Blog

Brian Keenan
Honey: A Tale As Old As Time

Honey: A Tale As Old As Time

  As long as there has been civilization, and some might even say even before it, man utilized the panacea known as honey. Sweet, nutritive, and medicinal, this complex substance represents the pinnacle of symbiosis. From the plant's propagation cycle to the bee’s livelihood, to nourishment for animals and humans, honey connects the world. Moreover, it’s one of the few common threads in virtually every early civilization. As far back as 8,000 years ago in Spain there have been paintings of warriors attempting to gather honey. A post-Mesolithic rock painting in Rajat Prapat in Central India shows honey collection as...

Read more →


Brian Keenan
Saffron:  The World’s Favorite Flower

Saffron: The World’s Favorite Flower

The World’s Flower Saffron, known scientifically as Crocus sativus, is more than just the world's most expensive spice; it's a treasure trove of rich history, culture, and traditional properties that spans continents and centuries. In the realm of Ayurveda, saffron is not merely a spice but a symbol of purity and a key to balancing the body's unique energies, offering mood enhancement and fertility benefits which are now very well elucidated in research in modern times. Additionally, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where saffron's circulation-boosting and spirit calming properties are revered, saffron’s role in mind/spirit harmony is once again highlighted. Again,...

Read more →


Brian Keenan
Starting a new habit according to your dosha

Starting a new habit according to your dosha

The New Year symbolizes a fresh start, a time to set intentions and resolutions. But have you ever wondered why some of us find it easy to stick to these resolutions while others struggle? The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda offers an intriguing perspective. According to Ayurveda, your unique dosha - Vata, Pitta, Kapha, or a mixture of these,  significantly influences your approach to life, including how you set and achieve goals. By understanding the dosha, one can unlock novel strategies that will support and promote success and lasting change rather than taking one of the prescribed rigid approaches so often...

Read more →


Skin Health and Ayurveda: A Radiant Path to Natural Beauty

Skin Health and Ayurveda: A Radiant Path to Natural Beauty

In the quest for timeless beauty and radiant skin, Ayurveda, the ancient system of holistic healing from India, shines as a beacon of wisdom in an era where there’s more skin tips than can possibly be implemented and are often contradictory. Beyond fleeting trends and synthetic cosmetics, Ayurveda offers a profound understanding of skin health, highlighting the intricate balance of our inner and outer worlds. The science and artistry of Ayurvedic skincare combines targeted topical oils, internal herbs, and dietary approaches for a unique approach to natural skin care. This approach is not simply holistic, it provides guidance and explanations...

Read more →


Ayurveda and Blood Sugar: Ancient Approaches to Modern Problems

Ayurveda and Blood Sugar: Ancient Approaches to Modern Problems

Across many centuries and around the world, Ayurveda stands as a beacon of ancient healing wisdom to help remind us of the most holistic path to health. Ayurveda’s teachings echo into the modern world's understanding of medical science including the origins of modern surgery, to the understanding of epigenetic changes. Particularly in the realm of metabolic health, Ayurveda offers unparalleled insights. As the tapestry of modern metabolic concerns becomes increasingly commonplace, delving into Ayurveda’s understanding of blood sugar regulation may provide new insights into the modern issues prevalent in metabolic health.. The Philosophical Tenets of Ayurveda Ayurveda's foundational belief orbits...

Read more →


Ayurvedic Strategies for Back to School

Ayurvedic Strategies for Back to School

As the summer comes to an end, we turn our attention to the changing seasons and of course, the full swing of the back to school season.  In Ayurveda, as autumn sets in, it is characterized by the ascension of the Vata energy as the dominant movement expressed by nature. Vata energy is considered a combination of two of the 5 elements of nature: air and ether, which can be conceptualized as “the space between.” As a result of these 2 primordial forces rising, which we call Vata energy, increases in dryness, coldness, and winds naturally occur. We watch as...

Read more →


Red yeast rice

Get the scoop on Red Yeast Rice!

Red yeast rice is a fascinating substance that has been a part of traditional culinary and therapeutic practices for centuries, particularly in Asian cultures. Made by fermenting a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus with white rice, it is recognized by its characteristic reddish-purple hue and unique flavor profile. This substance is gaining international attention for its potential utility to overall human health and well-being as well as its unique gustatory contributions.  One of the defining aspects of red yeast rice is its rich nutritional composition. It is packed with important nutrients, including proteins, amino acids, and a range of...

Read more →


A doctor touching a fake, educational spine.

No Bones About It: The Ayurvedic Approach to Healthy Bones

Our bones are the deepest tissue of the body and all 206 of them are constantly remodeling themselves throughout our lifespan. They are a reservoir of minerals encasing the marrow that makes our blood, and they quite literally give us form to carry us through life. It is perhaps this endurance that makes them so fascinating, but as we get older and their resilience deteriorates, we must reciprocate the energy to keep them strong as they have for us all these years. Fortunately, our bones, like the rest of our body and mind, are always ready to heal and be...

Read more →


Brian Keenan
Shilajit

Shilajit: India’s Best-Kept Secret

In India, there is a substance that is harvested as it exuded from the Himalayan mountains and traditional beliefs tell of its ability to restore life, reverse aging, and promote fertility. It is even said that in the Hindu faith this substance is the lifeforce of the deity, Shiva. Its name, Shilajit, is composed of the words Shila meaning rock, and Jit meaning “to have won.” Therefore, it is commonly translated as “the conqueror of the rock1,” a potential reference to its ability to allay altitude sickness. Since its discovery and induction into the Ayurvedic materia medica, Shilajit has been utilized extensively...

Read more →


Brian Keenan
A person holding two tomatoes on the vine

Natural Approaches to Prostate Health

Prostate health is a significant concern for many men, particularly as they age. The prostate, a small gland that produces seminal fluid in males, transforms significantly throughout life. In particular, it is known to enlarge as men age, leading to concerns around sexual function, urination, and overall pelvic comfort. While there is no surefire way to prevent these issues, various lifestyle and dietary modifications can help support natural prostate health and beyond this, improve overall wellness, sexual function, and urinary comfort.  Healthy Eating Diet plays a vital role in supporting prostate health. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and lean...

Read more →


Brian Keenan
A bee with some tulsi herbs

Tulsi: Herb of the Hour

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a sacred plant in Hinduism and has been revered in India for thousands of years. This herb has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, and it continues to be an important part of both Ayurveda as well as spiritual practices. In the west, this herb has continued to grow in popularity due to its rich lore and reverence amongst Indian traditions. Moreover, modern science continues to validate ancient wisdom surrounding the plant’s properties including its use to support the immune system, manage and adapt to stress, and deepen meditative states....

Read more →


Shailinder Sodhi
Kidneys

Introducing AdrenOm

With the launch of our new labels and website, it is also time to announce that Ayush Herbs has a new offering as well. AdrenOm, Ayush Herbs new adrenal support formulation combines the traditional approaches of Ayurveda with the latest botanical science to create a restorative and truly holistic supplement. Inspiration for AdrenOm comes from the Om; from the original sound of the origins of the universe, to the collective consciousness that links us all, to the simple but powerful affirmation “let it be so,”1  The word Om ॐ has significant meaning across the world. This formula seeks to honor...

Read more →


Cecilia Parker
Curry Chicken Collard Green Wrap

Curry Chicken Collard Green Wrap

YIELD: 2 - 4 | ESTIMATED TIME: 45 MINUTES | SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: NONE Flavorful, portable, and greatly satisfying, these collard green wraps enclose a creamy curried chicken salad. Inside, we combine punchy spices, fresh herbs, a hint of sweetness from the golden raisins, and a tangy slaw for the perfect lunch or on-the-go meal. For easy eating and pliability, this recipe calls for trimming the midrib and blanching the collards to soften the fibrous leaf for a pleasant eating experience while keeping the filling intact. Swap the chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative. INGREDIENTS 4 medium...

Read more →


Cecilia Parker
Chana Masala

Chana Masala

SERVES: 4 - 6 | ESTIMATED TIME: 1 HOUR | SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: LARGE LIDDED SAUCEPAN OR DUTCH OVEN Comforting and hearty, chana masala is made with chickpeas stewed in a harmonically spiced and aromatic tomato sauce. If tomatoes are out of season, opt for canned whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes as mentioned in the recipe. These widely available and inexpensive tomatoes are usually vine-ripened naturally and picked at their peak, then packaged immediately with little to no preservatives or added sugars. They also are sweeter in flavor, lower in acidity, and have less seeds to worry about infiltrating your delicious...

Read more →


Cecilia Parker
White Bean & Kale Soup

White Bean & Kale Soup

SERVES: 6 | ESTIMATED TIME: 30 MINUTES | SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: NONE Bean and kale soup is as flavorful as it is nutrient-dense, featuring plenty of vegetables, iron and protein rich legumes, fragrant herbs, and a generous amount of garlic. Kidney beans, also known as cannellini, work best for this recipe although you may swap them out for black beans or chickpeas. This quick and healthy recipe comes together in just half an hour, making it perfect for a weekday meal or for the days when you’re just a bit under the weather. INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp ghee 1 medium onion, small...

Read more →


Cecilia Parker
An acai bowl

Amla Açai Bowl

SERVES: 2 | ESTIMATED TIME: 10 MINUTES | SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: BLENDER OR FOOD PROCESSOR Give your açaí bowl an extra health boost with a whirl of our enhanced chavanprash, AmlaPlex. Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is a unique fruit indigenous to South Asia. It boasts more than 8 times the amount of vitamin C as an orange and twice the antioxidant power of açaí berries, among many other health benefits. Combined with frozen açaí berry puree, this bowl packs an abundance of key nutrients to support and nourish your body from the inside out while satisfying your sweet tooth....

Read more →