Fresh Ginger Water

When the digestion feels weak there is gas and less appetite you can grate half an inch of fresh ginger boil in  1/2 litre of water for a few minutes. Strain and drink.

A great remedy to increase appetite is a teaspoon on of grated fresh ginger with lemon and salt half an hour before meals. Be careful not to take too much fresh ginger when it is hot since it may create more heat in the body and aggravate Pitta dosha.

Ginger has blood thickening qualities so it may be contraindicated if you are on blood thinning medication check with your doctor or naturopath.

When the digestion feels weak there is gas and less appetite you can grate half an inch of fresh ginger boil in  1/2 litre of water for a few minutes. Strain and drink.

A great remedy to increase appetite is a teaspoon on of grated fresh ginger with lemon and salt half an hour before meals. Be careful not to take too much fresh ginger when it is hot since it may create more heat in the body.

Ginger has blood thickening qualities so it may be contraindicated if you are on blood thinning medication check with your doctor or naturopath

Cumin Seed Water

For a refreshing drink or to use as your daily water intake take two teaspoons of cumin seeds per litre of water. Crush them in a pestle and mortar or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin. Put in the water and boil for a few minutes, strain and drink.

This increases the appetite and also restores the intestinal tract and is anti bactericidal. It also alleviates gas.

Cumin Seed Remedy

Take three tablespoons of cumin use the same process as the above but only use two cups of water and boil for a while so it reduces to one cup. This will be a dark strong liquid you may add some brown sugar or jaggery to your taste. This is best drunk early in the morning before food or in between meals, once a day. This is a great remedy for trapped wind and colicky pain in the intestines. This is too strong for children but they may take a few teaspoons of the above cumin water.

Brahmi
Also known as Gotu Kola, brahmi balances all three doshas and stimulates the circulatory system, especially the blood vessels of the mucous membranes and the skin. It is a rejuvenative, it revitalises the nerves and brain and strengthens the memory and intelligence. It promotes longevity, improves concentration, voice, physical strength, the digestive fire or agni and enhances the complexion. Brahmi controls pittta dosha and has been used in pitta related fevers, skin diseases and the reproductive organs. It is often taken internally as medicated ghee or made into a porridge.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is one of the best herbs to help regulate the menstrual cycle. In Ayurveda aloe is called kumari which means 'the maiden'. Aloe is excellent for relieving the excess menstrual flow and pain associated with menses. Aloe soothes and heals the whole body and is effective for relieving stomach acid and for cooling pitta in the liver, blood and eyes. You may apply the fresh gel externally on skin rashes, burns, inflammations and insect bites.

Try to get organic aloe vera without preservatives, citric acid or ascorbic acid because they increase pitta dosha. You many take up to  30 ml a day in two doses of 15 ml. Work up to this amount gradually if you have not take it before. If you are taking too much your stools may become loose.

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