Punarnava or Boerhavia diffusa is eulogized by ayurveda acharyas by different names owing to its medicinal properties. It is called as Punarnava (Punar + nava). Punar means – once again, nava means – becoming new. This plant rejuvenates liver and detoxifies it. It clears the lungs and reduces cough, asthma etc. It rejuvenates male reproductive system and acts as an aphrodisiac. This increases libido, erection and quality and quantity of semen. It is used in Vajikarana preparations. It detoxifies skin and clears it of infections. This plant cleanses the kidneys and helps to get rid of renal calculi (kidney stones). Thus the plant punarnava acts on all important organ systems and rejuvenate them, giving a new life . Hence the name punarnava. Shothagni is another synonym for Boerhavia diffusa . Shotha means inflammation. The plant which acts as an enemy to inflammation is shothagni. This plant is known to reduce inflammation in arthritis and joint pain. It is widely used in inflammation of liver, kidney and joints.

Boerhavia  diffusa or Punarnava belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae . This is also known as spiderlings as this plant grows low and spreads like spider web. Boerhavia  diffusa is identified by name Punarnava in India. Ayurvedic texts immensely praise the medicinal properties of this plant.

The juice of this plant has varied taste. It tastes sweet, bitter and astringent.  Ayurveda acharyas indicate the properties of this plant as light (laghu) , dry (Ruksha) and hot potency (ushna veerya). All parts of this plant are used in ayurvedic herbal preparations.

Medicinal properties of Punarnava or Boerhavia  diffusa

According to texts of ayurveda this plant alleviates all three doshas.

In Arthritis:  It helps to reduce inflammation and pain in joints .
In Indigestion: Punarnava acts as a carminative,  increases appetite, digests ama and reduces abdominal pain. It also relieves constipation.
In cough: It helps to reduce productive cough and asthma
Impotence: Seeds of this plant are used in Vajikarana Preparations. It increases hard erections and quality and quantity of semen. It rejuvenates male reproductive system.
In Skin Diseases: It is very useful in skin diseases like scabies. It is considered as an excellent natural remedy for guinea worms
In Anaemia:  This plant combined with other herbal ingredients help in treating anemia
In Renal diseases: It acts as a diuretic and is used in ayurvedic preparations for renal calculi (kidney stone), Cystis and nephritis.
In liver disorders: Punarnava is widely used to rejuvenate liver and detoxify it. It helps in jaundice o r hepatitis. It is employed in Brazilian herbal medicine to stimulate the emptying of the gallbladder and for all types of liver disorders
In menorrhagia: Boerhavia  diffusa is used as an active ingredient in ayurvedic preparations  for menorrhagia 
Body Rejuvenation : It rejuvenates whole body and gives a new life and health (Hence the name Punarnava (New again)). It strengthens the body and normalizes doshas. This helps to boost the immunity to diseases.

Note: Cardiac patients should use this herb under the supervision of a qualified doctor.

This article is copyrighted. This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of   http://www.ayurhelp.com . Read complete article at http://www.ayurhelp.com/plants/punarnava.htm

An itch becomes rather alarming when it is labeled as genital herpes. Why wouldn’t it when this infection is a life long disease after one contracts it. As hard and saddening it is, a lot of people who have contracted it have been known to go through depression.

It is that alarming. So how does one get this genital herpes?

Most commonly, this is contracted and transmitted through sexual intercourse with someone with herpes outbreak, or better regarded as HSV active. Simply putting it, genital herpes is acquired through skin on skin contact when one of the partners has active phase herpes. Generally, this would also apply when or during an oral sex activity.

When the skin surfaces are in contact, what is regarded as viral shedding infection are deposited on the other previously uninfected skin. A spread of this will likely follow and the infection consecutively will search out a place in the nervous system where it can host itself.

So what’s the scarier thing about this infection? It is that a lot of people do not know they have contracted it until rather obvious swelling and uncomfortable symptoms show itself. In a lot of cases herpes virus infection has reportedly been transmitted through saliva or genital secretions during the act of sexual intercourse of some sort.

As the statistics would project, what makes the spread rather fast are those cases wherein people who are carriers of this genital itch and outbreak spread out the virus unknowingly since they are not aware of it, most commonly because their genital itch and outbreaks are without visible sores.

Rarely though, there are few cases wherein genital herpes are acquired when skin are in contact with objectives that were previously in contact with an active herpes, as those shared toilet seats or hot tubs.

As there are two cases of HSV, as the infection commonly found on the mouth or HSV1, as well as those that are found in the genitals HSV2, the spread can easily be that fast. Even those who are younger can acquire this HSV1, as those cases when adult relatives give hello or goodbye kisses to the unsuspecting kid.

So how to go about this? Most importantly, it’s good to be aware of it. This can be a first step in probably getting those regular check-ups, as well as in being more cautious in giving those casual pecks on children’s cheeks, or choosing one’s sexual partners.

Polygamous relationships, although frowned upon by a number of countries and cultures, should not at all be that bad. Just as long as you are safe and careful, and not go about spreading infections that can forever be affecting other people’s lives. Hence, when there’s an itch, don’t simply itch it away, and rather confirm it before it becomes that alarming news.

Read complete article by Jim Oneil at http://www.ayurhelp.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=10642

The plant Tribulus Terrestris known as gokshura in ayurveda, has innumerable medicinal properties.  In texts of ayurveda the medicinal properties of gokshura have been described as follows.

“Gokshuraha sheetalaha swaadurbalakrudvasthishodhanaha |
Madhuro deepano vrishyaha pushtidashmariharaha ||”
Pramehashwaasakaasaarshahakrichrahridrogsvatanut|
  (Bhava prakasha)

Gokshura is sweet to taste and has cooling properties. It is heavy and increases stickiness of tissues. Because of these properties it normalizes vata and pitta.
Balakrud : – Tribulus increases strength of muscles. Researches have shown that tribulus increases male hormone testosterone, which strengthen the muscles.
Vastishodhana :- It cleanses the bladder and boosts the resistance of bladder to infection. This property is very useful in treating cystitis.
Deepana : It increases appetite and normalizes digestion.
Vrishyaha: Gokshura acts as a very effective aphrodisiac. Its property of boosting testosterone level help to increase erection, sperm count and sperm motility. Hence it has been included as an active ingredient in Vajikarana preparations.  It increases libido and helps in rectifying male impotence
Pushti: Tribulus terrestris helps to build body muscles and boost body energy. It also increases body immunity.
Ashmariharaha:  It is of great use in treatment of renal calculi.
Prameha:  This plant helps to reduce frequency of urination in diabetes, cystitis and urinary tract infection.
Shwaasa Kaasa: It is very useful in diseases of respiratory system like wheezing and cough.
Arsha:  Tribulus helps to reduce symptoms of piles
Hridroga : Gokshura helps in protecting heart from cardiac diseases.

Read complete article by Dr.Savitha Suri at http://www.ayurhelp.com/plants/tribulus-terrestris.htm

Tribulus terrestris is used to boost libido and sexual performance. It is widely used in China and India.Tribulus enhances testosteron level, boosts libido and helps in Erectile dysfunction. This herb is used as vajikara (aphrodesiac) in ayurvedic preparations. It is found useful in conditions like kidney stones, piles and cystitis. Ayurveda acharyas have coined numerous names based on its physical appearence. Few of them have been given here.

Gokshura- As it hurts the animals which help in farming shwadamshtra- Has sharp teeth like structures (like canines of dogs)

Sadukantaka – Its thorns are sweet to taste. trikantaka – Has three thorns

chanadhruma- Has leaves like chickpea plant

Ikshugandhika – has fragrance like sugarcane

Barring a serious traumatic experience, there’s rarely a fine line a man can draw between impotence and non-impotence. Impotence usually starts slowly; a healthy man with an active sexual life will suddenly not be able to perform. After some time, or by the next day, the problem may go away on its own, and he feels back to normal. Until the next time it happens. Sometimes the problem is a matter of degree; a man will feel that his erections aren’t as hard or as long lasting as they were in his youth. Conversely, he may find himself suddenly more sensitive, and more susceptible to premature ejaculation.

The important thing to remember is that it’s always possible to treat impotence; it doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or if you’re 80. Impotence can stem from a large variety of causes, ranging from the psychological to old age. Impotence treatment doesn’t always have to be pharmaceutical – erectile dysfunction is often successfully treated with regular therapy, and in fact therapy is often regarded as the first tool used in the fight against impotence. Following therapy, lifestyle changes also enjoy a high success rate. Changes in diet or exercise, and cutting out smoking and drinking can really make a huge difference to your sexual performance.

Read complete article at  http://www.ayurhelp.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=10167

Sugar cane has acquired numerous sanskrit names for its sweetness and appearance. Our Ayurveda acharyas praise the medicinal properties of Sugarcane as follows.

Ikshavo raktapittaghnaa balyaa vrishyaa kaphapradaaha | Swaadupaakarasaaha snigdhaha guravo mutralaha himaha ||

Raktapittaghna:- The sugar cane plant has the properties of normalizing vitiation of blood and pitta (bile).It rejuvenates liver. Because of this property it is widely used in treating jaundice. It is, however, very essential that the juice, must be clean and devoid of micro organisms.

Balya: The sugar cane juice instantly energizes our body and provides strength. Sugar cane is rich in iron and carbohydrates. Hence it boosts energy straight away.

Vrishya: It acts as an aphrodisiac and increases libido, quality and quantity of semen. It also helps in rectifying erectile dysfunction.

 Kaphapradaha: It increases kapha and helps in expectoration of it in cough.

Mutrala: It acts as a diuretic and helps in detoxifying kidneys.

As it has sweet, heavy and cooling properties it increases shukra dhatu. Shukra dhatu is needed for male fertility. When shukra dhatu increases it increases sperm count, sperm motility. Healthy shukra dhatu helps to reduce erectile dysfunction and impotence. Sugarcane juice also increases lactation in nursing mothers. It helps in relieving constipation.

Vajikaranamanvichhet satatam vishayee puman |
Tushtihi pushtirapatyam cha gunavattatra samshritam |
Apatyasantaanakaram yatsadhyaha sampraharshanam ||

Vaajeevatibalo yena yaatyaapratihatoanganaha |
Bhavatyatipriyaha sthreenam yena yenopachiyate |
Tadvaajikaranam taddi dehasyaujaskaram param ||

According to ayurveda texts – men who are very active in sex are at a greater risk of losing energy and nutrients. Loss of energy and nutrients may lead to erectile dysfunction, low libido and poor semen quality and quantity. (Low sperm count and motility). These men need preparations which can replenish the lost nutrients. Such preparations which increase hardness, duration of hard erection, libido, sexual energy and semen of excellent quality are called vajikarana preparations. The treatment method is called as “vajikarana therapy”.

“Vajikarana Therapy” increases sexual energy and strength like a horse. The person who undergoes vajikarana therapy becomes dearer to women as he performs like a strong horse. His energy never gets reduced even with repeated sexual acts. He will be able to produce healthy sperms which will help in procreation of healthy offspring. Vajikarana therapy also boosts general health and strength.

Aloe barbedensis or just Aloe Vera to most people, is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in Northern Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula.  Most of us know aloe as the plant to run to after burning yourself, but Aloe has a plethora of uses beyond treating burns.  It is non-toxic, with no known side effects, and is used widely in the traditional herbal medicine of China, Japan, Russia, South Africa, The United States, Jamaica and India.

Though the actual research on using aloe for burns has shown mixed results, a more recent review has concluded that the cumulative evidence supports the use of Aloe vera for the healing of first to second degree burns.  The plant’s juice has also been traditionally used internally for healing and soothing of digestive conditions like heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome and preliminary studies have suggested oral Aloe  vera gel may reduce symptoms and inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis. It has also been linked with improved blood glucose levels in diabetics, and with lower blood lipids in hyper-lipidemic patients.  In addition, compounds extracted from Aloe vera have been used as an immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancers in cats and dogs; but this treatment has not been scientifically tested in humans.

Topical application of Aloe vera may be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis and check this out: a double-blind clinical trial found that the group using an Aloe vera containing dentifrice and the group using a fluoridated dentifrice both demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of gingivitis and plaque. Aloe extract also has antibacterial and antifungal activities and have been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause tinea, but evidence for control beneath human skin remains to be established.  And amazingly the inner-leaf gel from A. vera has also been found to inhibit growth of Streptococcus and Shigella species in vitro.   Needless to say, it would be wise to plant an aloe plant or two around your home.  Aloe juice is also available bottled for the drinking.  Just be sure not to drink too much as it may cause diarrhea or malabsorption.

Read complete article at http://www.ayurhelp.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=6195

Aloe Vera is a quite common household plant that most moms keep around the kitchen for treating little burns.  But as it turns out, Aloe has so many more incredible uses that makes it the mightly incredible plant that it is!  Here are some of my favorite new uses for aloe:

• Suffer from IBS or heartburn on a regular basis?  Consider aloe as a treatment!  Aloe has long been known to ease digestive problems and in fact, it may be one of the oldest uses of aloe vera.  If you are constipated, it helps keep you regular and helps clear toxins from your body too, making it great for detox.

• For aches and pains, aloe vera is just perfect as it contains over 10 natural substances to ease pain.  When applied topically, these constituents relieve sore muscles and joint pain associated with arthritis and other injuries.  Also, if you ingest it, aloe can help inhibit inflammation while supporting joint health and mobility.

• A boost of energy:  Drinking aloe can help dislodge the 2-5kg of decaying fecal matter, toxins and undigested food which often clogs the colon, so your body can better eliminate and obtain proper nutrition which increases energy levels.

• Get rid of wrinkles and improve skin clarity:  the skin is replenished every 21 to 28 days and applying aloe vera on a regular basis helps provide it with the nutritional building blocks it needs to help build smoother, younger looking skin. Aloe aids in the removal of dead skin cells, helps your skin hydrate itself, and provides deeper nourishment.

• Fight off free radicals: Aloe vera is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals, waste product that’s naturally created when food is turned into energy.

• Nutrition!  Aloe is full of over 200 active compounds, including soluble forms of calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A, B, C, E, Folic and and more, giving your body the nutrition it craves.

Read complete article at http://www.ayurhelp.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=6198