PHOENIX VOYAGE
  • Home
  • Overview
    • About
    • Phoenix Mascots
  • Learn & Support
    • Projects >
      • Edible Parks
      • Grow Organic Educational Program
      • Rural School Development program
      • Food Growth Kit RELIEF PROJECT
      • Operation Earth Clean Up
      • Phoenix Centers
      • Community Food System
    • Art Portal
    • Volunteer
    • Store
  • Resources
    • FREEBIES
    • Blog >
      • Nature Blog
      • Grow Organic Blog
      • Science and Tech BLOG
      • Ancient Earth BLOG
      • Art Portal Blog
    • Network Map
    • Changemakers >
      • Family and Education
      • Consicous Consumerism
      • Building Green
      • Clean Energy
      • Health and Healing
      • New Science & Tech
      • Power of the Mind
      • Agriculture
      • Global Solutions
    • Give-A-Way

​

AYURVEDA: THE KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE

6/28/2017

0 Comments

 
written by: Amanda Johnson
Picture
MYTHOLOGICAL ORIGINS OF AYURVEDA
LORD DHANWANTARI FATHER OF AYURVEDA:
Regarded as the origin of Indian medicine, Dhanwantari has many myths surrounding him. In Ancient Hindu mythology, the world had been flooded by an ocean of milk and the nectar of immortality had been lost. The continuing struggles between the Gods and Demons had made the Gods weak and tired from old age and disease, with no other choice they invited the Demons to help them in the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk, looking for the lost secret to health and longevity. 
Picture
During the churning of the ocean, the milk is turned to butter, forcing all that had been lost in the flooding to emerge. Dhanwantari is the last to emerge and amongst other jewels he carries the lost ‘pot of nectar’ in his hand, and after many battles with the Demons over the nectar, the Gods eventually win and their strength and immortality is restored.
However, the churning also produces a lethal poison to emerge, which threatens to destroy all creation. Lord Shiva quickly intervenes and swallows the poison but not before a few small drops escapes his lips. These drops become the seed existence for all poisonous plants and animals….thus the constant battle in nature between nectar and poison and the cycle of sickness and health.
Dhanwantari was elevated to ‘Physician to the Gods’ and worshipped as ‘Lord of Medicine’ and is still regarded in India as the patron-god of all branches of medicine. 
DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF AYURVEDA
The first documented history of Ayurveda begins in the time of the Vedas (books of knowledge). These are the four ancient Holy Books of the Aryans or “noble ones” and these are where mythology becomes philosophy. The four Vedas namely Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Arthava Veda were written approximately three to five thousand years ago and they all contain medical knowledge based on the principles of Ayurveda, but especially Arthava Veda.

Around this time in ancient civilizations there existed ‘rishis and munis’, these were learned saints and sages whose sole purpose was to devote their existence in understanding the realities of the world. Their native home was Aryavarta, the land of the Aryans, which covers the Himalayas and surrounding areas, presently known as India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

This ancient Aryan civilization was strongly influenced by the remarkable intellectual contributions of the saints and sages, who in their realization that sickness was a major factor in not being able to attain liberation, became physicians to help their people. The Sanskrit word for physician is Vaidaya, meaning wisdom.
​
The historical record of Ayurveda begins with a medical conference in the Himalayas as described in the collection of medical writings called the Charaka Samhita. The author was a devoted student who talked of a large group of sages and saints who came together in the valley of the Himalayas to share and compile knowledge that had been passed down, mostly orally, from generation to generation within the different civilizations within the area. The participants engaged in long discussions and debates and formed committees to compile the full texts about the different subjects of Ayurveda. Two of the texts are still followed by today’s students when studying Ayurveda: the Charaka Samhita, the text of internal medicine and the Susruta Samhita, the text of surgery.
Picture
Students learning about Ayurveda using the Guru-Shishya method, the passing of knowledge from guru to students via oral tradition
WHAT IS AYURVEDA?
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word which means Ayur, life and Veda, knowledge….knowledge of life. It has its own style, art, tradition and rules of healing and believes more in disease prevention than in curing.

The foundations of Ayurveda lie in physics and metaphysics. Basically, ‘the process of creation and the journey of consciousness as it evolves into matter” (Dr. Vasant Lad). The journey of conscious into matter here in space time, is called the third dimension.

This dimension is composed of 5 fundamental elements – earth, water, fire, air and ether. Every living thing in this world, every manifest creation, is made up of these elements in varying proportions. Ayurveda calls these fundamental elements the ‘panchamahbutas’.
​

We as humans are composed of a unique compilation of all 5 elements, in individual and different ratios. Known in Ayurveda as Vata, Pitta and Kapha, these individual ratios account for our difference in size, shape and behavior, our inborn nature if you like and, in theory, if the unique and naturally inborn nature is maintained, we will experience physical health, mental clarity and emotional harmony. However, in the modern world today, there are many obstacles that disrupts us and throws us off balance. Ayurveda concerns itself with restoring individuals to their ideal inborn ratios. Practices used in Ayurveda are vast as food, action, idea and feeling are analyzed. Wellness is not seen as a destination at which we arrive, it is an ongoing flow of fine tuning and adjustment. The real genius behind Ayurveda is the concept of proper diet and lifestyle choices.
DIET ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA
Ayurveda emphasizes that a diet must be properly selected and wisely formulated, not only according to our unique individual ratios – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, but also to our digestive strength. Our diet should also compliment seasonal and daily changes.

In modern science food is classified according to their chemical composition- carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins etc. In Ayurveda, classification is based on the biological action of food and its taste before, during and after digestion and the effect that it has on our digestive system.
​

The Ayurvedic diet is about guiding rather than setting rules. Its main concern is about the balance of the meal and the inclusion of all the tastes - sour, sweet, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. Food groupings contain different ratios of the 6 tastes, as well as being governed by certain qualities. In this way, Ayurveda understands how the body responds to our diet, provided that our food is chosen in accordance to our unique individual ratios. If we choose a food that is similar to our own qualities and take it in abundance, we will only succeed in increasing that particular quality within us, leading to an imbalance. The same can be said for not having enough of a certain quality, leading to its depletion. This maintenance of finely tuned balancing will extend to every organ and system in the body.​

‘The only species that becomes nutritionally deficient is the human species, and we do so because we have completely lost touch with the inner wisdom of our bodies’
~Ayurvedic proverb ~ anonymous
THE 6 TASTES AND THEIR DEFINITIONS
Picture
This concept is unique to the Ayurvedic philosophy concerning diet:
  • Sweet: The first taste is sweet and found in proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It doesn’t have to mean sugar, sweets, chocolate etc. In Ayurveda meat, oil, and butter are sweet. Milk is also sweet as are some fruits, nuts and grains.
​
  • Sour: The second is sour and can be said is the taste of citrus fruits and fermented foods. Think of yoghurt, sour cream, some cheeses, vinegar and alcohol.
  • Salty: Found in all processed foods, breads, cakes….the list is endless!

  • Bitter: Most often found in leafy green vegetables, walnuts, lemons and grapefruits
 
  • Pungent: Think of onions, garlic, pepper, ginger and spices
 
  • Astringent: Some regard this a not a taste at all, foods that have an astringent taste have a drying effect on the body, think of lentil, pulses and MSG, which can all leave a dry taste in the mouth. This is the effect of astringency.

As a system Ayurveda places emphasis on the maintenance of health as opposed to curing disease. As such, Ayurveda is now considered holistic in its philosophy and approach to living.
In the world today it is attractive to many people and there are hundreds of options available to those who would like to know more. Please be aware that with popularity comes dilution, and the ‘business’ element takes over. Please research thoroughly into practitioners and physicians before embarking on expensive and sometimes unnecessary treatment plans. Ayurveda is an ancient art and tradition which has stood the test of time and deserves its respected place as the world’s first ever medical system.
Picture
0 Comments

BENEFITS OF CARROT GREENS

6/19/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
The carrot is from the botanical family ‘Apiaceae’, with Latin name of ‘Dacus Carota’. Carrots are a common root vegetable with a traditional orange color. Though the orange variety is the typical favorite, there are white, purple and red varieties also. The original ancestor of the carrot was grown in the wild in Europe and Asia and it had an unpalatable woody cored root. The sweet juicy carrot we know today was bred from this wild variety. The crop plant grows to around 1 meter, including the flowering stalk. It is a biennial, flowering in its second year.
These plants tend to store energy in the taproot and have hollow stems with ample greenery. The poisonous varieties can be difficult to tell from safe wild varieties – wild carrot, for example, is almost indistinguishable from hemlock.
Over the years, there has been some debate as to whether you can eat the green leaves. Yes, you can! Despite the presence of celery and carrot in the ‘Apiaceae’ (umbellifers), many other members are highly poisonous, but not the carrot. They are edible and highly nutritious, rich in protein, minerals and vitamins. The tops of the carrots are loaded with potassium which can make them bitter, so use of them in food is limited.
Many buy carrots with the long greens attached, only to chop them off and give to parakeets and finches who love to eat them.

But today, we know that the tops of vegetables are not just for the birds. The green tops of many veggies are edible and yummy. Just like the vegetable they come from; the green tops have distinctive flavors and textures.
Picture
Carrots are an important vegetable because they are high in beta-carotene, a substance that is converted to Vitamin by our bodies. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that may help to fight cancer, brain and heart disease. Carrots are also rich in fiber, and fiber is low in calories and fat. Fiber helps in weight loss because the body does not digest it, it simply passes through. Carrots come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Most people like to grow the classic variety, which is long and slender.

COMPOSITION OF CARROT LEAVES

Carrot greens contain:
  • Alkaloids: Alkaloids are toxic bitter compounds produced by a plant. They have a wide range of effects and are often used as medicines and poisons. Morphine, quinine, strychnine, codeine, caffeine, cocaine and nicotine are all alkaloids. But, all leafy greens including spinach and kale contain varying level and types of alkaloids, some higher than others. Alkaloids are chemical compound believed to be part of a plant’s defense mechanism. This applies to both the wild and domestic variety.
  • Vitamin K: Carrot greens are rich in Vitamin K, which is lacking in the vegetable itself.
  • Chlorophyll: Carrot tops are an outstanding source of chlorophyll. The green pigmentation, studies have shown, combats the growth of tumors. Chlorophyll contains cleansing properties that purify the blood, lymph nodes and adrenal glands. Scientists have been unable to synthesize chlorophyll in the laboratory, but green plant foods contain sufficient quantities to protect the human body.
  • Furocoumarins: The leaves do contain furocoumarins which may cause allergies when there is contact to the skin from the leaves.

  • Porphyrins: Carrot leaves contain significant amounts of porphyrins, which stimulate the pituitary gland and lead to increased levels in sex hormones.

GROWING CARROT LEAVES

Picture
Growing carrots is not hard if you make sure the soil is well prepared. Carrots grown in rich sandy loam are full of vitamins and taste better that store bought carrots, which have travelled a long way since being picked. Carrots grown in hardy clay gumbo will be stunted and look funny.
​

In growing carrots, the following should be noted:​
1. Till the soil down to a depth of six inches and work three inches of compost into it.
2. Now make a mound which is four to six inches high and about three inches wide.
3. Leave a furrow between this mound and the next one. This helps to make sure that the carrots have proper drainage and that they grow straight and tall.
4. Plant the seed along the top of the mound in a furrow that is ½ inch deep.
5. Keep the carrots weed free or the antioxidants will take all the water and nutrients and the carrots will be unable to thrive.
6. Carrots should be ready for harvest 70-80 days from planting. They should be 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Any bigger and they will be tough.
7. Loosen the dirt around the carrots before pulling to make sure the root does not break off.
8. To store carrots, remove the tops. Wash the carrots and store them in the bottom of the refrigerator. They will store longer if you place them in a plastic bag.

WHAT TO DO WITH CARROTS?

Carrot leaves are very versatile which if used properly can be very beneficial to our health.
And best yet? They can easily be incorporated into your diet in many ways. Here are some tasty ideas for carrots:
  • Carrot juice is a super nutritious drink to start the day it can be mixed with other juices for a simple lunchtime treat.
  • The pulp from carrot juice can be used in soups or added to rissoles.​
Picture
  • Carrots can be boiled or steamed and used as a traditional side vegetable. They are ideally served with a drizzle of honey. Leaving the skins on adds to the nutritional value.
  • Baked carrots are an excellent addition the any roast meal. Par boiling them first will help speed up the baking process and prevent them from burning due to their high sugar content.
  • The leafy tops are not just rabbit food! Their texture can be a little tough so go for the leaves rather than the stems. Add them to salads, stocks, homemade pesto, and lasagna or just use an edible garnish.
  • Adding carrots to your diet, whether if the form of raw juice, salads or cooked will help improve your overall health, as well as your eyesight.
  • Grated carrots are perfect for mixing in salads and sandwiches with a light dressing. They can also be added to rissole and vegetable patties.
  • Carrot seed oil is used in skin care, hair care and cosmetic products. The oil can be used in creams, lotions or added to massage oil bases.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING CARROTS AND THEIR LEAVES

The following are the health benefits of eating carrots and their leaves:
  • Eating the leaf of the carrot will assist in maintaining good heart health and may assist in keeping the blood running through cleaner veins. The level of cholesterol, which is a major reason for heart disease, reduces by 11% when the carrot is taken daily.
  • Carrots provide beta-carotene which is converted into Vitamin A in the liver, after which it goes to the retina where it is converted into rhodopsin, which aides us with our night vision and prevents visual impairment.
  • Frequent consumption of carrots will aid in the regularity of bowel motions and will assist in cleansing the digestive tract.
  • Carrots leaves act as an anti-oxidant and anti-cancer….especially cancer of the colon.
  • The leafy tops have antiseptic qualities and have been added to mouthwashes. Mixed with honey they help to disinfect wounds.
  • They are also a diuretic (increases flow of urine) can help in the treatment of kidney disease and edemas.
  • Hewing the leaves can help to heal mouth injuries, bad breath, bleeding gums and mouth ulcers.
  • Carrots are rich in fiber and fiber is low in fat. Fiber also helps with weight loss as the body does not digest it. It simple passes through the body.​
There is new movement in the food world of ‘root to stem’ and ‘root to stalk’ cooking. The leaves, greens, stems and stalks we tend to throw away are completely edible and instead of wasting them, we should all be using them to cook amazing and unique dishes that will help to nourish our bodies. 
1 Comment

Sneak Peak!

6/15/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Phoenix Voyage Creative Team is developing some very cool projects featuring the Phoenix Voyage mascots. Here is some artwork from our upcoming beginner book series called "Meet the Voyagers"!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
To support our educational productions, please contact us today. Thank you!
0 Comments

GETTING YOUR GOAT…

6/9/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Across the world and in certain places that none of us have ever stepped foot in, there are women struggling to raise families and sustain their environments and homes due to the poverty that surrounds them. It is an ongoing discussion and there are many solutions and options that we can use to help them. Here at Phoenix voyage we have worked to create an opportunity to help these economically challenged women throughout the world and assist in making that change through the G2 Project.
What is the G2 Project you're asking? Well, putting it succinctly, we give someone a goat.
​

Sounds like the punchline to a joke, right? Well, in reality, supplying women and families in certain parts of the world with a goat can provide them with a huge step up due to the multiple uses a goat has. 
Picture
From their milk, skin, and meat, and somewhat easy maintenance, you can find that a goat can be a provider of multiple services for these households and more in certain parts of the world that lack certain conveniences that we have. It’s affordable, easy, and all it takes is a second of your time to make it happen.
Want to know more about the G2 project and how you can get involved? Visit us at our new G2 Project website here  for more info.
0 Comments

IT Enabler Project Launch

6/7/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
The PV India team is now providing an important service for Indian Not-for-profit organizations to ensure there website is updated and share their project globally.

​
Please note that ALL Indian applicants who have FCRA and good track record of work WILL BE APPROVED. Join this amazing program and receive the following benefits:
  • Google Grant worth $120,000 / Annual
  • Websiie (hosting and design) content will be provided by organisation 
  • Domain, webspace and payment gateway with cart 
  • Unlimited page setup whatever organsiation need
  • Unlimited Web Space , whatever organisation need
  • Unlimited update on weekly basis
  • Unlimited email as they required 
  • Information distribution through email regarding funding opportunity, openings / RFP or EOI
  • Social Media integration and update with website. 
  • Will also get support to setup Community Knowledge Centre (Computer learning centre)
  • 10-15% discount in for any kind of training, workshop and seminar.
Learn More Here
0 Comments

Renaissance Movement

6/3/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Phoenix Voyage is passionate about THE ARTS and have created an ART PORTAL for creative talents around the world. It is free to join! 

​
Are you an artist, an art collector, or you are someone who just loves having art around his/her home, workplace, etc. -an art enthusiast?

pv ART PORTAL brings art enthusiasts together, helping them relate and connect, and potentially do amazing business together.
Picture
Read Vasari's Viewpoint now!
Picture
Visit the PV ARt Portal
0 Comments

Global Citizens Creating Positive Change

6/1/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
You are cordially invited to add your contributions or your company website that is part of this amazing global movement towards changing the world for the better!
As a single individual in a population of billions, this task of cleaning up the world and bettering the health and well being of communities in all corners of the globe may seem rather improbable. But together… we can change the world.

From this thought process arose the desire to acknowledge those who also seek to make a difference. While some can do more than others for various reasons, every bit counts and goes towards a better future for those we love and care about.


The great news is that there are many inspiring changes happening and now you can check out the positive impact being made by citizens around the world. 

The Phoenix Voyage Global Network interactive map lets you show off your contributions to humanity and the planet.

We want to hear your story if you: volunteer, donate, recycle, support organic farmers, or partake in any other positive action that benefits both the earth and its inhabitants. 

We at Phoenix Voyage are a creative team and love to exchange ideas so feel free to reach out and introduce yourself to co-create on a project. We look forward to meeting you!
Join for FREE now
Picture
0 Comments
    Picture

    Authors

    We welcome guest bloggers

     5 more blogs to check out!
    knowledge is power...

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Categories

    All

    Archives

    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    March 2021
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016

CONTACT


​​BE MINDFUL OF YOUR THOUGHTS



​ 
Copyright©2003-2022 ​ Phoenix Voyage
Phoenix Voyage is a project of
The Elysium Fund (f.b.o. Phoenix Voyage)


Disclaimer and Terms of Use
Tweets by PVTweet
Photo used under Creative Commons from The City of Toronto
  • Home
  • Overview
    • About
    • Phoenix Mascots
  • Learn & Support
    • Projects >
      • Edible Parks
      • Grow Organic Educational Program
      • Rural School Development program
      • Food Growth Kit RELIEF PROJECT
      • Operation Earth Clean Up
      • Phoenix Centers
      • Community Food System
    • Art Portal
    • Volunteer
    • Store
  • Resources
    • FREEBIES
    • Blog >
      • Nature Blog
      • Grow Organic Blog
      • Science and Tech BLOG
      • Ancient Earth BLOG
      • Art Portal Blog
    • Network Map
    • Changemakers >
      • Family and Education
      • Consicous Consumerism
      • Building Green
      • Clean Energy
      • Health and Healing
      • New Science & Tech
      • Power of the Mind
      • Agriculture
      • Global Solutions
    • Give-A-Way