Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal benefits of Greens

Greens (keerai in Tamil) had been part and parcel of South Indian diet from time immemorial. It is considered an easily digestible food than flowers, vegetables, and tubers. Though taking greens everyday is a healthy habit, it should not be taken at night. Taking greens at night can lead to formation of gas in the stomach and other gastric inconveniences.

Care should be taken in selection of greens. Greens with dark black patches should be avoided as they may be contaminated with heavy metals. Also avoid worm infested greens.

Pasalai keerai (Spinach)

This is said to have blood cleansing properties. It strengthens the liver and pacifies pitta. It is a well known remedy for diseases related to the urinary system. People with painful or difficult urination can benefit from taking spinach on a regular basis.

Sirukeerai (Amaranthus Polygonoides)

This greens belong to the amaranthus family. Singers can benefit from taking cooked Amaranthus polygonoides regularly. This is found to preserve and improve their voice. It also works wonders in the case of mouth ulcers and stomach ulcers. Regular consumption of this greens also benefits those with hemorrhoids. Skin conditions like scabies and eczema respond well to consumption of this herb.

Mulai keerai (Amaranth)

This is a tasty green consumed extensively in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Recipes made of this green are very tasty as well as healthy. It cools and energizes the body. The more mature greens of this family is the ‘thandu keerai’. A very good blood cleanser, this green is also strengthens the heart. It loosens stools and helps treat painful and difficult urination due to increase in body ‘heat’.

Pulicha keerai

Known as gongura in Andhra Pradesh, there are numerous tasty recipes made using this green. Consuming this green helps constipation, stomach ulcers and digestive disorders.

Pannai keerai (Celosia argentea)

Pannai keerai has immense medicinal value. Regular consumption of this greens helps ward off ulcerative colitis, stomatitis, sore throat and similar conditions. This has a sweetish-sour taste and is found to be useful in treating eczema and venereal diseases. It loosens the stool and helps in easy bowel movement.

Ponnanganni keerai

Ponnanganni (Alternanthera Sessilis) is an excellent coolant. It neutralizes excessive acidity in the body. It helps keep away bad breath. It is useful in treating skin conditions like scabies, eczema etc and improves the skin tone and texture. It is an excellent herb for hair growth. Application of coconut oil boiled with ponnanganni leaves, shoeflower (hibiscus), arugampul helps in luscious hair growth.

Manathakkali keerai

This greens action on ulcers is well known. It has been very effective in treating all types of internal ulcers, stomach and mouth ulcers. Taking this greens twice or thrice a week keeps the body alkaline and takes care of acidosis, which is considered to be the root cause of all modern diseases.

Thoodhuvalai keerai

This green is an excellent remedy for people suffering from sinus related conditions. Thoothuvalai leaves can be ground to a fine paste adding a bit of tamarind and salt for taste. This paste is taken with hot rice twice or thrice a week. This green has a tendency to increase ‘heat’ in the body and hence should be taken in moderation.

Mint

Mint is well known for its action on gas. It adds strength to the body and improves digestion. Kashayam made of dried mint leaves is found to help with jaundice, stomach aches, headaches, hiccups, nausea and vomiting. Dried and powdered mint leaves can be used to treat mouth ulcers. It is also a well known breath freshener.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants

Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of Seenthil Kodi

Seenthil is an herbaceous climber that grows in plenty in the foot of hills in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand etc. This climber is known by the name of Guduchi in Sanskrit. It is also called amirthavalli, kundali, somavalli etc in various parts of India. There are three varieties of seenthil, known as seenthil, por seenthil, paey seenthil or agaaya garudan, also known as kollan kovai. The mature parts of the climber have immense medicinal value. It gives out yellow flowers during the month of May - July and matures into fruits in September – December periods.

The great Siddha sage Theraiyar makes mention of this wonderful herb in his songs. Patients suffering from diabetes can benefit immensely by using seethil climber to their advantage. The leaves of this climber can be used for this purpose. The seenthil climber leaves are collected, washed and then dried in shade for a couple of days. It is then powdered to a fine consistency and taken in the mornings and evenings. A teaspoonful of this powder in a glass of water would be the recommended dosage.

Seenthil climber 50 grams, coriander 5 grams, adhimadhuram 5 grams, fennel seeds 5 gm, paneer flower 5 gm are boiled in 500 ml water, allowed to cool for a couple of hours and then filtered. 50 ml of this seenthil steeped decoction is taken thrice a day for gas, indigestion and stomach problems.

Seenthil sakkarai is a kind of salt obtained from this climber. Seenthil sakkarai is well known for its medicinal value in Siddha world. It has the potential to heal kapha diseases and well as a good number of skin diseases, especially of the itching and oozing types.

Kashayam made of seenthil tubers (seenthil kizhangu) induces appetite. For this, seenthil tubers are dried in shade and powdered to a coarse consistency. A spoonful of this powder is boiled in four glasses of water and reduced to one glass. People who suffer from loss of appetite, abdominal colic, indigestion, fever etc can take this kashayam twice a day till the conditions improves.

Seenthil leaves are useful in treating non healing wounds and ulcers. The leaves are softened over heat and then crushed to obtain the juice. This is then applied on the wounds and ulcers. Regular application helps in healing of these wounds.

People suffering from the effects of a vitiated pitta can make use of seethil leaves to pacify pitta. Vitiated pitta leads to vomiting of bile, vertigo, loss of appetite, skin irritation, yellowish tinge to the skin, lethargy etc. One well known preparation to pacify pitta is a kashayam using seenthil kodi 15 gm, parpadaagam 15 gm, vettiver 15 gm, sandalwood 15 gm, korai kizhangu 15 gm, sitramutti 15 gm, dried ginger (chukka) 15 gm. These ingredients are ground together and then boiled in one litre of water and reduced to half. This is taken twice a day, morning and evening. This is prepared fresh every day. This preparation pacifies the aggravated pitta and restores the harmony of vata, pitta and kapha.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants

Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Benefits of Cumin Seeds

Cumin seed is used extensively in Indian cuisine to add taste and aroma to the recipes.  The Tamil word for cumin seed is seeragam ‘the one that regulates and keeps the body healthy’.  It is an excellent coolant.  It adds vitality and freshness to those who take it regular.  Cumin seeds hold a special place in Siddha medicinal system.

A handful of cumin seeds can be taken either raw or in powered form in the mornings.  Regular consumption helps get rid of worms from the intestines.  Some may experience a sort of burning sensation in the stomach region.  This kind of persists even after drinking good amount of water.  Consumption of gassy foods (potato, cauliflower, cabbage, beans, broccoli, cheese, cream, beer etc) can lead to such conditions.  Or this can be due to indigestion.  To treat such conditions, a paste made by grinding cumin seeds to a fine consistency using a few drops of water, is applied on the stomach as a thin layer.

Pregnant women can tackle morning sickness and other similar problems with the help of cumin seeds.  During the early stages of pregnancy women tend to suffer from nausea and vomiting.  This pregnancy sickness can be a very debilitating and distressing one.  This occurs at any time of the day.  A handful cumin seeds powdered and taken with lemon juice is found to be helpful in dealing this condition.  Women who suffer from excessive menstrual bleed can benefit from taking cumin seeds. 

100 gm of cumin seeds is added to 2 litres of sesame oil and allowed to boil.  As the seeds start to break, the oil is removed from and heat and then stored in bottles.  Regular application of this oil onto the scalp is found to be helpful in treating headache, vomiting, vertigo etc.

Cumin seed is used in treating scorpion stings.  For this purpose a paste of powdered cumin seeds, salt, honey and butter is used.  This mixture is placed on the sting spot.  This helps to neutralize the toxin present in the venom.

Cumin seeds is helpful in treating constipation.  Patients suffering from chronic constipation should chew a few cumin seeds thoroughly and swallow down the juice.  This helps in curing indigestion as well as constipation.  A pinch of powdered cardamom and cumin seeds taken in equal quantity is found to benefit people who suffer from gas.  This can be taken three times a day for better results.  Also cumin seeds taken with palm candy, is an excellent rejuvenator.

Cumin seed water is a common drink in South India, especially Kerala.  This is prepared by adding a teaspoon of cumin seeds to boiling water (around 5 litres).  The water is boiled for a minute or two and then allowed to cool.  This cumin seed water is an excellent natural immune enhancer.  It is recommended for colic, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion etc.  It has antibacterial and antifungal properties.  It induces sleep.  Cumin seed water can help singers improve their voice.  It also helps them keep cough, throat irritation etc at bay.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants

Siddha Home Remedies for Jaundice (Manjal Kaamalai)

Jaundice is caused by the increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. This results in yellow pigmentation of the white of the eyes, skin etc. Jaundice is classified into three categories namely pre-hepatic, hepatic and post-hepatic, based on the pathological conditions of the patient.

An increased breakdown of red blood cells can lead to pre-hepatic jaundice. When the pathological process is in the liver, for example hepatitis, this results in hepatic jaundice. Post-hepatic jaundice is also known as obstructive jaundice. Here the bile drainage is interrupted leading to jaundice. Hence a combination of liver function tests is essential in arriving at the diagnosis of jaundice.

The characteristic symptom of jaundice is the yellow pigmentation of the conjunctiva. The urine is yellow colored. There may be pain in the upper right abdomen area where the liver is located. Aversion to food, loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation etc are the other symptoms. In some cases there may be a mild elevation in temperature.

Kizhanelli is a very potent Siddha home remedy for jaundice. Kizhanelli is a tiny herb with very small rounded leaves. This can be found in plenty in damp areas like river banks and near lakes and ponds. Known as stonebreaker, the botanical name for this herb is Phyllanthus niruri.

Kizhanelli kudineer is a Siddha remedy for jaundice that can be prepared using kizhanelli, cardamom and tailed pepper (piper cubeba). A decoction of this herb is prepared with the whole plant along with two cardamom pods and two piper cubeba seeds in 200 ml of water. The water is reduced to one-fourth. 40 ml of this decoction is taken twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening.

Other alternative is to take the whole kizhanelli plant, two cardamom pods and two piper cubeba seeds and grind them to a thick fine paste using water as needed. A (kalkam) bolus of 5 gm is taken with buttermilk or milk two times a day. This is called ‘kizhanelli kalkam’ in Siddha medicinal texts.

Another herb that has a very beneficial effect on liver is ‘karisilankanni’, the False Daisy plant known for its anti-hepatotoxic activity. The ‘karisalai kalkam’ is prepared using a handful of karisalankanni leaves and pepper 1-2 gm ground to a fine paste. A bolus of 5 gm is taken twice a day with buttermilk.

For the treatment to be effective, these Siddha home remedies should be prepared fresh each time. Some time tested Siddha remedies for jaundice that are available in the market include sangu parpam, silajit parpam, annabedhi chenduram, mandoora chenduram etc.

Application of keezhanelli thailam or karisaalai thailam on the scalp for 10-20 minutes before bathing is a well known complementary treatment to those mentioned above. Pancha kalpam made of neem seeds, kadukkai, gooseberries, turmeric, and pepper is an alternative to these oils. This kalpam is applied on the scalp for 10-15 minutes and then washed off with warm, tepid water.

Karisalankanni and kizhanelli are easily available all over South India. Frequent consumption of these herbs strengthens the liver and helps prevent recurrence of jaundice.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants

Siddha Home Remedies for Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum tissue mostly due to plaque. When left untreated, this can lead to periodontitis, a destructive form of gum disease that can result in loss of tooth, infection of jaw bones etc. Some of the symptoms of gingivitis include swollen gums, bleeding gums after brushing, bright red or purple gums, tender and painful gums.

Conventional medical texts say that bacterial plaque causes gingivitis. Plaque gets concentrated in the tiny gaps, also known as plaque traps, between teeth. One such trap is the tartar formed on teeth. Gingivitis can be prevented with daily brushing and flossing. Hydrogen peroxide as mouthwash is found to be effective in preventing gingivitis.

Conventional treatment for gingivitis includes removal of plaque and reduction of oral bacteria. Of late, using essential oils as mouthwashes is found to be beneficial in treating gingivitis.

Siddha medicinal system uses tripalai (triphala) kudineer to treat gingivitis. The three ingredients of tripalai are kadukkai (Terminalia chebula), nellikkai (Embilica Officinalis), thanrikkai (Terminalia Belerica). 10 gm of the pulp of each of these ingredients is taken and ground to a powder of coarse consistency. This is then added to 800 ml of water and boiled and reduced to one fourth. 30 ml to 50 ml of this infusion is used as a mouthwash and gargle.

One advantage of this mouthwash is unlike the conventional mouthwashes this does not disturb the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth. The herbs have good wound healing properties and rapidly heal the gingival ulcers and strengthen the gums.

One simple complementary remedy would be ‘nallennai koppulithal’ or ‘oil pulling’ with sesame oil. Oil pulling helps in maintaining oral hygiene and quick healing of gingivitis. Oil pulling or oil swishing is the process where a tablespoon of sesame oil taken and swished in the mouth first thing in the morning, for 15 to 20 minutes till the oil loses its viscosity and becomes thin. The oil is then spat out, and the teeth brushed in the regular manner.

The tripalai and oil pulling regimen should be continued until the resolution of gingivitis. Oil pulling can be continued and made into a regular practice to prevent formation of tartar in the future. Oil pulling has a number of other health benefits too. Neem and cinnamon twigs can be used in cleaning the teeth. While extensive scrubbing with twigs can damage the gums, when used in moderation they are very effective in curbing bad breath, and offer the same protection as tooth brush without any chemical laden toothpastes.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants

Some Common Siddha Medical Terminologies

The Siddha medicinal system is one of the oldest systems of medicine, older than Ayurveda by a couple of centuries. It was the Siddha system that first put forward the adage ‘food as medicine and medicine as food.’ It said man the ‘microcosm’ is the reflection of the ‘macrocosm’ Universe. The simplicity of the system masked its inherent potency and dynamism to effect cure with the help of herbs, minerals, metals and animal products.

This system originated in South India and the texts are in Tamil. The general philosophy of the Siddha system is similar to Ayurveda in almost all aspects. Disease is the imbalance of the three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha. Environment, diet, climate and stress can cause this imbalance. Of the five basic elements earth, water, fire, air and ether, earth and water corresponds to kapha, fire corresponds to pitta and air corresponds to vata.

Diagnosis involves examination of tongue (na), varna (color), swara (voice), kann (eyes), sparisam (touch), malam (stool), siruneer (urine), and naadi (pulse) for disease symptoms.

The treatment regimen strives to reestablish the lost balance. The Siddha system goes a step further and helps maintain the regained equilibrium with the help of lifestyle changes that include diet and disciplined life. The aim of the system is to attain Kaivalya or perfection. For this it has developed the Kayakalpa chikitsa, a discipline for longevity.

The seven elements combine together to contribute to the psychological and physiological functions of the human body. The seven elements are saram (plasma) essential for growth, nourishment and development; next is cheneer (blood) to nourish muscles; third is oon (muscle) that provides the body shape; fourth, kozhuppu (fat tissue) responsible for lubrication of joints; fifth elumbu (bone) for structure, locomotion and posture; sixth moolai (brain) for strength and seventh is sukkilam (semen) for reproduction. Adequate nurture of these seven elements is essential for good health.

The three treatment modalities are namely deva maruthuvam (divine), manuda maruthuvam (human), asura maruthuvam (surgical) methods. The deva maruthuvam makes use of chendooram, parpam, kuligai, pashanams etc in treating a disease. The manuda maruthuvam has within its repertoire churanams, vadagam, kudineer etc obtained from herbs, to treat disease conditions. Asura maruthuvam involves incision, blood letting, leech therapy etc.

This can be further classified into nine categories based on the therapy namely emetic therapy, purgative therapy, steam therapy, fasting, yoga therapy, solar therapy etc.

Siddha remedies were prepared making use of medicinal herbs and shrubs (thavaram), inorganic substances (dhatu) and animal products (janganam). The dhatus are further classified into salts (uppu), pashanam, uparasam, loham (metals), rasam (mercury) and gandhagam (sulfur).

One notable difference between Ayurveda and Siddha systems is in their philosophical outlook on the actions and predominance of the three humors in human life cycle. Ayurveda is of the view that kapha dominates childhood followed by pitta in adulthood and vata in old age. Siddha system holds a diametrically opposite view. It emphasizes the dominance of vatam in childhood followed by pittam in adulthood and kapham in old age.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants

Medicinal Uses of Cactus Flower, Shenbaga Flower, Pichi Flower

Prickly Pear Cactus Flower Remedies

Flowers of prickly pear cactus are used medicinally to treat various disease conditions. Prickly pear cactus belongs to the cactus family and is known as paddle cactus for its resemblance to the ball and paddle toy. The delicious fruit obtained from this cactus is called tunas. It is grown widely in Europe, Middle East, USA, Mexico, South America, India and in many other countries. Mexico exports a large quantity of this plant to Japan as herbal medicine. This resilient shrub grows well in arid conditions.

The prickly pear cactus flowers have the ability to cure hemorrhoids. For this purpose the flowers are dried in sun. The dried flowers are then placed on the piles and tied with a white piece of cloth. This is repeated for a few days. This is a simple Siddha home remedy for hemorrhoids.

Cactus flowers are ground to a fine paste using a few drops of water. A thick paste is then applied on toenail fungus. This is continued till a complete cure is obtained. This is a painless home remedy for nail fungus.

The paste prepared as mentioned above is also an excellent remedy for joint pains, especially of the toes and foot. A thin layer of this paste is applied on the painful joints.

Shenbaga Flower Remedies

The botanical name for shenbaga poo is Michelia champaca. It belongs to the ancient family of Magnoliaceae that dates back to 95 million years. The Indian folk medicine uses remedies from this flower to treat many diseases.

A kashayam is prepared using shenbaga flower buds along with poppy seeds, fenugreek and pepper. This is an excellent remedy for phlegm in chest. This kashayam is taken twice or thrice a day for a couple of days depending on the intensity.

This flower is a coolant. Shenbaga flower soaked coconut oil is applied on head and allowed to remain so for ten to fifteen minutes and then washed off. This is found to cool down the body.

Pichi Flower Remedies

Pichi flower is a well known coolant used extensively in South India. The heady scent of this flower relieves headaches. Females suffering from headaches can adorn their hair with these flowers; regular usage is found to relieve them of headaches, earaches, shoulder pains and pains in the nape. Pichi flower strings can be used for this purpose.

Pichi flowers are dried in sun and then added to coconut oil. Regular application of this oil on the body results in smooth and soft skin with no blemishes. The oil can be applied on head for 10-15 minutes and then washed thoroughly. This cools the body and mind.

For treating blackheads the flowers are soaked in lemon juice. Frequent splashing of this flower soaked juice on the face of the face is found to be effective in removing blackhead.

One simple and effective Siddha home remedy for acne and pimples is to make a fine paste of pichi poo or pichi flowers and sandalwood. Application of this finely ground paste on acne and pimples results in rapid and effective relief.

Consuming a few pichi flowers raw in the mornings on an empty stomach help in clearing up a bloated tummy.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants

Medicinal Uses of Tomato Flower, Cauliflower and Ponnanganni Flower

Flowers have been used as home remedies from time immemorial. Indian traditional systems are replete with remedies that utilize various flowers found in nature. In this post I would like to share with you home remedies that are made using of tomato flower, cauliflower and ponnanganni flower. This is a continuation of the series of flower remedies that I have been blogging about for sometime.

Tomato Flower Remedies

Tomato is an edible fruit that is said to have originated in South America. It is consumed raw, added as an ingredient in many dishes and drinks. It is considered a vegetable for culinary purposes which can confuse many. There are around 7500 varieties of tomatoes grown all over the world. Genetically modified and enriched tomatoes are being developed by scientists and this has led to lots of controversies. It is safe not to use GM and enriched varieties of tomatoes.

And now for the flowers. Paste made of almonds and tomato flowers is an excellent herbal face pack that cleanses the skin and keeps it firm and beautiful. Inhaling the scent of tomato flowers has been effective in relieving headaches.

Tomato flowers can be crushed and added to yogurt. Rock candy is added to this and taken as a remedy for stomach ulcers. Similarly tomato flowers are taken with palm candy as a remedy for intestinal ulcers. Juice obtained from crushing the flowers is added to onion juice and taken in the mornings. This is an excellent ‘body coolant’.

Cauliflower Remedies

Cauliflower belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Though white cauliflower is common, there are orange, green and purple colored varieties available. The phytochemicals present in cauliflower is beneficial to human health. Boiling the flower can lead to loss of these beneficial compounds.

It is found to be an aphrodisiac and improves libido. It is rich in calcium. Cauliflower can be taken raw after keeping it immersed it in hot water for sometime.

Thoroughly dried and powdered cauliflower can be added to milk and taken to improve immunity.

Ponnanganni Flower Remedies

The botanical name for ponnanganni is Alternanthera Sessilis. It is also known as sessile joyweed. This grows well in damp and wet spots, mostly around shores of ponds, rivers and lakes. The leaves as well as flowers of this plant have immense medicinal value. Regular consumption of ponnanganni flower improves eyesight. Night blindness can be cured by regular consumption of raw ponnanganni flowers.

Taking a decoction of the flower and cumin seed powder is found to cure eye irritation due to excessive heat. A handful of fresh ponnangani flowers are collected and soaked in half a liter of coconut oil. A spoonful of this flower soaked oil is taken in the mornings for increased energy and vitality.

Flowers should be cleaned thoroughly in running water before preparation of remedies. Regular consumption of the above mentioned remedies help in curing various health conditions without any side effects.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants

Medicinal Uses of Flowers

Snake gourd flower

Snake gourd or serpent gourd is a vegetable obtained from Trichosanthes cucumerina, a vine found mostly in the tropical regions. The vegetable is popular in South Asian cuisine. The shoots, leaves, flowers all have medicinal value. This soft fleshy vegetable can grow to a length of 1 m to 1.5 m and has a bland taste. Snake gourd flower is well known for its alkaline property.

Poriyal (Tamil word for dish made from shallow frying of vegetables or flowers) made from thoroughly washed snake gourd flowers is good for the eyes. People with burning sensation or itching in the eyes due to ‘body heat’ can take this regularly for a few days to cool their bodies.

Juice extracted from the flowers (this can be done by crushing the flowers) is mixed with papaya latex and the ensuing paste is applied on eczema, scabies etc. Regular application of this mixture is very effective in curing these skin conditions.

One cure for dry cough is to mix honey with snake gourd flower juice (the juice should be slightly heated and then brought to room temperature before mixing). The mixture should be applied externally on the throat as a thin layer. Regular application results in quick healing of dry cough.

Vallarai flower

Vallarai herb grows abundantly in shady areas by the side of rivers and water bodies. This herb is called brain tonic because of its action on brain tissues. It enhances memory, intelligence, complexion, voice etc. It is an excellent herb for anemia. Flowers of this herb also serve the same purpose.

Vallarai flowers can be dried in sunlight and then powdered to a fine consistency. This can be taken with milk. This is an excellent memory enhancer. The same can be mixed in tender coconut water and taken once in the mornings. This helps alleviate tuberculosis symptoms.

Bitter melon flower

Bitter melon or bitter gourd is the most bitter of all fruits that grows widely in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean etc. Known for its distinctive warty exterior, bitter melon comes in different varieties and shapes. The leaves and shoots of the bitter melon plant are eaten as greens. Tea made from the leaves is used in preventing and treating malaria. It has substances like charantin and lectin which have hypoglycemic properties.

Bitter melon flowers have anti bacterial and anti viral properties. The juice obtained by crushing the flowers is an excellent vermifuge. This is taken orally for expulsion of worms from the intestines.

Ajwain water (Caraway seeds) is added to crushed bitter gourd flowers and taken in the mornings and evenings. This is a very effective remedy for painful, bloated stomach.

Decoction of bitter gourd flower is an excellent remedy for controlling blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. For this eight to ten bitter gourd flowers are taken and boiled in four glasses of water. The water is reduced to one glass and allowed to cool. This is taken in the mornings on empty stomach.

The flowers are dried in sunlight for a couple of days. The dried flowers are added to buttermilk and taken in the mornings for a week or two. This is found to be an excellent cleanser.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants

Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of Flowers

Sapota Flower

Sapodilla or sapota (chikoo in Hindi) fruit grows in plenty in India. Both young and old love this exceptionally tasty fruit. It is rich in minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidant tannins. This fiber rich fruit is a good laxative and helps in relieving constipation. Ripe sapota is a storehouse of potassium, copper, iron, folate, niacin etc. Because of the carbohydrate content, people with diabetes should take this fruit in moderation.

The sapota flowers are rich in medicinal value. The flowers are small and have a bell-like appearance. You can find these flowers on the tree throughout the year. These flowers can be taken raw. A couple of these flowers when cleaned and taken raw can induce appetite.

Taking water steeped with well-dried sapota flowers helps in strengthening the gut and intestines. Similarly fresh flowers are soaked in honey for a few days and taken in the mornings and evenings. This is said to provide a nice glowing, sheen to the skin.

The sapota flower is ground to a fine paste using a few drops of water. This finely ground paste is then mixed in buttermilk. Taking this buttermilk is found to heal throat ulcers. This should be taken once everyday, till the symptoms disappear.

Guava Flower

Guava is yet another fruit that young and old love to eat. A very common fruit found in the Asian countries, this is available almost throughout the year. Guava is rich in folic acid, potassium, copper and manganese. It has a high concentration of Vitamin C. Due to its high fiber content, it relieves constipation and helps in easy bowel movement. The guava flower has numerous medicinal properties.

The flowers can be made to a thick chutney (thuvaiyal) with boiled split peas and taken with rice. This is said to have high nutritive value. Similarly fresh guava flowers are dried and then crushed and steeped in warm water. Drinking this water helps in relieving itchy skin, eczema, rashes etc.

Custard Apple Flower

Custard Apple is a tasty fruit rich in nutritional value. Custard apple is rich in Vitamin C. It also contains magnesium and potassium. The dietary fiber of the fruit helps in easy digestion. It also helps in curing vomiting, diarrhea, vertigo etc. The flowers of custard apple can be used in treating various health conditions.

Well dried custard apple flowers help in getting rid of lice and dandruff. For this the dried flowers are ground to a fine powder. While bathing the powder is applied onto the scalp and left for 5-10 minutes. The flower is also an excellent laxative. Taking custard apple flower steeped warm water in the mornings and evenings will help in easy bowel movement and prevent constipation.

Drinking custard apple flowers soaked milk is said to be helpful in treating diseases of the lungs. 5-10 flowers are to be soaked in a glass of milk for 2-3 hours.

Rectal prolapse in children is a very painful condition. To treat this, custard apple flowers are boiled in water and then allowed to cool to a bearable level. This water is used in cleaning the rectum after evacuation.

Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants

Siddha Home Remedies: Medicinal Benefits of Bottle Gourd Flower

Bottle gourd, called suraikkai in Tamil, is used in the making of some tasty South Indian dishes. One of the oldest of cultivated plants, the bottle gourd plant is a climber which grows vigorously. The bottle gourd flower looks very tender and matures into bottle gourd. The flower is an excellent coolant. It can be taken raw.

The bottle gourd flower can be added to rice flour and made into an ‘adai’ (a thick dosai or sort of pancake). Taking this ‘adai’ for breakfast provides you with energy and freshness. Also you can soak a couple of these flowers in tender coconut water the previous night. The next day morning you can drink this flower soaked water. This is found to benefit your eyes and helps keep them cool.

A handful of soaked fenugreek seeds and four to five bottle gourd flowers can be ground to a fine paste and taken with milk before going to bed. This is said to cure ulcers in the stomach. Similarly you can make a paste of boiled split green gram and these flowers. This should be mixed in hot rice. A few helpings of this hot rice can help alleviate stomach ache due to “heat”, stomach irritation etc.

One way to cure toothache is to rinse your mouth with bottle gourd flower steeped water.

Thoroughly boil four or five bottle gourd flowers in two glasses of water and allow it to cool. Drinking this liquid is beneficial for those suffering from eye irritation or knee pain.

A couple of bottle gourd flowers along with garlic are sauté in sesame oil. One natural way to relieve abdominal gas is to take these sauté flowers and garlic. This also pacifies the stomach and other internal organs.

Bottle gourd flowers along with bottle gourd act as coolants. In India, you can find these flowers around February – April time. Regular intake of this flower during the hot summer season is found to be beneficial to the stomach.


Technorati Tags:home remedies, siddha, ayurvedha, natural remedies, medicinal plants