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Why you should be Adding Sorghum (Jowar) To Your Diet?

If this is the first time you are hearing of a grain called sorghum or Jowar, you are in for a ride with this blog! Though sorghum has only recently gained a buzz in modern healthcare communities and the western world, it has existed as a staple grain in Indian diets for years. With recent research and innovation in trying to find gluten-free options of fibre and nutrition, Sorghum seems to give you a perfect alternative for a grain that is healthy, safe, affordable, and filling for you to eat. Is this exciting to hear for you? Read on to know much more!

What is Sorghum?

“Sorghum” widely refers to a group of 25 plant species that belong to the grass family of Poaceae. You may have heard that this is part of the millet family. Historically, evidence suggests that it is Africa in which this grain was first grown and used. During the Indus Valley Civilisation, some of it got traded to India.

Sorghum is one of the most manufactured wholegrains in the world and is often used in western countries in utilities such as brooms, animal feed, and fuel. The 25 species of sorghum are found largely in areas of Australia, Africa, and Asia. Among these “sorghum bicolour” is used most popularly. What species ends up being utilized as something of relevance to human beings depends on what it is being used for (food, fuel, or fodder). However, its nutritional value is getting increasingly relevant in the past few years, and that is the part we will be speaking about the most.

Why Add Sorghum To Your Diet?

If we talk about the use of Jowar in India, there is sufficient evidence that suggests that Jowar and millets, in general, used to serve as a staple food in various parts of India and its culture within small villages. As the world progressed, more refined grains such as wheat and rice took over.

Cut to the present, millets and sorghum itself has started to make a comeback in people’s diets. More and more talks about the amazing nutritional value of this discarded grain are being talked about, and people are opting for Sorghum to be part of their balanced diet. What are these nutritional values that have been creating such a buzz? Let’s discuss all the health benefits of Sorghum to determine this:

Sorghum is a gluten-free grain.

Gluten refers to a set of proteins that are largely found in grains such as wheat. It is this protein that gives these grains a smooth texture when transformed to flour and combined with water. Ever notice how easy it is to make a dough out of gehu ka aata? Gluten is the ingredient to thank for wheat’s glue-like consistency.

Gluten has been found over the years to have some bad effects on one’s health. Though not everyone faces adverse effects from its consumption, its overconsumption can trigger gluten sensitivity. This may lead to digestive problems. Others may have a gluten intolerance problem, celiac disease, or wheat allergy. These issues are what lead to people attempting to find gluten-free alternatives for their staple diets.

This is where the increasing use of Jowar comes in. Sorghum is gluten-free and can therefore spare those with a bad relationship with gluten from problems such as stomach pain, IBS, and bloating. It acts as a nutritious replacement for wheat or maida in goods such as bread, cookies, cakes, etc.

High In Fibre

Fibre is something that is found in plants, vegetables, and the like and is responsible for optimal human health. It is essential for human beings to consume it in good quantities, however, many times people fall short on it. Whole grains such as wheat and rice are sources of a great amount of fibre – but sorghum is a grain that is especially rich in fibre.

Not only does the high intake of fibre help in regulating your stools, but it slows digestion which is why you are unlikely to feel too hungry after having enough fibre. Consuming enough dietary fibre has been repeatedly associated with reduced bad cholesterol too! This means that having more sources of fibre (which would be sorghum in this case) can help you promote a healthy heart and body.

Excellent Protein Source For Vegetarians and Vegans

If you are someone who follows fitness secrets frequently, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to you. Protein plays a significant role in building our muscles and increasing our overall body strength. However, the richest sources of proteins for human beings tend to come from eggs or meat.

It can often be difficult to get to an optimal protein intake for vegans and vegetarians. This is where Jowar comes in handy! Every 100 grams of sorghum has over 11 grams of protein, making it a perfect addition to reaching your required protein intake. As a matter of fact, many protein bars use sorghum as the base grain for their product. Other typical grains such as wheat and rice do not provide you with such a high amount of protein.

Can Aid Weight Loss

Sorghum is high in both fibre and protein, making it a good choice for a healthy diet. Protein is required to build strength and muscles (which increases your metabolism). Fibre plays a good role in regulating your digestion and has a distinct quality of satisfying your hunger pangs. In other words, protein ensures your energy & strength, while fibre makes you less hungry. This is perfect if you are looking to add something to your diet that will aid your weight loss!

Additionally, Sorghum is filled with complex carbohydrates that take a while to digest which means you are not going to feel any hunger pangs for hours after consuming enough sorghum. You are also likely to feel more energetic.

Good For Your Bone Health

Sorghum is very rich in minerals and vitamins. This includes the high nutritional value of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc in the wholegrain. A certain mineral called magnesium is something the grain is especially rich in. Magnesium is the mineral required by your body to absorb calcium into the bones, therefore, having a magnesium-rich diet is often associated with better bone density.

Magnesium is also said to have a soothing quality which fights the ill-effects of stress, promotes better sleep, and healthy digestion.

Rich In Minerals And Vitamins

Whether we’re talking about iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, or potassium – sorghum is filled with an abundance of minerals. These minerals are essential in maintaining a healthy body by regulating hydration as well as blood circulation. For example, iron is the mineral our body uses to produce red blood cells. Similarly, potassium plays an important role in regulating the sodium content in one’s body.

Jowar does not fall short in its vitamin content either! It is abundant in Vitamin B1, B2, B5, and B6 – all of which are essential for cell regeneration.

Since these minerals strengthen your bones, improve your blood circulation, and strengthen your digestive system, you are likely to feel much more energetic after you consume the grain!

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory

Sorghum has several anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. For example, magnesium, which is a mineral the grain is very rich in is associated with dealing with stress and inflammation. This may help you feel much calmer after having a bowl of sorghum. Furthermore, antioxidants such as flavonoids, tannins, and much more eliminate cancer-causing free radicals in your body and aid your immune system in fighting against disease.

As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, Jowar might even help you improve your skin health.

May Help In Dealing With Diabetes

You might have heard that carbs aren’t great for those with diabetes. While this is partially true, sorghum is actually a complex carbohydrate! The distinct quality of complex carbohydrates is that they take a long time for your body to break down. What does this mean? Lowered blood sugar levels in your body! In fact, sorghum syrup (in limited quantities) is often recommended to diabetics as an alternative sweetener as it is less harmful than regular sugar coming out of sugarcanes.

Ways In Which You Can Add Sorghum To Your Diet

Sorghum is a rich nutritious grain that already makes it great in itself, but a special characteristic of the wholegrain is how versatile it is and how many things you can use it for! It stands out in this area and this is why it would only be appropriate if not necessary to speak of all the different ways you can add Jowar into your diet.

As a Substitute to Rice

Rice is a staple food in most Indian households. Luckily, it is fairly easy to steam sorghum just like one steams rice to use it as a substitute for white rice. Sorghum has a higher fibre & protein content and is gluten-free, which gives it advantages over regular rice. Whether you want to switch up your everyday dal chawal or make a nuanced version of poha, sorghum’s pearled versions are likely to work great.

As Flour

It is not that common to use flour made entirely of sorghum. However, it is fairly easy to add equal parts gehu ka aata and jowar ka aata to make chapatis that are much richer in fibre and protein than regular ones. They are also likely to be more filling and tasty with a unique texture.

This technique also works if you’re a baking enthusiast! Simply mix all-purpose flour and sorghum flour in an equal ratio and you will have fibre and nutrient rich baked goods in no time.

Sorghum Syrup

Not many people know this but sorghum can be used as a sweetener just like sugarcane is. In fact, it used to be used as a sweetener in south India for generations before regular sugar took over. Sorghum syrup is similar in consistency to molasses (which are made of sugarcane) and many claim it is much sweeter! Along with this, some research has suggested that it might be a better alternative to other sweeteners due to its nutritional qualities. However, it is sugar nonetheless – so watch how much you consume it as too much is never good for anyone.

Pop some sorghum!

Much like pop-corn, sorghum is also sold in markets to be popped. When heated at a high temperature, sorghum pops just like popcorn and makes for a gluten-free and high fibre snack for you to eat while you watch a movie!

Additionally, many variations of sorghum are used as thickeners and sweeteners in various gluten-free recipes. If you look through the internet, you’re likely to find hundreds! We would definitely recommend acquiring a taste for sorghum as it is healthier than regular wholegrains.

Final Word

Sorghum is a healthy wholegrain suitable to consume for most people. It has high nutritional value and serves as a gluten-free substitute to most grains & cereals. In India, Sorghum is known as Jowar and has been used in some traditional recipes for generations. Not only is it high in protein and fibre, but it is also a grain that is sustainable and uses minimal water for its production. The health benefits of Sorghum range from better heart health to effective digestion and its versatile uses only leave you in even more awe.

With the recent shift and tendency to go back to one’s roots, the current time is as best as any to switch to Sorghum as the grain of your choice. We hope this blog did justice to your curiosity regarding Jowar and you are ready to add this wonderful grain to your staple diet right away!

7 Best Ayurvedic Hair Oils For Hair Thinning and To Promote Healthy Hair

Hairfall and hair thinning are two of the most dreadful nightmares one has to deal with, so it’s only natural that we fanatically look for ways to find the perfect fix that will preserve our hair in all its shiny dark brown and black glory. What if we tell you that this perfect fix has existed right under your nose for quite a while now, and you’ve just missed it? What if we told you that all you had to do was add some Ayurvedic hair oils to your personal care routines? We aren’t exaggerating! And to prove to you that we mean best, we explain to you all the reasons you should be ditching expensive hair serums and switching to organic Ayurvedic hair oils today.

So, what’s so special about Ayurvedic Hair Oils?

Oiling, not just your scalp but even your body, is one of the fundamental practices recommended for optimal wellbeing by Ayurveda. The science of this ancient medicinal system has proved to be effective in the present day as many studies have attempted to figure out the real benefits of Ayurvedic ingredients and concoctions. This ancient legacy and the fact that Ayurvedic hair oils are made with one’s overall physical, spiritual, and mental wellbeing at their heart is what makes them special.

It is hard for our hair to thrive out there in the world amidst the sun exposure, pollution, and humidity in our everyday lives. Think about it. How does your skin feel on a hot and dry day when you are wearing no sunscreen? Scorched and dry! That is exactly what happens to your scalp when you don’t pay enough attention to it. Ultimately, when you don’t nurture your scalp the way it deserves to be nurtured, your scalp is bound to be incapable of nurturing your hair. The result is hair damage, dandruff, hair fall, hair thinning, and finally hair loss. This is where Ayurvedic hair oils come to save the day. These hair oils are concocted with 100% natural ingredients and are meant to be massaged onto your scalp so that the roots from which your hair grows are nurtured and the rest of your hair shaft stays healthy.

Another key feature of Ayurvedic hair oils is that the ingredients used in these oils are specified to the kind of dosha imbalance you possess. By being dosha-specific, it is much easier for you to determine what ingredients are best for your hair in all its unique glory. It is also much easier to curb your hair problems right at the roots – instead of treating specific symptoms (dandruff, hair fall, frizziness, etc.) that most hair products are targeted for. Ayurvedic hair oils are meant to target the inner imbalance causing your hair problems and thereby give you a holistic solution to your hair woes.

The Superheroes in the realm of Ayurvedic Hair Oils

Considering the super strength, protection, and nutrition these ingredients & concoctions give you, it is only fair to call them superheroes. Let us discuss some of these main heroes that you find in Ayurvedic hair oils:-

Amla

Be it hair care, skincare, or health supplements: Amla is an Ayurvedic favorite in a variety of areas. Known as the Indian Gooseberry in the west, amla oil is a popular choice for many across the Indian subcontinent (and now the world) because of its distinct hair conditioning, nourishing, and strengthening properties. Amla acts as a superfood for your hair, providing it with lots of Vitamin C and antioxidants that readily get rid of a dry, itchy, or flaky scalp. This ultimately leads to lustrous and stronger hair locks ready to take on the troubles of the day.

Bhringraj

Though Bhringraj is not known to everyone (unless you are a big Ayurveda fanatic like me, of course!), you may be surprised to know that it is one of the most favored herbs in Ayurveda when it comes to hair care. In fact, so renowned is this herb that it is referred to as “Keshraaj” (king of hair) by many Ayurvedic experts! Recent studies have shown that Bhringraj may be effective in increasing the number of hair follicles on your scalp. This means that not only does this mystical herb moisturize and nourish your scalp with nutrients, but it makes it capable of growing more hair strands on your scalp! Therefore, if hair thinning and hair fall are your major concerns – there is no doubt that Bhringraj is perfect for you.

Sesame Oil

In many ways, sesame oil (til ka tel) is the heart and soul of Ayurvedic personal care. It is the perfect base oil used in hair oils, body oils, and even cooking oils! It is also considered holy in Hindu culture and used in pujas. Its multi purposes combined with its marvelous benefits is what makes it a true superhero in the realm of Ayurvedic hair oils. Sesame oil often referred to as the oldest oil used by mankind, is likely to be present as the base of most Ayurvedic hair oils you will find across markets. By itself, the oil is beneficial for treating dandruff, soothing your scalp, and promoting hair growth. It is suitable for all types of hair and skin given that it is used in appropriate quantities.

Coconut Oil

If we talk about the most popular Ayurvedic oils, coconut oil comes a very close second to sesame oil. Just as sesame oil, coconut oil is often used as the base for herbal concoctions that make up nourishing Ayurvedic hair oils, body oils, and more. Coconut oil is a popular hair remedy ingredient and is used by many Indians across diverse cultures. It is especially useful for those with Pitta (fire) imbalance, as it is cooling. Further, the thick texture of coconut oil does your scalp favors by penetrating deep into your hair follicles, making sure your scalp soaks up the goodness of its nutrients and moisture.

Curry Leaves

Curry leaves add a unique flavor to our food that we’re sure every Indian loves. But did you know that in Ayurveda, curry leaves have been used in hair oil concoctions for centuries?! It’s true! As it turns out, apart from making your food wonderfully delicious, curry leaves have a good protein content that can be juiced into haircare ingredients to make the perfect hair oil for hair growth and fighting hair fall! Just as many herbs we spoke about before, curry leaves act as food for your scalp and protect it from external damage.

Hibiscus flowers

The beautiful hibiscus flowers we love to plant in our garden serve as an Ancient ingredient used in hair oils as hair growth-promoting ingredient. Wondering how? Well, the Japapatti flower (as it is known in Ayurveda) is rich in Vitamin C and certain enzymes that can nourish your hair and bring it back to life. In fact, some researches and claims also show that Hibiscus flowers can impact the amount of oil your scalp secretes and balance a healthy pH on your scalp. Ayurvedic hair oils containing Hibiscus, therefore, make an excellent haircare option for those with Kapha (water) imbalance or those with greasy scalp problems.

Onion Juice

Don’t you just love onions? We certainly do! They make the key ingredient in so many of our favorite spicy dishes! And while cutting them into small pieces is a pain, consuming them in food and as haircare is an absolute delight! These beautiful pink vegetables have enzymes that are perfect to add nutrients to your hair, and even fight premature graying or baldness. Onions penetrate deep into your scalp to nourish and hydrate it to optimal conditions. Similar to Bhringraj, many claim that onions could also improve the growth & activity of your hair follicles, making way for thicker, longer, and lustrous hair.

7 Best Ayurvedic Hair Oils To Treat Hair Thinning And Promote Healthy Hair

Now that we know why Ayurvedic hair oils are helpful, and what ingredients you can look out for to find one that is best for you, there’s only one thing left to do – talk about some of the best Ayurvedic Hair Oils available for use in the market right now! We have saved you the fuss and done our research to bring you an exclusive list of some excellent organic hair oils for your shopping cart! Check these out:

Hair Repair and Nourishing Oil by Blue Nectar

https://www.bluenectar.co.in/products/hair-repair-treatment-ayurvedic-hair-oil-for-hair-growth

Are you looking for a hair oil that targets all your hair problems and enables you to get long beautiful hair as soon as possible? Try Blue Nectar’s Bringnantadi Hair Repair & Treatment oil! This organic oil is made with hair growth in mind and uses an ancient Ayurvedic recipe along with a blend of 9 high-quality herbs to concoct the perfect hair oil that leaves your hair shiny, lustrous, and unbelievably strong. In fact, the brand assures you that you will see a visible difference in your hair health after just 5 applications of this oil on your scalp! Designed with the complexities of modern life in mind, the Bringnantadi Hair Repair & Treatment oil aims to repair any damage caused by external circumstances to your hair and regenerate its natural strength and shine from root to tip.

Here are the key ingredients in the Bringnantadi Hair Repair & Treatment Oil –

Bhringraj (Herbal King of Hair Growth)
Amla (For Nourished, Strong, and Soft Hair)
Mulethi (To Fight and Kick Dandruff To The Curb)

Organic Neem Oil by Kama Ayurveda

https://www.kamaayurveda.com/organic-neem-oil.html

If you are troubled by the issues of an itchy scalp and dandruff, Kama Ayurveda offers you the perfect hair oil that acts as an agent of hair repair. Often, itchy scalp can be caused by excessive pollution, grease, fungus, or dryness on the scalp. This is where Organic Neem Oil can help you out! Neem is an ingredient popular in Ayurveda thanks to its healing and antiseptic properties. It kills off microbes and diffuses free radicals so that you have the nourished scalp you deserve. With a healthy scalp, you are sure to improve your hair growth & health and avoid the dreadful problem of hair loss.

What’s also unique about this neem oil is that it is suitable for the whole body from head to toe. Just blend as per directions and utilize for use as desired for face, body and hair.

Here are the key ingredients in the Organic Neem Oil by Kama Ayurveda –

Neem (For Acne-Free Skin and Beautiful Strong Hair)

Curry Sesame Winter Hair Oil by Nat Habit

Winters can be quite harsh on your hair with the cold drying wind that sucks up oil the moisture from your hair and scalp. Many suffer from the problem of dry dandruff flakes in the winter too. Curry Sesame Winter Hair Oil by Nat Habit comes to the rescue as it contains curry leaves and sesame oil – both ingredients that are great at warming up your scalp and fighting external pollutants. The oil is specially concocted with over 15 herbs for 10 hours to slowly create a blended bottle of perfection, ready for you to use and improve your hair growth in the winters. The warming nature of this oil may also help you fight sinuses and colds in the winter seasons.

Here are the key ingredients in Curry Sesame Winter Hair Oil –

Curry leaves (For a Dandruff-free scalp)
Sesame Oil (For Deep Nourishment and Warmth)
Amla (For Deep Conditioning)

https://nathabit.in/collections/winter-dasabuti-hair-oil/products/curry-sesame-winter-hair-oil

Onion Hair Oil by Life & Pursuits

An onion hair oil is an ideal companion for all hair types. And this Onion Hair Oil offered by Life & Pursuits poses a variety of therapeutical benefits for your lustrous mane as it is created with a perfect balance of cold-pressed oils and Onion extracts. The oil is made 100% organically with the best natural ingredients and is best for you to use if you are looking for a chemical-free solution to getting soft and frizz-free hair!

Here are the key ingredients in Onion Hair Oil –

Onion juice (For Beautiful Soft Hair and Increased Hair Growth)

https://www.lifeandpursuits.com/products/onion-hair-oil

Marmik Anti Hair Fall & Regrowth Oil by Khadi Essentials

Marmik translates to “touching” and that is exactly what the Marmik Anti Hair Fall & Regrowth Oil offered by Khadi Essentials aims to do. This oil is specially concocted with holistic wellbeing and scalp massaging in mind – so be sure to really enjoy the process when you use it! Made with a balanced blend of therapeutic hair care ingredients such as Neem, Tea Tree Oil, Basil, and Vitamin E, this oil is designed to boost the regenerative & regrowth processes of your hair shafts, ensuring thick and lustrous locks with regular use.

Here are the key ingredients in Marmik Anti Hair Fall & Regrowth Oil –

Neem (For an Infection-Free Scalp)
Tea Tree Oil (To Soothe and Calm Your Scalp Into Its Best Health)
Vitamin E (For Deep Nourishment & Conditioning)

https://khadiessentials.com/collections/hair/products/marmik-anti-hair-fall-amp-regrowth-oil

Tea Tree Scalp Oil by Soulflower

Tea Tree Oil is quite popular in people who suffer from the Kapha dosha imbalance, or oily/acne-prone skin. Soulflower’s Tea Tree Oil has a nourishing benefit for the scalp, soothing any inflammation, infection, or dandruff hanging around in your roots. As a result, you are left with a clean and healthy scalp that offers you strong, thick, and deep conditioned hair.

Key Ingredients –

Tea Tree Oil (For Dandruff Free Scalp & Strong Hair)

https://www.soulflower.biz/products/soulflower-tea-tree-oil-for-scalp-dandruff-care

Ayurvedic Strong Roots Hair Oil by Sesa

Formulated completely organically with 0 mineral oils, the Ayurvedic Strong Roots Hair Oil by Sesa is concocted of not 5-10, but 26 essential herbs to create a bottle of magic that works wonders on your scalp and hair. With the number of nutrients present in the hair oil, it effectively nourishes your scalp and feeds your hair with all the Vitamins and Proteins it requires. This oil can be used by all hair types for a variety of purposes including hair regrowth, reducing hair fall, and dandruff treatment.

Key Ingredients –

Hibiscus (For Deep Conditioning)
Bargad (For Healing and Fighting External Damage)
Bhringraj (To Fight Hair Fall)

https://www.sesacare.com/collections/oil/products/sesa-ayurvedic-strong-roots-hair-oil-with-banyan-tree-extracts-clinically-proven-prevents-hair-fall-supports-growth?variant=38328766922927

Parting Note

Well, there you have it, folks! Ayurvedic hair oils are the key to enabling good hair growth by preventing hair fall and strengthening your roots through a good long head massage. Not only do they provide you with excellent superfood for your locks, but they also reduce your stress and improve your holistic wellbeing. And who wouldn’t want that amidst the daily hassles of the modern world? We fully recommend you to try out your favorite Ayurvedic hair oils and bask in their glory immediately!

What Your Tongue Says About Your Health

When doing the maintenance for dental health, people often neglect the tongue. Though it may seem harmless and some sources on the internet may even suggest that the tongue is a self-cleaning organ, it is actually quite important to clean it on the regular. The human mouth is a haven for bacteria, some good, some bad but when allowed to get cozy, these bacteria can attract larger problems while attacking, not just your tongue but also other vital organs.

The tongue is also an excellent indicator of overall health. The first thing that doctors usually do when a person is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for issues like fatigue and fainting is to check for the possibility of anaemia which is usually traceable through the color of your tongue and gums.

On the more common side, an unhealthy or odd-looking tongue can often be a significant source of insecurity. After all, when you talk, people usually put most of their focus on your eyes or your mouth, which can make you feel conscious if you believe that the said part of your face is not well-maintained. To avoid landing in such nervousness-inducing situations, it is best to look after yourself and put emphasis on your dental, especially tongue health so that you can feel confident at all times without compromising on an important aspect of your well-being.

What Does A Healthy Tongue Look Like?

To be able to distinguish what a healthy tongue looks like from all the potentially unhealthy ones, you must keep the following pointers in mind:

It is typically a fleshy pink color.

In the scheme of colors, there is the possibility of slight variation from darker or lighter shades of pink.
It has tiny but visible nodules on both the top and the bottom. These are known as papillae and are called “taste buds” in layman’s terms.

What Is An Unhealthy Tongue?

One of the most common and perhaps even primary noticeable symptoms of an unhealthy tongue can be observed when there is a significant change in color from the usual pink. Other indicators of an unhealthy tongue can be inclusive of pain and discomfort while chewing, gulping, or swallowing as well as textural differences such as new bumps and lumps.

Colours of An Unhealthy Tongue

Following are some colors that the tongue adopts when it becomes the victim of unhealthy issues. Below is also some information on different types of mouth/tongue-related problems accompanied by ways to treat them:

White – The appearance of white patches and lines on the surface of the tongue is perhaps the most common issue that usually affects an otherwise healthy tongue. Some of the causes may be harmless in some cases while others may need careful medical attention. Potential causes can include oral thrush (treatable with antifungals), oral lichen planus (which happens when your immune system attacks the tissues in your mouth), leukoplakia (which has been linked to cancer), etc. While some of these conditions aren’t necessarily life-threatening, they certainly can cause great discomfort and are capable of escalating if left untreated. Hence, the smart thing to do would be to get your dentist’s professional opinion.

Red – Increased redness with purplish hues on your tongue may not seem as troublesome as it actually is. This difference in color often looks like an extension slightly straying from the normal pink color of your skin but is accompanied by many problems that may not be obvious to the layman. While some of these are usually harmless like the geographic tongue (where the patches on the tongue adopt a maplike appearance), redness on the tongue can be an important indicator of Vitamin B deficiencies (manageable with folic acid ‘B9’ and cobalamin supplements ‘B12’), Kawasaki disease (causes frequent high fevers in children under 5 and strawberry-like texture on their tongues, can cause heart complications if left untreated; treatable with anti-inflammatory drugs) and scarlet fever (causes large bumps, sores on the tongue and often poses to be life-threatening if not treated promptly; treatable with antibiotics), etc.

Yellow – If the cause of the yellowness on your tongue is anything but a turmeric-rich dish, it is likely a cause of concern. A heavy tinge of yellow on the surface of your tongue likely suggests extreme bacterial overgrowth, which may throw off the pH balance of your mouth and cause your tongue to experience acid reflux. Other causes of a yellow tongue include smoking, chewing tobacco, conditions like psoriasis, and jaundice in rare cases.

Black – A tongue black in appearance is bound to look extremely concerning, especially when paired with a “hairy” texture, but it is harmless in most cases, the surface of the tongue adopts this color and sometimes the texture as well when there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria inside the mouth, mainly attacking the tongue. This is generally a result of poor oral hygiene and hence can be managed by improving one’s hygiene practices of the mouth.

Textures of An Unhealthy Tongue

Even if the general color of your tongue remains the usual, the possibility of other issues still exists. There are varying textures that could be present on the surface of your tongue which may not make it visibly seem like a problem (due to the lack of difference in its color) but can be extremely uncomfortable to experience. Here are some common textural changes, their causes, and treatments:

Hairy – Due to excess production of protein, normal papillae bumps turn into longer hair-like strands, where tiny food particles often get stuck and give way for bacteria to multiply. For the most part, good oral hygiene practice and an effective tongue scraper are all you need for the “hair” to go away. However, if scraping doesn’t make the texture go away, it could be a signal towards the possibility of oral hairy leukoplakia. A hairy tongue can also be the result of people getting infected with viruses like Epstein-Barr or HIV. In such a case, one should visit their dentist and oral hygienist as the first step, followed by dental and oral tests and other diagnostic tests including blood work to ensure and confirm that there are no underlying conditions.

Smooth – A tongue without any papillae on its surface may have a glossy pink appearance. It is generally prevalent in people with multiple nutrient deficiencies. Other causes may include infections of the mouth, celiac disease, or perhaps even side effects of medications that are prescribed for pre-existing conditions. If on the surface of your tongue, there are patches of smooth areas next to bumpy ones, it may suggest the possibility of a geographic tongue. The spots are usually not permanent, meaning they come and go, and can be painful since they may hurt or burn on occasion. The problem of a smooth tongue is largely harmless, but studies suggest certain linkages to conditions like psoriasis or lichen planus.

Bumpy – The underside of one’s tongue is a very common spot for bumps like canker sores. They are reddish in color, tiny but very painful, and usually come & go on their own. These generally pop up whenever the tongue gets irritated. Certain viruses may also be the cause of these bumps on the tip or the sides of the tongue. Lumps under the tongue are rare and if one experiences pain that doesn’t seem to go away and last longer than two weeks, you must go to see a doctor and seek professional medical help, it is likely that your dentist will want to test you for different types of mouth-related cancers.

Fissured – As one ages, deep fissures are likely to form on their tongue. Fissures formed due to old age are generally harmless. However, studies have linked fissures on the tongue to disorders and illnesses like Down Syndrome, Psoriasis, and Sjogren’s Syndrome. Maintenance of a fissured tongue can be done by gently using a soft-bristled brush on the tongue to clean food and bacteria. If there is an underlying condition that is the root cause of said fissures, the grooves may improve when the underlying condition is treated.

How to Keep Your Tongue Healthy?

After having all the many problems that an unhealthy regimen of tongue care can cause, it may be conceding and daunting to figure out how to keep it healthy and free from uncomfortable symptoms. Maintaining an optimal level of tongue health doesn’t have to be rocket science. Here are some basic but essential steps you must take in an effort to keep your tongue healthy:

Avoid eating too many irritation-causing foods. Foods that are highly acidic in nature or high in spice level can affect your tongue just as much as they affect your digestive system. Eating foods with a flavor profile that is easier on your palette can help prevent tongue-related issues.
Avoid mouthwashes and cleaning liquids that contain alcohol. Alcohol is a hard substance that is infamous for its drying properties. It is also a greatly effective agent which contributes to the pH imbalance of your mouth.

Gargle with baking soda and warm salt water mouth rinses 1-2 times a week to keep away harmful bacteria and detoxify your mouth.
Drink enough water. Drinking plenty of water is extremely important in ensuring your oral health stays optimal. Dehydration is often the primary cause for uneven textures and other issues that frequent your tongue, most of which can simply be solved by drinking an appropriate amount of water.

Brush twice a day. Brushing both in the morning and at night may feel cumbersome to a lot of people but it is a great way to do away with the bacteria that feeds off of the food particles present in the mouth.
Floss once a day. Flossing between your teeth makes sure no food particles stay stuck and make way for cavities that can house bad bacteria that are known to deteriorate the health of your tongue.
Avoid smoking and eating tobacco. Both these practices have time and again been linked to multiple kinds of cancers of the mouth. Naturally, they’re terrible for your tongue health and can cause lumps, soreness, and most commonly discoloration on the surface.

Consume a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Since nutrient deficiencies are often the causes of conditions that affect your tongue to a great extent, ensuring that you are not deficient and/ or devoid of the essential nutrients, consuming a healthy amount of foods rich in these nutrients can help both prevent and treat discoloration and other similar symptoms caused due to the lack thereof.
Visit your dentist and oral hygiene expert twice a year at least. Prevention is better than cure. This phrase stands popular and true because of the fact that the earlier you detect an issue, the easier it is to solve it, and that can only be done through regular check-ups by a licensed professional.

Summary

Oral health is an extremely important part of one’s well-being and self-worth. The tongue is an integral part of that. To ensure that your tongue remains healthy, you only need to take a few preventive steps, have a comprehensive oral care routine and inculcate a few good habits. This guide has all of that essential information presented compactly so that you have access to decent tongue health on the tip of your fingers.

10 Amazing Benefits of Shatavari and How It Is Used

Ayurveda is a medicinal system that has been around for centuries and millennia now and yet stays relevant in the modern world. The main potency of this ancient medicinal system lies in the ideal lifestyle practices it preaches to promote the mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing of human beings. When we speak of this ideal lifestyle, the idea of consuming herbs for well-being comes about. While there exist hundreds of herbs boasting their benefits in this vast medicinal system – there is an herb called “Shatavari” that stands out for use, especially in women. It is often called the “Queen Of Herbs” because of its renowned health benefits related to female physiology. Others call this herb an aphrodisiac because of its proclaimed benefits for the reproductive system and libido.

Sounds all fascinating, doesn’t it? A God-given herb that seems to exist to promote the wellbeing of young women. What has modern science got to say about this? How do medicinal experts today explain the fantastic health benefits of Shatavari? And how can you use it for your gain? These are some of the many questions we will explore in this blog.

What is Shatavari?

The word “Shatavari” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Shat” which means “hundred” and “Var” which means “husbands”. Combining these words, “Shatavari” literally translates in English to “one who has a hundred husbands”. This name has been intentionally given to this herb because of its aphrodisiac-like benefits for women. Ayurveda has traditionally used this herb as a Rasayana for menstruating women and lactating mothers. It was believed to relieve adverse symptoms for women going through menopause and promote the health of menstruating women. This array of female-centric uses of Shatavari has given it the popular name of the “female tonic” amongst Ayurvedic practitioners.

Botanically speaking, the Shatavari plant comes from the family of asparagus. Its scientific name is Asparagus Racemus. This plant grows in parts of India, near the Himalayas, some regions in China, and across the oceans in some parts of Australia. Over the past few decades, a rise in the esteem of Ayurvedic treatments has been seen which has made this herb beloved in the west. This has led to an amount of research on the plant. As is the case for many Ayurvedic herbs, medical experts classify Shatavari as an adaptogen. Adaptogens refer to herbs that may help your body deal with physical as well as mental stress. These herbs are not the direct treatment for diseases but can play a role in preventing them and promoting health resilience.

10 of The Amazing Benefits Of Shatavari

Traditionally, Shatavari was believed to be the Queen of Herbs appropriate for the usage of women. Now that the current age of modern science has gained an interest in Ayurvedic medicine, more and more research has come about regarding the versatile usage of Shatavari. Not only has this strengthened the long-living claims made by Ayurveda, but it has added to the range of benefits Shatavari can have for all of us. No longer does the usage surround just women – the herb proves to have benefits for a plethora of health issues, including men’s reproductive health. Read on to know 10 of the most amazing benefits of our favorite polyandrous Queen of herbs!

Promotes Female Reproductive Health

This is the most renowned benefit associated with the use of Shatavari. When we speak about female reproductive health – we refer to a set of different issues associated with menstrual cycles, female sex hormones, fertility, and more. Several proven characteristics within Shatavari make it useful for the wide array of physiological areas we just mentioned. Let us walk through them point by point for a better understanding:

For Hormonal Imbalance And PCOS –

Some studies in the past decade have explained that Shatavari is composed of phytoestrogens – which refer to plant compounds that are chemically structured in the same way that ovarian estrogen is structured. You might be well aware that estrogen refers to the female sex hormone and plays a significant role in regulating libido, menstruation, and ovulation in women.
The presence of phytoestrogens in Shatavari is the reason that it can effectively be used to treat hormonal imbalances surrounding estrogen. By boosting estrogen, Shatavari can lead to enhanced libido and a higher chance of conception for women who are trying. The herb, therefore, proves to be a natural aphrodisiac.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a condition that occurs in women when their body produces too many androgens (male sex hormones) and not enough estrogen. Recent studies have shown that consuming Shatavari can help reduce the distressing symptoms of PCOS as it may cause a rise in estrogen levels in the body. This is not to say that the herb is an appropriate treatment for a serious disorder such as PCOS, but it indicates that Shatavari can help with some PCOS symptoms.

For Lactating Mothers:

The herb of Shatavari has traditionally been used as a tonic for lactating mothers because Ayurvedic medicine believed that the herb can increase the production of milk by the mammary glands. Surely enough, some studies have found that the herb composes a substance called galactagogue, which can enhance lactation in mothers. However, we advise you to always talk to your doctor first before taking an unknown herbal supplement. This especially applies to the post-natal body which is vulnerable to adverse effects caused by foreign ingredients.

Promotes Male Reproductive Health

We know that we have been speaking in detail about how much Shatavari has in store for women, but as it turns out, research has shown that the herb is good for the male reproductive system too! Shatavari powder, made by the root of the Shatavari plant, may act as a spermatogenic which enables enhanced sperm production. The herb is also associated with increasing fertility and libido in men, thanks to its soothing effect on the body that reduces anxiety and stress (chief causes that can lead to erectile dysfunctions).

Boosts Immune System

Ayurveda calls Shatavari a “Rasayana”. This is a term dedicated to herbs that promote physiological wellbeing by improving the mental and physical resilience of the body. In other words, they make your body more immune to stressors. Medical science denotes such herbs as adaptogens, which essentially act as a immunity booster. Studies show that the queen of herbs is a great anti-oxidant, which enables it to fight infection-causing cells caused by “free radicals”.

A substance called “sapogenin” is also found in Shatavari. Sapogenins are compounds that maintain healthy body temperature and increase resistance against stress. This implies that Shatavari can help you fight a fever, assist you when your body is under stress, and aid your immune system to speed up your recovery from illnesses!

Clears Cough

Acting as a cold remedy is an age-old use of Shatavari’s root juice. In fact, this herb is believed to be a one-stop for all kinds of respiratory problems – whether it’s cough, flu, or a fever. The herb has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-asthmatic characteristics to thank for the same. These claims were tested in a recent study done on mice and proved to be somewhat true. The cough clearing effects on the mice upon the dosage of Shatavari were comparable to a prescription cold remedy!

Additionally, Shatavari is also effective in clearing your lungs of phlegm. This can help you out if you often have breathing problems, sleep apnea, or general lung-related problems.

Can Alleviate Mental Health

Shatavari has a soothing effect on physiology which makes it naturally effective in reducing the symptoms accompanied by stress and anxiety. Ayurveda used the herb originally to promote mental wellbeing and reduce stress. Some ayurvedic scholars even claimed that the herb can improve memory and concentration.

Current studies have shown that Shatavari has certain substances such as flavonoids and saponins that may combat the effect of stress on the body. Furthermore, a study with the herb conducted on rats indicated that Shatavari interacts with important neurotransmitters namely serotonin and GABA, both of which are chemicals that play a vital role in regulating one’s mood and mental health. This poses a strong indication that Shatavari can indeed have anti-depressive and anti-anxiety effects upon consumption.

Aids With PMS and Menopause Symptoms

PMS and menopause have tons in common, and not just in terms of the symptoms they exhibit: both these conditions mark a significant stage in the menstrual cycle. While menopause is obviously a bigger milestone, both these conditions are characterized by a drop in estrogen levels, devastating effects on the mood, lower levels of serotonin, irritability, and anxiety. It may also be accompanied by cramps.

Shatavari, along with being rich in phytoestrogens, is also a great anti-inflammatory. This enables it to reduce pain and discomfort during your menstrual cycle. The rise in estrogen levels caused by the herb helps reduce symptoms such as low libido and irritability. Furthermore, studies have proven that Shatavari is a mood enhancer (as mentioned in the previous section). Considering that depression and other mood disturbances are key symptoms that women have to deal with during PMS and menopause, this herb comes to you as a blessing that has the resolve to all your uterus woes!

Promotes Healthy Digestion

Shatavari is popularly used as a home remedy to treat diarrhea and dysentery. Diarrhea is a condition where you pass fecal matter with little to no fiber and a lot of liquified matter. A key symptom and adverse effect of diarrhea is dehydration. Shatavari is rich in flavonoids and fiber that can help treat diarrhea. Further, it reduces fluid retention from excretion, which saves your body a lot of hydration and electrolytes.

The herb Shatavari has also proven to be effective in treating ulcers that may occur in one’s food pipes, stomach, and intestines. Ulcers can often be formed by either gastrointestinal malfunction or stress. The effect of Shatavari was sufficiently noted in gastric issues induced ulcers. In fact, a study on rats showed that its effects were equivalent to ranitidine, which is a drug prescribed for gastric issues. Therefore, Shatavari can enable healthy digestion in your system by treating ulcers, diarrhea, and preventing dehydration. That is certainly a lot of hassle avoided!

May Treat Hypertension

Hypertension or High blood pressure is one of the most common health issues faced by humans and is on the rise with our stressful lifestyles. Research shows that Shatavari can help this condition by acting as a diuretic.

Diuretics refer to any substance that helps your body get rid of excess sodium and fluid (they are also called water pills). You see, when your body has too much sodium, it holds more water, which causes both blood-thinning and hypertension. By consuming Shatavari and getting rid of the excess sodium in your system your blood pressure can be effectively balanced.

May Help With Diabetes

Diabetes and blood sugar problems are another deadly set of conditions that seem to be on the rise over the years. It is unclear how, but a study in 2007 found a relationship between the consumption of Shatavari with enhanced insulin secretion.

Insulin is the hormone that digests sugars in your body and a deficiency of which causes Type 2 diabetes. By affecting the insulin secretion in your body, the herb directly improves the blood sugar levels in your body. Future research might be able to figure out exactly what substance present in the herb causes this effect, which might hold great significance in medicine.

Shatavari For Skin & Hair

Though Shatavari may not directly impact your skin and hair, there are several characteristics in the herb that could work wonders for both your skin and hair! Shatavari is highly anti-oxidant – therefore it can keep your cells away from damage and slow the adverse effects of aging. This includes skin and hair cells. In other words, regular consumption of Shatavari might help you prevent wrinkles, and even prevent collagen damage. This means smooth, wrinkle-free, tight skin for years to come!

Shatavari, as discussed before, is also an amazing hormone balancer. This can be helpful particularly for people with oily skin and acne since androgens are often associated with excess oil production. Additionally, the anti-stress effects of Shatavari may save you a ton of weight gain caused by excessive stress.

How To Use Shatavari – the Queen of Herbs?

Traditionally speaking, Ayurveda always used Shatavari in the form of a powder. This powder was made using the roots of the Shatavari plant and consumed as an ingredient in several folk remedies. Currently, thanks to the growing popularity of the herb in the modern world – Shatavari is available in several different forms such as capsules, tablets, and a liquid extract.

There is no official recommendation on the consumption of Shatavari, due to limited knowledge. However, here are some common ways the different forms of supplementary Shatavari are consumed:

If you are using Shatavari in powder form, there is an endless number of ways you can consume it. Traditionally, people liked to mix it with milk, ghee, and honey. Some even added the herb to the ghee they used for cooking so that they could consume it every time they consumed ghee. A nuanced way of consuming Shatavari is adding the powder to water and drinking it as herbal tea. This tea should ideally be consumed 1-2 times a day. Only 1-2 teaspoons of Shatavari should be used per cup.
The tablet form of Shatavari usually consists of a 500mg dose per unit. These tablets can be consumed once or twice a day, according to one’s preferences and needs.
A liquified form of Shatavari makes its appearance in markets as diluted juice from the roots of the plant. These can be either added to a drink or consumed in drops on their own, twice or thrice a day.

It would be wiser to consult a physician, or an Ayurvedic doctor before deciding to get on these supplements. Professionals will be able to guide you on what brands to choose, and what doses are reasonable.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Using Shatavari

Shatavari is not known to have any severe health hazards or side effects. Ayurvedic medicine considers Shatavari absolutely safe for all conditions, as one of the traditional uses of the herb was to aid lactation for mothers with newborns. However, there is not much medical research on whether or not it is safe for pregnant and lactating women to use. Use the supplement at your own risk.
Shatavari is effective in lowering blood sugar levels. Overconsumption of the herb may therefore lead to very low blood sugar levels causing tiredness, palpitations, and dizziness.
Do not use Shatavari if you have an allergic reaction to asparagus. Consult a doctor immediately if upon consumption you experience any dizziness, increased heart rate, itchiness, or rashes.
If you are diabetic and are taking supplement diuretics in your treatment, do not use Shatavari. The herb itself acts as a diuretic and the two substances may magnify effects on your body more than what is healthy and safe.

The Takeaways

Shatavari, an herb being used in Ayurvedic medicine for 3000 years, has caught the eye of modern medicine and proven to be effective in what it claimed to do. Not only does the consumption of this herb balance sex hormones in your body, but it resolves stomach issues, keeps your intestines clean, reduces hypertension, treats cold allergies, and can even help with Type 2 diabetes!

However, it is important to be careful before using any new supplement for your physiology. Though the herb is generally safe to use overconsuming it might lead to severe consequences. Therefore, treat your body like your own little kingdom and invest in our royal Queen of herbs wisely and mindfully, just like a sensible queen would.

Gotu Kola- The Herb of Longevity

One thing we humans all have in common is our lust for life, our instinct to prolong it, and fill it with all things good and pleasant. This lust for life is probably what inspired our Ancient Ayurvedic scholars to be so efficient in accepting the gift of life. Trying to find ways to promote an ideal lifestyle, one where the mind, body, and soul are all healthy, ended up in the discovery of hundreds of magical herbs. These herbs seem to be given to us humans as though they are meant to complement the gifts of our lives. Gotu Kola, if you have not heard of it before, is one of these herbs.

So well-loved is this herb that it does not just boast its ancient uses for holistic wellbeing in Ayurveda, but in places away from our land, in China, in Indonesia, and now in the modern era – all over the world. The health benefits of certain natural herbs are so undisputed that modern science has come around accepting them. The proof of this claim lies in the fact almost every big health and wellbeing blog today has a blog briefing the benefits and goodness of this resilience-inducing organic herb. One by one, we attempt to discuss the multifaceted holistic benefits of this amazing herb.

What is Gotu Kola?

“Gotu Kola” or Centella Asiatica (its scientific name) is a plant species believed to have medicinal properties by alternative medicine systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. It is a member of the parsley plant family and a perennial plant that can grow in regions around the world, although it is more commonly found in Southeast Asia. All it needs is a good wetland and a shady climate. Depending on where you mention or read about it, it is known by various names such as Indian Pennywort, Marsh Penny, Mandukaparni, and Ji Xue Sao. We will use the names Gotu Kola and Mandukaparni as the former is its more popular name while the latter is its Ayurvedic name.

The leaves of the Gotu kola plant are shaped like little green fans. The flowers may be white, pink, or violet, and grow in clusters. You can easily plant a Gotu Kola in your home garden.

How Is Gotu Kola Used?

This riveting herb may have been used traditionally by several medicine systems, but its growing popularity in the west is fairly recent. As time is passing by, more and more people are going back to organic treatments for their problems, trying to find comfort in mother nature. Herbal supplements are part of this trend.

Today, markets contain supplements of Gotu kola in many different forms such as capsules, powders, hair oils, shampoos, and ointments.

However, this herb has been part of Indian culture before it started ending up in the big markets. In fact, many traditional regular food recipes contain the leaves of Mandukaparni. You could probably find a delicious chutney recipe involving the leaves of this herb with a few small clicks. The plant is also used in certain spices.

The Fascinating Health Benefits of Gotu Kola

Enough with the technical details, let’s get to the real question – why is Gotu Kola so loved by medicinal systems? Historically, it is often associated with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant effects. But the one thing that stands out the most about Gotu Kola is its supposed brain-related benefits. Ayurveda traditionally recommended consumption of Gotu Kola to enhance memory, improve cognitive functions, and prevent brain damage. Here is the major health benefits of Gotu Kola, as said by traditional medicine practitioners combined with current research findings.

Reduces Mood and Anxiety Problems

Traditionally, Gotu kola is known to have calming effects on the body making it a good remedy for anxiety and stress. Researchers have attempted to examine this benefit of Gotu kola in many animal studies, where it has proven to have anti-anxiety effects. For example, an animal study conducted in 2017 found Gotu kola to affect anxiety symptoms within an hour of consumption.

A compound called Asiatic acid is discovered to be the secret to Gotu Kola’s apparent mood and anxiety-related benefits. The compound is said to have an impact on the production of an important neurotransmitter known as GABA, which is responsible for inhibiting excitatory responses by the Central Nervous System (CNS). To rephrase in simpler words, Gotu kola reduces the amount of GABA in your nerves, causing your CNS (brain and spinal cord) to be more alert. When your CNS is not clouded by anxiety you experience a better mood and have better functionality. This keeps one at emotional peace. Further, a key symptom of depression is insomnia, which is directly associated to be improved through the consumption of Centella Asiatica.

To conclude, Gotu Kola can help you get better sleep and rest that could be getting lost on you due to everyday stress. This can in turn help you be in a better mood and health.

Mind & Brain Health

Ayurveda, centuries ago, used to call Gotu Kola a “brain tonic”. It was said to make the brain more alert and quicker. Unsurprisingly, recent studies have proved this to be true. As we have already discussed, Gotu kola has anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects on the body. This has a direct impact on cognitive functioning including memory, concentration, speech, and improved CNS alertness. The consumption of Gotu kola is associated with the production of a protein called BDNF, which is said to help in the growth of nerve cells in the brain. Therefore, consuming Gotu kola can make your brain physically stronger!

Gotu kola is also known to have an impact on neural transmissions and better nerve health. This is helpful for a healthier brain. In the long term, some experts have claimed that it can prevent Alzheimer’s since it is associated with the prevention of damage to the brain cells which can be caused by aging.

Improves Blood Circulation

Our body consists of arteries that take blood from the heart to the organs, and veins that take the blood in the organs back to the heart. This process is called blood circulation and it is essential for survival.

There is increasing evidence that Gotu Kola may be effective in treating a condition called Chronic Venous Inefficiency, which is characterized by the inefficiency of the walls of one’s veins, particularly those present in the legs. This makes it difficult for blood to flow back to the heart and may cause swelling when one sits for too long. Gotu kola has chemical compounds called triterpenes, consumption of which can improve this condition by increasing the force of the heart. Similarly, Varicose veins, which refers to a condition where one’s veins are enlarged and start to appear on their legs and feet, are popularly treated by the Gotu kola herb.

Improves Immunity

Gotu kola is associated with the management of several diseases including anemia, asthma, and arthritis. Because of its vast effects and unique nutritional composition, it is believed to help in improving one’s overall immunity.

Gotu kola is high in antioxidants which are compounds that prevent the body from the ill effects of free radicals, which if left unchecked, can lead to the formation of cancer cells. This is a stretch but implies that the herb can be effective in preventing serious cell damages.
Since it is a natural anti-inflammatory, it can improve joint pain in older people. Moreover, its nutrient constitution can help strengthen bones and joints. This may ensure the longevity of bone health.
The herb is rich in iron and thereby can help conditions like anemia. Further, its blood circulation aid is also helpful for anemics.
Gotu kola has also been associated with digesting fatty acids in the blood better, which in the long run can prevent heart attacks, diabetes, and strokes.
Its anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects improve the overall functioning of the body because stress is associated with weakening the immune system in general. Cortisol (the stress hormone) is also associated with weight gain, acne, poor cognition – all of which can be prevented by the herb.

Skin And Hair Benefits of Gotu Kola

What’s good for your body tends to be also good for your skin and hair, improving their conditions from within. Herbs like the Gotu Kola are blessed with numerous nutrients that can help both your skin and hair. Here are the main benefits of Gotu kola on skin and hair:

Slows Aging

Free radicals are constantly flowing within our bodies as a by-product of metabolism. They may increase the signs of aging on the skin. In worse cases, they can lead to skin cancer. Gotu Kola is highly antioxidant in nature, which allows it to fight the growth of and damage caused by free radicals. This slows the process of aging.

To add, Gotu Kola is associated with an increase in collagen production, which refers to the protein responsible for keeping your skin plump and youthful! More collagen means less loose skin, more resilience, and fewer chances of premature aging.

Heals Scars and Wounds

If you think about what we talked about in the health benefits section, you will recall that we discussed how Gotu Kola has a role in improving blood circulation. Essentially, your skin heals by attracting blood (which contains loads of healing nutrients) to your wounds and regenerating skin cells.

Gotu Kola is a popular ingredient in certain herbal ointments because of its healing properties. It speeds up blood circulation and nutrient absorption on the skin. Its property of boosting collagen production ensures fewer chances of scarring.

Speaking of scars, Gotu kola’s direct application on the skin can reduce the appearance of your stretch marks too! It is an ingredient present in many organic oils designed to help the healing of scars and marks.

Promotes An Even Skin Tone

The herb of Centella Asiatica is popularly used to treat burns and wounds because of its healing properties. These healing properties are precisely what makes it a great skincare ingredient that can aid you in getting the even skin tone you want. It can heal acne scars, reduce hyperpigmentation, and in turn give you a clear skin glow. This can make your skin smoother and healthier in the long run.

Prevents Hair Loss

The Mandukparni herb can often be seen as an ingredient in organic shampoos and oils. This is because it improves the oxygen and nutrient intake of the hair follicles on your scalp. This makes way for healthier, stronger, resilient hair strands that shine bright and black. This prevents both hair loss and hair breakage.

Because it provides your roots with optimum nourishment, Gotu kola may be effective in prolonging the age of your hair strands. This can help prevent premature greying of the hair.

Gotu Kola – Side Effects and Risks

If you are someone who reads up on health and wellness blogs a lot, you must already know that there is always a catch with flawless-seeming ingredients. Indeed, there is no ingredient in the world that is completely safe to overuse and consume limitlessly. We as human beings are part of nature and we must always follow the rules it prescribes us.

Gotu kola is certainly an herb with multitudes of benefits but this does not spare it from having risks and side effects. Here are risks to always keep in mind before going full in with your consumption of this lifegiving herb: –

If you are starting to dose strong Gotu kola supplements like capsules, do not consume them in heavy quantities on the first go. The herb is strong and therefore can cause headaches or stomach issues in some people. Let your body get used to the supplement over time. It is also advisable to speak to your physician about it first.
Never consume Gotu kola supplements for longer than six weeks at a time. This can backfire and overdo the effects of the herb. Make sure to take a 2-week break from the herb every 2 to 4 weeks of continuous consumption.
Gotu Kola is not safe to consume if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Enough consumption of the herb during pregnancy can lead to adverse effects like a miscarriage. It is also not to be consumed if you are breastfeeding.
Before using an ointment with Gotu kola, do a patch test. This applies if you have never used this ointment before. Not only are some people allergic to new ingredients, but its strong effects on the skin give it the potential to hurt skin. Therefore, it would be wise to be careful with it.
People with high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, and liver diseases should strictly refrain from consuming Gotu Kola supplements before talking to their physicians.

Conclusion – Is Gotu Kola Truly the Herb of Longevity?

It has a long, long history of being used as a health supplement. An ancient belief defines it as the ultimate herb for spiritual wellbeing. Ayurveda classifies the herb as a Rasayana that helps in aiding the physical and mental wellbeing of a person. The Mandookaparni herb is said to balance all three of the doshas (pitta, vata, and kapha).

The belief that Gotu Kola is the herb of longevity comes from the fact that sages and gurus who consumed this herb in ancient times lived long and healthy lives. Of course, whether this was because of the herb or the general lifestyle of saints in ancient times is disputable. However, Gotu kola has proved time and time again to be effective in dealing with and preventing health risks. Other ways it functions include acting as an adaptogen, which essentially makes one healthy enough to be resilient to general life stressors.

The Gotu kola herb reduces stress, anxiety, and nourishes the body with nutritious elements that preserve its youth. Not only does it aid the physical body, but one’s spiritual being, one’s soul, and mind. By this logic, one can certainly conclude that it is indeed the herb of longevity.

However, it is important to understand that these claims are not exactly as literal as they are said to promote a certain way of being. Leading a certain ideological lifestyle to optimize the gift of life is something that exists at the core of ayurvedic treatments. Literally speaking, it would be wise to not overdo the consumption of this mystical little herb. Instead, bask in its goodness in reasonable amounts according to your individual needs