According to Astrology, all 12 sun signs are divided among the four constitutional types. Fire signs are highly rich in energy. Air signs are very reactive to all external agents. Water signs are quite flexible and emotional very active. Earth signs are highly steady in nature.

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius):

Fire refers to the digestion and absorption of food. This sign denotes purifying our body system by buring all harmful things like – toxins, pathogens etc into ash. Fire signs can easily fight disease. When there is an increase in fire, it can cause hypertension, heart problems, ulcers. Excess fire needs to calm down by cold, moist foods. People with fire signs need to take Grains, Root vegetables etc. But should avoid spicy food and red meat. Low Fire can cause abnormal digestion. Which will need hot, aromatic and light food items. Cold foods should be avoided. people need to take lemon, yoghurt, mustard etc. and avoid dairy products and meat.

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius):

Air rules our nervous system and circulatory system. It also involves all movements, peristalsis, breathing and excretion. People with Air signs have a very sensitive mind and get off balance very easily. Excess Air condition can lead to dryness of body, insomnia and memory loss. People need to take steamed vegetables, nuts or croutons. But should avoid Raw foods, Grains, refined sugar, root crops, yeasty foods. Low Air should take sprouted seeds, roasted vegetables and fruit juices to make themselves active. Take garlic, ginger, yoghurt.

Water Signs(Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces):

Water element rules our reproductive system and lymphatic systems (blood, mucus and lymph). The signs are very sensitive to pathogens and show strong emotional sensitivity. In excess condition, people suffer from sluggish digestion and slow metabolism. Stagnant condition may lead to cysts, tumors or mucus accumulation and swellings. People should take steamed vegetables, beans, fruits. But avoid oily foods, diary products, sweets, breads and salt. Low water causes less detoxification. people suffer from dehydrations and sleeping problems. They develop conditions like – excess air, dryness etc. They should take baths regularly, drink plenty of liquids. Melons, cucumbers and other moist and fleshy vegetables are helpful. Fasting and exposure to heat or sunlight should be checked. Extra salt should also be avoided. Wheat, rice, oats, seaweed, dairy products and natural sugars are very good in regards to health. But beans, carrots, celery, cabbage and asparagus may be avoided.

Earth Constitution (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn):

Our Skeletal system and excretory system are ruled by earth. People tend towards weight problems.
Excess Earth condition will lead to slow metabolism, sclerosis, calcium deposit, excess body hair and tumors. Intake of fruit salads, sprouts, steamed vegetables, juices, soups and teas are helpful. Heavier diets should not be preferred. Low Earth condition ignore their body condition. They follow strict routines. Taking meat, potatoes, unrefined grains, root crops ,dairy, steamed vegetables, cheese, butter, sugar and oil are helpful. Fruits and raw foods should be avoided.

The toxins we are talking about have no scientific basis. Because according to medical sciences, the Liver and Kidney cleans and excretes all toxic materials. So many people doubt on the validity of this process. But Ayurvedic detoxifying diets claims at maintaining the body by cleaning the body on a daily basis. According to Ayurveda, food suitable to our Thridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) should always be preferred.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Detoxification:

• Detoxification makes the body “free of toxins.”
• It eliminates the environmental and the dietary toxins from our body.
• Improper digestion may build up toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. They may cause symptoms like – fatigue, loss in appetite, nausea and foul breath.
• Ayurvedic detox diets decreases the intake of harmful chemicals and increases the intake of foods that helps in cleansing.
• After cleaning is done, higher energy levels and improved digestion and concentration are achieved.

Detoxifying Spice Mix:

These spices stated below are very powerful detoxifying agents.

• 10% of Turmeric
• 20% of Cumin powder
• 30% of Coriander powder
• 40% of Fennel powder

This above spice mix can be mixed and stored for daily use in pulses, vegetables and soups.

Detoxifying Tea:
Boil water measuring 2 quarts.
Mix the below:

• 1/4 teaspoon whole cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon whole coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon whole fennel

Add the mixture to boiling water.
Cover the pot and let the mixture soak at low flame for ten minutes.
Strain it.
Ready to serve and drink.
This drink is best to drink early in the morning.

Bitter Gourd Mixture:

Bitter Gourd is an excellent vegetable for Cleansing and Detoxification.
Mix the below in equal proportions.

• Fresh bitter gourd juice
• Fresh aloe vera juice
• Lemon juice
• Honey

Mix and Drink it.
It is very effective when drunk early in the morning. It won’t taste well but is good for weight loss as well.

Fact: Ayurveda is just not about herbs. Ayurvedic treatment also includes milk and milk products, honey, alcohol, oils, minerals, salts, ashes etc.

Myth: Ayurvedic Treatment Is Vegetarian.

Fact: Some Ayurvedic preparations also include meat or fish extracts.

Myth: Ayurvedic Principles Are Different From Modern Science.

Fact: Ayurveda believes that a disease results from the increase or decrease in the level of ‘Thridoshas’, i.e.- the Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These are present throughout the body and responsible for functions like – motility, power, oxygen transport, digestion, development of body, metabolism and sustenance of life. These are one of the best way to map the human body. Several Allopathic practitioners also believe the same.

Myth: Ayurveda Do Not Perform Clinical Trials.

Fact: Ayurveda is in use since thousands of years. The medicinal preparations have already got perfected due to keen observation and experience during their long extensive use. All Ayurvedic preparations undergo even more extensive trials.

Myth: Ayurveda Is A Slow Process.

Fact: Medicines act slow or fast depending on cause of the disease. Fast improvement will occur if diagnosed properly and appropriate treatment is advised. But curing depends on the disease.

Myth: Anyone Can Learn And Use Ayurveda For Treatment.

Fact: Self-learning and treating may be ineffective at best or dangerous at worst. Different people have different body constitution, which is termed as ‘Prakrithi’ in Ayurveda. Medicinal preparations prescribed to one may not be the same for another person in spite of same disease and symptoms. Consult a practitioner always.

Myth: Ayurvedic Medicines Are Safe.

Fact: Some herbs contains toxic molecules. So some other herbs are added to counteract the side effects. More serious are labelled as ‘To be taken under medical supervision’.

Myth: Ayurveda Have Side Effects.

Fact: Many medicinal herbs have toxic in them. Medicinal preparations often include other herbs to counteract the harmful effects. Some herbs are very safe for direct use.

Myth: All Ayurvedic Treatments Include Massage.

Fact: Ayurvedic Massage cannot cure all diseases. It is effective only in certain ailments. Ayurvedic massages require specialized practitioners.

Myth: Proprietary Medicines Are More Effective Than Traditional.

Fact: Traditional medicinal preparations should always be prioritized. They have been proved over many live-case studies since long. But certain proprietary preparations are found effective in curing. Always consider the Manufacture before using any Proprietary one.

Myth: Ayurveda Is A Branch Of Medicine.

Fact: Ayurveda is a lifestyle. Healthy living, appropriate eating, adequate sleep, proper exercise are pillars of Ayurveda.

Myth: Ayurveda is not a science.

Fact: Ayurveda has principles and methodologies proved on scientific basis. It is not regarded as science by many as it did not develop inside any lab. But Ayurveda also has its branches like any other sciences. They are – Surgery (Shalya-chikitsa), Treatment of diseases above the belly (Salakyam), Internal medicine (Kaaya-chikitsa), Psychaitry (Bhuta vidya), Paediatrics (Kaumarabhrtyam), Toxicology (Agadatantram), Immunity (rasayanam), Aphrodisiacs (Vajikaranam); in total eight branches called the Ashtanga Ayurveda.

• Avoid synthetic, fried and processed foods.
• Do not eat rich food stuff. eat those which are easily digestible.
• Prefer wheat flour with husk over refined flour.
• Left overs are the biggest source of oxidants. So do not eat them.
• Do not eat foods which are excess oily, cold, hot, salt, sweet or sour.
• Fruits should not be eaten immediately after food.
• Drink warm water to purify your body.
• Drink water 1 and half hours after food.
• Do not go for overeating or undereating.
• Do not skip meals.
• Do not eat forcibly, if you do not want to eat. Go for water and fruits if it is meal time.
• Do not drink tea or coffee after meals.
• If needed, take only water, fruit juice or lemon juice between meals.
• Avoid any physical activity like – swimming, running or having sex immediately after food.
• Be attentive while taking your food. Do not get diverted by watching television, reading, hearing songs or working during meals.
• Eat dinner at least 2 hours prior to sleep.
• Avoid usage of any drugs, cigarettes, alcohols or any addictive substances.

Do’s And Don’ts In Lifestyle

• Go to bed by 10:00 pm and avoid any excitement before sleep.
• Daily exercise is necessary.
• Practise reiki, meditation, pranayam, yoga to reduce daily stress.
• Avoid extreme cold or extreme hot.
• Get your scalp a warm oil massage twice a week. This will keep your mind healthy and active.
• Take short breaks and regular works when your job is sedentary.
• Wake up in the ‘Brahma Muhurta’ i.e. 4:00-6:00 am in the morning.
• After waking gargle your mouth. Drink 300 ml of water before going to the toilet.
• Do not brush your teeth with hard tooth brush. Scrape your tongue once with a tongue cleaner with little pressure. Massage your teeth and gums with a ‘Dant Manjan’(herbal gum powder) after brushing.
• Get your body massaged by mustard oil/olive oil/sesame oil thrice a week.
• Do some stretching exercises.
• Bath in lukewarm water.
• Breakfasts like – sprouts, Idli-sambar, Fruits, Dalia, Porridge, Poha, Dhokla are very helpful. Drink a cup of Kashmiri Tea, Green Tea or Herbal Tea.
• Do not sleep immediately after taking meals.

In first degree burns the skin is red, and the injury affects only the top layer of the skin. The first degree burns are thought to be minor burns. Often you observe oozing of a liquid from the inner layers of the skin. Honey and fresh aloe vera gel are the major medications recommended for first degree burns.

Second degree burns affects epidermis as well as dermis layers of skin. Skin is prone to blisters in these type of burns. To prevent further infections patients are given turmeric supplements internally. Calendula oil and creams rich in aloe Vera are advised for external application.

Third degree burns are very serious. In third degree burns epidermis and dermis layers of the skin are completely burnt. The nerves are also partly burnt and involve damaged bones. As these burn are of highest severity the pain is more intense. Most of the third degree burns demand a surgery.

Some of the Ayurvedic products that are used to treat burns are:

• First degree burns: water, honey, aloe vera gel.
• Second degree burns: Propolis(substance used to build bee hives), aloe vera gel, calendula.
• Third degree burns: aloe vera gel, Gotukola cream.

Apart from curing burns, many massaging oils are used for scar/marks reduction that are left after the wound heals.

The coolest thing about Ayurvedic herbal hair oils is that they can be prepared at home. Some of the herbs used in Ayurvedic hair care products are fenugreek; henna (Lawsonia Inermis); hibiscus leaves; soap nuts; karisalankanni called licorice in English; neem; lemon; Indian gooseberries. Many Ayurveda experts advise to eat lot of green leafy vegetables. Increasing the intake of foods rich in proteins and drinking plenty of water also helps combat hair loss.

Ayurvedic hair oils never damage hair as they do not contain chemicals that disrupt the texture of hair. Massaging with these hair care products helps prevent dry hair. These hair oils also control dandruff and alopecia. Massaging properly is as important as the ingredients itself. A proper massage increases blood circulation and also helps in easy absorption of these oils.
Here is a simple recipe to prepare herbal hair oil at home:

• Olive Oil 20 ml
• Cinnamon Powder 1 teaspoon
• Honey 1 teaspoon

Method:
Mix all the above ingredients to make a paste. Apply it to the scalp and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Repeat for every 15 days and find thicker and healthy hair.

Though ayurveda is thought to be a no harm science, there are few herbs that are used in ayurvedic medicine which are harmful. Some of these are Acorus calamus – L, Papaver Somniferum, Peganum Harmala. Acorus calamus contains tranquilising and anti biotic properties. But using the fresh root and essential oil of this herb can be dangerous. As it contains carcinogenic(cancer causing) compounds.

Papaver Somniferum is commonly known as poppy. It contains many medicinal properties like astringent, expectorant, anesthetic, sedative, sudoric. Opium a well known drug derived from poppy. Over dose of opium is thought to be addictive and posses toxic properties. Seeds of Peganum Harmala are used as flavouring agents and thought to contain many medicinal properties.

Peganum harmala though has many medicinal properties, is considered harmful due to presence of many harmful carcinogenic alkaloids. These may cause damage vomiting and mental disorders when taken in excess. These side effects can be prevented by taking some necessary precautions.

Necessary precautions while taking ayurvedic medicine:

• Strictly following the prescription of medicines.
• Buying medicine from a reputed ayurvedic practitioner.
• If possible, check the environmental conditions under which the herbs are grown.
• Storing the medicine as suggested by the ayurvedic acharya also is important.

Almond oil helps get rid of frizzy hair by adding shine and brilliance to it.
It is used in various herbal formulations to improve skin complexion and texture. This oil can be used in its pure form or can be mixed with other oils. Sweet almond oil is used as a massaging oil for vata people, as it is easily absorbed by skin and nourishes it thoroughly, thus restoring vata balance.

Almond oil is used as a major ingredient in anointing of body, called “Abhyanga” in ayurvedic terms. This oil is also advised by ayurvedic physicians for treating cardiovascular disorders as it elevates the levels of high density lipid proteins, and also due to its antioxidant properties.

Uses of Almond Oil in Ayurveda:
Almond oil is used in ayurvedic medicine in many ways. Here are a few:

• As a emollient for skin.
• In aromatherapies for treating nervous disorders.
• For treating bowel disorders.
• Anti-aging therapies.
• To calm cough and heal respiratory tract problems.
• For hair problems like dandruff.
• Helps reduce scars post surgery.

Almond oil is not only used for cosmetic purposes, but it is also used to treat serious ailments.

Benefits of the herb Plumbago Zeylanica:

• The roots of the herb are pungent and bitter in taste.
• They are used to promote appetite and are helpful in digestion, piles and skin diseases.
• The roots are powdered and taken internally as snuff to get relief from headache.
• The roots can cause tissues of the body to get united and help in healing of the wounds as antiseptic.

Knowledge Gained from Research about the herb Plumbago Zeylanica:

• A research study was conducted at the Department of Psychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India on the roots of this herb.
• The researchers wanted to know how the components of this herb can act as stimulants.
• The extracts of this herb were given to experimental rats in the doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of the body weight of the rats.
• The researchers found that the state of trance was high between the doses 100-300mg/kg. For 300mg/kg and higher doses, the effect of trance decreased.
• This implied that the effect of this herb on the central nervous system and the brain is dose dependent.
• The study found that the rats had higher levels of the hormone dopamine in their brain.
• The hormone dopamine is essential for the proper functioning of the central nervous system.
• It is primarily responsible for causing all delightful effects in our body.

Benefits of the Herb Satureja Hortensis: In Ayurveda, the essential oil extracted from this herb can treat baldness. An ointment prepared from the herb is used to relieve arthritic joint pain. This herb is known to treat ailments like Lack of Appetite, Piles, Bronchitis, Diarrhoea, Flatulence, Indigestion, Nausea, Sore Throat too. It is used in Iran as folk medicine to cure stomach and intestinal disorders. This herb is known for its culinary properties and is mostly used in preparation of beans dishes.

Knowledge Gained from Research about the Herb Satureja Hortensis:

• A research study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey (dated Oct 2003).
• The researchers tried to study the effective of this herb in treating inflammation and swellings.
• The roots of this herb were boiled in water and given to experimental rabbits.
• The researchers found positive results at the end of their study.
• According to a research study conducted at the Javakhishvili State University, Biological Faculty, Department of Biophysics, Tbilisi, Georgia (dated August 2005), the extracts of this herb were found to reduce the cholesterol level in experimental rabbits.
• Research also reports of the effectiveness of the herb in fighting Oxidative stress.
• Experimental rats with high cholestrol levels were given the oil extracts of this herb.
• It was found at the end of the study that the process of oxidative stress was significantly inhibited.