Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Heart Diseases

Useful Ayurvedic Herbs in the Treatment of Heart Diseases:

1. Alfalfa (Medicagosatina): The congestion of the arteries can be reduced with help of juice of Alfalfa. The juice has better effects if it is taken along with the juice of a fresh carrot.

2. Arjuna (Terminaliaarjuna): Arjuna has properties in increasing the stimulation to the heart. Its bark is used in Ayurveda for this purpose.

3. Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea): The digitalis herb is renowned all over the world for its benefits in heart care. The herb can stimulate the activity of all muscle tissues, including those of the heart. It improves the nourishment of the heart and rejuvenates the heart from its basic wear and tear. The digitalis herb also helps incorrecting problems that may occur in blood circulation to the heart.

4. Ephedra (Ephedra gerardiana): The ephedra has fantastic heart stimulating properties. It is especially beneficial in strengthening hearts that are damaged due to infections of pneumonia and diphtheria.

5. Garlic (Allium sativum): Rasona or garlic is most important substance helpful in alleviating vatadosha controlling blood pressure. It can break down the cholesterol accumulated in the coronary arteries. Having a few cloves of raw garlic every morning can also reduce the possibility of a heart attack.

Alternatively, a paste made of about 1gm of garlic should be mixed with a glass of buttermilk. Drink this buttermilk twice a day. It will bring your blood pressure down. Garlic lowers cholesterol and triglyceride that have impact on heart disease

6. Onion (Allium cepa): Scientists have proved the properties of the onion in allaying heart attacks. It also reduced thrombosis of the heart and reduces the accumulation of blood cholesterol.

Keep watching this space for health tips and much more, visit us at www.ayurvedaacademy.com

Hypothyroidism, An Ayurvedic Prospective

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the Thyroid gland is not secreting optimum amount of hormones, there are various causes.

The Thyroid’s main function is to maintain metabolism in the body.  Modern Medicine mentions the gland as early as the first century AD and states that its purpose is to lubricate the larynx.  The Thyroid was finally named in the 1600’s, at that time it was thought of as a beautification organ that filled the hollow spaces of the neck located on either side of the larynx. The thyroid was also thought of as a sort of valve that prevented excess blood flow to the brain.

Ayurveda had a different description.  Although the thyroid is not mentioned in the Vedic Texts however a disease called Galaganada is comparatively similar.  

Galaganada is described by Susutha as two big or small swelling in anterior angle of the neck.  Charaka mentioned it as a single swelling.

In the vedic texts there are specific nidana (causes) listed.  People that eat predominantly fish are at more risk.  Cold damp densely treed environment is listed as a contributor.  Water stagnation and heavy rains are also listed.

Hypothyroidism is not a localized disease, it affects many organs and systems due to it’s hormonal influence and that fact that it is responsible for kindling our bio fires or Agni.

When hypothyroidism is due to genetics it is considered “adibala Pravritta” and is considered Asadhya or non-curable.

If the condition is congenital it is considered “Jalakunbhi Pravritta Vyadhis” and this condition is preventable is if Pathya (things that are good) is followed during pregnancy and apathya (things to avoid) is also followed.

Pathya (do’s)

Coconut oil, Kelp, beetroot, radish, parsley, potato, oatmeal, banana’s are good.

Exercise 15 to 20 minutes per day minimum

Reduce stress

Yoga- Specifically:

shoulder stands. This puts pressure on the thyroid gland which has a large supply of blood.  Applying pressure will allow the thyroid to release stagnant hormonal secretions to function more normally.

Other Yoga poses (asana’s) to practice:

Marsyasana (fish pose)

Halasna (plough pose)

Sun salutations

Backward bending Poses (asana’s)

Apathya (avoid)

Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potato, lima beans, pearl millet, corn.

Smoking

Heavy foods.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism are non-specific and include a wide range encompassing many different systems.  Because of the non-specific nature of the symptoms, many times hypothyroidism goes undiagnosed.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism include but are not limited to the following because there is no stand alone characteristic symptoms:

vertigo, weight gain, mood swings, fatigue, lethargy, slow memory and thinking, intellectual disturbances, menstrual disturbances, rough dry skin, horse voice, muscle stiffness, constipation, cramps, weakness, thin brittle falling out hair, intolerance to cold weather, goiter, swelling of the neck.

As you can see the symptoms can be quite diverse and that is what leads to the mis-diagnosis.  Hypothyroidism is considered a Vata and Kapha vitiation which can make it tricky to treat.

The thyroids job is to control and regulate our metabolism and it does that by producing thyroxine and that is the spark for our metabolism.  Thyroxine stimulates the mitochondria of our cells.  The amount of stimulation from the Thyroxine determines how quickly our cells do their work.

Hypothyroidism is a result from inadequate production of Thyroxine  due to a structural or a functional decline.

One of the main causes of hypothyroidism has been found to be a lack of Iodine.  Herbs containing Iodine are therefore suggested such as shigru and jalakumbhi.  Iodine levels vary from state to state, the most Iodine depleted soil is located in the mid west and great lakes region, Michigan being the leader.

Herbs that work at the glandular level and are considered hypothyroid herbs:

• Gulgulu
• Ashwagandha
• Trijataka
• Trikatu
• Triphala
• Varuna
• Brahmi
• gokshura
• punarnava
• shilajit

Foods that contain Iodine are highly suggested:

Dried Seaweed

cod

fortified iodized salt

baked potato with peel

milk

shrimp

baked turkey breast

cooked navy beans

tuna canned in oil

boiled eggs

cranberries

organic strawberries

coconut oil

essential fatty acids, omega 3’s and 6’s

At a metabolic level the following is helpful:

deepana, pachana, ushna, teekshan, sukshma, lekhana herbs to increase metabolism.

Always talk to your Doctor before a drastic change in diet or activity levels.  The encouraging word about Ayurveda is that is is natural and safe, it is also complimentary.

For more information about Ayurveda click here

Blog Post by Shelli Thompson

Five Essential Ayurvedic Herbs for Managing Type II Diabetes

World Health Organization has listed 21,000 plants from all over the world, which possess medicinal properties. 2500 species of these medicinal plants are found in India alone. Many of these medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda and Indian folk medicine. It is not surprising that India is called as the ‘botanical garden’ of the world!

Ayurvedic plant remedies are revered as potent adjuvant therapies in many diseases ranging from cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and Obesity to Alzheimer’s for their rejuvenating, anti-oxidant qualities and lack of side-effects. Type II Diabetes also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or ‘Prameha’ in Sanskrit, is a metabolic disorder. The incidence of

diabetes is increasing globally at an alarming rate.2 Many Ayurvedic herbs and classical blends are beneficial in managing the high blood sugar levels, underlying insulin resistance and side effects that tag along with Type II Diabetes. Below given are 5 potent Ayurvedic herbs that have been found to be highly effective as adjuvant therapies in Type II Diabetes.

1. Gurmar or Madhuvinashini (Gymnema sylvestre)- ‘Gurmar’ in Hindi (National Language of India) or ‘Madhuvinashini’ in Sanskrit literally means ‘one that vanquishes sugar’. It is so called because it temporarily abolishes sweet taste by anesthetizing our taste buds. Its leaves and almost all parts are used for medicinal purposes. Gurmar not only helps in regulating blood sugar levels in type II diabetes; it also helps in regeneration and repair of the beta cells in our pancreas (gland which secretes insulin).

2. Bitter Gourd/bitter melon (Momordica charantia)- Bitter gourd or ‘karela’ as it is called in Hindi is an extremely bitter tasting fruit which lives up to its name. However, despite of its bitter disposition, it is still one of the tastiest vegetables in Indian cuisine. Bitter gourd helps in reducing the blood sugar levels in type II diabetes. It has powerful antioxidants which make it an ideal supplement and essential dietary component for diabetic as well as pre-diabetic individuals.

3. Indian gooseberry (Syzygium cumini/ Eugenia jambolana)- Indian Gooseberry or Jamun (Hindi) is an evergreen green tree native to India, that ripens at the beginning of rainy season. Jamun fruits are sweet, slightly sour and extremely astringent in taste. They are very popular in India for their deep purple-black color and unique taste. The fruits, seeds, bark and even leaves of jamun tree are used for their anti-diabetic and antioxidant qualities.6 Jamun helps in regulating the blood sugar levels and is also found to boost the secretion of insulin.

4. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)-The seeds and leaves of Fenugreek, commonly known as ‘Methi’ in Hindi and ‘Methika’ in Sanskrit are an integral part of Indian cooking. Fenugreek also has powerful anti-diabetic properties. It helps in keeping blood sugar levels in check and improves insulin resistance in Type II diabetes. A popular way of taking fenugreek seeds is to soak 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water at night and eat them early next morning on empty stomach.

 

5. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)-Turmeric or ‘Haridra’ (Sanskrit) or ‘Haldi’ as it is commonly known in India, is the most preeminent Indian spice, an integral part of Indian cuisine and an auspicious component of Hindu Religious ceremonies. Turmeric has been extensively used in Ayurveda for the treatment of Prameha. Research studies have found that turmeric lowers blood sugar levels and works at many levels in improving insulin sensitivity and inhibiting certain enzymes that have been linked with type II diabetes. Turmeric reduces inflammation of body tissues caused due to damaging free radicals. Such chronic low grade inflammation is now being considered as the root cause of many metabolic diseases including Diabetes, cancer, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Best way to take turmeric is to include it your daily diet.10 Also, whole turmeric is more effective than using its individual active constituents like curcumin. 

The Nature of Type II Diabetes does vary from person to person, hence Ayurveda advises that any supplement; diet or lifestyle changes should be customized to meet your specific health requirements. Understanding you Ayurvedic Body Type or Prakriti, your age, digestion, nature and chronicity of your diseases are the key factors for deciding which Ayurvedic dietary supplement or herb suits you the best. This not only brings the disease under control; it leads to true manifestation of health and well-being!

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Ayurvedic remedy for diabetes

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