Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis is a condition which is more common in women of age group 30 to 50 years. Such individuals show symptoms of irritation, over-anxiety, rapid heart rate, deep shallow respiration, diarrhea, heat intolerance, flushing, menstrual disturbance, fatigue and bulging of eyes. Though all of the said thyroid symptoms may not be present a few of such symptoms could be due to hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a condition caused due to inactivity of thyroxine. This condition can be caused due to deficiency of iodine or thyroid failure or  pituitary dysfunction. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of vitality and overall hormonal imbalance. When hypothyroidism is left untreated for a long time it could result in myxodema which is distinguished by swollen skin and tissues.

According to Ayurveda, taking adequate quantities of milk can help in preventing goitre. Also rice, barley, Bengal gram, moong dal and cucumber are recommended for patients suffering from goitre. They should of course avoid heavy and sour foods. Herbs that are found useful in treatment of  thyroid disorders include Kanchanara, Jatamansi, Shilajita, Brahmi guggulu, gokshura, and punarnava.

As a home remedy, a fine paste of vegetable jalakumbhi can be applied over the affected area and the juice of jalakumbi can be given a few times in a day. This has a high content of iodine, the deficiency of which causes  goitre .

Coconut oil which contains medium chain fatty acids which help in improving body metabolism,   is good for those suffering from thyroid disorders. The medicines used in Ayurveda for  treating thyroid  disorders include Kanchanar Guggulu, Ashwagandharishta, Amritadhaya taila and Mahayogaraj guggulu.

Apart from all this, yogic asanas like Sarvangasana, Halasana, Suryanamaskara, Suptavajrasana are found helpful, though Pranayama is the most effective for curing thyroid problems.

However, researchers at the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) are almost nearing success, as their work on mice with Alzheimer’s disease indicated that Ashwagandha extract can reverse memory loss and could be a promising cure for this disease in humans.

The NBRC Neuroscientist, Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath, tested the semi-purified sample of the root of the herb, extracted at Delhi University on genetically modified mice with Alzheimer’s disease. The study involved two set of mice –a set of middle aged mice and another set of old mice. They were given oral doses of Ashwagandha root extract for 30 days, and monitored.

After one month, the scientists noticed a reduction in the amount of amyloid plaques (Beta Amyloid is the main component of amyloid plaques), the deposits usually found in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s. The animals also showed improvement in cognitive abilities.

Initially, the mice with Alzheimer’s were neither able to learn, nor retain the learning. However, following 20 days of Ashwagandha treatment, there was a difference, and after 30 days, they began to behave normally, Ravindranath said.

In fact, Ashwagandha does not work directly on the brain. It improved a protein in the liver, which is thrown out in the blood, and acts like a sponge by pulling out the amyloid from the brain.

The Natural Products Laboratory at the Delhi University is continuing to study a series of extractions from the root of the Ashwagandha plant, in their laboratories.

Ashwagandha, also known as Winter Cherry, is a herb used in ayurvedic treatments since ancient times, and is considered a wonder herb in Ayurvedic medical system. Ashwagandha is specifically used in treating a wide range of conditions including arthritis, respiratory disorders, insomnia, anxiety, inflammation, cough, bronchitis, nervous disorders, gynaecological problems, infertility, impotence, degenerative symptoms, juvenile mal-development and growth, depression, weak digestion, fluid retention caused by low body metabolism, and other immune-compromised diseases.

Migraine can be triggered by any factors including stress, environmental factors, alcohol, bright lights, certain odours, change in sleep patterns, changes in hormone levels (particularly in women), loud noises, missed meals, smoking or exposure to smoke, and certain foods. However, the exact cause of migraine headache is still unclear.

Treatment methods:

When you get initial symptoms of migraine try to treat them right away, when the headache is less severe. Drink enough water to avoid dehydration, particularly if you have vomited. You can try resting in a quiet dark room, placing a cool cloth on your forehead.

Ayurvedic Remedies

Ayurveda considers migraine to mostly occur in people with imbalanced pitta constitution. Although, people with vata and kapha constitutions can also experience migraine, pitta dosha is considered as the main cause. Bringing about a balance in the doshas can help in maintaining bodily balance and solve the root cause of the problem.

Ayurveda suggests a combination of healthy diet, ayurvedic/herbal medications, yoga and panchakarma treatments to get rid of migraines completely.

Panchakarma

In the Panchakarma procedure, Nasya or medicated oil drops are used for treatment of migraine. The first type of treatment is called Shirovirechan, wherein strong, irritant medicines are instilled as nasal drops, which induces sneezing and watery discharge. Second type of treatment is the Avapidat nasya, wherein a herbal paste, usually made of herbs such as Vacha and Pippali, together with honey, are inserted through the nostrils in liquid form. These procedures are aimed at eliminating the root cause of headache/pain.

The medicated enema used for migraine, known as Anuvasan Basti, is given, wherein small quantities of medicated oils (50ml) are given at regular intervals on an out-patient bais. Sesame and Mahanarayan oil, containing Asparagus racemosus as main ingredient, are mostly used for this purpose.

Ayurvedic medicines

One of the most commonly prescribed drugs for treating migraine is Suvarna Sutashekhara Ras. It is given in dose of 125 milligrams twice a day. The medication can be taken with milk. Few other preparations that can be taken for this condition are Godanti Bhasma, Triphala Guggulu, Bhallatakasav and Tribhuvankirti.

Yoga

Simple yoga treatments can serve as an effective alternative in dealing with headaches and migraines. Yoga, particularly deep breathing exercises, can boost immunity, and improve headaches/migraines caused due to stress and worry. Inverted postures, or postures where head is lowered briefly, increases oxygen supply to the brain and reduces the strain-induced headaches. Pranayama is an excellent solution for migraines. Shitali Pranayama is known as cool breathing exercise, wherein the tongue is rolled like a tube, inhaling air through the mouth and exhaling is done through the nose. Following this technique regularly can reduce migraine symptoms, while also pacifying the pitta imbalance.

Herbs

Feverfew is a popular herb for treating migraines. Several studies have backed the use of feverfew in treating migraines. Other herbal cures for migraines include use of ashwagandha, brahmi, shatavari, chyavanprash, jatamamsi, gudachi and chyavanprash.Shirodhara (herbal hot oil massage) is also known to relieve headaches. However, herbs should be taken only after working with a trained herbalist to choose the specific herb suitable for your body type.

Prevention

Understanding your headache triggers can help you to avoid foods and situations that cause migraines. Few other suggestions for preventing migraines caused by external factors are:

• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Avoid artificial sweeteners
• Avoid caffeine
• Limit sun exposure
• Get plenty of sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce stress
• Find ways to relax
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Walk regularly in a park/garden or other scenic place.

Adopting the said measures, not only makes you feel relaxed, but can also ban recurrent migraines.

Drinking a cup of black tea at least thrice a day, may help considerably in reducing your blood pressure.

This is according to a six-month study conducted by scientists at the University of Western Australia (UWA), Unilever and National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, which suggests that regular consumption of black tea may help lower people’s systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

The study involved 95 participants from Australia aged 35 and 75, who were advised to drink either three cups of black tea daily, or a placebo with caffeine content, having the same flavour, but not derived from tea. The participants were followed-up after a period of six months. Those who drank black tea had a lower 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the range 2 and 3mmHg.

High blood pressure could be a major factor for risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but, this is a major discovery. There has already been considerable evidence about tea being good for your heart health, but this discovery seems more important, as it is the evidence of link between the two, clarifies Jonathan Hodgson at UWA.

This development is further evidence to suggest that tea, with its natural ingredients, can help people remain healthier. Although the 2-3mm Hg seem to be a small change to an individual’s blood pressure, the point to be noted is the positive impact that it could have in reducing the risk of heart disease among general public, said Jane Rycroft, the Senior Nutrition and Health Manager at Unilever’s Research and Development Laboratories.

The research is now published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, and is the first-of-its-kind to show that black tea consumption, on long-term, can bring down blood pressure levels.

Simple home-made facial cleansers are easy, cheap and effective.

Lavender Face Cleanser

Blend together 6 tablespoons of Grape Seed oil, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and 5 drops each of geranium and rose essential oils. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to your hand per wash. Blend all the oils into a dark glass bottle, and store in a cool place. Gently shake before each use. Apply a small amount to face and massage to cleanse. Rinse with warm water and a wash cloth. This could be a perfect anti-aging cleanser, and the skin will feel super smooth and silky.

Lemon and yogurt cleanser

Mix together a tablespoon of lemon juice with 2tsp of plain yogurt. Apply on face, and leave it on for 10 minutes. Follow up by rinsing with warm water.

Honey Facial Cleanser

Mix together 1 tsp. of honey, 2 tsp. of lemon juice, and 1 tsp. of yellow sugar. Apply it with circular motions, and leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Tomato, lemon and orange cleanser: This is a typical skin stimulating home-made cleanser, wherein one ripe fresh Tomato, two tablespoons of milk, and one tablespoon each of fresh lemon juice and orange juice are mixed together. All ingredients can be mixed together in a food processor until it gets into a smooth watery texture. This can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Oatmeal and yogurt exfoliant

Blend together one cup of uncooked oatmeal, and add a few teaspoons of yogurt to make an exfoliating paste. Use this as a gentle body scrub to remove dry, flaky and dead skin cells. The beneficial bacteria and lactic acid in yogurt can gently exfoliate and nourish your skin. Oatmeal is a gentle, but great exfoliant, which also has astringent properties.

Fruit Facials

Here are some effective home-made fruit facials that can do wonders to your skin when used on regular basis:

Watermelon facial

Mix 2tablespoons of lime juice, with 1 teaspoon of honey, and two tablespoon of watermelon juice. Apply this mixture on your cleansed face, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Watermelon has 99% water content, which makes it the best ingredient in revitalizing complexion.

Orange and yogurt facial

In a bowl, mix 1 tsp each of plain yoghurt with a teaspoon of orange juice extract. The mixture should reach the desired texture for application on the skin. Allow the facial to remain for 15 to 20 minutes, and finish by rinsing off with lukewarm water.

Pomegranate and green tea facial

Make green tea. When the tea is still steeping, pull off at least 40 or more pomegranate seeds and mash them with back of a spoon, to obtain roughly about 4 to 5 teaspoon of juice. Strain green tea and add 2 tsp of it to mashed pomegranate seeds. To this add 2tsp of lemon juice and stir well. Allow to cool for 5 minutes. Pour a small amount of liquid into the palm of your hand. Rub the liquid over your face and neck, and allow the fruit juices to dry on your face for 10 minutes. Wash or wipe with a warm moist cloth. Pomegranate is believed to be excellent in wiping out wrinkles, and more suitable for dry skin.

Plum facial

Boil six plums in a medium-sized bowl. Allow to cool down, and mash them with a fork. Now, add a teaspoon of almond oil. The mixture should be applied to well-cleansed face, and allowed to be left on for 10 to 15 minutes, and washed with warm water. Plum is a great astringent and good for oily skin.

Strawberry facial

Chop a handful of strawberries in a blender. Add lime juice and half-cup of yoghurt. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, and apply on face and neck. Leave on for half an hour and rinse with cold water. Strawberries remove dead skin cells and form an excellent anti-aging mask.

Papaya facial

Papaya facial masks are one of the most popular home-made facial masks. There are plenty of papaya facial masks that can be made at home. Here’s the easiest one. Deseed papaya. Chop into pieces. Mix in a blender with quarter cup of honey and quarter cup of whole almonds. Blend it into smooth consistency. Allow the facial to penetrate into your skin. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. This mask also helps clear blemished and leaves the skin smooth.