Amla Health Benefits

We have already seen a brief information about Amla in last post. In this articles we will see what are the benefits of Amla to the human health. 

1. Amla and eye sight - When taken with honey, is useful in preserving eye sight. It will also be beneficial in the treatment of conjunctivitis and glaucoma. It reduces intraocular tension in effective manner.
2. Amla and hair care - Being a natural source of Vitamin C, amla is used as natural remedy in hair related problems. Amla is considered an elixir for hairs. Hair oils (Herbal hair oils), hair conditioners and medicines for hair care which contain extract of amla are also available in market, which do help in improving hair condition by nourishing hairs and giving them new look and shine.Massaging the head with amla oil, induces sound sleep, its an additional advantage. Prevents premature graying of hair.
3. Amla improves sex life - Especially helps in improving immune system of our body and makes our body stronger because of which our body fights efficiently with common diseases that cause much of the harm to our health as well as money (in term of medication it requires to cure them).   Improving the sexual vitality in males by strengthening glands important for semen secretion. People who are suffering from low semen problem can surely take help from this herb to improve their condition, for which, they can try taking 1 to 2 tea-spoon of amla powder in warm water daily. If in case this does not help them, it surely won't harm (wont show any side effect) like other medicines. 
4. Amla cleanses the mouth, strengthens the teeth.
   
5. Amla and diabetis - Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to regulate the blood glucose levels. It is the talk of the world today as the number of diabetic patients is rapidly increasing due to the adoption of western food habits aerated beverages, tobacco and alcohol.If you suffer from this disease trust the anti-diabetic potential of amla and prepare a mixture by mixing equal quantities of amla, jamun and bitter gourd powder. A teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day is effective in checking diabetes.
6. Amla fights acidity - Frequent intake of sweet, sour and spicy and oily food causes acidity. Excessive coffee, tea and smoking are other causative agents. Psychological reasons for acidity include anger, grief and depression.When your belly is on fire reach for amla. In acute or chronic acidity, simply take one gram of amla powder with a little sugar in milk or water twice a day.
7. Dealing with blood-pressure - The cholesterol in our body is a very essential component. The human liver is the main source of cholesterol. The amount of unused cholesterol gets collected in the blood vessels, Thus resulting in heart attacks. The Vitamin C in amla helps in dilating the blood vessels and there by reducing the blood pressure.Prepare a powdered mixture of dry amla and sugar candy. Mix one teaspoonful of this mixture in a glass of water and consume daily in empty stomach. This decoction helps in stabilizing the blood cholesterol level. 

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.

Amla - Herbal Gift from India

Family Name :  amalaki, dhatriphala in Sanskrit and Emblic officinalis scientifically

English Name: Indian gooseberry, Emblic Myrobalan

Botanical Name: Emblica officinalis, Euphorbiaceae

Common Name: AAMLA

Uses: It is aperients, carminative, diuretic, aphrodisiac, laxative, astringent and refrigerant. It is the richest known source of vitamin 'C'. It is useful in anemia, jaundice, dyspepsia, hemorrhage disorders, diabetes, asthma and bronchitis. It cures insomnia and is healthy for hair. It is considered as one of the most rejuvenating drugs, imparting a long healthy life and weight gain. It also acts as an antacid and anti-tumorganic agent.

Habitat/ Origin: It is found natively in India. Indian gooseberry has been used as valuable ingredient of various medicines in India and abroad.

Amla is one herb that can never be denied its important role in the array of Indian herbs. This herb not only boosts our immune system and helps in fighting various diseases but also helps us in building our personality by enhancing our physical looks and rejuvenate ourselves. In Ayurveda (an Indian medicine system practiced from thousand of years successfully), there are three main type of Doshas, Vaata Dosha, Kaph Dosha and Pitta Dosha (We will soon come up with articles on AYURVEDA describing DOSHA's). Amla helps in fighting and curing the Pitta Dosha which is usually (not essentially) developed in the body during summer period. It is not necessary that the Pitta Dosha develops only during summer period, in fact it can be developed any time and in anybody. Many small to big problems are caused due to Pitta Dosha, acidity problems, increased heat in the body etc. are some problems developed due to Pitta Dosha, because of which our health condition can decline at a high extent. 

Alma used in combination with other herbs gives quality results such as herbal product called "TRIFALA", which contains a combination of three herbs (Amla, haritaki and bibitaki). This compound is used as bowel tonic, it also helps in fighting problems occurred due to the imbalance of three doshas.

100 gm. of Amla contains about 700 mg. of vitamin C, which is thirty times the amount found in oranges. In addition to Vitamin C, it also contains calcium, iron, protein, garlic and tannic acids, sugar, phosphorus, carbohydrates etc

It has one of the richest concentrations of natural Vitamin C of any edible plants on this planet.

Aamla fruit is acrid, cooling, diuretic, laxative, alexeteric, antipyretic, alternant tonic, and trichogeneous.

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.

Pudina(Mint) - The Agent of Freshness

• Family Name: LAMIACEAE 
  
• Botanical Name: MENTHA ARVENSIS / PIPERITA 
  
• Common Name: FIELD MINT, CORN MINT, JAPANESE MINT, PUDINA 
  
• Part Used: WHOLE PLANT, OIL 
  
• Habitat: Found through out India. 
  

Pudina – another essential component in Indian kitchen is herb with rich medical properties. Pudina is also popularly known as mint. The entire mint plant is anti-bacterial and anti-febrile. Essential oil and menthol is extracted from mint. The rapid evaporation of this oil and menthol is slightly anesthetic and anodyne local effect. Oil and menthol is also effective in tackling with headache, rhinitis, cough, sore throat, colic and vomiting. Menthol is used in balm.

Mint is also used as flavoring agent in culinary preparations. The leaf, fresh or dried, is the culinary source of mint. Fresh mint is usually preferred over dried mint. The leaves have a pleasant warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste. Mint leaves are used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams. In Middle Eastern cuisine mint is used on lamb dishes. In British cuisine, mint sauce is popular with lamb.

Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains. To cure stomach aches, put dried mint leaves in boiling water, then, when it cools drink it. This tea is called monstranzo. During the middle Ages, powdered mint leaves were used to whiten teeth. Mint tea is a strong diuretic. Mint also aids digestion.

Menthol from mint essential oil (40-90%) is an ingredient of many cosmetics and some perfumes. Menthol and mint essential oil are also much used in medicine as a component of many drugs, and are very popular in aromatherapy.

Mint is also used as insecticides. Mint leaves are often used by many campers to repel mosquitoes. It is also said that extracts from mint leaves have a particular mosquito-killing capability.

Mint oil is also used as an environmentally-friendly insecticide for its ability to kill some common pests like wasps, hornets, ants and cockroaches.

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.

Broccoli - A Super Food

Broccoli is a plant of the Cabbage family, Brassicaceae. It closely resembles cauliflower with only difference of color. Broccoli is green whereas cauliflower is white.

Broccoli provides a high amount of vitamin C, which aids iron absorption, prevents the development of cataracts and eases the symptoms of the common cold. The folic acid in broccoli helps women sustain normal tissue growth. The potassium in it aids those battling high blood pressure, while a large amount of calcium helps combat osteoporosis. Good news is this vegetable is also fiber-rich, which enhances absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as aims to reduce blood cholesterol levels. The health benefits of broccoli have also been linked to preventing and controlling the following medical concerns like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, calcium deficiencies, stomach and colon cancer, malignant tumors, lung cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and even the aging process.

Broccoli sprouts are more effective than modern antibiotics against the peptic-ulcers-causing bacteria. Moreover, tests in mice show that the compound offers tremendous protection against stomach cancer - the second most common form of cancer in the world. Also a research revels that the individuals having broccoli in their diet are less prone to the lung cancer than others.

Preparing Broccoli-

 When preparing the vegetable, it is important to remember that over cooking broccoli — especially boiling it in water equals a reduction in vital nutrients which include anticancer compounds. Instead, try steaming, microwaving, or preparing broccoli in a tasty stir-fry. Look out for those broccoli tops which appear more purple than others. This means that they possess a higher level of carotenoids, which is better for your health.

Besides all its medical usage, it also tastes very good. So next time you buy vegetables....make sure this super food is in your cart.

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.

Garlic - Wonder Drug among all herbs

Botanical Name : Allium sativum (LINN.)

Family : N.O. Liliaceae

The Common Garlic a member of the same group of plants as the Onion, is of such ancientness as a cultivated plant, that it is difficult with any certainty to trace the country of its origin.

Garlic is a potent antioxidant that has been found to inhibit tumor cell formation and is currently being studied by the National Cancer Institute. It may be effective in fighting stomach, skin and colon cancer.

Though it is best know as a culinary herb and vampire retardant, the medicinal benefits and claims for garlic have awarded it the name "Wonder Drug among all herbs". Although Garlic directly attacks bacteria and viruses, it also stimulates the body's natural defenses against foreign invaders. Garlic is reported to be more effective than penicillin against typhus disease, and works well against strep, staph bacteria, and the organisms responsible for cholera, dysentery and enteritis.

Garlic has great value as a long-term dietary supplement, helping to maintain healthy circulation, balance blood sugar and pressure, reduce fat levels in the blood, and improve resistance to infection. It can be taken with conventional antibiotics to support their action and ward off side effects.

Garlic has also been used in treating upper respiratory infections, late-onset diabetes, urinary infections, acne, asthma, sinusitis, arthritis, and ulcers.

Garlic is said to be used for

• Lowering cholesterol levels
• Lowering blood pressure
• Cancer prevention
• Treating infection
• Enhancing immune function
• Antioxidant effects

 Garlic can assist in:

• Coughs, colds and other infections of the lungs and throat
• Reducing and expelling catarrh
• Asthma
• Fevers (can induce sweating);
• Healing of wounds, boils, sores etc (applied externally and taken  internally). Garlic can be valuable for infected wounds and used as a preventative against infection
• Fungal infections, athlete's foot for example
• Ear & Sinus infections;

Some of the most popular traditional uses of garlic have been for colds, flu and other infections, earaches, vaginal yeast infections, and high blood pressure. Modern research has focused on four main areas: heart disease, cancer, infectious disease, and antioxidant effects.

In addition to its culinary uses, garlic has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. Garlic is used raw, dried, or processed into pills or tablets. Since garlic flavor is strong, garlic supplements may help avoid garlic breath.

Be aware that in rare instances, there may be gastrointestinal symptoms, changes to the flora of the intestine, or allergic reactions on using garlic. 

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.

Ginger

Botanical Name :  Zingiber Officinalis

Family Name:  Zingiberaceae

Common Name:  Calamus, Sweet Ginger, Ginger Root

Part Used : Fresh And Dried Fruit 

Habitat : South East Asia and through out India.

Yet another blessing of nature, Ginger,  is a perennial herb that thrives in most parts of southern Asia, Jamaica, Nigeria, and the West Indies. The genus Zingiber comprises approximately 85 species of fragrant herbs from East Asia and tropical Australia. The name originates from a Sanskrit word meaning "horn-shaped," in reference to the bulges on the rhizome.

The plant has recently been cultivated in Florida, California, and Hawaii. Purple orchid-like flowers grow on the stalks of the wild plant. The most common part of the plant known for its multi-faceted use is the thick tuberous rhizome root that is brown on the outside but a dark yellowish amber hue on the inside.

Ginger is a plant that grows the best in the warm climates of China, India, and Jamaica. It has been discovered more than 2,500 years ago. Its flowers are similar to orchids. The rhizome of ginger has been used as a spice or flavoring agent. This plant is used for its carminative properties, as well as stimulant, diuretic and antiemetic qualities.

Uses Of Ginger:

The important uses of ginger herb are as:-

• Antinauseant
• Carminative (prevents intestinal gas)
• Cardiotonic (improves cardiac output)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anthelmintic, fungicidal, antibacterial

 

Ginger root is used extensively as a spice in many if not all cuisines of the world. Though called a root , it is actually the rhizome of the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber officinale. It is originating in southern China, cultivation of ginger spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean.

Ginger is wonderful for warming up the entire body & fighting off all/any nasty germs. Ginger's therapeutic actions are: anti-nausea, stimulant, circulatory stimulant, vasodilator, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, rubefacient and diaphoretic.  It can also help to lower cholesterol levels & reduces the risk of heart disease & stroke.  It can assist to lower blood pressure & helps stop coughing!

Ginger can help most digestive system problems, especially with nausea & colic. You can use it for travel and morning sickness, painful or irregular menstrual periods, though it's best to avoid if you have a tendency to "flood".  

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.

Ashwagandha

Alternative Names:

Withania Somnifera, Physalis Flexuosa, Asagandha, Asana, Asgandh, Asundha, Asvagandhi, Fatarfoda, Hirimaddina-gadday, Hirre- gadday.

How ashwagandha looks?

The Ashwagandha plant is a small evergreen shrub. It bears bright red fruits and small greenish flowers. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and can grow to a height of two feet.

It mainly grows in Africa, the Middle East and India. Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb, has been used in India for centuries. It helps to increase the body's resistance towards adverse influences. It is also an antispasmodic.

Uses and Benefits:

Ashwagandha is a superior rejuvenative herb for the muscles, bone marrow and semen. It also helps person's suffering with stress, weakness, tissue deficiency, the elderly, overwork, lack of sleep, nervous exhaustion, sexual debility, problems of old age, loss of memory, loss of muscular energy, insomnia, weak eyes, cough, infertility, glandular swelling.

This herb has been valued by people of many generations - due to its ability to increase vitality, energy, endurance and stamina, promote longevity and strengthen the immune system without stimulating the body's reserves.

Ashwagandha is used by both men and women - it is a very good herb and acts to calm the mind and promote sound, restful sleep. Ashwagandha promotes the body's ability to maintain homeostasis. It also helps to prevent or minimize imbalances that may lead to occurring of any disease, which may be due poor diet, lack of sleep, mental or physical strain, or chemical toxins in the environment.

How to Use Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha is taken by mouth directly. Strictly follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information written on it - do consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Adverse Side Effects of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is not a central nervous system stimulant, and it has an excellent safety profile. Most of the doctors have declared it for most people, but it may show some side effects in a very few people. So, you should first talk to your doctor before taking Ashwagandha.

Based on a long history of traditional use, ashwagandha appears to be well tolerated without significant adverse effects. There is little data from clinical studies. It is claimed anecdotally that large doses of ashwagandha may cause gastrointestinal irritation like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Some other (rare) side effects of ashwagandha may include a slight rise in body temperature after one week of use.

Ashwagandha should not used in combination with sedative drugs otherwise it may lead to some side effects.

As a potential sedative-hypnotic, it may theoretically potentiate other sedatives; this has not been reported or studied, and such effects are unlikely to be significant.

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.

Turmeric

Herbal Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a well-known indigenous herbal medicine. Its major constituents, curcumin, various curcuminoids, curcuma oil – particularly dl-ar-turmerone – exhibit a wide range of biological activities, e.g. anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, lipoxygenase, cycloxygenase, protease inhibitory effects, besides being effective active oxygen species scavengers and lipid peroxidase inhibitors.

A Persian physician came to India to confer with the Hindu pandits. Together they studied the Charak Samhita and all other medical texts. They realized that the medical texts are like an ocean and they were like pearl divers who plunged into the ocean to grasp the pearls. 

From Kavi Taranga, 1703 A.D.

Turmeric is a very important spice in India from ancient times.India produces nearly whole world’s turmeric crop and consume 80% of it. With its inherent qualities, Indian turmeric is considered the best in the world. The fresh spice is much preferred to the dried in South East Asia, The fresh rhizome is grated and added to curry dishes; it is also used as yellow curry paste in Thailand. Due to Indian influence, turmeric has also made its way to the cuisine of Ethiopia. Besides flavoring food, to purify the blood and remedy skin conditions is the most common use of Turmeric in Ayurveda. 

A yellow spice with a warm and mellow flavor, turmeric is related to ginger. Modern Indian cooking employs turmeric liberally. It is added to nearly every dish, be it meat or vegetables. Yellow rice is popular on the Eastern islands of Indonesia; it derives its colour from fresh or dried turmeric. Western cuisine does not use turmeric directly, but it forms part of several spice mixtures and sauces; it is also used to impart a bright yellow colour to mustard paste.

 

Turmeric is an important spice for many vegetable curries, rice preparation and other dishes. In some part of India, turmeric root is used to make a tasty vegetable dish. It is a most important spice in Indian recipes.

Hindi Name: Haldi
Botanical name: Curcuma longa L
Family name: Zingiberaceae

Turmeric has been used medicinally throughout Asia to treat stomach and liver ailments. It is a natural blood purifier. It is also used externally, to heal sores, as a cosmetic and for many other health benefits; it aids digestion, and helps to fight against infection and many more…

Synopsis of Turmeric’s Healing Properties 

Besides flavoring food, to purify the blood and skin conditions remedy is probably the most common use of Turmeric in Ayurveda.

 

• The main organs that turmeric treats are the skin, heart, liver and lungs. 
  

• Turmeric is used for epilepsy and bleeding disorders, skin diseases, to purify the body-mind, and to help the lungs expel Kapha. 
  

• Activities of Turmeric include: Alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, appetizer, astringent, cardiovascular, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, stimulant, and vulnerary. 
  

• Therapeutic uses of Turmeric: Anemia, cancer, diabetes, digestion, food poisoning, gallstones, indigestion, IBS, parasites, poor circulation, staph infections, and wounds. 
  

• Turmeric helps to regulate the female reproductive system and purifies the uterus and breast milk, and in men it purifies and builds semen, which is counterintuitive for a pungent bitter. 
  

• Turmeric reduces fevers, diarrhea, urinary disorders, insanity, poisoning, cough, and lactation problems in general. 
  

• Turmeric is used to treat external ulcers that respond to nothing else. Turmeric decreases Kapha and so is used to remove mucus in the throat, watery discharges like leucorrhea, and any pus in the eyes, ears, or in wounds, etc. 
  

• In Ayurvedic cooking, turmeric is everywhere, this multifaceted wonder spice helps 
  

1. Detoxify the liver 
   
2. Balance cholesterol levels 
   
3. Fight allergies 
   
4. Stimulate digestion 
   
5. Boost immunity 
   
6. Enhance the complexion 
   

• It is also an antioxidant Ayurveda recognizes turmeric as a heating spice, contributing bitter, pungent and astringent tastes. 
  

Turmeric Medicinal Use 

From many years awareness of turmeric and its use as medicine is continuously increasing. A flowering plant, Turmeric, in the ginger family, is commonly used as a food coloring and is one of the basic ingredients in curry powder. To heal many health disorders like liver problems, digestive disorders, treatment for skin diseases and wound healing turmeric has long been used in Medicinal as an anti-inflammatory. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric which has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects. 

Digestive Disorders 

Turmeric is considered as a digestive bitter and a carminative. It can be added into foods including rice and bean dishes to improve digestion, reduce gas and bloating. It is a cholagogue, stimulating bile production in the liver and encouraging excretion of bile via the gallbladder. This improves the body's ability to digest fats. For chronic digestive weakness and/or congestion turmeric is recommended. It can be taken as a single extract or in the form of digestive bitters, which combine turmeric with other bitter and carminative herbs. Turmeric is beneficial for people who feel tired after consuming meals or who experience gas and bloating. Whatever way turmeric is consumed it is beneficial to both the digestive system and the liver. 

Liver Diseases 

Turmeric is beneficial for its influence on the liver. In spring more consumption of herbs and foods can strengthen the liver. Turmeric shares similar liver protectant compounds that milk thistle and artichoke leaves contain. It is said to shrink engorged hepatic ducts, so it can be useful to treat liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice. 

Cancer 

Recent scientific research confirm that turmeric can cure host of diseases, also they found that turmeric restrain the growth of various types of cancer. Turmeric is used for the treatment of skin cancer or pre cancerous skin conditions. Both topical and internal uses are beneficial.

Atherosclerosis 

Turmeric may helpful in preventing the blockage of arteries that can gradually cause a heart attack or stroke in one of two ways. Turmeric makes cholesterol levels low and inhibited the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol). Oxidized LDL deposits in the walls of blood vessels and contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Turmeric may also prevent platelet build up along the walls of an injured blood vessel. Platelets collecting at the site of a damaged blood vessel cause blood clots to form and blockage of the artery as well.

Osteoarthritis 

Turmeric may help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis because of its ability to reduce pain and disability. 

Menstrual problems of Woman 

For women who experience monthly menstrual cramps, try using turmeric extract or bitters twice daily for two weeks prior to expected menstruation. Turmeric is an antispasmodic to smooth muscles so it reduces digestive and menstrual cramping. It should reduce the severity of pain, if not ease them completely. Certainly, diet and standard of living have a reflective influence on the menstrual cycle, but turmeric is a great addition. 

Bacterial Infection / Wounds 

Turmeric is useful as an external antibiotic in preventing bacterial infection in wounds. 

Eye Disorder 

Curcumin may prove to be as effective as corticosteroids in the uveitis (inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye between the sclera - white outer coat of the eye and the retina - the back of the eye) the type of eye disorder. 

Other Health Disorders 

Turmeric decreases congestion and inflammation from stagnant mucous membranes. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory to the mucous membranes, which coat the throat, lungs, stomach and intestines. Regular use of turmeric can benefit from Colitis, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, and post-giardia or post salmonella conditions. The itching and inflammation that accompanies hemorrhoids and anal fissures can reduce by use of turmeric. Turmeric can also benefit skin conditions including: eczema, psoriasis and acne, for those it is potent detoxifier. 

"Turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants 

prosperity of health. Turmeric is effectual for purification the chakras, 

as well as purifying the path of the subtle body."

Disclaimer : Article is only intended to uncover the medical properties of the herb. Please consult your doctor before using.