Natural Organic Green Tea Benefits : Helps fight against Cancer, Heart Disease, Anti-Aging, Weight Loss, Obesity, Arithritis, Alzheimer, Parkinson's, BP, Cold, Flu, Asthma, Herpes, Allergy, and HIV

Green tea has increasingly become a very popular drink worldwide because of its immensely powerful health benefits.

It is extraordinarily amazing what green tea can do for your health. And if you're not drinking 3 to 4 cups of green tea today, you're definitely NOT doing your health a big favor.

Here Are The 25 Reasons Why You Should Start Drinking Green Tea Right Now:

1. Green Tea and Cancer

Green tea helps reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidant in green tea is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E. This helps your body at protecting cells from damage believed to be linked to cancer. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

2. Green Tea and Heart Disease

Green tea helps prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the level of cholesterol. Even after the heart attack, it prevents cell deaths and speeds up the recovery of heart cells.

3. Green Tea and Anti-Aging

Green tea contains antioxidant known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals. What this means it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity.

4. Green Tea and Weight Loss

Green tea helps with your body weight loss. Green tea burns fat and boosts your metabolism rate naturally. It can help you burn up to 70 calories in just one day. That translates to 7 pounds in one year.

5. Green Tea and Skin

Antioxidant in green tea protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkling and skin aging. Green tea also helps fight against skin cancer. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

6. Green Tea and Arthritis

Green tea can help prevent and reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Green tea has benefit for your health as it protects the cartilage by blocking the enzyme that destroys cartilage.

7. Green Tea and Bones

The very key to this is high fluoride content found in green tea. It helps keep your bones strong. If you drink green tea every day, this will help you preserve your bone density.

8. Green Tea and Cholesterol

Green tea can help lower cholesterol level. It also improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, by reducing bad cholesterol level.

9. Green Tea and Obesity

Green tea prevents obesity by stopping the movement of glucose in fat cells. If you are on a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink green tea, it is unlikely you'll be obese. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

10. Green Tea and Diabetes

Green tea improves lipid and glucose metabolisms, prevents sharp increases in blood sugar level, and balances your metabolism rate.

11. Green Tea and Alzheimer's

Green tea helps boost your memory. And although there's no cure for Alzheimer's, it helps slow the process of reduced acetylcholine in the brain, which leads to Alzheimer's.

12. Green Tea and Parkinson's

Antioxidants in green tea helps prevent against cell damage in the brain, which could cause Parkinson's. People drinking green tea also are less likely to progress with Parkinson's.

 http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

13. Green Tea and Liver Disease

Green tea helps prevent transplant failure in people with liver failure. Researches showed that green tea destroys harmful free radicals in fatty livers.

14. Green Tea and High Blood Pressure

Green tea helps prevent high blood pressure. Drinking green tea helps keep your blood pressure down by repressing angiotensin, which leads to high blood pressure.

15. Green Tea and Food Poisoning

Catechin found in green tea can kill bacteria which causes food poisoning and kills the toxins produced by those bacteria.

16. Green Tea and Blood Sugar

Blood sugar tends to increase with age, but polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea help lower your blood sugar level.

17. Green Tea and Immunity

Polyphenols and flavenoids found in green tea help boost your immune system, making your health stronger in fighting against infections. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

18. Green Tea and Cold and Flu

Green tea prevents you from getting a cold or flu. Vitamin C in green tea helps you treat the flu and the common cold.

19. Green Tea and Asthma

Theophylline in green tea relaxes the muscles which support the bronchial tubes, reducing the severity of asthma.

20. Green Tea and Ear Infection

Green tea helps with ear infection problem. For natural ear cleaning, soak a cotton ball in green tea and clean the infected ear.

21. Green Tea and Herpes

Green tea increases the effectiveness of topical interferon treatment of herpes. First green tea compress is applied, and then let the skin dry before the interferon treatment.

22. Green Tea and Tooth Decay

Green tea destroys bacteria and viruses that cause many dental diseases. It also slows the growth of bacteria which leads to bad breath.

23. Green Tea and Stress

L-theanine, which is a kind of amino acids in green tea, can help relieve stress and anxiety.

 http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/

24. Green Tea and Allergies

EGCG found in green tea relieves allergies. So, if you have allergies, you should really consider drinking green tea.

25. Green Tea and HIV

Scientists in Japan have found that EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) in green tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells. What this means is that green tea can help stop the HIV virus from spreading.

Herbal Cures, Remedies And Treatment For Hyperthyroidism And Graves' Disease

Hyperthyroidism is a result of excess thyroid hormone
production, causing an overactive metabolism and increased speed
of all the body's processes.

Thyroid hormone generally controls the pace of all of the
processes in the body. This pace is called your metabolism. If
there is too much thyroid hormone, every function of the body
tends to speed up. The thyroid gland regulates the body
temperature by secreting two hormones that control how quickly
the body burns calories and energy. If the thyroid produces too
much hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism, but if
too little is produced the result is hypothyroidism.

Treating Graves' Disease or Hyperthyroidism will involve not
only psychological and physical efforts, but also it is very
important to monitor what you eat and drink. Besides the 3
popular options for treating Hyperthyroidism- anti-thyroid
drugs, RAI treatment and surgery, there are many herbs that can
dramatically improve your condition.

One of the most safety herbs that is used to treat
Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease is Lemon Balm.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is frequently used also as an
attractive edible garnish, and it can be made into a tea. The
leaves give off a delightful lemony aroma when they are crushed
or torn before the flowers appear, but the taste and odor are
altered after flowering.

Lemon balm has been historically used for treating anxiety and
heart palpitations, which are some of the most debilitating
symptoms of Hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease.

Lemon balm lowers TSH levels and has been used to treat
Hyperthyroidism and Graves disease. Rosmarinic acid in Lemon
Balm apparently binds to thyrotropin (TSH) and keeps it from
connecting with the gland. This action is relatively weak, but I
guarantee you that it will calm you down, will help your
insomnia and reduce your stress levels which is extremely
important when treating Hyperthyroidism or Grave's Disease.

Lemon Balm is used also as a remedy for insomnia or for
digestive discomfort and gas.

Lemon Balm is taken internally (usually as a tea) primarily for
relaxation. Thus, The PDR for Herbal Medicines declares it is
used for "nervous agitation, sleeping problems, and functional
gastrointestinal complaints. "Functional" problems are those
attributed in part to psychological factors such as stress.

The tea is made by pouring 1 cup of hot water over 2 g (about 2
teaspoons) of dried leaf, steeping five to ten minutes, and
straining. Two to three cups daily are usually consumed, and
there is no limit on the duration of treatment.

Another herb that is very useful for treating Graves'' Disease
and Hyperthyroidism is Bugleweed (Lycopus). Bugleweed has a
considerable folk history for treating thyroid conditions, and
modern research supports this use. This herb inhibits iodine
metabolism and reduces the amount of hormone that's produced by
thyroid cells.

Leaf extracts are more active than root extracts. The
recommended oral preparation is a tincture (alcohol extract)
rather than a tea.

Verbena (Verbena, various species). Often called vervain,
verbena seems to have similar properties as Bugleweed and Lemon
Balm. Extracts have been shown to suppress thyroid hormone
production by influencing levels of TSH in the body.

A combination of the Verbena, Lemon Balm and Bugleweed can help
tremendously people suffering from Hyperthyroidism or Graves'
Disease. No side effects or symptoms of toxicity have been
reported with none of them, but these herbs are not recommended
to be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women. In all cases -
consult a herbalist before taking any of them.

About The Author: Svetla Bankova is a former Graves' Disease
patient and the author of "Life Manual for Graves' Disease and
Hyperthyroidism" and "Thyroid Eye Disease and Its Healing"
books. For more alternative methods, natural cures and herbal
remedies visit http://www.gravesdi seasecure. com

Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare. com/html. php?aid=308901


Author: Svetla Bankova

Acai Berry: Helps fight cancer, weight gain, aging process, improves vision, stamina, immune system & gives better sleep

It may be tempting to ignore the acai berry as just marketing hype and the latest fad. However, even though it isn't a "miracle berry" or the cure to all that ails you, the acai berry is an extremely powerful source of antioxidants and one of the most nutritious fruits in the world. 

Here are 10 excellent reasons why you should care about the acai berry: 

10. Helps Maintain Good Cholesterol & Fight Heart Disease 

Essential fatty acids and antioxidants in the acai berry help fight bad cholesterol (LDL) while at the same time maintaining good cholesterol (HDL) and fighting heart disease. The essential fatty acids also aid in the absorbency of necessary vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E, and K. 

9. Improved Vision 

The acai berry contains a specific type of antioxidant called "anthocyanins" which are known to improve vision. During World War II, British pilots ate large amounts of bilberry (which also contains anthocyanins) as they said it improved their night vision. 

8. Saves the Rainforest 

The recent popularity of the acai berry actually helps save the Rainforest. You see, before the large demand for acai berries, local farmers harvested the entire acai tree for palm hearts. Palm hearts are used in expensive salads. 

Fortunately, now that the acai berry is becoming more and more sought after, the natives are paid more to harvest acai berries. This means that they actually want to protect the trees instead of cutting them down. 

7. Better Sleep 

The acai berry contains amino acids that relax your muscles and allow for a more restful sleep. It also contains Vitamin B which helps to regulate the dopamine and serotonin (both neurotransmitters that impact sleep) production in the brain. 

6. Fights Diseases and Boosts Immune System 

The Amazon rain forest contains some of the richest soil in the world. As a result, the acai berry is packed with natural minerals and nutrients that fight disease and increase energy by boosting the immune system. In Brazil the acai berry is also commonly known as an effective anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent. 

5. Increase in Energy & Stamina 

Natives of Brazil are some of the most active people in the entire world. It's understandable considering that they have access to one of the most perfect foods available. Aside from being a perfect source of nutrition and carbohydrates, the high levels of antioxidants in the acai berry lead to a huge boost in energy levels and stamina. Locals will often mix acai pulp and Guarana (another amazing fruit with natural stimulants) for a healthy burst of natural energy. 

4. Helps Fight Weight Gain 

The acai berry's natural combination of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, and amino acids work together to help your body function better, process food easier, and burn fat more efficiently. 

3. Better Sex 

When NBC's Matt Laurer took a recent trip to the Amazon, he was amused to find that the acai drink he had just finished is commonly referred to as "Amazon Rainforest Viagra". Locals swear it has libido enhancing qualities. Combine those qualities with the increase in energy, stamina, and better overall body function and you can see why the acai berry is compared to that famous little blue pill. 

2. May Help Fight Cancer 

The University of Florida published a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that found that acai berries triggered a self destruct response in up to 86% of human cancer cells. Yes, you read that right, it caused cancer cells to self destruct! This study was only on the cellular level and wasn't in the human body, but it perfectly illustrates the antioxidant capability and healing qualities of the acai berry. The University is currently studying the effect of acai in the human body. 

1. Fights the Aging Process 

The most exciting benefit of regularly consuming the acai berry may just be its effect on the aging process. Free radicals are molecules that attack the cells in the body and damage our DNA.

In simple terms, free radicals are the cause of aging ailments such as cancer, arthritis, inflammation, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. The acai berry is recognized as one of the best foods for aging because it's absolutely jam-packed with free radical fighting antioxidants.

by Christopher Fisher

Edible Flowers: Used as anti-depressants, cholesterol lowering statins, antihistamines , Effects, Fights againt ailments & diseases

Are you aware that flowers are also used as food item and as disease curers? Yes it's true; the flowers which are eaten are known as Edible Flowers.

Edible flowers are organically produced, non-toxic flowers containing certain specific properties through which they enrich our meals and also simultaneously cure us of our diseases. These flowers are fairly inexpensive, devoid of side-effects, act in tune with our body's natural response system and are used in treating ailments across the world. These flowers have become a suitable alternative to drugs such as anti-depressants, cholesterol lowering statins, antihistamines and their likes. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

The medicinal properties of edible flowers fairly fight off diseases that befall us; besides they also play a significant role in making our food wholesome and appetizing. Edible flowers are the most preferred form of natural food as they are derived straight from the nature. They are a part of organic food which has presently become a suitable means of escape from the chemically synthesized, processed and flavored food. They sufficiently add nutrient value as well as flavor and color to dishes like desserts, cakes, salads and beverages; are used frequently in flavored oils, marinades and jellies. Generally the petals of edible flowers are

eaten but in some flowers like safflower and crocus their stigma is preferred for its herbal properties. Among the whole range of edible flowers there are some which are eaten by themselves while others like squash blossoms are first deeply fried and then used for consumption.http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

On tracing down the historical use of edible flowers we are pushed far back to the ancient Roman civilization where flowers like mallow, rose and violets were significantly used to lend aroma and flavor to the different kinds of eatables. The Chinese, Greeks, mid-eastern and Indian cultures have been consuming edible flowers from a very early period. In England particularly during the reign of Queen Victoria edible flowers like roses were used in a wide array of dishes.

Some edible flowers along with detailed information on the cures that they offer against different diseases:

Achillea: 

Achillea is primarily known for its antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic and diuretic properties. Generally, Achillea is used to treat a wide array of diseases but specifically utilized in curing cold, fevers, kidney diseases and menstrual pain. It is also used in treating toothache, pneumonia, nephritis, and Bright's disease. The leaves of Achillea are edible and are mixed with salad before consumption. Teas and condiments prepared through the proper utilization of this herb should be made a part of our daily lifestyle.

Rose: 

The rose flower is therapeutically valuable in removing headache, strengthening the heart; as a cooling agent, as an astringent and also in providing relief to haggard eyes. To add to the efficacy of rose, it is also a superb blood purifier. The edible parts are hips, petals and shoots. Petals are consumed in raw form while hips are taken in combination with other food. They are first grounded and then applied to baked food. Different types of syrups, jams and marmalades prepared from rose hips are also extensively available in markets.http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

Lotus: 

Generally known as an effective cardio tonic, lotus is used in treating sunstroke, insomnia; liver, urinary troubles. In the Ayurvedic natural treatment it is particularly used for curing mild troubles like cough, cold and serious diseases like dysentery and diarrhea. Leaves, petioles, flowers, rhizomes and seeds of Lotus are consumed raw as well as in the form of different compounds formed by them. Lotus leaves, petioles, flowers and rhizomes are cooked and taken in vegetable form. Lotus rhizomes are also used in the preparation of wide range of pickles while lotus seeds are deliciously tasty and so frequently eaten raw. Sometimes seeds are even roasted, boiled, and used in sweetened candy preparation.http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

Borage: 

The Borage flower considerably fights against diseases like osteoarthritis, circulatory heart diseases and pulmonary troubles. It is also a proper swelling and stress reliever. The Borage parts mostly consumed are the leaves, flowers and stems. Fresh leaves are taken by themselves as well as in salad form. The various fruit drinks and salads prepared by borage flowers are as much important to us as the beverages properly flavored by the stems of this plant. The allopathic treatment prescribes borage capsules to patients suffering from a diverse range of ailments.http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

Dandelion: 

The medicinal properties of this flower are extensively used in treating various liver, gall bladder and urinary disorders; against gallstones, jaundice, and cirrhosis and also in treating dyspepsia. Therapeutically, Dandelion is a diuretic and also reduces the cholesterol level in the body. For better functioning of the healing properties of Dandelion, its leaves, flowers, roots are consumed in fairly effective ways. Flowers and leaves are eaten raw and at times cooked. Roots are roasted and also used in tea preparation. Leaves and roots of this plant are mostly used to flavor herbal beer and soft drinks.http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

Angelica:

Various diseases like fever, cold, cough, flatulent colic and other stomach problems are successfully treated through Angelica. Along with providing proper cure for these diseases, Angelica protects the kidney against ischemia and reperfusion injury. The roots and shoots of Angelica are wildly consumed: Roots are taken only through tea made out of them while shoots are the perfect combination with a variety of salads. The shoots of Angelica are also boiled and taken as a pot herb.

Artichoke: 

As a traditional remedy, Artichoke works against sluggish liver, poor digestion and atherosclerosis. It also efficaciously wards off diseases like hypertension, anemia, diarrhea, fevers , ulcers and gout. The edible portions include the heart, petals and stem which are consumed in their natural form as well as by mixing them with butter, mayonnaise and salad.

from: Herbsncures.com

Kalmegh [A herbal medicine ] :An Antimicrobial, fights cancer,common cold, sinusitis, and tonsillitis also Diabetes

Since ancient times kalmegh, is used as a wonder drug in traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. The therapeutic value of Kalmegh is due to its mechanism of action which is perhaps by enzyme induction. The plant extract exhibits antityphoid and antifungal activities. Kalmegh is also reported to possess antihepatotoxic, antibiotic, antimalarial, antihepatitic, antithrombogenic, antiinflammatory, antisnakevenom, and antipyretic properties to mention a few, besides its general use as an immunostimulant agent. A recent study conducted at Bastyr University, confirms anti-HIV activity of andrographolide.

The Flower

Andrographis

Scientific Name(s): Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. Nees. Family: Acanthaceae

Common Name(s): Kalmegh (Hindi), Kalmegha (Snaskrit), Chuanxinlian (Chinese), Kalupnath , Kirayat (Hindi), Mahatita (King of Bitters), Alui , Bhunimba , Bhui-neem , Yavatikta (Sanskrit), Sam biloto (Malay)

Famili : Acanthaceae

Location found : Widely distributed throughout the plains of India from uttar Pradesh to Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

A Ebook On Cultivation Of Kalmegh

kalmegh

The Plant

Clinical Overview

Uses of Andrographis

Kalmegh has been used for liver complaints and fever, and as an anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant. In clinical trials, Andrographis extract has been studied for use as an immunostimulant in upper respiratory tract infections and HIV infection. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

The potential of andrographolide as an anticancer agent is being investigated. However, clinical evidence to support the use of Kalmegh for any indication is lacking.

Andrographis Dosing

The usual daily dose of andrographolides for common cold, sinusitis, and tonsillitis is 60 mg. Doses of 10 mg/kg resulted in the discontinuation of a clinical trial because of adverse reactions. Clinical trials in children with upper respiratory tract infection reported the use of andrographolide 30 mg daily for 10 days.http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

Dried Kalmegh

Andrographis Adverse Reactions

Headache, fatigue, rash, bitter/metallic taste, diarrhea, pruritus, and decreased sex drive were reported in 1 clinical trial. One HIV-positive participant experienced an anaphylactic reaction. Doses used in this trial were 10 mg/kg body weight.

Botany

A. paniculata is an erect annual herb that grows 30 to 110 cm in height and is native to India, China, and Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated in Asia. The square stem has wings on the angles of new growth and is enlarged at the nodes, while small white flowers with rose-purple spots are borne on a spreading panicle. The plant produces yellowish-brown seeds, and all parts have an extremely bitter taste. The portion of the plant appearing above ground are harvested in the fall. The genetic variability of the species has been examined.http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

History

A. paniculata has been used for centuries in India, China, Thailand, and other Asian countries and is present in 26 different polyherbal formulations in the Ayurvedic traditional health system. Kalmegh is listed in the 1992 Pharmacopoeia of the Peoples Republic of China as a cold property herb used to rid the body of fevers and dispel toxins. An immunostimulant preparation known as Kan Jang , which contains Kalmegh and eleutherococcushas, been used in Scandinavian countries for 20 years. Kalmegh is also manufactured and marketed in the United States.

Chemistry

The diterpene lactone andrographolide was first isolated as a major constituent 6 and later characterized as a lactone.  Its full structure was determined in the 1960s,  and x-ray crystallography later confirmed the structure.  A number of related minor diterpenes and their glycosides have since been identified.Methods of analysis, including high-pressure liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance,  have been published. A method for rapid isolation of andrographolide is also available.  When callus cultures of the plant were investigated, andrographolide and the other diterpenes were not produced. Instead, the sesquiterpenes paniculides A-C were found.  Other constituents of the plant include various flavones.  http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

Andrographis Uses and Pharmacology

Antimicrobial

Extracts of Andrographis and andrographolide derivatives have shown modest activity in vitro against HIV ; however, a phase 1 study of andrographolide showed no effect on viral replication after 6 weeks, despite increased CD4 counts. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

Activity in antimalarial screens has also been noted for Andrographis extracts, but clinical trials are lacking. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

The extract of A. paniculata blocked Escherichia coli enterotoxin-induced secretion in rabbit and guinea pig models of diarrhea. Andrographolide and 3 other related diterpenes were responsible for this action.  Other in vitro experiments present conflicting results for the action of andrographolide and leaf extracts on E. coli . http://hallosushant.blogspot.comhttp://hallosushant.blogspot.com

Cancer

Animal and in vitro experiments using human cancer cell lines to investigate the potential anticancer effects of A.

paniculata have found andrographolide responsible for the observed effects rather than other diterpenes.  Various mechanisms of action have been proposed, including enhancement of chemokine activity, inhibition of tumor-specific angiogenesis affecting cell cycle progression, and induction of apoptosis. Cancer cell lines investigated include prostate, breast, cervical, colon, hepatoma, melanoma, and lymphocytic leukemia. Researchers are now focusing on synthesizing compounds based on andrographolide to improve selectivity and potency. 

The need for caution has been raised by one group of researchers because andrographolide-enhanced SDF-1-chemokine activity might induce tumor cell metastasis. . paniculata extract has also induced cell differentiation in mouse myeloid leukemia cells. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

Immunostimulant

Animal data

Both antigen-specific and antigen-nonspecific immune responses in mice were stimulated by andrographolide and an ethanolic extract; the extract was more potent than andrographolide, suggesting that other constituents also were immunostimulants. Inhibition of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and mast cell stabilization was observed in studies of the purified diterpenes in rats. 

Clinical data

A systematic review of 4 clinical trials found A. paniculata , either alone or in a fixed combination with A. senticosus ( Kan Jang ), significantly more effective than placebo ( P < p =" 0.0002,">

A small study in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (Nߙ=ߙ24) found a decrease in frequency, duration, and severity of febrile attacks, compared with placebo. 

Stimulation of the production of key cytokines and immune activation markers has been investigated as potential mechanisms of andrographolide immunomodulation. http://hallosushant.blogspot.com

Other uses

Extracts of Andrographis have demonstrated hypoglycemic action in rats with streptozotocin- and alloxan-induced diabetes, supporting a traditional use of Kalmegh.  Clinical trials are lacking.

Two older trials explored a possible hypotensive effect of andrographolide/Kalmegh, but further investigation has not been conducted. 

Animal experiments suggest that the extract of A. paniculata is hepatoprotective, but clinical trials are lacking. Hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes were elevated in 1 animal experiment,  however, in a clinical trial, elevated liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were reported. 

Andrographolide has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in several cellular systems, including prevention of phorbol ester-induced reactive oxygen species and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced adhesion in rat neutrophils,  inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-induced upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule expression, and monocyte adhesion 57 and activation of protein kinase pathways. 

Dosage

Kalmegh dosage in clinical studies has ranged from 3 to 6 g of the crude plant.

The usual daily dose of andrographolides for common cold, sinusitis, and tonsillitis is 60 mg, but doses up to 1,200 mg have been reported. Andrographolide 48 mg daily was used in a trial of familial Mediterranean fever. Doses of 5 to 10 mg/kg were used in a trial in HIV patients, but adverse reactions at this dosage stopped the trial. 

Clinical trials in children with upper respiratory tract infection reported the use of andrographolide 30 mg daily for 10 days. 

Adverse Reactions

Research reveals few adverse reactions reported with the use of A. paniculata . However, adverse reactions (eg, headache, fatigue, rash, bitter/metallic taste, diarrhea, pruritus, decreased sex drive) during a phase 1 study of andrographolide in HIV required interruption of the trial. One HIV-positive participant experienced an anaphylactic reaction. Doses of andrographolide 10 mg/kg body weight were used when the adverse reactions became apparent.  In the same trial, elevated liver enzymes were experienced by many of the participants. Two cases of urticaria have been reported in other trials.

Toxicology

Toxicology studies are limited, but Kalmegh does not appear to be acutely toxic. Acute lethal doses (median lethal dose) in mice are reported to be more than 40 g/kg for andrographolide.

Male reproductive toxicology of Andrographis has been studied. A subchronic 60-day study in male rats showed no changes in testicular weight, histology, or testosterone levels.  However, detailed studies in rats given purified andrographolide for 48 days showed decreases in sperm counts and motility that were linked to disruption of spermatogenesis. 

A small, short-duration, phase 1 clinical trial in healthy men found no negative effects at doses 3 times the usual daily dose of Kan Jang . Instead, a positive trend in the number of spermatozoids, percent active forms, and fertility indexes was found. Limitations of the study included the small number of participants (N = 14), the short duration of the study (10 days), and the low dose tested (3 times the normal dose versus 10-fold in animal studies).

Ayurveda [Knowledge of life]: A Tourist Guide to Ayurveda - an integral part of Kerala Tourism

Ayurveda is the most ancient of India’s health sciences, developed over the centuries by the sages through painstaking research. ‘Ayurveda’ translates into ‘knowledge of life’, and teaches us not only to cure diseases but also how to ward off illness by leading a healthy life – healthy in the physical as well as mental sense.

Only from very keen observation of nature and life, for hundreds of years, could such a life science have been formulated. Its approach is totally holistic in nature, treating man as a whole and caring equally for his physical, mental and spiritual health.

It can safely be asserted that, today, Kerala is the only State in India which practises this traditional system of medicine with absolute dedication.In fact, it is today a Rs. 6500 crore industry and growing at a rate of eight percent annually! Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants , and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are ideally suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages.Today, Ayurveda is very much an integral part of Kerala tourism.

Ayurveda breaks down the human body into three fundamental elements:

1. Doshas – representing the physio-chemical and physiological activities of the body


2. Dhatu – denoting the materials forming the basic structure of a body cell


3. Malas – representing the substances which are partly used in the body and partly excreted after serving their physiological purpose.

The role of the physician is to comprehend the imbalance, if any, that has occurred to the dynamic equilibrium of these three elements and take measures for its correction. The physical and mental co-operation of the patient, in making the necessary changes in his lifestyle and food habits, is essential to restore the dynamic balance to the body.

Ayurveda lays special emphasis on prevention of diseases, describing vividly the signs and symptoms by which the illness can be foreseen and preventive steps taken. It also lays down instructions on how to live, in perfect health, in different climactic conditions.

Ayurveda believes that the health of a man is influenced to a great degree by his environment and teaches us how to make changes to our daily and seasonal routines according to age, sex and environment. These routines include diet and the general attitude towards life. Ayurveda also has a separate branch – ‘Rasayana’, to maintain youth and vitality.

Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation programmes. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

A word of caution to the tourist, though – make your choice of treatment centre with utmost caution and after careful scrutiny; ensure that it is a licensed institution, since numerous centres have sprung up lately with the sole intention of making a fast buck. You may end up getting treatment – and a big hole in your pocket – there, but rest assured it will not be a strictly ‘Ayurvedic’ one. On the other hand, the genuine centres provide great value for money and you will return home a totally different and rejuvenated person!

Stress and Anxiety: Effects and herbal Remedies.

In the modern world of today we are constantly being bombarded with high levels of stress and anxiety. These stresses can be

• physical,
  
• mental or
  
• environmental.

They place an enormous strain on our physical and mental health. Most of us are aware that excessive stress can affect our:

• Ability to think straight,
  
• our digestive system,
  
• adrenal glands and
  
• heart.
• Research has however shown that whenever a stressful situation arises, there is a knock on effect.

Firstly stress :

• Limits the blood supply going to the stomach, this hampers the digestive system and a temporary shut down of our immune system may follow. If we are overwhelmed with stress for an extended period we are likely to experience fatigue and exhaustion. Although it may not be possible to avoid these stress factors in our lives there is help available.

There are many natural herbal supplements, known for they’re relaxing properties which assist in combating the harmful effects of anxiety and stress. Several herbs are usually incorporated together to make a powerful formula. We will take a look at some of the individual herbs, which go to make up some of these potent anti- anxiety supplements: -

• Jujube Seeds: - hypnotic and anti-anxiety effect used for hysteria, fatigue, sleeplessness, debility and restlessness.

• Magnolia Bark: - has anti anxiety, anti stress properties, lowers the cortisol, promotes relaxation and improves the mood.

• Potassium: -sustains the fluid and electrolyte balance, discharges energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat, assists in conveying nerve impulses.

• Magnesium: -is a trace mineral and its chief role is manufacturing and transporting energy, relaxing and contracting the muscles, assisting some enzymes with their task in the body and mixing proteins.

• Valerian Root: - It supports a feeling of calmness, improves sleep, reduces anxiety levels and facilitates relaxation of the central nervous system. Valerian root is non addictive and does not cause morning tiredness. It also is useful in slowing the heart in those who have the condition known as tachycardia.

• Melatonin: -is one of the most dominant antioxidants in the brain. It restores metabolism, improves the quality of sleep and slows down degenerative diseases of the brain such as Parkinson’s. Melatonin can control extreme cortical production and is therefore effectual in reducing stress levels and regulating sleep cycles.

http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/
Vitamin B complex contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12 are all essential vitamins for the nervous system