Varicose veins herbal remedies

When veins are subjected to increased pressure, they tend to distend and are unable to push blood towards the heart. Blood pools in veins causing them to swell. Varicose veins are generally seen in the legs due to prolonged standing, being overweight, lack of exercise, overexercise, pregnancy and age.

Foods and herbs can help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

• Citrus fruits and berries like oranges, cherries, blackberries and blueberries, rosehips contain vitamin C and bioflavonoids that help to strengthen the vein walls and also help to reduce swelling
• Turmeric is useful for varicose veins as it has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps to prevent blood platelet pooling.
• Ginger, garlic and onions also help in blood flow.
• Arjuna, Manjishtha and Gotu kola are ayurvedic herbs that help in blood circulation and strenghthen vein walls.
• Pilex is a herbal formulation of various ayurvedic herbs that promotes vascular health.

In addition to diet and herbal remedies that are various other natural remedies that help to improve varicose veins. Varicose veins natural treatment

More information on Pilex

Adequate sleep helps prevent weight gain and diabetes

In a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, it was shown that lack of sleep prevents fat cells from responding efficiently to insulin.

Lipids that are generally stored in fat cells can leak into the bloodstream and neighboring tissue when fat cells are unable to respond to insulin. This causes insulin resistance which often leads to Type 2 diabetes.

The study included seven participants of normal weight and under 24 years of age. After being allowed only 4 1/2 hours of sleep for 4 nights, the participants were found to have fat cells that were 30% less responsive to insulin than when they slept for 8 1/2 hours for 4 nights. In addition whole-body insulin sensitivity was also reduced by 16%. Researchers likened sleep deprivation for 4 nights to metabolically aging participants 10 to 20 years.

Adults generally need 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. Deprivation of adequate sleep leads to reduction in mental alertness, slow learning and also slows metabolism.

New studies are being planned to see if increasing sleep in obese people will improve their fat cell metabolism.

Ashvagandha and Valerian are herbs that help promote restful sleep.

Weight loss with foods

The following are some foods have been shown to actually help lose weight faster by triggering hormones that improve metabolism or send signals to the brain to indicate satiety

• Berries including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and others.
• Proteins like whole eggs
• Beans and legumes
• Bell peppers
• Whole grains like quinoa
• Nuts like walnuts, almonds and pistachios

Ayurslim

contains Garcinia, Guggul, Gymnema, Fenugreek and Terminalia chebula which are ayurvedic herbs that help to lose weight by improving metabolism and burning fat.

Turmeric health benefits

The health benefits of turmeric are numerous. This spice in root or powder form is kept in Indian households as a go-to home remedy for various conditions.

1. Turmeric applied topically helps disinfect and heal wounds, cuts and minor injuries.

2. Turmeric is used to clear skin of pimples and acne. For this it is applied to the skin as well as consumed.

3. It is used as a blood cleanser - which also accounts for its ability to improve skin conditions.

4. Helps to detoxify the liver.

5. Turmeric is used as a spice in almost all Indian cooking. Apart from flavor and coloring, some of the reasons attributed to it are that it is anti-bacterial and a food preservative.

6. The low incidence of Alzheimers disease in India is attributed to Turmeric and its anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Turmeric is very useful in drawing out pus from boils and reducing the swelling.

8. Several research studies have shown the benefits of turmeric with regards to various types of cancer.

9. Various health conditions caused by inflammation can benefit from turmeric.

Turmeric should not be taken by those who are taking blood thinners or who have gall stone. Turmeric is a uterine stimulant and therefore may not be suitable for pregnant women.

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Trikatu benefits - respiratory, digestive, metabolic

Trikatu is a warming blend of 3 pungent herbs - Black pepper, Indian long pepper and Ginger.

Its benefits related to the gastric system are that it stimulates the digestive system, improves metabolism, improves nutrient absorption, promotes production of gastric enzymes.

Trikatu is also a very beneficial ayurvedic preparation for respiratory health. It is useful in removing phlegm, warming the body, clearing respiratory passages and helps rejuvenate the lungs.

Trikatu helps in blood circulation and blood cleansing.

It also has aphrodisiac properties. It helps stimulate and strengthen the reproductive organs.

More information on Trikatu

Belly fat and Type 2 Diabetes risk

In a recent study of 6000 multi-ethnic participants, it was found that fat in the stomach stored around organs has a strong correlation to increase in risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage and HDL cholesterol did not correlate to diabetes risk.

Additional weight gain in obese people was a strong predicator of diabetes risk.

Over the course of the 8 year study it was shown that in people who started with normal blood sugar, diabetes risk or pre-diabetes risk was generally predicated by ethnicity, age and additional weight gain.

Additional weight gain and diabetes can be prevented with lifestyle changes.

Articles on weight management and blood sugar control

Herbs that burn fat - Weight Loss with herbal remedies

Foods that help in diabetes control

Steps to Diabetes Control: A Lifestyle Change

Dabur Lipistat for normal cholesterol levels, heart health

Dabur Lipistat contains the herbs Terminalia Arjuna, Commiphora mukul and Inamula racemosa in equal proportions. These herbs have properties that protect the heart, help maintain normal cholesterol levels, normal blood circulation and normal prostaglandin levels.

In a study published in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, January 2009, it was shown that rats treated with Dabur Lipistat developed resistance to cardiotoxicity. They also maintained normal lipid levels and antioxidant levels when exposed to doxorubicin an agent that causes myocardial toxicity, antioxidant deficit and high levels of lipids. Pretreatment with Lipistat lowered elevated levels of biomarker enzymes such as LDH, CPK and serum lipids like total cholesterol and LDH back to normal levels.

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Rubia cordifolia Manjishtha for skin care, blood purification

Rubia cordifolia is also known as Manjishtha or Indian madder. This climbing plant has been used in Ayurveda primarily as a blood purification aid. Its principal active constituents are Purpurin, Munjistin, Xanthopurpurin and Pseudopurpurin. The roots of the plant were also originally used as it provides a natural red color that was used to dye fabrics.

Manjishtha has been traditionally used to clear skin disorders, promote normal blood pressure and blood circulation and to remove toxins.

More information on Manjishtha benefits

Yogaraj Guggulu benefits nervous system, bones, muscles, blood circulation

Dabur Yogaraj Guggulu also spelled as Yograj Guggul is a herbal blend of 26 herbs and minerals.

It primarily helps to eliminate toxins from the body and is considered very beneficial for the musculoskeletal system and nervous system.

In clinical studies, Yograj Guggul was found to have significant anti-inflammatory benefits.

It has been traditionally used in ayurvedic science for conditions such as gout, arthritis, muscle pain and high lipid levels.

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Simhanad guggulu benefits - clears skin, removes toxins, joint health

Simhanad guggulu is a traditional ayurvedic herbal composition consisting of Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora wightii), Shuddha Gandhak (purified sulphur) and Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula ). It is processed in castor oil.

Simhanad guggulu has traditionally been used in ayurvedic medicine for skin conditions. It is also recommended for conditions such as osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and similar joint conditions.

Shuddha Guggulu or Guggul has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. Triphala helps to remove toxins from the body, improves digestive functions and health of the digestive tract. Shuddha Gandhak or purified sulphur acts as a rejuvenative. It helps in clearing skin, improving the health of the liver and helps to in liver detoxification.

More information on Simhanad Guggulu

Liv.52 for liver detoxification

Liv.52 is a combination of herbs that helps to effectively detoxify the liver. By removing toxins from the liver, it helps the liver to function better and to allow liver cells to regenerate.

Alcohol, certain prescription medicines, viral hepatitis and high blood sugar are some of the major causes of liver damage.

Since Liv.52 helps to quickly remove acetaldehyde - a toxin released when alcohol is processed in the body, it is useful in cases of liver damage caused by alcohol. It also improves fat metabolism in the liver in cases of chronic alcoholism and fatty liver.

In India, Liv 52 is generally recommended when antibiotics are prescribed in order to protect the liver and to help it heal faster after the medicine course is completed.

Liv.52 is also useful for patients recovering from illnesses as it helps improve food absorption and appetite.

Liv.52 Tablets

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Triphala Guggulu | Benefits and composition of Triphala Guggul

Triphala Guggulu is an ayurvedic formulation of several herbs. Triphala refers to the three fruits Emblica officinalis, Terminalia belerica and Terminalia chebulia. A major component of this formulation is also Guggul or Commiphora wightii. The fifth herb is Long pepper or Piper longum.

Triphala is in itself an ayurvedic medicine used for a variety of conditions including digestive disorders and obesity.

Guggul is well known for its cholesterol normalizing properties as well as improving mobility of joints in inflammatory conditions.

Piper longum or long pepper is beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract. It is useful in constipation and indigestion. It has also traditionally been used in medicines for respiratory conditions, urinary system, sciatica and for pain and inflammation.
The Triphala Guggulu formulation is said to be excellent for removing toxins from the body - both from the gastro-intestinal tract as well as from joints and tissues. It helps to clear the digestive tract, promote food absorption and improve metabolism. It has also been shown in clinical studies to prevent cartilage degradation by inhibiting hyaluronidase and collagenase. It is used in various ayurvedic medicines for arthritis, joint pain, piles, fistulas and other conditions resulting from inflammation.

Himalaya Neem Face Pack | Helps clear oily acne prone skin

Himalaya Neem face pack contains a blend of Neem and Turmeric extracts along with Fuller's earth. It is useful for those with oily pimple prone skin. It is a thick green paste with a herbal smell to it. It goes on like a face mask. which is to be left on for 10-15 minutes while it dries. It is then washed off and also serves as an exfoliant.

Users have reported that it helps to absorb oil on the skin, draw out impurities and declog pores without irritating the skin. Skin appeared to be smooth and bright after application.

Neem and Turmeric have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help to control acne. Fuller's earth helps to absorb oil and draw out grease and impurities from the skin.

More information on Himalaya Neem Face Pack

Top Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis takes time to present symptoms. The onset of this condition is very gradual but there are some early warning signs that may help to recognize it and get tested. This disease is the most common form of arthritis and can affect people aged 25 and older.

• Joint pain - If joints hurt during activity but get relief during rest then it could be an early sign of osteoarthritis.



• Stiffness in joints - Joints of the hands, knees, hips and spine generally feel stiff after waking up in the morning or getting up after sitting for a long time. This stiffness may last for half an hour or so.



• Joint inflammation - You may feel swelling in joints due to fluid build-up.



• Crunching noise in joints - You may hear a crunching sound in joints which is due to bone abrasion against each other.



• Limited mobility - It may be difficult to move joints fully. Flexibility and range of motion may be lost.



• Joint protrusions - Small spurs and knobs may grow on joints especially those of the fingers.

Herbal formulations such as Rumalaya Forte and Rumalaya Gel can help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

More articles on Osteoarthritis:

Knee Osteoarthritis and Obesity

Osteoarthritis and physical activity

Improve skin elasticity naturally | Prevent wrinkles with herbal remedies

Wrinkles and fine lines on skin are generally caused when skin loses its elasticity. Skin can lose its suppleness due to various factors including aging, exposure to the sun, make-up and cosmetics, soaps, smoking, weight gain and loss, air conditioning, prescription medicines and various other toxins that we encounter on a daily basis.

The most important factor in keeping skin soft and elastic is hydration. This can be achieved by avoiding the drying factors mentioned above. Some active steps can also be taken to keep skin toned and supple. These include:

• A good diet with avoidance of fried foods
• Drinking plenty of water
• Supplements that nourish the skin and get rid of toxins
• Exercise
• Herbal facials

There are several herbal remedies that help to maintain skin elasticity. An anti-wrinkle cream from Himalaya Herbals contains 14 herbs that have been proven in Ayurvedic science to delay wrinkles and skin aging. These herbs which include Aloe Vera, Red poppy, Sandalwood, Grapes, Tomato and Turmeric provide the anti-oxidants and hydration that skin needs to stay elastic.

More information on the action of herbs in Himalaya Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Himalaya Sun Protection Lotion | Ayurvedic sunscreen lotion

Just in time for summer we have now added Himalaya Protective Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 15.

This ayurvedic formulation is composed of herbal extracts including Cinnabloc which has received a US patent on account of being a new herbal extract with natural sunscreen protection. This herbal sunscreen lotion helps to protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays that damage the skin causing drying, aging and even skin cancer.

The herbs in this sunscreen lotion have hydrating, nourishing properties that help keep skin moisturized while protecting it from UVA and UVB rays. It helps to prevent premature skin aging and skin darkening from sun exposure.

More information on Himalaya Protective Sunscreen Lotion