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Spices and Herbs 

(for minor ailments)

   Here is a section dealing with better health and healing, the natural way.  The hereditary household remedial system handed down by often unlettered women, the village vaids, hakims and ojhas and their travelling counterparts represent the fragmentary remnants of systems evolved to perfection to meet the needs of localized communities.

   Traditional ways of healing gave way to modern medicine. Today it is easy to forget that the original sources of modern medicine were unsung folk prescriptions: morphine from poppy, quinine from cinchona, digitalin from foxglove. Even today there are people who still treat minor ailments inexpensively and naturally with remedies taught to them by their forebears.

  It is a deciduous tree upto 12 m tall. Fissured dark gray bark. pinnate leaves. Flowers small and white. Fruits green or yellow with one seed.

  Neem should be used with discretion if severe fatigue or emaciation is noticed, avoid excessive use.

Wounds

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     It is considered a powerful rejuvenative herb. An efficient detoxifier as it cleanses blood and lymph. It tends to dilate the peripheral blood vessels and as a result. the blood pressure is lowered. It also acts as a stimulant and antibiotic.

     The oil has an antibiotic action on the gastro-intestinal tract. It spreads throughout the body and is secreted along with other toxic wastes. Also known as Clove Garlic.

     People with acidity problems should avoid Garlic. Excess heats up the body and irritates the stomach.

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     The fruit is loaded with carotenes, which takes part in the production of Vitamin A inside the body. It contains a powerful enzyme called papain, prevents improper protein breakdown in the system, thus preventing many allergies and stomach ailments.

     The seeds posseses antibiotic and anti-fungal properties.

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    The sour taste acts as a stimulant, promotes digestion, increases appetite and is a carminative.  Very much like the Amla, this fruit is also the poor person's rich source of vitamin C.

    Also known as Acid Lime and Sour Lime. One should stick to normal courses as prolonged and excessive use is reported to affect normal reproductive functions.  

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    It is an effective disinfectant and scouring agent. It acts as an internal antiseptic. it cools down the digestive, circulatory and reproductive systems. Arrests cholesterol prolems and eliminates toxins.

   The raw, dried rootstocks of the plant are preferred by native physicians. A word of caution as the anti-fertility have been proven, those who desire children may avoid excessive use. In any case avoid excessive use as it may cause toxicity.

Muscle strain

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Saunf consists of the fruits of the fennel, often wrongly called seeds. It is a diuretic. It constitutes an excellent stomach and intestinal remedy.

   A word of caution, in excess it stimulates menstruation in women and in very high doses, it can cause intoxication.

Joint pain

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    There is no better way to consume it than as a tangy pudina chutney, an irresistible appetiser in Indian cuisine.

Indigestion

Ingredients;

2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped.

1 tbsp fresh pudina leaves, chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed.

1 green chili, finely chopped or ground

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp thick coconut milk or yogurt. 

Salt to taste

   Put all the ingredients into a blender and run on high for a few seconds to mix well. Add more yogurt or coconut milk as desired to make the consistency you prefer. You can use this as a bread spread or eat it with chapati or cooked rice.   

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    Piperine, the main active principle of pepper, imparts it's characteristic taste. Clinical findings have confirmed pepper's traditional medicinal role. piperine protects the liver and is analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

     Also known as Black Pepper and Common pepper. it is not advisable for those who have inflammatory conditions of the digestive organs.

Rheumatic pains