MY AYURVEDA

Sabarimala Edavamasa Pooja days

2022-05-20T07:48:00.002-07:00

Siberian cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum)

2022-03-16T11:04:00.010-07:00

Xanthium spinosum

Kingdom: Plantae

Family: Asteraceae

Siberian cocklebur is a spring weed that grows in parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. The plant invades farmlands and can be poisonous to domestic animals and humans.

Cockleburs are coarse, herbaceous annual plants growing to 50–120 cm (20–47 in) tall. The leaves are spirally arranged, with deeply toothed margins. Some species, notably Xanthium spinosum, are also very thorny with long, slender spines at the leaf bases

The common cocklebur is a native of North America. It invades agricultural lands and can be poisonous to animals, including horses, cattle, and sheep. Some domestic animals will avoid consuming the plant if other forage is present, but less discriminating animals, such as pigs, will consume the plants and then sicken and die. The seedlings and seeds are the most toxic parts of the plants.

Symptoms usually occur within a few hours, producing unsteadiness and weakness, depression, nausea and vomiting, twisting of the neck muscles, rapid and weak pulse, difficulty breathing, and eventually death.

Uses:

People take Siberian cocklebur by mouth for chronic bronchitis, common cold, constipation, sinus infection, stuffy nose, itching, hives, a condition affecting the joints called rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, headache, tuberculosis, and kidney disease.

How does it work?

Siberian cocklebur contains many different chemicals. Atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside, which are found in the seed, can be poisonous.

In addition to the potential toxic effects of Siberian cocklebur, it might also have anti-arthritis, antibacterial, cancer-protecting, antidiabetes, anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting, and immune system-boosting effects.

But more evidence is needed to rate Siberian cocklebur for these uses.

The plant also has been used for making yellow dye.

I got these pictures, when I visited my colleague at Vettom, Edavannapara in Malappuram. While I walking beneath the Chaliyar river, I noticed a plant having thorny fruits as a bunch growing there. Initially I ignore about the plant. After searching in Google, I realised that, this is a medicinal plant used in China in bronchial diseases.

How to prevent Mosquitoes/ DIY Mosquito Control/ Mosquito control by Lem...

2021-06-16T03:03:00.000-07:00

Nerium Indicum / Karaveeram

2021-03-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

Nerium Indicum is a plant used in ayurveda as an external applicant in wounds and skin diseases, according to Susrutha samhitha. It is included in Sapthopavisha.

Seen allover India. Now a days, the plant widely cultivated as a garden plant. It can survive in all climates.

Grows in a Hight of 3 meters. Skin is brownish in texture. Leaves are lean, sharpened both ends.

Chemical constituants:

The whole plant contained poisonous Glicosides.

Comet Auto Dispenser

2020-08-31T01:39:00.006-07:00

Comet Auto Dispenser

Now a days, we are very familiar with Sanitizers and its use. here I am introducing a Hands free Sanitizer Dispenser.

Use:

Sanitize your hands without touching the Dispenser.

About the product:

1) Cute, Compact, Wall mountable

2) 2 litter capasity

3) Ultra Sonic Sensor used instead Infra Red sensor

4) Easy to handle

5) Low coast with high quality

For video about this product in YouTube in Malayalam

https://youtu.be/2Y9-eOJx6DQ

Home made masks in Covid 19

2020-04-18T07:59:00.001-07:00

Good morning, and welcome all to my new blog.

Today I am discussing about Home made face masks, as advise by our Government in this panic situation of Covid19.

1) Shal it gives 100% protection?
2) May it increases the chance of spreading a disease in a community?
3) Contra indications of Masks.

Let's see,
Now a days, in the situation of Covid19, all are vigilante in using face mask. So, a shortage of mask in the market is happened. To overcome the problem, Government and some NGOs are came forward to lead a bulk production of Cloth masks. Hence the requirement almost fulfilled.

Face masks can be classified into 3.
1) Home made masks
2) Surgical masks
3) Respirators

Let's explain Home made masks in details.

These are otherwise called Cloth masks. By using Cotton cloth, Baniyan cloths etc are used for the production of this masks. Which are easily available in a bulk. It needs only manpower to make a huge amount in a short period.

Our government adviced all public to wear Cloth masks for protecting themselves from droplet or airborne diseases.

In this situation, some one asking some doubts about the efficacy of Home made masks.

1) Will they protect 100%?
The answer is, No. It may give less than 50% protection than a Surgical mask. It means, many particles may escape through the gaps of the mask. It may give a false feel of protection.

So, when using cloth mask, Social distancing and Personal hygiene should be kept.

2) Is there any chance of spreading diseases through these masks?
May be. Home made masks are not made in a sterile condition. A chance of contamination to the row material, or at the time of making, or at the time of supplying to the public may happen. It may lead to spread the disease. Beware, the mask is directly put on the face, so the chance of spread in a huge community may occure by contaminated masks.

How can solve this problem?
Yes by disinfecting like Otoclave in a hospital before supplying to the public.

Before using the mask, people should put it in detol water, Bleaching solution etc for some time and wash and dry.

Thank you.

How to make Hand Sanitizer in Home by using Alcohol

2020-04-12T10:30:00.002-07:00

Nowadays, the whole world is in a panic situation of Covid 19 infection. All are bothered about personal hygiene. Obeying social distancing is the best way to prevent the disease.

In the occasion of Covid 19, all are using Sanitizers frequently. And so the need of this is high. But, Sanitizers are out of stock in the market.

So, the knowledge of making a good Sanitizer in home may be helpfull to you.

How to make a sanitizer:

Ingredients:
1) Isopropyl alcohol (Minimum 70% in concentration) 85 ml in quantity.

2) Glycerine (Glycerol) 10 ml

3) Hydrogen peroxide 5 ml

How to make:
Take the above 3 in a bottle and mix well. Your Sanitizer is ready.

Notes:
Isopropyl alcohol is 99 or more concentrated alcohol. But for the membrane pore braking of bacteria, a little amount of water is a must. So you can use 70% or more concentrated alcohol.

By the frequent use of alcohol for sanitizing may cause dryness to your hand. So, a moisturizer should be added to this. You can add 10 ml of Glycerine to it.

The concentration of alcohol may change when adding Glycerine. It may decrease the anti microbial action of the compound.

To resolve this issue, you can add 5 ml Hydrogen peroxide to it.

Extra notes:
You can add, Lemon grass oil, Teatree oil etc as smelling agent in a little quantity (as drops).

Aloe vera jell can be added to get a thick viscous appearance. But, care should be taken that the alcohol concentration shouldn reduce below 70%.

For better action, the concentration of of alcohol should be 70% or more.

Thank you.

https://amzn.to/3gdTL6M

Guava Tea - Benefits and uses

2019-06-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is a common disease today. Do you know, guava leaf Lea is better for Diabetes?

Let's see.
guava leaf contains chemicals like Eujenol, Flavanoids, Polyphinolic compounds, Saponins, Tannins etc. Most of them are good for reducing glucose levels. They can perevent enzymes from carbohydrate metabolism, and hence to reduce glucose levels in blood. They can prevent the absorption of Maltose and Sukrose to the blood and hense prevent Diabetes.

According to ayurvedic view, Diabetes is a disease in which Kapha and Medas are vitiated. guava tea is Rooksha and Theekshna, and can reduce Kapha.

Peoples from Mexico and South America were used this beverage as a medical drink. Later, researches from Japan revealed that the tea is good for reducing Diabetes as well as Cholesterol in the blood. Now peoples of Japan is widely use this drink.

How use Guava tea:
Guava tea is used as decoction or as a regular drink like tea. Guava leaf is used in row or as powder.

Let's see other benefits of Guajava tea.
1) Lung:
Have the capacity to reduce Kapha in lungs and bronchitis (Mucus). Hence to help for osmosis. It helps to reduce cough due to oxigen deficiency.

2) Immunity:
It improves immunity. Polyphenolic compounds and eugenols in this leaf can help for this action. Like that it pervents from allergic conditions.

3) Cholesterol:
Guava tea contained Catechin, Gallic acids are effective for reducing Cholesterol. Hence to prevent athero sclerosis.

4) Diarrhea:
It contained chemical Tanning is very effective for preventing diarrhea.

5) Obesity:
Catechin, Quersetin etc reduced fat level and hence reduce obesity. It reduces LDL Cholesterol and maintain HDL level without harming the body.

6) Good for hair:
Guava contained Vitamin B, is good for hair growth. It can used as applying leaf paste over the scalp, or by washing by guava leaf decoction before bath.

After saying these much, let me to stop. If you feel this an informative blog, please share to your friends. Thank you.

You can see this video in YouTube in Malayalam by clicking here>>>>>

CARROT AND ITS BENEFITS OF INTAKE

2019-04-30T03:36:00.000-07:00

CARROT

Hai Friends, Good morning and welcome to my blog. Today let's talk about the benefits of eating carrot.

Carrot is a root vegetable having so many vitamins and minerals. There are many ways to take in such as row, cooked or as juice.

Carrot gets its traditional yellow colour from Alphacarotene and Betacarotene. Carrot contained many ntrients like zeaxanthin, Lutein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Minerals and Fibres.

Now we can discuss about the benefits of carrot.
1) Taking carrot daily may improve your health and immunity power. It contained vitamins like K, B6, Phospherus, Pottacium etc are good for the health of bone, brain and nervous system.

2) Contained no added sugar, so good fro diabetes patients. Good for regulating cholesterol. It contained Pottacium, so good for heart.

3) Good for eyes. It contained vitamin A, hence to prevent carratomalacia. It increases the power of night vision. It contained carrotinoids like xiaxanthin, lutein may prevent age related vision problems.

4) Antioxidants and minerals in carrot may prevent the distructive processes of the body. It contained Pottacium is good for heart and circulation. It may inceincrthe periferal circulation and keep your skin fair.

5) Vitamin K may healp to absorb calcium, and so good for bone.

6) Contained Phospherus, helps for digestion.

7) Good for the health of Mouth, Gums and Teeth. Pervents oral infection.

8) Prevents cancer.

9) Pottacium helps for the health of heart.

10) Good for liver. Helps for the detoxification work of liver.

Added:
One more thing to say. Over use of carotin may lead hiper pigmentation to the skin to yellow or orange colour, called Carotenemia. It is no a serious complaint. By stopping carrotin may lead to normal skin colour.

Dietary suppliments or medicine contained carrotinoids may lead to hypervitaminosis A. But, it will not happen by the intake of carrot.

Thank you for reading my blog. Let's see with another subject.

You can see this video in YouTube by clicking here in Mayayalam

How To Make Virgin Coconut Oil For Newborns.

2019-03-18T04:17:00.000-07:00

Hai friends, welcome to my blog. Here I am explain how to make a safe oil for newborn babes for their external application.

Ingredients:
Coconut milk

How to prepare:
Take Coconut milk in a pan and boil. After a short time, oil will separate from the milk and will appear in the pan above the residue of the coconurmilk. When the residue gets reddishyellow colour, stop heating and shift the pan from the stow. Allow it to cool.

After cooling, pore the oil to another pot. Now you can apply this to your babes before bathing.

Nb:
You can add juices of Turmeric, Nimbapathra, Aloevera etc on condition by your thought. ( First two for skin diseases, Aloevera for scalp diseases like that)

Thank you for reading my blog, Have a nice day.

(You can see a video in YouTube in Malayalam by clicking here)

DURDURAPATHRA KERAM IN DANDRUFF

2018-11-11T06:55:00.002-08:00

Dandruff is a skin condition of scalp having flaking or itching. It is considering that males are more affected than females. Exact causes are unknown.

It can be divided into five.
1) Dry skin related problems.
2) Sebum related dandruff
3) Fungal related dandruff
4) Disease related such as Psoriasis, Seborrhoeic dermatitis etc
5) allergic reactions to some products used in scalp.

DURDURAPATHRA KERAM

This an oil widely used in Ayurveda for dandruff related to inflammation from fungus or bacteria to scalp.

Fungus are mainly grows in humid conditions in scalp. When skin eruptions occurs, swet and dust accumulates in the erupted dead skin and gradually becomes dirty in appearance. In this humid area, fungus grows rapidly (Malassezia globosa)

The oil is considered as Ushnaveerya. It is considering as anti fungal and anti bacterial in action (anti inflammatory). So by applying the oil over scalp reduces the skin conditions. And hence to improve hair growth.

How to prepare The oil:
Ingredients: Datura alba, and Kera tailam

Kalkam: Paste of seed of Datura (1 par)
Oil: Keratailam (4 part of kalkam)
Swarasam: Juice of datura leaf (16 part of Kalkam)

Procedure:
Take the above three in a pan and boil till get a clear oil over the fried kalkam. The kalkam should be in a stage of Kharapaka.

(You can see this in youYouT in Malayalam by clicking here)

APABAHUKAM

2017-01-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

(Clinical Notes on Shoulder Pathologies)

APABAHUKAM

1.FROZEN SHOULDER

Observations:
•Amsa sandhi gata vata
•Chala guna kshaya
•Manda,sthabdha guna vridhi

Vital diagnostic points

•Pain and stiffness.
•Decreased range of movements.
•Cannot raise arm beyond certain point due to stiffness and pain.
•Physical evaluation of joint and scapula(~winging) helps in primary diagnosis.
•Usually non-edematous.
•Usually presenting age group will be young adults/mostly male.

Underlying causes:-

1.Cervical disc diseases of neck.(directs =>to cervical pathologies)
2.Shoulder injury.
3.Diabetes mellitus.

Suggestive investigations
Blood RE
X-Ray
MRI (not essential in preliminary evaluation)

Line of Rx

Consider jadaragni,ama at dhatu level and other kaphanubandha lakshana.
Snigdha/Ushna chikitsa.

Rx Choices:-

Internal medicines:
1.Vaishwanara ch./Hingu vachadi tab(bipha)
2.Ashtavarga ksm
3.Mustharishtam
4.Dhanwantharam ksm/tab.
5.Snehana.
6.Prasaranyadi ksm

(Guggulu/Sallaki preperations not a must and can be safely avoided.Panion tab/Painoff not a good choice here.)
Stifain tab may be reserved for a later suggestion.

External treatment.

1.Exercise suggestions is a must.[Physio suggestions]Stretching over a wall,step wise raising on window rods.Abduction.Try to improve the comfort zone movement rather than trying for increasing range of movement.

2.Nasyam Karpasasthadi.(5-8drops max.)
3.Rooksha sweda followed by Abhyangam+Ushma Swedam.(Prasaranyadi thaila/ Karpasasthyadi thaila)
4.Jambeerapinda sweda/Patrapotala sweda.

A moderately build young male/29y presented with rt shoulder stiffness was managed in this treatment line.With 7days E/Rx. symptoms subsided with 90% improvement in r.o.m.
_________________________

2.GLENOHUMERAL ARTHRITIS

Observations:
•Vata vridhi in kapha sthana(sandhi)

Vital diagnostic points:

•Progressive shoulder pain.
•Stiffness and loss of motion.
•night pain,mostly postural.

Underlying causes
•O.A ; R.A
•Post trauma.

Suggested investigations:
•Blood routine
•X-Ray
•MRI

Line of treatment:
Vatakapha hara.
Ushna pradhana.
Abhayanthara Snehana.

Rx suggestions

Consider agni/dhatu gata ama before Rx

Internal medicines
1.Rasna saptakam ksm
2.Maharasnadi ksm
3.Aaba guggulu.
4.Gandha tailam Cap.
5.Ksheerabala.
6.Rasonadi ksm.

Ext Rx.
1.Nasyam -Karpasathyadi.
2.Dhanyamla dhara local.
3.Abhyanga with vathahara thailas like Dhanwantharam/Ksheerabala etc.

MUSTHADI MARMA KASHAYA:

2012-11-17T08:43:00.003-08:00

MUSTHADI MARMA KASHAYA:
Indications:

Traumatic disorders of spine
Oedema due to trauma
Fracture to limbs
Joint injuries
Inflammation
Degenerative joint diseases

This kashaya is very effective in acute conditions of Asthi bhagna, Kshata, Kateegraha, Marmabhigata, Head and spine injuries etc due to its aamapachana, jwarahara, vedanasthapana and sophahara properties.

INGREDIENTS: (Manufactured by: Kottakkal A.V.S.)
(each 10 ml prepared out of 0.653gms each of) MUSTHA- Cyperus rotundus
VASUKA- Spermococe hispida
MRIDUKUNCHIKA -Physalis minima
LONIKA- Portulaca oleracea
SAKRALATA- Cardiospermum halicacabum
BALA- Sida rhombifolia ssp.retusa
VILVA- Aegle marmelos
BAKUCHI- Psoralea corylifolia
DHANYAKA- Coriandrum sativum
KUTAJA- Holarrhena pubescens
VIDANGA- Embelia ribes
BRIHATI- Solanum indicum
DUSPARSA- Traga involucrata
SARIBA- Hemidesmus indicus
PARUSHAKA- Grewia asiatica
NIMBA- Azadiracta indica
KURUTA- Pergularia daemia
JATI- Myristica fragrans
RASNA- Alpinia galanga
MADHUKA- Glycyrrazia glabra
JIRAKA- Cuminum cyminum
DRAKSHA- Vitis vinifera
TALISAPATRA- Abies spectabilis
LAVANGA- Cinnamomum verum
TEJOVATI- Celastrus panniculatus
GUNJA- Abrus precatorius
SUNTHI- Zingiber officinale
LAVANGAKUSUMA- Syzygium aromaticum
ELA- Elettaria cardomomum
ARKA- Calotropis gigantea
TRIPADI- Desmodium triflorum
DHANAVALLI- Naravelia zeylanica
VISHNUKRANTI- Evolvulus alsinoides

PINDA TAILAM IS PREPARED IN 3 WAYS

2011-11-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

"Sa madhoochishta sa Manjishta Sa sarjarasa Sariba

Pindatailam tadabhyangad Vatharaktha ruchapaham"

The major ingredients of this oil are Rubia cordifolia, sesame oil, bee wax, Hemidesmus indicus, and Rhododendron lepidotum.

It is prepared from the Indian plants Manjishta and Shariba, and is highly therapeutic, as it contains pitta reducing herbs. While Manjistha is known to possess anti-rheumatic properties, Shariba is a perfect body relaxant.

HOW PREPARE PINDA THAILAM

Do you know the preparation of pindathailam?........Yes.

Take tila thailam in a pan and add four times of water (as drava) and a quarter of Manjishta & Sariba (as Kalka). Then boil till 'Khara paaka'. When the paaka attains, sieve it through a net to a vessel. Add Sarjarasa (as powder form) & Bee wax (as pieces) as 'paathra paaka'.

Pinda Thailam (also known as Pinda oil) is a cooling massage oil, and mostly used by Pitta individuals, who particularly suffer from skin problems like rashes and eruptions.

OTHER PREPARATORY METHODS

According to some ayurveda classical texts like 'Sahasra Yoga', a kashaya should prepare by Sariba as drava, Manjishta is used as kalka, Sarjarasa and Bee wax are used as paathra paaka.

This method was followed by some ancient Vaidyas in Kerala.

Another method as follows is used by some manufacturing units of ayurveda medicines in Kerala. And is available in some Government Dispensaries in Kerala. The method is shown below

Taila: Tila thailam (3/4 th part) + Eranda thailam (1/4 th part)

Drava: Dhanyamlam + Water
Kalkam: Manjistha + Sariba + Bee wax + Sarjarasam

No one know the reference of this preparation method. I asked this to the Charge doctor in Quality Control department of the firm, then she replied me that; "Every firm have its own formulary, and in this firm this method used".

Here Sarjarasa and bee wax is added to the pan when the thailam get its khara paakam.

VIPAKA

2011-10-29T18:44:00.001-07:00

Vipaka

Vipaka is the rasa originated from a food after digestion. When we eat or drink a substance it comes in the contact with jathar Agni (digestive fire). If the jatharagni is in its normal state it is able to digest (pachan) the substance eaten. During this digestion the food undergoes many bio transformational changes. In this process of paak (physiological condition of digestion) due to different degrees of digestion, the transformation of rasa takes place. This changing of rasa of the substance into a certain similar or dissimilar rasa is called vipaka. After completion of digestion, the substance or the food ingested would produce certain action by which we can know the process under which the substance has undergone. Hence vipaka is judged by anumana (inference made after observation). The effects of vipaka commences after the full digestion is completed. These vipaka are of there types.

Madhur vipaka
Aamla vipaka
Katu vipaka

"Swaadu paduscha madhuram amlo amlam pchyathe rasa:

tikthoshana kashayascha vipaka: prayasa: kadu"

Madhura and Lavana - Madhura

Amlam - Amlam

Tiktham,Kadu and Kashaya - Kadu

LBA in Ayurveda

2011-03-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS

DEFINITION- IT’S A DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE AFFECTING LUMBAR VERTEBRAE AND INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS, CAUSING PAIN, STIFFNESS , SOMETIMES WITH SCIATIC RADIATION DUE TO NERVE ROOT PRESSURE BY ASSOCIATED PROTRUDING DISCS OR OSTEOPHYTES- DORLAND’S DICTIONARY

CLINICAL FEATURES OF LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS

1. LOW BACK ACHE
2. PAIN RADIATING TO BACK OF THIGH, BUTTOCKS.
MAY BE SUPER IMPOSED WITH SCIATICA BECAUSE OF ROOT COMPRESSION.
3. NUMBNESS OF LIMBS.
4. LOSS OF TOUCH SENSATION.
5. CONSTIPATION
6. SOMETIMES HEADACHE
7. MUSCLE WEAKNESS, TINGLING
8. MORNING STIFFNESS MAY BE PRESENT
9. PAIN INCREASES BY CHANGING POSTURES AND MOVEMENTS LIKE BENDING ETC

INVESTIGATIONS & DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

1. RADIOLOGICAL- X-RAY
2. MRI, CT IMAGING
3. DISCOGRAPHY

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT

KATI OR LUMBAR REGION IS VATA SITE ACC TO AYURVEDA’
AT THE SAME TIME JOINTS ARE SITE OF SLESHAKA SLESHMA(KAPHA).
BECAUSE OF NIDANAS( CAUSES) VATHA AGGRAVATION OCURS IN KAPHA STHANAM AND BECAUSE OF THE INCREASE IN RUKSHA GUNA(QUALITY OF DRYNESS) , THE DEHYDRATION OF THE DISC BEGINS, INITIATING THE SCLEROSIS AND WHEN UNINTERVENED THE CONDITION PROGRESSES TO OTHER LEVELS, SUCH AS BULGING, HERNIATION, PROLAPSE AND OSTEOPHYTE FORMATION ETC.

TREATMENT PRINCIPLE

THE AIM OF THE TREATMENT IS TO REDUCE THE DRYNESS AND BRING BACK THE SNEHA GUNA, ELASTICITY AND TO REHYDRATE THE DISC , REMOVING THE OSTEOPHYTES, OR THE MALA ROOPA KAPHA.
IN SIMPLE TERMS , VATA HARAM AND KAPHA HARAM IN INITIAL STAGES AND BRMHANAM IN LATER STAGES TO NOURISH THE DISC.
ITS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN AGNI, IN THE PROCESS OF VATA HARAM , KAPHAM SHOULD NOT BE VITIATED. PROPER VATHA ANULOMANAM HAS TO BE ENSURED FOR EFFECTIVE RESULT.

MANAGEMENT

AUSHADAM- MEDICINAL MANAGEMENT
STHANIKA CHIKITSA- LOCAL MEASURES
1.ABHYANGAM-MASSAGE
2.KATI VASTHI- SNEHANAM
3. PATRA POTALI- SWEDANAM

PANCHA KARMA PROCEDURES

1.SNEHA VASTI
2.KASHAYA VASTHI
DIET AND YOGA ASANAS, PHYSICAL THERAPY, LIFE STYLE MODIFICATIONS.

AUSHADHAM- MEDICINES

MAHAYOGA RAJA GUGGULU
LAKSHADI GUGGULU
ABHA GUGGULU
YOGA RAJA GUGGULU
TRAYODASANGA GUGGULU
MAHA RASNADHI KASHAYAM
RASNA SAPTHAKAM KASHAYAM
RASNA ERANDADI KASHAYAM
RASNADI KASHAYAM
DHANWANTHARAM KASHAYAM
ASHTA VARGAM KASHAYAM
VIDARYADI KASHAYAM
BALA ARISHTAM
ASHWA GANDHARISHTAM
VATA GAJANKUSA RASA
VAYU GULIKA
LASHUNA KSHEERA
PRAVALA PISHTI
KSHEERABALA 101
DHANWANTHARAM 101
GANDHA THAILAM

STHANIKA CHIKITSA

ABHYANGA
USUALLY CARRIED OUT AFTER KATI VASTI PROCEDURE, CAN ALSO BE DONE SEPARATELY TOO.
SPECIAL TYPE OF SPINAL MASSAGE HAS TO BE DONE WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE LOWER BACK.
ZIG ZAG STROKES, PARALLEL STROKES AND OTHER SPECIAL SPINAL STROKES WITH PROPER PRESSURE( TOO MUCH OF PRESSURE IS HARMFUL!) FOR A PERIOD OF 25 TO 30 MINUTES

OILS USED

SAHACHARADI THAILAM
KARPASA ASTHYADI
BALA THAILAM
DHANWANTHARAM
NARAYANA
MAHA MASHA THAILAM
KOTTANCHUKKADI
KSHEERA BALA
KARPURADI
GANDHA THAILAM
KATI VASTHI

REQUIREMENTS

MASHA PISHTA ( BLACK GRAM FLOUR)
MEDICATED THAILA
COTTON, VESSELS, AND OIL HEATING ACCESSORIES
DHARA TABLE.
PROCEDURE

PATIENT IS MADE TO LIE IN PRONE POSITION.
PISHTA OF MASHA IS MADE IN TO PASTE AND BUILT LIKE A WALL AROUND LUMBO SACRAL AREA.
OIL IS HEATED AND POURED SLOWLY INSIDE THE BOUNDARY WITH THE HELP OF COTTON.
WHEN OIL BECOMES COOL IT IS REPLACED WITH WARM OIL.
CONTINUED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. APPROX- 30 TO 50 MINS, FOR 7 DAYS OR 14 DAYS.
AFTER THE DURATION , THE OIL IS DRAINED AND FLOUR IS REMOVED
ABHYANGAM OF THE BACK IS GIVEN USING SAME OIL.
ALWAYS SNEHANA MUST BE FOLLOWED WITH SWEDANA PROCEDURE

PATRA POTALI OR ELA KIZHI

A TYPE OF PINDA SWEDAM. WHICH COMES UNDER USHMA SWEDA.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

LEAVES OF VATA HARA LIKE ERANDA ,ARKA , CHINCHA,NIRGUNDI, SHIGRU, KARANJA DHATURA VATHAGNI SINDUVARA -500 gm
CHOORNA OF SATAHVA AND METHIKA-25gm EACH
SAINDHAVA-15gm
LEMON -4 NOS
NIMBA OR SAINDHAVA THAILA OR ERANDA THAILA (REQD QTY)
CLOTH
TWINE TOWEL. VESSEL, FRYING PAN, SPOON, STOVE
RASNADI CHOORNAM
MEDICATED OIL

PATARA KIZHI PROCEDURE

ALL THE LEAVES ARE CUT IN TO SMALL PIECES, AND SLICES OF LEMON, CHURNAS, SAINDHAVA ARE ADDED AND FRIED IN THE CASTOR OR NEEM OR COCONUT OIL , TILL IT BECOMES ROASTED RED.
THEN THEY ARE MADE IN TO POTALI(USUALLY 4 IN NO)
AFTER ABHYANGA, THE POTALI IS APPLIED OVER THE BODY BY DIPPING IT IN TO THE HEATED OIL.
CIRCULAR MOVEMENTS ARE DONE.
PROCEDURE DONE FOR A PERIOD OF 25-45 MINS

VASTI PRAYOGAM

SNEHA VASTI
MATRA VASTI- MINIMUM DOSE OF SNEHA VASTI ( APP 60-75 ML)
ANUVASANA VASTI.(APP 150 ML)
SNEHA VASTI(250-300 ML)
KSHEERA VASTI CAN BE ADVOCATED.
KARMA VASTI, KALA VASTI, YOGA VASTI- 30, 15 , 8 DAYS OF VASTI ALTERNATELY KASHAYA AND SNEHA VASTHI. KALA VASTI IS IN PRACTICE.

OIL USED FOR SNEHA VASTI

TILA TAILAM
GUGGULU TIKTAKA GHRTHAM
MAHANARAYANA TAILAM
MAHAMASHADI TAILAM
SUDDHA BALATAILAM
KSHEERABALA
SATAHVADI TAILAM
SUKUMARA GHRTAM
LAKSHADI TAILAM
SAHACHARADI TAILAM
DHANWANTHARAM
GANDHARVA HASTADI
KASHAYA VASTI
DHANWANTHARAM
GANDHARVA HASTADI
SAHACHARADI
ERANDA MOOLA
ASTHAPANA GANA
DASAMOOLA
SATAHVADI

DENGUE

2010-12-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

FACT SHEET ON DENGUE FEVER AND DENGUE HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER

GENERAL

Dengue is an acute fever caused by a virus. It occurs in two forms:

(a) Dengue Fever

(b) Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever

Dengue fever is marked by the onset of sudden high fever, severe

headache and pain behind the eyes, muscles and joints.

Dengue Haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a more severe form, in which

bleeding and sometimes shock occurs – leading to death. It is most serious in

children. Symptoms of bleeding usually occur after 3-5 days of fever.

The high fever continues for five to six days (103 – 105 ^oF or 39- 40 ^oC). It

comes down on the third or the fourth day but rises again. The patient feels much

discomfort and is very weak after the illness.

Dengue spreads rapidly and may affect large number of people during an

epidemic resulting in reduced work productivity, sometimes death also.

RECOGNITION OF DENGUE FEVER

· Sudden onset of high fever

· Severe headache (mostly in the forehead)

· Pain behind the eyes which worsens with eye movement

· Body aches and joint pains

· Nausea or vomiting

RECOGNITION OF DENGUE HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER AND SHOCK

Symptoms similar to dengue fever plus, any one of the following:

(1) Severe and continuous pain in abdomen;

(2) Bleeding from the nose, mouth and gums or skin bruising

(3) Frequent vomiting with or without blood

(4) Black stools, like coal tar

(5) Excessive thirst (dry mouth)

(6) Pale, cold skin

(7) Restlessness, or sleeplessness

TREATMENT

There is no specific medicine for the treatment of the disease. However

proper and early treatment can relieve the symptoms and prevent complications

and death.

Aspirin and Brufen should be avoided in dengue fever, as it is known to increase the bleeding tendency and also it increases the stomach pain.

Paracetamol can be given on medical advice. If one or more signs of

Dengue Haemorrhagic fever are seen, take the patient to the hospital

immediately. Give fluids to drink while transferring the patient to the

hospital.

BASIC FACTS ON DENGUE

(a) How dengue spreads?

Dengue is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito Aedes aegypti. The mosquito gets the virus by biting the infected persons. The first symptoms of the

disease occur about 5-7 days after an infected bite.

There is no way to tell if a mosquito is carrying the dengue virus.

Therefore, people must protect themselves from all mosquito bites.

(b) Where does the mosquito live?

The mosquito rests indoors, in closets and other dark places. Outside, they rest where it is cool and shaded. The female mosquito lays eggs in water containers in and around homes, schools and other areas in towns or

villages. These eggs become adult in about 10 days.

Dengue mosquitoes breed in stored exposed water collections.

FAVOURED BREEDING PLACES ARE:

Barrels, drums, jars, pots, buckets, flower vases, plant saucers, tanks,

discarded bottles, tins, tyres, water cooler, etc. and a lot more places where rainwater collects or is stored.

PREVENTION OF DENGUE

All efforts of control should be directed against the mosquitoes. It is important to take control measures to eliminate the mosquitoes and their breeding places. However, the efforts should be intensified before the transmission season (during and after the rainy season) and at the time of the epidemic.

PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES:

Dengue mosquitoes bite during the daytime. Protect yourself from the bite.

(1) Wear full sleeve clothes and long dresses to cover the limbs;

(2) Repellent – mosquito repellents can be used to escape from its bite. But care should be taken in using repellents on small children and old age people.

(3) Use mosquito coils and electric vapour mats during the daytime.

(4) Use mosquito nets – to protect babies, old people and others.

(5) Protection and isolate the people sick with dengue to prevent its spread to others.

PREVENTION OF MULTIPLICATION OF MOSQUITOES:

Drain water from coolers, tanks, barrels, drums and buckets, etc.

Remove water from refrigerator drip pans.

All stored water containers should be kept covered.

Discard solid waste and objects where water collects (Eg: bottles,tins,tyres,etc.)

ALWAYS REMEMBER

Dengue fever is a severe flu like illness rarely causes death but Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a more severe form, in which bleeding and occasionally shock occur, leading to death.

Persons suspected of having dengue fever or DHF must see a doctor. Dengue haemorrhagic fever is a deadly disease and early recognition and treatment can save lives. Unless proper treatment is given

promptly, the patient may go into shock and die.

Dengue mosquitoes bite during the day.

Doctors and health workers treating cases of dengue fever should also

notify the health authorities.

Ref: Article by WHO.

AASYAPAAKAM and its Treatment

2010-11-20T07:40:00.000-08:00

Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the parts of the mouth, including the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. The word "stomatitis" literally means "inflammation of the mouth." This inflammation can be caused by conditions in the mouth itself, such as poor oral hygiene, poorly fitted dentures, mouth burns from hot food or drinks, or by conditions that affect the entire body, such as medications, allergic reactions, or infections.

Stomatitis is usually a painful condition, with redness, swelling, bleeding,or bad breath. Stomatitis affects all age groups, from the infant to the elderly.

A number of factors can cause stomatitis. Poorly fitted oral appliances, cheek biting, or jagged teeth can irritate the mouth. Chronic breathing through the mouth becuase of clogged nasal passages can dry the mouth, which can leadto irritation.

Diseases such as cold sores, gonorrhea, measles, AIDS, and lack of vitamin C can cause stomatitis.

Canker sores are a specific type of stomatitis that causes shallow, painful ulcers usually located on the lips, cheeks, gums, or roof or floor of the mouth. These ulcers can range from pinpoint size to up to an inch or more. Though the cause of canker sores is unknown, nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin B₁₂, folate, or iron) is suspected.

Generalized stomatitis can be caused by too much alcohol, spices, hot food, or tobacco products. Sensitivity to mouthwashes, toothpastes, and lipstick canirritate the lining of the mouth. Exposure to heavy metals, such as mercury,lead, or bismuth can cause stomatitis.

Thrush (a type of fungal infection) is also a type of stomatitis.

It can be hard to diagnose stomatitis. A doctor will conduct a physical examination to evaluate the oral lesions and other skin problems. Blood tests or scrapings of the lining of the mouth may be evaluated in a culture or under amicroscope to identify any infections.

Treatments of AASYAPAAKAM

1) Triphala Choorna- for Gargling (Act as disinfectant)

2) Arimedadi tailam- for mouth wash (Will regain the strength if the gum)

3) Anuthailam- for nasya

4) Laxation or Purgation-to remove the indigested bowel (AMAM)

5) Appetizers like Ashtachoornam, Vaiswanara choornam, etc
6) Kashaya like Gandharva Hasthadi, Punarnavadi, Manjishtadi, etc(Ama pachana +Vathanulomana)

running nose

2010-11-18T18:11:00.000-08:00

running nose can be treated by applying
Rasnadi choorna over head
Vasarishta+Amruthaarishta

after that some lehya should be given

Rejuvenation in Ayurveda

2010-11-17T06:59:00.000-08:00

Rasayana is the method of disease prevention and life extension in Ayurveda, to strengthen the body and mind after the doshas have been eliminated or balanced. Although it can be used during the treatment of a disease, the best results are obtained when the body has been purified of ama (wastes), and the patient has undergone either shamana chikitsa (balancing therapy) or pancha karma (purification).

Vata Rasayana
Ashwagandha root 3 parts
Shatavari root 3 parts
Brahmi herb 2 parts
Gokshura root 2 parts
Bala root 2 parts
Jatamamsi root 2 parts
Licorice root 1 part

Rx: 3-5 g of the powdered herb, taken with honey and ghee, twice daily

Pitta Rasayana
Amalaki fruit 3 parts
Shatavari root 3 parts
Gotu Kola herb 3 parts
Bhringaraj herb 2 parts
Guduchi vine 2 parts
Sandalwood bark 1 part
Licorice root 1 part

Rx: 3-5 g of the powdered herb, taken with ghee, twice daily

Kapha Rasayana
Bibhitaki fruit 3 parts
Guduchi vine 3 parts
Guggulu resin 2 parts
Arjuna bark 2 parts
Fenugreek seed 2 parts
Cardamom seed 1 part
Black Pepper fruit 1 part

Rx: 3-5 g of the powdered herb, taken with honey, twice daily

Pancha maha bhoota theory

2010-11-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

These five elements are:

or Akasha
Air or Vayu
Fire or Tejas
Water or Apa
Earth or Prithvi

Likewise other elements too were intended by the ancient vaidyas (physicians) to communicate the essential universal principle inherent in a particular element. By fire we mean the universal force in nature that produces heat and radiates light; it is our passion to pursue despite obstacles and delays; it is what burns away the cloak of ignorance (avidya) and allows the Truth to shine with brilliance. Fire removes doubt from the mother-substance of human heart and replaces it with joy. Air is that transparent, rarefied, kinetic force which sets the universe in motion; it moves the blood through the vessels, wastes from the body, thoughts through the mind; it moves the birds to warmer climates in winter, it moves the planets around their suns. Space is the subtlest of all elements which is everywhere and touches everything; in the mind it is the vessel which receives all impressions, in the heart space accepts love; space is receptivity and non-resistance to what is true.

Within a single living cell the earth element predominates by giving structure to the cell. The water element is present in the cytoplasm or the liquid within the cell membrane. The fire element regulates the metabolic processes regulating the cell. While the air element predominates the gases therein. The space occupied by the cell denoting the last of the elements.

NAGARADI CHOORNAM

2010-08-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

NAGARADI(MANIKKUNTHIRIKKADI )CHOORNAM

Manikkunthirikkam vacha chukku meera
arakkodu cheninayakam chenchalyamellam
karikkinte thondinte neerodu cherthi-
ttarachonnu thechal samikkunnu sopham

BHALLATHAKAM

2010-03-25T02:22:00.000-07:00

Bhallataka is one of the best, versatile, most commonly used herbs as a household remedy. It has been freely used all over India since centuries. It was held in high esteem by the ancient sages of Ayurveda. Maharsi Caraka has categorized bhallataka as dipaniya an appetizer, bhedaniya – accumulation breaking herb, mutra sangrahaniya – antidiuretic and kusthaghna – anti dermatosis. It has been mentioned as vajikara – an aphrodisiac, especially beneficial in the failure of penile erection and sexual debility. (Sarngadhara Samhita) The great sage Susruta mentions it as stanyasodhana – lactodepurant. Bhallataka is acclaimed as a drug of choice in the treatment of piles of vata and kapha types. It is recommended as a rejuvenative (rasayana) to kapha dosa and asthivaha srotasa.

The word bhallataka describes the sharp attribute of the herb, in comparison to that of a javelin. It has various synonyms, ascribing the different properties, like anala – a fire, sopha krta one which causes oedema, krmighna vermicide, vatari enemy of vata etc.

Bhallataka grows throughout India in hot weather and in Himalaya’s upto 1000 metres height. The plant is found in abundance in Bihar, Bengal and Orissa. It is a medium sixed tree growing upto 10-15 metres in height. The bark is grey in colour and exudes an irritant secretion on incising. The leaves are 30-60 cm long and 12-30 cm broad. They are glabrous above and pubescent beneath. The flowers are greenishwhite, in panicles. Fruits are 2-3 cm broad. The flowering occurs in june and then onwards the plant bears fruits.

The botanical name of bhallataka is Semecarpus anacardium and it belongs to family Anacardiaceae. An alkaloid, Bhilawanol, has been isolated from oil and seeds. Bhilwanol from fruits was shown to be a mixture of cis and Trans isomers of ursuhenol (Naure 1960, 186, 389). Other components isolated are anacardic acid, cardol, catechol, fixed oil, anacardol and semecarpol. From the defatted nuts, three biflavonoids A, B and C have been isolated. A new biflabonoid jeediflavone and galluflavone isolated from nut shells

Properties

Bhallataka is sweet and astringent in taste, sweet in the post digestive effect and has hot potency. It alleviates kapha and vata dosas and possesses light, unctuous sharp (tiksna) and hot (usna) attributes. It is extremely heat generating, appetizer, digestant, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac herb and alleviates the skin and rheumatic disorders. (Bhavaprakasa Nighantu)

Uses

Bhallataka is used both, internally as well as externally. The fruits, their oil and the seeds have great medicinal value, and are used to treat the wide range of diseases. Externally, the oil, mixed with coconut or sesame oil, is applied on wounds and sores to prevent the pus formation. It soothens and heals the cracked feet, when

mixed with fala (Shorea robusta). For better healing of wounds, it works well, when medicated with garlic, onion and ajavayana in sesame oil. The topical application of its oil and swollen joints and traumatic wounds effectively controls the pain. In glandular swellings and filariasis, the application of its oil facilitates to drain out the discharges of pus and fluids and eases the conditions.

Since bhallataka is extremely hot and sharp in its attributes, it should be used with caution. Individuals showing allergic reactions to it, should stop and avoid the usage of bhallataka. It should not be used in small children, very old persons, pregnant women and individuals of predominant pitta constitution. The use of the same should be restricted in summer season. For its allergic reactions like rash, itching and swelling, the antidotes used externally are coconut oil, rala ointment, ghee, coriander leaves pulp or butter mixed with musta (Cyperus rotundus).

Internally, bhallataka is widely used in a vast range of diseases because of its multifarious properties. As it augments the agni, it is extremely beneficial in the diseases like piles, colitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, ascites, tumours and worms which are caused mainly due to weakened agni. For this, one fruit of bhallataka is hold with tong over a flame and heated slightly. On gentle pressing, the oil starts dripping gradually. This oil is collected on the beatle leaf with small amount of sugar on its surface or in a cup of milk. Approximately 10 drops in children and 15-20 drops in adults are sufficient. It augements the appetite, cleanses the bowels, dispels the trapped gases and eliminates the worms. This is how the bhallataka is used as a household remedy.

Bhallataka is highly praised to treat the piles (haemorrhoids) of vata and kapha types, meaning in non – bleeding conditions. It is an effective adjuvant in the treatment of ascites and tumours. In bronchial asthma and cough, it is one of the best medicament for which, its preparation bhallatakasava is commonly used. It reduces the bronchospasms and their frequency too. Cardiac debility, associated with odema can be treated with great benefit. The milk medicated with bhallataka or bhallataka modaka mitigates the skin diseases like scabies, eczema, ringworm infestations. As a nervine tonic, it is beneficial in the diseases due to vata, like sciatica, paralysis, facial palsy, epilepsy, rheumatic conditions and also asa brain tonic. The combination, bhallataka, haritaki, tila (sesame seeds) powders with jaggery, awards excellent results in chronic rheumatic disorders. Bhallataka is said to augment the memory, as it boosts the sadhaka pitta and nourishes the nervine tissue. It also works well as aphrodisiac by its stimulant action and enhances the seminal fluids. In dysmenorrheal (painful menstruation) and oligomenorrhea (scanty menstruation), the medicated milk or its oil is salubrious. It reduces the urinary output, hence beneficial in diabetes of kapha type,

ASHOKA

2010-03-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

SARACA INDICA

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae

Asoka is one of the cardinal herbs recommended in scriptures of Ayurveda for umpteen gynaecological problems in women. This plant is known to us since ages, as mention of this plant has been made in Ramayana, where Sita after abduction was confined in Asoka vatika. We also have references of Lord Buddha’s birth under Asoka tree. The herb is aptly said to be a companion of women as it rejuvenates the female reproductive system and is salutary in treating various gynaecological problems. (Nighantu Katnakara)

Asoka tree grows all over India; it is found growing suitably at an altitude of 750 metres in the Himalayas, Khasi, Garo and Lushai hills. It is an evergreen tree, reaching a maximum height of 9 metres. It is not found to be cultivated on commercial scale, but in gardens, because of its decorative flowers and beautiful foliage. The branches of the tree are glabrous and drooping. The leaves are 30-60 cm in length, in 2-3 pairs of lanceolate leaflets. The flowers are orang-yellow, fragrant, in dense corymbs. They are 8-10 cms across, calys yellow to orange and finally red. Its stamens are 7 to 8 and filaments are filiform. The bark is dark brown to grey in colour and it is collected from the plant by making longitudinal and transverse incisions. Asoka blooms in the summer and bears fruits in October.

The botanical name of Asoka is Saraka indica and it belongs to family Caesalpiniaceae. Asoka has been often confused with Polyalthis longifolia, which is called as false Asoka, Sitosterol, quercetin, kaempferol, glucoside isolated from flowers. Isolation of leucopelargonidin-3-o-d- glucoside, leucopelargonidun and leucocyanidin along with sitosterol from stem bark isolated.

Properties

Asoka is bitter and astringent in taste, pungent in post digestive effect and has a cold potency. It alleviates vata and kapha dosas. It possesses laghu (light) and ruksa (dry ) attributes. (Bhavaprakasa)

It is beneficial in the treatment of excessive uterine bleeding, dysmenorrheal – painful menstruation, bleeding piles, leucorrhea and many other diseases.

Uses

The skin of the bark, seeds, flowers and the fruits of Asoka are used for medicinal purpose. This herb is seldom used externally. When used externally, the paste of its bark – skin is beneficial in combating pain associated with oedema or swelling.

Internally, it is effectively used in women to treat various gynaecological disorders. The decoction of skin of the bark is given in dosage 10 – 15 ml, two or three times daily, to arrest excessive menstrual bleeding. It imparts excellent results in dysmenorrheal, where menstruation is associated with colicky abdominal pain. Asoka reinforces the uterine musculature, hence is benevolent in prolapse or inflammatory conditions of the uterus. It also has a remarkable healing effect of the endometrium or the mucous membrane of uterus and a stimulant action on the ovary. As a whole, it renders the puissant rejuvenative actions on the uterus, hence aptly called as garbhasaya rasayana, menaing – the uterine tonic. The decoction of skin of Asoka by itself, or mixed with equal quantity of milk, effectively mitigates menorrhagia, leucorrhea, the medicated wine of Asoka, Asokarista, is an excellent remedy for irregularities of menstrual cycle. Women who have tendency towards abortions and miscarriages should be treated, with great benefit, with Asokaghrta – the medicated ghee of Asoka from the fourth month of pregnancy onwards (second trimester).

Due to its astringent taste and cold potency, Asoka is salutary in arresting the bleeding or haemorrhages in dysentery, colitis, piles, and raktapitta. (Bhavaprakasa). It combines well with asvagandha as uterine tonic. Asoka seeds are diuretic – increase the quantity of urine, hence used in strangury and urinary stones. The flowers are considered to be a uterine tonic and are used in vitiated conditions of pitta, syphilis, cervical adenitis, and hyperdispepsia – excessive thirst, burning sensation, piles and dysentery.

Classical Ayurvedic Preparations

Asokarista
Asoka ghrta
Asoka vati
Asokadi kvatha etc.

How to improve your Brain

2010-03-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

How to improve your Brain

Everyone can take steps to improve their memory, and with time and practice most people can gain the ability to memorize seemingly impossible amounts of information. Whether you want to win the World Memory Championships, ace your history test, or simply remember where you put your keys, this article can get you started. Scientists believe that exercising your brain can create a cognitive reserve' that will help you stay sharp as you age.

1. Convince yourself that you do have a good memory that will improve. Too many people get stuck here and convince themselves that their memory is bad, that they are just not good with names, that numbers just slip out of their minds for some reason. Erase those thoughts and vow to improve your memory. Commit yourself to the task and bask in your achievements — it's hard to keep motivated if you beat yourself down every time you make a little bit of progress.

2. Keep your brain active. The brain is not a muscle, but regularly exercising the brain actually does keep it growing and spurs the development of new nerve connections that can help improve memory. By developing new mental skills—especially complex ones such as learning a new language or learning to play a new musical instrument—and challenging your brain with puzzles and games you can keep your brain active and improve its physiological functioning.

3. Exercise daily. Regular aerobic exercise improves circulation and efficiency throughout the body, including in the brain, and can help ward off the memory loss that comes with aging. Exercise also makes you more alert and relaxed, and can thereby improve your memory uptake, allowing you to take better mental pictures.

4. Reduce stress. Chronic stress, although it does not physically damage the brain, can make remembering much more difficult. Even temporary stresses can make it more difficult to effectively focus on concepts and observe things. Try to relax, regularly practice yoga or other stretching exercises, and see a doctor if you have severe chronic stress.

5. Eat well and eat right. There are a lot of herbal supplements on the market that claim to improve memory, but none have yet been shown to be effective in clinical tests (although small studies have shown some promising results for ginkgo biloba and phosphatidylserine) . A healthy diet, however, contributes to a healthy brain, and foods containing antioxidants— broccoli, blueberries, spinach, and berries, for example—and Omega-3 fatty acids appear to promote healthy brain functioning. Feed your brain with such supplements as Thiamine, Vitamin E, Niacin and Vitamin B-6. Grazing, eating 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large meals, also seems to improve mental functioning (including memory) by limiting dips in blood sugar, which may negatively affect the brain.

6. Take better pictures. Often we forget things not because our memory is bad, but rather because our observational skills need work. One common situation where this occurs (and which almost everyone can relate to) is meeting new people. Often we don't really learn people's names at first because we aren't really concentrating on remembering them. You'll find that if you make a conscious effort to remember such things, you'll do much better. One way to train yourself to be more observant is to look at an unfamiliar photograph for a few seconds and then turn the photograph over and describe or write down as many details as you can about the photograph. Try closing your eyes and picturing the photo in your mind. Use a new photograph each time you try this exercise, and with regular practice you will find you're able to remember more details with even shorter glimpses of the photos.

7. Give yourself time to form a memory. Memories are very fragile in the short-term, and distractions can make you quickly forget something as simple as a phone number. The key to avoid losing memories before you can even form them is to be able to focus on the thing to be remembered for a while without thinking about other things, so when you're trying to remember something, avoid distractions and complicated tasks for a few minutes.

8. Create vivid, memorable images. You remember information more easily if you can visualize it. If you want to associate a child with a book, try not to visualize the child reading the book that's too simple and forgettable. Instead, come up with something more jarring, something that sticks, like the book chasing the child, or the child eating the book. It's your mind make the images as shocking and emotional as possible to keep the associations strong.

9. Repeat things you need to learn. The more times you hear, see, or think about something, the more surely you'll remember it, right? It's a no-brainer. When you want to remember something, be it your new coworker's name or your best friend's birthday, repeat it, either out loud or silently. Try writing it down; think about it.

10. Group things you need to remember. Random lists of things (a shopping list, for example) can be especially difficult to remember. To make it easier, try categorizing the individual things from the list. If you can remember that, among other things, you wanted to buy four different kinds of vegetables, you'll find it easier to remember all four.

11. Organize your life. Keep items that you frequently need, such as keys and eyeglasses, in the same place every time. Use an electronic organizer or daily planner to keep track of appointments, due dates for bills, and other tasks. Keep phone numbers and addresses in an address book or enter them into your computer or cell phone. Improved organization can help free up your powers of concentration so that you can remember less routine things. Even if being organized doesn't improve your memory, you'll receive a lot of the same benefits (i.e. you won't have to search for your keys anymore).

12. Try meditation. Research now suggests that people who regularly practice â€œmindfulnessâ€� meditation are able to focus better and may have better memories. Mindfulness (also known as awareness or insight meditation) is the type commonly practiced in Western countries and is easy to learn. Studies at Massachusetts General Hospital show that regular meditation thickens the cerebral cortex in the brain by increasing the blood flow to that region. Some researchers believe this can enhance attention span, focus, and memory.

13. Sleep well. The amount of sleep we get affects the brain's ability to recall recently learned information. Getting a good night's sleep a minimum of seven hours a night may improve your short-term memory and long-term relational memory, according to recent studies conducted at the Harvard Medical School.

14. Build your memorization arsenal. Learn pegs, memory palaces, and the Dominic System. These techniques form the foundation for mnemonic techniques, and will visibly improve your memory.

15. Venture out and learn from your mistakes. Go ahead and take a stab at memorizing the first one hundred digits of pi, or, if you've done that already, the first one thousand. Memorize the monarchs of England through your memory palaces, or your grocery list through visualization. Through diligent effort you will eventually master the art of memorization.