Menstruation Guidelines

In today's world, women curse to the knowledge of having their period.  But according to Ayurveda, having your period is a blessing and not a curse.  Apart from preparing the body for conception and pregnancy, the body is being cleared of all toxins.  Every month we get to clean out our system and we don't even have to do anything!  Nature does it for us!  Our bodies are being renewed.  We are born again!  What a beautiful support from the laws of nature.

Constipation, diarrhea, irritability, mood swings, bloating, upset stomach, cravings, fatigue, breast tenderness, breakouts, sadness, anger, sensitivity - just to mention the very few variety of symptoms we might experience.

Here are some guidelines that will help during our menstruation -

• the body needs to be free of ama - this means no fast food, junk food, leftovers, alcohol and drugs.  Best to favor vegetables, grains, fruits, milk.  These fresh foods will keep your body clean and be easy on your digestive system.
• favor light and warm foods - the ones that will pacify your Vata.
• take it easy!  Don't engage in certain activities or people that will get you moody.  Best to be more inwards.
• light to moderate exercise is recommended; walks in particular
• avoid daily massages during menstruation 
• definitely follow a routine when menstruating as this will help in regulating your menstruation 
• use the following spice mix when cooking to help balance your cycle - 
• 6 parts fennel
• 1 part black cumin
• 1 part cumin
• 6 parts coriander 
• 1 part turmeric 
• 1 part black pepper 
• sauté this mix in ghee and add to your meals 

Recipe 1 - Cilantro Chutney

Here's a great Maharishi Ayurvedic cilantro recipe.

This is a simple recipe using the remarkable coriander leaf (cilantro).  It is not only delicious, it is a safe way to begin purifying deep toxins (known as garavisha) from the body.  You can eat cilantro chutney with holy basil (tulsi) as an addition to your diet.  The cilantro is said to help remove heavy metals and the holy basil is helpful in eliminating two particular kinds of toxins recognized by Ayurveda - amavisha and garavisha.  If you grow it in your home, it helps purify the air as well.  It grows easily in most spring/summer north American climates.

The recipe:

• 8 teaspoons of chopped organic cilantro leaf
• 1 teaspoon of shredded organic ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of organic lime or lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of chopped holy basil leaf

To make this delicious Ayurvedic chutney, just add a little water and blend together to a thin paste.  Add salt to taste.  You can use this chutney with cooked vegetables, rice and other grains and flat breads.  

Remedy 3 - Immunity Spice Mix

What is the main function of the immune system?  The answer is to protect the body from foreign invaders.  To strengthen and keep the immune system in balance is vital to health.  Here's a great way to boost your immunity with spices.

• 3 parts ground cumin
• 3 parts coriander
• 6 parts turmeric 
• 6 parent ground fennel
• 1 part powdered, dry ginger
• 1 part ground black pepper
• 1/4 part ground cinnamon

- Mix the spices together 

- In 1 tablespoon on Ghee (clarified butter), heat 1 teaspoon of this spice mixture until it releases aroma

- Add this to your vegetables, rice, etc. 

Must have spices in your spice rack

Spices and herbs have healing powers.  
Spices and herbs are in direct relation to the entire holistic functioning of the body.
They're therapeutic.
Flavorful.
Convenient.

Be sure to have the following spices in your spice rack. 

• Turmeric
• Coriander
• Fennel
• Cumin
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Asafoetida 
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Basil
• Cayenne
• Black pepper
• Saffron
• Ajwain
• Dill
• Mustard seeds
• Sea salt
• Black salt
• Fenugreek 

Remedy 2 - Acidity, gas, indigestion

How do you feel after food intake?
Heavy, bloated, acidic, gaseous?
Here's a simple home remedy you can make which can help with any discomfort.

Acidity, gas and indigestion -

1. Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
2. Coriander seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
3. Black salt - 1/2 teaspoon
4. Sugar - small pinch
5. If you're experiencing any pain, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of Ajwain seeds

Mix all the ingredients above, let it boil nicely and drink as a tea.

For full effect, best to have after lunch and dinner.