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Ayurvedic medicines

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

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.

By Dr John Anne

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http://www.ibodywise.com/medicine

.::Carcinoma cancer::.

In medicine, carcinoma is any cancer that arises from epithelial cells. It is malignant by definition: carcinomas invade surrounding tissues and organs, and may spread to lymph nodes and distal sites (metastasis). Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a pre-malignant condition, in which cytological signs of malignancy are present, but there is no histological evidence of invasion through the epithelial basement membrane.

Classification of carcinoma
Carcinoma, like all neoplasia, is classified by its histopathological appearance. Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, two common descriptive terms for tumours, reflect the fact that these cells may have glandular or squamous cell appearances respectively. Severely anaplastic tumours might be so undifferentiated that they do not have a distinct histological appearance (undifferentiated carcinoma).Sometimes a tumour is referred to by the presumptive organ of the primary (eg carcinoma of the prostate) or the putative cell of origin (hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma).

Types of carcinoma
Carcinoma, like all neoplasia, is classified by its histopathological appearance. Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, two common descriptive terms for tumours, reflect the fact that these cells may have glandular or squamous cell appearances respectively. Severely anaplastic tumours might be so undifferentiated that they do not have a distinct histological appearance.Sometimes a tumor is referred to by the presumptive organ of the primary (eg carcinoma of the prostate) or the putative cell of origin (hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma).

Staging
Carcinomas, like all cancers, are staged according to the extent of disease. The UICC/AJCC TNM system is often used, however for some common tumours, classic staging methods (such as the Dukes classification for colon cancer) are still used.

Cell carcinoma
refers to any of several types of malignant growths of the urinary bladder. The image to the right shows a papillary cell tumor, the most common type of bladder cancer. Papillary transitional cell carcinoma is a cancer of the transitional epithelial cells of the bladder. The greatest risk factor for bladder cancer is a genetic predisposition; it is also associated with smoking and occupational exposure to aniline-based dyes (such as in textile factories), as well as with petrol and other chemicals.The treatment of bladder cancer depends on how deep the tumor invades into the bladder wall. Superficial tumors (those not entering the muscle layer) can be "shaved off" using an electrocautery device. Tumors which infiltrate the bladder require more radical surgery where part or all of the bladder is removed and the urinary stream is diverted. Radiation can also be used to treat this disease.

Src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinoma

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.::Blood pressure medicine::.

It's hard to ignore the explosion of advertisements for new drugs. Magazines, newspapers, television, radio, bus shelters, commuter trains and more all feature ads for pills and potions that claim to be good for what ails you.

There's no doubt that medications have helped millions of Americans cope with chronic conditions and recover from serious illnesses. But we may have gone too far in seeking an immediate drug cure when something far simpler can have the same effect. Here are some food and exercise "prescriptions" that can help treat or prevent common health problems.

Stress and Anxiety
Although it's difficult to define stress precisely, you know it when you feel it. It's there when the boss adds one more project to your heavy workload, when the kids' activities require you to be in three places at once, and when the phone's ringing with yet another volunteer request. Anxiety, a common companion of stress, may instill a feeling of dread that can be debilitating. If chronic anxiety interferes with daily activities, then medication can be a lifesaver. But you may be able to relax without a capsule.

Nutrition Rx
Knowing what to eat to help you remain calm is the first step to handling stress. Certain foods contain the nutrient tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, a feel-good brain chemical. Tryptophan-rich foods include turkey, whole grains, beans and vegetables, and yogurt, milk and cottage cheese.
There are also foods that you should avoid when you feel stressed or anxious. "Stimulants like caffeine only make stress worse." Instead of reaching for coffee, black tea and cola drinks, brew a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea, both of which have a relaxing effect.

Exercise Rx
Yoga is the ideal exercise to combat stress; the combination of physical exertion and controlled breathing can calm both body and mind. For years, men and women have been taught to use control their breathing to help control and cope with the stress of everyday life.

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a ticking time bomb that can lead to heart attack and stroke. But experts believe that many people on high blood pressure medicine may be doing themselves a disservice by relying solely on pills when attention to diet and exercise can have an enormous impact.
Nutrition Rx You've probably heard that eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure. What you may not know is how quickly you reap the benefits. A study conducted at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and other medical centers found that a diet that included 9 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day (about twice the amount in the average American diet), plus three servings of low-fat dairy products, reduced blood pressure in just two weeks.

Consider switching to sesame oil. Researchers in India, reporting at an American Heart Association meeting, found that people who took blood pressure medicine and also used sesame oil for 60 days were able to lower their mediation dosage. Keep your weight under control can also help. "Losing even five pounds can lower blood pressure significantly."

Exercise Rx
Aerobic activity such as jogging, biking and brisk walking, lowers blood pressure effectively. But be cautious if you try heavy weight lifting or sprinting. These short bursts of intense activity, called anaerobic exercise, coupled with aerobics, may temporarily raise blood pressure, according to the American Society of Hypertension. Don't skip such activities; just be careful not to lift too much weight or hold your breath.

High Cholesterol
When your cholesterol levels are too high, your chances of having a heart attack go up. In recent years the market has been flooded with drugs called statins, which help lower LDL (bad) and total cholesterol levels. But experts say diet and exercise can dramatically affect cholesterol levels.

Nutrition Rx
Soluble fiber helps clean LDL cholesterol from the blood. Oats contains a lot of soluble fiber, but barley may be even better, according to a recent study at the Diet and Human Performance Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. Researchers found that adding barley to an already heart-healthy diet effectively lowered LDL levels and total cholesterol.

Plant sterols are another newsworthy nutrition prescription. These naturally occurring substances, found in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and other plant sources, inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. It's difficult to get sufficient sterols from foods because their concentration is so low, but margarines and salad dressings that have been fortified with sterols have proved effective when used a part of a daily diet.

Exercise Rx
Research at Montreal's McGill University recently found that regular exercise in combination with a diet high in plant sterols reduced cholesterol levels more than either exercise or diet alone. And a study at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions found that people who increased their exercise levels to 60 minutes of combined aerobic exercise and weight training, three times a week, lowered their risk of heart disease and diabetes.

By Susan Rutter

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