Author: Dr.Sandeep Krishna sandeep

Ayurveda regards Ama as the root cause of all disorders and signifies the importance of healthy digestion in ensuring a holistic health. The smooth functioning of the stomach and the digestive tract thus plays a vital role in our overall health. Ulcers are often regarded as a common digestive disorder that can cause serious harm to the digestive process as well as the organs involved in digesting food and assimilating nutrients. Peptic or gastric ulcers are erosions or sores that occur on the stomach lining or duodenum which marks the starting of small intestine. These lesions form from the break of the skin or the mucous membrane that lines the stomach.

Causes of peptic ulcers

Bacterial infection is often held responsible for causing ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. Other risk factors for developing ulcers include,

Signs and symptoms

Ayurveda and ulcers

Ayurveda regards the most common causes of ulcers as a combination of Vataand Pitta provoking factors. Vata type ulcers occur due to the dryness of the mucous membranes lining the stomach and small intestine. The dry membrane fails to protect the underlying tissue from the acid present in the digestive system which results in the acids burning the tissue causing hyperacidity at first and ulceration gradually. Pitta type ulcers result from excess acid secretions that overwhelm the mucous secretions of the intestinal lining which leads to hyperacidity and ulceration.

Ayurvedic treatments for peptic ulcers include purification through Panchakarma, administering rasayanas, therapies to treat inflammation and hyperacidity and antibacterial therapies along with diet regulations. Most Ayurvedic physicians takes into consideration the body type of the person before formulating a treatment module. Medicated enema of sesame oil and asparagus oil is recommended for Vata, while enema using amalaki is used for Pitta. For Kapha type, vomiting is induced with sugarcane juice or salt water.

Home remedies to manage peptic ulcers

Oedema is characterized by the swelling in the body following an injury or inflammation. The condition occurs due to the additional fluid build-up in the tissues. Even though it can affect any part of the body, occurrence is most common in legs and hands. Deficiency of albumin, allergy, blood clot, health conditions affecting heart and liver, head injury, pregnancy, etc. can result oedema.

Following are 10 home remedies that help manage oedema.

Monsoon season characterized by the wet and damp climate calls for extensive care of our foot. Trudging through floods and walking through dirty water make our feet prone to accumulation of dirt, fungal infections and skin problems. Ayurveda regards foot care to be a regimen that transcends cosmetic purposes and benefits the nervous system in a great extent.

Here are effective tips foot care in the monsoon season.

Dandruff, one among the most common scalp disorders, is the accumulation of dead skin cells as white flakes on the scalp. It is also the most common reason for hair fall in many. The causes of dandruff include dry skin, increases intake of dry, cold and spicy foods, environmental allergens, excess usage of hair styling products, etc.

According to Ayurveda, the aggravation of the Vata and Pitta doshas produces impurities which later gets accumulated in the deep tissues of scalp and causes dandruff. The Ayurvedic approach to treating dandruff involves pacifying the doshas and cleansing the body off impurities.

Here are some easy Ayurvedic remedies for dandruff.

Ayurveda recommends cleansing the blood as a healthy measure against the toxin build-up and to boost immunity, improve heart health and prevent diseases. The ancient science also advises the use of herbs that can extract the toxins from the bloodstream and help regulate the functioning of the organs.

Following are the Ayurvedic herbs recommended for blood purification.

Neem

Neem is a considered an excellent blood cleanser and is used in treating ailments that require the detoxification of the bloodstream. The herb is also effective in detoxifying the liver and the biliary tree for a myriad of health benefits. Neem also helps fight blood clot and is also used to treat various skin ailments, ulcers, arthritis, etc.

Manjishta

It is an astringent and bitter herb with cooling properties that help dissolve the barriers in blood flow. Manjishta also helps get rid of stagnant blood and eliminate toxins from the bloodstream. Regulating blood glucose levels is another health benefit offered by this herb.

Guduchi

With the ability to balance the three doshas, guduchi is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that helps in blood cleanse. The herb aids in the elimination of toxins accumulated from the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. It is also beneficial in controlling the uric levels in blood and strengthening the urinary system which ultimately promotes the proper elimination of toxins from the blood stream.

Amla

The juice of amla acts as a blood purifier by assisting in flushing out the toxins from the body, improving the quality of blood and promoting blood circulation. Regular intake of amla juice is considered beneficial for increasing the haemoglobin and red blood cell counts.

Today’s hectic lifestyle coupled with unhealthy food habits and the excessive intake of fast foods and processed foods have made many victims of indigestion and associated digestive issues. A healthy diet is vital for maintain a healthy digestive system which enhances nutrient absorption and strengthens the immunity.

Here are seven foods that help improve digestion and promotes good digestive health.

Apple

Packed with vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, apples are ideal for promoting digestive health. The antioxidant property of the fruit help reduce the damage and inflammation to the digestive organs. Apples also enhances digestion due to the presence of pectin which promotes the growth of good bacteria in the stomach.

Cucumber

Cucumber possess high fiber as well as water content which is beneficial in preventing constipation and aiding in smooth bowel movements. The antioxidants in cucumber also prevent toxic accumulation which can cause indigestion and stomach infections.

Papaya

Papaya contains elements that have antimicrobial properties and also help in digestion by breaking down the food. It is also a rich source of Vitamins A, B and C which aid in eliminating toxins for promoting digestive health.

Bananas

Rich in fiber and pectin, bananas help improve bowel movement while also aiding in digesting carbohydrates. Adding a banana daily to your diet either in breakfast or as a smoothie is highly beneficial.

Ginger

Ginger is highly recommended for digestive health. It also has a positive effect on enzymes that help break down fast and proteins. Chew a small piece of ginger with little salt in the morning or add ginger to fruit juices or food to include it in your diet.

Cumin

Cumin possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and is also an appetite stimulant. The phytochemical thymol in cumin help stimulate secretion of acids, bile and enzymes which promote healthy digestion. Also, the essential oils, sodium and magnesium in cumin aid in relieving stomach ache.

Fennel

Fennel helps treat common digestive issues like indigestion, flatulence, bloating, stomach ache, etc. Fennel seeds also help stimulate secretion of digestive juices which aids in nutrient absorption. The compound found in fennel seeds help relax the lining of digestive tract and help cleanse the colon.

Brittle, dry or splitting nails are a common health problem affecting both men and women alike. Aging, frequent exposure to water and excessive use of nail polish, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to chemicals, dry environment etc. are some of the factors that cause brittle nails.

Here are some home remedies for brittle nails using 7 common kitchen ingredients.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil helps moisturise the nails, improve blood circulation, soften the cuticle and makes them stronger. Massage each nail with warm coconut oil for a minute to prevent dryness and to strengthen them against breaking off.

Sea Salt

Soaking nails in sea salt and water solution is one of the simplest methods to heal brittle nails. Adding lemon juice to the solution is also a healthy alternative.

Almond oil

Almonds are rich in antioxidants and nutrients, which help nourish the nails and prevent brittleness. To a teaspoon of almond oil, add some lemon juice, mix well and massage fingers with it or soak fingers in it for under 2 minutes.

Tomato juice

The antioxidant property and protein content in tomato will strengthen the nail texture and help heal brittle nails. To 2 tablespoons of tomato juice, add 2 drops of rosemary oil and dip nails in this solution for 10 minutes.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice contains Vitamin C that is a powerful antioxidant which fights free radicals to prevent damage. To make use of this benefit for the nails, dip a cotton ball in some freshly squeezed lemon juice, wipe each nail with it and wash nails with warm water.

Olive oil

It helps in the absorption of calcium and improves bone mineralisation to strengthen brittle nails. Just dip your fingers in olive oil for 10 minutes or massage the nails with olive oil.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains moisturising compounds which prevents the breaking of nails. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 2-3 cups of warm water, dip a cotton ball to the mixture and apply on the nails.

Facial palsy, also called Bell’s palsy or facial paralysis is the complete loss of voluntary functions or paralysis of one side of the face resulted from the damage to the facial nerve. It is considered as an idiopathic condition as there is no specific cause or explanation.

Clinical features of facial palsy

Ayurvedic definition of facial paralysis

Facial palsy is referred to as Ardita in Ayurveda and is defined as the condition caused by vitiated Vatalodged in the corresponding nerves, arteries and veins of the face declining their functioning.

Predominant symptoms of facial paralysis according to Ayurveda,

Ayurvedic treatments for facial palsy

Ayurveda suggests herbal medications as well as therapies to treat aggravated Vata, strengthen the nerves, improve blood circulation and recovery of facial muscle strength. Panchakarma is strongly recommended to detoxify the body and therapies like Abhyangam, Swedana, Snehapanam, Virechanam, Pizhichil, Vasti, etc. are advised.

Nasyam – Nasal administration of medicines is one among the 5 therapies of Panchakarma. It lubricatesthe nasal passages and is considered effective in treating diseases pertaining to head. It aims to flush out the toxins from neck and head region and strengthen the sensory organs.

Shirovasthi – Lukewarm herbal oil is retained on the head for a specific amount of time to stimulate specific points on the head that is effective for treating facial palsy. It is also indicated for migraine, insomnia, cervical spondylosis etc.

Shirodhara – Medicated oil is poured gently on the forehead in a continuous stream to relax the nervous system and treat nervous disorders like facial palsy and Parkinson’s and also other conditions such as insomnia, migraine, memory loss, hearing impairment, etc.

One of the most common skin problem in the summer season, prickly heat causes itchy rashes usually on the face, neck, back, chest and thighs. It occurs when sweat cannot escape through the hair follicles and is trapped in the skin forming small raised red spots.

Here are 9 effective Ayurvedic home remedies for prickly heat.

1. • Epsom salt bath – Add epsom salt to warm bath water and soak in it or apply a cloth soaked in epsom salt water on the rash to exfoliate dead cells and heat the rashes.