Health News and Information

It is said that Clematis has helped married women to conceive when there was no organic reason in the couple for childlessness.It is a pathetic sight when the creative potential of an artist is not brought to fruition; instead a negative Clematis type man with artistic gifts wastes his energy in pedestrian jobs just to earn a living. By the continued use of Clematis Remedy the negative state may be converted to the positive Clematis State. In the positive state, the man takes lively interest in all things; sees and hears with attention, has a sensitive mind receptive to inspiration. He is in full control of his thought-world. He is a practical idealist, who believes in working to reach his cherished goal.Clematis may be used as a long term remedy but can also be found useful with all the passing mental or physical states where joy, sadness, or physical circumstances distract consciousness from the present situation.*93\308\8*

Invasive giardiasis is the most common gastro-intestinal infection caused by the protozoal parasite-Giardia lamblia. The Incidence of infection is as high as in 50% or more in the regions of world with inadequate hygienic conditions, especially in populations of lower socio-economic levels. A high prevalence of this infection is noticed in infants and children. A large proportion of patients remain asymptomatic. The modern chemotherapy, though has better response on acute infection, but it is associated with several side effects, such as drug-resistance, disturbance of microflora of bowel, nausea, abdominal cramps, furry tongue, metallic sharp and unpleasant taste etc. Therefore, preference is converging on herbal drugs, especially on Rasayana Therapy as these drugs not only help to eradicate the parasite but also rejuvenate the ‘Bala’ or immunity of the host. In the present study efforts are directd to unravel the immunomodulatory anti-protozoal/anti-giardial activity of the herbal preparation; Pippalli Rasayana (PR), a product developed from two herbs, viz., Pippalli (Piper longum) and Palash (Butea monosperma).
1.    Preparation of drug

Palash \Butea monosperma) Panchang (40 Kg stem, bark and leaves + 10 Kg roots + 10 Kg flowers and fruits) were dried. Contents were burnt to ashes (4.5 Kg) and dissolved in 8-10 times weight of water. The mixture was thoroughly stirred and left for 24 hr. Contents were then filtered through a folded fine cloth. The filtrate (Palash Kshara-Jal) was subjected to Bhawana to Pippalli as under; Pippalli {Piper longum) fruit was dried and powdered after removing the foreign particles. Powder (15 Kg) was thoroughly mixed with Palash-Kshara-Jal and dried under the sun. The contents were well ground and fried in butter. The finished product was called as Pippali Rasayana (PR).

2.    Immuno-modulation tests

Balb-C mice, weighing 18-20 gm, were orally administered with varying doses of PR. Drug was given daily for seven days. The subsequent day was termed as zero-day for further tests.

(a)     Macrophage  migration index (MMI)

The assay was carried out according to the standard method of Saxena et. al. Briefly; on day zero, peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) were collected from mice by administering RPMI-1 640 medium containing 10 lU/ml heparin and withdrawing exudate aseptically. The PEC were washed and suspended in the same medium to a concentration of 40-50 X 106 cells/ml. The suspension was filled in microhaematocrit capillaries. One end of the capillary was sealed and centrifuged at 600 X g for 3 min. The capillaries were cut at cell-liquid interphase, placed in a migration chamber filled with complete RPMI-1640 containing 10% fetal calf serum. PEC from normal (Untreated control) mice were simultaneously run in a similar manner. The ratio of the area of migration of the cells from treated animal to that of the control was termed as MMI.

(b)    Haemagglutination (HA) titre

It was done according to the method of Puri et al. Briefly; the drug-treated and untreated (control) mice were injected with 1 X 1Q8 sheep-RBC (SRBC) intraperitoneally. After four days of immunization, serum was collected by retino-orbital puncture. Antibody levels were determined by two fold dilution of sera, prepared in 0.15 M PBS, pH 7.2 in ‘V’ bottom micro-titer plates. Into each well 25 ml of 1 % SRBC suspension was dispensed and contents were mixed thoroughly. After 1.5-2.0 hr. of incubation at room temperature the reciprocal of the highest dilution of the test sample giving 50% agglutination was expressed as the HA-titre.

(c)    Plaque forming cell (PLC) assay

PFC test was carried out according to the method of Jerne and Nordin (1963). Briefly; the spleen cells were separated, from the drug treated and untreated (control) mice, in RPMI-1640 medium. Cells were washed and suspended in the same, medium to a density of 1X106 cells/ml. Petri dishes (2.5 cm diam.) were layered with 1.2% agaraose in RPMI-1640, 0.1 ml suspension of 20% (v/v) SRBC and 1X105 spleen cells in 0.1 ml was poured over the base layer. The petri dishes were incubated at 37°C for 90 min. Two ml. of 1:10 diluted fresh guinea pig serum was added in each petri dish as a source of complement. Incubation was further followed for 45 min. Plaques formed on the agarose surface were counted immediately and the values were expressed as counts per 105 spleen cells.

3.    In vivo Antigiardial test

Swiss mice, weighing 18-20 gm, free from G. muris infection were used. Axenic-strain of G. lamblia (Portland-1), grown for 48 hr. in TYI-S-33 medium, was centrifuged. Supernatant was discarded and pellet was dispensed with fresh medium. An aliquot of 0.25 ml medium, containing 0.5-1.0 X 106 trophozoites were injected intra-jejunally in mice. After 48 hr of infection the animals were divided into two groups of six each. One group served as control and other was administered with varying doses of drug orally. The drug was given daily for 5 successive days, after which the control and the treated animals were sacrificed. Jejunum was surgically removed and flushed with PBS pH 7.2. Flushings were examined microscopically for trophozoites. Relative recovery (%) was assessed in experimental sets by comparing against the control (infected + drug un-treated) sets.

4.    Clinical study on giardiasis-patients

(a)      Selection of patients

Patients were selected from the out patient (OPD) and Indoor patient department (IPD) of State Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Lucknow. Patients, with typical symptoms of giardiasis especially those showing recurrence of infection, were included in the study.
(b)     Pathological investigations

(i)    Stool examination

Small portion of stool samples was suspended in 1-2 ml. of normal saline (0.85% w/v sodium chloride). Allowed to stand at room temperature. Cysts of G. lamblia, floating over the surface, were carefully with-drawn with a Pasture pipette and dispensed over the glass slide. On microscopic examination, Giardia-cysts appeared double walled body with a faint median line and four nuclei.

(ii)    Haematological examination

Blood smear, prepared from a single drop of patient’s blood, was stained with Leishmania’s stain and examined in a light microscope. Total (TLC) and differential (DLC) were recorded. RBC counts were determined in Neubauer’s chamber. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was assessed in Wintrobe’s tube and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) by the haematocrit tube. Haemoglobin estimation was carried out by Sahil’s method.

(iii)    Serum examination

Serum protein and serum albumin was estimated by standard kit (Mitra total protein reagent and albumin kit, New-Delhi). Subsequently from the values, Albumin: Globulin (A:G) ratio was extrapolated. Cell mediated immune (CMI) status of giardiasis patients was determined from serum samples by LMI-test, briefly: macrophages were collected from mice after administration of 8-10 ml tissue culture medium (RPMI-1640) with 10 Ill/ml heparin. Peritoneal exudate (PE), so collected, was centrifuged at 250 X g for 3 min. PE containing peritoneal macrophages (PM) was washed with RPMI-1640 with 20% v/v foetal calff serum. 1 ml medium with 2 X 106 PM were dispensed into a test tube with 0.2 ml test serum and incubated the contents for 2 ha. at 37°C. Washed the cells with RPMI-1640. PM were filled into a microhaematocrit capillary, sealed at one end with plasticine and centrifuged at 250 X g for 3 min. capillaries were cut at cell/liquid interphase with diamond pencil and the closed end was fixed on the bottom of migration chamber with the help of non-toxic paraffin wax. Chamber was filled with complete RPMI-1640 medium, covered with a glass coverslip and sealed with paraffin wax.. Chamber was incubated under humidity at 37°C for 18 h. Following incubation the area of migration of macrophage was drawn on Whatman No. 1 filter paper with the help of Camera Lucida attached to a light microscope.

5.      Administration of drug and follow-up

The patients were given PA in the doses of 2.5 gm, twice a day with jeggury, honey or milk. Patients were advised to take light and easily digestible diet. The outdoor patients were asked to attend OPD weekly for the clinical examination, whereas IPD patients were examined daily. Their stool samples were collected weekly to examine for the cysts of G. lamblia. Patients were examined clinically and pathologically for the progress of the clinical features for another 2 months.
*1\218\2*

Although each kind of cell is different in structure from the others, they all have basic similarities. The cell’s most important part is the nucleus, just like the yolk of an egg. The nucleus is, as a rule, surrounded by a nutrient reserve, similar to the egg white that envelops the yolk. The cover holding everything together in the cell is the cell membrane. The cell itself is a small state within a state and enjoys a certain independence. There are even cells that circulate or wander for the purpose of being on hand wherever their help may be needed. That is why they are called ‘wandering cells’. We can say that every cell has it own internal regulations, and absorbs and releases certain substances. This process is called metabolism. The cell uses the absorbed nutrients and changes them into energy, or it converts them into a new substance that serves the body, especially in its growth.

*1207/28/1*

The above case shows that rules formulated on the basis of experience and observation do have exceptions and that some people respond well to something to which they should not. Most people suffer and experience intense disturbances when the seasonal winds blow, for instance the fohn, khamsin and monsoon, but there are some who feel well in this kind of weather. The sea air may not agree with some individuals, while they may feel good in the mountains, perhaps when engaging in winter sports. Whatever good advice the doctor can give you, it would be appropriate to get to know yourself a little better, to find out what your body needs in order to feel fit and well. You cannot always go by what others think or tell you. It is useful to watch yourself and see what benefits your well-being so that you can be guided by the favourable effects and so be able to choose the best place for your holidays or work. I can tell you from experience that some people suffer from liver trouble in Europe but the moment they change their habitat and move to the United States they are completely rid of their disturbances. Then I know patients who simply did not feel well while living in Basle, but after moving to the Appenzellerland where the fohn is often blowing, they had no complaints whatsoever. The opposite is also true, for many people feel unwell in areas with much fohn, but when they go to the Jura where it is unknown, or stay by Lake Geneva, even with a northeasterly wind, they remain fit and well.

Unfortunately, there are not many books that deal with biocli-matic influences on general well-being and the various illnesses. The only such manual so far published that I am aware of is one by the American physician Dr Manfred Curry.

*1138/28/1*

Although milk is a popular food in Switzerland, it should be used much more for drinking. Many other countries have a much better arrangement, for everywhere you go in the United Kingdom or the United States, for example, milk is available in small cartons, so that workers, schoolchildren, travellers, in short, anyone who wants a cool, nourishing and strengthening drink of milk can obtain one without difficulty. I have even seen some railway stations where milk automats have been installed. It is definitely better and cheaper to enjoy a cool, fresh drink of milk in the heat of summer rather than alcoholic beverages or sweet soft drinks with artificial additives.

Milk is a natural product with many benefits. It is only regrettable that not every dairy farmer is well enough equipped to produce and supply uncontaminated milk, but efforts are being made to improve the quality.

Unfortunately, deliberate interference in nature can reduce the value of the best quality milk, especially when the cows are inoculated. It is necessary, therefore, to raise this subject and draw the dairy farmers’ attention to the problem.

*1069/28/1*

People who have problems with the liver and pancreas must take care not to eat stone fruit, such as plums and peaches, in any great quantity, for if they do, they will probably pay for it with increased discomfort and pain. It is also important to remember that stone fruit should never be eaten on an empty stomach. What is more, be absolutely sure to eat slowly and insalivate the fruit thoroughly before swallowing. If you eat some crispbread, rusks or wholewheat bread along with the fruit, the gastric reaction to the acids, especially hydrocyanic acid, will be diminished. Healthy constitutions used to raw foods can probably digest stone fruit very well and eat it at any time, but sick or delicate people should not take the risk. It is better to abstain from eating stone fruit than to eat it and suffer the consequences, only because other people might be able to enjoy it. If you should happen to eat some and upset the gastric and intestinal mucous membranes, you can obtain relief by taking a tablespoon of clay in water, morning and evening for a few days. Should excessive gastric acidity develop, take a teaspoon of wood ash before each meal and the disturbance will quickly disappear.

*999/28/1*

When you buy fruit, make sure that it has not been sprayed with pesticides. Traces of lead, arsenic and other chemicals pose health hazards and will make the fruit inedible. Eating sprayed fruit need not necessarily bring on an acute case of poisoning, but chemical pesticides may have a cumulative effect and continuous doses, however small, can, sooner or later, lead to the development of pathological conditions.

In any case, fruit purchased at the market should always be properly cleaned and it is a good idea to peel it if spray spots can be seen. Many orchards are sprayed with chemicals to which has been added a substance with a special adhesive property so that the rain cannot wash the spray off the fruit. It is true, however, that by peeling the fruit you will lose valuable elements that are found in and under the skin, so it would be much better still to be discriminating when buying your fruit and to look for organically grown produce. If you have fruit trees of your own, make sure that no hazardous sprays are used.

*928/28/1*

We do not even make the time to sit down and eat our meals in peace anymore. But if you are not willing to take your time when eating, you will one day have to take it being ill. For it is inevitable that we will harm our health if we do not learn to relax in spite of the daily hustle and bustle around us. Instead of listening to an exciting news item on the radio or, worse, reading the newspaper while eating, we should relax and make every meal a special occasion with the family. Instead of gulping down our food in a hurry, we should enjoy it calmly, eat it slowly, insalivating well and chewing everything thoroughly. In fact, every fast eater should be condemned to eating with chopsticks, as it is the custom in the Far East. You see, this technique takes more than just practice and skill, it takes patience, because if you are fidgety and restless you will hardly be able to keep any morsel between the sticks and pass it to your mouth. I am convinced that eating with chopsticks is a wonderful method for learning how to eat in a relaxed and quiet way!

*462/28/1*

Intensive diaphragm-breathing eased the pain considerably, but it kept returning and woke me up again and again. At the break of day I tried to obtain some relief by going out into the open air. While there I collected some giant dock leaves which I placed on my abdomen to alleviate the pain. For a short time I did experience some relief, but later that morning the pain returned. My bowel movement was good, but I passed very little water. This surprised me until I began to realise that the body was retaining the liquids so that it might eventually help to expel the toxins. And so it was. A violent bout of diarrhoea set in, recurring several times during the morning, yet in between trips to the bathroom I did try to get on with my work. At the end of five hours, however, I had to give up.

*405/28/1*

Depending upon the person’s constitution, physical exertion may cause severe tonic contractions in the rectal region. These cramps can be so violent as to make the afflicted person cry out in pain. He may well believe that he is suffering from some malignant disease. In reality, however, it is nothing but a temporary cramp that can easily be relieved by taking a hot shower, as described above, for one or two minutes.

Menstrual cramps, which cause great discomfort to many women, fall into the area of cramps caused by spasms. Many different kinds of headaches may also be brought on by spasms, particularly migraine and the much-feared headache caused by the fohn, a warm dry wind blowing down into the Alpine valleys. Such a headache is worse when accompanied by a stiff neck, but the stiffness can usually be alleviated by massage.

It is a relief to know that there is no need to take hazardous medication that may even lead to addiction in order to alleviate severe pain and cramps. Instead, Petadolor, a preparation derived from butterbur {Petasites officinalis), is usually all that is necessary. This wonderful herbal remedy has proved very reliable in controlling cramps without causing harmful side effects. In addition, arnica flower tincture, when rubbed on the affected area, has an antispasmodic effect, and Kali phos. 6x builds up the autonomic nervous system.

*348/28/1*