1. Cucumber is a natural cleanser and moisturizer. When cucumber juice is used with milk it cleanses the skin and increases its moisture level. It is best suited for dry skin as milk reduces dryness of skin.

2. Lemon has astringent properties. As it is slightly acidic, it cleanses the skin too. When lemon juice is mixed with egg white and milk powder in equal proportion, it makes a wonderful face pack. This face pack cleanses bleaches (increases fairness) and tightens the skin. It helps to remove wrinkles and increases glow of skin

3. Honey is a known antibiotic. According to principles of ayurveda it accelerates wound healing and removes scars. Mix honey with equal quantity of milk and stir well until it homogeneously dissolves in milk. Apply this mixture to your face. Persons with dry skin, acne and pimples are extremely benefited by this face pack.

4. Turmeric is known as “Kanchani” in ayurveda as it gives skin a glow of gold. When this turmeric is mixed well with milk and applied on face as face pack, it increases fairness and glow of skin.

5. A mixture of milk and green gram powder can be used as a scrub to remove dead skin.

Wrinkles appear due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture in skin. Massaging the body skin with milk help to reduce its dryness and increases the moistness. The unctuous and soothing properties of milk help to increase glow of skin and delays ageing process.

According to ayurveda a mixture of turmeric (1/4 spoon), masoor dal flour (red lentil flour) (4 spoons) and sufficient quantity of milk and water (in equal quantities) to mix this into consistency of paste make an excellent face pack to reduce wrinkles. Regular application of this pack delays aging process of skin. Turmeric increases skin glow and prevent formation of scars. Milk increases moisture level of skin and makes skin smooth and wrinkle free. Masoor dal flour provides nutrition required by the skin.

Drink milk regularly to keep the skin healthy from inside. Milk also strengthens bones and delays aging process of body.

Milk contains nutrients like protein, fat, mineral matter, water and lactose. It is rich in calcium and vitamins. It is the natural food of all young mammals. Milk is a reservoir of nutrients and forms an important ingredient of a balanced diet. As it is rich in calcium it makes our bones and teeth strong. It helps to nourish the body with high quality proteins and vitamins. Drinking milk everyday helps to keep our body fit.

Texts of ayurveda explain the medicinal properties of milk as follows.

Praayasho madhuram snigdham sheetam stanyam payo matam |
Preenam brimhanam vrishyam medhyam balyam  manaskaram ||

Jeevaneeyam shramaharam shwasakaasanibarhanam|
Hanthi shonithapittam cha sandhanam vihatasya cha ||

Sarvapraanarbhutaam saatmyam shamanam shodhanam tatha |
Trishnaghnam deepaniyam cha shreshtam ksheena kshteshu cha ||

Paandurogeaamlapitte cha shoshe gulme tathodare |
Atisaare jware daahe shwayathou cha visheshataha ||

Yonishukrapradosheshu mutreshwaprachureshu cha |
Purishe grathite pathyam vaatapitta vikaareenaam ||

Nasyalepaavagaaheshu vamannsthaapaneshu cha |
Virechane snehane cha payaha sarvatra yujyate ||

According to principles of ayurveda milk is generally sweet and unctuous. It has cooling effect on body. Consumption of milk increases lactation. It refreshes body and mind. Milk nourishes body and is believed to be a complete food. Daily consumption of milk increases libido, quality and quantity of semen and helps in erectile dysfunction. It helps to boost memory power and strengthens mind. Milk acts as an instant energizer and relieves thirst. The symptoms of bronchitis and cough get reduced by continuous use of milk. Persons suffering from gout are benefited by regular consumption of milk. Milk accelerates wound healing.

When milk is used during ayurveda treatment sessions it alleviates vitiated doshas and eliminates them from body. It acts as an appetizer. Milk helps to reduce the period of recuperation . People suffering from anemia, acid peptic disorders, diarrhea, fever etc are greatly benefited by consumption of milk. Milk is of great aid to persons who experience constipation. A quick recovery can be experienced in condition like genital organ infections (male and female), on consumption of milk. It is used in diet regimen for diseases which are caused due to vitiation of vata and pitta. .

Milk is widely used in ayurveda treatments. It is instilled as nasal drops and can be used as body pack or face pack. Milk bath helps to rejuvenate skin. It is used in panchakarma treatment process to induce vamana (emisis) and virechana (purgation). It is also used in basthi (enema).

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.Savitha Suri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of http://www.ayurhelp.com .Read more about properties of milk at http://www.ayurhelp.com/ayurveda/milk.htm

The plant foxnut belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. It is popularly known as “Makhana” in India. It grows in water and is found in India, Korea, Japan and Russia.

Fox nut plant does not have stem. It has large round leaves and produces bright purple flowers. The whole plant is covered with small thorns (kantaka) .The leaves of fox nut plant have green upper surface and purple shaded lower surface. This plant produces fruits which are about the size of a small orange. Each fruit contains 8-10 seeds which are of pea size.

According to texts of ayurveda foxnut or makhana tastes sweet( madhura rasa) and is heavy to digest (guru). It increases moisture level in body tissues (snigdha and sheeta veerya).

Medicinal properties of makhana
The seeds of foxnut are used in ayurvedic preparations. Fox nut alleviates vata and pitta dosha. It strengthens the heart and is very useful in anemia. Makhana increases quality and quantity of semen, prevents premature ejaculation, increases libido and helps in female infertility. It is an important ingredient of herbal preparations used for erectile dysfunction. It strengthens body and increases energy level. Because of its aphrodisiac properties it is grouped under vrishyadi varga. The herbs under this group are used in vajikarana therapy.

The texts of ayurveda describe properties of foxnut or makhanna as follows

“makhannam snigdhavrishyam cha garbhasamsthapakam param |
Vatapitta haram balyam sheetam pittasradaahanut ||”

Makhanna increases stickiness of secretions by increasing moisture level in body. Hence it increases quality and quantity of semen and useful in impotence. It helps to increase the fertility in women and reduces vata and pitta. It strengthens the body and reduces burning sensation and quenches thirst.

Uses of Fox nut or makhana in alternative medicine systems

According to principles of traditional Chinese medicine fox nut or Makhana is used to strengthen spleen and kidneys. It is indicated in conditions like spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, neuralgia, incontinence, chronic diarrhea etc. According to herbalists it is helpful in preventing early discharge of semen and restores sexual vigor in older men.( Because of this property the fox nut is categorized under Vajikarana dravyas in texts of ayurveda.) Makhana helps in conditions like arthritis, erectile dysfunction and premature aging. This herb has antioxidant properties and helps in digestion, rejuvenates respiratory system and prevents frequent urination.

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of   http://www.ayurhelp.com
Read more about foxnut or makhana @ http://www.ayurhelp.com/plants/foxnut.htm

Formation of shukra dhatu or semen: The core nutrients of majjadhatu (bone marrow) help in production of Shukradhatu.(see Relationship between majja dhatu (bone marrow) and shukra dhatu (semen) ).
According to texts of ayurveda shukra dhatu is pervading all over the body (sarva shareera gathaha).

Yada payasi sarpistu gudaschekshou raso yadha
shareereshu tadha shukram nrinaam vidyaat bhisagvarah ||

Shukra is present in our body in invisible manner as ghee is indistinguishable in milk. Same way jaggery can not be seen directly in sugarcane.

Shukra in men:

The invisible shukra present in body gets ejaculated through penis in the form of visible shukra or semen.
Semen gets ejaculated when men indulge in sexual activities after getting stimulated by sexual thoughts, touch etc .

Shukra in Children:

Yadhaa mukulpushasya sugandho nopalabyate
labhyate tad vikaasaat tu tadha shukramhi dehinaam ||

Children will have shukra in dormant stage . This is compared to buds of flowers which have hidden fragrance in them. The visible shukra appears when children reach adulthood.

Shukra in women:

yoshitopi sravatyeva shukram pumsaam samagame
tannagarbhaaya kinchittu karotheethi vichintyate

The shukra in women gets secreted during sexual activity. But this is not useful in garbhotpatti (fertilization)

Shukra vriddhi laxanas (symptoms of increased shukra dhatu)

“ati sthree kaamataam vriddam shukram shukrashmari mapi”

When shukra increases beyond limits, it produces ati kaama or increased interest in sex and shukraashmari (seminal caliculus)

Shukra kshaya Laxanas:(Symptoms of decreased shukra dhatu )

Dourbalayam mukhasoshascha paandutwam sadanam sramah
klaibyam sukraa visargascha ksheenasukrasya lakshanam

Difficulty in ejaculation of semen.
Ejaculating little quantity of semen after a painful coitus.
Weakness
Early ageing symptoms with dry skin and wrinkled face
Anemia
Weak muscles
Getting tiered easily even after little exertion
Impotence or erectile dysfunction
Absence of semen ejaculation.

Causes for Shukra kshaya or decrease of shukradhatu (semen):

“jarayaa chintayaa sukram vyandhibhih karma karshanat
kshayam gachchatyanasanaat streenam chati nishevanat”

Old age, Mental stress and worries, chronic diseases, under nourishment and excessive indulgence in sex or ejaculation of semen leads to shukra kshaya or reduced quantity of semen.

Importance of Shukra dhatu:

As shukradhatu is end product of dhatu parinaama or formation of dhatus, it is considered as essence of all dhatus. Hence its level in body has to be maintained very carefully by consuming nourishing foods and leading a healthy life.

Shukradhatu has to be protected to keep body healthy. Practicing healthy sexual life, consuming healthy food and leading a healthy lifestyle help to protect shukra. Or else it leads to shukra kshaya

Regardless of the fact how grown-up a person is, one never fails to look at his hair. The majority of magazines are filled with women pictures in 20s and 30s, and it is hard to find women above 50 featuring the best hair. In fact, some of them are figuring out the exact reason for losing hair, whether it is hereditary or an unhealthy lifestyle. Fifty and above is the age when hair starts becoming brittle and is prone to frizz, split ends and damage. Eventually, hair starts graying and becomes thinner in a way that women shy away from attending occasions and become introverts. This situation can be overcome by following few tips that may prove to be beneficial in maintaining a healthy hair at the age of 50 and above.

1. Eating properly is mandatory to support a healthy hair, such as fruits, lean protein and vegetable, as it does the majority of nourishment to the hair internally. However, vitamins are also good for overall health and hence eating nutritious and balanced diet is a must to maintain a healthy hair at mid age.

2. Another important thing is that one should pay much attention on comments made by other people about the looks being faded or shading away. Hence, decide for yourself to cut the hair short or coloring the hair as it is your own looks, and you can think and do as you wish to suit your best.

3. Maintaining healthy hair at 50 + is not a simple task, but can be done without much effort, by taking appropriate care regularly. For thin or limp hair, cutting off the length makes it look thicker, and if the person has beautiful eyes, short hair looks simply beautiful. Conversely, there are women who cannot comprise in giving up the length of the hair; they can have extensions added so that it looks thick and lengthy. Moisturizing shampoo and formulated conditioners are also fabulous products that keep the hair look thick and healthy.

4. Trying a new color that is totally unique from the natural color gives a diligent touch and this can be well-maintained in every six weeks, but avoid giving a professional color permanently as it will look like a makeover. If there is a little of gray hairs, feel blessed that you are fortunate enough to color all the white strands such that it will highlight as a lighter shade depending on the choice of color you select for shading.

5. It is not mandatory to undergo a complete color change, hence opt for highlighting as this looks remarkably well on 50+ women. Variations in color make the hair to appear movable and flexible than having a uniform color, and maintaining a healthy hair at 50 + are not actually different than at any other age. However, it is a must to eat well, acquire enough rest and to avoid over processing the hair as a healthy mane takes off the years and there are adequate options to make the hair look and work best.

Eventually, avoiding harsh chemicals as hair coloring or straightening or curling is best avoided as they cause breakage and hair damage. Even, heating tools such as curling irons, hair dryers and hot combs leads to hair breakage. Stress also has a significant role in thinning hair and hence avoiding stress and promoting hair growth by acquiring the recommended minerals and vitamins, besides regular exercise helps in maintaining a healthy hairstyle at mid-age as well.

Read Complete article by Roberto Sedycias at http://www.ayurhelp.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=10953

• According to ayurveda shukra dhatu is produced by nourishing part of majja dhatu.
• A healthy majja dhatu leads to a healthy shukra dhatu .” Majja sneham balam shukra pushtim pooranam astinaamcha karoti “ This means Majja dhatu nourishes body and helps to maintain its functions. Majja dhatu strengthens body, fills bones and nourishes shukra dhatu (semen).
• According to modern sciences scientists are trying to establish relation ship between bone marrow and sperms. In a BBC report (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6547675.stm) scientists have successfully made immature sperm cells from human bone marrow samples.
• Doctors have published papers about “Recovery of spermatogenesis and successful conception after bone marrow transplant for acute leukaemia:” ( http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/15/1/83 )
• According to chinese medicines theory .Marrow is formed from the overflowing kidney semen that is stored in the bone cavities. Kidneys produce marrow and the bones are the dwelling places for the marrow. Therefore, both semen and marrow are the most treasured part of the human body, and the Chinese compare the most valuable things in the world to them.

Formation of majja dhatu

” Karoti tatra sousheeryam astinaam madhye sameeranah
medasas taani poorayante sneho majja tatah smritah “

During the formation of asthi dhatu or bone, vayu bhuta creates spaces in bones. These spaces are filled with nourishing tissues of medhas or fat which help in formation of majja or bone marrow.

Functions of majja dhatu:

” Majja sneham balam shukra pushtim pooranam astinaamcha karoti “

It nourishes body and helps to maintain its functions. Majja dhatu strengthens body, fills bones and nourishes shukra dhatu (semen).

Majja Vriddhi lakshana ( Symptoms of increased majja dhatu )

1. Netra gaurava – feeling of heaviness in eyes
2. Anga gourava -  feeling of heaviness of body
3. Parwa stoulya – clubbing of fingers

Majja Kshaya Lakshana ( Symptoms of decreased majja dhatu )

1. Asthi sousheerya (osteoporosis)
2. Bhrama (vertigo)
3. Timira darshana ( blurring of vision)

The ayurveda text Bhava prakaasha, explains the medicinal properties of vidaarikanda or Pueraria tuberosa as follows:

Vidaari madhuraa snigdha brimhani sthanya shukradaa |
Sheetaa swaryaa mootralaa cha jeevani bala varnadaa ||
Guruhu pittaasrapavanadaahaan hanthi rasaayanam |

Vidaari is sweet to taste , has cooling properties, heavy to digest and contains moisture and stickiness .

Brimhani : It helps in weight gain in  persons who have lost weight due to diseases or malnourishment.

Sthanya :  This herb is very helpful in increasing lactation in nursing mothers.

Shukrada: Owing to its, sweet, cool and sticky properties, this herb helps to increase quality and quantity of semen. This helps to increase sperm count and sperm motility.

Swarya: Singers and teachers who abuse their vocal chords are benefited by this herb. It helps to restore the voice.

Mootrala :. It acts as a diuretic, hence used in ayurvedic diuretic preparations

Jeevani : It rejuvenates the whole body and increases vitality and energy.

Balavardhana:. Vidaari helps to increase strength of body

Varnya :  It rejuvenates skin and increases fairness and glow. As it increases moisture levels of skin it helps in dry skin condition.

Rasaayana :  It nourishes whole body and increases rasadhatu. When rasadhatu is nourished the successive dhatus also get nourished.

Pavana hanthi : Viadaarikanda  normalizes vata and reduces vitiated vata.

Vrishya: As it reduces vata, nourishes rasa dhatu and increases shukra, It acts as a very good aphrodisiac. Owing to these properties it helps in erectile dysfunction, low libido and premature ejaculation. Hence this herb is used in vajikarana Preparations

Pueraria tuberosa or Vidarikanda (in Sanskrit ) belongs to the family of Fabaceae. It is a perennial woody climber and has huge tuberous roots. A fully grown plant measures 5-6 meters in height. This plant bears white flowers with pink shade. It is mainly found in India, Nepal and Pakistan. It is popularly known as Indian Kudzu.

In ayurveda system of medicine, its roots are used for medicinal purposes. The roots contain Steroids, Sugars, Amino acids and Sterols. Researchers have evaluated the antimicrobial properties of this plant.

According to texts of ayurveda Vidarikanda is heavy to digest and increases moisture level of tissues and stickiness of secretions. It is sweet to taste and this taste remains in all stages of digestion. It has tremendous cooling properties. Due to these properties it alleviates pitta and vata .

Medicinal properties of Vidarikanda

1.    This tuber reduces dryness of body and eases bowel movement. It is very useful in relieving constipation.
2.    It strengthens the body and boosts its immunity. This wonder herb acts as Rasayana and helps to slow down ageing process.
3.    Vidaarikanda rejuvenates male reproductive system and increases quality and quantity of semen. This helps to increase sperm count and sperm motility.
4.    This ayurvedic herb reduces vata and normalizes kapha. Due to these properties shukra dhatu increases. Shukra dhatu helps to increase hard erections, libido and sexual energy.
5.    Vidaarikanda acts as an aphrodisiac and is known as vrishya. This is used in vajikarana preparations.
6.    It acts as a galactogogue and is very useful for nursing mothers.
7.    Due to its diuretic properties, it is used as an ingredient in ayurvedic diuretic preparations.
8.    Consumption of this herb rejuvenates skin and increases fairness and glow. It is widely used in diseases of skin which cause discoloration.
9.    This herb rejuvenates whole body and increases muscle bulk.