Introduction:

Tibetan medicines, especially the herbal medicines, are one of the oldest and also one of the most effective medicines in the world. The Tibetan medicines are so ancient that they almost trace back to the advent of the Tibetan civilization.

The entire knowledge of Tibetan medicines has been based on the heritage book of Tibet namely the Four Tantras or the ‘rGyud-bZhi’.

Ophiocordyceps Sinensis

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a special type of fungus of parasites or even caterpillars that is used as an extremely popular medicine in Tibet. This medicinal herb is formed when the fungus attacks the caterpillars of the moths. As a result it looks like dead caterpillars-dried and yellow in color. In the spring time, these fungi mummify the caterpillars and as a result a juicy herb is produced that acts as the medicine. It is handpicked and further dried for the medicinal purpose.

It has various benefits it provides. The consumption of this herb promotes a good health. It has the capability to slow down the ageing process and also strengthens the cardiovascular and respiratory system. It provides strength to the body, and improves blood circulation and keeps the blood pressure normal. It is also known to remove blood clots and decreases cholesterol. It has a remarkable quality of providing strength and convalescence to an ill body and healing a wound faster. It is also very good for illnesses like Yellow Fever, Bronchitis, Kidney diseases, asthma and others.

2. Rhodiola

This medicine, also known as Rhodiola rosea or the rose root is very popular in Tibet. It is a type of flowering plant with bright yellow flowers, growing at the mountainous cold regions like the arctic regions and in the hills of Tibet. This flowering plant is used as a traditional herbal medicine in the region of Tibet. It constitutes of a fleshy stem and a short scaly root. It is this root that has the medicinal value in Tibetan pharmaceuticals.

It is widely used for the acquisition of the respite from anxiety. Also it combats altitude sickness and several other types of discomfort related to high altitude. It provides energy and revival to the body also, especially in the altitude where you are in dire need of them. It combats insomnia also and has an intoxicating effect on lungs and hearts. But its chief function is to calm the distressed adrenaline system of a person.  The medicine is usually consumed by mixing it in an herbal tea

3. Snow Lotus

Snow lotus, like Rhodiola, is another perennial herb growing in the cold hilly regions of Asia, North America and Europe. It consists of dense flowers with thistle like appearance. The dense white and woolly hairs around the flowers make them appear snowy because of which the name has been given as snow lotus. Nonetheless, this small herb, having an average height of 5 to 10 cm, is used as one of the most important medicines in Tibet. The root of this herb is considered to be the most beneficial of all.

They are used during the time of indigestion, fever and headaches. They are extremely beneficial for hair falls and premature graying of hair. Also they are used to combat epilepsy, pleurisy, bronchitis and common cold. They also cure herpes and help in dental problems and urinary problems. It normalizes blood pressure and helps in the proper circulation of blood. Also it combats colic pain, cholera and skin diseases. Thus it also helps in rejuvenating the body and helps in keeping them clean from inside. It also acts as an appetizer and increases the hunger.

4. Ginseng

Ginseng is also a small perennial herb growing in the mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. These plants are characterized by their fleshy roots that are mainly used for the medicinal purpose.

It acts as an energy provider and rejuvenates the body. Not only that, it helps in maintaining the blood pressure and thereby removes stress and tension. It is known to be a great curative agent for diabetes and even prevents cancers. It also cures flu and Respiratory syncitial virus.

5. Saffron

Like the above small herbal plants, saffron is also a perennial plant, abundant in hilly areas. The plant produces a beautiful and bright purple flower, having vivid stigmas. These stigmas are dried and used in various purposes like as spices, medicines and as beauty products

Saffron is widely used for skin and hair problems. It is a remarkable medicine for alopecia. Women also use saffron to get relief from their menstrual cramps and PMS or pre-menstrual syndrome. It is a good curative agent for premature ejaculation and infertility for men. Other than these, it is remarkable for whooping cough, asthma, insomnia, gastritis, Alzheimer, dry skin and several heart problems.

6. Musk

Musk is another Tibetan medicine, derived from the species of deer. These are a kind of perfuming material obtained from the glandular secretion of the deer, especially the males. However, quite intellectually the Tibetans have invented several medicinal values of the substance.

Musk is extremely beneficial for brain and liver diseases. The strong scent is also used to help a man gain consciousness after fainting. Moreover it is also used to cure kidney dysfunction. There is also a belief that musk is extremely good for curing cancers.

7. Coreopsis Grandiflora

The famous Coreopsis grandiflora belongs to the family of sunflowers and is another perennial plant or herb. It consists of small yellow flowers and pointed leaves, but however the seeds of these herbs are extremely important. It is also known as tickseed and has remarkable medicinal qualities.

The main importance of this herbal plant is its remarkable stabilization effect upon the nervous system. They help in the sedating the excited nervous system. Also they help in the proper blood circulation and health of the nerve. Another importance of the herb is its enhancing of the metabolism of the body, thereby keeping it healthy and rejuvenated.

8. Lingzhi Mushroom

The famous Lingzhi mushroom is also known as the reishi mushroom. It is a species that contains a complex amalgamation of several mushrooms. These fungi are solely used for medicinal purposes especially in the Chinese traditions.

They enhance the immunity of human body. Not only that they also help in the prevention of cancer and combating the ageing problems. It also acts as the flushing agent of the several intoxicating materials within our body.

Conclusion:

Tibetan medicine, one of the China’s traditional medical systems, has been widely used by the Tibetan people for the prevention and treatment of several; diseases for hundreds of years.

Introduction:

This chart was designed by Tibetan monks to improve the vision. The design of this Eye Chart was to exercise the eye muscles. The Tibetans have used natural eyesight improvement for centuries. If used for a few minutes, twice per day, your eyes should improve greatly over a few months.

It is believed that normal eyes shift rapidly and continuously. Eyes with defective vision are fixed and staring. When staring eyes learn to shift, vision is improved. The eyeball is like a camera, and changes in focal length. To focus the camera you must adjust the distance from the negative to the front of the camera lens. Increase this distance to focus for close vision and decrease it for distant viewing.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RELAXATION:

Vision can be improved by natural methods. Tension causes eyestrain and impairs vision. Relaxation relieves tension. Relaxed eyes are normal. Whenever the eyes lose their relaxation and become tense, they strain and vision becomes poor. Vision can be improved only by education in proper seeing. Proper seeing is relaxed seeing.

Six muscles on the outside of the eyeball control its shape: four reach from front to back that flatten the eye, the other two belt it around the middle and squeeze it lengthwise from front to back. When the eyes are relaxed, these six muscles are flexible and cooperate automatically, adjusting the focal length as described above so that your eyes may see both near and far.

The muscles of the eye can be reeducated to do their duty. Relaxation of the eye and mind bring relaxation of the entire body. This general relaxation increases circulation and brings improved visual, physical and mental health. Relaxation is therefore essential to optimum visual performance.

PALMING TO RELAX THE EYES:

The best way to give eyes a rest is darkness through palming. Eyes need rest periodically. Three to five minutes of palming is good, ten to twenty minutes is better. Put the left palm over the left eye on the angle with your nose and try to achieve a perfect fit. Then do the same with the right eye. The four fingers of one hand should be held gently across the four fingers of the other hand, the angle where they meet fitting over the bridge of the nose, so that the hollow of the hand makes a slight vacuum pressure on the eyeball. Keep the hands loose and soft. Try to rest the elbows on your lap or a tabletop.

HOW TO USE THE CHART:

Attach the chart to a convenient wall with the white center spot in line with the nose. Stand erect with the tip of your nose as close to the white spot as possible. Then move the eyes slowly clockwise following the outer edge of each arm of the figures including the black spot, until the beginning point is reached. Then repeat the same action in a counter clockwise direction.

After each cycle blink and relax the eyes and then do three to five minutes of Palming. (See “Palming” above). Repeat these exercises twice daily and be careful to avoid eyestrain.

Remember to breathe deeply and rhythmically. Breathing is essential to vision, as it oxygenizes the blood. Try to do your exercises using real sunlight, not artificial light. Natural sunlight is good for the eyes.

Conclusion:

In addition to exercising your eyes, you will need to fuel them properly for optimal vision! According to a London study published in EYE, supplementing with vitamins A, C and E may help protect retina and lens health, which often suffers from oxidative damage.

Zinc also has a role in retinal metabolism and may be able to reduce the rate of macular degeneration. Selenium is another important antioxidant that can be taken to improve eye health as well as omega 3 fatty acids, which aid brain function.

Introduction:

Human beings have been using plants as medicine for as long as we have existed on Earth.  However, because there have been many more people that are now using such plants in recent years, there has been a huge increase in demand for them.

In some cases, the overharvesting of particular herbs has even led to their endangerment. Awareness of this problem is very important in order to prevent their extinction.

Some endangered herbs:

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Native Americans used the tea of the Black Cohosh root to support women’s health ailments, such as during menopause and for menstrual issues. It is useful for easing arthritis and rheumatism symptoms, easing inflammatory conditions, and possibly for tinnitus.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

Native to North America, the root of the goldenseal plant was highly prized by the native peoples living along the East Coast for its value as an important immune supporting herb. It can be used for skin and other types of infections, congestion, and help support the digestive system.

Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum ellipticum)

This variety of sandalwood is found only to Hawaii. It has a long history of traditional uses including: for body care, skin care, as a natural perfume, antiseptic, as an incense in religious and spiritual practices, as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, immune support, and as an overall body tonic.
 

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, Panacis quinquefolis)

A perennial herb native to Eastern North America, this woodland plant is valued by many for its root. American Ginseng has many healing properties, including adaptogenic, cardiotonic, and sedative, immune supporting, tonic, and stomachic. American Ginseng also supports the endocrine system and helps the body to adapt to many different stressors.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria candadensis)

A perennial flowering plant native to the woodlands of eastern North America, the sap of every part of the Bloodroot plant is generally recommended for topical use only. Bloodroot is primarily used topically and is most known for treating skin conditions such as skin tags, moles, and eczema.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Native to North America, Mexico, and Asia, the roots and stems of this plant are used medicinally to reduce inflammation, as a digestive aid, support healthy blood sugar, antioxidant, relieve muscle cramps, help support a healthy metabolism, enhance virility, and support healthy cholesterol levels.

Rosy Periwinkle (Catharanthus rosea)

Native to the forest, woodlands, and grasslands of the island of Madagascar, this wonder herb has been found to help the body heal from malaria, and to support the body when dealing with Cancer, diabetes, and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
 

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

The stem, leaves, flowers of the Eyebright plant are edible and have medicinal properties. This plant is used to treat eye health issues such as eye inflammation, conjunctivitis, cataracts, and styes, as well as respiratory conditions like bronchitis, colds, and allergies, and skin issues such as acne and stretch marks. The Eyebright plant may also help to perk up memory.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

Native to the Eastern and Central U.S. and into Canada, the mucilaginous inner bark of this tall flowering tree has many uses, including soothing coughs and the throat, soothing inflammatory conditions, and supporting the digestive, glandular, and urinary tract systems.
 

Conclusion:

One of the most important things that we can do to help endangered medicinal plants is to become aware of their endangerment and to purchase them only from well-respected sustainable companies that do not overharvest these endangered plants in their natural habitat. In many cases, the best practice of the sustainable herb companies is to cultivate such plants on farms and to avoid harvesting them from the wild in the first place.

Introduction:

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in two forms. The main type is called phylloquinone, found in green leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, and spinach. The other type, menaquinones, is found in some animal foods and fermented foods. Menaquinones can also be produced by bacteria in the human body.

Vitamin K helps to make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones.  Prothrombin is a vitamin K-dependent protein directly involved with blood clotting.  Osteocalcin is another protein that requires vitamin K to produce healthy bone tissue.

Vitamin K is found throughout the body including the liver, brain, heart, pancreas, and bone. It is broken down very quickly and excreted in urine or stool. Because of this, it rarely reaches toxic levels in the body even with high intakes, as may sometimes occur with other fat-soluble vitamins.

The recommended amount:

The (Adequate intake) AI amount is estimated to ensure nutritional adequacy. For adults 19 years and older, the AI for vitamin K is 120 micrograms (mcg) daily for men and 90 mcg for women and for those who are pregnant or lactating.

Vitamin K and Health:

Adequate amounts of Vitamin K are required for:

• Blood clotting
• Bone health
• Heart disease

Food Sources

• Phylloquinone
  • Green leafy vegetables including collard and turnip greens, kale, spinach, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, lettuces
  • Soybean and canola oil
  • Salad dressings made with soybean or canola oil
  • Fortified meal replacement shakes
• Menaquinones
  • Natto (fermented soybeans)
  • Smaller amounts in meat, cheese, and eggs

Signs of Deficiency

Vitamin K deficiency in adults is rare, but may occur in people taking medications that block vitamin K metabolism such as antibiotics, or in those with conditions that cause malabsorption of food and nutrients. A deficiency is also possible in newborn infants because vitamin K does not cross the placenta, and breast milk contains a low amount.

Deficiency can manifest as:

• A longer time for blood to clot or a prolonged prothrombin time (as measured in a physician’s office)
• Bleeding
• Hemorrhaging
• Osteopenia or osteoporosis

Take home message:

Vitamin K is fat-soluble, it is best to eat vitamin K foods with some fat to improve absorption. So, drizzle some olive oil or add diced avocado to your favorite leafy green salad!  It is important to know that Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps your blood clot and your bones grow the way they should. It also may help prevent the bone disease osteoporosis and protect you against heart disease.