Helpful Health Tips

Cassia Tora is popularly known as Foetid Cassia, Sickle Senna, Tora Wild Senna, Coffee Pod, Sickle Pod, Chakvad, Tovara and Ringworm plant. Found in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (India) it is a 30 to 90 cm long annual foiled herb. It has 10 cm long pinnate leaves, each leaf having three pairs of leaflets which are ovate, opposite, oblique and oblong at the base. The flowers are yellow in colour and have five petals. Each petal has a diameter of about half an inch. The flowers are bearded in the leaves’ axel.

Cassia ToraThe brown, rhombohedral seeds of Cassia Tora are about 30 to 50 in number. The herb bears flowers buring the rainy season and fruit during winters. It is called Charota an Chakvad in Hindi, Kawaria in Gujrati, Chakunda in Oriya and Bengali, Takala in Marathi, Chakramandrakam in Malayalam, Dadmari and Chakramadra in Sanskrit, Chinnakasinda in Telugu and Tagarai in Tamil.

The following chemicals are present in the plant: aloe-emodin, (+)-rhein, chrysophanol, Catharine, 7% resins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, 1,3,5-trihydroxy-6-7-dimethoxy-2-methylanthroquinone, naptho-alpha-pyrone-toralactune, beta-sitosterol, chrysophanol, physcion, rubrofusarin, cchrysophonic acid-9-anthrone, emodin, tricontan-1-0l, b-sitosteral-b-D-glucoside, stigmasterol, freindlen, palmitic, succinic, stearic and d-tartaric acids quercitrin, uridine, isoquercitrin.Cassia Tora

Used as a coffee substitude, Cassia Tora has an anodyne and maturing action. It is usedto treat body scratch, itching, psoriasis, ringworm and other skin diseases. Decoction of its fruit is useful in treating fever. The vinegar or alcoholic maceration of pounded fresh leaves of the herb is useful in externally treating dermatomycosis and eczema. It is a nerve tonic as it acts as a vata and kapha kapha dosa suppressant. When consumed in worm infestation it cures infections that occur in the body. It acts as a mild laxative, liver stimulant and heart tonic.

The paste of the plant proves worthwhile in treating skin ailments. It is also used toCassia Tora treat piles and hemorrhoids. It helps in maintaining normal level of cholesterol in the body. The herb relieves pain caused on excretion. It also helps in getting rid of chronic diseases. The juice extracted from the leaves is used to treat rashes, skin ailments and allergies. In case of poisoning it is used as an antidote. The seeds and leaves of Cassia Tora prove useful in the treatment of cardiac disorders, leprosy, colic, flatulence, dyspepsia, cough, constipation and bronchitis. Its powder is useful in toning up heart muscles, purifying blood and combating indigestion.

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Centella asiatica was referred to as Brahmi and Mandulkaparni in the Sanskrit texts. It was believed to be a remedy for leprosy. The leaves of Brahmi were applied externally on blows and bruises and used for pediatric problems in bowel problems and fever. The plant was believed to be diuretic. By energizing the central nervous system & aiding the circulatory system it soothes and reduces varicose veins and decreases scarring. Thus it is advantageous for mental function and longevity.The herb is found at waste places like swampy areas and weed in crop fields in India up to the altitude of 600 m.

Centella AsiaticaConstituents of Brahmi are following glycosides: asiaticoside, thankuniside & isothankuniside. By hydrolysis of the glycosides brahmic, indocentoic, asiatic, isothankunic and thankunic corresponding triterpene acids are obtained. The first three acids are present in the free form in the herb apart from isobrahmic and betulic acids. Mesoinositol, a new oligosaccharide, ‘centellose’, quercetin, stigmasterol, and kaempferol, have also been found.

Centella AsiaticaThe ingredients in Brahmi are Bacoside A and B. The former relaxes the aorta and veins by releasing nitric oxide which enables the blood to flow freely through the body. Thus it strengthens the immune system and promotes longevity.

The latter is a protein revered for the nourishment of the brain cells which improves mental clarity, intelligence, confidence and memory recall. Asiaticosides can stimulate the eticuloendothelial system where old blood cells are destroyed and old ones are formed, iron is metabolized, fatty materials are stored and immune responses as well as inflammation take place. Its primary mode of action is on the different phases of connective tissue development that are part of the healing process. Also it increases keratinization, which the process of building more skin in areas of infection. Asiaticosides are helpful in stimulating the synthesis of lipids & proteins which is essential for healthy skin. By repairing the connective tissues surrounding veins and decreasing capillary fragility it strengthens the veins.

Centella Asiatica Brahmi is valued for its remedial properties in indigenous medicine. For rheumatism, elephantiasis and hydrocele a cold poultice of the plant is used for external application. An ointment & dusting powder of the herb is used for treating leprosy & other skin diseases. As a tonic it is helpful in treating bronchitis, asthma, gastric, kidney troubles, urethritis, dropsy, catarahh and leucorrhoea. For treatment of haemorrhoids a decoction of young shoots is recommended. It is also used for Tissue Development, Cough problems and Brain, Nervous System, Blood, Gastrointestinal, Glandular, Immune System, Liver, Respiratory Tract, and Cardiovascular Conditions.

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Datura stramonium is also known by many as thorn apple. They grow in a dry waste ground and they are usually found in ruins or rubbles of an old building. Although this plant is poisonous it has been used before for medicinal use.
Datura StramoniumThis bloom on the months of July to October but the seeds ripen at the start of august. It has a hermaphrodite flower that is pollinated by moths.

It grows on sandy to loamy soils and the soil has to be neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It doesn’t grow on shades and it requires moist or dry soils.

Datura StramoniumIt is not an edible plant. Be careful when you use herbs as they can have adverse effects. It is recommended that you seek advice from a health professional before using herbs.
Thorn apple is a narcotic plant than can relieve pain. It has been used as an herbal medicine in the ancient times. It has to be used with extra precaution because it is very poisonous. The leaves, the flowers and seeds contain anodyne, narcotic, antiasthmatic, hallucinogenic, antispasmodic, hypnotic and mydriatic. The seeds are used in medicine. The plant is used to treat asthma, Parkinson’s disease, dry mouth, hallucinations and coma. It is used as dressing to wounds, abscesses and fistulas.

A legal practitioner should be the one to administer the herb as the difference of the medicinal dose and the poisonous dose is very small. When the plant is in full flower the leaves can be harvested then dried to be used later. The leaves have hyoscyamine and atropine which can be used to alter the mind. It also has other substances that are powerful enough to calm schizoid patients. A substance called Atropine is used in eye surgery as it can dilate the pupils. The leaves can be smoked to treat asthma but it is very dangerous. It’s analgesic, and anti-inflammatory characteristics can treat intestinal pains due to worm infestation. The juice of the fruit can be used to treat dandruff.
Datura StramoniumThe plant is also used to protect plants growing near it. When the plant is crushed, it has a nauseating stench.

Growing Thorn apples

It grows in sandy soils and an open location. The plant is cultivated for medicinal purposes. It grows well together with pumpkins but it should not be grown with potato and tomato as it is susceptible to viruses. It is best to plant them during spring.

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Pain or discomfort during or just before a menstrual period is called Dysmenorrhea. When the menstrual cycle begins the uterine muscles contact due to the release of chemical substances called prostaglandins be the cells in the lining of the uterus. If an excessive amount of this chemical is produced the contraction becomes a strong and painful spasm. The spasm temporarily cuts off blood flow depriving the uterine muscles of oxygen. This causes a cramp. Contractions of the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract are also caused by the excessive release of prostaglandin. This causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Furthermore high levels of prostaglandin can also cause headaches and dizziness.

DysmenorrheaDysmenorrhea may affect up to 75% of women at one time or another. Incapacitating pain is experienced by 5-6% of women.

A doctor may be able to diagnose whether the cramps are caused by Dysmenorrhea by looking at the patients’ medical history and pelvic exam alone. The pelvic exam is normal between menses during primary Dysmenorrhea. Examination during menses may produce no abnormal results and only a slight discomfort.Dysmenorrhea

There may be findings during a physical exam in the case of secondary dysmenorrhea. Additional tests such as radiologic studies (ultrasound) and laparoscopy (a tiny flexible lighted tube is inserted into an incision just below the navel to view the internal abdominal and pelvic organs) may be needed to be performed.

Most doctors prescribe antiprostaglandin drugs or NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. NSAID’s include aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen or naproxen. These drugs lessen the contractions of the uterus and reduce menstrual flow but inhibiting synthesis of prostaglandins. To prevent inadvertent use during early pregnancy these drugs should be started at eh onset of bleeding. Stopping ovulation and decreasing the levels if prostaglandin also helps eliminate cramps. To do these oral contraceptives may be helpful.Dysmenorrhea

The cause of secondary dysmenorrhea determines the treatment that can be applied. One of the most common causes of secondary dysmenorrhea is endometriosis. Conservative drug therapy such as androgens, progestins, oral contraceptives and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists or even surgical procedures may be needed depending on the age of the patient and the stage of the disease.Dysmenorrhea

A hysterectomy may be needed in case the problem is adenomyosis. Pelvic inflammation may be treated with antibiotics. Surgery can often treat uterine fibroids, fibroid tumors and pelvic tumors as well as cervical narrowing.

A hot water bath can do wonders to ease menstrual cramps as can a heating pad. Regular exercise helps control the cause of the problems.

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Emblica Officinalis is known as the gooseberry of India. They also call it Amla in India. This herb is one of the most useful herbs in India. It is part of their traditional medicine system called Ayurveda. It is has many uses such as a laxative, appetite stimulant or as an eye wash. It is also used as a restorative tonic, and it can treat anorexia, problems in digestion, jaundice, anemia, and diarrhea. It also has a high level of vitamin C. which is resistant to heat and storage because of cooking.

Emblica OfficinalisIt is found in India and it is an important ingredient for medicine in India and other countries.

Active components of Emblica Officinalis

Amla is has high vitamin C content. It also has other minerals and amino acids. The tissue of the fruit has concentrated protein three times and ascorbic acid a hundred and sixty times compared to that of an apple. it has higher contents of mineral and amino acids than apples. Glutamic acid, aspacratic acid, proline, lysine and alanine are the amino acids that are present in gooseberries. The pulp of the fruit when dried and removed from the nuts contains Gallic acid, tannin, sugar, gum, albumin, crude cellulose, mineral matter. The fruit itself has chromium, zinc and copper.Emblica Officinalis

It is used to treat peptic ulcer and dyspepsia in a more effective manner. It has hypolipiadaemic and antiatherosclerotic effects in rats and rabbits. The fruit has antimutagenic which can fight off a certain strain of salmonella. It has an antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Using Emblica Officinalis

Emblica OfficinalisThe Indian Gooseberry is used to cure all Pitta diseases. It also helps in the treatment of all urinary conditions, biliousness, anemia, bleeding, constipation, colitis and convalescence due to fever, diabetes, cough, gout, gastritis, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, liver weakness, stress reliever, palpitation, osteoporosis, weakness in the spleen, tissue deficiency, and vertigo. It also rebuilds bones, bloods, cells as well as tissues. It increases the count of red blood cells and it can regulates sugar, cleanses the mouth, can be used as a heart tonic, stops stomach and colon inflammation as well as gum bleeding. Other usage would include in the strengthening of teeth, cleansing the intestines, aids eyesight, acidity, worms, eye and lung inflammation, ulcers, painful urination, internal bleeding.

Make a powder from gooseberry and boil it in water. You can drink the concoction twice a day for a more effective result.

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Gymnema sylvestre is usually grown in some parts of Asia including India. This plant is one of the best natural ways to cure diabetes. This herb contains an active element named gymnemis acid which is basically the extracts of root and leaves. This element helps in reducing the sugar level from blood. Gymnemic acid has a unique molecule design which is very much alike to the glucose molecules. This helps in filling the intestine with these cell receptors and reduces the deposit of sugar molecules in that lining.

Gymnema SylvestreThe National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine have researched well on this plant and have concluded that gymnema sylvestre can be used as a natural method for reducing the sugar level in blood. This is helpful for both types i.e. type 1 and type 2 patients. This herb also helps in controlling the urge for eating sweets among healthy adults. This herb is not a magic pill but this controls the urge of having the high carbohydrate or high sugar meals and burn the sugar and carbohydrates so that you may not get any fat deposited in our body and only get muscle mass instead.

Studies also show that this herb is a natural way to get rid of bad cholesterol and also reduce triglycerides. This helps in reducing the blood sugar level as well as the chances of getting heart diseases.Gymnema Sylvestre

The Food and Drug Administration has not regularized the presence of this herb in herbal supplements, hence it is difficult to state the quality and quantity of the herb present in these supplements which are available under various brands. However, it is not impossible to measure the presence of this herb in the supplements. ‘Standardization’ indicates the quantity of the active elements present in the supplement.Gymnema Sylvestre

This herb is also available in capsule form which may contain the quantity desired for your need. This herb is also helpful in losing weight. You can take these herbal capsules along with your exercise and diet plans to cut the weight quickly and effectively. It would be good to take three low capacity capsules than to take one capsule of a higher quantity if you are working on weight reduction.

You should remember to consult your doctor before taking this herb as it may give adverse effect too. Allergic or pregnant ladies should better avoid this herb.

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Hedychium which is also known as ginger lilies belong to Zinerberaceae family. These plants are very easy to grow if they are provided with all the necessities. Thses plants need shady place and moist soil to grow. If these plants are placed or planted under the full sun and in dry soil then these plants look curled by leaves till the sun passes over to them.

HedychiumHedychium plants natively belong to the areas where monsoon conditions are very good. These plants need to be watered for the whole season to get full and attractive growth. Moist soil is one of those essential needs of this plant which help it to sustain a life. These plants not only need moist soil but also plenty of good composted manure to make a good growth.

These plants look very similar to the canna plants but the flowers of both the plants look totally different. The flowers of hedychium plant can be seen in various sizes as they have different varieties. These flowers have very strong pleasant smell. The most commonly cultivated variety of hedychium is hedychium gardnerianum which is also called Kahili ginger. This is one of the most beautiful ginger lilies.

How to protect Hedychium from winter season

This plant needs special care in the winter season.

Trimming hedychium stemsHedychium

It would be good to trim hedychium stems with the help of secateurs. Leave some part of the stem above the ground to locate the plants’ position. This help in keeping the plant alive in winter season.

Clean the nearby area and remove any weeds if grown. You can also use weed seed free mulch for this purpose.

Spreading composted manure over the rhizomes

a href=”http://www.amitbhawani.com/health/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Hedychium2.jpg”>HedychiumSpreading manure helps in sustain a life for the plant till the next season. It provides nourishment to the plant.

Adding up insulation layer with composted bark

You can add a layer composted bark over the trimmed plant. This would work as low cost and effective insulation for the plant.

Dormancy breakupHedychium

You can spread a plastic sheet to cover the hedychium rhizomes so that frost may not touch them and this would keep the soil warm.

Spreading hedychium rhizomes

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Applying henna which is also known as mehandi is an art which extensively differ according to the regions. The designs applied have different significance like hood health, protection, spiritual enlightenment, fertility and wisdom. Different shades of henna can be obtained by mixing other leaves and fruits from other plants like indigo, coffee, tea, lemon and cloves to the henna paste. When this paste is applied as ornamental body designing then oil and sugar are also mixed with the paste to fasten the color and durability of the design.

Decorating palm with henna designs

Henna Henna applied palms look very attractive and trendy. Henna can be applied on full hands, only on palm or on the back.

These designs come in a large variety. Arabic henna designs are generally large and floral figures. Indian mehandi has beautiful, lean lines for floral, lacy and paisley figures which covers not only hands but also forearms. Most of the traditional henna designs consist of simple figures and designs made up from basic shapes like circle, lines and triangle.

Now days, mehandi designs come in large variety. Mehandi designs for hands include henna web, flowery trails, leaves chains, lucky lotus, flower net, flower arches and many more designs. The application can be started from any part of the hand depending upon the pattern. The most common starting point for most of the patterns is the line from where the fingers bend to border the palm, wrist or center of the palm.

Decorating feet with henna designs

HennaHenna application can also be done on feet. This art makes the feet look more beautiful and attractive. Some of the designs are influenced by other patterns like the Middle Eastern pattern is very much similar to the Arabic painting, carvings and the textiles which mostly include floral designs. The North American pattern includes the floral patterns in geometric shape to decorate feet. The Indian and Pakistani patterns include complex designs, lines, teardrops and paisley patterns. There are many patterns that can be used for applying henna art on feet but the most known and used designs include leafy tendrils, abstract shapes and flowers.

Body decoration with henna designsHenna

This art can also be used for decorating other body parts. Designs of all sizes are available to decorate various body parts. These designs can be applies o shoulders, back or other body parts. Tattoos or other motifs can be applied.

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Hyoscyamus niger is an herb used to cure psychoses. There may be aggressive violence but the patient is just seen talking to him or herself. The patients are also seen picking at their own clothing. Usually these behaviors are commonly seen in senile persons. In the homoeopath Sankaran of India, it states that the emotion involved in Hyoscyamus is an idea of having been betrayed and treated unjustly. These results can be coming from a disappointed love affair. One of the Hyoscyamus’ delusions would think that men are swine. A disturbance from the remedy would be coming from jealousy and suspicion. the Hyoscyamus blames other people for what has happened in their life.

They blame others because of their suspicion and also because of paranoia. The patient may start thinking that all people around him are talking bad about him and that all people looking at him from afar is trying to kill him. Because of this, they don’t want to eat the food nor take the medicines for them as they would think that these are poisonous. Along this fear comes along nervousness, being too restless, spasm, twitching, convulsion, trembling and constant movement that is being repeated just like making movements or gestures in the air and picking of the bed clothes.

Hyoscyamus nigerThese patients are seen to be too obsessive with certain things little things such as insects on the wall even if they don’t really exist and one of my patients would press his feet on the bathroom door thinking that it is where the devil is hiding.

When the patient becomes more insane, the attention is now focused on a certain level. these people are now talking dirty, others undress themselves in public and expose their genitals and play with it. They also are interested in terms of urination and defecation. They always speak about sex, stool and urination. Others play with their stool and genitals for hours and may even sit or lie on their stool unconsciously.Hyoscyamus niger Hyoscyamus can also be used to cure a child who unconsciously looses urine or stool for an unknown reason.

The tongue, membranes of the mucus is dry which can make swallowing difficult along with constant spasms on the throat muscles.Hyoscyamus niger Lying down, colds, sleep, touch, motions and jealousy make them feel even worse. They only feel better when they sit straight up along with warmth and movement.

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Juglans Regia is a plant that grows about 20m on an average. These trees flower in the month of June and the seeds become ripe by October. The flowers are usually pollinated by the wind as both male and female flowers can be found on the same plant. Juglans Regia is a self fertile plant and is one of its kinds. The plant grows well in drained soil like sand or clay. Presence of acids, neutrals and alkaline in the soil is a plus point for the plant’s growth. These plants only grow in moist soil with adequate sunlight.

Juglans RegiaThe sap and the seed of the plant’s fruit are used as edible components. The seeds can be eaten raw. These seeds are also majorly used in confections, cakes, ice-creams etc. the seeds can also be ground and used as a flavoring agent in sweets and savory dishes. Fruits of these plants can also be used in the preparation of pickles at the time when they are unripe. Edible oil is also extracted from the seeds of these fruit, however it should be stored for a long time as it goes rancid very soon. This edible oil has its major application in salads and even in cooking various delicacies. The sap of the fruit is used in making sugar. Also the shells that are finely ground are used in the stuffing of ‘agnolotti’ pasta. They are also considered as an ideal substance for the adulteration of spices. The green husks can be dried and used as a rich source of vitamin C. These vitamins can be extracted and used in the production of vitamin supplements. The leaves of these plants can also be used exactly like tea-leaves.Juglans Regia

The walnut tree has also shown its contribution in treating various health disorders. The leaves of this tree have been very effective against anthelmintic, inflammation, astringent and others. They have also shown positive results in the treatment of constipation, chronic coughs, asthma, diarrhea, dyspepsia etc. The leaves can not only be used as a skin treatment, but also be used as a blood purifier. Strumous sores can be controlled and treated by walnut leaves. Walnut is being used in the treatment of cancer since ancient days.Juglans Regia Researchers claim that some extracts from the plant have been powerful in fighting cancer. Apart from its medicinal uses, the plant extracts are also used in the formation of various dyes. These dyes are further used to dye hair. They are also used in making of other useful goods like soap, paint etc.

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