[INDIAN AYURVEDA HERBS] Aloe vera Benefits

Aloe vera Benefits

Aloe vera is one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, and it contains many minerals vital to the growth process and healthy function of all the body's systems. Numerous studies worldwide indicate that aloe vera is a general tonic for the immune system, helping it to fight illness of all kinds. Various research studies are underway to explore the potential of aloe vera components to boost immunity and combat the HIV virus, and to treat certain types of cancer (particularly leukemia). It may even have a role to play in managing diabetes.

Over 200 worldwide scientific research papers have been published on the effects of Aloe vera. The three main categories of research include anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial, and anti-viral actions of Aloe vera. The juice is said to soothe digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Aloe's ability to encourage the release of pepsin (a gastric juice enzyme necessary for digestion) when the stomach is full is a possible reason for its ulcer-healing effects (Journal of the American Osteopathic Society, 1963, vol.62). In one study, oral use of Aloe for six months helped mitigate asthma symptoms in almost half of the participants. Eleven of twenty-seven patients studied who drank Aloe reported feeling better at the end of the study. Researchers think that results might be due to stimulation of the immune system, as well as naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents in Aloe vera. In 1994, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Aloe vera for the treatment of HIV. On-going studies worldwide show that Aloe taken in highly concentrated doses can stimulate the production of white blood cells that may help fight viruses and also tumours.

Latin Name: L. Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis var miller, Aloe vera var. chinensis, Aloe vulgaris, Aloe vera var. lanzae, Aloe indica, Aloe barbadensis var. chinensis, Aloe vera var. wratislaviensis, Aloe elongata, Aloe vera var. littoralis, Aloe perfoliata var. vera, Aloe perfoliata var. barbadensis, Aloe flava, Aloe chinensis, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe lanzae. Common Names: Aloe vera, True Aloe Suggested Properties: Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and energy tonic Indicated for: Digestive tract irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, cleansing stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder and colon, arthritis, asthma, bladder and kidney infections, cancer, constipation, diverticular disorders, haemorrhoids, heartburn, heart disease, HIV, immune stimulation, indigestion, insomnia, kidney disease, leg cramps, leukemia, skin health, stomach distress, tumours, vaginitis, vaginal douche, viruses, white blood cell production and general health tonic.

Aloe vera contains protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12 and E, essential fatty acids and is naturally rich in:

Vitamin C which helps maintain tone of blood vessels and promotes good circulation and is essential to the health of the adrenal gland which supports our body in times of stress.

Amino acids which are chains of atoms constructing protein in our body.

Enzymes, which are the life-principle in every live, organic atom and molecule of natural raw food, rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.

Germanium which is a mineral that some health authorities claim therapeutic benefits for: immunodeficiency, pain, cardiac disorders, circulatory disturbances and eye problems.

Aloe vera juice is said to be one of the finest body cleansers, cleaning morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and is considered the finest, known colon cleanser. Studies have shown that it is healing and soothing in the relief of indigestion, stomach distress and ulcers. People claim relief from arthritis, bladder and kidney infections; leg cramps, constipation, hemorrhoids, insomnia, and for vaginitis, it is said to be an excellent vaginal douche. An excellent internal tonic for energy and well being Aloe juice may add greatly to the strength of the food fed, digestive tract, skin, and overall good health and happiness.

It is also used to ease heartburn, ulcers, diverticular disorders, and other types of digestive upset. It is used as an anti-inflammatory and may be taken internally as a remedy for certain digestive complaints. European folk medicine calls for using Aloe vera juice to relieve heartburn and ulcers. Preliminary research has shown promising results. Clinical trials in Japan indicate that certain compounds in Aloe vera reduce the secretion of stomach juices and the formation of lesions.

Animal studies and anecdotal reports claim that drinking Aloe vera juice or taking it as a tablet or capsule can reduce swelling and inflammation in arthritic joints. Drinking Aloe vera juice may also help those asthmatic patients who are not dependent on cortico-steroids.

In 1997, University of San Antonio researcher Jeremiah Herlihy, Ph.D., conducted a study to observe any negative effects of drinking Aloe daily. Rather than exhibiting negative effects, however, test animals receiving daily Aloe showed a remarkable reduction in leukemia, heart disease, and kidney disease. Dr. Herlihy concluded, "We found no indication of harm done to the rats even at high levels." In fact, the Aloe-drinking animals actually lived 25 percent longer than those in the control group (IASC Conference, Texas, 1997).

There is no single ingredient that makes Aloe vera potent and healthful. Researcher Robert Davis, Ph.D., an endocrinologist-biologist, explains that fifteen different compound groups of nutrients work together to make the plant effective. This means that Aloe vera's effects cannot be synthesized easily in a laboratory. On the upside, this makes the plant useful across a wide spectrum of circumstances. And because the various elements that make Aloe effective are nutrients rather than drugs, Aloe juice may complement medical treatments. In fact some cancer patients state that Aloe vera seems to reduce nausea, increase energy, and may help to minimize low blood counts caused by chemotherapy or radiation.

Aloe vera may help adults, children, and even pets receive more value from daily foods and supplements.

Notes: If you are using oral corticosteroids, such as beclomethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, it is important not to overuse or misuse Aloe vera juice. A potassium deficiency can develop, and you may experience toxic effects from the medication. Although it is removed, in practice Aloe vera juice may sometimes still contain tiny quantities of the laxative compound found in aloe latex. Should you begin to have cramps or diarrhea do not ingest any more of the juice. Allergies to aloe vera are very rare. Yet any food can be a potential allergen. Test a small amount on the inner arm to see if any reaction takes place. If no irritation on the skin is observed then it is generally tolerated. If ingestion causes diarrhea, then reduce the amount you ingest, increasing use slowly over several days until the desired amount is tolerated.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. This means that it can be dissolved in water. Water-soluble vitamins are carried throughout the body in the bloodstream. They are, for the most part, not stored in the body. The body uses what it needs and the rest is passed in the urine.
 
Vitamin C is essential for the manufacturing of collagen, that are necessary for tissue repair. It is needed for metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine, folic acid, iron. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Functions and benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C has a number of important functions and benefits. For example it:
·                                 It help improve male fertility
·                                 Reduce toxic effect of alcohol and drugs
·                                 Reduce symptoms of arthritis, skin ulcers, allergic reactions
·                                 It also helps produce anti-stress hormones
·                                 Help in production of red blood cells
Recommended Dosage for Vitamin C
·                                 For adults, the usual dose of Vitamin C is 60 mg.
·                                 For Pregnant women, the usual dose is 70 mg.
 
 
What food source is the nutrient found in?
The best sources of vitamin C are fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits such as:

    * oranges
    * orange juice
    * grapefruit
    * and tangerines
    * melons
    * kiwi
    * strawberries

Vegetables such as:

    * broccoli
    * sweet green and red peppers
    * potatoes (with skin)
    * tomatoes
    * brussels sprouts

Cabbage and many dark green leafy vegetables are all good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C can be easily lost in foods when they are cooked or handled improperly.
Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables are the best choices for getting vitamin C. Canned vegetables lose vitamin C during processing. If the canning water is thrown out, even more is lost. Freezing has little effect on Vitamin C. Cooking vegetables too long at high heats, for example boiling, can destroy vitamin C.
 
Most of the vitamin C is left in the cooking water, which is usually thrown away. Cutting and slicing fruits and vegetables leaves a greater surface exposed to air and light, which will also destroy vitamin C. Raw fruits and vegetables should be eaten shortly after they were cut. They should be cooked only for a short time in a small amount of water or by steaming. Aging and leaving fruits and vegetables at room temperature too long can also destroy vitamin C.
 
How does the nutrient affect the body?
Vitamin C is important to many body functions. It helps the body:

    * build and maintain collagen, which are fibers that make up the tissue between tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage.
    * maintain healthy bones, teeth, gums, red blood cells, and blood vessels.
    * heal wounds, bruises, and fractures.
    * absorb iron from plant food sources.
    * protect from infection by keeping the immune system healthy.
    * reduce some of the risk of certain chronic diseases by acting as an antioxidant.

Antioxidants help the body fight the effects of free radicals, which can damage the body.
 
Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin C
·                                 Beneath the skin
·                                 Swollen or painful joints
·                                 Nosebleeds
·                                 Splitting hair
·                                 Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
·                                 Bleeding gums
·                                 Depression
·                                 Low Quantity Semen
·                                 Impaired wound healing
·                                 Tiredness
          
 
 
Information
Vitamin C has a long history. It was used as a cure for scurvy. Scurvy is a disease that causes open sores in the mouth, loosening of teeth, and soft gums. In the 1700s, it was discovered that sailors who often consumed lime juice did not get scurvy. Sailors who did not consume lime juice had a 50 percent chance of dying from scurvy. It was not until 200 years later that vitamin C was found to prevent the disease.

 
Severe deficiency, going for a very long time without vitamin C, can lead to scurvy.
Severe deficiency and scurvy are rare in the United States. Poor vitamin C intake is more common. Alcohol intake, stress, smoking, poor intake of fruits and vegetables, and chronic illness can contribute to vitamin C deficiency. Signs of deficiency include:

    * inflamed gums.
    * slow wound healing.
    * stomach disorders.
    * reduced resistance to colds and infections.
    * skin problems.

Large doses of vitamin C can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or kidney stones. The upper levels for vitamin C is 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day for adults. People should not routinely go above the set upper levels for vitamins and minerals. An upper level is not the recommended amount to take. It is the maximum amount of a vitamin or mineral that is likely to cause no health risks. Some scientists think not enough is known about mega dosing, or taking extremely high doses of vitamins, to claim that it has health benefits. There is debate if mega doses of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can help decrease the risk for chronic diseases. Much of the current information is conflicting, therefore, more research is needed.
 
The recommended dietary allowances, or RDAs, for vitamin C were recently increased. Levels were increased to provide maximum health benefits. Levels were raised from 60 mg daily to 75 mg per day for women and 90 mg per day for men. Smokers are advised to take an extra 35 mg daily. This is because smoking depletes the body of some vitamin C. Pregnant and nursing women need slightly more, too. Many people do not get enough vitamin C. Thirty-nine percent of men and 43 percent of women fall short of the recommended amount.
 
Because vitamin C cannot be stored in the body; it is important to eat foods high in vitamin C. Eating a well-balanced diet, including at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day, should provide all the body needs.FW by Manikandan.R

ACIDITY - CAUSES AND CURES

ACIDITY - CAUSES AND CURES (1) CAUSES: Acidity is not a disease but the result or consequence of other diseases in the body. In other words, a person could be suffering from some other health problems and acidity could be a symptom or disorder. In this case, the acid formation in the stomach increases, which leads to (1) Sour belches, (2) Indigestion and (3) Loss of appetite. You may try and practice one or more of following cures which suites you best (2) CURES: 2.1 AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL CURE OF ACIDITY: (2.1.1) Take half a gram of SHANKH BHASMA and one gram of DRY MANGO POWDER. Mix both with honey and lick to relieve acidity. (2.1.2) Mix green coriander, garlic, ripe tomatoes, ginger, salt and chillies. Prepare a fine paste and eat it to overcome different stomach related problems. It is very beneficial to eat after an attack of fever. (2.1.3) Take 30 gm of FRESH CORIANDER JUICE to increase appetite within three days. (2.1.4) Chop 50 gm onion and mix in fresh curd set with cow milk. Eat this to control acidity. (2.1.5) Grind two-grams of aniseed, one gram of dry mango powder, ten grams of sugar candy and store it in a glass jar. Take three to four times with hot water to calm down all types of indigestion. (2.1.6) Roast bitter gourd flowers or leaves in clarified butter (ghee) and prepare a powder. Take one to two grams twice or thrice daily to control acidity. (2.1.7) Take equal quantities of white cumin seeds and coriander seeds. Eat with sugar to control acidity. (2.1.8) Add a little bit of roasted cumin seeds in orange juice and add a little bit of rock salt. Drink this juice for relief. (2.1.9) Grind wood apple (bilva or bael) leaves in water and sieve. Add 20 gm sugar candy and drink to overcome acidity. (2.1.10) Mix Moolhati churna in honey and clarified butter and lick to relieve acidity. (2.1.11) Grind 30 gm dry dates and 25 gm aniseed, soak in 200 gm water overnight. Crush nicely the next morning and add 10 gm sugar candy. Drink this daily to reduce acidity. (2.1.12) Grind 100 gm tamarind (seedless), 25 gm cumin seed, and 125 gm sugar candy and prepare a powder. Store it in a glass jar. Take three grams twice daily with water to control acidity. (2.1.13) Prepare a powder with eight grams of shora and ten-grams of sal ammoniac. Take four to six grains twice daily with water to overcome pitta. It gives instant results in case of acidity; burning sensation in chest, sour belches, etc. (2.1.14) Chew lemon peels nicely and suck the juice to control acidity. (2.1.15) Mix one spoon of ginger juice with equal quantity of pomegranate juice and drink for relief. (2.1.16) Suck one clove daily after meals to control acidity and related problems. (2.1.17) Keep a small piece of jaggery and suck the juice daily after meals. It is beneficial when sour saliva is produced due to acidity. It also controls gastric problem, and prevents foul air. (2.1.18) Mix two grams of small harad churna in equal quantity of jaggery and eat it. Drink water over it. Take this medicine half an hour before meals and follow it for just three days. Acidity will get eradicated. (2.1.19) Drink one spoon of gwarpatha (aloe vera) juice daily for relief. (2.1.20) Take five grams each of drumstick root and giloy root and prepare chutney. Take it with hot water. (2.1.21) Mix two cups of spinach juice, half-cup carrot juice and two spoons kulthi juice. (2.1.22) Mix SUGAR in half spoon PAPAYA MILK and take this medicine. (2.1.23) Add a little bit of SUGAR in RADISH JUICE and drink. (2.1.24) Prepare kwath with four cloves, two pieces of harad and a spoonful of ajowan, and drink for relief. (2.1.25) Grind ten grams each of mint, cumin seeds and black pepper and prepare chutney. Add one cup of water, boil it and then drink. (2.1.26) Grind equal quantities of neem offshoots, and neem skin and take half a spoon daily in the morning on empty stomach with water. (2.1.27) Wash three grams each of creeping grass and bathua leaves and chew them. (2.1.28) Grind five grams each of dry mango powder, black salt, cinnamon, asafetida, pipal, and harad, then sieve it. Take a spoonful with lukewarm water daily after meals to control acidity. (2.1.29) If acidity arises during the night then mix a spoonful of SODA BICARBONATE and equal quantity of LEMON JUICE juice in cold WATER and drink. (2.1.30) Prepare chutney with a pinch of rock salt, a small piece of ginger and a spoonful of lemon juice and eat it for relief. (2.1.31) Mix a spoonful of ajowan, a pinch of rock salt and a pinch of asafetida. Take this and drink water over it for relief. 2.2 CURE BY NATURAL MEANS: (2.2.1) Keep a lep of black mud on the stomach and tie a bandage over it. Apply the lep again if it gets dry. (2.2.2) Take hipbath for ten minutes daily in the morning and splash water at regular intervals. (2.2.3) Massage clarified butter (ghee) on both soles for ten minutes. (2.2.4) Keep hot water bag on the stomach, back, waist and knees. (2.2.5) Take a sauna bath in sitting position (can use a chair). (2.2.6) These remedies are very beneficial to overcome acidity. 2.3 FOOD AND DIET CONTROLS FOR ACIDITY: 2.3.1 Drink cow's MILK, POMEGRANATE JUICE. Eat sweet lime, aniseed, grapes, dry dates, myrobalan, fig, old rice, kheer, juicy things, round gourd, roasted gram flour, etc. 2.3.2 Consume bitter gourd, gourd, torai, wheat flour, green leafy vegetables, Harad, garlic, and honey everyday. 2.3.3 Eat fruits like papaya, guava, apple, banana, cheekoo, wood apple and myrobalan marmalade etc. 2.3.4 Stop the consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol, meat, fish, eggs, sweets, tobacco, stale rice, heavy food, dry mango powder, refined flour, potato, spices, fried things and snacks. 2.3.5 Do not consume clarified butter ghee, oil, curd, food that increases pitta, lentils, whole horse beans, etc. Do not get exposed to sun, and avoid constipation. 2.3.6 Stop the consumption of hot, acidic and bitter tasting food as they increase pitta. 2.4. CURE BY YOGA: Practice the YOGA of: UTTARAPADASANA HALASANA PAVANMUKTASANA KANDHARASANA YOGAMUDRASANA MATSYASANA BHUJANGASANA EKPADGREEVASANA GARBHASANA to overcome stomach disorders and reduce constipation and acidity. 2.5 CURE BY PRANAYAMA: 2.5.1 Pranayam is very useful. KAPALBHATI pranayam should be practiced for five minutes everyday. 2.5.2 ANULOM-VILOM and NADI SHODHAN pranayam should also be practiced for ten minutes daily to overcome all stomach related problems and acidity. 2.5.3 Regular practice of AGNISAR KRIYA is also very beneficial. 2.5.4 UDDIYAN BANDK keeps the stomach healthy and calms down acidity and other related problems.

VITAMIN B6

Instead of asking what are the health benefits of vitamin B6, why not ask first how important is vitamin B6 to our body? Our body needs vitamin B6 or pyridoxine for production of red blood cells in keeping our nervous system healthy for it to work properly and in helping our body to use the proteins, carbohydrates and fats we consume. Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is essential in converting amino acid trytophan to niacin (another form of vitamin B). It also helps our body fight against diseases by strengthening our immune system.
 

Deficiency from vitamin B6 or pyridoxine may result to weakness, irritability, insomnia, anemia, nervousness, difficulty in walking or even convulsions. Alcoholics, those with genetic defect that prevent their body from using right amount of vitamin B6 and some elderly are the people who is at risk from vitamin B6 or pyridoxine deficiency.
 

And, what are the other health benefits of vitamin B6 or pyridoxine? It has potential power in treating premenstrual syndrome or PMS and carpal tunnel syndrome. Taking vitamin B6 lessens the harmful effects of diabetes, and has promising effect of eliminating calcium oxalate crystals (one type of kidney stone) in the urine. Some suggests that it helps in preventing cardiovascular diseases. vitamin B6 or pyridoxine also inhibits the growth of skin cancer cells.
 

You can find vitamin B6 or pyridoxine in meats, poultry, fish, nuts, whole grains, potatoes, avocados and bananas.

by Manikandan.R

Retain Teeth and Lip Color

Retain Teeth and Lip Color

The side effects such as discoloration of the teeth and lip color caused by smoking can be changed by bringing about a few simple lifestyle changes which will enable prevention of teeth discoloration. One can also prevent the side effects of smoking by improving dental hygiene. If discoloration of teeth appears to be of an abnormal color without a logical explanation and, if other symptoms are also present, it is advisable to see the dentist at the earliest. Discoloration of the lip is another area that needs care and attention to regain the natural color. Symptoms of Smoking on teeth and lips: Apart from discoloration of the teeth and lip, smoking cigarettes or cigars can cause a number of other oral symptoms and side effects which include: Sticky tar deposits Brown tooth stains Red inflammation on the roof of the mouth Delayed healing of the gums Chronic bad breath More tooth decay than non smokers Smoking reduces the flow of saliva The symptoms are gross manifestations of the biological changes occurring in the body due to continuous addiction to smoking. Here are some key reasons that could lead to teeth discoloration: Saliva is important for cleaning the lining of the mouth and teeth and protects teeth from decay. Smoking reduces the flow of saliva and thus handicaps its key function. Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and cuts the supply of vital nutrients. Vitamin C helps gums to stay healthy. Smoking reduces the level of vitamin C drastically. Together, a reduced blood flow and diminishing vitamin C level, make treatment of gum disease in smokers a difficult proposition. Smoking also raises the mouth's temperature, damaging and killing important oral tissue cells. Other causes other than smoking that lead discoloration of the teeth are: Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration. Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration. Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth. Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications also cause teeth discoloration. Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration. Reduce intake of coffee and cigarettes Remedies to Prevent Tooth Discoloration: To prevent discoloration a coffee drinker and/or smoker must consider reducing intake or giving up on these addictions. One can also prevent the side effects of smoking by improving dental hygiene .This can be done by brushing and flossing regularly and getting teeth cleaned by a dentist every 6 months. Treatment options or home remedies that can be tried at home may vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and include: Using proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques Avoidance of foods and beverages that cause stains on teeth. Using Over-The-Counter whitening agents Remedies to Prevent Discoloration of the Lip: Here are simple lip care tips and home remedies for intense smokers: To reduce discoloration caused by smoking or caffeinated drinks the first step is to reduce the intake of such habits. Drink at least 10 glasses of water to flush toxins away. Apply Vaseline to your lips regularly. Clarified butter is also a very good home remedy. Apply a little every night to soothe lips. This helps keep lips moisturized. Another effective home remedy is applying the juice of a lemon which has bleaching properties to the lips daily. This helps lighten the colour of the lips over time. It is advisable for women to wear lipstick with sunscreen, as Ultra Violet radiation may cause pigmentation. Avoid tooth decaying foods like carbohydrates and sugar Doctors recommend treatments that are advisable to cure discoloration of the teeth and the most one can do on the diet front is to avoid certain tooth decaying foods. Most avoidable foods include all carbohydrates and sugar as they can cause tooth decay. All simple sugars, including table sugar (sucrose) and the sugars in honey (levulose and dextrose), fruit (fructose), and milk (lactose), have the same effect on the teeth. Avoid foods that will leave tooth decay. These include foods that are rich in carbohydrates and sugar. Sugar takes on many forms such as sucrose (table sugar), levulose and dextrose (honey), fructose (fruit), and lactose (milk).