Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great devotion all over India. People bring and welcome the Idols of Ganapati at home or in pandals. The special chant of Mantras, Pooja, and Aarati always enhances the energetic, and lively atmosphere of the festival.
One of the major rituals of the pooja on the Ganesh Chaturthi is the “Patri pooja”. At least 21 different Patri’s, that is leaves of plants are typically used.
The list of plants used may differ slightly from one region to another. Locally available medicinal plants are supposed to be used for pooja. It is observed that every plant leaf from Pooja has unique medicinal values and health benefits. They all are used as medicines for various diseases. The broad spectrum uses of these plants make them unique and hence included in the special pooja of Ganapati. Apart from this, it is ecologically beneficial to cut down the leaves of fully grown plants after the rainy season (Shravan) for better propagation.
Let us first understand the medicinal values associated with these 21 different types of leaves.
Let us start with the number 21 itself. What is the special significance of the number 21?
The logical reason behind this number 21 is that our body is believed to be made up of Panchamahabhuta and 16 Indriya (5 basic constituents and 16 main organs). Hence 21 Patri puja is believed to be a symbolic offering of our complete self to Ganapati – an act to remind us to keep our ego in check.
Let’s have a look at 21 Patri and its medicinal uses in general. Common names are mentioned in brackets.
Treats skin diseases such as leprosy, and leucoderma, various gastrointestinal (abdominal) diseases such as stomach pain, diarrhea, intestinal colic, and gynecological diseases. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
It relieves joint pains, reduces lumps, and treats asthma, and coughs. It is good for the heart. It removes bad odor from the mouth. It increases sperm count. It works as a diuretic.
All parts of this tree’s leaves, fruit, stem, and roots are used as medicine to cure various diseases such as dysentery, asthma, fractures, healing of wounds, swollen joints, high blood pressure, jaundice, and typhoid, and for the management of diabetes. Bela fruit pulp is used to cure chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and gastric problems.
Doorva helps to arrest bleeding and anemia. It cures skin diseases and dandruff. It reduces nightmares/bad dreams. It acts as a diuretic and is useful in many gynecological disorders.
It works as an anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory. It treats asthma, fever, wounds, dandruff, and joint disorders such as stiffness, locked jaw, lower back pain, itching, and pain. Note – Dhattura is a toxic plant and is not advised for children and pregnant women. It causes hallucinations, and convulsions.
It treats Laryngitis, cough, digestive disorders, wounds, and injuries.
It treats digestive disorders, poisonous bites, asthma, and leucoderma Improves digestion and metabolism.
It is one of the best antiviral herbs. It is an antimicrobial and anti-toxic. it treats asthma, chronic disorders, psychiatric disorders, kidney/bladder stones, and skin diseases with pain, and itchiness.
It treats diabetes, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin discoloration. It also acts as a good energizer and stimulant.
This is a toxic herb and it is used for external applications. It treats Leprosy, wounds and injuries, lice, itching, fast movement of eyes, and eye inflammation.
Used to treat brain and nervous system-related disorders, blood vomiting, bleeding disorders, ulcers, gastric irritation, and memory loss. It increases memory power and intellect. It enhances the self-healing potency of the body.
It treats dysentery, food poisoning, diarrhea, and acidity-related disorders.
It treats skin diseases, wounds, injuries, headaches, arthritis, breast pain, mastitis, and stiffness.
It treats skin diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, sore throat, cough, scorpion bite, and bad breath. It is considered a good cardio-protective, liver tonic, and stops abnormal menstrual flow.
It treats Vata-related problems, used as anti-poisonous drugs, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, vaginal inflammation, and grey hair.
It treats skin diseases, wounds, mouth-related problems, indigestion, erectile dysfunction, gingivitis, and eye diseases.
Used to treat heart-related diseases, piles, skin diseases, and cervical lymphadenitis.
It treats mouth ulcers, joint pains, diarrhea, itching skin diseases, scorpion bites, wounds, bleeding disorders, and repeated abortion.
It treats impotence, joint swelling, pain, pimples, bleeding and wounds, and skin diseases. Its bark is used in the preparation of many medicines, it is also used in abnormal bleeding disorders, and in strengthening uterine muscles.
It treats joint pains, heart diseases, wound and septic conditions, bleeding disorders, fractures, chronic respiratory disorders, and tuberculosis.
It treats poisonous bites, wounds, and injuries, leprosy, tumors, joint pains.
There is some variation in 21 patris described for pooja. In the above information, we tried to focus on common medicinal uses of plants. Do include the above patri in pooja and spread awareness about its uses by sharing this article. May the high spirits of Ganesh Festival stay with us forever just like the blessings of Ganpati Bappa!!
Author:
Dr. Gayatri Kulkarni – Mulye (MD Ayurveda),
Vaidya Tejaswini Bhale – Borse (Ayurveda Physician)
श्रावण महिना हा सणांचा महिना म्हणून ओळखला जातो. नागपंचमी, श्रावणी शुक्रवार, मंगळागौर, दहीहंडी असे विविध रंगी आणि विविध परंपरांनी युक्त सण श्रावणात साजरे केले जातात. या सणांच्या दिवशीकेल्या जाणाऱ्या वैशिष्ट्यपूर्ण पदार्थांचा, पूजेचा अविभाज्य भाग म्हणून नारळाचा वापर केला जातो. नारळी पौर्णिमेदिवशीही वरुणदेवतेप्रीत्यर्थ समुद्राची पूजा करून त्याला नारळ अर्पण करतात आणि नारळापासून बनवलेल्या गोड पदार्थांचे सेवन करतात.
आयुर्वेदामध्ये नारळाच्या झाडाला कल्पवृक्ष मानले आहे कारण या झाडाच्या सर्वांगाचा उपयोग विविध प्रकारे केला जातो. श्रीफळ आणि कल्पवृक्ष ही नारळाची प्रमुख दोन नावे आहेत. नारळ, या सर्वाधिक टिकणाऱ्या फळाचे अनेक उपयोग आयुर्वेदात सांगितलेले आहेत. चरक संहितेमध्ये फलवर्गामध्ये नारळाचे उपयोग सांगितलेले आहेत. त्याचबरोबर अपक्व नारळ (शहाळ), मलई, ओले खोबरे, सुके खोबरे, नारळाचे पाणी, खोबरेल तेल याचेही गुणधर्म आयुर्वेदात सांगितलेले आहेत. चला तर मग, शुभकार्यासाठी वापरला जाणारा नारळ ते सणावारातील पदार्थांचा अविभाज्य घटक असलेला नारळ याचे आयुर्वेदानुसार गुणधर्म बघू.
भारतामधील प्रत्येक राज्यामध्ये विविध पदार्थांसाठी नारळाचा -खोबऱ्याचा वापर केला जातो. नारळाच्या उपलब्धीप्रमाणे काही प्रांतात ओले तर काही प्रांतात सुके खोबरे वापरले जाते. मोदकासारखे गोड पदार्थ असो किंवा मिसळीसारखे झणझणीत तिखट पदार्थ, यात खोबऱ्याचा वापर अविभाज्य ठरतो. सणाच्या दिवशी महाराष्ट्रात केले जाणारे उकडीचे मोदक, नारळी पौर्णिमेचा नारळी भात, साउथ इंडियन कोकोनट राईस, नारळाची बर्फी या मिश्रणात नारळाचा प्रामुख्याने वापर होतोच पण याशिवाय नारळाची चटणी, खोबऱ्याचं वाटण याशिवाय अनेक तिखट रेसिपीही खोबऱ्याशिवाय अपूर्णच राहतात. पोहे, उपीट,बटाट्याची भाजी आणि अनेक पदार्थांवर खोबरे ड्रेसिंगसाठी वापरले जाते. खोबऱ्याच्या या बहुआयामी वापराचा विचार केल्यास नक्कीच त्याचे पोटाशी आणि आरोग्याशी जोडलेले नाते लक्षात येते. आयुर्वेदाच्या दृष्टिकोनातून याचे गुणधर्म जाणून घेतल्यास नारळ या आहारीय द्रव्याचा वापर आरोग्याचे संतुलन उत्तम राखण्यासाठी करता येईल.
नारळ हे मधुर रसाचे, मधुर विपाकाचे आणि शीत वीर्याचे फळ आहे. ते स्निग्ध गुणाचे असले तरीही पचण्यास हलके आहे. नारळाचे पाणी हे उत्तम इलेक्ट्रोलाईट आहे. त्यामुळे आबाल वृद्धांसाठी खोबरे, नारळाचे पाणी हे बल्य,पोषक सांगितलेले आहे.
श्रावण महिना हा सणांचा राजा म्हणून ओळखला जातो पण वर्षा ऋतूत येणाऱ्या या महिन्यात अग्नि कमकुवत व पचनशक्ती मंदावलेली असते.आयुर्वेदानुसार हा वाताच्या प्रकोपाचा काळ आणि पित्ताच्या संचयाचा काळ असतो. अशावेळी पुरणपोळी, दुधाच्या गोड व पचायला जड पदार्थांपेक्षा खोबऱ्यापासून बनवलेले गोड पदार्थ आरोग्यासाठी उत्तम ठरताना दिसतात. नारळापासून बनलेले हे गोड पदार्थ शरीरातील वात कमी करतातच पण पित्ताचा संचय ही होऊ देत नाहीत. पचायला हलके असल्यामुळे अग्नि संतुलित ठेवतात. त्यामुळे अशा गोड पदार्थांचा पोटाला त्रास होत नाही.
तिखट, मसालेदार पदार्थात वापरले जाणारे खोबरे हे त्यातील उष्ण, तीक्ष्ण गुणांना कमी करून शरीरातील पित्त वाढू देत नाही. पोहे,बटाट्याच्या भाजीत वरून घातलेले खोबरेही जड पदार्थांचे पचनसुलभ करते. ओल्या खोबऱ्याच्या तुलनेत सुक्या खोबऱ्यातील स्निग्धता कमी असते पण वातपित्ताचे नियमन याद्वारे सांभाळले जातेच.
वर्षा ऋतूतील या सणांच्या काळात पोटांच्या अनेक तक्रारी अचानक उद्भवलेल्या दिसतात. अपचन,भूक मंदावणे, पोटात आग पडणे,अम्लपित्त, डोकेदुखी,चक्कर येणे याशिवाय कॉलरा, गॅस्ट्रोसारखे साथीचे आजारही या काळात बळवलेले असतात. नारळ पाणी किंवा जेवणातील खोबऱ्याच्या नियमित वापरामुळे वरील अनेक तक्रारींना दूर ठेवता येते. अनेक विटामिन्स आणि मिनरल्स यांनी परिपूर्ण असणारे खोबरे व त्याचे पदार्थ लहान मुलांमध्ये वजन वाढीसाठीही उपयुक्त ठरताना दिसतात. गर्भिणींसाठी,वृद्धांसाठी, दीर्घकालीन आजारानंतर नारळापासून बनलेले पदार्थ हे टॉनिक सारखे काम करताना दिसतात. यात अळीव खोबऱ्याचे लाडू, नारळाची वडी, खोबऱ्याची चिक्की, कोहळा नारळवडी यांचा समावेश होतो.
सणवार, ओटी, शुभ कार्यक्रम अशा प्रत्येक ठिकाणी नारळाचा वापर होताना दिसतो कारण नारळ हे फळ शुभसूचक आणि सर्जनशक्तीचेही प्रतीक मानले जाते. सणानुसार हिंदू संस्कृतीत सांगितलेल्या सांगितलेल्या परंपरा व प्रथा या वेगळ्या, वैशिष्ट्यपूर्ण आणि आरोग्यदायी ठरणाऱ्या आहेत. निसर्ग देवतेचे पूजन आणि त्याप्रती कृतज्ञता व उत्तम आरोग्याचेजतन या पैलूंचा विचार सण साजरा करताना केला गेला पाहिजे.
सणाच्या निमित्ताने सांगितलेली एखादी पाककृती व त्यातील प्रमुख घटक हा त्या सणापुरता मर्यादित नसून त्या काळातील ऋतुचर्येचा भाग म्हणून स्वीकारला पाहिजे. अशा पद्धतीने आहारामध्ये बदल केल्यास ऋतूबदलामुळे शरीरावर होणाऱ्या दुष्परिणामांपासून सहजरित्या बचाव केला जाऊ शकतो. नारळी पौर्णिमेच्या निमित्ताने प्रामुख्याने नारळापासून केले जाणारे मिष्टान्नसेवन जसे करंज्या, नारळी भात यामुळे शरीरांतर्गत दोषाचे नियमन आणि संतुलन राखले जाते. यामागचा आरोग्यदायी उद्देश समजून घेतला व आहारात असा बदल केला तर नक्कीच आपले आरोग्य उत्तम राहू शकते.तुम्ही सुद्धा या बहुआयामी, बहुगुणी नारळाचा वापर जरूर तुमच्यास्वयंपाकात करा.
Author:
Dr. Gayatri Kulkarni – Mulye (MD Ayurved),
Vaidya Tejaswini Sameer Bhale (Ayurvedacharya, Nadi Pariksha Expertise)
Shravan or Sawan is the indication of monsoon season. With rains and greenery all around it gets serene and magical and close to nature. The monsoon comes along with many festivals and it’s a time of real celebration. Many times, these festivals are associated with Upwas (following fasts). We can observe that across different communities across India, upwas is suggested on different occasions which is inherently related to health.
Ayurveda explains the benefits of Langhan to which upwas is a subset. Upwas is one of the main key factors associated with metabolic health. In 2016, Japanese cell biologist Yoshinori Ohsumi won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his research on autophagy (a result achieved by fasting), a process where body cells regenerate themselves by removing dysfunctional components. Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about the health benefits of upwas and calorie restriction. Intermittent fasting was the top Google diet search trend in 2019.
Upwas is nothing but a holiday to our digestive system to give it some rest. But understanding why and adopting scientifically is the need of the hour. Langhan practices are ‘energetic withdrawals’ and offer lightness to the body.
Seasonal changes, lifestyle changes, and wrong food habits are crucial factors affecting the balance of Agni (Digestive Fire). In Monsoon, it is already at a minimal level. Weakened Agni is responsible for the assimilation of metabolic toxins and metabolic disorders including fat storage, weight gain, prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and even cognitive decline. Hence upwas with minimal intake is recommended in monsoon. Ayurveda states that following fasts enhances Agni by reducing accumulated toxins. This is nothing but autophagy.
In India, Monsoon falls from June to September (Hindu months starting from Ashadh to Ashwin). Chaturmas is the period of these four months, during which many communities strictly follow some diet restrictions for balancing health. Broadly we can say that there are two methods of upwas:
If one observes this, it can be understood that fasts are periodic and illustrated in such a way as to maintain health. This is a unique diet design associated with rituals and traditions with the application of Ayurveda principles.
So, for this Shravan month with functions fasting keep your health in check. For more such interesting Ayurveda updates stay tuned with us at Nadi Tarangini.
Authors:
Dr. Gayatri Kulkarni – Mulye, (MD Ayurved)
Shruti Kulkarni (Nutritionist)
Vaidya Tejaswini Bhale-Borse (Ayurveda Physician)
Today we are celebrating auspicious day of Rama Navami. The story of Lord Hanuman associated with Sanjeevani booti is one of interesting highlight of the Ramayana.
Sanjeevani means ‘to bring back to life’. The divya aushadhi (divine medicine) that was used to revive Lord Laxmana, brother of Lord Ram was subject of research from many days.
When Laxmana was shot by a poisonous arrow, Hanuman was entrusted with the task of finding 4 special herbs (Sanjeevani, Vishalyakarani, Sandhanakarani and Savarnyakarani) on mountain Dronagiri in the Himalayas. The most important of this herb, Sanjeevani is believed to bring the dead back to life.
Ramayana is having many references related to Ayurved but curiosity about this wonder herb is unparalleled.
This curiosity leads into hunt for Sanjeevani in today’s world which is geographically bit different. Its botanical features, habitat, medicinal properties etc. are points for research amongst many people from many years.
Many excursion and research projects were designed to identify geographical location and habitat of Sanjeevani. Especially states like Uttarakhand carried out project related to Sanjeevani.
Initially with the help of tribal people and their knowledge, 22 different herbs were identified as a Sanjeevani at varying altitudes in the Greater Himalayas and it requires intensive and painstaking effort to locate these herbs since they are largely elusive.
Out of above herbs, three plants have been proposed as possible candidates for the Sanjeevani plant including Selaginella bryopteris, Dendrobium plicatile (synonym Desmotrichum fimbriatum), Cressa cretica which are very similar with described features, locations of Sanjeevani booti.
Ayurveda posits that a plant with features / characteristics similar to the organ or body can be used to treat the disease of that particular organ.
The plant S. bryopteris is a highly drought-tolerant plant that lies ‘dead’, dry and inactive for months and at the first rain (or upon hydration) comes ‘alive’, turning green and flush. If ‘similar cures similar’ then S. bryopteris must be Sanjeevani.
Modern biological experiments including current biochemical and cell biology methods carried out in University of Hyderabad, showed that S. bryopteris contains molecules that protect and help recover rat and insect cells from oxidative and ultraviolet stress, both of which can affect nerve in a fatal way.
Amongst all, many references showed Selaginella bryopteris is very similar in description with Sanjeevani booti. Research is still going for different aspects about this plant but Selaginella bryopteris is mostly considered to be Sanjeevani booti.
Selaginella bryopteris (संजीवनी) is a lithophytic plant that is native to India. It was used medicinally in India at that particular habitat. Sanjeevani booti grows on the hills of tropical areas, particularly in the ranges of Himalaya near India- Nepal borders.
Traditional uses include relief from heat stroke, dysuria, irregular menstruation, and jaundice, but the effectiveness has not been scientifically validated. It is also useful for coma patient by way of inhalation.
Sanjeevani booti is unique treasure from our glorious history. It is the symbol of our evolved medicinal systems at the Era of Ramayana. From identification to evaluating its medicinal properties scientifically, from conservation of its habitat to actually using it as medicine is the real treasure hunt for all of us.
Author:
Dr. Gayatri Kulkarni – Mulye
MD (Ayurved)
Blogger @ Turyaa Wellness
Atreya Innovations is celebrating its 8th anniversary today, and I would like to congratulate everyone on this special occasion. The past 8 years have been a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs, but with the power of teamwork, research, innovation, trust, and excellence, we have found our path. We have gained valuable experience, strengthened our skills, achieved outstanding results, satisfied our customers, and forged numerous collaborations. Today, I humbly express my appreciation to all of our employees, clients, and partners, and share my thoughts for the upcoming year.
India, along with the rest of the world, has witnessed the challenging COVID-19 outbreak, which has caused financial and emotional turmoil. Despite these difficulties, Atreya has managed to survive, thanks to the unwavering support of our early customers, employees, mentors, and family members. This difficult period has been a valuable teacher for all of us, redefining many of our relationships and friendships.
It’s worth noting that the COVID-19 outbreak has actually resulted in a significant increase in the market size for our product, as well as a more positive mindset towards our segment among our customers. Additionally, it has opened up numerous avenues and funding opportunities in our field. Therefore, it is crucial for us to remain focused on the changing business dynamics to maintain our leadership position.
Over the last several months, receiving the National Startup Award, as well as a special mention from Hon. Modiji, and earning valuable certifications have undoubtedly boosted our comeback. With angel investments and a government grant secured, we have taken bold next steps, including receiving LOIs from three large corporations, signing MOUs with eight prestigious institutions, expanding Nadi Tarangini to two more verticals, and working towards addressing non-communicable disorders. Additionally, we have invested in innovative technologies to ensure that our product is future-ready for third-party integrations.
It has been three years since we introduced something new as COVID held us for some time, but today I am excited to make a few important announcements for the upcoming months:
First and foremost, I am pleased to announce that the Nadi Tarangini app is now available on iOS. Our team has worked diligently to develop an iOS-supported software that was long overdue. This achievement is crucial as we prepare to launch a significant project with a Europe-based corporation in June.
It is essential to have iOS-supported and GDPR-compliant product to comply with European guidelines. With the first step successfully executed, we will now focus on ensuring compliance with these regulations.
Secondly, I am excited to announce that we will be launching Nadi Tarangini for the global market. With granted patents in Europe and Indonesia, and pending patents in other geographies, we will now expand our team and establish a presence in all seven continents.
Thirdly, I am pleased to announce that Nadi Tarangini is now available on easy EMI. With our Razorpay integration, doctors can easily make payments. Customers can enter the required details and select EMI as the payment method on the Razorpay Checkout, and then click Pay Now.
If the amount entered in the Checkout is eligible for a discount, all eligible plans provided by the card issuer will be displayed in the EMI options. This option is especially beneficial for doctors who are in the initial stages of their practice and want to provide a digital clinic experience for their patients.
Fourthly, this year, we will focus our research on the Nadi-based Diabetes monitor, which will provide a completely non-invasive and holistic way to take care of people every day. We have received a significant grant for this project and have signed MOUs with some of the best institutes in India.
We aim to gather the best researchers, diabetologists, Ayurveda experts, and statisticians to validate and create a Nadi-based continuous monitor for Diabetes. Our product will provide much more information than a blood report or a diabetes meter, and we will ensure it is simple to use and revolutionary for those who need it.
Most importantly, by the end of 2023, we will launch the high-quality specialized analytics platform ASHOKA. This intelligent platform is named after Vaidyaraj Ashok Bhat, who initiated the whole project and has given us his blessings for the journey. Nadi Tarangini and ASHOKA platform together will provide the world’s most personal and portable health monitor based on Ayurveda and data science. This innovative product will help consumers get back to a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Any new idea takes time, and no ranking or statistics, or even what people say about us can fully reflect the true spirit that Atreya embodies. Atreya’s success lies with the people who closely engage with us. Over time, our solution has evolved from being met with skepticism to achieving nationwide adoption. You, both past and present employees, are the strength of Atreya. It is you who have built this organization, and who continue to carry it forward. FY22-23 was a good year for us, and with the new announcements mentioned above, I hope for this year to be even more fruitful. Let’s all work together and do our best!
Looking forward to our continued and happy association! Let the good times go on!
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