AyurCold

AyurCold is a breakthrough formulation for immediate relief from Common Cold and Flu. It contains the most potent immuno-protective herbal concentrates available in Ayurvedic Science.

When formulated in the correct amounts and blended by our proprietary process, they reinforce the immune system to eliminate symptoms of viral infection and reinstate robust health.

AyurCold counteracts disturbances at the cellular level which cause the nagging symptoms of Cold and Flu: congestion, cough and chest discomfort, headache, fever, sore throat, and muscle and joint pains. Read more about AyurCold.

Influance of yoga to body joints and muscles

If you practice yoga regularly, to the degree and level that is right for you, it will influence your entire body. It will benefit your joints and muscles, your nerves and internal organs, and your mental and spiritual well-being.
Literally translated, yoga means union. The ultimate goal of practicing yoga is to create a union of […]

What's in Kama Raja and how does it work?

Find more details and testimonies about Kama Raja herbal pill here im our Ayurveda Medicine Forum: http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5229

Unless stated otherwise, the information presented below has been compiled from translations of ancient Ayurvedic texts: 1) Dhanvantari Nighantu (5th century) 2) Madanpal Nighantu (14th century) 3) Raj Nighantu (15th century) 4) Keyadeva Nighantu (16th century) 5) Bhavaprakash Nighantu (16th century) 6) Rajavallabh Nighantu (1703) 7) Nighantu Sangraha (1758) 8) Nighantu-Ratnakar (1867)

Kama Raja contains the most potent aphrodisiac herbal concentrates available in Ayurvedic Science. When formulated in the correct amounts and blend by our proprietary process, they successfully stimulate sexual activity, maintain a firm erection, and increase sexual pleasure.

The destructive effect of stomach acids on active herbal ingredients has prevented the introduction of this ancient wisdom in capsule form for centuries. The team at India Herbs has solved this problem by developing a potentiating formula in conjunction with natural absorption catalysts and bioenhancing capsule coating to prevent premature degradation of key constituents.

Kama Raja nourishes and stimulates the nervous system to relieve effects of stress, restores core energy by increasing hemoglobin production and removing toxins, stimulates liver functions to improve strength and stamina, elevates testosterone levels to intensify virility, stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to release growth hormone and boost sperm production, nourishes the reproductive system, makes erogenous zones more sensitive and promotes blood flow to the extremities to increase libido, enhances release of metabolic energy to "warm the loins", and calms the mind to avert premature ejaculation.

Simply take one Kama Raja capsule two times per day to maintain and intensify these effects on your body over time. Kama Raja is a safe, proprietary selection of special herbs renowned for their aphrodisiac properties. Concentrated Extracts of these herbs have been blended in a powerfully effective combination to increase assimilation and effective potency of each ingredient while eliminating unwanted side-effects. Gathered from throughout India, they include:

● Ashwagandha - Withania Somnifera (Ashwangandha) Recommended in the ancient Kama Sutra for heightening sexual experience, Ashwagandha is easily the most potent aphrodisiac in the entire botanical kingdom. It has the ability to restore sexual drive, increase endurance and improve overall vitality while promoting a calm state of mind. Ashwagandha is an "adaptogenic" herb which nourishes nerves and improves nerve function to help your body adapt to stress, one of the common cause of sexual problems. Hormones (such as adrenaline) produced during difficult times cause arteries to constrict, keeping blood from the extremities and negatively impacting sexual performance. Ashwagandha brings the body back to equilibrium by relaxing it when stressed and energizing it when fatigued. It also strengthens the reproductive and respiratory systems while serving as a powerful Medhya Rasayana, which means that it enhances all aspects of mind power. Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of year to treat impotence, premature ejaculation, infertility, and erection disorders.

● Shatavari - Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari) Shatavari is a rejuvenating herb that soothes the body to relieve stress, nurtures the reproductive system, and strengthens and nourishes tissues. It supports proper liver function and metabolic processes to remove toxins from the blood. This herb is also known to increase Sattwa, or positivity and healing power. It enhances the feelings of spiritual love and opens Ojas ("that through which consciousness enters the physiology"). When combined properly with Ashwagandha, Shatavari takes lovemaking capacity to new levels.

● Atmagupta - Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean) This rare herbal extract from India contains high levels of naturally occurring L-Dopa, the world's most extensively researched amino acid. L-Dopa is one of the few substances that cross the blood brain barrier to convert into Dopamine. Dopamine is a very powerful neurotransmitter that stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to release growth hormone, increase testosterone levels, boost libido, and increase sperm count. Besides having a powerful impact on not allowed drive, Atmagupta enhances mental alertness, improves coordination, elevates energy levels, and promotes lean muscle growth.

● Gokshura - Tribulus Terrestris (Tribulus) Gokshura is a not allowed and mood enhancer that stimulates the production of the Luteinizing Hormone (LH). When LH levels are elevated, the natural production of testosterone also increases. LH is a hormone that also increases not allowed drive and virility. Laboratory studies have found that Gokshura increases sperm count after being taken for 30 days and can result in better than 50% increase in testosterone levels. This herb also has a stimulating effect on the liver by helping to convert cholesterol and fats into hormones and energy. When this action is combined with the increase in testosterone levels which promote protein synthesis, positive nitrogen balance as well as faster recuperation and recovery from muscular stress, Gokshura has a tremendous positive impact on strength and stamina.

● Vidari - Pueraria Tuberosa (Indian Kudzu) The root of this plant has alterative, aphrodisiac, tonic, stimulant properties which are traditionally used to treat male infertility.

● Jaiphal - Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Jaiphal is the dried kernel of the fruit of a tall and evergreen tree found in southern parts of India. It acts as an aphrodisiac by stimulating the central nervous system and warming the loins. Being carminative in action it hastens the absorption of other herbs and enhances their effect. While increasing and maintaining sexual vigor, Jaiphal has a tranquilizing effect that helps to avert premature ejaculation.

● Amalaki - Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla) This fruit is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, containing up to 720 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fresh pulp and 921 mg per 100 cc of pressed juice. This is approximately 20 times the vitamin C content of an orange. It also contains a Cytokin-like constituent comprised of Zeatin, Zriboside, Znucleotide, and Tannins 30%. These naturally occurring substances improve mental and physical well being.

● Shveta Mushali - Asparagus Adscendens (Asparagus Adscendens) Mushali primarily acts on the shukradhatu as an aphrodisiac which promotes semen production. The origin of Asparagus Adscendens famous in Ayurveda as Safed Musli can be traced back in the oldest mountain ranges on the continent, the Aravalis from where it spread to the other sub-continents of India. About 4000 years ago Ashwini Kumars, the divine physician brothers prepared the 'Chyawanprash' with one of the ingredients being Asparagus Adscendens for 'Chyavan Rishi' who married at the age of 80 years. This goes well with the Ayurvedic application of Mushali as a rejuvenator of sexual desire.

● Ardraka - Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Gingerol, the active compound in Ginger is valued for its cardio-tonic properties. In a potent 4:1 ratio extract form, concentrated levels of Gingerol stimulate peripheral circulation to the extremities resulting in a warming effect on the testicles and improved functioning of penile muscles. Elevated quantities of Gingerol serve as an effective stress neutralizer by helping to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol while improving appetite and digestion and relieving nausea. Ayurvedic practitioners also rely on Ginger as a "carrier" herb that enables other herbs to react more effectively in the body.

● Pippali - Piper Longum (Long Pepper) Magadhi is a Rasayana plant appearing in ancient medicinal literature reputed in Ayurveda to promote physical and mental health, improve defense mechanisms of the body, and enhance longevity. This herb yields an alkaloid called Piperine. Piperine is a proven bioenhancer that increases the availability of nutritional substances. Magadhi as a powerful 4:1 ratio extract stimulates thermogenic response or the release of metabolic heat energy in the body causing a noticeable "warming of the loins" as a precursor to sexual activity.

● Akarkarabh - Anacyclus Pyrethrum (Spanish Pellitory) Akarkarabh induces sexual strength by exerting rejuvenate, vitalizing action on the reproductive organs and making them more sensitive to sexual stimulation. At the same time this adaptogenic herb soothes the impact of stress, the common cause of sexual problems, by nourishing the nervous system and supporting circulation in the area of the reproductive system.

● Nirgudi - Vitex Negundo (Chinese Chaste Tree) The leaf extract of Nirgudi stimulates the pituitary gland and its production of Luteinizing Hormone (LH). When LH levels are elevated, the natural production of testosterone also increases. LH is a hormone that also increases not allowed drive and virility. Nirgudi acts as a Rasayan on the entire body by providing nutritional support to joints and cleansing respiratory passageways to alleviate the physical exertion required during prolonged sexual activity. These ingredients comprise a Proprietary Blend that goes to work directly on the entire male reproductive system and genitalia, with positive and lasting impact on hormonal levels, blood flow, and penile responsiveness.

more information about Kama Raja: http://www.kamaraja.com/index.htm?aff=dreddyclinic

How to do an ayurvedic spa treatment in your own home

Day spas are becoming more and more popular. They provide an oasis in our buzzing world, where you can get away for a few hours or a day of relaxation, rejuvenation and beautification. If there isn't a spa around, or if you'd rather enjoy the benefits in your own home, try this ayurvedic do-it-yourself routine, which will only take a couple of hours. Spend an evening or weekend afternoon pampering yourself and restoring your mental, physical and emotional energy.

Ayurvedic FacialThis ayurvedic facial both nourishes and exfoliates your skin. Milk softens and cools the skin and loosens up pore-clogging particles. Hot steam opens your pores and the Youthful Skin Clay removes impurities. The Youthful Skin Oil and Cream restore the lipid and moisture levels of the skin.

Cleanse face and neck with Massage

•SPA Youthful Skin Cleansing Gel to remove makeup and impurities.
Apply several drops of Youthful Skin Oil on fingers and gently massage the face and neck. Repeat three times.

Slowly bring half a cup of organic milk to a boil, add a few drops of rose water and beat until a thick layer of foam appears. Massage milk foam onto the face and neck. Repeat three times.
Use a facial steamer for five minutes or until the skin perspires. Make a tent for yourself using a towel or sheet.

Apply a thin layer of Youthful Skin Clay to the face and neck. Leave on for three to five minutes or until the skin begins to feel tight.

Remove clay with remaining organic milk and then rinse milk off with warm water. Use natural sponges for removal of clay.

Apply a thin layer of Youthful Skin Oil to the face and neck. Dab off excess with a tissue.
After one hour, apply a thin layer of Youthful Skin Cream to the face and neck.
Anti-stress self-massageAfter you have treated your face, it's time to administer an ayurvedic self-massage. Abhyanga (warm oil massage) should be practiced every morning preceding your shower. For this spa treatment, extend the massage to make it a relaxing, luxurious experience. Massaging your whole body with oil feeds your skin and helps release toxins that accumulate in the body and skin over time. It also improves circulation, relaxes the mind and the body, and nourishes all the tissues and organs. For the home spa treatment, try Maharishi Ayurveda Relaxing Massage Oil, which contains almond oil to lubricate your skin and Frankincense essential oil to calm your physiology.

Steps for Abhyanga
Fill a small plastic bottle with oil and place it in a glass of hot water for a few minutes to heat the oil.
Apply a small amount of oil to the body starting with the scalp all the way down to you toes.
Start massaging your scalp slowly with firm pressure. After two minutes, move down to your ears and face using small circles. (If you have just done a facial, skip the face)
Then start with the left shoulder in circular motion. Follow with long strokes on the upper arm, circles on the elbow and long strokes on the forearm. Circle around the wrist and do long strokes on the hand. Repeat with the other arm.

Use circular strokes on the chest and the stomach and upward strokes on your lower back.
Continue on to the left leg, by doing circles on the joints and long strokes on the limbs. The feet should get special attention, which we will detail in the next section.
Foot massage

We use our feet all day, but they are often the most neglected parts of the body. Therefore, foot massage is a very important part of Abhyanga. A foot massage not only benefits the feet but revitalizes the whole body. It increases energy, balances emotions, and improves blood and lymph circulation. By massaging the nerve endings in your feet, you can release stress and relieve aches and pains.

First wash your feet thoroughly with soap and warm water. The Neem Cleansing Bar is especially beneficial due to the antibacterial properties of Neem. Wipe your feet dry and sit in a comfortable position so you can easily reach your feet.
Apply oil to one of your feet for lubrication.
Start by gently rubbing the base of your first (little) toe.
Continue at the base of the second toe.
Next, apply slight pressure between the first and second toes.
Then, rub between the third and forth toe.
Next, massage, stretch and pull the big toe gently and rub each side of the nails.
Finally, massage the ball of your foot in a circular motion, followed by circling around your ankle joint with both hands in a clockwise motion. This improves circulation and the energy level of the body. Repeat the same steps on your other foot. You can do this foot massage in the evening, a couple of times a week to give your tired feet a break.

The perfect bathThe perfect bath should stimulate all the five senses, provide relaxation and a feeling of emotional fullness. After your full body massage, you should let your skin absorb the oil for at least 15 minutes before you get into the tub. During this time, you can assemble everything you will need for a full sensory experience.

Taste: It's important to remain hydrated while you are cleansing and detoxifying your body. For a soothing drink, try one of Maharishi Ayurveda's herbal teas. Worry Free Tea is specially designed to calm the mind. For an energizing beverage, you can add a few teaspoons of Almond Energy Drink. Ayurveda does not recommend drinking coffee and alcohol because they stimulate the body instead of soothing it.

Sight: For a peaceful atmosphere, light a few candles and turn off the lights. Maharishi Ayurveda Aroma Candles can further improve the ambience with their soothing scents. Make sure you place the candles in a secure place, where you can't knock them off while bathing.

Sound: To help you focus on your spa experience, turn off your phone and mute the answering machine. Put on your favorite soothing, low-volume music. You can also listen to Maharishi Gandharva Veda music, the pacifying melodies of nature, which will help revitalize your body, mind and spirit. If you have a portable CD player, you can place it in the bathroom but away from the bath tub for safety reasons.

Smell: Now you are ready to fill your tub with warm water. Do not bathe in hot water because it dries your skin and depletes your energy. Make sure to use a filter if the tap water is heavily chlorinated. Soften and scent your bathwater with one of Maharishi Ayurveda's Bath Salts, which come in seven different aromatherapy combinations such as relaxing, rejuvenating or energizing. The epsom salts relax your muscles and the natural aromas uplift your spirit. If your are planning to soak for a while, you can use bath pillows to cushion your head and neck.
Touch: The oil massage has already stimulated your sense of touch. Now it's time to exfoliate. Use natural sponges or scrubs such as loofah, to soften rough elbows and knees, and pumice stone to scrub calluses on your feet. Instead of petroleum-based soaps, use Maharishi Ayurveda's vegetable glycerine soaps to cleanse your skin or try the Massage
•SPA Youthful Skin Body Cleanse.
After you have soaked for up to 30 minutes, wipe your body with a soft warm towel. Apply a rich lotion, such as the M
•SPA Youthful Skin Advanced Lipid Support Body Glow, to moisturize your skin.
Whether you do this entire routine or just parts of it, don't rush. You gain more benefits if you focus on the procedures and take your time. If you follow the instructions, you will release stress, nurture your skin and uplift your mood.

Both sea salt and rock salt were well known to the ancient Greeks who noted that eating salty food affected basic body functions such as digestion

Both sea salt and rock salt were well known to the ancient Greeks who noted that eating salty food affected basic body functions such as digestion and excretion (urine and stools). This led to salt being used medically. The healing methods of Hippocrates (460 BC) especially made frequent use of salt. Salt-based remedies were thought to have expectorant powers.

A mixture of water and salt was employed as an emetic. Drinking a mixture of two-thirds cow's milk and one-third salt-water, in the mornings, on an empty stomach was recommended as a cure for diseases of the spleen. A mixture of salt and honey was applied topically to clean bad ulcers and salt-water was used externally against skin diseases and freckles. Hippocrates also mentions inhalation of steam from salt-water.

We know today that the antiinflammatory effects of inhaled salt provide relief from respiratory symptoms (c). Thus, 2000 years ago, Greek medicine had already discovered topical use of salt for skin lesions, drinking salty or mineralized waters for digestive troubles and inhaling salt for respiratory diseases!

The doctor and alchemist Paracelsus (1493-1541 A.D.) introduced an entirely new medical concept. He believed that external factors create disease and conceived a chemically oriented medical system which contrasted with the prevalent herbal medicine. Only salted food could be digested properly: 'The human being must have salt, he cannot be without salt.

Where there is no salt, nothing will remain, but everything will tend to rot.' He recommended salt water for the treatment of wounds and for use against intestinal worms. A hip-bath in salt water was a superb remedy for skin diseases and itching: 'This brine - he said - is better than all the health spas arising out of nature.' He described the diuretic effect of salt consumption and prescribed salt preparations of different strengths that were used for instance against constipation.

'In recent years there has been much publicity about the need to reduce salt consumption in societies where salt is added to many processed foods (Denton 1984, 584-7). It has tended to be forgotten that some salt intake is absolutely necessary; that people need salt, sodium chloride, to survive: The chemical requirements of the human body demand that the salt concentration in the blood be kept constant.

If the body does not get enough salt, a hormonal mechanism compensates by reducing the excretion of salt in the urine and sweat. But it cannot reduce this output to zero. On a completely salt-free diet the body steadily loses small amounts of salt via the kidneys and sweat glands. It then attempts to adjust this by accelerating its secretion of water, so that the blood's salt concentration can be maintained at the vital level. The result is a gradual desiccation of the body and finally death.' Roy Moxham An eight-year study of a New York City hypertensive population stratified for sodium intake levels found those on low-salt diets had more than four times as many heart attacks as those on normal-sodium diets - the exact opposite of what the 'salt hypothesis' would have predicted. (1995)

Dr. Jeffrey R. Cutler documented no health outcomes benefits of lower-sodium diets. Salt Institute A past president of the American Heart Association, Dr. Suzanne Oparil of the University of Alabama-Birmingham, said her personal view is that the government may have been too quick to recommend that everyone cut back. 'Salt restriction as a solitary recommendation for the population for the prevention or the treatment of hypertension

An abundance of the ingredients in unrefined real salt are as synonymous with life today as they were a billion years ago before single cells appeared here. Lack of them is synonymous with birth defects, organ failure, decay, diseases, premature aging and death at a young age.

The problem with salt is not the salt itself but the condition of the salt we eat - refined! Major producing companies dry their salt in huge kilns with temperatures reaching 1200 degrees F, changing he salt's chemical structure, which in turn adversely affects the human body.

The facts are that in the heating process of salt, the element sodium chloride goes off into the air as a gas. What remains is sodium hydroxate which is irritating to the system and does not satisfy the body's hunger and need for sodium chloride. Sodium chloride is one of the 12 daily essential minerals. In countries which do not alter their salt supply, heart disease and arthritis are so rare that many doctors have never seen a case.

Their salt is dried from the ocean by the sun. Many people believe that salt is harmful to the human body. The truth is we cannot live without salt (sodium chloride). From salt the body makes sodium bicarbaonate which is one of the essential compounds for alkalizing the fo od we eat. There is not enough natural salt in our foods, so we must supplement our diet. When salt is withheld, weakness and sickness follow.

Try this experiment: Mix a spoonful of salt in a glass of water and let it stand overnight. If the salt collects on the bottom of the glass, it has been processed. NATURAL SALT DISSOLVES! Salt that will not dissolve in water cannot dissolve in your body. Any foreign substance that collects in the body organs and tissues will eventually result in malfunctioning of essential body processes: heart disease, arthritis, hardening of the body tissues and arteries, calcium deposits in the joints, etc. Natural organic salt (saline) will not cause calcification in your body. Real salt can dissolve damaging calcium deposits in the body.

Science and medicine have tried to define the precise roles of salt in the healthy and diseased human organism. Blood, sweat, and tears all contain salt, and both the skin and the eyes are protected from metabolic acids from the effects of salt. When salt is added to a liquid, particles with opposite charges are formed: a positively charged sodium ion and a negatively charged chloride ion. This is the basis of osmosis which regulates fluid pressure within living cells and protects the body against excessive water loss (as in diarrhea or on heavy sweating).

Sodium and chloride ions, as well as potassium ions, create a measurable difference in potential across cell membranes. This ensures that the fluid inside living cells remains separate from that outside. Thus, although the human body consists mainly of water, our 'inner ocean' does not flow away or evaporate. Sodium ions create a high pressure of liquid in the kidneys and thus regulate their metabolic function. Water is ex tracted through the renal drainage system. The body thus loses a minimal amount of essential alkaline water. Out of 1500 liters of blood which pass daily through the kidneys, only about 1.5 liters of liquid leave the body as urine.

Salt is 'fuel' for nerves. Streams of positively and negatively charged ions send impulses to nerve fibres. A muscle cell will only contract if an impulse reaches it. Nerve impulses are partly propelled by co-ordinated changes in charged particles.

Fish from the ocean will die quickly if placed in a solution of refined salt and water. The sodium chloride, in its form as it comes from the refinery, is actually poisonous to them. Bottom line, is that yes it can be harmful to consume too much refined salt, but you cannot consume too much natural unrefined liquid real salt.

more info at:
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/ayurvedic/ayurvedic.htm

Stretch Away the Pain of Plantar Fasciitis

(HealthDay News) -- Something as simple as a stretch could ease the pain of plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes heel pain and difficulty walking.

The newly developed stretch targets the plantar fascia, the flat band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is strained, resulting in weakness, inflammation and irritation.

A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that the stretch was 75 percent successful in relieving pain and enabling patients to return to full activity within three to six months. After doing the exercise, about 75 percent of patients needed no further treatment, the study said.

The stretch was developed by Dr. Benedict DiGiovanni, associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Rochester, and Deborah Nawoczenski, professor of physical therapy at Ithaca College.

Here's how it works: Patients sit with one leg crossed over the other and stretch the arch of the foot by taking one hand and pulling the toes back toward the shin for a count of 10.

The stretch needs to be repeated 10 times, and patients need to do at least three stretching sessions a day.
"Plantar fasciitis is everywhere, but we really haven't had a good handle on it.

The condition often causes chronic symptoms and typically takes about nine to 10 months to burn itself out, and for people experiencing this pain, that's way too long to suffer through it," DiGiovanni said in a prepared statement.

The condition is common in middle-aged people and young people who spend a lot of time on their feet.

More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about plantar fasciitis.

A Powerful Approach to Prostate Health

Most men hardly know they have a prostate until they reach middle age, when prostate health becomes a serious issue. Prostate enlargement is found in 50 percent of American men in their sixties, and up to 90 percent of men in their seventies and eighties.

Worse, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer in men, with about 80 percent of all cases of prostate cancer occurring in men over sixty-five.

Even though the prostate seems to be an older man's health problem, these imbalances begin much earlier in life. The good news is that most prostate problems can be prevented by making simple lifestyle and dietary changes to restore balance. In this interview, our ayurvedic expert provides an in-depth analysis of prostate health from the perspective of Ayurveda, and gives practical and effective advice for keeping the prostate healthy throughout life.

Q: Let's start at the beginning. What exactly is the prostate gland, and what does it do?

A: The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. The interesting thing is that even though it is called a gland, it is actually an organ made up of 70 percent glandular and thirty percent fibro-muscular tissue. About the size and shape of a walnut, it is located directly beneath the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that drains the bladder. The prostate secretes a thin, milky substance contained in semen that protects and nourishes the sperm and lubricates the urethra. In ayurvedic terms, the prostate's secretion supports the flow of Shukra Dhatu, the reproductive tissue.

Q: How would you know if you had a prostate problem?

A: One major symptom is prostate enlargement, which is caused by imbalances that accumulate over time but become manifest with age. The initial symptoms include excessive urination at night, a weak urine stream, stopping and starting while urinating, a feeling that the bladder is never empty, difficulty in starting to urinate, and dribbling at the end of urination.

If a man has these symptoms, he should consult his doctor immediately. Often, when the symptoms are mild, the physician will say, "Wait and watch. This is the ideal time to get help from Ayurveda, when the problem is mild to moderate. At this point, there is still an opportunity to correct the imbalance that has caused the problem. Of course aging is the main etiological factor, or cause of the problem, but Ayurveda also identifies the lifestyle or dietary factors that act as a trigger, and if unchecked, can turn a mild problem into a serious one.

Q: Every man would naturally want to keep the problem from becoming serious. What are some of the causes, or triggers, of prostate problems?

A: There are several. One is overuse of Shukra Dhatu, or overuse of the sexual organs. Another is lack of adequate fluids in the body, due to not drinking enough water during the day.

Habitually suppressing the natural urge to urinate also can, over time, cause the urine to become more concentrated and, in turn, irritates the prostate.

Drinking too much alcohol or caffeinated beverages can also cause an imbalance. Alcohol, for instance, creates an abnormal increase in urine production, which aggravates Pitta and Vata doshas.

Another cause is taking too many over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. These can cause the muscle that controls urine flow to tighten, making urination difficult.

Even your job can be a source of imbalance. If you have to sit for long periods of time without taking a break or stretching, this can create an imbalance in the reproductive area of the body. Not getting daily exercise, or eating a diet that creates impurities (ama) in the body, are other causes of prostate problem. If your diet does not contain spices that purify the urine daily (such as turmeric, cumin and fennel) that can also cause toxins to build up that lead to imbalances or infection.

Finally, if you don't have a healthy daily routine, for instance if you watch TV late at night or for other reasons don't sleep enough, or if you don't eat meals on time or your routine is very irregular, that can also cause ama to build up and disturb the immune system.

Q: It sounds like a wide number of factors can cause prostate problems.

A: Yes, they do sound like they are widely disparate on the surface, but actually there is an underlying principle that ties them all together.

One main factor is ama. Ama refers to the sticky impurities that are created when digestion is weak and food is not digested completely. Now, aging itself can create some weakening of the digestion, but most ama is created by poor dietary and lifestyle habits already mentioned -- eating foods that are old and heavy or eating meals at irregular times of the day.

If this kind of diet becomes a habit, then ama eventually mixes with the nutrient fluid (Rasa Dhatu) and even the blood (Rakta Dhatu). The urine, which is part of the body's purification system, also becomes overloaded with ama and thus more prone to infection. It becomes a fertile ground for bacteria, and can create additional problems of urinary tract infections, and that impacts the prostate. Weakened immunity also creates a problem for the prostate.

If the ama problem is not corrected, and ama reaches the muscle and fat tissue, then it creates an additional factor -- imbalance in cell production. This, compounded with testosterone levels declining due to age (or due to overuse of the sexual organs), is a major factor in prostate enlargement.

If the person also has an imbalance in Shleshaka Kapha (the subdosha of Kapha that governs lubrication of the joints, body fluids, and moisture balance in the skin), and ama is accumulating in the body fluids due to dietary mistakes, then Shleshaka Kapha and ama gets mixed with urine, creating a more irritated situation and further weakening the immune system.

Also, when Shleshaka Kapha is mixed with ama, it creates shleshma (a sticky, toxic mixture of Shleshaka Kapha and ama ). This condition is a common factor in imbalanced cell production. When combined with the problems of ama spreading to the tissues mentioned earlier, then the cell production becomes abnormal, and the prostate grows abnormally large.

Ayurveda tries to support health on all fronts: by balancing Apana Vata, the subdosha of Vata related to the downward flow of energy such as occurs with urination, stopping ama from being produced, strengthening the immune system, and cleansing the urine and nutrient fluid, and cleansing the blood, muscle and fat tissues of ama, and cleansing Shleshaka Kapha of amavisha.

Q: It certainly sounds like Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to prostate health and functioning. Can you tell us why age is such a critical factor in prostate health?

A: Again, this comes back to the doshas. Vata dosha increases as we age. The later part of life is actually known as the Vata Kala (or Vata time of life) in Ayurveda. Because Vata dosha is irregular, dry, and moving by nature, it can cause the digestion to become more irregular. This contributes to more ama being produced and spreading to the tissues.

Also, you have to consider that the prostate is located in the area of the body that is governed by Apana Vata, which includes the colon, lower abdomen, elimination and reproductive areas. Because the prostate is governed by Apana Vata, anything that aggravates Apana Vata creates pressure on the prostate.

Not everyone has to have problems with Apana Vata, of course, and some people will maintain balanced Vata even in old age. But if the person has been keeping an irregular routine, eating foods that are difficult to digest, and sitting for long periods of time at their job, the stage is already set. With the added factor of aging then the downward flow of energy in the body will become obstructed, affecting the organs in the reproductive system, including the prostate.

As the flow of energy and nutrients to the area gets blocked by ama, and the flow of impurities out of the area gets obstructed (as found in more concentrated urine), the prostate gets weaker and more and more imbalanced.

Q: So far we've only been talking about enlarged prostate. But is there a connection here to even more serious problems?

A: Yes. You see, initially, the imbalance in Shleshaka Kapha, called amavisha, causes enlargement of the prostate. But if the imbalance becomes more serious, and the person never adopts an ama -reducing diet or makes lifestyle changes to create more balance, then the common kind of amavisha becomes an even more toxic type of ama called amavisha.

Then the imbalance has become very serious. In other words, what if ama continues to be created, and mixes with Shleshaka Kapha, blood, muscle and fat tissue, and that occurs conjointly for a long period of time? If the person is not taking corrective measures to dissolve the ama, pacify Apana Vata, and restore balance to the entire area, then amavisha, the most toxic stage ama, spreads and really takes hold. Amavisha breeds free radicals and obstructs the natural flow of intelligence between cells, breaking down the connection between nature's intelligence and that area. This is how cancer tends to begin -- when the cell forgets its own nature and starts to grow uncontrollably.

Q: That is certainly a scenario we all want to avoid. So then an enlarged prostate or prostate imbalance could lead to cancer if the situation is not checked?

A: Yes, and that is why the doctor recommends that you keep checking, and keep testing on a yearly basis once you have an enlarged prostate. It's also why you should see a doctor immediately if you notice any of the symptoms that we mentioned earlier. But as you wait and watch, you can be using the Ayurveda approach, which is preventive and holistic in nature.
The role of Ayurveda is really prevention -- ideally to prevent a problem from starting in the first place, or to prevent a mild problem from becoming worse.

Q: What about stress, does stress play a role?

A: Stress can also create some problems. Because Vata dosha governs the nervous system, stress has a greater impact on Vata dosha, and therefore on anyone who is entering the Vata time of life. For instance, if you have a job that requires overuse of the mind, or jars the senses, this can aggravate Prana Vata, the subdosha of Vata that governs the brain, head, chest, respiration, sensory perception and the mind. When Prana Vata is out of balance, it easily brings the other aspects of Vata out of balance, including Apana Vata, creating disturbances in the prostate as well as other parts of the body.

Q: What are some dietary and behavioral recommendations to correct these problems?

A: First of all, it's important to understand that the right diet is very necessary to improve the health of the prostate.In choosing the right diet, there are several factors to consider. First of all, it's a good idea to eat Pitta pacifying foods, because the problem involves an imbalance in the blood tissue, which is governed by Pitta dosha. But at the same time, Kapha dosha must also be pacified, because Shleshaka Kapha is involved. And Vata dosha must also be brought into balance because this disease occurs during the Vata stage of life, and the prostate is located in the area governed by Apana Vata.

So prostate problems involve the combination of Pitta, Kapha, and Vata -- as without the Kapha imbalance there would be no abnormal growth, without the Pitta imbalance there would be no inflammation, and without the Vata imbalance there would be no discomfort. So all three doshas are involved, and therefore all the dietary and behavioral recommendations have to take all three doshas into account.

Q: What sort of diet would pacify all three doshas?

A: In balancing the three doshas simultaneously it's important to avoid any extremes. You don't want to eat anything that is too cold, too spicy, too dry, too bitter, too sweet, or too salty, as any taste taken in excess can create an imbalance in one of the doshas. You'll want to eat a diet that is moderate in every way.

To keep from aggravating Vata dosha, don't eat foods that are too dry and lack nourishment, such as too many crackers or dry cereals. Avoid long, leafy greens such as chard or spinach when they are cooked whole, as they are hard to digest and obstruct the natural movement of the intestine. If you chop the chard and spinach into small pieces and cook them well with spices, then they are easy to digest, help elimination and immunity, and do not aggravate Vata dosha. Avoid eating ice-cold drinks or cold foods such as cold salads, as these aggravate Vata dosha.

for Pitta, avoid extremely spicy foods that heat the blood tissue (such as hot chili peppers and cayenne found in some Mexican and Indian foods). Too much horseradish, garlic, onions and mustard seeds are other examples. Vinegar is another food that pollutes the blood tissue, and it is found in mustard, ketchup, salad dressings, and pickles.

To keep from aggravating Kapha dosha, avoid cold and heavy foods such as fried foods, ice cream, and other rich desserts. Aged cheeses and yogurt should also be avoided, as they are heavy and difficult to digest.

Q: That covers the extremes to be avoided. What are some foods to improve prostate health?
A: For prostate health, a diet of warm, cooked, easily digestible, light yet nourishing foods are best. Organic vegetables cooked in mild spices, whole grains, light proteins such as mung dhal soups, and sweet, juicy fruits will nourish the body and pacify all three doshas.

It's important to cook with mild spices that improve digestion, burn away ama, and pacify Vata dosha, but don't create heat in the blood tissue. Include a mixture of fennel, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and small amounts of turmeric (see recipe in box). Small amounts of black pepper and small amounts of fresh ginger also are healthy for maintaining prostate health and balance.
You may think that just adding these spices to your diet may not be that significant, but they are very powerful. Let me just explain a small amount of research on these common spices.

Turmeric is strongly anti-inflammatory, and intensifies the anti-cancer activity of other phyto-nutrients. Ginger and turmeric both have been found to have cancer-preventing qualities.

Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, has more DNA protective qualities than Vitamin E and betacarotene. It helps clear away amavisha, the breeding ground of free radicals, thus supporting the liver in its effort to clear itself of free radicals. By stopping the production of ama and amavisha, it balances Ranjaka Pitta, thus purifying the blood and urine.

Black pepper is another common spice whose effects in the diet have been well documented.

Research published in Cancer Letter in the August 16, 1993 issue reported that 20 days after adding black pepper to the diet, the subjects' liver detoxification systems were strengthened, aiding in purification of the blood tissue and enhancing the overall immune system.

The mixture of black pepper, long pepper and ginger (trikatu) is famous in ayurveda, because it is the most effective combination of spices to prevent ama and amavisha, and to clear them away. You can add small amounts of black pepper and ginger to your foods to help clear the channels and micro-channels of the body, which carry away waste and supply oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

Q: That's fascinating, how helpful the right spices are for prostate health. What kinds of vegetables do you recommend?

A: Squashes cooked with these mild spices are excellent for prostate health. The best squashes for prostate health are the types that are white inside, such as zucchini or loki (for more information on buying and cooking loki, visit the recipe section of our web site). Avoid the dark yellow ones such as pumpkin; however, squashes with a mildly yellow color are fine.

Asparagus is another vegetable that is recommended, because it helps support balanced hormones. Daikon is a mild type of white radish root that purifies the urine. Because it is spicy, it should be cooked with other vegetables more as a seasoning than as the main vegetable. You could combine it with squashes such as zucchini or shred it and add it to mung dhal soup.

Light dairy products such as milk, lassi (a drink made with one part freshly-made yogurt and three parts water), and occasional fresh cheeses such as panir or cottage cheese should be included in the diet, but avoid the hard-to-digest aged cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cheddar, brie, blue cheese, and Gruyere.As for grains, quinoa is best because it is rich in zinc. Zinc supports seminal health, and because seminal health and prostate health are connected, zinc also supports prostate health.

Recipes for mung dhal soup, lassi and many vegetables are available in the recipe section of our web site.

Q: That doesn't seem so complicated after all. It seems like the whole idea is to avoid extremes that can aggravate the doshas.

A: Yes, and to eat wholesome, fresh foods that won't create ama. It's important to avoid the foods that create ama or impurities in the body because they are lifeless and hard to digest.

These include canned, frozen, packaged and processed foods, as well as leftovers. Buy your fruits and vegetables fresh, and if possible, buy organic foods. Non-organic foods contain pesticide and chemical residues that can irritate the blood tissue and pollute the body with toxins. This, in turn, overloads the elimination systems such as the urine and irritates the prostate. Warm, cooked, light, and mildly spiced foods, on the other hand, are easy to digest and thus help cleanse the body of ama.

Q: What about lifestyle, doesn't that affect the doshas as well?

A: Absolutely. Here, it's the same principle: avoid extremes in lifestyle and routine. Moderate habits and daily routine help remove ama and pacify all three doshas.

Lifestyle habits that aggravate Vata dosha include eating at different times of the day from one day to the next. You'll want to eat your meals at the same time every day, and eat your largest meal at noon, when the sun is at its zenith, as that is when your digestive powers are also the strongest. Take time to eat nourishing, appetizing meals.

Avoid staying up late (past ten o'clock), as night wakefulness aggravates all the doshas, but especially Vata. Go to bed at the same time every night, before ten o'clock, and rise before six o'clock in the morning.

Sleep is necessary to pacify Apana Vata and all aspects of Vata. It is also important in enhancing the immune hormones, eliminates ama and creates more ojas, the product of good digestion that promotes lightness, bliss, immunity, health, and longevity.

Be sure to exercise regularly, and be sure that the exercise you choose is suitable for your age and body type. Daily ayurvedic massage, called abhyanga, is another important part of the daily routine. You can do it in the morning to help improve circulation and digestion, remove ama from the body, tone the muscles, and increase energy.

Avoid too much mental pressure, such as a job that requires you to work long hours. Take time to enjoy life, and to maintain healthy relationships with your family and friends. Practice a technique to reduce stress, such as the Transcendental Meditation® technique. Dozens of research studies show that it reduces stress, increases inner happiness and creates more balance in the mind, body, and emotions. It is an important part of the daily routine to eliminate mental and physical ama and to balance all three doshas.

Q: This is certainly a holistic plan for improving the health of the prostate. The beautiful thing about such a prevention program is that your overall health and vitality will improve, and you'll start feeling younger. Are there any specific recommendations for men who are already feeling some mild symptoms of prostate problems.

A: Yes, here are some tips, which also summarizes what we just talked about:
Drink lots of water throughout the day, in between meals. This will keep the urine from becoming too concentrated. If you add some herbs to the water, it will flush out toxins, dissolve ama in the blood tissue and help purify the urine. Here's a recipe: Boil two quarts of water and put the water in a thermos flask. Add three leaves of holy basil, 1/3 t. fennel seed, 1/4 t.
coriander seed, and six white pumpkin seeds or six fresh cucumber seeds. Keep drinking this water throughout the day, but stop drinking it after 7:00 p.m. Stay away from fluids at night if you have a prostate problem, as a full bladder at night can cause pressure on the prostate and disturb your sleep with the need to get up frequently to urinate.

Each time you urinate, take the necessary time to empty your bladder completely. Because the urethra (the passageway through which the urine drains from the body) is already narrow, when there is some enlargement of the prostate, the urinary channel becomes even narrower. If you are in too much of a hurry, all of the urine might not be drained from the bladder. This is not a good thing, because the urine becomes more concentrated if it is not drained from the bladder each time you urinate. So take the time to empty the bladder completely.

Avoid drinking alcohol, because it creates imbalances in the blood tissue, as does caffeine. Both of these create abnormal urine production and irritate the bladder as well.

If you have to sit all day at your job, take short breaks frequently and try to stretch or take a short walk. This will restore the normal flow of energy, blood, and nutrient fluid to the prostate area.

When the weather is cold, take care to keep your head, neck, and body warm. If your body temperature drops, it leads to urine retention, which aggravates the prostate. So keep your body temperature in a moderate range.

Make sure that your bowel movements are regular. Constipation creates an obstruction in Apana Vata, in turn creating pressure on the prostate, increasing ama in the blood tissues, and creating excessive dryness in the whole area. To help with regular elimination, try having a stewed apple in the morning for breakfast with stewed figs, raisins, or prunes. You can also add more fiber and cooked vegetables to your diet, and have 2–4 teaspoons of psyllium seed husk with warm milk or water at night before going to bed. If these measures don't work, take 2–4 Herbal Cleanse tablets before bed with water.

Daily abhyanga or oil massage pacifies Apana Vata, and that is always good. Massage the hands and feet, in particular, as an effective preventative. Use Rejuvenation Oil for Men, which contains herbs and oils to rejuvenate the male physiology.

If you are having trouble sleeping at night, be sure to correct the underlying imbalance. If you are not able to fall asleep, take Blissful Sleep for Vata imbalance that causes this problem. If you wake up between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. with lots of energy, this is a Pitta imbalance, and Deep Rest can help.

Eat foods that are tri-doshic, which means that they pacify all three doshas. These include soaked walnuts and soaked almonds. Avoid foods that aggravate any one of the doshas: food that is too dry, too oily, too greasy, too cold or too hot, too spicy or not spicy enough. Avoid extremes.

Include lots of sweet, juicy fruits in your diet, as these help nourish the Rasa Dhatu (the nutrient fluid), purify the urine and help maintain a healthy flow of urine. They also create ojas, improving immunity and enhancing cellular intelligence. If stewed or cooked until they are soft, they are not only pacifying to Apana Vata, but also to Pitta dosha. They make an ideal breakfast when combined with prunes, figs, and raisins. If you have a Kapha imbalance, you can eat sweet, juicy fruits raw, but even then you should avoid eating raw fruit after sunset, as the digestion is not as strong after the sun goes down.

Q: That's quite a list. The man who adoptss these recommendations will be taking a giant step for his overall health, not just for his prostate. You had mentioned earlier that Ayurveda is really for prevention of disease. What would a man do if he didn't have any symptoms of prostate irregularity, but just wanted to avoid having any problems?

A: He should follow the same recommendations. In fact, this list of tips is really is more for prevention of prostate problems, but it can also help if the man is noticing some mild symptoms of prostate imbalance. But even if there are no symptoms there, I think that any man from 40 on up, especially if he has a body type that is Vata predominant, could benefit from this plan, as it is holistic and will create more good health, vitality, and balance when entering the Vata stage of life.

If a man has noticed some imbalance and tries this regimen, he should not expect a change overnight. He should give himself some time to make these dietary and lifestyle changes, and then give his body a chance to respond. It will take some time. That's why it's better to start out with a healthy diet and habits and in that way avoid the problem from starting in the first place.
Q: Ayurveda has formulated an herbal compound called Prostate Protection, based on the ayurvedic texts, to enhance prostate health. Can you tell us about its ingredients and benefits?

A: There are two main herbal ingredients in the Prostate Protection formula. These are Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) and Guggul (Indian Bedellium). Kachnar is a famous herb for maintaining prostate health and function in Ayurveda. Both have a specific effect in clearing ama from the blood, muscle, and fat tissue, and help maintain the normal size of the prostate gland by supporting balanced cell production.

Other herbs enhance the flow of urine, and ease irritation and burning. White Sandalwood, Small Caltrops, Heart-leaved Moonseed (Guduchi), and Spreading Hogweed (Punarnava) are the herbs that support and balance the healthy flow of urine and reduce irritation.To enhance immunity in the prostate area is the role of Heart-leaved Moonseed, Turmeric, and Zinc Bhasma. The combination of Guggul and Zinc Bhasma is a traditional ayurvedic remedy for balancing the size and health of the prostate. Turmeric and Guggul are both effective anti-inflammatory herbs.

Mineral Pitch (Shilajit) and Barley Ash also help in maintaining the purity of the urine. Guduchi, Zinc Bhasma and Turmeric enhance immunity in the genito-urinary tract.

Another group of herbs supports the Shukra Dhatu and maintains testosterone production, including Small Caltrops, Country Mallow (Bala), and Shilajit. Bala, and Zinc Bhasma help balance the amount of testosterone and improve sexual desire. Research has shown that Small Caltrops has the overall effect of supporting the man's testosterone level.

The overall impact of this nutritional supplement is to prevent imbalances in the prostate, and to support the body's natural intelligence in maintaining prostate health and enhance overall functioning in that area. It helps break the cycle of pathogenesis for prostate imbalance.

Q: That is an amazingly well-rounded formula, with all aspects of prostate health being supported. It seems like this holistic, balanced herbal compound provides a lot more healing power than if you took one single herb. Could you tell us how Prostate Protection compares with a single herb such as Saw-toothed Palmetto in restoring prostate health?

A: That is a good question, and it is important to understand the distinction. Prescribing just one isolated herb to treat the prostate is a fragmented rather than holistic approach, and reflects a limited vision of the body and nature's intelligence. Saw-toothed palmetto is prescribed to enhance or modulate testosterone production, but as we've seen, that is only one small element in a rather complex physiological structure and function. It does not take into account the underlying imbalances of the doshas, tissues, and ama, and does not remove the underlying cause of the problem by recommending changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress management. You could say that such an approach does not take the whole picture into account.

Prostate Protection includes a sophisticated combination of herbs to not only balance testosterone production, but also to maintain the size and health of the prostate purify the urine, reduce inflammation and irritation, enhance immunity, and normalize cell production.

Prostate Protection also contains zinc, which is an important mineral for prostate health. The prostate needs ten times more zinc than any other organ. In fact, one of the reasons that American men suffer from prostate enlargement in such great numbers is because the food they eat is over-processed and lacking in essential minerals such as zinc. That is why Ayurveda recommends organic vegetables, and also why I mentioned quinoa in the dietary recommendations. A half-cup of cooked quinoa, for instance, contains three milligrams of zinc.

Yet important as zinc is, the recommendation is not that you take high doses of zinc, as that would be a simplistic, isolated approach that would only create further imbalance. Zinc is included in Prostate Protection, but it is combined with other herbs to help support the body's normal healing response.

As in every Ayurveda formula, Prostate Protection also includes secondary herbs to balance the primary herbs that are targeted for the prostate. Thus, there is no possibility that the formula targets one problem but creates an imbalance elsewhere. Everything is carefully balanced to create only a positive effect.Also, the entire herb is contained in every formula, not just the active ingredient. This is because nature packaged all the necessary elements to create balance, whereas if you extract the active ingredient, you can create an imbalance elsewhere in the body.
Q: The Ayurveda approach appears to be quite unique, in a time when most herbal formulas contain the active ingredient of one plant, which can create harmful side effects. Are there any other safe but effective herbal formulas that might be useful to men who wish to improve their prostate health?

A: If a man feels that he needs extra help in maintaining Shukra Dhatu and enhancing semen production, he could take Rejuvenation for Men, one tablet twice a day after eating. If you need extra help for the flow and purity of the urine, you could take Genitrac in addition to Prostate Protection. Take one tablet morning and evening. If you need an additional antioxidant to fight free radicals, take one tablet of ReGen Vitality with each tablet of Genitrac.

As mentioned earlier, ongoing stress can be an important factor in prostate health, and especially mental stress -- in the form of overuse or misuse of the mind -- can disturb the immune system and aggravate Apana Vata. For this, you could take Worry Free tablets and Tea along with Prostate Protection.

But if you feel that you need more than three of these products, you should consult a physician trained in Ayurveda, to make sure that you need that many products. The ayurvedic physician will also guide you in a personal dietary and lifestyle program to restore balance to the prostate and your mind, body and emotions.

© Maharishi Ayurveda Products International, Inc.

Spinal Injections May Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis

(HealthDay News) -- Drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis were more effective when they were delivered into the central nervous system of rats, a new study finds.

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, used the drugs to block a protein called p38, which is involved in a number of cellular processes associated with the development of RA. It's believed that p38 is activated in the central nervous system in response to peripheral pain and inflammation.

Several substances that block the action of p38 have been shown to be effective in animal models of arthritis and are currently undergoing clinical trials in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

In this study, p38-blocking drugs were injected directly into the spinal cords of rats with arthritis. Compared to arthritic rats that received no active drug, the treated rats had substantially less inflammation, arthritis, and joint damage.

Rats that received the same amount of drugs through injections under the skin did not show any beneficial effect on the joints. This systemic treatment approach is currently being tested in human patients, but with much higher drug doses.

The researchers said their findings suggest that direct delivery into the spinal cord may reduce the side effects and possibly the costs of p38 inhibitors without reducing the benefits to patients.
The study was published in the September issue of PLoS Medicine.

Ashwagandha Rasayana -- An Introduction

That which supports natural immunity by enhancing physical and mental strength, promotes overall health and longevity, is bitter, astringent and warming, and extremely beneficial for heart-mind-body coordination is Ashwagandha." -- Bhavprakash

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Withania somnifera) is considered by ayurvedic healers to be a potent rasayana for both mind and body.

Some specific benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is classified as a somanasyajanana herb in ayurveda--an herb that enhances the natural ability of your mind to adapt to stressful situations.
It helps elevate the strength of the mind to match heightened stress levels as needed. In modern terms, Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen--it helps boost your natural ability to withstand stress only when a heightened response is called for, such as during physical or mental competition, or in times of additional pressure at school or on the job.

According to PNI (psychoneuroimmunology) theory, stress can depress your immune system. Distress increases the flow of the stress hormones cortisol and beta-endorphins, whereas eustress (positive emotional condition opposite to distress) helps to boost the immune system by increasing levels of antibody immunoglobulins. Ashwagandha, by helping to boost your natural ability to handle stress, helps strengthen the immune system as well.

When stress-handling ability is deficient, Vata dosha typically is out of balance, and this leads to difficulty falling asleep. By improving your natural ability to handle stress and enhancing the mind-body-senses coordination, Ashwagandha promotes restful sleep as well.

Ashwagandha is extremely nourishing for the nervous system. It helps strengthen the nerves and maintain nerve function.
Ashwagandha is an anti-inflammatory, and helps pacify Vata imbalance in the joints. Because of its warming, penetrating quality, Ashwagandha also helps improve circulation.

Traditional texts state that Ashwagandha helps maintain physical strength, stamina and endurance. It is said to impart to its user the strength and vigor of a horse. Its action has been compared to that of ginseng--in fact, Ashwagandha is also called "Indian ginseng."
Ashwagandha is considered a tonic for the reproductive system, especially for men. It helps support a healthy libido.

Ashwagandha is a medhya rasayana, helping to enhance mental ability and performance--it helps support memory and problem-solving skills and enhances the coordinated functioning of all aspects of the brain.

Rheumatoid arthritis It is a generally progressive disease affecting primarily the joints which become swollen and painful.

Rheumatoid arthritis It is a generally progressive disease affecting primarily the joints which become swollen and painful. The muscles, ligaments, synovial membrane and the cartilage get inflamed and, therefore movement of the joints becomes extremely painful and wasting of the associated muscles. If not treated immediately, it may result in deformity in the beginning.

This disease affects the small joints in fingers, it is usually insidious, stiffness is the next event and the fingers tend to get curved and ultimately become fixed. The infection then spreads towards the trunk involving the wrist joints, ankle joints, elbow joints, knee joint, shoulders hips and jaw. In Ayurveda, this diseases is called as Amavatha.

It occurs throughout the world in all climates and ethnic groups; this disease is very common nowadays, it is possible that they might have been increased in number due to modern lifestyle. Treatment The best treatment for this is Langhana - means less quantity of food, which can be digested easily; and excretion of Ama.

For the excretion of Ama, virechana therapy is given that is purgation. Basti treatment (Enema therapy); Valuka sweda (hot swedation); Bashpa sweda. Along with these, internal medicines plays an important role in curing these diseases. According to Ayurveda, if proper treatment is given, there are fairly good chances of a cure.

By far the most crippling disease is the chronic rheumatic diseases which are supposed to be incurable.

By far the most crippling disease is the chronic rheumatic diseases which are supposed to be incurable. The chronic rheumatic diseases differ widely from each other in regard to etiology, pathology and clinical course. All of them, however, cause symptoms in relation to the locomotor system.

The term rheumatism has been loosely applied to all conditions causing pain and stiffness of the muscles and joints. The principle members of the group are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Non-articular rheumatism. Gout is now recognised to be a metabolic disease but it is usually grouped with the chronic rheumatic diseases because the presenting symptoms are in the joints. Arthritis can be safely, gradually and progressively controlled and ultimately cured by Ayurveda.

A Tincture a Day

Medicinal herbs are quickly becoming a more common tool for promoting health, says a study in the October 2005 issue of Annals of Epidemiology. In response to a large-scale telephone survey, a surprising percentage of people said they use herbs such as ginseng (Panax ginseng), St. John’s wort (genus Hypericum), and echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea) to maintain health and prevent illness.

Researchers analyzed data from almost 3,000 responses, and found the following:

• 20 percent of people said they had used medicinal herbs in the past year. People who were older or more educated were more likely to use medicinal herbs, as were people who had joint pain, consumed alcohol, or were overweight.
• Of the people who had used medicinal herbs, 34 percent had talked about it with their doctors. Women and people with diabetes or cancer were more likely to have discussed their use of herbal remedies.
• Of people who had used medicinal herbs, 69 percent said they used them to maintain health, while 25 percent used them to prevent illness and 15 percent to treat illness.
• Five percent of people with at least one child younger than 18 said they had given herbal medicines to their children in the past year. Parents who were older, who used herbs themselves, or who lacked health coverage at any time during that past year were all more likely to give herbs to their children.

Despite the popularity of medicinal herbs, the researchers caution that people should discuss their use of herbs with their doctors to avoid possible herb–drug interactions and complications with surgery and to understand the sometimes different effect herbs have on children.
—Kristin Bjornsen

dreddyclinic.com - Article: Ayurvedic Herbs

dreddyclinic.com - Article: Ayurvedic Herbs: "These ancient Indian remedies are said to ease aches and inflammation. A new study prompted us to take a closer look.
We don't usually think of ginger, turmeric and frankincense as medicinals. Instead the names conjure up images of a kitchen spice shelf, a tasty curry or an exotic incense.
But these herbs do have a venerable therapeutic lineage. For thousands of years they have been used in Ayurveda (pronounced ay-yur-vay-duh), the traditional medicine of India, to treat arthritis and other ailments. Sometimes, they are combined with Ashwaganda, another Indian herb.
Research reported at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual scientific meeting last fall looked at a combination remedy incorporating these four plant extracts. In a randomized, double-blinded trial of 90 people with osteoarthritis (OA), those patients who took the combination experienced significant and sustained pain relief: Fifty percent improved, compared to 20 percent of those who took placebo.
osteoarthritis (OA)
An earlier double-blinded study of the same formula, presented at the ACR meeting two years prior, looked at 182 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Again, those who took the herbs experienced a reduction in the number and severity of swollen joints and noted a statistically significant improvement in pain, stiffness and function compared to those taking placebo. Tests also showed disease-modifying activity such as a drop in the amount of both rheumatoid factor and interleukins, the biological markers that show RA disease activity.
In both studies, participants had no significant side effects or interactions with other drugs, even those taken over a four-year period.
East vs. West
Given such promising results, are these herbs w"

dreddyclinic.com - Abhyanga - the Ayurvedic oil massage

dreddyclinic.com - Abhyanga - the Ayurvedic oil massage: "How can a ritual so luxuriously relaxing, so blissfully comforting as a full-body warm oil massage rev up your body and mind, gearing them up for peak performance? Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old holistic healing tradition from India, has an explanation for the seeming contradiction. Accumulated stress and toxins in the mind and body dissolve during the daily massage, says Rama Kant Mishra, Ayurvedic expert. A daily full-body warm oil massage therefore acts as a powerful recharger and rejuvenator of mind and body.
Abhyanga - the Ayurvedic oil massage - is an integral part of the daily routine recommended by this healing system for overall health and well-being. Traditional Ayurvedic texts wax eloquent on the benefits. Here's what one says - Give yourself a full body oil massage on a daily basis. It is nourishing, pacifies Vata and Kapha, relieves fatigue, provides stamina, pleasure and perfect sleep, enhances the complexion and the luster of the skin, promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the body.
fatigue
When the views expressed in the different Ayurvedic texts are put together, here are the benefits that can be expected from regular performance of this pleasant daily ritual:
Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings
Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology
Calming for the nerves
Lubrication of the joints
Increased mental alertness
Improved elimination of impurities from the body
Softer, smoother skin
Increased levels of stamina through the day
Better, deeper sleep at night
The Ayurvedic massage is traditionally performed in the morning, before your bath or shower. You can use cured sesame oil, an herbalized massage oil, or an aroma massage oil.
If you choose sesame oil, lo"