Showing posts with label Desi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Desi. Show all posts

Monday, January 11, 2016

Giloy herb: A possible cancer cure!


Tinosporacordifolia, which is known by the common names Heart-leaved Moonseed, Guduchi and Giloy in the tropical areas of India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
Giloy is one of the most important herbs to exist in Ayurveda. It is also known as Indian Tinospora or (Giloya/Guduchi) in Hindi. It is used for a variety of purposes, especially when it comes to treating diseases. “Guduchi” is known for its immense application in the treatment of various diseases in the traditional ayurvedic literature .Giloy is anti-arthritic, anti periodic, anti pyretic , digestive, anti inflammatory , blood purifier and has number of uses.
Giloyis very helpful in building up the immune system and the body's defense against infecting organisms. In a scientific study conducted using human WBC (white blood corpuscles), the Ayurvedic herb helps in enhancing the killing ability of macrophages (the resistant cells which are responsible for fighting foreign bodies as well as microorganisms).



How Giloy Is Used Along With Several Diseases?

There are a lot of researches going on Giloyworldwide because of its healing properties and benefits in healthcare. The Giloy creeper which grows on Neem tree is said to posses more medicinal values than growing on its own because Neem itself being bitter in taste and having excellent blood cleansing properties, it enhances the efficacy of Giloy in Cancer and other blood disorders.




 Important Uses of Giloy and Benefits of Tinosporacordifolia:

1. The stem juice or stem powder of the twine is used for many types of Cancers. It is known as immuno-modulatory herb. It helps the immune system to understand the cancer cells and control them. Giloysatv or the herbal extract of tinosporacordifolia is also used.
2. The cancer responds very well to Guduchi powder or GuduchiSatva. The latest research of GiloySatva on Cancer proved that the effects were similar or better than the modern chemotherapy drug – doxrubicin.

Other uses of guduchiare :

1. Cancers
2. Arthritis
3. Gout
4. Inflammatory conditions
5. Fevers of Unknown origin, chronic fevers, low grade fevers, unexplained weakness and tiredness 6. Liver diseases – liver cancer, hepatitis,jaundice
7. Skin diseases­ very effective in Psoriasis, Eczema,Ringworm, Lichen planus, acne,
8. Auto­immune disorders – Nephrotic syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis
9. Low Immunity – Blood cancers,Malignant tumors, low immunity conditions.
10. Blood pressure
11. Giloy can be used along with castor oil to relieve gout.
12. It can be used along with ginger to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
13. Giloy is used with sugar to treat skin and liver related diseases.
14. It is also used with ghee to treat arthritis.
15. Giloy is used with jaggery for treating constipation.


1.Blood Cancer:
Consuming a concoction prepared by blending an aloe Vera leaf with wheatgrass and Giloy stem proves effective in the treatment of blood cancer and reduces the painful side effects of chemotherapy.

2. Boosts Immunity:
Giloy has ability to boost immunity. It acts as a rejuvenating agent too. Giloy contains antioxidant properties that improve health and fight dangerous diseases. Giloy also removes toxins from both the kidneys and the liver and makes sure to flush out free radicals. In addition to all this, Giloy even fights bacteria that cause disease and also combats liver diseases and urinary tract infections.

3. Treats Chronic Fever:
Another benefit of Giloy is that it treats chronic fever and diseases. Since it is anti-pyretic in nature, it can reduce signs and symptoms of several life threatening conditions. It increases the count of your blood platelets and alleviates symptoms of dengue fever as well

4. Boosts Digestion:
Giloy can also take care of your digestive system. This Giloy herb is popularly known for treating ailments of several kinds. In fact, you can use this simple remedy at home in order to maximize the results. Take half a gram of Giloy powder along with some amla regularly. Giloy juice can also be taken along with buttermilk in order to maximize the results. This remedy can be used for patients suffering from piles as well. Giloy relaxes the mind and prevents indigestion

5. Diabetes:
If you suffer from diabetes, Giloy would definitely be effective for you. Giloy acts as a hypoglycaemic agent. It can lower the levels of blood pressure and lipids. This makes it very easy to treat type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients can also take Giloy juice in order to reduce high levels of blood sugar.

6. Herb:
Giloycan reduce both mental stress as well as anxiety. Giloy is often combined with other herbs to make an excellent health tonic. It will boost memory and help you pay attention at work . It can clear all brain toxins too. Giloy has often been called an anti-aging herb.

7. Asthma:
Asthma causes chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing etc. It is very difficult to treat such a condition. Giloyhas often been used by experts to treat asthma patients.

8. Gouty Arthritis:
Giloycontains anti-flammatory as well as anti-arthritic properties that take care of arthritis and its several symptoms, including joint pains.

9. Eye Disorders:
Giloy can also be used to treat eye disorders. It boosts clarity and helps you see better without spectacles. In some parts of India, people do apply Giloy to the eyes. Just boil some of it in water, let it cool down and apply all over the eye lid.

11. Reduces Signs Of Aging:
Giloy can also be used to treat signs of aging. It contains anti-aging properties that reduce dark spots, pimples, fine lines and wrinkles. It keeps your skin bright, young and beautiful.

Is Giloy Safe For Kids?

Giloy is safe for children who are aged five years and above. However, doses shouldn’t be given for more than one to two weeks.

Giloy in Cancer treatment:


This wonderful Ayurvedic herb helps in raising the efficiency of protective WBC (white blood cells) and builds up the body's own protection mechanism known as immune system. It is used as an immunity booster in certain ailments like jaundice, hepatic fibrosis and seasonal fevers. Giloy has proved very effective in preventing fibrous changes and promoting regeneration of the liver. It is a very good and helpful diuretic agent that helps removing renal stones and reducing urea from the blood. Giloy has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and anti-allergic actions.


Causes of cancer and Treatment Prevention of Cancer with Giloy:



Cancer starts with the damage in your DNA. DNA tells your cells how to grow and divide. Normal cells also suffer damage in their DNA but either they are able to repair themselves or they die. But there are certain damages that cannot be repaired. This causes the cells to grow and such cells become cancerous. The mutations also increase the life of the affected cells and they live beyond their normal life span. This causes the accumulation of the cancerous cells.
Many studies have now established that about 80 to 90 percent of cancer in humans is caused due to environmental factors. Some of the important factors contributing to cancer are smoking, infectious diseases, diet, chemicals and presence of radiation near the places of our residence or work.
 Giloy is an Indian herb which has been used since ages by the masters of Ayurveda for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. It is said to increase the life of the human beings by preventing the body from many disease. It is antihelminthic, anti periodic, anti arthritic, blood purifier, anti pyretic, digestive, carminative and expectorant. It gives strength to the heart and is an excellent diuretic. 
Recent studies have confirmed that the fresh juice of the plant is very beneficial in the treatment and prevention of cancer. The important chemical compounds found in the plant are tinosporin, palmarin, tinosporon, tinosporol, perberillin, berberine and heptaconsoltinosporic acid. The fresh stem bark contains giloinin, giloin and gilosterol. But recently phenolic lignin and hypoglycemia agent have also been isolated from the plant. The above bio active phytochemicals have been found to have ability to prevent various diseases including cancer and other immunological disorders.
Based on the historical evidence of the use of Giloy or Tinospora in the treatment of various diseases including cancer and in the light of the recent researches many studies have been done to verify the claim that the fresh plant juice cures and prevents cancer including the liver cancer.
Though more scientific studies are required but the studies so far have revealed the anti cancer and radio protective activities of the herb. The encouraging results only support the wisdom of the ancient masters of Ayurveda. 
It is used in cancer prevention, cancer treatment support, high cholesterol and liver protection. It is used as strong anti-aging factor. It has been used to treat convalescence from severe illness, arthritis, food allergies and anemia. According to some herbalists, Tinospora has adaptogen effects, a term that indicates it helps the body to adopt to stress. In children it is used in general debility, digestive disturbance, loss of appetite and fever.Giloy is popular for its role in cancer and even many trials are going on for its immunomodulatory capacity in treatment of AIDS patients.

How to use Giloy in Cancer­:



Taking 500 mg to 1000 mg dosage, twice daily in case of cancers. In case of blood impurities, skin diseases, gout, the dosage can be 500 mg twice daily Buy 200 gram Giloy sat and make 400 equal dosages and wrap them in paper to make sachets. Each sachet will contain about 500 mg powder. Consume 1 sachet twice daily or 2 sachets twice daily.



In recent years many Indian herbs that have been used since long for various medicinal purposes, have received considerable attention and various scientific studies have been made on them. These medicinal herbal plants contain many phytochemicals like vitamins, terpenoids, carotenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, enzyms and minerals etc. All these phytochemicals have antioxidant properties which help in the treatment of many diseases including cancer.
Giloy is one such medicinal plant which helps in the treatment of cancer, perhaps the most important genetic diseases.




Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 
Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!



Cheers!

Author- Akshay Shaligram

Sunday, January 18, 2015

What you should know about someone fighting Cancer.





What you should know about someone fighting Cancer!!


Well if you know anyone fighting Cancer. Just keep these points in mind. 
Let the animations load. It would take a few seconds..

1. People detected with Cancer are not suddenly transformed into Super-Heros. 

We fight a disease that terrifies everyone but we dont turn into (and dont expect us to immediately) turn into Super Heros.

 2. We are strong because sometimes there is no other option.
At times our fight is simply a willingness to go through treatment because, frankly, there's no alternative. We endure pain and sickness for the chance to feel normal down the road.  


3. Just call sometimes, Don’t wait on me to call you if I need anything.  
Please call me every once in a while and do come over. I know you told me to call if I ever needed anything, but it’s weird asking others to spend time with me.


4. We can have real emotions too. 
We do experience real emotions too. Even though cancer and its treatments can sometimes influence my outlook, I still have normal moods and feelings in response to life events. If I’m angry or upset, accept that something made me mad and don’t write it off as the disease. 

5. Be Normal  - Not "How are you feeling now" 
Let’s talk about life and what’s been happening rather than just focusing on my illness.

6. Forgive me.  
There will be times when the illness and its treatment (Chemos, Drugs, Steroids)  make me “weird.” I may be forgetful, abrupt or hurtful. None of this is deliberate. Please don’t take it personally, and please forgive me.

7.Just listen.


I’m doing my very best to be brave and strong, but I have moments when I need to fall apart. Just listen and don’t offer solutions. A good cry releases a lot of stress and pressure for me. 

6. Ask if you want to take pictures of us. 
We all have our own ways of handling thing. Some dont want to remember this time and some dont mind. So better ask. 

7. We do need a little time alone sometimes. 
 A few points ago I was talking about how much I need to spend time with you, and now I’m telling you to go away. I love you, but sometimes I need a little solitude. It gives me the chance to take off the brave face I’ve been wearing too long, and the silence can be soothing. Sometimes I do cry in the bathroom.

8. Our family needs their friends too. 
The life starts revolving around the patients. Well try to make it a point to meet our families too. They also need normalcy for some time.

9. We love your advice but dont give Gyaan. (Dont Preach)
I know you care but still don't preach what you feel is the right way to fight Cancer. Give me the options. But dont push it beyond a point. Let me decide whats my way of fighting this battle.

10. Why did this happen? Ans. Well I dont know.

I saved the best one for the last. Frankly except a few Cancers, most do not have a particular reason. Its sheer genetic mutation, Just BAD LUCK !! 

Written By:
Rahul Yadav

A 29 year old battling Multiple Myeloma - Blood Cancer since Aug 2013, who wants to make fighting cancer Cool. 





Note: 
I have picked all the images from the internet and do not own any of them. Also I have taken inspirations from Kim Helminski Keller's blog. Feel free to contact me for suggestions or feedback. Would love to hear from you. 

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

I survived!


Today I am going to tell you a story... A story about a young and cheerful girl.
A story about myself.
Life could not have been more beautiful. Well, it could have been but then who is not a little greedy.




I had returned from US after an onsite stint of one and a half years. I was absolutely elated to be with my family & friends and eating golgappas from my favorite roadside vendor made me taste heaven.




Just when you think life is going exactly as you had planned, God throws in a roadblock and smiles at you. I found myself standing outside an oncologist’s clinic.



YES! I had been diagnosed with cancer – Ewing’s Sarcoma to be specific. It is a type of childhood cancer but I was 25 when I was diagnosed. Being the big bollywood fan that I am, my mind transported to that scene from the movie “Anand”. Cancer equals Death! I thought what most of us would have thought in that situation.





But since I am also a software engineer, I did what all of us do when we face an issue – GOOGLE. I googled the name of my disease and within the first few clicks, learnt that it was curable. I went to the office next day and wrapped up my work.




I then went to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. I was intrigued by the sight in the hospital – new born babies, children, young and old; all battling cancer. And it made me wonder. “Does cancer spare anyone?”


I realized that I would have to be really strong to stand in those serpentine queues to meet the doctors and run from one doctor to the other carrying my case file. There was no time to feel sorry about myself. THE WAR HAD BEGUN!



The doctors suggested an intensive one year chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. But the treatment turned out to be more terrible than the disease itself. I lost my beautiful hair and my physical stamina. The treatment even threatened to sap my soul.
My thoughts swung between two extremes. “God, Why me? Why did I get this? What did I do to get this? I have never harmed any one, never cheated any one, never stolen.” And then I thought “Can it get worse than this?”




“Oh yes!” I was thankful to God that my treatment was showing good results; I wasn’t under a risk of amputation of one of my limbs like many other unlucky souls around me; and YES, I wasn’t dying!!


But many a times, I found myself alone on the seesaw with no pal to push me up when I was feeling so down. Most of my friends were busy in their normal lives and no one could empathize with me. But then I discovered a new planet inhabited by people just like me – Planet Cancer.



An online social community for young adults touched by cancer where they could share insights, explore their fears, laugh and even poke fun at cancer. The Crazy Sexy Cancer Book by Kris Carr, an actress gave me lots of tips on how to kick cancer’s ass and that too in style: “Don’t capitalize cancer.  Giving it so much importance is a big no-no. Infact spell it wrong: c-a-n-s-e-r. It gives you power over that stupid little two-syllable word.” Haha!
I found a lot of inspiration from other patients around me, some of whom were battling cancer the second or even the third time. My strong willpower, positivity, hope and courage helped me in the fight. It made me believe in the words: “When Cancer was looking around for a body to hang out in, it made a big mistake when it chose mine. Big mistake!”
The legendary words of Jim Valvano made a big impact on me. "Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever.”


Having cancer does not mean you lose your sense of humor. Finding humor even in such a difficult situation helped me relax.

My parents, brother, cousins and my entire extended family became my support system during this journey. I became much closer to my parents after seeing their selfless love, care and support.



I came out victorious in the fight. But the journey had made a big impact on me. I also realized how we humans live in our own little bubble, fretting over small things oblivious to such realities until a tragedy hits us or someone close to us. I have started loving and respecting my life much more after coming close to losing it.

Each one of us, at some point face the “challenge of our life”. For me it was fighting cancer, for you it can be losing a job, being in a bad relationship or separating from a loved one. Let’s face it, life itself is a constant challenge. It’s full of unexpected detours that no one but you can navigate. It’s very easy to get bogged down by failures and challenges and give up. But what really matters is giving in whatever it takes to fight the challenge, coming out smiling and saying “I survived!”



By Gauri Singh

Gauri was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in October 2008. She graduated from Indian School of Business, Hyderabad in 2013. She is currently working for a pharmaceutical company in Hyderabad. She also actively volunteers for Yoddhas - The Warriors Indians Fighting Against Cancer, India's first online Cancer Support Community. 
She inspires patients with her story and helps them cope up with the mental trauma and social stigma associated with this disease. She also works to spread awareness about cancer in her social circle.


Sunday, April 27, 2014

Caregiver - The unsung Hero of every Cancer Batttle


Nobody should fight cancer alone. Everyone deserves a loving caregiver. In the midst of ones life’s biggest battle, one needs an advocate, a rock, and a safe harbor. 

Caregiver (Hindi - देख रेख करने वाला)
(definition on wiki) :- Is an unpaid or paid relative or friend of a disabled individual who helps that individual with his or her activities of daily living. Though in India it simply becomes the closest relative.  

People often talk about the fighter fighting the disease but the caregiver goes through much more as he / she needs to be the strongest at all times. He/she truely is the Unsung Hero of every Cancer battle.



Caregiving is not just hand-holding, it is hard work and it’s okay to cry, being sad is fine at times. But on the other hand let yourself be happy, look into a support group via the cancer center. Connect here on our site www.yoddhas.com and discuss with other caregivers what they are doing. 



Cancer and its treatments are havoc upon the human body. Your cancer warrior needs every bit of your attention as he or she would have mood swings, pains, restlessness, loneliness etc. You must focus on the task to complete the mission and get the fighter to fight and sail through.



You’ll be scared, a lot. You will be in doctors’ offices and clinics and hospitals. You’ll see too many very sick people. Do not let negative thought come in your mind. You need to remain calm  and firm. You need to learn to ask a lot of questions. If you don’t understand something, ask again and again if need be. You and your loved one need and deserve to know exactly what the team has in mind. 

Knowledge is the antidote to fear. You as the caregiver are the key link between what your loved one feels and thinks, but may not be able to say at the time to the doctor’s and the team. Also you would be expected to almost become half doctor. You would be expected to have an understating of the medicines etc.

You are surrounded by people who want to help, but have no idea, none, of what needs to be done, so ask for help when required. No one set of caregiver guidelines is correct. You know your own circumstances better than anyone. When in doubt, listen to yourself, give yourself permission to trust in your judgment. You are smart and capable and worthy of this great thing.

Most importantly, when you are with your loved one, listen with all your heart. Your cancer warrior needs you, needs you weak, strong, your wisdom and your touch. Regardless of how this cancer journey turns out, you exit at the other end a person of greater wisdom, compassion, and heart. 

Do not lose hope at any point of time and don’t let any negative thought weaken you and people around you. You must have faith at all times. Remember, there will be days that will bring bad news, you must be ready to handle it well for yourself and your warrior and keep the smiles on, always..

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Monday, April 14, 2014

Healthy Eating for the Desi's

Whether you are a mast Desi Babydoll or a stud Yo Yo boay living a masti filled life, beware sometimes life knocks us down, and brings you down with health issues. Say you have a history of cancer in your family, or are currently battling any disease, lifestyle factors, including your diet, can make a huge difference in helping you fight off any ailment. Some foods actually increase your risk of cancer, while others support your body and strengthen your immune system. By making smart food choices, you can protect your health, feel better, and boost your ability fight any disease. Also the Indian food by nature is full of natural ingredients which are good and helpful in fighting of diseases. For eg. Turmeric (haldi) is an excellent anti-cancer food.

What you need to know about yourr diet.

Not all health problems are avoidable, but you have more control over your health than you may think. Avoiding cigarettes, limiting alcohol, and getting regular exercise are a great start to a healthy lifestyle. 
But to best support your health, you also need to look at your eating habits.What you eat—and don’t eat—has a powerful effect on your health, including your risk of cancer. Without knowing it, you may be eating many foods that fuel cancer, while neglecting the powerful foods and nutrients that can protect you. If you change your diet and behaviors, you can minimize your risk of any disease.

 Your diet should predominantly be a plant-based diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A plant-based diet means eating mostly foods that come from plants: vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and beans. The less processed these foods are—the less they’ve been cooked, peeled, mixed with other ingredients, stripped of their nutrients, or otherwise altered from the way they came out of the ground—the better. Keep in mind that you don’t need to go completely vegetarian. Instead, focus on adding “whole” foods, which are foods close to their original form. Just as important, try to minimize or reduce the amount of processed foods you eat. Eat an apple instead of drinking a glass of apple juice, for example. Or enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with raisins instead of an oatmeal raisin cookie.

Simple tips:-

Breakfast:
Add fruit and a few seeds or nuts to your whole grain breakfast cereal (such as oatmeal). Go smart. Not all Indian breakfast is good. That Aloo Paratha (Indian stuffed bread) is NOT an health option specially when served with chucks of butter. But say a Idli is a great light steamed option. Again avoid the processed stuff. Yes that old saying still hold true. and I wont get into why its still the way to go. 


Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.


Lunch:
Eat a big salad filled with your favorite beans and peas or other combo of veggies. Always order lettuce and tomato (plus any other veggies you can) on your sandwiches. Order whole grain bread for your sandwiches. Have a side of veggies like cut up carrots, sauerkraut, or a piece of fruit.

Snacks:

Fresh fruit and vegetables. Grab an apple or banana on your way out the door. Raw veggies such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, peppers, etc. are great with a low-fat dip such as hummus or any other spread (low fat please). Keep trail mix made with nuts, seeds, and a little dried fruit on hand. Do NOT go for those Haliram mix namkeens, chips etc. You will just kill the effort. Or simply get a few Coconuts (get them half cut) home and have  it any time you feel low and tired. Instant Nirvana..

Dinner: 
Add fresh veggies to your  dinner. Try to go low on the number of Rotis or the quantity of Rice to be low. Try baking - baked potato with broccoli and yogurt, sautéed veggies, or with mint chutney. Replace creamy pasta sauces, butter chicken curries with sautéed vegetables or tomato sauce made with healthy olive oil. Try more of grilled food than fried stuff. 

Dessert:
Try and kill that craving for a sweets post every meal. Its a stupid Indian house hold habit. Choose fruit instead of a richer dessert. Or a single square of dark chocolate. 

Drinking :
Ok. Let talk about what got you here. The mis-leading picture. Not really. SO what about Drinking Let me not preach here. Well a man has to drink some times (Its called Social Maajburi).  Well make the smart choices again. Drink in moderation. Try and drink red wine (An excellent anti- oxidant). Understand your mixers. A cocktail is a trap of empty calories. Snacks (chakhna-makhna) with drinks are seldom healthy. Rather go simple and enjoy a good drink. You wont like me for this like. But drinking can be treated in the below fashion. 
Remember - Always go for Quality over Quantity

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