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.