Siddha Home Remedies

Siddha Medicinal Herbs: Medicinal Benefits of Karisalankanni

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:35:00 +0000

Herbs undoubtedly are gifts of nature. People until a few hundred years ago were treated with herbs for all ailments that afflicted them. They absorbed all the benefits of a herbal concoction and regained their lost health. Through various flushes, their immune system was strengthened which in turn eradicated the disease symptoms and restored good health. The present day scenario is a complete contrast. We are treated with chemicals for our symptoms. The root cause of a disease is not taken into account in most cases. Mindless use of chemicals in all spheres of life, stress etc has forced people to live with diseases. The sedentary lifestyle, junk food and the like worsen the disease scenario.

But all is not lost say the Siddhas of yesteryears. There is still hope and herbs can still clean up the mess created by humankind. Herbs are still capable of cleaning our bodies of the toxins. One such herb that has very powerful medicinal and cleansing properties is karisalankanni. It is regarded as a kayakalpa herb. Siddha saints have praised the herb for its medicinal properties in the Siddha texts hundreds of years ago.

There are a few variants in the herb based on the color of the flower. Yellow or manjal karisalankanni is deemed the best in terms of its medicinal value. White karisalankanni is found almost everywhere. There are also blue, and red flower varieties.

Recent studies have shown that the herb possesses excellent hepato-protective properties. The herb can strengthen the liver, increase production of bile, reduce inflammation etc. The herb taken along with kizhanelli, another powerful herb, can cure jaundice in a matter of days. It is also an excellent remedy for fatty liver. It is an excellent liver cleanser. It helps regain appetite and in some cases cure hemorrhoids.

This is an excellent herb for women. Women suffering from menstrual problems make use of this helpful herb to normalize their irregular periods. The herb takes care of excessive bleeding.

Karisalankanni arrests hair loss and helps luscious hair growth. Bhringraj is a famous Ayurvedic hair oil prepared using the karisalankanni herb. Regular application of this oil is found to help shiny, luscious and dark hair growth. The leaves of the karisalankanni are dried in shade, powdered to a fine consistency, and added to boiling coconut oil. The oil is then allowed to cool and stored in a bottle in a cool dry place. Application of this oil on a regular basis helps arrest hair fall and aid hair growth.

The juice obtained from the fresh leaves of karisalankanni herb is useful in treating cough and phlegm in chest. Sesame oil and karisalankanni juice are added in equal quantities, boiled and allowed to cool. 5-10ml of this remedy is taken once a day for a week or two as needed. It also aids in losing weight. It slows down ageing and promotes good health.

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Natural Hair Conditioner Chembaruthi

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 18:01:00 +0000

The shoeflower plant (chembaruthi/chemparuthi/chemparathai) is well known for its hair conditioning property. Called chembaruthi in Malayalam, the flowers and leaves of this plant have immense medicinal value. The single layered flower with five petals is used medicinally instead of the multilayered flower called adukku chembaruthi.

The chembaruthi flower is found to strengthen the heart. Chembaruthi flowers can be boiled in a glass of water and reduced to half. Jaggery or palm candy is added to this decoction to make it more palatable. This is taken in the mornings on a regular basis to benefit the heart. This also increases sperm count and improves sperm motility. Shoeflower is also found to have anti-diabetic properties.

The leaves of chembaruthi can be used as a hair conditioner. A handful of fresh shoeflower leaves is collected and a fine paste is made out of it. This paste is applied on hair in place of a conditioner shampoo. After five minutes it can be washed off. It will provide a dark and soft look to the hair. The hair will have a nice bounce and shine. People with sinus problems should not use these leaves as a hair conditioner as it can worsen their sinus difficulties.

The paste of shoeflower leaves when consumed internally can heal stomach ulcers. For this either fresh leaves or dried and powdered leaves can be taken. In case of fresh leaves, they can be made into a paste and a small marble sized paste is taken internally for a week. The flowers too can be used either fresh or dried and powdered.

Diabetics can take one flower or bud once a day, to keep their glucose levels in check. It also removes toxins from blood and cleanses it. Chembaruthi tea strengthens the heart and heals inflammation of urinary tract.

The paste of shoeflower leaves has anti-fungal properties and can be applied externally over areas affected by fungal infection. It also heals chronic ulcers.

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Medicinal Benefits of Neem Flower

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 18:24:00 +0000

Neem flower has numerous medicinal properties that benefit the young and the old.

It is useful in treating ailments of the stomach.

It neutralizes excessive pitha in the body.

It expels intestinal worms in kids.

It helps recovery after debilitating fevers.

The neem tree is called ‘village dispensary’ in India. All parts of the neem tree have medicinal uses. The neem tree blooms in the months of March and April. The tiny looking neem flower is an excellent source of antioxidants.

Thoroughly cleaned, fresh neem flowers can be ground to a fine thick paste. A small marble sized paste of neem flowers can be added to milk and given to children for 2-3 days in the mornings. This is found to expel intestinal worms.

Decoction made of fresh neem flowers is found to help kids with craving for dirt. Adults with potbelly can take neem flower decoction on a regular basis to control and bring down their waist size. Siddha texts recommend eating in moderation, the rule of thumb being the stomach should have 50 percent food, 25 percent water and 25 percent remaining empty. In short, overeating is frowned upon by the Siddha system. Eating healthy and in moderation along with neem flower decoction everyday can take care of even stubborn potbellies.

Steam inhalation with neem flowers relieves headaches, ear aches etc.

The flowers collected are cleaned and dried in shade thoroughly. Dried flowers are soaked in honey and stored in a bottle. Half a spoonful of this honey soaked neem flowers can be taken in the mornings regularly. This is found to strengthen the body with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

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Mediicinal Benefits of Banana Flower

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 01:31:00 +0000

All parts of the banana plant have medicinal value including the banana flower. The banana flower or vaazhai poo in Tamil, is well known in the rural parts of South India for its healing action on stomach ulcers. The banana flower or banana blossom is available throughout the year. It is used in preparing some tasty and healthy dishes in South India.

Banana Flower for Stomach

The flower is found to help scanty and painful urination. Soup made of banana flower is an excellent natural laxative. People suffering from pain and burning sensation in hands and soles of the feet can benefit from taking vaazhai poo on a regular basis. Bad breath and sweat odor can become a thing of past with regular consumption of banana flower.

Stomach bloating and bilious vomiting can be arrested with consumption of vaazhai poo. Male infertility can be overcome with regular consumption of vaazhai poo. Kidney stones can be cleared with vaazhai poo. Burning sensation in anal area can be cured with consumption of vaazhai poo thrice or four times a week.

Banana Flower for Women

Banana flower juice mixed with honey or palm candy benefits white discharge in women. This should be taken on empty stomach first thing in the morning. Similarly women with excessive menstrual flow can benefit from taking banana flower regularly. This helps with painful menstruation too.

Juice of vaazhai poo 100 ml taken in the mornings thrice or four times a week reduces cholesterol levels in blood. this also purifies it.

Banana Flower for Obesity

Obese people can take a soup made of banana flower. Finely cut banana flower, ginger, garlic, coriander leaves are boiled together and reduced to half. A pinch of salt can be added to taste. This is taken four to five times a week. This is found to be helpful in weight management.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Benefits of Thulasi (Holy Basil)

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 18:35:00 +0000

Herbs have been used in religious ceremonies since time immemorial. Arugampul (Bermuda grass), vilva, neem, thulasi are some examples. Thulasi or Holy Basil is the prasada given to devotees in Indian temples. Thulasi thirtha or holy water infused with thulasi leaves is beneficial to both body and mind.

Thulasi is a kayakalpa herb. It grows to a height of 75 centimeter to a meter with small hairy leaves and hairy stem. It has white flowers and small black seeds. Siddha and Ayurveda medicinal systems make use of thulasi to treat fevers, vomiting, dysentery, malaria, bronchitis etc. Unani medicinal system uses thulasi to purify blood, treat heart conditions and cool the body.

Tulsi is used in treating

Ailments of chest including cough, cold, bronchitis
Fevers like malaria, pneumonia and influenza
Heart conditions
Cholera, dysentery
Migraine
Asthma
Smokers cough
Inflammation of lungs
Blood pressure
Abdominal distention
Liver diseases
Hemorrhoids
Anal itch
Skin diseases
Leprosy
Head lice
Menstrual disorders
Poisonous bites
Nail infections

Thulasi for Children

Thulasi or holy basil is known to clear chest congestion in infants. For this infants are fed milk mixed with juice of tulsi leaves. This also helps cure indigestion and loose watery stools in kids. One method to treat whooping cough in infants - collect mature dry tulsi leaves and flowers, long pepper and sweetflag in equal quantity by weight. Grind and powder all the three to a fine consistency. Half a teaspoon of this preparation is mixed with honey and given twice a day.

Thulasi for Asthma

Four tulsi leaves and four vilva leaves along with four peppercorns are taken first thing in the morning on empty stomach. This is thoroughly chewed and then swallowed down. This helps ease labored breathing of asthmatic patients.

Thulasi for Heart

Juice obtained from thulasi leaves is mixed with honey of equal quantity. A spoonful of this is taken in the mornings on empty stomach on a regular basis. This is found to benefit irregular palpitation and strengthen the heart muscles.

Tulsi for Lungs

Fresh tulsi leaves are crushed to obtain 25-50 ml of juice. This is added to ginger juice of same quantity. A spoonful of this mixture is taken with honey for a month or two depending on the intensity. This is found to bring down inflammation of lungs. This relieves asthma, cough etc. In case of influenza, a pinch of powdered cloves and salt are added to tulsi steeped water and taken three times a day.

Tulsi for Teeth

Tooth cavity and diseases of gums can be taken care of with the help of thulasi. Press powdered thulasi leaves, powdered cloves and a pinch of camphor on affected tooth. The same preparation can also be used as a tooth powder. This takes care of inflamed gums and removes bad breath.

Thulasi home remedy for Bloody Hemorrhoids

Juice obtained from crushed thulasi leaves 250 ml is added to kuppaimeni juice of equal quantity. Castor bean oil 250 ml is added to this mixture and boiled thoroughly to remove the moisture content. 50 ml of the resulting oil is taken at night for a week. This is found to relieve hemorrhoids.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of Karpooravalli

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 11:53:00 +0000

Karpooravalli (Mexican Mint) or Omavalli in Tamil is a herb often used to treat cough and cold. The botanical name is Coleus aromaticus.

Stuffy nose, body pain, neck pain, headache, cough and cold are some ailments that predominately affect almost everyone during the winter season. One of the herbs much sought after to treat these conditions is karpooravalli (coleus aromaticus). It can be grown in the home garden just like the holy basil.

The karpooravalli herb has a hairy stem and thick hairy rugged looking but soft leaves with toothed edges. The leaf has an astringent taste. The mature leaves of the herb has good amount of menthol which helps in reducing the inflammation due to phlegm in chest. It is a herb used in treating all types of cough, as well as an excellent expectorant. it induces sweat and brings down the temperature in fevers.

Karpooravalli for Children

The medicinal property of the leaf can be utilized in a number of time tested ways. Thoroughly cleaned karpooravalli leaves can be put in boiled and cooled drinking water and then filtered off after 1-2 hours. By this time the water would have turned slightly greenish. This water can be given to children for drinking purposes. Doing this for a couple of days brings down the intensity of cough and cold in children.

One well known method of treating tough chest phlegm in kids is as follows. Collect equal quantity of karpooravalli and holy basil leaves. Saute the leaves slightly and then crush them to collect 5-10ml of juice from the leaves. This is given twice a day, both morning and evening after food. Regular intake for a week expels even the toughest of phlegm in a gentle painless way.

Karpooravalli for Adults

Karpooravalli, thoothuvalai, vallarai leaves of equal quantity are collected dried and powdered. One spoonful of this powder is taken in 150 ml water and boiled and reduced to 75 ml. A bit of palm jaggery is added to this decoction to taste. This preparation is taken twice a day to strengthen the lungs. Asthmatics can experience marked improvement in their labored breathing with regular intake of this remedy.

Also juice of karpooravalli leaves taken with honey in the mornings can help cure runny nose, phlegm, cough, throat infection etc.

Karpooravalli Herbal Powder

This can be prepared as follows. Take karpooravalli leaves, adathoda leaves and dry them in shade. Thippili and sitharathai are taken in equal quantities and fried in small heat. All these are powdered to a fine consistency. This powder is taken with honey three to four times a day for a couple of days. This takes care of cold, cough, and phlegm and clears the airway passage.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal benefits of Greens

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 05:14:00 +0000

Greens (keerai in Tamil) had been part and parcel of South Indian diet from time immemorial. It is considered an easily digestible food than flowers, vegetables, and tubers. Though taking greens everyday is a healthy habit, it should not be taken at night. Taking greens at night can lead to formation of gas in the stomach and other gastric inconveniences.

Care should be taken in selection of greens. Greens with dark black patches should be avoided as they may be contaminated with heavy metals. Also avoid worm infested greens.

Pasalai keerai (Spinach)

This is said to have blood cleansing properties. It strengthens the liver and pacifies pitta. It is a well known remedy for diseases related to the urinary system. People with painful or difficult urination can benefit from taking spinach on a regular basis.

Sirukeerai (Amaranthus Polygonoides)

This greens belong to the amaranthus family. Singers can benefit from taking cooked Amaranthus polygonoides regularly. This is found to preserve and improve their voice. It also works wonders in the case of mouth ulcers and stomach ulcers. Regular consumption of this greens also benefits those with hemorrhoids. Skin conditions like scabies and eczema respond well to consumption of this herb.

Mulai keerai (Amaranth)

This is a tasty green consumed extensively in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Recipes made of this green are very tasty as well as healthy. It cools and energizes the body. The more mature greens of this family is the ‘thandu keerai’. A very good blood cleanser, this green is also strengthens the heart. It loosens stools and helps treat painful and difficult urination due to increase in body ‘heat’.

Pulicha keerai

Known as gongura in Andhra Pradesh, there are numerous tasty recipes made using this green. Consuming this green helps constipation, stomach ulcers and digestive disorders.

Pannai keerai (Celosia argentea)

Pannai keerai has immense medicinal value. Regular consumption of this greens helps ward off ulcerative colitis, stomatitis, sore throat and similar conditions. This has a sweetish-sour taste and is found to be useful in treating eczema and venereal diseases. It loosens the stool and helps in easy bowel movement.

Ponnanganni keerai

Ponnanganni (Alternanthera Sessilis) is an excellent coolant. It neutralizes excessive acidity in the body. It helps keep away bad breath. It is useful in treating skin conditions like scabies, eczema etc and improves the skin tone and texture. It is an excellent herb for hair growth. Application of coconut oil boiled with ponnanganni leaves, shoeflower (hibiscus), arugampul helps in luscious hair growth.

Manathakkali keerai

This greens action on ulcers is well known. It has been very effective in treating all types of internal ulcers, stomach and mouth ulcers. Taking this greens twice or thrice a week keeps the body alkaline and takes care of acidosis, which is considered to be the root cause of all modern diseases.

Thoodhuvalai keerai

This green is an excellent remedy for people suffering from sinus related conditions. Thoothuvalai leaves can be ground to a fine paste adding a bit of tamarind and salt for taste. This paste is taken with hot rice twice or thrice a week. This green has a tendency to increase ‘heat’ in the body and hence should be taken in moderation.

Mint

Mint is well known for its action on gas. It adds strength to the body and improves digestion. Kashayam made of dried mint leaves is found to help with jaundice, stomach aches, headaches, hiccups, nausea and vomiting. Dried and powdered mint leaves can be used to treat mouth ulcers. It is also a well known breath freshener.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of Seenthil Kodi

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 04:47:00 +0000

Seenthil is an herbaceous climber that grows in plenty in the foot of hills in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand etc. This climber is known by the name of Guduchi in Sanskrit. It is also called amirthavalli, kundali, somavalli etc in various parts of India. There are three varieties of seenthil, known as seenthil, por seenthil, paey seenthil or agaaya garudan, also known as kollan kovai. The mature parts of the climber have immense medicinal value. It gives out yellow flowers during the month of May - July and matures into fruits in September – December periods.

The great Siddha sage Theraiyar makes mention of this wonderful herb in his songs. Patients suffering from diabetes can benefit immensely by using seethil climber to their advantage. The leaves of this climber can be used for this purpose. The seenthil climber leaves are collected, washed and then dried in shade for a couple of days. It is then powdered to a fine consistency and taken in the mornings and evenings. A teaspoonful of this powder in a glass of water would be the recommended dosage.

Seenthil climber 50 grams, coriander 5 grams, adhimadhuram 5 grams, fennel seeds 5 gm, paneer flower 5 gm are boiled in 500 ml water, allowed to cool for a couple of hours and then filtered. 50 ml of this seenthil steeped decoction is taken thrice a day for gas, indigestion and stomach problems.

Seenthil sakkarai is a kind of salt obtained from this climber. Seenthil sakkarai is well known for its medicinal value in Siddha world. It has the potential to heal kapha diseases and well as a good number of skin diseases, especially of the itching and oozing types.

Kashayam made of seenthil tubers (seenthil kizhangu) induces appetite. For this, seenthil tubers are dried in shade and powdered to a coarse consistency. A spoonful of this powder is boiled in four glasses of water and reduced to one glass. People who suffer from loss of appetite, abdominal colic, indigestion, fever etc can take this kashayam twice a day till the conditions improves.

Seenthil leaves are useful in treating non healing wounds and ulcers. The leaves are softened over heat and then crushed to obtain the juice. This is then applied on the wounds and ulcers. Regular application helps in healing of these wounds.

People suffering from the effects of a vitiated pitta can make use of seethil leaves to pacify pitta. Vitiated pitta leads to vomiting of bile, vertigo, loss of appetite, skin irritation, yellowish tinge to the skin, lethargy etc. One well known preparation to pacify pitta is a kashayam using seenthil kodi 15 gm, parpadaagam 15 gm, vettiver 15 gm, sandalwood 15 gm, korai kizhangu 15 gm, sitramutti 15 gm, dried ginger (chukka) 15 gm. These ingredients are ground together and then boiled in one litre of water and reduced to half. This is taken twice a day, morning and evening. This is prepared fresh every day. This preparation pacifies the aggravated pitta and restores the harmony of vata, pitta and kapha.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Benefits of Cumin Seeds

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Cumin seed is used extensively in Indian cuisine to add taste and aroma to the recipes. The Tamil word for cumin seed is seeragam ‘the one that regulates and keeps the body healthy’. It is an excellent coolant. It adds vitality and freshness to those who take it regular. Cumin seeds hold a special place in Siddha medicinal system.

A handful of cumin seeds can be taken either raw or in powered form in the mornings. Regular consumption helps get rid of worms from the intestines. Some may experience a sort of burning sensation in the stomach region. This kind of persists even after drinking good amount of water. Consumption of gassy foods (potato, cauliflower, cabbage, beans, broccoli, cheese, cream, beer etc) can lead to such conditions. Or this can be due to indigestion. To treat such conditions, a paste made by grinding cumin seeds to a fine consistency using a few drops of water, is applied on the stomach as a thin layer.

Pregnant women can tackle morning sickness and other similar problems with the help of cumin seeds. During the early stages of pregnancy women tend to suffer from nausea and vomiting. This pregnancy sickness can be a very debilitating and distressing one. This occurs at any time of the day. A handful cumin seeds powdered and taken with lemon juice is found to be helpful in dealing this condition. Women who suffer from excessive menstrual bleed can benefit from taking cumin seeds.

100 gm of cumin seeds is added to 2 litres of sesame oil and allowed to boil. As the seeds start to break, the oil is removed from and heat and then stored in bottles. Regular application of this oil onto the scalp is found to be helpful in treating headache, vomiting, vertigo etc.

Cumin seed is used in treating scorpion stings. For this purpose a paste of powdered cumin seeds, salt, honey and butter is used. This mixture is placed on the sting spot. This helps to neutralize the toxin present in the venom.

Cumin seeds is helpful in treating constipation. Patients suffering from chronic constipation should chew a few cumin seeds thoroughly and swallow down the juice. This helps in curing indigestion as well as constipation. A pinch of powdered cardamom and cumin seeds taken in equal quantity is found to benefit people who suffer from gas. This can be taken three times a day for better results. Also cumin seeds taken with palm candy, is an excellent rejuvenator.

Cumin seed water is a common drink in South India, especially Kerala. This is prepared by adding a teaspoon of cumin seeds to boiling water (around 5 litres). The water is boiled for a minute or two and then allowed to cool. This cumin seed water is an excellent natural immune enhancer. It is recommended for colic, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion etc. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It induces sleep. Cumin seed water can help singers improve their voice. It also helps them keep cough, throat irritation etc at bay.

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Siddha Home Remedies for Jaundice (Manjal Kaamalai)

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:44:00 +0000

Jaundice is caused by the increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. This results in yellow pigmentation of the white of the eyes, skin etc. Jaundice is classified into three categories namely pre-hepatic, hepatic and post-hepatic, based on the pathological conditions of the patient.

An increased breakdown of red blood cells can lead to pre-hepatic jaundice. When the pathological process is in the liver, for example hepatitis, this results in hepatic jaundice. Post-hepatic jaundice is also known as obstructive jaundice. Here the bile drainage is interrupted leading to jaundice. Hence a combination of liver function tests is essential in arriving at the diagnosis of jaundice.

The characteristic symptom of jaundice is the yellow pigmentation of the conjunctiva. The urine is yellow colored. There may be pain in the upper right abdomen area where the liver is located. Aversion to food, loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation etc are the other symptoms. In some cases there may be a mild elevation in temperature.

Kizhanelli is a very potent Siddha home remedy for jaundice. Kizhanelli is a tiny herb with very small rounded leaves. This can be found in plenty in damp areas like river banks and near lakes and ponds. Known as stonebreaker, the botanical name for this herb is Phyllanthus niruri.

Kizhanelli kudineer is a Siddha remedy for jaundice that can be prepared using kizhanelli, cardamom and tailed pepper (piper cubeba). A decoction of this herb is prepared with the whole plant along with two cardamom pods and two piper cubeba seeds in 200 ml of water. The water is reduced to one-fourth. 40 ml of this decoction is taken twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening.

Other alternative is to take the whole kizhanelli plant, two cardamom pods and two piper cubeba seeds and grind them to a thick fine paste using water as needed. A (kalkam) bolus of 5 gm is taken with buttermilk or milk two times a day. This is called ‘kizhanelli kalkam’ in Siddha medicinal texts.

Another herb that has a very beneficial effect on liver is ‘karisilankanni’, the False Daisy plant known for its anti-hepatotoxic activity. The ‘karisalai kalkam’ is prepared using a handful of karisalankanni leaves and pepper 1-2 gm ground to a fine paste. A bolus of 5 gm is taken twice a day with buttermilk.

For the treatment to be effective, these Siddha home remedies should be prepared fresh each time. Some time tested Siddha remedies for jaundice that are available in the market include sangu parpam, silajit parpam, annabedhi chenduram, mandoora chenduram etc.

Application of keezhanelli thailam or karisaalai thailam on the scalp for 10-20 minutes before bathing is a well known complementary treatment to those mentioned above. Pancha kalpam made of neem seeds, kadukkai, gooseberries, turmeric, and pepper is an alternative to these oils. This kalpam is applied on the scalp for 10-15 minutes and then washed off with warm, tepid water.

Karisalankanni and kizhanelli are easily available all over South India. Frequent consumption of these herbs strengthens the liver and helps prevent recurrence of jaundice.

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Siddha Home Remedies for Gingivitis

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum tissue mostly due to plaque. When left untreated, this can lead to periodontitis, a destructive form of gum disease that can result in loss of tooth, infection of jaw bones etc. Some of the symptoms of gingivitis include swollen gums, bleeding gums after brushing, bright red or purple gums, tender and painful gums.

Conventional medical texts say that bacterial plaque causes gingivitis. Plaque gets concentrated in the tiny gaps, also known as plaque traps, between teeth. One such trap is the tartar formed on teeth. Gingivitis can be prevented with daily brushing and flossing. Hydrogen peroxide as mouthwash is found to be effective in preventing gingivitis.

Conventional treatment for gingivitis includes removal of plaque and reduction of oral bacteria. Of late, using essential oils as mouthwashes is found to be beneficial in treating gingivitis.

Siddha medicinal system uses tripalai (triphala) kudineer to treat gingivitis. The three ingredients of tripalai are kadukkai (Terminalia chebula), nellikkai (Embilica Officinalis), thanrikkai (Terminalia Belerica). 10 gm of the pulp of each of these ingredients is taken and ground to a powder of coarse consistency. This is then added to 800 ml of water and boiled and reduced to one fourth. 30 ml to 50 ml of this infusion is used as a mouthwash and gargle.

One advantage of this mouthwash is unlike the conventional mouthwashes this does not disturb the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth. The herbs have good wound healing properties and rapidly heal the gingival ulcers and strengthen the gums.

One simple complementary remedy would be ‘nallennai koppulithal’ or ‘oil pulling’ with sesame oil. Oil pulling helps in maintaining oral hygiene and quick healing of gingivitis. Oil pulling or oil swishing is the process where a tablespoon of sesame oil taken and swished in the mouth first thing in the morning, for 15 to 20 minutes till the oil loses its viscosity and becomes thin. The oil is then spat out, and the teeth brushed in the regular manner.

The tripalai and oil pulling regimen should be continued until the resolution of gingivitis. Oil pulling can be continued and made into a regular practice to prevent formation of tartar in the future. Oil pulling has a number of other health benefits too. Neem and cinnamon twigs can be used in cleaning the teeth. While extensive scrubbing with twigs can damage the gums, when used in moderation they are very effective in curbing bad breath, and offer the same protection as tooth brush without any chemical laden toothpastes.

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Some Common Siddha Medical Terminologies

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:23:00 +0000

The Siddha medicinal system is one of the oldest systems of medicine, older than Ayurveda by a couple of centuries. It was the Siddha system that first put forward the adage ‘food as medicine and medicine as food.’ It said man the ‘microcosm’ is the reflection of the ‘macrocosm’ Universe. The simplicity of the system masked its inherent potency and dynamism to effect cure with the help of herbs, minerals, metals and animal products.

This system originated in South India and the texts are in Tamil. The general philosophy of the Siddha system is similar to Ayurveda in almost all aspects. Disease is the imbalance of the three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha. Environment, diet, climate and stress can cause this imbalance. Of the five basic elements earth, water, fire, air and ether, earth and water corresponds to kapha, fire corresponds to pitta and air corresponds to vata.

Diagnosis involves examination of tongue (na), varna (color), swara (voice), kann (eyes), sparisam (touch), malam (stool), siruneer (urine), and naadi (pulse) for disease symptoms.

The treatment regimen strives to reestablish the lost balance. The Siddha system goes a step further and helps maintain the regained equilibrium with the help of lifestyle changes that include diet and disciplined life. The aim of the system is to attain Kaivalya or perfection. For this it has developed the Kayakalpa chikitsa, a discipline for longevity.

The seven elements combine together to contribute to the psychological and physiological functions of the human body. The seven elements are saram (plasma) essential for growth, nourishment and development; next is cheneer (blood) to nourish muscles; third is oon (muscle) that provides the body shape; fourth, kozhuppu (fat tissue) responsible for lubrication of joints; fifth elumbu (bone) for structure, locomotion and posture; sixth moolai (brain) for strength and seventh is sukkilam (semen) for reproduction. Adequate nurture of these seven elements is essential for good health.

The three treatment modalities are namely deva maruthuvam (divine), manuda maruthuvam (human), asura maruthuvam (surgical) methods. The deva maruthuvam makes use of chendooram, parpam, kuligai, pashanams etc in treating a disease. The manuda maruthuvam has within its repertoire churanams, vadagam, kudineer etc obtained from herbs, to treat disease conditions. Asura maruthuvam involves incision, blood letting, leech therapy etc.

This can be further classified into nine categories based on the therapy namely emetic therapy, purgative therapy, steam therapy, fasting, yoga therapy, solar therapy etc.

Siddha remedies were prepared making use of medicinal herbs and shrubs (thavaram), inorganic substances (dhatu) and animal products (janganam). The dhatus are further classified into salts (uppu), pashanam, uparasam, loham (metals), rasam (mercury) and gandhagam (sulfur).

One notable difference between Ayurveda and Siddha systems is in their philosophical outlook on the actions and predominance of the three humors in human life cycle. Ayurveda is of the view that kapha dominates childhood followed by pitta in adulthood and vata in old age. Siddha system holds a diametrically opposite view. It emphasizes the dominance of vatam in childhood followed by pittam in adulthood and kapham in old age.

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Medicinal Uses of Cactus Flower, Shenbaga Flower, Pichi Flower

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 05:39:00 +0000

Prickly Pear Cactus Flower Remedies

Flowers of prickly pear cactus are used medicinally to treat various disease conditions. Prickly pear cactus belongs to the cactus family and is known as paddle cactus for its resemblance to the ball and paddle toy. The delicious fruit obtained from this cactus is called tunas. It is grown widely in Europe, Middle East, USA, Mexico, South America, India and in many other countries. Mexico exports a large quantity of this plant to Japan as herbal medicine. This resilient shrub grows well in arid conditions.

The prickly pear cactus flowers have the ability to cure hemorrhoids. For this purpose the flowers are dried in sun. The dried flowers are then placed on the piles and tied with a white piece of cloth. This is repeated for a few days. This is a simple Siddha home remedy for hemorrhoids.

Cactus flowers are ground to a fine paste using a few drops of water. A thick paste is then applied on toenail fungus. This is continued till a complete cure is obtained. This is a painless home remedy for nail fungus.

The paste prepared as mentioned above is also an excellent remedy for joint pains, especially of the toes and foot. A thin layer of this paste is applied on the painful joints.

Shenbaga Flower Remedies

The botanical name for shenbaga poo is Michelia champaca. It belongs to the ancient family of Magnoliaceae that dates back to 95 million years. The Indian folk medicine uses remedies from this flower to treat many diseases.

A kashayam is prepared using shenbaga flower buds along with poppy seeds, fenugreek and pepper. This is an excellent remedy for phlegm in chest. This kashayam is taken twice or thrice a day for a couple of days depending on the intensity.

This flower is a coolant. Shenbaga flower soaked coconut oil is applied on head and allowed to remain so for ten to fifteen minutes and then washed off. This is found to cool down the body.

Pichi Flower Remedies

Pichi flower is a well known coolant used extensively in South India. The heady scent of this flower relieves headaches. Females suffering from headaches can adorn their hair with these flowers; regular usage is found to relieve them of headaches, earaches, shoulder pains and pains in the nape. Pichi flower strings can be used for this purpose.

Pichi flowers are dried in sun and then added to coconut oil. Regular application of this oil on the body results in smooth and soft skin with no blemishes. The oil can be applied on head for 10-15 minutes and then washed thoroughly. This cools the body and mind.

For treating blackheads the flowers are soaked in lemon juice. Frequent splashing of this flower soaked juice on the face of the face is found to be effective in removing blackhead.

One simple and effective Siddha home remedy for acne and pimples is to make a fine paste of pichi poo or pichi flowers and sandalwood. Application of this finely ground paste on acne and pimples results in rapid and effective relief.

Consuming a few pichi flowers raw in the mornings on an empty stomach help in clearing up a bloated tummy.

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Medicinal Uses of Tomato Flower, Cauliflower and Ponnanganni Flower

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 06:10:00 +0000

Flowers have been used as home remedies from time immemorial. Indian traditional systems are replete with remedies that utilize various flowers found in nature. In this post I would like to share with you home remedies that are made using of tomato flower, cauliflower and ponnanganni flower. This is a continuation of the series of flower remedies that I have been blogging about for sometime.

Tomato Flower Remedies

Tomato is an edible fruit that is said to have originated in South America. It is consumed raw, added as an ingredient in many dishes and drinks. It is considered a vegetable for culinary purposes which can confuse many. There are around 7500 varieties of tomatoes grown all over the world. Genetically modified and enriched tomatoes are being developed by scientists and this has led to lots of controversies. It is safe not to use GM and enriched varieties of tomatoes.

And now for the flowers. Paste made of almonds and tomato flowers is an excellent herbal face pack that cleanses the skin and keeps it firm and beautiful. Inhaling the scent of tomato flowers has been effective in relieving headaches.

Tomato flowers can be crushed and added to yogurt. Rock candy is added to this and taken as a remedy for stomach ulcers. Similarly tomato flowers are taken with palm candy as a remedy for intestinal ulcers. Juice obtained from crushing the flowers is added to onion juice and taken in the mornings. This is an excellent ‘body coolant’.

Cauliflower Remedies

Cauliflower belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Though white cauliflower is common, there are orange, green and purple colored varieties available. The phytochemicals present in cauliflower is beneficial to human health. Boiling the flower can lead to loss of these beneficial compounds.

It is found to be an aphrodisiac and improves libido. It is rich in calcium. Cauliflower can be taken raw after keeping it immersed it in hot water for sometime.

Thoroughly dried and powdered cauliflower can be added to milk and taken to improve immunity.

Ponnanganni Flower Remedies

The botanical name for ponnanganni is Alternanthera Sessilis. It is also known as sessile joyweed. This grows well in damp and wet spots, mostly around shores of ponds, rivers and lakes. The leaves as well as flowers of this plant have immense medicinal value. Regular consumption of ponnanganni flower improves eyesight. Night blindness can be cured by regular consumption of raw ponnanganni flowers.

Taking a decoction of the flower and cumin seed powder is found to cure eye irritation due to excessive heat. A handful of fresh ponnangani flowers are collected and soaked in half a liter of coconut oil. A spoonful of this flower soaked oil is taken in the mornings for increased energy and vitality.

Flowers should be cleaned thoroughly in running water before preparation of remedies. Regular consumption of the above mentioned remedies help in curing various health conditions without any side effects.

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Medicinal Uses of Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 06:21:00 +0000

Snake gourd flower

Snake gourd or serpent gourd is a vegetable obtained from Trichosanthes cucumerina, a vine found mostly in the tropical regions. The vegetable is popular in South Asian cuisine. The shoots, leaves, flowers all have medicinal value. This soft fleshy vegetable can grow to a length of 1 m to 1.5 m and has a bland taste. Snake gourd flower is well known for its alkaline property.

Poriyal (Tamil word for dish made from shallow frying of vegetables or flowers) made from thoroughly washed snake gourd flowers is good for the eyes. People with burning sensation or itching in the eyes due to ‘body heat’ can take this regularly for a few days to cool their bodies.

Juice extracted from the flowers (this can be done by crushing the flowers) is mixed with papaya latex and the ensuing paste is applied on eczema, scabies etc. Regular application of this mixture is very effective in curing these skin conditions.

One cure for dry cough is to mix honey with snake gourd flower juice (the juice should be slightly heated and then brought to room temperature before mixing). The mixture should be applied externally on the throat as a thin layer. Regular application results in quick healing of dry cough.

Vallarai flower

Vallarai herb grows abundantly in shady areas by the side of rivers and water bodies. This herb is called brain tonic because of its action on brain tissues. It enhances memory, intelligence, complexion, voice etc. It is an excellent herb for anemia. Flowers of this herb also serve the same purpose.

Vallarai flowers can be dried in sunlight and then powdered to a fine consistency. This can be taken with milk. This is an excellent memory enhancer. The same can be mixed in tender coconut water and taken once in the mornings. This helps alleviate tuberculosis symptoms.

Bitter melon flower

Bitter melon or bitter gourd is the most bitter of all fruits that grows widely in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean etc. Known for its distinctive warty exterior, bitter melon comes in different varieties and shapes. The leaves and shoots of the bitter melon plant are eaten as greens. Tea made from the leaves is used in preventing and treating malaria. It has substances like charantin and lectin which have hypoglycemic properties.

Bitter melon flowers have anti bacterial and anti viral properties. The juice obtained by crushing the flowers is an excellent vermifuge. This is taken orally for expulsion of worms from the intestines.

Ajwain water (Caraway seeds) is added to crushed bitter gourd flowers and taken in the mornings and evenings. This is a very effective remedy for painful, bloated stomach.

Decoction of bitter gourd flower is an excellent remedy for controlling blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. For this eight to ten bitter gourd flowers are taken and boiled in four glasses of water. The water is reduced to one glass and allowed to cool. This is taken in the mornings on empty stomach.

The flowers are dried in sunlight for a couple of days. The dried flowers are added to buttermilk and taken in the mornings for a week or two. This is found to be an excellent cleanser.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Tue, 24 May 2011 13:21:00 +0000

Sapota Flower

Sapodilla or sapota (chikoo in Hindi) fruit grows in plenty in India. Both young and old love this exceptionally tasty fruit. It is rich in minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidant tannins. This fiber rich fruit is a good laxative and helps in relieving constipation. Ripe sapota is a storehouse of potassium, copper, iron, folate, niacin etc. Because of the carbohydrate content, people with diabetes should take this fruit in moderation.

The sapota flowers are rich in medicinal value. The flowers are small and have a bell-like appearance. You can find these flowers on the tree throughout the year. These flowers can be taken raw. A couple of these flowers when cleaned and taken raw can induce appetite.

Taking water steeped with well-dried sapota flowers helps in strengthening the gut and intestines. Similarly fresh flowers are soaked in honey for a few days and taken in the mornings and evenings. This is said to provide a nice glowing, sheen to the skin.

The sapota flower is ground to a fine paste using a few drops of water. This finely ground paste is then mixed in buttermilk. Taking this buttermilk is found to heal throat ulcers. This should be taken once everyday, till the symptoms disappear.

Guava Flower

Guava is yet another fruit that young and old love to eat. A very common fruit found in the Asian countries, this is available almost throughout the year. Guava is rich in folic acid, potassium, copper and manganese. It has a high concentration of Vitamin C. Due to its high fiber content, it relieves constipation and helps in easy bowel movement. The guava flower has numerous medicinal properties.

The flowers can be made to a thick chutney (thuvaiyal) with boiled split peas and taken with rice. This is said to have high nutritive value. Similarly fresh guava flowers are dried and then crushed and steeped in warm water. Drinking this water helps in relieving itchy skin, eczema, rashes etc.

Custard Apple Flower

Custard Apple is a tasty fruit rich in nutritional value. Custard apple is rich in Vitamin C. It also contains magnesium and potassium. The dietary fiber of the fruit helps in easy digestion. It also helps in curing vomiting, diarrhea, vertigo etc. The flowers of custard apple can be used in treating various health conditions.

Well dried custard apple flowers help in getting rid of lice and dandruff. For this the dried flowers are ground to a fine powder. While bathing the powder is applied onto the scalp and left for 5-10 minutes. The flower is also an excellent laxative. Taking custard apple flower steeped warm water in the mornings and evenings will help in easy bowel movement and prevent constipation.

Drinking custard apple flowers soaked milk is said to be helpful in treating diseases of the lungs. 5-10 flowers are to be soaked in a glass of milk for 2-3 hours.

Rectal prolapse in children is a very painful condition. To treat this, custard apple flowers are boiled in water and then allowed to cool to a bearable level. This water is used in cleaning the rectum after evacuation.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Benefits of Bottle Gourd Flower

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:37:00 +0000

Bottle gourd, called suraikkai in Tamil, is used in the making of some tasty South Indian dishes. One of the oldest of cultivated plants, the bottle gourd plant is a climber which grows vigorously. The bottle gourd flower looks very tender and matures into bottle gourd. The flower is an excellent coolant. It can be taken raw.

The bottle gourd flower can be added to rice flour and made into an ‘adai’ (a thick dosai or sort of pancake). Taking this ‘adai’ for breakfast provides you with energy and freshness. Also you can soak a couple of these flowers in tender coconut water the previous night. The next day morning you can drink this flower soaked water. This is found to benefit your eyes and helps keep them cool.

A handful of soaked fenugreek seeds and four to five bottle gourd flowers can be ground to a fine paste and taken with milk before going to bed. This is said to cure ulcers in the stomach. Similarly you can make a paste of boiled split green gram and these flowers. This should be mixed in hot rice. A few helpings of this hot rice can help alleviate stomach ache due to “heat”, stomach irritation etc.

One way to cure toothache is to rinse your mouth with bottle gourd flower steeped water.

Thoroughly boil four or five bottle gourd flowers in two glasses of water and allow it to cool. Drinking this liquid is beneficial for those suffering from eye irritation or knee pain.

A couple of bottle gourd flowers along with garlic are sauté in sesame oil. One natural way to relieve abdominal gas is to take these sauté flowers and garlic. This also pacifies the stomach and other internal organs.

Bottle gourd flowers along with bottle gourd act as coolants. In India, you can find these flowers around February – April time. Regular intake of this flower during the hot summer season is found to be beneficial to the stomach.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Brinjal Flower

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:40:00 +0000

Most of the flowers found in nature have medicinal value. You can find flower buds, petals, full blown flowers used in preparing various traditional and folk remedies. There are many not so well known flowers that possess excellent medicinal properties. And one such is brinjal flower or eggplant flower.

The sight of a full blown brinjal flower is soothing to the eye. This flower has the potential to pacify the imbalance of pitta dosha. People suffering from anemia can benefit from taking milk that is mixed with paste of eggplant flower and mango flower. For this purpose equal quantity of these flowers are taken and made to a marble sized fine paste and mixed in a glass of cow’s milk. This is taken before going to bed.

For those suffering from ‘body heat’, one remedy is taking a paste made of brinjal flower and fenugreek seeds. This paste needs to be taken a couple of days to get the desired result. And once you experience a reduction in the ‘body heat’, you can stop taking the paste further.

In case of vitiated pitta, one way of pacifying it would be to take a paste made of brinjal flower and dry ladies finger seeds. This is found to relieve most of the pitta related diseases.

For poisonous bites, people in villages make a thick paste of brinjal flower, small onions and turmeric and place it on the affected area. This is very effective in neutralizing the poison.

One remedy for headache is to prepare a paste of ginger and brinjal flower and apply a thick layer of this paste on the temple, forehead etc.

In case of tuberculosis couple of brinjal flowers are steeped in boiled water and taken regularly. This is a complementary treatment found to be very effective. This is also found to help heart problems.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of Ladies Finger Flower

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:30:00 +0000

Ladies finger flower has more medicinal value than the plain ladies finger vegetable. Ladies finger is helpful in bringing sugar levels under control in a diabetic patient. For this purpose 10 numbers of ladies finger along with 20 numbers of cluster beans and 10 numbers of small onions (sambar onions) are cut to small pieces. Eight glasses of water is added to these and boiled. Reduce it to 2 glasses. Take one glass of this preparation in the mornings and evenings. Regular intake for two to three days will bring the sugar to manageable levels.

Now for the medicinal uses of ladies finger flowers.

• Consumption of raw flower is said to strengthen the nerves.

• In case of gas in stomach, the flower is taken with jaggery.

• Saute the ladies finger flowers in sesame oil and apply the oil on grazes and cuts. This will cure them very rapidly.

• The flower is ground with Turkey berry to a fine paste. It is added to rice along with a little ghee. This is an excellent natural deworming remedy. It helps in elimination of worms through feces.

• Soak a couple of flowers in virgin coconut oil the previous night. Apply it on scalp and body the next day morning and let it soak for 30 minutes. Follow it up with a warm water bath. This helps in improving and maintaining good skin texture.

• The flowers are ground to a fine paste and added to tomato juice. This is an excellent remedy to cool the body in hot summer.

• Ladies finger flowers are ground along with palm jaggery and taken in small marble size. This is said to strengthen the body and muscles.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Use of Plantain flower

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:37:00 +0000

Plantain is the third of the ‘mukkanis’ of Tamil Nadu, the other two fruits being mango and jackfruit. Plantain fruit or banana flower is the main ingredient of some of the tastiest dishes of Tamil Nadu. The whole plantain tree has medicinal properties. The plantain pith is an excellent detoxifier. People with burns are made to lie on big plantain leaves. Food served in banana leaves has a distinct flavor. Bananas taste good as well help in preventing constipation. People in South India take couple of plantains after food to aid easy digestion as well as elimination.

Some of the medicinal preparations as well as benefits of plantain flower are given below.

Plantain flower is generally cool in nature. Cooked pulse and plantain flower are ground to a coarse paste and taken with rice. This helps to cure stomach ulcers.

Drinking plantain flower soup mixed with cumin seed powder can cure inflammation of eyes.

Regular intake of dishes made of plantain flowers help in treating eye afflictions.

Plantain flowers cut to small pieces and sauté in sesame oil can be taken for treating throat ulcers, phlegm in chest etc.

Plantain flowers dried and powdered and taken with honey can help in treating vata diseases. When taken with buttermilk it cures nervous debilities.

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Jackfruit Flowers: Home Remedy for Hydrocele & Boils

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:56:00 +0000

Photo courtesy flickr, peregrin@

Jackfruit is the national fruit of Bangladesh. It is the second of the top three tastiest and nutritious foods, according to the Tamil literature, the first being mango. Experts are of the opinion that the name jackfruit originated from the Malayalam word chakka. It is also the largest tree borne fruit. Jackfruit flower has a wonderful smell and has excellent medicinal qualities.

Jackfruit grows well in tropical lowlands. It has been cultivated in India some 5000 to 6000 years ago. It is grown in Brazil, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines too.

Jackfruit is rich in vitamin A and anti-oxidants. It also has B-complex group of vitamins. It has potassium, manganese, magnesium and iron. The flesh of ripe jackfruit bulb is very delicious and nutritious.

Now for the benefits of jackfruit flowers.

Women suffering from irregular menstrual cycles can prepare a kashayam of jackfruit flowers and take it regularly. To prepare the kashayam, a handful of the flowers are boiled in 8 glasses of water and reduced to four glasses. The water is then cooled down and taken early in the morning on empty stomach. This helps in regulating irregular menstrual cycles.

The flowers can be ground to a fine paste and then mixed with honey and taken orally. This is found to benefit digestive disorders.

Jackfruit flower is useful in treating hydrocele. Handful of the flowers is collected and ground to a paste and this paste is applied over the affected area. Regular application is found to have brought down the swelling.

Steam boiled jackfruit flowers are helpful in treating boils. For this the steam boiled flowers are kept on the affected areas and then dressed over. The boils subside after a few applications.

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Mango Flower for Mouth Ulcers and Throat Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:55:00 +0000

Tamil culture regards mango, jackfruit and banana as ‘mukkani’ or ‘the three best fruits’ in terms of their taste and nutritional value. The flowers of mango, jackfruit and banana are also valuable medicinally and nutritionally. Siddha texts as well as local folklore recommend preparations made using these flowers to treat various ailments that afflict us. I will share with you tips on various flowers and their medicinal uses in my subsequent posts. To start with I will dwell upon the medicinal uses of mango flower.

Mango is indigenous to India and grows well in tropical and sub tropical areas. It is the national fruit of India. People in villages use the tender mango leaves to clean their teeth. Unripe mango has a sour taste and is used for making pickles. The kernel of mango seed has immense medicinal value.

In India, mango trees flower during the January - April period. Raw mangoes start arriving in the market in February, March followed by ripe mangoes from April to June, July etc.

Mango Flower for Throat Problems

Collect mango flowers and clean them thoroughly in pure water. Boil them in pure water for a few minutes. Collect the water after filtering out the flowers. Mix lemon juice to this water. This can be used as mouth gargle. This cures most of the throat ailments.

Remedy for Diarrhea

Collect handful of dried mango flowers. Add 1-2 teaspoons of cumin seeds to it and powder them. Mix a teaspoon of this powder in a glass of warm water. This is an ideal remedy for loose stools. Another alternative is to mix a teaspoon of dried mango flower powder in yogurt and taken as needed.

Mango Flower for Mouth Ulcers

Mix a spoonful of dried mango flower powder in buttermilk and take this thrice a day for a week. This is an effective remedy for treating mouth ulcers and stomach ulcers. Another method is to fry the flowers in sesame oil and taken as needed.

Strong Gums

Chew fresh mango flowers for strong teeth and gums.

My next post will elaborate on jackfruit flower remedies.

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Hemorrhoids Treatment in Siddha System

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:29:00 +0000

The veins in the rectal region enlarge due to many reasons and this result in hemorrhoids. Some experts are of the opinion that due to the excessive pressure and strain exerted during bowel movements this increases the pressure on the veins which eventually swell up. Mainstream medical system classifies this condition broadly into two categories namely internal and external hemorrhoids.

Statistics reveal an increase in the number of people who suffer from this condition. Changes in food habits and lifestyle especially of people living in large cities result in constipation. Constipation is considered to be the main culprit. When stool stays longer than usual in the large intestines, it loses most of its fluids and gets hardened. The hardened stool has to be evacuated with pressure which injures the anal region. When this turns into a regular feature, the veins enlarge and result in this condition.

Symptoms

One of the chief symptoms is the pain and bleeding when passing stools. In case of external hemorrhoids, the engorged veins might stick out after a bowel movement. Due to leaking of fluids, there will be itching in the anal region. This is confirmed with the help of a thorough medical examination including an anoscopy. This also helps to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding like polyps, colon cancer etc. Hemorrhoids are graded as first, second, third and fourth degrees. The first degree bleed but do not prolapse, second degree would prolapse but retract, third degree need to be pushed in after a prolapse, and the fourth degree remain external.

Causes

• Constipation is considered to be the chief cause.

• Heredity, this can run in families.

• Less or no intake of fibers.

• Eating spicy and hot foods too often.

• Excessive intake of meat.

• Eating too much resulting in straining the digestive system.

• Spending too much in traveling, like salesmen, businessmen etc.

• Sitting on a hard surface for hours together each day.

• Cycling too much everyday.

• Working in a hot environment, for example near boilers, etc.

Cure in Siddha

The Siddha medicinal system classifies this condition into 21 different categories based on various signs and symptoms.

Symptoms according to Siddha System

• Frequent constipation.

• No bowel movement even when you have the sensation.

• Pain in the anal region with defecation.

• Eliminating in bits and pieces.

• Sensation of heaviness in lower abdomen.

• Distended lower abdomen with pain.

• Itching of anus.

• Thirsty feeling.

• Loss of taste and sour taste in mouth.

• Loss of appetite.

• Black tarry stool.

• Blood in stool, dripping of blood after bowel movement.

• Night sweats and shivering of hands and legs.

When the above-mentioned symptoms are found, it is time to see a Siddha specialist who will feel your pulse and prescribe a treatment regimen according to your nature.

Advanced cases cannot be reversed to normalcy. So it would be prudent to avoid constipation which causes this condition. Seek medical help in the early stages lest it may worsen the condition.

Fresh fruits and vegetables should be taken in plenty and should form part of your daily menu. Raisins soaked in water the previous day can be taken next day morning to aid easy bowel movement. Fibrous vegetables and fruits play a major role in preventing constipation. Also reduce the intake of processed foods and oily substances. Keep away from fast food and junk food. Meat should be avoided as far as possible. It may be taken once in a month in moderate quantity. Mutton is preferred to chicken or beef.

My subsequent posts will describe some ways to prevent this painful condition, and some treatments in the early stages.

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Constipation Treatments in Siddha

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:14:00 +0000

All of us would have experienced constipation at one time or other in our lives. When we are away from home for a couple of days, most of us would not have a comfortable bowel movement till we get used to the new environment. Though occasional constipation causes no harm except for the uneasy feeling associated with the condition, it would be a cause for concern if the frequency of constipation increases. Siddha and Ayurveda systems regard constipation as the root cause of most of the diseases.

When the stool remains for longer periods in the large intestines, all the fluids in it gets removed and the stool gets hardened. Violent and prolonged suppression of the urge for a bowel movement is not good and if this is repeated enough number of times, the urge then stops eventually. Similarly applying pressure to defecate when there is no urge for a bowel movement can lead to constipation. Leading a sedentary life with no physical activity leads to lesser muscular movement of the ribs and stomach. This reduces the movement of food through the intestines. This can result in constipation. Constipation can also be a side effect of certain drugs. Some experts are of the opinion that the posture adapted for defecating also plays a significant role in constipation. They suggest a squatting position is better than sitting position for easy elimination. People with hemorrhoids suffer from frequent constipation.

There are two types, one is the sudden onset constipation and the other the regular one. Regular or the usual constipation is the frequently recurring constipation almost on a daily basis with the usual symptoms. This condition can be set right by some changes in diet and exercise.

Our body processes the food we eat, takes in the necessary nutrients and expels the waste matter out in frequent intervals. When this cycle is disturbed it would lead to loss of appetite, loss of taste, hemorrhoids, lethargy, tiredness, disturbed sleep, a cloudy sensation, joint pains etc.

Green gram, coconut, tender coconut, whey, milk with skin, fresh buttermilk, bananas, fresh greens especially cilantro, fenugreek greens, solanum nigrum or black nightshade, fruits like grapes, green leafy vegetables etc should form the major part of your diet. Chicken or mutton soup with less pepper and chillies, raw egg etc can also be taken.

Alcohol, pungent and spicy substances, sour buttermilk, pickles, beef etc should be avoided.

Brisk walking both in the mornings and evenings would benefit. This provides the much needed exercise to all muscles in the body and helps in toning up the internal organs.

On getting up early in the morning, drink one or two glasses of water and walk for a few minutes.

Establish a routine of going to the rest room in the mornings at a set time. Even if you do not have the sensation to evacuate, sit on the toilets. While seated calm your mind and visualize easy bowel movement. Even if you have not had one at the moment, going to the toilets at the set time will train your minds and would eventually result in daily bowel movement over time.

Making these changes in your day to day activities can help you in getting rid of constipation fast. Only in case of stubborn constipation should you resort to medicines. Taking laxatives can lead to dependency and should be avoided as far as possible.

One of the time tested constipation remedies is triphala choornam available at all Siddha and Ayurveda stores. 5-10 gm of this preparation is mixed in a spoonful of ghee and honey and taken at bedtime. This helps in facilitating easy bowel movement. This preparation also benefits the eyes. You can continue to take this till you are out of constipation. I will share some more simple remedies for constipation relief in my subsequent posts.

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Siddha Home Remedies: Moringa Oleifora Drumstick

noreply@blogger.com (Ayurvedic Home Remedies) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Moringa oleifera or Murungai is regarded as an aphrodisiac in Tamil Nadu. In order to seduce the hero, the heroine in the film ‘”Mundhanai Mudichu” would prepare dishes made of murungai leaves and drumstick. Some say that the very tender murungai kai should be eaten raw for this purpose. But there are no records to testify this.

The moringa leaf is rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, protein, iron, and potassium. The tree can cure malnutrition in children and lactating mothers of the third world. It grows well in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, Central America and Africa.

There are a number of folk remedies that have the moringa as their main component. All parts of the moringa tree have medicinal value. Dishes made of moringa flower are nutritious as well as tasty. Fresh flowers are collected and allowed to soak in honey for a week or so. These honey soaked flowers are used in treating cough. The bark of the tree has immense medicinal value too and its decoction is used in treating worm infestation. It is also used to treat hemorrhoids. For this purpose, the patient uses a sitz bath with decoction of the moringa bark.

Dishes made with the leaves are useful in treating mouth ulcers. Frequent intake of the leaves in various forms should decrease the severity of the ulcers and gradually heal them. The leaves can bring down swelling and inflammation. For this, the leaves are ground to a fine paste and mixed with sesame oil and applied on swellings and inflamed areas.

The drumstick takes care of digestive disorders. The drumstick grows to a length of 30 to 40 cm and in some cases even 60 cm. The drumstick or murungai kai sambar is a very well known dish of South India.

The juice of murungai leaves and honey mixed together can be applied on acne, black spots etc for a quick cure. It brings back the skin’s radiance with regular use.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants