Basil is new anti-ageing star

 

Holy Basil could be the latest weapon in the war against wrinkles, according to new research.

A study has found that holy basil – a close relative of the herb commonly used in Western cooking – contained anti-ageing antioxidants that help to protect against free radicals, cancer-causing chemicals that attack organs like the heart, liver and brain and damage nerve cells.

Holy basil is native to India, and its people have long recognised its rejuvenating qualities, harnessing its extract in their ancient system of Ayurvedic medicine to treat disorders like fevers, colds, malaria and diabetes.

The researchers, led by Dr Vaibhav Shinde from Poona College of Pharmacy, Maharashtra, studied the herb for anti-ageing and antioxidant properties, and presented their findings at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester.

According to the Telegraph, Dr Shinde said: ‘The study validates the traditional use of herb as a youth-promoting substance in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It also helps describe how the herb acts at a cellular level.’

He added: ‘I am now using holy basil in my own cooking and hope it will be beneficial.’

PROPAGANDA AND MISINFORMATION AGAINST AYURVEDIC MEDICINES - SAYS DEPARTMENT OF AYUSH
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14:19 IST Press Information Buereau, Government of India http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=42239 Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) has in a press release issued on 2.9.2008 has stated that the reports regarding Heavy Metals in Ayurvedic herbal medicinal products originating from South Asia and available in Boston South Asian grocery stores containing potentially harmful levels of lead, mercury and/or arsenic are flawed and disclose a strong bias against Ayurvedic medicines. The above article by Doctor Robert B. Saper of Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Centre and others published in the Journal of American Medical Association, August 27, 2008 is a rehash of his earlier article published in JAMA, December 15, 2004. In Table 3 of his August 27, 2008 article Dr. Robert B. Saper et al have included even those herbal medicines in which Lead, Mercury, Arsenic is below the WHO permissible limits which discloses the bias of Dr. Saper and his team against Ayurveda medicines. The Department also mentioned a study of 600 medicinal plants samples collected by Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha in association with ITRC (CSIR) Lucknow Sriram Institute of Industrial Toxicology, New Delhi and Shastra University, Thanjavur, which disclosed that these Indian medicinal plants did not have Lead, Mercury, Arsenic above WHO permissible limits. It needs to be emphasized that as per the directions issued by Department of AYUSH, herbo-metallic compounds are not being officially exported because of heavy metal concerns and only purely herbal Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha medicines are being exported from India with effect from 1st January 2006 after certification of heavy metals below the permissible limit by the manufacturing unit. Testing of heavy metals and other contamination in purely herbal Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani products is already a part of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) notified by the Department of AYUSH in 2003. A project for Physico chemical characterization and toxicity studies of 8 widely used Bhasmas (Rasa Aushadhies) in CSIR laboratories found them to be non-toxic after 28 days toxicity studies. 90 days toxicity studies are underway. Supplementary Good Manufacturing Practices for Rasa Aushadhies have also been prepared of which draft publication has been done. Department of AYUSH asserted that issues raised by Dr. Saper, howsoever flawed, will be responded to by Indian Scientists on the basis of their research on Ayurveda herbal and herbo-metallic medicines through research publications in due course. DS/GK/Ayush/385

Anti- Cancer Ayurvedic Medicines

Cancer has become of the most common diseases in today’s date. Awareness and support programs have sure helped lend support to the ones who are suffering cancer or on the initial stages of the deadly disease. There have been many claims of foods that prevent or keep you away from cancer. Even Ayurveda steps in and shows us the various drugs that have an anti-cancer effect and they also deliver various other benefits as well.

Following is the list of few well known drugs with anti cancer properties as mentioned in the ayurvedic literature.

1. Ashwagandha (Latin: withania somnifera) - The roots of ashwagandha are used as a medicine. Ashwagandha is bitter, sweet, astringent, light and unctuous. It stimulates digestive power and promotes expulsion of gases, increases quantity of urine, reduces swelling, pain and congestion of uterus. It is useful in cough, asthma, wrinkling of skin and pain in legs, back and waist. It is a tonic for muscles and generative organs and increases the quantity of semen. Withaferrin is the active ingredient in the roots of ashwagandha. If its paste is applied on the surface, the tumour stops growing, it protects bones from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Dose: Ashwagandha powder is taken in dose of 3 to 6 grams per day. Ashwagandharistha is taken as 20 ml. It is contraindicated in persons with pitta constitution.

2. Anantamoola (latin:sariva hemidesmus indicus) - The root is used as medicine. It is sweet, unctuous, heavy, cold and fragrant, and subdues all the 3 doshas. To introduce doshas, there are five fundamental elements that make up the universe–space (akasha), air (vayu), fire (agni), water (apu) and earth (prithvi) and as per the Human view there are three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha and each of them use a combination of two of the above elements. Vata dosha combines space and air, Pitta dosha is made up of fire and water and Kapha dosha is a combination of water and earth.

Anantamoola purifies blood and increases the quantity of urine and sweat. It is a tonic and increases the quantity of semen. It is useful in fever, skin diseases, itching, burning, oedema and bleeding tendency. It contains active ingredients which have anticancer properties to some extent and is particularly useful to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Dose: Anantamool powder 3 to 6 grams.

3. Amalaka (Latin: emblica officinale) - Amalaka is the best tonic i.e. rasayana nad subdues all the three doshas. It is a good tonic for all the tissues and all the age groups. Amalaka and pomegranate though sour subdue pitta. It is useful in bleeding disorders, prameha (Diabetes), haematuria (appearance of blood in the urine), burning sensation, fever and jaundice. Amalaka contains tannin, terbechin, korilagin and elagic acid. Elacid acid is an antioxidant and controls free radicals. It is useful to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Dose of amalaka powder is 3 to 6 gms per day or 10 to 20 ml juice twice a day.

4. Hareetaki (Latin: termialia chebula) - Hareetaki subdues vata because of sweet and sour tastes. It subdues pitta because of sweet and astringent tastes. It subdues kapha because of pungent and bitter tastes. The qualities and actions of amalka and hareetaki are similar. Amalaka is cold while hareetaki is hot. It is useful in cough, asthma, heart disease, prameha, oedema and obesity. It promotes intellect and is good for eyes. It contains tannin and terbechin. It reduces the free radicals and it’s a great antioxidant. It is also useful in reducing the side affects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Dose is 3 to 6 gms powder per day.

5. Bibheetaka (latin:terminalia bellerica) - Its fruits are used and it is astringent, dry, light, hot and acts as an eye tonic. It is useful in cold, cough, asthma, hoarseness of voice and blood in sputum. It contains gallic acid, elgic acid, chebulic acid and cystosteral which decreases the free radicals and acts as antioxidants. It is useful in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Dose is 3 to 6 gms per day.

6. Triphala - it is a mixture of powders of amalaka, karretaki and bibheetaka. All these protect the patient from free radicals. It acts as a tonic and postpones ageing and slows the growth of cancer.

Dose is 2.5 to 3 gms per day.

7. Kumara (Latin: korphad-aloe vera) - Its leaves are thick and contains sticky thick white colored juice. It is sweet, heavy, unctuous, sticky, cold, and subdues kapha and pitta. It is useful in cough, asthma, enlargement of liver and spleen, enlarged lymph glands, urinary disorders and bleeding disorders. It has 23 polypeptides of this emodin and lectve have anti-cancer properties. Kumara increases the number of T – lymphocytes and the number of cytokines in lymphocytes. It is useful in all cancers except cancer of brain and pancreas. It reduces the size of tumors which could not be done without operation otherwise.

Dose is 10 to 20 ml of juice of leaves per day.

8. Kutaki, katuka (Latin: picrorrhiza kurroa) - The roots of kutaki are used as medicine. It is bitter, dry, light, cold and subdues pitta and kapha. In small doses it stimulates liver function and is choleritic. In large doses it acts as purgative. It is useful for jaundice and cancer of skin and liver.

Dose is ½ to 1 ½ gm per day.

9. Kakamachi (Latin: solanum nieurum) - Its leaves, fruits, roots, flowers and bask i.e., the entire plant is used as medicine. It is bitter, light, and unctuous which tones the voice. The glycosides in kakamachi inhibit the growth of cancer of uterus. It is worth trying for the cancer of larynx. If taken in excess it produces vomiting, diarrhea, pain in abdomen and headache. Medicines and diet which subdues pitta are helpful.

Dose: of its juice is 10 to 20 ml. per day.

10. Ghaneri - narakya amrutya - It contains quinolone alkaloids, camplothocin which are known to have anticancer properties.

11. Guduchi (Latin: tinospora cordifolia) - It is a parasite which grows on trees of mango or kadu nimbi (Neem/Azadirachta indica). The steam of guduchi is used as medicine. It is bitter, astringent, pungent, hot, and stimulates digestive power. It subdues all the three doshas and acts as a tonic. It is useful in jaundice, disease of liver and spleen, diabetes, burning and fever. It prevents neutropenia which is a side effect of cancer therapy with cyclophosphamide. It improves the function of G.M.C.S.F. it reduces the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Dose: 3 to 6 gms of powder per day. Guduchi satva is taken as 1 to 2 gms of powder per day. While its decoction is taken in dose of 50 to 100 ml per day.

12. Chitrak (Latin: plumbago zevalnica) - The skin of roots of chitrak is used as medicine. It is pungent, light, hot, penetrating, and dry and increases appetite and digestive power. It is useful in curbing of enlargement of liver and spleen and piles. Plumbagin is the active principle of chitrak and is useful in lymphocytic leukemia.

Its dose is 1 to 30 gms of powder (of its skin of roots) per day. If given in larger doses, it gives rise to burning in stomach and burning micturation. It may cause abortion if given to pregnant woman.

13. Tagara (latin:valeriana wallichii DC) – Again this herb also has been reported to have anticancer properties.

14. Bala (Latin: sida cordifolia linn) - The roots, leaves and seeds of bala are used as medicine. It is sweet, light, unctuous, and cold and is a tonic for hair and generative organs. It is useful in thin, lean and weak people and for weakness in cancer. An anticancer ingredient is found in bala.

Dose is 3 to 6 gms of owder per day or 10 to 20 ml of juice per day.

15. Tulsi (Latin: holybasil ocimum sanctum) - The leaves, roots and seeds of holy basil are used as medicine. It is pungent, bitter, light, dry, hot deodorant and a heart stimulant. It is useful in cold, cough, fever, asthma, vomiting and backache. The seeds of tulsi increase the quantity of urine and decrease the burning sensation. The leaves of tulsi contain ozone. If in spite of adequate supply of glucose, the supply of oxygen is less, the normal cells get converted into carcinogeni cells. It is useful in cancer because of ozone. It is likely to be useful in cancer of lungs.

Its dose is 3 to 6 gms of seeds or 10 to 20 ml of its fresh juice.

16. Bhallataka - marking nut (Latin: semicarpus anacardium) - The marking nut tree is 20 to 40 feet tall. Its fruits are used as medicine. Bhallataka is pungent, bitter, light, unctuous, and hot. It subdues kapha and vata and increases pitta. “kaphajow na cha rogostiya yum na bhallatakum jayatey’’ which denotes that there is no disease caused by kapha which is not cured by bhallataka. As cancer is a disease when kapha dosha is dominant, bhallataka should be tried in all varieties of cancer. It should not be given to patients in whom symptoms of pitta like fever, burning sensation, bleeding are present. It should not be given to pregnant women and individuals with pitta constitution. It is useful in curbing of enlargement of liver and spleen, enlargement of glands and hemiparalysis. Marking nut should be held with forceps on a flame of a candle. As it melts, oil starts dribbling. The oil drops should be allowed to fall in a cup of milk 5 to 10 drops of the oil should be stirred in the cup of milk and the milk should be drunk daily.

Its dose is 5 to 10 drops of its oil with milk per day. In powder form it is taken as 1 to 10 gms after boiling it with milk. Remember that marking nut is notorious as it causes irritation and allergic reactions. And these are very common. So, one should use it with care and under guidance of an experienced ayurved-acharya. This medicine should be treated with butter, ghee and coconut applied locally and taken internally to reduce its side effects and increase the potency.

17. Bhoomyamalaki (Latin: phyllanthus amorus) - The entire plant is used as medicine. It is bitter astringent, dry, light and cold. It is useful in jaundice, bleeding disorder, skin diseases, burning sensation in body, urinary disorders, enlargement of liver and spleen and disease of uterus. It is useful in cancer of skin and liver. Its dose is 3 to 6 gms in powder form or can be taken as juice form in dose of 10 to 20 ml per day.

18. Shatavari (Latin: asparagus racemosa) - The tubers of medicine is used. Shatavari is sweet, bitter, heavy, unctuous and cold. It promotes growth of fetus. It is a tonic for breast and female generative organs. It is given to mothers to increase the milk supply. It reduces the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Its dose is 5 to 10 gms per day or juice can be taken in 10 to 20 ml dose per day.

19. Garlic - Its cloves are used as medicine. It is pungent, bitter, salty, and sweet in taste. It is hot, penetrating, unctuous, sticky, it increases pitta. It promotes intellect and increases quality of semen. It acts as a tonic for bones and breasts. It is useful in cold, cough, asthma, rheumatism, heart diseases, hyperlipedemia and in all sorts of diseases caused by vata dosha. It also helps in diseases predominant in pitta dosha like stomatitis, fever and diarrhea. Preferably should be consumed in winter and spring. It should not be taken in summer and sharad ritu (post monsoon season). It is useful in cancer of oesophagus, stomach and lungs.

It is taken as powder form in dose of 3 to 6 gms per day with ghee or 2 drops of its oil per day with ghee (clarified butter).

20. Shilajit - It is bitter, pungent and rasayana. It is useful in oedema, anaemia, breathlessness, prameha, curbing of enlargement of liver, spleen, glands and prostate. It is useful in obesity, piles, urinary stone, obesity and rheumatism.

Its dose is 250 mg to 1 gm per day.

21. Guggul - It is a gum collected from the barks or trunks of the tree. It burns the skin as it is an irritant to the skin. It gets melted in heat and gives white color to solution when dissolved in water. It is light, dry, minute, fragrant, unctuous, sticky, bitter, pungent and hot. It increases red and white blood cells and subdues all the three doshas. It is useful in rheumatism, curbing enlarged lymph glands, skin diseases, prameha, obesity, oedema, piles, urinary stone. As gugggul is hot, one should avoid eating pungent and sour food items, alcoholic drinks, sex, exercise, sitting in sun, and getting angry.

By Dr. Hiren Parekh

Food for thought and inner peace
India’s traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, categorises food as satvik, rajasik and tamasik.
Satvik food is vegetarian, simple and easily digestible. Such food is basic, cooked in minimal heat and is eaten fresh, immediately after it is prepared.
Rajasik food is high in both taste and nutrition, with more oil and spices, while tamasik food is overcooked and processed.
All food closest to the natural form are satvik. They include milk, milk products (non-processed), fruits and fresh vegetables (except garlic, onion, scallions and chives).
Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, coriander, aniseed and cardamom are used in satvik cooking. Raw food may not be satvik as it may harbour parasites. Integral to a satvik diet is to avoid intoxicants like alcohol and stimulants like tea, coffee and tobacco.
Satvik cooking is easy and full of flavour, contrary to popular belief. Spices like cumin and coriander are often used. Only certain spices and ingredients need to be avoided. Eating such food also gives the body and digestive system a much-needed break.
One should redefine satvik to fit the broader vision of today’s generation. People should feel free to question the reason for restrictions or benefits of eating satvik food.
“It does not give you a size zero figure, nor does it give you glowing skin. But it is a concept which if followed with dedication can give you an overall feeling of inner peace and control the emotions of a person and makes him more relaxed”

Food for thought and inner peace
India’s traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, categorises food as satvik, rajasik and tamasik.
Satvik food is vegetarian, simple and easily digestible. Such food is basic, cooked in minimal heat and is eaten fresh, immediately after it is prepared.
Rajasik food is high in both taste and nutrition, with more oil and spices, while tamasik food is overcooked and processed.
All food closest to the natural form are satvik. They include milk, milk products (non-processed), fruits and fresh vegetables (except garlic, onion, scallions and chives).
Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, coriander, aniseed and cardamom are used in satvik cooking. Raw food may not be satvik as it may harbour parasites. Integral to a satvik diet is to avoid intoxicants like alcohol and stimulants like tea, coffee and tobacco.
Satvik cooking is easy and full of flavour, contrary to popular belief. Spices like cumin and coriander are often used. Only certain spices and ingredients need to be avoided. Eating such food also gives the body and digestive system a much-needed break.
One should redefine satvik to fit the broader vision of today’s generation. People should feel free to question the reason for restrictions or benefits of eating satvik food.
“It does not give you a size zero figure, nor does it give you glowing skin. But it is a concept which if followed with dedication can give you an overall feeling of inner peace and control the emotions of a person and makes him more relaxed”

Look deep into her eyes - and detect diabetes
WASHINGTON: Look deep into someone's eyes and know what is in their hearts - or whether they will eventually get diabetes!
Yes, a new screening device that pinpoints early symptoms of impending eye disease also helps doctors detect patients prone to diabetes.
The instrument, designed by scientists at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Centre, captures eye images to detect metabolic stress and tissue damage.
The non-invasive device takes five minutes to test both eyes. For diabetics, diagnosed or not, it potentially offers advantages over blood glucose testing, the "gold standard" for diabetes detection.
The device measures the intensity of cellular fluorescence in retinal tissue. A high level of such fluorescence -- or flavoprotein autofluorescence (FA) -- is a reliable indicator of eye disease.
Victor M. Elner and Howard R. Petty, authors of the study, then measured the FA levels of 21 individuals who had diabetes and compared the results to age-matched healthy controls.
The scientists found that FA activity was significantly higher for those with diabetes, regardless of severity, compared to those who did not have the disease.
Petty, a biophysicist and imaging expert, explained that hyperglycemia - or high blood sugar - is known to induce cell death in diabetic tissue soon after the onset of disease but before symptoms can be detected clinically.
Petty also observed that unlike glucose monitoring, elevation of FA levels reflects ongoing tissue damage.
The findings of the study have appeared in the latest issue of the journal Archives of Ophthalmology

Ayurvedic Organic Jeans: Custom Clothing Company Makes Garments That Possess Medicinal Benefits

MUMBAI, India, July 8 -- Make Your Own Jeans (www।MakeYourOwnJeans।com), a company with global presence, specializes in making customized jeans to meet personal needs। They have recently created a new fashion product using techniques that go back over 5,000 years and are said to heal the body.This new organic jeans product uses a process that originated in India; it's called Ayurveda. Fabrics are dyed in medicinal herbs as a means of practicing Ayurvedic medicine to treat various illnesses. Ayurveda-treated fabrics expose these medicinal herbs to the body through the skin - the body's largest organ. Depending on which herbs are used in the dyes, Ayurveda-treated fabric may treat a broad range of medical conditions including skin ailments, diabetes, arthritis, digestive problems, high blood pressure and more. Each dye may contain up to 50 different herbs. MakeYourOwnJeans.com has received an Organic Certificate for their chemical free, Indian-origin fabrics from the Netherlands; the natural hand process dyeing is performed in the forests of India. Even the building where the fabrics are dyed is comprised of organic bricks.

The healing power of Ayurveda
We live in a stressful world। Be it at home or work, most of us are caught up in the rat-race and hardly have time for relaxation। Stress can lead to a host of ailments but Ayurveda could pave the way to a healthier life।"Ayurveda is not merely a treatment, it is a philosophy," says Dr. Vasantha Kuruneru, who has established the 'Euro Veda Lanka', an Ayurvedic hospital in Panadura ,Shrilanka .

Ashwagandha -
Peter Rodrick (LAChronical.com)April 12, २००८
Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera or has a long medicinal history dating back 5000 years. Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera is a very significant herbal drug in Ayurveda or Indian System of medication. This meticulous herb was used to treat a variety of infectious diseases as well as tremors and inflammation especially arthritis.
Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera is a stunning delicate plant inhabitant to Indian subcontinent. Defined by green leaves, branched limbs, and topped by seeded yellow flowers. Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera is an eye-catching in look and of very importance in Ayurveda or Indian System of Medication. Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera has a vast history, about 5000 years, as a holistic herb used to treat a variety of ailments.
Historically these Diseases include:Tremors, Inflammation, Infectious Diseases,Longevity,Sexual Enhancing
The shoots of the Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera shrub are used in food and in India seeds of the Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera are used to thicken milk. African tribes also use Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera to treat fevers, and other inflammations.
Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera is usually crushed and used in a traditional Ayurvedic formula called Shilajit or shilajatu. Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera has comparable properties as Chinese ginseng.
Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera is heat neutral which means it has no warming or cooling properties. Unlike ginseng which is a warming herb.
The active components in Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera are alkaloids and withanoloids which provides it with the properties it possesses. Withanoloids within Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera provides it all its medicinal character. Withanoloids consist of steroidal molecules which act to fight inflammation. Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera is frequently compared to Chinese ginsengs which contain molecules like withanoloids called ginsenosides. For this reason Ashwagandha is frequently called Indian ginseng. Therefore, both ginseng and Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera kindle the immune system, stop inflammation, increase memory, and helps maintain general healthy and wellness. Also it is known to augment the production of bone marrow, semen, and inhibits the aging process.
The modern medical uses of Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera are diverse. One area in which it has been helpful is in the treatment of mental health issues. One study in particular gave thirty anxiety sufferers forty ml doses two times a day of a solution with its major ingredient of Withania Somnifera. After one month, all anxiety symptoms including panic attacks and paranoia had virtually disappeared. American counselors have also found the herb useful in treating depression, alcohol addiction and schizophrenia. Also, when Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera is taken frequently memory and learning skills augment noticeably.

National seminar on Ayurveda to fight depression
Chandigarh, April 5
Suffering from chronic depression even after a number of allopathic pills? Well, it’s about time you turn to ayurveda for answers।
The ayurveda experts working at the Banaras Hindu University have started treating the patients with Panchkarma.
A combination of counselling, ayurvedic drugs and oiling sessions, the therapeutic emesis (vomiting of the toxins) helps in cleansing the body.
Talking to the Newsline on the sidelines of the National Seminar on Ayurveda here today, faculty at the Department of Kayachikitsa, BHU, Varanasi, Dr J S Tripathi, said the department has cured around 350 patients of chronic depression so far, with Panchkarma.
“We are the only centre who are experimenting Panchkarma on the depression patients and the majority of them are getting cured without experiencing any relapse. It’s a six months rigorous treatment programme which has to be followed by the patient,” said Dr Tripathi.
The therapy involves three distinct steps to weed out depression.
The first step is psychotherapy (sathvavajaya), which primarily includes the patient’s counselling to assess the root of the problem.
The second step includes administering drugs like Kapikatchu and aswagandha on the patient for a few days after which, he/she is admitted in the ward.
The third stage is Panchkarma, wherein a mixture is prepared, over a period of 5-6 days and administered to the patient at the end of the week for the internal cleaning of the system.

Music Therapy helps in speedy recovery from Stroke
According to researchers, listening to music for few hours a day helps in speedy recovery of patient from stroke outcomes।
A study conducted by Finnish researchers on 54 patients who suffered stroke on the right or left hemisphere middle cerebral artery, noted that those patients, who listened to music for few hours a day showed better results in verbal memory and focused attention, and generally displayed a positive mood, than others who listened to only audio books or nothing at all.
The music therapy was done for two months, as soon as the patients are admitted to the hospital. The music selections were chosen by patients themselves, and they were assessed for upto six months after the stroke.
The researchers found that three months after the stroke, verbal memory improved by 60 percent from the first-week post-stroke among music-listening patients, by 18 percent among audio book listeners and by 29 percent in non-listeners. Also focused attention and ability to control and perform mental operations improved by 17 percent among music listeners, but no improvement was found among non-listeners or audio book listeners. It was also found that the music listeners’ group was less depressed when compared to non-listeners.
This study was published in the February issue of ‘Brain’, which shows the link between stroke recovery and listening to music.
The First Author of the University of Helsinki, Teppo Sarkamo said “Based on our findings, we suggest listening to music for a couple of hours everyday during early stroke recovery phase. This when done, along with the other care and rehabilitation that the patient receives, could prove to be an easy-to-conduct and inexpensive means of facilitating cognitive and emotional recovery.”
According to researchers, music helps recovery of stroke patients due to three neural mechanisms which are: through enhanced alertness and mood mediated by a part of nervous system which plays a role in inducing pleasure, arousal, motivation, memory and reward; through direct stimulation of music for recovery of damaged areas in the brain; through the ability of brain to renew or repair its neural networks after damage।
From - ayurvedictalk।com

Vitamin D 'cuts risk of diabetes'

Exposure to sunlight allows the body to manufacture vitamin DGiving young children vitamin D supplements may reduce their risk of developing type 1 diabetes later in life, research suggests.
Children who took supplements were around 30% less likely to develop the condition than those who did not.
Type 1 diabetes results from the immune system destruction of pancreatic cells which produce the hormone insulin.
The study, by St Mary's Hospital for Women and Children, Manchester, appears in Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Type 1 diabetes is most common among people of European descent, with around two million Europeans and North Americans affected.
It is becoming increasingly common, and it is estimated that the number of new cases will rise by 40% between 2000 and 2010.
The Manchester team pooled data from five studies examining the effect of vitamin D supplementation.
Not only did the use of supplements appear to reduce the risk, the effect was dose dependent - the higher and more regular the dose, the lower the likelihood of developing the disease.
Sun exposure
Previous research has found that people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have lower concentrations of vitamin D than those without the condition.
Studies have also found that type 1 diabetes is more common in countries where exposure to sunlight - which enables the body to manufacture vitamin D - is lower.
For instance, a child in Finland was 400 times more likely to develop the disease than a child in Venezuela.
Separate research has linked low levels of vitamin D and sunlight to other autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Further evidence of vitamin D's role comes from the fact that pancreatic beta cells and immune cells carry receptors or docking bays for the active forms of the vitamin.
It is thought that vitamin D helps to keep the immune system healthy, and may protect cells from damage caused by chemicals which control inflammation.
Dr Victoria King, of the charity Diabetes UK, said: "Much more research, in particular controlled trials which compares the results when one group of people are given vitamin D supplements and one group is not, are needed before we can confirm a concrete association between vitamin D and type 1 diabetes."
Governnment experts recommend vitamin D supplementation for at least the first two years of a child's life, although the Chief Medical Officer for England has suggested supplements for the first five years is a good idea.

India's 'healing' herb-dyed cloth

Could an ayurvastra bedspread tempt you into the land of nod?Cloth infused with the herbs of traditional Indian medicine is becoming increasingly popular as the country's stressed urban workers seek cures for conditions such as insomnia and eczema.
Wearing a special shirt is claimed to cure itchy or sore skin, while sleepless nights can be taken care of by putting a herb-infused sheet over your mattress.
The herbs are selected according to the traditional Indian medicine known as ayurvedia, with the infused cloth known as ayurvastra.
"We have selected 28 medicinal plants based on ayurvedic texts and theory - then we dip the natural cotton into it to make sleeping cloths," the chief dyeing technician of the ayurvastra project, Rajan Kay, told BBC World Service's Culture Shock programme.
"For skin problems we select a plant like indigo, and mix with the plant turmeric."
Proper effect
The main centre for ayurvedic practices is Kerala, where it has existed alongside Western medicine for two centuries.
The Keralan government is set to release a report on a local clinical trial that claims the clothes do indeed have health benefits.
And cloth which calms the nerves is certainly proving popular with stressed-out IT consultants from nearby Bangalore.

The herbs are added during the dyeing processBut Catherine Stubberfield, who has worked with textile manufactures all over the world before moving to work with ayurvastra, warned that the clothes must be combined with the right lifestyle to have the proper effect.
"I believe that wearing natural cotton, wool or silk which has been dyed naturally is going to obviously help your skin, but I think as far as the healing goes ayurvedia is a way of life," she said.
"Wearing a T-shirt made of ayurvedic dyeing is not going to cure you. What the government report will say is if you take it with ayurvedic medicine, it is OK. But it is very difficult for people from the West to understand this."

Ayurveda, finding favours from CEOs
Anurag Sharma New Delhi, Feb 25 (PTI)

With rise in demand for ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines, thanks to advertisement and marketing techniques, traditional ways of treatment systems are sought after by patients who are looking for ways for cure of various chronic and lifestyle induced ailments।Anoop Misra, Director, Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, Fortis Group of Hospitals, says that the demand for Ayurvedic medicines has fast increased in the last five years to more than 3,000 crores, as they have started marketing their products in a better manner and also done scientific trials to prove the permanent cure of some diseases।But as far as the emergency and cardiac medicines are concerned, there is no alternative to allopathy, he adds।According to a survey by ASSOCHAM, of the 400 Indian CEOs surveyed, over 40 per cent of the CEOs are taking to ayurvedic treatments to handle stress like naturopathy, massage, acupuncture and acupressure. Metros and towns in the coming 5-6 years would have huge ayurvedic centres for treating stress related disorders, it said.Amrit Kalsi, Senior Medical Officer, Delhi Government, says, "The demand for ayurvedic medicines has increased in the last few years and to cure chronic ailments such as respiratory diseases, fevers, skin diseases, viral infections, asthma and allergic disorders, people are choosing the traditional way of treatment before allopathic."

By Raphael Calzadilla, B.A., CPT, ACEeDiets Chief Fitness प्रो

Here are a few hot, new classes that will not only make you feel sexy, but will also help you to strip (no pun intended) some body fat।

Belly Dancing Looking for a form of sexy movement not found in the hollow confines of a weight room or on a boring treadmill? In search of true woman-power? This is one of the most popular new classes being taught in gyms and aerobic studios. Instead of boring crunches, you’ll be learning diaphragm breathing; instead of performing rep after rep on an adductor machine, you’ll be moving your hips like an out-of-control twister. Belly dancing is one of the best ways to gain complete control of your abdominal muscles and hips, learn how to breathe deeply and master your own body. Not only that, it’s totally fun.
Cardio Strip Tease This class is raising eyebrows and leading many women on a path of discovering just how wonderful and sexy they actually are -- no matter how much they weigh. Cardio strip tease actually became popular a few years ago, but is experiencing resurgence lately.The goal is a low impact, total body workout with slow and sensual movements commonly associated with the local strip club. Don’t worry! No one will be recruiting you for the local happening spot -- but you will drop stubborn body fat. In fact, a 135-pound woman can burn 400-500 calories in one hour with this program.
The workout was developed by Jeff Costa. He refers to it as the "Circles of Movement" training techniques. The technique allows the body to engage the core muscles and teaches one to move in patterns that are natural and easy people of all ages -- no matter what the fitness level.
A bit too inhibited to attend a class? No problem. Costa has a Cardio Strip Tease video series, which allows you to burn fat in the comfort of your home. Time to take it off!
Belly Fusion This new and exciting class combines modern dance movements with belly dancing. The class is intended to tighten the waist, hips and abs by combining modern dance with sexy belly dancing movements. The dance moves improve your balance and coordination and the belly dancing release your sensuality. In a series of invigorating moves, you’ll blend total-body muscle tightening exercises, body consciousness, female power and dance energy.
Pole DancingLike in strip clubs। Now you think I’ve lost my mind, no doubt। When I first learned of this class, even I doubted its validity, but this is one of the most popular new classes out there. For 60-90 minutes, women are increasing strength, burning calories, improving coordination and experiencing just how sexy they can be. Actress Sheila Kelley, formerly of the 80's hit courtroom drama L.A. Law, actually teaches others how to pole dance. The classes are intended to help women feel sexy and confident, without relying on anyone else to make them feel that way. As an added bonus, participants get in great shape, lose fat and feel amazingly empowered. One of my jobs as a trainer is to teach people to think “out of the box.” If you hate the thought of exercise, then it’s time to throw away the traditional sets and reps workout for awhile. It’s time to get fit, lose fat and feel sexy.

De-stress with आयुर्वेद
The term 'Stress' is difficult to define. Because it is subjected to the sensation associated with various symptoms and reasons that differ from one person to another.
Even though it may not pose harmful to the physique, it gradually overtakes our health vulnerably.
Studies show that 70 to 90 per cent of adults visit primary care physicians for stress related problems, which is said to be one of the largest killer in today’s fast-paced times.
Ayurveda theory articulates that, stress is a state of mental/emotional/physical strain, which is said to be a Manasa Dosha (Mental Disorder). Many of us feel, we are under more stress than our parents were 30 years ago.
The goal and priority of the contemporary human is to possess materialistic status and fast economic growth, thus resulting in losing the virtue and value of life। Hence ultimately we all succumb to the so called stress, which is also created by a highly competitive atmosphere, sedentary lifestyle and urbanised living with excessive needs, lack of time, financial crisis and excessive commitments and workaholism। The high levels of stress or chronic stress crumbles our immune system, which is the root cause of psychosomatic disorders such as* *Gastrointestinal disorders*Ischemic heart disease*Diabetic mellitus*Bronchial Asthma*Migraine*Arthritis*Anxiety, depression, Insomnia etc।,

One can’t get rid of stress, but can manage it better ।To reduce the stress and lead to better quality of life Ayurveda Provides clear, cohesive regimens such as Shirodhara & Abhyanga for stress management and Panchakarma for stress-related diseases।

India’s Glorious Scientific Tradition- research had taken deep roots in India
Such a description of the cell is not possible without a microscope. This means that the author of Vriksh Ayurveda, must have had the knowledge of the microscope thousands of years ago. At that time, no one in the west knew about it. This was the scientific vision of Vriksh Ayurveda. If it is considered to be written even in 200 AD, then let us see as to when the west gained knowledge about the microscope and botany. It was only about 200 or 300 years ago and they have been acknowledged as great scientists and our country, which had this knowledge ages back, was called the country of snakes and snake charmers! We need to contemplate on how many years it must have taken to carry out the research and then acquire such a deep scientific foresight, because in no other country has botany been studied so long ago and in such detail as in India. However, our scholars of botany do not have this in the textbooks because they do not know Sanskrit. Whether they know the language or not, if in the future, they make Sanskrit compulsory for the science students, then the path to the history of science in this country will be wide open. How can anyone who does not know Sanskrit learn about Vriksh Ayurveda?

Deuba calls for protecting rare medicinal herbs
Nepalgunj, Dec. 20: The second national herbs, herbal products and spices exhibition fair and seminar began here from today. The theme of the fair is- Let's publicise Nepali herbs in the world and make it the backbone of national economy.'

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