Friday, October 17, 2014

Natural remedies to boost your immunity


Dear Reader, Come winter and you blame the cold for body ache joint pains and the   sniffles. Research, however, proves that it is not the temperature, but the germs spread during winter that causes it and foods that are not suitable. To prevent this, build your immunity then additions to the diet is the best tool.

Luckily, nature takes care of this and produces foods that are needed to boost your immunity during the winter. Melons and mangoes don’t grow naturally in winter or  strawberries  in summer  and  if  they are  available  for  some  reason  than  don’t  have them 

Ancient Indian medicine believes there are cooling foods and warming foods, which change according to seasons, therefore the diet changes with the change of season. Immune-boosting produce is what you need. Enhance your immunity with antioxidants, beta-carotene, lycopene, Vitamin E, selenium, vitamin C, fibre, natural fat, natural sugar and photochemicals. Winter foods are packed with the above and plenty more. Leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower; gobi paratha, gobi mutter, gobi aur sargam ka aachar… or even radishes… Quite a staple during winter!

By Naini Setalvad


Sunday, August 31, 2014

Symbolic Meaning of God Ganesha Statue

 
 Ganesh is a God of Intelligence .That is why we worship this God Ganesh at the beginning of every activity in our life like may be beginning of study ,wedding ceremony ,entering in new house etc .By this worship we want to appeal that ‘Please give us such a Intelligence by which we can prevent obstacles or we can overcome them if at all it happens ,’

Statue of God Ganesh also has so many symbolic teachings to us .His face is of Elephant .We know that Elephant is supposed to be Intelligent & strong animal .So we must also try to become strong & Intelligent .Broad forehead is also indicating Intelligence ,because in human body we have all centers of Intelligence( higher functions)  in forehead.Small eyes of Ganesh indicates sharp vision capable to select in between Good & Bad .Big ears teaches us to become  a good listener .Big belly is indicating that God Ganesh can digest many mistakes of human being (& forgive them ).Similarly we should also try to accept the mistakes done by other people & can forgive him to give a chance for improvement .Trunk of elephant  can pick up a beautiful Lotus & at the same time   ,when he becomes furious ,he can uproot even a strongest tree .So we  should also be soft spoken in day to day activities & also should be strong enough to make a lesson to bad people .

While worshiping God Ganesh it will be better if we could understand this aspect & purpose of festival .Otherwise worship can only become mechanical process.

Second point is regarding when we chant Aarti of Ganesh or Atharvashirsha .What is the meaning of this ? Are they only words or have some other sense? Yes ! any prayer has it’s own importance .Prayer is a dialogue with our soul.Prayer is like food of soul .Prayer is a process of Introspection .So it should be more of quite type ,with closed eyes,with sitting in a comfortable position .Prayer is a Meditation .Words in the prayer are like Mantra . Mantra chanting is like Music Therapy .It has a power to clean your mind,removing bad thoughts & implanting smoothening & nourishing thoughts .Prayer is like taking bath or shower to clean your mind & refresh your soul .

Athrvashirsha word itself has specific meaning .This is made up of A + THARVA + Shirsha .Tharva means unstable .Atharva means Stable .Shirsha means head or brain or mind .So by chanting Atharvashirsha regularly can make your brain or mind or thoughts more stable ,calm & happy .Chanting of this mantra is like Tonic in this fast life or Hyperactive life style ,to chilled down our senses .

So let us make Salute to God Ganesh or Power of intelligence !!

---By Prof.Dr.R.R.Deshpande

Monday, August 04, 2014

AYURVEDA WORKS -– even Western science now says so

Conventional studies are revealing that this ancient Indian medicinal system can truly address a slew of ills, from diabetes to depression.
Ayurveda, one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world, is currently under the scrutiny of the Western scientific community. So far, the results are encouraging.

A study in The Netherlands proves that Ayurveda significantly lowers the level of toxins in the body after only two weeks of treatment.
Patrick Eyquem, the Frenchman from Bordeaux, France, who runs Arogya Ayurvedic Center says “We did blood tests on chemicals accumulated in the body that one acquires from food, such as from fertilizers and pesticides, and the reduction of chemicals after two weeks was from 48-50 percent.”

Another research team, this time led by Dr. Rainer Waldschütz,  at the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg in Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, conducted a study on a group of 130 subjects.
After 14 days on panchakarma, an Ayurvedic detoxification treatment, the average level of cholesterol dropped from 203.5 mg to 179.5 mg. LDL levels dropped by about 8.7 percent. This, in turn, reduced the risk of heart attack by about 17.8 percent.

Other findings of the study included: decreased levels of 17 toxic and cancer-causing chemicals from the body tissues, including heavy metals and pesticides; decreased cholesterol by lowering toxic lipid peroxide levels; decreased the rate of platelet clumping; raised the good, HDL cholesterol; lowered diastolic blood pressure; reduced free radicals; reduced bodily complaints, irritability, strain and psychological inhibitions; decreased anxiety and aging.
During the study, Ayurveda has been proven successful in treating chronic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis (88 percent effective), bronchial asthma (78 percent), chronic bronchitis (71 percent), eczema (68 percent), psoriasis (60 percent), chronic constipation (88 percent), headache (85 percent), chronic sinusitis (100 percent), diabetes mellitus (75 percent) and hypertension (56 percent).

Saturday, August 02, 2014

Turmeric Steadies Blood Sugar

Turmeric is a flavorful yellow spice used in rice and meat dishes and even deserts, but it also has outstanding medicinal properties. Use turmeric to treat high blood sugar levels, a practice that has been scientifically confirmed by research at Gujarat University. They confirmed that the active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, switches on the genes that keep blood glucose levels stable. The compound can also help the pancreas make insulin when it is low. In order to see the benefits of turmeric, start taking about half a teaspoon daily either directly or in your cooking.

Read More about Health benefits of Turmeric 

Monday, July 28, 2014

Ayurveda medicinal plants with anti-diabetic and other beneficial properties



Plant Name
Ayurvedic/common name/
Anti-diabetic and other beneficial effects proved scientifically
References
Acacia arabica:
Babbul
Hypoglycemic effect by initiating release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells
( Wadood A., et all, 1989 )
Aegle marmelos
Bael or Bilva
Hypoglycemic activity
(Karunanayake E.H. et all, 1984)
Aloe vera
and
Aloe barbadensis
Gwarpatha
or Ghritkumari
Hypoglycemic activity

Azadirachta indica:
Neem
Anti-diabetic activity, apart from this plant also has anti-bacterial, antimalarial, antifertility, hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects
(Biswas K., et all, 2002 )
Annona squamosa
Sitaphal
Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities of ethanolic leaf-extract, Increased plasma insulin level

(Kaleem M. et all, 2006 & Gupta R K, et all, 2005)
Artemisia pallens
Davana
Hypoglycemic, increases peripheral glucose utilization or inhibits glucose reabsorption
(Subramonium A., et all, 1996 )
Areca catechu
Pugi/Supari
Hypoglycemic
(Chempakam B. 1993 )
Boerhavia diffusa
Punarnava
Increase in hexokinase activity,decrease in glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose bis-phosphatase activity, increase plasma insulin level, antioxidant
(Pari L.,2004 & Sateesh M A 2004)
Bombax ceiba
Semul or Shalmali

Palasha
Hypoglycemic

Hypoglycemic
(Somani R., et all, 2006 )
(Saleem R.,et all, 1999 )
Butea monosperma
Cassia auriculata Linn
Avartaki
Antihyperglycemic
(S. J. Surana, et all, 2008 )
Capparis decidua
Karir or Kair
Hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic
(Agarwal V., Chauhan B.M. 1988 )

Coccinia indica
Bimbi
Hypoglycemic
(Kamble S.M.,et all, 1998)

Emblica officinalis
Amla, Dhatriphala, a constituent of herbal formulation, “Triphala”
Decreases lipid peroxidation, antioxidant, Hypoglycemic
  1. Bhattacharya A, et all 1999,b. Kumar K C S , et all, 1999, c. Bhattacharya A, et all, 1995)

Enicostema littorale
Krimihrita
Increase hexokinase activity, Decrease glucose 6-phosphatase and fructose 1,6 bisphosphatase activity. Dose dependent hypoglycemic activity
(a) Maroo J., et all, 2003, b. Vijayvargia R. et all, 2000)

Eugenia jambolana
Indian gooseberry, jamun, Jambu
Antihyperglycemic effect, Inhibits insulin activity from liver and kidney
(Acherekar S., et all, 1991)

Ficus bengalenesis

Vat/ Burgad
Hypoglycemic, antioxidant
(Augusti K.T., et all, 1994)


Gymnema sylvestre
Gudmar
or Meshashringi
Anti-hyperglycemic effect, hypolipidemic
  1. Chattopadhyay R.R, 1999, b. Preuss H.G., et all, 1998)

Hemidesmus indicus
Sariva/Anantamul
Anti snake venom activity, anti-inflammatory, Hypoglycemic
(Alam M.I., Gomes A. 1998)

Hibiscus rosa-sinesis
Hollarhena antidisentrica
Gudahal or Japa

Kutaj
Initiates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells
Hypoglycemic activity
(Sachadeva A., Khemani L.D, 1999)
(P. Chandar – 2006)

Momordica cymbalaria
Karela
Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic
(Rao B.K. et all, 1999)

Murraya koenigii
Curry patta, Meetha Neem
Hypoglycemic, increases glycogenesis and decreases gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis
(Khan B.A.,, et all, 1995)

Swertia chirayita
Chiraita
Stimulates insulin release from islets
(Saxena A.M., et all, 1993)

Syzygium alternifolium
Shaha - jira
Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic
(Rao B.K., Rao C.H., 2001 )

Terminalia belerica
Behada
Antibacterial, Hypoglycemic
(Sabu M.C., Kuttan R, 2002 )

Terminalia chebula
Haritaki or Harad
Antibacterial, Hypoglycemic
(Sabu M.C., Kuttan R., 2002)

Vinca rosea
Sadabahar
Anti-hyperglycemic
(Chattopadhyay S.R, et all, 1991 )

Withania somnifera
Ashvagandha, Winter cherry
Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic
(Adallu B., Radhika B. , 2004 )



 We have published an excelent ebook on Diabetes "Ayurvedic Cure of Diabetes" This will give you detailed Ayurvedic approch of Diabetes Management. More>>>>

Mercury in Ayurvedic medicines is good

Contrary to the debate on international regulations to ban trade of mercury owing to its toxicity and adverse impact on the environment, an Ayurveda expert at the Banaras Hindu University has advocated the use of mercurial preparations as medicine to treat acute and chronic diseases. However, he has also cautioned against its free use.

"Mercurial preparations in Ayurveda are not toxic in nature if prepared according to classical parameters with guidelines of good manufacturing practices," said head of the department of Rasa Shastra Prof Anand Chaudhary.

"But, classically prepared Ayurvedic medicines are not toxic. Mercury in Ayurveda is processed specifically with very specific pharmaceutical preparation, known as ?Samskar' of mercury and finally converted into medicinal sulphide form, which is not harmful," claimed Chaudhary.

According to him, western countries tried to use mercury as medicine in the 15th-16th century AD, but failed in their attempt. They used mercury to treat diuretic and syphilis in its chloride form and experienced many adverse effects. But Indian Ayurveda developed innovative methods in the 10th century AD to convert elemental mercury into its sulphide medicinal form. Indian knowledge is perfect as it developed technology to produce stable and non toxic form of Mercury as Rasa Sindoor, Rasa Parpati and many other forms of medicines of Ayurveda, he claimed.

Read More - Heavy metals in Ayurvedic Medicines

Friday, July 04, 2014

Poha — Powerhouse of nutrition



Poha is one of the few Indian dishes that can be had for breakfast, lunch or even as a snack. Made from flattened or beaten rice, it can be prepared in a jiffy and is highly nutritious too. Rice is parboiled, flattened and dried to make the thin flakes that we call poha. All over India, poha is made in many different ways making it a very versatile dish. Here we look at the many nutrition benefits of the humble poha.

Packed with iron: Eating poha regularly can prevent iron deficiency or anaemia as it contains 20 mg of iron in every 100g raw rice flakes. Children as well as pregnant and lactating women can benefit greatly by consuming it. Softened poha is also a great way to add dietary iron when an infant is weaned from breastmilk. Sufficient iron helps the body to form haemoglobin that carries oxygen to body cells and also builds immunity. Squeeze a cut lemon on the poha as it helps improve iron absorption.

A complete meal: Mixed vegetables can be added to rice flakes to make it rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. Add sprouts, soya nuggets, peanuts and even boiled eggs to make a well-balanced and high-protein meal. Poha also makes a tasty and healthy packed lunch for toddlers as well as office goers. Opt for beaten rice made from brown rice for an extra health boost. Here are some more quick breakfast options. 

A good source of carbs: Carbohydrates are the major source of energy in a bowl of poha. This makes it a perfect breakfast option. It can be eaten for snack too in the place of unhealthy options such as chips and biscuits. Carbohydrates are needed to help our body store energy, and perform various other functions. But getting your carb intake from healthy sources is vital and poha is one healthy source. 

Very low on gluten: These days, many people are cutting down on food grains like wheat and barley even if they aren’t sensitive to gluten. These people can opt for poha as it has very low amounts of gluten. People who have celiac disease should consult their doctor if they can eat poha without causing bloating or stomach pain. They can eat khichdi too as it is very healthy. Here are some health benefits of khichdi. 

Good for diabetics: Poha is considered to be a great meal option for diabetics as it promotes slow release of sugar into the bloodstream. It also keeps you full for longer time. A single serving is enough to keep you going without hunger pangs and reach for unhealthy sweets and junk food. Add chunks of soya to increase its nutritive value. You can also try this sample diet plan for diabetics. 

To avoid monotony, make it by incorporating many different ingredients. Each state in India has their own version of this dish. Try this mixed sprouts poha for breakfast. 

Given below is the calorie count in 1 katori of poha: 

Vegetable Poha- 244 Kcal

Peanut Poha- 589 Kcal

Huli Avalakki- 222 Kcal

Content courtesy- http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/health-benefits-of-poha-k214/

Wednesday, July 02, 2014

Ayurvedic treatments for male infertility

The rate at which infertility is fast becoming a common phenomenon in today's hectic stressful lives, is rather alarming, all thanks to our current lifestyle taking a toll on our overall health.

Infertility is a medical condition affecting almost one in ten couples trying to conceive. Male fertility problems are the primary diagnosis in approximately 25 % of cases and contribute to a further 15-25% of the remaining cases.

Ayurvedic remedies have long been used to address the problems of fertility. Evidence of the use of herbal remedies for male infertility dates all the way back to 5000 BC.

Mucuna Pruriens (Kawach)
A medicinal plant, which has been mentioned in the treatises of ancient Indian texts such as the 'Charaka Samhita' and the 'Susrutha Samhita'.

Shilajit
An excellent restorative and rejuvenating tonic, it ensures good physical performance for the individual and leads to balanced and harmonious health. Shilajit is also known as sex tonic in India as it increases the core energy responsible for sexual drive or libido. It balances debility, general fatigue and provides strength to muscles and bones.

Safed Musli
The dried roots of Safed Musli (also known as asparagus) are used in Ayurveda as an aphrodisiac. Its tubers are used in Ayurvedic medicine preparations.White Musli or Safed Musli is primarily used as a tonic to rejuvenate the reproductive system. The regular use of this herb is valuable in impotency, premature ejaculation and low sperm count in men. As it is very rich in glycosides, it works very well in curing impotency and low sperm count

Ashwagandha
This is a very effective medicine for male infertility.  It is a tonic for the nerves and helps in neuritis. It is helpful in sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction and Oligospermia.

Read More >>

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Prepare Ayurvedic Medicines at your home

Prepare Ayurvedic Medicines at your home – Video by By Prof.Dr.R.R.Deshpande ,Pune,India
Ayurvedic Medicines are very natural to human body systems. If you have little liking of cooking, then preparing Ayurvedic Medicines is a fun. It gives Quality medicines, in a low cost compare to Market Medicines. 

There are 3 parts of this Video .In first part you will see Panchkol Phant ( Hot infusion of 5 pungent plants),Dhanya Hima( Cold infusion of Dry Coriander) ,Arjun Kshir pak( Medicated milk from Arjun as Cardiac Tonic) . 
In Second  part you will see Preparation of Shatavari Kalpa ( Sugar Granules of Asparegus Recemosus). 
In Third  part you will see   Preparation of Bala oil( Medicated oil from Bala) 

For First Part
For Second Part
For Third Part

Know more about Ayurvedic Kitchen Pharmacy in Ebook - Home Remedies in Ayurveda 

Monday, May 12, 2014

Eat right for a Healthy life

Our diet is an essential factor for the formation of our body. It is clearly mentioned in 'Charak Samhita' that consuming improper diet in improper way is the main cause of 'Disease'.

Acording to 'Charak ,"An appropriate and suitable diet in a disease is equivalent to hundred drugs and any quantity of drug hardly compares to good results in disease without following proper dietetic regimen"


 When diet is wrong medicine is of no use.
When diet is correct medicine is of no need. "

[Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb
Read More about Right Diet----

Sunday, May 11, 2014

WOMEN AND BABY CARE IN AYURVEDA

As you know ,we at Ayurveda For You are the first to publish Ayurvedic books in e-book format.
So far we have published 23 EBOOKS on various topics in Ayurveda and our 24 th eBOOK 'WOMEN AND BABY CARE IN AYURVEDA' is published on 31 st March 2014,The Hindu New Year Day.
Ayurveda is the classical natural health care system from India. 'Prasutitantra' is one of the eight branches of 'Ashtanga Ayurveda' .'Prasutitantra' is not just limited to pregnancy treatments alone, but also suggests the best timings for consuming, nutritious food for healthy mother and child, changes in lifestyle in each month of pregnancy etc. It has well defined procedures and medications under obstetrics and gynecology. These practices include infertility treatments, pre-pregnancy care, delivery procedures and post-delivery care. These practices are aimed at a less-complicated delivery and healthy mother and child.
The author has gathered all the relevant information about these topics from Ancient Ayurvedic texts like Kashyapa, Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata and have also updated the same according to the current situation.
This E-book 'WOMEN AND BABY CARE IN AYURVEDA' is divided in five parts.
The first part deals with fundamental principles of Ayurveda, including anatomy, physiology of female reproductive system and daily routine for women.
The second part explains pregnancy, month wise regimen for pregnant women, diet exercise and diseases in pregnancy.
The third part deals with Baby care and treatment of various diseases in infants .
The Fourth part explains about mother care after delivery and information about diseases after pregnancy.
The Fifth part explains various diseases of women and their treatment. Now days, we also find many new diseases that have not been described in ancient texts of Ayurveda. However we can treat all these diseases and make the life of working women better and happier.

Reader may find new terminology and many new names of herbs; the 'Herbs and Medicines Glossary' explains all these in detail.
About the Author -
Dr. Sunanda RanadeB.A.M&S; Ph.D, is Vice Chairman of International Academy of Ayurveda, Pune, India. She is expert Ayurvedic gynecologist and nutritionist and is working in this field for last 40 years.

The book 'WOMEN AND BABY CARE IN AYURVEDA' is a complete and comprehensive treatise on the subject.
This great work by Dr. Sunanda Ranade is very useful for patients, students, practioners, researchers and for all of you, who are interested in Ayurvedic Science and Mother and Baby Care in Ayurveda.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Curcumin: Promising Treatment for Depression

About 1 in 10 Americans report symptoms of depression, and the causes can be as varied as the individuals reporting them.

Depression is a major global public health issue leading to substantial disability. The pharmaceutical interventions can be quite costly, and have many potentially serious adverse effects. There are also many people whose disease does not fully respond to treatment. Curcumin used in this study shows efficacy on major depression on its own at the same level as the drug, and even better results when combined with the drug.

The results of this study – and further studies to come – have incredible potential. They will be meaningful for the health and hope of millions of people worldwide

Read More about Health Benefits of Turmeric HERE