Month: May 2010

Categories
Exercise Yoga

Basic Yoga Pose

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This is a  fundamental pose to get your yoga practice in gear.

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If you’re new to yoga and not limber yet, here’s a safe and simple way to get started. With this pose, you’ll develop flexibility in your hip, thigh and back muscles so you can progress to more advanced poses.

Begin by kneeling on a level, padded surface. Place your left foot flat on the floor, with your knee bent and your toes pointed to the left. Make sure your left heel is directly across from your right inner knee. Rest your left elbow on your left thigh. On an inhale, reach your right arm overhead with your palm facing inward. Exhale and lean your torso toward your left knee. Keep your left shoulder forward. Focus on feeling the stretch along the right side of your body and in your left inner thigh. Hold and breathe in this position for three to six breaths.

When your body feels ready, move deeper into the stretch by placing your left fingertips on the floor in front of your left foot. Do not allow your right hip to move backward. Hold this position for three to six breaths. Switch legs and repeat on the other side.

Source: Los Angeles Times

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Pregnancy & Child birth

Mums Always Think Mother Knows Best

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Mothers-to-be think their own mothers know better than the medical profession when it comes to health advice, researchers say.

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Pregnant women are bombarded with diffenent advices

A University of London team talked to women who gave birth in the 1970s, 1980s and the 2000s.

Modern women were more likely to take a mixture of advice – but were still more likely to follow family wisdom.

One baby charity said family tips were useful, but medical advice should be sought if mothers-to-be had worries.

The researchers talked about pregnancy and childbirth advice to seven women who gave birth in the 1970s and 12 of their daughters who had babies in the 2000s.

They then also analysed interviews on the same topic which had been carried out with 24 women in the 1980s.

The 1970s women were most likely to take advice from family members.

But researchers found that women who had babies between 2000 and 2010 had to evaluate a wide range of information from doctors, midwives, books, magazines and, latterly, the internet – as well as that from their families.

In these women, it tended to be family advice that won out – particularly if a mother-to-be was dealing with a specific symptom.

One woman, Hetty, from the 2000s generation, said she had tried to stop drinking tea because she had read on the internet that caffeine could cause miscarriages in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

But she then added she had taken her grandmother’s advice that tea could help relieve morning sickness.

“She just used to stay in bed and have a cup of tea. And that did help actually.”

‘Strike a balance’
Professor Paula Nicolson from Royal Holloway, University of London, who led the study, said: “When it comes to the crunch – if women feel sick for example – they will take their mother’s or their grandmother’s advice.

“They wouldn’t necessarily recognise how important it was to them, but it would override the science.”

She added: “Taking all the guidelines too seriously leads to anxieties. Lack of self-confidence also can lead to worry about ‘doing the wrong thing’ which is potentially more harmful than taking the odd glass of wine or eating soft cheese.”

Jane Brewin, chief executive of baby charity Tommy’s, said women had to “strike a balance” about what advice they took.

“It’s only natural to want to talk about the significant changes that happen to a woman’s body and how she feels; mums and close friends often have first-hand experience and tips that are helpful.

“However we always stress that if any mum-to-be is worried about anything during their pregnancy they should seek medical advice without delay.”

Source: BBC NEWS:May 14. 2010

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Skin Colour

Indians are very conscious of their skin colour. There is great alarm and anxiety if the skin suddenly develops white patches. About 1 per cent of the population is affected by this condition — called leukoderma (white skin) or vitiligo (“streaked calf” in Greek). The patches usually appear between the ages of 12 and 40. The disease affects people in all socio-economic strata. Michael Jackson was affected by it. Other rich and famous sufferers are Amitabh Bachchan and Gautam Singhania, the chairman and managing director of Raymonds.
……..click to see the picture
The sudden loss of pigmentation causes 25 per cent of these people to become obsessed with their skin colour, depressed or even suicidal. Money does not make the disease disappear; it only makes it possible to consult the world’s best dermatologists.

The de-pigmentation often starts on the hands and feet. In the case of Jackson, it first appeared on his hands. This was the reason behind his signature white glove. In others it may start around orifices like the nose, mouth, eyes, umbilicus, genital areas and rectum. The patches may remain stationary, increase in size or spread over the whole body. They are symmetrical on both sides of the body. Some areas may suddenly re-pigment while the white patches continue to spread.

The loss of colour is due to the mutation of one of the genes on chromosome 17. This is usually inherited. The mutations may remain unexpressed and the person may be normal all through life. However, if a family member is affected, the risk of vitiligo developing eventually in another member is increased five-fold. The same gene is responsible for premature greying. Some members may have patches, others may develop grey hair in their twenties while still others may appear perfectly normal. The gene may start to express itself and cause de-pigmentation as a result of a trigger like a stressful event. It may also be precipitated by an injury or constant friction in shoes or clothing.

The mutated gene triggers an autoimmune disorder and the body forms antibodies against melanocytes (pigment producing cells). The latter are thus destroyed. Vitiligo may be associated with other autoimmune disorders which affect organs such as the thyroid, stomach and adrenal glands. It may form part of the spectrum of systemic lupus (an autoimmune disease that affects all the organs in the body, and is thus difficult to diagnose).

Sometimes a white baby is born to a “normal” family. The entire skin, hair and even the eyes lack pigment. This condition is called albinism and the person is referred to as an albino. It occurs because the melanocytes are unable to produce melanin, the colouring pigment. This is also an inherited condition but since the gene is recessive it does not express itself and manifest itself as a “white baby” unless it is inherited from both parents. A person who carries the gene may look normal and not be aware of it. If he or she incidentally marries another carrier, the child can be albino.

The pigment producing melanocytes may be absent from birth in certain areas. This hereditary condition is called piebaldism. It can occur anywhere, and can result in just a white forelock — like in the case of Indira Gandhi.

Owing to the similarity in symptoms, vitiligo is sometimes confused with piebaldism, albinsim or even leprosy. White scars may give rise to a similar appearance. A diagnosis can be reached by a skin biopsy.

It is better to avoid sunlight when vitiligo first appears. As the skin tans, the areas without melanin become obvious. Use an umbrella or apply SF (sunfilter) 30 sunscreen on the exposed areas.

Small patches can be camouflaged with cosmetics. They can also be treated under supervision by applying steroid creams. Constant use of these creams, however, can damage the skin texture.

Physicians in India and Egypt documented vitiligo as early as 1,500 BC. They treated it by applying and administering extracts of the fruit, seeds and leaves of two plants — Psoralea coryifolia Linnaues and Ammi majus Linnaeus. Even today, isolates of these plants are successfully used topically and orally. Synthetic compounds are also available. They act by increasing sensitivity to light and augmenting pigmentation in the affected areas (photochemotherapy). Treatment usually involves exposure to a measured amount of natural sunlight (PUVASOL) or artificial UV radiation (PUVA) to induce re-pigmentation. Phototherapy (without light-sensitising chemicals) can also be used. Sunburn is a common complication.

Surgical treatment can be tried by using skin grafts from pigmented areas. The success rate varies between 65 and 90 per cent. If the de-pigmented areas are extensive, some patients bleach the remaining dark portions of the skin to achieve a universal white colour.

Source: The Telegraph ( Kolkata, India)

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Herbs & Plants

Betula Alnoides

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Botanical Name : Betula alnoides
Family : Betulaceae
Genus : Betula
Synonyms :         Betula acuminata – Wall.
Other names: Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don,Indian birch, Bhujpatra
Vernacular name:–
English: Indian birch

Habitat : E. Asia – Himalayas to S.W. China..Forests, ravines and streamsides, Himachel Pradesh to S.W. China, 1500 – 2700 metres . Woodland Garden; Canopy; Secondary;


Description:
A decidious Tree growing to 40m at a fast rate.
It is hardy to zone 8. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in September. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind.

click to see the pictures..>…...(01)....(1).....(2)….…(3).…....(4).….

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Studies on the antiinflammatory activity of Betula alnoides bark:-
The antiinflammatory activity of Betula alnoides extract was evaluated in acute and subacute inflammation models. The extract was also evaluated for antiinflammatory activity in sheep RBC induced sensitivity and in membrane stabilization models. Except for the sheep RBC induced sensitivity model, the extract showed significant antiinflammatory activity.

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Inner bark.

Inner bark – can be dried, then ground into a powder and added to flour for use in making bread, cakes etc . Inner bark is generally only seen as a famine food, used when other forms of starch are not available or are in short supply

Medicinal  Actions & Uses:-
Antidote.

The plant has been used as an antidote in the treatment of snake bites. A decoction of the bark is used to treat dislocated bones.

The antiinflammatory activity of Betula alnoides extract was evaluated in acute and subacute inflammation models. The extract was also evaluated for antiinflammatory activity in sheep RBC induced sensitivity and in membrane stabilization models. Except for the sheep RBC induced sensitivity model, the extract showed significant antiinflammatory activity.

Other Uses
Paper; Wood.

The thin layer of outer bark is used as a paper. The juice of the bark is used for decorating wood. Wood – moderately hard, close grained, strong, durable. Used for minor construction.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Betula+alnoides
http://www.heilpflanzen-welt.de/science/2002/12410550.htm
http://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Betula_alnoides
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/99019647/abstract

http://vaniindia.org.whbus12.onlyfordemo.com/herbal/plantdir.asp

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Herbs & Plants

Berchemia Lineata

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Botanical Name : Berchemia lineata
Family : Rhamnaceae
Genus: Berchemia

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Species: B. lineata
Synonyms : Berchemia axilliflora – Cheng.,Berchemia edgeworthii – Lawson.,Berchemia nana – W.W.Smith.,Rhamnus lineatus – L.
Habitat:Range E. Asia – C. and N. China to the Himalayas.It occurs naturally in dry thickets in the rainshadows of the central Asian mountains. B. lineata is found from northern China to Nepal, but is also cultivated in gardens. On rocks and in forests, 2000 – 2700 metres in the Himalayas. Scrub thickets in dry places at elevations of 2400 – 4000 metres in Nepal.Hills, open places, roadsides; low elevations. Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Taiwan [India, Japan, Vietnam].

Description:
A decidious Climber growing to 4m tall. Shrubs, prostrate or procumbent. Branchlets yellow-green, densely pubescent; older branches glabrescent. Stipules remarkable, reddish, lanceolate, 3-5 mm, persistent; petiole 1-3 mm, pubescent; leaf blade abaxially greenish and with minute dark pits, adaxially dark green, broadly elliptic or oblong-ovate, 5-20 × 4-12 mm, papery, both surfaces glabrous, lateral veins 4-6 pairs, base rounded, apex rounded or obtuse, with a mucro 1-2 mm, often slightly emarginate. Flowers white, very small, 4-5 mm in diam., in terminal cymose racemes or in fascicles of few to 10 in leaf axils. Pedicel 2.5-4 mm, glabrous. Calyx tube campanulate; lobes triangular-lanceolate, ca. 1.5 mm. Petals lanceolate, ca. 2.5 mm. Stamens slightly longer than petals, with very thin, flat filaments. Drupe yellowish green when young, dark blue and waxy at maturity, globose to ovoid to ellipsoid, 5-6 mm, to 3 mm in diam., with persistent disk and calyx tube at base; fruiting pedicel 4.5-5 mm, pilose. Fl. Jul-Oct, fr. Nov.
CLICK  & SEE THE PICTURES..
The roots and leaves are used medicinally for relieving coughs and reducing sputum and for treating injuries, trauma, and snakebites.

It is hardy to zone 8. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Cultivation
Requires a good moist well-drained loam, succeeding in full sun if the soil does not dry out otherwise it is best in light shade. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Suitable for growing along fences, against walls with wire supports or for growing through other shrubs. Plants climb by means of twining around supports. Closely related to B. edgeworthii.

Propagation
Seed – sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season’s growth, November to January in a frame. Root cuttings in winter[200]. Layering of young stems in winter

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit.

Fruit. – raw or cooked. Only eat the fruit when it is black ripe. The fruit is not very freely produced in Britain[1]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter.

Medicinal Actions & Uses:-
Antitussive; Febrifuge.

The plant has been used as a febrifuge. The roots and leaves have been used as a medicine to relieve coughs and reduce sputum, to treat injuries, trauma and snakebite.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Berchemia+lineata
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berchemia_lineata
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=620&taxon_id=200013327

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