True Facts About Medicine

With the increase in the number of diseases there has also been an increase in the number of medicine production in the world. Medicines are often taken without consideration and prescription and most of the common ones include medicines for headaches, body ache, light fever, contraceptive pills and various other forms of regular medications. But people forget that all these medicines may have minor or major side effects and in the long run they might have an adverse effect on your health.

It has been seen that some people get addicted to certain kinds of medicines and this often leads to drug abuse. One of the most common forms of addictive medicines is sleeping pills where it has been seen that regular use of these pills can lead to dependency on the same for sleeping. Non availability of the same can lead to various kinds of ailments along with irritation and anxiety. In the ancient society all forms of medicines were made from natural ingredients and these were basically herbs and other plant or animal extracts.

These medicines would be freshly made and usually had no side effects. Also there were no added drugs in these kinds of medicines and thus they were also quiet safe to use. But over the years the concept of medicines changed drastically and the use of drugs facilitated faster treatment of diseases. Also mechanical lifestyles and urgency to get to work led to increased use of medicines for recovering and less importance to rest and natural healing methods.

Researches have proven that taking medicine has its risks and there are some medicines that more risks than the illness you are tying to cure by taking the medicine. It has been seen that there are a lot of facts about these medicines, which are not known to people and it is true that this lack of knowledge can further lead to added ailments and problems. The most important thing that should be done is to check the expiry date and the name of the medicine.

Then you should check the dosage prescribed by the physician and this dosage should not be increased by choice because this can prove to be fatal in many instances. There are some medicines that should be taken more than once daily and then there are also medicines that should be taken once a week and hence the medicine dosage should always be rechecked. Any error here can lead to various kinds of side effects and also death in extreme cases.

You should also try and find out if there are certain activities or foods that can be avoided while taking these medicines. It has been seen that some drugs will warn you to stay away from the sun or not drive after consuming them. Then there are other medicines that suggest you avoid certain foods and most will warn against drinking any alcoholic beverages. These precautions and instructions should be read and followed because there are high risks involved in not following the same. Also in minor problems like headaches try and get natural therapy instead of popping the pill.

Read about Home Remedies Guide. Also read about Hair Loss Treatment. and Health

Natural Remedies for Hypertension

High blood pressure, also called hypertension,occurs when too much pressure is placed on the walls of the arteries. While high blood pressure is a serious health concern, there are many proven ways to reduce blood pressure naturally without drugs or medications. Natural remedies are cost effective and have very few (if any) side effects. There is no doubt that high blood pressure is dangerous, and if left untreated, hypertension can damage the kidneys and lead to stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. Controlling hypertension is one area of your health that is fully modifiable with changes in your diet and lifestyle.

Stress Management


Daily physical activity is one of the most effective natural remedies for controlling stress. Regular exercise has been shown to strengthen the heart and lower blood pressure naturally. Other alternative methods, including meditation and other deep relaxation techniques, such as yoga, tai chi or just learning to let go of painful thoughts, can calm nerves and lower blood pressure significantly. Reflexology is another very simple form of natural healing, and is used to help break up and remove blockages in the body and restore proper blood circulation.


Nutrition

Increase the consumption of organic fresh fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, apples, broccoli, melons, celery, and green leafy vegetables. Eat a high-fiber diet, especially oat bran, which is an excellent source of fiber. Fiber helps to eliminate impurities from the body and is beneficial in reducing heart disease. Fresh "live" juices are another great addition to your eating plan. Here are some healthful suggestions: carrot, celery, cranberry, citrus fruit, parsley, and watermelon juice. Consume grains like buckwheat, millet, oats, and brown rice, and take two tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily. Flaxseed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, which is beneficial for blood vessels, circulation and lowering blood pressure.


Helpful Herbs

--Garlic is highly effective in lowering blood pressure.

--Hawthorn may lower both blood pressure and cholesterol

--Olive leaf has powerful antioxidant properties and can help reduce hypertension.

--Valerian root and hops are good for calming the nerves.


Beneficial Dietary Supplements

--Magnesium, Calcium, and Potassium deficiencies have been linked to high blood pressure

--L-arginine is an amino acid that lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

--Selenium deficiencies have been linked to heart disease. Vitamin E improves heart function and acts as a blood thinner. Use with care if taking an instruction blood thinner.

--Vitamin C helps decrease blood clotting and improve adrenal task.

--Lecithin helps eliminate fat and improve liver function to lower blood pressure.

Read More Information on Natural Remedies and Stress Management Information

Turmeric, Tamarind, Vidanga, Vasaka, Winter Cherry

Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most useful or our condiments. Available in fresh form throughout the year, it is versatile in its uses.

The tubers and rhizomes are the parts used. Haldi acts as a stimulant, carminative, tonic, appetizer, astringent, decreases vayu (aches and pains) and is useful in blood impurities. It is used in the treatment of cough, anaemia, swelling, hiccups and ulcers. Here are some remedies with a Haldi base:

In cold and cough, tiny pieces of turmeric boiled in milk should be eaten and the milk drunk. This clears the throat.

Turmeric and Aamalaki (Embelic Myobalan) should be taken together in the form of a decoction. This will clarify the urine, remove constipation and lessen the burning sensation (if any) while passing urine.

Shodhal, a great authority on Ayurveda, suggests that the fresh leaves of tamarind and turmeric should be rubbed together and filtered with cold water. This water should be drunk once a day. This is a highly effective remedy and a preventive measure against smallpox.

For swelling caused by external injuries, turmeric rubbed in water and applied in the form of paste relieves pain and reduces swelling.

Turmeric given to women in the post-delivery period purifies breast-milk and strengthens up the reproductive organs.

Turmeric powder is used for rubbing on the skin of babies at the time of bath and this makes the skin nice, smooth and clean. Turmeric, however, is mixed with the powder or green gram, gingelly or yellow sarson (mustered) oil.

For diseases of the eye, tamarind leaves and turmeric in the form of a poultice externally applied to the eyes, relieves swelling and pain. Even if the eyes and ulcers are washed with a mild decoction of turmeric, they become clean and pain is reduced.

Fresh turmeric juice is applied to ulcers, wounds etc.

The powder of the root, 8 – 10 rattis (16 to 20 grains) twice a day with honey is given for dyspepsia, gastric troubles, flatulence and gastritis.

A paste of turmeric along with neem leaves is used for ringworm, itching, eczema and other skin disorders.

The preparation known as Brihata Haridrakhanala prepared from turmeric given in doses of 3 to 6 grains with a glassful of water morning and evening acts effectively in eradication of urticaria and other allergic manifestations. Further it purifies the blood.

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Tamarind - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Tamarind fruit is carefully gathered and the pulp is separately collected and stored.

Tamarind has a variety of uses. The unripe fruit is acid in taste, whereas the pulp of the ripe fruit is both sweet and acid and is cooling, carminative, digestive and laxative. It is anti-bilious and anti-scorbutic.

The leaves and seeds are astringent. Tender leaves and flowers have a cooling effect. The bark is astringent and serves as a tonic.

According to ayurvedic theory, our diet should include all the six tastes – sweet, sour, pungent, acid, bitter and astringent, tamarind supplies the acid-sweet tastes.

Its use in cooking is well known and is much in vogue particularly in South India. Added in proper measure. Tamarind is beneficial to health, excessive use may prove harmful to the body.

In summer elixir type syrup is prepared from it, which is very cooling and anti-bilious. Sometimes it is given to patients suffering from fever, sunstroke and inflammatory conditions.

It is prepared thus: Boil 1 oz each of tamarind fruit and dates in a quart of milk, strain and add some cloves, cardamoms and a few grains of camphor.

The pulp of the ripe fruit along with the skin of dates or gur mixed freely in water, stirred and filtered, along with pepper, cardamom, clove and a little salt makes a very tasty and delicious ream, which is often taken along with food.

It is commonly used in the preparation of curries and chutneys.

When heavy intoxication is caused by bhanga or cannabis indica, the syrup of panaka prepared from tamarind serves as an antidote. It is also given in cases of liquor or dhatura poisoning.

One tola each of tamarind pulp, dates, seeds of pomegranate and embolic myrobalan are powdered together and mixed with 32 tolas of water. About 2 ozs. Dose of the resultant emulsion is then taken.

In medicine, the pulp of the fruit, seeds, leaves, flowers and the bark are all used.

The pulp of the fruit is useful in constipation. According to the Unani system, the pulp is effective in controlling fever. It purges the bile.

The red outer covering of the seed is an effective remedy against diarrhea and dysentery. About 10 grains of powder of the seeds with an equal quantity of cumin seeds and sugar is given 2-3 times daily.

The seeds powdered and given to women are beneficial in leucorrhoea. Another method is to soak the seeds in water overnight, next morning the skin is removed and the seeds are immersed in milk and given for drinking. This removes leucorrhoea.

The seed rubbed with water and applied to a scorpion sting renders relief.

For the prevention of smallpox, villagers use seeds with turmeric powder and an equal quantity of water for three days.

Leaves are crushed with water and juice extracted. It is useful in feverish conditions and in burning when passing urine.

Poultice prepared from the leaves applied on swelling relieves the trouble.

Juice extracted from the flowers is given internally for bleeding piles.

Gargling with tamarind water aids in the healing of sore throat. Tamarind water with ghee and sugar will stop diarrhea caused as a result of drastic purgatives.

The bark of the tree is burnt and from the ash kshar or salt is prepared. Which is very efficacious in chronic abdominal colic. This is known as Chinchakshara.

Tamarind is efficacious in preventing or curing scurvy.

In short, tamarind which is widely used in cooking, has numerous medicinal applications.

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Vidanga - Benefits in Home Based Remedies

Vidanga is a well-known home remedy and in Sanskrit literature it is termed “jantanasa”. The name suggests its fine germicidal and bactericidal action.

It is well known in India and is also available in Singapore, Burma and Ceylon. Its fruits are as small as black pepper but smoother than the latter. New seeds of vidanga are reddish in colour but they become slightly black as time passes. Old fruits are used in medicine.

Vidanga allays vayu, it is diuretic, a mild purgative and kills worms, it is an appetizer, digestive , blood purifier and rejuvenator.

It is also a Rasayana and while taking it the urine takes on a reddish tinge. Vidanga has a good effect on the whole system, especially on the lymphatic glands.

Grandma starts the daily routine or the infant by giving him milk which is boiled with a few seeds of vidanga. Such milk is easily digestible and does not give rise to worms. There is no gas formation or griping pain, it is thus an ideal indigenous gripe cure.

It is equally effective for worms in adults. It is given in the form of powder or decoction and the worms are expelled. The usual method is to give the powder with honey in the dose of 2-4 grams, followed on the second day by a mild purgative.

In ancient times vidanga was used as a blood purifier and many uses, external as well as internal, are mentioned. It was given in food as well as drink.

It has been found that the slow, steady and gradual effect of vidanga on the body is that it increases appetite, brings clear motion, increases weight and improves the complexion. The body becomes light and a person generally feels energetic and well.

In the case of infants, when food is not properly digested, the abdomen becomes enlarged and the upper and lower extremities become thin and emaciated, if vidanga is given, it produces considerable improvement.

There is an effective course of rejuvenating treatment known as Vidanga Thandul, in which the seeds of vidanga and liquorice are powdered, and a patient subsists entirely on this powder with honey. He has to take only a little rice with ghee, green gram (boiled), and the powder of embolic myrobalan.

He must carry out this regimen for a month or two. Experienced vaidyas carry out this treatment even today in Gujarat and Saurashtra. It has no side reaction whatsoever, but produces a Kaya Kalpa effect or body rejuvenation. The patient starts getting good appetite, improves his digestion, there is purification of blood, clarification of the bowels and ultimately chronic disorders like dyspepsia, piles and blood impurities are eradicated.

There are many medicinal preparations described in ayurveda which are vermicidal, and these contain vidanga as the main ingredient.

The powder of vidanga seeds is given in the form of snuff for chronic cold and sinusitis or a Peenasa or one sided headache.
Vidanga is a really effective home remedy. It saves lot of money because by its use it helps prevent disease in children as well as adults

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Vasaka - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Vasaka is a very well known remedy available everywhere and it is especially popular in rural areas. Acknowledging its medicinal properties, it has been adopted by modern medical practitioners also.

This bush grows in all parts of the worlds and the bark, flowers, roots and leaves are used in medicine. The leaves enjoy a reputation as a useful remedy in the cure of coughs and bronchitis.

The plant has pungent and astringent taste. It is cold in action. It normalizes kapha and pitta and improves the voice. It is useful in ridding the patient of coughing and asthma and can be given as a cure in any disease with which these symptoms are associated. It is beneficial to the tuberculosis patient. Vasaka’s special virtue is stopping bleeding due to the aggravation of pitta, through the mouth, nose, genitals, or the urinary systems.

The leaves are dampened and then pounded, and one teaspoon of the resultant juice is useful in cases of chronic bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis. This is not to say that it always cures all these diseases but it does give immediate relief.

Being a very good expectorant, it draws out all kapha (phlegm) accumulated in the lungs. In many cases where bronchitis is due to lack of appetite and poor digestion, the juice of Vasaka is mixed with the juice of ginger and honey and given in the early morning on an empty stomach.

Given in the early stages of tuberculosis, the juice of Vasaka, thrice a day, helps a patient who is prone to incessant coughing. In many of the cough syrups that are available, Vasaka has been used either as a base or as an ingredient.

Boiled and put on the bladder region, the leaves produce a diuretic action, reduce the swelling of the kidney and lead to clear urination. Persons suffering from bleeding piles or diarrhea, accompanied by bleeding, or women suffering from menorragia can take the juice of Vasaka 2 to 3 times a day to great advantage.

Dried and powdered leaves also form a remedy for bronchitis in the dose of 40 grains twice a day. In liquid form the dose is about half to one teaspoon. In excessive doses of 1 to 2 ozs. An emetic action results inducing vomiting in which all the kapha is removed.

In ancient times the root of the Vasaka was tied on the back below the navel region and it is said that it produced safe, painless delivery.

Vasa avaleha, useful in easing all sorts of coughs, especially in the case of asthma, and bronchial congestion, is made in the following manner: the juice of 1 seer of Vasaka leaves is boiled with ¼ seer of white sugar, 4 tolas long peppers and 4 tolas pure ghee, until the mixture is reduced to a jelly form. After cooling, ¼ seer of honey is added and the preparation is mixed thoroughly. The mixture is given in ½ ounce doses.

A liquid preparation of Vasaka known as Vasasav given in half ounce measures after the principal meals, reduces production of kapha (phlegm) and relieves excessive coughing. The juice of Vasaka leaves softens the bronchial tube.

It is also useful in reducing aggravation of pitta and discomfort due to jaundice.

The roots and bark possess a virtue well-known for their expectorant properties.

If well-known patented expectorant remedies have failed to give you relief, by all means try this home remedy.

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Winter Cherry - Benefits in Home Based Remedies

This plant is readily available. Usually its roots, and sometimes the leaves, are used for medicinal purposes.

It is a renowned tonic, aphrodisiac and nervine sedative. In addition, it has astringent and alterative properties.

Leaves and roots are narcotic. It is also diuretic and a form of bitters. It decreases vayu and kapha.

Besides being a tonic, it works wonders especially in cases of backache, pain in joints, rickets, seminal debility, premature ageing and weakness due to sexual exhaustion.

It is equally beneficial to ladies. It reduces weakness, cures leucorrhoea and tones up the uterus. It is very useful during convalescence,

The preparation of this medicine is very simple. Take the dry roots of winter cherry and get it powdered. 3 to 6 grams of powder either with honey or sugar and ghee given morning and evening along with a cupful of milk nourishes the body, rejuvenates the whole system and is most beneficial for an emaciated person.

Those who are very thin and want to gain weight and become healthy and robust should take it morning and evening, with a cupful of milk for at least a period of three to six months and notice the difference. It is but natural that when such an experiment is being carried out, too much of fried things, and food of sour. Acid and pungent tastes should be avoided and only simple nutritious diet should be taken.

Ashwagandha not only builds up physical strength but is ideal for nervous debility and nervous exhaustion. It removes weakness of the nerves, exhaustion, insomnia and mental debility.

There is a well established form of massage with the oil prepared from Ashwagandha for a thin and emaciated body. External application of Ashwagandha oil proves beneficial in the case of emaciated children suffering from rickets and young women with poor bustline.

Nowadays young people generally complain about nightmares and weakness of the seminal system for which the use of Ashwagandha morning and evening as indicated above helps a lot. A syrup prepared from Ashwagandha can be given to under nourished children and I cures skin disorders as well.

Ashwagandha along with vidarikanda and liquorice in the form of powder, given morning and evening, increases breast-milk.

The dose for treatment of rickets in children is 4-6 grains 4 times a day with honey and cow’s milk 8-16 rattis or 16-32 grains at bedtime with honey and milk relieves vayu and brings sound sleep.

It is very useful and efficacious in cases where there is excessive rapidity of the heart’s action. It tones up the heart.

Expert ayurvedic physicians prescribe it in cases of infertility. The woman has to take this powder for four days after the menstrual period along with cow’s milk.

Ashwagandha, is employed in numerous ayurvedic remedies and a separate treatise can be written on it. Suffice it to say that it is a boon for emaciated, under nourished and physically and mentally exhausted individuals.

Saffron, Sacred Fig, sarsaparilla, Spreading Hogweed, Shankha Pushpi

Saffron - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Grown in the season of autumn, the saffron plant is a dwarf herb. It is mainly cultivated in Iran and Spain, but now grows in Kashmir (India) also.

It is a tonic, stimulant, rejuvenator, appetizer, digestive and antispasmodic. It relieves pain.

It is used in cooking and in the preparation of sweetmeats to which it imparts a special fragrance, taste and colour. A special preparation known as dudhapaka, is made in Indian homes in which milk and rice are boiled and saffron is added.

In ancient times saffron was mixed with sandalwood and other aromatic ingredients and applied on the chest or forehead for a cooling, soothing effect, and to invigorate the mind.

Saffron has its medicinal properties also. There are many tonics which contain saffron. It reduces the effect of cold. Grandma mixes saffron in milk and applies on the scalp, forehead, extremities and chest when a child is suffering from cold.

There are people who catch allergic colds off and on. The powder of saffron, in dose of 1– 2 rattis with honey, morning and evening, with a cupful of milk, tea or coffee will reduce the tendency to allergic cold.

Saffron has been used in remedies for diarrhea and dysentery. Given to young women, it helps in the cure of anaemia. It cures difficult and scanty periods and promotes regular healthy, monthly ones. Saffron increases breast-milk.

Saffron improves the colour of the skin, relieves vomiting sensation and is useful in cases of worms. It is applied externally in the form of a paste in cases of headache.

It has been found effective in cases of seminal debility, and as a stimulant and aphrodisiac it is considered to be a sovereign remedy. It has been used with success in cases of weakness.

Saffron is thus well known for its food value, fragrance and medicinal properties. It is also used in religious rites.

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Sacred Fig - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Sacred Fig tree is worshipped by hindus, not merely on sentimental or religious grounds, but because of its valuable medicinal properties.

Its virtues have been brought to light by our ancient masters of the art and science of medicine. The root, bark and even the delicate leaves and fruits are used for medicinal purposes.

The bark is astringent, cooling, soothing, helps normalize pitta and kapha and has nutritive value. The fruits aid digestion, act as a carminative, blood purifier, tonic, aphrodisiac and increase the semen. The leaves have mildly laxative and astringent effects.

The leaves are boiled in milk and water, filtered and the milk is given to drink. It relieves the burning sensation caused by gonorrhoea and reduces pus cells.

The root bark is boiled and the infusion used for washing ulcers and abscesses. The thin powder of the bark is spread over ulcers, which it cleans and its antiseptic properties hasten healing.

Decoction of the root bark is used for gargling. Women suffering from leucorrhoea can take a douche of the same and it has been found very efficacious. Persons suffering from blood impurities and skin disorders also take the water prepared from boiling the bark of the tree. It has been found that the bark has a specific medicinal component which purifies the blood.

Patients suffering from gout can take the decoction prepared from the root bark with a little honey added to it and it will reduce pain as a result of purification of the blood.

The delicate buds of this tree known as pipala jata after being washed are pounded, made into a paste and given with milk for three days after menstruation to increase the power of conception.

The fruit is dried and the powder prepared from it is given with honey to patients suffering from dyspepsia.

In early childhood when there is a hint of stammering and the speech is not clear, the fruit given to a child causes an improvement in the speech.

The fruits are an effective tonic and can be given to both men and women for purification of the sperm and ovum. It is a soothing and cooling remedy.

The juice of the bark along with that of the leaves helps to heal mouth ulcers. The application of the milk juice is also very useful in case of cracked feet and skin.

The above are but a few of the medicinal uses of the sacred fig. which is used in many more ways as medicine in rural areas.

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Sarsaparilla - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

The juice of the sarsaparilla root and bark is used in medicine. It is a valuable blood purifier. It increases the quantity of urine. It is diaphoretic and taking all its qualities into consideration, it has a good tonic effect on the body.

According to ayurvedic treatises, it increases the quantity of semen. It is a good stimulant, appetizer, especially beneficial in skin disorders and it maintains the equilibrium of the tridoshas.

There are two varieties available, black as well as white, Medicinally both have got the same virtues.

Indian Sarsaparilla is used to increase appetite and remove dyspepsia, at the same time improving the digestion. It decreases fever and is effective in cases of skin and nutritional disorders.

It is the experience of physicians of the traditional system of Indian medicine that in blood disorders and impurities of the skin, mere local applications do not work wonders; only temporary relief can be achieved.

If a blood purifier like Sarsaparilla is advinistered internally in the form of infusion, decoction, syrup, extract, powder of asava, it cures the disorder permanently and there is no relapse.

It cures the blood impurities, increases strength and improves the quality and quantity of semen. It can be given to a pregnant woman for the entire period of nine months and the new – born infant will be found to be healthy, fairskinned and handsome.

The infusion prepared from Sarsaparilla increases the quantity of urine and relieves any burning sensation while passing urine. Take about 2 ozs. Of the powder, boil it in 20 ozs. Of water and when there is a residue of about 2 ozs. Filter it. It increases urine and causes sweat.

In cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis, where the blood impurity is not relieved by any other drug, Sarsaparila produces a marvelous effect.

Sarivadyarishta is a well – known preparation made from Sariva (another Sanskrit name for sarsaparilla). Given ½ oz. with an equal quantity of water after the principal meals, it cures many blood disorders like hronic eczema. It relieves itching and is useful in csabies, ulcers, chronic blood disorders of a syphilitic origin, and allergic disorders. It is given also in cases of male infertility where venereal infection is cause.

There are several other ayurvedic preparations of Sariva in the form of ghee, jelly, oil and asava.

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Spreading Hogweed - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

There are three varieties, black, white and red available, of which black is very difficult to get but the red one is available throughout.

Punarnava is one of the most important Ayurvedic herbs. It is an appetizer, brings clear motion, it is a Rasayana (rejuvenator). It is dry, sweet, and beneficial to the heart. It induces perspiration.

Several formulae are described in Ayurveda containing Punarnava.

Punarnavarishta ½ oz. with an equal quantity of water taken after principal meals brings about clear urine, improves the blood and is highly effective in kidney disorders. The Liquid Extract of Punarnava given to patients suffering from swelling of the kidney, known as Nephritis, has been found very useful. It allays fever also.

Another remedy is Punarnavadiquath. 1-2 tolas are boiled with two glasses of water, reduced to quarter glass and divided into two doses. One such dose morning and evening brings about clear urine. Removes the toxins circulating in blood and purifies the blood. It is also useful to patients suffering from renal calculi.

Punarnvadi Mandur is another popular remedy. 2-4 rattis of it morning and evening, with arogyavardhini, removes constipation, reduces swelling, is useful in ascites and allays anaemia.

The name “Punarnava” (“Puna” means “again”, ‘Nava” means “new”) is itself indicative of its marvelous efficacy as a Rasayana. Rejuvenator. In cases of swelling, whether it be general or local. Punarnava has its own unique place in treatment, and extensive research carried out on this valuable drug may yield quite surprising results to the benefit of suffering humanity.

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Shankha Pushpi - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Shankha Pushpi is a well known herb used especially for increasing energy. It is a boon to mental workers like professors, students, solicitors, lawyers and educationists. The plant and its fresh juice are used for medicinal purposes.

It is an appetizer, digestive, carminative and nerve tonic. It is astringent and bitter.

According to ayurvedic theory, It increases the power of mental faculties and it is called a “pittashama”. It improves the voice and is useful in cases of fits and epilepsy.

Those who complain of poor memory can take it to advantage.

It has been used in medicine since Vedic times and its pre-Vedic use dates back to 1000 B.C. from pre-Vedic times it has been considered useful for the purpose of conception, and Dimak and Khorey have acknowledged it as a laxative, rejuvenator, vitaliser and nerve tonic.

Students nowadays are in search of a brain tonic. It can be said very safely that the parts of the tree, known as ‘Panchanga’ (root, stem, leaves, flower), powdered together and taken in a dose of 3 to 6 grams morning and evening with sugar and milk improves the memory.

It induces sound sleep and removes constipation, fatigue, weakness, gas in stomach, dyspepsia etc.

There are various remedies descried in ayurveda which contain shankha Pushpi Ghrita.

Given in doses of ¼ to ½ tola, morning and evening, it proves beneficial in the case of undernourished children who are not gaining weight and whose growth is retarded, be it physical or mental.

Extract of Gulancha, root of apamarga. Vayavidanga, Shankhapushpi, Kustha, Vacha, Shatavari and Chebulic Myrobalan – all these powdered together and taken in doses of 3 grams, morning and evening, proves efficacious in cases of loss of memory, even in advanced stages.

Today when there is such a lot of complaint about loss of memory, fatigue, mental exhaustion stress and strain, this innocent ayurvedic herbal remedy can be prescribed without any hesitation. Fresh juice of this plant, along with honey, is given in many types of insanity.

Isabgul Spogel Seeds, Jambool, Kurchi, Liquorice, Lodh Tree, Lemon, Musale, Neem, Onion, Rauwolfia Serpentine

Isabgul Spogel Seeds - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Originally a Persian herb. The seeds are used for medicinal purposes. It is one of most well – known home remedies.

The seeds are cooling, demulcent and mildly astringent. They also have fine diuretic and laxative properties. Before use the seeds are cleansed of sand and grit. Soaked in water, they become swollen. They may be sifted through a fine mesh.

The dose is 2-4 grams but even half to one ounce or lass can be given.

It has a fine effect on the intestines and a double action, it removes constipation if any and at the same time it cures acute dysentery. It can be given with butter – milk or curd and immediately, it stops loose motions, and griping pain is alleviated.

A teaspoonful of the seeds steeped in water for half an hour and swallowed is an efficacious remedy for dysentery.

The powder of Kurchi 4 grains along with the powder o one dram of seeds of Isabgul gives another useful remedy for dysentery.

Chronic cases of dysentery which failed to react to intensive courses of emetine or Kurchi alkaloids, responded well to prolonged courses of liquid extract of Kurchi and Isabgul. Dose 2-3 dessert spoonfuls of the seeds of Isabgul with 2 drams of the liquid extract thrice or four times a day.

Whenever there is a burning sensation while passing urine, the use of Isabgul with a glassful of water gives comfort.

Isabgul one part, Harada (chebulic myrobalan) one part and Yashtimadhu one part – all three mixed very well and powdered and given in dose of 3 grams relieves constipation and one clear motion is obtained. This is a boon for persons suffering from piles.

Isabgul normalizes Kapha and pitta, and stops the formation of mucus in the stool. It is also highly effective in cases of spermaturia (the presence of semen in the urine)

It is given in the form of a mucilage, with milk, for nocturnal emissions, with good effect.

Wherever there is bleeding due to increase of Pitta or bile, the use of Isabgul proves advantageous.

For infantile diarrhea or dysentery, Isabgul may be given in small doses at intervals of an hour or two and it has been observed that it is a very useful remedy in such cases.

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Jambool - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

The jambool tree is well known for its astringent properties. The bark, seeds, leaves and fresh roots are all used for medicinal purposes. The juice of the fruit is diaphoretic, anti – diabetic and useful in stomach disorders. According to an eminent physician, glucoside jamboline is said to have the powder of checking the pathological conversion of starch into sugar in case of increased production of glucose.

In chronic cases of dysentery and diarrhea, a decoction of the bark is found to be efficacious. A gargle with such a decoction helps in relieving laryngitis, pharyngitis, scurvy and painful bleeding gums.

The fruit has a cooling and soothing property, but is astringent and slightly sour, so it should never be taken with milk. It must also be remembered that the ripe fruit taken in excess causes gas trouble.

Dried seeds of jambool are powdered and given to diabetic patients. Extract of the juice is given with a little salt to patients suffering from jaundice. It is given every alternate day.

Jambool fruit also acts favorably where there is an enlargement of the spleen.

A medicinal preparation from jambool, known as “jambuasava,” is useful in the treatment of diabetes. Half an ounce is given with an equal quantity of water after meals. It also removes debility, which is the main symptom of diabetes. Half an ounce of liquid extract prepared from the juice, taken on an empty stomach, is also beneficial for diabetic patients.

A syrup prepared out of the juice of fresh ripe fruit, with a little sugar, makes a nourishing, soothing and cooling drink in summer.

A dose of 20 to 40 grains of the seeds relieves scanty or suppressed urine.

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Kurchi - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

It grows to a height of 12 to 24 ft. and bears white aromatic flowers.

There are certain varieties; White, black, sweet or bitter. In medicinal use the black and bitter type has been found more effective, the bark of the root being mainly imployed.

The seeds of the tree are used medicinally, being roasted and powdered after being cleaned.

It is a form of bitter tonic, appetizer, astringent. Digestive, and useful in piles, diarrhea, dysentery, blood disorders, pitta, worms, fever and excessive mucus.

Nowadays a lot of complaints areheard about digestive disorders, mainly constipation or dysentery. To this there is a very effective remedy, kutaja bark or the fruits of the tree known as indrajava.

It has been used for centuries in medicine and modern research in the laboratory, as well as in the clinical field has proved it to be really efficacious. Kurchi has thus found an honorable place in modern pharmacopoeia.

The bark of kutaja contains a bitter ingredient of tonic value. It increases appetite and can be given in acute or chronic fever. It improves the digestive system and is especially efficacious in chronic stomach troubles, dysentery, diarrhea, sprue and piles.

It reduces mucus formation. Roasted indrajava 9seeds of kutaja) cures diarrhea and can be given for stomach troubles with butter milk or honey.

Kutaja is a boon for those suffering from dysentery. The powder of the bark is given with butter-milk. It stops the griping pain, reduces mucus and one gets a clear motion and real relief.

Grandmothers have been known to give indrajava to children from their very early days so that it nullifies the Kapha Dosha and children are not troubled by worms but remain healthy, normal and robust.

The bark of the kutaja contains useful salts and calcium and hence it is very useful in chronic stomatitis.

In chronic fever the bark of kurchi along with gulancha prepared as a decoction is effective.

Kutajaghan is a very well known remedy, and 2 to 4 pills morning and evening, prove effective in dysentery, loss of appetite and gas trouble. Kutajarishta ½ an oz. after meals is effective in dysentery.

The powder of the bark of the tree can be given about 30 to 60 grains. The dose of indrajava is 10 to 20 grains. The decoction to be taken is ½ oz. and extract of kutaja 5 to 10 grains.

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Liquorice - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Liquorice is a tonic, a diuretic, and a mild laxative and has cooling properties. It s sweet in taste, it reduces vayu and pitta.

It has been used with success in vomiting, nausea, ulcers, hoarseness of voice, skin disorders, hiccough etc. The dose (powder of the peeled root) is 20-40 grains.

There is a very simple and at the same time very useful preparation. Take liquorice mixed with triphala in the ratio of 20 : 40 grains daily at bedtime or early in the morning with milk, preferably cow’s milk. The regular use of this prescription gives a very clear motion, and the urine also becomes clear.

Those who complain of premature ageing and senile debility may use this with advantage. In cases of excessive debility, loha, abhrak or banga bhasma can be added (doses) 1 to 2 grains each.

In epilepsy, the powder of liquorice is given with kushmand.

Ghee prepared with liquorice is used for the purpose of dressing wounds.

Liquorice is given with ativisha, pepper and yavakshara to children emaciated by chronic fever or cough. Liquorice taken by pregnant women promotes the natural growth of the infant and at the same time improves the complexion of the child.

Many ayurvedic preparations contain liquorice as a b ase. A very well known remedy is Swadishta Virechana Churna, which is useful as a mild laxative and a boon to those suffering from piles. Taken 2-3 teaspoons at bedtime it acts as a blood3purifier and also leads to a satisfactory motion. It is given to women after child – birth to increase breast milk.

Those suffering from leucorrhoea can take it as it will increase strength and vitality. All the ayurvedic texts agree that given with ghee and honey for a long time it is the best rasayana (rejuvenator) and Vajikarana (aphrodisiac). The Chinese have also ascertained the rejuvenating properties f liquorice and it is the main ingredient in jintan.

The decoction of liquorice is useful in stomatitis as well as hoarsenes of voice and laryngitis.

Its powder is given with honey in cases of jaundice and it allays excessive burning or heat.

Lozenges prepared from liquorice root are efficacious in bronchial affections. In ancient times, the root was used as an antidote against scorpion sting.

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Lodh Tree - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Lodh Tree used from very ancient times, Lodhra is one of the most well-known remedies for diseases of women. It is astringent and cold in action. It heals wounds, allays Kapha and stops bleeding. It is useful in inflammations and swellings. It tones up the mucus membrane and hence and most famous preparation Lodhra Asava ½ oz. with equal quantity of water after principal meals given to ladies allays Pitta. Subsides excessive bleeding, normalizes he menstrual flow and is a specific for leucorrhoea. Many expert clinicians mix it with Ashokarishta, with greater effect.

A combination of Lodhra Asava, Patranga Asava and Ashokarishta, mixed very well (do not shake) and given ½ oz with equal quantity of water after principal meals is a boon to weak, emaciated and debilitated women. It brings normal menstrual flow and stops excessive discharge. It relieves backache, anaemia, debility brought about by multiple child births; it tones up the uterus and the vaginal walls and stops the white discharge. Appetite increases, digestion improves, there is increase in the red blood cells and hemoglobin and, further, ladies put on weight by its use.

The powder of the bark of the tree applied in the form of Lepa or sprinkled in the vagina heals local ulcers. Regularly given in the preliminary months of conception, it lessens the possibility of abortion or miscarriage.

A well – known Ayurvedic formula “Supari Paka” 3-6 grams morning and evening with honey and milk along with Lodhra, after meals, is boon to a lady having secondary infertility and conception usually takes place.

The dose of the plain powder is 10-20 rattis (20-40 grains).

A combination of Lodhra, Alum, Punarnava and other items mixed together is used for gargling. It relieves the ulcers in the mouth and allays bleeding of the gums.

In loose motions, diarrhea, dysentery and stools with blood, the powder of Lodhra is given with curd and the effect is immediate.

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Lemon - Benefits in Home Based Remedies

This well-known citrus fruits so commonly used hardly needs any introduction.

It has many medicinal properties. 100 ounces of citrus juice contain about 7 to 9 ounces of citric acid.

The lemon is cooling and soothing and has a tonic value. It is also given in cases of nausea, anorexia, indigestion and distension.

Borax, lemon and sulphur are mixed together in the juice of lemon and the ointment thus obtained is applied on ringworm which clears up rapidly. Many patent ointments are available in the market which produce a temporary effect, while the above mentioned ointment is very effective as far as local treatment of ringworm is concerned. A slight burning may be experienced at first.

Before taking a meal, if one takes fresh ginger with a pinch of salt and lemon, it regularizes vayu and kapha, improves the appetite and gradually increases the peristaltic movement of the intestines and helps to eliminate constipation.

Many obese people have been benefited by taking lemon juice, honey and lukewarm water, mixed well, the first thing in the morning. Further it has been found efficacious in pregnant women who are given to vomiting. The dry skin of the fruit after removing the juice is burnt, and the ash is kept in water. Two grains of this ash with honey three times a day is an effective remedy for nausea.

The juice of a lemon or two added to a glass of boiling water sweetened to taste and taken at bedtime, works wonder in case of a bad cold.

In case of serious purgation caused by croton seeds or castor oil, a glass of lemon juice, in hot water sweetened to taste, stops diarrhea and creates a feeling of general well – being.

A lemon cut into four pieces filled with salt, black pepper and pepper, strung together and allowed to remain open over-night, chewed in the morning removes anorexia, loss of appetite and indigestion.

There are several ayurvedic preparations made with lemon juice. The best known is Suvarna Vasanta Malti, which is highly efficacious for increasing the weight of a patient.

For those who are weak. Emaciated and fatigued one pill of the above preparation twice a day will help increase vim and vigour.

There are several other preparations for treating gas, distension and constipation which are also prepared in the juice of lemon.

Lemon, of course, is used in the kitchen in a variety of ways.

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Musale - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

There are two varieties available, white and black. The former is known as Safed Musali and the latter, Kali Musali. The white variety is more easily available and the roots are used for medicinal purposes.

It is sweet, cold, light, unctuous and the best tonic. It is aphrodisiac, strengthens the semen and is a galactagogue. The white variety contains more fat, the black one has more starch.

The powder of the white variety is boiled with milk and this milk taken daily in the morning on an empty stomach for a long period is very helpful for debilitated persons. The usual dose is 3-6 grams, but even 6-12 grams can be taken.

Many experienced clinicians give the powder of Shatavari along with musali and it increases breast – milk. This combination is also useful to ladies suffering from leucorrhoea.

A combination of embolic Myrobalan, Indian Cowhage, Gokharu, White Musali, extract of Gulancha, the root of Shalamali and sugar known as Mushalyadi Churna is given in dose of 3-6 grams with honey or milk morning and evening to increase sex libido. It improves the quality of semen.

The root of black Musali cut into small pieces is available in the market and is very efficacious. It is unctuous, diuretic, tonic and aphrodisiac. It is sweet, cold, subsides Pitta, burning sensation and removes blood impurity. The powder of black Musali can be taken in dose of 3-6 grams with honey morning and evening. Otherwise. The powder should be boiled in a cup or glassful of milk and a little cardamom, nutmeg and saffron can be added and it should be taken morning and evening. It this combination is prepared with cow’s milk, it is more effective.

Nowadays people take various tonics for debility. Some of these contain merely combination of oil and water soluble Vitamins, some contain Iron and Folic acid and Minerals, a few contain male and female hormones also in smaller doses. Some such liquid tonics contain glycerophosphates also. However, it should be remembered that these are merely synthetic dietary supplements, whereas Shatavari, ashwagandha, Gokharu, Cowhage, Musali etc. described by us in the Section of home Remedies or in the Section of queries are very effective Ayurvedic herbs and tonics. They are quite innocent and have no side effects. They are very easily available. These tonics can be given to young and old men and women alike. The only thing to be borne in mind is that these tonics do not act in the same way as other stimulants. They slowly and gradually enrich the Rasa dhatu (body nutrient), whereby respectively the blood, flesh, semen etc. are enriched and a person experiences a state of general well being. The life – saving antibiotic drugs, which should be used only in serious emergencies under the guidance of an expert physician, are not being freely used even for minor ailments and they bring about a lot of debility. The diet is not as nourishing as it ought to be. It would therefore be better that grandmas and housewives learn about tonics like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Gokharu, Cowhage, Musali etc. and administer then to the family members to see that they are really benefited with tese useful tonics. Especially in the season of winter the regular use of these tonics will keep the body fine and fit for the rest of the year.

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Benefits of Neem, Natural Healing Herb

The Neem tree is very well known for its medical properties and every part of the plant is used in ayurvedic medicines, the bark and the leaves being in breater use.

The bark is astringent a form of bitters, an anti – periodic, and has cooling properties. The fruit is emollient and acts as a laxative. The leaves possess blood purifying and antiseptic properties.

The decoction prepared from the leaves works as an antiseptic lotion and is used for dressing wounds and ulcers. Those who are suffering from blood impurities have a bath with this decoction where soap is contra indicated.

Poultices prepared from boiled leaves are applied on swellings. In the rural areas even today fresh juice of neem leaves, given in doses of 1 to 2 ozs. Prevents puerperal sepsis. It increases appetite, relieves debility, promotes normal bleeding and strengthens the uterus.

In cases of gonorrhoea, when there is external swelling, the boiled leaves can be applied, otherwise a patient is asked to have a tub bath. This relieves the pain and brings clear urine without any difficulty.

There are many prescriptions for blood impurities in which the internal bark of the tree is used.

Neem trees planted near dwellings have a prophylactic effect against malaria. Its antimalarial properties have been acknowledged by top-ranking research workers. Many European writers have found it useful I the treatment of intermittent fever and they have described its effect as akin to that of cinchona.

The bark, in the form of powder or decoction or fluid extract, is given in cases of fever. The decoction with a little black pepper and chiretta is a well known remedy for fever.

Oil prepared from the neem known as Nimbadi oil, given in doses of 10 drops with fresh milk once a day, has been found effective at the beginning of leprosy.

Oil extracted from the fruits is used for application in the case of scabies, itching, blood impurities and ulcers.

From the neem flower confections are made. These are very useful in soothing, healing and removing blood impurities.

Today from the neem tree is very useful in dyspepsia, general debility, chronic skin diseases and even in early stages of consumption.

A vast majority of people use the tender twigs of the tree even today as a toothbrush. It helps maintain dental health and keeps the mouth and breath clean and sweet.

About half an ounce of leaves mixed with camphor and asafetida (4 grains each) and ¼ tola of jaggery (gur) at bedtime is clained to act as a prophylactic during epidemics.

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Onion - Benefits in Home Based Remedies

Onion hardly needs an introduction. It forms an essential part of vegetables, though due to its typical odour (Durgandha), a section of people avoid it on religious grounds but a great majority use it as routine item of food. It is a very useful and effective home remedy and its bulb and seeds are used for medicinal purposes.

It is hot in action, stimulant, relieves Kapha and has a carminative action. It is considered as musk by poor people in rural areas. In cases of eholera, when nothing is available, the plain juice of onion is given for drinking and on the whole body this juice is rubbed.

The bulb broken and given for smelling removes unconsciousness. In many an emergency this has been tried with success.

The juice of onion, one or two drops, poured into the ear relieves earache. The juice is also applied for scorpion sting. A poultice is prepared after boiling onion which when applied to an abcess makes it ripe.

Patients suffering from disorders of Vayu can make use of onion in the same way as they do with garlic.

Onion is a constituent of many of the aphrodisiacs. Onion cut into small pieces, fried in pure ghee and taken early morning continuously for 21 to 42 days acts as a powerful aphrodislac.

Rural folks after a long walk take onion and gur with water, which gives them stamina.

In cases of sunstroke, the use of onion stops thirst on the spot and mitigates the effect of sunstroke.

The powder of black gram (udad) is rubbed in the juie of onion for seven days and the dried powder in the form of kanji produces an aphrodisiac effect.

Often onion is eaten raw or with salt and pepper. Onion eaten with gur helps the growth of children.

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Rauwolfia Serpentine - Benefits of Herbs

Sarpagandha ranks first among all the contributions by India to the modern medical world.

It has been used in the ancient system of medicine for the treatment of insomnia, hyper irritability and insanity. Research workers have discovered that it is highly effective in the treatment of hypertension.

Sarpagandha is available in the form of roots. It is the root of Sarpagandha that is used and its powder is used in dose of 4-6 rattis (8 to 12 grains). It has a quick effect on high blood pressure and it keeps the high blood pressure under control. A noteworthy feature is that it never lowers the blood pressure below the right limit.
It has a bitter taste, so it is made in the form of tablets and 1 to 2 tablets after the principal meals and one at bedtime are given in cases of high blood pressure. It induces sound sleep.

It relieves tension, anxiety and worry and fat people especially find it effective. Whenever a patient is extremely irritable and is behaving in an unruly manner, Sarpagandha has been found effective. However, it should be used with great care in the case of the debilitated, or those habitually depressed.

It relieves constipation in the case of patients suffering from hypertension as also headache. While it is used, a little chill or cold, and sometimes sneezing, may be observed in some cases.

In the case of gonorrhoea, when there is a burning sensation and pain while passing urine, and sleep is disturbed, if this medicine is given, it induces sound sleep at the same time reducing pain. It is equally useful for males as well as for females.

In the konkan area people are sometimes bitten by the snake called purusha, and a massive dose of 1-2 tolas 910-20 grams) of sarpagandha powder is given with water. A paste prepared by rubbing the root in water is also applied on the affected portion.

It is given to women during certain stages of labour to increase the contraction of the uterus. It is a uterine stimulant.

Garlic, Gingelly Seed, Guggul, Ginger, Henna, Heart - Leaved Moonseed, Holy Basil

Garlic - Benefits in Home Based Treatments

Garlic (Lasuna) is one of the best known spices used in the kitchen and it is one of the most important home remedies.

It lacks in one taste, amla or sour Rasa. It is cultivated throughout world and the parts used are the pulp and the oil.

It is very hot in action, a stimulant and reduces vayu. It is a carminative, effective in rheumatic pains. It kills worms and the oil extracted from the seed has a stimulant effect. It has a typical odour, due to which certain religious – minded people avoid it but the majority of people in Indian take it for allaying vayu and kapha disorders.

The ancient ayurvedic texts mention its use as a Rasayana or rejuvenator. It has been claimed by medical authorities that patients suffering from phthisis, cough and bronchitis are benefited to a great extent by garlic preparations.

Garlic has both prophylactic and curative properties. It is widely used in the preparation of curries, vegetables, pickles and chutneys.

Garlic is boiled along with till oil until the bulb becomes reddish and allowed to cool. This oil poured into the ears 92 drops at a time) shows wonderful results in many ear troubles, earache and pus formation in the ear.

According to ayurvedic theory, the use of garlic renews the tissues, enriches the blood and cleans all the impurities, improves digestion, removes parasites from the intestines and patients suffering from the disorders of the lungs, hypertension, asthma, rheumatic pains, constipation, worms and dyspepsia can take it with advantage.

In the monsoon season, regular use of garlic keeps a person fine and fit and it protects the body from epidemics and endemics. Its use is also advantageous during the winter season. It is a wrong notion that garlic and milk cannot be used together. If milk is boiled with garlic bulbs and taken according to medical advice, it gives lot of stamina, and strength and increases vitality, vim and vigour.

This milk is called Rason Siddha Dugdha. Along with other ingredients like Salam, Shatavari, Gokharu, a special Paka is prepared known as Rasaona Paka, which increases appetite, regularizes circulation of the blood, gives a lot of stamina and relieves pain in the body and joints.

Garlic is also used externally. Bruised garlic and onion are applied in the form of poultice on the chest to relieve pain and congestion.

Persons suffering from neuralgia can also use it with advantage in the cold season.

Garlic juice mixed with 3 or 4 parts of ordinary or distilled water has been used as a lotion for washing wounds and foul ulcers. Definite improvement in the condition of infected wounds takes place within 24 ours after washing with this lotion and a very marked improvement is seen after 48 hours. Not only does the discharge decrease considerably but pain is also considerably relieved and in some cases disappears altogether. This application does not cause any injury to the tissues.

Garlic has a diuretic effect and hence it is used in dropsy or renal swelling. Some medical preparations with garlic, onion and red chillies made by experienced Vaidyarajas have shown a marvelous effect in cases of cholera where the stage of coma and collapse has been reached. These preparations have saved the lives of many people.

Garlic relieves flatulence. Patients suffering from sciatica as also women with attacks of hysteria can take it with advantage.

Garlic has been used in hundreds of ayurvedic preparations and one of the best known is Gandhaka Vati. It contains ginger, black pepper, salt, cumin seeds and garlic and is mixed with the juice of lemon. Two of those pills after the principal meals both times, relieves gas, dyspepsia, constipation, heart – burn, and hyper – acidity. It also kills the parasites and taken regularly for a month or two, it gives a feeling of general well – being as ear as the digestive system is concerned. In a few cases even reduction of weight has been noticed, with the disappearance of accumulation of fat on the abdominal wall.

In fact, a separate treatise could be written on the uses of garlic, which occupies a prominent place among grandma’s home remedies.

It should, however, be remembered that garlic does not suit a few temperaments but such persons are few and those to whom it appears unsuitable should avoid its use as far as possible.

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Gingelly Seed - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Gingelly seed (Til) is one of the most commonly used articles. Three varieties are available, black, white and red. The black variety is considered to be the best.

The oil extracted from the seeds is known as til oil or gingelly oil. It is considered as the best oil for cooking purposes from all medical points of view. It is unctuous, carminative, diuretic, aphrodisiac, increases the hair and purifies the ulcers.

The seeds of gingelly (Til) pounded and mixed with a little butter and sugar can be given to patients suffering from hemorrhoids. Several medicated hair oils and other oils intended for massage contain Til oil.

The residue obtained after extracting oil from the seeds is boiled and bound to the stomach to regulate menstrual flow. A tub bath with the decoction prepared from the leaves of Til serves the same purpose. The decoction is given orally also to bring menstrual flow regularly.

A mixture of 20 drops of Til, 20 drops of lime water and 3 drops of plain water is very useful in the ailment of gonorrhoea. It relieves pain and brings clear urine.

The use of Til as a tonic in the winter season is well known. It is taken with coconut, dates etc.

A massage with Til oil produces a tonic effect and administered internally, the oil allays Vayu and reduces flatulence and obesity.

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Guggula Or Gugul - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Nowadays the problem of premature ageing is puzzling physicians and so many types of tonics are on sale that it would be quite proper to suggest a simple but effective ayurvedic tonic popularly known as Gugul or Balsamodendron Mukul.

Gugul trees are mainly cultivated in Cutch, Marwar and Saurashtra but are also found in other parts of the world. These trees grow to a height of 4 to 6 ft. In the winter and summer seasons their juice comes out and is collected in the form of Gugul. This Gugul is purified with a decoction of Triphala and the pure gugul thus obtained is used internally as well as externally. Although Gugul can be administered without being clarified, purified gugul is much more advantageous.

Gugul is a good and cheap tonic especially for the aged. The sweet variety from the Village Nara in cutch is considered to be the best.

Gugul is a blood purifier. It removes the impurities of blood through perspiration; impurity and discoloration of the skin is also cured by Gugul.

In chronic cases of rheumatism and arthritis it helps to relieve pain and produces a feeling of physical well – being. It keeps a person fit.

It is an appetizer as well as a carminative. It relieves vayu, strengthens the intestines, improves the digestive system and one gets good bowel movements.

In women obesity is often a problem. Scanty menses and painful periods due to accumulation of fat, and constipation respond favorably to the administration of gugul internally.

The usual dosage in all the above conditions will be 4-6 rattis or 8 to 12 grains two to three times a day.

Gugul is used in more than 100 ayurvedic medicines. Gugul in powder form mixed with ghee and applied in the form of a paste over a bandage on chronic and non – healing ulcers shows marvelous results.

Gugul, Sulphur and Borax all rubbed together in the form or ointment is an effective cure for what is known as Delhi Sore.

Pills prepared out of a mixture of Gugul, pure Shilajit and an extract of Gulancha, known as Shilajit Raayana, taken at the rate of 2 pills twice a day, counteract debility. It is particularly beneficial to people who are having trouble from enlargement of the prostate.

Given to women when the periods are about to cease, it relieves tension and other reactions. Vasaka, pepper, Honey and ghee along with gugul is a good remedy for chronic bronchitis.

Gugul, along with agar, khas, sandalwood etc. also makes a good incense.

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Ginger - Benefits in Home Based Remedies

There are two varieties of Ginger (adrak) red and white flowers, as well as with small and big branches.

The leaves, the bark of the root, flowers, juice (i.e. the milk obtained by breaking the buds of the flowers) are all used for medicinal purposes.

It has a particular bitter taste and distinctive odor. It has a laxative effect and is a purifier. It has a fine effect on the heart akin to digitalis. The juice is an irritant and very hot in action, and should be used with care.

The flowers aid in digestion, remove stomach pain and have a tonic effect.

The gigantic swallowwort is a well – known home remedy, and it is not only a favorite in the rural areas but has also found its way to the higher circles. Ayurvedic physicians use it alone or in combination with other well – known drugs.

The leaves of the tree have wide medical application. Take the leaves, apply a little lukewarm castor oil and fix them on the stomach, tied with a string. This will relieve abdominal gas and colic spontaneously.

Take the juice of the leaves 16 parts, powder of turmeric one part and the oil of yellow sarson (musterd) 6 parts. Mix them all. The resultant oil applied on the skin in disorders like scabies and particularly chronic eczema, is found to be beneficial.

The powder of dried leaves sprinkled on wounds helps the healing process.

Five drops of the juice of the leaves mixed with honey, given morning and evening internally, proves beneficial in case of enlargement of the spleen and it removes the feeling of feverishness brought about by weakness.

The problem of dog bite (especially by rabid dogs) is not yet solved. Injections may be tried as a preventive measure but no sure remedy is available. However, there is a well – known formula used in the rural areas. The powder of the bark of the root of gigantic swallowwort, one part; powder of the leaves of the dhatura tree, 1/8 part; and sugar one part; are all mixed together, rubbed in water and pills prepared of 2 grains each.

The victim is first given a purgative (castor oil) and then these pills are started. For adults 3 pills and for youngsters 1-2 pills, according to age, are given early in the morning with a little water and then a little channa can be given, but nothing afterwards for three hours.

This treatment should be continued for 40 days. This medicine is considered to be an effective remedy for dog, fox or cat bite. No trouble is likely to arise later but if any tendency is observed, the juice of the leaves of gigantic swallowwort one part, 1/8 part of the juice of the leaves of the dhatura tree, and til oil one ounce, all mixed together should be given on the spot, and half that quantity on the second and third days.

The juice is used to prepare various bhasmas (oxides of well known ayurvedic metals).

Patients suffering from chronic rheumatic attachs can take the powder of the root of the gigantic swallowwort and ginger in equal quantities mixed together to form 6-12 rattis. It brings on perspiration, removes pain in the joints and is effective for reducing swelling of the joints.

A bhasma, prepared from the ripe leaves of this tree (64 parts) and common salt (4 parts), mixed together, is highly effective in digestive disorders and removes gas.

In cases of elephantiasis and the swelling of the scrotum, the root is ground into a paste with butter milk and applied to the swelling. This has been found efficacious in the preliminary stages.

Another well – known use of this tree is in ear ache, pus coming out of the ear accompanied by pain. The ripe leaves are roasted, the juice taken, and 2- to 5 drops are poured into the ears.

Gigantic swallow wort has effective use in kapha, cough, asthma and breathlessness. Dried flowers, 1-2 rattis, pounded and boiled with molasses, are used as a remedy for breathlessness.

Demuk, the well – known authority suggests: Take 125 flowers, dry them and powder them and mix them with one tola each of cloves, nutmeg, mace, pellitory root and make them into pills of half a tola each, one pill daily to be taken in the morning, dissolved in milk. This medicine is good for virility.

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Henna - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

An indispensable cosmetic item, henna is popular with women. Aromatic essence is prepared from henna and it is applied to color the nails as also palms. Henna is a medicinal plant, too. The leaves are cooling, diuretic, have tonic value, and are used in cases of impurity of the blood and for reducing swelling.

The flowers have stimulant, narcotic properties and act as a tonic to the heart and nerves.

Some of the medicinal uses are:

Take the fresh leaves of henna, dry them in the shade and get them powdered. Take this powder (10 tolas) , senna leaves (2.5 tolas) and purified sulphur (2.5 tolas. Mix them all together in powder form.

Doses of 2 to 3 grams, morning and evening with honey, water or milk, remove blood impurities, cure scabies, pimples, itching, constipation, burning in the urine, leucoderma, and are useful in the initial stages of leprosy.

A paste, made of leaves, applied on the soles of the feet will give a very soothing and cooling effect to those suffering from smallpox. There is a special medicinal quality in the leaves of henna which gives a cooling and soothing effect to persons having a burning sensation in some part of the body.

Experienced ancient physicians of Maharashtra used to give the powder of the leaves, along with sugar, to cure spermatorrhoea. It stops semen passing through the urine, and makes the semen thick.

It is not a stimulant, but is mild and hence very useful for patients of pitta temperament.

A special preparation known as Tin oxide, banga bhasma, prepared from the leaves of henna, is also useful in cases of spermatorrhoea, genitor – urinary disorders, and it has no side reactions.

The seeds o henna are known as Kamarakasa, and they have a tonic and nutritive value.

In chronic eczema, gout, itching, scabies, chronic wounds and abscesses, the leaves of henna are made into a paste and applied. The paste is also applied in cases of pain and swelling in the joints.

In cases of stomatitis and soreness of throat, the decoction of the leaves is prepared, and gargling of this water helps heal up stomatitis.

Unani hakims prepare a kalpa out of henna to turn grey hair dark. It is better than artificial kalpas because of the beneficial and cooling effect of henna. Henna flowers are used in the preparation of hair oils.

In ancient times, a pillow stuffed with henna flowers was used to induce sleep.

The bark in the form of infusion is given to those suffering from jaundice and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Two teaspoonfuls of the juice, given early on an emply stomach, for seven days, are an efficacious remedy for jaundice.

The flowers were used for the purpose of distillation, and the fragrant water so prepared was employed by the ancients for bathing purposes.

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Heart – Leaved Moonseed

Heart – Leaved Moonseed has an enviable position among home remedies. It is a climbing plant and especially when it is attached to the Neem tree it becomes more effective. Its stem and root are used in medicine.

The sattva prepared from gulancha and known as Galosattva in the form of white powder given in dose of 4-8 rattis (8 to 16 grains) is the best remedy for burning sensation. It allays pitta, dyspepsia, weakness, leucorrhoea, a feeling of feverishness, and intermittent fever. It can also be given as a valuable tonic in debilitating diseases.

It is a diuretic and a form of bitters. It is vermicide also and vaidyas speak of its effect on tridoshas and in restoring the balance of vayu, pitta and kapha.

It especially reduces fat. It has a rasayana property i.e. it regulates the flow of rasa in body.

It is a tonic for the liver, purifies the blood and improves the quality of blood.

It increases appetite, removes the feeling of fatigue, improves digestion, increases the red corpuscles in the body. One gets clear urine, its paleness disappears, strength increases and it can be used during a convalescing period.

The extract prepared from Gulancha is known as Sham Shamni. It is useful in cases of fever and can especially be given to debilitated persons, in chronic fever when there is a burning sensation, and in cases of leucorrhoea in females.

Its use in ayurveda is very extensive and we can safely recommend this herbal remedy, which is easily available, for the improvement of health.

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Holy Basil (Tulsi) - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

Holy Basil (Tulsi) is cultivated throughout world and finds a place in every Hindu home and near temples. Root, seeds and leaves, mainly the last, are used in medicine.

There are two varieties of tulsi, black and white, of which the black one is usually used. The juice of leaves is pungent, hot; it contains anti pyretic properties; it helps to make vayu and kapha subside and is a stimulant as it contains an active ingredient known as thymol.

The seeds are diaphoretic and unctuous. The tulsi contains an essential aromatic oil. It is a mosquito repellant and is therefore sometimes called “mosquito plant”.

It is a well known home remedy. The powder of black pepper, mixed with the juice of tulsi leaves is given in malarial fever.

There are some preparations available which are given in the juice of the tulsi with ginger to patients who are unconscious and have reached a stage of collapse, where the pulse beat is imperceptible and the heart is sinking. At such times, the medical preparations given with ginger and tulsi juice do work wonders and the patient is brought back to consciousness.

The juice of leaves is fed to a person who is unconscious through snake – bite, and 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls are given at an interval of 2 to 3 hours. The juice is also applied on the whole body. It is applied in case of scorpion sting as well.

In ordinary form, the juice of the tulsi with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom. A little sugar and milk helps a lot in common cold and influenza. It brings about perspiration, reduces fever, pain in the joints and acts as an expectorant. Sometimes the juice of the leaf is applied all over the body in cases of malarial fever.

A few drops of the juice poured into the ear stops earache. The juice of leaves serves as a rejuvenator if taken twice a day at the rate of one teaspoonful. It gives a glow to the complexion.

The tulsi has been used in India from the Vedic period. At the time of epidemics and endemics it acts as a prophylactic.

The juice of the leaves given with the juice of garlic and honey reduces cough in a wonderful way. The juice cheeks vomiting; it removes intestinal worms.

Leaf – juice is used along with honey to make medical preparations. In certain varieties of skin disorders like itching, ring – worm and impure blood, the juice is applied on the affected part, as also taken internally.

Some mix a little lemon juice with it, which would be more effective in cases of ringworm, but in ordinary skin troubles, the juice of the tulsi alone would suffice.

Its seeds, mixed with gur or jaggery, taken morning and evening make a nutritious tonic, produce an aphrodisiac effect, and the preparation is useful in spermatorrhoea.

The powder of the root, taken with ghee daily in the evening produces a powerful tonic effect.

Another variety of tulsi known as jangli or vana tulsi is also used for medicinal purposes. One or two leaves are kept in the mouth to remove the foul smell, stomatitis and counteract diarrohoea.

The Tulsi is available every where with ease, and being very cheap and effective at the same time, it is quite a useful home remedy.

Castor Oil, Camphor, Cardamom, Chebulic Myrobalan, Ceylon Leadwort, Cloves, Cumin Seed, Cowhage, Cinnamon

Castor Oil Plant Benefits and Uses

It is cultivated throughout world. Two varieties are found, small and large as well as red and white. The seeds of the tree are peeled and the oil extracted is known as castor oil. Castor oil is now available in a refined form without the nauseating smell or taste.

According o Ayurveda, the castor tree is sweet, hot, allays Vayu and Kapha. It is heavy, useful in swelling, feverishness, coughing, digestive disorders and purgation.

Castor oil is cooling. Soothing and allays Vayu. The roots are laxative and in many a decoction they are included as Vatahara. The leaves are cooling and soothing.

Castor oil is an innocent and mild laxative. Which even infants, aged people and expectant mothers can take. It is a non-irritant purgative. When it reaches the duodenum. It is decomposed by the pancreatic juice into recinoleic acid, which irritates the bowels, stimulates the intestinal glands and the muscular coat and causes purgation. It never causes griping or pain. Some people add the juice of ginger and then it becomes a better carminative and appetizer. Many people take it with a cupful of milk or tea. In the initial stages castor oil is an effective laxative but with prolonged use it loses its effectiveness and the stools become hard.

The leaves of castor tree are a little hot and applied on the abdominal region bring clear menses.

In the early stages of dysentery some expert clinicians give castor oil and remove the accumulated faeces and then they start the astringent treatment to stop the loose motions.

The decoction prepared from dry ginger along with one or two teaspoonfuls of castor oil will give very clear motion.

There are several disorders like backache, sciatica, rheumatism, arthritis, where the vitiation of Vayu is present and where the decoction of root of castor tree along with the decoction of ginger, with an addition of pure Shilajit, will offer relief

In painful affections of the rectum, such as fissures and piles, and to prevent strain while passing stool, castor oil in small doses is often of great help. It can also be applied locally with great benefit.

Castor oil is also used in several medicines of which the most well – known is Simhanada Gugula, of which 2 pills morning and evening with other suitable vehicles, has been found useful in cases of backache, sciatica and rheumatic pains.

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Uses of Camphor and Camphor Oil

This aromatic wood crystalline powder is imported from japan and China. Where the big trees grow. Various varieties are available and they have been analysed.

Kapur (Camphor) is being used in Ayurveda and according to the ayurvedic line of therapeutics, Kapur is biter, cold in action, light, useful to the eyes, aphrodisiac, decreases Kapha and Pitta and removes foul odor.

It is one of the best bactericides, very useful in ailments like cholera, hysteria, excessive thirst, and burning sensation and is used in disorders of the skin also.

It is a stimulant to the heart, it promotes the secretion of gastric juices and other secretions in the digestive tract and is given in the stage of coma where a patient is collapsing. It restores the pulse beat to the normal level. It removes foul Kapha, expels it and regulates respiration. It is used in oils and ointments for the purpose of application and it helps sweating. In the beginning it shows a stimulant effect and thereby produces a feeling of relaxation.

Taken in excessive dose it brings slight giddiness, heaviness in the head and the person becomes unconscious, with convulsions. It should also be given with care to pregnant women, but in very small dose it has an aphrodisiac effect. It is insoluble in water but soluble in milk and honey. The general dose is 1-2 rates (2-4 grains).

Distilled water in the form of liquid extract from camphor is used for cholera and vomiting and the most well – known medicine is prepared thus: Take camphor, peppermint and thymol in equal quantities in a suitable vehicle like tincture of cardamom. 5-10 drops, as the case may be, are given. This is given in several disorders like indigestion, cough, feverishness, mosquitbite, vomiting, diarrhea and it is a remedy which deserves to be kept at home and carried during journeys.

Camphor is used as a healing agent and forms an ingredient of the most well – known Ayurvedic dressing oil, Panchaguna Tail, which is used for cuts, wounds, bleeding, injuries and non-healing ulcers.

Camphor oil is applied for rheumatic pain, pain in the chest, back etc. Take one part of camphor and four parts of coconut oil. Warm the oil a bit, add camphor and preserve it in a bottle. This is very useful for massaging, even for infants.

Many of the cough lozenges contain camphor as an ingredient because it removes the foul odor from the mouth and expels Kapha.

Because of its germicidal properties it is included in many preparations for diarrhea and loose motions. One well had known preparation which contains camphor, nut – meg, mace, purified borax. Indrajava, opium, all mixed together and rubbed in plain water is Karpura Rasa, in the shape of pills of 2 grains, which are given in conditions of loose watery motions and their effect has been marvelous, stopping, as they do, the loose motions on the spot.

Camphor mixed with Asafetida is given in cases of feminine hysteria. It relieves abdominal gas and has a carminative effect.

Camphor rubbed in the milky juice of the Banyan tree is applied for white spots in the eyes.

Many of the tooth – powders contains Camphor, particularly of the Bhimseni variety. Such powders remove foul smell from the mouth and allay dental decay as well as toothache.

Camphor mixed with ghee is applied on non – healing wounds.

There are many preparations of camphor available in the form of emulsion, tincture, spirit and liniment. In short, camphor has manifold medicinal uses and its place among Home Remedies is unique.

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Cardamom Benefits, Cardamom Seeds Uses

Cardamom is cultivated in western and southern India. Ceylon and Burma. Dry ripened seed and oil from the seeds are used in medicine.

It is a very active aromatic, stimulant, carminative, diuretic agent and useful in stomach disorders. It reduces kapha. It is cold in action, useful in dyspepsia and coughing and difficulty in passing urine. It has a tonic effect.

Even Unani Hakims make successful use of it and they use it in nausea, vomiting and headache. Cardamom seeds are also used as a flavoring agent.

A powder containing equal quantities of cardamom, ginger, cloves and caraway seeds is useful in dyspepsia and loss of appetite and in digestion.

A powder known as Eladi Churna is a tonic and useful in bronchial affections, hyperacidity, heart burn and nausea.

As a home remedy it is used externally as well as internally. The oil of the seed is applied when there is pain in joints. After consuming an excess quantity of bananas, if there is a feeling of distension of gas in the abdomen, cardamom makes the trouble subside.

In many tooth powders, cardamom is used for its germicidal and flavoring properties.

The powder of cardamom, given with ghee and sugar, is useful for certain maladies of the eye and the dose of the powder is 10 to 20 grains.

Always employ fresh cardamom and the small cardamom known as Chhoti Elachi. (Small Cardamom)

Cardamom is used also in several tonics and aphrodisiacs. It reduces pain in cases of inflammation of the nerves.

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Chebulic Myrobalan Benefits and Uses

The fruit is usually two inches long, oval in shape, with dull yellow color.

There are many varieties, of which two are mainly used, survari harad and bala barad which is also known as himag. The second variety is smaller and of a deep black color. It has a wrinkled skin and does not contain any stone inside. Mostly the outer skin of the dry harad is used.

Harad (Chebulic Myrobalan) is perhaps one of the most well – known of home remedies. Chiefly it is used as a laxative which is safe and effective at the same time.

For an average person, big harad, powdered and given in dose of 2-3 teaspoonfuls at bedtime, will serve the purpose.

Harad contains all the six tastes except lavana (saltish). It is hot in action, reduces the tridoshas, and the post – digestive action is beneficial. It is good for the mental faculty and it has rejuvenating properties. It can be given to patients in asthma, cough, urinary disorders, piles and in cases of swelling, blood impurities, heart disorder and other ailments.

Though it is a mild laxative and to a certain extent a purgative, it can be given in cases of chronic diarrhea, dysentery and flatulence. In small doses it works wonders. Its cold infusion can be given as a gargle for sore throat and bleeding gums. Rubbed with rosewater, it can be applied on swellings also.

Take harad, behada (beleric myrobalan) and amla (embolic myrobalan), all in equal parts, get them powdered. This is known as triphala powder. As a purgative and laxative it suits all temperaments, and it is very useful to young people suffering from spermatorrhoea and nightmares]

It keeps the bowels in good condition, removes accumulation of faeces, maintains normal appetite, improves digestion, increases red corpuscles and enriches the blood. It is a safe and reliable remedy which can be taken daily without any side reaction or habit – forming effect.

Grandma rubs the big harad on a special stone and gives the product to the small infant. It removes constipation and keeps the infant fit. It also prevents the formation of kapha in small children.

Harad (chebulic Myrobalan) is used in so many ayurvedic remedies that a separate treatise can be written on the same. Unani hakims have also employed it with success, they use it for rheumatism, constipation, severe headache, running nose, cold, catarrh, sciatica etc.

Unani hakims take all the three myrobalans in equal quantity, powder it and mix it with almond oil and honey, making a confection from it. The dose is one tola at bedtime, and this is one of the important remedies for chronic sinusitis, cough, asthma and rheumatic pains.

If you are in search of a safe and effective drug which is a general laxative, and which is at the same time a tonic with soothing and good effects on health, harad is the answer. It can be given to all and in all seasons. Only it should not be given in big doses to weak persons.

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Ceylon Leadwort - Natural Healing Herb Benefits

Nowadays when complaints of flatulence or abdominal distension popularly known as gastric trouble or gas are much in evidence, the use of Ceylon Leadwort or Chitrakamula is often called for.

It is an effective appetizer and digestive which improves digestion by increasing the secretion of digestive juices, as well as improves the absorption of food juices.

The root is the main part used from this herb which is mainly available from southern, northern and western India and Ceylon.

The irritant action of Chitraka was known to our ancient sages. Modern research scholars have found that ‘plumbagin; is present in all varieties of plumbago to a maximum of about 0.91% and due to its irritating properties, it has been found efficacious in chronic skin disorders like leucoderma and baldness.

For dyspepsia, Ceylon Leadwort has no parallel. Take rock salt, long pepper, chebulic myrobalan and Ceylon Leadwort in equal parts and powder them. The dose would be 2-3 grams.

According to the ancient system of medicine, the root cause of piles is dyspepsia. Hence it has been found that various preparations made from Chitraka are beneficial to sufferers from piles. The paste prepared from pepper, black pepper, chitrakamula, salt and other appetisers, was applied to the interior sides of a vessel prepared of earth and in this vessel milk was allowed to become curd. The butter milk obtained from this curd is considered a boon for those who suffer from piles.

The well – known ayurvedic remedy, yogaraj Guggula, for rheumatism contains chitraka. Similarly Chitrakadi Vati containing various salts, carminatives and appetizers, has been found highly effective in anorexia, loss of appetite, gas formation, constipation and heaviness in the stomach. A dose of 1-2 pills after meals with water or otherwise, whenever required, gives relief.

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Cloves Benefits - Clove Oil Uses, Natural Healing Herb

Cloves (Lavanga) is a stimulant, aromatic, antispasmodic, carminative, appetisr, digestive, diaphoretic, blood purifier and allays kapha.

It has many medicinal properties, the dry flower buds as well as oil being used.

It is a well – known home remedy. Cotton moistened with one or two drops of clove oil and kept in dental cavities helps to relieve toothache. Clove oil is applied externally in rheumatic pains, sciatica, headache and lumbago.

A very well – known remedy, Lavangadi Vati, chewed in the mouth relieves sore throat, dry cough, foul breath and tonsillitis. The clove heated over a flame is kept in the mouth and its juice swallowed. It relieves sore throat, it also strengthens the gums.

Cloves, ginger, ajawayan and rock salt all in equal parts, made into 4 grains pills and taken one pill after the principal meals, is a useful remedy in indigestion.

The powder of cloves, dry ginger, black pepper and fried borax dissolved in the mouth and swallowed relieves bronchitis.

Pills made from a mixture of cloves, sandalwood paste, saffron and mercuric chloride serve as a tonic in syphilitic affections.

Clove oil is widely used in perfumery and in medicinal preparations to remove any disagreeable taste.

Cloves also occupy an important place in Indian cooking. It contains a volatile oil which is used in condiments.

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Cumin Seed - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

These small plants resemble those of Ajawayan. The part used in medicine is the seeds, which contain an aromatic volatile oil.

The seeds are carminative, aromatic, stomachic and on the whole cold in action. They are pungent, bitter, digestive, appetizing, useful to the eyes, beneficial to the heart and strengthen the uterus. They are also diuretic.

The distilled water in the form of Arka prepared from jeeraka, Sua and Sauff, serves as an excellent gripe water and can be given to infants. It will keep them very healthy, relieving abdominal colic, Indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea and other digestive disorders. The decoction of jeerka can also be used for bathing the skin.

Many a digestive powder contains jeeraka as an ingredient. Vegetables like potatoes, green peas etc. do not produce gas, if they are fried with jeeraka.

It is a galactagogue and can be given to ladies after delivery to increase breast – milk.

The powder of roasted jeeraka is used in dose of 2 grams as a vehicle for the medicine meant for sprue (sangrahani) and it helps a lot in improving digestion, increasing the appetite and forming the stool.

While it is a well – known home remedy, it also finds a place in the kitchen. Being used in curries, pickles etc. Its regular use in food keeps the digestive tract healthy.

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Cowhage - Benefits of Natural Healing Herb

The seeds are used for medicinal purposes. They are boiled and the outer cover removed and the internal material is then considered as purified.

It is cold in action, nutritious, aphrodisiac, nervine tonic, useful in leucorrhoea in women. The seed pods are covered with stiff hairs which cause an itching sensation when they come in contact with the body and so mischievous children play tricks with it.

400 gms. Of the seeds are boiled in 8 ibs. Of cow’s milk till the milk becomes thick. The seeds are then decocted and pounded, then fried in ghee and made into a confection with double the weight of sugar. The mass is then divided into balls, which are kept steeped in honey. Dosage 1 to 2 balls (each ball of 10 gms.) with milk. This is one of the best aphrodisiacs. It increases the quantity and improves the quality of semen by increasing the sperm count and so it is used in male sterility where the sperm count is sub – normal. The author has found it very effective in cases of oligosperma and aspermia but in cases of total aspermia, where the testicular biopsy is not positive, the chances of recovery are very poor. These balls 1-2 morning and evening, taken for a couple of weeks, increase sex desire and make a man potent and virile. Hence it is very effective where retentive power is poor.

The powder of Kaunchabeeja also can be taken in dose of 3-6 grams morning and evening, with a glassful of milk. It has also a similar effect.

The root is diuretic and the decoction of the root is given in cases of cgolera where urine is suppressed. It is even rubbed in the form of Lepa (paste) on the palm and feet in similar cases.

The decoction of the root is hypnotic also. A piece of cotton soaked in the decoction of the root and kept in the vagina and regularly changed, will strengthen the vaginal walls.

The powder of Kaunchabeeja, Shatavari, Gokharu and Ashwagandha mixed together and given in dose or 2-3 grams morning and evening along with milk, tea or coffee, imparts vim, vigour, vitality and stamina and strengthens the nerves by removing nervous debility.

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Health Benefits of Cinnamon - Cinnamon Uses

Cultivated mainly in Ceylon and South India, the dried inner bark of the cinnamom plant is used in medicine.

There are two varieties available, thin and thick. The thin one is more effective. It is light, sweet and pungent.

From very ancient times it has been a well – known home remedy and it is used by many people. It is hot in action, decreases kapha and vayu, cures anorexia, reduces mucus and is very useful in chronic cough and cold. It leaves a typical taste in the mouth.

It increases pitta slightly. It is used externally as well as internally. It contains a volatile oil which is applied externally for headache. It is a effective carminative and it is believed that it destroys bacteria.

A small piece of cotton – wool dipped in cinnamon oil and kept in dental cavities alleviates pain on the spot.

Cinnamon is used in various cough remedies and the most well known cough remedy known in ayurveda is Sitopaladi Churna which contains cinnamon 1 part, cardamom 2 parts, pepper 3 parts, vansalochan 4 parts and sugar 8 parts. All these are powdered together and the dose is 6-12 rattis (12-24 grains).

This powder taken with honey removes the burning sensation in feet and hands. It stops coughing and is given to consumptive patients with advantage when there is a lot of coughing and burning sensation in the chest.

Another well – known home remedy is : Take ginger, cardamom and cinnamon, make a powder of the same. This powder taken in the dose of 5 – 10 grains with honey is very effective in digestive disorders, griping, diarrhea and amoebic dysentery.

Other home remedies which are well – known are : Take cinnamon powder 1 gram, harde 4 grams and water 4 ozs. Boil for 10 minutes, filter and then give to drink. It is a good, mild, aromatic purge.

Take cinnamom 1 gram, cloves 10 grains, ginger 30 grains; powder them all together and boil in one seer of water for 15 minutes. Give a dose of 1 oz. every three hours. It is effective in influenza.

Cinnamon is used in many tooth powders for a dual purpose – it makes the mouth fragrant, removing bad odour, and at the same time kills bacteria. It thus preserves the gums and makes the teeth white.

Being a very good carminative and blood purifier, cinnamon is used in medicinal preparations for treating painful menses.

Cinnamon is often adulterated with a rougher, thicker and less aromatic bark from Cinnamomum tamala, etc. and care should be taken to obtain pure cinnamon.