Very common but, Miraculous herb - TULSI

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is very common plant found in the every house in INDIA. It is known as “the elixir of life” and promotes longevity. Because of its numerous medicinal benefits, it is worshipped in India as GODDESS. Some of the benefits of this precious plant are mentioned below -

• Tulsi has immune-modulatory (helps to modulate the immune system), anti-tussive (suppresses the cough center, reducing the amount of cough) and expectorant properties (helps expel phlegm from the chest) that make it a great relief for coughs, cold and other respiratory disorders including chronic and acute bronchitis.
• Tulsi possesses germicidal, fungicidal, anti-bacterial and anti-biotic effects to resolve fever of any origin. 
• In case of a fever, boil a few leaves of tulsi with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water. Let it reduce to half its total volume. Mix this decoction with milk and sugar. Sip every 3 to 4 hours. This remedy is especially good for children. 
• Tulsi is great to help one quit smoking as it is known to have very strong anti- stress compounds.
• Tulsi possess cooling effect on the throat just like menthol drops.
• Tulsi significantly helps to relieve headaches caused due to sinusitis, allergies, cold and even migraines. Because tulsi has pain relieving and decongestant properties. 
• Tulsi leaves are nervous tonic and also sharpen our memory.
• Tulsi is one of the important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Even, chewing tulsi leaves relieve cold and flu.
• Phytonutrients and essential oils in tulsi are excellent anti-oxidants which makes it a wonderful tonic to retain youth and avoid aging.
• Tulsi is effective in lowering the cholesterol in the body and controls the excess B.P. 
• It is an excellent mouth freshener and oral disinfectant. It can even prevent oral cancer in the patients chewing tobacco.
• Tulsi also purifies the blood. When applied locally, its juice affects the ringworms and other skin ailments. 
• Tulsi can strengthen the kidneys and quite effective in dealing with kidney stones.

Eat healthy diet, keep cancer away.

Cancer is a disease, rapidly spreading nowadays because of changes in dietary and lifestyle pattern. We have stopped consuming healthy diet. Unhealthy diet leads to formation of toxins in the body which leads to various diseases in future. These are the few dietary tips which can help to make our diet healthy.

1. Foods having carotenoids are good for preventing cancer. Red pepper, pumpkin, carrots and green leafy vegetables like spinach & fenugreek are rich in beta carotene. 
2. Foods having lycopene, an anti-oxidant which help in preventing free radicals are good. Lycopene is abundantly found in tomatoes, water melon, guava, papaya and grapes. 
3. Foods having starchy foods especially potatoes contain loads of beta carotene, which has cancer fighting properties. Boiled potatoes are good for preventing prostrate cancer. 
4. Protein rich foods especially soya milk that contains plant chemical called phytoestrogens which block the damaging affects of the female estrogen in the breast tissue. Too much estrogen can trigger cell division which can lead to breast cancer.
5. Consumption of curd everyday can reduce the risk of breast cancer. 
6. Mushrooms, rich in protein, helps to beat cancer.
7. Broccoli contains cancer fighting compounds known as indoles which help to deactivate and dispose off extra oestrogen. High consumption can decrease the risk of cancer by 40 %. 
8. Cauliflower is rich in sulphoraphane which is a cancer fighting chemical. Moreover, this vegetable is rich in fiber and helps to remove toxins out of body.
9. Foods having omega fatty acids like olive oil is helpful in preventing cancer.  It actually contains more saturated omega fatty acids which is helpful in suppressing the growth of breast cancer. Consume olive oil at least twice a day have 25 % lower risk of breast cancer. 
10. Ginger, it is effective in case ovarian cancer. It should be consumed by women on regular basis. 
11. Lutein, an important anti oxidant which works to reduce the amount of free radicals in the body. It is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and egg yolk.
12. We should consume protective enzyme rich foods like eating plenty of seasonal fruits like raspberries and other help in reducing risk of cancer.
13. Selenium rich foods like rice and wheat are good to prevent cancer.
14. Vitamin C rich foods like amla, oranges, grapes, strawberries are very good to boost immunity and fight cancer.

What kind of diet we should prefer ?

Oxygen is vital for human beings. The foods that let you hold more oxygen in the body are definitely good.

Low pH reduces oxygen levels in the body. As a result, body tissues get deprived of oxygen. Hence, more acidic your body, the cells are less oxygenated. The tendency of a cell to become cancerous is increased. 

Diet should be alkaline in nature as acidic diet can lead to accumulation of toxins in the body. Lower the acidity of the body and pull out stored wastes into the blood stream so that they can be discharged from the body. We should avoid consuming diets which are acidic and enhance the intake of alkaline diet. 

ACIDIC DIET ( We should avoid)

• Carbonate water
• Club soda 
• Energy drinks 
• Pop corn 
• Pastries
• Pasta 
• Beer 
• Wine 
• Black tea
• Pickles 
• Chocolate 
• Roasted nuts 
• Vinegar 
• Excess sweet 
• Low  calorie nutra sweet 
• Distilled water 
• Coffee
• Sweetened fruit juice 
• White bread 
• Peanuts 
• Nuts 
• Wheat 
• Fruit juices 
• Most grains 
• Eggs 
• Fish 
• Tea 
• Cooked spinach 

ALKALINE DIET ( We should consume)

• Apple 
• Almonds
• Tomatoes 
• Grape fruit 
• Corn 
• Mushrooms
• Olive 
• Soybeans 
• Peaches 
• Bell pepper 
• Pine apple 
• Cherries 
• Radish 
• Apricot 
• Strawberries 
• Banana 
• Avocados 
• Green tea 
• Peas 
• Sweet potatoes 
• Eggs 
• Green beans 
• Blue berries 
• Pear 
• Grapes 
• Kiwi
• Figs 
• Dates 
• Mangoes 
• Papayas 
• Spinach 
• Broccoli 
• Brussel 
• Sprouts 
• Cabbage 
• Cauliflower 
• Carrots 
• Cucumbers 
• Lemon 
• Lime 
• Seaweed 
• Asparagus 
• Onion 

Amlaki - The wonder herb

Amla (amalaki) or Indian Gooseberry is well known for its ability to rejuvenate the body or enable the body’s maximum potential. It is classified as a “Rasayana” herb in the Ayurvedic tradition.

• Rich quantity of antioxidants in amla protects the body from harmful effects of free radicals. 
• Anti aging properties. 
• Strengthens the liver and removes toxins out of body.
• Contains essential fatty acids that help to accelerate hair growth. Massage your scalp with amla oil to have healthier and more lustrous hair.
• Possesses anti-aging properties.
• Known as a vrishya herb, which helps to enhance all seven tissues, including the reproductive tissue too.
• Amla extracts can slow down the activity of osteoclasts, cells which break down the bones.
• Help to reduce pain and swelling of joints in patients suffering with arthritis since it is anti-inflammatory.
• Excellent for eye health as well. It improves eye sight and checks age-related macular degeneration. 
• Relives stress and induces sleep. Massage your scalp with amla oil to induce sleep and relieve headaches.
• Protects the nerve cells from free radical damage. Thus, prevents the diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. 
• Boosts the immunity (self defense mechanism of the body) by removing toxins from the body. 
• Restricts the growth of carcinogenic cells, thus prevents cancer. 
• Low in sugar but high fiber fruit, so that it is perfect in case of diabetes. It stimulates the isolated group of cells that secrete insulin. 
• Reduce blemishes. 
• control acne and breakouts by regularly consuming amla.

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)

PCOD is a disorder in which hormones in a female are out of balance. It can cause problems with menses and make difficult for female to become pregnant. If it is not treated over time, it can lead to serious health hazards like diabetes and heart disease.

Many women with PCOS grow small cysts on their ovaries. Therefore, it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. These cysts are not harmful but can cause hormonal imbalances. Early diagnosis and suitable treatment can prevent the consequences. Ayurvedic management is known as holistic medicine as this aim to treat the person as a whole, the mind, body and spirit.

Ayurveda considers that an imbalance of three doshas which do not let a person lead happy and healthy life. PCOS is disorder which arises due to ama in the body. It is the ama which blocks the micro circulatory channels (artav vaha srotas dushti) of reproductive tract. As a result, normal functioning of ovaries is disturbed and it does not produce egg. Multiple cysts are formed in the ovary. As per Ayurveda, it is AMA only which leads to diabetes, infertility, obesity and acne which are associated with PCOS.

Causes lying behind PCOS – 

• No exact reason lies behind PCOS 
• Ama
• Eating sweet foods in excess
• Having foods which enhances kapha in body 
• Long term disturbance in the metabolism 

LINE OF TREATMENT

Since ama is the underlying cause behind PCOS. We will target to metabolize ama in the body. Various herbs are mentioned in Ayurveda which can improve the metabolism at cellular level in the body and dissolves the ama. Along with this, we give patients the herbs like kuth, shatavar and many more which strengthen the reproductive system of female. Combine effect of the selected herbs give positive results. It lowers the circulating androgens and optimizes the ovarian function. Moreover, it supports the functions of endocrine system of the body.

Wheat grass - IMMENSE MEDICINAL VALUE

Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It can live indoors or outdoors. Many people grow their own wheatgrass by putting wheat seeds in water and then harvesting the leaves. It is sold either as a juice or powder concentrate. It really benefits our health.

• The most outstanding feature of the wheatgrass is its very high content of chlorophyll at about 70%. This alone makes it a super food that has a highly energizing and alkalizing effect.
• The miracle grass also has a long list of amino acids – about 17 types of them and about 80 known enzymes.
• Remarkably chlorophyll and hemoglobin posses same structure. Latest experiments have shown that our body can convert chlorophyll into hemoglobin effectively. Thereby, enriching the blood.
• It leads to expulsion of toxic fats out of the body.
• Alkaline minerals of wheat grass are essential for cleaning body tissues and maintaining the alkalinity of the blood. It helps to combat acidosis.
• The high grade content of iron in wheatgrass juice makes it a great blood builder, thus, increases red blood cells count. It regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells and supplies fresh oxygen to the body.
• The high alkaline properties make it the perfect choice of food for people suffering with inflammatory ailments, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• The high anti-oxidant content helps to neutralize free radicals which lead to early aging.
• The fine chlorophyll and beta-carotene obtained from wheatgrass juice is beneficial in fighting and preventing cancer. A variety of flavonoid compounds found in this grass are powerful anti-oxidants and anti-cancer agents. 
• It can help in loosing extra kilos because the nutrition in wheatgrass juice is so complete that it relieves your body of cravings, thus reducing the unnecessary need to overeat.
• It boosts the immune system. Drink 1-2 ounces of wheatgrass regularly to build your immune system.
• It helps to detoxify. Consuming this wonder juice regularly for detoxifying of the lymphatic system. It also helps eliminate the embedded fecal matter in the intestines and colon for healthier gastro-intestines.

How to shed extra pounds

It is very important to shed extra kilos on your body. It makes you look fat and destroys your overall personality. If we follow simple dietary and lifestyle modifications, we can loose weight and look slimmer.

•Go for healthy food items; keep in mind the calorie needs of the family and the energy expenditure also.
•Too much dieting. People think that skipping meals and limiting the food choices will help you to shed extra kilos. But, this is an unhealthy approach to weight loss and may limit nutritional intake resulting in a nutrient deficiency when used long-term.
•Balanced diet. We should take balanced diet which can give all nutrients required by body.
•Low fat, low carbohydrates and high proteins may help.
•Consume excess fiber. Take plenty of salad and fresh vegetables in diet as it will help to remove excess lipids in blood.
•Take plenty of water as it will help to remove excess toxins from the body. By keeping yourself well hydrated you'll feel hungry less as well as getting a clearer complexion and shinier hair.
•Adding a regular exercise component to your overweight diet plan improves your chances of long-term weight loss success. You only lose weight by burning more calories than you consume on a daily basis.
•There are many foods out there that are proved to help you to lose weight such as chilli, green tea, berries and whole grains can do various things to help you to drop the pounds by avoiding insulin spikes and keeping your metabolic rate going.
•Consume things that have no calories. Only two things do not have calories- fiber and water. We can consume them excessively which will satisfy our appetite.
•Be active. Make personal and family time active.
•Reduce the time taken for watching T.V or computer games. Get involved in more physical activity.
•Do exercises as your personal fitness allows.
•Behavioral techniques may be useful in conjunction with diet and exercise programs to improve long-term weight loss. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a classic example which encourages you to change these behaviors and take responsibility for your lifestyle changes.
•Reduce stress as it encourages eating more in many people.
•Surya namaskaar (Sun salutation), Sarvangasana (shoulder stand), Vajraasana (Diamond pose), Shavasana (corpse pose) are good for loosing extra kilos of the body. These asanas enhances metabolism by activating liver.
•Kapalbhati (Shining Skull), Anulom-vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing), Deep Breathing, Bhastrika are good for loosing weight as they boost metabolic fire.
•One can sprinkle trikatu powder on the food to be consumed. It significantly boosts the metabolism in the body. So, it is very effective in losing weight and lowering cholesterol also.
•Amla (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki (Myrobalan), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Vibhitaka (Teminalia belerica), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) are efficient herbs.