Monday, November 29, 2010

Herbal remedies for diabetes



VARANASI: How about turning to herbal remedies and medicinal plant derivatives for the treatment of diabetes? While modern medicine is making significant contributions in management and control of diabetic condition, there are a series of indigenously grown herbs and plant derivatives, known to be employed traditionally by local people in the treatment of diabetes, which even the ayurveda experts have found beneficial.

As per head, Department of Dravyaguna, BHU, KN Dwivedi, aloe vera-- a widely known household plant originating from arid countries and resembling the cactus-- is regarded as a 'healing herb.' The dried aloe vera sap and gel (taken from the inner portions of the leaves) are used traditionally to treat diabetes. Similarly, Coccinia indica, also known as the 'ivy gourd' that grows wild across the Indian subcontinent, has been traditionally employed in ayurverdic remedies, as the herb has been found to contain insulin-mimetic properties ( mimics the function of insulin). In addition, 'karela' or bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is known to help diabetics with insulin secretion, glucose oxidation and other processes.

The ayurveda experts also vouch for 'tulsi' leaves or basil (Ocimum sanctum), a herb employed in traditional ayurvedic practices, known for enhancing the functioning of beta cells and facilitate the insulin secretion process.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/Herbal-remedies-for-diabetes/articleshow/6921564.cms

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

About Ayurveda

From time immemorial, mankind has sought to retain health and youth in its quest for immortality. Tireless effort and ceaseless thought have been devoted to this pursuit over the millennia. The great seers of ancient India have enriched the world with two impressive legacies, Ayurveda and Yoga, which have made significant contributions to the art of healing, health and rejuvenation.

Ayurveda, the science of life and longevity also known as Indian system of medicine, epitomises the harmonious blending of the body, mind and spirit of the individual with the cosmos. Though many people term it as alternative or complementary medicine, it is older than so called allopathic system of medicine. According to Hindu mythology, Brahma, the Cosmic Creator, composed Ayurveda in a hundred thousand verses and presented it to humanity.

This ancient therapy, which is as old as the civilization which treasured it and which it nurtured, continues to flourish in this land south of the Himalayas. In a region rich in bio-diversity, this therapy with herbs, minerals etc. has stood the test of time and proven it to be the source if natures antidotes for all ailments of body and mind.

And for bonus - 2 videos about ayurveda for eyes:

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Morning Eye Routine and Yoga for Your Eyes



Morning Eye Routine
Every morning upon waking, fill your mouth with water and hold for a few seconds with your eyes closed. Spit it out and repeat 2-3 times.
Splash your eyes and face with cool or slightly warm water 10-15 times. Repeat again in the evening when you return from work or school.
Caution: Never use hot or icy water on the eyes. Also avoid abrupt temperature changes. For instance, if you're hot and sweaty, wait 10-15 minutes until your body adjusts before splashing cool water on your face and eyes.

Yoga for Your Eyes
If done daily, Yogic eye exercises are a gentle and effective way to prevent vision problems for developing. They are especially recommended for children, but adults can help prevent far-sightedness from developing in middle age, and even people who wear glasses can prevent their vision from getting worse.

Continue with your normal routine, if you already do yoga regularly, because most yogic exerises have a good effect on the eyes.

Yogic Eye Exercises
(for strengthening eye muscles and releasing stress)
Sit in the Sukhasana (easy pose) with your legs comfortably crossed and your spine, neck and head in a straight line. Look directly to the front at eye-level and breathe normally. This is the position of readiness.
Move your eyes upward to the ceiling and stay for two seconds. Look downwards and stay for two seconds. Close your eyes for two seconds.
Look toward the right side, as far as your eye will see, for two seconds. Look to the left side for two seconds. Look to the front again.
Close your eyes for 6-8 seconds.
This completes one round. Start with 2-3 rounds and increase up to four rounds.

Palming
(for releasing stress from the eyes)
- Rub both palms together quickly for 8-10 seconds. This friction creates a mild heat.
- Close the eyes and gently place the left palm over the left eye and the right palm over the right eye for one minute. Do not press the eyeballs with the palms, just let them gently rest there. Breathe in and out slowly to release stress.
- Repeat 2-3 times.

Other poses that strengthen the eyes include the Bhujangasana (snake pose), Surya Namaskara (sun salutes), and Shavasana (rest pose).