece of chocolate in your mouth, it melts on your tongue and you can literally feel stress leave you and bliss greet you. Chocolate is a joy stimulant. Cocoa boosts brain serotonin levels, which acts as an anti-depressant. Chocolates also have a neurotransmitter that temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression. This is why chocolate has been referred to as the new anti anxiety drug. Also, eating dark chocolate reduces stress hormones specially cortisol. When you do indulge in chocolate for busting your stress, make sure you have 1.4 ounces of it.

Protein:

A high quality source of protein- like organic eggs, a piece of Gouda cheese or almonds- can keep your blood sugar levels at bay along with enhanced energy and mood.

Banana:

Banana has vitamin B, specially B₆and magnesium which soothes the nervous system. It also has dopamine, which is a great mood booster, and induces feelings of happiness in the mind.

Coffee:

Coffee affects our general sense of well-being and improves brain health due to release of a chemical substance called BNDF, which also helps in synthesis of neurons( brain cells).

Fish:

Eating fishes like salmon, tuna, sardines, rainbow trout will provide you omega-3-fatty acids, which are very good for our health, and specially, heart. Omega 3 fatty acids alter brain chemicals, which are linked with mood, like serotonin and dopamine, which decrease depression, aggression and give a feeling of happiness.

Saffron:

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of saffron crocus. It has long been used in the treatment of PMS symptoms, like mood swings and depression. Now saffron has proved to be a potential anti-depressant , by helping to make the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin available to the brain.

Coconut:

When you are stressed, the smell of coconut may blunt your adrenaline response, by slowing your heart rate. The scent of coconut lowers our blood pressure and enhances alertness and soothes our response to stress.

Just as foods can uplift your mood, they can also bring it down. Eating a lot of spicy foods can make you mad at little things as they heat up your body. Here’s a list of foods that trigger a negative mood.

Mood busting foods to avoid-

Sugar:

Abnormal sugar intake can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can cause mood swings. Sugar causes insulin and leptin resistance and impaired signalling. Sugar also suppresses activity of BNDF, which deteriorates brains health by stopping synthesis of neurons. Also, sugar triggers a chain of chemical reactions which promote chronic inflammation.

Gluten:

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, rye etc. and it negatively impacts mood and brain health. It can promote depression and have detrimental effect on our brain.

Processed foods:

Apart from sugar and gluten, food may also have trans fats, artificial colors, monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial sweeteners, and synthetic ingredients, which cause irritability and poor mood.The list of potentially mood busting ingredients is a long one.

So basically, the science of food’s effect on mood is based on the changes it can bring to our brain structure(chemically and physiologically), which can lead to altered behavior. To sum up, foods can have immense impact on your brain and body, and having balanced meals with all kinds of nutrients is the best way to support your mental and physical health. But if you are in a bad mood, you should look into your kitchen or fridge for countering it, instead of your medicine box.

May 31, 2014
Midnight Demons : Counter Your Cravings

It is 11:00 p.m. You are watching T.V. Suddenly, a Dominoz commercial appears on the screen with their latest schemes and a sumptuous pizza flashes on the screen, and WHOOOSH…!!! U get severe hunger pangs, and well, you go to the kitchen, search for stock of chocolates, cakes or your favorite cookies to munch on. For most of the people, their midnight Maggi is the ultimate solace for these cravings. Ah, well, the tale doesn’t here. Then, after you satisfy your temptations, you have guilty feelings for consuming those extra calories. But you convince yourself by thinking that, it is just for tonight, and if we’re not meant to have midnight snacks, why is there a light in the fridge? And after coming to senses, you promise yourself to control this craving from next day. And the whole midnight tale repeats itself the following night.

The reasons behind these late night snacking are complex and various and range from boredom, restlessness, insomnia to loneliness, self-denial and nutritional imbalance and the first step towards overcoming a late-night snacking habit is figuring out the reason behind your nocturnal munching.

So here are a few simple steps which can help you control those hunger demons –

Self- talk : Go in front of the mirror and talk to yourself out loud about what you plan to eat, and why, and what you can do instead or how your favorite dress will become tight if you eat this piece of cake.

Aromatherapy : Burning aromatic candles can lower your appetite, but obviously, avoid chocolate and vanilla aromas, as they stimulate chocolate and ice-cream craving. Keep a pack of lavender with you at this time.

Keep only healthy foods at home : This is one of the best ways to stop yourself from gorging on those extra carbs. Bringing healthy snacks like muesli, digestive fibre biscuits etc. at home can help you keep your cravings at bay.

Stay busy : Take up a hobby like knitting, reading, jigsaw puzzle which will help to keep your mind off snacking.

Have a late dinner : Push your dinner back an hour or two and you will find yourself ready for bed before you have a chance to start craving a snack.

Also, here are some diet-friendly midnight snacks that will control self-destructive eating:

Water: Thirst also mimics hunger pangs, so before reaching a box of chocolates next time from your fridge, hydrate yourself with a cup or two of water. If you want something that is more savory to the taste buds, you can flavor it with sliced lemon or lime.

Milk : Milk has tryptophan, a sleep inducing amino acid that helps lull you into a deep sleep. Along with this, milk also provides us with Calcium and Vitamin D which is very good for our bones.

Popcorn : Watching a late night movie? Well popcorn is actually the right snack for you. Not only it is a good source of complex carbs, also is low in calories, in addition to being the fun movie snack.

Nuts : Nuts are a great night time nosh, they regulate blood sugar levels and promote serotonin production in body. So, reaching for a handful of your favorite nuts, which are rich in anti-oxidants is quite beneficial for you.

Craving for snacks in midnight is not a disease in itself, but it does cause obesity- related problems ad can sabotage your weight loss efforts. So as interesting and tasty as consuming these snacks sound, they are not so good for your health.

May 26, 2014