Ajwain for urinary problems

Eating 2gm of ajwain powder along with food 2-3 times a day relieves the urinary problems to a great extent.

Ajwain - Thymol seeds.

Setaria italica or the Foxtail millet

Fox tail millet : image released into the public domain by author Madhavi.

I bought a bag of  Foxtail millet in a specialized health food store. It is a common grain in south India and very moderately priced.
The nutritional values are as given below (the values are from icrisat site)

Nutritional value of foxtail millet grain (100 g-1)
• Protein content: 10% to 12%
• Energy: 351 kcal
• Lysine content: 2.29% to 2.7%
• Thiamin: 0. 59 (mg)
• Fat content: 4% to 5%

The grains are very small and is quite bland after cooking but has an interesting flavor. It needs a spicy accompaniment to go along with it. It is filling and a good alternative to wheat and rice.
It is said to decrease blood sugar and the cholesterol levels in the blood.
(Preliminary research work has proved the same for experimental rats).

aka:
Thinai in Tamil
Korralu in Telugu.

Alum for body odor and excessive sweating.

Rubbing a smooth and wet block of alum on sweaty areas like the arm pits will reduce the body odor problem.

Finely powdered alum is mixed in the bath water. This reduces the excessive sweating in a person.

Alum -phitkari in Hindi , Patika in Telugu.

Papaya for Spleen health

Eating a few pieces of a ripe Papaya will reduce the symptoms associated with spleen problems.This can be done twice a day.
Pregnant ladies may avoid the fruit.

Pleehamu - Spleen in Telugu.

Lemon juice for sprains

Applying or gently massaging the sprained area with lemon juice reduces the swelling and the pain.

A tip to control drowsiness while studying

Dried dates are chopped into small pieces .Chewing on one or two pieces and gulping down a little milk after,  will keep drowsiness in check while studying. This also works well for students who suffer from headaches while studying. 3-4 dates can be eaten in a day. Excess amounts are not recommended.
Dried dates aka
endu karjuram in Telugu
Chuhara in Hindi
Ularntha perichai in Tamil.
For the picture you may refer:
http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.in/2010/11/bed-wetting-problems-in-children-tip-4.html

Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar  ( Salutation to the Sun god) is a set of exercises performed in continuum in a particular sequence.
   It is generally performed in the mornings on an empty stomach.It can be elaborated and enhanced by chanting mantras followed by some specific asanas and meditation.
  Practicing the Surya Namaskar has huge benefits.It is beneficial for a wide spectrum of physical ailments and also  has a huge positive impact on the emotional psyche.
       It also increases the energy level in a person and very useful for people who have very busy schedules .
      It is best to learn the techniques, the mantras and the dos and don'ts from a yoga teacher to practice it correctly.

Mudras for healing - part - 19 - Pushana mudra

Pushan mudra - image is under copyright

The tips of the thumb,index and the middle finger are brought together in the right hand.
The tips of the thumb,middle finger and ring finger are brought together in the left hand.
This mudra can be practiced for 5 minutes and up to three times a day.
Benefits of this mudra:
This takes care of the proper digestion and assimilation of the food.
It aids in proper breathing  and so it has a remarkable effect on the nervous system.
It is good for nausea , sea sickness and improper digestion.

A slightly different version of Pushan mudra for memory and concentration:
The tips of the thumb,the ring finger and the little finger are brought together only for the right hand .Do refer prana mudra for the right hand:
http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.in/2010/10/mudras-for-healing-part-5-prana-mudra.html

The left hand mudra is the same as the image above as in the previous version.

Benefits of this mudra:
It improves concentration and memory.
It fills a person with a positive attitude.

Basil seeds/ Sabja

Basil seeds - image released into the public domain by author Madhavi

Basil plant- image source - wiki - public domain image

     

Basil seeds soaked in water -image released into the public domain by author Madhavi.

•  Sweet basil or the Ocimum basilicum is a very popular herb used in cooking. 
• This plant is an insect and snake repellent.It also has many valid medicinal properties. 
• The leaves release aromatic oils when crushed so, they were used as hand deodorizers.
• The seeds swell up when soaked in water with a thin layer of mucilage around them.These are used in desserts and drinks.
• In South India ,a spoonful of soaked seeds are mixed in a glass of water.Drinking this 'cools' the body during summers.

(to be used in moderate quantities)

Names in different regional languages : Rudrajada,Bhoo tulasi,Karpoora tulsi,Mishti tulasi,Sabza,Ram tulasi and Arjaka in Sanskrit.

Tulsi mala

image released into the public domain by author Madhavi Madhurakavi. Tulsi Mala.

Japa is the Hindu word for repetition of the Lord's name and mala means a chain.There are different kinds of japmalas (Rosary or prayer beads )which are used for different Gods and mantras.A Vishnu devotee generally uses a mala where the beads are carved out from the stem of the Thulsi aka Holy basil plant.
Wearing a Tulsi mala is supposed to be extremely beneficial for the mind,body and soul.It makes a person healthier in body ,calmer in mind and sinless in spirit.
The malas used for wearing are generally much smaller and smoother in finish.There are many varied opinions about the code of conduct to be maintained by a person while wearing them.Interested seekers may adhere to what they believe in.
For another tip to reduce the effects of cell phone radiations with tulsi beads you may refer:

http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.in/2010/10/some-ways-to-protect-ourselves-from.html

Crystal healing

image released into the public domain by author Madhavi- healing and dowsing crystals

Crystals have many unique powers and they have multifarious uses.They are wonderful gifts of nature. They can energize,heal,store,amplify and heal our system with their wonderful healing power.
Energy therapeutics work with different kinds of crystals to de- block and harmonize the chakras of the body.There are 7 major chakras or energy centers in our body which are :
The Muladhara chakra 
 Swadhishtana
 Manipura
Anahatha
Visuddhi
Agnya
and the Sahasrara


The chakras are like 2- way pumps absorbing the divine energy through the aura and supplying it to the endocrine glands of the body which in turn control the functioning of the physical organs.Each chakra represents a gland like in a console.The colored aggregate around the physical body is called the aura which consists of all the colors moving around the physical body with different vibrations.The crystals also have a definite effect on the aura of a person .
The white crystal is the storehouse of all the colors and so it can heal any deficiency.When energized with Reiki, the power of the crystals can be enhanced and can be used in healing to rectify the color deficiency of that particular chakra by activating it for its efficient functioning.

(As heard in a talk by Mr.M.Shyamal Rao -Reiki grand master and Crystal healer)

A tip for vomiting

Eating a  pinch of Ajwain powder * and a pinch of clove powder which is mixed with honey helps people who are suffering from this problem.

* Thymol seeds,Vaamu,Omam

an excellent tip for digestion

Clove apple - image released into the public domain by author Madhavi Madhurakavi

A ripe apple is chosen and wiped clean.Now some healthy looking  cloves are inserted into the apple.This can be very strenuous, so the apple can be pre-poked with a tooth pick at the places where the cloves should go.The cloves are removed after 7-9 days and stored in a dry jar.The apple is discarded.
Tucking a clove under the tongue once a day ensures excellent digesting power.This sets right most of the digestive problems.

P.S  - When the clove apple is left to dehydrate (Pomander)under the right conditions,it can last for years and it is useful for warding off flies and mask bad smells.

For more info in Hindi you may refer to :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mNvSrf2SOY

A tip to beat the pollution

Adding a pinch of Tulsi churna in the food when it is boiling helps in protecting the body from the effects of pollution. The churna can be added in either boiling rice or Dal (lentils).

VCO - Virgin coconut oil

I've read about the innumerable benefits of VCO and wanted to give it a try . Strangely enough VCO is not available in the supermarkets or any specialized stores here in Hyderabad in spite of the abundant trees found here.So I had to order it online.
It is less denser with a milder odor than the normal coconut oil.It also tastes milder.
 I am not sure about the other benefits but it is definitely good on the skin.A little oil when rubbed on the skin is showing definite improvement.

Mudras for healing - part 18 - The Lotus Mudra aka the Pankaj Mudra

The lotus flower is mystical and so we can assume that the mudra associated with it has a tremendous potential.

photo author -Madhavi Madhurakavi -please do not use without permission.

To practice this mudra the person is required to sit comfortably with the spine erect.The palms are brought together like in the Anjali mudra, in line with the chest area, near the  heart chakra ( Anahata chakra).
Unfurl the palms gently where the sides of the little fingers, the base of the palms and the thumbs are still touching each other.This resembles a flower.The thumbs are pointing towards the chest and the little fingers are outward.After 3-4 relaxed breaths the fingers close back again with all the finger tips touching each other.This resembles the lotus bud.After 3-4 breaths the fingers are unfurled again. This unfurling-closing as a set can be done for 10- 15 minutes.

Benefits of the mudra:

• The little finger represents the water element and the thumb represents the fire element in the body.So generally this mudra is good for the purification of the body both mentally and for physical health.
•         It relaxes and stabilizes the mind and especially useful for people who are weary with the world and tackles feelings of desperation and despair.
•        It is useful for people suffering from ulcers,blood doshas and fevers.
•     It makes a person look calmer and more beautiful.
•    The person becomes more loving towards the world in general.

Precautions:
It is done only for a few minutes during winters.
People with cough and excess phlegm may need to resolve the problem before practicing this mudra.
Padmasana is most suitable for this mudra to experience the full benefits.

   (Pankaj mudra is also practiced as a still version where the fingers don't move and represent the open bloom like in image 4.I think the health benefits are the same for both the versions but the dynamic version has a synergistic effect when it is combined with meditation.)

A simple tip for headaches

Eating 1-3 cloves of garlic with one gram of salt with a little rice will lessen the head pain.

An aid for high uric acid levels

Drinking lukewarm water which is mixed with lemon juice early in the morning on an empty stomach helps in reducing the symptoms of pain in the joints due to high uric acid levels.
One must also make the recommended dietary modifications and reduce the intake of purine rich foods.
Ginger juice can also be replaced with half the lemon juice at times.

(Do click on the tag 'uric acid'  for more information)

A simple tip to tame a rough personality

image in public domain from wpclipart.com

Visualizing a lotus flower or meditating on a lotus flower will make a person's personality more pleasant and pleasing to others.

Sujok finger massage rings

Sujok finger massage ring - picture released into the public domain by author Madhavi.

I recently came across the finger massage rings recommended by Sujok therapy.These rings look shiny and are  apparently made from a single wire designed to touch most of the acupressure points .They are supposed to be worn like rings and rolled up and down along the finger.The ring should not be worn and only meant for rolling. The massaging is done for all the fingers .2 minutes is the prescribed time for each finger.It is not supposed to be rolled on wounds.Children below 8 years of age should not try this.
The  snug fit ring itself is slightly expandable and dimples the skin on the fingers very superficially for a few seconds.
I am not a Sujok expert but the therapists claim that this practice is said to have very beneficial effects for different kinds of diseases.

Lemon for dental problems

Gargling with water mixed with a little fresh lemon juice eliminates bad breath and also takes care of oral hygiene.

a simple tip for good digestion

thymol-pepper-ghee-rock salt rice.Image released into the public domain by author Madhavi.

Fry 2-3 peppercorns and 2 pinches of thymol * seeds in a few drops of ghee.The seeds are crushed and mixed with 1 spoon of hot rice and rock salt is used as seasoning.
Eating this as the first morsel before eating the regular lunch or dinner will ensure good digestion.

* aka carom seeds, omam, vamu, ajwain ...

A simple tip for heart health

Eating a little ginger with jaggery  early in the morning is very good for heart health and eases the heart block problems.

A simple tip for people who are unable to smell

Some people suffer from an ability to smell . This is a simple tip :
2 drops of garlic juice is used as nasal drops.The problem slowly disappears in a few days.

Lotus seeds for excessive thirst

dried lotus seeds - image released into the public domain by author Madhavi.

Soak a few lotus seeds in clean water.Sipping a little of  this water through the day will relieve the symptoms of excess thirst.

A tip for mental illness - A combination of a Mudra and an Asana

This is a tip I read and practiced with good results.
It is a good combination of the Gyan mudra and Shavasana.
  The person should rest on his back in a relaxed position with the feet slightly apart like the savasana. The arms are also spread out and the tip of the index finger and thumb are brought together like the gyan mudra.
The tip of the tongue should slightly protrude out.
Practicing this mudra + asana has many beneficial effects.

1. It improves the memory.
2. It improves the concentration.
3. It reduces irritability.
4. It controls anger in a person.
5. It curbs vague mental imaginations.
6. It makes a person more active.
7. It can cure many kinds of mental illnesses.
8. It controls a fickle mind.
9. It strengthens the neurons.

The link for the hindi audio and more info:

http://successful-life-tips.blogspot.in/2013/01/blog-post_1448.html

For image of gyan mudra  you may refer :
http://simpleayurvedichealthtips.blogspot.in/2010/10/mudras-for-healing-part-2-gyan-mudra.html

White pepper

White pepper - image released into the public domain by  author
Madhavi Madhurakavi.

Using white pepper or the powder in normal amounts in cooking will prevent the formation of tumors in the body.
Pregnant ladies may avoid using excess pepper.

A tip to discourage the habit of eating dirt ..

A few children may develop the habit of eating mud. This is a tip to discourage this habit.

Overripe banana is mashed and mixed with honey.Feeding the child with this mixture slowly solves the problem.

(It goes without saying that children who are allergic to honey or bananas should avoid this recipe.)

A simple tip for dryness in the eyes

Dry figs are soaked overnight .Eating these figs early in the morning on an empty stomach for a few days will reduce the dryness in the eyes.

Shatavari - a recipe and some benefits

Satavari / Satamuli  (Asparagus racemosus) is a very powerful and important herb in Ayurveda.It is a woody climber with soft pine needle like leaves and tuberous roots.
This recipe of the Shatavari kalpa is recommended by Dr.Elchuri.
100 gm of the root powder is mixed with approximately 250 ml of water and boiled well till 200 ml of the water remains.
This decoction is then filtered and 400 gm of sugar is dissolved in it and this mixture is heated again on a low flame.
The heat is turned off after the mixture turns thick and viscous.
10 gm of elaichi (cardamom)powder is added to it.
The mixture is constantly stirred .It gradually becomes granular.
The granules are stored in a dry glass jar.

Dosage:1-2 teaspoons along with milk , twice a day and 2 hours before meals for a month.

Uses:

1. It boosts the immunity in men and women.
2. It is very beneficial for people who exert physically in their profession.
3. It works well for people who need to beat stress.
4. It has a protective action on the eyes so people who work constantly on the computers ,watchmakers, people who have to drive for long hours or for any profession which comes with eye strain will be hugely benefited.
5. It is said to help men in their reproductive health.
6. It generally alleviates all kinds of menstrual problems in ladies.
7. It increases the milk production in lactating mothers.

People with high blood sugar may use palm jaggery in a lesser quantity in this recipe.

P.S

(Some possible side -effects:

This kalpa is tolerated well in most but some people may be allergic to it .

People suffering from kidney problems ,edema,heart problems may avoid using it.

It may increase the weight of a person.

Ladies may use it after recommendation from a Vaidya )

An aid for Gonorrhea

Wash and pound the leaves of Cocculus hirsutus.

Drinking 20 gm of the juice with approximately an equal amount of Mishri (rock candy sugar) early in the mornings on an empty stomach for 3  weeks helps in curing Gonorrhea.

Cocculus hirsutus aka :

Cocculus villosus (L)

Patalagaruda in Sanskrit

Dhusari theega in Telugu

Chirhata in Hindi.

A good tip for belly fat

Mix :
 Juice of 25-30 Holy Basil leaves (Tulsi)
and
Lemon juice
in a glass of lukewarm water.
Drinking this thrice a week controls obesity,strengthens the heart, improves digestion and detoxifies the body and most importantly reduces the fat in the stomach area.

This is a link to the Hindi video of the same tip by Asaramji Bapu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilBH4WtqKlw

Corn silk tea

Corn with corn silk
image from : http://www.wpclipart.com/food/vegetables/corn/corn_on_the_cob.png.html

The silky strands on corn aka corn silk have many medicinal properties.Corn silk from from one ear of corn is washed well and boiled in one and half cups of water for around 5-8 minutes.The tea is filtered and may be sweetened .Drinking this tea is extremely beneficial for people suffering from urinary problems.
Dosage: Once a day for 8 days.
Fresh corn silk is recommended.
It is a common sight to see fresh corn silk being sold along with ears of corn here in Ho Chi Minh city and I think it is smart to utilize nature's bounty and streamline one's health as well.
( people who are allergic to corn and pregnant ladies may refrain from drinking this )

The lipstick tree and the annatto seeds

Bixa orellana - annatto seeds - image released into the public domain by author Madhavi.

aka Achiote tree , Latkan in Hindi, Sinduri in Gujarati ,Rangmali in Kannada.

These seeds are small and used as a natural coloring agent in foods,crafts and cosmetics.It is also used in recipes because it imparts a rich yellow to orange color to the dish.The red color comes from the rusty coating over the seeds.These hard seeds are usually fried in oil in medium heat for a few seconds and discarded after 1-2 minutes and the remaining annatto oil is used in recipes.
Bixin and norbixin are the main pigments which are responsible for the color. The entire plant has medicinal value but the seeds are especially known to have a protective action on the liver . Pregnant women and diabetics may avoid using this.

A recipe with dried Neem flowers

Dried neem flowers - image released into the public domain  by  Madhavi

Neem flowers can be kept for months in a refrigerator after shade drying. A little ajwain    (thymol seeds , vamu, omam)  is roasted in a few drops of ghee and the dried  neem flowers are added after the heat is turned off. A little salt is added.This mixture is eaten along with a spoon of hot rice.This promotes digestion and kills the intestinal worms.
(This food aid is eaten in a limited quantity)

A simple tip for kidney stones

image source:wiki :picture in public domain.

Eating 2 clean  leaves of kalanchoe pinnata in the morning on an empty stomach for a few days will improve the situation for people suffering from kidney stones.

(this plant is poisonous to cattle when eaten in large quantities).
For more info in Hindi here's the youtube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t798x274L0

Hindi name: Patharchat.
This plant is known for its unique property that new plants grow from the leaf nodes.

Honey - turmeric tablets

honey - turmeric powder tablets

A honey + turmeric powder tablets are quite commonly found in the markets of Vietnam under different brand names . It is being sold for curing indigestion and for postpartum care.
The tablets are dry and are bitter-sweet to taste.
The dosage varies with the brand but anything between 3-5 tablets , thrice a day seems to be acceptable.

   ( pregnant women will have to avoid this medication)

Water apples

Syzygium samarangense - image released into the public domain by
Madhavi Madhurkavi.

Water apples are also commonly known as bell fruit, wax apple, love apple, rose apple and many other local names.They are soft to bite, juicy, crunchy and mildly sweet which can be spiced up by dipping the pieces in chili salt. The high water content in the fruit is effective in quenching the thirst. It is also said to have blood sugar lowering properties.

Pretty in purple

purple potatoes -image released into the public domain by Madhavi Madhurakavi

purple potatoes-image released into the public domain by Madhavi.

I found these purple potatoes in the supermarket in Hochiminh city and bought  them for 30 000 dong a  piece. The purple colour is because of the anthocyanin present in them.
These potatoes are said to have more antioxidants than their regular counterparts,which makes them better fighters against diseases.They also have some blood pressure regulating properties.They taste almost like the regular potatoes but add more more pizzazz to the dish.

For strong bones and teeth

Eating a mixture of dry dates(1-2)  and dry coconut pieces and mishri ( rock candy sugar) increases the strength of bones and teeth.

For excessive yawning..

Eating  a few raw onion pieces along with rice controls the problem.

Masoor dal face pack

Soak Masoor dal (split red lentils) for a few hours and grind it into a thick paste with milk. Applying this on the face regularly like a face pack for a week makes the skin glow.

An oil massage for Thyroid problems

Massaging a little mustard oil on the neck will strengthen the thyroid glands and decreases all kinds of  thyroid problems.This is an aid and not a cure.

Mudras for healing - Hansi Mudra or the Laughter mudra - part 14

Hansi Mudra - image is under copyright 

Practicing the hansi mudra  brings prosperity and joy in one's life.
The tips of the index finger,the ring finger and the middle finger gently  touch the tip of the thumb.The little finger stands alone.It is done with both the hands.
Benefits : It develops the wisdom of the person.
Duration: It can be practiced for 5 minutes a day and the duration can be gradually increased to 40 minutes a day.
Precautions: It is not recommended to chant mantras or slokas while practicing this mudra.
Sukhasana is best suited for this mudra though one can be seated in a relaxed position. However, it should not be attempted while walking.
       There is a general  hankering for happiness in everyone's life and this mudra brings in a feeling of completeness in a person.

The national tree of India

(image in the public domain)

 A national symbol is supposed to evoke a feeling of familiarity, tinged with pride and love in every citizen. It must be able to represent what a country stands for and believes in. The Banyan tree - the national tree of India,does just that.
Ficus benghalensis also known as Bargad or bhar  in Hindi and Vat vruksha in Sanskrit represents longevity and immortality because its unique aerial roots reach the ground and quickly gain girth to look like the main trunk.
It is found in almost all parts of the country and witnesses many panchayat decisions and gossip sessions in the villages.It has huge medicinal properties and also holds a great religious significance. I'm not sure about the other trees which were close contenders, but the Banyan tree is an all time favorite.

Banyan tree sap for men's health

Eating a mixture of 5 drops of Banyan tree sap *  and 10 gm of rock candy sugar (Mishri) for about 10 days strengthens  and improves the virility in man.

* Marri paalu in Telugu.

A simple tip for Dandruff

Mix 2-3 spoons of mustard oil with an equal quantity of lemon juice. This mixture is gently massaged on the scalp.
After 10  minutes  5-6 spoons of curd is applied on the scalp and the hair is washed well. The dandruff disappears after a few trials .

A cure for urinary bladder diseases

70-80 gm of wheat is soaked in water overnight .The wheat is pounded in the morning and the milk is extracted.This wheat milk is poured into boiling water (around 500 ml) and cooked for a while. Milk and mishri are added later.
Drinking this for 7 days will reduce the internal body heat  and strengthens the bones and decreases the symptoms of bladder problems.This is however a  winter recipe.

Fomentation for fibroids

This is a simple help for uterine fibroids in ladies.
 Hot water is squeezed out from a clean towel and placed below the navel area for 5 minutes. It is then replaced with a cold water towel for another 5 minutes.
The hot water and cold water fomentation should be done alternately, three times each.
This helps to relieve the symptoms of the fibroids and decrease their size.