Ayurveda: Medicinal Use of Flowers at Home

Lotus: There is a strong relationship between the lotus and Goddess Lakshmi (signifying richness and wealth). The lotus represents growth in nature. The honeybee makes honey with its pollens and the flower is used to prepare Gulkand. Gulkand is used as a medicine to cure constipation and other diseases. One can see green colored seeds inside the lotus flower, which are roasted to make makhana. If the raw seeds are peeled and taken as a medicine, it increases strength and vigor. It is cold in nature. It is used as eyeliner along with honey to improve the eyesight. The lotus leaves can be used as a cosmetic as well. Grind the lotus leaves and mix them with the ubatan (a pack made out of gram flour, raw milk, curd and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder) and apply on the face. Rub it gently on the face, the skin glows and the face looks beautiful.

Kewda (Pandanus) : It has a nice fragrance like Kasturi (musk). This flower removes odors and fills the atmosphere with fragrance. Kewda oil is beneficial for respiratory problems and provides vitality. Its perfume relieves headache and gout pain. Boil the flowers in water and take bath with this water, it is very beneficial in cases of leprosy, itching, small pox and heart diseases. A few drops of this flower added to water gives relief in headache and tiredness. In case of fever one drop of kewda essence helps the sweat to come out and the body temperature comes down. In case of severe pain in the ear, place two drops of its perfume in the ear. It will instantly relieve the pain.

Rose: Rose represents beauty, love and affection. The gulkand made out of rose is purgative in nature and reduces the heat in the intestines and stomach. It makes the heart and mind cheerful. Wash the eyes with rose water to reduce the redness of the eyes and swelling. Its perfume is vitalizing and its oil makes the mind cool. A few drops of rose essence is used in sweet dishes. It provides coolness during the hot summer season.

Champa (fragrant yellow flower): Grind champa flowers and apply it on the skin affected with leprosy. A few drops of this flower destroy the germs present in the blood. Dry the flowers and make a fine powder, use this powder to get relief from itching. Champa cures fever, improves the eyesight and gives strength and energy to men.

Aniseed (Saunf): Aniseed contains a lot of beneficial qualities. Boil the aniseed flowers in water; add cardamom and a few mint leaves in the water. It is better to boil the leaves in a ceramic pot and keep the water aside. When the water gets cold, give one teaspoon to small children and to babies who are getting new teeth and those who are suffering from extreme heat. This reduces the stomachache and the teeth will also grow in the correct manner.

Marigold: Grow marigold flowers near dirty ponds and near the surroundings of the house to protect the house from mosquitoes. It is also beneficial in liver diseases, swelling of the liver, stones and skin diseases.

Jasmine: This flower possesses a very good fragrance and grows especially in the summer season. Decorate the house with Jasmine flowers. You can keep a garland near you or in a vase, which will give freshness and fragrance. Its smell reduces the burning sensation. Women who have the problem of mild menstruation should chew a few petals of this flower. The menses cycle will become regular and the menstruation also becomes normal.

Night Queen: Commonly known as 'Raat ki Rani' possesses an extremely good fragrance, which can be felt from a long distance. The flower produces fragrance from evening to midnight and after that it gradually reduces. Another advantage of this flower is that mosquitoes are kept at bay. Its fragrance makes the person drowsy and puts one to sleep.

Sunflower: Sunflower contains vitamins A and D. It cures diseases which occur due to sunlight. Its oil is especially beneficial for heart patients and it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Chameli: Oil of this flower is used in skin diseases, pyaria, toothache, wounds, eye diseases, boils, etc. It increases the blood flow and activates the entire body. In case of mouth ulcers chewing the leaves of Chameli provide instant relief. This flower also contributes in providing mental happiness.

Saffron: This flower gives happiness and glowing skin. It gives strength, stops vomiting and destroys wind, bile and phlegm related problems (all the three dosha disorders). Saffron cools down the anxiety and stress present in different systems. Hence it is also known as a natural tranquilizer. It gives vigor, strength, activity and glow if consumed along with betel leaf.

Ashok: It is also known as Madan tree. The flowers, skin and leaves of Ashoka tree are highly beneficial for women and are used as medicine to cure several diseases. Its powder has the potential to cure most of the diseases related to women.

Palash (Forest Flame): It is considered to represent immense beauty because of the yellow flowers which grow on the tree in bunches. The tree looks very attractive from a distance. It is also called Forest Flame due to this quality. Its powder can cure any type of stomach problem. Boil the flowers in water and make a fine paste, keep this paste on the lower part of the belly to cure problems of stones. In case of acute pain due to the presence of stones or painful urination this medicine is highly beneficial.

China Rose (Gudhal): This flower is related to the uterus. Roast this flower in ghee and consume it after your menstruation cycle. This will protect the pregnancy. Chew a few China rose flowers to cure mouth ulcers. If you are suffering baldness or loss of hair, make a fine paste with these flowers and apply it on the scalp. It gives coolness and purifies the blood. It can be taken in the form of squash or Gulkand to cure Sujak (gonorrhoea) disease. China Rose squash is especially beneficial and makes a person happy and cheerful.

Shankhpushpi (Blue creeper): It is also known as 'Vishnukanta' and is found in summer season and appears to be some kind of grass. Grind the flowers, leaves and stem. Mix the paste with water and add honey or sugar candy. This medicine is extremely good for refreshing the mind and overcoming lethargy. Students are advised to take this regularly to cope up with stress, burden and competition.

Acacia: Grind the leaves of Acacia tree and apply on the head to get rid of headache. Apply the paste on skin affected with eczema and ringworm; it is beneficial for skin diseases. It also gives relief in cough and respiratory problems. Gargling with the acacia leaves helps stop tooth decay.

Neem: Grind the flowers of the neem tree and make a fine paste, apply this on boils and wounds to reduce burning sensation and heat. Rub the paste on the body and take bath, this is good to cure ringworm problem. Neem leaves are also useful for reducing weight. Grind the flowers, mix the paste in water and sieve it nicely. Regular consumption of this solution reduces weight and purifies the blood. It protects the body from infectious diseases. Neem has many uses and hence is also known as 'doctor of the home'.

Clove: This destroys the bacteria present in the pancreas and intestines. It increases the white blood cells and thereby the resistance power of the body. It also stops bad breath. It works like a painkiller, in case of pain in any part of the body. Rub the clove on a grinding stone and apply the paste on the painful area. Suck a clove incase of severe pain in the teeth. Smoking clove excretes all the unwanted elements through sweat.

Juhi (a kind of Jasmine): Make Gulkand or powder from the Juhi flowers. This medicine is beneficial for acidity, stomach ulcer and mouth ulcers. Living under the proximity of a Juhi tree protects one from tuberculosis.

Madhawi (Basil, a kind of creeper, which gives fragrant flowers): This flower is beneficial to cure skin diseases. Prepare powder from these flowers and apply the lep (pack) on the affected area. In case of arthritis, chew these flowers in the morning. It also controls respiratory problems.

Harsingar or Parijat: (Coral Tree ): This flower cures arthritis. The face pack made with these flowers gives glowing skin. Its sweet smell makes the mind cheerful.

Swallow-wart (medicinal plant - Aak): This flower removes phlegm and burning sensation. In case of jaundice, keep a few flowers in one or two betel leaves and give it to the patient. This medicine is very beneficial for this disease.

Kadamb: It is also known as Madan tree. If the cattle are suffering from some disease, keep the flowers and leaves in the cattle shed; the disease will not affect the cattle. It grows in rainy season and was the favorite tree of the 'gopikas' of Lord Krishna.

Kachnar (flowers of this tree are used as a vegetable): The bud of this tree blossoms in rainy season. The buds are useful in controlling the urge to pass bowels at small intervals. You can also make a poultice from the skin and flowers along with water and apply it on burn wounds and boils.

Shirish (Acacia tree): It is a wild tree possessing a nice fragrance. Its fragrance coming along with the wind refreshes the mind and makes a person happy. In case of itching sensation, grind the flowers and apply on the paste on the affected area. Prepare a decoction of the flowers and wash the eyes, this is useful for any type of eye problem.

Naagkesar (medicinal tree): It looks like clove. It destroys itching sensations. Make a powder of these leaves and consume it with butter or curd, this is beneficial in bleeding piles. It is also beneficial for conceiving a child.

Bakul (tree with fragrant leaves): The flowers of this tree are mixed with oil and used to make perfumes. Make powder of the flowers and apply it on the skin. This will make your skin becomes smooth. The squash of these flowers cures infertility in women. Use the stem of this tree for brushing teeth; it cures all dental problems.

Amaltaas (purgative medicinal plant): It grows in the summer season and the yellow flowers of this plant grow in bunches. It is very pleasing to the eyes when seen from a distance. Gulkand of these flowers is beneficial to cure constipation. Excess consumption is harmful and can cause dysentery, cramps in the stomach and ill feeling.

Pomegranate: In case of bile related eruptions on the body, prepare the juice from the pomegranate flowers, add sugar candy and drink it. Suck the flowers to cure mouth ulcers. Pour the juice of pomegranate bud to cure conjunctivitis.

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Magnetized Oils

Oil can be magnetized in an approximately similar fashion as of magnetization of water with the exception that the oils need a longer duration of exposure to magnets in order to assimilate the beneficial properties of the latter.

Oils are prepared either on the North Pole or the South Pole and hence are of two types only. Mixed oil is not used as the oils are used as for external application only. The use of blue and red oils in naturopathy are designated as such `cause these are prepared in blue or red bottles and exposed to sunlight for a minimum of 21 days to imbibe cooling or heating properties of the sun`s radiation passing through particular colors. These oils are used against a number of infections like boils, fever, headache and rheumatic pains.

Following a similar principle, the magneto therapists utilize the natural potency of magnetism, which has made it possible to use the immense healing properties of the oils.

North Pole Oil:
To obtain North-pole oil:

Take a colorless, clean glass bottle (preferably round in shape). Fill it with coconut or til (sesame) oil. Cork it properly and keep it over the north pole of a strong magnet for 15 days. During this period, shake the bottle occasionally to help the oil absorb the magnetic emanations uniformly. After the above period, remove the bottle, shake it well and label it as `North-pole Oil` and keep it in a cool place away from the sun. The north-pole oil is highly useful in painful infections, which arise as a result of eczema, infectious Wounds and cuts and boils. South-Pole oil: South Pole oil is prepared in the same way as that of the north-pole oil except that the bottle filled with any of the two oils mentioned under the north-pole oil should be kept over the south pole of a strong magnet for 15 days. Prepare the oil and label it `South-pole Oil`. South-pole oil is highly effective in non-infectious affections like sciatica, cervical spondylitis, arthritis, lumbago, painful inflammations and sprains and strains. Method of Applying Magnetized Oil: Although Magnetized oils can be used independently; they are generally used during magnetic treatment, as in the case of cure for whooping cough and pneumonia. Before applying the oil, clean the infected portion properly and lightly rub the north or South Pole oil over it. A piece of cloth or napkin is placed over the oiled portion. Then the magnet is placed accordingly. Magnetization of Other Substances: Fluids other than water can also be magnetized for treatment. Consumable products like milk, beer and wine can be magnetized with similar types of magnets. The duration of exposure of these substances may be restricted to an hour or so as these are consumed in large quantities. Other substances like rose water can also be magnetized for about 12 hours, and can be used as eye drops in infections such as conjunctivitis, sore eyes and ophthalmia. Glycerin can also be magnetized with the South Pole to use for either as throat pain or against fissures, chaps and cracks of the skin. Many homeopathic physicians in India magnetize various homoeopathic ointments and mother tinctures based on the firm belief that such treated ointments are more effective and have a better penetrating power in several skin conditions. Substances used for cosmetic purposes such as shampoos are also often magnetized for treatment against dandruff and hair fall. Hair oils can also undergo magnetization process for improved growth and lustre of hair. Mouth washes; Eardrops, and skin oil are some instances of innumerable possibilities of using magnets and hence better products.

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Magneto Therapy and Acupuncture

The magnetotherapists have found that various acupuncture points can be utilised for magnetotherapy. It can be then used for treatment of various internal ailments. In India, several physicians have now started practicing it.

The term `Acu` means needle and the meaning of `puncture` is pricking. Therefore, Acupuncture means treating the patients through the art of pricking or piercing needles on some special points on the body of the patients. In this type of treatment, a fine needle is pricked into the skin of the patient to the depth of a few millimeters and is withdrawn after a few minutes. Here, it is essential to know which point is to be pierced in a particular disease. These acupuncture points are used for magnetotherapic treatment.

There are some tender areas at certain points on the surface of the body in all diseases and these tender areas are the Acupuncture points. If the magnet is applied in those points, the best benefit can be enjoyed. In simple acupuncture diagnosis, the patient is examined from head to toe in order to find out all the tender points to assume the internal disease corresponding to them. It has been noticed that a disease of an internal organ produces pain, tenderness, hyperesthesia or hypoesthesia, etc. in some part of the skin. This can be verified experimentally. Then in these parts the magnetotherapy can be applied.

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Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic Therapy is a science as well as an art, postulating knowledge of human organisms and the expertise to cure through the appropriate application of magnets. This alternative branch of medicine, also known as Magnet therapy, Bio magnet therapy, or Magnotherapy, is evidently, far-reaching in terms of possibilities in physical as well as mental disorder treatment through exposure to the magnetic fields.


Magnets designed specifically for human applications contain the power to interact with the energy system of the body, in order to create a distinct field for efficient cellular and hence organic activities. Be it localised or generalized application of magnets, the outcome tends to be visible on the basic functioning of cells, and is thereby reasoned to be effective. Two theories are used to elucidate the Magnetic Therapy.

The history of Magnetic therapy depicts that this particular therapy possesses an ancient heritage and has occupied a central role in the medicinal practices of Egypt, India and Greece. Until recently the scientific explanation of magnetic action was not available. Magnetic therapy utilizes the natural energy of magnetism that is important to human existence and overall health. Magnetic therapy is widely used in the sections of alternative medicines since the ancient times in India when the latest ways of treatment were not available. In some ancient scriptures of India, the mention of Magnet therapy was found. In Atharva Veda, there was the mention of Magnet therapy as the practitioners of Ayurveda suggested it as the best way to alleviate pains and rejuvenate the body and mind.

The primary theory asserts that, magnets affect the electrical current in cells. When magnets are functional on the afflictive region of the body, the nerves in that area stimulate, thus discharging the body`s innate painkillers. This is responsible for the application of magnets for pain relief.

According to the secondary, but equally relevant magnetic therapy theory, when magnets are applied to a painful area of the body, the cells in that area respond to increased blood circulation, ion exchange, and oxygen flow to the area. Magnetic fields attract and repel charged particles in the bloodstream, thus increasing blood flow and producing heat. Increased oxygen in the tissues and blood stream is considered to create a significant difference in the pace of healing.

This branch, although widely popular and widespread in the modern world, is subject to incessant scrutiny, observations, experimentation, ardent followership and skepticism. Magnet therapy has ventured into the fields of physical disorders like cancer treatment, and mental disorders like depression, where path-breaking research continues till date.

All sciences require to be mastered in order to harness them for the benefit of mankind; and the science of magnetic healing is no exception to the rule. Although sheer skepticism and faith in healing go hand in hand, millions of people are yet continuing the experiments with the science on a personal level, with the aid magnotherapists and extensively available commercial magnetic products.

Magnetic therapy is a safe, non-invasive method of applying magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. It accelerates the natural healing process, provides natural pain relief, relief from arthritis-induced pain and betters sleep, without any adverse side- effects. It has elevated hopes; even where advanced drug therapies have failed.

The results of Magnetic therapy vary from person to person depending on the quality of Magnets used, duration of use and the mode of application. Magnetic therapy would be ineffective, if not followed appropriately. The astonishing pain relief and calming effect it provides, has by and large, facilitated in boosting its popularity to greater extent.

The modern science reciprocate that Magnet therapy is effective in all kind of diseases including circulatory, digestive, nervous, respiratory and urinogenital systems and can be beneficial in all types of pain, swelling, inflammation, ulcers and diseases of the bowels and the uterus. Since the modern science has accepted the efficacy of magnet in treating diseases that causes pain and bring proper alleviation, this very ancient Magnet therapy has been admitted and included into the list of modern treating technologies. Magnetic therapy is used to treat headaches and migraines, insomnia, muscle and joint pain, varicose veins and other ailments of the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems.

It has been observed that when an area of the body is injured, positive ions flood the area, causing pain and swelling. Magnetic therapy causes the positive ions to flee the affected area and allows the body to return to its normal negative state. This allows an increase in circulation and oxygen flow to the injured area, thus promoting the benefits of natural healing. Treating with magnetic therapy privileges the patients to get proper healing without the use of traditional medication and promotion of natural body function. Though magnetic therapy is useful in almost all diseases related to skin, pain and inflammation, blood pressure, back muscle pain or sprained knee, carpel tunnel syndrome in the wrist, sinus inflammation and even headaches, hair and other diseases, it takes a considerable amount of time to cure depending on the severity of the disease. This therapy not only pertains to human beings, but to animals as well. As a matter of fact, several rodeo horses undergo magnetic effects for their superlative performance. Hence, such is the impact and scope of Magnetic therapy these days.

As magnetic therapy is applied and used in almost all over the world, some jewellery professionals are keen in creating ornaments and different devices like wristlet, chains, necklace, back belts, ace bandages or athletic support bandages worn on the back, knee or elbow which are designed with special magnets to delivery proper magnetic therapy to the injured part of the body.

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Avoid back pain......

Avoid back pain......

If you sit in front of a computer screen all day, make sure to sit up straight and keep your feet slightly raised off the floor on a footstool or other low object. Don't sit for long periods; get up and walk around the office or step outside for a break at least every half hour. Wear flat, comfortable shoes. As your stomach grows and your balance shifts, a pair of high heels will only make your posture worse. Always bend from your knees and lift objects and children from a crouching position to minimize the stress on your back. Let someone else lift heavy objects; this is not the time to risk throwing your back out completely. Start an exercise programme early in pregnancy, one that includes stretches that strengthen and stretch muscles that support the back and legs. Don't worry if you're well past your first trimester; you can start a simple stretching routine at any time. Swimming is a particularly good choice for pregnant women because it strengthens your lower back muscles, and the buoyancy of the water takes the strain off your joints and ligaments. Avoid doing breaststroke, though, as this can affect your lower back joint.

Stand up straight. This gets harder to do as your body changes, but try to keep your pelvis tucked in and your shoulders back. Pregnant women tend to lean back as their bump grows, which puts more strain on the spine.

 

 

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