Ayurvedamagazine

Category: AYURVEDA

  • Panchakarma – the Gem of Ayurvedic Therapies

    Panchakarma has become a familiar term for most
    of us today. It’s a critical component of Ayurvedic treatment. The statement ‘Ayurveda
    is not a treatment but a way of life’ is perhaps ubiquitous today. It essentially
    means that Ayurveda aims to maintain normality of health in people in addition
    to curing diseases.

    The concept of Ayurveda is based on the Tridosha theory. According to this concept, the physical,
    physiological and psychological aspects of individuals are attributed to their tridoshas, or the three humors – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. A balance of tridoshas
    leads to normalcy in health, and a loss of it gradually results in
    manifestation of diseases. Many factors like diet, habits, exercise, emotional
    factors, seasonal variations and age may be responsible for this vitiation. To
    put in a nutshell, treatment in Ayurveda is about bringing the tridoshas back to normalcy.

    When thinking of doshas
    and their balance, a question may arise as to how we bring all diseases under a
    single roof of dosha vitiation. How
    can we include conditions like infections that result from external causes?
    Well, Ayurveda classifies diseases into Nija
    (caused due to factors within the body) and Aganthu
    (caused due to external factors).  In
    case of Nija, vitiation of dosha occurs prior to the disease, whereas
    in Aganthu, the causative factor
    precedes vitiation of doshas.  Thus deviation from normalcy of doshas occurs in both cases.

    Hence treatment in Ayurveda consists of several steps, which
    include identification of causes of the disease and their prevention (nidana parivarjana), expulsion of the
    vitiated dosha from the body (sodhana chikitsa), alleviation of the doshas that are vitiated (samana chikitsa) and finally
    rejuvenation of the body to its original state (rasayana chikitsa). Among this, samana
    chikitsa     and sodhana chikitsa are
    major treatments. Samana chikitsa is
    relatively simple and can be done on an outpatient basis. Dosha balance can be restored by the gentle procedures of samana if the perturbation is mild. Sodhana chikitsa/ panchakarma is a more
    complex procedure, and it expels the vitiated doshas from the body. In more simple terms, Panchakarma flushes out the toxins and uproots the disease
    completely, and is done especially when the perturbation of doshas is severe.

    Concept of personalised medicine in Ayurveda

    The normalcy of doshas
    in an individual is considered as prakriti
    of that particular individual. Prakriti
    can be somewhat regarded as the Ayurvedic way of determining the genetic
    constitution of an individual in terms of three doshas.

    Genomic studies of recent times have proved that people with similar
    prakriti have identical genetic
    make-up. Though the prakriti is
    grouped broadly into seven, depending upon the predominance of one or two or
    three doshas (one type), innumerable
    permutations and combinations are possible between them. It is similar to each
    human having a unique genetic combination, where two persons can be genetically
    similar but not exactly alike.

    Disease is considered as a deviation from prakriti. Since the normalcy of doshas is unique for each individual, their
    deviation from normalcy is also unique and consequently so is the required
    treatment for the individual. This is essentially why we call Ayurveda a personalised
    medicine.

    Panchakarma

    The term Panchakarma
    means five processes. The five karmas
    include Nasya (instillation of nasal
    medication), Vamana (emesis/ vomiting),
    Virechana (purgation), Snehavasthi (oil enema) and Kashyayavasthi (decoction enema). Raktamoksha (bloodletting) is also an
    important process in the surgical point view of Ayurveda, even though it is not
    included under Panchakarma.

    A Panchakarma treatment
    can be divided into three phases:-

    n  Purva karma/
    preceding phase /preparatory phase. This phase includes Snehapana (oil/ghee intake) and Sweda
    karma     (sudation therapies).

    n  Pradhana Karma/main
    phase of Panchakarma treatment –
    includes the five processes mentioned above.

    n  Paschaat Karma/
    succeeding phase/Follow up – mainly includes dietary patterns

     

    Purva karma/preparatory phase

    Snehapana (oil/ghee intake)

    Snehapana can be prepared in two ways. One
    method is to have oil/ghee daily in small doses (Vicharana snehapana) along with normal food. The second method is
    to have oil/ghee in increasing dose on empty stomach for 3-7 days (Accha Snehapana). The second method can
    be done only when the person is completely under doctor’s direct supervision
    since there are increased chances of complications. The type of Snehapana, the dosage, type of oil/ ghee/animal
    fat and the number of days, all depend upon the patient’s strength and disease
    condition and should be determined by the doctor.

    Snehapana is arguably the most difficult form
    of treatment for the patient as well as the doctor, especially when performed
    in high doses. The oil or ghee consumed as part of this procedure spreads all
    over the body, and in the last days of Snehapana,
    one can smell the ghee in the hair, skin and bed of the patient and also feel
    the oil in their skin and hair follicles.

    Svedana Karmas (sudation therapies)

    Svedana Karmas are done in conjunction with
    external oil application. It’s normally done after internal administration and along
    with external application of oil. It includes almost all types of massages.
    These processes are often done under the label of Panchakarma whereas in reality it’s only a preparatory therapy of Panchakarma.  Svedana
    Karma     can be done in various techniques like oil application and steaming;
    application of bolus made of medicated powders, leaves, rice etc. The required
    technique is selected based on the condition of the patient. This phase of treatment
    is usually pleasurable for the patient, but many restrictions are required for
    a successful therapy. Generally, it’s done for seven days. The procedure can be
    continued till the certain symptoms of saturation or optimum application (samyak lakshanas) appear in the patient.
    More than one Svedhana karma can be
    done in a patient.

    The oil intake/snehapana
    and sudation therapies/Sweda Karmas
    can also be done as Samana Chikitsa.
    In such cases, it’s not associated with Panchakarmas.
    However, for doing Panchkarmas, oil
    intake and sudation therapies are mandatory. The five purification procedures
    on their own can’t remove vitiated doshas
    present in the vast network of body channels. Hence the purvakarmas help to loosen and mobilize the doshas from the body channels, clear the openings of the channels
    into the alimentary canal and deliver them into its lumen.

    Five Pradhan karmas/
    Main processes

    Vamana/ Emesis


     The Vamana
    process is done to eliminate the vitiated kapha
    dosha     from the body. Specific emetic drugs are selected as per the
    condition of the patient and repeated emesis is induced for the complete elimination
    of doshas.

    Virechana/Purgation

    Virechana is done to eliminate the vitiated Pitta dosha from the body. The purgative
    drug and its dose are determined by the condition of the patient.

    Vasthi/ Enema

    Vasthi is of two types – Kashaya Vasthi (non-lubricant) and Sneha vasthi (lubricant enema). It is
    done to eliminate the vitiated Vata dosha.
    Decoction enema/ Kashaya Vasthi plays
    a major role in elimination of doshas,
    but it can be done only in combination with oil enema. Otherwise it may give
    rise to complications. The number of days and medication for Vasthi is determined by the condition of
    the patient. Vasthi alone is regarded
    as half treatment in many conditions.

    Nasya (nasal instillation of medicine)

    Nasya includes the instillation of nasal medication
    and is done for the elimination of doshas,
    mainly in diseases affecting head and neck region. The Purvakarmas like snehapana
    and generalised swedana is not mandatory
    for nasya. But application of oil and
    fermentation is done in the head and neck region. The purvakarmas like Snehapana
    and generalised swedana is not mandatory
    for nasya. But application of oil and
    fermentation is done in the head and neck region just before the procedure.

    Rakta Moksha

    Rakta Moksha is also an important process of Sodhana, but is not included under the
    title of Panchakarma. This process
    includes the removal of impure blood from different sites of the body through
    scarification using metallic instruments and application of leeches. The site
    depends upon the disease condition. This treatment is seen to be effective in
    cases where other treatment procedures fail to yield results.

    Panchakarma — Follow up treatments

    During this phase, the body will be in a very fragile condition.
     The digestive capacity will be weak and to
    protect and enhance the same, certain dietary patterns and restrictions (pathya kala) are advised for this period.
    In practice, it’s normal to take upto three months before receiving the
    benefits of Panchakarma even though
    changes start to occur just after the treatment. This period doesn’t require
    hospitalisation.

    (Authors Dr Divya P and Dr Ramesh G are Consultants of
    Agasthya Parva Ayurveda)

  • Indian Mint & its medicinal uses

    There are certain
    medicinal plants and herbs that grow easily or found commonly in our compound
    or backyard, but we seldom realize their value. The ‘Indian Mint’ or ‘Indian Borage’
    is effective against fever, cough and breathing difficulty. Noted Ayurvedic
    practitioner,     Dr Pretty Prabhakaran
    writes:-

     

     Scientific name:
    Plectranthus amboinicus

    Family: Lamiaceae

    Names

    Sanskrit:         Ajapatri

    Malayalam:   Panikoorka/Kanjikoorka

    Tamil:             Karpooravalli

    Kannada:       Thottapatri

    Hindi:             Pathar choor

    English:          Indian Borage/Indian mint/Mexican
    mint/Spanish thyme

      

    Morphology

    The plant mainly belongs
    to mint family Lamiaceae, grows up to 0.5 to 1meter. The stem and leaves are
    fleshy and contain water. Leaves are undivided and broad with oval shape. The
    aroma of the plant is very intense. The plant can be cultivated easily by
    planting the stem. Flowers are pale purplish and appear in a long, slender
    spike-like raceme.

    Medicinal uses

    The leaves of the plant are
    mainly used for fever, cough and breathing difficulty in children and also in
    adults.

     

    Internal usage

    How to extract the juice?

    The leaves of the plant
    after proper cleaning is dipped in hot water or steamed under hot water to
    extract the juice.

    •          Intake of juice with honey or sugar candy will reduce fever,
    cough and breathing difficulty

    •          Application of the paste on the forehead and chest cures headache
    and congestion caused due to vitiation of pranavaha
    srotas     (respiratory system)

    •          Cough, throat pain, wheezing – leaf extract of adalotakam (adhatoda vasika) and panikoorka with honey

    •          Steam inhalation – boil water, adding the leaves and then inhaling
    the same will help remove nasal congestion and reduce discomfort like sinusitis
    and headache caused due to increased kapha
    dosha    .

    •          Abdominal problems like gastritis and indigestion can be
    cured by intake of leaf extract with pure honey, ginger juice or buttermilk.

    •          Nasal congestion – crush the leaves and the aroma can be
    inhaled for removing the nasal congestion.

    •          Insect bites –crushed leaves are applied on the affected
    area to remove the pain.

    •          Taking bath in lukewarm water boiled with leaves of panikoorka will reduce the chance of getting
    affected by cough and fever.

    •          Application of rasnadi
    choornam     with panikoorka swarasa
    (leaf extract) will reduce the headache.

  • Integrative approach, the need of the hour: Dr Rathin

    An integrative and individualized treatment approach
    that combines Homeopathy with modern medicine or other natural medical systems like
    Ayurveda should be initiated so as to get the best possible results, veteran
    homeopath Dr Ratin Chakravarthy said on Sunday.

    He was speaking as a panelist in the second of
    the ‘Ayush Hard Talk’ webinar series on the topic ‘Does Homeopathy Work’. The
    hard-hitting debate series is being organized by the Ayush Valley Foundation in
    association with the Ayurveda and Health Tourism Magazine.

    “Future of medicinal streams like Homeopathy is
    very bright. The scientific validation of the drugs through clinical trials
    will prove their efficacy which may even better the modern medicine in some
    cases,” Ratin, former Mayor, Howrah, West Bengal, added.

    “Homeopathy brings in a new concept that has
    been found effective in treating many chronic illnesses. For instance, when a severe
    outbreak of dengue occurred in the state of Kerala, the Homeopathic medicines like
    X-ray 200 and Bryonia Alba worked wonders and a large number of people shifted
    to homeopathic treatment,” said Prof Dr E S Rajendran of Mar Sleeva Medicity,
    Pala, Kerala, observed.

    “..We need to reach out to the authorities and
    exhort them to take measures for development of natural medical systems like
    homeopathy. The scientific evidences and validation are only going to enhance
    their acceptability,” noted Dr Jayesh V Sanghvi of Nature Clinic, Chennai,
    Tamil Nadu.

    The ‘Ayush Hard Talk’ series was rolled out on October
    four when the initial episode on the topic ‘Why this conflict between Modern
    Medicine and Ayurveda’ received an overwhelming response. Dr Bhaswati
    Bhattacharya, MD MPH (Harvard) PhD (Ayu-BHU), moderates the over one-hour
    sessions being held on the first Sunday of every month.

  • Medicinal importance of Mimosa Pudica

    A plant when touched will fold its leaflets inwards, so it got the names
    like Sensitive Plant, Touch me not, Shame Plant and the like. The whole plant
    including the root is useful in the medicinal point of view;-

     

    Scientific Name: Mimosa pudica
    Linn.
    Family: Leguminosae

     

    Name:
    ⦁ Sanskrit – Lajjalu, Namaskari, Raktapadi
    ⦁ Tamil – Thottal vadi
    ⦁ Hindi – Lajjavanti
    ⦁ Malayalam – Thottalvadi

     


    Morphology

    Mimosa pudica is
    a shrub/creeper which is an annual or perennial flowering plant having thorns
    in its stem and grows 2-3 feet in height. The leaves are bipinnately compound,
    with one or two pinnae pairs. The plant when touched will fold its leaflets
    inwards, so it got the names like touch me not, shame plant and all. Flowers
    are ovoid in shape and purple in colour, originating from leaf axils. Fruits
    consist of clusters of pods which break later and contain brown seeds.

    Chemical
    constituents

    Alkaloid Mimosine
    – has antiproliferative and apoptotic effects.
    Aqueous extract of root contain Tannin (10%) – Antitoxic

     

    Properties

    Guna – Laghu,
    Ruksha
    Rasa – Kashaya, Tikta
    Vipaka – Katu
    Veerya – Seetha

     

    Medicinal uses

    Useful part – whole plant including root

    ⦁ It is useful for Kapha and Pitta diseases
    ⦁ Local administration – Apply the juice of leaves in Vrana (Abscess), Kshatha
    (Fracture) and Bhagandhara (Fistula)
    ⦁ Bleeding disorders – juice of entire plant with honey
    ⦁ Leucorrhoea – Powdered plant can be given with honey along with other medication; seed – can be given as aphrodisiac (shukra dourbalya)
    ⦁ Diabetes – entire plant juice twice daily, by monitoring the glucose level.
    ⦁ Visha (Toxicity) –  useful for Spider,
    Scorpion bite – Apply the paste thrice a day with pathya.
    ⦁ Digestive system – athisara (diarrhea), bleeding hemorrhoids can be used internally.

  • Sports injuries & the role of Ayurveda

    Sports and games are making a slow come back as the Covid-19 pandemic
    loosens its clutch over many regions. This is a time when sports personalities and
    athletes are focussing hard to improve their fitness in their bid to make a “strong
    comeback”. They are well aware that a prolonged absence due to injuries or disorders
    can impinge their dreams and waste no time in availing good treatments.

    While the debate rages on over the best system of medicine for
    sport injury treatment, traditional Indian healing systems like Ayurveda have
    much to offer in this field.

    In classical texts of Ayurveda like Charak Samhita, Susrut Samhita and Astang Hridaya, Acharyas mention
    about ‘Rasayana Chikithsa’ which
    comes handy in treatment of most of the sports injuries. Originally the treatment
    aims to sustain youthfulness by maintaining the balance of the three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The treatment helps in making a person physically and mentally strong by preventing the degeneration of cells. The
    other benefit is to enhance the reproductive power.

    A major share of treatment of sports injuries is over
    repairing or rectifying damages to the body due to reasons like overexertion or
    accidents. The conditions include:-

    Degeneration of bones

    In Ayurveda, it’s known as ‘Vatha Vyadhi’. The line of treatment for
    ‘Vatha Vyadhi’ cures all degenerative
    conditions.

    Muscle wasting and tendon rupture

    This condition occurs when the body fails to get
    adequate nourishment in proportionate with the physical exertions. The muscles
    will weaken resulting in tendon rupture. In Ayurveda, the condition is called Shohsam and has specific line of treatment.

    Inflammation 

    Inflammation affects mainly the joints
    of the body and similar to conditions of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Ayurvedic
    treatments like     Vata Rakta Chikitsa
    and     Amavatha Chikitsa etc are proven
    effect in curing the conditions. 

    Fractures/Sprain

    The key to management of fracture is
    to restore the normal or near to normal structural integrity and physiology of
    the fractured part, at the earliest, without complications and with minimal complications.
    Like modern medical science, Ayurveda too prescribes fundamental principles for
    management of fractures like First Aid, Reduction, Immobilisation and Physiotherapy.
    Besides, adjuvant therapies like oral medications, Pancha karma and diet regimen have been mentioned. Due consideration
    to Prakriti (Psycho – somatic
    constitution) and nutritional status is also provided as part of the treatment.

    By adopting these Ayurvedic principles,
    many sports injuries can be successfully managed with minimal complications.

    (Authors – Dr Khrisikesh and Dr Deepa Shetty, Ayurveda Mana, Palakkad, Kerala)

  • Nasya: its importance amid pandemic times

    In Ayurveda, snehana nasya, or
    oiling of the nasal passages, has been used for thousands of years to prevent
    and treat many causes of physical and mental imbalance. In these times of covid-19
    (and in a world now literally awash with air-, water-, and earth-borne toxins
    and stresses), snehana nasya has perhaps
    never been so important. Noted Ayurveda practitioner Dr Susie Colles writes…

    Applying warm oil inside the nostrils provides a
    thin moist coating that can catch airborne particles     before they enter the body. In this way, snehana nasya can prevent the influx of viruses,
    bacteria, yeasts, pollens and other allergens and elements that can challenge
    and disrupt the body. It helps to prevent virus infection, colds, flus and
    allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

    Oiling and
    moistening the nasal passages also helps to protect, lubricate, nourish, strengthen and clean
    the sensitive tissues of the nostrils, mucus membranes and paranasal sinus.     The Charaka Samhita
    and     Bhavaprakasha state that persons habituated to nasal oiling
    acquire good vision, smell, and hearing; a sweet and pleasant voice and breath;
    and avoid wrinkles and grey hair, stiff necks and headaches.

    As the
    nose is the gateway to the brain, snehana
    nasya     also helps to nourish and clarify the mind and senses and support the
    cerebral tissues. It can help to improve sleep and snoring issues, and benefit
    breathing and the yogic practice of pranayama.

    Within the
    dinacharya or daily routine, all Ayurvedic
    constitutions can benefit from snehana
    nasya    . In the morning, nasal oiling helps to remove excess congestion and kapha. In the heat of the day it can
    help to cool pitta. In the evening snehena nasya helps to mitigate the
    dryness of vata. Specifically, snehana nasya works on prana vayu, bodhaka kapha, tarpaka kapha
    and sadhaka pitta.

     

    How to practice:

    — Use
    warm oil as advised by your     Ayurvedic
    practitioner. Various options include:

    Untoasted,
    cold-pressed sesame oil – good for     vata
    constitution     and good for general use

    Plain ghee (clarified butter), or coconut oil
    – good for pitta constitution

    Extra
    virgin olive oil – useful for pitta
    and kapha constitution


    Or
    medicated, herb-infused oil such as:

    Anu tailam — pungent oil with a strong
    cleansing effect – good for kapha constitution
    (It can also be diluted with extra sesame oil for congested vata types).

    Bramhi ghee or oil – good for pitta constitution,
    and if one does intellectual work.

     

    — Warm
    a small amount of oil on a teaspoon and take a little onto a clean pinkie or
    ring finger or on to a cue tip or take it into a glass dropper (if applying from
    a glass dropper, tilt the head back or lie down; it may help to hold a small
    mirror).

     — Administer
    1 to 4 drops of oil into one nostril.

     — Block the
    other nostril and sniff gently and deeply.

     — Repeat the
    oil administration and inhalation on the other side.

     — When
    administering     snehana
    nasya     it is advised to stay warm and
    avoid over-stimulation of the sense organs.

     

    In
    general, one can apply oil to the nasal passages twice a day—morning and
    evening. A good time to administer oil is after bathing or showering. But snehena nasya can also be performed when
    and as needed, according to an individual’s constitution,
    circumstances and season. For example, those with kapha dominance may best use a small amount of pungent oil such as anu tailam, and during warm, moist
    seasons need not apply oil daily. If congested, kapha types can also use steam to help loosen nasal, sinus, throat
    and lung congestion. Vata types, who
    are constantly prone to dryness, can benefit from nasya year-round, and may apply oil more regularly in dry, and very
    hot and very cold seasons.

     Amid the world pandemic threat covid-19, it’s advisable to use snehana nasya as part of the daily routine to bolster good health
    and immunity, and reduce your risk of infection.

     


    References:

    Dash,
    B. and Sharma, R. K. (transl.) Caraka Sam.hitā, vols; I—VII, Varanasi,
    Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series; 2015 reprint.

    Ministry of AYUSH Ayurveda’s immunity boosting measures for self care
    during COVID 19 crisis. Available at:     https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/ImmunityBoostingAYUSHAdvisory.pdf

    Murthy,
    S. K. (transl.)     Bhāvaprakā ā, vols–II, Varanasi, Krishnadas Academy;
    1998.

    Tillu,
    G., Chaturvedi, S., Chopra, A. and Patwardhan, B.     Public Health Approach of
    Ayurveda and Yoga for COVID-19 Prophylaxis    . J
    Alt Compl Med.     May 2020.360-364. http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0129

  • Integrative Medicine the way forward: Dr Yogender K Gupta

    Integrative medicinal practices, Modernisation and Education
    are crucial factors for development of the Indian traditional Ayurvedic system
    of Medicine, noted Dr Yogender K Gupta, President of the All India Institute of
    Medical Sciences, Bhopal.

    “The much-needed dialogue between the different systems of
    medicine should happen for an effective system of health and well-being…Integrative
    Medicine, incorporating the best from both the systems of medicine, should be
    increasingly practiced. Patients must be informed of the advantages and
    disadvantages of both for specific conditions,” said Gupta, who previously held
    the position of Head of Department (HoD), AIIMS, New Delhi.

    He was one of the expert panelists attending the first of the
    ‘Ayush HardTalk’ webinar series held on Sunday on the topic     ‘Why this conflict between
    Modern Medicine and Ayurveda’.

    “Ayurveda is a great science which looks at the holistic well-being. It’s
    much effective when dealing with chronic diseases and specific conditions …The
    education of basic philosophy behind the traditional art and science should be
    initiated. The government has to help in informing the society about the system…
    Not just the common man, but policy makers and politicians have to be educated
    about the benefits and treatment potential,” said Arvind Kulkarni, Integrative
    Oncologist BSD Trust, IC Treatment & Research Centre, Wagholi, Pune.

    The Ayurvedic intervention should be supportive to modern medicines from
    the beginning (in curing chronic diseases) rather than at a later stage, said
    Kulkarni, who have treated over 30, 000 Cancer patients.

    “Basic education and training about the other systems of medicine should be
    imparted to disciples of both Western Medicine and traditional systems like
    Ayurveda,” said Elensi Tsiompanou MD, FRCP, Harmony in Health Ayurveda Clinical
    Lead College of Medicine & IH London, UK.

    The experts called for modernization of Ayurveda through tools such as proper
    documentation and statistical analysis so as to propagate the system globally with
    evidence of its efficacy.

    The series, being organised by the ‘Ayush Valley Foundation’ in tie up with
    the ‘Ayurveda & Health Tourism’ Magazine, is moderated by Dr Bhaswati
    Bhattacharya MD MPH (Harvard) PhD (Ayu-BHU). She is a Fullbright Specialist
    (2018-2022) in Public Health and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine,
    Weill Cornell Medical College, New York.

    The over-an-hour webinar series is held on the first Sunday of every month.
    Experts and ‘Who is Who’ from various health systems will discuss the critical
    issues hindering progress of the AYUSH system of medicines despite its growing
    acceptance among global audiences.

    ENDS

  • Ayurveda Covid study shows ‘promising results’

    An exhaustive scientific evaluation on
    effectiveness of Ayurvedic intervention in individuals under quarantine against
    the Covid-19, done by the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine (DISM) in the
    south Indian state of Kerala, has thrown up “promising results” however, the
    state government is allegedly “going slow” on the report despite rising cases.

    The report on ‘Ayurvedic Prophylactic
    Strategy intended for individuals under quarantine against Covid-19’ was
    submitted to the government on September 22 but no further action, including
    release of study findings, has been taken so far.

    A preliminary study done under the Amritham
    programme had found only 347 among one lakh recipients (those in quarantine,
    mostly primary and secondary contacts and persons returning from abroad or
    other states) tested positive. Most of the infected (0.34 per cent) had only
    mild conditions and recovered in four to five days.

    The results encouraged the department to
    take up a detailed assessment that included documentation of individual cases, statistical
    analysis and assessment of diverse aspects of the quarantined population.

    “The detailed study was done from July
    20 when we’ve selected cases of 577 persons who had tested positive for
    SARS-CoV-2 infection…Various factors like cases with symptoms
    (mild/complicated) in different cases, co-morbidities, period for turning
    infection free and those undergone ICU-care were studied in depth. The report
    was prepared with documentation and statistical analysis so as to reflect a
    conclusive evidence,” sources said.

    “The findings of the study are truly
    inspiring. The entire exercise will become fruitful in the real sense only upon
    being published in indexed peer-reviewed journals after the ongoing evaluation
    and endorsement by the state government,” they added.

    The Essential Drug List (ESL) formed by
    the department for the purpose of Ayurvedic prevention and convalescent care of
    Covid-19 includes Choornam/Gudika (Sudarshana choornam, Vilwadi Gudika,
    Aswagandha choornam, Triphala choornam, Guduchi choornam, Yashti choornam, Pippali
    choornam), Kasahayas (Indukantham, Nayopayam, Pathya Shadamgam,
    Elakanadi, Vyaghryadi, Drakshadi, Dasamoola Katutrayam, Shadankam/Amruta
    Shadankam (as panakam), Ghrutham (Indukantham, Bruhat Chagaladi) and Avaleham
    (Kooshmanda Rasayanam, Agasthta Rasayanam, Pippali Rasayanam, Amrutha
    Prasam and Chyavana Prasam).

    “It’s totally unacceptable that the
    government sits on the report at a time when the Covid cases are spurting like
    anything. We should take concrete measures based on the report without losing
    precious time. The study findings should also be announced,” said a senior
    Ayurvedic practitioner on condition of anonymity.

    Meanwhile, the department has initiated
    a second study on the effectiveness of Ayurvedic management for cured Covid-19
    patients in their recovery phase. “Already over 10, 000 such people have
    availed of Ayurvedic cure so far under the Punarjani convalescent care
    programme,” the sources said.

    The Amritham programme,
    formulated by the State Ayurveda COVID-19 Response Cell (SACRC) and approved by
    the Government of Kerala is currently being implemented across the state by the DISM, Department of Ayurveda Medical
    Education (DAME) and National Ayush Mission (NAM).

    The studies are based on data, regarding
    implementation of Amritham programme, obtained from various Ayur
    Raksha     Clinics across the state.

  • Follow ‘Dinacharya’ and ‘Ritucharya’: VP

    Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has emphasised the importance
    of a healthy body and mind while exhorting citizens to follow the concepts of “    Dinacharya” (daily regimes) and “Ritucharya” (seasonal regimes) as
    advocated in the traditional Indian medicinal science of Ayurveda.

    “The pandemic has taught us the overriding importance of
    staying healthy, both physically and mentally… fitness coupled with balanced diet
    is essential to stave off illnesses,” he said while inaugurating the 14th
    edition of FICCI HEAL on the theme “Post Covid Healthcare World–The New
    Beginning” through video conferencing.

    Pointing out that sedentary lifestyle was one of the main
    reasons for growing incidence of non-communicable diseases in the country, he
    urged people to indulge in any form of physical activity like spot
    jogging/running/brisk walking/ aerobics and stretching daily to remain fit. He
    also called upon the doctors and media to create awareness and educate people
    to stay healthy and fit.

    Naidu said Yoga and meditation should become part of daily
    timetable along with sports in schools and colleges once normalcy returns.

    Referring to the event’s theme which talked of new beginning
    in post-Covid Healthcare World, the Vice President said the new beginning
    should also be about going back to old habits. “Our ancestors have prescribed
    us nutrition rich food. We should avoid fast-food and mindless eating,” he
    added.

    Calling upon people to adapt to the culture of the new normal
    and take all the prescribed precautions seriously to fight Covid-19 pandemic,
    he said it was highly critical for people to act responsibly and support the
    multifarious efforts of the government and health professionals to break the
    transmission of the dreaded virus. “We simply cannot allow complacency to set
    in and lower our guard.”

    Maintaining that the nation cannot remain in lockdown
    forever, he referred to the Prime Minister’s statement that life is important
    but livelihood is also equally important. While expressing hope that there
    would be good news on the vaccine front in the near future, Naidu urged people
    to wear masks, maintain social distancing and frequently wash hands.

    Speaking on the universal psycho-social impact caused by the
    pandemic, he said, “The psycho-social aspects of older people, their caregivers,
    psychiatric patients and marginalised communities need special attention.”

    Stressing the need to collectively move ahead with renewed
    determination to defeat the virus, Naidu said “Not only do we need to find ways
    to eliminate the virus, but we must also have to be prepared to meet post-Covid
    challenges and be well-equipped to face any future pandemics”.

  • Aloe Vera, the wonder plant

    Aloe Vera, widely used in herbal medicines for thousands of years due to
    its healing, rejuvenating and soothing properties, is a short-stemmed succulent
    plant, native to northern Africa. However, it’s easy to grow the “wonder plant”
    in frost-free climates.

    Aloe Vera can be cultivated as a potted plant, but care has to be taken
    by enabling seepage through drainage holes in the pot. It should be allowed to
    completely dry and watered only then. During winter, it requires very little
    water and if the region is snowy, it should be kept indoors or in a heated
    glasshouse. It is one of the richest known medicinal herbs and is sometimes
    used as an ornamental plant.

    The gel of Aloe Vera is used to conserve fruits and vegetables. It is a
    wonderful option when compared to synthetic preservatives like sulphur dioxide
    available in the market. The gel also does not affect food products since it is
    colourless and odourless, so also tasteless.

    Aloe Vera and Ayurveda

    Aloe Vera is applied on cuts and burns on the skin to heal them. It is
    effective in curing eczema. The mucopolsaccharides present in the leaf of Aloe
    Vera gives the plant its unique properties. Certain drugs have been derived
    from Aloe Vera to treat cancer in animals. It is also said to be good for all
    skin-related ailments. Many cosmetic products like shampoos, lotions, soaps and
    even tissue are made by adding Aloe Vera. In the UK, it has been used to cure
    athlete’s foot. The gel found in the leaf of Aloe Vera can be directly applied
    on wounds or cuts for quick healing. It is also used for:-

    –curing mouth sores, blisters, insect bites and allergies

    –treating dry skin and as moisturizers to keep the skin flexible

    –making skin smooth and glowing

    –preventing ageing of skin

    –curing skin lesions

    –making cosmetic products like face creams, conditioners, lipsticks and
    makeup kits.

    –curing fungal infections such as ring hours.

    Aloe Vera includes amino acids, vitamins, calcium, enzymes, sodium and
    nitrogen in reasonable quantities. It is available in the form of gel, lotion,
    cream, capsule, liquid and spray. It stimulates cell generation and is also
    used to treat bronchial congestion.

    Aloe Vera juice

    Aloe Vera juice is used to treat digestive problems. The juice is good
    for liver, colon, uterus and stomach as it contains manganese, copper,
    silicone, calcium, minerals, iron, chlorine and sulphur. The benefits of Aloe
    Vera juice are:-

    n  Good for people
    suffering from intestinal and stomach problems.

    n  Helps in digestion and
    curing of ulcers

    n  Enlarges blood vessels
    by assisting in the growth of cells

    n  Is antibacterial,
    antifungal and antiviral

    n  Is an energy booster

    n  Maintains right
    balance of stomach acids

    n  Raises the circulation
    of blood

    n  Has a detoxifying
    characteristic and hence cleans colour.

    n  It makes the skin
    tighter and smoother

    n  It assists in
    addressing problems like constipation, diarrhoea etc.

    n  Cures joint pains and
    muscle aches

    Today’s executives
    have long and tedious work schedules and often follow poor food habits. It’s
    common to see them complaining of constipation. Ayurveda doctors recommend
    consumption of Aloe Vera for five days to one week followed by taking rest for
    a couple of days for immediate relief.

    Aloe Vera is used as a
    food in India, Pakistan and Japan. The plant, also known as A Vulgaris Lam or
    A. barbadensis Mill, is quickly gathering popularity all over the world.

    (Article by C P Rajan)