Carnatic Music - Soul healer - Part 1

Carnatic Music - Soul healer - Part 1

            Carnatic Music is a Vocal Music, originated from Devas (Gods), the Mother of all Music. It is believed that Samaveda has laid foundation for Carnatic Music, consisting of hymns from Rig veda. This Classical music is also refered in various Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.  It was traditionally taught in Gurukula System, where the student lives with Guru (Teacher) and learn the education. In those ancient days, education includes, Martial Arts, Music, Dance, Weapon arts, Vedas, Morals, Ethics, Traditions, State craft, Governance and much more. In modern times, students visit Gurus daily or weekly to learn Music. 
                        
             In Hinduism, Goddess Saraswati is considered as God of Music, Fine arts, Wisdom and Education. Every day, She will be worshiped before learning and performing. She holds Veena, the classic traditional string instrument in one hand and sacred sanskrit texts in other hand. Saraswati Veena is mainly played in Carnatic Music. 'Carna' means Ear / auditory sense,  'atkam' means beauty, delight to your ears
               

                                                         

            Carnatic music is widely spread in Southern parts of India. Starting from young age, children will peruse this Carnatic music / Karnatak Sangeeth. Even today, we can see little kids learning carnatic music during early morning hours especially in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, Regular morning and evening practice is must for the students. It is a complex music system, such that it takes about 40 years to master this carnatic music. 

         The basics of the Carnatic Music revolves around seven swaras (Notes) Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni. There are different elements in carnatic music , such as 

Sruti - refers to Musical Pitch
Swara - type of Musical sound, that is single note
Raga - set of rules for building a melody, melodic formula 
Tala - fixed time cycle / Rhythmic Cycle
Gamaka - Ornamentation 

             It is based upon complex system of Raga and Tala, the two fundamental elements of Carnatic Music. Raga is basically a melodic frame work and Tala is a Rhythmic time cycle and there are seven notes / Swaras in the scale (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni). Swara is derived from the sanskrit word 'Svar', which means 'to sound'. In this music system, melody and note sequence is given more importance, that is only single note / mode is sung at a time, where as in the western music different instruments sounding different notes sung at the same time, creating a different feel. 
               This classical music is mode based, there is no special mood to a scale in western music.  The ancient sanskrit texts, Natya Shastra says that In Indian classical music there are 22 Srutis (Musical Pitch) or micro intervals of musical tone and seven swaras.

           There are different and infinite types of Raga's in classical music, each Raga is associated with particular time of the day, invokes specific emotions, mood, and it induces specific sense in  humans. For example, some Raga induces sleep, some Raga makes us to cry, some stirs up old memories. There are sensory aspects to the Raga that makes us, to feel. The gamakas in the notes play a huge role in bringing out the mood of the raga, Indian gamakas (Ornamentation) can never be played on a even pitch keyboard with precise accuracy. There are certain ragas which uses sharp notes than western.

               Each sound, the words we speak, singing, laughing, shouting has different vibration and frequency. The frequency relates to one's mind and brain activity. While singing, Swaras acts as auditary stimulus to the brain and activates nerve centers. 

             In South India, early in the morning, Sri Venkateshwara Suprabatham song by Smt M.S Subbulakshmi will be played at temples and at homes. This music is played to wake up Gods during Brahma Muhurtam time. 

To know more about Brahma Muhurta, Reach to : http://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2019/08/early-morning-brahma-muhurta.html

       It creates a heavenly feeling while listening to this song. The magic of the song is in the combination of singer's voice, Tune and the sanskrit hyms, it makes us to feel fresh, builds confidence, brain works best during this early morning hours. 

          For auspicious ceremonies and festivals 'Mangala Vadhyam' will be played, 'Mangala - means auspicious , vadhyam - means instrument. 

        Nagaswaram, is one of the most ancient , auspicious and unique instrument of Tamil Nadu. This instrument is a rare combination of music and divinity,  playing Nagaswaram (Mangala Vadhyam) is must for all ceremonies, festivals, Hindu marriages, temple rituals and many, without this music the celebration will be incomplete. This instrument is also played along with a pair of drums called as 'Thavil'.

         Nagaswaram is a classic wind instrument, made of wood. This is the world's most loudest non - brass acoustic instrument. Specific type of wood is used for making this instrument, the age of the wood should be more and old wood is considered as best for making it. 

      Below: Managala Vadhyam played during Hindu Marriage ceremony. It sounds divine. 

       

           There are certain type of ragas played in this instrument according to the time of the day in the temples. Usually Villagers and local people doesn't look at the clocks, they hear the songs and know the time. 

From 4 A.M to Sun Rise - Bhupalam, Bhauli, Malayamarutham, Valaji, Nadanamakriya,  Mayamalavagoula Ragas

From Sunrise - 8 A.M - Bilahari, Kedaram, Jaganmohini, Gaulipantu, Suddha Dhanyasi Ragas 

From 8 A.M to 10 A.M - Dhanyasi, Saveri, Asaveri, Suddha Saveri, Suddha Bangala, Arabhi, Devagandhari, Abhogi, Devamanohari Ragas

From 10 A.M to 12 noon - Sriragan, Darbari, Brindavana sarangi, Manirangu, Madhayamavathi Ragas

From  4 P.M to Sunset - Mandari, Kalyani, Saraswati, Purya Kalyani, Vasanta Ragas

From Sunset to 8 P. M - Sankarabaranam, Aanandabhairavi, Kaanada, Sama, Bhairavi, Todi, Sankarabharanam, Hamsadhwani, Kedaragowla, Shanmukapriya Ragas

         Also at temples, for each activity different ragas are played, starting from waking up the deities - Bhoopalam, Bowli Ragas, while Naivedhyam (Food offering to God) is bought - Taligai Mallari Raga, while taking Arati for the Gods, while the deities start for procession  - Purapattu Mallari Raga etc. This was the tradition followed and it still in practice in South Indian temples, even today. The Vedic Hymns and slokas chanted by priests, music from the classical instruments and single minded focus of devotees creates a divine energy and positive vibe in us and that's the reason why our ancestors insisted us to go to temple everyday. To feel positivity both in body and mind.  

       

            These carnatic Ragas played in the classical instruments creates a deep bond at the subconscious level of the brain. Listening to Indian carnatic music in classical instruments emits healing frequencies and vibrations, that activates our cells and increases brain functions. Each of our cells adopt to certain frequencies that they are exposed to and vibrations activate our cells and open up the space for healing.

            Every cell in our body will be resonating to this music, Carnatic Music is having such power for that. This divine music is born out of spirituality, without utmost concentration, devotion and commitment, one can not complete learning this music. It balances the left and right part of the brain. The gaps created between two swaras (notes) creates a space for healing.

For Example,

Raga Hamasadhvani  - Creates intellectual stability. 

                                      In this raga, the absence of two swaras 'Ma' and 'Dha' creates two vacuum areas for healing. 'Ma' vibrates in heart chakra creates love emotion, 'Dha' induces power. The absence of 'Ma' detach from love, relationships and so gives emotional stability. The absence of 'Dha' gives capacity to detach from the powers and thus makes us to feel grounded and emotionally stable. 

Kedar, Kaanda Ragas creates relaxation in our mind and listening to these ragas are beneficial for headaches.

          

Darbari Raga - is Sedative when heard in night. 

Sahana Raga - Singing / listening to this raga controls anger and brings down the violence within oneself. 

             Ragas / melody tine emits certain type of frequency which helps to connect with the brain frequency. Simple iterative Rythmic tunes like Bhajans are capable of relaxation and resonates in synch with the alpha waves of the brain.  

Asavari Raga - When heard early in the morning, it builds confidence 

Raga Hindolo  - helps in sharpening the memory and improves the concentration.

          So, when the carnatic Music emits certain frequencies it influences our mind and body. Certain type of melodic ragas create different emotions, some music triggers past memories, some will make us cry, some music will soothe anger and some will heal. It is also said that each raga related to particular nerves in the human body, singing or performing a raga with purity in pitch and tala, gives the performer the complete control on the nerve. 

       

                   Music sound is something that we can hear with our ears. It's actually wave of energy that vibrates air molecules that can totally change our neurological activity in our brain. Sound frequency and vibration helps in healing emotionally, physically, mentally and Spiritually. 

       For centuries, Carnatic Music was only orally transmitted without being written down. 

            
          Our ancestors knew the power of Music. Music is a Sound, Sound is Vibration, Vibration cause everything exist. Music can heal, affect the mood and alter your mind frequencies. Our ancestors believed that Music had the power to harmonize one's soul which was not achieved through traditional medicines. In Ancient China, one of the earliest uses of Music was 'To Heal', the Chinese character for medicine is actually derived from the character 'Music'

          In today's world, Music is used in treatments as 'Music Therapy'. As Music stimulates human's brain, it is used to cure ADHD in kids, to improve sleep, to increase focus, memory power, patience and much more. 

       

                Sound energy and sound power is much greater than any other power in the world. The greatest Scientist, Nikola Tesla once said, " If you want to find the secrets of the Universe, think in terms of Energy, Frequency and Vibration" .  OM - the celestial sound, the sound that controls the whole universe, when it ends with Mmmmmm sound , it will also match with the sruti (Pitch). The cosmic flow of sound (Shabda in Sanskrit) is hidden in Carnatic Music, it was well recognized by Ancient Indian sages and thus created several music patterns for chanting Vedic Hymns to achieve the spiritual effect. 

                   The universe is responding to the vibrational attitude that we are emitting. 

         

                                                  ------ To be continued in Part 2

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan

Early Morning - Brahma Muhurta

Early Morning Wake up - Brahma Muhurta 

           There is a saying that 'Early to Bed, Early to rise'. Every time elders use to say, to get up early in the morning. Why to rise early ?? There are plenty of scientific reasons behind that and those are most required for a healthy and happy living. Getting up early in the morning is peaceful and pristine time, when you are far away from Social distractions, Breathing fresh air, embracing the freshness of the nature and most importantly, it's the time for working on your inner self.

             Working on your inner self is most important for your mind. Mind works at its BEST during early morning hours, starting from 4.30 A.M. Why ?? How ??? It's explained in this post. In the early morning hours, that is after a good sound sleep, mind and brain will be fresh. When our mind goes closes to the nature, it can feel the freshness of it, be it a fresh leaves or fresh air or sounds of the birds or chill breeze on your face or humidity of the dew drops, it will first create a calming effect in your mind and brings a smile in your heart.

                     We spend lot of time inside our own heads, as this is how we interact with gadgets in today's world. We need to connect with nature, to feel human again, time spent with nature increases vitality and makes you to feel more alive. Watching the birds pollinating the flowers, chirping sound of the birds, fresh wind from the trees creates connection with nature, the Greater World around us. Time spent with nature creates extremely calming effect and it smells very fresh in the early morning, Inhaling cool fresh air relaxes mind and brain. 

       Being with nature, stimulates creativity, the act of watching / sitting quietly allows your brain to wander, stirs new idea and better way to start your day. Being outside, puts you in meditative state of mind, your body responds to fresh air and the Chilly early morning crispness, allows your body to awake, starts with enthusiasm and feels ready. Morning breeze, reduces your stress, many successful people in the world wake up during early hours in the morning, to get more time, to think about new ideas, to schedule the day ahead which gives extra time to do the work more comfortably. 

               Trees and plants releases fresh oxygen in the early morning hours. When humans connect with nature at that time, we can inhale fresh oxygen and inhaling fresh air stimulates our mind and body. 
             In India, Women wakes up in the early hours and worship Tulsi Plant, the Holy Basil. People who do not know the reason for it, called as ' Blind belief'. Is it really a mere religious practice???? You will get an answer in this post.

           

               Tulsi, the Holy basil is a Sacred plant in Hinduism. Most of the plants takes carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during the day time and during the night time, it takes Oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. But, Tulsi releases Oxygen even during the night time, like Peepal tree, Neem and Aloe Vera. It gives out oxygen for 20 Hours a day, breathing it's air can kill various infections in the body.  

           In the early morning around 4 to 6 A.M, tulsi releases rare combination of oxygen called Ozone for 4 Hours in a day, with a lamp providing light for photosynthesis.  Along with the formation of nascent Oxygen which absorbs all harmful gases from the environment, breathing this will energies human's mind and body. 

       Ozone released from Tulasi kills virus and bacteria. Ozone is a molecule with 3 oxygen atoms , ozone is the most powerful oxidants and germicide known.  Tulasi leaves contains natural ether, which drives away the mosquitoes and it also protects you from solar radiation. This sacred plant purifies the air and it generates ozone just before twilight. That is the main reason that Tulasi is planted at home and worshiped in early morning hours by our ancestors, not just so called 'Blind Belief' !

           One will find Tulasi in almost every household of Indians. Keeping Tulasi plant at home removes negative energies and doshas (Biological energies in the body). Tulasi plant is considered as most revered and sanctified of plants. Early morning after taking bath, Every Indian women in the household worship Tulasi with water and lit a lamp near the plant. 

            According to Ayurveda, there are three Doshas (Biological energies) in our body, Vata (Air and Ether), Pitta ( Fire and Water) and Kapha (Water and Earth). The increase / decrease in these doshas depends on one's sleep/ wake cycle. 

            In Vedic times, waking up during Brahma Muhurta is ideal and extremely favorable for meditation, exercises and spiritual practices. Each muhurta lasts for 48 minutes, Brahma muhurta starts one and half hour before sun rise and ends 48 minutes before sunrise. Sun rise time differs according to the geographical location. 

        This time period is predominated with Satva componenet which enhances knowledge, the intellect during this period is pure and radiant. It is the best time for supreme knowledge, eternal happiness and meditation, as the mind is inherent at the time, enabling one to achieve a deeper meditation state. Thus helps in subduing mental irritation, hyperactivity and laziness. 

            Early Morning in South India, one can hear this song "Kausalya Supraja Rama" by Mrs. M.S. Subhu Lakshmi, towards Lord Vishnu in every household, listening to devotional songs / music is a part of daily routine. Women at home takes early bath, worships God, does Tulasi pooja by chanting Slokas. Even one could see, kids singing carnatic music, learning Bharathanatyam (Dance form) and chanting vedic lessons during the morning hours.

          At this time, 'Prana' will be high, Prana is a vital life energy, essential for the body which is adequately present in the atmosphere. The first three hours of the morning are vital, that is before and after Sunrise. According to ancient Indian scripts it is firmly believed that man should perform any actions according to the nature / sun.  In Sanskrit, daily routine is called as 'Dinacharya' , 'Din' means Day and 'Acharya' means to follow. One should follow daily routine with morning exercise, yoga and meditation.


          Performing Surya Namaskar and meditation is a must. Surya Namaskar is not only a exercise for body, it is a ritual cleaning process that uses mind states, associated with Vata in Ayurveda. Children who studies at this hour remember it for life and also it increases the memory power in them. 

           

   Make this as a routine for Fresh, Healthy and Happy state for mind and body !!

 - Aarthi Thiyagarajan   

Sesame Seeds - Oldest Crop of India

Sesame Seeds - Oldest Crop of India

       Sesame Seeds are one of the oldest seeds known to the mankind, also oldest oil seed crop cultivated in India about 6000 years ago. It is derived from Sesame plant (Scientific Name: Sesamum Indicum) , they are small in size, has Nutty taste, Sweet Flavor, Crunchy and has strong Aroma when roasted and crushed. These seeds have huge health benefits and amazing medicinal properties, oil from these seeds are used in various areas and they are available throughout the year. 

        In Ancient India, around 6000 year ago, sesame seeds oil was used in Ayurveda, cooking, hair treatment, in food and drug manufacture, in vedic rituals and in lighting lamps. The usage and importance of this oil was then spread across various countries like Egypt, Rome, Greek, Japan, China, Arab countries and many more.

     
           India is one of the largest producer of Sesame seeds. These seeds are an important ingredient of Indian cuisine since many millennia. It is specially consumed in Winter for its warming nature.  In Hindi, Sesame seeds are called as 'Til', 'Ellu' in Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada and 'Nuvvulu' in Telugu. 

       This plant is an annual herb with flowers that produce pods containing the edible sesame seeds. The pods burst open in a pop, when the seeds are mature

              Sesame seeds have highest oil content compared to any other seeds. There are different types of sesame seeds, black colored , brown colored and white colored. Black and brown sesame seeds have their husks in tact and white sesame seeds have the husks removed. Indeed, black colored sesame seeds have much more magical properties than white colored sesame seeds. 

         Black Sesame contains more Iron than White sesame seeds, it is more flavorful and have strong aroma than white one. The husk in the black sesame seeds gives little bitter taste, with strong aroma and thus it is used along with bold ingredients. Hence, it is recommended for the people having Anemia or Weakness. It is beneficial for teeth, bones and it helps to strengthen them. 

          According to Hindus, Sesame seeds are associated with Lord Vishnu. It is called as divine seed, as it is emanated from the sweat of Lord Vishnu, which fell on the ground. In Vedas, Sesame seeds are called as 'seed of immortality', as it is believed that Lord Yama himself blessed the seed. It first appeared in India, then spread across the world. 

        In Hinduism, Shraddha is a ceremony performed in the honor of dead ancestors. Shraddha will be performed every year and in some family tradition, it will be performed every month / quarterly, on the day of Amavasya (New moon day). It is believed that, Sesame seeds used in these rituals will satisfy the hunger of dead ancestors, by doing Tarpanam.

      Tarpan is the offering of water mixed with black sesame seeds, Barley, Rice and Darbha grass. It is also believed that ancestors will appear by the process of Tarpan and it is a ritual that provides an opportunity to repay debts to our ancestors.

   

         During Makar Sankranti, people lit lamps at home using this oil. This oil is considered as the best oil for lighting lamps both at temple and at home. In Karnataka, Makar Sankranti is not complete without these Sesame seeds. First, people take oil bath with sesame oil and prepare a customary sweet called  'Ellu Bella'. Ellu - Sesame seeds, Bella - Jaggery, a famous traditional sweet prepared in copper vessel, using Sesame seeds and Jaggery. 

Ellu Bella

          These sesame seeds are eaten as a sweet, exchanged with friends and given away as 'Daan'. 

        Sesame seeds are rich in Oleic acid, which helps in lowering the bad cholesterol and thus good for heart. Magnesium in Sesame seeds gives relief for Asthma. It contains essential minerals such as Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium and Sodium.  It contains 5 times more calcium than a glass of milk. It is a great vegetarian source of Protein, 30 grams of dried sesame seeds provides

• 291 mg of calcium,
• 9.77 mg of Selenium,
• 5 gms of protein, 
• 0.22 mg of Thiamin and 
• 4.11 mg of Iron
• 38 mcg of Folate
• 100 mg of Magnesium
• 120 mg of Phosphorous
• 163 calories of Energy
• 5 mg of Fiber etc

Sesame Oil / Gingelly Oil

        Sesame seeds oil is also called as Gingelly Oil, it is rich in antioxidants and and healthy fats. Sesame oil contains Vitamin E which slows the ageing process and protect cells from free radicals. 'Sesamin', a compound that occurs naturally in sesame seeds and oil, reduces cholesterol, protects against kidney damage, Lowers blood pressure, promotes bone health. 

       Traditional method of extracting oil from sesame seeds are by turning bullocks in clockwise direction using wooden churner and  wooden base to crush the seeds. Why to use wood ? Because, wood absorbs heat and maintains normal room temperature on seeds while extracting the oil, which is also known as 'Cold Pressed oil'.

       This type of cold pressed oil is called as 'Mara Chekku Ennai', in Tamil. Cold pressed oil is the natural way of extracting oil from the seeds, since it is not heated, it retains all the natural nutrients and it is best for humans health. 

               The sesame seeds are placed in the wooden base and then ground into paste using churner, turned by bullocks until it expels the oil. As the seeds are not heated, it yields less oil compared to heating mechanism used in modern method of commercial oil. 

         In Modern Era, instead of bullocks, wooden machines are used to extract oil from the sesame seeds. After so many centuries, Chekku Ennai (Cold Pressed oil) have made a comeback in a daily diet, as the people have become more health conscious and started to connect with the roots of our ancestors. 

Grounded paste of sesame seeds with expelled oil

  In South India, oil bath with sesame oil is considered as auspicious and it is must before taking part in any festivals and vedic rituals. Sesame seeds oil is used for various reasons, below listed some of the reasons for using this oil

Sesame seeds oil in Cooking:

        In South India, especially Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh and Kerala, Traditional spicy dishes are cooked with this oil in a clay pot. Traditional dishes such as Vatha Kuzhambu, Puliyodharai,  Pulusu, flavored rice, pickles and many more. The reason for using this oil specifically is, it balances the hot spicy and tangy taste of the dish, so it used where the dish is having more spiciness or having more tanginess.

           This oil serves as preservative and it is the best oil used for pickles. Gingelly oil itself is having longer shelf life, so most of the pickles uses Sesame oil, as it can be stored for long time. The pickle has to be soaked in oil, to prevent from yeast formation and to reduce the excess spiciness in it. If less oil is used in the pickle, it will be spoiled soon. 
   

          In South India, for deep frying ground nut oil is used, for less spicy dishes and tempering Coconut oil is used. Apart from Desi Ghee, Coconut oil, Sesame oil and ground nut oils are used for cooking, which has amazing health benefits and the sesame oil is not used for all types of cooking, as it changes the aroma of the food. According to the taste of the dish, specific oils are used.   
   
        'Ellu Sadam' (Sesame seeds Rice), 'Ellu Podi' (Sesame seeds chutney powder) are the most common way of adding these seeds into the diet, as these seeds are roasted and crushed into powder. 

Ellu Rice

         Below picture is the Sesame seeds chutney powder, which will be mixed with sesame seeds oil and forms like a paste. It is usually eaten along with Idli. 

Sesame seeds chutney powder,

In Hindu Rituals:

         These sesame seeds are used in vedic ceremonies for ages. Hindus uses them in funeral rites and monthly ceremony for departed ancestors souls called Tila Tarpana. An offering of Sesame seeds to ancestors prevents negative energies from obstacles. In Hindu rituals, Sesame seeds oil / Til oil is considered as auspicious next to Desi Ghee. 

         Ellu vilaku, Mud lamp filled with sesame seeds and oil is lit, to pacify the malefic effect of Lord Shani (Saturn). Black sesame seeds packed in a small black cloth is placed inside the lamp and filled  with sesame oil, let the cloth gets soaked with the oil. Then lit this lamp using the cloth as wick, facing Lord Shanishwaran (God of Saturn).  It is believed that lighting Ellu Villaku on Saturdays will pacify the God and will get his blessings.

In vedas, it is mentioned that sesame seeds oil is best for human kind. 

      In Hinduism, traditionally Sesame seeds oil are used to light diyas / lamps in temples and at home. Lighting lamp using this oil creates peace of mind, confidence and removes negative thoughts. In a Daily routine, diyas are lit at home in the morning and in the evening. During any festival / occasions more diyas are lit at the house entrance, Pooja room and all around the house.

             Oil lamp / Diya / Deepam is lit to bow down to knowledge and to remove darkness from the house.It is a customary event to lit lamp before starting any auspicious event or ceremony. The vibration which emerges from the lamp spreads positive energy at home, brings peace and prosperity.

In Hair Treatment

       Sesame oil is full of nutrients needed for healthy scalp and hair. Regular massage with warm sesame oil penetrates into the scalp and increases circulation. Head massage reduces stress, induces good sleep and delivers nutrients to grow your hair. This oil stimulates hair growth by nourishing, conditioning and promoting healthy scalp 

           In traditional Chinese medicine, Black Sesame seeds are considered as best anti- aging food. Along with nourishing the scalp, these seeds promote melanocyte activity to produce melanin, which is the pigment responsible for hair and skin color.

Benefits of Sesame oil for Hair

• Treats premature greying
• Promotes Hair Growth
• Revitalize damaged Hair
• Nourishes Hair Follicles
• Combat hair loss due to stress
• Maintain Healthy Scalp
• Controls Dandruff
• Prevents Hair fall and dryness
• Retains natural hair color
• Effective Lice Treatment
• Natural Moisturizer.

In Ayurveda:

          In Sushruta Samhita, Sanskrit text of Ancient Ayurvedic medicinal book mentioned that Sesame seeds oil is the most commendable of all oils. It is recommended for wounds, burns, animal bites. Regular body massage with sesame seeds oil will promotes good health and balances three doshas in the body. 

       In Ayurveda, Sesame seeds oil is used as base oil for preparing medicated herbs infused oil called 'Thailam' and it is also used in preparing medicinal paste. Tila is the ayurvedic name of sesame oil.

Regular oil massage using Sesame seeds oil will

• reduces anxiety
• nerve and bone disorders
• poor circulation,
• lower immunity, 
• bowel problems and muscle tension. 
• It tones the skin and promotes strength and vitality.

         Oil pulling is the ancient ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. Oil pulling creates clarity in all five senses, it also called 'Gandusha' in Ayurveda. 
        In the morning on an empty stomach,swish one tea spoon of sesame oil in your mouth without swallowing it, allow it to pull the toxin from your body. While relaxing your jaw, allow the oil to swish between your teeth and gums, Chew it ! After 10 -15 minutes, spit the oil out and rinse your mouth with warm water
Coconut oil is best for summer and sesame oil is best for winter

 In Ayurveda, oil pulling using sesame / Gingelly oil has many benefits

• treatment of sinusitis
• psoriasis
• obesity
• dry skin
• kidney problem
• rheumatic pain and inflammation
• tooth decay and gingivitis 
• whitens the teeth

Oil pulling using coconut oil

• Releasing bacteria, virus, fungi and parasite from the body
• Improving the health of receding gum tissue
• Whitening the teeth
• strengthens teeth and gums
• reduces tooth sensitivity and pain
• helps clear the sinuses
• Helps with bad breath
• Prevents cavities and Gingivitis.

           As the Sesame seeds oil penetrates into the skin quickly, it is used to massage babies. Indian mothers, massage their baby with this oil and put them under the sun for few minutes, for the absorption of Vitamin D. This oil nourishes the cells naturally, also massaging with this oil makes the skin soft and shine

Diet:

          There is a proverb in India that "To Feed sesame seeds for under weight / thin people and feed Horse grams for Obese people". Sesame seeds and its oil has to be given for under weight people.

       Ellu urundai, a sweet made of roasted sesame seeds mixed with Jaggery syrup and cardamom powder. It is a common tea time snack served in South India.

   Sesame seeds can trigger allergic reaction to some people. If there is fever or diarrhea, avoid eating sesame seeds.


Pregnant Women

       Sesame seeds have good amount of folic acid and Iron which is essential for pregnant mothers. Folic acid is essential in DNA synthesis of growing fetus. Also,it increases the Hemoglobin levels of the Pregnant women.

Caution: As sesame seeds with Jaggery, increases body heat, it is to be consumed in limited portion during pregnancy. Eating more heating producing foods are not good for the baby.

Lactating Mother

         Sesame seeds are rich source of calcium, which is essential for lactating mothers. This is treated as helpful lactating aid for mothers, as it contains antioxidants and many nutrients which is beneficial for the health of both mother and baby. 

        These are some of the benefits of eating sesame seeds and oil, which is followed in India, from generation to generation for thousands of years !!

       These sesame seeds can be traced back to Indus valley civilization. Sesame plants were used as source of edible oil in Mesopotamia and Syria in Bronze age. Paintings in ancient Egypt tombs dated back to 4000 BCE shows, Bakers sprinkling sesame seeds into the dough. Rome is also not left out in using sesame seeds into the bread. Nowadays, we can see sesame seeds are being used in Western cuisines as well, it being sprinkled over Hamburgers, buns, bagels and burgers. Sesame seeds grows only in the tropical region.

       Ancient Greek soldiers carry sesame seeds as energy boosting emergency rations. Sesame seeds are considered as symbol of good luck. From India, the importance of these seeds have been extended to Middle East.

       In ancient Egypt, sesame seeds oil were used in medicines, cuisines and sesame seeds oil lamps were used to illuminate, dated back to 1500 BCE found in archaeological sites. 

        Today, Japan is the largest importer of Sesame seeds, they are using it in their cooking and medicines, after knowing it's remarkable medicinal properties.

           Lets go back to our roots and follow our ancestors way for healthy, happy and disease free life.

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan