Ayurvedic Upchar

7/15/2018

10 Amazing Health Benefits & Uses Of Medicinal Plant Patharchatta

Bryophyllum pinnatum is commonly known as the “Leaf of Life” and also as Kalanchoe Pinnata or Patharchatta plant in Hindi. It is green leafy and fleshy herbaceous plant which is plant is native to Madagascar.

It is commonly kept as a houseplant and is found in most part of the world. Beside as a house plant it is popularly known for its medicinal properties throughout the world.

Due to its multiple uses in various ailments it is also rewarded as a name "Miracle Leaf".

Even thou plant is not a native to India; it has long history of utilizing Bryophyllum pinnatum or so called Patharchatta. Since ancient times the plant has been used in folk medicines in Indian traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy.

Plant Distribution

Patharchatta plant (Bryophyllum pinnatum) is native to Madagascar, but plants are found in most part of the world with the countries like New Zealand, West Indies, Macaroneia, Mascarenes, Australia, Galapagos, Polynesia, Hawaii, etc.

In is also is found in Nepal, Pakistan, Brazil, Egypt, Myanmar, Thailand, Africa. Patharchatta plants are found in most regions of India but in Kashmir, Himalayas and Khasi Hills the region of Assam; they are found in a large amount.

These days these plants are cultivated in parts on Indian states such as Karnataka, Andhra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc.

Plant Description

Plant: It is small, upstanding, succulent perennial herb that grows about 1f- 2f in height.

Leaves: The leaves of this plant are about 5-25 cm long and 2-12cm wide, with simple leaves in lower parts but upper parts have complex joint leaves. It has 6-7 leaves in opposite pattern with a stalk (petioles) about 2-10 cm long.

The leaves have an ovate or just oval shape and circled tips (obtuse apices). The end leaflet is notably larger than the others. The new plants are formed from leaves when it is detached from the plant.

Flower: The flowers of this plant bloom at the top of its stem in branched clusters, with greenish-yellow to pinkish-red in color. It has drooping, tube-shaped flowers that are about 7 cm long and form cymose panicle.

The stalks are about 10 to 25 mm long size and are partially merged into a calyx tube that supports the four lobes of the petal. The flower blooms in winter and spring.

Fruit: The Fruits are papery with a membrane-forming look, with four slender carpels that contain the seeds. The seeds of the fruits are small, oblong-ellipsoid, which is less than one mm in size, which remains enclosed within the old flowers.

Synonyms

• Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb.

• Crassula pinnata.

• Cotyledon pinnata Lam.

• Sedum madagascaricum

• Kalanchoe pinnata

Health benefits and uses of Bryophyllum plant (Patharchatta plant)

Bryophyllum plant leaves are used for various ailments treatment such as a problems related to skin, to keep blood sugar level under, to control inflammation, for proper blood circulation.

Other medicinal properties attributed to Bryophyllum include its ability to fight microbes, fungi, allergy, tumors, ulcers, bacteria, viruses and insects. It is also regarded as a natural sedative.

Bryophyllum Pinnatum Research

The study performed by the department of pharmacology, University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban. They have stated that an aqueous extract of Bryophyllum leaf can act as a pain-killer, it have antinociceptive properties that can help to reduces sensitivity of pain.

Beside this it have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduces inflammation. It also has hypoglycemic properties that can help to brings down high blood sugar levels. Below is some more research result that proves the importance of plant for different ailments.

Patharchatta plant Ayurvedic Uses

• Haemorrhoids.

• Renalaand vesical calculi.

• Diabetes.

• Venereal diseases.

• Dysuria.

• Alleviates burning sensation.

• Heals urinary calculi.

• Allays thirst.

• Cures polyuria.

Part Used

• Roots

• Leaves

• Stem

Uses

• Decoction

• Juice

• Crushed leaves

How to Make Leaf Decoction of Bryophyllum (Patharchatta plant)

The recipe is quite easy, simple and can be made quickly.

• Take one cup of water in vessel, boil it then add 3 leaves of Patharchatta leaves in it, let it to simmer for 3 minutes.

• Now remove a vessel from heat, allow settling for about 2 to 3 minutes.

• Now remove the leaves from the tea and pour into a cup, you can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of organic honey for taste.

Uses and Benefits of Bryophyllum Pinnatum

There are many health benefits of Bryophyllum pinnatum and is helpful to cure many ailments. It can be used in many ways such as by using decoction of the leaves, dried powder of the leaves or by making the paste of the leaves.

1. Kidney Stones: It is a plant that is most popularly used to remove kidney stones, have a decoction made of fresh leaves twice a day. For quick result you may also add 500 mg of Shilajit with the decoction and some honey to improve the taste.

2. It Cure Leucorrhoea Naturally: This plant is a boon for women suffering from leucorrhoea ailment, have a decoction made of fresh leaves twice a day. This will help to retard the flow of blood within the blood vessels.

3. It Cure Piles: Drink the extract made of fresh leaves twice a day; you will fine effective results in piles cure.

4. It Boost Liver Function: Bryophyllum pinnatum have an anti-oxidant property that promotes the health of the liver, it is a useful remedy to cure jaundice.

5. Colds and Coughs: It is a plant that has properties like methotrexate/ azathioprine that boost immunity system and defends from common cold and coughs. Consuming juice of the leaves along with sugar candy or honey can be helpful.

6. It Relieves Stomach Ache: Patharchatta plant have analgesic properties, which can help relieve stomach ache or stomach pain, one can consume the decoction of the leaves.

7. It Removes Worm: Bryophyllum pinnatum plant has Anthelmintic properties that can be helpful in removing worms in the intestine effectively. Consume decoction of the leaves twice a day with honey.

8. It Heals wound: The plant has Anti–inflammatory properties that help to heal the wound fast and it also prevents scar formation. Using for it is simple simply tie the poultice of the leaves around the wound.

9. Diuretic Action: This plant has Diuretic properties that can help to cure urinary disorders. Take decoction made of the juice of the Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf; consume about 40-60 ml of it every day in the morning and evening.

10. It Purifies Blood: This plant has an anti-aggregate property that helps to purify the blood. It helps to removes all the toxins form the body as well as blood and helps improve your health.

3/18/2018

5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Curd (Yogurt) |How To Make Curd

ayurvedic upchar 5:25:00 PM benefits of curd for skin , benefits of eating curd with sugar 0 Comments

Curd or so-called yogurt is also known as “Dahi” in Hindi. Curd is a fermented dairy product which is a thick, looks like custard pudding, which is made by the natural bacterial fermentation of milk. Curd is a dairy product that has a major importance in Indian subcontinent from the ancient times.

Curd or so called "dahi" as a product procured by lactic fermentation of buffalo; cows’ milk sometimes both combined milk. Curd is produced by single or mixed strains of alcoholic or lactic acid bacteria to fermentative yeasts. In Ayurveda, curds have been used for its nutritive and therapeutic values; it is suggested for curing of ailments like dyspepsia, dysentery and various gastrointestinal disorders.

How To Make Thick Curd (Dahi) At Home

There are various types of yogurt (flavored and plain) available at the supermarket these days. If you want to make fresh thick curd, you can easily make at home by heating the milk. Below is a curd recipes Indian style, follow the instructions given and make a wonderful yogurt (curd) at home.

Ingredients Required

• 1 tsp of curd/ yogurt / dahi as a starter

• 1 liter full fat milk (whole milk)

Note :Take up to ¾ to 1 tbsp if curd is gelatin based, or if you are making in winters.

Instructions

1. Clean a pot (handi) well now add milk and bring it to boil over low to medium flame.

2. Simmer the milk for 15 minutes on a very low flame to get thick curd. Keeping stirring else the milk will burn and smell bad. You can skip this step if you want to have a moderately thick yogurt. (This step is to get a very thick curd.)

3. Let the milk to cool down to the room temperature.

4. Now add a tsp of yogurt (dahi a starter) to the milk and stir it well.

5. Now cover & place the bowl to a warm place and allow it to set for about 6 to 10 hours depending on the climate.

Recipe Notes

Do not add yogurt to hot milk, it will congeal the milk.

Using the sour starter will yield a sour dahi so always take fresh dahi

If your milk does not set well you can increase the quantity of (Yogurtdahi a starter)

Health Benefits Of Eating Curd

Curd is a dairy product that has many health benefits it has been used as beauty aids to lighten skin tone. Sometimes, it has been said that curd is more advantageous than milk, it is due to the fermentation of milk that leads to be so healthy.

In most parts of India's people have a believe that if consume curd before doing something new or going abroad a journey will guard prosperity and good healthiness. There are also scientific points of views that this dairy product is relatively unique and delivers about many health benefits.

It has been the best home remedy for improve digestion, to boost immunity, to stronger teeth and bones, for dandruff, for heart health, for weight loss and much more. Below are some of the curd benefits, which can be helpful in everyday life to deal with common ailments.

1. It Makes Bones Stronger: Curd is a super natural food that can keep a bone as well as healthy. A bone is an important organ of our body that holds us and keeps staying in us healthy. Healthy bone is important as it supports and protects the various organs throughout the body.

It produces white and red blood cells, provides structure, store minerals and support for the body and empowers mobility. Curd is beneficial because it has rich source of calcium and phosphorous, which is very important for strengthening our bones.

It the bone is healthy various diseases or medical condition's bone such as Osteoporosis, Bone disease. Paget's disease of bone, Bone fracture, Osteoarthritis, Arthritis, Osteopenia, Rheumatoid arthritis, Deformity, arthritis, Deformity, Osteogenesis imperfecta, etc. can be prevented.

2. It improves immunity: The immune system is our body's defense system, which are built up with many biological structures and deals within an organism those safeguards against disease.

A healthy and good immunity can prevent various common diseases, from a viral infection, common cold, chronic fatigue to stomach disorders and even the deadly cancer.

Curd can boost immunity systems as it is believed to be a best probiotic food, which holds live micro-organism helpful for our body. The probiotic in the curd boost the count of infection-fighting white blood cells.

3. It improves digestion: Consuming curd can help to improve your digestion; it is mostly due to the nutrients like calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus and vitamin B-12 as well as zinc. Curd or so-called dahi has probiotic, which helps for proper functioning of a digestive system.

Curd not only helps in absorbing nutrients from other food items that you have eaten but also help to neutralize the hot food if eaten. Curds are easy to digest and can be eaten by those who are lactose intolerant as lactose is broken down during the fermentation process.

Some researchers have also confirmed that eating curd can also help to cure many stomach infections such as H. Pylori infection.

4. It helps to lose weight: Researchers have confirmed that dietary calcium can directly influence your weight-loss efforts. Consuming high calcium foods, especially dairies have been shown to increase body-fat breakdown and conserve metabolism during dieting.

Curds have high levels of calcium that are helpful for our body to look younger and for building up strong bones.

The study performed by "University of Tennessee" in the year 2005 proves that person who ate three servings of yogurt a day had lost 61% more body fat and 22% more weight than those who people who simply cut calories and not add any calcium to their diet plan.

5. It helps control blood-sugar level: Yogurt or so-called curd is a healthy food which has many benefits, including keeping blood sugar in control. Curds have easily digestible protein that controls the blood-sugar level and also shows to lower the risk of heart disease.

It is generally believed that curds have a high impact on glucose levels but are false it is a diabetes-friendly food and drink. The researchers have indicated that curd may even aid to reduce the risk of advancing type 2- diabetes (T2D).

It was shown during the presentation by "Thomas however" (University of Toronto, Canada) at the Fourth Global Summit on the Health Effects of Yogurt. Why does yogurt have a low GI (glycemic index), the researchers believe that during the fermentation process, lactic acid is created, may reduce glycemic reaction by slowing gastric emptying.

2/17/2018

Karakkaya (Haritaki) The Herb With Many Health Benefits

ayurvedic upchar 9:29:00 PM harad ayurveda , kadukkai podi 0 Comments

Karakkaya is commonly called as Haritaki or Harde in hind, kadukkai in Tamil and recognized as Karakkaya in Telugu where as in English as Terminalia chebula or chebulic Myrobalan. Karakkaya is one of the important herbs that have been widely used in various ayurvedic formulations.

Karakkaya is a common herb that has been used as a natural cleanser for the digestive system for ages. Consuming it can help in improving and performing of the spleen, liver as well as the colon, and hence it is most preferred as a digestive tonic.

Importance Of Karakkaya In Ayurveda

In Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda Karakkaya has been called as the "Mother of herbs" and the "King of medicines." It is due to its marvelous health benefits.

According to an ayurvedic concept, Karakkaya is an herb that balances the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha). Karakkaya is one of the main ingredients in ayurvedic medicines popular known as "Triphala" which is known to be a rejuvenating medicine.

Triphala is made up in combination with three herbs Amalaki (Emblica officinalis, Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica) Karakkaya or so-called Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It is known for its scraping effect that eliminates toxins and helps in maintain healthy and control levels of weight.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa):Astringent (Kashaya), sour (Amla), sweet (Madhura), pungent (Katu) and bitter (Tikta)
Potency (Veerya):Sweet (Madhura)
Post digestive effect (Vipaka):Sweet (Madhura)
Property (Guna):Light (Laghu), dry (Ruksha)
Actions (Karma):Alleviates vitiation of all 3 doshas (Tridosha hara)

What are the uses of karakkaya?

Karakkaya used in many ailments such as leucorrhoea, chronic ulcers, pyorrhoea as well as for various fungal infections on the skin. Karakkaya has a natural laxative's properties that help to increase the frequency of stools and in emptying the bowel completely.

This laxative's property of Karakkaya helps to detoxify the body and contribute in preventing aging and imparts longevity, immunity and body resistance against various ailments.

Karakkaya is also known to process strong ant mutagenic properties. Karakkaya used in the treatment of mouth stomatitis, ulcers, cough, asthma, gastroenteritis, candidiasis, leprosy, skin diseases, etc. It is also used as medication of rheumatic pain, intermittent fever, fever, arthritis as well as wounds.

1. Karakkaya For Constipation

Karakkaya powder has natural laxative properties with rich dietary fibres that are the important digestive agents to fight against constipation. Person suffers from regular constipation can take this medicine continuously to keep bowels in good health.

Regular consuming of Karakkaya powder for constipation can make a person dependent on it so it advice not to use them when bowels are healthy.

How To Use Karakkaya Powder For Constipation: Take Karakkaya fruit, remove the seeds from it and keep in the sun for drying for few days. After the fruits are completely dried powder, it into a fine powder and keep it in an air-tight bottle.

Whenever required take one glass of water into a vessel put the powder and boil the water. When the water becomes lukewarm drink it before going to bed.

2. Karakkaya for Weight Loss

Karakkaya or so-called Haritaki is known for its natural laxative properties that help to throw out toxins from the body and maintenances the digestive system in the greatest precept. Perfect digestive systems can help to prevent acidity and bloating sensation and further more aids in proper absorption of food.

As a digestive system is at peak, the food is absorbed properly and the excess fat on the body is not acclimated that results in weight gain. Consuming karakkaya command and control the hunger together with a balanced diet, and exercise makes Karakkaya a best ayurvedic medicine for weight loss.

Related to weighting gain a famous Hindu spiritual leader Swami Nithyananda explains that the delays in the digestive system cause the excess foods to be added to the body weight. He explains that many people eat the same amount, but the food does not contribute to belly fat loss in some of the people due to improper digestive system.

3. Karakkaya for Mouth Ulcers: A mouth ulcer is a gumboil that develops on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity ad is very common. It is really painful if people are having mouthed ulcers as it becomes uncomfortable to eat and drink.

Karakkaya has can be and the best remedy for it due to its anti cariogenic properties. It can be helpful in dealing most of the dental related problems especially bleeding gums and mouth ulcers.

How To Use Karakkaya Powder For mouth ulcer: The simplest and best way to treat a mouth ulcer is by making a mouth rinse with karakkaya. For making the mouth rinse, pound karakkaya with a mortar and pestle.

It is not necessary to powder it, just break the outer covering and boil the pieces of karakkaya in a cup of water. When the water colour changes to dull yellow colour, it is ready. Let the infusion cool down now rinse your mouth with this infusion several times a day.

4. Karakkaya for hair regrowth

In various parts of India, there is a tradition of applying karakkaya oil to prevent dandruff and lice infection, and they use it as a daily application.

Consuming karakkaya can strengthen the body against anemia, which is believed to one of the factors that can strengthen the hair. So taking karakkaya regularly can help your body as well as your hair healthy and fit.

How to use karakkaya oil for hair loss: Take a cup of coconut oil in a pan; now add the 3 to 4 karakkayapods in it. When the karakkayapods outer shell cracks and turned to brown switch off the flame. After the oil is cooled store, it in a glass bottle and use this oil regularly to prevent lice infection and dandruff.

5. Karakkaya for Acidity

Karakkaya is famous for its cure of all stomach-related problems such as indigestion, acidity, constipation, etc. Karakkaya is very effective due to its rich in antioxidant polyphenols like gallic acid and ellagic acid in it.

Due to its unique properties, it helps the body to increase the mucous secretion creation in the stomach creating a protective barrier towards preventing ulcer and acidity. The studies have shown that it has properties that can combat the Helicobacter pylori bacteria and lower your risk of building stomach ulcers.

How to use karakkaya powder for Acidity: Take karakkaya powder around 1/4 tsp, mix in hot water and drink until the problem disappears. This will not only help in reducing excessive stomach acidity but also help to prevent painful peptic and gastric ulcers by intensifying protective mucus formation in the stomach.

Ayurveda is a form of medication, which started in ancient civilizations dating back almost 5000 years. Ayurveda medication includes the combination of different natural ingredients such as natural herbs for health care. It also includes the combination of various natural ingredients with a healthy diet plan that can cure various disease conditions of the body. It is true that the system of healing takes time, but it can deliver lots of benefits rather than other forms of meditation, comprising modern medicines. The herbal supplements will not cause any kind of side effects to the person, and the management is practiced by specific principles that can be advantageous to the body.