Pear: The fruit of immortality

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Ayurvedic Diet_Pears.jpg

Known in Sanskrit as amrita phalam, fruit of immortality or nectar fruit, pears were revered in ancient India and China as a symbol of immortality. In Roman mythology they were sacred to Juno, the mother, Venus, goddess of love and Pomona, goddess of fruitful abundance and orchards. Sweet and light, pears are calming to all three doshas. They are described with the Sanskrit adjective susvada, meaning 'extremely delicious' but also having meanings of prosperity and welfare.

Pyrus communis L.

Rosaceae

Hindi: nāshpātī

Rasa: Madhura (Sweet), kshaya (astringent)

Virya: Shita (Cold)

Vipak: Katu (pungent)

Guna: Laghu (Light)

Karmas:

  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)

  • Nourishing

  • Tridoshahara (controls all three doshas)

Remedies:

  • High cholesterol: Eat stewed pears spiced with cinnamon to lower cholesterol.

  • Gallstones: Dilute half a cup of pear juice in half a cup of hot water, add a teaspoon of honey and drink three times daily as a preventative or home remedy for gallstones. (Note: gallstones can be extremely dangerous and may require surgical treatment. However, you could try this remedy while you wait for your diagnosis and surgical treatment.)

  • Bone health: Pears are a good source of boron, a trace mineral needed for bone health. Include pears in your diet for bone health.

  • Diarrhoea: Eat one just-ripe pear (it should not be overripe or have brown spots) to help control diarrhoea.

  • Low appetite or abdominal discomfort: Eat stewed pear spiced with ginger, cardamom and nutmeg.

  • Excess thirst: Eat slices of pear with a squeeze of lime to cool and calm excess thirst.

  • Urinary tract infection: Eat two pears in the morning on an empty stomach.

Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.

Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!