Dasanakanti Churna - Herbal tooth powder Review

Dasankanti Churna is an ayurvedic tooth powder based on the Kerala Ayurvedic tradition used in lieu of a tooth paste. Many leading ayurvedic brands manufacture the aforesaid churna. The ingredients of the Dasanakanti Churna can be found in the website of the manufacturers.

The churna is believed to provide relief in many problems related to the teeth.

Maratha Moggu | Marathi Moggu | Maratha Moga

Maratha Moggu | Marathi Moggu | Maratha Moga| Marathi Moga | Kapok buds

Maratha Moggu is a kind of spice used in cooking, ,mostly in the rice bath varieties. Some do use it to prepare kashayam with ananas moggu. 

Chakra Moggu | Ananasa Hoovu | Pineapple Flower Spice

Chakra Moggu | Ananasa Hoovu | Pineapple Flower Spice

Chakra Moggu aka Ananasa Hoovu aka Pineapple Flower Spice is a kind of spice used in preparation of Veg Pulao. Some use it for the preparation of kashayam as well to increase the immunity power. 

Alvi Beeja | Garden Cress Seeds

Alvi Beeja | Hakim Beej | Garden Cress Seeds

Alvi or Garden Cress seeds which resembles the shape of a sesame seeds has a tinge of brownish-maroon color. It is used in the preparation of Alvi Ladoo(Read: How to Prepare Alvi laddoo). The alvi laddoo is given for the lactating mothers to strengthen the spine and increase the breast milk production. It is also used to prepare kheer. One can soak the alvi seeds in water overnight and have it mixed in milk and drink.

Note: Do not soak in hot or warm water.

Ker Beeja or Geru Beeja Dry fruit

Ker Beeja | Geru Beeja

Ker Beeja is another type of dry fruit that resembles the seed of a tamarind and tastes more or less like a cashew nut, but with a little bitter taste when compared to the cashew nut. It is used in the preparation of Gondh ka laddoo in North India, Antina Unde (Read : How to prepare Antina Unde | Gondh ka Laddu) in Karnataka.

Home remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff is a common issue faced by youngsters these days. Fortunately, there are ayurvedic remedies that help in curing dandruff problem. 

Few of the oils that help in curing dandruff is as below.

Murgekai/Murgikai for preparing bal guti

Murgekayi/Murgikayi

The herb above is called as murgikayi/murgekayi in Northern Karnataka. The herb has a rope like structure. This is used in preparing a guti for infants. I had difficulty in getting this in other states because I did not know how to explain them about this herb. Even tried google search for this, but to no avail.

Hence, posting this image for ready reference for others.

Amla Reetha Shikakai Herbal Shampoo to achieve thick hair and to prevent hair loss

The most frequently asked question when it comes to using shampoo is, which shampoo to be used, does it prevent hair loss, does it moisturize the hair etc etc,. While you may feel that the chemical based shampoos clean your scalp thoroughly and might have added volumizing effect, but the chemical based shampoos do more harm than good. 

Yoga poses that help in reducing hair loss.

Well, there seems to be little evidence to corroborate the claims of a particular asana or exercise being useful in halting the hair loss. As a rule of thumb, everybody would agree that poor blood circulation causes hair loss. Therefore, asanas that increase blood circulation in the scalp area should atleast halt hair loss, if not regrowth. 

An improved blood circulation means, necessary nutrients being supplied to the hair follicle to sustain growth.

Antina Unde | Gondh ka laddu

Antina Unde as colloquially called in Karnataka and Gondh ka Laddu in Northern parts of India is given to a lactating mother, usually after 30 days from the date of delivery.

The laddu is prepared using edible gum/gondh and dry fruits, which is nutritious, thus helping the lactating mother meet the daily nutritional requirements to some extent.

How to use neem twigs/datun for teeth care/ brushing teeth

The neem twig or daatun is most widely used for brushing teeth. The tradition of using neem twigs is still practiced in many Indian villages. In the name of modernism, we have become oblivious of the plethora of benefits that these herbs possess. 

Neem is considered to be an anti-bacterial herb and thus helps in fighting the bacterial/tartar deposits on the teeth and thus helps in maintaining a strong teeth. Using the neem twig also helps to prevent bad breath.

Healthy Almond Dates Walnut Shake

Dates Almond walnut milk shake is a tasty and healthy form of milk shake. It is a calorie rich shake that can be consumed after workout to provide you with instant energy. The Almonds, dates and walnuts meets with most of the nutritional intake required for the body.

Healthy North Karnataka Style Gurellu Chutney Pudi | Huchellu Chutney Pudi | Niger Seeds chutney pudi

Gurellu chutney pudi is the typical Chutney pudi that will be available in all Khanavalis spread across North Karnataka.

It offers a wide range of health benefits like lowering the cholestrol levels,preventing greying of hair etc.

Home made Kashayam (decoction) for common cold and cough

I remember, during my childhood days where my mom and Grandma used to give me the Kashayam, whenever I suffered from cold or cough. Trust me, it tasted so very well and was better than those cough syrups, which I used to hate taking them.

The Kashayam helped me in easing the symptoms of cold and cough and provided quick relief from runny nose and cough.

Alvi unde (ಆಳ್ವಿ ಉಂಡೆ) , Alvi laddu | Garden Cress Seeds Laddu

Alvi Unde | Alvi Undi | Aliv Unde | Garden Cress Laddu

Alvi Unde or laddu prepared from Alvi(Garden cress) seeds is usually given to lactating women, mostly, after 30 days from the date of delivery. Anecdotal evidence suggests that, it helps in increasing milk production, strengthening the spine etc,. in addition to other health benefits.

Preparation of this laddu is very easy. 

Ingredients required:-

Dental Care - Maintaining Oral Hygiene

Dental care has been given very little to no importance when it comes to maintaining the personal hygiene. It is important to note that, like other hygiene practices, oral hygiene too is equally important. Not adhering to proper oral hygiene would result in one suffering from dental carries, excruciating tooth ache or say in worst cases, undergoing extraction.

It is therefore necessary to follow proper oral care. 

Practicing the Ayurvedic regimen helps in preventing Gingivitis, Bad Breath, Sensitivity of tooth, Dental Carries and receding of gums.

Below are few tips in maintaining a healthy oral health.

Ayurvedic hair care

Lately there has been surge in people suffering from hair loss, more so, the youngsters, which is a cause of worry, all thanks to the harsh chemical based shampoos, stress, pollution, inadequate nutrition etc. Hair Loss per se is not life threatening, but holds cosmetic importance for some.

It is sad to note youngsters resorting to harsh chemical products these days, totally disregarding the side effects that comes with it. The therapeutic values of the herbs are becoming oblivious among the younger population at large.

It is therefore felt necessary to revive the use of natural herbs for Hair care. This article is a humble attempt to highlight the therapeutic values of certain herbs in maintaining a good hair growth.

Factors affecting hair growth
There are numerous factors that affect hair growth, right from nutritional deficiency to hormonal change to stress.

Ayurvedic remedies for Male Pattern Baldness|Androgenic Alopecia

Male Pattern Baldness/Androgenic alopecia is a condition, where, there is a loss of hair on the top (also known as a crown area) and frontal part of the head. The Hair loss usually occurs in the form of an "M" shape. The hair loss occurs due to the hormonal changes known as DHT. The 5 Alpha reductase enzyme converts the testosterone into a more potent androgen called DHT, resulting in an increased hair loss. In order to halt the hair loss, it is necessary to inhibit 5 alpha reductase to prevent the conversion of 5AR into DHT. Currently, finasteride and Minoxidil are used to treat the aforesaid condition, but are associated with some side effects. Hence, the demand for an alternative herbal medicine which inhibits 5 alpha reductase and work as a hair growth promoter has picked momentum.

Let’s take a look at the natural 5 alpha reductase inhibitors and hair growth promoters.

Healthy Dry fruits Laddu/Laadoo without sugar or jaggery

Dry fruit laddu is a healthy snack loaded with vitamins and other essential nutrients and is consumed widely in India.

Ingredients required for preparing the dry fruit laddu.

Instant Tulsi seeds/ Kamakasturi beeja/ Sabja beej Gulkhand Milk Shake

Tulsi seeds/ Kamakasturi beeja/ Sabja seeds possess cooling properties. Hence, they are widely sought after during summer. Gulkhand prepared out of of Rose and Sugar, pacifies pitta dosha and thus helps in reducing body heat.

(Read : Amla Infused buttermilk)

Ingredients :-

Amla(Indian Gooseberry) infused buttermilk

Amla infused butter milk is one of the simplest ways to include Amla in the diet. Amla is considered to be the nectar of life and has many health benefits1 right from treating common cold to controlling blood sugar levels. It is also used as a diuretic, laxative, liver tonic, hair tonic etc,. Amla also works as a coolant and is hence useful in reducing body heat. It is rich in anti-oxidants and thus delays ageing.

Let us take a look at the process of preparing an amla infused butter milk.