A new variety of rice for diabetics

Erode (TN), Feb 4 (ANI): There is a good news for diabetic patients, as they may not have to put their hands-off a pleasing meal of rice.

An Ayurvedic researcher from Narayanvasalam in Tamil Nadu's Erode District claims to have developed a variety of herbal rice with curative properties, particularly for diabetic patients.

After a decade long research, S. Moorthy Satyamraju has developed herbal rice after treating Ponni, a variety of paddy, with a dozen anti-diabetic herbs.

"India tops the rank of diabetic patients with more than 10.2 percent of the total population being affected by diabetes. This menace is particularly higher in southern India since the staple food here is rice. After a research of 10 years, we have developed unique herbal rice. In this, we have mixed 12 different herbs in liquid form. We have tested it on diabetic patients and results are satisfactory. We are now planning to export this rice," said Moorthy.

Physicians advise that diabetic patients to check their intake of carbohydrates. Hence, there is either a restriction or a complete 'no' to food items such as rice and sugar that raise glucose level in blood.

But, the moderate glucose level factor of the herbal rice allows diabetic patients to have as much rice as they desire without worrying about their sugar level.

Reportedly, certified by the National Institute of Ayurvedic Science of Sri Sripadaraja Mutt at Mulubagal in Karnataka's Kolar District, the herbal rice is being lapped up by diabetes patients.

"I am a diabetic for the past 13 years. I consulted many doctors and had many medicines, but my body sugar level was constantly on increase. Then I heard about this rice and started consuming it some three months ago. Now, my sugar level is comfortably stable," said Jayalakshmi, a diabetic patient.

Retaining all nutrients of normal rice, herbal rice is being relished for its delicious and aromatic premium quality even by non-diabetics.

At present, Moorthy is producing and marketing this rice as a cottage industry. He has also applied for export certification.

According to the endocrinologists, people with diabetes are 25 times more prone to develop kidney and heart ailments. Approximately 165 million people across the world are diabetic and a considerable ratio is in India. (ANI)

source... http://www.dailyind ia.com/show/ 110778.php/ A-new-variety- of-rice-for- diabetics

Amla fruit or Goose berry

The Richest Known Source Of Vitamin C That Can Help Fight Cataracts To Cancer
Amlica embillicus is the name of a small leafy tree, which has a lemony smell, and grows in the plains and low mountainous regions of the Indian subcontinent – from Burma to Afghanistan. It contains numerous beneficial ingredients, which are mainly concentrated in the edible, plum-sized fruit it produces.
Amla fruit, often referred to as Indian gooseberry, is one of the richest known sources of vitamin C – it contains 30 times the amount found in oranges – making it useful for treating throat and respiratory tract infections.
It is regarded as sacred by Indian and Tibetan healers who believe it has special anti-ageing and immune enhancing properties. Traditionally, healers have used the dried fruit to help overcome a wide range of problems like indigestion, fever, liver problems and anaemia.
Not only is amla fruit revered by Ayurvedic (ancient Indian) practitioners, extensive research is revealing that it is beneficial in preventing and treating many conditions – including stress, hay fever, arthritis, cataracts, and even cancer.
Amla is proving a useful tool in the fight against cancer
Chinese researchers have discovered that amla fruit is a rich source of therapeutic chemicals, including quercetin (which is also found in apples), gallic and ellagic acids (found in green tea), and other less well-known ones such as chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, corilagin, and isostrictiniin (Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Oct;28(10):940- 3).
All of these chemicals are powerful antioxidants, which help protect you from harmful free radicals that can increase the risk of a wide range of serious diseases including cancer.
This is backed-up by preliminary research findings, which suggest that amla may play an important role in the fight against cancer.
For example, in a study carried out by scientists at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki University, in Japan, amla extracts were found to be able to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in the stomach, skin and womb (Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Feb;27(2):251- 5).

Amla helps counteract the harmful side-effects of anti-cancer drugs
Research is also revealing that amla fruit is effective when used alongside conventional cancer treatments such as the anti-cancer drug Doxorubicin.

This drug is able to kill a large number of cancerous cells, and can save cancer patient’s lives even when the disease has progressed. However, one major drawback associated with the drug’s use is that it can damage the heart muscle.

Recently, Thai scientists from the Department of Pharmacology, Srinakharinwirot University, in Bangkok, tested various plant extracts to determine whether they could prevent Doxorubicin’s detrimental effect on the heart.

As well as amla, other plants involved in the study included curcuma longa (curcumin), piper rostratum and morus alba – all of which are used by Ayurvedic practitioners to help fight against cancer.

The scientists found that all of the plants were successful when it came to protecting the heart from Doxorubicin. However, amla extract demonstrated the best heart-protective benefit and was in fact 12 times stronger than the rest.

This finding is important because it shows that amla may counteract the dangerous side-effects of conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy (Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2005 Jan;96(1):80- 7).

Anti-inflammatory action makes it beneficial against hay fever and arthritis

Amla not only possesses potent antioxidant properties but can also help reduce inflammation. Recently, Indian researchers from the Natural Remedies Research Centre, in Bangalore, found that a herbal remedy containing amla was effective against hay fever – which causes inflammation and irritation of the delicate linings of the nose and eyes.

The preparation, which also included the herbs terminalia chebula, terminalia bellerica, albizia lebbeck, piper nigrum, ginger and piper longum, brought much-needed relief from the symptoms of hay fever including a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes.

The researchers found that this herbal combination was also effective at alleviating joint inflammation caused by arthritis. This result is not surprising, as the inflammatory process involved in hay fever and arthritis is very similar – they both cause an increase in specific inflammatory chemicals like interleukin and TNF (tumour necrosis factor), and amla is known to be able to reduce levels of both these chemicals (Int J Tissue React. 2004;26(1-2) :43-51).

Other beneficial actions linked to amla

• Amla extracts have been found to have a calming, soothing effect, which can help combat stress. Research shows that amla acts as a sedative, relaxing muscles and improving sleep (Achliya GS, Wadodkar SG, Avinash KD. Indian J Exp Biol. 2004 May;42(5):499- 503).

• The fruit extract may also prevent vision loss resulting from diabetes-related cataracts. Scientists from the Biochemistry Division, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, in India, found that amla is able to block a chemical called aldose reductase, which has been heavily implicated in causing cataracts in diabetic patients (Mol Vis. 2004 Mar 12;10:148-54) .

• Several animal studies have shown that amla can help prevent a toxic build-up of heavy metals – caused by frequent exposure to metals like aluminium, lead and nickel. When vitamin C alone was used – equivalent to that found in amla fruit – only partial protection from heavy metals was provided.
However, when the whole amla fruit was used almost complete protection was achieved. This indicates that it is the combined action of the various ingredients found in the fruit that effectively helps shield DNA from heavy metal poisoning (Dhir, H.A. Agarwal; A. Sharma, and G. Talukder. Cancer Letters 59.9 18, 1991; Giri, A.K. Cytologia 51, pp 375-380, 1986).

What to take for best results
The recommended dosage is two amla tablets taken twice a day at mealtimes. There are no known contraindications, but as always you should check with your practitioner before taking it – especially if you are already on any medication.

Hematuria

Presence of blood in the urine is called hematuria. According to
ayurveda it is a form of adhoga rakta pitta. It is commonly caused by stones
or infection in the genitor-urinary tract and some other haemorrhagic
conditions. The patient may pass urine mixed with blood at times he will
micturate blood alone.

Treatment:
gokshura is the drug of choice for this condition. The seed
of this plant is used in the medicine. It is given in the form of a
powder in a dose of one teaspoonful twice a day, mixed with honey. It is
also given in a form of decoction in a dose of 50 ml , two times a day.
Guduchi is popularly used for the treatment of this condition. The
juice of this plant is given to the patient in a dose of 30 ml three times
a day. Both the stem and the leaves are used for the extraction of the
juice. The starch collected from the matured stem of this plant is
called guduchi sattva. This is given to the patient in a dose of one
teaspoonful three times a day with milk or water.

Rules Of Pranayama

Some rules for Pranayam
Select a clean and peaceful place for doing Pranayama. If possible, choose a place near a clean pond or river.
As there is a lot of pollution in the cities, some kind of incense can be lit like Guggulu and purified butter, to create a clean environment at that place, igniting a lamp with purified butter only, can also serve the purpose.
Sit either in any of the Asanas, viz. Padmasana, Sidhasana or Vajrasana, which ever you find convenient. The sheet or cloth (cotton or wool etc.) on which you sit must be a non-conductor of electricity.
Breathe only through the nose, because by doing so the air which you take in, is filtered. During daytime when you are not sitting for the performance of Pranayama make it a habit to do respire only through nose and not through mouth. Nasal respiration keeps the temperature of the Nadis (Vessels) –'Ida',Pingala and 'susmana' even. It also prevents foreign and harmful objects from getting into lungs.
Like ‘Yog’, Pranayama should also be performed four or five hours after taking food. In the morning Pranayama should be done after finishing daily routine acts like cleansing mouth, emptying of bowels etc., it should also be done before Yogsana. In the beginning Pranayama should be done for five or ten minutes gradually the time may be increased up to about 1/2 or 1 hour. Maintain a specific number of repetitions and do not variate. Maintain a specific rhythm. If it is not possible to clean the bowels by morning, at night take some mild laxative like terminalia chebula (Indian Hardaya) or any other mild laxative (a non habit forming medicinal herb having a laxative effect). Kapala-bhati Pranayama, if done regularly for a few days will help in curing constipation.
Keep your mind calm and composed. However, Pranayama can also calm down the disturbed mind and keep one happy.
Methods of Pranayama may be varied according to the seasons and your own physical make up and mental attitude. Keep this in mind and modulate the method accordingly. Some Pranayama increase the body temperature, whereas, some bring it down. Some Pranayama maintain the temperature at the normal level.
If you feel fatigued in the course of doing Pranayama , rest for sometime and then begin deep breathing, which will remove the fatigue.
Pregnant women, hungry persons, persons suffering from fever and those who are lustful having no control on their passions should not do Pranayama . If you are sick, keep in mind the instructions to be followed by sick persons while during Pranayama.
For prolonged exercises of Pranayama, observance of celibacy is necessary. Besides, food should be simple not containing irritating spices. It should be ‘Sattvika’ – (Plain and simple, non-spicy food). Use of cow’s milk, ghee (clarified butter), fruits and green vegetables can be said to be ideal food. Moderation also is a good rule to observe.
Do not strain yourself while doing ‘Kumbhak’ i.e. retaining the breathed air inside or keeping the air out after exhaling (Breathing in is called ‘puraka’, retaining the breathed air in is called ‘Kumbhak’ and exhaling the air is called ‘Recak').
Pranayama does not mean just breathing in, keeping the breathed air in and exhaling it. It also means establishing control on the entire breathing process, and maintaining mental equilibrium, and concentration of mind.
It is beneficial to chant the mantra (a group of words that carry vibrations and energy) Om (the first cosmic soundless sound), aloud and repeat the same several times before doing Pranayama. Even recital of sacred songs in the praise of almighty God or recital of some sacred hymns may be beneficial. This will calm your mind and make you fit for Pranayama, because a peaceful mind is very essential while doing Pranayama . Mental or loud recitation of Gayatri Mantra (considered as one of the greatest mantra, used in meditation and also for chanting) or any other sacred hymn brings spiritual benefits to the Sadhaka.
See that while doing Pranayama , none of your organs such as mouth, eyes, nose, etc. feels any strain and it should be done gradually without any undue stress or strain. All the organs of the body should be kept in normal condition. While doing Pranayama sit in an erect posture. Keep your spine and neck straight. This is essential for reaping the full benefit of Pranayama .
If possible Pranayama should be done after your usual morning functions like cleansing of mouth, evacuation of bowels, bathing etc. However, if it becomes necessary for you to take bath after Pranayama , keep an interval of about 15 to 20 minutes between Pranayama and bathing. For acquiring proficiency in Pranayama do not depend on books or what is done and preached by others. Seek the guidance of an expert and do Pranayama under his direct supervision.
Different treatise advocating or dealing with the subject of Pranayama describe several methods and each of them has its own importance. However, it is not possible for most people to do all these exercises daily. Hence, with the blessings of our teachers and in view of our experience, we have evolved seven methods of Pranayama , which incorporate into themselves, almost all the peculiarities of Pranayama rendering them scientific and useful from a spiritual point of view. All these seven types of Pranayama can be done, as a routine and in a time bound programme of about 20 minutes. The person who does these exercises daily and regularly can attain following benefits which are briefly described as under:
All the three Doshas (Humors) - Vata , pitta and Kapha get adjusted in proper proportion and abnormalities in them are removed.
Digestive system improves and diseases pertaining to digestive organs are cured.
Diseases pertaining to lungs, heart and brain are also cured.
Obesity, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Constipation, Flatulence, Acidity, Respiratory troubles, Allergy, Migraine, High blood pressure, diseases pertaining to kidneys, sexual disorders of males and females etc. are also cured.
Resistance against diseases is stepped up. Immunity develops.
Hereditary diseases like diabetes and heart disease are can be avoided.
Falling of hair or its premature graying, appearance of wrinkles on face or other parts of the body at young age, diminution of eye sight, forgetfulness, etc. are relieved and process of aging is retarded.
Face becomes bright, luminous and calm.
Energy Chakra are cleansed and enables the practitioner to awaken the Kundalini.
Mind becomes stable and tranquil. A sense of contentment and enthusiasm or zeal develops. Conditions like depression are relieved.
Performance of yogic exercises like meditation will be easy.
All the diseases of the physical and etheric bodies will be cured. Freedom from negative and harmful mental conditions like anger, lasciviousness, greed for money, arrogance etc. will be achieved.
All the physical and mental disorders and abnormalities are cured and toxins eradicated from the body.
Freedom from negative thinking is achieved and the mind develops the habit of positive and constructive thinking.

Courtesy : http://www.divyayoga.com