If you are in charge of the human resource (HR) department in a big company, you are sure to be stressed out. And if you are in charge when they are down-sizing, you are sure to have acidity. This friend of mine who is in the HR did the wise thing and resorted to Ayurvedic treatment when he found he had severe acidity issues. He was prescribed Kushmanda Pak which contains the juice of Benincasa hispida (the scientific name of white pumpkin or ash gourd), cow’s milk, amla (Emblica officinalis) and sugar. He swears that his acidity problems practically disappeared after having Kushmanda Pak. This is made from an equal mixture of pumpkin juice, cow’s milk, to which is added fresh or powdered amla and sugar. For about 100 ml of milk , about 10 gm of amla is added. Sugar to taste too is added. There is another preparation called Kushmanda rasayana which is a classical preparation written about in Bhaisayaratnavali (written in the 19th century by Shri Govinda Dasji). This book is a collection of the many medical prescriptions that were in vogue for hundreds of years. Shri Govinda Dasji thus saved many ancient formulations for posterity.
Kushmanda rasayana as the name indicates is a rejuvenator and restorative preparation. It is used as a digestive, appetiser, acidity regulator, haematinic, haemostatic, sedative and expectorant. It is used in emaciating diseases as a tonic. It is useful in treating piles especially bloody piles. It is a good aphrodisiac when given with almonds, pistachio, walnuts etc. It is quite a simple preparation to make at home.
Cut the pumpkin into small pieces. Extract the juice and keep separately. Fry the dry pumpkin in ghee till the pieces obtain a yellow-brown colour. Prepare sugar syrup using the juice of the ash gourd. Powder all the ingredients listed above and add to the sugar syrup and fried pumpkin. Mix in the honey when the mixture has cooled thoroughly. This is an extremely nourishing preparation. Pumpkin is said to be a brain tonic. Kushmanda Pak is also very cooling and can be taken in summer.
Ash gourd or white pumpkin balances all the three doshas and is extremely cooling. So if you are not a diabetic, go have those Agra pethas. I love the sweet crunchy flavour. In summer, pumpkin preparations can help reduce the internal heat. Its pulp can be used to alleviate heat rashes and boils. Pumpkin is beneficial for those with tuberculosis of the lungs as it is a nourishing fruit. It increases the quality and quantity of semen and hence used in cases of male infertility. It is used is Vajikarana Therapy preparations. The juice of ash gourd mixed with equal quantities of water can reduce acidity, heal stomach ulcers, and increase brain power.
I am happy that I am growing organic ash gourds in my farm.
The writer is retired Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu. She can be reached at Sheelarani.arogyamantra@gmail. com.
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