All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
How To Use Aloe Vera Leaf Gel?

Grandma’s Remedies: How to use Aloe Vera Gel instead of its products?

Commonly known as Aloe, Aloe vera is widely used medicinal herb both in home remedies as well as in cosmetic industries. Aloe is used from centuries for curing common skin conditions as well as to look younger. The plant has cactus like appearance with hidden gel inside which is responsible for its medicinal properties. Aloe also used as laxative in herbal remedies, but its use has been restricted or banned for “possible” side effects! Topical use of Aloe is well known and if you are planning to use the gel, then you must take certain precautions especially washing gel many times and testing on your skin before using to make sure you don’t get any rashes.  More about Aloe vera and its uses are explained here.

Aloe vera is one of the most popular herb in many cosmetic ingredients. It is not available much in the wild. Throughout the world, many cultivate this herb for its benefits.

It is one of the plant that is very easy to grow and requires low maintenance and needs less water. Aloe vera  is known as magic plant and Kumari (in Sanskrit) for its properties.

It has succulent leaves and when cut leaves reveal colorless gel. This gel is what is responsible for Aloe vera’s properties. Gel contains, Vitamin A, B, C and E, Calcium, Potassium, Copper, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc and Chromium.

Apart from remedy for natural wrinkle free skin some of the other common benefits of Aloe Vera, that one can see in literature are:

  • Anti-microbial property
  • Sun protection for the skin
  • Digestion system corrective action
  • Wound and burn treatment remedies
  • Stronger gums, mouth ulcers and gastritis remedy

We see Aloe vera extract in many cosmetic products. Did you know- instead of using Aloe vera gel with other chemicals, one can use it directly in raw form from the plant itself?

This reduces exposure to chemicals and saves time and money. Before using this gel, do not forget to wash the gel minimum 7 times in water to reduce any reactions or side effect.

Some of the home remedies one can try using Aloe vera gel – are described in next few slides.

Image credit: Image by mozo190 from Pixabay (cc by 0) & Image by Spencer Wing from Pixabay (cc by 0)

Aloe Vera Gel for pain, swelling and wounds

Aloe Vera Gel For Pain Swelling and Wounds

Aloe Vera Gel For Pimple, Black Pigmentation

Aloe Vera Gel For Pimple, Black Pigmentation

Aloe Vera Gel For Peptic Ulcer

Aloe Vera Gel For Peptic Ulcer

Aloe Vera Gel For Men And Women

Aloe Vera Gel For Men And Women

Aloe Vera Gel For Hair Health

Aloe Vera Gel For Hair Health

Aloe Vera Gel For Better Skin

Aloe Vera Gel For Better Skin

Reference Source: Grandma’s remedies – www.werindia.com

Images Reference: Google

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 6, 2023
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Drugs from ocean

Status of Extraction of Potential Drugs from the Ocean

Many of the drugs that we use today are derived from natural resources and many are from terrestrial resources. Penicillium, Aspergillus and many Mushrooms, Bacterial species are known to produce active chemical compounds that are widely used to cure or prevent human conditions. Ocean is known to have large number of identified and unidentified forms of species and rich in biodiversity. Scientists are also extracting drugs from marine species. Some of the active chemicals that could be useful for human health benefits extracted from ocean are:

Ecteinascidin: Extracted from tunicates; being tested in humans for treatment of breast and ovarian cancers and other solid tumors

Discodermalide: Extracted from deep-sea sponges belonging to the genus Discodermia; anti-tumor agent

Bryostatin: Extracted from the bryozoan, Bugula neritina; potential treatment for leukemia and melanoma

Pseudopterosins: Extracted from the octocoral (sea whip) Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae; anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents that reduce swelling and skin irritation and accelerate wound healing

w-conotoxin MVIIA: Extracted from the cone snail, Conus magnus; potent pain-killer

In India, recently CSIR data base screened nearly 2654 compounds derived from ocean for such chemicals – Healthy life

CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute was the nodal lab for MoES. A total of 2654 compounds were screened for different activities for Anti-Cancer, Anti-Angiogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial, and GPCR profiling. Specifically for Anticancer activity of compounds submitted through MoES program was evaluated on five different cancer-type cell lines (MDA-MB231, DLD-1, FaDu, HeLa, and A549) as per standard operating protocol (SOP).

1. With this endeavor a potent Anti-cancer molecule named GS/IICT5/6has been identified. The molecule has shown a better tumor inhibitory profile as compared to Sunitinib. Currently, the molecule has cleared the initial safety profile. The molecule will be evaluated further.

2. On similar lines Cancer patients suffer from neuropathic pain after chemotherapy. In this endeavors for relieving the patient suffering using the MoES programme, a novel compound SB/CDRI4/105 that can alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain has been discovered. Currently, the molecule is also in the advanced stages of lead optimization and IND-enabling studies will be enabled shortly.

3. A very potent molecule SP/NISER29, a new class drug having anti-cancer activity has been identified. The molecule has shown potent anti-tumor activity in the animal model better than taxol. The compound has very good stability and disrupts the cytoskeletal filaments. This does not meet the criteria for further development and the data has been published.

This information was given by the Minister for State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences

References: For further read on CSIR investigation – Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/

Image credit: Image by David Mark from Pixabay (CC by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 5, 2023
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Palak kofta recipe

Palak kofta recipe

Try another palak recipe that is popular in India – Palak kofta! It is a delicious dish that tastes well with roti and other Indian breads as well as varieties of rice dishes. Recipe calls for several ingredients and involves two step preparation – gravy or curry preparation and palak kofta frying. It is a bit elaborate recipe but worth trying because of the outcome – you will have a tasty dish to serve your loving family- dinner or lunch you decide.  

Palak kofta recipe details:

For curry preparation:

  1. Cumin – 1tsp
  2. Dry Fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) – 2 tsp
  3. Fennel seed- 1 tsp
  4. Turmeric – ½ tsp
  5. Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp
  6. Onion – one finely chopped
  7. Coriander powder – 1 tsp
  8. Tomato pulp –  2 cups
  9. Cashew paste – ¼ cup
  10. Salt – as per taste
  11. Chili powder – 1 or 2 tsp
  12. Garam masala – 1/2 tsp
  13. Chopped cilantro- ¼ cup
  14.  Bay leaf – 1 or 2
  15. Oil – 2-3 tsp

For palak kofta frying:

  1. Chopped onion – 3 Tbsp
  2. Garlic – 3 clove
  3. Ginger – 1 inch
  4. Green chili -1 or 2 chopped
  5. Garam masala- ¼ tsp
  6. Corn flour – ¼ cup
  7. Cashew – 6 finely cut
  8. Palak leaves – one bunch – finely chopped
  9. Paneer or cottage cheese – grated one cup
  10. Potato boiled -1/2 cup
  11. Gram flour -1/2 cup
  12. Salt as per taste
  13. Oil – for cooking & frying

Curry preparation:

  1. Heat oil in a frying pan, add cumin, fennel followed by onion and sauté.
  2. Add garlic and ginger paste continue frying and add kasuri methi,  bay leaf
  3. Add turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala and red chili powder and mix well
  4. To the mix, now add cashew paste and continue mixing for a minute and add tomato pulp- let mix cook for 3 to 4 minutes
  5. Add desired amount of salt, chopped cilantro and one cup water – bring it to boil
  6. Turn off the heat and close the lid.

Preparation of kofta:

  1. Place large frying pan on medium heat and add 4 tsp cooking oil. To heated oil add cut garlic, onion, ginger green chilli and chopped palak – saute well
  2. Allow it to cool and blend the mix to a smooth paste
  3. Now to the mix add, one cup grated paneer, boiled potato, chopped cashews, garam masala and salt as per your taste – combine everything well
  4. Add gram flour – mix well to form dough.
  5. Prepare balls from the dough, there should not be any cracks
  6. Roll balls in corn flour
  7. Heat oil for frying and fry the palak dough balls to greenish-golden color, it should turn to crispy
  8. Drain and transfer palak koftas to curry, garnish with chopped cilantro
  9. Serve hot palak kofta with roti, chapati, basmati jeera rice or pulav – your choice.
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Diet working or not

How to tell your diet is working

You have been trying various types of diets to maintain your weight and it might be working or not working. It takes time to notice change in weight. However, one can find out whether a diet is working or not working by noticing body and mind expression after going through a diet program for one or two weeks. Your body will express whether the diet is working or not working in different ways.

16 signs that shows your diet is working:

  1. You are more energetic than before.
  2. You feel energized more after a good night sleep
  3. You are happy and cheerful than before your diet change
  4. You are at peace with food that you consume and your body feels great
  5. You are sleeping really well, not waking up in between
  6. Your mind is calm, sharp and creative than before
  7. Your digestion system is working great – you go to motion regularly, no or less constipation.
  8. Your body aches are reduced or no pain
  9. You feel like exercising everyday
  10. Your skin is glowing, your face showing less wrinkles
  11. Your confidence is back
  12. You love the food that you are eating everyday
  13. You prefer water than soda
  14. You hop onto scale every day!
  15. You try wearing good old clothes
  16. You are smiling and your temper is cool!

If you notice at least half of the positive changes from above mentioned list in your body and mind, then stick to that diet. You will soon notice weight change.

 16 Signs indicating diet is not working

  1.  You are constantly hungry
  2. You have more food cravings and love to eat more carbohydrates
  3. You feel tired when you wake up in the morning
  4. Your energy level crashes often, feels tired
  5. Your creativity level has gone down, your have brain fog
  6. You are less happy and have lack of motivation
  7. You don’t feel like exercising
  8. You take regular breaks
  9. You have regular mood swings and angry
  10. You have bloated tummy and feel gassy
  11. Your body ache is increased
  12. Your energy level crashes often
  13. You feel sick most time
  14. You are losing your confidence
  15. You don’t step out as much as you used to
  16. You have reduced your exercise routines

If you notice any negative changes stop that diet and go back to normal food. List what are suitable food for you and take control of your diet again. Don’t give up!

Image credit: Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 22, 2023
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Yoga Guru BKS Iyengar

Remembering Yoga Guru BKS Iyengar

“Live happily and die majestically” – On international yoga day we salute Yoga Guru BKS Iyengar whose guidance and teaching helped millions to overcome stress and live a healthier life -Healthy life

“Yoga can take a man into two ways of living; enjoyment in life or liberation in life,” Iyengar said. “You want to improve, I want to improve.”

(‘Live happily and die majestically.’ BKS Iyengar 14 Dec 1918 – 20 Aug 2014)

December 14th  is the 97th birth anniversary of BKS Iyengar, who has been considered as one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world. Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, better known as BKS Iyengar, was a yoga guru whose brand of the ancient spiritual practice took off around the world. Born in 1918 at Bellur in Karnataka, India the yogacharya came to Pune in 1937. B.K.S. Iyengar, was the founder of the style of yoga known as “Iyengar Yoga” and was considered one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world.

Iyengar was an eminent exponent of yoga as enunciated in the ancient ‘Patanjali Sutra’. Iyengar was not just a yogacharya, but he was a ‘life guru’ who always imparted security and comfort to his disciples with a smiling face. Iyengar personally trained hundreds of teachers to disseminate his approach, which uses props such as belts, ropes, blocks and bolsters to help novice yoga students achieve the poses.  He also authored 14 books on yoga techniques, what became known as ‘Iyengar Yoga’. His books were translated into 17 languages. The senior-most internationally acclaimed yoga guru had taught ‘yogasanas’ to many prominent personalities along with commoners. Among those whom he introduced to yoga were eminent socialist leader Jayprakash Narayan, famous philosopher J Krishnamurti , world renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin and lifestyle guru Martha Stewart. Iyengar was included in TIME’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2004.

Iyengar had suffered years of ill health with bouts of malaria, tuberculosis and typhoid fever and says the regular yoga practice helped him to recover the illness. Tirumala Krishnamacharya, Father of Modern Yoga, who was brother-in-law of BKS was one of the key figures behind the revival of “hatha yoga” – from which Iyengar yoga developed in the early 20th century which focused on the correct alignment of the body. In 1952, Yehudi Menuhin befriended BKS Iyengar. Menuhin believed doing yoga improved his playing and invited Iyengar to Switzerland with him in 1954.

After that visit, Iyengar travelled frequently to the west to demonstrate his special technique and hundreds of Iyengar yoga centers sprang up around the world. His eldest daughter Geeta and his son Prashant have become internationally renowned yoga practitioners and now run the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute – which BKS Iyengar founded in 1975 in honor of his late wife.

Google Doodle: On his 97th birth anniversary Google has honored the birthday of the man credited with bringing yoga to the West with his very own doodle. The interactive doodle showed the renowned master in various yoga poses within Google’s logo meant to characterize the “tremendous control and discipline, which he exercised in ways not limited to confounding long headstands,”.

References:

  1. www.nytimes.com
  2. http://www.indiatvnews.com/
  3. http://mondayschild.co.za/

Watch BKS Iyengar’s yoga video here:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 20, 2023
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Extended Puppy Pose

Extended Puppy Pose – Uttana Shishosana

Sit on the mat and then proceed to the pose

1. Come onto all fours.

2. See that your shoulders are above your wrists and your hips are above your knees.

3. Walk your hands forward a few inches and curl your toes under.

4. As you exhale, move your buttocks halfway back toward your heels.

5. Keep your arms active; do not let your elbows touch the ground.

6. Drop your forehead to the floor or to a blanket and let your neck relax.

7. Keep a slight curve in your lower back.

8. Breathe into your back, feeling the spine lengthen in both directions.

This pose stretches the spine and the shoulder. Helps to release the back pain.

image credit: https://pixahive.com/photo/uttana-shishosana-extended-puppy-pose-2/ (cc by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 19, 2023
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Bridge Pose

Bridge Pose – Sethu Bhandhasana

1. Lie on your back on the floor.

2. Bend your knees and set your feet on the floor, heels as close to the sitting bones as possible.

3. Exhale and, pressing your inner feet and arms actively into the floor, push your tailbone upward toward the pubis, firming the buttocks, and lift the buttocks off the floor.

4. Clasp the hands below your pelvis and extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders.

5. Lift your buttocks until the thighs are about parallel to the floor. Keep your knees directly over the heels. Lift the pubis toward the navel.

6. Lift your chin slightly away from the sternum. Firm the outer arms, broaden the shoulder blades, and try to lift the space between them at the base of the neck up into the torso.

This pose is highly recommended for lower back pain. It stretches the chest, neck, and spine. Repeat this pose 4 to 5 times.

Image credit: https://pixahive.com/photo/dvapada-dhanurasana-bridge-pose-on-elbows-3/ (cc by 0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Spinal Twist On The Floor - Supta Matsyendrasana

Spinal Twist On The Floor – Supta Matsyendrasana

1. Slowly lower yourself on the mat and lie on your back.

2. Hug your knees to your chest, and then slowly lower your knees to your right side, so that your right leg is resting on the floor and your left leg is stacked on top of the right.

3. Keeping both of your shoulders in contact with the floor, extend your arms out along side you and turn your face to your left side.

4. Stay here for 5 breaths and then repeat on the opposite side.

5. You can also cross leg by placing one thigh on another and twist your body as described above.

This relaxing pose will release your lower back and increase overall spinal flexibility at the same time. It also massages lower back and hips.

Image credit: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470485492303456727/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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