Triphala and Benefits of Triphala Herb
General Description
Triphala literally means ‘three fruits’ (tri = three, phala = fruits). It is a mixture composed of the three essential myrobalans. They are:-
(i) Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
(ii) Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica)
(iii) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Properties
The properties of the Triphala are dependent on the properties of its individual herbs. Let us see what these properties are:-
(i) Amalaki, i.e. the Indian gooseberry, is the richest source of vitamin C in the world. It is a light green fruit with a sour taste due to its acidic content. The fruit is cooling and refreshing. It also has laxative and purgative properties. Since it has good amount of vitamin C, amalaki hastens blood clotting and heals wounds. In some cases, amalaki has been used to renew lost sexual vigor in men and women with success.
(ii) Bibhitaki is a bitter herb, also popularly known as behra. Like amalaki, it also has beneficial effects in healing of wounds. It is a tonic and a laxative. It can reduce fevers, and hence it is an antipyretic.
(iii) Haritaki is one of the mildest and safest laxatives used in Ayurvedic medicine. It prevents blood clotting. Haritaki is a stomachic; it improves the functioning of the stomach and facilitates digestion. Haritaki is used to improve all nutritional imbalances in the system, and looks after the entire digestive, absorptive, assimilative and excretory process.
Hence, Triphala which is made up of these three valuable components is a real boon to Ayurveda. Recently, the potential of Triphala in stopping the growth of cancerous cells in the body is being studied in greater detail.
The following are the general properties of Triphala:-
(i) Triphala has anti-inflammatory properties.
(ii) Triphala regulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system and the liver.
(iii) Triphala has excellent effect on the digestive system. It has laxative properties.
(iv) Triphala can reduce the cholesterol that is accumulated in the blood.
(v) Triphala is an expectorant.
(vi) Triphala fastens the healing process, because it has collagen, an important cementing material required in the process of blood clotting.
Uses
Triphala is vastly considered as one of the most important medicines Ayurveda has ever provided to the world. The following are the uses for which Triphala is today internationally acclaimed:-
(i) Digestive Problems
All the three constituents of the Triphala have laxative properties. Triphala can stimulate the mucosal lining of the gastric and the intestinal tract, and hence help in digestion. Triphala is prescribed to people having constipation problems. By regular use of Triphala for a few days, the toxins within the intestinal tract are flushed out. Triphala is also prescribed for tonifying (i.e. regulating) the functioning of the stomach and the colon. Triphala is prescribed as an essential medicine for the elderly who are prone to have more digestive problems than the younger people. This is mainly because Triphala is a non-habit forming drug, and it has no known side-effects even after prolonged use.
(ii) Flatulence
Triphala is prescribed to people who have excess acidity in their stomachs. A regular use of the Triphala helps to dissolve all the toxic acids in the stomach. This helps in the treatment of flatulence.
(iii) Gout
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Triphala is used in the treatment of gout and other joint problems. Gout is formed when excess uric acid deposits in the joints of the bones. This is removed by Triphala, which gets it expelled through urination. Therefore, the conditions of gout are brought to a minimum.
(iv) Liver Disorders
Triphala helps in the proper functioning of the liver and the pancreas. It regulates the bile duct and treats sluggishness of the liver. Triphala is a support to the liver in performing most of its physiological functions. It is a common medicine prescribed to patients of hepatitis.
(v) Nervous Disorders
Triphala is prescribed in nervous problems like the Alzheimer’s due to its cooling and toning properties. It can repair the degenerated nerves and bring the nervous system back to a normal state of functioning.
(vi) Obesity
Amalaki is especially known to disintegrate the fatty accumulation in the body. Thus, Triphala can reduce the excess weight in obese people. In addition, regular use of the Triphala can also heal several of the complications of obesity. Since Triphala can dissolve the serum cholesterol, it decreases the chances of cardiovascular problems. The acrid and bitter components of Triphala are also good in the treatment and control of diabetes mellitus, to which obese people are much prone.
(vii) Ocular Problems
Triphala has beneficial effects in the treatment of eye infections like conjunctivitis and visual problems like cataract and glaucoma. On a lighter note, Triphala is prescribed to treat eye problems such as fatigue, redness and soreness of the eyes. It is used as eyewash in these cases.
Precautions
Triphala does not have any major side-effects. But it must be avoided by pregnant woman. People having complaints of diarrhea and dysentery must also restrict the use of Triphala.
Read more about the benefits of Triphala and Tulsi. Also find Herbal Colon Cleansing at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Treatments
Weight Loss through Simple Home Remedies
Being overweight is quite certainly one of the greatest health risk people over the world are facing today. Medically, this condition is known as obesity. Obese people are very vulnerable to a large number of lethal diseases, such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, diabetes, paralysis and gangrene. Hence, doctors and medical experts all over the world stress on maintaining a healthy weight to keep most diseases at bay.
In Ayurveda, there are several dietary and herbal techniques by which people can reduce weight. Just like it does in other treatments, Ayurveda does not believe in any kind of debilitating treatment methods; instead its treatments are centered on making the person lead a healthier lifestyle. The following article is about some of the best remedies and methods that people can do within their homes to achieve a healthier profile.
Treatment with Simple Home Remedies
Remedy # 1
This one is not actually a remedy, but it is the most important thing you must do in order to keep your weight in a normal level. And that is, stick to a healthy diet. The following are the dietary guidelines you must follow in order to keep your waistline healthy:-
§ Do not overindulge in eating any one type of food. Keep your diet balanced.
§ Keep the intake of sugars and fats to a minimum. The fats to be avoided are the saturated fats and the trans-fatty acids.
§ Too much carbohydrates build weight. Hence, the intake of rice and potatoes must be reduced. Wheat, barley and maize are ideal substitutes for rice in people who has weight problems.
§ You must have at least one bitter vegetable per day. This helps in the proper metabolism of fats and do not allow them to accumulate in the body.
§ Never eat to full capacity.
§ Consume a lot of fluids in the day. This helps to eliminate the undigested foods effectively.
§ Exercise is extremely important. It is necessary to indulge in mild physical activity after each meal even if you cannot make time to go to a gym.
Remedy # 2
Have a totally salt-free diet once a week. This helps reduce weight. Also skip a meal once in a month.
Remedy # 3
Prepare chutney of mint leaves. This must be taken with every single meal. It helps in the proper breaking down of the fats. Also begin your day with a cup of mint tea.
Remedy # 4
Vitamin C is very good for people who are looking to reduce their weight. Since amalaki (Emblica officinalis, Indian Gooseberry) is the best source of vitamin C in the world, it is good to eat two three fruits of the amalaki each day. Also have a glass of any one citrus fruit – orange, lemon, etc. – each day. Green leafy vegetables also have good vitamin C content. They can be consumed raw in the form of salads.
Remedy # 5
Honey is very good for mobilizing the fats in the body. Take a spoonful of honey half an hour after every meal. A good remedy is to mix a teaspoonful of honey and lemon juice and have it twice a day. Alternatively, you can take a bowl of warm water, put a teaspoonful each of honey and lemon juice and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. This is a very good remedy to dissolve the excess fats.
Remedy # 6
The Indian plum, i.e. jambula, is renowned for its weight controlling properties. Jambula dissolves the excess fats and gets them properly utilized in the body. Take four leaves of the jambula plant and soak them in a glass of water overnight. In the morning, discard the leaves and drink the water on an empty stomach. If you do this everyday, then you will find a positive reduction in your weight in three weeks or a month.
Treatment with Special Ayurvedic Methods
Ayurvedic experts would first try to ascertain what dosha type the patient is, because the treatment of obesity depends on that. Generally, Vashti Karma is prescribed, a therapy that is quite like giving an enema. This flushes the toxins from the body. Then other methods are employed to reduce the excess fats. There are various herbs and preparations that are prescribed in order to treat obese people. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and the Triphala choorna are definitely prescribed. It must be noted that the Triphala contains amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki; all of which are extremely potent in dissolving the excess fats. Shilajit is also prescribed quite often, as it removes the unwanted constituents from the digestive system and provides the body with a good mineral balance that it requires. Most importantly, the significance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle is stressed upon the patient.
Read more about the Benefits of Triphala in Natural Weight Loss at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies. Also Read more on Breast Massage Techniques
Do You Know the Health Benefits of Garlic?
General Description
Garlic belongs to the same family as the onion. Both these herbs have been given special importance in Ayurveda due to their immense curative properties. The first recorded incidence of garlic as a medicinal herb dates as back as 4500 B.C. when the pyramid builders in Egypt were made to eat garlic cloves everyday for building their health. It has also been recommended by Hippocrates, who is regarded as the Father of Medicine.
Garlic is a biennial herb, but it is generally cultivated as an annual herb for convenience. Morphologically, it is a short herb with fibrous roots, a condensed stem and flattened leaves. The separate cloves of the garlic are enclosed together to form a single bulb. There could be anywhere between six and thirty-five cloves in one bulb of garlic.
It is called as lahsuna in the Indian language and its binomial name is Allium sativum. It contains all the vitamins necessary in the human diet, such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin (B complex vitamins) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Garlic contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and iron. It also contains iodine, sulfur and chlorine in trace amounts. Besides all these, garlic contains allicin, allisatin I and allisatin II, all of which have been identified to be agents helpful in bringing down high blood pressure.
Properties
Garlic is known for the following curative properties:-
(i) Garlic contains antiseptic properties. Hence it is used in preventing infections.
(ii) Garlic is hypotensive, i.e. it has capacity to bring down blood pressure.
(iii) Garlic is a stimulant for appetite.
(iv) Due to its rich vitamin and mineral content, garlic is very good for the hair.
(v) Garlic increases the inner body strength and vitality.
(vi) Garlic can reduce cholesterol accumulated in the arteries. That explains its widespread use in the treatment of heart problems.
(vii) The strong juices of the garlic dissolve the mucus content in the respiratory tract.
(viii) Garlic increases perspiration, which helps in the removal of the toxins from the sweat pores.
(ix) Garlic is anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic in nature.
(x) Garlic has notable aphrodisiacal properties. It is used in the treatment of many sexual problems.
Uses
Garlic is almost worshipped in Ayurvedic medicine since it is a single treatment for a wide variety of diseases. The following are the diseases in which garlic proves to be very beneficial.
(i) Acne
Garlic is used in the treatment of acne. If the pimples are rubbed with a cut clove of garlic several times a day, then they will disappear without leaving a scar behind. Garlic must also be included in the diet since it is a blood-purifier and can treat acne from within.
(ii) Asthma
Garlic is a sure remedy for asthma patients. Each night before retiring to bed, asthmatic patients must drink a glassful of milk in which three cloves of garlic have been boiled. Another remedy is very popular in making asthmatic attacks less severe. It is as follows: Peel a clove of garlic, crush it and boil it in 120 milliliters of pure malt vinegar. Cool it, then strain it and add an equal quantity of honey in it. Preserve this syrup in a clean bottle. Take one or two teaspoons of this syrup with a decoction of fenugreek twice each day, after darkness sets in.
(iii) Digestive Problems
Garlic is unanimously considered by all Ayurvedic doctors to be the best herb in the treatment of digestive problems. Daily consumption of garlic in the food helps in the proper movement of the intestines, which helps in digestion. Due to its antiseptic properties, garlic is also good remedy for preventing the inflammations of the gastric canal. Garlic aids in the treatment of colitis, dysentery and diarrhea.
(iv) Heart Problems
Garlic has only recently been proven in the west to be a suitable remedy for heart ailments. It can disintegrate the cholesterol that collects in the arteries, and hence treat the problem of atherosclerosis. It is clinically proven that the chances of a heart attack are significantly lowered if a person who has suffered a minor heart attack begins taking three cloves of garlic on a daily basis.
(v) High Blood Pressure
Due to the rich chemicals present in it, garlic is taken as an effective treatment for high blood pressure. Garlic reduces the spasms of the arteries and reduces the pressure. In addition, it also modifies the heart rhythm and dizziness, shortness of breath and flatulence.
(vi) Parasites
Garlic is an excellent worm expeller. It is also used in treating bacterial infections in the alimentary canal. The best thing about using garlic as a remedy for bacterial parasites is that it kills the harmful bacteria without harming the useful ones.
(vii) Pneumonia
A decoction of garlic is boiled in milk. This is prepared by mixing one gram of garlic in 250 milliliters of milk and one liter of water. All this is boiled till it reduces to one-fourth of the amount. This is to be taken thrice a day. This is a wonderful remedy for pneumonia.
(viii) Ringworm
Garlic is rubbed over ringworm. This burns out the infection and the skin falls off, leaving healed skin behind.
(ix) Rheumatism
Garlic is used in rheumatism treatment due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to rheumatism, garlic is also used for the treatment of lumbago and arthritis.
(x) Sexual Problems
Garlic has aphrodisiac properties. It is used to enhance libido in men and women. It is used as a sex rejuvenator, i.e. it can improve sexual activity that has been damaged due to accident or disease. It is important for people who overindulge in sex to protect them from nervous exhaustion.
(xi) Tuberculosis
Garlic is used for tuberculosis in the form of a decoction boiled in milk.
(xii) Whooping Cough
In cases of whooping cough, syrup of garlic is given in doses of five drops sweetened with some sugar. This is given thrice a day, and the dosage must be increased if the problem becomes more violent.
(xiii) Wounds
Due to its antiseptic properties, garlic can be effectively used in the treatment of wounds and ulcers. A good antiseptic lotion can be prepared for washing wounds by dissolving one part of garlic juice in three parts of distilled water. When the wound is washed with this lotion, there is marked improvement in a very short time. This also relieves the pain that is associated with wounds due to damage to the nerves.
Special Ayurvedic Preparations
Mostly garlic is eaten raw, and is prescribed to be an integral part of the diet.
Precautions
Garlic is a component of the main Indian diet, and there are no problems associated with its intake. Up to six cloves of garlic can be taken per day without any side-effects. The only problem with garlic is that it gives a bad taste in the mouth and pungent breath due to its sulfur content.
Read more about the benefits of garlic and Holy Basil at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies
