Blog about Herbs | Medicinal Plants | Healthy Living

Health Benefits of Licorice / Mulethi / Yasthimadhu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 7 Apr 2013 00:15:00 +0530

Licorice is a popular herb in Indian subcontinent also known as Mulethi or Yasthimadhu. This multipurpose herb is commonly available in general stores across the country and has immense health benefits . It is popularly known as Mulethi in Hindi. In Ayurveda Licorice is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs and is found in numerous traditional formulas. The Liquorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid which is approximately 50 times sweeter than sugar. Following are the benefits of Licorice/ Mulethi:-

1) For Weight gain and Strength: - Mix 5 Gms licorice, ½ teaspoon ghee (purified butter) and 1.5 teaspoon honey. Consume the mixture with a glass of milk. Add candy sugar in milk for taste. You can add Ashwagandha in place of honey, if unavailable.

2) For Mouth ulcers: - Keep a piece of slightly chewed mulethi in mouth for sometime to get relief.

3) For Angina pain: - licorice ½ teaspoon mix with ½ teaspoon of katuki (Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora) should be taken twice a day with lukewarm water.

4) For Irregular periods: - 5-6 Gms of licorice mixed with a teaspoon of honey should be taken for few days. A glass of cold sweetened milk with sugar candy can be taken after its consumption.

5) For cough: - boil 250 ml water mixed with 5 Gms licorice till it reduces to half its quantity. Divide this potion in two equal parts and drink it the same day in morning and evening to get rid of the cough problem.

6) For stomach ache: - 5 Gms Licorice powder boiled in a glass of water, Drink twice or thrice a day.

7) For High Cholesterol and Heart Diseases: - Studies have suggested that licorice may also play an important role in the treatment of heart disease. In one study, people with high cholesterol experienced a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglyceride levels after taking licorice root extracts for one month.

You can buy it online from here Licorice Root Capsule
You can also purchase pure Licorice Power from here.
Also you can buy Organic Honey from here.
or Organic Honey from here.

You can Buy Katuki (Picrorhizascrophulariiflora) for Angina Pain from here
For Organic Ashwagandha Powder Click Here
or Organic Ashwagandha Powder

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Home Remedies for Jaundice

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:56:00 +0530

Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, caused by the excess of Bile pigment (Bilirubin) in the blood. Mild Jaundice is common in new born babies. In adults, jaundice may occur when the flow of bile from the liver to the intestine is blocked by an obstruction such as a GALLSTONE, or in diseases such as CIRRHOSIS, HEPATITIS, or ANEMIA.

Jaundice is not a disease but it’s a symptom of other diseases which sometimes can be life threatening. There are many reasons of Jaundice like Gilbert Syndrome (It is a mild liver disorder in which bloodstream levels of Bilirubin - a liver enzyme - are abnormal.), blood incompatibilities, some types of cancers, dehydration, liver problems, cirrhosis, hepatitis, anemia, bile duct blockage, taking medications(especially pain killers and sedatives) for a long time, infections. Whatever may be the cause; jaundice should not be taken lightly and must be treated with greatest precedence.

Ayurvedic Remedies are treating Jaundice patients effectively since ages. Below are some of the well tried and tested home remedies.

1) 50-60 ml juice of radish leaves mixed with 10 Gms of sugar candy. The juice should be consumed by the patient as soon as he/she gets up in the morning. This is considered to be the potent medicine for jaundice. The patient will recover within the week time. Shun turmeric and milk during the treatment.

2) Eat ripe papaya regularly; it is one of the best fruits effective in the treatment of jaundice. Patient can also eat ripe banana with half a teaspoon of honey. Prune fruit can also be eaten regularly.

3) Drink the juice made by adding mint leaves juice, fresh lime juice and ginger juice. You can also add

small amount of honey if required to enhance taste. You can drink lime juice several times a day to enhance the effect.

4) Drink a glass of buttermilk daily for a week or two. Add some black pepper to taste. It is very good remedy for Jaundice.

5) Drink a glass of sugarcane juice daily mixed with one lemon juice and one teaspoon of ginger juice. This is one of the best remedies for jaundice.

6) Juice of 5-10 leaves of Holy Basil (Tulsi) mixed with 3 Gms of Punarnava (Spreading hog-weed) root powder and 50 ml of water, if consumed regularly, proves to be a potent remedy for jaundice. Punarnava Panchang (means five i.e. mixture of roots, bark, leaves, flower and fruits) mixed with honey or sugar candy or boiled kahada (concoction), is very beneficial home remedy for jaundice.

7) Mixture of Neem Juice (1 teaspoon) with honey can be taken in the morning. It is very effective in treating jaundice.
Just remember one thing that whatever vegetable, fruits or herbs you are using make sure they are organic and GMO free.

Please avoid alcohol consumption, oily and spice foods at all cost. The above mentioned fruits, vegetables and plants are more effective if grown organically. Some of the herbs mentioned above are readily available in Ayurvedic stores all over the world. Eat healthy and stay well.

To purchase Organic Honey Online Click Here

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Kidney Stones: Cure and Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 18:31:00 +0530

Kidney stones, once considered as the middle age crisis, now even engulfing children as small as 6 years old. A faulty eating practice along with fewer intake of water is the explanation to why there is such a steep rise of kidney stones in younger patients. Around 60 percent of the kidney stone formed is due to the binding of calcium with a byproduct of certain foods, known as oxalate. Other commonly kidney stones types include calcium phosphate stones and uric acid stones. The pain caused by the kidney stones is considered to be one of the most excruciating one. Kidney stones take a while to do away with, once it affects us. Below are few herbal home remedies that are considered to be effective in flushing out kidney stones from the body.

1) 6 gram papaya root powder mix with 50 ml of water. Consume this potion twice (morning and evening) daily for 21 days. This process will liquefy the stones from the kidney.

2) 1 gram turmeric (haldi) with 2 gram jaggery or molasses (Indian Gur) if eaten with gajar ki kanji (a tasty carrot drink with mustard) is dissolve stones in no time.

3) Horse gram (kulthi lentil in India) is considered to be the pinnacle for kidney stones. Take 20 Gms of Horse gram and

boil it in 250 ml water. Remove mixture from the heat when the mixture will be reducing to ¼. Drink this liquid when warm. Repeat this process for next 25 days to effectively dissolve the kidney stones.

4) Punarnava (spreading hogweed) powder boiled in milk should be consumed daily twice for few days.

5) Chew few fresh leaves of grape with 1-2 teaspoon of lemon juice will help.

If you have any complication then please consult your doctor first and as you all know that precaution is always better then cure. So drink lots of water, fresh fruit and vegetable juices daily. Avoid eating too much of animal protein. Excessive intake of salt is also considered to be the one of the cause of kidney stone. Avoid food high in oxalate like spinach, wheat barn and nuts. So use your discretion in opting what to eat and stay healthy ever.

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Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:08:00 +0530

The discomfort cause by mouth ulcers is excruciating. You cannot taste the food without soreness. Your mouth don’t experience flavor in food you eat but pain. There are many home remedies of mouth ulcers that we have somehow forgotten and which are fairly effective and bring respite in short period. But ahead of explaining the home remedies to you, let me first talk about the causes of mouth ulcer, which is very essential in preventing the ulcers to resurface time and again.

Main Causes of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth Ulcers are not infectious and cannot be spread from person to person. Minor Ulcers can be caused by incidentally biting the inside of cheek while eating or talking, it can also be caused by using sharp objects like pencil, broken teeth edges, while brushing etc, but the ulcers that reoccurs over and over again may be the hint that something is not well within us. These troublesome Mouth Ulcers can be caused by any of the following stated reasons.

1) Hormonal Changes: Hormonal Changes is one of the basic reasons, particularly in women during their monthly period.

2) Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies such as iron, vitamins, particularly B12 and C.

3) Stress and Anxiety: Many people experience mouth ulcers during the time when they feel over stressed out or anxious over any important issue.

4) Allergic Food: Eating, drinking or smoking certain food like chocolate, coffee, wheat or barley flour (Coeliac disease due to Gluten), nuts (peanuts, almonds etc), cigarettes (especially when leaving it) and all shorts of chewing tobacco.

5) Allergic reactions due to Medication: Some anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, drugs used in heart problems like Nicorandil etc can cause reactions that are reported to be the cause of mouth ulcers.

6) Cohn’s diseases: This causes inflammation in gut, leads to ulcers in both mouth and stomach.

Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers:

1) Mix a teaspoon of Alum (phitkari) powder in a liter of water. Gargle 3-4 times a day with it.

2) Rub some butter or purified butter over ulcers before going to bed for instant relief from burning sensation and for cure.

3) Chew some cardamom and

candy sugar, for fast recovery.

4) Rub paste of Harad (Chebulic Myrobalan) over ulcers. It’s is very effective.

5) Chew few pieces of dry coconut 3-4 times a day. Also you can grate fresh coconut and extract milk from it. Gargle 3-4 time a day will bring fast relief.

6) You can also gargle with fenugreek seeds and leaves, whatever suites you. Just put a spoon of seeds or a cup of leaves in hot water for few minutes and then gargle 3-4 times with the strained water.

7) Coriander is also very effective in curing mouth ulcers. Boil coriander seed powder in water for some time. Filter it and gargle 3-4 times a day will definitely help.

8) Amla (Indian Gooseberry) leaves also posses curative properties against mouth ulcers. Boil Amla leaves in water, filter it and make it cool. Gargle with it 3-4 times a day will indubitably help.

9) Chewing of some pieces of Liquorice (mulethi) will help.

10) Put two spoon of turmeric powder in glass of water. Mix it well and gargle.

11) Always take Triphala power after food. It will keep your stomach healthy and will help in avoiding mouth ulcers in a long run.

12) Eat lots of citrus fruits especially lemon, oranges etc to keep body alkaline and thus help to avoid mouth ulcers.

13) Chew few guava leaves with catechu (kattha). It’s a potent home remedy for mouth ulcers.

14) Chew few leaves of Holy basil (tulsi) 2-3 times a day.

15) Chew some jasmine(chameli) leaves like a Paan will help.

I hope these simple home remedies will prove beneficial and provide speedy respite from mouth ulcers.Bless you all.

I will suggest you to buy Organic Triphala Powder .You can buy it here ------> Triphala Powder
If you are not comfortable with powder you can purchase capsules from here
--> Triphala Capsules

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Simple Home Remedies for Constipation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:26:00 +0530

Unhealthy life styles like eating junk food, frequent non-veg. diet, heavy medication, over use of laxatives, burgers, pizzas, untimely sleep, stress, smoking, alcohol, over or under eating especially in the urban areas, constipation has grown to be a part and parcel of life. Constipation should be taken as a serious problem and if left unattended for a long time can cause some serious problems. Many researches hint that constipation may be linked with the increase numbers of Parkinson’s disease, thyroid problems, diabetes etc.

Below mentioned are some simple yet potent herbal home remedies which have proved beneficial time and again in curing as well as preventing the problem of constipation.

1)      Amla/ Indian Gooseberry. Amla as I have mentioned several times earlier in my blog has many wonderful curative properties, of which its use in constipation is one of them. Amla as a natural colon cleanser removes years of deposited toxins (medications, heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals), impurities and fecal materials in colon and lower intestines. Take 1 teaspoon of Amla powder with water or with honey before going to bed. Regular use of Amla powder will relieve from constipation and many other intestinal/colon related problems. You can also take Triphala in which Amla is one of the three constituents can be taken in place of Amla powder to augment its effect.
Amla Powder is easily available online.

2)      Soak Dry Palm Date (Chuara or Chuaara) and Amla fruit(seedless) in water overnight in equal proportion. In the morning blend them and filter the paste. Take 2-3 teaspoon 2-3 times a day will alleviate the constipation.

3)      Use apple and beetroot juice or just eat them fresh daily to cure constipation.
4)      Drink Aloe Vera juice daily once or twice or eat its pulp to cure constipation. You can add salt for taste if necessary.

5)    Drink 3-4 glass of water as soon as you get up in the morning and you’re your body hydrated by drinking enough water all day long. Remember, water is necessary for bowl movement and proper functioning of body.

6)   Papaya and Guavas are known for their anti-constipation properties. Include papayas and guavas in your diet are an effective way to treat and avoid constipation.

7) Mix juice of two lemons in a glass of water. Drink it empty stomach in the morning to relieve constipation. Use it regularly.

8)      Eat few Holy Basil (Tulsi) leaves daily after lunch/dinner is an affective way to avoid constipation.
if you don't have a Holy Basil Plant at home you can also take it in capsule form readily available in market. Holy Basil Leaf

9)  Make powder of dry Neem Flowers. Take 1-2gms of powder with water at night to alleviate constipation.

10) Sanay (Cassia angustifolia) mix with raw tamarind fruit (imli) paste. Take 5-10gms in quantity after food with water.

11) Mix tulsi juice, honey, ginger juice and onion juice in equal quantities. Take one teaspoon daily to lessen the stiffness and ease the constipation.

12) Mix Harad(Terminalia chebula), Sauf( Foeniculum vulgare) and mishri(candy sugar) in equal proportion. Grind them to powder. Take one teaspoon with water daily at night for constipation problem.

13) Rose petals, Sanay and Harad mix in a ration 3:2:1. Boil 50 gms of the mixture in a glass of water till it reduce to ¼ in quantity. Filter and drink this potion like a tea for instant relief.

These are few of the home remedies that are proven in time and again. These simple remedies are very effective yet very economical and readily available in homes.

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Tips for Weight correction

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 5 Mar 2013 00:09:00 +0530

Weight, whether it’s over or less than average, always raise apprehension about entity’s health. And it’s true as many health problems are directly or indirectly related to it and the diet we eat.

Just remember the below mentioned few basic things if you want to correct your weight regardless of whether you are over or under weight.

1) Do regular Exercise and Pranayam: Make a habit of exercising no less than 15-20 minutes a day(it can be jogging, brisk walking or rope skipping) and at least 3-4 times a week and practice pranayam daily in the morning can do wonders for you. Learn pranayam for some experienced yoga practitioner.

2) Take proper rest: Make it a habit of sleeping 6-7 hours daily as proper relaxation is must for body to get itself repaired and replenished.

3) Eat a timely proper diet: Eat a timely well balanced proper diet. Include green veggies, fruits and nuts. Also drink 10-12 glasses of water to perform different bodily functions well.

Diet for Weigh Gain and Vigor: - Mix Shatavari, Ashwagandha and White Musli power in equal quantity, and take 3-5 grams of mixture daily with milk or water. Include fruits like Banana, Mango and

Dates in your diet. Also eat curd, particularly in the morning.Avoid Oily and junk food along with meat and breads of all kind. Within month you will find strength in your body and weight gain no less then 2-3 kg. These tips are timely tested and proven. If taken properly can do wonders also consult some practitioner before using them.
For Weight loss

Continue reading my blog for further updates.

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Acne- Simple Home Remedies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 01:27:00 +0530

Most people believe acne to be the bane of adolescence, but it can also happen to adults, even those who went through their teens blemish-free. In teenagers acne may plague otherwise healthy kids and so is considered an acute condition. However, Ayurveda considered it to be a sign of unbalanced pitta dosha which need to be balanced.

What are Acne's signs?

Acne are - red, inflamed pimples, whiteheads, blackheads-occur when oil glands produce too much oil (sebum) or oil that contains ama, the toxic byproducts of poorly digested foods such as junk food or if you don’t chew your food properly or eat too much. Bacteria on the skin interact with the sebum and cause abscesses to form-inflammation and plugging up of the hair follicles near the glands. Infection may set in which can eventually cause scars.

a person with acne can cure it by following a simple regime like not eating too spicy and oily food, avoid junk foods and carbonated drinks, drink lots of water all day long and follow the below home remedies.

Some home remedies for acne

1) Turmeric is antibiotic and antibacterial. Form a paste of 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder with a little water; carefully apply to blemished with a cotton swab- be careful with your clothes as turmeric will stain clothes.

2) You can also wash your face in the morning using Besan (chickpea powder) mixed with water to make a paste; apply to your skin like a lotion and
rub gently before rinsing off.

3) Apply a light coating of Neem oil before retiring to bed.

4) Practice Lion pose. This yoga is very beneficial as it improves blood circulation of the face and also other benefits. Always practice this asana in the morning empty stomach.

Steps to do Lion Pose:
First of all knee down on the ground and put the weight of the body on calves, knees and heels with the toes pointing back.
Head and spine should be kept erect with the knees around 6 to 12 inches apart.
On the knees, press your palms with the fingers extended straight. This is the Thunderbolt Posture/Vajrasana.
Open your mouth completely and breathe out through nose and mouth.
At the same time, extend tongue comfortably out of the mouth bending it in the direction of chin.
Hold the breathe by keeping the abdomen pulled in. Then extend your eyes, bare your teeth and stretch the facial muscles.
Stay in this pose for around 10 seconds or your breakpoint.

Also, purify the blood impurities with teaspoon juice of Neem leaves in the morning. If you can't bear its bitter taste you can take capsules readily available in the market. Another important herb to purify blood is Manjistha(rubia cordifolium). Manjishtha purifies the blood and is very useful in all blood originating diseases like skin diseases, bleeding tendencies etc. Manjishtha also improves complexion of skin and functioning of liver. Take 1/2 teaspoon of manjistha(rubia cordifolium) with water.

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Swine Flu: Cure through Herbs.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:36:00 +0530

Ayurveda has the answer to swine flu. Not only in curing the diseases but also in preventing it.

But first let’s know what Swine flu is.

Swine flu, also called swine influenza, hog flu, or pig flu is a respiratory disease of pigs that is caused by an influenza virus. The first flu virus secluded from pigs was influenza A H1N1 in 1930. This virus is a subtype of influenza that is named for the composition of the proteins hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) that form its viral coat. Since the 1930s three other subtypes of flu viruses also have been isolated from pigs, including H1N2, H3N1, and H3N2. The emergence of H3N2 in pigs occurred in the late 1990s and is suspected of having been transmitted to pigs from humans. Although swine influenza viruses are similar to the influenza viruses that circulate among humans, swine viruses possess distinct antigens (A substance that when introduced into the body stimulates the production of an antibody. Antigens include toxins, bacteria, foreign blood cells, and the cells of transplanted organs.).

In contemporary medicine there is no drug to deal with Swine flu, thus only supporting medicines are in the market. In many cases, antibiotics are administered to prevent the surfacing of bacterial infection.

Treatment of Swine Flu through herbs

Yes that’s true, Herbs like Giloy, Tulsi, Clove etc have potential to counter the Swine Flu virus. We are well aware of herbs like Giloy, Tulsi, Cloves and their numerous beneficial properties.

These herbs build up body resistant and thus fight H1N1 virus effectively. Also as precaution is always a better option, so whenever you visit a crowded place that might be virus prone, it’s always better to cover your nose with some cotton hanky or cloth piece mask. Clove oil is known for its disinfectant properties. So, use a drop of aromatherapy oil on your mask or handkerchief, when you step out in crowded areas. Also, sipping hot water that has a drop of clove oil added to it can help you to disinfect your internal system.

How to use Giloy and Tulsi for Swine Flu

Take GILOY herb one foot Long Branch and seven leaf of TULSI and mix it and collect juice of this mixture in a vessel. Boil this juice up to it remains 1/4th and drink it. This herbal juice will increase our body resistant up to three times. And thus it becomes a ‘Life Saving Potent’.

If you are not aware of the Giloy (Guduchi or Amta) you can visit my page

Benefits of Giloy

Benefits of Tulsi for more info.

Related articles: Cough, Cold and Fever Remedy

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Herbs for Meditation and Yoga Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0530

Below are planned, unique, primarily Indian herbs for yoga practice. These are available through many herb or Ayurveda stores or can be purchased online.

Arjuna/ Terminalia arjuna
Arjuna is a tonic and rejuvenative for the heart that promotes vyana vayu and increases prana. It helps develop devotion and gives us the extra courage and energy for our spiritual practice, just as Arjuna was able to fight for dharma at the side of Lord Krishna.

Amalaki/ Emblica officinalis
Amalaki is a tonic and rejuvenative for all the tissues. It balances the doshas and increases ojas. Taken in the form of a jelly called Chyavan Prash,it is an excellent food for yoga practice and a good energy booster. It is a prime tonic for young children,pregnant women, the elderly and anyone in need of extra strength and
stamina.

Aloe Vera
Aloe is an entire medicine chest in itself. Relative to yoga practice, it is excellent for cleansing the plasma, skin, blood and the liver, all the main physical and pranic systems. It has rejuvenative effects for the female reproductive system as well.

Ashwagandha/ Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha is the best ayurvedic tonic for both body and mind. It strengthens and
nourishes the muscles, tendons, bones and nerves and builds ojas and tejas, fortifying the immune system. It is good for joint and nerve pain and is specific for lowering anxiety. It counters insomnia, calms the mind and promotes concentration, meditation and deep sleep. Ashwagandha is excellent in sports medicine for increasing endurance and protecting the bones and joints from injury.

Calamus/ Acorus calamus
Calamus, also known as sweet flag, is a stimulant to the mind and senses. It clears mucus from the head, throat and lungs. It improves digestion, but in large dosages it becomes an emetic. In Ayurveda it is mainly used to clear the subtle channels of toxins, phlegm and blockages. Calamus increases the powers of speech, reason and intelligence and sharpens discrimination. It is excellent for mantra and meditation. It aids in spiritual study and is said to increase knowledge of the higher Self.

Gotu Kola/ Brahmi
Brahmi is a close relative of gotu kola and is the preferable herb but gotu kola can be used as a substitute when brahmi is not available. Brahmi is a sedative, calmative, muscle relaxant and pain-relieving agent. It has diuretic, hemostatic, and alterative properties for toxic blood conditions and counters adrenal fatigue. It aids in controlling anger and attachment and for cooling and calming the mind. Its Sanskrit name, brahmi, reflects its usage to promote knowledge of Brahman, the cosmic reality.Brahmi and its relatives grows wild in many tropical areas, including India and Hawaii. Brahmi juice taken in aloe juice is an excellent detoxifying
agent for body and mind. Prepared as a medicated ghee, it is excellent for the liver and the nerves. Fresh
brahmi leaves preserved in raw honey is a good soma-producing agent.

Guduchi (Amrit)/ Giloy/ Tinospora cordifolia
Guduchi removes heat and toxins from a deep level of the tissues and nerves. It also cools and cleanses the mind. It is a rejuvenative for pitta and balances tejas. It is an excellent tonic for the immune system, particularly important for countering chronic low grade fevers or difficult infections from Epstein Barre virus to AIDS. It increases our positive energy in conditions of debility-like chronic fatigue syndrome.

Guggul/ Commiphora mukul
Guggul promotes flexibility of the muscles, ligaments and bones and is a prime medicine for arthritis. It also strengthens the heart, lowers cholesterol and prevents heart attacks. It keeps the blood clean and sattvic so it can vitalize all the tissues. Guggul regulates blood sugar and counters diabetes (a common disease of yogis whose metabolism can go through unusual fluctuations). It combines well with triphala as an excellent cleanser for the plasma and blood.

Jatamamsi/ Nardostachys jatamansi
Jatamamsi is the best ayurvedic calmative herb, with soothing and strengthening properties for the brain and nervous tissue. It can be combined with ashwagandha as a brain tonic for vata and with cleansing agents like gotu kola for cooling the mind. Though related to valerian, it is a more balanced herb and easier to take. It
improves our mental function and acuity rather than simply sedating it.

Kava Kava/ Piper methysticum
Kava kava improves circulation and relieves pain both to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It counters vata, promotes vyana, and facilitates rest, sleep and deep meditation. It helps promote a deep level of flexibility and detachment in both body and mind.

Shankha Pushpi/ Evoluvus alsinodes
Shankha pushpi is an excellent stimulant and tonic for the mind. It improves memory, concentration and perception, and aids in the rejuvenation of the brain. It stimulates our higher cerebral functions, improving our overall intelligence and creativity. Sarasvata churna, a powder prepared with this herb, is widely used in attention deficit disorder and helps prevent loss of memory.

Shilajit
Shilajit is a mineral pitch from the Himalayas and carries the healing power of these great mountains. Shilajit possesses great curative powers and is considered capable of treating many diseases, particularly those of the aging process. It is an important rejuvenative and tonic particularly for kapha, vata, and the kidneys, as in the case of people who have long suffered from diabetes and asthma. It can be taken for general health maintenance and is good for those who do much mental work or practice yoga.

Triphala
Triphala, an important ayurvedic laxative formula, has an important usage in yoga. It controls the apana vayu, the downward moving air, and aids in the absorption of prana in the large intestine. It helps balance the metabolism and provides nutrition for the bones and nerves. Triphala facilitates the absorption of pure prana from our food, thus allowing for a more complete practice of pranayama or development of the life-force.

Tulsi (Holy Basil)/ Ocinum sanctum
Tulsi is a form of basil that is an important herb for clearing the mind and brain and for increasing both wisdom and devotion. It promotes our higher pranas and is excellent for colds, flu, and sinus allergies. It is good to put a little tulsi in the water that one drinks.

in reference with Ayurveda and Pancha Karma by Dr Sunil Joshi

You can also use some essential oils to keep surrounding fresh like Peppermint, Lavender, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Essential Oil. They are readily available in the market as well as online. To buy it online click here

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Benefits of Giloy: Swine Flu and Dengue

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 9 Feb 2013 00:22:00 +0530

In Ayurveda, Giloy is one of the most essential herbs in use. In recent times it becomes popular as its name is linked in the treatment of Swine Flu. It is also known as Guduchi in India.It is also known as Madhuparni, Amrita, Chinnaruha, Vatsadaani, Tantrika, Kundalini and Chakralakshanika in different parts of india.

Giloy pacifies all the three Doshas so it is quite effective in diseases of Tri-dosha origin. Below are few of the numerous benefits of Giloy.

Giloy possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties. It is used in common skin conditions and gout. If its juice is taken with Neem and Amla (Indian Gooseberry) it is very effective. You can see the effect in couple of weeks.
Juice of 1 feet long branch of Giloy and seven leaves of Tulsi(Holy Basil); boiled and taken as a herbal drink enhances body’s resistance level up to three times. It also increases platelets count, which decreases considerably in Dengue fever and Swine Flu. So it is one of the potent remedy for Swine Flu and Dengue.
Giloy is quite useful in thirst, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, liver disorders, jaundice, acid-peptic disorder, dysentery and worms. During indigestion the juice is taken or the paste of the leaves is given with butter milk.
Giloy is effective in cardiac debility, blood, disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, gout and anemia.
Because of its Snigdha Guna and Madhura Vipaka; Guyduchi is also a very good aphrodisiac (drug that stimulates sexual desire).
Giloy benefits a lot in prameha – urinary insufficiencies specially diabetes and other disorders of urinary bladder. In Diabetes it juice is taken in good amount regularly.
Its juice is considered very effective in removing both external and internal toxins. It also cleans out the brain toxins that concern mental function.
Giloy is used in chronic fever, malaria and typhoid fever. It is taken with honey. Also the stem of the plant with pipli (piper longum) is taken.
Giloy reduces burning, normalizes temperature, improves appetite and increases the strength.
In piles its juice with butter milk is very useful.
Leaves and root can be used in excessive bleeding during menstruation or if one have bleeding after abortion or delivery. 5grams of its crushed leaves juice is taken in 2 to 3ml in half cup of water and given to the patient till its condition improve.
Giloy is outstandingly good for respiratory troubles particularly in asthma. Patient can chew its root and bark every day for fast results.

Dosages:

Giloy stem powder should be taken in routine to nourish the body physically as well as psychologically.3-6 gm of powder is beneficial.

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Ayurveda prescription for Skin Problems-With Fruits

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 7 Feb 2013 21:04:00 +0530

As we all know that fruits are so very essential for our health and 1-2 serving of fruits daily are always recommended by the doctors, herbalist and other health practitioners. In this post i am writing down some Ayurveda prescriptions by using fruits in solving various skin problems with ease at home.

Acne (muNahasa):

Daub some Lemon juice over acnes and keep it overnight, rinse your face in the morning with warm water. Repeat this process for some days for best results.
Mix a paste of Pomegranate Peal, Lodh Tree bark (Botanical Name: Symplocos Racemosa) and Turmeric Powder in equal quantities with water and apply on the face after steam. Keep in on for 15-20 minutes and rinse.
Rub Orange skin over affected area.

Dryness of skin

Rub the pulp of pear over the affected area. Drinking juice daily is also advantageous.
Apply Lemon juice mix with honey over the skin and rinse after 10-15 minutes is excellent for dry skin.

Freckles

Rub Orange skin over affected area.
Mix a paste of Pomegranate Peal, Lodh Tree bark (Botanical Name: Symplocos Racemosa) and Turmeric Powder in equal quantities with water and apply on the face after steam. Keep in on for 15-20 minutes and rinse.

Abscess (phoda) and Boils (phunsi)

Burn dry peel of lemon, Dry Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves and Acacia (Babool) bark in equal proportion. Mix the ash with oil to form a paste. Apply this paste over the affected area. After some days of application the abscess and boil will release the pub and dry out.
Rub crushed leaves of Bael (Aegle marmelos) tree over abscess or boil for some days regularly. Bael tree is also known as Bengal quince, stone apple or wood apple.

Pimples

Rub Pineapple pulp over pimples for some days twice or thrice a day.
Grape Juice on face will open pores and make it soft, shiny and pimple free.
Rub Orange skin over affected area and drink Orange juice daily for fast results.
Mix Jamun (Jambul) seed powder with milk and apply over the pimples for 20-30 minutes and rinse.

Dark spots and marks

Rub paste of Apricot’s (Khubani) pulp over the affected area. It is very efficient in reducing dark spots and marks on the skin. Drink one glass apricot juice for fast results.

Eczema, Itching, Scabies and Ringworm

Daub apricot (Khubani) leaves juice over affected area for few days.
Boil coconut oil with a pinch of Gandhak (BRIMSTONE) powder and rub over the affected area.
Pear (Nashpati) oil over the affected area is very helpful.

For Shiny Skin

Drink apple juice daily. Eat lot of grapes.

The above mentioned Ayurveda prescriptions are very effective. Always use organic fruits and it is always better to consult herbal practitioner first. Have a clean, beautiful and flawless skin. :)

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Benefits of Jambul(Jamun)-Home Remedies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 3 Feb 2013 23:58:00 +0530

Jambul (Syzygium cumini) is an evergreen tropical tree and is native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Indonesia. This fruit is also known as Jamun in Indian subcontinent and is so popular that even one of the favorite sweet dishes “Gulab Jamun(rose fruit)” got its name from this deep purple fruit.

There are many health benefits of this wonderful fruit, out of which few home remedies for the below mentioned diseases are clarified.

Gums: For stronger gums rub dried Jambul leaves powder on gums. It is also beneficial for bleeding gums.
Mouth Ulcer: Extract juice from the soft leaves of Jambul plant and rinse your mouth, repeat if necessary for fast result.
Dysentery: Jambul sherbet is considered to be quite beneficial for the treatment of dysentery.
Stomach ache: Take 2 teaspoon of Jamun/Jambul Vinegar after food. Jambul vinegar is also beneficial in other problems like liver or spleen enlargement.
Scorpion bite: Rubbing of crushed Jambul leaves over the bitten area helps immensely in relieving bite pain.
Loose Motion: In loose motions take 1-2 teaspoons of bark or leaves juice 3 times a day.
Hoarse Voice: Take Jambul seed powder with water.
Pyorrhea: Rub Jambul bark powder over gums will give instant relief.
Jaundice: Fill a ¾ Glass Jar with Jambul fruit juice and remaining Jar with Rock Salt (sendha namak). Jar should be kept for 45 days before using it. Take 4 spoons of the mixture for jaundice and other liver ailments.
Blood purifier: Jambul sherbet if taken regularly will purify the blood and cleans up the skin impurities like acnes and pimples.

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Want to loose weight? Hydrate yourself first.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:01:00 +0530

Yes it’s true. If you sincerely desire to loose weight then hydrate yourself first with plenty of fluids especially plain water.

Our body preserves fat as a shield against the acids produced by the unhealthy lifestyle that we live. Now days we heavily depends on acidic foods and lifestyles like...

Eating Meat, Chicken, Pork, Turkey and Fish.
Dairy products like butter, milk, cheese including eggs
Bread, pasta, potatoes, baked goods and all products made with wheat or corn flour.
Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
Alcohol, prescription and recreational drugs
Coffee and most commercial teas
Processed or fast foods
Sugar
Artificial sweeteners
Soft drinks and sports drinks
No exercise
Stress, negative emotions and spiritual emptiness

This above factors leads to heavy accumulation of Acids in our body and makes it acidic. While some of the acids are eliminated through the bowels, urinary tract and skin, but whatever is left behind has to be buffered and neutralized. Correspondingly our body manages

to sustain an ideal body temperature of around 98.6 degrees; our body also intrinsically knows to maintain a pH balance that is within very precise boundaries. Ours cleverly created system goes to impressive lengths to keep you in balance by storing fat, building cholesterol plaque, draining calcium from bones, and leaching magnesium out of your heart or muscles. This all happens as your body battles to protect against acid damage.

Conclusion: Avoid taking too much acidic food, Include organic green leafy vegetables and fruits in good quantity in your daily diet and drink at least 8-10 glass of water daily and also drink fresh juices to hydrate your body to maintain pH balance and to avoid weight gain and keeping our body healthy.

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Herbs for Mind and Meditation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 23:03:00 +0530

Many herbs have potent properties to rework and benefit the mind. They can be separated into several main types and usages.

1) Herbs to boost responsiveness and intelligence, strengthening in the mind. They are special stimulant and building agents for the mind and nerve tissue, similar to the tonics for the body. They increase soma (the inner Shakti of rejuvenation, immortality and bliss, which is the supreme creative force) in the nervous system, helping us to gain concentration, contentment and joy and to overcome pain.

Typical herbs: shankha pushpi, brahmi, gotu kola, ashwagandha, haritaki,

shatavari, bala, kapikacchu, arjuna, lotus seeds, shilajit.

How to Use these Herbs?

These herbs, like the tonics for the body which they resemble, are usually taken along with warm milk, raw sugar, raw honey, ghee and other nutritive items to boost their strengthening powers.

2) Herbs to stimulate the mind and senses and develop awareness. These open the channels, increase cerebral circulation and remove mucus from the head. They increase perception, facilitate the process of insight and meditation. They are similar to herbs to move prana (the Life Force).

Typical herbs: Calamus, Tulsi, Basil, Pippali, bayberry, ephedra (ma huang), sage, Elecampane.

How to Use these Herbs?

These herbs are taken along with warm water and honey (particularly honey that is older, which has more drying properties) to improve their effects. They are the main herbs used in nasya therapy (The nasal administration of herbal preparations).

3) Herbs for calming and soothing the mind. These are mild sedative and pain relieving agents, but also slow down the mind for meditation. They are less nutritive than the mind tonics and better for reducing anxiety and agitated nerves.

Typical herbs: Jatamamsi, valerian, nutmeg, passion flower, kava kava, scullcap, lady’s slipper, zizyphus seeds.

How to Use these Herbs?

These herbs may be taken with other soothing agents like ghee or aloe gel to improve their calmative properties. Jatamamsi is regarded as the best.

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Home Remedies for Winter's Cold and Flu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:04:00 +0530

Few Home Remedies that you can take this winter to avoid Cold and Flu

Don’t let the cold be a concern to you this winter.

Try these homes-remedies and keep yourself free from clogged or runny-noses, sore throats and almost all winter common problems. So here are a list of plants and spices that can keep health problems at bay and keep your taste buds ticking.

1) Ginger:

This spice is known for its panaceas qualities. Just add this spice into your daily diet and this antimicrobial and antiviral spice can keep you away from viral infections, sore throat, indigestion, nausea etc. You can take half a teaspoon of ginger juice with honey, or mince fresh ginger with hot soups or can blend it with citrus fruit juices for additional benefits.I have gone through many products online and mentioned below are few products that are organic in nature and that you can buy online

2) Garlic:

Another wonderful spice with numerous therapeutic properties and also anti-Cold remedy. Garlic is antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal in properties

as studies have suggested. Take 1-2 cloves of crushed garlic in the morning will keep you healthy or you can add garlic in soups as well.

3) Mint:

If you have clogged nose or a sore throat or a running fever then mint can be an answer. As mint is a natural source of menthol, a cup of hot mint tea, or eating 3-4 fresh mint leaves can serve the purpose. If you dont have mint plant in your home you can purchase it online in the form of powder. Make sure the powder should be organic for best result. I have searched few for you online.click the pictures to know more

4) Lemons:

As you all know that this citrus fruit is a good source of vitamin C and has been used as a cold remedies for ages. Vitamin C boosts the immune system thus surge the growth of white blood cells which fights infection, thus cut short the life of the offending cold virus. Drink lemon juice mixed with warm water and a dash of honey. The water cuts the acidity of the lemon. The honey is added for a more pleasant taste. Lemon juice also decreases the toxicity of the virus in the body.You can use organic lemon powder available online.

Try these wonderful spices and herbs and keep yourself healthy all winter long.

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Cinnamon benefits - More then just a Spice

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:24:00 +0530

Cinnamon is native to India and Sri Lanka and also grown in Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Egypt, Cinnamon is extensively cultivated as a spice and medicine. Its leaves have a distinctive scent similar to camphor.

An ancient spice, the inner bark of cinnamon leaves a pleasurable and warm taste on the tongue. Its indubitable health benefits are not that well known to the world and still many researches are going on in the different parts of the planet. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

In Ayurveda cinnamon is used for diabetes and now many researches points its effectiveness in Diabetes—Scientists are conducting tests for its efficiency in treating diabetes and hypoglycemic alike as it is emerging to work with insulin to help stabilize and regulating blood sugar levels in the body.

Antimicrobial- Many studies have suggested that Cinnamon has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in un-pasteurized juices. In another study cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections and Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers.

Aromatic-One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory thus for aroma therapy for brain health.

Aid against Digestive upsets and colds-Cinnamon’s stimulant action has made it a favorite remedy for digestive upsets. As an infusion, it helps to soothe gas, bloating, nausea, and indigestion, as well as speed recovery from gastrointestinal infection.

Prevent stomach ulcers- As it has antibacterial and antifungal activity, and acts against Heliobacter pylori, an organism that can cause stomach ulcers.

Good for children- Cinnamon provides good help in treating colds, flu, chest infection, and coughs, its pleasant treatment can be safely given to children.

Other uses- Cinnamon’s ability to stimulate the circulation is often unnoticed; taken long-term; it strengthens blood flow to the hands and feet, helping those with poor peripheral circulation. It can also be taken on a regular basis—one recommendation is a teaspoon of cinnamon powder at night—to support stable blood sugar levels.

Hormonal Balance- Cinnamon holds a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde, which studies show boost the hormone progesterone and reduce testosterone production in women, helping to balance hormones and thus a natural cure for infertility.

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Pumpkin Seeds- Benefits and Usage

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 01:48:00 +0530

While pumpkins are best acknowledged for pie and Halloween in the west and sweet and sour Kaddu (Pumpkin) ki sabji (cooked Vegetable) with poori (small, round, flat bread, deep-fried) for breakfast in Indian subcontinent, its seeds are usually considered as waste and generally thrown away in unawareness.

Pumpkins seeds—also known as pepitas in Mexico—are flat, dark green seeds. Some are enclosed in a yellow-white husk (often called the "shell"), although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds without shells. Pumpkin seeds have a soft, chewy texture and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor.

Pumpkin seeds offer well-established nutritional benefits to us. Full of high-grade essential fatty acids and trace elements. Seeds are a very good source of bone-building phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, other elements like immune-supportive zinc and copper and energy-producing iron along with muscle-building protein (tryptophan-essential amino acid) makes it an excellent food supplement. It is estimated that

around ¼ of a cup of Pumpkin seeds (30 gms approx) provides the Daily Value (DV%) percentage for each of the nutrients.

Nutrients	DV%
Manganese	73.5%
Tryptophan	53.1%
Magnesium	47.7%
Phosphorus	39.7%
Copper	21.5%
Protein	19.5%
Zinc	16.8%
Iron	15.7%
Calories (180)	10%

Pumpkin seeds and Pumpkin seed oil are used as a Demulcent (A substance that relieves irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film.), Deworming agent, Diuretic (Causing increased passing of urine) and a hormonal agent

Seeds and seed oil are often used to treat the early stages of enlargement of the prostate gland, or BPH. Recommended by the German Department of Health, the seeds are often effective at relieving BPH symptoms such as difficulty in urination. The seeds also have an estrogenic activity, so regular intake may prove helpful in relieving menopausal symptoms. The seeds make an effective treatment for worms, notably tape worm, and can be safely used by children and adults, including during pregnancy. Large quantities need to be taken; seek professional advice.

Other important benefits of Pumpkin seeds

Lowers Cholesterol: Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.

Anti- Depressant and against insomnia: Contain L-tryptophan, which helps with good sleep and lowering depression. Tryptophan is converted into serotonin and niacin. Serotonin is also very helpful in helping us to have a good night’s sleep.

Protect against Osteoporosis: are high in zinc, making them a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis. In a study of almost 400 men (age from 45-92) published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition they found a correlation between low dietary intake of zinc, low blood levels of the trace mineral and osteoporosis at the hip and spine.

Diabetes: tests conducted on diabetic animals shown improvement in insulin levels and reduce oxidative stress.

Good for Skin: Are a good source vitamin E; they contain about 35.10 mg of tocopherol per 100 g. The anti-oxidants vitamins A and C, as well as zinc and alpha-hydroxy-acids help to reduce the signs of aging.

Cancer-Related Benefits: Because oxidative stress is known to play a part in the growth of some cancers, and pumpkin seeds are exceptional in their composition of antioxidant nutrients, it's not surprising to find some preliminary evidence of decreased cancer risk in association with pumpkin seed intake.

Alkalizing: Are the most alkaline-forming seed.

Excellent source of Vitamin B: Pumpkin Seeds an excellent source of vitamin B group (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) and folates).

Good for Muscles Growth: Contain good quality protein. 100 g seeds provide 30 g.

Prevent Kidney Stones: According to studies, pumpkin seeds prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation.

Anti-inflammatory: Reduce inflammation for arthritis without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Deworming: Are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites.

How to Enjoy Pumpkin seeds

For daily use just add pumpkin seeds to healthy sautéed vegetables.

Seeds can be sprinkle on top of the mixed green salads or you can grind them with fresh garlic, parsley and cilantro leaves. Mix with olive oil and lemon juice for a tasty salad dressing or just make a fresh chutney Indian style with coriander and mint leaves. You can add pumpkin seed paste to your favorite soup.

Add chopped pumpkin seeds to your favorite hot or cold cereal, oatmeal raisin cookie or granola recipe to enhance its nutritional value.

Dosage and Administration of Pumpkin Seeds: 60-120g. Pumpkin seed decoction as mentioned above is taken; or unhusked pumpkin seeds are ground into powder, mixed with water and taken. But always buy organic seed from the market for full benefits and no side effects.

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Benefits of Saptarangi- Cure for Diabetes and Obesity

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 8 Jan 2013 23:57:00 +0530

Benefits of Saptrangi/Salacia Oblonga

Saptarangi or Salacia oblonga is a native of India and Sri Lanka. It is a woody shrub that grows in rain forests. It bears yellow green flowers with berries as fruits. It contains active constituents, glycosidase inhibitors, Salacinol and Kotalanol 9. Alpha glycosidase inhibitors are saccharides that act as competitive inhibitors of enzymes needed to digest carbohydrates

This plant is traditionally used in Ayurveda for its anti-diabetic properties. Saptarangi is the drug of choice for diabetes by alleviating the root cause of the problem i.e. to correct the working of liver and pancreas. The bark of this shrub is of considerable therapeutic value. Its constituents Salicinol and Kotolanol, controls blood sugar level in Type 2 diabetic patients. Not only in India but many countries are now using it for its superb anti-diabetic and weight loosening property.

According to study at Ohio State University reports that, researchers

gave extracts of the herb Saptrangi (Salacia Oblonga) to 39 healthy adults and the results shows potential. The largest dose of the herb extract – 1,000 milligrams — decreased insulin and blood glucose levels by 29 and 23 per cent, respectively. Another American research on 66 diabetic patients has indicated its efficiency in dealing blood sugar level competently. Smaller Salacia oblonga dose decreased participants' peak blood sugar response by 19 percent, while the bigger dose lowered it by 27 percent. Both doses also tempered the normal post-meal raise in insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar. Even in Japan, the extracts of this herb are used as an ingredient in foods and supplements intended to manage diabetes and obesity.

The bark of the root is used primarily for controlling. It lowers serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride, increases serum HDL (good cholesterol) in type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes patients.

Other benefits of Saptarangi or Salacia oblonga

Saptarangi not only is beneficial in diabetes and obesity but has some other benefits like its usefulness in reducing the inflammation of piles by local application of root paste.

It also acts as a appetizer and digestive, it is useful in loss of appetite dyspepsia etc.
Saptarangi is used in liver enlargement, jaundice and constipation.
Saptarangi is also good in curing the blood disorders.
Saptarangi helps in reducing excessive sweating by emulsifying fatty tissue.
Saptarangi is specially useful to women by alleviating all types of menses troubles specially in excessive bleeding and relives pain and discomfort during menses time ( pre menstrual symptoms)

Recent studies have shown that root extract powder with oil or decoction is also used in treatment of arthritis, kidney and liver problems, gonorrhea and inflammation of joints.

Doses:

Saptarangi root extract may be used as a powder or taken as decoction Root powder – 1 -2 gms can be taken to lower blood sugar.

Note: It is advisable for pregnant nursing women and diabetic patients to take medical advice for dosage and duration of the medicine. So consult some herbal practitioner first before taking.

You can purchase----> Saptarangi/Salacia Oblonga Here or Saptarangi/Salacia Oblonga Here

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Benefits of Artichoke/ Cynara

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 3 Jan 2013 23:43:00 +0530

Artichoke or Cynara or globe artichoke (Hathichak in Hindi) is an European plant (Cynara scolymus) of the daisy family cultivated for its large thistle like flower heads. There are numerous health benefits of Artichoke and is one of the most clinically tested herbs for its amazing benefits. Artichokes leaves contain most of the plant's powerful health benefits. Here is a list of 10 most important benefits that we can get from this miraculous plant.

1) High in Antioxidants: like other green plants artichoke is also known for its antioxidants properties. A study done by the USDA found that artichokes have more antioxidants than any other vegetable and they ranked seventh in a study of the antioxidant levels of 1,000 different foods. Some of the powerful antioxidants in artichokes are quercertin, rutin, anthocyanins, cynarin, luteolin, and silymarin.

2) Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Artichoke helps to prevent some kinds of cancers like prostate cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer. Specific kind of antioxidants in the artichoke includes quercetin and a flavonoids called rutin, both of which are helpful in fighting off illness. Study shows that artichoke leaf extract induce apoptosis (cell death) and reduce cell proliferation in many different forms of cancer. An Italian study found that a diet rich in the flavonoids present in artichokes reduces the risk of breast cancer.

3) Increased Bile Flow: Artichoke preparations a polyphenol antioxidant called cynarin which may relieve digestive complaints through increases in the formation and flow of bile. The increased flow of bile is called choleresis. Bile is excreted from the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the intestine. Bile acids form a complex with dietary fats in the intestine and thereby assist in their digestion and absorption.

4) Good for the Liver: The artichoke plant has been known as a liver tonic for centuries. Artichokes have long been used in folk and alternative medicine as a treatment for liver ailments and the scientific studies are now proving them to be correct. Its natural properties like the antioxidant cynarin and another antioxidant, silymarin, artichokes are very beneficial to the liver. Studies have found they may even regenerate liver tissue help the body get rid of toxins and assist the liver in its vital operations.

5) Better Digestion: As Artichoke stimulates the gall bladder and is natural diuretic, thus aid in digestion and provide relief. Many studies have proved its effectiveness in curing irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.

6) Reduce after effects of Alcohol: Thanks to Its positive effects on the liver, many people has benefited by artichokes for

reducing side effects of alcohol like hangover, unsettled stomach, headaches etc.

7) Heart tonic and Cholesterol Reducer: The cyanic properties in the artichoke help the body to excrete bad cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. They raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

8) High in Fiber: One large artichoke contains approx 1/4 of the daily recommended intake of fiber.

9) Good for Diabetes: Scientific evidence shows that the artichoke can help balance blood glucose levels and help deal with diabetes.

10) High in potassium: Artichokes have a good deal of potassium, a mineral that’s generally good for you. Potassium helps deal with excess sodium, and for those who are taking some kinds of anti-hypertensive drugs, foods like artichokes can be a way to hedge against a potential potassium deficiency.

Side Effects: there are no known side effects of Artichoke, but its always advisable to consult a naturopath before using it.

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To POP a PILL or NOT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 01:31:00 +0530

What will we generally do in the following situations?

1) headache

2) body ache

3) flu and cold

4) diarrhea....

5).....

We just pop a pill.

Drugs are made of synthetic chemicals that must be filtered by your liver, kidneys, and other detox organs. They also drain out vital nutrients necessary for detoxification. In Other words, they add to your body’s toxic burden while reducing its capacity to eliminate them. I am not suggesting you to discontinue taking any medications that your doctor has prescribed. It can be very harmful to you a times. I am asking you to rethink the necessity to pop a pill for everything that ails you. After all, what did people do only a hundred years or so ago, before there were prescription and OTC drugs?

Haven’t you heard that people were healthier and stronger few hundred years back?

These Drugs have Side Effects. Yes even so called mild pills have it.

Side effects can vary from nausea and vomiting, allergic reactions, drowsiness, insomnia, heart problems (such as heart palpitations) and dependence. That’s how our body responds to these unfamiliar chemicals.

Repeated use of medications can weaken your detoxification organs and your body’s ability to detoxify. Drugs do not remove the original causes of the symptoms people take them for; instead, they merely mask them.

Why there is no cure of Life threatening disease like Cancer, Aids and Liver Cirrhosis etc, even after spending millions of dollars on R&D. These drugs don’t cure the root cause they just cover up the cause and give us temporary relief. The cause of the original problem that was covered up by drugs may rear its ugly head somewhere down the road in a much nastier form.

Some Facts.

According to Harvey Diamond, the best-selling health book author of all time with his book Fit for Life, adds: “When the cleansing efforts of the body are suppressed with drugs, the level of toxicity increases until other organs become affected as well, not only with the toxins already in the body but also ... with the added toxicity of the drugs that are administered.”

The Journal of the American Medical Association reported, “Every year more than two million Americans become seriously ill and 106,000 of them die, all from prescription drugs.”28 The study to which they are referring clearly indicates that these deaths are from the correct use of prescribed medications, not from incorrectly mixing medications or taking them incorrectly. That means that more than one million people died in the nineties from the correct use of their prescribed drugs. Drug side effects are the third highest cause of death.

The pharmaceuticals that millions of people turn to for relief from pain, inflammation, and other symptoms are not only causing side effects, they are actually killing many people.

By some estimates, six thousand people die every year from “simple” non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The side effects of these drugs contribute to congestive heart failure, kidney disease, suicidal depression, cataracts, ulcers, macular degeneration, hearing loss, tinnitus, memory loss, fatigue, and liver disease. Whew!

You might want to think twice before popping a painkiller.

The average senior citizen, over age sixty-five, takes thirteen prescription drugs per year. An average American keeps 6 types of pills in his drawer for different problems.

You guessed it: they start out taking one drug for one problem but need another medication to counter the side effects of the first drug, and so on, and so on. That number does not even include the number of over-the-counter medications people are taking. Research has not been conducted to determine all the possible harmful effects of taking so many toxic pills at once.

Things to Do- To Avoid DRUGS.

Learn the use of local available herbs for curing common problems like common cold, flu, headaches etc. Take Homeopathy medicines that work on eliminating the root cause of the diseases. Precaution is always better. Stick to the healthy regime of eating healthy food, regular exercising and keep yourself away from stressful situations.

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Avoid Foods Made with Genetically Modified Organisms [GMOs]

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 00:49:00 +0530

What is GMO?

According to Web Definition, a genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered.

Genetic Engineering (GE) or Genetic Modification (GM) of food involves the laboratory process of artificially inserting genes into the DNA of food crops or animals. The result is called a genetically modified organism or GMO. GMOs can be engineered with genes from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or even humans.

Are Genetically Modified Foods Dangerous?

In November 2012 California voted against Proposition 37, a ballot measure that would have required food companies to label genetically modified products. Over one million people pledged their support for the California Right to Know campaign, but big brands like Kashi and Kellogg opposed the initiative. The companies said labeling would cause extra costs for food producers and make people worried about the safety of genetically engineered crops that pose no health threats.

From breakfast cereal to beef jerky, 80 percent of processed foods are made with ingredients from genetically modified crops, or plants whose gene composition has been altered with the addition of foreign DNA. What’s so great about changing what nature gave us?

The findings:

a). In a study in the early 1990's rats were fed genetically modified (GM) tomatoes. Well actually, the rats refused to eat them. They were force-fed. Several of the rats developed stomach lesions

and seven out of forty died within two weeks. Scientists at the FDA who reviewed the study agreed that it did not provide a "demonstration of reasonable certainty of no harm." In fact, agency scientists warned that GM foods in general might create unpredicted allergies, toxins, antibiotic resistant diseases, and nutritional problems. Internal FDA memos made public from a lawsuit reveal that the scientists urged their superiors to require long-term safety testing to catch these hard-to-

Detect side effects.

But FDA political appointees, including a former attorney for Monsanto in charge of policy, ignored the scientists' warnings. The FDA does not require safety studies. Instead, if the makers of the GM foods claim that they are safe, the agency has no further questions. The above-mentioned GM tomato was approved in 1994.

b). GM crops, including some that are already in our food and animal feed supply, have shown clear signs of toxicity in animal feeding trials – notably disturbances in liver and kidney function and immune responses.

c). Glyphosate, which is applied to make crops resistant to weeds, causes higher plant estrogen levels. Estrogen affects all mammals, including humans, and children are very susceptible to higher estrogen levels, which can be dangerous and pose long term health risks.

d). Genetically altering seeds and foods can pose unknown risks of toxins and allergens that have never been present before. This was seen with an L-tryptophan supplement produced in 1989. This supplement caused the death of thirty seven people and affected more than fifteen hundred more. The bacteria used were altered genetically, resulting in a new and toxic amino acid never found in this supplement before.

e). No Long Term Research, Genetically modified foods have not had long term research done, and very diminutive short term information. The government approved the use of these foods in the food chain under the best guess that the risks were the same as the unmodified plants, and this was a big gaffe. The genetic modification done on the plants can have a dramatic effect on the risks and safety concerns, and there is no long term risk information available to determine if these foods have long term risks.

f). Genetically Modified Food Is Not Labeled, One of the biggest dangers with genetically modified foods is that there are no labeling requirements. These foods make up one fourth of the food supply in the United States, and are in more foods than you may think. Without labeling it is impossible to know which foods have higher risks so that you can avoid them and protect the health of your family.

g). Unknown Genetic Effect on Animals or so to Humans, There is no way to tell if genetically modified foods can have an effect on the genetics of people. At first it was believed by scientists and researchers that the modified genes were destroyed during the digestion process, but recently modified food genes have been found in the brains of some infant mice. This can be very dangerous in infants and children, and poses unknown risks for anyone who eats these foods.

A two year-long French study conducted by Seralini and colleagues published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology (Volume 50, Issue 11, November 2012, Pages 4221–4231) showed that rats fed Monsanto’s Roundup Ready GMO corn suffered high rates of fatal cancers.

Approximately 50 percent of male rats and 70 percent of female rats died in the study. Prior to the publication of the study, the only published results of animal studies concerning GMOs were based on experiments run for no longer than 90 days. The researchers in the French study saw exponential increases in animal cancers after the 90-day period.

h). Less Nutritional Value, When genetically modified food crops are fed to animals, the result can be unexpected. When genetically altered soybeans were used as part of the diet for dairy cows, the resulting milk had higher percentages of fat in it. This factor shows that the genetically modified foods should not be considered just as safe as the traditional food.

i). Insect Resistance, Foods which are genetically altered to minimize the need for pesticides can actually cause an increase in chemical use over time and produce insects which become resistant to commonly used pesticides. This can create insect problems that can threaten the food supply and result in food shortages.

TIPS FOR AVOIDING GMOs FOODS.

TIP #1: ALWAYS BUY ORGANIC

Certified organic products are not allowed to contain any GMOs. Therefore, when you purchase products labeled “100% organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic ingredients,” all ingredients in these products are not allowed to be produced from GMOs. For example, products labeled as “made with organic ingredients” only require 70% of the ingredients to be organic, but 100% must be non-GMO.

TIP #2: LOOK FOR“NON-GMO” LABELS or PROJECTS SEALS

Companies may voluntarily label products as “non-GMO.” Some labels state “non-GMO” while others spell out “Made without Genetically Modified Ingredients.” Some products limit their claim to only one particular “At-Risk” ingredient such as soy lecithin, listing it as “non-GMO.”

TIP #3: AVOID AT-RISK INGREDIENTS

Avoid products made with any of the crops that are GM. Most GM ingredients are products made from the “Big Four:” corn, soybeans, canola, and cottonseed, used in processed foods.

Some of the most common genetically engineered Big Four ingredients in processed foods are:

Corn

■ Corn flour, meal, oil, starch, gluten, and syrup

■ Sweeteners such as fructose, dextrose, and glucose

■ Modified food starch*

Soy

■ Soy flour, lecithin, protein, isolate, and isoflavone

■ Vegetable oil* and vegetable protein*

Canola

Canola oil (also called rapeseed oil)

Cotton

Cottonseed oil

*May be derived from other sources Additionally, GM sugar beet sugar recently entered the food supply. Look for organic and non-GMO sweeteners, candy and chocolate products made with 100% cane sugar, evaporated cane juice, agaves, or organic sugar, to avoid GM beet sugar.

TIP #4: GROW YOUR OWN FOOD. This way you know exactly what was grown, and what went into growing it.

TIP#5: AVOID BUYING THE UNDER MENTIONED FOODS UNLESS YOU ARE 100 SURE

1. Corn: As many as half of all U.S. farms growing corn for Monsanto are using genetically modified corn,” and much of it is intended for human consumption. Monsanto’s GMO corn has been tied to numerous health issues, including weight gain and organ disruption.

2. Soy: Found in tofu, vegetarian products, soybean oil, soy flour, and numerous other products, soy is also modified to resist herbicides. As of now, biotech giant Monsanto still has a tight grasp on the soybean market, with approximately 90 percent of soy being genetically engineered to resist Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup. In one single year, 2006, 96.7 million pounds of Glyphosate was sprayed on soybeans alone

3. Papayas: This one may come as a surprise to all of you tropical-fruit lovers. GMO papayas have been grown in Hawaii for consumption since 1999. Though they can’t be sold to countries in the European Union, they are welcome with open arms in the U.S. and Canada.

4. Canola: One of the most chemically altered foods in the U.S. diet; canola oil is obtained from rapeseed through a series of chemical actions.

5. Cotton: Found in cotton oil, cotton originating in India and China in particular has serious risks, because farmers are given GMO seeds bye the govt. approved companies.

6. Dairy: Your dairy products contain growth hormones, with as many as one-fifth of all dairy cows in America are pumped with these hormones. In fact, Monsanto’s health-hazardous rBGH has been banned in 27 countries, but is still in most US cows. If you must drink milk, buy organic.

7. Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Closely related, these two squash varieties are modified to resist viruses.

The dangers of some of these foods are well-known. The Bt toxin being used in GMO corn, for example, was recently detected in the blood of pregnant women and their babies. But perhaps more frightening are the risks that are still unknown.

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Rose - Flower with Beauty and Numerous Therapeutic Uses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 00:44:00 +0530

Benefits of Rose

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

A rose is a woody, thorny plant of the Rosaceae family. There are more than one hundred species of roses, with large showy flowers in many different colors. Roses are considered native to Asia, but are also grown in Europe, northern Africa, and North America.

Roses hold a definite supernatural history. Their exotic beauty and alluring smell have fascinated humans for thousands of years. It’s just not a symbol of love on Valentine’s Day but this striking beauty holds key to alleviate anxiety, headache, asthma, depression, stress, and more. Let’s find out how.

Rose petals and Rose-hips have many therapeutic properties but before explaining about them let me clarify to you that now days roses are commercial grown and are not fit for your ingestion, as they might have been sprayed with harmful pesticides. So, make sure to buy only organic grown roses or harvest them at your own place.

Rose Petals

Rose petals are used in making essential rose oil that is steam distilled by crushing. The byproduct of steam distillation is rose water, which is an excellent relaxing agent, soothes the nerves and adds flavor to a variety of dishes across the world. Rose essence is rich in flavonoids, tannins, antioxidants, and vitamins A, B3, C, D and E, making it beneficial in skin care.

If Rose Petals are not available at your place, you can simple use rose jam (Gulkand- Indian Sub-continent name). Rose Jam is available in the market.
You can purchase Rose Jam (Gulkand) online also

Uses of Rose oil, water, and Essence are as follows.

Rose Water Uses

Rose water is an effective astringent that reduces swelling of capillaries beneath the skin.
Rose petal tea is efficient in cleansing the gall bladder and liver, and it helps improve bile secretion. Rose petals are dried and crushed to make tea.
Rose tea also helps in alleviating mild sore throats and bronchial infections. The tea cools the body and reduces fever-related rashes.
Rose petals are an important ingredient in eye washes as well, as it is antiseptic in nature.
Rose water benefits include nourishing the scalp and improving hair growth. It is medicinally used as an antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory product. It is also used to treat dry scaly skin, dermatitis, and eczema.

Always buy Organic and Non-GMO products for better results. You can buy Rose water online by clicking on the picture below

Essential Rose Oil Uses

· For allergies and asthma, use 3-4 drops in a diffuser or 8-10 drops in bath water regularly.

· To better bear anger, depression, grief, jealousy, and resentment, use 3-4 drops in a diffuser.

· To alleviate anxiety and nervous tension, use 2-3 drops in carrier oil and massage on body, or add 8-10 drops to bath water.

· To ease headache and migraine, use 3-4 drops in a hot or cold compress (whichever works best for you). Can also use 3-4 drops in a diffuser.

· To restore libido, use 6-8 drops in a bath, or use 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage on body.

· For overall skin care, mix a few drops in a carrier oil and massage on body. Can also be mixed with water and applied to face; especially good for mature and/or sensitive skin.

Be sure to use essential rose oil, not an artificial fragrance. Undiluted rose oil is very costly, but even essential rose oils that have been diluted with other, less expensive oils still have some therapeutic properties.

You can Buy Rose Essential Oil from the store near you or you can buy it online.Click the picture to buy it online.

Rose Hips

Harvest Rosehips after they have turned red.
Rosehips have many uses. During the Second World War they were collected and turned into rosehip syrup, a healthy tonic owing to its high level of vitamin C. A study published in "Planta Medica Journal" by researcher S.J. Ziegler detected the high levels of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in rose hips. It is said that the rose hip fruit contains more vitamin C levels than fresh citrus fruits, like oranges or grapefruits. A single cup of fresh rose tea is equivalent to approximately fifty to sixty citrus oranges. They are also high in potassium, B Carotene, and Niacin.

They also have anti-inflammatory properties and are useful for relieving joint pain. The syrup has also been given to patients to treat coughs and colds. Wine made from rosehips and confetti from rose flowers, thrown at weddings has enlivened country life since Culpepper’s day.

Rose tea bestows therapeutic properties that can calm the central nervous system and help ease and give some relief for mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders. Rose tea can also help patients afflicted from chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia and nervousness. One or two cups of rose tea must award some health benefits to the drinker.

There are no known side effects related to the use of rose water or Rose oil; nevertheless, it is best to consult when using any product as a means of treatment.

Uses of Rose at Home

Rose Hip Honey- Gather and then freeze rose hips. Once frozen remove all seeds from the pulp and fill a glass jar with the pulp. (Discard seeds.) Fill the jar with honey and let sit on the counter for about three days. Make sure to turn jar upside down everyday. For long term storage, keep in the fridge. Enjoy on toast, pancakes, or in teas.

Rose Petal Honey- Gather rose petals when they are in full bloom and look vibrant. Fill a glass jar with the petals and then cover with honey. Stir well, and refill if necessary. Turn it upside down a couple of times a day and it should taste heavenly by about a third day. Spread on toast, pancakes, or use in Green tea.

Rose Hip Syrup-

Gather and rinse rose hips well. Remove any stems or flower remnants. Bring two cups of water to boil and add two cups of rose hips. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the water has been reduced by half. You can add cloves, cinnamon sticks and allspice to enrich it further. Allow to cook slightly and then strain through a jelly bag. Add one cup of honey (or to taste) to the liquid. Stir until combined and place in a glass jar to be stored in the fridge. Enjoy this special treat as you would maple syrup. Rose Hip Syrup can be use as base to produce all sort of lip-smacking concoctions.

Rose Hip Sorbet- After making the syrup place the liquid in a glass container and allow to cool. You can add a couple tablespoon of alcohol to the mixture to keep it from freezing to hard. This can be as simple as vodka or a special liqueur. After the mixture is cool, cove and place in the freezer for several hours.

Rose Hip Cordial-

after making the syrup add a half part brandy to the mixture. Allow to cool and then bottle. This gets better with age.

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Aloe Vera and Amla for Natural Body Detox

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:05:00 +0530

Aloe Vera and Amla (Indian Gooseberry) are two amazing plants which are available world wide and can easily be grown in your backyard. See my post for more info. They are easy on the pocket (even if you can’t grow them, they are readily available online and in local markets) nevertheless very beneficial and worth spending few bucks every month on them. Aloe Vera and Amla complements each other well. This nutrient packed potion detoxifies our body from harmful toxins.

How to Use it?

Juicing is the best way to use them together. 20 ml of Amla juice + 20 ml of Aloe Vera juice mix with around 50 ml of water. Drink this mixture empty stomach in the morning and before meal in the evening daily for best results.

What are the Benefits?

Amla is a strong antioxidant as it holds good amount of Vitamin C which is equivalent to two Oranges. (An Antioxidant is a substance that reduces damage due to oxygen, such as that caused by free radicals. Well-known antioxidants include enzymes and other substances, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene, which are capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation. Antioxidants may possibly reduce the risks of cancer. Antioxidants clearly slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.) Amla itself is beneficial in curing problems like diabetes, cerebral, gastro, cardiovascular illnesses, low libido and many more. Read my article on Benefits of Amla or Indian Gooseberry for more information.

Aloe Vera is an exceptionally powerful plant and it has close to 100 ingredients works extremely well together (synergistically). The ingredients in Aloe can be grouped into the following categories: Vitamins, Minerals, Sugars, Enzymes, Lignins, Amino Acids, Anthraquinones, Saponins, Fatty Acids, Salicylic Acid.

Aloe Vera (barbadensis miller) contains over 20 minerals, all of which are essential to the human body. The human body requires 22 amino acids for good health -- eight of which are called "essential" because the body cannot fabricate them. Aloe Vera contains all of these eight essential amino acids, and 11 of the 14 "secondary" amino acids.

Aloe Vera has Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. Vitamins cannot be
manufactured within the body, and some cannot be stored by the body, so it is necessary for the diet to sustain a continuous supply. Read my earlier article on Benefits of Aloe Vera for more information.

Thus, when Amla and Aloe Vera are mix together, it forms a magic potion that keeps you healthy from inside and outside (especially for those who yearn for staying young for long)

Note: When you start drinking it you may feel feverish, or running nose or you may experience head aches or one or two loose motions. Doesn’t be surprise with that and don’t stop using it. This generally happens as your body is detoxifying itself from harmful toxins and needs to flush them out. You can help your body’s detoxification process by drinking at least 2-3 liters of water daily. These symptoms will subside with in a day or two. With in days you will start experiencing more energy and newness in your body

Start taking this magical potion and keep yourself in shape, healthy and youthful ever after.

Also Read How to Grow Aloe Vera at Home

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St. John’s Wort for Emotional Disorders

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 19:29:00 +0530

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of the most commonly used herbs in the United States. It is a shrubby perennial plant with bright yellow flowers. St. John's wort was named because the flowers were said to bloom for the first time around June 24, the birthday of St. John the Baptist. The word "wort" means "plant" in Old English.

St. John’s Wort is commonly associated with depression. Many herbalists feel, however, that it is best suited to mild cases of the blues, especially when related to seasonal affective disorder or lack of healing energy from the sun. Studies are still going on for the treatment of other emotional disorders such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), menopausal mood swings, and premenstrual syndrome.

I first think of St. John’s Wort as being a nervous system tropical restorative. Besides lifting the spirits, St. John’s Wort brings relief to painful and even infected nerves. I use the oil or liniment on nerve pain such as sciatica. It’s also a fabulous match for viruses that attack the nervous system such as in the case of cold sores and shingles.

Externally it has wonderful healing abilities against rashes, burns, and wounds. Some people use the oil to prevent sunburns and an external wash to heal sunburns. Other herbalists caution against too much St. John’s Wort causing photo sensitivity.
If taken for some time St. John’s Wort can help ease insomnia and promote restful sleep. Gail Faith Edwards has used it to help her children with bed wetting.

Other uses of St. John’s Wort are Hypothyroidism Neuralgia, sciatica and back pain, Pain from deep wounds, cold sores and herpes, Spinal problems, Joint pain, Aging Trauma and Eczema. Also St. John’s Wort is Indicated for Stomachache, colic, lung congestion, insomnia, anemia, headaches, jaundice, catarrh, Carcinoma (type of cancer), bedwetting, melancholy, uterine cramps, menstrual problems, antidote for intestinal worms.

Side Effects: Not to be taken together with the contraceptive pill, anti-epilepsy treatments and a number of other medications including anti-depressants. Consult your doctor first if you are using any of these.

Dosages: St. John's Wort can be obtained in many forms: capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas, and oil-based skin lotions. Chopped or powdered forms of the dried herb are also available. Most products are standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin.
Dry herb (in capsules or tablets): The usual dose for mild depression and mood disorders is 300 mg (standardized to 0.3% hypericin extract), 3 times per day, with meals. St. John's Wort is available in time-release capsules.

St. John’s Wort is also available as a liquid extract or a tea. Ask your doctor to help you find the right dose.

It may take 3 - 4 weeks to feel any effects from St. John's Wort.

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Benefits of Stinging Nettle/ Bicchu-Booti

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Dec 2012 00:04:00 +0530

Stinging nettle is a gently acting nourishing herb that is powerfully healing for many complaints. This power packed greens is rich in vitamins A, C, iron, potassium, manganese, and calcium and is use as a remedy in the treatment of arthritis, allergies, Urinary problems, digestive problems, skin problems and many other diseases.

To eat nettles fresh, pick them in the spring when

they are about a foot above the ground. I’ve found that I can tend a patch of nettles, especially in the shade, and get multiple cuttings from them. Once the nettle is older it’s of less or no use for medicine. Wear Gloves while harvesting them to avoid its stings which are present underside of the leaves. The sting in nettle is caused by formic acid, and has been used intentionally to reduce arthritic pain in joints, a practice called urtication.

Cooking and drying nettle takes away its sting. To cook the greens, boil them in water for several minutes, strain the water (which can be drunk as is or added to soups) and use as a cooked green. Nettle is so versatile there are endless possibilities.

Every portion of stinging nettle is a powerful ally. Nettle is high in numerous vitamins, minerals, and even protein. By extracting these nutrients into water we make them especially easy to absorb. Stinging nettle's ability to stop all kinds of internal and external bleeding has been recognized since centuries by Ayurveda doctors and considered it a good blood purifier.

It’s very beneficial for women especially for nursing mothers produce milk and it also stimulate the digestive glands of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gall bladder.

Taken as a tea, it has been found to help cure mucus congestion, skin irritations, water retention, and diarrhea. The beverage is also said to help Applied externally, nettle tea — it is claimed — relieves rheumatism in both people and animals, makes a first-class gargle for mouth and throat infections, helps to clear up acne and eczema and promotes the healing of burns.

It’s diuretic in nature so kidney patients must seek advice from a practitioner before use.

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