SMOWTION


Thursday, January 24, 2008

Medicinal use of Nux Vomica - a Homeopathic remedy

Homeopathic remedies are prescribed on the principal that 'like cures like', in a tiny dilution, if any of Homeopathic drug causes symptoms in a healthy person, similar to those caused by any disease in a sick person, than that particular drug is used to treat that disease.

Nux Vomica is the major digestive remedy used by homoeopaths. Nux Vomica contains the alkaloids, Strychnine and Brucine, and a glucoside Loganin, caffeotannic acid and a trace of copper. The pulp of the fruit contains about 5 per cent of loganin together with the alkaloid strychnicine. The properties of Nux Vomica are substantially those of the alkaloid Strychnine.

Nux vomica is often given for extreme over-sensitivity, anger and irritability, Itching in ear through Eustachian tube. It is a Homeopathic remedy for digestive complaints like indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and constipation. It can also be used for colds and headaches,Vertigo, with momentary loss of consciousness, Irritable bladder, Renal colic extending to genitals, Dysmenorrhœa, Irregular Menses, etc.

Nux vomica should not be used by pregnant women, and is also not recommended for children in higher doses, due to its toxicity. In higher doses, nux vomica has predominantly neurological effects, and may cause painful seizures, spasms, difficulty breathing, dizziness and confusion; hence it should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified Homeopath.

Introduction to Ayurveda

Ayurveda- the science of long life,is the longest health tradition and a complete system of medicine and healing(including surgery) based on nature.The word Ayurveda is composed of Ayu-which means life and veda which means knowledge.
Ayurveda has Holistic approach to Disease which occurs when the original form encounters change at psychological or physiological level. To regulate health in the living body,Ayurveda concised the panchabhootas-the five basic elements of nature,into tridoshas,namely vata,pitta and kapha.In diseased condition,the doshas manifest their particular symptoms denoting loss of natural rhythm or malfunction.The purpose of treatment of the disease is to bring the tridoshas in equilibrium ie back to their natural rhythm.This is acheived through Ayurvedic medicines which are made from wide range of various plant parts that are available in nature around us.These medicines are manufactured by extensive processes as prescribed by the ancient texts.Various clinical studies have now confirmed the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine and hence Ayurveda can no longer be called as pseudo-science.

Medicinal use of clove

Cloves(Syzygium Aromaticum) are the dried flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen tree that grows in tropical climates.Clove has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.It has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for toothache, and for mouth and throat inflammation.Cloves are well known also for their antiemetic (relieves nausea and vomiting) and carminative properties.Eugenol,one of the main constituents of clove oil exhibits broad antimicrobial activites agains both Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, as well as anti-fungal and anti-viral actions.Clove oil contains compound that helps with blood circulation and can stimulate the skin when applied directly to it.Cloves are a great spice to heal ailments of the digestive system. They are well known for relieving flatulence and can actually help promote good digestion as well as metabolism. Clove is rich in minerals such as calcium, hydrochloric acid, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A and vitamin C.
MEDICINAL USES:Clove is used in treatment of Nausea,Headache,Earache,Diarrhea,Toothache,Digestive disorders,Cholera,Cough,Bronchitis,Asthma,Muscular Cramps,Stye,Scabies,malaria,improving Blood circulation,blood purification,insect bites and stings,skin diseases like athlete’s foot, fungal infections,prickly heat,wound, cuts,bruises,boosting Immune System,etc.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Herbal remedies for arthritis

Arthritis is a very painful condition in which the cartilage,ligaments and muscles become inflamed,resulting in severe pain in the affected joints.There is no permanent cure for this disease. The following Herbs have been used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis: Shallaki also known as boswellia (Boswellia serrata),Ashvagandha (Withania somniferum),Ginger (Zingiber officinale),Guggul(Commiphora Mukul).Other herbs that have proved to be effective are:Erand(Ricinus Comunis),Shunth(Zingiber Officinalis),Turmeric,Devdaru(Cedrus Deodara),Giloy(Tinospora cardifolia),Pepper,Alfalfa. Ayurvedic medicines like Mahayograj Guggul,Yograj Guggul also give good results.Application of Ayurvedic oil like Mahanarayan Tail also provides relief.Daily intake of wheatgrass also helps.regular intake of Garlic has also proved to be beneficial.

Shilajit and its health benefits!!!!

Shilajit is one of the most important drug of Ayurvedic medicine systems. In the raw form it is a bituminous substance, which is a compact mass of vegetable organic matter composed of dark red gummy matrix. It is bitter in taste, and its smell resembles cow's stale urine. The botanical name of Shilajit is Asphaltum.Traditionally people use it with pure milk to enhance energy, sexual and spiritual power.Shilajit contains 84 types of minerals in natural ionic form which are very vital for maintaining the equilibrium of energy metabolism in our body. The minerals in Shilajit are not similar to the mineral supplements available in market. These minerals are in ionic form and have previously been absorbed by rich plant life and returned back to earth. So they are easily absorbed by the body cells. Uses Of shilajit:The following health properties are found in Shilajit:
Helps accelerate processes of protein and nucleic acid metabolism and stimulates energy providing reactions.
Counteracts Diabetes and regulates the blood sugar level.
Purifies blood, improves functioning of pancreas and strengthens digestion.
Reduces fat, dissolves tumours, and counteracts thirst.
Promotes the movement of minerals, especially calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium into muscle tissue and bone.
Stimulates the immune system and improves restoration (recovery) after exercise.
Increases levels of growth hormone in diabetic patients and is a potent anti-ulcer agent.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

You may be at risk of developing Cardiac Disease!!!!

If you are over forty years,suffering from Diabetes and or Hypertension,leading a sedentary life style,smoker,overweight or if Heart disease runs in your family,then you are at risk of developing Heart disease.If you feel that you may be at risk then you should consult a Cardiologist who will conduct Cardiac Risk Assessment-this is a group of tests and health factors that have been proven to indicate your chance of having a Coronary Heart Disease. The lipid profile is the most important blood test for risk assessment.The lipid profile measures cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL (“good” cholesterol), and LDL (“bad” cholesterol).Below are the desirable ranges for the components of the lipid profile:
Cholesterol <200 mg/dL
HDL-cholesterol > 40 mg/dL
LDL-cholesterol <100 mg/dL
Triglycerides <150 mg/dL
If any or all of your results are significantly outside these ranges, your risk of a Heart Disease is increased. Another test useful in predicting Cardiac Risk is is serum homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid that comes from the normal breakdown of proteins in the body and appears to be a better test than cholesterol for predicting heart disease, stroke, and reduced blood flow to the hands and feet.Higher the level of homocysteine,higher is the cardiac risk. There are other tests, non-invasive and invasive, which may be used in cardiac risk assessment. Non-invasive tests may include a stress test, CT scan, and echocardiogram. Invasive tests include an arteriogram and cardiac catheterization.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Detoxifying diet plan!!!!

Try this diet plan every saturday for a month and see the difference:
6 AM:Wake up and after your daily routine,practice Pranayama for 5-10 minutes,take 15 minutes of rest,do some light stretching exercise and then do 5-10 Suryanamaskar.7 Am:Drink a glass of warm water mixed with wheatgrass powder.8 AM:BREAKFAST-Eat 2 bananas,3 slices of Papaya,i Apricot,4 Almonds,4 Pistas.Drink herbal tea made by boiling lemon grass,tulsi(basil) leaves with water along with ginger pieces,cinnamon powder,cloves,cardamon.8:30 AM:Eat a teaspoon of powdered dry ginger and powdered fenugreek seeds in equal proportion.9 AM:Take sunbath for half an hour.9:30 AM:Drink a glass of barley water.10 AM:Drink a glass of Lemon juice.11 AM:Drink a glass of orange juice.12 Noon:LUNCH-Eat a bowl of sprouted pulsesmixed with 2 Tsp Flaxseed,finely chopped garlic,coriander leaves and mint leaves;Green salad sprinkled with cinnamon powder and 1 bowl of curd/1 glass of butter milk.5 PM:Drink a glass of pineapple juice.6 PM:Go for 1 hour of evening walk.7 PM: Drink 1 glass of barley water and eat 2 Amla(Indian Gooseberry).8 PM:Eat 4 strawberries/blueberries/cranberries abd 12 grapes(preferably black)9 PM:DINNER-Drink a soup of carrot,beet,green peas,potatoes,tomatoes,onions,celery and spinach.Add ginger and garlic as spices.Drink a cup of Bittergourd juice.10 PM:Drink a glass of barley water before going to sleep. Besides this also drink atleast 7-8 glasses of water for the entire day.CAUTION:Those suffering from Diabetes,Kidney disorders and other serious disease must first consult their Doctor before trying out this.