Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Hemp... the super plant for health...

http://hempindia.com   In India,  the hemp revolution is being spearheaded by this group...

JOIN THE HEMP REVOLUTION.... hemp is now considered the super plant for health... .even exceeding the health benefits of soy.  I have been using hemp protein powder and also hemp "milk" (substitute) and have found it a wonderful way to get protein.  Did you know the average 160 pound person requires at least 50 grams of protein per day (according to experts at the Mary Greeley Hospital here in Ames, Iowa USA).
When I make my hemp protein smoothie for breakfast every morning,  I know I am getting high quality plant protein in the 4 tablespoon serving. I am using the TEMPT brand from Living Harvest company headquartered in Portland, Oregon which is the leader in the USA for hemp products.  There are also hemp oils, hemp ice cream (substitutes) and many other products you can find on their website: (http://www.livingharvest.com ).


Ashwagandha (India winter cherry) .... relieves stress and builds vitality...

Ashwagandha (India winter cherry) is a natural source of energy and vitality,  according to ORGANIC INDIA,  one of  the companies I purchase my supplements from.  It allows for the body to successfully adapt to stress and builds stamina and supports adrenal health.  In men,  this herb is well-noted for male sexual endurance.Ashwagandha soothes the nervous system and supports restful sleep.

Ashwagandha is also considered by many to be an anti-aging supplement, and it traditionally was known for its ability to provide nourishment to bones and muscles. Studies have also shown that the orange berries from the ashwagandha can be used topically to aid carbuncles, skin ulcers, and tumors. Further research looks to determine its effectiveness as a treatment for bone cancer, diabetes, bipolar disorder, constipation, impotency, rheumatism, nerve problems, memory loss, arthritis, and many other physical ailments.
(further info from the herb wisdom website:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-ashwagandha.html 
Ashwagandha root is an herb of the ages. It is the 'ginseng' of Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India and is considered an 'adaptogen', a term used to describe herbs that improve physical energy and athletic ability, increase immunity to colds and infections and increase sexual capacity and fertility.
One reason for ashwagandha's reputation as a general energy-promoting, disease-preventing tonic may be its effect on the immune system. A number of studies have shown significant increases in white blood cell counts and other measures of strengthened immunity in rodents given ashwagandha or certain chemicals extracted from the herb. Ashwagandha may also have a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system and in animal studies it has been shown to be a muscle relaxant. It is commonly used to increase vitality, particularly when recovering from chronic illnesses and pain management for arthritic conditions. Ashwagandha may also help regulate blood sugar which aids in suppressing sugar cravings. Research shows ashwagandha may be a promising alternative for cancer treatment and prevention. Ashwagandha seems to show positive effects on the endocrine, cardio, and central nervous systems. It is one herb that could help your body produce it's own thyroid hormones.
Ashwagandha is used to restore male libido, cure impotence and increase male fertility. It is widely used in southern Asia as a male sexuality tonic.
Preliminary studies indicate that the herb helps to reduce the negative effects of stress, slow tumour growth, treat anxiety and insomnia, and reduce cholesterol in addition to increasing sexual performance. )



Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Guggul... versatile ayurvedic herb for many remedies..


LATIN NAME:
Commiphora mukul
The Guggul herb has other names that it is known by such as, Gum guggulu, Gugulipid and Indian bedellium.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
* helps liver to process cholesterol
* boost the functioning of the thyroid gland
* prevents buildup of plaque on artery walls
* raises the good cholesterol (HDL)
* lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL)
* cleanse blood vessels 

Traditional Uses of Guggul

  • For cardiovascular system

  • For cholesterol and triglycerides

  • For rheumatism and osteoarthritis

  • For cystic acne

  • For sense of well-being

  • For weight loss


Vegetable curry... one of my favorite Indian dishes...

One of my favorite Indian dishes is vegetable curry.... of course,  I also enjoy many other curry dishes.  Savor the flavor!! (commentary by Dr. Carolyn D. Heising, Ames, Iowa USA)

Indian tableware.. copper and stainless steel designs..

Indian tableware is commonly stainless steel and/or copper,  but magnificent china also is manufactured in India.  I became aware of the utility of the common stainless steel variety wherever I went.  I am displaying a variety here for you to relish!  One set has food served on it,  so savor the flavor !!  (commentary by Dr. Carolyn D. Heising, Ames, Iowa USA)

Fresh Indian lime soda.... another healthy elixir..

Fresh Indian lime soda is another healthy elixir found just about everywhere in India that I traveled to.  Roadside stands sell this and it is also served in posh hotels in Delhi and other major cities.  It is also a drink that most Indian households relish and serve.  I have to admit that I became quite fond of this drink,  particularly in the summer months when the drink is just so perfect for sitting poolside at the hotel,  or having in a car on a motor trip.  This is just another fond memory of India I have !!  (commentary by Dr. Carolyn D. Heising, Ames, Iowa USA)

Masala chai.... the preferred tea drink of India...

Masala chai.. with or without milk... is the preferred tea drink of India and can be found all over the sub-continent.  Traveling through the north, west and down to Goa,  I found chai everywhere.  The roadside stands serve chai as well.  I have developed more of a taste for "straight" chai (without the milk) and with lemon,  which you order in the Indian restaurants as lemon tea.  However,  the morning chai with some crackers is much more commonly served.  (commentary by Dr. Carolyn D. Heising, Ames, Iowa USA)

Monday, March 18, 2013

Welcome to Health, Spices and Ayurvedic Herbs..

WE WELCOME YOU TO HEALTH, SPICES AND AYURVEDIC HERBS...


India itself is the land of the gods,  or "Dev Bhoomi",  and the cuisine of India is world famous.  We wish to share what we know with you for your own health so you may experience yourself  the benefits of the spices and ayurvedic herbs of this ancient Indian vedic  culture.  Namaste!!

Dr Ram Sharma has a long family history of familiarity with Indian spices and ayurvedic herbs as one of his grandfathers was an accomplished ayurvedic healer in his own right.  Dr Carolyn Heising is a collaborator of Dr Ram Sharma in the USA,  where she lives and teaches in Ames, Iowa at Iowa State University.  Dr Ram Sharma is a professor of english at Janta Vedic College in Baraut, Baghpat India in the greater Delhi area.
Together,  the collaborators have traveled four times to the himalayas,  including Badrinath, Almora, Dwarahat and Mussoorie,  as well as spending much time in Rishikesh,  a sacred city along the holy Ganges (Ganga) river.  Also, Dr Ram Sharma has now traveled twice to the USA and spent time in Iowa, Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles and San Diego California.  He has experienced Indian American restaurants now in the USA,  and was always comparing with his familiar spices back home in India.  Dr Carolyn Heising has experienced many cuisines of India,  and has had the great privilege of staying with many of her Indian students families in cities such as Nasik, Bikaner, Mumbai, Delhi, and Noida,  as well as staying in many guest houses and hotels across the northern part of the country.  She is particularly fond of Mama's cottage in Rishikesh,  and has also experienced the delightful cuisine of Maa Gyaan,  a yogini at the Kirti Hermitage outside of Rishikesh.  Such food cannot be described as anything else but heavenly!!

The Lotus Root.... symbol of purity..

The Buddhists hold lotus root sacred as a symbol of purity.  It is native to tropical Asia, the Middle East and Australia,  and has been cultivated for more than two thousand years.  By around 500 BC it was being grown in the Nile Valley for its exceptional beauty,  though the poor found greater value in boiling, drying, and grinding the seeds and rhizomes for food.  In China,  evidence of its cultivation dates to the Han dynasty (207 BC - AC 220).  IN INDIA, A GOLDEN LOTUS FLOWER IS SAID TO HAVE GROWN FROM THE NAVEL OF THE GOD VISHNU,  and in China and Japan,  Buddha is often depicted either holding or seated on a lotus blossom. 

Samosa chaat.... amazing roadside Indian food..

While in India,  Dr Ram Sharma usually finds amazing roadside samosa chaat for me to sample... this can also be found in Ames, Iowa USA at the INDIAN DELIGHTS restaurant off W. Lincoln Way... the owner/chef Deepak is a master chef according to Dr Ram Sharma who visited there several times for meals while he was in Ames in June, 2012....  but nothing can beat the roadside samosa chaat... mmmmm...... (Dr Carolyn D. Heising, Ames, Iowa, USA)

Green coconut water... another amazing elixir for health..

When I am in India,  especially in the summer months,  which by the way begins in May,  there are often green coconut vendors along the roadside who sell you a green coconut for probably about a nickle and includes chopping off part of it so they can stick a straw in the top.... this is another amazing elixir for health...  (Dr Carolyn Heising, Ames, Iowa, USA)
Coconut water possesses high quantities of nutrients and minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, manganese and phosphorus. Because of these properties, it can be used as a substitute for sugary energy cocktails and is highly effective in rehydrating the body, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Use the juice after exercise or to replenish fluids lost from exertion in the heat. It is low in cholesterol and sugar and has a pleasant, light coconut flavor. A patent to produce a natural sports drink made from coconut water was granted to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Gymnema Leaf... ancient ayurvedic herb...lowers blood sugar..

Gymnema leaf is an ancient ayurvedic herb that lowers blood sugar levels and may help repair or heal the pancreas according to Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, doctor to Bill Clinton and best selling author of THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION.  

Fenugreek... ancient medicinal plant of India..

Fenugreek... this ancient medicinal plant of India will assist your insulin function and help lower triglycerides and raise your good HDL cholesterol  according to Dr. Mark Hyman, MD,  doctor to Bill Clinton and best selling author of THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION.  Not only that,  this fenugreek plant can be used in cooking,  as it is in India,  and it contains 4 hydroxyisoleucine which produces the fantastic health benefits.

Mosambe fruit juice...ELIXIR FOR HEALTH...

While I am in India,  during the summer months,  I may quench my thirst by drinking freshly squeezed mosambe fruit juice off the local stands.... this was recommended to me by my student's grandmother... and I first had it in Nasik... but later,  I had it in other parts of India,  including my beloved Rishikesh... holy city on the Ganges... this juice is an ABSOLUTE ELIXIR FOR HEALTH.... in fact,  I have a craving for that fruit juice which cannot be found here in its fresh fruit form... so why don't we import this?  some Indian merchants need to figure this out,  because I can bet a giant market will exist for this juice in no time here...  (Dr Carolyn Heising, Ames, Iowa USA)


Turmeric... dynamo for your health....

Turmeric is absolutely a DYNAMO for your health... here's what Bill Clinton's doctor,  Mark Hyman, MD,  has to say about turmeric in his New York Times best selling book : THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION

" turmeric is nature's Advil:  the curcumin in turmeric is a COX-2 inhibitor-- the same class of anti-inflammatory as ibuprofen." -- p. 200

India.. World Leader in Spice Production...

Did you know that India leads with half of the world's production of spices at more than three million metric tons in 2004?  China is a distant second with 692,000 metric tons and ten percent of total world production.