Chandan: Sandalwood kills gonorrhoea germs, other STD bacteria

2010

By Syed Akbar

Chandan. The very name creates around us an aura of divine aroma and blissful fragrance. 

No ritual in several religions is complete without the application of Chandan or burning of Chandan sticks to  invoke the Divine Grace.
Chandan or the Indian sandalwood is a native of the Indian sub-continent and is presently 
confined to the peninsular India. It is an endangered plant species and protected plant. Nevertheless, Chandan has been in use for centuries and ancient Ayurvedic texts refer to its medicinal and curative properties. The sandalwood  gets its unique fragrance thanks to the presence of an essential oil, scientifically called santalol.
Chandan can consumed internally or applied on the body externally. In both ways, it has 
its own curative and healing properties. Chandan has always been considered to be a natural medicine to treat a myriad  of skin diseases, including those transmitted sexually. It is the best bet in treating gonorrhoea.
Modern life has taken a heavy toll of the Indian traditions. Remember those days when 
grandmas used to apply sandal paste to stomach and forehead of crying babies and infants. This would provide  them relief from pain and itching. Another old family recipe is application of sandal paste on face to treat  pimples and blackheads.
The grandma's medicinal recipe still holds good. Application of sandal paste on the 
forehead will give relief from high temperature and resultant headache. It also tones up the skin texture, controlling pimples and blackhead formation.
It's okay with the sandal paste. But when it comes to the use of pure chandan oil, make 
sure that it is diluted. Pure chandan oil is generally not recommended by practitioners of herbal medicine.
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Home remedies
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Those suffering from the notorious gonorrhoea may take sandal pills (prepared from sandal 
powder and milk). This will give relief from gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted disease.
Prepare a little quantity of decoction from sandalwood and consume it for relief from 
stomach problems, particularlyindigestion.
Those conscious of beauty may try herbal packs of pure chandan. Apply a little quantity 
of chandan paste on face and gently massage it. You will get a glowing and youthful skin.
A paste of sandalwood and rose water is also recommended for a healthy skin. This will 
keep off summer skin eruptions. It is also good to treat freckles, those melanin concentrated spots on the  face and other parts of the body.
For immediate relief from eczema, you may apply a little sandal paste mixed with camphor. 
Sandal paste with coconut oil will also work.

Kheera fights fatigue, jaundice

2010
By Syed Akbar

Many of us dismiss kheera as just a vegetable that can be eaten raw. Kheera is more than a vegetable. It has a number of health benefits. This vegetable has been in use for at least 2000 years and its medicinal properties have been well documented by physicians of yore. Unani, Ayurveda and Siddha and of late, Naturopathy have long recognised its
importance in maintaining human health.
All types of cucumber are good for health. In this part, let's deal with kheera or a long green variety of cucumber. Cucumber contains lots of water and any amount of its consumption will not lead to overweight. In fact, it will make the belly full and thus prevent us from eating other types of food rich in calories. For the weight conscious, cucumber is the best bite.
Thanks to plenty of water content, kheera is in high demand during summer. A kheera or two will give back the water content we lose due to sweating on a hot summer day. It also replenishes the micronutrients lost through sweat.
Research studies from different parts of the world show that kheera is good for the digestive system. It helps in easy digestion and assimilation and keeps the gastric system good. In recent times, kheera has been increasingly used in beauty parlours to treat scars, skin tan,
and removal of black marks below the eyes. Some recommend kheera for skin stretch marks.
One important health benefit many do not know is that kheera is the best bet in treating jaundice. It also prevents haemorrhages, promotes urine and cleans urinary system.
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Home remedies
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Those feeling tired and want to overcome fatigue, may consume a kheera or two. Application of a little quantity of salt (not much) will provide the much needed water and sodium to the body in a dehydrated state.
For relief from headache, cut kheera into thin round pieces and put them on the head. You may also keep the kheera rings on the eyes for a feeling of relaxation.
Kheera juice is often recommended by practitioners of herbal medicine as a general tonic to keep the body functioning well.
Kheera is also suggested for relief from jaundice and its associated complications.
A paste of kheera will help in fighting burns and wounds. Cut kheera into small pieces and grind them. Apply the paste on the affected portion of the skin for relief. It is also good for scars.
Regular intake of kheera will give you sound sleep. It is particularly good for people with complaint of sleeplessness or insomnia.

Health benefits of wheatgrass and wheat germ

2010

By Syed Akbar


Wheat is the oldest food grain known to man. It is as old as the history of agriculture. While the whole wheat has its own health benefits, practitioners of traditional systems of medicine generally prefer wheatgrass and wheat germ. Both wheatgrass and wheat germ provide the much needed nutrients and minerals to the body, besides supplying a good quantity of vitamin E, iron and vitamins of the vitamin B group.
Wheatgrass and wheat germ can be used almost everyday, but one should be extra careful while consuming wheat germ oil. Wheat germ oil contains sufficiently large dose of 
vitamin E, and consumption of any nutrient, mineral and vitamin in high doses is dangerous to health.
Wheat germ has been found to be quite good in treating muscular problems, by giving strength to muscles. It also gives the much-needed oxygen to the muscles when one takes 
up strenuous and laborious tasks. Wheat germ protein is a suitable natural antioxidant rich in nutrition. As we all known anti-oxidants prevent cancers.Thanks to the presence of vitamin E, wheat germ is considered good for muscles, blood circulation, eyesight, and breathing.
Regular intake of wheatgrass and wheat germ or their products will keep the skin healthy and glowing. It prevents hair fall and strengthens nails from becoming brittle.
While wheatgrass can be consumed in juice form, wheat germ can be used either in oil form 
or power form. It can also be used along with salads. While preparing wheatgrass juice 
make it a point to use a blender on a slow speed. High speed will damage the natural 
content in the grass.
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Quick remedies
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For easy digestion and a glowing skin, take a few grams of wheatgrass, clean it properly 
and blend it gently adding a small glass of water. Consume the wheatgrass juice fresh. 
You may add some honey for taste and extra health benefits.
Wheat germ oil is considered the best home remedy for removal of pregnancy stretch marks 
on abdomen and breast region. You may mix a tablespoon of wheat germ oil with calendula 
oil and apply gently on the affected portion of the skin. Repeat the exercise regularly 
for good results.
Some practitioners of traditional systems of medicine recommend wheat germ oil, castor 
oil and sunflower oil for relief from psoriasis. Take a teaspoon each of wheat germ oil 
and castor oil. Mix it with 50 ml of sunflower oil and apply on the psoriasis marks on 
the skin. Though psoriasis has no known cure, this combination of three oils will provide 
some relief from the skin problem characterized by its silvery scales.
If you want good black and long hair, then take a tablespoon of wheat germ oil, an egg 
and 25 grams of milk powder. Mix them well and apply on the scalp before taking head bath.
Wheat germ keeps the skin soft and silky. Apply the wheat germ oil on the body during 
winter. It may also be applied on the cracked lips.

Tomato keeps cancer away

2010

By Syed Akbar
Who will resist a fresh red round tomato when one goes to buy vegetables in a sabzi mandi? Tomato is not a native Indian vegetable, but it has endeared every Indian with its beautiful texture, colour, shape, taste and nutritional value. An easy-to-cook vegetable, tomato can also be eaten raw.
Tomato goes into practically every Indian dish, right from rasam to biryani, pickle to ketchup and raitha to salad. Tomato can be blended and consumed as a health drink, every morning for a refreshingly healthy day.
This round-the-year available fruit contains several health benefits including fighting cancers, heart attacks and hypertension. It is also good for people suffering from anaemia thanks to its rich iron content. Other nutrients present in tomato include sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A, B and C.
The sulphur content in tomato makes it an ideal natural skin ointment. It is now increasingly being used in beauty parlours as a skin rejuvenator. For those suffering from acne and blackheads, tomato has much to offer. A few slices of fresh tomato gently rubbed against the affected portion of the face will provide relief
from this teenage skin problem. Like any other natural remedy, the exercise has to be repeated regularly for desired results.
As tomato is rich in vitamin A, its regular intake will keep night blindness, a fast increasing menace among children, away. It will also help those suffering from vision defects like myopia (shortsightedness) or hypermetropia (longsightedness).

Quick remedies
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For the beauty conscious, tomato is the readily available natural remedy against black or dark circles around eyes. Tomato removes dark circles the natural way without any side-effects, unlike synthetic or chemical preparations. Apply tomato paste prepared from a fresh medium size tomato to the affected area. To make the tomato paste a bit extra consistent and for extra health results, you may add a few drops of lemon juice and a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder and Bengal gram powder (besan).
A glass of juice prepared from fresh tomatoes will solve nagging dermatological troubles like itch and skin rashes. It also keeps the digestive system in good health.
Fresh tomato juice is also recommended for mouth ulcers. Alternatively, make a thick paste of tomatoes (do not add water) and apply to the affected portion in the mouth.Tomatoes are also good for the health conscious. Like any vegetable tomato contains lots of water content, but is loaded with a few calories. Eating raw tomatoes will keep the belly full, but without the usual high calories associated with other foodstuff. So eat
as many tomatoes as you like if you want to slim down and look good.

Jamun, natural remedy for diabetes

2010
By Syed Akbar
Come June and the market is flooded by small shiny oval black fruits attracting our attention. Tradition has it that one should take at least one jamun fruit in a season to clear the digestive system and keep the human machine running.
Jamun or Indian blackberry no doubt is a wonder tree.  Every part of the Jamun tree, also called black plum, has one or other medicinal use, right from its fruit to seed and bark to leaves.

Traditional Indian medicines like Ayurveda and Unani prescribe jamun for different health problems including diabetes, dental issues, digestive disorders, liver trouble and skin ailments.
While the fruit is rich in antioxidants (that prevent cancer) like tannic and oxalic acids, the bark contains diuretic (promotes urine) and digestive properties. The seed is prescribed for diabetes. Jamun as a whole is a good blood purifier in the traditional systems of medicine.
Jamun fruit can also be consumed with a pinch of salt to beat its astringent or slightly bitter taste. But those suffering from hypertension should better avoid adding salt to the fruit.
While the fruit is available during June-August, Jamun bark and leaves can be utilised all through the year. One may also add fruit jams containing jamun fruit to their daily routine.
Quick remedies
Diabetics may consume the jamun fruit in limited quantity to keep the blood sugar under control. Herbal doctors recommend jamun for diabetics. Take seeds of jamun, dry them and make powder by grinding. Sieve the powder. Take a small quantity and consume it with water. Repeat it everyday and the blood sugar levels will be under control.
If you want to keep your body going for a long time, make it a point to eat lots of jamun during the season. It is a good general tonic to keep the body healthy. The fruit also gives a cooling effect when the day is hot and sultry.
Jamun juice is also good for the body. Take some jamun fruit, wash them and remove the pulp. Blend the pulp, add honey and consume it. You may also take it without honey.
For relief from nagging wounds you may take a few fresh jamun leaves, make a paste of them and apply on the affected portion of the skin. Since the leaves of jamun are natural antibiotic, they help in the healing of injuries fast. Jamun seed powder will also help in clearing skin blemishes left by acne and blackheads.
Those suffering from bleeding gums and unhealthy teeth may use the ash from the burnt jamun leaves to brush the teeth twice a day. Take a few leaves of jamun tree, dry them and burn them (bhasma). Sieve the bhasma using a fine, clean cotton fabric and brush the ash for quick relief from toothache, bleeding gums and loose teeth.
Practitioners of traditional system of medicine prescribe powder prepared from the jamun seeds mixed with a small piece of jaggery for relief from diarrhea and dysentery.

Arjuna tree keeps heart in good condition

2010
By Syed Akbar
Terminalia arjuna or Arjuna tree has been in use in the Indian system of medicine for almost three millennia.
Ayurvedic and Unani doctors use the bark of Arjuna tree in their preparations to treat various health conditions including those related to heart and lungs.
It has been hailed as the best natural source to control the bad cholesterol level in the body and improve the

functioning of the heart muscle. While the bark is used extensively in the preparation of medicines, herbal experts often recommend the leaves of Arjuna.
Arjuna extracts are now increasingly being used for treatment of coronary artery disease. It melts the blocks in the coronary arteries, thus ensuring that blood is supplied to the heart without interruption. Since the heart draws blood from coronary arteries, any disruption in the blood flow through these arteries deprives
the heart of its regular blood quota. It then causes what is called heart attack.
The juice from Arjuna leaves has been recommended for ear infection. It is also used to treat diarrhoea and
dysentery. The powder obtained from the bark is given to people suffering from asthma and for relief from angina. It also cures common ulcers in the mouth and intestines, and maintains the blood pressure at
normal level.
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Quick Remedies
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Those suffering from asthma may take finely ground powder of Arjuna bark regularly. Take the bark, clean it and wash it properly. Allow it to dry and then grind it. Sieve the powder and keep it in a clean bottle for regular use. Ayurvedic doctors recommend the bark powder for relief from this major lung problem.
For quick and natural relief from diarrhoea and dysentery, take a few grams of Arjuna bark, clean it and then make a decoction adding a glass of water. Allow the decoction to cool, filter it and then consume it.
Ayurvedic and Unani doctors also prescribe the bark powder as a general health tonic. The powder may be taken along with milk.
Some herbalists are of the view that a thick paste made from honey and Arjuna bark powder serves as a natural ointment for skin problems. You may apply the paste on affected parts of the body for relief.
Arjuna leaves are considered as a natural astringent, and hence juice made from the leaves can be used for dressing purpose. You may clean the wound by using the juice for quick heal.

Brahmi stimulates brain and nerves

2010
By Syed Akbar
The Brahmi plant, which derives its name from Lord Brahma, has been in use for almost 3,000 years. Ayurveda practitioners claim that Brahmi has dozensof medicinal properties ranging from fighting bronchitis to asthma, and fromboosting the intelligence to maintaining cholesterol levels.

The curative list of Brahmi, an Ayurveda practitioner possesses with him, runs into several pages. This implies that Brahmi is indeed a divine herb with unparalleled medicinal properties.
Of late, Brahmi has been commercialised with several drug and cosmetic companies launching a number of products. Brahmi hair oil and Brahmi Chavanprash have become quite popular with women and students.
The entire Brahmi plant goes into Ayurveda and Unani formulations. The plant is dried in shade and then powdered for use in herbal formulations.
Extracts are also obtained from the fresh plant. The leaves are bitter to taste. Though recent research studies have shown that Brahmi is absolutely safe as a medicinal herb, doctors often caution against its over consumption. An overdose of Brahmi formulation or its fresh extract creates health complications including temporary loss. Fatigue and headache are the common symptoms of Brahmi abuse.
Besides being a major brain tonic, Brahmi has been found to be good in treating health problems like epilepsy, heart diseases, hair loss, ulcers and diarrhoea.
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Home remedies
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For those suffering from bouts of epileptic fits, Brahmi juice is considered to be the best natural remedy. Ayurveda doctors recommend juice from Brahmi plant to treat epilepsy.
If you are suffering from insomnia and anxiety, simply rub Brahmi oil on the scalp. Gently massage the scalp after applying Brahmi oil. You will get sound sleep.
Those conscious of their hair may try Brahmi hair oil formulations. Brahmi oil promotes hair growth, and keep the scalp free of fungal infections like dandruff.
Paste prepared from Brahmi plant can be applied externally on wounds for quick healing.
Practitioners of herbal medicine recommend decoction prepared from Aswagandha and Brahmi plants for quick relief from nagging headaches caused by migraine.