Brahmi - The miracle elixir of life

Common names: Indian penny wort (English); Mandookaparani (Sanskrit); Brahmi (Hindi); Vondelaga (Kannada); Saraswataku (Telugu); Vallarai, Yoshanavalli (Tamil); Kodangal (Malayalam).

Latin name: Centella (Derived from “centum” referring to the profusely branched and intertwining leaves and branches).

Brahmi is a prostrate, perennial herb, with slender, creeping stem, and rounded, smooth-textured leaves. Brahmi has been in use as a herb for thousands of years in India, China, and Indonesia.  Although historically Brahmi has been used to treat a variety of ailments ranging from wound-healing to fever, Brahmi's greatest benefit comes from its established role as a “brain tonic” - several studies have demonstrated Brahmi's ability to boost memory and intelligence, ease anxiety, enhance nerve health, prevent/delay cognitive impairment associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and promote wound healing.
A recent Thai study to determine the neuroprotective effect of Brahmi concluded that treating patients with Brahmi extract may be an alternative direction for ameliorating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. This study also showed that Brahmi promotes survival of neuronal (nerve) cells. In another study conducted in Kerala, India, Brahmi was found to be significantly effective in alleviating anxiety-related disorders, stress, and depression. This study also showed that treatment with Brahmi showed a significant improvement in cognition. In yet another study Brahmi at doses of 500–750 mg/day significantly improved health-related quality of life (HQOL) in elderly patients when given as a supplement for 90 days.

The antioxidant and DNA-protective properties of Brahmi were confirmed in a study conducted at the Texas University College of Medicine, Texas, USA. This study demonstrated that Brahmi acts as a powerful antioxidant to prevent damage to the DNA of nerve cells in patients with Alzheimer's disease4.
These contemporary studies only confirm what ayurveda has always maintained - Brahmi is a herbal brain tonic that helps rejuvenate the nerve cells and overcome the negative effects of stress and anxiety.

To summarize, the key benefits of Brahmi include:

• A positive role in enhancing mental alertness and cognition
• Effective in inducing calmness and reduce stress and anxiety
• Effective adjuvant in the management of degenerative nerve disorders such as Alzheimer's disease
• Effective antioxidant that prevents DNA damage of nerve cells
• Beneficial as an adjuvant in depression-related problems
• Useful adjuvant in treating insomnia (inability to fall asleep during the night)

1. Limpeanchob N, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;120(1):112-7.
2. Jana U, et al. Nepal Med Coll J. 2010 Mar;12(1):8-11.
3. Mato L, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Oct 30. [Epub ahead of print].
4. Dhanasekaran M, et al. Phytother Res. 2009 Jan;23(1):14-9.

B.V. Pundit's Amlaka Rasayana - an unique lehyam (confection)

B.V.Pundit's Amalaka Rasayana is a one of its kind lehyam (confection). What makes it  different from other lehyams’ is that it is traditionally made conforming fully to the guidelines laid out in the Charaka Samhita - unarguably the most authoritative text on ayurveda. It has all the properties that a traditionally made lehyam should have: (1) Stringy consistency and non-sticky nature: you can easily roll it into a ball and leave a perfect thumb impression (2) Distinctive properties of the ingredients that go into making the lehyam: smell, colour and taste. B.V.Pundit's Amalaka Rasayana can be taken as a preventive as well as a curative lehyam by people of all age groups. Made from organically grown amla, it is a rich source of Vitamin C and hence is good for all ages as a rejuvenator and health tonic. In the elderly it is known to effectively control vertigo and hypertension (elevated blood pressure-BP).

Neem - The blood purifier

If there is one medicinal plant that can be truly called “versatile” then it is the neem plant-it is perhaps the most useful traditional medicinal plant in India. Commonly known as the margosa tree, the scientific name for the neem tree is Azadirachta indica. As the name suggests (indica), the neem tree is indigenous to India.  Almost every part of the neem tree finds a place in traditional medicine.

Neem is known to be useful in relieving piles, intestinal worms, blood morbidity (removes toxins from the blood and enhances blood flow to the various parts of the body), itching, and skin diseases like ring worm, scabies, wound and skin ulcers. Neem is also a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antifungal and therefore protects against infections.
Studies have also shown that neem has a chemopreventive (ability to protect against cancer) property. The study conducted at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi showed that neem significantly inhibits cancer tumours and can be used effectively as part of a preventive strategy for various diseases including cancer.
Refs:
1. Biswas K, et al. Current Science. 2002;82(11):1336-45.
2. Dasgupta T, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;92(1):23-36.

Cinnamon - The “spice” of life

Cinnamon is probably the world’s oldest known spice. In the olden days cinnamon was highly prized, not only for its preservative qualities but also for its medicinal properties. Medieval physicians used cinnamon to treat sore throat, coughing and hoarseness of voice. Recent studies have shown that cinnamon provides a range of health benefits including a proven role in reducing the risk of heart diseases and managing type-2 diabetes.
Native to the South Asian region, Cinnamon derives its name from the arabic term amomon, meaning “fragrant spice” The unique health-giving properties of cinnamon come from the essential oils found in the bark of the cinnamon tree.
Cinnamon is one herb that has been studied extensively and these studies have confirmed its value in the management of type-II diabetes and heart disease. In an European study conducted to determine the effect of cinnamon on fasting glucose levels, results showed that daily supplementation with cinnamon significantly improved fasting glucose levels and enhanced insulin sensitivity. In another study sixty people with diabetes were treated with 1, to 6 grams of cinnamon in pill form daily. After 40 days, fasting blood-sugar levels were reduced by 18 to 29%, triglycerides (a type of cholesterol) by 23 to 30%, LDL (bad) cholesterol by 7 to 27%, and total cholesterol by 12 to 26%.
In another recent study conducted in 2009, in patients who were either overweight or obese with impaired fasting glucose tolerance, daily cinnamon supplementation helps reduce the risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease. Several other studies have further demonstrated the efficacy of cinnamon supplementation in the management of type-2 diabetes and heart disease.
On the basis of current evidence, it can safely be concluded that daily intake of cinnamon is an important value addition in the management of type-2 diabetes and heart disease.
Refs:
1. Hlebowicz J, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:1552-6.
2. Khan A, et al. Diabetes Care. 2003; 26(12)”3215-8.

Holy Basil: Tulsi

Tulsi or holy-basil scientifically known as Ocimum sanctum is a well known indigenous plant that grows wild in the tropics and warm regions.  It is a fragrant herb with round aromatic leaves. The tulsi plant is widely used for its ayurvedic medicinal value.
Legend has it that the tulsi plant emerged from the ocean of milk that was being churned by the gods and asuras (demons) during their quest for the immortal nectar.

According to the ayurvedic texts the tulsi herb is especially beneficial in respiratory tract infections because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-allergic properties. Tulsi, a proven immunomodulator, is helpful in the management and prevention of respiratory infections and as a useful supplement in the treatment of cough, stuffy/runny nose, fever etc.
Recent research has also shown that Tulsi is effective in reducing stress when taken regularly as a supplement. This is attributed to its antioxidant and immune-strengthening properties.
Tulsi has a long history of safe traditional use in India and there are no indications of any adverse events associated with the use of Tulsi in the literature. Tulsi is now approved for use as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication in the US and all major European countries in addition to India, testifying to the safety of Tulsi.
Distinguished by its strong aroma and astringent taste,  Tulsi is referred to as "elixir of life" as it promotes longevity.

Sarsaparilla - “Root” to good health

Today the market is flooded with various colas, sodas and ready-to-drink fruit drinks that have wiped out our rich heritage of health drinks, tonics and “sherbets”  This article looks at a little known, healthier alternative to colas and other so called health drinks - Sarsaparilla. Interestingly Sarsaparilla (Zarzaparilla) is a Spanish word, in fact a combination of 3 Spanish words: zarza (bramble or bush), parra (vine), and illa (small) quite literally, a small, brambled vine.
In India Sarsaparilla is more popularly known as nannari (Tamil), soghadhe beru (kannada), and Sugandhi (hindi). Sarsaparilla is a woody wine that can grow up to a height of 50 m and bears small flowers and black, blue or red berry-like fruits.

The sarsaparilla root finds use in traditional systems of medicine including ayurveda. Sarsaparilla has been in use for hundreds of years and the extract from the root is known to cool the body, detoxify the body and improve blood circulation. In ayurveda it is also prescribed to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), urinary tract infections, and skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.
The sarsaparilla extract is usually available as pure concentrated syrup that can be mixed with water or chilled milk to make a refreshing and cooling health-drink. Pure sarsaparilla extract is rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C, and D and therefore can also be consumed as a general health tonic.

3 tips for healthy & beautiful eyes

Palming: Rub the palms of both hands for about 30 seconds, close your eyes and gently place your cupped palms over eyes for instant relief from tired, irritated eyes.
Eye exercise: Move your eye balls: right-left, up-down, clockwise & then anti-clockwise. This strengthens the muscles that hold your eyeballs in place.
Washing eyes with Triphala water: Put a teaspoonful of Triphala into a glass of pure water (boiled & cooled) and allow it stay overnight. Strain the water and wash your eyes first thing in the morning.

Ashwagandha: The natural energizer

Ashwangandha (Withania somnifera) has been known from ancient times to have a positive effect on the nervous system. Numerous scientific studies have shown that regular consumption of Ashwagandha leads to significant improvements in mental health, concentration, fatigue, social functioning, vitality and overall Quality of Life (QoL). In addition to its effects on the nervous system, Ashwagandha is also known to have a positive effect on patients with arthritis due to its established anti-inflammatory properties.

Amla - The power-packed berry

Amla (Emblica officinalis) also known as Amalaki or Dhatriphala in Sanskrit is the richest natural source of vitamin C . Indigenous to India, amla commonly known as the Indian gooseberry, has been in use for almost 1,500 years and known for its anti-aging and immune building properties. 100 grams of Amla contains about 700 mg. of vitamin C, which is 20 to 30 times the amount found in oranges. In addition to vitamin C, amla also contains calcium, iron, protein, gallic and tannic acids, phosphorus, and carbohydrates. Charaka the celebrated ayurvedic physician of ancient India has singled out amla as a great rasayana (vital elixir) that helps build immunity against diseases and prevent the signs of premature ageing.
Amla is an established antioxidant that works as a potent free-radical scavenger in the body. Free-radicals are by-products of chemical reactions in the body that can harm the normal cells of the body. Amla with its antioxidant properties helps reduce the harmful effects of these free-radicals. Amla also helps expel toxins and importantly enhances the natural immune defense mechanism of the body. It is known to fight all kinds of viruses including hepatitis, and influenza. Amla is also an excellent digestive because of its rich fibre content.
Amla juice taken as a regular tonic, offers a range of health benefits:
Potent antioxidant that prevents the signs of premature ageing
 Enhances natural immunity against recurrent respiratory infections
Helps improve digestive system by reducing hyperacidity and heartburn
Beneficial as an adjuvant in chronic diseases like hypertension

Giloi: The nectar of the gods

Giloi has a long history in use by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine since 2000 B.C. Giloi is known by its practitioners to treat convalescence from severe illness, fever, viral infections, and liver disease.

Common names:

Giloi: Giloya, Guduchi, Gulancha, Gunchi (Hindi); Amritaballi, Madhuparne (Kannada); Amritavalli, Amudam, Sindilakodi (Tamil); Tellatipattige, Tipattige, Iruluchi (Telugu); Amrytu, Sittamrytu (Malayalam).

Latin name:

Giloi: Tinospora cordifolia

Giloi is an indigenous, common shrub found in the Himalayas, tropical regions of India and particularly abundant in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh. Giloi is a creeper with grayish stem and tubercles (small warts) on the surface. The leaves are broad and heart-shaped. The plant bears minute yellow flowers.

According to ancient mythology soon after the great war between Rama and Ravana, the vanaras (monkey warriors) of Rama's army who had died in the war were brought back to life by Indra, the king of the gods by showering nectar from the heavens. A few drops of this nectar fell on the ground and they sprouted to become the Giloi plant.

According to the ayurvedic texts, Giloi is referred to as Amrita (nectar) because of its potential to impart youthfulness, vitality and long life to its user. As a medicinal plant Giloi holds pride of place in the Indian system of ayurvedic medicine. It is known to have a range of medicinal benefits, chief among them being its ability to enhance the immune system. Modern research shows that Giloi is a strong immune-stimulant and immune-booster/builder and has a potentially important role in building the immune system which in turn can help prevent the occurrence of diseases - from the common cold/cough to fever, diabetes and cancer. It is this unique ability of Giloi to work at the cellular level and enhance immunity that has earned it its exalted place in the traditional system of Indian medicine.