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Some of the herbs from Ayurvedic tradition that are beginning to come into their own universally are Gymnema Sylvestre (blood sugar control), Boswellia Serrata and Turmeric (inflammation) Guggul Gum - (cholesterol),  Bacopa Monnieri (ADD/ADHD) , and Ashwaganda ( an adaptogen and antidepressant).

Their action as an anti inflammatory is achieved by inhibition of the enzymes which enable the body to produce Arachidonic acid, thus lessening the inflammatory effect.  Its action is similar to that of aspirin, but differs from aspirin in that it does not affect the prevention of vascular thrombosis, which aspirin in large doses can certainly do.  This is an important advantage for Turmeric (curcumin)  over aspirin, since curcumin selectively inhibits synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins but does not affect the synthesis of prostacyclin. [1]  Prostacyclin is an important factor in preventing vascular thrombosis, and any drug that affects its synthesis, especially when used in large doses, may increase the risk of this dangerous condition. Curcumin may therefore be preferable for patients who are prone to vascular thrombosis and require anti-inflammatory and/or antiarthritic therapy.
Many tests have shown an improvement in ALL participants - to my mind, a powerful endorsement - and the antioxidant qualities are an added bonus.

Much exciting research has shown an important role for Curcumin in Cancer prevention. I am indebted to Catherine Cox, of the yahoo group AdvancingBudwigProtocol for this synopsis:

Gymnema Sylvestre  whose Hindi name literally means 'sugar destroyer', has been shown in vitro to have a glycolytic action and the ability to reduce the strength of a glucose solution. It has been used in Ayurveda for several centuries to regulate sugar metabolism. Gymnema increases insulin production, possibly by repairing or regenerating pancreas cells, the site of insulin production. It also abolishes the taste of sugar, which effectively suppresses and neutralizes the craving for sweets. 

A Dr. K. Shanmugasundaram,  professor at the medical school of the University of Madras in India, conducted tests using Gymnema on people who needed insulin shots daily. Previous tests on animals whose beta cells were destroyed with a chemical called alloxan showed, after a few months of supplementation with Gymnema, that it either repairs or regenerates the beta cells. Insulin-dependent humans have beta cells that don't produce insulin because of a hereditary defect. The scientists assumed that if they could generate beta cells in animals that produce insulin, they could do it in humans, too. That's exactly what happened in the clinical tests on humans. Their insulin requirement dropped, along with lowered blood sugar and improved glucose utilization. Also, the glycogen (stored blood sugar) in the liver became normal after five and a half months of taking Gymnema. Dr. Shanmugasundaram concluded in his clinical report that after administration of Gymnema for several months, "insulin requirements go down."**

Boswellia Serrata - The gum resin of Boswellia, secreted from the cortex (also known as Frankincense) , has been traditionally used as incense because of its fragrant properties. One active constituent, Boswellic Acid, is a pyrazoline derivative shown to be very effective in supporting healthy joints. Like its cousin Guggul, Boswellia has many cholesterol and triglyceride lowering properties. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this extract, however, is that it has been shown to be effective in cases of ulcerative colitis, an extremely painful and difficult to treat condition. "In patients suffering from ulcerative colitis grade II and III the effect of Boswellia serrata gum resin preparation (350 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks) on stool properties, histolopathology and scan microscopy of rectal biopsies, blood parameters including Hb, serum iron, calcium, phosphorus, proteins, total leukocytes and eosinophils was studied. Patients receiving sulfasalazine (1 g thrice daily) served as controls. All parameters tested improved after treatment with Boswellia serrata gum resin, the results being similar compared to controls: 82% out of treated patients went into remission; in case of sulfasalazine remission rate was 75%."  (Eur J Med Res 1997 Jan;2(1):37-43)

Guggul (which is actually Myrrh - maybe the Wise Men were really on to something),  lowers both cholesterol  (Science 2002 May 31;296(5573):1703-6) and triglycerides (J Assoc Physicians India. 1981 Jan;29(1):13-7. ) while maintaining or improving the HDL to LDL ratio. 
The resin is known to increase white blood cell counts and possess strong disinfecting properties. It may have been one of the very first "broad spectrum drugs" with a wide therapeutic range. A broad mode of action makes this plant very helpful not only in protecting against the common cold, but also in various skin, dental and ophthalmic infections.

Bacopa Monnieri -  is considered the main rejuvenating herb for nerve and brain cells and, therefore, has played a very important role in Ayurvedic therapies for the treatment of cognitive disorders of aging. Countless studies have shown Brahmi helps improve protein activity and protein synthesis, especially in brain cells, which can increase intelligence, longevity and memory and decrease senility and aging. It has tranquilizing effects but, unlike synthetic sedatives which often have side effects of dulling the mind, Brahmi actually improves mental clarity. One way in which it may help (particularly in cases of ADD/ADHD, and the elderly) is by regulating the thyroid: it has a thyroid stimulating effect, increasing T4 by 41% without enhancing hepatic lipid peroxidation. ( J Ethnopharmacol 2002 Jul;81(2):281-5)

Ashwaganda  (Withania somnifera),  also known as Winter cherry, has been used for thousands of years as a popular remedy for many conditions. Perhaps its main use, as described in Ayurvedic literature, is as a daily, long-term 'rasayana' or rejuvenating treatment. Ashwaganda is one of the best known and best researched Ayurvedic herbs and holds a place in the Ayurvedic traditions similar to Ginseng in Chinese therapies. For that reason, Ashwagandha has been often referred to as the 'Indian Ginseng'. It is one of the best health tonics and restorative agents that have been used to treat general debility, exhaustion, stress induced fatigue and insomnia. Studies have shown its rejuvenating effect, particularly for the muscles and marrow. Various alkaloids and withanoloides in Withania somnifera have shown impressive results in scientific tests, two of them as stimulants for the immune system.

Dr. Lise Anschuler, who teaches at Bastyr University,  lists the following benefits:

• Contains high levels of an absorbable plant iron

• Improves the results of cancer treatment

• Reduces the side effects chemotherapy.

• Increases Red Blood Cells through its action on the bone marrow.

• She personally finds it effective for anxiety

• It induces restful sleep.

• It is an adaptogen, balancing the body

• It spares the release of Cortisol, moderating its effects on such conditions as PMS, depression, thyroid imbalances, & menstrual irregularities

• Helpful for arthritis and all chronic inflammatory conditions.

• Excellent for older people in a weakened state

• Helps control rhinitis & atopic dermatitis.
   

Garcinia Cambogia is another "new" star: marketed as Citrimax and also known as Hydroxycitric acid, its effect on appetite and weight loss has been the subject of intense study and interest.  The rind of this fruit has been used in South East Asia as a digestive aid for many centuries, but now we know that through inhibition of certain enzymes it controls the glycogen/glucose cycle in our bodies, diminishing appetite, reducing food intake, and suppressing fatty acid synthesis. Studies have shown that (-) hydroxycitric acid (HCA) present in the Garcinia Cambogia extract (containing not less than 50% w/w of HCA) is known to inhibit lipogenesis and fatty acid synthesis. It acts by inhibiting the citrate cleavage enzyme which catalyzes the formation of precursors for fatty acid synthesis. In a study published in International Journal of Obesity (1996), HCA has also been shown to boost basal metabolic rate so the body continues to burn calories and lose weight.

Increasingly these names are being mentioned in the Press and on TV. But while Ayurveda has certainly discovered and used many highly effective substances. it has never really been about individual remedies, but about something dear to my own heart, as my readers well know: and that is: Balance. Ayurvedic formulas usually contain a blend of herbs. Ayurveda believes that the normal state for the body is a state of health, and that when disease overcomes it, the body struggles to heal itself: the role of medicine is to support the struggle and return the body to natural  balance.

A Doctor skilled in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine will not content himself with just suggesting  a herbal remedy for the problem that is presenting, but will determine the characteristics of the patient and counsel on diet, exercise, massage and meditation as well as prescribing the appropriate substances. Ayurveda places everyone into one of three categories, according to a series of criteria based on physical and mental clues which determine their "Constitutional Type". While to a certain extent the practice of Ayurved seems to be developing away from this particular diagnostic method, it can still be of value in determining what remedy to choose: certain constitutional types are definitely more susceptible to certain ailments, and matching the patterns of digestion, absorption and diet can be an important part of the cure.

Whether one's interest in Ayurveda follows the more traditional pattern, or whether one has simply benefited from one of the individual stars in its healing firmament, this ancient approach to health has much to offer.

1.Srivastava, V., et al. (1986). "Effect of Curcumin on Platelet Aggregation and Vascular Prostacyclin Synthesis," Arzneim. Forsch
2. J Ethnopharmacol, 30:295-300, 1990 Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients.

Baskaran K, Kizar Ahamath B, Radha Shanmugasundaram K, Shanmugasundaram ER.

Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Madras, India.

The effectiveness of GS4, an extract from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, in controlling hyperglycaemia was investigated in 22 Type 2 diabetic patients on conventional oral anti-hyperglycaemic agents. GS4 (400 mg/day) was administered for 18-20 months as a supplement to the conventional oral drugs. During GS4 supplementation, the patients showed a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins, and conventional drug dosage could be decreased. Five of the 22 diabetic patients were able to discontinue their conventional drug and maintain their blood glucose homeostasis with GS4 alone. These data suggest that the beta cells may be regenerated/repaired in Type 2 diabetic patients on GS4 supplementation. This is supported by the appearance of raised insulin levels in the serum of patients after GS4 supplementation.
 

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Doshas are the
Natural Earth Elements that make up an Individual Body -
ether, air. water, earth and fire.
Find out more.
 

Ayurveda - a complete
 "Science of Life"
 

Ayurveda Infocenter in Holisticonline.com
 

Dr. Douillard's
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An Integrated Medical Clinic and Ayurveda School  combining the strengths and knowledge of
both traditional western and alternative medicine in a holistic manner
 

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