In the old days, when you had a sore throat your first reaction was probably not to call out the doctor but to head for the kitchen cabinet. There you would find the honey jar, spoon a liberal portion into some boiling water, add the juice and rind of two or three lemons and sip the warming concoction slowly. Honey and lemon is one of the best known and best loved home remedies and is still used today as a basis for many of the most famous over-thecounter medicines and throat sweets.
Nowadays, however, new technology and increasingly sophisticated medical advances have all but banished the old-fashioned home remedy to the archives of history. Most are dismissed as 'old wives' tales' and yet many of these ancient remedies have been the subject of rigorous clinical trials. The humble garlic, for example, has probably been the subject of more scientific studies than any other herb. We now know it is excellent for thinning blood, lowering cholesterol levels and even curing the common cold, It is marketed as the new cure-all for myriad complaints.
Modern drugs can be life savers but they often have too many side effects to warrant their use for every little sniffle or tummy upset. Herbal remedies tend to heal without suppressing symptoms, and used in the correct dosage are perfectly safe and have no side effects, Herbs are easy to find and can be used in cooking or in salads. Some, which you can grow in your garden, can be ground up and used as inhalants or to perfume a bath. Others - which are more likely to be in your kitchen cupboard - can be added to cooking or made up into poultices and muscle rubs.
As the methods of testing the compounds contained in many natural remedies become more sophisticated, many cynics are beginning to sit up and take notice. And as more and more of our so-called 'wonder drugs' prove only to suppress symptoms rather than get to the root cause, it is little wonder that more and more people are now looking for a healthier option for everyday complaints. The beauty of home remedies is that they are accessible and easy to prepare. Many of the remedies contained in this section have been passed down through the generations by word of mouth - others have surpassed all expectations in clinical trials. Some you will remember from the old nursery rhymes. Remember when Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill fixed it with vinegar and brown paper? It may have sounded a strange remedy for a bad head, but in fact this used to be a remedy for headaches and migraine!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Usha Paana Chikitsa
Amazing! But True!!
6 glasses of water (1.5 liters). Without spending on medicines, tablets, injections, diagnosis, doctor's fees, etc., just by drinking pure water, the following diseases will be cured. You can never believe before practicing.
Let us see the list of diseases being cured by this therapy:-
Diseases cured by Drinking water:
1. Headache
2. Blood Pressure/Hyper Tension
3. Anemia (Blood Shortage)
4. Rheumatism (Pain in joints/ muscles)
5. General Paralysis
6. Obesity
7. Arthritis
8. Sinusitis
9. Tachycardia
10. Giddiness
11. Cough
12. Asthma
13. Bronchitis
14. Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
15. Meningitis
16. Kidney stones
17. Urogenital diseases
18. Hyper acidity
19. Gastroenteritis
20. Dysentery
21. Rectal Piodapse
22. Constipation
23. Hostorthobics
24. Diabetes
25. Eye diseases
26. Ophthalmic Hemorrhage & Opthalmia (reddish eye)
27. Irregular Menstruation
28. Leukemia (white Blood)
29. Uterine cancer
30. Laryngitis
How to do this watertherapy?
1) Early morning after you get up from bed (without even brushing your teeth) drink 1.50 litres of water i.e., 5 to 6 glasses. Better to pre-measure 1.50 litres of water. Let us all know that our ancestors termed this therapy as "Usha Paana Chikitsa". You may wash your face thereafter.
DON'T FORGET TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH THE NIGHT BEFORE
2) Here it is very essential to note that nothing else - neither drinks nor solid food of any sort - should be taken within one hour before or after drinking this 1.50 litres of water.
3) It is also to be strictly observed that no Alcoholic drinks should be taken the previous night.
4) If required, boiled or filtered water may be used for this purpose.
5) Is it possible to drink 1.50 litres of water at one time?
To begin with, one may find it difficult to drink 1.50 litres of water at one time, but one will get used to it gradually. Initially, while practicing you may drink four glasses first
and the balance two glasses after a gap of two minutes. Initially you may find the necessity to urinate 2 to 3 times within an hour, but it will become normal after sometime.
By research and experience, the following diseases are observed to be cured with this therapy within the indicated days as below:
* Constipation 1 day
* Acidity 2 days
* Diabetes 7 days
* BP & Hypertension 4 weeks
* Cancer 4 weeks
* Pulmonary TB 3 months
Note: It is advised that persons suffering from Arthritis or Rheumatism should practice this therapy thrice a day, i.e., morning, midday and night, 1 hours before meals - for one week; and twice a day subsequently till the disease is cured.
How does pure water act?
Consuming ordinary drinking water by the right method purifies human body. It renders the colon more effective by forming new fresh blood, known in medical terms as Haematopaises. That the mucousal folds of the colon and intestines are activated by this method, is an undisputed fact, just as the theory that fresh blood is produced by the mucousal fold. If the colon is cleaned then the nutrients of the food taken several times a day will be absorbed and by the action of the mucousal folds they are turned into fresh blood. The blood is all-important in curing ailments and restoring health, and for this water should be consumed in a regular pattern. We make an earnest request that the above metho d should be read and practiced carefully.
Please share this message to your friends - it is a great service to humanity.
6 glasses of water (1.5 liters). Without spending on medicines, tablets, injections, diagnosis, doctor's fees, etc., just by drinking pure water, the following diseases will be cured. You can never believe before practicing.
Let us see the list of diseases being cured by this therapy:-
Diseases cured by Drinking water:
1. Headache
2. Blood Pressure/Hyper Tension
3. Anemia (Blood Shortage)
4. Rheumatism (Pain in joints/ muscles)
5. General Paralysis
6. Obesity
7. Arthritis
8. Sinusitis
9. Tachycardia
10. Giddiness
11. Cough
12. Asthma
13. Bronchitis
14. Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
15. Meningitis
16. Kidney stones
17. Urogenital diseases
18. Hyper acidity
19. Gastroenteritis
20. Dysentery
21. Rectal Piodapse
22. Constipation
23. Hostorthobics
24. Diabetes
25. Eye diseases
26. Ophthalmic Hemorrhage & Opthalmia (reddish eye)
27. Irregular Menstruation
28. Leukemia (white Blood)
29. Uterine cancer
30. Laryngitis
How to do this watertherapy?
1) Early morning after you get up from bed (without even brushing your teeth) drink 1.50 litres of water i.e., 5 to 6 glasses. Better to pre-measure 1.50 litres of water. Let us all know that our ancestors termed this therapy as "Usha Paana Chikitsa". You may wash your face thereafter.
DON'T FORGET TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH THE NIGHT BEFORE
2) Here it is very essential to note that nothing else - neither drinks nor solid food of any sort - should be taken within one hour before or after drinking this 1.50 litres of water.
3) It is also to be strictly observed that no Alcoholic drinks should be taken the previous night.
4) If required, boiled or filtered water may be used for this purpose.
5) Is it possible to drink 1.50 litres of water at one time?
To begin with, one may find it difficult to drink 1.50 litres of water at one time, but one will get used to it gradually. Initially, while practicing you may drink four glasses first
and the balance two glasses after a gap of two minutes. Initially you may find the necessity to urinate 2 to 3 times within an hour, but it will become normal after sometime.
By research and experience, the following diseases are observed to be cured with this therapy within the indicated days as below:
* Constipation 1 day
* Acidity 2 days
* Diabetes 7 days
* BP & Hypertension 4 weeks
* Cancer 4 weeks
* Pulmonary TB 3 months
Note: It is advised that persons suffering from Arthritis or Rheumatism should practice this therapy thrice a day, i.e., morning, midday and night, 1 hours before meals - for one week; and twice a day subsequently till the disease is cured.
How does pure water act?
Consuming ordinary drinking water by the right method purifies human body. It renders the colon more effective by forming new fresh blood, known in medical terms as Haematopaises. That the mucousal folds of the colon and intestines are activated by this method, is an undisputed fact, just as the theory that fresh blood is produced by the mucousal fold. If the colon is cleaned then the nutrients of the food taken several times a day will be absorbed and by the action of the mucousal folds they are turned into fresh blood. The blood is all-important in curing ailments and restoring health, and for this water should be consumed in a regular pattern. We make an earnest request that the above metho d should be read and practiced carefully.
Please share this message to your friends - it is a great service to humanity.
Acne and Pimples
Acne is a very common problem affecting teenagers. It is a skin complaint in which spots, blackheads and pimples appear on the face, neck and body.
*Healing Hints
Wash frequently with soap and water.
Do not prick or squeeze the pimples with bare fingers.
Use a special blackhead-extractor.
Avoid excessive fatty & oily food stuff.
Sandalwood,. turmeric, aloe, and neem are the best home remedies.
*Causes
At the root of the problem are the sebaceous glands, which secrete an oily fluid known as sebum. During teenage, the hormonal changes taking place stimulate these glands to produce larger quantities of sebum than before, thus making the skin greasier.
The problem erupts if the exit to the gland (in the hair follicle) becomes blocked. The sebum begins to "back-up" in the gland, causing it to swell slightly, and this plug at exit may turn black on contact with air, so causing a blackhead. This is not due to dirt but is due to a chemical process known as Oxidation. If bacteria and sebum are trapped inside the gland by the plug, the tissues become inflamed and form a pimple.
*Herbal Medicines
1.The paste made of Jeera (cumin seeds) applied over the pimples gives relief. For a single application, 5gm of Jeera is sufficient to prepare the paste. After one hour, the application can be removed.
2. The paste of 5gm each of red sandalwood (Rakta Chandan) and turmeric made with milk is a very efficacious local application.
3. Cumin seeds popularly known as ajwain are also useful in this condition. Prepare the paste of 5gm ajwain, duly adding required quantity of water and apply on the face.
4. Kumari pulp (known as Aloe vera) should be taken internally. Extracted juice of Aloe vera (half a cup) should be taken internally twice a day.
5. Fresh juice of tender tulsi leaves (Ocimum basilicum) is to be applied externally daily.
6. The paste of jatiphal (nutmeg) made with water is also very useful.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Kumkumadi Lepam, an ointment for application over the face, after duly washing the face can be used daily until pimples disappear.
2. Some herbal blood purifying drugs may also be taken for better results. Saribadyasava 15 to 30ml taken after meals with equal quantity of water, twice a day helps in the cure of acne vulgaris.
3. RS Forte syrup (DAP) is a good oral liquid for this condition. 20ml of syrup well mixed with 20ml of cold water should be taken orally twice a day for 40 days for good results.
4. Skinelle tablets (Charak Pharma) taken orally along with Skinelle ointment applied externally produce very good results in just two weeks.
5. Acnenil capsules (Uttam Pharma) in the dose of one capsule thrice daily after meals for a fortnight is a useful home remedy for acne.
6. Jeevan Amrit (Neem oil) capsules taken once daily on an empty stomach help in curing acne and blackheads.
7. Rasana Forte capsules (Shilpa Chem), an extract of garlic should be taken orally twice daily for 20 to 30 days.
8. Trifala churna taken 5 to 10 gm daily helps in purifying the blood thus helping in the cure of acne.
9. Clean-N-Clear syrup (Dabur) should be taken 1 teaspoonful thrice daily after meals for a month.
*Do's & Don'ts
1. Constipation, if presem should be tackled effectively. For this 5gm/ 1 tsp of Swadista Virechana Churna should be taken at bed time along with a glass of water. This ensures safe bowel movement.
2. Associated dandruff should be treated.
*Healing Hints
Wash frequently with soap and water.
Do not prick or squeeze the pimples with bare fingers.
Use a special blackhead-extractor.
Avoid excessive fatty & oily food stuff.
Sandalwood,. turmeric, aloe, and neem are the best home remedies.
*Causes
At the root of the problem are the sebaceous glands, which secrete an oily fluid known as sebum. During teenage, the hormonal changes taking place stimulate these glands to produce larger quantities of sebum than before, thus making the skin greasier.
The problem erupts if the exit to the gland (in the hair follicle) becomes blocked. The sebum begins to "back-up" in the gland, causing it to swell slightly, and this plug at exit may turn black on contact with air, so causing a blackhead. This is not due to dirt but is due to a chemical process known as Oxidation. If bacteria and sebum are trapped inside the gland by the plug, the tissues become inflamed and form a pimple.
*Herbal Medicines
1.The paste made of Jeera (cumin seeds) applied over the pimples gives relief. For a single application, 5gm of Jeera is sufficient to prepare the paste. After one hour, the application can be removed.
2. The paste of 5gm each of red sandalwood (Rakta Chandan) and turmeric made with milk is a very efficacious local application.
3. Cumin seeds popularly known as ajwain are also useful in this condition. Prepare the paste of 5gm ajwain, duly adding required quantity of water and apply on the face.
4. Kumari pulp (known as Aloe vera) should be taken internally. Extracted juice of Aloe vera (half a cup) should be taken internally twice a day.
5. Fresh juice of tender tulsi leaves (Ocimum basilicum) is to be applied externally daily.
6. The paste of jatiphal (nutmeg) made with water is also very useful.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Kumkumadi Lepam, an ointment for application over the face, after duly washing the face can be used daily until pimples disappear.
2. Some herbal blood purifying drugs may also be taken for better results. Saribadyasava 15 to 30ml taken after meals with equal quantity of water, twice a day helps in the cure of acne vulgaris.
3. RS Forte syrup (DAP) is a good oral liquid for this condition. 20ml of syrup well mixed with 20ml of cold water should be taken orally twice a day for 40 days for good results.
4. Skinelle tablets (Charak Pharma) taken orally along with Skinelle ointment applied externally produce very good results in just two weeks.
5. Acnenil capsules (Uttam Pharma) in the dose of one capsule thrice daily after meals for a fortnight is a useful home remedy for acne.
6. Jeevan Amrit (Neem oil) capsules taken once daily on an empty stomach help in curing acne and blackheads.
7. Rasana Forte capsules (Shilpa Chem), an extract of garlic should be taken orally twice daily for 20 to 30 days.
8. Trifala churna taken 5 to 10 gm daily helps in purifying the blood thus helping in the cure of acne.
9. Clean-N-Clear syrup (Dabur) should be taken 1 teaspoonful thrice daily after meals for a month.
*Do's & Don'ts
1. Constipation, if presem should be tackled effectively. For this 5gm/ 1 tsp of Swadista Virechana Churna should be taken at bed time along with a glass of water. This ensures safe bowel movement.
2. Associated dandruff should be treated.
Aids/Hiv Positive
Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, popularly known as 'AIDS', is one of the unforgettable diseases of the 20th century, the black shadows of which may continue into the 21st century also. "Acquired" refers to any condition that is not present at birth. "Immuno Deficiency" means the body's immune (defence) system which is not working efficiently. And 'syndrome' refers to the fact that it includes a group or a range of symptoms and signs. This deficiency is a late consequence of infection by the human immuno deficiency virus (HIV).
*Hints
Follow safe sex practices.
Avoid blood transfusions as far as possible. Insist on disposable syringes & needles while taking injections.
*Causes
High-risk activities that are able to transmit HIV from one person to another include sexual contact - especially unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse and sharing needles and syringes.
However, HIV is not transmitted by insect bites, nor through kissing, coughing, sneezing or sharing a toilet!
*Signs & Symptoms
There are many opportunistic infections which may infect the individual and symptoms and signs manifest depending on the system or systems involved and the symptoms are varied and numerous. They include fevers, sweats, cough, diarrhoea, herpes infection, dry itchy skin etc.
*Herbal Medicines
Persons with AIDS or HIV + can expect progress in therapy in the near future.
However some antiviral herbs, which strengthen the inner defence system of the body are given below.
*Herbal Remedies
Daily intake of some herbs for very long periods, may be helpful for some HlV+ people in slowing down the onset of AIDS, just like AZT, a costly drug. These wonder home remedies are two holy plants tulsi, bilva (bael fruit) and one common bulb popularly known as the "heal-all" bulb i.e., garlic. All these are well known antiviral agents and rejuvenatives.
1. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): A tsf of juice extracted from tender leaves should be taken daily on empty stomach early in the morning. This strengthens the entire respiratory system, generally targeted by HIV.
2. Bel fruit (Aegle marmelos): Specially found in holy places like temples, the fruits are highly useful especially the half-ripe fruit. The fruit pulp should be dried and powdered. 1 tsf of the powder along with some water should be taken after meals. This protects the digestive system from invasion by HIV.
3. Garlic (Lahsun) (Allium sativum): One piece of a garlic bulb should be taken and the outer layers and inner pedicel removed. It should then be crushed and added to a glass of pure milk. The milk should be boiled on moderate fire till the milk is reduced to ¼ glass. This should be taken with little bit of sugar at bed time daily. This is a wonder rejuvenative and builds up the body mass and weight and is a good antiviral.
*Hints
Follow safe sex practices.
Avoid blood transfusions as far as possible. Insist on disposable syringes & needles while taking injections.
*Causes
High-risk activities that are able to transmit HIV from one person to another include sexual contact - especially unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse and sharing needles and syringes.
However, HIV is not transmitted by insect bites, nor through kissing, coughing, sneezing or sharing a toilet!
*Signs & Symptoms
There are many opportunistic infections which may infect the individual and symptoms and signs manifest depending on the system or systems involved and the symptoms are varied and numerous. They include fevers, sweats, cough, diarrhoea, herpes infection, dry itchy skin etc.
*Herbal Medicines
Persons with AIDS or HIV + can expect progress in therapy in the near future.
However some antiviral herbs, which strengthen the inner defence system of the body are given below.
*Herbal Remedies
Daily intake of some herbs for very long periods, may be helpful for some HlV+ people in slowing down the onset of AIDS, just like AZT, a costly drug. These wonder home remedies are two holy plants tulsi, bilva (bael fruit) and one common bulb popularly known as the "heal-all" bulb i.e., garlic. All these are well known antiviral agents and rejuvenatives.
1. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): A tsf of juice extracted from tender leaves should be taken daily on empty stomach early in the morning. This strengthens the entire respiratory system, generally targeted by HIV.
2. Bel fruit (Aegle marmelos): Specially found in holy places like temples, the fruits are highly useful especially the half-ripe fruit. The fruit pulp should be dried and powdered. 1 tsf of the powder along with some water should be taken after meals. This protects the digestive system from invasion by HIV.
3. Garlic (Lahsun) (Allium sativum): One piece of a garlic bulb should be taken and the outer layers and inner pedicel removed. It should then be crushed and added to a glass of pure milk. The milk should be boiled on moderate fire till the milk is reduced to ¼ glass. This should be taken with little bit of sugar at bed time daily. This is a wonder rejuvenative and builds up the body mass and weight and is a good antiviral.
Anaemia.
Actually, "anaemia" means "without blood", but it is generally used to describe people who do not have enough healthy red blood cells in their blood stream. There are many types of anaemia, but in India, mostly in women, the cause of anaemia is commonly iron deficiency and almost 20% of Indian women suffer from it.
*Causes
Bleeding such as heavy periods in women is the main cause. The condition may also be due to the excessive destruction of red blood cells so that the bone marrow cannot produce enough to replace those that are lost. Another cause could be insufficient production of RBCs due to a number of factors.
Iron deficiency anaemia is caused by a shortage of iron, a vital component for RBC production. Vitamin deficiency anaemia and pernicious anaemia are both forms of anaemia in which there is inadequate supply of vitamin B12 and folic acid.
*Signs & Symptoms
Anaemics feel particularly tired because the body is not getting enough oxygen for its routine needs. The skin tends to lose its healthy bloom, and the face becomes pale. If the condition becomes severe, the person will also be short of breath and the ankles may swell.
*Herbal Medicines.
Adjusting diet is the correct remedy. Eat a nutritious and well balanced diet. Meat, especially kidney and liver and all dairy products are rich in Iron and Vitamin B12 Folic acid is found in green vegetables.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Punarnava Mandoora, ready made Ayurvedic pills are to be given orally, 1 pill twice a day with a glass of milk. It improves blood condition by increasing haemoglobin levels and thereby RBC count. It is effective even in conditions of oedema due to anaemia.
2. Lohasavam is an oral liquid containing iron and other essential factors required for proper production of RBC. 15ml of the tonic should be mixed with 15ml of lukewarm water and consumed twice a day after meals.
3. Raktda tablet (Maharishi Ayurved) one tablet once or twice daily for 6 weeks is very useful in anaemia.
4. Navayas Loh 120mg taken twice daily is a very good Ayurvedic preparation.
5. Triphala powder ½ to 1 teaspoonful twice a day is also very good.
*Do's & Don'ts
Diet
Sour things, like curd and fried items should be avoided as far as possible. Green vegetables are rich in iron and folic acid and as such these should be taken in plenty. Til seeds and jaggery should be taken regularly as these are rich in iron.
If constipation occurs, Triphalachurna in a dose of 5 grams should be taken with lukewarm water at bed time.
All these measures, if taken properly, can successfully treat mild to moderate anaemia at home itself.
*Causes
Bleeding such as heavy periods in women is the main cause. The condition may also be due to the excessive destruction of red blood cells so that the bone marrow cannot produce enough to replace those that are lost. Another cause could be insufficient production of RBCs due to a number of factors.
Iron deficiency anaemia is caused by a shortage of iron, a vital component for RBC production. Vitamin deficiency anaemia and pernicious anaemia are both forms of anaemia in which there is inadequate supply of vitamin B12 and folic acid.
*Signs & Symptoms
Anaemics feel particularly tired because the body is not getting enough oxygen for its routine needs. The skin tends to lose its healthy bloom, and the face becomes pale. If the condition becomes severe, the person will also be short of breath and the ankles may swell.
*Herbal Medicines.
Adjusting diet is the correct remedy. Eat a nutritious and well balanced diet. Meat, especially kidney and liver and all dairy products are rich in Iron and Vitamin B12 Folic acid is found in green vegetables.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Punarnava Mandoora, ready made Ayurvedic pills are to be given orally, 1 pill twice a day with a glass of milk. It improves blood condition by increasing haemoglobin levels and thereby RBC count. It is effective even in conditions of oedema due to anaemia.
2. Lohasavam is an oral liquid containing iron and other essential factors required for proper production of RBC. 15ml of the tonic should be mixed with 15ml of lukewarm water and consumed twice a day after meals.
3. Raktda tablet (Maharishi Ayurved) one tablet once or twice daily for 6 weeks is very useful in anaemia.
4. Navayas Loh 120mg taken twice daily is a very good Ayurvedic preparation.
5. Triphala powder ½ to 1 teaspoonful twice a day is also very good.
*Do's & Don'ts
Diet
Sour things, like curd and fried items should be avoided as far as possible. Green vegetables are rich in iron and folic acid and as such these should be taken in plenty. Til seeds and jaggery should be taken regularly as these are rich in iron.
If constipation occurs, Triphalachurna in a dose of 5 grams should be taken with lukewarm water at bed time.
All these measures, if taken properly, can successfully treat mild to moderate anaemia at home itself.
Arthritis
The term 'Arthritis' refers to at least 25 different diseases, the most common being rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis. All these are characterised by inflammation in one or more joints.
*Causes
Mostly unknown. In some cases, it follows the stress of sprains, infections and joint injuries. Some researchers suggest the patient's inability to produce endorphins or naturally produced pain-killers, as a cause.
*Signs & Symptoms
Inflammation of the joint, swelling, pain and loss of function. Usually if the left knee is affected, the right knee is also affected, though in a different degree.
Sometimes associated with fever.
Usually reappears at exposure to cold.
*Herbal Medicines
1. 10 gm of dry ginger powder (sonth) well mixed with 15ml castor oil may be taken internally for relief from painful joints for 40 days continuously.
2. A confection of garlic and til oil (2 cloves + 30ml oil) may be taken internally and the oil boiled with garlic may be applied over the painful joints for relief.
3. Heated papaya or nirgundi or castor leaves may be applied over the painful areas. Also onion juice with mustard oil may be applied on the affected joints.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Simhanada Guggulu: It is available in the pill form 2 pills i.e., 500mg twice a day with lukewarm water should be taken for 40 days for sustained relief. (Since this contains castor-oil, it may in rare cases cause loose motions, which can be controlled by reducing the dose from 2 pills to 1 pill).
2. Maha Rasnadi Kada, an oral liquid should be taken along with the above said pills, in the dosage schedule of 20ml with equal quantity of lukewarm water twice a day.
3. Mahayograj guggulu can be given with good results. In winters two tablets 3 to 4 times a day and in summers two tablets 2 times a day with warm water or warm milk.
4. Mahanarayan Tailam is used for massage.
5. Brihat Vat Chintamani Ras is a drug of choice given in the dose of 125mg to 250mg twice or thrice daily.
*Causes
Mostly unknown. In some cases, it follows the stress of sprains, infections and joint injuries. Some researchers suggest the patient's inability to produce endorphins or naturally produced pain-killers, as a cause.
*Signs & Symptoms
Inflammation of the joint, swelling, pain and loss of function. Usually if the left knee is affected, the right knee is also affected, though in a different degree.
Sometimes associated with fever.
Usually reappears at exposure to cold.
*Herbal Medicines
1. 10 gm of dry ginger powder (sonth) well mixed with 15ml castor oil may be taken internally for relief from painful joints for 40 days continuously.
2. A confection of garlic and til oil (2 cloves + 30ml oil) may be taken internally and the oil boiled with garlic may be applied over the painful joints for relief.
3. Heated papaya or nirgundi or castor leaves may be applied over the painful areas. Also onion juice with mustard oil may be applied on the affected joints.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Simhanada Guggulu: It is available in the pill form 2 pills i.e., 500mg twice a day with lukewarm water should be taken for 40 days for sustained relief. (Since this contains castor-oil, it may in rare cases cause loose motions, which can be controlled by reducing the dose from 2 pills to 1 pill).
2. Maha Rasnadi Kada, an oral liquid should be taken along with the above said pills, in the dosage schedule of 20ml with equal quantity of lukewarm water twice a day.
3. Mahayograj guggulu can be given with good results. In winters two tablets 3 to 4 times a day and in summers two tablets 2 times a day with warm water or warm milk.
4. Mahanarayan Tailam is used for massage.
5. Brihat Vat Chintamani Ras is a drug of choice given in the dose of 125mg to 250mg twice or thrice daily.
Asthma.
Asthma is one of the most prevalent health complaints. It is a condition wherein the patient has repeated attacks of wheezing, which usually clear up completely with medical treatment. Attacks produce a variety of disabilities from mild distress to severe incapacity.
Asthma can develop at any time in life but mostly starts in childhood.
*Asthmatic Triggers
*First attack is usually set off by a lung infection.
*Subsequent attacks are brought about by similar infections as even an ordinary cold.
*Allergies. Drugs which the patient is allergic to may set off an attack.
*Exercise.
*Emotional trauma like anger, sorrow etc.
*Sudden fluctuations in weather and temperature.
*Causes
#In asthmatics, the bronchial tube muscles which take air to the airspaces in the lungs become narrow due to contraction, and air cannot move freely in or out of the lungs.
#Bronchial tubes also produce more mucous than usual thereby further reducing air movement.
*Sings & Symptoms
#Wheezing is a characteristic symptom of asthma.
#Cough sometimes accompanies.
#Pulse rate rises.
#Inability to speak due to breathlessness.
#Typical difficulty in breathing out rather than breathing in.
*Herbal Medicines
NOTE: Asthma home remedies are found useful in mild attacks. However, in severe attacks, medical intervention or hospitalization may be necessary.
1. The juice of one clove of garlic (after removing the outer layer) is mixed with a tsp of honey and taken twice a day, to dilate the contracted bronchial tubes.
CAUTION: Patients of ulcers and bleeding disorders should abstain from the above remedy.
1. ½ tsp of hing (asafoetida) 50ml of sesame oil and a pinch of camphor are mixed and applied on the chest to relieve congestion and uneasiness.
2. 1 tsp full each of:
(a) green ginger juice (b) betel leaf juice, and (c) juice of one clove of garlic are mixed and taken thrice a day, 1 tsp each time.
3. Some camphor (karpur) and hing (asafoetida) are mixed well and pills of pea size are made. 1- 2 pills taken with some hot water, 3 to 4 times a day, give relief.
4. Tulsi leaves' juice with honey is also beneficial. 1 tsp of tulsi juice & 1 tsp of honey should be taken 3 times a day.
5. Onion juice also can be taken similarly.
6. Pipal, amla and sonth are taken in equal quantities crushed in the form of churana and taken with honey, mishri (sugar candy) and ghee give good results in mild attacks.
7. Gur mixed with equal quantity of mustard oil taken for 21 days gives almost permanent relief. 8. The powder of pipal taken along with sendha namak (rock salt) and mixed with the juice of ginger gives results in 7 days.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Sitopaladi choornam: 5gm (1 tsp) of powder mixed with 2 tsp of honey, should be taken twice a day. (To be avoided by diabetics)
2. Vasa Kantakari Lehyam: 2 tsp of this semi-solid preparation may be taken followed by some warm milk.
3. Dab-Dama, liquid (Dabur) taken in the dose of 6 to 18 drops depending upon age and severity of disease along with water gives very good results.
4. Chavanaprasa is a rich source of vitamin C and is used as a tonic especially for bronchial asthma in a dose of 5-10gm with milk at bed time.
5. Agastya rasayana is usually given to people who are asthmatics with constipation, sneezing, blocking of nostrils and congestion of throat. Doses are same as above.
Care should be taken to see that the normal appetite is maintained.
*Do's & Don'ts
AVOID:
1. All Cold items: Ice cream, yoghurt, butter milk, cold drinks, lemon etc.
2. Allergy-triggering factors known to the patient.
3. Eggs, guava, cucumber.
4. Sleeping during the day.
5. Use garlic, hing, tea, warm water in plenty.
6. Take hot water bath only.
7. Protect the body with warm clothing in chilly weather.
Asthma can develop at any time in life but mostly starts in childhood.
*Asthmatic Triggers
*First attack is usually set off by a lung infection.
*Subsequent attacks are brought about by similar infections as even an ordinary cold.
*Allergies. Drugs which the patient is allergic to may set off an attack.
*Exercise.
*Emotional trauma like anger, sorrow etc.
*Sudden fluctuations in weather and temperature.
*Causes
#In asthmatics, the bronchial tube muscles which take air to the airspaces in the lungs become narrow due to contraction, and air cannot move freely in or out of the lungs.
#Bronchial tubes also produce more mucous than usual thereby further reducing air movement.
*Sings & Symptoms
#Wheezing is a characteristic symptom of asthma.
#Cough sometimes accompanies.
#Pulse rate rises.
#Inability to speak due to breathlessness.
#Typical difficulty in breathing out rather than breathing in.
*Herbal Medicines
NOTE: Asthma home remedies are found useful in mild attacks. However, in severe attacks, medical intervention or hospitalization may be necessary.
1. The juice of one clove of garlic (after removing the outer layer) is mixed with a tsp of honey and taken twice a day, to dilate the contracted bronchial tubes.
CAUTION: Patients of ulcers and bleeding disorders should abstain from the above remedy.
1. ½ tsp of hing (asafoetida) 50ml of sesame oil and a pinch of camphor are mixed and applied on the chest to relieve congestion and uneasiness.
2. 1 tsp full each of:
(a) green ginger juice (b) betel leaf juice, and (c) juice of one clove of garlic are mixed and taken thrice a day, 1 tsp each time.
3. Some camphor (karpur) and hing (asafoetida) are mixed well and pills of pea size are made. 1- 2 pills taken with some hot water, 3 to 4 times a day, give relief.
4. Tulsi leaves' juice with honey is also beneficial. 1 tsp of tulsi juice & 1 tsp of honey should be taken 3 times a day.
5. Onion juice also can be taken similarly.
6. Pipal, amla and sonth are taken in equal quantities crushed in the form of churana and taken with honey, mishri (sugar candy) and ghee give good results in mild attacks.
7. Gur mixed with equal quantity of mustard oil taken for 21 days gives almost permanent relief. 8. The powder of pipal taken along with sendha namak (rock salt) and mixed with the juice of ginger gives results in 7 days.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Sitopaladi choornam: 5gm (1 tsp) of powder mixed with 2 tsp of honey, should be taken twice a day. (To be avoided by diabetics)
2. Vasa Kantakari Lehyam: 2 tsp of this semi-solid preparation may be taken followed by some warm milk.
3. Dab-Dama, liquid (Dabur) taken in the dose of 6 to 18 drops depending upon age and severity of disease along with water gives very good results.
4. Chavanaprasa is a rich source of vitamin C and is used as a tonic especially for bronchial asthma in a dose of 5-10gm with milk at bed time.
5. Agastya rasayana is usually given to people who are asthmatics with constipation, sneezing, blocking of nostrils and congestion of throat. Doses are same as above.
Care should be taken to see that the normal appetite is maintained.
*Do's & Don'ts
AVOID:
1. All Cold items: Ice cream, yoghurt, butter milk, cold drinks, lemon etc.
2. Allergy-triggering factors known to the patient.
3. Eggs, guava, cucumber.
4. Sleeping during the day.
5. Use garlic, hing, tea, warm water in plenty.
6. Take hot water bath only.
7. Protect the body with warm clothing in chilly weather.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis, popularly known as AS, denotes hardening of the arteries. This condition gradually builds up due to fatty deposits known as cholesterol and minerals collected in the walls of the arteries and render them less elastic and narrower. Because of this decrease in arterial diameter, blood flow is reduced, and gradually cuts off the supply of blood to heart, brain, muscles or kidneys.
*The Major Killer
Atherosclerosis is responsible for more deaths than any other cause.
1/3 of deaths occur due to it.
Heart-attacks, strokes, and cramps develop because of the hardening and narrowing ofthe major arteries.
*Prevention
This can be prevented, if all the causative factors, stated above are removed.
*Causes
Overeating of high animal-fat diet and refined sugar can lead to the hardening of arteries. Lack of exercise or physical activity, high cholesterol levels in the blood and cigarette smoking make the artery walls more permeable so that they are more likely to build up cholesterol and fat. Stress is also said to be a cause.
The natural ageing process also contributes to the causation of atherosclerosis.
*Signs & Symptoms
If the narrowing of the arteries reduces blood supply to the heart, brain, kidneys, muscles etc., these organs will not function properly, causing angina, hypertension, leg cramps and other disorders.
Further, these narrowings may cause blood to stick to the artery wall and clot there. If the clot is in the heart (thrombosis), it can cause a heart-attack. If it is in the brain circulation, it can cause a stroke.
*Herbal Medicines
Once atherosclerosis is suspected, the diagnosis can be confirmed by further investigations.Treatment has to be taken under expert medical supervision.
1. Garlic is one of the most useful home remedies in this condition. It is useful as a preventive as well as a curative. Many researchers confirmed these benefits.
2. Rasona Ksheeram an Ayurvedic formulation, that can be prepared at home is to be taken daily. Rasona means garlic and Ksheeram indicates milk.
*Method of preparation:
Take 5 grams of raw garlic cloves, remove the outer layers and the inside pedicels, and soak in 50ml buttermilk for 6 hours. Then wash and put them in 200 ml of milk. Boil the milk till ¼ of the quantity approximately (i.e., 50ml) is remaining. Filter it and add some sugar if one is not a diabetic and consume as a single dose at bed time daily.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Guglip is the drug of choice 1 tab. twice daily.
2. Punarnava Guggulu 2 tab. twice daily with warm milk or water.
*The Major Killer
Atherosclerosis is responsible for more deaths than any other cause.
1/3 of deaths occur due to it.
Heart-attacks, strokes, and cramps develop because of the hardening and narrowing ofthe major arteries.
*Prevention
This can be prevented, if all the causative factors, stated above are removed.
*Causes
Overeating of high animal-fat diet and refined sugar can lead to the hardening of arteries. Lack of exercise or physical activity, high cholesterol levels in the blood and cigarette smoking make the artery walls more permeable so that they are more likely to build up cholesterol and fat. Stress is also said to be a cause.
The natural ageing process also contributes to the causation of atherosclerosis.
*Signs & Symptoms
If the narrowing of the arteries reduces blood supply to the heart, brain, kidneys, muscles etc., these organs will not function properly, causing angina, hypertension, leg cramps and other disorders.
Further, these narrowings may cause blood to stick to the artery wall and clot there. If the clot is in the heart (thrombosis), it can cause a heart-attack. If it is in the brain circulation, it can cause a stroke.
*Herbal Medicines
Once atherosclerosis is suspected, the diagnosis can be confirmed by further investigations.Treatment has to be taken under expert medical supervision.
1. Garlic is one of the most useful home remedies in this condition. It is useful as a preventive as well as a curative. Many researchers confirmed these benefits.
2. Rasona Ksheeram an Ayurvedic formulation, that can be prepared at home is to be taken daily. Rasona means garlic and Ksheeram indicates milk.
*Method of preparation:
Take 5 grams of raw garlic cloves, remove the outer layers and the inside pedicels, and soak in 50ml buttermilk for 6 hours. Then wash and put them in 200 ml of milk. Boil the milk till ¼ of the quantity approximately (i.e., 50ml) is remaining. Filter it and add some sugar if one is not a diabetic and consume as a single dose at bed time daily.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Guglip is the drug of choice 1 tab. twice daily.
2. Punarnava Guggulu 2 tab. twice daily with warm milk or water.
Back-Ache
Back-ache or pain is one of the most commonly prevalent complaints, more especially in women. Many back pains have no immediately obvious cause.
*Type of Back Pains
The facet joints linking one vertebra to the next one can also be damaged or strained.
Lumbago: A pain in the lower or lumbar region of the back. It is a degenerative problem.
Fibrositis: Inflammation of the muscles supporting the back. It is also known as 'trigger point' phenomenon.
*Causes
.In most cases back-ache is due to :
.Strained ligaments
.Painful muscle spasm
.Inflammation caused by bad posture
.Lifting heavy loads in incorrect way
.Sudden strain through twisting
.Inadequate support like poorly crafted seats, work tables or too soft mattresses
.Emotional problems..
*Signs & Symptoms
Pain is experienced generally either in the middle of the back or the lower region.
Pain radiates towards both sides of the waist and the hips.
In acute stage, the patient is bedridden arid unable to move.
*Herbal Medicines
Garlic is the most useful home remedy in back problems. This can be used in many forms internally as well as externally.
*External Application
1. Crush 5 Garlic cloves after removing outer covering, add this to 50ml of til oil. Boil it for 20 minutes. Then filter it and apply this oil on the painful back and gently massage for 10 minutes. This can be done twice a day.
*Internal Use
1. Crush two garlic cloves (duly removing the outer cover and inner pedicel) and add this to a glass of milk. Boil it on a mild flame till ¼th glass remains. Filter and make two equal parts and take it 1 part in the morning and 1 part in the evening. This should be repeated for 30 days for better results.
2. Pure castor oil is also one of the good home remedies for backache. 5 to 10 ml well mixed in a cup of hot milk should be taken duly at bed time for 40 days. This brings in relief.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Simhanada Guggul - 2 pills twice a day with warm milk.
2. Dashamoola Kashayam - 15ml with equal quantity of lukewarm water twice a day.
3. Ksheera-bala oil for massage on the affected areas.
4. Yograj Guggulu 1 to 2 tablets thrice daily with warm milk or water.
5. Rumalaya tablet (Himalaya Drugs) 1 to 2 tablets twice daily.
6. Maharasnadi Kwatham 15ml with half cup of warm water twice daily.
*Do's & Don'ts
1. The person should always sleep on a hard bed and maintain a good posture (with proper back rest) while sitting.
2. When pain is less, Yogasanas to strengthen the back muscles and bone give a permanent relief.
*Type of Back Pains
The facet joints linking one vertebra to the next one can also be damaged or strained.
Lumbago: A pain in the lower or lumbar region of the back. It is a degenerative problem.
Fibrositis: Inflammation of the muscles supporting the back. It is also known as 'trigger point' phenomenon.
*Causes
.In most cases back-ache is due to :
.Strained ligaments
.Painful muscle spasm
.Inflammation caused by bad posture
.Lifting heavy loads in incorrect way
.Sudden strain through twisting
.Inadequate support like poorly crafted seats, work tables or too soft mattresses
.Emotional problems..
*Signs & Symptoms
Pain is experienced generally either in the middle of the back or the lower region.
Pain radiates towards both sides of the waist and the hips.
In acute stage, the patient is bedridden arid unable to move.
*Herbal Medicines
Garlic is the most useful home remedy in back problems. This can be used in many forms internally as well as externally.
*External Application
1. Crush 5 Garlic cloves after removing outer covering, add this to 50ml of til oil. Boil it for 20 minutes. Then filter it and apply this oil on the painful back and gently massage for 10 minutes. This can be done twice a day.
*Internal Use
1. Crush two garlic cloves (duly removing the outer cover and inner pedicel) and add this to a glass of milk. Boil it on a mild flame till ¼th glass remains. Filter and make two equal parts and take it 1 part in the morning and 1 part in the evening. This should be repeated for 30 days for better results.
2. Pure castor oil is also one of the good home remedies for backache. 5 to 10 ml well mixed in a cup of hot milk should be taken duly at bed time for 40 days. This brings in relief.
*Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Simhanada Guggul - 2 pills twice a day with warm milk.
2. Dashamoola Kashayam - 15ml with equal quantity of lukewarm water twice a day.
3. Ksheera-bala oil for massage on the affected areas.
4. Yograj Guggulu 1 to 2 tablets thrice daily with warm milk or water.
5. Rumalaya tablet (Himalaya Drugs) 1 to 2 tablets twice daily.
6. Maharasnadi Kwatham 15ml with half cup of warm water twice daily.
*Do's & Don'ts
1. The person should always sleep on a hard bed and maintain a good posture (with proper back rest) while sitting.
2. When pain is less, Yogasanas to strengthen the back muscles and bone give a permanent relief.
Bad Breath
It is a harmless condition known as 'Halitosis' in medical parlance.
**Causes :
Halitosis is caused usually due to poor care of teeth and gums. Eating strongly flavoured food, such as garlic or onions, can also cause it. Chronic constipation, respiratory infections, or very bad sinusitis may also cause bad breath.
**Signs & Symptoms:
Strong amd unpleasantly odoured breath.
**Herbal Medicines:
Clean teeth regularly with neem paste.
Wash mouth with a tsf of Triphalachurna or neem bark powder dissolved in warm water 3 to 4 times a day.
Chhoti Elaichi (green cardamom) is an excellent mouth freshener.
The decoction of dhania (coriander) can be used as mouthwash.
The gargles of cold decoction of aloe vera mixed with honey is very effective in chronic bad breath.
**Ayurvedic Remedies :
1. Above all to keep the bowels free and to remove constipation, using Deendayal Churna 5gms mixed in warm water daily at bed time is helpful. This checks acidity, constipation and gases and keeps the entire digestive system from mouth to anus clean, thereby controlling bad breath.
2. Eladivati pills and other digestives can be chewed 3 to 4 times a day or as and when bad breath is noticed. These pills when sucked, immediately control bad breath and if even after all these measures, bad breath persists, consulting a dentist is judicious.
3. Larangadi Vati can be chewed 4 to 5 times daily for controlling bad breath.
4. Gum-Tone tooth powder (Charak) used twice daily for 15 days gives very good results.
5. lrimadadi Tailam can be massaged on the gums to avoid bad breath.
6. Khadivadi Vati chewed or swallowed orally treats all the diseases of the mouth and oral cavity. 7. Kanth Sudhar Vati can be chewed upto 10 times a day for controlling bad breath.
8. Mastan tablet (Zandu) is very effective in controlling bad breath immediately.
9. Tambool Ranjan (Zandu) is a digestive tonic used for curing poor appetite, bad breath and toothache.
**Causes :
Halitosis is caused usually due to poor care of teeth and gums. Eating strongly flavoured food, such as garlic or onions, can also cause it. Chronic constipation, respiratory infections, or very bad sinusitis may also cause bad breath.
**Signs & Symptoms:
Strong amd unpleasantly odoured breath.
**Herbal Medicines:
Clean teeth regularly with neem paste.
Wash mouth with a tsf of Triphalachurna or neem bark powder dissolved in warm water 3 to 4 times a day.
Chhoti Elaichi (green cardamom) is an excellent mouth freshener.
The decoction of dhania (coriander) can be used as mouthwash.
The gargles of cold decoction of aloe vera mixed with honey is very effective in chronic bad breath.
**Ayurvedic Remedies :
1. Above all to keep the bowels free and to remove constipation, using Deendayal Churna 5gms mixed in warm water daily at bed time is helpful. This checks acidity, constipation and gases and keeps the entire digestive system from mouth to anus clean, thereby controlling bad breath.
2. Eladivati pills and other digestives can be chewed 3 to 4 times a day or as and when bad breath is noticed. These pills when sucked, immediately control bad breath and if even after all these measures, bad breath persists, consulting a dentist is judicious.
3. Larangadi Vati can be chewed 4 to 5 times daily for controlling bad breath.
4. Gum-Tone tooth powder (Charak) used twice daily for 15 days gives very good results.
5. lrimadadi Tailam can be massaged on the gums to avoid bad breath.
6. Khadivadi Vati chewed or swallowed orally treats all the diseases of the mouth and oral cavity. 7. Kanth Sudhar Vati can be chewed upto 10 times a day for controlling bad breath.
8. Mastan tablet (Zandu) is very effective in controlling bad breath immediately.
9. Tambool Ranjan (Zandu) is a digestive tonic used for curing poor appetite, bad breath and toothache.
Bed-Wetting
Bed-wetting means involuntary urination in bed at night. Children generally after the age of 3-4 years gain control over the bladder, but in some children, this mechanism somehow is not strengthened and they pass urine in bed involuntarily. This phenomenon continues even upto 15-20 years of age, putting the teenagers in an embarrassing situation. Boys outnumber girls in this problem.
**Causes
'Bed-wetting' can happen due to physical and emotional causative factors. Infection in the urinary system i.e., in the bladder or kidney or a structural defect in the tract, or sometimes thread worms in the stool may also cause the problem.
The psychological factors involved are emotional immaturity, shyness, conflicts between parents, fear, rivalry among children, problem of adjustment in school and feeling of insecurity.
**Signs & Symptoms
Involuntary urination in bed at night.
**Herbal Medicines
A teaspoonful of pure honey should be given to the child before going to bed.
Sarshapa i.e., Sarson powder, well mixed in a cup of milk, if given at night before going to bed, stops the wetting.
**Ayurvedic Remedies
Shilajitvadi Vati ½ tablet twice a day with some warm milk usually gives good results.
Chandraprabha Vati is also a good remedy in this condition. ½ tablet twice a day is given.
Neo tablet (Charak) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets twice daily for two to three months gives good results.
**Do's& Don'ts
The child/teenager should not be scolded in the evening or before going to bed.
He should be asked to urinate before going to bed.
Oral liquids like milk, water etc., should be restricted after 4 p.m.
Food items like potato, spicy food, etc., should not be given, as these cause gas formation.
Evening walks should be encouraged.
**Causes
'Bed-wetting' can happen due to physical and emotional causative factors. Infection in the urinary system i.e., in the bladder or kidney or a structural defect in the tract, or sometimes thread worms in the stool may also cause the problem.
The psychological factors involved are emotional immaturity, shyness, conflicts between parents, fear, rivalry among children, problem of adjustment in school and feeling of insecurity.
**Signs & Symptoms
Involuntary urination in bed at night.
**Herbal Medicines
A teaspoonful of pure honey should be given to the child before going to bed.
Sarshapa i.e., Sarson powder, well mixed in a cup of milk, if given at night before going to bed, stops the wetting.
**Ayurvedic Remedies
Shilajitvadi Vati ½ tablet twice a day with some warm milk usually gives good results.
Chandraprabha Vati is also a good remedy in this condition. ½ tablet twice a day is given.
Neo tablet (Charak) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets twice daily for two to three months gives good results.
**Do's& Don'ts
The child/teenager should not be scolded in the evening or before going to bed.
He should be asked to urinate before going to bed.
Oral liquids like milk, water etc., should be restricted after 4 p.m.
Food items like potato, spicy food, etc., should not be given, as these cause gas formation.
Evening walks should be encouraged.
Bleeding Nose
'Epistaxis' is the medical term for bleeding from the nose.
Causes
The most common cause of epistaxis in young people is not known unless it is a result of picking of the nose or injury. In summer these episodes occur more in young persons. In older patients, rarely high blood pressure can cause epistaxis, especially if the diastolic pressure is more than 110 mm/Hg. High exposure to heat sources such as the sun or fire also leads to bleeding.
Herbal Medicines
The patient should wash his face and head with cold water.
Icepacks should be applied from outside on the nose.
One should not sneeze or put any type of strain on the nose which aggravates bleeding.
If B.P. is high, anti-hypertensives should be taken under medical advice.
Juice of flower of pomegranate should be used for deep inhalation.
Juice of Durva grass 5 to 10 drops in each nostril gives immediate relief.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Vasa Avalehya is a semisolid sweet preparation. One teaspoonful well mixed in a cup of cold milk should be taken orally 3 times a day. It checks the bleeding. Inspite of all these measures, if bleeding does not stop, an ENT surgeon's consultation is a must without delay.
Anu Tailam in a dose of 2 to 5 drops in each nostril for inhalation can stop bleeding.
Styplon tablet (Himalaya Drugs) 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily gives very good results.
Chavanaprash can be given one teaspoon twice daily with milk. It is a rich source of Vitamin C.
Amla Churan is also helpful in such conditions in the dose of ½ teaspoon twice daily with water.
Do's & Don'ts
The patient or person, who has a history of bleeding should avoid all hot and spicy things in eatables. He should maintain normal blood-pressure. He should not remain awake at nights
Causes
The most common cause of epistaxis in young people is not known unless it is a result of picking of the nose or injury. In summer these episodes occur more in young persons. In older patients, rarely high blood pressure can cause epistaxis, especially if the diastolic pressure is more than 110 mm/Hg. High exposure to heat sources such as the sun or fire also leads to bleeding.
Herbal Medicines
The patient should wash his face and head with cold water.
Icepacks should be applied from outside on the nose.
One should not sneeze or put any type of strain on the nose which aggravates bleeding.
If B.P. is high, anti-hypertensives should be taken under medical advice.
Juice of flower of pomegranate should be used for deep inhalation.
Juice of Durva grass 5 to 10 drops in each nostril gives immediate relief.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Vasa Avalehya is a semisolid sweet preparation. One teaspoonful well mixed in a cup of cold milk should be taken orally 3 times a day. It checks the bleeding. Inspite of all these measures, if bleeding does not stop, an ENT surgeon's consultation is a must without delay.
Anu Tailam in a dose of 2 to 5 drops in each nostril for inhalation can stop bleeding.
Styplon tablet (Himalaya Drugs) 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily gives very good results.
Chavanaprash can be given one teaspoon twice daily with milk. It is a rich source of Vitamin C.
Amla Churan is also helpful in such conditions in the dose of ½ teaspoon twice daily with water.
Do's & Don'ts
The patient or person, who has a history of bleeding should avoid all hot and spicy things in eatables. He should maintain normal blood-pressure. He should not remain awake at nights
Blood in Urine
Presence of blood in the urine is called haematuria.
Causes
It is commonly caused by urinary stones or infection of the kidney or genital region. Some type of bleeding disorders can also give rise to haematuria.
Sings & Symptoms
Besides these symptoms the patient may have pain in the loin or back, fever, bleeding from other sites, vomiting, pus in urine and protein in urine.
Herbal Medicines
Green banana is used as vegetable.
One glass juice of white pumpkin mixed with sugarcane juice should be given everyday.
The powder of amla ½ tsf twice daily with water.
Pomegranate in any form is very useful.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Gokshura is the drug of choice. The seeds are used as powder and ½-1 tsf of it given twice a day.
Shilajit 125mg given twice a day.
Chandraprabhavati 1-2 tab twice daily.
Do's & Don'ts
Sexual intercourse is to be avoided and patient should take lots of fluids.
Causes
It is commonly caused by urinary stones or infection of the kidney or genital region. Some type of bleeding disorders can also give rise to haematuria.
Sings & Symptoms
Besides these symptoms the patient may have pain in the loin or back, fever, bleeding from other sites, vomiting, pus in urine and protein in urine.
Herbal Medicines
Green banana is used as vegetable.
One glass juice of white pumpkin mixed with sugarcane juice should be given everyday.
The powder of amla ½ tsf twice daily with water.
Pomegranate in any form is very useful.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Gokshura is the drug of choice. The seeds are used as powder and ½-1 tsf of it given twice a day.
Shilajit 125mg given twice a day.
Chandraprabhavati 1-2 tab twice daily.
Do's & Don'ts
Sexual intercourse is to be avoided and patient should take lots of fluids.
Boils
Boils are painful, red, pus-filled swellings that are formed in any part of the body. These are caused by a type of bacterium that lives silently on the surface of the skin.
People who suffer from eczema or any problem that affects the structure of the skin's surface are more prone or susceptible to boils or carbuncles.
Carbuncles are simply large boils or a collection of boils joined together.
Causes
Boils are basically caused by bacteria, (staphylococcus) which enter the sweat glands or hair follicles.
They are sometimes caused by blood impurities.
The boil first appears when the bacteria start to multiply under the skin and produce toxic chemicals, which inflame the surrounding area.
In an effort to combat these chemicals, more and more white blood cells rush to the spot of infection until a pocket of pus is formed in the skin.
This pocket becomes the centre of the boil.
Signs & Symptoms
Boils usually develop on the legs, arms and trunk. The first symptom is a small, red, painful area of skin, which may be slightly swollen.
As the pus starts to form, the centre becomes yellow and the pain and swelling increase.
Herbal Medicines
Dry ginger and asafoetida (i.e., sonth and hing) paste should be made by adding a small quantity of water. This paste should be applied over the areas of boils twice a day as an external measure.
Turmeric powder paste should be made by adding tulsi leaves' juice. This should be applied over the boils.
The same combination can also be taken internally. These are proven anti-bacterials as well as good blood purifiers.
Betel leaves: A leaf is gently warmed till it becomes soft and then coated with a layer of pure castor oil. This processed betel leaf should be spread over the inflamed part. This should be repeated thrice a day. After a few applications, the boil will rupture.
The root of Shobanjan (Sehjana) and Devdaru crushed is mixed with kanji and made in the form of a paste. This when applied over the inflamed part gives immediate results. This is also called Shobanjanadi Lepam.
A paste of mustard seeds also produces results at its earliest.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Kanchanara Guggulu is the suitable remedy, in doses of 2 pills twice a day.
Maha Manjista Quatham an oral liquid, 20ml of which when given with equal quantity of water twice a day, provides great relief.
Triphalachurna: 10gms of this powder should be added to 50ml of hot water and kept for some time. This should be taken at bedtime. This relieves constipation, and makes bowel movements free.
Nityanand Ras 250mg mixed with a bit of honey can be given thrice a day.
Kaishora Guggulu in the dose of 1 to 2 pills 2 to 3 times daily is useful.
Shatavari Ghritam 5 to 10ml with milk given twice daily is a good remedy for boils.
Skinelle tablets (Charak) 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily for 7 to 10 days can cure the boils.
Charmardadi Tailam is useful for external use.
People who suffer from eczema or any problem that affects the structure of the skin's surface are more prone or susceptible to boils or carbuncles.
Carbuncles are simply large boils or a collection of boils joined together.
Causes
Boils are basically caused by bacteria, (staphylococcus) which enter the sweat glands or hair follicles.
They are sometimes caused by blood impurities.
The boil first appears when the bacteria start to multiply under the skin and produce toxic chemicals, which inflame the surrounding area.
In an effort to combat these chemicals, more and more white blood cells rush to the spot of infection until a pocket of pus is formed in the skin.
This pocket becomes the centre of the boil.
Signs & Symptoms
Boils usually develop on the legs, arms and trunk. The first symptom is a small, red, painful area of skin, which may be slightly swollen.
As the pus starts to form, the centre becomes yellow and the pain and swelling increase.
Herbal Medicines
Dry ginger and asafoetida (i.e., sonth and hing) paste should be made by adding a small quantity of water. This paste should be applied over the areas of boils twice a day as an external measure.
Turmeric powder paste should be made by adding tulsi leaves' juice. This should be applied over the boils.
The same combination can also be taken internally. These are proven anti-bacterials as well as good blood purifiers.
Betel leaves: A leaf is gently warmed till it becomes soft and then coated with a layer of pure castor oil. This processed betel leaf should be spread over the inflamed part. This should be repeated thrice a day. After a few applications, the boil will rupture.
The root of Shobanjan (Sehjana) and Devdaru crushed is mixed with kanji and made in the form of a paste. This when applied over the inflamed part gives immediate results. This is also called Shobanjanadi Lepam.
A paste of mustard seeds also produces results at its earliest.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Kanchanara Guggulu is the suitable remedy, in doses of 2 pills twice a day.
Maha Manjista Quatham an oral liquid, 20ml of which when given with equal quantity of water twice a day, provides great relief.
Triphalachurna: 10gms of this powder should be added to 50ml of hot water and kept for some time. This should be taken at bedtime. This relieves constipation, and makes bowel movements free.
Nityanand Ras 250mg mixed with a bit of honey can be given thrice a day.
Kaishora Guggulu in the dose of 1 to 2 pills 2 to 3 times daily is useful.
Shatavari Ghritam 5 to 10ml with milk given twice daily is a good remedy for boils.
Skinelle tablets (Charak) 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily for 7 to 10 days can cure the boils.
Charmardadi Tailam is useful for external use.
Burning Urine
While passing urine, some people feel a burning sensation in the urethra. This may be due to various reasons.
Causes
Urinary tract infection.
Venereal diseases.
Enlarged prostate.
Stone in urinary bladder.
Concentrated urine (as in summer).
Obstruction of urinary passage.
Sings & Symptoms
Other symptoms which accompany burning micturition (urination) are passage of pus from urine, bleeding in urine, fever and stoppage of urination.
Herbal Medicines
Lemon is popularly used. Lemon juice should be given 2-3 times a day mixed with sugar and water.
Carrots are also helpful in controlling burning urine.
Radish juice 25ml given twice daily.
Fresh coconut water given once a day.
Sugarcane also can be consumed as much as one can.
Jamun is also very good. 100gm should be taken daily.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Gokshururadi Guggulu is the drug of choice. One tablet three times a day.
Chandraprabhavati is another which is very effective, 1 tab. twice daily.
Tab. Ashmol 2 tab. 3 times a day.
Tab. Calcury (Charak) 1-2 tab. 3 times a day.
Renalka syrup (Himalaya drugs) 2 tsf mixed with half cup of water three times a day for 15 days.
Do's & Don'ts
Hot spices should be avoided.
Exposure to sun and heat is to be avoided.
Lots of liquids should be consumed.
Causes
Urinary tract infection.
Venereal diseases.
Enlarged prostate.
Stone in urinary bladder.
Concentrated urine (as in summer).
Obstruction of urinary passage.
Sings & Symptoms
Other symptoms which accompany burning micturition (urination) are passage of pus from urine, bleeding in urine, fever and stoppage of urination.
Herbal Medicines
Lemon is popularly used. Lemon juice should be given 2-3 times a day mixed with sugar and water.
Carrots are also helpful in controlling burning urine.
Radish juice 25ml given twice daily.
Fresh coconut water given once a day.
Sugarcane also can be consumed as much as one can.
Jamun is also very good. 100gm should be taken daily.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Gokshururadi Guggulu is the drug of choice. One tablet three times a day.
Chandraprabhavati is another which is very effective, 1 tab. twice daily.
Tab. Ashmol 2 tab. 3 times a day.
Tab. Calcury (Charak) 1-2 tab. 3 times a day.
Renalka syrup (Himalaya drugs) 2 tsf mixed with half cup of water three times a day for 15 days.
Do's & Don'ts
Hot spices should be avoided.
Exposure to sun and heat is to be avoided.
Lots of liquids should be consumed.
Burns.
Burns cause serious injury to body tissues caused by heat, chemicals or radiation. However heat is the most common cause. There is severe risk of infection with burns because it damages the skin's protection against germs.
Even though there are a number of classifications of burns, area and depth-wise classification is important from treatment point of view.
Area: The area of burn gives a rough guide as to whether or not a casualty is likely to suffer shock. The greater the area involved, the higher the possibility of shock, because of greater fluid loss. For example an average adult with a superficial burn covering 9% or more of the body surface will need hospitalisation.
Signs & Symptoms
A minor burn causes painful reddening and blistering. A severe burn leaves a painless white or charred area.
Burning Sensation
It is usually felt on the palms and soles.
Herbal Medicines
The affected area should be placed immediately under a steady flow of cold water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain stops. If a blister forms, it should not be pricked as -it will leave the raw skin open for infection.
Spread a thin layer of the pulp of Aloe vera, (a jelly like substance) or its juice over the affected area twice a day.
Pure turmeric powder can also be applied with some honey.
The ointment prepared from the ash of dry coconut and coconut oil is a very useful application over burns.
Burning Sensation
The poultice of henna (mehndi) leaves made with vinegar (kanjee) or lemon juice is very useful and gives prompt relief.
The paste made of the leaves of Vitex nigundo (Nirgundi) applied on the feet gives quick relief.
The ointment prepared with pure ghee 250gm mixed with 12gm each of raal and white jeera gives immediate relief.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Sindooradi Lepa, a market preparation available in the ointment form can also be applied over the burnt areas to prevent infections.
The mixture of the white of an egg and the powder of the gum of the babul tree with coconut oil is applied as an ointment over the burn.
The juice extracted from the stem of plantain tree can also be applied.
In case of severe and major burns, medical attention is required. Only minor burns should be treated with home remedies.
Burning Sensation
Hima Sagara Taila is a specific medicated oil to be applied over burning feet. It immediately cures the burning sensation and is easily available at Ayurvedic stores.
Chandanadi Taila is also useful for application.
Even though there are a number of classifications of burns, area and depth-wise classification is important from treatment point of view.
Area: The area of burn gives a rough guide as to whether or not a casualty is likely to suffer shock. The greater the area involved, the higher the possibility of shock, because of greater fluid loss. For example an average adult with a superficial burn covering 9% or more of the body surface will need hospitalisation.
Signs & Symptoms
A minor burn causes painful reddening and blistering. A severe burn leaves a painless white or charred area.
Burning Sensation
It is usually felt on the palms and soles.
Herbal Medicines
The affected area should be placed immediately under a steady flow of cold water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain stops. If a blister forms, it should not be pricked as -it will leave the raw skin open for infection.
Spread a thin layer of the pulp of Aloe vera, (a jelly like substance) or its juice over the affected area twice a day.
Pure turmeric powder can also be applied with some honey.
The ointment prepared from the ash of dry coconut and coconut oil is a very useful application over burns.
Burning Sensation
The poultice of henna (mehndi) leaves made with vinegar (kanjee) or lemon juice is very useful and gives prompt relief.
The paste made of the leaves of Vitex nigundo (Nirgundi) applied on the feet gives quick relief.
The ointment prepared with pure ghee 250gm mixed with 12gm each of raal and white jeera gives immediate relief.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Sindooradi Lepa, a market preparation available in the ointment form can also be applied over the burnt areas to prevent infections.
The mixture of the white of an egg and the powder of the gum of the babul tree with coconut oil is applied as an ointment over the burn.
The juice extracted from the stem of plantain tree can also be applied.
In case of severe and major burns, medical attention is required. Only minor burns should be treated with home remedies.
Burning Sensation
Hima Sagara Taila is a specific medicated oil to be applied over burning feet. It immediately cures the burning sensation and is easily available at Ayurvedic stores.
Chandanadi Taila is also useful for application.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is charcterized by the inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs which result in the discharge of a muco-purulent substance known as phlegm or sputum.
Causes
This disease is mainly seen in cigarette smokers. Smoking induces inflammation of the airway with obstruction of the bronchi. Dust and air pollution also contribute largely to this disease. This disease is more common during winter months but when chronic it may be present all the year around.
Sings & Symptoms
Severe cough especially during the mornings of winter months.
Cough is productive (contains sputum) in nature.
Sputum may be scanty, mucoid, thick with occasional streaks of blood. Yellow sputum indicates infection.
Patient may complain of tightness around the chest.
Breathlessness on exertion may be reported.
Wheezing or whistling sound may be heard while breathing.
Fever when infection is present.
Herbal Medicines
The juice of ginger 1 teaspoonful mixed with honey taken thrice a day proves effective in Bronchitis.
The decoction of tulsi, ginger, black pepper in equal quantities taken 20-25ml three times a day.
Mulathi chewed over a period of few hours gives relief.
Jushanda is a popular remedy for Bronchitis. Take 1 teaspoon of this powder, add to it a cup of water. Boil it till half of it remains. Add some sugar or honey and take it at bed time and in the morning before breakfast.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Talisadi churna taken ½ to 1 teaspoon along with honey and ginger juice gives relief in a day or two. The doses can be taken three times a day.
khadiravati should be kept in mouth and sucked slowly. This gives relief in bronchitis associated with congested throat. 4-6 pills can be sucked over a day.
Vasarishta is a liquid taken 15ml + 15ml. of water twice a day after meals.
Haridara Khand 5gm of it mixed with a cup of warm milk at bed time proves effective.
Do's & Don'ts
Steam inhalation is very good.
Curd and sour things should be avoided.
Sour fruits including banana and guava are also contraindicated.
Exposure to cold wind and rain should be avoided.
Causes
This disease is mainly seen in cigarette smokers. Smoking induces inflammation of the airway with obstruction of the bronchi. Dust and air pollution also contribute largely to this disease. This disease is more common during winter months but when chronic it may be present all the year around.
Sings & Symptoms
Severe cough especially during the mornings of winter months.
Cough is productive (contains sputum) in nature.
Sputum may be scanty, mucoid, thick with occasional streaks of blood. Yellow sputum indicates infection.
Patient may complain of tightness around the chest.
Breathlessness on exertion may be reported.
Wheezing or whistling sound may be heard while breathing.
Fever when infection is present.
Herbal Medicines
The juice of ginger 1 teaspoonful mixed with honey taken thrice a day proves effective in Bronchitis.
The decoction of tulsi, ginger, black pepper in equal quantities taken 20-25ml three times a day.
Mulathi chewed over a period of few hours gives relief.
Jushanda is a popular remedy for Bronchitis. Take 1 teaspoon of this powder, add to it a cup of water. Boil it till half of it remains. Add some sugar or honey and take it at bed time and in the morning before breakfast.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Talisadi churna taken ½ to 1 teaspoon along with honey and ginger juice gives relief in a day or two. The doses can be taken three times a day.
khadiravati should be kept in mouth and sucked slowly. This gives relief in bronchitis associated with congested throat. 4-6 pills can be sucked over a day.
Vasarishta is a liquid taken 15ml + 15ml. of water twice a day after meals.
Haridara Khand 5gm of it mixed with a cup of warm milk at bed time proves effective.
Do's & Don'ts
Steam inhalation is very good.
Curd and sour things should be avoided.
Sour fruits including banana and guava are also contraindicated.
Exposure to cold wind and rain should be avoided.
Cataract
Opacification of the lens of the eye or its capsule (covering) sufficient to interfere with vision is called cataract.
Causes
Cataract may be caused due to following factors:
Malnutrition
Vitamin A or B deficiency.
High myopia (short-sight)
Diabetes
Old age
Infections of the eye
Signs & Symptoms
Initially patient complains of blurring of vision in the early stages of the disease. Later when the cataract matures, complete vision is impaired in the affected eye. If treatment is not done, the cataract becomes hypermature and leads to increase in intraocular pressure (glaucoma).
Herbal Medicines
The eyes should be washed daily with Triphala water. 1 teaspoonful of powder should be added to a glass of water at night. It is filtered in the morning and is ready for use.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Maha Triphala Ghritam is popularly used in early stage of cataract. The doses are two teaspoonfuls twice daily with a cup of milk one hour before taking food.
Chandrodaya Vati is used for external use. It is rubbed over a clean stone with water, and the paste is applied in the eye.
Other Measures
Exposure to excessive heat or sun is prohibited. If the cataract is fully matured, then surgery is the only treatment.
Causes
Cataract may be caused due to following factors:
Malnutrition
Vitamin A or B deficiency.
High myopia (short-sight)
Diabetes
Old age
Infections of the eye
Signs & Symptoms
Initially patient complains of blurring of vision in the early stages of the disease. Later when the cataract matures, complete vision is impaired in the affected eye. If treatment is not done, the cataract becomes hypermature and leads to increase in intraocular pressure (glaucoma).
Herbal Medicines
The eyes should be washed daily with Triphala water. 1 teaspoonful of powder should be added to a glass of water at night. It is filtered in the morning and is ready for use.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Maha Triphala Ghritam is popularly used in early stage of cataract. The doses are two teaspoonfuls twice daily with a cup of milk one hour before taking food.
Chandrodaya Vati is used for external use. It is rubbed over a clean stone with water, and the paste is applied in the eye.
Other Measures
Exposure to excessive heat or sun is prohibited. If the cataract is fully matured, then surgery is the only treatment.
Cervical Spondylosis
A type of arthritis affecting the cervical and the intervertebral discs of the spine, producing pain in the neck.... region. It is termed as critical spondylosis.
Causes
The main causative factor is the aging of bones and joints. Trauma incorrect posture of the body, prolonged typing or writing with flexion of the neck aggravate the symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms
Pain in the back of the neck spreading at times to the shoulder, arms and even chest and forehead. The pain is aggravated by the movement of the neck. When this disease becomes chronic in nature, giddiness numbness of hands and even paraplegia can occur.
Herbal Medicines
Neem is very useful in cervical spondylosis. The flowers as well as leaves can be consumed on daily basis.
Any oil available at home mixed with camphor (karpur) can be used for massage of neck.
One string of garlic is to be taken daily on empty stomach.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Singhanada Guggulu is popularly used. One tab three times a day with hot water or hot milk for 15-30 days.
Punarnavadi Guggulu is also used for controlling inflammation. 1 tab three times a day.
Tab. Pirant (Maharishi Ayurved) 1 tab 3 times a day.
Cap. Arthocare (Uttam) 1 cap. 3 times a day.
Tab. Rumalaya (Uttam) 1 tab. 2-3 times a day.
Mahanarayan Taila is good for massage.
Pirant oil can also be used for same purpose.
Do's & Don'ts
Wheat is better than rice, maida and suji.
Exposure to cold is avoided.
Sour things, particularly curd, etc. are strictly prohibited.
Causes
The main causative factor is the aging of bones and joints. Trauma incorrect posture of the body, prolonged typing or writing with flexion of the neck aggravate the symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms
Pain in the back of the neck spreading at times to the shoulder, arms and even chest and forehead. The pain is aggravated by the movement of the neck. When this disease becomes chronic in nature, giddiness numbness of hands and even paraplegia can occur.
Herbal Medicines
Neem is very useful in cervical spondylosis. The flowers as well as leaves can be consumed on daily basis.
Any oil available at home mixed with camphor (karpur) can be used for massage of neck.
One string of garlic is to be taken daily on empty stomach.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Singhanada Guggulu is popularly used. One tab three times a day with hot water or hot milk for 15-30 days.
Punarnavadi Guggulu is also used for controlling inflammation. 1 tab three times a day.
Tab. Pirant (Maharishi Ayurved) 1 tab 3 times a day.
Cap. Arthocare (Uttam) 1 cap. 3 times a day.
Tab. Rumalaya (Uttam) 1 tab. 2-3 times a day.
Mahanarayan Taila is good for massage.
Pirant oil can also be used for same purpose.
Do's & Don'ts
Wheat is better than rice, maida and suji.
Exposure to cold is avoided.
Sour things, particularly curd, etc. are strictly prohibited.
Cirrhosis of Liver
Cirrhosis of the liver occurs when normal liver cells are replaced by fibrous scar tissues preventing the liver from functioning effectively. This damage is irreparable and the tissue irrecoverable.
Causes
Alcohol abuse appears to be the prime cause in a majority of cases.
Chemical abuse, for example, over - doses of paracetamol, as well as cleaning fluids or anaesthetics, may cause cirrhosis.
Hepatitis 'B' or glandular fever is a predisposing factor.
Signs & Symptoms
Early stage-Nearly none.Advanced stage:
Loss of sexual desire.
Tingling sensation in hands and feet.
Weight loss.
Enlargement of breasts in women and shrinkage of testicles in men.
Swelling of abdomen with characteristic fine red vein lines on skin.
Herbal Medicines
2. tsp fresh lemon juice.
1 tsp crushed onion juice.
This mixture should be taken on empty stomach in the morning for 3 months to resolve cirrhosis.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ayurveda has been treating this disorder with a high success rate.
Yakrut Pippali is the drug of choice along with a herbo-mineral compound called Arogya vardhini. This should be taken under direct supervision of a competent Ayurvedic physician.
Punarnava Mandoor 1 tablet thrice daily with water after meals for 2 to 3 months gives excellent results.
Cytozen tablet (Charak) 1 tablet twice daily for 6 to 12 weeks.
Causes
Alcohol abuse appears to be the prime cause in a majority of cases.
Chemical abuse, for example, over - doses of paracetamol, as well as cleaning fluids or anaesthetics, may cause cirrhosis.
Hepatitis 'B' or glandular fever is a predisposing factor.
Signs & Symptoms
Early stage-Nearly none.Advanced stage:
Loss of sexual desire.
Tingling sensation in hands and feet.
Weight loss.
Enlargement of breasts in women and shrinkage of testicles in men.
Swelling of abdomen with characteristic fine red vein lines on skin.
Herbal Medicines
2. tsp fresh lemon juice.
1 tsp crushed onion juice.
This mixture should be taken on empty stomach in the morning for 3 months to resolve cirrhosis.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ayurveda has been treating this disorder with a high success rate.
Yakrut Pippali is the drug of choice along with a herbo-mineral compound called Arogya vardhini. This should be taken under direct supervision of a competent Ayurvedic physician.
Punarnava Mandoor 1 tablet thrice daily with water after meals for 2 to 3 months gives excellent results.
Cytozen tablet (Charak) 1 tablet twice daily for 6 to 12 weeks.
Common Cold
Common cold, a routine complaint is of viral origin. It can be caused by anyone of more than 200 viruses. Normally it is confined to the nose and throat although the virus can infect the larynx and lungs. It is communicable during the first 24 hours.
Causes
Cold can occur due to 200 or more viri. That is why we cannot take pills that would prevent colds by increasing immunity to the specific ones.
These viri are passed on in droplets when one coughs or sneezes.
Signs & Symptoms
These symptoms vary according to the virus involved. However general symptoms are:
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Sore throat
Cough and hoarseness
Runny nose
In some individuals there may be unpleasant nasal discharge, headache and a slight temperature.
Herbal Medicines
There is no cure or prevention for cold. It is relieved naturally within a week. The cold is treated by attempting to relieve its symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose and congestion. Paracetamol tablets are generally taken to get relief from these symptoms.
These playa key role in the management of cold. These are:
Black tea prepared with black pepper powder, dry ginger powder and tulsi leaves. This tea can be taken 3 to 4 times a day to get relief from runny nose, 'headache, and sore throat. It is as good as aspirin or paracetamol tablets.
Eat one amla twice a day. It is a rich source of vitamin C and strengthens the respiratory immunity.
Another simple home remedy is milk + turmeric. Add ½ tsp pure turmeric powder to a cup of hot milk, add some sugar and drink thrice a day to have relief. Inhalation of turmeric powder added to water and boiled is also a good remedy for cold.
Ayurvedic Remedies
If amla is not available, its readymade preparation Amlaki rasayan in powder form is available in Ayurvedic stores. Take 3 gm of the powder along with warm milk twice a day.
Luxmivilas Ras (Nardia) is a drug of choice. It should be taken in the dose of 1 tablet thrice daily after meals with water.
Septilin tablet - one tab twice daily.
Do's & Don'ts
Chicken soup reduces the reproduction of viri that cause cold. If this is taken, cold may not be as intense.
Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices, etc.
Most colds clear up on their own after one week, after which the infection spreads to the sinuses, ears, lungs etc., which is when you must consult your doctor.
Finally keep yourself warm and take plenty of rest.
Dietics
Potatoes, brinjal, curd, and cold water should be avoided.
Supportive measures like hot fomentation, gentle massage and warm water baths should be practised to derive maximum benefit.
Yoga
Suitable yoga asanas in the condition are shavasana and bhujangasana.
Causes
Cold can occur due to 200 or more viri. That is why we cannot take pills that would prevent colds by increasing immunity to the specific ones.
These viri are passed on in droplets when one coughs or sneezes.
Signs & Symptoms
These symptoms vary according to the virus involved. However general symptoms are:
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Sore throat
Cough and hoarseness
Runny nose
In some individuals there may be unpleasant nasal discharge, headache and a slight temperature.
Herbal Medicines
There is no cure or prevention for cold. It is relieved naturally within a week. The cold is treated by attempting to relieve its symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose and congestion. Paracetamol tablets are generally taken to get relief from these symptoms.
These playa key role in the management of cold. These are:
Black tea prepared with black pepper powder, dry ginger powder and tulsi leaves. This tea can be taken 3 to 4 times a day to get relief from runny nose, 'headache, and sore throat. It is as good as aspirin or paracetamol tablets.
Eat one amla twice a day. It is a rich source of vitamin C and strengthens the respiratory immunity.
Another simple home remedy is milk + turmeric. Add ½ tsp pure turmeric powder to a cup of hot milk, add some sugar and drink thrice a day to have relief. Inhalation of turmeric powder added to water and boiled is also a good remedy for cold.
Ayurvedic Remedies
If amla is not available, its readymade preparation Amlaki rasayan in powder form is available in Ayurvedic stores. Take 3 gm of the powder along with warm milk twice a day.
Luxmivilas Ras (Nardia) is a drug of choice. It should be taken in the dose of 1 tablet thrice daily after meals with water.
Septilin tablet - one tab twice daily.
Do's & Don'ts
Chicken soup reduces the reproduction of viri that cause cold. If this is taken, cold may not be as intense.
Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices, etc.
Most colds clear up on their own after one week, after which the infection spreads to the sinuses, ears, lungs etc., which is when you must consult your doctor.
Finally keep yourself warm and take plenty of rest.
Dietics
Potatoes, brinjal, curd, and cold water should be avoided.
Supportive measures like hot fomentation, gentle massage and warm water baths should be practised to derive maximum benefit.
Yoga
Suitable yoga asanas in the condition are shavasana and bhujangasana.
Conjunctivitis
The 'sclera' or 'white' of the eye is covered by transparent membrane known as the 'conjunctiva' which easily becomes inflamed if exposed to irritation or infection. This inflammation is known as 'conjunctivitis'. Normally the white part of the eyeball appears pinkish or reddish in colour.
Causes
More often, conjunctivitis is caused by an allergy to pollen, house dust, or make-up - this type is known as allergic conjunctivitis.
Reaction to chemical irritants like factory fumes, tobacco smoke or excessive chlorine in swimming pool water, is known as chemical conjunctivitis.
Allergic and chemical conjunctivitis are not contagious. However conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viral infections are communicable from one person to another rapidly. Therefore this type is known as infectious conjunctivitis. Strict hygienic practices are essential, otherwise it may become an epidemic.
Signs & Symptoms
Red, itchy, burning eyes with watering inflammation over inner eyelids is the main feature along with sticky discharge from eyes, which seals the lids together overnight.
In bacterial type, the discharge appears like pus and if viral in nature, the discharge will be thinner and more watery.
Herbal Medicines
Fresh breastmilk is the best home remedy for conjunctivitis. It should be poured into both eyes 4 to 5 times daily.
Ayurvedic Remedies
A doctor must be consulted first, before using any of the remedies.
Triphala Lotion: 15 grams of fresh Triphalachurna should be soaked in one glass (200ml) of pure water for ½ hour. Then boil it on mild flame till ½ volume remains. Filter it through a clean cloth. Use this lotion for washing the affected eyes 3 to 4 times a day. This clears the eyes.
Triphala Churna can be taken internally also in the condition. 5 grams of powder with water twice a day in viral type is very useful.
Amla (Indian gooseberry): The freshly extracted juice in the dose of 2 teaspoonful thrice a day is rewarding.
I-Tone (Dey's) eye drops should be put into both the eyes, 4 to 5 times in a day.
Optho Care (Himalaya Drug Co.) eye drops is also an effective remedy for conjunctivitis. 4 to 6 drops should be put in the eyes.
Do's & Don'ts
Wear dark glasses.
Wear goggles while swimming.
Do not touch your eyes unnecessarily.
Do not share towels, etc
Causes
More often, conjunctivitis is caused by an allergy to pollen, house dust, or make-up - this type is known as allergic conjunctivitis.
Reaction to chemical irritants like factory fumes, tobacco smoke or excessive chlorine in swimming pool water, is known as chemical conjunctivitis.
Allergic and chemical conjunctivitis are not contagious. However conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viral infections are communicable from one person to another rapidly. Therefore this type is known as infectious conjunctivitis. Strict hygienic practices are essential, otherwise it may become an epidemic.
Signs & Symptoms
Red, itchy, burning eyes with watering inflammation over inner eyelids is the main feature along with sticky discharge from eyes, which seals the lids together overnight.
In bacterial type, the discharge appears like pus and if viral in nature, the discharge will be thinner and more watery.
Herbal Medicines
Fresh breastmilk is the best home remedy for conjunctivitis. It should be poured into both eyes 4 to 5 times daily.
Ayurvedic Remedies
A doctor must be consulted first, before using any of the remedies.
Triphala Lotion: 15 grams of fresh Triphalachurna should be soaked in one glass (200ml) of pure water for ½ hour. Then boil it on mild flame till ½ volume remains. Filter it through a clean cloth. Use this lotion for washing the affected eyes 3 to 4 times a day. This clears the eyes.
Triphala Churna can be taken internally also in the condition. 5 grams of powder with water twice a day in viral type is very useful.
Amla (Indian gooseberry): The freshly extracted juice in the dose of 2 teaspoonful thrice a day is rewarding.
I-Tone (Dey's) eye drops should be put into both the eyes, 4 to 5 times in a day.
Optho Care (Himalaya Drug Co.) eye drops is also an effective remedy for conjunctivitis. 4 to 6 drops should be put in the eyes.
Do's & Don'ts
Wear dark glasses.
Wear goggles while swimming.
Do not touch your eyes unnecessarily.
Do not share towels, etc
Constipation
Constipation is the commonest complaint in elderly people, affecting seven out of every ten persons.
Causes
This is mainly because of lack of good eating habits like:
Absence of green vegetables in adequate quantity and fruits in the regular meals. This residue material is essential to form the 'base' of the stool.
Sufficient quantity of water must be drunk to keep the stool soft as the bulk of the stool is due to its water quantity.
Reasonable time should be given for passing stool. Most people, because of a fast life schedule, give very less time for proper defecation. People staying in crowded flats, where there is only one toilet for 5-10 persons, also are prone to this problem.
Also if one makes a habit of holding on and not attending nature's call in time, in due course, even a full rectum stops sending calls. This leads to development of chronic constipation.
Gastro Colic Reflex: This is the reflex phenomenon whereby, anything reaching the stomach, stimulates the colon, which results in a call to evacuate. Many people take a glass of water, a cup of tea, or a cigarette to take advantage of this reflex. Though this is not wrong, good eating and defecating habits are the only sure remedies.
In women the tone of the abdominal and pelvic muscles is lost due to repeated child bearing. Most of the women do not tone abdominal muscles through exercise.
Other common causes for chronic constipation are drugs taken for abdominal pain, hyperacidity, high blood pressure and headache. Strong purgatives also cause constipation.
Now-a-days because of aggressive advertisements in television many people indulging in daily consumption of some or the other of these purgative do so, by making the bowel completely empty, whereby there is not enough material (residue) for a stool to be formed the next day. The patient, so, gets dependent on the laxative/purgative for the next passage of stool, thereby setting off a vicious circle.
Herbal Medicines
Take plenty of green vegetables and fibrous food regularly along with fruits/juices.
Eat more rotis (wheat or jawar) and, less rice.
Use whole meal flour, avoid refined ones.
Avoid fried items like samosa, mirchi, masala etc.
Above all, drink a glass of water in the morning.
Do some abdominal exercises
Try to establish regular bowel habits and always answer nature's calls promptly.
Avoid excessive intake of tea & coffee.
Reduce smoking/drinking.
Avoid anxiety and worry.
Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Regular use of Triphala choorna is a popular home remedy, easily available in Ayurvedic stores. 1 tsf with lukewarm water at bedtime is recommended.
Dry ginger powder & senna leaves' powder well mixed in equal quantity, is another popular home remedy. 5 gm of this powder should be taken along with a cup of lukewarm water before going to bed. This helps in easy passage of stools. Senna dry leaves are easily available as sonamukhi leaves at herbal stores.
Sukhvirechan Vati taken ½ to 1 tablet with warm water or milk at bed time, is recommended for constipation.
Herbolax tablet (Himalaya Drugs), 1 to 2 tablets twice daily for a period of 10 to 15 days, gives relief even in chronic constipation.
Causes
This is mainly because of lack of good eating habits like:
Absence of green vegetables in adequate quantity and fruits in the regular meals. This residue material is essential to form the 'base' of the stool.
Sufficient quantity of water must be drunk to keep the stool soft as the bulk of the stool is due to its water quantity.
Reasonable time should be given for passing stool. Most people, because of a fast life schedule, give very less time for proper defecation. People staying in crowded flats, where there is only one toilet for 5-10 persons, also are prone to this problem.
Also if one makes a habit of holding on and not attending nature's call in time, in due course, even a full rectum stops sending calls. This leads to development of chronic constipation.
Gastro Colic Reflex: This is the reflex phenomenon whereby, anything reaching the stomach, stimulates the colon, which results in a call to evacuate. Many people take a glass of water, a cup of tea, or a cigarette to take advantage of this reflex. Though this is not wrong, good eating and defecating habits are the only sure remedies.
In women the tone of the abdominal and pelvic muscles is lost due to repeated child bearing. Most of the women do not tone abdominal muscles through exercise.
Other common causes for chronic constipation are drugs taken for abdominal pain, hyperacidity, high blood pressure and headache. Strong purgatives also cause constipation.
Now-a-days because of aggressive advertisements in television many people indulging in daily consumption of some or the other of these purgative do so, by making the bowel completely empty, whereby there is not enough material (residue) for a stool to be formed the next day. The patient, so, gets dependent on the laxative/purgative for the next passage of stool, thereby setting off a vicious circle.
Herbal Medicines
Take plenty of green vegetables and fibrous food regularly along with fruits/juices.
Eat more rotis (wheat or jawar) and, less rice.
Use whole meal flour, avoid refined ones.
Avoid fried items like samosa, mirchi, masala etc.
Above all, drink a glass of water in the morning.
Do some abdominal exercises
Try to establish regular bowel habits and always answer nature's calls promptly.
Avoid excessive intake of tea & coffee.
Reduce smoking/drinking.
Avoid anxiety and worry.
Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Regular use of Triphala choorna is a popular home remedy, easily available in Ayurvedic stores. 1 tsf with lukewarm water at bedtime is recommended.
Dry ginger powder & senna leaves' powder well mixed in equal quantity, is another popular home remedy. 5 gm of this powder should be taken along with a cup of lukewarm water before going to bed. This helps in easy passage of stools. Senna dry leaves are easily available as sonamukhi leaves at herbal stores.
Sukhvirechan Vati taken ½ to 1 tablet with warm water or milk at bed time, is recommended for constipation.
Herbolax tablet (Himalaya Drugs), 1 to 2 tablets twice daily for a period of 10 to 15 days, gives relief even in chronic constipation.
Corn.
Corns and calluses are areas of skin that have been thickened because of constant pressure. The difference between corns and calluses is that corns are small and arise on the toes, while calluses are bigger and generally develop on the soles of the feet.
Structure
A corn looks like a hardened yellowish mass, and mayor may not be painful, but there is always a danger that it may become a problem at a later stage.
Causes
Everybody at some or other point of time may face these problems. These develop as a sequel to wearing ill-fitting or worn-out shoes or hard & firm slippers. These cause patches of thickened, hardened skin at the various points where shoes exert friction or pressure on the skin surface.
Herbal Medicines
Since these are hardened masses, a gentle application of castor oil or coconut oil on these spots regularly 3 to 4 times a day makes them soft.
Turmeric powder well mixed in honey or neem oil should be applied on these corns.
Temporary use of an insole or a replaceable pad to wear inside a shoe-to relieve excess pressure on the foot is essential.
The milky juice of papaya fruit is applied to remove corns.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Kasisadi Taila is a readymade preparation. It is to be applied on the corns for a few days until the corns become soft and ultimately fall out.
Structure
A corn looks like a hardened yellowish mass, and mayor may not be painful, but there is always a danger that it may become a problem at a later stage.
Causes
Everybody at some or other point of time may face these problems. These develop as a sequel to wearing ill-fitting or worn-out shoes or hard & firm slippers. These cause patches of thickened, hardened skin at the various points where shoes exert friction or pressure on the skin surface.
Herbal Medicines
Since these are hardened masses, a gentle application of castor oil or coconut oil on these spots regularly 3 to 4 times a day makes them soft.
Turmeric powder well mixed in honey or neem oil should be applied on these corns.
Temporary use of an insole or a replaceable pad to wear inside a shoe-to relieve excess pressure on the foot is essential.
The milky juice of papaya fruit is applied to remove corns.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Kasisadi Taila is a readymade preparation. It is to be applied on the corns for a few days until the corns become soft and ultimately fall out.
Cough
In simple words cough is a reflex mechanism to expel any irritant from the trachea or wind pipe.
Causes
Coughing can be due to number of conditions like colds and flu to more serious conditions like chronic bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough.
Signs & Symptoms
Generally coughs are worse in the morning and one may find that he/she is bringing up some thick yellow or green phlegm. Sometimes a minor irritation may start the cough reflex even though there is not sufficient material to clear from the lungs. This is known as a dry cough.
While coughing, if blood comes out or severe pain in the chest occurs, one should consult a doctor at once.
Herbal Medicines
Since most coughs are 'good' for the lungs it is desirable to allow the cough to run its normal course. Do not suppress a productive (wet) cough. Let the phlegm be expelled out.
Two gm of pure home made turmeric powder well mixed in a cup of warm milk, taken twice a day effectively checks the cough of bacterial origin. This should be continued for is days.
5ml of fresh tulsi juice well mixed in 10ml of pure honey, chewed twice a day, calms down cough in children and adults.
In chronic coughs, crush 1 or 2 garlic cloves, add to a glass of milk, boil the milk till½ glass of milk remains, then filter it, add little bit of sugar if desired, and make it into two parts. Take one part in the morning and another in the evening. Do it for a week. There will be remarkable improvement. However, acidity patients should not use it, since it may aggravate the acidity.
Similarly, onion juice can also be used. 5ml of fresh onion juice well mixed with 10ml of pure honey should be taken twice a day for 10 days.
Steam inhalation of turmeric in water is very good for controlling cough.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Sitopaladi Chooma, a classical Ayurvedic preparation available in the stores, is the common drug. 3 to 5 gm of this powder, well mixed in 5ml of pure honey, should be taken twice or thrice a day. It works well for adults as well as children.
Lavangadi Vati - One tablet-thrice a day should be chewed. It controls throat irritation and cough rapidly. One can carry this while travelling. Other products are listed separately in the glossary.
Talicadi Churna is also very useful in cough. The dose is 2.5 to 5gm twice daily with warm water.
Kaph-ketu Ras is another good preparation taken in the dose of 1 to 2 pills thrice daily with warm water.
Many cough syrups are available in the market which control cough. Of special mention are Diakof (Himalaya Drugs) and Herbodil (Dey's) which can be used by diabetic patients also.
Diet
One should avoid sour things like curd, lemon etc. and very cold water, soft drinks, and ice-creams. Meat should also be restricted.
Causes
Coughing can be due to number of conditions like colds and flu to more serious conditions like chronic bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough.
Signs & Symptoms
Generally coughs are worse in the morning and one may find that he/she is bringing up some thick yellow or green phlegm. Sometimes a minor irritation may start the cough reflex even though there is not sufficient material to clear from the lungs. This is known as a dry cough.
While coughing, if blood comes out or severe pain in the chest occurs, one should consult a doctor at once.
Herbal Medicines
Since most coughs are 'good' for the lungs it is desirable to allow the cough to run its normal course. Do not suppress a productive (wet) cough. Let the phlegm be expelled out.
Two gm of pure home made turmeric powder well mixed in a cup of warm milk, taken twice a day effectively checks the cough of bacterial origin. This should be continued for is days.
5ml of fresh tulsi juice well mixed in 10ml of pure honey, chewed twice a day, calms down cough in children and adults.
In chronic coughs, crush 1 or 2 garlic cloves, add to a glass of milk, boil the milk till½ glass of milk remains, then filter it, add little bit of sugar if desired, and make it into two parts. Take one part in the morning and another in the evening. Do it for a week. There will be remarkable improvement. However, acidity patients should not use it, since it may aggravate the acidity.
Similarly, onion juice can also be used. 5ml of fresh onion juice well mixed with 10ml of pure honey should be taken twice a day for 10 days.
Steam inhalation of turmeric in water is very good for controlling cough.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Sitopaladi Chooma, a classical Ayurvedic preparation available in the stores, is the common drug. 3 to 5 gm of this powder, well mixed in 5ml of pure honey, should be taken twice or thrice a day. It works well for adults as well as children.
Lavangadi Vati - One tablet-thrice a day should be chewed. It controls throat irritation and cough rapidly. One can carry this while travelling. Other products are listed separately in the glossary.
Talicadi Churna is also very useful in cough. The dose is 2.5 to 5gm twice daily with warm water.
Kaph-ketu Ras is another good preparation taken in the dose of 1 to 2 pills thrice daily with warm water.
Many cough syrups are available in the market which control cough. Of special mention are Diakof (Himalaya Drugs) and Herbodil (Dey's) which can be used by diabetic patients also.
Diet
One should avoid sour things like curd, lemon etc. and very cold water, soft drinks, and ice-creams. Meat should also be restricted.
Dandruff.
Dandruff is a harmless disease of the skin/scalp, wherein a thin mica like scaling, which aggravates on scratching, occurs along with acute burning and itching sensation. Papules are rough and itching having no discharge. Though this condition may occur at any age, it is very common among the young.
Causes
The actual cause of dandruff is not clear, but some doctors believe it is the result of either too much or too little oil being produced by sebaceous glands in the scalp.
Sometimes there is an underlying fungal infection of the scalp. Dandruff appears when the skin on the scalp sheds its dead cells rather more quickly and profusely than usual. It is usually worst on greasy skins.
Signs & Symptoms
Dry white scales are shed on the clothes. Occasionally, dandruff can develop into a more severe seborrhoeic dermatitis, the signs of which are a reddened, greasy and very itchy scalp with brownish scales in the hair.
Herbal Medicines
Clean the hair 2 or 3 times a week with a mildly medicated shampoo.
The emulsion prepared with the oil of sandalwood and lemon juice is highly effective. One part of sandalwood oil is mixed with three parts of fresh lemon juice and briskly shaken in a glass bottle before applying.
Application of a mixture of neem oil and camphor is also effective, followed by washing the hair.
Some internal medicines for blood purification and relieving itching sensation may be used as and when required.
About 25gm of dry amla is soaked in a litre of water overnight. It is boiled in the morning until half of it remains. To this 25gm of yoghurt is added and the paste applied on the scalp. After one hour the paste is washed first with amla water and then plain water. This procedure should be repeated every week for 2 to 3 months.
Decoction of bark of a neem tree is also useful for external application.
Coconut oil mixed with lemon juice is very effective for external usage.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Popular Ayurvedic safe drugs indicated for dandruff are:
Brihat Haridra Khanda available in powder form can be taken in a dose of 1 ½ teaspoonful well mixed in a glass of milk twice a day. This powder not only cures the dandruff but also improves the complexion and colour.
Blood purifying oral liquids are Khadirarista and Saribadyasavam. Any one of them or both together can be taken internally twice a day preferably after meals. Dose is 20ml medicine well mixed in 20ml of water.
Bhringaraj Tailam applied externally and Bhringaraj churna (½ teaspoonful twice daily) taken internally cure dandruff within a month.
Septilin tablets (Himalaya Drugs) in the dose of one tablet twice daily can be taken if there is any infection of the scalp. This medicine should not be used by pregnant women.
Purified powder of sulphur (Gandhak Rasayana) 60mg twice daily mixed with honey or butter can be taken by mouth for fungal infection and dandruff of long duration.
Do's & Don'ts
Dandruff is the most common cause of hair fall.
Hygiene and cleanliness of combs is essential as reinfection is common.
Do not wash hair too often.
Causes
The actual cause of dandruff is not clear, but some doctors believe it is the result of either too much or too little oil being produced by sebaceous glands in the scalp.
Sometimes there is an underlying fungal infection of the scalp. Dandruff appears when the skin on the scalp sheds its dead cells rather more quickly and profusely than usual. It is usually worst on greasy skins.
Signs & Symptoms
Dry white scales are shed on the clothes. Occasionally, dandruff can develop into a more severe seborrhoeic dermatitis, the signs of which are a reddened, greasy and very itchy scalp with brownish scales in the hair.
Herbal Medicines
Clean the hair 2 or 3 times a week with a mildly medicated shampoo.
The emulsion prepared with the oil of sandalwood and lemon juice is highly effective. One part of sandalwood oil is mixed with three parts of fresh lemon juice and briskly shaken in a glass bottle before applying.
Application of a mixture of neem oil and camphor is also effective, followed by washing the hair.
Some internal medicines for blood purification and relieving itching sensation may be used as and when required.
About 25gm of dry amla is soaked in a litre of water overnight. It is boiled in the morning until half of it remains. To this 25gm of yoghurt is added and the paste applied on the scalp. After one hour the paste is washed first with amla water and then plain water. This procedure should be repeated every week for 2 to 3 months.
Decoction of bark of a neem tree is also useful for external application.
Coconut oil mixed with lemon juice is very effective for external usage.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Popular Ayurvedic safe drugs indicated for dandruff are:
Brihat Haridra Khanda available in powder form can be taken in a dose of 1 ½ teaspoonful well mixed in a glass of milk twice a day. This powder not only cures the dandruff but also improves the complexion and colour.
Blood purifying oral liquids are Khadirarista and Saribadyasavam. Any one of them or both together can be taken internally twice a day preferably after meals. Dose is 20ml medicine well mixed in 20ml of water.
Bhringaraj Tailam applied externally and Bhringaraj churna (½ teaspoonful twice daily) taken internally cure dandruff within a month.
Septilin tablets (Himalaya Drugs) in the dose of one tablet twice daily can be taken if there is any infection of the scalp. This medicine should not be used by pregnant women.
Purified powder of sulphur (Gandhak Rasayana) 60mg twice daily mixed with honey or butter can be taken by mouth for fungal infection and dandruff of long duration.
Do's & Don'ts
Dandruff is the most common cause of hair fall.
Hygiene and cleanliness of combs is essential as reinfection is common.
Do not wash hair too often.
Dehydration.
Dehydration, in simple words, is shortage of water in the body.
Causes
Dehydration can happen due to:
Insufficient water/liquid intake or
Excessive loss of liquids due to diarrhoea, sunstroke or vomitings.
Signs & Symptoms
Furious thirst.
Dizziness, nausea (vomiting sensation.)
Extreme exhaustion.
Loss of elasticity of skin and wrinkling.
Herbal Medicines
In mild cases of dehydration, the treatment is following the simple thumb rule of replacing the lost fluid. Non-alcoholic drinks may be given in plenty. Coconut water, barley water, sugarcane juice or glucose-water are the best. Nowadays oral rehydration sachets are freely available. They are easy to use, when duly mixed as per the instructions laid down on the cover. Alternatively, one can use a home made rehydrating solution containing a pinch each of sugar and salt in a cup of water.
In severe cases of dehydration, intravenous fluids are essential, and immediate hospitalisation is a must.
Further, dehydration being more serious in children, medical advice is very essential in such cases.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Shadanga Paneeyam, an oral liquid, 20ml + 50ml water should be given as required orally. It is cooling and rehydrative.
Causes
Dehydration can happen due to:
Insufficient water/liquid intake or
Excessive loss of liquids due to diarrhoea, sunstroke or vomitings.
Signs & Symptoms
Furious thirst.
Dizziness, nausea (vomiting sensation.)
Extreme exhaustion.
Loss of elasticity of skin and wrinkling.
Herbal Medicines
In mild cases of dehydration, the treatment is following the simple thumb rule of replacing the lost fluid. Non-alcoholic drinks may be given in plenty. Coconut water, barley water, sugarcane juice or glucose-water are the best. Nowadays oral rehydration sachets are freely available. They are easy to use, when duly mixed as per the instructions laid down on the cover. Alternatively, one can use a home made rehydrating solution containing a pinch each of sugar and salt in a cup of water.
In severe cases of dehydration, intravenous fluids are essential, and immediate hospitalisation is a must.
Further, dehydration being more serious in children, medical advice is very essential in such cases.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Shadanga Paneeyam, an oral liquid, 20ml + 50ml water should be given as required orally. It is cooling and rehydrative.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus affects one in a 100 people. It is a life-long problem. In most cases, however it can be kept under control by daily usage of drugs. Dietics also playa role in the management.
Background
Diabetes has been recognised since ancient times and is of particular importance because of its wide prevalance. The name is derived from the sweet taste of urine from patients with this disorder (mellitus = honey) due to the glycosuria resulting from elevated levels of blood glucose. In Ayurveda, it is known as "Madhu Meha" i.e., passing honey-like urine.
Definition
Diabetes mellitus is a condition of impaired carbohydrate utilisation caused by an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin.
There are two main types of diabetes: insulin dependent diabetes and non-insulin dependent diabetes.
1. Insulin Dependent Diabetes
This type occurs when the body produces virtually no insulin. This usually develops in the early teens though it can appear later. It usually develops very quickly, often over a few days. The child or young adult feels increasingly weak, becomes intensely thirsty, and passes large quantities of urine. She/he may lose weight rapidly because, unable to use or store its glucose, the body draws on its stores of fat or energy. There may also be confusion and sleepiness. Without prompt treatment, the condition can worsen to such an extent that the diabetic may lose consciousness and pass into a coma. The breath may smell of alcohol.
2. Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
It is a milder form resulting when the body produces some insulin but not enough for its requirements. Most people in this group are over 40 years and over-weight.
The initial symptoms of thirst and excessive urine usually come on over a period of months (gradual onset). Other symptoms like tiredness, a feeling of pins and needles and blurred vision may also occur. But it is very rare for the older diabetic to go into a coma.
Diabetics - Characteristics
Diabetics are more prone to suffer from certain types of infection than other people, because sugar encourages the growth of bacteria/fungi and viri.
Common problems that occur are:
Recurrent boils and carbuncles; thrush and itching in the genital regions because of high blood sugar levels in the urine, and the failure of cuts and other injuries to heal.
Causes
Diabetes is caused by a lack of the hormone insulin, which controls the way the body uses sugar. When one consumes bread, cakes, biscuits and other foods containing sugar and starch, the digestive process in the bowel breaks down the sugar and starch into glucose, which is absorbed into the blood stream. Insulin, which is produced in the pancreas, a small organ located just below the stomach, helps the body process the glucose in the blood, so that it can be used to fuel muscle activity and other body functions. After processing, any excess can be stored in the liver as glycogen to be converted later into energy or fat.
In diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to allow the glucose in the blood to be used. In some cases, no insulin at all is produced.
Heredity plays an important part in this disease. Nearly one-third of diabetics have a family history of insulin deficiency.
Age can also cause the pancreas to become inefficient. Many of those who develop the disease in later life are over-weight.
Herbal Medicines
1. Insulin Dependent Diabetes
Home remedies or herbal drugs are not yet all effective in this condition, i.e., total lack of insulin. Only insulin injections at regular intervals as determined by the specialist should be taken under his direct supervision.
Dietics
Once on insulin, diabetics must be careful about food/diet. Regular meals throughout the day are a must. If they have an insulin injection and do not eat, the level of glucose in the blood stream will fall dramatically, and they can become the victims of a hypoglycaemic attack.
Insulin dependent diabetics, apart from regular meals, need to be particularly careful about the quantity of sugar and starch that they eat. They need some but not too much. So diabetic diets are prescribed to contain specified amounts of sugar. A special diabetic diet recommended by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) Hyderabad is reproduced in the 'THERAPEUTIC DIETS' chapter of this book for the benefit of the diabetics.
Now-a-days simple kits are available for testing and monitoring the level of sugar in the urine and as well as in blood. This way diabetics can keep their own check and get remedial measures. If there is a low level of sugar, they can take little bit of sugar to avoid hypoglycaemia.
2. Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
This type of diabetes known as NIDD type usually improves with a carefully controlled diet to rid them of any excess weight and reduce their sugar and starch intake.
A regular check should be kept on the blood sugar level, and if it settles in the normal range, no further treatment is needed.
In case, if diet alone is not sufficient, one should try some home remedies before switching over to regular treatment.
Amla (Indian gooseberry) fresh juice 10ml and 2 grams pure haldi (turmeric) powder well mixed and taken twice a day, effectively maintains the sugar level and imparts many side benefits like strength and vitality.
Bitter gourd, popularly known as karela possesses the well marked anti-diabetic activity - Ayurveda also recommends the daily use of this vegetable. The active principle of this "plant insulin" is useful in lowering the sugar levels in blood and urine.
Fresh juice of two karelas (approximately 20ml) should be taken on empty stomach in the early morning daily. The regular practice of this gives enormous benefits to the diabetics.
Fenugreek: The National Institute of Nutrition, (NIN), Hyderabad, recently found that fenugreek seeds are effective in controlling diabetes. It is found to be effective in lowering the serum cholesterol and triglycerides apart from sugar. Therefore, this item should be added to chapatis, and eaten regularly, apprx. 25 gm of fenugreek seeds are needed daily.
Black Berry: also known as kala jamun is another home remedy for diabetes. It is extensively used in Ayurveda and other systems of medicine - its bark, fruits, seeds are useful. The inner bark of the jamun tree is used in the treatment.
Unboiled milk mixed with equal quantity of water taken early in the morning on empty stomach gives very good result.
Juice of satavar mixed with equal quantity of milk taken once daily is very helpful in controlling sugar level in blood.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Jambavasav an oral liquid prepared from this bark is available in the Ayurvedic stores. 15mL of this liquid with equal quantity of water should be taken twice daily ½ hour after meals. Useful Ayurvedic drugs available in the market are listed in the glossary of Ayurvedic drugs appended.
Pramch Mihir Tailam is very good for external massage in the abdominal region.
Jambulin tablets (Unjha) in the dose of 2 tablets twice daily with water or milk cures early cases of diabetes.
Diabecon tablets (Himalaya Drugs) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets twice daily can be given depending upon the patient.
Hyponidd tablets (Charak) can also be added to the existing allopathic medicines for diabetes.
Glucomap tablets (Maharishi Ayurved) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily is very useful in diabetes.
Madhumeharyog tablets (Baidyanath) produce good results in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets once or twice a day.
Do's & Don'ts
Dietics: See the special diets recommended in the chapter 'Therapeutic Diets'.
Exercise: It is a key factor in the management of diabetes. Briskwalks, jogging, light games and swimming are good toners of the body.
Yoga: Suitable Asanas are Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Sarvangasana etc. These should be performed under expert guidance.
Background
Diabetes has been recognised since ancient times and is of particular importance because of its wide prevalance. The name is derived from the sweet taste of urine from patients with this disorder (mellitus = honey) due to the glycosuria resulting from elevated levels of blood glucose. In Ayurveda, it is known as "Madhu Meha" i.e., passing honey-like urine.
Definition
Diabetes mellitus is a condition of impaired carbohydrate utilisation caused by an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin.
There are two main types of diabetes: insulin dependent diabetes and non-insulin dependent diabetes.
1. Insulin Dependent Diabetes
This type occurs when the body produces virtually no insulin. This usually develops in the early teens though it can appear later. It usually develops very quickly, often over a few days. The child or young adult feels increasingly weak, becomes intensely thirsty, and passes large quantities of urine. She/he may lose weight rapidly because, unable to use or store its glucose, the body draws on its stores of fat or energy. There may also be confusion and sleepiness. Without prompt treatment, the condition can worsen to such an extent that the diabetic may lose consciousness and pass into a coma. The breath may smell of alcohol.
2. Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
It is a milder form resulting when the body produces some insulin but not enough for its requirements. Most people in this group are over 40 years and over-weight.
The initial symptoms of thirst and excessive urine usually come on over a period of months (gradual onset). Other symptoms like tiredness, a feeling of pins and needles and blurred vision may also occur. But it is very rare for the older diabetic to go into a coma.
Diabetics - Characteristics
Diabetics are more prone to suffer from certain types of infection than other people, because sugar encourages the growth of bacteria/fungi and viri.
Common problems that occur are:
Recurrent boils and carbuncles; thrush and itching in the genital regions because of high blood sugar levels in the urine, and the failure of cuts and other injuries to heal.
Causes
Diabetes is caused by a lack of the hormone insulin, which controls the way the body uses sugar. When one consumes bread, cakes, biscuits and other foods containing sugar and starch, the digestive process in the bowel breaks down the sugar and starch into glucose, which is absorbed into the blood stream. Insulin, which is produced in the pancreas, a small organ located just below the stomach, helps the body process the glucose in the blood, so that it can be used to fuel muscle activity and other body functions. After processing, any excess can be stored in the liver as glycogen to be converted later into energy or fat.
In diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to allow the glucose in the blood to be used. In some cases, no insulin at all is produced.
Heredity plays an important part in this disease. Nearly one-third of diabetics have a family history of insulin deficiency.
Age can also cause the pancreas to become inefficient. Many of those who develop the disease in later life are over-weight.
Herbal Medicines
1. Insulin Dependent Diabetes
Home remedies or herbal drugs are not yet all effective in this condition, i.e., total lack of insulin. Only insulin injections at regular intervals as determined by the specialist should be taken under his direct supervision.
Dietics
Once on insulin, diabetics must be careful about food/diet. Regular meals throughout the day are a must. If they have an insulin injection and do not eat, the level of glucose in the blood stream will fall dramatically, and they can become the victims of a hypoglycaemic attack.
Insulin dependent diabetics, apart from regular meals, need to be particularly careful about the quantity of sugar and starch that they eat. They need some but not too much. So diabetic diets are prescribed to contain specified amounts of sugar. A special diabetic diet recommended by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) Hyderabad is reproduced in the 'THERAPEUTIC DIETS' chapter of this book for the benefit of the diabetics.
Now-a-days simple kits are available for testing and monitoring the level of sugar in the urine and as well as in blood. This way diabetics can keep their own check and get remedial measures. If there is a low level of sugar, they can take little bit of sugar to avoid hypoglycaemia.
2. Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
This type of diabetes known as NIDD type usually improves with a carefully controlled diet to rid them of any excess weight and reduce their sugar and starch intake.
A regular check should be kept on the blood sugar level, and if it settles in the normal range, no further treatment is needed.
In case, if diet alone is not sufficient, one should try some home remedies before switching over to regular treatment.
Amla (Indian gooseberry) fresh juice 10ml and 2 grams pure haldi (turmeric) powder well mixed and taken twice a day, effectively maintains the sugar level and imparts many side benefits like strength and vitality.
Bitter gourd, popularly known as karela possesses the well marked anti-diabetic activity - Ayurveda also recommends the daily use of this vegetable. The active principle of this "plant insulin" is useful in lowering the sugar levels in blood and urine.
Fresh juice of two karelas (approximately 20ml) should be taken on empty stomach in the early morning daily. The regular practice of this gives enormous benefits to the diabetics.
Fenugreek: The National Institute of Nutrition, (NIN), Hyderabad, recently found that fenugreek seeds are effective in controlling diabetes. It is found to be effective in lowering the serum cholesterol and triglycerides apart from sugar. Therefore, this item should be added to chapatis, and eaten regularly, apprx. 25 gm of fenugreek seeds are needed daily.
Black Berry: also known as kala jamun is another home remedy for diabetes. It is extensively used in Ayurveda and other systems of medicine - its bark, fruits, seeds are useful. The inner bark of the jamun tree is used in the treatment.
Unboiled milk mixed with equal quantity of water taken early in the morning on empty stomach gives very good result.
Juice of satavar mixed with equal quantity of milk taken once daily is very helpful in controlling sugar level in blood.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Jambavasav an oral liquid prepared from this bark is available in the Ayurvedic stores. 15mL of this liquid with equal quantity of water should be taken twice daily ½ hour after meals. Useful Ayurvedic drugs available in the market are listed in the glossary of Ayurvedic drugs appended.
Pramch Mihir Tailam is very good for external massage in the abdominal region.
Jambulin tablets (Unjha) in the dose of 2 tablets twice daily with water or milk cures early cases of diabetes.
Diabecon tablets (Himalaya Drugs) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets twice daily can be given depending upon the patient.
Hyponidd tablets (Charak) can also be added to the existing allopathic medicines for diabetes.
Glucomap tablets (Maharishi Ayurved) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily is very useful in diabetes.
Madhumeharyog tablets (Baidyanath) produce good results in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets once or twice a day.
Do's & Don'ts
Dietics: See the special diets recommended in the chapter 'Therapeutic Diets'.
Exercise: It is a key factor in the management of diabetes. Briskwalks, jogging, light games and swimming are good toners of the body.
Yoga: Suitable Asanas are Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Sarvangasana etc. These should be performed under expert guidance.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is defined as passage of loose, watery stools with increased frequency. When it is associated with vomiting with or without fever it is called gastroenteritis.
Causes
Diarrhoea is common in all agegroups but children are more vulnerable. It is more common in poorly nourished children living in poor sanitary conditions. Most cases of diarrhoea are due to infection in the alimentary canal by viri, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Milk allergy and allergy to certain food substances can also give rise to diarrhoea. Certain medicines like antibiotics pain-killers and medicines for cancer can give rise to diarrhoea. Excessive, indigestible food substances and emotional factors can also give rise to diarrhoea.
Herbal Medicines
The decoction of Dashmool taken in the quantity of 20ml mixed with 2.5gms powder of sonth taken twice daily gives immediate relief.
The powder of Harar and Pipal taken in equal parts with warm water proves effective.
Bel ki Giri powder 2.5gms to 5gms taken twice or thrice a day is very useful in controlling diarrhoea.
The milk of goat boiled with equal quantity of water taken 20-50ml in divided doses gives relief in diarrhoea.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Kutaj Ghan Vati is very useful in diarrhoea. It should be taken 1 tab three times a day.
Antidirol Forte (Bharat Ayurvedic Pharmacy) taken 1 tab three times a day controls diarrhoea in a single day.
Tab. Aurbimap (Maharishi Ayurved) is a very useful drug for viral and bacterial diarrhoea. The doses are 1 tab. 3 times a day.
Sanjivini Vati is also commonly used by Ayurvedic Physicians. It controls indigestion, flatulence and diarrhoea. The doses are 1 pill 2-3 times a day.
Kutajarishta 15ml mixed with equal quantity of water taken 2 times a day after meals.
Do's & Don'ts
Any type of massages should be avoided.
Avoid greasy, spicy food and also overeating.
Any type of exercise should not be done.
Take light and appetising diet i.e., rice, ginger, sonth, anar, jamum etc.
Causes
Diarrhoea is common in all agegroups but children are more vulnerable. It is more common in poorly nourished children living in poor sanitary conditions. Most cases of diarrhoea are due to infection in the alimentary canal by viri, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Milk allergy and allergy to certain food substances can also give rise to diarrhoea. Certain medicines like antibiotics pain-killers and medicines for cancer can give rise to diarrhoea. Excessive, indigestible food substances and emotional factors can also give rise to diarrhoea.
Herbal Medicines
The decoction of Dashmool taken in the quantity of 20ml mixed with 2.5gms powder of sonth taken twice daily gives immediate relief.
The powder of Harar and Pipal taken in equal parts with warm water proves effective.
Bel ki Giri powder 2.5gms to 5gms taken twice or thrice a day is very useful in controlling diarrhoea.
The milk of goat boiled with equal quantity of water taken 20-50ml in divided doses gives relief in diarrhoea.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Kutaj Ghan Vati is very useful in diarrhoea. It should be taken 1 tab three times a day.
Antidirol Forte (Bharat Ayurvedic Pharmacy) taken 1 tab three times a day controls diarrhoea in a single day.
Tab. Aurbimap (Maharishi Ayurved) is a very useful drug for viral and bacterial diarrhoea. The doses are 1 tab. 3 times a day.
Sanjivini Vati is also commonly used by Ayurvedic Physicians. It controls indigestion, flatulence and diarrhoea. The doses are 1 pill 2-3 times a day.
Kutajarishta 15ml mixed with equal quantity of water taken 2 times a day after meals.
Do's & Don'ts
Any type of massages should be avoided.
Avoid greasy, spicy food and also overeating.
Any type of exercise should not be done.
Take light and appetising diet i.e., rice, ginger, sonth, anar, jamum etc.
Dysentery
Dysentery refers to repeated passage of blood or mucus or both in the stool and invariably preceded by severe pain in the abdomen.
Causes
Dysentery is of two types-Amoebic dysentery due to Entamoeba bistolytica, a parasite and Bacillary dysentery due to bacteria called Shigella. This disease is mainly due to consumption of water or food contaminated by these organisms.
Signs & Symptoms
The disease is characterized by passage of blood or mucus or both in stools. The frequency may vary from person to person. Invariably there is pain in the lower abdomen especially before passing stools. Appetite is poor and fever may be present. Patient feels very weak and restless.
Herbal Medicines
Bel is very useful in dysentery. The soft pulp of fruit should be taken 1-2 tsf twice a day.
Pipal mixed with black pepper taken with milk controls dysentery.
Yoghurt taken 50gm mixed with small amount of honey taken 3 'times a day controls dysentery.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Jati phaladivati 1 tab. three times a day taken with lassi (butter milk) controls dysentery in early stage.
Babularista taken in a dose of 20ml mixed with 20ml daily after meals.
Dast bund is a common drug used in dysentery and freely available in market. The doses are 1-2 tab. 3-4 times a day.
Do's & Don'ts
Same as in the case of diarrhoea.
Causes
Dysentery is of two types-Amoebic dysentery due to Entamoeba bistolytica, a parasite and Bacillary dysentery due to bacteria called Shigella. This disease is mainly due to consumption of water or food contaminated by these organisms.
Signs & Symptoms
The disease is characterized by passage of blood or mucus or both in stools. The frequency may vary from person to person. Invariably there is pain in the lower abdomen especially before passing stools. Appetite is poor and fever may be present. Patient feels very weak and restless.
Herbal Medicines
Bel is very useful in dysentery. The soft pulp of fruit should be taken 1-2 tsf twice a day.
Pipal mixed with black pepper taken with milk controls dysentery.
Yoghurt taken 50gm mixed with small amount of honey taken 3 'times a day controls dysentery.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Jati phaladivati 1 tab. three times a day taken with lassi (butter milk) controls dysentery in early stage.
Babularista taken in a dose of 20ml mixed with 20ml daily after meals.
Dast bund is a common drug used in dysentery and freely available in market. The doses are 1-2 tab. 3-4 times a day.
Do's & Don'ts
Same as in the case of diarrhoea.
Eczema.
There are numerous skin diseases, which are inadequately treated by modem medicine, and eczema is one such problem. Eczema means a 'boiling over' of the skin and is characterised by spontaneous eruptions with mild to severe itching, redness, flaking and tiny blisters.
In chronic cases, the skin becomes thickened and appears like the 'bark of a tree'.
Causes
Allergic reaction
Inherited Stress or
A combination of the above
Sings & Symptoms
Infant eczema: A child may show signs of eczema at a very tender age of a few months after birth. A rash appears on the face, and may spread to the rest of the body, and the child suffers severe itching.
Contact eczema: After contact with a substance to which one is allergic-for example, jewellery, certain plants or cosmetics, a person gets this type of eczema. The skin becomes red and itchy with tiny blisters starting to appear within 48 hours of contact.
Housewife's eczema: It is an irritant eczema caused by prolonged exposure of the hands to detergents, washing liquids, shampoos and other cosmetic items. In this variety the skin may crack, flake and itch.
Herbal Medicines
The affected part should be cleaned daily with warm water boiled with the bark of the neem tree. This simple measure prevents secondary infections, and itching.
The paste prepared from neem bark should be applied on the affected part and allowed to dry and then washed off.
Pure neem oil, in a dosage of 2 to 4 drops well mixed in a cup of warm milk with sugar should be taken daily for 40 days.
Doob grass, harar, sendha namak, chakbar and tulsi taken in equal quantities' and crushed with kanji or buttermilk and applied on affected areas daily for 4 to 6 weeks gives good results.
Ayurvedic Remedies
A number of effective, soothing ointment/oils are available which are to be used under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician, since these contain arsenic, mercury, suphur, etc.
Some simple safe and pure herbal preparations of Ayurveda are listed below.
Pancha Tikta Ghrita Guggul - A ghee based pure herbal preparation 2 teaspoonfuls well mixed in a cup of hot milk, should be taken on empty stomach, preferably in the early morning, followed by some warm water.
Khadirarishta, an oral liquid in doses of 20ml well mixed with equal quantity of water - should be taken twice a day after meals.
For external application, Guduchyadi Tailam, a medicated oil can be applied on the patches as a primary drug.
Skinille tablets (Charak) 1 to 2 tablets 2 to 3 times a day with water after meals are very useful for treating eczema.
Raktoplen tablets (Bharat Ayurvedic Pharmacy) 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily act as a blood purifier and control infection.
Mahamarichayadi Tailam is very effective for external application.
Panchnimbadi Churna ½ to 1 teaspoon twice daily taken with water after meals gives very good results in 15 to 20 days.
Safi, a popular blood-purifier is taken 1 to 2 teaspoons on an empty stomach and helps in curing eczema.
Do's & Don'ts
Avoid contact with detergent; if unavoidable, wear cotton gloves & wash.
Keep the eczema patches free from any tight clothing.
Avoid use of synthetic clothing which prevent evaporation of sweat.
Eat water melon fruit daily.
Aviod sour things like pickles, curds, meat, fish and eggs.
Pure turmeric & neem are the choice home remedies.
Diets
Sour items like pickles and curds are to be avoided.
Bitter gourd and neem flowers are highly beneficial.
Pure turmeric is extremely useful; it can be applied externally over the patches and can be taken internally along with milk in a dose of ½ teaspoonful twice a day.
In chronic cases, the skin becomes thickened and appears like the 'bark of a tree'.
Causes
Allergic reaction
Inherited Stress or
A combination of the above
Sings & Symptoms
Infant eczema: A child may show signs of eczema at a very tender age of a few months after birth. A rash appears on the face, and may spread to the rest of the body, and the child suffers severe itching.
Contact eczema: After contact with a substance to which one is allergic-for example, jewellery, certain plants or cosmetics, a person gets this type of eczema. The skin becomes red and itchy with tiny blisters starting to appear within 48 hours of contact.
Housewife's eczema: It is an irritant eczema caused by prolonged exposure of the hands to detergents, washing liquids, shampoos and other cosmetic items. In this variety the skin may crack, flake and itch.
Herbal Medicines
The affected part should be cleaned daily with warm water boiled with the bark of the neem tree. This simple measure prevents secondary infections, and itching.
The paste prepared from neem bark should be applied on the affected part and allowed to dry and then washed off.
Pure neem oil, in a dosage of 2 to 4 drops well mixed in a cup of warm milk with sugar should be taken daily for 40 days.
Doob grass, harar, sendha namak, chakbar and tulsi taken in equal quantities' and crushed with kanji or buttermilk and applied on affected areas daily for 4 to 6 weeks gives good results.
Ayurvedic Remedies
A number of effective, soothing ointment/oils are available which are to be used under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician, since these contain arsenic, mercury, suphur, etc.
Some simple safe and pure herbal preparations of Ayurveda are listed below.
Pancha Tikta Ghrita Guggul - A ghee based pure herbal preparation 2 teaspoonfuls well mixed in a cup of hot milk, should be taken on empty stomach, preferably in the early morning, followed by some warm water.
Khadirarishta, an oral liquid in doses of 20ml well mixed with equal quantity of water - should be taken twice a day after meals.
For external application, Guduchyadi Tailam, a medicated oil can be applied on the patches as a primary drug.
Skinille tablets (Charak) 1 to 2 tablets 2 to 3 times a day with water after meals are very useful for treating eczema.
Raktoplen tablets (Bharat Ayurvedic Pharmacy) 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily act as a blood purifier and control infection.
Mahamarichayadi Tailam is very effective for external application.
Panchnimbadi Churna ½ to 1 teaspoon twice daily taken with water after meals gives very good results in 15 to 20 days.
Safi, a popular blood-purifier is taken 1 to 2 teaspoons on an empty stomach and helps in curing eczema.
Do's & Don'ts
Avoid contact with detergent; if unavoidable, wear cotton gloves & wash.
Keep the eczema patches free from any tight clothing.
Avoid use of synthetic clothing which prevent evaporation of sweat.
Eat water melon fruit daily.
Aviod sour things like pickles, curds, meat, fish and eggs.
Pure turmeric & neem are the choice home remedies.
Diets
Sour items like pickles and curds are to be avoided.
Bitter gourd and neem flowers are highly beneficial.
Pure turmeric is extremely useful; it can be applied externally over the patches and can be taken internally along with milk in a dose of ½ teaspoonful twice a day.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy refers to a disorder in which the person has a tendency to have seizures or fits. A seizure is due to abnormal electrical activity of the brain.
Causes
Injury to baby during delivery.
Delay in delivery with decreased oxygen supply to brain.
Hydrocephalus-excessive fluid in the brain.
Infections of the brain-meningitis, encephalitis.
Tumours, tuberculosis, parasites in the brain.
Drugs e.g. pencillin chloroquine, medicines for depression, angina.
Signs & Symptoms
A typical fit involves movement of one or both limbs of the body with or without loss of consciousness. During the fit some patients lose control of urine and stool. The patient after regaining consciousness, is confused, may have headache and go to sleep.
Herbal Medicines
Cow's ghee is used for deep inhalation.
Garlic-Rason Kalp-a preparation is taken once a day. Garlic strings are crushed and boiled with milk. When reduced to half, it is ready for use.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Brahmivati is a drug of choice 1-2 pills 2 times a day.
Tab. Mentat (Himalaya Drugs) 1 tab. three times a day for 6 months to 3 years.
Vacha powder ½ teaspoonful is also used three times a day.
Brihat-vat-kulantak Ras is very good in curing epilepsy but should be taken under supervision.
Til oil or Brahmi Amla Taila is good for head massage.
Do's & Don'ts
Mental strain of all types should be avoided. Intake of pungent things is strictly prohibited
Causes
Injury to baby during delivery.
Delay in delivery with decreased oxygen supply to brain.
Hydrocephalus-excessive fluid in the brain.
Infections of the brain-meningitis, encephalitis.
Tumours, tuberculosis, parasites in the brain.
Drugs e.g. pencillin chloroquine, medicines for depression, angina.
Signs & Symptoms
A typical fit involves movement of one or both limbs of the body with or without loss of consciousness. During the fit some patients lose control of urine and stool. The patient after regaining consciousness, is confused, may have headache and go to sleep.
Herbal Medicines
Cow's ghee is used for deep inhalation.
Garlic-Rason Kalp-a preparation is taken once a day. Garlic strings are crushed and boiled with milk. When reduced to half, it is ready for use.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Brahmivati is a drug of choice 1-2 pills 2 times a day.
Tab. Mentat (Himalaya Drugs) 1 tab. three times a day for 6 months to 3 years.
Vacha powder ½ teaspoonful is also used three times a day.
Brihat-vat-kulantak Ras is very good in curing epilepsy but should be taken under supervision.
Til oil or Brahmi Amla Taila is good for head massage.
Do's & Don'ts
Mental strain of all types should be avoided. Intake of pungent things is strictly prohibited
Facial Paralysis
The muscles of the face are supplied with nerves which control their actions. These nerves start from the brain and via the skull enter the different parts of the face. Sometimes the facial nerve may be compressed due to inflammation giving rise to paralysis of the facial muscles.
Causes
The cause is not known. It is often caused by exposure to cold wind and improper diet.
Signs & Symptoms
Initially the patient feels the face to be stiff and experiences difficulty in moving it. Taste on the affected side is sometimes affected. The patient cannot close his eyes completely and tears come out. There may be difficulty in eating food and drinking water.
Herbal Medicines
Garlic is good for paralysis.
Cow's ghee and butter milk are also taken daily as much as possible.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Vatagajankusha Ras 2 pills three times a day in acute cases takes good care. The pill should be crushed and mixed with honey.
Dashmularishta is very effective on the nervous system. 4 teaspoonfuls of it mixed with equal quantity of water is given twice daily till the symptoms subside.
Maha Narayana Taila is good for external massage.
Do's & Don'ts
The patient should avoid cold things like ice-cream, coca-cola, iced beer and alcoholic liquids.
He/she should not be exposed to rain or cold winds.
Proper care of eyes should be taken.
Causes
The cause is not known. It is often caused by exposure to cold wind and improper diet.
Signs & Symptoms
Initially the patient feels the face to be stiff and experiences difficulty in moving it. Taste on the affected side is sometimes affected. The patient cannot close his eyes completely and tears come out. There may be difficulty in eating food and drinking water.
Herbal Medicines
Garlic is good for paralysis.
Cow's ghee and butter milk are also taken daily as much as possible.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Vatagajankusha Ras 2 pills three times a day in acute cases takes good care. The pill should be crushed and mixed with honey.
Dashmularishta is very effective on the nervous system. 4 teaspoonfuls of it mixed with equal quantity of water is given twice daily till the symptoms subside.
Maha Narayana Taila is good for external massage.
Do's & Don'ts
The patient should avoid cold things like ice-cream, coca-cola, iced beer and alcoholic liquids.
He/she should not be exposed to rain or cold winds.
Proper care of eyes should be taken.
Fatigue.
Because of excessive and prolonged durations of work, everyone experiences a feeling of complete exhaustion occasionally, which is known as fatigue.
Causes
Heavy work for prolonged time.
Excessive mental activity.
Signs & Symptoms
Tiredness or weariness.
Slight giddiness may also be felt.
Body pains.
Herbal Medicines
Fruits: Fruit juices are generally helpful in this condition.
Grape juice is specially useful as it immediately brings in stamina.
Dates or Khajura are great sources of instant energy. These should be taken regularly along with a glass of milk.
Nutritious food should be taken and fried and junk foods avoided.
Exercise: Improvement of blood circulation is necessary to combat fatigue. This can be achieved by daily exercise routines like brisk walks, gardening, taking up a sport, or swimming.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ashwagandha churna - 5gms twice a day, well mixed in a glass of milk should be taken regularly. It is a good health supplement.
Geriforte tablet (Himalaya Drugs) 1 tab. twice daily. Not to be used in people with high blood pressure.
Trasina capsule (Dey's) 1 capsule twice daily for 7 days.
Aswal Plus capsule 1 capsule twice daily.
Causes
Heavy work for prolonged time.
Excessive mental activity.
Signs & Symptoms
Tiredness or weariness.
Slight giddiness may also be felt.
Body pains.
Herbal Medicines
Fruits: Fruit juices are generally helpful in this condition.
Grape juice is specially useful as it immediately brings in stamina.
Dates or Khajura are great sources of instant energy. These should be taken regularly along with a glass of milk.
Nutritious food should be taken and fried and junk foods avoided.
Exercise: Improvement of blood circulation is necessary to combat fatigue. This can be achieved by daily exercise routines like brisk walks, gardening, taking up a sport, or swimming.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ashwagandha churna - 5gms twice a day, well mixed in a glass of milk should be taken regularly. It is a good health supplement.
Geriforte tablet (Himalaya Drugs) 1 tab. twice daily. Not to be used in people with high blood pressure.
Trasina capsule (Dey's) 1 capsule twice daily for 7 days.
Aswal Plus capsule 1 capsule twice daily.
Fever
Raised body temperature is known as fever. In medical terms it is called 'Pyrexia'. Many a times fever is a symptom of many diseases.
Causes
The normal body temperature is 37° C (98.4° F) but may vary slightly from individual to individual. It also varies half a degree or so throughout the day, and is usually at its lowest in the morning. The minimum body temperature occurs between 2 AM and 7 AM and the maximum occurs between 4PM and 6PM of the day.
In very hot weather, the body temperature may rise a little more.
Usually a rise in temperature of a degree or more is caused by some form of infection.
Signs & Symptoms
A temperature over 37.4° C or 99.4° F may be considered as fever.
The person's face will probably be flushed, the eyes may be glazed, the body hot to the touch. The person may either feel hot or cold depending on the rise and fall of temperature.
When the temperature is dropping, the body often sweats profusely.
Herbal Medicines
A doctor's consultation is a must to know the exact diagnosis on the type of the fever, especially in cases of children, as they may develop convulsions. However some simple remedies are enumerated below, which can be used in mild cases.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) is a well known home remedy useful in all types of fevers like viral, bacterial or malarial.
A decoction can be prepared by adding 10gm of fresh leaves and 2gm of black pepper powder to 50ml of water. This can be taken 3 times a day. It is a good remedy for fevers.
Neem: Juice of tender fresh leaves of neem is also effective in fevers. 1 teaspoonful of the juice well mixed in 2 spoons of honey should be taken twice a day. It works both as curative as well as preventive.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Sudarshana Ghana Vati 2 tablets thrice a day with black tea should be taken for 7 days.
Amrutharishta, an oral liquid in a dose of 15ml thrice a day with equal quantity of water is also useful.
Godanti Mishran 1 to 2 tablets thrice daily reduces fever and pain.
Anand Bhairav Ras and Tribhuvan Kirti Ras are also very effective in fever but should be taken under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician.
Do's & Don'ts
Cold sponging if the temperature is too high.
Easily digestible liquid diet is good.
Causes
The normal body temperature is 37° C (98.4° F) but may vary slightly from individual to individual. It also varies half a degree or so throughout the day, and is usually at its lowest in the morning. The minimum body temperature occurs between 2 AM and 7 AM and the maximum occurs between 4PM and 6PM of the day.
In very hot weather, the body temperature may rise a little more.
Usually a rise in temperature of a degree or more is caused by some form of infection.
Signs & Symptoms
A temperature over 37.4° C or 99.4° F may be considered as fever.
The person's face will probably be flushed, the eyes may be glazed, the body hot to the touch. The person may either feel hot or cold depending on the rise and fall of temperature.
When the temperature is dropping, the body often sweats profusely.
Herbal Medicines
A doctor's consultation is a must to know the exact diagnosis on the type of the fever, especially in cases of children, as they may develop convulsions. However some simple remedies are enumerated below, which can be used in mild cases.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) is a well known home remedy useful in all types of fevers like viral, bacterial or malarial.
A decoction can be prepared by adding 10gm of fresh leaves and 2gm of black pepper powder to 50ml of water. This can be taken 3 times a day. It is a good remedy for fevers.
Neem: Juice of tender fresh leaves of neem is also effective in fevers. 1 teaspoonful of the juice well mixed in 2 spoons of honey should be taken twice a day. It works both as curative as well as preventive.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Sudarshana Ghana Vati 2 tablets thrice a day with black tea should be taken for 7 days.
Amrutharishta, an oral liquid in a dose of 15ml thrice a day with equal quantity of water is also useful.
Godanti Mishran 1 to 2 tablets thrice daily reduces fever and pain.
Anand Bhairav Ras and Tribhuvan Kirti Ras are also very effective in fever but should be taken under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician.
Do's & Don'ts
Cold sponging if the temperature is too high.
Easily digestible liquid diet is good.
Filaria
Filariasis or Filaria is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito belonging to the species called Culex.
Causes
The adult worms live in the lymphatic vessels and the females produce microfilariae which at night circulate in the blood. The mosquitoes on biting the infected individuals carry the microfilariae which develop into adult worms. If the same mosquito bites a healthy person, the worms are transmitted to him and the infection is spread.
Signs & Symptoms
The early symptoms are fever accompanied by pain and redness along the affected lymphatic vessels. The testes are affected and swelling and pain occur. In later stages all the lymphatic channels in the lower limbs are affected and legs become swollen giving rise to elephantiasis. Some patients develop urticaria and pneumonia.
Herbal Medicines
Leaves of bel tree are very useful in the treatment of this condition. Three leaves everyday help in cure and prevention of this condition.
10 cloves of garlic should be given everyday if patient can tolerate its smell.
Dried ginger is used in boiling water.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Nityananda Rasa is very commonly used for it. ½ tab. to 1 tab. two times a day on empty stomach for 2 months.
Do's & Don'ts
To prevent mosquito bite, nets should be used regularly.
Patient should avoid residing in marshy areas.
Hot water must be used for bathing and drinking.
Causes
The adult worms live in the lymphatic vessels and the females produce microfilariae which at night circulate in the blood. The mosquitoes on biting the infected individuals carry the microfilariae which develop into adult worms. If the same mosquito bites a healthy person, the worms are transmitted to him and the infection is spread.
Signs & Symptoms
The early symptoms are fever accompanied by pain and redness along the affected lymphatic vessels. The testes are affected and swelling and pain occur. In later stages all the lymphatic channels in the lower limbs are affected and legs become swollen giving rise to elephantiasis. Some patients develop urticaria and pneumonia.
Herbal Medicines
Leaves of bel tree are very useful in the treatment of this condition. Three leaves everyday help in cure and prevention of this condition.
10 cloves of garlic should be given everyday if patient can tolerate its smell.
Dried ginger is used in boiling water.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Nityananda Rasa is very commonly used for it. ½ tab. to 1 tab. two times a day on empty stomach for 2 months.
Do's & Don'ts
To prevent mosquito bite, nets should be used regularly.
Patient should avoid residing in marshy areas.
Hot water must be used for bathing and drinking.
Flu (Influenza)
'Flu' is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is similar to common cold but happens to be more severe.
Signs & Symptoms
The typical symptoms include a sore throat, cough, fever, headache and aching muscles. The fever during flu is usually higher than in common cold. Similarly cough is also severe and lasts longer.
Herbal Medicines
Tulsi leaves in the form of infusion are highly effective or Tulsi leaves' juice can also be used in doses of 1 teaspoonful with 1 teaspoon of honey twice a day. This is a good remedy for 'flu' and cold. This can be taken as a preventive also when there is 'flu' in your city.
Similarly black pepper-dry ginger tea is also useful. This is generally prepared in Indian houses, during the prevalence of 'flu' and cold.
1 tsp of pure turmeric powder or paste should be mixed in warm milk and can be taken 3 times a day.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Those sold over the counter for 'flu' and common cold are:
Trishun Tablets: 1 tab. thrice a day with a cup of tea or warm water for 7 days is a sure remedy. It is a safe formulation.
Trikatu Churna is a cheaper version of Trishun available in the powder form. ½ tsp to 1 tsp with hot tea. or water helps in checking the 'flu'.
Tribhuvan Kirti Ras is the drug of choice for flu in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets crushed and mixed with honey taken 3 to 4 times daily.
Do's & Don'ts
Avoid heavy food, sour things including curd, exposure to cold wind and water.
Take light food like milk, bread, kanji etc.
Turmeric clears the lungs, relieves constipation and activates the liver thereby speeding up recovery. GARLIC is another useful home remedy.
Signs & Symptoms
The typical symptoms include a sore throat, cough, fever, headache and aching muscles. The fever during flu is usually higher than in common cold. Similarly cough is also severe and lasts longer.
Herbal Medicines
Tulsi leaves in the form of infusion are highly effective or Tulsi leaves' juice can also be used in doses of 1 teaspoonful with 1 teaspoon of honey twice a day. This is a good remedy for 'flu' and cold. This can be taken as a preventive also when there is 'flu' in your city.
Similarly black pepper-dry ginger tea is also useful. This is generally prepared in Indian houses, during the prevalence of 'flu' and cold.
1 tsp of pure turmeric powder or paste should be mixed in warm milk and can be taken 3 times a day.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Those sold over the counter for 'flu' and common cold are:
Trishun Tablets: 1 tab. thrice a day with a cup of tea or warm water for 7 days is a sure remedy. It is a safe formulation.
Trikatu Churna is a cheaper version of Trishun available in the powder form. ½ tsp to 1 tsp with hot tea. or water helps in checking the 'flu'.
Tribhuvan Kirti Ras is the drug of choice for flu in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets crushed and mixed with honey taken 3 to 4 times daily.
Do's & Don'ts
Avoid heavy food, sour things including curd, exposure to cold wind and water.
Take light food like milk, bread, kanji etc.
Turmeric clears the lungs, relieves constipation and activates the liver thereby speeding up recovery. GARLIC is another useful home remedy.
Frigidity
The term 'frigidity' is generally used to describe a long term lack of sexual drive and response. It can affect both sexes but is more usually applied to women.
Causes
Anxiety about performance is a major turn-off when it comes to sex. Nearly everyone has occasional worries, but these can become exaggerated when one places too much emphasis on the physical, as opposed to the emotional side of lovemaking.
Conflict within the relationship is another important factor. If a couple is always arguing or one partner is resentful of the other, it can lead to problems in bed.
Equally, if one is very tired or worried about other things in life, it can affect libido. Other causes of frigidity include having been sexually abused as a child, over dependence on parents, depression, fear of pregnancy, and other health problems such as multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.
Signs & Symptoms
Sex drive varies from person to person and fluctuates for all types of reasons.
A serious lack of response is indicated when one continuously avoids love making, or cannot enjoy it even though the partner is sexually attractive.
Herbal Medicines
Blindly trying to do better in bed is less useful than improving the basic relationship. So, talk with your partner about all your problems, hopes and fears, and try to solve them together.
Still, if one finds it hard to communicate, it is better to consult a doctor and trained counsellor.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ashwagandha Lehyam is the drug prescribed in this condition. It is a good anti-stressor, nervine and sex tonic, useful for both the partners. Regular use promotes sexual interest in both the partners. Teaspoonfuls of this semi-solid medicine should be taken twice a day with a cup of warm milk. This should be taken for 40 days continuously.
Trasina capsule (Gufic Laboratories) 1 capsule twice daily with water or milk after meals for a month controls frigidity.
Aagosh capsule (Platinum Remedies) in the dose of 1 capsule twice daily taken with warm milk after meals for 6 weeks is a good remedy for frigidity.
Aswal Plus Capsule (Gufic Pharma) 1 capsule once daily produces desired results in 4 to 6 weeks.
Adbac capsule (Uttam) 1 capsule once daily is very useful in improving the stamina thus helping in controlling frigidity.
Do's & Don'ts
A good nutritive as well as tasty diet gives wonderful results in frigidity.
Causes
Anxiety about performance is a major turn-off when it comes to sex. Nearly everyone has occasional worries, but these can become exaggerated when one places too much emphasis on the physical, as opposed to the emotional side of lovemaking.
Conflict within the relationship is another important factor. If a couple is always arguing or one partner is resentful of the other, it can lead to problems in bed.
Equally, if one is very tired or worried about other things in life, it can affect libido. Other causes of frigidity include having been sexually abused as a child, over dependence on parents, depression, fear of pregnancy, and other health problems such as multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.
Signs & Symptoms
Sex drive varies from person to person and fluctuates for all types of reasons.
A serious lack of response is indicated when one continuously avoids love making, or cannot enjoy it even though the partner is sexually attractive.
Herbal Medicines
Blindly trying to do better in bed is less useful than improving the basic relationship. So, talk with your partner about all your problems, hopes and fears, and try to solve them together.
Still, if one finds it hard to communicate, it is better to consult a doctor and trained counsellor.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ashwagandha Lehyam is the drug prescribed in this condition. It is a good anti-stressor, nervine and sex tonic, useful for both the partners. Regular use promotes sexual interest in both the partners. Teaspoonfuls of this semi-solid medicine should be taken twice a day with a cup of warm milk. This should be taken for 40 days continuously.
Trasina capsule (Gufic Laboratories) 1 capsule twice daily with water or milk after meals for a month controls frigidity.
Aagosh capsule (Platinum Remedies) in the dose of 1 capsule twice daily taken with warm milk after meals for 6 weeks is a good remedy for frigidity.
Aswal Plus Capsule (Gufic Pharma) 1 capsule once daily produces desired results in 4 to 6 weeks.
Adbac capsule (Uttam) 1 capsule once daily is very useful in improving the stamina thus helping in controlling frigidity.
Do's & Don'ts
A good nutritive as well as tasty diet gives wonderful results in frigidity.
Gas (Flatulence)
Gas (Flatulence)
"Passing gas" is certainly an embarassing situation as it is considered bad manners. An average person belches once or twice a day, especially after meals. In some societies, belching after a meal is taken by the host as a compliment. In infants, it is called burping.
On an average, an Indian passes flatus 2 to 4 times a day, and this gas is usually not foul smelling. Some people, when in company, avoid passing flatus, with the result that they suffer from abdominal discomfort. Ayurveda prohibits the suppression of this natural gas expulsion.
Technically, though, there is a slight difference between the gas coming out from both these orifices (i.e., mouth and rectum). In a belch after a meal, we expel air swallowed while eating. If a sour after-taste in the mouth follows a belch, it is a symptom of indigestion and it also means we are expelling gases formed in the stomach.
Only on the other hand, gas is always formed internally as a result of incomplete digestion. Food must be broken down into simple sugars and amino acids in order to be efficiently absorbed by the body. Complex sugars found in certain foods, however, resist this break-down process, perhaps because the enzyme that does this work is either weak or the person does not produce this enzyme. These complex sugars pass intact through the stomach and small intestine and enter the large intestine where they settle and begin to ferment. This fermentation produces carbon dioxide commonly known as GAS.
Causes
One of the most common causes of passing excessive gas per rectum is incomplete evacuation of stools, Often this gas is foul smelling. Sometimes 'amoebiasis' may also cause the gas, and drugs like antibiotics also contribute to gas by changing the normal intestinal bacterial?
Strong, high-fibre food, such as cabbage, whole wheat bread and beans which play beneficial role in preventing cancer, are often cited as CULPRITS in producing gas. It looks like the choice is between gas and cancer.
Gaseous distension can also be caused by lactose intolerance. People who lack the enzyme called lactase, which breaks down the complex milk sugar lactose, often find themselves passing large amounts of gas after drinking milk. Among others, greasy fried food, and pulses 'also cause gas.
Herbal Medicines
Cardamom (Elaichi) is a highly useful home remedy. 5 gm of its powder can be taken with water. Take 5 gm each of fried asafoetida commonly known as hing (by frying in ghee, hing becomes pure), black salt (commonly known as Kalanamak) cardamom (Elaichi) and dry ginger known as sonth. Make fine powder, mix well and store in a clean bottle. ½ teaspoon of this powder can be given along with some lukewarm water 2 to 3 times a day which instantly gives relief from gas.
Similarly a mixture of 2 gm of ajmoda (celery seeds) and 1 gram saunph (anisi seeds) and sugar (as required) is given in doses of ½ to 1 teaspoon with lukewarm water. This also gives prompt relief from gas problems.
Take 1 part of hing, 2 parts of vacha, 3 parts of black salt, 4 parts of sonth, 5 parts of jeera, 6 parts of harar, 7 parts of pohkar mul and 8 parts of kuth and prepare a chooma. Take about 3 to 5 gm of this chooma twice or thrice daily with warm water for immediate relief from gas.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Hingvastaka Choorna - can be taken in a dose of one teaspoonful twice a day with hot water.
Hingutriguna Taila - if given on empty stomach relieves constipation. The dose is 2 teaspoons once a day on empty stomach with a cup of hot water. This sets-in bowel movement.
Kumari Asava - an oral liquid, 20 ml with equal quantity of lukewarm water twice a day is also a good choice in gas problem.
Gasex tablets (Himalaya Drugs) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets thrice daily with water is a good choice.
Ojus tablets (Charak) before or after meals taken 2 to 3 times a day give good results.
Ark pudina (Liquid) or Ark Pudina pearls (Baidyanath) if taken give results within minutes.
Gasantak Vati (Baidyanath) in the dose of 1 tablet thrice daily taken with warm water is a good remedy for gas.
Raj Vati, Lasunadi Vati (Baidyanath) is also good for gas.
All these measures, if taken properly relieve the problem of excessive passing of gas.
Do's & Don'ts
Avoid heavy smoking and pan eating/chewing.
Cut down drastically on your daily number of cold drinks and cups of tea.
Cut off intake of milk and sweets, if these increase gas.
Eat less than appetite demands.
Eat slowly, fully concentrating on the food, do not indulge in thinking while eating - this prevents swallowing of air.
Avoid unions, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, beans, dals and sweets in excess.
"Passing gas" is certainly an embarassing situation as it is considered bad manners. An average person belches once or twice a day, especially after meals. In some societies, belching after a meal is taken by the host as a compliment. In infants, it is called burping.
On an average, an Indian passes flatus 2 to 4 times a day, and this gas is usually not foul smelling. Some people, when in company, avoid passing flatus, with the result that they suffer from abdominal discomfort. Ayurveda prohibits the suppression of this natural gas expulsion.
Technically, though, there is a slight difference between the gas coming out from both these orifices (i.e., mouth and rectum). In a belch after a meal, we expel air swallowed while eating. If a sour after-taste in the mouth follows a belch, it is a symptom of indigestion and it also means we are expelling gases formed in the stomach.
Only on the other hand, gas is always formed internally as a result of incomplete digestion. Food must be broken down into simple sugars and amino acids in order to be efficiently absorbed by the body. Complex sugars found in certain foods, however, resist this break-down process, perhaps because the enzyme that does this work is either weak or the person does not produce this enzyme. These complex sugars pass intact through the stomach and small intestine and enter the large intestine where they settle and begin to ferment. This fermentation produces carbon dioxide commonly known as GAS.
Causes
One of the most common causes of passing excessive gas per rectum is incomplete evacuation of stools, Often this gas is foul smelling. Sometimes 'amoebiasis' may also cause the gas, and drugs like antibiotics also contribute to gas by changing the normal intestinal bacterial?
Strong, high-fibre food, such as cabbage, whole wheat bread and beans which play beneficial role in preventing cancer, are often cited as CULPRITS in producing gas. It looks like the choice is between gas and cancer.
Gaseous distension can also be caused by lactose intolerance. People who lack the enzyme called lactase, which breaks down the complex milk sugar lactose, often find themselves passing large amounts of gas after drinking milk. Among others, greasy fried food, and pulses 'also cause gas.
Herbal Medicines
Cardamom (Elaichi) is a highly useful home remedy. 5 gm of its powder can be taken with water. Take 5 gm each of fried asafoetida commonly known as hing (by frying in ghee, hing becomes pure), black salt (commonly known as Kalanamak) cardamom (Elaichi) and dry ginger known as sonth. Make fine powder, mix well and store in a clean bottle. ½ teaspoon of this powder can be given along with some lukewarm water 2 to 3 times a day which instantly gives relief from gas.
Similarly a mixture of 2 gm of ajmoda (celery seeds) and 1 gram saunph (anisi seeds) and sugar (as required) is given in doses of ½ to 1 teaspoon with lukewarm water. This also gives prompt relief from gas problems.
Take 1 part of hing, 2 parts of vacha, 3 parts of black salt, 4 parts of sonth, 5 parts of jeera, 6 parts of harar, 7 parts of pohkar mul and 8 parts of kuth and prepare a chooma. Take about 3 to 5 gm of this chooma twice or thrice daily with warm water for immediate relief from gas.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Hingvastaka Choorna - can be taken in a dose of one teaspoonful twice a day with hot water.
Hingutriguna Taila - if given on empty stomach relieves constipation. The dose is 2 teaspoons once a day on empty stomach with a cup of hot water. This sets-in bowel movement.
Kumari Asava - an oral liquid, 20 ml with equal quantity of lukewarm water twice a day is also a good choice in gas problem.
Gasex tablets (Himalaya Drugs) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets thrice daily with water is a good choice.
Ojus tablets (Charak) before or after meals taken 2 to 3 times a day give good results.
Ark pudina (Liquid) or Ark Pudina pearls (Baidyanath) if taken give results within minutes.
Gasantak Vati (Baidyanath) in the dose of 1 tablet thrice daily taken with warm water is a good remedy for gas.
Raj Vati, Lasunadi Vati (Baidyanath) is also good for gas.
All these measures, if taken properly relieve the problem of excessive passing of gas.
Do's & Don'ts
Avoid heavy smoking and pan eating/chewing.
Cut down drastically on your daily number of cold drinks and cups of tea.
Cut off intake of milk and sweets, if these increase gas.
Eat less than appetite demands.
Eat slowly, fully concentrating on the food, do not indulge in thinking while eating - this prevents swallowing of air.
Avoid unions, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, beans, dals and sweets in excess.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Goitre
This refers to enlargement of the thyroid gland resulting in swelling in the front part of the neck.
Causes
Deficiency or increase in iodine content of food items.
Thyroid tumours.
Due to medicines.
Pregnancy.
Signs & Symptoms
These depend on the cause and the type of goitre. The thyroid gland in such cases may be functioning less than normal or more than normal. The goit in many cases due to its large size, may produce problems in speech, respiration and swallowing of food.
Herbal Medicines
Old rice should be used once a day in food.
Barley is another home remedy. Barley water can be taken daily twice a day.
Cucumber is also good for goitre patients 100gm of it can be consumed daily as salad.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Kanchanara Guggulu is the drug of choice 2-3 tablets three times a day with milk or warm water.
Punarnava Mandoor and Guggulu can also be used side by side. One tab three times a day.
Do's & Don'ts
Exercise of neck is useful in this condition.
Sour and heavy foods are contraindicated.
Causes
Deficiency or increase in iodine content of food items.
Thyroid tumours.
Due to medicines.
Pregnancy.
Signs & Symptoms
These depend on the cause and the type of goitre. The thyroid gland in such cases may be functioning less than normal or more than normal. The goit in many cases due to its large size, may produce problems in speech, respiration and swallowing of food.
Herbal Medicines
Old rice should be used once a day in food.
Barley is another home remedy. Barley water can be taken daily twice a day.
Cucumber is also good for goitre patients 100gm of it can be consumed daily as salad.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Kanchanara Guggulu is the drug of choice 2-3 tablets three times a day with milk or warm water.
Punarnava Mandoor and Guggulu can also be used side by side. One tab three times a day.
Do's & Don'ts
Exercise of neck is useful in this condition.
Sour and heavy foods are contraindicated.
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