Herbs: the new alternative

even as breakthroughs come about in modern medicine and treatment, there is little that can be done to avoid side-effects of health care drugs. alternative medicine then comes as the simple way out for those who still have faith in the ancient method of treatment that evolved over the centuries in our very own country. homoeopathy and ayurveda are the two forms of alternative medicine that are being practiced even today.the ayurveda medicine deals with herbs and their amalgamation — basic herbs, herbal cofactors, and balancing herbs. the herbal preparations are in the form of tablets, liquid beverages, bark segments, powders, churans, capsules, fluid-extracts, creams, lotions, salves, tinctures and oils. the medicines are exclusively made from pure herbal medicated ghee, raw honey, chemical-free sugar and very high potency herbs. the tulsi plant, ocimum sanctum or holy basil is known for its extraordinary properties in the prevention of several diseases. known for it's healing power, the tulsi is said to unchain the heart and mind, heighten spiritual love, and enhance dedication, faith, kindness and simplicity. it helps to enhance the quality of rasa dhatu or nutrient plasma, rakta dhatu or blood, majja dhatu or bone marrow and nerves and shukra dhatu or reproductive fluids. tulsi, especially has unique blends of herbs, botanicals and vitamins for female reproductive health, more so related to stress management, urinary-tract health, hot flashes, disrupted sleep patterns, menstrual irregularity control, and to minimise pms. shatavari, one of the most important herbs for female reproductive health improves the quality and quantity of reproductive fluids in men and women. it also helps in improving the quality and quantity of mother's milk when breastfeeding. likewise, another herb, bala has a vrishya effect which means that it enhances the quality of reproductive fluids for the conception of a healthy offspring. triphala, which is a highly therapeutic formulation is a combination of three ayurvedic fruits in identical proportions — amalaki (emblica officinale), bibhitaki (terminalia belerica) and haritaki (terminalia chebula). it is commonly used for digestion. the herb shankhpushpi (called the greatest medhya rasayana) is quoted in charaka as being the single greatest herb for enhancing all three aspects of mind power — learning (dhi), memory (driti), and recall (smriti). it is instrumental in nourishing all layers of the skin. it helps the quality of sleep by improving mind-body coordination. another herb by the name of haritaki has good laxative and antioxidant properties and is known to have positive effects on the hair, skin, eyes, and liver. mandukaparni or centella asiatica has a very sought-after vayasthapana effect which means that it helps in impeding the aging process. it is used for both internal and topical application. it stimulates synthesis of collagen, nourishes the mind-body connection, and enhances the psycho-neuro immune response. it is also known for it's ability to enhance mind power. in a life of hectic schedules, where food and sleep are hardly a priority, it is easy for the body system to go out of balance. it, then becomes all the more imperative to have a healthcare system for the body that can harness the natural resources within and is bona-fide, trustworthy and natural. the ayurveda system of treatment is method of prevention and purification of the body systems than one for cure. it helps in the release of stress, fatigue and physiological toxins. so, get healthy and stimulate the body's innate rejuvenating abilities and nourish the body, psyche and soul.