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AYURPATRA Your
monthly health e-newsletter
Vol:
1-Diseases of - Above Shoulder region (sleep
problems II) SERIES
URDHWAJATRUGATA XIV
– OCT 2005 |
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We
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serve humanity from health aspect by natural means.
FEATURED
ARTICLE- NIDRALPTA CHIKITSA (SLEEP MANAGEMENT) While
talking of sleep, Ayurvedic scriptures further provide some practical
guidelines. For instance, putting Anjan (collyrium or lamp-black
eye-lotion prepared from ghee of cow’s milk or specific herbal
oil) in the eyes before going to bed is said to induce soothing effects
on the eyes.
Eyes are sensors and processors of light and related functions and hence
regarded as functionally constituted of the Agni tatva (one of
the five basic elements) and are thus prone to diseases caused by kapha
dosha (one of the three tridoshas described in Ayurveda). As
the latter is supposed to mainly manifest as shleshma (origin of
phlegm, which grows with chill, moisture and impurities, on the base of jala
tatva), it is advisable to protect the eyes from it. The substances
like anjan are supposed to be suppressors of the kapha dosha
in the eyes and are therefore considered efficacious in protecting the
natural health (and radiance) of the eyes and as inducers of sound
sleep.
Surama, which seems to have been popularized in the Middle East
and India by the Greeks, is also a type of anjan. Putting few
drops of rosewater in the eyes also cleans the eyes and gives a soothing
sensation and helps in inducing good sleep. Ayurveda mentions of
applying pure honey on the pores (inner edges) of eyes; it gives burning
sensations initially, but it is supposed to be a natural preventive
medicine against cataract. However it should be used only upon (Ayurvedic)
doctor’s advice, after ensuring the purity of honey.
Ayurvedic scriptures describe several methods of preparing anjans
for specific purposes. The most common and suitable for most of us is
the following. Lit a lamp of pure caster-oil using a clean cotton wick
to get consistent yellow flame. Collect the lamp-black by keeping a
clean pot of bronze on the tip of the burning flame while taking care
that the flame should remain yellow. Mix ghee of cow’s milk in
appropriate proportion and small quantity of good quality, finely
powdered camphor in the lampblack. The anjan is ready to be used
as an eye-lotion. In view of the sensitivity of the eyes, it is
recommended that one prepares it in the presence of an expert. Quality
of the collyrium or lamp-black should also be tested. It should not be
used for more than six months. Needless to say that extra care should be
taken for the hygiene of fingers while using them to apply this
eye-lotion inside the eyes. Shirodhara
and Shirovasti –
have specific action on sleep disorders as they calm the nervous system.
The oils used for these treatments are jatamansi oil, ksheerbala oil,
and brahmi oil. Shiroabhyanga
– One of the simplest and most effective ways to induce sleep is
Ayurvedic head massage.It pacifies the kapha in head and generates
natural sleep. It relaxes the mind and nervous system as well. Oils
used for Shiroabhyanga - Sesame oil, Brahmi oil, Ksheerbala
oil,Shudhbala oil , Cow's ghee or Jatamatnsi oil, slightly warming the
oil before applying is helpful. Rubbing
some oil on the soles of the feet before going to bed is also beneficial
in getting sleep. General
remedies 1.
Churna of Pipplimoola-1.5gm to be taken with water as a single
dose at bed time. 2.
Swarnamakhshik Bhasma (1 gm) to be taken with jaggery at bed
time. 3.
Take the following herbs in quantity of ˝ tsp with water or milk
thrice daily:Sarpagandha and Pipplamula. 4.
Apply a fine paste made of nutmeg powder mixed with an equal
amount of ghee around your eyes and on your forehead before bed to help
you fall asleep. 5.
Application of Dry Ginger powder fried in Ghee over forehead. Herbs:
Jatamansi(Nardostychus
jatamansi) , Ashwagandha(Withania somnifera), Tagar (Valerian),
Yashtimadhu(Licorice), Sage leaf, Poppy seeds, Peppermint,
Jaiphal(Nutmeg),Sarpagandha(Rauwolfia serpentina). LAVENDER
–(USTUKHUDAS) Counter insomnia and promote restful sleep.
In Germany, a tea made from dried lavender flowers is an officially
recognized remedy for restlessness and difficulty sleeping. Both animal
research and human studies indicate that lavender's sedative qualities
are real. Experiments in mice have shown that lavender can slow the
central nervous system, calm motor activity, counter the stimulant
effect of caffeine, and boost the narcotic effects of certain drugs. In one of the
most interesting human studies so far, four nursing home patients with
sleep problems found that they could sleep more soundly, and for a
longer time, when the rooms were perfumed with lavender and lavender
oil. ITRAFAL
USTUKHUDAS USES:
Cephalgia, hemiplagia, Ardita, Epilepsy, chronic catarrah You
may consult our Ayurveda experts through on
line consultation or personally.
HERB
OF THE MONTH: Jatamansi It
is very interesting to note that in conditions of insomnia and
restlessness this drug was used by Sushruta to produce tranquility and
sedation. Infusion prepared from the fresh roots is employed in the
treatment of spasmodic hysterical states, palpitations and tension
headache. It is also said to be useful in menopausal disturbances.
Clinical trials were carried out with Jatamansone in essential
hypertension. Jatamansone has been used in febrile delirium and also in
delirium tremens. In dysmenorrhoea, it is used for pain relief and a
smooth menstrual flow.
Nardostachys was recommended in the Ayurvedic tradition for nervous and
spasmodic symptoms, such as heart palpitations, headache, shaking, and
convulsions .The active constituents of Nardostachys are similar to
those found in valerian. In India, modern research with the herb has
been aimed at examining new uses rather than the traditional ones: it is
being examined for its liver protective effects, ability to increase
nerve growth factor, and lipid lowering effects. The
oil possesses antiarrhythmic and hypotensive activity. Jatamansone an
active principle of N.jatamansi, brings forth a significant reduction in
hyperactivity, restlessness and aggressiveness in hyperactive children. Cosmetic
Application
– Jatamansi is a useful hair tonic and is commonly used in hair oils,
promoting hair growth and luster. It promotes hair growth and imparts
black color to the hair. It is also used in oils and pastes that
improves complexion and general health of skin. In
Germany and Japan, some interest in this herb as an alternative to
valerian has been shown, in that preliminary experiments (in laboratory
animals) show that it has an even lower toxicity than valerian (which
already has low toxicity). Nardostachys
jatamansi protects against liver damage induced by thioacetamide in
rats. Isolation
and pharmacodynamic activity of the sesquiterpene valeranone from
Nardostachys jatamansi DC BEAUTY
TIP – Facial
pack for a glowing skin For
personalized beauty related queries mail to:beauty@ayurplanet.com
FORTHCOMING
EVENT:
Event
Name:
India Medicare 2005 Date:
October 7 – 10,2005 Venue
: Palace Grounds, Banglore, India. Details:
Tel: 91-80-51146563 ;E-mail: info@indiamedicare.com NEWS:
Herb
helps hay fever August
23, 2005
WASHINGTON,
Aug 22, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- An herbal
extract may treat seasonal allergies just as effectively as
antihistamine drugs without the risk of drowsiness, a new study by Swiss
and German researchers has found. The
study, published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, tested extract of
butterbur, a plant found in Europe, Asia and parts of North America.
Butterbur's roots have been used medicinally for centuries, but the
plant's leaves have only recently come into use as an herbal medicine.
Both the leaves and the roots contain petasines, chemicals that inhibit
the body's ability to produce leukotrienes, components of an allergic
reaction. AYURVEDA
INDIA An
International Herbal Treatment and Panchakarma Centre, Our
European center:AGN
2521 ZL;Thijse straat 16;Denhaag; The
Netherlands.
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