Ashta Vaidyan Cheria Narayanan Namboodiri
Cheriya Narayanan Namboodiri is the chief physician of Vaidya Madom Vaidya Sala. Vaidya Madom is one of the famous Ashtavaidya groups of families in Kerala and the only family belonging to the Bharadwajeeya group. Lord Dakshinamoorthi is considered as the family deity of the Vaidya Madom. Cheriya Narayanan Namboodiri is known for his ability to diagnose most of the diseases at the first sight of the patient. He is specialized in treating arthritis and also successfully treats other diseases. The scholar utilizes his free time to write articles on Ayurveda. His famous works on ayurveda include Ayurvedavum Deerghayussum which means ayurveda and longevity, Ayurvedathinte Pradama Padangal(the basic or first lessons of Ayurveda) and Ayurvedathinthe Keraleeya Anushtana Paramparyam. He has also transalated the ayurvedic text on elephants namely Palakapyam.

Coimbatore Arya Vaidya Sala
Coimbatore Arya Vaidya Pharmacy was founded by late Arya Vaidyan P.V. Rama Varrier in the year 1943. It had its humble begining in a rented building on Trichy Road, Coimbatore and was registered as a Public Limited Company in the year 1948. The Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam was established in 1950 at Coimbatore and later in 1978 Arya Vaidyan Rama Varrier Educational Foundation of ayurveda was established and degree courses in Ayurveda was commenced. AVP group was the first to conduct a clinical trial supported by WHO to evaluate the ability or power of ayurveda in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis. Now the AVP group has established itself as a multifaceted organisation focusing on various aspects of ayurveda including ayurvedic health care, researches, publications and marketing. Being the first Ayurveda Company in south India to gain a GMP certification for production standards under the World Health Organisations guidelines, AVP manufactures almost 400 therapeutic formulations.

Vernonia cinerea- puvankurunthal.

Vernonia Cineria is a terrestrial annual herb.  The plant has erect and cylindrical stems. Leaves are ovate or lanceolate. The flowers are either white or purple in color and occur in small head inflorescence. The plant grows in waste lands, open fields and road sides. New plants grow from the seeds which are dispersed by wind. Vernonia Cinerea is often known as poor man’s herb. According to ayurveda the herb has tikta rasa, rooksha guna and ushna veerya.

The herb is known to pacify vata and pitta. The whole plant is useful and has got many curative properties. It is used to cure tonsillitis, stomach ailments etc. the plant is crushed and the juice is made to a decoction by boiling with water which is used to treat fever. The juice extracted from the leaves is mixed with cow’s milk and is used to treat conjunctivitis. A decoction made out of the roots cures swellings and inflammations. The juice is also effective in treating poisonous insect bites. It is also capable of purifying the blood. The seeds contain fatty oil which is used as an anthelmintic. It is also beneficial in flatulence and intestinal colic. The herb is used to cure problems related to skin like leucoderma and other skin diseases.

Biophytum sensitivum-mukkutti.

The plant belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It is a flowering perennial herb which thrives well in tropical and sub tropical climate. The plant has a very short unbranched stem and the pinnate leaves with small leaflets on either side arise from the tip of the stem. Flowers occur in and are pale yellow to orange in color with five petals .Seeds is enveloped by a stiff and flexible fleece. The plant propagates by means of seeds.

The plant is believed to posses many medicinal properties. The herb has astringent, antiseptic, antipyretic and diuretic properties. According to ayurveda the herb has tikta and kasaya rasa lakhu and rooksha guna and ushna veerya. The herb is known to pacify Kapha and pitta. It is used to treat conditions like arthritis, sprain, stiff neck etc. It is one of the herbs which is given to women after delivery because of its ability to clean the uterus .It is also used in cases of heavy bleeding in women. A paste made of the leaves mixed with butter milk is used in cases of diarrhea. The whole plant is crushed and the juice mixed with honey is administered in cases of cough and chest congestion.

Emilia sonchifolia- muyalchevi.

Emilia sonchifolia belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as cupid’s shaving brush. The plant requires well drained soil and is drought resistant once they are established. It is an annual herb with weak or erect stems. Leaves are ovate or obovate. The plant flowers from July to October. The flowers are lavender, purple or pink in color. It occurs in open fields and waste lands. It contains calcium, phosphorous magnesium, sodium and potassium. It contains vitamins like riboflavin and niacin. The herb is used as a folk medicine. According to ayurveda the plant has katu, kasaya and tikta rasa, lakhu and grahi guna healer sheeth veerya.

The plant pacifies Kapha, vata and is effective in treating fever, tonsillitis; juice is a natural for eye diseases. It is also good in conditions like worm infections and allergy. Whole plant is crushed and the juice is extracted and is used to cure intestinal worms. The paste of the plant is useful for bleeding piles. A decoction of the plant is good in bringing down fever. The herb is useful in treating cough and bronchitis. Applying a paste on the thyroid region helps to cure the swelling in is sometimes used in cases of diabetes.

Cynodon dactylon- karuka.

The plant belongs to the family Poaceae. The plant grows in warm climate all over the world. The plant has creeping stems bearing roots at the nodes. It grows and forms a dense mat helping to prevent soil erosion. The leaves are grayish green in color and flowers are very small and are in spikes. The grass is considered important in Hinduism and is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. It symbolizes purity and prosperity. It contains crude proteins, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, sodium and potassium.

The plant has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. The plant has been suggested for treatment of urinary track infections, skin diseases, blood disorders, dysentery and prostatitis .Recent studies shows that the herb is able to reduce blood sugar level in blood. The juice is cool, sweet and palatable and is nutritious. The whole plant is medicinal and used externally and internally. The plant extract is used to relieve discomforts caused due to phlegm. The cooling property of the plant enables it to mitigate thirst and burning sensation. It works as a detoxifying agent when taken in empty stomach. The herb mixed with curd is used in leucorrhea. It helps in curing minor cuts and wounds. In general it is a good tonic for the body.

Curculigo orchioides- nilapana.

The plant is a perennial herb which belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. It occurs commonly in temperate climate and is commonly seen in south India. The plant is widely used in folk medicine. The rhizome of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. The herb has madhura and tikta rasa a, guru guna and sheeta veerya. It increases kapha and reduces vata and pitta.

It is used in digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive problems. The herb is found to be beneficial in cases of cough and asthma. It works and a stimulant and aids digestion. It is also used in cases of vomiting and diarrhea. The herb is widely used in treating erectile dysfunction and to increase the sperm count. The plant is beneficial in treating piles and blood related disorders. It is also good in skin related ailments.

Evolvulus ulcinoides- vishnukranti.

The herb belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is an annual creeper and grows in open grassy places throughout India. The leaves are small and are covered with fine hairs. The plant pacifies pitta and is katu and tikta in rasa, rooksha and teekshna in guna and ushna in veerya. The flowers are blue in color. The fruits appear in small capsules.

The herb has astringent properties and is believed to improve intelligence and memory power and is considered as a brain tonic. It is also considered as a pshycostimulant and tranquilizer. The herb is used externally and internally. The juice of the plant stimulates appetite and is also used as a mild laxative. It is effective in treating premature graying and falling of hair. A decoction of the herb with cumin and milk is found to be beneficial in cases of fever. In general it works as a good tonic for the body.

Eclipta alba- kayyonni.

Eclipta alba which is commonly known as Bhringaraj and kayyoni belongs to the family Asteraceae. It grows in moist places and has week steams. Flowers are white in color.

The whole plant is considered of medicinal value. It is useful in cases of Kapha and vata imbalances. It is effectively used in treating conditions like premature graying and hair fall .Regular application of oil prepared using this herb renders the hair black and luxuriant. It acts as a powerful liver tonic and is also useful in jaundice and spleen disorders. It is also used against anemia and eye diseases .The extract of Eclipta and honey is used in cases of respiratory congestion. It is also used to enhance the memory and as an anti ageing agent. It is also effective in treating minor burns and cuts.

Avera lanata- cheroola.

The plant is a woody, perennial herb belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. It is a common weed and grows widely in plains. It has tikta rasa, lakhu and snigda guna and sheeta veerya. The plant is known to pacify pitta.

The plant is said to posses’ diuretic properties and is used as an anthelmintic. It is used to cure sore throat. The herb consists of phenol acids and alkaloids. Roots are used in headache. The leaves are also used as a vegetable.

Ipomea maxima- thiruthali.

The plant belongs to the family Convolvulaceae.It is a small climbing herb with a bell shaped flower. The plant posses cooling and aphrodisiac properties. Juice of the plant is used as a diuretic and deobstruent. The juice is also used as a herbal shampoo. It is also used as an antidote for arsenic poison.

Cardiospermum halicacabum- valli uzhinja.

The plant is a perennial climber with dentate leaflets and small white flowers. Fruits are covered with a bladder and the seeds are globose. It is well known for its huge curative properties. The plant extract has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is used in treating earaches and in relieving swellings. The juice is also used in curing minor wounds. The juice is said to reduce obesity. The herb is also used in hair oil preparations to reduce dandruff and for darkening the hair. The herb also has laxative properties.

According to Ayurveda, the Malayalam month of Karkidaka (Cancer) is time for preventive therapies. Karkkidaka is known for rains, joblessness and diseases. Since Kerala (and India) is an agriculture society, the rain also forces people off fields and into their houses. During this month, the climate is very damp, with lot of rains. People are prone to diseases of various kinds. In other words, human body becomes extremely sensitive to pathogens.This period has long been identified as the period for preventive treatments and rejuvenation therapies. This is because, during this period human body will also be receptive to Ayurveda medicines.

The major therapies for Karkidaka month ( July 15th to August 15th)

Oil massages (abhayanga) of various kinds are performed during this season, according to the age of persons. These massages give physical strength of the body. The medicated oil also passes the medicinal content straight into the bloodstream. Massages are part of rejuvenation therapies.

Karkidaka Kanji (the rice porridge)

Karkidaka Kanji is basically rice porridge with medicinally valuable herbs added. Karkikada kanji kit is available for purchase from different Ayurveda centers.People take karkidaka kanji or the medicated porridge during this month which is believed to revitalize the body. The main ingredients of this porridge are njavara rice, malli, vizalari, karkokilari, cumin seed, aniseed, ayamodakom, fenugreek, aashali, putharichundaveru, varattumanjal, mustard seed, dry ginger, grambu, nutmeg etc. These ingredients are boiled in a pot. After it is cooked coconut milk is added. Sauté 2 or 3 small onions in ghee and add it to the porridge.

Sukha-chikitsa (preventive therapy)

Sukham means healthy state and chikitsa is therapy or treatment. Sukhachikitsa is given to healthy persons, to prevent diseases from attacking. Massages (abhayanga) and specially prepared kanji (rice porridge) are part of sukhachikitsa.

Rejuvenation therapy

Ayurveda rejuvenation therapy is long process, lasting for many days, from 21 days up to 45 days. During rejuvenation therapy, the body is first cleaned off accumulated toxic materials (excess fat, chemicals, pathogens, etc). The accumulated body waste is called ama or body toxins.The body is then strengthened with special medicines like Rasayanas and with medicated oil massages (abhayanga).Rejuvenation therapy can also include full-scale panchakarma treatments. However, according to the age, physical and mental conditions, and other factors, the doctor may decide to omit one or more procedures of panchakarma treatment.

The month of Chingam (Leo) follows Karkidaka. Chingam is time of blooming, gaiety and general healthfulness. However, the month that precedes Chingam (karkidakam) is the month of diseases. Special Ayurveda packages for preventive healthcare and Karkidaka Kanji kits are available in Kerala Ayurveda hospitals.

The function is scheduled at Hotel Muscat at 3 PM. Dr Sasi Tharoor, Minister of State External Affairs presents the award. Mr. V. Sivankutty, MLA, Thiruvananthapuram, presides over the function. Ms PK Srimathi Teacher, Minister for H & FW inaugurates the function.

The winners of different awards are:

Ashtanga Ratna Award: Padmasri Dr P K Varrier (Managing Trustee, Kottakkal Aryavaidyasala, Kottakkal, Malappuram

Charaka Award: Dr V K Sasikumar, Chief Medical Officer, Govt Ayurveda Dispensary, Paravoor, Kollam

Vagbhata Award: Dr D Ramanathan, Chief Physician & MD, Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy Ltd, Thrissur

Athreya Award: Dr S K Ramachandran, Professor, Dept of Kaumarabhrityam, Govt. Ayurveda College, TVM

Dhanwanthari Award: Dr P K Mohanlal, Rtd. DAME, KP 4/824, Deepa Sadan, Nalanchira, TVM

Best DMO: Dr B T Vasudevan, DMO (ISM), Pathanamthitta

Kerala tourism sector expects good turnaround this year. The preparations are on at various hotels, resorts and Ayurvedic treatment centres across the state to woo tourists. The moderate climate of Kerala, coupled with the serene greenery and low cost of living is the chief factor tourists are attracted to this land.

To celebrate the new tourist season, the traditional Ayurvedic treatment centre at Kovalam run by Kerala Ayurvedics announced special Christmas-New Year treatment packages. Bookings are open till November 15, 2008

Read about the traditional Ayurveda treatments available at Kerala Ayurvedics treatment centre, Kovalam.

New Year 2009 Special Package: Rejuvenation & Aphrodisiac Therapy

Enjoy a new life with special rejuvenation programs and vajeekaran chikitsa (aphrodisiac therapy). The treatment includes full rejuvenation package, and treatments to enhance your sexual potency and enjoyment. Special treatment packages are prescribed to men and women, according to their age, physical constitution and other factors. The treatments include massages with chosen Ayurvedic medicinal oils, intake of medicinal food, medicines, and observing lifestyle modifications.

Book this treatment before November 15, 2008 for New Year Special Rates.

The Ayurvedic treatment centre also offers accommodation facilities. There are accommodation facilities in different budget ranges. Read more about accommodation facilities.

Ancient Ayurvedic scriptures like Charaka Samhita recommend the right methods of medicine administration, medicine combination, diet and controls on activities. They also give specific advice on manufacturing process, the desirable environment to prepare medicines, and hundred other factors that affect the quality of medicines.

The dos and don’ts of administration of medicines are clearly explained in Ayurvedic texts.

One don’t is not to take Ayurvedic medicine when taking allopathic medicine. Though there are several exceptions to this case, the first thing you can do is to avoid Ayurvedic medicine while undergoing allopathic treatment and vice versa.

Ayurvedic medicines of high power are advised to take only for pre-determined number of days, weeks or months. If overdone, the favorable medicines show its undesirable side.

Some medicines are to be taken in the morning, some at mid day and some at night. There are specific reasons for the directions. The usage directions of a medicine are determined by the type of action the medicine does with your metabolism at different times of the day.

Presence of lead and lead poisoning in certain Ayurvedic formulations like Yogiraj Guggul was an apple of discord between Ayurvedic practitioners and general public. Lead has toxic property when used as such. But it also has medicinal properties which have to be brought forth by specialty processing, which lasts for many hours over a few days. Any short cuts taken here can cost heavily.

Another significantly important factor to look for in Ayurvedic medicines are the changes in environmental factors. At the time when Ayurvedic scripts were written and the knowledge passed down to generations, there were no pesticides in the air, water or earth. There were no vehicle fumes or smoke from factories. There were no acid rains. Dust was not a major problem.

Ayurveda Acharyas, would have never imagined present state of development and changes in environment. The plants that grow in this changed environment can have the unnecessary elements of modern environment. This also can be a reason for side-effects.

Organic farming of herbs in unpolluted environment, sticking to the preparation methods of Ayurvedic medicines as described in ancient text and  proper administration of medicines ensure a no-side-effect Ayurvedic treatment.

This inhibits the blood’s ability to transfer blood to the cells and leads to cellular suffocation called hypoxia. The reasons for anemia can be hemorrhage or blood-loss, excessive blood cell destruction or due to inadequate production of RBC in body.

In such cases the person has enough amounts of fluids, but lacks the oxygen carrying RBC.

Here are a few home remedies to effectively control and prevent anemia

Take a cup of beetroot juice and a cup of apple juice with honey or sugar. This speeds up RBC production.

Eat a ripe banana with two-tea spoon honey twice a day.

Eat Indian gooseberry or orange. These fruits help speed up iron absorption to body.

Drink a cup of tomato juice mixed with apple juice once in four hours.

Take honey. It has easily digestible and absorbable minerals, especially iron.

Take lot of seafood, liver, egg yolk, chick peas, green peas, broccoli, raisins and dates.

Don’t drink carbonated beverages, coffee, tea and cow’s milk. They prevent absorption of iron especially when a person suffers from anemia.

Give breast milk to infants to prevent anemia.

Ashtangahridayam, one among the major ancient Ayurvedic treatise by Acharya Vagbhata describes the preparatory methods, actions and indication of narasimha rasayanam in detail.

The action of Narasimha rasayanam is mainly in improving immunity, improving physical strength. It acts as a body tonic, rejuvenative, increase sex drive, improves complexion and checks aging process.

The main indication for narasimha rasayana is premature graying or hair loss.

It is beneficial in treatment of all kinds of gynecological disorders and promotes fertility.

Ingredients of Narasimha Rasayana

Bhringaraja (false daisy – eclipta alba), Indian gooseberry (Embelica officinalis), Chebulic myrobalan, Beleric myrobalan, milk, ghee, satavari (asparagus rosemosus), etc are the main ingredients of narasimha rasayana.

Dosage of narasimha rasayanam

5-15 g daily before going to bed. Take water or milk immediately thereafter. Follow any specific instructions from your physician.

Good for both men and women, narasimha rasayana promotes steady physical health and promotes fertility and virility.

Narasimha rasayana is a general body tonic, but start taking it only with the advice of your Ayurveda physician.

Though the primary aim of fasting by Muslims is to conform to religious norms, fasting brings in several health benefits too. While considering health benefits, there are also a few problems to consider and precautions to take while fasting.

Those who suffer from medical conditions like coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc are exempt from fasting. The negative effects of total fasting include hypokalemia (drastic drop of blood potassium levels), cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat), etc. Ramadan fasting is not total fasting and believers take nutrients needed for the body, through the systematically planned early morning and evening food.

Lowering of blood sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure are the first notable physiological changes.

Diabetes patients need to take extra care while fasting. Hypoglycaemia, a condition characterised by abnormal drop of blood sugar levels can cause health problems. Diabetic patients should reduce intake of medicines or insulin injection during fasting. Monitoring of blood sugar levels is also desirable. Conditions like tiredness, sweating, headaches, unconsciousness, etc are the symptoms of abnormally low levels of blood sugar levels.

Hyperglycaemia- this is the reverse of hypoglycaemia, characterised by increase of blood sugar levels. This is mainly due to the medicines you take to sustain blood sugar levels. Increase in blood sugar levels can cause problems to kidney and eyes.

Problems of Acidity and Ulcer – bile can get filled up in stomach, which causes acidity and ulcer.

Healthy individuals have considerable health benefits from Ramadan fasting. It is an effective detoxification therapy. Toxins accumulated in the body break down and pass out of the body.

Fasting is ideal for both overweight and underweight persons. It is commonsense how fasting works to reduce weight. During fasting, deposited fat gets used and burns down and facilitates weight loss.

Fasting also normalizes the digestive system of underweight persons, and equips body to digest and assimilate nutrients from the food they eat.

Fasting can also clear many skin problems. This is because of the elimination of toxic materials from the body and generally cleansing the blood.

Fasting has advantages in getting rid of addictions and unhealthy habits like smoking and taking alcohol.

Ramadan fasting improves the health condition of healthy people. But for people who suffer from any medical condition should monitor their body and physiology more closely.

Pregnant and feeding women are exempted from fasting and they shall not attempt fasting, as it can deprive nutrition to both mother and child.

Ayurvedic method of living offers a solution to the problems of viral fever and almost all types of diseases.

Ayurveda attributes the reasons of spread of diseases to the pollution of air, water and land. Alongside treatments to such diseases, it is also required to purify the elements of nature. Clean the surroundings and plant trees like neem.

The treatment options for the disease vary considerably according to the stage of the disease.

The medicines
The following medicines are good for pacifying fever.

· Amritarishta
· Vilvadi gulika (tablets)
· Sudarsanam Gulika (tablets)

Pain and swellings at joints of limbs are other problems associated with the disease. The following treatments are beneficial.

· Take Punarnavasana internally &
· Warm the joints by pressing small warmed cloth bags bundled with thavidu (rice bran).

Preventive medicine to prevent fever and Chikungunya
The following medicines are beneficial in preventing attack of the diseases.

· Inthukantham Kashaya &
· Vilvadi Gulika

Both of them enhance body immunity.

Chikungunya is not a fatal disease, but post cure symptoms like pain at joints, mental depression, tiredness are pose serious problems.

Ayurveda suggests preventing disease causing conditions like impure air, water and land. Take the steps to keep the surroundings, air and water clean as the first step to prevent the spread of diseases of any kind.

A mutant variety of Aedes mosquitoes spread alphavirus, which is responsible for the disease. Carefully avoid mosquito bite. Use a mosquito screen net while sleeping.

Chikungunya has good treatments in Ayurveda and you can get them in any part of Kerala.