This body is the evolutionary layers of the soul formed through thousands of births. The lack of virtue in the soul appears in the form of various diseases. The Karmic diseases are removed through the righteous way of gaining virtue through Good Karma - Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru

OCTOBER ISSUE

1. From Editor’s Desk

The 81st Janmadina Poojitha Samarpanam of Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru, the founder of Santhigiri Ashram was celebrated on 15 &16 September 2007. In connection with the two day programs a seminar on ‘Spirituality and Humanism beyond Religion -the Role of Media” was conducted in which well known journalists from 45 leading print and electronic media throughout India participated.

World Alzheimer’s Day will be observed this week. Changed life style, improper diet habit and stressful condition are considered to be the triggering factors of this disease. More scientific evaluations are being undertaken by the medical scientists to find a cure for this degenerative disorder, which affects the mind. So far no effective remedy had been identified to help the victims.

Siddha system of medicine offer considerable relief to the patients through medicines prepared from 108 rejuvenating plants prescribed in Siddha system. Withania somnifera, Mucuna puriens, Centella asiatica, etc. are some of the rejuvenating plants to find a solution for this disorder because these plants possesses natural Anti-oxidant, Nootrophic, Nervine and Brain tonic and Rejuvenating effects. In addition some of these plants have natural Neuro tropic vitamins and Neuro transmitters encouraging GABA level and offering super oxide dismutase as well as free oxygen radical scavenging activities to improve mental/physical activities, memory and check degenerative process. There are nearly 20 Siddha preparations like Aya Jambeeram Karpam, Aya bringaraja Karpam, Thanga Parpam, Thamira Parpam etc. helpful in the cure of this degenerative disorder.

Arogya Padmam – A Monthly Health & Family Magazine from Santhigiri

Santhigiri Ashram has started publication of a monthly health and family magazine ‘Arogya Padmam’ in Malayalam for the benefit of the public with valuable inputs from well-known experts from various disciplines in the field of Medicine. Special issues had been published so far focusing Diabetes and Hypertension. Next issue will be based on Kidney disorders. The public has welcomed the magazine because of its uniqueness when compared with similar health magazines. Perhaps Arogya Padmam will be the only health magazine, which could be read by all age groups. It contains extracts from various traditional systems beside modern medicine.

With prayers,

Yours truly,

Editor

2. Increasing incidence of Hepatitis B Virus infection

Of late we have several cases coming to our hospital with HbsAg positive reports. So far the reason for the increasing incidents of this disease is not clear. Proper treatment should be taken to avoid further complications. If the viral strength in our body exceeds our immunity status definitely it causes harm to the body. Since the target is Liver, some urgent steps should be taken to protect this vital organ from damage because of the risk of development of Cirrhosis and Liver failure in the final stage. In fact it is a life threatening infection as far as the medical field is concerned. In majority of cases, even though they are HbsAg positive, seems to be asymptomatic. We could not elicit even jaundice. But these people also need minimum treatment to overcome this problem.

In Siddha, there are so many medicines mentioned for Jaundice and are found to be quite effective in HBV also. Medicines prepared from Phyllanthus amarus, Ricinus communis, Eclipta alba / prostata, Tinospora cordifolia etc. will be beneficial for the patients to root out the problem. These drugs possess Liver tonic, Liver corrective and Liver protective properties. In certain conditions Santha chandrodaya mathirai, Annabedhi chenduram and Vediannabedhi chenduram can be prescribed to eliminate Bilirubin and correct Anaemia.

3. Drugs and Diet for Peenisam (Sinusitis)

Headache, Sneezing, Nasal block, Paraosmia, Nasal discharge are the features of Peenisam (Sinusitis). It generally results from either infection or allergy. Polluted atmosphere, perfumes, smoke, cold climate are some of the predisposing factors to provoke sinusitis.

Poorna chandrodayam, Pavala parpam, kasthuri mathirai, Gowri chindamani, Sivanar amirtham, Arumuga chenduram, Gorochanai pills, Thirikadugu choornam, Karpoorathi choornam, Elathi choornam, Seenthil choornam, Seenthi nei are the effective drus mentioned in Siddha to be handled for combating this problem under the supervision and guidance of Siddha doctor. Neerkkovai tablets and Hridaya renjini are effective external applications.

Medicated oil application will yield fruitful result in addition to internal medicines. Such medicated oils are 1. Peenisa thylam 2. Chukku thylam 3. Nasiroga nasa thylam 4. Sirobara nivarana thylam 5. Chithiramoola thylam 6. Nochi thylam 7. Aswagantha balalaksha thylam 8. Milaku thylam.Steam inhalation of Thalaivali pasai will offer instant relief from the nasal congestion and pain. To mount immunity against infection and allergy, medicines like Nellikkai legyam and Thetrankottai legyam can be takan.

As regard to diet restriction, chilled items, sweets, fruits, buttermilk, curds, brinjal, bitter guard, chicken, egg, fish and dry fish could be avoided. Pollution free atmosphere is very important in treatment aspect. Hot food items will be preferable. Doing Yoga and pranayam can also help to get rid of the problem.

4. Insomnia

Insomnia is defined as impairment in duration, depth or restorative properties of sleep. Apart from organic disease, Insomnia commonly results from stressful life pattern. At present considerable number of people are afflicted with this problem due to the impairment of bioclock mechanism followed by psychological disturbances. It needs proper medication, otherwise, normal physiological functions of the body may be disturbed ultimately results in disease.

Having 5 gms of powder of dried Amukkara (Withania somnifera) root during bed time with milk daily will be a wonder remedy to achieve sound sleep. In addition to, having KasaKasa kudineer obtained from 1 teaspoon full crushed Kasakasa in the evening will be useful.

Regular exercise/Yoga and medicated oil bath two times a day, found to be very useful for this abnormal condition. Advisable medicated oils are: - 1.Aswagantha bala laksha thylam 2.Brahmi thyalm 3.Thiribala thylam 4.Ponnanganni thyalm 5.Asai thyalm.

Jadamanjil choornam, KasaKasa kudineer, Amukkara legyam, Nellikkai legyam, Muthu parpam, Nannari manappagu are some of the important preparation told in Siddha for this condition. Consultation with doctor is must to rule out organic disease so that priority to be given for treating the underlying cause.

5. Medicinal properties of “Aloe vera”



1. Fresh pulp separated from Aloe leaf can be taken internally after proper washing with fresh water is a good remedy for Reflexive esophagitis, Peptic ulcer, Menstrual disorders, Urinary tract infection and Body heat.

2. Fresh pulp can be applied on the face to cure dark ring around eyes, pimples and all skin blemishes of the face.

3. Aloe juice taken by using astringents could be used for preparing medicated oil that is very useful oil bath for controlling burning sensation of the eyes, body and body heat.

4. The traditional practitioners often use aloe root powder decoction and powder of dried pulp for jaundice.

6. Simple remedies for “Ulcerative colitis”

The major symptoms of Ulcerative colitis are bloody diarrhoea and abdominal pain often with low-grade fever, anorexia and loss of weight in more severe cases. Disease shows relapses and remissions. Tenderness along the course of colon will be present. Laboratory findings will be:

a) Decreased haemoglobin

b) Raised ESR and White cells

c) Visible or occult blood, RBC and Pus cells in stools

d) Barium enema, Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy are the modern parameters to identify UC easily.

This virulent condition may be controlled with simple Siddha medicines as given below.

a) Intake of Vilwa Ilai Karkkam (Aegle marmelos) two times a day with buttermilk or curd

b) Paste prepared from Venthayam (Fenugreek) with curd or buttermilk, two times a day

c) Powder of tender fruit of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) with curd or buttermilk, two times a day

d) Decoction obtained from Pancha thuvarpi three times a day

Other prepared medicines in Siddha will be taken with doctor’s prescription definitely.

7. Chutneys in day-to-day life

In morning breakfast just choose the following chutneys to provide medicinal values as well as good taste for family members. Seven days-Seven chutneys:

a) Pudina (Mentha viridis) chutney – to promote digestion

b) Kariveppila (Murraya koengi) chutney – source for iron

c) Nellikka (Emblica officinalis) – source for vitaminC and to improve immunity

d) Malli (Coriander leaves) chutney – to promote digestion

e) Pirandai (Cissus quadrangularis) chutney – useful for ulcer, constipation, piles

f) Vengaya-poondu (Allium cepa and sativum) chutney – for digestion and piles

g) Thakkali (Physalis minima) chutney – provide vitamins and glutothione