In computer programming, a hack refers to a clever bit of programming that solves a problem. In Ayurveda, there are also hacks (though I don’t think the original sages who wrote the Ayurvedic texts had this term in mind).
Since I began studying Ayurveda, I’ve come to learn countless simple tweaks to diet and lifestyle that can have a huge impact on health. Here are two of my favorite Ayurvedic hacks.
Add cardamom.
This is a spice that’s rarely used in the West, but possess a unique combination of both cooling and digestive properties.
If you’ve ever had Indian chai, one of the main flavors you’ll taste is slightly sweet and spicy cardamom.
It’s no coincidence that cardamom is featured prominently in both tea and coffee in India. By adding cardamom to coffee or tea, it helps decrease the heat, acidity, as well as the overall increase in vata (excess air in the body) in the body from caffeine.
Another added benefit of cardamom: if you have a hangover, try sucking on a few green cardamom pods and eating the little seeds inside (spit out the outer shell). The seeds will help with nausea and improve stinky morning breath.
Keep reading for one more hack…
Forget antacids, use ginger powder.
Antacids and that pink chalky stuff essentially slow down digestion. When you have indigestion, that’s the last thing you want. Indigestion is just that: digestion is slow so food isn’t getting digested.
That’s why ginger is a miracle remedy for digestion, especially for diarrhea and vomiting. On the day of my sister’s wedding, one of the wedding party (whose name I won’t divulge) was a bit nervous and had a nasty case of diarrhea. Two doses of dry ginger capsules a couple of hours apart and a couple packets of sugar and said family member was cured and able to enjoy the wedding.
This ginger powder remedy is great for travel and excellent when you’ve got a nervous stomach.
Many markets sell the ginger powder capsules which do work just fine, though it’s best to take the real thing. Mix 1/8 tsp dry ginger powder with hot water and a bit of sugar and you’ll be feeling better in no time.
I hope these hacks help you feel better. I’ll be posting one more hack that helps relieve all sorts of digestive maladies later this week, so be sure to check back (or visit the home page of this blog and click subscribe on the top right of the page so you’ll be notified of new posts).
Let me know if you try one of these and how it works for you.
Photo credit: La.Catholique
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