PANCHAKARMA GUIDE » Ayurveda » Beware of the Nightshades

In an earlier article I presented a strong case against Garlic. I consistently restrict people from Onion, Garlic, Soy and Nightshades. Many of you have argued (especially those new to Shudh Ayurved) What else can one eat if we stop eating all of the aforementioned foods? No worries, there are foods that are Pranic, less toxic and certainly more medicinal. But I want to highlight the Bad foods - The Awful Nightshades.


What are the Nightshades?

   - Potatoes
   - Tomatoes
   - Tobacco
   - Chilli Peppers
   - Green Bell Peppers
   - Egg Plant
   - Belladonna
   - Mandrake
   - And a whole genetical family of Nightshades..

While there are groups of people who absolutely cannot stand nightshades, Ayurvedically it is good to generally avoid them. People with Arthritis, Eczema, Acid Reflux Disease, Cystitis, Lupus, and Psoriasis are always at risk with Nightshades.


Quick facts

   - All Nightshades contain some form of Nicotine

            - Solanine in Potatoes
            - Tomatine in Tomatoes
            - Aubergine or Alpha-Solanine in Chilli peppers and Bell peppers.

- Historically Tomatoes were known as 'Wolf Peach' referring to werewolves and witchcraft (Tamasik anyone?)
- In early America, all nightshades were considered poisonous, however once known not to kill immediately, it slowly became part of the regular diet.
- Livestock Poisoning is done through Nightshades leaves.
- YES THEY ARE ADDICTIVE (All nightshades have some form of Nicotine in them).*
- Nicotine is a Great Insecticide.


What does Nicotine Do?

Nicotine is a Major Nerve impulse Inhibitor (Acetylcholinestrase Inhibitor).
The chemical Acetylcholinestrase transmits nerve impulse from one nerve ending to the next - Brain Function. Nicotine slows the production of this chemical which eventually gangs up due to the slowed breaking down process (Think of a broken Gramophone Pin). So while I prescribe cutting down on Nightshades all of us have craving for More.

http://www.organicfood.co.uk/inspiration/craig/nightshadefoods.html


Fear Not...Ayurvedic Solution

It can be a slow recovery from the addiction, But there are simple steps for Health, Wealth and Spirituality: 


- Home-cooked Pranic Meals (Foods high in life force)
- Good Spiritual Practice
- Do good Karma

Published with the Kind permission of Dr. Vaidya Mishra

Dr. Vaidya Mishra is an Ayurvedic general health practitioner as well as dermatologist, product formulator, researcher and educator, Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra was born into a family of Raj Vaidyas that boast of a 5000-year-old History of healing - the familial lineage is mentioned in the ancient Vedic text, the Puranas.

Please visit his website at http://www.vaidyamishra.com

Copyright © 2006, Dr. Vaidya Mishra. All rights reserved by the author.