Category: Articles
All these posts will use the single-articles.php template
Creamie Greenie Soup
Are you so “over” the Green Smoothie fad with raw Kale?
Then, this recipe is for you!
Green Smoothies with raw vegetables go against basic guidelines of Ayurveda – and are particularly Vata Dosha aggravating.
Ingredients:
1 medium Zucchini or Yellow Crooked Neck Squash
Medium pile of fresh baby Greens – ie: Chard, Kale, or Spinach
1 cup water
¼ tsp salt
Few sprinkles of black pepper
1 TBSP Olive Oil
½ Lemon
To prepare:
Chop the squash into small piece s and place in a medium sauce pan in the 1 cup of water. Add the Salt and Pepper.
To cook:
Bring the pot to a boil and then turn down to a simmer. After 3 minutes, place the baby greens in the pot along with the olive oil. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked.
Remove from the heat and blend with a hand blender until a smooth consistency.
To serve:
Add the lemon juice and then serve.
Serves: 2
This soup is suitable for all body types and especially balancing to Pitta Dosha.
Read my upcoming article on the perils of Green Smoothies in our next newsletter.
Red Lentil Kitchari with Butternut Squash
Ingredients:
2 cups Water
2/3 cup Red Lentils – washed and drained
1/3 cup White Basmati Rice – washed and drained
1/2 tsp No Chicken Bouillon (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp Hing (optional)
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup Golden Raisins
3/4 cup Butternut Squash – chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
1 1/2 tsp Pitta Spicing Blend (or other curry powder)
2 TBSP Shredded Coconut
Place all of the ingredients in the water in a medium sized pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook approximately 45 minutes. You may use more water if you prefer to have this to be a soupier consistency.
Sprinkle with lime or lemon juice after you have removed it from the heat.
Serves approximately 2 to 3
This Kitchari contains 5 of the Ayurvedic Six Tastes. When we add a green vegetable, we then have a delicious meal with all Six Tastes.
Chia Seed / Coconut Smoothie
Ingredients:
4 – 5 oz Coconut Milk (Silk)
4 – 5 oz Soy Milk (Silk) or Almond Milk
2 TBSP Chia Seeds
1 Ripe Banana
2 – 3 Clementines
1 Ripe Pear
Optional – Blue Berries or a combination of berries
Optional – 2 TBSP Protein Powder
Optional – 1 TBSP Pecan Butter
Soak the Chia Seeds in the Milks approximately 4 – 8 hours – may be left on the counter.
Put all of the ingredients in the Blender or Vita Mix and blend well. If using frozen berries, be sure to blend until at least room temperature or slightly warm.
Serves 1 – 2
This Smoothie recipe is suitable for all 3 Doshas. Chia Seeds are an excellent source of Omega 3’s, protein, and anti-oxidants. The word Chia means strength – and with being packed with all of the super nutrients in these tiny seeds, we can see why they have been given this name. They are known for being an energy booster – assisting in maintaining proper blood sugar levels, thereby stabilizing energy. The nutrients in Chia Seeds is also known to facilitate hair growth.
The Healing Benefits of Nasya Oil
The Ayurvedic healing therapy of applying nasya oil is one of the easiest and quickest ways to receive effective results from herbal products. Dr. MaryJo Cravatta has shared her years of experience with nasya during an interview with Cate Stillman of www.yogahealer.com. We think that you will find this podcast very interesting and informative.
Which Nasya Oil is right for you? Read the descriptions below to assist you in deciding the nasya oil that you would like to purchase.
Shaktiveda Herbal Nasya Oil Descriptions
Allergy Relief Nasya Oil
Suggested Dose: 2 drops in each nostril 1 – 3 times per day or more if needed. You may also coat the inside of your nasal passages with a drop on your finger tip – this will provide a barrier between you and the external allergens.
Suggested Uses: You will find this nasya oil to be soothing to dry or inflamed nasal passages and reduces the symptoms of allergy or hay fever. May be used all year round, but is especially beneficial whenever allergies are a concern.
Balance Within Nasya Oil
Suggested Dose: 2 drops in each nostril 1 – 2 times per day.
Suggested Use: This nasya oil is the companion to the herbal formula Healing Within. Applying several drops in each nostril several times per day will bring a sense of peace and emotional wellness. Ideal to use in conjunction with the Awaken Within Restorative Yoga DVD. It is soothing to Pitta emotions and brings calmness to the heart. It may be used as a marma oil on the Heart, Navel, or Sacral Chakras.
Breathe Clear Nasya Oil
Suggested Dose: 2 drops in each nostril 1 – 4 times per day or as needed.
Suggested Uses: This is a natural decongestant that addresses sinus, nasal, cold/flu symptoms. Great to use in the morning before Pranayama. Or use at bedtime to clear your nasal passages for better sleep. It loosens mucous without having a “stimulant” effect – therefore, it is not Vata disturbing. Suitable for all Body Types.
Depth of Being Nasya Oil
Suggested Dose: 2 drops in each nostril 1 – 2 times per day.
Suggested Use: This nasya oil is the companion to the herbal formula Lightness of Being. Applying several drops in each nostril in the morning or afternoon will increase focus, clarity, energy level, and improve expansion of awareness. It is great applied before meditation or yoga. It may also be used as a marma oil on Talahridaya (Palm) and Ajna Chakra (Forehead).
Divine Intervention Nasya Oil
Suggested Dose: 2 drops in each nostril 1 – 2 times per day.
Suggested Uses: Ideal to take before meditation, pranayama, or yoga – or any time. This Tri-Doshic Nasya Oil brings a sense of connection to the Divine – facilitates the release of old behaviors / patterns (Pragyaparad) that are keeping you from being your best. Assists in releasing addictions. Effects are enhanced when combined with Clarity Within Formula.
Luna Rejuv Nasya Oil
Suggested Dose: 2 drops in each nostril 1 – 3 times per day.
Suggested Uses: To ease the physical & Emotional symptoms of Post Menopausal Women. These phyto-hormonal herbs work synergistically together to assist the body / mind to bring greater balance. Many Menopausal women find that using this nasya oil before bed facilitates a better nights sleep. To enhance the effectiveness, it is best to use this in conjunction with Luna Rejuv formula. May also be used as a transdermal oil placing several drops on to inner wrists, breasts, abdomen, or inner thighs.
Neuro Pattern Release Nasya Oil
Suggested Dose: 2 drops in each nostril 1 – 2 times per day.
Suggested Uses: Balancing to the brain wave patterns – releasing old thoughts / behaviors and allowing unwinding of cellular memory. Many people find that using at bedtime allows them to gently release old patterns while they sleep. After a period of use, you may experience a release of negativity and thoughts that no longer serve you.
Serenity Within Nasya Oil
Suggested Dose: 2 drops in each nostril 1 – 3 times per day or more if needed.
Suggested Use: This nasya oil is the companion to the herbal formula Calm Within. Applying several drops in each nostril several times per day and in the evening will facilitate releasing stress, quiet the mind, and assist in relaxing the neck and shoulder area. Effective for relieving headache pain. It may be used as a marma oil on Talahridya on the bottom of the feet and on Ajna Chakra on the Forehead. When used before bed, it encourages a deeper nights sleep. This is our best selling nasya oil – and for a reason!
Shanti Luna Nasya Oil
Suggested Dose: 2 drops in each nostril 1 – 3 times per day.
Suggested Uses: Balancing to hormones of Menstruating women. It is especially effective during the 2 weeks before the period to assist with PMS. May also be used as a transdermal oil placing several drops on to inner wrists, breasts, abdomen, or inner thighs. Combines well with Shanti Luna Herbal Formula and Massage Oil. Tri-Doshic
Solar Rejuv Nasya Oil
Suggested Dose: 2 drops in each nostril 1 – 3 times per day.
Suggested Uses: Balancing to hormones of men of any age. Increases strength & Vitality. May also be used as a transdermal oil by putting several drops on the skin. Tri-Doshic.
Quinoa Kitchari – Pitta Balancing Recipe
Delicious, high protein, easy to digest Kitchari. You can easily put this recipe together and be sitting down to enjoy it within the hour! Traditionally, Kitchari is made with Split Moong Dahl (split mung beans) and white Basmati Rice. In this modern version, I have substituted the ancient grain, Quinoa for the Rice.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Split Moong Dahl – rinsed & soaked over night
1/2 cup Quinoa – rinsed
2 cups water
1 1/2 tsp Almond or Olive Oil
1 tsp Pitta Spicing Blend (Shaktiveda Herbal)
1 TBSP Shredded Coconut
1/2 tsp fresh Ginger – grated or chopped
1 tsp No Chicken Bouillon (Better Than Bouillon Brand)
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
1 medium Sweet Potato, Carrot, or Yam – diced
8 – 10 Asparagus Stalks – cut (May substitute Green Beans)
1/2 Lemon, juiced
Optional:
Fresh Sweet Basil – chopped
Fresh Cilantro – chopped
Serves 3 people (or 2 as a one pot meal)
Directions:
Rinse the Moong Dahl and soak over night (or at least for several hours) as this assists the beans in being more digestible.
To cook, use a medium sized pot with a lid. I prefer using an enamel coated cast iron pot (Le Creuset) as it allows for even distribution of the heat, but any pot will do.
Begin with putting the oil in the pot, turn on the heat, and then add the next 3 ingredients: Pitta Spicing Blend, Shredded Coconut, and the fresh Ginger. Stir and lightly saute the spices for several minutes on a medium heat – do not allow the coconut to become brown.
Add the strained Moong Dahl and the Quinoa, stir and allow to lightly saute with the spices for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the water, No Chicken Bouillon, and Sea Salt – bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. After 5 minutes, add the diced sweet potato, Carrot, or yam. In 15 more minutes, or about 1/2 way through cooking, add the cut Asparagus (or Green Beans).
Total Cooking Time: approximately 45 minutes – or until the dish is the consistency of cooked Rice and you no longer see any water in the pot. Some people prefer a more liquid Kitchari – in this case, you would begin with more water.
Before eating, squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle some chopped fresh Basil or fresh Cilantro if desired.
Ayurveda Information:
This recipe contains all 6 Tastes. According to Ayurveda, having all 6 Tastes at lunch and dinner allows your body to be more easily satisfied and allows the cells to assimilate the nutrients in a more complete manner. Many times when one does not feel satiated or satisfied after a meal it may be due to not having each of the 6 Tastes at that meal. Watch our YouTube video on 6 Tastes for more information.
This recipe is TriDoshic – this means that this recipe is suitable for the 3 Ayurveda Body Types – Vata, Pitta, or Kapha.
The spices and the Asparagus in this recipe makes it Pitta pacifying. The underlying basics of Kitchari makes it a dish that is wonderfully balancing to Vata Dosha – and in particularly to Apana Vata (the downward moving Vata in the lower abdominal area responsible for having a good bowel movement and releasing toxins in the body).
Walnut Coconut Spread-with Omega 3
Eating healthy and getting enough Omega 3 in your diet does not have to be difficult! Try this delicious and easy to make walnut coconut spread – completely ready in just a few minutes!! Most everyone loves the flavor of walnuts with cinnamon (a hot bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon & walnuts, or a cinnamon bun with walnuts). Now, you can have this delightful combination in an easy to use spread.
Ingredients:
3 cups Lightly Roasted Walnuts
1/4 cup Coconut Sugar
1/8 – 1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
Directions:
To roast the walnuts: Pre-heat the oven to 350 Degrees. Place 3 cups of walnuts on a baking sheet – no need to oil the sheet. Roast for 8 minutes. Let cool for approximately 5 minutes.
The foundation of Walnut Coconut Spread is walnut butter. You will be amazed at how quickly your walnuts will turn into butter – within seconds!
In the food processor with the S blade: Put the warm walnuts (this is going to be fast – so, be sure to not overly blend – watch the time!) turn on the machine for approximately 20 seconds – the walnuts will now be finely ground.
Open the lid and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. Blend again for another 15 to 20 seconds and watch as it turns into a thick paste.
Remove the lid another time and add in the salt, cinnamon, and coconut sugar – and blend for approximately 20 to 30 seconds or until you have a smooth consistency. If you would like a thicker spread, then blend for less time.
This delightful spread is delicious on toast, in hot cereal, on apple slices, or stuffed in a medhool date – be creative and explore the possibilities.
Ayurvedic info: Walnuts are basically a TriDoshic food – being balancing to all three Doshas. The predominant taste is sweet and astringent. This spread, with the coconut sugar, is particularly beneficial to Pitta Dosha – but all 3 Body Types can certainly enjoy!
[box] Mega nutrients in a little nut!Walnuts rate the highest source of Omega 3 compared to other nuts. Omega 3 Fatty Acids have become a hot topic over the last few years. Is your diet rich in them? Have you resorted to taking Fish Oil for your daily dose? (This may not be a comfortable option, especially if you are vegetarian or if you are concerned about the contaminated fish supply.)
Many of you have heard that it is important to have the correct ratio between Omega 6 and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Sounds complicated. It is actually quite easy. If you eat a diet with a wide range of vegetables, vegetable oils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds – you are probably getting your needed dose of Omega 6 – especially if you eat dairy and eggs. In fact, it is actually damaging to your body to eat too many Omega 6. This is where Omega 3 comes into play. If you put your attention on several good sources for Omega 3 in your diet, then you do not need to worry about the ratio – you will have a good ratio. Eating Walnuts, along with Flax, Chia, or Hemp seeds on a regular basis can be simple to implement into your diet. Look for my other recipes for delicious methods!
[/box]Ayurveda Guided Group Cleanse
The Detox Veda Guided Group Cleanse
Shaktiveda is very happy to announce that we will be assisting you in a Group Ayurveda Cleanse 3 times per year. Part 1 of the cleanse will begin January 11, 2015. Part 2 of the cleanse, Detox Veda, will begin January 25, 2015
We are very please to be offering you this in depth mind / body cleanse. Many cleanses just focus on a physical cleanse. With our Shakti Infused herbal products and our Awaken Within Yoga DVD we are able to assist you in addressing old mental or emotional imbalances along with physical toxins.
For more information, please visit our Main Page for the Detox Veda Guided Group Cleanse.
All of the different techniques in our Group Cleanse are designed to either loosen toxins and impurities (ama) or to eliminate the toxins and impurities. Ama can be deposited in to any of the cells of the body, but it likes to go to our weak areas and to the joints. With the passage of time and an accumulation of ama, we begin to notice that either one or several of our bodily systems may not be functioning at the optimum. Many times we may think that it is “just old age” setting in. But in reality, the tissues and cells are being smothered and not able to properly communicate with the rest of the body. These areas begin to feel separate, and our ability to heal ourselves is compromised. Through the techniques of the Cleanse, we begin the process of removing the ama and allowing our inner intelligence to flow freely.
Using an herbal Nasya Oil in your nostrils is effective for addressing many imbalances such as an active busy mind or working on emotional concerns. As the nose is the doorway to the brain, this treatment allows the herbs to be immediately absorbed into the nervous system. It is also effective for imbalances from the shoulders up to the head. It is ideal if you use the recommended Nasya Oil one to two times per day.
Knowing that the Detox Veda program is designed to remove ama from our bodies, it is important to realize that we need to incorporate more of an Ayurvedic life style so that we can minimize the amount of toxins that we may accumulate in the future. Following conscious eating habits is a necessary aspect to our living with more awareness. Maintaining a good daily routine after Pancha Karma will facilitate holding the effects for a longer period of time.
Have you given yourself the Ayurvedic Self Massage? It only takes 5 minutes before your shower. It is calming, soothing, and cleansing. Shaktiveda Herbal has many wonderful massage oils to choose from.
Some of you may choose to incorporate a therapy in Pancha Karma called an Oil Basti, or sesame oil enema. Basti allows for the elimination of the loosened toxins and doshic imbalances that have accumulated in the colon. The matra basti, or nutritive basti, is composed of herbalized sesame oil. If you decide you would like to have this as part of your cleanse, you may purchase the appropriate oil from Shaktiveda Herbal. According to Charaka Samhita, many of the benefits of the entire Pancha Karma treatment program are achieved through the administration of the basti.
Some important considerations during your Group Cleanse include: eating less than usual to divert the body’s energy from digestion, allowing it to focus on repair, minimizing physical exercise and sexual activity so that we can focus more inward, and drinking lots of pure hot water to facilitate the cleansing process.
During your DetoxVeda Group Cleanse, you may choose to include some type of body therapy to assist in your healing process. This might include: massage, shirodhara, marma therapy, steam therapy, or sitting in the bath tub! If you are fortunate to have an Ayurvedic Center in your area, you may see which therapies they offer.
We recommend that you set up your life so that this cleanse can also include a bit of quiet time – you may still work during these 2 weeks, but it is best to have less responsibilities and “worldly” interactions such as going to the movies or parties. We suggest that you incorporate at least one of the yoga poses from the Awaken Within Yoga DVD each day of your cleanse and make time for the entire DVD at least once per week.
Contact us to be added to our monthly Ayurvedic Newsletter – interesting articles, healthy recipes, herbal information, and more! We do not share our email lists.
www.shaktiveda.com – Dr. Mary Jo Cravatta – Grass Valley, CA 95945
Ayurvedic Herbal Products – Ayurvedic Consultations – Ayurvedic Cleansing Programs – Shaktiveda Ayurveda Yoga (Workshops, Retreats, Yoga Teacher Training Programs, Yoga DVDs)
Experience the Joy that can be experienced by the Shaktiveda Ayurveda approach to health and well being in our Grass Valley office. Or, you may prefer the convenience of having your consultation by either phone or by Skype. With Dr. Cravatta’s ability to feel distance pulse, most of her patients choose the ease of the phone consult.
Ayurveda Liver Cleanse
Doing a Liver Cleanse is beneficial to health as the Liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It has over 300 different functions – one of the main activities is cleansing and filtering the blood. After we eat any food, the digested, liquified nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream, and then it immediately travels to the Liver via the Portal Vein in order to be cleansed of toxins and then this “cleansed” blood is sent throughout the entire body. The toxins (chemicals, preservatives, pesticides, heavy metals, etc) are stored in the Liver – usually contained within cholesterol. These little “packages” of stored toxins stay in the Liver, waiting for an opportunity to be released. The Liver not only stores these physical toxins, but will also hold on to emotional toxins, or ama, as well. This can cause someone to become irritable, angry, impatient, have resentments, or have a tendency to have negative thoughts.
The Liver is responsible for processing hormones – this is a very important aspect for peri and post menopausal women – but, of course, for everyone, as corticosteroid hormones are necessary for the health of all. The cholesterol that is manufactured by the Liver is used as buildings block for these hormones.
Dr. Mary Jo Cravatta has developed a method of cleansing and balancing the Liver that is called Ranjaka Shodhana Therapy. The Sanskrit name for the Liver is Ranjaka Pitta. The word Shodhana means cleansing. Ranjaka Shodhana oil is used for this therapy. For more information on this, you may wish to have a consultation with Dr. Cravatta. Shaktiveda offers a Group Cleanse January, May, and September. This Liver Cleanse is one of the varieties of cleansing that is available. For more information, please contact our office. Our Winter 2015 Group Cleanse will begin January 11, 2015. January 25th, we will have our Detox Veda Group Cleanse – to release toxins, cellulite, and excess weight – our Premier Cleansing Program that is truly effective!
Here is what one of our patients has to say about Ranjaka Shodhana Therapy:
I have been taking the Ranjaka Shodhana oil for three consecutive months. I take it at night daily for a week and then purge with Castor Oil. The first week I took it I felt irritable and witnessed how I was subtly judgmental and sharp with others. I also found with some effort, the ability to change this. The second month I took the oil, I saw again how I was subtly not life supporting to others and leaked anger on others. I want to be sweeter and supportive and found I was able to make more changes. The third month I took the oil I found myself easily emotional and saw how for 20 years I had stayed angry at my former husband. I had prayed and meditated for 20 years in attempts to let go and forgive, but had never fully been successful. I felt with the help of the oil there was a final lifting of the anger towards him. I felt a lightness and relief. The oil had enabled me to accomplish releasing emotions that in the past my intellect and prayers had not fully accomplished. I am going to continue to use the oil monthly, because each time it has brought me more and more freedom. Thank you so much for creating this product. – RS, Grass Valley, CA
Contact us to be added to our monthly Ayurvedic Newsletter – interesting articles, healthy recipes, herbal information, and more! We do not share our email lists.
www.shaktiveda.com and our Yoga website: www.awakenwithinyoga.com
Dr. Mary Jo Cravatta Grass Valley, CA 95945
Ayurvedic Herbal Products – Ayurvedic Consultations – Ayurvedic Cleansing Programs – Shaktiveda Ayurveda Yoga (Workshops, Yoga Classes, Yoga DVDs)
Experience the Joy that can be experienced by the Shaktiveda Ayurveda approach to health and well being in our Grass Valley office. If you desire, you may have your consultation by either phone or by Skype. With Dr. Cravatta’s ability to feel long distance pulse, most of her patients prefer the convenience of having a phone consultation.
Mantra Meditation / Subtle Awareness Technique Meditation SAT
Mantra Meditation
Shaktiveda Yoga has combined several different methods to address the subtle imbalances that someone may have. These therapies include: Hatha Yoga Asanas (Awaken Within Yoga, Awaken Your Spine Yoga, and Awaken Throughout Yoga), Pranayama / Breathing Techniques, and Meditation. To learn more information on Awaken Within Yoga, please visit the website.
The Meditation of Shaktiveda Yoga is a combination of several styles – each one with specific purposes. This may include mantra meditation, guided meditation, focused attention, chanting, contemplation, or self inquiry. Each style of meditation has it purpose and benefits.
Mantra Meditation has two main styles in Shaktiveda Yoga – that of clearing the Chakras with the Chakra Mantras and with using a Mantra that was chosen for you from what has been felt in your pulse with Dr. Cravatta. This style, where Dr. Cravatta chooses the mantra that resonates with what you are currently working on is called Subtle Awareness Technique (SAT).
Daniel Skiles of Portland, Oregon has this to say about learning Subtle Awareness Technique Meditation:
“If you want to learn how to meditate, I highly recommend learning from Dr. MaryJo Cravatta This woman is the best meditation teacher I have ever met. There are many wonderful mediation techniques and “non-techniques” out there, but this is the simplest, most effective way to slip into unbounded awareness. The mechanics of the technique are similar to Transcendental Meditation, if you are familiar with that, but these mantras Mary Jo are giving come directly from Mahavatar Babaji, of whom she is a direct disciple (the Babaji in Autobiography of A Yogi), and are chosen based upon which life lessons you are currently working on in this incarnation, to facilitate the release of cellular memory (karma) acquired from this incarnation as well as past incarnations. As these imprints dissolve, the mind can sink deeper and deeper into finer levels of thought until all activity of the mind dissolves into a state of unbounded awareness, or “samadhi.”
Contact us to be added to our monthly Ayurvedic Newsletter – interesting articles, healthy recipes, herbal information, and more! We do not share our email lists.
www.shaktiveda.com Dr. Mary Jo Cravatta Grass Valley, CA 95945
Ayurvedic Herbal Products – Ayurvedic Consultations – Ayurvedic Cleansing Programs – Shaktiveda Yoga (Workshops, Yoga Classes, Yoga DVDs)
Experience the Joy that can be experienced by the Shaktiveda Ayurveda approach to health and well being in our Berkeley, CA or Grass Valley offices. If you are not in Northern California, you may have your consultation by either phone or by Skype.