The Indian Herb of Medicinal Value: Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna)

Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna Tree)

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is one of the sacred trees of India which has been used on several religious occasions as well as in Ayurvedic formation since ancient times. It was introduced into Ayurveda as a treatment for heart diseases, wounds, hemorrhages and ulcers by Vagbhata (He is one of the three classic writers of Ayurveda, along with Charaka & Sushruta who wrote the Ashtanga Sangraha and the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita). Arjuna is known by its various names such as  Arjan, Dhanvi, Koha, Kahu, White Marudah, Orjun, Yerra maddi, Sadada,  Indradruma, Kakubha, Karvirak and many more.

The Bark has been used in various
Ayurvedic formulations

Arjuna is a large size deciduous tree common throughout India, especially in the sub Himalayan tracts and the Eastern India. Terminalia chebula, T. bellrica and T. ciliata are the other species of Arjuna tree found in India. Arjuna bark is rich tannins, triterpenoid saponins (arjunic acid, arjunolic acid, arjungenin, arjunglycosides), flavonoids (arjunone, arjunolone, luteolin), gallic acid, ellagic acid, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), phytosterols (b-sitosterol), minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper. It has an abundance of  Co-enzyme Q- 10 which helps to strengthens the heart muscles and prevent heart diseases. 

Arjuna leaves are used to cover sores & ulcers externally

In Ayurveda and the Siddha system of medicine, the plant is used in the treatment of cardiac diseases, chronic fever, Diabetes mellitus, polyurea, fractures, obesity, leucorrhoea, leprosy, worm infestation, abdominal disorders, skin disorders, and ulcers. The bark is said to be alexiteric, styptic, tonic, anthelmintic, & useful in treating anemia, asthma, tumours, leucoderma, excessive perspiration, and more. Arjuna is also useful incontrolling blood pressure levels, and acts as an antidote to poisons. It is also reputed to have astringent, hypotensive, hemostatic, diuretic, prostaglandin-enhancing, coronary-risk-modulating properties, & is useful in protection against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers. Arjuna leaves are used to cover ulcers & sores externally, while its juice is used for curing earache (Otalgia). In addition, Arjuna has shown its effectiveness against theantiviral and antibacterial ailments as well.

Healthy Diet for Kids!

As parents, it is difficult to ensure that the children are having a balanced diet that they need. Instead of worrying much, just include the following foods in kid’s diet, and rest assured that the child is getting the much needed nutrients essential for his healthy growth. Also, take down some of these dietary tips to keep a check on their diet and health.

1. Whole grain cereals like cornflakes, brown bread, brown rice, popcorn, etc are nutritionally high in dietary fiber, antioxidants, protein, dietary minerals and vitamins. Starting your child’s day with whole grain products will keep him full and active for a long time. 
2. A variety of Vegetables should be included in the diet as these are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. These can be consumed raw, boiled, steamed or stir fried in little oil. Avoid French fries or any other deep fried vegetables!
3. Daily intake of Fruits is known to reduce risk factors of some serious diseases in the long term. Providing with adequate amount of fruits is the best thing you can do to ensure your child’s good health. Fruits are best eaten fresh, do not cut and store them in refrigerator for long! Also, sodas and other soft drinks can be replaced with fruit juice at home.
4. Milk is one of the most nutritious foods rich in vitamins A, B12, D, protein, phosphorous, riboflavin, potassium, calcium and niacin. Milk and milk products should be a significant part of your kid’s daily diet.
5. Eggs are a rich source of proteins, vitamin A, calcium and iron. Including eggs into your child’s daily intake in several preparations would add variety to the daily meals.

Dietary Tips for Kids

• The diet of a child should be balanced and must meet his nutritional requirements.
• It should includes variety of nutritious foods offering plenty of proteins, vitamins and minerals and less of fat, sugar, cholesterol, sodium and calories.
• Make sure that diet of the child is light and easily digestible.
• It’s good to bake, roast or poach foods instead of cooking spicy, oily and fried foods for kids.
• Serve fruit and vegetable juices, vegetable soups and low fat milk instead of cold drinks, sweetened sodas and fruit-flavored drinks.
• Ice-cream and other desserts can be substituted with yogurt smoothies.
• For snacks in between meals, salads can be served with different delicious salad dressings.  
• Drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated and healthy.
• Involve the child in activities like dancing, gardening and other sports of his interest.
• Help the child to give up mental tension, anxiety, anger and fear so that they remain mentally as well as physically active. 

Mealtime can be trying for parents and the struggle to feed the child is sometimes too much to that we give in to their demands for fast food/junk snacks. If child refuses everything you serve, try creative techniques to help you sneak variety and nutrients into his diet. Promoting healthy habits in kids can set the foundation for overall health in the future.

Folk Remedies to Treat Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis Causes Difficulty in Swallowing!

Tonsillitis can be understood as the inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They normally help to filter out bacteria and other germs to prevent infection in the body. Tonsillitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Strep throat is a common cause. Tonsillitis is very common, especially in children.

The symptoms of tonsillitis are difficulty in swallowing, ear ache, fever, chills, sometimes headache and sore throat. The lymph nodes in the jaw and neck may be swollen and tender to touch.

Folk Remedies to Treat Tonsillitis

HERBS CAN PROVIDE RELIEF FROM THE SYMPTOMS OF TONSILLITIS!

• To get relief from the symptoms of tonsillitis, chamomile tea along with honey and lemon is a great remedy.
• Dissolve powdered alum (phitkari) in water and use the same as a gargle.
• Mix 1 tsp each of vacha (Acorus calamus) & mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) powder with honey and take thrice daily.
• Prepare a decoction by boiling a 5-6 leaves of basil with ginger rhizome and 2-3 cloves. Take 20 ml of the same with honey thrice daily.
• Boil approx 12-15 g of banafsha (Viola odorata) flowers in 50 ml milk. Take warm twice a day. The filtered residue can be heated and tied around the throat as a poultice at night.
• Prepare a gargle by simmering 2 tbsp of fenugreek seeds for half an hour in a litre of water. For beneficial results use it for gargle twice daily.
• Prepare black tea and add some salt to it. Use it as a gargle to get relief from the ailment.
• Gargle with decoction prepared by boiling the bark of the acacia tree.
• Take honey regularly for preventing as well as curing tonsillitis. It can also be taken with a glass of warm milk to soothe the throat.
• Prepare a paste by boiling figs in water and apply externally on the throat area to provide a soothing effect.
• Gargle with warm water boiled with some basil leaves.
• The milk from raw papaya can be applied on the inflamed tonsils to get relief.