brain fuel

The nervous system. In Ayurveda, it's considered the 6th deepest tissue system. We all know that the nervous system is obviously super integral to the functioning of our day-to-day lives. Without the brain or the spinal cord, we literally can't do anything. Unfortunately, our nervous systems tend to take the brunt of a lot of our daily activities. Stress, bad habits, poor diet--all of these take a toll on our nervous systems. When this happens, it can impede on our optimal functioning. It's important to restore and replenish this system so that we can be our best selves. 

In Ayurveda, it takes 30 full days for proper nutrition to reach and rejuvenate the nervous system. For this reason, if you want to affect change to the nervous system, you need to do something for a minimum of 30 days straight. 

SO, why am I saying all of this? Well, because I've decided to take on nervous system rejuvenation. What does this entail? One of the biggest nourishers of the nervous system is milk. The components of milk--fat, protein, the right amount of carbs, has similar property to the myelin sheath and white and gray matters of the brain. The basic idea in Ayurveda is that like increases like. So, if we incorporate foods and liquids into our diet that have similar properties, we are able to nourish certain parts of our body. 

Ok, back to what I'm doing. I've decided to drink herbalized milk every night for a minimum of 30 days to rejuvenate my brain and nervous system. I have been drinking it at night for a couple of reasons: 

• Milk at night helps calm and soothe the mind...wrapping your day up from the hustle and bustle. We know that good sleep also helps restore he nervous system. So, double whammy. 
• In Ayurveda, we can work on different parts of the body at different times of day. Our brain and nervous get maximum benefit at night, while we are sleeping. 
• And of course, milk is great for the nervous system. 

There are certain Ayurvedic herbs that I have been putting in my milk:

• Gotu Kola (Brahmi): Brahmi is considered a rejuvenative of the nervous system.  It has an affinity to the brain. It helps to restore and replenish it. It also help to alleviate any excess heat in the mind, responsible for frustration or anger. 
• Anantamula: This herb first, is sweet. So it helps. Second, it helps pull heat out of the liver. I personally tend to have excess heat or pitta lingering in my body. Anantamula helps to pull all of that out. It also has a smaller affinity to the nervous system as well. 
• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi is considered a very spiritual herb. So, it is considered great for the nervous system from a subtle level. It does have an affinity to the lungs. For this reason, it's nice to support the respiratory system, and balance out any phlegm affects that milk can have. 
• Other fun things: I always put turmeric in my milk at night. Turmeric has a million great benefits, and again helps balance out the kapha principles that milk has. For some flavor, I pop in some chai masala to take it up a notch. And finally, sweetener of choice. 

A nightly milk routine is SO great from an Ayurvedic perspective to incorporate into your daily routine. I highly recommend it! Even a simple turmeric and cardamom milk does wonders. 

I'm currently 4 days into the process. I'll let you know how I'm doing and any affects I feel/see regularly! Happy milk-ing!