Diabetes and Alzheimers link

Recent medical studies have shown that there may be a link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Although there is much controversy, some scientists have even indicated that Alzheimer's disease is a form of diabetes. The reason behind these inferences is that proper utilization of insulin is necessary for the brain to make and retain memories. It was demonstrated in a 2005 study on rats that when insulin resistance was created in the brain, a form of Alzheimer's developed. Oxidative damage and inflammation were also shown to result from abnormal insulin.

A small clinical trial in 2007 showed that when patients in the early stages of Alzheimers were given small doses of insulin, their brain functions improved. Another trial showed that when Alzheimer's patients were given Avandia (a diabetes medication) they showed better attention and better memory recall. However Avandia has many side effects including raising the risk of heart attacks. More studies are now in progress to see if diabetes drugs can be useful for Alzheimer's patients.

Gymnema and Karela are two herbs that are well known in sugar metabolization and diabetes control without any side effects. Diabecon a herbal ayurvedic formulation from Himalaya Herbals is also known as an excellent remedy in controlling diabetes. It acts like insulin, promotes glucose utilization, provides protection from oxidative damage to b-cells and helps in their regeneration

Prostate health | Prostate problems | Herbal Support for BPH

Inflammation or infection in the prostate gland also known as prostatitis can affect men of all ages. The symptoms generally are fever, lower back pain, pain in the genital area, pain or discomfort while urinating or during ejaculation.


An enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) generally affects men over 40. The prostate grows and puts pressure on the urethra causing difficulty in urinating and ejaculating. It can also lead to urinary stones, bladder infection, kidney problems and an emergency condition known as Acute Urinary Retention (AUR) where the prostate completely blocks urinary flow. Find out more on herbal remedies that can treat and reverse Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in men in the USA. Abnormal cells begin to grow in the prostate gland and can destroy it. Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, pain in the lower back and pain during ejaculation. There is no known cause of prostate cancer although risk factors include age, race and genetics. It is important to get yearly physical exams and blood tests to screen for prostate cancer so it can be detected early and treated effectively.

Kidneys Urinary Tract Herbal Support | Cystone and Punarnava

The kidneys and urinary tract (which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra) play a vital role in filtering and eliminating waste products. The kidneys absorb salt, urea, amino acids, bile byproducts, toxins and water from the blood to form urine. The proper functioning of the kidneys and urinary tract is essential for maintaining good health. Urinary tract infections, kidney and urinary stones and kidney problems can cause severe pain, inflammation, burning micturation, pain, hypertension as well as toxin accumulation which can be life threatening.

Cystone is an ayurvedic formulation that helps support the urinary tract. Cystone helps to prevent and treat infections in the urinary tract as well as kidney and urinary stones.
Used as a dietary supplement, it helps to maintain kidney and urinary tract health by promoting normal absorption and water management. Cystone helps relieve pain and burning from urinary tract infections.

The following herbs are Cystone's chief constituents:

Shilapushpa also known as Stone Flower (Didymocarpus pedicellata) which is a key ingredient in Cystone has been shown to be effective in supporting a healthy urinary tract.
The essential oil from the leaves contains didymocarpene as its chief constituent. The leaves are used in ayurvedic medicines to treat stones in the kidney and bladder.

Pasanabheda (Saxifraga ligulata / Bergenia ligulata / B.ciliata) contains an active principle, bergenin, as well as gallic acid, glucose, mucilage and wax. The presence of ß-sitosterol and four flavonoids is also reported. This herb is also used to dissolve kidney stones.

The roots of Manjistha or Indian Madder (Rubia cordifolia) have deobstruent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-allergic properties.

Nagaramustaka or Umbrella's Edge (Cyperus scariosus) is credited with astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, desiccant and used indigenously to treat infections such as gonorrhea and syphilis.

Apamarga or Prickly-Chaff Flower (Achyranthes aspera) has diuretic and astringent properties and is highly valued in ayurvedic medicine.

The dried leaves of Gojihva or Sedge Onosma bracteatum are purported to be tonic, alterative, demulcent, diuretic and refrigerant and are useful as a spasmolytic.

Sahadevi or Purple Fleabane (Vernonia cinerea) is used as an anthelmintic and
alexipharmic. The seeds are used as a remedy for roundworms and threadworms. They are also given for coughs, flatulence, intestinal colic and dysuria and for leucoderma, psoriasis and other chronic skin-diseases.

In addition to the above herbs, Cystone also contains lime silicate calx and Shilajit which has legendary properties of healing and rejuvenation.
Read more on Cystone benefits and research

Another very useful herb for kidney support is Punarnava. This herb is diuretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It helps to tone and support the kidneys and urinary tract.
It is very useful in ascites and edema. It is also very useful in treating skin disorders. Punarnava also helps support the liver and is useful in cases of jaundice.

Read more on Punarnava benefits and research

Edema herbal remedies | Edema treatment with herbs

Edema commonly known as dropsy is the accumulation of fluid between the soft tissues of the body. While edema generally affects the legs, feet and ankles, it can cause bloating due to fluid retention in other parts of the body as well. Stretching of the skin is a typical symptom of edema.

Edema causes
Edema can be caused by a number of factors including liver disease, physical injury, diabetes, obesity, use of high blood pressure and other medications, consuming too much salt, heart disease, pancreatic disorders, kidney problems, standing or sitting in one position for long periods of time.

Herbal Remedies for Edema

Punarnava herb also known as Boerhaavia diffusa is a well known diuretic that is excellent in cases of edema. It helps in removal of fluid from the body and is also very useful in the treatment of ascites caused by liver cirrhosis.

Liv-52 is a herbal ayurvedic remedy that is excellent for healing and protecting the liver and helps in cases of edema caused by liver damage.

Arjuna herb is a well known heart tonic used to treat heart failure and edema caused by improper blood circulation

Turmeric prevents Alzheimers | Reduce and reverse brain plaque

At The World Alzheimer’s Conference held in Washington DC the fact was brought up that the rate of occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years for those between 65-85 years of age but if its onset were delayed by five years, the number of cases worldwide would be halved. It has been indicated that Alzheimer's disease is caused by genetics as well as environmental factors. While genes cannot be changed, environmental factors can certainly be controlled.

Some communities in Asia and Africa have a much lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. In fact Alzheimer's is extremely uncommon in India where the incidence is only 1% of the population aged 65 and above. Research into this remarkable fact has led scientists to conclude that the spice turmeric which is ubiquitously used in Indian curries is the predominant cause that prevents Alzheimer's in the Indian population.

Curcumin which is a bioactive phytochemical present in Turmeric has been the subject of many studies. It has been shown to lower amyloid deposits (brain plaque), lowers oxidative cell damage, cognitive deficits and synaptic marker loss. Not only does it reduce but it has also been shown to reverse neural plaque. Turmeric has been shown to stop the progression of multiple sclerosis as well as to prevent the production of the IL-2 protein that destroys myelin which protects nerves.

Researchers at UCLA found that curcumin inhibited amyloid protein accumulation and dissolved amyloid fibrils more efficiently than the anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and naproxen. It was also found that curcumin crosses the blood brain barrier and binds to small amyloid-Â protein fragments which can then no longer join with each other to form plaques. Curcumin also provides additional protection to brain cells on account of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Turmeric can be had as a fresh root or in powdered form. It is a staple ingredient in most Indian recipes and can simply be added to food. It can also be taken in capsule form as a supplement.

Ascites herbal treatment | Punarnava herb for ascites

Ascites refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity / abdomen. Ascites is most often caused by liver cirrhosis. Liver disease causes increased pressure in the portal vein that prevents blood from flowing through the liver thereby forcing it to leak into the abdomen. Low levels of albumin in the blood also cause fluid to leak out of blood vessels. Ascites can also be caused by hepatitis, heart problems, kidney failure and reduced thyroid activity.

Punarnava herb also known as Spreading Hogweed and Boerhaavia, is the best known ayurvedic remedy for ascites. It is diuretic in nature and promotes kidney and liver functions.

For ascites caused by liver problems, it is ideal to take Punarnava along with Liv.52 - the world's best known liver healer.

Purim Himalaya | Dermatitis Herbal treatment

Purim from Himalaya Herbals is an ayurvedic formulation of 14 herbs such as Neem, Turmeric, Indian labranum, three leaved clover, amla, haritaki, vibhitaki and others. It acts as a blood purifier and de-toxifier and is very effective in skin conditions such as acute dermatitis, rosacea, acne vulgaris, hyperpigmentation and cutaneous worm infestations.

Purim is available in tablet form for easy swallowing. It has been subjected to several successful clinical studies and trials and is from the renowned Himalaya Herbals. Recommended dosage is 1-2 purim tablets twice daily or as prescribed by your doctor.

Read more on Purim