Saraswati Puja (Worship of Knowledge)

OM! Happy Vashanta Panchami, Day of Saraswati Puja, A Goddess of Knowledge.
“AUM HREEM AIM HREEM SARASWATAI NAMAH”

Today is the day of Goddess Saraswati, a Goddess of Knowledge and Arts. Saraswati means “the essence of self”. Saraswati is the goddess of Knowledge, wisdom. Music, arts, aesthetics, shatarupa (Existence), Mother of Vedanta, and speech.

Some symbols of Goddess Saraswati

• Radiant White, Goddess mirrors the ‘True Nature or Absolute Truth”.
• Yellow dress up symbolizes the colorful season, and the white dress up for purity in knowledge.
• Vehicle (Bahana) of Saraswati is Hamsa ( Swan), which has been known as the separation of Milk and water, which means the recognition of good and evil.
• Veena, a musical instrument, represents all the forms of arts, music, dance, drawings, paintings, and other arts and crafts.
• Rosary, a string of beads or crystals symbolizes the spiritual awakening and transformation through Dhyana (Meditation) or Yoga Samdhi that tends to Supreme unseen Power, the cosmic power.
• Tamtapatra addresses the source of knowledge called Vedas and other spiritual science and philosophy that arise from the root.
• Seasonal fruits are specially offered to Guru, a source of lightness in darkness.
• Color powder and flowers are especially for offering to Deity or Gurus as worship.
• Chanting the special Mantras and Stotras are for opening the psychic centers for awakening the kundalini power, a feminine energy for spiritual growth.

Stotram (Mantra)

“Yaa Kundendu Tushaara haaradhavalaa, Yaa Shubhravastraavritaa;
Yaa Veenavara dandamanditakara, yaa shwetaa padmaasana !
Yaa brahmaachyuta shankara, prabhritibhir Devaisadaaa vanditaa;
Saa Maam Paatu saraswatee Bhagavatee Nihshesha Jaadyaapahaa !!

Mantra Meaning

Goddess Saraswati, who is fair like Jasmine and dew drops, dressed in white, holding the majestic Veena instrument in hands,s sitting on white lotus, to whom forever worshiped by Brahma (The Generator), Vishnu (The Operator) and Maheshwora ( The Destroyer) and other Gods as well. O Divine Mother, the Goddess blesses us and gives us the lightness and power from our ignorance and darkness.
Hari Om Tat Sat.

In Nepal

Shree Panchami is also known as Basanta Panchami. This festival usually falls between the last week of January and to first week of February. It is celebrated as the birthday of the Hindu Goddess Saraswoti. Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of education, knowledge, and wisdom. This day is particularly more important to students as it is believed that worshipping Saraswati on this day will receive the blessings from her and it will increase their intelligence and horizon of wisdom. In Nepal, this day is very important for students of all levels. Normally, all the educational institute have a Saraswati-puja function on this day. All the teachers and students do the Saraswati puja in the school. 

On this day, Hindu devotees visit Saraswati temples and do their prayers by writing a few words on the walls of temples with chalk. They will also worship their books, notebook and pens on this day. They will also swallow 7 rice grains after the puja without touching it to the teeth while swallowing those rice grains. It is believed that this way of prayer will make Saraswati happy. The popular temples where huge crowds gather for prayers in Kathmandu are Saraswati Temple in Swyambhunath and the Saraswati Temple in Tribhuvan University. The Saraswati Temple of Tribhuvan University is only open for Saraswati Puja day for the visitors. On another day, the temple remained closed to visitors. Nepalese parents use this day to start feeding rice to their newly born or start teaching their kids to write.

Legend about Saraswati Goddess

Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of learning and speech (Vak). She represents the union of power and intelligence from which organized creation arises. Saraswati possesses all the learnings of the Vedas, scriptures, dances, musical power, and poetry. She revealed language and writing to man. Her origin is traced to the lost Vedic river Saraswati. This is the source of her profound connection to fluidity in every aspect. She embodies wisdom, fortune, intelligence, nourishment, brilliance, contentment, splendor, and devotion.

Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, art, and music, is the daughter of lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is believed that the goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom, and learning. She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness, and ego. She has sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus – the symbol of true knowledge – in the second. With her other two hands, she plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called the Veena. She is dressed in white – the symbol of purity – and rides on a white swan – symbolizing Sattwa Guna or purity and discrimination.

Yogacharya Swami Yog Subodh – School of Wisdom – Himalayan Yoga Academy

“Om Patanjalaye Mahamunaye Namah”

Ashtanga Yoga is Ashta Saadhanaa, formulated by Great Maharshi Patanjali in Yoga Darshan (Philosophy), the first Sacred and Pure text of Yoga. Paatanjal Yoga Darshana is one of the Darshana out of Shata Darshana. In Paatanjal Yoga Darshan, there are 195 verses divided into four chapters. Under the second Chapter, named Saadhanaa Paada, Ashtanga Yoga is explained. In general, Ashtanga Yoga is considered and viewed by the public, even modern Instructors, as a type of Yoga.

This is not true; Ashtanga Yoga is itself fullness of Yoga, totality of Yoga because it is summarized or modified version of Yogic messages partially underlined in different Vedic texts or epics. If we go in a deep sense, everything for true life has been patterned very well.

On the initiation of this Darshana, how beautifully initiated by Patanjali as  “Athayogaanushaanam” PYD 1.1  that means now the discipline of yogic life begins; instantly, the definition of Yoga “Yogashchittavrittinirodhah” PYD1.2.has been given and rest 193 verses are well formulas for Kaivalya.

The Yoga, the Sadhana of Yoga, fructifies in liberation and onwards Kaivalya through Vivekakhyati – the spiritual wisdom that comes from Yoga. Through this, we can differentiate the soul and non-soul, the eternal and the transient, the pure and the impure.

The word ‘Ashtanga’ is Ashta + Anga; Ashta stands for eight and Anga stands for Organ or Limbs, which means Eight Limbs of Yoga or Eightfold path of Yoga.

“Yama-Niyamasana-pranayama-pratyahara-dharana-dhyana-samadhayo-ashtavabgani”. PYD 2.29

They are: Yama ( Social Ethics), Niyama ( Self ethics), Aasana ( Body ethics), Pranayama ( Breath ethics), Pratyahara ( Mind ethics), Dharana ( Attitude ethics), Dhyana ( wisdom ethics), and Samadhi ( Intelligence ethics).

Fundamentally, Yoga has two parts: Bahiranga (External) Yoga and Antaranga (Internal) Yoga.

In Ashtanga Yoga, the first four limbs (Yama, Niyama, Aasana, Pranayama) are Bahiranga Yoga, fifth, Pratyahara’ is mid-path or Pula (Bridge) and last three (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi)  are Antaranga.

It contains all the aspects of Yoga, less or more, directly or indirectly, superficially or deeply. It is ocean, how deep, nobody can see, only can realize. If we go in core, we can find all the paths, e.g., Ethical, Physical, Mental, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual.

The Ashtanga Yoga is meant to remove all the defects in the mind, to annihilate these enemies of the mind, and also to give the knowledge of discrimination in that immaculate, pure mind through Yoga or Samadhi.  Ashtanga Yoga is the means for removing the impurities and attaining wisdom. The flame of wisdom burns to attain the highest, ultimate knowledge, the discrimination between the transient and the eternal, keep us free from all sorts of pains, bondage and turbulence.

To be continued…        

By Swami Yog Subodh – School of Ashtanga Yoga                                    

History of Singing Bowls (Dwani Patro)

Most original singing bowls come from ancient Hindu cultures in Nepal and were later promoted to Buddhist areas such as Tibet and India as well. As Hindu cultures, they used to put the foods in different pots typically called Dabakaa, Batukaa, Kachauraa, Baataa, etc. Gradually, they started to make different sounds by playing these instruments. When it produced sounds and felt like singing, people used to call it the Singing Bowl.

Much of the history of singing bowls remains unknown or unclear due to the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950s. However, oral traditions date singing bowls to the time of the historical Buddha Shayamuni (560 – 480 BCE). Some singing bowls during this time were used for strictly religious purposes within monasteries and temples, such as leading chants or prayers, guiding meditation, or acting as an offering or begging bowl.

Other times, larger bowls were used for grain storage and smaller bowls used to eat from. As the use of singing bowls spread throughout Asia to places like Japan, Korea, China, and Mongolia, their uses expanded as well. For example, Japanese and Vietnamese Buddhists have traditionally used singing bowls to perform funeral rites and to worship their ancestors. 

Singing Bowls Today

For hundreds of years, however, what has remained constant is the calming, meditative state that singing bowls can create. Singing bowls are useful to Buddhist practitioners and anyone else who wants to experience a greater amount of peace and intuition in their daily lives through meditation. Today, singing bowls are found far outside the temples and monasteries of the Himalayan mountains. They are used as tools for meditation or alternative treatment for various illnesses like chronic pain or depression, just to name a few!

Frequently, singing bowls are associated with sound therapy and sound baths or massages. For human beings, sound is a vehicle that can help us arrive at a healthier state of being, both physically and mentally. It also allows us to explore and express the feelings we keep inside of us. For this reason, singing bowls are becoming increasingly popular in treating anxiety disorders, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. The vibrations work throughout our bodies, massaging, cleansing, and purifying, while the calm meditative state allows individuals to search within and find what ails them. 

When researching the benefits of using a singing bowl, you are likely to find it linked with cancer treatment. While the use of singing bowls is not a scientifically-backed treatment for diseases such as cancer, they have been noted to greatly improve the symptoms of the illness and treatment for cancer patients who have used Tibetan singing bowls as a part of their healing process. In a case such as this, singing bowls are not intended to heal the body of the cancerous cells but rather provide relief and balance to other parts of the mind and body. Using a singing bowl in this way is similar to drinking fluids and resting when sick—it does not cure you of your sickness, but it alleviates the symptoms and helps your recovery along the way.

Wanna Do Singing Bowl Training in Nepal

Nowadays, a lot of people have started doing yoga. This rapid growth in the number of students paved many for many yoga schools to start numerous yoga teacher training programs. Yoga practice has developed over the years in many ways. Being a yoga teacher is not an easy task; it comes with tons of responsibilities. It is not about teaching those difficult yoga poses to your student, it’s all about spreading that treasure of ancient yoga to everyone. Becoming a certified yoga teacher is a life-changing journey itself, and joining a yoga teacher training program is the first step towards it. Indeed, Yoga teacher training programs are designed in such a way that refines you as a trained yoga instructor. But, yoga is not all about its physical aspects; it is a way of life, and only a successful teacher can connect their students to its divine aspects. We have listed some Tips for Yoga Teacher Training Students based on our years of teaching and experience. Below, we have summed some Tips for Yoga Teacher Training Students so that you can understand and feel very comfortable with your students and be a best yoga teacher:

1. Personal Practice is a way to go

Personal practice is a way to become a great teacher; you can only teach that about which you are aware. Always invest some time for your practice because the time you spend with the mat will encourage you to grow in your teaching also. The more you become committed to your practice, the more you will be able to teach your students in a better way. Personal practice will help you to explore your inner boundaries and connect to your inner self, and trust your abilities, and that way, you can also build that trust in your students.

2. Seek every opportunity to gain some teaching experience

Now that you have completed your first 200-hour yoga teacher training in Nepal, try to gain some experience in teaching and absorb all the new sets of information you have learned. Try to apply all that information in your life practically and seek every opportunity to teach so that you can gain some experience. Sink in your teaching practice so that you imbibe all you have learned. Go for studios where you can give weekly classes, so just grab every opportunity you get.

3. Explore different styles of yoga

There are many forms of yoga, ranging from beginners’ Hatha yoga to intensive Ashtanga yoga and Kundalini yoga. Every opportunity you get to spend on your mat is an opportunity to learn something. Explore different studios that offer different styles of yoga so that you can diversify your teaching style. Every yoga teacher has a different style of teaching, and there is always room to learn something. Not only does exploring different teachers and different styles of yoga help you to diversify your practice, but it also helps in shaping your teaching career.

4. Always ready for feedbacks

If you are new to teaching, then it is a must to learn from feedback you received from your experienced colleagues. Your starting period is a time where you will be busy in shaping your career as a teacher, opening to new horizons, and creating a base for yourself. At these moments, remain open for any feedback that could improve your teaching. Don’t take anything on your ego; this feedback will help you to grow, and genuine and honest feedback about your teaching, whether it is from your students, colleagues, will help you to structure your next yoga class in a better way.

5. Always remain a student and keep learning

The key to becoming a good yoga teacher is to remain a student forever. Life is all about learning something constantly. It is important to immerse yourself in yoga completely in any means. Read about yoga, attend various workshops, and be consistent with your practice. Try to take a step out of your comfort zone by learning a different style of yoga or mastering some of the most advanced yoga poses. Try to become more innovative with your practice as well as your teaching. This way, it will enhance your knowledge and ability to become the best yoga teacher.

The best yoga teacher is the one who knows how to imbibe all those yogic philosophies into the lives of their students, whether they are on or off the mat. So try to resonate with their expectations.

Everything has fundamental principles for meaningful sense and use. To have and connect to Reiki power, we should have “Sankalpa,” which means “resolve” or positive affirmation to our subconscious mind. Having this sankalpa, everything connects speedily to the long-term memory center and makes the fast connection to cosmic intelligence. Reiki Principles.

Each moment is the beautiful initiation of the beautiful Day, and this beautiful day is the beautiful initiation of this beautiful life, so use the moment properly, do not misuse or do not miss.

Top 5 Reiki Principles

1) Just For Today, Have Peace and Harmony

Worry causes stress and anxiety, leading to an imbalance of the body, mind, and spirit and also blockage to the root chakra. Peace and harmony give beautiful healing. It has been proven through numerous studies that peace can create a good atmosphere for healing and balancing life, and also laughter can heal and in some cases prevent life threatening illnesses which keeps peace and harmony which are fundamental ethics of life. Use this knowledge to live a healthier and longer life.

2) Just For Today, Be Happy

Anger is an emotion. When we get angry, we lose control of that emotion. In order to live by the above principle, we must understand what triggers our anger and how we can choose to remove this destructive emotion from our being. Every time you meet someone, there is an exchange of energy. If you are both happy and find the meeting enjoyable, then the energy exchange is neutral. However, if you lose control of your emotions and become angry, the other person steals your energy. Likewise, if someone gets angry at you, then you are stealing their energy. So that happiness is the supreme power for a perfect life.

3) Just For Today, Do your Work Honestly

Honesty means different things to different people. Many people feel it is fine to take home a few pens from the office; the company turns over millions in profit each year, so they can afford to lose a few items of stationery. Everyone at some point is dishonest. You may not steal from another person or company, but instead steal from yourself. For example, if you have a talent to help people and you choose not to, then you are stealing from yourself by denying your gift.

4) Just For Today, Live with Attitude of Gratitude

Life tends to give us what we need; it may not be what we want, but it will be what we need. Karmically, throughout our lives, we receive what we need to grow and learn in this lifetime. If we grasp these lessons and grow accordingly, we will become spiritually enlightened. Instead of wasting your life complaining about the things that have happened to you and the problems you face. Step back for a moment regularly and discover and appreciate the many blessings in your life.

You will be amazed at how many wonderful things there are to give thanks for. Leave the materialistic things aside. They are shallow and meaningless. Pay attention to and focus on the free things and bring joy and humility to your life and develop the attitudes of beings. For example, your mind, body, spirit, health, family, friends, flowers, trees, sea, sun, love, faith, knowledge, the countryside, animals, birds, etc., the list is endless. So, do have good attitudes of gratitude to them.

5) Just For Today, Be Kind, Do Love and Respect to All

The law of karma states that what goes around comes around. Be kind, feel kind,, and get kindness. Send out love and you will receive love back in return.

Honor your parents, honor your teachers, honor your elders. Being Kind brings Love into the Will.

Karma is a two-edged sword. Send out negative thoughts, and you will get negative results. Living within this precept will give you a happier and less stressful life full of joy, peace, kindness, love, and respect for all.

By Swami Yog Subodh – School of Reiki

What kinds of Yoga for Pregnant Women? Pregnant women are advised to undergo good routines that include balanced nutrition, physical work, and good lifestyle. It is very important to stay in balance and perform all the duties when you have such a responsibility and rites for new generation. However, the conditions are critical for pregnant women who want to perform physical work like yoga. Prenatal yoga might help you to prepare for labor and promote your baby’s health as well.

Proper guidance and advice should be required so that the health both the mother and the baby remain healthy and perfect. Prenatal yoga is the one that provides you with the requirements of physical work. When you are pregnant, your body comes across with rapid changes.

Yoga reconnects and makes the journey fruitful and wonderful. It is a great path to prepare the pregnant woman. Yoga during pregnancy helps you to create space for both your baby and your internal organs. However, make sure that you only do what feels good and avoid muscle strains, extreme pressure, and tension exercises.

Benefits of yoga for Pregnant Women

Much like other types of childbirth-preparation classes, prenatal yoga is a multifaceted approach to exercise that encourages stretching, revitalizing, mental centering, focused breathing, and positivity. Research suggests that prenatal yoga is safe and can have many merits for pregnant women and their babies.

1. Activates the body and improves health.
2. Improve sleep, Gives complete rest, Reduces stress and anxiety.
3. Increases the strength, flexibility, and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth.
4. Decrease lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches, heart beats, and shortness of breath.
5. Prenatal yoga can also help you meet and bond with other pregnant women and prepare for the stress of being a new parent.
6. Yoga keeps them peaceful, calm, silent, emotionally balanced, happy, and more alert.
7. Yoga rites determine the beauty of future baby with full of new vibes and thoughts.

A typical prenatal yoga class might involve

Consume Water: You must consume plenty of water to remain hydrated. You and your baby both require water a lot for the proper functioning of all the systems present in your body. If you drink less water, you can feel dizzy, faint, or even come across fatigue, which is not good for your health and the baby.

Proper Diet: You must always eat healthily, but if you are pregnant, you must take care of your calorie intake. You must eat the right kind of food that helps you and the baby to grow well during your pregnancy. Consume foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. You must consume 300 extra calories every day for the proper development of the baby. You must eat foods like green vegetables, peas, eggs, fish, milk, etc., to meet the demands of your growing body.

OM Chants, Subtle Exercises, Birth preparation exercises

Gentle stretching:  You’ll be encouraged to gently move different areas of your body, such as your neck and arms, through their full range of motion.

Asanas: While standing, sitting, or lying on the ground, you’ll gently move your body into different positions aimed at developing your strength, flexibility, and balance. Props such as blankets, cushions, and belts might be used to provide support and comfort. Asanas are Vrikshasana, Bidalasana, Marjariasana, Birabhadrasana I, II, Baddha –konasana, Kandarasana, Balasana,

Breathing and Life Force: You’ll be encouraged to focus on breathing in and out slowly and deeply through the nose. Prenatal yoga breathing techniques might help you reduce or manage shortness of breath during pregnancy and work through contractions during labor.

Pranayama: Anuloma- Viloma,  Svaasa Kriyas; Bharamari Pranayama –  Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Placing your index fingers on the lobes of your ears, take a deep breath. Exhale slowly and make gentle humming sounds. Do this 5 to 15 times.

Rest: At the end of each prenatal yoga class, you’ll relax your muscles and restore your resting heart rate and breathing rhythm. You might be encouraged to listen to your breathing, pay close attention to sensations, thoughts and emotions, or repeat a mantra or word to bring about a state of self-awareness and inner calm.

Proper Sleep: You need proper sleep, Yoga Nidra – Yogic sleep; Dhyana: silence meditation

Chanting: Making your own sounds during pregnancy and birth is a powerful way to regulate your breathing. It enables you to focus and relax as you deal with the pain that is associated with pregnancy and labor.

Precautions

1. You should learn yoga under competent Yoga masters. Yoga is not the physical trainings, this is science of life for new life.
2. Yoga practice needs to be discontinued if you find the absence of movement of the baby or severe back pain, fainting, etc.
3. You must use chairs in prenatal yoga classes for your third trimester. So, pregnancy yoga students must use props like chairs, blankets, bolsters, etc. for safety.
4. You must avoid inversions during pregnancy.
5. If you have a low weight concerning the age of your baby, only avoid more physical activities.
6. You must avoid yoga if you have a history of miscarriage.
7. If you come across trimester bleeding, you can do pranayama and Dhyana.
8. If the yoga student has nausea, dizziness, or fatigue, avoid yoga.
9. Consult a doctor, if you experience pain other than yoga practice, rapid heartbeat, short of breath, heart palpitation, and difficulty in walking, back pain.
10. You must avoid yoga in hot and humid weather.

Meaning of Om or AUM

OM or AUM is a mixture of sounds or vibrations. It is defined as a sacred sound of the Universe. It is the first sound of the creation. ‘A’ stands for Birth, ‘U’ stands for living, and ‘M’ stands for Death or Rebirth. AUM is the union, the atom is the union of Electron, Proton, and Neutron. AUM in Sanskrit is called ‘Anaahat Naad, ‘ which means a sound that is continuously produced without hitting the two. This is also known as soundless sound, which is called ‘Pranava’

When we chant AUM or OM means we are trying to tune up individual consciousness with supreme consciousness. Chanting Om is matching individual frequency with the supreme frequency. Once you become silent both body and mind, then you start hearing the sound of consciousness, which is nothing but bliss.

Yoga declares that once you realize OM, it will remove all sufferings of life. It declares the truth only after the experience. Yoga says that once you master AUM or Om, you are liberated.

Om Kaaram Pray

“Omkaaram Bindu Samyuktam, Nityam Dhyaanti Yoginah; Kaamadam Mokshadam chaiva, Omkaaraaya Namo Namah!!

Meaning: The symbol of AUM, united at a point on which Yogis meditate every day, it fulfills the desires and liberation, so we bow to that AUM.

How to Practice by OM pattern?

First Level: 3:1:1 = A……………………………….U……………M……………Focus physical power, Activation of Physical Units.

Second Level: 1:3:1 = A………………U………………………………………….M……………. focus mental power, relaxation, and union of body and mind

Third Level: 1:1:3 = A………………U………………M………………………………………………… focus the spiritual power, awakening of spirit….

Use of “Om” pattern

First Level: 3:1 = A……………………………………………………….M……………Focus physical power, Activation of Physical Units.

Second Level: 1:1 = A…………………………………M…………………………….. focus mental power, relaxation, and union of body and mind

Third Level: 1:3 = A…………………M………………………………………………… focus the spiritual power, awakening of spirit….

“Tasya vaachakah pranavah”‘ PYS 1.27; that means the syllable ‘OM’ is its significator.

Om’ is Omnipresent. “Tajja pasted-artha-Bhagavatam” PYS 1.28; that means through the repetition, the meaning of Om comes to the meaning of life.

After true realization and experimental perception, Om is the ultimate goal or supreme goal for harmony and bliss when we constantly recite and meditate on AUM or OM.

To be continued…….

By Swami Yog Subodh – Himalayan Yoga Academy

The liver is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, making glucose, and detoxing the body. It also stores nutrients and creates bile, which is necessary to digest and absorb the nutrients in food properly. There are many foods and drinks that a person can consume to help protect the liver. Here given about Ayurvedic Herbs for Liver Health.

In today’s world, we have become liver conscious like never before, and this attention towards a healthy liver is well deserved. The liver plays a highly important role in the body and is one of the most vital organs that aids in digestion, filtration, and metabolism. The organ endlessly detoxifies and filters the blood to help in maintaining overall functioning.

Five Ayurvedic Herbs for Liver Health

1. Guduchi or Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)

Guduchi promotes the regeneration of the liver and protects it from disease. Dr. Halpern calls it “one of the best herbs for the long-term health of the liver. Its tonic properties benefit the entire body, especially the immune system. It is beneficial for people of all constitutional types, making it one of the safest herbs to use. ”This herb is used to strengthen the body’s resistance to infection and its ability to cope with jaundice, digestive upsets, and nervous system problems. The liquid extract is also referred to as Indian quinine, which is considered especially important for fevers related to colds.

2. Turmeric

A magical Ayurvedic ingredient, Turmeric is highly used in Indian households and other South Asian countries for cooking and medicinal purposes. Turmeric, or Haldi, has a strong affinity for the skin, liver, digestive system, and blood. There are lots of studies that suggest Turmeric as a wonder herb for overall body-mind wellbeing. It detoxifies and cleanses the entire system deeply, providing support to the organs and tissues. Turmeric boosts the body’s natural antioxidants and liver-brain protecting properties in case of exposure to alcohol-induced oxidative stress.

• Use a raw or powdered form of Turmeric in your food
• Drink Turmeric milk before going to bed
• Consume turmeric liquid extract or tablets after consulting doctors

3. Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri)

Bhumyamalaki is a bitter herb that helps protect the liver. Traditionally used to care for liver-related indigestion, hepatitis, and jaundice in children, it is also useful for viral infections. In one study, bhumyamalaki helped resolve infective hepatitis without any side effects.

4. Amalaki or Amla

Amla or India Gooseberry is another amazingly beneficial Ayurvedic herbal fruit that is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and nitric oxide. It supports healthy liver cells by enhancing the natural production of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione. Amla provides protective effects against mild-moderate toxic exposure and short-term alcohol-induced brain mitochondrial dysfunction. Commonly used in an Indian household in food or as a remedy for treatment. Amla has the powerful ability to cleanse and detox the liver and the digestive tract, replenishing its tissues.

• Consume as Triphala powder for deeper and greater benefits
• Add a ½ teaspoon of Triphala powder or amla powder in boiled water, steep for 10 minutes, cool and drink it daily
• You can use amla in your food, salad, juice, etc.

5. Gritkumari or Aloe vera

Another amazing herb, Ghritkumari or Aloe Vera, is one sought-after solution for most health and beauty-related issues. With its cooling effects, it balances excess pitta, supports the healthy functioning of the liver, and soothes excess heat in the digestive tract. The aesthetic qualities of the medicinal herb plant cleanse the skin externally and the liver internally. Ghirtkumari is a rich blend of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids that together prove to be an excellent detoxifier for the liver. It purifies it and helps it to function smoothly.

• You can consume two tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel before meals 2- 3 times daily or can also consume its juice in the morning on an empty stomach.

Our brain health is essential for normal living and plays a massive role in how to deal correctly with life, which begins when we wake up and also plays an important part in how we sleep. It is truly an amazing organ, working around the clock for us. Below, we talk about Herbs For Brain Health.

Brain-boosting is required for keeping a check on its functioning, and there are lots of wonderful herbs, spices, and superfoods that enhance brain power.  The natural option is always a better and healthier way of treating an issue, and similarly, the herbs mentioned below work their magic on our brains.

9 Super Herbs For Brain Health

Ginseng

A wonder herb, Ginseng is required in the modern world credited to its stress-busting and boosting elements. An adaptogenic herb, Ginseng alleviates mood, improves concentration, attention, and memory, lengthens mental and physical endurance, and eases anxiety.

• Eat raw or lightly steam it.
• Stew in water to make tea.
• Add water to freshly sliced Ginseng and steep it for a while.

Gotu Kola

Pegged as the “herb of longevity,” gotu kola is a staple in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health.

• It is better to consume the herb after consulting a doctor and the herb is available in powder form.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a very popular and commonly used spice in India and other Southeast Asian countries. The herb spice is linked to improving brain functioning, especially on the parts of memory and attention. As per a study, the herb protects the brain against Alzheimer’s disease, enhances immunity, lowers the rate of dementia, and more.

Ashwagandha   

The Ayurvedic herb consists of a lot of benefits for various health issues and always helps in combating symptoms of depression, reduces stress, slows, reverses, or stops neuritic atrophy, and prevents brain cell damage. It also prevents age-related degenerative diseases and increases longevity.

• It is available in both powder and capsule form, and it’s better to consume the powder.
• You can mix it in honey and eat 300 gm daily, and while consuming the root extract, eat it twice daily.
• You can combine it with ginger and turmeric in honey and use it in tea.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a popular supplement and one of the top-selling herbal medicines. Its extract is collected from the dried green leaves of the plant and is available as a liquid extracts, capsules, and tablets. People use it for a variety of reasons.

Rosemary

The aromatic herb is magical if used in food and enhances the taste. Just smelling the herb can give a great boost to your brain. In a study, it was found that patients were faster and more accurate on cognitive tests after smelling rosemary or its essential oil. Another study reveals that ingredients in the herb protect the brain against free radicals, preventing stroke and neurodegeneration.

• Add fresh rosemary in your food, curd, salad, soul, etc., and is the best way to consume the herb.

Sage

Sage is a staple herb in various cuisines around the world. It improves brain functioning. The herb has been used for centuries in bringing mental clarity and reducing the depletion of noncholinergic and cholinergic neurons in the brain.

• The herb is used in several forms like fresh leaves for aromatic flavor in your food.
• You can sprinkle or garnish it on soups, roast dishes, sauces, etc.

Parsley and Thyme

This is also a commonly used herb in the kitchen; both parsley and thyme in our diet help to boost brainpower. The flavonoid present in the herb, named apigenin, boosts neuron formation and creates a strong connection between the cells of the brain.

Brahmi

The Ayurvedic herb is wonderful. Brahmi can work wonders by supporting the nervous system and the brain. The herb helps the brain spheres (left and right) to work together more synergistically. Brahmi also increases memory, focus, learning capacity, and intelligence, reduces stress, provides adrenal support, alleviates anxiety, and treats insomnia.

• 300mg of Brahmi per day is required for mental functioning, and it is better to consult an Ayurvedic expert before starting.
• Brahmi is available in powder, capsule, and juice form. 

Ushtrasana or the Camel Yoga Pose is considered one of the backward-bending asanas for strengthening your back and spine. Ushtra in Sanskrit refers to a camel and Asana refers to a pose. It is considered a good asana for improving the flexibility of the spine and neck. It keeps entire fitness as well.

How to do Ushtrasana (The Camel Pose)

1. Comfortably sit keeping your legs straight at the front.
2. By Kneeling down and sitting on your heels. Keep the heels and knees a little apart.
3. Then, raise your body up holding your weight on the knees.
4. Stretch your hands slowly backward and then, with your chin raised, bend your head and back. You can put your hands beside your hips on either side. Then, be stable in this position.
5. Then, continue the stretch till your hands reach down and you can feel the heels of your feet. Rest your hands on the heels. Check if your chest is expanded and you have your neck flexed backward gazing towards the sky.
6. Stay in this position as long as you like(comfortable). You can do this position for 30 sec to 2 minutes as per your level.
7. In order to release from this posture, you need to kneel down slowly inhaling. Beginners should be very careful.
8. You can take a rest by getting into the position of Hare Pose ( Shasankasana ), this is the counter pose as well.

Benefits

1. Gives a fine backward bend to the spine and the lumbar region; makes thigh muscles and the abdominal muscles elastic; removes congestion in the pelvic region; improves respiration.
2. It helps improve digestive, reproductive, and excretory organs.
3. Increases blood circulation to the brain.
4. Helps to improve Posture.
5. Reduce the fats in the stomach.
6. Improve digestion.

Contradictions

1. Don’t do this posture if you have severe knee pain or you have a stiff spine should do it carefully.
2. Persons with neck-related problems should avoid this Ushtrasana.

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