Arthrites (Amavata)

Arthritis is related to vata aggravation. This often manifests as tension and anxiety, related with pain. There is also a natural aggravation of vata in the elderly. In the case of arthritis, the aggravated vata combines with ama (toxin) and is deposited in the joints. This state is called ‘amavata’. Ama (toxin) is the result of improper digestion.

Diet

Fruits can be taken in the morning with milk and some nuts and seeds. Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, bread and a glass of buttermilk. The dinner should usually consist of green vegetables, sprouts (alfalfa, fenugreek, mung or green lentils), bread and salad. Taking a glass of warm milk before bed is good. Cardamom and fennel can be boiled in this milk too.

Non-vegetarian foods, tea, coffee, chocolates, sodas, white flour and sugar products, white rice, chemical additives and strong spices should be excluded from the diet. Foods that increase vata should also be avoided. This includes very cold or chilled foods, dry foods, light and airy foods (cabbage, lettuce and raw vegetables). Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, green beans and mushrooms increase vata. Raw apples, dried fruits and any preserved foods also increase vata.

Some Home Remedies

Green lentil (mung) soup mixed with crushed garlic cloves is easily digested and can ease inflammation.
The use of castor oil is very helpful in cleansing ama (toxin) and balancing vata. Take one tablespoon before bed, once or twice a week.
Equal quantities of powdered fenugreek seeds, turmeric and ginger powder can be mixed together. One teaspoon can be taken in the morning and evening.

Exercise & Regimen

Meditation and relaxation are other very beneficial activities. Try to concentrate on a certain object, and slowly increase the length of time meditated each day. Regularity of time, place and practice are very important for meditation. A suitable time is the twilight—dawn and dusk. A gentle head massage (with or without oil), some form of fragrant aromatherapy, and soft music also helps relaxation.
Common cold may sometimes be due to weak digestion. When the food we eat is not fully digested, it transforms into mucus known as ama (toxin). This circulates through the body and reaches the respiratory system, where it causes colds.

Diet

Cold food and drinks, ice creams, sweets, fried food and milk products (cheese, creams, yogurt) should not be consumed. Sweet fruit juices should also be avoided. Breads, meats, nuts and pastries are also not good to take.

Follow a light and warm diet like boiled or steamed vegetables and vegetable soup. Spice teas, herbal teas and hot milk can be taken (if boiled with a piece of crushed ginger). Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder can be mixed with the milk.

Some Home Remedies

Take ½ teaspoon of ginger powder with 1 teaspoon of honey. Black pepper can also be added.

Chewing a piece of fresh ginger with a little salt on it will ease coughs.
Half a cup of warm water mixed with one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey can be taken several times a day.
Equal quantities of powdered fenugreek seeds, turmeric and ginger powder can be mixed together. One teaspoon can be taken in the morning and evening.

In cases of a sore throat, a clove or two cardamoms or a few raisins can be chewed.

Gargling with warm salty water is also beneficial. This can be done two or three times a day.