JUNE ISSUE
1. From editor’s desk
Present outbreak of Chikungunya, again people in Kerala are suffering from this virulent viral infection. When compared with Dengue, it has been learnt that Chikungunya is not so vulnerable but the inflammatory process produced at joint level is somewhat severe one and makes the people to take adequate rest in order to prevent further damages. Mosquito is the vector responsible for the transmission of the disease. Kerala, a state having high percentage of literacy rate, is unable to protect themselves from such outbreak is really surprising.
Treating the affected persons is of urgent importance, of course, but how to prevent further episode is an important area to be focused. Necessary steps should be taken immediately to create awareness among the public regarding nature of infection, mode of transmission, complication and preventive measures. Stagnated water in a small pot itself is enough to breed thousands of mosquitoes. Avoidance of such type of breeding should be the prime step to be taken. We have to educate the public to keep their house premises devoid of waste accumulation and water stagnation. Awareness on proper sanitation and the importance of personal hygiene should be promoted.
Exposing rooms and house premises to the smoke of dried Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) and little Castor oil are an ideal way to check mosquito breeding and viral replication. Support from indigenous medicine field also would be useful to eradicate this infection. There are plenty of medicines available in Siddha medicine field (also in Ayurveda) to save the sufferers from fever, arthritis and other complications. For example: 1. Nilavembu Kudineer 2. Pitha Jwara Kudineer 3. Kaba Jwra Kudineer 4. Santhigiri’s special kashayam 5. Brahmananda mathirai 6. Keezhanelli choornam mathirai 7. Nellikkai-manjal mathirai 8. Mudakkaruthan choornam mathirai. These drugs are not only having analgesic, anti-inflammatory but also anti-viral properties. Sivappu kukkil thylam, Vishamushti thylam, Vatha kesari thylam, Karpoorathi thylam, Siddha kayathirumeni thylam, Vathanarayana thylam are effective external application for joint problems. These medicines are manufactured by Santhigiri Ayurveda & Siddha Vaidyasala already.
Prevention is better than cure. Government and other NGOs should work together to promote awareness among people to check spreading of this epidemic.
Yours truly,
Editor
2. Kayakalpam in Siddha (Rejuvenators)
Kayakarpam is special kind of medicines made up of natural sources, given to maintain youthfulness and to prevent the onset of the disease and ageing problems. Moreover it would be helpful to mount immune status in a greater level. So these drugs are supposed to have rejuvenation, anti-oxidant and immuno modulating effects. According to literary evidences, it is found that some Siddhars were able to live for many hundred of years with the help of these medicinal practices.
“Karpathai undal kayam azhiyathu…” is a Tamil verse written by ancient Siddha Thirumoolar explaining, when a person is given Kayakalpa treatment properly, no possibility of decay of cells in the body would happen. They could live for longer period without having any illness and maintain the physique in a very normal condition always.
According to Siddhar, Thirumoolar, there are 108 Kayakalpa medicines available in Siddha and classified into 2 catagories. They are 1. Pothu karpam (for rejuvenation in general) 2. Sirappu karpam (manages affected disease and rejuvenates the body simultaneously).
Nellikkai (Phullanthus emblica), Chukku (Zingiber officinale), Vallarai/Kudangal (Centella asiatica), Elumichai/Cherunaranga (Citrus acida) are few examples for Pothukarpam. Here we wish to mention some Sirappu karpam medicines.
a) Kadukkai (Terminalia chebula) powder can be taken with Water for 40 days in Piles, Constipation, Jaundice and Constipation.
b) Keezhanelli (Phyllanthus amarus) karkkam to be taken with curd in Mega diseases especially in Leucorrhoea.
c) Infusion of Vilam/Koovalam leaves (Agele marmelos) to be advised internally early in the morning for 40 days is quite useful for Peptic ulcer (Gunmam).
d) Decoction of Nannari ver (Hemidesmus indicus), 30ml, twice daily for 40 days is beneficial for Pitha complaints and chronic Urinary tract infection.
e) Ponnamkanni (Alternanthera sesselis) leaves should be heated with little ghee and to be taken with little salt and pepper powder for 40 days is highly useful for eye disorders especially in burning sensation of the eyes and to improve complexion.
We will discuss about other Sirappu karpam in next newsletters.
3. Plant - Aavaarai’s role in the field of Indian medicine
(Cassia auriculata) - The Tanner’s cassia
Medicinal uses
Decoction, made up of Aavaarai panchangam (leaf, flower, fruit, stem bark and root bark) is highly useful for Diabetes mellitus and Leucorrhoea.
Powder prepared from Aavaarai flower and Green gram is a good bath powder for skin ailments and it will improve complexion.
Fine powder of seeds to be mixed with coconut oil or gingili oil and its extract could be applied for eye disorders.
Decoction of the stem bark is a useful gargle for oral ulcers (Aphthous ulcer)
Bath oil prepared from this root is a useful remedy for all the pitha complaints and body heat because of its cooling effect.
4. How to control menstrual problems by regulating food and other habits?
Most common problems of menstruation affecting ladies are classified into three.1.Soothaga thadai (Amenorrhoea/ Oligomenorrhoea) 2.Soothaga vali (Dysmenorrhoea) 3.Perumbadu (Menorrhagia). In addition to internal medicines what are the regulations to be employed in diet habit being given here.
Amenorrhoea
(Absence of menstruation for months together in a woman with periodic menses)
Domestic remedy
1. Powder of Ell (Krishna til) 5-10gm with jaggery, to be taken daily.
2. Frequent intake of Papaya fruit and Pineapple is advisable.
3. Purified aloe pulp is a good remedy.
4. Using Asafoetida in curries also beneficial.
Note: The abovementioned items are not advisable during pregnancy.
Dysmenorrhoea
(Dysmenorrhoea means painful menstruation)
1. Food regulation given under Amenorrhoea also applicable in this condition.
2. Hot water bag is applied on the lower abdomen.
3. Remove constipation by having plenty of fruits, fibre rich vegetables and water.
4. Salt and excess of water intake are to be restricted during prior to the period.
5. Decoction of Coriander seeds/ Powder of Sombu (Pimpinella anisum) to be taken frequently during painful menstruation.
Menorrhagia
(Excessive bleeding during menstruation)
1. Patient should be advised to take adequate rest.
2. Raise the foot end of bed.
3. Intake of Gooseberry (Nellikka) and Citrus fruits is beneficial.
4. To correct Anaemia, Kayyonni (Eclipta alba), Dates, Figs, Gnaval (Eugenia jumbolina), Dry grapes, Pomegranate, Carrot could be used.
5. Ragi flour Ganji is a better diet to supplement iron and calcium.
6. Avoid masala rich food items and the items mentioned under amenorrhoea.
5. Simple remedies for Diarrhoea and Dysentery
(Consulting a doctor is more essential)
1. Black tea with Lemon juice can be taken internally because of the presence of Tannins.
2. Paste of KasKas (Poppy seeds) is given with Curd, useful remedy.
3. Venthayam (Uluva/Fenugreek) is grounded with water and given with Buttermilk or Curd.
4. Powder of Pomegranate skin or unripe Pomegranate or unripe Guava is a better remedy and it is always given with Buttermilk or Curd.
During Diarrhoea and Dysentery, intake of masala rich food and hot dishes to be restricted.
Present outbreak of Chikungunya, again people in Kerala are suffering from this virulent viral infection. When compared with Dengue, it has been learnt that Chikungunya is not so vulnerable but the inflammatory process produced at joint level is somewhat severe one and makes the people to take adequate rest in order to prevent further damages. Mosquito is the vector responsible for the transmission of the disease. Kerala, a state having high percentage of literacy rate, is unable to protect themselves from such outbreak is really surprising.
Treating the affected persons is of urgent importance, of course, but how to prevent further episode is an important area to be focused. Necessary steps should be taken immediately to create awareness among the public regarding nature of infection, mode of transmission, complication and preventive measures. Stagnated water in a small pot itself is enough to breed thousands of mosquitoes. Avoidance of such type of breeding should be the prime step to be taken. We have to educate the public to keep their house premises devoid of waste accumulation and water stagnation. Awareness on proper sanitation and the importance of personal hygiene should be promoted.
Exposing rooms and house premises to the smoke of dried Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) and little Castor oil are an ideal way to check mosquito breeding and viral replication. Support from indigenous medicine field also would be useful to eradicate this infection. There are plenty of medicines available in Siddha medicine field (also in Ayurveda) to save the sufferers from fever, arthritis and other complications. For example: 1. Nilavembu Kudineer 2. Pitha Jwara Kudineer 3. Kaba Jwra Kudineer 4. Santhigiri’s special kashayam 5. Brahmananda mathirai 6. Keezhanelli choornam mathirai 7. Nellikkai-manjal mathirai 8. Mudakkaruthan choornam mathirai. These drugs are not only having analgesic, anti-inflammatory but also anti-viral properties. Sivappu kukkil thylam, Vishamushti thylam, Vatha kesari thylam, Karpoorathi thylam, Siddha kayathirumeni thylam, Vathanarayana thylam are effective external application for joint problems. These medicines are manufactured by Santhigiri Ayurveda & Siddha Vaidyasala already.
Prevention is better than cure. Government and other NGOs should work together to promote awareness among people to check spreading of this epidemic.
Yours truly,
Editor
2. Kayakalpam in Siddha (Rejuvenators)
Kayakarpam is special kind of medicines made up of natural sources, given to maintain youthfulness and to prevent the onset of the disease and ageing problems. Moreover it would be helpful to mount immune status in a greater level. So these drugs are supposed to have rejuvenation, anti-oxidant and immuno modulating effects. According to literary evidences, it is found that some Siddhars were able to live for many hundred of years with the help of these medicinal practices.
“Karpathai undal kayam azhiyathu…” is a Tamil verse written by ancient Siddha Thirumoolar explaining, when a person is given Kayakalpa treatment properly, no possibility of decay of cells in the body would happen. They could live for longer period without having any illness and maintain the physique in a very normal condition always.
According to Siddhar, Thirumoolar, there are 108 Kayakalpa medicines available in Siddha and classified into 2 catagories. They are 1. Pothu karpam (for rejuvenation in general) 2. Sirappu karpam (manages affected disease and rejuvenates the body simultaneously).
Nellikkai (Phullanthus emblica), Chukku (Zingiber officinale), Vallarai/Kudangal (Centella asiatica), Elumichai/Cherunaranga (Citrus acida) are few examples for Pothukarpam. Here we wish to mention some Sirappu karpam medicines.
a) Kadukkai (Terminalia chebula) powder can be taken with Water for 40 days in Piles, Constipation, Jaundice and Constipation.
b) Keezhanelli (Phyllanthus amarus) karkkam to be taken with curd in Mega diseases especially in Leucorrhoea.
c) Infusion of Vilam/Koovalam leaves (Agele marmelos) to be advised internally early in the morning for 40 days is quite useful for Peptic ulcer (Gunmam).
d) Decoction of Nannari ver (Hemidesmus indicus), 30ml, twice daily for 40 days is beneficial for Pitha complaints and chronic Urinary tract infection.
e) Ponnamkanni (Alternanthera sesselis) leaves should be heated with little ghee and to be taken with little salt and pepper powder for 40 days is highly useful for eye disorders especially in burning sensation of the eyes and to improve complexion.
We will discuss about other Sirappu karpam in next newsletters.
3. Plant - Aavaarai’s role in the field of Indian medicine
(Cassia auriculata) - The Tanner’s cassia
Medicinal usesDecoction, made up of Aavaarai panchangam (leaf, flower, fruit, stem bark and root bark) is highly useful for Diabetes mellitus and Leucorrhoea.
Powder prepared from Aavaarai flower and Green gram is a good bath powder for skin ailments and it will improve complexion.
Fine powder of seeds to be mixed with coconut oil or gingili oil and its extract could be applied for eye disorders.
Decoction of the stem bark is a useful gargle for oral ulcers (Aphthous ulcer)
Bath oil prepared from this root is a useful remedy for all the pitha complaints and body heat because of its cooling effect.
4. How to control menstrual problems by regulating food and other habits?
Most common problems of menstruation affecting ladies are classified into three.1.Soothaga thadai (Amenorrhoea/ Oligomenorrhoea) 2.Soothaga vali (Dysmenorrhoea) 3.Perumbadu (Menorrhagia). In addition to internal medicines what are the regulations to be employed in diet habit being given here.
Amenorrhoea
(Absence of menstruation for months together in a woman with periodic menses)
Domestic remedy
1. Powder of Ell (Krishna til) 5-10gm with jaggery, to be taken daily.
2. Frequent intake of Papaya fruit and Pineapple is advisable.
3. Purified aloe pulp is a good remedy.
4. Using Asafoetida in curries also beneficial.
Note: The abovementioned items are not advisable during pregnancy.
Dysmenorrhoea
(Dysmenorrhoea means painful menstruation)
1. Food regulation given under Amenorrhoea also applicable in this condition.
2. Hot water bag is applied on the lower abdomen.
3. Remove constipation by having plenty of fruits, fibre rich vegetables and water.
4. Salt and excess of water intake are to be restricted during prior to the period.
5. Decoction of Coriander seeds/ Powder of Sombu (Pimpinella anisum) to be taken frequently during painful menstruation.
Menorrhagia
(Excessive bleeding during menstruation)
1. Patient should be advised to take adequate rest.
2. Raise the foot end of bed.
3. Intake of Gooseberry (Nellikka) and Citrus fruits is beneficial.
4. To correct Anaemia, Kayyonni (Eclipta alba), Dates, Figs, Gnaval (Eugenia jumbolina), Dry grapes, Pomegranate, Carrot could be used.
5. Ragi flour Ganji is a better diet to supplement iron and calcium.
6. Avoid masala rich food items and the items mentioned under amenorrhoea.
5. Simple remedies for Diarrhoea and Dysentery
(Consulting a doctor is more essential)
1. Black tea with Lemon juice can be taken internally because of the presence of Tannins.
2. Paste of KasKas (Poppy seeds) is given with Curd, useful remedy.
3. Venthayam (Uluva/Fenugreek) is grounded with water and given with Buttermilk or Curd.
4. Powder of Pomegranate skin or unripe Pomegranate or unripe Guava is a better remedy and it is always given with Buttermilk or Curd.
During Diarrhoea and Dysentery, intake of masala rich food and hot dishes to be restricted.