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Ayurveda for Women: The Power of Food as Medicine with Recipes for Health and Wellness
Eat to heal! This accessible Ayurveda book for women taps into the ancient wisdom and power of food as medicine with recipes, menus, and culinary remedies for dosha imbalances and common ailments. Practiced for over 5,000 years in India, Ayurveda is the health-care manual for balanced energy and finding relief from ailments that affect a woman’s well-being. Certified Ayurveda practitioner Emily L. Glaser shares her knowledge of this holistic medicine in an accessible way—with guidance on how to integrate Ayurveda on the path toward healing and balanced living. The power of Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom, writes Glaser, can be found in the kitchen and what you put in your body. Every meal is an opportunity to choose food as medicine, and when you do, Ayurvedic cooking can be a powerful approach to taking control of your health while supporting the demands of day-to-day life. This Ayurveda book • Ayurveda Get an overview of the holistic principles, determine your unique constitution and any dosha imbalances, and discover the foods and recipes that are right for you. • Encyclopedia + remedies From hot flashes and menstrual cramps to depression and insomnia, learn how to find relief across a wide variety of health issues and restore imbalances with traditional Ayurveda recipes. • Accessible everyday Find helpful menus and simple, seasonal recipes designed for your unique energetic balance.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2022
305 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 12, 2023
Keeping this book with me forever. As long as I look towards maintaining good health and also when it comes to healing with food items.
For us Indians, most of the properties of these food items given in this book are familiar. However, this concept and information need to be shared based on the explanations given according to Ayurveda which I feel is so well compiled and perfectly presented.
Basic terms are give, explained with their properties and their importance in our diet.
I appreciate the different presentation tools used in the content.
Also, no sweat when it comes to recipes as some basic amazing ones are given in the book.
Thank you, Zietgeist, for the advance review copy.
For us Indians, most of the properties of these food items given in this book are familiar. However, this concept and information need to be shared based on the explanations given according to Ayurveda which I feel is so well compiled and perfectly presented.
Basic terms are give, explained with their properties and their importance in our diet.
I appreciate the different presentation tools used in the content.
Also, no sweat when it comes to recipes as some basic amazing ones are given in the book.
Thank you, Zietgeist, for the advance review copy.
June 6, 2022
This book opens with some good info on Ayurveda and its history. The main focus of the book is on recipes, so for more information on Ayurveda itself, this would be a great companion to other books on the subject. This is one to keep in the kitchen with cookbooks, to be able to whip up the suggested meals and/ or simply to reference certain foods to avoid or seek out depending on your dominant dosha.
The layout is clear and efficient, with ailments and issues separated into sections for easy reference.
The layout is clear and efficient, with ailments and issues separated into sections for easy reference.
August 11, 2022
A good introduction to Ayurveda, plus a multitude of seasonal, plant-based recipes to enjoy!
Ayurveda for Women begins with an overview of the ancient practice of Ayurveda. The book then describes the three types of energies, or doshas (Vata, Kapha, and Pitta), which are present in everyone and everything. Two questionnaires help readers determine their Prakruti (dominant energy) and Vikruti (imbalanced energy). Seasonal foods to embrace and avoid are outlined for each dosha, along with dosha-specific recipes. The final section of the book provides recipes to support common ailments.
The strength of Ayurveda for Women lies in the recipes, which are straightforward in both ingredients and cooking techniques. Pulses, grains, and seasonal vegetables take center stage, along with key spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cardamom. Certain spices are essential in honoring Ayurvedic principles, so although a few may need to be purchased, they are used frequently throughout the book. Most recipes can be adapted to be dairy-free and/or vegan.
The description calls the book an “Encyclopedia + remedies cookbook,” however the length of 208 pages feels a bit short of an encyclopedia and more like a comprehensive overview.
Of the recipes, I made Chia and Coconut Pudding, which addresses gum disease, and Mung Bean Pancakes, for arthritis. Although no one in my family suffers from these ailments, both recipes were simple to make and delicious. I look forward to trying the Classic Kitchari (mung beans and rice) for cleansing and nourishing.
Although the recipes can easily be multiplied, due to the small serving sizes (1-2 servings) and dosha-specific (i.e. individual) spice suggestions, I would recommend this book to an individual or couple interested in learning about Ayurveda (and vegetarian) cooking.
Overall, the book provides a good introduction to Ayurvedic practices, along with a multitude of seasonal, plant-based recipes, to support overall health and well-being.
Thank you NetGalley and Zeitgeist for offering the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.
Ayurveda for Women begins with an overview of the ancient practice of Ayurveda. The book then describes the three types of energies, or doshas (Vata, Kapha, and Pitta), which are present in everyone and everything. Two questionnaires help readers determine their Prakruti (dominant energy) and Vikruti (imbalanced energy). Seasonal foods to embrace and avoid are outlined for each dosha, along with dosha-specific recipes. The final section of the book provides recipes to support common ailments.
The strength of Ayurveda for Women lies in the recipes, which are straightforward in both ingredients and cooking techniques. Pulses, grains, and seasonal vegetables take center stage, along with key spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cardamom. Certain spices are essential in honoring Ayurvedic principles, so although a few may need to be purchased, they are used frequently throughout the book. Most recipes can be adapted to be dairy-free and/or vegan.
The description calls the book an “Encyclopedia + remedies cookbook,” however the length of 208 pages feels a bit short of an encyclopedia and more like a comprehensive overview.
Of the recipes, I made Chia and Coconut Pudding, which addresses gum disease, and Mung Bean Pancakes, for arthritis. Although no one in my family suffers from these ailments, both recipes were simple to make and delicious. I look forward to trying the Classic Kitchari (mung beans and rice) for cleansing and nourishing.
Although the recipes can easily be multiplied, due to the small serving sizes (1-2 servings) and dosha-specific (i.e. individual) spice suggestions, I would recommend this book to an individual or couple interested in learning about Ayurveda (and vegetarian) cooking.
Overall, the book provides a good introduction to Ayurvedic practices, along with a multitude of seasonal, plant-based recipes, to support overall health and well-being.
Thank you NetGalley and Zeitgeist for offering the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.
August 14, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)
Interesting read for someone new to this. Recipes seemed easy to follow and had ingredients most would have/have access to.
Interesting read for someone new to this. Recipes seemed easy to follow and had ingredients most would have/have access to.
August 11, 2022
Ayurveda for Women (The Power of Food as Medicine with Recipes for Health and Wellness). By Emily L. Glaser, RN, C.Ay. 2022. Zeitgeist (ARC eBook).
A beautifully pictured Ayurvdic cookbook with overviews of symptoms that plague women and recommended approaches and recipes based on each dosha (pitta, vata, kapha) that can help with each symptom. Overall, the work is easy to reference and provides an introduction into issues women face through all phases of their lives. There is a one-size-fits-all approach with the promotion of a plant-based diet; which is unfortunate, as my understanding of Ayurveda as an ancient practice always had a time and place for red meat, etc. The plant-based approach is not surprising considering the agendas pushed today, and in some cases, as far back as the birth of organized religion in terms of eliminations in diets. So, while there will be a lack of optimal protein for skeletal strength and longevity for some people in these recipes, there is no reason these recipes, as is, can't be beneficial to all; and, there is also no reason you can't adapt the recipes as most folks often do once they find themselves in the kitchen.
* Zeitgeist ARC via NetGalley
A beautifully pictured Ayurvdic cookbook with overviews of symptoms that plague women and recommended approaches and recipes based on each dosha (pitta, vata, kapha) that can help with each symptom. Overall, the work is easy to reference and provides an introduction into issues women face through all phases of their lives. There is a one-size-fits-all approach with the promotion of a plant-based diet; which is unfortunate, as my understanding of Ayurveda as an ancient practice always had a time and place for red meat, etc. The plant-based approach is not surprising considering the agendas pushed today, and in some cases, as far back as the birth of organized religion in terms of eliminations in diets. So, while there will be a lack of optimal protein for skeletal strength and longevity for some people in these recipes, there is no reason these recipes, as is, can't be beneficial to all; and, there is also no reason you can't adapt the recipes as most folks often do once they find themselves in the kitchen.
* Zeitgeist ARC via NetGalley
June 13, 2022
I’d like to start this off by saying I will be posting a more thorough review on my blog in the upcoming weeks as I want to truly dive into this cookbook and make these outstanding recipes and see the results for my own.
With that being said, it goes without saying but I’m in awe of the effort the author put into this book. To call this a cookbook would be removing all of the soul inspiring qualities and hard work and research that went into this. There are recipes, yes, but it’s so much more than food and I am so inspired to go down this path further in study and in life.
In the beginning of this book there’s a beautiful introduction to Ayurveda as well as several rubrics, one of which to help you determine your prakruti and the second your vikruti. I think this and so much more is what makes this book extraordinary. The author took into account how every body is different and our ailments show what we’re missing and in need of and even goes as far as to list options to better these ailments.
Truly an outstanding read and I’m very thankful to have been a part of reading this for the author for free.
5/5 stars, I’ll be reviewing this further and I would easily purchase this for my own shelf and kitchen at home.
With that being said, it goes without saying but I’m in awe of the effort the author put into this book. To call this a cookbook would be removing all of the soul inspiring qualities and hard work and research that went into this. There are recipes, yes, but it’s so much more than food and I am so inspired to go down this path further in study and in life.
In the beginning of this book there’s a beautiful introduction to Ayurveda as well as several rubrics, one of which to help you determine your prakruti and the second your vikruti. I think this and so much more is what makes this book extraordinary. The author took into account how every body is different and our ailments show what we’re missing and in need of and even goes as far as to list options to better these ailments.
Truly an outstanding read and I’m very thankful to have been a part of reading this for the author for free.
5/5 stars, I’ll be reviewing this further and I would easily purchase this for my own shelf and kitchen at home.
August 10, 2022
I used to spend significant time in India for business and one of the first conversations I had with a local woman was how Indian women used species and Ayurveda for health. I looked for cookbooks that were written in English when I was over there but often they were weak or not quite what I was looking for. I cobbled together a binder of articles, tidbits, etc. and was happy with that.
This book, however is what I had been searching for. It provides an introduction to Ayurveda as well as provides recipes. Perhaps I was looking at the wrong location, because I found this knowledge coming from a Native American…and I am grateful for her sharing her knowledge. This book is a great resource for anyone interested in the topic and natural ways of healing through their daily food. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
This book, however is what I had been searching for. It provides an introduction to Ayurveda as well as provides recipes. Perhaps I was looking at the wrong location, because I found this knowledge coming from a Native American…and I am grateful for her sharing her knowledge. This book is a great resource for anyone interested in the topic and natural ways of healing through their daily food. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
February 19, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and its beautiful presentation and seasonal recipes. After reading the introduction I'm still confused and would like to see further elaboration, for instance, if my constitution is vata, should I always avoid the foods listed as specified, or only when I'm not in balance? I think this book was an excellent introduction however not quite in depth about the concepts enough for me. I'm sure I'll enjoy this book for a long time working through the recipes throughout the seasons. Having the contents page sorted into seasons is very helpful.
I enjoyed the take home message: cook with intention to nourish and support your family, it has made me enjoy cooking even more than I usually do!
I enjoyed the take home message: cook with intention to nourish and support your family, it has made me enjoy cooking even more than I usually do!
June 5, 2022
I received a review copy of the ebook of Ayurveda for Women through NetGalley and was very excited to learn the basic principles. This book exceeded my expectations, but be warned, reading the charts on a small mobile device is difficult. The print book must look amazing as the layout is crisp and easy to follow. The concepts are well-explained and the recipes and lists are helpful and practical. Thank you to the author for answering my questions about Ayurveda. The format/design of the book reminded me of the Whole30 volume. So it may be a familiar style and easy-to-use book for people who have explored other health-related food books.
August 12, 2022
This was a very interesting book, especially for people who are nutrition-conscious but want a non-Western focus. The recipes sounded intriguing and I loved how they were organised in function of health issues you are trying to solve or improve or foods that fit your nature. But my advanced copy did not come with pictures, I do not know how it will be in the end, but I have trouble with cookbooks without images to help me understand what recipes are supposed to look like.
I must say that despite being intrigued I will not be using that one because of this lack. But if you don't need pictures to cook, then this is a very interesting read.
I must say that despite being intrigued I will not be using that one because of this lack. But if you don't need pictures to cook, then this is a very interesting read.
August 20, 2022
An informative and interesting read. I’ve been curious about Ayurveda for years but found it complicated and daunting. The charts make figuring out your natural state versus an imbalance one fairly straightforward. I liked how many of the recipes were for everyone with add-ins or alterations for each dosha or dietary requirement. The well written blurbs for each recipe were upbeat and informative. The recipes are simple to make and the ingredients readily available in your larger grocery stores. A comprehensive index makes searching for a particular recipe or health issue a breeze. Highly recommend.
June 10, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this cookbook and learning about Ayervedic cooking. I really want to try and incorporate this more into my life, however the recipes provided do not really jive with my lifestyle as many of the ingredients are either hard to find or I don't keep them regularly stocked in my pantry, so I'd have to completely change my diet to incorporate them more. I think I will incorporate the guides but look for recipes that will work better for my lifestyle.
December 30, 2022
Thank you Zeitgeist and NetGalley for the electronic review copy of this great book. This is a wonderful Ayurveda based guide featuring information about Ayurveda and various foods and recipes for anything that ails you from sore throat to restless legs to migraine to everything in between. The layout is clear and the recipes are easy to follow with easy to find ingredients. A fabulous reference book to have and to gift.
August 9, 2023
The recipes and suggestions in this book are simply not helpful. It seems to be a nutritional philosophy that is more tradition-based than results-based. (And you can’t enjoy a recipe book that doesn’t have pictures of every recipe.)
When I read that the author is a astrologist, my conclusions were validated.
I’m definitely not saying the same for all Ayurvedic practices, just what it shared in this book.
When I read that the author is a astrologist, my conclusions were validated.
I’m definitely not saying the same for all Ayurvedic practices, just what it shared in this book.
October 3, 2023
Estaba tan emocionada de ver las recetas y las imágenes de las mismas, y cuál fue mi sorpresa que llego a es parte del libro ¡y no hay imágenes! Literal se sintió como un resumen de una búsqueda que pudieras hacer sobre este tema. Literal he encontrado más recetas que te explican pasó a paso en Pinterest.
January 5, 2024
This original book about Ayurveda and how it all connects to women’s health was a favorite non fiction of mine this past year. I loved the photography, recipes and creative ideas and stories. I would recommend to any woman interested in holistic alternatives and anyone just interested in women’s health.
June 17, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I love any kind of book that talks about all natural remedies. The cover is beautiful and I highly recommend. I will be reading this book over and over.
July 24, 2022
This is mainly a cookbook rather than a book about ayurveda and women's health.
I liked the mini tipcs and ideas scattered throughout the recipes. I found some of the advice differing from traditional ayurveda and too much emphasis on vata/pitta/kapha spice blends and foods.
I liked the mini tipcs and ideas scattered throughout the recipes. I found some of the advice differing from traditional ayurveda and too much emphasis on vata/pitta/kapha spice blends and foods.
December 24, 2022
I found this so informative and took a lot of notes. I love that there are food suggestions for each season (enjoyed that sweet potatoes is one of the good foods)
Would be a great physical copy to reference and go through over and over again.
Would be a great physical copy to reference and go through over and over again.
September 10, 2023
This is an intriguing idea but the set up on this ARC was very confusing. I am a stranger to this practice so I was hoping for a good introduction, like I said the setup made it difficult to really understand what the author was trying to get across.
June 13, 2022
Excellent Ayurveda reference book on healing common women’s health issues. Easy to make recipes, along with a sample 3-day menu plan and seasonal food lists for each dosha. Very few pictures.
July 3, 2022
This is a must buy, it been one of the most helpful to understanding Ayurveda and how it can work for a women’s help. This will definitely be added to my bookcase 100%
August 6, 2022
Good info.
December 4, 2023
Educational, simple to read and understand. Plenty of cures and ideas using homeopathic treatment.
January 12, 2025
At urged a for women
Excellent book with delicious recipes. More to think about what we eat and how it can heal or hurt us.
Excellent book with delicious recipes. More to think about what we eat and how it can heal or hurt us.
February 5, 2025
the power of no flavor
I mean if you are on a strict basically flavorless restrictive diet… I guess it’s got decent recipes but for a regular person meh
I mean if you are on a strict basically flavorless restrictive diet… I guess it’s got decent recipes but for a regular person meh
September 1, 2025
Quick review of the doshas and what category you should be in.
Easy recipes brown down by dosha and ailments
Easy recipes brown down by dosha and ailments
January 21, 2023
The recipes in this book are amazing and as someone who follows an Ayurvedic lifestyle, I’ve been enjoying adding these into my daily life!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews