Publication: Healthy Wealthy and Wise
Author: Dr. Pankaj and Smita Naram
Immunity is a word that’s on everyone’s lips as headline after headline appears about the Bird Flu possibly moving closer. Even when people try to relax on a therapeutic cruise, nasty bacteria come along for the ride! Without yearly shots, many people tend to develop serious respiratory winter colds and flu. There just seems to be no getting away from these foreign invaders. They are everywhere! So creating a strong immune system is becoming more essential for all of us.
As happens with many people these days, Dinanath Das had been hit with 5-6 such serious infections each year when he arrived at our Mumbai Ayushakti Ayurved clinic. Every time a cold or flu came around, he was the first to get it! He no sooner did he get over one but the next began. So that day, he had already resolved to make some big changes. To strengthen his system, he knew that he had to first give it a cleaning like he had never done before. His obesity was also part of the problem.
Sure enough, upon checking his pulse, we discovered Dinanath’s immune system was extremely low, his metabolism was sluggish and his body’s Ojas level had become marginal. Ojas is literally the nectar that results from the body’s whole metabolic cycle – once all the tissues are nourished properly. It is the key player in either vibrant health or a rash of immune-related illnesses. Ojas protects, vitalizes and strengthens the entire body. When Ojas is in good supply in your body, stressful situations don’t affect you, nor do the emotional and mental roller coaster rides of your life.
After detoxifying for several weeks with deep panchakarma cleansing treatments, eating carefully and taking a series of potent Ayurvedic herbal supplements, Dinanath lost over 30 pounds. Within six months of taking herbs and eating with greater awareness, he once again became healthy. His immune system now functions as it should. The simple things that helped Dinanath can also help you to strengthen your immunity. We have seen this happen in literally thousands of cases in Europe, America, Australia and India.
Immunity gets nourished only after all tissues are nourished very well in the body. Tissues get fed only when our digestion and metabolism functions at optimum level. If you don’t digest everything you eat, then even extremely nourishing food is not available to you. If your body doesn’t transform what you’ve digested through metabolism, your tissues don’t regenerate. That’s when your immune system struggles and weakens. You feel sluggish, tired and your immune system can no longer fight things off.
To keep your immune system in tiptop shape, Ayurveda says that it’s essential to protect your digestion and metabolism. Emotional stress is one of the biggest killers of Agni – the force behind digestion and metabolism. Stress weakens Ojas . That’s why we always work with people’s immunity, not just on the physical level, but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Strengthening these levels contributes to a strong immune system.
A man named Andy came to see us ten years ago in Italy. He told me, “Dr. Pankaj Naram, I have come to show you my pulse to find out when I’m going to die. I have Hepatitis A, B, C positive, HIV and now AIDS, which has progressed, and these are my medical reports.” Putting his reports aside, I started treating him on a program with herbal supplements, a dietary regimen, lifestyle changes and marma (subtle energy point therapy). Andy made incredible progress. His immunity factors changed dramatically and his health became stronger. Today he is married and living a normal life.
These cases may be more extreme than yours. But by following a few simple tips, you can stay healthy and lead an energetic, enthusiastic and tranquil life!
A simple home remedy that strengthens your immunity:
Power Breakfast
INGREDIENTS:
Dates 3
Almonds 4
Whole cardamom 2
Fennel seeds 1 tsp
Ghee ½ tsp
1. Soak all overnight, except the ghee.
2. Drain & peel cardamom & almonds in morning.
3. Add half a glass of water (or milk) and ghee.
4. Blend all to prepare a drink.
5. Drink following your morning tea or coffee.
This breakfast will keep your energy high all day. Dates and almonds provide strength and nutrients. Fennel and cardamom aid in the digestive process. Later, you should have a normal breakfast only if you are really hungry.
About the Author: A strong immune system will give power and energy to your life! Read more ways to build this important system in Dr. Smita Naram’s book, Secrets of Natural Health available by calling 888-AYURVED and visit their website at: www.ayushakti-usa.com
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Candida: Restoring Balance with Ayurveda
Publication: boloji.com
Author: Shreelata Suresh
Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that lives in the mouth and throat, the intestinal tract and the genital tract. Normally, the population of candida is in healthy balance with other intestinal flora. However, sometimes its population explodes because of various factors such as an improper diet, bursts of intense stress or ongoing low-grade stress that isn’t managed effectively combined with poor sleep/exercise routines or antibiotics or oral contraceptives—any dietary or lifestyle imbalances that compromise natural immunity can result in the yeast bacteria getting out of control and escaping the bounds of its normal abodes to other parts of the body.
An out-of-control population of the yeast bacteria has been linked to a multitude of seemingly unrelated symptoms, including abdominal bloating and gas, coated tongue, nausea, fatigue, respiratory system imbalance, frequent UTI, genital area infections, skin problems, spaciness and inability to focus and emotional imbalance. If left uncorrected, the different systems of the body become sluggish and ama-clogged, creating an even more favorable environment for the growth of the yeast fungi and setting up a vicious cycle of poor health.
Ayurvedic healers recommend a holistic approach to restoring balance that includes diet, lifestyle recommendations and herbs and spices. It takes patience, discipline and a full commitment to one’s health to restore balance and stay in balance, but the results are well worth the effort.
If you are pregnant or lactating, or experiencing mental, emotional or physical symptoms, it is best to consult a physician who can recommend an individual program for balance after an assessment. Here are some suggestions for restoring balance:
Dietary dos and don’ts
First, what you should stay away from:
Avoid sweet, heavy, cold foods. Sugars create an environment that facilitates the growth of yeast bacteria. Sweet, heavy, cold foods overtax an already weakened digestive system and create mote internal toxins. Fruit juices and very sweet fruits such as grapes should also be avoided.
Avoid leftovers. Even if refrigerated, leftovers are conducive to growth of mold and bacteria, and they are harder to digest than fresh foods, prepared fresh and eaten immediately.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and carbonated beverages.
Avoid processed and junk foods and refined flours. Reduce white rice.
Avoid yeasted breads and pastas, aged cheeses, mushrooms and peanuts.
Avoid fermented foods such as vinegar and products that contain fermented foods as ingredients.
Here are guidelines for what you should include in your daily diet.
Eat plenty of vegetables. Include small portions of bitter and pungent vegetables such as bitter greens, bitter gourd, tender fenugreek sprouts and daikon radish in combination with tridoshic vegetables such as zucchini, loki squash, asparagus, carrot, green beans and tender greens. Avoid or minimize nightshades, which tend to clog the channels of the body, except for small amounts of cayenne if you can tolerate it, used in combination with other spices and herbs. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts in small quantities, chopped small and cooked with digestion-enhancing spices are also helpful. Ayurvedic healers recommend briefly steam-cooking vegetables, covered, rather than eating them raw, to improve digestibility.
Start the day with the hot lemon treatment. Squeeze the juice of a medium-sized lemon into a cup of hot water and drink it first thing in the morning. The acidic nature and antibacterial properties of lemon help discourage yeast proliferation, and the hot drink helps regularity, which is crucial to keep the digestive system free of toxin build-up.
A blend of equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil can be used as a dressing on vegetables for enhanced digestion and support for the liver. About a tablespoon of a blend of fresh ginger juice, lemon and a little rock salt taken a half-hour before a meal aids digestion.
Fresh fruit can be healthy sources of the sweet taste. Once balance is restored, one helping of dosha-appropriate fruit can be eaten during the day. Fruits that contain an element of the bitter, such as grapefruit or papaya, are excellent choices. Pomegranate helps enhance digestion. Avoid melons and extremely sweet fruit such as grapes.
Whole grains and small dhals (beans) offer sustenance and fiber. Reduce the intake of white rice. Choose instead from oats and oatmeal, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, barley and rye. Whole-wheat flatbreads, especially with some psyllium added to the dough, enhance the elimination of wastes from the digestive tract. Mung dhal is easier to digest than larger beans, especially when cooked with herbs and spices, while being nutritious. Try khicharee, a one-dish meal made with mung dhal, vegetables and either brown rice or cracked wheat.
Drink a tall glass of digestive lassi each day at lunch. Digestive lassi is made by blending fresh plain yogurt (with active cultures) with pure water and digestion-enhancing herbs and spices. Ayurvedic healers highly recommend lassi as a way of replenishing healthy intestinal flora without clogging the channels of the body. Try fresh ginger root, rock salt, dry-roasted and ground cumin, fresh cilantro and organic rosehips in a blend of 40% yogurt and 60% pure water. Lassi and/or yogurt should not be consumed after sundown.
Cook with spices that enhance digestion and fight toxins. Turmeric, black pepper, dried ginger, cumin, cinnamon and fenugreek are good choices. Spices should be eaten cooked, not raw. Either sauté them in a small amount of ghee or olive oil and add to dishes or add during the last 10 minutes of the cooking process. Black pepper, when eaten cooked, is a bio-availability enhancer.
Cook some dishes in small amounts of coconut oil or a blend of coconut oil and ghee or olive oil. Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Drink lots of warm water. Regular intake of warm water through the day can help flush toxins out regularly through the urine and perspiration and make it difficult for harmful bacteria or yeast to sit around and breed.
One final word on diet. Ayurvedic healers recommend really paying attention to what specific foods do for your body and making dietary choices that help the most for you as an individual. A wide variety of healthy food choices is available and you can pick the ones that you enjoy and that work for your physiology. Keeping a food journal may be helpful, to help track what you are eating and to hone in on the foods that work the best for you. To stick to healthy eating patterns, your diet has to be enjoyable and appealing.
Lifestyle
Deep breathing: Breathing shallow reduces the quantity of life-supporting prana you receive with each breath. Practice deep breathing consciously until it becomes a habit.
Sleep: It is important to get an adequate amount of good-quality sleep each night to replenish energy levels and to give the self-defense mechanisms of the body the opportunity to purify the system. Make it a habit to go to bed before 10 p.m. and rise early.
Exercise: Exercise moderately everyday, choosing types of exercise that are appropriate for your body-type and needs for balance. Exercise in the mornings, and in the fresh air outdoors when you can.
Massage: A daily warm oil self-massage can help support energy levels, promote ease of falling asleep, support the health of muscles and joints, help release toxins from the deeper layers of the body for elimination, and support mental and emotional balance.
Stress Management: Stress compromises your immune system. Practicing relaxing yoga postures, meditation and rest-and-recharge time can help you mange stress so that it does not become disruptive. Seek help if you think support would be helpful in order to manage stress. Hygiene and topical help: Cleanse regularly but do not over-cleanse, which can irritate the skin. Use natural gentle cleansers, fragrance-free if you are sensitive even to natural essential oils or floral waters. 100% pure aloe and pure organic coconut oil may help provide soothing topical comfort. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties as well. Keep skin dry and aired as much as possible. Wear organic cotton clothing and sleep on cotton bed linens.
Cleansing: Ayurvedic healers recommend a 45-day period of internal cleansing with every change of seasons to help get rid of accumulated ama (toxins).
Herbal Rasayanas for Support
Amalaki Rasayana helps enhance digestion, helps support natural energy levels, helps support the sinuses and the respiratory system and the health of the genito-urinary tract and is a rich source of Vitamin C that helps create an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of the yeast bacteria. Take 2 tablets twice a day with warm water or as directed by your ayurvedic physician.
Triphala Rasayana is a digestive toner and helps regularity without being harsh or habit-forming. 2-3 tablets of Triphala can be taken about an hour before bed during the 45-day internal cleansing period and one tablet once or twice a day all through the year as maintenance support.
Trikatu is a blend of dried ginger, long pepper and pepper that helps enhance digestion and facilitates the cleansing of toxins from the physiology. Take in combination with the Amalaki Rasayana to counter any heating of the body.
Neem Rasayana is a renowned ayurvedic antibacterial and antifungal. Take Neem in conjunction with pure aloe or Amalaki for balanced support.
Ashwagandha Rasayana helps support your physiology in managing stress, helps promote good sleep and helps support natural energy levels.
Author: Shreelata Suresh
Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that lives in the mouth and throat, the intestinal tract and the genital tract. Normally, the population of candida is in healthy balance with other intestinal flora. However, sometimes its population explodes because of various factors such as an improper diet, bursts of intense stress or ongoing low-grade stress that isn’t managed effectively combined with poor sleep/exercise routines or antibiotics or oral contraceptives—any dietary or lifestyle imbalances that compromise natural immunity can result in the yeast bacteria getting out of control and escaping the bounds of its normal abodes to other parts of the body.
An out-of-control population of the yeast bacteria has been linked to a multitude of seemingly unrelated symptoms, including abdominal bloating and gas, coated tongue, nausea, fatigue, respiratory system imbalance, frequent UTI, genital area infections, skin problems, spaciness and inability to focus and emotional imbalance. If left uncorrected, the different systems of the body become sluggish and ama-clogged, creating an even more favorable environment for the growth of the yeast fungi and setting up a vicious cycle of poor health.
Ayurvedic healers recommend a holistic approach to restoring balance that includes diet, lifestyle recommendations and herbs and spices. It takes patience, discipline and a full commitment to one’s health to restore balance and stay in balance, but the results are well worth the effort.
If you are pregnant or lactating, or experiencing mental, emotional or physical symptoms, it is best to consult a physician who can recommend an individual program for balance after an assessment. Here are some suggestions for restoring balance:
Dietary dos and don’ts
First, what you should stay away from:
Avoid sweet, heavy, cold foods. Sugars create an environment that facilitates the growth of yeast bacteria. Sweet, heavy, cold foods overtax an already weakened digestive system and create mote internal toxins. Fruit juices and very sweet fruits such as grapes should also be avoided.
Avoid leftovers. Even if refrigerated, leftovers are conducive to growth of mold and bacteria, and they are harder to digest than fresh foods, prepared fresh and eaten immediately.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and carbonated beverages.
Avoid processed and junk foods and refined flours. Reduce white rice.
Avoid yeasted breads and pastas, aged cheeses, mushrooms and peanuts.
Avoid fermented foods such as vinegar and products that contain fermented foods as ingredients.
Here are guidelines for what you should include in your daily diet.
Eat plenty of vegetables. Include small portions of bitter and pungent vegetables such as bitter greens, bitter gourd, tender fenugreek sprouts and daikon radish in combination with tridoshic vegetables such as zucchini, loki squash, asparagus, carrot, green beans and tender greens. Avoid or minimize nightshades, which tend to clog the channels of the body, except for small amounts of cayenne if you can tolerate it, used in combination with other spices and herbs. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts in small quantities, chopped small and cooked with digestion-enhancing spices are also helpful. Ayurvedic healers recommend briefly steam-cooking vegetables, covered, rather than eating them raw, to improve digestibility.
Start the day with the hot lemon treatment. Squeeze the juice of a medium-sized lemon into a cup of hot water and drink it first thing in the morning. The acidic nature and antibacterial properties of lemon help discourage yeast proliferation, and the hot drink helps regularity, which is crucial to keep the digestive system free of toxin build-up.
A blend of equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil can be used as a dressing on vegetables for enhanced digestion and support for the liver. About a tablespoon of a blend of fresh ginger juice, lemon and a little rock salt taken a half-hour before a meal aids digestion.
Fresh fruit can be healthy sources of the sweet taste. Once balance is restored, one helping of dosha-appropriate fruit can be eaten during the day. Fruits that contain an element of the bitter, such as grapefruit or papaya, are excellent choices. Pomegranate helps enhance digestion. Avoid melons and extremely sweet fruit such as grapes.
Whole grains and small dhals (beans) offer sustenance and fiber. Reduce the intake of white rice. Choose instead from oats and oatmeal, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, barley and rye. Whole-wheat flatbreads, especially with some psyllium added to the dough, enhance the elimination of wastes from the digestive tract. Mung dhal is easier to digest than larger beans, especially when cooked with herbs and spices, while being nutritious. Try khicharee, a one-dish meal made with mung dhal, vegetables and either brown rice or cracked wheat.
Drink a tall glass of digestive lassi each day at lunch. Digestive lassi is made by blending fresh plain yogurt (with active cultures) with pure water and digestion-enhancing herbs and spices. Ayurvedic healers highly recommend lassi as a way of replenishing healthy intestinal flora without clogging the channels of the body. Try fresh ginger root, rock salt, dry-roasted and ground cumin, fresh cilantro and organic rosehips in a blend of 40% yogurt and 60% pure water. Lassi and/or yogurt should not be consumed after sundown.
Cook with spices that enhance digestion and fight toxins. Turmeric, black pepper, dried ginger, cumin, cinnamon and fenugreek are good choices. Spices should be eaten cooked, not raw. Either sauté them in a small amount of ghee or olive oil and add to dishes or add during the last 10 minutes of the cooking process. Black pepper, when eaten cooked, is a bio-availability enhancer.
Cook some dishes in small amounts of coconut oil or a blend of coconut oil and ghee or olive oil. Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Drink lots of warm water. Regular intake of warm water through the day can help flush toxins out regularly through the urine and perspiration and make it difficult for harmful bacteria or yeast to sit around and breed.
One final word on diet. Ayurvedic healers recommend really paying attention to what specific foods do for your body and making dietary choices that help the most for you as an individual. A wide variety of healthy food choices is available and you can pick the ones that you enjoy and that work for your physiology. Keeping a food journal may be helpful, to help track what you are eating and to hone in on the foods that work the best for you. To stick to healthy eating patterns, your diet has to be enjoyable and appealing.
Lifestyle
Deep breathing: Breathing shallow reduces the quantity of life-supporting prana you receive with each breath. Practice deep breathing consciously until it becomes a habit.
Sleep: It is important to get an adequate amount of good-quality sleep each night to replenish energy levels and to give the self-defense mechanisms of the body the opportunity to purify the system. Make it a habit to go to bed before 10 p.m. and rise early.
Exercise: Exercise moderately everyday, choosing types of exercise that are appropriate for your body-type and needs for balance. Exercise in the mornings, and in the fresh air outdoors when you can.
Massage: A daily warm oil self-massage can help support energy levels, promote ease of falling asleep, support the health of muscles and joints, help release toxins from the deeper layers of the body for elimination, and support mental and emotional balance.
Stress Management: Stress compromises your immune system. Practicing relaxing yoga postures, meditation and rest-and-recharge time can help you mange stress so that it does not become disruptive. Seek help if you think support would be helpful in order to manage stress. Hygiene and topical help: Cleanse regularly but do not over-cleanse, which can irritate the skin. Use natural gentle cleansers, fragrance-free if you are sensitive even to natural essential oils or floral waters. 100% pure aloe and pure organic coconut oil may help provide soothing topical comfort. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties as well. Keep skin dry and aired as much as possible. Wear organic cotton clothing and sleep on cotton bed linens.
Cleansing: Ayurvedic healers recommend a 45-day period of internal cleansing with every change of seasons to help get rid of accumulated ama (toxins).
Herbal Rasayanas for Support
Amalaki Rasayana helps enhance digestion, helps support natural energy levels, helps support the sinuses and the respiratory system and the health of the genito-urinary tract and is a rich source of Vitamin C that helps create an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of the yeast bacteria. Take 2 tablets twice a day with warm water or as directed by your ayurvedic physician.
Triphala Rasayana is a digestive toner and helps regularity without being harsh or habit-forming. 2-3 tablets of Triphala can be taken about an hour before bed during the 45-day internal cleansing period and one tablet once or twice a day all through the year as maintenance support.
Trikatu is a blend of dried ginger, long pepper and pepper that helps enhance digestion and facilitates the cleansing of toxins from the physiology. Take in combination with the Amalaki Rasayana to counter any heating of the body.
Neem Rasayana is a renowned ayurvedic antibacterial and antifungal. Take Neem in conjunction with pure aloe or Amalaki for balanced support.
Ashwagandha Rasayana helps support your physiology in managing stress, helps promote good sleep and helps support natural energy levels.
Monday, 10 December 2007
How Works Rudraksha Healing
Rudraksha beads, botanically known as Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb, are the seeds of the fruit from Rudraksha trees. Rudraksha trees are found mainly in Indonesia, Nepal, and India. There are clefts on the surface of the beads which are used to characterize the beads. For example, a five facet Rudraksha bead has five clefts on it. A ten facet Rudraksha bead has ten clefts on it.
Rudraksha beads are available with 1 to 38 facets. Beads with 1 and 15 to 38 facets are rare. The 5 facet bead is commonly available and thus the most popular due to its effectiveness and economical cost. Yogis wear necklaces called malas (Sanskrit for garland) which typically consist of 108 five facet Rudraksha beads and a larger "meru" bead. The tassled "meru" bead is symbolic of the transcended state, and indicates the beginning and end of a cycle. Malas consist of 108 Rudraksha beads because according to Vedic literature, Brahmand (the universe) is made up of 108 elements.
The beneficial powers of Rudraksha beads have been known in Asia for ages and are well documented in traditional and contemporary literature. Due to increasing popularity of Rudraksha malas with the general populace in India, scientific studies have been undertaken in recent years to determine just how Rudraksha Healing works. One of the best known research papers was published by Dr. Suhas Roy of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology in Banaras, India.
Dr. Roy's research confirmed that the healing powers of Rudraksha beads flow from their electro-magnetic properties. When Rudraksha beads are placed over the heart, they act to stabilize the heart beat. Similar to magnets, the beads work on the principle of Dynamic Polarity. Blood circulation and heart beat automatically induce a magnetic field around the body and particularly the heart region. Depending on the polarity and intensity of this induced magnetic field, Rudraksha beads transmit subtle electrical and inductive impulses with opposing polarity and intensity. According, a proportionate balancing force is exerted on the heart to regulate it if it starts beating above or below normal rates. This action helps to ensure ideal blood circulation in the body.
The human body is a complex bio-electronic circuit comprised of the Central Nervous System and the organs and functions it regulates.
Streamlined blood flow has a powerful rejuvenating impact on this circuit and serves to prevent stress-related disorders caused by the damaging effects of excess energy on neurons and neurotransmitters. In essence, Rudraksha beads help bring about the well-known "relaxation response" which is the ultimate goal of meditation, yoga, tai chi, biofeedback, and countless other Alternative Medicine methodologies.
For more information please visit Natural Healing
Rudraksha beads are available with 1 to 38 facets. Beads with 1 and 15 to 38 facets are rare. The 5 facet bead is commonly available and thus the most popular due to its effectiveness and economical cost. Yogis wear necklaces called malas (Sanskrit for garland) which typically consist of 108 five facet Rudraksha beads and a larger "meru" bead. The tassled "meru" bead is symbolic of the transcended state, and indicates the beginning and end of a cycle. Malas consist of 108 Rudraksha beads because according to Vedic literature, Brahmand (the universe) is made up of 108 elements.
The beneficial powers of Rudraksha beads have been known in Asia for ages and are well documented in traditional and contemporary literature. Due to increasing popularity of Rudraksha malas with the general populace in India, scientific studies have been undertaken in recent years to determine just how Rudraksha Healing works. One of the best known research papers was published by Dr. Suhas Roy of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology in Banaras, India.
Dr. Roy's research confirmed that the healing powers of Rudraksha beads flow from their electro-magnetic properties. When Rudraksha beads are placed over the heart, they act to stabilize the heart beat. Similar to magnets, the beads work on the principle of Dynamic Polarity. Blood circulation and heart beat automatically induce a magnetic field around the body and particularly the heart region. Depending on the polarity and intensity of this induced magnetic field, Rudraksha beads transmit subtle electrical and inductive impulses with opposing polarity and intensity. According, a proportionate balancing force is exerted on the heart to regulate it if it starts beating above or below normal rates. This action helps to ensure ideal blood circulation in the body.
The human body is a complex bio-electronic circuit comprised of the Central Nervous System and the organs and functions it regulates.
Streamlined blood flow has a powerful rejuvenating impact on this circuit and serves to prevent stress-related disorders caused by the damaging effects of excess energy on neurons and neurotransmitters. In essence, Rudraksha beads help bring about the well-known "relaxation response" which is the ultimate goal of meditation, yoga, tai chi, biofeedback, and countless other Alternative Medicine methodologies.
For more information please visit Natural Healing
Herb It Up
Publication: The Financial Express
Author: Kiran Yadav
You may not need another reason to love that extra oregano in your Greek salad, but this ‘food for thought’ is worth considering. Well, the herb clearly has more to boast than its bold flavour. For one, it is not just rich in antioxidants but also phytochemicals that help the body fight cancer.
Other exotic herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, peppermint, parsley, savory, marjoram and chives too rub shoulders with oregano when it comes to health properties. The better news is that as people increasingly experiment with Mexican, Italian, Greek and Mediterranean cuisines, more and more exotic herbs are finding way to the Indian palate.
Says chef Abhijit Prasad of InterContinental, Delhi, “Herbs spice up the food in a health way. We try and use as much fresh herbs as possible, growing a lot of them here at the hotel.”
A research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlights that herbs propel higher antioxidant activity than fruits, vegetables and even some spices like garlic.
But what are antioxidants? Dr Karuna Chaturvedi, head, dietitics wing, Apollo Delhi explains, “Antioxidants prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Environmental pollution and pesticides in the food that we are subjected to daily cause the generation of free radicals in the body. Research has proved that destroying free radicals can help the body fight heart diseases and even cancer. Consuming antioxidants is important because the body cannot manufacture it internally. Vitamin E, C and beta-carotene are the main antioxidants.”
According to research, the oregano family is most anti oxidant dense. On a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano has 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and four times more than blueberries!
Dr Bindu Sharma, medical director at Dr Batras Positive Health Clinic says, “Oregano’s anti-bacterial properties make it a potent cure for gastrointestinal disease Giardiasis … even more than its prescribed drug Tinidazol. It is also rich in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, Omega 3 and other fatty acids.”
Other herbs high in antioxidants include dill, garden thyme, rosemary and peppermint. For instance, the pine-scented herb rosemary contains carnosol, a strong antioxidant, which helps guard against breast cancer by detoxifying substances that can initiate cancer process. It may also protect against skin and lung cancers.
Says Dr Sakshi Chawla, chief dietician, Fortis Hospital, Noida, “Indian herbs are as healthy. Just eating 1-2 cloves on an empty stomach everyday helps lower cholesterol and relieve hypertension. Turmeric is well-known for its antiseptic and pain relieving properties. Aloe vera, rich in anti-oxidants, is excellent for hair and skin and also helps fight cancer. Most importantly it can be easily grown at home.”
Using even small amount of herbs in cooking provides many phytochemicals with potential anticancer benefits according to scientists at the American Institute for Cancer Research. For instance Parsley, with its faint and subtle flavor, is rich in polyacetylenes which protects against carcinogens found in tobacco smoke and may also help combat tumor.
So be it in soups, stews, salad dressings, baked vegetables or roasted chicken…for flavour or merely for garnishing, preferably fresh or else dried, just go ahead and herb it up! But remember, a balanced diet is indispensable.
Author: Kiran Yadav
You may not need another reason to love that extra oregano in your Greek salad, but this ‘food for thought’ is worth considering. Well, the herb clearly has more to boast than its bold flavour. For one, it is not just rich in antioxidants but also phytochemicals that help the body fight cancer.
Other exotic herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, peppermint, parsley, savory, marjoram and chives too rub shoulders with oregano when it comes to health properties. The better news is that as people increasingly experiment with Mexican, Italian, Greek and Mediterranean cuisines, more and more exotic herbs are finding way to the Indian palate.
Says chef Abhijit Prasad of InterContinental, Delhi, “Herbs spice up the food in a health way. We try and use as much fresh herbs as possible, growing a lot of them here at the hotel.”
A research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlights that herbs propel higher antioxidant activity than fruits, vegetables and even some spices like garlic.
But what are antioxidants? Dr Karuna Chaturvedi, head, dietitics wing, Apollo Delhi explains, “Antioxidants prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Environmental pollution and pesticides in the food that we are subjected to daily cause the generation of free radicals in the body. Research has proved that destroying free radicals can help the body fight heart diseases and even cancer. Consuming antioxidants is important because the body cannot manufacture it internally. Vitamin E, C and beta-carotene are the main antioxidants.”
According to research, the oregano family is most anti oxidant dense. On a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano has 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and four times more than blueberries!
Dr Bindu Sharma, medical director at Dr Batras Positive Health Clinic says, “Oregano’s anti-bacterial properties make it a potent cure for gastrointestinal disease Giardiasis … even more than its prescribed drug Tinidazol. It is also rich in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, Omega 3 and other fatty acids.”
Other herbs high in antioxidants include dill, garden thyme, rosemary and peppermint. For instance, the pine-scented herb rosemary contains carnosol, a strong antioxidant, which helps guard against breast cancer by detoxifying substances that can initiate cancer process. It may also protect against skin and lung cancers.
Says Dr Sakshi Chawla, chief dietician, Fortis Hospital, Noida, “Indian herbs are as healthy. Just eating 1-2 cloves on an empty stomach everyday helps lower cholesterol and relieve hypertension. Turmeric is well-known for its antiseptic and pain relieving properties. Aloe vera, rich in anti-oxidants, is excellent for hair and skin and also helps fight cancer. Most importantly it can be easily grown at home.”
Using even small amount of herbs in cooking provides many phytochemicals with potential anticancer benefits according to scientists at the American Institute for Cancer Research. For instance Parsley, with its faint and subtle flavor, is rich in polyacetylenes which protects against carcinogens found in tobacco smoke and may also help combat tumor.
So be it in soups, stews, salad dressings, baked vegetables or roasted chicken…for flavour or merely for garnishing, preferably fresh or else dried, just go ahead and herb it up! But remember, a balanced diet is indispensable.
Know How Ayurveda Helps You to Increase Libido
Publication: American Chronicle
Author: Dr.John Anne
Sex is the most essential part of any species to grow. This is the method by which one can reproduce his progeny. Even Mother Nature supports this gesture and this is the reason why opposite sex attract each other. This phenomenon can scientifically be explained as when man and women come near each other certain hormones gets secreted that are helpful in provoking the feeling of mutual indulgence with each other. This is also the key of best relationship a man and woman have. They both feel satisfied with each other and explore the eternal love hidden in heart of both.
But there may occur some factors that may lead to lose the interest among them. They are not satisfied with their love and tensions build up. Constant fights and blaming occurs eventually leading to the end of the relationship. In the opinion of relationship experts most of these stressful relationships are due to unsatisfactory sexual life. Both lose interest in each other and the love section vanishes away from their life. They constantly feel this relation as a burden on them and they always find some way out so that they can get relieved from this burden.
If the root cause is known to you than why not to resolve this issue. Increase your libido to again bloom your love life. Recollect all the petals that you shed off to make that beautiful flower of love bloom again and fill your life with happiness and joy.
Ayurveda has answer to all your sex related problems. There are herbs that will not only increase your libido but also will fill you with enthusiasm like never before. These herabs are time tested and has benefited millions of people world wide.
Below are some of the ayurvedic herbs that will help you in increasing your libido and also treats you up from various sex problems.
Shilajit (asphaltum, mineral pitch) – Shilajit is obtained from the power of Himalaya. It is a natural extract that is generally seen excruding out from the Himalayan Mountains in summer season. It is resinous extract that oozes out of the Himalayan Mountain. It is of black to bark brown in color. It has a power to make us strong just like a rock. It not only increases the immunity of the body but also acts as a wonderful aphrodisiac agent. It increases the libido in the body and gives boost to our sexual life. It improves blood circulation there by helps in better blood supply to the penis and testicular area. It improves the quality of sperms and is also helpful in increasing the vigor in the body. It is commonly known as Indian Viagra.
Safed musli (curculigo orchioides) – it is one of the most effective aphrodisiac agent that is obtained from curculigo ordhioides plant. It is found wildly gowning in India but is now a days cultivated commercially in organic farms to meet the demand of doctors and pharmaceutical companies. This status of safed musli will tell you that how heavy is its demand. This demand is due to excellent result of safed musli in enhancing the sexual life. It is popularly known as alternative Viagra. The plant part used is the roots that has sufficient levels of aphrodisiac agent. It not only increases the sexual power of the man but also increases the physical stamina. As it is of herb origin, it is non toxic for our body and bears no side effects.
Akarakara (Spanish pellitory, anacylus pyrethrum) – one of the best ayurvedic sexual enhancer that not only improves the sexual life but also increases the performance to make your beloved experience the height of your love. Akarakara or commonly known as Spanish pellitory has been used since centuries to treat the sexual related problems like premature ejaculation, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and impotence. The plant part used is roots, which are dried and the is converted in powder. It improves blood circulation in the body and also purifies blood. It increases the sperm count and quality of sperm is also increased.
Ashwagandha (withinia somnifera) - it is one of the best aphrodisiac agent that increases the sexual potential and also improves the sexual problem. It improves the blood circulation and promotes sexual growth. It increases the stamina and also enhances the sperm production. It is very helpful in increasing the libido. It famous world wide as Indian ginseng due to its properties very similar to that of ginseng. The plant part used in roots, which is dried and then powder is made out of it.
Author: Dr.John Anne
Sex is the most essential part of any species to grow. This is the method by which one can reproduce his progeny. Even Mother Nature supports this gesture and this is the reason why opposite sex attract each other. This phenomenon can scientifically be explained as when man and women come near each other certain hormones gets secreted that are helpful in provoking the feeling of mutual indulgence with each other. This is also the key of best relationship a man and woman have. They both feel satisfied with each other and explore the eternal love hidden in heart of both.
But there may occur some factors that may lead to lose the interest among them. They are not satisfied with their love and tensions build up. Constant fights and blaming occurs eventually leading to the end of the relationship. In the opinion of relationship experts most of these stressful relationships are due to unsatisfactory sexual life. Both lose interest in each other and the love section vanishes away from their life. They constantly feel this relation as a burden on them and they always find some way out so that they can get relieved from this burden.
If the root cause is known to you than why not to resolve this issue. Increase your libido to again bloom your love life. Recollect all the petals that you shed off to make that beautiful flower of love bloom again and fill your life with happiness and joy.
Ayurveda has answer to all your sex related problems. There are herbs that will not only increase your libido but also will fill you with enthusiasm like never before. These herabs are time tested and has benefited millions of people world wide.
Below are some of the ayurvedic herbs that will help you in increasing your libido and also treats you up from various sex problems.
Shilajit (asphaltum, mineral pitch) – Shilajit is obtained from the power of Himalaya. It is a natural extract that is generally seen excruding out from the Himalayan Mountains in summer season. It is resinous extract that oozes out of the Himalayan Mountain. It is of black to bark brown in color. It has a power to make us strong just like a rock. It not only increases the immunity of the body but also acts as a wonderful aphrodisiac agent. It increases the libido in the body and gives boost to our sexual life. It improves blood circulation there by helps in better blood supply to the penis and testicular area. It improves the quality of sperms and is also helpful in increasing the vigor in the body. It is commonly known as Indian Viagra.
Safed musli (curculigo orchioides) – it is one of the most effective aphrodisiac agent that is obtained from curculigo ordhioides plant. It is found wildly gowning in India but is now a days cultivated commercially in organic farms to meet the demand of doctors and pharmaceutical companies. This status of safed musli will tell you that how heavy is its demand. This demand is due to excellent result of safed musli in enhancing the sexual life. It is popularly known as alternative Viagra. The plant part used is the roots that has sufficient levels of aphrodisiac agent. It not only increases the sexual power of the man but also increases the physical stamina. As it is of herb origin, it is non toxic for our body and bears no side effects.
Akarakara (Spanish pellitory, anacylus pyrethrum) – one of the best ayurvedic sexual enhancer that not only improves the sexual life but also increases the performance to make your beloved experience the height of your love. Akarakara or commonly known as Spanish pellitory has been used since centuries to treat the sexual related problems like premature ejaculation, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and impotence. The plant part used is roots, which are dried and the is converted in powder. It improves blood circulation in the body and also purifies blood. It increases the sperm count and quality of sperm is also increased.
Ashwagandha (withinia somnifera) - it is one of the best aphrodisiac agent that increases the sexual potential and also improves the sexual problem. It improves the blood circulation and promotes sexual growth. It increases the stamina and also enhances the sperm production. It is very helpful in increasing the libido. It famous world wide as Indian ginseng due to its properties very similar to that of ginseng. The plant part used in roots, which is dried and then powder is made out of it.
Saturday, 8 September 2007
The Healing Bath: Bathing In The Ancient World
Publication: mapi.com
Author: Unknown
People find different ways to beat back the blues. Some listen to music, others seek solace in natural beauty, and still others comfort themselves with food. And then there are those who simply take a bath. It cleanses their body, they say, and lifts their spirits every time.
Ayurveda, too, sees bathing as a therapeutic activity. A leisurely bath relaxes tense muscles, irons out a creased brow, opens clogged pores, restores moisture to the tissues, and adds a healing dimension to your day.
If preceded by a luxurious all-body massage, your bath can be a truly divine experience.
Bathing in the Ancient World
Bathing has always been accorded the status of an intimate, sacred activity in Indian life. During their explorations of ancient India’s Indus Valley Civilization in Mohenjo Daro, archaeologists unearthed a large pool-like structure with steps leading down at both ends. This is believed to have been a public bath. In addition, homes in this surprisingly advanced civilization had their own private baths and an elaborate drainage system.
Not just India, but several other world cultures have treated the bath as a healing activity. In ancient Greece, water was regarded as a gift of health from the gods themselves. In Rome, ruins of hot and cold sunken baths can still be seen at Pompeii. Napoleon’s wife Josephine Bonaparte’s bathtub is said to retain its musk perfume, more than 150 years after it was built.
Bathing as luxury
As the world discovered the comfort and pleasure a bath could bring, new ways were found to make it a luxurious experience. Ancient ayurvedic texts speak of royal baths featuring rose petals, milk, honey, and turmeric. The Roman baths at Pompeii were resplendent with mirrors, marbled walls, and silver faucets. Mary, Queen of Scots, used wine in her bath.
Today, of course, we have an amazing range of bath accessories to choose from. Put together, bath sponges, loofahs, pillows, salts, and lotions can make even the simplest bathroom resemble a beauty boutique.
But there’s great news for those who don’t believe in or cannot afford such indulgence. A truly luxurious bath that leaves you feeling like a million dollars can be part of your daily routine-all you need is a good-quality herbalized massage oil, some paper towels, and a mild herb-based soap.
That Million-Dollar Feeling
The ayurvedic daily self-massage is called Abhyanga. It does a number of things to make you feel great. Massage helps to release impurities and toxins that accumulate in the skin.
It endows you with energy.
It calms the emotions.
It helps you think clearly and stay focused. It placates Vata dosha, which in turn helps calm the other doshas-Pitta and Kapha.
Massage moisturizes and strengthens the seven types of body tissue.
Author: Unknown
People find different ways to beat back the blues. Some listen to music, others seek solace in natural beauty, and still others comfort themselves with food. And then there are those who simply take a bath. It cleanses their body, they say, and lifts their spirits every time.
Ayurveda, too, sees bathing as a therapeutic activity. A leisurely bath relaxes tense muscles, irons out a creased brow, opens clogged pores, restores moisture to the tissues, and adds a healing dimension to your day.
If preceded by a luxurious all-body massage, your bath can be a truly divine experience.
Bathing in the Ancient World
Bathing has always been accorded the status of an intimate, sacred activity in Indian life. During their explorations of ancient India’s Indus Valley Civilization in Mohenjo Daro, archaeologists unearthed a large pool-like structure with steps leading down at both ends. This is believed to have been a public bath. In addition, homes in this surprisingly advanced civilization had their own private baths and an elaborate drainage system.
Not just India, but several other world cultures have treated the bath as a healing activity. In ancient Greece, water was regarded as a gift of health from the gods themselves. In Rome, ruins of hot and cold sunken baths can still be seen at Pompeii. Napoleon’s wife Josephine Bonaparte’s bathtub is said to retain its musk perfume, more than 150 years after it was built.
Bathing as luxury
As the world discovered the comfort and pleasure a bath could bring, new ways were found to make it a luxurious experience. Ancient ayurvedic texts speak of royal baths featuring rose petals, milk, honey, and turmeric. The Roman baths at Pompeii were resplendent with mirrors, marbled walls, and silver faucets. Mary, Queen of Scots, used wine in her bath.
Today, of course, we have an amazing range of bath accessories to choose from. Put together, bath sponges, loofahs, pillows, salts, and lotions can make even the simplest bathroom resemble a beauty boutique.
But there’s great news for those who don’t believe in or cannot afford such indulgence. A truly luxurious bath that leaves you feeling like a million dollars can be part of your daily routine-all you need is a good-quality herbalized massage oil, some paper towels, and a mild herb-based soap.
That Million-Dollar Feeling
The ayurvedic daily self-massage is called Abhyanga. It does a number of things to make you feel great. Massage helps to release impurities and toxins that accumulate in the skin.
It endows you with energy.
It calms the emotions.
It helps you think clearly and stay focused. It placates Vata dosha, which in turn helps calm the other doshas-Pitta and Kapha.
Massage moisturizes and strengthens the seven types of body tissue.
Eight powerful steps to be healthy
Publication: Ayurveda AHC
Author: Dr. Jayashree Nataraj
One who follows these eight powerful steps, will lead a quality life and keeps the diseases at a distance.
Hitha ahara- consuming food which is congenial to the constitutions, adequate for the age, appropriate for the balanced state of doshas and dhatus. Suitable combined, processed, and consumed in a pleasant atmosphere.
Hitha vihara- Physical exercise to keep the body fit, exercises should be selected according to the age, profession, constitution, and season.
Samikshyakari- an attitude with which one can analyze and discriminate between the beneficial or non beneficial - is the basic requisite either to select a food or an activity, even more so the thoughts.
Vishyeshvasakthah- achieving anything is the desire of the sensory organs. When this desire becomes an ambition/greed, the stress is more both physically and mentally, and becomes the cause for disease. Thus, to be healthy one needs to have control over the senses.
Datha- willingness to share helps in keeping away from self-centeredness, and improves social health.
Samaha- treating every one equally without any prejudice. This brings in social well-being.
Sathyaparah- Truthfulness keeps the individual relaxed.
Apthopasevi ?caring for others. Serving friends (who are our guides, philosophers and well-wishers).
As diseases are caused by psychosomatic reasons, these eight steps shall have the impact on all the components of one’s health.
Author: Dr. Jayashree Nataraj
One who follows these eight powerful steps, will lead a quality life and keeps the diseases at a distance.
Hitha ahara- consuming food which is congenial to the constitutions, adequate for the age, appropriate for the balanced state of doshas and dhatus. Suitable combined, processed, and consumed in a pleasant atmosphere.
Hitha vihara- Physical exercise to keep the body fit, exercises should be selected according to the age, profession, constitution, and season.
Samikshyakari- an attitude with which one can analyze and discriminate between the beneficial or non beneficial - is the basic requisite either to select a food or an activity, even more so the thoughts.
Vishyeshvasakthah- achieving anything is the desire of the sensory organs. When this desire becomes an ambition/greed, the stress is more both physically and mentally, and becomes the cause for disease. Thus, to be healthy one needs to have control over the senses.
Datha- willingness to share helps in keeping away from self-centeredness, and improves social health.
Samaha- treating every one equally without any prejudice. This brings in social well-being.
Sathyaparah- Truthfulness keeps the individual relaxed.
Apthopasevi ?caring for others. Serving friends (who are our guides, philosophers and well-wishers).
As diseases are caused by psychosomatic reasons, these eight steps shall have the impact on all the components of one’s health.
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