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Influenza

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What is Influenza?

Influenza is a virus-related condition that affects your breathing structure — your nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza is usually known as the flu, although it’s not similar to stomach “flu” infections that trigger diarrhea and vomiting. For many individuals, the flu settles on its own. However occasionally, influenza and its problems can be fatal. This condition is extremely contagious and reaches easily through coughs and sneezes of an affected individual.

What are the Symptoms of Influenza?

The symptoms of influenza are very similar to any other virus-related disease, Most of the people with this condition may experience symptoms like, mild to moderate fever. However, the fever may shoot up if the person has any other infections. Muscle aching with fever is also a very common symptom of this condition. Sometimes you may suffer from headaches and eye pain. Getting chills and sweating are also very popular symptoms of influenza. If the virus affects your lungs, you may develop a dry, and persistent cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat.

What are the Causes of Influenza?

As Influenza is highly contagious, it can be spread easily from person to person. Influenza viruses move across the air in droplets while somebody with the virus coughs, sneezes or talks. You can gasp the droplets immediately, or you can pick up the viruses from an item — for example, from a mobile or door knobs or maybe from a computer keyboard — and then again transport them to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Individuals with the infection are possibly infectious from around a day before signs begin till nearly five days after they begin.

When to see a Doctor?

  • In most cases, influenza heals on its own with over-the-counter medication and doesn’t need any medical interventions. However, there may be some emergency symptoms that may need to be checked by a doctor.
  • In case you have shortness of breath, that can be fatal. So immediately rush to the doctor. Chest pain can be a cause of concern and needs to be checked by a physician. If the fever shoots up over 103 F then a person may have seizures. This is also a severe condition so call your doctor. Other than that, if you are suffering from severe muscle pain or headaches, or ongoing dizziness then do not delay booking an appointment with your physician.

Lifestyle Prevention of Influenza

  • Getting flu vaccines every year is the best preventative for influenza. So, everyone over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated which will reduce your risk of the flu and its severity. Other than that, few more lifestyle preventions may help you avoid the severity of the disease.
  • We already know that influenza can spread very quickly so in case you have influenza-like symptoms, you should not go near any other person. Additionally, you should always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, then throw it out and wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
  • People over the age of 65 and children below the age of 5 years are at a higher risk. So in case you are one of them please take extra precautions. Also, pregnant women and people with other chronic diseases have a higher risk of developing severe symptoms of influenza. So they also need to be extra cautious.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Influenza

There are some great Ayurvedic remedies to treat the symptoms of Influenza. Herbs and spices like clove buds, Turmeric, Cayenne, Ginger, Tulsi, Mahasudarshana Churna, etc can do wonders in treating this condition.

  • Clove Bud: It’s known to heal coughing. Take 3 full clove buds and put them into your mouth during a coughing spasm, itchy throat, or anytime necessary. Suck on them till they start to fall away from each other and no longer have any taste. Repeat as frequently as necessary.
  • Turmeric, salt, and cayenne gargle for sore throat and swollen glands: Combine half a teaspoon of turmeric, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and a little bit of cayenne pepper in a cup of hot water. Stir up completely. Make use of this as a gargle by tipping your head back fully and gargle for about 20 seconds then spit it out. It is suggested to allow a small amount to drip down your throat to coat any lower infectious areas. Repeat this three times in succession and perform every 6 hours for prevention or cure of a painful throat or enlarged glands.
  • Ginger juice for nausea: Wash off half pound of ginger and chop it into slices to fit out of the juicer. Juice and store in a sealed glass container. One ½ pound of ginger should make about half cup of juice. Mix 1 teaspoon of this juice in half cup of hot water. Drink this every 2 to 3 hours during sickness or as much as necessary.
  • Mahasudarshana Churna, the Ayurvedic antibiotic: During illness, take half teaspoon of Mahasudarshana Churna in hot water every 2 to 4 hours. Once the signs have lessened, go on to take the same dose but lower to 2 to 3 times each day. Take constantly till 3 to 7 days after the last signs have stopped to avoid the illness coming again.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Tulsi I Licorice roots I Garlic I Coconut I Ginger I Amla I Guduchi I Mentha piperita I Neem I Bael I Andrographis paniculata I Terminalia chebula

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known.

Impotence

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What is Impotence?

Impotence or erectile dysfunction is a health condition that occurs when a male is unable to keep an erection strong enough to perform sex. There may be several causes that trigger this condition. There are instances when a male may become impotent due to an emotional or psychological issue. However, stress and certain physical problems may also be the cause. When there is a build-up of plaque in the blood vessels leading to the penis, it might result in a “penis attack”-in that case, the blood supply to the penis is inadequate to produce or maintain an erection, causing impotence. A person with a high cholesterol level is more prone to impotence.

What are the Symptoms of Impotence?

A person with this condition may have the following symptoms,

  • They find it really difficult to get an erection
  • Also, it is very difficult for them to keep an erection.
  • Oftentimes, the person with this condition has a diminished desire to have sex.

What are the Causes of Impotence?

The causes of impotence can be categorised in two parts. One can be physical, and another can be psychological.

  • There can be a number of physical conditions that trigger erectile dysfunction. People with heart diseases have a higher chance of becoming impotence. Also, high cholesterol levels may be one of the main causes of this condition. Sometimes high blood sugar levels may lead to this condition. Atherosclerosis, which means clogged blood vessels can be one of the causes. Many times it is observed that obsessed people are more prone to get this disease. Therefore, obesity may be one of the reasons.
  • There are some medications that have side effects of making you impotent.
  • Over consumption of alcohol and tobacco can make someone impotence as well.
  • If you are undergoing the treatment of breast cancer, or you have undergone any surgeries that affected your pelvic area or spinal cord, you have a higher chance of becoming impotence.

When to see a Doctor?

You have worries regarding your erections or you’re suffering from additional sexual difficulties for example untimely or delayed ejaculation, etc. you need to consult your physician. Also, if you are diabetic, or suffering from any heart disorder or may be experiencing another known physical condition that might be related to erectile dysfunction, do not delay, and book an appointment with the doctor. In case you are suffering from other symptoms in conjunction with erectile dysfunction, you should not ignore it and rush to the nearest clinic and get it checked.

Lifestyle Prevention of Impotence

  • Preventing erectile dysfunction is not always possible if it is caused by any underlying disease or from any treatment which you are going through. However, some other instances can be prevented to avoid getting this condition.
  • Quitting smoking and overconsumption of alcohol should be the first step to prevent erectile dysfunction. Also, you should never take illegal drugs if you want to avoid being impotent.
  • In case you are diabetic or suffering from any heart condition then you should always work with your doctor to keep yourself stable and should stick to the instructions which the physician may give you. Moreover, regular medical screening is very important to avoid any disease including erectile dysfunction.
  • Exercising daily is very important to prevent many health conditions. Particularly some Yoga postures such as rooster pose, elevated lotus, bow pose, chakra asana, etc can help you prevent erectile dysfunction by putting pressure on the prostate gland.
  • In some cases, massaging the pubic area and the root of the penis with mahanarayan oil improves circulation and is very effective to eradicate the condition.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Impotence

There are some Ayurvedic remedies that can treat erectile dysfunction. Using some of the herbs and spices will certainly help in curing and preventing impotence. Herbs and spices such as Garlic, Ginger, Ashwagandha, cinnamon oil, saffron, etc. are very effective for the herbal treatment of impotence.

  • Ashwagandha: Ayurveda considers Ashwagandha a valuable aphrodisiac and enormously useful in regenerating the sexual ability in the bed. Ashwagandha is an archaic pharmaceutical herb that is famous for its stress-lessening properties. But, a lot of individuals are not informed that Indian ginseng is also useful in controlling psychogenetic erectile dysfunction. Take 300 mg twice daily after food for 60 days.
  • Garlic: Garlic is a very effective spice and easily available. It is famous for its immune boosting properties.It is often called as sex rejunavator as it can improve sexual activities that have damages due to some injuries. Chew up two to three cloves of raw garlic every day. Frequently chomping a couple of cloves of fresh garlic helps treat sexual impotence.
  • Saffron: In Ayurveda, saffron is applied to cure infertility in couples as its aroma is extremely sensual. It can provoke sexual appeal and can have a calming influence on the nerves. Make use of it as massage oil or eat it with food or drink it with milk for enhancing sexual enthusiasm.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Ashwagandha, bala and Vidari mix I Saffron Milk I Jatamansi, Brahmi, and Shanka pushpi Tea

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)

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Ghee is an important ingredient of ayurvedic cooking. It replaces the oil in cooking in most of the Ayurvedic dishes. It has many health benefits and helps cultivate your ojas. It is basically clarified butter and is prepared by cooking the milk fat solids. Although you can use any high-fat milk, it is recommended to use Cow’s milk. Cow’s milk has been found to be easily digestible and has high proportion of healthy fats like Omega-3s.

Good for all Doshas especially Pitta, use moderately for Kapha.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Serves: 1 to 2 Cups

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of butter from Cow’s milk
    (You can initiate the process of ghee-making right from the Milk, however, it requires boiling fresh milk everyday for about 15 days and collecting the cream/fat and fermenting it till it turns sour. This fat is then mixed with water and churned to obtain the butter. Once you have the butter, follow the below process to make ghee.)

Method

  1. Melt butter in a pot over medium flame.
  2. Bring it to a boil and then let it cook over medium-low flame.
  3. You will see foam and bubbles. Reduce the heat to low once it goes quiet.
  4. Push the foam away from the top with a wooden spoon without stirring the butter.
  5. The bottom will become transparent when the ghee is done.
  6. Strain the ghee into a clean glass jar with a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.
  7. Let it cool and then cover it with an airtight lid.
  8. If you did it right, you should see the granular texture of the ghee with a pleasant aroma.

Serving suggestions

Can be kept unrefrigerated as long as you want. Always use clean and dry spoons to spoon out the ghee.

Everyday Use Vegetable Broth

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This homemade ayurvedic broth has a rich taste that will enhance the flavors of your soups, stews, and all the hot preparations in ayurvedic cooking. On a winter day or when in convalescence, this broth could be consumed by itself to provide warmth and enhance recovery.

Good for all doshas.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Serves: 3 to 4 Cups

Ingredients

  • 1 T of Cow’s ghee (you can substitute it with olive oil)
  • ¼ t each of cumin, black peppercorns, cloves, and coriander seeds
  • 2 T of chopped Onion
  • ½ T of chopped garlic
  • 1 cup of chopped carrots
  • 1 cup of chopped celery
  • 4 to 5 cups of water
  • 1 cup of chopped Leafy vegetables (optional)

Method

  1. In a large pot melt ghee over medium flame.
  2. Add onions and garlic and saute for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the spices, carrot, and celery.
  4. Add water and bring it to a boil over a high flame.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 2 hours.
  6. Add Leafy greens in the broth and simmer for 10 mins.
  7. Strain it into an airtight mason jar. Can be refrigerated for 5 days.

Serving suggestions

Any additional vegetable along with onion, carrot and celery can be added as per choice or season.
Add chopped ginger if you are not feeling well.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe

Black Pepper I Cloves I Cumin I Coriander I Garlic I Ghee

Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

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What is Indigestion?

Indigestion is a very common health condition that occurs when you feel discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. This condition is commonly known as an upset stomach and is also called dyspepsia. The symptoms may include bloating or feeling full, abdominal pain and discomfort, loss of appetite, etc.

What are the Symptoms of Indigestion?

If you have indigestion, you may have:

  • The symptoms of this condition are very common. You may experience the following symptoms if you have indigestion. One of the most common symptoms of indigestion is early fullness while eating your meal. This may make you feel that you have eaten so much and will not allow you to finish your normal portion.
  • Paining and feeling uncomfortable in the area between the bottom of the breastbone and belly button. You may experience moderate to severe pain depending on the condition.
  • Along with the pain, you may feel a burning sensation in the area between the bottom of the breastbone and belly button. Bloating in the upper abdomen is also a very common symptom of indigestion. You may feel uncomfortable and tight in the upper abdomen area and may feel nausea.

What are the Causes of Indigestion?

  • There can be several causes of indigestion. Most of the time it depends on your lifestyle, particularly food habits. Let’s see what the possible triggers of indigestion are.
  • Overeating may be one of the major causes of indigestion. Additionally, too much fatty, greasy, and spicy food may result in indigestion.
  • Too much consumption of alcohol, carbonated beverages, and caffeine can cause indigestion.
  • Certain medications such as antibiotics, pain relievers, iron supplements, etc. can trigger this condition.
  • In some rare cases feeling anxious and restless can cause indigestion.

When to see a Doctor?

  • Indigestion is the most common condition which may be experienced by everyone and is not a cause of concern. However, in case the suffering and symptoms don’t improve or go away completely within two weeks, you should consult with your doctor. Also, in case your pain is severe, then you need to call your doctor immediately.
  • There may be instances when you develop more severe symptoms along with the normal indigestion symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, recurrent vomiting, trouble in swallowing food, weaknesses, and fatigue, etc. This is the time to see a doctor as it may indicate a more severe illness.

Lifestyle Prevention of Indigestion

  • Preventing indigestion is very much possible by following a healthy lifestyle. Identifying the food that is causing you indigestion and avoiding them is important. Other than that you may take the following preventive measures to prevent indigestion.
  • Try to eat small meals throughout the day so that you don’t force your stomach to work too hard.
  • Eating slowly is a very good practice in developing digestive capacity. So, try to eat slowly.
  • You should not eat foods that are high in acid.
  • Caffeine causes indigestion and you need to avoid any food and drink which contains that.
  • Working out is very important along with eating green vegetables. Green vegetables have high fiber which helps you improve your bowel movements and helps you improve your digestion.
  • Smoking and consuming alcohol may irritate your stomach lining and cause indigestion. So quit them

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Indigestion

Some of the Ayurvedic remedies can help you treat indigestion and give you immediate relief. Some of the herbs and spices like aloe-vera, baking soda, fennel seeds, saliva, holy basils, ginger, apple cider vinegar work very well for indigestion.

  • Aloe vera juice: Drink half a cup of aloe juice prior to meals to keep your stomach and esophagus soothed.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Combine 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water, then drink up before every meal or at sleep time.
  • Baking Soda: Simply melt one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and drink. The baking soda will assist nullify acid immediately.
  • Saliva: Saliva helps reduce acid, so raising the quantity of saliva you generate after a meal is a good way to prevent acid formation. Try chewing a stick of gum for 30 minutes for reduced indigestion or stomach ache.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Ginger | Garlic and Trikatu | Bay leaf | Cardamom | Fennel seeds | Holy basil I Salvia

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known.

Hypoglycemia

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What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood sugar, is a medical condition that occurs when your brain doesn’t receive sufficient blood sugar to get enough energy. As a result, a person may experience symptoms like palpitation, tremor, mental confusion, nervousness, and/or sweating. In some extreme conditions, you may also have a convulsion. This condition generally happens if you are late to consume food at your usual mealtime.

What are the Symptoms of Hypoglycemia?

In case you are suffering from hypoglycemia, you may experience the following symptoms,

  • A person with low blood sugar may feel anxiety and shakiness.
  • Fatigue is also one of the common symptoms of this condition.
  • Usually, people with hypoglycemia experience an irregular heartbeat which is, in general, faster than normal.
  • Feeling irritated is normal if you have a low blood sugar level.
  • You tend to become hungry more frequently.
  • You also may experience sweating.
  • Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may become numb, or you may feel a tingling sensation.
  • In some serious cases, you may develop more severe symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, blurred vision, confusion, difficulty in understanding, etc.

What are the Causes of Hypoglycemia?

  • Hypoglycemia triggers when the blood sugar level or glucose level drops extremely low. This happens in the following conditions.
  • When you do not have food for too long and your blood sugar level drops, a new hormone from your pancreas directs your liver to break down the stowed glycogen and circulate glucose into your bloodstream. This may cause hypoglycemia.
  • Those who have diabetes are unable to make enough insulin and that results in building up glucose in the bloodstream and your blood sugar level shoots up. To lower the blood sugar level one must take insulin and that may cause lower blood sugar levels and result in Hypoglycemia.
  • Some medications can also lower your blood sugar level.
  • Too much consumption of alcohol may trigger this condition.
  • If your body produces too much insulin, that also may result in lowering your blood sugar level.

When to see a Doctor?

  • You need to visit a doctor if you have what could be hypoglycemia indications and you don’t have diabetes
  • Also, in case you have diabetes and hypoglycemia isn’t reacting to therapy, for example sipping juice or regular soft drinks, consuming candy, or taking glucose capsules.
  • Immediately seek out emergency assistance for somebody with diabetes or a record of hypoglycemia who has signs of acute hypoglycemia or loses consciousness.

Lifestyle Prevention of Hypoglycemia

  • The lifestyle prevention to prevent Hypoglycemia is very important. Some measures can be taken to control this condition. Those who are already suffering from diabetes need different preventive measures than those who are non-diabetic.
  • If you have diabetes, stick to diabetic management plan which your physician must have given you. In case you are deviating from that and started taking new medications or started following a new diet and work out plans, please take prior permission from your doctor. Because these changes might affect your diabetic management which may trigger the risk of low blood sugar.
  • In case you are non-diabetic and are suffering from this condition more frequently, the best way to maintain your blood sugar level is to eat small meals throughout the day. However, this measure can help you for the short run but to treat the condition permanently, you need to consult with your physician.
  • Yoga may help you deal with your blood sugar level; some postures of yoga strengthen the pancreas and help you prevent hypoglycemia. You may try postures like, peacock, camel, locust poses, etc.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Hypoglycemia

  • Ayurveda can help you treat this condition. The greatest herbs to take are brahmi, jata masi, shanka pushpa, and licorice. These herbs are brain stimulants; they nurture the brain and let it operate on restricted sugar.
  • Blend these herbs all together in an identical proposition and use the blend to make it to a tea. Soak half a teaspoon of the herbs in the cup of hot water and drink after lunch and dinner.
  • You additionally can do Nasya with Brahmi ghee, 5 drops in each nostril will immediately alleviate nausea, sweating, and mental confusion.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Brahmi I Jatamansi I Shankhapushpi I Licorice I Ghee

Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Not Known.