Garlic : Natural Remedies

Garlic ( Allium Sativum) belongs to the family Liliaceae. The plant has leaves which are long, narrow and flat like grass. The bulb is of a compound nature, consisting of numerous bulblets, known technically as 'cloves,' grouped together between the membraneous scales and enclosed within a whitish skin, which holds them as in a sac.

It is referred to by different names in ayurveda . The names describe its qualities. It is known as Rasona (Rasena vunaha = as it is devoid of amla rasa or sour taste) Ugraghandhi ( ugra Gandhi = as it has strong pungent smell )

It has Snigdha (sticky), teekshna (penetrating) , pichhila (slimy), guru (heavy), sara (quickly spreading) qualities. It has all rasas (tastes) except amla (sour).
It reduces kapha and vata but it should be used with lot of precautions in persons who have pitta prakruti and in patients who are suffering from rakta, pitta disorders.

Garlic contains pungent, volatile, essential oil. This oil is a sulphide of radical Allyl. The intensely smelling allyl compound has such a diffusive property that even when the crushed bulb is rubbed to the soles of the feet, its odor is exhaled by the lungs after some time.

Acharya charaka has said that garlic is an effective remedy in conditions like intestinal worm infestations, skin disorders, low libido and erectile dysfunction.

Acharya Sushruta has appreciated the uses of this herb in skin disorders, low libido and erectile dysfunction.. It also improves memory, modulates voice, enhances complexion, improves eye sight, strengthens bones and joints, improves digestion and regularizes bowel movement. It is very useful in cardiac diseases too.
As an antibiotic:
Many marvelous effects and healing powers have been ascribed to Garlic. Garlic is popularly known as ?nature's antibiotic ?.As an antiseptic, its use has long been recognized. It is very effective against fungus, Yeast and viral infections. It is said to prevent anthrax in cattle, being largely used for the purpose.

As an expectorant:
Garlic reduces increased kapha. Garlic syrup is an excellent medicine for asthma, hoarseness of voice, coughs, difficulty in breathing, and most other disorders pertaining to the lungs. As this promotes expectoration it is very useful in chronic bronchitis. Garlic is a very good remedy for whooping cough.

As a cholesterol reducing agent:
Many publications have shown that garlic supports the cardiovascular system. According to them it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, inhibits platelet stickiness and slows blood coagulation. It is mildly antihypertensive and has antioxidant activity.

As an antihypertensive:
Garlic is considered as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure. It eases the spasm of small arteries and reduces the pressure on them.

As a remedy in digestive disorders
Garlic stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices. It eliminates body toxins. It has an antimicrobial effect and is an excellent remedy for intestinal infections. It expels intestinal worms.

As an anti inflammatory:
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. It is effectively used to cure arthritis, migraine and other inflammatory conditions.

Garlic in skin Disorders:
A regular consumption of garlic purifies blood and reduces minor skin infections.

Garlic and cancer:
Few studies suggest that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, colon and stomach cancer. This may be partly due to garlic?s ability to reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

Garlic as an aphrodisiac:
Garlic is said to be a tonic for impotence. It also treats sexual debility caused by over indulgence in sex and nervous exhaustion. It is said to be very useful in older men.
Garlic has always been known as an aphrodisiac. It can improve blood circulation significantly. According to recent studies an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NOS) appears to be responsible for the mechanism of erection. Researches on garlic have shown that garlic can stimulate production of this enzyme.

Garlic in pregnancy
New research shows that consuming garlic during pregnancy can reduce the risk of raised blood pressure in pregnancy (Pre-eclampsia). Studies have shown that garlic may help to boost the birth-weight of babies.

Action of garlic in Herpes:
In future garlic may find its place in treatment of genital herpes. It was found that the oral or topical application of garlic or garlic extract markedly reduced the outbreak of the genital herpes virus.

Home remedies with garlic
1.Used in cookery it is a great aid to digestion, and keeps the mucosal coats of the stomach healthy.

2.A clove or two of Garlic, pounded with honey and taken two or three nights successively, is effective rheumatism.

3.Grind few cloves of garlic and pour ? cup of boiled water on it. Add this infusion to sugar syrup . This is an excellent cough expectorant to children and elderly adults.

4.when sniffed , it greatly helps in relieving hysteria.

5.Garlic juice taken with hot water twice a daily relieves asthma attacks.

6.Three cloves of garlic boiled with milk taken every day at night cures productive cough and bronchitis.
7.10 drops of garlic juice with 2 teaspoon of honey reduces the acuteness of asthmatic symptoms. It can also be administered at the time of attack.

8.Taking garlic juice with fresh water regularly reduces high blood pressure

9.Half a clove of raw garlic consumes each day can increase body activity to dissolve blood clots, thereby preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Precautions and adverse effects :
Some may experience heartburn and flatulence when they consume garlic. Individuals who are consuming anti coagulant drugs should consult their dietician before consuming garlic products as garlic has anti coagulant property. It should be used cautiously by individuals who have bleeding disorders. Garlic should never be consumed during migraine headache. Avoid rubbing garlic on skin as it causes burns and peeling of skin.

Tonsillitis ( Inflammation of Tonsils)

Tonsillitis is a common enough affliction, especially in childhood. It is caused by an inflammation of the tonsils bought on by coming into contact and thus contracting an external infection.
At one time the only cure practiced was the immediate and total removal of the afflicted area and whilst this is still not uncommon, if the patient suffers from persistent bouts then the tonsils will still be removed, these days there are many herbal remedies and treatments that can both alleviate the condition and prevent further outbreak.This is a very simple home remedy for the most comman throat pain which most of us experience very often.

causes:
There are many reasons for this.Execessive stain to your vocal chords, change of weather ,change of drinking water,pain associated with tonsilitis, pain caused due to severe cold,caused due to excessive cool drinks or other frosen food consumtion etc.There are many simple remidies for this small problem .It all depends on severiety of the pain.

Here are various remedies which you can try.

1.)-.Take about 4-5 pepper corns.-Add 1/2 tsp of sugar to it and chew it properly and swallow it.This acts as a very good medicine for soare throat, voice crack, difficulty do speek during these conditions etc.
2.)-Take 2 cups of water , add 2-3 tsp of roughly powdered peppercorns. Bring this to a boil-Now to this you add 3 drops of ghee,then a inch piece of jagerry powdered plus 1/2 tsp of jeera(cumin)-Now simmer and reduce it to 1/4 cup.Filter it and i recommend to have this when its warm and sip by sip.This also helps in mild cough,cold and releives nasal bolckage also.It relieves head ache and also the nasal congestion

3.)Just add about 1tsp of triphala churna into about 20 ml of luke warm water and gargle with this solution about 10 min each time for about 4 times a day.

4)If the condition is of very severe throat pain Then i suggest Salt water gargling i.e warm water stired up with 1-2 tsp preferably rocksalt .And gargle with this for atleast 2 times a day.There is a very quick relieving medicine in ayurvedic practise .I would love to tell if some one needs it.

Ashwagandha : stress reliever

Ashwagandha

Scientific Name : Withania Somnifera

Ashwagandha has a long medicinal history stemming back 4000 years. Ashwagandha is a vital drug in Ayurveda or Indian traditional medicine. This particular herb was used to treat various infectious diseases as well as tremors and inflammation especially arthritis.

Ashwagandha is a beautiful delicate plant native to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Defined by deep green leaves, branched limbs, and topped by seeded yellow flowers. Ashwagandha is a stunning in appearance and of vital importance in Ayurveda or Indian Medicine. Withania Somnifera has a long history, about 4000 years, as a holistic herb used to treat a variety of ailments.

Historically these ailments include :
Tremors
Inflammation
Infectious Diseases
Longevity
Sexual Enhancing

The shoots of the Ashwagandha shrub are used in in food and in India seeds of the Ashwagandha are used to thicken milk. African tribes also use Withania Somnifera to treat fevers, and other inflammations. Ashwagandha is usually crushed and used in a traditional Ayurvedic formula called shilajit. Ashwagandha has similar properties as ginseng. Ashwagandha is heat neutral which means it has no warming or cooling properties. Unlike ginseng which is a warming herb.
The active ingredients in Ashwagandha are alkaloids and withanoloids. It the withanoloids within Ashwagandha that give it all it's medicinal qualities. Withanoloids consist of steroidal molecules which act to fight inflammation. Aswagandha is often compared to Asian ginseng which contain molecules like withanoloids called ginsenosides. For this reason Aswagandha is occasionally called Indian ginseng. Therefore, both ginseng and Ashwagandha stimulate the immune system, stop inflammation, increase memory, and helps maintain general healthy and wellness.

Also it is known to increase the production of bone marrow, semen, and inhibit's the aging process. The modern medical uses of Ashwagandha are varied. One area in which it has been helpful is in the treatment of mental health issues. One study in particular gave 30 anxiety sufferers 40 ml doses twice a day of a solution with it's major ingredient of Withania Somnifera. After 30 days, all anxiety symptoms including panic attacks and paranoia had virtually disappeared. American therapists have also found the herb useful in treating depression. Alcohol dependency, and schizophrenia. Also, when Ashwagandha is taking regularly memory and learning skills increase dramatically.
Many studies have been conducted to see the effects of Ashwagandha on tumors, arthritis, and other forms of inflammation. The studies proved that Ashwagandha acts as an anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory agent. It's naturally occurring steroidal content is much higher than that of hydrocortisone which is a common treatment in cancer cases.
When taking Ashawagandha, like any medicine to be careful. Overuse and abuse of a herbal medication can be equally as dangerous and deadly as with any traditional medicine.

Things to remember:
If congested, do not take.
Do not use if pregnant, breast feeding, complications are unknown.
Talk to a doctor before using as adjunct treatment for AIDS, and cancer.

Menstural Disorders

A menstrual disorder is a physical or emotional problem that interferes with the normal menstrual cycle, causing pain, with heavy or light bleeding. This is menorrhagia.

Menorrhagia is unusually heavy or long menstrual periods. Women with menorrhagia may soak through one or more sanitary pads or tampons an hour for several consecutive hours, or have periods that last longer than seven days.

Menorrhagia can be a cause for concern because heavy bleeding can lead to an iron deficiency, and ultimately result in anemia. It may sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms, which may indicate that an underlying condition is present like acne, excessive hair growth and rapid weight gain.

According to Ayurveda, Vata is the main dosha responsible for this menstrual disorder.This disorder can be temporary or permanent. In addition, many women experience some variation in menstrual cycle symptoms from one month to the next. The disorder can even interfere with a woman’s ability to get involved in routine activities like attending work and sleep. Certain menstrual disorders may also interfere with a woman’s ability to become pregnant.

Various causes for menorrhagia can be listed as under:
1) The use of certain forms of contraception - Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause menorrhagia in some women.

2) A disorder in which the tissue that lines the uterus becomes implanted outside the uterus( Endometriosis). The condition can lead to menorrhagia.3) Uterine disorders. Uterine fibroids can also cause menorrhagia.

4) Adenomyosis is a condition in which glands from the endometrium become implanted in the uterine muscle and may cause unusually heavy periods.

5) Thyroid disorders. Having a slow thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to menorrhagia

6) Medications. The use of certain medications (e.g., anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory medications) may cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in heavy bleedingAyurveda suggests certain dietary changes which can help in treating or at least reducing the effect of the disorder.

It suggests aiming for a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Cut down on salt to prevent bloating and sugar which may cause your blood glucose levels to swing, affecting your energy and appetite. It may help to cut back on fat which can encourage breast swelling, and caffeine and alcohol, as both can cause mood swings

.Ayurvedic herbal remedies for heavy periods or menorrhagia are safe, natural and effective.There are various ayurvedic remedies available for the treatment of the disorder are as under:

Powders Based RemediesPushyanuga Churna:Pushyanuga powder is the most popular herbal powder for menorrhagia.

Pradaranashaka Churna:Pradaranashaka powder is extremely useful in heavy periods as it has all of its ingredients plus some extra herbs to arrest bleeding.

Decoctions Based RemediesDarvyadi Kwatha:Darvyadi is beneficial as menstrual regulator. It is helpful in excessive menstrual bleeding as well.

Pradarantaka Kwatha:Pradarantaka consists of four ayurvedic herbs - all useful for arresting excess menstrual bleeding.

Asava Arishta Based RemediesAshokarishta:This is ayurvedic herbal remedy with autogenous fermented alcohol with Ashoka as the chief ingredient.

Lodhrasava:Combination of antiseptic, bitter and astringent herbs makes it a great remedy for menstrual bleeding disorders.

Patrangasava:Astringent and Uterine tonic herbs is very effective in painful menstruation and heavy periods.

Ushirasava:This is ayurvedic remedy for bleeding disorders resulting from Pitta aggravation and blood related disorders.

Clarified Butter Based RemediesAshoka Ghrita:Ashoka and other rejuvenative herbs based ayurvedic formulation is great for menstrual disorders and associated weakness.

Durvadi Ghrita:Durvadi ghrita is Durva based ayurvedic remedy for bleeding disorders.

Sukumara Ghrita:This polyherbal combination bring back the hormonal balance in women body.

Jelly Form of Remedies

Jeerakadi Avaleha:This is herbal jelly with Jeerak and Lodhra as the chief ingredients.

Vasaharitaki Avaleha:Vasa and Terminalia chebula based herbal jelly is used to arrest excessive bleeding

.Ayurvedic Mineral Remedies

Chandraprabha Vati:This is the formulation of Shilajita, Loha bhasma, guggul and several other herbs
.Pradarantaka Rasa:This is a formulation of herbs and ayurvedic minerals with Loha bhasma as main ingredient. It is good for all types of 'female related abnormal discharges'. Hemoglobin level is restored as it has ayurvedic calcined iron

Pradararipu Rasa:This is useful for Menorrhagia as it normalizes the bleeding and maintains the healthy condition of female reproductive organs.

Pradarari Loha:This is an extremely useful ayurvedic herbal remedy for heavy periods.

Doctor Panickers Kadaleerasayanam: This is a formulation of Kadhalipazham as main ingredients . It is good for all types of 'female related abnormal discharges', is very effective in painful menstruation and heavy periods. Prolonged use will result a well maintained body and soul.

VAJEEKARANA (APHRODISIACS)

Susrutha has defined Vajeekarana tanthra as the branch which deals with management of defective semen and spermatogenesis along with sexual potencification. (su. su 1/8)According to Indu-gratification, sound health, progeny and instant pleasure are the merits of Vajeekarana. So Vajeekarana encompasses fertility, sexuality as well as positive health.

Hence Vajeekarana is a must for all those who are on the threshold of starting an active sexual life or those who wish to continue their sexual life in a better way. Vajeekarana= enhancing ones capacity to perform sex like a vaji (horse) [ca. ci-2]The treatment by which a man becomes as strong like a horse in the sexual act is called Vajeekarana. the word Vajee in sanskrit means Horse, and also seminal fluid including spermatozoa.

The purpose of Vajeekarana is three fold.To increase strength of the sexual organs in men.To improve quantity and quality of seminal fluid.To improve fertility of sperm for reproduction.In olden days a person without projeny was not respected in society and was hated for impotency. Therefore the Vajeekarana treatment was very important.To whom should Vajeekarana be given ?It should be administered in man who is well disciplined and with control of his mind and senses.

Vajeekarana should not be done to spread sin or transistory feeling in society. it is administered in male of 25 years old and in married man who requires the treatment.Woman was considered only as a receptacle of that act and hence was a passive partner. All the medicines at improving the act were aimed at the male. The woman was considered the ultimate Vajeekarana dravya. features of an ideal woman for copulation has been explained (A.S.U 50/67, jejjata). Interestingly, positive mentality and sex education are also among the required qualities. Men have many mis conceptions relatited to sex. The ability to perform is directly linked to “maleness”. They do not understand that sex is highly personalized activity.

This concsept was understood by Charaka. He states that sexual performance of men can be compared to different species of animal kingdom. Some have less sexual act but ejaculate more semen like elephants, some perform repeated number of sexual act and so on. (ca. ci)SUKRA DOSHA AND VAJEEKARANAVajeekarana may not be complete if sukra doshas are not discussed. This is because it is the sukra that is responsible for conception. (ca. ci. 30/153, ca. ci. 30/139-144)Sukra and rethas are two terms which one usually comes across in Vajeekarana. The deficiency of sukra leads to lack of virility, masculinity and potency. Rethas is the ejaculate which comes out during intense coital pleasure. (ca.ci)THERAPYAll the classics have dealt with Vajeekarana treatment.

This include as treating the mind as well as body. Charaka has made a separate segment, Vajeekarana pada consisting of 4 chapters. 50 Vajeekarana yogas are mentioned in these chapters. Atmagupta, Shatavari, Ashvagandha, Bala, Gokshura etc. The advent of Rasasasthra brought forth the usage of drugs like Shilajith, Yashada, Swarna in Vajeekarana Chikitsa. They are helpful in many problems like erectile disfunctions, lack of desire although not in all conditions.

Rithucharya (seasonal routines)

Rithucharya or Rithu Charya (seasonal routines) are activities specified for different seasons of the year. Ritu means season and in India there are five main seasons.
Vasantha (Spring)
Sisira (winter/cold)
Grishma (summer, warm, sunny)
Sarath (autumn)
Varsha (rainy season or periodic monsoons)
Rithucharya and dinacharya are closely related. Dinacharya or daily routines are modified according to the season. There can be more activities during spring season than at hot summer months.
Rithucharya and Dinacharya are designed in Ayurveda to keep the three doshas or Tridoshas in balance and thereby to preserve the balance and health of mind, body and soul.

Worry in Mouth Ulcers

There are many forms of mouth ulcers. Most of them are not very serious and are NOT a cancer. The two most common are the ones you have mentioned: cold sore or herpes simplex ulcers and aphtous ulcers.

Cold sores are ulcers caused by a virus called herpes simplex. They often appear on lips or the face and sometimes may affect the eye. They are very painful and the pain is burning in nature. The virus attacks the roots of the nerves and once in your body will always be there.
It does not mean, however, that you will always be sick. The ulcer, which starts as a painful blister, will eventually heal and may not return for months, even years. It often gets reactivated when our self-defense or immune system is down and weakened like during an illness or during stressful situations.

Some treat herpes ulcers with antiviral medications, but honestly, their help is minimal. Topical antiviral creams are even less effective.

One has to be careful when having an active ulcer because the ulcers can spread from person to person by touching and kissing. When a painful ulcer is present near the eye, it is very important to see an eye doctor immediately because the herpetic ulcers can scar the eye when healing.
The exact cause of many aphthous ulcers is unknown. Factors that provoke them include citrus (orange juice, lemons, acidic items, etc.), stress, fatigue, illness, injury from accidental biting, hormonal changes, menstruation, sudden weight loss, food allergies, the foaming agent in toothpaste (sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS), and deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid.
Some drugs, such as nicorandil, also have been linked to mouth ulcers.
In some cases they are thought to be caused by an overreaction by the body's own immune system.


Trauma to the mouth is the most common trigger of aphthous ulcers. Physical trauma, such as that caused by toothbrush abrasions, laceration with sharp or abrasive foods (toast) or objects, accidental biting (particularly common with sharp canine teeth), or dental braces can cause mouth ulcers by breaking the mucous membrane.

Other factors, such as chemical irritants or thermal injury, may also lead to the development of ulcers. The large majority of toothpastes sold in the U.S. contain SLS, which is known to cause aphthous ulcers in certain individuals. Using toothpaste without SLS will reduce the frequency of aphthous ulcers in persons who experience aphthous ulcers caused by SLS. A possible cause of aphthous ulcers in a susceptible population is gluten intolerance (Celiac disease), whereby consumption of wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats, results in chronic mouth ulcers.

One study concluded that one-third of its test group found relief from canker sores after eliminating gluten from the diet. This means observing a strict diet, eliminating breads, pastas, cakes, pies, scones, biscuits, beers and so on from the diet and substituting gluten-free varieties where available. The opportunity to go into such a drastic measure is to be balanced with its potential benefits.

Although the exact cause is not known, aphthous ulcers are thought to form when the body becomes aware of and attacks molecules which it does not recognize. The presence of the unrecognized molecules starts a reaction by the T-cells, which trigger a reaction that causes the damage of a mouth ulcer. People who get these ulcers have lower numbers of regulatory T-cells.
Playing wind musical instruments such as the clarinet may also aggravate the ulcers. Repeat episodes of aphthous ulcers can be indicative of the low levels of immunoglobulin in the mucous membrane of the mouth. Immunoglobulins are proteins which play a very important role in our defense system. Certain types of chemotherapy cause mouth ulcers as a side effect. Mouth ulcers may also be symptoms or complications of several diseases. The list is long and includes, but is not limited to Behçet's disease, bullous pemphigoid, celiac disease (gluten sensitivity), Crohn's disease, gingivostomatitis, leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, neutropenia (low white cell count), oral thrush (fungal infection) and ulcerative colitis. The treatment depends on the believed cause. Since it is impossible to clearly identify if your problem may be due to any of these diseases seeing a skin doctor is the next step for you. Your doctor was right. Most of the patients experiencing mouth ulcers will benefit from symptomatic treatment like local anesthetics.

Honey is believed to be a very helpful remedy according to the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda. I hope that you find the an effective relief soon.

FOOD : What to Eat?

What to Eat? How to Eat?

Ayurveda explains the role of food in maintenance of vigorous health. There is
an interesting and important episode described in the text of Ayurvedic
Medicine. While discussing with Rishi Punarvasu - the author of “Charak
Samhita”, some Vaidyas (ancient Ayurvedic doctors) raised the query “Ko ruka?”
(Meaning: who does not fall ill?). Somebody said - one who eats Chyavanprash (a
paste created from healthy ingredients) every morning, other said “Who takes
lavan bhaskar and triphala regularly?” while others opine eating chandravati
every day as the source of health. Finally the fundamental principle of natural
maintenance of good health was expressed by Vagbhatt as - Hitbhuka, Mitbhuka,
Ritbhuika.


Hitbhuk: which means eat that which is nourishing for your health and do not eat
merely for taste.

Mitbhuk: which means eat moderately (only that much which is essential for
sustenance of the vitality and stamina of the body).

Ritbhuk: means eat that which is earned and prepared by righteous means and also
what is suitable in a particular season.

Broadly speaking, the above principles are not new to us. We all have read or
heard about these in one form or the other. But how many people (including
ourselves) really pay attention to these? In view of the life-style adopted by
most of us today and considering the growing pollution in the gross and the
subtle environment, we ought to be more careful about healthy food.

So first let’s understand categories of food.


1. Suka Grain (Cereals): Wheat, rice, barley, maize, millet, corn, etc. are
principle ingredients of Indian cooking. The cereals are natural sources of
nourishment for human body. Carbohydrates are their major constituents. They
also contain about 6% to 12% proteins. The presence of minerals and vitamins is,
however, nominal in the cereals; only vitamin B is found in greater quantity in
their outer sheath. The shelf life of these cereals ranges between one to two
years after harvesting. Sprouted cereals have more nutrition value and are
richer in proteins and vitamins.


2. Sami Grains (Pulses and Legumes): This category of grains consists of grams
and pulses, which are rich in proteins. Gram, green gram, kidney-bean seeds, red
and yellow gram and lentil, black-gram, soybean seeds, dry-peas, etc. fall in
this category. These are main source of proteins for vegetarians. The protein
contents and mode of metabolism of these are healthier and more compatible with
the metabolic functioning of the human body as compared to those in the
non-vegetarian foods (meat, chicken, eggs etc.) Use of fresh sprouts of whole
pulses and legumes in balanced quantities in breakfast and main meals is an
excellent means of maintaining natural health.



3. Kandamula (Tubers and Roots): Potato, sweet tuber (sweet potato), carrot,
beetroot, turnip, radish, etc. are members of this class of naturally healthy
foods. They are rich in carbohydrates and are important sources of balanced
calories in our bodies and activation of metabolism. These, if eaten in
appropriate quantities, are good means of strength and energy in the body
system. These could even be used as substitutes for varieties of cereal dishes.
The rishimunis (Sages) of the ancient times used to take only Kandamula as their
main food. The term ‘phatahara’ for the food prescribed during fasts refers to
these only.


4. Phal (Fruits): As we all know, vitamins, minerals, natural glucose and
carbohydrates are present in substantial proportions in fresh fruits. Amalki,
apple, bilva (wood-apple), banana, black-plum (rose-apple), dates, figs, grapes,
guava, mango, orange, pomegranate, papaya, sweet-lime, etc. are easily available
fruits in almost all parts of India. According to Ayurveda, these fruits also
have medicinal properties. Fruits like apricot, cherry, pineapple, strawberry,
etc. could also be used when available. Ayurveda emphasizes that fruits should
be eaten in their specific season, and should be naturally ripe. Overripe or
rotten fruits are harmful. Raw fruits would be difficult to digest and will not
have the desired natural qualities. Care should be taken to avoid eating fruits
preserved in cold storage and those ripened through the use of chemicals like
carbide. These have severe negative effects; frequent use of such unnaturally
ripened fruits might cause dreaded diseases like cancer.


5. Sakas (Vegetables): Fresh vegetables are important ingredients of a healthy
food. They provide us with essential vitamins, minerals, and compounds. Use of
different types of green beans, bitter gourd, brinjal (eggplant), cabbage,
cauliflower, cucumber, green-gourd, okra (bhindi), tomato, etc. is very good for
health. Different types of vegetables supplement each other in fulfilling the
body’s requirement of vitamins, minerals etc. Likewise the use of fruits,
specific vegetables should also be consumed only in the specific season of their
natural growth. Use of vegetables of one season in another season is prohibited
in Ayurveda.


6. Harit (Greens Leafy Vegetables): Coriander-leaf, fenugreek-leafs, green peas,
mint-leafs, radish-leaf, spinach, etc. should be part of a healthy diet. Iron,
calcium and other mineral and vitamin C and E etc. present in these green leafy
vegetables or salads, are essential for our body’s proper nourishment.


7. Suska Phal Va Tilahan (Dry Fruits and Oil Seeds): Almond, cashew nut,
chestnut, coconut, groundnut, peanut, pistachio, etc. are very rich in proteins.
The oils inside these provide natural lubricants and facts necessary for the
body’s mechanical and other functions. The edible, oily-seeds of sesame, mustard
etc. also serve this purpose.


8. Iksu (Glucose rich substances): Molasses, sugarcane, sugar treacle, and other
glucose rich substances fall in this category. These are often used to sweeten
the drinks and eatables. These contain hundred percent carbohydrates, which are
the major source of producing energy in the body.


9. Ambu (Watery or juicy substances): This category includes all edible
substances that are rich in water-content. Fruits like watermelon, which contain
about 90% water, are prominent in this category. Major part of our body-system
is filled with water. We should fulfill the consistent requirement of its supply
by drinking substantial amount of water. Fresh lemon squash, etc. and juice of
watery fruits, if taken in balanced quantities, also supply us with other
nourishing substances along with water.


10. Goras (Milk products): Milk, curd, buttermilk, cheese, etc. fall in this
group. Pure milk (esp. that of cow) and buttermilk are described as ‘divine’
food or best source of nourishment for sadhakas. Many people observe kalpa
(long-term fasting) only with the intake of milk or buttermilk. Milk
(especially, cow-milk) is said to be a whole food in itself. Curd is also
nourishing food with several medicinal qualities, if taken fresh and in
appropriate quantities in different seasons as per one’s prakrati (level of
tridosa). Fresh cheese and its products (if not fried) are wholesome sources of
calories. Buttermilk (takra) is referred in Ayurveda as an important medicinal
food. Condensed milk and milk powder might be easy to preserve and use, and may
help in making delicious dishes, but these are harmful to health, particularly
in the cozy life-style we have adopted and because of the chemical synthesis
processes used in their preparation. Use of condensed milk and milk powder or
dairy whiteners should therefore be avoided as far as possible. In view of the
reports of adulteration of milk by mixing urea and other chemicals, contaminated
water, etc., these days, we should be careful in verifying and ascertaining that
milk and its products are free from toxins.



11. Sneha (Oils and Fats): Butter, ghee (butter clarified by boiling and
straining), edible oils and fatty substances, if taken in balanced amounts, are
also part of a healthy diet. These are highly rich in calories. (On an average,
about nine calories are gained from 1gm of any of these substances). These help
in fulfilling the requirements of lubrication of body parts (especially, joints)
and energy production in the body-system. They also generally contain vitamins
A, D, E and K. However, excess use of these substances is harmful to both
physical and mental health. Extra care should therefore be taken to keep the
level of proportion of this category to the essential minimum in our daily
meals.


12. Krattana Va Yaugika (Cooked Food and Edible Compounds): Ayurveda considers
‘cooked food’ as a separate class of food. All the categories described above
are independent of each other and, as we know, most of the constituents of these
could be consumed raw or sprouted. Cooking changes the natural properties of
food ingredients. However, eating this class of food is important because proper
cooking (esp. of cereals and pulses) makes the food easily digestible and many
of the new edible compounds produced under this process would also be of vital
use in the metabolic system and other body-functions. Cooked food could consist
of members of more than one of the above classes and help giving new combined
positive effects. The concept of cooking as referred in Ayurveda is quite
different from what it is for most of us today.
Cooking today is mostly aimed to make the food more delicious; different
experiments are tried out by the catering experts in this regard and new
‘dishes’ and new recipes are derived. Deep fried food, varieties of spices and
arbitrary combination of foods of non-compatible natural qualities are harmful
to our health according to Ayurveda. But we don’t think of it as long as the
food is palatable. The use of pre-cooked food-ingredients and the so-called
“fast foods” should be avoided, as it has very adverse effects on our
body-system. Apart from lacking in nourishing value this type of ‘modern’ food
is very likely to impair the normal functioning of our digestive system and
cause harmful mutations due to the chemicals in the preservatives, the
artificial flavors and the chemically processed cooking involved in its
preparation.


Having looked at the different categories of edible foods described in Ayurveda,
let us now see what the Ayurvedic Principles tell us about - what, how much and
when to eat? Why to eat and how to eat?
What to eat?
The principle of “Hitbhuk and Ritbhuk” conveys us that we should always eat
properly earned, pure, seasonal and nourishing food. A balanced combination
(depending upon the physical and mental labor required in one’s daily routine)
from the above-described categories of healthy foods would be best suited. For
example, you may use wheat, barley, maize, and some pulses, curd, butter,
groundnuts, oilseeds, etc. in appropriate quantities with larger amounts of
green, leafy and other vegetables; some sprouts should always be part of your
food. Don’t over-cook or deeply fry; use of spices, salts, sugars and oily
substances should be restricted to the essential minimum. One should always eat
fresh food; resist consuming toxic substances, stimulating and alcoholic drinks,
and non-vegetarian foods. If you want to enjoy vigorous mental and physical
health as per the guidelines of Ayurveda abstain from tobacco, betel-nuts,
betel-leaves, etc.; stop taking wine, liquor and other alcoholic drinks; resist
from drinking tea or coffee as well; never eat eggs, fish, chickens, any kind of
animal-flesh etc.


How much to eat?


The answer lies in the principle of “Mitasi Syat”. Meaning, eat moderately.
Howsoever nourishing or healthy the food may be; it would cause harm if eaten in
excess. So, be cautious about the quantity of your diet. Don’t fill your tummy
more than half its space, leave one-fourth for water and the remaining
one-fourth for air. Those doing physical labor need more of proteins,
carbohydrates and fats. But those engaged in sedentry and mental work or
meditation-devotion etc. should take lighter foods such as boiled vegetables,
thin chapatis, daliya (boiled crushed wheat), milk, sweet fruits, etc.


When to eat?


As per the vedic routine, one should eat only twice a day after performing
agnihotra (homam) in the morning and in the evening (before sunset). In today’s
circumstances, the best timings for the morning meal are any time between 8 a.m.
to 12 noon and those for the dinner sometime before 7 p.m. This way the food is
easily digested and keeps the body strong and energetic. In any case, be regular
in the timings of taking your meals; avoid eating late in the night. One of the
major causes of metabolic disorders and varieties of diseases caused thereby is
that people keep watching TV and eat very late in the night. Remember that it
takes about 8 to 11 hours for proper natural digestion of food. Eat only when
you feel hungry. (Suppose you are not hungry at the regular timings, don’t eat;
you may take only something light, say milk with water as a substitute). Eating
is a kind of agnihotra. The ahutis (offerings) are made in agnihotra only when
its fire is lit well; putting the ahutis in half-burnt or smoldering wood would
only produce smoke instead of healthy effects of agnihotra.


Why to eat?


Eat to maintain and strengthen the health and vigor of your body.
Healthy mind resides in a healthy body. And therefore Vedas say that “We shall
regard our body as the temple of our soul and maintain its sanctity and health
by observing self-restraint and punctuality in our routine”. The purpose of food
is to sustain healthy and harmonious functioning of the body system, the
physical medium of our life, to enable us to perform our duties towards God and
His creation. Food is not meant to satiate the greed of our tongue or stomach.


How to eat?


Take your food gracefully in a calm state of mind, paying full attention to
eating; every morsel should be chewed properly. Food should be revered like the
prasada (offerings made to the Deity). Enough water should be taken before and
after the meals. Water is like nectar for our vital functions. Drink at least a
glass full of water before taking food. Don’t drink more than half a bowl of
water while eating. Drink sufficient water after about an hour of taking the
meals. This helps in proper digestion.
The type of food and mode of eating should also take into account the seasonal
effects. The rainy season is very critical with respect to healthcare through
controlled food. In this period (known as visarga kala in Ayurveda) the sun
begins to move towards the winter solstice (daksinayana). The vata accumulated
in the body due to the heat of summer begins to show its ill effects, it
diminishes the appetite and causes gastric troubles, etc. Normal digestion also
takes longer time in this season because of this vata, which, if one does not
take proper care in the selection of food and eating habits, catalyzes the dosha
of pitta as well. The rise in humidity makes this season risky towards the rise
of kapha dosa. People prone to cold and cough should therefore be extra careful
about their food during the monsoons.


In view of these Ayurvedic observations, one should eat light and easily
digestible meals and firmly resist from lavish, heavy stuff. Else the vicious
effects of undigested food and associated accumulation and rise of doshas will
invite one disease after the other, some of which might manifest gradually in
the successive seasons. As a preventive measure, drinking water should be boiled
in this season and vegetables and salads, etc. should also be washed in clean,
boiled water. A combination of sweet-sour-salty juicy substance should be used
in food to reduce the vata effect. Ginger should be used in food preparation to
make it easily digestible. Vegetables like green gourd, bhindi (okra) paraval
(snake-gourd), are suitable, as these do not increase gastric problems; use of
sprouts or pulses of green-gram and roasted or cooked maize is also beneficial.
Ayurvedic scriptures advise against the use of milk in the month of shravan (the
second month of rainy season in India) and buttermilk in bhadon (the third month
of rainy season in India); curd should be generally avoided during the entire
season of monsoon. Viral fever, malaria, typhoid, jaundice, conjunctivitis,
gastroenteritis and skin infections are quite common diseases (in India) during
this season.


Necessary precautions should be taken in this regard. Preventive herbal
medicines may also be used as a support in high-risk areas.
If preventive care is taken as regards taking healthy foods in the rainy season,
the winter would prove to be beneficial towards enhancing the vigor and health
of the body.

Ayurveda also lays stress on spiritual effects of food.

COUGH

What is Cough ?

Cough is also usually a Kapha (water) disorder. It is caused by accumulation of mucus, or by irritation to the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract.

The modern science do not regard cough as a disease but the rather consider it as only a symptom of an impending respiratory disease or disorder or a manifestation of some cardiopulmonary distress.


membranes of the respiratory tract.

The modern science do not regard cough as a disease but the rather consider it as only a symptom of an impending respiratory disease or disorder or a manifestation of some cardiopulmonary distress.

What are the symptoms ?

The common symptoms of colds and coughs are a running or blocked nose, sneezing repeatedly specially when exposed to cold air or when drinking ic cold drinks, a sore throat, cough, congestion, headache and sometimes a low fever with body pains. Anorexia, laziness and difficulty in sleeping are also seen when the symptoms become servere.

What are the causes ?

Colds and coughs are a very common problem and are caused by aggravation of Kapha Dosha. It may sometimes be caused by a weak digestion. When the food we eat is not fully digested it changes into mucus, which in Ayurvedic language is known as ama. This mucus or ama mixed with various circulation reaches the respiratory system and causes colds or coughs.

Other causes are exposure to cold or humid condition and cold air. Exposure to hot and cold condition alternatively within a short period and exposing the body to extreme temperature condition also aggravates the condition. The most common instance of this is drinking ice cold drinks when we are hot and perspiring. Eating hot and cold food at the same time e.g. ice cream with hot cofee is also not adviced.

It is also generally caused at the time of change of season. Eating foods that increase Kapha like milk products, foods heavily fried in oil or ghee (clarified butter) will accelerate the problem.

What is the treatment ?

Kapha cough involves expectorating thick or slimy mucus of clear or white color and an infrequent cough. A distaste for food, feeling of heaviness, and sweet taste in the mouth with excess saliva or feeling of nausea will be symptoms. The patient will complain of cold, and the lungs may be full of phlegm.

Treatment involves anti-Kapha diet, avoiding dairy and other mucus-forming foods. Ice, cold water and fruit juices should not be taken. Hot spicy herbs, particularly long pepper, dry ginger or chitrak as a milk decoction, are helpful as is Trikatu compound.

Pitta type cough involves expectorating yellow phlegm, sometimes streaked with blood. There will be a burning sensation in the throat and chest, along with fever, thirst and dryness of the mouth. The mouth will taste bitter or pungent.

Treatment is much like that for Pitta type colds. Ghee can be used to soothe the throat. Powdered lotus seed with honey is helpful. Licorice combination can be used.

Vata type cough is usually a dry cough with little expectoration. Cough will be frequent, painful and with a particular sound. Pain in the chest and heart, or a headache is typical. There will be dryness in the mouth, hoarseness and perhaps nervousness, anxiety or insomnia. .

Treatment involves anti-Vata diet. Anti-cough and demulcent herbs are prescribed, licorice, marshmallow, comfrey root, shatavari and ash-wagandha. Formulas include Cardamom combination and Draksha, plus formulas indicated under the common cold.

Diet and routine

Cold foods, cold drinks, ice cream, sweets, fried foods, milk products like cheese, creams, yoghurt etc. should not be taken.
Hot milk without fat can be taken if boiled with a pice of crushed ginger.
Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with the milk is effective.
Sweet fruit juice should also be avoided, Breads, meats, nuts and pastries are not advisable.
It is good to take a light warm diet like boiled or steamed vegetables; vegetable soups and fruits, which areok
not juicy, like papaya and apple.
Spiced teas, herbal teas and other hot drinks are beneficial.
Sleeping during the daytime should be avoided.
Taking cold showers, exposure to cold winds, fans, air conditioners etc. should be avoided

Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical Spondylosis is a condition of degeneration of the inter-vertebral disks, which advances with advancing age and which, in course of time, also involves the adjacent vertebrae and the para-vertebral structures.The elasticity of the inter-vertebral disks is lost and it predisposes the disks to injury and tear. It also leads to inflammatory changes which in turn brings about calcification (deposition of calcium) leading to extra bone formations called osteophytes in the adjoining structures. Spondylosis is a specific form of arthritis, which attacks vertebrae and connecting bone, and ligament structures. The spines of majority of people above the age of 50 have certain degree of osteo arthritic changes. But they seldom cause acute symptoms. Certain precipitating factors like trauma, incorrect posture of the body, pressure while sleeping and excessive intake of sour food usually precipitate spondylitis attacks. In ayurveda this condition is known as Griva Sandhigata Vata.

What are the commonly encountered problems relating to the cervical spondylosis?
Pain in the back of neck, shoulder and arms,hands, back of the scalp, numbness in the hands,lack of sensation in certain areas of the hands, difficulty and restriction in the movement of the neck,Head ache localized at the back of the head & giddiness on jerky neck movements,stiffness of the neck and even paraplegia occur due to spondylitis condition. The movement of the spine generally aggravates the pain of the neck. It is often associated with loss of memory and sleeplessness.


What are these caused due to?
Pain in the neck region can be caused by a variety of reasons. Different centres in and around the cervical vertebrae are sensitive to pain and problems connected with any of these regions can cause pain. The Periosteum ( The outer layer of the cervical vertebrae ), The anterior and posterior ligaments ( the ligaments which run along the vertebrae and stabilize them ), The facet joints ( the joint formed between the sideward protrusions of the vertebrae ) The para-vertebral muscles are all pain sensitive and any lesions to the above structures are capable of producing pain.

Pain, numbness and lack of sensation in the other areas are produced by problems effecting the nerves that emerge from the cervical region. By far, the most common cause of neck pain is the spasm of the para-vertebral muscles of the neck.
The main causes of these problems are 1) Spondylosis, 2) Herniated inter-vertebral disks, 3) Fibro-myalgia and myo-fascial pain syndromes. Though the three refer to three different entities, they are interrelated and often super-imposed.
What is Herniated inter-vertebral disk? The inter-vertebral disks are made-up of two concentric layers, the inner gel like Annulus Pulposus and the outer fibrous Annulus fibrosus. As a result of advancing age, the nucleus looses fluid, volume and resiliency and the entire disc structure becomes more susceptible to trauma and compression. This condition is called as Dehydration of the disk. The disk then is highly vulnerable to tears and as these occur, the inner annulus pulposus protrudes through the fibrous layer, producing a bulge in the inter-vertebral disk. This condition is named as herniated disk. This can then cause compression to the spinal cord or the emerging nerve roots and lead to associated problems.
What is fibromyalgia and myo-fascial pain syndrome? These are conditions characterized by pain in the muscles following severe spasm associated with morning stiffness, disturbed sleep, a feeling of swelling and have clear trigger points. These points are tender and when palpated produce the typical pain.
Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis
neck pain (may radiate to the arms or shoulder)
loss of sensation or abnormal sensations of the shoulders, arms, or legs
weakness of the arms or legs
neck stiffness that progressively become worse
loss of balance
headaches, particularly in the back of the head ,Muscle spasms
loss of control of the bladder or bowels (if spinal cord is compressed)
You may feel or hear grinding or popping in the neck when you move.
permanent disability (occasional)
General tiredness and anxiety - can be present.
Cervical spondylosis vs Ankylosing spondylosisEven though ankylosing spondylitis and cervical spondylitis sound similar, they are different. Spondylitis is a term relating to "wear and tear" and is more common with the people of older age .Ankylosing spondylosis relates to an inflammatory condition in which new bone is produced and then leads to fusion. The vigorous exercise therapy suggested for people with ankylosing spondylosis might be harmful to those suffering from spondylitis.
Does Cervical Spondylosis affects other organs
Consequences
Increasing neck pain is a key indication of cervical spondylosis. It may be the only symptom in many cases. Examination shows that ability to flex the head to the side and to rotate the head becomes limited.Weakness or sensation losses indicate damage to specific nerve roots or to the spinal cord.The condition gradually progresses with age and the patients develop diminition in the range of movement in all directions apart from Myelopathy (Degeneration of the myelin sheath of the nerves) leading to weakness, atrophy, difficulty in using the small muscles of the hands and sensory loss in the extremities. Herniated cervical disk:- Herniation of the cervical disk produces problems according to the site of herniation and if the bulge is central it can lead to compression of the spinal cord leading to de-myalination and to myelopathy charecterised by a feeling of chillness, loss of bladder and bowel control and generalized lack of strength of the muscles in the region below the site of lesion.. If lateral, it may compress the emerging spinal nerve roots and produce symptoms like pain, numbness, loss of sensation and reduction in reflexes in the areas innervated. Fibromyalgia:- This condition only produces the immediate symptoms and does not lead to other long-term complications. It only predisposes the patient to injury.
Complications involved in Cervical spondylosis are
chronicneck pain
progressive loss of muscle function or feeling
inability to retain feces (fecal incontinence) or urine (urinary incontinence)
Loss of bladder and bowel control In extremely severe cases, if the spinal cord is affected, there will be loss of balance and also loss of bladder and bowel control.
Muscle weakness The muscles responsible for maintaining the neck in erect position can become weak.
Sensory loss The bones of the neck applies pressure over the nerves passing through them and can causes loss of sensation in the arm or fingers.
What are the current approaches to treatment of these conditions in modern medicine?
Fibromyalgia:- Treatment is often difficult and frustrating. In some patients mild analgesic drugs, heat and massage yield temporary relief. In patients with trigger points, massage or local injection with local anesthetics may give relief. For some patients combination of the above with treatment of associated psychological disorders is necessary for long-term relief. Herniated cervical disk:- Though the management of herniated disk is controversial, the first step is bed rest. For those not responding to rest, surgical removal of the bulging disk followed by fusion of the vertebrae is the only option in modern medicine. Cervical spondylosis:- Conservative management comprises of bed rest, cervical traction and use of cervical soft collar. If patients develop progressive neurological deficit, surgical removal of the disk with spinal fusion is the only option in conventional medicine.What are the long terms consequences of the above therapeutic approaches? There is no known medical treatment in modern medicine and the long term success of the conventional therapy is highly limited. Surgery offers moderate relief but is associated with the risks of a major surgery involving delicate structures and vital parts. Apart from the same, it leads to restricted mobility.
Do other systems of medicine offer better modes of treatment?
Yes. Ayurveda offers a unique concept in the management of problems of the cervical region. It offers comprehensive solutions to the problem in all stages.
How does Ayurveda interpret these conditions? Ayurveda understands the functioning of the body as comprising of three basic functions, Movement, Change and growth & stability, which are referred to as the three doshas Vata, Pitta & Kapha. These functions in a state of equilibrium lead to health and in-equilibrium to diseases. The disturbance to any one of these ultimately leads to problems related to all the three functions. Treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at restoring the equilibrium through correction of the underlying functional in-equilibrium. Treatment comprises of three approaches, Elimination (Sodhanam) of the accumulated toxic products of digestion, metabolism and the disease process , Pacification (Samanam) and correction of the entities responsible for altered functioning and Rasayanam (Rejuvenation) of the bodily tissue to regain and maintain natural strength and vitality. Vata, the principle of movement is the predominant function with the skeleto-muscular system and the nervous system. Problems relating to these systems are predominantly caused by vitiated Vata. The vitiation of vata is caused by two mechanisms. One of them is obstruction to vata due to malfunctioning of kapha and pitta. The other one is increase of vata independently as in the case of the degenerative problems. The therapeutic approach to the two types of vitiation are different. If Vata’s functions are deranged due to Kapha and Pitta, as in the case of inflammation, correcting them through elimination and pacification is the method to be adopted. For diseases due to Vata alone ( the degenerative disorders), the concept is to use medications which arrest the degenerative processes. While fibromyalgia is a condition where Vata is deranged due to Pitta and Kapha, the other two problems are due to Vata alone. The treatment of cervical spondylosis and herniated disk comprises of use of medications to arrest the degenerative process.
Natural Herbal treatment for Cervical SpondylosisIn Cervical Spondylosis,Any external massage is not of much use. Violent massage with deep pressure is very harmful for the spondylitis patient. Only gentle massage over the muscles of the neck and shoulder joints should be applied and for this purpose Mahanarayan taila is best suited. This gentle massage can be given 2-3 times a day .In winter season; this medicated oil should be gently warmed before application.Guggulu, gum resin extracted from the plant is the best medicine for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of this condition popularly use a compound preparation named as simhanada guggulu. It is given in a dose of 2-4 tablets, 4 times a day. Usually hot water or hot milk id given to the patient after the administration of this medicines. This medicine has slightly laxative effects. For the patient to recover from cervical ailments, it is necessary that this bowel should move clearly and regularly. This medicine is very much helpful for this purpose. For patients having clear motions, this medicines should be given in a dose of 2 tablets and constipated patients the dose should be 4 tablets. If the constipation is not relieved even by taking 4 tablets the dose can be further increased to 6 tablets.At night some medicines should be given to the patients, which will act as a purgative. Triphala powder is the best medicine for spondylitis. One teaspoonful of triphala should be given to the patient, mixed with a cup of warm milk and one spoon of sugar. In the motions become regular by the intake of simbanada guggulu, then triphala powder should be given only twice a week otherwise it can be given every day.Hot fomentation on the vertebrae of the neck is very useful for cervical pains.In a big handkerchief about 500gms of salt should be kept over a frying pan till it becomes tolerably hot. Then this should be applied over the neck. Care should be taken to see that it should not be too hot. In that case, it may cause burns. Sometimes patients suffering from cervical Spondylosis develop some anesthetic patches in the back, neck, shoulders and arms because of the pressure from nervous systems .The patient is therefore not able to feel the quantum of heat applied during fomentation. It should therefore be the responsibility of the attendant to examine the heat of the bolus before applying it on the affected parts .This fomentation should be continued about ½ an hour every day.After fomentation the affected part should not be exposed to cold wind. In winter season therefore immediately after fomentation, the affected part should be covered with some wool engarment. In other seasons also the affected part should be kept covered with some cotton garments after fomentation. It is very convenient to take the fomentation before bedtime. After the fomentation the patient should go to sleep so that he does not run the risk of exposure.DietSour things particularly curd, are strictly prohibited. Fried things, pulses and various preparations of pulses are also contra- indicated in this condition. Bitter vegetables like bitter variety of drumstick, neem flowers and bitter gourd are very useful. Wheat is better than rice for the patient.He should however, avoid taking refined wheat which is known as maida (flour) and suji (semolina). To some extent they are constipated and do not help the patient in the recovery.LifestyleExposure to cold,cold bath and any violent exercise of the neck muscles, including pressure, are very bad for the patients of Cervical spondulosis.Under the impression that this pain is being caused by some defects in the muscles, people undertake different types of neck exercises .While reading and writing ,one should maintain a comfortable posture. Morning walk gives some relief to the patient, but if it is cold outside the patient should always use a woolen scarf around his neck while going out of the house.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CANCER

Radical liberals are not a political group, but a kind of very active molecule that is suspected of being one of the causes of cancer. How can you protect yourself? Diet plays an important role here, especially in the absorption of anti-oxidants. The strongest anti-oxidizing agent is Vitamin E, which is found in wheat germ oil and sunflower seeds. Next comes Vitamin C (oranges, grapefruits, lemons, red peppers etc.).Beta carotene also absorbs large amounts of radical liberals. This substance seems to act as a protecting agent against most types of cancer. Where do you find it? In red vegetables (like tomatoes), orange ones (carrots), yellow (squash), and dark green (broccoli). All theseare rich in beta carotene. So make them a regular part of your menu!

होम REMEDIES

Acne
Grated cucumber applied over the face ,eyes and neck for fifteen minutes are very much beneficial for acne and ब्लाच्खेअड्स

Asthma
Take a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste। This mixture acts as a excellent expectorant in the treatment of asthma.


Backache
Garlic is the most important home remedy for backache. Two or three cloves should be taken every morning. An oil prepared form garlic and rubbed on the back will give a good result in backache.

Bad Breath
Wash your mouth with lime juice mixed with water. This will prevent bad breath.

Bleeding external
Apply ice cube or sandalwood paste.

Bleeding internal
Drink a glass of warm milk with a 1/2 teaspoon of saffron & turmeric powder.

Boils
Betel leaves are a valuable remedy for boils. A leaf is gently warmed till it becomes soft. It is then coated with a layer of castor oil.

Burns
Add coconut oil to the paste of fresh gel of aloe vera blended with a pinch of turmeric Powder and apply।

Cold
Boil teaspoonful of ginger powder or eucalyptus leaves in one quart of water & inhale the steam.Congested nose? Apply eucalyptus oil to the sides of your nose! Or inhale a pinch of calamus root powder in each nostril !

Constipation
Don't forget to take in a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of clarified butter at bedtime। Or Drink a glass of boiled water with one teaspoon of flax seed.

Cough
Add a pinch of salt with two pinches of turmeric powder to one glass of warm water and gurgle. Or chew a clove with a piece of rock candy. Take basil decoction or basil juice with honey. If your cough has been troubling you for long, try this : Take a half teaspoonful of ginger powder, a pinch of clove with a pinch of cinnamon powder and honey in a cup of boiled water and drink it as tea.

Ear ache
Use 3 drops of garlic oil in your affected ear. Make a mixture of a teaspoon full of onion juice with a half teaspoon of honey. And use 5 to 10 drops into affected ear.

Ears (ringing)
Use 3 drops of clove oil in your effected ear.

Exhaustion (heat)
Consume a glass of coconut water or grape juice. Or Churn out a juice of three dates with eight ounces of water and drink.

Eyes burning
Apply castor oil to the soles of the feet.Or put 3 drops of pure rose water into the affected eye. Apply aloe Vera gel.

Gas
Consume a cup of water with a pinch of baking soda & lemon juice.

Gums (bleeding)
Massage the gums lightly with coconut oil.Squeeze a half lemon into a cup of water and drink.

Headache
Dilute a paste of ginger powder (half teaspoon) with water & apply to the Forehead। A burning sensation may persist. But it's not harmful.

Temporal headaches: It's related to Kapha. Hence apply ginger paste to the forehead and Sinuses.
Occipital headaches:It is because of the aggravated Pitta in the stomach. Make tea with cumin & coriander seeds in a cup of hot water & consume it. Also apply a sandalwood paste to the तेम्प्लेस

Sinus headaches:Indicate toxins in the colon। Take one teaspoon of flax seed at bedtime With a glass of warm milk। At the same time, apply ginger paste behind the ears.


Hemorrhoids
Down a cup of aloe vera juice thrice a day.
Take two parts honey with one part castor oil.
Insomnia
Card is very useful in insomnia. The patient should take plenty of curd and massage in on the head. This will induce sleep.
Honey is a very useful in Insomnia. It should be taken with water ,before going to bed ,in doses of two teaspoons in a large cup of water.

Menstrual cramps
Have a tablespoon of aloe vera gel with two pinches of black pepper thrice a day.

Muscle Strain (upper part of the body)
Apply warm ginger paste with turmeric to the affected area twice a day.
Try to avoid it. As it disturbs the nervous system, specially the intelligence.

Overeating
Consume a cup of warm water squeezed with a half lemon juice & a pinch of baking soda.
Or roast fennel & coriander seeds (one teaspoon each) with pinch of salt.

Pain (external)
Blend 2 teaspoon of ginger powder with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water. Warm the paste and spread it evenly on a piece of cotton cloth. Then the gel is ready for a ginger compress.
Rash
Apply the pulp of cilantro leaf to the affected area.
Or drink coriander tea.

Lack of Sleep
Gently massage the soles of the feet with sesame oil. Rub oil into the scalp.
Introduces 5 to 10 drops oil into each ear.
Drink a cup of piping hot cow milk with rock candy or honey.

Excess Sleep
Take black coffee, gotu kola or calamus root tea at bed time.
Go for an early dinner and eat less.

Swelling
Drink barley water or coriander tea
For external। Swelling : Apply two parts of turmeric powder with one part salt to the affected area.

Toothache
Apply 3 drops of clove oil to the affected teeth.

Simple natural ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing

Ayurveda mentions many simple natural ways to maintain healthy and glowing skin, thousands of years ago. The vital force of the body, which is called Ojas is responsible for glow and luster, is depleted by the modern lifestyle we lead. Lack of proper exercise, pollution, irregular eating habits etc. all contribute towards weakening of our energy.
Therefore, using these natural ways, one can stay beautiful and charming for a longer period without having to suffer the side effects of the chemicals। Below are some simple natural ways that you can use in your daily life।

• · Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and limejuice. Apply it to the face (after washing) overnight, and wash it in the morning. It clears the complexion of the skin and keeps it healthy.
  · Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk, and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of limejuice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.
  · Take 50 ml. of tomato juice, and mix some one teaspoonful of lemon juice in it. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.
  · Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour, and make paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face. It helps to remove the unwanted hair of the face.
  · Take some juice of orange, and apply it to the face with the help of a cotton piece. It makes the skin smooth and soft.
  · Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoonful of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.
  · Make a paste of raw carrots, and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour and experience a wonderful glowing skin.
  · Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, lemon juice and rose water. Applying this lotion to the face makes the face glowing.
  · Mix equal quantities of limejuice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bedtime is very useful to remove the pimples, blackheads and other blemishes. It makes the skin soft, and can be applied to other parts (hands, feet etc.)
  

Stress Management

What is Stress?

The term "stress" is difficult to define and may mean different things to different people in divergent circumstances. The oldest definition is that of Hans Selye who defined stress as the "non-specific (i.e. common) result of any demand on the body, whether the effect be mental or somatic".
According to latest health reports, Stress is said to be one of the largest killers of man today. Stress is now becoming more accepted as being crucially related to our total health - physical, mental and emotional. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the majority of all physician visits are prompted by stress-related symptoms that are known to cause or worsen medical conditions.
Stress is our response to specific stimuli called "Stress inducers". Or they are the events that generally produce stress. They may be temporary or chronic, leading to negative health consequences or outcomes changing a person's life. Although life itself is dependent upon certain forms of stress, it is only when stress is handled poorly by the body or mind that it becomes a health hazard. Stress that is expressed or experienced negatively can be linked to many physical complaints, from headaches and hypertension to symptoms affecting a person's mental state. Anxiety, depression and feelings of anger, fear, helplessness or hopelessness, and other emotions are often linked to stress.
Two powerful body systems cope with stress। The nervous system controls the rapid body changes, while the endocrine system regulates the longer-term patterns of stress response by releasing hormones into the blood. The adrenal activates the sympathetic nervous system, reducing the normalizing effects of body function. This increases the metabolic rate, heart rate, circulation and blood pressure. In addition, effectiveness of the digestive system is diminished and disturbances in sleep patterns become common.

How stress is created?

Interchangeably used with the word anxiety, stress relates mutually to our social and psychological environment. Major situations like divorce, marriage, retirement, death in the family, pre-natal conditions, a job loss and other emotional upheavals as well as minor hassles like waiting in line for hours, getting struck in a traffic jam, misplacing or losing something, disputes, even daily household chores and competitive examinations in fact any unsettling human experience can sometimes become stressful and play havoc with a person's health.
In the work place and even at home, stress can test a person's problem-solving abilities। The demands of everyday living are numerous and if a warning bell is sounding somewhere within you, it's time you pay heed to it.

Stress alarm - Identify your Stress त्रिग्गेर्स

What are the warning signals? Are you moving towards a stress burnout? If you have been experiencing the symptoms listed below, over extended periods of time, it's time you acted - now!

· Can't cope, can't concentrate, Feel hopeless, helpless, depressed.
· Always tired
· Often irritable and angry. Can't control your temper
· Eat too much or too little. Eat too many fats, too much salt and sugar
· Have trouble sleeping. Don't get enough sleep, or sleep too much and still feel tired
· Smoking in excess. More than normal intake of alcohol, caffeine or drugs
· Have frequent headaches, backaches, and stomachaches
· No time to talk to friends and family
· Cut back on exercises
· Family tensions run higher than usual. You and your spouse fight more often
· Not interested in sex.
· Always sick lately. Get cough and colds and other viral infections more often than you used to
· Allergies and skin rashesDisinterested in life, in जनरल

What are the causes of stress?

"stressors" or "triggers।" There are two kinds of stressors: external and internal.

External stressors include:

The Physical environment noise, bright lights, heat, confined spaces.
Social (interaction with people): rudeness, bossiness or aggressiveness on the part of someone else.
Organizational: rules, regulations, "red tape," deadlines.
Major life events: death of a relative, lost job, promotion, and new baby.
Daily hassles: commuting, misplacing keys, mechanical breakdowns.

Internal stressors include:


Lifestyle choices: caffeine, not enough sleep, overloaded schedule.
Negative Thinking: Pessimism, self-criticism, over-analyzing.
Mind traps: unrealistic expectations, taking things personally, exaggerating, rigid thinking.
Stressful personality traits: perfectionist, workaholic, pleaser.
It is important to note that most of the stress that most of us have is actually self-generated। This is a paradox because so many people think of external stressors when they are upset (it is the weather, the boss, the children, the spouse, the stock market). Recognizing that we create most of our own upsets, however, is an important first step to dealing with them. The most important thing is, to be able to monitor your stress levels and know how to deal with your problems as they appear. The body is superbly equipped to deal with stress, but up to a certain level. If you're adaptive resources become overworked and exhausted, your body ceases to function smoothly. Different organs then can become stress targets.


So how do you guard against stress?

Herbs:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Meditation:
Yoga
Plough (HALA ASANA)
Corpse (SHAVA ASANA)
Ayurvedic Massage
Go SIROVASTI OR SIRODHARA

Other stress management तेच्निक़ुएस


Get sufficient sleep
Get fresh air
Get physical exercise through yoga or aerobics
Enjoy a pure and natural diet. Have a balanced meal
Learn to say "no" more often
Deal with emotions constructively
Develop a sense of humor
Develop meaningful relationships
Develop a support group
Give your life a purpose and meaning
Pamper yourself sometimes
Buy a pet, especially if you are living alone
Enjoy nature
Express your aesthetic self
Enjoy a favourite recreation
Learn time management and delegation techniques
Practice deep breathing and relaxation skills

Reduce excess weight

Reduce excess weight
Excess weight is a condition in which individual is significantly overweight. Excessive bodyfat is accumulated on the belly, buttocks, breasts and thighs। An individual is considered obese when weight is 20% (25% in women) or more over the maximum desirable for their height. When an adult is more than 100 pounds overweight, it is considered morbid obesity.

In ayurveda, Charak Samhita describes eight different types of bodies that are disease prone. Out of these, the obese body is described as ‘Medoroga’ the one afflicted with the most diseases and troubles. Obesity is the condition or physical state of the body when excessive deposition of fat takes place in the adipose tissue. Extra fat puts a strain on the heart, kidneys, liver and the joints such as the hips, knees and ankles and thus, overweight people are susceptible to several diseases like coronary thrombosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout, liver and gall bladder disorders. Chief cause of obesity is overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating or mixing non-compatible food items in one meal.

Common Consumption of more food (specially heavy, sweet, cooling food) than the body can useExcess alcohol intake
Sedentary lifestyle
Genetic फक्टोर्स

Some diseases like, Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, depression and certain neurological प्रोब्लेम्स

Pathogenesis/ How the disease is created: - (in Ayurvedic Principles)
Body is made of 7- Dhatus {Rasa (Lymph), Rakta (Blood), Maans (Muscle), Meda( Fat), Asthi (Bones), Majja (Nervous System) Shukra (Reproductive System)}. But in Obese fellow Meda is excessively nourished and remaining other Dhatus get malnourished. Kapha gets accumulated in between. Roll of medicines with dietary correction is to remove obstructed Kapha and let all Dhatus nourish equally. When Kapha increases in abnormal fashion, Fat metabolism gets hampered and person becomes Obese।


Important points for loosing weight:
Controlling eating habits
Regular exercise
Avoiding excess consumption of alcohol
Avoid sedentary लिफेस्त्य्ले


Herbs that are useful in Excess weight:

Guggulu (Commiphora mukul):

Guggulu is the yellowish resin (or gum) that is produced by the mukul Commiphora mukul treeand has been used to treat arthritis, water retention, rheumatism and mainly for obesity in addition to use in lowering cholesterol. Intake of Guggulu derivatives regularly for three months results in four times the weight loss. This herb also possesses effective purifying and rejuvenating abilities, which have been used in Ayurvedic medicine. In the Sushruta Samhita (1960s- ancient Sanskrit medical text), Guggulu was also suggested for fat loss (medoroga, a disease that closely resembles the symptoms of high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries) and the relief of arthritis। Some recent studies have noted benefits for these conditions as well as acne and other conditions.

Neem (अज़दिराकhta indica):

It is used in Ayurveda for skin disorders, pimples, diabetes, tumours, obesity, arthritis, viral fevers, jaundice and as a blood purifier।

Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa): Punarnava is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity as almost all anti-obesity herbal preparations contain it in one or the other form. It is beneficial in the treatment of several common ailments like dropsy, ascities, oedema, anaemia, cough, pluerisy, nervous weakness, constipation and paralysis.


Diet that helps to loose weight:

Early morning - A glass of hot water mixed with the juice of half a lemon। A teaspoonful of honey can be added if you like।


Breakfast - Wheat or Moong (green beans) sprouts and one cup skimmed milk।

Mid morning- A glass of orange, pineapple or carrot juice।

Lunch - Salad of raw vegetables such as carrot, beet, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes। In case you can not digest raw vegetables, either steam or boil them. Whole grain bread or whole wheat chapatis (Indian recipe) and a glass of buttermilk. It will be good to add some roasted cumin seeds, green coriander leaves, a little salt and some grated ginger in the butter milk.

Mid afternoon - Coconut water or dry fruits or lemon tea or vegetable soup.
Dinner - Whole grain bread or chapatis, steamed vegetables and any seasonal fruit.
Lifestyle

Religiously do all kinds of exercises: walking, swimming, and क्य्क्लिंग

Think पोसितिवे

Go for sauna baths, steam baths and regular massages
Go for Panchakarma

Self-care for weight loss and obesity can be approached in a number of ways—but it can be hard to know just where to start। To make it easier, our doctors recommend trying these simple steps first:

Find a diet that fits For long-term success, choose a healthy diet that you can stay with Find support Improve your chances for long-term weight loss by joining a group while you adjust to new diet and exercise habits

Create a custom exercise plan Exercise you truly enjoy is that much easier to stick to, so find activities that fit your personal style, fitness level, and work-out opportunities

Discover Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the oldest surviving complete medical system in the world. Derived from its ancient Sanskrit roots - ‘ayus' (life) and ‘ved' (knowledge) – and offering a rich, comprehensive outlook to a healthy life, its origins go back nearly 5000 years. To when it was expounded and practiced by the same spiritual rishis, who laid the foundations of the Vedic civilisation in India, by organising the fundamentals of life into proper systems.
The main source of knowledge in this field therefore remain the Vedas, the divine books of knowledge they propounded, and more specifically the fourth of the series, namely Atharvaveda that dates back to around 1000 BC. Of the few other treatises on Ayurveda that have survived from around the same time, the most famous are Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita which concentrate on internal medicine and surgery respectively. The Astanga Hridayam is a more concise compilation of earlier texts that was created about a thousand years ago. These between them forming a greater part of the knowledge base on Ayurveda as it is practiced today.
The art of Ayurveda had spread around in the 6th century BC to Tibet, China, Mongolia, Korea and Sri Lanka, carried over by the Buddhist monks travelling to those lands. Although not much of it survives in original form, its effects can be seen in the various new age concepts that have originated from there.
No philosophy has had greater influence on Ayurveda than Sankhaya’s philosophy of creation and manifestation. Which professes that behind all creation there is a state of pure existence or awareness, which is beyond time and space, has no beginning or end, and no qualities. Within pure existence, there arises a desire to experience itself, which results in disequilibrium and causes the manifestation of the primordial physical energy. And the two unite to make the "dance of creation" come alive.
Imponderable, indescribable and extremely subtle, this primordial energy – which and all that flows from it existing only in pure existence – is the creative force of all action, a source of form that has qualities. Matter and energy are so closely related that when energy takes form, we tend to think of it in terms of matter only. And much modified, it ultimately leads to the manifestation of our familiar mental and physical worlds.
It also gives rise to cosmic consciousness, which is the universal order that prevades all life. Individual intelligence, as distinct from the everyday intellectual mind, is derived from and is part of this consciousness. It is the inner wisdom, the part of individuality that remains unswayed by the demands of daily life, or by Ahamkara, the sense of `I-ness’.
A Sanskrit word with no exact translation, Ahamkara, is a concept not quite understood by everyone as it is often misleadingly equated to `ego’. Embracing much more than just that, it is in essence that part of ‘me’ which knows which parts of the universal creation are ‘me’. Since ‘I’ am not separate from the universal consciousness, but ‘I’ has an identity that differentiates and defines the boundaries of `me’. All creations therefore have Ahamkara, not just human beings.
There arises from Ahamkara a two-fold creation. The first is Satwa, the subjective world, which is able to perceive and manipulate matter. It comprises the subtle body (the mind), the capacity of the five sense organs to hear, feel, see, taste and smell, and for the five organs of action to speak, grasp, move, procreate and excrete. The mind and the subtle organs providing the bridge between the body, the Ahamkara and the inner wisdom, which three together is considered the essential nature of humans.
The second is Tamas, the objective world of the five elements of sound, touch, vision, taste and smell – the five subtle elements that give rise to the dense elements of ether or space, air, fire, water and the earth – from which all matter of the physical world is derived. And it is Rajas, the force or the energy of movement, which brings together parts of these two worlds.

It is worth noting that even at the stage of the dense elements the philosophy of creation –which according to Sankaya is now and in the present, without any past and any future – is still dealing with aspects of existence beyond our simple physical realms. The point of contention being that we are the first and foremost spirit experiencing existence. To use Ayurveda in daily life, one has neither to accept nor even understand this philosophy. But it does provide a deeper insight into how Ayurveda works towards betterment of your health.
Ayurveda therefore is not simply a health care system but a form of lifestyle adopted to maintain perfect balance and harmony within the human existence, from the most abstract transcendental values to the most concrete physiological expressions. Based on the premise that life represents an intelligent co-ordination of the Atma (Soul), Mana (Mind), Indriya (Senses) and Sharira (Body). That revolves around the five dense elements that go into the making of the constitution of each individual, called Prakriti. Which in turn is determined by the vital balance of the three physical energies - Vata, Pitta, Kapha and the three mental energies - Satwa, Rajas, Tamas.
The Hindu God of creation revealed the science of ayurveda to the sage Atreya
Ayurveda thus offers a unique blend of science and philosophy that balances the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components necessary for holistic health

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Balance technology and life

Balance technology and life

“Technology... is a queer thing. It brings you great gifts with one hand, and it stabs you in the back with the other”. No doubt, technology makes our life easy and interesting by getting things done faster. But what if you let technology set your pace? And that's what too often happens. Increasingly, we need to live and cope with constantly improving technology, information flood and technology mediated communication situations that bring us stress and severely reduce the quality of our lives. By driving up body immunity, fighting disease, and removing toxicity, over the years, Ayurveda has emerged as the most promising science of life-- building a healthier race, furthering humanity's satva guna (purity) and restoring the harmony of the doshas (energies)At Doctor Panickers, we constantly work on Ayurveda, expanding this knowledge of life, and creating healthy and happy communities. Wishing every one a healthy and happy life. With warm regards

Dr. P.K. Anilkumar

Chief Physician and Managing Director