Bean: Healthy Food

Hey all..

Thanks for Your continuous visiting on my blog. I am trying to share with you the best herbs Nature has given to us. Please let me know your thoughts and likes and please do tell me what you want to know more and how could I improve myself. Please do comments and like posts if you really like them.

Today I am going to tell you about a healthy food for Hair. It is know well in all over the world for Heart Benefits but it is wonderful for hair too..

BEAN
Scientific Name:  Phaseolus Vulgaris

The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, is an herbaceous annual plant in the family Fabaceae which is grown as a pulse and green vegetable. The common bean can be bushy, vine-like or climbing depending on the variety being grown.

Beans are a great low calorie source of protein, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc and minerals which are essential for hair growth. Beans also contain good amount of iron, which is necessary to prevent hair loss. Your diet plan must include different types of fresh or dried beans to give your hair the much needed nutrients for better hair growth. There are different types of beans such as kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, soybeans and so on. Beans can be added to salads, casseroles, and side dishes. Beans can also be pureed into dips and spreads.

We can also prevent Hair loss by using Bean Sprouts as it contain Silica.

Also it is very common and simple to find and eat it.

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Bhringraj Benifits

Hello Friends..

How was my previous post for Hair care? Do comments please, and help me to know your views.

Now Today i am going to tell you about another Natural Boon for Hair..

BHRINGRAJ
Botanical Name: Eclipta Alba
English Name: False Daisy
Sanskrit Name: Bhringraj / Keshraj
Other Names: Eclipta Alba
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa (Taste): Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Virya: Cooling
Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect): Pungent
Effects on Doshas: Balancing all doshas especially Pitta
For Hair Growth use Bhringraj as follows:

Mix "Bhringraj Powder" with Amla makes a paste and applies on hair. Wash after some times.
Combine "Bhringraj Powder" with "Coconut Oil" to make conditioning oil. This Preparation when applied on hairs. It gives shine, health and strength to hairs.
Make a paste of "Bhringraj Powder" with water. Gently massage rotating finger tips. Wait for 30 minutes. Wash thoroughly with water.
Use "Bhringraj Powder" in combination of Amla,Brahmi,Shikakai, Tulsi and Neem. Make a paste of it, apply it on hairs. Regular use of this combination shows you wonderful growth of hair and hair conditioning benefits.
Mix "Bhringraj Powder" in water or oil and make a paste. Apply it to Scalp. Rinse hair after some time. It helps to rejuvenate the hair and scalp.

Other Benifits:

Bhringraj Powder is considered as a rasayana (rejuvenator). It is known for its rejuvenating properties. It is also a natural conditioner and a cooling agent for hair. From long time Indian people use Bhringraj Herbal Powder to prevent hair loss and discoloration to encourage hair growth and improve overall hair health.
Bhringraj Powder provides relief in cough. It expels intestinal worms and provides strength to the body.
Bhringraj Powder is useful in Anemia, Hepatitis, Skin problems, Spleen enlargement and Igntestinal parasites.
Bhringraj Powder is very beneficial for liver disorders (agni vikaras). As liver is the controller of the metabolism of the body. Thus it improves the metabolism of liver and provides strength to the body by rejuvenating each and every part of the body.
Bhringraj Powder is an herbal powder of a herb which is best known for its hair benefits.
Bhringraj Powder helps in many skin problems which occur because of impurity found in our blood. According to Ayurveda Bhringraj Powder is very helpful to Purify blood and resolves skin problems. It can be taken orally or applied on the skin directly in the form of a paste.
It is believed that use of Bhringraj Powder improves the look and health of skin with the result it appears younger and healthy.
Bhringraj Powder also helps to cleanse and rejuvenate both the kidneys and the liver.
It also lowers the cholesterol levels of the body.
It supports skin and promotes lustrous complexion.
Urinary system is supported through this herb.

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Care for Hair..

Hello all..

Morning is always beautiful.. But it is scary too whenever you see some Hairs on your pillow. This is very common problem for all but the fact is we ignore this problem most of the time. Hairs are one of  the most important factor for your look. so my suggestion is never ever ignore this!!! 
This week I am going to tell You about the Herbs which have beneficiary qualities for hair growth.

Ginseng

Ginseng, in fact, is one of the eleven species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, that is part of the Panax family of the Araliaceae. Ginseng can only be found in certain parts of the world such as the Northern Hemisphere, in North America and in Eastern Asia (mostly Korea, Northern China (Manchuria), and Eastern Siberia) in cool climates.

The ginseng benefits for hair growth is an exciting part of the research being done using this well-known herb. In Osaka, Japan, there was a study that suggested that the Ginsenoside Ro carbohydrate was shown to help fight androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as balding, in men. It is thought that this could have widespread cosmetic implications and lead to future drug development for the prevention and regrowth of hair in men with natural herbal ginseng remedies. using Ginseng for hair are better hair growth, less hair loss, and cancer prevention. Many people believe that this rooty herb can stimulate a person’s scalp and help grow hair. Studies show that it has the potential to make people feel less stressed when taken internally, sometimes leading to less hair loss. In addition, lessening the chances of getting a cancer can help a person avoid chemotherapy, which often results in severe or complete hair loss. While ginseng has the potential to be helpful to the human body, care must be taken because it has mild to severe side effects on some people.

Using ginseng for hair conditioning is sometimes believed to lead to better hair growth. Ginseng is commonly found in shampoos and conditioners because of its stimulating benefits. A ginseng Shampoo label might have descriptions like “calming” and “for stressed hair” to sell the product.

Not on ly for hair Ginseng is also useful for skin too. Drinking ginseng tea is good for refining and rehydrating the skin effectively. It is also thought to promote skin cell regeneration by increasing oxygenation to skin cells. It also has the effect of boosting blood circulation as well as detoxifying the blood, which is very important to human skin health. Free of toxins, the skin can gain a better complexion and therefore better look.

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Amaltas

The Amaltas (botanical name is Cassia fistula), Indian Laburnum Tree is a very valuable medicinal tree and has been used in Ayurveda as a gentle laxative, which can be taken safely even by children and expectant mothers.

Also, known as golden shower flower, Amaltas has very flaming and bright yellow flowers in spring and summer in northern India. Its like North American Fall when this Tree blossoms along some roads in Chandigarh. The use of flowers in decorating hair is a specialty of Bihar, Gujrat and several other states. According to Gujrati folk songs Rama fell in love with Sita mainly due to the beautiful floral decoration of her hair.

MEDICINAL VALUES: The fruit of Amaltas helps greatly in soothing your senses in many ways. In fact, not only the fruit but seed, pulp and root of Amaltas have immense medicinal value. Amaltas is prescribed as emetics, purgatives, febrifuges and relievers of thoracic congestion.

Amaltas also helps in reliving the symptoms of asthma, leprosy, ringworm, fever and heart related diseases. If you suffering from the problem of counter constipation, then soak 1 tsp of Amaltas fruit pulp with 1tsp Tamarind, in one cup of water. Leave this for an overnight. Next morning, mash the same, in water. Remove the seeds, now strain and drink this solution. Drinking this solution for a month on regular basis can really cure you from constipation problem effectively.

If you suffer from acidity or flatulence, then believe me Amaltas can do wonders for your body. Simply warm some Amaltas fruit pulp to skin-tolerable temperature. Before turning in for the day, apply it in and around your navel area in circular motions in multiples of seven. Now massage well for about ten to twelve minutes. If you apply the same solution and effectively massage on the area for at least one month, your problem of acidity won’t take longer to get vanish away. For treating the skin eruptions caused due to blood impurities, soak some Amaltas fruit pulp and a small ball of Tamarind overnight in a cup of water. Mash both of them well in the same water next morning. Afterwards strain, sieve through a muslin cloth and drink it up. Believe it; following this herbal regimen for at least a month can help greatly in eliminating your skin eruption problem as well as getting the glow on your skin.

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Lavender (Lavandula) Benefits , Medicinal Uses , Origin and Beauty Benefits

Lavender
Scientific Name: Lavandula
Rank: Genu
Higher Classification: Lamiaceae
Lower Classification: Lavandula atriplicifolia

As an herb, lavender has been in documented use for over 2,500 years. In ancient times lavender was used for mummification and perfume by the
Egyptians, Phoenicians, and peoples of Arabia.
Romans used lavender oils for bathing, cooking, and scenting the air, and they most likely gave it the Latin root from which we derive the modern name (either lavare--to wash, or livendula--livid or bluish). The flower's soothing "tonic" qualities, the insect-repellent effects of the strong scent, and the use of the dried plant in smoking mixtures also added to the value of the herb in ancient times.
Lavender Essential Oil is most often extracted from the flowers through a process called steam distillation and offers many natural and wonderful benefits to your health and home. Lavender oil benefits include positive affects on your physical, mental and emotional states.
Lavender Oil as a Relaxant
One of the most commonly enjoyed benefits of Lavender Essential Oil is its stress reducing, tension relieving, relaxation inducing properties. Lavender Oil is a sedative and helps with depression by improving mood and outlook. Lavender essential oil’s calming scent eases the nerves and feelings of anxiety.
You can benefit from Lavender Oil in the treatment of headaches. It lowers emotional and mental stress while helping to increase clarity of thought and mental activity.
Those suffering from insomnia can benefit from its use as Lavender essential oil can induce sleep.
Lavender Oil as a Pain Reliever
Lavender essential oil is also often used to treat various aches and pains such as sore or tense muscles, joint pain, rheumatism, and sprains. Lavender Oil benefits also include relief from back pain. Getting a Lavender Oil massage will ease away many tension and pains!
Lavender Oil for Respiratory Health
Lavender Essential Oil provides an excellent therapeutic benefit for throat infections, the flu, colds, and sinus congestions. It is also great in treating asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.
Lavender Oil for Improved Circulation
Lavender essential oil lowers blood pressure and improves blood circulation. It has also been used to treat urinary disorders since it promotes urine production and hormone balance as well as reduces inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Lavender oil benefits digestion as it increases intestinal mobility. The essential oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and aids in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal ailments.
Lavender Oil Benefits for General Health
Lavender Essential Oil has so many amazing benefits for your general health. Use it regularly to enhance your immune system and help resist infections and diseases. Lavender Oil also helps reduce fevers and relieves sinusitis.
Lavender Oil is an excellent insect repellent and is used in many over the counter mosquito repellents. It can be used to soothe itchy insect bites and prevent them from leaving scars on your skin.
Studies have shown that lavender has powerful antibacterial, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties. It kills the bacteria that cause many diseases including typhoid. This makes Lavender Essential Oil a great tool for treating cuts and scrapes.
Lavender essential oil benefits also include relief from headaches, earaches, migraines, and menstrual cramps.
Lavender Oil and Skin Care
Lavender is said to inhibit the bacteria that causes skin infection. Due to the antiseptic and antifungal properties found in Lavender Essential Oil it can be used to treat and soothe various skin problems like acne and psoriasis, cuts, scrapes, burns, and sunburns. Sufferers of Chicken Pox will find relief in the soothing benefits of Lavender Oil and appreciate how it prevents scarring.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your Physician

Neem Oil , (Azadirachta Indica) oil , Benefits , Medicinal Uses

Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide found in seeds from the neem tree. It is yellow to brown, has a bitter taste, and a garlic/sulfur smell. It has been used for hundreds of years to control pests and diseases. Components of neem oil can be found in many products today. These include toothpaste, cosmetics, soaps, and pet shampoos. Neem oil is a mixture of components. Azadirachtin is the most active component for repelling and killing pests and can be extracted from neem oil. The portion left over is called clarified hydrophobic neem oil.
Benefits…
1. Anti-Aging with Neem
Neem Oil is used in skin care because it’s loaded with nutrients. Neem contains extraordinarily high levels of antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental damage. Neem also contains carotenoids (similar to carotene) which provide high antioxidant compounds that help defend the skin against age-promoting free radicals.
Neem Oil is especially high in important fatty acids and vitamin E and is easily absorbed into the skin without leaving skin greasy. Once absorbed, these powerful properties work to rejuvenate the skin’s cells and restore elasticity.
When used regularly, this blend of compounds, makes Neem perfect for smoothing wrinkles and fine lines while helping to prevent the signs of aging. The saturation of antioxidants and vitamin E will help restore a youthful glow to dry or damaged skin and balance skin tone.

2. Neem will Improve Acne Prone Skin
Neem Oil is ideal for acne-prone skin because it can help to soothe irritation and inflammation, clear up pimples and remove bacteria from the surface of the skin that can cause more break-outs.
Neem oil contains an aspirin-like compound that helps with acne conditions by ridding the skin of acne-causing bacteria. It also helps reduce redness and inflammation.
The high fatty-acid content in Neem Oil is said to prevent and treat scars from acne and is non-comedogenic. Its leaves are also an excellent exfoliant that can be used in a facial masque to pull out impurities and tighten pores.

3. Soothe Dry Skin & Eczema with Neem
Eczema is a very common inflammatory skin condition characterized by extremely irritable, dry, red, itchy skin. At it’s worst, skin really flares up, and can become raw, and cracked and can cause secondary infections.
The root cause for eczema lies in our genes, so eczema usually runs in families. Neem Oil, can relieve eczema symptoms, but it will not cure the root causes for eczema. But due to its ability to reduce inflammation and heal abrasions, it can be very soothing for eczema sufferers.

4. Treat Nail Fungus, Ringworm & Athletes Foot
Nail fungus, ringworm and athletes foot are all common fungal infections of the skin. Since Neem extracts are some of the most powerful anti-fungal plant extracts around, Neem is a great natural alternative to over-the-counter creams from the drugstore.
Gedunin and nimbidol, compounds found in the leaves of the neem tree are powerful anti-fungal agents that destroy fungi, which cause athlete’s foot, ringworm, and nail fungus. Neem extracts have proven in laboratory experiments to be toxic to more than 14 cultures of common fungi that invade the skin.

Malabar Nut (Adhatoda Vasica) , Medicinal Uses , Origin , Family Name , Habiitat

Adhatoda Vasica

Botanical Name : Adhatoda Vasica
Family Name : Acanthaceae
Common Name : Malabar Nut
Part Used : Leaves, Whole Plant
Habitat : The plant grows in plains & in lower himalayan ranges upto 1000 m above sea level
Product offered : Whole plant , leaves

Medicinal Uses : Principle constituents of Malabar nuts are the several alkaloids present and chief principle being quinazoline alkaloid, vasicine.
 The leaves are rich in vitamin C and carotene and yield an essential oil. 
 The shrub is the source of the drug, well known in indigenous systems of medicine for its beneficial effects, particularly in bronchitis. The leaves, flowers, fruits and roots are extensively used for treating cold, cough, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma. It acts as a sedative, expectorant, antispasmodic and anthelmintic. It is a bronchial antiseptic, bronchodilator and expectorant. The roots, leaves and flowers and active principles of the plant possess a number of pharmacological properties and are used in cough, chronic bronchitis, rheumatism, asthma and bronchial asthma. Fresh juice of leaves have been used in treatment of tuberculosis. Its local use gives relief in pyorrhea and in bleeding gums.

Jivanti (Leptadenia recticulate) , facts , Origin , Medicinal Uses

Jivanti
Latin Name / Common name: Leptadenia reticulate 
Rasa: Madhura 
Guna: Laghu, Snigdha 

Virya: Shita
Vipaka: Madhura 

Doshic Action: Vata Pitta pacifying - Tridoshic

Facts about Jivanti :- Jivanti is a nutritive herb that promotes the strengthening and formation of tissues. It is 

smoothening to the GI tract and can be used in the treatment of constipation and colitis. It

is an expectorant in disorders of the respiratory tract caused by vata and pitta producing

inflammation and stagnation as in bronchitis. Jivanti is considered a heart tonic and is 

used to treat eye conditions.Jivanti like many of the herbs listed in this group is pacifying to 

vata and pitta and promotes the nutritive properties of kapha. It like the herbs mentioned 

before it has an affinity withshukra dhatu promoting and strengthening sperm formation. 

Thus it promotes strong Ojas establishing immune function. Its action on the respiratory 

system helps to maintain the proper function of the lungs enabling the uptake of vital prana 

across the wall of the alveoli supporting the flow of prana in the body.

Medicinal uses of Jivanti :-

Jivanti is used for application as an ointment in allergy due to Pitta.

Jivanti soothes the digestive system and is used in constipation and colitis.

Jivanti is a cardio tonic and cures bleeding disorders. It is also used in bronchitis as an

expectorant

Jivanti is an aphrodisiac and improves seminal quality through its specific action on the 

reproductive organs.
Jivanti is also used in spermatorrhoea.
Since Jivanti is a diuretic, it is used in dysuria, burning micturition and pyuria
. Jivanti also benefits in fever, burning, pthisis and also in defective eyesight

Amla ( Emblica offcinalis), Bhringaraja , Kesharaja, Emblic medicinal Uses, Characteristics and Constituents

Amla

Botanical Name : Emblica Officinalis
Sanskrit Name: Bhringaraja, kesharaja
English Name : Emblic
Family : Euphorbiaceae 

Plant Parts Used : Dried fruit, ripe fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers.
About Emblica Officinalis: The bark of Amla is gray in color and peals in irregular patches. Its feathery leaves, which smell like lemon, are of linear oblong shape and size 10 to 12 mm length and 3 to 6 mm width. Its flowers are monoecioius having greenish yellow color. They grow in auxiliary clusters and start appearing in the beginning of spring season.

Characteristics and Constituents :
The major constituents is Vitamin C. It content up to 720 mg / 100 g of fresh pulp and 921 mg / 100 cc of pressed juice, has been recorded. The fruit is probable the richest natural source of vitamin C. The other constituents are Enzymes, Sugar, Tannin, Alkaloid, etc

Medicinal Uses : It is aperient, carminative, diuretic, aphrodasiac, laxative, astringent and refrigerant. It is the richest known source of vitamin 'C'. It is useful in anaemia, jaundice, dyspepcia, haemorrhage disorders, diabetes, asthma and bronchitis. It cures insomnia and is healthy for hair. It is considered as one of the most rejuvenating drugs, imparting a long healthy life and weight gain. It also acts as an antacid and antitumorganic agent

Amaltas (Cassia Fistula), Medicinal uses

The Amaltas (botanical name is Cassia fistula) :- Indian Laburnum Tree is a very valuable medicinal tree and has been used in Ayurveda as a gentle laxative, which can be taken safely even by children and expectant mothers.

Also, known as golden shower flower, Amaltas has very flaming and bright yellow flowers in spring and summer in northern India. Its like North American Fall when this Tree blossoms along some roads in Chandigarh. The use of flowers in decorating hair is a specialty of Bihar, Gujrat and several other states. According to Gujrati folk songs Rama fell in love with Sita mainly due to the beautiful floral decoration of her hair.

MEDICINAL VALUES: The fruit of Amaltas helps greatly in soothing your senses in many ways. In fact, not only the fruit but seed, pulp and root of Amaltas have immense medicinal value. Amaltas is prescribed as emetics, purgatives, febrifuges and relievers of thoracic congestion.

Amaltas also helps in reliving the symptoms of asthma, leprosy, ringworm, fever and heart related diseases. If you suffering from the problem of counter constipation, then soak 1 tsp of Amaltas fruit pulp with 1tsp Tamarind, in one cup of water. Leave this for an overnight. Next morning, mash the same, in water. Remove the seeds, now strain and drink this solution. Drinking this solution for a month on regular basis can really cure you from constipation problem effectively.

If you suffer from acidity or flatulence, then believe me Amaltas can do wonders for your body. Simply warm some Amaltas fruit pulp to skin-tolerable temperature. Before turning in for the day, apply it in and around your navel area in circular motions in multiples of seven. Now massage well for about ten to twelve minutes. If you apply the same solution and effectively massage on the area for at least one month, your problem of acidity won’t take longer to get vanish away. For treating the skin eruptions caused due to blood impurities, soak some Amaltas fruit pulp and a small ball of Tamarind overnight in a cup of water. Mash both of them well in the same water next morning. Afterwards strain, sieve through a muslin cloth and drink it up. Believe it; following this herbal regimen for at least a month can help greatly in eliminating your skin eruption problem as well as getting the glow on your skin.

The vast knowledge of plant utility, geographical occurrence and biology and phenology in whatever crude manner the man understood them, resulting in such an association with them that the plants entered his folklore, idioms and phraseology. Scores of examples of this can be picked up from Indian folk literature. Plants have been used to characterize the different region of the states also. For example:

During recent conference Japan, it was agreed that a large number of disease of modern society are of life style disease and the use of herbal medicines can over comes such problems. Moreover several difficult diseases have problem related with vitality, diabetes, memory loss, could be cured effectively by use of herbal medicine, which is generally not possible by the Allopathic medicines. However, there is no systematic documentation of this information.

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) Withania Somnifera , Medicinal Uses , Habitat

Common Name: Winter cherry (Eng.)
Sanskrit Name: - Ashwagandha
Lt. Name: - Withania somnifera

Habitat and Botany : Ashwagandha is a small shrub that grows to 1.5 meters tall. It is related to the tomato and has small yellow flowers that turn to red fruits about the size of a raisin. This plant is native to India, parts of Africa and the Mediterranean.

Ashwagandha benefits / Medicinal Ashwagandha uses :

This herb is considered an adaptogen which is a nontoxic herb that works on a nonspecific basis to normalize physiological function, working on the HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system.
Ashwagandha is effective for insomnia but does not act as a sedative.its rejuvenative and nervine properties produce energy which in turn help the body to settle and sleep. Thus it helps the body to address a stress related condition rather than masking it with sedatives. A herb that rejuvenates the nervous system, erases insomnia and eases stress.
Ashwagandha has also been shown to lower blood pressure and is highly effective in stopping the formation of stress induced ulcers.
In arthritis, which involves joints that are painful, dry, swollen and inflamed, Ashwagandha would be the herb of choice.
One of the special properties of Ashwagandha is that it will enhance ojas. Ojas is the most subtle, refined level of the physical body and is the end result of healthy food which is properly digested. It is responsible for a healthy immune system, physical strength, lustrous complexion, clarity of mind and sense of Well being. It allows consciousness to flow within the body. With decreased ojas, we are less in touch with ourselves and more prone to diseases and having a feeling of disharmony. 'Ojakshaya' (decreased ojas) is a condition similar to AIDS/HIV
Research on Ashwagandha has concluded that extracts of the plant has a direct spermatogenic influence on the seminiferous tubules of immature rats presumably by exerting a testosterone-like effect.
Ashwagandha increases hemoglobin (red blood count) and hair melanin.It stabilizes blood sugar and lowers cholesterol.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Benefits, Medicinal Uses , Origin , Indication

Shatavari
Botanical Name : Asparagus racemosus
Sanskrit -- Shatavari
Hindi -- Shatavari
English -- Indian Asparagus, Hundred Roots , Asparagus roots
Chinese - Tian men dong

Family : Asparagaceae
Parts Used : Roots (Rhizomes), Shatavari root powder and leaves.

Asparagus racemosus, is a climbing plant which grows in low jungles areas throughout India. This sweet and bitter herb is particularly balancing to Pitta Dosha.
In India, Shatavari is considered the women's equivalent to Ashwagandha. The name translates to "she who possesses 100 husbands", referring to the herbs rejuvanitive effect upon the female reproductive organs. In Australia the herb is more often used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and as an external wash for wounds.
The healing qualities of Shatavari are useful to a wide array of ailments. It is well known for it effects on the female reproductive system. It is also effective in a number of other systems of the body and is therefore of use to both men and women.
Properties :
o Nutritive tonic, rejuvenative,
o aphrodisiac,
o galactogogue
o laxative
o antispasmodic,
o Antacid
o diuretic
o antitumor
o demulcent
Indications:
Shatavari is perhaps best known as a female rejuvanitive. It is useful for infertility, decreased libido, threatened miscarriage, menopause, leucorrhea and has the ability to balance pH in the cervical area. Dry membranes, such as those on the vaginal wall, are also brought into balance through the herbs demulcent action.
Men may benefit from the herb as well in the treatment of impotence and general sexual debility. In addition to it's applications for reproductive organs, Shatavari is also quite effective for stomach ulcers, hyperacidity and diarrhea. Dry and irritated membranes in the upper respiratory tract are soothed by this herb making it useful in cases of bronchitis and chronic fevers. It is believed to bring into balance all of the body's fluids.
Medicinal Uses:Shatavari Benefits / Benefits of Shatavari:
• Shatavari supports reproductive health by toning and nourishing the female reproductive organs
• Shatavari maintains healthy hormonal balance
• Shatavari treats PMS symptoms by relieving pain and controlling blood loss during menstruation.
• Shatavari supports normal production of breast milk for nursing mothers
• Shatavari relieves menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. By producing estrogens it makes up for low estrogen levels in women who are menopausal or have had hysterectomies or oophorectomies
• Used in India as a best-known and most often-used herb for women
• Shatavari supports normal function of the immune and digestive system
• Shatavari also increases libido..

Andrographis Paniculata , Kariyat , Medicinal Uses , Benefits And Side Effects

Andrographis paniculata

Sanskrit Name: Kariyat
English Name: Indian echinacea
Family Name: Acanthaceae
Parts used: Leaves and other parts

Medicinal uses of Andrographis paniculata  (Indian echinacea)
Andrographis paniculata possesses immuno-stimulant, aperients, anti-parasitic, tonic, anti-biotic and anti-viral activities. It is used for treating hepatitis B, HIV, flatulence, gastric acidity, bowel complaints and common cold.

Andrographis and its various components have demonstrated a variety of effects in the body. Some aspects stimulate the general immune activities, others inhibit the body's inflammatory mechanism and still others demonstrate not only anti-microbial abilities, but also are instrumental in killing certain tumor cells. Studies have also indicated that the active chemical, Andrographolide, helps to stop the clumping of blood platelets which is the clotting process that can lead to heart attacks.

Colds, Flu, Sinusitis: Andrographis compounds have shown antiviral properties which appear to inhibit glycoprotein's in the virus. This impedes the viruses ability to invade cells in the body and replicate. Also andrographolides are currently being studied for the antiviral effects they have on avian bird flu virus, ebola virus and HIV.

Andrographis has a major effect activating the general defense function of the immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies as well as non-specific immune responses such as increased macrophage phagocytosis, rather than by any direct anti-microbial activity.

Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in healing colds, flu, sinusitis, pharyngotonsillitis, familial mediterranean fever and upper respiratory tract infections. It also has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of colds by 2.1 time and prevent flu and complications.

Anti-inflammatory: There appears to be a significant presence of flavanoids in the Andrographis Paniculata herb, which always have an anti-inflammatory affect. In vitro, studies have shown that the flavinoid activities supressed the genetic expression of neutrofils, an inflammatory agent. Similarly, studies have indicated that a variety of inflammatory proteins, including COX-2, are reduced by the presence of Andrographoloid.Anti-tumor: In vitro, andrographolide studies indicate an immuno-stimulating activity, as well as a marked inhibitory effect. Its presence increases proliferation of lymphocytes and production of interleukin2, TNF-alpha production and cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes against certain cancer cell lines, as well as demonstrating potential direct anti-cancer activity by the induction of cell-cycle inhibitory protein p27 and decreased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase.

Andrographis Paniculata Side Effects & Safety
Andrographis Paniculata has been widely tested and is considered safe with few if any minor side effects at commonly prescribed levels. In clinical trials with children between 4 and 11 Andrographis was effective and safe. Side effects occurred in HIV trials at a dose of 10 mg of andrographolides per kg of body weight or roughly 12 time the recommended dosage.

Precautions
Pregnant women or those trying to conceive should avoid Andrographis, animal studies have shown the possibility of contraceptive effects at high dosages. Safety during lactation is not known. Andrographis may increase glucose metabolisation which could unduly enhance blood sugar lowering medication.
Use cautiously in patients taking anticoagulant agents