Types Of Headache And Their Treatment With Ayurveda

 



Types Of Headache And Their Treatment With AyurvedaSubmitted By: Tom Alter  

Headache is known as Shiro Roga in Ayurveda. Literally it means ?disease of the head?. Headache is not a single type of disorder; but it is a name given to several problems of the head. There are 11 types of headache in Ayurveda. They can be caused due to a various number of causes. Some of them are:

- Trauma
- Inflammation of the meninges
- Encephalitis
- Cerebral abscess
- Migraine
- Hypertension
- Cerebral hemorrhage
- Vasodilator drugs
- Alcohol hangover

Apart from these there are several other factors such as fevers, metabolic disorders and diseases of the eye, ear and nose which can cause headaches.

Though pain is predominantly vitiation of the vata dosha, vitiation of the pitta and kapha doshas can also cause headaches. The chief symptoms of the three different doshic types of headaches are:-

1. Vata type of Headache ? The pain is intermittent, i.e. of a hammering type. There is constipation, insomnia and depression. These pains are compounded by mental tensions.

2. Pitta type of Headache ? The pain is usually felt on half of the head. It is accompanied by a burning sensation and wateriness in the eyes. The person is generally scared of light.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Headache

1. Betel (Piper betle)

The leaves of the betel have analgesic and cooling properties. When a paste of them is applied to the center of the headache, then immediate relief is obtained.

2. Bishop?s Weed (Trachyspermum ammi)

Bishop?s weed can keep severe headaches away. It is most effective in headaches that occur due to migraine. The fumes of the lighted bishop?s weed seeds are used for the treatment. These fumes are smoked or the seeds are sniffed directly.

3. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

The aroma of the clove has a headache-allaying effect. It can soothe the nerves and bring it back to a pacified state.

4. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic has almost miraculous properties in relieving headaches, of whatever type they are. Their juice slowly permeates the head region and acts as a painkiller.

5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger has painkilling properties. Due to this property, it is used as an external application on the affected head region. This gives relief from the headache.

6. Henna (Lawsonia inermis)

Henna flowers have the capacity to reduce headaches if they are caused by excessive heat. The henna flowers are applied externally on the head with vinegar to get the desired results.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Headache

Sweet and mild tastes are better in relieving headaches than other tastes. When there is a headache, consuming a sweet preparation or even a spoonful of sugar helps.

Milk and ghee are also beneficial in headaches. Preferably, the milk of a cow should be warmed and had when there is a headache.

Rice is the preferred carbohydrate to be taken in times of headache. The water left after cooking the rice should be had when it is warm, with a dash of ghee added in it.

Spicy and fried foods must be avoided when there is a headache.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Headache

Since there are many different types of headaches, there are different treatments for them in Ayurveda. Ayurveda does not treat all headaches with uniformity. The following are the different treatments prescribed:-

1. If the headache is of vata type, then Triphala choorna is first prescribed to clear the digestive system. Then Shirashooladivajra rasa must be taken, or Mahavata Vidhwansana rasa must be taken twice a day in dosages of 125 milligrams in warm water.

2. If the headache is of pitta type, then amalaki is prescribed, or Triphala which contains amalaki can also be given. Half a gram of Shatavari is to be taken twice a day for a month.

3. If the headache is of kapha type, then anu taila is applied first to clear the nostrils. Then medicines such as Shoola Gajakesari rasa are given in dosages of 125 milligrams thrice or four times a day.

(4) Home Medications

a. A paste of clove and salt crystals is prepared in milk. The main curative ingredient in this is salt, which, being hygroscopic, absorbs the fluids in the head and decreases the tension.

b. Early morning after waking up dab an apple with salt and eat it. After that, drink some warm water or milk. Continuing this for ten days will reduce the problem of continuous headaches.

c. Peel a piece of garlic. Put it in the mouth and chew it slightly. Let its juices spread around the mouth region and upwards into the head. Keep on chewing the garlic mildly and allow the juices to spread. Within some minutes the headache would disappear. This treatment works even for the most persistent of headaches.

d. For headaches that are caused due to common colds, drinking a decoction of coriander and sugar helps tremendously. One more method to clear common cold related headaches is to place both feet in warm water for about half an hour.

e. For headaches that are caused due to excessive gas in the stomach, drinking a glass of warm water with a fresh lemon squeezed in it brings the headache as well as the gas problem down.

f. Grind some cinnamon and make it into a paste with water. Apply this on the head. This reduces headaches.

g. Soak some almonds in water overnight. In the morning, grind them into a paste and warm them slightly in ghee. Mix this in water and drink. This helps in treating headaches that have been going on since a long time.

h. Drinking a glass of water in which jaggery has been mixed helps in reducing headaches.

About the Author:

Read More on headache cure and headache home remedies by Ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com Read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

Article Tags: head, headache, headaches

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A Valentine?s Day Guaranteed To Go Off Like A Frog In A Sock

Valentine?s Day! What a great day for romantics at heart! Any excuse to celebrate a day of l?amour is in my opinion, a good excuse and on the 14th February cards, flowers and the whole love thing will be celebrated for many with romance and style.

The history of this day has origins in both Christian and Ancient Roman tradition. As a matter of fact there are many legends surrounding Valentine and the day it was yet to become. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) there are least three St Valentine?s recorded.

One legend has it that in 269 AD in ancient Rome, Saint Valentine was secretly performing marriages and engagements in direct contravention of the Emperor Claudius II, who banned marriages and engagements in an attempt to recruit and enlist more soldiers (recruitment numbers were down because the men wanted to remain with their loved ones). Alas and alack it was all too good to last, when St Valentine?s secret was discovered, as punishment for his crime, he was thrown into jail, beaten with clubs, followed by execution.

The legend goes that before he was beheaded on 14th February, he fell in love with his jailor?s daughter and wrote her a billet-doux (love letter). It?s said he signed off on his note with ?from your valentine?. Many years later in 496 AD, Pope Gelasius declared a day of honour for Valentine and so began Valentine?s Day.

Meanwhile, in ancient Roman days the 14th February celebrated and honored Juno, Queen of Roman Goddesses and Gods who was also said to be Goddess of woman and marriage.

Another legend has it that Valentine was an early Christian who made friends with many children. The Romans apparently imprisoned him because he didn?t worship their gods. The children, missing Valentine, would hand him loving notes through the bars of his cell.

Whatever the legends, the 14th February is the day where many of us exchange cards (anonymously or not) and do something romantic for our partner.

Having a pretty good idea on what women want, flowers, chocolates, and a card (yes I know some of us are still waiting?) I wondered what men wanted and so asked a group of men if they could have something they really wanted what would it be?

The majority of responses I?m not able to reprint (side splittingly funny nevertheless) and asked them to think seriously about what they would like to have on Valentine?s Day. Never having been asked before, this proved to be a somewhat difficult question for them to answer, but soon started warming to this question.

For partners scratching for ideas, the following will give you some idea what he really wants if it were up to him. I was told, come up with any of the following and it?s guaranteed Valentine?s Day will go off like a frog in a sock:

Please note that the opinions contained herein are not necessarily those of the author?

1. A beautiful meal at a restaurant (probably because they couldn?t have what they really wanted first up so this was a safe start);

2. A good book and the silence to read it;

3. A weekend away at a resort or hotel;

4. Day-tripping around coastal or country areas, eating breakfast and lunch out at different places;

5. Hanging out with loved one;

6. Breakfast in bed;

7. Driving an open top sports car for the day;

8. A ride in a supersonic jet;

9. Nice bottle of single malt 100 year old scotch;

10. Police arresting and taking away the mother-in-law;

11. Massage in a day spa;

12. Complete day of wife or partner agreeing with everything said;

13. 24 hour nag-free day;

14. Someone else working at your day job for the day;

15. Wife or partner completely losing their voice for the day;

16. To be alone;

17. Visit an art gallery;

18. Visit a museum;

19. Play golf or go to a sporting event ? whatever is in season; and

20. Ride a Harley Davidson.

Even if you?re not into Valentine?s Day, it?s the perfect excuse to have that frog go off in a sock by doing something wonderful for you and your partner, and if single, you can do something especially for you.

About the Author: Copyright requirements are that it remains with Michaela Scherr and for the link to be click able or live at http://www.michaelascherr.com
Michaela is a Transformational Coach, certified practitioner of NLP, writer, and Metaphysician who is totally committed to helping others. You can find her at http://www.michaelascherr.com

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Jaundice Treatment With Ayurvedic and Home Remedies

Jaundice is a disease caused due to vitiation of the pitta dosha. It is called as kamala. When there is an excessive circulation of the bile pigments in the blood, then this disease is caused. Pitta dosha controls the bile pigments.

Hence, jaundice is a disease of the liver. It can occur when there is an obstruction in the bile duct, or if there is destruction of the red blood corpuscles. When a person has jaundice, their skin becomes yellow in color. This characteristic yellowness is seen even in the eyes and the fingernails. Stools and urine also get colored. The yellow color is an indication that the circulation of bile is in excess.

Along with the yellowness of the skin, there are other symptoms associated with jaundice. Indigestion occurs and the person becomes very weak. Jaundice may also cause the body to itch.

(1)Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Jaundice

1.Berberis (Berberis vulgaris)
Berberis is a very effective herb for all kinds of liver ailments, especially jaundice. So effective is the herb that it is nicknamed ?jaundice berry?. It is a bitter tonic which must be given to a jaundice patient several times a day in does of quarter teaspoons. The fluid extract of the fruit also has similar properties.

2.Chicory (Chichorium intybus)
All parts of the chicory plant are useful in the treatment of liver ailments. The flowers, seeds and roots are the most often used. The juice of the chicory can help in the treatment of sluggishness of the liver, obstruction of the flow of bile and the enlargement of the spleen; all of which are associated with jaundice. Chicory can also promote the healthy secretion of the bile.

3.Gokulakanta (Hygrophila spinosa)
The root of the gokulakanta plant is potent in the treatment of liver diseases such as jaundice and hepatitis. An infusion of the root of the herb in water is prepared and is given to the patient twice or thrice each day.

4.Indian Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)
Indian aloe is an excellent remedy for liver problems such as jaundice. For effective treatment, the pulp of one of its leaves is to be taken with black salt and ginger every morning for a period of ten days.

5.Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata)
The herb is useful in treatment of jaundice. It is taken with buttermilk that is prepared from cow?s milk.

6.Picrorrhiza (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
Picrorrhiza is one of the two best Ayurvedic remedies for jaundice. It is known as kutki in Ayurveda. Powder of this herb is mixed with hot water and taken twice a day.

7.Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes anguina)
Snake gourd is taken as an infusion of its leaves for the treatment of jaundice. It is generally to be taken with coriander.

8.Turpeth (Operculina turpethum)
Turpeth is the other best Ayurvedic remedy for jaundice. It is known as nisoth in Ayurveda. The powder of this herb is prescribed mixed in hot water twice a day.

(2)Dietary Treatments for Jaundice

1.Sweet foods are suitable for a jaundice patient. For easy digestion, sweet foods in liquid form must be consumed, such as sugarcane juice, orange juice and juices of other fresh fruits. Dry grapes are also beneficial. Pomegranate is good for jaundice, though it has a slight sour taste.

2.Fresh vegetables must be included in the diet. They must be cooked in minimum oil and kept as green as possible. That is, the use of spices should be curtailed. Bitter vegetables like bitter gourd and the bitter variety of drumsticks are suitable to a jaundice patient.

3.The fat intake should be limited. Even curds must not be given to the jaundice patient. Buttermilk can be given if the butter has been carefully removed from it.

4.Alcohol is very dangerous to a jaundice patient. It can seriously complicate the disease, with fatal consequences. Hence, alcohol in any form must be avoided.

(3)Ayurvedic Treatments for Jaundice

Ayurvedic treatments for jaundice begin with a purgation therapy. This helps o remove the toxins accumulated in the liver and the rest of the body. Strong purgatives are avoided.

The drugs of choice for the treatment of jaundice are nisoth and kutki. Their roots are administered to the patient in powder form. The two herbs can be taken either together or individually, depending on the seriousness of the jaundice and the internal strength of the patient.

Avipattikara choorna and Arogya Vardhini vati are the usually prescribed medicines in jaundice. These are to be taken in teaspoonful quantities twice a day with water or with honey.

Another general medicine which can be used in all kinds of jaundice is the Bhumyamalaki. This is a short herb which is very rarely available. Its juice is given mixed with honey in a teaspoonful quantity thrice a day. Vasaka, Kakamachi and Triphala are the other drugs used.

(4)Home Remedies for Jaundice

1.Juices of bitter vegetables like the bitter gourd are very effective in treating jaundice. Mash the vegetable and extract their juices by pressing with a cloth. This juice must be ideally had in the early morning. One glassful of juice per day is recommended.

2.Prepare a cupful of juice of beetroot and lemon in equal proportions. Having this juice for a few days will definitely cure jaundice.

3.Extract juice of amalaki (Indian gooseberry, Emblica officinalis). Have this juice thrice in a day in a teaspoonful quantity. This is a potent remedy for all kinds of liver ailments.

Read more on jaundice treatment and jaundice home remedies by Ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com
Read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

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