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What’s Happening with Sacred Window?

Thank you for landing on our site!  Please take some time to browse and explore!


Since Ysha’s passing in 2015, those of us who worked closely with her and her school, keep exploring new new ways to ensure this powerful information about Ayurvedic postpartum and perinatal care remains available.  Here’s an update on what some of Sacred Window’s alumni and faculty have been up to lately:

 

Our Sacred Window website is a secure site, managed by volunteers who worked closely with Ysha.  For many years we offered downloadable books, webinars, and home-study courses about Ayurvedic Postpartum and Perinatal Care. Currently, we are no longer offering these materials, but may resume offering them in the future.  Our mission continues to remain aligned with Ysha’s original vision, holding a sacred place for her legacy and this profound knowledge — and pray for others to form and develop the schools, books and other offerings!  And guess what?  That’s exactly what they ARE doing!!  

 

The Center for Sacred Window Studies is a brand new school started by our beloved mentors and students of the original Sacred Window School–all of them professional Ayurvedic Postpartum Doulas. This is where you’ll find essential training as an Ayurvedic Postpartum Caregiver. The curriculum draws on the Sacred Window principles, but this new endeavor has a currency and freshness that only a live program can provide. Their courses are offered online via Live webinars and include lots of inspiring and practical homework — including cooking, infant massage, and self-care using Ayurveda.  Christine Eck and her team are doing a wonderful job of co-creating this enterprise.  We all wish them the best, and hope that our visitors will visit them!

 

 

The Ayurved Sadhana, Ayurvedic Teaching Institute has developed an in-depth Postpartum Ayurvedic Doula certification program, part online and part hands-on — based in Boulder, Colorado. Dr. Bharat Vaidya and his wife Anupama Vaidya were deeply involved in shaping The Sacred Window School with Ysha, and have been working very hard over the past several years to develop a respected and credited school for Advanced Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Doula training.  Be sure and click through to see what really wonderful things they are up to!

 

 

 

Terra Rafael, one of Sacred Window’s original faculty and a retired Ayurvedic midwife, has been working on new classes, a website, and her Wisewomanhood School.  Here you will find classes that focus on “optimizing female functioning – mind, body and soul – using natural remedies, Ayurveda, astrology, and inner work.”  Wisewomanhood is (and has always been) for Women and the Practitioners who serve them. You’ll find a growing number of inspiring webinars, books and other treats on her website.

 

Keep returning for more inspiring news from the Sacred Window family!

with love and encouragement,
Sacred Window volunteers and loving agents of change

 

12 Factors of Baby Development

Ayurveda defines 12 factors contributing to the quality of baby’s development. Visualize if you can, how nutrition and lifestyle can influence all these 12 factors:

1) Paternal influence

2) Maternal influence

3) Soul/ past life karmas (aatmaja)

4) Agni – Tejas (physical and mental digestive strength)

5) Soma – Ojas quality (immunity strength)

6) Vayu – Prana (vitality — life force strength)

7) The 3 mental Gunas – Sattva, Rajas & Tamas and their influence on mood and character

8) The 5 senses (strength of vision, hearing, smell, touch and taste)

9) The Mind – (stability and strength of focus)

10) The Buddhi (intellect or intelligence)

11) Smruti (memory and ability to retain and recall)

12) the 5 elements (the quantity of earth, water, fire, air and ether in a person’s constitution)

In a nutshell, shukra (sperm) and artava (egg) contain the maternal & paternal elements of heredity. These include components of the: 5 elements, 20 qualities of nature, 3 mental gunas (SRT), three doshas (VPK), 7 dhatus (tissues), and refined essence of the three doshas (ojas, tejas and prana–OTP), all of which shape the embryo  and are known as “basic units of hereditary.”

Within the first 2 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta is working, giving oxygen and life force to the baby. The prana taken in by the mother must be refined and delicate, not intense or jarring. Rasa dhatu (plasma) should be sattvic for this intricate process which means it needs to be clear of ama (toxins) or anything that may obstruct the tiny but critical developments. Pitta toxins and kapha phlegm both morning sickness which blocks the flow of prana. The invisible work of mothers in pregnancy is to provide a supportive harmonious energy field and nourishment for her developing baby’s body and blueprint. Proper nutrition of mind and body (the 12 factors) are what create this environment.

 

Radiation Supports for Mama and Baby

Radiation Exposures – Protect Mother and Child with Ayurveda

(written by Ysha Oakes, 5/8/12)

Are you, your friends or clients asking what they can do?  Mine are.  Whether you believe the news (blackout) indicators that we are ok around Fukushima’s situation or not, we all know we are surrounded by various types of radiation which our ancestors did not have.  We also know mothers and babies are among the most vulnerable.   As with any “season” of life or weather, specific guidelines are wisely used after childbirth.  Ayurvedic medicine offers adaptive advice for using the resources found generally valuable with radiation exposures.

Ayurvedic physician, Rama Kant Mishra, BAMS and MD India, says radiation has similar impacts to being struck by lightening as described in the ancient texts.   Disturbance and pollution is to the ether or space element, whose power and domain is nuclear.  Vata dosha is the combined metabolic effects of ether and air  elements, and is so high after birth naturally.  Mother and newborn need special care in many ways already for this – integrating, grounding, comforting, warming, gentle cleansing, rebuilding, transformational nutrition and vibrational purity in body and cell nuclei as well as emotions.

Radiation burns our ojas – the finest product of digestion which gives juiciness, immune strength, and spatial, vibrational and biological intelligence for coherent health in the tissues.  “Soma”, related to neurotransmitters for happiness, can be as if chemically burned also.  Prana or Qi – life force is easily deranged.  Cellular intelligence or tejas in the nucleus becomes overstimulated, confused and can disturb DNA.    “Tejas burning ojas” dictates reducing or cleansing pitta, increasing “sattva”, building therapies, and more.  “Radiation burns our cells by creating too much free radical damage,” confirms Mike Adams of naturalnews.com.

There are mother/baby schedules for sudden high exposure, administering KI (potassium iodide) but little else is clear.  That therapy is for the first few days of airborne exposure anyway, and we have much more to address.  Continued and cumulative exposure is a given.  Radioactive iodine has a short half life; but others do not, and exposures are abundant from many sources before Fukushima.  AP reports Japan admits to a meltdown, and the planetary impact will last many years.  We all should do our homework.

We need to adjust care for the highly sensitive 6-8 weeks after birth.  A mother bridges the worlds and needs help shifting from stress to rest and digest hormones, grounding, integrating and rejuvenating.  Nutritional needs are high and ability to metabolize food and supplements is weaker.  With much internal “work”, her enzyme sequencing (from eating one meal to the finest products of tissue nutrition) is 6 weeks minimum, not the usual 4 for most people.  Lactation is one of the first products of digestion, yet breastmilk quality varies with maternal diet and affects Baby.  Mother’s milk is blessedly rich in ojas, tejas and prana when balanced.

Postpartum caveats – weave these into any supplement use

Digestive spices – well cooked (not raw) garlic, pepper, ginger, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, dill, and others help enzyme activity and free radical reduction.  Mothers thrive on warm, moist, and freshly made not fermented foods at this time, rebuilding not cleansing, and generous amounts of clarified butter, sesame oil, or occasional other good fats.  Sweet, milky, soupy, iron rich and mushy foods in sequenced transitions with high calorie normal cooked diet take 6-8 weeks.   Some sweet fresh antioxidant fruits work well also.  Some super-foods and herbs are contraindicated, some really help protect tummies, hearts, minds and immune systems.

Dry, old, cold and most raw foods create gas, constipation and feelings of separation, emptiness and dissatisfaction for Mama and aby.  So we avoid capsules of dry herbs, dry snacks, cereals, protein powders, ground flax, toast, most dried fruits – things which pull moisture and are rough on delicate tissues.  Maternal body/mind is as delicate as Baby’s – so we start with mush!  Oily is opposite of dry; liquid opposite of dense.

Build ojas with special foods and herbs, generous amounts of clarified butter in food and warm drinks, and warm spiced organic grass fed cow’s milk or almond milk for vegans.   At Baby’s 10 day growth spurt, one can usually begin rejuvenative tonic herbal foods like shatavari kalpa, ground almonds, gum acacia, coconut, dates and saffron with liver enzyme supportive ginger, pippali or a little clove.

Cleansing 

As usually considered, cleansing is a depleting therapy, no matter how gentle.  Extra wastes from pregnancy and labor are cleansed differently.  We use herbals, foods and lifestyle which avoid usual cleansing and hectic lifestyle depletions.

Cleansing ether element means several things.  It even means nourishing our place and space in the body and universe with gentle, balancing routines, less movement and change for mamas. Warm oil massage enhanced with highest quality essential oils, purity of foods, simple lifestyle, TLC, connectedness, bonding in love help a lot.   Avoid the winds, and cold foods and drinks.

Fats, especially ghee, can cleanse kindly and lubricate mood, hormones and energy.  Extra dietary ghee more than other fats, helps pull toxins from the tissues and cells, buffer charged particles, and slide them out safely. Use only organic fats, very generous amounts unless cholesterol, liver or gall bladder contraindicates.

Tikta Ghee – a preparation of several bitter herbs, is highly advised by Dr. Vasant Lad for even pregnant and early postpartum mothers to help cell and nuclear proteins best counter effects of radiation.  1 tsp, twice a day; can be used in food.  The ghee helps offset the vata increasing bitter effect.

Gently reduce vata with dashamoola decoction twice a day.

Strengthen “agni” – the body’s digestive and transformative processes.  Spices strengthen the our ability to burn waste products, and handle needed fats and other foods.

Used with children after Chernobyl, Apple pectin tested about 63% rate of bowel removal of radioactive matter while “healthy diet” was in the low teens.  Phytotherapist Ayurvedic teacher Sonya Massoco explains that pectin builds the liver “bhut agnis” – enzymes which convert food into 5 element qualities for tissue nutrition.   Apple pectin comes in capsules (avoid after childbirth), or 10% pectin apple fiber – inexpensive.  Both will probably create high vata mama and baby gas unless you add chai type spices and hydrate well in hot water or juice for at least 10 minutes.  Try in cider spiced grape or other fruit juice or stewed fruits, not in dairy or cold.  Add ¼ tsp ginger, pinch salt and tsp of ghee; serve warm.

Fiber helps remove radioactive toxins from the GI tract, so does bentonite clay; both bind and can constipate.  Best after 2 weeks and when bowels move easily   – then some non-rough well hydrated fiber can be used.   Avoid bran, flax or dry psyllium.  Start bentonite with just ¼ tsp, building to ½, in hot water, soup, juice or nut milk .

Keep bowels moving – extra challenging the first few days – with oiliness, warmth, moisture, and mushy cooked foods.  Laxatives risk excess bleeding and hemorrhage increasing apana vayu, our downward subdosha of vata.  Avoid senna type products, even gentler Triphala or Bhumyamalaki for 3 weeks or more.   Serve hot stewed, iron rich fruits (raisins, figs, blueberries, cherries, apricots) with spices and, did I mention, lots of ghee?

Super nutrient foods 

Smoothies – Avoid most of them, and avoid yoghurt 1-2 months except in lassi.

Cold or room temperature, wrong foods and poor food combining will not be handled well, creating gas and wasting energy and money.

Chlorella helps with DNA repair and protection.  Use only the “broken cell” type, seasoned (ginger is super postpartum support), mineral salt pinch, hydrate well (delishious with warm almond milk, ¼ tsp curry powder, black pepper or ginger, or in soup), serve warm, for mothers add a teaspoon of sesame or sunflower oil – coconut is too cold energetically now.

Sea greens, especially Spirolina, with bioavailable iodine, protects thyroid receptor sites and needs similar treatment to chlorella, without fruit.

Seaweeds, high in iodine, really help the body alkalize, are mineral grounding and soothing, nourish softness and rejuvenation.  Cooling, they must be seasoned well, cooked, well hydrated and oiled to prevent results of weak digestion.  Harvested in coastal waters and Japan, quality and source is extra critical now.   Helpful pulling enzyme inhibitors from legumes, we regularly add to maternal soups.

Miso 

Although degenerative (“tamasic”) in energy when regeneration is Nature’s plan for mamas, I am recommending this easily digested food now.  Dr. Lad advises miso soup to help with radiation.  Add sesame oil (tasty with toasted) and well cooked garlic, or some curry powder at a minimum.

Extra moist rice can be served with carrot and zucchini strips, lime juice, fresh ginger and roasted garlic tahini and sauce for oriental flair in toasted nori, after 2 weeks for variety.

vitamin D3,not D2
Use liquid drops, or mix the bland powder from capsules into warm liquid for low level exposure protection.  Quality makes huge difference, also dosage. Dr. John Douillard and others are recommending adult dosage of 10,000 IU daily until levels are up. Most folks are sadly low. “Calcitriol is the form of vitamin D that activates the body’s Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), which allows gene transcription to take place and the activation of the innate immune response,” reports radiological health expert Daniel Hayes in the Science Daily news, 2008.

Antioxidants

For most antioxidant support, warm and spiced fruit/juices may offer best bio-delivery.  Helping against free radical damage, some of those expensive but high quality drinks are great, but serve with splash of hot water to take the chill off, and avoid fruit/veg/protein combinations.  For mothers I add pinch mineral salt and ginger or clove powder and serve warm.  Pittas (I call them the hot blooded mamas), no salt or ginger; they do better with cardamom, saffron, rose in grape, a little pomegranate, acai or other sweet (non citrus) fruit bases.  They also need vata balancing qualities and must avoid cold.  Children tend to love these juices of course – offer in moderation.

Vitamin C sources are best liquid or from fresh fruits, powder can be added, though citrus should be avoided for 2-3 weeks and excess can increase pitta, heat and looseness of the bowel, risking hemorrhage.

Organic citrus peel and essential oils of citrus are researched to build liver master antioxidant glutathione taken internally.  Grate zest into fruit stews, smoothies or soups for appetizing benefits, or gentle dose – 3 drops orange oil in a capsule or fruit bowl, up to 3 times daily after meals; also helps digestion.

Selenium is also recommended to help with radiation.

Ghee and Raw Honey is a special medicine for ojas, tejas, and/or prana when used equal parts by volume (1 tsp each with ¼-1 tsp herbs), according to Dr. Lad Mix fresh with appropriate root, seed, fruit or bark herb powders as advised by your AyuDoula or Ayurvedic practitioner.  Measure it; please note that equal parts by weight is toxic, by volume, nectar and gives deep tissue delivery..

Prana

Mothers benefit so much from gentle, no breath retention alternate nostril pranayama and perhaps a little ujjai, bhramari breathing.  Most breath practices are contraindicated for pregnancy and early postpartum.  Even with a baby falling asleep in our arms – though not a classical posture, intend these deeply valuable practices including meditation daily.

The prana of the bond with a newborn is profound.  Ground this subtlety in gentleness and rest, center and protect it in prayer and so-hum or other effortless meditation and breath practice

I hope you like aromatherapy.  Use organic, low heat and pressure distillated oils.  Their high prana balancing, oxygenating, emotional and immune support is a blessing to many mothers; please explore safety and quality issues; over 90% of essential oils sold are not grown on the planet, even labeled “100% pure, natural or therapeutic grade”, and are likely to be petrochemical based or laced.

Rosemary Essential Oil Found to Offer Best Protection against Radiation Poisoning – I favor a blend with rosemary, melaleucas and clove.  Note these are quite warming.  I am very picky about my sources and over the last 14 years, have favored Young Living Essential Oils, having seen in depth their fanaticism for quality.  You will need a member referral number to order.

Sesquiterpene rich oils like Vetiver (97%), Sandalwood (90%), Patchouli (71%), Myrrh (62%), Ginger (59%), as well as German Chamomile, Spikenard, and Frankincense (8%) deprogram miswritten code in the DNA, according to David Stewart, PhD.  Monoterpenes, in many essential oils including Spruce (38%), Valerian (34%), and Juniper (14%) as well as Fir and Pine reprogram the miswritten codes in DNA.

Fresh sweet fruits, rest, gentle sunlight and love provide prana too.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive discussion, only representing a few of my favorites with important adaptations for mothers and newborns.  Do look at the side effect list of high doses of iodine online and apply balancing qualities.  Delicious, soothing, warming and well digested special nutrient preparations can give a mother extra tools through these times.

Tending a mother’s subtle body with prayer, transcending into peaceful meditation, gentlest pranayama (simple alternate nostril with no breath retention, and simple ujjai),  restorative yoga, and quiet community service from her village are deeply practical and nourish heaven on earth for us all.  All help cleanse, strengthen, re-align, connect and refine the ether element, prana, cellular intelligence and ojas, and help all layers of body, mind and family well being to re-store health, wholeness and bliss.

Week Two Foods for Mama


upma Upma

This Southern Indian breakfast, side or snack is a kind of vegetable pudding – soft and eaten with a spoon. For the many who cannot use wheat, the recipe works nicely with cream of basmati rice. The final product is a creamy vegetable dish, delicious, buttery, moist, oily, and warm.  Less moisture allows a sliceable bar food later, nice for outings.

Prep Time: 20 min. Cooking Time:  15-20 min.
Serves:  4-5

Tip at the top:
In a mother’s rush or if you don’t have these, substitute 4-5 tsp curry powder for coriander, cumin, mustard, curry leaves, fenugreek, hing, even cayenne if it is a spicy one; warm gently in the ghee just to bloom the flavors before adding veggies.

Ingredients
3 c water
2 c carrots, asparagus, perhaps some summer squash, methi leaves, basil, dill, or other timely veggies
1 c farina (cream of wheat), coarsely ground semolina or cream of basmati rice
1/2 c ghee or light sesame oil
1/4 c   cilantro leaves, chopped
1-2 t ground coriander seed
1 t black mustard seed
1 t cumin seeds
3 – 5 leaves curry (optional; this is not the powder but the plant)
1/2 t turmeric powder
1 t salt
1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds (optional)
1/3-1/2 t coarse ground black pepper
3 pinches hing
3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1/16 t cayenne pepper or 1/4 t nutmeg (optional, to taste)
6 lime wedges for optional garnish

Preparation

  1. Wash, trim and grate or cut vegetables into small pieces. For quick and easy, use your food processor for most of them until you have time to do more distinctive prep.
  2. Bring water to boil with salt and turmeric while doing step 3.
  3. In a medium heavy skillet roast the grain in half or more of the butter or oil, over medium heat until a shade darker, more golden, and fragrant.  Stir frequently.  It may look after a while like grains of sand at the seashore, with a slight froth on it.
  4. Gradually add the hot water to the toasted farina on lower heat at first, stirring constantly to avoid lumping and until it has the consistency of cream of wheat cereal.  If this is a new technique for you, a whisk helps ensure there is no lumping.  Set aside during step 4.
  5. In separate skillet, warm the rest of the cooking oil.  When ghee is clear, add spices, such as the mustard seed, fenugreek seed and cumin.  When they pop and fenugreek is toasted, add optional curry leaves, garlic, hing, ginger, and coriander powder and when fragrant, add all the vegetables, long cooking ones first.  Sauté them until tender – adding a splash of water and a lid if needed to prevent drying out.
  6. Remove lid if you used it, and mix the farina into vegetables. Add optional pinches of cayenne or nutmeg.  Add minced cilantro, reserving a little for garnish with an extra grind of black pepper when you turn it out onto a platter, plate or bowl.
  7. Upma may firm up to a consistency you can cut when cool, and may be used as a snack with hot tea a little later.

The fresh curry leaves are so delicious, if you have access. Or add optional basil at the end. Of course we can substitute fresh basil or dill or methi leaves for the cilantro, or long cook some onion until sweet. However it is best to choose 2 or 3 total veggies maximum, at first. Later play with American or Chinese, Thai or other cuisine’s seasonings, but be sure it is enough for mama’s agni.

Classical Ayurveda asks us to avoid lemon or other citrus for 5-6 weeks after birth, for their sour vipak and rajasic qualities. Lime has a sweet vipak and sattvic mental quality, making it suitable after about 10 days.

Recipe adapted from Rasa Mac Knight, Miriam Kasin Hospidar, Usha Lad and other wonderful cooks.

tahini on asparagus

Taratoor (Tahini) Sauce

Traditionally served on falafel sandwiches (which we avoid along with other deep-fried foods during the postpartum Kayakalpa window), this sauce wonderfully complements a bowl of dahl for complete protein as a sauce over vegetables, baked yam or rice. The thinned version is suitable after the first 10 days postpartum or for second or third trimester pregnant women who are not high pittas.

Prep Time: 15 min.
Serves 4-8 (depending on other menu items)

Ingredients
1/2 c tahini (toasted)
1/4 c lime juice
1 T maple syrup
1/4 t salt
¼ c water and/or olive oil or more, to desired consistency-see options below

Preparation

  1. Puree ingredients well in blender. If adding water, hot or warm will work best. Adjust for taste – sour, sweet, salt, pungent, and the tahini undercurrent of bitter.
  2. Serve over suitable vegetables, baked yam, quinoa or rice

Comments and Tips

Add water for desired consistency. The citrus (lime) thickens the tahini surprisingly.  Optionally add some olive oil also, which softens texture, helps accomplish early postpartum oleation, cools the recipe some, and combines well for taste.

Gourmet variations: 1) A little black pepper or cayenne or some freshly grated ginger or toasted garlic are particularly tasty additions. 2) A generous addition of dried dill herb, tarragon, and/or toasted cumin seeds. 3) Or add a little sweet citrus zest such as lemon, mandarin or orange peel, maybe 1-2 t minced.

Notes: You can use other sweeteners, but maple syrup complements tahini’s bitterness and heat. You can, of course, play with other nut butters or purees similarly but this taratoor sauce really sings – I love the olive oil, roasted garlic, dill weed and cumin seed version.

Always use your sesame roasted, not raw, according to Dr. Shrestha, to avoid a toxin accumulation.


winter squashSweet Baked Winter Squash

Very yummy and very easy to make, winter squashe prepared this way is so soothing for vata the second-third week and beyond. Because even winter squashes have a little astringent quality, we serve them sweet first. Here is how my mother made them – your least prep (ignore the picture!) Mama served “boats” with extra sauce in the middle.

Prep Time: 10 min. Cooking Time: 50-60 min.
Serves  4

 Ingredients
1 large acorn or other winter squash
¼ c warm ghee, or as needed
¼ c your brown sugar of choice
1-2 T fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp clove powder
1/8 tsp nutmeg
salt to taste

Tip: Use pumpkin pie spice in a rush.

Preparation 

  1. Halve the squash lengthwise and seed.
  2. Melt the ghee and thoroughly brush the squash with ghee.   Use enough ghee so that all pieces are all completely covered.
  3. Mix the extra ghee with sweetener and all the spices except salt. Brush this thick mix all over the top and leave the rest sitting in the bowl of the squash. Salt your squash.
  4. Add 1/8 inch of water to the bottom of the baking pan, cover lightly with another large pan or foil, and put into 400 F oven for 40 minutes.
  5. Check for even cooking and remove cover. Finish baking another 20-25 minutes or until veggies can be pierced easily with a fork.

Be sure your squash does not get dried out; ovens and altititudes require a cook’s attention a bit, but this should be easy and come out tender, juicy, sweet and glistening. Halve each piece to get 4 dripping servings. Remember that mama may even want black pepper with hers too, or some panchakola ghee if you skimped on the ghee! Serves well with a kitchari or a light protein, noodle and vegetable soup.


sheeroMother’s Sheero

a.k.a. Sheera – Farina Milk Halva

Cookbooks offer variations for this nourishing, easy to digest, high-protein and energy snack and we offer the use of cream of rice instead of farina for the many avoiding wheat.  We also use at least 1 extra part liquid.  This is best served warm and fresh.  Serve after childbirth as desired, as a soothing, grounding, bowel softening and energy supportive first days’ nourishment.

Prep Time: 5 min. Cooking Time: 20 min
Serves 4

Ingredients
2 c non-homogenized whole milk (or part cream or part-all water as needed)
1/4 c ghee
1/2 c farina (cream of wheat), coarse-ground semolina flour or cream of rice
1/3-1/2 c natural sugar (light colored for this recipe)
1 -2 T sliced almonds, cashews, unsalted pistachios, charole nuts or coconut flakes
1/8 t cardamom (very best if you use crushed seeds from 3-4 pods)
1/2 t ginger or more
1/8 t nutmeg (optional)
1/16 t saffron, soaked in 1/4 c hot milk or water (optional) or
4-6 drops rosewater or vanilla (optional)

Preparation

  1. Bring milk or water just to boiling up in a separate pot.  Take care not to let it boil over.
  2. Melt ghee and add grain in a heavier bottomed pan (wider pot or frying pan works best).
  3. Saute slowly on medium, adding ginger powder and stirring frequently.  Cook for 5-10 minutes or until it turns a shade darker – golden and fragrant.  Remove from heat and stir in milk (or water), stirring briskly. A whisk works well at this stage.  Return to heat and cook 7 – 10 minutes stirring constantly until fairly thick.  This will go more quickly if you have already boiled the milk.
  4. Reserving a few nuts for decoration on top, stir in the rest with sugar, cardamom, optional nutmeg, and soaked saffron.  Keep turning until well cooked and the mixture begins to pull away from sides of the pan, acting like one mass. Turn off heat and  add optional rosewater. Now spread in a dish and decorate with saffron (crushed, or soaked and stirred in before serving), flaked almonds, extra nutmeg sprinkle.  This is oily and won’t stick much. Cut into desired shapes (squares, rectangles or diamonds) and serve warm. For a real treat later, have someone warm yours in a small frying pan, making a golden crust.

Comments and Tips
When using milk, the lighter sugar usually works best.  Dark brown sugars can curdle the milk unless added carefully at the end.

About cream of rice: Eastern Indian shoppers know what they are looking for; Americans find it sometimes next to the cream of wheat or in baby cereal section in supermarkets. I prefer to wash, slow oven dry, then grind white basmati rice in our coffee grinders. It is very low maintenance and can be done in batches when you have time, giving better quality. The flavor and texture are best with basmati (not cream of brown rice). (If there is any tendency to viral infection also, minimize brown rice because of the arginine content).

For kapha or vata add ¼ teaspoon or more of dry ginger powder.  Kapha dominant people, or those with congestion, should eat somewhat less of this sweet snack, and prepare it with water, and perhaps less liquid. A warning to those favoring coconut or nut milks from the box – this will feel heavy and can tax the liver – use parts, or ideally fresh coconut water or milk. The nut milks or water based will also beg a little salt in the recipe.

You can of course make a quick and easy version with fewer spices and nuts.  Be sure to boil the milk while warming the farina, and your sheero will thicken up very quickly.

Recipe adapted from MataPrema Rathod, Usha Lad, Leelaben Kotecha, and others

 

 

Testimonials for our AyuDoula Program

“Ysha!   I love this program already….and to think I wanted to test out of the first module..I’m loving it and I think my daughter will love it too…I hope she gets on board soon…you are a doll and you know your stuff….last night I think I listened to all the webnar in the first class…xoxoxo.”  C.M., Ayurvedic Wellness Coach and Panchakarma Therapist.

“I started reading the first unit today. I’m already feeling so good about every word read…thank you so much for making this available for people like me – it’s exactly the knowledge I was seeking.” C.E., Ayurvedic Practitioner, NH

“Oh Ysha! It has been such a beautiful week, it was a blessing meeting such amazing women, and to go so deeply in such a sacred space. I am grateful to you for creating this web of connection, education, and empowerment. Feeling the richness of all these classes and teachers during these weeks, and your presence – sending a hug til we can meet in person. Thank you for grading all those tests! Wow, feels good to see the progress!”  W.R., LMT, CO

“Ysha, it is a pleasure to learn from you! I am always amazed by the depth and purity of your knowledge. When I was deciding where to study Ayurveda I was disappointed by many schools that offer quite watered down Ayurveda.” J.J., Ayurvedic Postpartum Care professional, educator, author, Australia.

“Based on my personal experience, I want people to know that every piece of the postpartum care protocols are SO significant, and should not be left out! I learned the hard way, and I feel your beautiful spirit of collaboration … you have sent such a tradition of this which is very near and dear to me. I really am so happy to carry along this spirit in your honor!” A.T., Ayurvedic Practitioner, AyuDoula, NC

“Your course and teachings have been a great experience for me. I have learned more than I could hope for.” J.G., Ayurvedic Practitioner, Yoga Instrutor, NM

“I loved being in class with you, you are a real treasure and joy and your grace has touched my heart very deeply.  Thank you again!!” A.G., CAP, RMT, Postpartum AyuDoula, CA

“I keep getting clients that either are pregnant or are coming in to prepare for pregnancy, and sometimes these emergency cases in pregnancy.  You really helped me a lot; what you are doing is such a great service.” D.P., Ayurvedic Practitioner and Instructor, VA

First Foods for Mama


Rice Pudding 2Rice Pudding (Kheer)

Whatever your recipe for rice pudding, enjoy it – freshly cooked and served warm.   But it is much better to leave out eggs, raisins, and favor a lighter sweetener as the iron rich ones curdle the milk unless stirred in carefully near the end. Serve as desired after childbirth, adding the nuts after a couple weeks, gradually. By then if you like, a few chopped dates or figs handle better than raisins. This is also excellent daily fare for the 8th month of pregnancy. It offers special help building baby and mama’s ojas – immune strength and vitality during that delicate month.

Prep Time:  long cooking, stir often. Cook time:  2-4 hours, or use a crock pot overnight.
Serves:  about 4, depends on cooking

INGREDIENTS

1 c rice
2 c water
8 c organic milk (un-homogenized if available)
10 whole cardamom seeds, slightly crushed only
2 Tbs ghee (clarified butter)
1 ½ c turbinado sugar (or optional sweetener of choice)
¼ c sliced blanched almonds

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Clean rice well.
  2. Cook rice in water on medium high heat until water is almost cooked off and expanded a little.
  3. Add milk, cardamom seeds and ghee.  Bring to boil, then turn down to medium low heat.
  4. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
  5. Continue to cook for 2-4 hours on medium low heat.   It should simmer gently.
  6. When milk has boiled for a while and the kheer begins to thicken, add turbinado and stir well.
  7. When kheer is thick, add the optional almonds.
  8. Enjoy with cinnamon and extra spice, and extra ghee (for mothers).

Notes:

  • Real kheer results are very creamy with the rice partly broken down. This lends itself well to overnight cooking in that little crock pot, or a bigger one for a big family! It will yield more and a creamier pudding. Taste for sweet and spice.
  • Please do not cook honey; if choosing honey, add only raw, at eatably warm temperature.

Recipe adapted from Heidi Nordland, Ayurvedic Practitioner and AyuDoula.



stewed figsStewed Iron Rich Fruits

A satisfying iron- and energy-rich warm dish when you wake hungry with baby before daylight or as a comforting light snack.

For the first week or 2 especially, you might choose dried fruits over fresh and stew them, to provide concentrated, easily digested nourishment to the lymph (rasa), blood (rakta) and muscle (mamsa) with resulting benefits to a healing uterus. Stewing and spicing also supports the digestive fire and lubricates the bowels. Cooked like this they serve to keep things moving well, without any drama about it or risk of increasing bleeding.

Favor iron rich fruits like raisins, figs, currants, dates, cherries, blueberries or apricots and maybe some dried mango; even prunes (they are heavier, with more tamas and laxative energy so let’s use them when lochia, the post birth bleeding, is less). Of course in the summer, figs, blueberries and cherries will sing to you fresh too; ask yourself what sounds best this week.

To cook, I prefer to put fruit in a smaller crock pot with good amount of water to stew overnight, or poor hot boiling water in to speed the cooking time, without having to worry about burning by slow cooking.  I rarely use a recipe – I just throw in a cinnamon stick, some cloves, a few anise or cardamom seeds, bit of black pepper and some fresh or dried ginger with fruit of choice or just what’s available. Just figs is lovely, or a festive mix as desired.  Add a pinch of salt after the first few days for better flavor and absorption.For a ready early morning snack, take 1 hour or more before breakfast.

Comments and Tips

Those who like cream may enjoy instead, after the first week, some coconut milk drizzled over their fruits.  It is better food combining and real cream is a little too rich at first. Although it is not usually needed, sometimes we just want more creaminess! Or add a little ghee during early postpartum weeks.

Note, if using cinnamon in powder form, stir in gently near the end or it will be toooo slimy wierd.



 

almond milkAlmond Vitality Milk

Substitute dairy with almond milk if lactose intolerant. Be sure your net intake of almonds for the day is no more than 10-12, as it is heavy on the liver otherwise, for anyone. Making this fresh gives you more life force and vitality. Ghee may be considered lactose free and according to Dr. Vasant Lad, vegans should consider ghee vegan!  Or a tablespoon of dark flax oil gives good benefits with almonds. According to our experience in any case, ghee is a very special postpartum food.  This is wonderful with cereal, as snack, or at bedtime.  (And enjoy revitalizing sleep!)

Prep Time: 10 min Cooking Time: 10 min
Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS

20   raw almonds, soaked overnight (see alternative below for dairy free)
1 c boiled hot water
2 c organic cow milk (unhomogenized if possible, full cream) or water
2 tsp ghee
1/16 tsp saffron
1/8 tsp ground cardamom
1/8 tsp ground ginger, pepper or clove
½ tsp ashwagandha or shatavari powder (optionals AFTER 9 days postpartum)
2 tsp sweetener such as Rapadura, or dark jaggery syrup (high iron options)

INSTRUCTIONS 

  1. In the morning, drain off the almond soaking water.
  2. Pour boiling hot water and soak just until cooled down enough to handle.  Rub the skins off the almonds before they stick again, and rinse clear.
  3. Bring the milk to a boil three times (sliding off/on the burner).
  4. Add almonds and hot milk to the blender with ghee, saffron, cardamom and sweetener.
  5. Blend until smooth.

Comments and Tips

Many of us do not strain our almond milk, if finely ground.

If you will be making this without dairy, add 1 Tablespoon of ground flax and optionally 1/2 tsp of lecithin before blending, and use about 24 almonds for this recipe. It will become so creamy!

Recipe adapted from Heidi Nordland, Ayurvedic Practitioner and AyuDoula

 

 

Antiviral Essential Oils

Protecting our children & ourselves

essential oils cloves banner

Way back in the last century (1999) my 9 year old son and I were living in a home where I did childcare for two pre-school aged children. Three times that winter their whole family was diagnosed with strep throat, and took antibiotics for it. (They continued to eat cold yogurt, cheese, and other ayurvedically contraindicated things.) Even before their culture for strep was confirmed, I put one drop of a well researched antibacterial and antiviral blend of essential oils (Young Living’s Thieves) on my son’s throat, and 2 on my own throat (diluted with 1-2 drops of sesame oil), and applied a few more drops directly to our feet. I did this 3 times a day, and adjusted our diet away from cold, dairy and wheat for those few days. We did not get sick, though sharing a kitchen with this family. The third time it came up for them, I started to feel the tell-tale scratchy throat. My son and I each added one more drop of Thieves in the back of our throats 3-4 X a day. It stung, briefly. And WOW – immediately, the signs went away and stayed away! Now I may put a drop in ⅙ cup water and gargle instead – either way it stings but works fast.

Although streptococcus causes a bacterial infection, only about 5-10% of sore throats are actually bacterial — the rest are viral. I’ve worked with antiviral essential oils with amazing results, and often am asked by clients what they can do to most safely and gently protect their families when immune system is weak — like after childbirth, or during flu season. There are Ayurvedic insights on the use of essential oils, and diet, herbs and lifestyle changes which help refine our therapeutic choices when we are vulnerable (like choosing heating and drying substances for mucus problems and cooling substances for fevers, etc.) This wisdom also includes protecting our “head” or psychic space from fatigue, weakness and emotional impurity, since viruses can so easily enter our field if we are not feeling strong inside.

Fall and Spring are times of seasonal change when, as both public health stats and ancient Ayurveda explain, everyone is more vulnerable, and an illness can be easier to acquire and harder to kick. Right now children are returning to school, and bringing home colds and flus. And national news is reporting severe respiratory viral infections hospitalizing unusual numbers of children in this country, not to mention other scary virus trends around the world! Please get your essential oils first aid kit ready!

Here are my top choices for antiviral and respiratory supports, “distilled” from about 40 antiviral essential oils that I’ve come to know and love. First, the single oils:

Cassia and Cinnamon (two varieties of cinnamon): Jean Claude Lapraz, MD, found that viruses could not even live in the presence of cinnamon oil, so many of the best blends have this oil in them. Balance this for its hot, dry qualities.

Citrus peel oils: Inexpensive oils and good diffusers. More gentle antiviral and good for children (and inner children).

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata): Diffuses well, with benefits that cool and penetrate quickly. It is both antiviral and respiratory clearing.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): Specially valuable when the psychic space is fragile and compromised, this is an immunostimulant, mild antiviral and powerful anti-inflammatory.

Hyssop: Powerful antiviral used in biblical times during the plague. Balance for its hot, sharp, and drying qualities.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca sp.): Well known for its broad spectrum uses, tea tree is valuable and not too intense antiviral and antibacterial. 

Myrtle & Lemon Myrtle: Gently pitta and vata pacifying, this good antiviral also supports endocrine and clears respiratory systems. Myrtle is very kind and diffuses well.

Oregano: Strongly heating and drying. When prepared using low temperature distillation it offers antiviral as well as antibacterial and antifungal benefits. 

Thyme: Strongly heating and drying. When prepared using low temperature distillation it offers antiviral as well as the antibacterial and antifungal benefits.


I’m a Young Living EO fan because I have absolute faith in the purity and integrity of their oils. They have some amazing blended oils, and naturally I have some favorite antiviral blends. Well-combined blends are often better value than singles and have proven track records for broad spectrum effectiveness in one bottle.

** If you choose to take any essential oils internally, please be certain of the EO producer and the quality of their oils, and that they provide suitable instructions. Otherwise please do not use in this way.

Thieves — Blend with clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus radiata, rosemary: Number 1 for winter time and cold weather illness with excess kapha, and for boosting agni in Ayurvedic terms, it has strong antioxidant properties too. This blend was used in the 16th century plague time with unusual success — first by the body robbers of the dead and dying who were grounded from their shipping trade as oil and spice importers. Research shows over 95% kill rate on over 5 different groups of viruses plus highly antibacterial, antifungal effects.

RC — Blend with 3 eucalyptuses, myrtle, pine, cypress, lavender, oregano, peppermint and tsuga: Number 1 for inhalation for most respiratory issues, this has many antivirals in it also. Its sharp penetrating qualities are balanced by endocrine boosters, grounding evergreens and liver help. Balanced for multi-season use, valuable for diffuser method.

Raven — Blend with ravensara, eucalyptus radiata, peppermint, wintergreen and lemon: Also cooling and potent, it’s broad spectrum effects soothe inflammation, lungs, help kick phlegm, plus combat herpes and shingles.

Purification — Blend with citronella, lemongrass, lavendin, rosemary, melaleuca and myrtle: Good diffuser for kids coming and going from school and fragile postpartum families. This is useful in hot and cold weather illnesses and against environmental radiation.

Exodus II — Blend with cassia, myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, hyssop, galbanum, frankincense (Boswellia carteri), and spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi): Biblical combo gives extra oomph on viral infections and kicking phlegm, and powerfully helps protect and clear the mind of high vata and kapha. Balance for hot, dry and penetrating qualities.

This list is offered for safe and powerful first aid for MANY uses besides antiviral and respiratory help. Over 5,000 research studies on essential oils are showing that they have significant therapeutic effects. Knowledge of Ayurveda enhances their use with guidelines for preventing vulnerability to disease.

With over 90% of the medicinal properties of many herbs evaporated when they are dried, essential oils are more potent for many uses. They offer highly respectable self and client care support, but need safe use and well balanced application. I’ve worked with essential oils for over 15 years, with respect and love for their blessings. I also know how overboard people get with them, forgetting the rest of their self-care homework, and Ayurvedic concerns for misuse.

Young Living oils test with 300-800 bio-constituents each, distilled to access each plant’s arsenal of integrated intelligence and protection like no drug can. It’s super important to know the quality of the essential oils you choose before using them for therapeutic purposes. A lot of extra care goes into creating a true therapeutic quality essential oil, and if your source distills many oils at the same temperature, they are likely missing key medicinal properties. The following guidelines are key for the kind of value I refer to:

  • Organic seed, soils untainted by pollutants, and proper plant variety for desired effects
  • Sustainably grown in their best climate and region around the world
  • Sustainably teaming with local growers for the grower, planetary and plant best interests
  • Grown without chemical pesticides, herbicides
  • Harvested and distilled with precise timing to ensure peak properties
  • First extractions only, according to the plant’s best/low temp and pressure to preserve bioconstituents
  • No synthetic essential oils added
  • Third-party plus in house cross-testing of every barrel
  • Stand behind any recommended internal use of their oils

Obligatory and honest disclaimer: Of course there is so much more than even my long winded articles can say about making the best use of these oils. This discussion cannot be misconstrued as sufficient information to handle a disease on your own, and the severity of some of the issues facing the world today requires in our opinion, a combination of careful medical care from your doctor, and careful preventive and supportive self care for best results. This is not meant to replace the advice of your doctor or train you to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.