Ayurvedamagazine

Category: Ayurvedic Herbs

  • Medicinal plant cultivation gets a leg up

    The India government has announced a Rs 4,000-crore plan to
    promote herbal cultivation in the country which is expected to resolve the
    acute raw-material shortage faced by the AYUSH sector.

    Under the scheme, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala
    Sitharaman, medicinal plants will be cultivated across the banks of river Ganga
    (nearly 800 hectare). Herbal corridors spanning across 10 lakh hectares will be
    set up in the next two years.

    The plan will be implemented by the National Medicinal Plants
    Board (NMPB), which has already brought 2.25 lakh hectares under medicinal
    plants.

    The project also envisages setting up a network of regional
    mandis (markets) for medicinal plants to help farmers sell their produce and ensure
    availability of quality raw-materials for traditional medicinal systems like
    Ayurveda.

    The scheme is expected to generate income of Rs 5,000 crore
    for farmers.

    The Finance minister also announced a Rs 500-crore project to
    ensure availability of high-quality honey. Under the initiative, the government
    will focus on creating infrastructure for integrated beekeeping centres and
    post-harvest facilities.

    “This will lead to increase in income for two lakh beekeepers
    and ensure quality honey for consumers,” Anurag Thakur, Minister of State for
    Finance, said while referring to renewed interest of researchers on medicinal
    plants in their efforts to find solutions to deal with Covid-19.

    The NMPB has already implemented a national campaign titled
    ’20 Medicinal Plants for 2020’ to augment cultivation of 20 medicinal plants such
    as Ghritkumari, Satawari, Brahmi, Punarnava, Mandookparni, Hutjodi, Lemon
    grass, Gudhal, Adusa/vasa, Mehandi, Lajwanti, Sahjan, Karipatta, Tulsi, Amla,
    Patta Ajwayan, Giloe, Neergundi, Ashwagandha and Adrak    .

  • Ladakh herbs and medicinal plants should get world recognition, says PM Modi

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address on Jammu and Kashmir said on Thursday it is time that people of Ladakh benefit from the region’s rich biodiversity, while its medicinal plants and herbs get global recognition.

    In his address to the nation days after Parliament approved the abrogation of special status for Jammu and Kashmir and cleared a bill to split the state into two union territories, the prime minister referred to Ladakh’s ‘solo’ herb, which he said could work as modern day ‘sanjeevani’ for security personnel deployed in snow-clad mountains.

    “Experts say the plant is a sanjeevani for people living in high altitudes and security personnel deployed in snow clad areas. It maintains the body’s immune system in areas with low oxygen …. which Indian does not want that it should be sold world over… I have named only one herb. Such herbs are spread all over Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” he said.

    Modi was of the view that if such herbs are recognised and sold, then it will benefit people as well as farmers of the area.

    “I request the industrialists, exporters and those associated with food processing to come forward to take the local products across the globe,” he said.

    Source: PTI

  • Medicinal herb receives a diabetes-fighting boost

    Commonly known as Paneer dodi, the herb Withania coagulans has been used in traditional Indian medicine for many years now – among other things, it is claimed to help control diabetes. A new study shows that it indeed may do so, particularly when it’s ingested within special capsules.

    Unfortunately, however, the berries are very bitter – this makes it quite difficult to consume a sufficiently-sized dose of an extract obtained from them. Additionally, even if someone were able to eat or drink enough of that extract, much of its medicinal content would likely be destroyed by their stomach acid.

    With that in mind, the researchers encapsulated their W. coagulans steroids within nanoparticles made of chitosan, which is a natural substance derived from shellfish exoskeletons. Those particles were in turn coated in a food-based starch, making them better able to withstand acidic conditions. This was done so that they could pass through the stomach, not dissolving and releasing the steroids until reaching the small intestine.

  • Herbs to heal cattle

    In the absence of veterinary services, traditional medical practices for treating livestock remain popular in tribal villages and this is getting popular even in towns where veterinary services are getting expensive and tough.

    Several diseases like that of ruminaltympany disease (bloated rumen or paunch of the cattle) is difficult to be treated even by a veterinary doctor even though this is responsible for 20 percent of cattle mortality in the country.

    A study on the use of ethno-veterinary medicines-traditional practices of veterinary medicine using local plants and herbs-claim that local cattle herders cure the lethal cattle disease with the good old tamarind.

    It has been found that the use of plants to heal cattle diseases is a common practice in the tribal parts of Nagpur, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli districts of Maharashtra.

    Around 46 plants have been identified to cure different diseases in livestock and this is used by many herbalists and cattle herders experienced in administering such plant-based medicines. These plants and medicines have been found to be highly effective in curing atleast 20 conditions, ranging from serious ailments such as foot and mouth disease, fractures and abortions to common conditions such as reduced lactation, eye or teeth problems and snake or scorpion bites.

    However, there are limitations when it comes to contagious diseases and emergent conditions such as viral diseases, goat plague and blue tongue.

    Also, diseases caused during the rainy season like hoof infections in case of horses are cured using different dosage of herbs rather than the prescription from a veterinary doctor. Tympany is cured by just mixing tamarind pulp or crushed leaves with a bit of oil and ash from cooking fires. This is then mixed with water and given to the animal to drink. Within 20 minutes, the most severe case of tympany is eased.

    Also, herders regularly fumigate cattle sheds with neem or common wormwood (Artemisia vulgaris) leaves to remove insects and germs. Simple treatments for healing wounds, improving lactation and de-worming are usually carried out by the herders themselves using traditional herbs.
    The help of traditional herbalists is taken only in curing complex diseases which require the use of different herbs that need to be boiled, dried and burnt.

    They say that a plant is used for different problems in different areas. The different parts of a plant are used for different conditions. An example is mahua (Madhucalongifolia), whose fruit is used in the Vidarbha region for treating malarial fever in cattle. Liquor from the flower is used in western Maharashtra for a prolapsed uterus.

    Research found that while some herbs were commonly used, others were known only to a few herbalists. It was observed that while 48 of 60 herbalists used Daturametel for healing wounds, only five used Ficus bengalgenesis roots for dental problems.

  • Ayurvedic herb Giloy to increase lifespan

    A recent study by Gujarat Ayurveda University in India has concluded that consumption of the ayurvedic shrub ‘Giloy’ (heart-leaved moonseed) increased the lifespan of the common fruit fly. The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) in India plans to extend the research to humans. A Study by the University concluded that the flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are among the most extensively studied animal models for understanding the ageing process and longevity. Generally , the lifespan of flies are not more than 30 days. But, this increased to about 85 days after they were fed concentrations of Giloy powder for 30 days, the study claimed.

    The study has been published in the Netherlands-based ‘Wolters Kluwer’, a popular healthcare journal.

    The Study has also been approved by the Indian government, due to the results indicated by the primary study, and the need to extend the scope of research to humans.

    The Secretary at Ministry of AYUSH, Rajesh Kotecha, revealed plans to tie up with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the largest medical research body in the country, to further expand the scope of the study.

    A major research project is further being planned to validate these findings at various levels, Kotecha said.

    Research details

    For the study, researchers from the Institute for Post-Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat, said that regular food of flies was mixed with Giloy powder in various concentrations. The flies were exposed to these concentrations for 30 days.

    The observation group was fed with 0.25g of Giloy per 100ml concentration, and it was observed that the lifespan of male flies were 83.2 days and that of female flies were 84.8 days respectively. In 0.50g per 100ml concentration, the lifespan of both flies were 33 days. Generally, the lifespan of flies is not more than 29 to 30 days.

    Therefore, the study concludes that there is an ideal concentration of the powder that contributes to significant increase in lifespan. This indicates that there is something like a particular concentration level, which causes maximum lifespan extension, the research paper points out.

    The concentrations beyond that limit however do not increase the lifespan, and this could be due to the absorption threshold of the powder.
    The increased lifespan in flies may be attributed to the high antioxidant properties of the Giloy powder.

    Giloy Powder (Guduchi churna)

    Giloy powder, known as ‘Guduchi churna’ in Ayurveda, is considered a herb that promotes longevity.

    Although the exact mechanism of the action of the herb on enhancing the survival ability of the flies could not be ascertained, it has validated the concept of ‘Vayasthapana’ and ‘Rasayana’ effect of Giloy powder, the paper pointed out.

    Rasayana is referred to as a rejuvenation therapy, and it is one of the vital branches of Ayurveda that deals with a group of medical preparations that boost immunity and prevent the cause of several ailments including premature ageing.

    Apart from imparting longevity and boosting immunity, Giloy helps treat chronic fever, improves digestion, treats diabetes, reduces stress and anxiety, fights respiratory problems, treats arthritis, reduces symptoms of Asthma, improves vision and given its anti-aging properties, it helps reduce pimples, fine lines and wrinkles and adds a glow to your skin.

  • Herbal formulation for liver cancer

    Weeds growing in wastelands usually miss our attention. Here’s one such weed that has proved to be a potent cure for liver cancer.

    This weed known as Manithakkali in Malayalam has been proved by scientists from four major institutes as having a remarkable efficacy in treating liver cancer. It has been reported that a compound called Solanum nigrum, derived from the leaves of this plant is the agent that is known to fight liver cancer.

    Continuous evaluation has found that this compound is 10 times more effective than Sorafenib, which is the drug that is used currently for treating hepatocellular carcinoma. These finding have been published in a journal of the Nature group.

    This plant also known as Black nightshade is widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments such as inflammation, jaundice, bronchitis, asthma, leprosy and skin disorders.

    The plant was found to be a rich source of anticancer molecules which does not have any noticeable side-effects. The research was conducted by a team of scientists from Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, and the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune.

  • Benefits of Bell Pepper

    Bell peppers are rich in many vitamins and antioxidants, especially vitamin C and various carotenoids. For this reason, they may have several health benefits, such as improved eye health and reduced risk of several chronic diseases. All in all, bell peppers are an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

    Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) are fruits that belong to the nightshade family.

    They are related to chili peppers, tomatoes, and breadfruit, all of which are native to Central and South America.

    Also called sweet peppers or capsicums, bell peppers can be eaten either raw or cooked.

    Like their close relatives, chili peppers, bell peppers are sometimes dried and powdered. In that case, they are referred to as paprika.

    They are low in calories and exceptionally rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

    Bell peppers come in various colors, such as red, yellow, orange, and green — which are unripe.

    Green, unripe peppers have a slightly bitter flavor and are not as sweet as fully ripe ones.

    This article tells you everything you need to know about peppers.

    Fresh, raw bell peppers are mainly composed of water (92%). The rest is carbs and small amounts of protein and fat.

    The main nutrients in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of raw, red bell peppers are (1Trusted Source):

    • Calories: 31
    • Water: 92%
    • Protein: 1 gram
    • Carbs: 6 grams
    • Sugar: 4.2 grams
    • Fiber: 2.1 grams
    • Fat: 0.3 grams

    Carbs

    Bell peppers are primarily composed of carbs, which account for most of their calorie content — with 3.5 ounces (100 grams) holding 6 grams of carbs.

    The carbs are mostly sugars — such as glucose and fructose — which are responsible for the sweet taste of ripe bell peppers.

    Bell peppers also contain small amounts of fiber — 2% by fresh weight. Calorie for calorie, they are a very good fiber source (1Trusted Source).

    SUMMARY

    Bell peppers are mainly made up of water and carbs. Most of the carbs are sugars, such as glucose and fructose. Bell peppers are also a decent source of fiber.

    Bell peppers are loaded with various vitamins and minerals (1Trusted Source):

    • Vitamin C. One medium-sized red bell pepper provides 169% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin C, making it one of the richest dietary sources of this essential nutrient.
    • Vitamin B6. Pyridoxine is the most common type of vitamin B6, which is a family of nutrients important for the formation of red blood cells.
    • Vitamin K1. A form of vitamin K, also known as phylloquinone, K1 is important for blood clotting and bone health.
    • Potassium. This essential mineral may improve heart health (2Trusted Source).
    • Folate. Also known as vitamin B9, folate has a variety of functions in your body. Adequate folate intake is very important during pregnancy (3Trusted Source).
    • Vitamin E. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is essential for healthy nerves and muscles. The best dietary sources of this fat-soluble vitamin are oils, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
    • Vitamin A. Red bell peppers are high in pro-vitamin A (beta carotene), which your body converts into vitamin A (4Trusted Source).

    SUMMARY

    Bell peppers are very high in vitamin C, with a single one providing up to 169% of the RDI. Other vitamins and minerals in bell peppers include vitamin K1, vitamin E, vitamin A, folate, and potassium.

  • Cumin for Cancer & Immune System Health

    Cumin is exceptionally rich in IRON, making it a great natural supplement for blood health & an antidote for ANEMIA. Cumin may have anti-carcinogenic properties. This CANCER PROTECTIVE effect maybe due to cumin’s potent free radical scavenging abilities as well as the ability it has shown to enhance the liver enzymes. Because of its powerful ANTIOXIDANT properties, cumin strengthens the body’s natural immunity.

  • Ayurveda on Salt

    Ayurveda is salt-friendly since salt is considered one of the basic tastes in human life. According to Ayurveda salty taste is required for development, for hydrating the body, to improve digestion, absorption and excretion. The salty taste is said to alleviate Vata and strengthen Pitta and Kapha. Salt is also known to increase flexibility in the joints thus keeping rheumatism at bay. Salt is also known to boost digestion, fuel the craving for food, sharpen the alertness to fine food, helps digest natural contaminants and clear subtle channels of the body. It also has a calming effect on the nerves and emotions. Too much salt is said to cause wrinkles, thirst, skin problems, and weakness.

  • Use Turmeric to get rid of intestinal worms

    Consumption of Turmeric is said to help burn excess fat from the body thus reducing body weight. According to experts this root helps to cure diseases like arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Studies also state that turmeric has the power to dissolve the formation of veins in lumps or swellings.Consumption of Turmeric is said to help burn excess fat from the body thus reducing body weight. According to experts this root helps to cure diseases like arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Studies also state that turmeric has the power to dissolve the formation of veins in lumps or swellings.

    Turmeric is also said to aid in the destruction of worms in the intestine. This can be consumed in its powdered form by mixing in hot water. Turmeric is also said to increase the strength of bones and prevent diseases like osteoporosis. It is also said to be good for preventing all kinds of heart diseases. Researchers say that Curcumin present in Turmeric helps in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes. Tumeric is also a great relief for all diseases related to the Pancreas.