Introduction of Ayurveda and History

The word Ayurveda has derived from AYU and VEDA. AYU means life VEDA means Science or knowledge. That means the science of life. Charaka defines "That science is designated as Ayurveda where advantageous and disadvantageous as well as happy and unhappy states of life along with what is good and bad for life, its measurement and the life itself are described " (Charaka Sutra 1 - 4) Ayurveda embrace all living things, animate and inanimate. It is divided into three main branches Viz. Nara Ayurveda dealing with human life, Satva Ayurveda the science dealing with animal life and its diseases,Vriksha Ayurveda the science dealing with plant life its growth and diseases. When one goes deep into the science of Ayurveda, it is clear that this is not only a system of medicine but a way of living for complete positive health and spiritual attainments.

Ancient Ayurvedic Hospital

Ayurveda believes that the highest wealth one get is health. Righteous life, (Dharma), Wealth (Artha), fulfillment of desires (Kama) and attainment of salvation (Moksha), all these four factors depends on a healthy life.

Swasthya (Health) is defined as (a) Dosha Dhatu samya (well balanced metabolism) plus (b) Prasanna Atma, Indriya, Manah (a happy state of the being, the senses and the mind) sense here mean the five organs of perception Gana Indriya (smell, taste, sight, touch, and hearing) coupled with the organs of action Karma Indriya namely mouth, hands and feet, organs of excretion and reproduction.

The origin of ayurveda dates back to the Vedic era. Some historians say that ayurveda is a part of Atharva Veda. In Athavaveda too there are hyms which mention medicine for various diseases. Medicines like Accorus calamus, Phylanthantus embolic are mentioned. The systematized form of ayurveda dates back to the Rishi conference which was held in the place called Chityarata in the foot hills of Mount Himalaya. The great book on ayurveda Characa Samhita gives a detail description of the Rishi conference Rishis are great learned people like the great scientists of today. But with a deference. They are enlightened and refined persons who are absolutely free from the predominance of Rajas and Tama by virtue of the power of penance and knowledge and who are always in possession of an uninterrupted knowledge pertaining to past, present and future and known as authorities (Aptaos). They are also known as gentleman (Sista) and enlightened (Vibudha) persons and their words are considered free beyond any doubt. When diseases were more prevalent these learned scientist called all the scientists of India and neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and of Greater India. A list of the names of scientists who attended the conference is also given in Charaka Samhita. At this conference all the scattered knowledge was collected and 8 schools of thoughts were originated. The main are the school of internal medicine, school of surgery and school of pediatrics. Agniveshas book on internal medicine became the authoritative text. Today it is known as Characa samhita. Susruta's book on surgery became the authoritative text of that subject. Kashyapa's book on paediatrics became the standard book of the subject. There were books written on other subjects like toxicology, ENT diseases etc; but they are lost and are unable to find to in this day. Nevertheless certain portions of some of these books are found.

Similar books were written on veterinary science. The voluminous book on diseases of elephants and there training is called Palakaypa samhita. The book on diseases of horses is called Shalihotra Samhita and it contains 12000, verses 12000 is also the number of verses in Charaka Samhita. The similarity does not end with number of verses, just as Ayurveda is divided into 8 sections this science has also been divided in to 8 sections This Shalihotra Samhita has been translated into Persian, Arabic, Tibetan and English. The Persian translation dating as early as 1387 AD. The section describing the diseases of cattle is called Gava Ayurveda. Senaakayurveda is the science of birds and training of hawks. The book written on plants, their diseases, propagation etc; is called the Upavana vinoda. Thus this is the first historical record, perhaps in the whole world of systematizing the medical knowledge. Knowledge that had come down, till then, as a living tradition traced either from a divine origin or from the findings of the deep thought meditation of sages or from the instinct, experiment and experience of generations of humanity.

Chamomile

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb chamomile—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Two types of chamomile are used for health conditions: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States and is the focus of this fact sheet.

Common Names—chamomile, German chamomile

Latin Names—Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita


What It Is Used For

Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions.
The herb is often used for sleeplessness; anxiety; and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea.
It is used ically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.

How It Is Used

The flowering s of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.

What the Science Says

Chamomile has not been well studied in people so there is little evidence to support its use for any condition.
Some early studies point to chamomile's possible benefits for mouth ulcers and certain skin conditions. In combination with other herbs, it may be of some benefit for upset stomach and for diarrhea in children.
NCCAM-funded research on chamomile includes studies of the herb for generalized anxiety disorder and for chronic pain caused by children's bowel disorders.

Side Effects and Cautions

There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who have eaten or come into contact with chamomile products. Reactions include skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).
People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This helps to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Cat's Claw

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb cat's claw—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Cat's claw grows wild in many countries of Central and South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest. The use of this woody vine dates back to the Inca civilization.

Common Names—cat's claw, uña de gato

Latin Names—Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis

What It Is Used For

Cat's claw has been used for centuries in South America to prevent and treat disease.
It has been used for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Cat's claw has been used to support the immune system and promote kidney health, as well as to prevent and abort pregnancy.

How It Is Used

The inner bark of cat's claw is used to make liquid extracts, capsules, and teas. Preparations of cat's claw can also be applied to the skin.

What the Science Says

There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether cat's claw works for any health problem, including arthritis, HIV, or cancer.
Small studies in humans have shown a possible benefit of cat's claw in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but no large trials have been done. In laboratory studies, cat's claw stimulates part of the immune system, but it has not been proven to reduce inflammation or boost the immune system in humans.
The National Institute on Aging is studying how cat's claw may affect the brain. Findings may point to new avenues for research in Alzheimer's disease treatment.

Side Effects and Cautions

Few side effects have been reported for cat's claw when it is taken at recommended dosages. Though rare, side effects may include headaches, dizziness, and vomiting.
Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid using cat's claw because of its past use for preventing and aborting pregnancy.
Because cat's claw may stimulate the immune system, it is unclear whether the herb is safe for people with conditions affecting the immune system.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Aloe Vera

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about aloe vera—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Aloe vera's use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.

Common Names—aloe vera, aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant's gall

What It Is Used For

* Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative.
* Today, in addition to traditional uses, people take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns.
* Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks.
* The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.

How It Is Used

* Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment.
* The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.

What the Science Says

* Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data.
* Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds. Aloe gel does not prevent burns from radiation therapy.
* There is not enough scientific evidence to support aloe vera for any of its other uses.

Side Effects and Cautions

* Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects.
* Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe vera.
* Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.
* People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
* Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Health Tip

* Don't look straight to herbal remedies if you get sick. See your doctor, find out what's wrong, and get the physician's advice on treatment.
* Skip herbal remedies altogether if you are pregnant or are trying to conceive.
* Never give herbal supplements to an infant.
* Never take more of an herbal remedy than its manufacturer recommends.
* Read labels, and only use products that specifically list which herbs (and amounts) are included.
* Always tell your doctor about any herbal products that you are taking.
* If you have any plant, flower or pollen allergies, pay attention to what's in the herbal supplements you're considering.
* Understand that there are no guarantees with herbal products, and that manufacturer or seller claims may not necessarily be accurate.

Ayurveda Treatments

Ayurvedic treatments vary from the majority of conservative cures in its unique approach towards healing. The belief of treating the sick and not the sickness is central to all forms of ayurvedic treatments. Rather than trying to cure a disease in isolatation, ayurveda takes into account an entity in his entirety.

Having a balanced condition of doshas, agni (digestive fire), dhatus (tissues) normal functioning of waste products, cheerful condition of atman (soul), sensory organs and mind are the symptoms of strong life.

Ayurvedic treatments lay stress on examining the doshas/prakriti or the normal states of individuals before proceeding. The prakriti or the physical constitution, vulnerability to diseases, mental make-up and lifestyle of an person is ascertained in accord to the elemental establishment of the larger prakriti or the universe.

Of course, ayurveda has drawn the most entire picture of human body and the natural world, saying that, the elements of the nature—the Panchamahabhuts: kshit (earth), ap (water), marut(air), tejas (fire), and vyoma (space or ether or akash), are also, the mechanism of human body,which are manifested in three types of physic—kaph (water/earth), pitta (fire), vata (ether/ air).These three types are further documented by ayurveda as tridoshas or the three faults—vata, pitta and kapha irregularities. The smooth performance of the body is hampered owing to the imbalances in the three doshas (prakriti) causing all kinds of diseases.

Ayurveda takes into consideration the body, mind and spirit of an individual as the unit for diagnosis. Hence, it recognizes negative emotions like anger, fear, insecurity, envy and greed as incorrect thinking on the part of an individual. These can directly create an inequity in the doshas. Sattva, or nonviolent equilibrium, rajas, or excessive activity and tamas, or inertia—the three tendencies or gunas of mind influence the imbalances in the three doshas. Hence the mind-body imbalance impairs the creative performance of man.

Can Diet Keep Your Body Fit

• Prepare more of your own food. "Make as much as you can from scratch because the prepackaged foods are often the most expensive,".
• Have a plan at the supermarket. "Don't go to the grocery story hungry, and go with a list," "These things can help you stay on track."
• Take advantage of seasonal produce. "Produce that's in-season is going to be a little bit cheaper than off-season produce," . "Also, when buying perishables, make sure you're only buying what you're going to consume. If it's on special but you buy more than you'll consume, you haven't really saved any money."
• Stockpile non-perishables. Thayer suggests stocking up on canned foods when they're on sale. "Fruits and vegetables can sometimes be cheaper because they'll last longer than the fresh," . "Buying food in bulk is good if it doesn't spoil before you use it."
• Buy inexpensive sources of needed nutrients. "Beans are a very inexpensive source of protein and fiber, and very versatile,". "There are many varieties of beans, and you can do many things with them." Popcorn and oatmeal are inexpensive grain options, and nonfat dry milk is a cheap source of dairy and "a great thing to have on hand,". "It's inexpensive, and it's got shelf life. You just mix it up when you need it."