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Ayurveda Takes Care of You...: Effective Treatment modules for Calcaneus spur: F...

2012-02-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

Ayurveda Takes Care of You...: Effective Treatment modules for Calcaneus spur: F...: Calcaneus spur* is a troublesome health complaint and significant percentage of people suffers from this complaint. It is caused because of ...

Effective Treatment modules for Calcaneus spur: From the Treatment diary of Dr.M.S.Krishnamurthy

2012-02-10T00:58:00.000-08:00

Calcaneus spur* is a troublesome health complaint and significant percentage of people suffers from this complaint. It is caused because of putting of much pressure on the soles for a long period of time. The complaint is most often seen in the individuals over the age of 35 years. Survey reveals that women are the common sufferers of this complaint. Overweight and high heeled foot wears are the supporting causes for this illness.
*Calcaneus is the technical name for the heel bone. Spur means projection. Pain caused to bony thickness at the heel is referred as Calcaneus spur.
In Ayurveda,this condition is called as Vatakantaka.It is a kind of Vatic complaint caused due to the vitiation of Vata together with Kapha.Excess exercises,Vatic food(pulses,tubers,dry food,loss of sleep etc) are the reasons for this,according to Ayurveda.

Symptoms:
1.Stabbing pain under the heel
2.Mild inflammation of the heel or ankle joint are the cardinal features of this illness.
3.Often numbness is also complained by some individuals
4. Pain will subside by its own, on rest. Immersion in salt water or warm water gives mild relief from the pain.

Aggravating factors:
1.Long walk
2.Weight bearing/lifting
3.Standing for a long period of time
4.Weight gain
5.Bare foot walk
6.Carrying of heavy articles such as bag, suitcase etc.
7.Hard -spiny chappals and high heeled foot wears

Risk factors:
1.Athletes
2.People who walk for long like village side health workers and postmen
3.Weight lifters
4.Individuals who transport the heavy materials on their head or back.
5.Film artists/celebrities who have the habit of wearing high heeled footwear as routine
6.During pregnancy
7.House women
8.People who take high calcium diet.

Causative factors and manifestation of the pathology of Calcaneus spur:
Constant weight or high heeled foot wears exert pressure over the bones of the foot especially weight bearing, largest bone of the foot, that is calcaneus. This leads to the out stretching or flattening of the calcaneus and hence a thorny growth is formed in the local lesion; gradually it exerts pressure over the soft tissues around. Meanwhile, in the individuals who have weakness of the calf muscles, the pressure is immediately transferred over the foot. Hence, the condition is worsened in such individuals.
Recent studies have revealed that excess of calcium deposits due to high calcium intake diet is also a reason for the manifestation of this problem.

Prevention:
1.Rest
2.Uniform distribution of pressure over both the foot
3.Wearing soft and flat footwear
4.Reduction of body weight
5.Reduction of calcium rich diet
6.Avoid standing for a long period of time
7.Avoid bare foot walk
8.Avoid bearing heavy weight activities

Investigations:
Blood investigations are usually not contributed, but rarely elevated Serum uric acid and Serum calcium level is found.X ray reveals the bony calcaneus spur in most of the cases.

Treatment aspects:
1.Life style management
2.Exercises
3.Ayurvedic medicaments to pacify the complaints

Lifestyle management:
As discussed in the earlier context, the causative factors and worsening factors are to be avoided. Much emphasis should be given to preventive measures.

Exercises:
All efforts are carried to reduce the stress and strain on weight bearing over the foot.
Three kinds of exercises are specifically useful in this regard-
1.Stretching of the calf muscles- Person is made to sit on his knee position (as like sitting in a chair) and the legs are extended front and calf muscles are gradually stretched upwards; then it is relaxed. This is repeated for 5-6 times in both the legs. Because after once affliction, there will be chances of another leg to be affected by the same complaint as the pain makes the individual to shift the weight to another leg.
2.Rolling exercise-The person is advised to sit on a chair and tennis ball or marbles are placed below the sole and is rolled from front to back.
3.Outstretching of the legs-One of the legs is put forward by standing position. Meanwhile, another leg should remain in straight line with other leg. Back is kept in erect position and knee is bent forward so that the leg below the knee is stretched out for few minutes. This procedure is repeated in both the legs alternatively.

Home remedies:
1.Cold and heat therapy-Two bottles (plastic or glass) are filled with cold water and hot water respectively. Alternatively these are rolled with the affected sole. Significant relief in pain can be observed by this. But the effect will be for short duration.
2.Salt water immersion-The person is advised to keep his foreleg/sole on immersion with salt water and can be carried out for 10-15 minutes twice daily.
3.Warm brick fomentation-A brick is warmed (even by keeping in severe sunlight also it can be warmed) and salt water is poured over it. The heel is exposed to the fumes coming out of the brick. This procedure can be done for 5-6 times. Keeping the sole/heel over the lukewarm brick also gives the considerable relief for few patients.
4. Immersion in sour buttermilk-In a wide mouthed vessel, 2-3 liter sour buttermilk is taken (or else to the buttermilk, lemon juice is added to make it more sour) and the sole is immersed in this for a period of 10-15 minutes.

Even though, these do not contribute permanent relief, significant relief is observed in my practice.

Some of the effective formulations and combinations of my clinical practice-
1.Rasnadhi guggulu along with Rasnaerandadhi kashaya- in case of pain in the calcaneal area, followed by constipation and aching pain in the foreleg.
2.Yogaraja guggulu along with Dasahmoola kashaya- in case of patients passing the bowel properly and no aching pain is present in the foreleg.
3.Gandha taila along with Jeeraka shatapushpa ksheera kashaya- in case of numbness followed by pain during the out stretching of foreleg.
4.Shirashooladhi vajra rasa (do not think mere name of the formulation)or Vata vidhwamsa rasa along with Jeerakarishta- in case of calcaneus spur worsening (only in winter and rainy season).
5.Vishamushti vati or Agnitundi vati along with warm water in case of calcaneus spur in the non hypertensive patients and who are complaining of radiating pain around the ankle.
External application:Vishagarbha taila is very effective.If the condition is associated with numbness or radiating pain Chinchadi taila is useful.

Lohasava: A herbal wine for Anemia from the house of Ayurveda

2012-02-03T00:50:00.000-08:00

Ayurvedic pharmaceutical wisdom should be appreciated for its noble sense and scientific approach. Our ancient sages have invented many effective formulations against common ailments. While designing such medicaments, they had three main intentions-
i.Safety and effectiveness
ii.Palatability
iii.Longer shelf life
Asava- herbal wine/product obtained on natural fermentation is one such kind of dosage form.
Under this category, Lohasava is explained and it is a drug of proven efficacy in the management of anemia.
Most of the medications while prescribing anemia are not palatable or else they cause constipation. Whereas, Lohasava, an Ayurvedic product is an exception for this and it increases the Hb% significantly.

Formulation: Lohasava
Reference: Sharangadhara samhita- Madhyama khanda10/34-38

Ingredients:
Sl.no. Ingredients Botanical name Quantity
1 Loha bhasma Classically prepared Ferric oxide 200g
2 Shunti Zingiber officinale 70g
3 Pippali Piper lingum 70g
4 Maricha Piper nigrum 70g
5 Hareetaki Terminalia chebula 70g
6 Vibheetaki Terminalia bellirica 70g
7 Amalaki Emblica officinalis 70g
8 Ajamoda Apium graveolens 200g
9 Vidanga Embelia ribes 200g
10 Musta Cyperius rotundus 200g
11 Chitraka Plumbago zeylanica 200g
12 Dhataki Woodfordia fruticosa 1Kg
13 Madhu Honey 3Kg
14 Guda Jaggery 9.8Kg
15 Jala Water 25 liter
Procedure:
i.Lohabhasma prepared as per classical method is obtained.
ii.The drugs 2 to 7 are made into powder and kept ready.
iii.Dhataki pushpa is made into coarse powder.
iv.Ingredients 1-7 are added to water and mixed well.
v.Jaggery is added and dissolved.
vi.Then, honey is added and mixed.
vii.To the mixture, coarse powder of dhataki pushpa is added. (hot infusion can be added)
viii.This is shifted to a fermenting vessel and 3/4th if the vessel is filled.
ix.Container is sealed and kept for fermentation, and kept inside the sand or heap of husk.
x.After 40 days, on confirmation of the fermentation, it is taken out and filtered.
xi.Obtained Lohasava is stored in china clay jars or glass bottles.

Physical features:
Appearance- black, watery
Smell- astringent nixed honey smell
Taste- sweet astringent

Dose: 10- 15ml two times a day preferably after food along with equal quantity of water.

Action: Good haematonic, rejuvenator, elixir, carminative and restorative

Uses: In anemia, jaundice, peripheral neuritis,oedema,haemorroids,splenic disorders,cough,asthama,cardiac disorders etc

My experience with this formulation:
1.The patient in whom Hb% is not improved even after taking allopathic medicines, this is found very effective and hence proved it’s potent as haematenic effect.
2.In mal absorption cases also it is very effective.
3.In case of lethergy and fatigue, it is administered and advised to take Drakshavaleha or Ashwagandhavaleha.
4.The patients who are getting constipation by the intake of haematenics are advised to take along with equal quantity of Kumaryasava or Draksharishta.
5.In haemolytic jaundice, this drug is found very effective. During the medication, Saptamrita loha or Dhatri loha are to be administered for better therapeutic efficacy.

Kamadugdha rasa- A safe and effective natural calcium supplement

2012-02-02T23:33:00.000-08:00

Modern lifestyle has caused calcium depletion in many individuals. Repeated medicine intake do decline the serum calcium in the body. It is very common to find reduced calcium in the menopausal women. Often decreased calcium metabolism leads to various kinds of minor to major illness too.
Whenever, patients come to know regarding the reduced percentage of calcium in the body, they start taking various calcium supplements. By the time they are unaware that such synthetic preparations may do harm and produce irritation in maximum percentage of individuals.
Whereas, Ayurvedic calcium supplements are safer, more effective and free from adverse effects. One more important advantage is that they do not produce gastric irritation, and instead, in the individuals who are already suffering from Acid peptic disorder, they pacify those complaints.

Here is an effective Ayurvedic classical composition of calcium contents:
Formulation: Kamadugdha rasa
Reference: Rasayoga Sagara

Ingredients:
Sl.No. Ingredients Quantity
1 Moutika bhasma 100g
2 Muktha shukti bhasma 100g
3 Shankha bhasma 100g
4 Varatika bhasma 100g
5 Pravala bhasma 100g
6 Gairika bhasma 100g
7 Guduchi satwa 100g

Procedure:
1.Fine powders of the above ingredients are kept ready.
2.They are mixed one after the other in the mortar and rubbed well.
3.For the potentiating, it is impregnated with the fresh juice of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), or Guduchi swarasa (juice of Tinospora cordifolia)
4.It is rolled into pills of 125- 250mg.
5.It is collected and stored.

Physical features:
Appearance- slimy (smooth powder)
Color- pinkish brown
Smell- smell of red ochre
Taste- tingling sweetish astringent

Action: coolant, antacid, calcium supplement, tonic, rejuvenator and anti oxidant

Dose: 125- 250mg tab 2 or 3 times a day

Vehicle: administered along with lukewarm water, milk, juice obtained from grapes or gulkhand

Indications: As a calcium supplement, as an antacid, for the complaints like burning sensation of the body, burning micturition etc.

My experience with this formula:
1. I prescribe this unique preparation in the conditions of hot flushes of menopausal women and good results are observed.
2. In case of repeated burning micturition, menorrhagia etc., it is found very effective.
3. In the condition of migraine headache, this is administered along with Pathyadhi khada.
4. The patients who are under the treatment with modern calcium supplements and complaining of undesired effects or side effects are found with good benefits out of this formulation.
5. Tingling sensation, neuritis, repeated gastric regurgitation etc can be effectively managed by this drug.
6. In acid peptic disorders and duodinitis condition, I have appreciated its significant benefits.
7. In children with delayed milestones, this helps to strengthen their legs.

Nine simple ways to avoid snoring

2012-01-31T09:30:00.000-08:00

People have different inherited qualities or nature and many such habits cannot be changed. Whereas some people try hard to avoid them; but due to an inherited nature even after their long exercise and medication also, such things cannot be reduced or stopped. Snoring is one such habit usually we come across.
If we take the worldwide data, 30% of the people have the habit of snoring while sleeping. Many family members are irritated because of this. Significant numbers of spouses too hate such a quality of their beloved ones. Even if the individuals are innocent in this act, the person sleeps/sits beside will be irritated and hence, their/his sleep is also disturbed or else the mental peace is ruined away.
We find across some of the divorce cases too due to the reason of snoring. Surely, it may not be a substantiating reason for such a separation of the family. But it may be one of the unavoidable contributing factors in some family.
The survey reveals that the snoring will be more in the men than women. Body nature, working pattern, lifestyle, and inherited character are also the pointed out reasons in this regard.
Here are some useful tips to avoid snoring and let others too sleep well!

1. Drink sufficient quantity of water or milk before going to bed.
2. Have the habit of taking deep breath for 3-5 minutes before sleeping; Pranayama is well recommended.
3. As and when you sit in the bed (for sleeping), blow out the air by expiration and shrunken your abdomen; the accessory muscles of the respiration get good strength out of this and gradually the habit of snoring is reduced due to instant tiredness of accessory muscles of respiration.
4. While/during snoring, the person is asked to turn/lie down in the left lateral or right lateral position.
5. While going to sleep, the individual is advised to sleep in prone position (facing towards the bed).
6. The person is advised to bend downwards facing chin towards the chest and knee to the corresponding side of the lying down position.
7. It will be effective to subside snoring, if the parched rice is taken along with sugar.
8. In some individuals, keeping a flat pillow over the abdomen is found effective to reduce the complaint of snoring.
9. If all the above mentioned methods and techniques are not found to be effective, it will be wise to sleep separately! You can also sleep well and others too.

Oil massage and its benifits:a scientific out look

2012-01-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

Oil massage takes priority in the treatment of vatic disorders. Most of the painful conditions are caused due to the vitiation of vata dosha. Ayurvedic classics emphasize the usage of massaging techniques in all such conditions to pacify vata.
Here are some benefits of oil massage:

•Oil massage helps in the nourishment and strengthening of the tissues. Hence, it prevents and corrects the ageing process.
•Relieves fatigue, due to its unctuous nature.
•Pacifies vatic complaints like dryness, roughness, lightness, emaciation, black discoloration, coldness, numbness, shivering etc.
•Improves the vision- massage helps in improving the eye sight. Oil massage carried around the eye balls and face strengthens the muscles and nerves around the eye ball and face.
•Nourisher- regular massage helps in the nourishment of the body and extremities.
•Promotes life span- due to its anti oxidant property, the oil massage carried regularly will help in the promotion of longevity.
•Induces good sleep, helps to overcome the fatigue and work stress, and calms the mind.
•Improves the body lusture- Regular exercise carried by applying the oil, improves the subcutaneous blood flow and helps to improve the body lusture.
•Tolerance- massage improves the muscle strength and hence improves tolerance towards stress and strain of life.
•Withstanding the pain of wound and injury- Because of strengthening capacity, oil massage gives enough tolerating ability towards the trauma and injury.
•Anti cholinergic and anti histaminic effect- due to the potent antioxidant, free radical scavenging effect and immune modulator effect, oil massage provides anti cholinergic and anti histaminic effect to the individuals.

Sinha A. G. et al quotes following benefits of oil massage-
1.Venous and lymphatic flow improvement.
2.Relieves stagnation of fluids in tissue spaces.
3.Breaks the soft tissue adhesions.
4.Induces good sleep.
5.Pacifies the muscular and joint pain.
6.Decreases the excitability of motor neuronal pool in healthy individuals.
7.Helps to take out the secretions of lungs.
8.Promotes gaseous exchange across pulmonary capillaries.
9.Improves the function of sweat and sebaceous glands.
10.Modulate the psychosomatic arousal.
11.Mobilizes the soft tissues.
12.Improves the arterial blood flow to muscle and skin.
13.Soothes/stimulates the functions of nerves.
14.Eliminates the waste products of metabolism.
15.Reduces the swelling of the tissues.
16.Improves the nutritive exchange between blood and cells.
17.Improves the growth of the body.
18.Improves the functions of hypotonic muscles.
19.Takes out the dead skin from the body.

It will be worth to understand the effect of oil massage and adopt the habit of taking oil massage regularly at least once in a week. Surely it helps to achieve long and healthy life.

A wellknown cardiac tonic Arjuna ksheerapaka- Medicated milk of Terminalia arjuna

2012-01-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

Heart is a vital organ; it should be protected from all kinds of possible health afflictions. Excess of fat accumulation in the body and hence in the blood vessels and muscular spasm of the cardiac muscles are the two major problem caused usually. Secondly, pumping capacity of the heart is also declined due to so many reasons.So, the cardiac patients as well as health individuals are in need of safe and efficacious, well proven, cardiac tonics. Arjuna ksheerapaka is one such recipe which can be prepared freshly in home.

Reference: Chakradutta/Hridroga chikitsa 31/9
Ingredients:
Sl.No. Ingredients Botanical name Parts used Quantity
1 Arjuna- Terminalia arjuna-Bark- 20g
2 Goksheera-Cow’s milk-160ml
3 Jala-Water-640ml

Method of preparation:
•Arjuna bark is made into a coarse powder and kept ready (In the unavailability of fresh bark, it is made into paste and used).
•Prescribed amount of cow’s milk and water are added and boiled till the quantity reduces to the amount of milk.
•The vessel is taken out of fire and contents are filtered.
•The obtained product is called as Arjuna ksheerapaka/medicated milk of T. arjuna.

Dose: 80-100ml

Vehicle: Added with sugar candy and taken, honey also can be used.

Physical features:
Colour- pinkish brown
Odour- astringent smell
Appearance- milky
Taste- astringent mixed sweet

Action: Cardiac tonic, muscle relaxant, antioxidant, rejuvenator

Uses: Useful in cardiac disorders, excess thirst, fatigue, lethargy, loss of interest, tiredness on exhaustion etc can be relieved by this recipe.

My experience with this formulation:
1.In the patients of hypertension, if this is administers regularly, the side effects of the anti hypertensive drugs can be prevented.
2.Mild hypertension can be controlled mere by this recipe.
3.In case of repeated exertional dyspnoea, this formulation contributes good result.
4.In case of lethargy if this is administered for one week, good benefit is obtained.

Warm water head bath may reduce the eye sight and cause hair fall…..

2012-01-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Most of the people prefer to have warm water bath. Majority of the people like with the intention that it is healthy and devoid of pollutants. Secondly, warm water takes away the sweat and replenishes the skin. Also, it helps to relieve the body ache, due to instant effect of sudation.
Ayurvedic classics do specify to have warm water bath in most of the seasons. Whereas it recommends that, warm water is much beneficial to the people of vata-khapaja prakriti and in cold seasons. In case of fever, bathing is contraindicated. If at all patient wishes to have bath, then strictly warm water bath is advised.
Whereas, for head bath, daily or in the gap of 2-3 days, irrespective of the prakriti (individual’s constitution), only cold water bath is recommended for the scalp. The classical literatures like Charaka samhita, Ashtanga hridaya etc., give the caution that if at all warm water head bath is taken, it leads to:
1. Hairfall
2. Premature greyness of hair
3. Decreases the eye sight
4. Reduces the body strength
5. Declines the mental ability and
6. Leads to thinning of hair.

So, the scholars of Ayurveda recommend to use only cold water or luke warm water for head. It will be wise to feel the sense of Ayurveda and adopt accordingly in our practice.

Draksharishta: Ayurvedic wine for rejuvenation

2012-01-27T22:11:00.000-08:00

Asava and Arishtas are the two dosage kinds of dosage forms/medicaments, prepared by the natural fermentation. Since from the period of Vedas(3000-5000 BC), such herbal elixers are in practice in Indian system of medicine.
Draksharishtas is one such Ayurvedic product which is in the practice since the period of acharya Charaka (2000 BC). This is a classical example for herbal wine. Only 5-8% of alcohol is originated from such preparations. Also, these self generated alcohols serve as a preservative of the active constituents of the herbal ingredients. Moreover the Draksharishta is a very good carminative and tonic. Rregular medication with this in smaller doses contributes good rejuvenatory benefits.

Reference: Sharangadhara samhita-Madhyama khanda 10/69-73

Ingredients:
Sl.No. Ingredients Botanical name Parts used Quantity
1 Draksha-Vitis vinifera-Dry fruits-2400g
2 Jala-Water-24.57 L
3 Guda-Jaggery-9.6kg
4 Twak-Cinnamonum zeylanicum-Bark-48g
5 Ela-Elatteria cardomomum-Fruits-48g
6 Patra-Cinnamonum tamala-Leaves-48g
7 Nagakesara-Mesua ferra-Stamens-48g
8 Priyangu-Calicarpa macrophylla-Seeds-48g
9 Maricha-Piper nigrum-Fruits-48g
10 Pippali-Piper longum-Fruits-48g
11 Vidanga-Embelica ribes-Fruits-48g
12 Dhataki pushpa-Woodfordia fruitcosa-Flower-240g

Method of preparation:
•Draksha (dried, black seeded grapes) are taken and soaked in water on the previous day and night.
•Next day, it is boiled in mild intensity of heat and reduced to ¼.
•This is filtered and decoction is kept ready.
•Jaggery is added to the decoction and dissolved.
•Cleaned Dhataki pushpa is made into hot infusion (240g of flowers are soaked in 960 ml of hot water and kept for a while. It is filtered and used as hot infusion).
•This is added to the earlier mixture and mixed properly.
•The ingredients Twak to Vidanga are made into coarse powder and added.
•This is poured into a ghee anointed and fumigated fermenting vessel (1/4 part of vessel is kept empty) and sealed tightly.
•The fermentation is attained in 40-45 days duration.
•On confirmation of the complete fermentation, the mouth of the vessel is opened and the Arishta is filtered.
•The finished product is stored in glass container.

Dose: 40-50ml

Vehicle: Administered along with equal amount of water, probably after food.

Physical features:
Smell- sweet mixed alcoholic smell
Colour- brownish yellow
Consistency- watery
Taste- sweet and mild alcoholic

Action: Elixer, mild laxative, carminative, expectorant, soothener

Uses: It is very much useful in conditions like cough, breathlessness, throat disorders, emaciating disorders, chest injury etc

Contra indications: Patients suffering from Diabetes mellitus.

My experience with this formulation:
1. Regular usage of this medicine in smaller dose (15-20ml) will contribute good appetite and it increases the taste in the food.
2. 30 minutes before going to bed, if this is taken in dose of 30-40ml, it calms down the mind and helps to get good sleep.
3. 15-20ml of this Draksharishta if consumed in the morning, after the food, along with 1-2 stamens of Kesar, gives a good glow in the face.
4. 30ml of Draksharishta along with Avipatthikara choorna helps in relieving the constipation and regularizes the bowel.
5. In case of hypercholestrol, this medicated milk is taken by adding a teaspoon of honey; significant benefits are found by this recipe.

Vasavaleha

2012-01-27T00:19:00.000-08:00

The scientific survey reveals that 18% of the population suffers from one or other kind of respiratory tract infections. Exposure to polluted environment, decreased immunity, altered food habits, contaminated food and beverages, exposure to allergic agents causes respiratory tract infections. Allergic rhinitis is most common among them. Here is a safe and effective Ayurvedic formulation to counteract the complaint of asthma, chronic cold, rhinitis and similar respiratory tract infections.

Reference: Bhaishajya ratnavali 14/37-39

Ingredients:
Sl.no. Ingredient Botanical name Parts used quantity
1 Vasa-Adathoda vasica-Leaves-768g
2 Sita -Sugar candy- 384g
3 Ghrita -Ghee-96g
4 Pippali-Piper longum-Fruits-96g
5 Madhu - Honey-384g

Method of preparation:
• Extraction of fresh juice of Vasa- Clean and well maintained vasa leaves are taken and subjected to sudation by keeping over the cloth tied over the mud pot containing the water. The leaves are pounded and fresh juice is obtained on squeezing. (instead of fresh juice, decoction can also be taken)
•The fresh juice/decoction of vasa leaves are added with sugar candy and boiled.
•When the splitting like curding occurs, ghee is added and heating is continued on constant stirring.
•As the paka siddhi lakshana is observed, fine powder of pippali is added and taken out of the fire.
•It is self cooled and on self cooling, honey is added and mixed thoroughly.

Dose: 5-10g

Vehicle:Warm water, Dashamoola katutrayadi kashaya, Vasakarishta etc

Physical features:
Colour- greenish brown
Odour- typical smell of vasa mixed with sweet taste
Consistency- semi solid
Taste- sweet mixed bitter

Action: Expectorant, broncho- dilator, coolant, immuno modulator

Uses: It subsides cough, cold, rhinitis, bleeding disorders, asthma, chest pain, pain in the flanks and fever

My experience with this formulation:
•The patients who are habituated to take the anti asthmatic drugs (broncho- dilators and expectorants), if they consume the medicine regularly, gradually, the dose of the allopathic medicines can be decreased and better therapeutic efficacy can be obtained.
•Those who are having cold and rhinitis, if this recipe is taken along with warm water, the complaints are subsided soon. For its best results, the formulation is taken along with Naga gutika or Pushkaramoolasava.
•In case of bleeding from the nostrils, Vasavaleha is administered along with cow’s milk.
•In the conditions of phlegm, nasal blockage and sinusitis, Vasavaleha is found effective by its potent expectorant and broncho -dilation effect.

Tight pant will tighten the health

2012-01-24T21:21:00.000-08:00

Wearing tight pant has become the style in many countries. Celebrities with tight clothing, is believed to be presenting them with much slimming. But the factor should be remembered that all that looks good may not good for the health. Wearing the tight pant may cause following problems in the individuals:
1. Simple rashes around the waist- Too tight pants often restrict the blood circulation around the waist or in the calf muscles (foreleg). Often due to the extra pressure, already existing skin problems/rashes may be also worsened. That too, wearing such tight dresses for more than 8-10 hours may produce red discoloration initially and in due course of the time, it may produce dark black marks around such parts, especially in the waist and groin.
2. Numbness- Tight pants, especially tight jeans pants produce tourniquet effect and hence blood circulation is also defected. Ultimately while driving, running, standing or stretching, it may cause numbness due to lesser blood circulation.The tight pant causing compression over the femoral nerve,a sensory nerve, will reduce the senses and in turn produces numbness over the dependent parts.
3. Itching and pemphigus- Jeans pants which are tight, initially increase sweating; after 2-3 hours of wearing, it will reduce the perspiration. Ultimately, the person feels itching in the skin surface due to occlusion; salts deposited in the base of the hair follicles, often cause pemphigus around.
4. Back pain- Tight jeans pants(even cotton pants) may cause nerve compression in the back; in some of the incidences it may lead to backache, or stiffness in the lumbar region.
5. Infection- When the genital area is covered with too tight dress, the area will become a healthy ground for the bacteria growth and hence causes infection.
6. Abdominal pain- Regular usage of tight pants may lead into abdominal pain as it decreases the digestive process. Often it hinders the propelling of the food downwards and leads to stasis also.
The survey reveals that the incidence of constipation and gaseous distension of the abdomen will be more in such individuals.
7. Tingling of the thigh and foreleg- Even though this complaint is not so common, significant percentage of people suffer from this type of complaints. Due to tightening of the dress, nerve compression is caused and hence the tingling sensation is felt by the patient. This is found especially in the thigh as well as foreleg.
8. Decreased sperm count- Regular usage of tight pants, especially tight jeans, keeps the inguinal region and genitals in warm condition. Due to this, in the relative organs like scrotum, spermatic chord etc., there will be a marginal raise of temperature around 1-2 degrees. Ultimately in due course of time, sperm count may be decreased.(This is also known with the ‘Theory of Swedish tight pants’.

Nothing is greater than the health. If a simple hint is taken care and adopted, surely it will help you to overcome from the mild to moderate illnesses caused due to your own dressing sense. Feel it, think twice, adopt it if you find suitable and trustworthy.

Dandruff- treat effectively….

2012-01-22T22:13:00.000-08:00

Dandruff is the common complaint in most of the individuals. Both men and women are affected by this. Even after repeated treatment also, the complaint is not cured permanently. Physicians as well as the patients both are irritated by this complaint. Here are some effective ways to treat the complaint:
1. Take 20g each of seeds of custard apple and soap nut. Make the fine paste out of these and apply to the scalp before taking bath. After 30 minutes, take bath and wash the hair properly, and dry the hair under fan.
2. After half an hour, apply Mandara taila or Chemparutyadhi keram to the scalp.
3. If itching is severe and very often the dandruff if found, apply Durdurapatradi keram 1 hour before taking head bath. If this is followed in alternate days for 12 days, the complaint is completely cured.
(While applying Durdurpatradi keram, in initial 2-4 days hair fall may be increased, it will be corrected later on.)
4. Do not retain moisture in the head during the complaints of dandruff, as it worsens the condition.

Sleeping pills will not serve the complaint of loss of sleep in all the individuals….

2012-01-22T22:10:00.000-08:00

Food and sleep play very important role in the life of every individual. Disturbed food habits show its adverse reactions on the daily routine/natural urges like the urine output, bowel habit, appetite, thirst, flatus evacuation etc. It has its immediate effect on the sleep also.
Likewise, mental stress, systemic disorders, routine medications, anxiety, dissatisfaction, discomfort etc. also cause loss of sleep. Reduced sleep (insomnia) ultimately leads into loss of memory, depression, loss of vital capacity, loss of sexual libido, disorientation etc.
Usually, the physicians prescribe anxiolytic drug or sedatives (sleeping pills) in case of loss of sleep and anxiety. Long term administration of sedatives may lead to depression, suicidal tendency, lethargy etc. Also the sleeping pills may become a part of their life, as it is habit forming in some individuals. So enough care and precautions should be taken while prescribing as well as taking the sleeping pills. Unless and otherwise if it is very essential, it should not be used.

Here are some alternative ways to avoid sleeping pills:
1. If you are taking a lot of medicines, take the second opinion of the experts to arrive at the conclusion regarding the necessity of the sleeping pills.
2. Boost your confidence by various alternate methods like Reiki, Pranic Healing, self hypnosis, Ayurveda, Yoga-Pranayama, food and habits.
3. Jatamamsi ghana vati – 2 tablets during bedtime may act as a safe alternative for sleeping pills of mild to moderate intensity.
4. Sarawatharishta- 20ml is taken with equal amount of water during bedtime.
5. Relaxation techniques are very much helpful to avoid the necessity of the sleeping pills.

Hingwastaka/Ashta choornam: a drug of choice for gaseous distention of abdomen

2012-01-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

Altered food habits, junk food, spicy food, repeated intake of pain killers and antibiotics,sleepless nights , stress etc cause gaseous distention of the abdomen or else the acid peptide disorder. Ayurveda refers two nearer disease- Gulma and Amlapitta. Here is an effective formulation to subside the above said disorders.

Reference: Bhaishajya ratnavali, Agnimandya roga- 10/59

Ingredients:

Sl.No. Ingredient Botanical name Part used Quantity
1 Shunti-Zingiber officinalis-Rhizome-10g
2 Pippali-Piper longum-Fruits-10g
3 Maricha -Piper nigrum- Fruits- 10g
4 Ajamoda-Apium graveolens-Fruits-10g
5 Saindhava-Rock salt-10g
6 Shweta jeeraka-Cumminum sativum-Seeds-10g
7 Krishna jeeraka-Nigella sativa-Seeds-10g
8 Hingu-Asafoetida narthex-Resin-1.25g

Method of preparation:
• All the ingredients except Hingu are made into fine powder
• Hingu is fried with ghee and powdered
• All the ingredients are mixed together and stored in closed containers.

Dose: 3-5 g

Vehicle: It is taken along with first morsel of food by mixing with ghee.

Physical features:
Colour- grayish brown
Smell- Typical smell of asafetida
Appearance- Fine powder
Taste- Salty and spicy

Action:
Carminative,Digestive,Expeller of flatus,Taste enhancer,Antispasmodic,Emmenogogue.

Uses: It is useful in the treatment of gaseous distention of the abdomen, indigestion, loss of taste, abdominal pain, colicky pain, pain in the flanks, menstrual pain etc.

My experience with this formulation:
•This is very safe to administer in all the age group. In case, if the individual cannot take it with food, this may be administered by adding to butter milk or lemon soda/lime sharabath.
•Early morning if 1-2 pinches(500mg-1gm) of this powder is taken along with water, appetite is increased and the person will have interest in the food intake.
•In case of back ache caused due to acid peptic disorders, the formulation is found to be effective.
•The patients who are complaining of constipation followed by indigestion, if they take this formulation, the bowel will be regularized.
•The women suffering from menstrual pain or dysmenorrhoea, if this medicine is taken regularly, it subsided the complaint effectively.

Sitopaladi choorna:safe and effective drug for cold, cough and phlegm

2012-01-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

Ayurveda prescribes safe and effective medicines against the common ailments like cough, cold and breathlessness caused due to excessive accumulation of phlegm in the chest. Sitopaladi choornam is one such formulation which is very simple even for preparation.

Reference:Sharangadhara samhita, Madhyama khanda 6/134-136.

Ingredients:
Sl.No. Ingredient Botanical name Part used quantity
1 Sitopala-Sugar candy -160g
2 Vamsarochana-Bamboosa arundina-Calcined part-80g
3 Pippali-Piper longum-Fruits-40g
4 Ela-Elatteria cardomum- Fruits- 20g
5 Twak-Cinnamomum tamala- Bark- 10g

Method of preparation:
• Each drug is taken in the weighed amount and made into fine powder separately
• All the ingredients are mixed and filtered properly
• It is stored in closed containers.

Dose: 3-6g

Vehicle: Taken along with honey and ghee.In its absence, warm water can be used

Physical features:
Colour- slight grey
Smell- aromatic
Appearance- fine powder
Taste- sweet and slightly tingling

Action: Expectorant,Soothering, Carminative,Taste enhancer.

Uses: It is useful in the treatment of cold, cough, asthma, fever, bleeding through upper orifices, indigestion, numbness of the tongue etc.,

Precautions: This formulation should be avoided in Diabetic patients.

My experience with this formulation:
•This formulation is very effective in the treatment of dry cough. In such conditions, instead of honey, the formulation is administered along with mere ghee.
•In case of productive cough, the recipe is administered along with the fresh juice of Adathoda vasica and honey.
•In case of sinusitis, this is administered along with yaghryadi kashaya or asakarishta. This contributes the better result.
•In small children suffering from rhinitis, this recipe is administered by mixing with the fresh juice obtained by heating the leaves of Parnayavani(Plectrantus ambonicus).

Agasthya rasayana: a drug of choice to chronic cough

2012-01-04T23:57:00.000-08:00

Agasthya rasayana is a well known formulation of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics. This formulation is of utmost choice in the conditions of chronic cough. This can be used safely in the cases of upper respiratory tract infections. The formulation is first referred in the text Charaka Samhita, in the chapter of Kasa chikitsa(Cha.Chi18/57-62).
The ingredients, indication, dose vehicle and my experience with this formulation are described here below :

Sl.No. Ingredients Botanical Name Parts used Quantity
1-10 Dashamoola:
Ten herbal roots
Bilva Aegle marmelos Root 10g
Agnimantha Premna integrifolia Root 10g
Shyonaka Oroxylum indicum Root 10g
Kashmari Gmelina arborea Root 10g
Patala Pterospermum suaveolens Root 10g
Brihati Solanum indicum Root 10g
Kantakari Solanum xanthocarpum Root 10g
Shaliparni Desmodium gangeticum Root 10g
Prishniparni Uraria picta Root 10g
Gokshura Tribulus terrestris Root 10g
11 Kapikacchu Mucuna prurita Seeds 100g
12 Shankhapushpi Convolvulus pluricaulis Whole Pl100g
13 Shati Kaempferia galangal Rhizome 100g
14 Bala Sida cordifolia Root 100g
15 Gajapippali Scindapsus officinalis Fruits 100g
16 Apamarga Achyranthus aspera Whole Pl100g
17 Pippali moola Piper longum Root 100g
18 Chitraka Plumbago zeylanica Root 100g
19 Bharangi Clerodendron serratum Root 100g
20 Kushta Saussuria lappa Root 100g
21 Yava Hordeum vulgare Seeds 3200g
22 Hareetaki Terminalia chebula Fruits 100 fruits
23 Jala (water) - - - - 10 liters
24 Guda (jaggery) - - - - 5kg
25 Ghrita(cow’s ghee) - - - 200g
26 Pippali (for prakshepa) Piper longum Fruits 200g
27 Tila taila (sesame oil) - - - 200ml
28 Madhu (honey) - - - 200ml

Procedure:
• The ingredients 1-20 are made into a coarse powder.
• Prescribed amount of water is added to this coarse powder.
• 100 Hareetaki fruits are taken, made into a bundle and suspended/hanged in the vessel.
• This is boiled in moderate intensity of heat and reduced to ¼.
• Yava (barley) is boiled separately with 12 liters of water and is reduced to ¼.
• Both the decoctions are filtered and mixed together.
• The bundle of Hareetaki fruits is taken out and kept aside.
• To this decoction, jaggery is added and boiled till it reaches to the consistency of the syrup.
• To the syrup, the Hareetaki fruits(separated from the bundle) are added and mixed well.
• Further ghee and sesame oil are added and heated till it gets thick consistency of a leha (lehapaka siddhi).
• During this process fine powder of Pippali is added and mixed thoroughly.
• This is allowed for self cooling.
• On cooling, honey is added and mixed thoroughly.
• Next day, it is stored in glass containers.
Physical features of Agasthya rasayana:
Colour: brown
Smell: astringent mixed sweet smell
Consistency: semi solid
Taste: predominantly astringent taste followed by sweet taste.
Uses: Useful in chronic bronchitis, asthma, cold, hiccups, premature greyness of hair, all types of cough, emaciation, intermittent fever, hemorrhoids, mal absorption syndrome, cardiac disorders, anorexia, rhinitis etc.
Dose: 5-10g
Vehicle: Warm water or warm milk
My experience with this formulation:
 In acute conditions of cough, cold, rhinitis etc., it is beneficial; but, such a benefit will be of short duration. Whereas in chronic condition it helps to relieve the complaint completely.
 In the conditions of Asthma, it is very beneficial.
 It is very much useful in the cases of Tropical Eosinophilia.
 In the patients who are suffering from pedal oedema following with hypertension, I got good effect in the patients.
 In the case where phlegm is not expelled properly, Agasthya rasayana is licked little by little; it helps to expel out the phlegm and hence to relieve the chest congestion.

Ayurveda Takes Care of You...: Be aware of the food containing Ajinomoto-a taste ...

2012-01-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

Ayurveda Takes Care of You...: Be aware of the food containing Ajinomoto-a taste ...: Ajinomoto is a taster/taste maker/taste enhancer commonly added in most of the nfood especially in junked food that too in Chinese cuisines,...

Be aware of the food containing Ajinomoto-a taste maker present in the Chinese food!

2012-01-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

Ajinomoto is a taster/taste maker/taste enhancer commonly added in most of the nfood especially in junked food that too in Chinese cuisines,sauce and soups.Chemically it is known as Mono Sodium Glutamate(MSG) and it is not a synthetic but a salt of amino acids.Where as now-a- days people find different ways to use synthesized MSG too,due to the huge demand from all around.
All hotels and Dabas use this taste maker with out any specification and restriction.The person one who is habituated to a particular kind of dish,added with Ajinomoto/MSG will be a permanent customer for that brand of food or towards that particular restaurant.In such incidence where one is habituated to go,please be aware regarding such a chemical constituent like Ajinomoto,a type of MSG.
Even though FDA has been testing for MSG for years and considers it as safe,it prescribes the food industries to display the same in the label,as significant percentage of people develop adverse reactions like vomiting sensation,giddiness,head ache,gastritis,acid peptic disorders, migraine head ache,allergic manifestation, diarrhea,acidic regurgitation, asthma etc.,
The survey carried by the food authorities reveals that in 80% of the dabas and out side restaurants the Ajinomoto and such taste makers are added with out any dose specification and in an abrupt way.
In such survey work they have found with dizziness and sleep disturbance in the individuals who are sensitive to this.In few number of cases even reduced urine out put and partial damage to the kidneys is also reported.
Based upon the above points and findings it will be wise to restrict ourselves from the usage of additional taste makers,like Ajinomoto.

Please note the following truths with regards to Ajinomoto and such MSGs-

# Most of the Chinese foods contain Ajinomoto;Gobi manchoori and Chinese noodles are the common dishes possessing this

# Ajinomoto may not produce its reactions immedietly after the ingestion.It may be exhibited in 48-72 hrs duration too

# Even the packed soft drinks,chewing gums,candy and condiments are the sources of MSG
Some of the Protein powders do possess MSG and the over dosage of such proteins may be harmful.

# It is important to note that,even though FDA as well as food industries suggest that MSG is 'naturally occuring',it does not mean that all natural are safe!

TAKE CARE OF THE FOODS AND BEVERAGES CONTAINING AJINOMOTO AND SUCH MSGs AND SAVE YOURSELF FROM HEALTH HAZARDS;IF YOU ARE TAKING CARE OF OTHERS PLEASE CONVEY THIS TO OTHERS ALSO....

AYURVEDIC DOSAGE FORMS AND THEIR RATIONALITY

2012-01-03T01:37:00.000-08:00

Rationality of Ayurvedic dosage forms

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Physico-chemical properties of the compound that could affect the drug performance which leads to development of an efficacious medicine is called as dosage form. In Ayurveda it is termed as Kalpana.
Kalpana –
It is the ability of the drug to obtain the desired result by penetration to the target cells through the inherited potency / inculcated physico-chemical properties.
While opting for a particular kind of dosage form, following factors are taken into consideration-
 Availability of the raw drug
 Known properties of the compound / ingredients
 Specific therapeutic area
 Potency related to competitive products
 Molecule’s weakness to synthesize the compound( through Samskara)
 Probable decay mechanism (shelf life )
 Condition that promote drug decomposition (stabilization technique)
 Compatibility (synergism & antagonism)
 Dissolution/media
 Biological properties(Personal/Mass)
 Mass acceptance
Over all discussion of the various dosage forms hides out the following truths with regards to the rationality behind the drug design-
 Ayurvedic dosage forms are the results of rational application of Ayurvedic principles
 These dosage forms have scientific inputs in their application
 Judicial modification of the dosage forms do have advantages
Aping of the dosage forms may lead into wrong conclusions/inferences

Reduce the cholesterol by traditional food

2012-01-02T22:22:00.000-08:00

Increased level of cholesterol is a common complaint in upper middle class as well as in higher society.Altered lifestyle,high calorie diet,sedentary life are the few but sure reasons for this complaint.Increased levels of fat causes various kinds of discomforts related to the heart,liver and kidney.Taking the synthetic anti-cholesterol/ hypolipidemic drugs leads to lethargy,numbness,vertigo,gastritis,metabolic disorders etc.,

People are in search of safe and effective herbal formulations. In such an instance, if we modify our food habits or adopt some of the simple traditional food varieties surely much benefit can be obtained. Here are some such time tested Indian traditional soups and side dishes-

1)Sprouted horse gram and the tube of the Banana (which are made into slices) are taken and cooked well.To this,powdered pepper,tamarind,salt and jaggery (if required) are added and boiled.This soup is taken regularly along with rice,dosa,idli etc .,

2)Instead of tube of Banana,onion is added to the horse gram and soup is prepared.This soup is used daily for 15-20 days.

3) The tender leaves of tamarind or fresh lime is taken and cooked well with water.Pepper powder,jiggery and salt are added ,while cooking.This can be taken as it is or used along with food.

4)Coconut pulp,cumine seeds,zinger,tamarind leaves,turmeric and pepper are ground well and a paste is made.This is added to buttermilk and equal amount of water.This is boiled and salt is added.

Curry leaves and mustard may be added while seasoning the soup.This is carminative (increases the appetite) and decreases the cholesterol.

Freeze water will spoil your health

2012-01-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

Intake of Freeze water is a habit for most of the people. Commercial industries do advertise to take chilled water and beverages. In higher societies it is a pracrice/custom to serve chilled water in all the occasions like party,dinner,supper, breakfast and whenever the person is thirsty. Whereas in middle class it has become a matter of prestige to serve freeze water.
Recent scientific studies say that intake of cold water increases the chances of Atherosclerosis.Also,it causes mal digestion of the fat, improper bowel habit and increases the chances of urinary calculi followed with phosphaturia.
The chances of Asthama is considered to be more in the individuals who take cold/freezed water regularly.The studies have proved that the complaint of varicosity,Tonsilitis(and URTI) and peripheral neuritis are 5 times higher in the individuals who take chilled water than the individuals who prefer warm water.The patients of arthritis and especially in Rheumatoid arthritis warm water is recommended.In the cases of obesity and hyperlipidemia also physicians strictly advise to take warm water and warm beverages.
Boiled and cooled water is free from the germs and it is safer to the health too. Have the habit of taking warm water or water of room temperature and have the pleasure of health. A simple health tip may save you from the diseases ….

Swarnaprashana dates for the Year 2012

2012-01-02T01:45:00.000-08:00

The day of Pushya nakshtra is considered to be most precious to administer the Suvarna dindu/swarnaprashana.The followers of ayurblog.com repeatedly ask the question in this regar.Here is the listed days for Swarnaprashana and one can have this in the respective days from the genuine sources-
January 10-01-2012 Tuesday
February 07-02-2012 Tuesday
March 05-03-2012 Monday
April 01-04-2012 Sunday

April 29-04-2012 Sunday

May 26-05-2012 Saturday
June 22-06-2012 Friday
July 20-07-2012 Friday
August 16-08-2012 Thursday
September12-09-2012Wednesday
October10-10-2012 Wednesday
November06-11-2012Tuesday
December03-12-2012 Monday

CONTRA -INDICATION OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINES

2012-01-02T00:52:00.000-08:00

Contra indication of ayurvedic medicine dr ms krishnamurthy

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Contra indication of ayurvedic medicine dr ms krishnamurthy

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Whenever Ayurvedic/herbal medicines are discussed immedietly following questions are asked-

Are they safe ?
Are they cause side effects?
Are they efficacious ?
Are they genuine ?
Are they prepared properly ?
Are they presented properly ?
Are they affordable ?

So here an effort is made to explain in brief about the belief and facts related to herbal/Ayurvedic medicines.

The blind followers of Ayurveda very often claim that these medicines are totally side effect free.Such a belief is surely gives rise to another question that if it is so,how it works!So,it will be wise and correct to say that the ayurvedic medicines have slow and constant action followed with lesser side effects.The reason is also clear that these herbal active constituents are less potent when compared to true synthetic chemical constituents.

Hence Ayurvedic drugs do cause side effects/undesired effects if they are not prepared properly or else not prescribed as per the classical guide lines.

The herbal medicaments are quite effective in the treatment some certain set of diseases and especially in the diseases of chronic origin and non-infective nature.Life style disorders can be treated very effectively by Ayurvedic system of medicine,undoubtedly.Also,some of the ayurvedic medicines helpful to overcome the toxicity caused by the modern medicines and they often act as pro-biotics or else bio-enhancers.

Now-a -days a lot of GMP certified ayurvedic pharmaceutical industries prepare time tested and researched ayurvedic products as per modern techniques.Hence there is good hope to get genuine ayurvedic(classical as well as proprietary)preparations in the market.Also we have to rake the expert guidance of qualified Ayurvedic physicians in this regard.

Many people have the belief that Ayurvedic /herbal medicines are costlier.This will not be true in all the cases.Only when the genuine raw drug is not available in the near by area it ultimately leads to the heavy price of the product.Inspite of this,a good ayurvedic physician will have the tact to prescribe efficacious as cheaper ayurvedic products too.

DO OUR(Ayurvedic) MEDICINES HAVE CONTRA INDICATOINS ?

The next question usually asked is with regards to the indications as well as contra- indications.Some people take ayurvedic medicines for quite a period of time from some weeks to some months or some even for years together. An expert ayurvedic physician will surely guide you in this regard.A medicine can never be a food or can never be a substitute too.We observe incompatibility of food and beverages or else allergy towards certain kind of things;when this is the case surely our medicines do have some contra- indications.One man's medicine may be a poison towards another.So,even a nectorous (ambrosia) rejuvinator also has certain contra- indications and hence to be prescribed with caution.

Whether every drug has contra indication?

No.As such 50% of ayurvedic medicaments do not have strict contra indications unlike modern medicaments.But depending upon the nature of the individual and associated symptoms even safer drugs also to be looked into their un desired action.

ARE WE AWARE OF ORIGINAL REFERENCES ?

Many a times ayurvedic practitioners presribe medicaments with the knowledge of the Formulation and they forget about the exact reference of the recipe.That should be looked into seriously or else the apt formulation of the context may also cause adverse reactions or it may not serve the purpose.

DO WE KNOW THE INGREDIENTS AND THEIR HYPERSENSIVITY?

Secondly,it is very important to know all the ingredients of the recipe.Because the drug exibits its action on totality of the ingredients.The individuals with the hypersensitivity towards any of the ingredient may end up with some kind of ill effects,for which the physician has to take care while taking the case history.

DO WE ARE CONFIDENT REGARDING AYURVEDIC PRESCRIPTIONS?

Only if the physician is thorough about the disease ,its status and the confident of formulations to be prescribed with its genuineness,surely one will be confident regarding the safety and efficacy of the drug.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS –HOW AND WHY ?

With regards to the contra indication of ayurvedic drugs followinf matters are to be taken care-

ØDosage form specific

ØFormulation specific

ØDisease specific

ØDose specific

ØDoshic affinity

ØManufacturing method

ØBala – Desha – Kala – Agni – Prakriti – Satwa – Satmya etc

DOSAGE FORM SPECIFIC CONTRA INDICATIONS

ØFresh Drug – Acute conditions (Psychological Setup), Children, Susceptible individuals (Garlic, Onion, Ajawain, Colour specific,Cow’s urine etc)

ØDecoction – Children, women, poor mental ability,Minor sufferings,Non accustomed,Religious

ØTablets-Younger age group(size of tablet),Higher society, Extraawareness, Vomitting, Tastelessness, Constipation, Indigestion etc

ØPowders-Younger age group,women,Nausea,Mental disliking

ØSyrup-DM, Disliking towards Preservatives and colouring agents,Consistancy specific

DOSAGE FORM SPECIFIC CONTRA INDICATIONS……

ØAsava-Arishta-Religious,Women,Nausea/Succeptible,Paittic individuals,DM

ØLeha-DM,Haftyness,Indigestion

ØGhee and Oil-Haftyness,Indigestion and Nausea,Liver disorders,Renal insufficiency

ØRasoushadhas-Renal –Cardiac-Hepatic-Neurological-Pancreatic disorders

FORMULATION SPECIFIC CONTRA INDICATIONS

Choorna-

ØSitopaladi,Talisadi-DM

ØAvipattikara-Diarrhoea

ØPushyanuga-Constipation

ØHingu vachadi, Hingwashtaka-Leucorrhoea, Bleeding disorders, BPH

ØVaishwanara-APD

ØShivakshara –Urinary incontinency, BPH

ØShatavari-Sore throat

Tablets-

ØDhanvantari –Constipation

ØYogaraja guggulu-Constipation, Reduced urine output

ØGokshuradi and Punarnavadi- Diuresis, Sleeplessness

ØChitrakadi –Stomatitis

ØLaghu sootashekhara – Constipation, mouth ulcer

ØRasnadi-ConstipationLashunadi-Constipation, Burning

ØNimbadi-Paittic disorders and individuals

ØShirashooladi vajra rasa-Paittic disorders

ØArogyavardhini-Paittic disorders,Reduced urine output

ØBolabaddha rasa-Constipation

ØShwasakutara, Kaphaketu Rasa-Mouth ulcers, APD, Back ache, Reduced urine output, Gaseous distention of abdomen

ØKombanchadi gulika-Reduced urine output

ØGandhaka rasayana-Mouth ulcer

ØRaja pravartini vati-Burning sensation, abdominal pain

Leha-

üShatavari-Sore throat, Cold, Cough, Asthama, Indigestion

üChyavana prasha,Dashamula hareetaki- Constipation, Burning of the body, Non specific headache

üManibhadra guda-Nausea

ü Ajamamsa Rasayana-Indigestion

ü Pancha jeeraka guda-Excess appetite

üTrivrit lehya-Ulceration

üHaridrakhanda rasayana-Dry skin

üMadhusnuhi Rasayana-Acute skin diseases,Burning sensation

Asava-Arishta

ØLodhrasava,Saraswatarishta-DM

ØDashamula-Constipation

ØSariva,Usheera-Kaphaja disorders

ØKharjoora,Shreekhanda-DM

ØKutaja-Constipation,Vatic disorders

ØKumari no 1-Menorrhagia

ØAshoka-Constipation

Ghrita and Taila-

qKalyanaka-Menorrhagia

qShatavari-Cold,Sore throat

qPinda taila-Internal administration

qKBT Avartana-Hyper cholesterol

qMost Taila/Ghrita-Rhumatoid arthritis

qMaharaja prasarini-Burning chest

qGelatinous capsules-Indigestion,Nausea

Rasaushadhas-

vShwasakutara , Shwasananda, Kaphaketu, Kasakutara-Lethergy, Shivering, Burning chest, APD, Sleep disturbance, Stomatitis,Constipation

vMakaradhwaja, Rasa sindura-Renal insufficiency, Recent recovery from Hepatic disorders

vArogyavardhini-Constipation, Burning chest, Paittic disorders, Haemorrhoids

qTribhuvanakeerti,Vettumaran,Ananda bhairava rasa-Paittic disorders and Prakriti, Constipation, Burning chest, APD, Reduced urine output / Burning micturition, Migraine headache

qVatsanabha,Hingula formulations-Debility, Excess perspiration, Stomatitis

qTamra bhasma, Naga bhasma, Vanga bhasma, Loha bhasma-Constipation, Dysuria, Lethergy, Excess perspiration, Haemorroids, APD

ØManashila, Haratala, Somala formulations-APD, Sleep disturbance, Thirst, Peripheral neuritis

ØBilva gulika-Constipation, Severe vomitting

ØVishamushti vati-Constipation, Paittic headache, Hypertension

ØIcchabhedi rasa-Ulcers, h/o perforation, Recent affliction of Typhoid

DISEASE SPECIFIC CONTRA INDICATIONS

ØHepatic/ Biliary Disorders-Haratala, Manashila, Vatsanabha, Naga, Vanga, Dhattura, Hingula

ØAnaemia-Constipatives, Hingula, Vatsanabha, Gandhaka, Navasagara

ØFever-Gastric irritants,Khadira-Ashoka-Lodhra-Arjuna-Bilva-Shilajatu

ØMouth ulcers-Haratala, Manashila, Dhattura, Hingula, Dashamula katutraya, Kanakasava, TBKR, A Bhairava

ØBack ache-Constipatives, Causing reduced Urine out put

qAphrodisiacs-Vatsanabha, Jayapala, Navasagara, Kshara, Lavana

qHead ache-Constipation, Dysuria, Irritant drugs

qPeripheral neuritis-Hingula, Manashila, Vanga

qScanty menstruation-Chandrakala rasa, Bolabaddha rasa, Ashokarishta(mere)

qMenorrhagia-Formulations containing Manashila, Haratala, Jayapala, Hingu, Kumari, Shanapushpi

qEye disorders-Manashila, Naga, Vanga, Bhallataka

qEar disorders-Unless specified oils(mridupaka),Acidic substances

qTonsilitis-Shatavari yoga, Coolants to scalp, Ghrita preparations

qCold, Cough, Asthama-Coolants, medicated Ghee –if not specified

qCardiac diseases-Hingula, Vatsanabha, Jayapala, Dhattura

qUrinary calculi-Hingula, Tamra bhasma, Vanga, Naga, Dhattura

ØOligospermia-Irritants and depending upon other associated complaints

ØPCOD-Careful usage of irritants

ØLactation-Anti diabetic, Sthoulyahara medicaments

ØGynaeco-mastia- Galactogogue

DOSE SPECIFIC CONTRA INDICATIONS:

qSanjeevani vati ,Shwasakutara, Kaphaketu, Icchabhedi, Sameerapannaga, TBKR, AB, Swarna vanga, Arogya vardhini, GR, Ekangaveera, Rajapravartini, Nimbadi guggulu, Chitrakadi vati, Trayodashanga guggulu, Mamajjaka ghanavati, Vasantakusumakara, Various bhasmas

q Chyavana prasha, Dashamoola hareetaki, Kachhoradi choorna, Karpooradi choorna

q Katakakhadiradi, Asanadi, Patolakaturohinyadi KS

DOSHIC AFFINITY RELATED C/I

vVatadhika-Asanabilvadi taila

vPittadhika-Durdurapatradi taila

vKaphadhika-Himasagara taila

qObstructed Vata-Saptavimshati guggulu

Obsructed Pitta-Lavana preparations

Obstructed Kapha-Leha preparation (nutritive) / Rasayana

q Vidagdha Vata-Constipatives

Vidagdha Pitta-Ghrita preparations

Vidagdha Kapha-Taila preparations

BE CAUTIOUS while penning-----

vYastimadhu,Kantakari

vSarpagandha

vBilva, Dhattura, Vacha, Bakuchi, Bhallataka

vTrivrit, Danti, Sonamukhi, Katukarohini

vVatsanabha, Vishatinduka

vNaga, Vanga, Tamra, Parada, Hingula, Haratala, Manashila

vUn known/Less known

Manufacturing method related C/I-

qAmapaka-Jatyadi taila,Amalaki taila-Increase itching

qKharapaka-KBT, Gomutrarka,Thenginpookuladi rasayana-Cause burning sensation, Nausea

qDagdhapaka-Dhanvantara, Kottamchukkadi-Burning, increase dryness and body ache

qMuch moisture/Not dried-Shirastoda gulika, Marmani, Karuttha gulika-Increase the complaints

Last sip…....

vA look into original classical references

vKnowledge of recipe and related ingredients

vThinking before acting

vA thorough re-view/case study

vFaith and confidence

vAcceptance of truth

vSelf limitation and limitation of science

SWARNAPRASHANA – Myth and truth

2011-12-31T03:34:00.000-08:00

Ayurveda emphasizes two aspects of our life. One is related to the restoration of health/prevention from the diseases and the second is the curative benefit. Ayurvedic texts refer several rejuvenatory/restorativemedicines so as to remain away from some of the diseases.

Also we find several formulations to enhance the memory and to overcome some of the repeated seasonal diseases. Especially the children should be taken enough care in this regard. ‘Swarnaprashana’ is such an effort of our ancient Ayurvedic scholars. Followers of ayurblog.com repeatedly ask some of the questions with regards to Swarnaprashana and an effort is made to answer for such queries.

1. Where we find the classical reference of ‘Swarnaprashana’?

Swarna-prashana is referred for the first time in Kashyapa samhita (7-8 Century AD),an authentic text of Ayurvedic paediatrics.But the word prashana is not mentioned and instead,lehana is told. The classical literatures of Ayurveda emphasize the use of Swarna(gold) in various forms..

2. How it was practiced in olden days?

The use of microfine (thin) sheets/Gold Varak, rubbing the pure gold (Aparanji gold/24 carat gold) against a stone and licking along with honey/ghee, administration of food in hand wearing the golden ornaments/ring etc were some of the methods ancients used to practice to serve the purpose of Swarna-prashana.These will serve the purpose of administration of traces of gold into the body.

(Ayaskriti kalpanas mentioned in Charaka and Sushruta samhita also fulfill the above criterion and they are meant for rejuvenation.)

3. What is the rationality behind the usage of ‘Swarnaprashana’?

The texts advocate gold for the purpose of rejuvenation,memory enhance,complexion enhancement and as a detoxifier.When this is administered along with honey or ghee its action will be multifold because of bio-enhancing effect of the adjuvants.Hence it is modified into Medicated Ghrita by adding some of the herbal drugs of synergetic action.

4. Whether memory can be altered/enhanced by any of the ways? What is the role of ‘Swarnaprashana’ in this regard?

Yes,the modern texts refer that memory cannot be enhanced by any of the ways as it is inherited one.But Ayurvedic texts refer that memory(Dhee –Dhriti and Smriti) is also dependant on the food and beverages(also on the circumstances/developing environment).More over medicated ghee or medicines administered along with ghee will cross the blood brain barrier and act on the memory centers (target cells) by lipophilic nature.

There are more than 160 formulations of this nature in Ayurvedic classics which are recommended in the treatment of UNMADA(MANIA) and APASMARA(EPILEPSY).Hence undoubtedly Swarnaprashana ghrita is beneficial for the purpose to which it is recommended.

5. What are all the benefits of ‘Swarnaprashana’?

Swarnaprashana ghrita helps to improve the health status,promotes the immunity,imparts good complexion and lusture,enhances the memory,detoxifies the body,improves the blood circulation and stimulates nervous system.

6. What are all the ingredients of ‘Swarnaprashana yoga’?

As such there is no classical reference of the formulation by name ‘Swarnaprashana yoga’ or ‘Swarnaprashana ghrita’.But a number of Medhya rasayana formulations are explained under various chapters and diseases.By the thorough study of effective and safe herbal drugs, such medicated Ghritas are prepared.While preparing such Ghritas, availability of the genuine drugs, their rationality in the dosage form etc are also looked into and the formulation is designed. Cow’s ghee is preferred as the oleaginous base and in its absence buffalo’s ghee is also recommended.

Usually- Brahmi/Mandookaparni,Shankhapushpi,Aswhagandha,Bala,Pippali,Musta,Guduchi,Draksha,Amalaki,Yastimadhu,Gokshura,Vacha and Chandana are added as ingredients.

To get beneficial effect 100gm of medicated ghee should possess at least 2 gm of Swarna Bhasma.

7. Why it is in the form of Ghee?Can’t we make into syrup/arishta/tablet/leha etc?

Medicated Ghee crosses the blood brain barrier due to its lipophilic nature and hence it is the most suitable kind of medicinal dosage form to obtain memory enhancing and neuro-stimulant effect.

Yes.,It can be modified into other dosage forms like syrup,arishta,tablet,leha,choorna etc also.But ghee is the most appreciable dosage form.I n the order of priority Leha,Arishta,Syrup and Choorna are considerable in the successive order.

8. Whether any side effect is observed so far by ‘Swarnaprashana’?

No.So far no any kind of side effect/adverse effect/toxic effect/undesired effect is reported.But some of the parents complain of excess salivation or tastelessness immedietly after the ghee administration;Constant study revealed that it was common in the people who are not accustomed (liking) to take ghee.So,such a finding does not need any explanation.

9. Whether the children of both the sex can be administered with this?

Surely.There is no any restriction of sex in this regard.Because memory boosting/complexion enhancement/immune modulation is required for both the sex !

10. What will be the dose of Swarnaprashana ghrita?

Usual recommendable dose for the children of 1 month-3 years 3 drops.3 years-8 years 6 drops.Above 8 years-16 years 8 drops;which is constant thereafter to all the age .

But in practice 3-6 drops are administered according to the feasibility and cost effectiveness.

11. When it should be administered and how it is administered?

Preferably early in the morning,in the empty stomach,on the day of Pushya nakshatra it is administered in every month.

It is administered along with honey followed with warm water.To enhance the drug action/boosting effect, some prefer to administer Brahmi ghrita/saraswatarishta,Pippalyasava,Aravindasava etc

12. Whether any day/time(of administration) restriction is there with respect to its administration?In most of the clinical/Institutional setups it is administered on the day of Pushyanakshtra.Any rationality behind this?

As such there is no such restriction for its administration.But it is believed to be more efficaseous if administered on Pushya nakshatra.As like our prayer,certain people visit temple/mosque/church on particular day itself.It does not mean that we should not go on other days.Here lies belief,customand trustworthiness of our ancestors! Surely if you believe/act according to your convenience probably that may be practiced by the large mass after some period of time/years!

Secondly in the morning,when the stomach is empty, if the drug/ghee is administered full benefit of the drug may be obtained;because the absorption will be faster during this time period.In its inconvenience, no harm in administering the drug according to ones convenient time.But the efficacy may vary…..hence think of its worthyness…

Pushya nakshatra is very sacred according to Indian mythology as well as astrology.Pushya represents the noble status of “Guru”(teacher/elder/preceptor).Guru and memory/intellect are inter –linked.Thus remains sacredness and nobleness of Pushya nakshatra.

13. Any restriction is there with regards to the food and beverages?

Preferably, it will be wise if no food or beverage is given immediately after the drug administration (for 45-75 minutes) as it may dilute or interact with the precious ghee. Also better to avoid curd, junk food etc on that day.

14. How long it can be administered?

As such no age restriction is mentioned for its administration.Still,if it is administered for 1-2 years maximum result can be obtained.

15. If one or two sessions are missed any negative effect?

Surely there will not be any harm in that regard. But in the successive days you can go and ask for the medicated ghee ,so that full benefit of the therapy can be obtained.

16.Whether Swarnaprashana ghrita is indicated only in children?

No.It can be administered in all the age group too.Personally, in my clinical setup I administer the medicated ghee for the old aged people too.Loss of memory,decreased vital energy,numbness,neuritis etc can be treated successfully by this. But little higher doses are required.

17.Do all the Institutions /individual physicians prepare/use the same kind of Swarnapraashana ghrita?

It will be difficult to announce/declare that all the Institutions/setups/physicians prepare/use same kind of Swrnaprashana ghrita.Becuse in Ayurvedic classics a standard formulation is not found in the name of Swarnaprashana ghrita.So, the manufacturers prepare the medicament according to the availability of effective drugs,cost effectiveness ,Institutional/individual dose fixation etc.

16. What else can be done in the place where Swarnaprashana ghrita is not available or want to continue for longer period?

a) Smaller package of ghee can be asked with the setups

b)Swrana bhasma 500 mg is mixed with 40 g honey/ghee and kept for 14-30 days on constant stirring every day.There after each day/once in 5/7 days 2 ml is administered.

c) Brahmi ghrita may be administered 1-2 ml daily/once in 5/7 days

d)Vacha suvarna/Swarna vacha prepared from a genuine source can be used routinely once in 2/3 days, for a period of 5-6 months

17. Whether administration of Swarnaprashana ghrita once in a month will serve its purpose?

Why not? Our body needs only traces of medicine to stimulate the energy/immune system.That is the principle of nano technology too.When this is the scientific out look,surely we should accept and appreciate the great intellect of our ancient Achryas/Rishis. Won’t we agree all the immunization schedules put forth by commercial pharmaceutical industries irrespective of country/age/geographical area/nature of the individual etc!

18. What is the opinion of ayurblog.com with regards to the irrational usage of Swarnaprashana ghrita by some of the people?

In this regard follow the following 3 important points and you will not be lead in wrong way-

i) Select/opt the physician to whom you rely upon for this Ghee administration

ii) Prefer the Institutional setups than the individual setups so that you may get a quality product and treatment

iii)Discuss in detail regarding the source of manufacturing and its contents

Useful tips to overcome the anger…..

2011-12-20T22:05:00.000-08:00

Anger is an immediate reaction to mistreatment. It is caused as a result of intolerance to certain types of behavior. Here an unpleasant stimulus is met with an objectionable response. It is observed as an interpretation of having been insulted, maltreated or denied and a tendency to undo that by revenge.

Anger has many physical and mental consequences. The external expression of anger can be found in facial expression, body language and physiological responses.

Nobody likes to be in angry mood. But it is inevitable due to several reasons. One’s mind makeup plays very important role in this regard. Because, angry is also a kind of emotional response.Expectancy(desire),work/lifestyle,managing capacity,job design,hurry,finishing/accomplishment of the work, fineness in handling the prescribed work ,ego status etc are the contributing factors in this regard.

Many a times our angry mood keeps us away from the family members or from the co-workers. Or else it becomes difficult to get the confidence as well as appreciation from the follow people. Even though ‘anger’ helps to achieve some steps of ‘disciplinary’ part, the success got through the ‘anger’ will not continue for long. Instead, more than the benefits in another corner of the life and profession loss is observed. These kinds of loss may be (often permanent or temporary) in the form of name, fame, money, status, confidence, friendship, satisfaction, achievement etc.,

Here are some simple tips to overcome from the ‘angry’ mood. Try these and surely new avenue will be opened in your life.

· Listen carefully; spend enough time for the person in front of you

· Be cheerful, cool and develop utmost patience

· Hope for the best; be ready to face the worst too

· Never expect others to be like you; instead, help/guide others to be like you(if needed)

· Honor other’s presence /status

· Never take quick decision;take time for alysis and arrive at conclusion

· Understand other’s mentality and emotional makeup

· Take deep breath as and when you are not satisfied with another; or else take a cup of water

· Count in the reverse order from the numbers 1-20;you will be cooled down

· Take the confidence of the co-worker or follow people and try to understand their perseverance

· Write the name of the person in a piece of paper and tear it; put it to the dust bin. You will be relaxed

· Be silent if you are intolerable and go for prayer(close your eyes and palming is carried over the close eyes)

You will enjoy a cheerful mood and people will accept you in a very positive angle.