More Remedies

Remedies - Diarrhea

Symptoms

Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment:

• Cramps
  
• Dehydration
  
• Wind and distention in the abdomen
  
• Weakness
  
• Mild fever

Causes

The augmentation of pitta in the body or weak digestive power causes diarrhea. Improper eating habits, fried food in oil or ghee (clarified butter), meats, vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, beans, nuts and sweets, milk and citrus fruits simultaneously and impure food or water causes diarrhea.

Remedies

• Water boiled with coriander seeds should be given (after straining). Pomegranate juice in small quantities can be also given frequently.
  
• Decoction prepared from pomegranate skin is very useful in stopping diarrhea. To prepare the decoction, take 50 grams of fresh pomegranate skin. Soak it in 800 ml. of water for one hour. Boil until a quarter of the volume remains (200 ml). Store this mixture in a clean, dry bottle. A couple of tablespoons can be taken several times a day. If there is blood in the stools, add half a teaspoon of honey to the decoction.
  
• Sugar and salt solution. Mix one teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of common salt in a cup of water. Small doses of this mixture (around a quarter cup) can be given whenever the patient wants to drink.
  
• A paste made of sesame seeds (1 teaspoon) and a few tablespoons of goats milk is also beneficial.

Dos and don'ts

• Yogurt
  
• Rice
  
• Banana
  
• Apple
  
• Pomegranate
  
• Boiled vegetables
  
• Boiled rice
  
• Khichadi
  
• Fruits
  
• Spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric and cardamom should be used for cooking.
  
• Liquids should be given in small quantities (3 or 4 sips) at one time
  
• Fruit juices can also be taken in small quantities.

The mind should be relaxed and free from all kinds of tension. A gentle oil massage on the head is also helpful. Physical exertion of any kind like exercise, sexual activity, sports, singing, dancing etc. should be strictly avoided.

Remedies - Fever

Symptoms

Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment:

• High temperature
  
• Headache
  
• Muscle ache
  
• Burning eyes
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Coated tongue
  
• Excessive production of saliva
  
• Feeling of heaviness and nausea

Causes

Fever is caused due to the aggravation of any one or all the doshas of the body. Fever can occur as a result of infection, because of external injury, insect bite or poisoning. It must be kept in mind that fever can also be a symptom of many conditions, like bronchitis, pleurisy, tuberculosis, jaundice, malaria, measles or influenza.

Remedies

Some general remedies that are beneficial in fever are:

• Mild sweating: this helps to digest the toxins. Lie on a bed covered with a blanket, for 15 to 20 minutes. Drinking a hot liquid also helps.
  
• Take 10 grams (one-tablespoon) raisins and 10 grams (one tablespoon) fresh ginger. Crush and put in 200-ml. water for one hour. Boil this decoction till the water reduces to 50 ml. Strain and drink while warm.

Dosage: This preparation can be taken twice a day.

Dos and don'ts

• Easily digestible diet is advised for the patient
  
• Boiled or steamed vegetables
  
• vegetable soup
  
• fruit and fruit juices
  
• small quantities of cow milk can be taken two to three times a day
  
• Khichadi is very good with spices like cumin seeds, coriander, turmeric, ginger and salt can be also be added to it.
  
• Egg plant, bitter gourd and cooked radish and barley water is good.
  
• Small amounts of whole grain bread or biscuits can be taken with milk. Heavy foods that are difficult to digest like fried foods, fast foods, meat, chicken, fish, and raw foods should be completely avoided.
  
• The patient should take ample rest.

Exposure to extreme cold or heat, exertion, exercise, mental stress, sexual activity and any other type of physical activity should be avoided until the patient regains strength.

Remedies - Indigestion

Symptoms

Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment:

• Feeling of heaviness or uneasiness in the stomach
  
• Stomach ache
  
• Coated tongue
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Nausea
  
• Constipation
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Acidity
  
• Wind
  
• Distention in the stomach
  
• Laziness
  
• Weakness
  
• Headache
  
• Pain in the lower legs

Causes

Indigestion can be caused due to the aggravation of any of the following doshas or all three of them and by the following eating or physical habits carried on by individuals:

• Improper eating habits
  
• Eating a lot of fried foods, meat, sweets, heavy foods and overeating
  
• Eating incompatible food items
  
• Eating at irregular times
  
• Eating before the last meal is fully digested
  
• Eating very quickly or mixing too many foods in one meal
  
• Consuming too much tea, coffee and alcohol
  
• Smoking
  
• Staying up late ·Emotional disturbances (stress, grief, anxiety)
  
• Taking drugs like antibiotics, painkillers and steroids.

Remedies

• Fasting completely for one day is an efficient method to digest Ama.
  
• Taking fruits, fruit juices and boiled vegetables for one week is also a very beneficial way of fasting.
  
• Lemon juice mixed in warm water taken three times a day improves digestion.
  
• Chewing a small piece of fresh ginger with salt, five to ten minutes before meals, stimulates digestion.
  
• Take equal amounts of ginger powder, black pepper, dried mint leaves, asafetida (hing), anise seeds, coriander seeds, cumin, fennel and common salt. Grind together to make a fine powder. Dosage: Take about 1 teaspoon of this powder with water, twice a day after meals.
  
• Drinking buttermilk after a meal improves digestion. Roasted cumin seeds and a little salt in the buttermilk enhances its effectiveness.
  
• Drinking water gives immediate relief to symptoms like wind, distended stomach and acidity.
  
• Eat half a teaspoon of aniseed to improve digestion.
  
• A teaspoon of ginger juice mixed in a quarter cup of warm water can be taken two or three times a day. A teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt can also be added to make it more effective.
  

Dos and don'ts

• Eat boiled seasonal vegetables, fruits, fruit juices and lemon juice.
  
• Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, fresh ginger, black pepper and asafetida.
  
• Physical exercise, according to the strength and energy of the patient, is beneficial.
  
• Do not eat while moving or traveling in a car, watching television or reading.
  
• Do not eat fast food or food that has been cooked in a microwave oven. Eating should not be too fast or too slow and the food should be properly chewed.
  
• Sleeping during the day, especially after lunch is not recommended, as it produces indigestion.

The patient should not stay awake late at night and should be free from mental stress, anxiety, fear and grief.

Remedies - Headache

Symptoms

Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment:

• Headache can be mild, moderate or severe pain that affects the whole head, a part of the head, forehead or the eyes.
  
• Nausea
  
• Difficulty in sleeping
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Feeling of uneasiness

Causes

According to Ayurveda, there are eleven types of headaches caused due to aggravation of three different doshas. Headaches are also caused by:

• Sinusitis
  
• Hypertension
  
• Constipation
  
• Over work
  
• Mental stress
  
• Indigestion
  
• Acidity
  
• Sleeplessness
  
• Fever
  
• It may also be present as a symptom of some disease
  
• Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, aspirin or nicotine is also known to contribute to headache
  
• Nervous weakness
  
• Anemia
  
• Deficiency of oxygen in the blood
  
• Sitting too close to the television
  
• Reading with insufficient light
  
• Reading in a moving train or car

Remedies

• Take clove, cinnamon and almond in equal quantities (around 1 teaspoon each) and grind together with a little water to make a paste. Apply paste on the forehead. A paste made of sandalwood powder can also be applied on the forehead.
  
• Mix a quarter teaspoon of clove powder in one teaspoon of cinnamon oil. Apply mixture to the location of pain.
  
• Take a few drops of ghee (clarified butter) on your palm. Mix 3 or 4 pieces of saffron in it, and rub it for two minutes. The saffron does not dissolve in the ghee, but its qualities are absorbed. Remove saffron and put two drops of this ghee in each nostril. · Dosage: Follow procedure twice a day.
  
• Mix 1 tablespoon of milk and half teaspoon of ginger powder and put one or Dosage; two drops in each nostril twice a day.
  
• Wrap a wet cloth around the neck.
  
• Oil massage on the scalp also relieves tension and headache. Sesame oil, almond oil, mustard oil or ghee (clarified butter) can be used for massage.
  
• Heat 1 teaspoon of almond oil. When it cools down, put two drops in each nostril.

Dos and don'ts

• Simple cooked vegetables without oil, vegetable juices and soup, fruits like apple, mango, grapes and fruit juices should be taken in ample quantities. Rice, salad and buttermilk are also good.
  
• Some sweets and milk products can be taken moderately with small quantities of nuts.
  
• Hot cow milk is very good to drink.
  
• Avoid fried foods, meat, sour and spicy foods and foods
  
• Yogurt should be avoided, especially at night.
  
• Adequate rest should be taken and exposure to cold, heat and rain should be avoided.
  
• The natural urges (sneezing, passing stool and urine, hunger, thirst, sleep, breathing and yawning etc.) should not be suppressed.
  
• The patient should also try to keep the mind free from anxiety, anger, mental tension and worry.

Remedies - Ayurvedic home remedies

Remedies

Ayurvedic home remedies are a blend of commonly used herbs and spices to cure common symptoms and diseases. To cure or prevent any ailment natural herbs are taken in ayurveda as juices, paste, powder, infusion and decoctions etc. ayurveda also prescribes some exercises, massaging techniques, colors, aromas, gems and cleansing therapies as home remedies.

According to Ayurveda all the home remedies comprise of mostly the things that have their usage in homes and have multifarious medicinal usage also. Few such substances are clove, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, fennel, rock salt, turmeric, coriander, ginger, honey, licorice, garlic, onion, basil and mint.

Remedies - Arthritis

Symptoms

Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment:

• Severe pain in the affected joints.
  
• Muscles, ligaments and cartilage become inflamed.
  
• Movement of the joint becomes extremely painful, especially in cold, windy and damp weather.

It is notable that if this disease is not taken care of properly at the initial stages the joint becomes immobile and may also become permanently deformed.

Causes

This ailment is caused due to the aggravation of Vata (air) dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxins). Ama gets deposited in the weak areas of the body, joints with a simultaneous aggravation of Vata that is known as Ama Vata (arthritis).

Weak digestion, constipation, overeating and very little physical activity are the symptoms that can develop in a patient of arthritis.

Remedies

• Ama must be digested and Vata reduced in the body.
• Digestion should be improved and fasting for one day is beneficial for digesting Ama.
• Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey mixed in a cup of warm water is good for curing arthritis.
  Dosage: Taken twice a day proves.
• Bake one or two egg- plants. Mash and fry in about 2 tablespoons of castor oil. Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic and salt can be added while frying.
  Dosage: Take once daily for two to three months for relief.
• Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps cure arthritis.
  Dosage: Taken twice a day
• One raw clove of garlic every day is very beneficial. This clove can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil. Dosage: Once daily for two-three months.
• Guggulu (a herb) is very helpful in curing arthritis. If available, eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water.
• Paste of 1 teaspoon red chilies and fresh ginger mixed in half a cup of sesame oil and strain. Gently rub this oil on the affected joints. ·Camphor, wintergreen and cinnamon oils are also beneficial for external application.

Dos and don'ts

Following is the diet suggested for the patients suffering form arthritis:

• Vegetable juices and soups
  
• Coconut water
  
• Coconut milk
  
• Carrot juice
  
• Beet root juice
  
• Cucumber juice
  
• Cooked vegetables like squash, zucchini and pumpkin
  
• Spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, asafetida, garlic, fennel and turmeric Green salad with a dressing of lemon juice and a little salt
  
• Khichadi (recipe made by cooking rice and mung dal )
  
• Regular physical exercise and massage with oil should form an important part of the routine.

The patient of arthritis must avoid the following:

• Eating hot, spicy and fried foods, sweets, wind forming foods like cabbage, Cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, okra and potatoes.
  
• Too much tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate, cocoa.
  
• Antibiotics, painkillers, steroids and nicotine
  
• Sleeping during the day
  
• Staying up late at night
  
• Mental tensions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief.

Remedies - Cold & Cough

Symptoms

Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment:

• Running or blocked nose
  
• Sneezing
  
• Sore throat
  
• Congestion
  
• Headache
  
• Low fever with body pain
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Lethargy
  
• Insomnia

Causes

The aggravation of kapha due to the intake of cold food, drinks and fried stuff etc causes cough. Seasonal changes is also one of the reasons for cough Improper digestion of food transforms into a mucus toxin (Ama) and this circulates through the body and reaches the respiratory system, where it causes colds and coughs.

Remedies

• The body should be kept warm - especially the feet, chest, throat and head. Sweating is very helpful.
  
• Take half a teaspoon of ginger juice with half a teaspoon of honey, three times a day (morning, noon and night). In winter, warm the mixture by mixing a teaspoon of warm water in it.
  
• Mix half a cup of warm water with one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey.
  Dosage: Take several times a day.
  
• In cases of dry cough (especially during the night), peel a small piece of fresh ginger. Sprinkle some salt on it and chew.
  
• Take equal amounts of cardamom, ginger powder, black pepper and cinnamon (1 teaspoon each). Add sugar equal to the total amount of mixture and grind to make a fine powder.
  Dosage: Take half a teaspoon twice daily, with honey or warm water after meals.
  
• In cases of sore throat, a clove or two cardamoms or a few raisins can be chewed.Gargling with warm salty water two to three times a day is also beneficial.

Dos and don'ts

The food and activities that are to be avoided are as follows:

• Cold foods and drinks
  
• Ice cream, sweets
  
• Fried foods
  
• Milk products (cheese, creams, yogurt)
  
• Sweet fruit juices
  
• Breads
  
• Meats
  
• Nuts
  
• Pastries
  
• Sleeping during the day
  
• Taking a cold shower
  
• Exposure to cold wind, fans, air conditioners

Following are the substances and activities that should be taken in cough:

• Boiled or steamed vegetables
  
• Vegetable soup
  
• Spice teas
  
• Herbal teas
  
• Hot milk with a piece of crushed ginger
  
• Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed in milk provides relief.

Remedies - Constipation

Symptoms

Following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment:

• No bowel movements at least once a day
  
• Pain in the abdomen
  
• Heaviness in the stomach
  
• Wind formation
  
• Mucus coated tongue
  
• Headache
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Pain in the lower legs
  
• Hypertension, fever
  
• Nausea
  
• Vertigo
  
• Palpitation
  
• Drowsiness

Causes

The aggravation of vata causes constipation. Improper eating habits including eating a lot of food, eating food which is difficult to digest (such as meat) and not eating enough vegetables and salads also lead to constipation.

Irregular sleeping habits or emotional disturbances (stress, grief, fear or worry) are other causes for the obstruction of the passage of stool, accumulation of toxins in the colon or excessive stimulation of the nervous system.

Smoking, consuming too much tea and coffee, or intake of prescription or illicit drugs can also cause constipation.

Remedies

• Drinking a glass of warm milk before going to bed helps in easy evacuation in the morning. In case of severe constipation, mix two teaspoons of castor oil in the milk.
  
• Drink one liter of warm water and walk around for a few minutes immediately after waking up early in the morning.
  
• Drinking lemon juice mixed with warm water two to three times a day eases constipation.
  
• One or two teaspoons of aloe gel can be taken twice a day.
  
• A common Ayurvedic medicine for constipation is Triphala Churna. It is a powder made by grinding three kinds of herbs. A teaspoon of this powder taken with warm water or milk at the time going to bed is beneficial.

Dos and don'ts

• The diet taken during constipation must be easily digestible.
  
• Plenty of fruits, vegetables and salads
  
• Freshly cooked food, and chew food thoroughly.
  
• Eat only when hungry and maintain at least 4 hours between meals.
  
• Use spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric powder, fennel and asafetida as they make the food easy to digest.
  
• Whole grain bread and cereals
  
• Regular physical exercise is also important for maintaining proper bowel movements.
  
• Sleeping hours should be regulated and efforts should be made to have a sound sleep.
  
• Fried foods, beans, gas forming vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, nuts and dried fruits should be avoided.
  
• Do not mix too many kinds of foods in one meal.

More to come later, Be Here Be Healthy...

Body care as a whole

Teeth Care

Spearmint Mouthwash

6 ounces Water
2 ounces Vodka
4 teaspoons liquid Glycerine
1 teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel
10-15 drops Spearmint essential oil
Boil water and Vodka, add Glycerine and Aloe Vera gel.
Remove from the heat, let cool slightly. Add Spearmint oil, shake well. Pour into bottle, cap tightly.
Use this solution as mouthwash as when required or after brushing your teeth.

Lemon Clove Tooth Cleanser

Mix small amount of finely powdered Sage with,
1 ounce of finely powdered Myrrh
1 pound powdered Arrowroot
3 ounces powdered Orris root
20 drops oil of Lemon
10 drops oil of Cloves
12 drops oil of Bergamot
Mix the oils into the powdered ingredients thoroughly. Store in a tube or bottle
Rub the paste onto the teeth with a soft toothbrush or use your fingers for 2 minutes and rinse.

Body and Foot deodorants

Herbal Deodorant Powder

2 parts powdered sandalwood (for fragrance and anti-microbal properties)
1 part powdered white oak bark (an astringent)
1 part powdered lovage root (for fragrance)
Pulverize herbs in a blender or food processor until they become a very fine powder. Transfer powder into a clean, dry iron skillet and very lightly pan-roast to set resins and scents. Fill muslin draw-string bags with the powdered herbs, or use handkerchiefs tied with a string or ribbon. Pat bags under your arms or on feet.

Stick Deodorant

4 ounces Cornstarch
2 ounces Baking Soda
1 ounces liquid Chlorophyll
2 ounces Vodka
2 ounces Distilled Water
8 ounces BeesWax
10-15 drops of Honeysuckle, Rose, Coriander or essential Oil of your choice.
Mix all ingredients except wax and chorophyll in a bowl, stir thoroughly.
Melt wax in top of a double boiler over very low heat, remove from heat. Add the other ingredients and blend well.
If the wax thickens too much to be workable, heat again. As the mixture begins to cool, but before it hardens, add the liquid clorophyll and essential oils.
Pour into moulds. Let harden. Remove from moulds. Store in a tightly closed container away from heat to avoid shrinkage.

Nail Care

Healthy Nails

Rub Lemon halves on your nails everyday if they have changed in color.

Dark Eye Circles?

Drink atleast ten to twelve glasses of water everyday.
Have a blood test done for your haemoglobin level and check with your doctor for extra vitamins and proper diet routine.

Banana Hand & Foot Cream

Dry hands and feet will become smooth and soft overnight if you mix:
Bananas
Honey
Lemon juice
Natural Margarine
Smear on hands and wear white gloves to bed. Wash off in the morning.
For dry feet, smear the mixture on and wear heavy socks to bed, wash off in the morning.

Body Care

Suffering from menstrual cramps? Have a tablespoon of aloe vera gel with two pinches of black pepper thrice a day.

One teaspoon of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoonful of honey taken twice a day can be beneficial for high blood pressure.

For a sinus headache try a paste of half teaspoon Cinnamon with sufficient water and apply to the affected area.

Constipated? Don't forget to drink a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of clarified butter at bedtime.

To cure bleeding gums, squeeze the juice of half lemon into a cup of water and add one teaspoonful of honey. This drink should be taken every morning. Massaging the gums gently with coconut oil also helps.

To get relief from backaches make a paste of ginger, and apply to the afected area. Massaging with eucalyptus oil is very effective.

You can also make your own massaging oil. Cut 2-3 cloves of garlic into small pieces. Put them in 100ml of sesame oil or mustard oil. Boil on slow fire for about five minutes. This oil is very good for massaging the area on backache.

Betel leaves are a valuable remedy for boils. A betel leaf is gently warmed till it becomes soft. It is then coated with a layer of castor oil and the paste is applied on the affected area.

Anti-perspirant

Deodorizing Foot Bath

Soak the feet in the solution by mixing:
1/2 cup white vinegar
5-6 Tablespoons Epson salts
1 gallon warm water
Pulverize herbs in a blender or food processor until they become a very fine powder. Transfer powder into a clean, dry iron skillet and very lightly pan-roast to set resins and scents. Fill muslin draw-string bags with the powdered herbs, or use handkerchiefs tied with a string or ribbon. Pat bags under your arms or on feet.

Anti-Perspirant Drink

Add a rind of Lemon to a cup of Milk and warm it.
Add three drops of Camphor oil to it and drink before going to bed.

Pimple and moles problems

Anti-Pimple Recipe

Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water everyday.
Eat plenty of green salads, vegetables and fresh fruit. Cut down junk food.
Mix Rose water with one tablespoon of powdered Camphor and store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Wipe your face several times a day with it
Also, make a pack with two tablespoons of Multani Mitti, five ground Cloves, a pinch of Camphor and Rose water. Apply the pack, daily, on the pimples and let dry. Wash off with ice-cold water.
Done regularly, you will notice a difference within 10 days.

Shadows / Moles on Face Neck and Arms

Massage the shadow patches / mole portions with almond oil mixed with oil of one vitamin E capsule.
Leave it on for a couple of minutes and then wipe off with a cotton wool pad dipped in cold milk, and then with another pad dipped in water.
(Three times a week for 15 minutes will show result.)

Clean and Clear Skin

Take 30-40 Neem leaves and boil in one litre of water until the liquid turns to half.
Drink three-four tablespoons of this syrup daily.

Reduce weight by Natural Ways

Reduce Weight - Naturally

The chief cause of obesity or overweight is often overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating such as improper mixing of food items in one meal.

In ayurveda, Charak Samhita describes eight different types of bodies that are disease prone. Out of these, the obese body is described as the one afflicted with the most diseases and troubles. Obesity is the condition or physical state of the body when excessive deposition of fat takes place in the adipose tissue.

Extra fat puts a strain on the heart, kidneys, liver and the joints such as the hips, knees and ankles and thus, overweight people are susceptible to several diseases like coronary thrombosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout, liver and gall bladder disorders. Chief cause of obesity is overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating or mixing non-compatible food items in one meal.

To decrease weight and get rid of obesity three things must be kept in mind:

• Controlling eating habits.
  
• Regular exercise.
  
• Avoiding the causes of weight gain

Diet recommended to lose weight

Early morning

• Juice of half a lemon mixed in a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of honey.

Breakfast

• Wheat or Mung bean sprouts and a cup of skimmed milk.

Midmorning

• A glass of orange, pineapple or carrot juice.

Lunch

• Salad of raw vegetables such as carrot, beet, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes. Steamed or boiled vegetables
  
• Whole grain bread or whole wheat chapatis (Indian bread) and a glass of buttermilk.
  
• Roasted cumin seeds, green coriander leaves, a little salt and some grated ginger mixed in the buttermilk.

Mid-afternoon

• Coconut water
  
• Dry fruits
  
• Lemon tea
  
• Fresh vegetable soup

Dinner

• Whole grain bread or chapatis
  
• Steamed vegetables
  
• Seasonal fruits except banana and apple.

Diet recommended to lose weight

• Increase the quantity of fruits and vegetables and low calorie foods.
  

• Avoid intake of too much salt as it may be a factor for increasing body weight.
  

• Milk products like cheese, butter etc. and non-vegetarian foods should be avoided as they are rich in fat.
  

• Mint is very beneficial in losing weight. A chutney of green mint with some simple spices can be taken with meals. Mint tea also helps.
  

• Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways.
  

• Regular intake of carrot juice.
  

• Avoid rice and potato, which contain a lot of carbohydrates. Among cereals wheat is good.
  

• Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful in loosing weight.
  

• Honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions.
  Dosage: One should start with small quantity of about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.
  

• Fasting on honey and lime- juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. For this, mix one teaspoon of fresh honey with the juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water.
  Dosage: Take several times a day at regular intervals.
  

• Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.
  

• Exercise is an important part of any weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat.
  

• Walking is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming or rowing.
  

• The gum of Commiphora Mukul called 'guggulu' is the drug of choice for the treatment of obesity.

Preparation of Home Remedies

According to ayurveda home remedies are prepared in the same way and with the same purpose as other ayurvedic medicines. The main aim is to obtain the maximum therapeutic benefit while making it palatable.

Some common methods of preparing home remedies are:

Juice

The juice may be taken from the fresh leaves, flowers or stems of the herb. The part of the herb used should be crushed or ground in a mortar and pestle, to make a paste. This paste should be put in a piece of cloth and squeezed to take out the juice.

Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.

Powder

Dried herbs are used for powders. The herbs are usually dried in a cool, shady and well-ventilated place, although some herbs are dried in direct sunlight. The herbs are then ground into a fine powder and stored in a dry, airtight bottle. The powder may be taken with water, or if specified, with milk or honey.

Dosage: Half to one teaspoon twice a day

Decoction

A decoction is prepared by boiling the herb in water (ratio: 1 part herb to 16 parts water). The herbs are broken into pieces and soaked in water overnight. This mixture is then boiled until it reduces to one quarter of the original volume. It is then filtered and stored in a glass bottle.

Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.

Infusion

Herbs are soaked in water to make an infusion (ratio: 1 part herb to 8 parts water). Hot infusions result from adding herbs to hot water, or gently heating but not boiling the mixture. This is strained and taken internally. Herbal teas are forms of hot infusions. Cold infusions are made from soaking the herb overnight. Honey can be added.

Dosage: half to one cup once or twice day.

Paste

A paste can be made from either fresh or dried herbs. The flowers, roots, stems, leaves or bark are ground and mixed with water. Pastes are mainly used for external application, in cases of cuts, burns and swellings. The paste should be thick enough to be applied in a layer to the skin.

Tablets

The herbs should be first dried separately and then mixed together in a powder form, in fixed proportions. Water or herbal juice can be added to this powder to make a paste, from which tablets of a specific size or weight are made. Tablets remain potent longer than juices, powders, pastes or decoctions.

Dosage: 1 or 2 tablets twice a day.

Medicated ghee and oil

Ghee is cooked with herbal juices, decoctions or pastes. The ghee should be heated with the herbal mixture at a moderate, controlled temperature. High temperatures can easily burn the ghee or oil, destroying its effectiveness. Medicated ghee and oils are either used internally or massaged externally.

Dosage: Half to one tablespoon.

Massage - An Easy Way to Stay Healthy

Massage (Abhyanga) is a type of passive exercise. It is especially good for weak people, who are unable to exercise. Regular massage is the key to good health, and is necessary both for prevention and cure of diseases.

An Easy Way to Stay Healthy

Oil massage is the most common type of massage. Oil should be chosen according to the season and the personal constitution. Sesame oil is the best for massaging according to Ayurveda. In the winter one can also use mustard oil, though it should not be used in summer. However, those in the habit of constant internal use of mustard oil can massage with it in all seasons.

Coconut oil and sunflower oil are also good for massaging in hot climate. Olive oil can be used in the winter as it is heating in nature. People with a vata type of body should use warming oils, and those with pitta type will benefit from cooling oils. The kapha types should have dry massage or should use mustard oil after warming. In order to determine what type you are take a constitution test.

Method of Massaging

One can either start massage from the feet or from head. In self massage one generally starts from feet, then the legs, hands, abdomen, back, chest, neck, shoulders, face and head. While receiving massage from some one it is generally started from head. There are no specific reasons for this.

First apply the oil on the part which is to be massaged. Then massage the part gently with palms till the oil penetrates the body. When massaging, upward strokes should be employed. The motion should be uniform (not too fast and not too slow) and pressure should be applied only on the muscles, not the bones. Different types of actions of fingers and hands are used for massaging different organs.

One should receive a massage on an empty stomach. The best time for massaging is early morning or evening. One may wash the oil off after massage. Wait for 20-30 minutes before washing. There should be no anxiety, stress, anger, and worry. The person should concentrate fully on the part being massaged. It is better to get massage from an expert but you can do it yourself too.

One should avoid taking a massage when there is too much mucus in the body (aggravation of Kapha), when suffering from fever, and after one has undertaken cleansing therapies like vomiting (emesis) and purgation.

Benefits of Massage

Massage stimulates the internal functions of the body and provides nourishment to various body tissues. It helps in cleansing the toxins from channels. Massaging with oil provides lubrication to various body mechanisms. It stimulates the different agni (enzymes), increases assimilation of food and increases the vital body fluid called the Ojas. It works at both mental and physical levels of the body. It is beneficial in the case of insomnia, weakness of nerves, laziness, exhaustion, general debility, dry and unhealthy skin.

More Homemade Remedies

Tonics

Maintaining a proper strength of the immune system in the body is a basic requirement for staying healthy. To avoid falling sick and to maintain good health, Ayurveda advises a number of simple formulas which are very effective to increase immunity or 'Ojas'. To become an expert in rejuvenation or 'rasayana' therapy, you might need to join our online courses on 'Original Ayurveda'.

However, here are some recipes for simple Ayurvedic tonics that act as 'Rasayanas'. These are especially beneficial for those who are physically weak, underweight and have weak muscles. The tonics given below nourish not only the body but mind too.

• Eat 3 or 4 figs and drink 250ml warm milk in the morning. One or two teaspoons of honey may be added to the milk for sweetening. Soak the figs in water if they are dry. It is a very good tonic and also cures constipation and anemia.
  
• Take 2 walnuts, 4 almonds and 7 raisins. Soak them overnight in water and eat the next morning with 250ml of warm milk. Chew well. It's good to add one or two teaspoons of honey to the milk for sweetening.
  
• Take 1 part dry dates (without seeds), 2 parts dry coconut and 3 parts sugar candy. Cut/break them into small pieces and mix together. Take about 50 grams of this mixture every morning. It's specially good for the children and prevents common ailments like tonsillitis, cold, cough, indigestion and diseases relating to teeth. The dose for children is 2 teaspoons and 4-5 teaspoons for adults. Do not drink water immediately after eating this mixture.

Take equal quantity of unpeeled apples and carrots grated. This mixture should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Dose can be up to 200 grams. Do not eat anything for 2 hours after eating this mixture. It is very effective in reducing extra fat, specially for the women. For increasing weight the same mixture should be taken immediately after lunch. Special Ayurvedic tonic for infants:

• Take 1 almond and soak it in water overnight. In the morning remove the skin of almond and make a fine paste by grinding it. Mix in 1 gram of honey. Give to babies who are 4 months or older. It is a nice tonic for both mental and physical development of the child. Please note that the almond should not be bitter and the paste should be very fine.
  
• Take 25 grams black chickpeas (kala chana). Soak them in 200 ml water in the night. It is advised to eat these next morning. The water can also be taken with or without mixing a teaspoon of honey. The sprouts made from black chickpeas can also be taken. They strengthen the lungs, help reduce cholesterol and are good in cases of heart disease. Those having a weak digestion or who develop heaviness after eating this, should discontinue.
  
• Take 2-3 dry dates and soak them in water every morning. In the evening boil them in 250ml milk untill half the quantity of milk remains. Cool and add one teaspoon honey as a sweetener. Eat the dates and drink the milk. This can be taken one hour before going to bed. Do not drink water for 2 hours after taking this tonic. This tonic helps to build all the 'Dhatus', gives strength to lungs, increases blood circulation, cleans the bowels and alleviates Vata and Pitta.

First Aid

Simple Ayurvedic remedies can play a very effective role as first aid for many common ailments, such as earache, backache and diarrhea. Try these simple treatments and stay healthy in a natural way.

Asthma

Take one teaspoonful of ginger powder and one teaspoonful of licorice powder. Add half a litre of water and boil the mixture till it reduces to one fourth (about 125 ml.). Strain it and drink it warm. Adding a teaspoonful of honey or one gram of common salt is beneficial.

Backache

Make a paste of ginger, and apply to the affected area. Massaging with eucalyptus oil is very effective. You can also make your own massaging oil. Take 2-3 cloves of garlic, and cut them into small pieces. Put them in 100 ml. of sesame oil or mustard oil (or any other oil if these two are not available). Boil on slow fire for about five minutes. This oil is very good for massaging the area of backache.

Bleeding (External)

Applying a paste of sandalwood powder is helpful in the cases of external bleeding. It stops the bleeding and also heals the wound. Drinking a cup of warm milk with half teaspoonful turmeric powder and a pinch of saffron or alum, added to it is also very good healing drink. It also acts as pain reliever.

Burns

Make a paste of fresh gel of aloe-vera with a pinch of turmeric powder. Adding one 1-2 grams of ghee or coconut oil to this paste makes it more effective. This paste can be applied to the burnt area.

Cold

Take one tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, one teaspoonful of cinnamon powder and one teaspoonful of licorice powder. Add all these together to one litre water and boil on slow fire for ten minutes till about one fourth (250 ml.) of it is left. This drink can be taken three times in a day. Honey can added as a sweetener.

Diarrhea

Add one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger and one gram of nutmeg powder to half a cup of water. Blend them together for few minutes into a mixture. Drinking this twice or thrice a day helps to stop diarrhea.

Earache

Take 2-3 cloves of garlic. Peel off the skin and cut them into small pieces. Add 100 ml. of sesame or mustard oil and boil on a slow fire for about five minutes. Strain and when it becomes cool, drop two drops in the aching ear. Can be used two times a day.

Make a mixture of one teaspoonful of onion juice and half teaspoonful of honey. This mixture is also helpful in earache. Two drops in each ear can be used two times a day.

Eye Burn

Put 2-3 drops of pure rose water into the affected eye. This can be used two or three times a day. It also helps in itchy eyes and reduces the redness in the eyes.

Boils

Apply cooked onion as a poultice on the boil. A paste of ginger powder (one teaspoonful) and turmeric powder (one teaspoonful) is also good to apply on the boil. Either the boil will be suppressed or a head will appear so that the pus can be drained out easily.

Exhaution (Heat)

Drink one glass (250 ml.) of coconut water or grape juice. Take 3-4 pieces of dates and cook them with one glass of milk or water. Eat the dates and drink the milk or water. It is also good to blend them in a mixture before taking. This drink is very good and gives instant energy.

Gum Bleeding

Squeeze the juice of half lemon into a cup of water and add one teaspoonful of honey. This drink should be taken every morning. Massaging the gums gently with coconut oil also helps.

Menstrual Cramps

Take one tablespoon of aloe-vera gel and mix in half a gram of black pepper powder. Such a mixture can be taken 2-3 times during the day or until the cramps disappear. Try out some these simple Ayurvedic first aid remedies and stay healthy.

More Definations ...

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture literally means 'needle piercing," the practice of inserting very fine needles into the skin to stimulate specific anatomic points in the body (called acupoints) for therapeutic purposes. Along with the usual method of puncturing the skin with the fine needles, the practitioners also use heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate the points. The acupoints are stimulated to balance the movement of energy (qi) in the body to restore health.

Acupuncture involves stimulating. In the past 40 years acupuncture has become a well-known, reasonably available treatment in developed and developing countries. Acupuncture is used to regulate or correct the flow of qi to restore health.

To really understand how acupuncture works, it is necessary to become familiar with the basics of Chinese philosophy. The philosophies of the Dao or Tao, yin and yang, the eight principles, the three treasures and the five elements are all fundamental to traditional Chinese acupuncture and its specific role in helping to maintain good health and a person's well-being.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy means "treatment using scents". It is a holistic treatment of caring for the body with pleasant smelling botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint. The essential oils are added to the bath or massaged into the skin, inhaled directly or diffused to scent an entire room. Aromatherapy is used for the relief of pain, care for the skin, alleviate tension and fatigue and invigorate the entire body. Essential oils can affect the mood, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. When inhaled, they work on the brain and nervous system through stimulation of the olfactory nerves.

The essential oils are aromatic essences extracted from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses and seeds with distinctive therapeutic, psychological, and physiological properties, which improve and prevent illness. There are about 150 essential oils. Most of these oils have antiseptic properties; some are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antidepressant and expectorant. Other properties of the essential oils which are taken advantage of in aromatherapy are their stimulation, relaxation, digestion improvement, and diuretic properties. To get the maximum benefit from essential oils, it should be made from natural, pure raw materials. Synthetically made oils do not work.

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. It is widely used at home, clinics and hospitals for a variety of applications such as pain relief for women in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side effects of the chemotherapy undergone by the cancer patients, and rehabilitation of cardiac patients.

Aromatherapy is already slowly getting into the mainstream. In Japan, engineers are incorporating aroma systems into new buildings. In one such application, the scent of lavender and rosemary is pumped into the customer area to calm down the waiting customers, while the perfumes from lemon and eucalyptus are used in the bank teller counters to keep the staff alert.

Essential oils are very effective in the treatment of stress and in the encouragement of relaxation.

Scents of vanilla, orange blossom, rose, chamomile and lavender {and other floral fragrances) have a noticeable calming effect on the way you feel.

Scents of lavender, sandalwood and nutmeg help you shrug off the ill-effects of stress.

Patchouli oil helps eliminate anxiety and lifts the mood (it is also said to be an aphrodisiac.).

Clary sage is a sedative and tonic.

Ylang-ylang is euphoric, regulator, sedative, and tonic. Use it in moderation. It can cause headaches in some people.

Lavender is probably the most useful of them all for relaxation. It is a sedative and a tonic. It helps you to relax, at the same time, it also eases aches and pains, such as headache. Sprinkle four drops on a tissue and inhale deeply for sudden stress. Our ancestors carried with them handkerchiefs perfumed with lavender water or rose water.

The most effective methods for using essential oils to help calm the mind and relax the body include massage, baths, and vaporization. You can use them singly or in combination.

More Useful Home Herbs

Honey

The Predigested Natural Food Since ancient times, humans have used honey as a natural food, as a sweetener, for medical use, for beautification and for many other purposes.

Benefits of Honey

Eyesight

Regular use of honey mixed with the carrot juice helps to improve the eyesight. It should be taken one hour before meals in the morning.

Cough

Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It gives immediate relief in symptoms like cold, cough, sore throat, congestion of chest and runny nose.

Asthma

Mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture (equal quantity). Take this mixture at least three times a day. It helps to cure asthma.

Blood Pressure

Take one teaspoonful of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoonful of honey. It can be taken twice a day in the morning and evening. Regular use of this mixture is beneficial for high blood pressure.

Blood Purification and Fat Reduction

Take one glass of warm water and mix 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before evacuation. It helps to purify the blood. It also helps to reduce fat and to clean the bowels.

Heart Tonic

One teaspoonful of anise powder mixed with one or two teaspoonful of honey acts a very nice tonic for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.

Definations of Veda's

Ayurveda Definition

The word ayurveda has been coined by the conjunction of two Sanskrit words, "ayur" meaning life and "Veda" meaning knowledge. The word together means the knowledge of life. In ayurveda the process of ayur (life) is considered as a combined state of body (sharira), senses (indriya), psyche (mana) and soul (atma). Among these the visible body is made of panchamahabhoota and is called sthoola sharir whereas the sense, psyche and soul are invisible and thus are called sukshma sharir or linga sharir. Ayurveda not only consists of natural scientific methodology of medication but also provides the way of life.

During the course of time Ayurveda, the way of life and its knowledge became the science of life, which has its root in ancient Vedic literature and encompasses our entire life, the body, mind and spirit.

Punarjanma
It is believed that death takes away the sukshma sharir to the heavenly abode leaving behind the sthoola sharir that decomposes back to its constituent elements, the panchamahabhoota. The sukshma sharir takes rebirth (punarjanma) until it attains moksha.

The splitting of the sukshma sharir into indriya, mana and atma after it attains salvation (moksha) follows this life and death cycle. Indriya and mana that originate from the nature, surroundings (prakruti) remerge with the same whereas atma, the image of parmatama merges back into it.

The other instance that is believed in, is the non- attainment of salvation (moksha) after death. This leads to the combining of the sukshma sharir i.e. the indriya, mana and atma with the new sthoola sharir at the time of shukra shonita sanyoga (fertilization) in the uterus.

This combination of sukshma and sthoola sharir occurs in accordance with the karmafala that is to be enjoyed by the new sthoola sharir. The karma (deeds) of the previous sthoola sharir decide the karmafala of the new sthoola sharir.

It doesn't always happen that the sukshma sharir combines with species of sthoola sharir same as itself. According to vedic science the sukshma sharir can combine with any of the species among the 8.4 million species that exists.

Attainment of moksha is one of the chaturvidh purushartha. (four main objectives of life) and the process of splitting and combining of the sukshma sharir with the sthoola sharir continues till moksha is attained.

Atma is comparable to god, the creator and is believed to be the almighty. Once the sukshma sharir and the sthoola sharir have atma attached to it, due to karmafalbandhan all its strength and might is lost and he has to lead this cyclical phase of life according to the karmafala.

In ayurveda itself the Sanskrit word ayur has synonyms that possess the same meaning and value as life itself. Few synonyms are:

Dhari

As the physical properties of the body is sustained (dharna) during life.

Jeevita

As the lively activities are carried out.

Nityaga

As the time of life is continuously spent.

Anubandha

As life is possible with the combination (bandhan) of the sukshma and the sthoola sharir.

Charak Sootra 1/41

In ayurveda ayu (life) can be classified as:

• Sukha Ayu: The ayu that leads a healthy life. Person has good health.
  
• Dukkha Ayu: The ayu that live a diseased life. The person suffers with some disease all his life.
  
• Hita Ayu: The ayu that lives life by serving the society.
  
• Ahita Ayu: The ayu that live life in destructive activities.

Ayurveda is the science of life that not only deals with Sukha Ayu, Dukkha Ayu, Hita Ayu, Ahita Ayu but also deals with the ways and means to achieve health the path that leads to disease.

In all ayurveda deals with quantum of the Ayu, the life.

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is based on the principle that substances that are poisonous in large doses can be very beneficial in small doses. Homeopathy is a form of medicine that treats the body as a whole and helps it to heal itself. It can be used for the short term (acute) illnesses and long term (chronic) illnesses. The objective is to prevent the patient from getting the illnesses again (prevention). The name homeopathy comes from the Greek word "homios" which means "like" and the word "pathos" meaning "suffering". Thus homeopathy simply means treating like with like.

In the fourth century B.C., Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, observed that large amount of certain natural substances can produce symptoms in healthy people resembling those caused by the disease, while smaller doses of these same substances can relieve those symptoms. in 1790's Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor, amplified this concept and proposed the practice called homeopathy. He proposed that "Let like be cured by like". Homeopathy uses animal, vegetable and mineral preparations to cure a person's illness. Millions of people in Britain, Europe and America uses Homeopathy.

Homeopathy looks at each patient and develops a remedy or treatment plan strictly for him or her. It invokes the powers of healing inherent in individuals (our immune system) to develop a successful therapy. The more one knows about the patient, the symptoms, likes and dislikes, what makes them better or worse, it helps in developing a "symptom picture" of the patient that can lead to a successful treatment.

If we think about the principle of homeopathy, it has a lot in common with our present understanding of immunizations. To prevent us from catching small pox, a vaccine is prepared which is a mild form of the virus that causes the disease. The principle is that introduction of this small amount of the virus in our body system will set out our body's defenses so that when the actual virus shows up, our body will have enough barriers or fighting power to prevent the virus from entering our body. Homeopathy practitioners believe that when we introduce a very very small amount of the deadly material into the body, our body will unleash enough defenses to prevent the disease from recurring again. However, there are significant differences between the concepts used in Western medicine and those of homeopathy. Vaccines are not rendered more potent when they are diluted like homeopathic preparations. In conventional treatment, there is a minimum dosage that need to be given before the medication becomes effective in treating the underlying problem. For example, when taking antibiotics, we have to take the whole course at regular intervals to maintain a potency level in the bloodstream to kill the bacteria.

Homeopathic remedies, which are made from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral substances, are recognized and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are manufactured by established pharmaceutical companies under strict guidelines. There are over 2000 homeopathic remedies that are usually referred to by their abbreviated name. (For example Arg nit. stands for Argentum nitricum). These are derived from such exotic sources as bee stings, snake venoms, arsenic, gold and silica, and even compounds from diseases tissue. Homeopaths also prescribes tissue salts. Tissue salts are prepared from mineral sources. Homeopathic remedies are diluted to such an extent that there can be no possible side effects from even the most toxic substances. The dilution process is known as 'potentation' Taken in this ultra diluted form, Homeopathic remedies have no side effects and are perfectly safe, non-toxic and non-addictive.

Define Naturopathy

Nature cure is a constructive method of treatment which aims at removing the basic cause of disease through the rational use of the elements freely available in nature. It is not only a system of healing, but also a way of life, in tune with the internal vital forces or natural elements comprising the human body. It is a complete revolution in the art and science of living.
Although the term ' naturopathy' is of relatively recent origin, the philosophical basis and several of the methods of nature cure treatments are ancient. It was practised in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, the father of medicine ( 460-357 B.C.) strongly advocated it. India, it appears, was much further advanced in older days in natural healing system than other countries of the world. There are references in India's ancient sacred books about the extensive use of nature's excellent healing agents such as air, earth, water and sun. The Great Baths of the Indus Valley civilisation as discovered at Mohenjodaro in old Sind testifies to the use of water for curative purposes in ancient India.

The modern methods of nature cure originated in Germany in 1822, when Vincent Priessnitz established the first hydropathic establishment there. With his great success in water cure, the idea of drugless healing spread throughout the civilised world and many medical practitioners throughout the civilised world and many medical practitioners from America and other countries became his enthusiastic students and disciples. These students subsequently enlarged and developed the various methods of natural healing in their own way. The whole mass of knowledge was later collected under one name, Naturopathy. The credit for the name Naturopathy goes to Dr. Benedict Lust ( 1872 - 1945), and hence he is called the Father of Naturopathy.

Nature cure is based on the realisation that man is born healthy and strong and that he can stay as such as living in accordance with the laws of nature. Even if born with some inherited affliction, the individual can eliminate it by putting to the best use the natural agents of healing. Fresh air, sunshine, a proper diet, exercise, scientific relaxation, constructive thinking and the right mental attitude, along with prayer and meditation all play their part in keeping a sound mind in a sound body.

Nature cure believes that disease is an abnormal condition of the body resulting from the violation of the natural laws. Every such violation has repercussions on the human system in the shape of lowered vitality, irregularities of the blood and lymph and the accumulation of waste matter and toxins. Thus, through a faulty diet it is not the digestive system alone which is adversely affected. When toxins accumulate, other organs such as the bowels, kidneys, skin and lungs are overworked and cannot get rid of these harmful substances as quickly as they are produced.

Besides this, mental and emotional disturbances cause imbalances of the vital electric field within which cell metabolism takes place, producing toxins. When the soil of this electric filed is undisturbed, disease-causing germs can live in it without multiplying or producing toxins. It is only when it is disturbed or when the blood is polluted with toxic waste that the germs multiply and become harmful.

More Definations Coming Later...