Home Remedies for Gaining Weight

HOME REMEDIES FOR GAINING WEIGHT

For every person, there is an ideal weight, depending on his/her height and gender, which describes him/her as healthy. A person who weighs 10 percent less than his/her ideal weight is considered moderately underweight. On the other hand, those who weigh 20 percent less than their ideal weight are termed as simply underweight. Being thin can be a hereditary condition or the result of a number of psychological as well as physical factors. To know more about the causes of being underweight, along with its symptoms, browse through the following lines.


Causes For Underweight

• Poverty
• Famine
• Torture
• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Cancer or cancer treatment
• Tuberculosis
• Hyperthyroidism
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Anxiety and depressive disorders
• Drug use, especially stimulants
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Malfunctioning digestive organs
• Dental pain
• Over-training (endurance sports)
• HIV/AIDS
• Genetic factors
• Insufficient calorie intake
• Unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping meals and frequent fasting
• Metabolic disorders
• Presence of intestinal worms
• Sexual disorders
• Chronic diarrhea
• Inadequate digestion

Heredity factors

• Loss of appetite
• Excessive exercising

Symptoms Of Underweight

• Fatigue
• Poor physical stamina
• Low resistance to infection
• Low body weight
• Loss of menstruation

The problem of being underweight has become a common phenomenon. It is a condition, when a person does not have an ideal weight, according to his/her height and sex. A person, who weighs almost 10 to 20 percent below the average, is termed underweight. Some of the causes for underweight problems are rise in the stress level, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, exposure to pollutants, lack of exercise, etc. Bad eating habits also add to the causes for the occurrence of the problem. Being underweight can also arise due to hereditary reasons. Apart from being skinny, a person starts facing a number of health problems. However, gaining weight is not as major problem and can be treated by indulging in the right kind of eating habit. In the following lines, we provide some of the ways to gain weight.


Home Remedies For Gaining Weight

• The most effective and simple remedy to gain weight is to consume banana milk shake. It is a fast way to gain weight.
• Another effective way would be to have banana thrice a day. This should be followed with curd or milk.
• Muskmelon is beneficial in treating underweight problem. Have muskmelon three times a day as it helps in gaining weight.
• Another effective way to cure underweight problem would be to have fruit diet with milk. While fruits nourish the body with sugar, milk provides the proteins.
• An effective way to gain weight would be consume a glass of hot milk with a tablespoon of honey.
• Take a cup of milk and put some almonds, date palm and anjeer in it. Boil this milk and have it when warm. This is helpful in treating underweight problem.
• Mangoes are useful in gaining weight. Have a mango followed by a glass of milk. The other way would be to have a glass of mango milk shake every day for a month.
• Raisins are beneficial in solving underweight problems. Have 30 grams of raisins every day for about a month. This would surely cure underweight problems.
• Take 3-4 dry figs and immerse them in water. Keep them overnight. Have this twice a day to get cured of underweight problem.
• Combine equal amounts of pomegranate seed powder, white muesli powder and Indian ginseng root powder. Intake this mixture, twice a day for about a month, along with a glass of water or milk. Not only does it helps gain weight, but also tones up the body.
• Intake 100 to 150 grams of bran with fruits. The best deal would be to take it with papaya. It works as an excellent appetizer improving digestion and reducing constipation.
• Increase in the intake of fatty foods such as flour, rice honey, raisins, figs, dates, butter, germinated wheat, etc.

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Scope of Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Coronary artery disease, also called as ischemic heart disease, is a condition in which fatty deposits called atheroma accumulate in the walls of the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart. This process is called atherosclerosis. When it causes a partial block it results in ischemia (reduced blood supply) and may result in an attack of angina. When the block is complete, it can cause a heart attack. Coronary artery disease is the commonest cause of cardiovascular disease.

Coronary artery disease is best treated by a medical consultant trained and experienced in that field. However, Ayurvedic medicines have a definite and important adjuvant (additional) role to play in the management of this disease.

During the acute attack of pain, specially in an attack of angina, Ayurvedic medicines like Laxmi Vilas Rasa, Shrung Bhasma and Brihat Vat Chintamani can be given sub-lingually (beneath the tongue) in a powdered form, mixed with ginger juice and honey. These medicines reduce the pain, protect the heart, and improve the tone of the heart muscles.

After the acute attack has been controlled, the same medicines can be given orally to reduce damage to the heart muscles. In addition, other medicines are used such as Arjun (containing mainly Terminali arjuna) Ghrut, Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Triphala (Three fruits), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysenterica) .

The most important role of Ayurvedic medicines is in preventing or reducing atherosclerosis and thereby controlling coronary artery disease. Ayurvedic formulations like Triphala Guggulu, Medohar Guggulu, Chandraprabha, and herbal medicines like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) , Garlic (Allium sativum), Arjuna, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) and Triphala are very useful in reducing blood cholesterol, fatty deposits in the blood vessels, atherosclerosis, blood pressure, excess fat deposition in the body and also prevent diabetes. Currently, it is believed that we are just as old (or young) as our arteries! What this means is that our life span is directly dependent upon the health of our arteries. The above mentioned properties of these medicines make them useful not only in preventing heart attacks and other heart disease, but also in preventing and reducing damage in stroke (paralysis), kidney failure and vision loss.

Adhering to the treatment schedule of modern medicines, and strictly following the treating physician's advice, is very important, and can be life-saving. Adopting a sensible diet, abstaining from harmful vices, and following a daily routine of relaxation techniques, pranayam (breathing exercises) and yogic asanas, can also go a long way in preventing and controlling coronary artery disease.

Ayurvedic Tips

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VOMITING
Vomiting is a forceful expulsion of the stomach contents due to the contraction of stomach muscles. Vomiting is also known as emesis. Sometimes you may attempt to vomit but may not expel anything from your mouth. This is known as retching. Vomiting may or may not be accompanied by nausea.

Migraine- Symptoms and Relief
Migraine Headaches are paroxysmal ailments, that are accompanied by a severe headache. The headache normally occurs on one side of the head. Migrine is associated with disorders of digestion, liver, and sight. Migraine headaches occur sometimes due to great mental tension and stress

NAUSEA
Nausea by itself is not an illness but it is the symptom for various other conditions. If you are not suffering from upset stomach there are other illnesses that can cause this problem. Nausea is basically a reaction; the body has, due to the presence of some illness in your body.

Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain)
English: Ajowan, omum, bishop's weed, Hindi: Ajwain, Sanskrit: Yavanika, agnivardhana, The name agnivardhana implies stimulation of the digestive fire or agni. It has been employed

EMBLIC MYROBALAN (AMLA)
Botanically it is known as Emblica officinalis. It contains vitamins C, amino acid, tannin, polyphenolic compounds, fixed oil, lipids and essential oils. It may be compared to 'Amrita' of heaven because of its magical healing powers. It is also known as 'Long-life Elixir'

Arjuna
Botanical Name: Terminalia arjuna. .. Indian Name: Kahu, Arjuna is a dense tree attaining a height of 20 to 27 metres. It has long, cone-shaped round leaves and white bark which gives out a milky juice when cut. Mainly, the bark of the tree is used in medicines.

HAIR LOSS AND BALDNESS TREATMENT –
AYURVEDIC TIPS : -Hair loss, thinning of hair and balding are some of the common hair problems. Many of us suffer from these ailments due to our modern lifestyle and diet. Ayurveda can be very beneficial in treating these conditions as it investigates the root cause of the problem. The causes for these hair conditions are:

Reduce Weight By Natural Ways - Ayurvedic Tips
The chief cause of obesity or overweight is often overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating such as improper mixing of food items in one meal. In ayurveda, Charak Samhita describes eight different types of bodies that are disease prone. Out of these, the obese body is described as the one afflicted with the most diseases and troubles. Obesity is the condition or physical state of the body when excessive deposition of fat takes place in the adipose tissue.

FIRST AID
Simple Ayurvedic remedies can play a very effective role as first aid for many common ailments, such as earache, backache and diarrhea. Try these simple treatments and stay healthy in a natural way.

PRICKLY HEAT
Prickly heat or heat rash is an irritating eruption of the skin due to obstruction of the sweat glands over certain areas of the body. In this condition many tiny pin-head-size swellings occur in the skin, accompanied by severe itching.

Body Massage - AYURVEDIC TIPS
Massage (Abhyanga) - It is a type of passive exercise. It is especially good for weak people, who are unable to exercise. Regular massage is the key to good health, and is necessary both for prevention and cure of diseases.

PEPTIC ULCER
A peptic ulcer refers to an eroded lesion in the inner lining of the stomach and the adjoining intestinal tract called the duodenum. The ulcer located in the stomach is known as a gastric ulcer, and that located in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer. Usually, both are grouped together and termed as peptic ulcer.

Look Beautiful - Naturally
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

Sexual Impotence
Sex is a basic instinct like hunger. Sexual activity, however, demands complete concentration and relaxation. It cannot be performed in haste and tension. Persons who are usually tense and overoccupied are unable to follow these norms. Many persons, therefore, suffer from sexual dysfunctions. The most common male sexual dysfunction is impotence.

Sexual Impotence

Sex is a basic instinct like hunger. Sexual activity, however, demands complete concentration and relaxation. It cannot be performed in haste and tension. Persons who are usually tense and overoccupied are unable to follow these norms. Many persons, therefore, suffer from sexual dysfunctions. The most common male sexual dysfunction is impotence

 

Sexual Impotence causes

Psychological illness such as depression, alcohol abuse, diabetes etc

Sexual impotence may result from psychological illness such as depression which lowers both sexual drive and erectile function, tiredness, alcohol abuse, the therapeutic use of oestrogens, paralysis of parasympathetic nerves by drugs or permanent damage to them, and diabetes

Devitalised condition of the system

Other causes of impotence include a devitalised condition of the system in general. The main problem of secondary impotence is the apprehension created by an earlier failure, which generates a good deal of anxiety for the next time. Impotence takes three forms. There is primary impotence when the man's erectile dysfunction is there from the very beginning of sexual activity and he simply cannot have an erection. Secondary impotence is the commonest and this implies that the man can normally attain an erection but fails on one or more occasions in between normal activity. The third form is associated with advancing age

Home Remedies for Sexual Impotence

Sexual Impotence treatment using Garlic

Garlic is one of the most remarkable home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of sexual impotence. It is a natural and harmless aphrodisiac. According to an eminent sexologist of the United States, garlic has a pronounced aphrodisiac effect. It is a tonic for loss of sexual power due to any cause, and for sexual debility and impotency resulting from sexual overindulgence and nervous exhaustion. Two to three cloves of raw garlic should be chewed daily

Sexual Impotence treatment using Onion

Onion is another important aphrodisiac food, second only to garlic. It increases libido and strengthens the reproductory organs. The white variety of onion is, however, more useful for this purpose

Sexual Impotence treatment using Carrot

Carrots are considered valuable in impotence. For better results, about 150 gm of carrots, chopped finely, should be taken with a half-boiled egg, dipped in a tablespoon of honey, once daily for a month or two. This recipe increases sexual stamina

Sexual Impotence treatment using Lady's Fingers

Lady's fingers are another tonic for improving sexual vigour. It has been mentioned in ancient Indian literature that persons who take five to ten grams of the root powder of this vegetable with a glass of milk and two teaspoons of ground mishri daily, will never lose sexual vigour

Sexual Impotence treatment using Asparagus

The dried roots of asparagus are user in Unani medicine as an aphrodisiac. They are available in the market as safed musli. Fifteen grams of roots boiled in one cup of milk should be taken twice daily. The regular use of this remedy is valuable in impotency and premature ejaculation

Sexual Impotence treatment using Drumstick

A soup made with about fifteen grams of drumstick flowers boiled in 250 ml milk is very useful as a sexual tonic in the treatment of sexual debility. It is also useful in functional sterility in both males and females. The powder of the dry bark is also valuable in impotency, premature ejaculation, and thinness of semen. About 120 gm of the powder of the dry bark should be boiled in half a litre of water for about half an hour. Thirty grams of this powder, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, should be taken three times daily for a month

Sexual Impotence treatment using Ginger

The juice extracted from ginger is a valuable aphrodisiac and beneficial in the treatment of sexual weakness. For better results, half a teaspoon of ginger juice should be taken with a half-boiled egg and honey, once daily at night, for a month. It is said to relieve impotency, premature ejaculation, and spermatorrhoea

Sexual Impotence treatment using Dried Dates

Dried dates are a highly-strengthenin g food. Pounded and mixed with almonds, pistachio nuts, and quince seeds in equal quantities, about 100 gm should be taken daily as an effective medicine for increasing sexual power

Sexual Impotence treatment using Raisins

Black raisins are useful for restoration of sexual vigour. They should be boiled with milk after being washed thoroughly in tepid water. This will make them swollen and sweet. Eating of these raisins should be followed by the intake of milk. Starting with 30 gm of raisins, followed by 200 ml of milk three times daily, the quantity of raisins should be gradually increased to 50 gm each timE.

Diet for Sexual Impotence

Fresh-fruit diet

Diet is an important factor in treating sexual impotence. To begin with, the patient should adopt an exclusive fresh-fruit diet for five to seven days, taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits at five-hourly intervals

Well-balanced diet

After the all-fruit diet, he may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables , and fruits, with generous use of special rejuvenative foods such as whey, sour milk- particularly goat's mailk, millet , garlic , honey, cold-pressed vegetable oils, and brewer's yeast

Avoid smoking, processed, canned, and denatured food

The patient should avoid smoking , alcohol, tea, and coffee; and all processed, canned, refined, and denatured foods, especially white sugar and white flour, and products made from them.

Other Sexual Impotence treatments

Massage all over the body

A vigorous massage all over the body is highly beneficial in the treatment of impotence, as it helps to revive muscular vigour which is essential for nervous energy

Cold hip bath

The nerves of the genital organs are controlled by the pelvic region. Hence a cold hip bath for ten minutes in the morning or evening is very effective

Fresh air, outdoor exercises and yogasanas

Every effort should be made to build up the general health level to the highest degree, and fresh air and outdoor exercises are essential for the success of the treatment. Yogasanas such as dhanurasana, sarvangasana, and halasana are also highly beneficial

Look Beautiful - Naturally

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.

PEPTIC ULCER

A peptic ulcer refers to an eroded lesion in the inner lining of the stomach and the adjoining intestinal tract called the duodenum. The ulcer located in the stomach is known as a gastric ulcer, and that located in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer. Usually, both are grouped together and termed as peptic ulcer.

Peptic ulcer symptoms

Severe pain and discomfort in upper part

The symptoms of peptic ulcer are sharp and severe pain and discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen. Gastric ulcer pain usually occurs an hour after meals and rarely at night. Duodenal ulcer pain usually occurs between meals when the stomach is empty. The pain is relieved by food, especially milk. As the disease progresses, there is distension of the stomach due to excessive flatulence, mental tension, insomnia, and gradual weakening of the body. Blood may also be detected in the stool.

Peptic ulcer causes

Hyperacidity


A peptic ulcer is the result of hyperacidity, which is caused by an increase in the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This strong acid, secreted by the cells lining the stomach, erodes the inner lining of the stomach. Dietetic indiscretion such as overeating, taking of heavy meals or highly spiced foods, coffee, alcohol, and smoking are the main factors contributing to this condition.

Food poisoning, infections, stress

Other causes are the ingestion of certain drugs, food poisoning, certain infections, gout, emotional disturbances, stress, and nervous tension.

Peptic ulcer home remedies

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Banana

Banana is one of the most effective home remedies for the treatment of a peptic ulcer. This fruit is said to contain an unidentified compound, perhaps jokingly called vitamin U (against ulcers). Banana neutralises the over-acidity of the gastric juices and reduces the irritation of the ulcer by coating the lining of the stomach. Patients who are in an advanced state of the disease should take a diet consisting only of two bananas with a glass of milk, three or four times a day.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Wood Apple (kaweet in urdu, Kotha in gujrati)

An infusion of the leaves of wood apple is another effective remedy for this disease. Fifteen grams of leaves should be soaked overnight in 250 ml of water. In the morning this water should be strained and taken as a drink. The pain and discomfort will be relieved when this treatment is continued for a few weeks. bael leaves are rich in tannins which reduce inflammation and help in the healing of ulcers. The bad fruit taken in the form of a beverage also has great healing properties on account of it<; mucilage content. This substance forms a coating on the stomach mucosa and thus helps in the healing of ulcers.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Lime

Lime is valuable in peptic ulcers. The citric acid in this fruit, together with the mineral salts present in the juice, help in digestion.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Cabbage (Gobi)

Cabbage is regarded as another useful home remedy for a peptic ulcer: 250 gm should be boiled in 500 ml of water till it is reduced to half; this water should be allowed to cool, and taken twice daily. The juice extracted from raw cabbage is also a valuable medicine for a peptic ulcer. However, as this juice is very strong, it should be taken in combination with carrot juice, in quantities of 125 ml each.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Fenugreek Seeds (Methi)

A tea made from fenugreek seeds is yet another useful remedy for peptic ulcers. The seeds, when moistened with water, are slightly mucilaginous. The tea helps in the healing of ulcers as the mild coating of mucilaginous material deposited by fenugreek, passes through the stomach and intestines, providing protective shell for the ulcers.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Drumstick

In some Indian languages, the name is phonetically somewhat similar to "moringa", while in others it is quite different:

• In Tamil it is called Murungakka in singular form, the plural form being Murungakkai.
  
• In Hindi it is called Munuga.
  
• In Marathi is it called Shevga.
  
• In Kannada it is known as Nuggaeekayee.
  
• In Telugu it is called as Mulakkaya.
  
• In Gujarati is it called Saragvo.
  
• In Oriya it is called Sajana or Sujuna.
  
• In Bengali it is called Sojne danta.
  
• In Kerala state its known as Muringa Tree and the fruit called Muringakka in Malayalam.
  
• In Nepali it is known as Sajiwan or Swejan.
  
• In Guyana it is called Saijan

The leaves of the kalyana murangal tree, which is a variety 'of drumstick found in South India, have also proved helpful in the healing of ulcers. Ten grams of the leaves of this tree should be ground into a paste, mixed with half a cup of yoghurt, and taken daily.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Vegetable Juices (Tarkari ka juice)

The juices of raw vegetables, particularly carrot and cabbage, are beneficial in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Carrot juice may be taken either alone or in combination with spinach, or beet and cucumber. The formula proportions in case of the first combination are 300ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice; and in case of the second combination, 300 ml of carrot juice and 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juice to make 500 ml of juice.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Almond Milk (Badam ka doodh)

Milk prepared from blanched almonds in a blender is very useful as a treatment for peptic ulcers. It binds the excess of acid in the stomach and supplies high quality protein.

Peptic Ulcer treatment using Goat's Milk (Bakri ka doodh)

Goat's milk is also highly beneficial in the treatment of this disease. It actually helps to heal peptic ulcers. For better results, a glass of goat's milk should be taken in a raw state, three times daily.

Peptic ulcer diet

Milk, cream, butter fresh vegetables.. .

The diet of the patient suffering from a peptic ulcer should be so planned as to provide adequate nutrition, while affording rest to the disturbed organs, maintaining continuous neutralisation of the gastric acid, inhibiting the production of acid, and reducing mechanical and chemical irritation. Milk, cream, butter, fruits, fresh raw and boiled vegetables, natural foods, and natural vitamin supplements constitute the best diet.

Other Peptic ulcer treatment

Massage, deep breathing

A daily massage and deep breathing exercises also help. Above all, the patient must try to rid himself of worries and stay cheerful. He should also cultivate regularity in his habits- be it work, exercise, or rest.

Body Massage

AYURVEDIC TIPS

Massage (Abhyanga)

It is a type of passive exercise. It is especially good for weak people, who are unable to exercise. Regular massage is the key to good health, and is necessary both for prevention and cure of diseases.

An Easy Way to Stay Healthy

Oil massage is the most common type of massage. Oil should be chosen according to the season and the personal constitution. Sesame oil is the best for massaging according to Ayurveda. In the winter one can also use mustard oil, though it should not be used in summer. However, those in the habit of constant internal use of mustard oil can massage with it in all seasons. Coconut oil and sunflower oil are also good for massaging in hot climate. Olive oil can be used in the winter as it is heating in nature. People with a vata type of body should use warming oils, and those with pitta type will benefit from cooling oils. The kapha types should have dry massage or should use mustard oil after warming. In order to determine what type you are take a constitution test.

Method of Massaging

One can either start massage from the feet or from head. In self massage one generally starts from feet, then the legs, hands, abdomen, back, chest, neck, shoulders, face and head. While receiving massage from some one it is generally started from head. There are no specific reasons for this.

First apply the oil on the part which is to be massaged. Then massage the part gently with palms till the oil penetrates the body. When massaging, upward strokes should be employed. The motion should be uniform (not too fast and not too slow) and pressure should be applied only on the muscles, not the bones. Different types of actions of fingers and hands are used for massaging different organs.

One should receive a massage on an empty stomach. The best time for massaging is early morning or evening. One may wash the oil off after massage. Wait for 20-30 minutes before washing. There should be no anxiety, stress, anger, and worry. The person should concentrate fully on the part being massaged. It is better to get massage from an expert but you can do it yourself too.

One should avoid taking a massage when there is too much mucus in the body (aggravation of Kapha), when suffering from fever, and after one has undertaken cleansing therapies like vomiting (emesis) and purgation.

Benefits of Massage

Massage stimulates the internal functions of the body and provides nourishment to various body tissues. It helps in cleansing the toxins from channels. Massaging with oil provides lubrication to various body mechanisms. It stimulates the different agni (enzymes), increases assimilation of food and increases the vital body fluid called the Ojas. It works at both mental and physical levels of the body. It is beneficial in the case of insomnia, weakness of nerves, laziness, exhaustion, general debility, dry and unhealthy skin.

FIRST AID

FIRST AID

Simple Ayurvedic remedies can play a very effective role as first aid for many common ailments, such as earache, backache and diarrhea. Try these simple treatments and stay healthy in a natural way.

Asthma

Take one teaspoonful of ginger powder and one teaspoonful of licorice powder. Add half a litre of water and boil the mixture till it reduces to one fourth (about 125 ml.). Strain it and drink it warm. Adding a teaspoonful of honey or one gram of common salt is beneficial.

Backache (Pain)

Make a paste of ginger, and apply to the affected area. Massaging with eucalyptus oil is very effective. You can also make your own massaging oil. Take 2-3 cloves of garlic, and cut them into small pieces. Put them in 100 ml. of sesame oil or mustard oil (or any other oil if these two are not available). Boil on slow fire for about five minutes. This oil is very good for massaging the area of backache.

Bleeding (External)

Applying a paste of sandalwood powder is helpful in the cases of external bleeding. It stops the bleeding and also heals the wound. Drinking a cup of warm milk with half teaspoonful turmeric powder and a pinch of saffron or alum, added to it is also very good healing drink. It also acts as pain reliever.

Burns

Make a paste of fresh gel of aloe-vera with a pinch of turmeric powder. Adding one 1-2 grams of ghee or coconut oil to this paste makes it more effective. This paste can be applied to the burnt area.

Cold

Take one tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, one teaspoonful of cinnamon powder and one teaspoonful of licorice powder. Add all these together to one litre water and boil on slow fire for ten minutes till about one fourth (250 ml.) of it is left. This drink can be taken three times in a day. Honey can added as a sweetener.

Diarrhea

Add one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger and one gram of nutmeg powder to half a cup of water. Blend them together for few minutes into a mixture. Drinking this twice or thrice a day helps to stop diarrhea.

Ear-ache

Take 2-3 cloves of garlic. Peel off the skin and cut them into small pieces. Add 100 ml. of sesame or mustard oil and boil on a slow fire for about five minutes. Strain and when it becomes cool, drop two drops in the aching ear. Can be used two times a day.

Make a mixture of one teaspoonful of onion juice and half teaspoonful of honey. This mixture is also helpful in earache. Two drops in each ear can be used two times a day.

Eye Burn

Put 2-3 drops of pure rose water into the affected eye. This can be used two or three times a day. It also helps in itchy eyes and reduces the redness in the eyes.

Boils

Apply cooked onion as a poultice on the boil. A paste of ginger powder (one teaspoonful) and turmeric powder (one teaspoonful) is also good to apply on the boil. Either the boil will be suppressed or a head will appear so that the pus can be drained out easily.

Exhaution (Heat)

Drink one glass (250 ml.) of coconut water or grape juice. Take 3-4 pieces of dates and cook them with one glass of milk or water. Eat the dates and drink the milk or water. It is also good to blend them in a mixture before taking. This drink is very good and gives instant energy.

Gum Bleeding

Squeeze the juice of half lemon into a cup of water and add one teaspoonful of honey. This drink should be taken every morning. Massaging the gums gently with coconut oil also helps.

Menstrual Cramps

Take one tablespoon of aloe-vera gel and mix in half a gram of black pepper powder. Such a mixture can be taken 2-3 times during the day or until the cramps disappear. Try out some these simple Ayurvedic first aid remedies and stay healthy.

Reduce Weight By Natural Ways

Ayurvedic Tips

The chief cause of obesity or overweight is often overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating such as improper mixing of food items in one meal.

In ayurveda, Charak Samhita describes eight different types of bodies that are disease prone. Out of these, the obese body is described as the one afflicted with the most diseases and troubles. Obesity is the condition or physical state of the body when excessive deposition of fat takes place in the adipose tissue.

Extra fat puts a strain on the heart, kidneys, liver and the joints such as the hips, knees and ankles and thus, overweight people are susceptible to several diseases like coronary thrombosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout, liver and gall bladder disorders. Chief cause of obesity is overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating or mixing non-compatible food items in one meal.

To decrease weight and get rid of obesity three things must be kept in mind:

• Controlling eating habits.





• Regular exercise.





• Avoiding the causes of weight gain

Diet recommended to lose weight

• Early morning

Juice of half a lemon mixed in a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of honey.

• Breakfast

Wheat or Mung bean sprouts and a cup of skimmed milk.

• Midmorning

A glass of orange, pineapple or carrot juice.

• Lunch









• Salad of raw vegetables such as carrot, beet, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes. Steamed or boiled vegetables





• Whole grain bread or whole wheat chapatis (Indian bread) and a glass of buttermilk.





• Roasted cumin seeds, green coriander leaves, a little salt and some grated ginger mixed in the buttermilk.





• Mid-afternoon









• Coconut water





• Dry fruits





• Lemon tea





• Fresh vegetable soup





• Dinner









• Whole grain bread or chapatis





• Steamed vegetables





• Seasonal fruits except banana and apple.

Home Remedies for Losing Weight

• Increase the quantity of fruits and vegetables and low calorie foods.





• Avoid intake of too much salt as it may be a factor for increasing body weight.





• Milk products like cheese, butter etc. and non-vegetarian foods should be avoided as they are rich in fat.





• Mint is very beneficial in losing weight. A chutney of green mint with some simple spices can be taken with meals. Mint tea also helps.





• Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways.





• Regular intake of carrot juice.





• Avoid rice and potato, which contain a lot of carbohydrates. Among cereals wheat is good.





• Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful in loosing weight.





• Honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions.
  Dosage: One should start with small quantity of about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.





• Fasting on honey and lime- juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. For this, mix one teaspoon of fresh honey with the juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water.
  Dosage: Take several times a day at regular intervals.





• Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.





• Exercise is an important part of any weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat.





• Walking is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming or rowing.





• The gum of Commiphora Mukul called 'guggulu' is the drug of choice for the treatment of obesity.

Preparation of Home Remedies

• 
  According to ayurveda home remedies are prepared in the same way and with the same purpose as other ayurvedic medicines. The main aim is to obtain the maximum therapeutic benefit while making it palatable.
  
  

Some common methods of preparing home remedies are:

• Juice
• 
  The juice may be taken from the fresh leaves, flowers or stems of the herb. The part of the herb used should be crushed or ground in a mortar and pestle, to make a paste. This paste should be put in a piece of cloth and squeezed to take out the juice.
  Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.





• Powder
• 
  Dried herbs are used for powders. The herbs are usually dried in a cool, shady and well-ventilated place, although some herbs are dried in direct sunlight. The herbs are then ground into a fine powder and stored in a dry, airtight bottle. The powder may be taken with water, or if specified, with milk or honey.
  Dosage: Half to one teaspoon twice a day





• Decoction

A decoction is prepared by boiling the herb in water (ratio: 1 part herb to 16 parts water). The herbs are broken into pieces and soaked in water overnight. This mixture is then boiled until it reduces to one quarter of the original volume. It is then filtered and stored in a glass bottle.
Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.

• Infusion

Herbs are soaked in water to make an infusion (ratio: 1 part herb to 8 parts water). Hot infusions result from adding herbs to hot water, or gently heating but not boiling the mixture. This is strained and taken internally. Herbal teas are forms of hot infusions. Cold infusions are made from soaking the herb overnight. Honey can be added.
Dosage: half to one cup once or twice day.

• Paste

A paste can be made from either fresh or dried herbs. The flowers, roots, stems, leaves or bark are ground and mixed with water. Pastes are mainly used for external application, in cases of cuts, burns and swellings. The paste should be thick enough to be applied in a layer to the skin.

• Tablets

The herbs should be first dried separately and then mixed together in a powder form, in fixed proportions. Water or herbal juice can be added to this powder to make a paste, from which tablets of a specific size or weight are made. Tablets remain potent longer than juices, powders, pastes or decoctions.
Dosage: 1 or 2 tablets twice a day.

• Medicated ghee and oil

Ghee is cooked with herbal juices, decoctions or pastes. The ghee should be heated with the herbal mixture at a moderate, controlled temperature. High temperatures can easily burn the ghee or oil, destroying its effectiveness. Medicated ghee and oils are either used internally or massaged externally.
Dosage: Half to one tablespoon.

HAIR LOSS AND BALDNESS TREATMENT

AYURVEDIC TIPS :

Hair loss, thinning of hair and balding are some of the common hair problems. Many of us suffer from these ailments due to our modern lifestyle and diet. Ayurveda can be very beneficial in treating these conditions as it investigates the root cause of the problem. The causes for these hair conditions are:

• Excess of Pitta dosha in the body is the chief cause of hair problems. Pitta is increased by excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meats and excessive smoking. Pitta is also aggravated by eating too much fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods.
  
• Intake of too many chemical medicines, low blood circulation, anemia, general weakness after disease, stress, anxiety, and mental tension are also prime causes of hair loss.
  
• Chronic diseases like typhoid fever, presence of dandruff or lice and hormonal imbalance also cause hair loss.

So watch out carefully for these reasons! You may be overdoing one of them, and thus losing your beautiful hair.

Treatment

• The first step is to locate the root cause in your diet or lifestyle that may be increasing the Pitta dosha. Once you locate it, try to give up or at least reduce the diet, habit, or activity responsible for increasing Pitta.
• Always use a natural shampoo or soap to clean the hair. As most soaps and shampoos have chemicals, they might be the cause of your problem. Usually the chemicals have a heating effect, and increase Pitta locally. Amala (embilica officinalis) , Shikakai (Acacia concinna) are very commonly used in India for washing the hair.
• Oiling and massaging of scalp is very beneficial for stopping the hair loss. Use coconut oil or mustard oil at least three times in a week. Certain medicated oils like 'Mahabhringraj oil', 'Amala oil', and 'Arnica oil' are very useful. Put oil on the scalp, and massage gently in the roots of the hair.
• The person should maintain a regular bowel movement everyday. In case of constipation, a mild natural laxative can be taken. Triphala, an Ayurvedic herbal powder, is also useful.
• The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and vitamin A.
• Regular physical exercise is very beneficial as it helps in balancing the aggravated doshas.
• A special Ayurvedic preparation made from Bhringraj (Eclipta elba), Amala, corals, iron and black sesame seeds is very useful, and even stops the graying of hair.
• Rub your scalp vigorously after washing the hair. It increases the blood circulation, and activates the sebaceous glands.
• A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth. The juice of alfalfa mixed with that of carrot, and lettuce juice is also good to take.
• Daily application of coconut oil mixed with lime juice on the hair is also beneficial. Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also good.
• Washing the hair with a paste of cooked Urad dal (black beans) and fenugreek (methi) 2-3 times a week, is also good.
• A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk can be applied in the bald patches. It induces hair growth. A paste of seeds of lemon and black pepper may also be applied on the bald patches.

These remedies are worth trying and will solve your hair problems.