മഞ്ഞളിന്റെവ ഔഷധഗുണങ്ങള്‍

മഞ്ഞള്‍ നല്ലൊരു ആന്റി ഓക്‌സിഡന്റും കരളിന്റെ രക്ഷകനുമാണ്‌. മഞ്ഞളും നെല്ലിക്കയും ചേര്‍ത്ത്‌ തയ്യാറാക്കുന്ന നിശാമലകീ ചൂര്‍ണ്ണം പതിവായികഴിച്ചാല്‍ ലിവര്‍ സിറോസിസ്‌ ഉണ്ടാകാനുള്ള സാധ്യത വളരെ കുറവാണ്‌.

മഞ്ഞള്‍ നമ്മുടെ ശരീരത്തിലെ രക്തത്തെ ശുദ്ധീകരിക്കുകയും രക്തത്തിന്റെ അളവ്‌ ശരിയാക്കുവാനും ഉപകരിക്കുന്നു.

6 ഗ്രാം മഞ്ഞള്‍ മോരില്‍ ചേര്‍ത്ത്‌ കഴിച്ചാല്‍ മഞ്ഞപിത്തം മാറാന്‍ നല്ലതാണ്.

കണ്ണില്‍ വരുന്ന കണക്ടിവെറ്റിസ് എന്ന രോഗത്തിന് ഒരു ഗ്രാം മഞ്ഞള്‍ വെള്ളത്തില്‍ തിളപ്പിച്ച്‌ തുണിയില്‍ മുക്കി ചെറുചൂടില്‍ കണ്‍പോളകളില്‍ തുടച്ചാല്‍ വേഗം മാറുവാന്‍ നല്ലതാണ്.

മഞ്ഞള്‍ റോസ്‌റ്റ്‌ ചെയ്‌ത്‌ ഒന്നോ രണ്ടോ ഗ്രാം പൗഡര്‍ തേനില്‍ ചേര്‍ത്തു കഴിച്ചാല്‍ ചുമ മാറും. മഞ്ഞള്‍ നല്ലൊരു അണുനാശിനി ആണെന്നത് ശാസ്‌ത്ര ലോകം പരക്കെ അംഗീകരിച്ചിട്ടുള്ളതാണ്‌.

സാധാരണ വയറു വേദന ഉണ്ടായാല്‍ പത്തു ഗ്രാം മഞ്ഞളിന്റെ തൊലി വെള്ളത്തില്‍ തിളപ്പിച്ച്‌ കുടിച്ചാല്‍ നന്നായിരിക്കും. ശര്‍ക്കരയും കൂടി ചേര്‍ത്താല്‍ അതു അത്യന്മമായിരിക്കും.

ഏല്ലാതരം മൂത്രാശയത്തിന്റെ അസുഖങ്ങള്‍ക്കും മഞ്ഞളും നെല്ലിക്കയും ചേര്‍ത്ത ചൂര്‍ണ്ണം തേനില്‍ ചേര്‍ത്ത്‌കൊടുക്കുന്നത് ഉത്തമമാണ്. സാധാരണയായി കണ്ടുവരുന്ന വീക്കത്തിന്‌ മഞ്ഞള്‍ പൊടിയും കടുകെണ്ണയും ചേര്‍ത്ത്‌‌ തേച്ചാല്‍ ശമനം ഉണ്ടാകും.

Don’t underestimate the mortality risks of being overweight or obese

A new research suggests that many obesity studies substantially underestimate the mortality risks associated with excess weight. The scholarly community is divided over a large meta-analysis that found that overweight is the optimal BMI category and that there are no increased risks associated with obese class.

Skeptics of the meta-analysis argue that the findings are likely driven by biases, especially by illness-induced weight loss. Using BMI at the time of the survey to assess the mortality risks of overweight and obesity is problematic, especially in older populations, because slimness can be a marker of illness.

Researchers have attempted to address this bias by eliminating ill people from their samples; however, such measures are inadequate because information on illness is ascertained by self-reporting and not everyone with an illness has been diagnosed.

Here in the new study researchers use highest BMI in life to predict mortality rates. They said that in the previous literature, the normal weight category combines data from low-risk, stable-weight individuals with high-risk individuals who have experienced weight loss. Use of weight histories makes it possible to separate the two groups and redefine the reference category as people who were a consistently normal weight throughout their lives.

They found that the percentage of mortality attributable to overweight and obesity in this group was 33 percent when assessed using maximum BMI. The comparable figure obtained using BMI at the time of survey was substantially smaller at 5 percent. The source of the discrepancy became clear when they started looking more closely at peoples' weight histories.

A considerable fraction of individuals classified as normal weight using BMI at time of survey were formerly overweight or obese. This group had substantially elevated mortality rates compared to individuals that were consistently normal weight throughout their lives, suggesting that for many of them the weight loss was related to an illness.

The researchers concluded that the findings provide simple and compelling evidence that the prior literature underestimates the impact of obesity on levels of mortality. But the current results need corroboration in future studies because maximum BMI was calculated from peoples' recollection of their maximum weight, which may be subject to recall error.

Ginger has beauty benefits too!

Ginger is a herb that has been used as a spice since times immemorial. Also known as ginger root, it is basically the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale belonging to the family Zingiberaceae which also includes turmeric, cardamom and galangal. Ginger has a peppery flavor with a hint of lemon and sharp aroma. Its pungent, spicy and aromatic smell can be attributed to the presence of essential oils and phenolic compounds such as gingerols and shogaols.

You thought that ginger was only used as a kitchen condiment and for health benefits? Think again! Because the wonderful spice also has beauty benefits and can be a savior of skin and hair in more than one ways. Check how –

• Anti-ageing benefits: Ginger comes with anti-oxidants which reduce toxins from skin and increase blood circulation, ultimately slowing down the ageing process.
• Soothes burns: Have you burnt your skin? Applying fresh ginger juice can help you soothe the burnt skin.
• Radiant skin: Rubbing some ginger on your skin can give you fresh, radiant skin!
• Reduces hair loss: Ginger root makes hair stronger and thus reduces hair loss
• Stimulates hair growth: If you want to have long and shiny hair, you should consume ginger juice regularly. It can also be applied on the scalp for good results. Just make sure that when you are applying it to your scalp, the consistency of water should be less. Ginger acts as a good conditioner to your hair; it also helps to reduce dandruff and speeds up hair growth. When ginger juice is applied to your hair, it creates irritation on your scalp which stimulates the flow of blood.
• Fights dandruff: Ginger has antiseptic qualities that can help one fight dandruff problems in a natural way.
• Get rid of split ends and dry hair: Ginger oil mixed with shampoo helps one get rid of split ends and also acts as a natural moisturizer for dry hair.
• Acne: Ginger juice when consumed helps reduce acne or pimples and it also prevents occurrence of acne in the future as it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Now that you know the benefits of Ginger juice, try to include it in the ways mentioned above in your skin and hair care routine.

What is the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest?

We often hear in news reports that some well-known person has died of a "heart attack" or a "cardiac arrest." Or worse, after the sudden death of a loved one, a doctor might use one of these two terms to describe the cause of death. Unfortunately, these terms often seem to be used almost interchangeably by news reporters (and even, disturbingly, by some doctors). They are two different things.

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when a coronary artery (one of the arteries that supplies blood to the heart muscle) becomes suddenly blocked. The sudden blockage robs a portion of the heart muscle of its vital blood supply, and the muscle dies. So a heart attack is the death of a part of the heart muscle.

The sudden blockage of a coronary artery is usually caused by the rupture of a plaque in the artery. Plaque rupture can produce a variety of clinical conditions -- including heart attacks and unstable angina -- that are lumped together under the name acute coronary syndrome (ACS). All forms of ACS are medical emergencies, and they generally need to be treated with medications, angioplasty and stenting, or surgery to restore normal blood flow through the blocked artery. If blood flow can be restored within a few hours, permanent damage to the heart muscle can usually be minimized.

A cardiac arrest, in contrast, is caused by a sudden heart arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation. In ventricular fibrillation, the electrical signals within the heart suddenly become completely chaotic. Because these electrical signals control the timing and the organization of the heartbeat, when those signals degenerate to total chaos, the heart suddenly stops beating. That is, it goes into "cardiac arrest." The most common outcome of a cardiac arrest is sudden death.

The treatment for a cardiac arrest is to begin immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to support the victim's circulation, and, as soon as possible, to deliver a large electrical shock to the heart with a device called a "defibrillator." The large shock allows the heart's electrical signal to reorganize itself, and the heart starts beating again. Unfortunately, because death occurs within a few minutes of cardiac arrest unless expert help is available, the large majority of individuals who suffer cardiac arrest are not successfully resuscitated.

Cardiac arrest tends to be much more common in people who have various types of underlying heart disease -- most commonly, a prior heart attack or any condition that produces heart failure.

If a close relative has died, especially if suddenly, it is important to try to learn the precise cause of death. Your risk of heart attack, and of some types of cardiac arrest, may be higher if a close relative has experienced these events. Make sure you get as much information as you can. Ask the doctor to speak precisely to you about what actually happened.

Ayurvedic Approach in the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Now a days case of women suffering from fibroids in uterus is large. Uterine fibroids are non-malignant tumours of the uterus, affecting about 20% of the female population over the age of 35. Fibroids can vary in size, shape, position and number, some causing symptoms of pressure and uterine enlargement, while others are small and discrete.

Uterine fibroids are composed of dense muscular fibres arranged in circular layers, and encapsulated in a layer of smooth muscle. Fibroids may be located within the uterus (intrauterine), in the wall of the uterus (myometrial), or outside of the uterus (extrauterine). Intrauterine fibroids can inhibit fertility by interfering with implantation. Myometrial fibroids can place pressure on adjacent organs, and in some cases, can affect renal function by placing pressure upon the ureters. Extrauterine fibroids are located under the serous membrane of the uterus, and can be on or near the fallopian tubes and can affect fertility.

According to Ayurveda, fibroid is growth in mamsadhatu of uterus. According to ancient texts, mamsarbuda means growth in muscles and connective tissue. Fibroid often manifests itself as excessive bleeding and hence this should be treated as 'Yoni-vyapad' (group of disorders related to female reproductive system).

Uterine fibroids are considered mostly a kapha-accumulation disorder, but often involve pitta and vata displacements also, in which case the patient may be considered as pre-cancerous. Therefore, treatment must be deep-acting to balance the tri-dosha and must be sufficiently sustained over time to eradicated slow-moving kapha. The fibroids can be dissolved by diet, lifestyle changes and Yoga.

Diet for the patient of uterine fibroids should be kapha-soothing and perhaps also pitta-pacifying, depending upon the bleeding patterns. Bitter, pungent and astringent foods are favored to support the metabolism in reducing its tendency to form fibrotic cellular changes from kapha. Dietary changes should reflect an increase in whole foods and fiber, and a decrease in saturated fats and alcohol consumption.

Lifestyle should be aimed to reduce kapha; one should be active before sunrise. The earlier the rising time, the quicker kapha can metabolize itself. Self-massage with a minimal quantity of light oil such as sunflower oil can helps to invigorate the body. Exercise, beginning gradually and becoming more vigorous over a few months is advocated.

Plants like Kumari, Shuda Guggulu, Neem, Ashoka, and Manjistha are useful. Warm castor oil packs applied to the lower abdomen will help to 'melt' the fibroids and retract the kapha via apana vayu. Massaging Pure, Cold-Pressed Castor Oil daily to lower abdomen around naval area in a circular motion is also helpful.

Adequate doses of massage treatment necessary for relief of neck pain

Neck pain is a common and debilitating condition, and massage therapy is commonly used to treat it, yet there is little quality research on the optimal dose of therapeutic massage for neck pain.

The researchers randomized 228 patients with chronic neck pain to five different groups receiving various doses of massage for a five-week period, researchers found the benefits of massage treatments for chronic neck pain increase with dose.

Specifically, they found that patients who received 30-minute treatments two or three times weekly were not significantly better than a wait-listed control group in terms of achieving a clinically meaningful improvement in neck dysfunction or pain. In contrast, patients who received 60-minute treatments two or three times weekly showed significant improvement in neck dysfunction and pain intensity compared to the control group. Compared with their control counterparts, massage participants were three times more likely to have clinically meaningful improvement in neck function if they received 60 minutes of massage twice a week and five times more likely if they received 60 minutes of massage three times a week.

The authors conclude patients who receive massage treatment for chronic neck pain may not be realizing benefits from treatment because they are not receiving an effective treatment dose.

Massage is believed to improve blood and lymph circulation. This is probably due partly to the physical manipulation of soft tissue and partly to the chemicals released as part of the relaxation response.

Improved circulation can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells. As cellular health improves, tissues function more efficiently. More efficient functioning leads to the removal of waste products and may increase the absorption of excess fluids and reduce swelling in soft tissues. Massage therapy relaxes muscle tissue, which reduces painful contractions and spasms. Massage can also reduce nerve compression.

Regular aerobic exercise boosts memory in older women

Regular aerobic exercise seems to boost the size of the area of the brain (hippocampus) involved in verbal memory and learning among women whose intellectual capacity has been affected by age.

The hippocampus has become a focus of interest in dementia research because it is the area of the brain involved in verbal memory and learning, but it is very sensitive to the effects of ageing and neurological damage.

The researchers tested the impact of different types of exercise on the hippocampal volume of 86 women who said they had mild memory problems, known as mild cognitive impairment - and a common risk factor for dementia. All the women were aged between 70 and 80 years old and were living independently at home.

Roughly equal numbers of them were assigned to either twice weekly hour long sessions of aerobic training (brisk walking); or resistance training, such as lunges, squats, and weights; or balance and muscle toning exercises, for a period of six months. The size of their hippocampus was assessed at the start and the end of the six month period by means of an MRI scan, and their verbal memory and learning capacity was assessed before and afterward using a validated test .

Only 29 of the women had before and after MRI scans, but the results showed that the total volume of the hippocampus in the group who had completed the full six months of aerobic training was significantly larger than that of those who had lasted the course doing balance and muscle toning exercises. No such difference in hippocampal volume was seen in those doing resistance training compared with the balance and muscle toning group.

Worldwide, one new case of dementia is diagnosed every four seconds, with the number of those afflicted set to rise to more than 115 million by 2050 out.

A glass of milk a day may delay knee osteoarthritis in women

A degenerative disease causing pain and swelling of the knee joints, knee osteoarthritis currently is difficult to cure. But researchers say drinking milk every day has been linked to reduced progression of the disease.

The researchers say while their findings show that women who regularly drank fat-free or low-fat milk experienced delayed progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA), those who ate cheese actually experienced an increase in progression of the disease. They also note that their findings are not applicable to men, and that yogurt did not affect OA progression.

Osteo Arthritis is characterized by degeneration of the cartilage and its underlying bone in a joint, is believed to result from "mechanical and molecular events in the affected joint. However, the actual causes of the disease are unknown. Treatment for the condition aims to relieve symptoms and improve function, which can include physical therapy, weight control and medications.

The study authors say milk consumption has been acknowledged as playing an important role in bone health, but until now, its role in the progression of knee OA has been unknown. The researchers found that, in women, as milk intake increased (from none to less than 3, 4-6, and more than 7 glasses per week), the joint space width decreased (by 0.38 mm, 0.29 mm and 0.26 mm, respectively). Though obesity has been cited as a risk factor for knee OA, the researchers say their results remained, even after adjusting for body mass index.

Additionally, they say there was no association between milk consumption and joint space width decreases in men. When asked why their study revealed that women who consumed cheese showed increased progression of OA, researchers told that the high saturated fat acids in cheese could be to blame. There is one recent study reported that increased consumption of saturated fatty acids was associated with an increased incidence of bone marrow lesions, which may predict knee OA progression.

With the aging population and increase in life expectancy, there is an urgent need for effective methods to manage OA. The study by Lu et al. provides the first evidence that increasing fat-free or low-fat milk consumption may slow the progression of OA among women who are particularly burdened by OA of the knee, which can lead to functional disability.

Ayurvedic approach in varicose veins

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They are most common in the legs and ankles. They usually aren't serious, but they can sometimes lead to other problems.

Varicose veins are caused by weakened valves and veins in your legs. Normally, one-way valves in your veins keep blood flowing from your legs up toward your heart. When these valves do not work as they should, blood collects in your legs, and pressure builds up. The veins become weak, large, and twisted.

Any condition that puts excessive pressure on the legs or abdomen can lead to varicosity. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause may be responsible for the high proportion of varicosities among women. Dietary deficiencies or the loss of skin elasticity due to aging are the contributory factors. Prolonged standing or sitting, constipation, constructive clothing, lack of exercise, obesity, or repeated heavy lifting can interfere with normal circulation and can worsen existing varicosities.

Surgery is often used to remove the unsightly damaged veins, by either stripping them out, or by tying or blocking them off, or thus allowing secondary channels of circulation to take over the load. However, this is not a permanent cure as there is a possibility of recurrence.

Herbal treatments, dietary changes and lifestyle modification appear to work by strengthening the walls of veins and other vessels. They primarily relieve symptoms of aching, heaviness, and swelling in the legs and ankles.

Prefer whole foods diet with fresh fruits, including gooseberry, and citrus family fruits, whole grains, especially, wheat and millet. To disperse build-up of a protein that makes skin near varicose veins hard and lumpy, try eating more garlic, onion, ginger, and pineapple, which contains bromelain, an enzyme that promotes break-up of fibrin. Eat plenty of fish and cut down on red meat as much as possible.

Any programme of regular exercise stimulates circulation, improves muscle tone, and helps prevent varicosities. Walking and swimming are considered excellent therapy, as are gentle leg-muscle stretches and utilizing a rocking chair while watching television. Start your morning with a brisk walk or finish your day with a swim or bicycle ride.

Regular massage can significantly alleviate discomfort associated with varicose veins. Never massage directly on varicose veins. For an additional benefit, you can apply Prasaarini tailam or Chandanabala laakshaadi tailam externally.

Raise the foot of the bed by up to six inches (place wooden block under the feet). This is not uncomfortable and helps gravity to ease backpressure on the veins at night. Also, avoid standing still for lengthy periods. If your job requires you to be on your feet constantly, stretch and exercise your legs as often as possible to increase circulation and reduce pressure build-up. If you like to sit with your legs crossed, cross them at the ankles rather than the knees for better circulation.

Reasonably, well-documented treatment for venous insufficiency is the tropical creeper Brahmi. In practice, four weeks of treatment with Brahmi frequently produces welcomed benefits in the discomfort of chronic venous insufficiency. The usual dosage of Brahmi is 10 to 20 ml, two times a day. Punarnavaadi guggulu. Naagaarjunaabhra ras, Chandra prahbaa vati etc., are some of the popular prescribed medicines.

Eat legumes to keep away 'bad cholesterol'

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. But it can be avoided by simple dietary modifications. Non-oil-seed pulses, such as beans, chickpeas, lentils and peas, are already recommended as part of dietary guidelines to prevent major chronic diseases. A large observational study has also linked consumption of these pulses with lower LDL cholesterol levels. The new study, by Canadian researchers at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, was intended to improve the evidence on which these dietary guidelines are based.

To do this, the researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of pulse consumption on reducing LDL cholesterol. The reduction of 5% LDL cholesterol in this study suggests a potential risk reduction of 5-6% in major vascular events.

The study also found a greater reduction in LDL cholesterol in men than women. The researchers think this might be because men generally have poorer diets and higher cholesterol than women, so they show greater improvements from a healthier diet.

Despite the reduction in LDL cholesterol, some participants did experience minor side effects from the diet, such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea or constipation. However, the researchers write that the suggested one serving a day is currently consumed by many cultures without reports of adverse effects that would limit consumption.

As well as improving LDL cholesterol, the researchers also believe that eating legumes every day could have other beneficial effects that may protect against cardio metabolic problems. These could include improving body weight, blood pressure and glucose control.

Vector-borne diseases – small bite, big threat: World Health Day 2014

The World Health Day is celebrated by the people all across the world every year on 7th of April under the leadership of World Health Organization to draw the mass people attention towards the importance of global health. World Health Assembly was held first time in the year 1948 in Geneva by the WHO where it was decided to celebrate the World Health Day annually on 7th of April. It was first celebrated worldwide in the year 1950 as the World Health Day. Varieties of events related to the particular theme are organized on the international and national level by the WHO.

It is an annual event being celebrated for years to raise the common public awareness towards the health issues and concerns. A particular theme is chosen to run the celebration and take care of the health for whole year. Global Polio Eradication was also one of the special themes of the year 1995 of world health day. From then, most of the countries have become free of this fatal disease whereas in other parts of the world its awareness level has increased. The topic for 2014 is vector-borne diseases.

Vector-borne disease have now become a global public health threat with more than half of the world`s population at risk from it, especially pregnant women and children. However, most of these diseases are preventable through informed protective measures.

Vector-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, lyme disease, schistosomiasis, and yellow fever, etc. While mosquitoes are the best known disease vector, others include ticks, flies, sandflies, fleas, triatomine bugs and some freshwater aquatic snails. According to the WHO, vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, and as a result of which more than 1 million deaths happen annually.

Of all the vector-borne diseases, malaria is the most deadly disease causing more than 600000 deaths every year globally. But, dengue is the fastest vector-borne disease with 40% of the world`s population at risk. Also, an estimated 1.3 million new cases of leishmaniasis occur annually.

It has been observed that vector-borne diseases affect the poorest populations, where there is a lack of access to adequate housing, safe drinking water and sanitation. And around 70 percent of the countries and territories hit by VBDs are low income and lower-middle income with causes like climate, environmental change and globalization. The burden and risk of vector-borne diseases is massive, posing major public health problems and hamper socio-economic development in India. For instance, cases of mosquito-borne dengue have been rising every year in India, where the disease is now endemic in the country. Last year over 70,000 cases of dengue were reported in the country. Dengue is now found in 100 countries.

The Health Benefits of Fenugreek

ഔഷധശക്തിയുള്ള ധാന്യങ്ങള്‍ നിരവധി ഉള്‍പ്പെടുത്തിയാണ്‌ പരമ്പരാഗതമായി നമ്മള്‍ ആഹാരം കഴിച്ചുപോന്നിരുന്നത്‌. ധാന്യവര്‍ഗത്തില്‍ വളരെ ശ്രേഷ്‌ഠമെന്ന്‌ ആയുര്‍വേദം വിശേഷിപ്പിക്കുന്നതാണ്‌ ഉലുവ. ഉലുവാ കഞ്ഞി തന്നെ ഒരു പ്രധാന ഭക്ഷണമായി മലയാളികള്‍ കഴിച്ചിരുന്നു.

നമുക്ക്‌ വരുന്ന അനവധി രോഗങ്ങളെ അകറ്റാന്‍ ഉലുവ നല്‍കുന്ന പ്രയോജനം മഹത്താണ്‌. ഉലുവ, ജീരകം എന്നിവ 1:2 എന്ന അനുപാതത്തില്‍ എടുത്ത്‌ അരച്ച്‌ മോരിന്‍ വെള്ളത്തില്‍ കലക്കിക്കുടിക്കുന്നത്‌ വയറ്‌കടി ശമിപ്പിക്കും. ഉലുവ വറുത്ത്‌ പൊടിച്ച്‌ തിളപ്പിച്ചാറിയ വെള്ളത്തില്‍ കഴിക്കുന്നതും ഇതേ പ്രയോജനം ചെയ്യും. അതു പോലെ വാതസംബന്ധമായ നീരിനും വേദനയ്‌ക്കും ഉലുവ, പാലിലോ തേങ്ങാപാലിലോ പുഴുങ്ങിയരച്ച്‌ സ്വല്‍പ്പം വെണ്ണ ചേര്‍ത്ത്‌ സേവിച്ചാല്‍ മതി. ഉലുവയരച്ച്‌ ചൂടാക്കി തണുപ്പിച്ച്‌ ലേപനം ചെയ്യുന്നത്‌ പൊള്ളലിന്‌ ഒരുത്തമ പ്രതിവിധിയാണ്‌. കാപ്പിയില്‍ അല്‌പം ഉലുവപ്പൊടിയും കൂടിയിട്ട്‌ ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നത്‌ വാതരോഗങ്ങള്‍ ശമിപ്പിക്കും. കൈയുടെ ചലനങ്ങള്‍ക്കുണ്ടാകുന്ന ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടുകള്‍ക്ക്‌ ഉലുവ, ഉഴുന്ന്‌, എള്ള്‌ എന്നിവ പാലില്‍ പുഴുങ്ങി തേങ്ങാപ്പാല്‍ കൂട്ടിയരച്ച്‌ തേച്ചാല്‍ ഫലപ്രാപ്‌തി ഉറപ്പ്‌.

ഉലുവ പാലില്‍ പുഴുങ്ങി ഉണക്കിപ്പൊടിച്ച്‌ ഒരു സ്‌പൂണ്‍ വീതം രാത്രി കിടക്കാന്‍ നേരം സേവിച്ച്‌ പാല്‍ കുടിക്കുക. ഇപ്രകാരം ഒരു മാസം തുടര്‍ന്നാല്‍ ശരീരശക്തി നല്ലപോലെ വര്‍ദ്ധിക്കും. ഉലുവ പ്രധാനമായി ചേര്‍ത്തുണ്ടാക്കുന്ന പുളിങ്കറി വയറ്റിലെ എരിച്ചിലിനും, അജീര്‍ണ്ണത്തിനും വളരെ നല്ലതാണ്‌. നീരുകളിലും വീക്കങ്ങളിലും മറ്റും ഉലുവ അരച്ചുപുരട്ടിയാല്‍ നീര്‌ ചുരുങ്ങുകയും വറ്റി ഇല്ലാതാകുകയും ചെയ്യാറുണ്ട്‌.

കാപ്പിയുടേയും, ചായയുടേയും ദോഷങ്ങള്‍ അറിഞ്ഞിരുന്ന്‌ കൊണ്ട്‌ തന്നെ പതിവായി അതുപയോഗിക്കുന്ന ശീലമുള്ളവര്‍ക്ക്‌ പ്രകൃതി ചികില്‍സകരുടെ അമൂല്യ നിര്‍ദേശങ്ങളിലൊന്നാണ്‌ ഉലുവാക്കാപ്പി. കാപ്പിക്കുരുവിന്‌ പകരം ഉലുവ വറുത്ത്‌ കരിഞ്ഞു പോകാതെ വാങ്ങി ഇതിന്റെ കൂടെ സ്വല്‍പ്പം മല്ലിയും ചേര്‍ത്ത്‌ പൊടിച്ച്‌ ഉലുവാക്കാപ്പി ഉണ്ടാക്കി ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നത്‌ ശരീരത്തിന്‌ ഒരു ഉത്തമ ടോണിക്കിന്റെ ഫലം ചെയ്യും. പഞ്ചസാരയ്‌ക്ക്‌ പകരം കരുപ്പട്ടി ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നതായിരിക്കും കൂടുതല്‍ ഉത്തമം. ഉലുവ കഴുകി ശുദ്ധമാക്കി വെയിലത്ത്‌ ഉണക്കി വറുത്ത്‌ നന്നായി പൊടിച്ചു, പൊടി ഒരു ടേബിള്‍ സ്‌പൂണ്‍ വീതം കാലത്തും രാത്രി കിടക്കാന്‍ നേരവും ചൂടുവെള്ളത്തിലോ, പാലിലോ കലര്‍ത്തി സേവിച്ചാല്‍ പ്രമേഹരോഗത്തിന്‌ അത്ഭുതകരമായ ശമനമുണ്ടാകുമെന്ന്‌ ആയൂര്‍വേദം അനുശാസിക്കുന്നു.

ഒരു പിടി ഉലുവ ശുദ്ധമാക്കി തലേദിവസം രാത്രി ശുദ്ധജലത്തിലിട്ട്‌ പ്രഭാതത്തില്‍ എടുത്ത്‌ നന്നായി അരച്ച്‌ അതിന്റെ കൂടെ 20ഗ്രാം ജീരകവും, 10ഗ്രാം കുരുമുളക്‌ പൊടിയും 5ഗ്രാം ഉപ്പു പൊടിയും ചേര്‍ത്ത്‌ 15ഗ്രാം കറിവേപ്പില പൊടിയായി അരിഞ്ഞതും കൂട്ടിച്ചേര്‍ത്ത്‌ നന്നായി ഇളക്കി ചെറിയ വടകളാക്കി രൂപപ്പെടുത്തി വെയിലത്തു വച്ച്‌ നന്നായി ഉണക്കിയെടുത്ത്‌ സൂക്ഷിക്കുക. ഇതില്‍ നിന്ന്‌ ഒരു വടയെടുത്ത്‌ നെയ്യില്‍ വറുത്ത്‌ ഭക്ഷിക്കുക. കുടുംബത്തിന്റെ ആരോഗ്യത്തിന്‌ ഈ ചേരുവ അത്യുത്തമമാണ്‌. ശരീരത്തിന്റെ രോഗപ്രതിരോധ ശേഷിയെ വര്‍ദ്ധിപ്പിച്ച്‌ രോഗം വരാതെ സംരക്ഷിക്കുകയും സര്‍വ്വോപരി ഓജസ്സിനെയും കായിക ശേഷിയേയും പ്രദാനം ചെയ്യുന്നതാണ്‌ ഈ ഔഷധക്കൂട്ട്‌.

Eat Light in summer

In a tropical country like India, summers could lead to a heat stroke if you don’t hydrate yourself properly, and those with jobs that require a lot of field work are particularly at risk. So while some city-based nutrition experts caution against these hazards, there are some who feel that this is the season to drop those extra kilos.

Often, people complain of loss of appetite, and don’t feel inclined to eat rich or heavy foods. The best thing is to use this as an opportunity to watch your diet and lose weight. But what one has to guard against the intake of extra calories in drinks. People use summer as an excuse to gulp down aerated drinks and sherbets. The sugar in them adds calories. Tea, green tea or herbal tea is beverages that are preferable to coffee, which flushes out water from your system.

The first recommendation is of course water, a zero-calorie drink. But you could also opt for tender coconut water or lime juice which has high sodium and potassium content that replenish your electrolytes.

The ideal recommendation is an Indian breakfast or cereal and fruits in the morning. Rice or vegetables with high water content are good options for lunch. The gourds — ridge-gourd or cucumbers — are great. For tea time you can opt for salads, soups or fresh fruits.

It is suggested that one should keep away from fried, fatty, pungent and spicy items as well as solid food. It’s better to have liquids and semi-solids. Fruit juices, especially ones prepared from citrus fruits like orange and mosambi should be diluted with water. Then people won’t suffer from acidity also, but don’t add sugar.

Fractures: First-aid and treatment

A fracture occurs when the bones counter a strong force (usually stronger than they can bear). Though the most common causes are trauma due to a fall/fight/vehicular accident etc., they may also be caused when the bones get weak due to conditions like osteoporosis (in old age mostly), brittle bone disease, osteomalacia etc.

How do I know it’s a fracture?

• A loud snapping or cracking sound during an accident.
• Severe pain in the injured area, which increases on trying to move that part of the body.
• Inability to use that part of the body or loss of function.
• Bruising, swelling and tenderness of the injured area.
• An obvious deformity, such as the foot and leg rotated in the wrong direction in the case of fracture in the leg, or a bent wrist in case of a wrist fracture.
• A bone sticking out of the skin.
• Numbness or change in the color of the skin (bluish tinge) at the extreme end of the involved part, such as the fingertips in case of fracture of the arms.
• In case of a hip fracture, inability to put one’s weight on the leg or on the affected side.

If you realize that you or the injured person has a fracture, the first thing you should do is to call for emergency help. Until help arrives you can administer some first aid to the injured area.

What first-aid can I give the person who suffers from a fracture in my presence?

• Do no harm: Never moves the patient or the affected part, unless you need to do so to prevent further emergency.
• Administer CPR: If the patient is unconscious, is not breathing and has no signs of a pulse, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. It is a systematic method of reviving a patient using alternate mouth to mouth breathing and chest compressions. But be cautious if you suspect the patient to have a fracture in the back of the neck. Then you should not try to tilt the head of the person back to maintain the airway; instead try to thrust the jaw forward with the help of your fingers.
• Be alert about the person’s breathing: If the patient is in shock, i.e. he/she faints or has shallow and rapid breathing and his/her skin turn pale. Make the patient lie on his/her back and raise the legs by a few inches. Avoid this if you think he/she has a fracture in the leg.
• Try to stop bleeding: This could be done by applying pressure at the bleeding point with a clean piece of cloth or gauze.
• Try to stabilize the fractured part(s): This can be done by applying a splint to the fractured part(s).The splint can be in the form of a piece of metal, wood or plastic that has been padded (the padding will reduce discomfort). The main function of the splint is to prevent the movement of the fractured part.
• Do not attempt anything drastic: This means that you should not try to push back a bone that has come out through the skin. Apart from causing immense pain, it could cause more damage than good.
• Help with the pain: Apply ice packs to the fractured area to reduce swelling and tenderness.

When you finally reach a doctor’s office, the physician will do a careful physical exam of the injury and order diagnostic tests of the injured area to assess the type and extent of the fracture. The investigations may be in the form of routine X-rays or CT scans, MRI, angiogram, etc.

How is the fracture treated?

Whatever the fracture may be, after proper alignment or ‘reduction’ the fracture fragments will be immobilized and kept in position for a certain period of time in order to heal. The immobilization may be done with the help of a plaster of Paris cast, splint or traction.

In certain fractures, a minor surgery may be required (also called an open reduction) and metallic plates, rods, screws or pins are used to stabilize the bone fragments in position. Sometimes when the bone fragments are damaged beyond repair, then the doctor may choose to replace the damaged bone fragments with a metallic prosthesis.

Some amount of physical therapy is required during the period of immobilization in order to prevent medical complications. After the period of immobilization is over, one should gradually start to use that portion of the body in order to gain complete strength. This may take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type and location of injury and the age of the patient.

Yoga offers unique benefits to breast cancer patients: Study

For women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy, yoga offers unique benefits beyond fighting fatigue, according to research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (www.mdanderson.org).

The preliminary findings were first reported in 2011 by Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson, and are now published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This research is part of an on-going effort to scientifically validate mind-body interventions in cancer patients and was conducted in collaboration with India's largest yoga research institution, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana in Bangalore, India (www.svyasa.org).

Researchers found that while simple stretching exercises counteracted fatigue, patients who participated in yoga exercises that incorporated controlled breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques into their treatment plan experienced improved ability to engage in their daily activities, better general health and better regulation of cortisol (stress hormone). Women in the yoga group were also better equipped to find meaning in the illness experience, which declined over time for the women in the other two groups.

The study also assessed, for the first time, yoga benefits in cancer patients by comparing their experience with patients in an active control group who integrated simple, generic stretching exercises into their lives.

"Combining mind and body practices that are part of yoga clearly have tremendous potential to help patients manage the psychosocial and physical difficulties associated with treatment and life after cancer, beyond the benefits of simple stretching," said Cohen.

To conduct the study, 191 women with breast cancer (stage 0-3) were randomized to one of three groups: 1) yoga; 2) simple stretching; or 3) no instruction in yoga or stretching. Participants in the yoga and stretching groups attended sessions specifically tailored to breast cancer patients for one-hour, three days a week throughout their six weeks of radiation treatment.

Participants were asked to report on their quality of life, including levels of fatigue and depression, their daily functioning and a measure assessing ability to find meaning in the illness experience. Saliva samples were collected and electrocardiogram tests were administered at baseline, end of treatment, and at one, three and six months post-treatment.

Women who practiced yoga had the steepest decline in their cortisol levels across the day, indicating that yoga had the ability to help regulate this stress hormone. This is particularly important because higher stress hormone levels throughout the day, known as a blunted circadian cortisol rhythm, have been linked to worse outcomes in breast cancer.

Additionally, after completing radiation treatment, only the women in the yoga and stretching groups reported a reduction in fatigue. At one, three and six months after radiation therapy, women who practiced yoga during the treatment period reported greater benefits to physical functioning and general health. They were more likely to find life meaning from their cancer experience than the other groups. (Credit: Science Daily)