DEBUNKING MYTHS

Are you also trying to debunk some myths and misconceptions relating to Ayurvedic medicine before taking the same? Although there is lot of righteousness and incredibility allied to Ayurveda therapy, yet at the same time Ayurvedic practitioners often find themselves answering some myths and misconceptions relating to the ancient wisdom. I therefore find it highly imperative on my behalf to help clear all such notions and fallacies which mainly arise due to ignorance and not understanding the righteous comprehension of the science of Ayurveda.

This is true to some extent, as the medicine in this field requires to be adjusted to a medium that would enhance its properties. Most of the classical drugs are available in the form of powders, tablets, syrups and chutneys. Yet, these days a majority of pharmaceutical companies have come out with effective patent drugs in easy tablets and capsules form. These are quite effective as these mostly contain extract form of the medicine/herbs.

I would not agree to this false belief because our inherent pathy of Ayurveda is age-old and time tested. Since times immemorial this system of medicine has been in use and has proved to be result oriented and justified. It would be of good concern to ponder over the fact that the same herbal drugs and formulations that had been used hundreds of years ago are still in use. There has been little or no replacements whatsoever.

Not all Ayurvedic medicines are expensive. Though, it is a combination of drugs that make the same less pocket friendly. Yet, there are options and substitutes available. Some medicinal formulations contain expensive ingredients like gold and silver. These are generally prescribed only in case of chronic or severe form of disease.

There is no denying of the fact that some medicines like the blood purifiers tend to be bitter. But that is exactly what the patient with a skin disease is missing on. The bitter or pungent taste is required for the body so as to perform the cleansing act effectively. Even then if the patient is unable to take a particular product, the doctor would definitely suggest a combination medium like honey or mishri (crystalline sugar).

This sort of misconception is also prevalent nowadays, especially among the more cognizant class. Yet, let me avail this chance to absolutely contradict this doubt. The medicines in the Ayurvedic system is either herb based or there are formulations prepared from natural resources or metals that have been thoroughly prepared in accordance with the pharmaceutical and pharmacological evidence available in the Ayurvedic texts. You could escape these doubts when visiting a registered and qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

I would once again contradict this statement. The irony lies with the delay from the patient’s side. Most of the patients visiting holistic practitioners take their time in trying the other systems of medicine so as to derive a faster result. This not only delays the effect of the medicine, it also hampers with the working of the drug. This is because the patient has either tried much more complicated and powerful combinations of drugs, the effect of which needs to be neutralized first. Or in the mean time his malady has substantially become deep rooted and taken chronic form. It may at times show to work slowly, but as the fable goes “Slow and steady wins the race.”

Although a number of Ayurvedic medicines have shown effective results especially in case of long lasting and chronic ailments, as is generally a limitation with many other systems. But, it is equally effective in providing harmless benefits for acute problems like viral fever and common cold.

This is very uncommon occurrence. According to my belief, the only reason for this, if any, could be of taking the drugs that are not prepared under accurate drug standardization and surveillance. Let me state here that it should be of prime concern to purchase the medicines which have been prepared strictly under standardized stipulations.

There is no any known limitation in this form of treatment. It is equally suited to all age groups. I would also state here that Ayurveda could be considered as a boon for the children when their body system is yet tender and in the process of immunity building. The natural products do not interfere with their body resistance and at the same time tend to be more safe and comforting.

Any side effect from medicine, be it of any pathy, may result from the misuse of the drug, either in processing or in prescribing. As far as side effect or after effect is concerned, as an Ayurvedic practitioner I believe these time-tested medicines are safer provided the former two factors are precise.

* First, In Ayurveda the very first principle in treating a disease is to do away with the basic cause of the disease, and also to see that no new ailment should emerge as a consequence. A disease is eradicated from its roots.

* Second, Ayurveda insists that medicine be centered at the patient, rather on the disease. The mind, body and soul are considered as a tripod and the medicine is prescribed for the overall health augmentation.

* Third, as Ayurveda deals with the preparations mainly from herbs and natural resources, it is basically harmless therapy with least or no side effects. And precisely, this is the demand of our times.

I would want to say here that although Ayurveda therapy generally calls for more patience and endurance both on the part of the patient as well as the doctor, yet its efficacy cannot be undermined. The effectiveness of this natural therapy may be cited by this example. Whenever there is a rip in a cloth or a crack in a pitcher, we intend to rectify it using the similar material that it is made of (cloth and mud respectively). Similarly any fault in the human body also demands to be corrected by use of natural resources, as much as possible. Our body absorbs and responds much better to nature and Ayurveda is all natural!

I would not agree to this misconception. This is because on the contrary, Ayurvedic therapies and medications are greatly wide ranging. There are medicines to provide relief and cure from an ailment, and there are Ayurveda formulations that shield you from diseases. Nevertheless, Ayurveda products would work as anti-aging therapies, aphrodisiacs, beauty enhancing and overall balancing healing modalities and Ayurvedic medicines are actually supportive for any age group from infants to geriatrics! Ayurveda science imbibes many other natural healing therapies like Panchkarma, Yoga, Meditation, Naturopathy, Massage therapy etc. Also, there is a extensive diversity of Ayurveda medicinal formulations which come in the form of tablets, herb extract capsules, syrups, decoctions, powders, herbal jelly, concoctions, fermented potions; and oils, pastes, ointments, liniments also for local application.

I believe that Ayurvedic system of medicine is incorrectly quoted as an alternative therapy as this has always been the most ancient and complete system of medicine. It has been in existence since times immemorial, long back before the emerging of all other therapies. Moreover in India we deem that Ayurveda origins straight from the Gods more than five thousand years ago! The word Ayurveda itself is derived from ‘Ayush’ which means life, and ‘Veda’ which means science. Therefore, Ayurveda is the complete ‘Science of Life’. The importance of Ayurveda can be acknowledged by the mere fact that a whole Veda has been dedicated to it. We need to understand that Ayurveda is an ancient heritage. It is a treasure to be valued and acknowledged so as to provide the humanity with a life full of health, vigor and vitality.

SCIENCE OF AYURVEDA

Ayurveda, which is a holistic ancient perception passed on by learned Sages of India, has endowed our health and longevity with the virtues of Natural wellness since times immemorial.

Derived from the two meaningful lexis Ayus and Veda which when combined together, (whereas Ayus means life and Veda is knowledge or science) crafts the word “Ayurveda” or the Science of Life.

Ayurveda treatment is rightly regarded as ‘Sukha Chikitsa’ or the blissful health management and in precise logic it means that this is the pure form of healing, wherein an individual is made to find complete relief from his ailment and at the same time it is ensured that in the process no other ailment tends to crop up.

There are two key features that attribute to the entire science of Ayurveda:
• Swasthavritam or the Natural Lifestyle Modification
This is the prophylactic approach to Natural wellness in Ayurveda philosophy, which is manifested primarily with maintaining as well as sustaining holistic wellness. And precisely this is regarded as most imperative and desirable in Ayuveda discipline.
• Aaturvritam or the curative aspect of Ayurveda therapy
Ayurveda being a therapeutic discipline, has full potential to help a patient overcome the ailment from which he is suffering, exclusively using Natural means of healing. Curing of the disease in Ayurveda has always been considered as secondary to harboring of Natural wellness.

Our physical body that is believed to be a natural amalgam of the five basic elements viz. sky or ether, air, fire, water and earth; evidently authenticates with the theory of Ayurveda.

* Aakasha or Ether (sky)

This element is the empty space between organs and cells.

* Vayu or the air element

This corresponds to all body movements.

This is the implicit metabolic heat present in the body.

Jala or the water

All the fluids flowing in the body like Saliva, plasma, mucous correspond to the water element.

* Prithvi or the earth element

This manifests as our body substance.

These three doshas or humors of the body are the prime attributes that are significant for not only the upholding of the human body, but also in every little aspect that causes balance or even imbalance within the body. Vata or the air, Pitta or the fire and kapha or the Phlegm are entirely imbibed within the body. This needs to be understood that as and when the three doshas are present in their relative balanced states, then these reason for the natural wellness of an individual. Nevertheless when the three humors get to become imbalanced, this means that either they are decreased or increased than their normal limits, this reasons formation of disease.

* Of the five basic elements, Ether and Air combine together and result into making of Vata or the Air. Movement or commotion is the fundamental quality of the air humor or the Vata dosha.

* The fire humor or Pitta dosha is mainly the consequence of Fire element. This signifies metabolism inside the body.

* Water and Earth combine and make up the Kapha or phlegm humor. And this very humor or dosha entails the physical structure of the human body.

In Ayurveda therapy, the very approach towards treatment focuses to eradicate the disease from its roots. The aim is to do away with the basic cause of the disease and to ensure no new ailment should emerge as a consequence.

 Ayurveda insists that medicine be centered on the patient, rather on the disease. Therefore, this science redeems a holistic approach towards well-being.

 Ayurveda treatment deals with preparations only from herbs and natural resources. It is regarded as a non-detrimental mode of treatment with few or no side effects.

 Ayurveda, being a therapeutic discipline, has full potential to help a patient overcome the ailment from which he or she is suffering exclusively using natural means of healing. Curing of the disease in Ayurveda has always been considered as secondary to harboring of natural wellness.

Derived from the two meaningful lexis, Ayus (life) and Veda (knowledge or science), these terms combined together craft the word Ayurveda, or the science of life.

Ayurveda treatment is rightly regarded as Sukha chikitsa, or the blissful health management. In precise logic it means that this is the pure form of healing, an individual is made to find complete relief from his or her ailment, and at the same time it is ensured that in the process no other ailment tends to crop up.

There are a number of benefits of Ayurvedic treatment:

 Fever and throat infections are common and when people gulp down a number of antibiotics, it is the right time to ingest a few leaves of Tulsi (Holy Basil). It not only helps in the anti-pyretic treatment but also acts as a safe prophylactic for the reason.

 Similarly, turmeric is useful as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy. It has proved its action in immunizing and defense mechanism of the body and is being widely researched to conquer medical calamities like Cancer and AIDS.

• Research has proved Neem to be useful in Malaria, Jaundice and Leprosy and so its antiseptic properties are being employed in surgery lately.

• Ashwagandha has proved its unique action in physical and mental fatigue.

• The techniques of Panchkarma and Bajikarna are being practiced widely.

• Also there are a number of Rasayans, which can be safely administered for long periods. According to Ayurveda, these not only increase the age limit of an individual and provide freedom from disease, but also virtually aid in delaying the process of aging.

Today, it is the need of the times to become more aware and educated on the health benefits that are sure, long lasting and more safe. It is quite alarming that so many worldwide banned drugs are on sale illegally in our country. There is little or no awareness on their hazardous effects made available to the common man. And all the more, those of us who have the on-going habit of self-medication over the counter are much more vulnerable. On the other hand, our inherent pathies that have been practiced in our country for thousands of years are looked upon with an eye of suspicion. It is a welcome strategy by our government to consider including Ayurveda and Yoga in the MBBS curriculum. This would definitely help in thorough researching, accepting as well as promoting our age-old science.

So as to stay clear of so many emerging as well as existing maladies and physical and mental health hazards, lifestyle change is a must. I consider it mandatory to focus on the natural wellness (Preventive therapy) than to put in extra effort both in means of taking in medication and procuring forced lifestyle modifications (Curative therapy). And this primarily is the message conveyed by our ancient wisdom of Ayurveda.

The everyday lifestyle citation has been laid down since ancient times by the sages of Ayurveda therapy. And this reference guide comes true even today as wisdom excerpt to modern lifestyle. I would highly recommend you to acknowledge ancient Ayurveda lifestyle and follow it, so as to incorporate natural wellbeing and longevity into your life, keeping the lifestyle diseases at bay.

Diet and lifestyle are the two indispensable components of our everyday life. Ayurveda allocates the sheer responsibility of wellbeing as well as the lack of it to both these factors. Small alterations in the everyday diet and lifestyle could make you improvise remarkably on your natural well being!

Ayurveda believes that the human body is the sum total of doshas or the body humours, dhatus or the body tissues and malas or the body wastes. This is evident by the Ayurveda adage – Dosha dhatu mala moo/am hi shareeram. A natural balance of doshas, dhatus and malas is regarded essential for the normal working both of the body as well as mind

DOSHA HEALING

Dosha Healing is all about how you can –
1. Identify yourself (in accordance to the dosha which is dominant within you)
2. Understand yourself ( how your dominant dosha makes you different in both the spheres of physical constitution and mental temperament; which is recognized as your Prakriti).
3. Take care of yourself ( and become aware of the imbalances or vikriti that might be setting into your system , owing to the diet and lifestyle incongruity).

How can Dosha Healing help me?

The harmonizing Dosha bestows on you not only natural health and wisdom, but at the same time is great aid for you to enjoy lifelong a hale and hearty being, joyful spirit and attractive body.
Health is non-existence of disease. It is like a see-saw that you are trudging on all the time. As and when your health meter goes down, the disease component is up, and vice versa. Therefore, all you need is to focus on maintaining the aloft track of your health meter, and this is where Dosha healing basically comes into play. Dosha healing aids both as preventive as well as curative therapy.

Can Dosha Healing help us become beautiful ?

Dosha Healing helps you immensely to procure your natural beauty, wisdom and wellbeing. This is because once to are able to identify and concur with the basic dosha that supports your system, you can more easily decide about the right diet and lifestyle for yourself. And once you can propel your persona into balancing and harmonizing your dosha, then acquiring as well as maintaining the beauty and charisma both externally as well as internal becomes undemanding for you.

To know about your body dosha please answer these questions and mark in the relevant box. In the end, you will get the result as to what is your dominant dosha.

Q. Your body structure is

a.lean with light bones
b. medium weight with stout bony frame
c. large frame and heavy bones

Dosha Healing Tips for VataDosha types

Keeping the stomach empty would invite aggravation of the air body humor or the Vatadosha. The meals should not be too heavy but more frequent. The individual should adequately meditate as it is the best medicine to relax all senses.

Sweet, sour and salty tastes influences Vata constitution. Thus such food should be replaced by milk, wheat, rice and fruits.

The exercising routine followed, should be relaxing and moderate. Walking, swimming and Hatha Yoga are beneficial forms of exercises to cure Ayurveda Vata constitutions.

A balance diet plays a vital role in curing any and every ailment. Ayurveda believes that as Vata is a cold dosha, all warm and soothing foods like warm milk, butter, cream, hot cereals and stews facilitate Vata balances.

These individuals should never skip breakfast. It is advisable to take hot cereals like rice or wheat cream in their meals. Herbal tea and snacks make a nutritious diet to balance Vata. However, high caffeine drinks should be avoided.

As dry and cold sensations characterize Vata, hot and oily food items can balance their disturbed levels. Unripe fruits should be avoided because of their high astringent content.

Dosha Healing Tips for Pitta Dosha types

To combat a pitta imbalance, it is recommended to take up the regime that renders opposing qualities as that of the fire humor. In case you are of a pitta type, simply recall the fire traits that are dominant within you and try to subsist with just the contrary. As the gastric fire is vigorous, digestion is markedly good. Therefore, a pitta person needs to snack more often. Low sugar levels due to easy combustion of food may cause undue irritation and weakness.

A pitta person needs to avoid oils and yet feast on ghee, prepared with cooling and calming herbs. A massage with ghee is also recommended. Milk and milk products are dietary boons for them.

As the property of the fire humor is hot and intense, Ayurveda suggests living in cooler, soothing and calming environments, away from sweating and parching heat. The imbalance can be refined by imbibing whatever is cooling and soothing. A cold tub bath and using soft, cooling, fragrant herbs like sandalwood, camphor, khuskhus and rose in the form of body pastes is beneficial.

Meditation is a great boon for pitta people as it has a rejuvenating effect on body and soul. They need to focus on the Manipurak Chakra and must envisage this yellow Chakra for inner relaxation and serenity.

Pitta persons must avoid the use of dark, bright and warming shades of red, orange and black. Instead, wear soothing and calming colors of green, white and blue.

Dosha Healing Tips for KaphaDosha types

Kapha imbalance needs more grave lines of self handling. This is because the Kapha individual has a propensity to be more static and stubborn with his likes and tastes.

The stubborn Kapha is rather tricky to treat. This is mainly because of the inert trait of the earth element that this humor imbibes. Hence all intricate activities and potent stimulating diet is meant for the phlegm humor types.

The three Rasas (tastes) that are pungent, bitter and astringent are recommended to alleviate phlegm. Moreover, as against the basic properties of the phlegm humor, a Kapha person’s food should be somehow rough, light, potent and hot. Most of the stimulating spices and condiments are favorable.

All sorts of physical work where the stored energy is used up is favorable for the TYPE – K personality Ayurveda advocates for Kapha people to undertake optimal exercise and yoga, long brisk walks, Pranayaam, hard sports like swimming, jogging, cycling, climbing etc that would help to use up needlessly conserved energy.

Meditation is also a necessity for Kapha person, as is for the Vata and TYPE – P. But it has to be consciously made sure that the posture remains erect and the Kapha person does not go into a nap.

So as to balance Kapha, the ancient text has approved following the regimen and daily routine as need to be done during the spring season.

Dr.Sonica Krishan

Sector 7, Chandigarh

e-mail : sonicakrishan@gmail.com

HOME REMEDIES

• The fresh juice extracted from the herb Aloe vera is excellent remedy for this ailment. Take it 20 to 30 ml twice preferably on an empty stomach.
• Juice of white pumpkin (20ml approx.) along with some coconut milk and mishri added to it is to be taken 2 or 3 times a day.
• The juice extracted from Aamla fruit is to be taken on an empty stomach in the morning in a dose of 10 to 20ml two or three times in a day.
• Fresh juice extracted from the fruit of pomegranate is quite beneficial for the ailment of hyperacidity. Take it in moderate quantities twice a day.

• Approx. six grams of garlic with equal quantities of jaggery pounded together can be taken at bedtime.
• Mix some juice extracted from betel leaf (5 to 10 ml approx.) with freshly ground basil, mint and ginger. Add about 4 to 5 pounded pepper to the paste. This preparation can be taken half a teaspoon twice mixed into some honey.
• Prepare a decoction with ginger, basil and pepper. Take it warm twice a day mixed with half-teaspoon honey.
• During the first stage of cold, when you are bound to suffer from continuous watery discharge from the nose, try this. Half a teaspoon of black pepper powder is to be boiled in a glass full of milk and taken warm at bedtime.

• Take 2 heaped teaspoons of the Isabgol powder once in the daytime and once at bedtime with warm milk or water. The better way of taking the herb is to add approx. 1 glassful of water or milk to the husk of Isabgol and let it soak the sufficient amount of the liquid at least for 1 to 2 hours and take preferably at bedtime. It is desirable to take the Isabgol preparation with somesugar added to it.
• Harad is to be fried in ghee and then powdered. This can be taken along with warm water once or twice daily for a few days.
• 1 teaspoon of ghee mixed in a cup of warm milk should be taken at bedtime regularly for some days.

•For those suffering from diabetes, Jamun also comes to use. I generally advice the patients to take one teaspoon of the powder prepared by crushing the dried seeds of the fruit. This could be supplemented along with the routine medication.

• Juice extracted from a few juvenile leaves of the mango tree when taken along with an equal quantity of the juice of bitter gourdon an empty stomach during the initial stages of the disease, proves quite beneficial in eradicating the disease.

• It is advisable for the diabetic patients to chew 3 to 5 fresh leaflets of Neem empty stomach first thing in the morning. The Neem oil and resin removed from inside the bark are also recommended. Being pungent, it also relieves the state of excessive urination.

• Fresh juice of Aamla proves beneficial when taken on an empty stomach in the disorder of diabetes.

• Chew a piece of ginger with powder of rock salt added to it before each meal.

• Butter milk with powder of Asafoetida and black salt added to it provides relief. This can be taken 3 or 4 times in a day.

• Lemon juice with a pinch of powders of black pepper, roasted cumin seeds and black salt each taken 2 or 3 times is another useful home remedy.

• The mixture of powders of dried ginger, rock salt and black pepper taken in equal quantities along with a glass of warm water is helpful when taken before meals.

• The seeds of the herb of Greater Cardamom are to be pounded and the powder is to be taken in a dose of 1 to 3 grams approximately preferably with some warm water.

• Trifla powder is to be soaked overnight in water. This is taken in the morning on an empty stomach first thing in the morning continuously for some days. It would be of more benefit if you add half to one teaspoon of honey to the same.

• Half a teaspoon of honey mixed into a glass of warm water along with a few drops of lemon added to it is to be taken in the morning.

• Dry massage of the entire body should be practiced daily. Also, massage with mustard oil is of help.

• The ashes of small cardamom are to be taken mixed in honey.

• Slowly sucking a piece of lemon or ice helps.

• You can also make a decoction by boiling Cardamom along with some Mint leaves. This can be taken with some mishri added to it in small quantities at regular intervals. In case of children, pound Cardamom and make them lick the powder mixed into a little honey.

• A paste made of parched rice diluted in water, with the powders of cloves and cardamom and some sugar added to it is another simple home remedy.

• The leaves of mint either in raw form or prepared into chutney is extremely beneficial if you are suffering from loss of hunger. Supplement the same with your meals.

• Prepare a decoction by boiling mint leaves, basil leaves, ginger, large cardamom, a pinch of Asafoetida and some crushed black pepper. 20 to 30 ml of the same can be taken 2 to 3 times with some mishri or honey added to it.

• Chewing of Sesame seeds before the meals is also recommended in the ailment of loss of hunger.

• In case of acne or boils, a paste can be prepared by adding some water to Cinnamom powder. This paste is to be applied over the affected area for relief from inflammation as well as pain.

• The coconut oil contains anti microbial and antiseptic properties. This is why the external use of coconut oil is considered beneficial in curing acne.

• Dry some orange peel in shade and make into powder. Apply this mixed in a little raw milk onto the affected skin.

• A paste prepared by pounding kali mirch, lal chandan and jayaphala is to be applied locally to find relief from acne.

• The boils are to be washed with a decoction prepared by boiling the leaves of Neem.

• The powder of the three Myrobalans can be boiled and used to wash the boils.

• Pound a few Neem leaves along with some black pepper and a few almonds (soaked in water and peels removed). Make into small balls. 1 or 2 to be taken twice a day with warm water. This works as a blood purifier.

• Mix some lemon juice in double the quantity of coconut oil. Use this mixture for scalp massage and leave on for about half-hour before hair wash.

• Washing the hair alternately or twice a week with a decoction of Mulathi is another useful home remedy.

• Massage of the scalp and hair with oil of the herb of Bhringraj could help combat the problem of hair fall.

• Pound a few fresh leaves of Kareer and make into a paste with water. Apply on the scalp.

• Warm some sesame seed oil or mustard oil and mix into the same powders of the herbs of turmeric, garlic and camphor. This makes effective massage oil for joint pains.

• The seeds and leaves of papaya are believed to be helpful in decreasing pain and swelling. In case of joint pains, the leaves are to be warmed and applied as a hot fomentation onto the affected joints or the seeds can be crushed and mixed into mustard oil for local massage.

• Camphor can also be added to the oil normally used for local massage of the affected joint e.g. mustard oil, sesame seed oil or any medicated oil. This could relieve the inflammation, swelling as well as pain.

• The roots of the herb of Ashwagandha are to be pounded. One teaspoon of the ground powder is to be taken along with warm milk twice a day.

• Pound approx. 1 large teaspoon of dry coriander. Remove the husk and boil the remains in a glassful of milk. This is to be taken with some sugar added to it preferably at bedtime.

• Local massage of the scalp with oil of Aamla and Bramhi helps.

• A decoction is prepared by boiling Mint leaves. Leave to self-cool and take it a little warm with a teaspoon of powdered mishri or honey added to it. Repeat it at bedtime for some days.

• Mash the pulp of a ripe banana and mix into it approx. one-teaspoon powder of cumin seeds previously fried in desi ghee and pounded. This is to be taken at bedtime.

• A local massage of the oil of almond on the scalp and also taking a few drops of the same mixed in sweetened and hot buffalo’s milk at bedtime proves beneficial.

• Immerse the feet in warm water for ten minutes and thereafter massage the soles with mustard oil. Try this practice daily for a few days before going to bed.

• Cow’s ghee or almond oil is to be used as nasal drops two or three times a day. This soothes the brain nerves and is an easy home remedy for anxiety.

• Petha also comes as help in the ailment of anxiety. You need to supplement the same in your regular meals more often. 10 to 20ml of the fresh juice of the fruit of White Gourd that is prepared by crushing the pulp can be taken twice a day.

• The juice extracted by pounding the herb of Bramhi is to be taken in a dose of approx. 20-ml twice or thrice.

• Cucumber is to be grated and juice extracted from the same. This is to be taken 2 or 3 times in a dose of 20 to 30ml approx.

• Soak approx. 10 grams seeds of Coriander in water overnight. In the morning pound the same into a drink, sieve and take it mixed with a teaspoon mishri added to it.

• One to three grams of the powder of Cinnamom prepared by pounding a piece of the bark, can be taken along with a glassful of water in case urinary infection.

• Coconut water is to be taken 3 to 4 times in a day’s time.

• Fresh juice extracted from the herb of wheat grass is to be taken twice a day in a dose of 50 ml approx. The chlorophyll content present in wheat grass resembles (in structure as well as properties) to a component of blood called ‘Haemin’. It thus aids in improving the blood picture.

• 20 to 50ml juice of pomegranate can be taken twice daily.

• Fresh juice extracted by pounding radish along with the leaves can be taken in a dose of 50 ml twice to build up the blood picture

• Pound 2 to 3 leaves of Tulsi and add a few drops of ginger juice. Take 2 or 3 times in a day with warm water or mixed in honey.

• Powder of Ajwain 1 to 3 grams to be taken with warm water twice. This is useful in case of shivering along with fever.

• One-fourth teaspoonful of pepper powder is to be taken with sugar mixed in water 3 to 4 times in a day.

• Make a decoction with Tulsi leaves, black pepper, Cloves and Cinnamom. Take it warm 2 or 3 times with mishri added to it.

• For fevers of mixed origin, take powder of Greater cardamom in a dose of 1 to 3 grams along with warm water twice a day.

• Make a mixture of pounded equal parts of the herbs of dried ginger and ajawain along with black salt. Take 1 gram twice with warm water after meals.

• 2 – 3 cloves of Garlic along with warm water taken first thing in the morning proves beneficial.

• Sprinkle a few drops of fresh lemon juice on a piece of ginger and add black salt. Take it with meals for a few days.

• External application of the herb of Asafoetida on the umbilicus in case of abdominal discomfort caused by flatulence is of great help, especially for infants and small children.

• When there is excessive production and expulsion of wind along with foul smell try this easy home remedy. Take 4 or 5 freshly grounded pepper alongwith a glassful of water with a few drops of lemon added to it, early morning on empty stomach.

• Applying a paste made of Aamla in milk can relieve headache associated with a heat stroke.

• Fresh or dry coriander pounded and made into a paste can be applied on the forehead to get relief from recurrent headaches.

•Make a paste of garlic in milk and add a few grains of salt. Apply the paste on the forehead for relief.

• Nasal drops of ghee in each nostril once or twice daily could help cure the problem of chronic headache.

• Juice extracted by pounding a few leaves of lemon is to be added to boiling hot water. This can be used for deep inhalation.

• 2 to 4 cloves of garlic are to be swallowed on an empty stomach in the morning.

• Powder of clove can be taken 2 times in a day.

• Powder of the herbs Ajawain and Asafoetida to be taken twice after meals with water.

• Pound some bark of Arjun and take the powder in a dose of half to one teaspoon 2 times along with milk or water.

• Regular use of honey in daily diet or in milk helps to provide natural energy and works as a tonic for weakness.• Pound one-teaspoon approx. of the herbs Shatavari and Ashwagandha and a decoction is to be prepared by adding half a cup each of milk and water. When water evaporates, the mixture is to be removed and allowed to self-cool. This is to be taken twice a day with sugar or honey added to it.• The ripe fruit of Bilva is quite nutritious and a booster of vigor and energy. This can be crushed and made into a tasty drink by adding some sugar into it.

• Cardamom is another natural energy booster. I suggest taking 1 gram of Cardamom powder with lukewarm milk.

• Mix 1 teaspoonful of ghee to half cup lukewarm milk. This mixture is to be used both for gargles and then swallowing.• Make a paste of garlic in coconut milk and apply the same on the ulcers for relief.• Local application of the milk of raw papaya proves beneficial.

• To relieve mouth ulcers, prepare this easy mouthwash. Boil 2 teaspoons of Fennel in a glassful of water. To this add a piece of roasted alum. This is to be used for gargles.

• A decoction of the herb of Liquorice is used both for gargles and swallowing.

• Regular use of honey in daily diet or in milk helps to provide natural energy and works as a tonic for weakness.• Pound one-teaspoon approx. of the herbs Shatavari and Ashwagandha and a decoction is to be prepared by adding half a cup each of milk and water. When water evaporates, the mixture is to be removed and allowed to self-cool. This is to be taken twice a day with sugar or honey added to it.• The ripe fruit of Bilva is quite nutritious and a booster of vigor and energy. This can be crushed and made into a tasty drink by adding some sugar into it.

• Cardamom is another natural energy booster. I suggest taking 1 gram of Cardamom powder with lukewarm milk.

• As a traditional home remedy, clove has been recommended in relieving toothache. For this purpose you can either press the clove between the teeth or cotton dipped in clove oil into the dental crevice. This could relieve not only pain but also exhibits a germicidal action.

• Juice of ginger with honey mixed in it can be applied on the offending tooth for relief.

• Use a mixture of ginger juice and honey as local application.

• A decoction prepared from the bark of a mango tree when used as gargles relieves dental ailments like tooth decay, bleeding from the teeth and bad breath.

FAQ's

A. Meditation works wonders in gaining concentration and you must try to spare at least 10-15 minutes for yourself for the same. You also need to inculcate Yoga & Pranayama deep breathing exercises that would enhance your memory basically working on your mental stress levels and psychological positivism. Also, you may safely include Ayurveda formulations like Brahm Rasayana and Sarswatarishtam. Try to catch up with your studies in wee hours of morning that sets up added advantage and is regarded as ‘Brahma Muhutata’ as per Ayurveda text.

A. As you’re staying in hostel, away from home, I can understand your choice of healthy diet is limited. It would be of help if you could increase water intake sufficiently and take care of thoroughly splashing your face with cold water, along with using a mild herbal face wash. Try to include more of fresh salad and fruits in your diet. Try this Home Remedy for acne/pimples. Two teaspoons of Rose syrup mixed in a glassful of water taken on an empty stomach once or twice a day is a cure for heat borne skin ailments like pimples. The Rose water can also be applied externally to the skin. Also, Fresh juice or extract from the herb Aloe vera is another Natural boon for the skin. Having the property of blood purification, it is also beneficial in curing many skin ailments like acne, allergic rash, swelling and also blemishes. You can also have a read of my article – How to glow skin Naturally here..
http://www.herboveda.co.in/2010/09/08/glow-skin-naturally/

A. Your fatigue may be related to excessive physical and mental stress. Ashwagandha preparation in any form would be good for you. You may take Ashwagandha powder along with a glassful of sweetened milk twice daily. Go in for full body massage and pressing the back of your lower legs would help. Instead of gym, go in for Yoga asanas and walking in the fresh air early morning. You also need to follow a time table for the right scheduling of diet, rest or sleep and exercise. I would also strongly recommend getting in the habit of everyday meditation, preferably before sleep.

A. After going through your question, it appears like you probably have Kapha aggravation and thus your digestion and immunity are effected. Are Ayurveda medicines available with you out there? In that case, you may go in for Lavan Bhaskara Churan and Sanjiivani Vatti which would be of help in IBS problem and setting back your gastric fire. Alternately, There are some Ayurveda herbs that I would recommend. Bilva is a fruit which could be available as juice/powder/tablet form. Or you can crush the ripened fruit and Take the pulp mixing in with some water twice daily. Turmeric mixed in warm milk at bedtime. Also, a decoction may be prepared with Ayurveda natural herbs like Holy Basil, mint, Great Cardamom, black pepper and thyme. Take this warm every four hours 20 ml. Early dinner and eating only when hungry would help. Also, bitter, pungent and astringent tastes are advisable in food. God Bless..

A. GERD or Hyperactidity / Gastritis has a suitable cure in Ayurveda therapy, provided you stick to the norms regarding diet and lifestyle. for your diet guidance, please read this article

http://www.herboveda.co.in/2011/01/03/are-you-following-the-right-diet-rules/

Also, in your daily lifestyle, try and inculcate yoga asanas and pranayaam under guidance of an expert and avoid stress.

You may also include these –

Coconut water is sweet in taste and cold in action. According to the Ayurvedic view, coconut aids in balancing the distortion in the body systems caused by aggravation of the fire body humor. Therefore the use of coconut has been emphasized in the ailments that result from increased heat in the body. It is beneficial in curing the associated maladies like hyperacidity, gastritis, and excessive thirst and heartburn. A pain in the abdomen accompanied with burning sensation can be cured with the intake of coconut water because of it’s properties to subside both heat and pain.

Also, The fresh juice extracted from Aloe vera when taken in a dose of ten to twenty ml two or three times in a day is a good cure for relieving acidity. Mulathi powder in little milk may be taken . Ayurveda ,medications like Avipattikar churana, Mahashankh vatti, Patolaadi quath etc may be taken in supervision of Ayurvedic expert. God Bless.

A. I had to read your query more than once to figure out what actually seems to be going wrong with you. Although you have named therapies like energy enhancement and Chakra balancing, but tell me practically how much aware are you to the benefits of our ancient wisdom named YOGA. I do not know if at all you practice the Yoga techniques, but once you learn and adopt the system I am sure you are definitely going to benefit tremendously from it.

I state again you need to practice it daily. Go for Asanas like Bhujanga asana, Trikon asana and Yoga mudra (or even Surya Namaskar). Also practice some controlled breathing techniques like anulom vilom and Bhramari Pranayaam. Practice Dhyana Mudra by touching the tips of your first finger and the tip of the thumb. All this has to be undertaken religiously and Shava asana relaxation technique after the exercises.

Do all this half to one hour before sunrise and stay more in fresh air.

At the same time you need to practice Meditation and train your mind for positive thinking. I know it is easy said than done but keep in mind always that your life is the most precious gift to you from God. You owe him a balanced and happy life more than anything.

I also recommend intake of Ashwagandha and Aloevera herbs regularly once or twice daily. They are available as Capsule extracts. I hope you find solace and good health. God bless you.

A. It is perfectly fine for a child to take to mother’s feed for the first year. After this, you would slowly need to wade off the child from taking to only your feed but also start with giving him very small portions of semisolid foods like diluted Suji kheer or mashed ripe banana or mashed boiled potato etc. There are no medicines required, although you can give him Bonnisan syrup (Himalaya) for his growth and appetite.

And yes it is fine. Please don’t force upon the baby and let him take his own time. All you need to do is be a little persistent in your efforts. See that the child is playing, sleeping and active and has normal bowels.

A. Shilajit needs to be purified prior to use. Generally, the stones of Shilajit are powdered and mixed with half the quantity of the decoction of Triphla ( Harad, Baheda, Aamla) and double the quantity of water. This mixture is then kept in the sun for a full day. By evening, a dark, clear creme is formed on top of the mixture. This creme is then separated and the entire process is repeated. All the creme thus collected is pure Shilajit.

In your case, I would still advise you to take the processed Shilajit from a reputed Ayurvedic manufacturer.

A. I am myself of the opinion that laxatives make constipation worse, and thus we need to avoid them as far as possible, especially for the kids. It would be helpful to provide them with the right diet ( sprouts, salads, fresh fruits with peels and flour with bran along with more of water intake) as well as active lifestyle( outdoor games).

As home remedies with natural herbs, here are some options –

Gulkand [a mixture of rose buds and sugar] can be given to the child approx half teaspoonful twice along with warm milk.

Fennel (Saunf) can be roasted and powdered. In case of habitual constipation, try giving her some with warm milk at bedtime.

Also, for small children and babies showing maladies of constipation and abdominal gas, a home remedy is to make them lick a pinch of the powder of Harad along with some honey.

As another easy home remedy for habitual constipation, give the child regularly half a teaspoonful of honey in lukewarm water on empty stomach. This help clears the bowels and also acts as a prophylactic against the problems of digestion.

Please take care to restrict fast-food, maida products and too much of candies/ chocolates in her diet.