Karkitaka Chikitsa-Kerala Ayurveda Monsoon Panchakarma Rejuvenation

02/Aug/2023

What is monsoon?

Kerala is a tropical landscape with a humid summer of 4 months, a mild winter spanning between mid-November to mid-January, and an intensive two-phased rainy season of six months between Mid-May to Mid-November. Intermittent short spells in April and May happen as summer showers. South-west monsoon the primary rainy season of the Indian sub-continent enters India around the first week from the southern tip of Kerala and ascends upwards throughout the western and eastern coasts, Deccan Plateau, and beyond. Monsoon stays on till the end of August from when Retreat Monsoon rains propelled by the north-eastern winds take on and last until mid-November. Kerala in Ayurveda is based and is aligned to these climatic changes, of which the south-west monsoon is important, especially in its later part when the sun transition to Dakshinayana, the shift from the harsh winter solstice to the mild summer solstice and is known as Karkitakam locally. Rainy season peaks between June, July, and August. On the 17^th of July, in the middle of the season, the Sun changes are known as Karkaataka Sankranthi and are heralded as the start of a month-long traditional ritualistic lifestyle of detoxification and rejuvenation of the body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda treatments, special diets, religious ceremonies, prayers, and self-care regimens are part of the Kerala monsoon lifestyle. This helps the person and society to gear up for the future and stay healthy

Global warming, climatic changes, and the related sequel has brought in drastic changes in the rain pattern. The fragile ecosystem has paved the way for rain-related floods and landslide calamities. A return to nature is the solution ahead for humankind and re-inventing the Karkitakam lifestyle is a major milestone in this regard

What are monsoon herbs?

Summer showers drench the parched earth and provide the signal for the dormant seeds of the tropical meadows to soak, germinate, break the earth and sprout out with life. These herbs are nurtured with the start of monsoons and by mid-July when Karkitakam starts these herbs create bio-diverse green tropical flowering meadows in every available space. These succulent herbs are resilient and hence withstand the rains and winds. Indigenous Ayurveda wisdom of Kerala ancestors has researched and identified ten herbs among them to be used as medicines to detoxify each organ system in the human body

These assorted 10 herbs are named Dashapushpam, translated as flowers. The name goes so, as the herbs are harvested at the flowering stage using the flowers are the distinguished identifying factor, though small or inconspicuous. The inflorescence of these herbs with the terminal leaves is used by ladies to adorn the hair during the month. A scientific analysis of each of these herbs gives a picture of their importance in healthcare

What are the benefits of using and growing Dashapushpam?

Monsoon is the season of heavy rains, communicable diseases, and infectious viral fevers, the numbers and spread is increasing with each passing year. Environmental detoxification is important while individual detoxification is more important. Dashapushpam if used internally as food, in homes to place and to smoke, in gardens to landscape, and on fields and roadsides as meadows can create a shield of anti-toxicity and immunity between the germs, their vectors, and the community. Each of these herbs has distinct medicinal properties. These are

Administrator

06/Aug/2022

What is monsoon?

Kerala is a tropical landscape with a humid summer of 4 months, a mild winter spanning between mid-November to mid-January, and an intensive two-phased rainy season of six months between Mid-May to Mid-November. Intermittent short spells in April and May happen as summer showers. South-west monsoon the primary rainy season of the Indian sub-continent enters India around the first week from the southern tip of Kerala and ascends upwards throughout the western and eastern coasts, Deccan Plateau, and beyond. Monsoon stays on till the end of August from when Retreat Monsoon rains propelled by the north-eastern winds take on and last until mid-November. Kerala in Ayurveda is based and is aligned to these climatic changes, of which the south-west monsoon is important, especially in its later part when the sun transition to Dakshinayana, the shift from the harsh winter solstice to the mild summer solstice and is known as Karkitakam locally. Rainy season peaks between June, July, and August. On the 17^th of July, in the middle of the season, the Sun changes are known as Karkaataka Sankranthi and are heralded as the start of a month-long traditional ritualistic lifestyle of detoxification and rejuvenation of the body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda treatments, special diets, religious ceremonies, prayers, and self-care regimens are part of the Kerala monsoon lifestyle. This helps the person and society to gear up for the future and stay healthy

Global warming, climatic changes, and the related sequel has brought in drastic changes in the rain pattern. The fragile ecosystem has paved the way for rain-related floods and landslide calamities. A return to nature is the solution ahead for humankind and re-inventing the Karkitakam lifestyle is a major milestone in this regard

What are monsoon herbs?

Summer showers drench the parched earth and provide the signal for the dormant seeds of the tropical meadows to soak, germinate, break the earth and sprout out with life. These herbs are nurtured with the start of monsoons and by mid-July when Karkitakam starts these herbs create bio-diverse green tropical flowering meadows in every available space. These succulent herbs are resilient and hence withstand the rains and winds. Indigenous Ayurveda wisdom of Kerala ancestors has researched and identified ten herbs among them to be used as medicines to detoxify each organ system in the human body

These assorted 10 herbs are named Dashapushpam, translated as flowers. The name goes so, as the herbs are harvested at the flowering stage using the flowers are the distinguished identifying factor, though small or inconspicuous. The inflorescence of these herbs with the terminal leaves is used by ladies to adorn the hair during the month. A scientific analysis of each of these herbs gives a picture of their importance in healthcare

What are the benefits of using and growing Dashapushpam?

Monsoon is the season of heavy rains, communicable diseases, and infectious viral fevers, the numbers and spread is increasing with each passing year. Environmental detoxification is important while individual detoxification is more important. Dashapushpam if used internally as food, in homes to place and to smoke, in gardens to landscape, and on fields and roadsides as meadows can create a shield of anti-toxicity and immunity between the germs, their vectors, and the community. Each of these herbs has distinct medicinal properties. These are

Administrator

06/Aug/2022

Dashapushpam — dashapushpam 10 detoxifying herbs

What is monsoon?

Kerala is a tropical landscape with a humid summer of 4 months, a mild winter spanning between mid-November to mid-January, and an intensive two-phased rainy season of six months between Mid-May to Mid-November. Intermittent short spells in April and May happen as summer showers. South-west monsoon the primary rainy season of the Indian sub-continent enters India around the first week from the southern tip of Kerala and ascends upwards throughout the western and eastern coasts, Deccan Plateau, and beyond. Monsoon stays on till the end of August from when Retreat Monsoon rains propelled by the north-eastern winds take on and last until mid-November. Kerala in Ayurveda is based and is aligned to these climatic changes, of which the south-west monsoon is important, especially in its later part when the sun transition to Dakshinayana, the shift from the harsh winter solstice to the mild summer solstice and is known as Karkitakam locally. Rainy season peaks between June, July, and August. On the 17^th of July, in the middle of the season, the Sun changes are known as Karkaataka Sankranthi and are heralded as the start of a month-long traditional ritualistic lifestyle of detoxification and rejuvenation of the body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda treatments, special diets, religious ceremonies, prayers, and self-care regimens are part of the Kerala monsoon lifestyle. This helps the person and society to gear up for the future and stay healthy

Global warming, climatic changes, and the related sequel has brought in drastic changes in the rain pattern. The fragile ecosystem has paved the way for rain-related floods and landslide calamities. A return to nature is the solution ahead for humankind and re-inventing the Karkitakam lifestyle is a major milestone in this regard

What are monsoon herbs?

Summer showers drench the parched earth and provide the signal for the dormant seeds of the tropical meadows to soak, germinate, break the earth and sprout out with life. These herbs are nurtured with the start of monsoons and by mid-July when Karkitakam starts these herbs create bio-diverse green tropical flowering meadows in every available space. These succulent herbs are resilient and hence withstand the rains and winds. Indigenous Ayurveda wisdom of Kerala ancestors has researched and identified ten herbs among them to be used as medicines to detoxify each organ system in the human body

These assorted 10 herbs are named Dashapushpam, translated as flowers. The name goes so, as the herbs are harvested at the flowering stage using the flowers are the distinguished identifying factor, though small or inconspicuous. The inflorescence of these herbs with the terminal leaves is used by ladies to adorn the hair during the month. A scientific analysis of each of these herbs gives a picture of their importance in healthcare

What are the benefits of using and growing Dashapushpam?

Monsoon is the season of heavy rains, communicable diseases, and infectious viral fevers, the numbers and spread is increasing with each passing year. Environmental detoxification is important while individual detoxification is more important. Dashapushpam if used internally as food, in homes to place and to smoke, in gardens to landscape, and on fields and roadsides as meadows can create a shield of anti-toxicity and immunity between the germs, their vectors, and the community. Each of these herbs has distinct medicinal properties. These are

Vishnukranti: Slender dwarf morning-glory Evolvulus alsinoides: Brain health

Memory booster, Neurological tonic, Anti-stress tonic, Gastritis, Duodenal ulcers, Poisoning of any kind

Doorva-Karuka: Indian doab or Bahama grass: Cynodon dactylon: Eye and Cardiac health

Improves circulation, Eye diseases, Bleeding disorders, Herpes, and other eruptive viral infections

Sashashruthi-Muyal cheviyan: Lilac tassel flower: Emilia sonchifolia: ENT Health and Inflammations

Earache, Sinusitis, Headache, Tonsilitis, Influenza, Fever, Upper respiratory tract infection, Sore throat, Oral ulcer, Enteritis, Dysentery, Mastitis, Orchitis

Lakshmana-Thiruthaali: Morning glory: Ipomoea sepiaria: Female reproductive health

Infertility, Uterus diseases, Low immunity

Ashmaribhedaka-Cheroola: Mountain knotgrass: Aerva lanata Kidney and Urinary tract health

Renal calculi, UTI, Diabetes mellitus, HIV

Musali-Nilappana: Golden eye-grass: Curculigo orchioides: Reproductive health

Low immunity, Muscular dystrophy, Leucorrhoea, Low libido, Erectile dysfunction

Bhringaraja-Kayyonni: False daisy: Eclipta alba: Liver Health

Liver disorders, Anaemia, Eye infections, Headaches, Toothaches, Hair problems, Microbial infections

Sahadevi-Poovaamkurunnila: Little ironweed: Cyanthillium cinereum Digestive health

Fevers, Food Poisoning, Swellings, Elephantiasis, Wounds, Skin diseases

Samanga-Mukkutti-Little Tree Plant: Biophytum sensitivum: Skin and respiratory health

Respiratory and Digestive problems caused by seasonal change, Skin diseases, Allergic asthma, Phthisis, Diabetes mellitus, Non-healing ulcers, Gonorrhea, Lithiasis, Snake envenomation

Kapalaphoti- Uzhinja: Balloon plant: Cardiospermum halicacabum

Joint Inflammations, Scrotal pains, Congestions

Called as grahabhootadidoshagnhni which means cures the infections and related illnesses that are caused by external agents

For more details and queries on Dashapushpam and its benefits and to have free counselling on Karkitaka Chikitsa please feel free to

Talk to Sarathy Ayurvedic Hospital panel doctors

Mail us at mails2sarathy@gmail.com
WhatsApp us on +91-9895142321
Call us on +91-9895142321
Do visit our social media pages Sarathy Ayurvedic Hospital on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn

SARATHY AYURVEDIC HOSPITAL DOCTORS PANEL

Dr. Lathika PK-Specialist in Panchakarma, Stroke Rehabilitation and Ayurveda Cancer Care
Dr. Valsaladevi K-Specialist in Panchakarma, Child Health, Ayurveda Diet, and Yoga Therapy
Dr. Karthik K Nandan-Specialist in Conventional Orthopaedics, Marma and Varicose Veins
Dr. Gayatri S-Specialist in Women Health, Cosmetology, and Fertility
Dr. Ariya VS Resident Medical Officer

Administrator

23/Jul/2022

What is Karkitaka Kanji or Monsoon medicated porridge of Kerala Ayurveda?

Karkitaka Kanji is the medicated porridge widely popular in Kerala as part of Karkitaka Chikitsa or Monsoon Regimen practised as per Kerala Ayurveda traditional health care. The porridge is usually prepared with Navara rice, a special variety of rice, an assorted set of herbal powders and spices, coconut or cow or goat milk, cow ghee, jaggery and rock salt. Though there are few regional variations to the porridge recipe, the core principle and ingredients remain the same. Karkitaka Kanji is an adaptation of Kerala Ayurveda aligning with the regional tropical climate and socio-cultural fabric of the society

What are the benefits of Karkitaka Kanji?

Karkitakam is the Malayalam month, the first day of it which falls on 17^th of July marks the transition from the dehydrating debilitating harsh Uttarayana to the nourishing calming strengthening Dakshinayana. The settled rains, cleaner water bodies, potent mature herbs and a cooler atmosphere make the season perfect for a holistic body-mind-spirit rejuvenation. The chilling winter, harsh summer the thunderous heavy down pour, the polluted water, surge in vector borne communicable diseases, and many other similar factors batter the health of the population and play havoc with the metabolism during the Uttarayana period between 14^th January to 16^th July. The imbalance of the Tridoshas especially the Vata Dosha has to be corrected to ensure health for the whole year ahead which is physically and mentally.

Karkitaka Kanji is a nutraceutical diet formula which is light, hydrating, nourishing and is capable of correcting the digestion, restoring the macro-micro metabolism and reinstating the physiology. Karkitaka Kanji and Karkitaka Chikitsa together rid the person of the stress, wear and tear on the body and mind caused by the life activities, diseases and a demanding routine. The combo also prepares the person to tackle the demands of the year ahead. In short, it is a complete overhauling and reassembling of the complex machinery of the organ systems and the battery of reactions that sustain and maintain life in a person

What are the ingredients of Karkitaka Kanji?

Ingredients (for 2 persons):

Base:

Navara Rice: 50g (4 dessert spoons)
Broken raw rice/Broken red rice/Yavam diabetic rice: 50g (4 dessert spoons)

Herbal Powders (available with most reputed Kerala Ayurveda pharmacies)

Chandrashoora: Garden cress: 2 teaspoons
Dashamoola Choornam: 1 teaspoon
Trikatu Choornam: 1 teaspoon
Dashapushpa Choornam: 2 teaspoons

Spices (roasted and coarsely powdered)

Methika-Fenugreek: 2 teaspoons
Jeeraka-Cumin: 2 teaspoons

Taste Maker

Jaggery: 3 teaspoons powder
Rock salt: Quantity sufficient
Cow ghee: 1 teaspoon

Cooking Medium

Water: Quantity sufficient

Diluting Additive

Coconut milk: Quantity sufficient

How is Karkitaka Kanji prepared?

Wash and drain the rice
Boil half litre of water
Heat a thick bottomed pan and add ¼ teaspoon of cow ghee
Add the drained rice and roast the on a low flame for 5- minutes
Add boiling water, rock salt to taste and the herbal powders
Cover and cook on moderate flame for 15-20 minutes
When the rice is soft, add powdered jaggery or jaggery syrup
Cook on low flame for 10 minutes
Keep stirring
When the consistency is soupy, thick and well blended switch off the flame
Add the crushed spices and stir
Add remaining ghee and stir
Add coconut milk and stir for 5 minutes
Take care to stir so as to avoid curdling of coconut milk

What are the accompaniments of Karkitaka Kanji?

Pathila Thoran or any seasonal sautéed greens
Chutney made by crushing ginger, garlic, shallots and bird’s eye chilli garnished with lime juice and rock salt
Medicated warm water spiced with tulasi, cinnamon and cloves

How is Karkitaka Kanji served?

Serve hot
To be taken as breakfast or dinner
Serve in a terracotta or brass bowl
Use a raw jackfruit leaf spoon or a copper spoon
Sit on floor or chair cross legged (Sukhasana) while eating the Karkitaka Kanji
Avoid talking or use of gadgets
Eat slowly

For more details and queries on Karkitaka Chikitsa and its benefits please feel free to

Talk to Dr. PK Lathika or any of the doctors of Sarathy Ayurvedic Hospital
Mail us at mails2sarathy@gmail.com
WhatsApp us on +91-9895142321
Call us on +91-9895142321
Do visit our social media pages Sarathy Ayurvedic Hospital on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn

SARATHY AYURVEDIC HOSPITAL DOCTORS PANEL

Dr. Lathika PK-Specialist in Panchakarma, Stroke Rehabilitation and Ayurveda Cancer Care
Dr. Valsaladevi K-Specialist in Panchakarma, Child Health, Ayurveda Diet, and Yoga Therapy
Dr. Karthik K Nandan-Specialist in Conventional Orthopaedics, Marma and Varicose Veins
Dr. Gayatri S-Specialist in Women Health, Cosmetology, and Fertility

Administrator

08/Jun/2022

What are Rutus or seasons in Ayurveda? How are they classified?

The whole year is divided into six seasons Shishira, Vasanta, Grishma Varsha, Sharad, and Hemanta based on the movement of the sun into the northern and southern solstice positions. Northern movement is Adana kala or Uttarayana and southern movement is Visharga kala or Dakshinayana. Each of these solstice semesters comprises six months which is three rutus or seasons. The Rutus of Shishira, Vasanta and Grishma between the dates 14th of January to the 17th of July is Adana Kala. The Rutus of Varsha, Sharad, and Hemanta between 18th July to 13th January constitute Visarga Kala.

Adana Kala or Uttarayana is characterized by dehydration, de-stabilization, low immunity, low strength, disease proneness, and another harsh impact on nature and humanity. This is due to the harshness of the weather and climate. The wind is strong and winter peak in winter which dries up the skin and causes many illnesses in nature and humans. The summer that follows is the season of scorching heat and the subsequent dehydration at all levels. Hence the whole system and nature are weakened.

Visarga Kala or Dakshinayana is a moderate semester with settled water resources, cool comfortable temperature, and tolerate to the weather. The semester helps nature and humankind to regain the lost immunity, strength, and vigor as the earth is cooler due to the clouds, rain, and cold wind.

What is the climate of Kerala?

India is a dual climate zone as it is divided into a temperate zone and tropical zone by the Tropic of Cancer. Kerala lies in the tropical zone as a strip of land sandwiched between the southern end of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. hence Kerala is highlands and coastal plains. Two seasons of hot humid summer with an average temperature of 35 degrees and a humid rainy season with an average annual rainfall of 2500mm rule the land. Spells of rain are also part of summer and other months. A short moderate winter is spaced between summer and rainy season. Winter is more prominent in the high ranges.

What is Monsoon?

Monsoon is the three-month-long rainy season of the Indian sub-continent that is initiated by the southwest monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea entering Kerala. The onset of monsoon is generally on the 1^st of June and lasts up to the 30^th of August.

The initial phase between 1^st June to 16^th July is part of Adana Kala and is a demanding period. The heavy downpour, high humidity, polluted gushing water, and the emergence of communicable diseases cause havoc on nature and humankind which is already battered by a harsh summer. The second half is the start of the strengthening Visarga Kala and witnesses settled rains, pure water bodies, and full-blown nature.

What is the importance of Karkitakam in Kerala?

Karkitakam is the Malayalam month that starts on the 17^th of July with the southward movement of the sun. Kerala traditionally an agricultural economy developed this month as a period of physical, mental, and spiritual rejuvenation of society, nature, and livestock. With the agricultural activity completed time was in hand for the community. Herbs sprouted with the first rains are in peak therapeutic potency. The winter collected summer dried roots and tubers are also potent. People and livestock are in need of rejuvenation and disease treatments as they have suffered a harsh summer and a trying initial phase of monsoon. Ayurveda was the lifestyle and medical system of Kerala. Kerala had an abundance of scholarly Ayurveda Vaidyas and families who redefined Ayurveda to suit the local demands and requirements. Thus the coming together of all these factors marked the tradition of the beginning of Kerala Ayurveda and Karkitaka Chikitsa. Thus the month of Karkitakam assumed importance as the month of Ayurveda treatments

What are the benefits of Karkitakam Ayurveda treatments or Monsoon Kerala Ayurveda treatments?

The dry humid dehydrating heat of the summer causes dryness of the skin, dehydration in the tissues, and a weakened digestion process. The humid acidic conditions at the start further weaken the digestion and cause acidity and related illnesses. the compromised immunity, a surge of disease-spreading vectors, and the virility of the disease-causing microbes increase proneness to diseases

Detoxification: The toxins generated in the body and those that have gained access from the polluted air, contaminated water, unsafe environment, adulterated food, chemicals, and pesticides cause many diseases in the body. Karkitaka Chikitsa cleans up the system and thereby removes the causes of illnesses
Immunity Optimization: The strengthening treatments that follow the cleansing process restore the optimum immunity in a person by cutting down hyperimmune responses and enhancing low immune levels
Complete Rejuvenation: Rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul: health is holistic. The therapies, medicines, diet, spiritual practices, yoga and meditation improve circulation, increase oxygen levels, balance nutrition, and manage stress positively
Illness Management: The compromised health and the unfavorable climate worsen the illnesses in patients suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis, skin diseases, metabolic disorders, etc. To keep these illnesses under control and to improve quality of life Karkitaka Chikitsa has significant importance

What are the unique features of Karkitaka Chikitsa?

Kerala Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies and special medicines form the treatment program. Diet include medicated porridge Karkitaka Kanji, special vegetable sauté Pathila, Dashapuspam recipes, Mukkudi, lean meat soups, etc. Spiritual practices of Sheevothi, Ramayana Parayanam and other rituals contribute to the mental peace and emotional stability of the society. The total system gears the society to face the year ahead with health, immunity, stamina, endurance, mental stability, and courage.

Each of the benefits would be dealt with in detail in the subsequent blogs. Please do stay with us……..

For more details and queries on Karkitaka Chikitsa-Monsoon Treatments at Sarathy Ayurveda and its benefits please feel free to

Talk to Dr. Lathika PK Medical Director of Sarathy Ayurvedic Hospital, with a clinical experience of 35 years

Mail us at mails2sarathy@gmail.com
WhatsApp us on +91-9895142321
Call us on +91-9895142321
Do visit our social media pages Sarathy Ayurvedic Hospital on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn

SARATHY AYURVEDIC HOSPITAL DOCTORS PANEL

Dr. Lathika PK-Specialist: Panchakarma, Stroke Rehabilitation and Ayurveda Cancer Care
Dr. Valsaladevi K-Specialist: Panchakarma, Child Health, Ayurveda Diet, and Yoga Therapy
Dr. Karthik K Nandan-Specialist: Conventional Orthopaedics, Marma and Varicose Veins
Dr. Gayatri S-Specialist: Women Health, Cosmetology, and Fertility

DASHAPUSHPAM-THE TEN MONSOON KERALA HERBS FOR DETOXIFICATION Authors: DOCTORS OF SARATHY AYURVEDA: Dr Lathika PK, Dr Valsaladevi K, Dr Karthik K Nandan, Dr Gayatri S, Dr Ariya VS

DASHAPUSHPAM-THE TEN MONSOON KERALA HERBS FOR DETOXIFICATION Authors: DOCTORS OF SARATHY AYURVEDA: Dr Lathika PK, Dr Valsaladevi K, Dr Karthik K Nandan, Dr Gayatri S, Dr Ariya VS

DASHAPUSHPAM-THE TEN MONSOON KERALA HERBS FOR DETOXIFICATION Authors: DOCTORS OF SARATHY AYURVEDA: Dr Lathika PK, Dr Valsaladevi K, Dr Karthik K Nandan, Dr Gayatri S, Dr Ariya VS

Karkitaka Kanji-Medicated Herbal Porridge for Monsoon Ayurveda Regimen-Recipe and Serving Protocol-Doctors and Chef of Sarathy Ayurvedic Hospital

Karkitaka Monsoon Treatments and its Importance: Authored by Doctors Panel of Sarathy Ayurveda-Drs. Lathika, Valsaladevi K, Karthik K Nandan, Gayatri S, Ariya VS

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