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Parent Diaries
Nature’s Healing Elixir: Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup
on Jan 30 2025
At Miho, we believe in the power of ancient wisdom and nature’s remedies. Before synthetic medicines, our ancestors turned to plants, herbs, and Ayurvedic concoctions to soothe everyday ailments.One such time-tested remedy is Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup—a natural, botanical solution to support respiratory health, ease coughs, and boost immunity.
Why Choose Herbal Cough Syrup?
Most commercial cough syrups contain artificial additives, sugar, and chemicals that may provide temporary relief but don’t nourish the body. This handcrafted herbal syrup is packed with wellness-boosting ingredients known for their soothing and medicinal benefits.Know Herbal Ingredients:
Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina): Traditionally used to calm coughs and clear mucus. It has natural expectorant properties, helping to ease congestion.
Elderberries (Sambucus nigra): Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, elderberries help boost immunity and fight respiratory infections.
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale): A warming herb that helps reduce inflammation, relieve sore throats, and improve circulation.
Cinnamon Sticks (Cinnamomum verum): Known for its antibacterial properties, cinnamon helps fight infections and adds a pleasant taste.
Cardamom Pods (Elettaria cardamomum): A powerful Ayurvedic spice that aids digestion and supports lung health.
Raw Honey: A natural preservative and cough suppressant that coats the throat, reduces irritation and enhances the syrup’s benefits.
How to Make Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup
Ingredients:
⅓ cup wild cherry bark
⅓ cup dried elderberries
⅓ cup dried ginger root
2 sweet cinnamon sticks
6 cardamom pods
3 cups water
1 to 1.5 cups raw honey
Directions:
Combine wild cherry bark, elderberries, ginger root, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods in a saucepan.
Pour in 3 cups of water and boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently until the liquid reduces by half (about 30-45 minutes).
Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the herbs.
Let the syrup cool slightly before transferring it to a glass jar or bottle.
Once warm (not hot), stir in an equal amount of raw honey for added preservation.
Dosage:
Take 1-2 teaspoons as needed to soothe coughs and support respiratory health. Store in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 weeks.
Embracing Herbal Wellness
Incorporating natural remedies like this into our daily lives reconnects us with the wisdom of slow living and mindful self-care. Ayurvedic practices remind us that healing starts with what we consume, wear, and surround ourselves with. Just like Miho’s Ayurvastra-dyed clothing nurtures the skin with herbal goodness, this homemade syrup supports the body’s natural healing process.
Would you try making this at home?
Parent Diaries
Embracing the Red Blend: Ayurvedic Clothing's Wellness and Medicinal Benefits
on Oct 16 2024
In the world of Ayurvastra, each color is carefully chosen to enhance well-being, evoke emotions, and support specific health needs. The Red Blend, a hallmark in Miho’s Ayurvedic clothing collection, carries not only a vibrant hue but also a multitude of therapeutic properties. Derived from herbs with ancient medicinal roots, the Red Blend serves as more than just a piece of clothing—it's a pathway to harnessing the power of nature to support holistic wellness.
The Significance of the Red Color in Ayurveda
The color red is associated with the Muladhara (Root) Chakra, which is believed to represent stability, grounding, and a sense of safety. Wearing red is said to strengthen one’s connection to the earth, provide warmth, and stimulate energy levels. It's no surprise that this bold color is often used in Ayurvedic dyeing to boost vitality and promote well-being.
The Herbal Composition of Miho's Red Blend
Miho’s Red Blend incorporates a powerful array of herbs traditionally known for their healing qualities. While the exact formulation is proprietary, key ingredients are typically found in the blend to maximize both the medicinal and sensory experiences.
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Known for its blood-purifying properties, Manjistha helps support skin health and combats inflammation. This herb’s potent red hue makes it a primary component in Ayurvedic clothing, particularly beneficial for detoxifying and nourishing the skin.
Madder Root: Revered in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory properties, Madder Root not only gives a rich color to the dye but also helps improve skin tone and promote circulation.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Although turmeric itself is golden-yellow, it is often combined with red dyes for its antioxidant benefits. The presence of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to aid in skin rejuvenation and enhance the body’s natural immune response.
Pomegranate Rind: Used traditionally for its anti-aging properties, pomegranate is rich in antioxidants. This ingredient lends a subtle softness to the Red Blend while promoting cellular repair and skin health.
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis): An adaptogenic herb, Schisandra is revered in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Known for its calming and balancing effects on the body, it helps to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve skin elasticity. Schisandra is rich in antioxidants, which aid in protecting the skin from environmental damage and reducing signs of aging. This powerful herb also supports liver detoxification, helping to cleanse the body and promote overall vitality.
The Wellness Benefits of the Red Blend
Wearing Ayurvedic red-dyed fabrics can bring a sense of warmth and comfort, ideal for those seeking both therapeutic and energetic benefits. Here’s a look at how Miho’s Red Blend enhances well-being:
Enhanced Blood Circulation: The herbal components in the Red Blend, like Manjistha, are known to improve blood circulation. Wearing this blend can help stimulate blood flow, which is essential for energy production and detoxification.
Skin Nourishment: Miho’s Red Blend allows the herbal nutrients to be absorbed through the skin, our body’s largest organ. Herbs like Madder Root and Pomegranate work to repair and rejuvenate skin cells, reducing inflammation and promoting a radiant complexion.
Improved Energy Levels: The color red is often associated with energy and vitality. This Ayurvedic blend can offer an energetic boost to help combat fatigue, making it perfect for those looking to feel more grounded and resilient throughout their day.
Supports Detoxification: Wearing Ayurvedic fabrics encourages the body to release toxins through the skin, thanks to the potent properties of herbs like Manjistha and Turmeric. These ingredients aid in cleansing, purifying, and balancing the body’s internal systems.
How to Incorporate Miho’s Red Blend into Your Wardrobe
The Red Blend is more than a piece of clothing; it's a mindful choice that adds an extra layer of wellness to your daily routine. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your life:
Daily Wear: Enjoy the benefits of the Red Blend by incorporating it into your daily wardrobe. It’s ideal for those who want an effortless way to receive herbal support without needing to make additional lifestyle changes.
Meditation and Yoga: The Red Blend is perfect for grounding practices like yoga and meditation. By wearing this clothing during these activities, you can align with the earthy energies of the Root Chakra, enhancing your sense of stability and focus.
Sleepwear: For those seeking a restful night’s sleep, wearing the Red Blend as sleepwear can help promote relaxation, detoxification, and recovery. It is particularly useful for individuals with sensitive skin or those dealing with skin issues, as it offers gentle nourishment and support.
The Red Blend's Benefits for Children
Soothes Sensitive Skin: Children’s skin is especially delicate and can be prone to irritation from synthetic fabrics and chemical-based dyes. Miho’s Red Blend, infused with gentle herbs like Manjistha and Madder Root, provides a natural, skin-friendly alternative. These herbs have anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, helping soothe any skin sensitivities and keeping skin healthy.
Promotes Restful Sleep: The calming effects of Schisandra and Turmeric make the Red Blend particularly beneficial for sleepwear. Schisandra helps balance stress and promote relaxation, which can be incredibly helpful for children who experience restlessness or trouble falling asleep. The warmth and comfort of the Red Blend fabric can encourage a peaceful, uninterrupted night’s sleep, promoting overall health and rejuvenation.
Grounding and Stability: The Red Blend, associated with the Root Chakra, provides children with a sense of grounding and security. This can be especially helpful for young ones as they grow, encouraging a sense of stability and connection to their surroundings. This grounding energy is known to support children in feeling calm and balanced, particularly during times of transition or change.
Supports Natural Detoxification: Children's skin, being highly absorbent, can benefit from the detoxifying properties of herbs like Manjistha and Schisandra. These ingredients gently encourage the release of toxins through the skin, allowing kids to naturally expel impurities from their body in a safe and effective manner. The process also helps maintain balanced energy levels, which is crucial for their active lifestyles.
Boosts Immunity and Skin Resilience: The antioxidants present in the Red Blend, particularly from herbs like Pomegranate and Turmeric, provide a layer of protection to the skin. These powerful herbs help to fortify the skin's barrier, making it more resilient to environmental irritants. Additionally, Turmeric’s immune-supporting properties work synergistically with other herbs to aid in maintaining overall wellness.
Encourages Emotional Balance: Wearing the Red Blend can offer subtle emotional support, making it a gentle way to help children navigate their emotions. Schisandra, known for its adaptogenic qualities, helps reduce anxiety and promotes emotional stability. This can be beneficial in helping children feel centered and at ease, whether at home, school, or during other activities.
Choosing Ayurvastra for a Sustainable Future
Miho’s Red Blend represents a commitment to sustainability, wellness, and tradition. Each piece is dyed using only plant-based ingredients, without harsh chemicals or synthetic additives. This commitment to purity ensures that your clothing is not only better for your health but also safer for the planet.
By choosing Ayurvastra, you are supporting a holistic approach to wellness that respects nature and honors ancient traditions. Miho’s Red Blend offers a beautiful balance of style and substance, making it easy to embrace a mindful and health-conscious wardrobe.
Conclusion
The Red Blend is a testament to the healing power of Ayurvedic traditions. With its grounding energy, skin-enhancing properties, and detoxifying benefits, this blend goes beyond aesthetics. It invites wearers to experience the potent synergy between ancient herbal knowledge and modern-day comfort. It’s a commitment to nurturing your health, reconnecting with the earth, and walking a path of mindful living.
By integrating the Red Blend into your life, you're not only adorning yourself with a vibrant, healing color but also inviting wellness into your daily routine. Discover the many benefits of Ayurvedic clothing today and let Miho be part of your journey to holistic well-being.
Parent Diaries
Treating Allergies with Ayurveda and Ayurvastra
on Aug 09 2024
Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old health discipline, the ancient Indian science of life, promotes disease prevention and holistic wellness. It emphasizes harmony among the five elements that constitute the human body:
- Prithvi (Earth)
- Ap (Water)
- Tejas (Fire)
- Vayu (Air)
- Akash (Space)
These elements form the three fundamental life forces, or Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—which influence both the mind and body. Ayurvedic principles also extend to Ayurvastra, where fabric dyed with herbal and botanical concoctions aids in promoting health and wellness, offering a natural solution to allergies.
Understanding Allergies
An allergy is an immune system condition that results in an unfavorable response to a typically harmless substance. These substances, known as allergens, can include specific foods, environmental irritants, medications, and weather patterns. The body's reaction to allergens involves the release of Histamine, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, skin irritation, digestive issues, and more.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Allergies
According to Ayurveda, allergies stem from an imbalance of the three Doshas. This imbalance weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to eliminate toxins. Ayurvedic remedies target the root cause of allergies rather than just addressing the symptoms.
Dosha-Related Allergies and Their Ayurvedic Management
Vata-Type Allergies
Symptoms: Gas, bloating, abdominal pain, cramps, mouth tingling, swelling of lips, tongue, and face.
Management:
- Stay hydrated with warm herbal beverages. One can try teas like ginger tea with honey or licorice tea.
- Consume calming herbs like Ashwagandha.
- Eat smooth-textured foods such as porridge, rice pudding, bananas, hot cereal, root vegetables, and soups.
Pitta-Type Allergies
Symptoms: Prone to respiratory and skin irritation, burning eyes, sinus inflammation, hives, rashes, eczema, heartburn, indigestion, and vomiting.
Management:
- Use cooling herbs like coriander and cilantro.
- Accumulate soothing the respiratory system and skin with guduchi, amalaki, and neem in routine.
- Consume clarified butter or ghee and cool liquids made from natural ingredients like Lemon water.
- Limit sour cream, almonds, hard cheese, and eggs.
Kapha-Type Allergies
Symptoms: Nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, mucous membrane irritation, hay fever, sinus infection, asthma, bronchial congestion, water retention, and sleep issues.
Management:
- Drink light, clarifying teas with ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Eat light, dry, comforting dishes prepared as fresh as possible.
- Balance mucus formation and control moisture levels.
Ayurvedic and Ayurvastra Solutions for Allergy Management
Panchakarma Therapy
Panchakarma therapy combines traditional Ayurvedic treatments to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. This detoxification process involves five steps to purge and eliminate toxins:
Vamanam: Induced vomiting.
Virechana: Therapeutic purging.
Vasti: Enema therapy.
Nasya: Nasal cleansing.
Raktamokshanam: Blood purification.
Natural Treatments, Including Diet and Lifestyle Changes
- Eat warm, light, and freshly prepared food.
- Reduce or avoid dairy if causing indigestion.
- Exercise regularly and practice pranayama (breath control).
- Use spices and herbs like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, coriander, garlic, cumin seeds, and black pepper.
Miho and Ayurvastra: Enhancing Allergy Management
Miho integrates Ayurvedic principles through Ayurvastra, creating garments dyed with herbal and botanical concoctions that promote health and wellness. Our Ayurvastra kidswear, made from natural fibers like bamboo, pure wool, and cotton, and dyed with herbal concussions, offers several benefits for allergy sufferers:
Natural Wellness: Herbal dyes incorporate wellness properties that help regulate body heat, improve skin health, and support overall immunity for holistic health goals.
Skin-Friendly: Our breathable fabrics and herbal dyes help the skin absorb benefits while sweating out toxins.
Holistic Approach: By wearing Ayurvastra, individuals receive continuous, gentle exposure to beneficial herbs and natural elements, supporting their health naturally all while staying kind to planet and other living species.
Miho aims to combine the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern lifestyle needs, offering products that not only address allergies but also promote a holistic, sustainable way of living. Our focus on sustainability and wellness ensures that you and your family can enjoy the benefits of Ayurvedic care every day.
Parent Diaries
Beat Nausea Naturally: Ginger-Lemon Honey Popsicles for Moms and Kids
on Jul 26 2024
As a parent, dealing with nausea, especially during the hot and humid weather, can be challenging. Whether you're expecting or just trying to keep your little ones comfortable, finding a natural remedy that's both effective and enjoyable is essential. Enter: The World of Ginger-Lemon Honey Popsicles!
These natural homemade treats are not only pregnancy-friendly but also kid-approved, making them a perfect addition to your summer snack repertoire.
Why Ginger-Lemon Honey Popsicles?
Ginger is renowned for its natural anti-nausea properties, making it a staple craving-worthy for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness. Combined with the refreshing taste of lemon and the natural sweetness of honey, these popsicles are a delightful way to combat queasiness. Plus, the added coconut water ensures hydration, which is crucial during the hot months.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup coconut water
Popsicle molds or ice cube trays
Popsicle sticks (if not included with molds)
Instructions:
Prepare Ginger Tea:
In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
Add the sliced ginger to the boiling water.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the ginger to infuse.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Sweeten and Combine:
Strain the ginger tea into a bowl to remove the ginger slices.
Add honey to the warm ginger tea and stir until fully dissolved.
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and coconut water to the mixture and stir well.
Pour into Molds:
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or ice cube trays.
If using ice cube trays, cover them with foil and insert popsicle sticks through the foil to hold them upright.
Freeze:
Place the molds or trays in the freezer and let them freeze completely, for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
Enjoy:
Once frozen, remove the popsicles from the molds or trays and enjoy a refreshing, nausea-relieving treat.
Why Choose Ginger-Lemon Honey Popsicles for you?
For Moms: Ginger is known for its natural anti-nausea properties, making these popsicles perfect for soothing morning sickness.
For Kids: The sweet and tangy flavor is a hit with kids, making it an enjoyable and healthy treat.
For Everyone: These popsicles are hydrating and refreshing, perfect for hot weather.
Storage:
Keep the popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Final Thoughts
These Ginger-Lemon Honey Popsicles are more than just a treat; they're a natural, effective way to combat nausea and stay hydrated. Perfect for moms-to-be and kids alike, they're a must-have for any family dealing with the summer heat. So next time nausea strikes, reach for one of these homemade popsicles and feel the relief!
