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Herbs & Plants

Astrangulas

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Astragalus membranaceusImage via Wikipedia

Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Family: Leguminosae (legume) – Fabaceae (pea)

Other common names: , Milk Vetch Root, Huang Qi, Chinese Astragalus

Common names: Astragalus, Chinese Astragalus, Chinese Milkvetch, Huang Qi, Huang Qui, Huang-qi, Membranous Milk Vetch, Milk Vetch Root,

Plant Description: The Astragalus plant is native to the northern and eastern regions of China. It generally grows to a height of 16-18 inches and its leaves can be found in pairs. One plant may have as many as 20 leaflet pairs. Only the dried root of this plant is used in medicinal applications. The plant should be four years or older before harvesting.

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Medicinal Properties & Uses: Astragalus has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years for increasing endurance and lowering blood pressure. Clinically, it has been used for gas and bloating. In addition, it has proven effective in the reduction of night sweats, allergies, fatigue, anemia, ulcers and uterine bleeding.

Promote resistance to infection, and hopefully reduce the number of colds and flu with Astragalus Root. Oriental herbalists have used it for centuries to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, treat coronary heart problems and lower blood pressure. Many people also use it as an overall good-health tonic to support healthy digestion and to help increase energy levels and stamina.

Astragalus is a genus which contains a great number of different species of about 2000, which involves the herbs, and also the small shrubs corresponding to the legumes family of Fabaceae. It originates from the Northern Hemispherical temperate regions and includes the common names such as the milk-vetch and the goat’s thorn. Astragalus is used as a food plant by some of the insect larvae of the Lepidoptera specie.

Astragalus has significant impact on the medical cures as it is used as a special medicine called the yellow leader which is a tonic herb and falls under the category of Chinese medicine.

This medicine is now being proved to have the ability of improving the immune system of the human body. One of the products used for this purpose is the natural gum of the Astragalus, which not only strengthens the immune system but also increases the body’s resistance to some viruses.

Astragalus is also popularly used in the western herbal medicinal uses. It is used primarily for the enhancement of the metabolism and the digestion with the tonics made from the Astragalus herbs, which is then consumed in the form of a tea made form the plant roots. Astragalus is also used for healing the wounds and the injuries.

The Astragalus herb is also used for ornamental purposes like for example several species of the plant such as the alpinus which has bluish purple flowers and the hypoglottis with purple flowers. They are very well known for their ornamental uses.

Astragalus membranaceus root is the chief energy tonic of traditional Asian medicine. It is a graceful, flowing plant with long stems bearing paired, pointed leaves and purple flowers, the astragalus is harvested for its roots that are white when dug out of the ground but become yellow as they are dried.

The dried Astragalus root is taken in the form of tea, encapsulated or as an extract
Dosage: 20-60 drops in water or juice, 2-3 times daily. Shake well before using.

Cautions & Interactions:
Keep out of reach of children.

Resources:
http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/astragalus-root.cfm
http://www.herbsguide.org/astragalus.html
http://www.altcancer.com/phyto/astragalus.htm
http://www.herbalfire.com/astragalus-membranaceus-astragalus-root-p-161.html

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.

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Herbs & Plants

Nageshar or Nagchampa (Messua Ferra)

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Botanical Name:Mesua Ferrea
Family : Guttiferae
Indian Name :Mesua nagesarium /Nag champa or Nageshar

Vernacular Name:: Sans: Nagakeshara; Eng : Iron-wood.Hind : Naageswar;
Parts Used :Bark, Leaf, Flower

Description:.

Mesua nagesarium is a moderate to large sized evergreen tree with 40-60 feet height. Leaves red when young, lanceolate, covered with waxy bloom underneath. Flowers white and fragrant. Found all over the country.

click  to see. the pictures

Medicinal uses: Flowers, seeds and leaves are used as medicine. Flowers are used as astringent, coughs and bowel complaints. Bark extracts also used to cure astringent. Seeds oil is used as eczema and rheumatism.
Useful in the treatment of Asthma, Skin, Burning, Vomiting, Dysentry and Piles.
Various parts of these plants mainly including flowers, fruits are commonly used in the treatment of rheumatism, skin diseases, dysentery and bleeding piles. For bleeding piles, powder of Nagkeshar (Messua ferra) and Lodhra (Symplocos recemosa) should be taken in the dose of 2 gms thrice daily.

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.
Cultivation method: Its fruits normally ripe on October- November. Squeezed out of seeds from ripe fruits and dried it in sunlight for storing. It is possible to store of this seeds for a long time. February to March is better time for seed sowing. Germination commences within 3-4 weeks. One-two year’s old seedlings are used for transplantation in field.

Medicinal recipe:Asthma, Skin, Burning, Vomiting, Dysentry, Piles.

Nagkesar is a local name of Mesua ferrea. It is well known herb in Chhattisgarh particularly in the regions at Orissa state border. The traditional healers and senior natives of Chhattisgarh are well aware of its medicinal properties and uses. They use it alone and in combination with other herbs in treatment of many common troubles, but the traditional healers of the state are not much aware of Herbal dish Nagkesar Ke Murabba. According to the traditional healers of Bagbahera region, this dish was in use in early days and was very popular among the traditional healers. The healers were recommending this preparation as cardio-tonic. During the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I asked the healers about this dish but no one came forward with any information. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region are aware of its method of preparation but they have no reason explaining why this dish is not popular in present time?


Material Required
: Nagkesar fruits and Sugar.

Method of Preparation : The fruits are boiled in water. Separately, sugar is boiled in water to prepare the Chashni (Syrup). The boiled fruits are added in Chashni and the combination is kept under moonlight for one month. Once prepared in bulk, it can be used round the year.
Click for more knowledge about the plant

As per Ayurveda:It is mild ushna, laghu, tikta; subdues deranged kapha; cures diseases of urinary bladder and those caused by deranged vata; beneficial in sore throat and headache.

Parts Used: Fruits, seeds, flowers, leaves and bark.

Therapeutic Uses:

Fruits: astringent, useful in gastric troubles; seeds: oil in rheumatism and cutaneous affections;

Flowers: astringent, stomachic and expectorant; powder mixed with ghee (butter fat) applied externally in bleeding piles;
The flowers are astringent and stomachic

Buds useful in dysentery; leaves: as poultice applied on forehead in severe colds;

Bark: astringent, Sweetish, carminative, binding, cardiotonic; good in asthma answeats; cures ulcers and piles , hot ,dry, easy to digest, digestive, good for fevers, sweats, biliousness, foul breath, scabies, skin eruptions, itching, small tumours, headache, blood and heart troubles, sore throat, cough, hiccough, vomiting, thirst, dysentery, and bleeding piles

Bark is mildly astringent and feebly aromatic. Combined with ginger it is given as a sudorifie,
.In many localities they are used for cough, especially when attended with much expectoration.
A paste made of the flowers with butter and sugar is used in bleeding piles and burning of the feel.

Resources:

http://www.allayurveda.com/topic_month_february2004.htm
http://www.orissafdc.com/products_medicinal_plants.php
http://www.mapbd.com/Mpdes.htm#nageshwar

http://www.ayurvedakalamandiram.com/herbs.htm#madayantika

 

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Herbs & Plants

Chervil

Chervil
Image via Wikipedia

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Botanical Name :Anthriscus cerfolium
Family:    Apiaceae
Genus:    Anthriscus
Species:A. cerefolium
Kingdom:Plantae
Order:    Apiales

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium), sometimes called garden chervil, is a delicate annual herb, usually used to season mild-flavoured foods such as poultry, some seafoods, and young vegetables. It is a constituent of the French herb mixture fines herbes. Some cooks refer to chervil as “gourmet’s parsley.”

Classification: Chervil is a member of the parsley or carrot family, Apiaceae.

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

Plant Description:
Chervil is a member of the Carrot family and its leaves highly resemble carrot tops. The young green leaves, which smell similar to Anise, are collected before they lose their pungency and often preserved in vinegar.

Chervil is a warm herb. Its taste and fragrance fill the senses the way warmth does, slowly, subtly. You notice chervil in the background, and you are glad to find it there because its flavour and fragrance are themselves warm and cheering.

There are two main varieties of chervil, one plain and one curly. Hardy annuals, they have a fernlike leaf structure as delicate and dainty as their flavor is subtle. The stems are branched and finely grooved, and the root is thin and white.
Flowers. Small, white, in compound umbels.
Leaves. Opposite, light green, compound, leaflets subdivided into opposite deeply cut leaflets. Only lower leaves have stalks.
Height: 2 ft.

Cultivation:
Chervil goes to seed quickly in the heat, and in fact, unlike most other culinary herbs, prefers a cool, moist and shaded location. To promote growth and a longer season, pinch off the tops. Successive plantings will help to give you a longer harvest. Chervil also has a very long tap root, and does not like to be transplanted so be sure to sow the seeds in the desired location. Chervil is one of those herbs that does well growing in containers. As the plant matures, the leaves tend to turn a purple, bronze color. At this stage they also lose the pungency of their taste, so use only the young green leaves.

Culinary Uses:

That subtle, tender flavor-part anise, part parsley-that you’ve been trying to identify in the fish sauce, will almost certainly turn out to be chervil, the most retiring of the sister spices that make up the fines herbes of French cuisine, but one that’s good company and not to be overlooked.

.Subtlety is key when using chervil in cooking. Although chervil will never dominate a dish, many cooks use it to enhance the flavours of other herbs accompanying it in recipes. Chervil is an important inclusion in the traditional French fines herbes blend of tarragon, parsley, chives and chervil. Chervil complements scrambled eggs and omelets, cream cheese and herb sandwiches, salads and even mashed potatoes.

Chervil is one of the staples of classic French cooking. Along with chives, tarragon and parsley, it is used as an aromatic seasoning blend called “Fines Herbes.” Most frequently it is used to flavor eggs, fish, chicken and light sauces and dressings. It also combines well with mild cheeses and is a tasty addition to herb butters. This blend is the basis for ravigote sauce, a warm herbed veloute served over fish or poultry. When a recipe calls for “Pluches de cerfeuille” — it is leaves of chervil that are required. Chervil is what gives Bernaise its distinctive taste. Chervil, being a spring time herb, has a natural affinity for other spring time foods: salmon, trout, young asparagus, new potatoes, baby green beans and carrots, salads of spring greens. Chervil’s flavour is lost very easily, either by drying the herb, or too much heat. That is why it should be added at the end of cooking or sprinkled on in its fresh, raw state. One way to keep chervil’s flavor is to preserve it in white wine vinegar. Because its flavor is so potent, little else is needed as flavoring when added to foods. This makes it a low calorie way to add interest to meals. Chervil’s delicate leaves make it an attractive herb to

Medicinal Properties:
Chervil had various traditional uses. Pregnant women bathed in an infusion of it; a lotion of it was used as a skin cleanser; and it was used medicinally as a blood purifier.
In various folk medicines, Chervil was used as an eyewash to refresh the eyes. Chervil was also made into a tea and ingested to reduce blood pressure. The active constituents of Chervil include its volatile oil, which has a smell similar to Myrrh. Chervil is also a rich source of bioflavonoids, which aid the body in many ways, including Vitamin C absorption.

As with most herbs, chervil is an aid for digestion. When brewed as a tea it can be used as a soothing eye wash. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 Tbs. fresh chopped chervil and let this steep for 20 minutes. Be sure to cover this to keep in all the volatile oils. When cool, moisten a cotton ball with some of the mixture and place over closed eyes for 10 minutes. Definitely refreshing.

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

Resource:en.wikipedia.org and www.theepicentre.com

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Herbs & Plants

Chirayta(Swertia chirayita .)

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Botanical Name:  Swertia chirata
Family:    Gentianaceae
Genus:    Swertia
Kingdom:    Plantae
Order:    Gentianales
Synonyms:Chirata. Indian Gentian. Indian Balmony.

Habitat :This plant grows in Northern India, Nepal.

Parts Used: Whole plant

Other Names:Chirayata, Kirata-tikta, Kiryat-charayatahBhunimba, Bhuchiretta, Charayatah, Chiraita, Indian Gentian, Jwaran- thakah, Kirata, kiraita, Kiriath, Kiriyattu, Kiryat-charayatah, Mahatita, Nila-vemu, Nila-vembu, Qasabuz-Zarirah

Habitat: Occur in hilly regions of India. Cultivation recommended in higher regions in the Himalayas, in Kashmir,Himachal Pradesh,Punjab,UP & Assam.
Harvesting time :  Flowering    Fruiting

Description: An annual herb upto about 1.5 m high, leaves in opposite pairs, flowers pale black, tinged with purp.Other Species—In Indian bazaars where Chiretta is much more used than in England, the name Chirata is given to manykinds of Gentian-like plants. The one that is most in use among them is Ophelia augustifolia, the hill Chirata. It can easily be recognized by the stem being hollow, without pith and lower part of stem square. Another adulterant is Andrographis paniculata, also a native of India, one of the Acanthaceae; this in the dried state looks more like a bundle of broomtops, but is used a great deal in India as it has two valuable bitter tonic principles, Andrographolide and Halmeghin.

This herb is indigenous to temperate Himalayas at altitudes above 4000 feet from Kashmir, Nepal and Bhutan. It is sometimes found in other parts or India. Tinnevelly ‘nilavembu’ is the best form of the herb.

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

When the flowering is well advanced the entire plant is collected, dried, and packed into bundles, which are sometimes compressed before exportation. The drug consists chiefly of the stem, which is of a dark purplish-brown colour, quite glabrous, and contains a large continuous pith. In the upper part it branches freely, bearing numerous fruits and flowers, together with a few opposite leaves with prominent curving lateral veins. The fruits are bicarpellary but unilocular, and contain numerous minute brownish seeds. The root is short, stout, and oblique. All parts of the herb have an intensely bitter taste. Various other species of Swertia (e.g., S. angustifolia, Buch.-Ham. S. alata, Royle ; S. trichotoma, Wall. have been found mixed with or substituted for chiretta. From these the genuine drug may be distinguished by its dark colour, intensely bitter taste, and continuous pith. Andrographis Paniculata, Nees , which has been offered as chiretta, has dark green stems with numerous slender erect opposite branches, few lanceolate green leaves, and a fibrous root. The roots of Rubia cordifolia, Linn. are also occasionally mixed with chiretta; they are readily distinguished by their purple colour.

Constituents.  The plant contains the two bitter principles, ophelic acid and chiratin. The latter occurs in the larger proportion, and yields, by boiling with hydrochloric acid, chiratogenin and ophelic acid, but no sugar. Neither ophelic acid nor chiratin has been obtained in crystals.

Other constituents are:

*resins
*gum
*carbonates and phosphates of potash
*lime and magnesia
*ash 4 to 6 p.c.

It contain no tannin.

Medical Uses:Bitter tonic, stomachic, febrifuge and anthelmintic, appetizer, laxative,
alterative, antidiarrhoeic and antiperiodic.

Whole plant-its used in fever (malarial), diarrhea and weakness

It is an excellent medicine for strengthening the stomach and promoting its action thus used in treating stomach disorders like dyspepsia and diarrhoea. its anthelmintic properties help in destroying intestinal worms. An infusion of the herb is taken for this purpose. The root of the plant is useful in curing hiccups and vomiting. The herb can also be used for range of other diseases and conditions including leprosy, leucoderma, scabies, neuro-muscular disorders, menorrhagia, menstrual irregularity, urinary disease, heart disease, asthma, cough , dyscrasia, Ulcer, jaundice and anaemia.

Action and Uses in Ayurveda and Siddha:
Tikta-rasam, metha veeryam, lagu, ruksham. In sannipatham, swasam, kasam, raktadosham, trishna sodham, kushtam, jwaram, krimi
Chiretta owes its action to its bitterness; it is used in dyspepsia to improve the appetite. At one time it was believed to exert a specific action upon the liver, but there is no evidence to confirm this. It is usually administered in the form of infusion. The preparations of chiretta are without tannin, and may, therefore, be prescribed with iron. Chiretta and kreat (Andrographis) are active ingredients of many advertised bitters. Chiratin has been used in powder form, diluted with milk sugar, but the liquid preparations of chiretta are usually preferred.

Action and Uses in Unani: Tonic to heart, liver and eyes, resolvent, drying, astringent, liquifying, balgham, cough, scanty urine, melancholia, dropsy, sciatia, skin diseases.
According to G. K. Nair and M. Mohanan, authors of “Medicinal Plants of India,” this herb is an excellent drug for:

*intermittent fevers

*skin diseases

*intestinal worms

*bronchial asthma

*burning of the body

regulating the bowels

An infusion of the herb made in hot water with aromatics like cloves, cinnamon etc. is given in doses of half to one fluid ounce. Ayurvedic practitioners often prescribe this infusion in doses of two ounces twice a day before meals as a tonic to check hiccup and vomiting.

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.isourcecenter.com/results.php?&q=chirata

http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h139.htm)

http://www.iifmnmpbmkis.org/Misapp/Chirayta.html

http://www.india-shopping.net/india-ayurveda-products/Swertiachirata%20-chirayata.htm

http://ayurveda.ygoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/swertia-chirayita.jpg

http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chiret64.html

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Power Of Triphala

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The most popular herbal remedies in the health food industry are those which promote bowel movement.Because we all know that if the bowel movement is regular and perfect, we get rid of many illness. The reason is quite simple since the most common problem of so many individuals is constipation and bowel irregularity. Consider how tremendously valuable a formula is that not only regulates bowel movement but at the same time does the following:.

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Amla , Bihara and Harada, the dust of three in middle

  • improves digestion,
  • reduces serum cholesterol,
  • improves circulation (potentiates adrenergic function),
  • contains 31% linoleic acid,
  • exerts a marked cardio-protective effect,
  • reduces high blood pressure,
  • improves liver function,
  • has proven anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties,
  • expectorant, hypotensive.

Sound like a panacea? Well, it is practically just that.

Triphala, as it is called, is the most popular Ayurvedic herbal formula of India, since it is an effective laxative which also supports the body’s strength. The constitution of vegetarian Hindus cannot tolerate harsh laxatives anymore than vegetarians in other countries. Because of its high nutritional value, Triphala uniquely cleanses and detoxifies at the deepest organic levels without depleting the body’s reserves. This makes it one of the most valuable herbal preparations in the world.

A popular folk saying in India is, “No mother? do not worry so long as you have Triphala.” The reason is that Indian people believe that triphala is able to care for the internal organs of the body as a mother cares for her children. Each of the three herbal fruits of tTriphala takes care of the body by gently promoting internal cleansing of all conditions of stagnation and excess while at the same time it improves digestion and assimilation.

Triphala combines both nutritional as well as blood and liver cleansing actions. It has little function as a demulcent or lubricating laxative, however. It possesses some anthroquinones which help stimulate bile flow and peristalsis. The nutritional aspect is more in the form of its high vitamin C content, the presence of linoleic oil and other important nutrients which it makes more of a tonic.

People who are in need of purgatives are those whose bowel irregularity is caused by liver and gall bladder congestion usually accompanied by some degree of blood toxins. Those in need of demulcent laxatives are those with intestinal dryness caused by a variety of metabolic factors including a nutritional deficiency as well as a condition of excess hypermetabolic energy. Triphala will prove useful for all kinds of constipation except that caused by a lack of vital energy or chi. Even for the latter type, it will not further deplete such an individual and can be made to work well if it is combined with other chi, blood or yang-warming tonic herbs such as ginseng for chi tonification, tang kuei for blood tonification and prepared aconite for yang tonification.

Herbal healing is largely a matter of strategy. One approach may emphasize tonification while another emphasizes elimination. The problem with overemphasizing tonification is that it can lead to further stagnation and congestion in an excess condition. Emphasizing elimination through the overuse of purgatives in an already deficient individual can further deplete the body’s store of minerals and essential B vitamins as well as imbalance beneficial intestinal micro-organisms. The result is weakness with a likely tendency towards chronic fatigue and anemia. Since the body is always simultaneously involved with maintaining and gaining strength through good nutrition as well as eliminating waste, Triphala is unique in that it is naturally able to support both vital processes simultaneously.

Because of its high nutritional content, Ayurvedic doctors generally do not regard Triphala as a mere laxative. Some of the scientific research and practical experience of people using it down through the ages has demonstrated that Triphala is an effective blood purifier that stimulates bile secretion as it detoxifies the liver, helps digestion and assimilation, and significantly reduces serum cholesterol and lipid levels throughout body. As a result, it is regarded as a kind of universal panacea and is the most commonly prescribed herbal formula.

The three fruits of Triphala (Harada, Amla and Bihara) each correspond to the “three humours” or “tridosha” of Indian Ayurvedic medicine. According to Ayurvedic theory, the body is composed of three doshas or humours. Vata is sometimes translated as “wind” which corresponds to the mind and nervous system. Its nature is dry, cold, light and activating. The second is pitta which is also translated as “fire” or “bile.” It is responsible for all metabolic transformations including the digestion and assimilation of food as well as assimilation and clarity of thought and understanding. The nature of pitta is primarily hot, moist and light. Kapha is sometimes translated as the “water” or “mucus” humour and is responsible for all anabolic or building functions such as the development of muscle and bone tissue. Its nature is cool, moist and heavy.

Harada, having a bitter flavor, is associated with the vata humour as well as the air and space elements. It treats imbalances and diseases of the vata humour. Harada possesses laxative, astringent, lubricant, antiparasitical, alterative, antispasmodic and nervine properties. It is therefore used to treat acute and chronic constipation, nervousness, anxiety and feelings of physical heaviness.

Among Tibetans, Harada is so highly revered for its purifying attributes that it is the small fruit that is depicted in the hands of the “medicine Buddha” in their sacred paintings or tankas. Of the three fruits, Harada is the most laxative and contains anthroquinones similar to those found in rhubarb and cascara.

Amla has a sour flavor and corresponds to the pitta humour and the fire element in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a cooling tonic, astringent, mildly laxative, alterative, antipyretic. It is used to treat fire imbalances that include ulcers, inflammation of the stomach, intestines, constipation, diarrhea, liver congestion, eruptions, infections and burning feelings throughout the body. In various studies, Amla has been shown to have mild anti-bacterial properties, pronounced expectorant , anti-viral and cardiotonic activity.

Amla is the highest natural known source of vitamin C. Having 20 times the vitamin C content of an orange, Amla is also uniquely heat stable. Even when subjected to prolonged high heat, as in the making of the Ayurvedic tonic formula called Chyavanprash, Amla, as the primary herb comprising 50% of the formula, hardly loses any of the vitamin C that is present when it is freshly harvested off the tree. The same is true of Amla that has been dried and kept for up to a year. This age and heat stable form of vitamin C in Amla is due to the presence of certain tannins that bind and inhibit its dissipation.

Bihara is astringent, tonic, digestive and anti-spasmodic. Its primary flavor is astringent and the secondary is sweet, bitter and pungent. It targets imbalances associated with the kapha or mucus humour, corresponding to the earth and water elements in Ayurvedic medicine. Specifically Bihara purifies and balances excess mucus, treats asthma, bronchiole conditions, allergies and hiccoughs.

Ama is a term denoting a substance associated in Ayurveda with chronic disease patterns and symptoms of aging. It is described as a kind of sticky buildup of material that clogs the circulatory channels. In many ways it is nearly identical to the accumulation of excess cholesterol and blood lipids described in the West. Both conditions seem to contribute to a wide variety of circulatory disorders ranging from senility, rheumatic conditions, cancer and heart disease. It is interesting that in Traditional Chinese Medicine there is also a pathological condition associated with the heart called “invisible mucus” that is similar to the descriptions of both excess cholesterol and ama in Ayurveda.

One of the body’s reactions to coping with stress is to increase the production of corticosteroids. The accumulation of these stress hormones can also contribute to the formation of cholesterol. Internal stress and the resultant buildup of cholesterol can be caused by the abuse of stimulants, spicy, hot foods such as garlic and cayenne, excessive aerobic exercise and repression of the emotions. It is interesting that an excess of some of those very substances and activities that lower cholesterol in some, when not utilized in a holistic, balanced manner, can act as a stimulant and add further stress that would precipitate the further accumulation of cholesterol. Triphala is one of two Ayurvedic formulations that are specific for eliminating Ama and cholesterol from the body.

Triphala is a completely balanced energetic formula, being neither too cold, nor too hot. When taken regularly over a long period, it gently effects the elimination and purification of Ama from the tissues of the entire body. The three fruits have been scientifically studied and confirm some of its known traditional benefits. These include the lowering of cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure, benefiting circulation, improving digestion and regulating elimination without causing any laxative dependency.

One Indian study reported by C.P. Thakur, demonstrated the enormous value and effectiveness of Amla, reducing serum, aortic and hepatic cholesterol in rabbits. In another study, extracts of Amla fruit were found to decrease serum free fatty acids and increase cardiac glycogen. This helps to prevent heart attacks by providing significantly greater protection and nourishment to the heart muscle.

Studies of the fruit of Bihara found that it contains up to 35% oil and 40% protein. The oil is used in soap making and by the poorer classes as a substitute cooking oil for ghee. The sweet smelling oil is 35% palmitic, 24% oleic and 31% linoleic. Linoleic oil is an essential fatty acid important for increasing HDL cholesterol, associated with a healthy state and reducing LDL cholesterol, considered to indicate a higher-than-average risk for developing coronary-heart disease.

One of numerous studies of Harada demonstrated its anti-vata or anti-spasmodic properties by the reduction of abnormal blood pressure as well as intestinal spasms. This confirms its traditional usefulness for heart conditions, spastic colon and other intestinal disorders.

With all the virtues of the three individual herbs, Triphala has many wide and varied uses as a therapeutic herbal food. Before considering pathological indications for which Triphala would be appropriate, we should never ignore the value of taking it on some regular basis whether once daily or once or twice a week simply for health maintenance. Triphala, having great nutritional properties, will help to prevent sickness.(extracted from www.planetherbs.com)

Triphala combined with guggul is an Ayurvedic herbal formula most used to reduce fat from the body.It is not then an appetite suppressant in fact it is an Ayurvedic supplement that can mobilize and eleminate fat from the body and encourage permanent metabolic changes.Triphala purifies the body of old ama trapped in the fat and guggul (Commiphora mukul) actually scrapes fat away from the other tissues.

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