All posts by Sumana Rao

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Role of Raktashali Rice In Samsarjana Krama

Role of Raktashali Rice In Samsarjana Krama

Raktashali (red rice, described in Ayurveda) is considered one of the best varieties of rice for this process because:

  • It is light (laghu) yet nourishing.
  • Has strength promoting (bala) and nourishing and tissue building qualities.
  • Rich in natural antioxidants (red pigments), which support recovery.
  • It balances Pitta and Vata and improves blood.

Raktashali rice is boiled and prepared in different consistencies (Manda, Peya, Vilepi, Yavagu, Odana) according to the stage of Samsarjana Krama.

  • Initial stages (Manda, Peya): very thin preparations of Raktashali soothe the gut and rekindle Agni.
  • Middle stages (Vilepi, Yavagu): provide soft nutrition while keeping digestion light.
  • Later stage (Odana): more solid rice preparations offer satiety and strength, preparing the body for normal food.

Samsarjana Krama is a graded dietary regimen after cleansing therapies to restore digestion. Raktashali rice is the ideal grain used for preparing the various stages (from thin gruel to solid rice) because it is light, nourishing, and enhances recovery.

Image credit – All images in this article created using AI Copilot (8-10-2025)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 8, 2025
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Traditional Ayurvedic Dietary Recipes Made with Rice for Healing Purposes

Traditional Ayurvedic Dietary Recipes Made with Rice for Healing Purposes

In Ayurveda, food is more than nourishment — it is medicine for the body and mind. Among Ayurvedic healing foods, rice is considered one of the most balancing and restorative grains. It is light, soothing nature supports healthy digestion, reduces inflammation, and promotes natural detoxification. Traditional rice-based Ayurvedic recipes, such as kitchari and spiced herbal rice blends, are used to restore energy, calm the nervous system, and promote long-term wellness. These natural detox meals embody the Ayurvedic philosophy that true healing begins in the kitchen, where food and medicine become one.

Classical Ayurvedic dietary regimen Samsarjana Krama is prescribed after Panchakarma, or whenever digestive fire –Agni is weak—such as after fever, long fasting, imbalance in doshas or indigestion. The purpose of this diet regime is to gradually rekindle Agni and bring the body back from a weak, cleansed, or depleted state into normal strength.

These five preparations — Manda, Peya, Vilepi, Yavagu, and Odana — are traditional Ayurvedic recipes made with rice, water, and sometimes herbs or pulses. They are especially valued for being gentle on the digestive system and for restoring strength during illness or recovery. Each has a different consistency, digestibility, and purpose.

It involves a stepwise progression of diet starting from the lightest, most easily digestible food to gradually heavier, more nourishing foods. The general sequence of consumptions of these preparations is-

  1. Manda – super-thin rice gruel (rice water).
  2. Peya – slightly thicker rice gruel, with a few grains.
  3. Vilepi – soft, semi-solid rice porridge.
  4. Yavagu – thicker rice gruel, nourishing and easy to digest.
  5. Odana – boiled rice with more solidity, served with light soup.
  6. Normal wholesome diet – gradually returning to a balanced, complete meal plan.

References:

  • https://ayush.gov.in/
  • https://www.liveayurved.com/
  • https://www.davayurvedaezine.com/
  • Image credit – All images in this article created using AI Copilot (8-10-2025)

Role of Raktashali Rice In Samsarjana Krama – Click Here to Read More

Role of Raktashali Rice In Samsarjana Krama

Manda Rice Water Preparation And Benefits -Click Here to Read More

Manda Rice Water Preparation And Benefits

Peya Thin Rice Gruel Preparation And Benefits – Click Here to Read More

Peya Thin Rice Gruel Preparation And Benefits

Vilepi Thick Porridge Preparation And Benefits – Click Here to Read More

Vilepi Thick Porridge Preparation And Benefits

Yavagu Medicinal Gruel Preparation And Benefits – Click Here to Read More

Yavagu Medicinal Gruel Preparation And Benefits

Odana Cooked Rice Preparation And Benefits – Click Here to Read More

Odana Cooked Rice Preparation And Benefits

Ayurvedic Dietary Regime In Vata, Pitta, Khapha Conditions – Click Here to Read More

Ayurvedic Dietary Regime In Vata, Pitta, Khapha Conditions
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Coconut oil house uses

20 different ways to use coconut oil around house

Coconut oil is healthy and provide many medicinal benefits as it is packed with important nutrients. Recent studies recommend including coconut oil in daily diet and say it is a good fat. Keeping coconut oil has many other benefits too. Do you know coconut oil can be used for fixing and cleaning work around home? In case you have old coconut oil, instead of throwing it use it for fixing and cleaning house. Here are 20 different ways to use coconut oil around the house.

  1. Furniture polishing: Dab mixture of coconut oil and vinegar on soft cloth and rub it on wooden furniture. You can add little lemon juice in the mix to get polished look!
  2. Shower head cleaning: Mix coconut oil with baking soda. Apply mixture on shower head and faucets. Leave it for few minutes and wipe with old towel or old newspaper. This removes soap scum and any mildew that might be sitting on bathroom fixture.
  3. Remove crayon: If your children made mess with crayon and it is proving to be hard to remove with regular cleaners, apply coconut oil -You will see clean wall.
  4. Squeaky door hinges: To get rid of that annoying door hinge noise, dab a teaspoon of coconut oil on hinge and leave it for an hour. Squeak sound will go away.
  5. For door locks: Sometimes keys will start getting stuck inside the key hole and will be difficult to open the door. Melt coconut oil and using a ink dropper apply coconut oil in key hole. Key will not get stuck in the key hole!
  6. Dust prevention: Using a old newspaper rub coconut oil on surfaces where dust accumulates – like bedroom set, fan surface etc. Dust won’t build up easily on oil surface and it is easy to remove dust from oil surface.
  7. To remove sticky label: Apply coconut oil on sticky label on any surface. Coconut oil makes it easy to remove sticky label from such surfaces.
  8. Scuff mark removal: If there are scuff marks on floor and wall, apply coconut oil and easily remove the scuff mark.
  9. Cleaning leather: Any leather materials like belts, leather sofa, handbags and shoes can be polished using little coconut oil.
  10. Tupperware stains removal: Apply coconut oil inside Tupperware food container to keep food and water stains away. Yellow and red food stains that sticks to plastic container can be removed by applying frequent application of coconut oil
  11. Gum removal: Sometimes chewing gum can get stuck to surfaces or furniture or on floor. Apply coconut oil and using a brush remove the gum.
  12. Stainless steel polishing: Now a days stainless steel appliances are common in houses. Take little coconut oil in soft cloth and apply on Fridge, microwave, stove and dish washer surface and wipe using dry cloth or ole newspaper.
  13. For seasoning cast iron: Cast iron must be seasoned before using to create slick surface. Pour few teaspoons of melted coconut oil in the cast iron pan and bake it for few minutes.
  14. As carrier oil: Coconut oil is a natural carrier oil and can be used to mix with essential oil. This mix can be used in DIY candles.
  15. Apply on leaf surfaces: Take little coconut oil in fingers and rub it on indoor plant leaf surfaces. It gives healthy surface and healthy look for plants
  16. For car dashboard: Use coconut oil to clean dashboard and other surfaces inside your vehicle. Use soft cloth to rub it on such surfaces
  17. For rusty surfaces: Apply coconut oil on rusted surfaces. Leave it for few hours and using old cloth wipe it off.
  18. For makeup brush cleaning: Rub coconut oil on make up brushes and using paper towel clean make up brush. Oil will not only remove the old makeup materials but also acts as a conditioner for brush.
  19. Smear on utensils: To make it easy for cleaning, apply little coconut oil inside the such vessels – measuring cup, baking tray or before pouring sticky flour to vessels. The ingredient will not stick inside the vessels and makes it easy to clean.
  20. As insect repellent: Mix coconut oil with essential oils like lemongrass, peppermint or tea tree oil. Spray on surfaces where mosquitos and other bugs can prevail. You can also apply it on skin to prevent bug biting and it acts as a insect repellent.

Image credit: Image by DanaTentis from Pixabay  (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 7, 2025
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Yoga for acidity relief

Can Yoga Help In Overcoming Stomach Acidity Problem?

Yoga can help control stomach acidity (acid reflux or hyperacidity) by improving digestion, reducing stress -a major trigger for acidity, and strengthening the digestive system. Stress, irregular eating habits, and poor digestion are often linked to acid reflux, and yoga helps address these at their root.

Yoga asanas and pranayama practices are known to help reduce acidity by-

  1. Improving digestion – Certain asanas stimulate the digestive organs and regulate acid secretion.
  2. Reducing stress – Stress often triggers acidity; yoga promotes relaxation and lowers cortisol.
  3. Enhancing blood circulation – Better circulation helps maintain healthy digestion.
  4. Promoting mindful eating – Yoga improves body awareness, reducing overeating which is a common cause of acidity.

Yoga poses for acidity relief:

1. Vajrasana (thunderbolt pose / diamond pose)

•    Sit on your heels with spine straight, hands on thighs.

•    Best done after meals to aid digestion.

•    Helps prevent acid reflux by promoting proper digestion.

2. Pavanamuktasana (wind-relieving pose)

•    Lie on your back, hug knees to chest.

•    Relieves bloating, gas, and pressure in the stomach.

•    Improves gut motility and reduces acidity symptoms.

3.  Ardha matsyendrasana (seated spinal twist)

•    Twist while sitting with one leg bent over the other.

•    Stimulates abdominal organs, enhances digestion.

4.  Supta baddha konasana (reclining bound angle pose)

•    Recline back with soles of feet together and knees apart.

•    Calms the nervous system and eases stress-induced acidity.

5.  Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend)

•    Stretch forward while sitting with legs extended.

•    Massages abdominal organs help regulate digestion.

Breathing and relaxation to reduce acidity:

Anulom vilom (alternate nostril breathing) – Calms mind, balances acid-alkaline levels.

  • Right thumb closes right nostril, inhale left.
  • Close left nostril, exhale right.
  • Inhale right, exhale left.
  • Continue gently for 8–10 rounds.

Sheetali pranayama (cooling breath) -Reduces internal heat and acidity.

  • Roll tongue into a tube (or purse lips if tongue rolling is not possible).
  • Inhale through mouth, exhale through nose.
  • Very calming and reduces “heat” in stomach.

Bhramari (bee breath) – Reduces stress and nervous tension.

  • Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your eyes, relax your shoulders, and place your hands on your knees.
  • Close your ears gently with your thumbs, rest your fingers lightly over your eyes/forehead if comfortable, and take a slow deep breath in through your nose.
  • As you exhale slowly, make a steady humming sound like a bee – “mmm.” Feel the vibration in your head and chest. Repeat 5–7 rounds.

Keep in mind-

  • Avoid yoga poses that compress the abdomen right after eating.
  • Practice on an empty stomach (except Vajrasana, which is good after meals).
  • Combine yoga with mindful eating: smaller meals, less spicy, fried food, and staying hydrated.

Do this sequence daily, preferably morning or evening, and use Vajrasana after meals if acidity is a recurring issue. While it is not an instant cure, regular practice of above-mentioned yoga poses, breathing techniques, and lifestyle adjustments can calm the digestive system, reduce stress, and improve overall gut health.

Image credit: Akshay Gupta Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath) – PixaHive  (CC 0 Free to use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 30, 2025
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Children skin care

Ways To Take Care of Children Skin This Fall And Winter

During fall and winter, children’s skin is extra vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity because of the cold air outside, indoor heating, and frequent handwashing. Here are some effective ways to take care of their skin:

Moisturizing:

  • Use fragrance-free creams or ointments-that are thicker than lotions right after baths and handwashing to lock in moisture.
  • Petroleum jelly or natural balms- can protect areas prone to chapping (cheeks, lips, hands).

Bathing habits:

  • Short, lukewarm baths or showers (not hot water).
  • Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers instead of harsh soaps.
  • Pat skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.

 Protection from the cold:

  • Dress children in soft, breathable layers (cotton under wool to prevent itching).
  • Use scarves, gloves, and hats to protect exposed skin.
  • Change out of wet clothes quickly to prevent irritation.

Hydration and nutrition:

  • Encourage drinking water since indoor heat dehydrates.
  • Foods rich in omega-3s (chia seeds, flax, walnuts), vitamin E (almonds, sunflower seeds), and vitamin C (oranges, kiwi, bell peppers) help support healthy skin.

Indoor environment:

  • Use a humidifier in bedrooms to add moisture to dry heated air.
  • Keep room temperature comfortable but not overly hot.

Lips and hands:

  • Apply child-safe lip balm regularly.
  • Moisturize hands often, especially after washing.
  • Consider cotton gloves at night with moisturizer if hands get very dry.

 Particular care for sensitive skin:

  • Wash clothes with hypoallergenic detergent.
  • Avoid wool or rough fabrics directly on skin.
  • If eczema flares, use moisturizers frequently and consult a pediatrician for gentle medicated creams if needed.

Make moisturizing fun by letting kids pick their own “skin cream time” after baths or choose a gentle balm they like the smell/texture of.

Image credit: Image by andreas160578 from Pixabay (free to use under Pixabay content license, published April 14, 2016)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 25, 2025
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Coffee powder for skin care

Ways To Use Coffee Powder For Skin Care

Coffee powder is not just for your morning cup. Coffee is special for skin and beauty- it is a popular natural ingredient in beauty and skincare because of its caffeine content, antioxidants, and texture.

How does coffee benefits skin health?

Caffeine boost:

  • Improves blood circulation when applied topically.
  • Temporarily tightens and firms skin, reducing puffiness.
  • May help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Rich in antioxidants:

  • Protects skin from free radicals and prevents premature aging.
  • Supports collagen production, helping skin stay youthful.

Exfoliating texture:

  • Coffee grounds work as a natural scrub, removing dead skin cells.
  • Leaves skin smoother and brighter without harsh chemicals.

Anti-inflammatory properties:

  • Calms redness, swelling, and irritation.
  • Can soothe sensitive or acne-prone skin when used gently.

Key compounds in coffee for skin and beauty

  1. Caffeine
    • Stimulating blood circulation – reduces puffiness, especially under the eyes.
    • Temporarily tightens and firms skin, making it look smoother.
    • Helps minimize the appearance of cellulite by dehydrating fat cells slightly.
  2. Chlorogenic Acids (CGAs)– a polyphenol
    • Strong antioxidants – protect against UV damage and premature aging.
    • Anti-inflammatory properties – help calm redness, swelling, and irritation.
    • May reduce acne-causing bacteria when applied topically.
  3. Niacin -Vitamin B3
    • Coffee contains small amounts of niacin, formed during roasting.
    • Supports skin barrier function and may help prevent sun damage.
  4. Trigonelline
    • Another antioxidant found in coffee.
    • Contributes to protection against free radicals.
  5. Natural oils
    • Coffee grounds retain trace oils that help moisturize skin during scrubs.
  6. Exfoliating texture
    • While not a chemical compound, the physical grit of coffee grounds naturally removes dead skin cells, promoting a brighter complexion.

Ways to use coffee powder in skincare

  • Face scrub and exfoliator: Mix coffee grounds with yogurt, honey, or coconut oil to gently exfoliate dead skin.
  • Under-eye treatment: Apply cooled coffee paste or mix with aloe vera gel to reduce dark circles and puffiness.
  • Body scrub: Blend coffee with sugar and olive oil for a natural anti-cellulite scrub that boosts circulation.
  • Face mask: Combine coffee powder with milk or yogurt for a brightening and tightening mask.
  • Hair rinse: Brewed coffee can be used as a rinse to add shine and may stimulate hair follicles.

While applying coffee powder on skin keep in mind that –Coffee grounds can be abrasive — use finely ground coffee for the face, coarser for the body. Avoid daily use; 1–2 times a week is enough to prevent over-exfoliation. Patch test first since some people might have sensitive reactions.

Image credit: Image by congerdesign from Pixabay (free to use under Pixabay content license, published on November 3, 2017)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Cataract surgery post recovery tips

Post Cataract Surgery Recovery Tips

The lens is normally clear and helps focus light on the retina, the “film” at the back of the eye. Cataracts are like a dirty or fogged-up window in your eye. Cataract surgery removes that cloudy “window” and replaces it with a new clear one, letting light pass through properly so you can see clearly again. With age or other factors like diabetes, eye injury, smoking, or long-term steroid use, proteins in the lens clump together, making the lens cloudy.

Symptoms of cataracts:

  • Blurry, foggy, or dim vision
  • Glare and halos around lights (especially at night)
  • Colors appear faded or yellowed.
  • Needing brighter light for reading
  • Frequent changes in glasses prescription

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries worldwide.

Cloudy lens removal: In this procedure: The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye. The cloudy natural lens (cataract) is broken up using ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and removed.

Clear lens replacement: A clear artificial lens (called an intraocular lens implant, IOL) is inserted. This lens stays permanently in your eye and does not require maintenance.

Benefits of getting cataract surgery done –

  1. Restores clearer, sharper vision.
  2. Improves ability to see colors more vividly.
  3. Reduces glare and halos.
  4. Often decreases dependency on glasses.
  5. Improves overall quality of life and safety (like reducing fall risk in seniors)

Care and recovery tips after cataract surgery:

Immediately after surgery (first 24–48 hours):

  • Rest your eyes: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or bending over.
  • Protect your eye: Wear the protective shield/patch provided, especially while sleeping, to prevent accidental rubbing.
  • Use prescribed drops: Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops help prevent infection and reduce swelling—follow the exact schedule.
  • Mild discomfort is normal: You may feel scratchiness, mild irritation, or notice blurred vision—this should improve in days.

First week of recovery:

  • Avoid: Rubbing or pressing your eye.
  • Prevent water exposure: No swimming, hot tubs, or getting tap water directly in your eye while showering.
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors: Your eyes may be sensitive to light and glare.
  • Limit screen time if your eyes feel strained—take breaks with the “20-20-20” rule -look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
  • Watch for warning signs: Severe pain, sudden vision loss, flashes of light, or floaters—contact your doctor immediately.

2–4 Weeks post-surgery:

  • Resume light activities: Walking, light chores, and reading are usually fine.
  • Driving: Only after your doctor clears you once your vision meets legal standards.
  • Eye drops: Continue as directed—many regimens last several weeks.
  • Avoid dusty or dirty environments that could irritate your healing eye.

Long-term recovery (up to 8 weeks):

  • Final vision stabilizes within 4–8 weeks.
  • Eyeglass prescription: If needed update eyeglasses after the eye fully heals.
  • Healthy lifestyle: Maintain hydration, eat antioxidant-rich foods that support eye health like leafy greens, citrus, nuts, and omega-3 sources.

Rest, protect your eye, use drops exactly as prescribed, avoid infection risks, and watch for unusual symptoms. Most people recover smoothly and experience clearer vision within days to weeks.

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/eye-cataract-technology-modern-5261179/ (Free for use under the Pixabay Content License, published on June 6, 2020)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 23, 2025
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