Sacred lotus -Kamal - Nelumbo nucifera

Sacred Lotus- kamal- Nelumbo nucifera (Nymphaea  nelumbo Linn), 

स्वागत गणरायाचे !!

स्वागत गणरायाचे !!

श्रावण महिना सरत आला की वेध लागतात ते सुखकर्त्या दुखहर्त्या गणरायाच्या आगमनाचे ! कुठलाही सण म्हणजे आनंद आणि गणेश चतुर्थी म्हणजे आनंदाला उधान!

आपल्या पुर्वजांनी कुठलाही सण केवळ मजा म्हणून साजरा केला नाही तर त्यामागे काहीतरी शास्त्रीय व वैद्यकिय कारण आहे.  बुद्धिकारक, विघ्नहारक, विद्येच्या देवतेच्या पूजे मध्ये दिली जाणारी अर्ध्य, पूजासामग्री व विशिष्ट  पत्री यामागे  काय कारण असावे हा प्रश्न तुम्हाला पडला  असेल. आयुर्वेदाच्या वनस्पती शास्त्रात (द्रव्यगूण  विज्ञान ) या प्रश्नाचे उत्तर सापडते. 

गणेश चतुर्थी भाद्रपद महीन्यात येते. हा ऋतु संधीचा काळ . पावसाळा (वर्षा ऋतु ) संपून शरद ऋतु सुरू होण्याच्या बेतात असतो.

आयुर्वेद शास्त्र सांगते की,  अशा वेळी  अग्नि मंद असतो, कफ पित्ताचे आजार जास्त बळावतात. सर्दी, खोकला, ब्रोंकायटिस ,साधा ताप, हिवताप आणि दम्याचे पेशंट घरोघरी दिसतात . जोडीला अतिसार, पोटाचे आजार, आम्लपित्त या सारखे आजार ही जोर धरतात.  

अगदी दर्शनासाठी कोणाच्या घरी गेलं तरी त्या घरातील  कोणी ना कोणी आजारी असल्याने ऐनवेळी पाहुण्यांच्या भूमिकेतून डोक्टरच्या भूमिकेत शिरावे लागते. 

अशावेळी  या आजारांच्या उपचारात आवश्यक असलेल्या औषधी वनस्पती संग्रही असणे असणे आरोग्याच्या दृष्टीने केव्हाही हितकरच!

गणेशाला मंत्रोच्चारणाबरोबर अर्पण केली जाणारी पत्री (२१ वनस्पतींची पाने) पाहिल्यास त्यातील प्रत्येक वनस्पतीम मध्ये अनेक औषधी गुणधर्म आहेत. या ऋतुत होणाऱ्या आजारांवर त्या उपयुक्त आहेत . या शिवाय या सर्व वनस्पती या सिझन मध्ये भरपूर प्रमाणात उपलब्धही असतात . गणपतीच्या आगमनाबरोबर पुढील १० दिवस ह्या वनस्पतींचा संग्रह करणे आरोग्याच्या दृष्टीने नक्कीच उपयोगाचे ठरेल.

तर पाहूया गणेशाला कोणत्या मंत्रासोबत  कुठल्या कुठल्या २१ औषधी वनस्पतींच्या पत्री (पाने) वाहतात . 

१) ॐ  सुमुखाय नमः। मालती पत्रं समर्पयामि  ।।
२) ॐ गणाधिपाय नमः। भृंगराज पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

३) ॐ उमापुत्राय नमः । बिल्व पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

४) ॐ गजाननाय नमः । दूर्वा पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

५) ॐ लम्बोदराय नमः । बदरी पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

६) ॐ हरसूनवे नमः।धत्तूर पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

७) ॐ गजकर्णाय नमः ।तुलसी पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

८) ॐ विकटाय नमः ।करवीर पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

९) ॐ वक्रतुण्डाय नमः । शमी पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

१०) ॐ गुहाग्रजाय नमः।अपामार्ग पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

११) ॐ एकदंताय नमः । बृहती पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

१२) ॐ कपिलाय नमः । अर्क पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

१३) ॐ गजदन्ताय नमः । अर्जुन पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

१४) ॐविघ्नराजाय नमः।विष्णूक्रान्त पत्रं समर्पयामि

१५) ॐ बटवे नमः । दाडिम पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

१६) ॐ सुराग्रण्याय नमः। देवदारू पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

१७) ॐभालचंद्राय नमः । मरू पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

१८) ॐ हेरम्बाय नमः । अश्वत्थ पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

१९) ॐ चतुर्भूजाय नमः । जाती पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

२०) ॐ विनायकाय नमः । केतकी पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

२१) ॐ सर्वेश्वराय नमः । अगस्ती पत्रं समर्पयामि ।।

या वनस्पतींचे औषधी  गुणधर्म व उपयोग काय आहेत हे आपण येणाऱ्या १०दिवसांत जाणून घेऊ . 

 

 

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