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Healing a Child with Natural Remedies

Sustainability

Bhavika

-

May 2, 2013

Nature has a cure for every illness; one simply needs to be made aware of these cures. For several years we lived in virtually an isolated place close to the hills and the fields and that’s when we realised the benefits of living close to nature.

potion made from leaves of Adulsa, Phangli, bitter gourd, guava and tulsi — Potion made from leaves of (left to right) Adulsa, Phangli (second top left), bitter gourd, guava and tulsi (bottom right) to treat cold, cough, fever in kids

We started using herbs/plants to treat our now two and a half year old son when he was down with a cold, stuffy nose, bout of fever or a tummy ache – old-fashioned home remedies are often the best way to treat kids.

The people who are disconnected from urban life have the knowledge of plant-based remedies.

Like the local woman where we lived, enlightened us about a potion made from five different types of plants – Adhatoda vasica (Adulsa), highly worshiped Indian herb Holy Basil (Tulsi), Bitter Gourd (Karela), Guava and a local wild plant called Phangli.

We used this remedy when our son suffered from a bout of fever, cold and cough, when he was around 7 months old.

We still use this potion although where we stay now, we don’t have access to Phangli.

The Magic Potion

Justicia adhatoda or Adulsa or Malabar Nut is native to Asia — Leaves of Adulsa or Malabar nut are widely used to treat cough, bronchitis and respiratory ailments

Around 3-4 or 2-3 leaves, mostly the fresh leaves that have just sprouted, they supposedly have the most medicinal value, each leaf (mentioned above) was wrapped inside the big-sized Adulsa leaves (used only for heating purpose) and heated for few minutes, until the outer leaves turned a bit brown.

We removed the burnt leaves and squeezed out the juice by pressing it between the palms, it must have been 1 tsp, and in three days he was better and in a weeks time he was fine. (It’s was a potent mixture and preferably given early morning before breakfast.)

Here is the process in pictures –

herbal medicine for cold cough and fever — Wrap all the leaves together with big-sized Adulsa or Vasaka leaves

Heat the leaves on fire till the outer adulsa turns brown — Roast the leaves on fire till the outer Adulsa turns brown, this should take around 3-4 minutes

remove the burnt leaves to squeeze juice — Open the packed leaves to squeeze out the extract

Using herbal remedy to treat cold cough fever in kids — After heating remove the burnt dried leaves

squeeze the leaves between palms to remove the juice — Squeeze out the juice by pressing the leaves between your palms, that’s the extract to cure cold, cough and fever

We were absolutely marveled by the healing properties of each one of those plants, the woman said that –

Adulsa was for cough and cold, Tulsi for cold, Guava and Bitter Gourd for the stomach, and the local Phangli to cure fever. We didn’t feel the need to go to a doctor, nature was our doctor. Bitter Gourd and Phangli was not always available so we started using Tulsi, Adulsa and Ginger in case of cold and fever.

Benefits of Tulsi

Fever & Common Cold – The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours

Coughs

Sore Throat

Respiratory Disorder

Kidney Stones

Heart Disorder

Relieves stress

Boost Immunity

Enhances stamina

An excellent mouth freshener and oral disinfectant

Beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases

Useful in treating Diabetes

Benefits of Adulsa

Helpful in asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs and breathlessness

It is also used for lowering blood pressure in mildly hypertensive patient

A poultice of the leaves may be applied to wounds for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

It has been used to control both internal and external bleeding such as peptic ulcers, haemorrhoids and bleeding gums

Antispasmodic properties are also associated with the plant. It helps in easing pain

Recently our son had some kind of a stomach infection which caused vomiting and loose stools for 2-3 days. The remedy for this was Guava leaves, again fresh ones, boiled it in water for few mins (you will notice the colour change) and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes and fed him the extract twice a day. In few days he was alright. Natural remedies generally takes longer to cure an ailment as compared to modern medicine, but at the same time the child’s immunity builds up as well as his resistance level.

Since then we have always used Tulsi and Adulsa leaves to treat cold or cough and guava leaves for any stomach infection. Guava leaves have plenty of benefits. Simply boiling the leaves in water and drinking the decoction does wonders to the stomach.

Guava leaves health benefits healing properties — Guava leaves have been known to treat diabetes, jaundice, gastroenteritis, dental problems and much more

Benefits of Guava leaves

According to Indian folklore, “it is believed that the leaves of this plant [guava] can cure jaundice within three days.”

Since ancient times Guava leaves have been used as herbal remedies to treat diabetes. It decreases the levels of glucose in the blood

Also used to treat epilepsy

Antibiotic properties are attributed to the decoction or infusion of guava leaves

The astringents in the leaves of the guava plant will bind up the bowels and relieve symptoms of gastroenteritis, as well as diarrhoea

By crushing guava leaves and applying them directly to the wound, you can relieve some of the discomfort

Chewing on a guava leaf twice a day, can relieve gum and tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums or mouth sores

Cure bad breath

Soothe a sore throat

There are many such plants which can be used for healing purpose, but are you open to trying it out. The key is patience and belief that it will work! Like the Native American quote goes, “Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.”

(Please consult your herbalist or health care provider before beginning use of any of the plants mentioned above)

Resources:

Tulsi
Benefits of Guava leaves
Effects of guava leaf extract

The Fractal Structure of Hindu Temples

Fractals

Bhavika

-

April 20, 2013

6

Traditionally, temples have been the most prominent religious institution in India and fractals form an integral part of those temples. A single gaze at a temple and you will find fractal-like spires (shikharas) or a tower surrounded by smaller towers, surrounded by still smaller towers, and so on, for eight or more levels. Each part of the facade is designed to look like a miniature reproduction of the whole.

Vishnu temple in Varanasi ganges shows fractal-like patterns — Vishnu temple in Varanasi. This single-pointed wholeness composed of many self-similar peaks at various points in the structure displays a striking fractal quality

Since Hindu philosophy views the cosmos to be holonomic and self-similar in nature – each fragment of the cosmos is believed to be whole in itself – temples are designed and constructed as models of the cosmos.

George Michell, author of ‘The Hindu Temple’ explained, “The architecture of the Hindu temple symbolically represents the quest for moksha– ultimate spiritual liberation, the realization of oneness by setting out to dissolve the boundaries between man and the divine.

For this purpose certain notions are associated with the very forms and materials of the building.

Paramount is the identification of the divinity with the fabric of the temple, or, from another point of view, the identification of the form of the universe [for example the cosmic mountain] with that of the temple.

Such an identification is achieved through the form and meaning of those architectural elements that are considered fundamental to the temple.”

Indian temples self-similarity and 3D structure based on fractal geometry — Indian temples are like 3-dimensional structure based on fractal geometry

Kandariya Mahadev temple in khajuraho — The rising, fractal-like spires of Kandariya temple in Khajuraho. Some parts are even reminiscent of features in the Mandelbrot set.

Madurai temple showing intricate sculptures of deities creating fractal patterns — The intricate sculptures of deities on Madurai temple create fractal-like patterns

Temples are of different sizes populated by sculptures and images of deities, animals, mythical beings and varied symbols to create a distinctive visual and spiritual experience. Not all Hindu temples are based on sacred geometry but many are.

The temple is a fractal part of the whole of Hinduism, and that the use of fractal geometry has a special symbolic meaning in the forms of Hindu temples. Like the whole is reflected and celebrated in each part!

Virupaksha temple in hampi — Virupaksha temple in Hampi – Temples are designed as models of the cosmos envisioned in the Hindu philosophy

Resource:

Hindu temples, models of a fractal universe
Fractals in Temples

Swastika – The Enigmatic Universal Symbol

Culture

Bhavika

-

April 1, 2013

26

Swastika – The Enigmatic Universal Symbol

Ancient symbols have a sense of mystery and awe wrapped around it – like the Swastika. The initial impression might revolve around its use by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi party, which has stigmatized its use in the Western culture.

But interestingly, it has been a sacred symbol in various ancient civilizations around the world during different times for over 3000 years, representing life, sun, fire, power, strength and good luck.

In India it remains one of the important religious symbols, mainly used in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. In Jainism, the Swastika delineates the seventh saint and the four arms placed clockwise stand for the four possible places of rebirth: the animal or plant world, hell, earth, or the spirit world.

In Buddhism a swastika represents resignation, and you will often see statues of Buddha with this symbol on the chest or on the sole of the feet. Dalai Lama’s throne is decorated with four Swastikas and its even found throughout Tibet and Nepal on everyday items and as a marking denoting monasteries.

While to the Hindus, swastika symbolizes night, magic, purity, and goddess Kali. The Swastika is commonly used to mark the opening pages of account books, thresholds, doors, offerings, and its even carved on the temple facade. We used it on our wedding card as a good luck symbol and it was part of the wedding ritual as well.

The word swastika is derived from the Sanskrit svastika when literally translated from its root, means ‘well- being.’ But it has a negative connotation attached to it due to the Nazi connection. One symbol with two meanings?

Swastika painted on the shaven head of a hindu boy during a initiation ritual — Swastika painted on the shaven head of a Hindu boy during a initiation ritual

Swastika is used on auspicious occasions in India as a sign of good luck and well-being, here its used on a wedding card

swastika on the door of a jain temple — Swastika on the door of a Jain temple

buddhist swastika japan — Swastika seen on a Buddhist temple in Japan

Use of Swastika by the Nazis

Nazi Swastika symbol on their flag — Since World War II, the swastika is often associated with the flag of Nazi Germany in the Western world.

The swastika was a symbol for the Aryans, one of the oldest race who settled in Iran and Northern India. They believed themselves to be a pure race, superior to the other surrounding cultures.

Since the Nazis regarded themselves to have Aryan roots, they used the swastika as their symbol, associated with hate, violence, death, and murder.

Adolf Hitler stated: “As National Socialists, we see our program in our flag. In red, we see the social idea of the movement; in white, the nationalistic idea; in the swastika, the mission of the struggle for the victory of the Aryan man, and, by the same token, the victory of the idea of creative work, which as such always has been and always will be anti-Semitic.”

Even in the early twentieth century, the swastika was a common decoration that often adorned cigarette cases, postcards, coins, and buildings. During World War I, the swastika was also found on the shoulder patches of the American 45th Division and on the Finnish air force until after World War II.

The different names of swastika in different cultures

A universal symbol

swastika symbol used on pottery vase and tomb — Swastika symbol used on pottery Europe – Neolithic (top left), Greek vase in 700 BC (bottom left), and on medieval tombstones in Bosnia

Earliest archaeological evidence of swastika-shaped ornaments dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization of Ancient India.
Artifacts like pottery and coins from ancient Troy, dating back to 1,000 BCE, had the symbol on them!

Atena with swastikas, Greece(top left), Carvings on a stone, Eqypt (top right) and Stone from St Tecla’s Hillfort, Spain - Late Iron Age — Atena with swastikas, Greece(top left), Carvings on a stone, Eqypt (top right) and Stone from St Tecla’s Hillfort, Spain – Late Iron Age

Native American Agricultural School basketball team in 1909 had swastika on their t-shirts

The Celts in Ireland and Scotland frequently used to carve it on their tombstones, and the Scandanavians used it as a symbol of ‘Thor’s hammer.’ The Greeks associated the Swastika with the sun god Apollo, and it was painted on clothes, houses, ceramics and many other items.

Among various Native American tribes, the swastika carried different meanings. To the Hopi it represented the wandering Hopi clan; to the Navajo it was a symbol for a whirling log that represented a legend used in healing rituals.

But the Navajo tribe, and many others, have renounced the symbol and don’t use the swastika in their artwork again, because of its association.

Swastika symbol on navajo woven blanket — For the Navajo swastika was a symbol for a whirling log (tsil no’oli), a sacred image representing a legend that was used in healing rituals, and also used as a decorative design on blankets

For the Mayans the Swastika stood for creation and for the Incas and Aztecs it represented the four seasons due to its four arms, the centre symbolizing the sun. Swastika was also used in Mesoamerican artwork, which shows it was widely circulated.

Chinese called it, ‘WAN’ Zi, and its included as part of the Chinese script in the form of the character. It represents infinity in Tibet and China. Japanese named it ‘MAN’ Ji, and is used on Japanese maps (left-facing and horizontal), to mark the location of a Buddhist temple. The swastika, in the Japanese sense, can mean a number of positive things from strength to compassion.

Oceania Christchurch cathedral in New Zealand

In Armenia swastika is the ancient symbol of eternal light (i.e. God), while in Finland the swastika was often used in traditional folk art products or on textiles and wood. The swastika was also used by the Finnish Air Force until 1945, but is still used on air force flags.

swastika in saint petersburg army medical college — Swastika seen in St Petersburg Army Medical college

Swastika has been used by many cultures over the centuries in different forms (clockwise or counter clockwise) and has various meanings attached to it. It’s like the universal symbol that has united the world on a common ground which is positivity, leaving aside the Nazi factor.

The swastika symbol had an extraordinary survival, in space and time, having reached the present day. Some might even argue that it remained in the collective unconscious – part of the mind that records and conserves the psychological heritage of mankind.

The True History & Story of The Swastika Symbol.

Resources:

Swastika, a pictorial atlas
Swastika in Russia
Swastika history

Surya Namaskar: The Sacred Salutation in Yoga

Bhavika

-

March 25, 2013

16

Surya Namaskar: The Sacred Salutation in Yoga

“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind & the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life,” reads BKS Iyengar’s quote on Yoga, the founder of Iyengar Yoga and recognised as one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world.

Yoga is a profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul — Yoga is more than 5000 year old profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul

Yoga, an ancient Indian spiritual science for more than 5000 years, has been known to nourish and heal the mind, body and spirit. The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word yoga is ‘to add’, ‘to join’, ‘to unite’, or ‘to attach,’ and that union is of one’s consciousness with the higher forces or universal consciousness.

I choose to learn yoga to help deal with the chaos of city life, something to calm me down and clear the cluttered mind – the mind that was functioning at the rate of the fast-paced city life. For me Yoga was the answer that triggered a slow healing process of the inner self, apart from rendering mental clarity.

There are several branches of Yoga – like Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Most of them are more or less based on specific postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), relaxation techniques (pratyahara and dharana) and meditation (dhyana).

Surya Namaskar: Salutations to the Sun

Surya Namaskar or sun salutation poses asanas and breathing chart — Surya Namaskar includes a set of 12 fixed, cyclic postures synchronized with the breath, which detoxifies and stimulates almost all the organs of the human body

One of the most important sequence of asanas would be Surya Namaskar, which means salutations to the Sun, a way of expressing gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on this planet. Surya Namaskar includes a set of 12 fixed, cyclic postures synchronized with ones breath, which detoxifies and stimulates almost every organ of the human body.

So even if you practice only these 12 asanas, its enough to benefit from Yoga, and if done early morning is even better as the morning rays have therapeutic properties.

Sun is the divine source of energy and has been worshiped around the world – The Greeks called the Sun god Helius, the Romans referred to him as Titan and Hyperoin, the Egyptians called him Ra. In Mexican culture, he is Kikich Ahau, the Germans call the Sun Sol, in Chinese culture, the Sun represents Yang (Pingala) and the Moon represents Yin (Ida).

Each of the 12 Surya Namaskar poses have 12 corresponding mantras chanted (verbally or in your mind) before each posture. Mantra chanting must be done with intent, to have a powerful and penetrating effect on the mind and body.

Surya namaskar and corresponding mantras and chakras to focus on — Surya Namaskar is best done with mantra chanting and focusing on a chakra with each pose

The significance of these mantras is that each sound like ‘Aum’, ‘Hreem’ awaken the blocked energy, and activate the chakras in the human body. This practice can also be performed with special concentration on each Chakra. Take a look at the video to see the mantras for each pose.

Surya Namaskar Mantras with Meaning (Sun Salutation)

The Surya Namaskar is best done early morning on an empty stomach.

Surya Namaskar 12 steps and corresponding chakra to focus on — The 12 asanas in Surya Namaskar and the corresponding chakra to focus on for each step

Using sacred tree oil in your practice

At the break of dawn when the birds start to sing, I start warming up first with stretching poses, and then move on to Surya Namaskar.

I also apply little bit of the Sacred Tree Oil on the third eye region – its a blend made from different trees like Neroli, Mimosa, Frangipani, Bergamot, Sandalwood, Rosewood, Cedarwood, Copal, Fir and Pine. The tree oil instantly opens and activates the vibratory core, clearing all the blockages in the nadis.

This combined with Surya Namaskar and the morning rays unfolds into a very rejuvenating experience. I can feel the radiating energy of the sun instantly energising and it takes me in a state of bliss and calmness – this experience makes me aware of my shortcomings and helps bring clarity to my mind.

Benefits of Surya Namaskar:

It benefits joints, ligaments and the skeletal system by improving posture, flexibility and balance
Boosts blood circulation
Benefits the Endocrine system and enables the various endocrinal glands to function properly. These include the thyroid, parathyroid and pituitary glands as well as the adrenal gland, testes and ovaries
Helps people suffering from insomnia
It is good for the heart and stimulates the cardiovascular system
Tones up the digestive system by the alternate stretching and compression of abdominal organs. It activates digestion and gets rid of constipation and dyspepsia
It stimulates the lymphatic system and supports respiratory system health, as well
Influences the pineal gland and hypothalamus to prevent pineal degeneration and calcification
One of the best techniques to keep your sugar under control in Diabetes
It gives vitality and strength. It also reduces the feeling of restlessness and anxiety
Surya Namaskar relieves stress, improves concentration and gives inner peace

The results are never immediate; it always comes with practice over a long period of time. It’s much more than just an exercise, although people have been coming up with their own versions of Yoga, packaging it as the means to stay in shape.

But the fact is that Yoga makes one spiritually aware of the interconnectedness between your body, mind and spirit, and in the process awakening the dormant Kundalini energy! Yoga is the way of life…

I would like to end with a beautiful quote by Paramahansa Yogananda, “Yoga is a simple process of reversing the ordinary outward flow of energy and consciousness so that the mind becomes a dynamic center of direct perception no longer dependent upon the fallible senses but capable of actually experiencing Truth.”

References & image source:

Yoga and the art of living

13-Year Old Replicates Fibonacci Sequence to Harness Solar Power

Fractals

Clyde

-

March 21, 2013

39

13-Year Old Replicates Fibonacci Sequence to Harness Solar Power

The future of our planet lies in the hands of our children and when a 13-year old boy, Aidan Dwyer, uncovers the mystery of how trees get enough of sunlight in a crowded forest and applies it to solar energy you know that all is not lost.

On a trek through the forest Aidan, from Long Island, New York, pondered on how all the leaves get enough of sunlight and figured out that trees spiral up using the Fibonacci sequence.

The fractal nature of trees allows each leaf to get sunlight and he pondered on why we don’t use the Fibonacci sequence in the placement of solar panels for us to harness energy from the sun.

So he came up with his little invention to generate the maximum amount of energy using the fractal principals of nature. Aidan explained, “My design is like a tree, but instead of having leaves it has solar panels at the ends (of the branches).”

Check out the video below –

Hope this video inspires more parents to let their children wander through forests and study nature!

Fractal Enlightenment

Healing a Child with Natural Remedies

The Fractal Structure of Hindu Temples

Swastika – The Enigmatic Universal Symbol

Use of Swastika by the Nazis

A universal symbol

Surya Namaskar: The Sacred Salutation in Yoga

Surya Namaskar: Salutations to the Sun

The Surya Namaskar is best done early morning on an empty stomach.

Using sacred tree oil in your practice

Benefits of Surya Namaskar:

13-Year Old Replicates Fibonacci Sequence to Harness Solar Power

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