
Arya Vaidya Sala inducts P.R. Ramesh as trustee
Dr. Ramesh, who previously led the institution's Delhi operations, brings valuable expertise to his new role.
Dr. Ramesh previously held various roles such as head of Arya Vaidya Sala's clinical research unit, quality cell member at Kerala University of Health Sciences, NABH Ayush accreditation committee member, chairman of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth's Ayurveda training accreditation board, and ethics committee member at Arya Vaidya Sala and Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier Ayurveda College, Kottakkal.
Dr. Ramesh is the son of the late P. Raghava Varier, special consultant and trustee of Arya Vaidya Sala.
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NDTV
8 hours ago
- NDTV
9 Immunity-Boosting Drinks To Sip During Monsoon Season
In a rush? Can't cook? The monsoon season brings a much-needed respite from the scorching summer heat. The earthy smell of rain, the comfort of pakoras, and the joy of curling up with a book make it a season to savour. However, along with the romance of rain comes a surge in seasonal infections, including colds, coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues. Our immunity tends to dip during this time, making it all the more important to nourish the body with the right foods and drinks. And while we often focus on what to eat, what we drink can be just as powerful in building resilience. The right beverages can hydrate, heal, and strengthen the immune system from within. From age-old Ayurvedic brews to modern superfood blends, there is a wide variety of immunity-boosting drinks that are easy to make, comforting to sip, and packed with health benefits. 1. A Classic Ayurvedic Drink For Cold And Cough A timeless remedy passed down through generations, haldi doodh is rich in curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Add a pinch of black pepper to boost absorption and sweeten with jaggery or honey. It soothes sore throats, helps improve sleep, and supports overall immunity. Bonus tip: Many cafes now offer turmeric lattes with almond or oat milk that are equally fancy, tasty, and healthy. You can order one through your food delivery app and enjoy it warm while watching the rain. 2. Tulsi Ginger Tea To Boost Respiratory Health Tulsi and ginger are staples in Indian kitchens and for good reason. Tulsi helps fight respiratory infections, while ginger aids digestion and reduces inflammation. Brew them together with lemon and honey for a refreshing herbal tea. Smart tip: Pre-mixed Tulsi-ginger tea bags are readily available at most local stores, making them a convenient option for busy mornings or when you want something soothing on the go. Also Reason: Turmeric Vs Ginger Water: Which One Helps In Monsoon Photo Credit: iStock 3. Coconut Water With Mint And Lemon For Better Digestion Coconut water is nature's electrolyte drink, ideal for humid monsoon days. Add mint leaves and lemon juice to make it more flavourful and digestive-friendly. It also makes for a perfect refreshing drink for days when you feel bloated or sluggish. Quick hack: No coconut water? Try lemon water with a pinch of kala namak for similar benefits. 4. Amla Juice For Vitamin C And Skin Health Amla juice, or gooseberry juice, is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, which helps strengthen immunity and improve skin health. Dilute fresh amla juice with water and add honey or rock salt to balance the tartness. Pro tip: If fresh amla is not available, you can always go for bottled amla juice from trusted brands, available online or any drug store. Just make sure it has no added sugar or preservatives. 5. Garlic Kadha To Fight Infections Naturally Garlic is a natural antibiotic and works wonders for immunity. Boil crushed garlic with Tulsi, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves to make a strong kadha. It may not win taste awards, but it is highly effective. Expert insight: It works best when consumed warm, especially if you get drenched or feel cold. 6. Seasonal Fruit Smoothies With Antioxidants And Good Fats Monsoon fruits, such as jamun, plums, peaches, and mangoes, are rich in antioxidants. Blend them with yoghurt or almond milk, add flaxseeds or chia seeds, and you have a delicious, immunity-boosting smoothie. You can also customise it by adding cinnamon or nutmeg for flavour and warmth. These smoothies are great for breakfast or as a midday snack. Shortcut: You will now find various health cafes and kitchens offering cold-pressed fruit smoothies with all the necessary ingredients. You can order your favourite through any food app and savour it, especially when you are short on time. 7. Cinnamon And Honey Tea For Warmth And Sugar Control Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar and has antibacterial properties. Boil a stick of cinnamon in water, strain, and stir in a spoonful of honey. It is simple, comforting, and ideal for rainy evenings. Expert insight: It also helps curb sugar cravings and keeps you warm from the inside. 8. Orange And Carrot Juice For Immunity And Eye Health This vibrant combo is packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fibre. It helps fight infections, improves skin health, and supports eye health too. You can also add a pinch of turmeric or ginger to boost immunity. Kitchen hack: If you don't have a juicer, simply grate the carrots and squeeze the oranges, then strain them properly for a quick fix. 9. Herbal Infused Water For Gut Health And Bloating Infuse your daily water intake with spices and herbs like fennel, cumin, ajwain, or lemongrass. These help with digestion, reduce bloating, and maintain gut health, thereby further boosting overall immunity. How to do it: Soak the herbs overnight and sip throughout the day. You can also boil them and drink warm, especially after meals. Still Wondering What To Drink? Read This Frequently Asked Questions Q. What is the best drink to prevent cold during the monsoon? Haldi doodh and tulsi ginger tea are widely used in Indian households to prevent colds, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Q. Can I drink smoothies during the rainy season? Yes, smoothies made with seasonal fruits like jamun and peaches are packed with antioxidants. Use curd or plant-based milk and avoid ingredients with ice. Q. Is kadha safe to drink every day? Yes, kadha made from garlic, tulsi, and spices is generally safe when consumed once a day. However, consult a doctor if you have acidity or other health concerns. Q. What should I drink first thing in the morning during monsoon? Warm water with lemon or herbal-infused water with cumin or fennel is a great way to start your day and support your immune system. Q. Are bottled juices a good alternative for boosting immunity? Fresh, homemade drinks are always a preferred choice. When opting for store-bought juices, choose brands that are free from added sugar and preservatives. Photo Credit: Pixabay With a bit of planning and a few wise choices, your daily sips can become your first line of defence against seasonal ailments. So go ahead and brew or blend your daily sip - or simply order your way to better immunity in just a few clicks. Have a happy and healthy monsoon.


The Hindu
9 hours ago
- The Hindu
Ministry of Ayush releases list of Ayurvedic food preparations under category of ‘Ayurveda Aahara'
Aimed at providing credible reference for the manufacture of Ayurveda Aahara products, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush, has released a list of Ayurvedic food preparations under the category of 'Ayurveda Aahara'. Ayurveda Aahara refers to food products developed in line with the holistic dietary principles of Ayurveda. These preparations emphasise balance, seasonal suitability, and using natural ingredients and herbs known for their therapeutic benefits. With rising public interest in preventive health and sustainable living, Ayurveda Aahara is increasingly recognised as a trusted nutritional choice that harmonises tradition with modern dietary habits, noted a release issued by the Ministry. Going mainstream 'This move will bring India's traditional food wisdom into the mainstream, following the introduction of the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations in 2022. These regulations recognise foods based on recipes, ingredients, and processes from authoritative Ayurvedic texts, and the new list brings unprecedented clarity and confidence to consumers and businesses alike,' explained an Ayush Ministry official adding that the list, issued under Note (1) of Schedule B of the regulations, draws directly from classical Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A. To facilitate future additions, FSSAI has established a process for FBOs to request inclusion of additional Category A products not yet listed and such requests need supporting references from authoritative texts in Schedule A. All future updates or changes will be duly notified FSSAI. Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Ayush & Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, urged citizens to incorporate Ayurveda Aahara into their daily lives to experience its long-term health benefits. Balanced life: Minister 'These are time-tested dietary practices, rooted in India's traditional wisdom, not only nourish the body but also strengthen immunity, support digestion, and promote overall well-being. In today's fast-paced lifestyle, adopting Ayurveda Aahara is a meaningful step toward preventive healthcare and a balanced, sustainable way of living,' the Minister said. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stated that the release of the definitive list of Ayurveda Aahara products marks a pivotal step in aligning India's traditional knowledge systems with modern regulatory frameworks. 'This initiative not only empowers Food Business Operators with much-needed clarity but also strengthens consumer trust in Ayurveda-based nutrition,' the Secretary noted.


Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
MVT: Building the promise of Heal in India
India has rapidly emerged as a premier global destination for Medical Value Travel (MVT) with a compelling blend of clinical excellence, cost-effectiveness, and progressive government support. Over the past five years, India has witnessed remarkable growth and positioned the country as a leading global destination for cross-border healthcare. The country now ranks 6th globally for quality medical services and 3rd for affordability, according to the Medical Tourism Index (2021), attracting over 700,000 medical travellers annually. Ayurveda (Photo by Pixabay) The last half-decade has seen a concerted push by both private and public healthcare providers to cater to international patients. Leading private hospitals have developed specialised international patient divisions offering end-to-end care. India's appeal lies not just in its affordability but also in its vast and advanced health care ecosystem that enables timely and effective treatment. Patients, primarily from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Nigeria, and the UAE, travel to India seeking affordable, high-quality treatments such as hip and knee replacements, heart bypass, angioplasty, dental implants, and more. The cost differential is stark. As per Bain & Company, the cost of a hip replacement in India is just $ 7,000, compared to $ 50,000 in the US, $ 14,000 in South Korea, and $ 12,000 in Singapore. Recognising the sector's potential, the Indian government has actively stepped in to facilitate growth. Key initiatives include the Heal in India campaign along with a centralised portal to offer information, treatment quotes, and digital documentation has been launched. The rollout of eMedical visas for 167 countries, the eAYUSH visa for traditional medicine, and the establishment of medical facilitation desks at major airports have significantly streamlined patient entry and navigation. Additionally, the government can consider, creating an official list of verified hospitals and institutions eligible to treat international patients. For hospitals, this surge in medical tourism translates into both economic opportunity and a chance to elevate global standing. For the government, it reflects soft power play. positioning India as the global health destination and contributing to foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and technology upgradation. With an annual growth rate of 15–20%, India is on track to welcome 1.3 to 1.5 million medical travellers by 2028. To sustain and accelerate this momentum, India must shift from fragmented initiatives to a cohesive, fast-executing national strategy. One of the key imperatives is to build a structurally resilient MVT ecosystem by diversifying the patient base beyond traditional markets like Bangladesh. Countries such as the US, Kuwait, and Nigeria, which collectively account for ~50% of global outbound MVT, represent significant untapped opportunity. Additionally, with ~25% of global medical tourists seeking elective procedures such as cosmetic and fertility treatments, India must move beyond a focus on critical care. Expanding access to high-quality elective therapies can help tap into discretionary spending by high-income international patients, unlocking new streams of growth. A cornerstone of this transformation is the shift from piecemeal branding by individual hospitals to a unified promotion strategy under the 'Heal in India' umbrella. This consolidated campaign is structured around five core themes: clinical excellence, cost advantage, convenience, culture of care, and compliance. The 'Heal in India' portal provides a centralised platform for patients to access credible information, register requests, obtain quotes, and submit documents seamlessly. To further reinforce trust and visibility, Physical Patient Assistance Centres in key geographies such as the UAE, Nigeria, Kenya, and Myanmar are being set up to connect patients with Indian clinicians through virtual consultations, improving pre-travel decision-making and post-treatment support. India's continued leadership in MVT depends on its ability to scale hospital infrastructure without compromising quality. At present, India has 61 Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited hospitals, lagging Thailand (63), Brazil (75), and the UAE (200+). Moreover, only 2% of Indian facilities are NABH-accredited, pointing to the need for urgent capacity building. A public-private investment push is now underway to build more JCI-grade institutions that are integrated with patient-friendly services. At the same time, awareness of NABH accreditation is being amplified internationally, with mandatory NABH certification for facilitators expected to boost consistency and quality of care delivery. Historically, India's MVT narrative has revolved around curative surgical care. But the next chapter is rooted in a more holistic view that encompasses preventive care and traditional medicine (AYUSH). As global interest in wellness rises, India is uniquely positioned as the birthplace of ayurveda, yoga, and other traditional therapies to lead this segment. Currently, India's wellness tourism branding is largely limited to yoga and lacks clearly defined or internationally recognized wellness destination cities. In contrast, countries like Thailand have successfully promoted wellness tourism with focused campaigns and infrastructure. Taking a cue from Thailand's Discover the New You campaign, India is now working on targeted wellness campaigns to promote its preventive care and integrated healing offerings. This strategy aims to attract wellness-seeking travellers who may not be acutely ill but are looking for rejuvenation, detoxification, and sustainable lifestyle management. This article is authored by CK Mishra, former secretary, ministry of health and family welfare, government of India.