Waking Up Early in the Morning (Brahma Muhurta)

Ayurveda strongly advocates waking up early in the morning during Brahma Muhurta, which is approximately 4:30–5:00 AM, i.e., about 45 minutes before sunrise. This practice is regarded as one of the healthiest habits and plays a significant role in the prevention of many diseases.

During Brahma Muhurta, the environment is quiet, calm, and pleasant, and this serenity exerts a positive influence on both body and mind. The dominance of Sattva Guna at this time enhances mental clarity, concentration, and receptivity. Hence, it is considered the ideal time for meditation, self-reflection, spiritual practices, and study, as learning during this period supports strong memory and better comprehension.

Benefits of Waking Up in Brahma Muhurta

• Maintains balance of Doshas, especially Vata

• Improves mental alertness and memory

• Enhances digestion and metabolism

• Promotes emotional stability and spiritual well-being

Research Evidence

• Research studies indicate that early-rising individuals, especially children, are more active, attentive, and disciplined compared to late risers.

• Early waking is associated with better circadian rhythm regulation, improved academic performance, and overall physical fitness.

Ideal Regimen Prescribed for an Individual (Ayurveda)

The ideal regimen prescribed for an individual in Ayurveda is classified into three categories:

1. Dinacharya – Regimen for the day

2. Ratricharya – Regimen for the night

3. Ritucharya – Regimen for different seasons

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Dinacharya

The literal meaning of the word ‘Dina’ includes both day and night (24 hours). However, in routine practice, the term Dina commonly refers to the first 12 hours of the day, beginning from sunrise to sunset. Most Ayurvedic texts describe guidelines for both daytime and nighttime activities under Dinacharya, while some texts describe night-time conduct separately as Ratricharya.

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Physical Activities to be Followed in Dinacharya

S. No.	Activity	Time
1	Waking up from bed (Brahma Muhurta)	4:30 AM – 5:00 AM
2	Ushapana (Drinking water early morning)	Early morning
3	Passing of urine and stools (Malotsarga)	Early morning
4	Tooth brushing (Danta Dhavana)	5:00 AM – 5:30 AM
5	Cleaning of tongue (Jihva Nirlekhana)	After brushing
6	Gargling / Oil pulling (Gandusha)	Morning
7	Application of collyrium (Anjana)	Morning (occasionally)
8	Nasya and Karnapurana (oil drops in nostrils and ears)	Morning
9	Physical exercise (Vyayama)	6:00 AM – 6:30 AM
10	Udwartana (dry powder massage)	6:30 AM – 7:00 AM
11	Abhyanga (oil massage)	Morning
12	Bathing (Snana)	7:00 AM – 7:30 AM
13	Taking food (Bhojana)	Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:00 AM \ Lunch: 1:00 – 1:30 PM \ Dinner: 7:30 – 8:00 PM (ideally before sunset)
14	Padabhyanga (foot massage)	Around 8:00 PM
15	Nidra (Sleep)	8:30 PM – 9:00 PM

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Importance of Dinacharya

Ayurvedic texts have elaborately described the advantages of following Dinacharya as well as the disadvantages of non-compliance. Regular practice helps in:

• Maintaining balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

• Promoting physical strength and mental clarity

• Improving digestion and immunity

• Preventing lifestyle-related disorders

• Supporting longevity and overall well-being

A brief review of each activity, along with its benefits and consequences of improper practice, is described in subsequent sections.

Cleansing Creams

Process

1. Melt the oils and waxes (beeswax, coconut oil, and mineral/olive oil) in a bowl over a pan of boiling water (double boiler).

2. In a separate bowl, mix cucumber juice, glycerine, borax, and green coloring. Heat gently until the borax dissolves completely.

3. Once both mixtures are warm and molten, add water drop by drop to the oil mixture with continuous stirring.

4. Stop heating and mix the contents of both bowls thoroughly until the mixture thickens and cools.

5. Transfer the cream to a clean container and store under refrigeration.

6. Note: Make small batches at a time, as cucumber juice can spoil quickly at room temperature.

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Raw Material Requirements

• Beeswax: 3 tsp

• Coconut oil: 4 tsp

• Mineral oil or olive oil: 4 tsp

• Cucumber juice: 4 tbsp

• Glycerine: 1 tsp

• Borax: 1 pinch

• Green coloring: 1 drop

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This formulation gives a fresh, nourishing cleansing cream suitable for sensitive and normal skin.

Cucumber Cleansing Cream

Ingredients

• Beeswax: 30 g

• Spermaceti: 30 g

• Olive oil: 500 ml

• Cucumber juice: ½ cup

• Sodium benzoate: 1 tsp

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Process

1. Set up a double boiler by placing a bowl over a pot of boiling water.

2. Add spermaceti and beeswax to the bowl and allow them to melt completely.

3. Remove the bowl from heat and stir in olive oil and cucumber juice.

4. While the mixture is still warm, add sodium benzoate and mix thoroughly.

5. Pour into a clean container and allow to cool.

6. Store under refrigeration for long-term use.

Note: This cream is soothing and nourishing, ideal for regular cleansing and skin care.

Almond Cleansing Cream (nourishing cleansing cream)

Ingredients

• Sweet almond oil: 1 cup

• Ground almond: 120 g

• Egg yolk: 4 eggs

• Honey: 250 g

• Sodium benzoate: 1 tsp

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Process

1. Beat the egg yolks together with honey until smooth and creamy.

2. Mix sweet almond oil and ground almond to form a paste.

3. Gradually blend the beaten egg and honey mixture into the almond paste.

4. Add sodium benzoate and mix thoroughly.

5. Store the cream in a clean container under refrigeration.

Note: This cream acts as a nourishing cleansing cream, suitable for winter or dry skin care.

Almond Cleansing Cream (protective cleansing cream)

Ingredients

• Sweet almond oil: 1 cup

• Bitter almond oil: 1 cup

• Honey dew soap: 30 g

• Sodium benzoate: 1 tsp

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Process

1. In a saucepan, combine sweet almond oil, bitter almond oil, and honey dew soap.

2. Heat gently over a low flame while stirring until the mixture is well blended.

3. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.

4. Add sodium benzoate and mix thoroughly.

5. Transfer to a clean bottle and store under refrigeration.

Note: This cream can be used as a protective cleansing cream for the skin.

Almond Cleansing/Cream (Cold Cream)

Purpose

These cleansing/ cold creams are ideal for winter use, providing a protective layer to prevent skin from drying due to cold winds.

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Ingredients

• White beeswax: 120 g

• Almond oil: 500 ml

• Rose water: 1 cup

• Borax powder: 1 tsp

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Process

1. Heat the beeswax in a saucepan over low heat until completely melted.

2. Slowly add almond oil, rose water, and borax powder to the melted beeswax.

3. Mix thoroughly and keep stirring until the mixture cools and thickens.

4. Transfer to a clean container and store under refrigeration.

Note: This cream can be stored for a long time and used as a winter protective cold cream.