Friday 6 December 2013

5 Benefits of Cherries


Wonderfully delicious, cherry fruit is packed with full of health-benefiting nutrients and unique antioxidants. Cherries are native to Eastern Europe and Asia Minor regions.

Using Lemon Juice to Cure Acne


Lemon is known to provide a calming effect to the skin and the vitamin C content maintains healthy and glwoing skin, take a cotton ball and squeeze fresh lemon juice on it and apply it to affected areas

Thursday 5 December 2013

Pudina (peppermint) Leaves

This hardy perennial is famously fragrant. It is full of aromatic menthol, which ‘wakes up’ the senses and decongests the orifices of the head as well as calming and relaxing digestion.
Common name Mint (E), peppermint (E), horsemint (E), Pudı-na (H), Puthia (H) Sanskrit Pudına Latin Mentha piperita or arvensis–Folium (Labiatae)
INDICATIONS
Digestion Nervous digestion, flatulence, bloating, IBS, ulcers, nausea, and anorexia (Bartram 1995). Specific for pitta inflammation and irritation causing gastritis and enteritis. The aromatic essential oils cool the heat of pacaka pitta and regulate samana vayu. This can help to alleviate morning sickness, vomiting and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Colds Commonly used as a hot tea at a high dose to cause sweating in colds and flu. As mint moves upwards and outwards it is especially useful where ama blocks the pores and they need opening. It is useful where the lungs are congested with catarrh and constricted by spasm, causing wheezing or asthma (Frawley & Lad 1994).
Nerves It normalises the flow of prana vayu all over the body. By moving upwards and outwards it spreads any congested vata blocked from whatever cause; ama, kapha, high vata or high pitta. The high levels of the space element (akas´a tattva) present within peppermint with its expansive nature moving upwards and outwards opens the mind and lifts the ‘heaviness’ of mental and emotional tension and constriction. It opens spaces and creates room for movement.
Skin Peppermint water as an external spray is excellent for cooling and soothing skin inflammation, hot flushes and allergic itching (Tillotson 2001).
Gynaecology Often combined in formulas that help the flow of vata in the lower abdomen and ease menstrual congestion, pain and amenorrhoea (Frawley & Lad 1994).
COMBINATIONS
* Kutki, guduchi, shatavari for high pitta in the intestines.
* Cardamom, fennel, ajwain for high vata and intestinal spasms, flatulence, etc.
* Pippali, fresh ginger, cinnamon for colds to induce sweating.
* Brahmi, gotu kola, licorice for the mind and tension.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
High vata; sensitive individuals and epileptics need to regulate dosage.
SAFETY
May interact with iron medication, should be avoided by patients with oesophageal reflux, and it may negate the effect of gastric reflux medication (Bone 2003). The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends caution in patients with gallstones as it may cause stones to move into the bile duct and if they are too large they may become stuck (WHO 1999).
DOSAGE
1–30g per day or 3–20ml per day of a 1:3 @ 45% tincture.
NOTES
There are different classifications of the various mints as ‘heating’ or ‘cooling’ (see Aristotle, Galen; Tierra 1992, Bensky & Gamble 1993, Holmes 1999). It is a lengthy debate! Mentha piperita appears to have both qualities; its pungency acts as a stimulant diaphoretic while its sweet and bitter flavour has anti-inflammatory activity. The menthol appears to be both stimulant and anti-inflammatory.
Ayurvedically speaking, peppermint reduces all three dosas; its warming pungency dries kapha via diaphoresis, its sweet cooling effect reduces pitta; and its relaxing sweet pungency reduces vata. The stimulating effect of high doses may aggravate vata. The Nighan.t. u ratna-kara describes Mentha arvensisas pungent in taste, hot in energy and pungent post-digestively.
Regarding energetics, the dose and method of taking the remedy are all important. A low dose is relaxing, benefiting a va-ta stagnated by  constriction; a medium dose (preferably taken at a cool temperature) benefits the anti-inflammatory needs of pitta, and a high dose of a hot drink clears kapha. This returns us to the human nature of herbalism and Ayurveda; it is all about the person, their individual constitution and condition as well as the dose of the medicinal herb.

Top Health benefits of Pomegranate Juice




Pomegranate juice has become popular in the past few years. Several recent studies have shown significant potential health benefits from drinking pomegranate juice. Pomegranate has gotten its reputation as a superfood based almost entirely from the health benefits of pomegranate juice and from some of the pomegranate extract products. 70+ years of research has gone into discovering the pomegranate juice benefits. A good majority of this research has been done in the last 10 years as a result of pomegranate’s increase in popularity. In short, there’s a lot of research supporting the health benefits of pomegranate juice.
Here are important thirteen benefits:
Fights Breast Cancer

Research against the breast cancer cells, study shows pomegranate juice destroys cancer cells. It also helps to prevent cancer forming.
Pomegranate juice is best for preventing and destroying lung cancer cells.
It is best anticancer juice for cases of prostrate cancer.


Lung Cancer Prevention
Slows Prostate Cancer
Maintain PSA levels
Patient with prostrate cancer was studied and it shows pomegranate helps maintaining PSA levels stable. Under going Chemotherapy and hormone therapy pomegranate supports.
Protection of Neonatal Brain
Under study of maternal consumption of pomegranate juice suggest it helps protect the neonatal brain from the injury.
Osteoarthritis Prevention
Pomegranate juice helps prevention of cartilage from further deteriorations.
Protects Arteries
Pomegranate juice helps prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Pomegranate juice prevent and slow Alzheimer’s disease.
Maintain cholesterol
It helps to lower LDL and raise HDL that is good cholesterol.
Lower Blood Pressure
Drinking of Pomegranate juice helps lower systolic blood pressure by around 5 percent.
Dental Protection
Pomegranate juice is natural way for preventing dental plaque. It helps strengthening your teeth.
Important Nutrients
Pomegranate juice is a good source of Vitamin C, Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), Folate, Potassium and Vitamin K.  it is rich iron source so drinking of pomegranate juice is recommended to the patients with the low hemoglobin levels.
Helps Prevent and Treat Acne
The fruit is rich in iron, a constituent part of hemoglobin that helps absorb oxygen. Oxygen is carried to the skin cells, making the skin look fresh and smooth. Vitamin C is also necessary for regulating the production of sebum, an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands of the skin, which is one of the root causes of acne. To treat acne or improve your skin using pomegranates, all you need to do is apply pomegranate extract or juice on the affected areas and you will see favorable results in a few days. The pomegranate extract gets rid of acne and prevents the formation of scars by rejuvenating your skin cells. As it contain Vitamin C.

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Tulsi For Health



1)Diabetics 

Tulsi has antioxidant properties and reduces blood glucose levels. Thus it is useful for diabetics.  

2)Fever & Common Cold


The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers.  The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. 

3)Coughs

Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu. 

4)Blood pressure

Tulsi reduce blood pressure.

5)Kidney Stone

Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract. 

6)Heart Disorder

Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol. 

7)Building stamina

Tulsi is also used to prepare herbal tea. It helps in building up stamina. 

8)Respiratory Disorder

The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. 

9)Stress

 Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent.  Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements. 

10)Insect Bites

 The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches. 

11)Skin Disorders: 

Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma. 

12)Tooth ache

 The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

13)Headaches

 Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.

14)Insect repellant

Tulsi acts as insect repellant. So it is used to store grains.

15)Eye Disorders

Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

Varieties of Tulsi in ayurveda


Ayurvedic benefit of tulsi or tulasi,varieties of tulasi,cultivation of tulsi plant.

Tulsi is called "elixir of life" in ayurvedi.It is mentioned in charaka samhita,in ayurvedic text.It is used thousand of years in ayurveda.


Varieties of tulsi


. Krishna or shyama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

. Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum),

. Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum).

All three types of tulsi have their uses in ayurveda,the rama and krishna are most widely used.

Purple Leaf Tulsi

Also known as 'Krishna or Shyama Tulsi', the Purple leaf tulsi is famous for its peppery, crisp taste. It comprises purple colored leaves and dark stems. Although, it is grown in many regions in India, it is relatively more difficult to find than the green vaiietals. Purple leaf Tulsi is known to be beneficial to treat throat infections, respirtory system, nasal lesions, earache and skin diseases.



Green Leaf Tulsi

Also known as 'Rama Tulsi', the Green Leaf Tulsi is known for its cooling, mellower taste. his variety of Tulsi is found in China, Brazil, Eastern Nepal, as well as in Bengal, Bihar, Chatgaon and the southern states of India. All the parts of the plant emit a strong aroma. Ram Tulsi has a characteristic fragrance. Crushing its leaves between the palms releases a stronger fragrance than other varieties of Tulsi.



Wild Type 'Vana' Tulsi

Vana Tulsi is found in the Himalayas as well as the plains of India, where it grows as naturalized plant. Vana Tulsi is also cultivated and grows wild throughout Asia and Africa.


Cultivation of Tulsi from seed


Tulsi seed is easy to germinate and grow. Sow the small Tulsi seeds in early spring indoors or in the greenhouse for an early start, or sow Tulsi seed directly in the spring or summer garden. Sow Tulsi seeds just under the surface of the soil and press in firmly. Keep Tulsi seed watered and warm until germination, which occurs within 1 to 2 weeks. Tulsi prefers full sun, rich soil, and plenty of water. Thin or transplant to 1 to 2 feet apart. Tulsi does well in pots or window boxes, and is traditionally grown for good luck near the front door of the house.



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Saffron

                  


                         Saffron or ‘Kesar’ as is locally known finds an important place in our Indian pharmacopoeia. Popularly known by the name ‘Kumkum’ in Sanskrit, there are some more synonyms by which it is referred like ‘ Kaashmir’ i.e. it is a produce of Kashmir, ‘Rakta’ i.e. it is red in colour etc. The Latin name of saffron is Crocus sativus. The part that remains in the sieve is again beaten and the entire process is repeated once or twice. The saffron subsequently produced is inferior in quality as well as value. It is termed as the third grade or the lachha saffron.

Medicinal Usage of Saffron

Brain Tonic

Saffron is believed to be a boon for the brain as well as the entire nervous system. You could add a pinch of the same to your milk preferably at bedtime.

Urinary Disorders

Being diuretic, saffron tends to cause free passage of urine. It thus finds an important place in treating urinary disorders in which there is diminished flow. At home, you could soak it in water at night and the subsequent day take it mixed with honey or sugar.

Skin Blemishes

Since olden times, saffron has been regarded as highly beneficial for the skin. Not only does it add glow to the skin and cure blemishes; it also acts as a blood purifier. The oil of saffron called ‘Kumkumaadi taila’ is to be applied to the face. As an easy remedy, make a paste by mixing saffron in water and apply it to the blemishes.


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Tuesday 3 December 2013

Ashwagandha Tea Benefits


Ashwagandha, also commonly known as Indian ginseng, is a shrub-like plant from the nightshade family. However, unlike many nightshade plants, ashwagandha doesn’t hold any poisonous properties. On the contrary, the root of this plant has been utilized for thousands of years for a variety of beneficial healing purposes. Similar to ginseng, ashwagandha tea is also used to stabilize and increase energy but its useful abilities are far from ending there. There are many other valuable benefits that come out of drinking this particular tea as well, but here are a few of the most important ones.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Ashwagandha tea is helpful in relieving stress and aiding sleep for those suffering from nervous tension. Unlike other energizing drinks, ashwagandha tea doesn’t contain any stimulants. So if you’re lacking sleep due to stress, drinking it can actually get you get a good night’s rest since it calms the mind and body.
Improves Memory
Aside from aiding those suffering from stress and lack of sleep, it has been reported that drinking ashwagandha tea also can help improve cognitive retention as well. This is because it helps to clear the mind and allow room for more focus.

Energizing
The most prominent benefit of this tea is that it can help energize the body in a way that is calming. Ashwagandha tea does not have the negative effects of most other energy increasing teas and drinks. This is because it doesn’t contain any of the stimulants that cause adverse effects like energy crash.

Stomach Discomfort
Another great benefit to drinking anise tea is that it can relax many different forms of stomach ailments such as flatulence, nausea, and cramping. When drinking it, the oils from the tea coat and soothe the stomach. Additionally drinking it can increase a poor appetite and help the digestion system function.
Preparation
To prepare ashwagandha tea, take one tea bag and allow it to steep in a cup of hot water for a period of five to ten minutes. Once the desired strength of tea is reached, sugar, honey, or milk can be added to the brew for additional flavoring if preferred. Ashwagandha tea should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing without consulting with a health practitioner prior to adding this herbal remedy to their diet. Drink this tea 2 to 3 times a day, regularly or whenever desired.

Drinking this tea is far more beneficial than relying on sugar-filled energy drinks, or other unnatural methods that deal with loss of energy. However, when considering this tea, it is advisable to not drink it for extended periods at a time. There are many places where you can buy Ashwagandha tea. Larger cities around the country usually have at least one health food store that sells hundreds of alternatives to prescription medications, healthy foods, and herbal supplements for a variety of health problems, or to use to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. At stores such as this, there is always a wide array of herbal teas. For this reason it is fairly easy to find ashwagandha tea for sale in health food stores or from online merchants like. Take note that you should always buy your teas from reliable merchants who will ship your orders promptly and answer any questions you may hold about herbs and teas that are unfamiliar to you. Be sure to also contact your physician before consuming any teas if you are unfamiliar with to be assured you won’t experience any negative or allergic reactions.


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