Ashwagandha Benefits and Medicinal Uses

What is Ashwagandha?

Withania Somnifera, popularly known as Ashwagandha is used as a single herb or used in polyherbal or herbomineral formulations in Ayurveda.  The word ashwagandha in Sanskrit means ‘horse’s odor’ because of the characteristic odor of the herb similar to horse’s sweat.  It can also mean that the herb bestows the strength and vitality of a horse to the user.   Lots of studies are going on worldwide to test and verify the various healing properties of this herb.

Also known as Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha is used in Ayurveda to treat various disease conditions like epilepsy, tumors, gout, lumbosacral stiffness, stiffness of joints, cardiac failure, vitiligo, ulcers in genital area, diseases of the urinary tract in women, abscess, depression etc.  It has anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, cardioprotective properties.  It is used as a mild tranquilizer because of its sleep inducing property.  It has excellent thyroprotective and hypoglycaemic properties.  It is regarded as a broad spectrum remedy for various disease conditions.  Ashwagandha benefits all parts of human body and can be taken in powder, tablet or capsule form.  Ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha Health Benefits

 Ashwagandha Root Powder

Ashwagandha is also called winter cherry and grows as a small evergreen shrub to a height of 4 or 5 feet. It belongs to the Solanaceae family of which the tomatoes and eggplants belong. It is cultivated widely in central and north western India and used in more than 100 Unani, Siddha and Ayurveda formulations.  All parts of this wonder herb have medicinal value.  Ashwagandha leaves have anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antibacterial properties.  The fruits and seeds of the plant are used as diuretic.  It is the root that is mainly used in Ayurvedic formulations.  The root has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in treating swellings, tumors, rheumatism etc.

Chemical Constituents of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has steroidal lactones called withanolides.  The pharmacological activity of the herb can be attributed to these steroidal lactones.  In addition to that, Ashwagandha also contains 18 fatty acids, some of which are sedative and hypnotic.  It has amino acids aspartic acid, glycine, tyrosine, alanine, glutamic acid and cysteine present in its roots.

Ashwagandha as Adaptogen

Adaptogens help our bodies to adapt to the stresses they are subjected to on a daily basis. They help normalize the physiological functioning of our bodies.  Ashwagandha is clinically proven to have excellent adaptogenic capabilities.  Double blind trial involving 60 healthy children of 8-12 years with oral intake of 2 gm a day of root powder showed an increase in mean corpuscular haemoglobin, total protein and body weight of the children.  No toxic effects were observed even after eight months of daily consumption.  Another study conducted on adults showed increase in haemoglobin and red blood cell count. There was a good reduction in ESR levels and improvement in sexual performance.  Thus Ashwagandha is found to be very helpful in restoring and maintaining general health. 

Ashwagandha for Skin

Ashwagandha for Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha root powder was tested in highly stressed individuals and found to safely and effectively increase an individual’s threshold levels to stress, thereby improving his/her quality of life.  Ashwagandha is found to be effective in treating insomnia.  It helps the body generate the necessary energy to settle and sleep and act as a rejuvenator and nervine tonic.  Thus it helps overcome stress related conditions in a positive way.  It rejuvenates the nervous system, eases out stress and takes care of insomnia.  Ashwagandha root powder can be taken with cow’s ghee or sugar to cure sleeplessness.  How much ashwagandha should I take for anxiety?  The usual ashwagandha dosage for anxiety is 3-6 grams a day.

Ashwagandha’s Diuretic, Hypoglycaemic and Hypocholesterolemic Effects

Ashwagandha was found to decrease blood glucose levels comparable to that of an oral hypoglycemic drug. It helps normalize high blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.  Ashwagandha is an excellent diuretic and complements weight loss efforts.  A decrease in serum cholesterol levels was also observed on regular consumption of ashwagandha root powder.  Ashwagandha lowers blood pressure and is found to arrest formation of stress induced ulcers.

Ashwagandha and Cancer

Growth Promoting Effects of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is well known for its growth promoting effects in children.  Studies showed that a 60-day consumption of ashwagandha root powder 2 gm/day along with punarnava 2gm/day had a marked increase in haemoglobin levels, serum iron, MCV and increase in body weight of participants.  Ashwagandha root powder is an excellent growth promoter in children.  It is a well known memory booster.  Children can benefit from drinking a glass of warm grass-fed cow’s milk mixed with a spoonful of ashwagandha root powder every day morning after breakfast.

Ashwagandha has anti-arthritic effects and brings down arthritic pain in joints when taken regularly. A painful, dry, swollen and inflamed joint is taken care of with Ashwagandha herb.  One teaspoon of the root powder is taken in warm milk to reduce the arthritic pain.

Ashwagandha for Young and Old

Ashwagandha Benefits for Weight Loss

When used along with other weight loss supplements, Ashwagandha is found to improve their weight reduction capabilities.  This is due to its adaptogenic property of stabilizing stress related fluctuations.  This helps people who gain weight due to overeating. 

For weight loss efforts to succeed a strong immune system is imperative.  A vibrant immune system facilitates the body to continue its fat burning activities as the general tendency of the body in an immuno-compromised situation is to move away from fat burning mode as fighting the pathogens takes priority.  Hence a strong immune system is necessary for an effective weight loss regimen.  Ashwagandha comes in handy with its immunity boosting capabilities.  Ashwagandha reduces inflammation commonly observed in overweight people.

When adrenal glands produce cortisol in excess in a stressful condition, and when this happens day in and day out, it leads to weight gain, nervous eating, muscle loss etc.  Cortisol being a survival hormone, also stimulates production of glucose and triggers a hunger response in the brain.  Ashwagandha is known to bring down cortisol to reasonable levels thus protecting the adrenal glands and helping weight loss.

How to take Ashwagandha Powder for Weight Loss?

Ashwagandha powder is either mixed in milk or honey, and taken in the mornings after food.

Ashwagandha boosts Immunity

Ashwagandha Leaves for Inflammation

A paste made of ashwagandha leaves is applied topically on local inflammation for quick relief from pain.  Ashwagandha oil (made by adding ashwagandha powder to coconut oil) is used as massage oil for paralysis, sleeplessness etc.

Ashwagandha for Skin

Ashwagandha oil is also used in treating certain skin conditions.  Vitiligo responds favorably to the action of ashwagandha.  Paste made of ashwagandha powder is used in treating keratosis.  It is also an excellent skin toner.  For this purpose, a spoonful of fine ashwagandha root powder is mixed in organic coconut oil and made into a thick paste.  This is applied as a thin layer on affected areas of the skin.

Ashwagandha for Debility and Weakness

Regular intake of Ashwagandha churna helps improve old age weakness, brain fag, tiredness, spermatorrhea, loss of muscular energy etc.  Ashwagandha is very much helpful in patients suffering from chronic diseases like rheumatism, syphilis, and post-surgery recuperation etc.  It rebuilds the system that has been ravaged by the disease.  It is found to be very effective in treating retinopathy and conjunctivitis.  It is also recommended for treating uterine fibroids in women. 

Ashwagandha for Men and Women

Ashwagandha churna taken with honey and ghee in the prescribed format helps improve semen quality.  When taken regularly it helps overcome erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.  It boosts libido and heightens sexual experience while promoting a calm state of mind.  It also benefits the female reproductive system and increases weight of the ovaries.

Ashwagandha and Cancer

Studies done in 2003 and 2007 have shown that ashwagandha is found to be beneficial in inhibiting the growth and spread of breast, lungs and colon cancers.

Ashwagandha an Excellent Anti-oxidant

Ashwagandha neutralizes and eliminates free radicals in our body’s immune system.  It is these free radicals that wreak havoc and cause breakdown of tissues which leads to rapid aging.  Lactating mothers can improve their breast milk’s nutritive quality with consumption of ashwagandha tablets.

Ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease

Ashwagandha is found to enhance memory and stabilize mood.  It improves the capacity to learn.  Further research in this direction is ongoing.

Though not many studies have been conducted with regard to bipolar disorders, a very limited study has shown promise in the mood stabilizing capacity of ashwagandha.  Mood and anxiety score levels remained stable in the subjects during the period of intake of ashwagandha.  Ashwagandha also benefits people with ADHD and ADD disorders.

The health benefits of ashwagandha are well known in the Ayurvedic world for thousands of years.  It has been used to treat a range of disease conditions.

Ashwagandha Dosage

There no recommended dosage of ashwagandha but it is safe to take 3 to 6 gm a day.  For better results fresh ashwagandha powder should be used, preferably organically grown.  Due to the increase in demand for the herb, commercial cultivation has gone up considerably.  Hence it is wise to look out for organically grown ashwagandha to reap full benefits of the herb.

How to take Ashwagandha Churna?

The term churna means powder and Ashwagandha can be taken in powder, tablet or capsule form. 

Side Effects of Ashwagandha Root Powder

Caution should be exercised when taking Ashwagandha along with barbiturates or sleep inducing compounds.  It is advised not to take Ashwagandha in such conditions.  Similarly, consumption of Ashwagandha when under the influence of alcohol is not advised.  No toxic effects were noted on regular ashwagandha root powder dosage of up to 6 gm per day.  Excessive consumption of the herb can cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea.  It has a tendency to induce abortion in women, hence pregnant women should desist from taking this herb.

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Vilvadi Lehyam: Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Stomach Ailments

Bilwa Tree with its fruits

Bilva or bael fruit also known as golden apple or wood apple is a fruit obtained from the bael tree, a species native to India.  The woody shelled fruit requires almost 10 to 11 months to ripen for consumption. The tree is called ‘vilva maram’ in Tamil and ‘bilva’ in Telugu, A sacred tree for Hindus, the bael tree can be found in all Siva temples, especially in Tamil Nadu.   All parts of the bael or bilwa tree, the root, the bark, leaves, fruit, flowers, twigs etc  have immense medicinal value.  There are a number of excellent medical concoctions Both Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine make use of the

Bilva or Vilva tree is well known for its medicinal properties, especially its action on the digestive system and the stomach in particular.  The hard outer shell of the bael fruit or wood apple has to be broken open to relish the content with jaggery and cardamom.  This is a tasty treat that can arrest diarrhea and dysentery.  When taken with cumin seeds and ginger it is found to be effective in treating hemorrhoids.  The decoction of the root is an anti-emetic and a good remedy for bowel inflammation.  The decoction made of the bilwa leaves is used in treating peptic ulcer.

Vilva leaves have been successfully used to bring down excessive sugar levels in diabetic patients.  For this purpose some 5-10 vilva leaves are soaked in plain water overnight.  The next day morning the water soaked leaves are ground to a fine paste and then taken on empty stomach.  This is also effective in treating diabetic ulcers.  Tablets prepared from vilva leaves is an excellent remedy for hyperglycemia.

Vilwadi Lehyam/Bilwadi Leham is a well known product of the Kerala tradition that makes use of the Vilva fruit and other parts of the tree as its main ingredient  Other ingredients include coriander, cumin, caraway, pepper, long pepper, ginger, korai kizhangu (musta), nagkesar (nagappu in Tamil).  One of the effective ways of taking such preparations is to place them on betel leaf or banyan leaf,then lick and slowly munch them down.

Vilvadi lehyam is taken for ailments of the stomach like gastritis, vomiting, poor digestion, diarrhea and dysentry, and asthma.  A tablespoonful (5 gms) of this lehyam ( a jam like concoction) can be taken with milk three times a day after food.  This is a very effective remedy for those affected by the above said conditions under the guidance of an expert Ayurveda practitioner.  This preparation is also useful in treating irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, acid-reflux etc (IBD).  There is no known side effects on taking this medication.

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Triphala Health Benefits

Triphala is one of the most popular and effective Ayurvedic remedies used over the millennia to treat various illnesses.  This powder with excellent medicinal properties is effective in treating constipation as well as detoxifying the body.  It is a gentle detoxifier par excellence.  It regulates glucose levels in diabetics, controls hypertension and even stops the progression of cancers.

Indian Gooseberry

Triphala means ‘three fruits’ in Sanskrit; the three fruits are Indian gooseberry, kadukkai (Terminalia chebula) and thanrikkai (Terminalia Bellirica).  The three fruits on their own have immense medicinal value and are used in the preparation of various home remedies.  When these fruits come together in Thiripala, their medicinal powers multiply synergistically, resulting in a remedy that has a wide range of healing applications.

Triphala balances the tridoshas vata, pitta and kapha.  It is mentioned in Ayurvedic text Sushrut Samhita.  Generally Ayurveda physicians prescribe Triphala for constipation as it is cleanses the bowel in a gentle manner while acting as a detoxifier.  Hence this preparation can be taken in moderation every day without any nasty side effects.  But when we limit its usage to just a laxative, we might miss out on its other health promoting properties.

Regular intake of triphala benefits lungs and reduces the intensity of an asthmatic attack.  It is rich in antioxidants, hence effective in combating cancers and signs of aging.  It guards you against infectious diseases and tackles chronic ulcers and arthritis effectively.  Triphala’s detoxifying effect results in healthy skin and good hair growth.

Thiriphala powder can be taken with water or honey.  A tablespoon of the powder is mixed in water and taken at nights at bedtime (one hour after supper) for constipation.  It can also be taken with honey for cleansing and other health purposes.  Some find it hard to stomach the taste of the powder.  They can take the powder in capsule form.

Triphala tea is yet another easy way to consume the remedy.  Boil a glass of water and add a teaspoon of triphala powder.  Allow the water to cool and add honey as needed to hide the taste. 

Triphala can also be used an eyewash for eye infections.  For this purpose triphala powder steeped water kept overnight is used.  Splashing this water on eyes is found to be beneficial in redness of eyes etc.

Pregnant women should desist from taking Triphala as it has a tendency to favor miscarriage.  Excessive intake can lead to dehydration and stomach troubles due to its laxative properties.

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Medicinal Benefits of Curry Leaves

Indian cuisine makes use of mint, coriander leaves, curry leaves etc to add flavour and aroma to the spicy recipes. Though not a part of the greens, curry leaves has all the nutritive value found in greens and more.

Also known as sweet neem leaves, curry leaves has vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B2, vitamin C, calcium and iron in plenty. This is an ideal herb for people suffering from the ill effects of diabetes. Diabetes patients often suffer from frequent vertigo. There may be aches and pains in the upper and lower limbs coupled with impaired vision. These patients should take curry leaves at frequent intervals to overcome these problems. Kashayam made of curry leaves dried in shade and powdered is a very potent remedy that helps stabilize glucose levels in a diabetic patient.

An excellent remedy made using curry leaves is found to be very effective in treating diarrhea. For this purpose 40 gm of curry leaves and 10 gm of cumin seeds are ground to a fine paste and taken orally. This should be followed by drinking a glass of warm water. A teaspoon of honey is taken after 10 minutes. This regimen is continued three to four times a day.

Cholesterol levels in edible oils can be reduced to a large extent by making use of a handful of curry leaves. One kilogram of the oil is boiled with 15-20 curry leaves and then filtered. This is said to bring down cholesterol level in oils. This oil can then be used in preparing food stuff. Increase in cholesterol can lead to obesity, increase in blood pressure, lethargy and other ill effects.

The young generation of this decade consume a lot of junk food which have no nutritive value. Due to chemicals and other spurious additives found in foodstuff, no wonder a sizeable portion of youngsters both male and female suffer from premature graying of hair. Curry leaves come as a boon in such situations. Youngsters should not throw away curry leaves found in various Indian food recipes. Eating these curry leaves and making it a practice will help to ward off gray hair. Children should be taught to eat curry leaves at a tender age.

I would like to share a popular remedy, a hair oil for premature graying. Heat a litre of coconut or sesame oil and drop 10 to 20 curry leaves into the oil. Remove from heat when it reaches boiling point. This oil is then stored in bottles and used as hair oil before bathing. Apply this oil liberally on the scalp and allow it to soak for about 15-20 minutes. Wash the hair with a mild shampoo or shikkakai powder. Follow this regimen once or twice a week.

Curry leaves can be used to treat a tasteless tongue. Excessive use of antibiotics, indigestion etc can result in loss of taste. A handful of curry leaves along with ginger, salt, garlic, tamarind and chillies, is ground to a fine paste. This is then mixed with hot rice. A few helpings of this mixture help arouse the taste buds. This is repeated two to three times a day till the condition improves.

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of 'Touch Me Not' Plant - Part 2

Ayurveda regards the ‘touch me not’ plant to have tiktha kashaya properties. It has a light and ferocious guna and has seeta veerya (cooling). All seeta veerya herbs can be used to treat diseases involving excessive blood flow. It is very much used in treating wounds, boils. For example bleeding piles or haemorrhoids can be treated using this herb. The bloody condition can be pacified with juice of thottaavadi leaves along with juice of thumba leaves. This is applied externally on the haemorrhoids. Similarly, excessive menstrual flow can be treated with honey and juice of thottavadi leaves and taken internally. It is also well known and effective in treating painful menstruation.

Skin disorders can be treated with this herb. One of the difficult skin conditions to treat, psoriasis can be treated successfully with thottavaadi. Lajjalu keram is the way of treatment (oushadha yogam) for treating most of the skin disorders. Lajjalu keram is made with the surasam (paste of the whole plant) and the kalkam (bolus) of the leaves boiled in coconut oil. This is used in treating many skin disorders. Similarly dandruff can be effectively treated with this herb. For this eswara mooligai (Indian birthwort) is used along with thottavaadi.

Thottaavadi kashayam made after removing the flowers helps in relieving various difficulties of the hemorroids. Karappan (eczema) found in children can be treated by collecting the juice of this herb and heating it in coconut oil. This preparation is applied on affected areas.

Bedridden patients generally take very less water and this can lead to infection of the urinary tract. One prophylactic approach to prevent this kind of infection is to use the kashayam prepared of this herb. This kashayam is given to bedridden patients everyday. This will help to ward off urinary tract infection to a large extent. Taking care of this will help in preventing fevers and other complications.

In case of back pain due to excessive physical strain or work, especially of the upper back, thottavaadi comes in handy in treating such conditions. 15 ml of thottavaadi leaves can be taken daily for a few days. This will help in relieving back pain.

Diabetic patients will benefit immensely from consumption of thottaavadi leaf juice every morning. The combination of thottavaadi leaves, curry leaves, guava leaves and wheat conjee is very effective in bringing down excessive cholesterol.

This herb is also used to treat premature ejaculation. The natural remedy for premature ejaculation is prepared by taking mature thottavaadi root and making a paste of it using cow’s milk. A thick layer of this paste is placed on the soles of both feet and allowed to dry. Once the paste dries off the soles can be cleaned with a piece of cloth. This regimen is continued for a few days or weeks depending on the severity of the condition. This is found to be effective in treating premature ejaculation.

Similarly white discharge in women is treated with this herb. For this a small marble sized paste of the leaves is taken every day till the condition improves. Sneezing, difficult breathing, itching of eyes, throat etc and similar allergic conditions etc can be treated with tender thottaavadi leaves. A few of these leaves are plucked before sunrise and taken raw. Following this regimen for a few days will help in treating such conditions.

(Courtesy: Haritha sangeerthanam, Shalom TV)

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of Coriander Leaves and Seeds

Coriander seeds and leaves have been used as home remedies to cure various ailments from time immemorial. Known as cilantro in America and Europe, coriander leaves are also called Chinese parsley. These leaves find their place in South Asian, Chinese, European, American, Russian and Mexican dishes as well. The roots are also used in Asian, Thai dishes.

Coriander leaves when digested turn sweet and alleviate irritations in the intestines. They stimulate appetite and help in easy digestion too. They have magnesium, potassium and fiber in plenty. So regular consumption boosts immunity and purifies blood. They stimulate insulin production and hence help prevent diabetes.

Just as mint leaves, coriander leaves too help in dealing with headaches. A paste made of coriander leaves is smeared on the forehead and temples for a quick relief from headaches. This should be followed by thorough rest. Coriander leaves also cure mouth ulcers. For this a handful of coriander leaves are ground to a not so fine paste and then masticated thoroughly for a few minutes. This is done two to three times a day for a few days. This is a time tested home remedy for mouth ulcers.

People suffering from pitta aggravation due to excessive consumption of tea or coffee have an excellent remedy in coriander to pacify the aggravated pitta. It also helps in breaking the addiction to coffee and tea. It is an excellent alternative to tea and coffee. A handful of coriander seeds are fried and then powdered to a nice consistency. A spoonful of this powder is then added to a glass of milk with sugar and then taken instead of tea or coffee. Regular consumption can help break addiction to tea and coffee.

Half a teaspoon of coriander seed powder (prepared as mentioned above), a pinch of sandalwood powder, and four or five dried gooseberry pieces are added to a glass of water, boiled and reduced to half a glass. This is then taken at lukewarm temperature. This kashayam is a time tested home remedy for aggravated pitta due to excessive consumption of tea and coffee.

For relief from menstrual pain, women can take around twenty five thoroughly cleaned coriander seeds and boil them in a glass of water. This is reduced to half and allowed to cool to a lukewarm temperature. Sugar can be added as needed. This kashayam helps in relieving menstrual pain.

For painful urination in summer, coriander seeds offer an excellent cure. A teaspoon full of coriander seeds is added to four glasses of water, boiled and then allowed to cool to room temperature. Taking this water throughout the summer often will help in combating the summer heat as well as painful urination. This also keeps one fresh all through the day.

Coriander leaves are found to be effective in alleviating digestive problems. The leaves are washed thoroughly, ground to a paste and then pressed to obtain a tablespoon of juice. One teaspoon of cumin seeds are powdered thoroughly. Both are added to a glass of water along with a pinch of salt. This is an excellent home remedy for indigestion. This is found to cure indigestion as well as induce appetite within minutes.

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Ayurveda for Diabetes and Triglycerides

Increasing consumption of sugar in various forms is one reason for increase in triglycerides. Excessive consumption of tea, coffee also increases triglycerides.

The fat (triglycerides) produced by the body from unused calories attach to lipoproteins of the liver and enter into the bloodstream. Thus triglycerides can settle on the walls of the blood vessels and reduce the passage for free flowing of blood into the heart and other vital organs. This can lead to heart attacks. Along with smoking, coffee, alcohol, excessive consumption of sugars can lead to increase in the level of triglycerides.

The great Ayurveda sage Charaka gives following reasons for diabetes and a host of other diseases including elevated levels of triglycerides.

1. Staying in a comfortable physical posture for an extended period of time.
2. Lying in a cushioned bed beyond necessity.
3. Consuming excessively sweetened yoghurt or curd.
4. Consuming chicken, mutton and fish grown in marshy areas.
5. Excessive consumption of sugar and palm candy.

All these lead to increased triglyceride molecules in the body. When the level of sugar in our diet increases, the pancreas is forced to secrete more insulin to process the sugars. The insulin thus released acts on adipose tissues (triglycerides) and these tissues in turn get into the blood stream. The tissues may settle down in aorta thereby thickening the blood vessels. The thickened blood vessels now prevent easy blood flow resulting in heart attacks.

So the most important preventative measure to bring down dangerous levels of triglycerides is to eliminate consumption of sugar and sweet products. For South Indians, consumption of idlis, dosas, puttu, and other dishes made from rice should be reduced to the minimum. This should be substituted with dishes made from whole grains like wheat, barley, oats etc. Diet should include more of fresh vegetables and greens.

How to bring down Triglyceride Levels

Some Ayurvedic herbs, remedies to bring down triglyceride levels include guggul, jambul (Java plum), aavaarai (Cassia auriculata) etc.

One way to reduce or lower the increased levels of triglycerides is given below.

The bark of rose apple or Java plum tree, rose apple seeds or Java plum seeds, turmeric, Indian gooseberries, nannari root, bark of marutham pattai (arjuna terminalea), aavarai (causia auriculata), coriander seeds, all these are collected in equal quantity by weight. They are powdered together and stored in a bottle. Mix 60 gm of this powder in 1 litre water and boil. Reduce it to 250 ml. Half of this kashayam (decoction) is taken morning and evening on empty stomach. This helps lower triglyceride levels to a large extent.

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