An ayurvedic natural way to build immunity and brain power for kids.
Collection of blogs to share the ancient wisdom from more deeper meaning to understand and inculcate the knowledge into our daily lifestyle. Unlock the science behind the rituals, samskaras, practises, and so on.
Anything that we do, we should show our gratitude to His holiness.
Here are the shlokas which are to be chanted during our daily routine, from the time we wake up in the morning till we go to sleep at night.
5th Year Anniversary Celebration of Swarnaprashana Parenting Group
It was Monday morning. I woke up with a strange and wonderful sense of peace and calm – very unlike other Mondays – in fact very unlike most other days as well! A quick recollection, and it all came flooding back – a weekend full of learning, unlearning, joy, celebration and a sense of time standing still. And yet, it all got over so quickly! Yes, I am talking about the fifth year anniversary celebration of the Swarnaprashna holistic living and parenting group.
Held on 10th and 11th of June 2017 at the very picturesque The School of Ancient Wisdom at Bangalore, the event was a meeting of kindred spirits and parents who became quick friends. Though packed tight with learning sessions on everything from Yoga & Meditation to Parenting & Healthy living, the two days were as relaxed as one can ever hope to get. For me, personally, it was a total treat, like a surprise package of all things that are on my “most liked list” – as if someone had gone through my mind map and picked the choicest of favorites and come up with an agenda that I would never miss for the world. I am sure it was the same for almost every parent who came to the meet! Now, that is not a small feat to achieve – but achieve it they did, the organizing team of Velu, Divya, Mani, Priya, Ananth, Nandhini and all the others who worked hard for more than a month to pull together this beautiful event for others. There is a reason I have emphasized the last word – I will elaborate more on it later.
All of us were to arrive by 5 – 6 PM on Friday evening. But as luck would have it, the rain gods decided to give us a shout! It started pouring delaying some parents from reaching the venue before 6.30 – no problem, said the kids who had arrived by then….We will just take our time getting to know each other so that we can hack our plans for the next two days! And that set the tone for the next two days – something you would never have seen in any other meeting of adults in your life am sure – a free rein of the meeting room for the kids to play, run, fight, sleep, eat and what not – amidst very serious discussions!
So while the adults listened, talked and took notes (pretending they don’t hear the noise!), the little ones had the time of their lives as well. This itself can be one of the best highlights of the meet – a highly tolerant and relaxed huddle of parents where every single parent took the disturbance (adventure for the kids!) in their stride and kept a watch on the kids collectively. Reminded me of the long forgotten huge joint families of yesteryears. Yes, I know, we are a parenting group and some might say this is expected but well, I can only thank the organizers and all the parents for proving we can have a productive meeting with our kids 🙂
After a quick round of introductions of all the parents and how they came to be part of the Swarnaprashna group, we came to know that one of the child had her first birthday the next day – and the parents have decided to spend it with us, in this retreat, instead of the usual party and merry – a awe moment of their dedication and interest to the cause of holistic living for sure.
It was soon time for Dinner followed by the Negativity removing mediation session by Velu. The day was also perfect for it – being a Friday AND a full moon day – a great combination to rid oneself of negative influences and disturbing feelings. If you have been following the discussions on the WhatsApp parenting groups, you will know that removing dhristi is one of the suggested weekly rituals one can follow to maintain emotional health and well-being for the entire family for those who believe in it. It is usually done with salt/chilies/mustard/eggs or any combination thereof (some also use natural straw/camphor and burn them after the cleansing ritual). Scientifically, we are using these high pranic energy filled items to “absorb” the negative energies around us, helping us keep a clean energy space around us. However, our meditation session focused on removing the negative energy within/around us in a different way by using a combination of visualization and self-suggestion. Each of us was also asked to hold a metal coin in our right hand (or a Lemon) which acted a medium to capture all the negativity – this was thrown into the fire built specifically for this purpose at the end of the meditation session.
One of the main things that we learnt during the pre-session discussions was on the importance of discarding the materials used for removing the dhristi (like the coin/salt/chillies…etc.) safely – without letting it affect another person (i.e. not throwing it in a public place where another person is bound to walk over it). As important as it is to get rid of our negative energies, it’s equally important to ensure we don’t pass it off to another person, knowingly or unknowingly. So it’s always best to discard any items we use in a space where another person/animal will not get exposed to it – for at least 24 hours. After that, the energy will get dissipated naturally. The meditation was a very soothing experience for me (not what one might expect out of a Dhristi removing ritual aka Black magic removing meditation!) – and helped me slip into good sleep in the calm and safe environment of The Ancient School of Wisdom.
The state of wellbeing is very beautifully mentioned in Ayurveda as the equilibrium of dosha, agni, dhatu, mala along with an inner blissful state of soul,senses and mind .This closely relates to the modern definition mentioned by WHO.
Samadosha samaagnishcha samadhathu malakriya Prasannatma indriya manaha swastha ityabhi
diyate.
Any illness as for this case , the peenasa or common cold ,occurs as a result of the disturbance in this equilibrium. The symptoms of common cold, include runny nose, sore throat, cough, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes a low-grade fever. It typically last from one week to 10 days, the recovery depending on the immunity of the person. Common cold takes almost the same time to get cured with and without treatment.
Home remedies for minor ailments saves time money and visits to pharmacy. Many simple effective home remedies
mentioned in the ancient texts if discovered can reduce the burden of common people economically and save from
unwanted use of drugs
Though there are excellent and effective home remedies for many ailments they are yet to be scientifically assessed and validated One of the common disadvantage while using home remedies is the proper dose or durtation of the medicine to be given is unknown and when to stop is not clearly understood. Long term or excess self medication is not advisable as the herbs have different action and properties for short term and long term use.The knowledge of right choice, right dose and right duration of the medicine or herbs is always very important. Some of the home remedies mentioned in various books have been compiled and listed below.
Most of the ingredients used for cold and cough are avaiable in our kitchen only some fresh herbs also if grown in pots at our home can be used. Commonly used fresh ingredients are
The common kitchen spices to treat cold and cough are
As a prevention
Pranayam can be taught to children like anulom, vilom, kapalbathi, ujjayi. Ayurvedic medicines rasayanas such as chyanvan prash should be given on regular basis.
Plants which can be grown at home
Generally fresh juices alone or in combination with two such as ginger lemon, tulasi betel, ginger amla. They can be given to children above 1 year from 1 to 2 tsp twice a day with honey
Different combination of dry and fresh ingredients are boiled together for few minutes and used as a drink
The teas or hot infusions chosen should be balanced with hot and cold potency
Tumeric Milk -Mix a half teaspoon or turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk twice is good during the symptoms of
flu cough with phlegm
Thin vegatable Soups,chicken soup spiced with pods of garlic, cloves, cinnamon, Drumstick leaves soup prepared with little salt, pepper and lime juice is very beneficial during common cold
Take steam with water added with three to four drops of eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil. Mint leaf,Tulsi leaf, Cumin seed,Ajwain, Black jeera, are the some of the other ingredients used for steam which can
be used for children.
For infants herbal medicines for cold and cough are mostly applied externally.Infused oils or crushed herbal leaf juices and rubbed on chest and back of the baby.The other preferred method is to treat the mother with medicines. Sometimes very little amount of medicines is applied on the breast before feeding the baby.
Oils used
Same methods mentioned as above are to be followed but with a stronger dose.
Some of the Teas decoctions, fresh juices mentioned above are to be given. The dose depends on age. Generally decoctions are given 1-2teaspoon before food thrice daily, teas 3-4 times a day, fresh juices 1 to 2 tsp twice a day with honey
Common salt +2 black peppercorn chew every four hours
For dry chronic cough ingredients such as cumin, clove, cardamom, dry grapes, coriander seeds, fennel, sugar candy, are more in the combination of the medicines and often mixed with sweet base such as palm jaggery or honey
If you are suffering from symptoms of cold more than 3 weeks, such as itchy eyes, nasal congestion, cough, excessive fatigue, sore throat swollen lymph nodes, rapid heart beat you may have to seek the help of doctor. It may be that you get into secondary infections if not treated. In general if you find the following symptoms it’s better to visit the doctor
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Ever since we started encouraging parents to have their own herbal garden, one parent came forward to share her experience and tip for set up your own garden.
My mom has avid interest in plants and our interest in gardening is inherited from her. As we grew up my parents planted saplings of coconut, mangoes, tapioca and many more. I and my brother took turns to water all the plants and the energy was irresistible. The plants that were so small are now tall trees…Today not only all are pickles, thoku, mango bars are made out of the fresh mangoes and some amount of coconut oil are made out of coconut that is yielded from our trees but we also give it away to our friends and relatives.
Accessing food that are healthy is biggest challenge we face today. “Food is your medicine” as we believe and give our children all the vitamins, immunity building substances, minerals etc but today that’s far from reality. We are not devoid from getting fresh vegetables, so we started to grow naturally. With all raising buildings we dint have adequate sunlight, so terrace gardening was the only option. Watching your seeds sprout and growing you find enrichment and the glory of having to pluck something form your kitchen garden is irresistible. Soon we started noticing some tiny ants construct their homes on mango trees. These tiny creatures live in so much harmony that their nests are so beautifully engineered binding the leaves together like a cluster and forming a nest chamber. Interestingly these ants kill other insects, pests and act as pest control for plants. Traditionally in kerala farmers have used ants nests (Puli urumb) as pest control for vegetables. It is quite interesting that we learn so much from nature in the process. Not all seeds germinate and are self sufficient in terms of our requirement but we are thankful for nature’s contributions, for what we are able to consume from what is grown today, for how exotic our yard has turned out to be, for all creatures who has found habitat in our garden, for all the new things that nature has taught us in the process.. My 3.8yrs young gardener is already exploring garden and asks appa, do you want shankpushpa or chethipoo? We started converting kitchen waste to compost which is one of the best soil nutrients. Its almost like a magic to see garbage transform into so wonderful “black gold”.
World is on the brink of natural disaster with polluted environment, earthquake, bad health, droughts, farmers selling kidneys to clear debts, committing suicide what not? Our actions have not just impacted climate and planet but all species.
If every house hold thinks of retaining some precious greenery around, let the trees flourish again, try to grow edible plants in small space, increase soil fertility with organic composting, we are doing our bit to live in harmony with Earth. Society is gradually turning into soil and waking up to the fact that a small piece of land, a backyard ,a balcony , a roof top or a terrace can produce so much. If there is no yard, there is power when people come together and do community gardening in apartments. It will be great to see schools take this initiative to enlighten children with wonders of nature. When I walk into office campus I wonder why so much space is wasted with shrubs and lawns instead of edible plants.. Let us work for the benefit of all species, bigger self, our family, our friends, generation after us and “mother earth”. With little bit of patience, time and care to nurture, it is fascinating to see what nature can give us back in abundance and in this process with nature we can witness the whole “cycle of creation”.
Hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul. — Alfred Austin
Quick Tips on growing vegetables:
it’s a beautiful process to bond with plants so get your hands dirty,
Vegetables require direct sunlight, so it’s best to grow them on a terrace or a yard where there is adequate sunlight. On a terrace its better to be done after waterproofing. We can grow them in a patch, grow bags, sacks, gunny bags, waste buckets, pots and any containers.
For soil mixture mix equal proportions of soil, sand, compost made out of kitchen waste, dry cow dung powder.
Make sure some shells are kept under bags so that water do not get stagnated (we use coconut shells)
Seeds – There are various types of seeds (Organic, Hybrid, Heirloom , GMO). This link gives good informationhttp://www.underwoodgardens.com/what-are-heirloom-seeds/#.VuGJWE1f0iR. Be careful to choose the right seeds.
Soak seeds in water and seed them for climbers like ash gourd, snake gourd, cowpea etc. Others can be seeded immediately in soil. As the seeds sprout, make sure they are not over watered.
The age old mantra of farming “Feed the soil not the plant”. Natural manure in the form of kapalandi pinnaku in Malayalam (flat cakes and is cattle feed) , veppin pinnaku (neem cake) Soak in water for couple of days and use that as manure. You will be surprised to the plants grow so healthy. Dry cow dung powder , compost from kitchen waste etc. are other good soil nutrients. Panchagavya don’t require special introduction which is another important ingredient for plants
For pests – Neem oil mixed diluted in water sprinkle them on plants to keep insects/ aphids away we can also mix small amount of detergent to this. Garlic / ginger/ green chillis grinded together diluted in water and sprinkled over plants keep pests away.
Don’t throw away your kitchen waste, make your own compost with Kamba (Earthen pots) and use that every fortnight for your plants. . http://www.dailydump.org/.
There is enough help available online for all.
There is an app called “garden calendar” that can be downloaded, It guides to grow plants according to phases of moon and forces of nature. Most of the time we do not know what is moons influence on nature so this gives recommendations on favorable days for gardening activities, transplanting, seeding etc.
Lastly as we all know plants can feel, so give them all your affection…Nature does the rest.. Happy Harvesting!!
Are you thinking what to do different with the left over idlis… here is the healthy option. This a famous street food in Hyderabad. Tastes richer with fresh and small idlies.
Left over idli – 4
Onion : 1 big (finely chopped)
Butter / Ghee : as reqd
Coconut masala powder:
This is also called as Thengai podi/ Coconut powder.
This can be mixed with seasame oil and had with idli/ dosa.
And this can be added to hot rice with ghee to have Thengai podi rice. You jus need a papad to accompany this easy readymade powder. This can be stored for more than a moth in a air tight container
Items needed
Channa dhall : 1tblsp
Urud dhall : 1tblsp
Red chilly : 4 to 5
Grated coconut : 1 cup
seasame seeds : 1tsp
curry leaves : 5 to 6 leaves
salt
Hing – a pinch
Heat a kadai, add very little oil and fry all the items together except coconut and salt.
After taking the spices from the pan, fry the coconut till it changes its colour to light brown. TAke the coconut and switch off the flame, now add salt and jus give a stir and add to the mixture.
Once it cools grind it course and store in air tight container.
To make butter idli. Heat a iron dosa pan and add butter. once it starts melting add the coconut masala powder mix well and add finely chopped onion. After a min add the idli’s and jus give a gentle press. turn the idli and press again. Allow it to fry well, taking care not to burn.
Crispy Butterry idlies ready. This would be a treat for kids.
Note:
Mappilai samba rice – 1 cup
Urad dal – 1/2 cup
Idly rice – 1 cup
Feenugreek seeds – 1 tablespoon
Channa dal – 2 tablespoon.
Wash and soak idly rice, channa dal And mappilai samba rice together.
Wash urad dal and soak it separately.
Wash feenugreek seeds and soak it.
All these should be soaked overnight.
grind feenugreek seeds first. Then add urad dal and grind it well till.
Once its grinded completely take it to a big vessel.
Then add idly rice and mappilai samba rice and grind well.
Now add this rice batter to urad dal batter and mix well.
Add rock salt and mix well.
Then allow it to ferment for 6 hrs and then prepare dosas with the batter.
Start the herbal garden to protect your family, environment and above all, kids at home inculcate the good practice to plan tress and also pass on the ancient wisdom to this life saving herb.
Coriander is one of the ancient herbs in treating many ailments like obesity, menstrual issues, controlling kaba and many more.
It can be planted on water bottles with the top lid up to the neck cut off, small baby bath tubs which give more yields, flower pots
(this is the last option).
Coriander seeds are easily available in most of the organic stores. Make sure it is native variety, not hybrid or GM seeds. You can also get in touch with HLP.Store for seeds.
Sowing coriander seeds should be done in a even manner as harvesting and watering becomes difficult I’d the seeds and sowed dense in a single place. Better to draw line like markings in the soil and sow the seeds evenly in every row giving space between each row.
Porous soil is best suited for coriander. Make sure the u can stick ur finger inside it. Tats the porous consistency. A mix of coding and vermicompost is an added advantage.
Use sprayes for watering and the stem is very fragile and too much watering is not gud for the plant. All it needs it is wetness.
5 weeks
काकः कृष्णः पिकः कृष्णः को भेद पिककाकयोः
वसन्तसमये प्राप्ते काकः काकः पिकः पिकः
Kakah krishna pikah krishna, Ko bheda pika kaka yoho?
Vasanta samaye praptey, Kakah kakah pikah pikaha!
Black rice flour : 1 cup
Jaggery : 1/4 cup
Salt a pinch
Gingelly oil 1 tsp
Boil the jaggery with water n filter the impurities.
Take the flour in a mixing bowl.add a pinch of salt.
Mix the jaggery water with flour.knead it to chapathi dough consistency.
Add a tsp of oil and knead it well.
Steam it for 4 to 5 mins .
Serve hot.
Note : you can adjust the sweetness of jaggery per your taste
