Rheumatism or rheumatic arthritis is one of the commonest complaints of old age. As the age advances, there is wear and tear in the joints of the body. This causes the rheumatic pains. Ayurveda calls this condition as Ama Vata. It considers rheumatism to be caused due to the build up of ama in the body, which is caused due to a low digestive fire.

This digestive fire, or agni, is controlled by the pitta dosha. It is believed that rheumatism begins due to vata dosha, establishes itself due to the pitta dosha and then spreads throughout the body due to kapha dosha. Hence, rheumatism is caused due to vitiation of all the three doshas in the body.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Rheumatism

1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina)

People with rheumatic problems are prescribed tea made from the alfalfa leaves. This tea can be safely taken even up to six times a day. It helps to dissolve the food residues left in the body.

2. Castor (Ricinus communis)

The roots and seeds of the castor are effective in reducing joint pains. They are effective both as an external application as well as an oral medicine. For external application, a decoction of its roots is prepared and applied to the rheumatic swelling with potash mixed in it. A poultice of its seeds can also be applied on the swellings with the same effect. For oral administration, a paste of the kernel of castor is boiled in milk and given to the patient.

3. Celery (Apium graveolens)

Celery has a high content of sodium and other alkaline metals; hence it helps in the revival of worn out joints. Salads with celery in them do provide benefits, but for better benefits, the fluid extracted from its seeds is more powerful.

4. Ephedra (Ephedra gerardiana)

Both an infusion of the ephedra or its powder is useful in rheumatism. The treatment should be continued up to a fortnight. Ephedra will help to cur e rheumatic pains that are just beginning; but in case of chronic pains, ephedra is not much useful.

5. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a world-renowned remedy for rheumatic pains. Besides rheumatism, it can also be used as a good treatment for sciatica, lumbago and arthritis. The best part about garlic is that it can be taken raw or in the normal cuisine. Its excess does not have any side effects on the body.

6. Indian Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)

The Indian aloe is traditionally taken for the treatment of rheumatism. The pulp of one leaf of the aloe taken once a day is enough to bring about good results.

7. Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)

A daily consumption of the Indian gooseberry, or the amalaki, helps in speedy recovery from rheumatism. It is generally taken in powder form, in a dosage of one teaspoon mixed with two teaspoons of jaggery.

8. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

The rosemary herb is used in a slightly unconventional manner in the Ayurvedic treatment of rheumatism. The leaves and inflorescence of the rosemary have a strong odor like that of camphor. These parts of the plant are used to produce large amounts of perspiration in the regions where the rheumatic pain exists. These vapor baths are beneficial in reducing, and even eliminating, the pain.

9. Winter Cherry (Withania somniferum)

The winter cherry is none other than the famous ashwagandha. Among its myriad other uses, the ashwagandha is also useful in the treatment of rheumatism. Its roots are taken for this purpose.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Rheumatism

Since rheumatism is caused in a major way due to the buildup of ama in the body, it is necessary to remove this toxin first. Hence, fasting is necessary for a day or two. During this period of fasting, the patient is allowed to have only hot and clear vegetable soups with minimum spices. Warm water should be drunk several times a day as it helps to flush out the toxins.

During the treatment, all sour foods must be avoided. This includes curds and cheese. Fruits that are cold such as bananas and guavas must be strictly avoided.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Rheumatism

Ayurvedic treatment of rheumatism begins with fasting to cleanse the body. Once this is done, castor oil application is done with garlic tea for internal administration. Herbs like guggulu, punarnava and garlic are commonly prescribed. Dashamoolarishta is also given.

(4) Home Remedies for Rheumatism

1. Mix some dry ginger, black pepper and rock salt in the juice of a fresh ginger stem. Make a powder of this. Take this in quantity of three grams with honey.

2. Massaging with the oil extracted from Bishop’s Weed seeds directly on the painful joints helps to relieve the pain. Another way to use Bishop’s Weed is to boil some seeds in water and allow the vapors to pass over the affected joints.

3. The juice of tomatoes is very effective in rheumatic pains that arise in the joints of the hands and legs. Tomatoes can be had either in the form of a juice or raw. About four to five tomatoes must be eaten in a day.

4. A paste of garlic should be made and applied directly on the affected parts. This will reduce the pain day by day till it completely disappears. A similar effect is found by the application of mustard seed paste.

By: Tom alter

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Foods are generally considered to have medicinal qualities according to ayurveda, ayurveda always stresses upon having little amount of food with adequate nutrition both for the mind and the body, because more amount of food or nutrition overtaxes the digistive organs , easy to digest foods that provide wholesome growth and various benefits are recommended.

Another classification of food according to ayurveda is classifying according to quality, dry foods, heavy foods,light foods, warm and cool foods.Ayurvedic Physicians prescribe foods that have these qualities including the Rasa’s in abundant. If we take such kind of nutritions the Dosha(s) we try to balance gets pacified in a given time.

Foods are also classified as sattvic, rajasic and tamasic according to the quality of the impact they have on the heart, mind and spirit. Foods that are particularly nourishing for not just physical, but mental, emotional and spiritual health, are called sattvic–foods that impart sattva (purity)in ayurveda. Rice, milk, ghee and almonds are examples of sattvic foods

ayurveda Vegetables and herbs or spices that contribute the bitter or astringent tastes, whole milk, lassi (a drink made by blending together fresh yogurt and water), cooked fruit, chutneys, whole grains, unleavened fresh breads made with flour that has not been refined, and mung beans are examples of particularly nourishing and healing foods that are recommended in ayurveda. Ayurveda is the science of life or science of longevity which promises better health, prevents diseases and helps in achieving a long life. According to Ayurveda, the right balance of the three subtle energies, called Vata, Pitta and Kapha, is what maintains health. The biological air humour, Vata is responsible for all the movements in the body. The biological water humour or Kapha is responsible for strength and immunity while the biological fire humour or Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism

Ayurveda Four Aims Of Life – Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha are the four human aspirations or pursuits that are related to human life and its various dimensions like physical and monetary, mental, emotional and spiritual. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, derived from two roots: ayur, which means life, and veda, knowledge. Knowledge arranged systematically with logic becomes science. During the due course of time, Ayurveda became the science of life. It has its root in ancient vedic literature and encompasses our entire life, the body, mind and spirit. Please Purchase Online http://ayurvedasbeautycare.com

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Ayurveda is not just only about treating diseases. Ayurveda is just about leading a healthy life in a physical, mental and divine level. The food items we eat, the air we breathe, the freshness of nature we experience, the fragrance we smell, the good sights we enjoy, all have potential medicinal values.

This is best illustrated by the story of Jeevaka’s test. It is the final test assigned by Jeevaka’s Acharya (teacher) Athreya.

Jeevaka (Jivaka), like other disciples of Atreya had to bring a herb or a leaf with no medicinal value. Jivaka, could not find such a plant or a herb. However, it was only a manifestation of superior knowledge he had on the value of plants, herbs and all elements of nature.

Jivaka explained that whatever plant he saw had some medicinal property, which can be used under optimum conditions for best results. He said even the slanting sunrays, cool breeze, the sound of water flowing through a rivulet, the singing of birds too have medicinal properties. Some have medicinal qualities to treat physical ailments while others have powers to cure mental disturbances.

One should look at Ayurveda medicines in this light. Nothing on the earth is without a reason. Every leaf, flower, root and stem has medicinal qualities under specific conditions.

Have a look at Ayurvedic medicines prepared by Ayurvedic herbs for different Ayurvedic treatments. Ayurvedic medicines are prepared by a combination of selected roots, leaves or stems of Ayurvedic medicinal herbs. These herbs form part of Ayurvedic massage oil, Ayurvedic herbal decoctions called kashaya, Ayurvedic jam called Rasayana, Ayurvedic Ghee called ghrita etc.

According to Ayurveda, diseases can occur when there is a slight imbalance in the basic humors of human body – vata, pitta and kapha, which collectively is known as tridosha or three doshas.

Ayurvedic treatment is a method of restoring balance of human system through proper application of medicine by drinking, eating or application by massaging.

Preparations of medicines are under controlled conditions. Slight variations from standard condition can spoil the medicine.

There are also quality standards for the medicinal herbs collected for Ayurveda medicine preparation.



By: Dev Sri

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Alcoholism is defined as an irresistible urge to consume alcohol. People suffering from alcoholism are very well aware of the dangerous effects alcohol could have on their bodies, but still they are unable to resist the urge to consume it. They will usually drink beyond acceptable limits and will be in an inebriated state most often, causing embarrassment and inconvenience to the people with them.

Most people who consume alcohol have more than they can manage. This is seen in alcohol drinkers who lose control of their senses when they have one drink too many. Such an overstepping of limits is called as alcohol abuse. People who abuse alcohol are having more alcohol than their body allows them, but they have not yet come totally under the control of their alcohol habit. However, if they continue drinking for long, then they will not be able to resist alcohol and will become totally addicted to it. This situation is called as alcoholism.

Constant alcoholism will interfere with the functioning of all the vital organs of the body. The major organs affected are the liver, brain, heart and kidneys.

Liver is perhaps the most seriously affected in the long run. With prolonged alcoholism, the liver may develop cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver tissue. Once cirrhosis sets in, it is very difficult to return the health back to normal.

In the stomach, alcohol can cause several gastric problems which may interfere with digestion. At the same time, each time a person has alcohol, it numbs his/her nervous system. In due course, the person may lose some or all of the fundamental senses.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Alcoholism

1. Aloe vera (Aloe vera)

Aloe vera helps to strengthen the liver which is the first organ to be affected by the habit of alcoholism. Aloe vera can improve the functions and strength of the liver, and can prevent cirrhosis which is developed due to continuous intake of alcohol.

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is an herb that is taken to reduce vata vitiations. This is important since vata plays and important role in strengthening the brain and nervous coordination. Use of ashwagandha can make the alcoholic person stronger.

3. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

The gotu kola herb revitalizes the brain. This is essential in people who want to overcome the withdrawal symptoms accompanied with alcohol.

4. Musk (Nardostachys jatamansi)

Known commonly in Ayurveda as Jatamansi, musk is a nervine for the vata vitiation. Its cooling effect helps the body to fight against then effects of alcoholism.

(2) Ayurvedic Treatment for Alcoholism

Ayurvedic treatments for mada work on various levels. There are different kinds of treatments for people with different degrees of alcoholism. Common therapies employed are cold irrigations on the head, providing a cold diet and applying cold mud packs on the body.

However these therapies work only for people who are not habitual alcoholics. These are the people who are beginners to drinking and hence get intoxicated easily. Ayurvedic medicines like Brihat vata chintamani rasa, Vata Vidhwansa rasa, Brahmi ghritam and Sarvatha choorna can be given to the alcoholics.

But if the person is a habitual alcoholic, then severe treatments are necessary. The medication is done based on the doshic constitution of the person.

1. For people with a vata constitution, the prescribed Ayurvedic treatments are Suvarachala choorna, Shuktapana and Amla Snigdhaadi yoga.

2. For people with a pitta constitution, the prescribed Ayurvedic treatments are Vata Srugadi pana and Kshundramalaki hima.

3. For people with a kapha constitution, the prescribed Ayurvedic treatments are to induce vomiting, fasting and to provide digestive medicines.

(3) Home Medications

Fruit juices are very effective in lowering the effects of alcoholism. For removing the effects of a hangover, the juice of a lemon or orange will be very effective. Eating an apple or banana helps to flush out the toxins from the body which collect due to alcoholism.

Both grapes and dates are very beneficial in reducing the urge to consume alcohol. If alcoholics are kept on a diet of only grapes for a couple of weeks, then most likely the temptation to drink will be totally gone.

Introduce many other drinks in the person’s diets so that the craving for the alcoholic drink is reduced.

When the person feels the urge to consume alcohol, having a glass of carrot juice will help to reduce the temptation.

For an alcoholic, avoiding alcohol could be a very difficult task. The withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism may be very severe. So it is not advisable for a hardcore alcohol to stop drinking entirely. Instead, the alcohol should be carefully phased out.

The following steps can be taken to reduce alcohol intake

1. The person must be made to take interest in constructive hobbies and sports.

2. Love and affection from family members and friends could strengthen the resolve of the person to give up alcoholism.

3. Attending meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous will show the alcoholic how people have managed to kick their boozing habits. This will create a very positive outlook in the alcoholic.

4. Instead of alcohol, other drinks with less alcohol in them can be used, such as wine and cocktails. Eventually even these can be stopped.

By: Tom alter

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