At this time of year coughs and colds are common so you need to think about ways to boost your immunity. Ayurveda encourages us to improve our immune system with good health and good food. Here are some tips for you:

• Find out your body type and choose foods that will bring a balance to your body.
• Immune-boosting spices are as turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel, ginger, black pepper and cinnamon.
• Examples of immune-boosting foods are pears, peaches, plums, sweet pineapple and mangoes, pomegranate seed juice and pomegranate seed chutney, leafy greens such as Swiss chard, kale, mustard greens and spinach, brocolli, cabbage, cauliflower, whole grains such as quinoa, amaranth and barley.
• Regular massages with oils and herbs is a valuable necessity to your overall health and maintenance – for more advice come to our clinic for a free consultation.

Please note these are general guidelines and do not apply to people with certain disorders. Always check with your physician for a diet suitable to your condition.

Ayurveda is a recognised healthcare system in India. It is practiced side by side with modern medicine (Allopathy). As in every healthcare system diagnosis has to take place. The identification of the root cause of the problem is the most important part of the road to recovery; it involves consultation with a qualified and experienced Vaidyar (Ayurvedic Doctor).

Ayurvedic Doctors are educated at Universities for five and a half years including 1-year internship. Their curriculum comprises studying and teaching of Modern Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology & diagnostic procedures, Principles of medicine, Preventive and social medicine, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Forensic medicine, ENT, Gynaecology & obstetrics, Ophthalmology, Principles of surgery, etc. along with corresponding Ayurvedic subjects such as Rachana Sharira, Kriya Sharira, Dravyuaguna, Svasthavritta and Yoga, Roga Nidana and Vikriti Vijnana, Kaya Chikitsa, Kaumara Bhritya, Prasuti Tantra, Shalya Tantra, Shalakya Tantra etc.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines are not just an alternative therapy. Ayurveda have therapies for a range physical and mental diseases, skin disorders, gastric even degenerative diseases and much more. The prescriptions of these medicines revolve around the body’s physiological and psychological constitution.

An Ayurvedic consultation may lead to suggestions regarding detox, dietary advice, exercises, therapeutic yoga, meditation, therapies and supplements. A Vaidyar before deciding on the avenue of treatment for anybody first studies that person’s constitution, history and environment. He then treats the cause for the disease, which may involve observations and variations to the original recommendations. A qualified experienced Vaidyar is familiar with Allopathy medicines and will ensure any Ayurvedic supplements recommended are suitable for the client. Vaidyars are aware of many modern diseases not encountered by a single type of traditional medicine.

There is a great difference in ordering over the counter product and products ordered specifically from Kerala where the herbs are sourced locally and processed in the time honoured tradition. Most parts of Kerala are ever green, herbs are easily grown. A good example is our Chyawanprash, one just has to try this Chyawanprash to realize its benefits but it cannot be taken by people with certain ailments. Vaidyars try their best to ensure the sources of the products are from trusted suppliers in Kerala, this reflects in the quality and price.

That is why over the counter treatment is impossible in traditional ayurvedic practice.