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Ayurved Home Remedies

Ayurvedic and home remedies for Flatulence

Passing air or farting is a natural process and something that everybody does. However, doing it a lot is not a sign of good health. Moreover, what if it happens in public? Embarrassing, right? You sometimes think that it would not make any noise, but it does. Sometimes, you even believe that others will not sense the foul smell, but when you see that people around you become uncomfortable with the foul odor, you feel like hiding your face. Many people reading this can relate to this.

More than 30% of people around the world suffer from problems related to flatulence – and most people choose to ignore. This is because they think it is a natural thing that is bound to happen. It is true to a certain extent, but beyond that point, it is indeed a matter of concern and requires medical help.

Many people feel embarrassed to discuss this with their doctor’s as well. However, it is best to treat this naturally. Ayurveda has effective treatments for people suffering from excessive flatulence.

What Exactly is Flatulence?

Flatulence (Aadhyaman in Sanskrit) is the accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal. Excessive flatulence can lead to the urge of farting frequently. The gas can be passed from the anus or the mouth, and both are considered to be a breach of etiquette. It may or may not come out with a sound and may or may not have a bad odor. The gas so expelled is called flatus.

Flatulence is natural. If it does not happen, then there is something wrong with your digestion system. However, if it happens all day long, and you have no control over it, it needs to be treated.

Causes of Flatulence

According to Ayurveda, excessive flatulence is the result of the presence of abnormal Agni in your body. Agni, as you probably know, means fire. A healthy person is someone who has normal Agni in this body. When the amount of Agni increases, it makes the person unhealthy.

At times, the Agni gets vitiated, and some of the reasons behind it can be the following:

  • Prajnaparadha or any offence against wisdom – one part of your body insists on doing something that is detrimental to the other parts
  • Kaaliparinama or unexpected change in weather conditions
    Asatmyendriyarthasamayoga or incorrect coordination of the various sense organs and their objects
  • Any one of these three factors can damage your Pitta dosha, a situation known as amala pitta.

Humans tend to take in the air while doing a lot of daily activities. For example, you take in a considerable amount of air while drinking water. This air can also lead to flatulence, urging you to pass wind. This wind is always odourless and does not make a sound as well. Certain types of foods are known to produce more gas when consumed like beans, cauliflower, turnips, etc.

Antibiotics and improper placement of dentures can also cause flatulence indirectly. Dentures fitted incorrectly do not let you chew your food properly. Flatulence can be genetic as well.

Symptoms of Flatulence

A healthy individual passes wind at least eight to ten times a day. Excessive flatulence can be due to some deep-rooted gastric or intestinal problems. If that is so, a detailed medical investigation is recommended. If passing air is accompanied by pain, it can be due to ulcer or tumours. Visit a doctor immediately, if you are experiencing something like this.

Symptoms That You Need to be On the Lookout For

Repeated, uncontrolled, and frequent urge to pass wind. This is an urge that the nerve endings of the anus feel and gives you a single.
In case of excessive flatulence, sometimes the person mistakes the signal for defecation as the signal for passing wind leading to accidental defecation, something common when suffering from diarrhoea.
Foul-smelling gas as the gas contains methane, due to undigested food.
Passing the air is accompanied by noises, as the gas creates pressure over the anal sphincter.
Flatulence is accompanied with constipation or diarrhoea.
Ayurveda has effective natural remedies for treating flatulence. It recommends the use of some common kitchen herbs that work like magic when it comes to treating flatulence and its symptoms. Let’s take a look at them in detail.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Flatulence

Ayurveda follows three steps while treating flatulence viz.

Use of carminative for the treatment or Deepana
Use of digestives for the treatment or Paachana
Use of gas expellers for treatment or Vaatanulomana
Carminatives have antispasmodic properties and prevent stomach cramps and pain. It helps to reduce the pain while passing air.

Digestives break down complex foods and make digestion easier. Gas expellers, as the name suggests work by expelling the gas in an enormous quantity at one go.

Ayurveda recommends using a wide variety of herbs for treating flatulence. They are:

  • Ajamoda or Celery is excellent for flatulence. A powerful carminative, the oil extracted from the seeds of celery helps in reducing abdominal pain and cramps.
  • Dalchini or Cinnamon is another useful carminative. Soak cinnamon sticks in a glass of water for few hours and drink that water to take out the foul smell from your flatus.
  • Ajwain or Bishop’s Weed is another choice that you have. One of the most remedies by Ayurvedic doctors, ajwain is an effective carminative.
    Dhania or Coriander contains linoloom, a chemical that increases digestive secretion. It is an excellent gas expelled.
  • Bahera or Belleric Myrobalan helps in proper bowel movements and helps indigestion.
  • Haldi or turmeric is excellent for the stomach and ensures that it’s working correctly.
  • Elaichi or cardamom reduces gas formation. Menthol or water extract of cardamom helps in eliminating the offensive odour from flatus.
  • Kala jeera or caraway has carminative properties. On steam distillation, caraway gives oil called carvone, and this is what a carminative is.
  • Harad or chebulic myrobalan has excellent laxative properties. It is a good carminative and aids in digestion.
  • Lavanga or clove reduces the bad odour from flatus.
  • Rusmari or rosemary is stomachic and carminative.
  • Methi or fenugreek is antispasmodic and helps to expel flatus easily
  • Saunf or fennel helps in digestion. It cools your stomach after a heavy meal and acts a mouth freshener as well.
  • Sunthi or ginger helps in digestion and has anti-carminative properties. It works by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Sowa or Indian dill is another carminative. It also contains carvone.
    Kesar or saffron is stomachic and is mild. So, it is used in treating digestive problems in children.
  • Vacha or sweet flag reduces flatulence and helps in digestion. It is also an excellent carminative.

Some of the Ayurvedic preparation that helps in treating flatulence is Madhu YashtayadiChurna, Agastya Rasayana, AbhayadiModaka, and PanchaSakarachurna.

Preventing Flatulence

Prevention is better than cure. Let’s look at some effective tips that help prevent the formation of gas in the alimentary canal according to Ayurveda:

Avoid Food That Causes Flatulence: Some of the foods that you definitely need to avoid are beans, whole grain cereals, fatty foods, eggs, potatoes, dairy products, fermented foods like bread and dosa, fruits like prunes, banana, and apples, fried food, pulses like Bengal gram and black gram, sauces, and chutneys. All these increase the formation of gas in your digestive system.

  • Chew the Food Properly: It is important to chew the food properly before ingesting. Foods high in carbohydrates get digested with ease, while you are chewing them.
  • Say No to Slurp: Slurping while you are drinking tea or coffee results in consuming a lot of air. This air is expelled as gas.
  • Do Not Use Straws: Straws also lead to intake of a lot of air with the liquid you are taking in, as it works by building suction pressure.
  • Avoid Aerated Drinks: The sugar content is very high in aerated drinks. On top of that, they contain carbon dioxide that you took in and expelled in the form of gas.  This is the reason; many people drink soda after a heavy meal to eliminate gas.
  • Eat Slowly: Eat slowly and chew your food properly. This would help in digestion and make your stomach acquainted with the food you are taking in.
  • Brisk Walk: Take a brisk walk or do some exercise after a heavy meal. This would help in easy digestion and prevent flatulence.
  • Meditate: Meditate and keep your stress level down. Overworking can slow down the digestion process and lead to the formation of gas.
    Diet You Need to Follow

Following the right diet is one of the most important things that you need to do, if you want to reduce flatulence. Keep the following points in mind:

Refer to the list mentioned above and make sure to avoid all the foods that cause flatulence. Eliminate them one by one. This would ensure that your body is getting all the required nutrients.

  • Drink at least 2-3 litres of water in a day. Water helps in converting the gas toxins into liquid toxins, and this gets eliminated with urine or sweat. You can also add a drop of peppermint extract in the water you drink to eliminate the foul odour from flatus.
  • Do not overeat. Do not eat to the full that your stomach can take in. This slows down digestion and causes flatulence.
  • Eat little amounts several times a day, if you are suffering from excessive flatulence. This would ensure that your system digests appropriately.

Follow these to keep excessive flatulence at bay.

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Ayurved Home Remedies

Anti-aging Ayurveda and Home Remedies to look young forever

With many people trying to look young and glowing, various companies have come up with an effective line of products which claim to give you younger looking skin and have anti-aging properties. However, those products are usually made of chemicals and are highly harmful to your skin in the long run. Instead of using those products you can try the Ayurvedic way, and herbal anti-aging treatment is accepted worldwide by numerous people. In addition to that, Ayurveda is a very popular way of treating various types of diseases and conditions. There are three areas in a person’s body on which Ayurveda concentrates- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. As per Ayurvedic experts, a perfect balance in three of them is the secret to young looking and staying healthy.

One of the Most Effective Ayurvedic Treatments

Rasayana is one of the most effective Ayurvedic treatments. It has two major faculties Vatatapika and Kutipravesika. The names may sound very strange but are easily understandable. For example, Kutipravesika is a unique methodology where the person getting treated should stay in a small shelter with only one door. The housing will have tiny holes for the air to pass through.

The goal of Ayurveda and the Herbs Used

The goal of Ayurveda is not only slowing down the aging process but also to make the bodywork in the best possible way and to bring peace and vitality to individuals. A total of 12 different types of herbs are used in the Ayurvedic treatment or Ayurveda anti-aging herbs, and they are:

Amla or Emblica Officinalis
This herb is of special attention in the Charak Samhita literature. It is full of natural vitamin C that helps in rejuvenating bodily systems.

Turmeric Rhizomes or Haldi
Turmeric rhizomes are found in the form of curcuminoids, curcumin, and tetrahydrocurcuminoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Ginger Family
The herbs from the ginger family are the rich source of antioxidants and have ingredients that increase the blood flow to the peripheries. It also helps in reducing inflammation at the cellular level.

Frankincense, Bosiwellia
This herb is also known to fight arthritis. The pure form of this herb is used for anti-aging products.

Galangal (Also Called Chinese Ginger)
This herb contains gingerol, essential oils, and diarylheptanoids. Diarylheptanoid is also known as anti-arthritic. Pure Galanga extract helps in fighting oxidants, inhibit tyrosinase and absorbs UV radiation.

The Clove Family
This herb is used to relieve pain from toothache and muscle aches. It also contains anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Rosemary
Containing carnosic acid, rosemarinic acid, rocciferone, amyrenones, oleanoic acid, seco-hinokiol, diterpenes ursolic acid and carnasol, this herb exhibits strong antioxidant, tyrosinase-controlling, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitis
Attributed to the grape family, Vitis has anti-aging abilities with antioxidant properties. Resveratrol is concentrated in the grape skin while procyanidins are abundant in the seeds.

Neem
This herb is well recognized for its ability to control insects and bacteria. It also has anti-malarial, hypoglycemic and wound healing properties. It has antioxidant properties and radical freeing properties as well.

Licorice
It helps in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has active ingredients glabrol, liquiritins, glabridins, glycyrrhizin, and glycerrhetinic acid.

Pomegranate
It contains ellagic acid, punicalagins, gallagic acid, and punicalins. All of the substances present in pomegranate are proved to be effective in freeing radicals and neutralizing oxidants.

Andrographis
This herb has a strong potential to control the aging of the skin as per research. It is taken from the Adrographis herb and is helpful in giving younger looking and youthful skin.

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Ayurved Home Remedies

Ayurveda and Home Remedies for Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is chronic. It is characterized by seizures, and these seizures can vary from brief to long periods of vigorous shaking. Occasionally, such seizures can cause physical injuries too. Patients experiencing seizures or fits, as commonly called, usually lose their consciousness. This happens due to an abnormal electric activity of the brain. There are no fixed time periods after which a fit can happen. It can happen multiple times in a day or may not occur even in years.

Causes and Symptoms

The exact causes of epilepsy are not known in most of the cases. Sometimes, it can occur due to some brain injury, strokes, or tumors, or congenital disabilities, or infections in the brain. Genetic mutations can also be a reason.

Regardless of the original cause, the seizures or fits occur when the brain discharge a certain amount of electrical energy suddenly. A fit can also happen when there is a delay in delivering oxygen to the brain or when the brain is receiving insufficient oxygen. Congenital disabilities include injury to the brain at the time of delivery. Tuberculosis and parasites in the brain can also lead to sudden fits or seizures.

There is no fixed age as when a seizure can occur. In most cases, it starts before the person becomes an adult.

What Happens During a Seizure?

The attack is sudden in most of the cases. One or both the limbs of the patients move, and there may or may not be the loss of consciousness. Some of the times, patients lose control over stool and urine as well.

Contractions in the body are common, and the head usually turns to one side. Patients often cry or shout but are unaware of the same. Pulse rate is very high during this time, and the eyes roll widely. Saliva in the form of forth might come out of the mouth. In severe cases, the froth is mixed with blood.

Ayurvedic Medicines

Ayurveda is one of the trusted forms of managing the symptoms of epilepsy. Some of the medicines that are prescribed to epileptic patients and their doses are:

  • Saraswatarishta: Patients need to take 30 ml of this medicine twice daily after meals.
  • JatamansiChurna, VachaChurna, Smritisagara Rasa: 1 mg each of the first two medicines is to be mixed with 100 g of the third medicine and taken twice daily along with honey.
  • Apasmarantaka Rasa: Patients need to mix 100 g of this with honey and consume the mixture twice daily.
  • MahakalyanakaGhrita: 10 gm of this with cow’s milk and sugar needs to be taken twice daily.

Ayurvedic Herbs

There are many herbs those are considered to be useful in treating the symptoms of Epilepsy. Some of them are:

  • Vacha: The powdered version of the root of this herb is to be mixed with honey and consumed thrice daily.
  • Brahmi: Only one teaspoon of Brahmi juice can create magic
  • Jyotishmati: This powerful brain and nerve tonic, stimulates intellect and sharpens memory.
  • BrihatVataKulantaka Rasa: This rasa (juice) contains golden dust and particularly beneficial in bringing effective results, it needs to be mixed with honey and given to the patient thrice daily.
    Mandukaparni: It treats epilepsy and is highly beneficial for treating insanity and mental retardation as well.
  • Shankhapushpi: This herb is too used to treat insanity and epilepsy and is one of the most potent brain tonics out there
    Natural Remedies.

Crushed garlic boiled in milk is a very trusted remedy. Cow milk ghee is also known to be good for epileptic patients. Massaging Brahmi-Amla and sesame oil on the head and feat is also recommended.

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Ayurved Home Remedies

Female Infertility and Ayurvedic Remedies to treat it

Female infertility is said to arise when a woman is not able to get pregnant after trying for at least one year. Recurrent miscarriages are also signs of infertility. This problem can occur due to several issues like hormonal problems, the lifestyle of a person, physical issues and the environmental factors. In most of the cases, infertility is associated with the difficulties of producing eggs. One of which is the premature ovarian failure and the other is the poly-cystic ovary syndrome.

Symptoms of Infertility in Women:

Infrequent Ovulation: About 20% of infertility issues arise on account of this. In the case of this issue, your periods occur in a gap of more than a month, or they are absent. This can be due to body stress, obesity, rapid weight loss, etc. This syndrome prevents the ovary from releasing an egg. You may also face other hormonal abnormalities due to this problem.
The Shape Or Lining Of The Uterus Is Not Normal: Uterine polyps or fibroid tumours may result in pelvic pain; heavy menstrual bleeding or the uterus gets enlarged. Sometimes, scar tissue develops in the uterine cavity which leads to miscarriages, surgical procedures or abortions.
Fallopian Tubes Get Scarred: This symptom prevents the egg from travelling into the uterus resulting in infertility. Any previous surgery or tubal pregnancy may be the cause of such infections in the Fallopian tubes.

The Prime Causes of Ovulation Failure:

  • Hormonal Problems: The process of ovulation gets hindered whenever there is an imbalance of hormones in the body and their interactions fail.
  • Premature Menopause: Sometimes, women begin to face menopause before the usual age which is one of the rare causes of ovulation failure.
  • Cervical Causes: In this condition, the sperm cannot pass through the cervical canal which can be either to due to any previous surgery or abnormal mucus production.
  • Follicle Problems: This is an abnormal syndrome in which the follicle fails to rupture, and the egg remains inside.
    Poor Functioning Of the Fallopian Tubes:

The vital issues that result in tubal damage are:

Abdominal Diseases: Appendicitis or colitis causes inflammation in the abdominal cavity. This affects the fallopian tubes which lead to blockage and scarring.
Infection: The transmission of bacteria and viruses is the cause of inflammation which results in blockages.
Congenital Defects: This symptom is since birth in a woman who is born with tubal abnormalities.
Things That Increase the Risk of Infertility in Women:

  • Smoking
  • Poor diet
  • Stress
  • Being overweight or underweight
  • Health issues that result in hormonal changes.

How Does Ageing Result In Infertility?

  • Ovaries become less capable of releasing eggs
  • Eggs are not healthy
  • There are more chances of having a miscarriage
  • Smaller numbers of eggs are left.

How Long Should You Continue Trying Before Visiting Your Doctor?

After the age of 30, there is a rapid decrease in women of having a baby. You must call your doctor when you see the following:

  • Endometriosis
  • Irregular periods
  • Very painful periods
  • More than one miscarriage

Ayurveda Work Wonders on Infertility:

More and more women are turning to herbs to improve the chances of pregnancy. This is because herbs do not have any side effect and have proved to be successful in many such cases. Look into the list below which can be of great help to you:

  • Supari: This assists in the healthy production of female hormones and helps to relieve the congestion of the abdominal area and the blood. A healthy female reproductive system is maintained which eases the menopausal transition. Betel nuts also enhance the retentive power of the uterus.
  • Shatavari: Asparagus or Shatavari is a herb that helps to regulate hormonal secretion. It nourishes and cleanses the blood along with the reproductive organs which help to enhance fertility in women. This herb contains phytoestrogens which are helpful for women who are suffering from low natural estrogen levels which are a cause of menopause.
  • Ashwagandha: This herb helps in mending female infertility. It prevents premature menopause and is also known to treat complex infertility problems in women.
  • Gotu Kola: It is an adaptogen that helps to reduce nervous tension and increases the sexual desire. This, in turn, increases the percentage of conceiving.
  • Ashoka: Ashoka, also known by the name Saraca Indica is a small evergreen tree. The bark of this tree contains an estrogenic compound which has a stimulating effect on the endometrium and ovarian tissue. It is also useful in the treatment of internal bleeding, leucorrhoea, and menorrhagia.
  • Lodhra: The bark of this stem has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat several female disorders. The astringent bark of this tree is recommended to treat menorrhagia and other uterine diseases.
  • Ghrit Kumari: This perennial plant also called aloe vera, has been known to treat many diseases related to skin, liver and digestive disorders. It has been seen in studies that aloevera increases the production of progesterone and oestradiol by the ovarian cells.

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Ayurved Home Remedies

Ayurvedic and Home remedies Treatment for Cystitis

Cystitis is a common urinary infection due to inflammation of the bladder area especially in the wall of the bladder. It is not a very complex condition. However, it gets itchier and then leads to more complications, if not treated on time.

Using natural herbs is one of the best methods to cure urinary intact infections like cystitis and urethritis. These herbs cure and reduce the inflammation caused by cystitis and relax muscle spasms. This disease is common not only in women but also in men. The major symptoms of cystitis include fever, nausea or vomiting, burning sensation while urinating, blood in urine or semen in men.

Ayurveda has been studying issues on cystitis conditions since ancient times. Hence over a period of time, they have come up with some herbs which are very beneficial and good for treating acute cystitis.

In Ayurveda terms, apan vayu is disturbed when there is elimination or disturbance in urination. This problem is also called as mootrakruchhra in Ayurveda and it is further categorized into four types:

  • Vataj mootrakruchhra: Mainly caused by vitiated Vayu i.e. air. It’s marked by obstructed urination and severe pain in the pelvic region.
  • Pittaj mootrakruchhra: Caused mainly by vitiated pitta. This shows severe burning micturition and turns the colour of urine red or yellowish.
  • Kaphaj mootrakruchhra: Caused mainly by vitiated Kapha. This is characterized by swelling and heaviness in the pelvic region resulting in sticky urine.
  • Sannipatik mootrakruchhra: Caused by vitiation of all the three doshas and hence have mixed characteristics

As per ayurvedic treatment, any of these above issues do not require any surgical intervention. The line of treatment involves the removal of infection with internal detoxification, cleaning and removing any blockages in the urinary tract. This is combined with natural herbs to tone the kidneys and eventually normalize the functioning of apan vayu.

Below is a list of the most effective ayurvedic herbs used to cure cystitis of the human body:

  1. Chandana: Chandana powder is one of the valuable treatments for cystitis. It is to be consumed with milk which will help cure urinary inflammation effectively. It is also recommended to add fennel water and ginger piece to increase the effectiveness.
  2. Kateli, Kantakari: It is a diuretic which helps in the easy flow if the urine through the excretory system. Hence it helps in curing cystitis. It is also effective for gonorrhoea and urinary stones as well.
  3. Kulfa: This is known to be a very effective herb which is used in the treatment of urinary infections. It is not only common in Indian tradition but also with Greek tradition as well. Kulfa leaves mixed with water are required to be taken twice in a day which will result in excessive sweating. This will eventually take care of the scanty urination problem.

Ayurvedic herbs preparations are very beneficial for treating cystitis problem. These come in the form of Asava or Arishta, Sarivasava, Useerasava, Bhasma, Kashaya etc. It is recommended to consult an ayurvedic physician for cystitis before taking any of the ayurvedic herbs in combination. Most of these herbs do not have any side effects. However, physician consultation is recommended. This is because some of these herbs or medicines may have effects on skin or other parts of the body.

Take good care of your health because ultimately ‘Health is wealth’!

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Ayurved Home Remedies

14 Ayurvedic Herbs to Treat Ringworm

Ringworm is a common skin ailment. It is caused by fungi and can be easily treated by using Ayurvedic herbs and medicines. Ringworm or Dadru, as it is known in Ayurveda, is a side effect of contaminated blood. According to Ayurveda, all skin ailments can be treated by purifying the blood.

Ayurveda makes use of various natural herbs in cleansing the blood and treating all kinds of skin ailments, including ringworm. These herbs have some kind of inalienable force that helps in curing the infection and many of these can also be grown in the home. Let’s have a look at these special herbs.

  1. Neem: Neem, the wonder leaf is one of the best medicines when it comes to treating ringworm. Just apply neem leaves glue on the affected area to get rid of the infection.
  2. Aloe Barbadensis (Ghritkumari): Also, known as Ghritkumari, Aloe barbadensis or simply aloe Vera is another option that you have. Aloe is used in a vast number of skin products and works by purifying your skin. It makes your skin solid and glossy and eliminates all kinds of skin irritation. Aloe Vera concentrate is also very effective in treating skin problems. It has restorative properties and helps in treating the symptoms of dermatitis, skin breakouts, rashes, psoriasis, ulcers, stings, and of course ringworm. It protects the area from further infection and reduces the symptoms.
  3. Lemon Grass: Make a mixture of lemongrass, til (sesame) or coconut oil and apply it on the affected areas. This would help in killing the fungus and treating ringworm.
  4. Manjista (Rubiacordifolia): Manjistha works like magic when treating external skin ailments. It works by sustaining and renewing the skin cells. It reduces pain and treats wounds. Apart from treating ringworm, it can also be used to treat hypo-pigmentation and other skin maladies.
  5. Coriander: Applying coriander juice can reduce itching and accelerate the healing process.
  6. Colloidal Silver: This is a very useful compound that is used to treat a lot of skin infections caused by various microorganisms. It is anti-toxin and highly effective in treating ringworm. Use a piece of sterile cotton to apply it to the affected regions.
  7. Sacred Basil: Tulsi is an age-old remedy for treating ringworm. Make a paste with sacred basil leaves and water and apply it to the affected areas. It reinforces your cells and treats ringworm.
  8. Carrot Juice: Make juice with carrots and spinach. Drink this every day to keep skin-related illnesses at bay. Carrot is a rich source of vitamin C and keeps your skin healthy.
  9. Lavender Oil: Lavender oil is a powerful option that you have. Research shows that lavender is highly effective in treating parasitic skin diseases. Some of the other diseases that you can treat with this oil are diseases caused by Candida albicans like athlete’s foot.
  10. Butea Seeds: One of the best ways to treat ringworm is by using the paste made from Butea seeds and lemon juice. Butea is enriched with Gallic and tannic acid and helps in treating many skin problems.
  11. Dark Walnuts: Juice made from the outer green skin of dark walnuts is extremely useful in treating ringworm. All you need to do is peel the external skin off and rub the fruit on the ringworm affected areas. You would see results within a few days.
  12. Turmeric: You can also try applying the juice of raw turmeric and nectar. It really helps!
  13. Hyssop: The paste of hyssop is useful in treating fungal infection. It reduces the tingling effect and treats ringworm.
  14. Fig Leaves: Applying the juice made from fig leaves can also give you relief from the pain and itching of ringworm.

Conclusion

These are some of the effective herbs for ringworm. These are natural and sure to give the desired results.

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Ayurved Home Remedies

Treating Rheumatism – Ayurvedic Way

 

Rheumatism is an auto-immune disease. You are attacked by your own immune system in the sense, antibodies that are supposed to destroy foreign particles and germs, attack your own cells and tissues and seek to destroy them. This affects multiple organs in your body and needs to be treated on time.

According to Ayurveda, rheumatism has its origin in vitiated Vata. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of rheumatism. Any form of rheumatism is characterised by severe pain and inflammation. It can lead to bone deformity as well.

Causes

According to Ayurveda, rheumatism takes place when there is an increase of ama or toxins in the various joints of your body. Ama is formed when you suffer from improper metabolism, digestion, or excretion.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain and swelling of joints and muscles
  • Stiffness of the joints
  • Structural deformities
  • Anaemia

These symptoms aggravate when ama combines with Vata.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Under Ayurveda, the treatment for any of rheumatism consists of two kinds of treatment viz.

  • Samana chikitsa or pacification therapy and
  • Sodhana chikitsa or purification therapy

 

According to Ayurveda, if the balance of the doshas is disturbed, it sets off a chain reaction that affects the other parts of the body. This includes your basic body tissues or dhatus and waste products or malas.

Your vatas can get vitiated due to many reasons. Some of these reasons can be natural and some can be due to your fault. The natural causes include seasonal changes while the man-made reasons include unhealthy lifestyle, wrong food habits, misuse of your sense organs, and even suppressing natural bodily mechanisms.

Ayurvedic doctors make use of the above-mentioned treatments to eliminate the symptoms associated with rheumatism.

Let’s look at them in detail.

Samana Chikitsa

This includes restoring the normalcy of all the vitiated humors with the help of medicines.

Sodhana Chikitsa

Sodhana or purification is recommended when medicines do not work. The doshas become so much vitiated that they need to be eliminated from the body. Ayurveda makes use of a five-step purification process or panchakarma in this case. The doctors decide on the procedure depending on the stages the various doshas are in.

Panchakarma

This is a time-consuming and complex process and needs to be practised with a lot of care. Only qualified and experienced physicians and trained therapists can perform panchakarma. If done correctly, it gives great results with any kind of rheumatic disease. Panchakarma is a three-stage process and consists of purvakarma or pre-treatment, pradhana karma or main treatment, and finally paschat karma or post-treatment.

Pre-treatment

During the first stage, your body and mind is prepared for the primary treatment of pradhana karma. The steps include snehana or oleation, swedana or sudation, and massage therapy. This helps in loosening the toxins present in your body.

Primary Treatment

Next comes the primary treatment and this includes five steps or panchakarma. The steps are naysa or nasal therapy, virechana or medication purgation, vamana or medicated emesis, nirooha vasti or enema with the help of herbal concoctions, and sneha vasti or enema with herbal oils.

Post-treatment

After the pre-treatment and primary treatment, it takes some time for the body to return to normalcy. This is a slow process and is achieved by a following a strict and balanced diet. This is one of the most important things in post-treatment care.

The treatment is usually carried out in a series of consecutive steps which depend on the nature and stage your disease. It is more difficult to treat people who have Vata constitution compared to people with kapha constitution.

Let’s see what happens during this stage by taking the example of rheumatoid arthritis.

  • The first step comprises of Amapanchanam or detoxification. It is done with the help of stomachic or deepana and digestive or pachana  Sudation therapy is also a part of the treatment during this step. It works by correcting digestion and metabolism in the body and also reduces pain and inflammation.
  • The second step begins only when the digestion becomes normal. Anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed and you need to undergo purification therapy. This helps in expelling the antibody-antigen complexity from your body. After this, the treatment course shifts to pacification therapy along with external therapies like pindaswedam or kizhi, dravaswedam or dhara, and upanaham or poultice. This is again followed by oleation therapy or the external administration of ghee or oil on the body. This helps in reducing the pain and inflammation.
  • Step three comprises of raktha prasadm, swedana, and Vata samana. Medicines are given during this stage and the main emphasis lies on preventing the recurrence of the disease. Ayurveda takes a two-phase approach for this — oral medicines are prescribed to boost immunity followed by, rejuvenation therapies like kayasekam (pouring of lukewarm medicated oil on the body) and pindaswedam (combination of massage and sweat therapies).

All these help in eliminating all the symptoms associated with rheumatism and gives you a pain-free life. However, it is important that you follow certain rules and regulation to ensure that these symptoms do not come back like:

  1. Following a strict vegetarian diet (if you cannot, then not more than 25% of your meal should consist of non-vegetarian food)
  2. Eat foods that can easily be digested
  3. Sleep only during the night and do not miss it
  4. Drink lukewarm water always
  5. Keep yourself warm
  6. Use warm water to take bath
  7. Take immunity-boosting medicines during season changes

Also, make sure to visit your physician at regular intervals and get yourself checked. This will keep the disease at bay and let you live a normal life.

Vata

Vata is something that governs all the movements in your mind and body. It depicts all the forces of the air like dryness, vacuum, lightness, coldness, dehydration, and wind. In the body, it controls contraction and relaxation of muscles, movement of internal fluids like lymph and blood, breathing, transportation of food, and a whole of other activities.

There are five types of vata and they are: prana, udana, vyana, samana, and apana. Together, they are known as panchavayus.

Prana vayu functions in the upper regions of the body like head, neck, and chest. It connects the atmosphere to the inside of the body. It is responsible for carrying out the various functions of the sensory organs like responding to stimulus etc.

Udana comes next and it also acts on the same regions. However, it works in the opposite way. The direction of the force is outward and upward. It enables the body to expel things like carbon dioxide and water and even to vomit.

Vyana affects the chest and heart. It is like the natural pacemaker and controls the functions of the heart. It is responsible for controlling circulation in the entire body. It also initiates actions and movements in various parts of the body.

Samana acts on the abdomen region. It ignites the digestive fire within and ensures that the food is digested properly by controlling the intestinal movements. It also ensures that food assimilation takes place properly and takes cares of excretion as well.

Apana vayu is present in the pelvic region. It controls the reproductive system, urinary system, and other excretory organs.

If Vata is disturbed, it affects the entire body.


Categories
Ayurved Home Remedies

Warts: Home remedies and Ayurveda treatment

Warts are minute skin growth that infects the top layer of skin and thereby enter the body in an area of broken skin. Warts occur unexpectedly and in any place of the skin. Normally in round shape, warts go away on their own within months or years. The common area for warts is hands and the feet.

There are six types of warts according to its shape and place of occurrence.

They are common warts, flat warts, filiform warts, plantar warts, mosaic warts, and genital warts.

  1. Flat warts – This occurs on the knees, face, hands and legs and is flat with the same colour as that of skin.
  2. Common warts: Considered as uneven surfaces of the skin, flat warts occur on hands and knees.
  3. Mosaic warts – They are clusters of plantar warts.
  4. Plantar warts – These kinds of warts form on the soles of feet.
  5. Filiform Warts – They occur near eyelids or the lips and affects mostly on the face part. They are fingerlike and threadlike in looks.
  6. Genital warts – These warts occur on the genitals.

How Does Warts Affect?

According to medicinal theories, warts are generally harmless. Normally all warts heal with time. Generally, warts are removed with ease. But warts have the possibility to grow again.

The general perception about warts is that it poses a cosmetic threat to people. However, Ayurveda has a range of ways to counter warts. According to experts, three doshas cause warts. The dosha is directly connected with the part where these warts occur.

Ayurveda and Warts

Ayurveda has a strong influence in removing warts for centuries. In Ayurveda, herbs are the main ingredient and Kaseesadi Taila is the best component to treat warts. Other treatment methods include the application of herbs with bandages. As per Ayurveda, there are no specific dietary guidelines for the treatment of warts. Here are the few useful herbs for the treatment of warts.

  • Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

This is one of the most effective herbs to remove warts. Rub dandelion root’s cut end onto the wart so that the milky sap rub on warts. Do it regularly to remove warts.

  • Banyan (Ficus religiosa)

Applying the milky sap of the leaves of a Banyan tree is also effective. It makes the skin smooth and soft, thus letting the wart to fall off soon.

  • Euphorbia (Euphorbia hirta)

Make a paste of Euphorbia plant and apply on to wart skin. The milky juice is good for wart treatment.

  • Rough Chaff (Achyranthes Aspera)

If you rub the ash of the rough chaff over warts it works like wonder for warts removal.

  • Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata)

Another important herb for wart treatment is the leaves of the Indian sorrel. Either you can directly apply a paste of the leaves onto warts or you can also directly apply a poultice of the leaves over warts also helps. Mix this juice with other ingredients for better results.

Home Remedies for Warts

There are several home remedies available for the treatment of warts. A few of the important ones include:

  1. Mix Indian sorrel plant juice with onion juice. The wart falls off in just a few weeks after applying this daily.
  2. Mix Indian sorrel juice with ghee and black pepper. In case the warts are due to biliousness, this medication is useful.
  3. Mix Coriander leaves juice and turmeric and apply it daily.
  4. Peel a banana and keep its inner side on warts. You can tie it like a bandage. It removes warts.
  5. Rub raw potato on the wart at least twice daily for 7 mins.
  6. Castor oil makes warts supple and finally makes it disappear.

Substitute Castor oil with camphor oil.

  • Crush a single clove of garlic. Don’t crush it very finely. Keep this garlic clove on warts. Fix in that position with a bandage.
  • Do a similar kind of bandage with grapefruit juice.
  • Before going to bed, apply the oil of tea leaves onto warts.
  • Rub Indian gooseberry on warts till it is dabbed in its juice. Drops of the juice of Gooseberry can also be added. If there are no gooseberries, Vitamin C tablets can also be crushed and kept on warts.
Categories
Ayurved Home Remedies

Home remedies and Ayurveda for Vertigo

Vertigo is a nervous disorder, where a person loses control over his bodily movements. He/she also feels a sensation of dizziness or light-headedness, due to imbalance. People affected with vertigo need support from others as he always feels that he falls onto the ground if he attempts to move.  Vertigo is not considered as a chronic condition by itself. But the person affected with vertigo feels that objects around him are moving in the archaic form. Vertigo is always associated with nausea most of the times.

Reasons & Causes

There are several causes for vertigo. The important ones include

  1. Disorders of digestion and gas formation
  2. Impaired eyesight
  3. Impaired functioning of nervous system
  4. Severe migraine attacks
  5. Poor blood circulation
  6. Sexual incompetence
  7. Attacks of epilepsy
  8. Brain tumour
  9. Lack of sleep
  10. Fatigue.
  11. Ear disease due to fluid imbalance

Among them, the main causes of vertigo are diseases affecting the inner ear.

Ayurveda & Vertigo 

Vertigo is referred to as Brahma and it combines with vitiated pitta and vitiated Vata and cause a spinning like sensation.  

Herbs

The herbs generally used are Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Pitpapda (Fumaria Officinalis), Yavasa (Alhagi pseudalbagi), and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus).

Ayurvedic Treatment for Vertigo 

There are several medications provided for the treatment of vertigo in Ayurveda.

  1. ‘Duralabha Quath’ (50ml): Mix it with ghee twice daily.
  2. ‘Suvarna Sootashekhar Ras’ (50 to 60mg): Take it twice a day with juice /decoction of Amla.
  3. Mix ‘Ashwagandharishta’ and ‘Saraswatarishta’ (10ml each), either alone, or with 20 ml of water, and consume twice daily.
  4. Mix powdered whole plant of ‘Sankhapushpi’ (1-2 gms) and mix with 100 to 250ml milk. This should be taken twice a day.
  5. ‘Yogendra ras’ (120mg): Mix with milk and take it twice daily.
  6. If vertigo is caused due to insomnia, take only Ashwagandharishta (10ml) or its powder (1/2 tsp) with water.
  7. In the case of constipation due to vertigo, take Amaltas (6gm) with a decoction of Haritaki at night during bedtime.
  8. An important Panchkarma treatment ‘Shirodhara’, is also an effective remedy for vertigo.

Home Remedies: 

There are a lot of home remedies available for vertigo.

  1. Steep 1 teaspoon each of dried amla powder and coriander seeds in water overnight. Strain it, add sugar if required, and drink the next morning. Repeat for a few days
  2. Heat 2 tablespoon sesame oil (til ka tel), and mix in half teaspoon each of finely powdered cardamom and cinnamon. Apply this on the head.
  3. Mix about 8 almonds with 8 kernels of pumpkin seeds, 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds and 3 tablespoons wheat. Soak in water overnight.

After this, on the next morning, remove the outer skin of almonds and grind to a fine paste. In a separate pan, heat 2 tsp ghee and fry half teaspoon cloves. Add the paste to it along with some milk and boil the whole mixture. Sweeten with sugar, if required, and have over the next few days.

Precautions and Exercises

One should take extra precautions when attacked with vertigo. Here are a few tips.

  1. People attacked with vertigo should not move alone, especially while taking the stairs.
  2. It should be a strict no-no to tobacco, alcohol, and narcotic drugs.
  3. Make sure the diet is simple, light and spice-free.
  4. Try not to operate machinery and self-driving.

Diet & Lifestyle

Taking care of diet is extremely important for a person affected with vertigo.

They should take lots of vegetables, fruits. Avoid excess salt intake. Junk food is a strict no. Have more poppy seeds, raisins, citrus fruits. The most important thing is rest. One should take more rest than before along with proper sleep.

Conclusion

Even though there are many reasons and causes for vertigo, one should understand the real cause for it and take treatment accordingly. Besides taking treatment, the patient should be strict in his diet plans and exercise. Only then, the disease can be warded off completely.

Categories
Ayurved Home Remedies

Chicken Pox treatment with Ayurveda and Home Remedies

As per the Ayurvedic terms, Chicken Pox is also known by the name Laghu Masurika. This disease is highly contagious in nature. Generally, children belonging to the age group of one to ten years are affected by this disease. Sometimes, it also attacks adults. Chicken Pox is a viral disease and even after the cure of the disease, the virus remains hidden inside the body of the patient. This hidden virus can attack the person again later on. People often confuse this disease with smallpox. However, it is a completely different disease and is also less serious than smallpox.

The Prime Causes and Indications of Chicken Pox:

Varicella-zoster virus is the main cause of this disease. The other causes of chickenpox can be sensitive skin, poor immunity, prolonged illness, local skin infection, and use of strong soap. There is a high chance of this disease getting spread from one person to another by means of physical contact or transmission of the virus through the air by sneezing and coughing.

The symptoms of this disease are generally slight fever, burning sensation in the eyes, stuffy nose, pain in the legs and back area of the body, etc. After about one day’s gap of these indications red papules start appearing on the arms, chest and back of the patient.

How Does Ayurvedic Medicines Cure Chicken Pox?

Ayurveda says that chickenpox affects a person due to the vitiation of several doshas like the pitta dosha, Vata dosha and the Kapha dosha.

Let us now see how the medicines of Ayurveda are prescribed to cure chickenpox. The medications of this disease are different for the first and second week. Listed below are the details of the Ayurvedic medicines that help to heal the disease: 

First Week:

Following are the doses to be taken:

  • Swarnamakshika Bhasma: Take 100 mg. of this medicine along with decoction of the bark of Kanchnar tree. This medicine is to be taken in the morning and evening times.
  • Eladyarishta: Take this 15 ml. of this medicine mixed with equal quantity of water after having meals.

Second Week:

The doses are:

  • Indukala Vatika: Take 100 mg. of Indukala Vatika twice during the day time.
  • Haridra Churna: Prepare the juice of bitter gourd leaves. Mix 1 gm. of this medicine with the juice and take it in the afternoon and at night.

Ayurveda Suggests Some Other Natural Remedies For Chicken Pox:

  • Several herbs like lemon, holy basil, chamomile, marigold and honey are used to make herbal tea. Consumption of this tea three to four times in a day works very well on the fast recovery of chickenpox.
  • Boil oatmeal in water. Mix this water in the bath-water of the patient. This provides great relief in this disease.
  • Prepare a soup containing coriander leaves and carrot. Take this soup at least once in a day to see good results.
  • Neem leaves work wonder in the treatment of chickenpox. This is a widely used remedy for this disease. The anti-viral properties of neem are very effective in fighting the virus that causes chickenpox. Boil neem leaves in water and mix that water with the bath-water of the patient. This process offers great relief from the itching and eruptions that are faced by the person suffering from the disease. Spreading of neem leaves on the bed of the patient also provides relief from the itching problem. Consumption of neem leaves early in the morning on empty stomach is also recommended during this time.
  • Applying honey to the affected area also eases the itching of the patient.
  • Application of a mud pack on the abdomen and chest of the patient twice in a day is also very good.
  • The use of water drained from green peas to sponge the body of the patient helps in the removal of scars.
  • Mix a little amount of baking soda in water. Use this water to sponge the skin of the patient. This remedy helps to reduce irritation and itching.

Other than the medications prescribed, a healthy diet containing lots of fruits, vegetable juices and lemon juices prove highly beneficial in the quick recovery of the patient.