Ever been told surgery is your only option for a hernia—and felt deep down there must be another way?

In this episode, Dylan sits down with George Hirst, founder of Comfort Truss, who healed his inguinal hernia naturally after being told it was impossible. George shares the physical, emotional, and practical steps that took him from a painful two-golf-ball bulge to living symptom-free—no mesh, no surgery.

Together they unpack what a hernia really is, why it develops, and the five core factors that often drive it—poor digestion, weak deep-core muscles, pelvic misalignment, emotional tension, and lack of mobility. You’ll learn how to strengthen the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor safely, the role of proper digestion in reducing pressure, and why awareness and breath are key to true recovery.

Whether you’re facing surgery, living with a hernia, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers grounded hope and actionable tools to help you rebuild strength from the inside out.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
💪 Understanding What a Hernia Really Is
💪 Root Causes of Hernia Development
💪 Strengthening the Core & Healing Naturally
💪 The Role of the Hernia Belt
💪 Diet & Digestion for Hernia Healing
💪 Emotional & Energetic Healing
💪 Practical Steps for Prevention & Recovery

ABOUT OUR GUEST: George Hirst

George Hirst is the founder of Comfort Truss, a company born from his own journey of healing an inguinal hernia naturally. When surgery was presented as his only option, George set out to find another way - developing methods to strengthen his body and support healing while documenting his process to help others do the same.

Frustrated by the bulky, painful belts available, he designed a lightweight, low-profile truss that offered genuine comfort and confidence in daily life. What began as a personal solution has now supported tens of thousands of people worldwide - whether pre-surgery, post-surgery, or pursuing natural recovery.

Through his videos, online program, and the Comfort Truss community, George continues to empower people to take an active, informed, and natural approach to hernia healing.

RESOURCES:

• Comfort-Truss Website
• A Proactive Approach to Hernia Intervention (Online Program)
• Use code VITALVEDA for a community discount on both the Comfort Truss and the online program
• George Hirst on YouTube
• Book: Healing Back Pain: The Mind–Body Connection by Dr. John Sarno
• Book: The Great Pain Deception by Steve Ozanich
• Vital Veda Online Course: The Essence of Ayurvedic Nutrition - Learn Ayurvedic principles to support digestion and healing (currently 50% off).

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

From the depths of the cosmic ocean, Dhanvantari arose - radiant and serene, carrying the pot of Amṛta, the nectar of immortality. This is the birth of Ayurveda, the birth of healing itself.

In this special Dhanteras episode, Dylan retells the ancient Vedic story of the Samudra Manthana (the Churning of the Ocean of Milk) and reveals how this timeless myth mirrors the process of transformation within us all. As light and shadow churn together, both poison and nectar emerge, showing that healing is not about escape, but integration.

A meditative and mythic journey through one of the Vedas’ most profound tales, this episode invites you to awaken the Dhanvantari within - the innate intelligence that restores balance, purifies what’s toxic, and reveals the radiant nectar of health and consciousness that lies beneath the surface of all experience.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🌿 The Karmakāṇḍa Layer: the outer story of the Samudra Manthana
🌿 The Emergence of Dhanvantari
🌿 The Alchemy of Poison and Nectar
🌿 The Treasures of the Churning
🌿 The 'Inner' Samudra Manthana

RESOURCES:
• Mantra Śāstra Explained: The Ancient Science of Sound | Purnesh #148
• Diwali: Spark Radiance & Supersede Limitations | Acharya Shunya #071
• Marma & Pulse Diagnosis Retreat – Byron Bay, Australia (June 2026)
• Abhyanga Massage Practitioner Training – Ayurvedic Massage Training in Byron Bay & London

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

Ever wondered what makes a mantra truly powerful? Is it the precision of pronunciation, the ancient lineage it comes from, or the sincerity of the heart behind it?

In this episode, Dylan speaks with Purnesh (formerly Swami Purnachaitanya), a teacher and practitioner who has spent over twenty years immersed in the Vedic tradition of mantra. Together they explore what mantra really is - not just words or sounds, but vibrations that carry & enliven consciousness itself. The conversation traces Purnesh’s own journey of initiation and study, the importance of authentic transmission, and how mantras can shape not only our spiritual practice but also our daily lives.

This is a grounded, heartfelt exploration of a subject often clouded by mystery and misconception. Whether you’re curious about starting a mantra practice or seeking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers clarity, wisdom, and inspiration for engaging with sound as a profound tool for transformation.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🕉️ Purnesh’s personal journey with mantra — from childhood fascination to deep study and initiation in India.
🕉️ What makes a mantra effective
🕉️ The difference between universal (prasiddha) mantras and specialised mantras.
🕉️ Mantra Shastra as a systematic, scientific tradition — and its connection to other Vedic sciences like Jyotish and Ayurveda.
🕉️ The inner symbolism of the Samudra Mantana (Churning of the Ocean of Milk) and its link to mantra practice and the 108-bead mala.
🕉️ Why meditation and emptiness are essential foundations for effective mantra practice.
🕉️ How modern seekers can responsibly approach mantra, initiation, and daily practice in today’s world.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Purnesh

Purnesh (formerly Swami Purnachaitanya) is an internationally respected teacher of Sanskrit mantras and Vedic wisdom, with over 20 years of dedicated practice. Trained under Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and later initiated into the Shaiva Agama tradition, he has mastered Vedic hymns, rituals, and the deeper science of mantra śāstra.

As a former monk, he travelled for more than 15 years across 30+ countries, teaching meditation, yoga, and mantras to diverse audiences from heads of state to prison inmates. His bestselling book Looking Inward has been translated into over 10 languages and is a practical guide to meditation and inner peace.

Now based in the Netherlands with his partner Rowena, Purnesh leads Just Be (justbe.org) and offers online courses on mantra practice, bridging authentic tradition with modern seekers eager to unlock the transformative power of sound and vibration.

RESOURCES:

- Mantra Mastery Level 1 program in English (20% OFF Discount Code: VITALVEDA)
- Purnesh's Website
- Purnesh's Youtube Channel
- Japa, Mantra, Sound Energy, Rites of Passage & Expert Guidance | Swami Purnachaitanya #102
- Sanskrit & Vedic Chanting: Vibratory Sounds of Cosmic Intelligence | Samadhi Collective w/ Kamala & Jahnavi #066

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

Step into the aromatic world of Indian chai with Mira Manek, author of The Book of Chai and founder of Chai by Mira. In this episode, we trace the surprising history of how tea became India’s most beloved beverage - through colonial trade routes, opium, and clever British marketing.

Mira shares chai-making secrets passed down through generations: from the Ayurvedic ritual of boiling milk three times, to unlocking spice potency with proper preparation (spoiler: whole ginger slices won’t cut it). You’ll learn why different Indian regions brew chai in unique ways, and how spices like cardamom and saffron offer profound medicinal benefits.

This is more than a conversation about tea, it’s a journey through heritage, healing, and the unseen wisdom in everyday rituals. Whether you're a lifelong chai lover or simply curious about the deeper stories steeped in your cup, this episode will enrich your connection to this timeless tradition.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

☕️ How British marketing and the opium trade shaped Indian chai culture
☕️ Family chai rituals and spice secrets passed down through generations
☕️ The Ayurvedic approach to chai
☕️ Medicinal benefits of chai spices like cardamom, ginger, clove, and saffron
☕️ Regional chai variations across India and the logic behind them (yes, even salty Kashmiri chai)
☕️ How to make chai a deeper, more mindful ritual in your day

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mira Manek

Mira Manek is an author, wellness coach and expert, and has her own chai brand. Her third book, The Book of Chai, follows on from the success of her first two books, bestselling cookbook Saffron Soul and a book on Ayurveda and happiness called Prajna. Mira was born and raised in London, where she grew up in a large joint family with her grandparents, strongly rooted in their Indian heritage. She grew up speaking Gujarati, learned Sanskrit at school and has travelled extensively in India, inspiring her passion for Indian philosophy and spirituality, chai and chaiwalas, Indian food and spices, and especially Ayurveda.

RESOURCES:

Mira Manek’s Website: miramanek.com

Chai by Mira (chai blends & products): chaibymira.com

Books by Mira Manek:

• The Book of Chai
• Saffron Soul
• Prajna: Ayurvedic Rituals for Happiness

Mira Manek’s Instagram: @miramanek

Vital Veda Podcast Episode: "The Ancient and Stimulating Spice Industry" with Ian 'Herbie' Hemphill

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

For millennia, honey has been treasured across cultures as a symbol of nourishment and healing, particularly for infants. Yet in 1978, Western medicine abruptly deemed it unsafe for babies under one year old due to concerns about botulism. But was this ban truly justified, or did precaution overshadow ancient wisdom and emerging scientific insights?

While infant botulism is an extremely rare condition, modern research reveals that most cases stem from environmental spores, not honey consumption. Meanwhile, traditions spanning Egypt, Africa, and Ayurveda have safely incorporated honey into infant care for thousands of years. Ayurvedic texts even describe Swarna Prashana—a revered practice of giving gold-infused honey to newborns to enhance immunity, intellect, and vitality.

In this episode, we challenge the stigma around honey in paediatric care, exploring its rich history, scientific evidence, and time-tested applications. Whether you're a parent or health practitioner, this conversation will empower you to navigate infant nutrition with confidence and clarity.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

🍯 The Honey Ban: How a Nutritional Staple Became "Forbidden"
🍯 Infant Botulism: Separating Myth from Science
🍯 Ancient Cultures & Honey in Infant Care
🍯 Ayurveda’s Perspective on Honey for Babies
🍯 The Science Behind Raw, High-Quality Honey
🍯 Debunking Common Concerns: Sugar, Allergies & Choking Hazards
🍯 Swarna Prashana: Ayurveda’s Time-Tested Immunisation Ritual
🍯 The Importance of Responsibly Sourced Honey
🍯 Reintroducing Honey with Confidence and Wisdom

RESOURCES:

Further Reading & Related Articles:

• Ayurvedic Immunisation Over Vaccination For Babies
• Honey – Nectar or Poison?

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Natural Immunisations for Babies & Children: Building Resilience with Ayurveda
• Bees: Crucial Beeings for Health on Earth | Simon Mulvany #031
• Immunising your Baby Naturally | Dr. A.V. Raju #006
• Homeopathic Immunisation for Babies & Children | Dr Isaac Golden, World Authority on Homeopathic Immunisation #092
• Heavy Metals, Minerals and Bhasma in Ayurvedic Herbology and Herbal Products (3rd Biggest Myth in Ayurveda) | Dylan Smith #084

Ayurvedic Products & Herbal Formulations:

• Swarna Prashana (Ayurvedic Herbal Immunisation for Babies)
  • Pushya Nakshatra Dates for Swarna Prashana – Check Here
    
    

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

Human adaptation has shaped an extraordinary immune system in your child over millions of years—yet modern interventions often overlook this innate intelligence instead of strengthening it.

In this episode, Dylan explores how to nurture your child’s immunity using time-tested Ayurvedic wisdom and holistic parenting approaches that work in harmony with the body’s natural defenses.

He also addresses key parental concerns around vaccines, vitamin K injections, and the honey “ban” for infants, offering insights that empower parents to make confident, well-informed decisions. Tune in to discover how to honour your child’s natural resilience while navigating today’s health landscape with clarity and trust.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

🌿 The Innate Evolutionary Intelligence Of A Baby’s Immune System
🌿 The First Steps In Building Immunity At Birth
🌿 Breast Milk And It's Role In Enhancing Immunisation
🌿 Ancient Ayurveda Approaches To Enhancing Immunity
🌿 Conventional Immunisation Programs: Navigating Vaccines, Vitamin K Injections & Alternative Perspectives.
🌿 The Honey Controversy: Understanding The Role Of Honey In Infant Care
🌿 The Role Of Digestion In Immunity
🌿 The Importance of Parental Confidence: Learning To Trust Your Instincts

OTHER RESOURCES:

Related Blog Articles:

• Ayurvedic Postnatal Care Plan

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Immunising your Baby Effectively and Naturally | Dr. A.V. Raju #006
• Homeopathic Immunisation for Babies & Children | Dr Isaac Golden, World Authority on Homeopathic Immunisation #092

Related Courses:

• Baby Abhyanga Massage: Postnatal Course & Community

Ayurvedic Herbs & Products for Immunity:

• Swarna Prasa Pusya – Ayurvedic herbal immunisation for infants & children
• Pushya Drops – A more affordable alternative for immune support
• Swasakasantak Yog – Ayurvedic respiratory formula for babies
• Swasananda Leham – Strengthens the lungs & respiratory system
• Anand Sid Yog – A potent immune-boosting Ayurvedic blend
• Baby Agni – Digestive support for newborns
• Swagni – Advanced digestive tonic for infants with digestive concerns

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

“There is no curable disease in the universe which has cannot be effectively cured by śilājatu, [but only] when administered at the appropriate time, in combination with suitable herbs and by adopting the prescribed protocol”.
~ Caraka Samhitā, authoritative classical Ayurveda text

I’m Dylan Smith, an Ayurveda practitioner and educator, and in case you have not heard of Shilajit, it is one of Ayurveda’s most revered herbal substances.

This potent, mineral-rich resin sourced from rocky mountains is rapidly gaining popularity in Western supplement markets for its purported energising and rejuvenating effects. In this episode, we aim to disrupt the growing fad of shilajit as a dietary supplement in wellness communities.

We’ll challenge the notion that shilajit—prized in Ayurveda for its potent healing properties—can be casually consumed. Much of what’s sold is adulterated or harvested improperly, and often lacks proper purification. We’ll explore essential Ayurvedic principles like correct dosage, the right vehicle (anupāna), and a tailored diet (pathya) to balance shilajit’s intense qualities and ensure safety and efficacy. When these elements are neglected, shilajit’s benefits can be lost—or even become harmful—underscoring the need for proper guidance in its use.

My guests include Dr. Sumit Kesarkar, who has spent over two decades harvesting shilajit indigenously across Asia, and the renowned Raju family of Ayurvedic doctors: Vaidya J.R. Raju, Vaidya Pavani Raju, and Vaidya Harsha Raju. Together, we’ll offer practical insights on sourcing authenticity, safe usage, and time-tested ways to honour shilajit’s role as a powerful rasayana.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🏔️ Shilajit’s Geological Formations and Origin
🏔️ Understanding Shilajit as a Rasāyana (longevity elixir) In Ayurveda
🏔️ Shilajit's Health Benefits & Debunking the Overemphasis on Mineral Content
🏔️ Proper Purification of Shilajit (not common knowledge)
🏔️ Prevalence of Adulteration, Unsustainable & Improper Harvesting Methods
🏔️ Appropriate Dosage to Absorb the Benefits and Prevent Harm
🏔️ Diet & Protocol to Adhere to While Consuming Shilajit
🏔️ + more!

RESOURCES:

• Abhyanga Course w/ Vital Veda
• Training in External Basti Treatments w/ Vital Veda
• Marma & Pulse Retreat w/ the Raju Family
• Shilajit, Can It Keep Us Young Forever? – Dr. Kesarkar
• Book a Consultation with Dylan

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Coffee, Whisky & Lord Shiva | Dr. Sumit Kesarkar #104
• Organic Herbal Revolution & Prana Potent Herbs | Bharat Mitra #057
• The Yoga of Time, Vedic Medicine & Veda Mandala (#059)

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

The menstrual cycle is more than a physical process—it's a profound opportunity for growth, self-reflection, and harmony.

For this episode we have a twist on our usual podcast format: Dylan is interviewed by guest host Sophia Pace as they explore the profound wisdom and misunderstood beauty of the menstrual cycle. Together, they delve into the rhythms of the menstrual cycle and discuss how aligning with these natural processes can foster understanding, empathy, and balance in relationships and communities.

This conversation highlights how men can be integral allies in supporting women through their cycles. Dylan and Sophia offer practical insights into honoring these natural rhythms, from Ayurvedic approaches to menstrual health to cultivating environments that respect and empower women. They explore the importance of including men in the conversation, breaking down stigmas, and reshaping societal norms to foster mutual respect and support.

Whether you're curious about the cultural significance of menstruation, interested in practical self-care tips, or eager to learn how men and women can collaborate to create a more harmonious world, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. It's a call to action to embrace cycles as opportunities for connection, growth, and empowerment.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🩸 The Menstrual Cycle: A Natural Rhythm for Growth and Harmony
🩸 Including Men in the Conversation
🩸 Challenging the Paradigm: Breaking the Stigma
🩸 Ayurvedic Wisdom for Menstrual Health
🩸 Building Bridges: Men and Women Collaborating for Harmony
🩸 Practical Self-Care and Rituals
🩸 Cycle Syncing and Cultural Perspectives
🩸 Practical Tools for Menstrual Harmony

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website