How to Avoid Side Effects of Ayurvedic Medicines

Ayurvedic medicines, majority of them don't cause any undesirable side-effects. Rare cases of side effects for Ayurvedic medicines can be attributed to improper methods of administration, poor timing, or dietary imbalance. Another reason can be manufacturing defects.

Ancient Ayurvedic scriptures like Charaka Samhita recommend the right methods of medicine administration, medicine combination, diet and controls on activities. They also give specific advice on manufacturing process, the desirable environment to prepare medicines, and hundred other factors that affect the quality of medicines.

The dos and donts of administration of medicines are clearly explained in Ayurvedic texts.

One don't is not to take Ayurvedic medicine when taking allopathic medicine. Though there are several exceptions to this case, the first thing you can do is to avoid Ayurvedic medicine while undergoing allopathic treatment and vice versa.

Ayurvedic medicines of high power are advised to take only for pre-determined number of days, weeks or months. If overdone, the favorable medicines show its undesirable side.

Some medicines are to be taken in the morning, some at mid day and some at night. There are specific reasons for the directions. The usage directions of a medicine are determined by the type of action the medicine does with your metabolism at different times of the day.

Presence of lead and lead poisoning in certain Ayurvedic formulations like Yogiraj Guggul was an apple of discord between Ayurvedic practitioners and general public. Lead has toxic property when used as such. But it also has medicinal properties which have to be brought forth by specialty processing, which lasts for many hours over a few days. Any short cuts taken here can cost heavily.

Another significantly important factor to look for in Ayurvedic medicines are the changes in environmental factors. At the time when Ayurvedic scripts were written and the knowledge passed down to generations, there were no pesticides in the air, water or earth. There were no vehicle fumes or smoke from factories. There were no acid rains. Dust was not a major problem.

Ayurveda Acharyas, would have never imagined present state of development and changes in environment. The plants that grow in this changed environment can have the unnecessary elements of modern environment. This also can be a reason for side-effects.

Organic farming of herbs in unpolluted environment, sticking to the preparation methods of Ayurvedic medicines as described in ancient text and proper administration of medicines ensure a no-side-effect Ayurvedic treatment.

(c) keralaayurvedics.com

Ayurvedic Diet For Summer

Summer always brings happiness along with bright sunny weather. The sunny weather is welcomed with different bright colored flowers and fruits. You may see many trees blossoming with cluster of flowers. It takes away the chillness of winters and sets you more active. No doubt that people enjoy summer as, it is time for family vacations. You can spend ample of time with your loved ones in the clusters of natures.

But now, with the rise in global warming, the temperatures in summers are unbearable. The climatic change leads to many ailments. According to Ayurveda, our body consists of three main elements- doshas – Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha. Pitta is composed of water and fire- hot. Thus, you need to balance your pitta during summers. The researchers- maharishi of Ayurveda have mentioned Ayurvedic diet in their scriptures, which is been followed from long time. Pitta agitates anger and imbalances the body composition. Thus, individuals with imbalanced pitta need to take extra care. We have mentioned Ayurvedic diet that will help to stay away from pitta dosha and enjoy your summers.

Water:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as it helps in flushing out all the toxic matter from the body. Seventy percent of our body is made up of water, thus it is necessary to keep our hydrated. Water is the major carrier of blood and oxygen to different organs of the body. It nourishes the red blood cells by providing them with nutrients.

Fruits and vegetables:

Include ample of fruits and vegetables in your regular diet. Eat fruits containing vitamin c, which will provide ample of energy. You can club lots of fruits and eat as a delicious fruit salad. Even blend some fruits to make fruit juices. Fresh fruit juices are rich source of carbohydrates and vitamins that is beneficial for good health. Fruits like watermelon, plums, mangoes, grapes, pears, and berries are good to beat summer heat.

Greasy and junk food:

Avoid food that is greasy, oily, and fried. The food that contains lot of spices and pungent taste should be kept away. Do not consume stale or leftover food, as they contain harmful bacteria. Eat fresh food that is cooked just an hour before. Consume lots of steamed vegetables rather than relishing on fried and cooked veggies.

Cut down the drinks:

Cut down the intake of coffee, tea, or carbonated drinks. Minimize the consumption of alcohol during summers. Carbonated drink contains acids that make your more dehydrated. Even the caffeine in coffee triggers the dehydration in your body. Replace all these harmful drinks with buttermilk, fruit juices, and traditional drinks- sherbet prepared from Indian gooseberry, kokum, and raw mangoes. You may also enjoy herbal tea, which provides amazing relaxation and stamina.

Apart from Ayurvedic diet, you can take some extra efforts to beat the sizzling summers like:

• Opt for cotton full sleeves clothes to protect your skin from heat and sweat.
• Apply sun block before you leave home, it will guard your skin from UV rays of sun.
• Carry ample of water with you to keep yourself hydrated.
• Do not grab any junk food that might cause uneasiness
• Keep some additional sweets to avoid loss of energy.

Follow these simple rules and enjoy the bright and sunny weather.

source: healthandsoul.com

More about Sreedhareeyam Clinical Research

Sreedhareeyam enters bravely into new generation eye care through extensive research that helps it makeAyurvedic Ayurvedic eye care relevant and ubiquitous in the future. In January 2002, the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Research and validate the treatment programs used in the institution.

Sreedhareeyam is engaged in the manufacture of Classical as well as Proprietary Ayurvedic Formulations. As part of our R & D activities we carry out work on the following areas:

• Product research
• Joint research

Ayurvedic Massage with Oil

Ayurveda is all about the science of holistic healing and it involves a complete plan to achieve the perfect health for all individuals. Despite the fact that it originated thousands of years ago, Ayurveda is equally pertinent in the current scientific world.

The Ayurvedic Massage takes away all physical suffering, controls several dreaded disabilities, wards off the middle age syndrome, retards the aging process and provides unlimited curative powers for body and mind by repairing the worn out tissues. It revitalizes the body, increases memory power, improves vigour and vitality and makes physically and mentally fit.

Ayurveda massage techniques provide relaxation, circulation and elimination of toxins. If adopted as a daily practice, Ayurvedic massage techniques can even help to rejuvenate the body. In ancient times, Ayurvedic practitioners and clinics did not commonly offer massages, as everybody gave and received it. Only when patients needed a particular treatment
were they referred to specialists that used the appropriate Ayurvedic techniques.

Ayurveda Massage techniques can also help to maintain a loving relationship between husband and wife. After this kind of soothing relaxation, it is easier to share and give love. Before a marriage an Ayurveda massage is one of the few ceremonies in the Hindu tradition that is compulsory even today so that bride and groom are especially beautiful on their wedding day.

Therapeutic Treatment
In allopathic medicine there is no proper treatment for diseases such as arthritis, spondylitis, lumbago, slip disc, frozen shoulder, stress & strain, sciatica etc. A variety of result-proven procedures are available in Ayurvedic medicine namely Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, Abhayangam, Shirodhara, Shirovasti, Elakizhi, Ubatan etc. for treating such problems.

Pizhichil
Pizhichil is a relaxing, soothing and rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment with medicated warm oil which is poured in a continuous stream for a definite period over the whole body (excluding head & neck). It is used to effectively treat arthritis, ageing, general weakness, paralysis etc. ‘Pizhichil’ and ‘Sarvangadhara’ are technically the same. ’Pizhichil’ literally means ‘squeezing’. Here, warm medicated oil is squeezed over the patient’s body from a piece of cloth that is periodically dipped in a vessel containing the oil. Pizhichil is recommended for diseases caused by a vitiation of the Vata humour - Pakshaghata (Hemiplegia), paralysis and muscle spasms – and other degenerative diseases that affect the muscles.


Njavarakizhi
Njavarakizhi is a therapy for all types of rheumatism, pain in the joints, wasting of muscles, skin disorders, convalescence period of injury and trauma, arthritis, general weakness, paralysis etc. After the application of medicated oil, your entire body is made to perspire by a whole body massage using medicated milk-porridge made into a bundle. It is an immuno-enhancing rejuvenation therapy. In addition to being a cure for various ailments, Navarakizhi revitalises your skin and makes it glow.

Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a unique Ayurvedic treatment where specific medicated oils are used to bathe the head in a regular stream for a definite period. It is an effective therapy for mental relaxation and cures insomnia, stress, depression, decreased mental agility etc. When medicated buttermilk replaces oil, the therapy is called Takradhara.

Shirovasti
Shirovasti is considered more of a palliative (Shamana) treatment than an eliminative (Shodhana) one. The treatment is usually preceded by oiling (Snehana) and sudation (Swedana). A leather sleeve of about six to eight inches in length is placed on the head of the patient and a band tied around the forehead to keep it in place. Kneaded dough is used to line the inside of this sleeve and ensure that it does not leak. Oil is then poured into the sleeve and allowed to remain on the head for a while. The length of time the oil should be kept there is determined by the severity of the disease. Usually it is up to fifty minutes for diseases caused by severe Vata disorders. This type of vasti improves the sensory functions. It also promotes kaphagenic secretions in the para-nasal sinus zone which reduce vascular congestion in the brain. This treatment is prescribed for disorders like facial paralysis, cataract, deafness, earache, insomnia and other diseases that afflict the cranial nerves. Shirovasti is extremely useful in vascular headaches, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders, memory loss, disorientation, glaucoma and sinus headaches.

Abhyangam
Abhyangam is a general Ayurvedic massage therapy for rejuvenation. This total body massage with herbal medicated oil is used to massage the body with specific implications to the 107 vital points (marmas) of the body. It helps to give better circulation, muscular tone, mental tranquility and better health maintenance. It tones up your skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. It increases Ojas (primary vitality) and thereby increases the resistance of your body. In addition to being beneficial for your eyes, Abhyanga gifts you with sound sleep. This is also a cure for rheumatism.

Elakizhi
Elakizhi is a therapy for revitalizing the skin. Herbal poultices are prepared with various herbs and medicated powder. Your entire body is massaged with these poultices after they are warmed in medicated oils. This promotes circulation and increases perspiration which in turn helps the skin eliminate the waste, thereby improving skin tone. It is also used to tackle joint pain, muscle cramps, stress and arthritis.

All the above-mentioned Ayurvedic treatments can be done in a perfectly healthy person as well so as to enhance his/her immunity, vitality and longevity of life. The above treatments can be offered in different combinations according to the physician’s direction. Each of these combinations gives a curative and rejuvenating effect after being undergone for definite periods and repeating at definite intervals.

Ubatan
Ubatan is a Beauty Massage. It is used to help the aged and special techniques have been developed for young mothers as well as babies.

Indian traditional Ayurvedic massage techniques are based on the Ayurvedic doshas and marmas (pressure points like in reflexology). Specific Ayurvedic massage therapies are used in certain therapeutic treatments like in Panchakarma purification.

If you would like to experience different ayurvedic massages and ayurvedic treatments, you are welcome to come to a Yoga and Ayurveda retreat to the Ashram.

Sreedhareeyam: Traditional Way of Treatment

A traditional way of treatment

Sreedhareeyam also offers traditional Ayurvedic treatment like Pizhichil, Dhara, Njavarakizhi, Steam Kizhi etc. They are administrated scientifically by qualified doctors and trained personnel. Other Ayurvedic procedures like Nasyam, Swedam, Dhara, Tharpanam etc. are also offered.

The expertise and knowledge of Dr. N. R P. Namboothiri and his committed team of doctors, nurses and staff have been greatly successful in treating many highly complicated diseases. To hundreds of patients who had undergone long periods of painful treatment in other disciplines of medicine, the treatment of their disease and recovery of eyesight at Sreedhareeyam has been a miracle. Sreedhareeyam today is a ray of hope for many who seek cure for their eye ailments. The hospital has a glorious history of success that speaks of the miraculous recovery of thousands from various diseases. Sreedhareeyam hopes to serve humanity further and better in the years to come.

Moulding brilliant minds

In order to meet high standards in human resources, Sreedhareeyam has a training institute where young are trained in Ayurvedic tradition of Sreedhareeyam. Sreedhareeyam has started a Government recognized Nursing School from April 2006. Fully equipped medicine manufacturing unit All medicines required for the treatment are prepared in Sreedhareeyam's own manufacturing unit. Medicines are tested at their own GMP certified lab before bottling and despatching to the hospital pharmacy.

Farm and herbarium

All the raw materials like dairy products, herbs and plants required for the preparation of medicines are obtained from the dairy and organic farm that Sreedhareeyam maintains.

Research center
The research center at Sreedhareeyam has a sophisticated lab facility. Here, trained and well qualified personnel are involved in recreating ancient medicinal methods and creating new formulations.

Library and knowledge center

Sreedhareeyam has a large collection of ancient manuscripts of medicinal preparations and treatment methods on Ayurveda in the library. These ancient palm leaves with inscriptions in old Malayalam and Tamil were handed down by the ancestors of the family. And efforts are underway to digitally preserve them.

Strategic Vision

Apart from eye care and treatment that Sreedhareeyam provides, the hospital is keen on the following goals:
1. Research and development in the field of Ayurvedic Ophthalmology.
2. Imparting training for future Ayurvedic practitioners.
3. Philanthropic activities with the goal of vision for the vision less.

Sunetra- the eye protector

Sunetra literally means "good vision". If you take good care of your eyes, you can avoid treatments. This, in minuscule, is the mission behind Project Sunetra.

Read more on Sreedhareeyam.com

Hair Care For You

The structure of hair is like the scales on the skin of a fish that has overlapping scales around a central core called the cortical. Smoother overlapping more shiny and smooth the hair looks. This also leads to easy combing while a tangled or roughed-up structure makes the hair look rough and dull.

Diet and lifestyle are two major factors that influence the health of the hair. Poor diet, illness and deficiencies of any particular vitamin and mineral affects the quality of hair and problems like dandruff, thinning, hair, balding, premature graying etc. spoil the hair.

In an individual the condition of the hair is a reflection of the complete constitution of him. If the person is not healthy then the health of the hair will be deplorable.

Example: If a person has vata constitution, the hairs are dark, dry, coarse, wiry or frizzy and tend to tangle easily, are prone to dullness, split ends and dandruff. The constitution comprising of Pitta has hair that is light brown, blonde or red and tend to grow gray or thin prematurely and are fine and silky with a tendency to become oily. Hairs are thick, wavy and shiny if the composition is of kapha.

Hair Tips
Regularly cleaning and brushing the hair is very important. When the hairs are brushed, oil-producing glands in the scalp get stimulated. This natural oil makes the hair glossy and healthy. To give extra shine to the hair, after washing rinse the hair with some lemon juice mixed in a cup of warm water.

Taking Care of Eyes

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 be the most important organ in our 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.

Source: health.indiamart.com