Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Children – 1

No one will deny the fact that children are the joy of the family. One of the primary functions of the family is reproducing society. The traditional assumption is that the family is an institution for continuation of creating, nourishing and perpetuating life. The family protects the child and provides a favorable environment for its physical, emotional, spiritual and social development.

Healthy food is essential for a healthy body and mind. This goes a long way in developing immunity in children. Children can be afflicted with sudden illnesses and it is essential that parents have a basic knowledge of remedies that can help in mitigating the situation. Some of the common diseases that can affect children include cough and cold, dysentery, fever, vomiting, wheezing, whooping cough etc.

Cough and Cold in Children

Children are prone to cough and cold attacks, especially if they have a weak immunity. This is accompanied with formation of phlegm in chest. Cough and cold afflict children mostly in winter because of easy spreading of the disease causing virus during this time. It is infectious and can spread to others in the family. Runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching etc are the initial symptoms. Cough and cold can lead to headaches, ear infection, heavy feeling on top of head etc. Chronic cough and cold may end up in nasal polyps, tonsillitis etc.

Two drops of juice of tender nochi (Chinese Chaste tree) leaves can be given to children along with breast milk. This induces vomiting. The child will throw up the phlegm in the nasal passage and chest.

Karpooravalli (Indian Borage, Oregano) is an excellent expectorant and diaphoretic. Three to four drops of the juice of the leaves of this herb is mixed in honey and given to kids suffering from cough and cold. This will help expel the phlegm out. You can follow the same process with basil leaves.

A few drops of juice of basil leaves can be given with breast milk too. Vellai kunrimani root is cleaned and then boiled in coconut oil. Store the cooled oil in a bottle. Smear the oil on the tongue of kids suffering from cold and phlegm. This is an excellent expectorant.

A paste made from dried ginger powder is smeared in a thin layer on the forehead and temples. This is very effective in relieving the heavy headed feeling and pain in the nape.

Dry cough can spoil the sleep pattern and food intake in children. This can lead to lethargy and dullness. One helpful remedy to deal with all types of cough, especially dry cough is a preparation made from turmeric and pepper. These are taken in equal quantities as required and ground to a fine powder. This is mixed with honey and given to children with dry cough.

Extract juice from two to three white onions. Add jaggery to this and heat it in a pan. When it reaches a waxy consistency, remove from heat and let it cool. This preparation is given twice a day for a couple of days to alleviate cough and cold.



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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Women - Summary

Most of the gender specific diseases that affect women revolve around menstruation, childbirth and post menopausal complications. Some problems that women face include irregular menstruation, white discharge, vaginal itch, delayed puberty, excessive discharge etc.

Due to the oppressive nature of the male dominated society, almost all women are faced with self-esteem issues. Those who feel bad being born as women are prone to various illnesses and psycho-somatic disorders. Conversely, women with good self-esteem can lead a healthy life. A lucky few are born in a nurturing environment while the rest have to deal with various issues before restoring their self-esteem.

Some problems with menstruation include painful menstruation, scanty or excessive menstruation, and irregular menstruation. Juice of drumstick leaves is helpful in treating painful menstruation. One cure for excessive menstrual bleed is arugampul (Bermuda grass) juice. Powder of mango seeds is another remedy. Powder of Java plum seeds is yet another remedy for this condition.

One disturbing trend observed these days is girls attaining puberty prematurely (before age 10). You need to seek immediate medical intervention if you find your near and dear ones with this condition. Left untreated, this can impair the functioning of internal organs especially the heart.

While abortion is resorted to by couples for various reasons, frequent abortions weaken the womb. This will impair the capacity of the womb to bear child. It may even lead to hysterectomy (removal of womb). One safe way to avoid pregnancy is for women to take a few tulsi leaves in the mornings.

Nausea and vomiting is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. While in most cases, this tapers off with time, in some cases it persists for quite a long time. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt is helpful in treating this condition. Ginger tea is also found to be effective in tackling this problem.

Women need to do some mild exercises during pregnancy to help with easy child delivery. They should not put on weight during this period. After childbirth, taking neem leaves with turmeric is said to heal all internal wounds and help in recuperation. Mutton curry with garlic, pepper and cumin seeds is an excellent rejuvenator. Kurunthotti paal kashayam is a vegetarian alternative for this.

Breast milk is the best food and medicine for the newborn. It would do a world of good for the child if it is fed on breast milk alone for the first four to six months. For adequate of supply of breast milk, women can add drumstick leaves, tender papaya to their diet. Fried sesame seeds also help in improving lactation. Applying a paste of cucumber seeds on the breasts is also beneficial.

Female infertility increases with age. A woman can be infertile due to genetic reasons. Incomplete or improper development of internal sex organs is another cause. Triphala choornam is said to be effective in such cases.

In general, women’s diet should contain adequate amount of fruits and vegetables. Proper rest and some basic physical exercises are necessary. Meditation and a spiritual outlook to life will help in managing the stresses of daily life. Above all, positive self-esteem is the foundation on which a healthy mind and body can be built to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.


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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Women - 6

Menstrual problems occur due to various reasons. One of the main reasons for menstrual disorders is stress, both stress in the household as well as workplace. Anemia, tuberculosis, tapeworms, venereal diseases etc also can lead to menstrual disorders. Before starting any treatment regimen, the root cause behind the menstrual disorder should be identified. This can help in effective treatment of the condition.

Women experience pain in lower abdomen, lower back, and hip regions during menstruation. In addition, some women suffer from headache, stomach ache, pain in hands and legs, back pain and neck pain. Women who undergo pain should increase the quantity of onions, milk, honey, buttermilk, dates in their diet. They should remain active. Inhaling fresh air will help bring down pain.

Women who experience pain in ribs and back, pressure on stomach etc can take raisins and grapes during their periods. A handful of chembaruthi (hibiscus) flower and arugmapul (Bermuda grass) is taken and ground to a fine paste. This is taken with butter. Another alternative is to take 10 hibiscus flowers and ground to fine paste and added to a glass of milk. Taking this on empty stomach during periods is found to be helpful in alleviating pains in the extremities.

Hibiscus flower, rose flower, aavaram poo (Tanner’s Cassia) are taken in equal quantity and boiled in water and reduced to half. This decoction is taken, a spoonful three to four times a day with milk. Dietary restrictions include foods containing, salt and chilli.

Barks of banyan tree, athi (common fig) tree, and naaval (Java plum) tree are dried and ground to a fine powder. The powder is mixed with mondhan plantain (kadhali vazhai) for a night. The resultant liquid is filtered out the next day morning. This is also called as kadhali aasavam. Taking this liquid helps in controlling excessive menstruation.

Maasikkai (Aleppo Oak) is fried to brownish color and ground to a fine powder. A pinch of this powder is taken with honey. This is found to help with excessive menstrual discharge.

Fully dried white arugampul (Bermuda grass) and pepper are powdered and taken with goat milk. This should be done before food in the mornings. This is said to arrest excessive flow. Kernel from the seed of fully ripe mango is a very good remedy. This is dried in shade and ground to a fine powder. This powder is taken with honey.

Women who turn anemic due to this condition can regain their health by taking juice of fresh Bermuda grass (arugampul) before food in the mornings.

One of my earlier posts mentions the importance of adding Black gram and sesame to the diet to deal with most of the menstrual disorders. Dishes made of black gram and sesame can be taken both as a delicacy as well as medicine. Regular and judicious intake of these grains will help in overcoming most of these painful conditions.

Decoction of Asoka tree bark is yet another remedy. Asokarishtam is a boon for all menstrual disorders.

Meditation, prayer, etc will help in dealing with the stresses of day to day life. A genuine spiritual approach to life offers strength and solace to the much stressed women of this century.


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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Women - 5

Lactation

Paste made of banyan tree seeds mixed in milk and taken in the mornings and evenings can help lactation.

A few drops of milk and ripe cucumber seeds are used to make a fine paste. This paste then applied on breasts. This is found to increase lactation in women.

Mother’s milk is the best food for the newborn child. It is a medicine for diarrhea, skin allergies, and has excellent nutritional value. Research has shown that women can put off pregnancy as long as they keep breastfeeding the child. So this is a natural birth control method. Also chances of breast cancer decrease in mothers who breastfeed their newborns.

Milk gets engorged in breasts when there is a considerable time lapse between feeding. For instance, women working in offices cannot breastfeed their child frequently. Alternatively if the child avoids breast milk for unknown reasons, the breast gets engorged with milk. This will turn into a very painful condition when left unattended.

Maasikkai (Aleppo oak seeds) paste is applied on breasts and nipples to alleviate pain. Similarly tamarind leaves made to a paste and mixed with sesame oil can be applied on breasts. Dry kuppaimeni leaves can be taken with milk and sugar. This tends to relieve the pain.

Cracked Nipples

The delicate breast skin and nipple breaks easily with improper feeding technique. When left unattended, this can lead to breast sores and infection. Maasikkai (Aleppo Oak seed) comes in handy to take care of this painful condition. A paste of this seed applied on the nipples can help in quick healing of sores.

To dry up breast milk

Children need breast milk for at least six months, but it is advisable to prolong this period and breastfeed as long as it is possible. Beyond six months, the quantity of milk may not be enough for the child. So the child’s diet should be complemented with other foods.

Breasts are covered with Pichi flowers or jasmine flowers for drying up of breast milk. The flowers can be placed inside the brassier till they wilt. Similarly cabbage leaves have also been found to serve the purpose. Women apply neem oil, aloe vera juice on breasts to induce aversion in children who refuse to give up breast milk.

Female Infertility

Female infertility can be due to genetic reasons, improper or incomplete development or malfunctioning of internal sex organs. Sexually transmitted diseases, smoking are some extrinsic causes that lead to infertility. Obesity also leads to this condition.

Females in general are fertile in their early 20s up to late 30s. There is a gradual decrease in fertility and by age 40, most women become infertile.

Triphala choornam is found to be effective in treating some forms of female infertility. The powder is mixed in water and taken in the mornings and evenings. Pirandai juice is also helpful in dealing with female infertility.


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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Women - 4

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea gravidarum or morning sickness affects most pregnant women. Vomiting and nausea can be the first symptoms of pregnancy. Most of the time, the nausea is present in the morning and wanes off as the day progresses. In most cases this stops by the 12th week. In some rare cases, this progresses to excessive vomiting, necessitating immediate medical intervention.

Taking small gooseberries (ari nellikkai in Tamil) during this time can help deal with nausea and vomiting. Also taking lemon juice with sugar and a pinch of salt is found to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. Care should be taken not to leave the stomach empty. Ginger tea is yet another effective cure.

Pain and Childbirth

Pregnant women should be healthy enough to endure the process of childbirth. Mild exercises after the fourth month up to the time of delivery help women to tone up their muscles as well as not to put on excessive weight. Walking in the evenings, small household chores etc are necessary. Childbirth occurs within couple of hours of onset of pain. Acupressure, hypnotism, anesthesia are some methods resorted to reduce pain.

Postpartum Care

Taking tender neem leaves with turmeric will heal the internal organs of any wounds that might result due to childbirth. Application of paste made from maasikkai (Aleppo Oak) seeds on vagina will help in rapid healing of wounds.

The herb manathakkali keerai (Black Nightshade) is ground to a fine paste using goat milk. This is taken in the mornings and evenings to help cure ‘body heat’ as well as internal wounds.

Women become extremely weak after childbirth due to the labor pain and extreme exhaustion. There are some time-tested home remedies that help women recuperate and gain back their strength.

Root of kurunthotti herb, cumin seeds, pepper, mustard, garlic of equal quantity is ground to a fine paste and added to Cornish hen curry and taken once a week will help in regaining health. This will help in healing joint pain and hip. Mutton curry made using cumin seeds, garlic and pepper is another excellent remedy that help women in getting back to normalcy. Kurunthotti palkashayam serves the same purpose for women who prefer vegetarian stuff.

Lactation

Breast milk is the ideal food for the newborn. It is food as well as medicine for the child. Women with poor nutrition find it difficult to lactate. Frequent usage of birth control pills too can lead to this condition. Inadequate availability of breast milk will affect the newborn’s health and growth.

Adding drumstick leaves and tender papaya to the diet will help in increasing lactation. Fried and powdered sesame seeds can be taken with rice to improve lactation.

Garlic is sautéed in sesame oil and added to palm candy and pepper powder and made into small marble sized balls. One or two of these balls are taken before food to help in lactation.

Amukkura (aswagandha) root and sada kuppai ground to a paste and taken with jaggery or sugar is yet another remedy to help lactation.


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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Women - 3

Puberty in girls happens between 12 and 16 years, but in some cases this may go beyond 18. One disturbing development observed these days is girls entering puberty very early (premature puberty), in some cases at the age of 9 and 10 years. One reason attributed to this is obesity. It is said obesity can trigger production of sex steroids. Hormonal changes, chemicals in environment can be other triggers.

Generally girls should not hit puberty before 12. Maturing quickly can be dangerous to heart and other organs. If you know of anyone maturing physically too quickly, ask them to seek immediate medical intervention.

On the contrary, in some cases, menarche may be delayed even beyond 18 years of age. One of the reasons could be under-developed internal sex organs. Poor nourishment, undeveloped womb, tuberculosis and heredity can also result in delayed puberty. In such cases, proper and adequate nourishment solves the problem.

Excessive Menstrual Bleeding

This may be due to ‘body heat’, workload in office or home, mental tension. Hormonal imbalance can also lead to menstrual bleeding. There are some good remedies for this condition.

Regular intake of white arugampul (Vel arugu) or tender Bermuda grass paste mixed in milk will put an end to this distressing condition. Similarly, seeds of Java plum (naval pazham), or bark of the tree can be ground to a fine powder and taken with water. This is yet another home remedy for excessive menstrual bleeding. Also taking mango seed kernel powder is effective in arresting excessive menstrual bleeding.

Juice obtained from fresh bark of Ashoka tree is very effective in treating all abnormal menstrual conditions. Decoction obtained from steeping leaves of athi, arasu, mango, naval trees is also an excellent remedy.

Pregnancy and Associated Health Problems

Abortion, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, pain during childbirth, wound care, postpartum exhaustion, breast ache due to engorgement of breast milk, nipple cracks, stopping breastfeeding, sagging breasts etc are some conditions faced by women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Abortion

While the number of childless couples is on the increase, many couples resort to abortion for various reasons. If the mother gets pregnant within a few months of childbirth it can lead to difficulties for both the mother and the newborn. Similarly pregnancy beyond age 40 or more can be a health risk. Economic and financial reasons too can influence decisions on abortion. Pregnancy before marriage (teen pregnancy) etc and the associated shame can force people to opt for abortion.

One of the methods adopted in Indian villages for abortion include taking ripe papaya during the first three months of pregnancy. Another method is taking mustard paste with palm jaggery. The efficiency of these methods is questionable. Some practices not mentioned here can even lead to death.

Frequent abortion results in a weakened womb. This also reduces chances of pregnancy at a later stage. One reason for hysterectomy (removal of uterus) is frequent abortions.

Women can always opt for safe methods to avoid getting pregnant. One such method is to consume a few thulasi leaves (ocimum sanctum) everyday in the mornings. Conversely women who want to conceive should not take thulasi leaves.



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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Women 2

Most women can keep themselves healthy with improved self esteem. According to Fr John M. Valdaris a priest and a psychologist in Chennai, India, those who hold the erroneous belief and feel sorry for being born as women are prone to lots of psychosomatic illnesses. He has counselled a large number of women with physical and mental problems, and most of them were found to have issues of low self-esteem. Most of these women had problems like menstrual disorders, hysteria, inability to cope with workplace and domestic stress, interpersonal relationship etc.

The patriarchal structure of the Indian society has not only limited the full realization of women’s potential, but has also relegated them to the sidelines. While men in the families ate healthy food, women had to satisfy themselves with the leftovers. This resulted in anemia, general weakness, compromised immunity etc. Though there is a visible change in this condition these days, women still feel they are inferior and hence find it difficult to overcome the low self-esteem issues.

Women should cultivate the habit of valuing and respecting themselves. This in itself can cure many diseases. Women should never be ashamed of their bodies. Some women regard menstruation with revulsion. Menstruation is to be treated as a form of cleansing. It is the body’s way of cleaning the womb, just as urinating or defecating, nothing more, nothing less. This should be the attitude towards this natural process that takes place every 28 days. Trying to put off this natural process through medication can spoil the rhythm of this cycle.

Regular menstrual cycle is the sign of a healthy constitution. In case of unavoidable circumstances where one needs to put off their menstruation for a couple of days, there are a couple of ways adapted in some of the South Indian villages for this purpose. One is to eat a handful of roasted Bengal gram mornings and evenings, starting from a week before the onset of menstrual cycle. Another method is to take concentrated lemon juice with salt in the mornings on empty stomach. These methods should be used with discretion and used sparingly. This is for information purpose and you need to consult your physician before starting on this regimen.

Painful Menstruation

Many women suffer from stomach ache at the time of menstruation. They experience pain in the lower abdomen as well as lower back areas. The pain may be due to the spasmodic action of the womb to expel blood and other waste matters. Inflammation in ovaries can also result in pain. Take a couple of mature leaves of Giant Milkweed (Erukku in Tamil). Heat the leaves for a moment in a pot and then press them for juice. Take this juice with jaggery. This is said to relieve menstrual pain. Juice of drumstick leaves is taken in empty stomach in the mornings is yet another effective cure for stomach pain due to menstruation.


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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Women - 1

Women play a very vital role in the progress of society. They are regarded as the backbone of the family, which is the basic building block of a society. Mother is the child's first teacher. She is the role model for them. Yet it cannot be denied that women have been a marginalised lot. This has been so for a very, very long time. Thus women face problems that affect both their body and mind in a very unique way.

Some of the diseases that affect women are white discharge, itching of vagina, irregular menstrual cycle, painful menstruation, body odor, delayed puberty, scanty or excessive discharge.

White Discharge

The glands inside the vagina and cervix give out small amounts of secretions that come out as a milky white fluid. It is the old cells of the vagina. This way the body keeps the vagina clean and healthy. It is either clear or milky and won’t smell bad. This fluid is said to keep the vagina moist and pink. Change in color and density is observed when women are subject to stress and tension. Similarly ovulation, sexual excitement etc cause changes.

Diseases in womb can result in increased discharge. There may be itching and irritation with bad odor. When left untreated this can lead to excessive menstrual discharge. White discharge can also be due to bacterial infection, allergy, venereal diseases etc. Before initiating treatment, the cause for the disease should be established. There are a couple of good remedies for this condition.

Decoction made of ashoka bark is very effective in treating leucorrhea or white discharge. Collect 50 to 100 gm of bark obtained from ashoka tree. This is boiled in 10 glasses of water, reduced to half and then allowed to cool. This is taken in morning and night for two to three weeks and more depending on the severity of the condition.

The very tender coconut leaves found right in the crown part of a coconut tree (the pith) is a very good remedy for white discharge. A little amount taken in the mornings and evenings can take care of white discharge.

White onion chopped and sautéed in ghee is another excellent remedy for this condition. This is to be taken before food in the mornings and nights.

Powdered dry vallarai leaf and ghee is taken along with food. Regular intake of this remedy is found to cure white discharge

Vaginal Itching

Some causes that lead to vaginal include stress, vaginal yeast infection, weakened immune system, lack of hygiene, menopause, chemical irritants etc. Sexually transmitted diseases also can result in vaginal itching. In most cases, keeping the genital area clean and dry and using cotton panties instead of synthetic ones can help prevent vaginal itching.

Applying a fine paste of Maasikkai (Tamil) or Aleppo Oak seed on and around vagina can cure itching to a large extent.

Rice wash (water obtained after washing rice) is boiled after adding tamarind leaves. This is subsequently cooled down to a lukewarm state. This liquid is then used in cleaning vagina. Regular usage is said to cure vaginal itch.

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: A Simple Hemorrhoid Remedy

Recently I came across a very simple and easy to follow cure for hemorrhoids. It is using garlic as a suppository. Dr John Douillard, of LifeSpa Ayurveda in Boulder, Colorado is a teacher of Ayurveda and natural medicine who swears by this treatment.

Roughly one third of Americans suffer from hemorrhoids and its complications. I think the figure would be the same more or less for other parts of the world too. Dr John Douillard lists the following as the cause for this condition. Poor diet, weakened digestive system and stress which result in chronic inflammation of gut.

Hemorrhoid is the result of this chronic inflammation of gut. Some of the initial symptoms like diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating, indigestion, heart burn, food allergies etc can cause inflammation of the gut. When left untreated for an extended period of time, this can lead to hemorrhoids.

John suggests a two-pronged approach to cure this problem. One is using garlic as a suppository to de-inflame the rectal tissues and provide an antiseptic environment to aid healing of the tissues. To do this you need to take a clove of garlic and peel off the skin. Cut the ends to a smooth edge. Coat the garlic clove with olive oil and insert it into the rectum as a suppository before bed. Do this for seven days.

While there is an overwhelming evidence of relief with this process alone, John recommends treating the root cause to prevent recurrence. To take care of stress he suggests meditation. He also suggests taking Amlaki, which is a very potent Ayurvedic remedy for preventing infection and healing of ulcerated intestinal mucosa. Amlaki is a mild laxative too that helps relieve constipation. Neem is another remedy suggested in case of chronic condition.

John recommends taking food three times a day, instead of six. This will provide time for the digestive tract to rest and heal. He advises to keep away from erratic eating habits and eating throughout the day.

I would like to add a Siddha medicine called Karunai lehyam made from yam. ‘Naga parpam’ is yet another Siddha remedy for hemorrhoids. A pinch of ‘naga parpam’ mixed in a marble sized ‘karunai lehyam’ and taken in the mornings and nights before food is found to be very effective in treating piles.

One interesting thing to note, karunai lehyam is made from yam, the shape of yam resembles hemorrhoids.



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