Articles

1. KNOW YOUR BASIC BODY CONSTITUTION

(PRAKRUTHY)

Prof. DR. K. MURALEEDHARAN PILLAI M D(AY.)

Rtd. Principal Vaidyaratnam & Vishnu Ayurveda College, Thaikkattussery, Ollur

Ayurveda says that each individual is a separate entity with respect to the degree of various body constitutions. Tridoshas are responsible in formation of prakruthy ( constitution and behavior ) of the individual due to predominance of either of the tridoshas as  vata, pitta and kapha prakruthy , due to combination of two( dwandaja prakruthy)- vatapittaja, vatakaphaja, pittakaphaja prakriti and due to three doshas ,(sannipathaja prakruthy). Thus there are seven prakruthies. According to the doshas the prakruthy will be formed,each dosas posesses their qualities,it is dwidoshaja (due to combination of two doshas ) the character will be like two doshas concerned . if it is sannipatahja (due to combination three doshas) then the character will be like the combined character of three doshas: it should be known that the presence of all three doshas causing prakruthy is necessary because none of the individual is of absolute vata prakriti or pitta prakriti. The characteristics and behavior of different prakruties are mentioned in detail in all the classics of ayurveda.

Knowing one’s prakriti helps to mould the style of his living which helps him to be free from diseases. It is also helpful to understand and identify the disease likely to be suffered by him which helps to take defensive measures against the disease.

Prakriti means environment, but in ayurveda it refers to ones physical and physiological behavior, which helps to find the nature to which he belongs. ones prakriti helps the doctor to predict the natural behavior of the patient and helps him to improve and nourish his life to a better stage and helps him to free from diseases.

Ayurveda explains nature with its great five elements. It says each and every existence here are composed of five elements, the principle of liquidity (water and jala ) and the principle of earth (prithwi). Each individual has a unique body constitution – known as prakriti . Each body has five elements in it, in varied proportions, which makes everyone unique difference in consistency in propotion of elements. Bone will have more earth elements, blood will have more water element, enzymes will have more fire element, being tissue will have more air and space element. According to the ayurveda maintenance of the equilibrium of five elements or a balanced state of these body constituent is health and imbalance of these elements in the system is disease. These five elements combine in pairs to form three basic functional principles called doshas(humor’s ) in our body. These humors are named vata , pitta and kapha . All functions of the body and mind are being controlled by these humors. Each person has three humors in the body. Humors in balanced state mean health – out of balance means ill health. They are made up of combination of the five elements ie: vata – air and akasha, pitta – fire and water, kapha – earth and water, your individual constitution is determined by special combination of humors in your body. By analyzing these varied combinations ayurveda classifies people in to various types like vata person, pitta person,kapha person or vata kapha vata pitta, pitta kapha persons etc. according to the dominant humors in the body.

The non pathogenic status of dosha, which is inherent in the individual, is known as prakriti. It does not undergo changes from birth to death. Prakriti determines person’s biological peculiarities, but prakriti is the vitiated condition of dosha due to various reasons. So physician should be able to identify vikrita doshas from normal prakriti.

Each one may have individual variations in manifestation of some disease. So for the correct diagnosis of the condition with respect to the particular individual, it is essential to have an idea about prakriti of the individual. He should be thoroughly examined so as to obtain knowledge regarding the span of life strength and integrity of morbidity. This will help to reach  a proper diagnosis in terms of the intenstiy of derangement in functional factors. The prakriti of an individual refers to genetically determined. Physical and mental makeup. This is determined in relation to the tridosha i.e.: vata, pitta, & kapha trigunas – satwa , rajas and thamas. The prakriti represents tri normally of proposition of the three doshas and and three gunas in the psycho- physical constitution of an individual. It is this range of proportion of tridoshas determines the overall physique, physiology and psyche of a man. In the case of manasa prakriti the relative propotion of the trigunas determines the varieties of human temperaments and emotions.

By assessing the prakriti we may have an idea about the general ability of the body to undergo certain particular changes. We know that samadhatu group of prakriti is excellent the dwanda group medium and ekadosha  prakriti is least preference eventhough patient is in diseased state , there will not be any alterations in prakriti.one can evaluate his prakriti with help of the details given below:-

Vata prakriti

Generally people of vata constitution will have the following peculiarities (the first mentioned prakriti where the person reflect behaviors of the following manner)

Body – lean, weak, poorly built

Muscles – budged calves

Joints- stiff, over prominent

Skin-crocked rough/ dry, dark, veins prominent

Forehead- medium

Lips & oral cavity darkspot on technique, trenpting tips

Eyes- brown, small, opened while sleep, unpleasant, lustesters

Face- dark,dry

Teeth-crooked, poorly formed

Taste preffered- sweet, sour, salty

Appetite- irregular

Thrist- low

Chest- deformed

Nail- brittle, rough

Urine- scanty

Sweat-scanty

Bowel- dry, hard

Temperament- nervous

Sleep- disturbed& insomniac

Gait- for unsteady with sound, fast voice hoarse

Activities – speedy

Food habit- like dry & hot food

Speech- talkative, fast

Body strength- less

Type of disease- tendency- neurological & locomotor- type pain

Memory- short term & quick

Interest- humours, music, traveling

Friendship- unsteady

Qualities- restless, speedy

Sensitivity- cold

Palms & soles- cold& rough

Avoid late night works

Avoid bathing in cold water

Do oily bath, sneha panam& snehavasti

Avoid heavy exercise

Avoid cold food, dry & cold environment, tasty foods

Pitta prakriti

In this type of prakriti person has following features:

Body – delicate and medium buit

Muscles – flabby

Joints-soft, loose

Skin-brown, pink, early greying, soft & thin

Forehead-

Lips & oral cavity – red & coppery

Eyes- piercing, small/brown, quickly become red eye lashes- thin, scanty

Face- fair, pink, soft, pimples, moles, wrinkled

Teeth-easily bleeding gums/ moderate

Taste preferred- sweet, astringent, bitter

Appetite- high, excessive

Thirst- increased

Chest- moderate

Nail- pink, thin

Urine- yellow colored, profuse

Sweat-profuse with foul smell, excess body heat

Bowel- loose, frequent, soft

Temperament- nervous

Sleep- moderate

Gait- gentle

Voice- sharp

Activities – sharp/ focused

Food habit- like moistened and cold food, more quantity

Speech- moderate speed & sharp

Body strength- moderate

Type of disease- tendency-fever, inflammation- type – digestive, blood, hormonal

Memory- sharp-moderate clear

Interest- perfumes, decorative articles, beauty concious

Friendship- only a few but steady

Qualities- courageous/ intelligent, aggresses & intolerant to discard

Sensitivity- sunlight& heart

Palms & soles- reddish, warm

Advised to take sweet, bitter tasted foods

Avoid exposure to sunlight hot environment, liquid reduce hard work, perform snehapanam&vasthi

Kapha prakriti

Body – well built, strong, stout soft oily body

Hair- blackish thick strong hair

Muscles – well shaped and strong

Joints-strong well knit

Skin- lustrous, pale greasy unctuous

Forehead- broad

Lips & oral cavity – coated tongue, unctuous

Eyes- wide long pinkish, large attractive eyes

Eye lashes- thick

Face-lustrous/ golden, unctuous

Teeth-large

Appetite- less

Thirst- moderate

Chest- broad fleshy

Nails- strong, shiny, pale

Urine- clear/ moderate

Sweat-low to start but enduring

Immunity- high

Bowel- normal/formed

Sleep- excessive

Gait- steady, medium pace

Voice- dynamic, resonant dear clear

Nature of speech- slow, soft spoken, less and measured

Activities – slow and steady, act only after thinking

Food habit- hot &dry food, less quantity, irregular

Taste preferred- astringent, spicy, bitter

Temperament- conservative

Body strength- good

Type of disease-oedema/ congestion – tendency- lung/ mucus

Strength- more

Financial status – rich, money saver, spends on food

Pulse- broad, slow, moves like a swan

Weight –gain easily

Memory- slow, long terms, good

Interest- reading& watching TV

Friendship- steady with large number of friends

Qualities- completes the works started, truthful and grateful, obedient, honest, attachment concealed enmity and lazy

Sensitivity- not affected by cold& heat

Palms & soles- smooth, comprisable touch

Use hot bitter, spicy, kashaya taste foods avoid sweet, sour, salty and cold foods that increase kapha like poatatoes & milk and avoid day sleep. Does exercise regularly perform vaman, udwarthana and upavas (fasting)

Though it is very difficult to measure the prakriti in all aspects, some important criteria based on which an individual can be assessed, it are shown here. By detailed study an expert physician can find out the exact prakriti of an individual.

It is important to remember that these descriptions reflect the pure aspect of each constitutional element; however no individual constitution is made up solely of any one element. Rather, each person is a combination of all three elements with a predominant tendency towards one or the other. These characteristic types must further adjusted according to radical tendencies and cultural preferences. Since different races and cultures have natural proclivities for specific body and lifestyle characteristics. Eg. Africans have dark skin and Indians eat hot food.

The reader is therefore cautioned not to draw a stronger definite conclusions about him/her based on these fundamental descriptions. The determination of one’s particular constitutional type should serve only to draw general awareness to various areas of life , such as diet, in order to encourage a region that will provide good health.

2. KITCHEN – A DOMESTIC CLINIC

Prof. Dr. K. Muraleedharan Pillai MD (Ay)

(retd. Principal, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College)

Thaikkattussery- Ollur, Thrissur

In the stress filled life of the present day, incidence of diseases like diabetes mellitus is raising alarmingly from the clinical and public health stand point. This is extremely threatening situation and needs to be addressed immediately. There is a growing focus on the role played by nutrition in the maintenance of good health. Kitchen pharmacy is giving wide popularity. Ayurveda consider food as the best medicine. This life science provides specific dietary guildelines for diabetics mellitus like diseases based on individual’s constitution and doshic imbalance. In this article an attempt has been made to modify the classical ayurvedic dietary formulations and the common recipes used in everyday life to suit the cotempories diet pattern.

The pharmacology of ayurveda is a vast science including thousands of medicines, many of them are herbal preparations. In addition to these herbal cures, remedies less familiar such as the use of the healing properties of gems, metals and colors are recommended. Ayurvedic classical texts state that all substance found in nature has medicinal value when used in proper manner. The purpose of these remedies is not to suppress the effects of illness as is often the case in western medicine but rather to bring the out of balance factors in the body in to harmony once more, thereby eliminating the cause of disease. The purpose and action of ayurvedic remedies are to eradicate the disease itself, not just the symptoms of illness.

Ayurveda is a very practical science and the advice that follows, suggesting simple treatments for minor ailments and utilizing herbs commonly in the kitchen, is straight forward and effective. At least eighty percent of all diseases are self limiting that is, if nothing is done to alter the disease process, the body’s own mechanisms will eventually restore the  system to the state of health. The information given in this article specifically indicate methods to support the body in its natural process of balancing the internal and external environments thus promoting healing

The kitchen can become your domestic clinic. You can use your kitchen and its resources to create herbal cares that will heal your family and yourself. The following are commonly available natural substances that may be employed in the home.

Asafoetida-This aromatic substance which is a gum extraction from a tree is stimulant. It also relives spasm. It is a good expectorant, digestive, antacid and natural laxative. A pinch of asfoetida cooked with lentils helps digestion. It kindles jataragni, removes toxins and relives pain. It also relives gas in the large intestine. If there is pain in the ear, a little asafetida wrapped in cotton may be placed in the ear, its odour relives the pain. Recent studies shown the asafetida oil has an antimicrobic properties and inhibits growth of  microbes.

Aniseed (pimpinella anisum)- It is a flavored in medicine for its properties to relive flatulence and to remove cataral matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. These properties are due to presence of its essential oil. The seed induces perspiration and increases urine flow. The leaves of the plant are useful in reliving gas and strengthen the stomach.

Aniseed is mostly used as flavoring agent to flavor curries, sweet, cakes, cookies and biscuits. Aniseed oil is used in medicine as aromatic carminative to relive flatulence. It is popular flavoring agent for dental preparations and mouth washes.

Baking soda when cooked with black beans or green gram, baking soda makes them lighter and facilitates the cooking process. It is  an antacid. a pinch full with one cup of warm water and the juice of one half lemon relives acidity , gas and indigestion. Half a cup of baking soda in the bath helps circulation and makes the skin soft. Baking soda relives skin infection, hives and rash and maintains the health and hygiene of the skin.

Caraway seeds (carvun curvi)-These are a biennial aromatic plant. It has usually a fleshy root which tastes somewhat like carrots and roots are considered as useful in activating the glands besides increasing the action of kidneys. The seed is considered as an excellent cleaner for the body. The seeds whole or ground helps in assimilation of starchy food such as pastries, breads, biscuits and certain vegetables which tends to produce flatulence such as cabbage, cucumber and onion caraway oil is used in medicine to relive flatulence. It is also used to correct the nausea and gripping effects of some medicines. The long tender roots are sometimes boiled as vegetables and the leaves are sometimes used in salads, cream soups, and cabbage, cauliflower and potato dishes.

Cardamom (elettaria cardamom) – The aroma and therapeutic properties of cardamom are due to its volatile oil. Tinctures of cardamom are also made. They are used chiefly for strengthening the stomach. Cardamom is slightly astringent, sweet and a little pungent. It should be used only in small quantities sprinkled in tea or on vegetables. It also relives gas. It is a pain reliever and freshens the breath.

Chillies– Capsicum are the dried ripe fruits of genus capsicum. Chilies are pungent and hot. Takes in moderation, they are useful as a decongestant and digestive. They strengthen the blood clot dissolving system, open up sinuses and air passages, breakup mucus in the lungs, act as an expectorant or decongestant, and help to prevent bronchitis. Capsicum is also a potent painkiller, alleviating headaches when inhaled. It also has an antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Putting hot chilly sauce on food speeds up the metabolism, burning off calories. Raw green chillies are used in the preparation of curries, pickles and they impart flavor. They are also used in vegetable salads to increase hunger.

Castor oil– This substances is a laxative that is safe enough to use even in treating small babies. To treat an infant, the mother should dip her little finger in to the oil and let the baby suck on it. For chronic constipation, one table spoon of castor oil should be taken with a cup of ginger tea. This tonic will neutralize toxins and relives gas and constipation. Castor oil is also an anti rheumatic herb because it is a natural pain reliever and laxative.

The castor root is used in treating many vata disorders such as arthritis, sciatica, chronic backache and muscle spasms. It is also effective in the treatments of gout.

Cinnamon (cinnamon zeylanium)-It is aromatic and stimulent with antiseptic and refreshing properties. The taste is slightly pungent and astringent cinnamon is a good detoxifying herb. It creates freshness and strengthens and energizes the tissues. Cinnamon also acts as a pain reliver. It relives vata and kapha disorders and also can be used in pitta alignments, if taken in small quantities. Cinnamon kindles agni, promotes digestion and has a natural cleansing action. It stimulates sweating. It is good for the relief of colds, congestion and cough. Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and clove are used together to relieve the cough and congestion and to promote digestion. It controls blood sugar in diabetics and prevents stomach ulcers, wards off urinary tract infection, fight decay and gum diseases. Cinnamon improves complexion & memory.

Clove ( syzygium aroaticum)-It is an aromatic herbal substance. It’s hot, pungent, oily and sharp. Therefore it aggregates pita. Cloves will help to control vata and kapha. Cloves are natural pain reliever. Oil of cloves is used to relive tooth ache. For this treatment, a small piece of cotton is dipped in to the oil and inserted in to the cavity of the tooth. Cloves will alleviate cough, congestion, cold and sinus problems. A few drops of clove oil may be added to boiled water and the fumes may then be inhaled as a decongestant this will relive nasal obstruction and congestion. Clove oil is stimulant, carminative, antiseptic, antispasmodic and expectorant. It also stimulates sluggish circulation and thereby promotes digestion and metabolism. Clove oil contains ingredients that help stabilize blood circulation and regulate body temperature. Cloves are used as a table spice and mixed with chillies , cinnamon, turmeric and other spices in the preparation of curry powder

Coriander– There is two forms of coriander. One is the fresh greens of the plant. These are called cilantro. The other is the dry seed which is coriander. This is an aromatic and stimulating substance that aids digestion. It also has a cooling property. Coriander is natural diuretic and it may be taken when one feels a burning sensation while passing urine. For this treatment prepare a tea from the seeds and pour hot water over a strainer in the water to make the infusion. This tea makes the urine more alkaline. It is also useful for gas, indigestion and nausea and vomiting. Fresh coriander pulp may be applied to skin to relive burning sensation. It also helps to purify blood. The entire coriander plant when young is used to prepare chutneys and sauces. The fresh leaves used for flavoring curries and soups. Coriander seeds are carminative aranatic, antispasmodic and a stimulant. They reduce fever and promote a cooling feel. The leaves of coriander strengthen the stomach. They relive flatulence, increase sensation and discharge of urine and reduce fever.

Cumin- Seeds are extensively used in mixed spices and for flavoring curries soups, sausages, breads and cakes. It forms part of many proprietary preparations. It is a stimulant. It increases the secretion and discharges of urine and relieves flatulence. It also strengthens the stomach and arrest bleeding. It helps to contract the uterus so that, the impulsities can be expelled after delivery by using cumin seed in a medicinal form. In medicine cumin oil is used as a carminative. It also aids the secretions of digestive juices. Roasted cumin powder is effectively used in intestinal disorders such as diarrhea or dysentery. For such aliments a pinch of cumin powder is taken with freshly prepared butter milk. Cumin is also relives pain and cramps in the abdomen.

Fenugreek (trigonella foenum graceum)- the seeds of the plant are the best cleansers within the body, highly accuse solvent and soothing agent. They have antibiotic powder and they help to control blood sugar in diabetics. The seeds are also antidiarrhoel, and anticancer food. They tend to lower blood pressure and to prevent intestinal gases. The seeds can be used to remove dandruff by using it as paste over the head.

Garlic (allium setivum)- garlic has been held in high esteem forties health- building qualities for centuries all over the world. It is a proven board spectrum antibiotic that compacts  bacteria, intestinal parasites and viruses. Garlic lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol, discourages dangerous blood clotting and helps prevent cancer and heart attack. It boosts immune system, relives gas and possesses antidiarreal ,  and diuretic properties. Garlic is used for centuries in the preparation of curries, various chutneys, pickles, vegetables with gravies and tomato ketchup. Garlic relives aggregated vata and alleviates gas. It is good for digestion and absorption and is also a good rejuvenating herb. Since it has warming effect, it is helpful during rainy season and winters. It also relives the pain in the joints. This herb is anti rheumatic and may be used for dry cough and congestion. It is very effective for sinus headaches and pain or tingling in the ears. In treating ear problems three to four drops of garlic oil is placed in the ear or ear is filled with this oil at night and sealed with cotton, by morning pain will be disappeared. Garlic is also relives the tooth ache. Many spiritual people say that garlic is rajas and should not taken by spiritual practitioners. Garlic stimulates sexual energy and therefore it is not recommended for those who practice celibacy. Fresh garlic may be used for cooking. It makes the food more palatable and easier to absorb and it kindles agni.

Ghee –It is a product made from unsalted butter. It is an excellent appetizer and boosts  agni and it enhances flavor of foods it helps in digestion, because its stimulates the secretion of digestive juices. It also helps to enhance intelligence, understanding, memory and ojus. It relives constipation, if taken with warm milk. When used with various herbs, ghee carries the medicinal properties to the tissues. Ghee relieves chronic fever, anemia and blood disorder and is useful for detoxification. it does not increase cholesterol and has anti vata, anti pitha and anti kapha properties. Ghee promotes the healing of wounds and alleviates peptic ulcer and colitis. Generally it is good for eyes, skin and nose.

Ginger– It is being used in india from vedic period and is called maha oushadi. Means great medicine. It has been used to treat a variety of diseases like nausea, vomiting, head ache, chest congestion, cholera, cold, diarrhea, stomach ache, rheumatism and nervous diseases. British herbal compendium indicates ginger for anorexia, bronchitis and rheumatic sickness and vomiting during pregnancy. It is also used for anorexia, bronchitis and rheumatic complaints. Ginger ranks high in anti oxidant and anti cancer activity. This herb is used fresh and dried. Both forms of the herbs are aromatic and pungent. Ginger is a stimulant and carminative. Fresh ginger contains more water and is milder; the powdered form is stronger and has more penetrating action. Dry ginger being highly concentrated and strong is good for kapha prominent people. Ginger causes sweating, enkindles agni, neutralizes toxins and helps digestion, absorption and assimilation of food. Ginger alleviates inflammation of the throat, the common cold, congestion, and sinus problems. Grated fresh ginger with a little garlic can be eaten to counteract low agni. This will increase the capacity of agni and increase the appetite. A pinch full of salt added to one half teaspoon full of grated fresh ginger also acts as an excellent appetizer. Ginger is the best domestic remedy for kapha problems such as cough, running nose, congestion and nose congestion. To alleviate headaches, prepare a paste of one half spoon full of ginger powder mixed with water and heated and apply it over the fore head. This paste will create a slight burning sensation but will not burn the skin and it will relieve head ache. Ginger will aid in cleansing the intestine and will promote healthy bowel movements. For painful joints and muscles apply ginger externally. It helps the circulation and relieves pain. For body aches a ginger bath is recommended. As the taste of the ginger is not very good, it is mostly used in cooked vegetables. It is common constituent of curry powders.

Mustard (brassica juncea)- is a well known oil seed. Mustard seed is antibacterial and decongestant. It increases metabolism, burning off extra calories. Mustard is used all over the world as an appetizer, a flavoring agent and food preservative. The whole mustard seeds hair oil, oil for frying and other cooking purposes. It is also used in pickles and salads. In some states, the leaves are used as vegetables. It is used as domestic spice. Acts as an analgesic and reduces muscular pain. It is carminative and also relieves congestion. Mustard powder when mixed with water may be used as poultice. The paste should be applied to a cloth and cloth next placed to the skin for the relief of joint pain and chest pain. Mustard may be used as a fomentation to relieve muscle spasm. Tie the mustard seeds in small cloth and place the cloth in hot water, and then immerse the hands and feet in the water for relief of joint pain or muscle soreness. Mustard seeds mixed with water relax the muscles. Mustard may be used in cooking and frying. Heat sesame oil in a pan, when the oil is hot fry approximately two pinches of mustard seeds with onion, garlic and vegetables. The vegetables then become very light and easy to digest. Mustard may be used for digestion, distension of abdomen and discomfort caused by improper digestion.

Onion ( allium cepa)- It is a strong irritant and is pungent and aromatic. It is one of the most important vegetable and a condiment crop grown all over India. Onion is stimultant, diuretic, expectorant and rubefacient. Onion should be taken with meals. Preferably raw as fries or cooked onions are comparatively difficult to digest. An exceptionally onion is full of numerous anti cancer compounds and strong anti cancer compounds and a strong anti oxidant. It has been specifically linked to inhibit human stomach cancer. It thins he blood, lowers cholestrole, raise good type HDL cholestrole, wards off blood clots and fights asthma, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, atherosclerosis and infections. The leaves of the plant are diretic , tonic  crmative , digestive, antihelmintic, expectorant , antispasmodic, mild laxative and aphrodisiac. Onion can be used in innumerable ways. The immature and mature bulbs are eaten raw or they may be cooked and eaten as vegetable. They are also be eaten fried of onion as poultice to skin boil , the boil will burst. High fever and resultant convulsions may be relieved by applying a grated raw onion wrapped in a piece of cloth to either the forehead ar abdomen. Onion stimulate the senses , so if one feels faint or drizzy, an onion broken into pieces and inhaled will bring relief. Onion will relieve acute epileptic seizure if applied as anasal inhalant or as eye drops. It is agood heart tonic. Onions helps reduce the heart rate. One half cup of fresh onion juice with two teaspoons of honey taken internally relieves asthma, cough, spasams, nausea, and vomiting. It also will destroy intestinal worms. A grated onion with one half teaspoon full of turmeric and one half spoon full of curry powder will relieve pain in the joints when applied as apaste to the affected area.

Pepper( piper nigrum) -It is one of the oldest and most popular one of all spices. Black pepper is a stimultant, pungent, aromatic, digestive and nervine tonic. It is also useful in relieving flatulence. It is used in pickles, ketchups and sauses. Pepper is stimultant and helps to stimulate digestive capacity. It increases the secretions of digestive juices and improves the taste of foods. It is used to alleviate constipation, dry haemorrhoids, gas and loss of appetiate. This herb also may be taken with a pinch of honey to cmbat worms in the large intestine. Black pepper helps to relieve swelling. As an anti dote to hives, a pinch of black pepper powder with ghee is applied externally.

Salt – It is used simply to improve the taste of food, however, it is also has amedicinal properties. Salt contains water and by products of sea. It aggravates jala and agni of pancha bhoothas only small amount should be used in cooking. In hyper tension it is advised to choose low salt foods. Many packaged foods contains high amount of salt. Salt relieves gas and distension of abdomen. It cleans the mouth, stimulates the secretions in the digestive canal and aids digestion. Salt may be used to relieve external swellings. The salt should be heated in pan and placed in cloth bag, it may then apply externally. Salt is also a natural pain reliever and may be used externally as local application for pain. It helps to increase drainage, put a few drops of a concentrated salt solution in the nose to cleanse kapha and relieve the nasal blockage.

Tamarind (tamarindus indica)-It is very popular as a condiment and a souring substance. It is an ornamental tree with longitivity of 120 years. The leaves and bark of the tree as well as pulp of fruits and seeds have medicinal values. The leaves are stimulant, cooling and antibilious. They also increase the secretion and discharge of urine. The bark is an astringent and a tonic and it reduces fever. The pulp of the fruit is digestive, antiflatulent, cooling laxative and antiseptic. The seeds are astringent. The ripe fruit is or tamarind pulp is used numerous culinary preparation notably sambar, rasam, curries and chutneys. The seeds are used in jam and jelly industry. Excessive use of tamarind is not advisable as it may cause hyper acidity, cough and sexual weakness. The cover of the seed is widely used for eliminating urinary stones.

Turmeric (curcuma longa )- It is a versatile natural plant. It combines the properties of a flavoring spice, a brilliant yellow dye, a natural beauty aid and an effective household remedy for several diseases. Turmeric is drugs that strengthens the stomach and promote its action and also is a good blood purifier. It is also used extensively in skin disorders. It is aromatic, stimulant and tonic. It corrects disordered process of nutrition and restores the normal function of the system. Turmeric is also carmative, antiseptic, antiflatulent, blood purifier and expectorant. Turmeric indispensible ingredient of the curry powder. It gives musky flavor and yellow color to the curries. Curry powder usually contains 24 percent of turmeric powder. Turmeric is extensively used for its flavor and color in butter, cheese, pickles and other food stuffs. It has soothing action on respiratory ailments such as cough and asthma. It also antiarthitic and act as a natural anti bacterial. Turmeric may be added to high protein food to assist digestion and prevent the formation of gases. It is effectively used to maintain the flora of the large intestine. To relieve inflammation of tonsils and congestion in the throat, turmeric also may be used as a gargle, for these mix two pinches of turmeric and two pinches of salt in a glass of hot water.

Turmeric also has anti inflammatory properties. For an abrassion, bruise or traumatic swelling, turmeric paste may be applied locally. For this add a pinch of salt to one half spoonful of turmeric and apply to the affected area, pain and swelling will be quickly relieved. For the treatment of diabetes, turmeric is also useful. Take turmeric after each meal to help return the blood sugar level to normal.

Curry leaves (murraya koenigi) -It posses the qualities of herbal tonic. They strengthen the functions of the stomach and promote its action. They are also used as a laxative. The leaves may be taken mixed with other mild tasting herbs. The juice extracted from 15 gms of leaves may be taken with butter milk. Curry leaves have been used for centuries as a natural flavoring agent in sambar, rasam and curries. Chutneys can be made by using these leaves with coriander leaves, coconut scrapings and tomatoes. The leaves, the bark and the root of the curry plant are used in indigenous medicine.

Honey – The substance create heat in the body therefore it acts to reduce vata and kapha. Its taste is sweet and astringent. Honey is good for healing internal and external ulcers. Like ghee honey carries the medicinal properties of herbs to the body tissues and its therefore used as a medium for many substances. It is an excellent blood purifier and is also good for the eyes and teeth it alleviates the cold, cough and congestion. When used to dress an external wound, it will help the healing process. It is mixed with water together energizes the body and helps to flush the kidney if taken in moderation, it reduces fat. It should not be cooked because cooking alters its attributes and makes it incompatible with the body. Heated honey can clog the digestive tract and create toxins

Of course if the ailment or disease does not subside after application of these methods a physician should be consulted. At times symptoms that appear minor may have serious repercussions.