AYURVEDA WORKS -– even Western science now says so

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

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

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

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

Turmeric Steadies Blood Sugar

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

Read More about Health benefits of Turmeric 

Ayurveda medicinal plants with anti-diabetic and other beneficial properties

Plant Name	Ayurvedic/common name/	Anti-diabetic and other beneficial effects proved scientifically	References
Acacia arabica:	Babbul	Hypoglycemic effect by initiating release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells	( Wadood A., et all, 1989 )
Aegle marmelos	Bael or Bilva	Hypoglycemic activity	(Karunanayake E.H. et all, 1984)
Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis	Gwarpatha or Ghritkumari	Hypoglycemic activity
Azadirachta indica:	Neem	Anti-diabetic activity, apart from this plant also has anti-bacterial, antimalarial, antifertility, hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects	(Biswas K., et all, 2002 )
Annona squamosa	Sitaphal	Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities of ethanolic leaf-extract, Increased plasma insulin level	(Kaleem M. et all, 2006 & Gupta R K, et all, 2005)
Artemisia pallens	Davana	Hypoglycemic, increases peripheral glucose utilization or inhibits glucose reabsorption	(Subramonium A., et all, 1996 )
Areca catechu	Pugi/Supari	Hypoglycemic	(Chempakam B. 1993 )
Boerhavia diffusa	Punarnava	Increase in hexokinase activity,decrease in glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose bis-phosphatase activity, increase plasma insulin level, antioxidant	(Pari L.,2004 & Sateesh M A 2004)
Bombax ceiba	Semul or Shalmali Palasha	Hypoglycemic Hypoglycemic (Somani R., et all, 2006 )	(Saleem R.,et all, 1999 )
Butea monosperma Cassia auriculata Linn	Avartaki	Antihyperglycemic	(S. J. Surana, et all, 2008 )
Capparis decidua	Karir or Kair	Hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic	(Agarwal V., Chauhan B.M. 1988 )
Coccinia indica	Bimbi	Hypoglycemic	(Kamble S.M.,et all, 1998)
Emblica officinalis	Amla, Dhatriphala, a constituent of herbal formulation, “Triphala”	Decreases lipid peroxidation, antioxidant, Hypoglycemic	Bhattacharya A, et all 1999,b. Kumar K C S , et all, 1999, c. Bhattacharya A, et all, 1995)
Enicostema littorale	Krimihrita	Increase hexokinase activity, Decrease glucose 6-phosphatase and fructose 1,6 bisphosphatase activity. Dose dependent hypoglycemic activity	(a) Maroo J., et all, 2003, b. Vijayvargia R. et all, 2000)
Eugenia jambolana	Indian gooseberry, jamun, Jambu	Antihyperglycemic effect, Inhibits insulin activity from liver and kidney	(Acherekar S., et all, 1991)
Ficus bengalenesis	Vat/ Burgad	Hypoglycemic, antioxidant	(Augusti K.T., et all, 1994)
Gymnema sylvestre	Gudmar or Meshashringi	Anti-hyperglycemic effect, hypolipidemic	Chattopadhyay R.R, 1999, b. Preuss H.G., et all, 1998)
Hemidesmus indicus	Sariva/Anantamul	Anti snake venom activity, anti-inflammatory, Hypoglycemic	(Alam M.I., Gomes A. 1998)
Hibiscus rosa-sinesis Hollarhena antidisentrica	Gudahal or Japa Kutaj	Initiates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells Hypoglycemic activity	(Sachadeva A., Khemani L.D, 1999) (P. Chandar – 2006)
Momordica cymbalaria	Karela	Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic	(Rao B.K. et all, 1999)
Murraya koenigii	Curry patta, Meetha Neem	Hypoglycemic, increases glycogenesis and decreases gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis	(Khan B.A.,, et all, 1995)
Swertia chirayita	Chiraita	Stimulates insulin release from islets	(Saxena A.M., et all, 1993)
Syzygium alternifolium	Shaha - jira	Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic	(Rao B.K., Rao C.H., 2001 )
Terminalia belerica	Behada	Antibacterial, Hypoglycemic	(Sabu M.C., Kuttan R, 2002 )
Terminalia chebula	Haritaki or Harad	Antibacterial, Hypoglycemic	(Sabu M.C., Kuttan R., 2002)
Vinca rosea	Sadabahar	Anti-hyperglycemic	(Chattopadhyay S.R, et all, 1991 )
Withania somnifera	Ashvagandha, Winter cherry	Hypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic	(Adallu B., Radhika B. , 2004 )

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

Mercury in Ayurvedic medicines is good

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

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

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

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

Read More - Heavy metals in Ayurvedic Medicines

Poha — Powerhouse of nutrition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegetable Poha- 244 Kcal

Peanut Poha- 589 Kcal

Huli Avalakki- 222 Kcal

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

Ayurvedic treatments for male infertility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More >>

Prepare Ayurvedic Medicines at your home

Prepare Ayurvedic Medicines at your home – Video by By Prof.Dr.R.R.Deshpande ,Pune,India

Ayurvedic Medicines are very natural to human body systems. If you have little liking of cooking, then preparing Ayurvedic Medicines is a fun. It gives Quality medicines, in a low cost compare to Market Medicines. 

There are 3 parts of this Video .In first part you will see Panchkol Phant ( Hot infusion of 5 pungent plants),Dhanya Hima( Cold infusion of Dry Coriander) ,Arjun Kshir pak( Medicated milk from Arjun as Cardiac Tonic) . 

In Second  part you will see Preparation of Shatavari Kalpa ( Sugar Granules of Asparegus Recemosus). 

In Third  part you will see   Preparation of Bala oil( Medicated oil from Bala) 

For First Part

http://youtu.be/MeUeYXuIqPk

For Second Part

http://youtu.be/mBM1_ex24rU

For Third Part

http://youtu.be/uO9BMtkVkaU

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

Eat right for a Healthy life

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

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

 When diet is wrong medicine is of no use.
When diet is correct medicine is of no need. "
[Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb Read More about Right Diet----

WOMEN AND BABY CARE IN AYURVEDA

As you know ,we at Ayurveda For You are the first to publish Ayurvedic books in e-book format.

So far we have published 23 EBOOKS on various topics in Ayurveda and our 24 th eBOOK 'WOMEN AND BABY CARE IN AYURVEDA' is published on 31 st March 2014,The Hindu New Year Day.

Ayurveda is the classical natural health care system from India. 'Prasutitantra' is one of the eight branches of 'Ashtanga Ayurveda' .'Prasutitantra' is not just limited to pregnancy treatments alone, but also suggests the best timings for consuming, nutritious food for healthy mother and child, changes in lifestyle in each month of pregnancy etc. It has well defined procedures and medications under obstetrics and gynecology. These practices include infertility treatments, pre-pregnancy care, delivery procedures and post-delivery care. These practices are aimed at a less-complicated delivery and healthy mother and child.
The author has gathered all the relevant information about these topics from Ancient Ayurvedic texts like Kashyapa, Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata and have also updated the same according to the current situation.
This E-book 'WOMEN AND BABY CARE IN AYURVEDA' is divided in five parts.
The first part deals with fundamental principles of Ayurveda, including anatomy, physiology of female reproductive system and daily routine for women.
The second part explains pregnancy, month wise regimen for pregnant women, diet exercise and diseases in pregnancy.
The third part deals with Baby care and treatment of various diseases in infants .
The Fourth part explains about mother care after delivery and information about diseases after pregnancy.
The Fifth part explains various diseases of women and their treatment. Now days, we also find many new diseases that have not been described in ancient texts of Ayurveda. However we can treat all these diseases and make the life of working women better and happier.
Reader may find new terminology and many new names of herbs; the 'Herbs and Medicines Glossary' explains all these in detail.
About the Author -
Dr. Sunanda RanadeB.A.M&S; Ph.D, is Vice Chairman of International Academy of Ayurveda, Pune, India. She is expert Ayurvedic gynecologist and nutritionist and is working in this field for last 40 years.
The book 'WOMEN AND BABY CARE IN AYURVEDA' is a complete and comprehensive treatise on the subject.
This great work by Dr. Sunanda Ranade is very useful for patients, students, practioners, researchers and for all of you, who are interested in Ayurvedic Science and Mother and Baby Care in Ayurveda.

Curcumin: Promising Treatment for Depression

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

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

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

Read More about Health Benefits of Turmeric HERE

Ayurvedic Diet Stops Craving

Here is a tip you will find very helpful. Following the Ayurvedic diet actually helps you stop cravings! 

There are six recognized tastes that should be included in daily meals. Cravings take place when all six tastes are not included in the diet. It is important that these six tastes in the Ayurvedic diet are consumed in the order of how the body digests food: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. By doing so the body feels satisfied after a meal. Naturally, if you leave out one taste, example the sweet (sugar, rice, milk), you’re not feeling as satisfied as you want and will be craving long after the meal is over. This diet seems the reverse of how we consume our food since we usually have the sweets at the end of the meal. But following this order is holistic and makes sense. For example, eating something bitter like lettuce and turmeric or astringent like beans or lentils at the end minimizes cravings for sweets. As you can see this diet is also a great way of losing weight – without trying hard.

Biggest heart attack risks for Indians revealed

Indian researchers have conducted a data mining exercise to find out important risk factors in increasing the chances of an individual having a heart attack. The authors confirm that the usual suspects high blood cholesterol, intake of alcohol and passive smoking play the most crucial role in 'severe,' 'moderate' and 'mild' cardiac risks, respectively.
What Ayurveda has to offer for Heart Diseases read in the Ebook- Ayurvedic Management of Heart Diseases. 

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF DIET & NUTRITION (You are what you Eat!)

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF DIET & NUTRITION (You are what you Eat!)
Ayurvedic cooking is about foods that suit your dosha (constitution). It involves a balanced meal, which nourishes and fulfills the requirements of the body, builds immunity, heals the body, aids digestion and eliminates waste. To avoid contracting season-specific illnesses, ayurveda recommends seasonal diets to help the body acclimatise to the season; warm spices and heavy grains on cold winter days and lighter foods such as fruits and vegetable salads during summer.

AYURVEDIC PRAKRITI"(Your Dosha-Constitution & It's Significance to You)

Allopathic docs prescribing Ayurvedic medicines!

If you are dependent on Ayurvedic medicines prescribed by your allopath, then you better think again before taking your next dose. Your doctor is as ignorant about Ayurvedic medicines as you are. 

A study by the pharmacology department of KEM hospital has revealed that most of the allopaths who prefer prescribing Ayurvedic medicines for ailments like liver disorder, arthritis, cough and cold, kidney stones and piles, have little knowledge about Ayurvedic medicines.  
According to the study, 99% of the resident doctors did not even learn the basics of Ayurveda but 67% of them prescribe Ayurvedic medicines to their patients.   
At least 90% of allopath doctors basically rely on the reputation and credibility of the manufacturer, instead of knowing the content of the medicines.

Learn Ayurveda yourself.!

Exercise Stops Alzheimer's Better Than Drugs

The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, provides new hope for individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — a tell-tale precursor to dementia. Lead researcher J. Carson Smith, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology, found that brain activity associated with memory can improve after as little as three months of a moderate exercise program.
"We found that after 12 weeks of being on a moderate exercise program, study participants improved their neural efficiency — basically they were using fewer neural resources to perform the same memory task," said Dr. Smith. "No study has shown that a drug can do what we showed is possible with exercise."

Read more about Ayurvedic way of treatment of Alzheimer's -- Working for a road of recovery through Ayurvedic treatment

Because it is easier to prevent Alzheimer’s then looking for treatment for correcting it !

Prediabetes Risk Factors 5 Signs - You Might Be at Risk for Diabetes

1] What Feeling Tired and Sluggish After Eating Might Mean?
Ready to nap right after a big meal? This is a normal response to an influx of carbs (think of that post-Thanksgiving dinner feeling). But if it happens often, your body may be sending a message that your diet is too diabetes-friendly.

After eating, all carbohydrates -- whether in a doughnut or a carrot -- are broken down into the bloodstream as glucose (blood sugar), the body's main energy source. When the blood containing the glucose hits the pancreas, this organ gets the message to release insulin, a hormone it produces to help the cells throughout the body use glucose. Cells have insulin receptors that allow glucose to enter and either be stored as future energy or used right away.

It's a great system. But a diet that's high in simple carbs like sugar, white flour, and sweet beverages -- especially when consumed in large quantities at one sitting -- overwhelms it. According to Reardon, the cells' insulin receptors eventually stop receiving the insulin, which means they can't take in the glucose. The glucose builds up in the blood while the needy cells don't get any. The pancreas, meanwhile, notes the glucose level is still high in the blood that flows through it, and it pumps out still more insulin in response. Net result: You feel sleepy and may find it hard to think, because your brain and body are depleted until the system rights itself.

"Over time, this cycle can cause someone to become chronically insulin resistant. The body simply can't keep up with the demands that all those simple sugars and fats are placing on it," Reardon says.

What helps: Slow your carb load. Choose more complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains (barley, oats, quinoa, spelt, brown rice), vegetables, and whole fruits (not juices) that the body has to work harder to digest. This means blood sugar stays stable longer. Move around right after eating -- take a 15-minute walk; even washing the dishes helps -- rather than plopping in front of the TV. The activity will help your body begin to process the big glucose intake faster and more efficiently. In fact, a Mayo Clinic study presented at the 2011 American Diabetes Association annual meeting reported blood sugar levels rose only half as much after eating in a group that was moderately active after a meal, compared to a control group that ate, then rested.
-------------------------------------------------
What dietary changes Ayurveda prescribes ?
Read in our Best seller e-book "Ayurvedic Cure of Diabetes"

Prediabetes Risk Factors
5 Signs - You Might Be at Risk for Diabetes
(By Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com senior editor)

Incredibly, one in four Americans over age 20 has prediabetes -- and most don't even know it. Being prediabetic means that your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but short of being classified as diabetic levels. Studies show that most people with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years, unless they lose weight and make dietary and exercise changes.

Because prediabetes develops gradually over years, it's often said that there are no obvious symptoms. But it's possible to notice certain warning signs of growing insulin resistance, the inability to process the energy in food properly that's a key aspect of prediabetes, says Beth Reardon, director of nutrition for Duke Integrative Medicine at Duke University.

Paying close attention to such warning signs gives you plenty of time to make changes before the situation progresses to type 2 diabetes, she says.

"These symptoms usually occur in tandem with one another; together they create a bigger picture that says insulin resistance is going on," Reardon says. "Some signs can be measured, some we feel, some we can just see."

If you're experiencing the following signs, you should ask your doctor about an insulin response test to measure your insulin and blood sugar levels. If the tests confirm that your body is starting to have trouble managing its glucose, it may be incentive for you to commit to the diet and exercise changes that can help move you away from the path toward diabetes.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have pre-diabetes, you can do something about it NOW ! 

Key elements for preventing diabetes and staying healthy are - Simple lifestyle changes -- including healthier diets, regular exercise (30 minutes five times per week) and a modest weight loss of five to seven percent. And you can cut your chances of getting diabetes by almost 60 percent.

What these simple changes in lifestyle could be ?

What is the best exercise suitable for Diabetes prevention ??

How to achieve the desired weight loss safely and permanently ???

Ayurveda has provided right answer to these questions. In fact this is the theme of our Best seller e-book "Ayurvedic Cure of Diabetes"

Ayurvedic treatment for Age-related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration also called as Age related macular degeneration (ARMD) is an age
associated chronic eye disease and is a very common cause of reduced vision among
older individuals over the age of 55 years. The condition is characterized by degeneration
of light-sensing cells of the central region of the retina - the rnacula which malfunction
and eventually die, resulting in a gradual decline and loss of central vision, while
peripheral vision is retained.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Macular Degeneration
Ayurveda advocates certain practices in order to get rid of macular degeneration. Some of them are:
-- Ayurveda has recommended certain medicines to be very beneficial in case of macular degeneration. These are Amalaki, Triphala, Tulasi, Spirulina, Punarnava and Shatavari. 
These herbs are rich source of vitamins and acts as anti-oxidants.
-- Ayurveda suggests the consumption of yellow vegetables such as carrot that is rich in carotene.
-- Triphala, an ayurvedic medication is extremely beneficial for eyes.
-- Rub your eyes for 30 minutes gently in regular interval of time in order to relax them.
-- Avoid sitting near TV and computer for a longer period of time.

Use of Heavy Matals in Ayurveda
The community of Ayurvedic practitioners have reacted strongly to a report published by US health researchers a few days ago claiming documented evidence of lead poisoning risks among pregnant women who took Ayurvedic medicine. While they admitted that the Ayurvedic medicines did contain lead compounds - widely criticised by the US health researchers - the Vaidyas said that these compounds were present in miniscule quantities and served medicinal values rather than causing detriments.

“An integral part of Ayurveda is the ‘Rasa Shastra’ or the practice of intentionally adding metals, minerals or gems to the medicine,” said Dr K Murali, senior physician and superintendent of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala. “However, it is not added in the raw form but is clinically and scientifically processed. In particular conditions, it is absolutely necessary to add lead compounds that are used as medicines in prescribed and miniscule doses.”

The promoters of Ayurveda also alleged that it was the half-baked knowledge of Ayurshastra, or the science of Ayurveda, that led to the misconception in the West. Said Dr Manoj Nesari, Joint Adviser (Ayurveda), Department of AYUSH, Government of India, “It is no secret that Ayurvedic medicine is about 20 per cent of mineral and gemstone origin. The eight formulations that have been alleged as potentially hazardous by the American Medical Association were studied and found safe by us. Ayurvedic medicines are based on a combination of hundreds of diverse molecules. Even turmeric has hundreds of basic formulations that work in hundred different ways. Going by the scope of modern chemistry, even turmeric would be toxic,” he added.

Read more about this topic here - http://ayurveda-foryou.com/heavy_metals/heavy_metals.html

Ayurveda provides answers to old age problems: 
Ageing is associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, bone and joint problems, besides muscular dysfunction. Through ayurveda treatment, there will be improvement in health and it will rejuvenate the whole body.

The focus of Ayurveda in context of old age is that to rejuvenate and protect the seven dhatus that comprise human body.

There are several rejuvenation therapies employed by Ayurveda that benefit the old people. These therapies strengthen their immunity system and let them feel more energetic.
Famous Ayurvedacharya Sarangadhara defines that the therapy which prevents from aging and disease is Rasayana. Read more about Rasayana chikitsa here - http://ayurveda-foryou.com/treat/rasayan-chikitsa.html