Allergic Rhinitis – Ayurvedic Concept
February 27, 2011 by Ayurvedic
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
It is quite common in spring to see people sneezing. Allergic rhinitis commonly known as Hay fever is in full swing and you feel the urge to rub your nose, eyes and ears. Throat is constantly sore and itchy. This is all due to immune response to airborne pollens of different plants and flowers. In Ayurveda a disease is a state of imbalance in the three doshas present in the human body namely vata, pita and kapha.
Allergic rhinitis is also, one of those diseases. The most common cause of allergies is pollens of the grass, trees, weeds and molds. Rhinitis could range from mild nasal congestion to skin rashes. It can be extremely infectious, as in the case of the common cold and non-infectious when it comes to seasonal and allergies.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of vataja prathisyaya (Ayurvedic name for Rhinitis) are: Nasanaha is nothing but nose block, Kaphasruti is running nose, rhinorrhoea and Kshava is sneezing. Sneezing may include paroxysms of 10-20 sneezes. Rhinorrhea is profuse, thin and watery. Headaches and earache may accompany nasal congestion and prolonged congestion may lead to alteration or loss of smell and taste. The treatment for allergic rhinitis involves anti-histamines, decongestants and immunotherapy. The line of treatment in ayurveda is nasya and dhoomapana. Shamana drugs like lakshmivilas ras, panchamrutha, septilin tablet, amrutharishta etc can be used.
Ayurvedic approach
Certain foods are more mucous producing and Ayurvedic medicine recognizes those foods as Kapha foods. Dairy, wheat, sugar, night shade family like potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, peppers, and bananas, oranges, tangerines, grapefruits all are considered Kapha foods, thus aggravating allergies. Diet rich in lots of fruits and vegetable of different colors are recommended, as they provide photochemical, which reduce susceptibility to allergies. Neti is nasal douching with salt and baking soda of the nasal passages, which helps soothe the irritated mucous membranes. Ayurvedic herbs like Guggul, Shilajeet, Amla and Pippli also help tremendously. Shilajeet is a mineral pitch that helps boost the immune system.
http://www.ayurvedaforall.com/
How to Cure Anxiety Using Only Natural Anxiety Treatments
January 5, 2011 by Ayurvedic
Filed under Alternative Medicine, Diseases And Conditions
Many sufferers of generalized anxiety disorder turn to natural anxiety treatment because of the unwelcome side effects of prescription medications. Effexor (venlafaxine), for instance, usually is not a good choice for people who have high blood pressure. Taking Effexor with one of the older, and cheaper MAOI antidepressants can cause a fatal interaction, and many people find that Effexor gives them socially awkward symptoms of indigestion-and takes away the feeling of urgency to deal with it.
Desyrel (trazodone) can aggravate high blood pressure and cause dizziness. Cymbalta (duloxetine) should not be used by people who have glaucoma. Lexapro (escitalopram) can cause sweating, nausea, fatigue, and drowsiness in both sexes, and make ejaculation impossible for men.
The side effects-and the expense-of anti-anxiety medications lead many people to turn to natural anxiety treatments. Some of these natural methods cost nothing at all. Here is an overview of five treatments that help.
1. Breathing Exercises.
Ongoing anxiety causes changes in the autonomic nervous system, the part of the central nervous system that controls the body functions that we do not consciously think about, such as breathing, digestion, and perspiration. One way to “reprogram” the autonomic nervous system is practice deep breaths followed by long exhalations. Breathing all the air out of your lungs in a long exhalation gets rid of carbon dioxide and creates a partial vacuum that sucks fresh air in. The additional oxygenation activates the “executive function” centers of the brain and helps you take control over your situation.
2. Water therapy.
Another way to stop the “nerves” that accompany generalized anxiety is to splash cold water on your face. This triggers a dive reflex that redirects blood away from tense muscles and to the brain.
3. Eliminating sugar from your diet.
One factor in generalized anxiety disorder is an ongoing condition of inflammation in the brain. If brain tissue is constantly flooded with glucose released by the digestion of too many high-carbohydrate, sugary foods, it never has a chance to deal with inflammation. Simply avoiding sugary foods and late-night snacks will have a beneficial effect on anxiety that is noticeable in two or three days.
4. Eliminating caffeine from your diet.
Just about anyone will suffer symptoms of anxiety after consuming 5 or more cups of regular coffee in one day. Tea and colas, especially Mountain Dew, have a similar effect. Eliminating caffeine lessens activity in the “startle centers” of the brain that power ongoing, generalized, free-floating anxiety.
5. Herbs also help.
When anxiety is accompanied by depression, St. John’s wort is a great natural anxiety treatment-provided you have not taken any prescription medications for either anxiety or depression for at least four weeks. Because St. John’s wort really works, it is best to allow any medication to wash out of your system before beginning the herb. The Ayurvedic herb Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, and the Tahitian herb kava also help relieve over-reactions to sound and light and reestablish normal sleeping patterns.
Fawaz Morgan-Rowe is a writer of a health site that discusses general anxiety treatment tips and other ways of how to stop panic attacks.
For more great advice and more natural anxiety tips, be sure to visit us on the web at our natural anxiety treatments page.
Fever – Ayurvedic Concept
December 10, 2010 by Ayurvedic
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
Ayurveda, an ancient healing system refers fever as jwara, a condition in which the body condition goes beyond the normal temperature and is characterized by disturbance in normal functioning of the system.
- It believes that it is due to disruption of any one or all the doshas or energy fields within the body system and if not attended immediately might damage other parts of the body.
- It classifies fever in to eight types which ranges from internal to external to parasitic to seasonal and mental and that if the fever chapter is completed then half of treatment is over.
- The main symptoms of fever are a raise in body temperature, chilly, sore throat, body stiffness, muscle aches, headache, disturbed digestion, lack of appetite etc.,
- Improper agni (digestive fire) leads to indigestion resulting in ama (toxins) which block the channels in the body which further leads to the blocking of the fire in different tissues resulting in fever.
- Fever according to ayurveda occurs when the digestive fire (agni) and digestive toxins (ama) which are normally found within the gastrointestinal tract are thrown out of their place by disrupted doshas and then they overflow into the blood and lymphatic system. Its circulation in the body causes the typical symptoms like high temperature, heaviness etc. Because of this the tridoshas are further irritated and it spreads throughout the blood stream. When supplemented with its own heat plus the heat of the misplaced agni, the temperature of the body raises can causes the symptoms of fever.
- During a high body temperature, Ayurveda suggests to have a cold sponging, an easily digestible liquid diet and a complete rest.
http://www.ayurvedaforall.com/
Eye Diseases – Ayurvedic Concept
November 22, 2010 by Ayurvedic
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
Eyes being one of the most important organs in Ayurveda, all five elements play a role in maintaining eye health. Earth (prithivi) governs the muscular part of the eye, fire (tejas) rules the blood vessels, air (vayu) governs the color, water (apu) dominates the white area, and space (akasha) controls the tear ducts and channels.According to ayurvedic studies, eye problems are caused by upsetting of one of the three doshas namely an imbalance in vata, pitta or kapha doshas.
Improper Eye care can result in the following:
- Impaired vision (need of glasses)
- Cataracts
- Damaged Retinas
- Blindness
Causes
- Vata disorders in the eye tend to lead to dryness, poor vision and eyestrain.
- Pitta imbalances cause burning, inflammation, yellow pus, and redness.
TREATMENT
Ayurvedic eye treatment varies for each problem. Few eye strengthening and purifying treatments are use of triphala eyewash, eye bright infusion and netra vasti. Cooling herbs such as roses, sandalwood, coriander leaves, and Indian eyeliner (kajal) also improve vision. A drop of pure castor oil in the eyes is also healing for vata and pitta eye diseases. As shatavari is high in vitamin A and gooseberry in vitamin C these strengthen the eyes connective tissue integrity. As per Ayurveda it is vital to protect the eyes from chemicals, overstrain, sunlight and internal toxins. Heat too increases degeneration of the eyes connective tissue so one should avoid hot hair dryers, hot water on the face, alcohol based cosmetics around the eyes. Yogic eye exercises are indeed helpful to maintain clarity of vision. Above all a diet, rich in antioxidants such as fresh fruit and vegetables will result in strong eyes.
Please visit eye care herbal remedies for more herbal preparations.
Dr Rajesh Nair is a Web writer and ayurvedic researcher. Check out his favorite sources for ayurvedic medicines, and eye care medicines.
HIV & AIDS – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment, an Update
July 27, 2010 by Ayurvedic
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
HIV infection is a medical condition characterized by a progressive deficiency in the immune system of the human body, caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Currently there is no cure for this condition. However, anti-retroviral therapy has succeeded in reducing the virus count to a bare minimum, and has helped the immune system to improve. This therapy has multiple side-effects, and over time, the virus starts multiplying, while the immune system fails gradually.
Some Ayurvedic physicians compare the symptoms of HIV/AIDS to those of “Kshaya” or “Oja-Kshaya” mentioned in Ayurveda. While Ayurvedic treatment may not show the initial dramatic improvement seen with modern drugs, this treatment still has a significant role to play in the long term management of HIV infection. Ayurvedic medicines reduce the virus count and improve the CD4/CD8 count, which are indicative of the modulated immune status of the body. Judicious use of Ayurvedic medicines may also increase the innate (basic) immunity of the body, improve weight and cause excretion of the HIV virus from the body.
Traditional Ayurvedic formulations can be effectively used to treat the opportunistic infections which are a hallmark of advanced HIV infection. Kutaj Ghana Vati, Sanjeevani Vati, Panchamrut Parpati and Kutaj Parpati are used to treat recurrent diarrhea. Arogya Vardhini, Triphala Guggulu, Mahamanjishthadi Ghan Vati, Praval and Kamdudha are useful in Herpes Zoster infection and also in other skin infections. Laxmi Narayan Rasa, Samshamani Vati and Laghu Sutshekhar are used in chronic fever. Chandanadi Vati, Shatadhout Ghrut,Yashtimadhuk Ghrut, Triphala and Chandan (Sandalwood ) powders are useful in recurrent oral and genital ulcers. Laghu Malini Vasant, Madhu Malini Vasant, Suvarna Malini Vasant, Suvarna Bhasma and Heerak Bhasma are used as “general tonics”.
Herbal medicines which are useful in HIV infection are: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Pippali (Piper longum) and Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica). These medicines have anti-viral, immunomodulating and adaptogenic properties. Some of these increase body weight, yet others increase the “agni” of the body and therefore maintain cellular metabolism at an optimum level.
Patients with HIV infection need long-term or life-long treatment. Herbal medicines have the advantage of an impressive safety profile, and can therefore, be given for long periods without any significant side effects. Herbal medicines can be given independently, or as additional therapy to modern medicines. The current goal in HIV management of prolonging a healthy life at minimum risk and cost, can thus, be achieved admirably with herbal medicines.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 23 years and clinical research experience of 9 years. He has published his findings of herbal treatment of HIV / AIDS in 55 patients in the Bombay Hospital Journal, Mumbai, India, July 2005 issue.
He has also successfully completed a clinical trial of herbal extract medicines in Schizophrenia compared to modern anti-psychotics, in 200 patients. He has also conducted preliminary studies of Ayurvedic herbal extracts in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Mental Retardation, Tobacco and Alcohol Addiction, Age Related Macular Degeneration and different types of Cancer.
Neem as Ayurvedic Home Remedy
January 28, 2010 by Ayurvedic
Filed under Alternative Medicine, Ayurvedic Treatment for Hair Loss, Diseases And Conditions, Travel
In India neem is known as margosa or Indian lilac. It is an evergreen tree and cultivated in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. Neem has been extensively used in ayurveda, unani and homoeopathic medicine and has become a cynosure of modern medicine. Neem is called sarvaroganivarani or reliever of sickness. The tree is regarded as ‘village dispensary’ in India.
The importance of the neem tree has been recognized by National Research Council (USA), which published a report in 1992 entitled ‘Neem – a tree for solving global problems’.
All parts of neem have medical value.
Some medicinal uses of neem as mentioned in ayurveda are:
The leaf is used for treating eye problem, leprosy, intestinal worms, epistaxis anorexia skin ulcers, and biliousness.
The bark of the tree is used as an analgesic, and used to treat fever.
Neem flower is useful in suppressing bile, treat intestinal worms and phlegm.
Fruit helps in relieving piles, eliminate intestinal worms, treat urinary disorder, epistaxis, expel phlegm, cure eye problems, diabetes, wounds and leprosy.
Neem twigs are used in the cure of cough, asthma, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, obstinate urinary disorder, and diabetes.
Gum obtained from the bark is a very effective for skin diseases like ringworms, wounds and ulcers, and scabies.
Pulp of the seed and neem oil are used in treating intestinal worms and leprosy.
A combination of the root, bark, leaf, flower and fruit is used in treating blood problems, bile afflictions, leprosy, itching, skin ulcer, urticaria etc.
A paste prepared with neem and turmeric was found to be effective in the treatment of scabies. In 97% of cases, the paste was found to cure scabies within 3–15 days of treatment without any adverse effect.
Dried neem leaves in the form of tea are used by the people of Nigeria and Haiti to treat malaria.
Application of neem oil on hair helps to kill head lice and cure dandruff.
Neem flowers help improve eyesight. For this purpose dry neem flowers are used, preferably 6 months to one year old. These flowers are fried lightly using ghee and then taken internally.
Thus the neem’s role in providing a cheaper, safe solution to modern day diseases is unsurpassed. No wonder it is called “arishta” in Ayurveda which means “reliever of sickness”.
By: Shaiju Joseph
About the Author:
Shaiju Joseph is an Ayurveda enthusiast. He collects information on alternative systems from various sources. For more tips and Ayurvedic home remedies visit http://ayurvedichomeremedies.blogspot.com/
Triphala – Natural Colon Cleanser, Triphala Benefits, Ayurvedic Treatment of Constipation, Constipation, Internal Cleanser
December 9, 2009 by Ayurvedic
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
* Exhibits antioxidant activity
* Lowers cholesterol
* Reduce tumors in animals, and
* Protects and improve liver function
* Normalizes blood pressure
* Inhibits HIV
A person taking Triphala frequently will feel pure, light and revitalized. Your body metabolism will be regularize and detoxified.
A well-liked folk saying in India is, “No mother? Do not be anxious so long as you have Triphala.” The basis is that Indian people believe that triphala is capable to care for the inner organs of the body as a mother cares for her child. Each of the three herbal fruits of Triphala takes care of the body by gently promoting internal cleansing of all circumstances of stagnation and excess while at the same time it improves digestion and assimilation.
Herbal Actions
Triphala is combination of three herbs: Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki. Amla helps to fix damaged cells on the intestinal wall, and the fruit contains the uppermost natural known source of vitamin C. It is said to have 20 times the vitamin C percent in orange. Bibhitaki acts to take away mucus build-up where bacteria, yeast and parasites can proliferate. The last is Haritaki, which acts as a bowel toner, slightly than a laxative. These three herbs effort in consort to quietly promote internal cleansing of all situations of stagnation and excess, while at the same time, they aid in the digestion and absorption of food. In India, Triphala is measured the supreme and most versatile of all herbal formulations. For centuries, Triphala has been extensively known and used as a standard household health supplement. Triphala is regarded as a significant rasayana in Ayurvedic medicine. Medicinal herbs in the rasayana group are believed to encourage health, immunity, and long life. In many households, it is taken on a daily basis by all family members to help prevent disease and maintain health. Triphala is recommended in Ayurveda for the treatment of a variety of circumstances, and also forms a base for many other herbal formulations. It is measured to be one of the most valued arrangements by practitioners of traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Health Benefits of Triphala
· It acts as an antioxidant agent preventing any free radical development in the body. This property of triphala helps it to stop early aging signs like wrinkles and premature graying of hairs.
· It is useful in regularizing the normal peristaltic movements that are very vital for correct passage of food from one organ to another. This helps in aiding the digestion of food in good amount of time.
· It acts as an appetizer as it helps in appropriate digestion of the food.
· It is very successful in stimulating the liver for its functioning to the optimized level. More over it also helps in secretion of the bile juices that are very much necessary for fat metabolism.
· It is very much useful in reducing the plaque formation in the arteries thereby reducing the threat of heart associated problems caused due to arteriosclerosis.
· It is useful in maintaining the proper secretions of the endocrinal system that are accountable for maintaining the appropriate homeostasis in the body and aiding the correct functioning of all the physiological processes in the body.
· It is an outstanding remedy for eyes connected problems and helps in improving the eye vision and strengthens the muscles of the eyes.
· Last but not the least, being a mild laxative it helps in evacuating the bowel and therefore is measured as one of the best body detoxifier and facilitates expulsion of toxins out of the body.
· Triphala helps in maintaining the correct levels of the cholesterol in the body thereby preventing us from fatal and deadly heart problems. It helps in curbing the creation of low density lipoprotein (LDL).
· It is very much successful in suppressing any type of infection or foreign invasion in the blood thereby helpful in preventing any kind of skin associated diseases and other infectious situation in the body.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Constipation
Constipation may be distinct as uncommon bowel evacuation or decrease frequency of usual bowel movements. If the stools are strangely hard, dry and hard to expel, the patient is said to be constipated. The main causes contain habitual or due to certain diseases. Addiction to tea, coffee and smoking, extreme use of laxatives and purgatives, stress, sluggish peristalsis in old age, change of place of evacuation, lack of work out, erratic and poor diet.
Signs and Symptoms
These include cracked tongue, loss of appetite, flatulence in abdomen, headache and discomfort, abdominal pain and other complications such as piles and ulcer.
Constipation Home Remedies
1) Take 2 tablespoon. Gulkand(confection of rose petals) with milk. One more way is to steep 2 tsp. pulp of purging cassia (amaltas) in water during the night, strain in the sunup and drink mixing to it 1 tablespoon sugar.
2) The powder of mint (pudina), ginger, black pepper and celery seeds taken in the sunup and sunset leave a healing effect.
3) Rose petal jelly is cooperative ayurvedic cure for constipation. To make it mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoon orange juice, two tablespoon clear honey, 400 gram white cane sugar and 150 ml water. Mix up until the sugar dissolves. Mix it to 100 gm white rose petal and heat gently until the petals complete to dissolve. Consent to the mixture to cool stirring regularly, you will have the syrup with transparent pieces of petal floating in it.
4) Ajmoda seeds mixed to one piece Aniseed (saunf) and sugar taken two times daily is a helpful constipation cure.
By: jeniferhobson
About the Author:
Read more on constipation causes and effective chronic remedies, visit at www.herbalcureindia.com.
Herbal and Ayurvedic Treatment for Diarrhea
December 1, 2009 by Ayurvedic
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
In Ayurveda, diarrhea is known as Atisara. Vitiation in any of the three doshas can cause atisara. However, the vitiation of vata dosha is particularly responsible as it brings more water to the intestine and lowers the digestive fire which causes diarrhea.
The vata type of diarrhea is characterized by abdominal cramping and gas in the abdomen. The stools contain more water and less fecal matter. The pitta type of diarrhea show yellowish stools which have an offensive odor. The kapha type of diarrhea is whitish in color with copious water and little mucus.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Diarrhea
1. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
The bark of the arjuna tree is useful in the treatment of diarrhea. The bark is taken as a decoction in dosages of 15 to 30 grams per day.
2. Babul (Acacia arabica)
The babul tree is very useful in preventing diarrhea. Each part of the babul tree is useful. Its leaves can be taken as a mixed dose with black cumin seeds, its bark can be taken as an infusion with water and even its gum can be taken as a syrup.
3. Bael (Aegle marmelos)
Bael is very effective for the treatment of diarrhea which is not accompanied by fever. The unripe or half-ripe fruit is eaten for best results.
4. Banyan (Ficus bengalensis)
The buds of the banyan trees are the beneficial parts. These must be soaked in water overnight and the infusion must be taken in the morning.
5. Belleric Myroblan (Terminalia belerica)
Known as bahera in Hindi, this is one of the ingredients of the extremely useful Triphala. The pulp of its fruit is taken to cure most stomach problems, including indigestion and diarrhea.
6. Bishop’s Weed (Trachyspermum ammi)
The oil extracted from the seeds of the Bishop’s weed is useful in the treatment of diarrhea. Just two to three drops of this oil per dosage is sufficient.
7. Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
Black nightshade leaves are used in the treatment of diarrhea. The leaves are taken in the form of an infusion with the juice of other liquids.
8. Butea (Butea monosperma)
The butea tree yields a gum which is beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea. It is especially useful in women and children that are suffering from diarrhea.
9. Chebulic Myroblan (Terminalia chebula)
Known as harad in Hindi, it is the second ingredient of Triphala. The pulp of the unripe fruit of this plant is given along with honey for better results.
10. Dill (Anethum sowa)
The oil obtained from the dill is used for the treatment of diarrhea. Dill oil is so mild that it is also an ingredient used in the medicines for treating baby colic.
11. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Fenugreek seeds are useful in the treatment of digestive problems including diarrhea.
12. Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)
Known as amalaki in Hindi, this is the third ingredient in the preparation of Triphala. It is the richest source of vitamin C in the world.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Diarrhea
Fasting is the first step in the Ayurvedic treatment of diarrhea. At this time warm water should be drunk throughout the day. This helps to flush out the toxins in the bowels as much as possible.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Diarrhea
Once the causative dosha is identified, the treatment is done according to type.
1. For vata type of diarrhea, the medicine of choice is Kutajarishta. It is taken in quantities of 15 ml thrice a day for fifteen days.
2. For pitta type of diarrhea, the medicine of choice is Bilwadi choorna. It is taken in a teaspoonful amount thrice a day for fifteen days.
3. For kapha type of diarrhea, two medicines are usually prescribed. One is the Gangadhara choorna, which is taken in 1 gram amount twice a day for fifteen days. The other is Jatiphaladi vati, which is taken in 250 milligrams amount twice a day for fifteen days.
(4) Home Medications
1. Mix equal parts of the babul tree with black cumin seeds. Take this in dosages of 12 grams thrice a day.
2. Prepare an infusion of cinnamon in water and boil it. This must be taken half an hour after meals. It takes care of almost all digestive problems and also relieves flatulence.
3. Mix some tender curry leaves with honey and take them early in the morning. If there is vomiting, then the bark of this tree must be taken.
4. Grind the seeds of the Indian plum (jamun) and mango into a fine powder. Take two teaspoonfuls of this powder mixture in a glass of buttermilk. This treatment gives quick results.
5. Boil raw bananas and peel them. Put some ghee in a vessel and put some pieces of cloves in them. Put the bananas in them. Then introduce curds, coriander, turmeric and salt. This will be a very tasty banana dish which has special effects on the treatment of diarrhea.
By: Tom alter
About the Author:
Read More on home remedy and herbal remedies for diarrhea by Ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com
Read more about Ayurveda at World’s Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com – The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia
Herbal and Ayurvedic Treatment of Hiccups
September 4, 2009 by Ayurvedic
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
In Ayurveda, there are five types of hiccoughs. They are all classified under Hikka Roga. Since hiccoughs are expulsions of wind from the chest cavity, they are caused due to vitiation of the vata dosha, which represents the air element of the human body. Especially the prana and the udaan vata sub-doshas are responsible for hiccoughs.
The exact cause of hiccoughs is not known to medical science. But Ayurveda holds the gastrointestinal tract responsible for them. They can be caused due to minor problems such as flatulence and constipation. In such cases, hiccoughs are not serious and they can be taken care of easily. But hiccoughs that are caused due to chronic conditions must be considered with great care.
Out of the five types of hiccoughs, the first three – annaja, yamala and kshudra – are considered by Ayurveda to be born out of gastrointestinal causes, due to problems such as constipation and flatulence. The remaining two types, gambhira and mahati, are caused due to serious complications. These hiccoughs cannot be treated easily.
(1) Useful Herbs/Plants in the Treatment of Hiccoughs
1. Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Inhaling black pepper powder can induce a person to sneezing. Sneezing is a violent movement of the respiratory tract. Therefore, it can put an end to hiccoughs.
2. Cardamom (Elattaria cardamomum)
Cardamom is another spice that is used for the treatment of hiccoughs. If the hiccough is persistent then a half teaspoon of cardamom powder is mixed in a cupful of water and then boiled to half its quantity. This solution is then filtered and drunk.
3. Mustard (Brassica junpea)
Due to its strong taste, mustard has capacity to stimulate the nerves in the throat region. Slowly swallowing a tablespoonful of mustard seeds mixed with ghee helps to reduce hiccoughs.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Hiccoughs
Most hiccoughs are due to indigestions in the stomach. Hence, the diet must be formulated so as to be light on the stomach. Take more fibers in the diet which will help in the proper digestion of food. Avoid too much spicy food, as spices take a long time to digest. White meats must be preferred over red meats.
If the person has recurrent hiccoughs, then a vata pacifying diet must be prescribed. Such a diet is one that is not totally dry – all dishes are moistened with a little ghee or oil. Lots of fresh juicy fruits and water must be consumed.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Hiccoughs
The treatments of the five types of hiccoughs cannot be done in a general manner. The first step in the Ayurvedic treatment of hiccoughs is to investigate its cause. Minor hiccoughs will disappear in some time, and are not much of a problem. But if the hiccough is persistent, then the following therapies must be followed:-
(i) For acute hiccoughs, Mayurpichcha mashi is given along with ginger and honey. Mayurpichcha mashi is the ash of burnt peacock feather. This mixture is to be licked repeatedly, after every few minutes. It stops the hiccoughs in some time.
(ii) For persistent hiccoughs, take Chitrakadi vati in quantities of 250 milligrams thrice a day. Treatment is to be continued for two weeks. It is advisable to give carminative foods such as ginger, black pepper, fennel, cardamom, etc. to cure the gastrointestinal problem that may be causing the hiccoughs.
(iii) Somnath rasa is also a commonly prescribed medicine for hiccoughs.
(4) Home Medications
There are many household remedies used for controlling hiccoughs. But it must be borne in mind that if the hiccoughs do not stop with these remedies, then there is some serious cause, which must be investigated properly.
1. The age-old remedy is to get someone to suddenly frighten you. Like, get someone to scare you by suddenly shouting in your face. This will divert your nerves and stop the hiccoughs.
2. Drinking a glassful of water or even gargling with water helps to reduce hiccoughs. The best way to do this is to cover the ears and then drink the water in fast gulps, without stopping to breathe. This is the surest way to stop minor hiccoughs.
3. Eating something spicy and pungent can stop hiccoughs.
4. Try massaging the region at the back of the neck. This is the place where the nerves are much accessible. Massaging these nerves stimulates them into stopping the hiccoughs.
5. In case of children with hiccoughs, a spoonful of peanut butter or honey is a good remedy. It should be swallowed at once, without retaining it in the mouth. Alternatively, a spoonful of curds sweetened with sugar can also be given to children.
6. Another remedy that works for children is to make them hold some sugar below their tongues and then drink a glassful of water. Relief from hiccoughs is immediate.
7. Sudden jerking movements of the body, especially the neck and the chest, help in reducing the hiccoughs. This includes pulling the head back or forth vigorously, jumping, swaying to and fro, etc. Lying on the back for a while can also provide relief.
By: Tom alter
About the Author:
Read More on hiccup cure and hiccup home remedies by Ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com
Read more about Ayurveda at World’s Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com – The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia
Anemia Treatment – Herbs and Ayurvedic Remedies, Anemia Cure
July 9, 2009 by Ayurvedic
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
Anemia is caused as Pandu roga in Ayurveda. It is linked with the paachaka sub-dosha of the pitta. Paachaka is responsible for the proper assimilation of the digested food. If this does not happen, then the minerals in the foods – especially iron – do not pass out into the blood properly. As a result, the quality of the blood deteriorates. This leads to anemia.
There are many factors that can cause the condition of anemia in the body. Hemorrhoids or piles are an important factor. Due to this condition, there is continuous blood loss from the body. The same happens when the body has ulcers or cancers. During puberty, girls may suffer anemia. Anemia can also be caused after some major injury or a surgery in which there was major loss of blood. Hemolysis can also cause anemia. This is a condition in which there is a deterioration of red blood corpuscles.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Anemia
1. Ash Gourd (Benincasa hipsida)
Ash gourd can prevent the risk of anemia by checking the amount of blood lost from the lungs, nose and if there are piles. Ash gourd is also effective in controlling hematuria, which is a condition in which there are blood cells in the urine.
2. Celery (Apium graveolens)
Celery has a high quantity of iron and magnesium content. Iron is a component of heme, which is necessary for the production of hemoglobin in the blood. Thus a diet rich in celery helps to increase the amount of blood in the body.
3. Chicory (Chichorium intybus)
Chicory is an effective tonic for the blood. If taken with celery and parsley, it shows excellent results. These three can be had as a salad by people suffering from anemia.
4. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Known as methi, the bitter-tasting fenugreek is an important component of the Indian cuisine. Its leaves are helpful in building the volume of blood in the body. It is especially effective in girls who are suffering from anemic conditions due to the onset of puberty.
5. Onion (Allium cepa)
Onion has rich iron content. The advantage of the iron composition of onion is that it can be easily assimilated in the blood. Hence onion is the most effective remedy for anemia.
6. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthum)
Wormwood is another herb that is rich in iron. Hence it is regularly used in the treatment of anemia.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Anemia
1. A healthy diet, rich in iron, must be consumed. Whole grain cereals, legumes and pulses are good sources of iron. Nuts and dry dates also contain iron. Among the meats, organs such as kidney and liver contain iron in them.
2. Anemia that is caused due to deficiency of vitamins can be avoided by a proper intake of vitamins in the diet. The food must be properly balanced and contain the proper amount of nutrients. Consult a diet chart for better guidance.
3. In order to prevent anemia conditions that are linked with pregnancy, women can take multivitamin pills and other nutritional supplements at the advice of the doctor.
4. Anemia caused by vitamin deficiency can be aggravated by smoking. Smoking interferes in the proper absorption of several vitamins in the body. Hence these vitamins – especially folate and vitamin C which are water soluble – are flushed out of the body without getting assimilated.
5. Apples are very good for anemia as they have high iron content. They should be eaten regularly; preferably after every meal.
6. Beetroot is also a very good source of iron. Apart from iron it contains various other minerals that are protective in function to the body.
7. Figs must be eaten regularly, at the rate of three to four per day.
8. Organ meats like kidney and liver must be included in the diet.
9. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, etc. must be eaten in excess. They should be eaten at regular intervals and not all at once.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Anemia
One of the best Ayurvedic therapies for the treatment of pitta is purgation therapy. Constipation needs to be corrected before the treatment of anemia can begin. Punarnava mandura may be prescribed. This not only increases the amount of blood, but it also acts as a laxative. Triphala is also commonly prescribed.
(4) Home Medications
1. Cold water bath is known to have beneficial effects in anemia. A person with anemia must have at least two cold water baths a day.
2. Flushing out the bodily toxins is necessary. This can be achieved by massages from professionals.
3. For about ten minutes every day, the anemic person must breathe deeply.
4. Anemic people must not lead a lazy lifestyle even though anemia tends to make people lethargic. They must indulge in light exercises to keep the circulation healthy.
5. Yoga has positive effects in anemia. The preferable asanas are paschimottasana and shavasana. These bring the body into a relaxed state of equilibrium and facilitate circulation of blood.
By: Tom alter
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