Sunday December 2, 2007

Herbal remedies in Ayurveda

BY LIM WEY WEN

Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from India, remains a very useful health tool in modern times.

AS we turn to nature to seek traditional help for modern diseases, an ancient traditional system of medicine from India, Ayurveda, offers a way to strengthen the body and prevent health problems using herbal remedies.

Together with his chief operating officer Ajay George Varghese, Prof R. Chandrasekhar, the chief mentor of a leading manufacturer of Ayurveda products (Bipha Drug Laboratories), immediately lit up as he elaborated on the usage of some herbal remedies in Ayurveda that has been proven by intensive research.

“These herbs are different from other herbal remedies, because it is not targeted against any specific agent that may cause disease,” he started.

Rather, these herbs can be used as a preventive and supportive therapy as it strengthens the body against attacks by external factors such as invading organisms and climate changes. Now, Malaysians can benefit from these medicinal plants, as herbs (Amalaki, Ashoka, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Guggulu, Neem, Tulsi, Vasaka and Tumeric) and herbal formulations (Triphala) used in Ayurvedic internal medicine are lining the shelves of local pharmacies in capsules.

The herbs and their benefits

Amalaki – Known as the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), Amalaki is one of the most important plants in Ayurveda.

It has been reported that Amalaki is a natural antioxidant with the richest source of vitamin C in natural form.

Traditionally, the fruit has been used in the treatment of various health problems, including burning sensations anywhere in the body, anorexia, constipation, inflammatory bowels, cough, hemorrhoids and fever.

Ashoka – Just as its name indicates, Ashoka (Saraca indica) is one of the sacred trees found widely in India.

“When consumed on a regular basis, Ashoka leaves help to regulate the menstrual cycle,” Prof Chandrashekar explained.

“It is a gentle nourishment for the womb, and it can create a conducive environment to make a woman fertile.”

Normally, is used as a prophylactic to avoid issues with the menstrual cycle, he added.

Ashwagandha – Various studies have shown that Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as the Indian ginseng, has adaptogen (anti-stress agent) properties.

Research has shown that Ashwagandha directly opposes the reaction of stress by reducing the release of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body.

It also exerts its anti-stress properties by scavenging free radicals in the body, which will in turn relax the body, explained Prof Chandrashekar.

Besides that, Ashwagandha is also used in Ayurveda to nourish and rejuvenate tissues while promoting vitality and strength.

Brahmi – Brahmi is the Sanskrit name for Bacopa monniera, an herb that can improve cognitive functions, concentration levels and the retention level of the brain, Varghese said.

“It helps the neurons keep the information for recollection and feedback, and it also increases memory by virtue of this,” Prof Chandrashekar explained.

Other benefits of Brahmi include the increase in concentration, attention and focus, he added.

Guggulu – Guggulu is the oleogum resin (a type of secretion) from a small tree called Commiphora mukul found in northwestern India.

One of the most extensively studied among the herbs used in Ayurveda, Guggulu has been found in several studies to possess lipid-lowering actions.

“It is effective for (lowering) borderline and moderate cholesterol levels,” Prof Chandrashekar said.

But, if your cholesterol levels are too high, taking Guggulu alone may not be enough to bring down the levels, he added.

Neem – Neem (Azadirachta indica) is an herb that “grows in everyone’s backyard,” said Varghese. Also found in Malaysia, its uses are not limited to medicine.

“Every part of the Neem tree can be used,” Prof Chandrashekar said.

Its oil is used for pest control, cosmetics and medicines; its leaves are used to treat chickenpox if applied on the skin and even its twigs are used as toothbrushes in Africa and India.

“Neem is a very important herb for the skin,” said Varghese. “It improves complexion, it improves skin tone, and it improves the general health of the skin.”

Tulsi – “Respiratory tract infection is one of the most common ailments that occurs in any country,” Prof Chandrashekar said.

“Tulsi is one of the popular herbs used to treat upper respiratory infection,” he added.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), otherwise called the holy basil, is a sweet-scented herb found widely in India as a household plant.

In Ayurvedic practice, Tulsi is used in several formulations to enhance immunity and metabolic functions as well as to manage respiratory problems such as cold and cough.

Vasaka – Vasaka (Adathoda vasica), also called the Malabar nut three, can help a person breathe easier with its bronchodilatory (widening the airways) activity.

Recent investigations on its major alkaloids (vasicine and vasicinone) have shown bronchodilatory activity and respiratory stimulant activity.

Thus, it may be beneficial for people experiencing bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

Tumeric – According to Ayurveda, turmeric is the “spice of life”. Also found in Malaysia, this herb has numerous medicinal values.

Its major constituents, curcumin, curcuminoids and curcuma oil, exhibit a wide range of biological activities.

It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effects, and protective effects on the digestive system and respiratory system as well, Prof Chandrashekar said.

Besides, it has also been shown that the regular use of Turmeric will reduce the impact of cancer, Varghese added.

Triphala – Viewed as the cornerstone in Ayurvedic medicine, Triphala consists of three ingredients, said Prof Chandrashekar.

The three ingredients are Haritaki (Terminalia cherbula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica), and Amalaki.

According to Varghese, it functions as a good colon cleanser, tones the digestive system, and also promotes detoxification in the body.

Self-remedy

With all these herbs available in the market, all of us are spoilt for choice. For the health conscious, it is very hard to resist taking multiple herbs to help prevent different ailments.

Prof Chandrashekar was very frank when he said: “Self medication is very dangerous medication.”

He advised people with multiple, pre-existing diseases to consult a physician before taking any of the herbal supplements.

For people who are otherwise healthy, they can choose to take one herbal supplement, which they give top priority, to improve their health.

However, in Ayurveda, it is not the case where you pop a pill, forget about healthy living and continue to live hectic, stressful lifestyles. “The benefit of Ayurveda does not depend only on the herb ... it will not work properly if a person does not change his/her lifestyle,” Prof Chandrashekar said.