How Yoga can save you from Coronavirus ! Explained

Yes! Yoga can save you from coronavirus with the help of its scientifically proven well being effects. Here we will explain how you can defeat this virus by dedicating a little time from your busy life for the well being of your body. I hope most of us will not find it useless to do so.
Before starting to practice anything, just try to understand the whole concept that we are trying to tell you. Then you may practice it at a suitable time of your choice.

Get Rid of Fear and anxiety about Coronavirus

Lets begin by easing your body and mind. Before practicing the yoga it is necessary to get rid of any negative thoughts. Frankly speaking, COVID-19 kills only those who have a weaker immune system, either due to age or due to some other pre-existing medical condition. A healthy man or women need not to be worried at all. Mortality rate of COVID-19 is around 3.4%. According to wikipedia, 80% of deaths happened among the age group of above-60 and 75% of them had pre-existing health conditions including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Maximum number of deaths in a single day by COVID-19 is 158, which happened on 23rd Feb. If we compare it with other diseases, then

• Diabetes killed 4100 people per-day in 2012 (according to a WHO study).
• High Blood pressure killed 1300 people per-day in US alone during year 2017 (according to a CDC report).
• More than 26000 people died everyday due to various types of cancer during year 2017.
• More than 49000 people die everyday due to Cardiovascular diseases (according to WHO).

This data is sufficient to tell you that coronavirus stands nowhere near these major causes of death.

Then what is making people more fearful about coronavirus ?

The fear is the contagiousness. Coronavirus spreads through tiny droplets suspended in air due to a sneeze of an infected people. Lack of faith on their immune system is another reason behind fear. Most of us do nothing to improve our immunity and take our own immune system as granted. Yes, it is granted by nature, and it is best. Just have faith in it and do some exercises on daily basis to keep it running at its full throttle.

Yogas to save you from coronavirus.

Step 1: Remove Stress and Fear

Stress makes our immune system less effective. Fear is also a form of stress, so get rid of it. Our fear/stress can be easily measured by checking our breathing rate. Once you become fearful of something, your breathing increases. Reverse can also be done through yoga. Just take some deep breaths and slow down the pace of your inhale-exhale, which will make you feel less stressed within minutes. “Pranayama”, or breathwork act on the vagus nerve that runs from the brain to the abdomen and balances the ANS (autonomic nervous system).
“Ujjayi” or victorious breathing : This pranayama is performed with inhale-exhale ratio of 1:2. Inhaling fills the lower belly and rises the lower rib cage. Inhaling is done through both nostrils, while exhaling is done only through left nostril, by closing the right nostril with thumb.
“Yoga Nidra” (yogic sleep) : This is performed by lying down in a completely mindful and relaxed state which calms your nervous system and helps you overcome any fear or anxiety.

Step 2 : Restorative Yoga to boost immunity

Sukhasana and Pranayama: It is simple sitting and breathing, sounds a bit simple but its an effective way of boosting your immunity. Sit comfortably with your legs crossed or in kneeling position, making sure that you are straight with your shoulders above your hips. While inhaling lengthen up your spine and feel rooted while exhaling. At least 10 deep breaths should be taken in one sitting.

Ardha Matsyendrasana: Just sit in the posture as shown in image (as long as you are comfortable). Take 5 long breaths and then change the posture to other side. Make sure that your spine is straight and inhaling is exerting bearable pressure on your abdominal region. This yoga stimulates your spine and digestive system.

Supported Matasyasana: This yogasana open up lungs and removes any type of congestion. Stay in this pose for 1 to 5 minutes. This pose boosts energy level and immunity.

Uttanasana (Forward Fold) : This pose increases the blood flow to sinus. Sinus and mucus membranes are important part of our immune system and defends us from any possible intruder. Stay in this pose for 5 breaths. This pose is a bit difficult, so only regular practitioners can do it perfectly. Don't push yourself too hard if you can't do it in the beginning.

Viparita Karani : This yoga is done by putting your legs on the wall. It relaxes your back, allows lymph drainage and boosts your immunity. You may stay in this pose for 1 to 10 minutes. You may use some supporting pillow under your hips to be comfortable.

According to yoga guru Ramdev, some pranayams can also help in improving immune system. These pranayams are

• Bhrasrika
• Kapalbhati
• Anulom-Vilom
• Bhramri
• Udgeet

Ayurvedic / Herbal Plants

Apart from these pranayams Giloy, an Ayurvedic medicinal plant, is also recommended by experts. In Ayurveda Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia) is also known as amrita (the root of immortality). Both stem and roots of Giloy are used as powder and juice. It should be boiled in water till the amount of water remains one-forth and then cooled down before drinking. It boosts immunity, treats chronic fever, improves digestion, treats diabetes, reduces stress/anxiety, fights respiratory problems, reduces inflammation and improves vision.
Tulsi tea: tulsi (Holy basil) is one of the most revered Ayurvedic herbs. Drinking its tea can save you from stress, fever, and headache and it is a natural lung clearer.
Ashwagandha: It is an Ayurvedic super-herb which boosts immunity and fights immune-compromising fatigue and anxiety.
Turmeric: It has got natural anti-microbial properties and used as must-have ingredient in Indian kitchens.

Lifestyle Changes to avoid Coronavirus

Some lifestyle practices can help you in staying away from coronavirus infection. Some people re using face-mask to protect themselves from viral infection, which is not so effective compared to some other methods that we are describing here.

• Gargle: Germs hang out in your nose and throat for 24 hours before going into your blood stream. Gargle every morning and evening using salt mixed warm water to flush out any infectious agent.
• Avoid touching public properties: While travelling you must avoid touching unnecessary object like railings of escalators, door handles and armrests. Virus can survive on such surfaces for hours and can infect all those who touch these objects. 
• Go Cashless: Cash currency can be best carrier for any virus/bacteria. Using digital currency can save you from this threat. ATMs are used by a number of people everyday and their keypad contain more virus/bacteria than a toilet seat. So always use handwash/sanitizer after using ATM. 

Expert Tip: Instead of using fingertips, use your knuckles to operate the ATM.

• Don't touch your face: Suppose you touched any infected surface with your hand and touched your eyes, nose, mouth then you are unknowingly welcoming the virus inside your body. 

Apart from these tips you may give your opinion in the comments section. Spread the word by sharing this article to your family and friends.

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Does your Food affects your Mind and Thinking

When i decided to write this article about how our food affects our thinking, my motive was thinking not human brain or body function. But most of the internet is full of information relating to how food affects brain functions. Some of them even compared food with drugs. They may be somehow true, but my topic of this article in related to thinking, which is something about our mind. Does the food that we eat really affects our thinking. Can our dietary changes, change the way our mind thinks. I had some initial knowledge about what i need to tell in this article, but still i researched on internet to get some more insight into this topic.

A few years ago i read about different types of foods in some Indian Hindu Text. When i tried to search for that information i found that this information is part of Hindu culture and some most important hindu texts such as Gita and Ayurveda. The information provided below is totally an extract of that knowledge.

There are three types of food and personalities. Both foods and personalities have same name.

• Satvik
• Rajsik
• Tamsik

Satvik is considered best, then Rajsik and Tamsik is the worst category. We will describe some foods that come in these categories and also the characteristics of personalities that are attained due to that type of food.

Satvik

Satvik food is not just pure-vegetarian but it contains only selected types of vegetarian food. Onion and Garlic are totally banned in satvik food. Fresh green vegetables, grains, fresh milk, fruits and almonds come in this category. But if the cooked food is not consumed within 4 hours then it can't be treated as Satvik. A person who eats satvik food on regular basis is intelligent and forgiving, he performs all of his duties without any greediness and his mind remains calm.

Rajsik

Rajsik food if consumed in right quantity can inspire us to work by using our brain and body. But if it is consumed in higher quantities then it makes us aggressive and full of anger. Food items that come under Rajsik category are spicy food items, onion, garlic, tea, coffee and oily dishes. Therefore Satvik food can become Rajsik if a lot of spices and oil is used in its preparation. Rajsik food is usually tastier than Satvik food.

Tamsik

Tamsik food makes our body and mind full of laziness. All non veg foods, fatty foods and stale food comes under this category. If you eat stale food by heating it again, then you are making it tamsik. Even satvik or rajsik food can be turned into tamsik in this way. Food items with high sugar content are also considered tamsik. Tamsik food can easily make our body full of diseases.

According to ancient Hindu text ayurveda, our diet decides our personality. Making some changes in our diet can change our personality. It can change our thinking quality and quantity. We all know that good diet can give us good health but this information provided above is something more than just health. Apart from deciding our health, our diet can change our thinking. Our thinking makes us who we are, so choose your diet wisely. You diet makes you who you are.

When a journalist asked an Indian Guru named Sadhguru about non-veg diet then he explained how our thinking changes by our diet. He explained it in our modern terminology of software. All of the living objects have different levels of consciousness. Plants have the lowest level of consciousness, then comes the animals, and then we the humans have highest level of consciousness. If we consider consciousness as software, low consciousness means simple software and high consciousness means complex software. When a complex software consumes a simple software then it can easily override its features. But if we consume something complex then either our body struggles more to override its features, our some of the features of that complex software become our own features. Animals have a complex software due to their higher level of consciousness. Eating them can infect us with their consciousness and we might start thinking like them and anger and cruelty can become a part of us.  

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Ayurveda on Hernia Treatment

Some types are hernias are considered curable in Ayurveda while some don't. Incisional Hernia is one of those types which can't be cured by ayurvedic medicines. If there is no pain your hernia and its size is not large then surgery will not be suggested by any doctor. But your condition is severe then even the ayurvedic doctors will suggest surgery as the better option.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Hernia

There are various types of Hernia and therefore we can't suggest a single medicine for all types of hernias. Sometimes the ayurvedic medicine is given to give relief from some symptoms. For example constipation can cause some types of hernia and can make hernia worst, therefore ayurvedic medicines are given to get relief from constipation. If you think that those were medicines for hernia, then you are wrong. So its better to take prescription from an ayurvedic practitioner after describing your complete hernia condition. There is Hernia Ayurvedic Medicine Package available in the market, but we suggest you to consult a ayurvedic doctor before taking it.

Yogasans for Hernia Patients

Hernia Patients are not advised to practice hard yogasans. Only mild yogas and pranayams are advised for hernia patients. If you are a hernia patient and going to some yoga class then we advise you to tell it to your instructor. Some yogasans such as Chakrasana are never advised for hernia patients. Those yogasanas which exert pressure on abdominal region are harmful in hernia.

Those Yogasans that you can do with hernia are listed here. You should do these yogas under strict supervision and in case of any discomfort stop doing it.

Here is the list of yogansans for hernia patients:

• Sarvangasana
• Matasyasana
• Pawan Muktasana
• Utthan Pada Asana
• Pashchimotasana Vajrasana
• Shashanka Asana
• Ushtra Asana
• Pranayamas  such as Bhramari, Anulom Vilom
• Mudras such as Ashwini Mudra, Vajroli Mudra

Hernia: Symptoms and Treatment

Ayurvedic Advise for Umbilical Hernia

if the size of your Umbilical Hernia is less than 1 cm then it can be cured by yogasanas insted of taking medicines. A combination of proper diet and exercise is always a better thing to treat a health problem.
Yogasanas for Umbilical Hernia

• Uthitha Padasana
• Paschimottasa
• Pavanamuktasana
• Padahastasana
• Supta Vajarasana
• Uttana Padasana
• Savasana
• Yog Nidra

Pranayamas such as Ujjayi, Kapalabhati, Anulom Viloma are also better for Umbilical Hernia.
If size of Umbilical Hernia is more than 2.5 cm then surgery is advised.

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Ayurveda on using Honey for Weight Loss

The usage of Honey (मधु) is mentioned in books of Ayurveda. According to Bhaishajya ratnavali 39/3 (भैषज्य रत्नावलि – 39/ 3) honey can be used as a medicine to get relief from obesity.

प्रातर्मधुयुतं वारि सेवितं स्थौल्यनाशनं ।

Meaning: Honey(मधु) should be taken early morning(प्रातः) along with water(वारि) to remove (नाशनं) Obesity(स्थौल्य)

How to use Honey for Weight Loss

Preparation: Mix 1 spoon honey with half glass lukewarm water.
Time to Use: Early Morning before eating anything else.
Precaution: Do not eat anything for 15 minutes after having it.
Usage duration: Can be used for 3 to 6 months
Note: You should not take it if you are either Diabetic or Pregnant

Should Kids use it for Weight Loss ?

Anybody regardless of age and sex can use honey as a medicine to get relief from obesity. Only correct method which is mentioned above should be used.

Can i use boiled water to mix with honey ?

Strictly NO ! As per reference from two Ayurveda books (Ashtanga Hridayam Sutrasthana 5/ 53 and Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 26/84), hot water is not compatible with honey. Hot or boiled water can change medicinal property of honey.
You can use following types of water with honey:

• Lukewarm Water
• Cooled down boiled water

Can i use lemon and honey with lukewarm water?

Yes, Langhana therapy or Shodhana in which lemon and honey are used with warm water to remove toxin from body. These therapies are used for cleaning, detoxing and reducing weight.

Can pregnant women use this method?

Weight loss is not a good thing during pregnancy. So its not prescribed for pregnant women. Insted pregnant women should use Brihmana therapy, which is to gain weight.

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Ayurvedic Treatment for Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is one of the worst diseases which happen in women. Almost 99% cases of breast cancer occur in women. Several therapies are used by women worldwide to get cure from this disease. Some people take Ayurvedic treatment for Breast Cancer as an alternative medicine. In some cases its cured as well. But there are no accurate studies to take it as a guaranteed treatment for Breast Cancer.

Here we will discuss Ayurvedic treatment for Breast Cancer ans if you should take it or not. Before we go further lets look few known causes of breast cancer.

Factors and Causes of Breast Cancer

• Gender: Usually Breast cancer occur in women. More than 99% of all breast cancer cases occur in women.
• Menstrual history: Those women who started menstruating before age 12 and those who went through menopause after 55 years of age have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Age:Risk increases with age. More than 50% cases of Breast Cancer occur after the age 60. More than one-third cases occurs after age 75 years. 
• Pregnancy and breast feeding: If you have never been pregnant or if your first pregnancy occurred after 30 years of age then you have an increased risk of getting breast cancer.
• Alcohol:Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer in women.
• Smoking: increases the risk for breast cancer.
• More Weight: Obese women have slightly higher risk of getting this disease after menopause.
• Socioeconomic Status: Those women who belong to high society are more prone to breast cancer because they are more exposed to alcohol, smoking or stress.
• Diet and lifestyle: High Amount of fat and oil in diet and low physical activity contribute to developing breast cancer.
• Wearing tight bra and sleeping with bra makes you more prone to breast cancer. 
• Breast is one of the biggest lymph gland and it should get some exercise to grain.

Ayurveda and Breast Cancer

Some Ayurvedic Herbs which are known for having anti-cancer properties are

• Tumeric
• Amla
• Holy Basil
• Ashwagandha
• Boswellia
• Nigella sativa
• Rhubarb root
• Triphla

There are some therapies in Ayurveda which are found helpful in treating Breast Cancer

• Touch Therapies 
• Aromatherapy 
• Some Herbs or Plant treatments (Some herbal medicines are safe, but not all. Some heavy metals present in herbs might cause negative impact on your regular treatment) 
• Yoga, Relaxation Techniques 
• Massage 

Before starting any of the above therapies its better to consult an Ayurvedic Doctor. As mentioned above some herbal medicines contain heavy metals, so its better to ask your regular doctor before you start using them. Sometimes these herbal medicines may cause complications in your regular medication.

Yoga (Relaxation Techniques) is known to reduce stress in people suffering with breast cancer.

Ayurveda and Health

According to Ayurveda all health problem occur when our mind, body and spirit are out of balance. Main motive of Ayurvedic practices is to bring back that balance, and it will prevent and cure the diseases.

There are three types of elements (doshas) in our body:

• Vata, which means Air and Space
• Pitta, which means Fire and Water
• Kapha, which means Water and Earth

These three types of elements work in harmony. One of these elements is always strong in our body but our health is maintained only when we make correct balance between these three. Due to this reason we should follow some ayurvedic practices to maintain that balance.

Here are a few Ayurvedic medicines which are found helpful in treating cancer, especially Breast Cancer:

• Withaferin A: The compound Withaferin A taken from Withania somnifera, an ayurvedic plant, stopped the growth of breast cancer in mice. In an american research, its found that it stopped the growth of cancerous cells.
• Sanjeevani: Sanjeevani (selaginella bryopteris) one of the most famous Ayurvedic Herb is found helpful in stopping cancer cell growth in some laboratory experiments. It even reduced the size of skin tumours in mice.
• Pomegranate: Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is used to treat prostate, bowel and liver cancer. However there are no studies done on humans to verify this fact.
• Indian frankincense: salai guggal or Indian frankincense is used to treat inflammatory conditions in ayurvedic treatment. In a US research study in 2011 acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) taken from the gum resin of Indian frankincense is found to slow down the growth of bowel cancer in mice.
• Mangosteen: This fruit is used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicinal system. A compound named alpha-mangostin found in outer layer of this fruit has shown the characteristic to kill various cancer cells in some lab experiments. When its tested on mice, it slowed growth of breast cancer.
• MAK-4 and MAK-5: These two ayurvedic medicines is used in some laboratory studies and found good in controlling tumours in rats and cancer cells.

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Dengue Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda is considered as one of the most reliable therapy by a millions of people around the globe. People often search for ayurvedic treatment for Dengue Fever. Here we will try to provide in-depth information about Dengue ayurvedic treatment.

Ayurvedic Name of Dengue Fever: Dandak Jwara (दंडक ज्वर )
Other Names : Dandy Fever, Breakbone Fever

Dengue Ayurvedic Treatment

Some of the commonly used ayurvedic treatment for Dengue fever are given below.

• Mix 360 mg of Shunthi Churna with 125 mg of Hinguleshwar and now take this mixture at least 4 times daily with hot water or milk. Shunthi is ayurvedic name of Ginger which is known for various medicinal properties. Hinguleshwar Ras contain heavy metal ingredients and it is usually used to treat body-ache and headache. This medicine should be taken strictly on prescription of an Ayurvedic Doctor.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves are also used in Dengue Fever. Tulsi leaves provide soothing effect on nervous system and strengthen the stomach.
• Fruits rich in Vitamin C should be given to patient. Vitamin C helps in better absorption of iron from the food consumed.
• Coriander leaves (हरा धनिया ) is also used to get relief from dengue fever.
• Papaya leaves are also considered as a good medicine by some Siddha physicians of South India. There is no studies to support this belief but people say that platelets count increase after taking papaya leaves.
• Goat milk is also considered as a good alternative to increase platelet count which usually decreases in  Dengue fever.  

You must consult an ayurvedic doctor before applying any of the above given treatments for Dengue Fever.

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Ayurvedic Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness (Hair Loss)

Ayurvedic Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness

Male Pattern Baldness is a common problem among aging men. Now a days its occurrence in age group of 20s and 30s is also increasing. Ayurveda says that baldness occur due to aggravation of Vata and Pitta. 

There are a few ayurvedic remedies to gain the lost hair and stop hair fall.

• To restore the growth of hair make a paste of 1 spoon salt, one spoon black pepper powder and 5 spoon coconut oil. Now apply this paste on bald patches to restore the hair growth.
• If sudden bald patches have occured on your scalp due to hair fall in bunches then rub onion juice on those areas regularly for sometime. 
•  Make a paste of 1 spoon lemon juice and 2 spoon coconut oil. Rub it on the scalp before taking a shower. 
•  Wash your hairs on alternate days with decoction of Mulathi. 
•  Massage your scalp with fresh coriander juice. 
•  Apply carrot paste on scalp.

Apart from these Ayurvedic Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness you should implement some lifestyle changes to stop hair loss and get your hair back. Some of these lifestyle changes are

Avoid Tight Hairstyles

Tight hair styles and making pony tails put extra pressure on hair roots and make them weaker with time which leads to hair fall. So avoid tight hair styles.

Shampooing / Cleaning

Shampooing is only meant to clean the hair. Harsh shampoos too many chemicals which can weaken your hair. so you should use herbal shampoo or baby shampoo diluted with water.

Proper Combing

15 to 20 gentle strokes with a comb is sufficient every day. Proper combing stimulates blood flow toward hair roots which nourishes them. It also prevents hair breakage and split ends. It also transfers the natural skin oil from roots to the tips of hair which moisturizes them. Proper combing also removes flaky scales from the scalp.

Proper Diet

Proper diet which is full of vitamins and minerals is also necessary to make your hair healthy

• Fruits like melons, berries, bananas, oranges and apples are helpful in reducing hair loss.
• Green leafy vegetables like spinach and cabbage.
• Dairy Products including milk, eggs and cheese, can increase your hair health.
• Non Vegetarians can use chicken, nuts, fish, and organ meats (such as liver) for good hair growth.
• At least 8 glasses of water are necessary every day for healthy hair.

A number of Ayurvedic capsules are available in market to reduce hair loss and regrow them. Ingredients of these Ayurvedic Capsules are:

• Acacia bica (Babool)
• Sesamum Indicum (Safed Til)
• Myristica Fragrans (Zayfal)
• Terminalia Bellirica (Bahera)
• Withenia Somnifera (Ashwandha)
• Trminalia Chebula (Harar)
• Cocos Nucifera (Nariyal Giri)
• Celastrus Panniculatus (Maalfungni)

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Diabetes Ayurvedic Treatment Trending in India

Diabetes is becoming one of the most common disease in the modern world. In this disease the blood sugar level is not controlled by our body properly as insulin hormone which regulates the blood sugar is not secreted properly. While i was researching about this disease, i found an Ayurvedic Treatment of Diabetes. Ayurvedic Treatment are well known in the world for their good results with no side effects.

I have found the following ayurvedic diabetes treatment on a website while researching on this topic. Please read the "Important Note" at the end of this article to check the genuineness of this treatment.

Ingredients for Ayurvedic Treatment of Diabetes

• 100g Wheat Flour
• 100g Food grade Gum (Gond in Hindi)
• 100g Barley (Jow in Hindi)
• 100g Black Caraway, or Black Onion Seed (Kalonji in Hindi)

How to Prepare Ayurvedic Medicine for Diabetes

• Add of the above ingredients in a container.
• Add 1.5 Ltr water in it and mix it.
• Boil it for 10 Minutes
• Keep it open till its temprature become normal.
• Distill the water from it into a glass bottle.
• Keep it in a fridge. 

Now your Ayurvedic Diabetes Medicine is ready.
Insulin Resistance: The reason behind Diabetes

Usage

Drink one small cup of this water just after getting up in morning. It should be taken before breakfast.
For first 1 week drink it daily. During second week drink it on alternate days. After 2 weeks of course get your sugar level tested.

Never keep this water in a steel bottle (it may make the water sour). Use a glass container.

Please mention your test results in the comments section if your have tried this ayurvedic medicine. Your comments might help other people in getting rid of this disease.

Reference: http://healthnature1.blogspot.in/2013/05/diabetes.html

Important Note

A website named hoaxorfact.com says that the above treatment is a hoax. You may check its details on the following URL: http://www.hoaxorfact.com/Health/successful-treatment-for-diabetes-by-dr-tony-almeida-bombay-kidney-speciality-expert-facts.html . This site says that Dr Tony Almeida is no one. But i found him on practo.com (https://www.practo.com/mumbai/doctor/dr-tony-almeida-diabetologist) . I am still unsure if the above treatment works or not. Your comments are most welcome on this topic.

If i find some better ayurvedic treatment for diabetes then i will mention it on this page. Till that time keep visiting betterhealthfacts.com .

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Ashwagandha – The Wonder Plant

Ashwagandha is a plant originating in India which has been widely used by Africans and Native Americans for treating a multitude of diseases. Ashwagandha and its secret benefits have been known for 5000 years in India and have been incorporated into an ancient system of medicine from India – Ayurveda – a holistic system of medicines which does not treat the symptoms (as most forms of medicine do) but, treats the underlying causes.
Ashwagandha is a short shrub growing 35 to 75 centimetres tall growing in and around the Indian subcontinent. It is also native to Northern Africa and the Middle East. As the growing benefits of the plant are becoming known, it is cultivated in temperate climates the world over including the United States of America. Although all parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, the roots and the stems are the main components of most medicines.

Why is it called Ashwagandha

The name Ashwagandha derives from Indian language of Sanskrit is a combination of two words, “Ashva”, meaning horse, and “gandha” meaning smell. The root, which is primarily used to prepare the medicine, has a smell akin to that of a “sweaty horse”. Ashwagandha is known to the scientific world by the name Withania somnifera. Commonly known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is a plant in the Solanaceae family ( a family which also includes the tomato)

Uses of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of the most widely used herbs in Ayurveda and Unani medicines and is beneficial in a wide range of ailments. Ashwagandha is considered to be a Rasayana Drug – that which rejuvenates the body. Ashwagandha is also known for enhancing the, “Dhi, Dhriti and Smriti” – the cognitive functions. It is used for treating fertility problems in both males and females and also as a mild aphrodisiac. A preparation of Ashwagandha in honey, sugar and ghee is widely used in premature ejaculation, low libido and erectile dysfunction with good results being reported.

Properties of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has four main properties, growth promoter, adaptogenic, anti-stress and an immunostimulant. Ashwagandha when taken with milk increases the haemoglobin content and also increases the absorption of Copper, Zinc and Potassium. Ashwagandha also increases the body weight and energy especially in emaciated children

Recent clinical trials have shown that Ashwagandha prevents the degeneration of neurons and nerves and thus should be helpful in Parkinsonism and Alzheimer’s disease. Of even greater significance and interest are some other studies on experimental animals which have shown the potential of Ashwagandha to stop cancer cells in their tracks. It is being concluded on the basis of these studies that Ashwagandha is more effective than doxorubicin in inhibiting breast and colon cancer growth. Another exciting finding is the ability of Ashwagandha to enhance the survival rates and life span of cancer patients.

Ashwagandha is Anti Aging

Another aspect of Ashwagandha which deserves a special mention is its anti-aging property and its ability to fight cold and cough. Ashwagandha is used as a topical application in conditions like skin ulcers, carbuncles, tumours etc with good results.

Diseases cured by Ashwagandha

Studies are also underway to evaluate the performance of Ashwagandha in Diabetes, impotency, cancer, rheumatism and arthritis, loss of memory, neurological problems and in constipation among other diseases.

As modern lifestyle changes and dietary imbalances play havoc with both the mental and physical health of the suffering masses, Ashwagandha with its multi-faceted uses is the focus of a slew of research activities aimed at discovering the uses of this hitherto neglected plant in attaining “Ojus” – a subtle and refined level of the human body which is the end result of properly digested and assimilated healthy food which in turn is responsible for physical and mental strength, a lustrous complexion, a strong and vibrant immune system and what we all crave the most – a sense of well being.

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