Ayurvedamagazine

Category: AYURVEDA

  • Ayurveda globalization to unveil vast opportunities: Dr S Sajikumar

    There is a vast growth opportunity for the Ayurveda sector if
    the rich potential of the traditional Indian medicinal system could be disseminated
    globally by addressing concerns of international society like “safety, efficacy
    and purity”, Dr S Sajikumar, Chief Physician & MD, Dhathri Ayurveda, said.

    “Every challenge is an opportunity … The global health crisis
    has led to much awareness of the preventive cure and Immunity development
    properties of Ayurveda among the global audience. It’s projected that the
    Indian Ayurveda market will witness a four-fold increase in growth in the next
    five years, touching one lakh crore by 2025,” the former Chairman, CII-Kerala,
    pointed out.

    “The Ayurvedic community has conviction about its efficacy
    and potential. Now efforts should be made for globalization of Ayurveda… For
    that we need a shared vision of the many stakeholders and make investments in
    strategic areas like Research and standards, Quality testing and adequate raw-material
    supply. The goal should be to develop Ayurveda globally as a parallel system
    (along with modern medicine) and not as an alternative one,” Sajikumar added.

    The topic ‘Ayurveda Medicine
    Manufacturing: Challenges and Opportunities post Covid-19’ was discussed in
    detail during the second episode of the National Webinar Series ‘AYUSHVICHAR’, organized
    by the Ayush Valley Foundation in association with the Ayurveda & Health
    Tourism Magazine on Saturday.

    “The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in breaking of the dogma (against traditional
    medicine) universally. Now people started believing in immunity and adopting
    the ‘Back to Nature’ strategy. The industry should stay in-tune with changing
    times. For instance, Ayurveda doctors should be more informed and understand
    medicinal chemistry or Immunology. The pharmaceutical industry should try new
    areas products like Immunity diagnostic kits,” observed Dr Hrishikesh Damle, MD
    & CEO, Atrimed Pharmaceuticals (P) Ltd.

    Dr Narasimham Jammi, CEO, Jammi Pharmaceuticals, stressed that time is
    right for making the world aware of the rich potential of Ayurveda and its
    treatment scope against a whole lot of diseases.

    “The effectiveness of ‘Rasaaushadi’ (mettalo medicine) in treating
    chronic medical conditions like Liver Cirrhosis should be highlighted. Similarly,
    the traditional medicinal system proves more handy in certain areas like Gynecological
    solutions or sexual wellness, thanks to it having no side-effects,” he said.

    However, challenges are many – standardization, burden of proof, bonafide
    raw-materials, quality control mechanism, Marketing savvy and Regulatory
    hurdles for exports among others.

    The intense parleys discussed how the global regulatory authorities take a
    biased approach against the Indian medicinal system which so far restricted its
    entry into the global market. “For instance, the FDA regulators wrongly criticized
    the Indian medicines, citing presence of heavy metals like Mercury. This without
    any knowledge of ‘Rasaaushadi’ and its safe treatment procedures. Our
    authorities should take measures in proving the safety and efficacy of such
    treatment systems through case studies globally,” said Dr Bhaswati
    Bhattacharya, a Fulbright Specialist in Public Health-Integrative Medicine at
    Weill Cornell Medical College, New York.

    The webinar was moderated by Dr Madan Thangavelu, noted Genome
    Biologist from the University of Cambridge, UK, and co-moderated by Dr
    Harikumar Bhaskaran Nair, Ayurvedic Physician, Research and Co-ordinator, NSS
    Ayurvedic Hospitals.

  • Nasya: the therapeutic modality for sensory organs

    Ayurveda, the holistic science of life, emphasizes on periodical
    bio-cleansing of the body to eliminate vitiated     doshas. Nasya is one of
    the techniques of bio-cleansing (    panchakarma)
    and is the unique therapeutic modality among the procedures for diseases affecting
    organs of the head (    urdhwajathru vikaras).

    Nasayam Bhavet nasyam: ‘Administration of medicines through nasal route is called ‘nasya’.

    Nasa hi siraso dwaram
    tat vyapya thena hanthi tan’    : ‘Nose is the gateway to the organs of the head and the
    effect of the medicine will spread to the vital organs and cure the diseases’.

    Ayurveda suggests the medications administered via nose reach
    Sringataka marma. (Marmas are physiologically vital points
    in the body). It is the marma in the
    head (siramarma) formed by the union
    of blood vessels supplying blood to the nose, ear, eye and the tongue. Thus,
    the drug administered through nasya
    may enter the above blood vessels and purifies them. Hence the term sirovirechana (cleaning of the head) is
    also used to denote the process.

    According to the anatomical description, nasal passage is the
    part where the cranial nerves, especially the olfactory receptors, are more
    exposed to the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. Besides, the nasal passage
    leads to paranasal sinuses and its mucosal epithelium is very sensitive to
    various stimuli. The absorption of the drug effect through the nasal mucosa
    will be rapid and the quantity of drug required to produce the desired result
    will be less. Moreover, the enzymatic inactivation that usually affects during
    the oral route administration can be avoided in this method of drug delivery system.

    Since the nerves located at the nose have connection with
    hypothalamic-pituitary-pineal glands, the medication through the nasal rout will
    have its impact on the brain, too.

    Nasya classification

    Nasya is classified differently by various
    Acharyas. Charaka mentions about Navana, Avapidana, Dhoomapana, and Pratimarsa while Vagbhata classified it
    into Samana, Brumhana and Virechana.

    Samana Nasya: It is a palliative nasya that cures the disease without eliminating
    the vitiated doshas. This is good
    mainly in conditions such as skin discoloration, hair loss and eye diseases.
    Decoctions of medicinal herbs and milk can be used for this purpose.

    Bruhana Nasya: It is a rejuvenation type nasya and is indicated mainly to nourish
    and strengthen the organs in head, especially sense organs, and intellectual functions.
    It is also indicated in Vata
    predominant diseases of the head like migraine, loss of voice, diseases of the
    mouth, difficulty in opening yes, difficulty in lifting hand etc.

    Virechana Nasya: It is elimination type nasya that expels the doshas from the head. Majority of Teekshana Nasya comes under this
    category.

    Another category of Snehana
    nasya     is marsa and prathimarsa based on the dose and
    strength of administration.

    Marsa Nasya is the method of application of sneha (medicated ghee/oil) in its full
    dose of six to 10 drops. Its clinical implication is also very high.

    Pratimarsa nasya can be performed on any person and
    is aimed at rejuvenating the sensory organs.

    Nasya is also classified based on the
    parts of the medicinal herb used. They are the ones using phala (fruits), puspa (flowers),
    kanda, niryasa, patra (leaf), moola (root) and twak (bark).

    Another classification is based on pharmaceutical
    preparation. They are churna (powder), Kshra (ash), madya (essence), sneha
    (oil), kalka, kwatha, mamsa (meat) and
    dhuma (fomentation).

    Tailamevacha nasyardhe
    nityabhyasena shasyate

    Sirasa; sleshmadhamatvat
    sneha swasthasya netare

    ‘Taila (medicated
    oil) is the best option for regular nasya
    practice in healthy individual, as head is the seat of Kapha.

    Mode of action

    The medicinal properties of the drug used in the form of nasya stimulate the vital centre in the
    brain and related structures. The nourishing properties of the drug rejuvenate
    the tissues. The medicines eliminate the vitiated doshas, remove congestion in blood vessels and clear the channels (sritas). The overall effect of nasya is correcting the neurovascular
    anomalies.

    Restrictions

    Nasya is not performed on people suffering
    from diseases such as chronic sinusitis, respiratory disorders, infective
    condition of the head, indigestion, coughs and acute fever.

    Practical indication of nasya

    The nasya with specific
    medicinal preparations are used mainly in clinical conditions like cervical
    spondylosis, frozen shoulder, hemiplegia, facial palsy, seizure disorders,
    mental disorders, head ache and ENT condition.

    (By Dr P K S Nair,
    National Research Institute for Panchakarma, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur.)

  • Indian beech tree – medicine from root to leaf

    A tree often planted on road sides for shades, the Indian beech tree possesses medicinal
    properties, may it be its leaves, roots, bark, fruit, seeds and flowers. There
    are only a few other trees like this which Ayurveda depends on in its fight
    against diseases.

    The Indian beech is medicine from root to leaf. It is an
    essential ingredient in several formulations to treat a variety of diseases
    such as psoriasis, gastro diseases, rheumatism and blood disorders. They are
    even used as tooth brush.

    The medicinal tree finds mention in both Charaka Samhita and Susrutha
    Samhita    , the Ayurveda classics. While the former classifies it as
    antipruritic, the latter describes it as an effective drug used against worms,
    skin diseases, diabetes and problems related to the head. No wonder the use and
    reference to the Indian beech dates back to the Vedic period with the Rig Veda and Adharva Veda having references about the magic tree.

    The medium-sized tree – which grows to a height of 18 meters
    and 1.5 meters in girth – grows easily in any tropical climate and is generally
    seen near hilly areas, mainly near water resources. It sheds leaves once or
    twice a year, after which new golden yellow leaves cover the tree like a crown.
    Fragrant, lilac or white-tinged with pink or violet flowers appear in the axils
    of the leaves in May-June. Fruits are pod-disc shaped with a single seed
    inside.

    Chemical constituents

    The seed contains 27 per cent bitter-tasting volatile oil
    which contains chemical constituents such as karanmjin, pongamin and glabrin.
    These are useful in formulations to treat skin diseases. Pongapin, isolongocarpin and
    ovalitnone     are some of the other constituents. The bark of Indian beech
    tree has bitter alkaloids and chemicals which act against skin diseases.

    Medicinal effects

    From its root to its bark, leaves, seed and oil, every part
    of Indian beech has a therapeutic quality. Based on its pharmacological properties,
    Indian beech guards the body against many diseases– eczema, scabies, leprosy, ulcers,
    tumours, piles, and enlargement of spleen, vaginal and urinary discharges.

    Formulation: Used in paste form or as juices,
    decoction and oil.

    Treatments:

    Skin diseases: Applying its seeds in paste form is
    very effective in treating skin ulcers. In case of chronic skin ulcers, paste
    of the leaves is used. It’s effective against allergic skin diseases like urticarial.
    The seed oil is used in cutaneous affections, herpes and scabies. Juice of its
    roots is also used to treat infected wounds. The decoction obtained by mixing leaves
    of the Indian beech, root of chithraka
    and saindhava with buttermilk is also
    good for skin issues.

    Orthopaedic conditions: Medicated oil prepared with Indian
    beech seeds are used to treat orthopaedic conditions known as Mamabhighata. Medicated coconut oil along
    with the bar of the Indian beech tree is used to heal external injuries like
    sprain and fractures.

    Arthritis: Apply seed oil. Take a bath in water boiled with Indian beech leaf.

    Digestive disorders: Take Indian beech leaves in the form
    of juice, salad or chutney.

    Blood purification: Decoctions and alcoholic
    preparations called arishtas and asavas containing Indian beech help
    purify blood.

    Fistula: Juice of the root is used for closing
    fistulous sores and cleaning foul ulcers.

    Diabetes: Its flowers are used in many
    formulations to treat diabetes.

    Cough: The powder of the seeds is used in
    medicines for whooping and irritating coughs of children.

    Modern studies have proved that the leaves of Pongamia pinnata possess marked antinociceptie as well as antipyretic activities and thus scientifically
    validated its use in the treatment of pain and pyretic disorders.

    In earlier times, Indian beach sticks were used as toothbrush
    as it satisfies the three tastes ideal for cleaning teeth – pungent, bitter and
    astringent.

    Method of Cultivation

    Indian beech is as non-fussy tree and grows in any tropical
    climate/ region. It requires no particular care, but only sufficient sunlight.
    Seeds and twigs are used for reproduction. An Indian beech in your backyard
    will give you relief from diseases apart from shades that protect you from the scorching
    sunlight.

    Latin Name: Pongamia pinnata

    Family: FABACEA

    Names in other languages

    Hindi : Dithouri

    English: Indian Beech

    Malayalam: Ungu

     

    (The author S Sreelakshmi is an Ayurveda Doctor presently
    practising abroad. She can be contacted at [email protected]    )

  • Ayurveda exponent P R Krishnakumar passes away

    Padmashree (Dr) P R Krishnakumar, the head of ‘Arya Vaidya
    Pharmacy (Coimbatore) and a crusader of scientific validation of the
    traditional Indian medical system, died at a private hospital in Coimbatore on
    Wednesday night.

    He was 69.

    The eminent Ayurveda exponent was suffering from acute
    pneumonia and was undergoing treatment at the Kovai Medical Centre and
    Hospital, Coimbatore, for the last one week. His condition worsened and he
    breathed his last at 8.30 pm.

    Krishnakumar has been conferred with the prestigious
    Padmashree Award in 2009 and the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award in 2016 by
    the Government of India for his outstanding contributions in the field of Ayurveda.

    “Shri P R Krishnakumar’s persistent, enterprising and mission-mode efforts contributed to Ayurveda’s global popularity. He was an extremely humble and knowledgeable person. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

    Born in 1951 as the son of Arya Vaidyan P V Rama Varier, the
    founder of Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (AVP), and Pankajam Rama Varier, Krishnakumar
    was instrumental in bringing Ayurveda to the attention of the World Health
    Organization (WHO), which along with the ICMR participated in the first
    clinical research on Ayurveda treatment of rheumatoid arthritis back in 1977.

    Krishna Kumar championed the cause of scientific validation
    of Ayurveda, and incorporation of the best of modern science in both clinical
    practice and medicine production, particularly in organizations that he headed.
    He played a key role in the establishment of the AVT Institute for Advanced
    Research (AVTAR) in 2003. The institution was set up to conduct clinical,
    literary, field and drug researches and to train aspiring Ayurveda scholars.

    It was Krishnakumar who first conceived and implemented the Gurukula
    pattern of Ayurveda studies, also in 1977, by charting out a unique 7½ year
    course. It included components like spiritual practices and traditional martial
    arts, set in an environment conducive to learning in which students lived
    alongside their teachers. The successful curriculum model was later known in
    academic circles as the “Coimbatore Experiment”.

    Krishnakumar, a celibate, was instrumental in leading the AVP
    company from its humble beginning to one of the country’s greatest traditional
    Ayurveda houses with over 600 outlets across the country. He held various top
    positions like the Chairman of CARe Keralam (Confederation for Ayurvedic
    Renaissance-Keralam Pvt Ltd) and the Chancellor of Avinashilingam Institute for
    Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore.

  • Gangamboo and other unique Ayurvedic treatments

    Wonder which is the purest form of water? It’s ‘Gangamboo’ – the rainwater collected during
    the halfway stage of monsoon season after initial showers wipe out impurities
    in the atmosphere.

    The ‘purest water’ is collected and stored in large earthen
    pots for one year before being used for medicinal preparation. The Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam, referred by
    many as the world’s first Ayurveda centre, still follows the traditional
    treatment practices and medicinal preparation .

    “The rainwater is collected by placing large vessels in open
    fields during the ‘Thiruvathira
    Njattuvela’     —  a two week period of continuous
    rainfall during the halfway mark of the monsoon season. The impurities in the atmosphere
    are washed by initial showers and the purest water can be obtained during the
    spell,” reveals M Muraleedharan, President, Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam.

    “The water ‘Gangamboo’ will be stored for one year and during
    the next ‘njattuvela’, the solution
    is used for preparation of medicines like ‘Anu
    Thailam’     (medicated oil used to treat problems affecting head, nose, eye,
    ear, neck and brain. It’s mainly used for Nasya
    treatment) and those for treatment of eye disorders,” he adds.

    Samajam is located on the banks of Bharathapuzha, the longest
    river in Kerala, and the water is collected in vessels kept in the open along
    the river banks on the Thiruvathira Njattuvela
    occasion. Rainwater is considered pure as impurities and salt present in the
    water on earth are left behind during evaporation by the sun.

    “Only Samajam still follows the traditional methods of
    medicinal preparation. Here no mechanisation is employed and medicines are
    prepared by hands. This way the medicines will have more effect and longevity,”
    Muraleedharan points out.

    The Samajam extends unique treatments like dharoushadam. Cows will be brought and
    milked when the treatment starts. The fresh warm milk is used for dhara  treatment in the particular areas where the injury occurred, especially spinal cord. 

    Spread over 11 acres along the banks of Bharathapuzha, the
    Samajam still follows the same system of Ayurveda treatment instituted 115
    years ago by the great ‘Vaidhyas’.

  • E T Narayanan Mooss, the man behind modernization of Ayurveda medicines

    Ashtavaidyan
    E T Narayanan Mooss, who died on Wednesday, was a renowned Ayurveda exponent
    who paved the way for modernization of ayurvedic remedies by leveraging modern
    technology to meet the desired quality of drugs.

    A Padma Bhushan awardee, Narayanan Mooss was
    instrumental in steering Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala into one of the
    largest manufacturers of ayurvedic medicines, with an extensive sales network
    all over Kerala and in different parts of India.

    Ever since he took reigns of the pharmacy back in
    1954, Mooss had employed state-of-the-art methods for selection, cleaning,
    processing and storage of herbs and raw materials besides in the production and
    preservation of medicines. The same led to availability of ayurvedic medicines
    at reasonable prices to the public.

    The Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala owing to its
    quality standards was extended the ISO 9001:2000 certification. Besides
    classical Ayurvedic medicinal preparations, the Thaikkattu Mooss family
    developed many proprietary formulations and products, some of which are patented.

    Narayanan Mooss was honoured with Padma Bhushan
    in 2010 for his remarkable contributions in the field of Ayurveda. He also won
    the prestigious ‘SWADESHI PURASKAR’ instituted by the SWADESHI JAGARAN
    FOUNDATION for the year 1997 and the AKSHAYA AWARD in 1999.

    His father Ashtavaidyan E T Neelakandan Mooss,
    who set up the Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala in 1941, was awarded the Padma
    Shri by the Government of India in 1992 while his grandfather Ashtavaidhyan E T
    Narayanan Mooss was conferred the title of ‘Vaidyaratnam’ by Lord
    Reading, the then Viceroy of India, in 1924.

    Narayanan Mooss, who was the Chairman and
    Managing Director of the Vaidyaratnam Group, breathed his last at his
    residence at Thaikkattussery in Ollur, Thrissur, around 8 pm on Wednesday. He
    was 87. His funeral was held with state honours at ‘Thaikkattussery Mana’ on
    Thursday morning.

    He is survived by wife Sathi Antharjanam and
    children E T Neelakandan Mooss (Senior Director, Vaidyaratnam Group), E T
    Parameswaran Mooss (Director, Vaidyaratnam Group), E T Shailaja Devadasan
    (Director, Bengaluru operations, Vaidyaratnam Group), daughters in-law Hema
    Mooss and Mini Mooss and son in-law Devadasan Namboothiri (Bengaluru).

  • Thyroid treatment in Ayurveda

    Ayurveda, the Indian holistic healing science,
    has gained popularity all around the world. The American Thyroid Association
    has recognized it as one of the common Complementary and Alternative Medicinal
    (CAM) approaches to treat Thyroid disorder, a global epidemiological issue. Dr Nita Sharma Das, noted Ayurvedic practitioner and Naturopathy expert, explains how Ayurveda is beneficial in treating the disease;-

     According to Ayurveda, our health depends on the
    harmony of three humors (    Tridoshas), i.e. air (Vata), fire (Pitta),
    and water (    Kapha). The imbalance of any of the doshas can cause
    disorders. Patients suffering from symptoms of goiter specifically have     Kapha-related
    imbalance.     Kapha particularly induces hypothyroidism and causes swelling
    of neck (goiter). The imbalance of     doshas is an underlying cause of
    improper digestion, which leads to hypothyroidism. The     Vata dosha is
    particularly responsible for psychological stress which induces thyroid
    disorder. However, only     Pitta dosha imbalance can cause hyperthyroidism.
    Therefore, Thyroid treatment is completely patient-centric as per the age-old
    science.

    Patients having clinical signs and symptoms of
    Thyroid are assessed through various ayurvedic guidelines along with laboratory
    test reports of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (T3),
    and total thyroxine (T4). Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe treatment depending
    upon the disease manifestation.


    Evidential Ayurvedic formulations for Thyroid
    disorder

    Research studies have shown significant benefits
    of Ayurvedic treatment in the following conditions:

    •         
    Vata and Pitta-based Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with hypothyroidism
    are effectively treated with grape decoction (Drakshadi Kashayam)
    combined with external application of Ksheerabala on the thyroid. The
    desired result can be usually obtained after six months of treatment.

    •         
    Vata and Pitta-based hypothyroidism is effectively treated with
    black fennel extract and external application of Ksheerabala on the
    thyroid. The result can be obtained in a three-month treatment period.

    •         
    Kapha-based hypothyroidism is effectively treated with Panchakarma
    (primarily enema therapy).

    •         
    Pitta-based hypothyroidism is treated with Kokilaksham Kashayam.
    However, such patients usually have urinary tract infections also. Therefore,
    patients also need treatment for urinary tract infection.

    •         
    Pitta-based hyperthyroidism is effectively treated with Mahatiktakam
    (ghee-based preparation) and external application of Ksheerabala on the
    thyroid.

    Sida cordifolia
    is the primary herbal ingredient in Ksheerabala preparation. A herbal
    decoction is prepared first and then sufficient sesame oil is added to it. The
    mixture is then boiled with milk. Repeated boiling is required by adding a
    definite amount of milk to prepare a concentrated mixture. After 101 days of
    following the same process, the final product is ready for clinical use.

    Triphaladya Guggulu and Punarnavadi Kashaya are two Ayurvedic
    formulations prepared with different herbal ingredients that are useful in
    treating thyroid disorders. A human trial concluded that these two formulations
    are effective in managing hypothyroidism.

    •         
    The rhizome of Shunthi (ginger), the fruit of Pippali (Long
    pepper), the fruit of Maricha (Black Pepper), the fruit of Amalaki
    (amla), the fruit of Haritaki (Harad), the fruit of Bibhitaki
    (Beleric), the bark of Kanchnara (Mountain Ebony), the resin of Guggulu
    (Mukul myrrh tree) and Madhu (honey) are mixed to formulate Triphaladya
    Guggulu.     

    •         
    The root of Punarnava (Red Hogweed), the stem of Devdaru
    (Deodar), the rhizome of Shunthi (ginger), and resin of Guggulu
    (Mukul myrrh tree) are used to formulate Punarnavadi Kashaya.

    Apart from these, Ashwagandha is also an
    effective herbal remedy to balance thyroid gland functioning. The improvement
    in thyroid gland functioning results in effective management of hypothyroidism.
    The intake of Ashwagandha herbal formulation maintains serum T3 and T4
    levels.

    Diet and Lifestyle measures

    Ayurvedic treatment also considers diet and
    lifestyle management to treat any chronic condition. 

    •         
    A vegan diet for thyroid patients is effective to manage body weight and BMI
    under control.

    •         
    Daily intake of sufficient amounts of iodine-rich products maintain thyroid
    functioning. But sudden shifting from low iodine intake to high iodine intake
    increases the risk of autoimmune thyroid disease.

    •         
    Selenium and vitamin B12 containing food helps to manage autoimmune
    thyroiditis.

    •         
    Excessive intake of isoflavones, acacia, and gluten hamper thyroid functioning.

    •         
    Lacto-Ovo vegetarian diet including eggs and dairy products is effective in
    preventing iodine deficiency-related thyroid disorder.

  • Magical herbs to support cognitive health

    Today there are various medicines flooding
    the market with ‘Memory booster’ claims. But how much truth is there in these assertions?
    In olden days, people used to rely on medicinal herbs to cure their medical
    conditions. Renowned Dietitian Srishti Arora touches on a few such herbs,
    used for improving the cognitive health, mentioned in Ayurveda texts.

    Jatamansi, also
    known as “tapaswani” in Ayurveda,
    acts as a brain tonic and helps in improving memory and brain functions by
    preventing cell damage due to its antioxidant property. Jata means hair and mansi refers
    to human. The fibres-like short hairs of this herb are possessing rich
    medicinal properties. Grind the herb in whole and mix it with one cup of milk.
    Regular intake of the drink sharpens your mind. The natural drug is prescribed
    for mental ailments like schizophrenia, epilepsy, stress, anxiety and
    depression and induces sleep.

    Bacopa monnieri or brahmi,
    is mainly administered for Alzheimer’s disease, improving memory, anxiety and
    attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among other uses. It has also
    been used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Brahmi was chronicled in several ancient
    Ayurvedic texts including the Caraka Samhita and the Susrata Samhita where
    clear reference was made to its actions on the Central Nervous System (CNS).

    Turmeric contains a polyphenol Curcumin which has got antioxidant,
    anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive properties. Curcumin reduces oxidative
    damage and improves cognitive functions related to the aging process.
    Individual studies have found out that Curcumin results in no loss of cognition
    in the treatment group and helps a person to improve his concentration and
    memory.

    Black Pepper too has many medicinal properties because of the
    presence of a chemical called Piperine which has a relaxation effect on the
    cells of the body and the brain. It also helps overcome depression. That’s why
    black pepper is a highly recommended spice in cooking.

    Nutmeg, a commonly available Indian spice, has a calming
    effect when consumed in smaller doses. It’s especially recommended in curing
    insomnia. According to Ayurvedic experts, drinking a glass of warm milk after
    adding a pinch of nutmeg before going to bed will be beneficial. It will induce
    sleep besides de-stressing the mind.

  • Herbs around you – Bermuda Grass

    A strong connection to nature soothes
    our mind and makes us feel better emotionally. The abundant flora include
    medicinal herbs that can be used to heal or enhance our physical well-being.
    One such wonder herb is Bermuda Grass. Dr Binitha Parameswaran writes on its
    benefits:-

    Bermuda Grass (‘Karuka’ in Malayalam) with botanical name Cynodon Dactylon, is known by different names in different regions
    – Durva grass, Conch grass, Bahama
    grass, Devil’s grass, Scutch grass and the Dog’s tooth grass. Botanically
    speaking, it comes under the family, Poaceae.
    By nature, it’s a perennial grass and its thick, elongated rhizomes and
    vigorous stolons that form thick mats make a beautiful appearance.

    It’s a common grass, mostly found in
    tropical areas, that does not need any care. You might have located the grass
    along roadsides or on field borders many times. The grass has antiviral &
    antimicrobial properties and can be used as an immunity booster.  ‘Durva’
    grass contains a biochemical compound called ‘Cynodon dactylon protein
    fractions’ (CDPF), which helps to enhance our body’s immunity. An affordable
    immunity booster, just from the garden itself.

    The grass is cooling in nature, so a
    drink made with young leaves refreshes the body. The regular intake of the
    grass juice or a drink is beneficial, thanks to the nutritional contents —
    flavonoids, alkaloids, calcium, proteins, carotene, fibre, potassium, manganese
    and sodium.

    It’s used externally to treat wounds,
    added to baths to reduce itching and conditions of eczema & skin rashes
    besides health conditions such as menstrual/ gynecological problems, constipation,
    diabetes and epilepsy. Intake of the grass juice is beneficial for blood
    purification. It maintains the alkalinity of the blood.

    It has anti-fungal, antibiotic,
    anti-cancer, diuretic, hypoglycemic, antitoxic, aphrodisiac properties which
    help to fight diseases common now-a-days and even cholesterol and obesity. The
    presence of flavonoids in the grass benefits in cases of Ulcers. 

    The intake of the juice with honey is
    beneficial for women during heavy menstrual periods to control bleeding. It can
    also be taken in conditions such as piles and nasal bleeding. Also, it’s an
    excellent detoxifier.

    Many researches found ‘Durva’ grass has hypoglycemic effect, so
    this is good news for diabetic patients keeping a watch over their sugar
    levels. Because of the adequate amount of chlorophyll in the grass, it is one
    best choice to treat anemia conditions. It helps in the formation of Red Blood
    Cells in the blood. As a nervine tonic as well, this grass can be taken
    internally.

    The decoction using ‘Durva Grass’ can be made with
    ingredients such as honey, pepper, lemon juice, ginger as per your taste. One
    can also have Durva grass tea every
    morning.

  • Well..It’s time to detox!

    Ayurveda, the holistic healing science, is not limited to disease
    cure and can contribute significantly to a person’s healthy lifestyle and over-all
    wellness. The Malayalam month ‘    Karkkidakam’
    (monsoon season) is ideal for Ayurvedic remedies. It’s the time when monsoon
    rains keep the atmosphere cool. All pores in human body will open and the therapies
    prove most effective during this period.

    Dr K Murali, son of Vaidyabhooshanam Raghavan Thirumulpad and the former Superintendent
    of Government Ayurveda College, Tripunithura, Kerala, sheds light on the
    importance of Monsoon treatment (Karkkidaka Chikitsa) and the common remedies
    prescribed to free the body of accumulated toxins. He also explains when one
    has to undergo the popular ‘Panchakarma’
    treatment in an interview to The Ayurveda & Health Tourism Magazine.

     Q: Why this season is
    so important for Ayurvedic therapies?

    Ans: In olden days, households relied on Ayurvedic treatments
    during Monsoon, when rapid climate change and downpour resulted in deadly
    diseases and epidemics. While the rich opted for ‘Pizhichil’or dhara (medicated
    oil massaging therapy for rejuvenating the body), the poor used to take in
    commonly available herbal supplements and apply oil on their bodies.

    Time has changed a lot, but the practice is still followed
    vehemently. Ayurvedic experts too fully agree Karkkidaka is the ideal period for rejuvenation treatments and
    therapies to purify the body and the mind. After all, people are too busy with
    their work for most part of the year, and taking a little time off their hectic
    schedule for some self-care with focus on the body will only do them a world of
    good.

    But for any Ayurvedic treatment to have the desired effect,
    it’s important to strictly adhere to a healthy diet, daily regimen and seasonal
    regimen. The same applies to Karkkidaka
    chikitsa      too.

    Q) What are the usual wellness treatments prescribed during
    this period?

    Ans: The common procedures revolve around two methods – Shamanam (pacification) and Shodhanam (detoxification). The former involves
    cost effective treatments but the desired results could be obtained only over a
    period of time. For example, Abhyanga
    (oil massage).

    Shodhana chikitsa is resorted to when the illness is
    serious, cannot be treated with usual methods and recurring in nature. Therapeutic
    procedures like Panchakarma  should be administered/ monitored only by
    Ayurvedic experts after understanding the specific nature of individuals. The
    procedures are costly, complicated and aimed at cleaning the body of toxic
    materials.

    Q) Pachakarma is often
    availed during this season? How is it helping in mind-body detoxification?

    Ans: Panchakarma is
    only one of the procedures of the seasonal treatments. It’s highly individualized
    based on factors like Ayurvedic constitutional type, doshic imbalance, digestive
    strength, immune status and the like. Hence it should be done only on the
    advice of a qualified Ayurvedic physician. ‘Pancha’
    means five and ‘karma’ refers to
    actions or treatments. It includes:-

    a)     
    Vamana (therapeutic emesis):- Under the samshodana method (bio-cleaning method),
    the doshas are brought to Amashaya from
    all over the body by the specific procedures and then eliminated out by inducing
    emesis.

    b)     
    Virechana (therapeutic purgation):- Purgation
    is induced by drugs and it specifically aims at the elimination of excessive Pitta Dosha from the body.

    c)      Basti (enema):
    It is advocated in the diseases of Vata. The
    type of Basti where decoction is the major part is called Kashaya basti and that which uses oil or other sneha (oleaginous substance) is called snehavasti.

    d)      Nasyam: Administration
    of medicinal drugs through nasal cavity.

    e)      Rakta Moksha: entails
    the refinement of blood by eliminating toxins through the gastrointestinal
    tract.

    However, there are certain poorvakarma (preparatory measures) procedures like Snehana (administration of medicated
    ghee or oil in large quantities) and Svedana
    (Sweating therapy) before starting the main treatment.