Stay or Go? What is Freedom?

“Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose” ~ Janis

There is a full moon tonight. It sits on my chart squaring my natal sun (self) in Pisces. Jupiter (freedom/expansion) got in on the game along with Uranus (the unexpected/change). The effect it is having on this Pisces (which is the escape artist) is an intense desire to be free. An unexplained irrational impulse to run away...to simply go.

I have a studio to run, a business to grow, two kids, two dogs and a cat. I have a family, a boyfriend and yogis. I have not just obligations but intense longings to be with all of these creatures so I’m not going anywhere. Fantasies of horse back riding through Tuscany, climbing to base camp at Everest, backpacking through Australia must all be put on hold as I finish living this portion of my life. I think of a mini “stay”cation where I simply slip into my back yard, turn off the phone, the computer and the TV. I could hide when people come to the door. Fear rears its ugly head because the truth of Pisces is that they don’t do “alone” very good. Pisces needs a little quiet a little bit at a time.

I hope yoga tonight will clear my head. Perhaps I will come out of Shavasana and want to rejoin my life. What if I don’t? What if I still intensely crave freedom? What is freedom in this world anyway? In yoga, freedom is called “Moksha” and it really is about freedom from the suffering of the wheel of life or “Samsara”. The concept is that we are continuously spinning out bigger and bigger. Imagine a snow ball rolling down a hill getting larger and larger as it sticks with more snow. Now imagine that the snow ball stops and occasionally rests on its journey ...it becomes placid....it becomes bored...it stirs up some drama of snow ball life and then starts to roll again. That’s how Samsara works. It’s simply living your life and dealing with Karma.

If you could stop and rest and not become bored, then you would not stir up drama (Karma). Imagine the snowball floating in boiling water not melting...just floating. Simply floating you would become free, detached and realize your true nature. That’s called bliss. To me it sounds lonely and boring which simply means I’m not ready to be there yet. To me it sounds lovely and divine and so I continue my practice of yoga to actualize....and then there is fear again. How do you go there and stay here at the same time? Do you have to lose your daily life to be free? Do you have to run off to a cave in the Himalayas. Do you have to leave behind your family like the Buddha? Do you never experience a family like Jesus?

Some snowballs figure out how to go and stay. Mother Theresa comes to mind as she intensely enjoyed her every experience with no separation from spirit. That’s the goal and the magic of yoga and to me it is a sensation in my heart and I can’t find the words to describe it or the craving for it. Go and stay. Go and stay... Go and stay? For now I will stay in my life. For now I will go in yoga and meditation. Someday, I will be a big snowball able to float in boiling water and not melt. I will stay and go.

Coming off your Cleanse!

We are wrapping it up at EOM. The final week of the cleanse has includes a nutritious and easily digestible diet. Meditation twice daily. Yoga, walking, being silent and working on various emotional clearing exercises.

I can honestly say that at this moment in time, there are no other people in Lebanon as healthy and as connected as these participants. I don't know why the news crews haven't shown up yet. It is such a blessing and honor to me to see everyone show up, do their work and to see them reap the benefits. People have eliminated habits, lost weight, skin has cleared, some hard life questions have been asked and some tangible experiences of spirit have been had. Thank you!

Coming off of the cleanse needs to be performed very gently.

Nutrition:
Gradually add back to your diet the things that were eliminated...or don't add them back. If you never eat red meat or drink milk again, that would be wonderful! As you add alcohol, caffeine, dairy, sugar and fried or processed foods, notice how your body reacts. Eat very consciously. It won't take but a few sips of coffee and you will feel that Vata buzz. One glass of wine will probably be enough. A filet and cheesecake will make you throw up if that is your celebration dinner. Listen to your body.

Eat for your dosha now that you are balanced. If you want to continue to lose weight, stay on the plan or eat a Kapha reducing diet which is a Vegan Diet.

Body:
Continue with your yoga practice. Practice 2 - 4 times per week. Allow one of your practices to be a yin practice to ground you. Hot yoga is great, but not for Pittas. Vatas need a grounded practice. Kaphas need to get it moving.

Mind:
Of all the things we have done, your meditation practice is the most important. Make it part of your life. If you fall off, notice that your mind starts to run crazy and you become stressed. Commit back to it. Ten minutes a day will change your life.

Continue to work on your Intentions and Desires once a week. In the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, we work on our Intentions and Desires every Thursday. Make it a practice. Set long term goals to eat for your Dosha and stay with Meditation and Yoga.

Supplements.
You may continue on the Neem and Triphala for life! The Guggulu is not necessary to stay on unless you are pushing weight loss or have high cholesterol. A lot of people stay on it because it hardens their nails and thickens their hair. Choose to do the Sesame Oil Massage for the rest of your life! In addition to Neem and Triphala, I recommend Flax Seed Oil daily and a probiotic.

Namaste, Pamela

Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction to Panchakarma

Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction to Panchakarma


Immersion Participants!! This is a wonderful article about Pancha Karma. This is for use in a clinical setting. Please keep in mind we are doing "self-administered" and are intentionally avoiding some of this as it does need to be performed under supervision of an Ayurvedic Physician....sooooo what I'm saying is don't make the tea and drink it because you think you might have something going on.....

Ghee...Ayurveda's magical cure

Ghee is used extensively in Ayurveda in and on the body to treat a variety of disorders. Ghee is clarified butter. It is considered to be "sattvic" or pure and is a digestive aid. When unsalted butter is heated, it clairifies, or separates into components:

lactose or sugar

milk protein

fat

The heat makes the moisture evaporate, the sugar and protein separate into the white curds that float or sink to the bottom. The leftover is pure sweet nutty and yummy ghee. If you find that your digestion is slow, take a teaspoon of ghee in warm milk before bedtime. Use ghee in place of butter. Cook with it and drizzle over your steamed veggies.

RECIPE

• 1 pound of unsalted organic butter

Place the butter in a heavy, medium-sized pan. Turn the heat to medium until the butter melts.

Turn down the heat until the butter just boils and continue to cook at this heat. Do not cover the pot. The butter will foam and sputter while it cooks. Whitish curds will begin to form on the bottom and top of the pot.

The butter will begin to smell like popcorn after a while and turn a lovely golden color. Keep a close watch on the ghee, as it can easily burn. After a while it will become a clear, golden color. You will have to take a clean, dry spoon to move away some of the foam on top in order to see if the ghee is clear all the way through to the bottom.

When it is clear and has stopped sputtering and making noise, remove from heat. Let it cool until just warm. Pour it through a fine sieve or layers of cheesecloth into a clean, dry glass container with a tight lid. Discard the curds at the bottom of the saucepan.

The ghee is burned if it has a nutty smell and is slightly brown.

1 pound of butter takes about 15 minutes of cooking time. The more butter you are using, the more time it will take.

The medicinal properties are said to improve with age. In fact, ghee that is over ten years old is considered a cure for all disease. Don’t ladle out the ghee with a wet spoon or allow any water to get into the container, as this will create conditions for bacteria to grow and spoil the ghee. Make sure the ghee is completely cooled before you put the lid on.

Two pounds of butter will fill a quart jar with ghee. Store ghee away from sunshine and moisture and it will keep for up to 12 months without refridgeration.

Protein

Every cell in the human body has protein. Protein helps your body to repair cells and make new ones. A balanced diet provides most healthy people with adequate protein. Protein supplements are not necessary for health.

Animal Protein - the role of Meat in Ayurveda.

Many people switching to an Ayurvedic lifestyle are concerned that they have to be Vegetarians and will not receive the appropriate amount of protein. Many people simply "crave" a little meat and believe they are craving protein. This may or may not be true.

Ayurveda is a system of health and balance that encourages people to eat meat consciously. Depending on your Element, meat may or may not be balancing for you.

If you are The Wind or Vata, meat is balancing

If you are The Fire or Pitta, meat is okay

If you are The Earth or Kapha, meat should be avoided.

Meat can be balancing, but even for The Wind types, it is strongly suggested that meat be consumed no more than 3 times per week. The biggest problem with Meat is that it is hard to digest. Ease of digestion increases your digestive fire or agni and therefore increase metabolism. Meat is dulling to agni.

Red Meat is to be completely avoided by all Elements.

Protein Facts

In general, people need 7 grams of protein for each 20 pounds of body weight. Children, pregnant woman and nursing mothers need more. That means that a 140 pound person needs 49 grams of protein. (140 pounds/20 pounds= 7 x 7 grams)

Meat as a Source of Protein

Pros: Meat contains “complete” proteins and is therefore easier to absorb than the “incomplete” proteins found in nonmeat sources. A "complete" protein is a protein that contains the necessary amino acids to break down the protein source to facilitate absorbtion in the body.

Cons: Along with absortion of protein, you are also absorbing fat. Meat is hard to digest and slows agni (digestive fire)

Nonmeat as a Source of Protein - Variety is the key!

Examples: vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, fruits, whole grains and dairy including cheese, milk, eggs and yoguart

Pros: Is there anything bad to say about whole wheat products and veggies? Easy to digest, contains tons of other nutrients!

Cons: You must eat a variety of nonmeat sources to create a “complete” protein. This requires thought and planning. Luckily, your combining of proteins need not take place all in the same meal, but throughout the day.

Souces of Protein

	SERVING	GRAMS
SOURCE	SIZE	PROTEING
chick peas	7 oz	16
baked beans	8 oz	11.5
tofu	6 oz	14
milk	1/2 pint	9.2
lentiles	4.12 oz	9.1
soy milk	1/2 pint	8.2
muesli	2.25 oz	7.7
boiled egg	1	7.5
peanuts	3.5 oz	24.3
whole grain bread	2 slices	7
hard cheese	1 oz	6.8
brown rice	1 oz	2.1
broccoli	1 oz	3.2
potatoes	1 oz	1.4
soy protein pasta	1 oz	22.75
asparagus	3.5 oz	3
beans in general	3.5 oz	9
brusses sprouts	3.5 oz	3
cabbage	3.5 oz	1
carrots	3.5 oz	.5
cauliflower	3.5 oz	3
lettuce	3.5 oz	.7
mushroom	3.5 oz	2
almonds	3.5 oz	16.9
Pine nuts	3.5 oz	14
sesame seeds	3.5 oz	26.4
sunflower	3.5 oz	24
spinach	3.5 oz	2
sweetcorn	3.5 oz	2.5
yam	3.5	2
lean meat, fish & poultry	3.5	24.5

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Ghee and the Dhatus

We are heading into the final week or Pancha Karma Phase of the Immersion. Pancha Karma is a methodology used in India to flush out toxins within the mind, body and emotions. It is a powerful way to connect or reconnect to spirit. It is typically undertaken with the changing of the seasons or when disease is in the body. It cleanses the body, improves digestion, improves metabolism and reestablishes life purpose and Connection to Spirit. It should be performed, at a minimum, once a year by all people. If you are suffering a serious illness, depression or weight gain, it should be performed with your course of treatment or ideally before so that your body can receive treatment and process efficiently.
In India, Pancha Karma consists of oleation (ingesting oil through nose, enemas, eating and skin) laxatives, heat therapy, vomiting and blood-letting. In a self-administered Pancha Karma, you do not participate in vomiting and blood-letting as this must be guided by an Ayurvedic Physician with a Medical Degree. Both practices can be dangerous if performed without supervision.
Panchakarma works on the dhatus or tissue layers as following:

• The immune system is flushed (Rasa or lymphatic fluid and plasma). This improves immunity and the bodies ability to fight disease. Emotionally, Rasa is associated with the ability to feel joyous. Rasa is thought to be a sacred fluid that sustains life.
• The blood (Rakta) is purified. Emotionally, Rakta is associated with the ability to live passionately and to have vigor.
• The skin and muscle (Mamsa) release toxins. Emotionally, Mamsa is associated with the ability to discern in any situation.
• The fat or Medas is flushed. Medas is assiciated with feeling loveable and giving love.
• The Ashti or bone is rejuvenated. Emotionally, this will give you confidence and clarity of intention.
• The nervous system or Majja is soothed. This gives calmness and clarity.
• The reproductive tissues and fluids are restored (shukra) giving creativity.

It becomes obvious from the above discussion that your physical and emotional bodies are not separated. The flushing of ama is on all levels.
Ghee and Enemas Part of the Immersion includes a couple of things that seem rather....odd.
The first is the ingestion of Ghee. Ghee is clarified butter. In small no larger than one teaspoon at a time, ghee is heating and stimulates digestion. If you are constipated, you can actually heat a little milk, place a teaspoon of ghee to melt and drink and it will facilitate elimination. We ingest ghee prior to our final intensive week to loosen up the final bit of Ama (toxins) that have been brought to the surface dhatus by the three initial weeks of good living and eating. The ghee also paciifies the Wind or Vata, cools the Fire or Pitta and nourishishes the Earth or Kapha. The ghee, in combination with the ginger tea and the extra cumin and turmeric added through our Detox Dish (Kitcheri) cause the cells to "spit out" the toxins. Finally, the small intestine is flushed with castor oil and all the loosened toxins come out. You then go into the final phase of eating easily digested food and then rebuilding Agni or Fire by eating for your dosha.
The Tea below is the perfect additional to your Immersion: Yogi Bhajan’s YOGI TEA You have probably seen packaged Yogi Tea in its many delicious flavors on the shelf at your natural food store or grocery market. Here is how you can easily make it from scratch! The spices are known in Ayurveda to help improve digestion, purify the blood, improve immune fitness, ward off intestinal parasites, and increase vitality. As the saying goes, "A cup a day keeps disease away..."
I like to make at least a gallon at a time. When it’s done, strain it (you can freeze the spices and save to make another smaller batch another day) and pour into a jar or lidded pitcher. Then when you desire a cup, just add the milk of your choice, bring it to the boiling point, sweeten if desired, and enjoy.
Plain Yogi Tea keeps refrigerated for several weeks. 4 qts water 25 whole cloves 30 peppercorns 6-8 3-4" cinnamon sticks 25 green cardamom pods 3-4" gingerroot (scrubbed clean, not peeled) thinly sliced 1 tsp. black tea (or 1 tea bag), optional Bring water to a fast boil in a stainless steel pot. Add whole cloves and let them dance for about 1 minute. Add peppercorns, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger root. Turn heat down so it is just simmering, cover, and let lightly boil for 45-60 minutes. Remove from heat, add black tea, and let sit for another hour (or overnight). This way it gets nice and strong so you can best enjoy this potent spice blend! Then strain and refrigerate.
VARIATIONS:
Add 1 Tbsp. or more of Fennel seeds with the other spices. This will make the tea somewhat diuretic, and gives a nice sweet flavor.

GOT MILK?

Dairy................is it necessary?

United States Department of Agriculture, facts:

The United States Department of Agriculture suggests daily allowances for vitamins and minerals based on the "average American". What this means is that some people will need that amount and some will not. Ayurveda believes each person to be unique, not average. The Wind and The Fire can consume the most dairy as it is sweet and cooling. The Earth should not consume dairy. If you are experiencing an Earth imbalance, give up the milk!

USDA Requirements for Calcium Consumption

Age		Milligrams
4 - 8		800
9 - 18		1300
19 - 50		1000
50+		1500

By simply consuming one glass of fortified OJ, one glass of fortified soymilk and one tablespoon of Sesame Seeds to your diet each day, you can reach 948 milligrams of calcium. Add to that some beans and leafy greens and you are well taken care of!!

It is widely recommended that adults take a multi-vitamin daily and woman should take a calcium supplement. Elemental OM agrees with this recommendation.

Ayurveda and Milk Consumption

Dairy holds a special place in Ayurveda. Cows are considered to be sacred animals. The milk from a cow that has been well-loved and well-cared for rejuvenates tissues and nourishes the body. Unfortunately, these cows are few and far between in the West.

If you are the Earth, you can and should avoid all dairy.

Elemental OM believes that most Elements thrive without DAILY dairy. If you choose to consume dairy on a regular basis, buy whole, organic, non-homogenized, and much loved products.

Milk is Sweet and is to be combined with other Sweet tastes. However, it is never to be combined with meat or fish.

Milk should never be drank cold. Bring it to a boil first and then turn down and let it slowly boil for 5 or 10 minutes. This changes the molecular structure of the milk and makes it easier to digest.

Think of milk as a snack or a digestive aid. You can replace breakfast with warm milk adding a little bit of nutmeg, cinnamon, honey and almonds. Warm milk taken 30 minutes before bedtime will aid in sleep. Warm milk and ghee taken prior to bedtime will aid with constipation.

Dairy facts for our Western Culture:

A high protein diet, especially proteins from animals, causes CALCIUM LOSS in the Body. The proteins in cow's milk actually inhibit absorbtion!

75% of adults show some degree of lactase activity (lactose intolerance) worldwide. Interestingly, countries consuming the most amount of milk which are largely in the West show lower intolerance due to more consumption. Eastern countries where milk is not consumed as an adult show the highest percentage of intolerance. This would imply that your body does adjust to milk consumption, but it is truly "adjusting" over a lifetime of consumption. However, as you age, you may develop lactose intolerance because your body produces less lactase enzymes. If your stomach churns, if you experience gas, bloating, nausea or diarrhea after ingesting dairy, then you may be lactose intolerant.

Jersey (small, honey-brown, friendly) cows provide the highest quality milk, however 85% of the milk produced in the United States is provided by Holstein cows (typical black and white cow).

Cows are typically milked up to 3 times per day and given hormones such as bsT to boost milk production.

Organically produced milk does use up to 80% more land. That's because the cows are actually getting out and enjoying life a little. If you are worried about the environment, drink less milk overall. As a matter of fact, just consume less of everything!!

Non Dairy Sources of Calcium, in milligrams, about 1 cup:

Soymilk 93
Fortified Soymilk 368
Quinoa 100
Rainbow Trout 73
Mung Beans 56
Baked Beans 128
Navy Beans 128
Refried Beans 88
Bok Chow 158
brussel Sprouts 56
Turnip Greens, boiled 158
Celery, raw 48
Broccoli 72
French Beans 111
Kelp, raw 144
Sweet Potato 76
Blackberries 46
Figs 269
Orange Juice, fortified 300
Papaya 72
Ocean Perch 116
Collard Greens 226
Mustard Greens 104
Sesame Seeds 280 (1 oz)
Basil 85 (1 Tbsp)
Cinnamon 74 (1 Tbsp)
Thyme 76 (1 Tbsp)

Your Liver, Digestion and Stress

Ayurveda teaches that all disease stems from poor digestion. Your liver is a vital part of the digestive process. It has over 500,000 functions and can largely be thought of as an "oil filter" for your body. It filters up to 2 quarts of blood each minute. The liver transforms food into nutrients that feed your cells. It builds metabolic enzymes. It breaks down hormones, converts vitamins and minerals and produces bile, cholesteral, estrogen and immune substances. It stores blood and glycogen and regulates blood sugar. It is believed that due to poorly functioning livers, we suffer from arthritis, heart disease, cancer, hormonal imbalances, depression, anxiety, suppressed immune function and weight gain. Thyroid function is directly linked to the liver.

The liver's job is to analyze every single thing that you put in your body. It decides if the substance is toxic or nontoxic. This includes analyzing, not just food, but atmospheric toxins such as cigarette smoke and other chemicals. It also includes viruses, parasites, fungi, allergens and unhealthy bacteria.

If your liver is overworked because of the pollution you are consuming, it will not filter as efficiently and you may suffer from high cholesterol, aches and pains, acne, psoriasis, allergies, fibromyalgia, pms, mood swings, sluggishness, depression, bloating, weight gain, high blood pressure, constipation and much more. The good news is that your liver regenerates! Time to detox.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you need to cleanse your liver.

• Slowly eliminate caffeine, alcohol, acetametafin, dairy, refined carbs, fried foods and red meat.
• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Choose beans, nuts and whole grains.
• Choose water over flavored drinks and sodas. Drink room temperature water
  
• Take a Neem supplement twice a day. (this can substitute your acetamefin)
• Eat three meals a day. A meal is the size of two fists.
• Walk or practice yoga daily.

Routine and stress can greatly influence the functioning of your digestive system. Do the following:

• Meditate Daily...begin with 10 minutes each day.
• Go to bed between 10 and 11 pm. Arise between 6 and 7 am
• Read something uplifting in bed. Turn off the TV.
• Spend Time in Silence. Drive with the radio off. Keep your TV off.
• Surround yourself with pleasant and supportive people
• Journal

The Elemental Cleanse is now taking sign ups. LEARN MORE>>>

Eat, Massage, Heal

In the studio, we go through a lot of Sesame Oil. Most yogis are now performing a daily massage with Sesame Oil called an abyangha. You simply massage the oil on your skin and let it soak in. You can shower or towel off. It keeps your skin creamy and yummy and is much better for you than lotion. Lotions contain a lot of chemicals and preservatives. Our sesame oil is food grade, organic and pure. Your skin is actually able to absorb the oil into your digestive system which lubricates your system. This aids digestion and calms the Wind or Vata element.


I use Sesame Oil to remove my makeup. I frequently put it in my hair at night when I'm trying to thicken, shine or grow my hair. If you don't want to smell like a nut, just add some essential oil to your bottle and smell like lavendar, jasmine or ylang ylang instead. This is THE ONE product that people get absolutely addicted to....and it's a better value than the cosmetic counter at the department store!

WHY IS IT SO NOURISHING?

Sesame is considered “sattvic” in Ayurvedic terms. Sattvic translates to "pure". Sesame Seed oils have been used for thousands of years in the Vedic tradition.

The Nutritional impact of Sesame Seeds is impressive and it is highly recommended that one ounce of sesame seeds be added to your daily diet.

	Nutritional content per ¼ cup of sesame seeds:
	Copper	1.48 mg	74% of daily value
	Manganese	0.88 mg	44%
	Tryptophan	120 mg	37.5%
	Calcium	351 mg	35.1%
	Magnesium	126 mg	31.6%
	Iron	5.24 mg	29.1%
	Phosphorus	226 mg	22%
	Zinc	2.8 mg	18.7%
	Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.28 mg	18.7%
	Dietary fiber	4.24 g	17%
	Calories	206

For thousands of years, Sesame Oil has been used in holistic healing. It naturally possesses the properties of an antibacterial, an antifungal, an antiviral and an anti-inflammatory. As such it is used in the treatment of staph infections, athlete’s foot, hepatitis, diabetes and migraines. Used in vitro, it has inhibited the growth of malignant melanoma and inhibited the replication of colon cancer cells.

Sesame Oil is a potent antioxidant neutralizing oxygen radicals in the tissues beneath the skin. Sesame Oil enters the blood stream quickly through the capillaries on the surface of the skin. It aids in maintaining good cholesterol or HDL and lowering bad cholesterol or LDL.

Because the oil is a cell growth regulator, it slows down the degeneration of cells. It provides valuable fat to the cells of the small and large intestines that is nourishing.
Sesame Oil has been used as a mouth rinse and shown to reduce the bacteria that cause gingivitis by 85%. It has been used as nose drops to treat chronic sinusitis. Used as a throat gargle, it destroys strep and other common cold bacteria.

If you are suffering from psoriasis or dry skin, it acts as an emollient to sooth and lubricate.
It is a natural UV (SPF of 4) protector and if used after exposure to the sun and wind, it will alleviate the symptoms of burns. Additionally, it can protect the skin from the harmful effects of chlorine in a pool.

Affect on Element

decreases The Wind (Vata)

increase The Fire (Pitta) and The Earth (Kapha) in excess

Taste

sweet

Recommended for

chronic cough		weak lungs		chronic constipation
hemorrhoids		dysentery		amenorrhea
dysmenorrheal		receding gums		tooth decay
hair loss		weak bones		osteoporosis
emaciation		convalescence

How does it act and what does it do?

rejuvenate		demulcent		emollient
nutritive tonic		laxative		antibacterial
antifungal		antiviral

Ginger and Flaxseed...my favorites.

I know you guys have heard me go on and on about the amazing properties of ginger and flaxseed oil! Below is a discussion about the healing properties and everything that we treat in Ayurveda with ginger and flaxseed. Both are readily available and inexpensive. On a daily basis, I recommend drinking ginger infused hot water and taking 2 capsules of flaxseed oil. If I am suffering from a cold or cough, I will take up to 8 flaxseed capsules a day. You can take the oil straight up. I mix it with some OJ and do a "shot" in the morning when I am sick. It can make your belly a little icky, so use caution.


Ginger is considered "sattvic" or pure in Ayurvedic terms.

Affect on Element:

Decreases The Wind (Vata) and The Earth (Kapha)

Increases The Fire (Pitta)

Taste:

Click here for Recipes

Recommended for:

Ginger is used for the following

cold and flu		vomiting
indigestion		burbing and gas
abdominal discomfort from gas and bloating		abdominal discomfort from menstruation
arthritis		hemorrhoids
headaches		heart disease
diarrhea		cold, cough and flu
asthma		bronchitis
depression		mental stress
exhaustion		restlessness and anxiety

According to the American Cancer Society, preliminary research on animals has shown that ginger may be useful in treating cancer through chemotherapy.

How does it act and what does it do?

stimulant

diaphoretic: induces sweating

expectorant

carminative: can be used to treat food poisoning

antiemetic: effective against vomiting

analgesic

FLAXSEED also known as linseed

Everyone should be ingesting Flaxseed daily. EVERYONE. It is easily accessible and inexpensive. It may be taken as a capsule, an oil, or whole. It has no negative side effects with the exception that it may cause digestive troubles if taken in excess for an extended period of time.

Affect on Element:

• Decreases Wind (Vata)
• Increases Earth (Kapha) and Fire (Pitta)

Taste:

• sweet
• astringent
• pungent or spicy

Recommended for:

This is an enormous list of conditions that improve with the use of flaxseed oil. Note that some of these conditions are quite serious and it is recommended to always seek professional medical advice. Ayurveda is widely practiced and accepted in Western society because it compliments modern medicine.

• Asthma
• chronic bronchitis
• pneumonia
• chronic constipation
• diarrhea
• convalescence
• Abdominal pain
• Allergic reactions
• As a antioxidant
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
• Bipolar disorder
• Bladder inflammation
• As a blood thinner
• Boils
• Bowel irritation
• Bronchial irritation
• Burns (poultice)
• Catarrh (inflammation of mucous membrane)
• Colon cancer
• Cough (suppression or loosening of mucus)
• Cystitis
• Depression
• Diverticulitis
• Dry skin
• Dysentery
• Eczema
• Emollient
• Enlarged prostate
• Enteritis
• Eye cleansing (debris in the eye)
• Gastritis
• Gonorrhea
• Headache
• Infections
• Inflammation
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• liver protection
• Malaria
• Melanoma
• Menstrual disorders
• Ovarian disorders
• Pimples
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Skin infections
• Skin inflammation
• Sore throat
• Stomach upset
• Stroke
• Ulcerative colitis
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Vaginitis
• Vision improvement.

How does it act and what does it do?

What is it?		Annual plant
Combine with other herbs		Yes
Tastes		Sweet, astringent, heating - pungent
Laxative, demulcent, emollient, expectgorant, nutritive tonic
Current Research		Lowers cholesterol Dampen inflammatory reactions Increase HDL Breast cancer, malignant melanoma and colon cancer due to presense of phytoestrogen Rich source of soluble and insoluble fiber. Omega 3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens and linolenic acid

Additionally, flaxseed is a rich source of soluble and insoluble fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, phytoestrogens and linolenic acid. It is known to strengthen lung tissue, bones, reproductive organs and promote healing. It is a source of protein and calcium.

Herbs for digestion

Neem (caution: pregnant women should not take neem..it has contraceptive properties)

In India, the Neem Tree is considered sacred because of its miraculous healing properties. It has been used as a holistic medicine for 4,500 years. In India, it is used to treat or prevent intestinal worms, malaria, encephalitis, menigitis, scabies, fungi, smallpox, head lice, diabetes, epiliepsy, ulcers, headachaches and fevers. It works miracles on skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, allergic dermatitis and eczema. It protects the liver against toxic related injuries caused by drugs, alcohol and viruses. It is used to relieve joint pain and muscle aches. It is a key herb used in the treatment of diabetes, obesity and weight gain.

More than six hundred million people use the branches of the Neem Tree is as a natural toothbrush. Neem has been shown to be effective in reducing cavities, healing gum disease and treating gingivitis.

Neem can be found in toothpaste, shampoo and soap to control everything from dandruff to eczema. It acts in the following ways:

• Neem decreases the Earth and Fire elements and increases the Wind element.
• It's tastes are Bitter and Spicy. The combination of Bitter and Spicy encourages cells to release ama or toxins.
• Antiviral capable of destroying viruses
• Antifungal able to destroy fungi
• Antimicrobial able to inhibit or destroy the growth of disease-causing organisms
• Antibacterial able to destroys or inhibit the growth of bacteria
• Antipyretic able to lower body temperature or prevent or alleviate fever
• Anti-inflammatory able to reduce inflammation
• Anti-tumor able to reduce the risk of tumor growth
• Analgesic able to relieve painImmune stimulation
  
• Alterative able to cure or restore health
• Anthelmintic capable of expelling or destroying parasitic worms
• Anti-emetic able to prevent or stop nausea or vomiting

RECOMMENDED READING: "Neem: the Ultimate Herb" by John Conrick.

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Guggul (this is from Natural Health Magazine, July 2008)

How it works: An Ayurvedic remedy, guggul is used for relieving joint pain, lowering cholesterol and aiding weight loss. In a 1999 study conducted by researchers at the University of Nebraska and Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, people who took 750 mg of guggul each day and did a combination of strength and aerobic training workout three times a week for six weeks lost an average of six pounds; those who exercised but did not take guggul lost only a half to one pound. "Guggul helps the body metabolize fat and improves thyroid function by increasing thyroid hormone levels," says John Douillard, Ph.D., director of the LifeSpa School Of Ayurveda.

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Triphala

Known as THREE FRUITS
Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki

Triphala is a classic Ayurvedic formula comprised of three fruits. Amalaki is a source of antioxidants and vitamins. Bibhitaki fruit augments levels of protein and good cholesterol in the body and Haritaki is an anti-spasmodic.

Claims of weight loss have been made using Triphala. While it is true that Triphala has laxative properties and can assist in the weight loss process through balanced elimination, Triphala alone will not promote weight loss. It can boost digestive and intestinal health and aids with constipation, parasites, diverticulitis, colitis, gas, cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis

Triphala is an integral part of an Ayurvedic weight loss program. An Ayurvedic weight loss program addresses all dimension of a person’s life…….sleeping, eating, eliminating and movement.

Herb Fact

The fruit in triphala contain compounds known as anthraquinones, which stimulate intestinal contractions to speed the digestive process.

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Meditation...how to...

Learn to Meditate

Follow the link to this amazing one hour workshop on Meditation with Jon Kabat Zinn. John Kabit Zinn is a Professor of Medicine Emeritus and founding director of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He teaches mindfulness meditation as a technique to help people cope with stress, anxiety, pain and illness.

The Spring Elemental Immersion began this week. The focus of this first of four weeks is to establish a meditation practice. Why do we meditate? It is the basis for good health, good thoughts and connection to spirit. It is a powerful practice that destroys stress in your life, facilitates clear and intentioned thinking and allows access to the universal field of silence where you know your soul.

Try it for a week. Simply set aside 10 minutes each morning to sit in silence with your breath, your thoughts, or a mantra. At EOM, we like to use the "So Hum" mantra. "So" means "I" and "Hum" means "Am". Simply breath in and think "So", breath out and think "Am". Notice your thoughts, let them go and go back to your mantra.

If you need a little push to get you adjusted to sitting for 10 minutes with your eyes closed,

CLICK HERE