Leucorrhoea (whitish discharge )

Leucorrhoea (whitish discharge ) 

Leucorrhoea or whites is a condition in which there is a whitish discharge from the vagina. It may be thick and viscid, and foul smelling if it is caused by some infection.Leucorrhoea is common among the women of almost all ages the world over.It could be embossing, painful and may cause lot of discomfort, stress and even affect the sexual preferences and libido. It may be mild to severe, and varies from person to person.

There are two types of Leucorrhoea, physiological and pathological. 

Physiological leucorrhoea : It is an excessive discharge or secretions of a normal vagina. They are slimy in nature and generally  occur among teenaged girls due to hormonal imbalance during puberty, at the time of ovulation period of the menstrual cycle, before periods, etc. In case of adults, in addition to the ovulation time and before periods, it occurs also during early days of pregnancy and during sexual excitement.  Generally, no medication is required in this kind of discharge.

Pathological leucorrhoea : It is  a discharge occurring due to disease or malfunction of the female reproductive tract. It needs immediate attention,  cleanliness and treatment. Ignoring pathological leucorrhoea may lead to serious problems like loss of fertility or even removal of uterus. The nature of discharge varies from slimy to thick bloody discharge with foul smell. This condition is commonly present both in case of vaginitis or cervicitis.

Causes

In addition to infection, some hormonal and metabolical disorders are also responsible for the condition.Ayurveda considers that leucorrhoea is caused by the vitiation of kapha; it occurs commonly among weak and anaemic women. It can also be due to the inflammation of the womb following childbirth, displacement of the uterus, or gonorrhoea. Among young females, it may be due to threadworms, as the result of general debility combined with lack of cleanliness or infections. Leucorrhoea may also occur during the menstrual periods in young women, due to the thickening of the mucus membrane in the reproductive organs. During the child bearing years from adolescence to the mid-forties, infection may sometimes follow birth of a child due to damage of the cervix during the delivery of the baby.

1. Infections :

From Fungus : Candida albicans can easily flourish in moist   circumstances and is commonly promoted by synthetic undergarments and  poor hygienic condition.

From Parasites :  protozoa - Trichomonas vaginalis causes the Trichomoniasis which spreads usually through sexual intercourse and moist clothes.

From Bacteria  : Gardnerella vaginalis and chlamydia are the prime  causes in bacterial infections. Also, it is frequently seen in venereal diseases like gonorrhoea, syphilis, and AIDS.

2) Injury :  Injury to the vagina or cervix or womb during childbirth, abortion, or excessive sexual indulgence can cause erosions and infections with discharges.

3) Poor hygienic conditions :   Non hygienic measures, especially during periods, can create infection and cause leucorrhoea.

4) Diabetes and anaemia : May  provoke infections due to weakened immunity among many females.

5) Local infection : Spread of infection from adjacent urinary tract (UTI) or alimentary tract (worms)

6) Irritation of IUCD :  If irritation persists at IUCD,   (Intra uterine contraceptive device) it can cause pain and discharges.

7) Sprays and jellies:   which are used by males for provoking sexual act and jellies and drugs taken by females to kill sperms to avoid conception can also irritate and initiate the infective process.

Symptoms

The discharge is often white. Flow may stiffen the linen or simply leave back a trace of white powder or scales.
In most cases discharge emanates from the uterine cavity or vagina. In catarrhal or idiopathic variety of leucorrhoea the discharge is in mild and liquid form. The discharge from the uterus is often from uterine cavity. In certain ladies leucorrhoea discharge sets in even 8-10 days before anticipated period of menses and stops as soon as menses appear but in others, it may start when menses are over.
In addition to the whitish discharge from the vaginal tract, there is weakness as well as pain in the lumbar region and the calves. A burning sensation may be present along with constipation. There appears to be a direct relationship of this disease with a nervous temperament. The patient develops black patches under the eyes. Late nights precipitate the attack.

PREVENTION is always better than cure.

Wash genitals everyday  
Wear clean underwear every day  
Always wash genitals from front to back.
Proper care of hygiene should be taken care of.  
Undergarments should be washed carefully to avoid any infections  
Diet should be taken in limited amount with light and easily digestible foodstuff.  
Exercises should be included in daily life style  
Proper rest and sleep are a must  
Avoid spicy food like pickles. 

Always Take

1.  Nutritious diet, especially food rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, magnesium and zinc, to improve general health
2.  Plenty of water and juices to avoid urinary tract infection and its spread to the vagina or cervix.

Home remedies

A proper diagnosis of the disease must be made and the cause removed. In addition to the medicine prescribed below, a regular douching of the genital tract with the decoction of the bark of the banyan tree or the fig tree is very helpful. A tablespoon of each of the powders of the barks of the two trees should be boiled in a litre of water till it is reduced to about half. Douching with the lukewarm decoction keeps the vaginal tract healthy and clean.

Coriander(dhania) seeds: A home remedy used in this condition is to soak about ten Gms of dry Coriander(dhania) in 100 ml of water overnight, and to drink the water in the early morning. It gives relief in seven to eight days in most cases.

Fenugreek seeds: Fenugreek seeds are valuable in leucorrhoea. They should be taken internally in the form of tea and also used as a douche. As a douche, the solution should be much stronger than tea. Two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be put in a litre of cold water and allowed to simmer for half an hour over a low flame. The decoction should then be strained and use as a douche.

Amalaki seeds powder : The powder of this is very beneficial for the treatment of leucorrhoea. A 2-3 grams / day with Honey / Sugar will relieves the White Discharge.
Chandana athar: Five drops of Chandana Athar (Sandalwood oil) to be taken with
Peyan vazhaippazham (Plantain) twice daily.
Mango seed powder: Mango seed powder in the dose of 1-2 gm's twice daily cure leucorrhoea.
Guava:Tender leaves of guava are useful in the treatment of leucorrhoea.
Walnut leaves:A decoction of fresh walnut leaves for douching will reduce leucorrhoea.
One banana twice a day with ghee proves beneficial.
Turmeric mixed with garlic (if discharge is less dense) or guggulu (if discharge is thick) gives very good results.
Chopchini (Smilax china) powder mixed with milk helps.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) mixed with ashwagandha (withania somnifera) has great potency in treating leucorrhoea
Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), giloye (Tinospora cordifolia) and shilajit mixture is also beneficial.
Supari (Areca catechu) with gulukand (rose petals in sugar) is very beneficial.
Pushyanug Churna  : 5-10 gm twice daily.
Patrangasaya : 15-30 ml twice daily after meals with Dry Amla and Julethi in equal quantities, powdered and mixed with thrice the quantity of honey is an effective drug for this disease.
Pradrantak Lauh: 1 gm thrice daily. To be taken with honey.

Diet

Fried and spicy foods are to be avoided. The patient should be encouraged to chew Betel nut (supari) after meals: it has a curative effect and also prevents the development of the disease.
Yoga also has some good Asnas like Sarvang and Vajra besides Pranayam.

Other measures

A cold hip bath taken twice a day for ten minutes at a time, will help relieve congestion in the pelvic region and facilitate quick elimination of morbid matter.

Angiogram

Angiogram

What is it?

An angiogram is an x-ray picture of the inside of a blood vessel. The procedure used to take an angiogram is called angiography.

Who needs this procedure?

An angiogram shows whether a blood vessel is abnormal in any way, such as blocked, bulging, inflamed, or narrowed. When a patient’s symptoms point to any of these possibilities, angiography is useful in diagnosing the cause. An angiogram can reveal heart disease, atherosclerosis, kidney disorders, brain tumors, problems with the retina, aneurysms, blood clots, and abnormal formations of arteries and veins. It helps determine whether the patient is at risk of stroke or heart attack.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

Your doctor will explain the entire process to you and tell you not to eat or drink anything for a period of time before your angiogram. If you have had an angiogram in the past and know you are allergic to the dye or have an iodine allergy, tell your doctor. Also inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease because the dye can make your condition worse. Angiography may not be recommended for people with blood clotting disorders.

How is this procedure performed? (invasive surgery)

Angiography is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. You may receive a sedative, if necessary, and an intravenous (IV) line in case any medications are needed during the procedure. A healthcare professional called a interventionist will inject a special dye into one of your arteries or veins through a catheter to detect plaque in the blood vessels. The exact location of the injection and the method in which it is injected depends upon the area being studied. The area where the dye is injected will be numbed, and you should feel no more than mild to moderate discomfort. Then, x-ray pictures are taken as the dye flows through the blood vessels. The angiogram will reveal anything blocking the path of the dye or other abnormalities along the way. You may feel warm or flushed as the dye spreads through your body. Some patients experience other side effects, such as headache, dizziness, or chest pain just after the dye is injected, but these should pass quickly. After the angiogram is complete, the radiologist will remove the instrument used to inject the dye and apply pressure to the site of the injection. You will need to stay for observation for a period of time after the procedure. Some patients are hospitalized overnight, depending upon the area studied.

What can I expect after the procedure?

While the injection site may feel sore for a while after the procedure, most people experience no side effects from angiography. However, if you experience a drop in blood pressure and/or breathing problems, you are having an allergic reaction to the dye and should contact your doctor immediately. Some patients may develop a hard mass, called a hematoma, around the injection site. Your doctor should monitor this condition because it could mean there is bleeding in that area. If you have had angiography on the retina of your eye, you should protect your eyes from direct sunlight for a time specified by your doctor.

Self-care tips

Give yourself a few days to rest after angiography. Call your doctor if you have any pain, swelling, or bleeding around the site where the dye was injected; or experience dizziness or chest pain.

This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers.  The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician.  It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Interesting Facts about Bananas

Interesting Facts about Bananas

After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a banana in the same way again 

Banana is the common name for herbaceous plants of the genus Musa and for the fruit they produce. Bananas come in a variety of sizes and colors when ripe, including yellow, purple, and red.Almost all modern edible parthenocarpic bananas come from two wild species – Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. The scientific names of bananas are Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana or hybrids Musa acuminata,balbisiana, depending on their genomic constitution. The old scientific names Musa sapientum and Musa paradisiaca are no longer used.

Bananas. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
200 students at Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood  sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking.
The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!


Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Bananas must be the reason why monkeys are so happy and Healthy all the time!

51 Ways To Perfect Health

51 Ways To Perfect Health

1. Drink eight glasses of water a day.


2. Include two vegetables and one fruit in every meal.


3. Begin each meal with a raw vegetable salad.


4. Make a light snack of assorted sprouts.


5. Start the day with a glass of warm water and a dash of lime.


6. Use only fresh vegetables.


7. Once a week have only fresh fruits until noon, make lunch the first meal of the day.


8. Eat only freshly cooked meals, not refrigerated leftovers.


9. Include one green vegetable and one yellow vegetable in every meal.


10. Go on a juice fasta for a day. Start with vegetable juice, and sip fruit for lunch and dinner.


11. Kick the old coffee habit. Have a glass of fresh fruit juice instead.


12. Cut out all deep-fried foods from your diet (to avoid transfat).


13. Cut down on high sugar products like soft drinks, ice-cream, candy and cookies in your diet.


14. Never skip a meal, even if you are on a diet. Eat a fresh fruit or have vegetable juice instead.


15. Avoid beverages like soda, coffee, colas and so on.


16. Include high fibre foods plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains in planning your diet.


17. Use salt in moderation


18. Wash vegetables throughly in clean water before chopping.


19. Stream or boil vegetables (rather than fry or saute).


20. Retain peels of potato, cucumber, carrot and tomato while cooking.


21. Do take a moment off to mentally list out the nutritional value of the food you are about to eat.


22. Dont rush through your meals. Set aside enough time to appreciate, enjoy and digest your food.


23. Make every meal an enjoyable experience. Set dishes out attractively and chew slowly to appreciate the full flavour of the foods you eat.


24. Choose to be radiantly healthy. Keep yourself informed about the nutritive value of every food you buy.


25. Shop for groceries yourself. Notice the look, feel and smell of fresh fruit and vegetables and enjoy their intrinsic goodness.


26. Watch out for eating habits paired with emotional states, like reaching for a chocolate when you're depressed. Resist the urge and eat fruit instead.


27. Eat popcorn (rather than chips) while watching a movie.


28. Sit at the table at meal times. Dont read the paper or review bills while eating.


29. Make it a point to have dinner with the entire family at the table, and not in front of the TV.


30. Eat just to the point of the fullness. Dont stuff yourself!


31. Stop smoking.


32. Restrict alcohol consumption.


33. Get a good night sleep, every night.


34. Enrol today in an exercise programme.


35. Take a brisk, 20 minute invigorating walk each morning.


36. Spend 10 minutes every morning and evening doing basic stretches.


37. Do not use elevators when you can climb the stairs.


38. Enrol in a TM programme today.


39. Focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath, then exhale slowly. Repeat a couple of times a day.


40. Learn to relax. Spend 20 minutes consciously relaxing each muscle of your body.


41. Spend 20 minutes a day in silent meditation, prayer or contemplation.


42. Learn the healing power of laughter. Watch a crazy movie, recall a joke or read a funny book and laugh out loud.


43. Tap the powers of your sub-conscious. Relax your body for 20 minutes and project the Perfect You on your mind screen.


44. Balance your lifestyle. Devote equal time each week to work and fun.


45. Join kids in a sports activity and rediscover the joys of childhood.


46. Do keep in touch with friends. Call up or visit them and be at peace with the world.


47. Enrol in an activity (like dancing, swimming or roller skating etc) you never indulged in because you were afraid of what people might say.


48. Forgive someone who you think has done you wrong and cleanse your spirit of rancour.


49. Do a nice turn to someone you don't know too well, but who could do with a friend.


50. Spend a quiet half-hour chatting with your family.


51. Read a great book once a week.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia

Cloth embroidered by a schizophrenia sufferer

Day and night, I am constantly depressed,
My burden is not broken love, but stress,
How it comes, I could not tell,
I wish it could go away, with one coin in a well.


But, alas, I am not that fortunate,
My life, I can not shorten it,
Or perhaps I can, with one twitch of a knife,
Begone with all problems in my life.


No one listens, so no one will care,
Neither the ones who intake water, nor the ones that breathe air,
For to them, to them I am just nothing
Yes, to them I am just fussing.


The amount of due happiness had came to it's peak,
Of which I now have nothing to speak,
My disease isn't contagious, they don't understand,
I should just pull the trigger, and forever know the sandman.


How should I do it though,
a bullet? Too messy. A knife? no.
Perhaps I could use my bath,
die without feeling death's grasp.


Yes, that'll do, should I leave casual, or in style,
I haven't been in my formal clothes for quite a while,
My tuxedo? No, I was saving that for my cousin to wear,
But wait! Of my death or clothing, what does he care.


So the tuxedo it is, with the bath in the shower,
Perhaps it would be appropriate if I carried a flower?
Sunflower? No, I never liked those,
Maybe a rose? Yes, a rose for it's thorns.


But wait, I'm changing, my reason for being,
A new perspective I have started seeing,
The feeling of depression is slipping,
And yes, now a warm bottle of milk I am sipping.


But someday, the disease will get me,
Yes, someday my death will free me,
How long it will take, I do not know,
But for what it's worth, I will not show.

The term was coined by Eugen bleuler

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that makes it difficult to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, to think logically, to have normal emotional responses, and to behave normally in social situations.

Causes

Schizophrenia is a complex illness. Even experts in the field are not sure what causes it. Some doctors think that the brain may not be able to process information correctly.

Genetic factors appear to play a role. People who have family members with schizophrenia may be more likely to get the disease themselves.

Some researchers believe that events in a person's environment may trigger schizophrenia. For example, problems (infection) during development in the mother's womb and at birth may increase the risk for developing schizophrenia later in life.

Psychological and social factors may also affect its development. However, the level of social and family support appears to affect the course of illness and may protect against the condition returning.

There are 5 types of schizophrenia:

1. Catatonic
2. Disorganized
3. Paranoid
4. Residual
5. Undifferentiated

Schizophrenia usually begins before the age of 45, symptoms last for 6 months or more, and people start to lose their ability to socialize and work.

Schizophrenia is thought to affect about 1% of people worldwide.

Schizophrenia appears to occur in equal rates among men and women, but in women it begins later. For this reason, males tend to account for more than half of patients in services with high numbers of young adults. Although schizophrenia usually begins in young adulthood, there are cases in which the disorder begins later (over 45 years).

Childhood-onset schizophrenia begins after the age of 5 and, in most cases, after normal development. Childhood schizophrenia is rare and can be difficult to tell apart from other developmental disorders of childhood, such as autism.

Symptoms

Schizophrenia may have a variety of symptoms. Usually the illness develops slowly over months or even years.Patients with a possible diagnosis of schizophrenia are evaluated on the basis of a set or constellation of symptoms; there is no single symptom that is unique to schizophrenia. In 1959, the German psychiatrist Kurt Schneider proposed a list of so-called first-rank symptoms, which he regarded as diagnostic of the disorder.
These symptoms include:

delusions
somatic
hallucinations
hearing voices commenting on the patient's behavior
thought insertion or thought withdrawal

At first, the symptoms may not be noticeable. For example, you may feel tense, or have trouble sleeping or concentrating. You can become isolated and withdrawn, and have trouble making or keeping friends.

As the illness continues, psychotic symptoms develop:

An appearance or mood that shows no emotion (flat affect)
Bizarre motor behavior in which there is less reaction to the environment (catatonic behavior)
False beliefs or thoughts that have nothing to do with reality (delusions)
Hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations)
Thoughts "jump" between unrelated topics (disordered thinking)
Symptoms can be different depending on the type of schizophrenia.

1. Catatonic type:

Agitation
Decreased sensitivity to pain
Inability to take care of personal needs
Negative feelings
Motor disturbances
Rigid muscles
Stupor

2. Paranoid type:

Anger
Anxiety
Argumentativeness
Delusions of persecution or grandeur
Violence
Disorganized type:

3. Child-like (regressive) behavior

Delusions
Flat affect
Hallucinations
Inappropriate laughter
Not understandable (incoherence)
Repetitive behaviors
Social withdrawal
Undifferentiated type may include symptoms of more than one type of schizophrenia.

4. Residual type>> symptoms of the illness have gone away, but some features, such as hallucinations and flat affect, may remain.

5. Undfferentiated>> Patients in this category have the characteristic positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia but do not meet the specific criteria for the paranoid, disorganized, or catatonic subtypes.

Exams and Tests

Because other diseases can cause symptoms of psychosis, psychiatrists should make the final diagnosis. The diagnosis is made based on a thorough interview of the person and family members.

No medical tests for schizophrenia exist.There are no specific laboratory tests that can be used to diagnose schizophrenia. The following factors may suggest a schizophrenia diagnosis, but do not confirm it:

Course of illness and how long symptoms have lasted
Changes from level of function before illness
Developmental background
Genetic and family history
Response to medication
CT scans of the head and other imaging techniques may find some changes that occur with schizophrenia and may rule out other disorders.


Treatment 

During an episode of schizophrenia, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for safety reasons, and to provide for basic needs such as food, rest, and hygiene.

Antipsychotic or neuroleptic medications change the balance of chemicals in the brain and can help control the symptoms of the illness. These medications are effective, but they can have side effects. However, many of these side effects can be addressed, and should not prevent people from seeking treatment for this serious condition.

Common side effects from antipsychotics may include:

Sleepiness (sedation)
Weight gain
Other side effects include:

Feelings of restlessness or "jitters"
Problems of movement and gait
Muscle contractions
Long-term risks include a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia, in which people move without meaning to.

Newer drugs known as atypical antipsychotics appear to have fewer side effects. They also appear to help people who have not improved with the older medications. Treatment with medications is usually needed to prevent symptoms from coming back.

Supportive and problem-focused forms of therapy may be helpful for many people. Behavioral techniques, such as social skills training, can be used during therapy, or at home to improve function socially and at work.

Family treatments that combine support and education about schizophrenia (psychoeducation) appear to help families cope and reduce the odds of symptoms returning. Programs that emphasize outreach and community support services can help people who lack family and social support.

My Thought about it 

Its a disease which can ransack the entire existence of a person. I know it cose I have any aunt who is suffering from this disease. People suffering from this needs your help. Try to understand them and dont hurt them but also dont let them feel different or person whom we keep constant attention. Dont give them importance in their wrong doing act normal to them. Else they would not leave the fake world of theirs.

10 Commandments for a Healthy Heart

10 Commandments for a Healthy Heart

1.   Positive attitude with balanced approach to life, avoiding negative mental stress & strain.


2.   Healthy balancing food intake of at least 5 servings of fruits & vegetables a day, avoiding saturated fats and trans fatty acids.


3.   Regular aerobic exercise of 30 minutes every day.


4.   Maintenance of optimal body weight (body mass index (BMI) below 25) especially avoiding abdominal obesity.


5.   Avoid excessive salt intake to maintain normal blood pressure.


6.   Say NO to tobacco in any form including passive smoking.


7.   Say NO to alcohol.


8.   Include physical activity in your working schedule – cycle to work if possible, take the stairs and go for a walk during lunch breaks.


9.   Workplace wellness should be promoted by incorporating relaxation techniques like stretching & meditation.


10.  Know your numbers – visit a healthcare professional to know your blood pressure, cholesterol & glucose levels – keep all below 100 ( means BP < 90mmHg, LDL cholesterol < 100mg, fasting blood glucose < 100mg ).

Women and Heart Attack

Chest pain and numbness or pain in the left arm has long been associated as the hallmark symptoms of a heart attack.  Other symptoms, such as nausea,
shortness of breath, and pain in the jaw or back, known as "atypical" symptoms, are also important indicators that an artery supplying the heart could
be blocked, cutting off oxygen and vital nutrients.

Heart disease is the leading

Fruit from Heaven - Gac

Fruit from Heaven - Gac 

Momordica Cochinchinnensis Spreng (Gac) is botanically classified as Family Cucurbitaceae, Genus Momordica,Species Cochinchinnensis. This rampagenous perennial vine was given the name Muricia cochinchinensis by Loureiro, a Portuguese missionary-priest who published Flora Cochinchinensis in 1790. Later, Sprengel concluded that the plant belonged in the Linnean genus Momordica and changed the name in 1826 . The Vietnamese name of Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng is Day Gac . M. cochinchinensis is also indigenous to China, Moluccas (Burma), Japan, India, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Malaysia, and Bangladesh . The plant can be cultivated either from seeds or root tubers and is a vine. Leaves are alternate and deeply three-to-five-lobed with toothed margins. The leaf stalk is glandular. The gac plant is dioecious, that is, the male and female plants are separate. The flowers are pale-yellow and solitary in the axils of the leaves. The production of parthenocarpic fruits, which is of economic importance, can be accomplished using growth regulators in the female plant in the absence of male plants. However induced parthenocarpic fruits have no seed, whereas hand pollinated fruits contain 18 seeds per fruit on average .  

Fruits of M. cochinchinensis are large, densely aculaeate, and green, turning to dark orange or red when ripe. Unlike that of the bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), the exocarp (rind) of the gac fruit is hard and is covered with conical points one-eighth-inch high. The gac fruit available in Vietnam comes in oblong and almost round shapes. There are no differences in the ways the

In the battle against malnutrition, chronic vitamin A deficiency stands out as one of the most
resistant nutritional problems in developing countries, in spite of the fact that the symptoms are
not difficult to identify, the aetiology is well understood, treatments are available, and in most
cases a food source of retinol and provitamin A carotenoids is plentiful.

In the diet, vitamin A comes in two forms: preformed vitamin A and provitamin A. Preformed vitamin A is usually in the form of retinyl ester, derived from animal tissue such as egg, fish oils, and flesh, and organ meats. Milk, cream, butter, cheese and fortified foods such as margarine also contain vitamin A. Vitamin A can also be obtained from provitamin A carotenoids which can be converted enzymatically in the intestine and liver to retinol. Carotenoids in plants are the primary dietary source of vitamin A worldwide. The most efficient pro-vitamin A carotenoid is carotene which is abundant in yellow and orange fruits, such as mangoes, papayas, and yams and in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, sweet potato leaves, and sweet gourd leaves. Consumption of foods rich in b-carotene theoretically can replete individuals to a healthy vitamin A status.

Among the indigenous plants of northern Vietnam, the Gac fruit (Momordica Cochinchinnensis Spreng) has the highest B-carotene content. Pro-vitamin A from orange fruits has been shown to be more bioavailable than that from dark-green leafy vegetables. The seed membrane and pulp of the gac fruit also contains a significant amount of oil, which is essential for the absorption and transport of b-carotene . This is especially critical in this population where dietary fat intake is very low . Traditionally, Gac seed and pulp are mixed with cooked rice to impart a red color and distinct flavour. The local name of the dish is Xoi Gac. Because this dish is already well accepted, promoting its consumption could produce a substantial increase in b-carotene intake.

In ripe gac fruit, b-carotene is the dominant carotenoid with concentration as high as 35,500 mg/ 100g. The name xoi gac means red rice; and when the gac fruit is not in season, rice with red food colourant is also called xoi gac, which local people occasionally eat for breakfast. In addition to their use in xoi gac, the seed membranes are also used to make a tonic (gac oil) for lactating or pregnant women and children, to treat "dry eyes" (xerophthalmia), and night blindness.When applied to wounds, skin infections, and burns, gac oil stimulated the new growth of skin, and closure of wounds . A document on Vietnamese traditional medicine lists the use of the gac seed membrane, which contains carotene and lycopene, to treat infantile rachitis, xerophthalmia and night-blindness. The report notes that the oil extract from the seed membrane can be given to small children to improve growth.

Health benefits of Miracle fruit

Health benefits of Miracle fruit

Synsepalum dulcificum also known as the miracle fruit is a plant with a berry that, when eaten, causes sour foods (such as lemons and limes) subsequently consumed to taste sweet. This effect is due to miraculin, which is used commercially as a sugar substitute. Common names for this species and its berry include miracle fruit, miracle berry, miraculous berry,, sweet berry,and in West Africa where the species originates agbayun, taami, asaa, and ledidi.
The berry itself has a low sugar content and a mildly sweet tang. It contains a glycoprotein molecule, with some trailing carbohydrate chains, called miraculin. When the fleshy part of the fruit is eaten, this molecule binds to the tongue's taste buds, causing sour foods to taste sweet. While the exact cause for this change is unknown, one hypothesis is that miraculin works by distorting the shape of sweetness receptors "...so that they become responsive to acids, instead of sugar and other sweet things. This effect lasts until the protein is washed away by saliva (up to about 60 minutes).
The names miracle fruit and miracle berry are shared by Gymnema sylvestre and Thaumatococcus daniellii,two other species of plant are used to alter the perceived sweetness of foods. -Wikipedia

Health benefits of Miracle fruit

Chemotherapy:
Miracle berries have been given to patients undergoing chemotherapy, a side-effect of which is sour, metallic tastes in the mouth. The berries convert these tastes to sweetness, encouraging patients to eat more and gain much needed nourishment. Diabetes patients who really crave sweetness also use it - I can see how it would help kids with diabetes, for who the lack of sweetness really hurts.

Change the awefull taste of certain medicines :

Certain medicines as we know taste quite awful, remember when you were young and as a child your parents tried to make you take a spoonful of medicine when you had a bad cough and you didn't want to take it because you knew it tasted awful - well now thanks for the the amazing taste changing miracle berry tablets this could be a thing of the past.

Weight loss:

Miracle Frooties have only 1 calorie each, 0% fat, and are a great natural weight-loss aid. Trick your sweet tooth by eating a miracle berry before sugar-free deserts. Eat a strawberry, lemon, or lime instead of a piece of candy. Make sweet homemade desserts such as strawberry shortcake, lemon meringue, rhubarb pie, and key lime pie without using sugar or artificial sweeteners. Skip the oil and season your salad with plain balsamic vinegar for a surprisingly tasty dressing. Sweeten your tea with lemon or orange juice instead of sugar. Send us your own tips and tricks!

Diabetics:

Tired of bland sugar-free desserts? With the miracle fruit, lemons taste like candy and strawberries taste sugared! Make your own delicious sugar-free pies, try natural yogurt again, and enjoy all-natural lemonade or limeade with just fruit and water. Skip the artificial sweeteners! Just take a Miracle Frootie tablet beforehand, and make sure the food includes a flavor that normally tastes sour or tart.Instead of using artificial sweeteners use the fruit and enjoy sweetness in the foods.

25 Tips to Stop Smoking

25 Tips to Stop Smoking

You will never regret quitting.After a while you will.Be able to enjoy the delicate flavors of your food again.Be able to smell the fragrances of flowers or fruit.Your body and clothes will be fresh and free of tobacco smell.Your family will be freed from the stench of tobacco.You will not be slave to a paper tube of weed!  You will not have dark lips.save your family from the illeffects of passive smoking.
These tips can help you win the fight with the tobacco addiction.  Yes,smoking is an addiction to the drug ‘Nicotine.’ Understanding this will help you win back your freedom!Always remember to make a positive choice to quite, then, Ask God in prayerand He will break the chains of habit and set you free!Afraid to make a positive choice?You can pray for the strength to make the choice, then pray for the power to follow through!

TIP #1. DRINK- lots of juice, herb teas and especially water. (Distilled if at all possible) to assist the body in flushing out the nicotine. All smokers are extremely dehydrated. As you become re-hydrated, your jangled nerves will be soothed as well.


TIP#2. Hot baths and showers also help with this as do whirlpool baths and saunas.Try soaking in a bath with 1 cup Epsom salts and 2 cups Hydrogen Peroxide added. Cleanses out the poison and also Very relaxing!  


TIP #3. Walk in the fresh air for 30 minutes twice daily or more, breathing deeply.  The 
air cleanses the lungs and soothes your nerves.  


TIP #4. Get extra rest and sleep.  Your body does most of its cleansing and repairs while you sleep!  

TIP #5. In most cases it is better to stop completely than to taper off as your body will dump the nicotine quickly and you’ll feel better sooner.  Tapering off prevents the body from cleansing and prolongs your discomfort! It is like the guy who felt sorry to have to cut puppies tails and cut off only an inch at a time to be kinder!


TIP #6. Avoiding coffee, tea and caffeine containing soft-drinks such as colas, helps a lot as caffeine being similar to nicotine stimulates the cigarette craving. Alcohol in all forms must be shunned as well as it stimulates craving and weakens your resolve!  


TIP #7. Your diet should consist of lots of fresh, raw fruits and salads, fresh juices, lightly steamed or stir-fry veggies and things like baked potatoes or yams, and  whole grains.  
Keep flesh foods and animal products to a minimum or do without.  
Replace rich, spicy foods with lighter natural, whole foods.
Drink Water; Minimum 3 quarts a day.  
Fruit juice, herb teas, raw veggie juices i.e. Carrot juice; Wash your way to freedom!  


TIP #8. Get a plastic lemon with juice in it and carry it with you.  When the urge to light up hits you, squirt a little juice into your mouth.  It really relieves the craving and it is good for you as well!  Carry it with you always for a while.  Also a plastic or wooden object to chew on is helpful, try the large size flavored toothpicks.  


TIP #9. Get fresh lemons and squeeze the juice of one into a pint of distilled water. Drink this on rising in the morning instead of your usual morning puff. Very refreshing & the Vit. C which all smokers lack, will do you good!  


TIP #10. If you are one who likes moral support, Try a group. If you know of a class like “Breath-Free”, you can join with it or get together with some friends who want to quit, share your ‘Tips’ and encourage one another.   Remember to ask God for victory!  


TIP #11. What about nicotine gum and skin patches?  
Although these may be useful to some, we feel that by following these healthy tips, you will assist your body to cleanse and repair the damage done by the tobacco. By using nicotine products you prevent the body from doing this and so you postpone your recovery!
There is another factor to gums and patches to consider; when a body is very toxic, it will dump any poisons into the lungs as a way of removing them, so putting the poison on or in the body somewhere else, does not necessarily keep it out of the lungs.  


TIP # 12. Non-caffeine Herbal teas such as relaxing formulas, kidney, or liver herbs and  other simple products are helpful and can be used freely.

TIP #13. A hand puzzle or some device to fiddle with in the fingers is helpful to smokers kicking the habit.   Smokers report that as they are quitting they find they don’t know what to do with their hands especially in social situations.  A device that gives the hands something to do, aids in combating the nervous fidgets.  


TIP #14 . Avoid the situations  and social occasions where you usually do the most smoking as much as you possibly can. You may find it advisable to choose some different friends to socialize with, especially avoiding those who belittle or joke about your determination to quit.  Choose  friends who are serious about improving their health rather than those who don’t seem to care.  


TIP #15. To get motivated, you need a powerful, personal reason to quit. Maybe you want to protect your family from secondhand smoke. Maybe the thought of lung cancer frightens you. Or maybe you’d like to look and feel younger. Choose a reason that is strong enough to outweigh the urge to light up.


TIP #16. It may be tempting to toss your cigarettes and declare you’ve quit, plain and simple. But going cold turkey isn’t easy to do. Among those who try to stop smoking without therapy or medication, 95% end up relapsing. The reason is that smoking is an addiction. The brain depends on nicotine. In its absence, the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal occur.


TIP #17. Tell your friends, family, and co-workers that you’re trying to quit. Their encouragement could make the difference. You may also want to join a support group or talk to a counselor. Behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps you identify and stick to quit-smoking strategies. Combine behavioral therapy with nicotine-replacement products or medication to boost your odds of success


TIP #18. Tell your friends, family, and co-workers that you’re trying to quit. Their encouragement could make the difference. You may also want to join a support group or talk to a counselor. Behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps you identify and stick to quit-smoking strategies. Combine behavioral therapy with nicotine-replacement products or medication to boost your odds of success


TIP #19. One reason people smoke is that the nicotine helps them relax. Once you quit, you’ll need another way to cope with stress. Try getting regular massages, listening to relaxing music, or learning yoga or tai chi. If possible, avoid stressful situations during the first few weeks after you stop smoking.


TIP #20. Certain activities may boost your urge to smoke. Alcohol is one of the most common triggers, so try to drink less when you first quit. If coffee is a trigger, switch to tea for a few weeks. And if you usually smoke after meals, find something else to do instead, like brushing your teeth or chewing gum.


TIP #21. Once you’ve smoked your last cigarette, toss all of your ashtrays and lighters. Wash any clothes that smell like smoke and clean your carpets, draperies, and upholstery. Use air fresheners to help rid your home of that familiar scent. You don’t want to see or smell anything that reminds you of smoking.


TIP #22. It’s very common to have a relapse. Many smokers try several times before giving up cigarettes for good. Examine the emotions and circumstances that lead to your relapse. Use it as an opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to quitting. Once you’ve made the decision to try again, set a “quit date” within the next month.


TIP #23. Physical activity can reduce nicotine cravings and ease some withdrawal symptoms. When you want to reach for a cigarette, put on your inline skates or jogging shoes instead. Even mild exercise is helpful, such as walking the dog or pulling weeds in the garden. The extra calories you burn will also ward off weight gain as you quit smoking.


TIP #24. In addition to the tremendous health benefits, one of the perks of giving up cigarettes is all the money you will save. Reward yourself by spending part of it on something fun.


TIP #25. There’s more than the monetary reward to consider. Smoking cessation has immediate health benefits. It lowers your blood pressure and reduces your pulse after only 20 minutes. Within a day, oxygen and carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal, and risk of a heart attack decreases. Long-term benefits include a reduced risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other cancers.



 The moment you quit smoking, your body begins to heal itself:


1. After 24 hours, the chance of heart attack decreases.


2. After 48 hours, nerve endings start to re-grow and your ability to smell 

and taste are enhanced. 

3. After one (1) to nine (9) months, there is a decrease in coughing, sinus

congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath. 

4. After one (1) year, the excess risk of coronary heart disease is decreased 

to half that of a smoker’s. 

5. After five (5) to fifteen (15) years, stroke risk is reduced to the same 

level as people who have never smoked. 

6. After fifteen (15) years, coronary heart disease and related death risks 

are similar to those of people who have never smoked. 

Quit smoking and enjoy life to the full.

10 Health Benefits for Men

10 Health Benefits for Men

When it comes to health care, we men are like ostriches. We bury our heads in the sand. We are much less likely than women to visit our doctors regularly, take symptoms seriously and live a healthful lifestyle. Maybe that’s one reason why women have a seven-year average survival advantage on us!
Yet it’s obviously important that men of all ages become more proactive about their health. And an easy way to start is to follow these 10 basic steps to maintaining health and vitality.

1. Eliminate "White Foods" from Your Diet. White flour, white sugar and other processed foods are not only devoid of vitamins and minerals, but they’ve also been stripped of their natural fibre. As a result, they rapidly drive up blood sugar levels, which contributes to weight gain, diabetes and a host of other health problems. Avoid breads and baked goods made with white flour, sugar-laden sodas and snack foods. Instead, focus on eating fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

2. Stay Away from Dangerous Trans Fats. While it’s important to reduce your overall fat intake, it’s even more important to watch the types of fat you eat. Deep-fried foods and anything made with hydrogenated oils (margarine, peanut butter, shortening, store-bought pastries and cookies) contain trans fats that raise your risk of heart disease. Eat only healthful fats, such as olive oil and the omega-3 oils found in salmon and other cold-water fish, which actually protect against heart disease.

3. Take a Potent Daily Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement. Although there is no substitute for a good diet, I am convinced that for optimal nutrition, you need to take a high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplement. Even if you are eating right, it’s unlikely that your food contains all the nutrients you need. Poor soil quality, storage, processing and cooking deplete our food of vitamins and minerals. Taking a high quality daily supplement is "health insurance" against possible deficiencies.

4. Include Weight Training in Your Exercise Routine. Aerobic exercise is great for cardiovascular conditioning, but it’s vastly inferior to weight training in attacking the "flab factor." Recent research has shown that as little as once-weekly resistance exercise can improve muscle strength. Even the busiest or laziest among us can find the time and energy for that. Join a gym, consult a personal trainer or ask an experienced friend to show you the ropes.

5. Maintain Your Optimal Weight. Current statistics suggest that half of us are losing the battle of the bulge, but maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for yourself. You’ll look better, feel better and reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and other major killers. I know this is easier said than done, but if you just follow the four steps above, you’ll be well on your way.

6. Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation. You have probably heard of the "French Paradox," and that drinking wine protects against heart disease. Repeated studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (all kinds) protects not only against heart disease, but also lowers risk of death from all causes. Remember that moderation is key. While one to two drinks a day are protective, excess alcohol consumption is devastating to health. And for some, one drink is too many.

7. Protect Your Prostate. Around the age of 40, the prostate gland begins a growth spurt that results in symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination. The good news is that this condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, can be prevented or reversed by taking extracts of two herbs: saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and pygeum (Pygeum africanum). Dozens of studies have shown that these herbs work in improving urinary flow without adverse side-effects. Suggested doses are 160 to 320 milligrams of saw palmetto and 40 to 80 mg of pygeum daily.

8. Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer. Experts estimate that 80 per cent of all cancers can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. Avoid saturated and trans fats, which may fuel prostate cancer growth, and incorporate protective foods, such as soy, green tea and tomatoes, into your diet. Soy contains isoflavones with specific anti-cancer activity. Green tea is rich in polyphenols that inhibit the formation of cancer-causing compounds and block the growth of prostate cancer cells. And tomatoes, particularly cooked tomato products, are an excellent source of lycopene, which is linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. In addition, make sure your daily nutritional supplement contains high doses of the antioxidant selenium (200 micrograms) and vitamin E (800 IU), which have been shown to dramatically lower the risk of prostate cancer.

9. Maintain Vigorous Sexual Function. Most cases of *****ile dysfunction (impotence) have a physical cause: You’re just not getting enough blood to the area in question. To improve overall circulation, follow the diet, exercise and supplement recommendations above. If you’re taking drugs, review them with your doctor, as many can worsen *****ile function and impair libido. Smoking also significantly impairs *****ile function. Several herbs have been shown to improve sexual function. Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the penis, and Panax ginseng, oats, horny goat weed, maca and seroctin (Feeling good all day
More confidence,Less anxiety and stress,Increased energy,Increased libido,Deeper more restful sleep) improve libido.

10. Maintain Close Relationships. Another thing women seem to do better than men is maintain close relationships. Make a point to strengthen ties with your family and friends. Volunteer work, religious ties, even pets–anything that keeps you involved with others–reduces stress and enhances health.

Take charge of your health by incorporating these 10 steps into your life to enjoy the rewards of optimal health and well-being.
***** =  I suppose is well understood.Pardon my bad language.

In short "To Do" List For Men

1. Eliminate "white foods" from your diet.

2. Stay away from dangerous trans fats.

3. Take a daily vitamin-mineral supplement.

4. Incorporate weight training in your exercise routine.

5. Maintain your optimal weight.

6. Drink alcohol only in moderation.

7. Protect your prostate.

8. Reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

9. Maintain vigorous sexual function.

10.Maintain close relationships.

Homeopathy: Its Place In Medicine

Homeopathy: Its Place In Medicine

German physician Samuel Hahnemann first stated the basic principle of homeopathy in 1796, known as the "law of similars." This principle is:"let like be cured by like".

Homeopaths, like all natural therapists, have always agreed on the most fundamental point in the treatment of disease: that disease is caused by mistakes in the habits of living. Correct the mistakes of living, the thinking goes,and disease will take care of itself. Only if the body has trouble in regaining its equilibrium should medicine be given.To date, this approach to medicine has served us well. It has taken the responsiblity for personal health from the doctor and given it back to the individual. The message has been clear: live well, and last longer; look after your life, and its quality will improve. Our vitality, a precious gift, should be nurtured; our life should be in our own hands.

Vitality is the health factor that orthodox medicine has forgotten. Known more correctly as allopathy, orthodox medicine is just one of the ten or so mainstream schools of medical thought existing throughout the world:massage, herbalism, nature cure, nutrition, naturopathy, ayurveda, unani, acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic and homeopathy make up the list of the main alternative medicines. These systems are traditionally developed, with their roots deep in their countries' cultures. A number, like acupuncture and ayurveda, go back several thousand years.

Homeopathy is a newcomer, as it goes back only two hundred years, to a time when allopathy was already flourishing in Europe. It was developed in Germany, although both homeopathy and allopathy claim their roots in Hippocrates, a Greek of the late fifth century BC, generally acknowledged to be the father of modern medicine. Hippocrates, in turn, had already been influenced by unani, the medicine of the ancient Persians and Egyptians, and by ayurveda from India. In this way it can be seen that many medical systems have common beginnings.

Most of these medicines, with the notable exception of allopathy, have as their basic tenet that it is the vital energy of the patient that must be treated, not just the physical symptoms. These medical systems are currently used for the treatment of well over half of the world's population, and many have the support of the World Health Organization, particularly in Third World countries. This support is fostering research, and an emergence of traditional medicines is occurring worldwide.

The great developments that allopathic medicine lists as proof of its effectiveness are mostly confined to the development of sophisticated tests, the treatment of life-threatening disorders, such as infection and traumatic injury, and to one of its greatest triumphs, essential surgery. In these areas it is without peer. Much of this development began in World War II, when the need for these was high; the development of specialized surgical procedures, antibiotics and pain killers were particularly notable achievements. It was believed these successes would be repeated with breakthroughs in the treatment of a broader range of illnesses.

But the routine use of allopathic medicines in treatment is not showing the success hoped for; the cost of drug research is going up, and reports of side effects are increasing. The public is becoming more aware of the toxic effects of many drugs. It is no news to anyone acquainted with the allopathic system that it functions principally to treat existing illness and to care for the chronically ill: to pull people out of the river and resuscitate them, rather than to prevent them falling in. There is a neglect of prevention, and the incidence of most preventable diseases (such as cancer, asthma, heart disease, osteoporosis and hypertension) remains unacceptably high. There is also a lack of urgency in the treatment of chronic disease compared with acute disease; with the exception of injuries,Western medicine's most prevalent, serious, and costly health problems nearly all concern chronic disease.

Homeopathy is regarded by its practitioners as being well suited to the treatment of most common disorders, including chronic disease, where allopathy is less appropriate. Homeopathic medicines offer many advantages, the greatest being that they are safe, easy to use and cheap. Homeopathy is a system of medicine easily understood by the lay person, and one of its greatest uses is in the treatment of domestic ailments.

Homeopathic Medicines
The medicines are usually sold either as liquids or in pillules of calcium lactate, otherwise known as sugar of milk.An alcohol-and-water mixture is the most common liquid form, and most prescriptions in this book will be for liquid, although a few different preparations exist.

Mother tinctures are concentrated extracts, in an alcohol and water base. They can be made from any substance in the animal, vegetable or mineral kingdoms. All told, probably about 2000 homeopathic mother tinctures have been prepared from different substances, and more are always being tested somewhere in the world. Mother tinctures are used as raw material, and in homeopathy are seldom used undiluted, except occasionally on wounds. The proportion of alcohol, which is used as a preservative, can be as high as 80 per cent in some preparations.

Lotions are dilutions of the mother tincture, usually by about 1:10 tincture:water, but up to about 1:50. They can be applied externally as often as desired to control suppuration and promote healing. When applied direct to the skin they may also have a drying effect. When added to gauze, as a dressing for a wound, the gauze should not be allowed to dry out. Lotion can be re-applied to the outside of a dressing before it dries, so the dressing may need to be changed less often.

Potencies are higher dilutions of the mother tincture than are lotions, and are given internally. The dilutions used by homeopaths are very high by allopathic standards, but homeopaths maintain that this very dilution produces a medicinal action not yet properly researched.

Normally, I part of mother tincture is added to 9 parts water, and shaken rhythmically. This is known as a Ix (decimal) dilution, or I part in 10. One part of this is then taken and added to another 9 parts water, and again shaken, to give a 2x dilution, or I part in 100. Similarly, a 3x dilution is I part in 1000, and a 6x is I part per million. These dilutions, also known as potencies, can be repeated a lot of times; the higher the dilution, the higher the potency number.Dilutions are also made on a centesimal scale, or I part in 100, yielding 1c, 2c, and so on. A 6c potency, commonly recommended in this book, is a dilution of 1 in 10 followed by 12 zeroes. A 12c potency, oftenused by homeopaths, is a dilution of 1 in 10 followed by 24 zeroes, very close to the point at which there is none of the original substance remaining in a normal dose of about 6 drops. Yet the medicine still works, and many notable cures have been obtained at these dilutions.

The shaking procedure is known as succussion, and is regarded by homeopaths as an essential part of the dilution stage. Together, the dilution and succussion process is known as potentization, and can be repeated many thousands of times in the preparation of the medicines.Although medicines for domestic use are not normally used above 6c and 12c, much higher potencies can be obtained from homeopaths for more specialized treatment. A number of 30c potencies, recommended for protection against infectious diseases such as influenza and measles, for example, are included in this book, and can be obtained from any homeopathic practitioner or homeopathic dispensary.

Higher potencies are best obtained from a homeopath after consultation. Mention should also be made of the tissue salts, which are homeopathic preparations of the twelve main mineral salts found in the body. These are also called cell salts and biochemic salts, and are widely available as homeopathic pilules in a 6x potency through health food shops and homeopathic pharmacies. Their use now has extended for over a century since their development by Dr. William Schuessler in Europe, and they are a valuable addition to any domestic homeopathic kit.

Safety
The safety of a wide variety of homeopathic medicines has been checked by government authorities. You would need to drink about five liters of a homeopathic medicine above 3x before you would begin to poison yourself.Anyone trying this would be unconscious from the alcohol, used as the preservative, before they approached a toxic dose. Since domestic doses are normally about 6 drops, a further safety factor is built in.As a result, homeopathic medicines are particularly useful for home treatments. They are of good use in a wide range of disordersfor infants, children, women, men and the elderly.

20 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Holy Basil or Tulsi Benefits

Tulsi plant has a lot of significance for mankind, due to the manifold medicinal benefits it provides. Tulsi leaves are widely used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. It is known to promote the longevity of life. The extracts obtained from the plant are extensively brought to use for curing various diseases such as the common cold, inflammation, malaria, heart disease, headaches, stomach disorders, kidney stones, heart disorders, and many more. The Indian basil Tulasi also aids in the purification of atmosphere.
Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned in the Charaka Samhita,an ancient Ayurvedic text. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen,balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.
Tulsi extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin preparations due to its antibacterial activity. For centuries, the dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Tulsi plant serves as a fabulous repellant in fighting against flies, mosquitoes and insects. It is especially valuable in combating malarial fever. It is said that at the time of establishment of Victoria gardens in Bombay (now Mumbai), the workers became victims of mosquito bites and suffered from chronic malaria. Seeing the pitiable situation of the workers, some of the Hindu managers recommended the plantation of Tulsi plant in the garden. On following their advice, fruitful results were obtained. Thus, holy basil Tulsi helped to abate the growth of mosquitoes and control malaria.
There are numerous uses of Tulsi plant. The plant is increasingly finding its way in the Ayurvedic treatment of diseases. Tulsi leaves are widely used due to their healing power. It is a tonic for the nervous system and thus, helps a great deal in sharpening the memory. This aromatic plant supports the removal of phlegm and catarrhal matter from the bronchial tube. It also works wonders in preventing stomach disorders. The herb Tulsi is known to cure the respiratory disorders. The decoction prepared by mixing honey, ginger and Tulsi leaves is quite helpful in combating bronchitis, influenza and asthma.
The leaves of Tulsi plant are extremely beneficial during the rainy season, when diseases like malaria and dengue victimize the country. Boil the tender leaves of Tulsi in tea and give it to the patient. The juice extracted from Tulsi leaves serves as the best remedy to bring down fever. Tulsi is an essential ingredient in the preparation of Ayurvedic cough syrups. It is highly useful in getting rid of cold and flu. Even, for sore throat, the leaves of medicinal plant Tulsi is of great value. Just boil the leaves of Tulsi in water and ask the patient to gargle with this decoction.
Tulsi has the ability to strengthen the kidneys. For those suffering from the problem of renal kidney stones, the decoction prepared by mixing the juice of Tulsi leaves with honey, if taken sincerely for six consecutive months can oust these stones via the urinary tract. For maintaining healthy heart, Tulsi is of utmost value. It helps in lowering the level of cholesterol in blood. Thus, Tulsi plant serves as the most effective remedy to combat cardiac diseases.

20  Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi)

The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi.

1. Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.


2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.


3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.


4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.


5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.


6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.


7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.


8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.


9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.


10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.


11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.


12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.


13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.


14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.


15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.


16. Acts on nervous system:It act on nervous system providing them strength, relieves stress and helps in relieving pain.


17. It work as appetizer and promotes digestion by helping in secretion of digestive enzymes.


18. It helps in preventing flatulence and avoids constipated stool.


19. Tulsi juice drops are very effective in earache.


20. Keep powder of tulsi root in water for overnight and take it early morning for diabetes natural cure.

A Natural Way To Exfoliate

A Natural Way To Exfoliate

Sea Salt
Sea salt removes dry, flaky, dead skin.Wet face (or anywhere on the body), apply a couple of tablespoons of sea salt, then gently massage with a wet washcloth or fingers. Focus on the T-zone and cheeks, but avoid the eye area.After one or two minutes, rinse with cold water to tighten the pores. It is important to do this regularly, or face-creams will not penetrate.You can do this maximum once per week.

Fruity Lip Gloss
2 bls solid shortening 
1 Tbls fruit-flavored powdered drink mix 
35 mm film container
Mix shortening drink mix together in a microwave safe bowl till smooth! 
Place in microwave on high for 30 seconds until mix becomes a liquid! 
Pour into clean film container, or any other small airtight container!
Place mix into fridge for 20-30 minutes or till firm!

Dark Circles Under Eyes...
To lighten dark circles under your eyes, wrap a grated raw potato in cheesecloth and apply to eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Wipe off the residue and apply an eye cream.

Home made Facial Mask

Face mask for dry skin
1. Take 1 tbsp olive oil and mix with 2 tbsp of fresh cream, leave it on the face for 10 minutes and then wash your face with warm water. 
2. Mix 1 tbsp of honey with 15 drops of orange juice and 1 tbsp of fuller's earth and add 1 tbsp of rose water. Mix well and apply on the face, wash off after 10 minutes.

Face mask for oily skin
1. Mix a tbsp of honey with 1 egg white and apply thickly on the face and neck. Leave for 10 minutes and wash off.
2. Mix 2 tbsp of papaya pulp with 10 drops of lemon juice and leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse well.
3. Take fresh juice of any of the fruits (orange, sweet lime, watermelon or papaya) and apply on the face as a mask. This is very relaxing, it cleanses the skin, closes pores and stimulates blood circulation.

Carrot Facial Mask 
Ingredients Needed:
2-3 large carrots  
4 1/2 tablespoons honey

Directions: Cook carrots, then mash. Mix with honey. Apply gently to the skin, wait 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

Glowing Facial Mask
You will love your radiant skin after using this recipe...
All you need is:
1 tbsp fuller's earth 
1 tbsp honey 
1 tbsp mashed papaya
Mix and put on face for 20 minutes then rinse off.
Honey Facial Mask 
Perhaps the best facial mask is honey.

Place a cloth in warm water and apply to your face to open the pores. Smear on honey, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores.
Use once a week.

Orange Yogurt Mask 
Ingredients Needed:
* 1 tsp plain yogurt  
* the juice of 1/4 of an orange
Stir to mix and then dip fingers into mixture and smooth onto face. he sensation is both cool and relaxing. Leave on for a five minutes and then rinse. If you are feeling sluggish, this is the perfect mask for you.
* Yogurt will cleanse and nourish your skin 
* The orange is full of Vitamin C and AHA's Beautiful Feet 

Everyone wants to have smooth skin and Beautiful Feet.
If you take 1 cup Lemon Juice, Cinnamon (for smell), 2 tablespoons (or less) olive oil, 1/4 cup of milk, and water you can make a wash that leaves skin refreshed and fragrant (the amount of water does not matter).

If you do not like the cinnamon smell you can replace it with another spice, perfume, or flower petals such as roses.After you make it, you can put it in a tub were you can soak your feet or body.
Next dry your feet or rinse them with water and a mild soap.

After a few weeks of doing this your skin will be silky smooth.

White Nails 
To whiten your nails, try these:

* Use a common whitening toothpaste. Try scrubbing your nails with Pearl Drops, it's just as easy as achieving a pearly white smile and will take away any stains and shine up your nails.
* Soak your nails in water with lemon juice or lemon slices. 

The lemon acts as an astringent and will strip away stains. Once your hands are dry, you'll only need to put on a couple of coats of a clear topcoat

Skin Sauna. 
A good deep cleansing treat is to give your face a sauna. This is especially good for congested skin.
You need to fill a bowl with near boiling water and add four drops of each of the essential oils recomended for your skin type.
NORMAL : Mandarin and Lavender. 
OILY : Lemon and Eucalyptus. 
DRY : Rose and Camomile.

Place a towel over your head and hold it over the bowl from a distance of about 30cm for a period of around two minutes. This opens the pores and prepares it for a face mask. You should not use a face sauna if you have sensitive skin, are pregnant or suffer from asthma

Wrinkle Remover
Green Thompson seedless grapes! It has one of the ingredients in those big time expensive wrinkle creams.

All you do is cut a grape in half and gently crush it on your face and neck. Make sure that you get the "crows-feet" and the lines around your mouth. Leave it on for twenty minutes or so and rinse with tepid water and pat dry.

Repeat every day and before you know it... those nasty old lines will be hard to find! Don't forget to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. And... eat veggies rich in Vitamin A, such as carrots, celery and spinach. If you can, get 8 hours of sleep every night.

To Remove BLACK SPOTS

1. Make a mixture with (Henna) (Lawsonia inermis) ,mehndi and oil and apply on the face.

2. Make a paste of 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and glycerin and apply it on the spots on your face.

3. Make a mixture of turmeric and curry leaves and apply on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.

4. Grind dried basil leaf, neem and mint (100 gm each). Add some turmeric powder and rose water to make it in a paste form and apply it on the spots.

5. Grind betel leaf and add a little coconut oil and apply it on the spots.

6.Soak a chappathi in milk overnight . Make it into a paste and apply it on black heads. continue for several days.

7. Make a paste of saffron and add some honey now apply it on the face to remove your black spots.

8. For removeing black spots... apply a paste of turmeric and basil.

9. To remove wrinkles on the face, apply a mixture of sandalwood powder, rosewater and glycerin. After some time Wash it with cold water.