Useful Ayurvedic Herbs in Autism

 Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder that causes various impairments in social communication and restricted repetitious behaviour. Autism disorder affects the nervous track in every perspective, such as emotional, social, and physical attributes.

There are many phases of autism, varying from mild to severe. Ayurveda views ASD as a behavioural abnormality stating a defect in the neuropsychological system. Autism disorder may cause communication issues, concentration problems, behavioural differences, improper social behaviour, and much more. Each person with this disorder may have different strengths and challenges in facing the situation. In addition, genetic factors may play an essential part in this disorder. Therefore, this disorder needs special care for better cure results.

Ayurveda can help in treating autism. Here are some ayurvedic herbs that people with autism can consume:

Brahmi (Bacopa Monneiri) helps eliminate the loss of memory and forgetting function and improves the recalling ability of the human brain. Brahmi is one of the safest and most effective herbs for autistic symptoms in adults and well as children

Shankhapushpi (Clitoria ternatea) - This herb content in the hippocampus enriches their neurochemical foundation for learning and remembrance can be quick and hence is helpful in Ayurvedic Treatment for Autism

Ashwagandha (Horse Somneifera) Ayurveda recommends Ashwagandha to get rid of Attention issues, memory deficit, and other disorders which are prime features of autism.

Shatavari This herb helps in the case of anxiety and depression and works as an anti-depressant.

Blue Tea : A Wonder Beverage

 Over the years we all have come across various type of teas like Black Green, Masala and White teas, but have you ever heard of Blue Tea? Seems a bit weird for a tea to have that name, right? Made by infusing Butterfly Pea flowers (Aparajita or Gokarn). Blue tea  is named after its beautiful azure blue hue. When infused in hot water with lemon in it, this flower gives the famous blue color to the beverage. 

Health benefits of Blue Tea

Some of the health benefits of Blue Tea are as follow:

* Acts as a Paracetamol

Blue tea is believed to aid in bringing down a fever by dilating the blood vessels right beneath the skin. This would enable the air to cool the blood more easily.

* Stress Buster

A high dosage of blue pea flowers has had beneficial anxiolytic effects in humans and has helped the body deal with stress.

* Immunity booster and anti-inflammatory

The blue flowers are rich in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. They also help boost immunity.

* Asthma healer

Blue tea can help give relief from cough, cold and asthma, as it acts as an expectorant. In other words, helps clear the mucus from the airways, lungs and trachea.

* Boosts memory

Blue tea has garnered a lot of interest across the world and this can be attributed to its memory-boosting properties it has. Studies have shown that the Blue Pea flowers assist memory and brain function as they help increase Acetylcholine (a Neurotransmitter).

* Reduces risk of cell damage

The rich colour of blue tea indicates the high quantity of antioxidants in it. Antioxidants reduce the risk of cell damage, they are also known to slow down the effects of ageing on skin and hair.

* Anti-diabetic

Butterfly pea flowers help inhibit glucose uptake from food and thus, help treat type-2 diabetes.

Turmeric Tea Can Be Just As Effective As Medication For Managing Osteoarthritis Pain

 In general, osteoarthritis-related joint pain can be managed through a variety of treatments. In most cases, the first step in treatment involves over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain.

Although both of these medications are effective in relieving mild to moderate osteoarthritis symptoms, there is a risk of negative side effects. Both NSAIDs and acetaminophen have been shown to cause liver damage. Moreover, NSAIDs can cause stomach upset, as well as cardiovascular dysfunction and bleeding problems.

A growing number of patients are turning to natural remedies, such as herbal tea, to treat their osteoarthritis pain in order to avoid negative side effects. And, it turns out that one herbal tea, in particular, is just as effective as medication, according to experts.

There is, growing evidence that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may alleviate joint pain. 

According to a study published in the medical journal Trails, turmeric is just as effective as diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug. In the clinical study, 139 patients were given either 500 milligrams of curcumin three times a day or 50 milligrams of diclofenac twice a day. Interestingly, both groups showed a similar improvement in pain severity.

Despite this, researchers observed something surprising about the way patients tolerated curcumin. “Curcumin has similar efficacy to diclofenac but demonstrated better tolerance among patients with knee OA. Curcumin can be an alternative treatment option in the patients with knee OA who are intolerant to the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,” researchers explained in their results. 

In light of the recent buzz surrounding turmeric’s ability to treat joint pain, many are turning to it as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis. One way to reap the natural benefits of this soothing spice is to drink Turmeric Tea.

Read more about Turmeric Health Benefits Here.

All India Institute of Ayurveda Launches Dietician, Ayurveda Ahara, Poshana Sahayak Courses

 The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) here has started two new courses for the 2022-23 academic session.

The new courses added by the AIIA, an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH, are the Ayurveda Dietician Course and the Ayurveda Ahara and Poshana Sahayak Course. The courses have been launched to promote interdisciplinary Ayurveda studies and are affiliated with the Health Sector Skill Council (HSSC) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), according to a statement issued by the institute.

The Ayurveda Dietician Course is a specialisation programme for professionals with a BAMS degree and is aimed at meeting the rising demand for specialised practitioners in Ayurvedic hospitals and medical centres.

The Ayurveda Ahara and Poshana Sahayak Course is open for high-school graduates seeking a career as Ayurvedic diet assistants. There is a lot of demand for such professionals at health resorts, wellness centres and hospitals, the statement said.

"Diet plays a very important role in Ayurveda. It supports the body's healing process and accelerates the creation and reconstruction of vital cells. Several common diseases such as gastrointestinal ailments are directly influenced by the food we consume. That is why Ayurveda lays strong emphasis on identifying the right foods for the body.

"In the last few years, the demand for diet assistants and experts in the field of Ayurveda has been growing, and hence, the new courses will help Ayurveda professionals get jobs in hospitals, health resorts and wellness centres within India and abroad," said Professor Tanuja Manoj Nesari, Director, AIIA.

Both the courses are for a duration of six months and the candidates will be selected on the basis of an entrance test. The institute has invited applications from the eligible candidates at the official website - aiia.gov.in

 The last date for submission of applications is March 31.

Herbs that can help you stay cool this summer

 The heat of the summer seeps into our system, saps away our strength and leaves us dehydrated. This calls for having foods that cool our bodies and rejuvenate our minds. 

Ayurveda advises a regimen for all, which helps to avoid dehydration and to maintain vitality in the summer season [Grishma Ritucharya].

check out a range of easily available herbs that can help you stay cool this summer.

Sabja and chia seeds

Sabja and chia seeds are good sources of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which have great anti-inflammatory properties. These can be used in multiple ways and have great health benefits. You can soak these seeds in water, coconut water or coconut milk for four-24 hours and then have them. The seeds can also be used in salad dressings, smoothies as a thickening agent, ice-creams and even lemonade for that flavoury creaminess.

Citrus

Lemon, orange and pomelo are great sources of vitamin C and ascorbic acid which help extract nutrients from our food. Lemon is also a good source of dietary fibre, citric acid and iron. We can use pomelos as core ingredients for salads. It tastes a bit sour, so we can add them to salads as syrup or eat raw flakes. They taste great as an iced juice too.

Leaves

Mint, rosemary, basil, thyme and oregano have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These leafy herbs help with constipation. The detox drinks using various leaves have become popular after the pandemic. These detox drinks are fancy names but old concepts in Ayurveda. They make one feel energised and refreshed.

Khus, sandal and rose syrup

The sandal is not just applied externally but is very flavourful when added to summer drinks. Pure sandal powder may not get along very well with lemon, but the combination with rose syrup (sharbat) is great with a pinch of cinnamon. Herbs such as rose, khus and sandal have anti-inflammatory properties and are best to beat the summer heat.