OLD (Ayurveda) is GOLD (Precious)

Today we call ourselves modern and more learned as compared to our ancestors. Our science and technology has progressed to such great heights that human are now considered to have godly powers as they have solution/cure for almost everything. We are proud of our technology but still majority of us still has lot of faith in the knowledge that our ancestors have passed on to us. Before humans could understand and develop the medicinal world of chemically processed and synthetic products , God had already given us the power of healing through his creation of Nature. He has created so many valuable herbs, shrubs, fruits, flowers, trees etc which are full of medicinal powers. He had passed on this knowledge to our Vedic gurus, which is now available to us as Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term which means “knowledge of love”. Ayurvedic medicine is entirely holistic. It adherents strive to create harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, maintaining that this balance prevents illness, treats acute conditions, and contributes to a long and healthy life.

Ayurvedic medicine is India's primary healthcare system. More than 90 percent of the continent's population use some form of Ayurvedic therapy, including following its dietary principles, practicing traditional or "grandma's medicine," or seeking professional help from trained Ayurvedic practitioners.

In our day to day life there are so many products that we consume which are having ayurvedic properties. When you have sore throat or cold and cough, your mother must have given Haldi (Turmeric) milk, because it has anti-infection properties. Have you ever thought why is Saunf (Fennel Seeds) or Paan (Beetle Leaves) served after meals, it is because of its digestive properties. When you feel sick, you must have had Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea, why, because it is soothing to body and provides protection. As a child you must have had lot of Badam (Almonds) especially during exam times. Have you ever thought why, because it is a mental stimulant and helps in remembering things. These all examples are some form of ayurvedic products which we consume in our day to day life even without have the knowledge of Ayurveda.

Last year when I had my first child, I had gone to my Mom’s place for the delivery which is a small town near Pune in Maharashtra. I should say that each region has its own believes and traditions. We are north Indian but staying in Maharashtra for a long time. So we generally follow mixed practices of both these regions, whatever we find comfortable and useful. Well, my mother was very keen that we follow the traditional post-partum practice that is followed here for me and my baby. We had heard a lot about it and its benefits. I agreed to it and hired a trained lady to visit our home every day.  She used to give a full body massage with some special ayurvedic oil to me followed by a nap and bath. They say that these oil massages helps to lubricate the joints and helps in blood circulation which relaxes the tired body. Initially when I started taking the massages I felt it is of no use, but after 3-4 sessions I realized its advantages. Suddenly I felt lot of strength in my muscles and was less tired. I then understood the importance of these ayurvedic practices which are followed from ages and we “modern” people tend to ignore. After seeing the results, I followed all the Do’s and Don’ts that she used to tell me.

As my belief in Ayurvedic practices grew stronger, I didn’t want to miss anything for my child. The trained lady also use to give oil massage to my baby. She was very particular and asked me get the Dabur Lal Tail only for the massage. She said it has lot of ayurvedic products in it which will help my baby’s bones and muscles to grow stronger. So without having any doubt I got the oil for my baby’s massage. She used to first give massage to him followed by a hot water bath. After bath she also used to give him some aromas generated with few ayurvedic products (I don’t remember the names of what she used). According to her these aromas would prevent the baby from getting cold and cough. After all this pampering my baby use to have a very relaxed nap.

After 6 weeks I started giving massage to my baby with Dabur Lal Tail on my own and have continued it till now. He is 1 year old now. I think this massage was very beneficial to him as he started walking when he was just 10 months old. His bones and muscles are quite strong. Whole day he is on his feet, running and walking here and there. I have my complete faith on this Ayurvedic oil which has benefited my baby a lot. There are other oils from reputed companies available in the market. When it comes to babies I think it is always better to avoid all those chemically processed products and prevent babies from the exposure of chemicals as much as possible.

Apart from using ayurvedic oil, I also use few other ayurvedic products like Jayphal,  Harde, Ajwain etc for common sickness. Like when he catches cold, I give a little jayphal with milk which provides lot of relief to him. Also when I feel he is a little constipated I give him a little harde and Ajwain water. These home remedies or you can say Grandmas’ advices are very effective and we can again avoid the usage of allopathic medicines for the babies. When I came across Dabur Janam Ghunti I realized it has all the mix of products which I bring individually, prepare and give to my baby. Now I have started using the Janam Ghunti has it helps in the stomach ailments like constipation, diarrhoea  vomiting, colic etc. It is ready to use and reduced my efforts of preserving the products and then giving it in the right quantity.

All this Traditional knowledge is now becoming popular worldwide. Hence the ayurvedic medicines which our grandmothers use to prepare at home are now widely available in market and are clinically tested by authorized laboratories. For example, companies like Dabur have so many Ayurvedic products like the Lal Tail,  Chyawanprash, Janam Ghunti, etc. All these products are highly popular among masses and people prefer them as compared to the other synthetic products.

I have my complete faith on Ayurveda and wherever possible I prefer Ayurvedic products when available. As the saying goes ‘OLD is GOLD’, similarly the old traditional knowledge will always be Gold and will be passed from generations to generations as the gold does.


P.S: This post is an entry to the 'Traditional Knowledge, Natural Growth' contest held by Indiblogger and Dabur. For more deatils please visit 'Dabur Lal Tail'