Ayurvedic Ways of Healing Heart Disorders

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. You can find the real truth of this verse if you take it close to your heart!!! Heart is one of the most vital human organs, not only because it propels oxygenated blood to the human body, but also propagates one of the most essential elixirs of human life to the humanity, which is LOVE & PEACE!!!! How difficult would it be to come across a problem with such a prodigious part of your body!!!! Even the simplest issue may lead to serious outbreaks if not treated properly. I’m not here to threaten you; rather I’m just trying to share some of the splendid ‘heart’ shielding systems of the stupendous scintillating science called as Ayurveda.

Before selecting the right treatment to proceed with, the most important thing that one should know is the root cause of the ailment that he/she suffers from. The top most imperative idea behind this fact is that it helps you to explore the depth of the treating process of an ailment and whether it progresses with the root cause rather than just momentarily moving with the ill effects of the illness. Heart diseases have become so common and the major root causes are listed below:

1. Stress – Drain the Strain from your Brain: Chronic stress is that one major contributor for heart problems for it plays a vital role in promoting hormonal alteration and biochemical retorts, which activates the cardiovascular disease and draws it under the deadly shadow of PRESSURE!! Stress is also a silent contributor to hypertension, poor eating habits, weakened digestion, slow elimination and increased cigarette smoking, which are all the major risk factors of heart diseases.

Ayurveda and Ayurvedic essential oils play an important role in dealing with the three types of stress a human body can experience namely Mental Stress, Emotional Stress & Physical Stress. Mental stress can be brought under control by managing the mental activities which is greatly induced by aromatherapy, meditation and an expert Ayurvedic massage therapy. Emotional stress can be kept at bay by undertaking an Ayurvedic pattern of daily diet which includes cup of warm milk with cooling rose petal, cardamom, garlic, onion, coriander, cilantro, mint etc. A simple self-massage with cooling oils like coconut oil can help you in the long run for managing a good night’s sleep, which is trusted to bring down your emotional stress. Physical stress can be pacified by taking the necessary rest and following moderate exercises, switching to a healthy Ayurvedic diet and a soothing Ayurvedic massage.

2. Ineffective Circulation – Try circulating it: One of the key sources of heart problems is ineffective circulation of blood, which is caused due to hardening, inflammation or congestion of the arteries. Ineffective circulation of blood can restrict blood flow as well as set excess pressure on the heart muscles and tissues. Some of the factors that greatly influence proper blood circulation and Ayurveda’s role in toning up these factors are:

  • Nutritious Food – Human’s Best Intake: The very first wealth a human should possess is health and the key technique of acquiring this wealth is the intake of nutritious food. There are certain food items that are heavier and clogging in nature. It affects blood circulation. Ayurveda suggests natural remedies in healing blood circulation issues. Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) is one such nature’s gift, which has some unique properties that help in strengthening the cardiac muscle, reducing arterial congestion and lowering blood pressure.
  • Digestion, Elimination, Metabolism – Three keys to better circulation: Digestion, Elimination and Metabolism are the three key processes that go hand in hand in harmonizing the process of circulation. The ability to digest is even more important than what is actually consumed. Even a nutritious food may turn notorious if the process of digestion is improper. Poor ability to digest may even turn the stalest food to toxic, which act as clogging impurities that find shelter in the vessel walls.
  • Elimination is that one process which when slows down makes the body to absorb the impurities. These impurities when absorbed not only clog the vessels but may even damage them!
  • Metabolism comes into effect in building the tissues properly and removing the waste products created by cells and tissues. There are many toxic waste products which possess the ability to damage vessel walls and one such product is free radical.

Ayurveda, as everybody knows is one source of enormous healing methodologies that provides complete solution for supporting systematic digestion, elimination and metabolism.

3. Daily Diet & Lovable Lifestyle – Live it!!! Love it: You can predict your future with the diet and lifestyle you follow. Yes, this is absolutely true since your diet and lifestyle frames the healthy structure of your body both internally & externally. A nourishing diet truly cherishes your body and if not taken in the right way it can exactly show its adverse effects.  Ingesting heart friendly herbs, spices and staples like garlic, turmeric, ginger, saffron, whole grains, pulses etc, can help you a long way prolifically.

4. Live right to lead right with a righteous lifestyle: Yoga – a simple systematic sibling of Ayurveda helps in stabilizing your body skillfully. One can follow practicing this wonderful tool, which can shape your lifestyle blissfully!!!

It is always good to remember that prevention is better than cure. No matter what the root cause is? It is only you who is responsible for all that happens to you!! Nature has blessed us with plenty of uncountable resources, which can be proved fruitful if utilized in the right way. Let us make use of the heart of Nature – Ayurveda to soothe the human heart.

Thought for the day:

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.                                                            –Helen Keller 

Suggested Reading:

  1.  AYURVEDA FOR CORONARY HEART DISEASE by Dr.Shashikant Patwardhan
  2. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume One: Fundamental Principles by Vasant Lad
  3. The Digestive System and the Process of Nutrition in Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Medicine by C. Scott Ryan

Reference Links:

  1. Ayurvedic Treatment For Heart Diseases by Ayurveda For You
  2. The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach To Cardiovascular by Authentic Ayurveda Health Spa – The Raj
  3. Ayurveda Approach To Treating Stress by Holistic Healing

Fir Needle Oil

Fir needle oil is indeed a sacred oil and is known as the forest healer for its immaculate medicinal uses that sanctify one with an array of health benefits and heartiness. Used as a primordial remedy for treating cold, cough, joint pains and muscular cramps, this highly spirited oil purifies the air and gifts us with a heavenly and infection-free atmosphere.

Fir-needlle-bannerFir Needle oil is extracted from the needle like leaves of Silver fir tree, scientifically known as Abies Alba. It has also been said that Fir needle oil is also extracted from the needles of the Balsam fir tree botanically called as Abies Balsamea and these trees belong to the pine family Pinaceae.

Ayurveda prescribes the use of Fir Needle oil in Abhyanga, the art of Ayurvedic massaging and other remedial practices for treating rheumatism, joint pain, sinusitis, muscular cramps, skin problems and other problems associated with the lymphatic system and the respiratory system.

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Historical uses of Fir needle and its essential oil:

Fir needle tree and its various extracts have a long history for its enormous remedial values. The fresh balsamic scent of this tree makes you feel like walking in a forest and reminds of the captivating Christmas Eve.

Fir needles have the real power to purify the air and the soul with its disinfecting and calming properties. And it is for these great reasons; fir needles were burnt in the past after childbirth, to impart good health for the mother and the newborn. The pitch of the tree was used to treat womanly problems like menstrual irregularities. Various parts of the fir trees when mixed with other medicinal herbs were used to treat cancer, tuberculosis and rheumatism.

Poultices made with Fir needles were used in folklore medicine for relieving arthritis, rheumatism and muscular pain. The gums of fir trees were used to prepare ointments to treat itches, sores, wounds, insect bites, boils and infections. The decoction extracted with the bark was used for curing kidney problems and the roots were used in the treatment of heart diseases and rheumatism.

Native Americans widely used fir needles for padding the pillows for peaceful sleep and they also used it as a sudatory for women after childbirth. Fir Needle essential oil is utilized in the manufacture of cosmetic products, perfumes, bath oils, air fresheners, aerosol inhalants and incense. Ancient Egyptians used Fir needle oil to prepare hair growth formula that would elevate and energize the root of the hair when massaged onto the scalp.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Fir Needle oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Fir Needle oil constitutes of 17 chemical components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality of this oil. Of which, Bornyl acetate contributes to the highest proportion of Fir Needle oil constituents with about 34% of its total composition.

Just click on:

I believe that this must certainly help you in getting to know the exclusive information about these prime chemical constituents of Fir Needle oil.

The table crafted below clearly depicts the unique nature and contributions of these biochemical constituents to the healing magnificence of Fir Needle essential oil.

fir-needle

Therapeutic properties of Fir Needle essential oil:

Fir needle essential oil has numerous effective chemical compounds and the majority of which is monoterpenes. The other constituents include sesquiterpenes, beta-pinene, delta-3-carene, alpha-pinene and terpene ester bornyl acetate, where beta-pinene and delta-3-carene have effective anti-bacterial properties.

The therapeutic properties of Fir needle essential oil are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral, invigorating, stimulating, analgesic, anti-tussive, diuretic, antioxidant, astringent, energizer, aromatic, expectorant, deodorant, stimulant and tonic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Fir Needle essential Oil:

Ayurveda is a common sense science that has a strong reason for everything that pertains to human health. It simply preaches that health is the outcome of one’s harmony with nature and illness occurs when things does not act in sync with nature. This 5,000 years old ancient science aims at striking balance between human health and nature with the use of natural remedies including essential oils, herbs, yoga, Ayurvedic routine, simple physical exercises, meditation and prayers.

Ayurveda is adorably called as the mother of all healing sciences for its brilliance in treating the root cause of an illness rather than just treating its symptoms. By this way, it helps in curing the sickness initially and prevent it in future as well. Charaka Samhita, one among the greatest Ayurvedic encyclopedia states “The three – body, psyche, and soul – act as a tripod. The world stands upon them, and within them, the world abides.

Ayurvedic treatments are not the same for every person as Ayurveda strongly believes that every individual is distinctive with a unique individual constitution just like our thumb impression. So it says that illnesses of individuals should also be treated in a unique manner.

This constitution comprises of three biological energies known as doshas, namely vata, pitta and kapha. These doshas are a combination of five elements of nature, which are fire, water, air, earth and space.

Just like nature, our body also has all the five elements. Where vata represents air and space and is responsible for movement. Pitta stands for fire and water and is accountable for transformation of energies. Kapha symbolizes earth and water and is in charge of structure and fluids in the body.

Perfect health is determined with the balance of all these three doshas and imbalance causes illnesses. Ayurvedic remedies are involved in the act of correcting the imbalances of doshas. Fir needle oil is said to lessen kapha, pitta and vata aggravation.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Fir needle oil are:fit-needle1. Relieves cough, cold and other respiratory illnesses:

According to Ayurveda, respiratory illnesses occur mainly due to aggravated kapha energy, which causes water retention and excess phlegm and mucous deposits. Along with this, increased vata dosha is responsible for sinusitis, asthma and breathing problems.

Fir needle oil is said to lessen both aggravated kapha and vata and for which it has been used for centuries in the treatment of cold, cough, fever, flu and other respiratory illnesses. Natural Fir needle oil inhalers are used in Ayurvedic healing for treating cold and breathing problems.

The exquisite antiseptic property of this oil helps in maintaining the sanitation of the surrounding by preventing the spread of harmful microorganisms, which are among the primary reasons for respiratory infections.

Fir Needle oil has antitussive properties that acts as an effective cough suppressant. As a refreshing expectorant, this oil loosens the mucous and the phlegm deposits in the lungs and respiratory tract, thus cleansing the respiratory passages and speeding up the recovery process.

Adding 2 drops of Fir needle oil in steam inhalation and inhaling the pine-forest aroma assists in clearing blocked nasal passages, preventing the inflammation of the respiratory organs, alleviating breathing difficulties, treating bronchitis and it helps in maintaining clear sinuses.

Mix 2 drops of Fir needle oil with 1 ml coconut oil and rub it gently on your chest, back and throat for helping with nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, cough and flu. Add 3 to 4 drops of Fir needle oil in warm bathing water for feeling light and re-energized as respiratory infections generally make the body feel heavier and drowsy.

2. Alleviates rheumatic and muscular pain:

Fir needle oil has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic properties that soothes and eases pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism and muscular tension. Also known as Silver Fir, the essential oil of Fir is extremely soothing to joints and muscles and acts as an effective aid in lessening pain and inflammation.

With its kapha reducing properties, massaging 3 drops of Fir needle oil mixed with 1.5ml of sesame oil on the painful areas aids in treating water retention, discharging detrimental toxins, salt and other micro-organisms in the body through urine and sweat, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain with its powerful analgesic values. You can also add 3 to 4 drops of Fir needle oil in hot compress or in warm foot bath for decreasing pain and promoting relaxation.

3. Valued in skin care treatments:

Fir needle oil has been in use since the primordial times to protect the skin and retain its natural glow. The astringent properties of this oil is effective in treating acne, injuries, infections, sores, wounds, cuts, mild allergies, insect bites etc.

The anti oxidant properties of Fir needle oil fights against the free radicals and prevents premature aging. Mix 2 drops of Fir needle oil with 1 ml jojoba oil or to your regular skin care cream and apply it on the affected areas in circular movements. This stimulating application to the skin results in mild coagulation of the skin proteins, thus elevating it natural beauty and retaining its youthfulness.

Fir Needle oil is often recommended by dermatologists and Alternative medicine experts in the treatment of psoriasis, itching, pimples, eczema, skin diseases, poor skin, scabies and sores. This is mainly due to the presence of antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties of this oil.

A 2006 study on ‘Composition and antibacterial activity of Abies balsamea essential oil’ published in PubMed states that the three constituents in Fir needle oil namely alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene were effective against the gram negative and gram positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, where Staphylococcus aureus is mainly responsible for wounds and other skin infections to turn septic and worsen.

4. Emulsifies your emotional strength:

Your success depends upon your mental strength and amidst the stress and tension of this contemporary world, nothing better than the natural remedies like essential oils can grant us the real peace and serenity.

Fir needle oil is a boon to mankind with its rich invigorating, stimulating and energizing properties contributing to a potential uplift of the emotional strength. 2 to 3 drops of Fir oil added to your diffuser or burner can act as a mood elevator that aids in revitalizing your mind, refreshing your soul, weakening the element of depression, lack of self-confidence, agony, fear and emotional stress.

5. Discards toxins and improves metabolism:

Being a diuretic, Fir Needle Oil is helps in eliminating the toxic remains, uric acid, fat deposits and salts in the body through urine by stimulating the frequency and quantity of urine.

Massaging your body with 10 drops of Fir needle oil mixed with 10ml of coconut oil can improve the health of the kidneys, treat kidney stones or renal calculi, urinary infections, food poisoning by enhancing the functions of the excretory system and boosting the metabolic functions naturally.

Other health benefits of fir Needle Oil:

Fir needle oil is also used in manufacturing soaps, perfumes, air fresheners, hair oils, body lotions etc. It can also be used on pet animals as it is a non-toxic repellent of fleas. Certain research studies have also proved the antitumor activity of Fir needle oil by the production of reactive oxygen species induced by alpha-humulene as possible mechanism of action.

Disclaimer:

This is only for the purpose of information and is not meant for diagnosis or as a replacement for prescribed drugs or professional medical advice. Never use essential oils internally and topical use should always be in a diluted manner as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated extracts and can cause harm if used directly on the skin. It is advisable to consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before making the right choice of essential oils for your unique health condition and individual constitution.

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of Fir Needle oil is readily available for your enhanced safety and better usage.

Gas Chromatography Report (GC analysis) of Fir Needle oil.

Thought for the day:

Nature’s music is never over; her silences are pauses, not conclusions.                  -Mary Webb

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
  2. Healing Power Beyond Medicine by Carol A. Wilson
  3. The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicines by Matthew Wood
  4. Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils by Valerie Ann Worwood
  5. Genetics and breeding of the Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) =: Genetika i oplemenjivanje obicne jele (Abies alba Mill.) (Anali za sumarstvo) by Stefan Korpel

Reference Links:

  1. Abies Alba by Wikipedia
  2. Abies Balsamea by The University of Michigan
  3. Composition and antibacterial activity of Abies Balsamea essential oil by Pichette A, Larouche PL, Lebrun M, Legault J. Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Canada, published in PubMed
  4. Balsam Fir by herbs2000.com


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Carvone

Carvone is a monoterpene hydrocarbon seen in excessive quantities in the seeds of caraway, dill and spearmint. The chemical belongs to the family of terpenoid. It is a liquid and is seen in a color that is slightly yellow to colorless, and is soluble in ether, alcohol, propylene glycol, chloroform, and mineral oils.

Carvone is seen as two mirror images, R-(–)-carvone and S-(+)-carvone. They two have very different distinctive smells that can be identified even by squirrel monkeys.

R-(–)-carvone smells like spearmint leaves and S-(+)-carvone smells like that of caraway seeds. It has been in use from ancient times, and has been used for its medicinal purpose in Rome.

It was only in 1877 when a pure form of carvone was isolated by Franz Varrentrapp. When it was first discovered, Schweizer called it carvol. Carvone is isolated in large quantities from caraway seeds (60-70%), in dill seed oil (40-60%), in spear mint oil (50-80%) and is also found in mandarin orange peel oil.

R-(–)-carvone is extracted from spearmint leaves, and is recognized to be a valuable source that helps with Carvone extracts naturally. R-(–)-carvone, which hits upon its use in commercial purposes finds it’s availability in limonene, kuromoji oil, gingergrass oil and peppermint oil.

Studies conducted state that carvone possesses decongestant, diuretic, antiviral, and tonic biological properties. They also seem to a have an elevated anti-tumor effect as seen in one of the studies conducted at the US National Cancer Institute on mice.

Uses of Carvone:

In general carvones are used in the food industry, and in aromatherapy like many essential oils, it is also used in air fresheners for it pleasant smell. It also has several therapeutic effects that make it a perfect choice in the treatment of certain medical conditions.

Carvone in Food:

It has been used in food for over millennia. The very famous Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum uses natural spearmint oil that has been extracted from Mentha spicata, and the other spearmint flavored Life Savers use the same.

Carvone that has been extracted from dill and caraway have also been in use in the food industry. The famous European drink Kummel is created with a mixture of an extract from caraway and alcohol.

Carvone in Agriculture:

It is commonly used in Netherlands to prevent the sprouting of potatoes that have been kept in storage.

A study was conducted to understand the antifungal activity of carvone on potato tubers and other plant diseases, it was also meant to analyze the suppression of sprout in potatoes.

The results suggested that during in-vitro experiments, carvone exhibited antifungal activity towards various fungal species. Thus carvone has taken the trade name ‘talent’ to serve as an antifungal agent in the treatment of potato tubers in Netherlands.

Carvone as a Pesticide:

The extract of carvone is seen to be effective as a mosquito repellent, and at present it is being reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to check its potency and safety as a pesticide.

Carvone & its Therapeutic Uses:

Carvone displays biological activities as an expectorant tonic, disinfectant, cardiac, stomachic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, and digestive stimulant.

Carvone as a Relaxant:

Carvone is a major constituent of the oil extracted from the caraway seed and is seen in huge quantities with a percentage as far as 99%. As a relaxant it helps relieve from stress, emotional exhaustion, and clear respiratory tracts by acting as an expectorant in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, and bronchial asthma.

In the treatment of laryngitis and sore throats it helps by flushing out the toxins to aid in a speedy recovery. It aids in relaxing the digestive system and in the treatment of stomach colic, gastric spasms, flatulence, and nervous digestion. It’s also used in clearing the urinary tract as well.

Reference Links:

  1. Carvone by Wikipedia
  2. The use of carvone in agriculture: sprout suppression of potatoes and antifungal activity against potato tuber and other plant diseases, published in Industrial Crops and Products Journal