Ayurvedamagazine

Category: AYURVEDA

  • Stay healthy during the rainy season

    “My Love! May this beautiful rainy season, that catches the heart of beautiful women and provides life to all living things, bless you, by fulfilling all your desires”
    Kalidasa (Ritusamharam, Sarga 2, Sloka 29)


    Wind that blows over the southern seas brings in the rainy season in the middle of the Malayalam month Edavam. The tryst of the rain-bearing clouds with the west-facing undulating hills of the Kerala coast thus marks the arrival of the South West Monsoon.
    After the scorching summer, the skies suddenly turn dark with the gathering clouds hanging heavy over the land. Heralding the arrival of the rains are thunder and lightning. And then the skies open up, rain falling copiously.
    Edavappathy-rain (paathy=half, meaning ‘beginning at the middle of Edavam’) experienced in Kerala is the rain of the varsha-ritu, usually accompanied thunder and lightning. It weakens at times and then the praavrit season gains strength again.
    When the earth that has dried in the greeshma-ritu from the intense sun heat suddenly receives the rain and cools down, it results in the formation of acid salts. The hot quality of greeshma-ritu is quite the opposite of the cold quality of vaatha, which means that, this is the period when vaatha gets aggravated because of the dampness in nature.  
    The varsha-ritu is the time of the year when all the three doshas—vaatha, pitha and kapha—get inflamed. When the vapours rising from the earth comes into contact with the acid salts in the atmosphere, they vitiate the pitha dosha, inherent in the human body.
    The rains wash away all the waste and pollutants that get accumulated on the earth’s surface during summer, polluting waterbodies and causing waterlogging. Usage of such water results in kapha dosha. The flow of vitiated vaata is prevented by the contaminated pitha and kapha dosha, which, in turn, results in the vaata dosha aggravating pitha and kapha doshas.
    Dampness also causes hardening of the kapha dosha, which becomes incapable of vitiating to other places, ie., only chaya (accumulation) occurs. This dampness in nature, along with the harshness from the increased vapour forms of acid salts, corresponds to the sasnehatheekshoshna quality of pitha dosha resulting in its accumulation.
    Pitha is hot in quality and varsha ritu is cold. So, pitha alone can accumulate and this weakens the digestive process. This slowness of the digestive fire causes increased dosha contamination. Thus, the doshas and fires contaminate each other.
    Diseases during the Rainy Season
    If we analyse the diseases during rainy seasons, diseases affecting the digestive system are the most predominant. Usage of contaminated water causes diarrhoea, amoebic dysentery, cholera etc., which are related to the digestive system and favoured by the slackening jadaraagni. So, food and lifestyle activities must be modified during the rainy season. Care must be taken to avoid vector-borne diseases during this time.
    Visha Sankata Roga
    If a person with pitha prakruthi consumes polluted food or practices the use of food that might cause pitha during the rainy season, he will be affected by a disease called Vishasankata. Only a few out of a hundred affected persons would survive this condition. So, persons with pitha prakruthi should take special care during the rainy season.
    Since contamination increases during varsha ritu, everyone must be careful about possible food poisoning. Since the poison originates in the ocean, varsha ritu multiplies its power. Pitha and raktha have aasraya and asrayee relation (inter-dependence).
    Things to avoid during the rainy season
    Avoid using stream water for bathing and drinking. Also, avoid water with parched grains, food in excessive liquid forms, naps during the day, intense labour and exposure to sunlight. Mustard, kodrava (kodo millet), Uddalaka rice (rice from long awned-pady grain), horsegram, gourd, snake gourd, bottle gourd, kasamarda, colocasia, garlic, red banana, green grapes, etc., must not be consumed during rainy season.
    Since the season is a vaatha-vitiating one, reduce intake of food that taste sour and increase those that are sweet and salty. Even then, since it is the time when pitha dosha gets accumulated in the body, the pitha-pacifying astringent, bitter and sweet foods should be consumed only in moderate quantities. Sweet food can be taken so as to pacify both vaata and pitha in such a way that it aids the digestive process. Avoid fish, mutton, curd and buttermilk and do not stay awake late into the night.
    Things to practice during the rainy season
    One may consume soup of pulses and meat that are tempered with ghee and rice, wheat, barley, pulses, meat-juices, moderately sour food, salt, honey, green gram soup, vine, thin curd processed with black salt (Kala Namak), powder of Panchakola (Panchakolachoorna), rain water or water from wells, soups prepared from green gram, Bengal gram etc., food items prepared with tamarind, salt and ghee, food that are liquid in nature, and old vines from grapes.
    Undergo body massage with herbal powder (Udwarthana), wearing dresses that are exposed to fumigation by sandal and Agarwood (Agaru), expose body to fumigation by Astagandha, use foot-wear, prevent entry of crawling creatures such mosquitoes, flies, rats into the house. Fumigate the home and premises with Dronapushpi, dried Neem leaves and mustard. Wear pure and clean laces. Sandal and Agaru are to be applied to the body.
    Therapies during the rainy season
    Undergo elimination therapies such as purgation and emesis followed by lubricant enema to detoxify the body. According to Astangahrudaya, on days of heavy rain, one should consume only food in which sour and salty tastes are clearly distinguishable and which can be made into dumplings with ghee and honey. The ancient text also advises abstention from sex, avoidance of walks, exercises, exposure to mild shower, and exposure to sunlight.
    Consuming Abhayarishtam (50 ml each twice—half an hour after lunch and supper) is good for better digestion and excretion. If a person is diabetic, it is better to take  chiruvilvadhi Kwadham instead of Abhayarishtam. Ashtachoornam is a good remedy to prevent inflammations during the rainy season. Take 3/4 teaspoon of it at 11am and 5pm. Mustharishtam, Kaidaryadhi Kwadham etc. also are recommended.
    Dr. K. Jyothilal MD (Ay)
    Professor (Retd.),
    Government Ayurveda College,
    Thiruvananthapuram.  
    Phone: 9387805568

  • Anjana Kriya – For beautiful and healthy eyes

    “Sarva
    indriyaanaam nayanam pradhaanam”    (Eyes are the most important among
    the sense organs)

    Ther
    is no better way to describe the importance that Ayurveda attaches to the eyes.
    Eyes tell the story about a person. When two eyes meet, a silent communication
    happens. For some, a simple eye contact is sufficient to delve deep into a
    person. Eyes radiate energy in a healthy person. They also give out the first
    signs of a person’s failing health. For female of the species, eyes hold in
    them something magical to charm to the beholder.

    In
    Ayurveda, eyes are referred to as ‘Nayana’, ‘Chakshu’, and ‘Netra’.
    Eyes have two functions: vision and perception of knowledge. Thus, eyes are
    known as ‘Chakshurindriya’. The eyes, therefore, need to be kept at
    optimal health. And, as eyes mirror one’s personality, it should also be kept
    beautiful, clean and communicative. In Ayurveda, all these three objectives are
    sought to be achieved through the application of collyrium or ‘Anjana’, a thick
    eyeliner made with herbs.

    The eyes are susceptible to infections since they are often
    exposed to smoke and dust. Sudden changes in weather too can have an adverse
    effect on the eyes. To reduce irritation caused by environmental factors, drops
    or salves are often applied in the eye; they act as cleansing agents.

    Ayurveda employs the use of drops and salves in the treatment of
    eye diseases like itching, burning sensation, pain, redness, etc.

    Regular use of Anjana (collyrium), a medicinal eye liner, would
    also make one’s vision clearer. It will add to the sparkle of the eyes, and
    enhance their ability to withstand bright light.

    Anjana is basically of three kinds – scarifying (lekhana),
    healing (ropana) and eye-invigorating (drishti prasadana).

    The lekhana anjana is prepared from drugs having astringent,
    sour, salt or pungent taste, and hot potency. Ropana anjana, which is
    made from bitter drugs, has a cooling effect and lends strength and colour to
    the eye. Drishti prasadana anjana is made from sweet drugs that have
    cold potency. This tones up and improves vision.

    The excess of doshas in the eye, eyelids, eyeballs,
    capillaries and the nose gristle is drained through the mouth, nostrils and
    corners of the eye by applying the scarifying salve. Application of prasadana
    salve to eyes that have become fatigued by application of strong collyriums is
    known as counter- collyrium (pratyanjana).

    Anjana vidhi (method of applying
    collyrium)

    Ashtangahridaya says: “Application
    of collyrium is suitable for a person who has his/her body purified (through
    emesis, purgation, etc.), in whom doshas are localised in the eyes; when
    there is slight oedema, severe itching and sliminess; when eye excretions are
    thick; and in those troubled by Pitha, Kapha, Rakta and especially Vata”
    – (AH Soo. 23.8-9).

    A metallic eye-liner, ten angula (finger units) in length,
    which is thin in the middle and tips resembling a flower bud is the best for
    applying anjana. An eyeliner made of copper is good for lekhana;
    an iron eyeliner for ropana; and one of gold or silver for prasadana.

    Kinds of Anjana

    Eye salve can be in the form of pill or dragee (pinda), gel
    or confection (rasakriya) or powder (choorna), and are used in
    conditions of profound, moderate and mild increase of doshas respectively.

    The amount of salve to be applied, when it is in the form of a
    hard pill and prepared from strong drugs, is one harenu (black cardamom).
    And if prepared with mild drugs, it should be two harenu.

    When in the form of a gel, the amount should be that of vidanga
    (Embelia Ribes). If it is in powder form and made from mild drugs, you should
    use more of the anjana than when it is made from strong drugs.

    Persons unfit for eye salve (anjana anarhah)

    Eye salve should not be applied in situations such as when you are
    in a state of fear, anger or grief or you have been administered emesis or
    purgation and when you are thirsty or hungry. It should be avoided also when you
    are down with fever or headache, when the eyes are tired and if you have not
    had enough sleep.

    It should be avoided soon after washing your hair, Smoking or
    drinking wine or if you are fatigued after too much exposure to fire or the
    sun. The salve should not be too strong or mild, and the quantity used not very
    little or too much. It should neither be too cold or hot, and the consistency
    not very thin or thick. 

    After applying the salve, eyeballs should be moved up and rotated
    slowly; eyelids should also be washed gently with water suitable to the
    disease, the doshas and the season.

    If not washed away, the salve remaining in the lids will excite
    the doshas, causing diseases. In case of itching or weakness in the eye,
    one should apply a strong salve or in­hale strong medicated smoke.

    When the eyes are fatigued by the use of strong eye salve, apply pratyanjana
    (counter eye slave) which is in powder form and cold in effect.

    How to apply

    Keep the eyelids wide open with the fingers of the left hand and apply anjana
    with the right hand. It should be applied from the sides

  • P.K. Warrier—Epitome of a Glowing Ayurveda Tradition

    Among the many things that Kerala is
    famous for, the most prominent is its rich Ayurvedic tradition. Some seven
    decades ago, one man found himself at the inflection point of that great
    legacy, helming an institution that to this day represents the purest essence
    of that glowing tradition.

    That man was Dr. P.K. Warrier, and
    the institution, Kottackal Arya Vaidya Sala. Born on 5 June 1921, Dr. Warrier
    turns 100 today.

    Dr. Warrier took over the reins of
    the Kottackal Arya Vaidya Sala, located in Malappuram in north Kerala, in 1954,
    precisely at the time when India began its journey from a backward agrarian
    nation towards one that harnessed nature and technology to emerge as one the
    top five economies as the third millennium dawned.

    Dr. Warrier, the youngest nephew of
    Vaidyaratnam P. S. Warrier, the founder of Kottackal Arya Vaidya Sala, was at
    once a witness to and a participant in that journey, guiding the institution as
    its Chief Physician and Managing Trustee, after his elder brother’s demise in a
    plane crash, into the single important destination for anyone seeking ayurvedic
    remedies from their ailments, be they from within India or abroad. Today,
    Kottackal is the synonym for authentic Ayurveda and over 30% of its patrons
    reach this far corner of Kerala from different parts of the globe.

    Under Dr. Warrier’s stewardship,
    Kottackal Arya Vaidya Sala has evolved into a premier institution of ayurvedic
    learning, research and drug manufacture. The Vaidya Sala today has five hospitals,
    a 300-bed facility and a charity hospital at Kottackal, and treating hospitals
    at Kochi, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. The Vaidya Sala is also a major
    manufacturer of ayurvedic drugs, its three state-of-the-art drug manufacturing
    facilities having an annual turnover of $20 million.

    Through the often-difficult journey through the second half of the last
    century, Dr. Warrier remained unwavering in his commitment to authentic
    ayurvedic practices and the lofty tradition of being there to cure all,
    regardless of their economic status. Over 800,000 people benefit every year
    from free consultations at Vaidya Sala’s hospitals and the twenty-two branches
    located in different parts of Kerala and India.

    Dr. Warrier has all along been a proponent of the idea of the Ayurveda
    practitioner getting an insightful understanding of a patient’s condition in
    the traditional way, through close interaction and physical examination, rather
    than through diagnostic investigations. Even so, he has always been ready to acknowledge
    the validity of other systems of medicine and ever so keen to keep himself
    abreast of the developments in these fields.

    Dr. Warrier has tried to propagate this holistic approach to treatment of
    diseases through his writings and speeches, contributing heavily to contemporary
    medical literature. His writings, speeches and research papers have been
    compiled under the title ‘Padamudrakal’. As Secretary of Arya Vaidya
    Samajam, he guided the growth of the Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier Ayurveda College
    (previously Arya Vaidya Pathasala) for over two decades, during the time when
    it was upgraded to an Ayurveda College. 

    Dr. Warrier made special efforts to incorporate technological innovations
    in the manufacturing processes of Ayurvedic medicines to enhance their efficacy
    and quality. In order to make the medicinal preparations more accurate, he
    established a research laboratory for the identification of medicinal plants
    and to ascertain the chemical identity of its pharmaceutical constituents. Now,
    this facility has grown into the Centre for Medicinal Plants Research, a
    full-fledged research institution.

    Dr. Warrier served as the Dean of Ayurveda in Calicut University and was
    Chairman of its Board of Studies. In recognition of his unique academic
    achievements, the University awarded an honorary D. Litt. to him in 1999. Well
    known as an     ardent
    supporter of medical ethics, Dr. Warrier     was honoured with many
    awards and distinctions over the last over seven decades. The nation honoured
    him with the ‘Padma Shri’ in 1999 and the ‘Padma Bhushan’ in 2010.

    No wonder then that Dr. Warrier, is today the tallest of the Ayurveda
    practitioners in the world, Kottackal Arya Vaidya Sala the epitome of all that
    is good and great about Ayurveda, the science of life.

  • Agni Elemental guarantor of good health

    Food that we consume is transformed into energy through a magical process. We call this digestion, the process by which the body breaks down the food that we consume and assimilates it into our physiological systems. Ayurveda attributes this process to Agni, the element which, in its multidimensional forms, ensure that the food is transformed into energy and excreta.

    This is a complex process of acceptance and rejection, done at different levels within the body. According to the functions and site of action, Agni has been divided into 13 types, i.e. one Jatharagni, five Bhutagni and seven Dhatvagni. Jadharagni is considered to be the most important among these as it digests four types of food and transforms it into Rasa and Mala. The five Bhutagnis act on the respective bhutika portion of the food and thereby nourish the Bhutas in the body. The seven Dhatvagnis act on the respective dhatus by which each Dhatu is broken into three parts. 

    Food is basically the substance that can be utilized by the body-systems to make create tissues and nurture them. But such a substance can deliver its duty only if it is acceptable to the biological system. Consider the example of poisons. They may contain proteins, but these proteins are not acceptable to the body and, if consumed, they kill the system. This is because, Agni cannot process a poison. 

    The capacity of the Agni to process food is miraculous. It breaks the complex structures into simpler forms, makes a pool of basic elements and facilitates re-organization of such basic elements to form the body-tissues. In this process, it adapts in a thousand ways to make sure that every stage of this complex transformation is executed properly. It tries to nullify the toxic elements of the food stuffs. If it fails in this effort, it makes sure that such things do not get entry into the system. 

    Every object that enters the body in the form of food is processed, detoxified, digested, reorganized and assimilated into the system to ensure that re-building of tissues takes place unhindered. In short, the very survival of an individual is based completely on the capacity of his/her Agni to perform. That is how Agni became a representation of divinity, if not God herself.

    Ayurveda gives the topmost priority to the capacity of Agni to perform its function to heal as well as nurture. Chikitsa (healing) is, in effect, nothing but Agnichikitsa (maintenance of Agni). And the ultimate aim of any Chikitsa is to preserve and sustain Agni. It may be interesting to note that all the seven types of Shamanachikitsa in Ayurveda that seeks to pacify the Doshas are geared towards manipulation of Agni for the betterment of physical health. 

  • It’s summer! Take care of the fiery element in you!

    Summer is the time when the fiery element in our body is most
    predominant. Ayurveda calls this element Pitta, which literally
    translates to ‘warmth’, in the sense of transformative energy. Pitta manages
    the biochemical processes of transformation. And, during summer, Pitta Dosha,
    in inherently driven by the solar energy, is most pronounced.

    Pitta
    comprises of the elements fire and water. It fuels all our biochemical
    activities such as digestion, metabolism and assimilation. Pitta,
    responsible for enzymatic and endocrine activity, also controls the regulation
    of body temperature, pigmentation, vision, intelligence, vitality, etc.

    According to Ayurveda, Pitta is hot, sharp,
    light, liquid, slightly oily and smelling slightly fleshy. When these
    attributes build up within the body due to wrong diet and lifestyle, Pitta
    accumulates and it results in the manifestation of various imbalances.

    Since Pitta
    is hot, people with constitution dominated by Pitta would become more
    susceptible to heat related ailments during the summer season. If there is
    excessive Pitta in the body, a person would experience excessive body
    heat, heartburn, hyperacidity, peptic ulcers, acne, skin rashes, diarrhoea and
    early greying of the hair.

    A
    person with Pitta nature cannot tolerate much heat, sunshine, or hard
    physical work. Due to its sharp qualities, Pitta can also cause emotional
    imbalances like aggression, irritability, anger, hatred, etc. Hence during
    summer, balancing Pitta is the main lifestyle task.

    Regular
    yoga and meditation can help much in achieving this. A conscious effort to be
    calm mentally and physically should also be made. Here are some other
    suggestions for pacifying the Pitta during summer.

    In the
    early morning, do some simple yoga asanas. Do some cooling pranayama
    like sheetali or shitkari after the asanas. Left-nostril
    breathing also will be beneficial. After that do total relaxation in shavasana.
    Regular meditation helps quieting the active Pitta mind and releasing
    anger. Massage your body gently using coconut oil before taking shower. Drink a
    tea of cumin, coriander, and fennel and rose to pacify the hot properties of Pitta,
    improve digestion and calm the mind.

    Wear
    cotton clothes, if possible, white in colour. Eat foods that are cooling and
    calming, sweet, bitter, and astringent. Coconut, cucumber, watermelon, steamed
    greens, mung beans and basmati rice are excellent choices.

    Sipping
    cool (not iced) water throughout the day keeps Pitta balanced. It is
    better to avoid spicy, salty, oily and sour foods. Activities like swimming,
    gardening and walking barefoot in the lawn in the early morning or evening all
    help pacify Pitta, thereby calming your mind and body.

  • Live long with regular Abhayanga (oil bath)

    Are you in search of
    glistening skin, immunity, physical strength and longevity? Practice Abhyanga,
    one of the key routine practices recommended by Ayurveda.

    ‘Routine’ (or ‘regular’, if you may) is the key
    word here. You have to have oil applied to all parts of your body and each part
    massaged to life.

    Dinacharya

    For thousands of years now, it has been the
    practice of health-conscious people in India to have a bath after applying medicated
    oil all over the body. This was an important aspect of their daily routine,
    called Dinacharya by Ayurveda texts.
    That was, in a sense, their key to good health. Sadly, the custom has now taken
    a hit, what with hectic lifestyles not permitting people the luxury of time for
    an elaborate oil bath.

    Oil bath pacifies Vata, nourishes the skin and tissues (dhatus) and dissolves toxins (ama).
    Oil applied to the scalp and body seeps into the various layers of skin and
    nurtures it. It energises the digestive system and ensures energy supply to the
    other systems.

    Two major benefits from daily oil bath is perfect
    vision and sound sleep. Also it helps prevent skin disease and rheumatologic
    disorders. Oil, both when applied by a professional masseur or be oneself,
    gives the body a good massage. It leaves one profoundly relaxed, mentally and
    physically agile, and tones up both the muscles and the skin.

    Oil for the sick, oil for the healthy

    Ayurvedic scriptures talk about different kinds of
    medicated oils and therapeutic indications along with the mode of application
    for people with different tridosha
    constitutions. There are oils for general use too.

    So choose your oil with care. Some oils are meant
    for the sick while others are for the healthy. Sesame oil is regarded as the
    best for all conditions. Coconut oil is advised for dandruff and psoriasis
    patients. Children with recurrent cough, fever, breathlessness and tonsillitis
    can use coconut oil processed with the leaves of Sahadevi (Poovaam kurunnila) or Akhukarni (Emilia sonchifolia). 

    Skin diseases like dry skin, dermatitis and fungal
    infections are seen to respond considerably to coconut oil with Paranthy (lxora coccinia). Regular use
    of black cumin seed-based oil keeps respiratory diseases and skin diseases away
    in children.

    Apply oil all over your body

    Every part of the body must be oiled, starting with
    the head. One has to remain oiled for at least 30 minutes before taking bath.

    Those who are damp with perspiration should wait
    for the body to cool down before applying oil.

    Bathe

    Following oil application, the body must be
    cleansed with warm water. Never go for a hot water shower on head as it is detrimental
    to the eyes. Bathing after dusk is not desirable.

    Head bath

    Individuals suffering from eye and ear ailments,
    fever, cough, other respiratory diseases, diarrhoea and facial palsy should
    strictly avoid massage and head bath.

    Medicated oil meant for the body should not be
    applied on the head, but oil recommended for the scalp can be applied on the
    body.

    Oils meant to arrest hair fall and stimulate growth
    is not good for a patient suffering from sinusitis or cold.

    It is recommended to take bath at least half an
    hour to one hour after applying oil. A morning Abhyangam is always advisable.

    An oil bath first thing in the morning will leave
    you profoundly relaxed, both mentally and physically.

  • Medhya Rasayana in Ayurveda

    Ayurveda, the holistic science of life, since time immemorial focuses
    mainly on preserving youthful vigor, and extending longevity by delaying the
    ageing process. Noted Ayurveda practitioner Dr Asharani writes; –

    The traditional science of Ayurveda encompasses several principles
    describing the base of all creations. For instance, it mentions nine dravyas viz., Panchmahabhutas,
    Manas, Atma, Kala     and Dik.

    Among these, Kala is the most important, as it includes
    all creation in itself. Right from conception till death, Kala interacts
    with human beings and effects various changes in the body. Depending upon the
    type of changes that occur, lifespan is divided into     Bala (early stage
    of life),     Madhya (middle stage of life), and Jirna or Vriddhavastha (later stage of
    life).     Growth, achievement, maintenance and decay are the major changes carried
    out in the body during these stages. Growth involves both physical & mental
    development.

    While geriatric population, children and youth population, all,
     have to deal with various mental sufferings in the fast-paced modern
    life, the former (mostly in the age group of  60-65 years) have high
    susceptibility to cognitive & memory impairment, loss of perception,
    insomnia, fear, anxiety, depression, loss of immunity etc besides other senile
    diseases.

     Statistically, the prevalence of overall mental illness in
    children & young people is 12.5% with overloading stress, fear, anxiety,
    depression and lack of sleep affecting their learning capacity, social and
    mental functioning. These sufferings are nothing but imbalances in the mental
    functioning of Dhee (power of acquisition), Dhriti (power
    of retention) and Smriti (ability to recall). Hence, Ayurveda
    explores Rasayana therapy, Medhya Rasayana in
    specific, to deal with these disabilities.

    In Medhya Rasayana, a group of four cognition enhancing
    herbs that can be applied alone or in combination is used. These herbs possess
    multifold benefits in memory, cognition, intelligence, creativity and improves
    learning skills. It provides the brain with essential nutrients and improves
    the power of remembrance, retention and acquisition.

    Medhya Rasayana comprises of:

    1.      Whole plant Juice of Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn.)
    with honey

    2.      Yastimadhu root (Glycirrhiza
    glabra     Linn.)     powder with milk

    3.      Juice of Guduchi stem (Tinospora
    cordifolia)     with honey

    4.      Paste of
    Shankapuhpi plant     (Convolvulus pleuricaulis Chois) with milk

    Mandukaparni plays a significant role in improving cognition and memory. Yastimadhu has
    anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects that increases blood circulation
    into the Central Nervous System, improves learning and memory; Guduchi 
    possess learning and memory enhancing properties, antioxidant and anti-stress
    action, enhances the cognition in normal and helps in cognition deficits, also
    helps in improving behavior disorders deficit and IQ levels; Shankhapushpi is
    found to be effective in treating anxiety, neurosis and used in cerebral
    abnormalities, insomnia, serve as wonderful nervine tonic and  enhances
    memory function, thanks to its antioxidant property.

    Other Medhya Rasayanas are:

    •      Vacha (Acorus calamus), Brahmi (Bacopa monniera), Jyotismati (Celastrus panniculata), Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida), Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi), Ksheera (milk)
    and Ghrita (ghee).

    Various formulations like Kushmanda rasayanam, Brahmi
    ghrita    , Brahmi vati, Brahmi taila, Saraswatha
    ghrita    , Kalyanaka ghrita, Smriti sagara rasa, Medhya
    vati    , Jatamamsi taila, Shankpushpi preparations, Saraswatharista, Himasagara
    taila     also helps the geriatric as well as child population to overcome
    mental sufferings. Indication, dose and duration of these Rasayanas vary
    as per age and disease.

    Uses:

    1.      Insomnia:

    ·         3gms of Mandukaparni powder
    to be taken with a cup of warm milk an hour before sleep.

    ·         2 drops of Jatamamsi oil
    should be instilled to each nostril daily

    ·         Foot massage
    with Yastimadhu taila at bedtime

    ·         Drinking 2-3 gms
    of Shankpushpi powder, 1gm of cumin powder mixed in 100ml of
    warm milk.

    2.      Intellect promoting:

    ·         1-2 grams of Mandukaparni powder
    is mixed with ½ tsp of clarified butter in children.

    ·         For adults, 4-5
    fresh leaves of Mandukaparni are crushed with 10ml of cow milk
    and a paste is to be prepared and taken in an empty stomach.

    ·         2-3 gms each
    of Vacha powder, Shankapushpi powder to be
    mixed with 5-10ml of Brahmi juice.

    3.      For improving attention in mental
    lethargic conditions:

    ·         1 gm Mandukaparni
    powder, 250mg Vacha powder, 125mg black pepper powder, 5 gms
    of Sugar candy powder to be boiled in 250ml of milk and reduced to half the
    quantity and can be taken twice daily.

    ·         Head massage
    with Brahmi oil

    ·         10-15ml of
    decoction of Shankapushpi to be taken daily

    4.      In mental outbreaks, anger,
    restlessness with insomnia:

    ·         5ml of Mandukarni leaf
    juice and 5ml of Sankhapushpi fresh juice to be taken with
    250ml of warm milk.

    ·         Head massage
    with Brahmi oil

    ·         Massaging the
    forehead and scalp with Shankapushpi oil

     

     

    5.      Memory enhancement:

    ·         1-2 gms of Yastimadhu powder
    with 1/2tsp of ghee in children.

    ·         Dried stem of Vacha should
    be rubbed on a pumice stone along with 5ml of its essence to be taken along
    with 10ml of milk daily.

    ·         Swarna vacha (a thin gold
    wire is inserted in to a piece of Vacha stem): This stick is
    rubbed on a sterile flat surface/ wooden surface along with 10 drops of cow
    milk or breast milk for 30 seconds and the child should be made to lick this
    paste on empty stomach.

    ·         Consuming daily ½
    -1 tsp of Brahmi ghritha in an empty stomach.

    ·         1-2gms of Jatamamsi powder
    with 1tsp of honey.

     

    6.      Immune enhancement :

    ·         Eating 1-2 leaves
    of Guduchi daily

    ·         Kushmandha juice / Kushmandha
    rasayana

    At the outset, the modern society with high speed urbanization and
    industrialization is immensely changing the psychological and social structure
    of the individual and the impact on older people and children groups is far
    greater, producing long term stress, anxiety, lack of focus, depression,
    sleeplessness, memory loss etc. In total, these Medhya Rasayana herbs
    serve as CNS Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, enhance cognition, act as stress
    buster, mood enhancer and stable the mind. These herbs also have a role to play
    in Neurodegenerative conditions, psychosomatic disorders, attention deficit
    conditions and behavioral disorders etc.

     

  • Snack Your Way to a Healthy Lifestyle

    We are
    hopefully at the end of a long dark tunnel. With the rollout of the Covid-19
    vaccines, the whole world is breathing a collective sigh of relief. For the
    majority, life at home was both exhilarating and frustrating: the
    much-hoped-for companionship with dear ones making it enjoyable, even as work
    invaded homes turning them out into arenas of tense existence.

    The
    last 9 months have also been a time of gourmet delights, many of us taking a
    lot many snacks to see the day through and sit through one film after the
    other. Some might already be paying the price for such food adventures. Perhaps
    it is time to remind oneself that foods which entertain one’s taste buds well
    may not satisfy one’s nutrition requirements.

    Unwholesome snacks

    According
    to Ayurveda, one’s health depends on the amount and quality of food eaten. One
    can stay healthy simply by keeping unwholesome food beyond one’s reach. In each
    day’s diet, we combine wholesome and unwholesome food, knowingly or
    unknowingly. This happens mostly because the habit of snacking.

    Today
    we have many mouth-watering choices for a snack: fried, spicy, frozen, and
    sweet – to name a few. These foods are liked much due to the tastes they offer.
    And we forget the fact that they contain relatively high amount of calories and
    unhealthy fat. Is there a substitute? Nuts and dry fruits which offer more
    quality in less quantity are the best substitutes for common spicy snacks of
    today.

    For
    example, an ounce of cashew nut has 5 grams of protein in it. It is cholesterol-free,
    and has heart friendly fatty acids. Cashews help diabetics to reduce their
    triglyceride levels with its monounsaturated fats. Many varieties of nuts and
    dry fruits are available in markets today. Cashew nuts, dates, almonds,
    raisins, pistachio, apricot, walnuts and fig are the most popular items.

    How can we know their quality?

    One nut
    or fruit might be better than another because of its taste, size, shape or
    colour, which solely depends on their places of origin. For example, raisins
    coming from Afghanistan are considered to be of superior quality. So when you
    buy it keenly watch its size, colour, freshness and check whether it is packed
    hygienically.

    How to eat?

    Raisins
    can be used after soaking in water overnight. Dates can be taken directly or
    with water or milk. Cashew nuts can be taken with milk or directly.

    Around
    one ounce (6-10 numbers) of cashew nuts is enough for a day for a healthy one.
    Pistachios and almonds also can be used directly or with milk. Peanuts are
    available in butter form which can be used with bread, etc. Dry fruits and nuts
    can be used as salad toppings. They can be added in a variety of dishes like
    oat meal, cereals, curries and cakes.

    Even
    diabetics can have nuts and dry fruits in their menu, excluding some items like
    dates and raisins. The amount and timings should be chosen carefully according
    to the person’s condition. A diabetic should seek advice from a
    dietician/physician before adding these into daily menu. 

     

    Moderation
    is the key

     Nuts
    and dry fruits are high calorie foods. Due to great taste, there may be a
    tendency to consume them in unhealthy quantities, which should be avoided. A
    handful a day is enough for a healthy person. You can eat them straight. For
    ensuring proper nutrition, mix more than two of them in a day’s menu. And say ‘no’
    to fried and salted nuts. 

    At
    office 

    It is
    so easy to carry some dry fruits or nuts to your office; and you can also enjoy
    them while travelling. At office, have a few cashew nuts or peanuts or dates at
    your teatime instead of any fried food. You can ensure limited consumption by
    eating them when you are not so hungry. 

    They
    should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place. It is
    better to buy them in moderate quantities. Limit the usage by considering your
    body conditions. 

    • More
    quality from less quantity (a handful a day is enough) 

    • Heart
    friendly – Nuts mostly contain high density lipoproteins or HDL, which is known
    as good cholesterol 

    •
    Presence of fats that lower cholesterol (Poly unsaturated and mono unsaturated
    fats – omega 3 fatty acids) 

    • Good
    source of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, Potassium and Iron 

    • Good
    source of calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins and magnesium 

    • Dried
    fruits are very good source of vitamins and fibre. They are made from fresh
    fruit and are rich in calories. 

    Pancha
    kashaya: Five aqueous extracts 

    1.   Svarasa:
    It is the expressed juice, prepared by taking the fresh plant. The herb is
    wrapped in a cloth and pounded well. Then it is squeezed to express the juice.
    If the fresh plant is unavailable, one part of the dried powder of that herb is
    taken and it is mixed with water measuring double quantity of the powder. This
    is allowed soak overnight and then it is squeezed out through a cloth.

    Svarasa
    is considered to be the heaviest to digest and most potent of the pancha
    kashaya. It is usually given twice daily in a quantity equal to 12-24 ml (half
    a pala), and is prepared only when it is needed. 

    2.   Kalka:
    It is prepared by grinding the material (dravya) in mortar and pestle and
    adding just enough water to make a paste. Honey and/or ghee are often added to
    the preparation. Kalka is usually dosed at 12 g (one karsha), twice daily. It
    is pre-pared in the form of boluses, when it is needed. 

    3.   Kvatha:
    It is a herbal decoction, prepared by boiling one part (by weight) of the
    coarsely powdered dravya in 16 parts water (by volume) in a covered earthenware
    pot, over a medium-low heat until it is reduced to one quarter of its original
    volume. Kvatha is normally dosed at 96 ml (two palas). 

    4.   Hima:
    It is the cold infusion, prepared by allowing one part (by weight) of the
    coarsely ground dravya to infuse in eight parts (by volume) of water overnight.
    Hima is typically dosed at 96 mL (two palas), twice daily.

    Prepared
    when needed.

    Phanta:
    It is a warm infusion, prepared by infusing one part (by weight) of the
    coarsely ground powder of the dravya in four parts (by volume) of hot water for
    8-10 minutes. The resultant preparation is then filtered out through a cloth or
    sieve. Phanta is typically dosed at 96 ml (two palas), twice daily.

  • Shatavari and its medicinal uses

    Shatavari is known as the
    ‘Queen of Herbs’ as the herb is much effective in treating many disorders
    affecting women, especially the problems related to the female reproductive
    system. Noted Ayurvedic     practitioner Dr Pretty Prabhakaran gives a brief information on the
    herb found at low altitudes throughout India.

    Scientific name: Asparagus racemosus wild

    Family: Liliaceae

    Names

    Sanskrit     
    – Shatavari, Shatamuli, Shataveerya, Atirasa

    Hindi         
    – Satavar

    Malayalam – Shatavari

    Kannada    
    – Majjige gande

    Telungu     
    – Challa gadda

    English       
    – Asparagus

    Shatavari in Sanskrit means “the
    plant with hundred roots” owing to numerous roots of this natural herb. The
    stems are thorny, delicate, brittle and smooth. The leaves are reduced to
    minute spines. Flowers are white in simple or branched racemes. Fruits are
    globular and purplish in colour when they ripe. Roots are succulent and
    tuberous, from 30cm to 1meter in length and smooth tapering on both ends.

    Properties

    Rasa – Madhura, Tikta

    Guna – Guru, Snigda

    Veerya – Seeta

    Vipaka – Madhura

    Medicinal uses

    Useful part – rhizome.

    1)     
    It’s useful to mitigate
    aggregated vata & pitta and provides nourishment and has coolant
    properties. The extracted juice of rhizome mixed with honey is advocated in
    conditions like Leucorrhea – white, greenish or a slightly yellow discharge
    from the vagina, and Menorrhagia (menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or
    prolonged bleeding; need medical evaluation to rule out the cause of excess
    bleeding)

    2)     
    Medicated milk boiled with
    rhizome of Shatavari or its powder boiled in milk can be used to treat
    Urinary Tract Infection

    3)     
    Shatavari granules can be taken with
    milk by those suffering from Stanya kshaya (low breast milk)

    4)     
    Shatavari extract of rhizome can be
    taken with equal amounts of water for complaints like hyperacidity, Peptic
    Ulcer.

    5)     
    Shatavari helps in treating numerous
    hormonal problems and conditions like endometriosis (inflammation of the lining
    of the uterus) in females

  • Natural Approach to Birth Control

    At a time when population explosion, unintended pregnancies and
    sexually-transmitted diseases continue to cause major public health issues world-wide,
    it’ll be interesting to know how an ancient healthcare system like Ayurveda
    dealt with such problems.      Vaidya Lakshmi Anoop writes:-

    Procreation and no creation, Ayurveda has ways to deal with them.
    Ayurveda suggests Vajikarana therapy for those who wish to conceive. On
    the other hand, Ayurveda has many suggestions for those in need of natural
    contraceptives.

    Like in other areas of healthcare, Ayurveda has developed many methods
    in the practice of contraception. Safe period, coitus interruptus and other
    contraceptive methods have been described very well in Ayurveda texts.
    References about practice of contraception have been available since the period
    of the Vedas. Clinical studies later proved these drugs to be efficacious in
    contraception and without any side-effects.

    Modern methods

    In today’s world, halting conception is not that difficult, for we’ve
    various contraceptives like condoms, spermicidal gels and intra-uterine devices
    besides surgical measures. Not all contraceptive methods are appropriate for
    all situations, and the most appropriate method of birth control depends on a
    woman’s overall health, age, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual
    partners, desire to have children in the future, and family history of certain
    diseases.

    However, the failure rate of many of these contraceptive methods is
    high. Hormonal contraceptives and intra-uterine devices like Copper-T are
    reported to generate incidents of side-effects. Surgical sterilization in males
    can also cause side-effects. Available local contraceptive measures do not give
    100 percent surety of prevention of conception.

    Contraceptives in Ayurveda

    Ayurveda suggests a low-cost, user-friendly, reliable and side-effect
    free approach for family planning, which is the need of the hour. Many research
    works are on-going in this area. Even the Government of India has recognised
    the role of indigenous systems of medicine in population control. The Central
    Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, New Delhi, and the Central Drug
    Research Institute, Lucknow, are undertaking a lot of research projects on
    indigenous contraceptive methods.

    Regulated sexual life or abstinence from sex was considered as the
    method of contraception in Ayurvedic classics. Ayurveda treatises like Bhava
    Prakash, Yoga Ratnakara, Bhaishajya Ratnavali     etc have mentioned about
    different combinations of herbal and herbo-mineral contraceptive preparations
    for local as well as oral use by men and women.

    Single herbal drugs mentioned in ayurvedic texts are found to have
    anti-ovulatory and anti-implantation activities on pharmacological screening.
    Research on the properties of the herbs proved their efficacy.

    Vidanga (Emblica ribes) — Research studies show that it possesses 83 percent
    antifertility activity.

    Talisa (Abies webbiana) – Research showed that it possesses 51 per cent
    anti-implantation activity.

    Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) – It showed anti-fertility, anti-implantation,
    anti-oestrogenic, anti-ovulatory, anti-gonadotrophic activities.

    Nimba (Azadirachta indica) – Its bark extract possesses spermicidal activity.
    It also showed significant decline of sperm motility and sperm density.
    Fructose concentration of seminal vesicles was significantly reduced.

    Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) – It possesses anti-implantation, anti-zygotic,
    abortifacient properties.

    Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea) – It possesses anti-implantation facilities.

    Japakusuma (Hibiscus rosa sinensis) – Research studies showed that benzene extract
    has 100 percent antifertility effect. It also possesses anti-spermatogenic,
    anti-ovulatory, anti-implantation, abortifacient properties. It exhibited a
    post coital antifertility effect in 80 per cent treated rats.

    Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves — They significantly reduce sperm count and
    motility, increase testosterone levels and decrease LH and FSH. They possess a
    spermatogenic effect. Studies showed that the contraceptive effect of Tulsi
    in male was comparable to female contraceptive pills, which were also
    reversible.

    Haridra (Curcuma longa) – Studies showed that intra-vaginal administration of
    curcuma caused reduction in fertility. It results in reversible suppression of
    spermatogenesis and fertility, thereby suggesting the potential of this plant
    to regulate male fertility. They produce an anti-andro-genic effect.

    Local contraceptives for females

    Vaginal application of moistened Saindhava lavana (rock salt)
    with Tila taila (gingerly oil) before coitus.

    Fumigation of vaginal canal with wood of Neem before coitus.

    Filling the vaginal canal with Dhattura root (Dattura metal) powder
    which is uprooted during 14th day of the first fortnight of lunar
    month.

    The seed of shireesha (Albizia lebbeck) is a potent spermicide.
    It immobilises the human sperm in one minute. It possesses an anti-ovulatory
    and anti-fertility effect. Females can use it as a local application.

    Neem oil (Azadirachta indica) When applied locally, acts as a vaginal
    contraceptive. It possesses spermicidal, anti-ovulatory and anti-implantation
    effects.

    Oral contraceptives for females

    Talisapatra powder (Abies webbiana) and Gairika (Red Ochre, Fe203) in equal parts
    in the dose of 1 karsha (12 gm) acts as a contraceptive.

    Paste of Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) root mixed with Nirgundi
    (Vitex negundo) juice and administered in the dose of one karsha (12 gm)
    is an effective contraceptive.

    Powder of sharshapa seeds (Brassica campestris), Tandulam
    (Amaranthus spinosus), Sarkara (Sugar candy) pound with Tandulodaka (rice
    water) when taken with milk prevents conception.

    Powders of amla (Embilca officinalis), Arjuna (Terminalia
    arjuna) and Abhaya (Terminalia chebula), along with water, make the
    follicular development ineffective.

    Haridra (Curcuma longa) rhizome, having knot, is to be given one rhizome per
    day during the three days of menstruation and continued for another three days.

     Powder of Krishna Jeeraka (Carum carvi), Kachooram
    (Hedychium spicatum), Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea), Haritaki
    (Terminalia chebula), Kalonji (Nigella sativa), Kayaphala (Myrica
    nagi) is to be mixed and given as pills in the size of ziziphus fruit (red
    date) for seven days.

    Flowers of Japa (Hibiscus rosa sinensis), if taken immediately
    after the delivery of a child, is said to prevent future conception.

    The entire seeds of cotyledons of white variety of Gunja (Abrus
    precatorius), after removing the epicarp, are to be soaked in water for one
    night. Administration of the potion on the fourth, fifth and sixth day of
    menstruation is stated to prevent misconception for three years.

    Pippali (Piper longum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes) and Tankana
    (borax), made into a powder in equal quantities, and taken with milk during the
    fertile phase, is an effective contraceptive. Experimental studies proved its
    efficacy and there were only two failures amongst 458 users. There is no adverse
    effect on lactation or any other side-effects. The reversibility of fertility
    is stated to be immediate after withdrawal of medication.

    Oral contraceptives for males

    The herb Arka (Calotropis gigantea) inhibits spermatogenesis and
    acts as oral contraceptives for males. Calotropin, a novel compound, is
    responsible for fertility control.

    Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves when administered in the dose of 2 mg daily
    acts as an effective anti-fertility agent in males.

    Haridra (Curcuma longa) extracts induce fertility control in male.

     The natural birth control methods mentioned in Ayurvedic texts
    helps to minimise chances of unwanted pregnancies and prevent
    sexually-transmitted diseases. Contraceptive methods were in use since the time
    of Vedas. Unlike hormonal or other contraceptive methods, Ayurvedic
    contraceptives are free from side effects and are effective. So this vast field
    has to be researched more for benefitting mankind.

     

    (The author Vaidya Lakshmi Anoop is a practicing Ayurvedic physician
    based in Jaipur.)