SNA Oushadhasala

Banana Secret

2012-02-06T22:56:00.001-08:00

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression 'going bananas' is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:

This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. InThailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood Enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance.. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around .

(courtesey)

Virecana

2012-01-31T20:49:00.000-08:00

A Lecture on Virecana

Excretion of fecal matter and other accumulation of the Dosa through the rectal route is known as Virecana.

Expulsion of the waste from the body is the verbal meaning of the word Virecana.

Therefore all purificatory procedures are referred by the name Virecana.

In the words like Sirovirecana, Sukra Virecana, mutra Virecana, the word Virecana means mere expulsion.

Conventionally this term refers to excretion of the waste through the rectal route.

Among the three dosas the Pitta Dosa is best eliminated by this procedure.

If the Kapha Dosha is accumulated in the Pitta sthana this is also best eliminated by the Virecana procedure.

Unlike Vamana procedure this does not produce any embracement to the client and hence easy to administer.

Depending upon the amount of elimination of Dosha, Virecana is categorized into three;

Mridu

Madhya

Tikshna

Types:

Sharangadhara has mentioned four types of Virecana

Anulomana: the medications that renders the waste into pakva state, as well as disintegrates its mass and then eliminates through the rectal route is known as anulomana.

Haritaki – Terminalia chebula is the best example for anulomana.

Sramsana: the medicines that causes excretion of the waste adhared to the kosta with out being rendered to pakva stage is called as sramsana.

Aragwadha is named as sramsana drug.

Bedhana: the medicines that disintegrate the accumulated as well as hard stools and then causes its excretion is called by the name bhedana.

Katukarohini is well known as a bhedana drug.

Virecana: the medicines that liquefies the waste either in pakva form or in apakva form and then causes its expulsion through the rectal route is known as Virecana.

Thrivrit is the best example for Virecana drug.

virecana:

Depending upon the character Sneha, Virecana is said to be of two types.

Snigdha Virecana: the administration of Virecana karma following Snehana is termed as Snigdha Virecana.

In persons who exhibits excessive natural Sneha in the body, there Virecana should be given with out prior Snehana for better results.

Snigdha Virecana has got another meaning, the drugs like castor oil given for Virecana purpose has unctuous quality when such drugs are given for Virecana then is also called as Snigdha Virecana.

Ruksa Virecana: the Virecana karma when performed with no prior Snehana procedure, or after mild Snehana is referred by the name Ruksa Virecana.

In diseases like visarpa, sotha and kamala where Ruksa Virecana is indicated.

indication:

jvara

prameha

raktapitta

arsha

pliharoga

arbuda

granthi

kusta

urdhvaga

bhagandhara

bhradha

gulma

galaganda

gara

virecana:

Ruksa Virecana: the Virecana karma when performed with no prior Snehana procedure, or after mild Snehana is referred by the name Ruksa Virecana.

In diseases like visarpa, sotha and kamala where Ruksa Virecana is indicated.

prescription:

Trivrut leha

Caster Oil

Avipathikara choorna

Ecchabhedi Rasa

Patoladi kashaya

preparation of client:

Undergone Snehana and Swedana in proper way

Light food on previous day of administration

Morning in empty stomach

After the kapha kala

Undergone abhyanga and swedana

Administration of virecana drug in prescribed dose

advice:

Take only boiled cooled water

After each time of expulsion

No day sleep

No food

Take rest –till the vegas stops

assessment:

Based on

Number of expulsions

Quantity of expulsions

Quality of expulsions

Symptamatology after completion
(courtesey)

Salyatantra

2012-01-25T02:19:00.000-08:00

Salyatantra –
introductory aspects:

Sályatantra, analogous to “surgery” of modern medicine, deals with various surgical procedures. Removing foreign bodies; either of exogenous origin such as grass, sand, wood, stones, warfare materials like parts of arrow etc. or of endogenous origin such as pus, extravasated blood, dead foetus in the womb etc. comes under áalyatantra. It also deals with the diagnosis and management of inflammatory swellings and includes the description and uses of various surgical instruments and appliances. Further, it explains the mode of preparation, properties and application of various cauteries.

Divisions:

o Surgical discipline

o Orthopaedic discipline

Scope:

o Some conditions like fistula in ano can be better managed by Salyathantra techniques like ksharasutra

o Some like haemorrhoids can be managed by medicines and surgical techniques put together

o Some others like non healing ulcers can be managed by medicines alone

Orthopaedic school:

o Non surgical methods in surgical orthopaedic conditions gaining acceptance

History:

o Very popular – vedic period

o Epic of chopped off head of Daksha reconstituted with that of a goat

o Aswinee kumaras, the divine twin surgeons

o Popular till the period of Emperor Ashoka

o Later-on, suffered set back

The decline:

o Budhist ahimsa philosophy said to have accelerated the decline

o Cadeveric anatomical studies said to have been banned

o Moghul and later British invasion instrumental in the decline

Current status, renaissance and limitations:

o New syllabus, curriculum etc. helped a revival

o Students are taught western surgery

o Now para-surgical techniques gaining momentum and acceptance

o No major surgeries other than anorectal surgery done by Ayurvedic method now

The Susrutha and Caraka schools:

o Schools of Susrutha older (5^th B.C.?) and gives more importance to surgical management

o Schools of Caraka gives more importance to medical management

Importance of the surgical school:

o Immediate effect

o Use of blunt instruments (yanthra), sharp instruments (shastra), caustic alkali (kshara), cautery (agni) etc.

o Blood letting (raktha mokshana), leeching (jalouka) etc. to cure a variety of diseases

o Has got its own dictum and concepts, separate from the medical school

Types of blunt instruments:

o Six types

o Swasthika yanthras – cruciform and ringed forceps of many types (extraction) – of many types resembling mouth of animals and birds

o Sandamsha yanthras – tongs (holding and extraction)

o Thala yanthras – spatula (extraction)

o Naadee yanthras – tubular instruments, scopes (scopes, extractors, dilators, speculum, finger protector, syringes, cannula, nozzles)

o Shalaka yanthras - probes

o Upayanthras – magnets, threads, cloth, stone, hammer, straps, branches of tree, nail, mouth, time, transformation, fear, pleasure

The most important instrument:

o Hand of the surgeon - Cheir

Animal faced forceps used in India in
5^th Century B.C. for surgical procedures:

Lion faced forceps, bear faced forceps,crow faced forceps

Materials used for making instruments and payana:

o Chiefly steel of varying tempers

o Payana - (3 tempers –fat, water and alkaline liquid)

o Other metals may also be used like copper, silver, gold etc.

Sterilization:

o Rakshokhna karma by fumigation

o Paayana also helps in sterilization

Fumigation:

o The technique of choice in infection and suppuration of bacterial origin

o Useful where even antibiotics fail

o Control of discharge and other signs of infection

o Special medicines like Guggulupanchapala choornam

Sharp instruments:

o Chiefly 20 types

o Mandalagra (curette), Vridhipathra (scalpel), Ulpala pathra (double edged scalpel), Ardhadhara (short bladed scalpel), sarpasya (thin bladed curved scalpel, eshani (probe/sound), vethasapathra (bamboo leaf bladed scalpel), sarari mukha (heron’s beak balded scalpel), trikurchaka (trident), kushapathra (grass leaf bladed scalpel), atamukha (bird’s beak bladed scalpel), antharmukha (semilunar bladed scalpel), Vrihi vakthra (lancet), kudari (axe shaped scalpel), shalaka (sharp probe/cataract needle), anguli shasthraka (finger blade), badisha (hook), karapathra (bone saw), karthari (surgical scissors), nakha shasthra (nail cutter), dantha lekhanaka (dental lancet), suci (needles), kurcha (needle cxluster), khaja (churner), karna vedhini (ear puncture punch), aara (punch), anushasthra (accessory sharp instruments)

Main uses of sharp instruments:

o Scraping, excision, incision, division, exploration, puncturing, drainage, tapping, venepuncture, venesection, suturing, needling (of cataract), holding, extraction, shallow pricking, abrading, blood letting by churning………….

The eight surgical procedures:

Chedana - excision

o Bhedana - Incision

o Vedhana - Puncturing

o Lekhyam – abrasion, scraping

o Eshana - exploration

o Aahanrana - extraction

o Visravana - drainage

o Seevana – suturing

Holding of instruments:

o For drainage – at the tip of the handle

o Lancet – handle covered by palm

o Extraction – at the base

Anaesthesia, analgesia:

o Drugs not available

o Alcohol used in those who took it

o Analgesia attained by fomentation after external use of fat

Procedure in steps:

o Poorva karma (pre operative protocol)

Necessary arrangements, preparation of the room, staff and the patient etc.

o Pradhana karma (operative procedure)

o Paschima karma (post operative procedures)

Resuscitation of the patient, wound toilet etc.

Experimental surgery:

o The eight surgical procedures done experimentally in similes of vegetables etc.

Marmas – the vital points:

o 107 types vs. 3 types

o Structural complexity

o Where life ‘passes through’

o Chinese acupressure/acupuncture

o Surgical implications

o Anatomical (mamsa, sira, snayu, asthy and sandhy) and traumatological (death span freom time of injury) Classification

o Marma therapy

Kshara – the caustic alkali:

o Definition

o Importance

o Properties

o Action

o Types

o Method of preparation

o Complications

o Ksharasoothra

Management of burns/scalds:

o Plushtam

o Durdagdham

o Samyak dagdham

o Athidagdham

Management of fractures and dislocations:

o Types

o Principles

o Reduction

o Immobilization

o Reabilitation

o Immediate management

o Later management

o Medicines that promote bone healing

Bandages:

o Indications

o Contraindications

o 15 Types (based on location): capsular, figure of 8, loose bandage, eye bandage, soica bandage, ascending spiral, four tailed, chest bandage, finger bandage, cephalic bandage, arm sling, T- bandage, twin bandage, circular bandage and five tailed bandage

o Benefits

Wound management principles:

o Susrutha consider all therapies based on ulcer

o Sadyo vrana, dushta vrana

o The sixty therapies

o Vrana gandha

o Vrana srava

o Regimen

Ulcer, its types and management:

o Dushta vrana

o Vrana shodhana

o Vrana ropana

Concepts:

o Vranasopha

o Shatkriyakala

o Paka

o Kshathoshma

o Raktha as the fourth dosha

o Regimen – high protein, sex, alcohol, mindset

o Emergency surgery

Shatkriyakala:

o Samchaya - accumulation

o Prakopa – excitation

o Prasara - spread

o Sthanasamshraya - localisation

o Vyakthy - manifestation

o Bheda – incurability

Blood letting:

o Benefits

o Types -

o Siravyadha(for systemic illnesses, varicose veins) , Pracchanna (for local complaints), Shringa (for hypoasthesia, numbness), Alabu (numbness), Jaloukavacharana (deep seated and indurated conditions): medicinal and non medicinal - poisnous

o Indications: Skin pathologies, local swellings, oedema, blood borne conditions, pathologies not amenable to management with usual protocol

LEECHING – back in vogue:

o Medicinal, poisnous

o Indications

o Contra indications

o Benefits

o Procedure

o Current state in India

Current applications
of leech therapy:

o Plastic and Reconstructive surgery

o Reducing venous congestion (stagnation), promoting microcirculation, anticoagulant/thrombolitic effect, anti ischemic effect

o Improving haematopoietic cell formation

o Promoting healing

o Improving angiogenesis

o Improvement of antigenic expressions like endothelial cells, cytokine release, extracellular matrix interactions

o Collagen reorganization

o Improving role of fibroblasts in healing

o Formation of pseudoblastema during healing (rudimentary protoplasm)

o Decompressing venous congestion during re-plantation plastic surgery of the ear, with no venous repair mandatory

o In the revascularization of the amputated segment

o Anti-inflammatory effect - osteoarthrosis

o Immune-stimulating and immune-modulating effects

o Anti-stress, adaptogenic effects

o Anesthetic, analgesic effect

o Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect

o Anti edematous effect

o Improvement of endo-cellular gaseous exchange

o Prevention of abnormal intersystem interactions (ex. auto-immune diseases)

Plastic & reconstructive surgery:

o Ancient rhinoplasty

o Otoplasty

Impacted foreign bodies:

o Methods to identify and remove impacted foreign bodies

Wound management:
the short 7 therapies:

o Vimlapana (To compress)

o Avaseka (blood letting)

o Upanaha (poultice)

o Patana (external use of drugs which helps opening up of abscess etc)

o Shodhana (emesis, purgation etc.)

o Ropana (healing by ropana varthy, kalka etc)

o Vaikrithapaha (prevention of complications)

Some clinical conditions:

o Bhagandara – fistula in ano

o Pitaka - abscesses

o Naadee vrana - sinuses

o Bhanga – fractures and dislocations

o Arshas – piles

o Marmakhatha – shock due to assault

o Kodha – gangrene

o Grandhy - Benign tumors

o Arbuda – malignant tumors

o Sira grandhy – varicose veins

o Ashmary - Urolithiasis

(courtesey)

SNA Herbal Drink

2012-01-14T02:23:00.000-08:00

Indication: Invigorating and stimulating blend of ayurvedic ingredients with a natural flavour. It is good for digestion,blood purification etc.

Dosage: Add 5 g . of mixture and jaggery as required into 100 ml. of boiling water, boil it for two minutes,filter it and a refreshing cup of Herbal Drink is ready.

Our New TV AD (Malayalam)

2011-12-29T02:10:00.000-08:00

Bhaishajiaratnavaliyile Saidhandhikatha - An Article by Dr. Sashidharan

2011-12-29T00:03:00.000-08:00

View Article

Our Special Medicines :SNA Oushadhasala

2011-12-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

1)Name of the Product: Chitrakaadi Kashayam
Ingredient List:
Malayalam Name : Sanskrit Name

Athividayam - Ativisha
Kadukkathodu - Hareethaki
Kadukurohini - Katuki
Koduvelikizhangu - Chitrakam
Kudakapaalayari - Indrayavam
Paadakizhangu - Padha

Indication: Ama Vata, Back Pain, Joint Pain etc.
Dosage: 15ml with 45ml luke warm water twice daily

2)Name of the Product:Viaaghriaadi Kashayam

Ingredient List:
Malayalam Name : Sanskrit Name

Chittamruthu - Gudoochi
Chukku - Sundi
Kandakarichunda - Kandakari
Pushkaramoolam - Poushkaramoolam
Thippali - Pippali

Indication: Vata Kapha Jwara, Cold, cough, Asthma, Body Pain etc
Dosage: 15ml with 45ml luke warm water twice daily

3)Name of the Product: Kokilaaksharasam

Ingredient List:

Malayalam Name : Sanskrit Name
For Kashayam:
Vayalachulli veru - Kokilaksha

For Fermentation:-
Thean - madhu

Powder for Fermentation:-

Irattimadhuram - Yashteemadhu
Kadukkathodu - Hareethaki
Manjatti - Manjishta
Maramanjal - Darvee
Nellikkathodu - Amalaki
Thaannikka thodu - Vibheethaki
Thaatiripoovu - Dhathaki

Indication: Rakthavata, Oedema etc.
Dosage: 30ml twice daily

4)Name of the Product: Saptachchadarasam

Ingredient List:
Malayalam Name : Sanskrit Name

Ezhilampaalatholi - Sapthachedatwak
Thean - Madhu
Thippali - Pippali

Indication: Hiccough, Asthma
Dosage: 15ml twice daily
Adjoins: With luke warm water or Vasarishtam / Kanakaasavam

Brief of Founders Day Seminar

2011-12-23T21:20:00.000-08:00

INDIANS should rediscover their roots – SETHU

We Indians are forgetting our rich heritage whereas the foreigners are searching for their roots, celebrated Malayalam writer Shri. Sethu said. He was inaugurating the commemorative function and the ayurvedic seminar in connection with the “Unnimooss Dinam-2011”, founder’s day of SNA Oushadhasala on 1st December, 2011. India has blessed with various traditional sciences including Ayurveda, a science with broad roots, and it is our duty to make them holistic for the benefit of our society, he added.

The function was presided by Sri.Ashtavaidyan Alathiyoor Narayanan Nambi, Chief Physician, SNA. Chairman & Managing Director, Ashtavaidyan Sri.P.T.N. Vasudevan Mooss welcomed the honoured guests and Sri.Jayakrishnan Nambi, Marketing Manager, given the vote of thanks. Shri. T.M. Narayanan, General Manager, presented mementos to the honoured guests.

In Ayurvedic Seminar, Dr. P.M. Madhu presented a paper on “Prostate Gland Diseases – An Ayurvedic view”, then Dr.Roshan on “Relevance of Yogas – Indukaantham & Mahamanjishtaadi” and “Niroohavasthi” by Dr. A.K. Manoj Kumar.
A discussion forum was conducted followed by paper presentations under distinguished panel of Doctors, Ashtavaidyan Sri. Alathiyoor Narayanan Nambi, Dr. M.R. Vasudevan Namboodiri, Dr. K. Muraleedharan, and Dr. K.V. Ramankutty Warrier. Dr.A.N.Narayanan Nambi was the moderator of the Seminar.

The seminar was highly appreciated among Ayurvedic students as well as physicians. More than 700 ayurvedic students and around 300 ayurvedic Doctors were presented in the function.

SNA Founders Day Inaugration (Dec1st 2011, at sna campus) - Done by Famous malayalam writer Sri Sethu

2011-12-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

Founders Day Inaugral speech by Sri Sethu

2011-12-23T20:54:00.000-08:00

Dr.Shivdas speaks

2011-12-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

Live interaction of the audience

2011-12-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

Panel Member Dr.M R Vasudevan Namboodiri

2011-12-23T20:33:00.000-08:00

Panel Member Dr.Ramankutty

2011-12-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

Panel Member Dr.K.Muraleedharan

2011-12-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

Audience

2011-12-23T20:24:00.000-08:00

Audience

2011-12-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

Dr.Manoj kumar's paper presentation

2011-12-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

Dr.Roshan's paper presentation

2011-12-23T20:14:00.000-08:00

Dr Madhu's paper presentation

2011-12-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

Our New Products, Pure Classical

2011-12-19T22:28:00.000-08:00

Hair Oils

2011-12-06T23:01:00.000-08:00

Some info about our hair oils that is to protect your hair

these oils are from the texts:

1)Bhujagalataadi oil&coconut oil- dandruff,head ache,hair falling etc gives natural colour and beauty to hairs

2)Dhurdhoorapatraadi coconut oil – dandruff, itching on scalp etc.

3)Kanjuniaadi oil&coconut oil – dandruff,headache,hair fall etc.

4)Neeleebhrungaadi oil&coconut oil – reputed in growth of hair,gives comfort to head and eyes

5)Brahmi oil – dandruff,cooling for head,insomnia,hair falling

6)Kuntalakaanthi oil – nourishes the hair, hair falling,cooling etc.

Herbs - Some Basics

2011-11-04T23:31:00.000-07:00

Herbs have always been the basic source of medication in all the cultures across the world.

For thousands of years, man has been using the herbs to cure his ailments. Most importantly, compared to other types of medications, herbs are safe for use and very consistent having little or no side effect whatsoever.

First and foremost, it needs to be mentioned that term ‘herb’ denotes plants that of non-woody nature. In contemporary times, the term ‘herbs’ means any plant or part of a plant that is used to flavour foods or in the form of medications. Herbs are almost present everywhere. For instance, they are present even in your kitchen - the mustard on your table as well as several other spices that line your kitchen shelf originate from herbs. Actually, there are numerous instances of herbs in our daily life. Herbs are often described as wonders of Mother Nature.

Since the prehistoric days, people have always been seeking help via the herbs, as they are natural resources. In fact, herbs are dissimilar to contemporary medications that result in numerous side effects and they possess the aptitude to restore the defences of the body, thereby, assisting the body to heal itself without any side effects.

All herbs are natural medications and they have been the natural medicines for the humans all the times. While writing about herbs, it is essential to mention the different types of herbal medicine systems that are in use even to this day - for instance, European, Chinese, American, Ayurvedic, Western and Native are the most established systems. All these systems help to cure the body as a whole and each of them make use of the force of the herbs to function as required in collaboration with the natural energy in every individual. Therefore, it is advisable that you should use herbs to possess natural, vital energy to undertaking things that you take please in, to possess the capability to sustain the normal immune system of your body to protect yourself from different ailments.

Precisely speaking, the herbs provide us with numerous health benefits. Here we shall discuss about a few of them. Herbs are effective in cleansing as well as sanitizing the body with no side effects whatsoever. In addition, herbs help to control and nature the glands so that they function as usual. Herbs also enclose high levels of different vitamins, minerals as well as other nutrients that nurture as well as build the body. Herbs also enable the body to possess additional vigour/ energy so that it is able to heal itself. Last, but not the least important, herbs encourage the good bacteria present in our body naturally.

Herbs actually absorb various substances from the soil and subsequently transform them into minerals, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and fats that are used by our body for nourishment as well as healing itself. By making use of the herbs or whole plants, we soak in all the essential ingredients they enclose. Almost all herbs enclose numerous active substances, one among which normally dominate and help us to decide on its choice as a medication. Different other curative factors of the herbs ought not to be ignored since they also assist the body to absorb its benefits and safeguard against side effects.

It may be noted that the herbs always function in synergy and, hence, combining them improves the properties of each herb, facilitating to obtain better curing to the body. For instance, a good combination of herbs like hops, valerian and passiflora works wonderfully to induce sleep. All the three herbs mentioned here possess relaxant attributes, while passiflora focuses on facilitating sleep. At the same time, valerian helps to unwind the tense muscles, while hops have a distinctive impact on calming the nervous system.

In the study of herbs (herbology), herbs are supposed to possess changing combinations of properties and extent of each property also. Herbs have the ability to heat as well as dry or heat and moisturize. In addition, herbs may be cooling and drying or cooling and moistening. For instance, one herb may possess highly warming qualities, while another one may simply be somewhat warming. But, both these herbs would be regarded as heating herbs.

The manner in which these attributes are allocated to the plants is quite simple. The herbs that possess heating properties are thought to generate warmth inside the body. Plainly speaking, all the aromatic herbs, for instance, caraway and anise, are deemed to be warming. Interestingly enough, even several bitter herbs, for example Oregon grape, are also categorized as herbs possessing heating properties.

Conversely, cooling herbs are basically those herbs, which medical practitioners consider, that take away the heat from the body or some body part. Generally, herbs that enclose extremely volatile natural oils, for instance spearmint or wintergreen, are classified as cooling herbs. Borage is another example of a cooling herb and, like other cooling herbs, is also referred to as refrigerants. In order to obtain some notion or awareness regarding what a refrigerant actually is, you may imagine of a scorching summer day and subsequently envisage a slice of cucumber or watermelon. In fact, cucumber and watermelon are among the two best refrigerant foods.

It may be noted that the categorization of an herb as drying or moistening also largely depends on the individual properties of a particular herb. Any herb which is effective in augmenting urine passage, for instance bearberry, is considered to be a drying herb. Similarly, all herbs possessing astringent properties, for instance sage or oak bark, too are also known as drying herbs. Generally, aromatic herbs, such as caraway or anise, are also believed to be drying herbs. However, there are exceptions to this general rule too. For instance, fennel is considered to be a moistening herb - it is known to augment milk secretion in lactating women. If an herb is demulcent (soothing) or mucilaginous, it is also considered to be a moistening herb. Other herbs that are also classified as moistening herbs include marshmallow, flax seed, slippery elm and licorice.

The European herbalists had developed a novel way of understanding the properties of different herbs. What they actually did was to imagine that each herb had a specific activity on the different parts of our body. Precisely speaking, they started defining specific activity hubs within the body for every herb. For instance, cayenne pepper, which was categorized as a heating herb, was identified as having an affect on the circulatory system since it was found to enhance the blood flow, particularly to the capillaries close to the skin’s surface. Possibly this clarifies the reason why people who inhabit extremely hot climatic conditions generally use hot peppers in their culinary. In effect, ingestion of hot peppers assists them to disperse the body heat by flowing it to the surface of the skin, where it results in cooling in the form of perspiration and evaporates, while the heat is spread out into the nearby atmosphere.

Another good example of heating herb is ginger which is said to possess the same properties as those of cayenne pepper. Nevertheless, the center of activity of ginger is described as basically lying in the internal organs. According to the conventional European medicine system, ginger is believed to generate a type of heat that remains within the body. Hence, ginger is often used by people during the winter months and in more proportions in the cool northern climatic conditions. People inhabiting these regions use ginger as a medication to treat colds as well as to reinforce the bladder and the kidneys. The basic dissimilarities between cayenne pepper and ginger are owing to the different activity centers of each herb within the body.

Making issues further complicated, it may be noted that herbs are not confined to merely one activity center. There are several herbs that people use for treating numerous dissimilar problems at the same time and instantly, for instance headaches, acne, weariness, constipation and indigestion. The main activity center for such herbs may possibly be the gall bladder and liver, where they would be considered to result in augmenting bile secretion. In fact, the hypothesis goes something like this: enhanced secretion of bile augments digestion of fats and oils, which, in turn, enhances the complexion. Increase bile secretion will also facilitate in easing chronic constipation. Rinsing out the colon is also a vital function.

Build up of toxic substances in the bowels owing to poor decomposition of ingested foods and their elimination from the body also adds to the common toxic condition that may lead to several of the symptoms mentioned earlier in this article. The toxic substances present in the colon are taken up by the blood and, hence, the cleaner the colon will be, the purer will be the blood. It may be noted that the liver being the natural filter of the body, facilitates in straining toxic substances from the blood. If the pace of the liver’s activity is enhanced, it will result in the blood containing lesser impurities or toxic substances. Like Oregon grape, there are a number of herbs that have their activity center in the liver and gall bladder and they influence the body in several ways - most are discussed above.

Hypothesis like these are unsophisticated in contemporary medical terms and mostly unproven by medical research. However, traditional herbology or the study of herbs need not deal with curing from the viewpoint of analysis done in the laboratories. In fact, herbology has always been founded on experimental observation of people as individuals.

It may be noted that the earliest nations or cultures, for instance, the Egyptians, were extremely proficient in using herbs appropriately. An antique text written in 1500 B.C. mentions about over 700 herbal medications, counting herbs like aloe vera, caraway seeds, garlic and poppy. Nevertheless, people in China have been practising herbal medication for more than 5000 years. In fact, the Chinese are renowned for their understanding as well as use of ginseng. Hence, there is no reason to be apprehensive to use herbs in your kitchen. On the contrary, you should discuss about herbs and their significance in our life. There are infinite other subjects that endorse the gainful consequences of using herbs, inclusive of the quality of herbs, different herbal formulations, procedures to prepare herbal medication, the nutritional content of herbs as well as the dosage of herbal medicines. At the same time, it is important to always bear in mind that using herbs or any product containing herbs, denotes a more vigorous life. Therefore, take pleasure in the herbs, vitamins, aromatherapy and your life!

(courtesey)

Ayurveda Seminar - December 1, 2011

2011-09-22T00:43:00.000-07:00

UNNI MOOSS DINAM
1st December 2011, SNA Campus, Thrissur
Scientific Seminar

ROGA VICHARAM
Prostate Gland Diseases – An Ayurvedic view
Dr.P.M.Madhu
(Lecturer, Dept. of Rogavijnana,
Govt. Ayurveda College, Pariyaram, Kannur)

YOGA VICHARAM
Relevance of Yogas – Indukaantham & Mahamanjishtaadi
Dr.Roshan
(P.G Scholar, K.V.G. Ayurveda College, Sullia)

KRIYA VICHARAM
Niroohavasthi
Dr.Manoj
(Prof.& Head, Dept. of Panchakarma,
V.P.S.V. Ayurveda College, Kottakkal

PANEL MEMBERS
Ashtavaidyan Alathiyoor Narayanan Nambi
(Chief Physician, S N A Oushadhasala)

Dr.M.R.Vasudevan Namboodiri
(Former Principal, Govt. Ayurveda College Thiruvanantapuram
& Former Director of Ayurveda Medical Education)

Dr.K.Muralidharan
(Deputy Chief Physician, Aryavaidyasala, Kottakkal)

Dr.K.V.Ramankutty Varrier
(Retd. D.M.O, Govt. of Kerala)

MODERATOR
Ashtavaidyan AN Narayanan Nambi

Oil Massage for your hair and its benefits

2011-09-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

A warm oil massage, done at least once a week (if you have more Vata in your make-up, you would want to try to do it two to three times a week), has the following benefits:

* It lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp without the use of harsh chemical shampoos.
* It helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. When the scalp is “tight” from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded.
* It helps relax the scalp and increase pliability.
* It helps strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair.
* It helps soften and condition the hair, making it more manageable.
* It spreads the natural oils of the hair, increasing hair luster and vibrancy.
* It helps protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by improving resiliency over time.
* It is replenishing and rejuvenating for dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent excessive brittleness and split-ends.
* It helps pacify Vata dosha. Especially when enriched with Vata-pacifying herbs, a warm oil hair and scalp massage can be wonderfully relaxing for the mind and nervous system.
* When fortified with cooling, Pitta-pacifying herbs, the hair and scalp massage can help balance Pitta dosha and help prevent Pitta-related problems such as premature graying or thinning of hair.
* It also helps reduce body heat in general, especially if you have been up late a few nights or your eyes are smarting from too much close work on the computer or reading.
* A Pitta-pacifying massage also helps promote emotional balance. The massage helps relax the muscles in the neck area.
* The hair and scalp massage can help promote sound sleep at night.

further details : mail@thaikatmooss.com