Low Sodium salt

Sodium chloride is the Table salt which we can't live without.
Salt regulates the fluid balance in the body and regulates the electrical signaling in the nervous system.Too little salt in the diet can cause dizziness and fluid imbalance .
The recommended salt intake differs slightly depending on the age group of a person and the country one belongs to . But 2200 mg of Sodium in a day is the upper limit .This includes the sodium from all the food sources.
              Increased Sodium levels in the diet cause kidney trouble,heart problems and water retention in the body.There is a direct relation between high blood pressure and increased salt intake.So it is always better to decrease the salt intake in the food.
            There are low sodium salts available under different brand names in the market.These substitutes taste almost like salt but the sodium content is low.It is because the sodium chloride is substituted with Potassium chloride.The most common additive in table salt is the anti caking agents to make the salt more free flowing.This could be Magnesium carbonate or other agents in permissible amounts.Iodides  and fluorides are also known additives in special salts.
           Since Potassium chloride is also essential in the body and sometimes used to replenish electrolytes  -it is thought to be safe for replacing the sodium in the table  salt.However it is quite bitter and  not salty and has to be mixed again with other additives to make it more palatable.Over dosage of Potassium chloride can lead to severe consequences and people suffering from hyperkalemia should not try using the low sodium salt.It is always better to consult a doctor before switching over to the substitute salt.
Avoiding pickled items in the diet ,chips,fast foods,processed foods and eating more boiled vegetables(without salt of course) and adding lemon and herbs to improve the taste are natural ways to decrease the salt intake in our food.It is very important to accept the salt- less  taste of the vegetables and enjoy their true taste.

To look and feel younger...

Mix:
10 gms of ghee made from Cow's milk and equal amount of Sesame seed oil -aka  Til ka tel , Nuvvula nooni and Nallenai in different Indian languages.
5 gms of honey
25 gms of Amla Churan
This powder is available in all ayurvedic stores.It is the powder of the dried fruits of Goose berry ( Usurikaya in Telugu ,Nellikai in Tamil)

Eating a little of this mixture in the mornings will make the person look and feel younger.

(This tip was taken from Rishi prasad- Asaramji Bapu ashram  magazine)

Ayurvedic nose drops for Sinusitis

People who suffer from Sinusitis during winter as a routine can crush the leaves of Acalypha indica * and put one drop of the juice in the nostrils.A slight burning sensation is normal. One drop for each nostril is sufficient.
Care should be taken that the leaves are clean .This is an extremely common plant and the remedy is very effective in relieving the Sinus symptoms .
Common names of Acalypha indica:

Tamil name:Kuppaimeni
Telugu name:Moorkonda,murkonda,kuppi chettu, Kuppinta
Sanskrit  name: Haritha manjari
English name:Indian Acalypha,Indian nettle
Hindi  :Khokli or Kuppi


More info and image can be found in 
http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/01/acalypha-indica-khokli-or-kuppi.html

Click on the tab ' Sinusitis' below  for more remedies for the inflammation of the Sinuses.

A simple tip for pimples

Mix Sont powder * (dried ginger)
 and
Clove powder (Laung, Lavangam)
with a little water and  apply on  the pimples .The size decreases dramatically and they slowly disappear.

For back pain during periods

Many ladies complain of back ache during  the time of the month.This easy tea recipe will relieve that backache to a great extent.

Pound
 10 gm of Sont-dried ginger
and
10 gm of false black pepper (dried fruits).
The Latin name of this plant is Embelia ribes.It is known as Vayuvidangalu in Telugu,Vayuvidang in Hindi.

Boil the mixture in water till three fourth of the water remains.Add jaggery (30gm) and drink up the decoction for the back pain to disappear.
This is done once a day for 3-4 days.

For difficulty in breathing during winters

Many children and adults may have a breathing problem during winters.This is a small aid suggested by Pujya Asaramji Bapu  in the book Arogya nidhi - part 1.
Mix a pinch of pepper powder and little honey and ghee ( a few drops) and swallow it .This relieves the congestion to a large extent.

A tip for muscle pain

Mix a little rock salt * with garlic juice and massage in the area where there is a muscle pain due to vata dosha.This will reduce the pain to a great extent.

* Saindhavalavanam

A simple oil recipe for children suffering from leg pain

School going children sometimes complain of  leg pain. This is a good recipe suggested by Panditha Elchuri.
Athibala * plant leaves are collected and the juice is extracted.It is mixed with an equal quantity of sesame seed oil and boiled over a low flame till all the water content evaporates and only the oil remains.The oil is cooled and filtered and stored in a glass jar.
Apply this oil on the legs and massage gently.This must be done once a day preferably before bedtime.The pain should disappear in a day.

* For more info on Ati bala plant and image  and a tip for knee pain refer :

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/03/atibala-oil-for-knee-pain.html

Dietary modifications for people suffering from high Uric acid levels

Hyperuricemia  is a condition where the uric acid level  in the body is higher than normal.It is not a disease by itself but can cause a kind of arthritis called gout .This is a painful condition where the crystals are deposited near a joint.The high levels of uric acid aggravates some kind of heart problems and it is not too kind on diabetics either.They may also cause kidney stones which do not show up in a normal X ray.


This is a dietary modification suggested by Panditha Elchuri :

Including at least 1 radish a day in the diet will correct the levels of Uric acid.The radish can be consumed in any form--as a vegetable or juice or in  salads
It would be very ideal if the people suffering from this condition avoid non vegetarian food,sugary beverages and alcohol.
there is another tip mentioned in this link for proper kidney function with the help of radish:

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/02/routine-for-detoxifying-kidneys-and.html


(This post is in response to a query from a reader)

The Bombax ceiba or the Silk cotton tree

Bombax ceiba-image in the public domain

This is quite a common tree which can grow to a height of 30 m.They bear small attractive reddish flowers with a slightly bulbous tender fruit under them.The trunk has thorny protrusions and the mature dry fruits burst open revealing a white cottony mass.
Common names in India :
Kapok tree
Semal -Shalmali in Hindi
Unnamurika in Malayalam
Dumboil in Assam
Sittan in Tamil.

the trunk of a bombax-Picture in the public domain -photo author:Michales

The cotton obtained from the fruits are used to stuff pillows .They are fairly priced and it is said the quality of sleep improves when these pillows are used.They can be used by people suffering from insomnia.

            The thorns on the trunk are cut out and the base is rubbed in a circular motion on a rough surface with water.When this paste is applied on acne marks or burn marks the marks lighten significantly .

The lower part of the flower which is actually a glandular ovary is cooked and eaten which increases strength and stamina and reduces urinary problems.

-This info is mostly from the show by Acharya Balakrishnaji from Baba Ramdevji Ashram.

Ayurveda help for Baldness

There are many factors for male balding. Age, genes , stress, using harsh chemicals on the scalp and hair , pollution , some medications and the harsh sunlight are some of the most common causes.

This is a simple tip suggested by Panditha Elchuri.

Rubbing a little Radish juice * on the scalp where the hair is thinning out helps the hair to regrow.The juice must be massaged gently on the scalp in the nights before sleeping.It should be stopped for 2-3 days if the person experiences any burning sensation or a rash.coconut oil must be massaged instead.The treatment must  be continued again with the radish juice.

•    Inhaling Neem oil helps the hair to grow.For more details refer the link given below.

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/08/drop-of-neem-oil-for-shiny-black-hair.html

*  Radish-Mullangi-mooli .

A simple help for arthritis

Make a decoction  of  Giloy plant churna * and Sont churna ( dried ginger powder).Drinking 20-50 ml of this tea will relieve the arthritis pain and it reduces the symptoms. 

* Tinosporia cardifolia has innumerable curative properties.

Its also known as Gudichi,Giloy in Hindi ,Thippatheega in Telugu, Shindilakodi in Tamil,Amritaballi in Kannada and Ambrithu in Malayalam.

For more information on Giloy and image refer

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/06/giloy-or-tinospora-cardifolia-for.html

(a small quantity of the powders is used)

An ayurvedic cure for Thyroid problems

This tip is taken from the magazine " Andhariki ayurvedam" by Panditha Elchuri .

Mix
Triphala powder-300gm
(equal parts of 3 myrobylan fruits-refer-    http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/01/remedy-for-constipation.html  )

Deodar stem powder-100gm

Long pepper powder-100gm

More info about long pepper / Java pepper  and the image can be found in this link-It is easily available in all ayurvedic stores.

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/06/long-pepper-for-stomach-problems.html

Deodar is Devadharu tree in many Indian Languages.It has thin leaves and grows to 30m in height.

image in public domain -image source-wiki

5 gm of this powder is taken twice a day with honey for the Thyroid gland to start functioning normally.
P.S. The powder must be very fine.

A simple help for Herpes blisters

Bermuda grass - Cynodon dactylon- image in the public domain -from wiki

Bermuda grass is an extremely common grass found in almost all parts of Africa,Europe,Asia and Australia.

Hindi - doorva grass,doob, Dhoob
Telugu -  Garika
Tamil - Arugam pul
Malayalam -  Karuka pul
Bengali - Dharba

This grass is used to worship Lord Ganesha .

Some readers have asked me cures for Herpes blisters.Hope this helps.

A little rice is soaked in water and made into a paste with Doob grass and applied on the blisters .This helps the sores to heal.

(Taken from  ' Rishi Prasad  ' a monthly magazine released by the Ashram of Pujya Sri Asaramji Bapu.)

A simple tip for Diabetes

Radish leaves are generally available with the root vegetable .The leaves are washed well and the juice is extracted.Drinking 30 ml of this juice regularly in the mornings will bring down the blood sugar levels.

Hyptis oil for skin diseases

The previous post has more information about this plant.

Wash the plant well ,pat it dry  , crush it and collect the juice.An equal amount of sesame seed oil is added to it and the mixture is heated on a low flame till all the moisture is evaporated.A small bit of camphor is powdered and added to the oil( when it is luke warm and away from the flame). The oil is cooled and filtered and stored in a glass jar.
When applied on the skin , it heals all types of sores , itchy spots,fungal infections,dry flaky skin and many other skin problems.This is for topical application only .

Hyptis suaveolens - An introduction

Wild spikenard , Bush mint, The Chan plant, Picture
released into the public domain by author Madhavi Madhurakavi.

Hyptis suaveolens - Vilayati tulsi -
Picture released into the public domain by author Madhavi Madhurakavi

Also Known As

Vilayati tulsi,Jungli Tulsi in Hindi

Ganga tulasi or Gandha thulasi

Konda thulasi , Adavi Tulasi in Telugu.

Bhustrena in Sanskrit

American mint,Bush mint,The Chan plant in English.

This is a very common plant found in India and some parts of Asia and Latin America.They bear purplish small n  pretty flowers.

The leaves resemble Tulsi leaves but are much bigger and when crushed they give a distinct smell-hence the names.

A drink is made from the soaked seeds of the plant .

This plant has many medicinal properties.

It is also an insecticidal plant so the dried and powdered plant is used to keep off some insects.It is also known to have some larvicidal properties which can reduce the population of the infamous mosquito Aedes agypti to a certain extent.

The leaves decoction is used to wash the skin with boils and eczema.

The crushed leaves are applied on the forehead  to treat headaches .

The next post will describe the medicinal uses of the oil of this plant.

A simple home remedy for cough and colds and good digestion in children

Clean and cut ginger into small pieces and dry them  in the sun.Powder and sieve the dried pieces and mix an equal quantity of jaggery to it.Pound this mixture and make small spherical golis  (each about the size of a soaked chick pea).

   Dosage: 2 tablets a day( are sucked on like a lozenges).Smaller tablets can be used for children.

    Benefits :

1. Improves the quality of the voice in both men and women
2. Especially useful for children who vomit often
3. Banishes all skin problems after a while
4. Reduces constipation problem.
5. good for coughs and colds.
6. Improves digestion

Mudras for healing - Part 17 -For regularizing periods in women.

Mudra for irregular periods in women
photo author :Madhavi Madhurakavi
image under copyright.

This mudra can be done continuously for 15 minutes per session and 3 times a day.The tips of the middle finger,ring finger and the thumb are brought together as shown in the picture.The person is required to sit comfortably with an erect spine and keep calm while practicing this mudra with both the hands.
This can regularize the periods for women who get their periods twice or thrice a month.
for more information about mudras and how mudras work you may refer :
http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/10/mudras-for-healing-introduction-1.html

The previous post describes another mudra which can benefit women suffering from pain during periods.

Mudras for healing - Part 16 -For pain during periods in ladies.

Many ladies suffer from painful periods every month.This particular mudra helps in relieving this gynec problem to a large extent.The index finger and the middle finger are bent downwards and the thumb is pressed on them onto the palm.It can be done up to 3 times a day for 15 minutes each but one should not exceed this limit of 45 minutes a day.The peson is seated comfortably with an erect spine and a calm mind .The palms may be rested on the knee.

The lady must avoid the intake of spicy and non vegetarian food at these times. This is known as vatanashaka mudra and recommended by Pandita Elchuri..

Click on the "  Mudras  "  label below for more information.

Mudra for curing painful periods in women.
photo author:Madhavi Madhurakavi.
image is under copyright.

Public domain images of Argemone mexicana

image released into the public domain by author Madhavi Madhurakavi

image released into the public domain by Madhavi Madhurakavi.

English:Mexican prickly poppy
Hindi : Satyanashi
Tamil: Kudiyotti
Sanskrit : Swarna kshiri (because of the yellow sap secretion-swarna-gold kshiri-sap)
Telugu: Bramhadandi.

more information about the curative properties of this plant  for psoriasis can be found in

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/01/good-cure-for-psoriasis-and-other-skin.html

What's in a name?

The exact number of  the species of proper plants existing on Earth is unknown but the rough estimate is 3 lakh and 22 thousand and still counting.
A thorough research is done on each plant and it is named after following some meticulous rules.So every known plant has one or more complicated scientific / Latin names.
              Luckily so much of careful consideration does not go into naming a local plant.A plant can have many  regional names based on its appearance or characteristics. The Powder puff tree and the  Bottle brush tree are the names  in my mind right now.
.So going by the Shakespearean quote by Juliet
 " What's in a name?
That we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet"  , the grouping of letters to form a name may not be as important as knowing the name itself.
                Knowing the name is the basis for any  kind of interaction.It is the first step in creating a feeling of empathy.I am making an effort to know  the local names of the medley of plants I see  often . I  hope to meet some  kindred friends along the way.

Tips for reducing eye strain and the 20-20-20 rule.

Eye strain is becoming increasingly common these days because of the routine use of computers.This can even lead to  CVS or the computer vision syndrome which include many symptoms like blurred vision ,headaches neck pain and dry eyes.

There are task specific glasses available which are meant for various activities where people need to focus uninterruptedly on something particular for a long periods of time. People who work on embroidery designs ,shooters  and pianists find these prescription glasses useful.Computer glasses help people who have to focus on the computer screen  for long hours.
These are some simple things one can try to reduce the eye strain.

• Focus on something which is at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes.This will relax the ciliary muscles of the eye.
• Closing eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes will also help.
• Scanning the entire room  from a corner and focus on all the objects in the edge of the room will increase the fluidity and flexibility of the eyes.
• Looking out through a window and focus on something far off.

The eye is a very delicate and complicated organ where many parts of the eye and the brain have to work in concert for a good vision . Taking good care of them would be the wise thing to do.

A problem of bad odour from the nose

Some people suffer from a peculiar problem of a bad  smell  from the nostrils . This can be noticed  by the person while breathing.
The main cause of this problem is a blocked sinus .
This is a simple tip which can help most people.It may not help some people with very stubborn bacterial or fungal infections  or nasal polyps.
Using 2 drops of sesame seed oil as nose drops early in the morning on an empty stomach greatly helps.
This can also work for people who tend to sneeze constantly in the morning .
Practising  Pranayama  also helps to control this problem.

Apples for weight loss, anemia , fevers and de-addiction

red apples on tree image source: public-domain-image.com

Apples are rich in iron and so apple juice intake is beneficial for people suffering from anemia.

Eating an apple a day helps people who are on a diet to reduce weight.

Eating apples also reduces the craving for alcohol.Though it is not a full fledged cure for alcohol addiction  it definitely helps a determined few who want to kick the habit. *

Apple leaves (4-5) are boiled  in water and this decoction helps in reducing fevers.   (Somehow this tip is not so simple as apple trees are not too common in the areas I live - For me the apple tree is  a vision and it always gladdens my heart to see this big tree with green foliage laden with red delicious fruit )

for more info about apples see previous posts.

* for another  simple tip for deaddiction u may refer :
http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/medicinal-properties-of-liquorice-plant.html

Apples for a stronger heart and hysteria.

Eating one apple a day will strengthen the heart and discourages the increase in cholesterol levels.It also helps in anxiety disorders.
When apple juice is taken along with 1 gm of Brahmi powder it reduces the symptoms of hysteria.

For more info and image of of  Brahmi

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/02/indian-penny-wort-or-saraswati-plant.html

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/02/bramhi-plant-for-increasing-memory.html

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/02/bramhi-plant-leaf-juice-for-frequent.html

An apple a day....for migraines

Eating an Apple on an empty stomach in the morning relieves one of migraine pain.
This must be done for a few mornings.

This one sided headache can  upset a persons normal life but the few tips given below work really well:


http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/01/remedy-for-migraine.html

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/01/for-migraine-pain_21.html

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/06/effective-remedy-for-most-kinds-of.html

Clicking on the  'migraine ' tag will give more tips.

Banana and ghee mix for prolonged bleeding in women

Some ladies suffer from extended menstrual cycles.This tip is recommended by Elchuri is extremely simple .
An overripe banana (small size) is mixed with a small spoon of ghee and mashed.This is eaten thrice a day.This will definitely help and normalize the cycle.

 P.S : This kind of a gynec problem can be associated with various medical ailments like infections, PCOD' s thyroid disorders,hormonal imbalances, Endometriosis , fibroids , cysts , polyps and many other reasons.A complete evaluation would be necessary if the problem persists.

Khus khus (poppy seeds ) for good sleep

For image refer:

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/10/poppy-seeds-khus-khus-aid-for-loose.html

2 spoons of Kas kas or (Gasagasalu in Telugu)  is made into a small bundle with a clean cloth and a thread is tied to prevent the seeds from leaking out.When this potli is kept near the pillow the person is able to sleep better.

The link for a similar nasal inhaler to prevent cough and colds:

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/06/home-made-nasal-inhaler.html

The allelopathy of Lantana and its use as a biopesticide

Lantana-image in the public domain from wiki.

Lantana is a genus  with around 150 species of plants.Their flowers are attractive enough for bees but cattle  generally stay clear from these shrubs because it is a poisonous plant.

It is also a famous weed and a nuisance because of its invasive nature.This plant has a negative allelopathy towards many other plants which are likely to grow around it.

Allelopathy is the term given to a phenomenon where an organism influences the growth and survival of other organisms.Allelopathy can either  be positive or negative depending on whether it blocks the growth or is beneficial for the target organisms.
Lantana can be used as a bio-insecticide with good results .Organic pesticides can be much cheaper and with little side effects.The extracts of Lantana camara is said to have insect repelling properties on Aphids, on Corn Weevils and Rice weevils and even on the infamous mosquito -  the Aedes  .

Weevil -image in public domain 

an Aphids infested plant-image in the public domain

Guava leaves help for stomach ulcers

Wash 2 leaves of the Guava tree and boil them well in water.
Filter -cool it till lukewarm. Mishri / sugar may be added .
Drinking this tea will reduce the symptoms of ulcers .This counteracts the accumulation of' ama'  in the body.
for more info on ama click on the link below:
http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/06/accumlated-ama-main-reason-for-most.html

The burning sensation in the stomach is reduced.


One must avoid eating spicy food and meat during recovery . Skipping of meals also is not recommended.
This must be done for a month.
for more info. on guava leaves refer to  the previous post.

Guava leaves cure for Diabetes

This tip was recommended by Panditha Elchuri for high blood sugar levels.

• Choose a bright healthy Guava leaf.
• Wash it well
• Pat dry
• Soak it overnight in a glass of clean drinkable water
• a copper glass is preferable
• Close it with a loose lid
• The person suffering from high blood sugar levels must drink this water early in the morning on an empty stomach.
• The water is taken very slowly without gulping
• The person should avoid eating or drinking anything for an hour.
• This should be done for a month for good results.

Doing this regularly for 1 month will definitely decrease high sugar levels.

For image and more info refer

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/07/guava-curry-for-digestion.html

Image of Butea monosperma - Palash tree

Flame of the forest-Dhak tree-image released into the public domain by author Madhavi Madhurakavi.

This is a picture of a young tree.The tree can grow up to 20 ft in height.
 Do click on the image for a higher resolution .
Each leaf comes with 3 leaflets .The flowers are beautiful and bloom in clusters and are shaded orange-red.The flowers have 5 petals and 2 of them are smaller and curved giving it a beak like appearance so it is also called  the ' Parrot tree' .



Palash tree in Hindi

Moduga-Palasa in Telugu
Palas / Palasa  in many other Indian Languages.

The links given below have more pictures and medicinal properties:

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/palash-tree-leaves-as-healthy.html

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/04/some-more-medicinal-uses-of-palash.html

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/04/few-tips-to-manage-diabetes-part-4.html

Tulsi tea for fevers and breathing problems

Tulsi   aka Ocimum sanctum -  Picture released into the public domain by author Madhavi Madhurakavi.

10 mg of  Tulasi leaves powder ( or fresh leaves) is boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder and a piece of ginger and 2 small elaichis  (Cardamom).
Sugar /Mishri /milk may be added.
This tea may be taken twice a day . It reduces fevers,cough and colds,increases hunger and the digestion power .This is especially  beneficial for children  during winters and rainy season when such problems are common.

* Tulasi churna is available in all ayurvedic pharmacies.

Datura cure for swollen joints and back pain

datura metel--image released to the public domain by author Madhavi Madhurakavi

Datura 

aka : 

Dathura in many Indian languages

Ummetha in Telugu

Ummethai in Tamil

Thorn apple plant in English.

The entire plant is poisonous so it must not be taken internally.

Soak a small handful of rice for 4 hrs.Grind it with 5 leaves of the datura plant.

Smear the paste on the place of the swelling or painful joint or the place where the back aches most.Cover the paste with a clean cloth.Tie a poultice .

This bandage must not be disturbed for a few hours.

Hands must be washed well after application and the paste must be carefully disposed of.

After 4 days the pain and swelling in the joints definitely decreases.

P.S  : (This plant is poisonous-Consuming  any part of the plant even in small quantities may lead to a coma .In some countries it is illegal to possess or distribute it because of its toxic nature.

In India is a very common roadside plant.)

Black Sesame seeds help for exhaustion and weakness problem

Black sesame seeds - Picture released into the public domain by author Madhavi Madhurakavi.

Chewing a spoonful of black sesame seeds *  will decrease the feeling of weakness and exhaustion in a person.The seeds must be chewed well .A glass of water may be taken immediately after chewing but one must avoid drinking or eating anything for another hour.

People suffering from loose motions should avoid this. 

* Kala til in Hindi

Nalla nuvvulu in Telugu

Karuppu ellu in Tamil

Black Sesame seeds have a longer shelf life than its white counterpart.It is not de husked so it is richer in Calcium and minerals . Some people find that it has a nuttier flavour. The black seeds are preferred sometimes to make Aushadams in Ayurveda.

Munakkas or big raisins for various ailments

Munakkas are big raisins which are darker than the golden raisins and have seeds in them.
                     Wash and  soak 50 gms of these sultanas overnight in a glass of water.Boil the dried grapes in the same water in the morning.Cool the mixture- remove the seeds from the big raisins and and drink the decoction and eat the boiled  fruits.
This will
Reduce the fever in a person.
Increase the strength in a person.
promote blood production .
Reduce constipation problem  in people.
Reduce the feeling of weakness and exhaustion in a person.

This cure also makes the heart stronger.

Chrysanthemum cineriifolium -a natural insecticide

Chrysanthemum-public domain image.

Chrysanthemums * or mums come in different species and colours.They are very pretty to look at and used for decorative purposes and also  used to make  a refreshing cup of tea  ( C.indicum) in  East Asia .
The uses of these blossoms don't end here- these beautiful flowers are more useful when dried and powdered.

Chrysanthemum cineriifolium  and C.coccinium have potent pesticidal properties.  The dried flower heads have a substance called Pyrethrum which is comparatively safe when compared to the other insect repelling chemicals.However the commercial versions are made more poisonous by reinforcing it with other chemicals.


*  Chamanthy in Tamil ,Telugu,
Chandhra mallika in Hindi.

A simple tip to reduce high Blood pressure

Trailing Eclipta or Bringraj is a very common plant in India.
   Drink 6-8 ml  of this juice every day for BP to reduce significantly.This also reduces giddiness and sleeplessness symptoms in patients with high BP.

For more info and image refer

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/03/for-nasal-problems.html

Do search in the search box provided for  more tips with bringraj for migraine and hair related problems.

A drop of Neem oil for shiny black hair...

The odour of neem oil is very strong and not preferred as a hair oil but when it is rubbed sparingly on the scalp the premature greying of hair is reduced.

One drop of the neem oil should be inhaled by the nostrils on an empty stomach in the morning.This will darken the hair .

-Few people cannot tolerate Neem oil well.They must avoid the usage.

(Neem oil is not taken internally . It has a certain toxic level.However some patients who suffer from skin conditions or patients who are  in a blood cleansing program may consume  2 drops a day under expert guidance. It is an abortifacient so pregnant ladies should avoid Neem oil altogether.)

Ayurveda help in treating Epilepsy- 4

Half a teaspoonful of Triphala churan is mixed with an equal quantity of Athimadhuram churnam  * and made into paste with enough honey.This Lehyam must be eaten after dinner to reduce all symptoms associated with Epilepsy.

* Refer
http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/medicinal-properties-of-liquorice-plant.html

for more info.

Ayurveda help in treating Epilepsy- 3

Boil a  teaspoonful of  Trifala powder  *  in  a  glass of water and filter and mix a spoon of jaggery powder and ginger juice.
This decoction must be taken  early in the mornings on an empty stomach.This will reduce the epilepsy symptoms.




  * Triphala powder or churan is available in all  Ayurveda stores.It is  the powder of  the 3 fruits of

Emblica officinalis
Terminalia bellirica
Terminalia chebula


( A mixture of Haritaki + Bibitaki + Amalaki  in Hindi
Karakkai + Tanikaya + Usurikaya in Telugu)

Ayurveda help in treating Epilepsy-2

Powder black sesame seeds and mix an equal quantity of garlic juice .Roll them into small golis or balls which are double the size of green peas.Dry them well and store in a clean and dry glass jar.
1 tablet is taken in the morning and another in the evening.

This will reduce the symptoms of Epilepsy.

Ayurveda help in treating Epilepsy-1

Epilepsy is a very complex brain disorder where the patient suffers from repeated seizures or convulsions.

The causes are many and the symptoms vary from person to person.After a series of tests a proper treatment and care is recommended by the doctors.

Some simple home remedies work well for decreasing the symptoms and general lifestyle of the person.

Dry roast and powder equal quantity of
Jeera-cumin seeds
 and
Dried ginger -sonti in Telugu-Chukku in Tamil and Malayalam-Sont in Hindi.

Store in a clean dry glass jar.
one small spoon of this powder is mixed with 5 spoons of lemon juice and taken early in the morning on an empty stomach.
This will definitely improve the person's overall health and decrease the symptoms.
This disease is known as Apasmaram in many languages in India.

A simple tip for increasing positive energy in the house

flowers on water for positive energy.

Fresh flowers floating on water  generate a lot of positive energy in the house.
Lilac and rose flowers are very suitable .The water should be changed often and wilting flowers must be removed.This will increase the peace and harmony of the house.

--As told by M..Shyamala rao
(Reiki Grandmaster
Chennai)

Bottle gourd cure for liver problems

50 gm of bottle gourd juice* aka Calabash  is mixed with 20 gm mishri and taken twice a day.This will generally improve the health of the liver and prevents and cures all kinds of liver problems.

* Anapakaya, Sorakaya ,Lauki ,Dhudhi , gia  in different Indian languages.
for image refer

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/07/some-tips-for-reducing-high-blood.html

A simple diet tip for ladies with hormonal imbalance problems...

  Ladies who suffer from irregular periods may include more of carrots in their diet  .This will help in regularizing their monthly cycles and  the flow.

(It  must not be overdone though...)

This link will give more info :

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/09/simple-cure-for-people-whove-eaten-too.html

Carrisa carandas

Carissa carandas-Karonda , Vaakaya

Carissa carandas -Latin name

Vaakkaya,Wakaya,Vagakaya -Telugu

Kalakai in Tamil

Commonly known as Karonda, Karamda, Caranda

This berry is rich in Vitamin C and so including it in the diet prevents scurvy.
It is also rich in Iron and prevents anemia.
The berries are used in making jams,pickles.It is also cooked with dal for a tangy flavour.
Some researchers have found that the root paste is good for warding off house flies.

A delicious ayurvedic dip for gas problems

Grind Raisins with a few peppercorns and rock salt and Somph (fennel seeds)  and ginger juice and water .
This kismis chutney can be eaten with Rice or Rotis .This is very suitable for people of all ages.
This decreases the symptoms of almost all types of stomach disorders and prevents diseases as it boosts immunity and promotes the formation of blood.

Some tips for reducing High Blood Pressure-2

All images from wikimedia in the public domain

 Mix one spoon each of the juice of

* Holy basil aka Tulasi leaves
* Curry leaves (Karipattha,Karivepaku,Karivepilai)
* Coriander leaves ( Dhaniya pattha , Kothimeera, Kotha malli , Cilantro)

 and a little Cumin seed powder is added.
When this mixture is taken daily in the mornings the B.P level decreases.

Some tips for reducing High Blood Pressure-1

Bottle Gourd

Bottle gourd / Calabash / Long melon  or Lagenaria vulgaris is a very common vegetable .


150 gm of this gourd is washed well and cooked with 500 ml of water in a pressure cooker till soft. The skin need not be peeled . Crush the vegetable and filter the water and drink it while lukewarm.This must be done on an empty stomach in the morning . One should not eat or drink anything for an hour after drinking this .This will definitely bring down the high B.P levels in a person.

Another simple tip for anxiety disorders...

Mix
10 gm of amla churna * and an equal quantity of crushed Coriander seeds.*
Soak them overnight in a glass of water.
Filter and drink up the water with a little mishri  early in the morning on an empty stomach.
When this is done for 7 days anxiety disorders definitely reduce .

* Amla- Goose berry ,Nellikai in Tamil , Usuri in Telugu

* Dhaniya in Hindi ,

Peepal leaves help for Anxiety disorder

Photo author :

Challiyil Eswaramangalath Vipin from Chalakudy, India

photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11852045@N08/2620252535/ 

The red tender leaves of the Sacred fig or Ficus religiosa * are gathered and dried and powdered and stored well in a clean dry glass jar.

4-5 pinches of this powder is boiled well with 1 cup of milk and taken along with Mishri. 

This decreases the anxiety symptoms , rectifies sleep disorders,purifies the blood and also reduces the feeling of unnecessary panic in a person.

Raavi chettu in Telugu

Arasa maram in Tamil

Pipal in Hindi

Euphorbia hirta - Asthma weed

Common Spurge,Cats hair,Bada dhudhi in Hindi - image released into the public domain
by author Madhavi Madhurakavi.

Reddivari nanabalu in Telugu,Ammam paccharisi in Tamil
(image released to the public domain by author Madhavi Madhurakavi)







This  weed which is commonly found along roads and wastelands  has many medicinal properties.It is used to treat many bronchial disorders,used to treat gynec problems, problems related to the urinary tract and also for dysentery.It has also been noted that it is a great help when the leaf tea is given to people with dengue fever.Large doses may cause some gastric disturbances .
It is also used to increase the milk production in a mother for the baby.
Since this plant has anti bacterial and anti viral properties it can cure a wide range of diseases.
It is  known to have antihelminthic or worm dispelling properties .
The plant is made into a paste and applied on warts-this heals the warts and works well for other skin infections too.
Panditha Elchuri recommends 2 drops of the plant juice to be used like eye drops.This supposedly makes the eyes healthier and improves the eyesight.

Some tips for Asthma - 2

image source:publicdomainpictures.net : figs.

2 dried figs are soaked for 24 hrs .The figs are boiled with the water till soft.These figs must be eaten very slowly on an empty stomach . After chewing well on them - one must also drink up the water .

Before this one must practice this Pranayama  ---  Sit comfortably where there is a lot of early morning sunshine and breathe in and out  with the eyes closed.It is important to visualise that you are  breathing in and inhaling the Suns healing energy and breathing out the symptoms related to asthma.This conscious breathing in and out should be done for at least  15 times.Reciting  a known mantra is more beneficial.The inhalation should be faster than the exhalation. This is a healing type of pranayama which works well for many diseases.

Some tips for Asthma - 1

A pinch of pepper powder is mixed with 4 drops of honey and a little ghee -This mixture should be slowly sucked on like a lozenge  for 2-3 minutes .This will reduce the symptoms of Asthma and other breathing related disorders.

Learning Isha Kriya online

Isha Kriya is a guided meditation by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.
The link is given below.

http://www.ishafoundation.org/Ishakriya/Learn-online

An effective remedy for most kinds of headaches

Mix 150 gm of   Triphala  churna and 150 gm of powdered mishri .
Mix both the powders thoroughly and add ghee to the mixture  till the powder gets the consistency of a thick paste.
Store in a clean dry glass jar .

Eating 5 gm of this lehyam twice a day with water will definitely improve the headaches.
Children can take half the quantity prescribed for adults.
It can be slowly increased to 10 gm a day if symptoms persist.

Pressing the entire thumb from the tip to the base also reduces headaches.

An effective home remedy for headaches

Pound 2 garlic cloves-mix a pinch of salt and a little rice.Eating this mixture will reduce the pain.

A good tip for Hydrocele

       Take equal quantities of
    *   Fruit (dry) powder of  Terminalia chebula -also known as Haritaki in Sanskrit and Karakkaya in Telugu,Kadukkai in Tamil -common name black Myrobylan.

This is a very common herbal powder available in all Ayurvedic stores.

*   Powder of roasted  Long pepper

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/06/long-pepper-for-stomach-problems.html

*   Powdered rock salt

Mix the powders well.Make pea sized golis with very little water. Dry and store.

The  goli should be taken half an hour before food. 3 golis a day is the recommended dosage. This should be done for 45 days for the hydrocele to correct itself.

A good tip for men's health...

Fry 20 gm of Onion pieces till pink in 20 gm ghee.Add 20 gm of mishri to the pieces .This mixture should be eaten by men once a day for 40-60 days .Celibacy should be observed during the dosage period  for better results.
  This improves the health,sturdiness,vigour and virility in a man.
-this is recommended by Panditha Elchuri   - the name of the mixture being Purusha mithra.

A very simple tip for all kinds of menstrual problems

Ladies suffer from many kinds of gynec problems which are mostly related to irregular periods.
This simple tip suggested by Panditha Elchuri is said to set right the menstrual cycle in young ladies and women and also maintain the proper flow.

Mix 50 gm of roasted Somph powder and 100 gm of old Jaggery powder.Store in a clean dry glass jar.Eating 1 spoon of this mixture daily  will definitely improve the ladies condition.

Ayurveda help for weight gain in teens and children-Barley Kheer

Barley-image in the public domain from wiki.

Barley is slightly roasted in ghee and crushed into very small pieces.This cracked barley is stored in a dry jar. A small quantity of this is boiled well .Milk is added to this mixture .Raisins and soaked dates can be used for garnishing.This payasam is sweetened with Mishri.

When this kheer is eaten after food - it helps the children to put on weight.
It is useful even for unduly thin adults and teenagers .

(note: Weight loss in children is a cause for concern and any sudden weight gain or loss must be monitored closely.Some children are unable to gain weight due to many issues like milk intolerance,infections,worm infestations,zinc deficiency,celiac disease....and many other causes.A doctor's opinion would be necessary..)

Ayurveda help in Sciatica-Part 4

Sciatica should be battled like any other disease and the diet plays a very important role .Curd should be avoided in the night ,a vegetarian diet should be preferred and freshly cooked food is always the norm in Ayurveda.

Practising the Vayu mudra also helps to reduce sciatica pain.

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/12/mudras-for-healing-part-8-vaayu-mudra.html

this link with another cure for sciatica will definitely help

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/12/simple-help-with-coral-jasmine-for.html


(Concluding part)

Ayurveda help in Sciatica-Part -3- Vitex negundo poultice

(See previous posts for more info about the plant.)
A mature healthy leaf of this plant is brushed lightly with castor oil and heated on direct flame for a few seconds.This warm leaf is tied like a poultice or spread  over the area of concentrated pain-This will definitely decrease the pain and the Sciatica symptoms.

Ayurveda help in Sciatica-Part -2- Vitex negundo tea

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/09/medicinal-effects-of-five-leaf-chaste.html

has more information about this plant.

10 tender leaves of this five leaf chaste tree is boiled well and cooled till lukewarm and filtered.This concoction is taken twice a day 1 hr before food for the Sciatica symptoms to disappear.

--the tree is called Vavili chettu in Telugu

Nocchi in Tamil 

Nirgandhi in Sanskrit.

Ayurveda help in Sciatica-Part -1

Garlic-image from public-domain-image.com

2 garlic cloves are removed from the pod and the papery cover is peeled off .The garlic is sliced into thin pieces and boiled in a mixture of 1 cup water and 1 cup milk . This mixture is boiled till it reduces to half and then  filtered .
This garlic-milk is taken once before bed time .Sugar may be added.This will definitely reduce Sciatica symptoms.

Dhaniya panchak for the summers...

Take equal quantities of Dhaniya-Jeera and Somph and powder.Mix double the amount of  big black raisins and mishri in it..
1 spoon of this mixture is soaked in 200 ml water for 2 hrs.The sediment in the mixture is squeezed out well and filtered .
This water is taken to reduce the discomfort caused during summers . It reduces headaches due to the summer heat, indigestion and burning of the eyes by reducing the heat in the body.


Dhaniya-Coriander seeds
Jeera-Cumin
Somph-Fennel

A tip for summers...

Drinking 1 glass of buttermilk a day with 1-2 spoons of lemon juice mixed in it will reduce the heat in the body.

Orange peel help for Pyorrhea

Inflammation of the gums can cause bleeding , swelling and pain.Orange peels are dried and powdered.
When this churan is massaged gently on the gums , the symptoms reduce.

Kamakshi thailam for good eyesight

100 gm of the juice of the kamanchi   plant (refer to the previous post for more info)    is mixed with 100 gm of sesame seed oil.This mixture is  heated on a very low flame till all the juice is evaporated .Cool-filter and store.

A quarter teaspoon of this thailam is taken once a day.One is not supposed to eat or drink anything for an hour after this dosage.This is very good for improving eyesight.

Note:the green raw fruits are avoided.
-as told by Panditha Elchuri.

Black night shade plant -Solanum nigrum-an intro

image in the public domain

This plant is very common and found as a weed in wastelands and near crops.

Tamil name: Manthakalai

Telugu + Sanskrit name : kamanchi

Makoi in Hindi

This plant has many medicinal properties but the effect of the black-orange red berries is still very controversial.

The leaves are cooked and eaten in many parts of the world,some research claims that it has cancer -fighting potency too.

In case of headaches...

Breathing through the left nostril alone with the right nostril closed for a few minutes will reduce the headache or
 breathe in through the right nostril and breathe out through the left.This too works for some people to relieve headaches.

A simple recipe to rectify all the Doshas

This simple Trifala recipe is given by Elchuri in the name of  "Sadananda Lehyam" to prevent most diseases.This rectifies the 3 doshas , generally boosts  immunity and also gives immense strength to the body.

Mix

• Triphala 
• Ghee,
• Honey
• Mishri 

in equal quantities and store in a clean dry glass jar.This lehyam has a very long shelf life.
1 spoon of this lehyam is taken with a glass of milk in the night.After a month  half a spoon may be taken even in the mornings.

Ayurveda for voice strain...

    

      My prayers to all  Baba devotees -May they find the strength to overcome their loss with the wisdom he gave them through his teachings.

Teachers,singers and some people who have to talk constantly strain their throats so much that they develop serious voice problems.Pandita Elchuri has recommended this goli which can be made at home.

Ingredients needed:

• Shade dry tender reddish Mango leaves and powder and sieve   -50 gm of this powder

• Athimadhuram powder * --of the root-available in stores -50 gm

• Amla powder-powder of the dried fruit -very easily available in stores or can be dried at home depending on the availability of the gooseberry fruit -50 gm

• Whole brown Chana dal powder -50 gm 

these are called Senagalu in Telugu and Kadalai in Tamil.

• small Elaichi  powder-Cardamom-50 gm

• Mishri -50 gm

Pound all the powders again with the juice of purple grapes .Make pea sized golis from this mixture and dry them.Store in a clean dry glass jar.

1 goli can be kept under the tongue and the flavour may be absorbed slowly.People with severe problems may take upto 2 tablets a day.This strengthens the throat and prevents frequent infections and also soothes the throat from voice strain and improves the quality of the voice.

More info on Athimadhuram can be found in this link :

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/medicinal-properties-of-liquorice-plant.html

A very simple tip for curing kidney stones

Old yellow Neem leaves are collected and dried and dry roasted and powdered and stored in a clean dry glass jar.
             When quarter teaspoon of this powder or basmam(ash)  is eaten along with one spoon honey the stones become smaller in size and are generally flushed out.One should not eat or drink anything for an hour after this .

Palash help for anger problem

--When tender palash flowers are cooked and eaten anger in a person is definitely reduced.

As mentioned by Asaramji Bapu....More more info on this tree refer previous posts .

More help for people suffering from sinus infections

Ajwain + Jaggery  are mixed in equal quantities.10 gm of this mixture is taken with curd 2 times a day for sinusitis symptoms to decrease.

Boiling a piece of ginger and drinking this tea also helps relieve the symptoms.

Tulsi leaves + 2 peppercorns tea taken with mishri also helps.

Milk should not added to both the teas .

(The previous post has more info)

Home made ayurvedic goli for Sinusitis and respiratory problems in children

This recipe helps children build resistance and prevent and cure breathing related and cough problems.Sinusitis is also called Peenasa vyadhi.
This home made recipe for the golis or Ayurvedic tablets is as told by Panditha Elchuri.
Ingredients needed:

Dalcini - Cinnamon-50 gm

Turmeric Powder-Haldi  /Pasupu  / Manjal  --  50 gm

Cloves /Lanvangam -50 gm

Japathri -Mace -50 gm

Jaggery -- 200 gm

Powder roasted spices and pound with jaggery.Make small golis or small balls approximately 5 gm each (larger than a pea).Dry the gutikas well and store in a clean dry glass jar.

This goli may be taken once or twice a day for excess phlegm in the body.These tablets have a shelf life of 6 months and is very effective in getting rid of most type of nasal and respiratory and sinus problems.

Some more medicinal uses of the Palash flowers

For the image refer
http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/04/few-tips-to-manage-diabetes-part-4.html

1  -  Arthritis pain can be reduced to a great extent if the steamed flowers(fresh or dried) are tied on the place where there is swelling.

2  -  It decreases intestinal infections and decreases ulcer symptoms.1-2 gm of the flower is taken along with mishri or candy sugar.

3  -  This same mixture is supposedly good even for men's health .

However Mishri cannot be taken by Diabetic people.

A simple oil recipe to darken gray hair

"Wish you all a very Happy Rama navami"

This oil recipe is as suggested by Panditha Elchuri:

Ingredients needed:

• 100gm Bringraj -Eclipta alba plant juice.

For image and more info refer:

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/03/for-nasal-problems.html

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/09/eclipta-alba-bringraj-oil-excellent.html

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2011/02/migraine-and-sinusitis-cure-with-8.html

• 100 gm Tridax procubens juice:refer previous post for more info.
• 200 gm sesame seed oil.

Mix the plant juices.Heat oil on low flame add the juice mixture to the oil when the oil is not hot.Heat till all the water in the juice evaporates and only the oil remains.
Cool-filter and store in a clean- dry- glass bottle.

This oil must be slightly warmed and  must be massaged well with finger tips in night time into the scalp.

The hair may be washed off in the morning  with a good herbal shampoo.

When this is done regularly the grey hair definitely darkens.

Tridax procumbens -An introduction

picture in the public domain from wiki.

Tridax procumbens is the Latin name the other names are

English : Coat buttons,Tridax Daisy,Wild daisy

Tamil :
Vettukaya thalai ,Thatha poo --The name vettukaya thalai is because of the bulbous and easily snappable flowers on long delicate stalks.

Telugu  :
 Gayapu aku ,Gaddi chamanthy or Palaka aku.

         Palaka means slate in Telugu---It was common for young children in rural areas to use the leaves to polish their sates to a shining black....hence the name.
Gayam means wound and this plant has fantastic wound healing properties so the plant I think has this name too ...

Hindi: Khal muriya ,Tal muriya,Ghamra
Sanskrit : Jayanti veda.


This plant is very common along roads in India and attracts a lot of low flying butterflies.This is generally a weed found in tropical and semi tropical climates.

This plant has proven anti bacterial,anti inflammatory properties and it also prevents and helps reduce  high blood sugar levels.
As mentioned earlier the leaf juice has wonderful wound healing properties.

A good cure for skin rash caused by sticker bindi

Vermilion kumkum is replaced with ready made velvety stickers with an adhesive on the reverse side.This may mimic the effect of the bindi /bottu but some people with sensitive skin have allergic reactions and on prolonged usage a grayish dot appears on the forehead.
This particular cure as told by Elchuri  to cure this localised skin rash  is very simple.
Aegele marmalos or the wood apple tree is quite common and especially found near Temples for Lord Shiva.It is called Maredu chettu in Telugu ,Vilvam in Tamil  and Bel in Hindi.
The leaves are collected after a sincere prayer dried and powdered and stored.A few pinches of this powder is mixed with 2 pinches of  turmeric powder * and water.This paste is applied on the affected area.The patch disappears in a month.

(The trifoliate leaves have this deep religious significance -It is believed that it represents Shiva tatvam)


Pasupu in Telugu,Manjal in Tamil,Haldi in Hindi.

A few tips to manage Diabetes - Part 5

It is always best to massage sesame seed oil all over the body and wait for at least 15 minutes before the bath.
This  prevents skin diseases and even help to normalise sugar levels and also prevent excess weight gain.

A few tips to manage Diabetes - Part 4

The Palash flowers tea is very effective in controlling high blood sugar levels.

For more info on Palas tree refer

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/palash-tree-leaves-as-healthy.html

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/12/2-simple-ayurvedic-tips-for-cataract.html

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.com/2010/10/importance-of-cookware-in-ayurveda_06.html

The common names are Flame of the forest, Modhuga chettu in Telugu.The Latin name is Butea monosperma.

copyright of J.M.Garg under GNU documentation license--Dhak tree

5 dried palash flowers are soaked in water overnight in a glass of water.The water is boiled well in the morning with the flowers till a little more than half remains.This orange tea is filtered.This tea is taken on an empty stomach for best results.After a week the doasage should be increased to 6 flowers.In the subsequent week 7 flowers must be used.This is done for 4 weeks.

The blood sugar level should definitely decrease in a month's time after drinking this Palash flowers tea.