Natural Herbal Cure For Memory Improvement

What are the reasons behind memory loss

Estimations indicates that 35 percent to near about 50 % of the old age people, or above the age of 85 have possibilities of having Alzheimer's and Dementia disease, which compromises mental function and leads to loss of memory, studies conducted by the NYU Langone Medical Center.

Young age crowd may also have the possibilities of getting affected with memory loss the reasons may be certain medicines, stress, and other diseases that harms the blood flow to the brain and circulatory system.

Various natural remedies and vitamins may offer relief from memory loss and excite the brain to progress memory. Interact with your health doctor before starting any new behavior plan.

Ways to improve

There are natural ways to improve and boost the memory which includes healthy diet plan as well, these practices are measured vital in conserving brain health and thereby improving your memory:

• Maintaining social influences
• Keep your mind enthused with stimulating activities (such as plying crossword puzzle or some new activities like learning musical instrument)
• Getting systematic exercise (cardiovascular type of exercise)
• Handling your stress, do yoga along with deep breathing, for illustration.

There's also developing indication that active meditation will definitely help in enhancing your memory. However, more research is required to take prior to any assumptions related to facts about meditation's helpful in memory-improving effects can be drawn.

Natural cures

Tips for preventing memory loss:

• Get out of your stress issues
• Have sound sleep
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid smoking and drinking
• Make outdoor trips and enjoy life
• Exercise at least half an hour a day.
• Be part of social activities.
• Antioxidants play a vital role.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids act great in enhancing memory.

Herbs:

• Herbs play an important role in boosting mental strength naturally.
• Bacopa is regarded as the best herb brain tonic.
• They also help in improving memory and intelligence.
• Bacopa is also beneficial for patients suffering from insomnia.
• Absent mindedness and forgetfulness can be cured with the help of the best herbs available.
• For proper functioning of the brain and nervous system, the natural ingredients present in herbs works wonders in treating symptoms of memory loss.
• Herbs give a natural touch in healing the deficiencies
• Kava Kava is the best herb.

Why Himalya Mentat?

Mentat from Himalaya is an influential natural multi-ingredient creation that endorses health of a brain.

Mentat is gentle and safe and helps the brain with intelligent functions and tasks.

Mentat is also known as MindCare.

It provides the natural ability for healthy nervous and brain system to equickly store and able to recall information.

Mentat helps to promotion the brain with functions and rational goals.

It act as calmative and delivers a relaxed feeling.

Ingredients in the formulation:

• False Black Pepper / Vidanga(Embelia ribes)
• Indian valerian / Tagara(Valeriana wallichii)
• Almond / Vatadha(Prunus amygdalus)
• Chebulic myrobalan / Haritaki(Terminalia chebula)
• Sweet Flag / Vacha (Acorus calamus)
• Thyme leaved gratiola / Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
• Indian pennywort / Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica)
• Morning glory / Vishnukrantha (Evolvulus alsinoides)
• Indian gooseberry / Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
• Winter Cherry / Ashvagandha (Withania Somnifera)
• Musk root / Jatamansi(Nardostachys jatamansi)

Benefits of taking this MindCare Himalaya Herbals:

• Mentat from Himalaya helps to improve concentration, retain memory, and maintains health of brain.
• It removes the rational quotient, faculty span, and emphasis verge and attention susceptibleness.
• Mentat has proven beneficial in treating behavioral disorders such as hyperkinetic states, asocial behavior, temper tantrums, aggressive behavior and enuresis.
• It acts as a calmative tonic that boosts memory strength
• This natural herbal formulation helps to improve the cognitive concentration,
lineament quotient, stress edge and module movement.
• It works wonders against convulsions and insomnia
• Mentat improves concentration impairment and learning disability.
• This natural herbal product helps to remove anxiety and stress related disorders
• It also helps to reduce fatigue
• It is a helpful treatment in curing speech defects, minor to moderate retardation, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease

By Michael Bennet

The Herbal Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Or Painful Bladder Syndrome

Interstitial cystitis affects 500,000 people in the UK, who are told that there is no cure for it and they must live with it. Patients have often been on an exhausting route visiting GPs, urologists and gynaecologists with little success. They feel that the orthodox treatment seems to be purely symptomatic and unable to address the underlying cause of this very debilitating condition.
What is Interstitial Cystitis (IC)?
Interstitial cystitis is a very uncomfortable and stressful disorder, which is characterized by chronic urinary urgency (feeling the need to urinate immediately) and frequency (frequent urination) with or without pelvic pain. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis may vary among individuals and may even vary with time in the same individual. Many people have to live life around their bladder because of the unpleasant symptoms. The term "cystitis" refers to any inflammation of the bladder. In contrast to bacterial cystitis, which results from an infection in the bladder, no infectious organism has been identified in people with interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis is diagnosed when the symptoms occur without evidence for another cause of the symptoms.
About 90 percent of patients with interstitial cystitis are women and the average age of onset is 40, though people of any age can be affected. Although interstitial cystitis has not been considered a hereditary disorder, multiple cases have occurred among some families, prompting further research into a genetic link.
Women with interstitial cystitis are more likely to have had frequent urinary tract infections and to have had previous gynaecological surgery than women without interstitial cystitis. Certain chronic illnesses have been described as occurring more frequently in people with interstitial cystitis than in the general population:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus or SLE)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Allergies
Endometriosis
Vulvodynia (chronic discomfort in the vulvar area)
Fibromyalgia
Interstitial cystitis has been classified into two forms, ulcerative and non-ulcerative, depending on the presence or absence of ulcerations in the bladder lining. Star-shaped ulcerations in the bladder wall are known as Hunner's ulcers. The ulcerative (classic type) of interstitial cystitis is found in less than 10% of cases. Scarring and stiffening of the bladder wall may occur as a result of the long term inflammation, leading to a decrease in bladder capacity. Areas of pinpoint bleeding may be seen on the bladder wall.
What is the cause of interstitial cystitis?
No one knows exactly what causes interstitial cystitis but because the symptoms are varied, most researchers believe that it represents a spectrum of disorders rather than one single disease. One area of research has focused on the layer that coats the lining of the bladder called the glycocalyx. This consists mainly of substances called mucins and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). This layer normally protects the bladder wall from toxic effects of urine. Researchers have found that this protective layer of the bladder is "leaky" in about 70% of interstitial cystitis patients. There is a hypothesis that this may allow substances in urine to pass into the bladder wall where they might trigger interstitial cystitis.
Potassium is one substance that may be involved in damage to the bladder wall. Researchers have isolated a substance known as antiproliferative factor (APF) that appears to block the normal growth of cells that make up the lining of the bladder. APF has been identified almost exclusively in the urine of people suffering with interstitial cystitis. Research is underway to clarify the potential role of APF in the development of interstitial cystitis.
Other theories about the cause of interstitial cystitis are that it is a form of autoimmune disorder or that infection with an unidentified organism may be producing the damage to the bladder and the accompanying symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis?
The symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary greatly from one person to another but have some similarities to those of a urinary tract infection. They include:
Decreased bladder capacity
An urgent need to urinate frequently day and night
Feelings of pressure, pain, and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis, and perineum (the area between the anus and vagina or anus and scrotum) which may increase as the bladder fills and decrease as it empties
Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
Discomfort or pain in the penis and scrotum
In most women, symptoms usually worsen around the time of their periods. Stress may also worsen the symptoms. The symptoms usually have a slow onset, and urinary frequency is the most common early symptom. As interstitial cystitis progresses over a few years, cycles of pain (flares) and remissions occur. Pain may be mild or so severe as to be debilitating. Symptoms can vary from day to day.
How is interstitial cystitis diagnosed?
Because the symptoms of interstitial cystitis are similar to those of other disorders of the urinary system and because there is no definitive test to identify interstitial cystitis, doctors must exclude other conditions before making a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. Among the disorders to be excluded are urinary tract or vaginal infections, bladder cancer, bladder inflammation or infection caused by radiation to the abdomen, eosinophilic and tuberculous cystitis, kidney stones, endometriosis, neurological disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infection with small numbers of bacteria, and, in men, chronic bacterial and non-bacterial prostatitis. Medical tests that help identify other conditions include a urinalysis, urine culture, cystoscopy, biopsy of the bladder wall and, in men, laboratory examination of prostatic secretions.
What is the orthodox treatment of interstitial cystitis?
Orthodox medication The principal type of oral medication is Elmiron, which is chemically similar to the substance that lines the bladder. It is believed that Elmiron assists in the repair of the bladder. Even after therapy has begun, patients may still experience symptoms for some time because the sensory nerves in the bladder have been hyperactive, and it takes time for the nerves to return to their normal state of activation. Doctors recommend giving up to one year of this treatment in mild interstitial cystitis and two years in severe interstitial cystitis before deciding if the drug is effective or not. Between one-third and two-thirds of patients will improve after three months of treatment.
Other oral medications that may be used to treat interstitial cystitis along with Elmiron include antidepressants, aspirin and ibuprofen (both of which may make symptoms worse in some patients).
Bladder Distension Bladder distension is sometimes is used for therapy of interstitial cystitis. It helps reduce symptoms in approximately 20-30% of people with interstitial cystitis. When it is effective, the relief of symptoms persists for three to six months after the procedure.
Bladder Instillation (Intravesical therapy)
This procedure may also be called a bladder wash or bath. During a bladder instillation, the bladder is filled with a solution that is held for varying periods of time, from a few seconds to 15 minutes, before being drained through a narrow tube called a catheter.
In severe cases of interstitial cystitis, intravesical solutions may be administered along with Elmiron to provide relief until the oral medication has had time to take effect. Other drugs that have been used for bladder instillations include dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, RIMSO-50), heparin, sodium bicarbonate, and hydrocortisone (a steroid). Treatments are given every week or two for 6 to 8 weeks, and repeated as needed depending on symptoms. Most people with interstitial cystitis who respond to DMSO notice an improvement in symptoms 3 or 4 weeks after the first 6 to 8-week cycle of treatments.
Other Surgical Procedures for Interstitial Cystitis
In severe cases of interstitial cystitis that do not respond well to oral medications or to bladder distension or instillation, more invasive surgical procedures may be attempted. A procedure known as sacral neuromodulation has been shown to be effective in controlling symptoms in some people with interstitial cystitis. The term "neuromodulation" refers to an alteration of the nervous system. In sacral neuromodulation, a device is implanted that allows for electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves in the sacral (lower back) area. Sacral neuromodulation is believed to work by inhibiting the hyperactive signals from the sensory nerves within the bladder wall. For sacral neuromodulation, a wire from an electrical impulse generator is implanted in the sacral region of the spinal column. If there is relief of symptoms, the impulse generator can be implanted beneath the skin in the region of the buttocks. A remote control programmer allows the patient to adjust the impulse frequency and power to provide optimal relief of symptoms.
Therapies that also have been used include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a form of neuromodulation that does not involve surgical placement of wires or an impulse generator. With TENS, mild electric pulses enter the body for minutes to hours two or more times a day either through wires placed on the surface of the lower back or the suprapubic region, between the navel and the pubic hair, or through special devices inserted into the vagina in women or into the rectum in men. It is believed that the electric pulses may increase blood flow to the bladder, strengthen pelvic muscles that help control the bladder, and trigger the release of hormones that block pain. TENS is generally more effective in reducing pain than in reducing urinary frequency.
Other surgical procedures that may rarely be performed to treat severe interstitial cystitis include peripheral denervation (disrupting the nerves to the bladder wall), bladder augmentation to increase bladder capacity, and cystectomy (bladder removal) with diversion, or re-routing, of urine flow.
The Herbal Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis
The aim of the treatment is not only to alleviate the symptoms but, where possible, to find any underlying issues, which may be fuelling the IC. By taking a very detailed history, the practitioner can better understand the pathology of each woman's IC and thereby address the underlying issues. Every woman's experience of IC is different and must be treated accordingly rather than with a set protocol or a one-size-fits-all approach. Herbal Medicine treats the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Interstitial Cystitis is a very complex and debilitating condition. It has probably taken a long time... perhaps years... for the body to reach the point, where IC becomes inevitable. This could have been for a variety of reasons with several body systems involved. The chronic inflammation in the bladder and its repair is the most challenging part of the body to treat as it is always in constant use. The complexity of this illness dictates that treatment is given in stages, addressing both the underlying weaknesses in the body and the symptoms. The treatment for IC takes both trust and dedication to achieving a good clinical outcome.
Patients, who start this treatment within a year of diagnosis, usually report that their pain becomes more manageable after six weeks. For patients, who have had IC for longer, it takes longer to notice an improvement. It is very much team work with the patient working with the practitioner to successfully get through the various stages of treatment, which address underlying issues and strengthen body systems.
To help prevent flares, patients are advised to follow a strict diet. Every patient's experience of IC is different so there are no set treatments. Instead, treatments are tailored to meet each patient's unique needs. The practitioner formulates a personalised herbal prescription for each patient. This approach gets the best results and is far more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Patients usually report subtle changes after the first six weeks of treatment. They are asked to keep a detailed diary, which is discussed at every consultation. It is not unusual for patients to report that they have less pain after the first six weeks. Some report that the increase in pain and the severe flares around the time of their period have disappeared. Patients have reported that the shooting pain on sitting has gone and that they urinate less frequently and the bladder feels calmer.
Where patients have experienced IBS type symptoms, there is usually an improvement within this initial period. For example, some patients will report a reduction in the number of bowel movements per day. Some report less flatulence. Patients also report an improvement in general health, whilst the treatment progresses. They say they have less achiness, less headaches, less menstrual or menopausal symptoms.
The stress and depression that this condition causes is also treated, which again usually leads to less pain and better control of symptoms. Within the first six weeks of treatment, it is not unusual for patients to report that they feel calmer, with their mood better than before. At this stage in the treatment patients may see an improvement in their sleep. Some report that they are sleeping deeper and so have more energy. For others it can take longer to feel comfortable at night.
Every patient responds differently to the herbal treatment. Some patients may react very quickly to the treatment, whilst others may take longer. It is therefore impossible to estimate how long treatment will take. However, in most cases it takes around a year. Patients do suffer setbacks from time to time and this can be brought on by stressful situations in their life. When this happens, the herbal prescription can be modified to give the patient more support. Patients report that this flexibility in the treatment is extremely beneficial and they say that they feel so much better than they ever did on the orthodox treatment.
One patient's testimonial says" It was explained that we had to rebalance my body and calm the inflammation thus allowing healing to take place rather than giving the body drugs to mask the pain and intrusive procedures to merely ease the symptoms. I was also advised about what I should and should not eat so my condition would not get worse. The treatment is in stages and I have regular check ups to see how the treatment is going and if I am ready to go to the next level of treatment. After 2 weeks I could notice a dramatic improvement and this continues to be the case. Thanks to this approach I have an excellent understanding of the condition and what my body needs to be able to beat it. I would strongly recommend anyone suffering from interstitial cystitis to try herbal medicine. I know the pain and anxiety it causes and hope that many more women discover like I have that they are not resigned to that suffering, there is a way forward with herbal medicine."
There are no quick fixes with this natural approach to treating interstitial cystitis and progress is slow but patients report a sense of recovery and, by tracking the subtle changes in their diary, they can actually see how much progress they are making.

By Deborah Grant

Herbal Compress - Top 10 Herbs

Top 10 Compress Herbs
1. CAMPHOR
2. EUCALYPTUS
3. GINGER ROOT
4. JASMINE
5. KAFFIR LIME
6. PRAI
7. PEPPERMINT
8. LEMONGRASS
9. TAMARIND
10. TURMERIC
Each herb holds therapeutic properties that offer many benefits. Below is a description of what properties each of the top 10 herbs may provide as well as the taste and application.
CAMPHOR:
Properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic antitussive, bronchodilator, cardiac, diaphoretic, expectorant, pectoral, sedative, stimulant
Taste: Hot, aromatic
Applications: Thai saunas, decongestant - inhaled to treat colds, congestion, sore throat, cough bronchitis, and sinusitis, blocked menstruation, eye infections, fevers, typhoid, and lung infections. Stimulates brain, heart and circulation, calms stress, anxiety and insomnia
EUCALYPTUS:
Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, expectorant, diaphoretic, pectoral, antibacterial, anti fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti migraine, and also an insect repellent.
Taste: Hot, aromatic
Application: Treats colds, congestion, sinus, lung, cough, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat and respiratory aliments aches & pains, blisters, burns, catarrh, chicken pox, circulation, cuts, cystitis, diarrhea, diphtheria, emphysema, fever, headaches, herpes, influenza, insect repellent, lice, measles, migraines, nephritis, neuralgia, rheumatoid conditions, sinusitis, skin, ulcers, sprains, throat infections, wounds.
GINGER ROOT:
Properties: Analgesic, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, anti-septic, antitussive, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic
Taste: Hot
Application: General tonic for health and longevity. Stimulant for digestive tract. Combats flatulence, indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, sluggish digestion, nausea, vomiting.
JASMINE:
Properties: Antiseptic, astringent, cardiac, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative
Taste: aromatic
Application: Saunas and steams, used for calming nervousness, stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Tea and inhalation help with infection of eyes, heart disease, fever and chronic thirst
KAFFIR LIME:
Properties: Antioxidant, antitussive, astringent, blood tonic, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, stomachic
Taste: Sour, bitter
Application: saunas, colds, congestion, and cough, digestive stimulant, blood purifier, cancer preventing properties, high blood pressure, regulates menstruation
PRAI:
Properties: Anti-septic
Taste: Hot
Application: Skin beautifier, nourishes skin, smoothes stretch marks during pregnancy, aches and pains, inflammations, joint problems, muscle spasms, sprains, and strains, torn muscles and ligaments, asthma, chronic colds, colic, constipation, diarrhea, fevers, flatulence, heartburn, immune problems, influenza, nausea, respiratory problems, wounds, improves circulation, tones the stomach, improves appetite, increases mental alertness and improves memory.
PEPPERMINT:
Properties: Analgesic, anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, antitussive, aphrodisiac, appetiser, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, nervine, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic, tonic
Taste: Hot, aromatic
Application: Calming effect on nervous system, vapor, treats nervousness, insomnia, stress, related or migraine headaches
LEMONGRASS:
Properties: Anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, carminative, expectorant
Taste: Sour
Application: stimulant for digestion, constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, back pain.
TAMARIND:
Properties: Anti-septic, anti-stringent, blood tonic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, female tonic, laxative, nutritive, tonic, purgative, refrigerant, stimulant
Taste: Sour
Application: Lowers blood pressure, diarrhea, fever, ulcers and sores.
TURMERIC:
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant
Taste: Bitter
Application: Inflammation and antioxidant damage such as cataracts, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease, scabies and digestive disorders; promotes wound healing, strengthens immune system, infections, gallbladder problems, dysentery, liver disorders, indigestion.
There are many other herbs that are also used in the compress such as: basil, cayenne, cinnamon, cumin, lemon, mandarin orange, garlic, nutmeg, and lavender.
Lana Cummings 

Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Medicines, and Important Herbs

What is Ayurveda and Its Importance?
Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing. Translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means 'the science of life'. ayur means "life" and veda means "science. India system which largely depends on plant support to form major Chunk of its medicine. Most of the herbs, spices, seeds, roots, leaves, stems, petals and flowers are deeply ingrained in all Indian homes where 'home remedies' are popular. Even certain family members in some family are adept in curing even intricate disorders by simple and cost effective formulations which, at times, have shown marvelous and astounding results.
All over the world today we are looking for a natural system of healing that is comprehensive and complete, that is not merely some curious form of folk healing but a real and rational system of medicine that is sensitive to both nature and the Earth. This is exactly what Ayurveda has to offer, for it has a many thousand year-old clinical tradition and a comprehensive natural method of treatment ranging from diet, herbs and massage.
With Ayurveda we learn the right diet for our individual type, how to improve our immune system, he keys to right use of sexual energy and rejuvenation,a nd a conscious way of life that can lift us to a new level of awareness in all our endeavors.
Without such natural wisdom as Ayurveda, we may find ourselves not only unhealthy, but unhappy and spiritually confused.
Ayurveda Principles and Theory
Ayurveda system is the prominent user of herbs and its basic theory revolves round imbalance and vitiation of three humors (Doshas).
Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi) are the great five elements which underline all living systems. these elements are constantly changing and interacting and can be simplified into three Vitiations (Doshas). When these doshas remain under harmony and balance, health of body does not get disturbed but, when their balance gets disturbed, a diseased state sets in.
The three doshas are vata (Wind), Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm) and due to predominance of the one dosha, a person's personality is determined that is ' Vata-Prakriti', 'Pitta- Prakriti' or 'Kapha Prakriti'
Vata formed from ether and air, governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance.
Pitta formed from fire and water, governs "all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body
Kapha formed from earth and water, cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure
Each person has an individual blend of the three doshas, with one or sometimes two doshas predominating.
Common Herbs used in Ayurvedic Medicines
Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis) - The fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any natural occurring substance in nature. It maintains balance amongst three doshas and effectively controls digestive problems, strengthens heart, normalises cholesterol, prevents cancer, builds up and sustain defence mechanism, improves eye-sight and detoxifies the body.
Amla is said to have 20 times more vitamin C than orange. The vitamin C content of amla is between 625mg - 1814mg per 100gms. Other studies show that amla increases red blood cell count and hemoglobin. A research tem discovered that when Amla is taken regularly as a dietary supplement, it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals, such as lead, aluminium and nickel.
Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Withania Somnifera)- Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs for promoting ojas and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda. It is a well known semen promoter and it treats impotency and infertility.
Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha has antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The strong anti-stress actions, increases memory and learning capabilities. It has also found to be useful in Rheumatic and Arthritic disorders like pain, swelling etc
Summing up, it is a strong Aphrodisiac and has Immunomodulating, anti- inflammatory, anti tumor and anti stress properties which clearly shows why Ayurveda has such a high opinion of this herb as a general tonic.
Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) - It is a cardiac tonic of high quality. Terminalia arjuna, is known to be beneficial for the treatment of heart ailments since 500 BC. Clinical research has indicated its usefulness in relieving anginal pain, and in the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and possibly hypercholesterolemia.
"Terminalia arjuna bark extract, 500 mg 8 hourly, given to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy." Result on Clinical Research Conducted.
Improvement of cardiac muscle function and subsequent improved pumping activity of the heart seem to be the primary benefits of Terminalia Arjuna.
Brahmi (Bacopa, Gotu Kola) - Brahmi is known as "the food for brain". Traditionally Brahmi is used as a mental tonic, to rejuvenate the body, as a promoter of memory and as a nerve tonic. It promotes a calm, clear mind, and improves mental function.
Modern Research claims that brahmi improves memory and helps overcome the negative effects of stress. Brahmi is especially suitable for students as it enhances the minds ability to learn and to focus and for an elderly person hoping to regain their memory. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety.
As a nervine tonic, Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke, nervous breakdown or exhaustion and Attention Deficit Disorder. The best Ayurvedic brain and memory formulas contain brahmi, as do many of the long life promoting compounds.
Guggulu (Shuddha Guggulu, Guggul, Commiphora Mukul) - Modern Research shows that it is the prime Ayurvedic herb for treating obesity and high cholesterol. Studies shows that guggulu lowers serum cholesterol and phospholipids, and that it also protects against cholesterol- induced atherosclerosis. Guggulu were seen to lower body weight in these clinical studies.
Guggulu also as anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating arthritis and other joint pains.
Karela (Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd, Momordica Charantia) - At least three different groups of constituents have been reported to have blood sugar lowering actions in bitter Mellon. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. Scientific studies have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes.
It could probably reduce the patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. Also Bitter Melon has two proteins which are thought to repress the AIDS virus.
Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management.
Neem (Azadirachta Indica) - Neem is an extraordinary blood purifier, good for al skin diseases like acne, eczema, psoriasis and teeth and gums. Neem is included in most Ayurvedic Skin products because it is as effective on an external application as through internal indigestion.
In Ayurveda it has been safely used for over five thousand years and are a good immunity booster to prevent colds, fevers, infections and various skin diseases.
Shilajit (Mineral Pitch, Asphaltum) - Shilajit is one of the prime Ayurvedic compounds for rejuvenating the body. it is an aphrodisiac, anti-aging herb and to treat diabetes and debilitating urinary problems.
The Charaka Samhita states that a person must use shilajit for a minimum of one month before starting to realize he regenerating effects. It is also used to treat impotency and infertility. it is well known that Shilajit would return the libido of people to level of teenagers.
There is a folk saying by the indigenous people who live in the Himalayan region that Shilajit makes the body strong as a rock. It is an adaptogen, (Rasayna), that helps to combat immune disorders, urinary tract disorders, nervous disorders and sexual dissatisfaction.
Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata, Salai Guggul) - Modern Research indicate that the Boswellia herb may assist in treating joint mobility, pain, and may be a useful remedy for a variety of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A recent clinical trial suggests positive effects of Boswellia serrata extract in knee osteoarthritis.
Boswellia has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders and best for treating Back Pain, Knee Pain, Joint Pain and Arthritis. This herb has also been proposed as a possible therapy for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) - Triphala has got the properties of three famous nutrients: amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. The advantage of this formula is that it is milder in action and more balanced than any of the three alone.
It has cleansing and detoxifying action. Used regularly it is good for gentle, slow detoxification of the digestive tract and then the deep tissues. It also has the ability to normalize all three humors with continued use.
As a daily supplement triphala is hard to beat; that' s why in India they say "even if your mother leaves you, every thing will be fine if you have triphala"
Tulsi (Holy Basil, Ocimum Sanctum) - Its very name Holy Basil certifies to its sacred nature. It is a sacred plant worshipped in many Indian homes and is a must in every Hindu's house.
Holy basil is also a major ingredient of many Ayurvedic cough syrups. it is a good stress reliever, and modern research has found it to be good for Respiratory problems, Cold, Fever and all types of Cough.

Dr John Anne