Introduction:

Childhood abdominal pain is a very common reason for parents to seek medical advice. The good news is that most childhood abdominal pain is benign and self-limiting, resolving rapidly.

A great grandmother remedy for pain due to indigestion and over eating:

Mint leaves

Take a small bunch of crushed fresh mint leaves and put it into 1 cup boiling water.

Cinnamon

Then add a teaspoonful of cinnamon powder to the mix.

Ginger

Then grate half a spoon of ginger into this mix

Cumin seeds &  Fennel seeds

Then add half a spoonful of cumin seed powder, fennel seed powder and asafetida each.

Mango leaves

To this mix add two teaspoonfuls of mango leaves which were previously dried and powdered.

Finally bring the mix to a boil over a small flame.  Cool this mixture and add some honey to taste. Then strain this mix. One glassful of this wonderful mixture worked wonders for any stomach pain or indigestion brought about due to a gastronomic extravaganza.

Conclusion:

A word of caution: Chronic abdominal pain refers to pain that has been present continuously, or occurring at least on a weekly basis when intermittent, for a minimum period of two months. This should not be neglected and must be shown to a physician. Also if the abdominal pain is severe please contact your health care provider immediately.

Introduction:

Many of the Home remedies have come to us from generations. Some of them are also called as grandmother’s remedies. Often times these remedies have a lot of hidden scientific sense.

 Summer boils are a very tricky problem and there are several home remedies of great repute and are extremely efficacious.

Warm compresses:

One of the time tested methods is to give frequent application of warm compresses and this helps boils heal without requiring a visit to the doctor. The idea here is scientific and it helps increase the blood supply to the area. Once the boil ruptured and emptied itself of infectious waste, the sore can began to heal.

Garlic with onion:

A mixture of garlic juice together with onion juice in equal quantity, it is very efficacious and when applied on the boils, it helps ripen them and then break them to expel the pus.

Cumin seeds:

A paste of cumin seeds with water when applies on boils has an anti-septic action and gets rid of the boils.

Bitter gourd:

Bitter gourd can also be a very effective remedy for boils. Take 1 cup bitter gourd juice, add one teaspoon of lime juice. Sip it slowly on an empty stomach. It is a cleansing agent and helps in curing boils.

Ginger:

 Is one of the most common boil home remedies. Grate fresh ginger and pack on top of the boil. This increases the blood flow to the boil and helps them burst. Ginger may turn your skin red and this is normal.

Egg whites:

Spread beaten egg whites on the boil and cover with a bandage. This definitely speeds up drying and healing of the boil.

I would like to caution readers that if the boils do not burst or if they become worse, a qualified doctor must be consulted without wasting time.

Introduction:

Menstrual cramps in adolescent girls can be quite incapacitating and it results in a lot of loss of school hours. In our Ayurvedic tradition there are many excellent concoctions for the same and these grandmother remedies are very efficacious and do have a scientific basis.

A Brew:

A brew of the following is quite effective and unnecessary allopathic medications can often be avoided.  

Basil leaves.

Basil leaves (Tulsi) can relieve some of the normal pain associated with menstruation because it contains caffeic acid, which has an analgesic, or pain-killing effect.

Cinnamon powder:

This has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties and can be mixed with Basil leaves and heated in water to form a brew.

Fennel.

This was another sure shot cramp cure.  This spice is said to promote better circulation to the ovaries. Crush fennel seeds into a powder. Add to 1 cup boiling water, keep for five minutes, strain, and drink hot.

Ginger.

This is a cramp reliever, and as an added bonus it sometimes can make irregular periods regular. It can be added to the brew however, put 1/2 teaspoon in 1 cup boiling water, and drink three times a day.

Mint.

 Either peppermint or wintergreen can relieve cramps. Steep into a tea and drink a cup or two a day. Mint in a candy form can also be useful.

Mustard.

Add a tablespoon or two of powdered mustard to the brew and this definitely helps relieve the cramps.

Conclusion:

Finally a word of friendly caution, please consult a Gynecologist if the symptoms do not come down in a few days.

Introduction:

For growing adolescents, especially girls, pimples are catastrophic events. The health care industry preys on this fear and pimples are a billion dollar industry. It is not necessary to invest in such expensive products and many grandmother remedies work wonderfully in getting rid of pimples and giving a glowing complexion…

Natural Remedies:

Sandalwood   Turmeric

Wood sorrel

Leebeck tree flower

Take some sandal wood, and turmeric, wood sorrel and lebbeck tree flower (Lebbeck marattiṉ pū in Tamil) and grind all these ingredients and apply the paste on the pimples.

Quassia indica leaves

You may also add Quassia indica leaves (called as Nibam in Tamil). These leaves have potent antibacterial properties and have ether and ethanol extracts that exhibit antibiotic properties against several skin pathogens

Dry Ginger:

Dry ginger powder cab mixed with water and can applied it on our pimples.

Basil leaves and Camphor:

Grind Basil leaves and camphor and apply it on our pimples. Basil leaves contain volatile oils that have therapeutic effects against pimples.

Basil leaves Camphor

Spinach Leaves(Kerrai in Tamil):

 Sesbania grandiflora

In stubborn pimples, spinach leaves (Sesbania grandiflora)(called Keerai in Tamil)can be ground into paste with water and applies on the pimples.

Abutilon leaves

Mix a dash of black pepper, garlic and abutilon leaves with castor oil and make a paste and apply on the pimples. Abutilon leaves are called as Paniyaratutti in Tamil.

Conclusion:

A note of caution: If the pimples are severe and if there is a flare up (which is extremely rare) after using these home remedies, please contact your dermatologist immediately.

Introduction:

Magnesium is mostly found in the bones, while the rest is in the muscles, soft tissues, and fluids. Every cell in your body needs magnesium to function. The role of Magnesium is to act like a helper molecule in the biochemical reactions performed by enzymes; Magnesium is involved in energy creation, protein formation, gene maintenance, muscle movements and nervous system regulation.

Why is Magnesium Deficiency so Widespread?

The soil is depleted and plants are deficient and this in turn results in low levels of magnesium in animals. Further, the use of chemicals, such as fluoride and chlorine, bind to magnesium, making the water supply low in the mineral.  Common substances such as sugar and caffeine deplete the body’s magnesium levels.  In addition stress drains out the endocrine system and causes magnesium depletion.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Calcification of the Arteries

Calcification of the arteries can occur from low magnesium levels. As a result, one can develop coronary problems, like heart attacks, heart failure, and heart disease.

Muscle Cramping

This is one of the most notable symptoms of being deficient in magnesium. It can cause stiffening of the arteries; it can cause stiffening of muscle tissue, as well. This can result in awful cramps and spasms.

Anxiety & Depression – Anxiety and depression affect millions of people and the culprit could be Magnesium deficiency.  

Hormone Imbalances

Premenstrual syndromewhere ladies experience crazy “ups” and “downs” before or after your period is thought to be due to deficiency in magnesium.  The higher the estrogen or progesterone levels in a woman’s body, the lower the magnesium. This is also why pregnant women experience more leg cramps.

 High Blood Pressure/Hypertension – 

 A high intake of magnesium results in normal blood pressures.

Pregnancy Discomfort

Low magnesium levels can adversely affect pregnant woman and their moods. Some women report less morning sickness during pregnancy when supplemented with magnesium. Magnesium can also reduce hypertension and muscle cramps during pregnancy. Supplementation can also help to ward off preterm labor and lessen headaches.

Low Energy

Low levels of Magnesium are associated with lack of drive and low energy at the cellular levels.

Bone Health

People regard calcium as the most important mineral for healthy bones. While it is important, magnesium may even be more so

In cases of magnesium deficiency, the bone suffers in the following ways:

1. Impairment of Vitamin D Absorption 
2. Magnesium is required to stimulate the hormone calcitonin which draws calcium out of the muscles and tissues and into the bones.

Sleep Problems

Magnesium is required for the proper function of the GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is the neurotransmitter which assists the brain to transition to a restful state.

Other Symptoms

 A number of vitamins and minerals work synergistically, and magnesium tops the list. It is needed for the proper utilization of calcium, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin D and other nutrients.

Foods Abundant in Magnesium

• Dark chocolate

• Nuts and seeds (specifically pumpkin seeds)

• Avocados

• Bananas

• Leafy greens (kale, spinach, and chard)

• Wild-caught fish

• Himalayan pink sea salt

• Sea vegetables

• Sprouts

• Grass-fed dairy (though controversial in certain dietary camps)

Conclusion:

Magnesium is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in the human body, and impacts blood pressure, metabolism and the immune function.

Magnesium deficiency is a relatively simple to correct though taking supplements and/or eating magnesium-rich foods. Increasing the level of this mineral in your body is thought to reduce your chances of experiencing the hardening of the arteries, and has been reported to enhance sleep along with helping to balance an individual’s mood.

Introduction:

The ‘Peepal tree’ is one of the revered trees in India. This tree is venerated, both by Hindus as well as by the Buddhists.  It is believed that Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree and it is also called as the ‘Bodhi tree’ or the tree of wisdom.  The Botanical name of this tree is FICUS RELIGIOSA.

The tree is found wild in the forests and in the lower slopes of the Himalayas, in Orissa and in Central India. It grows wild in most parts of India, especially on the banks of the rivers and lakes.

Medicinal uses:

Most Ayurvedic masters mention about this plant and concede that this plant has the power to arrest bleeding from the bowels, lungs, stomach, bladder and other parts of the body.

Bhavaprakasa, Charaka, Sushrutha, Viswakasha and many other Ayurvedic physicians of repute vouch for its anti-hemorrhagic property and find it useful in mouth ulcers when used as a paste mixed with honey.  It is also used as a powder in leucorrhoea and in dysentery. The main parts used are the bark, the leaves and the fruit of the plant.

The leaves of this tree are used as a dry powder taken internally to cure constipation. Peepal leaves warmed in Ghee are used as an external application to relieve the swelling and the pain in Mumps.

This remedy is also considered to be useful in Spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation and to prevent nocturnal emissions.

This remedy is also used in glandular enlargements, where a paste is made from the roots and applied on the enlarged glands.

The bark and the leaves of this plant are used by tribal people, for curing fevers, heart ailments, such as palpitation and cardiac weakness.

This remedy is also used by the tribal people for curing bruises and minor injuries.

Homoeopathic Uses:

It is useful in arresting bleeding disorders such as; bleeding from the lungs, uterus and stomach. This remedy is also useful in controlling dysentery, typhoid and piles.

Conclusion:

The Peepal plant is essentially popular among Ayurvedic and Homeopathic physicians and the tribal people of India.

Introduction:

The Botanical name of ‘Tulsi’ or the Basil Plant is OCIMUM SANCTUM. This plant is considered to be a sacred plant by the Hindus. It is also known by several other names such as; Vishnupriya, Tulasi, Divya, Bharathi and Krishna Mul.  This is a highly scented plant and is considered to be of great spiritual and medicinal value.

Legend has it that Binda, the wife of Sankhachura was favored by Lord Krishna and transformed and immortalized as this herb and it is therefore considered to be a sacred plant.

In Malaysia the leaves of this plant are used to strew over the graves of dead persons for the peace and benefit of the departed souls.

Medicinal Properties:

In Allopathy it has been used as a demulcent, expectorant and the Tulsi leaf powder has been used as a snuff to destroy maggots. In the days gone by the medicated oil was used in the ear for earache. It was also tried with limejuice on common ringworm skin infections.

In Ayurveda, it has been recommended by Masters like Charaka, Harita, Chakradatta and others for colds, coughs, scorpion bites, fevers and constipation.

In Homeopathy, it has been used after potentization for diseases of the kidneys, bladder and urethra.  It has also been found to be useful in persons who are forgetful and have a difficulty in concentration.  It has also found limited use in liver disorders and dyspepsia.  This remedy has been found to be useful in Influenza associated with bone pains, soreness of the muscles and terrible headaches.

Conclusion:

The Holy Basil plant indeed has an ancient traditional background.  But, it has a lot of scientific uses too.  In addition to medicinal properties, it has been used to remove the bad and filthy odor and arrest putrefaction of dead bodies and has the ability to kill pathogenic bacteria and control infections. The Holy Basil plant has also the ability to drive away mosquitoes and finds its use in preventing Malaria. The Holy Basil plant (Tulsi) is an example where the sages of the yore preached hygienic doctrines through spiritual tradition.

Introduction:

The Ashoka tree is a noted plant in our country. The Botanical name of this plant is JONOSIA ASOKA.  It is regarded as one of the sacred plants in India.  Married Hindu females worship this plant and the festivity for worshipping it falls in spring. The word Ashoka literally means ‘remover or all ailments.’

It is a sovereign remedy for alleviating all sorts of menstrual troubles and uterine disorders.  Even the ‘rishis’ of the yore have a high opinion about this plant and recommend this to women who should take it on the festive day fixed to get rid of all menstrual disorders and despondency in sterile women. This herb is said to fulfill the craving for sterile women for motherhood.

Medicinal Properties:

The Ayurvedic physicians like Charakadatta have recommended the bark of the Asoka plant in bloody leucorrhoea and also in the suppression and retention of the urine. Surprisingly Charaka, Sushrutha and Rajnirghanta have not mentioned the value of this herb in their writings in its ability to cure leucorrhoea. Charaka has in fact placed it in the list of insipid remedies, which is quite surprising.

But, the modern day Ayurvedic pharmacy is full of remedies containing Asoka Cordial, Asoka Ghrita, Asokarishta and similar preparations for the uterine complaints, ranging from leucorrhoea, menstrual disorders and sterility.

The Homoeopathic Physicians have proved it and have found it useful in correcting menstrual disorders, leucorrhoea, menstrual colic pain, and in symptoms suggestive of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Allopathic research has found that the bark of the Asoka tree has Tannins, Catechins, and organic substances containing iron. No alkaloids or essential oils were found during the research.

Conclusion:

The extract from the bark of the Asoka tree has found its place in uterine ailments. It is useful both when the menstrual flow is excessive and uncontrollable and also whenever there is a reduction of the menstrual flow.

It is also useful in complaints of females occurring during menopause.

This remedy is also useful to control bleeding piles when the patient experiences stiffness in the back and suffers from constipation.

Introduction:

The twentieth century and the new millennium have seen tremendous strides of science.  It has also seen a population explosion and with it several new disease entities.  Among the diseases that plague this era, is  ‘Mental Depression’.  Mental depression is the cause of many suicides, a lot of morbidity, loss of precious man-hours in industry and a drain on already over-stretched medical resources.

Mental depression is an under-recognized aspect of Medicine.  Off late, Physiologists have understood the biochemical mechanisms in the brain and more information on the neurotransmitters in the brain have resulted in the development of newer classes of Anti-depressive remedies.  We have today come a long way away from Valium           (Diazepam) and there are several allopathic medications for combating depression. But, the allopathic medications are not without their undesirable side effects, prohibitive cost and addictive potential.  At the same time there have been few proven herbal or holistic medications, which have been investigated and proven useful in depression.

St. John’s Wort Extract is useful in depression:

WORT is an old English word for ‘plant’ and this plant is dedicated to St. John, the Baptist, because this herb blooms every year on his birthday, which falls on June 24^th.  This plant is known for centuries, and has been used for healing by various cultures.

The Chemical composition of the St. John’s Wort:

This herb has complex diverse, chemicals such as Hyperforins, xanthones, flavonoids, hypercins and other dianthrones.

HYPERFORINS are modulators of monoamine oxidase inhibitors in the brain and thereby act as mood enhancers.  Hyperforins also exhibit potent anti-microbial activity and help in healing wounds.

XANTHONES have Serotonin boosting properties and thus decrease the Serotonin degradation and this helps in increasing feelings of happiness or pleasure.

Flavinoids act as antioxidants and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and have anti-viral properties and this helps to bolster the immune system.

DIANTHRONES help fight viruses.

EMBELICA OFFICINALIS is a component that has anti-oxidant and cardiac tonic properties.

Indications for the St. John’s Wort extract:

• Mild to moderate depression
• Seasonal affective disorders, where subjects feel depressed during particular seasons.
• Mood regulation
• As an Immune system enhancer, antioxidant and wound healing, especially in old age.

Safety of the St. John’s Wort Extract:

This remedy is generally safe and does not interact with other medications and does not have undesirable side effects like other allopathic anti-depressants, some of which cause dryness in the mouth and even some cardiac toxicity.

Precautions:

• It should not be used in pregnant or lactating mothers.
• It should not be given to those taking anti-depressant medications.
• It should not be used in patients who show an increased sensitivity to sunlight, because this herb causes a darkening of the skin.

Conclusion:

The St. John’s Wort is not the ultimate panacea for mental depression.  Although, this herb is holistic in nature, it should be combined judiciously with Yoga, Pranayama, Mental relaxation techniques and proper counseling.

“To the uninformed, naturopathic medicine, as well as the entire concept of natural medicine, appears to be a fad that will soon pass away. To the informed, however, it is quite clear that naturopathic medicine is at the forefront of the future.”

-Michael Murray, N.D.

Introduction:

Dr. Ann Wigmore from the Hippocrates Institute, Boston popularized Wheat Grass therapy. Many leading Naturopaths consider wheat grass to be a panacea on the earth.

Wheat grass is a humble weed that is a powerhouse of nutrients and vitamins for the human body. In the form of fresh juice, it has high concentrations of chlorophyll, active enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients. According to Dr. Preety Agarwal a famous Alternate therapist, one ounce of wheat grass juice is equivalent in food value to two and a half pounds of green leafy vegetables.

Chemical composition of wheat grass:

Wheat grass is also called as “Green Blood” because its close structural similarity to Hemoglobin.  Wheat grass contains many nutritious and prophylactic ingredients.  It is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B, E, K, Laetrile (Vitamin B17 – which has a marked anti-cancer effect) and several useful enzymes.

Clinical uses of Wheat Grass:

Dr. Ann Wigmore found Wheat grass useful in as many as 350 diseases.

Heart and Cardio-vascular system.

• Anaemia
• High Blood pressure
• Atherosclerosis
• Internal hemorrhage

Respiratory System.

• Common cold
• Asthma
• Bronchitis

Digestive system.

• Constipation
• Dyspepsia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Diabetes
• Worm infestations

Teeth and gums.

• Caries
• Septic gums
• Bleeding gums

Ø

Joints.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis

Brain and Nervous system.

• Parkinson’s disease
• Weakness
• Headaches

Skin diseases.

• Eczema,
• Pimples
• Boils
• Burns

Wheat grass therapy has also been used with great success in kidney, ear diseases and in several cancers.

How is Wheat Grass administered?

Wheat grass can be grown at home and small shallow pots. The wheat has to be sprouted first prior to sowing it.  For a normal person about 100 grams of wheat grass per day are quite adequate to maintain positive health. Wheat grass can be chewed or drunk as a juice and it can also be administered as an enema.  It is very important to note that the juice must be consumed as soon as it is extracted; otherwise the vital elements in the juice will lose its efficacy.

Conclusion:

During the last ten or twenty years there has been a tremendous explosion of information in the scientific literature to support the use of natural medicine.

Wheat grass therapy teaches that is that it is nature, which cures the patient and not the physician. With the progress of civilization, we are perhaps violating the laws of nature and that is why there is an increase in disease.  To be optimally effective, Wheat Grass Therapy must be combined with exercise, a stress free life and proper diet.