Prevent coronary heart disease | Coronary artery disease prevention

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the US and over 15 million are affected by it. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is also known as Coronary artery disease (CAD) and is caused by the narrowing of arteries due to plaque build-up. Coronary heart disease prevents the normal flow of blood in the arteries causing chest pain, fatigue with minimum exertion, difficulty breathing and heart attacks.

People with diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, poor blood circulation and high blood pressure along with hereditary factors are at increased risk of CHD.

The risks of coronary heart disease can be mitigated by controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. A healthy diet and exercise program can go a long way in preventing coronary heart disease. Giving up smoking and excessive drinking is also essential.

Herbs such as Arjuna and herbal formulations like Abana which contain Arjuna, Guggul and other herbs help to protect the heart, improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure and also regulate cholesterol levels.

More information on arteriosclerosis and its prevention

Foods that fight colds and flu

Our diet can help to build the body's resistance against colds and the flu.
Here is a list of some important foods and herbs that help fight against the cold.

1. Citrus fruits - Lemons and oranges are excellent sources of Vitamin C. Take lemon juice with hot water in the morning.

2. Spices - Garlic, ginger, onions, black pepper, chilli peppers, cinnamon and turmeric are antioxidative and help clear congestion. Add them in broths, soups or teas

3. Honey - Excellent for helping to clear phlegm and soothing the throat.

4. Berries, nuts and seeds - These contain vitamin c, zinc and selenium and build immunity

5. Hot teas - Green tea and teas containing lemon juice, rosehips, ginger and peppermint help in decongestion and also help to prevent colds since germs are washed down into the digestive tract where they cannot survive

6. Soups - Tomato soup, chicken soup, vegetable broths provide nourishment, vitamin c and help to reduce inflammation. Cysteine, an amino acid found in cooked chicken works similarly to acetylcysteine, a bronchitis drug.

7. Herbs - Malabar nut / Vasaka, Amalaki, Holy Basil / Tulsi , Turmeric ,
and time tested formulations like
Septilin and Chyawanprash. These herbs and herbal formulations help to prevent and fight infections of the respiratory tract.

More information on building immunity with herbs.

Prevent Swine Flu, H1N1 Flu, Common Cold and Flu

The following recommendations to avoid swine flu were emailed by a doctor.

For Swine flu or any other kind of flu, the only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it is almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as is proliferation.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, can be practiced:

1. Frequent hand-washing

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face.

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you dont want to use salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.


5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (
Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

Septilin is an ayurvedic formulation of various herbs and minerals designed to immunise the body against viral infections including respiratory tract infections. Read more on Septilin ingredients and benefits

Risk of heart attacks in women

New follow-up research shows that middle-aged women are now increasingly at risk of heart disease. Generally middle aged men were thought to be in the higher risk group. Women's hormones gave a protective effect against cardiovascular problems. However increasing rates of obesity are eroding the protection that hormones give and causing a higher risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Heart health can be improved and protected with healthy eating and healthy living. Reducing weight and increasing exercise is the first step to cardiovascular health. The risk of strokes and other heart disorders can be further mitigated by herbs and herbal supplements such as Arjuna and Abana.

Arjuna is a herb that contains COQ10 apart from other compounds. This herbal extract is actually the bark of the Arjuna tree found in India. Arjuna is known to protect against heart disease and strengthen heart muscles.

Abana is a herbal and mineral formulation containing herbs such as Arjuna, Guggul, Ashwagandha for a total of more than 40 herbs and minerals. This formulation is designed as a heart tonic and helps improve cardiovascular health. It improves blood circulation, blood pressure and also controls cholesterol levels.

Internet stimulates brain activity

Another study published last week showed that performing simple searches on the internet greatly improved brain function. The study was conducted on 24 volunteers between the ages of 55 and 78. Half were savvy internet users while the others had minimal experience using the web. After they started conducting searches on the internet for just one hour a day, it was found that even those who previously did not use the internet showed remarkable brain activity in the regions of the brain that controlls language, visual, reading and memory skills. In addition areas of the brain that influence working memory and decision-making were also activated. Therefore doing internet searches definitely helps to stimulate the brain and can help to improve cognition in the elderly. It was also demonstrated that within a few days of using the internet, brain functions matched those of experienced internet users.

The brain like other parts of the body needs stimulation to keep itself active and to retain its abilities. Stimulation such as learning new activities, social interaction, reading etc are very helpful. Ayurvedic herbs such as Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica are known to be very stimulating to the brain. Mentat a herbal formulation contains these as well as 24 other herbs and minerals known in Ayurveda to enhance the intellect, memory and cognition.

Asthma herbal remedies | Broncho dilatory herbs

Asthma occurs when bronchial tubes are chronically inflamed. Not only does this constrict the airways but also the tubes become highly sensitive to various allergens and triggers. Asthma is characterized by wheezing and difficulty breathing.

In ancient Hindu medicinal texts, yoga breathing exercises were prescribed to manage asthma. Certain herbs are also prescribed by Ayurveda to reduce inflammation, reduce bronchial phlegm and provide relief in asthma.

The most important herbs are Vasaka also known as Malabar Nut (Adhatoda vasica) and Boswellia also known as Shallaki (Boswellia serrata).

Vasaka acts as a broncho dilator. It helps to liquify phlegm and aids in expectoration of the sputum. Very effective in lung and bronchial conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and coughs and colds, Vasaka's healing properties are attributed to the vasicine and essential oils it contains.

Vasaka is very effective in combination with Boswellia the well known antiinflammatory. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in Germany, forty patients, the age range of 18 - 75 years having bronchial asthma, between 6-9 years were treated with a preparation of gum resin of 300 mg thrice daily for a period of 6 weeks. 70% of patients showed improvement of disease as evident by disappearance of physical symptoms and signs such as dyspnoea, rhonchi, number of attacks, increase in FEV subset1, FVC and PEFR as well as decrease in eosinophilic count and ESR.
Read more on Vasaka benefits and research


Read more on Boswellia benefits and research

Allergic rhinitis herbal remedy | Septilin for immunity

Allergic rhinitis refers to a host of symptoms that occur due to overreaction of the immune system to particles in the air. It is also known as hay fever or allergies and the symptoms are similar to the common cold. Symptoms include constant sneezing attacks, a runny nose, watery, itchy eyes and itchiness in the ear, nose and throat.

Allergic rhinitis can be caused by pollens, chemicals, dust, dander, mold and animals. They can occur throughout the year or just at certain times.

A herbal formulation called Septilin has been found in clinical studies to be very useful in allergic and vasomotor rhinitis as it helps to cope with allergens. Septilin works by strengthening the body's immune system and making it resistant to infections. Septilin is composed of herbs such as Guggul, Tinospora cordifolia, Rubia cordifolia, Emblica officinalis, Moringa pterygosperma, Glycyrrhiza glabra and powerful ayurvedic herbal formulations like Maharasnadi quath.

The following study was published in the Auris Nasus Larynx. 50 patients of allergic and vasomotor rhinitis were included in the study. Seventeen patients gave history of stress and strain hence they were given Geriforte in addition to Septilin. The results of therapy were judged on following criteria: i) Symptomatic improvement. ii) Appearance of nasal mucosa before and after the therapy. Thirty-nine patients (78%) were cured 100% as they had total relief from symptoms along with change of nasal mucosa from bluish to pink. Eight patients (16%) had about 75% improvement and 3 patients (6%) had only 50% improvement. These patients were advised to continue the therapy for a longer time (6-8 weeks). Of these, 4 patients showed further improvement. In our opinion, Septilin has proved very useful in cases of allergic and vasomotor rhinitis. The patients who have history of stress and strain may also need Geriforte in addition to Septilin.

Read more on Septilin ingredients, benefits and research studies

Abana herbal antihypertensive | effective herbal remedy to lower blood pressure

Several studies have shown Abana to be a highly effective remedy for lowering and maintaining normal blood pressure. Given the fact that Abana is a completely natural formulation of herbs and minerals with no side effects, this is truly remarkable.

In one study published in Probe, ten patients each of mild and moderate hypertension were administered Abana for eight weeks, preceded and followed by placebo for two weeks each. There was statistically significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The effect was evident during the second week of drug therapy and persisted as long as the drug was administered, without any side effects. In view of its multifold beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system Abana can be considered an important addition to the various antihypertensive agents available today.

In another study published in the Japanese Heart Journal a double-blind, parallel group study was conducted in 43 men and women suffering from hypertension to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of Abana and compare it with that of methyldopa (M-DOPA). Twenty one patients received 800 mg tds of Abana and 22 patients received 250 mg tds of M-DOPA for 4 weeks. Blood pressure and pulse rate were recorded at weekly intervals. Relevant clinical and biochemical investigations were carried out before and after treatment.

In patients treated with Abana, there was a significant fall both in systolic B.P. (from 167 ± 3.73 to 145 ± 6.11 mmHg) and in diastolic B.P. (from 110 ± 1.86 to 91 ± 3.04 mmHg) at the end of 4 weeks. Similarly in patients treated with M-DOPA, systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced from 165 ± 4.92 to 146 ± 4.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure was reduced from 106 ± 2.74 to 96 ± 2.67 mmHg after 4 weeks. The onset of antihypertensive effect was earlier and there was a higher percentage of responders (80%) in the Abana-treated group. None of the patients had clinically or biochemically significant side effects. The results of this study suggest that therapy with Abana proved highly effective in hypertensive patients

Synovitis herbal remedy | Joint membrane inflammation

Synovitis refers to the inflammation of the membrane lining joints. Joints become warm, red and swollen and are painful when moved. Synovial fluid which is found in bursae and joint cavities collects in a synovial sac. Analysis of the synovial fluid can determine presence of arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Synovitis is generally severe in rheumatoid arthritis.

Conventional treatments for synovitis is NSAIDs or corticosteroids. However these drugs come with various side effects and are unsafe for long term use.

Rumalaya Forte is a herbal formulation composed of herbs such as Boswellia, Guggul, Licorice, Alpinia galanga, Tribulus terrestris and Tinospora cordifolia. These are known to reduce inflammation in joints and reduce pain and stiffness. Rumalaya Forte can be used for long periods of time with no side effects.

Herbs that improve memory

Ayurveda recommends specific herbs to improve memory. Some of the main herbs are:

Bacopa / Brahmi contains two main active ingredients, Bacosides A and B. which have been found to increase protein kinase activity and new protein synthesis, specifically in brain cells connected with long term memory. Bacopa increases intellectual and cognitive function and also induces a sense of relaxation.

Gotu Kola / Mandukaparni has been shown in studies both in India and the USA to have remarkable effects in improving brain functions. In a double blind, placebo controlled test, Gotu kola tablets were administered to mentally defficient children for a period of 3 months. A Binet-Kamat test was administered and the children's Intelligence Quotients were recorded. It was shown that the children taking gotu kola had increased their powers of concentration and attention.

Winter Cherry / Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogenic that helps the mind and body adapt better to stress. Ashwagandha has anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects. Extracts of ashwagandha have shown GABA-like activity and stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites.

Mentat is a formulation of the above herbs as well as 27 additional herbs and minerals. Mentat is formulated according to ayurvedic principles and is designed to improve memory and concentration, boost brain functions and learning ability. It helps to calm and relieve mental stress and promotes relaxation. It improves attention span and is very useful in ADD and ADHD. It can be taken by young and old alike and as a daily brain tonic.

Herbs that relieve stress | Adaptogenic, Nervine, Tonic herbs

Herbs that relieve stress can be adaptogenic, nervine or tonic.

Adaptogenic herbs have properties that help in regulating hormone levels, neurochemicals and immune systems. Ashwagandha also known as Winter cherry is one such adaptogenic herb that helps to reduce stress and fatigue and improves physical fitness. Tulasi also known as Holy Basil reduces stress and stress hormones such as cortisol.

Nervine herbs help support the central nervous system and brain cells. They relax the mind and also invigorate it. Herbs such as Gotu Kola also known as Mandukaparni and Bacopa also known as Brahmi are nervine herbs.

Tonic herbs scavenge free radicals and help protect organs from oxidative effects of stress. They act as rejuvenatives and improve immunity. Chyawanprash, Ashwagandha, Arjuna are some tonic herbs and herbal formulas.

Geriforte is a combination of various adaptogenic, nervine and tonic herbs and is very effective in relieving stress and improving fitness levels.

Herbs to control blood sugar | Lower glucose levels with herbs

The following are the most effective herbs and herbal remedies prescribed by Ayurveda for controlling blood sugar. These herbs help bring about efficient glucose utilization and lower blood sugar levels. Some of them even prevent sugar cravings. They can be used as an alternative or adjuvant in diabetes management. If you are already taking diabetes medications, you should inform your health care professional before taking these herbs.

Gymnema - Gymnema is a very potent herb for controlling blood sugar levels. Although it controls glucose levels, it does not lower them below normal. It has been proven effective in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Gymnema gives the added advantage of curbing sugar cravings and helping to control cholesterol.

Karela also known as Bitter Melon is another herb highly recommended in treating diabetes. Karela helps to significantly reduce blood and urine glucose levels. It helps in absorption and is considered to be a blood purifier

Neem is another bitter herb that helps in regulating blood glucose levels. It lowers blood sugar levels and prevents hyperglycemia induced by glucose and adrenalin. It is also an effective blood purifier.

Diabecon Diabecon is a herbal formulation of over 35 herbs and minerals. It is manufactured by the Himalaya Herbals company renowned for its ayurvedic medicines. Diabecon has been clinically proven to lower blood sugar levels. It helps lower LDL and raise HDL levels. It works like insulin and reduces long-term diabetic complications.

Ayurslim herbal weight loss | Burn fat increase metabolism

Ayurslim is clinically proven and contains herbs well known in ayurvedic medicine to effectively lose weight, burn fat and increase metabolism. Ayurslim also curbs sugar cravings. Ayurslim is completely safe with no side effects and several studies attest to its effectiveness.

Ayurslim is manufactured by Himalaya Herbals the best known Ayurvedic medicine company and is a proprietary formula that includes the herbs Guggul, Garcinia, Gymnema, Terminalia Chebula and Fenugreek.

The recommended dosage for Ayurslim is 2 capsules twice a day after meals for a minimum period of 3 - 6 months. Ayurslim works slowly and effectively and helps to not only lose weight but also brings about other healthy changes in your body such as cholesterol control, blood sugar control, improved digestion, metabolism and promotes overall well being. You will also notice cardiovascular benefits as well as improved skin and dental health.

Geriforte StressCare Himalaya Product added

We are pleased to announce that we have added Geriforte - the well known ayurvedic rejuvenative from Himalaya Herbals. Geriforte is also known as StressCare in the US and is comprised of over 40 herbs and minerals.

Geriforte is an excellent health tonic that helps to fight fatigue and stress, delay aging, improve cardiovascular health and maintain an overall sense of well being.

We are offering Geriforte at lowest prices and Free Worlwide Shipping

Find out more on the health benefits, ingredients and research on Geriforte