AYURVEDA TIPS WITH FLO – AUGUST

BREATHE WITH EASE BLOG

Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old science that takes a holistic, individual approach to health and is primarily concerned with disease prevention and understanding of the cause of disease. Based on the 5 elements and Tri-doshic theory of Vata (Ether & Air), Pitta (Fire & Water), Kapha (Earth & water) the 3 main Doshas (constitutions).

These qualities are found in every person in varying amounts.  The excess or deficiencies of these doshas cause imbalances, or health issues.  Ayurveda has a plethora of wisdom and tools to turn to when it comes to promoting optimum health. Here are some of the tools below.

1. Diet and nutrition. 

3. Detoxification processes. 

4. Abhyanga, self – massage with oil preparations

5. Meditation, contemplative activities, consciousness development, nature immersion. 

6. Dinachara, Ayurveda rituals and regimes, chrono-biology. 

7. Herbal medicine and prescriptions.

We are guided in practical ways to instil daily habits, that support us, help us to flourish, expand and live an optimum life.  Ayurveda is also thought to be “the science of conscious living”. 

The monthly Ayurveda & Yoga workshops, I offer at Yogahome, are designed to provide themed, practical health tips and remedies to use at home, and feel-good experiences. We practice meditation, yoga and Pranayama. The workshop culminates in an immersive Sound Bath with Crystal & Himalayan Singing Bowls. 

In this month’s workshop you will get to try great smelling essential oil blends that stimulate the immune system, discover how to make your own respiratory herbal tea blends, practice pranayama and yoga to optimise the breath. We will also be covering a top Rasayanic herb, Guduchi, a powerful immune system protector, gut tonic, with an affinity for treating respiratory infections. 

We will enjoy and have fun making and trying out the remedies which you will be able to take home as gifts. I will be demonstrating how to make a famous Immune System tonic called Four Thieves Vinegar. See the recipe below.

The Legend of The Four Thieves Vinegar

This is one of the most famous and revered herbal tonics to strengthen the immune system. Taken daily through Autumn and Winter it will help prevent respiratory infections. 

Perhaps you’ve heard of the legend of the Four Thieves Vinegar? During the time of the 17^th Century Black Plague, four thieves became rich from robbing the homes of those who had been killed from the Black Death.

They were eventually caught and sentenced to death unless they shared their secret on how they protected themselves. It is said that the thieves drank the tonic and would anoint their bodies in vinegar that had been infused with “protective” herbs. Western science has proven what these inspired thieves knew hundreds of years ago, which was that the herbs and spices used in this tonic are all powerful, natural antibiotics, anti-virals and immune stimulants. There are many variations of this recipe.

To make it you will need: 

• 3 tablespoons of dried Sage
• 2 tablespoons of dried Thyme
• 2 tablespoons of dried Rosemary
• 2 tablespoons of dried Mint
• 4-6 cloves of Garlic
• 1 tablespoon of ground Black Pepper
• 4 cups of organic apple cider vinegar with the “mother” 

Method:

1. Clean, sterilise and dry a large glass jar with an airtight lid.
2. Place all of the dried herbs and garlic into the jar
3. Pour over the vinegar, stir well and seal tightly. Ensure the vinegar covers all of the ingredients by around 2 inches. The vinegar is strong enough to erode some metal lids so consider covering the opening of the jar with greaseproof paper and then putting the metal lid on.
4.  Store the jar in a cool dark place for 3-4weeks, shaking vigorously each day if possible.
5. When ready strain the vinegar through a sieve into smaller sterile glass jars, label, date and seal the jars, again using greaseproof paper to prevent lid erosion. 
6. Store the finished jars in a cool dark cupboard away from all heat and light. The vinegar will last for around a  year. 

Dose: Take 1 teaspoon a day to ward off infections

I hope you will join me in the workshop!