Rachelle Chandraan

Juice cleanses are not recommended for Vata types because they tend to have a weak digestive system and raw juices will make them bloat and cause tiredness. Juice fasting with cooling and blood purifying vegetables is a good option for Pitta types. Kapha types can go on a juice diet for 2- 5 days, and they will immediately feel the positive effects on their body.

Drink boiled and cooled milk with a pinch of cardamom blended with organic rose petals. Rose is very cooling for the body. Cumin, coriander, and fennel teas are cooling as well. Take 1/2 tsp of bitter ghee on an empty stomach to improve digestion and control pitta dosha. Cooking with tumeric and using neem on the skin remove toxins from blood.

Panchakarma treatments like Snehana and Swedana are helpful/Trikatu, a combination of ginger, long pepper and black pepper can be used to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and promote the absorption of essential nutrients/Herbs like Brahmi, Shatavari and ayurvedic medicines like Suvarna Prashan, Chaitanoday rasa are helpful.

Soy milk has good protein, calcium and is low in saturated fats. But look for a non-GMO certified milk. Almond milk has high sodium and high level of beneficial Vitamin E. Macadamia milk has omega-3 fatty acids. Hazelnut milk is high in carbs and calcium. Coconut milk has low protein and high-fat content. Hemp milk has low protein and high omega 3 fatty acids.

During stress, the body produces extra interleukins that regulate the immune system, providing a temporary defensive boost. Short bursts of stress protect us from the effects of ageing as long as one is not too stressed. Low-level stressors can improve brain power and learning. Workouts before a vaccination increase body's resistance to infections.

Banana leaves contain a polyphenol called EGCG also found in green tea. They fight off free radicals which cause ailments like cancer and heart disease. It cleanses blood, stimulates appetite, helps digestion, aids good skin, cures ulcer, treats bladder related diseases and boosts immunity. They also contain Vitamin A, Calcium, Carotene and Citric acid.

You can sit in an easy pose with your chin in and your chest out. Stick your tongue out and keep it out as you rapidly breathe in and out through your mouth. Continue this for 5min. To finish inhale, hold breath for 15sec, press tongue against upper palate. Exhale. Yoga poses like Child’s pose/Bridge pose/Cobra pose/Plow pose strengthen the immune system.

Vata - Boil 2 quarts of water for 5 min, take off heat, add 3 mint leaves, 1/2 tsp fennel seed and 1/4 tsp marshmallow root. Pitta - Boil 2 quarts of water for 2 min, take off heat and add 1/4 tsp fennel seed, 2 rose buds and 1 clove. Kapha - Boil 2 quarts of water for 5 minutes. Take off heat, add 3 basil leaves, 2 slices of ginger, 1/4 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp fennel.