If you do not know what “Kapha” is, then please check your dosha here

The winter months are Kapha Season. You tend to get depressed, sluggish and dull. The quick remedy to sluggishness, is to exercise vigorously. Exercise will stimulate and rejuvenate your body processes and induce lightness and help you to be active. Exercise also helps you to burn the toxins in your body. Also try and drink lukewarm water throughout the day to flush out impurities.

Be physically active. Being active would balance the Kapha Dosha.  After you determine your Body Dosha type and find that you are Vata-dominant, or tend to have an imbalance of Vata, then exercise gently and do not exert yourself beyond limits. Infact, my doctor advises that 40 minutes of brisk walk or cardio-exercises/yoga is good enough for the day. Because imbalance of Vata usually means being prone to high blood pressure, restrict yourself to normal, mild exercise.

Massage yourselves daily with Dhanvantram Oil. People who tend to be Pitta, should do moderate exercise like jogging, cycling, or can play some sports. Water sports are very good for Pitta people. Coconut Oil massage is very good for people with Pitta dosha.

Happy Dosha-balancing !  Enjoy your winters.

It feels nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this “sludge” reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks - You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let’s be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.

Today, I bring you some herbs which are good for all ENT problems. Take a print out and stick it on your desk for the winters.

Tonsilitis - Sore throat, pain when you swallow food, blocked nose. Caused by inflammation of the tonsils. Some herbs which help are elder-flower, catnip, marshmallow, turmeric, holy basil, ginger, black pepper etc. Use any of these or a mixture to be used in saline water as a gargle or mouthwash. Someone told me that mixing salt in brewed, hot black coffee can also help.

Pharyngitis - Inflammation of the Pharynx causes a sore throat. Its caused by overuse of the voice or abuse by smoking or alcohol. Pharynx connects the back of the nose to the back of the throat. Gargle with Ginger, Cider Vinegar and Honey (remember, not to boil honey). You can also gargle with lukewarm water by putting in a few drops of lavender and sandalwood oil. Inhale steam with a few drops of Eucalyptus or Spearmint Oil. Drink a herbal tea made from ginger, black pepper, Holy basil and green tea. Licorice can also help if sucked in lozenge or pills form.

Laryngitis - Excessive cough and mucus discharge, accompanied by throat pain and inflamed throat. Sage and thyme infused water when gargled or sipped every eight hours can help. Drink marshmallow leaf infusion also several times a day to reduce hoarseness. Take some Sitopladi Churna mixed with honey to find immediate relief.

Sore Throat or viral infection : Boil water with 2 drops of lemon essential oil, powdered root of licorice, and reduce the water to half. Sip it several times a day. You can also try a similar infusion with red sage, or goldenseal. Use an ointment from Eucalyptus, Spearmint oil with Camphor or Menthol and apply it on your neck and chest. Keep yourselves warm with clothing.

Enjoy your Winters !
- Sonzy.