Ayurveda Cosmetology - (Skin Care) Part II

Facts to remember

Ayurveda, the word being the combination of Ayur and Veda means as a whole, the knowledge of life or the science of life that not only cures illnesses but prevents the occurrence of the diseases in those who are healthy.

To keep oneself fit and healthy at all ages ayurveda has proposed numerous suggestions that if followed with dedication maintains health and skin. Some of the ayurvedic rules are as follows:

• According to ayurveda the natural urges should not be suppressed.
  
• The bathing water must be clean and processed with medicinal and aromatic drugs.
  
• Massage the body regularly with oil processed with varnya dravyas.
  
• Hair massage daily is a must to do to keep hair healthy and shiny. Natural products like bhringaraj oil, coconut oil, castor oil or any other processed with henna, amla, aloe vera, brahmi, neem and jatamansi should be used instead of chemical cosmetics. Massage also relieves insomnia and induces good sleep.
  
• The remedy of nasya (were medicines and oils are instilled through the nose) must be administered to cure diseases that effect head, nose and throat and increase the complexion of skin also.
  
• Regular exercise, walking and jogging is good to keep the physical and mental state of body in good shape.
  
• Proper care should be taken of the eyes by applying anjana (eye slaves) that helps prevent diseases, increase vision and relaxes eyes.
  
• After daily bath one must wear clean clothes and preferably light color clothes that give relaxing feel and absorb less heat.

Rasayana and Cosmetology

Among the eight branches of ayurveda rasayan is one that prevents aging of the skin and the entire body and deals with optimum life span. To maintain the balance between the doshas and the dhatus rasayan strives and contributes to the process. According to ayurveda rasayan and skin have an innate relation because of which the vitiation of rasa dhatu the skin gets erupted. To cure this and prevent these skin eruptions ayurveda has suggested following rasayanas that revitalize the rasa dhatu:

• Guduchi
  
• Amalaki
  
• Kharper
  
• Triphala
  
• Chyavanprasha
  
• Amalaki rasayana

It is believed that skin acts as the mirror of all that is felt by living beings and the face hence reflects all the mental stress, fatigue, fear, tension, happiness, sadness etc. Thus rise the question of a healthy and glowing skin.

Ayurveda believes that stress or fear or any other negative thought or emotion can hamper the skin's natural glow and shine. Besides emotions there are certain disorders also that have adverse impact on body and face skin. Few such ailments are:

• Eczema
  
• Psoriasis
  
• Acne

There are other diseases relating to hyper pigmentation also that spoil the skin. It is notable that mental stress can aggravate hyper pigmentation and thus achar rasayan (virtuous conduct and relaxed lifestyle) should be adopted to have truthful, calm and easy lifestyle and temper.

Ideal Diet for Skin

For the pathogenesis of diseases, including those of skin improper diet is one of the major factors. With the view to provide humans a glowing and healthy skin, ayurveda has mentioned certain diets that are nutritious and help eliminating the skin ailments. Although in today's busy world where refrigerated food and preserved food is preferred for convenience, it must always be kept in mind that in all circumstances if possible fresh food is always better than the preserved both in terms of nutritional value and health maintenance.

In ayurveda few recommended diets are as follows:

• Food eaten should be warm, freshly cooked and must be in proper quantity.
  
• All persons must eat after the previous meal consumed is digested and again the urge to eat (hunger) arises.
  
• Virudh anna (food that is incompatible with each other) should not be taken. Such as fruit salads prepared in milk or milk preparations must be avoided with fish.
  
• The food must be chewed properly before gulping inside to the esophagus and must not be eaten too fast or to slow.
  
• The environment around while consuming food must be clean, pleasant and hygienic.
  
• Spicy, very hot, oily, fried and pungent food must be avoided and thus junk food, fast food from outside must be avoided.
  
• The fat intake must be reduced and fiber fruits and vegetables must be consumed along with all substances that are roughage for the body as it is good for health and helps prevent constipation.
  
• Large amount of water, liquids, juices etc must be taken to reduce dryness of the intestine and drain wastes out of the blood through urine. Fluid intake also helps prevent skin disorders and makes it glowing.
  
• Fruit juice such as grapes, lemon, etc. is also recommended.

Ayurveda Cosmetology

Herbs in Cosmetics

Dated ages back, in the famous fairy tale of the snow white and Seven Dwarfs, the wish of the wicked step-mother to be the most beautiful woman on earth, even today strikes the chord that being beautiful irrespective of age, sex and color is not a thing desired just today.

As ayurveda the concept of beauty has an age-old origin. Whether in fairy tales it was the wicked mother or the fairy that beautified Cinderella on the ball night, creating beauty by magic potions or herbs proves that beauty, its concepts and cosmetics go hand in hand. Especially for females, the desire to look beautiful, charming and young by different beauty ways, using various herbs are things known by the world since centuries.

Ancient scriptures like Abhijnana Shakuntalam and Meghadootam of Kalidasa and many mythological epics encompass the reference of cosmetics like: Tilak, Kajal, Alita and Agaru (Aquilaria agalbeha) that were used as body decorative and to create beauty spots on the chin and cheeks in the era ruled by gods and their deities.

In fact, the concept of beauty and cosmetics is as old as mankind and civilization. The famous depictions in the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Khajurao prove that not only women but men also adorned themselves with jewelry, scents and cosmetics. Enscripted in history is the Aryan period that witnessed the use of turmeric- haridra, (curcuma long, linn), saffron, alkanet, agaru, chlorophyll green from nettle plants and indigo for bodily-decorations apart from using Raktachandan (Pterocarpus Santalinus Linn), Chandan (Santalum Album) for beautification. Using Mehendi (henna) for dying hair in different colors and conditioning was aslo practiced in the olden times.

Medicinal Herbs as cosmetics

The medicinal herb mentioned in ayurveda by experienced sages basically state that the function of ayurvedic herbs is to purify blood and eliminate vitiated doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) from the body as they are mainly responsible for skin disorders and other diseases.

Among the written information on ayurveda also, like in Charakh Samhita, the sage Charakh stated numerous medicinal plants in Varnya Kashaya. The herbs mentioned can be used to obtain glowing complexion. Various herbs for which description and usage can be found in ayurvedic inscriptions are mentioned below:

• Chandana
  
• Nagkeshara
  
• Padmak
  
• Khus
  
• Yashtimadhu
  
• Manjistha
  
• Sariva
  
• Payasya
  
• Seta (shweta durva)
  
• Lata (shyama durva)

There is also the mention of various herbs from Kushthagna Mahakashaya that are effective curatives for skin disorders. Few such herbs are:

• Khadira
  
• Abhaya
  
• Amalaki
  
• Haridra
  
• Bhallataka
  
• Saptaparna
  
• Aragvadha
  
• Karavira
  
• Vidanga
  
• Jati

Like the notifications of charakh and other sages, Sushrut said that Eladi Gana contains:

Ela, tagar, kusstha, jatamansi, tvak, dhmamaka, patra, nagkeshar, priyangu, harenuka, vyaghranakha, shukti, stouneyaka, choraka, shriveshta, khus, goggol, sarjarasa, turushka, kundaru, agaru, ushira, devdaru, keshara, and padmakeshara. All these herbs can eliminate toxins from the body, clear the complexion that leads to a glow on the skin and alleviates puritus, kusstha and boils.

Common herbs used as cosmetics

According to ayurveda there are certain herbs that have their mention in the old ages also, such as:

Indigo
Being blue in color it was used as a bindi / tika (dot) on the forehead and chin.

Madder Root
Being available in color that suits the lips this was utilized as to beautify lips and cheeks.

Hibiscus Rosa Cynensis (Jaswand or Shoe Flower)
With dark color of its own this was used to blacken and maintain hair color.

Raktachandan
This was another natural component available in attractive color and hence was used as fresh, red bindi / tika (dot) on the forehead.

Aloe Vera
With the traits that prevent aging and regenerate growth of cells this was used as a essential component to keep oneself fit and young and protect the skin and prevents and heals skin irritations.

Chandan and Vertiver (Usheer)
It was used as scrubs and face packs that were applied on face and whole body to remove dead cells, regenerate growth of new cells and give a young look.

Haldi (Turmeric)
It was used as a face pack along with usher (vertiver) and also as an antiseptic


Skin care and Ayurveda

It is not possible to get away with the process of aging and getting old but letting it not come very early is possible with ayurveda and its medicinal herbs. According to ayurveda healthy skin is the result of overall health condition of individuals and prescribes numerous skin care treatments that need to be pursued at every stage of life.

It is necessary to know about one's skin, whether it is oily, normal or dry and subsequently about its needs and necessities. Medically skin is a sensory organ that responds to reflexes and is a protective system that shields the entire living body. As ayurveda believes that all living beings have the panchamahabhoota as it is components, same is for skin. It is formed of the Pancha Mahabhootas and is the seat of sparshan indriya (a tactile sensory organ). Apart from perceiving sensations such as cold, warm, heavy, light, rough, smooth, etc. skin is also an excretory agent for Sweda (sweat). Skin is also the dwelling of Bhrajaka pitta and regulates the temperature of the living body and absorbs all local medicinal applications. The complexion and luster of our skin is also conferred to the skin. According to the sage Sushrut: "As the heating of milk forms a layer of cream on the milk surface, in a similar manner in the embryonic stage, dhatus (seven basic elements described in Ayurveda which compose the human body) form the different layers of the skin on our body."

According to Ayurveda skin is made up of seven layers and every successive layer is thicker than the previous one and can be affected by various disorders.

Following are the various layers of the skin:

• Avabhhasini
  Being the thinnest skin of the skin that provides five different chhayas (shades) and kanti (glow) to the skin. As the skin layer has the capacity to retain water Charaka has described this layer as udakadhara. On being bruised, lasika, a watery substance flows out of it but if the skin is ehalthythis layer holds on to lasika and does not allow it to flow out immediately.
  
  The two disorders that effect this layer are:
  
  • Sidmha
    
  • Padmakantaka.
    
    
• Lohita
  The two disorders that effect this layer are called
  
  • Nyaccha
    
  • Tilkalaka vyanga
    
    
• Shweta
  The disorders that are found in this layer of skin are:
  
  • Charmadala
    
  • Ajagalli
    
  • Mashaka
    
    
• Tamra
  The disorders effecting this skin layer are:
  
  • Kilasa
    
  • Kushta
    
    
• Vedini
  The disorder that effects the skin's this particular layer are:
  
  • Kustha
    
  • Visarpa
    
    
• Rohini
  The disorders that disease this layer of skin are:
  
  • Granthi
    
  • Apachi
    
  • Arbuda
    
  • Galaganda
    
    
• Mamsadhara
  The disorders found in this skin layer are called:
  
  • Bhagandara
    
  • vidradhi

Skin Care - Part V

Look Beautiful - The Natural Way

Our skin faces a constant barrage of chemicals everyday from pollution to harsh chemically formulated products that strip the skin of its natural balance. These simple Ayurvedic home remedies help you to attain a clear, healthy and glowing complexion. Ayurveda mentions many simple natural ways to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. Using these natural ways, one can stay beautiful for a longer period without having to suffer the side effects of the chemicals.

Below are some simple 'secrets' to achieve a naturally beautiful skin.

• Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.
  
• Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.
  
• Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)
  
• Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.
  
• Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.
  
• Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.
  
• Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.
  
• Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.
  
• Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains.

Try out some of these simple natural remedies for smooth, clear and radiant complexion.

Tips for Skin Care

Satin Smooth Skin

• When you have a Mango, do not throw the peels. Powder the peels. Add 1 teaspoon milk powder and rub all over.
• Wash off after 5 minutes for a satin finish!

Extremely Dry Skin!

• To treat extremely dry skin, mash a Banana and a tablespoon of Honey to it. Apply on the skin, leave on for 10 minutes and wash off.

Tired / Dull Skin!

• Mix together 24ml Apricot Kernel Oil, 5 drops of Petitgrain Oil, 4 drops of Sandalwood Oil and 3 drops of Chamomile oil.
• Apply as a mask for 10 minutes or massage on to your face.
  
• It will rejuvenate tired and dull skin.

Dry / Papery Skin!

• Blend together 24ml Jojoba Oil, 4 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil, 3 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil and 2 drops of Rosewood Essential Oil
• Use this blend for a facial massage to help dry/papery skin.

Body Exfoliator!

• Mix a 4th cup Olive Oil to half cup Brown Sugar and add 4 tablespoons grated Lemon zest - makes great low cost body exfoliator.

Skin Care, Honey!

• Moisturize your skin with honey!
• Take 2 tablespoons of Honey and 1 teaspoon of Glycerin.
• Massage it into the skin regularly and wash off after five minutes.
• This will moisturize your skin and avoid the greasy feel.

Soft and Supple Skin

• Scrub your skin with one teaspoon of walnut powder, honey and lemon juice.
• Great way to have a super soft and supple skin.

Remedy for a glowing skin in 15 mins

• Rub a piece of papaya to face and neck till 15 mins and feel the difference on the tip of ur fingers
• The best way for a golden glow in minutes
  or,
• 2 tbsp orange juice
  
• 2tbsp turmeric powder
  
• Mix well n use it as a scrub to face n neck for a golden glow.
  
• Leave on for 15-20 mins and wash off with water

Skin Treatment with Tomatoes!

• Tomatoes are slightly acidic in nature and contain potassium and Vitamin C. Tomatoes are excellent for oily skins and help the skin feel cleaner and tighter, as well as reduce open pores and blackheads.
• Cut the tomato in half and rub on the skin. Leave on for at least fifteen minutes to let the skin feed on the juice,so that it saturates into the pores. Wash off with water.

Sun Damaged Skin!

• If you have overexposed yourself to sun, to soothe your skin, take a lukewarm bath with 5-6 drops of Chamomile Essence diluted in a tablespoon of Carrier Oil.
• Repeat this at intervals of a few hours until the burning subsides.
  

Smoother Skin with Cabbage

• Cabbage is rich in minerals and vitamins.
• Next time you are boiling cabbage, don't throw away the left over water. Wash your face with this water and you will feel your skin growing smoother.

Blemishes On Face?

• Grate an apple and apply it as a face mask daily for a week.
  
• Blemishes shall fade away naturally!
  
• Soft & Clear Skin
• Take a Papaya and rub all over skin.
• This has cleansing enzymes which will leave skin soft and squeaky clean.

Healthy Glowing Youthful Skin

• Massage your face, daily, with a combination of fresh cream, lemon juice and honey.
• Then do a five-minute scrub of powdered almonds, walnuts and honey mixed with a little fresh cream milk.

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.

Glowing Skin

• Take 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder, 5 tablespoons of sandalwood powder, 1 tablespoon of almond oil and mix with milk.
• Apply on face, neck and the back. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes and wash off.

Ayurvedic Herbs - Continue..

Dashmul

Latin Name
None

Sanskrit Name
Dashmula

Hindi Name
Dashmul

English Name
Ten Roots formula

Parts Used

These are all roots. Each plant has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• Dashmula is the most highly prized ayurvedic formula for fatigue. Extracts of these herbs are the most effective, but powders are used in tablets in larger quantities.
• This formula is used as an ingredient in many of our herbal combinations. It aids cellular regeneration to hasten removal of dead or weak cells and replace them with fresh, vital ones.

Note: Dashmula is actually a mixture of ten herbs in equal proportion: Aegle marmelos, Premna mucronata, Ailanthus excelsa, Stereospermum suaveolens, Phaseolus trilobus, Teramnus labialis, Tick Trefoil, Uraria picta, Solanum indicum, Solanum xanthocarpum.


Gulancha

Latin Name
Tinospora cordifolia

Sanskrit Name
Guduchi, Amrita, Soma-valli

Hindi Name
Gulancha

English Name
Heart-leaved Moonseed

Parts Used

Stem and root. Each part has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• Considered the best herb for clearing the microcirculatory system and other bodily channels (Shrotas). It is especially effective and unique in its ability to remove both exogenous and endogenous toxins (from external and internal sources). Therefore it is very often included in comprehensive Ayurvedic formulas, since such toxins interfere with all bodily functions and are a factor in almost all diseases. It clears out brain toxins that hinder mental activity.
• Guduchi also has a direct Medhya Rasayana effect, which means that it enhances all aspects of mind power, including comprehension (Dhi), memory (Dhriti) and recollection (Smriti).
• Because of its ability to cleanse the channels, it aids delivery of nutrients from your foods and from the herbs in a formula.
• Guduchi balances and purifies fat tissue, to make fats easier to break down. Fats are an important raw material for building healthy bones.
• Guduchi also aids all other aspects of healthy metabolism (the 13 Agnis). It aids digestion, assimilation and proper formation of all the bodily tissues (7 Dhatus).
• It helps balance liver function and aids proper assimilation.
• It aids purification of the urinary tract and intestines, by balancing lubrication (Shleshaka Kapha) and the downward energy of the body (Apana Vata).
• By supporting proper function of Shleshaka Kapha, Guduchi also aids proper communication and coordination between all the various cells and their many related functions for better overall health. This has the added benefit of nourishing the mind-body connection and enhances the psychoneuro immune response (called the PNI).
• Guduchi is also a powerful Rasayana (longevity enhancer) even by itself, but especially when combined with complementary herbs. It increases the quality and quantity of Ojas, the master coordinator between mind and body. It helps consciousness slide into the physiology and aids development of full potential.
• Guduchi has another rare effect -- it balances all three laws of the physiology (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) at the same time.
• Guduchi has a Keshya effect, which means that it directly nourishes the hair for better quality and strength.
• Guduchi has now been researched to verify its powerful immunomodulatory effects, meaning that it enhances overall immune function.
• When you cut a fresh sprig of Guduchi from the tree and hang it from a cord in the air, it will continue to grow without any visible means of support, gathering its life energy from the five elements in its environment. This makes it very valuable for its ability to bring life into the body. For this reason it is sometimes called Amrita, the Sanskrit word for immortality.

Gugal

Latin Name
Commiphora mukul, Balsamodendron mukul

Sanskrit Name
Guggul

Hindi Name
Gugal

English Name
Gugal

Parts Used

Resin. Every plant has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits. This plant grows in Bengal, Mysore, Rajputana, Sind, Assam, Berars and Khandesh districts of the Indian continent.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• Enhances all 13 of the metabolic processes (Agnis) that create all 7 categories of bodily tissues (Dhatus).

More Ayurvedic Herbs

Asgandh

Latin Name
Withania somnifera

Sanskrit Name
Ashwagandha

Hindi Name
Asgandh

English Name
Winter Cherry

Parts Used

Root and leaves. Each part has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits. This shrub is common in Mumbai (Bombay) and Western India and occasionally found in Bengal.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• Ashwagandha has many significant benefits, but is best known for its powerful adaptogenic properties, meaning that it helps mind and body adapt better to stress. It nourishes the nerves and improves nerve function to help you maintain calm during stressful situations.

• It is also good for people who do physical labor or exercise a lot, to help the body adapt to physical stress.

• It is a powerful Rasayana, meaning that it acts as an overall tonic for greater vitality and longevity.

• It nourishes all the bodily tissues (Dhatus), including the joints and nerves.

• It is also a powerful Medhya Rasayana, which means that it enhances all three aspects of mind power (Dhi -- comprehension; Dhriti -- memory; and Smriti -- recollection).

• Ashwagandha nourishes the crucial mind-body connection and psychoneuro immune response (called PNI). It helps coordinate the mind and senses, as well, which is essential for good quality sleep.

• It balances the mind (Prana Vata). This is essential for happiness in the face of mental or emotional stress.

• It increases the quality and quantity of Ojas, the master coordinator between the body and consciousness. It helps pure consciousness slide into the physiology.

• It has a Sothara effect -- which means it helps clear impurities (Ama) from the various channels of the body.

• Ashwagandha enhances virility and has aphrodisiac properties, especially for men.

• It is also well known for its powerful immune enhancing benefits.

• It is considered among the best of all substances for balancing Vata. It also pacifies Kapha at the same time, which is a rare combination.

• As with almost all single all herbs, there is one small caution. Ashwagandha should always be used with other herbs such as licorice to balance out possible heating effects (especially for the heart).

Khareti

Latin Name
Sida cordifolia

Sanskrit Name
Bala

Hindi Name
Khareti

English Name
Country Mallow

Parts Used

Roots, leaves, seeds and stems. Each part has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for the maximum benefits.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses

• This is one the most often used Ayurvedic herbs because it simultaneously balances all three laws of the physiology (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), a rare effect.

• Bala is primarily known for giving stamina or inner strength.

• It helps balance proper amounts of the male hormone, testosterone, and increases sexual desire.

• Bala has a Vrishya effect, meaning that it enhances the quality and quantity of reproductive fluids (Shukra Dhatu) for conception of healthy offspring.

• It builds general immunity (the word Bala can actually be translated as immunity).

• It is a good Rasayana (overall tonic and longevity enhancer).

• Bala is a good tonic for the lungs.

• Bala contains five of the six tastes, a very rare property indicating that it provides nourishment of all aspects of nature's intelligence (the five Mahabhutas).

NOTE: As with most single herbs, Bala should always be taken in balanced combinations with other herbs, to prevent aggravation of any existing congestion.

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...