Month: January 2010

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Herbs & Plants

Siberian Yarrow (Achillea sibirica)

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Botanical Name:Achillea sibirica
Family : Compositae
Synonyms : Achillea alpina – L.,  Achillea mongolica – Fisch
Common name : yarrow
Genus : Achillea
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Species: A. sibirica

Synonyms: A. alpina. L. A. mongolica. Fisch.

Common Name : Siberian Yarrow
Habitat : Achillea sibirica is native to  E. Asia – China, Japan. North-western N. America. It grows on the  meadows, gardens, sandy slopes and dry areas.

Description: –
Achillea sibirica is an herbaceous Perennial plant with alternate, pinnately compound leaves, on green stems. The flowers are white or pink, borne in summer. The plants are hardy in Zones 3-10 in full sun and are often about 2 feet tall. Two varieties with attractive pink flowers that sometimes fade to white are A.s. ‘Stephanie Cohen’ (Z 5-8) and A.s. var.campschatica ‘Love Parade’.
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It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Very different from the common yarrow, Achillea millefolium. The leaves are a nice glossy dark green, long and serrated. Blooms are more compact than the blowy umbels of its cousin, with more distinct daisy flowers. Interestingly, the flowers fade to almost completely white a few weeks after bloom starts.

Cultivation :-
Succeeds in most soils but prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position . Plants succeed in maritime gardens. They live longer when growing in a poor soil. A very ornamental plant. Polymorphic. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Propagation:-
Seed – sow spring or early autumn in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 1 – 3 months. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the divisions can be planted direct into their permanent positions. Basal cuttings of new shoots in spring. Very easy, collect the shoots when they are about 10cm tall, potting them up individually in pots and keeping them in a warm but lightly shaded position. They should root within 3 weeks and will be ready to plant out in the summer.

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves.

Young shoots and leaves – cooked.

Medicinal Actions & Uses
Antibacterial; Antiinflammatory; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Odontalgic; Stomachic; Tonic.

The whole plant is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, odontalgic, stomachic and tonic. A decoction is used in the treatment of abscesses, abdominal cramps, amenorrhoea, bleeding, falls, snakebite and stomach ulcers. A poultice of the chewed root can be applied to gum sores.

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?Achillea+sibirica
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achillea_sibirica
http://www.robsplants.com/plants/AchilSibir.php

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Tics

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Definition:–
Tics are purposeless, rapid and repeated contractions of a group of muscles that result in movement (a motor tic) or the production of a sound (a vocal tic). Sometimes, a tic involves more complex behaviour.

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Motor tics often involve the muscles of the face, head and neck, with movements such as blinking, lip smacking, facial twitching, grimacing and shrugging of the shoulders. Common vocal tics include coughing, grunting or clearing the throat.

The intensity of a tic can vary. Occasionally, tics are forceful, which can be frightening and uncomfortable.

Tics aren’t voluntary movements – in other words, they can’t be consciously controlled – although some people say they feel a strong urge to move, linked to stress. Some people are able to suppress their tics briefly, but this is said to be like holding back a sneeze and tension rises until the tic finally escapes.

Tics are usually divided into several categories, as described below.:-

Transient tic disorders:-
As many as one in ten children will develop a transient or simple tic at some point during their school years. Such tics usually occur in just one muscle group and don’t last more than a few months, although a child may have a series of different transient tics over a period of years.

Transient motor tics may include blinking, squinting, snapping the fingers, jerking the head or wrinkling the nose. Occasionally, transient vocal tics such as gurgling or humming occur. The tic may even involve more bizarre behaviour, such as touching objects or licking.

Transient tics may become more prominent when a child is tired or excited, but they don’t lead to harm and don’t need treatment. They decrease or disappear when the child sleeps.

Chronic tic disorders:-
Not only do chronic tics persist, sometimes for years, but they change little in their character. While they don’t usually need treatment, they can be disruptive, especially if a child realises others think them strange. Occasionally, a person has several tics and is said to have chronic multiple tics.

Tourette syndrome:
Chronic tics are also a feature of Tourette syndrome. This neurological disorder causes multiple motor and vocal tics, which can be quite dramatic and frequently change in nature. Tourette syndrome usually begins in early childhood, varies in intensity and lasts more than a year.

Tourette can be particularly debilitating because the vocal tics can include the uncontrollable use of obscene language (known as coprolalia) and repetition of phrases the person hears others use (called echolalia).

Those with Tourette syndrome often have a variety of psychological problems too, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and self-harm behaviour, although the link isn’t clear.

Like other tics, the exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn’t known, although genetics appear to play a part. It’s likely that a particular gene makes a person more vulnerable than others to environmental factors that also contribute to the condition.

Simple tics:-
Simple motor tics are typically sudden, brief, meaningless movements that usually involve only one group of muscles, such as eye blinking, head jerking or

shoulder shrugging.   Motor tics can be of an endless variety and may include such movements as hand clapping, neck stretching, mouth movements, head, arm or leg jerks, and facial grimacing.

A simple phonic tic can be almost any sound or noise, with common vocal tics being throat clearing, sniffing, or grunting.

Complex tics:-
Complex motor tics are typically more purposeful-appearing and of a longer nature. They may involve a cluster of movements and appear coordinated.Examples of complex motor tics are pulling at clothes, touching people, touching objects, echopraxia and copropraxia.

Complex phonic tics may fall into various series (categories), including echolalia (repeating words just spoken by someone else), palilalia (repeating one’s own previously spoken words), lexilalia (repeating words after reading them) and coprolalia (the spontaneous utterance of socially objectionable or taboo words or phrases). Coprolalia is a highly publicized symptom of Tourette syndrome; however, only about 10% of TS patients exhibit coprolalia.Complex tics are rarely seen in the absence of simple tics. Tics “may be challenging to differentiate from compulsions”, as in the case of klazomania (compulsive shouting).

•Simple motor tics involve a single muscle group.
•Complex motor tics usually involve more than one muscle group.
•Complex vocal tics involve more meaningful speech (such as words) than simple vocal tics.
•Complex motor tics aren’t as rapid as simple motor tics and can even look like the person is performing the tic on purpose.

Shoulder shrugging is one of the most common simple motor tics; others include:
•nose wrinkling
•head twitching
•eye blinking
•lip biting
•facial grimacing
•repetitive or obsessive touching
•kicking
•jumping

Common vocal tics include:–
•coughing
•throat clearing
•grunting
•sniffing
•barkingTransient vs. Chronic Tics

Transient vs. Chronic Tics:-
It’s perfectly normal to worry that a tic may never go away. Fortunately, that’s not usually the case. Most tics are temporary and are known as transient tics. They tend to not last more than 3 months at a time.In rarer instances people have tics that persist for an extended period of time. This is known as chronic tic disorder. These tics last for more than a year. Chronic tics can be either motor or vocal, but not both together.

Dignosis:–
Tics can sometimes be diagnosed at a regular checkup after the doctor asks a bunch of questions. No specific test can diagnose tics, but sometimes doctors will run tests to rule out other conditions that might have symptoms similar to tics.

Tic disorders occur along a spectrum, ranging from mild to more severe, and are classified according to duration and severity (transient tics, chronic tics, or Tourette syndrome). Tourette syndrome is the more severe expression of a spectrum of tic disorders, which are thought to be due to the same genetic vulnerability. Nevertheless, most cases of Tourette syndrome are not severe.    The treatment for the spectrum of tic disorders is similar to the treatment of Tourette syndrome.

Differential diagnosis:
Tourettism refers to the presence of Tourette-like symptoms in the absence of Tourette syndrome as the result of other diseases or conditions—also known as secondary causes. Although tic disorders are commonly considered to be childhood syndromes, tics occasionally develop during adulthood; adult-onset tics often have a secondary cause. Tics that begin after the age of 18 are generally not considered symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome.

Tics must be distinguished from fasciculations. Small twitches of the upper or lower eyelid, for example, are not tics, because they do not involve a whole muscle. They are twitches of a few muscle fibre bundles, which one can feel but barely see

The Embarrassment Factor
Many times, people don’t see themselves having a tic — they’re not walking around with a huge mirror at all times! So it’s only natural that they may think that their tic is the worst tic ever. Of course it isn’t, but it’s still a concern for many people with tics. And these exaggerated thoughts can cause unnecessary feelings of embarrassment or angst, and actually make the tic worse.

The tic might seem to begin either for no appreciable reason, or perhaps be incited by something like an eye irritation which begins a cycle of blinking that doesn’t stop when the irritation is gone. The simple tic usually goes away in six months or so, seemingly sooner if the child is not being reminded of it all the time by his family.

Sometimes the symptoms become more chronic. If the symptoms are limited to muscular movements, the condition is called multiple chronic motor tic disorder. If the child has both vocal and motor symptoms which last more than a year, the term Gilles de la Tourette syndrome or more commonly Tourette syndrome.

Symptoms (motor and vocal tics) in Tourette syndrome can be pretty bizarre. Most extreme and distressing are involuntary cursing (coprolalia) and obscene gestures (copropraxia). Suffice it to say that any involuntary repetitive activities or vocalizations in children between 2 and 14 or so deserve consideration for Tourette syndrome.

A significant percentage of children with Tourette syndrome show signs of attention deficit disorder as well. Because treatment of ADD with stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin¨) may possibly initiate or worsen tics, and perhaps may bring on full-blown Tourette syndrome, any new or worsening tics in a child on ADD medication must be immediately reported to the childs physician.

Long term studies of the natural history of Tourette syndrome show the average age of onset as about five to six years old. Tic severity peaks around 10 years of age, with a range between 8 and 12 years. About one fifth of patients with Tourette syndrome will have such severe problems that school is interfered with or impossible. Almost all patients get better with time, and by age 18, half of affected children are tic-free, and nine of ten have only mild or no tics.

Nobody wants to make tics worse, but is there any way to make them better? While you can’t cure tics, you can take some easy steps to lessen their impact:

•Don’t focus on it. If you know you have a tic, forget about it. Concentrating on it just makes it worse.
•Avoid stress-filled situations as much as you can — stress only makes tics worse. So get your work done early and avoid the stress that comes with procrastination and last-minute studying.
•A tic? What tic? If a friend of yours has a tic, don’t call attention to it. Chances are your friend knows the tic is there. Pointing it out only makes the person think about it more.
•Get enough sleep. Being tired can makes tics worse. So make sure to get a full night’s rest!
•Let it out! Holding back a tic can just turn it into a ticking bomb, waiting to explode. Have you ever felt a cough coming on and tried to avoid it? Didn’t work out so well, did it? Chances are it was much worse. Tics are very similar.
In certain cases, tics are bad enough to interfere with someone’s daily life and medication may be prescribed.

Don’t let a little tic dictate who you are or how you act. Learning to live with and not pay attention to the tic will make you stronger down the road.

Treatment and recovery :-
Psychological support and counselling can be helpful for those with disruptive tics and cognitive behavioural therapy may help some people control their condition.

Medication is the most effective treatment in reducing the tic itself. However, the powerful drugs used (such as haloperidol, pimozide, fluphenazine and clonidine) tend to have unpleasant side-effects. So, while 70 per cent of those with Tourette have tried drugs, for example, many people prefer to manage without medication if possible.

*Don’t panic if your child develops a tic – most are mild and transient
*Most tics don’t interfere with life or school and don’t require treatment
*People taking stimulant drugs (for ADHD, for example) may develop tics but these should cease when the drug is stopped
*Stress can aggravate symptoms or simply make life harder – relaxation and biofeedback techniques may help.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/tics1.shtml
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/brain_nervous/tics.html
http://www.drhull.com/EncyMaster/T/tics.html
Tics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tic

 

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Ataxia

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Definition:
Ataxia (from Greek , meaning “lack of order”) is a neurological sign and symptom consisting of gross lack of coordination of muscle movements. Ataxia is a non-specific clinical manifestation implying dysfunction of parts of the nervous system that coordinate movement, such as the cerebellum. Several possible causes exist for these patterns of neurological dysfunction. The term “dystaxia” is rarely used as a synonym.

A sign of an underlying condition, ataxia can affect your movements, your speech, your eye movements and your ability to swallow.
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Persistent ataxia usually results from damage to your cerebellum — the part of your brain that controls muscle coordination. Many conditions may cause ataxia, including alcohol abuse, stroke, tumor, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. It’s also possible to inherit a defective gene that may cause one of many ataxia variants.

Types of ataxia:-

#Cerebellar ataxia:
The term cerebellar ataxia is employed to indicate ataxia due to dysfunction of the cerebellum. This causes a variety of elementary neurological deficits, such as antagonist hypotonia, asynergy, dysmetria, dyschronometria, and dysdiadochokinesia. How and where these abnormalities manifest depend on which cerebellar structures are lesioned, and whether the lesion is bilateral or unilateral.

*Dysfunction of the vestibulocerebellum impairs balance and control of eye movements. This presents with postural instability, in which the person tends to separate the feet on standing to gain a wider base and avoid oscillations (especially posterior-anterior ones); instability is therefore worsened when standing with the feet together (irrespective of whether the eyes are open or closed: this is a negative Romberg’s test, or more accurately, denotes the inability to carry out the test as the individual is unstable even with open eyes).

*Dysfunction of the spinocerebellum presents with a wide-based “drunken sailor” gait, characterised by uncertain start and stop, lateral deviations, and unequal steps. This part of the cerebellum regulates body and limb movements.

*Dysfunction of the cerebrocerebellum presents with disturbances in carrying out voluntary, planned movements, including intention tremor (coarse trembling, accentuated over the execution of voluntary movements, possibly involving the head and eyes as well as the limbs and torso), peculiar writing abnormalities (large, unequal letters, irregular underlining), and a peculiar pattern of dysarthria (slurred speech, sometimes characterised by explosive variations in voice intensity despite a regular rhythm).

#Sensory ataxia:
The term sensory ataxia is employed to indicate ataxia due to loss of proprioception (sensitivity to joint and body part position), which generally depends on dysfunction of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, since they carry proprioceptive information up to the brain; in some cases, the cause may instead be dysfunction of the various brain parts that receive that information, including the cerebellum, thalamus, and parietal lobes. Sensory ataxia presents with an unsteady “stomping” gait with heavy heel strikes, as well as postural instability that is characteristically worsened when the lack of proprioceptive input cannot be compensated by visual input, such as in poorly lit environments. Doctors can evidence this during physical examination by having the patient stand with his / her feet together and eyes shut, which will cause the patient’s instability to markedly worsen, producing wide oscillations and possibly a fall (this is called a positive Romberg’s test). Worsening of the finger-pointing test with the eyes closed is another feature of sensory ataxia. Also, when the patient is standing with arms and hands extended toward the examiner, if the eyes are closed, the patient’s finger will tend to “fall down” and be restored to the horizontal extended position by sudden extensor contractions (“ataxic hand”).

#Vestibular ataxia:
The term vestibular ataxia is employed to indicate ataxia due to dysfunction of the vestibular system, which in acute and unilateral cases is associated with prominent vertigo, nausea and vomiting. In slow-onset, chronic bilateral cases of vestibular dysfunction, these characteristic manifestations may be absent, and dysequilibrium may be the sole presentation.

Symptoms:-
Symptoms may vary depending on the severity and type of ataxia, of which there are many. If the ataxia is caused by an injury or another health condition, symptoms may emerge at any age, and may well improve and eventually disappear.

Initial ataxia symptoms usually include:
*Poor limb coordination.
*Dysarthria – slurred and slow speech that is difficult to produce. The patient may also have difficulties controlling volume, rhythm, and pitch.

If the ataxia advances other symptoms may also appear:
*Swallowing difficulties, which may sometimes result in choking or coughing.
*Facial expressions become less apparent.
*Tremors – parts of the body may shake or tremble unintentionally.
*Nystagmus – involuntary rapid rhythmic repetitious eye movement. Movements may be vertical, horizontal, or circular.
*Pes cavus – a foot with too high an arch.
*Cold feet – because of a lack of muscle activity.
*Problems with balance.
*Walking difficulties – in severe cases the patient may need a wheelchair.
*Vision problems.
*Hearing problems.
*Depression – as a result of having to live and cope with the symptoms.

Cerebellar ataxias:
Cerebellar ataxia early onset usually emerges between the ages of 4 and 26. Late onset ataxia generally appears after the patient is 20 years old. Late-onset ataxias usually present less severe symptoms, compared to early-onset ataxia.

Ataxia telangiectasia symptoms generally include:
*Small veins appear around the corner of the eyes, cheeks and ears.
*Physical and sexual development is usually delayed.

Friedreich’s ataxia symptoms generally include:
*The spine curves sideways (scoliosis).
*The heart muscle becomes weaker (cardiomyopathy).
*Diabetes.

For patients whose symptoms are caused by injury or illness, symptoms often improve over time, and eventually go away completely.

When to see a doctor:-
If you aren’t aware of having a condition that causes ataxia, such as multiple sclerosis, see your doctor if you:

*Lose balance
*Lose muscle coordination in a hand, arm or leg
*Have difficulty walking
*Slur your speech
*Have difficulty swallowing

Causes:-
The three types of ataxia have overlapping causes, and can therefore either coexist or occur in isolation.

Focal lesions
Any type of focal lesion of the central nervous system (such as stroke, brain tumour, multiple sclerosis) will cause the type of ataxia corresponding to the site of the lesion: cerebellar if in the cerebellum, sensory if in the dorsal spinal cord (and rarely in the thalamus or parietal lobe), vestibular if in the vestibular system (including the vestibular areas of the cerebral cortex).

Exogenous substances
Exogenous substances that cause ataxia mainly do so because they have a depressant effect on central nervous system function. The most common example is ethanol, which is capable of causing reversible cerebellar and vestibular ataxia. Other examples include various prescription drugs (e.g. most antiepileptic drugs have cerebellar ataxia as a possible adverse effect), marijuana ingestion[2] and various other recreational drugs (e.g. ketamine, PCP or dextromethorphan, all of which are NMDA receptor antagonists that produce a dissociative state at high doses).

Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause, among several neurological abnormalities, overlapping cerebellar and sensory ataxia.

Causes of isolated sensory ataxia
Peripheral neuropathies may cause generalised or localised sensory ataxia (e.g. a limb only) depending on the extent of the neuropathic involvement. Spinal disorders of various types may cause sensory ataxia from the lesioned level below, when they involve the dorsal columns.

Non-hereditary cerebellar degeneration
Non-hereditary causes of cerebellar degeneration include chronic ethanol abuse, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, high altitude cerebral oedema, coeliac disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus and cerebellitis.

Hereditary ataxias
Ataxia may depend on hereditary disorders consisting of degeneration of the cerebellum and/or of the spine; most cases feature both to some extent, and therefore present with overlapping cerebellar and sensory ataxia, even though one is often more evident than the other. Hereditary disorders causing ataxia include autosomal dominant ones such as spinocerebellar ataxia, episodic ataxia, and dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy, as well as autosomal recessive disorders such as Friedreich’s ataxia (sensory and cerebellar, with the former predominating) and Niemann Pick disease, ataxia-telangiectasia (sensory and cerebellar, with the latter predominating), and abetalipoproteinaemia. An example of X-linked ataxic condition is the rare fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome.

GeneReview/NIH/UW entry on Hereditary Ataxia Overview

Arnold-Chiari Malformation
Arnold-Chiari malformation is a malformation of the brain. It consists of a downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils and the medulla through the foramen magnum, sometimes causing hydrocephalus as a result of obstruction of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) outflow.

Diagnosis:-
Besides conducting a physical exam and a neurological exam, including checking your memory and concentration, vision, hearing, balance, coordination and reflexes, your doctor may request these laboratory tests:

#Blood tests. Certain blood tests can confirm or exclude the suspected condition. A sample of your blood will be drawn from your arm through a needle. You may be required to fast from midnight the night before your appointment until after your blood is drawn. The specific tests will depend on the suspected cause, but most likely will include a complete blood count (CBC), which helps evaluate your overall health and detect a range of disorders, including infection and heavy metal poisoning.

#Urine tests. Examining a sample of your urine under a microscope (urinalysis) may suggest certain systemic abnormalities that can be related to some forms of ataxia. If your doctor suspects Wilson’s disease, you may be asked for a 24-hour urine collection to help determine the amount of copper in your system.

#Imaging studies. A computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of your brain may help determine potential causes.

#Genetic testing. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing to determine whether you or your child has the gene mutation that causes one of the hereditary ataxic conditions. Gene tests are available for many but not all of the hereditary ataxias.

Treatments:-
There’s no treatment specifically for ataxia and it is not curable  but a great deal can be done to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life of the patient. Treatment for coordination and balance problems usually involves the use of adaptive devices which help the patient attain as much independence as possible. These may include the use of a cane (walking stick), crutches, walker or a wheelchair. Symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, spasticity, sleep disorders, muscle weakness, depression (or frustration, sadness and anger) may be addressed with targeted physical therapy, speech therapy, medications and counseling.

Occupational therapy – the occupational therapist can help the patient manage better around the house and work. This may involve some home adaptations, wheelchair assessments, and making the kitchen more practical for the patient.

#Speech therapy – the speech therapist can help with swallowing, coughing, choking and speech problems. If speech becomes very difficult the speech therapist can help the patient learn how to use speech aids.

#Orthopedic care – this can help patients with curvature of the spine (scoliosis).

Physical therapy (physiotherapy) – a physical therapist (physiotherapist) can help maintain strength and improve mobility.

#Physical therapy to help you build strength and enhance your mobility
#Occupational therapy to help you with daily living tasks, such as feeding yourself
#Speech therapy to improve speech and aid swallowing

*Counseling – patients with ataxia commonly become frustrated and depressed; this usually results from having to cope with some symptoms which affect physical mobility and coordination. Talking to a well qualified counselor, such as a psychotherapist can help.

*Supplements and nutrition – some patients with ataxia have very low levels of vitamin E and require supplements and/or a special diet. As sensitivity to gluten is more common among ataxia patients, a gluten-free diet also helps.

*Medication – some patients with ataxia telangiectasia are prescribed gamma-globulin injections to boost their immune systems. There are also drugs for muscle spasms and uncontrollable eye movements.

Coping and support:-
The challenges you face when living with ataxia, such as loss of independence, or having a child with the condition, may make you feel alone or lead to depression and anxiety. Talking to a counselor or therapist may lessen your sense of isolation and help you cope. Or you may find encouragement and understanding in a support group, either for ataxia or for your underlying condition, such as cancer or multiple sclerosis.

Although support groups aren’t for everyone, they can be good sources of information. Group members often know about the latest treatments and tend to share their own experiences. If you’re interested, your doctor may be able to recommend a group in your area.

Other uses of the term:-
The term “ataxia” is sometimes used in a broader sense to indicate lack of coordination in some physiological process. Examples include optic ataxia (lack of coordination between visual inputs and hand movements, resulting in inability to reach and grab objects, usually part of Balint’s syndrome, but can be seen in isolation with injuries to the superior parietal lobule, as it represents a disconnection between visual-association cortex and the frontal premotor and motor cortex), and ataxic respiration (lack of coordination in respiratory movements, usually due to dysfunction of the respiratory centres in the medulla oblongata).

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Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ataxia/DS00910
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ataxia
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162368.php

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Herbs & Plants

Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum – Lam.)

Botanical Name: Acer spicatum – Lam.
Family : Aceraceae/Sapindaceae

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Genus: Acer
Species: A. spicatum
COMMON NAMES : mountain maple, low maple, moose maple, water maple, moosewood, plaine batarde, erable ,fouereux

Habitat:
North-eastern N. America – Saskatchewan to Labrador, south to Wisconsin and Georgia.The tree lives in moist woods in rich, well-drained soils on rocky hillsides and along streams. It also grows on ravines, cliff faces, and forested bogs. During ecological succession, it colonizes the understory as pioneer species die.  Deep rich moist soils in cool habitats such as the edges of mountain streams, ravines or woodlands.Woodland Garden; Canopy; Secondary;

Description:
It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 3-8 m tall, forming a spreading crown with a short trunk and slender branches. The leaves are opposite and simple, 6-10 cm long and wide, with 3 or 5 shallow broad lobes. They are coarsely and irregularly toothed with a light green hairless surface and a finely hairy underside. The leaves turn brilliant yellow to red in autumn, and are on slender stalks usually longer than the blade. The bark is thin, dull gray-brown, and smooth at first but becoming slightly scaly. The fruit is a paired reddish samara, 2-3 cm long, maturing in late summer to early autumn.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES
It is hardy to zone 2. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Cultivation :
Of easy cultivation, it prefers a sunny position and a good moist well-drained soil but succeeds on most soils, especially those on the acid side, and dislikes alkaline soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are hardy to about -35°c when fully dormant. The lower branches of trees often self-layer, the trees then forming an impenetrable thicket. Most maples are bad companion plants, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it usually germinates in the following spring. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours and then stratify for 2 – 4 months at 1 – 8°c. It can be slow to germinate. The seed can be harvested ‘green’ (when it has fully developed but before it has dried and produced any germination inhibitors) and sown immediately. It should germinate in late winter. If the seed is harvested too soon it will produce very weak plants or no plants at all. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until they are 20cm or more tall before planting them out in their permanent positions. Layering, which takes about 12 months, is successful with most species in this genus. Plants often self-layer in the wild. Cuttings of young shoots in June or July. The cuttings should have 2 – 3 pairs of leaves, plus one pair of buds at the base. Remove a very thin slice of bark at the base of the cutting, rooting is improved if a rooting hormone is used. The rooted cuttings must show new growth during the summer before being potted up otherwise they are unlikely to survive the winter. Strong plants are usually produced by this method.

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Sap.
Edible Uses: Sweetener.
A sugar is obtained from the sap. The sap can be used as a drink or boiled down to make maple syrup. The syrup is used as a sweetener on many foods. The sap can be harvested in late winter, the flow is best on a warm sunny day after a frost. Trees on southern slopes in sandy soils give the best yields. The best sap production comes from cold-winter areas with continental climates.

Medicinal Action & Uses :
Astringent; Ophthalmic; Poultice.
The North American Indians made an infusion of the pith of young twigs and used this as eye drops to soothe irritation caused by campfire smoke. The pith itself was used to remove foreign matter from the eyes. An infusion or poultice made from the outer bark has been used to treat sore eyes. A poultice made from boiled root chips has been applied externally to wounds and abscesses. A compound infusion of the roots and bark is used to treat internal haemorrhage.

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.

Other Uses
Preservative; Soil stabilization; Tannin.
The leaves are packed around apples, rootcrops etc to help preserve them. The bark contains tannins, but the report does not say in what quantity. The trees have an extensive root system that can be used to bind the soil. They are often grown on banks in order to prevent soil erosion. The wood is close-grained, soft and light, weighing 33lb per cubic foot.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Acer+spicatum
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACSP2&photoID=acsp2_002_ahp.tif
http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/acespi/all.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_spicatum

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Herbs & Plants

Indian Belladonna(Atropa acuminata)

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Botanical Name: Atropa acuminata
Family : Solanaceae
Sub Family: Solanoideae
Species: A. belladonna
Order: Solanales
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Genus : Atropa

Common Names:-angurhafa, sagangur,DHATOORO ,Tollkirsche, Schafsbinde,

Schwindelkirsche, Teufelsbinde, Teufelskirsche, Waldnachtschatten, Wutbeere...etc

.
Habitat : E. Asia – Himalayas from Kashmir to Baluchistan.  Found at elevations between 1800 and 3600 metres.

Description:
Perennial growing to 0.9m by 0.75m.
It is hardy to zone 0. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.It is a  perpetual herb with 50to 100 centimeter height.

click to see the pictures…>.…(01)...(1)....…(2).…..….(3).…………………………
LEAVES:-leaves re mostly brownish green in colour ith 5-15 cm long.

FLOWERS:-flowers in pairs about 3 cm long yellowish brown in colour..

Cultivation :
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained moisture retentive soil in sun or partial shade. Prefers a calcareous soil. When grown as a medicinal plant, the highest levels of the medically active alkaloids are obtained from plants growing on a light, permeable chalky soil, especially when on a south-west facing slope[4]. The highest concentrations are also formed when the plant is growing in a sunny position and in hot summers. Plants tend to be short-lived.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Germination of stored seed is slow and erratic, usually taking 1 – 6 months at 10°c. 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 softwood terminal shoots in spring. Root cuttings in winter

Medicinal Uses:

Anodyne; Diuretic; Mydriatic; Narcotic; Sedative.

Indian belladonna has very similar uses to the related deadly nightshade (A. bella-donna). The roots and leaves are used in India as anodyne, diuretic, mydriatic, narcotic and sedative. The following uses for deadly nightshade are also probably applicable for this species[K]:- Although it is poisonous, deadly nightshade has a long history of medicinal use and has a wide range of applications, in particular it is used to dilate the pupils in eye operations, to relieve intestinal colic and to treat peptic ulcers. The plant can be used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, reducing tremors and rigidity whilst improving speech and mobility. It has also been used as an antidote in cases of mushroom or toadstool poisoning. This is a very poisonous plant, it should be used with extreme caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. See also the notes above on toxicity. All parts of the plant are analgesic, antidote, antispasmodic, diuretic, hallucinogenic, mydriatic, narcotic and sedative. The root is the most active part of the plant, it is harvested in the autumn and can be 1 – 3 years old, though the older roots are very large and difficult to dig up. The leaves are harvested in late spring and dried for later use. All parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids. The leaves contain on average 0.4% active alkaloids, whilst the root contains around 0.6%. The alkaloid content also varies according to the development of the plant, being low when the plant is flowering and very high when bearing green berries. These alkaloids inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system which controls involuntary body activties. This reduces saliva, gastric, intestinal and bronchial secretions, as well as the activity of the urinary tubules, bladder and intestines. An extract of the plant has been used as eyedrops. It has the effect of dilating the pupils thus making it easier to perform eye operations. In the past women used to put the drops in their eyes in order to make them look larger and thus ‘more beautiful. The entire plant, harvested when coming into flower, is used to make a homeopathic remedy. This is used especially in cases where there is localised and painful inflammation that radiates heat. It is also used to treat sunstroke and painful menstruation.

The drug obtained by this plant through their young leaves and flowers.drugs which obtained by the leaves bring about a decrease in emission of sweats and gastric glands..mostly its known as belladona.

it acts as strong drug which used to relieve Acute abdominal pain and other irregular indication ..
it is also useful in contending cough. Because of toxic substances in roots they are working mostly in research for outer application on irritation.

Known Hazards: The whole plant, and especially the root, is very poisonous. Even handling the plant has been known to cause problems if the person has cuts or grazes on the hand. The plant is particularly dangerous for children since the fruit looks attractive and has a sweet taste. The toxins are concentrated in the ripe fruit.

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?Atropa+acuminata
http://green-source.blogspot.com/2008/07/atropa-acuminata-dhatooro.html

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