Ayurveda texts mention that our human skin has a thin waxy covering on it. This is to protect the surface of the skin from drying up. Ayurveda recommends application of a thin coat of oil to skin to preserve this waxy layer. When the skin gets dried it results in breaking of the skin. This leads to complications like chapped skin, dandruff etc.
Always ensure that there is oil on hair and skin. Never allow the skin to get dry. Avoid frequent usage of shampoo. Shampoos have a tendency to remove the oil from skin and hair leaving them dry.
Natural substances like shikakai (soap nut) powder too should be used in moderation to prevent drying up of scalp and skin. To help retain the oil, rice porridge water (conjee) can be added to make a consistent paste before application.
When the hair roots dry up, the outer layer of the scalp breaks up and come off as flakes leading to dandruff and hair loss.
Neelibringadhi oil, triphaladhi oil, kayyunyathi oil are all excellent preparations for the scalp. After bath apply a thin layer of any one of these oils.
Henna leaves, linseed, athimathuram (Indian liquorice), nellimulli (small caltrops) of equal quantity are ground together to make a fine paste and this paste is applied on scalp 10-15 minutes before bath. Similarly karisalankkani leaves, nellimulli and athimathuram can be used in the same manner.
If there is itching of hair root, dandruff etc nalpamarathi thailam, dinesavalyathi thailam, dhurvathi thailam, etc can be used. Anyone of these can be applied to the scalp 10-15 minutes before bath.
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Thursday, 20 December 2007
Thursday, 13 December 2007
Ayurvedic solution to Menstrual Problems
Ayurveda offers very effective home remedies to cure menstrual problems. Menstrual problems afflict most of the women a major portion of their life.
Couple of my earlier posts suggested some ayurvedic herbal remedies for menstrual problems.
Black gram strengthens the womb. For girls with delayed menarche, scanty menstruation, inability to conceive, painful menstruation, etc dishes made of black gram and linseed (black gram laddu, make a judicious choice of less spicy ones from this selection, etc) are prescribed to mitigate the intensity of pain and eventually cure them.
To cure irregular menstruation, delayed menarche, painful menstruation, difficulty to lactate, etc linseed and black gram were considered the ideal remedies. Drinking linseed soaked water is one easy way to benefit. Intake of kashayam made of linseed and black cumin seeds (nigella sativa) also helps. As a result of regular and judicious consumption of dishes made of black gram and linseed females can benefit from timely and regular menstruation, and get rid ഓഫ് other general debilities related to menstruation.
Sugar candy, poppy seeds, vaal milagu (java pepper), badam (almond) of equal quantities are pounded together to make a fine powder. Honey and ghee are added as required. This formulation is prescribed for women with painful menstruation. This is mixed in milk and taken twice a day, one week before the onset of the menstrual cycle. Fenugreek kashayam complements this very well.
Kungumapoo mixed in milk and taken regularly helps scanty menstruation.
In case of excessive flow, one effective remedy is found to be taking of a soup of dill seeds and fennel seeds.
To help with body pain during those days, dhanvanthiram kashayam 3 spoonful mixed in 60 ml of warm water along with dhanvanthiram tablet is prescribed. This should be taken on empty stomach morning and evening.
To help with menstrual cramps, heat dhanvanthiram oil in an iron ladle to a bearable level and apply it on the lower abdomen, pelvic, thigh areas. A few gentle strokes downward will do the trick. Also soak a small ball of cotton in the oil and place it on top of head. Allow the oil to soak for 5 - 10 minutes. Bathe after 30 minutes in warm water. Following this regimen on Tuesdays and Fridays is found to be very beneficial.
There are some more standard ayurvedic preparations that are very effective in curing menstrual problems and my subsequent posts will deal with them.
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Couple of my earlier posts suggested some ayurvedic herbal remedies for menstrual problems.
Black gram strengthens the womb. For girls with delayed menarche, scanty menstruation, inability to conceive, painful menstruation, etc dishes made of black gram and linseed (black gram laddu, make a judicious choice of less spicy ones from this selection, etc) are prescribed to mitigate the intensity of pain and eventually cure them.
To cure irregular menstruation, delayed menarche, painful menstruation, difficulty to lactate, etc linseed and black gram were considered the ideal remedies. Drinking linseed soaked water is one easy way to benefit. Intake of kashayam made of linseed and black cumin seeds (nigella sativa) also helps. As a result of regular and judicious consumption of dishes made of black gram and linseed females can benefit from timely and regular menstruation, and get rid ഓഫ് other general debilities related to menstruation.
Sugar candy, poppy seeds, vaal milagu (java pepper), badam (almond) of equal quantities are pounded together to make a fine powder. Honey and ghee are added as required. This formulation is prescribed for women with painful menstruation. This is mixed in milk and taken twice a day, one week before the onset of the menstrual cycle. Fenugreek kashayam complements this very well.
Kungumapoo mixed in milk and taken regularly helps scanty menstruation.
In case of excessive flow, one effective remedy is found to be taking of a soup of dill seeds and fennel seeds.
To help with body pain during those days, dhanvanthiram kashayam 3 spoonful mixed in 60 ml of warm water along with dhanvanthiram tablet is prescribed. This should be taken on empty stomach morning and evening.
To help with menstrual cramps, heat dhanvanthiram oil in an iron ladle to a bearable level and apply it on the lower abdomen, pelvic, thigh areas. A few gentle strokes downward will do the trick. Also soak a small ball of cotton in the oil and place it on top of head. Allow the oil to soak for 5 - 10 minutes. Bathe after 30 minutes in warm water. Following this regimen on Tuesdays and Fridays is found to be very beneficial.
There are some more standard ayurvedic preparations that are very effective in curing menstrual problems and my subsequent posts will deal with them.
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Monday, 3 December 2007
Ayurveda for Tonsillitis
Galatundi is the name given to tonsils and tundikeri is a condition of inflammation of galatundi. Tundikeri or tonsillitis has been described as a localised swelling adjacent the base of the tongue having its resemblance to cotton seed fruit. When swollen it is covered with mucus, painful and hard to touch. There is oedema, increased size, pricking pain, burning sensation and suppuration.
Tonsillitis is one of the commonest diseases of the upper respiratory tract which affects all age groups particularly the growing children. The commonest cause of infection is streptococcal haemolyticus. The disease spreads quickly by way of dust particles. Poorly ventilated and overcrowded spots are the breeding grounds of these pathogens.
Chronic tonsillitis might lead to rheumatic fever, nephritis and many other systemic complications.
Symptoms include high fever of 103-104 range, with considerable pain on swallowing, painful enlargement of tonsillar glands in the neck, referred pain in the ear on the affected side, sore throat and exudation of pus.
Sphatika’s use in treating tonsillitis has been referred in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Ayurveda describes sphatika as an astringent, haemostatic, antiseptic. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and antibiotic properties.
A study was conducted in Jammu, India to test the efficacy of sphatika on both acute and chronic tonsillitis cases. [See: JRAS Vol XVII No. 3-4 (1996) pages 149-156].
Fine powder of purified sphatika was used for local application over tonsils and fauces thrice daily before meals. Similarly 1 gm of sphatika dissolved in half cup lukewarm water was taken internally.
It was found that the disease is more frequent among the male children (11 – 20 years). Sphatika had a marked effect on treatment of tonsillitis. The various symptoms started regressing just after a day or two of commencement of therapy.
Sphatika being kasaya, katu, tikta, usna and jwara-hara in action, reduces the inflammation of the tonsils thereby regulating the increased body temperature. Its antibiotic activity inhibits further spread of the pathogens. This was confirmed by throat swab tests done before and after treatment.
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Tonsillitis is one of the commonest diseases of the upper respiratory tract which affects all age groups particularly the growing children. The commonest cause of infection is streptococcal haemolyticus. The disease spreads quickly by way of dust particles. Poorly ventilated and overcrowded spots are the breeding grounds of these pathogens.
Chronic tonsillitis might lead to rheumatic fever, nephritis and many other systemic complications.
Symptoms include high fever of 103-104 range, with considerable pain on swallowing, painful enlargement of tonsillar glands in the neck, referred pain in the ear on the affected side, sore throat and exudation of pus.
Sphatika’s use in treating tonsillitis has been referred in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Ayurveda describes sphatika as an astringent, haemostatic, antiseptic. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and antibiotic properties.
A study was conducted in Jammu, India to test the efficacy of sphatika on both acute and chronic tonsillitis cases. [See: JRAS Vol XVII No. 3-4 (1996) pages 149-156].
Fine powder of purified sphatika was used for local application over tonsils and fauces thrice daily before meals. Similarly 1 gm of sphatika dissolved in half cup lukewarm water was taken internally.
It was found that the disease is more frequent among the male children (11 – 20 years). Sphatika had a marked effect on treatment of tonsillitis. The various symptoms started regressing just after a day or two of commencement of therapy.
Sphatika being kasaya, katu, tikta, usna and jwara-hara in action, reduces the inflammation of the tonsils thereby regulating the increased body temperature. Its antibiotic activity inhibits further spread of the pathogens. This was confirmed by throat swab tests done before and after treatment.
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Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Liver and Ayurveda
Liver is one of the complex organs in the human body. One of its functions is production of bile which helps in digesting fat. Food digested by the stomach gets processed by the liver where toxins are filtered.
Sometimes the liver has to bear the brunt due to excessive consumption of alcohol, certain drugs, hot substances like chillies etc.
Karisalankanni (Eclipta prostrata) is the herb of choice in treating liver diseases. This herb grows in marshy areas throughout the year. It grows abundantly during the rainy season. There are two varieties of karisilankanni, one has yellow flowers and the other white. The yellow one is more potent.
Karisalankanni is most effective when eaten raw. It can also be dried in shade and powdered.
When ground to a paste and cooked as in karislankanni kootu, it is good for teeth, skin and hair. It induces appetite. It aids digestion and helps expel fecal matter from the large intestines. It heals ulcers. It cleans the liver and encourages secretion of bile. It cures inflamed liver also called fatty liver.
Adulterated food can jeopardise the liver. Also foods contaminated with chemicals can play havoc. All these on entering human body should to be expelled and the liver is strained beyond its limit. This results in sluggish liver, stomach upset and gastroenteritis. Even though we consume nutritive foods in plenty than the previous generations it doesn’t seem to strengthen our immune system. This is because of the loss of coordination between the liver, intestines and stomach. Adulterated food, contaminated water and polluted environment are the factors that are to be blamed for this state of affairs. There is a high risk of hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure, cirrhosis, atherosclerosis and coronary thrombosis.
Karisalankanni comes to rescue in such cases. One ounce of karisalankanni juice (15 ml) and cow’s milk 20 ml (boiled and then brought down to the room temperature) are mixed and should be taken first thing in the morning. This regulates the blood pressure as well.
As karisalankanni starts working in the system, it sets right the liver and cures jaundice, fatty liver, splenomegaly, hemorrhoids, indigestion etc. Regular intake strengthens the inner organs.
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Sometimes the liver has to bear the brunt due to excessive consumption of alcohol, certain drugs, hot substances like chillies etc.
Karisalankanni (Eclipta prostrata) is the herb of choice in treating liver diseases. This herb grows in marshy areas throughout the year. It grows abundantly during the rainy season. There are two varieties of karisilankanni, one has yellow flowers and the other white. The yellow one is more potent.
Karisalankanni is most effective when eaten raw. It can also be dried in shade and powdered.
When ground to a paste and cooked as in karislankanni kootu, it is good for teeth, skin and hair. It induces appetite. It aids digestion and helps expel fecal matter from the large intestines. It heals ulcers. It cleans the liver and encourages secretion of bile. It cures inflamed liver also called fatty liver.
Adulterated food can jeopardise the liver. Also foods contaminated with chemicals can play havoc. All these on entering human body should to be expelled and the liver is strained beyond its limit. This results in sluggish liver, stomach upset and gastroenteritis. Even though we consume nutritive foods in plenty than the previous generations it doesn’t seem to strengthen our immune system. This is because of the loss of coordination between the liver, intestines and stomach. Adulterated food, contaminated water and polluted environment are the factors that are to be blamed for this state of affairs. There is a high risk of hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure, cirrhosis, atherosclerosis and coronary thrombosis.
Karisalankanni comes to rescue in such cases. One ounce of karisalankanni juice (15 ml) and cow’s milk 20 ml (boiled and then brought down to the room temperature) are mixed and should be taken first thing in the morning. This regulates the blood pressure as well.
As karisalankanni starts working in the system, it sets right the liver and cures jaundice, fatty liver, splenomegaly, hemorrhoids, indigestion etc. Regular intake strengthens the inner organs.
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Thursday, 15 November 2007
Ayurveda for Dark Circles around Eyes
Reading books for a long time in a dimly lit place, straining the eyes to read books, reading without spectacles when necessary, sleeping in a seated position frequently, bathing using very hot water, watching telly in a dark room, lying down and watching television, not exercising the eyes, daytime sleep, frequent eating of foods that are too salty or sour, using of cosmetics which may be allergic, not wearing necessary eye protection equipments when working near hot places like furnaces, hot stoves etc….so on goes the reasons for dark circles around the eyes.
The first step to cure the dark circles is to avoid such situations.
Ayurveda suggests that cow’s milk, goat’s milk, yoghurt, butter, fenugreek are added to the diet. These strengthen the eyes and the muscles around them. Fish oil also serves the purpose.
The diet should also consist the following.
A paste (thuvayal) made of coriander leaves and mint leaves induces appetite. This paste can be mixed with rice and taken as the first course. This should be followed by rice with buttermilk and curry leaf paste as the second course. Similarly greens like drumstick leaves, agathi leaves, mulai keerai, arai keerai, tender neem leaves, fenugreek leaves etc which contain vitamin A in plenty should be part of the diet.
A good night’s sleep will go a long way in restoring the lost sheen. 6 – 8 hours of sleep is recommended. (One simple remedy for insomnia, grind poppy seeds to a paste and add a marble sized paste to a glass of warm milk. Take this before going to bed for good sleep, but do not make it a habit.)
Cover your eyes with your palm for 10 minutes after a strenuous day’s work. This would relax your eyes and lessen the strain. Gently massage around the eyes with your fingertips after this.
Collect the thin layer that forms on top of milk when heated. This is applied to the face before going to bed. On getting up the next day morning, clean the face by splashing hot and cold water alternatively. Make a paste by rubbing turmeric against stone. Add a few drops of linseed oil to the paste and apply the mixture to the dark circles around the eyes. After half an hour wash it away using greengram powder. This helps to clear black rings and provide a bright countenance.
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The first step to cure the dark circles is to avoid such situations.
Ayurveda suggests that cow’s milk, goat’s milk, yoghurt, butter, fenugreek are added to the diet. These strengthen the eyes and the muscles around them. Fish oil also serves the purpose.
The diet should also consist the following.
A paste (thuvayal) made of coriander leaves and mint leaves induces appetite. This paste can be mixed with rice and taken as the first course. This should be followed by rice with buttermilk and curry leaf paste as the second course. Similarly greens like drumstick leaves, agathi leaves, mulai keerai, arai keerai, tender neem leaves, fenugreek leaves etc which contain vitamin A in plenty should be part of the diet.
A good night’s sleep will go a long way in restoring the lost sheen. 6 – 8 hours of sleep is recommended. (One simple remedy for insomnia, grind poppy seeds to a paste and add a marble sized paste to a glass of warm milk. Take this before going to bed for good sleep, but do not make it a habit.)
Cover your eyes with your palm for 10 minutes after a strenuous day’s work. This would relax your eyes and lessen the strain. Gently massage around the eyes with your fingertips after this.
Collect the thin layer that forms on top of milk when heated. This is applied to the face before going to bed. On getting up the next day morning, clean the face by splashing hot and cold water alternatively. Make a paste by rubbing turmeric against stone. Add a few drops of linseed oil to the paste and apply the mixture to the dark circles around the eyes. After half an hour wash it away using greengram powder. This helps to clear black rings and provide a bright countenance.
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Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Ways to Cure Stammering and Stuttering in Ayurveda
Given below are some ayurvedic home remedies for stuttering and stammering.
All activities of the human body is controlled by the brain. The brain processes all the information it receives through the senses and makes it more meaningful. All of the physical activities are controlled by the brain and specific areas of the brain control specific organs and the corresponding activities. Most of the activities of the brain are beyond the conscious control of the individual.
When a part of the brain is damaged due to various reasons, the specific body part and the corresponding activities come to a standstill. That part of the brain which controls speech may get damaged and this can result in stuttering and stammering. This is the physiological reason.
Just as our bodies can be kept fit by exercises, stuttering can also be cured by specific set of exercises.
Ayurveda states that the brain is under the control of ‘Prana’. Therefore to cure stuttering we have to improve the functioning of ‘prana’.
Vallarai is a herb that is found in shades in villages. A few coriander seeds and palm candy are placed inside 3 or 4 vallarai leaves and chewed. Also vallarai leaves can be dried in shade and powdered. This powder taken regularly helps reduce stammering. Paste made by grinding the leaves can also be taken with milk. It is surprising to note that the shape of vallarai leaf resembles the human brain.
Cow’s ghee is also recommended by Ayurveda to cure stammering. According to Ayurveda texts cow's ghee acts positively in the sphere of memory, speech, knowledge, wisdom etc. To sense things, store them in memory, express things coherently from memory etc all belong to this domain. Hence cow’s ghee is used in preparation of medicines that help improve memory, cure stammering, stuttering etc.
‘Saaraswatha choornam’ half a teaspoon and ‘brahmi kirutham’ one and half teaspoon are mixed in honey. This mixture is then placed inside rice balls and taken internally and masticated well. For this purpose it is recommended that you have rice along with hot sambar and rasam as breakfast. After breakfast, saraswatharishtam 30 ml should be taken.
Apply warm brahmi oil on top of head and allow it to soak for about 30 – 45 minutes. Afterwards bathe using warm water. This process helps improve memory as well clear stuttering and stammering.
All activities of the human body is controlled by the brain. The brain processes all the information it receives through the senses and makes it more meaningful. All of the physical activities are controlled by the brain and specific areas of the brain control specific organs and the corresponding activities. Most of the activities of the brain are beyond the conscious control of the individual.
When a part of the brain is damaged due to various reasons, the specific body part and the corresponding activities come to a standstill. That part of the brain which controls speech may get damaged and this can result in stuttering and stammering. This is the physiological reason.
Just as our bodies can be kept fit by exercises, stuttering can also be cured by specific set of exercises.
Ayurveda states that the brain is under the control of ‘Prana’. Therefore to cure stuttering we have to improve the functioning of ‘prana’.
Vallarai is a herb that is found in shades in villages. A few coriander seeds and palm candy are placed inside 3 or 4 vallarai leaves and chewed. Also vallarai leaves can be dried in shade and powdered. This powder taken regularly helps reduce stammering. Paste made by grinding the leaves can also be taken with milk. It is surprising to note that the shape of vallarai leaf resembles the human brain.
Cow’s ghee is also recommended by Ayurveda to cure stammering. According to Ayurveda texts cow's ghee acts positively in the sphere of memory, speech, knowledge, wisdom etc. To sense things, store them in memory, express things coherently from memory etc all belong to this domain. Hence cow’s ghee is used in preparation of medicines that help improve memory, cure stammering, stuttering etc.
‘Saaraswatha choornam’ half a teaspoon and ‘brahmi kirutham’ one and half teaspoon are mixed in honey. This mixture is then placed inside rice balls and taken internally and masticated well. For this purpose it is recommended that you have rice along with hot sambar and rasam as breakfast. After breakfast, saraswatharishtam 30 ml should be taken.
Apply warm brahmi oil on top of head and allow it to soak for about 30 – 45 minutes. Afterwards bathe using warm water. This process helps improve memory as well clear stuttering and stammering.
The above mentioned ayurvedic remedies complement very well with the conventional treatments like fluency shaping, hypnosis, stuttering modification etc.
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Friday, 9 November 2007
Ayurveda for Potbelly
Eating more than what is necessary, eating tough to digest foods, consumption of excessive sweets, oily stuff etc, lack of exercise, lack of sexual activity, daytime sleep and genetic make up are the major contributors to potbellies. One or more of these can be the cause of your potbelly.
While people of third world countries suffer from malnutrition, it is the other way round for those of the affluent nations. Easy availability and mindless consumption of nutritious products result in over-nutrition. Lack of exercise is another reason. The present work culture adds to the problem where physical movement at the workplace is vastly reduced due to the advent of computers, mobile phones etc.
Fat is an adipose tissue which stores energy. It is an important fuel for the body. It is needed to maintain the body heat. Fat that enters the human body through food is digested at different levels and undergoes many changes. Problems in the enzymes that digest fat as well as problems in the glands that secrete these enzymes allow the fat to get stagnated in the body.
Potbelly cannot be called a disease, but can be considered as a precursor to diseases. Difficulty to breathe on slight exertion, lethargy and laziness are some of the symptoms. Once the size of belly increases one is at the risk of diabetes, heart disease and blood pressure. A series of complications ensue.
We become addicted to taste of the junk food and eat beyond what is necessary. Reducing the quantity of food does not necessarily bring down the body weight. Whatever the body can accept gets assimilated and the rest either gets eliminated or gets stored in the body as fat.
Moderation in consumption and timely intake of food helps in digestion and assimilation of nutrition and helps in overall well being.
Heat sour buttermilk and add horsegram powder to it. Massage this mix onto the potbelly in an upward direction from bottom to top and also sideways. Allow this to stay for 15 minutes and then bathe with warm water. Horsegram helps to reduce potbelly.
Also varadhi kashayam 15 ml is added to 60 ml of water. One tablespoon of honey is added to this. This mix should be taken internally morning and evening on empty stomach. This too aids in reducing potbelly.
Click below to learn about an exciting computer program for weight loss.
www.conquerovereating.com
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While people of third world countries suffer from malnutrition, it is the other way round for those of the affluent nations. Easy availability and mindless consumption of nutritious products result in over-nutrition. Lack of exercise is another reason. The present work culture adds to the problem where physical movement at the workplace is vastly reduced due to the advent of computers, mobile phones etc.
Fat is an adipose tissue which stores energy. It is an important fuel for the body. It is needed to maintain the body heat. Fat that enters the human body through food is digested at different levels and undergoes many changes. Problems in the enzymes that digest fat as well as problems in the glands that secrete these enzymes allow the fat to get stagnated in the body.
Potbelly cannot be called a disease, but can be considered as a precursor to diseases. Difficulty to breathe on slight exertion, lethargy and laziness are some of the symptoms. Once the size of belly increases one is at the risk of diabetes, heart disease and blood pressure. A series of complications ensue.
We become addicted to taste of the junk food and eat beyond what is necessary. Reducing the quantity of food does not necessarily bring down the body weight. Whatever the body can accept gets assimilated and the rest either gets eliminated or gets stored in the body as fat.
Moderation in consumption and timely intake of food helps in digestion and assimilation of nutrition and helps in overall well being.
Heat sour buttermilk and add horsegram powder to it. Massage this mix onto the potbelly in an upward direction from bottom to top and also sideways. Allow this to stay for 15 minutes and then bathe with warm water. Horsegram helps to reduce potbelly.
Also varadhi kashayam 15 ml is added to 60 ml of water. One tablespoon of honey is added to this. This mix should be taken internally morning and evening on empty stomach. This too aids in reducing potbelly.
Click below to learn about an exciting computer program for weight loss.
www.conquerovereating.com
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Tuesday, 6 November 2007
Ginger, Honey and Obesity
Ginger is known from time immemorial for its action on the digestive system. It activates the taste buds and restores the sense of taste. It plays a pivotal role in digesting heavy foods while maintaining the equilibrium of the doshas. It helps maintain the necessary heat which enables smooth functioning of the entire body. It aids blood circulation and removes lethargy.
Ginger tastes hot but becomes sweetish on digestion. It restores voice by clearing phlegm from the throat. It also removes phlegm in chest and helps in curing indigestion. In case of fevers due to these, honey and ginger juice is mixed and given internally.
When pitta increases beyond its normal levels in the intestines it results in giddiness and tiredness. In such cases, ginger, coriander seeds and cumin seeds are ground to a fine paste using a few drops of water and taken with honey or sugar.
Remove the outer skin of fresh ginger and dry it in sunlight for 10 minutes. Take 200 gm of such dried ginger and slice them into small pieces. This is then soaked in 200 gm of honey and stored in a bottle. Stir it regularly. Also place the honey and ginger combination in sunlight for 10 – 15 minutes twice a week. Ginger thus preserved lasts longer. This preparation is a good remedy for loss of appetite, lethargy, body heat, giddiness due to excessive pittha etc. Half a teaspoon of this sliced ginger and honey a day is the recommended quantity. Regular intake up to restoration of appetite is recommended.
Honey plays an important role in reducing beer belly or pot belly. Ginger prevents indigestion that may be caused due to honey. This combination of honey and ginger thus helps in combating obesity also.
Click below to learn about an exciting new computer program for weight loss.
www.conquerovereating.com
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Ginger tastes hot but becomes sweetish on digestion. It restores voice by clearing phlegm from the throat. It also removes phlegm in chest and helps in curing indigestion. In case of fevers due to these, honey and ginger juice is mixed and given internally.
When pitta increases beyond its normal levels in the intestines it results in giddiness and tiredness. In such cases, ginger, coriander seeds and cumin seeds are ground to a fine paste using a few drops of water and taken with honey or sugar.
Remove the outer skin of fresh ginger and dry it in sunlight for 10 minutes. Take 200 gm of such dried ginger and slice them into small pieces. This is then soaked in 200 gm of honey and stored in a bottle. Stir it regularly. Also place the honey and ginger combination in sunlight for 10 – 15 minutes twice a week. Ginger thus preserved lasts longer. This preparation is a good remedy for loss of appetite, lethargy, body heat, giddiness due to excessive pittha etc. Half a teaspoon of this sliced ginger and honey a day is the recommended quantity. Regular intake up to restoration of appetite is recommended.
Honey plays an important role in reducing beer belly or pot belly. Ginger prevents indigestion that may be caused due to honey. This combination of honey and ginger thus helps in combating obesity also.
Click below to learn about an exciting new computer program for weight loss.
www.conquerovereating.com
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Tuesday, 30 October 2007
A Simple Way to Cure Indigestion
Eat only when you feel hungry. In other words eat only when you have a good appetite. Do not eat when you don't feel so. Do not eat in a haste.
Enjoy the food you eat and be conscious of the act of eating. It relaxes you at once. At the same time it helps the stomach to generate the necessary juices to digest the food.
If you eat using your hands, always clean them before eating. It is said that when you use your hands to eat, the body gets the feel of the food and it in turn helps secrete the fluids in the stomach to aid digestion.
Now for the nitty gritties. Mix powder of pulses, or pepper and cumin powder, or aingaya powder and sesame oil to the first portion of your food (assuming you eat rice). This serving gets digested very quickly. It won't burden the stomach as well. After this a serving of hot rice mixed with rasam will supplement the treatment.
Kernels of fully grown mango seeds are collected and allowed to dry. Add a few curry leaves and a few pepper corns to the kernels (1-2 seeds) and grind them to a fine paste using water. This paste is mixed in buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt to taste. This is then added to rice and taken. Tender mango leaves can be used in place of mango kernels. This brings about good appetite and helps sensitize the taste buds. You will regain the taste and you will start enjoying the food.
Take vilvadhi lehyam 5 gm morning and evening on empty stomach. Also 30 ml of jeerakarishtam after food both morning and evening help in improving digestion.
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Tuesday, 23 October 2007
Some Siddha Home Remedies for Stomach Problems
A choornam (herbal powder) for common stomach problems is given below.
Pepper, cumin seeds, thippili (Piper longum), induppu (rock salt) 25 gm each are powdered. 10 gm of dried powdered curry leaves and 10 gm of perungayam (asafetida) powder are added to this mix. All are mixed together and stored in a bottle. A tablespoon of this powder is added to the first portion of your lunch. This helps in gas and indigestion.
Another choornam (herbal powder) is as follows.
Perungayam (asafetida), chukku (dried ginger), turmeric, thyme, vasambu (sweet flag), 20 gm each are taken and fried using a new earthen pot or pan. The fried ingredients are then powdered and sieved using muslin. A pinch (1 to 1.5 gm) of this powder is mixed in honey and taken internally for stomachache, indigestion, gas etc. This can be given to kids and old alike.
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Monday, 22 October 2007
A Siddha Home Remedy for Phlegm in Chest
For people with phlegm in chest the following remedy can work wonders. Useful for both the old and young alike.
100 gm of omam (thyme) is crushed and added to 500 ml of water. This water is then boiled and reduced to 200 ml. Filter the water and add it to 500 ml of coconut oil. Allow this mix to boil for some time (5 minutes approximately). Add 50 gm of camphor powder onto this oil. Now allow the oil to cool and filter and store in a bottle. Apply this oil gently onto the chest and back of the affected person. This helps to bring out the chest phlegm.
Also the following preparation can be taken internally. This will complement the above treatment.
Arisi thippili (piper longum), adhimadhuram (licorice), and akkara karam (Anacyclus pyrethrum DC) each 10 gm are taken and pounded together and the powder is then sieved using a muslin. Take a pinch of this powder and mix with honey. Take this paste this morning, afternoon and before going to bed.
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Thursday, 18 October 2007
Some more Siddha remedies for Teeth
For decayed tooth the following preparation can be used.
Chebulic myrobalan (kadukkai), Dried bael fruit or
Also to strengthen gums, the following procedure can be adopted.
Boil a few cloves of garlic (3-4) using a glass of water. Add equal quantity of warm water to this glass of water. Use this water to gargle your mouth. While gargling concentrate on the base of the teeth, gums etc. This strengthens the gums and teeth.
A few magizham poo (Mimusops elengi) flowers are chewed and the kept in the mouth for 4-5 minutes. Then they are spit out. Now gargle using water. This helps in strengthening loose teeth and toothache.
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Thursday, 11 October 2007
Some Siddha Remedies for Teeth
In
Last week, out of curiosity I started using neem twigs to clean my teeth. I could sense a marked difference in my mouth. My mouth remained fresh throughout the day, which had never happened before.
The neem is a disinfectant and antiseptic. No wonder the Siddha system recommends neem twigs, banyan twigs etc in preparing powders for brushing teeth.
I give below a time tested Siddha tooth powder that can be prepared at home using easily available products.
Twigs of neem tree, mango tree, black plum tree (syzygium cumini), Alexandrian Laurel (punnai), banyan tree, karuvelam or babool (acacia niletica), prickly chaff flower (nayuruvi) are collected. They are powdered and sieved using a piece of muslin. 100 gm of this powder is taken along with 10 gm of fried alum, rice chaff ash 10 gm, sambrani (boswellia serrata var glabra) 10 gm, cloves 3 gm, karuva pattai (wild cinnamon) 3 gm, they are again pounded to a fine powder. Sieve this powder again.
Brushing your teeth using this powder helps cure toothache, pain in gums etc.
Another preparation is as follows.
Pepper 5 gm, chukku (dry ginger) 2 gm, poonkaavi 10 gm, samprani (Boswellia serrata Var.glabra) 10 gm, karuvelam pattai (Acacia nilotica) 40 gm, bottom portion (near stem) of tobacco leaves 5 gm, fried alum 2 gm are taken. They are pounded to powder form. Sieve the powder using muslin. Add 5 gm of camphor to this sieved powder and store it in a bottle. Brush your teeth using this powder morning and evening.
Regular usage helps in curing bleeding of gums, tooth decay etc.
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Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Some Siddha Home Remedies for Nasal Problems
Most of the Siddha home remedies for nose are external. There may be fumes you need to inhale or oil to be applied in the affected areas.
For postnasal drip or rhinorrhea or simple runny nose, light up coconut husk (the fiber outer portion) and inhale the ensuing smoke.
Crush thyme (omam in Tamil) and inhale it. This also helps stop the nasal discharge.
For nasal bleed, instil 2-3 drops of water mixed with alum into the nose.
Soak turmeric in linseed oil. Hold this turmeric over fire preferably a lamp. Inhale the smoke that emanates from it. This also helps runny nose.
Drops for sinus. Pepper, chillies, 25 gm each, and 1/8 litre of ginger extract, adathoda leaf (adathoda vasica) extract, and thoothuvalai leaf (Solanum tribolatum) extract each along with 25 gm of garlic are taken together. Crush the solid elements and add this to 250 mg of linseed oil and heat the whole preparation. After allowing it to boil, cool and filter the oil. Store the oil in a bottle. Before going to bed, take around 15 – 20 drops in hand and inhale the oil into the nostrils. This will result in sneezing and expulsion of water and phlegm. After a good bout of sneezing, drink a glass of water and go to bed. (Obviously this should not be done immediately after supper). Do this for 2-3 nights for sinus congestion.
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For postnasal drip or rhinorrhea or simple runny nose, light up coconut husk (the fiber outer portion) and inhale the ensuing smoke.
Crush thyme (omam in Tamil) and inhale it. This also helps stop the nasal discharge.
For nasal bleed, instil 2-3 drops of water mixed with alum into the nose.
Soak turmeric in linseed oil. Hold this turmeric over fire preferably a lamp. Inhale the smoke that emanates from it. This also helps runny nose.
Drops for sinus. Pepper, chillies, 25 gm each, and 1/8 litre of ginger extract, adathoda leaf (adathoda vasica) extract, and thoothuvalai leaf (Solanum tribolatum) extract each along with 25 gm of garlic are taken together. Crush the solid elements and add this to 250 mg of linseed oil and heat the whole preparation. After allowing it to boil, cool and filter the oil. Store the oil in a bottle. Before going to bed, take around 15 – 20 drops in hand and inhale the oil into the nostrils. This will result in sneezing and expulsion of water and phlegm. After a good bout of sneezing, drink a glass of water and go to bed. (Obviously this should not be done immediately after supper). Do this for 2-3 nights for sinus congestion.
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Sunday, 30 September 2007
Some Siddha Home Remedies For Ear
Most of these remedies are in the drops form for external application and some are to be taken internally. Again these are for simple ailments like ear pain, ringing sound in the ears, pus in the ears etc. If symptoms persist it is always advisable to seek an expert’s help.
2-3 cloves of garlic and kuppaimeni leaves are crushed together and the juice thus obtained (3-4 drops) is put in the ears using a dropper. This also helps in the above problems.
2-3 garlic cloves and musumusukkai leaves (Bryonia Scaber) are crushed and the juice obtained is put in the ears. This helps in ear pain.
An oil preparation for earache.
Ginger juice 50 ml and induppu (rock salt) 25 gm are heated in linseed oil 250 ml, allowed to boil and then filtered and stored in bottle. Two drops are instilled in the ears using dropper cures most of ear problems like earache, itch in ears, ringing sounds etc.
Jasmine leaves and flowers are crushed together, the resultant juice is added to equal quantity of linseed oil and boiled. Allow this to cool and store in a bottle. Instill 3-4 drops of this to ears to stop discharge of pus from ears.
Abin (a derivative of ganja) is added to juice of onions and 3-4 drops are instilled into the ear for relief from pain.
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Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Siddha Remedies for Eye Problems
Eyes are sensitive enough to reflect changes that happen internally in our body. We are familiar with doctors checking the eyes for jaundice. Redness of the eyes in many cases is regarded as increase of “heat” in the body, according to Siddha practitioners. They would say the body has “heated up” and it has to be cooled down. To that end they use both external and internal preparations to regain the needed balance. The redness is cleared once this balance is established.
While some problems of the eye may be due to simple “heat” (“heat” in Siddha terms is when the body’s pH becomes acidic, this may be due to deprivation of sleep, stress etc) from a home remedy perspective, it is always advisable to seek the help of a qualified physician if problems persist for more than three days. Certain problems of the eye require a complete study of the individual to diagnose the exact cause.
Now for some simple remedies of the eye.
Neem flowers help improve eyesight. For this purpose dry neem flowers are used, preferably 6 months to one year old. These flowers are fried lightly using ghee and then taken internally in the form of thuvayal.
The extract of crushed jasmine flowers also help improve eyesight. Four drops of this juice is put in the eyes using a dropper. Regular application will help in clearing up the redness of the eye.
Following preparations are used to “cool” the body.
Arugampul (Bermuda grass) root is dried and powdered. This powder is then fried in ghee and taken internally.
Take a small amount of cumin seeds. Boil the seeds in water. Filter the seeds out. The boiled seeds are then taken internally with cow butter.
For irritation of the eye, kadukkai, gooseberry, neem seeds, coconut, and white pepper are taken in equal quantities and ground to a fine paste. This paste is applied on scalp 5 minutes before bathing. Use this paste once in two days until irritation ceases. This simple Siddha home remedy helps clear eye irritation.
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Sunday, 23 September 2007
Some Siddha Remedies for Memory Enhancement
Brahmi and vallarai (pennywort) are regarded as memory enhancing herbs. These herbs have similar properties and have been known traditionally as promoters of mental faculties. While Brahmi is used in treating depression, anxiety etc, vallarai is effective in improving mental functions.
Regular intake of these herbs complement well with the usual memory enhancing techniques.
Following are some tips for headache and related stuff.
Crush jasmine flowers and filter out its juice. Using a dropper 3-4 drops are instilled into the nostrils. This helps in clearing headache.
Mix vallarai (pennywort) juice and sesame oil each 100 ml. Heat this mixture and allow it to boil for sometime. Remove from fire and allow it to cool. Filter and store it in a bottle. Daily application on scalp helps in curing headache.
Fruit juice (pomegranate, custard apple, pineapple, papaya etc) mixed with honey and taken daily can help improve memory.
Chukku (dry ginger), thippili (piper longum), ayamodham (thymol seed), adhimadhuram (licorice), koshtam (crape ginger), jeeragam (cumin seeds), manjal (turmeric), induppu (rock salt), maramanjal (Indian barberry or tree turmeric), each 20 mg and pounded together to a nice powder form. 5mg of this is taken daily morning and evening for 41 days for excellent memory. Avoid buffalo milk, curd, ghee etc during these days.
Frequent addition of bottle gourd to your diet is helpful in overcoming depression. It also helps regain equanimity.
Karunjeeragam (black cumin) is ground to a fine paste using juice of betel leaves. This is then applied to swollen cheek and ear area as a thick paste. This helps alleviate the swelling and pain in those areas.
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Friday, 21 September 2007
Some More Remedies for Baldness and Hair Loss
One Siddha preparation that can help cure premature balding is to rub garlic in honey and applying the ensuing paste in areas bald. Regular application once a day can help hair growth in those areas.
In case of bald patches due to autoimmune disease following remedies may be used. Pepper powder, small onion (shallot) and salt are ground together to a fine paste and applied on affected areas. Another remedy is to burn and char elephant tusk and mix this powder in honey to form a fine paste. Apply this paste on affected areas. Both these methods are effective in treating bald patches.
Sometimes there is loss of hair as a side effect of certain fevers. In such circumstances, after head bath first wipe out all water using a soft towel. Then grind an onion to a fine paste. Mix honey to this paste and apply it in affected areas.
Take 100 ml of kuppaimeni juice and 100 ml of coconut oil. Mix the two in a wide pan. Also crush 25 grams of root of kuppaimeni plant and extract its juice in a separate bowl. Now heat the 100ml kuppaimeni juice and 100 ml coconut oil mixture. After 5 minutes add the root extract to it and allow the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from fire and allow it to cool. Store it in a bottle in a cool dry place. Apply regularly on scalp for quick results.
Another hair oil based on Siddha herbs. Juice of henna leaves 50 ml, cow’s milk 500 ml, sesame oil or gingely oil 400 ml are mixed and heated. Allow the mix to boil for sometime. Once it is boiled for nearly 5 min, allow it to cool and store in a bottle. This oil is helps in luscious hair growth.
Now a cure for headache.
Kasthuri manjal (curcuma aromatica), karuva pattai (wild cinnamon), sandal paste, korai kizhangu) (coco grass or nutgrass), samprani (Boswellia serrata Var glabra), cloves (krambu), vaal milagu (Java pepper) 4 gm of each of these are collected and ground to a fine paste using mother’s milk. Heat the mix to boil and then allow it to cool. When it reaches a lukewarm state, apply on forehead, nape, as a thick paste. This can help cure chronic headaches.
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In case of bald patches due to autoimmune disease following remedies may be used. Pepper powder, small onion (shallot) and salt are ground together to a fine paste and applied on affected areas. Another remedy is to burn and char elephant tusk and mix this powder in honey to form a fine paste. Apply this paste on affected areas. Both these methods are effective in treating bald patches.
Sometimes there is loss of hair as a side effect of certain fevers. In such circumstances, after head bath first wipe out all water using a soft towel. Then grind an onion to a fine paste. Mix honey to this paste and apply it in affected areas.
Take 100 ml of kuppaimeni juice and 100 ml of coconut oil. Mix the two in a wide pan. Also crush 25 grams of root of kuppaimeni plant and extract its juice in a separate bowl. Now heat the 100ml kuppaimeni juice and 100 ml coconut oil mixture. After 5 minutes add the root extract to it and allow the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from fire and allow it to cool. Store it in a bottle in a cool dry place. Apply regularly on scalp for quick results.
Another hair oil based on Siddha herbs. Juice of henna leaves 50 ml, cow’s milk 500 ml, sesame oil or gingely oil 400 ml are mixed and heated. Allow the mix to boil for sometime. Once it is boiled for nearly 5 min, allow it to cool and store in a bottle. This oil is helps in luscious hair growth.
Now a cure for headache.
Kasthuri manjal (curcuma aromatica), karuva pattai (wild cinnamon), sandal paste, korai kizhangu) (coco grass or nutgrass), samprani (Boswellia serrata Var glabra), cloves (krambu), vaal milagu (Java pepper) 4 gm of each of these are collected and ground to a fine paste using mother’s milk. Heat the mix to boil and then allow it to cool. When it reaches a lukewarm state, apply on forehead, nape, as a thick paste. This can help cure chronic headaches.
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Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Meet My Siddha Physician
Dr. Pulavar Vinayagam is a Siddha physician of repute. He lives in North Chennai, in Otteri to be exact. An unassuming personality, he has been practicing for over 40 years as a Siddha specialist. He is also the secretary of Tamil Nadu Siddha Vaidhya Sangam. He teaches yoga on Saturdays and Sundays. He uses ayurveda preparations along with siddha medicines. And he has been my physician for the past 20 years. Almost all of my health problems have been solved after I started using his Siddha preparations. He is a good listener and has always cleared my doubts. He is also a Tamil scholar and has written a couple of books in spite of his busy schedule.
I am also in the process of interviewing him on your behalf. So if you have any questions regarding Siddha or Ayurvedha systems you can contact me. I will come back to you with his insights regarding your problems.
Now, a little bit about Siddha system from Dr. Vinayagam’s book ‘Siddha Maruthuvam’. The content is in question and answer format.
Question: Please brief us on different parts of Siddha system and its speciality.
Dr. Vinayagam: Siddha system is a spiritually oriented system. Yogam, gnanam, vatham, vaithiyam, jothidam and manthrikam are the different aspects of Siddha system. Siddha system classify diseases as 4448 in number which manifest as a result of disharmony in vali, azhal and aiyam (vata, pittha and kapha). Siddha system claims to have remedy for all the diseases that afflict mankind. The basic tenet of Siddha is ‘food as medicine and medicine as food’. In fact it is a way of life. The system advocates vegetarianism. But some Siddha remedies contain animal products like deer horn, snail flesh etc.
Siddha system was not only adept at regaining the lost harmony it also helped maintain it. To that end the system exhorts a typical day to day activity that includes dhyanam or meditation, tapas or austere practices, kayakalpam, and vasi practice. Jothida naadi, or astrology refers to writings of Siddhars (founders of Siddha system of medicine). It is said that Siddhars were guided by a superior force to write about the future of human beings. These writings offer ways and means for people to overcome their problems be it physical, mental or spiritual.
The Siddhars by virtue of their wisdom and insight used herbs and minerals available in nature to cure ailments that afflicted mankind.
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I am also in the process of interviewing him on your behalf. So if you have any questions regarding Siddha or Ayurvedha systems you can contact me. I will come back to you with his insights regarding your problems.
Now, a little bit about Siddha system from Dr. Vinayagam’s book ‘Siddha Maruthuvam’. The content is in question and answer format.
Question: Please brief us on different parts of Siddha system and its speciality.
Dr. Vinayagam: Siddha system is a spiritually oriented system. Yogam, gnanam, vatham, vaithiyam, jothidam and manthrikam are the different aspects of Siddha system. Siddha system classify diseases as 4448 in number which manifest as a result of disharmony in vali, azhal and aiyam (vata, pittha and kapha). Siddha system claims to have remedy for all the diseases that afflict mankind. The basic tenet of Siddha is ‘food as medicine and medicine as food’. In fact it is a way of life. The system advocates vegetarianism. But some Siddha remedies contain animal products like deer horn, snail flesh etc.
Siddha system was not only adept at regaining the lost harmony it also helped maintain it. To that end the system exhorts a typical day to day activity that includes dhyanam or meditation, tapas or austere practices, kayakalpam, and vasi practice. Jothida naadi, or astrology refers to writings of Siddhars (founders of Siddha system of medicine). It is said that Siddhars were guided by a superior force to write about the future of human beings. These writings offer ways and means for people to overcome their problems be it physical, mental or spiritual.
The Siddhars by virtue of their wisdom and insight used herbs and minerals available in nature to cure ailments that afflicted mankind.
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Thursday, 6 September 2007
Siddha Remedies for Hair Problems
Writings of Siddhars
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The Siddhars presented their recipes for herbal tinctures and base metal amalgams in poetic form. In fact all of their writings, be it their philosophical ideas or yogic practices all of these were in poems with difficult meters similar to those of the epics of the Sangam Age of Tamil Nadu.
Their works are full of tantric imagery, references to Kundalini, the sleeping serpent power that resides in each of us, and also ways to control this power. The esoteric nature of their imagery and their philosophy which defies human logic resulted in their works still being not translated.
To know more about Siddhars click here.
The Siddhars have classified diseases as 4,448 in number and prescribed medicines in the form of herb, roots, salts, metals and mineral compounds. They formulated methods to process metals, minerals, herbs and natural raw materials to make churnams, chenthurams and leyhams, etc. (Churnam is in the form of powder, leyham is in the form of a thick paste). Siddha practitioners claim that there is mention of treating AIDS in the writings of the Siddhars. AIDS was called "Vettai Noi" in the Siddha parlance. In Chennai some AIDS patients are treated with Siddha remedies along with their regular allopathic treatment.
"Vettai Noi" is due to Azhal Kurtrum (fault of pittam or bile, acidic nature) exhibited in the blood stream. To treat this they prescribe a regimen based on herbs namely arugampul(Cynodon Dactylon Pers), karisilankanni (Eclipta Alba Hassk), musumusukkai (Mukai Scavrillia), thoodhuvalai (Solanum Trilobatum Linn) and jeeragam (Luminum Cyminum)
Now for some Siddha remedies for baldness.
Athimathuram (Indian Liquorice) is powdered.
Kuppaimeni (Acalypha Indica) and coconut oil ½ litre each is taken. Root of kuppaimeni 35 gm is cleaned and ground to a fine paste. This is added to the coconut oil. Again add kuppaimeni juice to the oil and heat the whole mixture. Allow the mixture to boil for a while. Remove this from stove and allow it to cool. Filter the mixture and store the oil in a bottle. Apply this oil on head 15 minutes before you take bath. This too helps baldness.
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Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Siddha System a precursor to Ayurveda, and Siddha herbs for Hair
As mentioned in my earlier article, Siddha system of medicine was developed in South India. The early text books written by Siddhas were in Tamil. The Dravidian civilization was at its zenith then. Plenty of notes on the Siddha medicines could be found in epics of those times. Thirumoolar Thirumandiram and Tholkappiyam are examples. This was before the Aryans occupation of the Sind region and Gangetic plain.
The therapeutics of Siddha medicines consist of mainly metals and minerals and herbs. The earlier Ayurveda texts do not mention metals and minerals, while from the beginning Siddha texts mention mercury, sulphur, copper, arsenic and gold and there usage in therapy.
Siddha medicinal philosophy is based on the premise that what is there in the cosmos is there in human body, in short humankind is made up of the same material as that of the universe. The system sees harmony in the Universe and wants to establish the same harmony in the human body mind and spirit using the herbs, minerals and metals.
Another feature of the Siddha medicine is that most of the preparations are in compond formulation. So by its synergistic action, toxicity is diminished. The pharmacodynamics of this system is entirely different from other systems of medicines.
To know more about some great Siddhas like Bhogar etc visit the website. This website mainly deals with the alchemy aspect for which the Siddha system is very famous.
Now for some remedies for hair problems.
A noted Siddha remedy for dandruff. Take 5 gm of alum, green vitriol 1 gm and mix them in water. Apply the mixture on the scalp and wash it off after 15 minutes. Do not use plastic or rubber combs to the hair for a few days. Bathe your head with neem bark decoction.
For premature greying and dizziness. Curry leaves (250 – 400 gm) are ground to a fine paste and then moulded to small round flat forms and dried in shade. Heat coconut oil 1kg over stove and add this dried curry leaf cakes when the oil is about to boil. Add a tiny amount of camphor to the oil and allow the whole oil to cool. Once cooled, store the oil in a glass bottle. Regular application of this oil, (once a day) should solve premature greying.
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Sunday, 2 September 2007
Some Home Remedies of Siddha System
From today for the next thirty days I will be blogging about home remedies based on Siddha medicinal system. Siddha system is said to be the oldest form of medicinal system, a few centuries older than Ayurveda. It is said that the Siddha system was developed by Siddhas or the enlightened ones.
The history of Siddha system is an interesting one as is the history of the Siddhas who developed it. These Siddhas were said to be spiritually evolved personalities who gained insight of the mysteries of universe through their austere meditation practices.
Most of the herbs used to make Siddha concoctions are available in South India and Sri Lanka. Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu is the abode for various medicinal herbs.
I will start with the head problems, or hair problems rather. After scouring through my collections I came across the following two remedies for head lice.
1. Before going to bed, spread leaves of Karunthulasi (Ocimum Sanctum no labiatae) also known as Krishna thulasi on your pillow. Sleep on the leaves. Lice will go away unable to bear the smell of the leaves.
2. Mix mercury in kuppaimeni (acalypha indica) juice. Soak a cotton twine in this mixture. After some time take out the twine and dry it in shade. Before going to bed tie one of the twine to the hair and leave the other end hanging over to the ground. It is found that lice will go out through this twine.
Given below is a preparation that helps luscious hair growth.
Gooseberry juice one litre and fresh kadukkai juice one litre are mixed in a glass container. 100 gm of serankottai or semecarpus anacardium nut is cut to pieces and added to this mixture. This mixture is then transferred to a glass bottle and the lid closed tight. The bottle is buried in earth for one month.
After one month, take the bottle out, filter the ingredients. Take two litres of pure coconut oil, heat it over stove and add the filtered liquid onto coconut oil. Heat the whole mixture for sometime and let it not boil. Cool the oil and filter it again. Save the oil in a bottle. Apply one teaspoonful of this oil to your scalp for luscious hair growth. This also helps to cure premature graying.
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Friday, 31 August 2007
Chlorine, hair fall and Ayurveda
One reason for hair loss or early baldness is the chemical content in the water we drink and bathe, especially for people who live in big towns and cities. The civic agencies add chemicals to water to eliminate disease causing germs and make it potable. They add chlorine to kill bacteria and fluoride to aid healthy teeth. This water is then supplied through the public distribution system. When we drink this water we ingest harmful chemicals that can play havoc with our health.
One way to overcome this problem is by drinking bottled water. But that too has its own perils. First off we are not sure of the additives that make the water tasty. Also, bottled water may be stored for long periods of time before they reach us. This also can bring down its purity.
Both fluorine and chlorine are detrimental to our health when ingested over a long time. Fluoride affects our thinking and is detrimental to brain tissues. Similarly chlorine causes arteriosclerosis i.e., narrowing of arterial walls. This can lead to heart attack. It exacerbates asthma and respiratory illnesses. Externally, chlorine irritates the skin and aggravates allergies.
Also when we take a shower using chlorinated water, our skin is exposed to the harmful effects of chlorine. Our scalp just like the bottom our feet easily absorbs chemicals they come in contact with. It is said that we absorb more chlorine this way that by drinking a glass of chlorinated water.
Using a shower filter is a good solution. A search in the internet can get you a good one. And if you swim a lot, use swimming caps.
Now a remedy for a particular type of hair fall.
Some have the problem of round patches of hair falling out completely. This condition is called alopecia areata. It is also called spot baldness. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease. In most cases, the hair grows back completely.
Ayurveda texts suggest elephant teeth or tusk for this. People who make toys out of ivory leave out small bits and pieces as waste. Collect this waste and place them in a wide mouthed mud pot. Close this pot with a clay lid or another pot and the whole set up is covered with wet earth. Burn this whole set up in open air (this will give out a very strong odour hence outdoor burning). Once the pieces are burnt to ash, powder it, and mix it with equal amount of anjana stone or anjanakall (you will get it from herbal shops in Tamil Nadu and Kerala). Grind them to a fine paste. Apply this paste to the affected areas.
If you find it difficult to get this, you can get gajathantha basmam from ayurveda medical shops. Mix this basmam with a few drops of maalathyathi thailam and make a fine paste. Apply this paste over affected areas. After a few days, hair will grow in the affected area. At this stage, mix maalathyathi thailam with neelibringamala thailam and again apply it over the scalp and hair roots in this area. You will find that hair starts go grow lusciously over the affected part.
Also aarakvadharishtham 20 ml taken internally both morning and evening after food can help strengthen the hair follicles.
Note: All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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One way to overcome this problem is by drinking bottled water. But that too has its own perils. First off we are not sure of the additives that make the water tasty. Also, bottled water may be stored for long periods of time before they reach us. This also can bring down its purity.
Both fluorine and chlorine are detrimental to our health when ingested over a long time. Fluoride affects our thinking and is detrimental to brain tissues. Similarly chlorine causes arteriosclerosis i.e., narrowing of arterial walls. This can lead to heart attack. It exacerbates asthma and respiratory illnesses. Externally, chlorine irritates the skin and aggravates allergies.
Also when we take a shower using chlorinated water, our skin is exposed to the harmful effects of chlorine. Our scalp just like the bottom our feet easily absorbs chemicals they come in contact with. It is said that we absorb more chlorine this way that by drinking a glass of chlorinated water.
Using a shower filter is a good solution. A search in the internet can get you a good one. And if you swim a lot, use swimming caps.
Now a remedy for a particular type of hair fall.
Some have the problem of round patches of hair falling out completely. This condition is called alopecia areata. It is also called spot baldness. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease. In most cases, the hair grows back completely.
Ayurveda texts suggest elephant teeth or tusk for this. People who make toys out of ivory leave out small bits and pieces as waste. Collect this waste and place them in a wide mouthed mud pot. Close this pot with a clay lid or another pot and the whole set up is covered with wet earth. Burn this whole set up in open air (this will give out a very strong odour hence outdoor burning). Once the pieces are burnt to ash, powder it, and mix it with equal amount of anjana stone or anjanakall (you will get it from herbal shops in Tamil Nadu and Kerala). Grind them to a fine paste. Apply this paste to the affected areas.
If you find it difficult to get this, you can get gajathantha basmam from ayurveda medical shops. Mix this basmam with a few drops of maalathyathi thailam and make a fine paste. Apply this paste over affected areas. After a few days, hair will grow in the affected area. At this stage, mix maalathyathi thailam with neelibringamala thailam and again apply it over the scalp and hair roots in this area. You will find that hair starts go grow lusciously over the affected part.
Also aarakvadharishtham 20 ml taken internally both morning and evening after food can help strengthen the hair follicles.
Note: All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Ayurvedic way to tackle menopause
As of July 2003, around 10 million women in the U.S. were taking some form of hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy for treatment of post-menopausal symptoms came under a cloud when a U.S. study linked it to increased risks of stroke, clotting of blood vessels and cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration cautioned post-menopausal women to weigh benefits and risks of hormone therapy before choosing treatment. The FDA also advised healthcare providers to use the lowest dose of hormones for the shortest possible duration.
There may be conflicting signals on hormone therapy for post-menopausal symptoms, but Ayurveda has a time tested approach to the problem.
Ayurveda regards menopausal symptoms as imbalances of `doshas' (`pitha', `vata' and `kapha'), which occur as a consequence of ageing.
Menopause should be a smooth experience for every woman where it should be regarded as just cessation of the menstrual flow.
Ayurveda has excellent solutions for a safe and happy menopause. There are several preparations that can be taken by women who are nearing the age of menopause and remain symptom-free.
Ayurvedic treatment involves correcting the imbalance by making use of a diet rich in phyto oestrogens and medications and internal detoxification.
These drugs are called Rasayanas (rejuvenators) that act on the whole body, especially the brain cells and uterus (garbhashaya utthejaka-uterine rejuvenators).
Asokarishtam, Balarishtam, Chandanasavam, Shankha bhasma (a natural calcium supplement), Satavari lehyam, Ashwagandha rasayanam, Brahmi ghritam(ghee), Triphala choornam can be taken according to the `prakriti' (body constitution).
A competent Ayurveda physician can help you select the appropriate remedies based on your constitution.
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Hormone therapy for treatment of post-menopausal symptoms came under a cloud when a U.S. study linked it to increased risks of stroke, clotting of blood vessels and cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration cautioned post-menopausal women to weigh benefits and risks of hormone therapy before choosing treatment. The FDA also advised healthcare providers to use the lowest dose of hormones for the shortest possible duration.
There may be conflicting signals on hormone therapy for post-menopausal symptoms, but Ayurveda has a time tested approach to the problem.
Ayurveda regards menopausal symptoms as imbalances of `doshas' (`pitha', `vata' and `kapha'), which occur as a consequence of ageing.
Menopause should be a smooth experience for every woman where it should be regarded as just cessation of the menstrual flow.
Ayurveda has excellent solutions for a safe and happy menopause. There are several preparations that can be taken by women who are nearing the age of menopause and remain symptom-free.
Ayurvedic treatment involves correcting the imbalance by making use of a diet rich in phyto oestrogens and medications and internal detoxification.
These drugs are called Rasayanas (rejuvenators) that act on the whole body, especially the brain cells and uterus (garbhashaya utthejaka-uterine rejuvenators).
Asokarishtam, Balarishtam, Chandanasavam, Shankha bhasma (a natural calcium supplement), Satavari lehyam, Ashwagandha rasayanam, Brahmi ghritam(ghee), Triphala choornam can be taken according to the `prakriti' (body constitution).
A competent Ayurveda physician can help you select the appropriate remedies based on your constitution.
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menopause, herbal, remedy, ayurveda, home remedies
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
My Favourite Blogs
Let me add a bit of personal touch to my blog. A little bit about myself. I work as an editor in a transcription company in Chennai. My office is located in Egmore, right in the middle of Chennai. We have Saturday and Sunday holidays. I am married and I have a 2 year old daughter. Most of the time at home I spend playing with my daughter.
My favourite way spending time is browsing. I follow many interesting websites, and today I would share with you the websites I like most.
1. http://www.stevepavlina.com/
A self-help site which entered the coveted top 5,000 websites in just two years, stevepavlina.com is noted for its original content. Here Steve Pavlina, the author, advises the reader of the practical steps and the nitty gritty of self-improvement, and all the advice is based on his own life experiences. No pontification, no jargonising that confuses further.
His own life is a dramatic one, he making a complete turnaround from a kleptomaniac and compulsive alcoholic to a well acclaimed self-made personality. He overcame all his shortcomings with sheer willpower and inner strength. The articles in the website are a first hand account of the person who has been there, done that. Nothing rehashed. There is no dearth of original content. His blog entries are usually lengthy ones, dealing with various aspects of self-improvement in great detail. He delves deep into the psyche of human mind and offers practical and step by step solutions to the various problems it faces.
Of particular interest is the entry “How to become an early riser”. Also “30 Days to Success” is a very useful article that helps you to make permanent changes in your life.
This blog has helped me immensely in my efforts to improve myself.
2. http://www.betshopboy.net/
I had stopped blogging for quite some time due to various constraints. Another fact is I do know nothing about html, a total zero when in comes to web designing and related matters. I happened to stumble upon betshopboy which was the inspiration for me to restart blogging.
In fact, he too had stopped blogging for quite some time and again started to blog and by sheer application has reached a level where he gets a fair amount of traffic everyday within three months.
The blog deals mostly with making money online. He details many ways to monetize blogs, ways to increase traffic etc. He also shares with us his varied interests. I find his articles very interesting and informative.
3. http://www.derekbeau.com/
This blog of Derek Beau deals extensively with making money online through niche blogs. He also advises on various aspects of internet marketing. Full of useful content. I came across this blog after reading about it in http://www.betshopboy.blogspot.com/ .
He teaches about building profitable niche blogs with minimal effort. In fact he shows a live example of how he creates a blog and how he promotes it.
A very useful blog for those who wish to build a profitable niche website.
My favourite way spending time is browsing. I follow many interesting websites, and today I would share with you the websites I like most.
1. http://www.stevepavlina.com/
A self-help site which entered the coveted top 5,000 websites in just two years, stevepavlina.com is noted for its original content. Here Steve Pavlina, the author, advises the reader of the practical steps and the nitty gritty of self-improvement, and all the advice is based on his own life experiences. No pontification, no jargonising that confuses further.
His own life is a dramatic one, he making a complete turnaround from a kleptomaniac and compulsive alcoholic to a well acclaimed self-made personality. He overcame all his shortcomings with sheer willpower and inner strength. The articles in the website are a first hand account of the person who has been there, done that. Nothing rehashed. There is no dearth of original content. His blog entries are usually lengthy ones, dealing with various aspects of self-improvement in great detail. He delves deep into the psyche of human mind and offers practical and step by step solutions to the various problems it faces.
Of particular interest is the entry “How to become an early riser”. Also “30 Days to Success” is a very useful article that helps you to make permanent changes in your life.
This blog has helped me immensely in my efforts to improve myself.
2. http://www.betshopboy.net/
I had stopped blogging for quite some time due to various constraints. Another fact is I do know nothing about html, a total zero when in comes to web designing and related matters. I happened to stumble upon betshopboy which was the inspiration for me to restart blogging.
In fact, he too had stopped blogging for quite some time and again started to blog and by sheer application has reached a level where he gets a fair amount of traffic everyday within three months.
The blog deals mostly with making money online. He details many ways to monetize blogs, ways to increase traffic etc. He also shares with us his varied interests. I find his articles very interesting and informative.
3. http://www.derekbeau.com/
This blog of Derek Beau deals extensively with making money online through niche blogs. He also advises on various aspects of internet marketing. Full of useful content. I came across this blog after reading about it in http://www.betshopboy.blogspot.com/ .
He teaches about building profitable niche blogs with minimal effort. In fact he shows a live example of how he creates a blog and how he promotes it.
A very useful blog for those who wish to build a profitable niche website.
Thursday, 23 August 2007
Ayurveda Herbs and Sinus Congestion
This article is in response to Baahjan’s comments. Thank you Baahjan for your comments. Regarding your “neer” problem (sinus congestion) one famous remedy is inhalation of medicated vapour, “vedhu” in Tamil.
For this you will have to boil water in a wide mouthed steel vessel. If you prefer the more traditional way you can use an earthen vessel which people in rural South India use to make curry. A handful of nochi leaves, adathoda leaves, thumbai leaves are enough. Drop these herbs onto the boiling water and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove the water from fire and keep it covered.
Simultaneously burn a fresh dry brick piece (about the size of a cricket ball) to red heat for about 10 minutes over fire. Using a pair of tongs, drop this red hot brick into the hot herbal water. This helps to keep the water hot.
Now crouching over the hot herbal water, cover yourself with a thick blanket. Do not get too close to the vessel. Exercise care so as not to get burnt. Inhale deeply both through your mouth and nose. You will sweat profusely, the earthy aroma would be a heady experience.
After a few minutes of inhalation, come out of the blanket, and move into an airy space. Towel yourself using a fine dry cloth.
Throw away the water.
After 10 to 15 minutes, have some warm water and go to bed.
For best results, this should be done preferably in the night.
This should solve your sinus congestion problems.
Another remedy is to take quite a quantity of nochi leaves (to make a sort of small pillow) and heat them in a mud pot. Once the leaves are a little brown, take all the heated leaves and make it into a small pillow using a pillow cover. Sleep over it for a couple of nights.
Above all, please consult your physician before going for any of these. This is for information purpose only.
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For this you will have to boil water in a wide mouthed steel vessel. If you prefer the more traditional way you can use an earthen vessel which people in rural South India use to make curry. A handful of nochi leaves, adathoda leaves, thumbai leaves are enough. Drop these herbs onto the boiling water and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove the water from fire and keep it covered.
Simultaneously burn a fresh dry brick piece (about the size of a cricket ball) to red heat for about 10 minutes over fire. Using a pair of tongs, drop this red hot brick into the hot herbal water. This helps to keep the water hot.
Now crouching over the hot herbal water, cover yourself with a thick blanket. Do not get too close to the vessel. Exercise care so as not to get burnt. Inhale deeply both through your mouth and nose. You will sweat profusely, the earthy aroma would be a heady experience.
After a few minutes of inhalation, come out of the blanket, and move into an airy space. Towel yourself using a fine dry cloth.
Throw away the water.
After 10 to 15 minutes, have some warm water and go to bed.
For best results, this should be done preferably in the night.
This should solve your sinus congestion problems.
Another remedy is to take quite a quantity of nochi leaves (to make a sort of small pillow) and heat them in a mud pot. Once the leaves are a little brown, take all the heated leaves and make it into a small pillow using a pillow cover. Sleep over it for a couple of nights.
Above all, please consult your physician before going for any of these. This is for information purpose only.
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Monday, 20 August 2007
Kapha and Ayurveda
The basic characteristics of kapha dosha as defined by Charaka Samhita are, it is heavy, cold, soft, sweet, viscous.The constituents of kapha are water and earth.
People with predominance in pitha are of heavy build, robust structure and oily skin. They usually have lush growth of hair. They stay calm and collected and are easygoing. They prefer warm weather. They remain loyal in their relationships. They have a pleasing disposition.
A well-balanced kapha personality exhibits all of the above characteristics. Exposure to cold, damp environments, indulging in excessive consumption of refrigerated cold foods, liquids can aggravate kapha dosha.When the balance is vitiated it leads to various complications, and when left unattended to it can lead to many diseases.
Signs of a vitiated kapha
herbal, remedy, ayurveda, home remedies
People with predominance in pitha are of heavy build, robust structure and oily skin. They usually have lush growth of hair. They stay calm and collected and are easygoing. They prefer warm weather. They remain loyal in their relationships. They have a pleasing disposition.
A well-balanced kapha personality exhibits all of the above characteristics. Exposure to cold, damp environments, indulging in excessive consumption of refrigerated cold foods, liquids can aggravate kapha dosha.When the balance is vitiated it leads to various complications, and when left unattended to it can lead to many diseases.
Signs of a vitiated kapha
- Tired without physical activity
- Waking up tired, no refreshed feeling
- Excessive secretion of oil on skin
- Congestion of head, chest, throat
- Not interested in any physical activity
- Slow and improper digestion
- Weight gain with no excessive intake
- Lack of motivation
A good ayurveda physician can guide you through a diet and lifestyle to normalize the vitiated kapha dosha.
For more details: http://www.ayurbalance.com/
Technorati Tags:herbal, remedy, ayurveda, home remedies
Thursday, 16 August 2007
Pitta and Ayurveda
The basic characteristics of pitta dosha as defined by Charaka Samhita are, it is hot, sharp and burning, acidic and liquid, flowing without restrictions, pungent.
The constituents of pitta are fire and water. People with predominance in pitta are of medium build, sensitive and warm skin, thin hair prone to premature greying. They show determination in their thoughts, words and actions. They prefer a cooler is atmosphere. They are a confident lot and have entrepreneurial skills.
A well-balanced pitta personality exhibits all of the above characteristics.Exposure to hot temperatures, emotional trauma, indulging in excessive consumption of spicy foods, skipping meals etc can exacerbate pitta dosha.
When the balance is vitiated it leads to various complications, and when left unattended to it can lead to many diseases.
Signs of a vitiated pitta
The constituents of pitta are fire and water. People with predominance in pitta are of medium build, sensitive and warm skin, thin hair prone to premature greying. They show determination in their thoughts, words and actions. They prefer a cooler is atmosphere. They are a confident lot and have entrepreneurial skills.
A well-balanced pitta personality exhibits all of the above characteristics.Exposure to hot temperatures, emotional trauma, indulging in excessive consumption of spicy foods, skipping meals etc can exacerbate pitta dosha.
When the balance is vitiated it leads to various complications, and when left unattended to it can lead to many diseases.
Signs of a vitiated pitta
- constantly critical, impatient, irritable
- obsession with work
- Irritation or sensitiveness of skin
- Hair loss
- heartburn or GERD
- Thirsty all time
- Hot even in indoors
- Spewing out sarcastic comments on least provocation
A good ayurveda physician can guide you through a diet and lifestyle to normalize the vitiated pitta dosha.
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Wednesday, 15 August 2007
More on Vata Dosha
The basic characteristics of vata dosha as defined by Charaka Samhita are, it is dry and rough, cool, light in weight, very tiny, always moving, broad, unlimited, and rough.
The constituents of vata are space and air. People with predominance in vata basically are thin, have a delicate skin that is dry. They are agile both in speech and action and are extroverts. They are a creative lot, with lots of enthusiasm. They prefer a warm atmosphere. A well-balanced vata personality exhibits all of the above characteristics.
Exposure to cold dry winds, excessive travel, too much mental exertion, indulging in too much of dry or raw foods etc can exacerbate vata dosha.
When the balance is vitiated it leads to various complications, and when left unattended to it can lead to many diseases.
Signs of a vitiated vata
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The constituents of vata are space and air. People with predominance in vata basically are thin, have a delicate skin that is dry. They are agile both in speech and action and are extroverts. They are a creative lot, with lots of enthusiasm. They prefer a warm atmosphere. A well-balanced vata personality exhibits all of the above characteristics.
Exposure to cold dry winds, excessive travel, too much mental exertion, indulging in too much of dry or raw foods etc can exacerbate vata dosha.
When the balance is vitiated it leads to various complications, and when left unattended to it can lead to many diseases.
Signs of a vitiated vata
- Constantly worried, fretful
- Feel tired but unable to relax
- Unable to fall asleep at bedtime
- Skin dry, parched
- Hair brittle with split ends
- Irregular digestion with abdominal gas
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Feel spaced out, short term memory loss
A good ayurveda physician can guide you through a diet and lifestyle to normalize the vitiated vata dosha.
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Tuesday, 14 August 2007
Ayurveda and Dosha
Dosha is a term that you often come across in the ayurveda circles. It is based on your dosha that your ayurveda physician initiates a treatment program that is unique to your constitution. As mentioned in my earlier article, there are three doshas, namely vatha, pittha and kapha. The cosmos is made up of the basic five elements ether, air, fire, water and earth. The three doshas are also made up of these elements. Vatha is made up of ether and air, pittha is made up of fire and water, kapha is made up of water and earth. These are further divided into five sub doshas. These doshas play a vital role in one’s well being. Please bear in mind that these are vital forces, and they do not have a physical form. These cannot be extracted out from a person’s body and studied under a microscope.
All the three doshas need not be in equal proportions in an individual, two of them will be in predominance, the other one will be in a subdued state. The proportions vary in each individual. Ayurveda texts say that all individuals are born with a unique dosha thumb print. This thumb print is the individual’s prakrithi or nature.
The prerequisite for healthy living is the balance of the dosha thumb print in an individual. As long as the doshas are in harmony the individual enjoys good health. The ayurveda way of life helps one maintain his/her unique dosha thumb print.
The environmental pollution, the stress of the fast paced lifestyle, change in dietary habits, depression etc lead to imbalance of doshas which in turn weakens the immunity and leads to disease. This imbalance, in ayurveda parlance, is called vikriti. Ayurveda strives to restore the imbalance and bring back the much needed harmony of doshas.
So ayurvedic way of life is necessary for all individuals, both healthy and sick; healthy people to maintain their health and sick people to restore their health. No wonder, ayurveda has caught the fancy of the western world.
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All the three doshas need not be in equal proportions in an individual, two of them will be in predominance, the other one will be in a subdued state. The proportions vary in each individual. Ayurveda texts say that all individuals are born with a unique dosha thumb print. This thumb print is the individual’s prakrithi or nature.
The prerequisite for healthy living is the balance of the dosha thumb print in an individual. As long as the doshas are in harmony the individual enjoys good health. The ayurveda way of life helps one maintain his/her unique dosha thumb print.
The environmental pollution, the stress of the fast paced lifestyle, change in dietary habits, depression etc lead to imbalance of doshas which in turn weakens the immunity and leads to disease. This imbalance, in ayurveda parlance, is called vikriti. Ayurveda strives to restore the imbalance and bring back the much needed harmony of doshas.
So ayurvedic way of life is necessary for all individuals, both healthy and sick; healthy people to maintain their health and sick people to restore their health. No wonder, ayurveda has caught the fancy of the western world.
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Monday, 13 August 2007
Theory of Ayurveda Part 2
Ayurveda’s approach to disease is a wholistic one. An ayurveda practitioner’s first job is finding out why a person has a given symptom. This he does by delving deep into the patient’s nature and discovering the underlying cause. He finds out the prakrithi of the patient, the forces that have been imbalanced, and the ways to balance them. Thus he helps in re-establishing harmony, not just appeasement of symptoms.
Diagnosis in ayurveda is called nidaanam. This includes interpreting the pulse of the patient, probing deeper by asking appropriate questions etc. Thus the vaidya or the practitioner finds out which of the doshas have aggravated and plans his treatment accordingly. Changes in diet, lifestyle, and a strict observation of dietary restrictions are a must for long lasting and deeply healing recovery.
Ayurveda texts describe ways to pacify the aggravated doshas. Once the aggravations are pacified, normalcy is restored. The patient is then advised to follow the new lifestyle according to his prakrithi (constitution) to help maintain the harmony established.
The two basic tenets of Ayurveda are
1. Maintain harmony where there is harmony.
2. Re-establish harmony where harmony is lost.
The first tenet lays emphasis on prevention. Prevention is better than cure. This is easier.The second tenet is for those who do not know how to maintain the harmony and have lost it. Disharmony results in disease. Ayurveda strives to re-establish this harmony and thus bring about cure.
For more details visit ayurbalance
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Diagnosis in ayurveda is called nidaanam. This includes interpreting the pulse of the patient, probing deeper by asking appropriate questions etc. Thus the vaidya or the practitioner finds out which of the doshas have aggravated and plans his treatment accordingly. Changes in diet, lifestyle, and a strict observation of dietary restrictions are a must for long lasting and deeply healing recovery.
Ayurveda texts describe ways to pacify the aggravated doshas. Once the aggravations are pacified, normalcy is restored. The patient is then advised to follow the new lifestyle according to his prakrithi (constitution) to help maintain the harmony established.
The two basic tenets of Ayurveda are
1. Maintain harmony where there is harmony.
2. Re-establish harmony where harmony is lost.
The first tenet lays emphasis on prevention. Prevention is better than cure. This is easier.The second tenet is for those who do not know how to maintain the harmony and have lost it. Disharmony results in disease. Ayurveda strives to re-establish this harmony and thus bring about cure.
For more details visit ayurbalance
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herbal, remedy, ayurveda, home remedies