Relieve Acidity with Ayurveda and Yoga

Acidity is not a disease but the result of other diseases in the body. In other words, a person could be suffering from some other health problems and acidity could be a symptom or disorder. In this case, the acid formation in the stomach increases, which leads to sour belches, indigestion and loss of appetite.

Medicinal Cures from Ayurveda for Acidity:

• Take half a gram of shankh bhasma and one gram of dry mango powder. Mix both with honey and lick to relieve acidity.
• Mix green coriander, garlic, ripe tomatoes, ginger, salt and chillies. Prepare a fine paste and eat it to overcome different stomach related problems. It is very beneficial to eat after an attack of fever.
• Take 30 gm of fresh coriander juice to increase appetite within three days.
• Chop 50 gm onion and mix in fresh curd set with cow milk. Eat this to control acidity.
• Grind two-grams of aniseed, one gram of dry mango powder, ten grams of sugar candy and store it in a glass jar. Take three to four times with hot water to calm down all types of indigestion.
• Roast bitter gourd flowers or leaves in clarified butter (ghee) and prepare a powder. Take one to two grams twice or thrice daily to control acidity.
• Take equal quantities of white cumin seeds and coriander seeds. Eat with sugar to control acidity.
• Add a little bit of roasted cumin seeds in orange juice and add a little bit of rock salt. Drink this juice for relief.
• Grind wood apple (bilva or bael) leaves in water and sieve. Add 20 gm sugar candy and drink to overcome acidity.
• Mix Moolhati churna in honey and clarified butter and lick to relieve acidity.
• Grind 30 gm dry dates and 25 gm aniseed, soak in 200 gm water overnight. Crush nicely the next morning and add 10 gm sugar candy. Drink this daily to reduce acidity.
• Grind 100 gm tamarind (seedless), 25 gm cumin seed, and 125 gm sugar candy and prepare a powder. Store it in a glass jar. Take three grams twice daily with water to control acidity.
• Prepare a powder with eight grams of shora and ten-grams of sal ammoniac. Take four to six grains twice daily with water to overcome pitta. It gives instant results in case of acidity; burning sensation in chest, sour belches, etc.
  
• Chew lemon peels nicely and suck the juice to control acidity.
• Mix one spoon of ginger juice with equal quantity of pomegranate juice and drink for relief.
• Suck one clove daily after meals to control acidity and related problems.
• Keep a small piece of jaggery and suck the juice daily after meals. It is beneficial when sour saliva is produced due to acidity. It also controls gastric problem, and prevents foul air.
• Mix two grams of small harad churna in equal quantity of jaggery and eat it. Drink water over it. Take this medicine half an hour before meals and follow it for just three days. Acidity will get eradicated.
• Drink one spoon of gwarpatha (aloe vera) juice daily for relief.
• Take five grams each of drumstick root and giloy root and prepare chutney. Take it with hot water.
• Mix two cups of spinach juice, half-cup carrot juice and two spoons kulthi juice.
• Mix sugar in half spoon papaya milk and take this medicine.
• Add a little bit of sugar in radish juice and drink.
• Prepare kwath with four cloves, two pieces of harad and a spoonful of ajowan, and drink for relief.
• Grind ten grams each of mint, cumin seeds and black pepper and prepare chutney. Add one cup of water, boil it and then drink.
• Grind equal quantities of neem offshoots, and neem skin and take half a spoon daily in the morning on empty stomach with water.
• Wash three grams each of creeping grass and bathua leaves and chew them.
• Grind five grams each of dry mango powder, black salt, cinnamon, asafetida, pipal, and harad, then sieve it. Take a spoonful with lukewarm water daily after meals to control acidity.
• If acidity arises during the night then mix a spoonful of soda bicarbonate and equal quantity of lemon juice in cold water and drink.
• Prepare chutney with a pinch of rock salt, a small piece of ginger and a spoonful of lemon juice and eat it for relief.
• Mix a spoonful of ajowan, a pinch of rock salt and a pinch of asafetida. Take this and drink water over it for relief.

Treatment of Acidity through Nature Cure:

• Keep a lep of black mud on the stomach and tie a bandage over it. Apply the lep again if it gets dry.
• Take hipbath for ten minutes daily in the morning and splash water at regular intervals.
• Massage clarified butter (ghee) on both soles for ten minutes.
• Keep hot water bag on the stomach, back, waist and knees.
• Take a sauna bath in sitting position (can use a chair).
• These remedies are very beneficial to overcome acidity.

Food and Diet Regulations for Acidity:

• Drink cow's milk, pomegranate juice. Eat sweet lime, aniseed, grapes, dry dates, myrobalan, fig, old rice, kheer, juicy things, round gourd, roasted gram flour, etc.
• Consume bitter gourd, gourd, torai, wheat flour, green leafy vegetables, Harad, garlic, and honey everyday.
• Eat fruits like papaya, guava, apple, banana, cheekoo, wood apple and myrobalan marmalade etc.
• Stop the consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol, meat, fish, eggs, sweets, tobacco, stale rice, heavy food, dry mango powder, refined flour, potato, spices, fried things and snacks.
• Do not consume clarified butter ghee, oil, curd, food that increases pitta, lentils, whole horse beans, etc. Do not get exposed to sun, and avoid constipation.
• Stop the consumption of hot, acidic and bitter tasting food as they increase pitta.

Yogic Cure for Acidity:

Practice Uttanapadasana, Halasana, Pavanmuktasana, Kandharasana, Yogamudrasana, Matsyasana, Bhujangasana, Ekpadgreevasana, Garbhasana, etc., to overcome stomach disorders and reduce constipation and acidity. (Please see other articles for specific procedures to perform each asana.)

Pranayama for Acidity:

• Pranayam is very useful – Kapalbhati pranayam should be practiced for five minutes everyday.
• Anulom-Vilom and Nadi shodhan pranayam should also be practiced for ten minutes daily to overcome all stomach related problems and acidity.
• Regular practice of Agnisar kriya is also very beneficial.
• Uddiyan bandh keeps the stomach healthy and calms down acidity and other related problems.

Swine Flu And Ayurveda

Swine influenza (also called H1N1 flu, swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.

Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked.

The Swine flu has been compared to other similar types of influenza virus in terms of mortality: "in the US it appears that for every 1000 people who get infected, about 40 people need admission to hospital and about one person dies". There are fears that swine flu will become a major global pandemic in the winter months, with many countries planning major vaccination campaigns.

Influenza is quite common in pigs; the main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals.

People who work with poultry and swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with influenza virus endemic in these animals, and constitute a population of human hosts in which zoonosis and reassortment can co-occur. Other professions at particular risk of infection are veterinarians and meat processing workers, although the risk of infection for both of these groups is lower than that of farm workers.

Main Signs and symptoms of swine flu:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of the 2009 "swine flu" H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general.

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting. The 2009 H1N1 virus is not zoonotic swine flu, as it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, but from person to person.

The most common cause of death is respiratory failure, other causes of death are pneumonia (leading to sepsis), high fever (leading to neurological problems), dehydration (from excessive vomiting and diarrhea) and electrolyte imbalance. Fatalities are more likely in young children and the elderly.

Prevention

According to Ayurveda, prevention is always better than cure, and the primary aim goal of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of a healthy person. As stated: “Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam…” here are the few preventive measures according to modern science and Ayurveda.

Prevention of swine influenza has three components:

1. prevention in swine,
2. prevention of transmission to humans,
3. and prevention of its spread among humans.

The current trivalent influenza vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the new 2009 H1N1 strain, so the control of swine influenza by vaccination has become more difficult in recent decades. But you don’t worry even if you are not vaccinated. Start practicing Pranayama, especially “hot Pranayama like Bhastrika and Kapalbhanti”! This will improve your lungs capacity and immunity to combat any infections from the viruses.

Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food but it spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth.

The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Diagnosis can be made by sending a specimen, collected during the first five days for analysis. So as soon as you feel discomfort with symptoms like sneezing, coughing and any other respiratory symptoms, start to have herbal tea, which is very common practice in India. The recipe of such herbal tea knows almost every mother or grandmother knows in India! well, if you don’t know: let me explain:

Boil approximately 200ml of potable water, till it remains half and mix the following herbs in it.

• Juice of 10 to 15 fresh leaves of Tulasi,(Basil),
• 5 ml of fresh ginger root juice,
• half spoon powder of cloves,
• half spoon powder of cinnamon bark,
• half spoon powder of peppermint leaves,
• half spoon powder of cardamom,
• half spoon of turmeric powder,
• half spoon of rock salt

Mix all these properly, add one spoon of honey when the tea is luke warm and have it twice or thrice a day.

These all-around wonder spices are said to help detoxify the liver, fight allergies, stimulate digestion, and boost immunity. All these drugs have anti viral, cleansing and antioxidant properties. It helps the free flow of oxygen to the brain, helps enhance digestion and circulation and stimulates the appetite. They are excellent for balancing Vaata and Kapha, which are the prominent Dosha in Swine influenza or any other respiratory track infections.

• Recommendations to prevent spread of the virus among humans include using standard infection control against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public.
• Chance of transmission is also reduced by disinfecting household surfaces, which can be done effectively with a diluted chlorine bleach solution.
• Experts agree that hand-washing can help prevent viral infections, including ordinary influenza and the swine flu virus.
• Influenza can spread in coughs or sneezes, but an increasing body of evidence shows small droplets containing the virus can linger on tabletops, telephones and other surfaces and be transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes.
• Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria.
• The Puja being done in Hindus has the similar disinfecting properties. Studies have shown that lighning the lamp of cow’s Ghee has anti viral property. The Dhupana being done with the help of natural sticks (Agarbattis) and Guggulu has very effective disinfectant properties.
• Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should contact a doctor for advice.
• Social distancing is another tactic. It means staying away from other people who might be infected and can include avoiding large gatherings, spreading out a little at work, or perhaps staying home and lying low if an infection is spreading in a community.
• Public health and other responsible authorities have action plans which may request or require social distancing actions depending on the severity of the outbreak.

According to Ayurveda daily and dietary habits plays a major role in any disease. If your digestive fire is normal, your immunity will remain powerful and thus no infection can overrule you. So one should follow the ideal dietary regimen during seasons like monsoon and winter when the maximum chances are there for viral infections.

• One should avoid sleeping during the day hours.
• One should avoid traveling or being outdoors during the early hours of the day when there is dew and cold winds blow.
• Oil massage with oil possessing warm quality is beneficial.
• Clean and dry clothes should be worn.
• Individuals should avoid direct and strong cold winds.
• Avoid skipping meals.
• Try to move around the place of work instead of sitting in one place or do some kind of physical work. This will help you to refresh yourself, especially when you feel dull & lethargic.
• Try to avoid over exertion.
• Not delay or skip your meals, you should take meals at regular timings & in fixed quantities.
• Avoid damp, humid and cold weather, and environment.
• Avoid use of air conditioners.
• Drink a glass of water with two teaspoons of honey every day early in the morning.
• Always have fresh meals, prepared using minimum quantity of oil, or prepared with the help of Cow’s ghee.
• Dry chatni & dry vegetables are recommended.
• Sprinkle your salads with dry ginger powder, and black pepper powder.
• Chewing of a bite of ginger before meals with little bit of salt is helpful to improve.
• Always choose warm food over cold food.
• Pickles made of ‘Raw haldi’ are recommended.
• Daily use of ‘Honey’ helps to control the excessive kapha.

Avoid:

• Regular use of sweets, butter, cheese, paneer etc.
• Dairy products especially curd and butter.
• Refrigerated, rewarmed, day old stale food, etc.
• Foods containing preservatives, artificial flavours, colours etc. Sauces, vinegar, pickles, chatani etc.
• Non-vegetarian food.
• Excessive use of Cheese, paneer, yogurt etc.

Ayurveda Treatment for Viral infections in cold seasons like Monsoon and winter:

If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

Beside antivirals, supportive care at home or in hospital, focuses on controlling fevers, relieving pain and maintaining fluid balance, as well as identifying and treating any secondary infections or other medical problems.

The virus isolates in the 2009 outbreak have been found resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. In the U.S., on April 27, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Emergency Use Authorizations to make available Relenza and Tamiflu antiviral drugs to treat the swine influenza virus in cases for which they are currently unapproved.

In such condition following Ayurveda drugs may be started as soon as possible. Few of these drugs have been found very effective in current research works and are being practiced in India since thousands of years for combating various seasonal and viral infections.

1. Sitopaladi Churna
2. Naradiya Laximivilas Ras
3. Classical Chyavanprash
4. Haridra Khanda
5. Talisadi Churna
6. Khadiradi Gutika
7. Lavangadi Gutika
8. Malla Sindura
9. Samirpannaga Rasa
10. Chandramrita Rasa
11. 64 Prahari Pippali
12. Suvarna Vasanta Malini Rasa
13. Shwasa Kuthara Rasa

Panchakarma procedures like Nasya Karma and Sadya Vamana Karma are also very useful for all respiratory track infections.

It is advisable to remain under medical supervision of a qualified and experienced Vaidya.There is no doubt that above said drugs and Panchakarma helps to expel Kapha from the body and also helps to stop or to slower the viral load from the body, which is ultimately responsible for high grade fever and other symptoms which are responsible for high rate of mortality.

Cow Urine: A Nectar in world

The cow is a mobile medical dispensary. It is the treasure of medicines. Cow urine therapy is capable of curing many curable and incurable diseases. The holy texts, like Atharva Veda, Charaka Samhita, Rajni Ghuntu, Vridhabhagabhatt, Amritasagar, Bhavaprakash, Sushruta Samhita, etc., contain beautiful description about the medicinal benefits of cow urine. Cow Urine Treatment and Research Center, Indore has conducted a lot of research over the past few years and reached the conclusion that it is capable of curing diabetes, blood pressure, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, heart attack, blockage in arteries, fits, cancer, AIDS, piles, prostrate, arthritis, migraine, thyroid, ulcer, acidity, constipation, gynecological problems, ear and nose problems and several other diseases.

The analysis of cow urine has shown that it contains nitrogen, sulphur, phosphate, sodium, manganese, carbolic acid, iron, silicon, chlorine, magnesium, melci, citric, titric, succinic, calcium salts, Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, minerals, lactose, enzymes, creatinine, hormones and gold. A person falls ill when there is deficiency or excess of these substances inside the body. Cow urine contains all of these substances, which are naturally present in the human body. Therefore consumption of cow urine maintains the balance of these substances and this helps cure incurable diseases.

The Indian culture gives special place to the cow. All the 330 million gods have cow as their prime temple (all devas reside in the cow). Deva means to give, the strength to give, the ability to give more and take the minimum. This is known as Devata. The cow takes very less from us and gives us more. Therefore the Indian people have shown this with the help of strict devotion and dedication. Thus the cow has a prominent place in the Indian life and economy. Wealth, religion, enjoyment and salvation are accomplished with the service of the cow. The Indian farmer used to be known as king, or the giver of grains, due to the tradition developed in India thousands of years back. Our entire life is dependent on the cow.

The whole world takes the cow as their mother. The reason is that the birth-giving mother gives milk to its child only for one or two years, but the mother cow gives milk throughout its life, which is like nectar. A black cow is tied in the Shiva temple, and when we see the Shiva along with the black cow then we are able to overcome the malefic effects of planets in our natal horoscope. When we see the ankles of the cow we protect ourselves from sudden deaths. Circumambulating the cow is equivalent to visiting all of the holy places. As the peepal tree and tulasi plant give oxygen similarly cow is the only animal which purifies the air. If one spoon of pure ghee is poured on burning cow dung (in homa) then they can produce one-ton of pure air, therefore ghee made with cow milk is used in sacrificial fires and havans. There is no better method to remove pollution.

Cow milk, butter, ghee and buttermilk are like nectar. The cow dung is not faeces, but a purifier. It helps produce the best quality grains, fruits, and vegetables when used as manure. Cow urine is a divine medicine and is a natural pesticide for crops. Pure ghee made with cow milk poured on burning cow cakes dung, produces a smoke that subsides the effect of poisonous gas. Cow urine contains copper, which is converted into gold inside the human body. It removes all toxicity. Drinking cow milk gives strength and increases the pure qualities in the human mind.

The horns and back hump of the cow are like two powerful pyramids. We receive the strengths of the stars and sun through the medium of cow dung, milk, curd, ghee, etc. The place where the cow is tied does not produce any vastu related ill effects. If there is any malefic effect of any planet, serving the cow with chapatti and jaggery calms down the malefic effect.

The following are some of my personal experiences treating people with cow urine therapy. A person was suffering with cancer and had been told that they would not survive for long; cow therapy was done on many such cases. Out of the many patients, who were suffering with cancer for the last 4 years, many are now leading a healthy life. In the same way, a diabetes patient who was taking insulin and having a sugar level of 488 or 420 did not have the necessity to take insulin after the treatment of cow urine. In the same way AIDS, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, blood pressure, heart disease, prostrate, piles, etc., also have been cured with this treatment. Premchand Rathore was suffering from asthma and isnophilia. He had palpitations and cough along with phlegm. He is now enjoying a healthy life after taking cow urine therapy. The cough and phlegm reduced. Mrs. Sharda Jalani was having varicose veins and dysmenorrhea. She used to have swollen nerves, pain, and swelling as soon as she used to stand up and it was very painful at the time of menses. She was advised to undergo operation for both of these problems. But she went for cow urine therapy and is now healthy. Omprakash Paul suffered a heart attack. He had high levels of cholesterol and chest pain. After taking cow urine therapy he is able to walk up to four kilometers, he does not get chest pain and his cholesterol level is also normal. Chandmal Gurjar suffered with cancer of the food pipe four years back, he could not take liquids also. Now he is able to eat and drink properly, he is healthy and working in the rice fields. There are thousands of people who have recovered from serious diseases after taking this therapy.

Today many AIDS patients are taking cow urine therapy. People who were suffering with migraine and headache for the past 15 years have recovered within six months of taking this therapy. In the past few years the Cow Urine Treatment and Research Center, Indore has treated 150,000 people. Out of the total patients 85 to 90 percent were also suffering from constipation. There is an old saying that if the stomach is clean half of the diseases get cured automatically. The patients taking cow urine therapy are able to enjoying sound heath within one month of this therapy.

Sushma Khurana had a thyroid complaint. Before taking this therapy her T3 level was 4, T4 was 15, TSH was 0.2. After six months of this treatment T4 was 9.97, TSH was 1.35 and today she is free of this problem. This therapy is also beneficial in the case of eczema, ringworm, itching and other skin problems. Old eczema patients have gained a lot from this therapy. Also school and college aged children can be free from the menace of pimples and acne with this simple therapy.

Chemical composition of distilled cow urine:

1. Nitrogen (N2, NH2): Removes blood abnormalities and toxins, Natural stimulant of urinary track, activates kidneys and it is diuretic.
2. Sulphur (S): Supports motion in large intestines. Cleanses blood.
3. Ammonia (NH3): Stabilise bile, mucous and air of body. Stabilises blood formation.
4. Copper (Cu): Controls built up of unwanted fats.
5. Iron (Fe): Maintains balance and helps in production of red blood cells & haemoglobin. Stabilises working power.
6. Urea CO(NH2)2: Affects urine formation and removal. Germicidal.
7. Uric Acid (C5H4N4O3): Removes heart swelling or inflammation. It is diuretic therefore destroys toxins.
8. Phosphate (P): Helps in removing stones from urinary track.
9. Sodium (Na): Purifies blood. Antacid.
10. Potassium (K): Cures hereditary rheumatism. Increases appetite. Removes muscular weakness and laziness.
11. Manganese (Mn): Germicidal, stops growth of germs, protects against decay due to gangrene.
12. Carbolic acid (HCOOH): Germicidal, stops growth of germs and decay due to gangrene.
13. Calcium (Ca): Blood purifier, bone strengthener, germicidal.
14. Salt (NaCl): Decreases acidic contents of blood, germicidal.
15. Vitamins A, B, C, D, E: Vitamin B is active ingredient for energetic life and saves from nervousness and thirst, strengthens bones and reproductive ingredient for energetic life and saves from nervousness and thirst, strengthens bones and reproductive power.
16. Other Minerals: Increase immunity.
17. Lactose (C6H12O6): Gives satisfaction., strengths heart, removes thirst and nervousness.
18. Enzymes: Make healthy digestive juices, increase immunity.
19. Water (H2O): It is a life giver. Maintains fluidity of blood, maintains body temperature.
20. Hipuric acid (CgNgNox): Removes toxins through urine.
21. Creatinin (C4HgN2O2): Germicide.
22. Aurum Hydroxide (AuOH): It is germicidal and increases immunity power. AuOH is highly antibiotic and anti-toxic.

Sprouts are Nutritious

Sprouts are full of nutrition and the best source of a balanced food. Sprouts are alkaline in nature and hence improve the health; it is helpful in complete purification of the body and also improves the disease fighting capacity. Sprouts increase the nutritious value of the food.

In order to maintain good health, 80% of the food should be alkaline and 20% should be acidic, which should necessarily include raw food and sprouts in good quantity. Sprouts are best medicine for the body. Sprouts are the germinated seeds of lentils or grains, and this germination process gives lot of beneficial qualities for health. gives lot of beneficial qualities for health.

Why are sprouts essential?

In the present life style, the food habits are changing fast and is also unnatural. This has a bad impact on the health. The main reason for most of the diseases is wrong food habits, life style and negative thinking. Sprouts are the best solution for improving wrong food habits. The use of sprouts as a part of daily food fulfills the need for alkaline and acidic food requirement, which is important for maintaining good health.

Use of sprouts

Any healthy or unhealthy person can eat sprouts but the quantity should be less in the beginning and should be chewed properly. Cucumber, tomato, green chillies, coriander and lemon can be added to enhance the taste and also make it more nutritious. Sprouts are not only nutritious but also body. Sprouts are the germinated seeds of lentils or grains, and this germination process gives lot of beneficial qualities for health.inexpensive. If an ill person consumes raw food then he or she can overcome health related problems very easily. If a healthy person eats sprouts regularly then he or she can prevent several diseases and also improve health.

All grains cannot be sprouted. Sunflower, pulses, kidney bean, gram, soybean, fenugreek, wheat seeds can be sprouted. These sprouts can be taken after consultation with doctor or an expert.

At the time of sprouting wheat, special care should be taken to avoid fungus formation. Use a glass jar to make wheat sprouts or some other special sprout makers that are available in the market and put it under sun in the morning.

Benefits of sprouts

! Sprouts are natural, fresh and complete food. It is easily digestible, controls weight and is tasty besides being nutritious.

! Some sprouts have more vitamin c, iron, riboflavin, and niacin, phosphorous. Therefore it is a good source of vitamin and minerals.

! The non-nutritional elements reduce after sprouting.

! The starch found in sprouts converts into glucose, fructose and maltose. It not only enhances taste but also improves the digestion. The process of sprouting is slower in lentils when compared to grains.

! Sprouts reach the different organs of the body quickly and give instant energy.

! Sprout is nutritious for the body in a natural way.

! Sprouts are complete food and free from adulteration.

! The body gets necessary nutrition from sprouts. Sprouts help the alcohol addicts to get rid of this problem.

! Sprouts should be taken raw as boiling, cooking or roasting destroys its nutrition value. However, it can be steam cooked. Old people, who cannot chew sprouts, should grind it and use the paste. This will not reduce the nutritional value of sprouts.

! Sprouts of kidney beans, fenugreek, gram and other grains can be made in a glass jar or damp cloth. Wash the grains or lentils thoroughly in water at least three to four times. Remove the bad seeds and place the good ones in a glass jar and fill it with four times water. Soak overnight, and spread on a cotton cloth, tie it nicely and keep it aside. During summer season, sprinkle cold water on the sprout bag prepared in this manner to retain the moisture. Sprouts appear the next morning. Sprouting process takes more time during winter season than summer season. Sprinkle water inside jar also at regular intervals.

! Do not store the sprouts for many days. Use fresh sprouts and wash it once in water before eating.

! The seeds, grains or lentils chosen for making sprouts should be fresh, new, clean, and free from chemicals. Some seeds cannot be sprouted during this process. Select and remove the unhealthy seeds.

Best seeds suitable for sprouting

! Kidney beans can be easily sprouted. It contains vitamin A, E and C.

! Fenugreek has strong and bitter taste. It has curative power. It is used in the treatment of diabetes and arthritis.

! Gram is sprouted since ancient times. It provides vitamin, protein and minerals. Sprouts are like nectar and eat it raw to improve health.

Spinach As A Natural Ayurvedic Medicine

Spinach is an extremely beneficial and tasty leafy vegetable. Spinach is found in all the parts of India and it is cooked in many different ways. In some places, people cook it along with potato and eat it in the form of dry vegetable, and in some places it is boiled, grinded and cooked with onions, garlic, tomato etc. Whatever may be the style of cooking, spinach is a healthy food. It is also cooked with the leaves of the rapeseed plant (sarson). This combination is very delicious and makes the spinach even more beneficial and healthy.

Spinach is the most beneficial among the leafy vegetables. Spinach is a very popular leafy vegetable. In winters it is produced in abundant quantity. It is also available in other seasons. Cold and humid climate is favorable for the growth of spinach.

Nutrients found in Spinach:

Spinach contains Vitamins A, B, C, Chlorophyll, Beta Carotene, and Sodium Riaphalebin etc. Spinach is cold in nature, but it destroys cold and phlegm. It also cures blood impurities and bile related problems.

Medicinal qualities of Spinach:

Spinach is beneficial in the form of food and also it is extremely beneficial in the form of medicine. It cures many diseases. Most children dislike it and do not want to eat it. Most ladies also show disinterest to cook it because it has to be cut and cooked and takes more time in cooking. I would like to ask these ladies a very simple question. You are willing to stand in long queues in doctor's clinic, consume many harmful allopathic medicines and tolerate the side effects of these medicines, but you can't spare a little time to cook this highly beneficial natural medicine known as spinach?

Nature has provided different types of vegetables and leaves to remain healthy. This is an invaluable gift from mother nature. We should not dislike these leaves and vegetables, but rather we should consume these vegetables whole heartedly. Leaves and vegetables are medicines in the form of food. They cure us in some form or the other and always keep us away from diseases. Spinach is one such natural medicine. It is not just a grass or some kind of ordinary leaf. We should develop knowledge about the medicinal qualities of spinach. The herbivorous animals eat grass and are much stronger than us. Spinach contains iron in abundant quantity. Consuming spinach regularly cures anemia. The Hemoglobin quantity in the blood rises sharply, the blood is purified and bones also become strong. Those who cannot eat spinach or are extremely weak should consume one glass of raw or boiled spinach juice everyday. The soup of any vegetable or leafy vegetable is easily digestible. It provides instant energy to a weak person, as it is easily digestible.

Spinach cures dental problems:

Consuming one glass of boiled spinach soup or eating it in the form of vegetable everyday cures dental problems. Soup of carrot and spinach cures the problem of bleeding gums. The gums become strong and the teeth last for a longer time.

Spinach is beneficial in urinary disorders:

Spinach is extremely beneficial in urinary disorders. Mix the spinach juice along with coconut water and consume it everyday, this helps excretes urine properly. Some people have the complaint of less or excess urination after meals, this problem is also cured because spinach has the quality of balancing the less or excess urination.

Spinach is beneficial in respiratory diseases:

Spinach is very beneficial in respiratory diseases. Drink the juice of raw spinach leaves and eat the raw leaves in the form of salad. This provides relief to patients suffering with respiratory problems. Spinach and honey cure the problems of throat, tuberculosis and asthma and remove the phlegm accumulated in the lungs. This gives energy to the lungs, so they start functioning normally. Spinach juice cures the burning sensation in the throat.

Spinach is the best medicine for constipation:

Spinach is the best medicine for constipation. It works as a purifier of the digestive system. Regular consumption of spinach juice automatically cleans the digestive system. It easily removes the toxic substances present in the intestine and also provides nutrition to the intestines. It is very important to remember that constipation is a serious disease and leads to almost all other diseases. If you want to remain healthy then eat spinach everyday.

Spinache is useful for pregnant women:

Green leaves of spinach are very useful for expecting mothers. The abundant quantity of iron is beneficial for both the child and the mother. Spinach contains vitamin A, which is extremely beneficial for pregnant women. It is very useful for increasing the breast milk. A pregnant woman should drink at least one glass of spinach juice everyday.

Precautions:

Spinach leaves should be washed properly before cooking. Spinach contains oxalic acid. Kidney patients should consume spinach with a little care. It may cause wind (vayu) related problems; therefore it should not be consumed as much in the rainy season.

Miracles of Yoga in Improving Memory Power

When you fail to remember something, which you have read, heard or seen, and cannot remember despite several efforts then it is called loss of memory power or forgetfulness. People of all age groups are suffering due to this problem. There are a number of reasons for this problem. For example, mental tension, excessive mental work or not using memory at all, busy schedule throughout the day, physical and mental weakness or serious head injury.

Yogic exercises are helpful in improving memory power and reducing forgetfulness. Practice the following yogic exercises with the feeling that the memory power is improving and forgetfulness is reducing. Also take a balanced diet and chew you food nicely, as it helps to improves memory. Remember all the things done throughout the day in a chronological order. This exercise will also help improve memory power.

YOGA ASANA

Yoga asanas provide excellent strength, both physical and mental. Regular practice of these exercises develops the physical and mental capabilities, which improve the memory power, grasping power and intelligence. Sarvangasana and Bhujangasana are the two main asana for improving memory. Regular practice of these asanas cure all one's physical and mental related problems, and thereby improve the memory power.

SARVANGASANA

Regular practice of this asana supplies pure blood to the brain. It makes the pituitary and pineal glands healthy, and activates the brain. It increases the memory power, grasping power and intelligence, especially among children. It activates the thyroid and pituitary glands, which result in height increase.

This is beneficial for increasing height as it activates the thyroid and pituitary glands. It cures tiredness, weakness and obesity in children. It makes the eyes, ears, nose and other organs healthy. It improves the digestive system, activates the intestines, liver and increases the digestive fire. It cures enlarged liver, swelling, hysteria, hydrosil, hernia and constipation.

Method:

1. Lie down straight on your back. The legs should be together, join the hands to the sides and rest the palms on the ground.

2. Inhale and raise the legs at 30 degrees upwards, then 60 degrees and then 90 degrees. You can support the back while lifting the legs. If the legs cannot be kept straight at 90 degrees take them back at 120 degrees and rest the hands at the back. The elbows should rest on the ground. The eyes should be closed, or otherwise look at your toes. In the beginning it can be done for 2 minutes and then slowly increase the time up to half an hour.

3. While coming back, keep the legs straight and bend backwards slightly. Remove both the hands from the back and rest them straight on the ground. Now, press the floor with the palms and get up in the same position as you had lied down, first back and then the legs should be laid straight on the floor. The duration for Sarvangasan and Shavasan should be the same.

Caution:

Avoid this asana in case of neck and back pain.

BHUJANGASANA

This rejuvenating asana is also beneficial for improving memory power. It cures backache, sciatica pain, slip disc, cervical spondalitis and other spinal problems.

It strengthens the thyroid, para-thyroid glands. It is useful in case of asthma.

It strengthens the liver and is useful in case of loss of appetite, acidity, diabetes and other stomach related problems. It makes the backbone flexible and healthy.

Method:

Lie down on your stomach; keep the palms on the ground on both sides of the chest. The elbows should be lifted upwards and the shoulders should be close to the chest.

The legs should be straight and joined together. The palms should be stretched facing the spine and resting on the ground. Inhale and raise the chest and head upwards. The area below the navel should rest on the ground. Raise the head and move the neck backwards as much as you can. Remain in this position for 30 seconds. Repeat as many times as you can.

Caution:

Do not practice this asana in case of hernia.

PRANAYAMA

Regular practice of pranayama along with asana is helpful for all round development and improvement of the memory power.

Bhastrika, Kapalbhati and Brahmari Pranayama are the best for this. They improve the memory power and cure forgetfulness. Please note that the descriptions below are summaries. Please look up the articles on the specific pranayama for detailed instructions.

KAPALBHATI PRANAYAMA

This pranayama supplies pure life energy to the brain. It increases the blood circulation in the brain and removes blood clots thereby improving the memory power. Other than this, the toxic and foreign substances from the body are evacuated. It cures cold catarrh, sinusitis, allergy, tension and other diseases. It is very useful in cases of phlegm, skin disease, asthma, heart disease, high and low blood pressure, depression, tiredness, laziness, sleeplessness, migraine, joint pain, etc. Obesity, diabetes, constipation, indigestion, gastric problem, disinterest and other disease are cured and it gives vitality. As a result the whole body becomes healthy and disease free.

Method:

Be seated in a comfortable posture. Padmasana (crossed leg) and Vajrasana are the ideal yoga postures to practice pranayama. Place your hands on your knees. Feel relaxed. Focus on your breathing pattern.

Take a deep breath in and then release the breath out. Now inhale slowly and exhale with a great force. Your abdominal muscles should get expanded when you inhale and get contracted when you exhale.

The exhalations should be forceful. This exercise is similar to that of blowing your nose. The process of inhalation and exhalation should be constant. Make sure that while exhaling, you are throwing the air out from the lungs with full force.

Do not take much effort while inhaling the air. Complete the procedure of Kapalbhati pranayama by deep inhalation and exhalation.

You have successfully completed one round of Kapalbhati pranayama. A learner can do 3 rounds of Kapalbhati pranayama by doing 15 exhalations in each round. Take small breaks between each round. You can increase the number of exhalations and rounds of pranayama as per your convenience.

BHASTRIKA PRANAYAM

Health improves when the brain gets pure life energy. The prana and mind become stable, nervous weakness is cured and memory power improves. It cures the tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha) and problems arising from brain. This cures forgetfulness. It improves appetite. It is beneficial in case of low blood pressure, depression, sleeplessness, knee pain, cold catarrh, headache, diabetes, obesity, loss of appetite and asthma.

It cures thyroid and tonsils and other throat related diseases.

It strengthens the heart and lungs. It is helpful in case of arousal of kundalini and prana.

Method:

Sit in Padmasana. Inhale with full strength and exhale from both the nostrils as strongly as you can. Repeat inhaling and exhaling. Rest when you are tired or exhale completely after practicing this for 30-40 times.

Now place the hand near the nose and close the left nostril. Breathe from right nostril. Breathe in as much as you can, put Jalandhar Bandh followed by Moolbandh. Stop the breathe for some time. Remove the bandh and exhale from left nostril. This is one cycle of Bhastrika Pranayam. Repeat two to three times.

Caution:

Do not shake the body while inhaling and exhaling. Do not practice it in case of high blood pressure, piles, acidity of perspiration due to heat.

BRAHMARI PRANAYAMA

It cures brain generated problems, tension, worries, anger, sleeplessness, depression and other problems and improves the memory power. It cures anxiety and is useful in case of restlessness, high blood pressure, heart disease etc.

It cures diabetes, obesity, asthma, nervous weakness, and improve the memory power.

It is beneficial in case of gynecological diseases. It cures vata, pitta, kapha and other problems. It is also beneficial in case of headache, cold catarrh, etc.

Method:

Sit in Padmasana and exhale from the nostrils slowly. Then inhale slowly. Inhale as much as you can and while exhaling produce a nasal sound. As if you are trying to produce the ma sound while chanting Om or like the honeybee whirling around the flowers. Produce this sound and exhale. Try to make this sound as sweet as possible. Close the ears with the thumbs in order to block the external noises and keep the fingers on the forehead. Inhale and exhale and produce the sound. Repeat this exercise for five minutes.

Caution:

Do not shake the body while inhaling and exhaling. Do not practice it in case of high blood pressure, piles, acidity or perspiration due to heat.

OMKAR CHANTING

Omkar chanting improves the memory power. It increases the mental strengths. It arouses the Kundalini. It establishes contacts with the extraterrestrial powers.

Method:

Omkar is very significant in our lives. The letters A, U and M collectively make this word. The joint powers of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are included in this word. Om is powerful and spread in the entire universe but we cannot experience it. Om should be chanted for introspection, produce energy in the body and circulate the strength.

Inhale and chant A (ah), then close the mouth and say U (oo) and then close and say M (im).

Stressing on the letter A, U and M cures the diseases of stomach, chest and brain respectively.

It is useful for improving the memory power.

Ayurveda Tips

Proximity to nature on one hand helps a person maintain physical health and remain disease-free. On the other hand, practice of yoga gives several health related benefits. Both healthy and unhealthy people can follow these simple tips and lead happy and healthy life:

Drink one or two glasses of water kept in a copper container after waking up in the morning. If copper container is not available, use pure fresh drinking water. Drink water (at least three cups) every two hours.

Practice brisk walking for 30 minutes daily after morning chores. Spend some time doing yoga asana, pranayama, surya namaskara, gardening, swimming or any other exercise of your choice.

Chew your food properly before swallowing and do not speak while eating. Eat sufficient food and do not fill the stomach completely. Take two meals a day, seven hours apart.

The best time for meals is before 11 a.m and 7 p.m. Soak grains, pulses and dry fruits overnight and use. The food should include 1/3rd portion of grains and pulses and the rest should include green vegetables. Take 20 percent cooked food and 80 percent raw food.

Use low cholesterol oil for cooking and that too in very minimum quantity. Eat raw fruits, vegetables, sprouts, green leafy vegetables, seasonal fruits, salad, and fruit juice, coriander and mint chutney. The chapattis should be made with whole-wheat flour, eat unpolished rice and drink soup. Steam cooked food is also healthy.

Take lukewarm water mixed with lemon juice and honey instead of tea, take diluted curd or buttermilk instead of milk and jaggery in place of sugar.

Sit in Vajrasana for 10 to 15 minutes after every meal.

Use a hard bed to sleep on and a very thin flat pillow. Try to overcome all the worries before going to bed.

Lie down turning to your left after eating. There should be a gap of 15 minutes between meals and sleeping time.

Take deep breath and sit straight. It is a good practice to clean your stomach two to four times a day and take bath with cold or fresh water twice daily. Massage the hands after taking bath and try to dry the water. Then use a towel. Offer prayers twice daily; once before sunrise and again before bedtime.

Take salt, sugar, spices, pulses, clarified butter, ice cream, cooked food, potato etc. in limited quantity. Avoid wearing high-heeled sandals, shoes, watching television or cinema in excess and practicing tiring exercises.

Avoid tea, coffee, smoking, alcohol, and other such practices. Avoid refined flour and things made with it, polished rice, non-vegetarian food, processed food, adulterated food containing added colours, artificial food, etc.

Avoid consumption of dalda, oil, artificial food or cold drinks (soft drinks); do not eat unwillingly, in a worried state, when ill, or without feeling hungry. Do not eat very hot or very cold food. Protect yourself from noise, wind, and water. Use of harmful cosmetics, artificial fabrics, and soaps should be reduced.

Drink water half an hour before and after meals.

Do not take sleeping pills, in case of sleeplessness, place a wet towel on the stomach (soak it in water and squeeze the water) and cover the body with a blanket or light quilt. Avoid meals at very late hours. Avoid being awake late in the night, or eating heavy or fried food.

Rinse the mouth thoroughly after every meal.

Brush your teeth in the morning and night. Chew carrot, radish, coconut, sugar cane, aniseed, and sesame etc. to strengthen the teeth.

Eat food rich in mineral and vitamin; including lemon juice, myrobalan, papaya, guava, tomato, carrot, etc.