As we were preparing this special edition of the Monks’ Cookbook in April of 1997, it happened that our ayurvedic doctor flew to the islands for an annual check-up of the monastics’ health. After a full week of examining each one (ages 17 to 72, most in their 40s and 50s), he remarked that this was the healthiest group he had ever seen, and he has seen most of them. He attributes it to our fresh and completely organic foods, home-grown and picked daily from the garden, to our avoidance of packaged and processed foods, and to the wholesome schedule and balanced life, good air and water on our island and a daily dose of healing meditation.§
He told us a few things that may prove useful to your family’s health and well-being, which we share here. Ever take aspirin? “What? Aspirin? Use ginger instead.” “Ginger?,” we asked. “Yes, ginger is my aspirin. Try it. It’s as good as aspirin for pain, and it has none of the side effects.” Try two teaspoons of freshly grated ginger next time pain strikes (it reduces pain, helps the liver and thins the blood, whereas aspirin bleaches and weakens the liver.§
He also said that ginger and turmeric are good blood cleansers. Ginger helps digestion, a teaspoon before meals. Prepare them as a tea or eat grated raw rhyzomes with meals. Papaya is great for breakfast, giving good digestion (eat the seeds to eliminate worms). Yogurt twice a day is wonderful and balancing. His prime edict was to always eat a protein with a carbohydrate. So if you have rice, be sure to eat half as much beans or dal with it, or if you enjoy potatoes or nachos, take them with some refried beans, tofu or avocado. Lots of liquids are part of his regimen, 8-10 glasses in a day (including teas, juices, etc.)§
One teaspoon of turmeric twice a day is better for any inflamatory problem than over-the-counter pharmacy pills. Turmeric is a natural antibiotic, a tonic for the skin and promotes proper metabolism in the body. It aids in the digestion of protein, so is good to add to all dals along with ginger. Turmeric helps anemia as it increases red blood cells, but decreases blood platelet levels (high platelets means thick blood and higher stroke risk). He prizes pineapple because of its bromiline, and suggests eating it regularly. Pineapple juice decreases the inflamation of large intestines. Those with high blood pressure can soak feet in ice water before bed for a better sleep at night.§
If you have skin problems, take four fresh neem leaves morning and evening, before a meal or on an empty stomach. This will clear the skin, and, by the way, also keep mosquitos and other insects from bothering you. Do this for three months.§
Dr. Virender Sodhi, Ayurvedic & Naturopathic Medical Clinic§
10025 N.E. 4th Street, Bellevue, WA 98004 §
Phone: 206-453-8022, Fax: 206-451-2670§