In today’s time, lifestyle diseases are extremely common due to the pace of modern life and the disconnection from nature. Especially in the last 2 years, people have been suffering from the effects of the novel coronavirus and its mutations all over the world. Sadly, many people living in urban areas were affected by the pandemic and continue to suffer from post-covid complications in our country.

Since early 2021, when the panic of the pandemic hit India, Ayurvedic and natural remedies have been popularized and used in many households. Many doctors and government bodies like the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), have openly spoken about the merits of including ayurvedic and natural remedies in our daily life, in addition to yoga, pranayama and meditation.

In this article, we talk about the basics of Ayurveda, lifestyle diseases, remedies and precautions from diseases, the importance of mental health, and over the counter (OTC) ayurvedic medicines.

Our Life and The Science of Disease

Westernization is one of the major reasons behind imbalance of the three Doshas (read more here) leading to disease. Most individuals living in urban cities do not follow a sleep regimen, have excessive exposure to screens, and do not consume well-balanced meals. On the contrary, people living in villages and non-urbanised settings usually have no lifestyle diseases. The reason being- they are physically active and live in harmony with nature. They usually rise with the sun and settle for bedtime at sundown.

Leading a modern lifestyle often revolves around work, financial stress, material gains and social obligations. Which leads to stress, causes blood pressure and anxiety. Diabetes, the biggest problem in most developed countries, is also caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, stress and eating habits. The same reasoning can be applied to obesity and thyroid imbalance. The simple explanation is - we need to balance our busy lifestyle with healthy habits to reduce and exclude diseases from our life.

Routinely practicing yoga and pranayama, for at least 30 mins daily is the first step to building a healthy life. However, we need to be present and fully invested in the practice for those 30 minutes, i.e., immerse our mind, body and soul completely. Like drinking water and eating, yoga should be a part of our daily routine. Hence, if our lifestyle is not healthy and lacks balance- diseases are bound to happen.

General Ayurvedic Remedies for Balancing Our Mind and Body

While doctors may prescribe heavy medications for dealing with lifestyle diseases, there is no harm in exploring alternatives which are herbal, natural and have no side effects. For example, Bhrami and Ashwagandha are excellent herbs which can be taken by anyone for improving their mental health. Research shows that the Bhrami herb has certain properties which balance our mind and strengthen the neurons. Similarly, the Ashwagandha herb has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps with anxiety, stress and other mental health issues.

Other herbs like Giloy, Aloe Vera, Neem, Tulsi, Amla and spices like haldi and jeera are helpful in increasing immunity, strengthening the body, maintaining healthy skin, good digestion, and a healthy heart. These herbs are excellent for improving physical health, have no side effects and can be taken along with allopathic medication.

But just having Haldi and Jeera in meals is not enough. It is a good practice to have a glass of Haldi milk or haldi boiled with water, every day. Soaking a teaspoon of Jeera overnight in a glass of water and having the infused water every morning also improves digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. However, no herb supplements should be taken regularly without a doctor’s approval.

Ayurvedic Essentials and Suggestions for Living Without Disease

Here are some basic things which one can take up to improve mental and physical health, as per Ayurvedic science:

1. Follow a fixed routine: sleep time, rising time and meal time.
2. Include meditation, yoga in your routine- 30 minutes minimum.
3. Try maintaining healthy thoughts – practice pranayama.
4. Eat healthy- maximise on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses.
5. Eat fresh – avoid eating food prepared the previous day or out of the fridge.
6. Quit smoking – it is an absolute.
7. Monitor your alcohol intake- if not now, it will affect your health in later years.
8. Sleep for minimum 6 and maximum 8 hours. Day sleeping is not recommended. (Note: The female body needs more sleep and more focus on mental health)
9. Go for a vacation or retreat to reset your body clock.

Which of Pravek's Products Can be Taken For Leading a Disease Free Life?

All of Pravek's can be taken to lead a healthy lifestyle. However, it is not recommended to take 5 herb supplements, at the same time. Ideally, a combination of 2 herbs is suitable, depending on what your doctor recommends. Giloy is the safest single herb, and can be taken by anyone, even without a doctor’s recommendation. However, no Ayurvedic product should be taken for over 2-3 months without consulting a doctor. For summers, it is recommended that Aloe Vera, Amla, Giloy, Ashwagandha, and neem be consumed alternatively. Alternatively, two herbs such as Ashwagandha and Giloy or Ashwagandha and Neem, can be paired together and had every day, for up to three months.

Note: Information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat your problem without consulting your doctor.

Authored by:

Dr. Bharti Sharma,

Ayurvedic Physician,

Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery (BAMS)