Patent rights over traditional Indian system of therapeutic practices

There is no information with the Department of Ayush about any foreign country having established Ayurveda Universities, which are likely to get patent rights over traditional Indian system of therapeutic practices.

The Government has taken the following steps in this regard:

Department of AYUSH has identified some of the effective therapies and treatment of Ayurveda in the identified disease conditions.

i. Ksharsutra Therapy for Ano-Rectal disorders like Fistula in Ano and piles. Ksharsutra is minimally invasive para-surgical Ayurvedic procedure for the treatment of Ano-Rectal Disorders. This involves insertion of a special medicated thread i.e. Ksharsutra through the fistula passage with the help of a probe. A National Campaign on Ksharsutra Therapy has been launched and implemented in 16 States. A National Resource Center on Ksharsutra Therapy has been established in the Faculty of Ayurveda, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi to provide standardized treatment and undertake Research and Development. The treatment has been scientifically standardized and Research and Development is going on to further improve the technique and expand its benefits all over the country.

ii. Panchkarma is another strong area of Ayurveda. Various procedures of Panchkarma are being standardized by Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) and a document prepared by AYUSH has been sent to World Health Organization (WHO) to accept the Panchakarma treatment guidelines on safety and practices.

Aryavaidyashala, Kottakal, a well known institution for Panchakarma treatment, has also been assigned work to standardize Panchakarma treatment procedures.

iii. Under the Golden Triangle Partnership Project (GTP), the Department of AYUSH, Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are working together to establish the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment in some identified disease conditions and practices. eg. Dislipeademia Benign prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) etc.

iv. Under the Extra-Mural Research (EMR), Scheme of Department of AYUSH and CCRAS is supporting various research projects to establish the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines.

v. The Government is funding the institutions like National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur; The institute of post graduate teaching and research in Ayurveda (IPGT&RA), Jamnagar under Gujarat Ayurveda University and Faculty of Ayurveda, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi to undertake scientific research to establish the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines.

vi. The Department of Science & Technology and ICMR is also supporting number of research projects on Ayurveda to establish the efficacy as well as safety of Ayurvedic medicines.

vii. Under the National Campaign on Geriatric Health Care through Ayurveda and Siddha, standard Ayurvedic treatment protocols have been prepared by CCRAS which are under publication. Weekly clinics one attracting large Geriatric Patients.

viii. Department of AYUSH has also started a Campaign on Anemia Treatment through Ayurveda. The project has been started in the State of Himachal Pradesh and CCRAS will be expanding this programme in some couple of States also.

ix. Department of AYUSH through Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeial Committee has published various volumes of Ayurvedic Formularies and Pharmacopeias under which the quality standards of 540 single drugs and 101 multiple ingredients formulations has been published. Therefore, the standardized medicines will ensure the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines and practices.

x. The Department of AYUSH in collaboration with the University of Mississippi, USA, has set up a Centre for Research in Indian Systems of Medicine (CRISM) for promotion, propagation and validation of the AYUSH systems

This information was given by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 22July 09.

Useful Home Remedies for Toothache

1. Asafetida is ground into a paste in lemon juice. This is then slightly warmed. A cotton pad is dabbed in the solution and applied on the tooth cavity. This is a very quick method to relieve the ache.

2. A very simple remedy to allay toothache is to mix some pepper powder with common salt and rub this mixture onto the teeth. Doing this daily will also prevent any toothache problems as well as dental cavities.

3. Mix a pinch of pepper in clove oil. Put this oil directly into the cavity to stop toothache.

A Simple Exercise to Calm the Mind

Each morning I do a simple exercise that calms my
mind, leaving me with a wonderful relaxed feeling to start
the day. This exercise only takes a few minutes. In fact, I
sometimes use it at other times in the day when I need
to relax before an event that might be stressful. If you
have to make a speech in front of a large group of people,
it can quickly reduce anxious feelings that are often felt
when faced by that prospect.

It has a soothing effect on the entire nervous system and
helps to balance brain activity and strengthens the
respiratory system.

This simple exercise is called "Alternate Nostril
Breathing." It falls into a category of exercises called
Pranayama (or simply breathing exercises).

The technique is simple and only takes about five
minutes. Keep your breathing natural as you perform this
exercise. Do not strain or push the air in or out. As with
other ayurvedic exercises, do them in a quiet room
without distractions, concentrating on your movements.

1. Sit erect in a cross-legged posture or in a comfortable
chair.

2. Close your eyes, rest your mind, place your right hand
near your nose. Let your right thumb rest lightly against
your right nostril. Let your ring finger rest lightly against
your left nostril. Exhale slowly.

3. Gently close your right nostril. Slowly and quietly
inhale through your left nostril.

4. Close your left nostril, release pressure on your right
nostril to open it, and exhale slowly and quietly.

5. Without pause, inhale through your right nostril slowly
and quietly.

6. Press your right nostril closed, open your left, and
exhale.

7. This completes one round. Continue to repeat the
exercise continuously for about 5 minutes, then sit
quietly with your eyelids lowered for about 2 minutes.

To learn more about such breathing exercises visit here http://ayurveda-foryou.com/yoga/yoga.html

Diet plan for Diabetes - Type I
In type -1 Diabetes, pancreas does not produce any insulin at all। Hence type -1 diabetics need to take insulin injections in order to control blood sugar levels।The key to diabetes management is diet, exercise and insulin. Exercise regularly but don't go overboard as there is a risk of hypoglycemia ( low blood sugar) in diabetes.Talk to your Physician/ Diabetes Specilaist, take your insulin injections on time and have small frequent meals. Monitor your blood sugar levels with glucometer.Diet plays a very important role in maintaining Blood sugar levels near to normal. Keep the following into account.
- Do not Fast and Do Not Feast.
- Have meals at regular intervals and avoid skipping any meals as it may lower your blood sugar to dangerous levels.
- Make sure there is consistency in your diet and calories should be taken in prescribed amounts.
- Avoid high calorie foods like fried food, junk food, refined starches like common flours (maida), Bombay rava/suji, and products such as noodles, pizza and burgers.
- Have whole grains like oats, whole wheat porridge ( wheat rava/dalia) - Limit intake of rice specially if it is white polished rice. Try brown rice.
- Prefer whole wheat flour chapatis. - Have fruits and vegetables in your diet with the exception of root vegetables like potato, yam, colocasia (arvi) and sweet potato, jackfruit. Fruits to be avoided are bananas, mango, sapota, grapes, litchi, custard apple.
- Include foods rich in fibre and space your meals properly.
- Have a fixed mealtime and avoid snacking in between meals.- Avoid sweets and sugar containing foods.

Richa Saxena, M.Sc. (Nutrition), RD (Regd. with IDA),Consultant Nutritionist ; Registered Dietitian

Health mantras for senior citizens

From Times of India(31 May 2009)

Mental peace is the main mantra of healthy life that brings out a glow of satisfaction on your face and one can achieve it by following a lifestyle that has been recommended by Ayurveda. One has to learn to keep constant dialogue with your body,Keep balance in your diet, exercise and work according to individual health conditions, age and capacity. Everyone has to be persistent about cleanliness and oral and dental care. One needs to keep all body cavities clean for a healthy life.

One must follow nature's clock. Start a day with a glass of lukewarm water, exercise regularly; half an hour walk is advisable. After the age of forty, one should do oil massage and take hot water bath after that. One must be regular in taking good breakfast and meal timings. One should avoid excess oil and spices. Seniors are advised to add fresh fruits, green vegetables, rajgira, nachni and whole pulses in their diet. For good digestion one must keep three to six hours distance in the meals and don't munch anything in between. According to each season seniors should adjust their extra activities. Human emotions make a big impact on one's mental and physical health. Seniors need to have smooth dialogue with other family members. Positive approach is essential to lead a happy life. As a diagnosis in time saves lots of anxiety and money, seniors should keep regular contact with family doctor and with his/her consultation check blood pressure, sugar and thyroid test.

New Online Ayurvedic Herbology Certificate Course
As you all know, we at 'Ayurveda For You' are the first to publish Ayurvedic books in e-book format.
So far we have published 14 ebooks on various topics in Ayurveda. We are successfuly conducting a short term Interactive Online Correspondence Course - "Basic course in Ayurveda" for last 2 years.
We are glad to announce the launch of a new Interactive Online Correspondence Course - "Ayurvedic Herbology".
This certificate course will be conducted through our website- http://ayurveda-foryou.com in collaboration with 'International Academy of Ayurveda'. International Academy of Ayurveda will issue a certificate after completion of course.
This online "Ayurvedic Herbology" course is intended for:
1. Undergraduate students2. Post-graduates students of Ayurveda3. General Enthusiasts of Ayurveda4. Ayurvedic Practitioners5. Aroma therapists6. Alternative medical Practitioners. This online "Ayurvedic Herbology" course is available in two formats1. Only Ayurvedic Herbology Ebook in 4 Volumes and2. Interactive Online Herbology Course- with certificate from International academy of Ayurveda
For more information about this online course please visit -http://ayurveda-foryou.com/herbology_course.html
For more information about the Herbology ebooks please visit -http://ayurveda-foryou.com/ebook/herbology_ebooks.html

The great Indian weight loss trick

Neelanjana Singh

 

 

Like most civilisations whose roots lie in very hoary and splendid traditions, India has been blessed with a great and noble heritage in many realms of human endeavour. This is particularly true of our ancient systems of healthcare such as the ayurveda and the unani. 

Lately, there has been a surge in the popularity of such alternative systems of health management. Not surprisingly, ayurvedic offshoots of weight and health management have acquired an aura of their own. This is also borne out by the fact that I am constantly besieged by many queries on ayurvedic formulations related to the control of weight gain. 

Given such interest in natural remedies for weight control, I have thought it prudent to comment on some of the ingredients in the more popular remedies. Though many of these ingredients are quite harmless, the general belief that anything ayurvedic or natural is free from side effects needs to be categorically denied. Many of the world’s most toxic poisons are found in nature! 

•Honey-hot water-lemon: The most popularly touted formulation — that can be deemed ayurvedic or natural — for losing weight is the lemon juice-honey-hot water combo drink. From the point of view of science there is some merit to this formulation. The lime as well as the hot water act by suppressing appetite. This is caused by the increase in the levels of the chemical cholecystokinin in our bodies that causes appetite to decrease by creating a sense of fullness. 

•Green tea: Pushing my point about caution further, there is scientific data to support the fact that drinking a couple of cups of green tea could rev up your metabolism leading to control in weight gain. Further research, however, is required before we make a strong recommendation. Moreover, green tea extracts taken for weight loss could cause vomiting, nausea and bloating in addition to loading one with heavy doses of caffeine. In fact, many weight-loss teas contain botanical laxatives (Senna, Triphala) and diuretics. 

•Guggul: This is another popular ingredient in weight loss preparations that has been used traditionally. Guggul is a resin/gum and its active ingredient is a plant sterol that reduces fat in the human body. Scientists have studied guggul and preliminary data suggests that it may be associated with a small loss in weight or a reduction in tissue folds. But the studies have been small and it is not yet clear whether guggul offers any benefits over diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity.

•Guar gum: This gum is supposed to block the absorption of dietary fat andincrease the feeling of fullness. It is considered safe but can cause the usual diarrhoea, gas, flatulence. Guar gum should always be consumed with adequate water to avoid any risk of intestinal obstruction. 

Vitamin C Intake Associated With Lower Risk Of Gout In Men
ScienceDaily (Mar. 16, 2009) — Men with higher vitamin C intake appear less likely to develop gout, a painful type of arthritis, according to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

"Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in men," the authors write as background information in the article. "Epidemiologic studies suggest that the overall disease burden of gout is substantial and growing. The identification of the risk factors for gout that are modifiable with available measures is an important first step in the prevention and management of this common and excruciatingly painful condition."

Hyon K. Choi, M.D., Dr.P.H., then of University of British Columbia, Vancouver, and now of Boston University School of Medicine, and colleagues examined the relationship between vitamin C intake and gout in 46,994 men between 1986 and 2006. Every four years, the men completed a dietary questionnaire, and their vitamin C intake through food and supplements was computed. Every two years, participants reported whether they had been diagnosed with or developed symptoms of gout.

During 20 years of follow-up, 1,317 men developed gout. Compared with men who had a vitamin C intake of less than 250 milligrams per day, the relative risk of gout was 17 percent lower for those with a daily intake of 500 to 999 milligrams, 34 percent lower for those with an intake of 1,000 to 1,499 milligrams per day and 45 percent lower for those with an intake of 1,500 milligrams per day or higher. For every 500-milligram increase in their vitamin C intake, men's risk for gout appeared to decrease by 17 percent. Compared with men who did not take vitamin C supplements, those who took 1,000 to 1,499 supplemental milligrams per day had a 34 percent lower risk of gout and those who took 1,500 supplemental milligrams per day had a 45 percent lower risk.

Vitamin C appears to reduce levels of uric acid in the blood, the authors note; a buildup of this naturally occurring compound can form crystal deposits in and around joints, leading to the pain, inflammation and swelling associated with gout. Vitamin C may affect reabsorption of uric acid by the kidneys, increase the speed at which the kidneys work or protect against inflammation, all of which may reduce gout risk, the authors note.

"Given the general safety profile associated with vitamin C intake, particularly in the generally consumed ranges as in the present study (e.g., tolerable upper intake level of vitamin C of less than 2,000 milligrams in adults according to the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine), vitamin C intake may provide a useful option in the prevention of gout," they conclude.
----------------
Amalaki, the main ingredient of a comprehensive herbal tonic CHYAVANPRASH, is the richest source of natural Vit. C

UnTech Yourself: Simplify Your Life!

Technology can definitely make life easier.

E-mail, rapid communication, RSS and the Internet create vast opportunities for new information. But technology isn't perfect. Adopting new technologies can have a sharp learning curve and many programs have unseen bugs and usability problems. Even more worrying is the fact that this boost in information can cause overload, zapping your time in endless e-mails and feeds to read.

Breaking your paradigm of technology as a cure-all to every problem can open you up to other avenues for solving problems. Technology may be innovative and wonderful, but learning when to unplug the power cord can help simplify your life. Here are some ways you can untech yourself to simplify your life and get more done.

Internet Dieting

Internet, IM, e-mail and web-surfing can be very distracting, often without providing a lot of value. These empty calories often disguise themselves as necessary information but are just noise. Start a thirty day Internet diet to reduce the total amount of time you spend connected to the net.

Notepads

Turn off the blackberry and try using a paper organizer. It may not be as flashy, but it is amazing how effective they are for having basically two features: write and read. Keeping a notepad with you means zero learning curve, zero interruptions and only stores information not noise.

Television Blackouts

Television is full of stimulation. When television is good it can be entertaining, humorous, dramatic and a social activity. When it's bad it is flashing lights providing distraction without value. You might want to experiment with cutting down on television, especially when you know in advance that there isn't going to be any worthwhile programming.

Try cutting down your morning news and replace it with reading books or newspapers. The information will usually be more valuable and text is nonlinear so you can skip information that doesn't interest you. Best of all most books don't have commercials.

iPod Mute

I'll admit it, I love my mp3 player. Great for workouts and doing boring tasks it can add a bit of extra flavor to regular activities. But sometimes the constant noise and music can desensitize you to experiencing the world around you and cut you off from interacting with other people.

Try turning off the iPod periodically. Drive to work without any music. Try exercising with quiet. Try walking in silence when you are by yourself. Not only will this allow you to reconnect with what you are engaged in, it makes it easier for you to actually notice the music when it is playing instead of just having noise.

Read Books

Remember when books used to be made of paper? Cut back on your online reading and head to the library or bookstore and get something you can hold in your hands. Although some online reading is definitely better than books, if your entire library would consist of 500 word articles with flashy headlines, you probably aren't getting a lot of depth.

Get Back to Nature

Go out and spend a half hour in nature. If you live in a big city, at least look for a park or a relatively quiet area. Having a bit of solitude in a natural setting can often inspire ideas where everything is calm. Remember not to bring the cellphone or Blackberry!

Getting back to a natural environment can break away the endless distractions of life and give you some time to really think. I've had many of my best ideas on hikes and walks through nature. If you live in a highly technological world, spending a few hours or days can create even more ideas. I don't believe that this is because nature has some mystical power but simply that it is often such a dramatic change in environment that it triggers new ideas.

Cooked from Scratch

Technology also appears in our food, even if it isn't in the form of circuit boards. Having easy premade and tasty food can be great in a hectic lifestyle, but this kind of eating isn't usually healthiest. Try cutting back on processed foods and making more meals from scratch. Most people say they don't have time, but I believe it is really that they don't know how.

Even if you aren't going to be featured on Iron Chef anytime soon, try cooking a new meal from scratch. I've found that you can often modify recipes to be cooked in less time without resorting to tasteless and processed filler. You might want to set out an hour or two a week to experiment with a new recipe.

Technology is a Tool

I'm not going to be joining the Amish anytime soon. I love the many ways that technology can make us more efficient and connect us with other people. But like any tool, you need to see where its limits are.

If you find yourself becoming a technophile try unteching some areas of your life. You might find a little less tech can bring a lot more value.

By Scott Young.

Getting Children to Eat Vegetables
A recent study has discovered a simple way to get young children to eat their vegetables. Almost every mother knows about the trouble that has to be gone through in order to get young children to eat their daily requirement of vegetables. It's a hard ordeal.

Fortunately, a study undertaken by Cornell University has revealed that simply by allocating catchy new names to ordinary vegetables results in even very picky youngsters to ask for more! Some of the names that they tried and proved very successful were, 'Tomato Bursts' and 'X-Ray Vision Carrots'

The study involved the participation of 186 four-year olds. When they were offered ordinary carrots that were called "X-ray Vision Carrots", the children ate almost double the amount compared to when they were given carrots as just 'carrots' on their other lunch days.

Interestingly, even after the study, the same children ate 50% more carrots when they were called just 'carrots'.
The author of the study, Brian Wansink said, "Cool names can make for cool foods," adding that "Whether it be 'power peas' or 'dinosaur broccoli trees,' giving a food a fun name makes kids think it will be more fun to eat. And it seems to keep working – even the next day."

Even adults are susceptible to the names of foods. A study conducted on restaurants found that when 'Seafood Filet' was changed to "Succulent Italian Seafood Filet," taste rating increased by 12% and sales increased by 28%. Wansink said it was the "Same food, but different expectations, and a different experience."

Researcher Collin Payne said that the trick can be used outside of pre-school children too. He said, "I've been using this with my kids," and added that "Whatever sparks their imagination seems to spark their appetite."

Psyllium Husk (Isabgol) for Constipation

It is imperative to drink copious quantities of
water when taking psyllium, otherwise it just adds to the already
existing problem of constipation. It clogs things up further.

Personally I think Triphala is a much more user friendly product, and
according to David Frawley safe to use on a long term basis. It also
tones the colon and has high levels of Vitamin C.---claire lafferty

Tulsi to 'insulate' the Taj Mahal

Lukhnow - Tulsi, known for its medicinal qualities, will
now help protect the Taj Mahal from environmental
pollution. In an exercise being undertaken by the Uttar
Pradesh Forest Department and the Lucknow-based Organic
India, a million tulsi saplings will be planted near the
marble mausoleum.

Tulsi is one of the best plants to purify the environment.
It cleanses as it releases high amounts of oxygen, which minimises the
adverse impact of industrial and refinery emission. - PTI
The Hindu
Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Turning to Vedic Wisdom to Fix America’s Health Crisis

It’s time to do something about health care that doesn’t depend on the government.

The US health care system is going to be broken for the forseeable future, and only because I am now far enough away from it to have some perspective do I understand that it is the responsibility of each individual to take personal responsibility for his or her health. We have given it over to the government for the past fifty years with disastrous results.

A contemporary reinterpretation of ancient Vedic wisdom advocates a balance of body, mind and soul and offers Ayurvedic treatments to help optimize health and prevent illness.The simple practice of keeping your life in balance means you can avoid the health care system while waiting for it to get better (if it ever does).

And then I will remind you that here in India, people do not rely on the government because they cannot. The power goes in and out constantly, the streets have no curbs and sidewalks, all basic infrastructure is woefully lacking. And yet, life goes on because India has become a nation of entrepreneurs who do not depend for their well-being on “good” government. In the award-winning novel The White Tiger, the author talks about village hospitals in which the doctors never appear, because they are hired by the government to go to the hospital, but pay money to a clerk to check off a ledger that says they’ve already visited the hospital for the week.

You may think this only happens in India, but people in American hospitals wait long periods of time to see a doctor, too, although for different reasons.

In India, this leads people to learn on their own and to take more personal responsibility. It has developed a nation of entrepreneurs. In America, we are currently a nation of learned helplessness, standing in line at the government’s door waiting for our bailouts.

Health care for individuals in far back in the bail out line. If you are currently uninsured, or uninsurable, try reading Ayurveda to get a different perspective on what you can do for your own health.

(Written by francine on February 19, 2009 - 11:33am For: www.ushealthcrisis.com)

Top 10 Reasons for Getting Up Early

I don't always bound out of bed with grand expectations about the day ahead, but when I can hear my grandmother saying, "This is a day the Lord has made: I will rejoice and be glad in it," it helps. And when I get up at the early side of morning instead of the snooze-alarm side, ah, what a difference!

1. It stretches out the morning. You could even see it as a way of living longer.

2. There's no excuse not to meditate.

3. Or go to the gym.

4. You'll be sure and make your bed before you leave the house. Just remembering that you did that gives you a better day.

5. There's time for a real breakfast.

6. You get to see your city or town when it's fresh and new---just you and the street cleaners and the paperboys

7. You don't have to rush to get to work.

8. You can get to your desk with time to spare to straighten things up a bit, check personal email, and maybe start the coffee so the person who usually does that gets a pass.

9. You're starting your day in rhythm with nature. According to the time-honored Indian healing system of Ayurveda, there's a wake-up energy in the early morning from 5:30 to 7 o'clock or so, and a slow-down-and-help-you-sleep energy from 9 to 10:30 at night.

10. You join forces with giants. The bulk of great thinkers past and present were early risers. They didn't miss anything the day had to offer. Get up with them and you won't miss anything either.

(From - Beliefnet.com)

Ayurveda provides balance within
Ayurveda defines a healthy person in a blissful state of balance…when the body, and mind, and spirit function at an optimum level. There is a healthy digestive fire resulting in good digestion and absorption, healthy metabolism leading to healthy cells and a peaceful state of mind.

Ayurveda recognizes that we are comprised of earth, fire, water, air, and ether; elements that are all around us, and in us. Some are more predominant and are expressed in our Doshas.

Doshas are three constituents found in nature—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and under those three umbrellas fall the five elements and other characteristics. A Dosha determines your tendencies: It explains you—from your mental clarity to your ideal climate.

We are all born with an unchanging Dosha, but we can have an imbalance. Ayurveda comes into play when there is an imbalance within the Doshas. It helps us to stay balanced.

Ayurveda recognizes that everyone is an individual, Ayurveda is really about nature. Recognizing that we are a part of nature.

Presence of metals in Ayurvedic drugs within permissible limit


Published: December 19,2008

New Delhi, Dec 19 :India today denied that some Auyurvedic drugs manufactured by leading companies contained toxic heavy metals more than their permissible limit as reported in a US journal.

The article, which appeared in August 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), said detectable levels of lead, mercury or arsenic were found in some Ayurvedic products manufactured by Goodcare Pharma, Baidyanath, Maharishi Ayurved and Sharangdhar Pharmaceuticals.

The US Food and Drug Administration had urged the consumers to use caution with Ayurvedic products based on the information contained in the JAMA article, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said in the Rajya Sabha.

He said the government took immediate steps to test the samples of the drugs mentioned in the JAMA article in labs accredited by the National Accreditation Board of Laboratories (NABL).

" After examination it was found that no Indian-exported herbal Ayurvedic medicine contained toxic heavy metals more than the permissible limit,"he said.

Presence of heavy metals was not detected in purely herbal Ayurvedic formulations, he added.

The minister also informed the House that metals are essential ingredients of formulations in herbo-mineral and herbo-metallic preparations. However, they are permitted to be used only after due purification and only in small quantities to act as catalysts for activation of other herbal ingredients to increase the efficacy of the medicine.

Nevertheless, the Centre has made testing for heavy metals mandatory in all purely herbal Ayurved, Siddha and Unani medicines to be exported since January 2006, he added. [Source: PTI]

Basil - the new anti-ageing weapon
Holy Basil (Tulsi) which has been long used in Ayurvedic medicine and as a home remedy for treatment of colds, fever, coughs, and skin diseases, has now emerged as the best weapon to protect against the harmful effects of ageing, according to recent researches by the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester.

Although native to India, The Basil (Ocimum Sanctum) is commonly used for cooking purposes in the west, while in other parts of Asia it is used a rejuvenation drug to promote youthful state of physical and mental health. Ayurvedic medicine has been long using basil extract to treat several illnesses.

During their study, the pharmacy researchers noticed that the holy basil extract is effective in elimination of harmful molecules and safeguards against damages caused by few free radicals found in key organs such as the liver, heart and brain.

Practical tips on eating habits as per Ayurveda

What to Eat? How to Eat?

Ayurveda explains the role of food in maintenance of vigorous health. There is an interesting and important episode described in the text of Ayurvedic Medicine. While discussing with Rishi Punarvasu - the author of “Charak Samhita”, some Vaidyas (ancient Ayurvedic doctors) raised the query “Ko ruka?” (Meaning: who does not fall ill?). Somebody said - one who eats Chyavanprash (a paste created from healthy ingredients) every morning, other said “Who takes lavan bhaskar and triphala regularly?” while others opine eating chandravati every day as the source of health. Finally the fundamental principle of natural maintenance of good health was expressed by Vagbhatt as - Hitbhuka, Mitbhuka, Ritbhuika.

Hitbhuk: which means eat that which is nourishing for your health and do not eat merely for taste.

Mitbhuk: which means eat moderately (only that much which is essential for sustenance of the vitality and stamina of the body).

Ritbhuk: means eat that which is earned and prepared by righteous means and also what is suitable in a particular season.

Broadly speaking, the above principles are not new to us. We all have read or heard about these in one form or the other. But how many people (including ourselves) really pay attention to these? In view of the life-style adopted by most of us today and considering the growing pollution in the gross and the subtle environment, we ought to be more careful about healthy food.

So first let’s understand categories of food.

1. Suka Grain (Cereals): Wheat, rice, barley, maize, millet, corn, etc. are principle ingredients of Indian cooking. The cereals are natural sources of nourishment for human body. Carbohydrates are their major constituents. They also contain about 6% to 12% proteins. The presence of minerals and vitamins is, however, nominal in the cereals; only vitamin B is found in greater quantity in their outer sheath. The shelf life of these cereals ranges between one to two years after harvesting. Sprouted cereals have more nutrition value and are richer in proteins and vitamins.

2. Sami Grains (Pulses and Legumes): This category of grains consists of grams and pulses, which are rich in proteins. Gram, green gram, kidney-bean seeds, red and yellow gram and lentil, black-gram, soybean seeds, dry-peas, etc. fall in this category. These are main source of proteins for vegetarians. The protein contents and mode of metabolism of these are healthier and more compatible with the metabolic functioning of the human body as compared to those in the non-vegetarian foods (meat, chicken, eggs etc.) Use of fresh sprouts of whole pulses and legumes in balanced quantities in breakfast and main meals is an excellent means of maintaining natural health.

3. Kandamula (Tubers and Roots): Potato, sweet tuber (sweet potato), carrot, beetroot, turnip, radish, etc. are members of this class of naturally healthy foods. They are rich in carbohydrates and are important sources of balanced calories in our bodies and activation of metabolism. These, if eaten in appropriate quantities, are good means of strength and energy in the body system. These could even be used as substitutes for varieties of cereal dishes. The rishimunis (Sages) of the ancient times used to take only Kandamula as their main food. The term ‘phatahara’ for the food prescribed during fasts refers to these only.

4. Phal (Fruits): As we all know, vitamins, minerals, natural glucose and carbohydrates are present in substantial proportions in fresh fruits. Amalki, apple, bilva (wood-apple), banana, black-plum (rose-apple), dates, figs, grapes, guava, mango, orange, pomegranate, papaya, sweet-lime, etc. are easily available fruits in almost all parts of India. According to Ayurveda, these fruits also have medicinal properties. Fruits like apricot, cherry, pineapple, strawberry, etc. could also be used when available. Ayurveda emphasizes that fruits should be eaten in their specific season, and should be naturally ripe. Overripe or rotten fruits are harmful. Raw fruits would be difficult to digest and will not have the desired natural qualities. Care should be taken to avoid eating fruits preserved in cold storage and those ripened through the use of chemicals like carbide. These have severe negative effects; frequent use of such unnaturally ripened fruits might cause dreaded diseases like cancer.

5. Sakas (Vegetables): Fresh vegetables are important ingredients of a healthy food. They provide us with essential vitamins, minerals, and compounds. Use of different types of green beans, bitter gourd, brinjal (eggplant), cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, green-gourd, okra (bhindi), tomato, etc. is very good for health. Different types of vegetables supplement each other in fulfilling the body’s requirement of vitamins, minerals etc. Likewise the use of fruits, specific vegetables should also be consumed only in the specific season of their natural growth. Use of vegetables of one season in another season is prohibited in Ayurveda.

6. Harit (Greens Leafy Vegetables): Coriander-leaf, fenugreek-leafs, green peas, mint-leafs, radish-leaf, spinach, etc. should be part of a healthy diet. Iron, calcium and other mineral and vitamin C and E etc. present in these green leafy vegetables or salads, are essential for our body’s proper nourishment.

7. Suska Phal Va Tilahan (Dry Fruits and Oil Seeds): Almond, cashew nut, chestnut, coconut, groundnut, peanut, pistachio, etc. are very rich in proteins. The oils inside these provide natural lubricants and facts necessary for the body’s mechanical and other functions. The edible, oily-seeds of sesame, mustard etc. also serve this purpose.

8. Iksu (Glucose rich substances): Molasses, sugarcane, sugar treacle, and other glucose rich substances fall in this category. These are often used to sweeten the drinks and eatables. These contain hundred percent carbohydrates, which are the major source of producing energy in the body.

9. Ambu (Watery or juicy substances): This category includes all edible substances that are rich in water-content. Fruits like watermelon, which contain about 90% water, are prominent in this category. Major part of our body-system is filled with water. We should fulfill the consistent requirement of its supply by drinking substantial amount of water. Fresh lemon squash, etc. and juice of watery fruits, if taken in balanced quantities, also supply us with other nourishing substances along with water.

10. Goras (Milk products): Milk, curd, buttermilk, cheese, etc. fall in this group. Pure milk (esp. that of cow) and buttermilk are described as ‘divine’ food or best source of nourishment for sadhakas. Many people observe kalpa (long-term fasting) only with the intake of milk or buttermilk. Milk (especially, cow-milk) is said to be a whole food in itself. Curd is also nourishing food with several medicinal qualities, if taken fresh and in appropriate quantities in different seasons as per one’s prakrati (level of tridosa). Fresh cheese and its products (if not fried) are wholesome sources of calories. Buttermilk (takra) is referred in Ayurveda as an important medicinal food. Condensed milk and milk powder might be easy to preserve and use, and may help in making delicious dishes, but these are harmful to health, particularly in the cozy life-style we have adopted and because of the chemical synthesis processes used in their preparation. Use of condensed milk and milk powder or dairy whiteners should therefore be avoided as far as possible. In view of the reports of adulteration of milk by mixing urea and other chemicals, contaminated water, etc., these days, we should be careful in verifying and ascertaining that milk and its products are free from toxins.

11. Sneha (Oils and Fats): Butter, ghee (butter clarified by boiling and straining), edible oils and fatty substances, if taken in balanced amounts, are also part of a healthy diet. These are highly rich in calories. (On an average, about nine calories are gained from 1gm of any of these substances). These help in fulfilling the requirements of lubrication of body parts (especially, joints) and energy production in the body-system. They also generally contain vitamins A, D, E and K. However, excess use of these substances is harmful to both physical and mental health. Extra care should therefore be taken to keep the level of proportion of this category to the essential minimum in our daily meals.

12. Krattana Va Yaugika (Cooked Food and Edible Compounds): Ayurveda considers ‘cooked food’ as a separate class of food. All the categories described above are independent of each other and, as we know, most of the constituents of these could be consumed raw or sprouted. Cooking changes the natural properties of food ingredients. However, eating this class of food is important because proper cooking (esp. of cereals and pulses) makes the food easily digestible and many of the new edible compounds produced under this process would also be of vital use in the metabolic system and other body-functions. Cooked food could consist of members of more than one of the above classes and help giving new combined positive effects. The concept of cooking as referred in Ayurveda is quite different from what it is for most of us today.

Cooking today is mostly aimed to make the food more delicious; different experiments are tried out by the catering experts in this regard and new ‘dishes’ and new recipes are derived. Deep fried food, varieties of spices and arbitrary combination of foods of non-compatible natural qualities are harmful to our health according to Ayurveda. But we don’t think of it as long as the food is palatable. The use of pre-cooked food-ingredients and the so-called “fast foods” should be avoided, as it has very adverse effects on our body-system. Apart from lacking in nourishing value this type of ‘modern’ food is very likely to impair the normal functioning of our digestive system and cause harmful mutations due to the chemicals in the preservatives, the artificial flavors and the chemically processed cooking involved in its preparation.

Having looked at the different categories of edible foods described in Ayurveda, let us now see what the Ayurvedic Principles tell us about - what, how much and when to eat? Why to eat and how to eat?

What to eat?

The principle of “Hitbhuk and Ritbhuk” conveys us that we should always eat properly earned, pure, seasonal and nourishing food. A balanced combination (depending upon the physical and mental labor required in one’s daily routine) from the above-described categories of healthy foods would be best suited. For example, you may use wheat, barley, maize, and some pulses, curd, butter, groundnuts, oilseeds, etc. in appropriate quantities with larger amounts of green, leafy and other vegetables; some sprouts should always be part of your food. Don’t over-cook or deeply fry; use of spices, salts, sugars and oily substances should be restricted to the essential minimum. One should always eat fresh food; resist consuming toxic substances, stimulating and alcoholic drinks, and non-vegetarian foods. If you want to enjoy vigorous mental and physical health as per the guidelines of Ayurveda abstain from tobacco, betel-nuts, betel-leaves, etc.; stop taking wine, liquor and other alcoholic drinks; resist from drinking tea or coffee as well; never eat eggs, fish, chickens, any kind of animal-flesh etc.

How much to eat?

The answer lies in the principle of “Mitasi Syat”. Meaning, eat moderately. Howsoever nourishing or healthy the food may be; it would cause harm if eaten in excess. So, be cautious about the quantity of your diet. Don’t fill your tummy more than half its space, leave one-fourth for water and the remaining one-fourth for air. Those doing physical labor need more of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. But those engaged in sedentry and mental work or meditation-devotion etc. should take lighter foods such as boiled vegetables, thin chapatis, daliya (boiled crushed wheat), milk, sweet fruits, etc.

When to eat?

As per the vedic routine, one should eat only twice a day after performing agnihotra (homam) in the morning and in the evening (before sunset). In today’s circumstances, the best timings for the morning meal are any time between 8 a.m. to 12 noon and those for the dinner sometime before 7 p.m. This way the food is easily digested and keeps the body strong and energetic. In any case, be regular in the timings of taking your meals; avoid eating late in the night. One of the major causes of metabolic disorders and varieties of diseases caused thereby is that people keep watching TV and eat very late in the night. Remember that it takes about 8 to 11 hours for proper natural digestion of food. Eat only when you feel hungry. (Suppose you are not hungry at the regular timings, don’t eat; you may take only something light, say milk with water as a substitute). Eating is a kind of agnihotra. The ahutis (offerings) are made in agnihotra only when its fire is lit well; putting the ahutis in half-burnt or smoldering wood would only produce smoke instead of healthy effects of agnihotra.

Why to eat?

Eat to maintain and strengthen the health and vigor of your body.

Healthy mind resides in a healthy body. And therefore Vedas say that “We shall regard our body as the temple of our soul and maintain its sanctity and health by observing self-restraint and punctuality in our routine”. The purpose of food is to sustain healthy and harmonious functioning of the body system, the physical medium of our life, to enable us to perform our duties towards God and His creation. Food is not meant to satiate the greed of our tongue or stomach.

How to eat?

Take your food gracefully in a calm state of mind, paying full attention to eating; every morsel should be chewed properly. Food should be revered like the prasada (offerings made to the Deity). Enough water should be taken before and after the meals. Water is like nectar for our vital functions. Drink at least a glass full of water before taking food. Don’t drink more than half a bowl of water while eating. Drink sufficient water after about an hour of taking the meals. This helps in proper digestion.

The type of food and mode of eating should also take into account the seasonal effects. The rainy season is very critical with respect to healthcare through controlled food. In this period (known as visarga kala in Ayurveda) the sun begins to move towards the winter solstice (daksinayana). The vata accumulated in the body due to the heat of summer begins to show its ill effects, it diminishes the appetite and causes gastric troubles, etc. Normal digestion also takes longer time in this season because of this vata, which, if one does not take proper care in the selection of food and eating habits, catalyzes the dosha of pitta as well. The rise in humidity makes this season risky towards the rise of kapha dosa. People prone to cold and cough should therefore be extra careful about their food during the monsoons.

In view of these Ayurvedic observations, one should eat light and easily digestible meals and firmly resist from lavish, heavy stuff. Else the vicious effects of undigested food and associated accumulation and rise of doshas will invite one disease after the other, some of which might manifest gradually in the successive seasons. As a preventive measure, drinking water should be boiled in this season and vegetables and salads, etc. should also be washed in clean, boiled water. A combination of sweet-sour-salty juicy substance should be used in food to reduce the vata effect. Ginger should be used in food preparation to make it easily digestible. Vegetables like green gourd, bhindi (okra) paraval (snake-gourd), are suitable, as these do not increase gastric problems; use of sprouts or pulses of green-gram and roasted or cooked maize is also beneficial.

Ayurvedic scriptures advise against the use of milk in the month of shravan (the second month of rainy season in India) and buttermilk in bhadon (the third month of rainy season in India); curd should be generally avoided during the entire season of monsoon. Viral fever, malaria, typhoid, jaundice, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis and skin infections are quite common diseases (in India) during this season.

Necessary precautions should be taken in this regard. Preventive herbal medicines may also be used as a support in high-risk areas.

If preventive care is taken as regards taking healthy foods in the rainy season, the winter would prove to be beneficial towards enhancing the vigor and health of the body. Ayurveda also lays stress on spiritual effects of food.

By Dr.Hiren Parekh

Ayurveda to cure chemotherapy effects

New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) India has patented an ayurveda medicine that promises to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy during cancer treatment and improve the blood platelet count among patients.

The medicine, Medihope, made by a Pune-based manufacturer, Hope Ayurvedic Medicine Private Ltd., was awarded the patent after it received favourable field results. It will be in the Indian market within a month.

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is known to weaken the immune system, cause weight loss, decrease the hemoglobin percentage and blood platelet count.

The composition produced from 12 medicinal plants helps increase the blood platelet count and hemoglobin percentage, there are other benefits like maintaining the white blood cell count and increase in the weight of patients. It also reduces pain from chemotherapy.

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