Medicinal Properties of Mayalu (Basella alba : Malabar spinach)

Mayalu or Malabar Spinach or Basella alba 

is found mainly in rainy season

in Konkan and almost entire Maharashtra.

It is wildly cultivated, cool season leafy vegetable. 

During monsoon the vegetable is eaten  with relish.

It is a  fast growing  succulent plant with climbing growth habit. Stems are purplish or green. Leaves are fleshy, ovate or heart-shaped. In Maharashtra basella alba or Mayalu is found mainly during rainy season. it is consumed as a  vegetable with main course food.

Unlike other medicinal plant it not very well-known though it has high medicinal  & nutritional value.

The plant is being used in pharma industry for the productio of new plant based drugs.

In Ayurveda and Indian Folk Medicine,

it is widely used

to treat different ailments and conditions.

Parts used : Mainly leaves and stems

are used for medicinal purpose

Chemical composition of leaf extract of Basella alba-

leaf extract include: proteins, fat, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B9 (folic acid), riboflavin, niacin, thiamine and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron.

Basella alba mucilage is rich surce of fiber. mucilage is composed of water soluble polysaccharide, which functions as water retention, germination, food reservoir and secondary metabolite storage. The gel preparation of Basella alba mucilage provide good stability that serve for further development as cosmetic and medicine for skin diseases.  

Antioxidant activity of basella alba is because of it's total phenolic, flavonoid (Kaempherol) and ascorbic acid contents. 

Amino acids like arginine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine and tryptophan are present in basella alba.

Medicinal properties and  usage -

The plant possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, antibacterial - antifungal , anti-pruritic, androgenic, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities.

The pharmacological activities of Basella alba has been tested by both in-vitro as well as in-vivo methods.

Anaemia -

It is a good source of iron due to its rich iron and ascorbic acid content. Hence it is used in the treatment of anemia. 

Irregular menses -

Paste of root of  red species of Basella alba is taken with rice washed water on empty stomach for a month.

Insomnia -

As per Indian system of medicine the paste of leaves is applied on head to bring sound sleep. It should be applied half an hour before bathing.

Swelling-

Paste of root is applied  to reduce swelling and inflammation

Constipation-

Decoction of leaves used for its mild laxative effects.

Boils and ulcers -

Pulped leaves applied to boils and ulcers to hasten suppuration.

Burns and scalds -

Leaf-juice mixed with butter, is soothing and cooling when applied to burns and scalds.

Headache -

The mucilaginous liquid obtained from the leaves and tender stalks of plants is popular remedy for headaches.

Urticaria -

Paste of leaves is used in the treatment of urticarial rash both orally and externally

Daily consumption of Basella alba has a positive effect on total-body vitamin A stores in men.

Anti cancer -

In India B. alba leaves and stem has been used for anticancer treatment such as melanoma, leukemia and oral cancer. Antioxidant activity, antimutagenic activity has been carried out by the scientist to explore the dynamics of the plant for the advancement in the treatment of the diseases

Knowing that plants have a large number of chemical

substances, which have several pharmacological

actions, it is extensively studied by researchers and

investigators for the synthesis of  newer drugs which

can be helpful in the treatment of many ailments.  

Narali Bhat - Nutritious delicacy

Narali Bhat - Nutritious delicacy

All over India "Shravan Purnima" is celebrated as " Raksha bandhan"

But in Maharashtra it is also celebrated as "Narali Purnima". The day marks the end of  the monsoon season in Maharashtra. Hilarious occasion for fishermen in Maharashtra as they could enter into roaring sea for fishing.

Naral ( coconut) is offered to Sea to please it.

Various delicacies of coconut are prepared and offered to the Sea God.

Narali Pak: So Tasty ! !

The nutritious and yummy delicacy made from coconut "Narali bhat "or "Kesari bhat" is made in every Maharashtrian home. Sweet Coconut Rice tastes good and has high nutritional value.

Ingredients

Cooked rice

Jaggery

Grated coconut & other ingredients

Fresh grated coconut - 250 gms

Cooked rice -1 big bowl approx 250 gms

Jaggery - 250 gms

Cow ghee - 3 tbsp

Resins - 15- 20

Cloves- 4-5

Cardamom- 2

Powdered Cardamoms 3-4

Almonds - 7-8

Cashew nuts - 10-12

A pinch salt

5 to 6  Saffron strands

Procedure-

• Wash the rice thoroughly and cook it in a pressure cooker adding pinch of salt and 1 teaspoonful of Cow ghee
• Place the pan on the stove and heat it. Add 2 tablespoons of cow ghee
• After heating properly add cardamom and cloves. Sauté it and then add resins, cashew nuts and almonds
• Then add freshly grated coconut and jaggery. Saute the mixture till jaggery melts and mixes well with grated coconut
• Add the cooked rice in above ingredients and mix well
• Take out the rice on the plate for garnishing
• Garnish it with almonds, cashew nuts, saffron,  resins
• Serve it hot or chill. it tastes wonder
  
  

Cause of dystress : PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS or Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common endocrine abnormality in reproductive age women. PCOS is diagnosed in the presence of any two of the following three criteria -

1)    Oligo/ anovulation,

2)    polycystic ovaries and

3)    Symptoms of excess androgen (clinical and biochemical).

The disorder accounts for 30% of all infertility cases with 73% of suffering from PCOS experiencing infertility due to anovulation.

 

What are the causes of PCOS?

Multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Some of them are-

1)    Insulin resistance

2)    Hormonal imbalance

3)    Genetic factor

4)    Stress and psychological factors

5)    Sedentary life style, lack of exercise and dietary variations

 

How do I come know that I am suffering from PCOS?

Most of the times diagnosis of PCOS is clinical (based on clinical signs and symptoms) and confirmed with the help of array of laboratory investigations and ultrasound.

There are multiple clinical signs (which your doctor and you can see and measure) and symptoms (which you can feel yourself) by which you would come to know that you are suffering from PCOS.

Very often the signs and symptoms of PCOS are noticed soon after one gets first period. In some females it may develop later, in reproductive age.

The main features of PCOS are

1)    Menstrual abnormalities / Irregular periods: This is the most common characteristic. Your menstrual cycle may get prolonged (more than 35 days cycle or less than eight menstrual cycles a year or failure to menstruate for four months or longer). Prolonged periods may be associated with scanty or heavy bleeding.

2)     Polycystic ovaries :  Ovaries enlarged with multiple cysts in it cysts ( small fluid filled pockets surrounding ovum or eggs)

3)    Oligo- ovulation or anovulation: In women with ovaries do release eggs regularly  or not at all release eggs 

4)    Hyper-androgenism: High levels of "male hormones" called androgens in your body

5)    Insulin resistance: increased level of serum insulin

Few other important features of PCOS are

·        Increasing obesity (esp. central obesity)

·        Hirsutism : Excess growth of male pattern hair on face, chest, back and buttocks

·        Skin thickening and discoloration commonly around neck, inner thighs and axilla

·        Thinning of hair and hair loss from head

·        Pimples and oily skin

·        difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate)

·        PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of developing health problems in later life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

 

There I no single diagnostic test for PCOS. For confirmation of the diagnosis your doctor will ask you to do pelvic sonography which will show enlarged ovaries with peripherally arranged cysts in it. Other hormonal tests including serum prolactin level, Total & free testosterone levels,
serum insulin level, Androstenedione level, FSH and LH levels and thyroid function test etc.

Ayurvedic Treatment:

Suffering from PCOD is a frustrating experience for women. Its complex pathological cascade make the treatment difficult and challenging.

Ayurveda says, three doshas (vata, pitta & kapha) govern activities in human body like digestion, assimilation, metabolism at macro and micro level. They are also instrumental in normal functioning of female reproductive system.

Vata esp. apan vayu (one among the 5 types of vata) is responsible for movement of follicles during ovarian cycle and releasing the matured ovum and its further movement in the tube & uterus.  It also controls surge of different hormones at specific time during menstrual cycle so that hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis is maintained & so the menstruation at regular interval is preserved. 

Pitta is responsible for transformation of hormones at different stages of Ovarian & menstrual cycle.

Kapha nourishes tissue development of reproductive system with its heavy and cool qualities and enhances follicular growth, mucosal growth of fallopian tube and uterus prevents from drying (Kashaya). 

Any obstruction or abnormality in the function of these three doshas lead to menstrual abnormalities. Hence the treatment revolves around balancing three doshas esp. vatadosha, with cleansing, detoxifying treatment modalities and regulating functions of reproductive system.

To correct imbalance in three doshas in PCOS, lifestyle changes is first line therapy. Majority of PCOS women are overweight. Prevention of excess weight gain can be achieved by adopting dietary regimen and structured exercise as per Ayurveda and yoga guidelines. Food which is easily digestible (laghu), with high fiber, low saturated fat and low high glycemic index carbohydrate should be consumed. Consume whole grain- e.g. Ragi (Eleusinecoracana), Shashtishaali (red rice), Yava (barley) etc., and Green leafy vegetables-rich in minerals, vitamins and nutrients, Low glycaemic index whole fruits-eg. apples, pears,  plums, prunes etc. that contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, Dry fruits- dates, figs and raisins, should be consumed.

Different herbs and herbal medicines can be used. Medicine like trikatu, Nagarmotha, hingvashtak churna, chandraprabha vati aarogya vardhini, shilajit. kanchanar guggulu etc. can be given on before food which improve  function of digestive fire and accelerate basal metabolism.

Some herbs like dashamool, kumari (aloe Vera), ashoka (saraca indica) and shatavari contain phytoestrogens and phytonutrients which can be taken in PCOS under medical supervision. Formulation like Phalaghrita which is made from herbs and cow ghee are used to balance out hormones.

Take powder of ajawain (celery seeds), Dhanyak (coriander seeds), shatapushpaa (fennel seeds), tvak (cinnamon) and atasi (flax seeds)

In panchakarma (detox treatment); basti (therapeutic enema therapy) is the. Abhyanga (body massage with medicinal oils) and steaming with vata pacifying herbs, basti and uttar basti are the effective treatments to bring Vata in physiologically balanced state.

 

drsandhyakadam1509@gmail.com

 

This article is based on authentic text  books on gynecology, ancient ayurvedic texts, authentic information and experience..

MERA "CHANGA- MANGA" OMKAR !!

MERA "CHANGA- MANGA" OMKAR !!

I was not sure if I could express my feelings in written words on Buddy Parenting, but Sujata my cousin bugged me to write this post. As  I started jotting down my thoughts; my pen started flowing freely. It was because of my nephew Omkar. He is one in zillions.

"Changa ( Virtuous ) - Manga (Valuable)"  Omkar has now, grown up as a smart young boy. On 21st June 2015, he turned up 21.

Omkar with his  little sis



Omkar with his Sister,



Fond memories of his childhood are still fresh in our minds, as the morning dew! 

It was one of my most joyful experiences to see my nephew, Omkar growing up! Omu was pretty, playful and innocent in his very early age and even later on.  Charisma of his cheerful but mischievous nature was astonishing.

Some people are born smart and are adorable. Omkar is one of them. His childhood was the source of boundless joy not only for us but also for our neighbors in the society. All disputes in our society got dissolved as Omu began to perform his "BAL LEELA".   

Omu was a very sweet child. He was born with a naughty smile and dimple on his cheek. His eyes were mischievous. He learnt many things faster than the other children. He was always with smile. No wonder, cheerful and smiling Omkar became an apple of our eyes. He was always in demand.

As he was growing up, apart from our family members everyone in our society wanted to hold him in their arms. He became "BAL GOPAL"  (lord Krisnha) of our society. 

Most of the time he would be out of our home, as everyone in society would like to have glimpses of him and would like to play with him. For our Sikh neighbors he was their "Changa, Para and Sona Puttar".  In nearby gurudwara, where he used to go regularly with his favourite Charanjit Dadi; he was famous as "Charanjit da ready made pota". For another Gujarati aunty he was " Monga Manas and Ladlo Dikro".

We witnessed that all barriers of cast, religion and language were broken down due to lovable, pleasing and amicable Omu.

Haa! Happiness all around! He was instrumental in teaching us lessons of unity. That was the time when many unsolved problems (water problem, issue of cleanliness etc.) in the society were resolved unanimously.

For him all were one. He never differentiated whether she was his sweeper aunty or Kandadabatate wala uncle. When his sweeper aunty carried him with her filthy hand I got butterflies in my stomach.  I don't remember a single day when Omu didn't call his dear "Kandabatate wala " uncle from our balcony. It was a fun to hear the conversation between them.

As he grew up little older, we realized that along with all above mentioned good qualities he is determined, focused and sincere.

When he was in six standard, he was selected for "Harris Shield Cricket Tournament".

Once while practicing in nets one unfortunate throw by his buddy player hit his tibia bone badly and he got a fracture. During this period he also caught Allergic Bronchitis. He suffered from that ailment almost for a couple of years.  Even after this bad patch in his sports carrier he continued playing cricket and now he plays cricket for his college team.

He taught us how to care for loved ones and also how to take care of things. Till now he doesn't want to dump his toy car gifted by his beloved Mili aattya (Aunty) on his first birthday though he drives a Sx4 (a sedan car) in heavy traffics of Mumbai.

Now all kiddos in our society play with his collection of childhood-toys. I wonder how could he share his most precious possessions with them.

Omu's  childhood was a learning process for us . We always wondered how can a child be so disciplined and well-mannered (without any special training). Even toilet training for Omu was not at all a difficult task for us.

We never taught him about mannerism and never forced him to do a particular thing. He was gifted with the wisdom and innocence at the same time.  

He was dear to all his class teachers  and loved by all his classmates. Not only that he is always the best companion and friend to his sisters (Riddhi & Mugdha)  and brother (Apoorva).  They all have strong bonds between them and the credit mainly goes to Omkar.

Only, bad part about him was his food tantrums. It was difficult for us to feed him and was a tedious task for us.

But he loves eating Kellogg's chocos. Thank god!  as Kellogg's chocos are good source of nutrition for him. We know that Kellogg's are fortified with extra vitamins, calcium and iron.

His "KHIL KHILATA " childhood was a journey of happy moments. Actually, it was a learning process for all of us. It gave us a great pleasure. And along with Omu we also matured day by day ... Kellogg's way!

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EFFECT OF MEDITATION ON AGEING

Effect of Meditation on Ageing   

Living healthy for 400 years: 

Fantasy or Reality??   

It is said that Sage Chyavan (Chyavan Rishi) lived for 400 years!! It sounds more like a fantasy but was it a reality? 

Well, can't vouch for the numbers but I would definitely claim that you will live longer and healthier life if you follow guidelines of yoga and meditate regularly. 

According to a one study conducted at University of California-Davis, people showed higher levels of an enzyme associated with longevity after a three-month stay at a meditation retreat. 

Of course it was a preliminary clinical trial and it didn’t show that meditation actually extends life, but the findings suggest a possible means by which it could. 

Researcher Tonya Jacobs and her team made a comparative study between 30 participants practicing meditation with another group (Controls) not practicing meditation at a meditation retreat held at the retreat Center in Colorado. 

Participants meditated six hours per day for three months. Their meditation centered on mindfulness — for instance, focusing solely on breathing, in the moment — and on loving kindness and enhancing compassion towards others.  

After the three-month intervention, researchers found amazing things; 

One, that the Meditators had on an average about 30% more activity of the enzyme telomerase than the controls did. 

Telomerase?? What is it? 

Telomerase is responsible for repairing telomeres, the structures located on the ends chromosomes. Telomeres work as a locking system and prevent the chromosome from separating or unscrewed. Every time the cell reproduces, its telomeres become shorter and less effective at protecting the chromosome. According to researchers, shortening of the telomere is a cause of Aging. Cell copying eventually stops when the telomere disintegrate completely.   

Second, there was a significant change in people’s (meditator group) Psychological well-being and outlook. People with higher levels of telomerase showed more increase in psychological improvement. In retreat participants who showed no psychological change, telomerase levels were not any higher than in controls. (Researchers were unable to compare telomerase levels in the groups both before and after the retreat for logistical reasons.)   

However the study did not show that meditation actually extends life, only that it may increase the activity of an enzyme that is associated with longevity.   

So how does Meditation affect the machinery of cellular reproduction? Probably by reducing stress, research suggests.    Severe psychological stress — particularly early in life and in the absence of social support — has been linked with poorer health, increasing risk for heart disease, stroke and some cancers. This is likely due to the negative effects of high levels of stress hormones on the brain and body. 

So, how do we go about reducing the stress hormones? Meditation here could perhaps play a bigger role. Meditation could perhaps contribute to healthier telomeres thereby reducing the stress hormones and in turn lead to mental well being.   

The mind has a big influence on the body. Ayurveda has defined “Health” as physical and mental wellbeing. Modern science has also accepted the role of mental health in physical wellness. Meditation is "THE MASTER KEY TO CONTROL THE MIND" .  

So why not start it NOW?   Because NOW is the time best time to start with good things .

drsandhyakadam1509@gmail.com
Based on a research article

|| EXCELLENCE IS YOGA ॥ योग: कर्मसु कौशल्यम् ॥

Tomorrow, on 21^st June we are going to celebrate international yoga day. Celebrating various days and occasions is in vogue. In India we have haphazardly started sharing messages, pictures and videos of yoga postures (asana) performed by so called yoga followers without knowing the fundamentals of yoga.

 

These asanas or postures aimed at toning up the body, are indeed one of the eightfold stages of Ashtanga Yoga as enunciated by Sage Patanjali. Frankly, performing these asana under guidance of self-styled yoga gurus does not constitute complete yoga. When performed in isolation these asanas are reduced just to a physical exercise.
There is no doubt that these asana can improve your looks and your internal systems with a better figure and physical efficiency but it will be incorrect to think that performance of these asana can turn you into a better human being.

Then what should be the ideal path of yoga which will lead the way to physical mental and spiritual happiness?  

The meaning of yoga is to connect or to join. Yoga means connecting ourselves to supreme soul.

The Bhagavad Gita describes yoga as a state of equanimity, achieved by cultivating a detached but unified outlook, serenity of mind, skill in action and the ability to stay attuned to the glory of the Self or atman and the Supreme lord. 

As stated by lord Krishna, the root cause of all sufferings and conflicts  is nothing but selfish desire which disturbs and agitates the mind. The only way to extinguish the flame of this burning desire is by bringing in the deep silence in the mind and stillness, through self-discipline and engaging in a higher form of activity.

 

 

According Panini who wrote a commentary on Patanjali Yogasutra “yoga is Samadhi” which is the eighth stage of ashtanga yoga.

The eight stages of ashtanga yoga are yam, niyam, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. Samadhi is state of enlightenment wherein you are in tune with the nature, with perfect physical and mental balance. It is the state wherein you are directly connected to the supreme soul. Achieving this stage is very difficult; and one has to rich there by mastering all preceding seven stages of yoga. With mastering each and every step we reach akin to endmost goal of the ashtanga yoga i.e. SAMADHI

 

 

Let me explain you all these eight stages of yoga in brief-

1. Yama- Yama & Niyamas are ethical rules for “Right living” and are the foundation of positive personality on which edifice of the enlightenment is built.

The five Yamas are non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy and non-covetousness.

2. Niyama -The five Niyamas are cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study or knowledge of self and surrender to God.

3. Asana- Literally means "seat" or “posture” and in Patanjali's Sutras refers to the seated position used for meditation which defined as “sthira sukham asanam”.  But in present times mostly asanas are considered as various postures perfumed for physical fitness and wellbeing.  

Sage Patanjali expected seekers to embrace yam and niyam before coming to the third stage, asana. The eightfold path is to take the practitioner towards moral, physical and spiritual uplift. The ultimate aim of yoga is spiritual realization or samadhi via mind and body.  Obtaining physical fitness is one step ahead towards reaching the ultimate goal of Samadhi.

4. Pranayama- Pranayam means control of breath; it purifies and removes distractions, facilitating concentration and meditation.

5. Pratyahara - Means is detachment sensory organs from senses or withdrawal of the senses during meditation that enables you to focus on the Supreme Power and establish a cosmic link.

6. Dharana - Dharana is to concentrate on one point for a considerable length of time.  The aim is to still the mind by gently pushing away superfluous thoughts. 

7. Dhyana -Dhyana is uninterrupted meditation without an object. 

8. Samadhi- Samadhi is to attain enlightenment.

The first five steps — yama, niyama asana, pranayama, and pratyahara — are the preliminaries of yoga and they build the foundation for spiritual life with body and brain. The last three, which would not be possible without the previous steps, are concerned with reconditioning the mind. They help the yogi to attain enlightenment.

That’s why the journey on the path of yoga is not that easy since it demands lot of restraint, discipline and devotion. But presently we directly jump over the third step and begin with asanas. There is nothing wrong in it but it can't be named yoga and we ought to be aware of its limitation when it comes to making a person spiritual. You cannot traverse through the path of yoga by skipping first two steps, in order to begin with asanas.

So not only performing asanas but all the stages of yoga are mandatory for spiritual development of a person.  Spiritual personalities are admired by society. When more and more members in society walk on the path of spirituality the whole nation becomes spiritual. That is the need of an hour and will help to build the nation.  Just exhibiting asana on big streets of cities and demonstrating skill of performing yougik postures (asanas)  is not yoga.
 

॥ योग: कर्मसु कौशल्यम् ॥