Tap into some ancient wisdom to improve your health
Orthodox medical practice can learn valuable lessons from one of the world’s most ancient systems of herbal healthcare
Ayurveda is India’s most widely-used healthcare system and is recognised as a principal healing discipline by the World Health Organisation. First established over 5,000 years ago, it’s the forefather of all the eastern forms of medicine: the word means quite literally ‘the science of life’. Unlike western medicine, which traditionally addresses itself to the relief of symptoms, ayurveda is holistic in the word’s true sense – it aims not only to eradicate the underlying causes of disease, but is a body of wisdom covering all aspects of our lives.
So whether you have chronic (long term) health problems or the occasional niggle of unwellness, going back to ayurveda’s unique principles could be an answer. Take liver function for instance. Response to my March piece ‘Be kind to your liver’, was massive, so finding a new product in October that I’d certainly have recommended then is extremely interesting. For this I have to thank ayurvedic expert Andri Trita who contacted me recently. With husband Dimitris, she has set up Rosveda, an import, distribution and training organisation for licensed ayurvedic products from India. I stress ‘licensed’ because, as with all supplements, there are some rogues – companies taking all manner of unprincipled short-cuts to extend shelf-life.
The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body, being involved in 300 different processes, including blood pressure regulation and absorption of fats. If your liver isn’t in top form, then neither are you! Supporting liver function with herbs makes more than good sense, especially here where a fair proportion of the population enjoys the odd glass of wine. Alcohol is a contributory factor to hepatic cirrhosis, one of the most serious liver diseases, where the organ loses its function and contracts in size becoming hard and leathery. A six-month clinical trial of Himalaya’s Liv.52 formula reported definitive reduction of all the symptoms of the disease when tested in a double blind study against a placebo. A 50-year-old formula, Liv.52 contains eight natural elements known to support and balance liver function; as well as facilitating rapid elimination of the toxic by-products of alcohol metabolism, it also helps improve appetite, digestion and weight control. Liv.52 is on sale in Cyprus pharmacies, so no excuse for tipplers not to give it a try.
The Rosveda range has 30 herbal healthcare products, addressing the majority of today’s complaints from respiratory and gastric disorders to urinary tract and other infections. Many of ayurveda’s herbal ingredients, like guggul, contribute proven anti-viral/anti-fungal properties, so products like Koflet cough syrup may provide almost instant relief and long-term benefits. Septilin, also, is recommended to build up resistance and prevent re-infection: a timely product for the sniffly season ahead. All available from Cyprus pharmacies.
While I cannot claim to have tested all the products, I can see that a system of healthcare based on holistic, ancient science may have lots to offer today’s unwellness-prone society. I’m impressed by the Himalaya company website (www.himalayahealthcare.com), which clearly states the properties in each supplement and the way they work. There are no claims for instant weight-loss, for instance, when describing Ayurslim; merely how and why the ingredients work and what expectation there is of long-term benefits. I’d also have confidence in Himalaya products for stress management, memory enhancement and immune protection; I shall certainly try the Liv.52!
If you have questions or need information please call Andri or Dimitris on 96 250010 or 96 250012; e-mail [email protected]
Your questions answered
Can Novovirus infections be prevented?
We recently caught severe Novovirus gastritis on our 10-day cruise. Having had it once, have we built up any immunity?
Mrs DC Nicosia
No, I’m afraid not. Novovirus infections have become a problem on cruise ships this decade, most notably in 2003 when some ships were quarantined out at sea. It was fairly rife in Cyprus, too, and I remember being horribly ill for three days – whereupon my husband caught it! Infection does not result in lasting immunity, sadly.
Novoviruses are one of the commonest forms of gastroenteritis and spread fast in closed communities like ships. The frequent arrival of new passengers makes it hard to eradicate and occasionally draconian measures are needed, like removing the ship from service. The virus can be spread through contact with an infected person, poor hygiene or handling contaminated objects. Raw or undercooked shellfish and chilled foods like salads and sandwiches, can also be risky: all the sorts of things one eats aboard ship.
My advice for your next cruise is to take out insurance – treatment on board ship is expensive, as you’ll know. Prevention is easier than cure: I never travel without GermaClenz spray, which can be used to disinfect suspect cutlery and plates, bedlinen, toilet areas and communal facilities as well as your own hands. Take HealthBac probiotic morning and last thing at night to repopulate the intestines with nine strains of beneficial bacteria to help the gut fight infections. Other acidophilus supplements are adequate, but most must be kept cold to stay active: HealthBac does not need refrigeration. GermaClenz and HealthBac from Tigon UK 00 44 116 235 5020 or visit www.oliveleaf.co.uk
Nikki’s column appears every four weeks. Please address your questions to [email protected] PO Box 21144, Nicosia. Tel: 22818585
