Author Archives: Dr. Vaidya Karanvir Singh

These are the 5 diseases that occur in winter, know its symptoms and treatment, winter comes, people feel the joy of the end of summer and rain, as well as enjoy the things of cold weather . Happiness brings a glow on the face, but with the cold comes many seasonal diseases, which are also called viral infections in common parlance. If you also want to avoid cold diseases, then today we are telling about the diseases caused by cold and its symptoms, treatment. 

It is very important to take special care of everyone, whether children or adults, because the weather is cold. Infectious diseases spread rapidly. The biggest impact of which is on young children, pregnant women and the elderly. In such a situation, it is very important to have complete information about cold diseases and its treatment, so we are telling you ways to avoid diseases caused by cold and its effects. Let’s know the ways to avoid cold diseases. 

1. Cold diseases. 

Sometimes colds and colds are also caused due to infection. This happens to small children and all adults. Cold, Nasal congestion, Frequent sneezing, Sore throat or pain, Severe headache. 

Treatment – 1. For quick relief from cold and flu, take medicine on the advice of a doctor. 2. Roast black roasted gram in ghee and add black salt to it, it provides benefit. 3. In winter, keep black pepper in dry grapes, heat it lightly and consume it, you will get relief in a few days. 4. Always drink hot water. 5. The most effective way to cure cold is to take steam, it is also beneficial in eliminating the phlegm accumulated in the chest.

2. Influenza or flu (high fever)

  Fever Influenza or flu is the most common illness caused by infection in winter. Do not ignore it for more than a day or two and consult a doctor immediately. Symptoms: High fever, pain in the muscles of the extremities, headache, frequent dryness of the throat, sore throat, chills, etc. 

Treatment 1. In case of influenza or flu, consult a doctor immediately. 2. Ayurvedic and home remedies are also very effective to get rid of flu. 3. Eat nutritious food and liquid diet. 4. Boil Giloy, Tulsi and papaya leaves with water till it reduces to half and consume it when it cools down. 

3. Throat Pain

 As soon as the cold comes, a sore throat ie itching is felt, along with it pain in the throat also bothers people very much. Sometimes the pain increases so much that people feel difficulty even in eating food. Throat pain is also caused by consuming cold things. 

Symptoms: Sore throat, Sore throat, Difficulty in eating food, Problem of swelling in the throat etc. 

Treatment 1. To get rid of sore throat in winter, gargle with warm salt water 2-3 times a day. 2. Avoid eating cold things. 3. Eat hot things ie soup, decoction etc. 4. Lick ginger juice mixed with honey or take cloves. 5. Take ginger, clove, black pepper and basil tea or make a decoction and drink it. 

4. Pneumonia

 One of the most common diseases in young children during the winter season is pneumonia. Pneumonia causes inflammation of the lungs. This disease is caused due to infection. If pneumonia is detected, a doctor should be treated immediately, otherwise it can prove to be fatal.

 Symptoms: In pneumonia, the victim’s lungs swell, due to which there is difficulty in breathing. Apart from this, high fever, body tremors are common symptoms. Treatment 1. If pneumonia is detected, first take medicine on the advice of a doctor or get admitted in the hospital. 2. Mix turmeric with water and apply it on the chest, it will gradually reduce the infection and give relief. 3. Boil 5-6 cloves in a glass of water and give it to the victim after it becomes half, it will get relief. 4. Taking honey mixed with the juice of mint leaves twice a day provides relief in pneumonia.

5. Asthma

 Asthma is a disease caused by allergies to dust, soil and smoke. In winter, people have to face extreme difficulty in breathing due to increase in fog and cold. To avoid an asthma attack, people are advised to always keep an inhaler with them. Symptoms – Shortness of breath, shortness of breath, chest tightness, frequent coughing, restlessness and nervousness. 

Treatment 1. Always cover your face to avoid dust, dirt, smoke and pollution. 2. Stay away from freshly painted areas, insecticides, sprays, aromatic perfumes, fumes from mosquito coils. 3. Avoid consuming cold things like foods with preservatives and cold drinks.

Yes, winter has finally arrived – but with it have come the viruses that make us sick. Fear not, we are telling you 5 such powerful medicines that will keep you safe from cold and cough.

Adopt Ayurvedic herbs for cold, cough

It’s finally that time of year when your best friend is your quilt. But winter doesn’t just mean chilly and sluggish days in the air. In winter, flu viruses also increase and the risk of cold and cough also increases.

Whether you consider the changing weather or coldness as the reason for spreading the virus, but it is certain that at this time the virus gets infected rapidly. Therefore, it would be the wisest thing to do to keep yourself safe at this time.

If you keep yourself warm by staying at home, then the risk of viral diseases decreases. But along with this it is also important to strengthen your immune system, for which these 5 medicines will help you.

Liquorice

Liquorice not only provides relief from sore throat and pain, but it has many other benefits. According to a 2015 study published in the review journal Asta Pharmacia Sinica B (APSB), liquorice contains two chemical compounds that act as antiviral agents. This is the reason that liquorice can also prevent the virus from spreading.

Unnab

Unnab has been used in Unani medicine for centuries. It is made by drying the plum. It is also known as Indian Jujuba. It is known to soothe the windpipe and relieve cough. Vitamin C is rich in this medicine, which makes your immune system strong.

Unnabs are actually dried plums. 

A 2017 study in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules found that Unnab also increases the production of immune cells.

Amaltas

Even if you are not aware of the medicinal properties of Amaltas, but you must have seen its trees. Trees laden with yellow flowers, whose flowers are often found lying on the roads, are the same Amaltas. Its flowers and seeds have medicinal properties.

According to the National Health Portal of India, Amaltas is effective in reducing fever. In addition, it can relieve stiffness and throat problems by reducing swelling and inflammation.

Basil

Now no one has any doubt that Tulsi is the most effective remedy for winters. Yes, this is 100% true. According to a 2014 paper published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medicine, basil has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to which Tulsi is a panacea for all winter infections.

You must already know a lot about Tulsi. Image: Shutterstock You already know a lot about Tulsi. Image: Shutterstock

Sapistan

You might not have heard of Cordia Mixa or Sapistan. But when you come to know its qualities, then you will also make it a part of your life.

This medicine is also an important part of Unani medicine. Sapistan is used to treat cold, cold, cough and respiratory diseases. The paper, published in the 2016 June edition of the IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, found that the drug has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Also it works like a pain killer. This is the reason why this medicine is perfect to avoid the flu in winters.

If making tea of ​​these medicines separately is not your thing, then do not panic. 

In winters, the risk of various diseases increases. In such a situation, by including some things in your diet, you can keep your body temperature warm. It also gives relief from many diseases. Some simple tips found in our homes can help us in this. By using spices like cinnamon, cardamom, red chili, we can not only get rid of diseases like cold, cold and cough but can also increase the body temperature. These home medicines keep the blood flow in your body properly, so that you stay warm even in the cold.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon helps in drying the excess moisture of the body and keeping the body warm. Apart from this, it also has anti-septic properties and due to this the digestive system is also fine.

Cardamom

Cardamom also helps in keeping the body warm. It can also be used as a mouth freshener. It helps in keeping the respiratory system healthy. In winter, the problem of headache often comes due to cold. Cardamom is helpful in relieving this pain.

Cayenne pepper

Red chili is helpful in eliminating the problem of cough and mucus. It contains an element called capsaicin which keeps the metabolic rate of the body better. Apart from this, it also helps in increasing the internal temperature of the body.

Black pepper

Black pepper is rich in anti-oxidant and anti-septic properties. In winter, if it is consumed with hot things like soup or tea, then it keeps diseases like cold, and cough away.

Ginger

Consumption of ginger keeps the blood flow in the body right. This increases the heat of the body. You can also get rid of problems like cold and cough by using ginger water. For this, boil ginger with water and then mix this water in bathing water and take a bath.

Amaltas Known as “Golden Rain Tree” owing to its beautiful hanging yellow flowers, Amaltas has numerous health benefits. In Ayurveda, amaltas is known as “Sarvarogaprashamani” which means that cures all types of diseases and protect the body against various kind of microbial infections. It contains properties like purgative, carminative, anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory and relief from many disorders.

Synonyms of Amaltas

Indian Laburnum, Sondal, Bahva, Garmalo, Aragvadha, Chaturangula, Rajvraksha, deerghavriksha

Taxonomical classification

Latin name: Cassia fistula

Family: Fabacea

Division: Mangoliophyta

Kingdom: Plantea

Sub-kingdom: Trachiobinota

Genus: Cassia

Species: Fistula

Class: Magnoiliopsida

Subclass: Rosidae

Names in different languages:

English: Indian Laburnum, Purging Fistula, Cassia, Golden Shower

Gujrati: Garmala

Hindi: Sonhali, Amultus Kannad Kakkemara

Tamil: Shrakkonnai, Konai, Irjviruttam

Telugu: Kondrakayi, Raelachettu, Aragvadhamu, Koelapenna

Sanskrit: Nripadruma

Arabic: Khiyar Shambar

Urdu: Amaltaas, Chamkani

Rasa Panchaka of Amaltas

Rasa (taste)- Madhura (sweet)

Guna (qualities)- Guru (heavy),  snigdha

Veerya (Potency)- Sheet

Vipaka- Madhura (undergoes sweet taste after digestion)

Effect on three doshas

Pacifies Pitta and kapha dosha and aggravates vata dosha

Chemical Components  of Amaltas

Amaltas comprises an array of bioactive constituents including Glycosides, Anthraquinones, Sennosides A And B,  Fistulic Acid, Sennosides, Emodin,  Sugars, Saccharose, Mucilage, Pectin, Anthraquinones, Rhein, Rheinglucoside,  Chrysophanic Acid, Phlobaphenes, Fistuacacidin, Lupeol, and Sterols like Beta-Sitosterol And Hexacosanol etc.

Amaltas Dosage

Dosage may vary from person to person. Acc. to different formulations dosage of amaltas is

Fruit Pulp: 5-10 gm

Flower Churna/powder: 5-10 gm

Decoction: 50-100 ml

Amaltas Avaleha: 1-2 teaspoons a day, once a day

Amaltas Vati: 1-2 capsules, twice a day

Therapeutic Benefits of Amaltas

• Promotes Digestion

Amaltas possess excellent digestive qualities. Due to anti-flatulent property of the root of amaltas , formation of gas in the alimentary canal reduces , that help in  reducing bloating, flatulence, and abdominal distension. 

• Boosters Immunity

Many antioxidants and ascorbic acid presents in Amaltas. Amaltas improves the immune system, fighting microbes and shielding the body against various infections. Amaltas acts as strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal agent so very effective in preventing infections like fever, common cold, sore throat, and other respiratory anomalies. 

• Aids In Cardiac Functioning

Amaltas helps to relax the cardiac system. Amaltas possess the chemical componuds that are beneficial for patients suffering from arrhythmias and palpitations. It helps in strengthening of the heart muscles, lower cholesterol levels in the blood and prevents lipid build-up, so help in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart blocks, heart attacks, blood clots, etc.

• Prevents Infections

Due to presence of many biochemical compounds in this herb it has been used since ancient times to protect the body against various kinds of infections. It is very effective in reducing general debility, weakness, fatigue and strengthens immunity of the body.

• Treats Wounds And Ulcers

Due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of amaltas leaves it is useful in treating ulcers like ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, canker sores or mouth ulcers, etc. 

• Protect From Intestinal Disorders

 Anti-inflammatory and purgative properties of amaltas are effective to suppress the toxic bacteria H-pylori and also prevents its growth in the gut. Due to laxative nature, it helps in preventing constipation; piles .It also prevents the fluid from drying up in the colon and averts abdominal pain, abdominal distension, colic, etc.

• Remedies Pain And Inflammation

Amaltas contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties due to which it provides relief from pain and inflammation due to arthritis. It is also extremely effective in digestion of ama   that leads to many disorders thus effectively used in Rheumatoid arthritis that is  Amavata in ayurveda. 

• In Diabetes

Amaltas has strong hypoglycaemic property which is important in decreasing blood sugar levels of the body. Amaltas activate the  β-pancreatic cells, which helps in the production of insulin .

• Skin Augmentation

Amaltas acts as antioxidant agent, so amaltas is also used in achieving spotless radiant skin. It helps in protecting the skin from damage caused by the harmful rays of UVA and UVB rays, and hence reduces the various signs of aging like wrinkles, spots, fine lines, dark circles, etc. Also helpful in many allergic conditions like acne,  pimples and prevents various other skin infections like 

• Relieves Urinary Problems

Amaltas is effectively useful in various urinary disorders like urinary incontinence, painful micturition and burning sensation while micturition. Being a mild diuretic, it also treats dysuria. Due to its Anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties , amaltas significantly helpful in preventing urinary infections. 

• Mange Respiratory Troubles

Amaltas has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, due to which it is effective in all sorts of respiratory troubles.  It is effective in treating the common cold, sore throat, cough and flu symptoms. Helps in decreasing kapha , it actively thins and loosen mucus deposits within the chest and nasal cavities and hence treat breathing difficulties and helps the body to get rid of mucus. It is also beneficial for treating other respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis etc.

• Inhibits Liver Disorders

It has hepatoprotective and hepato-stimulative properties; So Amaltas is effectively used in treating various kinds of liver anomalies like jaundice, in which the liver gets mostly affected. The herb not only improves the liver functioning by secreting bile but also beneficial in maintaining normal level of  the liver enzymes . It helps in detoxification of the liver and improves liver functioning by cleansing.

• Cures Bleeding Disorders

Amaltas is extremely beneficial in treating bleeding disorders being a good antibiotic and antiseptic formulation. The fibrinolytic properties  of the amaltas helps in clot formation at the site of injury or wound and hence treats bleeding disorders and infections.

Spinach is also known as super food as it is full with number of nutrients in a low-calorie food. Leafy green vegetables like spinach are very good for your skin, hair, and bone health. They also provide many protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals.

Adding spinach in your diet may benefit eye health, prevent cancer reduce oxidative stress, and maintain blood pressure levels.

Nutrition facts

The nutrition facts for 100 gm of raw spinach are-

• Calories: 23
• Water: 91%
• Protein: 2.8 grams
• Carbs: 3.7 grams
• Sugar: 0.3 grams
• Fiber: 2.3 grams
• Fat: 0.4 grams

Carbs

• Most of the carbs in spinach contains fiber, which is very good for your health.
• Spinach contains sugar in very small quantity, mainly  in the form of glucose and fructose. 

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is great source of many vitamins and minerals, include 

• Vitamin A – Spinach contains carotenoids in high quantity, which turn into vitamin A by our body.
• Vitamin C – This acts as antioxidant agent that is good for your skin health and immune function.
• Vitamin K1 – This vitamin is necessary for clotting of blood.
• Vitamin B9/Folic acid – This vitamin is vital for pregnant women and prevents the spinal disorders in child and required for normal cellular function and tissue growth.
• Calcium – This mineral is essential for bone health and strengthening   your nervous system, cardio-vascular health and muscular system.
• Iron – Spinach is an excellent source of iron. Iron helps in formation of hemoglobin, that brings oxygen to your body’s tissues.

Spinach also contains many other vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B6, B9and E.

Fiber

• Spinach contains insoluble fiber in high quantity, which may boost your immunity and health in many ways.
• It aids digestion and help to pass the food   through your digestive system. This may help to releive constipation.

Plant compounds

Spinach contains many plant compounds. Main compounds are

• Lutein & Zeaxanthin – These compounds are beneficial for your eye health.
• Kaempferol – This is antioxidant that reduces the risk of cancer and chronic diseases.
• Nitrates- Spinach contains high amounts of nitrates, which are good for heart health.
• Quercetin. This antioxidant may fight against infection and inflammation.  Spinach is one of the great sources of quercetin.

Benefits of spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

As we saw that spinach has great nutritional value that’s why there are many uses of spinacia oleracea. 

Control diabetes

• Spinach contains alpha-lipoic acid which acts as anti-oxidant agent that is used to lower blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity and prevent oxidative, stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes.
• Studies also show that it decreases peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy in diabetics.

Cancer prevention

• Spinach and other green vegetables contain chlorophyll which is effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects
• This is effective to preventing the growth of cancer.

Asthma prevention

• Many studies showed that the risks for developing asthma are reduced among individuals in which intake of certain nutrients is high. Beta-carotene is one among them and spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene.

Maintain blood pressure

• Due to high potassium content in spinach, it is recommended in people with high blood pressure.
• Potassium is   helpful to reduce the effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake in diet may become a risk factor for developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake.

Good for Bone health

• Low intakes of vitamin K can become a higher risk of bone fracture.
• Taking vitamin K in required quantity is important for good health, as it improves calcium absorption and may decrease the amount of calcium that leaves the body in urine.

Promotes digestion

Fiber and water content is high in spinach, both of which aids digestion and prevent constipation.

Healthy skin and hair

• Spinach contains large amount of vitamin A, which also maintain the production of oil in the skin pores and hair follicles that will help to moisturize the skin and hairs.
• Vitamin A is known as growth promoting vitamin as it is essential for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.
• Spinach and other leafy green vegetables are good source of vitamin C that helps in building and maintenance of collagen which provide structure to skin and hairs.
• It is one of the main sources of iron. Iron deficiency can leads to hair loss. So adding spinach in your food in adequate quantity can prevent the hair loss.

Spinach in diet

• Spinach is a versatile vegetable and can be taken raw or cooked. It is available fresh, frozen, or canned. Here are some ways or methods use more spinach into a daily routine:
• You can add spinach to pastas, soups, and casseroles.
• Take spinach by adding to a wrap, sandwich, or flatbread.
• You can make a dip using spinach, such as spinach and artichoke dip.

Risks

• If someone is taking blood-thinners, like warfarin, it is important that they should be careful while taking food they eat containing vitamin K that plays a role in blood clotting.
• Taking too much potassium can be harmful for people who are suffering from kidneys diseases. Because If kidneys are unable to remove out the excess potassium from the blood, then it could be fatal. 
• Spinach also contains both calcium and oxalates in high amount, so people who are at risk of developing kidney stones should be taken carefully or in limit.