Kulthi or horse gram: Macrotyloma uniflorum removes kidney, gall stones

By Syed Akbar

Suffering from kidney or gall stones? Kulthi or horse gram is the best natural remedy if kidney or gall stones are detected in early stages, and they are not big enough warranting surgical intervention. Macrotyloma
uniflorum, as Kulthi is technically called, is a wonder legume that can cure a number of health problems including fighting kidney or gall stones.
Macrotyloma is used in tribal systems of medicine the world over, while in India practitioners of Unani and Ayurveda often prescribe it for health problems like cough, breathing trouble, ulcers and gas in the
stomach, worm infection and excessive sweating. It is also recognised as a natural health tonic for general well being. Some herbalists consider Kulthi as a good food that controls arthritis.
A word of caution for pregnant women and those suffering from tuberculosis. Macrotyloma may cause severe health complications in pregnant women and TB patients. Even as a food legume, it's better for these groups to avoid it. Since it is a common legume used in kitchen preparations, Kulthi can be obtained from any grocery store. Ready- made herbal formulations based on Kulthi are also available in herbal
stores.
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Home remedies
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Regular intake of Kulthi as food (Ulvala charu, as it is famous in Andhra Pradesh) clears the digestive tract of worm infections including tape worms. It reduces flatulence and acidity and keeps the digestive system in good condition.
Take a little quantity or horse gram, boil it in a glass of water, allow it to cool and filter it. Mix it in a grinder and add pure drinking water to make it semi-solid. Add a pinch of pepper powder and drink the preparation for relief from cold, cough or sore throat.
Those suffering from stomach pain may try a little quantity of finely ground horse gram, dried ginger and asafoetida. You may prepare the mixture fresh as per the need, or prepare it in large quantity for storage
in a clean and dry bottle for future use.
If you are conscious about your weight, you may include horse gram in your regular diet. Herbal doctors point our that eating horse gram in daily meals will help reduce obesity to a large extent.
Herbal doctors recommend that patients of kidney or gall stones may soak a little quantity of horse gram in glass of pure drinking water for about 10 hours. The infusion can be taken twice a day for relief from
stones. Others suggest that the seeds thus soaked in water should be mashed and consumed twice daily.

The healing powers of black cumin or Nigella: Kalonji can fight asthma, lung problems

2010

By Syed Akbar

 Nigella sativa or black cumin, popularly known as Kalonji, is regarded as a wonder plant in Unani system of medicine. Tibbe-Nabavi or the Prophet’s medicine holds Kalonji in high regard and describes it as the “plant of blessings”. In Ayurveda too, black cumin finds its uses in a number of medicinal preparations.

The seeds are bitter but the medicinal properties they contain outweigh their unpalatable taste. Several regions in India use Kalonji seeds in food preparations too. Practitioners of traditional systems of medicine prescribe Kalonji seeds or Kalonji oil for a number of health problems ranging from simple cough to asthma, cystic fibrosis to diabetes, and from facial paralysis to kidney stones.

It is also prescribed for eye problems including low vision. Kalonji seeds and oil are readily available in the market, but one has to make it sure that they are buying the genuine one. Onion seeds resemble Kalonji and many a time unscrupulous traders pass them off as Kalonji.

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Home remedies

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Herbal doctors recommend Kalonji oil for relief from cough, and other lung problems like asthma. Take a few drops of Kalonji oil and gently rub it against the chest and back for quick relief from the problem.

Those with facial paralysis may try Kalonji oil. Take a few drops of Kalonji oil and mix it in hot water. Inhale the vapours. Repeat it daily.

Unani doctors believe that daily consumption of half a tea cup of decoction prepared from a few drops of kalonji oil mixed with honey and hot water will provide relief from kidney stones.

If you want to prevent premature greying of hair, you may try a few drops of Kalonji oil daily. Take a few drops of oil and rub gently against the scalp. Your hair will continue to be black till ageing turns them grey.

A few drops of Kalonji oil mixed with coffee or tea will keep the blood pressure under check and the heart in healthy condition.

Peepal relieves mumps pain

By Syed Akbar
Peepal has always played a key role in the religious history of India. It is considered holy by Hindus and Buddhists. It was under the Peepal tree, popularly known as the Bodh tree, that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Peepal is also called the holy fig and Buddhists recognise it as Bo tree.
Apart from its religious significance, Peepal has been used in traditional systems of medicine for more than 2000 years. In fact this tree was associated with the Indus Valley civilization. The leaves and fruits of Peepal are extensively used by Ayurveda and Unani practitioners to prepare a number of medicines for problems ranging from simple boils to the control of heart beat and from treating mumps to fighting water loss due to diarrhea.
Peepal is also recommended as a general health tonic. It is considered good particularly for those suffering from constipation. Often Peepal formulations are prescribed for jaundice, to control bleeding, to arrest nocturnal emission, and relief from general body pain caused by inflammation or swelling.
Readymade herbal formulations of Peepal tree are available in the market for those who do not have the time and energy to collect its leaves or fruits and prepare medicine at home. One has to be extra cautious about the genuineness of the Peepal formulations sold in the market.  Always be moderate in taking the medicine as any excess intake may lead to health complications.
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Home remedies
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If you have troubled bowels and often suffer from constipation, you may take a few Peepal leaves, clean them and dry them. One you obtain dried Peepal leaves, make them into powder. Take a small piece of jaggery and mix it with the leaf powder. Take a small portion of the Peepal-jaggery preparation and see the results.
Mumps are rare now thanks to universal vaccination. And yet some people suffer from this highly painful problem. Peepal is a handy and readily available treatment for relief from the pain and swelling caused by mumps. Take a couple of Peepal leaves; apply a thin layer of ghee on them. Put the leaves near a flame for them to become tender. Then apply the leaves on the affected portion.
Ayurveda and Unani practitioners recommend Peepal decoction for jaundice. This home therapy is quite simple and easy. Take a small piece of Peepal bark. Wash it properly and then put it in a glass of water for about eight hours. Filter the water and consume it.

Sita-Ashoka controls excessive bleeding in women

Syed Akbar
Sita-Ashoka or true Ashoka is a highly revered tree in Indian traditions. It has been associated with the Ramayana and the life of Goutam Buddha. Ayurveda and Unani practitioners regard it as a miracle tree for women, since most of its medicinal properties solve many gynaecological issues.
Here is a word of caution. Sita-Ashoka, scientifically called Saraca indica or Saraca asoca, is a true Ashoka tree mentioned in the ancient Indian, Arab and Greek medical texts. It should not be confused with the false Ashoka tree (Polyalthia longifolia) largely grown in parks and on road dividers in cities. The true Ashoka is a small tree while the false Ashoka grows much taller.
Though the medicinal properties of Sita-Ashoka have been known for ages, it’s only recently that they have been scientifically validated. Its leaves, bark and flowers are used in traditional systems of medicine in several parts of the world. Its properties include fighting tumours, excessive or irregular bleeding in women during monthly cycles or bleeding resulting from fibroids in uterus, and controlling infections.
According to a recent study by Dr P Pradhan and others from Rajasthan, Saraca is capable of killing different organisms such as Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhosa, Staphylococcus aureus, (plant pathogen) and Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
The team found that the anticancer principle from Saraca flowers indicated 50 per cent cytotoxicity (in vitro), with no activity against normal lymphocytes but preferential activity for lymphocytes derived from leukemia patients.
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Quick remedies
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Readymade Ashoka extracts and tonics are available in the market, but before purchase one should make it sure that they are not adulterated with derivatives from false Ashoka tree.
Women with the problem of irregular or excessive bleeding may try the decoction obtained from the bark of Ashoka. The decoction should be prepared fresh everyday before consuming. It should be taken during the periods to check excessive loss of blood. Herbalists generally suggest that along with water a little quantity of milk can be used to obtain decoction from the bark. A teaspoon may be taken twice daily.
Dysentery is often accompanied by blood. Those who notice blood may try the Ashoka bark decoction. They may also try the dried flowers of Ashoka.Herbal medicine practitioners also recommend Ashoka dried flowers for diabetics to maintain their blood sugar levels within the prescribed limits.
More importantly, Ashoka extracts are sold as “female tonic” to keep the women reproductive system in healthy condition.
The decoction of Saraca bark is also used in treating bleeding piles.

Guduchi kills cancer cells

2010
By Syed Akbar
Tinospora cordifolia, popularly known as Guduchi or Amrit, has been in use in traditional systems of medicine for almost 4,000 years. Ayurveda regards Guduchi as a wonder herb, and thus the name Amrit or
nectar. A number of research studies have been conducted on the medicinal properties of Tinospora and all of
them confirm that it is useful in controlling diabetes, inflammation, arthritis, various allergies, stress and
malarial fevers.

It has also been hailed as a general tonic thanks to its anti-oxidant and anti-stress  properties. Guduchi protects the liver from malfunctions and infections and keeps it functioning well. Ayurveda  practitioners often prescribe Guduchi for stomach pain, and as a blood purifier.
Ayurveda and Unani formulations for fever and urinary problems include Guduchi as one of  the important
ingredients. The stem of Guduchi as also its roots find their way in these formulations.  The leaves are also often used.
Some practitioners claim that Guduchi has special properties that control the growth of a  number of cancers. The treatment varies from one month to six months. The root extract is given to people bitten  by snake or scorpion. As an external herbal application, Guduchi is recommended for skin diseases including filariasis.
However, as is the case with several herbs, Guduchi is not recommended for people with liver and kidney problems, pregnant women and small children. It's better these sections of people avoid Guduchi or its herbal formulations, though it has been hailed as one of the important rasayanas (rejuvenators) mentioned in
ancient Ayurveda texts.
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Quick remedies
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Guduchi is often considered as the best natural ointment to treat wounds filled with pus. Paste prepared from the Guduchi leaves can be applied externally to treat skin problems.
Oil obtained from Guduchi can be applied on the skin to reduce body pains, particularly those caused by arthritis.
Gently rub the oil on the affected portion and feel the relief within minutes.
For women suffering from endometrial cancer, Ayurveda doctors recommend Guduchi drink twice a day. Take a tablespoon of Guduchi powder and mix it in a small glass of water. Boil it, cool the mixture and filter it. The Guduchi drink is ready for consumption.
Diabetics may also try Guduchi decoction obtained from its stem. But here is a word of  caution. Take it in a small quantity as heavy doses could lower blood sugar levels and cause complications. Take a  few pieces of Guduchi stem and wash them thoroughly. Boil the pieces in a glass of water, filter the extract and preserve it in a clean and neat bottle. Consume two tablespoons of Guduchi decoction twice every day.

Carom seeds: Ajwain removes kidney stones

2010
By Syed Akbar
If the mirchi bhajji from coastal Andhra is famous for its flavour and unique taste, it is thanks to the presence of Ajwain (carom seeds). Finely ground ajwain is stuffed inside mirchi (green chilli) before it is dipped into Bengal gram paste for frying golden yellow.
Ajwain also finds its way into several Indian dishes, including bakery items like ajwain biscuits. Neatly cut and cleaned Ajwain leaves are also used as stuffing agent in ajwain bhajjis, while its seeds go into
preparation of ajwain rotis, parathas and savouries prepared from Bengal gram flour.
Besides its taste and flavour enhancing properties, ajwain is considered in traditional system of medicine as the simple home remedy to remove kidney stones. Ayurveda and Unani practitioners believe that intake of
ajwain seeds with honey will help in breaking down kidney stones into pieces and gradual removal from the body through urine.
Ajwain has a number of medicinal properties and it is considered the best bet for fighting flatulence (gas), abdominal discomfort, and harmful bacteria and fungi and controlling diarrhoea. Some Ayurveda
doctors are of the view that ajwain has aphrodisiac properties and is good for middle-aged men.
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Quick Remedies
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Those addicted to alcohol may take a teaspoon of ajwain seeds twice a day for deaddiction. Its strong flavour and aromatic compounds present in it help in reducing the craving and urge for alcohol.
A drop of ajwain oil will provide instant relief from earache.
Since many herbal medicine experts feel that ajwain is a good stomach tonic, chewing of ajwain seeds once or twice a day may provide relief from digestive problems, and improve the functioning of stomach.
A little quantity of ajwain with a betel leaf will provide relief from dry cough.
Ajwain along with Saunf is considered a good mouth freshener.
Ajwain oil may be massaged on legs for relief from pain in patients of arthritis.

Beat depression with cardamom

2010By Syed Akbar
Cardamom or elaichi is one of the best flavouring agents in kitchens across the world. It also finds its use in providing distinctive flavour and taste to a number of sweet dishes and desserts.
Besides its major strength, the unique flavour, cardamom has a number of health benefits. But here is a word of caution. Like in the case of many other herbs, cardamom should not be consumed in large proportions. It has its side effects too, including impotency if consumed in heavy doses regularly.
Those who wish to include cardamom in their herbal treatment schedule should make it a point to consume it in small proportions. When consumed in a little quantity, cardamom gives relief from depression, provides clarity to mind and thought and keeps a person stable in actions too. It has anti-cancer properties too.
Cardamom has been used in traditional systems of medicines for several hundreds of years. It is the seeds that give the flavour and benefits of health. Take a few fruits of cardamom. Remove the outer covering (skin). Take out the seeds and finely ground them. Add the powder to normal or herbal tea. Ayurvedic doctors believe that cardamom tea will help fight depression.
Some practitioners of herbal medicine prescribe cardamom as a cure to certain male sexual problems including premature ejaculation. Regular intake of cardamom either directly or through foods will help in improving appetite.
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Home remedies
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Those with a complaint of erectile dysfunction may drink a glass of milk mixed with a little quantity of finely ground cardamom seeds. Ayurvedic doctors believe that if cardamom milk is consumed everyday before going to bed, it will increase sexual potency.
A little cardamom (a pod or two) will help in controlling nausea. It is also prescribed for mouth ulcers.
Those who are intolerant to gluten (people who develop stomach upset on use of wheat or wheat products) may add a little cardamom powder to rotis or wheat upma to overcome the problem.
Cardamom tea is recommended as a home remedy to treat indigestion and the resultant flatulence.
For women, herbal doctors feel, cardamom tea is the best bet to ward off certain menstruation-related troubles.

Neem controls acne, blackheads

2010

By Syed AkbarNeem has always been hailed as the panacea for a number of ailments ranging from simple skin rashes to dental decay and from piles to fighting cancers. Ancient Indian literature had dealt in detail on the medicinal properties of the neem, its bark, seeds, gum, flowers and fruits and twigs. Practically every part of
the neem tree has medicinal properties to treat one health problem or the other. Neem is a good antiseptic agent and  helps in controlling pimples, and blackheads. It also prevents scarring of the skin after pimples or acne heal.
Though the credit on the neem research should go to ancient Indians, it is strangely  attributed to Westerners. We did not take the ancient neem literature further, while researchers in the West extracted a  number of products and chemicals from the neem tree. They have also patented the neem products.
As many as 135 compounds have been recovered from the neem tree. These compounds work  against several disease-causing agents including bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoans, besides  helminth worms. Latest research shows that neem helps in reducing swelling, fever, blood sugar levels, ulcers and  tumours. It can fight malaria too.
Neem is a good natural contraceptive too. It kills sperm and prevents pregnancy.
Coming to acne or pimples, neem oil and neem leaves work wonders. A paste of neem leaves,  if applied on the affected area, provides relief from pustular pimples. A paste obtained from the neem bark
is also useful in fighting pimples.
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Quick remedies
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Neem oil has been found to be of great help to people with cracks on feet. Many people  tend to develop fissures and cracks on their heels during summer and winter or whenever there's a sudden change in
climatic conditions. Simple application of neem oil to the affected area will provide immediate relief.
Neem leaves have been found to possess anti-septic properties. Just soak some neem leaves  in hot water and mix it with your regular bath water for relief from skin problems, including dandruff and rashes.
Neem oil and paste from neem leaves can be rubbed gently on the scalp to prevent hair  fall and fight fungal
infections.
Take a few neem leaves and a little piece of fresh turmeric rhizome. Make a paste out of  them and apply on the affected portion of the skin for relief from insect bites.
When one talks of the neem, will one forget about the benefits it gives to oral health  and dental hygiene. Regular brushing of teeth with a neem twig will prevent tooth decay and kill harmful bacteria in  the mouth.

The beneficial banyan

2010
By Syed Akbar
Banyan tree has always occupied a pride of place in Indian systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda and Unani. It is also linked to spiritualism and asceticism. The tree is revered for its shade on a hot summer day. Medicinal properties of banyan tree galore, ranging from treating infertility, both male and female, to fighting venereal diseases like syphilis and gonorrhoea.
Banyan belongs to the Ficus genus and is a close cousin of the fig tree. Fruits,flowers, milk (latex), roots and leaves of banyan tree find use in preparation of traditional herbal medicines.
Both Ayurveda and Unani doctors prescribe banyan preparations to clear bowels, treat ulcers, fever and a variety of skin diseases including leprosy. It has anti-inflammatory properties too. The roots of banyan that hang out from the branches (aerial roots) are used to treat inflammation of liver and check bleeding (styptic property).
Other ailments that can be treated through banyan leaf buds are diarrhoea, bleeding piles and irregular monthly cycles in women.
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Home  remedies
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If you want relief from chronic dysentery, take a few fresh leaf buds of banyan and soak them in water for a few hours. Remove the leaves, filter the water and drink it. Alternatively, you may try banyan milk (latex) in small quantities as latex if consumed in higher quantities may prove dangerous.
For those suffering from painful bleeding piles, a little quantity of banyan latex mixed in diary milk will provide the much needed relief.
Practitioners of traditional medicine recommend finely ground banyan root powder mixed in milk as remedy for female infertility. They suggest that it should be consumed for three days after monthly periods. This should be repeated every month.
Like the neem twig, a piece of aerial root of banyan can be used to brush the teeth. It fights bacteria and makes the teeth and gums strong and healthy.

Nariyal cure: Coconut water keeps digestive system in healthy condition

2010

By Syed Akbar
On a hot summer day one cannot resist a fresh and tender coconut. Tender coconut milk and 
the thin layer of copra inside the fruit make a natural rehydration formula. Coconut milk (water) keeps the body cool, fights sunstroke, and recharges the body with its natural vitamins, minerals and trace  elements. Coconut water is also good for digestion and fights infection in the body including worms.
According to Ayurveda and Unani practitioners, coconut milk aids in controlling diabetes 
and helps in weight loss while coconut oil helps in the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the  body. Coconut oil contains unique medicinal properties that prevents osteoporosis.
The Coconut Development Board of India proudly refers to an ancient Indian saying 
describing coconut as "unctuous, sweet, increasing semen, promoting digestion and clearing the urinary path".
While fruits and vegetables cannot be fed to infants, coconut milk is recommended by many 
doctors for infants suffering from intestinal disturbances. It is also considered even by modern  medical practitioners as the best source of oral rehydration. Coconut oil if applied on the body keeps off prickly  heat and summer boils. Coconut milk is prescribed for cholera patients too.
Senior dietician Rupali Dutta describes coconut as a "functional food" as it gives several health benefits beyond its nutritional content.
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Home Remedies
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Suffering from skin rashes or prickly heat? Just take a few tablespoons of pure coconut 
oil and gently rub it on the affected portion. You will get relief soon.
You can beat the heat by applying a few drops of pure coconut oil on the scalp or 
drinking a glass of tender coconut milk.
If you are suffering from stomach-ache or digestion problems, drink a couple of tender 
coconuts.
Regular intake of coconut milk will keep the intestines clean and removes harmful material (toxins) from the body.
Coconut oil in combination with lemon juice is the best natural method of fighting the 
problem of dandruff. Just apply a little mixture of lemon juice and coconut oil and apply it on the scalp.
For those conscious of their hair, a few drops of coconut oil will be of great help. Simply massage the scalp after applying coconut oil. This improves blood circulation and stimulates the hair  follicles. The result is long and healthy hair with no split ends.