Guggul stimulates thyroid hormone production

Guggul is used in several herbal weight loss formulas. One of the reasons is that Guggul has been shown in research studies to significantly stimulate the thyroid by increasing production of thyroid hormones.

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Guggul extract consisting of guggul lipid and guggulsterones was administered to mice for 15 days. There was significantly increased serum triiodothyronine (T3) and significantly decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation. Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are the two important hormones produced by the thyroid and their healthy ratio is key to maintaining normal thyroid function. The T3/T4 ratio in normal thyroid function is 15.89, in Hypothyroidism it is 24.12 and in hyperthyroidism it is 19.5.

Thyroid hormones are necessary for the utilization of carbohydrates, protein synthesis and breakdown of lipids. Metabolism is affected by thyroid hormone levels and improved metabolism helps the body to burn fat and utilize calories effectively. The ability of guggul to regulate lipids may be related to its thyroid stimulating functions.

When combined with some thyroid medications, Z-guggulsterone increased the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland as well as oxygen uptake in the liver and bicep tissues. Gugulipid significantly reduces the bioavailability of the drugs Propranolol and Diltiazem and should not be taken by those who are on these drugs. Guggul may increase the effects of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and warfarin.

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Guggul Information and benefits

Ashvagandha herb Withania somnifera



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Ashvagandha capsules



Ashvagandha herb has been praised extensively in ancient ayurvedic Sanskrit texts. It is considered an excellent health tonic for all ages, an aphrodisiac and enhancer of fertility in men and women, an anti-inflammatory for rheumatism and arthritis, a mild laxative, a stress reliever and above all an anti-oxidant and rejuvenator.

Sometimes also referred to as Indian ginseng, Ashvagandha is considered an adaptogen and rasayana as it helps improve endurance, strength and stamina.
The word Ashvagandha is Sanskrit for smelling like a horse due to its odor.
Ashvagandha's primary benefit as described in Ayurveda is as an aphrodisiac. However research shows that it is also excellent as a stress reducer and beneficial in conditions of anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Ashvagandha's latin name Withania somnifera refers to its relaxing, sleep inducing properties. It not only helps to relax but also helps the body to adapt to stress by rejuvenating and the overall nervous system without stimulating it. This in turn helps to build the body's immune system and helps it to heal on a cellular level.

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Ashvagandha benefits

Ashvagandha Research

Geriforte to delay aging, regenerate cells

Himalaya Geriforte tablets
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Various studies suggest that the primary cause of ageing of an organism is the free radical damage to membranes of the nerve cells. The attack of oxygen free radicals on fatty acids within the cellular membranes results in lipid peroxidation leading to the formation of the age pigment lipofuscin, which is directly related to the age of animals. Since active oxygen radicals have been proposed to be involved in the ageing process of the brain, alterations in the level of enzymes involved in the defense system against free radicals could substantially influence the ageing process.

In animal studies, Geriforte, an herbomineral formulation, has been reported to inhibit the formation of lipofuscin. Geriforte, exerts its age-reversing effects by inducing the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD)and catalase (CAT), two enzymes that dimutate oxygen free radicals and by inhibiting lipid peroxidation in old animals.

Geriforte, an herbomineral compound, includes a group of Rasayans such as Centella asiatica (Brahmi), Phyllanthus emblica (Ambla), Withania somnifera (Asvagandha) and Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi). Rasayans bring about balance in physiology, enhance immunity, and retard ageing. While the exact mechanism is not known it is surmised that the Rasayanic constituents of Geriforte act synergistically to induce the higher production of SOD and CAT which scavenge SOR and eliminate H2O2 respectively from the biological pathways.

Geriforte helps promote cellular regeneration, retard degeneration and enhances the body's immunity. Geriforte helps delay the physiological
changes associated with aging, revives physical capacity, raises
the threshold of fatigue and promotes well-being.

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Holy Basil for stress and cold relief

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Holy Basil or Ocimum sanctum is a herb used in India for healing all kinds of ailments including those of the mind. It is however considered the queen of stress relief herbs. It has been shown more effective in combatting stress than Asian ginseng and Siberian ginseng.

Holy Basil has been shown in studies to help maintain normal cortisol levels. Stress can cause elevated cortisol levels which in turn raise blood sugar levels. Ursolic acid and triterpenoic acids found in holy basil, help the body to respond to stress without raising cortisol levels.
Based on its ability to maintain blood sugar levels, Holy basil is also used as a remedy against diabetes.

In addition to its benefits against stress, Holy basil is also a well-known household remedy against fevers, coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. Chemical compounds in the herb are said to help reduce inflammation and pain. A tea made from the leaves of the plant are very useful in clearing up phlegm. Holy basil can be consumed as a liquid extract used in teas or capsules.

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Corticosteroid use increases pain in long run

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal indicated that not only do corticosteroids only provide short term benefits but their use also causes greater pain in the long run.

Boswellia Herb
for Pain Relief

The body naturally produces various hormones known as corticosteroids in the adrenal cortex. These hormones include corticosterone, cortisone and aldosterone and are involved in the regulation of various bodily functions such as inflammation, immune response and stress response.

Synthetic pharmaceutical drugs have been developed to try and mimic the body's natural hormones. Dexamethasone, Fludrocortisone, Prednisone, Hydrocortisone and glucocorticoids. Cortisone injections are popular in the treatment of muscle and joint inflammatory reactions however they are also used to treat non-inflammatory tendon pain such as tennis elbow.

In a meta-analysis article in The Lancet - a premiere medical journal the effects of cortisone injections to placebo and other treatments were discussed. In 28 studies, when comparing synthetic corticosteroids to other treatments, it was found that corticosteroid benefits were only effective for a short period of time. In 3 studies while analysing corticosteroid use to no treatment for tennis elbow, it was found that corticosteroids offered pain relief for upto 8 weeks and caused increased pain after 6 months and 1 year. The cause is not certain but could be due to weakening of the internal structure of tendons.

Rumalaya Forte
Herbal Blend
for Pain Relief

Pain relief can often be easily obtained by natural herbs such as Boswellia. Herbal blends such as Rumalaya Forte which contain Boswellia, Guggull and other herbs help to relieve muscle and joint pain and have shown no side effects in long term use.

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Ayurvedic herbs for weight loss | Lose weight with herbs

 

There are certain ayurvedic herbs that are recommended for weight loss. These herbs enable increased metabolism, burn fat, improve cholesterol and glucose metabolism and in some cases reduce the desire for sugar and also act as appetite suppressors.

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Ayurvedic Weight Loss
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These fat reducing herbs include Guggul, Garcinia, Gymnema, Haritaki and Fenugreek. Three of these herbs - Guggul, Garcinia and Haritaki are also known for their ability to keep cholesterol levels normal. They help to metabolize blood cholesterol and reduce LDL and Triglyceride levels while helping to raise HDL levels. These herbs also help to lower lipid levels.

The herb Gymnema has the peculiar ability to cause distaste for sugar. If you eat a few Gymnema leaves and then eat some sugar, the sugar will taste like sand. It does this by blocking the sugar tasting receptors on the tongue. On a metabolic level, gymnema also prevents sugar absorption in the intestine while at the same time increasing insulin secretion in the pancreas that helps to utilize glucose. Fenugreek also helps to maintain blood glucose levels.

Ayurslim is a herbal blend that contains these 5 ayurvedic herbs for maximum benefit in reducing weight. Loss of weight in terms of pounds as well as inches is generally observed depending on the amount of superficial or deep seated fat after taking Ayurslim in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Sustained weight loss can be achieved by changing one's lifestyle. Cutting down on portions (at least by 40%), avoiding fatty foods, drinking at least 8 glasses of water and exercising daily will help to maintain weight loss.

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Liver health foods | Keep your liver healthy naturally

 

The liver is an organ that can regenerate itself from as little as 25% of remaining liver. This remarkable organ has multiple roles in our body. It aids in metabolism, detoxification, bile production, glucose synthesis, protein synthesis, cholesterol production and storage of vitamins and minerals.

Liv 52 herbal blend
for Liver Support

Alcohol, medications, illnesses, environmental pollutants, pesticides, food additives and stress can compromise liver health. When the liver functions poorly it cannot remove toxins and you can show symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, impaired mental function, food and chemical sensitivity, bruising easily, anxiety, depression, confusion, jaundice.

Certain foods and herbs can help protect the liver and also aid in detoxification.

Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, beets.

Fruits such as apples, pears, plums, oranges, cantaloupe and pink grapefruit.

Berries and dried fruits such as prunes, raisons, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries.

Garlic and onions

Herbs such as bitter melon, neem, milk thistle and bitter salad greens such as endive, rocket, dandelion

Avoid alcohol, smoking, excess salt, sugar, tea and coffee

Drink at least 2 liters of water a day

Reduce stress, relax

Read more on Liv 52 - considered the world's best herbal blend for liver support, detoxification and liver health.

Exercise brain cells | Work your brain

We use our brains everyday for basic survival. But there are millions of brain cells that are unused and could do with some exercise. Solving a crossword puzzle, reading a book can help those cells get jogged. Studies show that using the brain increases the number of dendritic branches that interconnect brain cells. The more we think, the better it is for our brain.

Bacopa herb is beneficial
for brain cells

Challenge your brain with not only cerebral activities but also with fun activities such as learning to paint, play music, juggle. Even using your other hand helps develop hand-brain coordination.

Imagination also helps. Research has shown that simply thinking about moving a muscle can strengthen it. In a study conducted at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 30 adults imagined using the muscle of their little finger or elbow for 12 weeks for five minutes a day, five days a week. They were asked to think about moving the muscle as strongly as they could. At the end of the study, the group that thought of moving their muscle improved muscle strength by 35% while a control group that did not imagine doing exercises only increased 13%.

Brain scans taken after the study showed more greater and more focused activity in the prefrontal lobes which were attributed to improvements in the brain's ability to signal the muscle.

Even older people gain benefits by exercising their brain cells. Studies show that older brains may have an advantage as highly developed neurons respond better to mental enrichment than less mature brains.

Stay healthy during winter | Lifestyle and food for good health

As winter approaches, we pay a lot of attention to keeping warm.
In addition to bringing out the woollens, staying indoors and keeping out drafts, it is also important to pay attention to what is happening inside our bodies.

The best defense against catching colds, is building up the body's natural immune system.

1. The most important thing you can do to maintain your immune system is to be unstressed, relaxed and happy. Colds are most likely to occur when you have been subjected to stress or have not had good rest. Do whatever is necessary to keep yourself happy. Use distraction such as watching movies and reading, socialization and meditation.

2. Exercise regularly. Walking is said to thwart colds. Even if you can only squeeze in 10-15 minutes a day do it. You can also do the simplest of stretching exercises or yoga at home if it is not possible to exercise outside or go to a gym.

3. Increase your intake of vitamin rich foods. You can get these from fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes. Hearty soups, teas with herbs and spices will help to keep you warm and improve immunity.

4. Ayurvedic herbal blends such as Chyawanprash, Septilin, are tonic, nourishing and vitamin and mineral rich designed to boost the body's defense mechanisms and reduce cell oxidation. Individual herbs such as Vasaka, Tulasi and Turmeric are well known for their properties in preventing respiratory tract problems and other infections.

Septilin builds body's immunity

Chyawanprash for natural immunity

CAD risk factors | Angina and CAD risk factors

 

While CAD (Coronary artery disease) or angina can occur even without pre-existing risk factors, the possibility of developing these heart diseases is greater if these risk factors are present. Also knowing these risk factors will help you to modify your lifestyle to prevent future problems.

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The following lifestyle factors can lead to CAD.

1.Lack of exercise
2.Smoking
3.A high fat, high cholesterol, high sugar diet including sugary drinks
4.Excessive drinking

Health Conditions
1. High blood pressure
2. High cholesterol and triglycerides
3. Diabetes
4. Obesity
5. Stress
6. Depression
7. Genetic Factors

Gender

Men are more likely to develop CAD earlier than women. After menopause a woman’s risk for the disease rises.

Certain Blood Test Results

Some studies have shown a relation between levels of certain amino acids or proteins in the blood and the risk of developing CAD.

1.High levels of homocysteine may indicate an increased risk of CAD.

2.High levels of C-reactive protein are also a risk factor.

Age

Aging increases the risk of CAD and angina. Men older than 45 and women older than 55 (or younger if they have premature menopause) are at greater risk of heart disease.

Ethnic Factors

Arjuna herb for heart health

Risk of CAD and angina is higher among African Americans, Mexican Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans

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Natural prostate health | Herbs for a healthy prostate

Men over 40 need to be especially careful about maintaining prostate health.
The prostate generally starts enlarging (Benign prostatic hypertrophy) which is a natural part of aging and this causes a host of problems including difficulty urinating, sexual dysfuntion and urinary incontinence.

The following herbs help to maintain a healthy prostate naturally
1. Red clover
2. Saw Palmetto
3. Lycopene found in tomato, pink grapefruit and watermelon

Himplasia reduces prostate size naturally

4. Pumpkin seeds

5. Ayurvedic herbs such as Small caltrops, Bonduc nut, Areca nut palm.

An ayurvedic herbal blend Himplasia contains 6 herbs and minerals that have been proven effective in reducing the weight and volume of the prostate and promoting prostate and reproductive health.

Increase brain power naturally

There are some very easy natural ways to increase brain power. It has been shown that the more the brain is exercised the sharper it gets. In this way the brain can be compared to a muscle which stays fit with nourishment and exercise. It has been scientifically demonstrated that the brain constantly rewires and adapts itself througout our lives and even in old age.

Read as much as possible. Reading, doing crossword puzzles, learning new languages are mental exercises that highly benefit the brain and also help to prevent or delay alzheimers.

Physical exercise causes adequate blood flow and oxygen to the brain cells keeping them healthy.

Adequate sleep, relaxation, meditation and positive thoughts enable brain cells to recuperate and be rejuvenated.



Mentat Tablets



Brain nourishing foods such as nuts, legumes, vegetables and fruits provide essential fatty acids, carotenoids, and antioxidants necessary for supporting brain health.

Herbs such as Bacopa, Ashwagandha and Spirulina are known to improve brain functions, relax the mind and provide essential nutrients to boost mental functions. Mentat is a herbal blend of various ayurvedic herbs that improves memory and mental concentration.





Gout pain relief natural remedies | Lower urate levels

Gout pain occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the tissue surrounding joints. Build up of serum urate levels causes recurrent acute or chronic arthritis. Hyperuricemia or high levels of urate levels can be due to decreased excretion of uric acid or increased production or increased intake of purine rich food.

The following natural methods and herbs are useful in reducing the frequency of gout attacks:

A herbal blend like Rumalaya Forte which contains herbs like Boswellia and Ashwagandha helps to reduce pain and inflammation.

Cystone helps to prevent and treat urolithiasis and uric acid stones.

Fresh and canned cherries

Drink plenty of water

Avoid purine rich foods such as anchovies, asparagus,herring, meat gravies and broths, mushrooms, mussels, sardines, sweetbreads, liver, kidney.

Avoid alcohol

Hypertension and obesity also tend to cause gouts and these conditions need to be treated as well with diet and exercise.

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Herbs to relieve stress

Stress exists in everyone's lives. It may be created by ourselves or by external circumstances. Stress may also be the single most important factor that causes illness. Mental stress, physical stress all lead to breakdown of the body's immune system leaving it vulnerable to attack. Even ordinary ailments can get magnified by stress. Many chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart conditions and obesity are stress related.

How can stress be alleviated? It is not possible to avoid all the sources of stress. However it is possible to control our reactions to these sources.

There are several techniques that can instantly help to bring the mind peace. In the face of a conflicting situation, stop, think and then act. Do not let the situation control you. Practise breathing deeply for a few minutes on a daily basis. Focus on the breath and avoid all other thoughts. Keep all thoughts positive and imagine positive outcomes. Yoga, Tai-chi or simple walking also help to relieve the body of stress.

Ayurveda also recommends various herbs to provide stress relief and relaxation. These herbs help to calm the mind yet keep it clear. As a result many of these herbs or their compounds have been found useful in conditions such as ADD, ADHD and depression. These herbs are also often recommended along with other herbs for relief of conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

The following herbs have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for mental enhancement and relaxation.

Bacopa / Brahmi

Ashwagandha

Tulasi / Holy Basil

Valerian

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Age Related Macular Degeneration Herbal treatment

Age related macular degeneration affects adults over 60 years of age. It is associated with aging and affects the macula - the central region of the retina. AMD destroys central vision which allows the eye to see details and is especially necessary in tasks like reading, interpreting different colors, driving etc.

AMD can be wet or dry. Dry macular degeneration occurs when debris accumulates in the retical pigment epithelial cells causing them to atrophy. Most macular degeneration starts out as dry ARMD. Wet ARMD is less common and happens when blood vessels grow abnormally and start to leak.

Conventional methods of treating wet ARMD include Medications, laser surgery, photodynamic therapy and injections. Dry ARMD is treated with high doses of vitamins and anti-oxidants. The National Eye institute conducted a study in which the following formulation was found helpful in slowing down the progression of dry ARMD.

The following herbs are recommended by Ayurveda in treating eye disorders. It should be noted that many of these herbs contain high doses of vitamins and are powerful anti-oxidants.

Amalaki

Triphala (contains Amalaki, Haritaki, Vibhitaki)

Punarnava

Tulasi

Spirulina

Shatavari

Turmeric heals cysts and boils

Turmeric also known as Haldi or Haridra in India has very powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and wound healing properties. These properties make it an excellent herbal remedy for treating cysts, boils and furuncles. These are generally caused by bacterial infection or fungi. Sometimes the pus in boils can drain on their own and resolve themselves. Other times, they continue to be swollen and painful.

Turmeric applied topically or ingested helps to drain out the pus and dehydrate the cysts. For topical application, turmeric powder is mixed with water to form a paste. For taking internally, turmeric powder can be mixed with water and swallowed. Turmeric is very pungent and if you are uncomfortable swallowing turmeric powder you can also take turmeric capsules

There are numerous testimonials online where people have successfully used turmeric to cure their cysts and boils including boils caused by MRSA that is a staph infection spread by skin contact. Turmeric capsules can even be given to pets for treating their cysts. Turmeric can be dehydrating and fluid intake should be increased while taking turmeric.

The effects of turmeric treatment can usually be seen in a few hours and since turmeric has many other benefits, injesting it on a daily basis may lead to improvement in other bodily problems as well such as aches and pains from arthritis, gum disease and colds. Turmeric is used in most Indian cooking and one of the reasons for India having the lowest incidence of alzheimers disease is attributed to turmeric.

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Himcolin gel | Erectile problems | Sexual dysfunction

Himcolin gel is a herbal ayurvedic topical cream. It is designed to be used topically on the genital area. It acts by pumping blood into the penis allowing for a consistent erection, and prolonged ejaculation.

Himcolin gel from Himalaya Herbals is comprised of 10 herbs such as Celastrus paniculatus, Hibiscus abelmoschus, Prunus amygdalus, Vitex negundo and others.

Himcolin gel is to be applied on the penis and pubic area before intercourse. It has no side effects when used as directed. In helps in cases of erectile problems and premature ejaculation.

More information on Himcolin gel

Herbal under eye cream | Herbally reduce and prevent wrinkles under eyes

The area under the eyes is very delicate and may be the first part of the face to start showing wrinkles. This area of the facial skin does not have as many oil glands as other parts and thereby tends to dry up sooner causing fine lines and wrinkles. Dark circles and puffiness are other symptoms of under eye skin problems.

You can take steps to protect your under eye skin.
1. Wear sunglasses that provide adequate protection
2. Try and get plenty of rest
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Diets that completely cut out fat may cause wrinkles so be sure to include some essential fatty acids in your diet.
5. Apply a good under eye cream to moisturize and protect. A regular skin cream may not be the best as it can cause excess oil buildup and aggravate puffiness.

A herbal under eye cream such as Himalaya Under Eye Cream can help to protect your under eye area. This herbal under eye cream is a blend of herbs such as Cipadessa baccifera, Bergenia ligulata and Triticum vulgare. These help to revitalize and nourish the skin reducing dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. Visible results can be seen in 4 weeks.

Vaginal itching herbal remedy

Vaginal itching is generally caused by a yeast infection or candidiasis. Vaginal irritation may also be due to an allergic reaction to certain materials like nylon or to detergents, soaps or dyes. Itching can be accompanied by a discharge and strong odour. Hormonal changes and changes in the pH balance of the vagina can also lead to infections causing itching and general discomfort.

There are some natural remedies you can take to provide relief
1. Use handwashed underwear avoiding detergents
2. Sit in a warm bath in which salt has been added.
3. Eat plenty of yogurt. You can also try applying yogurt to the affected area. Sometime however this may worsen the condition due to the bacteria.
4. You can try herbal blends that applied topically can provide soothing relief.
V-gel from Himalaya Herbals contains 9 herbs including Persian rose, Elettaria cardamomum, Emblica Officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Boerhaavia diffusa, Stone flowers, Turmeric and Five Leaved Chaste Tree.

These herbs are combined in an ayurvedic formula that helps to soothe itchiness, restores pH balance, stops and prevents infection and relieves dryness.

V-gel has been clinically proven for its efficacy and safety. More information on Himalaya V-Gel