Quench your thirst and revitalize your body with a delightful glass of pineapple and cucumber juice. This invigorating beverage offers a burst of flavours while providing a multitude of essential nutrients. While some claim potential health benefits and detoxifying effects, it's important to note that individual results may vary. In this blog post, let's explore the tantalizing blend of pineapple and cucumber, highlighting their refreshing qualities, nutritional value, and potential for a healthy boost. Let's dive into the details!

     Experience the invigorating and revitalizing power of Pineapple and Cucumber Juice as you can indulge in the delightful fusion of pineapple and cucumber flavours. This refreshing beverage offers the perfect balance of sweetness and crispness, making it an ideal choice to quench your thirst and awaken your senses. Sip on this harmonious blend and let the refreshing taste transport you to a tropical oasis, where the tanginess of pineapple and the coolness of cucumber combine to create a truly delightful and rejuvenating drink. Whether you're enjoying it on a hot summer day or as a refreshing pick-me-up any time of the year, Pineapple and Cucumber Juice is the ultimate thirst-quencher that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Pineapple and Cucumber Juice

Pineapple and Cucumber Juice

Refreshing Pineapple & Cucumber Juice 

Pineapple and Cucumber Juice

Here's a simple and delicious recipe for Pineapple and Cucumber Juice - The Perfect Refreshment for Summer:

Ingredients:

 

Add-ons (If preferred):

Method:

• Using a knife, slice off the top & bottom part of the Pineapple, and cut off the outer layer. 
• Slice the Pineapple and cut it into chunks.
• Slice off the ends of a cucumber and cut it into pieces.  Can peel the cucumber, if preferred.
  
• Place the pineapple chunks and chopped cucumber into a blender or juicer.
• Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the blender.
• Add the cold water to the blender.
• Blend the ingredients on high speed until smooth and well combined.
• If desired, strain the juice using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any pulp.
• Pour the juice into glasses filled with ice cubes, if desired.
• Give the juice a quick stir and serve chilled.
• Enjoy the refreshing and nutrient-packed Pineapple and Cucumber Juice!

Pineapple and Cucumber Juice

 

NOTES: 

• Adding Sweeteners to the drink is purely optional.

• Adding Lemon Juice or Mint Leaves to the juice can give you an extra note of taste and flavour to the Pineapple & Cucumber Juice. But it is purely optional.

   
  

 Storing Pineapple and Cucumber Juice: Freshness and Shelf Life    

DATES

    Only when I started living in Malaysia, I noticed that large batches of Dates were sold during Ramadan Season. The relevance never realized before and the significance of Dates during Ramadan fasting was a new learning for me then. Since the fruit was discovered, which can be traced back to almost 5320 BC., it has been known for its healing properties. Since then, Dates have served as a staple for people in the Indus Valley, Middle East and North Africa.  Mainly cultivated in these regions & in tropical regions.

    Dates are highly beneficial due to the innate composition of macronutrients and many other healthy elements.  Dates are known for their high content of natural sugars. It’s interesting to notice that dried dates have a higher calorie content when compared to the fresh fruit. The calorie content of Dates is one of the most important fact that makes this Middle East fruit a world favourite.

    It is said that Prophet Muhammad broke fast with three Dates and water. And from thereon Dates has been associated with Ramadan(Ramzan). The fruit is mentioned more than 20 times in the Quran. Muslims around the world, follow a religious tradition of serving Dates (Tmar) at their Ramadan Iftar table.  With many making it a point to break their fast with Dates. Dates are not only associated with Ramadan, but preferred by many Muslims for Tahneek, the tradition of rubbing something sweet into the mouth of a newborn.

    Apart from the tradition and cultural significance, the fruit provide a quick boost of energy for the meal to come. From the day-long fasting, your body may get deprived of energy and dehydrated. Low blood sugar, headaches and lethargy can be common manifestation of the fasting. In such a scenario, dates are the perfect way to break the fast as it activates the body to take in the inflow of food, by helping to secrete digestive juices. Also, being rich in natural sugars, dates provide an instantaneous energy boost. Dates are full of carbohydrates and fiber. Fiber gives the body a fuller feeling and prevents it from feeling hungry. The high fiber also keeps the bowel movements regulated, despite the drastic change in meal patterns.

 

"DATES - THE FRUIT OF THE PARADISE"

Names of Dates in other Languages:

Tamil -Perichampazham

Malayalam - Eendhapazham

Kannada - Kharjoora / Eachalu

Telugu - Kharjoora / Kharjoora Pandu

Tulu - Karjoora

Hindi - Khajur

Marathi - Khajur / Kharik

Gujarati - Khajur

Bengali - Khejoor

Konkani - Khajjoor / Kaajjuru

Oriya - Khajura / Khajuri

Punjabi - Khajur

Assamese -Khezur

Sinhalese -Rata Indhi

Arabic - Tamur(Tmar)

Bahasa Melayu -  Kurma

 

 

DATES - NUTRITIONAL VALUE & USES

 

    Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree, which is grown in the Middle East, North Africa & in many tropical regions around the world.  Mostly Dates are sold in dried form.  It can be eaten fresh too. A wrinkled skin indicates they are dried, whereas a smooth skin indicates freshness.  Dates have an excellent nutrition profile.

    Dates can be eaten fresh or dried, but it is mostly sold & eaten in dried form.  Dried Dates have higher calorie content than a fresh fruit.  Most of the calories in Dates come from Carbohydrates & a very small amount of Protein. Dates retain lots of Vitamins and Minerals.  It is also rich in antioxidants which help protect cells from damage. Dates are a rich source of minerals like Iron, Calcium, Potassium, essential Amino Acids and vitamin A, B, C & D. It is a good source of dietary fiber too. 
Dates are highly rich in Micronutrients like Selenium, Manganese, Magnesium & Copper.

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DATES 

DATES

    Dates are rich in nutrients and hence are highly beneficial to health too. Dates have been used as a Food & as a Natural Medicine for years. 

 

Highly Nutritious:

    Dates are packed with essential Vitamins & Nutrients, which can be extremely helpful for our overall health.  Dates are also rich in Fiber & Carbohydrates which makes it one of the healthiest dry fruits.  High antioxidant content in Dates & with anti-mutagenic & anti-carcinogenic properties, it is believed to help prevent Cancer.

Rich in Vitamins:

    Dried or fresh dates are good source of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C & D.  These essential Vitamins ensure optimum health to our body.  The need for these Vitamins can be easily met by including Dates in our daily diet.

Rich in Antioxidants:

Dates are known for its high concentration of anti-oxidants.

• Carotenoids: Carotenoids are known for their ability to significantly reduce the chances of macular degeneration which can be highly beneficial for a Healthy Heart.

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and it is also known for helping to reduce the effects of Diabetes.  Flavonoids are also beneficial to your brain and also helps to reduce the risk for brain degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  Flavonoids can also help in reducing the risk towards certain types of Cancer too. 

• Phenolic Acid: Phenolic acid is  mainly known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed in reducing the risk of developing cardiac issues and can also help in reducing the risk towards certain types of Cancer too.
  

Treats Anemia:   

    Dates are an excellent source of Iron & Folic Acid. Folic Acid helps the body to absorb Iron and helps in increasing the Red Blood Cell count. Dates are very helpful in treating and preventing Anemia and is also believed to treat Sickle Cell disease.

Regulate Blood Sugar Levels:

    Dates help to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar & protein in the urine. Alternatively, increasing the hemoglobin levels. Dates affect insulin activity of the body and balance blood sugar levels helping to reduce some diabetic symptoms. Dates are successful at reducing lipid and glucose levels.  It helps in regulating oxidative stress in diabetic patients, which means it lowers blood sugar and cholesterol & also improves protection against cell damage.

Lowers Cholesterol:   

    Dates are a good source of antioxidants which helps to reduce LDL(bad cholesterol level) and triggers the increase of HDL(good cholesterol). Increase in HDL protects our body from heart disease and atherosclerosis.  Try to incorporate Dates in your daily diet.

Aids Weight Loss:

    Dates can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain. Vitamin B present in Dates help with smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting food into energy, rather than storing it as fat. Daily consumption of Dates enhances digestion, reduces fat and cleanses the intestine helping in reducing excess weight.

Treats Bacterial Infections:     

    Dates are known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, which helps combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, E. coli & Pneumonia. Dates are helpful in preventing Microbial Infections.  Date Plant extract has also proven effective in reducing the side effects caused due to powerful medicines.  Dates have successful defensive capabilities against microbes.

Improves Brain Function:

    Consuming Dates helps reduce issues related to anxiety disorder and also helps in boosting memory.  It is also effective in preventing degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's & also helps in the overall improvement of your brain function.  

Preventing & Treating Cancer:

    Presence of beta D-glucan in Dates has proven to be advantageous in promoting an antitumor activity within the body.  High concentration of antioxidants in Dates helps in reducing the activities of free radicals and thereby reduces the risk of Cancer and can significantly help in the reduction of occurrence of benign tumours too.

Help fight against Diabetics:

    Dates have the ability to increase the production of Insulin  & also help reduce the rate of absorption of Glucose from the intestine.  This helps to reduce Blood Glucose Level, which has proven to be beneficial for people suffering from Diabetics.

Promotes Bone Health:

     Dates are highly rich in Micronutrients like Selenium, Manganese, Magnesium & Copper.  Regular consumption of Dates meets the need for these micro-nutrients & also ensures a good bone health.  It has also proven beneficial in treating bone conditions such as Osteoporosis. 

Strengthens the Nervous System:

    Dates are rich in nutrients like Potassium, and it has very low levels of Sodium, which makes it good for Neurological health.  Potassium in Dates makes communication between the nerve cell easier.  Low Sodium contents proves to be beneficial in lowering Hypertension.

Good Skin:

    Dates have high concentration of vitamin C & vitamin D which ensures a healthy skin.  It helps to keep skin well nourished and improves the elasticity of the skin. It also helps in maintaining a heathy balance of Melanin in skin.  Vitamin C & D also helps get rid of wrinkles and also helps you to get a healthy glowing skin.

Prevents Hair Loss:

    Dates are a good source of Iron, which makes it beneficial for your hair.  Rich Iron content in Dates ensures that the blood flow remains strong.  The increased flow of oxygen facilitates the growth of new hair, reduces the rate of hair fall and also keeps the scalp nourished.

Healthy Bowel Movements:

    High fibre content in Dates has proven beneficial for people suffering from irregular bowel movements.  Regular consumption of Dates also helps in reducing the Ammonia content in stools which alternatively helps in maintaining an overall health.

Eye Health:  

    Dates serve as a good source of vitamin A and with its Antioxidant properties. Dates help to improve eyesight helps to impart strength and rejuvenation to the eyes. It also curtails the development of Cataract. Dates may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction. 

Prevents Night Blindness:

    Dates are rich in vitamin A and regular consumption of Dates can ensure you with a healthy Eye & also can help you do not get affected by Night Blindness.  Dates are used as one effective home remedy for Night Blindness from time immemorial. And it is also recommended to heal problems that occur due to lack of vitamin A.

 

HOW TO SELECT DATES

    Most Dates are left to hang on the trees to “cure” and dry a little before being harvested, so they’ll last longer once picked. These are the “fresh dates” available at many grocery stores, and they are also absolutely delicious.

Here are a few tips on how to select & how to store Dates to make them last as long as possible.

• Fresh dates can be wrinkled, but they shouldn’t feel hard. 
• Look for fresh dates that are fleshy looking and have a slightly glossy appearance to their skin. 
• Avoid dates that have crystallized sugar on their skins, which means that they are not fresh.

HOW TO STORE DATES

    Although Dates are considered dry fruits, the ideal flavour is optimal when they have moisture and are stored properly. Dates can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or frozen indefinitely.  The best approach for handling dates, especially if large quantities are purchased, is to freeze them. 

• Dates taste best when they are able to retain their moisture, so storing them properly is critical. If you plan to eat your dates within a week, store them in an airtight container in your pantry. 
  

• Refrigerating is the next best thing to keep them fresh for up to 30 days. Keep in mind that after 30 days the dates do not go bad, they just do not taste as mouthwatering as they do fresh.

• Dates may be frozen in the container they were purchased in, and keep indefinitely.  Take them out a few hours before you are ready to consume to allow for thawing. When frozen and thawed out, none of the flavour is lost and the moisture stays intact.

    

HOW TO USE DATES

     Dates are most flavourful & they taste the best when moist. They can be enjoyed just as they are or sliced into cereals, salads and served with any meal, any time of day.

• Eat Dates as such.  Works perfect for an indulgent snack. 
• Stoned Dates can be stuffed with nuts like Almonds, Pecan, Walnut, Pistachios etc., or can stuff them with candied items, like oranges or ginger.
• Convert it into Juice/Smoothies/Milkshakes.
• Can make tasty Chutneys & Sauces with Dates.
  
• Make tasty Puddings, Panacotta, Parfaits or Ice creams.
• Convert Dates into Energy Balls or Bars with Dates & Nuts.
• Can make a wonderful Indian Sweet Khajoor Katri with Dates & Nuts.
  
• Use Dates in Cakes, Scones, Cookies, Doughnuts, Bread etc.,
• Dates can be added into Fruit Salad.
  
• Chocolate dipped Dates make a wonderful snack.
• Add Dates into your Oatmeal Porridge for a tasty breakfast.
• Can make Dates Syrup. It can serve as a good alternative for Sugar.
• Dates can be added while making Tea, it serves as a natural Sweetener.
• Dates are usually served along with Arabian Qahwa Coffee.
  
• Convert Dates into an indulgent Wine.
  
• Dates can be added into Salads to add a sweet note to it.
• Add Dates along with Lemon to make a Sweet & Sour Pickle.
• Dates serve as one main ingredient in Panchamirtham a popular Prasadham serve in Palani Lord Muruga Temple
  

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DISCLAIMER:

 

 

    During my childhood, I have heard about a big citrus fruit Bamblimas. My Dad who earlier worked in Kotagiri, says that they get ample of Bamblimas in season. And also, it was one common term used for a plump & fat kid/person. The fact was that I had never seen this so-called Bamblimas, back in India. But when I saw Pomelos in the local market, during my initial days in Malaysia, I never guessed these were the same Bamblimas. Reading about the fruit, suddenly, gave me a revelation that Pomelo is nothing but the Bamblimas.

 

    Bamblimas has been synonymous with plumpness, and the name does total justification to the anomaly. Well seeing a Pomelo fruit, and when I literally held it in my hands I was intimidated by the size. I have never bought a Pomelo, it always comes as a gift, and initially I always wondered what I could do with it, leave alone I didn't even know how to cut it. With the help of Google, even I mastered the tasks. So it is like when life gives Lemon, no, no, no When life gives you Pomelos make Pomelo, whatever fancies you... The first thing tried out of this was a local dessert -Pomelo, Sago & Mango Dessert.  But the trick is to eat it as soon as you add the Pomelo Pulp into the dessert.  It doesn't taste good if left alone for a long time & the same goes when it is added into Salads too.  Then there are numerous other recipes like various Pomelo Salads, Marmalade, Jams & Candied Peels & as always Pomelo Juice, easy what?!!!

 

    Pomelo is a large Asian citrus fruit that’s closely related to grapefruit & considered to be the largest of all citrus fruits. It goes by many names - Pompelmoes(there you go it sounds like Bamblimas right?!!!), Shaddock, Pummelos, Jabong. They were given the name 'Shaddock' in the Caribbean after the captain of the East India Company ship introduced Pomelos to the west. Originally, these citrus has its origin in Southeast Asia.

 

 

 

    Pomelo is the largest out of all the citrus fruits with a close relation to grapefruit. A lot of the size is the rind and the thick membrane surrounding the fruit itself. Unlike other citrus fruits, the membrane of the Pomelo is extremely bitter. These large citrus fruits are either round or oval and have a rind that ranges in colour from green to yellow with a textured rind. Filled with a creamy white or bright pink. Somewhere between the pulpy core, Pomelos have a thicker pith than most other varieties of citrus fruit. Pomelos can either be filled with seeds, have very few or none at all. I have never come across one with a Seed. The flavour of a Pomelo is very much like the grapefruit, but much milder. Pomelos are sweeter and don’t carry that tangy, bitterness that can be associated with grapefruit.

 

    Pomelo contains several Vitamins, Minerals, and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C. that make it a healthy addition to your diet. Other than the above it also contains a lot of Fibre, Carbohydrates, Protein, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Copper & Potassium. It is a powerful immune-boosting antioxidant that helps prevent cellular damage from harmful compounds called free radicals. Pomelo is also rich in other Vitamins & Minerals, including Potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF POMELO

 

 

 

Rich in Fiber: 

    Pomelos are rich in insoluble fibre, which helps add bulk to your stool and prevent constipation. Dietary fibre also serves as a food source for the healthy bacteria in your gut. Fruit fibre is believed to improve bone density, long-term weight maintenance, and also helps to improve gut and brain health.

 

Weight Loss:

 

    Pomelo is a low-calorie food, and it contains Protein & Fiber. Both help to keep you feeling full for a longer time.

 

Rich in Antioxidants:

 

    Pomelo is rich in Antioxidants like Naringenin & Naringin. This can help prevent and reverse cellular damage caused by free radicals. Which can cause health problems and chronic disease when they build up in your body at high levels. Lycopene present in Pomelos acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Other health benefits include its anti-ageing properties and also facilitates a healthy heart.

 

Heart Health:

 

    Pomelos promote Heart health by reducing the levels of Cholesterol and Triglycerides. Pomelo may reduce these blood fats by preventing the cholesterol in food from being fully absorbed into the body, thus helping to maintain a healthy heart.

 

Anti-ageing Properties:

 

    The high anti-oxidant content in Pomelos exerts anti-ageing effects. Vitamin C in Pomelos helps prevent skin damage caused by harmful radicals. It can decrease the formation of AGEs(Advanced Glycation End Products). 

    The essential oil from the peel of Pomelo is rich in antioxidants and can decrease melanin production in the skin, potentially helping prevent discolouration and sunspots.

 

 

Antibacterial & Antifungal:

 

    The essential oils made from Pomelo Peel is believed to have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. The essential oils are highly concentrated, It should not be ingested. The essential oils should be properly diluted before you apply them to your skin.

 

 

Fight Cancer Cells:

 

    The rich anti-oxidant content in Pomelo helps to prevent the spread of cancer to an extent. The fruit contains much smaller amounts of potentially cancer-killing compounds. Naringenin, one of the main anti-oxidant in Pomelo is believed to kill Prostate & Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

 

 

HOW TO BUY & STORE A POMELO:

 

• Can buy fresh Pomelo at a local Asian market. 
• Dried Pomelo is available online.
• While buying a Pomelo, look for yellow to pale green fruits that are heavy for their size and feel firm to the touch. 
• Avoid soft, dull-coloured fruits that look dried out. Fruits with small blemishes are fine.
• Store the Pomelos in the refrigerator. It can last up to 1 week.

HOW TO CUT A POMELO:

• First, you need to carefully cut the top off a Pomelo with a sharp knife. The outer peel of the Pomelo can be tough.
• Then, starting at the cut end, make vertical slices around the Pomelo. Make around 6 to 8 Cuts.
• Remove the thick rind and peel the membrane from around each segment. You can score the rind which makes it easier to peel.
• Don’t eat the membrane-like part of the Pomelos as you would eat an orange or grapefruit. 
• Peel off the membrane and remove the small aril-like pulp. What's good to eat is just the pulp. inside.

 

HOW TO EAT POMELOS:

 

• It easy to add Pomelos to your diet.
• Pomelos are great in salsas, salads, marinades, juiced, made into jam or just right out of your hand.
• Can easily add it to fruit salads or into chilled desserts.
• Thai Pomelo Salad (Yam Sam-O) with fresh Pomelos, Shrimp & Coconut is a unique & delicious traditional Thai Salad.
• As easy as it is to convert it into fresh citrusy Juice. Add it along with other citrus fruits or with Pineapple for yet another combination of refreshing drink. Finish the drink with a hint of Mint or Basil for an added aroma.
• Pomelo Juice can be added to your favourite Cocktails or convert them into innovative Mocktails.
• Enjoy them the same way that you would enjoy any of your favourite citrus fruits. 
• Can use the peel in marmalades or candy it and use it as a garnish.
• If you have a recipe that calls for grapefruit, oranges, or even pineapples, you can substitute a pomelo instead.
• Dried Pomelos are used for desserts and are eaten as a Candy in Asian Countries. As it contains added sugar, it's much higher in calories compared to fresh Pomelos. 

 

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DISCLAIMER:

GARLIC MILK - LASHUNA KSHEERAPAKA

     Garlic Milk/Lashuna Ksheerapaka - is going to be the first guest post in Essence of Life - Food, written by my Cousin Dr. P.R. Ranjima(Mrityunjaya Ayurveda Clinic, Coimbatore), who is an Ayurvedic Physician. While talking to her for Medical assistance related to Blood Pressure & High Cholesterol, she suggested a few home remedies with her expertise in the field along with medications. And one was this Garlic Milk. Reading about the benefits and as informed by Ammu(Dr. Ranjima), about the same, I was overwhelmed and wanted to write about it in my blog. I placed a request with her, and she was happy to write about Garlic Milk for Essence of Life - Food. She has also suggested to me that we could write about some commonly followed home remedies in future.  

 

    I am glad and overwhelmed to come up with such posts. Specifically, collecting & writing about some home remedies commonly followed in Indian households, was one basic idea when I started my blog. Also, I had a label marked Home remedies especially, for it from day one. 

A sign of a cold or flu or indigestion or dysentery, the first thing I do is to go for a home remedy before visiting a Doctor. During all these years, I was always sceptical writing about it in my blog. I wanted a trustworthy source, equally vouched by an expert. So, now I think the idea is taking its complete form with the help and expertise of Dr. Ranjima.

 

    But be sure about what you are doing and follow the Home Remedies from trusted sources. 

 

 Follow it, only if it suits you.

 

    And here goes the first Guest Post, a home remedy taken from CHARAKA CHIKITSA - Garlic Milk/Lashuna Ksheerapaka. And once again, Thanks Ammu for the effort and a wonderful writeup.

Lashuna Ksheerapaka – Garlic Milk for Health

 

    Garlic Milk is considered as a highly useful remedy in Ayurveda. It is highly effective & treats multiple conditions of the body. This recipe is taken from Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 5th chapter 94- 95th sloka.

 

    Garlic is a potent herb used widely in Ayurveda. It is called Lashuna or Rasona in Ayurveda. It contains five among the six tastes, as we know as Arusuvai (Six Tastes - Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Pungent and Astringent). It is devoid of sour taste( amla rasa). 

 

GARLIC

 

 

    There is an interesting story behind Garlic – When the Devas and Asuras churned the Milky Ocean (Samudra Manthana), the Kalash of Amrita (nectar) was drunk by Rahu who was one among the Asuras. The Devas complained about it to Lord Vishnu and he at once chopped off Rahu's head before the nectar entered his body. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the nectar fell along with the blood of Rahu on Earth grew as Garlic.

 

    Though it has qualities of nectar, it also possesses the qualities of Asura blood, So it is avoided by people who follow a peaceful and serene lifestyle & avoided during fasting. Those who take garlic as food or medicine acts as prevention to Vata vyadhis, diseases related to bones, excess fat, worm infestations and digestive disorders due to the presence of qualities of nectar.

 

To read about the HEALTH BENEFITS OF GARLIC, Click here...

 

Recipe Type - Home Remedy
Difficulty - Easy
Serves -  2
Author - Dr.P.R. Ranjima(Mrityunjaya Ayurveda Clinic, Coimbatore), Ayurvedic Physician

Preparation Time - 5 Minutes
Cooking Time - 10-15 Minutes 

 

For more HOME REMEDIES, Click here...

 

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC MILK

GARLIC MILK - LASHUNA KSHEERAPAKA

    There are various forms of medicine preparations explained in Ayurveda like Lehya, Taila, Kashaya etc. One such preparation where medicines are boiled with milk is called as Ksheerapaka (which literally means cooking in Milk).

 

This recipe can be prepared easily & can be used as a home remedy for various conditions.

 

INGREDIENTS: 

 

Garlic Pods – 1 part(10 Gms)

Milk – 4 parts (40 ml)

Water – 4 parts (40 ml)

Method of Preparation:

• Remove the husk from the garlic pods. 
• Pound them well to make a paste.
• Take the milk & water in a vessel, add the pound garlic pods into it.
• Boil this mixture on a low flame, stirring continuously, until the milk gets reduced to half(40 ml).
• Strain it.

Dosage:

• Divide the quantity into two parts and have it twice a day after food.
• Suitable Dosage: Approximately 10- 50ml for adults.

Benefits of Garlic Milk:

As per Charaka Samhita, it cures

 

• Vata gulma(Abdominal lumps), 
• Udavarta(Belching), 
• Gridhrasi(Sciatica), 
• Vishama jwara(Fever), 
• Hridroga(Heart Disease), 
• Vidradhi(Abscess), 
• Shotha(Edema)

 

    Garlic Milk remedy does not cause bad breath.  The fat and water-soluble active principles are transferred, into the milk. Milk with its coolant nature reduces the hotness and pungency of raw garlic pods. Those who cannot tolerate the taste of garlic, this is the best way to reap the benefits of garlic.  The pungent nature of garlic widens the narrow blood vessels, thus improving good blood flow not only in the heart but also in legs and brain. It prevents diseases due to circulatory problems.
 

Also, Garlic Milk help to,

 

• Reduce bad cholesterol,
• Keep heart healthy,
• Relieve for digestive troubles, 
• Relieve bloating & constipation,
• Reduce back pain and inflammation related to sciatica or spinal disc issues.

Precautions:

• Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
• Do not take too much of salty and sour foods.
• Avoid too much exposure to sunlight.
• Reduce stress and anger.

 

*Persons with excess heat, mouth ulcers, & who has burning sensation in eyes and during urination, should consult an Ayurvedic physician before taking the garlic milk.

 

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DISCLAIMER:

Please remember these treatments options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replace the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician, homeopath, naturopath, or herbalist for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This article is for information purposes only.