Ayurveda is the holistic Indian health system, considered a ‘sister science’ to yoga. Ayurveda is based on finding physical and mental harmony with nature, leading to a better balanced self. This ancient but modern healing system has been practiced for more than 5,000 years in India and beyond. In fact, many other ancient healing traditions, such as Chinese medicine and Hawaiian medicine, have similar principles to Ayurveda.
{Want to learn some Ayurvedic recipes? Here are some recipes for yogi tea and a classic Ayurvedic meal of homemade ghee and kitchari}
According to Ayurveda Pura, a London-based spa, Ayurveda academy and supplement company, Ayurveda means “science of life” (“Ayu” meaning life and “Veda” meaning science). This healing science was first recorded in the Vedas, the world’s oldest surviving literature. But, Ayurveda doesn’t need to relegated to ancient history. It’s easy to incorporate calming and balancing Ayurvedic principles through Ayurvedic recipes and Ayurvedic supplements.
Ayurveda relies primarily on the wondrous properties of herbs and foods to heal, nourish, and sustain us through our lives. According to Ayurvedic practitioner Mark Medley, “By gaining an understanding of your own personal constitution, you begin to observe your lifestyle choices more deeply and fully see how everything you put into your life affects your well being.” To learn more, check out Feel Good Style’s posts about balancing your body naturally with Ayurveda. You can practice Ayurveda many ways- by including Ayurvedic foods into your diet, by caring for your skin using Ayurveda practices and products, and by enjoying Ayurvedic supplements.
Recently, Vibrant Wellness Journal was sent some Chyawanprash from Ayurveda Pura to add to my supplement routine. I love the tangy, jammy flavor of this magical concoction, which is a great supplement for all doshas. If you’ve never heard of this tongue-twister of a supplement, Chyawanprash is a jam-like product made from a special selection of as many as 47 high quality, natural ingredients such as fruits, herbs and spices, including Amla (Indian Gooseberry), one of the most potent sources of Vitamin C. According to my yoga teacher Cecelia, this supplement is especially good at helping us replace jin, the vital life force that computers, traffic and stress zaps out of us. Many of my yoga teachers have said this is a great supplement to keep around.
It’s tastes like a sweet but tangy, creamy cherry jam. Ayurveda Pura prepares their Chyawanprash in accordance with a special Ayurvedic formulation in a process lasting several days, so that its beneficial effects are maximized. They recommend taking 1-2 teaspoons of this sweet, tangy jam twice a day. You can eat it right off the spoon, stir into tea or milk or spread it on toast. To learn more about Ayurveda Pura’s award-winning lines of herbal teas, supplements, and body care, check out their site. They ship to the US, too!
Vibrant Wellness Journal would like to thank Ayurveda Pura for the yummy, healing sample! Herbs and oil image from Shutterstock; product image from the company.
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