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13 Health Benefits of Ginger

11/19/2014

33 Comments

 
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For the 10 years prior to studying Ayurveda, I didn't feel consistent hunger. Along with my naturally high vata (air & space), I also lived a very erratic lifestyle which only added to my digestive troubles. Somehow I discovered that a small cup of tea made of grated ginger before meals would help me feel hungry enough to eat. Not ideal to rely on all the time but it worked and it was all that I knew at the time. Years later, it was enlightening to be able to spend a lot of time studying the properties of ginger.

There is a funny thing with ginger. In Ayurveda, fresh and dry ginger have some different medicinal properties due to the drying process. It’s quite remarkable. Fresh ginger is actually considered to be more drying for the body and dry ginger is said to be more unctuous. I've listed some of the common and best uses for each type of ginger below. Some of these can be interchanged with each other but you will have overall better effect by following the breakdown on this list.


13 Health Benefits of Ginger:


Fresh Ginger



  1. Acts as an appetizer  
  2. Digests aam (deep-seated toxins) 
  3. Reduces fever 
  4. Reduces chilliness by increasing heat and circulation in the body
  5. Eliminates nausea 
  6. It’s a mild laxative


Dry Ginger


  1. Helps relieve joint pains from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  2. Beneficial in edema and other swelling
  3. By reducing vata, it relieves pain in back or neck
  4. Stops diarrhea
  5. Helps treat some forms of IBS, abdominal pain and hemorrhoids
  6. Reduces respiratory tract ailments such as cough, hoarseness of voice, rhinitis, asthma, etc
  7. Acts as an aphrodisiac 


Tips:
  • Before meals - slice a little fresh ginger, add a sprinkle of rock salt and a squeeze of lemon or lime to enhance taste and nutrient absorption
  • Can make a paste of dry ginger and water for local application in cases of swelling or also on sinuses and forehead in cases of cold (not for those with very sensitive skin) 



Note: 
Ginger should be used sparingly in summer, early fall and for anyone with vitiated pitta. 


Warmly,
Lisa Lesser

33 Comments

A Well-oiled Machine: 5 Benefits of Abhyanga (plus instructions) 

11/7/2014

32 Comments

 
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Abhyanga is the Sanskrit term for the ancient Ayurvedic practice of full body oil massage. It is just one part of the morning Ayurvedic routine known as dinacharya that is recommended for all healthy individuals, kids included.  The skin is the largest organ of the body, so it makes perfect sense that it would be used as another tool for better health. Sesame seed oil is the oil that is the most effective for the majority of people and seasons although other oils are used as well. For me, abhyanga is one of the most important practices that I do daily and it sets the tone for my entire day. Along with the benefits that I mention below, taking 20 minutes to check in with every part of my body shows where I need to focus on or be extra gentle with as the day goes on.


Five Benefits of Abhyanga:

  1. Sesame seed oil possesses antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. This means it will help protect against common skin pathogens such as staphylococcus, streptococcus and athlete’s foot.

  2. It keeps the skin supple and soft. It also aids in healing minor cuts and abrasions.

  3. Sesame seed oil helps joints keep their flexibility and builds strength in the body. With the ability to nourish the joints, bones and muscles, it can give relief for those with osteoarthritis.

  4. It is very soothing to the mind and nervous system. It gives more mental clarity and improves sleep. Research has proven abhyanga’s ability to decrease stress hormones in just one session.

  5. Daily morning massage improves blood circulation, lymphatic flow and removes any stagnancy that occurred during the night. Proper functioning and movement of these systems is important for a robust immune system.

How To Do Abhyanga

  • Start by buying organic sesame oil.

  • Heat gently in a small pot, crockpot or you can even use a small bottle under hot running water (I have a small crock pot I keep in my bathroom used for only this purpose).

  • Prepare an area with a towel or mat on the floor.

  • Sit down and start by rubbing oil on your feet.

  • Work your way up the body with long up and down strokes. Rub the joints in a circular motion.

  • Take a warm to hot shower so that the steam opens up your pores and the body can absorb even more oil.



When To Do Abhyanga

It should be done on an empty stomach, ideally after you have eliminated your bowels in the morning, or before you eat dinner in the evening. It is especially important to do during the hot, dry months of summer and the cold winter season. Try to oil yourself daily, or at least three times per week.

Abhyanga Contraindications

Never apply oil when you have active indigestion, fever, diarrhea, colds, coughs, flu, etc. Do NOT do Abhyanga when menstruating. Avoid abhyanga when it is raining or extremely cloudy outside. If you have oily wounds or rashes then avoid those areas or don't do it at all.

Enjoy,

Lisa 




32 Comments

    Written by:
    Britt Barrett
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  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Kitchari
    • Spiced Milk
    • Spiced Granola
    • Coconut Dahl
    • Green Mung Bean Soup
    • Opo Squash
    • Ginger Lemon Turmeric Tonic
    • Homemade Almond Milk
    • Cardamom Basmati Rice
    • Red Lentil Dahl
    • Taakra- A Digestive Tonic
    • Coconut Cardamom Stuffed Dates
    • Coconut Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
    • Sweet and Spicy Rice Porridge
    • Roasted Fennel
    • Stuffed Delicata Squash
    • Coconut Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
    • Cilantro Garlic Chutney
    • Avocado Mint Cucumber Salad
  • Book Appointment
    • Meet Britt
  • Ayurveda Basics
    • Agni- Digestive Fire
    • Vata- Air and Space
    • Pitta- Fire and Water
    • Kapha- Earth and Water
  • Blog
  • Follow
  • Client Testimonials
  • Media Kit