Today is Amalki Ekadashi

In Hinduism it is believed that One Universal Spirit pervades all animate or inanimate things. God the Omnipresent dwells in everything and everything is in him. So trees or beasts, rivers or deities are all worshipped. It is this conception of God or Reality that underlies the worship of trees.

India has been and is an agricultural country, and the vital role of the trees in its life is all too evident. Most festivals and rituals in India therefore are closely connected to the seasonal and harvesting cycles.

One such day is the Amalka Ekadashi. On Amalka Ekadashi day the Amla tree (Emblica Officinalis) is worshipped. It is believed that Hari himself resides in this tree.

This day is observed on the eleventh day(ekadashi) of the waxing moon (shuklpaksh) of Phalgun.

After the morning ablutions, Amalaka tree is ceremonially bathed and watered, and then worshipped. A fast is observed on this day and Brahmins are given gifts. It is believed that from the piety observed on this day flows happiness, prosperity and beatitude.

This day also marks the beginning of Holi festival.

Medicinal and Nutritive Value of Paan/Betel leaf

Betel leaf is traditionally known to be useful for the treatment of various diseases like bad breath, boils and abscesses, conjunctivitis, constipation, headache, hysteria, itches, mastitis,mastoiditis, leucorrhoea, otorrhoea, ringworm, swelling of gum, rheumatism, abrasion, cuts and injuries etc as folk medicine while the root is known for it’s female contraceptive effects the essential oil contained in the leaves possesses antibacterial, anti protozoan and anti fungal properties. Therefore, the oil kills or inhibits growth of dreadful bacteria causing typhoid,cholera, tuberculosis etc.

The leaves are also in great demand in several other countries of the world where it is either not grown at all or the demand exceeds the local supply. Consequently, leaves worth about Rs 30-40 million are exported to the countries like Bahrain, Canada, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, Kuwait, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arab and many other European countries. This clearly indicates the foreign exchange earning potentiality of the crop. If merely transportation and marketing facilities including the export channels were developed adequately then the revenue generated by this leafy crop would easily exceed that generated by any major crop of the country even with the present level of traditional agronomic practices. In fact, the revenue generated by the crop may be further magnified by many folds if the agronomic practices are scientifically explored .
Betel leaf is one of the most promising commercial crops capable of attracting substantial amount of foreign exchange to the country.

Medicinal Uses of Amla

The fruit is the richest source of Vitamin C and is a diuretic, aperient, Laxative and hair dye. It cures insomnia and is healthy for hair. It is used as the cardio protective, useful in hemorrhage, menprrhagia, leucorrhoea and discharge of blood from uterus. Amla power and oil are used traditionally in Ayurvedic applications for the treatment of scalp. Amla power improves immunity and gives physical strength. It improves complexion and removes wrinkles. Amla is also used to treat constipation and is used as a cooling agent to reduce the effects of sun strokes and sun burns.

Pomegranate, Indian Gooseberry and Fenugreek powder for Diabetics

This is yet another wonder powder that we can make from what we have at home for Diabetes care.

I have listed below some details on each of these three fruits that I have used, sourced from internet. I am not able to cite specific site for contributing these details, but in general the information is retrieved from researching on many sites available online. I would like to thank the individual authors for their contribution.

Pomegranate
Apart from being healthy, pomegranate is delicious too. Pomegranate consists of antioxidant, antiviral and anti-tumour properties. It is said to be a good source of vitamins as it includes vitamin A, C and E as well as folic acid. This fruit consists of three times the antioxidants of wine or green tea. It is said to be the powerhouse of health. Pomegranates are known mostly for curing the problems related to heart and for maintaining effective and healthy blood circulation. Other health benefits include cure of stomach disorders, cancer, dental care, osteoarthritis, anemia and diabetes.


Indian Gooseberry

In general Indian Gooseberry is considered very healthy due to its high vitamin C content. Amla enhances food absorption, balances stomach acid, fortifies the liver, nourishes the brain and mental functioning, supports the heart, strengthens the lungs, regulates elimination, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, is good for the skin, promotes healthier hair, acts as a body coolant, flushes out toxins, increases vitality, strengthens the eyes, improves muscle tone and it acts as an antioxidant.

The health benefits of amla include the following:

* Eye care: Taking Gooseberry juice with honey is good for improving eyesight. It improves nearsightedness and cataract. It reduces interocular tension.
* Diabetes: Gooseberry contains chromium. It has a therapeutic value in diabetics. Indian Gooseberry or Amla stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. Thus it reduces blood sugar in diabetic patient.
* Heart disease: Gooseberry strengthens heart muscles. So heart pumps blood flawless throughout the body.
* Infection: Due t o its antibacterial and astringent attributes the Indian Gooseberry protects against infection. It improves body resistance.
* Hair loss: Amla is used in many hair tonics. It enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation. It strengthens roots of hair , maintains color and luster. Eating fresh fruit or applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and color.
* Improving appetite: Consuming Gooseberry powder with butter and honey before meal improves appetite. It helps in balancing Nitrogen level and thus increases weight in a healthy way.


Fenugreek

Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to help increase libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS. In India and China it has also been used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase libido and male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux. Fenugreek also has a long history of use for the treatment of reproductive disorders, to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain. Recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Fenugreek is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.


What you see above is the final ball that is done by drying these skin of Pomegranate, pitted Indian gooseberry and dried fenugreek. All these are sun dried for a day or till they are really dry and powder to a fine powder.

Once a day, the diabetic patient can mix all three powders with little water and consume.

Aamalaki

Kashaayam Katu Tiktoshnam
Swaadu Chaamalakam Himam
Param Tridosha hrut Vrishyam.
Jwaraghnam cha Rasaayanam

Dhanvanthari Nighantu.

Amalaki is slightly astringent, pungent, stimulant, heating and sweet. It is cooling in action as compared with Hareetaki. Further, it is Tridosha hara and aphrodisac. It checks fever and is a tonic.

Amla is proving a useful tool in the fight against cancer

Chinese researchers have discovered that amla fruit is a rich source of therapeutic chemicals, including quercetin (which is also found in apples), gallic and ellagic acids (found in green tea), and other less well-known ones such as chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, corilagin, and isostrictiniin (Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Oct;28(10):940-3).

All of these chemicals are powerful antioxidants, which help protect you from harmful free radicals that can increase the risk of a wide range of serious diseases including cancer.

This is backed-up by preliminary research findings, which suggest that amla may play an important role in the fight against cancer.

For example, in a study carried out by scientists at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki University, in Japan, amla extracts were found to be able to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in the stomach, skin and womb (Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Feb;27(2):251-5).

Amla in Ayurveda

The Indian Gooseberry has been given a very important place in Ayurveda. In ancient India it was believed that Amrit/ Ambrosia (heavenly nectar) contained all rasas thereby, it could impart immortality. In that sense Amalaki and Hareetaki stand next to Amrit since they exhibit five rasas. In Ayurveda, the amla fruit by itself is considered a rasayana for pitta.

It has been mentioned in the Charaka Samhita that Of all the rasayanas (ayurvedic formulations revered for their positive influence on the physiology) Amalaki is considered one of the most potent and nourishing. The Charaka Samhita says, "Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs." Charaka specifically mentioned that it is a great rasayana that helps protect people from disease and keeps away the manifestations of premature ageing. .

Amla,Bhumyamalaki,Guduchi, Tulsi, Ashwagandha Swine flu H1N1 immunity providers - Ayurveda experts

Medicinal herbs like tulsi, which is commonly found in people's homes, can help boost one's immunity and thus fight Influenza A (H1N1), say Ayurveda doctors.

Preeti Chhabra, an Ayurveda doctor in the capital, said that medicinal herbs like tulsi, ashwagandha, guduchi and amla can help boost one's immunity level, thus helping fight swine flu.

"Keeping the present scenario in mind, some medicinal herbs like ashwagandha, amla, guduchi and tulsi are very good to help boost the body's immunity and thus help fight diseases"

Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another 1 to 2 months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays.

Plant anatomy and harvesting

The tree is small to medium sized, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branchlets are glabrous or finely pubescent, 10-20 cm long, usually deciduous; the leaves simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with 6 vertical stripes or furrows.

Ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous. In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable

Benefits of Amla An Indian gooseberry

1. Enhances production of Red Blood Cells. Strengthens teeth, hair and nails.
2. Regulates Blood Sugar and prevents lipid peroxidation in cell membranes.
3. Very Powerful anti-inflammatory herb. Useful in hemorrhoids, gastritis and colitis.
4. Useful in eye problems especially in inflammations. Improves nearsightedness.
5. Also useful for cataracts.
6. Prevents premature greying of hair and makes them strong and free from dandruff.
7. Increases immunity in the body. Protects against heart and nervous disorders.

Medicinal Properties Of amla

•Journal of Ethnopharmacol 1996 Feb;50(2):61-8 Hypolipidaemic effect of fruit juice of Emblica officinalis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. By Mathur R, Sharma A, Dixit VP, Varma M. - Department of Home Science (Food and Nutrition), University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.

The lipid lowering and antiatherosclerotic effects of Emblica officinalis (Amla) fresh juice were evaluated in cholesterol-fed rabbits (rendered hyperlipidaemic by atherogenic diet and cholesterol feeding). E. officinalis fresh juice was administered at a dose of 5 ml/kg body weight per rabbit per day for 60 days. Serum cholesterol, TG, phospholipid and LDL levels were lowered by 82%, 66%, 77% and 90%, respectively. Similarly, the tissue lipid levels showed a significant reduction following E. officinalis juice administration. Aortic plaques were regressed. E. officinalis juice treated rabbits excreted more cholesterol and phospholipids, suggesting that the mode of absorption was affected. E. officinalis juice is an effective hypolipidaemic agent and can be used as a pharmaceutical tool in hyperlipidaemic subjects.
•Amla Saar is used in treatment of Acne and other skin problems.
•Amla Saar is very effective in treatment of Acidity and Peptic ulcers.
•Amla Saar is rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, essential amino acids and many other vitamins and minerals and anti-oxidants.
•Regular Use of Amla Saar improves immunity, fights cancers, rejuvenates the body.
•It fights chronic diseases like hypertension, high Cholesterol, Diabetes, AIDS, influenza, Chronic cough and cold, Chronic infections, Chronic fatigue and Chronic inflammatory conditions.
•Ayurveda describes it as one of the best herbs for Diabetes, bleeding disorders, strength and stamina promoter.

Nutritive value in 100 grams of amla

Energry(Ecals) 58
Moisture(gm) 82
Protein(gm) 0
Fat(gm) 0
Mineral(gm) 0
Fibre(gm) 3
Carbohydrates(gm) 14
Calcium(mg) 50
Phosphorous(mg) 20
Iron(mg) 1

Pest Control on Indian Goosebery

The medicinal plants have to be grown without chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manures like, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermi-Compost, Green Manure etc. may be used as per requirement of the species. To prevent diseases, bio-pesticides could be prepared (either single or mixture) from Neem (kernel, seeds & leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow's urine etc.

Cultivation Practices

Botanical Name : Embilica officinalis
Common Name : Amla.
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Habit : Deciduous, 2.5ft ht.
Habitat : Deciduous forests all over India. Upto 5000ft.
Parts used : Fruits.
Uses : Anti-aging, anti oxidant, antacid, memory booster, cardio
tunic, diabeties mellitus, bronchisal asthma.
Lifespan : 75-100yrs

Cultivation
1. Soils : Red ,black with wide range of pH..

2. Propagation : Budding, grafting

3. Sowing : Feb-mar, Jun-Jul

4. Spacing : 18x20ft

5. Climate : Tropical& subtropical.

6. Areas : India.

7. Harvest : 3-5 yrs

8. Yield : 120-150 kg per plant.

9. Processing & Extraction : Pulp

Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Amla:

•Excellent source of Vitamin C
•Enhances food absorption
•]Balances stomach acids
•Fortifies the liver
•Nourishes the brain and mental functioning
•Supports the heart
•Strengthens the lungs
•Regulates elimination
•Enhances fertility
•Helps the urinary system
•Good for the skin
•Promotes healthier hair
•Acts as a body coolant
•Flushes out toxins
•Increases vitality
•Strengthens the eyes
•Improves muscle tone

Rich Source of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for human beings. It is necessary for the synthesis of the inter cellular cement "collagen". Collagen is responsible for keeping the cells of the body together. 100 Gms of amla contains - 700 mg Vitamin C. If amla is dried in the shade then much of the vitamin C is retained. To get the maximum out of amla it should be taken raw with very little salt

The amla fruit contains more than 80% of water. It also has protein, carbohydrate, fibre, minerals and vitamins. It also contains Gallic acid which is a potent polyphenol

Plant anatomy and harvesting
The tree is small to medium sized, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branchlets are glabrous or finely pubescent, 10-20 cm long, usually deciduous; the leaves simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with 6 vertical stripes or furrows.

Ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous. In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable.


[edit] Medical research
Indian gooseberry has undergone preliminary research, demonstrating in vitro antiviral and antimicrobial properties.[2] There is preliminary evidence in vitro that its extracts induce apoptosis and modify gene expression in osteoclasts involved in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.[3]

Experimental preparations of leaves, bark or fruit have shown potential efficacy against laboratory models of disease, such as for inflammation, cancer, age-related renal disease, and diabetes.[4][5][6]

A human pilot study demonstrated reduction of blood cholesterol levels in both normal and hypercholesterolemic men.[7] Another very recent study with alloxan-induced diabetic rats given an aqueous amla fruit extract has shown significant decrease of the blood glucose as well as triglyceridemic levels and an improvement of the liver function caused by a normalization of the liver-specific enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT) activity.[8]

Although fruits are reputed to contain high amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 445 mg/100g,[9] the specific contents are disputed and the overall antioxidant strength of amla may derive instead from its high density of tannins and other polyphenols.[10] The fruit also contains flavonoids, kaempferol, ellagic acid and gallic acid.[10][11]


[edit] Traditional uses
In folk medicine, dried and fresh fruits of the plant are used. All parts of the plant are used in various Ayurvedic/Unani Medicine [Jawarish Amla] herbal preparations, including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers.[12] According to Ayurveda, amla fruit is sour (amla) and astringent (kashaya) in taste (rasa), with sweet (madhura), bitter (tikta) and pungent (katu) secondary tastes (anurasas).[12] Its qualities (gunas) are light (laghu) and dry (ruksha), the post-digestive effect (vipaka) is sweet (madhura), and its energy (virya) is cooling (shita).[10]

According to Ayurveda, amla is specific to pitta due to its sweet taste and cooling energy.[12] However, amla is thought to balance vata by virtue of its sour taste, and kapha due to its astringent taste and drying action. It may be used as a rasayana (rejuvenative]] to promote longevity, and traditionally to enhance digestion (dipanapachana), treat constipation (anuloma), reduce fever (jvaraghna), purify the blood (raktaprasadana), reduce cough (kasahara), alleviate asthma (svasahara), strengthen the heart (hrdaya), benefit the eyes (chakshushya), stimulate hair growth (romasanjana), enliven the body (jivaniya), and enhance intellect (medhya).[12] According to Unani System of Medicine the Mizaj of Amla is Sard Khushk so that it is very good remedy for Haar Amraz[Hot Diseases][clarification needed]

In Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations, Indian gooseberry is a common constituent, and most notably is the primary ingredient in an ancient herbal rasayana called Chyawanprash.[10] This formula, which contains 43 herbal ingredients as well as clarified butter, sesame oil, sugar cane juice, and honey, was first mentioned in the Charaka Samhita as a premier rasayana or rejuvenative compound.[13][14]


A jar of South Indian Andhra amla picklePopularly used in inks, shampoos and hair oils, the high tannin content of Indian gooseberry fruit serves as a mordant for fixing dyes in fabrics.[12] Amla shampoos and hair oil are traditionally believed to nourish the hair and scalp and prevent premature grey hair.[citation needed]

In Hinduism, amla is regarded as a sacred tree worshipped as Mother Earth.