The 2nd episode of The Navhind Times ‘Talk from the Heart’ on the Goa365 channel was aired on Sunday, June 14 from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Professor and HOD of Shahreera Rachana at the Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Shiroda, Doctor Neelesh Korde, was the guest on the show.
From the history to the benefits besides the various tips, Korde gave an in-depth view of Ayurveda, the 500-year old discipline. Asked how an ancient science could be relevant in today’s time, he answered, “Although an age-old system, the concepts describing the physiology and pathophsiology have withstood the test of time. It has outlived every invasion and even today is sought after by the masses where the conventional medicine has found it difficult to handle.” Elaborating further he then spoke about the 3 different life forces or doshas that are present in everyone and everything, namely; vata, pitha and kappa and explained how it influences the individual as well as the Ayurveda treatment given to heal him/her.
The highlight of the chat was immunity and Korde spoke at length on the topic; its importance, its role in wellness and foods that help build and increase immunity. He emphatically said, “A well balanced diet according to one’s constitution is important and so is eating at the right time.” Breakfast he stated was to be had a few hours after sunrise, lunch between 1 and 1.30 and dinner at or just after sunset so as to aid digestion. He explained how proper digestion is crucial to get maximum benefit from food and added, “Eating at the right time also maintains digestive capacity. Not forgetting exercise which too is equally important.”
An immunity booster he suggested was a kaada made of peppercorns, cinnamon, ginger, raisins, cloves and turmeric which is to be boiled in 400 ml of water for 10 minutes. “For those who want it a little sweet, candy sugar (khaddi sakhar) or jaggery can be added. However if one wants to use honey, please remember to add the same only after cooling the kaada.” A pea-sized pill of turmeric (haldi) and ghee every morning was another immunity booster that he spoke about.
Answering a query regarding indigestion and acidity, he recommended rice water as a good cure. “The second water that is used for washing rice is very beneficial for this problem,” he said. “Drink this water 4 times in the day and you will see the results soon. This water is also useful in cooling the body and providing micro nutrients.”
Replying to a question on how to combat heat and humidity, he said, “1 teaspoon of sesame (teel) seeds and 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds boiled in a litre of water will help. Also refrain from drinking cold water in this season however tempting or have lukewarm or room temperature water.” An alternative for the same complaint, he said was basil seeds (sabjah).
Another food that came highly recommended was the humble kokum or Garcinia Indica. “It is not only used for cooling the body and digestion but also helpful in losing weight.” The best way to utilise it, he said, was to stand it in hot water for 10 minutes and then drink the infusion. “For reducing fats in the blood, cholesterol and triglycerides, eat a piece of the rind in the morning,” he added.
As the programme progressed, the questions that ranged from diets to immunity/ immunity-boosting foods and much more, started coming in faster and Korde did his best to answer as many as possible. Look out for the next talk, which is slated in the near future.
