Neem Leaf : Multiple Uses

Neem is known for being a highly medicinal and remedial tree. Its a massive flowering shade tree belonging to the mahogany family. Each and every part of neem tree is a benefactor to mankind in one or the other way. Only the neem leaves in itself comprise of more than 100 active ingredients which can also be grounded into powder or cured into tea.

Below mentioned are few of the multiple uses of neem leaves:

Neem Leaf as Insecticide
Neem leaf is an amazing insecticide. The best way to use it is by putting fresh neem leaves in books, cabinets, beds etc. this helps in keeping the insects out. These can also be laid around the garden to safeguard crops from insects.

Neem Leaves for Diabetes
Neem leaves can control the blood sugar effectively by approximately 45%. Also, these leaves are helpful in increasing the oxidation of red blood cells. Its tea form is instrumental in curing pneumonia and gout.

Malaria Protection
As per the American Journal of Therapeutics, neem leaf and its extracts fight against malaria carrying mosquitoes for upto 12 hours. Its usage as a mosquito repellent is quite popular in tropical African and Asian countries.

Neem Leaves for Blood Pressure
Neem leaf has good amount of antihistamine properties which help in dilating the blood vessels and reducing the blood pressure levels.

Neem Leaves for Arthritis
The pain and inflammation associated with Arthiritis can be cured well with the help of neem leaves. Certain properties of neem leaves also help in alleviating rheumatism.

Skipping Breakfast is a Big NO- Go for Ayurveda Breakfast Recipes!

If you wonder why you get irritated in your office, home and everywhere, you might be skipping breakfast often! Ayurveda says- “Don't Skip Breakfast” Why? Because fasting irritates pitta, vata, and kapha dosha, particularly the sadhaka pitta which is responsible for maintaining an even temper and when in balance, brings joy and contentment. If sadhaks pitta gets imbalanced, it leads to unsettled emotions and thus irritability. So, start having breakfast right from tomorrow morning to be in a good mood always!

Now if you are habitual of skipping breakfast, it might be a little difficult for you to break this habit. However, nothing is impossible- you knew that earlier too! Ayurveda suggests that the first food in the morning should be a fruit or something that is very light and easy on your digestive system. For example, fruits that are best for breakfast. Morning is also the best time of the day to get maximum nourishment from fruit. There are many other options for healthy breakfast. If you want to know what all foods fall in Ayurveda Breakfast Recipes, read the list below.

• Dried figs and raisins- soak them the night before or simmer with a little water for about half an hour.
• Dates with a small dab of ghee (clarified butter) replacing the pit.
• Chapati with raw honey and warm milk.
• Oatmeal with raisins and chopped almonds.
• Almond powder mixed with warm milk.
• Stewed Apples and Pears- Take 1 apple, 1 pear , 1 tbsp raisins, 1 clove, and 1/4 cup water. Peel and chop fruit into small pieces. Add water, raisins, clove and bring to boil. Then cook on low heat for about 20 minutes or till the fruit changes into tender consistency. Have this warm healthy breakfast.
• Hot cereals like “Dalia”- Add a tbsp each of roasted broken wheat, split gram, rice, sesame seeds with half tsp of carrom seeds and salt to your taste. Add water in double amount (or a little more based on consistency that you want). Pressure cook or simmer for about 30 minutes or till it gets tender. Have it warm.

You can also have fruit juices like the blend of fresh carrot, cilantro and zucchini, or fresh sweet grape, apple, or pear juice. However, avoid having orange juice on an empty stomach as it is too acidic. Also, your juice should be at room temperature or a little cool. Never make it ice-cold.

Get more Ayurveda Food Recipes

Neem Oil: A Cure for Head Lice

Head lice is a common problem among school going kids. Lice are actually small parasites that stick close to the scalp as it sources warmth, moisture, food and protection from the head. It tends to grip the hair hence, making it difficult to remove them. One popular neem product which can be of great help for treating the head lice is the neem oil. It acts as a poisonous substance for lice while being soft and nourishing for hair and scalp.

Here's a step by step procedure to control head lice using neem oil.

Step 1
The first thing to do is to saturate the head with full strength using neem oil. Make sure that not even an inch of area is left without oil. Massage the oil well into the hair and scalp so that the neem oil gets absorbed within the scalp pores completely.

Step 2
In order to avoid the leaking oil from head, make the person being treated, lie down on floor with the head placed on a large plastic bag so that it catches hold of the running oil.

Step 3
Now let the oil absorb within the scalp for about an hour and then shampoo it nicely afterwards.

Read the rest of the article here.

Neem Extract : The Medicinal Solution

Neem tree or Azadirachta indica is a native tree to India. Popular for its medicinal uses, neem leaves, seeds and bark for various ailments. Being a natural healer, it is quite a preferred treatment amongst people who are afraid of the antibiotic side effects. For medicinal purpose, Neem extracts of its seed, leaf and bark are effectively used to treat a number of skin, hair and other health problems. Since the natural neem constitutes of antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties, its pure extract can work wonders as a medicine.

Here's the step by step procedure for making neem leaf extract, which is an effective pest repellent.

Step 1
First of all mash a considerable amount of neem leaves deftly within mortar and pestle. Now place this mashed neem leaves paste in a pot or container.

Step 2
Next, add some water in the mashed neem leaves paste and cover the container or pot with the help of a lid.

Step 3
Now, let this mixture steep for around 72 hours i.e. around three days.

Read the rest of the article here.

Palm Sugar - The New Natural Sweetener Making Buzz!

We all know that artificial sweeteners are not good for health. However, people suffering from diabetes need to avoid sugar. Natural sweeteners, made from herbs, are definitely good for them but there were not too many choices in natural sweeteners for them till now.

Natural Sweeteners that were available till now include

Stevia- made from stevia leaves was the topmost choice. After many years of controversy, it has finally been accepted as a safe, natural sweetener. However, many people still do not like the aftertaste of stevia, and some others complain that it doesn't melt or cook like sugar does.

Agave nectar- which is a low-glycemic sugar made from the bulbous roots of agave plants- was also used by many people as natural sweetener. However, the controversy about whether it is truly "natural" or even low glycemic, did not make it an acceptable natural sweetener.

What is Palm Sugar?

Palm sugar is the latest buzz making rounds among people searching for natural sweeteners. Palm sugar is a low-glycemic crystalline sweetener that is similar to sugar in looks and taste. It almost dissolves and melts like sugar. Palm sugar is made from the flowers growing high on coconut trees. Nectar collected from this flower is air-dried to get a crystalline sugar that has a natural brown color. It is naturally rich with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients like potassium, zinc, iron, and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6.

It should be, however, known that palm sugar is not a calorie-free sweetener. It has relatively low glycemic index and its calories are absorbed by the body at a slower rate than the regular refined sugar. Thus, it is helpful for those who are monitoring their blood sugar levels and want to avoid blood sugar spikes.

To know more about palm sugar, read this source article Why Organic Palm Sugar is the next big thing in natural sweeteners

Also know Home Remedies for Diabetes

Neem: Curing Degenerative Diseases

Degenerative diseases refer to the diseases which tend to deteriorate a certain organ or tissues of the body progressively over a period of time. It may happen owing to the regular bodily wear or a particular kind of lifestyle like eating habits etc. Generally such diseases can only be controlled and not cured completely. Apart from the various antibiotic drugs and medication there has been a long sought effective treatment of such diseases i.e the wonder plant 'Neem'. Neem has been identified as a safe and highly effective cure of various degenerative diseases like Diabetes, Arthritis, Rheumatism etc since ancient times. If we go by the Ayurveda history then we can easily register the importance of Neem and its various products for many such degenerative diseases. Owing to its healing and remedial properties, today Neem is extensively used in various pharmaceutical companies for manufacturing different Neem based medicines.

Check out the medicinal neem benefits regarding different degenerative diseases:

Diabetes: Diabetes is a disease of excessive sugar content in the body, Neem being extremely bitter counteracts the problem of increased sugar levels. This balancing treatment was first introduced in Ayurveda but now it is used in almost all diabetic related treatments.
A regular consumption of Neem tea or Neem leaf extract can prove helpful in curbing the insulin requirements of the body. Besides, the Neem tablets available in the market are safe and doesn't even have any side effects too.

Read the rest of the article here.

Neem Oil as a Pesticide

Like other neem based products, neem oil too, is used for multiple purposes. Besides other varied uses, neem oil can be effective used as a pesticide and fungicide. It is helpful in repelling a number of pests like thrips, whiteflies, mealy bugs etc. Also, it can be used as a household pesticide for cockroaches, ant and houseflies.

Below is the procedure of using neem oil on plants to protect them from pests or insects.

Step 1
One tablespoon neem oil is generally recommended per gallon. Hence, one can use a little less than a teaspoon into a spray bottle which can generally hold around 32 ounces of water.

Step 2
Since oil and water do not mix well, one would need an emulsifier to help disperse the neem oil within water.

Step 3
Now cover both the sides of the leaf with the solution spray completely. Make sure that you keep mixing the solution frequently as you spray.



For more information about neem and its benefits, visit the site: www.neem-products.com

Ayurvedic Remedies For Treating Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is a wide spread chronic disease that has been plaguing the life of many in today's world. There are many medicaments for treating the disease, which are to be taken life long but none of them are 100 per cent effective. In fact, all these medicaments including insulin injections are regarded as various methods of diabetes management and not cure. In Ayurveda, there are many herbs that are proven beneficial in treating diabetes. These herbal treatments when taken regularly with insulin injections are helps in treating diabetes mellitus quite effectively.

Following are some of the herbs that are thought be an answer of Ayurveda to diabetes mellitus:

Gymnema – this is a common herb useful in treating both type 1 and 2 Diabetes. Gymnema stimulates the Pancreatic cells to produce more insulin.

Fenugreek – this ancient spice reduces cholesterol, blood glucose level, insulin levels, and triglycerides, apart from increasing the good cholesterol levels in blood.

Bitter Melon or Balsam Pear - it contains polypeptide-P and a insulin-like polypeptide, which when injected into a type 1 diabetic patient, helps in lowering blood sugar levels.

Bilberry – the leaves and fruits of the bilberry herb carry a molecule called flavonoids, which strengthen the capillaries and prevents their damage.

Asian Ginseng – this herb stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, and also increases the number of insulin receptors in the body.

What do Fruits Mean to Cultures of World?

Fruits are cherished by almost all cultures of the world. How? Just look at these facts

Apple- In almost every culture, the apple is ripe with symbolic meaning and mythical folklore. They can signify wisdom, joy, fertility, temptation, peace, love, masculinity, and youthfulness.

Cherry- In Japan, the national flower cherry represents beauty, courtesy, and modesty.The ancient Chinese regarded the fruit as a symbol of immortality.

Pomegranate- Pomegranate was often used as a herbal remedy to lengthen life and restore vigor, these qualities often made it a symbolic link between the living and the dead. Pomegranates in China are associated with fertility.

Fig- In the Mediterranean region, natives take fig tree as some images of the Garden of Eden. After eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve covered their nakedness with leaves that are usually said to be from the fig tree.The fig tree has a sacred meaning for Buddhists.According to Buddhist legend, the Buddha, achieved enlightenment one day in 528 B.C. while sitting under a Bodhi tree, a kind of fig tree.

Pear- The ancient Chinese believed that the pear was a symbol of immortality. In Europe, it was customary to plant a fruit tree at a wedding. The longevity and fruitfulness of the trees were thought to give strength to the marriage and children.

Strawberry- It is a member of the rose family and symbolizes rebirth and health. Many cultures believe that strawberries are an aphrodisiac and they make sure that newlyweds are served these magical berries.

Source: Fruit - The Fables and The Folklore

There's a healthy food recipe of Mixed Fruits and Vegetable Salad too for you!

Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine Headache

Migraine headache is located in one part of the head. The pain of migraine appears periodically and may last from 2 weeks to even 2 months. Symptoms of migraine headache- just before it is going to occur- include irritability in eyesight, tiredness, constipation, vomiting, and nausea. Migraine is considered to be a disease of nerves that is caused by the accumulation of foreign matter around the brain nerves and nerves in the neck.

Ayurveda prescribes various treatments for Migraine Headaches, some of which are listed here

• Fasting for three days. Only fruit juices should be consumed in these three days.
• Taking enema to keep the stomach and intestines clean.Enema should be done with lukewarm water.
• Taking Hot water bath once a week, preferably a hip bath or sitz bath till migraine is completely cured.

For detailed information about causes, symptoms and home treatment for migraine, read Migraine Headache Home Remedies

For knowing specific Ayurvedic medicines for migraine, read Ayurvedic Treatment For Migraine

Quitobac- Anti Smoking Herbal Chewable Pill is a Gift for Smokers!

Its very difficult for smokers to accept Quitobac as a gift but its true that this anti smoking herbal chewable pill launched by Birla Veda is an invaluable present for them and for their families! On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, Birla Veda (a division of the Yash Birla Group) launched Quitobac- a unique herbal product to help smokers quit their addiction.

What is Quitobac Pill?

Quitobac is a nicotine-free chewable herbal formulation for smokers to help quit smoking. This herbal tablet contains Ayurvedic herbs including Yastimadhu, Khadir, Lavang, Brahmi, Shakapusphi, Amlaki, Ela and Tulsi- each in a standardized potent extract form. The pill aims at suppressing the craving for tobacco through an ingredient called eugenol which is present in Lavang.

How Eugenol in Quitobac Pill Helps Quit Smoking?

Eugenol present in Lavang (clove) helps in converting nicotine into cotinine- a metabolite of nicotine that can be excreted through urine. This leaves very less nicotine in the body that can reach the receptors in the brain. The absence of nicotine- the “feel good” factor after smoking- eliminates the urge to smoke.

Other Benefits of Quitobac Pill

Quitobac Pill not only helps quit smoking, but has many added advantages too.

• Quitobac is also effective as an anti-aging treatment due to its ingredient “Amla” that contains anti-oxidants such as tannoid and vitamin C.
• Quitobac also helps in treating depression through its ingredients brahmi and shankapushpi. They help modulate brain activities. Yastimadhu present in this pill also inhibits the monoamine oxide which regulates the norepinephrine and dopomine of the brain.
• Quitobac also maintains oral health. The ingredients- eugenol, elachi and khadir- in the pill inhibit the growth of anaerobic peridontal oral pathogens that helps in maintaining fresh breath as well as strengthens the gums.
• Quitobac also cures smokers cough as Amla exerts antitussive activity decreasing the frequency of cough and its intensity.

So now, smokers can well get out of depression along with smokers cough while taking anti aging treatment too (smoking do makes you look old!) just with one pill- the herbal non smoking Quitobac

Quitobac Doses

Quitobac can be taken whenever a smoker craves for a nicotine fix. A maximum of six tablets can be chewed daily. Use of this herbal anti smoking tablet can be adjusted depending on the number of cigarettes or “gutkhas” per day. And what's great is that the results are visible only after 15 to 20 days of recommended usage. Just stick to it for at least a month's time- if you really want to quit smoking.
Quitobac is available at the company’s newly launched retail outlet Rebirth in Mumbai at Phoenix Mills and at all leading chemists and drug stores. A strip of Quitobac containing 10 tablets that costs Rs 33. The company plans to launch the tablet to Tier II and III cities as well as the rural market soon.

Related Article: Herbal Tips to Quit Smoking

Source: DWS Pill Scribe