Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Kasturi Did you know that 'Kasturi ' or 'Deer Musk', is the well known perfumery product of animal origin, obtained from the dried gland of the male musk deer, and also used as 'Kasturi Tilakam', a mark of vertical line on the forehead of an image of a deity, or by devotees? Kasturi, known in Sanskrit as 'Kasturika', is 'Deer Musk' perfume gained from the navel extracted from the caudal glands of the male musk deer (Moschus moschifeus). There are seven musk producing species that make up Moschus of genus of the family Moschidae. out of which six species are listed as Endangered. White bellied musk deer occurs in the Himalayas from Afghanistan, Pakistan to China, and of these Kashmiri Musk deer in Himalayas is one of the most endangered species in the region. The Highest quality of musk is Tonkin musk from Vietnam, followed by Assam and Nepal musk, while Carbadine musk from Russian and Chinese Himalayan regions are considered inferior. Kasturi...

Champaka or Sampige tree and flower Did you know that Champaka or Sampige tree and its flower, known universally by the botanical name Michalea champaca and of the Magnoliaceae family, is very fragrant to a point where it will intoxicate you? Champaka, known as Champa in Sanskrit, and also Sampige in Kannada, is a tree which blooms with flowers known for its fragrance. Its scientific botanical names is Michelia champaca or Magnolia champaca of the family of Magnoliaceae (family which has about 219 species throughout the world) is also called the Joy perfume tree or yellow jade orchid tree in English. The other Indian names of Champaka are : Tita- sopa in Assamese, Champa in Bengali, Sachochampo in Gujarati, Pudchampo in Konkani, Leihao in Manipuri, Chompa in Oriya, Pivalu Champa in Nepali, Sambagam in Tamil, Champangi in Telegu and Champa in Urdu.  It is native to India and South East Asia. It is a medium-large, tropical, evergreen tree and grows very tal...

Typical Jamun fruits possesses commercial importance as a minor fruit in tropical and subtropical countries. It is a versatile fruit tree of both food and medicinal value.

Betel Nut The betel nut is an integral part of the daily or ritualistic Pooja. It is also popularly used in the age old-custom of Indian eating. The supari is symbolic of the nut of the ego that must be offered on the altar of God. It represents the hard, coarse qualities that must be surrendered to God, leaving only the soft, pure qualities. Mostly symbolic the Supari is many a times traditionally represented as the Nine planets (in the Navgrah Pooja) and takes the form of Deities like Brahma, Surya and others during different Poojas. The betel nut can also represent a human being. In Maharashtra, the wife's presence is must at important religious rituals. But if she is away or dead, a betel nut wrapped in a cloth can represent her. In Bengal, betel nut is believed to carry magical properties. it is placed under the pillow at night so that the sleeping person can see his future in dreams. Betel nuts are believed to increase prosperity and they are tied to the pandal, t...

Health Benefits of Dates The benefits of dates include relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anemia, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, abdominal cancer, and many other conditions. Dates are good for gaining weight also. Dates are rich in several vitamins, minerals and fiber too. These delicious fruits contain oil, calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which are all beneficial for health. Some health specialists have said that eating one day per day is necessary for a balanced and healthy diet. The massive health benefits of dates have made them one of the best ingredients for muscle development. People consume dates in several ways, such as mixing the paste of the dates with milk, yogurt or with bread or butter to make them even more delicious. The paste is beneficial for both adults and children, especially during a time of recovery from injury or illness. According to a modern medical survey, it is now accepted that dates...

panchamrit benefits....... Panchamrita is a sacred mixture of five ingredients i.e. Milk, Curd, Honey, Sugar and Ghee in equal amounts. The word “Panchamrita” is a combination of two words, "Pancha" means five and "Amrita" means ambrosia, immortal, and nectar of gods or beverage of gods. Panchamrita is also called 'Charnamrit' in some parts of India.Often Basil (Tulsi) leaves and dry fruits are also added in Panchamrita. However, there may be certain regional variations in ingredients. Most south Indians add ripe banana instead of sugar. Origin of Panchamrit The most popular mention of the dish can be traced back to Mahabharata (largest epic ever written in the history of Mankind!). In Mahabharata it is stated that the Panchamrit was perhaps one of the valuable ingredients that emerged during Samudra manthan or Ksheera sagar manthan (churning of the ocean of milk). The demons and gods who were part of the process had a very long fight in establishing their c...

The benefits of Camphor (Kapur/Kapoor) Camphor or so called as Kapur/Kapoor is a white waxy solid with a firm crystal clear strong perfumed spice. It is an isoprenoids through the chemical formula C10H16O. It is found in the wood of the laurel camphor or so called (Cinnamomum camphora). A huge evergreen plant found in Asian region and particularly in Borneo, but can also be manufactured synthetically from gum turpentine. It is for its aroma, used as an embalming fluid and for therapeutic resolutions. It has soothing properties. Bid Kapoor has a unique position in the Hindu tradition of pooja,other festive function and traditional law.The burning camphor has a special quality and, naturally, has a special meaning. It is pure white in color, and when burned acquires the huge fire (Agni)and burn completely,without leaving any residue. Lighting camphor before God is a sign that if we burn our illusion or ego with the fire of true knowledge, which will merge with God, leaving no...