Obesity

Obesity is a condition in which individual is significantly overweight. Excessive body fat is accumulated on the belly, buttocks, breasts and thighs. This may lead to diabetes, hypertension and arthritis.
causes:
         mainly due to absence of physical activity. Other causes may be sleeping during the day, intake of Kapha - increasing foods (heavy, sweet, cooling and unctuous food in excess). Over intake of food.
Heredity and Pathology are rare causes 

Pathogenesis
         Body is made of 7- Dhatus {Rasa (Lymph), Rakta (Blood), Maans (Muscle), Meda( Fat), Asthi (Bones), Majja (Nervous System)Shukra (Reproductive System)}. But in Obese fellow Meda is excessively nourished and remaining other Dhatus get malnourished. Kapha gets accumulated in between. Roll of medicines with dietary correction is to remove obstructed Kapha and let all Dhatusnourish equally. When Kapha increases in abnormal fashion, Fat metabolism gets hampered and person becomes Obese.

Three important points for loosing weight:

1. Controlling eating habits.
2. Regular exercise.
3. Avoiding the causes of weight gain

A diet that helps to lose weight:
 

• Early morning - A glass of warm water mixed with the juice of half a lemon. A teaspoonful of honey can be added if you like.
 
• Breakfast - Wheat or Mung (green beans) sprouts and one cup skimmed milk.
 
• Mid morning- A glass of orange, pineapple or carrot juice.
 
• Lunch - Salad of raw vegetables such as carrot, beet, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes. In case you can not digest raw vegetables, either steam or boil them. Whole grain bread or whole wheat chapatis (Indian recipe) and a glass of buttermilk. It will be good to add some roasted cumin seeds, green coriander leaves, a little salt and some grated ginger in the butter milk.
 
• Mid afternoon - Coconut water or dry fruits or lemon tea or vegetable soup.
 
• Dinner - Whole grain bread or chapatis, steamed vegetables and any seasonal fruit except banana and apple.

Diet and Regimen:

• Avoid cold drinks, fatty fried foods and chocolates.
• Fruits and green vegetables are low calorie foods, so over weight persons should use these more frequently include the green leafy vegetables, sprouted moong beans in your salad. Salad is to be taken without any dressing . If you want relish it, take it with lemon juice and salt. Salad should form a major part of meals
• One should avoid intake of too much salt . Salt may be a factor for increasing the body weight.
• Milk products like cheese, butter should be avoided because these are rich in fat. Meat and non-vegetarian foods should also be avoided.
• Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful for loosing weight.
• Avoid red meat (lamb/pork/beef) but be on white meat (chicken/fish). 
• Avoid Smoking/ drinking alcohol. 
• Do not drink water immediately after meals. Drink it after half an hour. Try to drink warm water. 
• 'Honey' - Taking honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body and puts it into circulation which is utilized as energy for normal functions. One should start with small quantity of about 10 GMs. or a tablespoonful to be taken with hot water. It is good to take it in early morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.
• Exercise
  Exercise is an important part of weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat. In addition, it also relieves tension and tones up the muscles of the body. Walking daily for half an hour is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming and rowing. Increase physical activities in daily life. 

Herbs 
Herbs like amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaka (Terminalia belericia), Guggul are effective.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Ayurvedic Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction 
Ayurveda defines Erectile dysfunction or ED as follows.

Sankalpapravano nityam priyaam vashyaamapi sthreeyam ||
na yaathi lingashaithilyaath kadaachidyaathi vaa yadi |
Shwaasaarthaha swinnagaatrshcha moghasankalpacheshtitaha ||
mlaanashishnashcha nirbeejaha syodetat klaibyalaxanam |

This means even though a man has a strong desire to perform sexual act with a cooperative partner, he cannot perform sexual act because of looseness (absence of erection) of his phallus (penis). Even if he performs sexual act with his determined efforts he does not get erection and gets afflicted with tiredness, perspiration and frustration to perform sex. 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) thus is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. Erectile dysfunction may sometimes be even termed as "impotence". The term "erectile dysfunction" can mean the inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or the ability to achieve only brief erections. 
Physiology of Erection 
The two chambers of penis (corpora cavernosa,) which run throught the organ are filled with spongy tissue. The corpora cavernosa are surrounded by a membrane, called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and arteries. The urethra, which is the channel for urine and semen runs along underside of the corpora cavernosa ... 
Due to sensory or mental stimulation, or both, the erection begins. Due to impulses from brain and local nerves the muscles of corpora cavernosa relax and allow blood to flow in and fill the spaces of spongy tissue.  
The flow of blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps trap the blood in the chambers, thereby sustaining erection. When muscles in the penis contract to stop the inflow of blood and open outflow channels, erection recedes. 
In ayurveda physiology of erection and ejaculation is described as follows

Vrishunow basthimedram cha naabhyuuru vankshnow gudam |
Apaanasthaanamantrasthaha shukra mootra shakrunti cha ||

The 'apaanavayu' one of the five types of vayu is located in the testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groin, anus and colon. Its functions are ejaculation of semen, voiding of urine and stools.  
Shushruta explains the process of erection and ejaculation as  - When a man has desire (iccha) to have sex, his response to touch increases. (Vayu located in skin causes flow of signals from skin to brain, thus causing sensation of touch). This causes arousal or 'harsha' . Arousal or Harsha intensifies actions of vayu and at this moment highly active vayu liberates the 'teja' or heat of pitta. Thus tejas and vayu increase body temperature, heart beat and blood flow causing erection.  
Causes of ED  
Erection requires a sequence of events. Erectile dysfunction can occur when any of the events is disturbed. Nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, around the penis and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and around the corpora cavernosa constitute this sequence of events. Injury to any of these parts which are part of this sequence (nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, fibrous tissue) can cause ED.  
Lowered Level of Testosterone Hormone: The primary male hormone is testosterone. After age 40, a man's testosterone level gradually declines. About 5% of men that doctors see for erectile dysfunction have low testosterone levels. In many of these cases, low testosterone causes lower sexual interest, not erectile dysfunction. 
The whole male body responds to testosterone.  
Even sushruta has illustrated about this response of body to the element 'Shukra' . He has said

"yatha payasi sarpistu goodashchekshow raso yatha shareereshu tatha shukram nrinaam vidyaadhbishagwara"

This means " The shukra (the element which helps in reproduction) is present all over the body. 
This can be explained with the following examples.

1.     The ghee is present in milk in an invisible form. This is extracted from milk using many processes.

2.     The sugar is present all over the sugarcane. It is extracted by subjecting the sugarcane to number of processes.

Same way shukra is present all over the body. But the cream of shukra (semen) comes out of the body only during the process of ejaculation. But this process of ejaculation needs a joyful union of mind and body. 
Decrease in production of 'Shukra' causes erectile dysfunction. 
Over Exertion - physically and mentally : Working for long hours in office, mental stress at office and home, short temperedness ,insufficient sleep cause erectile dysfunction.  
These causes are explained in Ayurveda as "shoka, chintaa, bhaya, traasaat .... " which means that erectile dysfunction or Impotence occurs due to grief, fear, anxiety and terror. 
Strained relationship with sexual partner: Erectile dysfunction also occurs when there is a disliking towards sexual partner. 
Ayurveda describes this as "naarinaamarasamjnatwaat..." means disliking for women. 
Diseases that Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Neurological disorders, hypothyroidism, Parkinson's disease, anemia, depression, arthritis, endocrine disorders, diabetes, diseases related to cardiovascular system also become reasons for erectile dysfunction.. 
According to ayurveda the diseases which cause erectile dysfunction are "Hritpaandurogatamakakaamalashrama..." - Heart diseases , anemia , asthma , liver disorders , tiredness .Apart from these the imbalance in tridoshas also cause impotence or erectile dysfunction. 
Consumption of medicines, drugs and tobacco: Using anti-depressants, tranquilizers and antihypertensive medicines for a long time, addiction to tobacco especially smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, addiction to cocaine, heroin and marijuana cause erectile dysfunction.
In Ayurveda texts these causes have been said in brief as "rukshamannapaanam tathoushadham" - "dry food, drinks and medicines" cause impotence or erectile dysfunction. 
Trauma to pelvic region: accidental injury to pelvic region and surgeries for the conditions of prostate, bladder, colon, or rectal area may lead to erectile dysfunction. 
These causes are mentioned as abhighata (trauma), shastradantanakhakshataha(injury from weapons, teeth and nail.) in Ayurveda. 
Other reasons
Obesity, prolonged bicycle riding, past history of sexual abuse and old age also cause Erectile dysfunction. 
Ayurveda describes the cause of impotence or erectile dysfunction due to old age as follows. " diminution of - tissue elements, strength, energy, span of life, inability to take nourishing food, physical and mental fatigue lead to impotence"
Remedies for ED
ED is treatable at any age. The total treatment in for impotence is called asVajikarana therapy in Ayurveda. As this therapy increases the strength of a man to perform sexual act, like a horse, it is called 'Vaajikarana'. (' Vaaji' = Horse.)
Vaajikarana therapy leads to 
Happiness. 
Good strength. 
Potency to produce offspring. 
Increased span of erection. 
Eligibility for Vajikarana therapy:

1.     The vajikarana therapy should be administered to persons who are between 18 to 70 years of age.

2.     These therapies should be administered only to a self controlled person. If this therapy is administered to a person who does not have self control, he becomes nuisance to society through his illegitimate sex acts.

Psychotherapy 
Decreasing anxiety associated with intercourse, with psychologically based treatment helps to cure ED. The patient's partner can help with the techniques, which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when ED from physical causes is being treated. 
Same treatment is illustrated in Ayurveda. It has been said 'A woman who understands a man and is liked by him, along with erotic environment act as best aphrodisiac.' 
Drug Therapy  
Numerous herbal preparations are mentioned in Ayurveda to treat ED or impotence. It has been said that people who have strong sexual urge, who want to enjoy sex regularly have to consume these preparations regularly to replenish the energy, vigor, stamina and strength. These preparations also supply the nutrients which are necessary for production of semen. 
Ayurveda tips to overcome ED 
Erectile dysfunction which is a very common complaint can be generally rectified by following few simple steps. Here goes the list of simple but effective tips to rectify erectile dysfunction.

• Avoid consumption of alcohol. If you are addicted to alcohol restrict the intake. Alcohol acts on central nervous system and causes erectile dysfunction.
• Keep away from smoking. Men who smoke suffer from erectile dysfunction than men who do not. It is evident from researches. Smoking causes formation of plaques in arteries (atherosclerosis) which obstruct the blood flow.
• Avoid working for long hours. Take a break from regular routine at week ends and spend time with your partner.
• Practice Yoga and meditation regularly to keep away anxiety, depression and stress. Meditation and Yoga are best stress busters.
• Do not have the fear of not getting hard erections or do not doubt your ability to satisfy your partner. It will lead to psychological ED.
• Happy and comfortable atmosphere at home is very essential to stimulate sexual desire and keep sexually healthy.
• Exercise regularly and daily. Brisk walk for 45 minutes is the best exercise which keeps the cardiovascular system healthy. Researches have shown that the incidences of erectile dysfunction are less in men who regularly exercise.
• Weight reduction helps to increase testosterone level and increases sexual energy and stamina. Weight reduction helps to keep hypertension and diabetes in control. Diabetes causes erectile dysfunction and anti hypertensive medications may cause erectile dysfunction.
• Marijuana, heroin, cocaine etc cause erectile dysfunction. Withdrawing from addiction to the above mentioned substances really helps in increasing erections and sexual stamina.
• Reduce the frequency of masturbation. Masturbating twice in a week is ideal. .
• Massage whole body with herbal oil at least once in a week. This increases sexual energy and stamina. Body massage (abhyanga) is mentioned as the best aphrodisiac in Ayurveda.
• Sleep at least for 8 hours a day. Body gets energized with good sleep.
• Do not control natural urges. Empty your bladder before going to bed with your partner.
• Take all steps to prevent indigestion and constipation. Indigestion and constipation vitiate doshas and cause diseases. Hard erections will not occur when body is not healthy.
• Avoid hot, spicy and bitter foods which imbalance vata . According to Ayurveda imbalanced vata causes erectile dysfunction.
• Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intercourses.
• Regularly consume Vajikarana Preparations. Vajikarana preparations always keep men sexually healthy.

Home Remedy For Erectile dysfunction

• Consuming garlic is one of the best ways to treat sexual impotence. Chew two to three cloves of raw garlic, on a daily basis. In fact, you should include garlic in your regular diet.

• Onion is another very good vegetable to treat sexual impotence. It increases libido and strengthens reproducing organs. White onions are best for this purpose.

• Finely chop about 150 grams of carrots. Consume this, along with a half-boiled egg, dipped in a tablespoon of honey, once everyday. This will help increase sexual stamina.

• Take about 5-10 gm root powder of Ladyfinger in a glass of milk. Add 2 tsp of mishri in this milk and drink it. This will prove helpful in improving sexual vigor.

• Put 15 gm dried roots of asparagus in a glass of milk. Have this milk two times in a day. It will be useful in treating both sexual impotency and premature ejaculation.

• In 250ml of boiled milk, add 15 grams drumstick flowers. Prepare a soup from this decoction. Another effective way to use drumsticks would be to boil 120 gm of the powder of the dry bark in half a liter of water, for about half an hour. Yet another effective way would be to have 30 grams of this powder with a tablespoon of honey. Have this paste 3 times in a day.

• Ginger juice is beneficial in treating sexual impotence. Mix ½ tsp ginger juice with half boiled egg and honey. Have this mixture once every night. It is beneficial in curing impotency, premature ejaculation & spermatorrhoea.

• Dry fruits are effective in curing sexual impotency. Pound and mix equal quantities of dates, almonds, pistachios and quince seeds. 100 grams of this mixture, consumed on a daily basis, is said to increase sexual power.

• Wash 30 grams of black raisins in lukewarm water. Eat them with a glass of warm milk, daily. Increase the quantity by 50 grams after some time.

• Mix jambul fruit (Indian herb) with milk and add a little honey to it. Consume this mixture to treat impotence.

• Some of the items that help normalize hormonal imbalance and boost sexual craving are chickweed, ginseng, plantain and safflower. Include them in your diet.

• For female sterility, dry the roots of banyan tree and powder them into fine particles. Take about 20 gm of this powder with milk, in a ratio of 1:5. Have this for 3 consecutive nights after the menstrual cycle.

• Powder winter cherry herb. Consume 6 grams of this powder, with a cup of milk, for 5 to 6 days after menstruation.

• Including lots of seeds, fruits, nuts, grains, fresh green vegetables and fresh fruits in the diet is helpful in treating sexual impotence.

Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intercourses.

Source : Dr. Savitha Suri

Medicinal Use of Flowers at Home

Kamal (Lotus): There is a strong relationship between the lotus and Goddess Lakshmi (signifying richness and wealth). The lotus represents growth in nature. The honeybee makes honey with its pollens and the flower is used to prepare Gulkand. Gulkand is used as a medicine to cure constipation and other diseases. One can see green colored seeds inside the lotus flower, which are roasted to make makhana. If the raw seeds are peeled and taken as a medicine, it increases strength and vigor. It is cold in nature. It is used as eyeliner along with honey to improve the eyesight. The lotus leaves can be used as a cosmetic as well. Grind the lotus leaves and mix them with the ubatan (a pack made out of gram flour, raw milk, curd and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder) and apply on the face. Rub it gently on the face, the skin glows and the face looks beautiful.

Kewda (Pandanus): It has a nice fragrance like Kasturi (musk). This flower removes odors and fills the atmosphere with fragrance. Kewda oil is beneficial for respiratory problems and provides vitality. Its perfume relieves headache and gout pain. Boil the flowers in water and take bath with this water, it is very beneficial in cases of leprosy, itching, small pox and heart diseases. A few drops of this flower added to water gives relief in headache and tiredness. In case of fever one drop of kewda essence helps the sweat to come out and the body temperature comes down. In case of severe pain in the ear, place two drops of its perfume in the ear. It will instantly relieve the pain.

Rose: Rose represents beauty, love and affection. The gulkand made out of rose is purgative in nature and reduces the heat in the intestines and stomach. It makes the heart and mind cheerful. Wash the eyes with rose water to reduce the redness of the eyes and swelling. Its perfume is vitalizing and its oil makes the mind cool. A few drops of rose essence is used in sweet dishes. It provides coolness during the hot summer season.

Champa (fragrant yellow flower): Grind champa flowers and apply it on the skin affected with leprosy. A few drops of this flower destroy the germs present in the blood. Dry the flowers and make a fine powder, use this powder to get relief from itching. Champa cures fever, improves the eyesight and gives strength and energy to men.

Aniseed (Saunf): Aniseed contains a lot of beneficial qualities. Boil the aniseed flowers in water; add cardamom and a few mint leaves in the water. It is better to boil the leaves in a ceramic pot and keep the water aside. When the water gets cold, give one teaspoon to small children and to babies who are getting new teeth and those who are suffering from extreme heat. This reduces the stomachache and the teeth will also grow in the correct manner.

Marigold(Gainda): Grow marigold flowers near dirty ponds and near the surroundings of the house to protect the house from mosquitoes. It is also beneficial in liver diseases, swelling of the liver, stones and skin diseases.

Jasmine: This flower possesses a very good fragrance and grows especially in the summer season. Decorate the house with Jasmine flowers. You can keep a garland near you or in a vase, which will give freshness and fragrance. Its smell reduces the burning sensation. Women who have the problem of mild menstruation should chew a few petals of this flower. The menses cycle will become regular and the menstruation also becomes normal.

Night Queen: Commonly known as 'Raat ki Rani' possesses an extremely good fragrance, which can be felt from a long distance. The flower produces fragrance from evening to midnight and after that it gradually reduces. Another advantage of this flower is that mosquitoes are kept at bay. Its fragrance makes the person drowsy and puts one to sleep.

Sunflower(Suraj Mukhi): Sunflower contains vitamins A and D. It cures diseases which occur due to sunlight. Its oil is especially beneficial for heart patients and it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Chameli: Oil of this flower is used in skin diseases, pyaria, toothache, wounds, eye diseases, boils, etc. It increases the blood flow and activates the entire body. In case of mouth ulcers chewing the leaves of Chameli provide instant relief. This flower also contributes in providing mental happiness.

Saffron: This flower gives happiness and glowing skin. It gives strength, stops vomiting and destroys wind, bile and phlegm related problems (all the three dosha disorders). Saffron cools down the anxiety and stress present in different systems. Hence it is also known as a natural tranquilizer. It gives vigor, strength, activity and glow if consumed along with betel leaf.

Ashok: It is also known as Madan tree. The flowers, skin and leaves of Ashoka tree are highly beneficial for women and are used as medicine to cure several diseases. Its powder has the potential to cure most of the diseases related to women.

Palash (Forest Flame): It is considered to represent immense beauty because of the yellow flowers which grow on the tree in bunches. The tree looks very attractive from a distance. It is also called Forest Flame due to this quality. Its powder can cure any type of stomach problem. Boil the flowers in water and make a fine paste, keep this paste on the lower part of the belly to cure problems of stones. In case of acute pain due to the presence of stones or painful urination this medicine is highly beneficial.

China Rose (Gudhal): This flower is related to the uterus. Roast this flower in ghee and consume it after your menstruation cycle. This will protect the pregnancy. Chew a few China rose flowers to cure mouth ulcers. If you are suffering baldness or loss of hair, make a fine paste with these flowers and apply it on the scalp. It gives coolness and purifies the blood. It can be taken in the form of squash or Gulkand to cure Sujak (gonorrhoea) disease. China Rose squash is especially beneficial and makes a person happy and cheerful.

Shankhpushpi (Blue creeper): It is also known as 'Vishnukanta' and is found in summer season and appears to be some kind of grass. Grind the flowers, leaves and stem. Mix the paste with water and add honey or sugar candy. This medicine is extremely good for refreshing the mind and overcoming lethargy. Students are advised to take this regularly to cope up with stress, burden and competition.

Acacia: Grind the leaves of Acacia tree and apply on the head to get rid of headache. Apply the paste on skin affected with eczema and ringworm; it is beneficial for skin diseases. It also gives relief in cough and respiratory problems. Gargling with the acacia leaves helps stop tooth decay.

Neem: Grind the flowers of the neem tree and make a fine paste, apply this on boils and wounds to reduce burning sensation and heat. Rub the paste on the body and take bath, this is good to cure ringworm problem. Neem leaves are also useful for reducing weight. Grind the flowers, mix the paste in water and sieve it nicely. Regular consumption of this solution reduces weight and purifies the blood. It protects the body from infectious diseases. Neem has many uses and hence is also known as 'doctor of the home'.

Clove: This destroys the bacteria present in the pancreas and intestines. It increases the white blood cells and thereby the resistance power of the body. It also stops bad breath. It works like a painkiller, in case of pain in any part of the body. Rub the clove on a grinding stone and apply the paste on the painful area. Suck a clove incase of severe pain in the teeth. Smoking clove excretes all the unwanted elements through sweat.

Juhi (a kind of Jasmine): Make Gulkand or powder from the Juhi flowers. This medicine is beneficial for acidity, stomach ulcer and mouth ulcers. Living under the proximity of a Juhi tree protects one from tuberculosis.

Madhawi (Basil, a kind of creeper, which gives fragrant flowers): This flower is beneficial to cure skin diseases. Prepare powder from these flowers and apply the lep (pack) on the affected area. In case of arthritis, chew these flowers in the morning. It also controls respiratory problems.

Harsingar or Parijat (Coral Tree): This flower cures arthritis. The face pack made with these flowers gives glowing skin. Its sweet smell makes the mind cheerful.

Swallow-wart (medicinal plant - Aak): This flower removes phlegm and burning sensation. In case of jaundice, keep a few flowers in one or two betel leaves and give it to the patient. This medicine is very beneficial for this disease.

Kadamb: It is also known as Madan tree. If the cattle are suffering from some disease, keep the flowers and leaves in the cattle shed; the disease will not affect the cattle. It grows in rainy season and was the favorite tree of the 'gopikas' of Lord Krishna.

Kachnar (flowers of this tree are used as a vegetable): The bud of this tree blossoms in rainy season. The buds are useful in controlling the urge to pass bowels at small intervals. You can also make a poultice from the skin and flowers along with water and apply it on burn wounds and boils.

Shirish (Acacia tree): It is a wild tree possessing a nice fragrance. Its fragrance coming along with the wind refreshes the mind and makes a person happy. In case of itching sensation, grind the flowers and apply on the paste on the affected area. Prepare a decoction of the flowers and wash the eyes, this is useful for any type of eye problem.

Naagkesar (medicinal tree): It looks like clove. It destroys itching sensations. Make a powder of these leaves and consume it with butter or curd, this is beneficial in bleeding piles. It is also beneficial for conceiving a child.

Bakul (tree with fragrant leaves): The flowers of this tree are mixed with oil and used to make perfumes. Make powder of the flowers and apply it on the skin. This will make your skin becomes smooth. The squash of these flowers cures infertility in women. Use the stem of this tree for brushing teeth; it cures all dental problems.

Amaltaas (purgative medicinal plant): It grows in the summer season and the yellow flowers of this plant grow in bunches. It is very pleasing to the eyes when seen from a distance. Gulkand of these flowers is beneficial to cure constipation. Excess consumption is harmful and can cause dysentery, cramps in the stomach and ill feeling.

Pomegranate: In case of bile related eruptions on the body, prepare the juice from the pomegranate flowers, add sugar candy and drink it. Suck the flowers to cure mouth ulcers. Pour the juice of pomegranate bud to cure conjunctivitis.

Source: Indian Devine