Indian Remedies – Age Old Medical Traditions
Ayurveda, is a traditional system of medicine practised in India historically. It is based on the principle that nature has the cure for every problem faced by mankind.
Ashttanga Hridayam, Sahasrayogam and Charaka Samhitham, together form the base of most Ayurvedic practises. These texts elaborate how every natural product is vital in Ayurveda. The three texts are among the main sources of reference, which detail the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Here are few common ailments for which Ayurveda has simple cures to offer:
Rheumatoid Conditions
Inflammation accompanied by pain in the affected parts of the body is one of the first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng is used to treat such inflammations in the body. 3-5 grams of powdered Ashwagandha when consumed twice a day with water, on an empty stomach, can help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Another Ayurvedic preparation for curing inflammatory conditions is the resinous sap of Guggul tree. Guggulu increases the body’s metabolic rate, which helps in lowering any inflammation.
Constipation
A combination of amla, haritaki and bhibitaki called the triphala powder, helps relieve constipation. Triphala powder is easily available in the market. It should be taken at night, two hours after the last meal of the day. You can consume a teaspoon of triphala powder with honey. Or, drink a concoction prepared by mixing a teaspoon of triphala powder and honey in lukewarm water.
Ayurveda recommends that a fine paste of two teaspoons of sesame seeds mixed with unrefined or whole cane sugar be consumed, for relief from constipation. This should be taken at bedtime, followed by a glass of warm water.
Indigestion
A mixture of fresh ginger paste or dried ginger powder taken along with the flesh of the nutmeg fruit can help relieve indigestion. This should be taken at regular intervals during the day for complete relief from the condition. Dried and powdered nutmeg can also be used as a substitute for the flesh of nutmeg fruit. A teaspoon each of cumin, coriander and carom seeds crushed to a fine paste mixed with honey or buttermilk cures indigestion and colic.
Skin allergy
According to Ayurveda, most external ailments are a manifestation of internal disorders. The fundamental treatment plan for skin allergies too is based on this understanding. Wide ranging preparations are used for internal cleansing, after which the skin is treated externally. Neem or margoza is commonly used in Ayurveda for the external treatment of skin disorders.
Consuming powdered neem leaves mixed with honey can help cure most types of skin allergy. A mixture of neem powder and fresh turmeric paste applied to the hypersensitive skin areas can reduce the external symptoms of the allergy. A few scrapings of the neem tree bark when boiled in two litres of water, reduced to one-third and poured on the body, can give relief from some of the most common skin disorders.
As a preventive measure, when 3 to 5 grams of neem powder is taken along with cold water or milk twice daily, it can help curb most microbial infections. Neem has antibacterial properties that helps stop the occurrence of most infections.
Turmeric is another herb that is widely used for curing skin problems. Known as curcuma longa (botanically), it is both an antimicrobial agent and a blood purifier.
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Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Indian Remedies, Age Old Medical Traditions,indian, remedies,medicinal traditions in India