Basil

In Telugu we call it as ‘Rudra Jada’. Roughly it translates the epithet as Siva’s braid (tresses). Either it implies growing into a large bush quickly or the very aromatic flower stalks. In the village many of our friends’ homes are adorned with this cousin of our sacred Basil (the Tulasi). It is possible the plant has some repellent effects on mosquitoes and thus creates healthy ambience around the house periphery. Mosquitoes (particularly the vector of either malaria or equine encephalitis) and ticks pose great debilitating diseases for children as well as adults. 

Like the sacred Basil (Tulasi) this plant too can be grown with small cuttings or seeds. I keep some dried seeds (the flower clumps) tucked away safely in a dry place. But like many being a bit lazy I simply pick the seedlings from the local Farmers Market. Sweet Basil is a favorite plant here for many Europeans, specially the Italians. And every year the 3 inch long seedlings are sold for a dollar. We just transplant the seedlings into a large pot and it grows vigorously and puts on a few flowers. We cut the fresh aromatic leaves and store them in the fridge for months in a perforated plastic pouch. You can use them in some dishes as you like it; the leaves are delicate, so it is better to add to the culinary dish after the flame is switched off. That way you can retain the freshness of the leaves with its gentle aroma (flavor). We do not use it much in our cooking as we have plenty of coriander and curry leaf at our disposal. The coriander (cilantro) has become routinely available through out the year now. We have the curry leaf plant in a large container – and that takes care of the garnishing needs for sambar, upma, rasam, flavored buttermilk, and other curries, etc. So, we grow this sweet Basil for fun, for show, and for gifting to friends.

Now, some of the medicinal uses of this plant are as follows: In summer the seeds are useful for making tasty “sherbet”. The seeds when soaked in water get swollen and they develop a slippery soft (white) cover (sort of gelatinous coating). The fully swollen seeds with a bit of sugar form the base for a summer drink (sherbet). We can add a bit of finely grated ice and food colorant and there you get a refreshing drink for hot summer days. This low cost drink is good for children to relieve excessive dehydration and summer fatigue. In fact, in the village I used to buy this drink at the weekly Farmers Market (santa/sandai సంత ). That was the only treat I could afford after finishing all the shopping of vegetables for an entire week.

In Hindi and Urdu the plant is known as Sabja and the seeds are known as Sabja seeds. It is also known as Viswa Tulasi. The plant’s medicinal value is as follows: It cools the body, resolves early urinary difficulties (due to heat, dripping), and helps with headaches and earaches. The plant is also beneficial for neutralizing scorpion poison. Recently sweet Basil has been studied (NIH paper) for memory retention. For elders, memory and cognitive function abilities are very important. So, munch on some sweet Basil and gorge on green leafy vegetables like cabbage (and its cousins like broccoli and Brussels sprouts). 

Acidity and GERD

Acidity, GERD, and Appetite

Acidity, GERD, and Appetite Normally I do not dwell too much on ailments and health matters, here on my blogs. But the guru exhorts thus: “We all must care for the body as does a good jockey for his horse. At times we may have to dote a bit on the physical organism.” Our loving parents gifted the body with its unique genes and traits (music, hand dexterity, sharpness, good memory, etc.) to us. And we must treat it with diligence, good nutrition, intelligence, and moderate exercise (or physical activity). 

 I may illustrate this irritating problem (pardon the pun) with some examples: We had a neighbor (a school master) with severe GERD and stomach disorders. This was decades before I knew about the GERD (Gastro esophageal reflex disease). Probably trained Ayurvedic practitioners are fully aware of all these digestion disorders. He used to throw up after a sumptuous lunch. Perhaps to soothe the accompanying heartburn often he would ingest 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda with water. Soon he developed ulcers in the stomach and suffered many years with it without any real cure. A close relative continually suffers with throat burning, lump in the throat, acidity, and untimely burping. In severe indigestion episodes, people throw up (vomit) after heavy spicy meals. 

 In early stages, acidity can easily be managed. Here we concern ourselves only with a healthy digestive system, i.e., stomach with no ulcers or obstructions. Foremost we all need a bit of regular exercise or activity. In Nagpur outskirts I used to watch elders walking briskly along roadside, in temple gardens, and military grounds. Mostly people take their long strolls before 9 a.m. to avoid the scorching sun. With semi transparent light clothes we can catch the benefits of slanting morning sunrays. It promotes vitamin D synthesis in the body. In the villages men (young boys) would stand in front of the rising sun with oil all over the body; they used to utilize ten fifteen minutes in other chores like washing, cleaning utensils, bathing cattle, or brushing teeth with a neem twig. Then dive into the canal or Godavari waters for a refreshing swim followed by a scrubbing of the entire body with soap, chana dal, or soft riverbed clay (or the costly packaged multani dirt). Perhaps, some still do this in obscure little hamlets far away from the dusty urban places. 

 For many decades we have addressed this touchy ailment with gentle traditional Indian methods. Earlier generations used pan (or saunf) for minor discomfort. After heavy meals it helps (stimulates) the digestive processes. Fruits like papaya also aid in easy digestion. Raw plantain (as a curry) is slightly alkaline – it tries to neutralize excessive acidity. Many if not most of the foods we consume are acidic (pH < 7) in nature. Next to movie theaters and big auditoriums, the Indian roads are filled with pan shops or juice/ice cream bars. In earlier times they would sell freshly made soda, buttermilk, or lime soda (in India the yellow lemon). In the hot tropical India a short nap (siesta) cures most stomach disorders. Alas, in the modern day there are no naps; people work in the nights and sleep during day – thus disrupting the natural rhythm of the body. Also, they often take meals at odd (irregular) times. In Bengaluru even the famed Nobel laureate Sir C. V. Raman had time for a coffee break (high tea) in the afternoons; often he would take his students or guests home for an afternoon snack. 

 Now coming to a few gentle home remedies and Ayurvedic treatments, here are some very inexpensive tricks: 1. At the earliest sign of discomfort, take a pinch (about ½ teaspoon) of Hinghvastika Churna. I prefer Baidyanath’s time tested powder. When you take it with warm (or lukewarm) water, it immediately relieves heaviness in the stomach. This powder is not a habit-forming medicine. You take it when it is really needed and then skip it. This preparation is very gentle on the stomach and it is well tolerated with other modern prescription medicines. Still, you can consult with your physician for safety. Generally protein rich foods like fried somasa, pakora, pappad can put extra burden on delicate stomachs. Either one avoids such fried foods or takes them in moderation. 2. Yogurt. Both freshly made yogurt (curd) and sour curds have soothing effect on stomach disorders. Buttermilk is also good but just a tablespoon of good yogurt immediately brings back the balance (of stomach). I prefer homemade yogurt. Many troubles of stomach upset are resolved with just plain cooked rice and yogurt. 3. If you have access to a soda machine, then drink half a glass of soda with a little lime juice and a pinch of table salt. It relieves the heaviness of stomach and after couple of burps, things should return to normal. 4. Early in the morning, try to drink a half-cup of warm water with a bit of lime juice (5 – 10 drops) and a pinch of salt. It is refreshing and relieves any lingering stomach discomfort. 

Here I have deliberately avoided the over-the-counter antacids. Occasionally there will be always some stubborn situations. We can utilize a teaspoon of milk of magnesia. It is always better to keep assorted home remedies ready in the cupboard. As much as possible we all would like to avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor. Man unfortunately is a creature of habits. A little indulgence of luxurious foods (chips, fried food, or cakes) can upset the stomach for anyone. There is no need to get unnecessarily upset over such discomforts. A close careful watch on the body and access to proper herbs, Ayurvedic medicines, and other tricks will do wonders. A competent family physician (general practitioner or internist) may prescribe a mild dose of pantoprazole (proton pump inhibitor) for keeping the heartburn in check. Such modern medicines should always be taken with doctor’s guidance/prescription. 

 Acidity, GERD, and stomach disorders also accompany poor appetite. What do they say? “Misery loves company.” So, how to increase or maintain good appetite? A few traditional herbs (or supplements) can be very handy. They will boost the appetite. Loss of appetite can also occur due to prolonged sickness, fever, stomach disorders, or some psychosomatic event (depression). There are several time-tested herbal (Ayurvedic) powders (sort of adjunctive food supplements): a) Roast 1-2 teaspoons of ajwain in cooking oil (preferably sesame oil or olive oil). Take it with steamed rice as a first course in a meal. b) Similarly, oil roasted freshly ground black pepper with a pinch of salt also works wonders in boosting appetite after prolonged sickness. c) Ground ginger powder (sonthi is preferred) with a little salt and ghee also aids with appetite and digestion. 

 In India (probably it is available in Indian grocery stores in US) we used Albo Sang (Dichane) powder with meals. In the village our grandma would carefully collect all the fallen Neem flowers and fry them for a tasty appetizing meal for children. There must be many other simple remedies known to a traditional Ayurvedic doctor (healer). In moderation all these food supplements are beneficial to the body with very minimum adverse effects. Still, one should be a bit watchful if one is taking a number of other prescription medicines (for heart, blood clots, etc.). The Internet has valuable data on the interfering (side effects) effects of herbs with blood thinning medicines; but one needs to be very careful in separating useful wisdom (grain) from the misleading information (noise, chaff) on the Internet. 

 In addition to food supplements and herbs, yoga also comes in handy for managing acidity. I have given some information in this regard in an earlier blog: https://pattri-pulu.blogspot.com/2011/05/digestion-problems.htmlThree asanas come to my mind. 1) Paschimottana 2) Bhujanga, and 3) Dhanurasana. For a beginner they are not easy to perform. But if you keep on doing it, even parts of an asana with full faith it will help you. May take several weeks to bring back the vigor and natural strength of the digestive system. Without good digestion, we will not have bodily vigor. Mental acuity also suffers due to poor digestion. 

అతి సర్వత్రా వర్జయేత్ Excesses should be avoided in most cases. Earlier caveats (like this is no substitute for a fully trained competent physician's advice) apply here in this context also. Lastly I want to add one illuminating observation: A close north Indian (UP) friend moved to Chennai for higher studies. For many months he could not adjust to the south Indian food served in the hostel - forcing hospital admission. Similarly, many south Indians seek spiritual progress in the Northern Himalayan foothills to live close to the Ganges. They get free food in many ashrams but it is vastly different from the south Indian menu. That too creates enormous discomfort and stomach upset for the frugal aspirants with language barrier. Like the Mahatma's writings on self healthcare (self help), I hope this article will help someone somewhere and alleviate her situation. Good luck! Copyright 2020 by the author

Holistic Approach to the Coronavirus - II

Holistic Approach to the Coronavirus -II

Faith

Faith is strange. Some are introduced to it through parents, teachers, or gurus. Often a gentle suggestion from our mothers is enough during pristine childhood. For a saint like Kabir one word from his guru was sufficient. That paved the way for his entire life. The extraordinarily ascetic (peda పెద ) Balayogi of Mummidavaram (East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh) did not need the initiation from any master; he was well prepared right from birth. So too was his younger brother. For many others it may be difficult to imbibe faith in later stages of life. Often we are mesmerized by the glitzy show of fame, pseudo-intellectualism, bits of semi-rationality (mind not the real logic and mathematics), and a host of unexamined personal biases. Always be aware: senseless (pseudo) logic (కుతర్కము)  or argumentation is like a sharp shard of glass. It is very dangerous and can lead to tragic outcomes (grievances) later. But when a crisis hits us we are face to face with the stark reality; then nothing comes to our rescue except our own inner strength and, if we are lucky – only if we are extremely fortunate the wishes of our relatives. Then, in those rare moments of truth we must rely on ourselves. Faith is like a dear loving mother, it can be (is) our protector, if we let it. It can also happen spontaneously due to ‘grace’. In some of the posts I’ve attempted to explore this delicate topic of faith. One has to meditate on these matters dispassionately with sensitivity – armed with utter humility, totally devoid of ego.

Yoga

This writer and probably many older generations knew a thing or two about yoga when life was much simpler, sans the fancy mats and other embellishments. Still can’t believe - in high school our classmates and I did many asanas just on the cold cement plastered bare floor! If I may, I have one simple suggestion to the novice or beginner: Try to learn from someone who can really demonstrate a healing touch with yoga. If the teacher is really a consummate professional then she should be able to fix backache, obesity, or thyroid malady with yoga. Or any other simple ailments like high blood pressure, breathing difficulty, or acidity. Real yoga means much more than the physical postures in alluring tight-fitting spandex. It includes all purity – purity of body, mind, and thought. Asana/pranayama is only a fraction of the total yoga system.

Walk in the Park

One need not be a Wordsworth or Keats to enjoy nature. But, of course, “a thing of beauty is a joy forever!” Luckily even today in many Indian villages and here in most of the American suburbs there are vast stretches of (unspoiled) nature. You can walk next to Godavari, a winding stream, a banana farm, or stroll in the small streets lined with rows of devil’s tree (Alstonia scholaris). One can easily forget life’s discomforts and ignore the body’s ailments momentarily. The mind becomes clear and after many days it becomes a simple pleasant gentle exercise. There in one of those aimless wanderings one may get inspiration, a poem, a song, or an invention. Or, on some days nothing at all! We just return home with memories of lovely greetings of robins or screeching calls of blue birds. However great the modern medicines may be they cannot substitute the curative powers of nature, the lovely spring flowers, a gurgling stream, or a resplendent sunset. Our grandparents had closer relationship with nature and they could touch a prickly pear fruit or a boulder. No indoor gym can offer the fresh moisture laden oxygen ambient like the outdoors. The writer has experienced pleasures of all the six seasons – through the bone chilling subzero snowy blizzards, furious coastal storms, the boiling desert howling winds, to totally overcast glum cloudy days. There is a hidden secret impervious to our eyes in the nature. It is present everyday and every moment. Enjoy it to heart’s brim.

Mask, a Colorful Mask

Now everyday is a Halloween party day. The science, verifiable facts, and credible theories are scarce, particularly about the propagation of this virus. Can we reliably demonstrate (say with photographs) whether there is a virus footprint on park benches? Or, in train stations or supermarket shelves? The cunning virus being so extremely puny is like the Schrodinger’s Cat. Perhaps it is there or it’s not there. And the damn thing is between life and non-life (inert matter). So, out of abundant caution we wear face masks when we go out. And wash the masks weekly. For redundancy one may carry a cotton handkerchief also. Hospitalizations are not cheap and they’ll put extraordinary burdens on the family both financially and emotionally. Even successful recoveries will take a heavy toll on governments, doctors, and families.

Quick Recap

            Six things we can do keep the virus away: 1. Mask 2. Facial hygiene 3. Vitamin and mineral supplements 4. Exercise 5. Faith 6. Sleep and ample rest.

Munch on small bits of ginger, jaggery, and garlic. Drink sacred basil water (advice due to Dr. Poornachand) In moderation they will help (augment body’s immunity) without adverse side effects. Copyright 2020 by the author

(Disclosure and Caveats: This article is no substitute for a doctor’s visit. The information is given from a “holistic care” point of view of body and mind. A distillation of many decades of naturopathy, Ayurveda, and grandmothers’ remedies goes in here. The writer has no affiliation with clinics, pharmaceutical companies, or any government. Additionally he has no financial relationship to any private company or public entity. One should be very cautious even with Ayurvedic ingredients (herbs). Fenugreek, coriander (cilantro), and turmeric can have significant effects on blood thinning.)

Dr Elchuri, The Ayurvedic Healer

At one time or other many people will come to realize the limitations of modern (allopathic) medicine. Though it is quite efficient to intervene in emergency situations, the field has a spotty record in a number of areas: asthma, cough, skin problems (ex: psoriasis, pigmentation, keloid), joint pains, and other long-term chronic diseases. Also, in some countries it is inaccessible for many patients due to expense or dearth of qualified professionals. Currently the value of alternate medicinal systems is fully recognized in western countries, though at times a bit grudgingly. I heard the Indian president receives advice from Ayurvedic and other alternate medical experts for his health issues and once I saw a photograph to that effect.

The time tested, millennia-old Ayurveda needs no introduction or testimony; certainly not from this writer. Here I merely want to applaud the efforts of Dr. Elchuri for propagating many time tested medical prescriptions to the Telugu community. His lucid inspiring TV short video clips with complete remedies are very beneficial to many indigent chronically sick patients. Even people outside India get cures from his videos. If I recall correctly, once the learned Kanchi Swami offered a simple valuable advice: “The traditional Indian kitchen is a store house of Ayurvedic ingredients. If we can cure simple ailments with Ayurvedic therapy then we can have prolonged healthy lives.” To this I might add another simple dictum from another renowned Telugu Sadhaka: “Eat only when you feel hungry and drink water only when you are thirsty.” What else is there to health really? When possible go for long walks (like Krishnaji), chop the wood (as my British friend used to do), or indulge in some physical work with hands like gardening. Some people are naturally inclined towards faith or spirituality, lucky for them. Faith comes to the rescue when one faces tremendous hardships. Friends or relatives may or may not come through, may or may not help at the right moment. But faith is like our traditional beloved Indian mother; it keeps no grudges, remembers no offenses.

I give three examples here from Dr. Elchuri’s videos for illustration. 1) For voice and throat problems he prescribed globules of black pepper, jaggery, and ghee. They worked for me to recover fast from a lingering cough and brought back strong smooth voice needed for vocal practices. 2) For nail and cuticle issues (including discoloration, fungus) the doctor suggested an oil extract made with the leaves of ఉమ్మెత్త (Moon flower), జిల్లేడు (Calotropis, Arka). It too yielded good results. 3) For ear ache Dr Elchuri showed how to prepare the oil with garlic. Many grand mothers know this oil’s efficacy. We keep it in a bottle for sudden pain due to sinus blockage, exposure to moisture, or extreme dryness during winters. I can go on giving more examples with cures for stomach ache, heel pain, etc. But the reader can get the point.

The doctor’s videos are obviously in Telugu language and as such they are not readily available to people of other languages. Still some of his remedies have been translated into English and they are on the web. If really someone is desperate to access or use his remedies, then she has to contact a Telugu friend or translator. If one wants to learn Mira’s intoxicating Krishna songs, then one learns Hindi and Rajasthani. Or, if we want to peer into the beauty of Megha Sandesam (Kalidasa) we acquire skills in Sanskrit language. Similarly we have to make the effort and learn new ideas for preserving the body and its vigor.

Inexpensive Dental Care

Brush, Paste, or Powder                                                                                                           

Often I am saddened when I see young people with missing front teeth or dentures. Of course, acute toothache or severe gum disease needs a visit to the dentist. But many people can immensely benefit from some rudimentary knowledge about routine dental care and hygiene. This article is for the benefit of such folks, people who would like to be self sufficient and self reliant for their own bodily upkeep and health. Healthy teeth are essential for good digestion (masticating), speech, singing, and natural smile. Like the late Prime Minister Sri Morarji Desai some grand parents can munch on walnuts or chew on a fresh stick of sugar cane. Lucky for them! With age and experience one learns a lot about the human body. Every incident need not be a great crisis or catastrophe. The famed physicist and peace lover, Dr. Sakharov was once in extreme pain due to tooth abscess. His physician wife immediately came to his rescue and chided him gently thus: “Dear, it is just a tooth. It won’t kill you.” Her words give us much needed guidance when dealing with matters of health. Some times what is sorely needed in life is “the right perspective” and an ability to learn, persevere in the face of adversity.

           

My parents and grandmother inculcated good oral hygiene habits in me; I bow to them in reverence. In the village we never had to buy anything for routine daily dental care. In the backyard or street side there are always many options: neem (Margosa indica, వేప), Pongamia pinnata (గానుగ) , mango, or Achyranthes aspera (ఉత్తరేణి ). Once I had to accompany my grandmother on a short trip by walk (about 5 miles) to see our ailing paternal grandmother. We hardly carried any paraphernalia with us (కౌపీన వంతం ఖలు భాగ్య వంత!), as we’re more concerned about the terminally sick grandmother. In the morning as part of daily body purification, my grandmother got hold of a mature mango leaf and brushed teeth with the petiole. I imitated her, chewed the leaf a bit, and used the midrib to scratch the mucus off of the tongue. Gargling with plain water completed our daily routine. Mango leaves are also useful for minor throat troubles (dryness, rough voice) and they are mentioned in Ayurvedic therapy.

Daily Care

            Normally teeth (human as well as animal) can maintain their surface appearance and functionality with minimum external care. With balanced nutrition (calcium, phosphorus, and a little fluoride) in most cases teeth will retain their enamel, physical strength, and inner structural composition. You may not always get these minerals and micronutrients with modern bottled water, so be aware of this important fact. What we can do or supplant is to do a minimum of preventive care. Cavities will not occur if we just gargle with plain water (room temperature) after every meal or after every brownie bite. When gargling is not possible (in travel or public gatherings), one can just swallow a few gulps of water, keeping the act a little furtive perhaps. It seems the body and its organs (this includes the permanent set of teeth) have a way of repairing themselves; that is, if we let them to their own devices. The writer prefers daily morning brushing. We keep good personal hygiene habits for our own benefit as well as for presenting a pleasant appearance to our friends and colleagues. When we talk, ideally one should share a clean fresh breath of air (and of course polite conversation without rancor). Sadly we still come across people who are totally oblivious of their own foul breath (halitosis) or unaware of their own odors (bad manners, etiquette). One can find out easily bad breath by puffing air against palm and smelling ones own exhaled air.  A seed of cardamom, clove, or cumin will temporarily mask bad odor. But if the teeth are healthy and the general constitution is good – then there is no need for cardamom or chewing gum. Usually natural saliva and oral bacteria keeps bad breath in check. Excessively dry mouth is one of the causes of mouth and saliva gland problems.  

Methods and Materials

            For young children with milk teeth, a simple wiping of teeth with soft cotton cloth (muslin) is good enough. The tongue can also be mechanically scraped (sort of gentle wiping) with moist cotton cloth. Gargling afterwards will produce good results; plain water or very mild saline solution is all that is needed. These ideas are known to many grand parents and they are also explained in some books (Yoga, naturopathy). In the village we utilized fresh ash and charcoal powder with excellent results. Charcoal powder can be sieved with cloth to remove hard particles. Sometimes we would add a little of sea salt or alum to the charcoal powder. Charcoal gives excellent shine (whiteness) to the teeth and it also removes bad odor. In most situations rubbing teeth with charcoal once a day (preferably right after waking up in the morning) is enough. Obviously preserving healthy teeth is a little easier than caring for decayed (cavities, bleeding) teeth.

Minimal Care

             

            A gentle brushing in the morning and gargling after meals is all that is needed. The neem toothpaste (by Jyothi lab.) or Ayurvedic powder (Dabur Red label or Vico Vajradanti) seems to yield good results. For minor irritations with cavities (or sensitivity) the following home remedies yield some relief: a) Clove oil or plain clove b) sea salt crystal c) munching on walnuts or d) gargling with sesame seed oil. Walnut leaf, twig, and even wild walnuts have beneficial properties for teeth. This is well known in the dental care prescribed by Ayurveda. Here in North America I have come across a number of trees useful for brushing teeth. These range from maple, hawthorn, walnut, spruce, and locust to several wild bushes. In the absence of sesame seed oil (black is preferable), one can just bite the black sesame seeds and wash with lukewarm water later. It seems the body tries to heal minor tooth cavities itself. It is better to leave the body to its own natural ways whenever possible. In some circumstances it is unnecessary to make a benign tiny cavity (black mark) into a bigger hole (i.e., enlarged by drilling) and fill it afterwards.

             

What is the proof? The writer has used most of these techniques over many decades with excellent results. These simple methods have helped in keeping natural teeth in good condition. Perhaps heredity (genes) also plays a role in healthy teeth, but we have no control on that!