D >> Dandruff, Defective vision, Depression, Diabetes, Digestion, Diarrhoea, Dropsy, Dysentery, Dyspepsia
DIABETES:
Diabetes is a metabolic disease where an amount of insulin (a hormone secreted from pancreas) is not sufficient for the human body to convert blood glucose into energy. Thus diabetes mellitus is characterized by constant high blood sugar levels. As per Ayurveda, one of the main reasons for pramahey (diabetes) is sedentary lifestyle. So apart from making changes in the diets one should concentrate on exercise. So regular, moderate amount of exercise is very important for a diabetic patient.
Home remedies:
1 – Take Amla (Emblica officinalis) juice with turmeric powder in the early morning with empty stomach. Aviod eating anything in the next ONE hour.
2- Daalchini (cinnamon selenium) water also works very well.
3 - Eating garlic regularly regulates the blood sugar levels. It also controls dyslipidemia.
4 -Chewing 4-5 curry leaves daily will bring good results.
5- Taking Mango’s leaves decoction (i.e. boiling 10- 15 mango leaves in one glass of water and keeping it overnight and having it on empty stomach in the morning helps to control blood sugar levels.
6- Having dried jamun guthli power is also very effective. Even leaves, seeds and juice of jamun can be taken.
7- Taking bitter gourd (karela) juice, and increasing the intake of karela in your meals helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
8 -10 Neem leaves and 10 Tulsi leaves when chewed reduces blood sugar levels.
9 -Eating unrefined cereals especially barley and gram flour controls diabetes.
10 -Taking 5 pre-soaked almonds daily is helpful in keeping glucose level within normal limit.
11- Eating soybean which is a very good source of protein, iron, calcium and vitamin-A gives good benefits to a diabetic patient.
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Dandruff
Although dandruff can sometimes be caused by a fungal infection or other skin disease, in most cases it is produced when the scalp doesn't receive a sufficient supply of blood. Consequently there is a lack of protein in the skin, which becomes dry and flaky. Dandruff may also be due to a deficiency of vitamin B-6, or to an excess of vata dosha, which also makes the skin dry.
The treatment is simple. To improve circulation to the scalp, massage for a few minutes daily with neem oil (in a sesame oil base). lf a fungal infection of the skin is causing the dandruff, the neem oil, which has disinfectant properties, will help heal this also.
A second option is to use some egg white mixed with lime juice. Put two egg whites in a small jar or container with the fresh juice of one lime, mix together, and apply to your hair. Let it stay in your hair for a half hour, then wash the hair with neem soap. The egg white will provide the scalp with the lacking protein, and the dandruff will soon disappear.
Another wonderful formula for Dandruff is
Neem Powder 10 Grams , Curd 10 Grams, Tankan Bhasma 5 grams- Apply locally, wash hair with Shikakai or Reetha Shampoo.
Consume Neem Capsules 2 capsules twice daily, for a month. Use Triphala Capsules to cleanse the system and to provide nutrition to the hair. Use Amla Saar Juice to provide good strength and nutrition to the scalp and prevent free radical damage. Use Brahmi Chawyanprash as an anti-ageing herbal remedy to prevent hair loss, dryness of hair and formation of dandruff.
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Defective Vision (Myopia, Hypermetropia)
Myopia or short-sightedness refers to the inability to see far off objects clearly. It is a widely prevalent condition.
Causes and Symptoms
Myopia begins with blurred vision, particularly with regard to far-off objects. The blackboard at school, the screen in a cinema hall, or the TV screen may look blurred and the eyes of the sufferer may start watering due to strain. There may be itching and heaviness in the eyes, and the patient may suffer from a mild headache.
The three chief causes of myopia are mental ,strain, wrong food habits, and improper blood and nerve supply. Mental strain puts a corresponding physical strain on the eyes, and their muscles and nerves. Other causes of this eye disorder are reading in dim light or in too glaring a light.; reading in moving trains, buses or cars watching too much television and films; and excessive reading.
Remedies
Vitamin A:
The intake of vitamin A is of utmost importance for improving vision. The best sources of this vitamin are rawspinach, turnip tops, milk cream, cheese, butter, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, cabbage, Soya beans, green peas, fresh milk, oranges, and dates. If taken as a supplement, 25,000 IV of vitamin A are recommended daily.
Triphala:
Triphala, the famous Ayurvedic preparation, is considered beneficial in the treatment of myopia. This preparation consists of three myrobalans, namely, embelica myrobalan (amla), chebulic myrobalan (harad), and belleric myroblan (bahcra). A decoction of this preparation should be made by mixing thirty grams of Triphala in half a litre of water and should be taken by mouth and also used for washing the eyes twice a day. This will bring good results if continued for some months.
Liquorice:
Another effective remedy for myopia is liquorice. Half a teaspoon of powder of the root, mixed with an equal quantity of honey and half the quantity of ghee, should be given twice daily with a cup of milk on an empty stomach for the treatment of this condition.
Chicory:
The herb chicory or endive is extremely valuable in defective vision due to myopia. It contains food elements which are constantly needed by the optic system. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin A which is very useful for the eyes. The addition of juices of carrot, celery, and parsley to chicory juice makes it a highly nourishing food for the optic nerve and the muscular system. It can bring amazing results in correcting eye defects. Half a litre to one litre of this combination, taken daily, has frequently corrected eye troubles in the course of a few months to the extent that normal vision was regained, making the wearing of spectacles unnecessary. The formula proportions considered useful in this combination are 200 ml of carrot juice, 150 ml of celery juice, 75 ml of endive juice and 75 ml of parsley juice to make half a litre of this combination.
Dietary Considerations
Natural, uncooked foods are the best diet for defective vision. These foods include fresh fruits such as oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, cherries; green vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, spinach and turnip tops; root vegetables like potatoes, turnips, carrot, onions, and beetroots; nuts, dried fruits, and dairy products. Cereals are also necessary, but they should only be consumed sparingly. Genuine whole meal bread is the best and most suitable. Jams, cakes, pastries, white sugar, white bread, confectionery, tea,coffee, meat, fish, and eggs play havoc with the digestion and the body and should therefore be avoided.
Other Measures
A person suffering from defective vision should adopt the various methods of relaxing and strengthening the eyes as outlined in the chapter on Conjunctivitis. Besides these methods, the following measures are also beneficial in the treatment of defective vision:
Sun Gazing:
The subject should sit on a bench, facing the rising sun with his eyes closed, and gently sway sideways several times for ten minutes. He should then open his eyes and blink about ten times at the sun and look at some greenery.
Splashing: Plain cold water should be splashed several times over closed eyes. The closed lids should then be rubbed briskly for a minute with a clean towel. This cools the eyes and boosts blood supply.
Swinging:
The subject should stand with his feet twelve inches apart, hands held loosely at his sides, his whole body and mind relaxed. He should sway his body from side to side gently, slowly,
and steadily, with the heels rising alternately but not the rest of the foot. This movement may be likened to the slow moving of the pendulum of a clock. Swinging should be done in front of a window or a picture, so that the window or picture appears to be moving in the opposite direction of the swing. When facing one end of the window or object, the subject should blink once.
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Depression
Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders. It may be manifested in varying degrees: from feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection. Depression is a very unplea¬sant malady and is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment. The growing complexities of modem life and its resultant crises, as we as the mental stress and strain of day-to-day life, usually leads to this disorder.
Causes and Symptoms
The most striking symptoms of depression are an acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in the world around, and fatigue; A disturbed sleep is a frequent occurrence. Other symptoms of depression are loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains allover the body, lack of concentration, and indecisiveness. Cases of severe depression may be characterised by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes, and shivering.
Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension can cause mental depression. The excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs also leads to faulty assimilation of vitamins and minerals by the body and ultimately causes depression.
Remedies
Apple: Apple is one of the most valuable remedies for mental depression. The various chemical substances present in this fruit such as vitamin BS, phosphorus, and potassium help the synthesis of glutamic acid, which controls the wear and tear of nerve cells. The fruit should be taken with milk and honey. This remedy will act as a very effective nerve tonic and recharge the nerves with new energy and life.
Cashewnut:
The cashew nut is another valuable remedy for general depression and nervous weakness. It is rich in vitamins of the B group, especially thiamine, and is therefore useful in stimulating the appetite and the nervous system. It is also rich in riboflavin which keeps the body active, cheerful, and energetic.
Asparagus:The root of asparagus has been found beneficial in the treatment of depression. It is highly nutritious and is used as a herbal medicine for mental disorders. It is a good tonic for the brain and nerves. One or two grams of the powder of the dry root of the plant can be taken once daily.
Cardamom:
The use of cardamom has proved valuable in depression. Powdered seeds should be boiled in water and tea prepared in the usual way. A very pleasing aroma is added to the tea, which can be used as a medicine in the treatment of this condition.
Lemon Balm:The herb lemon balm has been used successfully in the treatment of mental depression. It alleviates brain fatigue, lifts the heart from depression, and raises the spirits.A cold infusion of the balm taken freely is reputed to be excellent for its calming influence on the nerves. About thirty grams of the herb should be placed in half a litre of cold water and allowed to stand for twelve hours. The infusion should then be strained and taken in small doses throughout the day.
Rose:An infusion of rose petals should be prepared by mixing 15 gm of rose petals in 250 ml of boiling water. If drunk occasionally, instead of the usual tea and coffee, it is beneficial for treating this condition.
Vitamin B:Diet has a profound effect on the mental health of a person. Even a single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in susceptible people. Nutritional therapy builds up brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect the mood and are often lacking in depressed people. Eating foods rich in vitamin B, such as whole grains, green vegetables, eggs, and fish helps restore vitality and cheer in an individual.
Dietary Considerations
The diet of a person suffering from depression should completely exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, colas, all white flour products, sugar, food colourings, chemical additives, white rice, and strong condiments. The diet should be restricted to three meals. Fruits can be taken in the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts or seeds. Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, whole wheat chapatis and a glass of buttermilk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all the available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, moong beans, cottage cheese, or a glass of buttermilk would be ideal.
Other Measures
A person suffering from depression can overcome it by being more active, turning away from himself, and diverting his attention towards other people and things. The pleas\!.re of achieving something overcomes distress or misery. Exercise also plays an important role in the treatment of depression. It not only keeps the body physically and mentally fit, but also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquilliser. Exercise also tones up the body, provides a feeling of accomplishment, and reduces the sense of helplessness.
The patient must also learn the art of relaxation and meditation which will go a long way in curing depression. He must gain control over his nervous system and channelise his mental and emotional energies into restful activities. This can be achieved by ensuring sufficient rest and sleep under quiet conditions. Meditation will help create a balance in the nervous system. This will enable the hormonal glands to return to a correct state of hormonal balance and thereby overcome the feeling of depression.
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Diarrhea - Loose Motions
Diarrhea refers to the frequent passage of loose or watery unformed stools.
Causes and Symptoms
Diarrhea may be acute or chronic. Commonly known as 'loose motions', it is one of the commonest diseases, particularly in India, in children. The small intestine normally gets more than ten litres of liquid per day which comes from the diet and from secretions of the stomach, liver, pancreas, and intestines. In the case of Diarrhea, water is either not absorbed or is excreted in excess. It is then sent to the colon whose water-holding capacity is limited. Thus the urge to defecate comes quite often.
The main causes of Diarrhea are overeating or eating of wrong foods, putrefaction of food in the intestinal tract, fermentation
caused by incomplete carbohydrate digestion, nervous irritability, use of antibiotic drugs, and excessive intake of laxatives. Other causes include parasites, germs, virus, bacteria, or a poison which has entered into the body through food, water, or air; allergies to certain substances or even common foods such as milk, wheat, eggs, and sea foods; emotional strain or stress in adults and fright in children. Certain organic diseases affecting the intestines may also lead to Diarrhea.
Home Remedies
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is one of the most effective home remedies in the treatment of Diarrhea. Buttermilk is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from curd by churning. It helps overcome harmful intestinal flora. The acid in the buttermilk also fights germs and bacteria. Buttermilk may be taken with a pinch of salt three or four times a day for controlling this disease.
Carrot Soup:
Carrot soup is another effective home remedy for Diarrhea. It supplies water to combat dehydration; replenishes sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, and magnesium; supplies pectin; and coats the intestine to allay inflammation. It also checks the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria and prevents vomiting. Half a kilogram of carrots may be cooked in ISO ml of water until they become soft The pulp should be strained and enough boiled water added to it to make a litre. Three-quarters of a tablespoon of salt may be added. This soup should be given in small amounts to the patient every half an hour.
Fenugreek:
Fenugreek leaves are useful in Diarrhea. One teaspoon of seeds which have been boiled and fried in butter should be taken with a cup of buttermilk twice daily. They are valuable in allaying biliousness. The seeds are also beneficial in the treatment of this disease.
Ginger:
In case of Diarrhea caused by indigestion, dry or fresh ginger is very useful. A piece of dry ginger should be powdered along with a crystal of rock salt, and quarter of a teaspoon of this powder should be taken with a small piece of jaggery. It will bring quick relief as ginger, being carminative, aids digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract.
Mint:
Mint juice is also beneficial in the treatment of Diarrhea. One teaspoon of fresh mint juice, mixed with a teaspoon each of lime juice and honey, can be given thrice daily with excellent results in the treatment of this disease.
Bottle Gourd:
The juice of bottle gourd is a valuable medicine for excessive thirst due to severe Diarrhea. A glass of plain juice with a pinch of salt should be taken every day in treating this condition.
Drumstick Leaves:
The juice of fresh leaves of drumstick is also valuable in Diarrhea. A teaspoon of this juice, mixed with a teaspoon of honey and a glass of tender coconut water, can be given two to three times as a herbal medicine in the treatment of Diarrhea.
Pomegranate:
The pomegranate has proved beneficial in the treatment of Diarrhea on account of its astringent properties. If the patient develops weakness due to profuse and continuous purging, he should repeatedly be given about 50 ml of pomegranate juice to drink. This will control the Diarrhea.
Mango Seeds:
Mango seeds are valuable in Diarrhea. The seeds should be collected during the mango season, dried in shade and powdered, and kept stored for use as a medicine when required. A dose of about one and a half to two grams with or without honey, should be administered twice daily.
Sesame Seeds:
Sesame seeds are helpful in the treatment of this condition. Two tablespoons of the seeds should be lightly roasted in a frying pan. They should then be ground into a fine powder and mixed with one tablespoon of cow's ghee. The mass should be divided into three parts and each part should be taken with half a cup of boiled goat's milk thrice daily for six days by the patients. It acts as an excellent medicine in this condition.
Turmeric:
Turmeric has proved to be another valuable home remedy for Diarrhea. It is a very useful intestinal antiseptic. It is also a gastric stimulant and tonic. One teaspoon of fresh turmeric rhizome juice or one teaspoon of dry rhizome powder may. be taken in one cup of buttermilk or plain water.
Rice:
Rice is useful in treating Diarrhea in children. A teaspoon of powder of charred parboiled rice, mixed with a glass of butter milk, should be given in doses of thirty grams every half an hour. This will bring excellent results.
Other Remedies:
Cooked or baked apples are good for Diarrhea. The cooking process softens the cellulose. Much of its value as a regulating material is thus lost and it is effective in looseness of the bowels.
A glass of fresh tomato juice, mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, taken in the morning, also proves beneficial.
Other starchy liquids such as arrowroot water, barley water, and coconut water are also useful in the treatment of Diarrhea. They not only replace the fluid lost but also bind the stools. Other home remedies include bananas and garlic. Bananas contain pectin and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. Garlic is a powerful, effective, and harmless germ killer. It aids digestion and removes intestinal worms.
Dietary Considerations
In severe cases of Diarrhea, it is advisable to observe a complete fast for two days to provide rest to the gastrointestinal tract. Only hot water may be taken during this period to compensate for the loss of fluids. Juices of fruits may be taken after the acute symptoms are over. After the condition improves, meals can be enlarged gradually to include cooked vegetables, whole rice, soured milk. Raw foods should be taken only after the patient completely recovers.
Other Measures
Other useful methods for the treatment of Diarrhea are the application of cold compress at 15.6°C on the abdomen and a cold hip bath at 4.5°C-10°C. The procedure for cold compress is to wring a folded cloth from cold water and apply it on the abdomen. The wringing should be just sufficient to prevent dripping. The compress should be renewed every fifteen to twenty minutes. For a cold hip bath, a special type of bath tub is used. It is filled with cold water so that it covers the hip and reaches up to the level where the patient's navel is covered in a sitting position. The duration of the bath is usually ten to fifteen minutes. The patient should rub the abdomen from the naval downwards in brisk anticlockwise movements across the body with a moderately coarse, wet cloth. The legs, feet, and upper part of the body should remain completely dry during and after the bath.
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Dropsy-Swelling of the Body
Dropsy, technically known as oedema, refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body. It may be general or localized.
Causes and Symptoms
In the case of kidney disease, dropsy is first noticed beneath the eyes and face, and is worse in the mornings. In the case of heart disease, the swelling tends to be worse in the evenings and begins in the lower parts of the body such. as the ankles. In liver disease, which is often the result of chronic alcoholism, the swelling is in the legs and abdomen. Oedema occurs in many diseases, especially those relating to the heart, kidney, and liver.
Remedies
Pineapple:
Pineapple is one of the many home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of dropsy. It contains sufficient chlorine which stimulates the activity of the kidneys and helps remove much of the waste products from the body. It also relieves the body of a waterlogged condition.
Arjuna:
Another effective remedy for dropsy is the use of the herb arjuna. This herb has been employed successfully by practitioners of the indigenous system of medicine in the treatment of this condition. Thirty grams of the thick bark can be mixed With 250 ml of milk to make a decoction, and taken every morning on an empty stomach.
Alternately, one or two grams of the powder of the bark can be added to a cup of milk with sufficient jaggery to sweeten it, and taken every morning on an empty stomach.
Indian Squill:
Another remedy found valuable in dropsy is the herb Indian squill. It has diuretic properties and increases the secretion and discharge of urine. The bulb of the herb should be sliced and used in a small quantity of twenty to thirty grams.
Black Nightshade:
Black nightshade has proved beneficial in the treatment of dropsy. It can be taken both in the form of a decoction or as a vegetable. The decoction can be made by boiling thirty grams of black nightshade in half a litre of water, till it is reduced by one-third. This can be taken twice daily. An extract of the leaves and stem, in doses of 6 - 8 ml can also be taken twice daily.
Lime Water:
Lime water has also proved effective in the treatment of this condition. The whole belly should be covered with a large, absorbent towel, which has been dipped in strong lime water and then squeezed out.
Dietary Considerations
To begin with, the patient should fast on fruit and vegetable juices for about five days. He should take a glass of juice diluted with water on a 50:50 ratio during this period. After the juice fast, he may spend another three or four days on an exclusive fruit diet, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits such as apples, grapes, pineapple, and papaya at five-hourly intervals. Thereafter he may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on fresh fruits and raw vegetables.
Other Measures
The patient is advised to take a warm-water enema daily during the juice fast and the all-fruit diet. This will help immensely in cleansing the bowels. A hot water bath taken daily will also be beneficial in the treatment of dropsy.
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Dysentery
Dysentery is a condition affecting the large intestine. The pathological condition of this disease is caused by two organisms, protozoa and bacilli. When caused by the former, the condition is generally known as amoebic dysentery, and when caused by the latter, it is known as bacillary dysentery.
Causes and Symptoms
Dysentery may be acute or chronic. The acute form is characterised by pain in the abdomen and diarrhoea. Yellowish ¬white mucus and, sometimes, only blood from the intestinal ulcers is passed with the stools. The evacuations are preceded by pain and tenesmus. The patient feels a constant desire to evacuate,although there may be nothing to throw off except a little mucus and blood. Chronic cases are after-effects of acute attacks. In severe cases, the temperature may rise to 40°C - W.6°C. It may occasionally become subnormal also.
The cause of dysentery, according to the modern medical system, is germ infection. The germs, which are supposed to cause dysentery, only develop in the colon as a result of putrefaction of excessive quantities of animal protein food, fried substances, spicy foods, and hard-to-digest fatty substances. The real cause of dysentery is, thus, dietary indiscretion and eating of excessive amount~ of flesh foods in hot weather or tropical climate unsuited to the digestion of such foods. Other causes include debility, fatigue, chill, lowered vitality, intestinal disorders, and overcrowding under insanitary conditions.
Home Remedies
Bael Fruit:
Among specific home remedies, bael fruit is perhaps the most efficacious in the treatment of dysentery of both varieties. One tablespoon of the pulp of the fruit, mixed with a sufficient quantity of jaggery to sweeten it, should be given thrice daily. To deal with a chronic case of dysentery, 15 gm of the unripe fruit pulp should be roasted over the fire and the pulp mixed with 250 ml of water or buttermilk. Just enough jaggery to sweeten the infusion should be added, and the infusion should be taken thrice daily. Fifteen grams of the pulp of the unripe fruit mixed with an equal quantity of dried ginger, can also be given with 250 ml of buttermilk, thrice daily.
Pomegranate Rind:
The use of pomegranate rind is another effective remedy for dysentery. About 60 gm of the rind should be boiled in 250 ml of milk. It should be removed from
the fire when one-third of the milk has evaporated, and then be administered to the patient in three equal doses at suitable intervals. This will relieve the disease very soon.
Lemon:
Lemon juice is very effective in dealing with ordinary cases of dysentery. Three lemons, peeled and sliced, should be added to 250 ml of water and boiled for a few minutes. The strained infusion should be administered thrice daily.
Musk Melon:
Musk melon is useful in dysentery which is often accompanied by a soft and mucilaginous secretion in the intestines, leaving some of its portion stuck up within. If this condition persists for a long time, it forces the intestines to contract. This fruit is endowed with remarkable qualities to expel this nasty matter with faeces.
Ribbed Gourd Seeds:
The seeds of ribbed gourd contain a chemical similar to emetine and, hence, they can be effectively used in acute and chronic amoebic dysentery. About five to ten grams of the seeds can be given with one cup of buttermilk twice daily with beneficial results in amoebic dysentery.
Ishabgul:
The seeds of this herb are very useful in several kinds of chronic dysentery. In case of heaviness in the stomach and the intestines in dysentery, about 50 ml of castor oil should be administered with one cup of milk thrice daily, to eject hard lumps of stools. After a few motions have cleared the intestine, 10 gm of ishabgul seeds, mixed with about 100 gm of curd, should be taken three to four times a day.
Other Remedies:
Other remedies considered useful in the treatment of dysentery are small pieces of onion mixed with curd and equal parts of the tender leaves of the peepal tree, coriander leaves, and sugar, chewed slowly.
Dietary Considerations
To begin with, the patient should fast as long as acute symptoms are present Only orange juice and water should be taken during this period. As an alternative, the patient should subsist on buttermilk till the acute symptoms are over. Buttermilk combats offending bacteria and helps establishment of benign micro-organisms in the intestines.
After the acute symptoms are over, the patient may be allowed rice, curd, fresh ripe fruits, and skimmed milk. Solid foods should be introduced very carefully and gradually according to the pace of recovery. Flesh foods of all kinds should be avoided. Other foods which should be avoided are tea, coffee, white sugar and white flour, and alcohol in all forms.
Other Measures
The patient may be given small doses of castor oil in the form of an emulsion. This acts as a mild laxative and facilitates quick removal of offensive matter, minimizes the strain during defecation, and also acts as a lubricant on the ulcerated surfaces. The mechanical removal of accumulated poisonous matter should also be attempted by giving very low pressure enema, twice or thrice daily, admitting as much water as the patient can tolerate. A hot water bag may be applied over the abdomen.
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Dyspepsia-Indigestion
Dyspepsia is a word of Greek origin meaning indigestion or difficulty in digestion. It is a common ailment and results from dietetic errors.
Causes and Symptoms
Abdominal pain, a feeling of undue fullness after eating, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and flatulence or gas are the usual symptoms of dyspepsia. Vomiting usually provides relief. What is vomited is intensely sour to the taste. Other symptoms are a foul taste in the mouth, coated tongue, and foul breath. At times a sensation of strangling in the throat is experienced. In most cases of indigestion, the patient suffers from constipation.
The main causes of dyspepsia are overeating, eating wrong food combinations, eating too rapidly, and neglecting proper mastication and salivation of food. Overeating makes the work of the stomach, liver, kidneys, and bowels harder. When the food putrefies, its poisons are absorbed into the blood and, consequently, the whole system is poisoned. Certain foods, especially if they are not properly cooked, cause dyspepsia. Other causes are intake of fried food, rich. and spicy foods; excessive smoking; intake of alcohol; constipation; habit of eating and drinking together; insomnia; emotions such as jealousy, fear, and anger; and lack of exercise.
Home Remedies
Lemon:
The use of fruits in general is beneficial in the treatment of dyspepsia. They flush out the undigested food residue and accumulated faeces, and re-establish health to perfect order. The best fruit for the treatment of dyspepsia is lemon. Its juice reaches the stomach and attacks the bacteria, inhibiting the formation of acids. Lemon juice removes indigestion by dislodging this acid and other harmful substances from the stomach, thereby strengthening and promoting a healthy appetite. The juice of one lemon, diluted with water, can be taken twice daily before each principal meal.
Grapes:
The use of grapes is another effective remedy for dyspepsia. This fruit is a light food and removes indigestion and irritation of the stomach in a short time. About 250 gm can be taken daily.
Pineapple:
Another fruit useful in dyspepsia is pineapple. It acts as a tonic and relieves much of the digestive disorders of the dyspeptics. Half a glass of pineapple juice should be taken after one meal in treating this condition.
Pomegranate:
One tablespoon of pomegranate juice, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, is valuable in indigestion accompanied by giddiness. This dose may be taken twice daily. The seeds of this fruit act as a stomach tonic when mixed with a little rock salt and black pepper powder.
Carrot:
Carrots are ..valuable in dyspepsia. Chewing of this vegetable increases saliva and quickens digestion by supplying the necessary enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. Half a glass of carrot juice, diluted with an equal quantity of water, can be taken once daily to treat this disorder.
Fenugreek:
Fenugreek leaves are beneficial in dyspepsia. About fifty grams of leaves, boiled and fried in butter, are valuable in allaying biliousness. The seeds can also be used beneficially in the treatment of dyspepsia.
Mint:
Mint is also very useful in correcting dyspepsia because of its digestive properties. Mint juice is a good appetiser. One teaspoon of mint juice, mixed with an equal amount of honey and lemon juice, forms a very effective remedy for indigestion and gaseous distension of the stomach.
Buttermilk:
A very simple remedy for indigestion is a glass of thin buttermilk mixed with a quarter teaspoon of pepper powder. For better results an equal quantity of cumin powder may be added to the buttermilk.
Aniseed:
The use of aniseed is also beneficial in the treatment of indigestion. An infusion can be prepared by mixing a teaspoon of aniseed in a cup of boiling water and leaving it covered overnight The clear fluid can then be decanted and taken with honey.
Dietary Considerations
The best way to commence treatment is to adopt an all-fruit diet for five days. The patient may, thereafter, gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, consisting of fresh fruits, raw and steamed vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains.
Other Measures
The patients suffering from indigestion must always follow certain rules regarding eating. These include not eating and drinking together; never to hurry through a meal; never to eat on a full stomach; never to sit down to a meal when worried, tired, excited, or in a bad temper; and not to eat if an appetite is lacking.
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DIABETES:
Diabetes is a metabolic disease where an amount of insulin (a hormone secreted from pancreas) is not sufficient for the human body to convert blood glucose into energy. Thus diabetes mellitus is characterized by constant high blood sugar levels. As per Ayurveda, one of the main reasons for pramahey (diabetes) is sedentary lifestyle. So apart from making changes in the diets one should concentrate on exercise. So regular, moderate amount of exercise is very important for a diabetic patient.
Home remedies:
1 – Take Amla (Emblica officinalis) juice with turmeric powder in the early morning with empty stomach. Aviod eating anything in the next ONE hour.
2- Daalchini (cinnamon selenium) water also works very well.
3 - Eating garlic regularly regulates the blood sugar levels. It also controls dyslipidemia.
4 -Chewing 4-5 curry leaves daily will bring good results.
5- Taking Mango’s leaves decoction (i.e. boiling 10- 15 mango leaves in one glass of water and keeping it overnight and having it on empty stomach in the morning helps to control blood sugar levels.
6- Having dried jamun guthli power is also very effective. Even leaves, seeds and juice of jamun can be taken.
7- Taking bitter gourd (karela) juice, and increasing the intake of karela in your meals helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
8 -10 Neem leaves and 10 Tulsi leaves when chewed reduces blood sugar levels.
9 -Eating unrefined cereals especially barley and gram flour controls diabetes.
10 -Taking 5 pre-soaked almonds daily is helpful in keeping glucose level within normal limit.
11- Eating soybean which is a very good source of protein, iron, calcium and vitamin-A gives good benefits to a diabetic patient.
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Dandruff
Although dandruff can sometimes be caused by a fungal infection or other skin disease, in most cases it is produced when the scalp doesn't receive a sufficient supply of blood. Consequently there is a lack of protein in the skin, which becomes dry and flaky. Dandruff may also be due to a deficiency of vitamin B-6, or to an excess of vata dosha, which also makes the skin dry.
The treatment is simple. To improve circulation to the scalp, massage for a few minutes daily with neem oil (in a sesame oil base). lf a fungal infection of the skin is causing the dandruff, the neem oil, which has disinfectant properties, will help heal this also.
A second option is to use some egg white mixed with lime juice. Put two egg whites in a small jar or container with the fresh juice of one lime, mix together, and apply to your hair. Let it stay in your hair for a half hour, then wash the hair with neem soap. The egg white will provide the scalp with the lacking protein, and the dandruff will soon disappear.
Another wonderful formula for Dandruff is
Neem Powder 10 Grams , Curd 10 Grams, Tankan Bhasma 5 grams- Apply locally, wash hair with Shikakai or Reetha Shampoo.
Consume Neem Capsules 2 capsules twice daily, for a month. Use Triphala Capsules to cleanse the system and to provide nutrition to the hair. Use Amla Saar Juice to provide good strength and nutrition to the scalp and prevent free radical damage. Use Brahmi Chawyanprash as an anti-ageing herbal remedy to prevent hair loss, dryness of hair and formation of dandruff.
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Defective Vision (Myopia, Hypermetropia)
Myopia or short-sightedness refers to the inability to see far off objects clearly. It is a widely prevalent condition.
Causes and Symptoms
Myopia begins with blurred vision, particularly with regard to far-off objects. The blackboard at school, the screen in a cinema hall, or the TV screen may look blurred and the eyes of the sufferer may start watering due to strain. There may be itching and heaviness in the eyes, and the patient may suffer from a mild headache.
The three chief causes of myopia are mental ,strain, wrong food habits, and improper blood and nerve supply. Mental strain puts a corresponding physical strain on the eyes, and their muscles and nerves. Other causes of this eye disorder are reading in dim light or in too glaring a light.; reading in moving trains, buses or cars watching too much television and films; and excessive reading.
Remedies
Vitamin A:
The intake of vitamin A is of utmost importance for improving vision. The best sources of this vitamin are rawspinach, turnip tops, milk cream, cheese, butter, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, cabbage, Soya beans, green peas, fresh milk, oranges, and dates. If taken as a supplement, 25,000 IV of vitamin A are recommended daily.
Triphala:
Triphala, the famous Ayurvedic preparation, is considered beneficial in the treatment of myopia. This preparation consists of three myrobalans, namely, embelica myrobalan (amla), chebulic myrobalan (harad), and belleric myroblan (bahcra). A decoction of this preparation should be made by mixing thirty grams of Triphala in half a litre of water and should be taken by mouth and also used for washing the eyes twice a day. This will bring good results if continued for some months.
Liquorice:
Another effective remedy for myopia is liquorice. Half a teaspoon of powder of the root, mixed with an equal quantity of honey and half the quantity of ghee, should be given twice daily with a cup of milk on an empty stomach for the treatment of this condition.
Chicory:
The herb chicory or endive is extremely valuable in defective vision due to myopia. It contains food elements which are constantly needed by the optic system. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin A which is very useful for the eyes. The addition of juices of carrot, celery, and parsley to chicory juice makes it a highly nourishing food for the optic nerve and the muscular system. It can bring amazing results in correcting eye defects. Half a litre to one litre of this combination, taken daily, has frequently corrected eye troubles in the course of a few months to the extent that normal vision was regained, making the wearing of spectacles unnecessary. The formula proportions considered useful in this combination are 200 ml of carrot juice, 150 ml of celery juice, 75 ml of endive juice and 75 ml of parsley juice to make half a litre of this combination.
Dietary Considerations
Natural, uncooked foods are the best diet for defective vision. These foods include fresh fruits such as oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, cherries; green vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, spinach and turnip tops; root vegetables like potatoes, turnips, carrot, onions, and beetroots; nuts, dried fruits, and dairy products. Cereals are also necessary, but they should only be consumed sparingly. Genuine whole meal bread is the best and most suitable. Jams, cakes, pastries, white sugar, white bread, confectionery, tea,coffee, meat, fish, and eggs play havoc with the digestion and the body and should therefore be avoided.
Other Measures
A person suffering from defective vision should adopt the various methods of relaxing and strengthening the eyes as outlined in the chapter on Conjunctivitis. Besides these methods, the following measures are also beneficial in the treatment of defective vision:
Sun Gazing:
The subject should sit on a bench, facing the rising sun with his eyes closed, and gently sway sideways several times for ten minutes. He should then open his eyes and blink about ten times at the sun and look at some greenery.
Splashing: Plain cold water should be splashed several times over closed eyes. The closed lids should then be rubbed briskly for a minute with a clean towel. This cools the eyes and boosts blood supply.
Swinging:
The subject should stand with his feet twelve inches apart, hands held loosely at his sides, his whole body and mind relaxed. He should sway his body from side to side gently, slowly,
and steadily, with the heels rising alternately but not the rest of the foot. This movement may be likened to the slow moving of the pendulum of a clock. Swinging should be done in front of a window or a picture, so that the window or picture appears to be moving in the opposite direction of the swing. When facing one end of the window or object, the subject should blink once.
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Depression
Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders. It may be manifested in varying degrees: from feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection. Depression is a very unplea¬sant malady and is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment. The growing complexities of modem life and its resultant crises, as we as the mental stress and strain of day-to-day life, usually leads to this disorder.
Causes and Symptoms
The most striking symptoms of depression are an acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in the world around, and fatigue; A disturbed sleep is a frequent occurrence. Other symptoms of depression are loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains allover the body, lack of concentration, and indecisiveness. Cases of severe depression may be characterised by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes, and shivering.
Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension can cause mental depression. The excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs also leads to faulty assimilation of vitamins and minerals by the body and ultimately causes depression.
Remedies
Apple: Apple is one of the most valuable remedies for mental depression. The various chemical substances present in this fruit such as vitamin BS, phosphorus, and potassium help the synthesis of glutamic acid, which controls the wear and tear of nerve cells. The fruit should be taken with milk and honey. This remedy will act as a very effective nerve tonic and recharge the nerves with new energy and life.
Cashewnut:
The cashew nut is another valuable remedy for general depression and nervous weakness. It is rich in vitamins of the B group, especially thiamine, and is therefore useful in stimulating the appetite and the nervous system. It is also rich in riboflavin which keeps the body active, cheerful, and energetic.
Asparagus:The root of asparagus has been found beneficial in the treatment of depression. It is highly nutritious and is used as a herbal medicine for mental disorders. It is a good tonic for the brain and nerves. One or two grams of the powder of the dry root of the plant can be taken once daily.
Cardamom:
The use of cardamom has proved valuable in depression. Powdered seeds should be boiled in water and tea prepared in the usual way. A very pleasing aroma is added to the tea, which can be used as a medicine in the treatment of this condition.
Lemon Balm:The herb lemon balm has been used successfully in the treatment of mental depression. It alleviates brain fatigue, lifts the heart from depression, and raises the spirits.A cold infusion of the balm taken freely is reputed to be excellent for its calming influence on the nerves. About thirty grams of the herb should be placed in half a litre of cold water and allowed to stand for twelve hours. The infusion should then be strained and taken in small doses throughout the day.
Rose:An infusion of rose petals should be prepared by mixing 15 gm of rose petals in 250 ml of boiling water. If drunk occasionally, instead of the usual tea and coffee, it is beneficial for treating this condition.
Vitamin B:Diet has a profound effect on the mental health of a person. Even a single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in susceptible people. Nutritional therapy builds up brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect the mood and are often lacking in depressed people. Eating foods rich in vitamin B, such as whole grains, green vegetables, eggs, and fish helps restore vitality and cheer in an individual.
Dietary Considerations
The diet of a person suffering from depression should completely exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, colas, all white flour products, sugar, food colourings, chemical additives, white rice, and strong condiments. The diet should be restricted to three meals. Fruits can be taken in the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts or seeds. Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, whole wheat chapatis and a glass of buttermilk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all the available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, moong beans, cottage cheese, or a glass of buttermilk would be ideal.
Other Measures
A person suffering from depression can overcome it by being more active, turning away from himself, and diverting his attention towards other people and things. The pleas\!.re of achieving something overcomes distress or misery. Exercise also plays an important role in the treatment of depression. It not only keeps the body physically and mentally fit, but also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquilliser. Exercise also tones up the body, provides a feeling of accomplishment, and reduces the sense of helplessness.
The patient must also learn the art of relaxation and meditation which will go a long way in curing depression. He must gain control over his nervous system and channelise his mental and emotional energies into restful activities. This can be achieved by ensuring sufficient rest and sleep under quiet conditions. Meditation will help create a balance in the nervous system. This will enable the hormonal glands to return to a correct state of hormonal balance and thereby overcome the feeling of depression.
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Diarrhea - Loose Motions
Diarrhea refers to the frequent passage of loose or watery unformed stools.
Causes and Symptoms
Diarrhea may be acute or chronic. Commonly known as 'loose motions', it is one of the commonest diseases, particularly in India, in children. The small intestine normally gets more than ten litres of liquid per day which comes from the diet and from secretions of the stomach, liver, pancreas, and intestines. In the case of Diarrhea, water is either not absorbed or is excreted in excess. It is then sent to the colon whose water-holding capacity is limited. Thus the urge to defecate comes quite often.
The main causes of Diarrhea are overeating or eating of wrong foods, putrefaction of food in the intestinal tract, fermentation
caused by incomplete carbohydrate digestion, nervous irritability, use of antibiotic drugs, and excessive intake of laxatives. Other causes include parasites, germs, virus, bacteria, or a poison which has entered into the body through food, water, or air; allergies to certain substances or even common foods such as milk, wheat, eggs, and sea foods; emotional strain or stress in adults and fright in children. Certain organic diseases affecting the intestines may also lead to Diarrhea.
Home Remedies
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is one of the most effective home remedies in the treatment of Diarrhea. Buttermilk is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from curd by churning. It helps overcome harmful intestinal flora. The acid in the buttermilk also fights germs and bacteria. Buttermilk may be taken with a pinch of salt three or four times a day for controlling this disease.
Carrot Soup:
Carrot soup is another effective home remedy for Diarrhea. It supplies water to combat dehydration; replenishes sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, and magnesium; supplies pectin; and coats the intestine to allay inflammation. It also checks the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria and prevents vomiting. Half a kilogram of carrots may be cooked in ISO ml of water until they become soft The pulp should be strained and enough boiled water added to it to make a litre. Three-quarters of a tablespoon of salt may be added. This soup should be given in small amounts to the patient every half an hour.
Fenugreek:
Fenugreek leaves are useful in Diarrhea. One teaspoon of seeds which have been boiled and fried in butter should be taken with a cup of buttermilk twice daily. They are valuable in allaying biliousness. The seeds are also beneficial in the treatment of this disease.
Ginger:
In case of Diarrhea caused by indigestion, dry or fresh ginger is very useful. A piece of dry ginger should be powdered along with a crystal of rock salt, and quarter of a teaspoon of this powder should be taken with a small piece of jaggery. It will bring quick relief as ginger, being carminative, aids digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract.
Mint:
Mint juice is also beneficial in the treatment of Diarrhea. One teaspoon of fresh mint juice, mixed with a teaspoon each of lime juice and honey, can be given thrice daily with excellent results in the treatment of this disease.
Bottle Gourd:
The juice of bottle gourd is a valuable medicine for excessive thirst due to severe Diarrhea. A glass of plain juice with a pinch of salt should be taken every day in treating this condition.
Drumstick Leaves:
The juice of fresh leaves of drumstick is also valuable in Diarrhea. A teaspoon of this juice, mixed with a teaspoon of honey and a glass of tender coconut water, can be given two to three times as a herbal medicine in the treatment of Diarrhea.
Pomegranate:
The pomegranate has proved beneficial in the treatment of Diarrhea on account of its astringent properties. If the patient develops weakness due to profuse and continuous purging, he should repeatedly be given about 50 ml of pomegranate juice to drink. This will control the Diarrhea.
Mango Seeds:
Mango seeds are valuable in Diarrhea. The seeds should be collected during the mango season, dried in shade and powdered, and kept stored for use as a medicine when required. A dose of about one and a half to two grams with or without honey, should be administered twice daily.
Sesame Seeds:
Sesame seeds are helpful in the treatment of this condition. Two tablespoons of the seeds should be lightly roasted in a frying pan. They should then be ground into a fine powder and mixed with one tablespoon of cow's ghee. The mass should be divided into three parts and each part should be taken with half a cup of boiled goat's milk thrice daily for six days by the patients. It acts as an excellent medicine in this condition.
Turmeric:
Turmeric has proved to be another valuable home remedy for Diarrhea. It is a very useful intestinal antiseptic. It is also a gastric stimulant and tonic. One teaspoon of fresh turmeric rhizome juice or one teaspoon of dry rhizome powder may. be taken in one cup of buttermilk or plain water.
Rice:
Rice is useful in treating Diarrhea in children. A teaspoon of powder of charred parboiled rice, mixed with a glass of butter milk, should be given in doses of thirty grams every half an hour. This will bring excellent results.
Other Remedies:
Cooked or baked apples are good for Diarrhea. The cooking process softens the cellulose. Much of its value as a regulating material is thus lost and it is effective in looseness of the bowels.
A glass of fresh tomato juice, mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, taken in the morning, also proves beneficial.
Other starchy liquids such as arrowroot water, barley water, and coconut water are also useful in the treatment of Diarrhea. They not only replace the fluid lost but also bind the stools. Other home remedies include bananas and garlic. Bananas contain pectin and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. Garlic is a powerful, effective, and harmless germ killer. It aids digestion and removes intestinal worms.
Dietary Considerations
In severe cases of Diarrhea, it is advisable to observe a complete fast for two days to provide rest to the gastrointestinal tract. Only hot water may be taken during this period to compensate for the loss of fluids. Juices of fruits may be taken after the acute symptoms are over. After the condition improves, meals can be enlarged gradually to include cooked vegetables, whole rice, soured milk. Raw foods should be taken only after the patient completely recovers.
Other Measures
Other useful methods for the treatment of Diarrhea are the application of cold compress at 15.6°C on the abdomen and a cold hip bath at 4.5°C-10°C. The procedure for cold compress is to wring a folded cloth from cold water and apply it on the abdomen. The wringing should be just sufficient to prevent dripping. The compress should be renewed every fifteen to twenty minutes. For a cold hip bath, a special type of bath tub is used. It is filled with cold water so that it covers the hip and reaches up to the level where the patient's navel is covered in a sitting position. The duration of the bath is usually ten to fifteen minutes. The patient should rub the abdomen from the naval downwards in brisk anticlockwise movements across the body with a moderately coarse, wet cloth. The legs, feet, and upper part of the body should remain completely dry during and after the bath.
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Dropsy-Swelling of the Body
Dropsy, technically known as oedema, refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body. It may be general or localized.
Causes and Symptoms
In the case of kidney disease, dropsy is first noticed beneath the eyes and face, and is worse in the mornings. In the case of heart disease, the swelling tends to be worse in the evenings and begins in the lower parts of the body such. as the ankles. In liver disease, which is often the result of chronic alcoholism, the swelling is in the legs and abdomen. Oedema occurs in many diseases, especially those relating to the heart, kidney, and liver.
Remedies
Pineapple:
Pineapple is one of the many home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of dropsy. It contains sufficient chlorine which stimulates the activity of the kidneys and helps remove much of the waste products from the body. It also relieves the body of a waterlogged condition.
Arjuna:
Another effective remedy for dropsy is the use of the herb arjuna. This herb has been employed successfully by practitioners of the indigenous system of medicine in the treatment of this condition. Thirty grams of the thick bark can be mixed With 250 ml of milk to make a decoction, and taken every morning on an empty stomach.
Alternately, one or two grams of the powder of the bark can be added to a cup of milk with sufficient jaggery to sweeten it, and taken every morning on an empty stomach.
Indian Squill:
Another remedy found valuable in dropsy is the herb Indian squill. It has diuretic properties and increases the secretion and discharge of urine. The bulb of the herb should be sliced and used in a small quantity of twenty to thirty grams.
Black Nightshade:
Black nightshade has proved beneficial in the treatment of dropsy. It can be taken both in the form of a decoction or as a vegetable. The decoction can be made by boiling thirty grams of black nightshade in half a litre of water, till it is reduced by one-third. This can be taken twice daily. An extract of the leaves and stem, in doses of 6 - 8 ml can also be taken twice daily.
Lime Water:
Lime water has also proved effective in the treatment of this condition. The whole belly should be covered with a large, absorbent towel, which has been dipped in strong lime water and then squeezed out.
Dietary Considerations
To begin with, the patient should fast on fruit and vegetable juices for about five days. He should take a glass of juice diluted with water on a 50:50 ratio during this period. After the juice fast, he may spend another three or four days on an exclusive fruit diet, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits such as apples, grapes, pineapple, and papaya at five-hourly intervals. Thereafter he may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on fresh fruits and raw vegetables.
Other Measures
The patient is advised to take a warm-water enema daily during the juice fast and the all-fruit diet. This will help immensely in cleansing the bowels. A hot water bath taken daily will also be beneficial in the treatment of dropsy.
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Dysentery
Dysentery is a condition affecting the large intestine. The pathological condition of this disease is caused by two organisms, protozoa and bacilli. When caused by the former, the condition is generally known as amoebic dysentery, and when caused by the latter, it is known as bacillary dysentery.
Causes and Symptoms
Dysentery may be acute or chronic. The acute form is characterised by pain in the abdomen and diarrhoea. Yellowish ¬white mucus and, sometimes, only blood from the intestinal ulcers is passed with the stools. The evacuations are preceded by pain and tenesmus. The patient feels a constant desire to evacuate,although there may be nothing to throw off except a little mucus and blood. Chronic cases are after-effects of acute attacks. In severe cases, the temperature may rise to 40°C - W.6°C. It may occasionally become subnormal also.
The cause of dysentery, according to the modern medical system, is germ infection. The germs, which are supposed to cause dysentery, only develop in the colon as a result of putrefaction of excessive quantities of animal protein food, fried substances, spicy foods, and hard-to-digest fatty substances. The real cause of dysentery is, thus, dietary indiscretion and eating of excessive amount~ of flesh foods in hot weather or tropical climate unsuited to the digestion of such foods. Other causes include debility, fatigue, chill, lowered vitality, intestinal disorders, and overcrowding under insanitary conditions.
Home Remedies
Bael Fruit:
Among specific home remedies, bael fruit is perhaps the most efficacious in the treatment of dysentery of both varieties. One tablespoon of the pulp of the fruit, mixed with a sufficient quantity of jaggery to sweeten it, should be given thrice daily. To deal with a chronic case of dysentery, 15 gm of the unripe fruit pulp should be roasted over the fire and the pulp mixed with 250 ml of water or buttermilk. Just enough jaggery to sweeten the infusion should be added, and the infusion should be taken thrice daily. Fifteen grams of the pulp of the unripe fruit mixed with an equal quantity of dried ginger, can also be given with 250 ml of buttermilk, thrice daily.
Pomegranate Rind:
The use of pomegranate rind is another effective remedy for dysentery. About 60 gm of the rind should be boiled in 250 ml of milk. It should be removed from
the fire when one-third of the milk has evaporated, and then be administered to the patient in three equal doses at suitable intervals. This will relieve the disease very soon.
Lemon:
Lemon juice is very effective in dealing with ordinary cases of dysentery. Three lemons, peeled and sliced, should be added to 250 ml of water and boiled for a few minutes. The strained infusion should be administered thrice daily.
Musk Melon:
Musk melon is useful in dysentery which is often accompanied by a soft and mucilaginous secretion in the intestines, leaving some of its portion stuck up within. If this condition persists for a long time, it forces the intestines to contract. This fruit is endowed with remarkable qualities to expel this nasty matter with faeces.
Ribbed Gourd Seeds:
The seeds of ribbed gourd contain a chemical similar to emetine and, hence, they can be effectively used in acute and chronic amoebic dysentery. About five to ten grams of the seeds can be given with one cup of buttermilk twice daily with beneficial results in amoebic dysentery.
Ishabgul:
The seeds of this herb are very useful in several kinds of chronic dysentery. In case of heaviness in the stomach and the intestines in dysentery, about 50 ml of castor oil should be administered with one cup of milk thrice daily, to eject hard lumps of stools. After a few motions have cleared the intestine, 10 gm of ishabgul seeds, mixed with about 100 gm of curd, should be taken three to four times a day.
Other Remedies:
Other remedies considered useful in the treatment of dysentery are small pieces of onion mixed with curd and equal parts of the tender leaves of the peepal tree, coriander leaves, and sugar, chewed slowly.
Dietary Considerations
To begin with, the patient should fast as long as acute symptoms are present Only orange juice and water should be taken during this period. As an alternative, the patient should subsist on buttermilk till the acute symptoms are over. Buttermilk combats offending bacteria and helps establishment of benign micro-organisms in the intestines.
After the acute symptoms are over, the patient may be allowed rice, curd, fresh ripe fruits, and skimmed milk. Solid foods should be introduced very carefully and gradually according to the pace of recovery. Flesh foods of all kinds should be avoided. Other foods which should be avoided are tea, coffee, white sugar and white flour, and alcohol in all forms.
Other Measures
The patient may be given small doses of castor oil in the form of an emulsion. This acts as a mild laxative and facilitates quick removal of offensive matter, minimizes the strain during defecation, and also acts as a lubricant on the ulcerated surfaces. The mechanical removal of accumulated poisonous matter should also be attempted by giving very low pressure enema, twice or thrice daily, admitting as much water as the patient can tolerate. A hot water bag may be applied over the abdomen.
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Dyspepsia-Indigestion
Dyspepsia is a word of Greek origin meaning indigestion or difficulty in digestion. It is a common ailment and results from dietetic errors.
Causes and Symptoms
Abdominal pain, a feeling of undue fullness after eating, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and flatulence or gas are the usual symptoms of dyspepsia. Vomiting usually provides relief. What is vomited is intensely sour to the taste. Other symptoms are a foul taste in the mouth, coated tongue, and foul breath. At times a sensation of strangling in the throat is experienced. In most cases of indigestion, the patient suffers from constipation.
The main causes of dyspepsia are overeating, eating wrong food combinations, eating too rapidly, and neglecting proper mastication and salivation of food. Overeating makes the work of the stomach, liver, kidneys, and bowels harder. When the food putrefies, its poisons are absorbed into the blood and, consequently, the whole system is poisoned. Certain foods, especially if they are not properly cooked, cause dyspepsia. Other causes are intake of fried food, rich. and spicy foods; excessive smoking; intake of alcohol; constipation; habit of eating and drinking together; insomnia; emotions such as jealousy, fear, and anger; and lack of exercise.
Home Remedies
Lemon:
The use of fruits in general is beneficial in the treatment of dyspepsia. They flush out the undigested food residue and accumulated faeces, and re-establish health to perfect order. The best fruit for the treatment of dyspepsia is lemon. Its juice reaches the stomach and attacks the bacteria, inhibiting the formation of acids. Lemon juice removes indigestion by dislodging this acid and other harmful substances from the stomach, thereby strengthening and promoting a healthy appetite. The juice of one lemon, diluted with water, can be taken twice daily before each principal meal.
Grapes:
The use of grapes is another effective remedy for dyspepsia. This fruit is a light food and removes indigestion and irritation of the stomach in a short time. About 250 gm can be taken daily.
Pineapple:
Another fruit useful in dyspepsia is pineapple. It acts as a tonic and relieves much of the digestive disorders of the dyspeptics. Half a glass of pineapple juice should be taken after one meal in treating this condition.
Pomegranate:
One tablespoon of pomegranate juice, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, is valuable in indigestion accompanied by giddiness. This dose may be taken twice daily. The seeds of this fruit act as a stomach tonic when mixed with a little rock salt and black pepper powder.
Carrot:
Carrots are ..valuable in dyspepsia. Chewing of this vegetable increases saliva and quickens digestion by supplying the necessary enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. Half a glass of carrot juice, diluted with an equal quantity of water, can be taken once daily to treat this disorder.
Fenugreek:
Fenugreek leaves are beneficial in dyspepsia. About fifty grams of leaves, boiled and fried in butter, are valuable in allaying biliousness. The seeds can also be used beneficially in the treatment of dyspepsia.
Mint:
Mint is also very useful in correcting dyspepsia because of its digestive properties. Mint juice is a good appetiser. One teaspoon of mint juice, mixed with an equal amount of honey and lemon juice, forms a very effective remedy for indigestion and gaseous distension of the stomach.
Buttermilk:
A very simple remedy for indigestion is a glass of thin buttermilk mixed with a quarter teaspoon of pepper powder. For better results an equal quantity of cumin powder may be added to the buttermilk.
Aniseed:
The use of aniseed is also beneficial in the treatment of indigestion. An infusion can be prepared by mixing a teaspoon of aniseed in a cup of boiling water and leaving it covered overnight The clear fluid can then be decanted and taken with honey.
Dietary Considerations
The best way to commence treatment is to adopt an all-fruit diet for five days. The patient may, thereafter, gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, consisting of fresh fruits, raw and steamed vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains.
Other Measures
The patients suffering from indigestion must always follow certain rules regarding eating. These include not eating and drinking together; never to hurry through a meal; never to eat on a full stomach; never to sit down to a meal when worried, tired, excited, or in a bad temper; and not to eat if an appetite is lacking.
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