ANCIENT WISDOM, MODERN SCIENCE
In Ayurveda, there are many herbs that may help with obesity.
OBESITY is a global public health problem2. The health consequences of obesity range from increased risk of premature death, to serious chronic conditions that reduce the overall quality of life.
Being obese can also put you at increased risk of non-fatal, but debilitating health problems, such as respiratory difficulties, chronic musculoskeletal problems, skin problems, and infertility.
Overweight and obesity lead to adverse metabolic effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin resistance.
In many cultures, traditional herbs may have more acceptance than prescription drugs in trying to alleviate the problems caused by obesity3. Various herbs such as Vrikshamla (Garcinia cambogia), Guggulu (Commiphora wightii), Meshashringi (Gymnema sylvestre), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Medhika (Trigonella foenum-graecum) are recommended for obesity in Ayurveda.

EU likely to revise guidelines for imports of Indian herbal drugs - livemint
Local manufacturers currently face a barrier in the form of a 15-year usage criterion; hopeful of speedy resolution

Triphala – Herbal Colon Cleanser and Constipation Cure
Dr. John AnneOctober 22, 2007
Triphala is an amazing contribution of Ayurveda, the ancient study of natural medications. Triphala is a preparation that is essentially formulated with three myrobalans, known as Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. These three myrobalans refer emblic myrobalans (Emblica officinalis), belliric myrobalans (Terminalia bellirica) and chebulic myrobalans (Terminalia chebula) respectively.
Benefits of Triphala
Triphala is used to enhance appetite and digestion process. It increases red blood cell counts. It is used to remove extra fat from the body system. If it is used internally, it helps clear digestion process and alleviate the symptoms of headaches. However, there are other claimed benefits associated with the usage of Triphala such as enhancing skin complexion and skin texture.
Since ancient times, Indian continent is rich with the blessings of various useful herbs that not only aid in treating various health hazards, but also in promoting overall healthy balance, both physically and psychologically. In India, people usually take Triphala on a regular basis, no wonder the diseases are far away from that individual.
Each of the fruit components of Triphala takes a great care of the body system by promoting gentle purification of all toxic elements of the body, while improving the digestive system throughout. Due to its ability to nourish internal organ of the body, it resembles the care of the mother to her child. With its high nutritional value, it cleanses the body at the deepest organic level without running down the reserves of the body system. That makes this preparation one of the best among all herbal medications in the world.
Triphala reduces the serum cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It significantly improves function of the liver as well as blood circulation. It has the ability to exert a remarkable protection against cardiovascular diseases.
Ayurvedic Significance
As stated in the study of Ayurveda, the body system is composed of three humors or tridosha. These three humors are known as vata, pitta and kapha. Vata interprets ‘wind’, relating to mind and nervous system. Pitta is interpreted as ‘fire’, relating to metabolic transformation inclusive of digestion and absorption of food. Kapha interprets ‘water’, relating to anabolic or development processes in the body system. Now the three constituents that is, Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki represent these three humors. Amalaki is related with pitta humor, so it helps treating inflammatory complications, liver problems, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, infections and many others.
Apart from that, Amalaki offers its significant role as antibacterial and antiviral substance, pronounced expectorant and cardiovascular nourishment tonic. Bibhitaki corresponds to kapha humor. It helps treating asthma, allergies, coughs and bronchiole complications. Haritaki is linked with vata humor. It is helpful in treating chronic constipation, nervousness and anxiety.
Triphala is a well-balanced formulation of these three constituents. All of these three constituents have been studied scientifically and the result confirms the traditional benefits of the same. In total, it is one of the best Ayurvedic rasayana or preparation that offers an excellent solution for lowering cholesterol level, reducing high blood pressure, enhancing blood circulation, improving digestive system and managing eradication without being dependent on laxatives.
Form of availability
You can avail it typically in either of two forms. Either you may have powder or you may have it in the tablet form. Traditional studies suggest taking this medication in the form of powder or churna. You may mix 2 to 3 grams of the powder along with lukewarm water and mix it very well. You can have it either in the evening time every day or you may have it divided into three parts and have it throughout the day following a particular time. Both adults and children can take benefit from it; however the dosages will be varied.
If the dosage is taken in larger quantity, it works as a laxative, whereas if the dosage is low, it functions like an effective blood purifier.

Increasing Americans learning Yoga, Ayurveda

New York, Oct 7: The ancient Hindu healing methods of Yoga and Ayurveda have found an increasing number of Americans learning the Indian practices.

Numerous Yoga and Ayurveda centres now dot New York City, which offer meditation and exercise sessions.

Ayurvedic Cooking Makes a Comeback!
(Thaindian.com - Bangkok,Bangkok,Thailand)
Ayurveda literally means ‘the science of life’. This ancient but highly advanced science stresses on correct food habits, appropriate exercise, specific breathing techniques and a peaceful meditative mind as the pathways to a long and healthy life.
Ayurvedic cooking is based on the ancient texts of the Ayurveda where the food prepared is not just flavourful but is also believed to cleanse the body of toxins and rejuvenate the system.
The basic principals of Ayurvedic cooking places equal importance on the cooking technique as of the ingredients themselves. Freshness is a vital factor (so think twice before reaching out for those tinned chickpeas!) The right food taken at the right time in the right combination based on individual body types is believed to be the key to good health.

Eat your way to hair health - ayurvedic tips for lovely tresses
Ayurvedic recommendations for your hair are not only effective at maintaining hair strength, color and luster, they also steer you away from chemicals-based hair care that can create health problems in the long term.

Healthy lifestyle habits lowers heart risk even with late-starters
Published September 6th, 2007 in Heart Care, Immune Strength, Exercise Guide, News and Researches.

Leading a healthy lifestyle even if later in life, could lower the risk of developing heart disease and premature death within years of changing habits.
Researchers of Medical University, South Carolina, tried to find out if late-starters could actually gain the rewards of healthy habits like eating fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking, controlling weight gain, and walking thirty minutes a day.
Once the tracking process began, nearly sixteen thousand people in the age group of 45 to 64 years, only about 8.5 percent were following all the four healthy habits mentioned above. Among the other adults, 8.4 percent began practicing the four healthy habits within six years after the beginning of studies.
The middle-aged who began including five or more vegetables and fruits every day, exercising for atleast 2.5 hours a week, keeping tab on their weight gain, and gave up smoking, decreased their risk of heart diseases by thirty five percent and the risk of premature death by fourty percent within four years after they started. Their rate of heart attacks and death rates matched with those who had been following the healthy lifestyle habits all through their lives.
The results indicate that picking up all four habits eventually leads to a sharp decline in heart disease risk, and death from any cause. However, to gain health benefits, it took all four habits to be incorporated, as including only three healthy lifestyle habits, resulted only in a modest decrease in overall risk of death, and in no significant decrease in heart disease. However, the results do not necessarily mean that one can wait until they turn 40 to 50 to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

Massage parlours- threat to Ayurveda
Times of India - India
"Even though this shows the growing popularity of Ayurveda, the attempt to dilute the system for purely commercial interests will do great harm to this ...

Unlike other streams of treatment like Allopathy and Homeopathy, Ayurveda has treatments that help rejuvenation and wellness. This trait makes it vulnerable to be excessively commercialised.

"To do an oil massage as per the Ayurvedic texts, we need seven therapists and a systematic method has to be adopted as per the advice of the doctor. The choice of oil, massage, preparations etc are prescribed after evaluating the condition of the patient."

Turmeric moves from the kitchen shelf to the clinic
The researchers state that although turmeric (Curcuma longa; an Indian spice) has been described in Ayurveda, as a treatment for inflammatory diseases and is referred by different names in different cultures, the active principle called curcumin or diferuloylmethane, a yellow pigment present in turmeric (an ingredient in curry powder) has been shown to exhibit numerous activities.

The researchers claim that various preclinical cell-culture and animal studies suggest that curcumin has potential as an antiproliferative, anti-invasive, and antiangiogenic agent; as a mediator of chemoresistance and radioresistance; as a chemopreventive agent; and as a therapeutic agent in wound healing, diabetes, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and arthritis.

Pilot phase I clinical trials have shown curcumin to be safe even when consumed at a daily dose of 12 g for 3 months. Other clinical trials suggest a potential therapeutic role for curcumin in diseases such as familial adenomatous polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, hypercholesteremia, atherosclerosis, pancreatitis, psoriasis, chronic anterior uveitis and arthritis.

NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON KSHARASUTRA

Given the safety, cost-effectiveness and the success rate of Ksharasutra in the treatment of anal fistula, the Department of AYUSH, in collaboration with the ICMR and the CCRAS, is organizing a National Campaign to promote the use of Ksharasutra in ano-rectal diseases. A National Workshop is being organized on 24-25 August 2007 in the auditorium of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Eminent experts in Ksharasutra will be participating in the Workshop. In keeping with the increased interest in Ksharasutra in foreign countries, a renowned Japanese expert Dr. Kenji Tazawa will also be participating in the National Workshop

Ayurvedic Medicine can offer weight loss Tips Tailored to your Body type.

What’s your dosha?

According to Ayurveda each person has a unique mix of three mind/body principles that create specific mental and physical characteristics. The three principles are called “dosha.”

Two people struggling with their weight could have two totally different recommendations based on ayurveda.According to a person’s body type (dosha), that determines what type of exercise they should do and what time of day they should exercise.

People with Kapha body type, which is most prone to being overweight, may need to exercise more than once a day at specific times and for longer periods. Additionally, because that body type often has a hard time absorbing liquids, they need to be careful not to consume to much water with their meals.

Kepha patients need to include a large amount of ginger in their diets to improve their digestive fire. However, patients who do not have a Kapha body type would suffer from heartburn is they consumed too much ginger, making it important to have a correct dosha identified.

Magic shrub Guggul

12 Aug 2007:It's a wonder shrub that is giving India's Rs 5,000 crore-worth ayurveda industry sleepless nights. Guggul, a four-metre shrub, known for its powers of reducing high cholesterol levels besides bringing relief to patients suffering from rheumatic arthritis and thyroid, has started to disappear from India.
National Research Centre for Medical and Aromatic Plants (Gandhinagar), Central Arid Zone Research Institute (Jodhpur), Agricultural Research Institute (Gujarat) and Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (Lucknow), have been asked to start research on this plant. Scientists will look at how to make this plant grow across India (at present it only grows in arid zones), how to make it produce the resin at regular intervals (at present, it exudes gum every 10-12 years), how to extend its lifespan (it dies after the gum is extracted) and how to improve its germination.

Promising native plant from Sri Lanka and India lowers type-2 diabetes

Fri, 2007-07-20 05:11 Colombo, 20 July (Asiantribune.com): A native plant popularly known as "Kothala Himbutu" among Lankan Ayurvedic practioners and "Ponkoranti" by Tamil Ayurvedic practitioners, has now been scientifically proven to "lower acute glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes."
According to the latest American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "the extract of Salacia oblonga lowers acute glycemia and insulinemia in persons with type 2 diabetes after a high-carbohydrate meal." The experiments were conducted by Jennifer A Williams, Yong S Choe, Michael J Noss, Carl J Baumgartner and Vikkie A Mustad. They have concluded "the results from this study suggest that Salacia may be beneficial to this population for postprandial glucose control."
"Kothala Himbutu" / "Ponkoranti", scientifically Salacia oblonga (alternatively Salacia reticulata) is a woody plant found in the forests of Sri Lanka and India. The roots and stems of Salacia Oblonga are used extensively in Aryuveda for the treatment of Diabetes. Its roots too are used for Ayurvedic medicine, but are "acrid and bitter." The study is published in the latest American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 86, No. 1, 124-130, July 2007.
The summary / extract of it given below in full:
Extract of Salacia oblonga lowers acute glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes1,2,3,4
Jennifer A Williams, Yong S Choe, Michael J Noss, Carl J Baumgartner and Vikkie A Mustad
1 From the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, OH (JAW, YSC, and VAM); Radiant Research, Cincinnati, OH (MJN), and Radiant Research, Edina, MN (CJB)
Background : Two previous studies tested the efficacy of Salacia oblonga extract in healthy adults.
Objective: This study evaluated the effect of an herbal extract of Salacia oblonga on postprandial glycemia and insulinemia in patients with type 2 diabetes after ingestion of a high-carbohydrate meal.
Design: Sixty-six patients with diabetes were studied in this randomized, double-blinded crossover study. In a fasted state, subjects consumed 1 of the following 3 meals: a standard liquid control meal, a control meal + 240 mg Salacia oblonga extract, and a control meal + 480 mg Salacia oblonga extract. Serum glucose and insulin samples were measured at baseline and at postprandial intervals up to 180 min.
Results: Both doses of the Salacia extract significantly lowered the postprandial positive area under the glucose curve (14% for the 240 mg extract and 22% for the 480 mg extract) and the adjusted peak glucose response (19% for the lower dose and 27% for the higher dose of extract) to the control meal. In addition, both doses of the herbal extract significantly decreased the postprandial insulin response, lowering both the positive area under the insulin curve and the adjusted peak insulin response (14% and 9%, respectively, for the 240 mg extract; 19% and 12%, respectively, for the 480 mg extract) in comparison with the control meal.
Conclusions: The extract of Salacia oblonga lowers acute glycemia and insulinemia in persons with type 2 diabetes after a high-carbohydrate meal. The results from this study suggest that Salacia may be beneficial to this population for postprandial glucose control.

Source: Yahoogroup: Ayurvedfriends

Read more about Useful Ayurvedic Herbs for Diabetes

Expiration date of ayurvedic medicines

There are a number of half-truths about ayurveda floating around. "Ayurvedic medicines do not have an expiration date" is one such half-truth.
The concept of expiration date for medicines used in modern medicine arises from the fact that after a certain time, the substances undergo a change which makes them either uneffective or toxic.
At the time when the major texts on ayurveda were written the practice was to consume the medication immediately after preparation.
A majority of the medicines were in the form of decoctions, pastes, medicated oils and medicated ghees.
Over a period of time bhasma of metals and other inorganic substances began to be used mainly due to the fact that they were effective in small doses.
This branch was called as Rasa-Shastra and preparation of mercury and sulphur was the base of this science.
Besides the efficacy in small doses these medicines also became widely used as they could be stored for a longer time and hence there was never the question of what to do if a particular substance (plant) was not available.
A majority of medicnes in Rasa-Shastra can be utilised a long time after their preparation and hence can be termed as not having an expiration date.
However in plant based medicine the picture changes. As mentioned before it was never expected that a medicine would be prepared and used even the next day, so there was no question about thinking about expiration both in terms of loss of efficacy or toxicity.
But with change in time the need to prepare and store medicines need to be felt. Those who were uncomfotable with rasa-shastra medicines (there are many ayurvedic practioners even today who never use rasa-shastra medicines, not out of fear of the brouhaha caused over metals in medicines but because they consider it to be inferior to plant based medicines) and used only plant based preparations had to resort to powder form and their variants like mashi (coal preparations), guti (small tablets), vati (medium size tablets), guggul (a medicinal substance which also acts as an adhesive) etc.
Since many of these are plant based it is unlikely that they will turn toxic after a certain period of time, but they will surely loose their efficacy.
So if a person has a doubt whether a one year old choorna will work or not, he is loosely told "dont worry, there is no expiry date for ayurvedic medicine".
While this may be true that it wont cause any harm, it is most certain that a one year old powder will not show the desired result.
There is an entire chapter in Sharangdhara Samhita where the efficacy period of various medicnes is mentioned. This can be taken to mean expiration period for the same.
Having said that, there are only 3 types of ayurvedic medicines which do not have an expiration period.
First is ofcourse the bhasmas as explained above. Second is medicated ghees and third is asava/arishtha preparation (alcholic preparation).
Infact it is said that the older the ghee or asava/arishtha the more efficient it is. This ofcourse takes into account the fact that they are properly and hygenically stored. However many unscrupulous alter this information to say that all ayurvedic medicnes fit the bill.
I have had many ayurvedic medical representatives explaining to me why I should use their dated products using this argument.
So for the record :-
1) Ayurvedic medicines do have an expiration period in the sense that the become ineffective after a certain amount of time. This period may be as short as 4 hours for freshly prepared decoction to around 2 years for properly prepared and stored tablet forms. Even medicated oils should not be used if they emit a stale odour.
2) Only bhasmas, ghees and asava/arishta have no expiration period.
3) Ghees and asava/arishta if prepared and stored properly increase in efficacy over a period of time.
Cybervaidya - AYURVEDA ONLINE Yahoo Group

Places For Meditation and Yoga
"Rishikesh, which translates as 'Land of Rishis or Yogis,' could be considered the capital of yoga and meditation in India. There are many ashrams along the banks of the holy river Ganga. Most are low-budget, offering no-frills accommodations and a fairly strict daily vegetarian diet (complete avoidance of eggs, meat, garlic, onions, intoxicants, cigarettes, etc.). All have wonderful tranquil locations -- quite and peaceful, perfect for contemplation and meditation. These are excellent places to learn and practice yoga from skilled exponents of the art.

Some of the Ashrams offering yoga and meditation classes in the Rishikesh area are the Yoga Study Centre (91-1364-243-1196), Yoga Niketan Ashram (91-1364-243-0227), Parmarth Niketan Ashram, and Sri Ved Niketan Ashram (91-1364-243-3537). Courses range from a week to a month and include daily yoga and meditation classes, satsangs (devotional gatherings), and bhajans (hymns). There is limited space so you must book in advance. There is an annual event (International Yoga Week) held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram every February/March, which would be an excellent introduction to the various yoga styles.

Total number of overweight adults: (20 through 74 years old) approximately one-third or 58 million Americans. (overweight defined as a BMI value of 27.3 percent or more for women and 27.8 percent or more for men) Nearly 70 percent of the diagnosed cases of cardiovascular disease are related to obesity.

Obesity more than doubles one's chances of developing high blood pressure, which affects approximately 26 percent of obese American men and women.

Every year, 300,000 people in the U.S.A. die from being overweight These are frightening statistics. However, in this day and age, there are some amazing options for those wishing to shed weight, fast!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT AND MAINTAIN IT ?
PUT AN END TO YOUR WEIGHT LOSS PROBLEMS! It's a proven fact that for most people diets don't work. But now you can shed unwanted pounds SAFELY, NATURALLY AND PERMANENTLY!

Welcome to the world of weight loss and total health through Ayurveda and Yoga.

5 Truths About Ayurveda by Lindsay Fox

#1 Ayurvedic medicine is less effective.
Truth: It is true that this method of treatment calls for more patience and endurance. The effectiveness can be cited by this example.
Whenever there is a tear in a cloth or a hole in a pitcher, we intend to rectify it using the similar material that it is made of. Similarly any fault in human body also calls to be corrected by use of natural resources, as much as possible.

#2 Ayurvedic medicines are slow in showing results.
Truth: The irony lies with the delay from patient’s side. Most patients visiting holistic practitioners take their time in trying other systems of medicine so as to derive a faster result. This not only delays the effect of medicine, it also hampers the working of the drug. This is because the patient has either tried much more complicated and powerful combination of drugs, the effect of which needs to be neutralized first. Or in the mean time, his malady has substantially become deep rooted and taken chronic form. It may at times show to work slowly, but as the fable goes slow and steady wins the race.

# 3 Ayurvedic medicine has side effects.
Truth: Any side effect from medicine, of any therapy, may result from the misuse of drug, either in processing or in prescribing. As far as side effect or after effect is concerned, I believe time tested medicines are safer provided the former two factors are precise. The safety of Ayurvedic medicine and mode of treatment may be advocated in 3 points.
1. In Ayurveda the very first principle in treating a disease is to do away with the basic cause, and also to see that no new ailment emerges as a consequence. A disease is eradicated from its roots.
2. Ayurveda insists that medicine be centered at the patient, than on the disease. The mind, body and soul are considered a tripod and medicine is prescribed for overall health augmentation.
3. Since Ayurveda deals with preparations mainly from herbs and natural resources, it is a harmless therapy with least or no side effects.

#4 Ayurvedic medicines are for older patients.
Truth: There is no known limitation in this form of treatment. It is equally suited to all age groups. Ayurveda could be considered a boon for children when their body system is yet tender and in process of immunity building. The natural products do not interfere with their body resistance and at the same time tends to be more safe and comforting.

#5 Ayurvedic medicines are just an alternative.
Truth: Ayurvedic system of medicine is incorrectly quoted as an alternate therapy as this has always been the most ancient and complete system of medicine. It’s been existing before the birth of other medical therapies. The word Ayurveda is itself derived from ‘Ayush’ which means life and ‘Veda’ which means science. There fore, Ayurveda is the complete science of life. It is a treasure to provide every individual a life full of health, vigor and vitality.
source--- INTERNET

Carrer options after BAMS
There are so many avenues that I have decided to open discussion on each course separately. Here is a general outline.
Practice options
Plain G.P.
G.P. with Panchakarma/ Yoga
Consulting practice
Consulting practice with Panchakarma / Yoga
Day care indoor facility with or without Panchakarma /Yoga
Indoor hospital with or without Panchakarma / Yoga
Health resort or spa with or without Panchakarma / Yoga
Old age home / Rasaayana chikitsa kendra
Specialist resorts like cancer resort / rheumatology resort /skin care resort
Specialized practice
KC
Prasuti- strirog
Shalya
Ksharsutra
Shalaakya & Netra
Cardiology
Skin
Psychiatry
Diabetology
Sports medicine
Geriatrics
Paediatrics
Orthopedics
Rheumatology
Dietetics
Beauty treatment
YogaJobs in India
Teaching
Teaching hospitalsZPPHC & RH
Pharmacies
Research projectsHealth resorts
Other fields
Medicinal Plantation
Translation Services
Trading in Ayurvedic drugs
Jobs abroad
Health spas
TeachingImport export
Courses after BAMSIn Ayurved fieldUniversity of Pune
PGPP (TAMV Pune)Ayu.
Dietetics
Beauty treatment
MBA Ayu Pharma
Analytical techniques
Health sector Other than Ayurved
M.Sc. Health Sciences
MPHCRCDMMUHS Nashik
M.Sc. Pharmaceutical sciences
Clinical ResearchFields other than health
MBA any branch
MBA Biotechnology
Database management
Content provider for databases
CHOICE IS YOURS

Skin Care

Herbs for the management of acne.
THE skin is the largest organ of the human body, both in terms of surface area and weight. It accounts for 15% of total body weight.
Skin is essential in many ways. It acts as a physical barrier and prevents harmful substances and microorganisms from entering the body. It protects body tissues and the network of muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels against injury. It also controls the loss of fluids like blood and water, helps regulate body temperature through perspiration, and protects from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays.
The skin consists of three layers (outer – epidermis; middle – dermis; and lower – subcutaneous tissue). It also contains structures like sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair and hair follicles.
Sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum and are found over the entire surface of the body except for the palms, soles, and dorsum of the feet. They are largest and most concentrated in the face and scalp – the sites of origin of acne. Sebum protects hair and skin, and keeps them from becoming dry, brittle, and cracked. It also inhibits the growth of microorganisms on skin.
Acne
Acne is a common skin disorder, affecting virtually all adolescents and adults at some time in their lives. Although overall health is not impaired, acne is not a trivial disease, as it can produce cutaneous and emotional scars that last a lifetime1,2,3. Numerous psychological problems stem from acne, some even resulting in decreased employability in adulthood4.
Acne is characterised by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples. Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.
This condition is most common in teenagers; three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate oil (sebum) production.
People in their 30s and 40s may also have acne. Young women are more likely to have intermittent acne due to hormonal changes associated with their menstrual cycle.
Each skin pore is an opening of a hair follicle, which contains a hair and a sebaceous gland. When skin pores are blocked due to excessive sebum secretion and accumulation of dirt, debris and bacteria, acne is produced.
This blockage further leads to inflammation and painful cysts. Severe acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Although the exact cause of acne is not known, certain factors such as greasy and fried foods, greasy cosmetic products, drugs, birth control pills, stress, and humidity can trigger acne.
Skin care regime
Good skin care calls for a mix of internal and external cleansing. Internal cleansing refers to removal of toxins in the blood and other inflammatory mediators that can give rise to various skin problems.
Regular skin regimes include the use of the right cleansers, toners, lotions and moisturisers for a healthy and clean skin. An unhygienic, poorly protected and undernourished skin is susceptible to acne.
Maintain good skin hygiene; clean your skin and remove dirt, grime and make-up by using mild soap, lemon or honey. Lemon removes grime and oil, while honey has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and prevents scar formation.
Avoid excessive or repeated washing of skin. Use non-greasy and water-based cosmetics. Avoid squeezing, pressing or pricking pimples. Be relaxed, and avoid tension, stress and excessive worry.
A number of herbs are used in Ayurveda for the treatment of acne and pimples.
Masura/Lens culinaris/lentil
Lentil has been cultivated and valued as an article of food since ancient times. It has also been used medicinally in many European countries.
Lentil is valued for its high protein content. It is astringent, nourishing, blood-enriching and effective in skin diseases. It is used as a natural cleanser for clarifying and enhancing skin complexion. The astringent, cooling and anti-inflammatory properties of L. culinaris help in reducing the inflammation due to acne.
Kumari/Aloe barbadensis/Barbados Aloe
Aloe barbadensis is a perennial plant with long, erect leaves that contain a sticky juice. The leaf juice forms the main source of this herb.
Aloes have been used for a host of diseases, particularly those connected with the digestive system. A. barbadensis possesses emollient, astringent, cooling and healing properties and is widely used in various creams, lotions and shampoos.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of A. barbadensis have also been well documented5,6,7. It is beneficial in various skin disorders such as acne, sunburn, bruises, and dermatitis.
Nirgundi/Vitex negundo/five-leaved chaste tree
Vitex negundo is a large, aromatic shrub. It has astringent, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, membrane stabilising and antioxidant properties8. These properties make V. negundo an excellent and effective herb in the treatment of skin disorders.
Shalmali/Salmalia malabarica/silk cotton tree
Salmalia malabarica is a large and tall, deciduous tree. It is astringent, cooling, styptic and anti-inflammatory. Hence, it is beneficial in acne and skin eruptions. S. malabarica also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are attributed to “shamimin”, one of its active constitiuents9,10.
Acne involves both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The presence of inflammation-causing substances and toxins in the blood and the damage brought about by factors such as pollution and free radicals work together to cause acne, pimples and other skin problems. Ayurveda prescribes various herbs, such as Neem, Haridra and Manjistha, for internal cleansing and to keep the skin healthy and glowing.
Nimba/Azadirachta indica/neem
Neem is a useful tree that is indigenous to India and is cultivated all over the country for its bark, leaves and fruits. Since time immemorial, all parts of the neem tree – the leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark – have been used for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders.
Nimbidin is a major active principle of Azadirachta indica that helps in inflammation. Neem leaves and their constituents exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic effects11. These properties are of immense value in skin conditions like acne and pimples, eczema, and dermatitis. It is also useful in preventing free radical-induced skin damage.
Haridra/Curcuma longa/turmeric
Turmeric has been used traditionally as a spice in Asian cuisines for its powerful antiseptic properties. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent antiseptic. It possesses antioxidant, tonic, blood purifying, anthelmintic, and digestive properties.
Studies have demonstrated the potent antioxidant activity of curcuminoids, active compounds found in Curcuma longa, and their ability to prevent skin damage caused by free radicals12.
Ayurveda believes inner toxicity to be a key factor behind many skin disorders. Therefore, skin problems, including acne, can be better managed by attending to overall health, not just skin. Healthy, glowing skin is, in fact, a reflection of a healthy body.

References
1. Webster GF. Inflammation in acne vulgaris. J. Am. Acad. Derm. 1995;33:247-53.
2. Kligman AM. An overview of acne. J. Invest. Derm. 1974;62:268-87.
3. Koo J. The psychosocial impact of acne: Patient’s perceptions. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 1995;32:S26-S30.
4. Cunliffe WJ. Acne and unemployment. Br. J. Derm. 1984;115: 386.
5. Saada HN, Ussama ZS, Mahdy AM. Effectiveness of Aloe vera on the antioxidant status of different tissues in irradiated rats. Pharmazie. 2003;58(12):929-31.
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This article is courtesy of Himalaya Healthcare.

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