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.

Herbal Folk Remedies with Fenugreek (Methi)!

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): A Herb of Therapeutic Values!

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)  is an oldest cultivated medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean countries and across Asia. It is aromatic, astringent, carminative, expectorant, mucilagenous, galactogogue and aphrodiasiac in nature. It is high in vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B3 and contains lecithinm, minerals and proteins. Owing to its excellent medicinal properties, fenugreek is used in common folk remedies for the treatment of various health ailments. Find here some of such time-tested folk remedies with fenugreek- 

Fenugreek seeds are a Store House of Medicinal Properties!

• To treat anemia, cook fenugreek leaves and have it with meals. A tsp of fenugreek seeds can also be taken with water to cure Anemia.
• Take a cup of fenugreek decoction with a spoonful of honey and fresh ginger juice. This formulation acts as an excellent expectorant during Asthma.
• Soak about 10 g of fenugreek seeds overnight and consume them on an empty stomach in the morning. Soak another 10 g of fenugreek seeds in the morning and consume them half an hour before dinner. Fiber present in fenugreek swells in the stomach and gives the feeling of satiety. It is an effective remedy for Losing weight.
• Taking a tsp of fenugreek seeds powder with curd is said to be effective in treating vaginal discharge associated with yeast infections.
• Consuming about 50g of fenugreek seeds daily, either with water or in diet, is said to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of Heart attacks.
• Mix a tsp of powdered fenugreek seeds in buttermilk. Drink the mixture to relieve Abdominal pain due to Indigestion. This remedy also works well against Diarrhea .
• Taking about 1-2 g of fenugreek twice a day is recommended to improve milk flow in Lactating mothers.
• Consuming about 2 tsp of fenugreek seeds with a tsp of honey and lemon juice, thrice a day, is known to treat Fever.
• One of the effective remedies against Acid reflux or Heartburn is to have a tsp of fenugreek seeds with juice or water before meals.
• Consuming a tbsp of powdered fenugreek seeds with lukewarm water gives relief from Joint pains.
• To get rid of Acne and Blackheads, apply a paste of fenugreek leaves over the face overnight. Rinse off after 10-15 min.
• To remove Dandruff, mix about 3-5 g of fenugreek seeds powder in a cup of curd and to it, mix 1/2 tsp of lemon  juice. Apply the mixture on scalp for an hour and rinse off.

Fenugreek: One of the Healthiest Indian Spices !

Herbal Remedies for Vomiting!

Treat Vomiting with Herbal Remedies!

Vomiting is a biological defense mechanism, which refers to the forceful oral expulsion of stomach contents. It is multifactorial in origin and can be caused due to spinning too fast on a ride, motion sickness, certain drugs, gastroenteritis, surgery, pregnancy, disgusting sights & smells, etc. 

It includes symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, headache, and other symptoms depending on the reason causing vomiting. Other symptoms may be an elevation in the heart beat or change in the body temperature. 

In this post, learn about some effective natural herbal remedies to treat nausea and vomiting:

Drink Moderate Amounts of Water
to Cover up Loss of Body Fluids! 

• Boil equal quantities of powdered fennel seeds and dried mint leaves in water till it remains ¼ . Take this decoction thrice daily.
• Clove bud & fennel seeds masticated with betel leaf also provides relief from the sensation of vomiting.
• To get relief of nausea and vomiting, one can slowly chew 1-2 cardamoms. A decoction can also be prepared by boiling cardamom with mint leaves. Add honey to taste and administer small quantities at regular intervals.
• Prepare a mixture of ½ tsp ginger juice, 1 tsp mint juice, 1 tsp lemon juice with a tsp of honey and give to the patient for quick relief.
• Extract juice from fresh young leaves of jamun and administer 10-20 ml of the same to the sufferer.
• A decoction prepared by boiling equal parts of fennel and thyme seeds is beneficial for small babies in treating vomiting and indigestion.
• Prepare a lemon drink with added sugar and rock salt. Administer it to the patient to provide him quick relief from nausea and vomiting. One may also lick a piece of lemon for instant relief. This is quite useful during the nausea associated with travelling.
• To the freshly extracted basil juice, add equal proportions of mint and ginger juice and administer to the sufferer.
• To control persistent vomiting, add 5-6 drops of neem leaves juice to a glass of warm milk & drink. 
• Pound mint leaves and onion together & make a paste. Take 1-2 tsp of the paste thrice daily.

To cover up loss of body fluids during vomiting, one should drink water in moderate quantities from time to time. One should also avoid milk and milk products as vomiting makes body lactose intolerant. Steamed vegetables and vegetable soups in diet should be preferred over heavy meals. Spicy, acidic & high fat content foods can worsen the situation; therefore one should not include such foods in diet. Eating rice, oats, bananas, salads in the diet will provide relief from the symptoms.

Herbal Remedies for Hair related Problems!

Try Herbal Remedies for Hair related Problems!

Today’s chaotic lifestyle, improper diet, high stress levels and lack of exercise leads to various hair related problems such as dandruff, dry hair, graying of hair, hair fall and split ends. But don't you think that beautiful, lustrous hair equally boosts up beauty & confidence just like our healthy glowing skin? Then why do we find excuses and ignore this asset of beauty that also reflects our overall health?  Find in this article some of the simple home remedies with natural ingredients that will bring back damaged hair to life.

• Mix almond oil and castor oil in equal amounts & warm it. Massaging the same into scalp once a week, would be a helpful remedy in case of Hair fall/ loss.
• For softening hair, soak fuller’s earth in water overnight. Mix into it 2 tbsp of curd and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this paste over scalp and hair, leave for an hour & wash off with water.
• Take 3 tbsp of clarified butter and heat it. Mix into it a tsp of finely powdered almonds. Massaging the scalp with the same will strengthen hair roots and impart them a natural luster.
• Regular massage with mustard, coconut or almond oil for 15 min twice weekly would strengthen hair. Following massage, go for a “steam-towel-wrap” for 10-15 minutes. hair massage is also beneficial in cases of hair fall.

• For treating dandruff, soak fenugreek seeds overnight. Prepare a paste by grinding them. Now, boil neem leaves in water & strain. Add fenugreek seeds paste to the same & apply  on the scalp. Leave for 20 min and wash off with water.
• To treat Dandruff, mix a cup of curd & a tsp of lemon juice. Apply it on scalp, leave it on for 20 min & rinse off with lukewarm water. The same formulation can be used as a natural conditioner for hair.
• Mix a tsp of lemon juice in 2 tbsp of mustard oil & apply over the scalp. Rinse off with a mild shampoo. Follow this treatment twice a week for curing dandruff.
• Take 3 tbsp of coconut oil and warm it lightly. To it, add a tsp of camphor & massage the scalp. This is another effective remedy for treating dandruff.

Eat Nutritious Diet for Healthy Hair

Other than these natural remedies, one must eat a balanced diet that includes green leafy vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, sprouts and whole grains. One must not ignore maintaining hygiene and brushing hair daily with a comb with widely spaced teeth. Avoid combing hair when wet. Avoid the use of dryers, synthetic hair colors and dyes. Follow regular exercise regime and meditation to remain healthy and stress-free.

Traditional Herbal Remedies to Quit Smoking!

Quit Smoking!

Smoking is one of the toughest addictions affecting the overall health of a smoker & is known to cause cancer, heart and other respiratory diseases. Though quitting smoking requires more than just will power for most smokers, but once done, has immediate & long-term benefits.

Traditional home remedies are natural & non-addictive as these to help give up smoking by soothing stressed nervous system & to adjust with the life without nicotine. Try some of such time tested home remedies that would prove beneficial in quitting smoking and give you a healthy physical, mental and social being.

Quit Smoking for Health & Well being!

• Take 25g of aniseed and caraway seeds each & soak in lemon juice. Mix black salt to taste & let the mixture dry in shade. Now, roast the mixture and let it cool. Take about ½ tsp of the formulation to overcome the desire to consume tobacco.
• Take betel leaf and wrap in it a tsp of fennel seeds & a clove bud. Chew it after meals to prevent you from wanting to light up another cigarette. This remedy would also help improve digestion.
• Cut ginger rhizome in small thin pieces & to it, add lemon juice, common salt, black salt, a pinch of asafetida, roasted cumin seeds & black pepper. Mix all the ingredients well and put it to dry in shade. This preparation can be taken to curb the urge to smoke.
• Drinking a glass of sugarcane juice with lemon juice & black salt is helpful in withdrawing from nicotine addiction.
• Boil and cut ½ kg of Indian gooseberry fruits into small pieces. Add rock salt, common salt, powdered black pepper, and about 200g of sugar. Mix well & dry the preparation in shade. To overcome the desire to smoke, have a piece or two of the same.
• Sucking a piece of lemon with rock salt creates a sour taste in the mouth and helps in killing the urge to smoke.
• Consuming pineapple fruit slices with black salt also effectively helps in curbing the strong urge.
• Chewing mulethi roots not only reduce the smoking urge, but also help clear the throat & comfort food passage.
• Chewing ½ tsp of fried aniseed is also useful in controlling the smoking urge, especially after meals.

Include Fresh Fruits & Vegetables in Your Diet!

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, avocados and wheat germ are good sources of Vitamins C and E. These are powerful antioxidants that help combat free radicals and fight the carcinogens found in smoke. Include in diet, foods rich in beta carotene & B vitamins (found in yellow fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat & fish). Avoid intake of alcohol, coffee and tea.

Indulge in regular physical activities that would keep a check on the weight as well as help reduce craving to smoke. Yogic exercises such as Pranayam (regulated breathing), ustrasana (camel pose), dhanurasana (bow pose) & Savasana (corpse pose) can effectively check thought patterns connected to smoking cessation. Learn the technique of mental relaxation in stressful situations. Spend time with family and friends and seek their support. This may support your decision to give up the deadly habit of smoking successfully.

Treat Kidney Stones Naturally with Herbal Remedies!

The Kidney stones are one of the most common diseases that has risen in leaps over the last few years. The chaotic and sedentary lifestyle as well as unhealthy food habits can be sited as one of the most important aspects of kidney stone occurrences.  

Natural Herbal Remedies for Stones

• Drinking fresh pomegranate juice is said to be quite beneficial for those suffering from kidney stones.
• Take about 20ml of Aloe vera juice twice daily on an empty stomach. This would be of help in flushing out liver of wastes.
• Taking a tsp of fresh basil leaves juice with honey daily for up to 6 months is believed to induce stone expulsion from the urinary tract.
• One of the beneficial remedy for stones is to pound papaya roots and extract the juice. Mix it with some water & drink the same in the morning on an empty stomach for few days.
• Administering about 500g of dandelion roots twice daily may be beneficial in kidney stones as the roots are known to cleanse the kidneys well. 
• To treat gall stones, coconut water may be taken thrice daily.
• Pound a few leaves of patharchat (kidneywort) and take them twice daily with water.
• Soak approx 50g of the horse gram in water overnight. In the morning, mash and drink it. Also, approx. 30 ml of the horse gram seeds decoction can be taken twice daily.

Eating habits or diet plays an important role in curing and preventing diseases like kidney stones! It is necessary to improve diet and substitute ordinary cooking fat with either Olive oil or Sunflower oil.  Intake of fruits like Lemons, Oranges and Grapefruit should be included in the diet. The acids content in the fruits help in dissolving the stone naturally. Yoghurt and Cottage Cheese are also good for such conditions. Fatty foods with high calorie content should be avoided. Drinking plenty of water on a regular basis and consuming juices and soups helps in cleaning up the liver system.

Exercise is important for treating stones, as physical inactivity is one of the main causes of indigestion and eventually result in the formation of stones. Yogasana are also suggested for treating gall bladder stones as these asanas help in toning up the liver and gall bladder. These asanas include Sarvangasana, Paschimottasanana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana & Bhujangasana. Breathing exercises such as kapalbhati, Ujjayi and Anulom viloma can also help in getting rid of the symptoms.

Health Benefits of Lemon!

Health Benefits of Lemon 

Lemon (Citrus limon) is a short, bushy, aromatic shrub that has earned a reputation for its culinary, therapeutic as well as medicinal properties. It is known to improve the immune system by building up resistance against infection. 

It is an effective remedy against various health ailments such as high blood pressure, varicose veins,  inflammation, hemorrhoids, kidney stones, as a blood cleanser, diuretic and as appetizer. Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C, that impart with its antioxidant properties. It also contains carbohydrates (11 g), proteins (1 g), fats, (0.9 g), vitamin C (39 mg), magnesium (373 mg), potassium (270 mg), calcium (70 mg), phosphorus (10 mg) and fibers (1.7 g).In this post, find out how lemon can be effectively used in treating and preventing common health ailments:

Lemon is a rich source of
Vitamin C

Herbal Remedies with Lemon

• To treat dandruff, add to a bowl of curd, a tsp of lemon juice & rub on the scalp. Rinse hair after an hour.  Also, massaging the scalp with a few drops of lemon juice mixed in coconut oil treats dandruff well.
• An excellent poultice can be prepared by mixing a pinch of curcuma powder to a tsp of milk cream & 1/2 tsp lemon juice. Administration of the same would help ripen and heal blood boils without allowing them to become septic.
• For weight loss, add to a warm glass of water, a tsp of honey & lemon juice each. take this preparation early morning. 
• To get rid of acne, prepare a paste by adding a tsp of Lemon juice to a spoonful of fuller’s earth & sandal wood powder each. let it dry and wash off after 20 minutes.
• To whiten teeth, rubbing a slice of lemon with a pinch of salt and baking soda helps attain the same.
• Drinking lemon in hot water with a teaspoon of honey is also an effective remedy against colds.
• To relieve indigestion and constipation, cut ginger into small pieces and dip it in a cup containing lemon juice. Add black salt and leave it for two hours. This preparation can be taken after meals to ease the problem.
• Squeeze lemon in a glass of lukewarm water and add a pinch of black salt. Have it twice daily to improve bowel movement.
• Lemon can also be used as a natural hair conditioner. Squeeze half a lemon in water and use the same to rinse hair after shampoo.
• For skin pigmentation, rubbing lemon peel over pigmented skin, such as ankle and knee, lightens the area.
• For the treatment of dehydration and diarrhea, lemon juice makes a good base for oral electrolyte solution. 
• Lemon juice has astringent properties and is also used as a gargle for throat problems. 
• To treat dark lips, apply a mixture of coconut oil and lemon before going to bed.