The Posh Syndrome

It's hard to imagine Posh Spice got a cyst scare as she strikes a cucumber cool pose here. The condition is on the rise as more and more women hit the fast lane and take to stress as a way of life. The problem hasn't spared even Nicole Kidman or closer home Sapna Bhavnani, author and celebrity hairdresser. If you're a woman, irrespective of whether or not you're in your child-bearing years, you could be at risk of an ovarian cyst. Dr Kiran Coelho, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Lilavati Hospital and Research Center, runs you through different types of cysts and the symptoms to watch out for.

What are cysts?
Ovarian cysts are essentially closed fluid-filled sacs that develop on one or both ovaries. A sac or follicle forms on the surface of a woman's ovary during ovulation. This sac holds a maturing egg and dissolves away when the egg is released during the monthly menstrual cycle. Sometimes, however, the egg is not released and the sac gets enlarged and a cyst develops.

But, if you've just been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, don't press the panic button and assume that all cysts are malignant and life-threatening. In most cases, ovarian cysts are completely benign.

Symptoms
One may be a cyst carrier and manifest no symptoms whatsoever. However, in most cases, the woman will suffer from irregular periods. In some cases, women may experience discomfort in the abdominal area with a bloated feeling and may even land up putting on weight around this area, which most women assume is simply a paunch and as a result go on a strict diet.

Cysts may often be accompanied by problems such as frequent stomach upsets. In rare cases, a cyst goes undetected till torsion occurs (where the cyst ends up twisting) or where a cyst bursts; there is usually sharp and often unbearable pain, which may be accompanied by vomiting – medical emergencies which warrant surgery.

How are they detected?
If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like to rule out the possibility of a cyst, it is important to get an ultrasound done. A mineral oil gel is smeared on the abdomen and the probe of the ultrasound machine is moved over the skin of the abdomen area. With the help of high frequency sound waves, the doctor can get a view of your insides.

Types of cysts
While cysts form solely due to hormonal imbalance, there are can be several types of cyst formations. A few common cysts are described as follows:

Follicular cyst A follicular cyst forms when the follicle (sac) grows larger than normal and does not rupture to release the egg. The result is often a delayed period which is what prompts women to seek medical aid. The good news is, a follicular cyst usually dissolves away without any treatment. However, in some cases the doctor may prescribe oral medication and keep the patient under simple observation over a few days or months.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) This syndrome plagues Victoria Beckham aka Posh Spice as well as one out of every five women worldwide. In PCOS, a hormonal imbalance results in the egg ripening partially, yet it doesn't rupture. And this process is repeated over several months. As a result, multiple (poly) unruptured follicles are formed within the ovary.

The disease is characterised by symptoms that every woman dreads – acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth), tendency towards weight gain, etc. However, not all women with PCOS exhibit these symptoms. No surgery is required for PCOS. The woman is merely expected to get regular ultrasound and in some cases is also advised to go on birth control pills, which help regulate the hormones.. Contrary to what many women continue to believe, oral birth control pills will not make conception difficult when you decide to go off the pill. Nor will it lead to any hormonal imbalances.

Endometriosis This condition has earned a strange nick name – Chocolate cyst! This type of cyst is created when the lining of the uterus is also present in the ovaries and therefore during menstruation, bleeding occurs on the outside and is also accompanied with internal bleeding. Over time, this internal bleeding turns brown and chocolate coloured.

If the cyst is detected after it has fully formed, the only treatment option available is a surgery known as Laparoscopy. A key-hole surgery, here the cyst is drained away by making only two to three tiny incisions that leave barely-there scars low in the abdomen. For few women, the pain caused by the cyst during menstruation is excruciating. In most cases, however, the pain is managed with medication (and many other lucky women may experience no pain at all).

Dermoid Cysts This type of cyst is semi-solid. It contains bodily fluid, as well as the various layers of the body such as skin, teeth and hair. Most often benign, the only treatment option for a dermoid cyst is a laparoscopic surgery.
 
While cysts are less likely to form in women who have reached menopause, the chances of malignancy are higher in this group. Hence, women in this age group are advised to undergo certain cancer marker tests (CA 125).  

How often should one visit a gynaecologist?
Sexually active women need to visit a gynaecologist and get a routine check-up, which includes an ultrasound, clinical exam and pap-smear, at least once every year. Sexually inactive women are usually advised only an annual ultrasound.

 

tiPs to relieve tensiOn

here's the next best thing to do. Fool your body into thinking you're feeling great

* First, we're going to slowly ease that tension out of the body. Sit on a chair with legs crossed. Pretend that your ankle is a pen and use it to write the alphabet. Repeat with the other ankle.

* Next, place your thumbs at the edge of your eyebrows, on each side of our head. Slide them up, stopping at the corner of the head, almost into the hairline. Press the thumbs into each side of the forehead; hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat five times. By doing this, you release emotional stress because these pressure points a re linked to the emotional centre of the brain.

* Eat an orange. The vitamin C helps detoxify the body. Chewing on a handful of roasted cashew nuts can also be a good upper. Nuts contain magnesium and essential fatty acids that help boost moods.

* Change the breathing. Lie on your back, with the fingertips of one hand nesting between the breastbone and the solar plexus. Place the other hand on the belly. Taking deep breath through your nose push out your stomach as you inhale, thus filling your lungs. Hold for a few seconds and then slowly exhale. As oxygen replenishes your brain, use your fingertips to lightly stimulate the calming areas of your body and you'll feel more relaxed.

* The brain believes in the images it receives. So creative visualisation can quickly top up your happiness levels. Imagine the sun sending heat and light to your arms and legs. Soak in that sensation and feel the joy slowly seeping in.

 

 

Indian herb can help the diabetic!

NEW YORK: An extract of coccinia indica , a perennial herb that grows abundantly in India, may help people with mild type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels, the results of a new study suggest.

In the journal Diabetes Care , researchers note that while coccinia indica , also known as coccinia cordifolia , has been widely used in traditional treatments of diabetes, carefully controlled studies have not been done.

To examine the effects of this herb on blood sugar levels, the India-based researchers randomly assigned 60 adults with the newly detected type 2 diabetes to receive coccinia extract or placebo.

The subjects were between 35 and 60 years old and were being treated with diet and lifestyle modification only.

According to Dr. Rebecca Kuriyan, from the Institute of Population Health and Clinical Research in Bangalore, and colleagues, there were significant differences in blood sugar favouring Coccinia extract over placebo after 90 days of treatment.

Fasting blood sugar levels at 90 days in people taking the coccinia extract fell by an impressive 16 per cent, while fasting blood sugar levels rose slightly in the placebo takers.

Likewise, patients in the coccinia extract group had an 18 per cent decrease in post-meal blood sugar levels at the study's end, whereas the placebo group experienced a small increase in post-meal blood sugar levels.

This study suggests that coccinia extract has a potential blood sugar lowering action in patients with mild diabetes. Kuriyan and colleagues note however that additional studies are needed to identify the mechanisms involved.

Sweet Poison

Have you ever thought why 'outside' food tastes so much better than home food? You may be following the same recipe for a particular dish you ordered at the restaurant or that dip you picked off the rack at the supermarket, but somehow you can never match the taste! Well, that's because you don't store MSG in your kitchen cabinets. MSG what, you ask? Read on to know more about this invisible factor creeping into our bodies through the food we eat, like a silent parasite that preys on you without your slightest knowledge!

MSG, or Monosodium Glutamate is a 'flavour enhancer'. It tricks the brain into thinking it is getting something tasty. It is not a preservative and it has no nutritional value. It does nothing to food, but it does affect the person using it.

In fact, some of the common ailments we experience today can largely be connected to ingesting MSG, a chemical commonly used in many food products we eat. Regular occurrence of headaches/migraines, lethargy, anxiety, panic attacks, disorientation, insomnia, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, asthma attacks, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, runny nose/sneezing, extreme dryness of the mouth and flushing that cannot otherwise be put down to a concrete cause, can all be attributed to MSG.

Understanding MSG

MSG is a fine white crystal substance that looks like salt. It is used as a flavour-enhancer in many foods, especially in pre-made soups, broth, bouillon, natural chicken flavouring, sauces, dressings, and processed foods.

It is called an 'excitotoxin' or 'neurotoxin' by leading neuroscientists because of its degenerative effects on the brain and nervous system. Neurons are over stimulated to the point of exhaustion and cell death. MSG first goes to the brain through membranes in the mouth and throat, and also enters the blood stream as MSG laden foods are digested.

The problem with MSG is that some people experience adverse reactions within an hour after they taste it.

Research findings

A 1995 FDA-commissioned report acknowledged that an unknown percentage of the population may react to monosodium glutamate and develop 'monosodium glutamate symptom complex', a condition characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:

•  Burning sensation/numbness in the back of the neck, forearms and chest
•  Tingling, warmth and weakness in the face, temples, upper back, neck and arms
•  Facial pressure or tightness
•  Chest pain
•  Headache
•  Nausea
•  Rapid heartbeat
•  Drowsiness
•  Weakness
•  Sweating

A 2002 report from researchers at Hirosaki University in Japan found rats fed on diets very high in glutamate (up to 20%) suffered eye damage. Lead researcher Hiroshi Ohguro said the findings might explain why, in eastern Asia, there is a high rate of normal-tension glaucoma.

Effects of MSG

Besides the above mentioned effects, the following show MSG's dire health consequences:  

• •   Obesity is one of the most consistent effects of excitotoxin exposure and is a growing problem that knows no age or sex boundaries. MSG triggers an insulin/adrenalin/fat storage/food craving response. This depletes serotonin levels which trigger headaches, depression, fatigue, and leads to more food cravings.

• •   Asthma, which was on the decline until the mid-eighties, now shows a 100% increase in the death rate among children and seniors. Incidence has increased 600% in the last 10 years. The FDA recognizes that 'uncontrollable asthma' can be caused by MSG.

• •   MSG is a known 'mutagen' (mutates fetuses) and causes significant damage to intellectual development, growth patterns, reproduction and gonadal functions.

• •   Lab studies show devastating effects on brain development including dyslexia, autism, schizophrenia, violent episodes, panic attacks, seizures, depression and even cerebral palsy! Humans are five times more sensitive to MSG than other mammals.

Avoiding MSG

1  Ask the servers at restaurants to have the chef omit MSG from your meal.

2  Avoid these food additives, which always contain MSG: hydrolysed vegetable protein, hydrolysed protein, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, yeast extract, textured protein and hydrolysed oat flour.

3  The following additives frequently contain MSG: Malt extract, malt flavouring, natural flavouring, natural chicken flavouring, seasoning and spices.

4  Be wary of these additives, which may contain MSG: enzymes, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate and whey protein isolate.

5  Contact the distributors of foods containing the above additives to see whether they contain MSG.

Effect on children

Thousands of packaged foods, ginger pastes, garlic pastes, dips, curry paste, chili sauces, pickles, packaged soups, stock cubes, packaged snacks like chips, crackers, etc., including many so-called health foods contain MSG in considerable amounts. Packaged foods designed for children tend to be especially high in MSG.

MSG has been shown to cause lesions on the brain, especially in children. These lesions cause cognitive, endocrinological and emotional abnormalities. In children excess glutamate affects the growth cones on neurons. MSG could seriously affect cognitive skills in children and cause learning difficulties. It also causes anxiety and hyperactivity leading to ADH.

The MSG myth 

It is a myth that MSG is restricted only to Chinese cuisine. MSG is frequently used in all kinds of restaurants, even Indian joints. In fact, down south, some restaurants have been asked to add it to sambars just to add a different texture to it! Restaurants are notorious for using it, out of habit and lack of knowledge about it. The processed food industry, however, is using it with full knowledge of its making and effects.

So, whenever you can, read your labels and be aware!

 

Six Amazing Uses For Tea Tree Oil

An informative article I read about the goodness of Tea Tree Oil. A word of caution, before any direct application, please check with the specialist in the shop first. Not all tea tree oils in the market are suitable for direct application.

Pure tea tree oil has many invaluable uses around the home that are a welcome solution to common household situations.

1. Antiseptic and Fungicide. Tea tree oil is well known to be a natural antiseptic and fungicide. It can be used on minor cuts and abrasions and is useful for many types of skin conditions including cold sores, athletes feet, head lice, and nail infections, just to name a few.

2. Mold Growth Control. Tea tree oil is a natural cleaner because of its solvent properties and is useful in controlling mold growth. Mold is a health hazard and can invade homes, particularly in areas that are often damp due to high humidity or water damage.

3. Consumer Products. Today tea tree oil can be found in many consumer products like shampoos, hair conditioners, soaps, cosmetics, toothpastes, and even toothpicks!

4. Cleaning Solution. Wash floors and kitchen cabinets with a mix of a few drops of tea tree oil into any cleaning solution. It is advisable that the room be well ventilated, (open windows), whenever you use household chemicals, regardless if you use tea tree oil. The addition of tea tree oil to cleaning solutions can improve the cleaning power of the solution, and it adds a wonderful aromatic scent that gives the washed area that “just cleaned” smell.

5. Insect Repellent. Another benefit to using tea tree oil to wash kitchen floors is that it makes an excellent insect repellent. To keep those unwanted pests away, also wipe down kitchen counters with a tea tree solution and you’ll see positive results! Enjoy the outdoors more by warding off insects from bothering you. Add 10-20 drops of tea tree oil to citronella. Great for camping and hiking!

6. Laundry. Ever experience washing damp towels that were left too long on the floor and still had that funky mildew smell after they came out of the dryer? You could try several washes to remove the smell or you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your wash. Towels will come out of the dryer smelling better than new!

This amazing oil is distilled from a bush that grows in Australia. Melaleuca Alternifolia Tea Tree plant has the best properties out of 100 possible species in the world. Australia also seems to have the optimum conditions for growing tea tree plants, including soil and weather. These special conditions allow tea tree plants to develop the desired constituents. Good quality tea tree oil should meet the requirements mandated by the Australian government. The oil actually has a viscosity more similar to water rather than oil. It should be bottled in a brown bottle so that ultraviolet light does not degrade the product.

Pure tea tree oil is a natural solvent that will dissolve plastic cups. However, when you mix a few drops in a water solution its solvent properties become greatly reduced and in most cases become a non-issue. If you plan on using your tea tree oil solution on fabric or fibers it is advisable to apply it to a test area first. This should be an inconspicuous spot to rule out potential problems like color fastness.

The amazing thing about tea tree oil is that you only need a little bit or just a few drops for each application. A 2-ounce bottle can last months. Always keep a bottle or two in the house along with a handbook on using tea tree oil. You’ll soon find many valuable uses and solutions and wonder how you ever got along without it!

Many butts and If

Your smoking is injurious to my health. Dad, please do not fill the room with this dirty air, it suffocates me. Please, give me a room to breathe," have you ever felt your child's agony when you light up that poison stick and smoke in pleasure?

How often have you heard the silence of your one-year-old? "Yes, I do care doctor, because I smoke outside in the balcony when my child is in the bedroom. I avoid smoking in front of my kids." This is the usual explanation I get from my well educated patients. We smoke outside, agreed; but how many of us wash our hands and clean our teeth before we hold our little children?

We all work in smoke-free offices, and have learnt to go out and smoke. Fortunately, the government has also taken disciplinary actions for "smoking in public places", which has further led to an awakening among smokers to be cautious in public places and workplaces while lighting up their stick. The government, however, cannot touch situations prevailing at homes, which needs to be addressed seriously.

What is second hand smoking?

First of all, we need to understand what is passive smoking? Passive smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a mixture of exhaled mainstream smoke (smoke exhaled by smokers); and side stream smoke (smoke generated from a passively lit cigarette); as well as contaminants that diffuse through the cigarette paper and cigarette end between puffs. ETS contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds, and is even more carcinogenic than active smoking. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified ETS as a Class A (known human) carcinogen, along with asbestos, arsenic, benzene and radon gas. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has concluded that secondhand smoke is an occupational carcinogen. Second hand smoke is a major source of indoor air pollution.

Immediate effects of passive smoke

Some of the immediate effects of passive smoking include eye irritation, headache, cough, sore throat, dizziness and nausea. Adults with asthma can experience a significant decline in lung function when exposed, while new cases of asthma may be induced in children whose parents smoke. Just 30 minutes exposure is enough to reduce coronary blood flow.

Passive smoking and adults

Breathing secondhand smoke for even a short time can have immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and interferes with the normal functioning of the heart, blood, and vascular systems in ways that increase the risk of a heart attack. Non-smokers, who are exposed to passive smoking in the home, have a 25 per cent increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer. A major review by the Government-appointed Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (SCOTH) concluded that passive smoking is a cause of lung cancer and ischemic heart disease in adult non-smokers.

Passive smoking and children

It is alarming to know that nearly 700 million children worldwide live in the home of a smoker. Infants of mothers who smoke have five times the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They also suffer from reduced birth weight and reduced lung functioning. Passive smoking increases the risk of bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchiolitis and is a risk factor for new cases of asthma in children. Passive smoking is also associated with middle ear infection in children as well as possible cardiovascular impairment and behavioural problems. A US study found deficits in reading and reasoning skills among children even at low levels of smoke exposure.

Quit smoking

The single best way for giving you and your family a smoke-free environment is to quit smoking. Quitting requires planning, and a strong intention. There are effective support systems to help you in your quitting process. A Structured Tobacco Cessation Clinic can help you in your treatment of tobacco dependence. Intervention needs to combine intensive psychotherapeutic interventions, along with pharmacotherapy to reduce withdrawals. Nicotine replacement therapy and pharmacotherapy is also available to make the quitting process easier. A new drug such as Varenicline, is promising greater success in managing the cravings or withdrawals effectively.

 

Powerful Story about Stress Relief Strategy: THE CLUB 99 ................

Some time ago, there lived a King.This king should have been contented with his life, given all the riches and luxuries he had. However, this was not the case! The King always found himself wondering why he just never seemed content with his life.

 

Sure, he had the attention of everyone wherever he went, attended fancy dinners and parties, but somehow, he still felt something was lacking and he couldn't put his finger on it.

 

One day, the King had woken up earlier than usual to stroll around his palace. He entered his huge living room and came to a stop when he heard someone happily singing away... following this singing... he saw that one of the servants was singing and had a very contented look on his face.

This fascinated the King and he summoned this man to his chambers.

 

The man entered the King's chambers as ordered. The King asked why he was so happy?

 

To this the man replied: "Your Majesty, I am nothing but a servant, but I make enough of a living to keep my wife and children happy. We don't need too much, a roof over our heads and warm food to fill our tummy. My wife and children are my inspiration, they are content with whatever little I bring home. I am happy because my family is happy."

 

Hearing this, the King dismissed the servant and summoned his Personal Assistant to his chambers.

 

The King related his personal anguish about his feelings and then related the story of the servant to his Personal Assistant, hoping that somehow, he will be able to come up with some reasoning that here was a King who could have anything he wished for at a snap of his fingers and yet was not contented, whereas, his servant, having so little was extremely contented.

 

The Personal Assistant listened attentively and came to a conclusion. He said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the servant has not been made part of The 99 Club."

"The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?" the King inquired.

 

To which the Assistant replied, "Your Majesty, to truly know what The 99 Club is, you will have to do the following... place 99 Gold coins in a bag and leave it at this servant's doorstep, you will then understand what The 99 Club is."

That very same evening, the King arranged for 99 Gold coins to be placed in a bag at the servant's doorstep. Although he was slightly hesitant and he thought he should have put 100 Gold coins into the bag, but since his assistant had advised him to put 99 that is what he did.

 

The servant was just stepping out of his house when he saw a bag at his doorstep. Wondering about its contents, he took it into his house and opened the bag. When he opened the bag, he let out a great big shout of joy...Gold Coins... so many of them. He could hardly believe it. He called his wife to show her the coins.

 

He then took the bag to a table and emptied it out and began to count the coins. Doing so, he realized that there were 99 coins and he thought it was an odd number so he counted again, and again and again only to come to the same conclusion... 99 Gold Coins.

 

He began to wonder, what could have happened to that last 1 coin? For no one would leave 99 coins. He began to search his entire house, looked around his backyard for hours, not wanting to lose out on that one coin. Finally, exhausted, he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to make up for that 1 Gold coin to make his entire collection an even 100 Gold Coins.

 

He got up the next morning, in an extremely horrible mood, shouting at the children and his wife for his delay, not realizing that he had spent most of the night conjuring ways of working hard so that he had enough money to buy himself that gold coin. He went to work as usual - but not in his usual best mood, singing happily - as he grumpily did his daily errands.

Seeing the man's attitude change so drastically, the King was puzzled. He promptly summoned his assistant to his chambers. The King related his thoughts about the servant and once again, his assistant listened. The King could not believe that the servant who until yesterday had been singing away and was happy and content with his life had taken a sudden change of attitude, even though he should have been happier after receiving the gold coins.

To this the assistant replied "Ah! But your Majesty, the servant has now officially joined The 99 Club." He explained: "The 99 Club is just a name given to those people who have everything but yet are never contented, therefore they are always working hard and striving for that extra 1 to round it out to 100!

We have so much to be thankful for and we can live with very little in our lives, but the minute we are given something bigger and better, we want even more!

 

Lesson to learn from this Story:

 

We are not the same happy contented person we used to be, we want more and more and by wanting more and more we don't realize the price we pay for it.

 

We lose our sleep, our happiness; we hurt the people around us just as a price to pay for our growing needs and desires.

 

That is what joining The 99 Club is all about."

 

Hearing this the King decided that from that day onwards, he was going to start appreciating all the little things in life.

 

Striving for more is always good, but let's not strive so hard and for so much that we loses all those near and dear to our hearts, we shouldn't compromise our happiness for moments of luxuries!

Tips to relieve tension

Here's the next best thing to do. Fool your body into thinking you're feeling great

 * First, we're going to slowly ease that tension out of the body.

 

Sit on a chair with legs crossed. Pretend that your ankle is a pen and use it to write the alphabet.

 

Repeat with the other ankle.

* Next, place your thumbs at the edge of your eyebrows, on each side of our head. Slide them up, stopping at the corner of the head, almost into the hairline. Press the thumbs into each side of the forehead; hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat five times.

 

By doing this, you release emotional stress because these pressure points a re linked to the emotional centre of the brain.

* Eat an orange. The vitamin C helps detoxify the body. Chewing on a handful of roasted cashew nuts can also be a good upper. Nuts contain magnesium and essential fatty acids that help boost moods.

* Change the breathing. Lie on your back, with the fingertips of one hand nesting between the breastbone and the solar plexus. Place the other hand on the belly. Taking deep breath through your nose push out your stomach as you inhale, thus filling your lungs.

 

Hold for a few seconds and then slowly exhale. As oxygen replenishes your brain, use your fingertips to lightly stimulate the calming areas of your body and you'll feel more relaxed.

* The brain believes in the images it receives.

 

So creative visualisation can quickly top up your happiness levels.

 

Imagine the sun sending heat and light to your arms and legs.

Soak in that sensation and feel the joy slowly seeping in.

 

ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE

Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is the most commonly used drug in the world. Pharmacologically, alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant. Like other depressants, in small doses alcohol slows heart rate and respiration, decreases muscular coordination and energy, dulls the senses, and lowers inhibitions—resulting in feelings of relaxation and greater sociability. Large amounts of alcohol can result in depression of the various body systems, resulting in coma or death. The immediate physical effects of alcohol depend on the amount and frequency of drinking, while the mental and emotional effects are influenced by the mood of the drinker and the setting in which drinking takes place.

Two physical effects resulting from prolonged, heavy alcohol use include tolerance and withdrawal. Alcohol tolerance refers to the need for increased amounts of alcohol to achieve the same level of intoxication. For example, five or six drinks may be needed to achieve the same effects produced by one or two drinks when the individual first began drinking. Alcohol withdrawal, on the other hand, refers to a number of physical and psychological reactions an individual experiences when significantly reducing or stopping prolonged heavy drinking. Symptoms of withdrawal include nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and hand tremors.

An interaction of biological, psychological, and environmental factors come into play in the development of drinking behaviors and problems. For example, some individuals may be genetically predisposed to alcohol problems, but whether or not they actually experience negative alcohol consequences will also depend upon their immediate social and physical surroundings, such as family drinking patterns and alcohol availability, as well as their drinking habits.

ALCOHOL USE AND MISUSE

Most people who drink alcohol do so without negative consequences. Others may actually obtain a health benefit from its use. Some, however, drink in ways that place themselves or others at risk for experiencing alcohol-related problems. While no pattern of alcohol use is without risk, certain drinking patterns may help reduce risk significantly.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, issued jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, define moderate drinking as no more than two standard drinks per day for men, and no more than one per day for women and people sixty-five years of age and older. A standard drink is 0.5 ounces of alcohol, equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. These guidelines suggest that moderate or low alcohol use is linked to a reduced risk for the occurrence of negative alcohol consequences. For others, however, abstaining from all alcohol consumption is the safest thing to do. Groups who should avoid all alcohol use include pregnant women, children and adolescents, those planning to drive or participate in other activities requiring alertness, people who cannot maintain moderate alcohol use, and those who are using over-the-counter or prescription medicines that interact with alcohol.

Another way to understand drinking problems is to examine definitions of alcohol misuse. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines alcohol misuse as alcohol use that places people at risk for problems, including "at-risk use," "clinical alcohol abuse," and "dependence." At-risk alcohol use is the consumption of alcohol in a way that is not consistent with legal or medical guidelines, and it is likely to present risks of acute or chronic health or social problems for the user or others. Examples include underage drinking; drinking by individuals with a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking; or drinking if one has a medical condition that could be worsened by drinking, such as a stomach ulcer or liver disease. Clinical alcohol abuse is a more serious type of misuse that results in one or more recurrent, adverse consequences, such as failure to fulfill important obligations or the repeated use of alcohol in physically dangerous situations. Alcohol dependence is the most severe type of alcohol misuse and involves a chronic disorder characterized by three or more symptoms within a twelve-month period. These symptoms include alcohol tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control, and continued use despite knowledge of having a physical or psychological problem.

Negative consequences resulting from alcohol use are estimated to affect more than 10 percent of the U.S. population, with many of these individuals going undetected. A number of brief screening tools are available to help detect possible alcohol problems. One of the most widely used among these is the four-item CAGE questionnaire, which derives its name from the following four self-administrated questions:

1. Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
2. Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (Eye-opener)?

Answering "yes" to as few as one or two items on the CAGE questionnaire may indicate a drinking problem.

 

Home Remedies for HYSTERIA

HYSTERIA

 

 

Hysteria is a mental disorder arising from intense anxiety. It is characterised by lack of control over acts and emotions, and by sudden seizures of unconsciousness with emotional outbursts. It is often the result of repressed conflicts within the person. This disease appears in both sexes, but it is far more common in young women between fourteen and twenty five years of age.

 

Symptoms of Hysteria

Heaviness in the limbs, cramps

The symptoms of hysteria are heaviness in the limbs, severe cramps, a strong feeling of ascending abdominal constriction, continual sighings, difficulty in breathing, constriction in the chest, palpitations, feeling of a foreign body lodged in the throat, swelling of the neck and of the jugular veins, suffocation, headache, clenched teeth, and generalized and voluntary tensing of muscles of locomotion.

Wild painful cries, loss of consciousness

In severe cases, additional symptoms are noticeable; these may include wild and painful cries, incomplete loss of consciousness, an enormously swollen neck, violent and tumultuous heartbeats, involuntary locomotor muscle contraction, frightening generalized convulsions, and violent movement.

Weakness, emotional instability

The physical symptoms include a weakness of the will, a craving for love and sympathy, and a tendency towards emotional instability. Hysterical trances may last for days or weeks. A patient in a trance may appear to be in a deep sleep, but the muscles are not usually relaxed

Causes of Hysteria

Stress

The most common causes of hysteria are sexual repression, perverted habits of thought, and idleness. Heredity plays an important part in its causation. A nervous family background and faulty emotional training when young are predisposing causes. The emotional situations may be mental, strain, stress, fear, worry, depression, traumatism, masturbation, and prolonged sickness.

 

Home Remedies for Hysteria

Hysteria treatment using Jambul

The jambul fruit is considered an effective home remedy for hysteria. Three kilograms of this fruit and a handful of salt should be put in a jug filled with water.The jug should be kept in the sun for a week. A women suffering from hysteria should take 300 gm of these fruits on an empty stomach, and drink a cup of water from the jug. The day she starts this treatment, 3 Kg more of these fruits, mixed with a handful of salt, should be kept in another jug filled with water, so that when the contents of the first jug are finished, the contents of the other will be ready for use. This treatment should be continued for two weeks.

Hysteria treatment using Honey

Honey is regarded as another effective remedy for hysteria. It is advisable to take one tablespoon of honey daily

Hysteria treatment using Bottle Gourd

Bottle gourd is useful as an external application in hysteria. Macerated fresh pulp of this vegetable should be applied over the head of the patient in the treatment of this disease.

Hysteria treatment using Lettuce

Lettuce is considered valuable in this disease. A cup of fresh juice of lettuce, mixed with a teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) juice, should be given every day in the morning for a month, as a medicine in the treatment of hysteria.

Hysteria treatment using Rauwolfia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rauwolfia

 

The herb rauwolfia is very useful for hysteria. One gram of the powdered root should be administered with one cup of milk in the morning as well as in the evening. Treatment should be continued till a complete cure has been obtained.

Hysteria treatment using Asafoetida

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asafoetida

 

Asafoetida has also proved beneficial in the treatment of this disease. Smelling this gum prevents hysterical attacks. If taken orally, the daily dosage should be from 0.5 to 1.0 gm. An emulsion made up of 2 gm of the gum with 120 ml of water is a valuable enema in hysteria, when the patient resists taking the gum orally.

 

Diet for Hysteria

All-fruit diet

In most cases of hysteria, it is desirable for patients to start the treatment by adopting an all-fruit diet for several days, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits such as oranges, apples, grapes, grapefruit, papayas, and pineapples.

Exclusive milk diet

This may be followed by an exclusive milk diet for about a month. The milk diet will help to build better blood and nourish the nerves. If the full milk diet is not convenient, a diet of milk and fruits may be adopted. The patient may, thereafter, gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol etc.

The patient should avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, tobacco, white sugar and white flour, and products made from them.

 

Other Hysteria Remedies

Self control and occupying the mind

The patient should be taught self-control and educated in the right habits of thinking. Her mind must be drawn away from herself by some means. Proper sex education should be provided and a married patient should be taught to enjoy a normal sexual relationship.

Exercise and outdoor games

Exercise and outdoor games are also important. They take the mind away from self and induce cheerfulness.

Yogasanas

Yogasanas which are useful in hysteria are bhujangasana, shalabhasana, matsyasana, dhanurasana, halasana, paschimottanasana, yogamudra, and shavasana. Weak patients, who are not able to do much active exercise, may be given a massage three or four times a week.

 

Egg Donation & Surrogacy

Surrogacy is an arrangement whereby a woman agrees to become pregnant for the purpose of gestating and giving birth to a child for others to raise. She may be the child's  genetic mother the more traditional form of surrogacy), or she may be implanted with someone else's fertilized egg (gestational surrogacy).

 

Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction. In some cases it is the only available option for a couple who wish to have a child that is biologically related to them.

 

In traditional surrogacy the surrogate is pregnant with her own biological child, but this child was conceived with the intention of relinquishing the child to be raised by others; often by the biological father and possibly his partner, either male or female.

 

In gestational surrogacy the surrogate is pregnant via embryo transfer with a child of which she is not the biological mother. She may have made an arrangement to relinquish it to the biological mother or father to raise, or to a parent who is themselves unrelated to the child (e. g. because the child was conceived using egg donation and/or sperm donation).

 

Altruistic surrogacy is a situation where the surrogate is not receiving financial reward for her pregnancy or the relinquishment of the child (sometimes with the exception of medical expenses associated with the pregnancy or birth) Compare with commercial surrogacy which is a type of surrogacy in which the surrogate is being paid for her pregnancy and the relinquishment of the child. It is typically combined with gestational surrocacy).

 

A surrogate mother or birth mother is the woman who is pregnant with the child. The word surrogate, from Latin subrŏgare (to substitute), means appointed to act in the place of.^] The commissioning parents are the individual or persons who intend to rear the child after its birth.

 

There is a tendency now to limit the term 'surrogacy' to only mean 'gestational surrogacy

 

Gestational Surrogacy (In Vitro Fertilization)

The Intended Parents creates embryos that are transferred to the surrogate mother, and the surrogate mother gestates the child but maintains no genetic link.  The eggs can be provided by either the Intended Mother or by an egg donor.  The client family then petitions the court to change the birth certificate; this modified birth certificate reflects the correct parentage of the child.

 

 

Traditional Surrogacy (Artificial Insemination)

The surrogate mother donates her egg.  The partner or a donor provides the sperm that is used to fertilize the egg inside the womb and creates a child.  The surrogate mother gestates the embryo and has a genetic link to the child.  The client family then petitions the court to change the birth certificate; this modified birth certificate reflects the correct parentage of the child.

 

Center vs. Independent

You may be thinking of finding a surrogate or egg donor on your own, or you may have already located one.  This may seem to be an inexpensive way to solve your problems; however, selecting a surrogate mother or donor on your own may be risky!  There are many issues to consider and steps to be taken to ensure a successful outcome.  Remember, you are asking a surrogate mother or egg donor to become involved in one of the most important events in your life -- the creation of your child!  If you still choose to locate your surrogate or egg donor independently, our program also offers an assistance option to help you pursue your own independent surrogate parenting relationship while providing the same safeguards and professional guidance that our center provides through our other egg donation and surrogacy programs.

 

 

AYURVEDIC TIPS : TAKING CARE OF EYES

AYURVEDIC TIPS : TAKING CARE OF EYES

 

Although we use our eyes everyday, we rarely pay attention to them until there is some serious problem. You can maintain perfect eyesight for most of your life by following some simple remedies.

An Important Aspect of Health
If you were asked, "Do you take care of your eyes once a week or at least once a month?", the most common reply would probably be in the negative. The eyes are considered to tbe the most important organ in ourt body and yet, people neglect to care for them.

Although we use our eyes everyday, we rarely pay attention until there is some serious problem. Ayurveda advises to take care of health while in a healthy state. You can maintain perfect eyesight for most part of your life by following some simple remedies.

• Every morning after waking up, fill your mouth with water, close the eyes and sprinkle water on them about 10-15 times. Be sure, as Ayurveda advises, to wake up before sunrise. Do not use hot water to wash the eyes.
• Do not wash the eyes or face when the body is sweating, especially after hard physical exercise or after being exposed to heat and sun.
• Do not stare continuously, specially while looking at long distance objects. Blinking or giving rest to the eyes is good. Do not look at the objects in bright sunlight for a long time. Avoid reading, writing or working with eyes in improper light, or when the light is not sufficient. Take a break and give rest to the eyes if you feel heaviness or tiredness in the eyes.
• Staying up late in the night and sleeping after sunrise is harmful for the eyes. In case of staying up late, drink a cup of water after each hour or half hour.
• Protect your eyes from dust, smoke, strong sunlight and strong wind. Avoid staying long in such conditions. In case you have to stay, blink often and massage the closed eyes gently with your palms.
• Try to maintain regular and clean bowel movements. Constipation weakens the eyesight. In addition; too much anxiety, mental stress, grief, anger and worry are harmful for the eyes.
• Regular eye exercise maintains perfect eyesight. One simple method of exercise is moving the eyeball - right and left; upwards and downwards and rotating it in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.
• Another simple way of protecting of eyes is through 'palming'. Rub the palms of both hands for about 30 seconds, close the eyes and gently place the warm palms over the eyes.
• Eating cabbage and carrots is very beneficial for the eyes. These should be eaten raw. It is all right to drink cabbage and carrot juice mixed together or separately.
• If Triphala (an Ayurvedic preparation) is available, you can wash the eyes with 'Triphala water'. Put a teaspoonful of Triphala powder in a glass of water, and let it stay overnight. Strain the water and wash the eyes with it.
• Putting one drop of honey in each eye once a week is also beneficial to the eyes. It causes a bit of irritation, but cleans the eyes.

Try these remedies and keep your eyes healthy and beautiful. These remedies can be used by everyone, including those having weak eyesight. Through these methods, one can even improve one's weak eyesight and maybe even give up the use of spectacles forever.

 

Sight-Seeing

Childhood Eye Diseases

Refractive error

Reduced visual acuity can occur at any age. However, with increasing addiction to television and game-boys, it often strikes earlier and lots of children currently seem to suffer from myopia (short-sightedness) or hypermetropia (long-sightedness).

Treatment

Prescription glasses offer an easy solution to the problem. However, parents must ensure that their kids actually use those glasses (despite being referred to in school as 'double battery, zero power!'). Regular eye examinations are a must.

Amblyopia

A condition that usually occurs at birth, Amblyopia is popularly referred to as Lazy Eye. It's a condition where one eye is normal while the other has a refractive error (or is just plain lazy!). The condition may offer no symptoms but in some cases the child may have a deviation of one eye or a squint.

Treatment

While the condition cannot be cured, its progress can be arrested by the use of occlusion glasses that force the lazy eye into action. Treatment also includes contact lenses, prescription glasses and eye exercises.

Dry Eyes Syndrome

Tears actually serve a purpose, apart from emotional blackmail! Tears bathe the eyes and wash away dust particles and thereby protect from infections.

In Dry Eye Syndrome, there is decreased production of fluids from the tear glands. A chemical imbalance in the substances that make up the tear film also leads to dry eyes. Adults aged 40 or older are most likely to experience dry eyes. The symptoms include irritation and discomfort, scratching and burning sensation in the eyes as well as blurred vision.

Treatment

While dry eye syndrome is an ongoing condition, the accompanying symptoms can be managed with the help of artificial tears created by using eye-drops.

Glaucoma

The silent thief, as it is rightly referred to, this condition stealthily creeps up on you and slyly robs you of your vision. Scientifically speaking, glaucoma is the result of damage to the optic nerve accompanied by abnormally high pressure inside the eyeball. The only symptom that Glaucoma sometimes offers is blind spots in your side (peripheral) vision.

Treatment

Fortunately, medical advances have made it easier to diagnose and treat glaucoma. Treatment options range from eye-drops to surgery in extreme cases. If detected and treated early, glaucoma need not cause even moderate vision loss.

Eye Injury

Mumbaikars will recognise this immediately. Eye injury is common in the weeks leading up to Holi, thanks to errant revellers hurling balloons at commuters in a local train. The eye is one of the most delicate organs of the body and can be injured all too easily.

Eye trauma can result from cuts, scratches, penetration, debris, light, chemicals, and blunt forces. Untreated trauma may cause further injury and lead to loss of vision. It is vital to receive immediate medical treatment for the ailment. Depending on the cause, eye trauma can cause a variety of symptoms such as pain, redness, bleeding, eyelid swelling, sensitivity to light, headaches, loss of vision, etc.

First Aid and Treatment

In case of burns from explosions, flames and other hot objects, do not try to remove the debris from the eyes. In case of chemical burns, however, immediately flush the eye with water. If you've suffered trauma from blunt objects do not apply ice over the eyes. Remember, that all but the most trivial eye trauma needs immediate first aid and emergency medical treatment.

Cataract

If you're an older adult and your world appears hazy, it's time to get checked for a cataract, which is one of the most oft heard of eye diseases in the elderly. It occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy so that it can no longer focus the real-world images.

Cataract Surgery Procedure

The only way to remove a cataract is to surgically remove the cloudy lens itself. An outpatient procedure, cataract removal is a painless surgery that requires only a small incision through which the lens is removed and absolutely no stitches are required. In 95 per cent of the cases an artificial lens is implanted into the eye during surgery which improves vision, without having to rely on glasses.

 Are you suffering from computer vision syndrome?

Our eyes react differently to characters on the screen than they do to printed matter. We generally don't have a problem focusing on most printed material as it consists of dense black characters with well-defined edges. Such contrast is lacking in computer generated characters and makes focussing rather difficult on the eyes. To compensate for this, our eyes strain to maintain focus and involuntarily shift into a mode known as RPA or Resting Point of Accommodation. This phenomenon is called the Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS.

The best way to combat CVS would be to limit time spent on the computer. While that's not a viable option for many, here are some tips to help you beat CVS.

• Ensure proper lighting such as slightly dim lighting for computer work and no glare whatsoever.

• Visit an ophthalmologist who can prescribe you computer vision glasses.

• Every 30 minutes take your eyes off the screen and look at something really far away like at a tree out the window in order to relax your strained optical muscles.

 

 

Fainting may be an alert for heart problems

Fainting is often dismissed as a sign of temporary weakness, but it could be an important symptom indicating an acute heart problem, warn doctors.

"Fainting may or may not have a serious medical rationale, but it might just hurt the person and in such a case it is advisable for patients to seek immediate diagnosis by a doctor," said Ashok Seth, chairperson and chief cardiologist at Max Healthcare.

"The failure of the electrical system of the heart as well as the blockage of the arteries may be some reasons behind fainting. And for those who may have suffered heart problems previously, fainting can also cause complications that may even lead to death," Seth told IANS.

According to doctors, almost one in 10 people who are brought to the hospital suffer from a cardiac problem.

Umesh Gupta, senior cardiologist at Gurgaon's Umkal Hospital, explained further: "Irregular or rapid heartbeats can trigger syncope (the medical term for fainting). It can also signify inflammation of a heart muscle that affects the pumping of the heart and weakens it. So, the body reacts to the decreased blood flow to the brain by fainting."

According to experts, while people suffering from chest pain, shortness of breath, blurred vision and slurring of speech must seek medical help; so must those who suffer from frequent bouts of unconsciousness.

As a precaution, doctors suggest that heart patients must take immediate medical help if they feel drowsy and faint.

Of course, fainting is also common amongst schoolchildren who collapse during morning assembly or during a particularly frenetic exercise drill. Would such children also suffer from heart problems?

No, say doctors.

According to Seth, such fainting is regular. However, it might have a serious underlying cause and should be brought to the notice of a doctor.

 

DON'T BLINK & MISS THIS

 Eye Infections  

Think eye infections and 'sore eyes' or 'Conjunctivitis' immediately comes to mind. One of the most common infections in our city, it seems to have thousands of victims in its grip, particularly in the beginning of summer (which is now!) and towards the end of the monsoons. Conjunctivitis can be either bacterial or viral and symptoms include redness of the eyes which may or may not be accompanied by itching.

Treatment
Contrary to popular belief, home remedies aren't the most viable way to treat this problem. Under the supervision of a doctor, antibiotics and steroids (in some cases), may be prescribed.

 Corneal Diseases

The term encompasses several conditions. However, one of the most common diseases of this nature is corneal opacity. Here, vision is compromised as the cornea becomes opaque following injury. Injury in most cases could come in the form of minute dust particles or infections that get aggravated due to self-medication. 

Treatment
The use of eye-drops alone could alleviate this problem altogether. However, in extreme cases surgery may be required. 


 Retinal Detachment

If you were sleeping when your eighth standard science teacher was introducing you to the human eye, here's how it works: light first enters the cornea and is projected onto the retina (the light-sensitive tissue that lies against the inside back wall of your eye). The retina in turn sends messages via the optic nerve to your brain, where it is interpreted.

The retina gets its supply of oxygen and nutrients from a thin layer of blood vessels called the choroid, which lie directly beneath the retina. A retinal detachment occurs when the retina gets separated from the choroid. This condition is more likely to occur in near sighted individuals, those who have undergone a cataract removal procedure, people with a family history of detachment or those with other retinal degenerative conditions.

Symptoms
• The sudden appearance of many floaters in your field of vision that look like spots, hair or strings that seem to float before your eyes
• Sudden flashes of light in one or both eyes
• A shadow or curtain over a portion of your visual field
• A sudden blurring of vision.

Treatment
Surgery is the only effective therapy for a retinal tear, hole or detachment. If treated before the central part of the retina (macula) detaches, you'll probably retain much of your vision. If left untreated, it can cause permanent loss of vision in the affected eye.

 Diabetic retinopathy

If you've got diabetes, always be on the guard for this condition that affects both eyes at once. Diabetic retinopathy results from damage to the blood vessels of the retina and can strike just about anyone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes, the higher is your risk factor.

Early diabetic retinopathy may be symptomless. As the disease progresses symptoms include:

• Spots floating in your line of vision
• Dark streaks or a red film  that blocks vision
• Poor night vision
• Blurred vision or vision loss

Treatment
Start by controlling your blood sugar levels and scheduling yearly eye exams.  If detected early you may need only laser to correct your vision. But in advanced cases, surgery may your best option.

 Age-related macular degeneration

In this chronic condition, the tissue of the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision) deteriorates. 

Symptoms

• The need for increasingly bright illumination when reading or doing close work

• Increasing difficulty adapting to low levels of illumination, such as when entering a dimly lit restaurant

•  Increasing blurriness of printed words

• A decrease in the intensity or brightness of colours

• Difficulty recognising faces

• Gradual increase in the haziness of your overall vision

• Blurred or blind spot in the centre of your visual field combined with a profound drop in your central vision acuity

• Visual distortions, such as straight lines appearing wavy or crooked, a doorway or street sign that seems out of whack, or objects appearing smaller or farther away than they should.

Treatment
Treatment options largely aim at stopping the progress of the disease. The damage already caused by macular degeneration can't be reversed. The sooner it is detected, the better your chances of preserving what's left of your central vision.  In some cases anti-oxidants may be prescribed and in other cases outpatient procedures can be performed.

 

Surprising Uses for Salt

 

Mankind has been using salt for many centuries, in the course of which we've amassed many uses (some speculate thousands) for this amazing substance -- uses that go far beyond mere seasoning. Here are a few of the more practical ones:

 

Pick up a dropped egg. If an egg breaks on the kitchen floor, sprinkle salt on the mess and leave it there for 20 minutes. You'll be able to wipe it right up.

Soothe a bee sting. Wet the sting right away, then cover it with salt.

Eliminate a grease fire. Pour salt on top to smother it. (Never use water on a grease fire.)

Clean up oven spills. If food boils over onto the oven floor, sprinkle salt on top to stop smoke and odor from forming. When the oven is cool, it'll be easy to brush away the spot.

Set color. If a dye may run, soak the garment for an hour in 1/2 gallon of water to which you've added 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup salt. If rinse water shows color, repeat. This is good for a single-colored fabric or madras. If the item is multicolored, dry-clean it. (Although American-made fabrics are unlikely to run, fabrics from abroad are sometimes iffy.)

Kill poison ivy. Add three pounds of salt to a gallon of soapy water. Spray it onto leaves and stems.

Make cream whip more easily and egg whites whip faster and higher. Add a pinch of salt.

Test for rotten eggs. Put an egg in a cup of water to which you've added two teaspoons of salt. A fresh egg will sink, but one that's iffy will float.

Clean the brown spots (from starch) off a non-stick soleplate (the bottom of your iron). Sprinkle salt on a sheet of waxed paper, slide the iron across it, then rub lightly with silver polish.

Repel fleas. Wash the doghouse with it.

Kill grass growing in cracks in the cement or between patio stones. Sprinkle salt on the grass and pour very hot water over it. Or sprinkle coarse salt on the grass, let stand all day or overnight, then pour hot tap water over it.

Clean a glass coffee pot. Fill it with a quarter-cup of table salt and a dozen ice cubes. Swish the mixture around, let it sit for half an hour, fill it with cold water and rinse.

Halt the mountain of suds from an overflowing washing machine. Sprinkle salt on the top.

Clean artificial flowers. Put them in a bag of salt and shake the bag. Take a look at the color of the salt and you'll see what you've accomplished.

Keep windows frost-free. Dip a sponge into salt water and rub it on windows, and they won't frost up even when the mercury dips below 32 degrees; for the same effect on your car's windshield, put salt in a little bag made of cheesecloth, moisten it slightly and rub it on.

Clean tarnished copper.Fill a 16-ounce spray bottle with hot white vinegar and three tablespoons of salt. Spray it onto the copper, let it sit briefly, then rub clean. (Don't do this to lacquered copper.)

Keep radishes safe in the garden. Salt worms (cutworms) will be repelled if you sprinkle seeds with table salt, then cover with dirt.

Clean coffee and tea stains from china cups. Rub them with salt.

Keep potatoes and apples from turning brown once they're sliced. Put them in salted cold water.

Clean a cutting board. Cover it with bleach and salt, scrub it with a stiff brush, then rinse with very hot water and wipe with a clean cloth. Repeat with each

 

High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure

 

The number of people suffering from hypertension is growing at an alarming rate and the culprits are the lifestyles that we lead and the kind of food that we eat. So what is this blood pressure that we keep referring to? The blood circulating in the body exerts a certain force on the walls of the arteries, veins and the heart chambers. If the force increases, then the blood pressure increases and high blood pressure can trigger the formation of plaque in the arteries (arteriosclerosis), which can later lead to heart attacks and strokes. So, high blood pressure needs to be controlled. Let us look at some of the natural remedies that may help to combat this condition.

 

Managing stress, which has become an everyday affair plays an important role in controlling high blood pressure. Breathing exercise like Pranayam, meditation and doing yoga have helped to combat high blood pressure. The benefits of regular exercise cannot be overlooked. It helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the resting heart rate, which is important for the health of the heart. In combination with other techniques, high blood pressure can be controlled.
 
Aromatherapy is now being associated as a remedy for high blood pressure. The oil of blue chamomile is said to be beneficial under stressful conditions when inhaled directly. A combination of lavender oil and olive or sunflower oil with  blue chamomile massaged under the collarbone every night is said to afford relief from high blood pressure. Next to exercise, managing your diet is the next important step towards achieving control of blood pressure.

Consumption of adequate Sodium, potassium and magnesium help to lower blood pressure. The dietary ratio between sodium and potassium and sodium and magnesium has got to be narrowed. This can easily be done. Bananas, melons, grapefruit, oranges, cabbage and cauliflower and other fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in potassium Magnesium is present in nuts, rice, wheat germ, beans, soy and also in bananas. So go ahead and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Supplementing with oral calcium will also help. Celery and celery oil helps in the dilation of the muscles that regulate blood pressure and is considered to be very beneficial. Celery juice in combination with carrot juice and water makes a nutritious and beneficial drink..
 
Cloves of garlic, which we use regularly in Indian cooking, helps to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase circulation of blood. Garlic pills or powder help to make blood thinner but you have to be careful when it is combined with prescription drugs.
 
Ayurvedic treatment of high blood pressure is very common in the Indian set up. The treatment is highly individualized according to what is referred to as"dosha" or in more common parlance one's constitution. A diet low in salt and fat and herbs like Sankhapuspi and ashwagandha are supposed to be cardio protective and help in the strengthening of heart muscles. The bark of the Arjuna tree is said to induce a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. Hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries are useful in combating mild high blood pressure by improving heart function and in treating irregular beating of the heart and angina. Dandelion is a popular home remedy which more or less acts as a diuretic and thus helping to lower high blood pressure. As there is no loss of potassium and as dandelion leaves are easy to attain, it does seem an easy remedy. Reishi, the Japanese mushroom reduces the amount of bad cholesterol and also helps to combat high blood pressure. Homeopathy is just as popular in India as Ayurveda or Allopathy. 
 
Sound therapy and imagery are gaining in popularity as  natural remedies for high blood pressure. It has been found that listening to relaxing music  for about 20 to 30 minutes a day slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Just close your eyes, breathe slowly and deeply, lie down in a comfortable position and let your body absorb the sound energy. Use headphones and you will find that the music soothes you and helps you to relax. Imagery psychiatrists say when practiced for 3-5 minutes a couple of times a day does help to combat high blood pressure. Of course it involves visualization of the sense of coolness pervading every pore of your body and imagining it to enter your blood stream and sensing that your elevated blood pressure is being lowered. Reflexology has its share of helping to stablise  blood pressure by focusing on foot reflexes. No one can deny the power of yogic postures. "Shavasana" and the Knee squeeze help in the circulation of blood , relieves tension and both in turn help to combat high blood pressure. Grandma's remedies especially in India still have a following. Equal amounts of melon seeds and khus khus ground into a powder are a favorite. A teaspoon early in the morning and late in the evening is effective.  The juice of curry leaves mixed with water and limejuice has its own potency. It is said that coriander and fenugreek leaves also produce the same effect and as they are harmless it is worth the try. Grandma also says that honey, ginger juice and cumin powder is an excellent natural remedy for high blood pressure. Whatever remedy you choose, the bottom line is this ---changing your lifestyle, managing your stress and controlling your diet are all in your hands.

How deep a sleeper you are

HOW DEEP A SLEEPER ARE YOU??

TAKE THE TEST AND KNOW:>>>>>
Write down your anser on a sheet of paper for example 1.a 2.b etc
   
Q.1  A bureaucrat offers to do your work faster if you're willing to offer
him a bribe. You:
A} Pay up. It's too much of a hassle otherwise.
B} Politely decline, and pretend it never happened.
C} Decline, and lodge a complaint against him. 
   
Q.2 An underage child is offered to you as house-help. You:
A} Hire him/her. It's much cheaper.
B}  Decline. It'll play on your conscience.
C} Decline, and file a complaint at the police station.
   
Q.3 You've been informed that there will be a water shortage. You:
A}  Install a mini-tank in your home so you're not affected.
B} Shower for a few minutes less every day.
C} Conserve water yourself, and start an awareness campaign in your locality.
   
Q.4  You see someone throwing away an empty wrapper on a road. You:
A}  Ignore it. The sweeper will pick it up eventually. 
B}  You pick it up, and throw it in a dustbin yourself.
C}  Confront him, and request him to throw it in a dustbin. 
   
Q.5  You see a pothole in a road. You:
A}  Make a mental note not to drive over it.
B}  Curse the BMC, the road contractors and the world.
C}  Write to the media, and embarrass the authorities enough to fix it.
   
Q.6 You see a rare wildlife pelt in an acquaintance's house. You:
A}  Admire it for its beauty.
B} Keep your discomfort to yourself.
C}  Convince the person to turn the pelt over to the authorities.
   
Q.7 A shopkeeper is selling goods for more than the M.R.P. You:
A}  Purchase it. It's a small difference, anyway.
B} Don't buy it, as a mark of protest.
C} Inform him that it's illegal, and take him to the authorities if he doesn't listen.
   
Q.8 Election time is around the corner, and you don't like any
candidate. You:
A} Don't vote.
B} Go to the polling booth, and cast an invalid vote.
C} Become politically active to ensure that there's a decent candidate who's contesting.
   
Q.9 Your company is allotting you the car of your choice.
You decide to get:
A} The big SUV.
B} The luxury sedan.
C}  The Eco-friendly hybrid car.
   
Q.10 You witness a major crime that's taking place. You:
A} Walk away, and pretend you saw nothing.
B} Make an anonymous call to the police, tipping them off.
C} Make a police complaint in person, and stand witness during the court trial.
   


 
Points: A- 1 point. B- 2 points. C- 5 points.
Scoring: 10-15 points: You're a deep sleeper, even when you're awake. Because you see the problems at hand, but wilfully choose to ignore them. You'll need a lot of effort to awaken.
16-35 points: You're a moderate sleeper, because you're aware of the issues that concern society. You need to push yourself more to make a real difference, and truly awaken.36 points and above: You're truly awakened. You react in the best possible manner to every problem, and try to make a positive impact. The world needs more people like you.

Depression

The incidence of depression has been growing at a phenomenal rate but the positive factor here is that people no longer fell stigmatized by acknowledging that they have a problem. The awareness has set in and once this hurdle is crossed, treating depression is possible.

The effects of depression can be traumatizing and the individual suffering from it feels emotionally, physically and even spiritually assaulted. It is an illness and one that has to be treated before it becomes too late.

 

Depression can break a weak willed person. When we talk of remedies for depression, you would like to deal with natural remedies and the purpose of this exercise is just to do that.
 
Depression can be caused by many factors both genetic and biological. Individuals may have a genetic makeup that makes them prone to depression or stressful events like the loss of a close one could also be a cause. In addition it is believed that it is also caused by biological factors. We have what are called neurotransmitters in your brains, which are responsible for sense of well being that we feel. Serotonin and other chemicals like dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine largely act as an anti depressants and tranquilizers. Depletion in the levels of these neurotransmitters could lead to depression.

Anti depressants essentially enhance neuro transmission simultaneously increasing the levels of the neuro transmitters especially serotonin.. Medication coupled with natural remedies has been known to be very effective in curing depression.

 

16 healthy Ayurvedic habits

16 healthy Ayurvedic Habits 

Having a bout of indigestion?





Feeling uncomfortable after a spicy meal?



Get Ahead brings you 16 practical Ayurvedic mantras to incorporate into your daily diet.



1. Instead of using plain water in beverages, use water in which cumin seeds have been soaked overnight. Cumin seeds have a cooling effect on the body and are an effective digestive.



2. Add flavour to juices by making ice cubes out of fruit juices, lemon juice and rose water.



Lemon juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C while both lemon juice and rose water have a cleansing and cooling effect on the body. They blend with any fruit juice without causing any side effects, even as they enhance the flavour of the drink.



3. When making juices, use castor/ powdered sugar (colloquially known as pitti/ khada shakkar) instead of cubes or grains. Pitti/ khada shakkar is good for health as it is not processed as much as ordinary sugar.



If you do not have powdered sugar, grind 250 grams of sugar in a mixer and keep handy. Use approximately one spoon of powdered sugar (seven to eight grams) per glass of any juice. It takes less time to dissolve.



4. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to dehydration, so switch to natural sweetners such as honey, raw sugar or jaggery.



5. Use glucose powder to add energy to your drink.



6. Substitute cow"s milk with soya milk. Soya milk is high in protein and adds nutritional value to your diet. Here"s how to make it.

 

• Soak soya beans overnight in water.
• Drain the water next day.
• Blend the soaked beans with three cups of very hot water for three minutes.
• Cool till warm to the touch and filter through a muslin cloth by squeezing.
• Simmer soya milk on a stove for 20 minutes.
• Stir and allow to cool.
• Use it to whip up some yummy milk shakes.

7. Substitute table salt with saindhave mamak (rock salt).



8. Substitute chocolate-flavoured health drink powders like Bournvita, Complan and Horlicks with plain cocoa powder to add more nutrition value to the drink.



9. For garnishing juices, use chopped fresh fruit and dry fruits.



10. Want extra spice in your food? Use generous amounts of ground dry ginger blended with powdered sugar, chaat masala and cinnamon powder.



11. Never mix more than three types of fruits while making a juice; the combination of different fruit enzymes could cause acidity and digestion problems.

12. Citrus fruits (orange, sweet lime, grapefruit) can be consumed in combinations (say orange and sweet lime, sweet lime and grapefruit).

However, citrus fruits should not be combined with any other type of fruits as their enzymes can chemically react with other types of fruit enzymes, causing allergies in extreme cases.



13. Never combine citrus fruits and milk as it leads to an undesirable curdling of milk and renders the combination futile



14. Vegetable juices (cabbage, carrot, beetroot) should preferably be diluted in the proportion of 7: 3 (vegetable juice: water).



15. Never have strong concentrated juices (unless recommended) early in the morning on an empty stomach.



Dilute the juice with water and then consume it.



16. Try to drink freshly prepared fruit juices only. Juices that have been stored without preservatives for a long time undergo oxidation and lose a considerable amount of their nutritional value.

PCOS - growing concern for gen-next

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is like an epidemic in Mumbai today, especially amongst girls within the age bracket of 16 to 25. Although menstrual problems have always been around, the rampancy of PCOS in particular is alarming.

 Dr Kiran Coelho, consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist, Lilavati Hospital talks about the widespread of this syndrome, "One out of every three girls today suffers from PCOS and I get four to five patients with PCOS-related problems each week." Dr Suchitra Dalvie, consultant gynaecologist at Sushrusha Hospital concurs with Dr Coelho. She notes, "Currently PCOS is common amongst adolescents and a majority of my teenage patients have this problem."

 Dr Nina Madnani, dermatologist at Hinduja Hospital, says, "I encounter many patients with acne, facial hair and other symptoms of PCOS. Out of every 10 patients that I see daily for acne problems, about two of them have the complaint of excess facial/body hair growth." One can't help but reason that since so many young women suffer from this syndrome, the causes for its rampancy may be generation-specific. 

 Key facts

• PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome), also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, is a common endocrine disorder amongst women in their childbearing years
• It is a hormonal disorder where multiple cysts appear in the ovaries and it can be a leading cause of infertility because this hormonal imbalance disturbs ovulation
• PCOS also may cause overproduction of estrogen and abnormal thickening of the uterine lining
• Some symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, excess facial/body hair, hair loss, severe acne, irregular menstrual cycle and mood problems like anxiety/agitation
• Depending on the physician and the severity of PCOS, the treatment may include hormonal therapy consisting of birth control pills, anti-androgen medication, and other hormone-regulating drugs

 Blame it on the lifestyle

Although the causes of PCOS are internal, the environment plays a vital role in predisposing youngsters to it. Dr Coelho adds, "PCOS has turned into a common health issue and one can attribute it to lifestyle factors such as peer pressure, stress, early menarche, early maturation/stimulation and early exposure to sexually explicit material. Also, air pollution worsens the situation and contributes to the development of PCOS."

 Dr Coelho shuns from compulsive pill-popping as soon as one is diagnosed with POCS. "It has a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild to severe ones. And most of the girls who are diagnosed with PCOS don't need treatment; they just need a lifestyle change. Only the severe cases need treatment, such as girls with extreme hormonal imbalance," she says.

 Health experts believe that despite the generation-factors, PCOS has other causes too. Dr Madnani points out, "A genetic predisposition and stress seem to be the reasons for the rising incidence of PCOS. Stress is due to the increased demand on the girls to beat their peers in appearance and intelligence. Erratic sleep and food habits compound the problem further.  However, it is possible that high occurrence of PCOS today may be due to greater awareness causing women to come forward for medical and cosmetic treatment." 

 Weight woes

Whether PCOS leads to obesity or vice-versa, is a common debate. Expert opinions vary. Dr Coelho says, "Too much junk food consumption, leading a sedentary life and lack of exercise is common amongst today's youngsters, thus making them more prone to PCOS. And Dr Dalvie says, "It is true that one of the effects of PCOS is weight-gain and consequently obesity."

Well, either way, maintaining a fitness regimen sounds helpful. Health and fitness instructor, Namita Jain asserts, "Today obesity is common amongst youngsters and I have encountered women who suffer weight gain due to menstrual issues. The fact that obesity and PCOS are correlated is an established one. So, keeping their weight under check is crucial for teenage girls."

 Infertility counselling

Since extreme cases of PCOS have fertility-related implications, it follows that along with medical attention, patients can benefit from psychotherapy to cope with the anxiety and trauma that accompanies this problem. So is infertility counselling popular today? Dr Varkha Chulani, clinical psychologist, Lilavati Hospital exclaims, "Yes infertility counselling is a growing field and it better be! Depending on the meaning a woman attaches to childbearing, being rendered partially or wholly infertile due to PCOS can lead to mental devastation and distress. Consequently, the overall health of this emotionally distraught woman may suffer.

In the words of Dr Rishma Pai, consultant gynaecologist at Lilavati and Jaslok Hospital, "Not all patients undergo counselling. Only very serious and complicated cases call for customised attention in the form of psychotherapy. And lastly, there is a lot of stigma attached to counselling which prevents a lot of people from seeking therapy for infertility."

Home Remedies for CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

 

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by increased pressure on the median nerve. Median nerve is an important nerve on the hand; it gives sensation to thumb, middle, ring and index fingers. This nerve is protected by carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women than in men. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness and pain in the hand. This syndrome affects hands and wrists.

 

Pain, weakness and numbness

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are gradual. Pain, weakness and numbness starts on hands and wrists, then slowly moves up towards the arms. Electric shock may be experienced on the hands. Numbness is mainly experienced in thumb, index finger, ring finger, or middle finger. Hands and wrists may become weak. There may be trouble in gripping any object. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms become more severe at night. There may be difficulty in performing manual tasks using hands.

Pressure exerted on the median nerve

The main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is the pressure exerted on the median nerve. Carpel tunnel which protects the median nerve has almost no room for expansion, so any swelling around the tunnel exerts pressure on the median nerve. It may also be caused by repeated wrist movements or any injury to the wrist.

Kidney failure

Kidney failure can cause fluid retention in the carpal tunnel. This will exert pressure on the median nerve. It may occur during pregnancy or when a woman is on contraceptive pills.

Causes in women

Some women may complain of carpal tunnel syndrome during menopause. Repetitive use of tendons causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

Other Causes

Sometimes obesity can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Some physical characteristics like narrower carpal tunnel can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome remedies

Use fat tool handles. If your tool handles are not fat then use some rubber grip to fatten it. Keep knives and other cutting tools sharp so that less pressure is exerted on the median nerve. Do not hold a pen with a tight grip while writing. Always wear a wrist splint, especially at night. Apply an ice pack on your aching wrist, it will lessen the pain. If ice is unavailable, go for a hot treatment. Apply a heating pad on the aching wrist.

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome diet

Include vitamin B especially vitamin B6 in your diet. Avoid packaged foods because it contains tartrazine which interferes with vitamin B6.

 

Other Suggestions for Carpal tunnel syndrome

Obese people should shed some weight. Take a break at regular intervals and do some stretching exercises of hands and fingers. Do not sit or stand in the same position for a long time.

Home Remedies for DEPRESSION

DEPRESSION

 

Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders. It may be manifested in varying degrees: from feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection. Depression is a very unpleasant malady and is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment. The growing complexities of modem life and its resultant crises, as well as the mental stress and strain of day-to-day life, usually leads to this disorder.

 

Depression Symptoms

Acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest

The most striking symptoms of depression are an acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in the world around, and fatigue. A disturbed sleep is a frequent occurrence.

Loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability

Other symptoms of depression are loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains all over the body, lack of concentration, and indecisiveness.

Low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering

Cases of severe depression may be characterised by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.

Causes of Depression

Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension

Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension can cause mental depression.

Excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs

The excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs also leads to faulty assimilation of vitamins and minerals by the body and ultimately causes depression.

 

Home Remedies for Depression

Depression treatment using Apple

Apple is one of the most valuable remedies for mental depression. The various chemical substances present in this fruit such as vitamin B, phosphorus, and potassium help the synthesis of glutamic acid, which controls the wear and tear of nerve cells. The fruit should be taken with milk and honey. This remedy will act as a very effective nerve tonic and recharge the nerves with new energy and life.

Depression treatment using Cashewnut

The cashewnut is another valuable remedy for general depression and nervous weakness. It is rich in vitamins of the B group, especially thiamine, and is therefore useful in stimulating the appetite and the nervous system. It is also rich in riboflavin which keeps the body active, cheerful, and energetic.

Depression treatment using Asparagus

The root of asparagus has been found beneficial in the treatment of depression. It is highly nutritious and is used as a herbal medicine for mental disorders. It is a good tonic for the brain and nerves. One or two grams of the powder of the dry root of the plant can be taken once daily.

Depression treatment using Cardamom

The use of cardamom has proved valuable in depression. Powdered seeds should be boiled in water and tea prepared in the usual way. A very pleasing aroma is added to the tea, which can be used as a medicine in the treatment of this condition.

Depression treatment using Lemon Balm

The herb lemon balm has been used successfully in the treatment of mental depression. It alleviates brain fatigue, lifts the heart from depression, and raises the spirits. A cold infusion of the balm taken freely is reputed to be excellent for its calming influence on the nerves. About thirty grams of the herb should be placed in half a litre of cold water and allowed to stand for twelve hours. The infusion should then be strained and taken in small doses throughout the day.

Depression treatment using Rose

An infusion of rose petals should be prepared by mixing 15 gm of rose petals in 250 ml of boiling water. If drunk occasionally, instead of the usual tea and coffee, it is beneficial for treating this condition.

Depression treatment using Vitamin B

Diet has a profound effect on the mental health of a person. Even a single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in susceptible people. Nutritional therapy builds up brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect the mood and are often lacking in depressed people. Eating foods rich in vitamin B, such as wholegrains, green vegetables, eggs, and fish helps restore vitality and cheer in an individual.

• To refresh the mood eat an apple with milk and honey
• Prepare a tea by boiling 1 cup of water. To this add powder of 2 green cardamoms seeds, add sugar and drink this 2 times a day. This is very effective home remedy for depression.
• Prepare another tea by adding a handful of fresh Rose petals to a cup of boiling water. Add sugar and drink when you are feeling depressed.
• The cashew nut also plays an important role in fighting with depression and nervous weakness. It is rich in vitamins of the B group, especially thiamine, and is therefore useful in stimulating the appetite and the nervous system.
• The root of asparagus has been found useful in the treatment of depression. It is very nutritious and is used as a herbal medicine for mental disorders. One or two grams of the powder of the dry root of the plant can be taken once daily.
• About thirty grams lemon balm herb should be placed in half a litre of cold water and allowed to stand for twelve hours. The solution should then be strained and taken in small doses throughout the day.
• A person suffering from depression get rid of it by becoming more active, turning away from himself, and diverting his attention towards other people and things. Diverting his mind in things of pleasure can help him to overcome depression.
• 5HTP is a substance that is extracted from the seedpods of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. It produces serotonin in the body and may relieve depression
• Exercise also plays an important role in the treatment of depression. It not only keeps the body physically and mentally fit, but also provides happiness and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquillizer. Exercise also tones up the body, provides a feeling of well-being, and reduces the sense of helplessness.
• Licorice tea helps in depression treatment. No more than three cups of tea should be used per day.
• Prepare a mixture by adding 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg powder with 1 tablespoon freshly extracted amla juice. Take 3 times a day.
• 3/4 c. of cooked spinach if taken daily can give sufficient relief from depression.
• Kava (Piper methysticum) is a natural remedy for depression. South Pacific islanders have used this plant for years. It calms the mind and produces a feeling of well-being and contentment. It is a remedy for depression without side effects.
• Tryptophan, an amino acid has been found to relieve depression.
• Keeping the home well lit with lights help to reduce the intensity of depression.
• Relaxing with meditation, massage, light music and laughter helps to great extent.
• Prepare a tea by adding 1/4-teaspoon tulsi and 1/2 teaspoon of sage per cup of hot water; drink twice a day. This is also very effective home remedy for depression.
• Make a tea by adding equal amounts of ashvagandha and brahmi (about 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon each), steep in a cup of water for about 10 minutes, and drink 2 or 3 times a day.

Diet for Depression

Exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, strong condiments

The diet of a person suffering from depression should completely exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, colas, all white flour products, sugar, food colorings, chemical additives, white rice, and strong condiments.

Take three meals a day

The diet should be restricted to three meals. Fruits can be taken in the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts or seeds. Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, wholewheat chapatis and a glass of buttermilk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all the available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, moong beans, cottage cheese, or a glass of buttermilk would be ideal.

 

Other Depression treatments

Become more active, diverting attention into other things

A person suffering from depression can overcome it by being more active, turning away from himself, and diverting his attention towards other people and things. The pleasure of achieving something overcomes distress or misery.

Exercise

Exercise also plays an important role in the treatment of depression. It not only keeps the body physically and mentally fit, but also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquilliser. Exercise also tones up the body, provides a feeling of accomplishment, and reduces the sense of helplessness.

Relaxation and Meditation

The patient must also learn the art of relaxation and meditation which will go a long way in curing depression. He must gain control over his nervous system and channelise his mental and emotional energies into restful activities. This can be achieved by ensuring sufficient rest and sleep under quiet conditions. Meditation will help create a balance in the nervous system. This will enable the hormonal glands to return to a correct state of hormonal balance and thereby overcome the feeling of depression.

 

Home Remedies for NEUROPATHY

NEUROPATHY

 

 

“Neuropathy” means “disease of nerve.”

 

The term “peripheral” means that the disease is occurring to nerve tissue outside the brain and spinal cord. This includes injury of nerves to muscles (motor nerves), nerves from the skin (sensory nerves), and/or nerves to the gut and other internal organs (autonomic nerves).

 

Peripheral neuropathy is a very broad topic that demands classification for purposes of diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment. An initial distinction may be made between focal and generalized peripheral neuropathies.

 

A focal neuropathy means only one or, at most, a few nerves are injured. Pain, numbness, and weakness are confined to a single limb or a small region of the trunk or head. Focal neuropathies are typically caused by compression or trauma. Carpal tunnel syndrome, a common syndrome characterized by nighttime numbness and tingling in the hand, is an example of a focal neuropathy. Compression of a major forearm nerve called the median nerve causes this syndrome.

 

Generalized neuropathies present as pain, numbness, tingling, and, sometimes, weakness that affect both sides of the body. The feet and toes are commonly affected early in the course of a generalized neuropathy. As discussed in the “Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy” section, generalized neuropathies are often associated with general medical problems. Generalized neuropathies are also called polyneuropathies. I will use these terms interchangeably in Neuropathy 101.

 

A physician may also classify a neuropathy as being predominantly “axonal” or “demyelinating.” These are technical terms that refer to the microscopic component of the nerve that is being damaged. All nerves that supply muscles and the skin are comprised of microscopic fibers that carry the (electrical) information along the nerve. You may understand this by thinking of all the individual wires inside the main cable that goes to your computer printer. Within these fibers are cores called axons; these are analogous to the copper inside the wires. Most axons are ensheathed in fatty tissue called myelin. Myelin is required for the rapid transmission of signals along the axons. Myelin is analogous to the rubber insulation around wires. Whether a neuropathy is axonal or demyelinating has implications for medical work-up and treatment options. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are required to distinguish between these two types of neuropathies. Axonal neuropathies are more common than demyelinationg neuropathies. In order to simplify the subsequent discussion of peripheral neuropathy, I will not distinguish axonal from demyelinating neuropathies; the discussion will apply to both types.

 

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Peripheral neuropathies present as pain, numbness, tingling, and, sometimes, weakness. The initial symptoms generally depend on the nature of the underlying damage to the nerve.

 

Tingling and Other Spontaneous Sensations
Odd spontaneous sensations are often the initial symptom of a peripheral neuropathy. Patients with polyneuropathies often describe the sensation that a thin layer or film is surrounding their toes or the soles of their feet. It may also feel as though something is stuck between the toes. A pins-and-needles sensation may also occur in the feet.

 

Pain
Pain from a peripheral neuropathy is called neuropathic pain. Burning sensations are very common. Aching or stabbing pain may also occur. Electric shock sensations may go up or down the legs and feet.

 

Altered Sensations
Tactile sensations are often altered in body regions affected by peripheral neuropathy. Commonly, this manifests as increased sensitivity to pressure. For example, when a patient with polyneuropathy steps on a small pebble, it may feel like a sharp piece of glass is cutting into the sole of their foot. Also, the feet may feel swollen or bound up. Even very light sensations, like bedsheets being drawn across the feet, may cause severe discomfort.

 

Numbness
Impaired sensation is a feature of almost all peripheral neuropathies. Patients may be unaware of these problems because pain in the affected body region overrides any appreciation of the numbness. Only when the physician applies light touches or a vibrating tuning fork or the sharp end of a pin to the skin does it become clear to everyone that sensation is impaired.

 

An unfortunate paradox of peripheral neuropathy is that the numbest areas of the body also tend to be the most painful.

 

Balance Problems
In moderate-to-severe polyneuropathies, balance may be affected. In these cases, sensory fibers that carry information about joint position to the brain have degenerated. This type of sensory information normally allows us to do such things as touch the tip of the nose with a fingertip with closed eyes. We are unconscious of this type of sensation from our limbs.

 

If a neuropathy leads to impairment of joint position in the legs, the person becomes more dependent on vision for balance. It is for this reason that neuropathy patients have the toughest time with balance when their vision is limited—when, for example, they are shampooing their hair in the shower or walking in the dark.

 

Weakness
Weakness may occur with any peripheral neuropathy. The region of weakness depends on the type of neuropathy. In polyneuropathies, weakness is usually worst at the ankles and toes.

 

Urinary, Sweating and Gastrointestinal Problems
Sometimes the nerves to blood vessels, gut, and bladder are diseased in a peripheral neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy is a more specific name for this type of peripheral neuropathy.

 

When the nerve supply to blood vessels is diseased, the blood vessels cannot constrict in response to standing to maintain adequate blood pressure. Without this response, the blood pools in dependent body regions and the brain does not receive enough blood flow. This manifests as lightheadedness. The patient must sit or lie down for relief.

When the nerves to the bladder are affected, it may be difficult to fully empty the bladder.

 

When the nerves to the gut are affected, patients may have either constipation or, sometimes, diarrhea. Patients may feel full even after eating small food portions.

When the nerves to the sweat glands are affected, the pattern and frequency of sweating may be affected.

 

 

INCIDENCE & CAUSES Causes of peripheral neuropathy include: Medical problems such as diabetes Genetic Nutritional deficiencies Toxins Compression/trauma Infiltration by tumor A few of these causes are discussed below. In about 30 percent of patients, a specific cause of neuropathy cannot be found—even after an exhaustive search. These neuropathies are called idiopathic. Probably, complex metabolic and genetic factors contribute to idiopathic neuropathies.   Medical Problems Many different medical problems lead to peripheral neuropathies. It is therefore important that physicians take a careful medical history when assessing patients for neuropathy. Medical problems that may be associated with neuropathy include: 1) metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus; 2) autoimmune diseases such as lupus erthymatosis; 3) organ failure; 4) endocrine (hormonal) diseases such as hypothyroidism; 5) infections such as Lyme disease, HIV, and leprosy. (Until quite recently leprosy was the leading cause of polyneuropathy in the world.)   Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common polyneuropathy in the United States and the world. It is estimated that there are 15-20 million cases of diabetic polyneuropathy in the United States. Given the size of this problem, it is odd that more people do not know about it. Diabetic polyneuropathy contributes to the incidence of lower limb amputations in diabetic patients because diabetics are less likely to perceive a wound in their feet or legs.   An autoimmune disease is one in which the body’s immune system attacks body tissues. Neuropathies may occur in patients with multi-system autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosis in which the skin, joints, and kidneys may also be affected. Sometimes an autoimmune disease may be directed selectively against nerves. A dramatic example of this is Guillain-Barré syndrome. People who have direct experience with this type of polyneuropathy will never forget it. It is characterized by a very rapid decline in strength. Sometimes patients, though alert, become completely paralyzed and need a breathing machine. With intensive care, most patients make a good recovery. This disease has inspired more than one medical student into chosing a career in intensive care medicine or neurology!   Nutritional Deficiencies Deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals (including the B vitamins, vitamin E, and copper) can cause a peripheral neuropathy. Alcoholic patients may become deficient in thiamine (a B vitamin) if they do not eat well. This deficiency is thought to contribute to alcoholic polyneuropathy.   In Western societies, B12 deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency leading to neuropathy. When it is severe, patients may have very poor balance. Anemia is also a feature of B12 deficiency.   Genetic Neuropathies Mutations in a number of genes (sections of DNA) may lead to a peripheral neuropathy. Sometimes, as many as 50 percent of family members have it. Sometimes only a single family member has it. Genetic neuropathies tend to present early in life and progress very slowly over time. There are certain clinical clues such as the appearance of the feet that would make a physician suspect a genetic neuropathy.   Currently there are no cures and only a few specific treatments for the genetic neuropathies. Genetic disease is a rapidly evolving part of medicine, and there is hope that better therapies are on the horizon.   Toxins A wide array of industrial chemicals including solvents and heavy metals, including arsenic and lead, can cause neuropathy. Industrial workers who develop symptoms of a neuropathy should bring a list of their chemical exposures to their physicians.   In people who do not have significant occupational exposures to chemicals, the most likely culprit for causing a toxic neuropathy is a pharmaceutical drug. Certain chemotherapeutic drugs are notorious for causing peripheral neuropathies.   If the toxin can be identified and removed, the peripheral neuropathy typically stabilizes and then improves.   Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy It is frustrating for both the patient and physician when a specific cause for a neuropathy cannot be found. Most idiopathic neuropathies progress over time, albeit very gradually. Usually sensory symptoms predominate over motor deficits (weakness). Over time, balance may be affected. Even after many years, however, many patients with idiopathic neuropathies usually do not have significant limb weakness.

 

 

HOW IS PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY DIAGNOSED?

 

As with any medical problem, the proper diagnosis of a peripheral neuropathy

requires that a physician take a history and perform a physical examination. The history must include a review of any currently prescribed medications because some medications can cause a peripheral neuropathy. The physician will also inquire about any relatives that may also have similar symptoms. If they do, there is an increased chance that the patient has a genetic peripheral neuropathy.

 

In cases in which the cause of the neuropathy is not obvious, bloodwork and potentially an analysis of urine is necessary to help make the specific neuropathy diagnosis.

The physician may also order electrodiagnostic testing. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) require electrical stimulation of the nerves. Responses are recorded on a machine. An electromyogram (EMG) may also be ordered. This test involves the placement of fine needle electrodes into muscles. With the needle inserted, the patient is asked to move the limb. The resulting electrical activity from the muscle is then amplified and displayed for the physician. These tests are very safe but uncomfortable. Some patients do not mind the test in the least; others run for the door after the first nerve is stimulated! It is very helpful for patients to be mentally prepared beforehand that the test involves electrical stimulation and needle placement. Oral pain relievers may be taken prior to the test and do not affect the test results.

 

 

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy includes:

• Therapies to repair nerves
• Therapies for pain relief
• Therapies to improve function

Therapies to Repair Nerves
The best way to repair the nerves is to identify and treat the underlying disease process causing nerve injury.

 

Treatment of focal neuropathies may involve surgery to remove pressure on the nerve. Sometimes, as in the case of mild blunt trauma to the nerves, a “tincture of time” is all that is needed.

 

For polyneuropathies, the job of identifying the root cause of the neuropathy becomes important. To do this, your physician may order various laboratory tests. If the underlying disease can be identified and treated, the neuropathy usually stabilizes and symptoms may improve.

 

For example, the best way to treat a diabetic polyneuropathy is to optimize blood sugar levels. The best way to treat an alcoholic polyneuropathy is abstinence and proper nutrition. Autoimmune neuropathies may respond to steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

 

When an underlying cause cannot be found (i.e., the idiopathic neuropathies), the therapeutic options to heal the nerve are, unfortunately, limited. Studies of chemical factors and drugs that can directly regenerate nerve endings have been disappointing.

 

Therapies for Pain Relief
For all types of neuropathies, there are many options available to reduce pain and discomfort.

 

A number of drugs specifically target neuropathic pain. These medications generally affect the electrical and chemical activity of nerve fibers both in the peripheral and central nervous system. Some drugs suppress the rapid electrical discharges of nerves. Oral medications can target pain throughout the body. Unfortunately, these medications may also impair brain function, causing sleepiness or foggy thinking.

 

Even with aggressive management, persistent and bothersome neuropathic pain is a frequent problem. This is can be a source of tremendous frustration for neuropathy patients. Because relatives and loved ones are often not familiar with either neuropathy or neuropathic pain, patients feel additionally isolated. Pain is the most common impetus behind neuropathy patients seeking help from their physicians; it is the most common reason patients attend support groups. Without a doubt, there is an enormous need for more effective oral pain treatments that have fewer cognitive side effects.

 

For some patients, topical pain relieving medications are effective. These medications only have a local effect and do not get absorbed significantly into the bloodstream. Because of this, there are no cognitive side effects with these medications. The main options in this category are topical anesthetics (similar to the numbing medications given by dentists) and chili pepper extract (capsaicin). As one would imagine, the capsaicin creams cause burning sensations when applied. After repeated applications, however, neuropathic pain is mitigated. Topical medications tend to work best for neuropathies in which symptoms are restricted to small regions of the body (e.g., just the feet or toes).

 

An exercise program is often beneficial for alleviating chronic pain and for promoting general well being. For patients with polyneuropathy, exercises need to be chosen that limit the impact on the soles of the feet. Swimming is an excellent exercise. It is a terrific aerobic exercise that involves many muscle groups without putting much strain on the joints. Other options include bicycling. Other low impact exercises include Tai Chi and Yoga. It is recommended that you discuss an exercise program with your physician.

 

Other therapies aimed at pain relief include massage therapy, acupuncture, and electrical stimulation.

 

There are many other devices and nutritional supplements marketed to patients with neuropathic pain. A few have demonstrated benefit in clinical trials, but most of these devices and supplements are experimental. Before spending large amounts of money on any such treatment, I would recommend discussing it with your physician.

 

Therapies to Improve Function
If significant weakness is present, braces or splints may become necessary. In addition to helping mobility and function, these aids protect the full range of motion of joints. Without them, some neuropathies may result in joint contractures (very stiff joints).

In severe neuropathies, canes, walkers, or even wheelchairs may be necessary for patients to maintain mobility.

Neuropathy - Prevention & Curing Protocol

 

 

This  Neuropathy Prevention and/or Curing Protocol is for people who are ready to take the full responsibility for their own health.

"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
Chinese Proverb.


The protocol incorporates lifestyle change, and implements healthy diet, body cleansing, exercises and different traditional and natural therapies. Protocol contains links to other pages that give detail explanation for each part of this program. Please, follow the links, to fully understand all the words. Remember: There is always something that can be done! The first thing to do is to change your mood. If you are depressed, if you are unhappy, you can not be healthy. Advice: start with the Laughing cure!

Laughing provides us with the natural inner massage, and through change of mood it can account for up to 30% of cure!

 

The Neuropathy Cause

To understand The Neuropathy Prevention and Curing Protocol, you should first get familiar with The Neuropathy Cause

Now, I assume that you know something about what is causing Neuropathy, so we can continue with the Neuropathy program.

Neuropathy Diet

Let's start with most simple part of this program: Neuropathy diet. When it comes to diet, it is very important to avoid eating  Toxins  and   Foods that Kill. Please follow those links and learn what are The Toxins I am talking about and what are those  " Foods that Kill". Now, important part of your diet should also be  Water Cure.  Please, become familiar with  Water Cure. Your Diet should contain: Foods That Heal, Vegetable juices,  Fats that Heal,  Unrefined Sea Salt. Also, try to understand food tolerance. You can not find the right Neuropathy diet, unless you fully understand and learn about food tolerance.

Take some time to implement and learn all what you have read here, and then continue reading further.

Body Cleansing (Neuropathy)

Now, let's start with body cleansing. Body cleansing is extremely important part of every prevention and curing program. You are guessing: "Dietary changes you made are also a form of cleansing." But, most people need more then this, especially when it comes to liver health. Body Cleansing is even important for children. Our internal organs can hold a lot toxins, and sometimes, it is impossible to get those toxins out, without doing cleansing. Our liver can contain hundreds of intrahepatic stones. Those stones will block bile flow, and affect the bases of your health, your digestion. Another problem are parasites. You must learn as much as possible about parasites. And, don't forget also dental toxins.

Let start with cleansing program. You are suppose to do cleansing in this order:

1. Bowel cleanse with parasite cleanse
2. Dental cleanup (if you can afford it)
3. Kidney Cleanse and
4. Liver cleanse.

Body Cleansing for Adults:

1. Bowel cleanse and Parasite cleanse !
2. Dental cleanup - dental work may be one cofactor of your disease: amalgam, root canal, nickel crowns, cavitations (pocket inside jaw bone left after extraction of the wisdom and molar teeth )
3. Kidney cleanse
4. Liver cleanse and Gallbladder cleanse -liver flush!

Make sure you visit those pages and get more info. Dental cleanup can take many years. If you have a lot of dental metal, do not rush to replace it all at once.
Bowel cleanse should be done at least once a year.
Liver cleanse is a procedure that, for best results, should be repeated at least 6 - 10 times, every 2 or 3 weeks.
Kidney cleanse is simple and cheap, many herbs can be used to cleanse kidneys. If you have no kidney stones, even Water Cure could be enough!

Body Cleansing for kids:

1. Parasites cleanse
2. Dental cleanup .. Kids older then 8 may need dental cleanup (amalgam) and liver cleanse:
3. Liver Cleanse - flush

Physical Activity (Neuropathy)

Physical Activity helps cleansing, it brings balance and relieves stress.
Psycho-physical activities will help you balance your body and will help you relief accumulated stress.  You will have to find a form of  exercise that suit you. I will just give you a few examples:

Mini Trampoline jumping - rebounding!
Meditation
Walk or jog in the nature : Forest, Mountain , river /   sea / lake side, beach ... fishing, photo-safari, rowing, riding, golf, ...

Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Meditation ...
Yoga - Hatha, Meditation, Chinese Yoga ... 
Martial Arts: Karate, Judo, Kung Fu, Teakwood, Budokai, Uechi, Aikido ... 
Dancing, Aerobics, Gymnastics, Stretching ...
Swimming in non-chlorinated water !  ( Best in minerals rich water - Ocean ! )
Weight lifting,  ....

Do not exhaust yourself !

Do not exercise with full stomach !  (You may take a walk!)

Do not hurt yourself !

Sweating (Neuropathy)

Sweating is powerful way to cleanse your body from accumulated toxins.
examples:
- exercise with a lot of clothes

- Sauna
- drink warm tea in a hot room ...
- eat CAYENNE pepper! ...

It is known that some modern industrial toxins and pesticides can leave your body only through sweat glands!

Psychotherapy and Spiritual Therapy

Human body is not just this what we can se. There is more to it. To treat other level of us, to treat soul and to treat mind and unconscious parts of us, I suggest you Hellinger's therapy.

 

 

How to Prevent Computer-Related Eyestrain

 

 

With more and more people spending the majority of their workday in front of a computer monitor, the incidence of eyestrain has increased considerably. Working for long periods of time in front of a computer can lead to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), characterized by dry, irritated eyes, trouble focusing, headaches and blurred vision, also called eyestrain. Eyestrain or CVS doesn't have long-term consequences, but it's definitely uncomfortable. Here are a few ways to prevent eyestrain from computer use.

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Table or Floor Lamp
• Full-spectrum Light Bulbs

Step 1:

 

Take frequent, short breaks. Set a timer to go off every 30 to 45 minutes to remind you to get up and walk around or focus on something closer or farther away than your computer monitor. Frequent, short breaks are better for preventing eyestrain than a few longer breaks.

 

Step 2:

Evaluate your lighting. Correct lighting goes a long way to prevent eyestrain. Fluorescent lights flicker at a very high rate and can cause eyestrain. Turn off the overhead fluorescent lights and use a table or floor lamp equipped with a full-spectrum light bulb. Also, make sure you're not getting glare from a window or another ill-placed lamp.

 

Step 3:

Increase text size on web pages by holding down the Control key and moving the scroll wheel on the mouse, up to increase size, down to decrease. On a Windows PC, it increases text size in the browser. To control text size in a browser on an Apple Macintosh Computer, hold down the Command key (the one with the Apple logo on it) while hitting the plus (+) to increase, or minus (-) to decrease text size.

 

Step 4:

Zoom in on your documents. Microsoft Office has a "Zoom" feature in the "View" Menu. Mac allows you to zoom your entire screen. Hold down the Control key and move your scroll wheel up to zoom in, or down to zoom out. Other programs may allow you to zoom in as well. Consult the help documentation or search the web.

 

Step 5:

Work in full-screen mode. Most programs allow you to work in full-screen mode, allowing your eyes to focus on one task at a time. In Office, go to "View" > "Full Screen" to work in full-screen mode. You can search the web on how to trigger full-screen mode on your other programs.

 

Step 6:

Ask your eye doctor if computer eyeglasses would help reduce your eyestrain. Computer eyeglasses narrow the focus of your eyes to the near and mid-ranges, relieving eyestrain.

 

 

Step 7:

Exercise your eyes

 

AYURVEDIC TIPS : LOOK BEAUTIFUL, THE NATURAL WAY

LOOK BEAUTIFUL, THE NATURAL WAY

 

 

Our skin faces a constant barrage of chemicals everyday from pollution to harsh chemically formulated products that strip the skin of its natural balance. These simple Ayurvedic home remedies help you to attain a clear, healthy and glowing complexion. Ayurveda mentions many simple natural ways to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. Using these natural ways, one can stay beautiful for a longer period without having to suffer the side effects of the chemicals.

Below are some simple 'secrets' to achieve a naturally beautiful skin.

• Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.
• Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.
• Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)
• Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.
• Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.
• Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.
• Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.
• Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.
• Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains.

Try out some of these simple natural remedies for smooth, clear and radiant complexion.

 

6 Steps To Stress Avoidance

I certainly agree with the author that a little stress can help us to function better while too much of it will do harm to us; both physically and mentally. Prevention is always better than cure. Wishing everyone great health.

Anything taken too much is bad for the health, and the long term effects of stress are well documented, which is why it is such an important area. As with everything in life prevention is always better than cure so I have provided 6 steps to help you avoid becoming stressful.

A little stress is actually good, as it could serve to help you function at your best. However, stress that seems a little too much could take a physical, as well as mental, toll to your body. Stress should be managed in order for depression or anxiety to be prevented.

I recommend you see a stress counselor if you think you may be suffering from stress but there are a few preventative things you can do for yourself:

Write it out, schedule it out.

Overwhelm is a result of having too much in your head to deal with so write it down, get it out of your head and down on paper.

You will find a things-to-do-list much easier to manage than having errands all crumpled up in your head. Writing down the tasks, and putting a specific schedule and time to do them, helps anyone manage activities one chunk at a time. Crossing out an activity that has already been accomplished is very rewarding and could actually help you feel more relaxed when doing the other tasks at hand.

One at a time works.

Focus and put all your attention specifically on one task at one time. It does not help to feel panicky about the other undone or to-do tasks. Thinking about them only adds unnecessary stress and could even hamper in doing the task you are attempting to accomplish at present. Just focus in on your one task, whether that task is spending time with the kids, or writing the next chapter of your book. Block time in your schedule for your most important tasks to ensure you experience balance.

Relax and take it slow.

At least, try not to expend too much energy on activities that are currently not priorities. This is in order for your energy to be not easily expended on the tasks that are not that important, at least for now.

Also spend time relaxing in between your work, just 2 minutes with your eyes closed standing out in the fresh air is enough to bring back mental alertness and to help you feel calmer. I recommend 10 minutes away from your desk every few hours. Taking this time for yourself will mean that you come back stronger and more focused. The longer you spend working without a break the more your effectiveness diminishes.

Delegate, delegate, delegate.

You really don’t have to do everything all at once and you definitely don’t have to do everything on your own. Get into the habit of asking for help, or paying for help. When there is a feeling of being overwhelmed that is cropping up, hire someone to mow the lawn or get a sitter for your children. The feeling of being pressed to finish something on time will somehow be eliminated if tasks are delegated. It takes a load off unnecessary worry and anxiety. Moreover, it is easier checking up on how things are, than worrying yourself sick doing everything on your own, all at once. Remember that delegating does not mean leaving someone to get on with it and forgetting about it, because if that person makes an error you end up feeling even more stressful. Make sure you check up on progress and let them know that they should ask you if they are unsure about anything.

Give yourself a reward.

You deserve it. Acknowledging your accomplishments, no matter how big or small, is an effort that is necessary before getting on to the next tasks and activities. It reduces stress and could even make you happier in doing the next task. Also, it is really easy to spend your time in the future, thinking about how wonderful life will be when you finally complete your task or goal. However, usually when we get there, there are no celebrations because we are on to the next “thing to do.” By giving yourself a reward (something that doesn’t cost anything is the best reward!) you acknowledge where you are at, that you have completed another step. And when you get to your final destination success tastes sweet!

Give yourself a break.

You need it to be more productive. A ten to fifteen minute break during your work is necessary. Go visit a café nearby, take a quick brisk walk, or do anything to put your mind off work, at least for a while. This is necessary to refresh and recharge. Believe it or not, you can also stay in your work and sit with your eyes closed as you visualize a peaceful landscape or a relaxing scene. This frees the stress from your muscles and your mind.

I recommend everyone take a full hour away from their desk, many people find this difficult to do but it is really essential if you want to avoid stress. Invite a work colleague to go with you or spend the time in quiet contemplation. If you need to set outlook to signal when you need to take an hour, or set your cell phone alarm to go off, then no matter what you are doing stop, get up, and walk away. I promise you that you will return with more energy and creativity than you left with!

I hope you enjoyed reading these six steps and that you will choose to take one and use today, taking action is the prime step towards stress avoidance, or if you are already feeling the effects of stress.

While a little of everything is good for us, too much of anything isn’t and it is always better to learn how to relax and avoid stress than it is to have to learn how to deal with overcoming it. Doing so makes you healthier, happier, and a lot more productive.

AYURVEDIC TIPS : HAIR LOSS AND BALDNESS TREATMENT

AYURVEDIC TIPS : HAIR LOSS AND BALDNESS TREATMENT

 

Hair loss, thinning of hair and balding are some of the common hair problems. Many of us suffer from these ailments due to our modern lifestyle and diet. Ayurveda can be very beneficial in treating these conditions as it investigates the root cause of the problem. The causes for these hair conditions are:

• Excess of Pitta dosha in the body is the chief cause of hair problems. Pitta is increased by excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meats and excessive smoking. Pitta is also aggravated by eating too much fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods.
• Intake of too many chemical medicines, low blood circulation, anemia, general weakness after disease, stress, anxiety, and mental tension are also prime causes of hair loss.
• Chronic diseases like typhoid fever, presence of dandruff or lice and hormonal imbalance also cause hair loss.

So watch out carefully for these reasons! You may be overdoing one of them, and thus losing your beautiful hair.

Treatment

• The first step is to locate the root cause in your diet or lifestyle that may be increasing the Pitta dosha. Once you locate it, try to give up or at least reduce the diet, habit, or activity responsible for increasing Pitta.
• Always use a natural shampoo or soap to clean the hair. As most soaps and shampoos have chemicals, they might be the cause of your problem. Usually the chemicals have a heating effect, and increase Pitta locally. Amala (embilica officinalis), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) are very commonly used in India for washing the hair.
• Oiling and massaging of scalp is very beneficial for stopping the hair loss. Use coconut oil or mustard oil at least three times in a week. Certain medicated oils like 'Mahabhringraj oil', 'Amala oil', and 'Arnica oil' are very useful. Put oil on the scalp, and massage gently in the roots of the hair.
• The person should maintain a regular bowel movement everyday. In case of constipation, a mild natural laxative can be taken. Triphala, an Ayurvedic herbal powder, is also useful.
• The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and vitamin A.
• Regular physical exercise is very beneficial as it helps in balancing the aggravated doshas.
• A special Ayurvedic preparation made from Bhringraj (Eclipta elba), Amala, corals, iron and black sesame seeds is very useful, and even stops the graying of hair.
• Rub your scalp vigorously after washing the hair. It increases the blood circulation, and activates the sebaceous glands.
• A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth. The juice of alfalfa mixed with that of carrot, and lettuce juice is also good to take.
• Daily application of coconut oil mixed with lime juice on the hair is also beneficial. Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also good.
• Washing the hair with a paste of cooked Urad dal (black beans) and fenugreek (methi) 2-3 times a week, is also good.
• A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk can be applied in the bald patches. It induces hair growth. A paste of seeds of lemon and black pepper may also be applied on the bald patches.

These remedies are worth trying and will solve your hair problems.

 

Yeast-Infection

Before looking at the home remedy for yeast infection, it is important to understand this infection. The fact is that most people are afraid of suffering from infections and end up complicating things further because of their fear and discomfort.

 

Some times they tend to overlook the symptoms as the develop hoping that a miracle will do away with the entire ailment. But this is not so? So, to begin at the very beginning – yeast infections primarily inflict women who are in the age group within which they can naturally bear a child

 

According to the medical statistics anywhere between 70% to 80% of this infection is caused by Candida albicans, which is a strain of yeast. This, as well as other strains of yeast naturally crop up in a woman's vagina, in miniscule amounts and are kept in control by Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a bacterium that naturally arises in the vagina. However, a yeast infection only occurs when there is imbalance in the existence of these organisms.

 

This imbalance is caused due to varied reasons that include:

 

·        Use and in-take of broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as steroids and certain birth control pills that tend to destroy the required abovementioned bacteria.

·        During pregnancy and prior to menstruation a woman goes through hormonal changes, which is also a contributing factor to yeast infection

·        When the vagina is frequently exposed to semen the acidic balance of the vagina is affected causing the infection.

·        Sometimes the very products one uses to keep the vagina clean can cause infections as the ingredients maybe extremely harsh

·        Wearing tight jeans and other such clothing that does not give that area too much scope to breathe contributes to bringing about this infection.

 

Apart from the abovementioned causes, there are various others too. The important thing is to be aware of what causes yeast infections in order to prevent it from happening.

 

While most women rush out to pick up the quick-fix medications, the fact is the home remedies have a longer lasting effect, with no side effects. In fact, apart from curing, these remedies can be used daily to ensure that the infections do not occur.

 

 

Home Remedies for LEUCODERMA / VITILIGO

LEUCODERMA / VITILIGO

 

Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of the pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion. The condition does not cause any organic harm. This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious.  

Leucoderma symptoms

Small white patch appear in the beginning

The problem usually starts with a small white spot which later develops into patches. These patches are pale in the beginning, but become whiter and whiter as time passes by due to loss of pigment. As the spots enlarge, they merge into each other and, in course of time, form a very broad patch. In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches. 

Leucoderma causes

Excessive mental worry, chronic or acute gastric disorders

The main causes of leucoderma are said to be excessive mental worry, chronic or acute gastric disorders, impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal, typhoid, a defective perspiratory mechanism, and burn injuries.

 

This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. The problem usually starts with a small white spot and later on it develops into patches. These patches are pale in the beginning but become whiter and whiter as time passes due to loss of pigment. As spots enlarge, they merge into each other and, in course of time, form a very broad patch. Leucoderma does not differentiate between races, religions or even socio-economic groups. Females are more commonly affected than males. The main causes of leucoderma are said to be excessive mental worry, chronic or acute gastric disorders, impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal, typhoid, a defective perspiratory mechanism, and burn injuries. Heredity is also a causative factor and about 30 per cent of patients have a family history of the disorder. Treatment of vitiligo usually takes a long time. Medical treatment helps arrest the spread of depigmentation and in some cases, may bring back the pigmentation. The most commonly affected areas are face, neck, back, wrist, hand, groin, genitals, armpits, etc.

Heredity

Heredity is also a well-recognized causative factor.

  

 

HOME REMEDIES FOR LEUCODERMA

• A paste made from radish seeds is extremely useful in treating leucoderma. Take about 35 grams of these seeds and powder them in 2 tsp of vinegar. Apply this paste on the white patches.
• Goosefoot vegetable is considered valuable in treating white patches. Extract the juice of this vegetable and apply to the affected area. Also, consume this vegetable two times in a day, for about 2 months.
• In 8 liters of water, soak about 500 gm of turmeric. Boil it, till the point when only one-liter water is left. Strain the water and add 500 ml mustard oil in it. Strain the mixture and apply to the white Leucoderma patches every morning and evening for a couple of months. 

Leucoderma treatment using Psoralea

The best-know home remedy for leucoderma is the use of seeds of psoralea (babchi). These seeds should be steeped in the juice of ginger for three days. The fluid should be renewed every day. The seeds should then be rubbed with the hands to remove the husks, dried in the shade and powdered. One gram of this powder should be taken every day with one cup of fresh milk for forty days continuously. The ground seeds should also be applied to the white spots. Babchi seeds, combined with tamarind (imli) seeds. are also useful. An equal quantity of both the seeds should be steeped in water for three to four days. They should then be shelled and dried in the shade. They should be ground into paste and applied to the white patches for a week. If the application of this paste causes itching, or the white spots become red and a fluid begins to ooze out, this treatment should be discontinued.

Leucoderma treatment using Red Clay

Another useful remedy for leucoderma is red clay found by the river side or on hill slopes. The clay should be mixed in ginger juice in a ratio of 1:1, and applied over the white spots once a day. The copper contained in the clay seems to bring back skin pigmentation. Ginger juice also serves as a mild stimulant, facilitating increased blood flow to the spots. Drinking water kept overnight in a copper vessel will also help.

Leucoderma treatment using Radish

A paste made from the seeds of the radish is valuable in treating leucoderma. About thirty-five grams of these seeds should be powdered in two teaspoons of vinegar and applied on the white patches.

Leucoderma treatment using Goose Foot

The use of goose foot is beneficial in the treatment of this disease. This vegetable should be taken twice daily, in the morning as well as in the evening, for two months continuously. Simultaneously, the juice of the leaves should be applied over the patches of leucoderma.

Leucoderma treatment using Turmeric

Turmeric mixed with mustard oil has also proved useful in leucoderma. About 500 gm of turmeric should be pounded and soaked in 8 litres of water at night. It should be boiled in the morning till only one litre of water is left, and then be strained and mixed with 500 ml of mustard oil. This mixture should be heated till only the oil is left. It should then be strained and preserved in a bottle. The mixture should be applied on the white patches every morning and evening for a few months.

Leucoderma diet

Fast of juices followed by restricted diet of fresh fruits

Constitutional measures should be adopted to cleanse the system of accumulated toxins. To begin with, the patient should undertake a fast of juices for about a week. After the juice fast, the patient may adopt a restricted diet consisting of fresh fruits, raw or steamed vegetables, and whole meal bread or chapatis. Curd and milk may be added to this diet after a few days.

Well-balanced diet

The patient may, thereafter, gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. This diet may be supplemented with cold-pressed vegetable oils, honey, and yeast. Juice fasting may be repeated at intervals of two months or so.

Avoid tea/coffee, polished rice, tinned or bottled foods etc.

The patient should avoid tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, all condiments and highly- flavoured dishes, sugar, white flour products, denatured cereals like polished rice and pearled barley, and tinned or bottled foods.

 

Other Leucoderma treatments

Lukewarm-water enema to cleanse bowels

 

During the initial one-week juice fast, the bowels should be cleansed daily with it lukewarm-water enema.

 

10 sensible diet habits

Weight loss and maintenance are on the hot list of resolutions this year.

But what's your plan of action to knock of those kilos? Going on a strict diet could backfire -- you may just end up gaining back almost all the weight lost and even more.

The best and easiest way to lose and maintain weight is sensible eating combined with regular physical activity. A combination of the two results in loss of more fat and retention of muscle.

Try inculcating these10 sensible habits in your diet regime this year and get that svelte body.

i. The right sources of carbohydrates

Restrict your carbohydrate and fat intake, as carbohydrates in excess of energy needs are converted to fat.

Your daily meals should contain restricted amounts of whole grain cereals such as brown rice, chapattis, roti, whole wheat bread, multigrain bread (a combination of wheat and other cereals like jawar and ragi), ragi (finger millet) porridge, oats and products made from them as they contain dietary fibre that helps fill you up, thereby helping you curb your overall calorie intake. 

Try to avoid refined cereal (white bread, white rice, naan). Restrict the intake of roots and tubers like potato, colocasia (arbi), sweet potato, tapioca and yam as these vegetables have a high carbohydrate content.

ii. Tricks to cut down on fat

Small amounts of added fat are essential for the normal functioning of the body, but excessive amounts need to be avoided.

Limit the consumption of all high fat foods such as butter, cream, cream sauces, mayonnaise, milk cream, salad dressings containing oil, fried foods such as papads, cutlets, Samosas, Chivda and farsan etc. For instance you should gorge on fried fish or your favourite fried snack or a burger or an irresistible mithai only once a week.

Make your snacks healthier by baking or roasting them rather than frying them. Eat dry roasted nuts and dry fruits in their natural form, rather than fried, salted or sugared, as a snack, instead of fried foods.

iii. Meals before meals

Ten minutes before lunch and dinner eat a quarter plate of raw vegetable or sprouts salad seasoned with lime juice or curd or other seasonings of your choice (herbs like oregano, thyme, coriander leaves and basil) and very little salt.

Vegetables are fibre rich and fill you up thereby helping you to eat less of other calorie rich foods.

iv. Snack time

Snack on fruits in between meals instead of fried and sugary snacks and fast foods. Limit the consumption of banana, mango, chickoo and grapes.

v. Eat the right sources of protein

Your diet should contain adequate amounts of protein. Proteins provide satiety to a meal and help you feel fuller for longer. It is preferable to consume protein from vegetarian sources such as pulses, dals, nuts and mushrooms instead of from animal sources as they do not contain cholesterol and also add fibre to the diet.

Non-vegetarians should consume more fish in the form of gravy preparations or grilled or baked instead of fried seafood. Skinless chicken can also be consumed in form of gravy preparations or grilled or baked.

Red meats should be used as a "garnish" to a vegetable-based dish rather than as a main ingredient. You can eat two eggs whites daily or two whole eggs a week either boiled, poached or scrambled. Use skimmed milk and products made from it. Eat skim milk paneer or soya paneer (tofu) instead of processed cheese or cheese spread.

vi. Use less sugar

Learn to how to sweeten foods with small amounts of honey or jaggery instead of refined sugar. Watch out for hidden sources of sugar such as in milk beverages, fruit juices, and other processed foods.

Another way to reduce the amount of refined sugars in our diets is to use fresh fruits or dry fruit pure�s in place of sugar, particularly in desserts, as fruits contain natural sugars, vitamins, minerals and most importantly fibre.

vii. Balance the calories

Eat a lesser quantity of any particular carbohydrate or fat-rich foods in order to be able to eat small quantities of other carbohydrate or fat-rich foods.

For example: if you feel like eating potatoes or any other root vegetable or a small serving of sweet, as a dessert, at a particular meal, then eat less of rice, bread or chapattis at the same meal.

Similarly when fried foods are included in your meal, do not consume cream soups or other dishes containing cream (malai), paneer or greasy gravies in the same meal. In this way you will not exceed your caloric intake.

viii. Small, frequent meals

Never starve or over eat. Start your day with a good breakfast as it provides fuel for the day. Instead of having just three meals with larger quantities, eat small meals every three hours, but make sure they are healthy!

ix. Stop eating after one serving

One extra helping may add more calories than you may realise. If you absolutely must have a second serving, the trick is to eat only half the amount of your prescribed portion the first time round and then eat the remaining half.

Snacks and sweets on the table are a big temptation. Store these foods out of sight.

x. Eat with full concentration

Don't eat while watching television or reading or studying as it contributes to overeating.. Chew your food slowly and enjoy every mouthful. This will give you the satisfaction of eating a good meal.

In a recent study, by researchers at the University of Adelaide, Australia, found that people who sit up straight while eating fill up faster than those who recline. Sitting upright allows food to settle in the lower part of your stomach, increasing a sense of satiety-which makes portion control more easier.

 

Counting calories? Cook sensibly

Full-cream milk, deep-fried foods, calorie-rich salad dressing... these are 'fat' hazards that increase the calorie count in your food. 
  
The best way to cut these down is to adopt healthier cooking methods.  

Here are some sensible cooking tips to help you eat healthier.

Dairy products

~ Skim milk and its products are a must. For instance, have skim milk paneer or tofu (made of soyabean) instead of processed cheese and cheese spreads (which have a high fat content). 

Have shrikhand (no puris please) or fruit yoghurt instead of fat rich ice creams.

~ If skim milk is too expensive, prepare it at home. 

Boil milk the previous night. Cool and refrigerate. Next morning, remove the cream (malai) layer that has formed on the top. Heat the milk again and use as desired.  

~ A low calorie, high protein cheese spread can be prepared using skim milk curd.

Put the curd in a muslin cloth and hang it for a few hours to drain the excess whey (taak). Add salt, finely chopped green chillies and garlic to this thickened curd and mix well. If you wish, you may also add grated carrot. Refrigerate and use within a week.

Oil 

~ Bake cutlets/ kebabs instead of frying them.

Once you shape the cutlets, coat them with oats, place them on a lightly greased baking tray and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake in a moderately hot oven until golden brown, turning the cutlets to the other side about half way through.

If you do not have an oven, do not despair.

~ Grill the cutlets on a non-stick frying pan. 

First, brush the cutlets with olive oil, then place on the heated frying pan. Lower the flame, cover and allow to fry slowly till golden brown. Shake the frying pan occasionally to prevent the cutlets from sticking to it. When one side is golden brown, turn cutlets over and fry the other side in the same manner.

~ Here is what I do with paneer:

To fry paneer, heat a non-stick pan. Then lower the flame, place the paneer cubes on it and allow to fry over a slow fire till all the whey that comes from the paneer evaporates. Shake the pan occasionally to ensure the paneer cubes do not stick.

Add half a teaspoon of oil and fry till the cubes are golden brown on both sides. 

~ In order to use less oil in chapattis, knead the dough with skim milk instead of water. Do not add any oil while roasting.

~ Make it a habit to cook with less oil. Ideally, the oil consumption for a family of five members should not exceed 1-1 � litre per month.

If you love fried food, fry with as little oil as possible. If you can afford it, use non-stick pans for cooking as it allows you to cook the same way but with much lesser quantities of oil. Needless to say, this cuts down on calories too.

~ Season (bagar) spices or onion with one teaspoon of oil, then keep adding a tablespoon of water at a time till the onions have cooked.

~ Slice onions finely. Bake in the oven till golden brown and use in biryani instead of the traditional fried onions. 

~ Roast papads instead of frying them. All fried snacks can be made healthier by baking them.

~ When shopping for snacks, pick up readymade baked versions of traditionally fried snacks like chivda, khakra, etc.

~ Use cooking methods such as steaming, baking, poaching, grilling (in the oven or in a frying pan by brushing with oil and cooking on a slow flame) or stewing instead of frying to cut down on the amount of oil you need.

Say goodbye to fat

~ Remove all visible fat from the meat and skin of the chicken before cooking. 

~ You can also scoop out congealed fat from meat or chicken stock, soups and stews by refrigerating them for a few hours before use.

~ Use palak puree, tomato puree, bottle gourd (dudhi) puree or onion puree instead of mava or other nuts needed to prepare dishes containing kadai or makhani gravies. All you have to do is to grind any of the above and fry it in just a teaspoon of oil before adding the masala powders and vegetable or chicken or paneer to obtain rich and thick gravy. Add one or two teaspoons of milk cream (malai) to add flavour.

~ Cut out on the mayonnaise in salad dressings by using low fat or skim milk curd along with herbs and seasonings instead.

~ Substitute cream in sauces and gravies by using the same amount of skim milk instead of cream. Thicken the mixture with cornflour to get a rich, creamy texture.

Quick tips 

~ Limit consumption high fat foods such as butter, cream, cream sauces, mayonnaise, milk cream, salad dressings containing oil and fried foods.  

~ When eating out or at parties choose grilled or baked items instead of fried ones for starters. Alternately, you could skip the starters and order a soup.

~ Choose dishes for the main course carefully. Have plain rice, chapattis, rotis or bread instead of parathas, nans, fried rice, biryani or baturas, if the side dishes are going to contain rich gravies.

 

Fitness for couples: Sign up today!

Tired of the same old Valentine's Day formula -- flowers for her, chocolates for him, candlelit dinner and a soppy movie?

One of the best gifts that you can gift yourselves as a couple this Valentine's Day is to sign up for a fitness programme together.

It is time and money well spent and the benefits are long-term and visible if you stick with it.

What you decide to sign up for depends on your personal preferences.

We present an overview of your options. So get to it! After all there must be a reason why they say that couples that play together, stay together.

Benefits of working out together

~ Juntly Gonsalves, personal trainer and gym instructor at Inch By Inch, has personal experience training couples. He says couples tells us that working out with a partner provides a serious boost to your motivation and goals.

"Having someone to support and encourage you is good for your workout," he says. You are also less likely to give up on your workout plan for the year.

~ Working out with another person can be healthy competition and it can spur you to push yourself harder than you think you can go. (Note: Don't push too hard. Experts strongly advise stopping exercise the minute you begin to feel faint or ill.)

~ Working out with your partner gives both a better understanding of each other's bodies.

"You can monitor each other's form (posture and stance while working out) and, even in the absence of a trainer, help each other to exercise better," says Juntly.

~ With fitness as the common goal, you will both follow a healthy diet. There's no question then of binging on that rich chocolate sundae because your non-working out husband/ boyfriend wouldn't stop eating in front of you!

Before signing up

A couple of things to keep in mind before you sign up for an activity:

~ Assess each partner's fitness level. If one is athletic and the other a couch potato, you will have to meet in the middle to find a fitness programme that suits both..

~ Find an activity that fits into both partners' schedules. One dropping out halfway through defeats the purpose.

What you can do

Take up yoga

You've read the articles, you've listened to your parents, and of course you've heard the celebrities go on and on about the benefits of yoga. Well, for once, everyone is right. With physiological, psychological and even spiritual benefits, you might as well try it out and share it with your partner.

~ Yoga works well as a couples activity because you can do it at your own pace and tailor it to your individual needs while still being in the same room with each other..

~ With partner yoga (two people work together in various yogic postures), you can assist and support your partner's poses as well. Don't try this without supervision though.

Join a gym

~ It's a whole lot more fun getting sweaty when you have someone around to see exactly how hard you work! Joining a gym with your partner is a great investment and you can help each other with both cardio and weight training exercises.

~ Aerobics programmes conducted in gyms are also a good option for couples.

~ Lots of gyms offer a special discount for couples. For instance, Gold's Gym is offering a discounted package as well as one month's free personal training for couples this Valentine's Day.

Qi Life (pronounced as kai), a gym located at Churchgate, Mumbai offers a 10 per cent discount on packages for couples.

Do a survey in your area and then choose the right gym for you and your partner.

~ Does the thought of getting up and going all the way to the gym put you off? It's very common and experts find that people who work out with partners tend to shrug that lazy feeling off faster.

Take up spinning

~ Unless you're newly in love, we're pretty sure your head has stopped spinning from the ecstasy! The spinning we're talking about here is an indoor cycling workout that people swear by when it comes to fitness. 

~ This high-energy group workout increases endurance, works the lower body and contributes to general fitness. People who spin love the vibe at a spinning class -- a whole group of people working to the maximum while the thumping music and motivational messages from an instructor keep you going.

~ They say you can burn between 600-800 calories from one 40-minute spin session. And it's fun too! Sounds like the kind of thing you want to do with your partner.

Take up a couple's sport

If you don't want to join a gym, Juntly suggests taking up a sport together like tennis, badminton or squash.

Train together for a marathon

Instead of jogging aimlessly, a couple can train for the marathon.

If you're happy enough with your appearance and health to not want to exercise, you need a bigger goal in mind -- training for the marathon together is just the right thing.

Just make sure you're training safely and be wary of putting pressure on your joints. Consult a trainer if you have to before getting started.

Nutrition tips

Shivani Kadakia, nutritionist and fitness counsellor at Gold's Gym, makes an interesting point.

She says, "Many times we find that husbands don't like it when their wives diet too much. If you are in a joint fitness programme, you both can contribute to a balanced nutrition plan for each other."

Stay focussed on your common goal and you're less likely to slip up. Juntly tells us that couples who workout together tend to keep a watch not only on their own diet but the other's eating habits as well.. So expect your partner to send you on a good guilt-trip if you binge!

Shivani's nutrition tip for all couples this Valentine's: Celebrate without the rich sinful dessert! Try a fruit platter or delicious flavoured yoghurt, instead.

Take our advice; commit to a fitness programme this Valentine's. It really is a good thing to do for your relationship.

If that doesn't convince you, then this sound logic from the Reese Witherspoon-starrer Legally Blonde should do the trick, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands, they just don't!"

 

Do or DIET!

Sugar Busters. Zone. If you're a diet buff, you'll know for sure what these are (for those who don't, these are names of popular diets that are followed zealously by millions all over the world).

But you're fed up. The heck with dieting and weight loss and fancy names, you say, as you prepare to slip back to your usual eating habits.

Wait. Don't give up hope. Here's how to make the best of these diets:

Say 'yes' to protein

Most people shudder at the word protein, because the thought of the fat content in most protein-laden foods are enough to give them horror visions of the scales tipping dangerously.

The fact is, you need that protein intake. You need a healthy immune system and you need the muscle mass to exercise (you didn't think a mere diet was the key to weight loss and overall fitness, did you?).

That is why you need to be wise and adapt the Atkins credo, which advocates having protein in every meal.

But Dr Sushila Sharangdhar -- registered dietician with the Indian Dietetic Association, former chief dietician at Mumbai's P D Hinduja National Hospital and consultant dietician with several Indian companies -- has a word of caution.

"I would hesitate to follow the Atkins diet blindly," she says. "This diet places vegetarians at a severe disadvantage because their diet base is non-vegetarian. If you cancel carbohydrates, the protein choices for vegetarians are milk and dal. That's not a complete plan."

What you can do: Dr Sharangdhar says moderation is the answer. Make sure you do have your protein intake. But also make sure you don't go the other extreme and cut down all carbohydrates.

"Your body needs nourishment from all the six food group sources -- cereals, pulses, milk, fruits and vegetables, fats and sugar. Striking down any one food group entirely means denying your body one nutrient," she says.

Variety is the spice of any diet!

High-protein, low-carbohydrate is the Zone mantra. They also tell you to strike a 40-30-30 ratio between carbohydrate, protein and fat in your diet.

Now that is free license to eat whatever you want -- as long as you stick to that ratio and eat wise. You also won't complain about having to eat the same food every day. Should be a good deal, right?

Dr Sharangdhar has this to say, "The major function of carbohydrates and fat is to give energy. The Zone diet suggests cutting down on carbs and fat is because, with today's sedentary lifestyles, a hearty consumption of both food groups converts into fat calories and weight gain. The point is to simply eat in moderation and engage yourself in regular physical activity."

Cut the sweet!

The Sugar Busters have a simple solution to weight loss: if it is sweet, it ain't worth the calories! So cut out the sugar. Replace with vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources.

This is the rule of thumb: if you are accustomed to cutting down on super-sweet, high-calorie foods, it stands to reason that you will lose weight because you will cut down on your calorie intake.

Dr Sharangdhar says: "I tell everyone who comes to me to cut down on sugar. Those are the key words. Cut down. Not cut out completely."

Veggie's the way!

This is taking off on the earlier point, but there is something to be said about the merits of vegetables in your diet. What do they give you? Vitamins. Fibre. Protein. And you don't need to starve because they fill you up pretty good!

What you can do: Have a healthy-sized bowl of vegetable soup to set the course for your lunch and dinner. What that does is soothe the hunger pangs, besides being a good source of nutrition.

Dr Sharangdhar maintains, "As a policy, you have to realise that 'fad diets' are temporary and do not offer long-term gains. Cutting down on any one food is not a wise lifetime option. Weight management is for life. So you need to have a balanced diet that takes in all the food groups."

 

Fitness and fiction

Are you confused with all the ads, commercials and headlines about the proper diet, amount of exercise and optimal physical performance levels necessary for good health and fitness? Do all the myths floating around bog you down and come in the way of your well-being?

To achieve good health, steer clear of all the confusion, which may be present in your mind, and reach your fitness goals as safely and efficiently as possible.

Myth
The fastest way to flat abs is to train them every day.

Fact
When abs are trained too frequently, the recovery process is shortchanged, resulting in diminished muscular development. The abdominal muscles, like any other, need adequate rest and recuperation. Alternate your days for doing abdominal exercises to achieve maximum benefit. Remember, crunches will only tone your abdominal muscle, so if you want to get rid of the fat around your stomach, you have to create a calorie deficit by burning more calories than you consume.

Myth
A good workout session means that you must be exhausted after it.

Fact
It is important to listen to your body. If you are very tired after a workout, it could mean that you have pushed yourself too hard during the workout. An especially bad sign is if you are still tired after a day or two of the workout. Don't over-train or overstrain your body. You should finish your workout feeling invigorated, not worn out.  

Myth
As long as you exercise regularly, you can indulge and eat whatever pleases you.

Fact
For improved fitness, and especially to lose weight, you need to combine a nutritious diet with exercise. If you follow a low fat, healthy diet and combine it with regular exercise, you will find that the body fat percentage will decrease, resulting in increased overall health.

Myth
"Muscle" turns into "fat" when you stop weight training.

Fact
Muscle and fat have two separate and distinct properties. Muscle cannot turn into fat and fat cannot be converted into muscle. When you stop exercising the trained muscle eventually gets back to its pre-exercise level.

Myth
Exercising the same body part is the fastest way to build strength.

Fact
Exercising the same body part every day is the fastest way to cause injuries. To build strength, you need to work your muscles to the point of exhaustion – but then you need to give those muscles a day of rest to recover from the training. "training" can cause serious injuries and discomfort. That is why it is necessary to work the muscles every alternate day to recuperate from muscle fatigue.

Myth
Warming up before working out is not really essential if you are careful while exercising.

Fact
Gently stretching and warming up your muscles before you exercise is the number one defense against a variety of painful sports injuries, including tendonitis. Not only do you prevent injuries, but you also improve the range of movement required for the activity to follow. 

Myth
The best time to exercise is early in the morning.

Fact
There is no one best time to exercise. The best time is the time that appeals to you and fits into your schedule. Some people would love to jumpstart their day with a morning workout, while others swear that exercising after the workday is over is a great way to feel energised.

Myth
Drinking water during your exercise session will give you cramps.

Fact
This is the opposite of what's really true. You need to drink water – before, during and after your workout. Water is the most important nutrient to an exercising individual. Restricting fluids during exercise, especially in hot weather, can cause severe cramps, headaches, dehydration and also limit performance. Drink water every 10 to 15 minutes during exercise to help replace body fluids lost through perspiration.

Myth
No pain, no gain.

Fact
This myth is really destructive. Pain is your body signaling that something is wrong. If you feel real pain during a workout, you should not push past it, you should slow down and even stop your workout. To increase muscle and develop endurance you may need to experience a slight level of discomfort, but that's not pain. "No pain, no gain" is no good when it comes to developing a lifelong fitness plan.

 

AYURVEDIC TIPS : REDUCE WEIGHT BY NATURAL WAYS

REDUCE WEIGHT BY NATURAL WAYS

 

 

The chief cause of obesity or overweight is often overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating such as improper mixing of food items in one meal.

In ayurveda, Charak Samhita describes eight different types of bodies that are disease prone. Out of these, the obese body is described as the one afflicted with the most diseases and troubles. Obesity is the condition or physical state of the body when excessive deposition of fat takes place in the adipose tissue.

Extra fat puts a strain on the heart, kidneys, liver and the joints such as the hips, knees and ankles and thus, overweight people are susceptible to several diseases like coronary thrombosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout, liver and gall bladder disorders. Chief cause of obesity is overeating, irregular eating habits and not following the rules of eating or mixing non-compatible food items in one meal.

To decrease weight and get rid of obesity three things must be kept in mind:

• Controlling eating habits.
• Regular exercise.
• Avoiding the causes of weight gain

Diet recommended to lose weight

• Early morning
  Juice of half a lemon mixed in a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of honey.
• Breakfast
  Wheat or Mung bean sprouts and a cup of skimmed milk.
• Midmorning
  A glass of orange, pineapple or carrot juice.
• Lunch
• Salad of raw vegetables such as carrot, beet, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes. Steamed or boiled vegetables
• Whole grain bread or whole wheat chapatis (Indian bread) and a glass of buttermilk.
• Roasted cumin seeds, green coriander leaves, a little salt and some grated ginger mixed in the buttermilk.

 

• Mid-afternoon
• Coconut water
• Dry fruits
• Lemon tea
• Fresh vegetable soup

 

• Dinner
• Whole grain bread or chapatis
• Steamed vegetables
• Seasonal fruits except banana and apple.

Home Remedies for Losing Weight

• Increase the quantity of fruits and vegetables and low calorie foods.
• Avoid intake of too much salt as it may be a factor for increasing body weight.
• Milk products like cheese, butter etc. and non-vegetarian foods should be avoided as they are rich in fat.
• Mint is very beneficial in losing weight. A chutney of green mint with some simple spices can be taken with meals. Mint tea also helps.
• Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways.
• Regular intake of carrot juice.
• Avoid rice and potato, which contain a lot of carbohydrates. Among cereals wheat is good.
• Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful in loosing weight.
• Honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body allowing it to be utilized as energy for normal functions.
  Dosage: One should start with small quantity of about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.
• Fasting on honey and lime- juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. For this, mix one teaspoon of fresh honey with the juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water.
  Dosage: Take several times a day at regular intervals.
• Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.
• Exercise is an important part of any weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat.
• Walking is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming or rowing.
• The gum of Commiphora Mukul called 'guggulu' is the drug of choice for the treatment of obesity.

Preparation of Home Remedies
According to ayurveda home remedies are prepared in the same way and with the same purpose as other ayurvedic medicines. The main aim is to obtain the maximum therapeutic benefit while making it palatable.

Some common methods of preparing home remedies are:

• Juice
  The juice may be taken from the fresh leaves, flowers or stems of the herb. The part of the herb used should be crushed or ground in a mortar and pestle, to make a paste. This paste should be put in a piece of cloth and squeezed to take out the juice.
  Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.
• Powder
  Dried herbs are used for powders. The herbs are usually dried in a cool, shady and well-ventilated place, although some herbs are dried in direct sunlight. The herbs are then ground into a fine powder and stored in a dry, airtight bottle. The powder may be taken with water, or if specified, with milk or honey.
  Dosage: Half to one teaspoon twice a day
• Decoction
  A decoction is prepared by boiling the herb in water (ratio: 1 part herb to 16 parts water). The herbs are broken into pieces and soaked in water overnight. This mixture is then boiled until it reduces to one quarter of the original volume. It is then filtered and stored in a glass bottle.
  Dosage: One to two tablespoons twice a day.
• Infusion
  Herbs are soaked in water to make an infusion (ratio: 1 part herb to 8 parts water). Hot infusions result from adding herbs to hot water, or gently heating but not boiling the mixture. This is strained and taken internally. Herbal teas are forms of hot infusions. Cold infusions are made from soaking the herb overnight. Honey can be added.
  Dosage: half to one cup once or twice day.
• Paste
  A paste can be made from either fresh or dried herbs. The flowers, roots, stems, leaves or bark are ground and mixed with water. Pastes are mainly used for external application, in cases of cuts, burns and swellings. The paste should be thick enough to be applied in a layer to the skin.
• Tablets
  The herbs should be first dried separately and then mixed together in a powder form, in fixed proportions. Water or herbal juice can be added to this powder to make a paste, from which tablets of a specific size or weight are made. Tablets remain potent longer than juices, powders, pastes or decoctions.
  Dosage: 1 or 2 tablets twice a day.
• Medicated ghee and oil
  Ghee is cooked with herbal juices, decoctions or pastes. The ghee should be heated with the herbal mixture at a moderate, controlled temperature. High temperatures can easily burn the ghee or oil, destroying its effectiveness. Medicated ghee and oils are either used internally or massaged externally.
  Dosage: Half to one tablespoon.

 

CHEBULIC MYROBALAN

CHEBULIC MYROBALAN / HARITAKI

 

 

Botanically it is known as Terminalia chebula. It contains tannins, chebulagic acid and gallic acid. It is a miraculous fruit having immense healing powers. Hippocrates said that if one bites a piece of haritaki after meals and swallows its juice, one will remain free from all diseases. Seven different types of haritaki are found and they are known as avaya, amrita, ketaki, juvanti, putana, vijoya and rohini. It is also known as 'long life elixir'. It is a magic fruit of proven value.

 

Haritaki chewed in the morning everyday in empty stomach heals a number of ailments like piles, colitis, skin eruptions, constipation, voice disorders, asthma, defective vision, wounds, acidity, gall-stones etc. The most important point to remember is that it, increases longevity. It is said to be a good liver tonic.

It is one of three constituents of the well-known Indian preparation called triphala, the other two constituents are bahera and amlaki. Triphala is used as a laxative and in the treatment of enlarged liver, stomach troubles and pain in the eyes.

Haritaki increases appetite; if taken after boiling removes constipation; if taken after grinding, purifies blood; if taken along with other foods, increases intellect, vitality and sexual power; if taken after frying in ghee, it subsides vata, pitta, and kapha. Taken after principal meals, it prevents cough and cold, acidity, biliousness and stomach disorders.

 

Rules for taking haritaki in different seasons: During summer months, it should be taken with molasses; in rainy season, it should be taken with rock-salt; in autumn, it should be taken with sugar­candy; in dewy season, it is usually taken with ginger; in winter, it should be taken along with ground pepper,and in spring, it is usually taken with honey.

 

Ayurvedic cures by haritaki

1. Skin eruptions: Haritaki juice subsides bile in the stomach. Skin troubles are usually caused by bile disorders. If its juice is taken daily after every principal meals, it cures all sorts of skin eruptions.
2. Acidity: Its juice neutralises too much acidity in the stomach if taken after all principal meals. It acts like miracle if taken with amalaki juice.
3. Asthma: Asthmatic tendencies can be reduced to the minimum by chewing a small piece of haritaki every night.
4. Piles: Piles can be easily cured if one takes a piece of haritaki before retiring to bed at night. It subsides the swollen veins of the walls of the anus.
5. Gall-stones: Gall-stones can be melted into water if one takes haritaki and amlaki juice daily after meals for some time.
6. Eye troubles: A mixture of haritaki and amlaki juices keeps the eyes healthy and strong.

A pregnant woman should not take haritaki as it may cause abortion.

 

J.F. Dastur in his book 'Medicinal Plants of India and Pakistan' has said that chebulic myrobalan is a mild, safe and efficacious laxative, astringent, stomachic, tonic, and alterative; the pulp of the fruit is given in piles, chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, costiveness, flatulence, asthma, urinary disorders, vomiting, hiccup, intestinal worms, ascites, enlarged liver and spleen.

Benefit and uses of Chebulic myrobalan

• Chebulic myrobalan (Triphala) reduce high blood pressure and hypertension and improves blood circulation.
• Chebulic myrobalan widely used in Tibetan medicine.
• It is strongly astringent, contracting tissues, and is therefore used for various skin imbalances and fluid discharges.
• Chebulic myrobalan(Triphala) corrects constipation, cleanses and tonify the gastro intestinal tract.
• Chebulic myrobalan(Triphala) is useful in asthma, piles and cough.
• It is used as gargle against inflamation of mucous membrane of mouth.
• Terminalia Chebula is used to treat a variety of conditions such as digestive disorders, urinary infections, diabetes, skin diseases, parasitic infections, heart diseases, irregular fevers, flatulence, constipation, ulcers, vomiting, colic pain and hemorrhoids.

 

16 Signs Your Child May Be Taking Drugs

Here is a list of problems that could indicate drug use. Be careful not to automatically assume, however, that drugs are the problem.

 

Children, especially adolescents, give off many of these signals when they are distressed in other ways, too. You'll need to sort out with your child exactly what the problem is and try to identify any substance abuse, perhaps with the help of a family counselor or child psychologist. Keep in mind that even if there is no drug abuse going on yet, these other problems need to be addressed.

 

1. Increased truancy and tardiness to classes

2. A drop in grades

3. Behavior problems in school

4. Losing interest in activities the child once enjoyed

5. Dropping old friends and a sudden influence of a new crowd

6. Personality changes -- a child who was once outgoing is now withdrawn, or someone who is usually relaxed is now fidgety much of the time

7. Sudden mood changes -- euphoria followed by tenseness or edginess; excessive suspiciousness or paranoia

8. Appearing listless or hung over

9. Increased forgetfulness

10. Increased secretiveness

11. Withdrawal from the family

12. More combativeness at home

13. Red eyes

14. Weight loss

15. Not sleeping well

16. Fatigue or hyperactivity

This checklist was adapted from the book Saying No Is Not Enough by Robert Schwebel

 

 

What does the filter on a cigarette do?

Before the 1950s, there was no such thing as a filter-tipped cigarette -- or at least nobody smoked it. People smoked unfiltered cigarettes. At that time, there was a growing perception that cigarettes might be harmful, but there was no proof. Cigarette companies spent a lot of advertising money trying to convince everyone that cigarettes were okay.

That all changed in the 1950s with the release of the first medical studies that conclusively linked smoking and lung cancer. One response to these medical studies was the mass-marketing of the filter-tip cigarette. The idea behind the filter was to screen out tar and nicotine to make the cigarette "safer." By the 1960s, filter cigarettes dominated the market.

You can see this effect continuing even today. The brands of cigarettes that are "ultra low tar and nicotine" use a technique that involves tiny, invisible perforations in the filter. As smoke flows through the filter, quite a bit of air flows through the perforations and mixes in with the smoke. With each drag, the smoker receives a lot of air and much less smoke, and therefore less tar and nicotine.

The problem with filters is that they don't actually produce the intended effect of "less." Smokers have a reason for smoking: Their bodies need nicotine. It's a physical addiction, as discussed in How Nicotine Works. Smokers will inhale the amount of smoke necessary to get the dose of nicotine their bodies need. Several of the pages in the links below talk about conscious and unconscious steps smokers take to thwart filters and get nicotine.

The easiest way to avoid all of these problems is to avoid smoking in the first place -- that way your body never becomes dependent on nicotine. If you're already addicted, an alternative is to get the nicotine through some mechanism other than cigarettes, such as nicotine gum and patches. That way, at least you eliminate the tar.

What causes an ice cream headache?

Most people have experienced the dreaded ice cream headache at some point. You are minding your own business, eating something like an ice cream cone, a milk shake, a Slurpee, a snow cone... Then, suddenly you are hit with the most excruciating headache! Fortunately it only lasts about 30 seconds.

So where does this headache come from?

This article by Joseph Hulihan contains some great information. Here's a summary: When something cold touches the roof of your mouth on a hot day, it triggers a cold headache. The cause is a dilation of blood vessels in the head. The dilation may be caused by a nerve center located above the roof of your mouth -- when this nerve center gets cold, it seems to over-react and tries to heat your brain.

Therefore, the easy way to avoid "brain freeze" is to keep cold things away from the roof of your mouth!

 

Description of Indian Spices

Description of Indian Spices       1.Mustard

 

	Description Mustard is an annual herb cultivated as oil seed crop or as vegetable or as fodder, of which, 3 species are known for its condiment value. They are pale yellow or white mustard (Brassica hirta), brown mustard (Brassica juncea) and black mustard (Brassica nigra). The leaves of the plant are alternate, long, bristly branched, petiolate, hairy on both sides. Flowers are small, yellow with 4petals, cruciform. Seeds are 1.5-3mm.
Origin and Distribution The yellow/white mustard is indigenous to Southern Europe, whereas brown mustard is from China introduced to Northern India. The black mustard is endemic in the Southern Mediterranean region. The white mustard is widely cultivated in Australia, China, Chili, Denmark, Italy, Japan, The UK, The Netherlands, North Africa, Canada and USA. Mustard prefers loamy or clayey loam soil. It is grown as rabbi crop in North India. It is raised during rainy season from July to November in South India. Uses The major processed products are mustard powder used in the manufacture of mayonnaise, dried or dehydrated mustard leaves, whole mustard seeds etc. Whole mustard is used as a flavouring agent in Indian cooking, whereas ground mustard provides flavour and consistency in Bengali fish curries. Mustard flour has preservative and antioxidant properties in addition to providing flavour and colour.

 

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.	Brassicaceae	Seed

 

Indian Names
Hindi	: Rai, Banarasi rai, Kalee sarson
Gujarati	: Rai
Kannada	: Sasave
Kashmiri	: Aasur, Sorisa
Malayalam	: Kaduku
Punjabi	: Rai, Banarasi rai, Kalee sarson
Sanskrit	: Asuri, Bimbata
Tamil	: Kadugo
Telugu	: Avalu
Urdu	: Rai, Banarasi rai, Kalee sarson

 

Name in international languages Spanish : Mostaza French : Moutarde German : Senfsaat Swedish : Senap Arabic : Khardal Dutch : Mosterd Italian : Senape Portuguese : Mostarda Russian : Gorchitsa Japanese : Shiro Karashi Chinese : Chieh

 

2.Cinnamon

 

Description
The "True Cinnamon" or Sri Lankan Cinnamon is the dried inner stem bark of Cinnamomum Verum. Cinnamon plants are grown as bushes. When the plants are of two years age, they typically measure at about 2 meter in high and 8-12 cm at the base. It is at this stage they are ready for harvesting.
Origin and Distribution
Cinnamomum verum is mostly cultivated in Sri Lanka, Malagasy Republic and Seychelles. It has originated in the central hills of Sri Lanka. In India, it is grown in one or two locations in Kerala. Cinnamon is a hardy plant and is cultivated in Sri Lanka under varying conditions ranging from semi dried to wet zone conditions. The ideal temperature for growing cinnamon is between 20-30 degree C and rainfall between 1250 to 2500 mm. It thrives well as a forest tree at 300-350 meter above MsL.
Uses
The commercial products of cinnamon are quills, quillings, featherings, chips, cinnamon bark oil and cinnamon leaf oil. 'Quills' are scraped peel of the inner bark of the mature cinnamon shoots, joined together with overlapping tubes, the hollow of which has been filled with smaller pieces of cinnamon peels which is dried first in the sun and thereafter in the shade. 'Quillings' are broken pieces and splits of all grades of cinnamon quills. 'Featherings' are feather like pieces of inner bark consisting of shavings and small pieces of bark left over. Cinnamon 'chips' are rough unpeelable barks scraped off from the thicker stems. Cinnamon leaf and bark oil are obtained by distilling the leaf and bark separately. Cinnamon bark is a popular spice with a delicate fragrance and a warm agreeable taste. It is used in the form of small pieces or powder. It is widely used in flavouring confectionary, liquors, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is found to help diabetics in digestion of sugar. It has astringent; stimulant and carminative properties and can check nausea and vomiting. The cinnamon bark oil has anti-fungal properties and cinnamon leaf oil is widely used in perfumery and cosmetics

 

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Cinnamomum verum	Lauraceae	Bark, leaf

 

Indian Names
Hindi	: Dalchini, Darchini
Bengali	: Dalchini
Gujarati	: Dalchini
Kannada	: Lavangapattai
Malayalam	: Karuvapatta
Marathi	: Dalchini
Oriya	: Dalchini
Punjabi	: Dalchini
Sanskrit	: Darushila
Tamil	: Karuvapattai, Sannalavangapattai
Urdu	: Dalchini

3.Garlic

 

	Description Garlic is a hardy, bulbous, rooted, perennial plant with narrow flat leaves and bears small white flowers and bulbils. The compound bulb consists of 6 to 34 bulblets called 'cloves' which are surrounded by a common, thin, white or pinkish papery sheet. Garlic has a strong flavour and taste. Origin and Distribution Garlic is a native of West Asia and Mediterranean area. China, Korea, India, USA, Spain, Argentina and Egypt are the major garlic growing countries. Garlic prefers cool weather and grow in a well-drained, moderately clay loam at higher elevation (900 to 1200 mtrs).
Uses Garlic is used for flavouring various dishes practically all over the world. In United States almost half of the produce is dehydrated for use in mayonnaise products, salad dressings and in several meat preparations. Raw garlic is used in the preparation of garlic powder, garlic salt, garlic vinegar, garlic cheese croutins, garlicked potato chips, garlic bread, garlicked bacon etc. Spray dried garlic products, liquid garlic preparations are other products. In India and other Asian and Middle East Countries, garlic is used in pickles, curry powders, curried vegetables, meat preparations etc. Oil of garlic is used as a flavouring agent in soups, canned foods, sauces etc. The other properties are anti-bacterial, fungicidal and insecticidal. In the area of medicine, it is used for various ailments of stomach, skin diseases. It has wider applications in indigenous medicines and is also considered as highly nutritive.

 

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Allium sativum	Liliaceae	Bulb

 

Indian Name
Assamese	: Naharu
Hindi	: Lasun, Lessan, Lahsun
Bengali	: Rashun
Gujarati	: Lasan
Kannada	: Bellulli
Kashmiri	: Ruhan
Malayalam	: Vellulli
Marathi	: Lusson
Oriya	: Rasuna
Punjabi	: Lassan, Lasun
Sanskrit	: Lashuna
Tamil	: Ullipundu, Vellaippundu
Telugu	: Velluri
Urdu	: Lassun, Leshun

 

4.Ginger

 

Description Ginger of commerce is the dried underground stem of the herbaceous tropical plant grown as an annual. The whole plant is refreshingly aromatic and the underground rhizome, raw or processed, is valued as spice. Ginger is a slender perennial herb, 30-50 cm tall with palmately branched rhizome bearing leafy shoots. The leafy shoot is a pseudostem formed by leaf sheath and bears 8 to 12 distichous leaves. The inflorescence is a spike springs directly from the rhizome. Origin and Distribution It is a tropical plant with the centre of distribution in India and Malaysia. Now it is widely cultivated in India, Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Malaysia, Southern China and Japan. Ginger requires warm and humid climate and thrives well from sea level to an altitude of 1500 mtrs above MSL. A well distributed rainfall (150 to 300cm) during growing season and dry spells during land preparation and harvesting are required for the crop. Though grows on a wide range of soils, lateritic loams are preferred for higher yields. Uses Fresh ginger, dry ginger powder, oleoresin and oil are used in food processing. It is indispensable in the manufacture of ginger bread, confectionary, ginger ale, curry powders, certain curried meats, table sauces, in pickling and in the manufacture of certain cordials, ginger cocktail, carbonate drinks, liquors etc. In medicine, it is used as carminative and stimulant. It has wider applications in indigenous medicines. The ginger oil is used as food flavourant in soft drinks.

 

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Zingiber officinale Roscoe	Zingiberaceae	The rhizome

 

Indian Names
Hindi	: Adrak
Bengali	: Ada
Gujarati	: Adu
Kannada	: Shunti, Ardraka
Malayalam	: Inchi
Marathi	: Ale
Oriya	: Ada
Punjabi	: Adrak
Sanskrit	: Ardraka
Tamil	: Inji
Telugu	: Allamu, Sonthi
Urdu	: Adrak, Adhrak

 

Name in international languages Spanish : Jengibre French : Gingembre German : Ingwer Swedish : Ingefara Arabic : Zanjabil Dutch : Gember Italian : Zenzero Portuguese : Gengibre Russian : Imbir Japanese : Shoga Chinese : Chiang

 

Name in international languages Spanish : Ajo French : Ail German : Knoblanch Swedish : Vitlok Arabic : Thum Dutch : Knoflook Italian : Agilio Portuguese : Alho Russian : Chesnok Japanese : Ninniku Chinese : Suan

 

4.Clove

 

Description
The clove of commerce is the air-dried unopened flower bud obtained from evergreen medium sized tree. The tree grows to a height of 10-12 mtrs and start flowering in about 7 years. It continues to produce flower buds for 80 or more years. It is a valuable spice of the orient. Clove clusters are plucked by hand when the buds are fully developed with a pronounced pink flush and then dried over several days in the sun. Unopened flower buds, leaves and stalks yield essential oil.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is indigenous to North Molucca Islands of Indonesia. It is also grown in Zanzibar, Madagascar, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India. The tree prefers well drained rich soil with sufficient soil moisture throughout the year. High atmospheric temperature (25 to 35 degree C) with heavy sun light, good and well-distributed rainfall (above 150 cm) and high humidity (above 70%) are preferred.
Uses
The use of clove in whole or ground form is mainly for culinary purposes and as a flavouring agent in food industry. Its flavour blends well with both sweet and savory dishes. It is highly valued in medicine as carminative, aromatic and stimulant. In Indonesia, the lion share of production is consumed in production of 'kretek' cigarettes. The antiseptic and antibiotic properties of clove oil are used in medicine especially in dentistry, oral and pharyngeal treatments. It has wider applications in preparations of toothpaste and mouthwashes, soaps and perfumes. It is also reported to help diabetics in sugar assimilations.

 

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Syzygium aromaticum	Myrtaceae	Unopened flower bud

 

Indian Names
Hindi	: Lung
Bengali	: Lawang
Gujarati	: Lavang
Kannada	: Lavanga
Malayalam	: Grambu
Marathi	: Luvang
Oriya	: Labang
Punjabi	: Laung
Sanskrit	: Lavanga
Tamil	: Kirambu, Lavangam
Telugu	: Lavangalu
Urdu	: Laung

 

5.Cumin

 

	Description Cumin is the dried, white fruit with greyish brown colour of a small slender annual herb. The surface of the fruit has 5 primary ridges, alternatively has 4 less distinct secondary ridges bearing numerous short hairs. The plant is 15 to 50 cm high. The aromatic seed like fruit is elongated, ovoid, 3 to 6 mm long, slightly bitter and has a warm flavour. The flowers are white or rose coloured in small umbels.
Origin and Distribution Cumin is indigenous to Northern Egypt, Syria, the Mediterranean region, Iran and India. It is also cultivated in Mexico, China, Sicily and Malta. Cumin is a tropical plant and is cultivated as a rabi crop in areas where atmospheric humidity during February-March is low.
Uses Cumin seed have an aromatic odour and bitter taste. It is used as a condiment, and is an ingredient in curry powders, seasonings of breads, cakes and cheese. It is employed in native dishes of Central and South America. In medicine, it is used as a stimulant, carminative, stomachic and astringent. Cumin seed oil is used in perfumery and for flavouring liqueurs and cordials.

 

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Cuminum cyminum L.	Apiaceae	Fruit

 

Indian Names
Hindi	: Jira, Jeera, Zira or Safaid jeera Or Zeera
Bengali	: Safaid jira or Zeera
Gujarati	: Jiru or Jeeru
Kannada	: Jeeriege
Kashmiri	: Zyur
Malayalam	: Jeerakam
Marathi	: Jeregire
Oriya	: Jira, Jeera
Sindhi	: Zero
Sanskrit	: Jiraka, Jira,
Tamil	: Ziragum or Jeeragam
Telugu	: Jidakara, Jikaka

 

Name in international languages Spanish : Comino French : Cumin German : Romischer Kummel Swedish : Spiskummin Arabic : Kammun Dutch : Komijn Italian : Comino Portuguese : Cominho Russian : Kmin Chinese : Machin

 

6.Tamarind

 

Description The ripe fruit of tamarind tree is used as a condiment. It is a moderate size to large, evergreen tree, up to 24 mtr in high and 7 mtr in girth. Bark is brown or dark gray, longitudinally and horizontally fissured. Leaves are paripinnate up to 15 cm long, leaflets are 10-20 pairs, oblong, 8-30 mm. Flowers are small, yellowish with pink stripes, pods are 7.5-20 cm long, 2.5 cm broad, 1 cm thick, more or less constricted between seeds, slightly curved, brownish coloured. Seeds are 3-12 oblong compressed, 1.5 cm, dark brown shining. Endocarp is light brownish, sweetish or acidic, edible pulp, traversed by branched ligneous strands. The outer cover of the pod is fragile and easily separable. Origin and Distribution Tamarind is originated in Madagascar and is now extensively cultivated in India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, several African, Central American and South American countries. In India, it is chiefly grown in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The tree is not exacting as regards to soil but thrives best in deep alluvium. The tree prefers warm climate but sensitive to frost. Tamarind is suited to semi-tropical region with low rainfall. It can come up even in saline, alkali and gravelly soils, and soils prone to erosion. Uses Tamarind pulp is used in numerous culinary preparations. It is also a raw material for the preparation of wine like beverages. The tamarind kernel powder is found to be extensively used for its sizing properties, in textile, confectionary, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The testa is used in dyeing and tanning industry. The tender leaves and flowers are used as vegetables. In medicine, it is used as appetizing, laxative, healing and anti-helmintic. It is also used against fluorosis.

 

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Tamarindus indica L.	Cesalpiniaceae	Pods

 

7.Turmeric

 

	Description Turmeric is the boiled, dried, cleaned and polished rhizomes Curcuma longa. The plant is a herbaceous perennial, 60-90 cm high, with a short stem and tufted leaf. There are 7 to 12 leaves, the leaf sheaths forms the pseudo stem. The lamina is green above and pale green below and has a length of 30-40 cm and width 8-12 cm. Inflorescence is a central spike of 10-15 cm length. 1-4 flowers are born in axil of the bract opening one at a time. About 30 flowers are produced in a spike. Seeds are produced in capsules and there will be one to numerous sunken capsules in an inflorescence. Origin and Distribution It is a native of India. Apart from India, it is cultivated in Pakistan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Korea, China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, East & West Africa, South Pacific Islands, Malagasy, Caribbean Islands and Central America. In India, it is cultivated in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Turmeric is a tropical crop cultivated from sea level to 1200 meter MSL. It grows in light black, black clayey loams and red soils in irrigated and rainfed conditions. The crop cannot stand water logging or alkalinity.
Uses Turmeric is used to flavour and to colour foodstuffs. It is a principal ingredient in curry powder. Turmeric oleoresin is used in brine pickles and to some extend in mayonnaise and relish formulations, non-alcoholic beverages, gelatins, butter and cheese etc. The colour curcumin extracted from turmeric is used as a colourant. Turmeric is also used as a dye in textile industry. It is used in the preparation of medicinal oils, ointments and poultice. It is stomachic, carminative, tonic, blood purifier and an antiseptic. It is used in cosmetics. The aqueous extracts has biopesticidal properties.

 

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Curcuma longa L.	Zingiberaceae	Rhizome or underground stem

 

Indian Names
Hindi	: Haldi
Bengali	: Halud, Pitras
Gujarati	: Haldhar, Haldi
Kannada	: Arishia
Konkani	: Halad
Malayalam	: Manjal
Marathi	: Halede, Halad
Oriya	: Haldil
Punjabi	: Haldar, Haldhar, Haldi
Sanskrit	:  Haladi, Harita
Tamil	: Manjal
Telugu	: Pasupu
Urdu	: Haladi