complementary medicine

What is Ayurveda and Its Importance?

Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing. Translated from Sanskrit
Ayurveda means 'the science of life'. ayur means "life" and veda means "science. India system which largely depends on plant support to form major Chunk of its medicine. Most of the herbs
spices
seeds
roots
leaves
stems
petals and flowers are deeply ingrained in all Indian homes where 'home remedies' are popular. Even certain family members in some family are adept in curing even intricate disorders by simple and cost effective formulations which
at times
have shown marvelous and astounding results.

All over the world today we are looking for a natural system of healing that is comprehensive and complete
that is not merely some curious form of folk healing but a real and rational system of medicine that is sensitive to both nature and the Earth. This is exactly what Ayurveda has to offer
for it has a many thousand year-old clinical tradition and a comprehensive natural method of treatment ranging from diet
herbs and massage.

With Ayurveda we learn the right diet for our individual type
how to improve our immune system
he keys to right use of sexual energy and rejuvenation
a nd a conscious way of life that can lift us to a new level of awareness in all our endeavors.

Without such natural wisdom as Ayurveda
we may find ourselves not only unhealthy
but unhappy and spiritually confused.

Ayurveda Principles and Theory

Ayurveda system is the prominent user of herbs and its basic theory revolves round imbalance and vitiation of three humors (Doshas).

Ether (Akash)
Air (Vayu)
Fire (Agni)
Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi) are the great five elements which underline all living systems. these elements are constantly changing and interacting and can be simplified into three Vitiations (Doshas). When these doshas remain under harmony and balance
health of body does not get disturbed but
when their balance gets disturbed
a diseased state sets in.

The three doshas are vata (Wind)
Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm) and due to predominance of the one dosha
a person's personality is determined that is ' Vata-Prakriti'
'Pitta- Prakriti' or 'Kapha Prakriti'

Vata formed from ether and air
governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance.

Pitta formed from fire and water
governs "all heat
metabolism and transformation in the mind and body

Kapha formed from earth and water
cements the elements in the body
providing the material for physical structure

Each person has an individual blend of the three doshas
with one or sometimes two doshas predominating.

Common Herbs used in Ayurvedic Medicines

Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis) - The fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any natural occuring substance in nature. It maintains balance amongst three doshas and effectively controls digestive problems
strengthens heart
normalises cholesterol
prevents cancer
builds up and sustain defence mechanism
improves eye-sight and detoxifies the body.

Amla is said to have 20 times more vitamin C than orange. The vitamin C content of amla is between 625mg - 1814mg per 100gms. Other studies show that amla increases red blood cell count and hemoglobin. A research tem discovered that when Amla is taken regularly as a dietary supplement
it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals
such as lead
aluminium and nickel. Read More About Amla http://www.ayurvediccure.com/amla.htm

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Withania Somnifera)- Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs for promoting ojas and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda. It is a well known semen promoter and it treats impotency and infertility.

Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha has antibacterial
antitumor
anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The strong anti-stress actions
increases memory and learning capabilities. It has also found to be useful in Rheumatic and Arthritic disorders like pain
swelling etc

Summing up
it is a strong Aphrodisiac and has Immunomodulating
anti- inflammatory
anti tumor and anti stress properties which clearly shows why Ayurveda has such a high opinion of this herb as a general tonic. Read More About Ashwagandha http://www.ayurvediccure.com/ashwagandha.htm

Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) - It is a cardiac tonic of high quality. Terminalia arjuna
is known to be beneficial for the treatment of heart ailments since 500 BC. Clinical research has indicated its usefulness in relieving anginal pain
and in the treatment of coronary artery disease
heart failure
and possibly hypercholesterolemia.

"Terminalia arjuna bark extract
500
mg 8 hourly
given to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise
led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy." Result on Clinical Research Conducted.

Improvement of cardiac muscle function and subsequent improved pumping activity of the heart seem to be the primary benefits of Terminalia Arjuna. Read More About Arjuna http://www.ayurvedicure.com/arjuna.htm

Brahmi (Bacopa
Gotu Kola) - Brahmi is known as "the food for brain". Traditionally Brahmi is used as a mental tonic
to rejuvenate the body
as a promoter of memory and as a nerve tonic. It promotes a calm
clear mind
and improves mental function.

Modern Research claims that brahmi improves memory and helps overcome the negative effects of stress. Brahmi is especially suitable for students as it enhances the minds ability to learn and to focus and for an elderly person hoping to regain their memory. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety.

As a nervine tonic
Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke
nervous breakdown or exhaustion and Attention Deficit Disorder. The best Ayurvedic brain and memory formulas contain brahmi
as do many of the long life promoting compounds. Read More About Brahmi http://www.ayurvediccure.com/brahmi.htm

Guggulu (Shuddha Guggulu
Guggul
Commiphora Mukul) - Modern Research shows that it is the prime Ayurvedic herb for treating obesity and high cholesterol. Studies shows that guggulu lowers serum cholesterol and phospholipids
and that it also protects against cholesterol- induced atherosclerosis. Guggulu were seen to lower body weight in these clinical studies.

Guggulu also as anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating arthritis and other joint pains. Read More About Guggulu http://www.ayurvediccure.com/guggul.htm

Karela (Bitter Melon
Bitter Gourd
Momordica Charantia) - At least three different groups of constituents have been reported to have blood sugar lowering actions in bitter Mellon. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin
insulin-like peptides
and alkaloids. Scientific studies have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes.

It could probably reduce the patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. Also Bitter Melon has two proteins which are thought to repress the AIDS virus.

Recently
the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management. Read More About Bitter Melon http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittergourd.htm

Neem (Azadirachta Indica) - Neem is an extraordinary blood purifier
good for al skin diseases like acne
eczema
psoriasis and teeth and gums. Neem is included in most Ayurvedic Skin products because it is as effective on an external application as through internal indigestion.

In Ayurveda it has been safely used for over five thousand years and are a good immunity booster to prevent colds
fevers
infections and various skin diseases. Read More About Neem http://www.ayurvediccure.com/neem.htm

Shilajit (Mineral Pitch
Asphaltum) - Shilajit is one of the prime Ayurvedic compounds for rejuvenating the body. it is an aphrodisiac
anti-aging herb and to treat diabetes and debilitating urinary problems.

The Charaka Samhita states that a person must use shilajit for a minimum of one month before starting to realize he regenerating effects. It is also used to treat impotency and infertility. it is well known that Shilajit would return the libido of people to level of teenagers.

There is a folk saying by the indigenous people who live in the Himalayan region that Shilajit makes the body strong as a rock. It is an adaptogen
(Rasayna)
that helps to combat immune disorders
urinary tract disorders
nervous disorders and sexual dissatisfaction. Read More About Shilajit http://www.ayurvediccure.com/shilajit.htm

Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata
Salai Guggul) - Modern Research indicate that the Boswellia herb may assist in treating joint mobility
pain
and may be a useful remedy for a variety of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A recent clinical trial suggests positive effects of Boswellia serrata extract in knee osteoarthritis.

Boswellia has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders and best for treating Back Pain
Knee Pain
Joint Pain and Arthritis. This herb has also been proposed as a possible therapy for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Read More About Boswellia http://www.ayurvediccure.com/shallaki.htm

Triphala (Amalaki
Bibhitaki
Haritaki) - Triphala has got the properties of three famous nutrients: amla
haritaki and bibhitaki. The advantage of this formula is that it is milder in action and more balanced than any of the three alone.

It has cleansing and detoxifying action. Used regularly it is good for gentle
slow detoxification of the digestive tract and then the deep tissues. It also has the ability to normalize all three humors with continued use.

As a daily supplement triphala is hard to beat; that' s why in India they say "even if your mother leaves you
every thing will be fine if you have triphala" Read More About Triphala http://www.ayurvediccure.com/triphala.htm

Tulsi (Holy Basil
Ocimum Sanctum) - Its very name Holy Basil certifies to its sacred nature. It is a sacred plant worshipped in many Indian homes and is a must in every Hindu’s house.

Holy basil is also a major ingredient of many Ayurvedic cough syrups. it is a good stress reliever
and modern research has found it to be good for Respiratory problems
Cold
Fever and all types of Cough. Read More About Tulsi. http://www.ayurvediccure.com/tulasi.htm