Veppa Ilai-Neem Leaf | Health Benefits and Uses

Neem Leaf:

Neem leaves are traditional ayurvedic medicine. Their antibacterial properties heal wounds and provide several other health benefits. Neem leaves are commonly called ‘Sarvaroga Nivarini’ or the cure of all diseases. Here are the ten significant health benefits of eating neem leaves on an empty stomach.

1. Helps in Losing Weight

You can have neem leaves in the morning on an empty stomach if you are looking for natural ingredients to help you lose weight. According to research, neem leaves have anti-obesity effects that promote weight loss. An old study by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) also suggests that neem leaf extracts may reduce obesity in humans.

Moreover, as neem has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps remove any harmful bacteria in the stomach and improves digestion. Also, the cooling properties of neem leaves help digestion. According to research, neem bark extracts can help treat ulcers in the gastrointestinal region. Therefore, eating neem leaves in the morning can also help reduce digestive issues like gas and acidity. It improves digestion and is effective for weight loss.

2. Helps Manage Acne Breakouts

Neem leaves are believed to have various skin benefits. Along with the topical application, eating neem leaves on an empty stomach can reduce acne breakouts. According to the Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological, and Chemical Sciences, a herbal anti-acne gel that comprises a hydro-alcoholic extract of neem leaves effectively reduces breakouts.

According to research, neem leaves contain a compound called nimbidin that has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps calm down acne inflammation. One of the major causes of acne is the growth of bacteria on the skin. Since neem leaves are a powerful antioxidant, they help control the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Moreover, neem leaves are also beneficial in healing acne-prone skin. Eating neem leaves can help manage oily skin and redness caused due to acne. Neem leaves also have astringent properties that help fade away acne scars.

3. Promotes Healthy Hair

Neem oil is used as a traditional medicine to remove lice from hair. It also helps reduce dandruff and promotes a healthy scalp. According to research, neem leaves are also beneficial in managing alopecia or hair loss. Neem leaves contain antifungal properties that can help reduce dandruff.

According to the Open Dermatology Journal, the antibacterial properties of neem leaves make them an effective scalp cleanser. They help unclog hair follicles that help in promoting hair growth. Moreover, the antiseptic properties of neem leave also help get relief from several scalp problems. Therefore, eating 1-2 neem leaves on an empty stomach can be beneficial if you have dandruff or other scalp problems.

4. Boosts Immunity

Eating neem leaves on an empty stomach also helps boost immunity. According to research, neem leaves extract enhances the functioning of the immune system in animals.

Another research suggests that glycoproteins present in the neem leaf extracts facilitate an immune-enhancing activity that restricts tumour growth. According to the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, neem leaves have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that help strengthen the immune system. It purifies the blood and eliminates toxins from the body.

Neem leaves have immunostimulating properties that boost the working of the lymphocytic system in the body. They enhance the functioning of killer cells in the body that fight various pathogens entering the body.

5. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Neem leaves are also beneficial for diabetic patients as they maintain blood sugar levels. According to an animal study, neem leaves effectively manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It happens because the neem leaves boost the insulin signalling molecules in the body and promote glucose utilization by the skeletal muscles.

According to another research, neem leaves have various bioactive like flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. All these compounds are beneficial in managing diabetes.

The International Journal of Diabetes and Clinical Research also suggests that neem leaf extracts have hypoglycemic effects that help regulate blood sugar levels. The Nimbidin compound present in neem leaves also delays the rise in blood sugar levels.

6. Reduces the Risk of Cancer

Another important benefit of eating neem leaves on an empty stomach is preventing cancer. According to research, neem leaves extracts have been used to treat diseases like cancer since ancient times. Neem leaves have antitumor activities that help treat cancer. They contain bioactive compounds like azadirachtin and nimbolide that suppress the growth of malignant cells in the body.

Another research suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of neem leaves extract help prevent oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a disease that causes head and neck cancer.

According to the IJMS, neem leaves are beneficial in treating ovarian cancer, the eighth most common cancer in women.

7. Improves Oral Health

You must have often seen your grandparents or parents using neem twigs to brush their teeth instead of using toothbrushes. The Neem plant is believed to have several benefits for oral health. Eating neem leaves on an empty stomach may improve your dental health. According to research, neem leaves extracts are widely used in mouthwashes to prevent tooth decay and cavities. It can also prevent diseases, oral infections, and sore and bleeding gums. Neem leaves also avoid plaque deposits on the teeth and improve oral health.

According to the Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, neem leaves also have pain-relieving properties that relieve toothaches. Further, the antiseptic properties of neem leaves also prevent mouth ulcers.

8. Helps Improve Vision

Eating neem leaves on an empty stomach is also beneficial in treating eye infections and improving eyesight. According to research, neem leaves are used as a traditional medicine to stop the growth of bacteria that causes eye and ear infections. As per Ayurveda, neem leaves can help improve vision. They are also beneficial in treating weakness of eye muscles and reddening of eyes. It also strengthens the eye muscles.

According to research, one of the major causes of cataracts is the presence of free radicals in the body. Plants with antioxidant properties are effective in treating cataracts. As neem leaves are a powerful natural antioxidant, they are beneficial in preventing cataracts.

Research also suggests that neem leaves are beneficial in treating conjunctivitis and night blindness.

9. Removes Body Toxins

Another crucial benefit of neem leaves is that they help eliminate body toxins. According to research, neem leaves have antimicrobial properties that help treat fungal diseases in the body like athlete's foot, ringworm, and fungal infection in the intestinal region. Neem leaves also treat yeast infections in the lungs, mouth, hands, and vagina. They also help control the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the body that causes food poisoning, typhoid, and pus-formation in the body.

Neem leaves also have antiviral properties that protect the body from certain types of viruses. Neem leaves extracts are beneficial in fighting smallpox and chickenpox virus. The leaves prevent the virus from entering into the healthy body cells.

Some studies also suggest that neem leaves are beneficial in treating viral diseases like hepatitis B and herpes.

10. Promotes Heart Health

According to the Neem Organisation, eating neem leaves on an empty stomach is also beneficial for the heart. Neem leaves prevent blood clotting, reduce bad cholesterol in the body, and help regulate blood pressure. Neem leaves contain a compound called nimbidin that helps dilate blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart attacks. Neem leaves are also helpful in managing irregularities in the heartbeat.

Moreover, according to research, neem leaves may effectively treat coronary heart disease. Therefore, eating neem leaves is good for cardiovascular health.

An animal study also suggests that neem leaves extracts are beneficial in reducing hypertension.

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Tulsi-Holy Basil| Health Benefits and Uses

Tulsi

Tulsi is a holy plant that has both medicinal and spiritual properties. In Ayurveda, it is known by different names such as "Mother Medicine of Nature" and "The Queen of Herbs".

Tulsi is beneficial in relieving cough and cold symptoms due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough-relieving) and anti-allergic properties. Taking a few leaves of Tulsi along with honey helps relieve cough and flu as it improves immune health. Taking Tulsi tea on a daily basis has a calming effect and helps reduce stress.
According to Ayurveda, Tulsi helps reduce asthmatic symptoms due to its Kapha-balancing property.
Tulsi is also useful in managing ringworm infection. Applying a paste of Tulsi leaves on the affected area helps prevent infection and also relieves inflammation as well as pain

What are the benefits of Tulsi for Common cold

Common cold is caused by an aggravation of Kapha and weak digestion. When the food we eat is not fully digested, it changes into Ama. This Ama reaches the respiratory system in the form of sputum and causes cold or a cough. Tulsi has Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestive) and Kapha balancing properties which help to reduce Ama and expel the excessive sputum from the body.

Tips to prepare Tulsi Kadha:
1. Take 10-12 Tulsi leaves, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and 7-8 dried kalimirch.
2. Boil water in a pan, add Tulsi, grated ginger and kali mirch and boil for 10 minutes.
3. Add a pinch of black salt and squeeze ½ lemon to it.
4. Let it stand for 1 minute.
5. Strain and drink warm to control common cold and cough

What are the benefits of Tulsi for Influenza (flu)

influenza is known as Vata Shleshmika Jwara which is due to the imbalance of the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Tulsi helps manage influenza by balancing all the three doshas especially Kapha dosha by its Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties and helps boost immunity.

Tulsi is beneficial in relieving cough and cold symptoms due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough-relieving) and anti-allergic properties. Taking a few leaves of Tulsi along with honey helps relieve cough and flu as it improves immune health.

What are the benefits of Tulsi for Fever

The leaves of Tulsi can be used to reduce fever because it helps to improve immunity and fight against infection due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips to prepare Tulsi Kadha:
1. Take 15 to 20 Tulsi leaves, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and 7-8 dried kalimirch.
2. Boil water in a pan, add Tulsi, grated ginger and kalimirch and boil for 10 minutes.
3. Add a pinch of black salt and squeeze ½ lemon to it.
4. Let it stand for 1 minute.
5. Strain and drink warm to manage fever

What are the benefits of Tulsi for Stress

Stress can usually be attributed to an imbalance of Vata dosha, and is associated with insomnia, irritation and fear. Tulsi has the property of balancing Vata which helps to reduce stress when taken on a regular basis.

Tips to prepare Tulsi Kadha:
1. Take 10-12 Tulsi leaves and add it to 2 cups of water.
2. Boil it in a pan till the volume reduces to half a cup.
3. Allow it to cool to room temperature and strain the mixture.
4. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix well.

What are the benefits of Tulsi for Diabetes

Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Tulsi helps remove Ama and controls aggravated Vata due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This thus helps control high blood sugar level.

Significantly greater improvements in glucose control occurred in those taking tulsi plus their usual medications. Spikes in blood glucose levels after eating also improved significantly. Tulsi leaves are said to have hypoglycaemic properties, which lower blood sugar levels and help prevent complications of diabetes.

What are the benefits of Tulsi for Heart disease

Increase in cholesterol and blood pressure levels along with a stressful life can increase the risk of heart disease. Tulsi reduces the stress level due to its Vata balancing property and controls high cholesterol due to its Ama reducing nature. Together, it helps prevent the heart diseases.

Tulsi has a profound effect on the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood lipid content, suppressing ischemia and stroke, reducing hypertension and also due to its higher antioxidant properties.

What are the benefits of Tulsi for Liver disease

Liver disorders are due to an aggravation of the Pitta dosha and poor Pachak Agni (digestive fire). This affects the liver function and later vitiates other doshas as well. Tulsi helps to improve Pachak Agni due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties and prevent toxin-induced damage of liver cells due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature.

Tulsi has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties because of which it protects the liver cells from the damage caused by the virus and free radicals. Therefore, Tulsi not only acts as a hepatoprotective agent but also helps restore the liver functions

What are the benefits of Tulsi for Malaria

Tulsi is known to have antimalarial activity. Eugenol in Tusli is the main constituent that has mosquito repellent property

Tulsi is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce the symptoms and severity of malaria. Eugenol the active ingredient in tulsi possess therapeutic properties that help in eliminating bacterial infections. To reap the benefits of holy basil, mix it with pepper powder to prevent disease.

What are the benefits of Tulsi for Diarrhea

Tulsi manages digestion and gives relief in case of diarrhea by improving the Pachan Agni (digestive fire). It helps in proper digestion of food due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties and helps control diarrhea.

Tulsi manages digestion and gives relief in case of diarrhea by improving the Pachan Agni (digestive fire). It helps in proper digestion of food due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties and helps control diarrhea.

What are the benefits of Tulsi for Insomnia

An aggravated Vata dosha makes the nervous system sensitive which leads to Anidra (insomnia). Tulsi works as a relaxing herb and helps to get a good sleep by balancing the Vata dosha.

Administration of Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (Holixer), or Holy basil, in low doses can reduce stress and insomnia and increase sleep efficiency, according to the results of a recent trial, published in Nutrition.

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Nithyakalyani-Rosy Periwinkle | Health Benefits and Uses

Rosy Periwinkle

Rosy periwinkle (Nithya Kalyani) is an evergreen herb that has made heads turn to India. This plant is known for its healing nature and its magical properties are known to have an enormous impact on cancer. It is not only used for cancer treatment but also for treatments related to glands secretion in our body.

In traditional medicine, the periwinkle has been used for relieving muscle pain, depression of the central nervous system, also used for applying to wasp stings and to heal wounds.Its application ranges widely from the prevention of diabetes to treatment of stomach ache

With shiny leaves and pretty flowers 'Periwinkle' is a unique plant, which blends ornamental values and medicinal properties. It has earned the name 'Sadabahar' in Hindi as the flowers are literally ever blooming.

Cancer:

This pretty plant from Madagascar gives us two very important cancer-fighting medicines: vinblastine and vincristine. Vincristine has helped increase the chance of surviving childhood leukaemia from 10% to 90%, while vinblastine is used to treat Hodg kins' Disease.

Biochemists have identified two long-sought enzymes that help a tropical plant to produce a potent cancer treatment. The Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) makes the anti-cancer compound vinblastine, but only in small amounts.

Traditional doses have included 10 leaves and 10 flowers boiled in water as a tea, or 9 pink flowers in 0.5 L of water for 3 hours ("solar tea") sipped throughout the day. Preparations of the pure alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine are available, with associated therapeutic dosing recommendations.

Vincristine and vinblastine derived from periwinkle are recognized pharmacological agents in chemotherapy and are used to treat Hodgkin disease, lymphocytic leukemia, and other cancers.

Diabetes

Take 1 tsp of the dried leaf powder by infusing it with water or fresh fruit juice on an empty stomach every morning to keep diabetes under control. Chew 3-4 leaves of the Sadabahar plant throughout the day to prevent sudden blood sugar spikes.

Cholesterol

When you consume periwinkles, you automatically reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.Periwinkle serves a great source of Iron which is very important for the adequate production and formation of red blood cells as well as transporting vitamin around the body.

Heart

Periwinkle is high in selenium and magnesium

Selenium is a nutrient that fights diseases such as cancer, reproductive and heart disease.

Uses for flower:

Some people apply Madagascar periwinkle directly to the skin to stop bleeding; relieve insect bites, wasp stings, and eye irritation; and treat infections and swelling (inflammation).

Medium Skin Tone: Deep Periwinkle

Going darker with your medium skin tone is absolutely the way to go. It adds warmth to your skin tone, no matter which undertones you have.

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Pirandai-Adamant Creeper | Health Benefits and Uses

Pirandai 

Pirandai is a creeper that has wonderful medicinal uses and health benefits. It is called “Adamant Creeper | Devil’s Back Bone | Veldt Grape” in English and it’s botanical name is Cissus quadrangularris and it is called Hadjot in Hindi. This creeper grows easily everywhere and can be very easily grown in pots at home. 

Pirandai has multiple health benefits: It treats indigestion, fractures and sprains, is a best worming medicine, treats piles, menstrual problems and is also the best home remedy for ear pain. 

Origin

This pirandai is largely available in India and Sri Lanka. With its medicinal value, this is grown in dense forests known as ‘patrai forests’ where movement of people is rather limited. Its essence is little pungent and hence if it gets in contact with our skin, we will have itching sensation. Its stem and root parts are only useful for medicinal purpose. 

Though we have seen many varieties, the common one is found to be having four sides that belongs to the ordinary pirandai variety.

Benefits and Uses

1. Weight Loss & Heart Health

Researchers believe that Cissus quadrangularis can help burn fat, reduce appetite, and increase lean muscle mass. Combining dietary changes and exercises with Cissus Quadrangularis supplement could promote a healthy weight loss – 187 percent more weight than without it. It boosts weight loss efforts by helping to suppress the appetite and stimulating the metabolism to burn weight calories faster and use nutrients more efficiently.

In conjunction with the benefits above, Cissus quadrangularis has also been directly linkedto lower cholesterol levels, possibly due to its strong impact on metabolic factors in the body. By reducing “bad” cholesterol in the body, Cissus quadrangularis can help to protect your cardiovascular system from an excess strain, atherosclerosis, heart, attacks, strokes, and elevated blood pressure.

To know more about weight loss naturally click here.

2. Strong Bones & Dental Health

The plant extract serves as a rich source of calcium ions and is known to accelerate healing of fracture & increase the bone strength.

According to Bogar, a Tamil siddhar (sometime between 550 and 300 BCE) who is said to have discoverered the elixir of immortality, expected Cissus to equal the strength of Diamond, the hardest substance known to man. That could be reason for its names – Vajrangi/Vajjravalli – Makes body as strong as diamond. In a similar way, as Cissuc quadrangularis can also help your teeth. Studies have shown a correlation between great oral health and Cissus quadrangularis supplementation.

3. Heals Broken Bones

The Sanskrit word asthisamharaka literally means that which saves the bones from their destruction. Have you noted that Cissus quadrangular stem resembles the shape of bones and joints in the body. It is surprisingly powerful to prevent the degradation of bone matter in the body and stimulate bone growth. To be more specific, research has revealed that Cissus quadrangularis stimulates the production of osteoblasts, which are the cells in the body responsible for growing bone. 

Compounds that act as receptor antagonists of glucocorticoids have reduced the healing time of broken bones 30 to 50 percent in clinical trials.  Maybe that is why the traditional name of Harjor or ‘Bone Setter,’ literally meaning “that which joins the bones” (har = bone, jor = the one which joins). It was prescribed in the ancient Ayurvedic texts as a general tonic and analgesic, with specific bone fracture healing properties.

4. Immunity & Wound Healing

The high levels of ascorbic acid found in Cissus quadrangularis mean that your body gets an extra defensive shield against pathogens and foreign substances in the body, as well as additional antioxidant protection. Ascorbic acid, more commonly known as vitamin C, stimulates the production of white blood cells to fight infections and illness, thereby improving your overall health. 

Vitamin C is also a crucial component of collagen, the material used by the body to build everything from muscle tissue to blood vessels and arteries. High levels of vitamin C help in growth and repair, meaning that wound healing can be sped up and recovery from injury and illness can be quicker.

5. Reduces Inflammation

The general anti-inflammatory properties of certain organic compounds found in Cissus quadrangularis can help reduce swelling and irritation throughout the body, but the most conclusive studies have focused on its role in treating or lessening the symptoms of hemorrhoids.  Its bactericidal effect on Helicobacter pylori holds promise as an effective treatment of gastric ulcers and preventative of stomach cancer in conjunction with anti inflammatory therapy.

6. Prevents Diabetes

One of the unique benefits of Cissus quadrangularis is its ability to lower blood sugar levels in the body. This is done by regulating the release of blood sugar from the nutritional intake and ensuring that glucose and insulin levels remain optimal in the blood. 

The plant’s role in weight loss also helps in this case, as obesity is closely linked to Type II diabetes. Since cissus quadrangularis helps control one’s blood sugar, it can also reduce one’s risk of becoming pre-diabetic and then developing type II diabetes. Type II diabetes is highly correlated with obesity so cissus quadrangularis’s weight-loss effects would also be beneficial.

7. Relieves Cramps & Pains

Many health experts in the field have compared cissus quadrangularis to the same pain-relieving effects as aspirin. One of the most common side effects of a woman’s menstrual period is cramping and bloating, as well as mood swings and hormonal imbalances. Cissus quadrangularis is able to relieve cramping and discomfort during menstruation, making it highly desirable in the market of herbal remedy world. 

Within Siddha medicine, it’s viewed as a natural pain killer and tonic, as well as a healer from broken bones. Within Ayurvedic medicine, Cissus Quadrangularis has been used to heal injured tendons and ligaments. One study focused on athletes, yielded positive effects by reducing in joint pain by a third. This could be promising for athletes, as most joint health supplement research is conducted on people with osteoarthritis.

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