. . . continued from last issue
In Pittaja type cooking with spices like coriander, cumin, fennel, turmeric and cloves are very useful. Herbs which are effective include Aloe Vera, Shatavari, Amlaki and Triphala. Beneficial tastes include sweet, bitter and astringent. Whole body massages with Pitta reducing oils.
In Kaphaja type herbs which are helpful include ginger, honey, cardamom, turmeric and cloves. Because in this type of Grahini the agni is very weak herbs like trikatu are very helpful. A pinch of trikatu should be taken with the first morsel of food. Triphala is also effective. Tastes which are useful are spicy, bitter and astringent.
All types of Grahini can be managed by controlling stress, lifestyle and dietary changes.
Sweet foods, whole grains, dairy and fruits are good. Salty foods should be consumed less as they tend to absorb water leading to dryness and also does not stroke the agni.
Herbs that increase agni include ginger, garlic, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon and cloves. These should be included in daily cooking. Vegetables which are good include, petha or ashgourd, lauki, kaddhu, carrots, paneer and nuts.
One of the best remedies is buttermilk. Take one part of yogurt and mix with 4 parts of water. Give it a good whish or blend it. Add some kala jeera and saindhava namak if you want. Keep drinking this throughout the day.
Yoga asanas like crocodile pose and forward bending are good. Diaphragmatic breathing and pranayama help to reduce stress.
Remember the following points:-
1. bring regularity into your lifestyle.
2. Learn to eat cooked warm foods. Keep away from salads.
3. Try to take a calm, passive attitude to society
4. Train to control anxiety.
5. Include plenty of leafy vegetables, drink plenty of water, avoid fried, spicy foods. Eat plenty of fruits. Fruits and leafy vegetables are found to increase fibre and to reduce inflammation.
6. Keep meals short and simple. Eat slowly and chew well.
7. Address any stress that is present and keep away from stress factors.
8. A sedentary lifestyle reduces circulation and stimulation of the excretory organs. Introduce a daily exercise regime. A 15-25 minute walk everyday will do the trick.
9. Eat the right combinations and moderately.
10. Create a pleasant atmosphere to eat.
A mixture which can be used when there is excessive gas:-
1. 2 tbs whole fennel seeds
2. 1 tbs of coriander seeds
3. 1 tbs of whole cumin seeds
4. 1 tbs of dry ginger powder
5. 2 tbs of rock salt
6. 1 tsp of hing
7. 1 tbs of sugar
Gently roast all the spices and grind it into a fine powder. Store in an airtight container and consume a pinch of this after lunch/dinner. IBS is a disorder that needs your full attention. Do not ignore any symptoms.
Mrs. Mira Swami, Department of Ayurveda