Prime Minister Office's Acknowledgement for Indian Board of Alternative Medicines Contribution to the National Relief Fund towards Uttarakhand

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine receiving Letter from the Prime Minister's Office in acknowledgement for its contribution to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for relief and rehabilitation of those affected by the disaster in Uttarakhand.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicines has been conferred with the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate of Registration for Providing Alternative Medicine, Holistic Medicine and Allied Health Sciences Courses Through Regular and Distance Education.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine introduces its Mobile Van for Health, Environment and Peace

Indian Board of Alternative Medicines introduced its Mobile Van focusing on Health, Environment and Peace on the 10th of December, 2010 in Kolkata, India. The inauguration was carried out by Dr. Suresh Kumar Agarwal, President of the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines in the presence of Dr. Damir A. Shakambet of The... International Society for Bioregulatory Medicine, London (U.K.), Revd. P.S.P. Raju (Bishop of Kolkata), Muni Shree Ji (Leader of the Jain Samaj), a former graduate of I.B.A.M. from Burma and a team of I.B.A.M. volunteers.

With the primary objective of I.B.A.M. being to promote, propagate and advance the science of alternative systems of medicines, this Mobile Van is a part of I.B.A.M.'s charitable activities aimed at disseminating information on higher standards of health and free medication.

We thank everyone involved in this noble cause and for helping I.B.A.M. move a step ahead in achieving its Goals.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Series - Home Remedy #11 - For Bad Odour

Use neem twigs as tooth paste.
Powder the dried mint (pudina) leaves. Use as toothpowder.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Series - Home Remedy #10 - For Bad Breath

Chew some fennel seeds (saunf) frequently.

Chew a piece of cinnamon (dalchini) put in a betel leaf (paan ka patta).

Boil some cinnamon (dalchini) in a cup of water. Store it in a clean bottle in your bathroom. Use it as a mouthwash frequently.

Parsley leaves are rich in chlorophyll, nature’s own deodorizer. Chew some leaves regularly and your breath will remain fresh. Alternatively, you can chew some cardamom seeds (illaichi) to sweeten your breath.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India

Allergy and Ayurveda

The concept of Allergy has entered in the world of science in 1900 A.D. so one may be misguided that such an explanation (regarding Allergy) cannot be obtained in classical Ayurvedic texts. A question may also arise about our ancient Acharyas, that what did they know about Allergy? But, if we go into detail we will find that the subject "Allergy" was not new in Ayurvedic Samhitas. The only difference is that the word Allergy has not been utilized. Regarding its knowledge, same explanation can be obtained in Samhitas as Modern medicine has contributed to the world of Allergy, even some etiological factors are more clearly expressed & some are new. Though it is an hypothesis however some light can be thrown in this context.

The complete description of allergy in Ayurveda can be traced under the title of "Satmya". As per the definition given in Ch. Su. 6/50. all those Ahara and Vihara which are having Viruddha Guna of particular Desha or Roga are considered as Satmya of that Desha Roga.

In other words Satmya can also be correlated with "Upshaya" (Ch. Ni. 1).

Satmya is divided into 4 types

(1) Ritu Satmya (2) Auk Satmya (3) Desha Satmya and(4) Roga Satmya.

Accordingly an attempt has been made to correlate description of allergy in Ayurveda in present chapter.

Allergy and Concept of Heredity

Acharya Sushruta has clearly defined hereditary diseases in Su. Sh. 24/6.

■Causative factor - Vitiation of sperm & ovum
■Chances of Allergic disorders increases in bilateral inheritance
■Unilateral inheritance decreases the chances of Allergic disorders.
■Acharya Charaka has described it as "Kulaja Roga"
■Acharya Bhela has described it as "Prakritibhava"
■Acharya Vagabhata has described it as "Kulaja & "Kulodbhava"
■Acharya Yagyavalkya has described it as "Sanchari"
In a nutshell, a healthy sperm and ovum gives rise to an healthy progeny. According to an Ayurvedic principle there is a balance of Vata, Pitta & Kapha within the body of each and every individual. It's proportion (Qualitatively and Quantitatively) is fixed at the time of birth i.e. its Tara and Tama bhava. On the % of Vata, Pitta & Kapha Prakriti (Sharir & Manas) of an individual is formed. All these factors play an important role in forming ones immunity.

Acharya Charaka ( Ch.In. 1/5) has described 6 varieties of Prakriti in individuals. From which the first twp i.e. "Jatiprasakta" & "Kulaprasakta" can light our view.

"Jatiprasakta" - in some races there is tendency for hypersensitivity e.g. a "Bhanushali" race of Jamnagar is highly sensitive to certain drugs which are commonly used.

"Kulaprasakta" i.e. Family disposition. This can be related with chromosomal abnormalities. There is genetic inheritance, influencing the future generation. The above explanations may be enough to throw light on the role of heredity in the manifestation of allergic diseases.

Allergy and Concept of Viruddha Ahara

The word Viruddha is originated from the Panini root "Rudhir Avarni" by applying the prefix "Vi". This leads to two factors i.e. on combining two, three things, the stronger one shades or overpowers the weaker ingredients. This has been accepted principally in Ayurveda also. It has been stated that in a combination of so many opposite qualities, the majority of the power packed qualities overpower the weaker qualities (Ch. Vi. 1/4).

The second meaning of Viruddha indicates about the combination of two substances which are not having an affinity for each other. So far this interpretation of Viruddha is concerned, it has been applied in Ayurveda in the context of dietetics and various combinations having such affinity for each other have been discussed at length. On this basis it may be concluded that such type of Ahara or foodstuff which is composed of substances having no affinity at all may be defined as Viruddha or Viruddhahara i.e. Dravyaviruddha.

Viruddha - Synonymous Description

In Ayurvedic literature direct references regarding the synonyms of the Viruddha are not available. However certain indirect synonyms may be available.

Ahita Ahara is the first word which has been frequently used as a synonym to the term Viruddha. In Ayurvedic literature, this word has been used very frequently.

In the lexicographic literature various other terms are also used such as

■Ananukula or Pratikula (Shabda Kalpadrum) which is having an adverse effect or unfavorable
■Anapayukta which is unpropitious
■Pratisiddha prohibited
■Apathya incompatible diet
All these words having the similar meaning may be observed in various, Sanskrit to Hindi, Sanskrit to English or Hindi to English dictionaries.

In Ayurvedic literature all these synonyms are used in a broader sense and with a specific meaning e.g.

Ahita - The word "Ahita" is used for any type of food which is not beneficial for the body and it may include:

■Paryushit Ahara
■Klinna Ahara
■Vishamashana
■Adhyashana etc.
Pathya - The word "Pathya" is used for those food articles which are beneficial in curing a patient.

Apathya - Those Aharas and Viharas which are restricted during the course of treatment.

It may be quiet evident from the definitions of Pathya and Apathya as well as from the famous shloka of Ayurveda in Vaidyajivan of Lolimbaraja.

If a patient indulges in taking the Pathya he will not require any Medication and when he is not taking of Pathya, the Medication will be ineffective.

On the other hand the Viruddha applies to the articles being consumed during both the conditions health and diseased.

Types of Viruddha Ahara

A careful scrutiny of the Ayurvedic classical literature reveals that the Viruddhahara may be discussed in various aspects and accordingly various types of Viruddhahara may be established.

These types may be represented on the basis of the two famous schools of Ayurvedic medicine.

Charaka under the caption of "Prakrititah Ahita Tama Ahara" has described 19 types of Viruddha, which run as under (Ch. Su. 26/86).

1. Paraspara Gunaviruddha 2. Samyoga Viruddha3. Samskara Viruddha4. Desha Viruddha5. Kala Viruddha6. Matra Viruddha7. Swabhava Viruddha8. Dosha Prakritityadi Viruddha, Aniladi Viruddha 9. Agni Viruddha10. Satmya Viruddha 11. Veerya Viruddha12. Koshtha Viruddha13. Avastha Viruddha14. Krama Viruddha15. Parihara Viruddha16. Upachara Viruddha17. Paka Viruddha18. Hrit Viruddha19. Sampat Viruddha

The Sushruta school of medicine has described 10 types of Viruddahara under the caption of "Ekanta Ahita Ahara" which run as under

1. Samyoga Viruddha

2. Karma Viruddha

3. Mana Viruddha

4. Rasa Viruddha

5. Veerya Viruddha

6. Vipaka Viruddha

7. Desha Viruddha

8. Kala Viruddha

9. Matra Viruddha

10. Atishaya Guna Yojata Viruddha

Comments

From this wider range of Viruddha one thing is sure that our Acharyas had accurate knowledge about the allergies which were uprooted through Viruddhahara.

■These Viruddhaharas may give rise to many chemical reactions in our body which cannot be visualized.
■It may be affecting the cellular body built and its chemical constituents.
■Certain Viruddha may be affecting our digestion directly or indirectly either influencing digestive enzymes or hormones.
■Some may be responsible for the arousal of the causative factors of a particular disease, or forming a favorable environment for the manifestations of the disease.
■Some might be harmful in certain environmental conditions only.
The diseases occuring due to Viruddhahara are mentioned below

Visarpa Andhapana Jalodara VisphotaPagalpana BhagandaraMurchhaMadaAdhamana GalagrahaPanduAmavishaKilasaKustha RogaGrahaniShotha AmlapittaJwaraPinasaNapunsakata

But exactly one cannot reach to the final conclusion that particular Viruddhahara is responsible for such chemical conditions. So further detailed research is required to draw out some scientific conclusion.

Allergy and Concept of Dushivisha

This is a most important and unique concept of Ayurveda which can be directly co-related with allergy.

Acharya Sushruta

Sushruta has described Dushivisha is Su. Ka. 2/25-26. According to him when a person is afflicted by an Artificial or Natural toxins, he is treated with an antitoxic treatments. As a result, a complete elimination of these toxins from with in the body is not possible. They may remain in a dormant state for quiet long period.

Acharya Charaka

Similar meaning can be elucidated from Ch. Chi. 23/7,31. He has opined that intake of toxic drugs which are less potent (Hina Veerya) remains in a dormant state within the body for years together, without causing any harm to the body. It remains in the latent stage due to covering (Avrita) of Kapha.

Dhatu Dushti

Chakrapani has commented upon this statement of Acharya Charaka, that "Dushivisha" vitiates the Dhatus after the lapse of a long time on obtaining a favorable conditions.


Explaining further Sushruta has mentioned that "When causative factors like Desha (place), Kala (time), Anna (diet) and Divaswapna (Day sleep) are favourable for Dushivisha, it will become more potent vitiating Dhatus leading to the manifestation of a disease."

Comments

It is seen commonly that Allergic disorders are not affecting every individual similarly in presence of same causative factors.

Desha

It is commonly observed, that People of same Area, Colony, City, State, etc. are not affected equally on an exposure to a foreign body. Though living in the same environmental conditions, some people remains healthy while only few of them will be allergic to certain things.

Change of colony, city, etc. also plays an important role in the production of allergy.

Kala

This factor can be seen easily in our day to day life. It is generally observed, that often patients with rhinitis have maximum presentation of sign and symptoms in spring and rainy seasons. Same is with other allergic disease too. This is explained in detail in, Ritu Sandhi point.

Anna Already described in Viruddhahara

Divaswapna Day sleep is known as Divaswapna that results to Agnimandya, which is the root cause of all the diseases.

Allergic diseases described in Ayurveda are as follows:

Acharya Charaka

Charaka has mentioned following diseases caused due to

Dushivisha Shonita Dushti Kitibha Kotha

Acharya Sushruta

Sushruta has mentioned following disorders caused due to Dushivisha.

Avipaka Arochaka Kotha Mandal Shotha Vamana Atisara Trishna, etc.

Many of the diseases mentioned above has allergy as one of thecausative factor.


Relation of Dushivisha and Histamine

■Histamine is also present in the body in latent form similar to Dushivisha.
■It remains in an inactive form within the covering of cell wall.
■Cell wall can be called Kapha Dravya.
■Histamine is active only by its chemical reaction with Histaminaze.
Allergy and concept of Asatmyaja Vyadhi

Ritu Sandhi

■It is clearly described in As. H. Su. 30/58, which indicates that a specific "Dincharya" is to be followed in that particular period.
■Duration - Ritu Sandhi is a period of 14 days (approximately) between two consecutive seasons (Ritu) .
■In Ayurveda a specific diet regimen (Ahara & Vihara) is indicated for each & every season under the heading of "Ritucharya" (Ch. Su. 6).
■Indications & contraindications for each seasons are also mentioned. It should be followed strictly in order to remain healthy.
■Our Acharayas have well planned the concept of Ritucharya by considering the proportions of Tridosha, Panchamahabhoota, Rasapanchaka, etc. in various seasons & its adverse effect on a human body.
■Similarly prior adopting Ritucharya of the coming season, there are certain rules regarding the abandonment of the Ritucharya of previous season. These rules are mentioned under "Ritu sandhi".
Adverse effect

If Do's & Don'ts of Ritu Sandhi are not followed properly than it leads to:

■Asatmyaja Roga (As. H. Su. 30/58 & Sha. Pur. 2/30)
■Tridosha Prakopa which is causative factor of almost all the disease. (Sha. Pur. 2/31)
■Vitiation of Dhatus, giving rise to Dhatu Pradoshaja Vikara (Sha. Pur. 2/32,33).
In the same context, Acharya Sushruta has also mentioned that, due to toxic Vayu following disease are caused

Kasa Swasa Pratishyaya ShirorogaNetraroga

All the above diseases are described under allergic disease in modern texts.

Comments

■The concept of Asatmjaja Vyadhi is very scientific.
■All factors are favorable in the period of Ritu Sandhi for a disease to manifest itself.
■Following environmental factors described in the Modern pathology for allergic diseases can be compared with Ritu Sandhi period & hence it can be said that these diseases has direct relation with Ritu Sandhi.
■In preventive & social medicine it is mentioned that health status of an individual, a community or a nation is determined by the interplay & integration of two ecological universes.

1. The internal environment of man himself. 2. The external environment which surrounds him.
■In the modern concept, disease is due to a disturbance in the delicate balance between man & his environment.
■Three ecological factors, Agent, Host & Environment are responsible for the disease. But the environment from which the patient comes is largely unknown.
■Yes frequently, the key to the nature, occurrence, prevention & control of disease lies in the environment.
■From this a positive support is obtained to scientific concept of Ritu Sandhi, further more.
■Mites of the genus Dermatophagoides have been shown to the commonest arthropods present in the dusts of foods, mattresses, carpets & upholstered furniture, etc. by several authors all over the world.
Three main factors which influence the population of house dust mites are:

- The temperature - Relative humidity of the air- Food material

They seem to be most abundant in those areas of the world where the climate is damp & temperate as compared to dry & cold climatic regions.

■Relative humidity >65% & <30 data-blogger-escaped-are="are" data-blogger-escaped-br="br" data-blogger-escaped-can="can" data-blogger-escaped-cause="cause" data-blogger-escaped-cough="cough" data-blogger-escaped-drying="drying" data-blogger-escaped-exposure="exposure" data-blogger-escaped-humidity="humidity" data-blogger-escaped-infection="infection" data-blogger-escaped-low="low" data-blogger-escaped-may="may" data-blogger-escaped-mucosa="mucosa" data-blogger-escaped-nasal="nasal" data-blogger-escaped-of="of" data-blogger-escaped-permanent="permanent" data-blogger-escaped-predispose="predispose" data-blogger-escaped-sore="sore" data-blogger-escaped-such="such" data-blogger-escaped-the="the" data-blogger-escaped-throat="throat" data-blogger-escaped-to="to" data-blogger-escaped-unpleasant.="unpleasant." data-blogger-escaped-viz="viz" data-blogger-escaped-which="which">■Research on Seasonal periodicity of House dust mite population published in Aspects of Allergy & Applied Immunology showed following conclusions.

1. Maximum positivity was found in the months of August & September & minimum in the months of March, April & May.

2 Indicating that the mite population in house dusts shows a periodic increase & decrease with the change of season.

3. It appears that more rapid growth of these organisms occurs during a period when the temperature is moderate & the relative humidity is high & a slow growth or no growth when it is relatively dry plus either too hot or too cold.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Green Tea - The New Health Drink

An ancient Chinese proverb goes thus – “Better to be deprived of food for three days than tea for one”. Of the three major beverages of the world – tea, coffee and cocoa – tea is the most popular. Tea has a long and ancient history and has been associated with man since time immemorial.

History

China is known as the homeland of tea. India and China are probably the first countries to cultivate tea. It is believed that tea shrubs existed in China as early as 5000-6000 years ago. Once when Emperor Shen Nung was sitting under a camellia tree, a few leaves accidentally fell into a cauldron of boiling water. The resulting fragrance tempted the Emperor to sip the brew. This is believed to be the beginning of Chinese tea culture.

Basically there are three types of tea – black, oolong and green tea. Green tea today has become very popular worldwide. Made from the dried leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, green tea came from China between 4000-5000 years ago. In oriental countries green tea has been used for many centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal qualities. People in China and Japan have known the positive aspects green tea brings to our health for centuries and Asians on an average drink 1-2 cups per day as a cleanser for the body. The global consumption of tea is about 3 billion kilos annually with India alone accounting for the largest contribution (about 30%).

The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. It has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4000 years. The difference between green tea and other teas is that green tea is not fermented, thus keeping the powerful antioxidants lost in the fermenting process. Green tea is not oxidized at all, the leaves are steamed, rolled and dried. Green tea has a more delicate taste than black tea. Green tea is the variety that keeps the original color of the tea leaves without fermentation.

Health benefits

The use of green tea as a beverage dates back to 3000 BC. Green tea is believed to have several wide ranging health benefits now supported by recent research. There are four primary polyphenols in green tea and they are often collectively referred to as catechins. Powerful antioxidants, catechins have been shown in recent studies to fight viruses, slow aging and have a beneficial effect on health. The principal catechin is EGCG whose composition in green tea is believed to be 100 times more potent than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E as an antioxidant.

The production of free radicals is the body in the main cause of many ‘lifestyle’ diseases like diabetes, cataract, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and skin cancer. The antioxidants in green tea fight these free radicals and therefore these diseases.

Studies on animals and humans in various places, as well as ongoing research suggest the following health benefits of consuming green tea.

Cardiovascular diseases

The antioxidants in green tea decrease the risk of blood clots, blood pressure, blood sugar and bad cholesterol and so provide protection against cardiovascular diseases. A series of animal and human studies have highlighted the heart-friendly activity of green tea. The EGCG in green tea is believed to slow the build-up of artery-clogging plaque. Green tea is also believed to improve the LDL-HDL cholesterol ratio, triglycerides and fibrinogen – all blood indicators of heart disease. Green tea helps to reduce cholesterol levels.

Compounds other than EGCG in green tea have been found to be heart protective as well. An amino acid called theanine, which helps reduce blood pressure is present in green tea.

Good for teeth

Green tea contains fluoride which is good for teeth. It can kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. It checks dental decay by inhibiting the growth of oral bacteria and so fights cavities. When used as a mouth rinse, this herbal drink reduces plaque formation. It also counters bad breath.

Cancer fighting properties

A new study published in the Clinical Cancer Research reveals how green tea works to curb the development of bladder cancer. Green tea extract inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancerous cells, the study claims. Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have found that green tea was able to target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. The cell movement depends on a bio-chemical process called actin remodeling. When it is activated the cancer cells move and invade other healthy cells. Green tea extract affects actin remodeling.

Population studies suggest that green tea consumption may be one of the reasons why the incidence of cancer is so low in Japan. Studies have shown that people who drank more green tea were less likely to develop tumors. Emerging animal and clinical studies suggest that EGCG could play an important role in the prevention of many types of cancer including breast, skin, lung, stomach, prostrate, ovarian and colon cancer.

Stress buster

Catechin, present in green tea removes sleepiness and works as a stress buster. If you are in need of an extra boost, then green tea with the caffeine content is a good stimulant for short time energy. The drink has got a diuretic effect and prevents rashes, indigestion and disease called beriberi. Green tea chemicals destroy harmful microbes only.

Helps in losing weight

New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. It contains no calories – so is useful to those who want to lose weight. Researchers have found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo. Green tea is less processed than black tea and contains rich sources of antioxidants which protect the body’s cells from damage. The steaming process maintains more of its pharmacological properties. It burns calories and speeds up body mechanism.

Scientists believe that EGCG could probably bring about weight loss by three mechanisms; increasing metabolic rate, preventing the digestion of carbohydrates and reducing appetite. No wonder the Japanese have been drinking green tea before, during and after a high carbohydrate meal for centuries.

Anti aging properties: Current research has revealed that green tea extracts can be used in anti-aging medicines. Green tea is healthy and helps in the body’s healing. Green tea may delay aging by its strong antioxidant action, preventing the accumulation of free radicals and the resultant damage to the DNA over time.

Other health benefits

Green tea helps to reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, cataract, diabetes and impaired immune infection. It fights viruses and can help protect your joints and stave off arthritis in two ways – by reducing inflammation and by protecting against cartilage breakdown. It can even help improve joint mobility. It is believed to help boost immunity with its stimulating effect on the immune system. It acts as a herbalist for aiding in the circulation of the blood, a detoxifier for the blood and an aid in curing liver ailments. Green tea is also good for women experiencing menopause, being a good source of vitamins and minerals. Green tea helps to prevent or delay the formation of cataract and macular degeneration.

As a beauty aid

Many skin preparations contain green tea extracts – from deodorants to creams. Recent research suggests that green tea may protect your skin from against the damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Green tea is also being widely used to dispel the heat and bring on an instant cool together with a feeling of relaxation. It is also very useful to quench the thirst.

How to prepare green tea

Take one teaspoon of green tea leaves to one cup of just below boiling temperature water, let stand for 10 minutes and then strain. You may add lemon or honey for taste. Green tea is to be sipped slowly, not gulped down. Today green tea is commercially available all over the world and is a favored gift in an attractive basket or packet.

The only negative side effect of green tea is that it may induce insomnia. Hence it is advisable to take the evening cup at least 3-4 hours before bedtime. Ideally one should have 10 cups of green tea a day in order to get all its benefits. Green tea capsules are also available in the market but they are pretty expensive.

Already green tea extracts have found a place in cholesterol lowering drugs, dietary supplements and among popular beverage brands across the world. EGCG is being promoted for good health in popular staple food items like biscuits and cookies.

In conclusion

Few herbs go back in time as much as tea does. Tea has been one of the daily necessities in China since time immemorial and the art of growing, processing, brewing and drinking tea evolved in China. Today a wide variety of brews adorn the supermarket shelves. But a wealth of research suggests that green tea can be a welcome addition to your stock of brews. Today scientific research in both Asia and the West is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. So go ahead and enjoy this magical drink which has myriad therapeutic and medicinal properties.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Anti-Cancer Herbs

Triphala :

How It Works

Bottom Line: The anticancer effect of Triphala has not been confirmed in humans.

Triphala is an herbal formulation used in the Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda for the treatment of various ailments. It consists of three medicinal plants: Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia belerica. It is used for anemia, jaundice, constipation, asthma, fever, chronic ulcers, inflammation, obesity and to strengthen the immune system against infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and AIDS. Triphala was shown to have beneficial effects in studies done in laboratory and in animals. However human data are lacking.

Purported Uses

• To treat Infections. Studies done in mice showed that Triphala can reduce infections. No studies have been done in humans.
• To decrease high levels of cholesterol. Triphala was shown to reduce cholesterol levels in rats with high cholesterol. However, this has not been studied in humans.
• To strengthen the immune system. Studies in rats have shown that Triphala can improve immune function but human data are lacking.
Research Evidence

Several laboratory studies have shown that Triphala has beneficial effects. However, it has not been studied in humans.

Side Effects

Intestinal gas Stomach upset Diarrhea.

Constituents

Amla (Emblica officinalis) Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula) Belleric Myrobalan (Terminalia belerica).

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action is not known although the polyphenols and flavonoids are thought to be responsible for many of Triphala's effects. Gallic acid, a major polyphenol in Triphala, has antioxidant property. Triphala also increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T-47D), resulting in apoptosis. Terminalia chebula, one of the components of Triphala, was shown to be a potent hyaluronidase and collagenase inhibitor that prevented degradation of cartilage. Triphala also protected mice from radiation-induced mortality. Oral administration of Triphala enhanced the immune functions in rats.

Adverse Reactions
Intestinal gas, stomach upset, diarrhea.

Ashwagandha : How It Works

Bottom Line: While ashwagandha has shown an ability to hinder the growth of cancer cells in laboratory tests and enhance radiation therapy in animals, it is unknown if these effects can be replicated in humans.

A popular Ayurvedic medicinal substance derived from the root and berry of the plant. Ashwagandha contains numerous biologically active components. It is thought that some of these components can influence potent hormone-like substances that cause arthritis inflammation. Extracts of the root also increase the number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood. Ashwagandha has been shown to relax the central nervous system in animals. Studies in laboratories have shown that extracts of ashwagandha kill some cancer cells and enhance some immune cells. It is thought that the structure of ashwagandha extracts may damage the cancer cells ability to generate the energy it needs to reproduce. Ashwagandha also reduces the level of glutathione, an antioxidant, in tumor cells which may enhance the effects of radiation therapy against those cells. Studies in animals have demonstrated possible toxicity, however comparable effects have not been observed in humans.

Purported Uses

To treat cancer

While ashwagandha has shown promise in animal and laboratory studies, few trials have demonstrated an effect in humans.

To treat diabetes
No scientific evidence supports this use.

To treat epilepsy
No scientific evidence supports this use.

To reduce fatigue
Ashwagandha has been shown to increase blood cell counts in the lab, however it is unclear if this will reduce fatigue in humans.

To treat digestive disorders
No scientific evidence supports this use.

To maintain health
Ashwagandha has antioxidant properties in lab tests, however it is unclear if it will have any effect on humans.

To reduce pain
Ashwagandha has been shown to have a tranquilizing effect in animals. It is unclear if this will reduce pain in humans.

To treat rheumatoid arthritis
A clinical trial showed effectiveness of a herbomineral formula containing ashwagandha. To what extent ashwagandha played a role in the reduction in pain severity and disability is unclear.

As a sedative
Ashwagandha has been shown to have a tranquilizing effect in animals. It is unclear if it has a similar effect in humans.

To treat skin infections
No scientific evidence supports this use.

To relieve stress
Ashwagandha has been shown to have a tranquilizing effect in animals. It is unclear if it has a similar effect in humans.

Research Evidence

Arthritis Pain:

Forty-two volunteers with osteoarthritis participated in a trial of a herbomineral formula containing ashwagandha. Volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either a combination of herbs and minerals or placebo for three months. After a fifteen-day washout period, treatments were reversed. Volunteers in the treatment group reported significant drops in pain severity and disability score with few side effects. Because a combination of herbs was used, it is unclear if ashwagandha played an important role in the results.

Warnings: Do Not Take If

You are pregnant.
(Ashwagandha may induce abortion.)

You are You are taking sedatives.
(Ashwagandha may increase sedative effects.)

Scientific Name : Withania somnifera.

Family: Solanaceae

Constituents

Alkanoids: isopelletierine, anaferine
Steroidal lactones: withanolides, withaferins
Saponins: sitoindoside VII and VIII Iron

Mechanism of Action

Alkaloids, steroidal lactones, saponins and withanolides are thought to be the biologically active components. Studies have pointed to cyclooxygenase inhibition as the cause of the herb's anti-arthritis properties. Ashwagandha's anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to hydrocortisone sodium succinate in rats. The root extract of the herb produced significant increases in hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, white blood cell count and platelet count. Ashwagandha has been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects in the brain and to have a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system in animals. In vitro, isolates from the root of the plant have cytotoxic properties against H-460, HCT-116, SF-268 and MCF-7 cell lines. Ashwagandha increase cytotoxic T lymphocyte production. Other studies show ashwagandha's cytotoxicity is related to its structure and that it enhances ATPase and inhibits succinate dehydrogenase activity, impairing oxidative phosphorylation. In animal studies, ashwagandha can increase the effects of radiation therapy and inhibits tumor growth. The herb also reduces tumor GSH levels which may contribute to the enhancement of radiation response. Ashwagandha can reverse paclitaxel induced neutropenia in mice. Significant toxicity was observed at high doses in animal studies, however, toxicity studies in humans are limited.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Tea Tree Oil : 21 Uses

What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. Due to its antifungal, antibacterial and anti viral properties tea tree oil is used either pure or mixed with other essential oils in a diversity of situations.

Some of the most common uses for tea tree essential oil are:

1) Tea Tree for Boils. Boils are red swollen and tender eruptions.
Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial properties and helps to fight infection. Apply a drop of undiluted tea tree oil to the boil several times a day until the eruption has healed.

2) Tea Tree oil for Impetigo.
Impetigo is a condition that causes tiny blisters, usually around the nose and mouth. Tea tree’s antibacterial properties help dry impetigo blisters. For a more effective treatment you can combine it with lavender essential oil which helps alleviate inflammation.

To prepare your remedy mix:
• 1 tablespoon of almond oil with
• ½ tea spoon of tea tree essential oil and
• ½ tea spoon of Lavender essential oil.

Apply to the blisters 3 times a day.

3) Tea Tree oil to eliminate warts
To eliminate warts. Tea tree oil has powerful antiviral properties and can help eliminate warts. Apply undiluted tea tree essential oil with a cotton swab directly to the wart several times a day.

4) Dry herpes blisters with tea tree oil.
Herpes being a virus cannot be treated with antibiotics. As an antiviral, tea tree oil helps to dry the herpes blisters. To prevent irritation of the skin and sensitive mucous membranes, dilute equal amounts of tea tree essential oil with vegetable oil and dab a small amount on to the blisters four times a day. Tea tree oil can also be applied directly to any blisters.

5) Tea tree oil to treat Inflammations
To treat Inflammations, apply a warm wash cloth impregnated with tea tree oil to the area for a few minutes. You can also apply undiluted tea tree oil directly on the inflamed area.

6) Tea tree oil to relieve colds
Use Tea Tree oil and Eucalyptus to relieve congestion during a cold.
Try a herbal steam inhalation using 2 drops of tea tree essential oil and 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in two litres of hot boiling water. Tea tree has antiviral and antibacterial properties and the eucalyptus oil helps drain mucous congestion.

7) For curing Athlete's Foot.

8) As a cure for nail and toenail fungal infections
Apply tea tree oil directly to infected area and cuticles.

9) Tea tree oil for acne
For treating inflamed and non-inflamed acne lesions you can apply tea tree oil directly onto infected area twice a day or add 60 drops of tea tree oil to your facial wash, apply twice daily. If you are applying tea tree oil over large areas of your face make sure you moisturize well your skin to avoid dryness. You can also try applying pure tea tree oil using a cotton ball onto slightly damp skin to lighten its effects.

10) Tea tree oil for dandruff
Tea tree oil can be used to reduce symptoms of dandruff.

11) To disinfect wounds.
Use tea tree oil to clean minor cuts to disinfect the wound.

12) Use tea tree oil to help with Asthma.
Just add a few drops of tea tree oil to a warm damp face cloth and breathe through it until the cloth cools down.

13) To relieve itchiness
To relieve itchinessfor insect bites, such as fleas, and disinfect the bite, add a drop of tea tree oil directly to the bite, you can repeat the treatment every 2 hours or until the itching has disappeared.

14) To get rid of head lice
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo, massage into hair, leave on for about 10 minutes and rinse. Repeat the treatment once a day until lice and nits are gone.

15) Tea tree oil for a fresh breath
To always have a fresh breath make a mouthwash adding one drop of tea tree oil in a glass of water. Use as an ordinary mouthwash, be careful not to swallow as tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested.

16)To guard from disease
To guard from disease you can gargle with one drop of tea tree oil dissolved in a glass of water. This solution will help your body fight bacteria, as with the mouthwash; make sure you don’t swallow the solution.

17) For bladder infections
To relieve the symptoms of a bladder infection have a warm bath with 10 drops of tea tree oil in it.

18) For shaving
Use tea tree oil to disinfect your razors before shaving. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your razor to make sure there are no harmful bacteria transferred from the razor to your skin.

19) Tea tree oil to prevent offensive body odours.
You can use a drop of tea tree oil in your armpits to prevent bad smells. You can also mix equal parts of tea tree oil and a carrier oil to rub your feet with before wearing your shoes for the day.

20) To repel insects in your house
add a few drops of tea tree oil to your house cleaning products.

21) Tea tree oil as a natural deodorizer
Use tea tree oil as a natural deodorizer for your clothes and to help with mould, mildew, and odour causing bacteria. Just add a few drops of essential tea tree oil to your washing liquid before using it. Alternatively, you can buy inexpensive tea tree oil to add to your wash load. One or 2 teaspoons in a load of laundry can eliminate a host of odour causing problems.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

The Health Benefits of Arnica

Arnica has been recognized for its ability to relieve pain, discomfort and swelling since the 16th century. Also known as arnica Montana, Leopardsbane, Wolfsbane and European arnica. Native to Russia, Germany and North America it has been used for similar purposes by the North American Indians.

Arnica is an herbaceous and perennial plant which grows to approximately 1 to 2 ft high and a member of the daisy family. It is usually found in meadows and woodland areas and can be recognized by its golden yellow, aromatic flowers. It is revered and highly rated for its healing and calming effects on the body, used to reduce inflammation, as a decongestion and also has anti-fungal and antiseptic agents, often referred to as the warming herb, highly effective in the relief of arthritic pains.

It works by accelerating the healing process and has the ability to formulate granular tissue making it highly efficient in the treatment of burns, abrasions, eczema, sunburns and some skin cancers. The application of arnica promotes blood circulation which increases blood flow to the affected area and with the increased blood flow come nutrients which aid, promote and expedite the healing process. However, care should be taken not to apply it to open wounds, whist pregnant women are advised to refrain from its use during their confinement.

It is taken as a homeopathic preparation in the form of pills to cure ailment such as bronchitis, influenza, cystitis and kidney infections. Whilst arnica can be taken internally, it must be remembered that it is both potent and toxic, therefore it should only be taken under the control of a homeopathic advisor. There have been side effects and when taken in excessive doses, it can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Other noted side-effects, if used over long and sustained periods it can cause dermatitis and also believed to be a contributor in some kidney and liver conditions.

It can be purchased in many topical formulations as an oil, tincture, creams, gels, powders, salves, ointments, with very good results achieved in the treatment for acne. It has the ability to relax tense and painful muscles helping to make them supple and aid pain relief. It is considered irreplaceable by physiotherapists and masseuse who regard it as an important addition to their treatment cabinets also a particular favorite of athletics who use it after undertaking any form of strenuous exercises.

Arnica is a highly effective natural pain-killer which scientific studies have proven. Trials under controlled scientific conditions were undertaken using arnica and the much prescribed pain-killer ibuprofen. Test results indicated that arnica is as powerful and effective as Ibuprofen, which is good news for those who wish to only use natural pain relieving remedies.

Arnica is by all accounts a safe and effective alternative pain remedy and can be purchased from health food stores and pharmacies. However, each person is an individual and may react differently to substances, even when it comes from a natural source. It would therefore be prudent to first learn as much as possible about arnica before moving forward.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Color Your Day : The Benefits of Color Therapy

Color Your Day : The Benefits of Color Therapy.

Color, color, color, color, it brightens the day and make you happier specially at times when you are stressed out. People have color preferences and usually they based their choices of products they use or wear based on the vibes it creates when they look at it or use the item. They choose their wardrobe, bags, nail colors and almost everything they consume or use based on the color to some extent. People have their own favorite color as well.

The topic of this article is about color therapy as a method of healing. It is an alternative way of healing which has its roots in Ayurvedic medicine in India.

Chakra explained

There are seven main energy centres (chakras) of the body. These chakras are like spirals of energy, each one relating to the others and by utilizing the seven colours of the spectrum, Color Therapy aims to balance and enhance our body's energy centres/chakras and also to help stimulate our body's own healing process. Colour Therapy in short utilizes colour to re-balance the Chakras that have become depleted of energy.

What is Color Therapy?

Color therapy , chromotherapy, sometimes called colorology or cromatherapy, is an alternative way of healing method -- a technique which used color and light to balance energy in the person well being, physical, emotional, spiritual or mental.
Color therapy is an area of holistic healing which uses color in an attempt to affect our mood, emotions and even our health.

The Ayurvedic medicine describes the body as having major main chakras, seven all in all, which are spiritual centers located along the spine that are associated with a color, function and organ or bodily system. According to this explanation, these colors can become imbalanced and result in physical diseases but these imbalances can be corrected by using the appropriate color as a treatment.

Brief History of Color Therapy

The Beginning -- Avicenna (980-1037) --- viewed color to be of vital importance in diagnosis and traetment, discussed chromotherapy in " The Cannon of Meficine". He wrote that "Color is an observable symptom of disease" and also developed a chart that related color to the temperature and physical condition of the body. His view was that red moved the blood, blue or white cooled it, and yellow reduced muscular pain and inflammation. He further discussed the properties of colors for healing and was "the first to establish that the wrong color suggested for therapy would elicit no response in specific diseases."

The use of color as a therapy has a long history -- the ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks built healing temples of light and color and the use of color became deeply embedded in Chinese and Indian medicine, and it remains an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine as well.

The Benefits Of Color Therapy

1. Each and every color has specific healing properties. Usually a color therapist uses certain tools plus visualization techniques and suggestions to apply color to our bodies in an attempt to heal those parts of our bodies suffering under physical, emotional, or spiritual strain.

2. It uplifts the mood and make a person happier

3. Sometimes it is combined with other treatment like aromatherapy or other alternative way of healing

Some Color Plus their Properties

Green•
Green symbolizes nature and is the universal healing color, and it is currently a popular decorating color,. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision, and it is a good color because it is a calming and nourishing. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Clear perception, self- recognition, and compassion are associated with green.

Blue
Because it signifies tranquility, it has been said that blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, thus it is often used as linens in bedrooms. It is believed that blue slows metabolic activity, but at the same time it can also be cold and depressing or pain relieving and it has been found out that people are more productive in blue rooms. Blue enhances clear thinking, diligence and organization.

Orange
Orange promotes happiness, joyousness and feeling of wellness. Orange is used to treat depression, hypothyroidism and kidney
Orange is the color for ideas and mental concepts plus it also symbolizes warmth and prosperity.

Red
Red is the strongest and the most emotionally intense color -- red stimulates the heart to beat faster and breathing to increase plus it also increases metabolic activity. As red is the color of love, it is often used as an accent color in decorating. Decorators say that red will attract attention. Self-motivation, leadership and generosity are some qualities of the color red.

Yellow
If you want to be in a joyful mood, yellow is a nice color to proejct that mood.It is also considered an optimistic color and it has been found out that most people are temperamental when they are in yellow rooms because if you overused it, it can be overpowering to your eyes.

Black
Black is the color of power and it also implies submission to authority. The qualities of black include self-sufficiency plus individualism and protection.

White
White is associated with light and it suggests goodness, purity, virginity and innocence, maybe because it signifies pureness --- blank and it is a color of perfection. It denotes successful beginning.

Purple
Purple is associated with royalty, king and regality. It strongly symbolizes power, nobility, luxury plus ambition. It signifies wealth and extravagance. Purple is also associated with wisdom, dignity and independence plus it is a powerful color in enhancing creativity, mystery and magic.

The Five Principles of Yoga and Why You Should Learn Them By Heart

The Five Principles of Yoga and Why You Should Learn Them By Heart

Yoga is an ancient practice that has adapted use in healing and creating physical or mental wellness. Many are interested in learning yoga skills for its holistic benefits. But, before you embark on this journey of not just physical, but also spiritual, revitalization, you need to learn what principles yoga has that make all these benefits possible. A deeper understanding of the practice will educate you on how you can maximize those benefits that you can gain.

The Five Principles of Yoga

The five principles of yoga are one of the basic concepts taught upon your first session with the yoga practice. With a holistic perspective, it emphasizes the idea that yoga is a practiced lifestyle instead of a mere exercise routine.

The five basic principles of yoga are outlined below:

1. Asanas (Exercise)

2. Pranayama (Breathing)

3. Shavasana (Relaxation)

4. Sattvic (Diet)

5. Dhyana (Meditation)

Importance of Learning Them

If you were to examine the principles of yoga, you might think that it is such a complex practice. But in close examination, you will realize that these were the same health principles taught to you by your parents and your doctor. Indeed, these principles were designed based on the idea that a holistic health experience comprises not just your physical body, but also your mental and spiritual health.

It teaches you to discontinue any unhealthy practice and follow the natural path towards attaining longevity and improving health.

Proper Exercise (Yoga Asanas)

Ancient yoga philosophy sees the body as the temple of your spiritual body. Hence, better spiritual health always begins with the physical body and health. Various yoga postures or asanas are required to perform in yoga that will help in exercising and working out your body. Common yoga postures stretches and tones your muscles and ligaments to provide full motion.

As a result of performing these asanas, you will be able to enhance the flexibility of your joints and spine. There are several entailing benefits as a result of proper execution of these poses. Since yoga asanas can be quite demanding at times, beginners are often required to take beginner's course to allow their body to slowly adapt to these complex posture patterns.

Proper Breathing (Yoga Pranayama)

Breathing is vital in proper execution of the yoga postures above. With proper breathing, it means breathing that is rhythmical and utilize all of your lung muscles to absorb oxygen. Proper breathing required for yoga exercise is deep and slow, with a rhythmical pattern. Hence, you need to allocate regular length and duration whenever you inhale or exhale.

In order to achieve that, proper breathing control is necessary. In deeper perspective for yoga philosophy, the ability to control your breathing signify that you have full control over your mind. This also serves as your foundation towards achieving a more focused and calmer state of mind.

Proper Relaxation (Yoga Shavasana)

Before you can attain proper relaxation needed to start your practice of yoga, you need to be able to accomplish the first two principles: proper exercise and proper breathing. Ancient practice of yoga in India utilized powerful techniques that enable one to enter a deep relaxation state. In modern times, relaxation is vital in stress management situations since most people have to deal with a fast paced and highly stressful environment on a constant basis.

Yogic relaxation begins with the muscles and relieving it from any form of tension. You need to rest your entire body until it revitalizes your nervous system. Only then will you feel relaxed and attain inner sense of peace. When you feel relaxed physically and internally, it affects the way you deal with everyday activities and make you more effective in what it is you need to do.

Proper Diet (Sattvic)

Food and diet is another essential element in yoga practice, especially in its impact on the mind. To be specific, yoga emphasizes a lacto-vegetarian diet to further enhance your progress towards a holistic body-mind-spiritual rejuvenation. Termed as sattvic diet, it consists of vegetables, fruits grains, nuts, and dairy. This type of diet complements any type of yoga practice.

Furthermore, yoga beliefs state that meat products create distraction in your system, making you feel restless and dull. The process of digesting meat also consumes too much of your energy that yoga philosophy insists should be allocated only to your body's meditative and healing capacity. Therefore, people who practice yoga must discontinue including meat in their diet if you want to attain better results.

Meditation (Dhyana)

This is the final straw and the most crucial aspect of any yoga practice. This is basically where all other yoga principles hinge on. Positive thinking and outlook, as yoga experts would suggest, is a key factor in attaining better mental and physical well-being. This coincides with the yoga belief that mind controls everything in your body and as long as you have control over your mind, then you have control over your body and health.

To gain slow but gradual control of your mind, you need to regularly practice meditation. Hence, it is best to develop your own meditation routine wherein you spend a few minutes of your day meditating. By slowing down the activity of your brain, you are able to create a deeper state of meditation. Once you have achieved the four principles above, then it should be easier for you to gain a calmer sense of mind, healthier body and mind.

Benefits of These Yoga Principles

Since the five different principles of yoga target different aspects of your mental and physical health, there are several benefits listed as a result of practicing yoga. The best aspect about yoga is that practically anyone can do it, regardless of age, gender, body size, etc.

Listed below are just some of its beneficial results:

*Boost of energy and vitality;
*Makes you more effective in battling stress;
*Relief from muscle tension;
*Better posture;
*Increased muscle flexibility;
*Improve stamina and strength;
*Cure back issues;
*Cater to proper digestion and bowel movement;
*Better circulation of blood;
*Effective weight loss plan; and,
*Improved mental and spiritual health.

Bach Flower Remedies: Dosages

Bach flower remedy dosages, like biochemic remedies, are not harmful, never mind how many doses you take in a day. However, taking the regular prescribed dose does work better unless it is an emergency when many more doses at shorter intervals can be given. These remedies can be taken by infants, children, adults, pets and even sprayed on plants.

The usual dose

The dosage for most ailments is two drops from the bottle the remedy comes in, four times a day. You should try and see that you don’t eat or drink anything for fifteen minutes before and after the dose if you want the remedy to act well. These are gentle healing remedies and strong flavours and tastes can minimize their effects. The first dose should be on an empty stomach in the morning, followed by doses at noon, evening and night at bedtime. The easiest way to have it is to put two drops into your mouth using the dropper. Do take care not to let the dropper touch your mouth. In most cases, the remedy will have to continue for three to four weeks. You will most probably feel better after the first few doses with the right remedy but you must continue and give it a chance to work well in your body.

Emergency dosage

When it is a serious case, you can administer two drops from the dropper bottle every fifteen minutes if necessary till the person looks better after which you can get back to four doses a day. In absolute emergencies, you can increase each dose to four drops.

Infants’ and young children’s dosage

One drop four times a day is the usual dose unless it is an emergency. Children usually respond very quickly to Bach remedies and sometimes one dose is all it takes to make them all right.

Pets’ dosage

Like children, one drop four times a day is the regular dose unless there is an emergency when you can make it a drop every half an hour till there is visible improvement.

Plants’ dosage

For plants, you can put two drops in a spray bottle and fill it up with water. You can then spray the plants with it. Plants that are diseased, have had a shock or are dying can be revived with regular spraying in most cases.

Other ways to administer Bach remedies

You can put the drops into a tablespoon of water and drink it. You can even put them into half a cup of water and sip it. In case you want to give these remedies to someone in the family without them knowing, you could put two drops into a glass of water and give it to them. It is preferable not to add it to juice or other hot or cold drinks. These remedies are so gentle yet effective but they must not be exposed to strong tastes or flavours.

They can be put into water and used as compresses when somehow is hurt or in pain. They can even be put into the bath water – 5 drops to a full bath is recommended.

Bach remedies are very often given in combination – a drop from each of the chosen Bach remedies for each dose.

What’s more, Bach remedies can be used with other medicines, including allopathic medication as well. They do not affect them. In fact, they are a great way to augment their healing power. They are however, best when used with other forms of holistic medicine.

Homeopathy treatment / Radionics treatment-THE MOST SUCCESFULL METHOD OF HEALING

Homeopathy

What are Homeopathics?

Homeopathic remedies are a system of medicine based on three laws:

1. The law of Similars
A substance when administrated to a healthy person will produce particular symptoms. When this substance is administered to an individual with the same or similar set of symptoms, in a diseased state, it will cure by boosting the body's natural responses. Like cures like. For example, if the symptoms of your cold are similar to poisoning by mercury, then mercury would be your homeopathic remedy.

2. The law of Infinitesimal

This is based on the principle that smaller the quantity of the medicinal substance, greater is its effect. Similar principals forms the basis of conventional allergy treatment, where the allergic substance is given in a small dose, and in vaccines where an impotent form of the virus is given to bolster the immune system against that particular virus. A drop of the crude medicinal substance (plant tincture, chemicals etc) is added to 99 drops of alcohol and given 10 strokes. This is the 1st potency or 1C. A drop of this is further added to 99 drops of alcohol and after 10 strokes you get 2C. Similarly when 1 drop of medicine is added to 10 drops of alcohol, the first potency is 1X. Higher the potency, lesser is the material dose, and stronger is its effect. Commonly prescribed strengths are 6C, 30C, 200C, 1000 (1M), 10000 (10M), and 3X, 6X, 30X

3. The law of Individualization

In Allopathy or modern medicine two persons suffering from the same disease is usually treated using the same medicine. However, a Homeopathic physician does not label a patient by the disease condition but considers a prescription based on the totality of both the mental and physical characteristics of the patient. Thus every case is different and needs an individualistic prescription.

The various medicines used in homeopathy are from the plant, mineral, animal, or chemical kingdoms, but extremely diluted, so there is nothing of original supstance left. Only vibration of it!!!

Why use Homeopathics?

Homeopathy is the second most widely used system of medicine in the world. Its growth in popularity in the United States has been around 25 to 50 percent a year throughout the last decade.

This success is fueled by several factors: Homeopathy is extremely effective. When the correct remedy is taken, results can be rapid, complete and permanent.
Homeopathy is completely safe. Even babies and pregnant women can use Homeopathy without the danger of side effects.

Homeopathic remedies can also be taken alongside other medication without producing unwanted side effects.

Homeopathy is natural. Homeopathic remedies are normally based on natural ingredients.

Homeopathy works in harmony with your immune system, unlike some conventional medicines which suppress the immune system. (For example, cough medicines suppress the cough reflex, which is your body's attempt to clear the lungs)

Homeopathic remedies are not addictive - once relief is felt, you should stop taking them. If no relief is felt, you are probably taking the wrong homeopathic remedy.
Homeopathy is holistic. It treats all the symptoms as one, which in practical terms means that it addresses the cause, not the symptoms. This often means that symptoms tackled with Homeopathy do not recur.

Health and Self Hypnosis: How To Improve Your Health

Hypnosis can be quite useful to deal with health issues. PsychoNeuroImmunology has already demonstrated that our mind has a lot to do with our health, happy people as an example usually are pretty safe from diseases while stressed people instead are almost always ill, going from flu to headache, or constipation or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and so on.

Now, there are a lot of factors involved with health: Genetic, Pollution, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Emotions/Feelings.... Yet our mind plays the greater role in keeping us in good health. As a matter of fact you can do everything right but if you are almost always in a bad/low mood sooner of later your health will go bad.

So if our mind can affect positively our health and our greatest friend, our Subconscious Mind, knows everything that's going on within us than with the right approach we can use our mind to regain or maintain our health..

Our Body Changes

We are used to think of our body as a kind of static thing, growing older but remaining the same. This is wrong. Reality is that every given moment cells die and cells are born, changing and renovating our tissues. I could say that today very little of my body is what I had twenty years ago; well probably just one year ago I was almost completely different.

What does this means for us? That if all those cells get substituted every day than somewhere within us there should be the "Instructions" for all this activity; and since this instructions lie in the subconscious part of our mind than there is a great chance that we can modify these instructions to achieve a better health, to improve our Immune System and even become healthy again. Does it sound possible?

Probably someone is thinking:"Yes these instructions are in our DNA". This is pretty right, our DNA is full of instructions, and we all know that damages to our DNA usually have very bad effects on our health. I agree completely with this idea; but, why do we have scars?

Seems a stupid question, yet if the instructions about our body are coded only in our DNA why if I cut myself it remains a scar which is surely not in my DNA? If I cut one of my fingers since in my DNA there are the instructions to have ten fingers why doesn't the cut finger grow again? Do you see what I mean? There are instructions in our DNA and other instructions coded and stored somewhere else, where if I've cut myself even if my cells change everyday there is the order to have the scar appearing again and again. Can this make sense? That there are instructions about how our body is stored in our mind? And can make sense that if we can access these informations we can have the chance to modify them? And maybe regain our health?

Does it makes sense that if our Subconscious Mind knows everything about our body than it also knows what needs to be done to be healthy again?

Maybe I'm a little strange but to me it makes a lot of sense.

Before going on with the Self Hypnosis Suggestion as usual remember to read at least my hubs on Induction and Suggestion of the category Learn Self Hypnosis.

Obviously you are very strongly advised to follow your doctor's directives, this suggestion is an addition to them. Yet you'll see that it's quite effective.

General Health Suggestion

Desired Outcome: to be able to improve our health.

Say to your subconscious: Dear Subconscious, I know that you are aware of everything that happens both inside and outside myself. I know that you are aware of every need of every cell of my body. You know perfectly what needs to be done to maintain me in perfect health as much as what doesn't work well and needs to be repaired and I know that you can fix anything that needs to be fixed. You know what foods I need for this and I deeply TRUST your ability to help me to maintain or regain my health.

NOW, I KNOW I CAN FIX AND REGENERATE TO PERFECTION EVERY PART OF MY BODY.

I WANT TO BE ABLE TO FIX AND REGENERATE TO PERFECTION EVERY PART OF MY BODY.

Repeat the above sentences three times.

FROM NOW ON I CAN FIX AND REGENERATE TO PERFECTION EVERY PART OF MY BODY.

Repeat three times.

IMAGINE THE ACHIEVED OUTCOME AND FEEL HOW YOUR LIFE WILL CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.

DAILY REPETITION: I CAN FIX AND REGENERATE TO PERFECTION EVERY PART OF MY BODY.
DAILY REPETITION: I CAN FIX AND REGENERATE TO PERFECTION EVERY PART OF MY BODY.

The Yoga of Sound: Yoga Chants

Chanting mantras is the yoga of sound. Chanting has been used for centuries as an aid to humans who seek to communicate with the divine spirit within themselves and the universe. Chanting has the effect of raising the level of vibration of the individual practicing the chant, and it can help the practitioner to be filled with peace, and feel calm and centered.

There have been medical studies that have shown that performing yoga chants can have positive benefits for the body. These studies have shown that when a person chants it can stabilize their heart rate, lower blood pressure, produce beneficial endorphins in the body and boost metabolic processes. Chanting causes the body and mind to relax which helps us both physically, mentally and emotionally in countless ways.

An opening chant can be used at the start of a yoga class, or the beginning of a meditation session. Using an opening chant is an effective way to help participants lower their stress and set the proper spiritual tone for the yoga class. Chanting can be practiced at any time of the day. You can chant quietly to yourself, chant out loud, or listen to recorded chants on CD or on a portable .mp3 player as you go about your day. Listening to chants can help to soothe your spirit and energize you as you face the challenges of the day.

Closing chants are used to bring a meditation session or a yoga class to a peaceful end. A chant can be the thread that ties the positive benefits of the work done on the yoga mat, or the meditation session to the rest of the practitioner’s life.

This is an example of a closing chant taken from the ancient Sanskrit text, the Yoga Sutras:

Om Om Om
Asatho Maa Sath Gamaya
Thamaso Maa Jyothir Gamaya
Mruthyor Maa Amrutham Gamaya.
Om Shanthi. Shanthi. Shanthi.
Now stay in complete silence for a minute.
Lokaa Samastaa Shukino Bhavanthu.
Jai Shree Sat Guru Maharaj Ki!
OM TAT SAT
The English translation is:
Om Om Om
Lead me from unreal to Real
Lead me from darkness to Light
Lead me from death to Immortality.
Om Shanthi. Shanthi. Shanthi. (Peace, peace, peace be to all.)
(This may be followed by a minute of silence.)
May the entire world be happy.
Jai Shree Sat Guru Maharaj Ki!
OM TAT SAT

You can buy recorded Yoga chants online, and there are many web sites where you can download sample yoga chants to listen before you buy.

Because of Yoga's ancient Sanskrit roots, chants are usually written and performed in Sanskrit, however their meaning is said to be universal, as Sanskrit is the language of the heart.

Chanting or listening to chants while performing yoga poses can help to bring a sense of calm to your mind and it can open your heart which will enhance your enjoyment of your yoga poses. Chanting is invigorating and energizing to the mind, body and spirit, and it reminds us of our deep and abiding connection to the divine and to our fellow human beings when it’s done in unison.

Chinese Medicine - The History of Chinese Herbalism

Mention Chinese medicine to anyone today, especially in Western countries, and visions of acupuncture are the first thing that springs to mind for most people.
The truth is, Chinese medicine is so much more. Even more true, is the fact that Chinese medicine very often surpasses and is the foundation for Western medical practices.

Since practically the beginning of time, if it could be said that one culture literally wrote the book on herbalism -- only the Chinese could claim the prize of having the longest unbroken belief and traditions in herbal medicine.

It has always seems odd to me that the herbal medicine practices of Asian cultures, should be considered alternative medicine,while today's science of synthetic drugs (Western medicine) should be the standard.

Chinese Medicine

Roughly three thousand years ago, it is recorded history that the Chinese knew about three hundred different plants for herbal medicine. By then, they had already recorded descriptions of the plants, how to preserve them, and how to administer them correctly, all according to Chinese medicine practices of the time.
The wondrous thing is that many of these practices are still in use today and make up the foundation of herbal medicine as we now know it.

Let's Take A Look At How Chinese Medicine Came About

The Emperor Shen Nung (2698 B.C.)
The Emperor Shen Nung was a big fan or perhaps the "father" of Chinese medicine. He had the Canon of Herbs written, recording in precise detail three hundred and sixty-five plants, minerals, and animals. He further described how to preserve them for medicinal use, along with details on how to administer them.
The Canon of Herbs, is also known as the Shen-nung pen ts'ao ching (Divine Husbandman's Materia Medica), Legend has it, that he wrote it, but who actually penned his body of work is unknown.
One thing is certain, this Father of Chinese medicine is who introduce the technique of acupuncture to the common people of China.
He didn't just trust his theories and beliefs and the testing of them to others, he personally is said to have tasted at least one hundred of these traditional Chinese medicines.
He was quite a busy Emperor, because he additionally taught his people how to cultivate grains as food, solely for the purpose of killing less animals.

Haung Ti - The Yellow Emperor (2550 B.C.)
One hundred years after Emperor Shen Nung, Emperor Huang Ti (aka the Yellow Emperor) developed a central theory that in Chinese medicine that really understood human disease far better than any other culture during that time.
This one quote from his Nei Ching says it all:
"In treating illness, it is necessary to examine the entire context, scrutinize the symptoms, observe the emotions, and attitudes. If one insists on the presence of ghosts and spirits one cannot speak of therapeutics."
This optimistic viewpoint in his book, shows what today we know as, holistic medicine, being a concept a few thousand years old. The book was popular, even being updated in the 6th century, and then again in the 7th century.
The works also went into introduction to the then known concepts about living matter, medical physiology, known anatomy, and developments in acupuncture.

Su Jing
In the 7th century, a young man named Su Jing, went to the Tang Dynasty and asked for sponsorship to revised and update Emperor Huang Ti's Nei Ching. The court was so intrigued that it provided him with twenty experts to give him input, documentation, and even illustrations of useful herbs that they knew.
Two years later, the result was A Revised Canon of Herbs being published. When you think about it, this was an amazing feat because this was over eight hundred years beforethe Western printing press was invented -- the Tang Dynasty, not only printed it, they distributed it throughout China.

Li Shizhen (Li Shih-chen) - 1518 to 1593
The well known Ming Dynasty (1368 AD to 1644 AD) produced another great Chinese medicine work, written by Li Shih-chen. It was titled, Pen ts'ao kang mu (The Great Herbal). It took him twenty-seven years to write this book. It is a practical and scientific manual with over eleven thousand recipes or compounds.
Here was a man who was very determined from childhood as he helped his father collect herbs and copy prescriptions.
Inside it, is pretty much the sum total of herbal medicine known at the time. It contains descriptions of over eighteen hundred plants, animal parts, minerals, and metals that made up Chinese medicine for the time. The best part of Li Shih-chen's body of work in Chinese medicine is the fact that it is so revered, that it is updated and revised still to this day.

Chang Chung-ching - The Physician
During the time of the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD) one practitioner of Chinese medicine, stands far above the rest -- Chang Chung-ching. He was considered the greatest physician of his era. He would forever go down in Chinese history as the Hippocrates of China.
He wrote Shang han lun (Treatise on Colds and Fevers), which profoundly affected Chinese medicine

Natural Ways to Get Rid of a Headache

The headache is something that everyone gets at least once in awhile. It's a strange pain that can come on for any number of reasons. And the cure for most people is to pop an aspirin, Tylenol or Ibuprofen and be done with it. Others don't want to pop pills to take care of their headaches so they just suffer through them. After all, unless you suffer from migraines, it won't take too long for the headache to go away on its own. But do you really want to live with that throbbing in your head if you don't have to?
People who want an alternative cure for headaches, one that is natural and not chemical, will be happy to find out that there are numerous natural ways to get rid of a headache. Here are some of those ways:

• Cayenne pepper can help clear your sinuses. If you suffer from sinus headaches, this type of home remedy can be a natural headache cure.

• Drink decaf. If you're a coffee, tea or soda drinker then you might be bringing on your headaches because of caffeine. If you fail to get that caffeine, you might get a withdrawal headache. You can either get a caffeinated drink when that happens or start curbing the caffeine out of your diet altogether.

• Drink water. Oftentimes, people get a headache because they are dehydrated. Getting some water in to your system can get rid of that headache. Drinking room temperature water is your best bet since water that is too cold can give temporarily give you even more of a headache.

• Eat right. If you get headaches on a regular basis, it could be due to a food allergy or a vitamin that is missing from your diet. Eat healthy and pay attention to what you eat and how you feel afterwards so that you can prevent the headache from happening in the first place. Also, if you get a headache, ask yourself if it's because you haven't eaten. Sometimes skipping meals can cause headaches so all you need to do is get some food in your system.

• Fresh air. Breathing deeply can do wonders for a headache in general; it'll be even more effective as a natural headache cure if you do it out in the fresh air.

• Lemons. Lemon juice added to water or tea can be a natural cure for a headache. You can also take the peel of a lemon and grind it up to make a paste. Applied to the face and forehead, this may be a headache cure as well because of the aromatherapy properties it has.

• Mint. Mint is soothing, especially in teas. And it can be a great natural way to get rid of your headache. Peppermint water will work as well.

• Take a nap. You might have a headache because you need some rest. This is especially true if your lack of sleep is causing you to strain your eyes during the day, resulting in a headache. If you can get away and take a nap when the headache comes on, you might wake up to find that it's gone.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta ( Kolkata ) - 700020
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

10 Ways to Calm Down When Anxiety Strikes

Anxiety is a terrible feeling. Your heart races. Your mind races even faster. You feel like all of the problems that have been hovering at the back of your mind suddenly need to be dealt with all at once. You imagine terrible things happening even though there's no good reason to think that they are. You panic.

How can you deal with this awful feeling when it creeps up on you. Here are ten ways to help yourself calm down when you're feeling anxious:

1. Identify the true cause of your anxiety. Most of the time, there's something that we're worried about that lies beneath the thing that we think is causing us to be anxious. If you are skilled at figuring yourself out then you might be able to determine what's really going on. For example, you're sitting by the phone waiting for your boyfriend to call and you're feeling completely anxious and you're sure that something horrible has happened to him or he's out on a date with someone else or ... that's what you think is causing the anxiety but what is really causing the anxiety could be that you've been feeling unsafe in this relationship and you're not sure where it's going. Although there's still a problem to be dealt with, you are able to recognize that it needs to be dealt with in a different way and that it's not the phone call that you're anxious about. This can reduce the immediate feeling of anxiety.

2. Exercise. Sometimes we can't talk ourselves down from that feeling of anxiety. It's just too strong. We can't think clearly. All of the emotions are coming at us. We feel like those surface problems are the real problems. Now what? Exercising is a good way to get out of your head and into your body for awhile. Do something that gets your heart pumping. Do something that's physically challenging so that you can focus on your muscles and your lungs instead of whatever it is that is making you feel crazy.

3. Breathe. There are going to be times when you feel anxious and you need to get out of your head but you can't just go for a run. You might be at work or at school or in a courtroom and you need to sit still. You can still get focused on your body by focusing on your breath. Take deep breaths, inhaling to a count of ten and exhaling to a count of ten. Or inhale give, exhale six, inhale six, exhale seven, etc. until you can't go any higher. Focus on how your breath feels in your chest and your nose. This will help get your mind off whatever is making you anxious so that your body can calm down a little bit.

4. Ask yourself what's the worst that could happen ... and how you'd handle it. Often we end up anxious about something because we are scared of it. If we can identify exactly what the worst thing about it would be and come up with some sort of action plan about how we would handle it then the anxiety may ease up. For example, you're anxious about an upcoming test. What's the worst that could happen? Even if you fail out of school and end up in a totally different career path, you're still going to be alive. Try to focus on the worst thing that could realistically happen. Pay attention to how this makes you feel, though. Some people go off the deep end into their fears and this exercise makes them feel worse instead of better.

5. Stop and smile. You can make yourself feel better just by acting like you feel better. Smile. Attend a laughing yoga class. Have someone tickle you. As the muscles in your face act happy, your body's limbic system will actually respond and you will feel a little bit happier. You'll feel calmer. Some of the anxiety will ease.

6. Analyze the extent of your anxiety. Ask yourself what your anxiety feels like. Don't focus on your thoughts. Focus on how tight your chest feels or how fast your heartbeat is. Try to rate your anxious feeling on a scale of one to ten. Simply taking at a look at your anxiety and recognizing it for what it is can sometimes help to reduce its impact.

7. Read a soothing book. Your brain needs to be taken away from whatever is causing it so much stress. A soothing book can be a great way to get away for a little while. Some people read the Bible, others read books of affirmations, others read uplifting quotations. Read something inspiring and lighthearted. If your mind is still racing with anxiety, try reading aloud.

8. Write a list of everything that is okay about your life right now. We are usually okay in the moment even though our anxiety would have us think we aren't. Making a list of all of the things that are going right and that feel safe can help us to realize that. Your health might be good, your sister might be in town, your clothes might fit great ... whatever is right in any way should go on your list. Don't think about the "buts"; just count your blessings.

9. Talk about what's going on. Talking about what's happening and what you're anxious about can sometimes make the feeling go away. The trick is to make sure that you talk to someone who isn't going to exacerbate your feelings or dismiss them. Choose someone who is a good listener. Let them know in advance that you just need to vent and you don't need advice. Or if you're looking for someone else to give you a little bit of perspective about how realistic your fears are then ask for that. You might consider talking to a friend who you trust but who isn't enmeshed in your every day life. Alternatively you might consider talking to a mentor or older family member. You might even think about talking to a counselor depending upon the extent of your anxiety and how long it's been happening.

10. Take medication. For many people, anxiety isn't just a passing thing that can be controlled with breathing and positive thoughts. Many people have real medical issues with anxiety that they need help with and medication can provide that help. If you can't get a grip on your anxiety on your own then you might want to consider speaking to a psychiatrist. These other tricks will still work for you once the medication has brought things down to a more manageable level.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicines
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta ( Kolkata ) - 700020
India.

Herbal Remedies off the Kitchen Shelf

Spice Up Your Life

The Indian method of cooking adds a number of powdered spices to each dish. This is not just to complicate the cooking, but to get all the health benefits associated with each of these herbs and spices. Yes this method of cooking is in practice since the Vedic times and each and every component that goes into cooking a dish makes it that much more healthy.

In this post, we will give you a peek into the traditional Indian "Masala Box" without which no Indian woman can cook. We will also explain the health benefits associated with each of the elements that are in the masala box. These powders and herbs greatly enhance the taste of any dish that you may wish to cook, but they also pack a healthy punch. So let's take a look at these spices and herbs which double up as healers.

Top Ten Spices and Herbs

There are a number of herbs and spices used in Indian cooking, and try as we will we can not cover them all in one post. So here are the basics and the essentials. These are the ones that will always be used.

Turmeric
Indian name: Haldi
Turmeric is a root which is first dried and then roasted before it it ground and used as a powdered spice in the food. It is of redish yellow color. It also gives the food its distinctly yellow color.

Its health benefits are many. It is an antiseptic and is used both in food and externally. If you have a cold, you are advised to drink a warm glass of milk with half a spoon of roasted turmeric powder added to it.
If you have acne, you are asked to mix turmeric powder with gram flour and make a paste with lemon juice before you apply it to the face. Wash off after ten minutes and see that acne dries up.

Cumin
Indian name: Jeera
Cumin is used in its seed form as tempering for a number of dishes. It is also used as a powdered spice. The seeds are lightly roasted and then ground once they cool down. The taste of cumin can get a bit bitter if you overdo it.
It is a good source of iron and if you need to build up your hemoglobin levels you should use it liberally in your food. It is also great for producing heat in the body to speed up your metabolic levels. Want to lose weight? Eat cumin.
Cumin is also good for indigestion and flatulence. It is also antiseptic in nature and said to relive the stuffy feeling that comes with the common cold.

Coriander
Indian name: Dhania
This is a versatile plant and you can use the seeds whole, or powdered to cook your curries. It is also possible to use the leaves of the plant as fresh herb garnishing for your curries. It is essential to the green chutney that is often used as an accompaniment with food.
It is a good source of iron and magnesium. Also rich in vitamins A,B and C. It helps in lowering blood sugar in diabetics. It is also good for digestion and flatulence troubles. Its anti-inflammatory properties help fight against urinary tract infections and reduce arthritic pains.
A teaspoon of coriander juice mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder and applied on the face will help reduce black heads and acne. It also moistens dry skin. Apply this mix on a washed face before you go to bed and wash the next morning.

Cardamon
Indian name : Elaichi
Cardamon is found in two forms. The smaller green pods and the larger brown pods. While the sweeter dishes tend to favor the green variety the savories generally use the brown one. The pods can be used whole or their seeds may be extracted and powdered for use.
Cardamon has detoxifying properties and is also anti inflamatory. It is supposed to help cure stomach cramps that come about from indigestion. It is also said to improve blood circulation to the lungs and so is good for those suffering from bronchial conditions and asthma.
The green pods are eaten whole as a mouth freshener. They are also supposed to speed up healing of mouth ulcers. Supposed to provide relief from nausea as well, so those who tend to get road sick will keep a pod in their mouth while traveling.

Clove
Indian name:Lavang
Used in both its powdered and naturally occurring form as a dried flower bud, cloves are a very versatile spice. It is supposed to have antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties.
The medicinal benefits of cloves have been well documented. It is good for tooth ache and you can keep one in the mouth for the essential oil to seep out and act as a painkiller. Great for blood circulation and digestion, cloves should be eaten in small quantities daily to benefit from their properties.
If you chose to use clove oil, be careful as the concentrated effect can pack quite a punch. It is great for de-stressing, blood purification and cure of infections.

Cinnamon
Indian name: Dal Chini
Bark of a tree curled into sticks or powdered and used while cooking, the smell of cinnamon is as amazing as its unique taste and great health benefits. Good source of magnesium, clacium, iron and fiber.
What do arthritis, balding and kidney stones have in common? They all benefit from a daily dose of cinnamon. Has an anti clotting effect on blood and also kills bacteria in food. Said to help lower LDL cholestrol and be an efficient cure against yeast infections.
Regulates blood sugar in type 2 diabetics. Boosts memory skills and cognitive functioning. Highly effective against E.Coli bacteria.

Bay Leaf
Indian name:Tej Patta
It is the dried leaf of the Bay Laurel tree and is also known as sweet laurel for that reason. When added to a dish they provide vitamin A and C, also iron and manganese. Great for handling infections and skin diseases.
Antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it a good cure for dandruff, cold and urinary infections. Bay leaf oil is also good for massages to de-stress and enhance blood circulation.
Keep a few bay leaves around the home to reduce insects in the surrounding area.

Curry Leaf
Indian name: Curry Patta
A standard part of the tempering in almost all Indian curries it adds that special taste and aroma. It is also good for the stomach and is used for dysentery, diarrhea and piles.
To stop premature greying of hair, heat oil and add a fistfull of curry leaves to it. Let them turn black. Strain the leaves out of the oil and use cooled oil to massage hair roots.
Mix lemon juice and honey with juice of curry leaves and drink as an antidote to nausea and vomiting.

Garlic
Indian name: Lasun
The garlic pod is used whole in tempering, added as a paste to curries or crushed and sprinkled over vegetable dishes. It is also eaten sprouted and raw to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and purify the blood.
Its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties make it a very popular herbal remedy for a number of diseases. It is used in everything from allergies, cold and coughs, diabetes, hypertension and a number of other things.
Its pungent effect on your breath may put you off, but believe me the health benefits far out weight the bad breath caused by garlic.

Ginger
Indian name: Adrak
The ginger root is used in many ways. You can slice, dice, julienne, or crush it into your food. The dried and powdered form is called "saunth" in Hindi.
From cancer to morning sickness ginger is a highly effective herb in many medical conditions such as migraines, motion sickness and heartburn.
As a remedy for flatuenece and painful gas you can add ginger juice to some lemon and honey and drink it a spoon at a time.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicines
80, Chowringhee Road
Kolkata - 700020
India.
http://www.altmedworld.net