How Pistachio Nuts Contribute to Heart Health

 

Pistachios were once a precious delicacy among Royals. In modern times, pistachios are valued for their taste and the nutritional benefits they offer. Nuts are filled with protein and other amazing nutrients. Scientists have also discovered that they lower your chance of type 2 diabetes and risk of heart attack; if you eat them frequently. Learn how to incorporate more raw nuts into your family's diet.

Disease of the heart is one of the main killers of the Americans. What should you do to keep your heart healthy? I want to outline in this article some of the basic things you need to know, especially in dietary areas and in particular the Mediterranean Diet.

Do not be under the impression that you are taking care of your heart too early.

Considering a preventative approach against heart disease is necessary. Right diet, exercise and not taking part in unhealthy habits can help a person take control of his/her heart. There are some risk factors which no one can control but if one wants to keep their heart healthy then a certain amount of control in ones' living habit is essential.

If you want to live a long life with a healthy heart then you will also have to go in for Pistachio nuts.

Numerous researches have been conducted and their findings all point to the fact that nuts are an indispensable part of food for those who are in the pursuit of a healthy heart.

Till recently, nuts have been boycotted due to the rich fat content in them. However this fat-particularly the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat, is proved to be related with heart wellness. These monounsaturated fats have the power to cut down low-density lipoprotein (LDL) which is otherwise cholesterol. You can control your cholesterol in take by controlling ingestion.

Controlled intake of Pistachio Nuts helps in prevention of the risk of heart disease:

Doctors are of the view that consuming nuts around two times in a week may cut down the danger of heart disease considerably. The sketch that was delivered at the World Congress of Cardiology put forward that as little as two helpings of eight grams of nuts comes to around a small plate full and it may slim down the risk of heart disease to about 11%.

Professor Elio Riboli, professor of cancer medical specialists at Imperial College, London said, 'You could say that a modest consumption of nuts contributed to reducing myocardial infarction. He did however state that "but there is no point sitting in front of the TV, being obese and having high blood pressure and expecting nuts to protect you against a heart attack.'

Nutrition research has discovered an exhilarating link between pistachios and health. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans have declared that pistachios are a nutritious food which has to be added to one's diet. Nutrient packed foods include extensive amounts of vitamins and minerals; thus, pistachios make a complete snack food.

The various constituents of Pistachio nuts are:

Nutrition in Pistachios

Pistachios form the source of phosphorus, copper, magnesium, potassium, and B6. The nuts give 30 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Thus they are the best from the nutritional perspective.

Fiber in Pistachios

Pistachios comprises of lot of fiber. So you can boost your consumption of pistachios if you want to increase your intake of dietary fiber.

Pistachio Protein

If you want to substitute animal protein with veggie protein then your choice should be pistachios. When you consume pistachios in alignment with grains which are rich in protein, vegetables, and fruits, then you get extra protein from your diet. Pistachio nuts are an exceptional basis of vegetable protein.

Pistachios and Inhibitors

Oxidant tension can injure the human body, outcome of which would be diseases like cancer and heart disease. Dietary inhibitors help to cut down the damage. Phenolic compounds contained in Pistachios act as an antioxidant of certain foods. Thus pistachio nut gets a higher rank in the group for antioxidants.

Pistachios and Carotene

Pistachios have noteworthy amounts of carotene lutein and zeaxanthin. These Carotene decrease the development of macular degeneration, which might result in blindness.

Pistachios and Phytosterols

Pistachios also contain plant sterols. Current research indicates that phytosterols might bring down the assimilation of dietary cholesterin from other foods.

Also Read Benefits of Pistachios-ED, SPERM COUNT, PCOS- Ayurveda View

By Parmu Malika

Weight Gain During Pregnancy, and Weight Loss After Pregnancy

How much weight gain is normal during pregnancy, and will you continue to have weight gain after pregnancy?

How will the link between pregnancy and metabolism affect how you'll be losing weight after pregnancy?

Understand what causes excessive weight gain during pregnancy, and...

You won't have any problems with excessive weight gain while you've been pregnant.

Will you get fat by having children?

Whether you'll have weight gain during and after pregnancy is a choice, because it's totally within your control once you understand what's really going on, however...

Most women do have weight problems because of bearing children, and the reason is simply malnutrition. Strange but True!

The first thing you have to understand about pregnancy, is that the baby comes first. That's a "Survival Issue". Once you get pregnant, everything is geared for the survival and health of the baby.

If it wasn't that way, we would not have survived as a Species!

What does the Baby Need?

In order to grow properly and be born healthy the baby is going to need lots of Nutrients, Vitamins, Minerals, Enzymes, etc...

If you provide these nutrients in order to grow a Healthy Baby, no problems, but if you don't...

The baby will take what it needs from the mother's body, and if that happens, you're going to have "Two Problems":

1. You're going to be hungry all the time if you don't provide the baby with what Nutrients it needs, so you're going to overeat and have much more weight gain during pregnancy than you need to.

2. The baby is going to extract whatever Nutrients it can from your body, which is going to do a real number on your metabolism.

Now you have Two Problems!

First of all, you're going to have excessive weight gain during pregnancy, which means that instead of gaining the normal 25 to 30 Lbs, you could gain up to 50 Lbs or more, and...

The extra weight, is weight which will be very hard to get rid of after pregnancy, because...

Secondly, your body has been drained of stored nutrients, which means that now, you probably have a slow metabolism, so instead of easily losing the weight after pregnancy...

You'll probably continue to have weight gain after pregnancy also.

Heaven forbid if you get pregnant again.

The answer is very simple!

Just eat only healthy food so that you provide all the nutrients which your baby needs and you'll have no problems.

You need to have good variety in your diet, and just get the healthiest food that you can buy. That's a Win-Win situation, for both you and your baby, otherwise you both suffer, because...

Your baby could be unhealthy, and you could get fat for the rest of your life, or at least have a real hard time getting rid of the excess fat.

What's Normal Weight Gain During Pregnancy?

In a normal pregnancy, you should have a weight gain during pregnancy of about 25 to 30 Lbs or a little more depending on the situation.

Lets say that you give birth to a baby that's about 7 to 8 Lbs. Increased blood volume can be another 3 to 4 Lbs, and increased fluid volume can be another 2 to 3 Lbs.

Then the Amniotic fluid and a larger uterus can add an extra couple of Lbs each, plus larger breasts can weigh an extra 1 to 3 Lbs and the Placenta can weigh 1 to 2 Lbs.

On top of that, your body could store away anywhere from 6 to 8 Lbs of fat. (That's a survival feature in case of famine).

Add it all up and you could have a weight gain during pregnancy of anywhere from 24 to 32 Lbs, but that's nothing to fear, because very little of that is fat, and...

If you nourish both you and the baby during pregnancy, then your metabolism will remain normal, and you'll have no problems with weight loss after pregnancy.

What's Healthy Eating During Pregnancy?

This subject could cover many Volumes all by itself, but to keep it simple...

Eating healthy during pregnancy is no different than when you're not pregnant, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (organic if possible), and stay off the "Junk Foods".

It's not Rocket Science!

Go easy on the meats, and especially stay away from the cultured meats because most of them contain lots of Sulfites and Nitrites as preservatives and these are very unhealthy for adults let alone your baby.

Read the ingredients in all processed foods for these preservatives also, because they are very pervasive.

Take Top Quality Supplements

Since most of the foods available in the supermarkets today, are very deficient in nutrients, it's important to take top quality supplements which your body can absorb.

However...

Only about 3 to 5% of most Vitamin and Mineral Supplements available on the market today are absorbed by the body and are a total waste of money.

The same Super Supplements which we recommend to our weight loss students are great for when you're pregnant, because these are not weight loss products, but general Supplements, which...

Help people to become more nutritionally satisfied. If you're more nutritionally satisfied, you'll eat less automatically, and that's why people lose weight while becoming healthier.

By giving better nutrition to you and your baby, you won't have nearly as many cravings, and you'll eat a lot less junk. This way, not only is it better for your baby, but you won't have so much excess weight gain during pregnancy.

Don't Diet Whatsoever

We don't recommend dieting whatsoever, even for weight loss, but it's especially important that you don't go on a diet to try and prevent weight gain during pregnancy, because...

Your baby needs all the nutrients it can get in order to develop a healthy body.

Even if you're overweight, when you're pregnant is not the time to try to lose weight. Losing weight after pregnancy is the best.

Eating healthy and taking top quality supplements during pregnancy will help to keep your metabolism normal so that you won't have abnormal weight gain while pregnant.

How to have your baby, without excess weight gain during pregnancy. That way, you won't have a problem with weight loss after pregnancy.

Your baby deserves the very best that you can give it, and you are the only one that is in total control of its Future Life.

Also Read  Ayurvedic Tips for Weight Loss After Delivery

By Armand Dupuis

Benefits of Bitter Gourd - Karela - Bitter Melon

The Bitter Gourd- it is actually a bitter boon in disguise, a tonic, a great metabolic regulator and a good source of potassium.

Bitter Gourd effectively checks blood sugar levels, has antioxidant properties and is a potent detoxifying agent. It is a secure glycemic control from nature and is often strongly recommended as a supportive therapy for diabetic patients and in pre-diabetics with impaired GTT (Glucose tolerance test ).Practically all parts of the plant are capable of providing medicinal benefits to our body system, the fruit scrapings having the maximum hypoglycemic effect.

About Bitter Gourd

Fruit is bitter, cool, light to digest and pacifies pitta. It purifies blood, is carminative, antihelminthic , diuretic, clears constipation , ignites digestive fire and useful in combating anemia and fevers. Fruit cooked as vegetable, with minimal spices, checks chronic skin disorders , gout, rheumatoid arthritis, dyspepsia, flatulence ,asthma and in general a wide variety of maladies of the stomach.

Juice of Bitter Gourd

Stomatitis can be checked by gargling with the warm juice of Bitter Gourd. A pinch of alum may be added to it for additional benefit.

Juice is also helpful for patients of hemiplegia.

Prickly heat during the summers can be soothened by applying bitter gourd juice, with a pinch of baking powder added to it.

Periodic intake of juice mixed with water is beneficial in ascites.

Passage of blood in cases of piles is relived by taking juice of Bitter Gourd with sugar.

To shed those extra pounds try bitter gourd juice with lemon -the first thing in the morning !

It also has the capacity to disintegrate kidney stones and even flush them out through the urinary tract.

Leaves of Bitter Gourd

Leaves are bitter, diuretic, induce vomiting and purgation. Juice of leaves is useful in malaria, enlargement of liver, spleen and state of ascites. Leaves crushed into a paste, applied over chronic skin lesions fasten healing. Massaging juice of leaves on soles in beneficial in controlling burning sensation of feet, especially in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Seeds of Bitter Gourd

Seeds have 32% purgative oil, if crushed into powder and taken orally, is good for diabetic patients.

THE UNTOWARD EFFECTS, IF ANY, CAN BE NULLIFIED BY INTAKE OF RICE WITH GHEE (CLARIFIED BUTTER).

By- Pavan Arora
Also read

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR PCOS USING BITTER GOURD OR BITTER MELON

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

So that you can find out about erectile dysfunction treatments, it is best for you to understand what particularly erectile dysfunction is.

Most of the time, not being able to acquire or preserve an erection is known as erectile dysfunction or male impotence. It's by far the most frequent men sexual dysfunctions across the world. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) may be related to numerous factors such as old age, medical problems, and unwanted side effects of illegal drugs, tension, overall performance nervousness and a number of others. Becoming aged and struggling with illnesses wear down your body, leading to erectile dysfunction. Each time a man can not obtain a hard erection and for that reason can not penetrate a woman, he feels ashamed as well as his self confidence is tremendously decreased. Scenario such as this could be terrible; also it can result in a strong psychological scar.

There are lots of erectile dysfunction treatments obtainable, which could assist you in eradicating erectile dysfunction. A person frequently wonders if the erectile dysfunction treatment functions. Can erection dysfunction be taken care of? Indeed it may be! Check out the subsequent erectile dysfunction treatments and say farewell to ED.

Psychiatric therapy

Lots of men are afflicted by performance nervousness. They feel concerned far too much regarding their performance and this causes erectile dysfunction. In some instances, it may solely be emotional. The concern of disappointment will get men into difficulty during sex. Occasionally, it will depend on the lovers and also the romantic relationship they share. Reducing the sexual stress and anxiety is going to be of excellent help. Psychiatric therapy is one this kind of erectile dysfunction treatment which could help these men who don't have some other physical issue.

Diabetic issues

Diabetic issues could be the reason behind the erectile dysfunction caused by diabetes. The improved blood sugar amounts that induce blood vessel and neural deterioration in other areas in the human body may also result in problems in blood circulation and neural problems for the penis. Cardiovascular disease and diabetic issues are frequently associated simply because diabetic issues could cause heart damage. Coronary artery damage can lead to erectile problems. In case a man is affected by both diabetic issues and coronary artery deterioration, he has a really great possibility of acquiring sexual issues. In cases like this, the man needs to seek advice from a physician and talk about all his lovemaking problems with no hesitations.

Artificial erection

A surgical treatment may help a man. With this procedure, prosthesis is inserted to ensure that a man with erectile dysfunction is capable of stimulating an artificial erection. The procedure may perform best for young men.

Vacuum gadgets

Mechanized vacuum pumps are healthcare gadgets that have a rubber band. When it's attached close to the bottom of the male organ, it'll preserve an erection. They support you sustain an erection by making a partial vacuum, the consequence of which in turn is always to support the blood circulation towards the penis.

100% natural treatments that can come in a pill

Many of these treatments and procedures are either difficult or painful, or may come with some unwanted side-effects. You can always choose a 100% natural treatment to make sure you are happy in your relationship, also to make sure that you make you partner happy.

By Troy A Shanks

Read more Ayurvedic Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the PCOS Diet

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a disorder that affects between 3-5% of women and is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age. It is also the leading cause of female infertility and prevent women from getting pregnant. The main symptoms are obesity, acne, insulin resistance, diabetes and irregular menstruation. Other symptoms are hair loss, increased body hair and depression. It is said that one in two women with PCOS are obese which enhances a number of the related symptoms.

PCOS is linked with being overweight or obese and successful weight loss is the most effective method to restore normal menstruation. Although this is the best way to improve the symptoms, women find it very hard to sustain or even achieve significant weight loss. Some experts recommend a low Glycemic Index Diet which involves the eating of fruit, vegetables and whole grain products to make up most of the carbohydrates the body needs.

The word is that the Strip That Fat diet is an excellent diet that sustains weight loss, but the PCOS Diet Book is specifically written for this condition. The PCOS Diet Book is not specifically designed for weight loss but more to maintain blood sugar levels. The book is based around a low Glycemic index diet which was developed by David J Jenkins who is a professor of nutrition at the University of Toronto.

The PCOS Diet Book also includes other information such as advice on supplements, natural medicines for specific PCOS symptoms and super-foods. There is also a part of the book for women that have PCOS and other related health problems such as type II diabetes, digestive disorders and thyroid problems.

The PCOS diet book should not be taken as a weight loss program, but as a guide to eating healthily. If you want to lose weight which would help with the affects of PCOS then it is recommended that you try the Strip That Fat program which leads the way in sustaining weight loss. A lot of myths are exposed by the developers of this book and it is explained in detail how some diets do not work and are plain bad for you, such as eating low carbohydrates or Atkins style diets, low fat diets, starvation diets, Hollywood diets and pre-packaged diet programs. Experts believe that 80% of dieting is the food you eat and 20% is exercise and most people already do enough exercise. This equates to people eating the wrong foods or eating in the wrong way, which means that anyone overweight is doing one or both of these.

By combining the knowledge from both the PCOS diet book and the Strip That Fat diet book you should have the formula needed to tackle the symptoms of PCOS and live a more normal life.

By Simon S James
Read PCOS or PCOD Medicines in Ayurveda

All About Jackfruit You Should Know

Are you looking for unique fruit to mix with your drinks or dishes? Go to local supermarkets and buy a jackfruit. You probably never knew about this fruit before, but once you taste it, you will love it.

Jackfruit is believed indigenous to the rain forests of the Western Ghats of India. Later on, it spread early to other parts of India, Southeast Asia, the East Indies, and Philippines. Besides being planted in those areas, it is also planted in central and eastern Africa. In Brazil and Surinam, this fruit is increasingly popular. In tropical areas, it is even a common garden tree.

If you do not have any idea about this fruit, just imagine durian, but in larger shape. Do not get surprised on its size since it is known as the largest edible tree-grown fruit on earth! Can you imagine fruit which size is 350-900mm in length and 250-500mm in diameter? The weight even can reach 80 pounds!

When you first experience tasting this fruit, you may think that the smell is unpleasant. The fully ripe smell is "sharp", although it can not be compared to durian. The fruit is unusual as it is borne on the main branches, the trunks, and occasionally even from surface roots of the tree. The tree grows to an enormous size, like a large eastern oak, so it looks sturdy and massive.

When the fruit ripens, the exterior part, or the skin, turns into green or yellow. After peeling the skin, you will find large edible yellow bulbs with sweet taste. Before peeling a fresh jackfruit, you better oil your knife first because it is very sticky.

Jackfruit is often cooked for main course dishes, desserts, soups, drinks, ice creams, fruit salads, and even chips. For main course dishes, people tend to cook it when unripe and immature, but they use the fully ripe ones for desserts. It is also available canned in sugar syrup, or frozen. Some manufactures worldwide also produce dried jackfruit chips which have unique taste. You can even roast and boil the seeds!

Jackfruit contains many vitamins and minerals. It can help prevent cancer since it contains isoflavones, antioxidants, and phytonutriens. It can also help cure ulcers and indigestion. It is also good for your diet since it is a source of dietary fiber. Now, go to local markets, get a jackfruit, and mix it with your dishes!

Read How to Eat Jackfruit Ayur Jack

By Blaine F Johnston

Horse Gram - A Nutritious and Miraculous Lentil

It is rightly said that if people want to become healthy, they should incorporate lots of fluids, green veggies, fruits, legumes and whole grains into their daily routine and diet because of their high protein and vitamin contents. Horse gram is one of the lesser known beans and is quite useful as cattle feed. It's also a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, particularly in Southern India.

Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is a healthy and nutritious lentil and is readily available in most stores. It has many names all over the world, which serves as an evidence that it's known and used globally. It's known as cowpea, the Bonnavista bean, the hyacinth bean, kulatha kalai in Sanskrit, the bian dou in Chinese, habbul kulth in Arabic, kuntikali in Bengali, kulthi in Hindi, kollu in South India and gahat/muthira/kulath in other parts of India. It can tremendously help in making our quality of life richer and more fulfilling.

Horse gram is rich in taste and at the same time provides us with many health benefits. 

• It has miraculous properties that can cure kidney and gall bladder stones.
• The horse gram plant exhibits the properties of astringent, diuretic and antioxidant.
• It is prescribed for persons suffering from jaundice or water retention, and as part of a weight loss diet by decreasing the cholesterol levels in the body. It helps to fight obesity
• It is considered helpful for iron deficiencies, and is considered helpful for maintaining body temperature in the winter season; and prevents and cures the arthritis.
• It aids in curing the menstrual problems like irregular periods and heavy bleeding, leucorrhea and bleeding during or after the pregnancy period.
• The high amount of dietary fiber present in it balances the blood pressure and sugar glucose levels.
• Its plant treats the patients who are suffering from weak liver, spleen enlargement and colic with its medicinal properties.
• It has been used by the Ayurveda as a cure for issues such as conjunctivitis, worm removal, rheumatism, and piles.
• Certain tests have also proven that lipids extracted from horse grams are known to heal rats with peptic ulcers.

Soak two or three tablespoons of horse gram overnight in sufficient amount of water, in the following day make it in to paste and consume it for two times a day. You can also drink the soaked water for the added benefits. Add it to your daily diet whether in the form of sprouts, soups or boiled water to watch the results.

Also Read Horse Gram Health Benefits in Weight loss-Diabetes-Low sperm count

By Bharati Bhattacharya Nandi 

What Is Sex Therapy?

Many people have sexual problems, worries, or concerns. A sex therapist is someone who has specialized training to talk comfortably and specifically about those concerns. A sex therapist's certification by AASECT ensures that the therapist has a graduate degree in a counseling related field, many hours of specialized training and supervision in sex therapy, many years of experience, and the highest of ethical standards. A sex therapist will ask a client to describe what particular problem he is struggling with; she may ask detailed questions to get a clear understanding of how, when, and why he may experience a problem. A sex therapist can help the client feel comfortable talking about an area that is often difficult. A client may talk with a sex therapist individually, or with a partner or spouse. The therapist will want to gather a broad understanding of the problem by learning about the client's history and about his relationships. The client's concerns are completely confidential and are treated with sensitivity, concern, and professionalism. After the initial anxiety of meeting with a sex therapist, many people find tremendous relief and reward. Some of the areas sex therapists are trained to help with are lack of desire, orgasmic difficulty, pelvic pain disorders, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory difficulty, sexually compulsive behaviors, sexual identity problems, or sexually traumatic histories.

Sex therapists recommend these tips to improve your sex life:

- Emphasize the importance of relationship, love, mutual respect, and harmony.

- Expand your capacity for intimacy by taking small steps in being vulnerable.

- Have compassion-no one is perfect.

- Listen and talk about what is important.

- Know how to give.

- Compliment each other's special strengths in front of other people.

- Pay attention.

- Make your goal for sex to make it last and make it fun---not orgasm.

- In long-term attachments, romantic love can be stimulated at anytime by engaging in novel activity.

- Use of antidepressants can reduce sex drive, thereby jeopardizing romantic love. Keep this in mind and use judgement when considering taking an antidepressant. Wellbutrin is the one antidepressant without sexual side effects.

- People who play together stay together. Both sexual play as well as non-sexual play are important. Play creates good feelings. Keeping good feelings going over time is the key to successful, long-term relationships.

- Be present mentally so that you can be absorbed in the moment. For busy people, that may mean taking some time to shift gears, relax, prepare.

-By Patti Hard

Vajikarana Therapy is sex therapy in ayurveda. Know more about  Ayurveda Vajikarana Therapy at 

Causes, Symptoms And Ayurvedic Cure For Impotence

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a very common and an embarrassing condition faced by millions of men worldwide. In this article we are going to discuss about the causes of impotence and some ayurvedic treatments which can help men who have impotence achieve strong and hard erections.

As we are aware penis is spongy in nature and is made of two chambers namely tunica albuginea which is a membrane surrounding it and other spongy tissues like arteries, veins and fibrous tissues. Urethra is where from urine and semen pass through.

How Do Erections happen

The erections take place due to sensory stimulation, the nerves receive signals from brain and help in contraction and relaxation of muscles as well as control flow of blood into the vacant spaces in the spongy tissues. This process helps the penis expand and achieve an erection. While tunica albuginea helps in trapping the blood to help in longer lasting erections.

When a dis-balance occurs in this process it causes erectile dysfunction or impotence and a man is unable to penetrate into the vagina causing an inability to sire a child.

Causes of Impotence

There are many conditions which can lead to erectile dysfunction but it is mainly caused due to low levels of testosterone in the body. In ayurveda it is mentioned that impotence can be caused due to physical trauma or an injury in the penile area. Other causes include old age; side effects of some medications as well as sometimes sexual abuse can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

There are some very effective ayurvedic remedies which can help in overcoming the problem of impotence. Let us discuss about some of these remedies.

1. Drink ayurvedic preparations which provide the body proper nourishment and help the penis start functioning normally again.

2. Apply herbal penis massage oils daily which have high aphrodisiac properties. Massaging your penis with these oils helps in strengthening the nerves and improves the flow of blood to the penile area thereby helping in improving the quality of erections.

3. One of the most common causes of impotence is stress and depression. To overcome these problems start practicing yoga and meditation which helps in calming down your mind and thereby help in better performance during sexual activities.

4. Sleep for a minimum of 8 hours daily so that your body recovers fully from the wear and tear it has gone through in the day and feels fresh and active when you are gearing up for sex.

5. Abstain from consuming substances like alcohol or nicotine. It has been noted that people who consume these substances are highly prone to erectile dysfunction problems.

6. If you are unable to achieve an erection wait for 3 to 4 days to indulge in sexual intercourse. This time period will help the body repair itself and your impotence problem might get solved automatically.

Ayurveda Vajikarana Therapy

In ayurveda it is believed that if a person is physically strong he will have less chances of suffering from diseases. Hence men with impotence are advised to increase their physical strength by exercising and following a healthy diet. This helps in improving erection and sperm quality and results in a healthy offspring being born.

Herbal Therapy

There are many herbs mentioned in ayurveda which can help in treating impotence. These herbs help in increasing testosterone levels and improve your overall health conditions hence resulting in an improved sexual life. Some of the popular herbs used to treat erectile dysfunction include shilajit, withania somnifera, tribulus. People in India have been using these remedies for thousands of years to overcome their sexual problems and now its your turn to benefit from the rich science of ayurveda.


By Ajeet Gautam

Ashwagandha or Withania The Indian Ginseng

Ashwagandha to Enhance Immunity and Stamina

Ashwagandha is an indigenous Indian herb, which is popular in the west as the Winter Cherry. The Indian name of the herb literally means 'horse smell' (ashwa = horse, gandha = smell). It is called so because its root smells like horse's urine when wet. Ashwagandha is a small to medium sized herb, growing up to 1.5 meters at a maximum with small green flowers growing in clusters of about 25 in number. This herb is found in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, apart from India.

The main medical constituent of ashwagandha is somniferine, an alkaloid which is present in all parts of the herb. The oil extracted from its roots is composed of two constituents - a water soluble part and a water insoluble part. The water soluble part contains some sugar, while the water insoluble part contains fatty acids among other vital substances. Besides that, ashwagandha oil is also rich in tannin, glucose, potassium nitrate and several alkaloids.

Ayurveda Health benefits of ashwagandha

The following curative properties of ashwagandha are made use of in Ayurvedic medicine:-

(i) Ashwagandha is best known for its stimulating properties on the libido. It is used as an aphrodisiac in men. For this reason, ashwagandha is also referred to as the Indian ginseng.

(ii) Ashwagandha is a mild hypnotic. It can be used in allaying pains.

(iii) Ashwagandha is effective in treating urinary ailments. It can facilitate easy flow of urine. Also it helps in opening the sweat pores, which make it possible to expel liquid wastes through perspiration.

(iv) Ashwagandha is an antibiotic and an antibacterial agent.

Ashwagandha is indispensable in various constituents of Ayurvedic medicine. The following are some ways in which it is used in treatment of diseases.

(i) Common Cold

Ashwagandha is used in opening up the respiratory tract and treating diseases that originate in the chest cavity. If a person has a common cold, then the powdered root of ashwagandha is taken in quantities of three grams. Decoction of the ashwagandha root is also popularly used. In a similar fashion, the berries and seeds of the ashwagandha are also used for resolving chest complaints.

(ii) Conjunctivitis

The leaves of the ashwagandha are boiled in water and the steam is used to foment the eyes. This relieves the pain and the itchiness of sore eyes.

(iii) Digestive Disorders

Both dyspepsia and loss of appetite can be treated with ashwagandha. For this purpose, the roots of the herb are used. Ashwagandha pacifies the pitta dosha which is responsible for digestion and brings the body to a state of normalcy.

(iv) Insomnia

Due to its hypnotic properties, ashwagandha is prescribed to people who are not able to sleep soundly at nights.

(v) Loss of Libido in Men

Ashwagandha is an aphrodisiac, mostly for men. This is the curative property for which it is renowned all over the world. In order to increase sexual performance of men, Ayurvedic doctors prescribe taking three or four grams of the root with a vehicle like milk or ghee at least half an hour before performing the sexual act. For permanent treatment of these problems, a preparation of ashwagandha is made with sugar, honey, pepper and ghee. This is administered to the person once daily. In addition to increasing libido, ashwagandha can also treat male problems like spermatorrhea and premature ejaculation.

(vi) Rheumatism

Ashwagandha is taken in doses of three grams per day for the treatment of geriatric problems such as rheumatism. The root of the ashwagandha is used for this purpose.

(vii) Skin Problems

Ashwagandha has very effective properties in the treatment of problems of the skin. Its roots and leaves are ground into a paste and applied externally for the treatment of carbuncles, ulcers and swellings. In case of boils and swelling, its leaves are warmed in water and used to foment the affected parts. For bedsores and wounds, ashwagandha leaves are boiled in fat or ghee and applied.

(viii) Sterility in Women

Ashwagandha can treat sterility in women and help them conceive a child. Its roots are powdered and taken in quantities of six grams with milk. This is taken for a week continuously after menstruation.

(ix) Syphilis

Ashwagandha has antibacterial properties, which are made use of in the treatment of syphilis. A paste of its leaves is applied on the syphilitic sores continually. This relieves the itchiness of the sores and treats the disease eventually.

(x) Tuberculosis

In the treatment of tuberculosis, ashwagandha is used in the following manner. A decoction of its root is prepared with pepper and honey. This decoction is used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is found to be especially beneficial in the treatment of scrofula, which is a painful tuberculosis of the lymph glands that manifests itself in the neck region.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

The following are some Ayurvedic preparations in which ashwagandha is the main ingredient:-

(i) Ashwagandha lehya

Ashwagandha is made into a fine paste known as linctus. This is ashwagandha lehya which is taken for all the diseases that can be cured with the consumption of ashwagandha.

(ii) Ashwagandharishta

Ashwagandharishta is a very valuable extract of ashwagandha with several other herbs such as manjishta, yashti, arjuna, chandana, etc. It is used as a general tonic in several medical problems including debility, digestion problems and psychotic problems like hallucinations.

Precautions

Ashwagandha is a very beneficial herb, but it must never be prescribed to pregnant women. The various chemical constituents of ashwagandha can lead to abortion of the foetus. Though it is used to correct sterility itself, its use must be discontinued as soon as the woman conceives.

Also Read Health Benefits and Uses of ashwagandha


By John Anne

Sesame Oil - An Ideal Oil For Skincare and Beauty

Massage oils, skin creams, facial oils and body oils all require a carrier oil, a neutral-smelling base for essential oils and other healing oils. Many carrier oils are there simply to do the job of providing a platform for the other ingredients. But sesame oil is a carrier oil that brings its own healing and rejuvenating properties.

It is especially helpful for anyone with dry skin. Dry skin requires extra care. It is vulnerable to environmental damage and aging. Wind, sun damage and free radicals all put dry skin under constant stress, and if it is not supported, this can lead to the breakdown of skin structure that we see as "aging." Lines appear, then wrinkles, and even sagging skin. Fortunately, sesame oil is naturally rich in nutrients, particularly vitamins A and E, that provide important building materials to help the body maintain supple skin. You can protect your skin by choosing creams, oils and lotions that contain it.

In addition to nourishing the skin, sesame oil also draws toxins out of the body. Molecules in the oil attract and attach to fat-soluble toxins lodged in the skin and pores, drawing them to the skin's surface where they can be easily washed away with soap and water. So this is an oil for the whole body, not just the face and neck. It can be used as a purifying massage oil for the whole body.

In face creams, or used alone, sesame oil stimulates cell rejuvenation to create firmer, smoother skin. It is packed with vitamin A, a nutrient that repairs skin tissue and improves collagen production, Good collagen production keeps skin looking young by filling in fine lines and preventing the appearance of wrinkles.

Vitamin E is one of the best nutrients for dry skin, and this oil provides a rich, soothing and gentle source of vitamin E for topical use. It blocks free radicals from damaging the skin and helps to rejuvenate damaged skin, again, preventing lines and wrinkles from forming. Skin spots and blemishes can be reduced with vitamin E., which is very helpful when applied directly to the skin. But vitamin E is sticky and uncomfortable to use in an undiluted form. It can be too much to deal with. Fortunately, sesame oil is an ideal source of this vital nutrient. With all its natural vitamin E content, plus vitamin A and other healing and nourishing compounds, this oil makes a major contribution to any skin care product in which it is contained. Plus it can serve as a very serviceable carrier oil. What could be better?

Well, it does get better. You can rub this oil into small cuts, abrasions, and chapped skin, and it will relieve irritation and help to rejuvenate the damage, all the while fighting off fungal and viral infections.

And that is why sesame oil is so popular with manufacturers of natural skin care products. In my view, organic sesame oil is the way to go, ideally with other botanicals infused in it to maximize its healing and rejuvenating effects.

Read Role of Sesame Oil in Boosting Strength of Male Organ


Author:  Gaelle Lehrer Kennedy