Fenugreek oil and hair mask are very beneficial in imparting hair shine and strength .Fenu greek seeds are having oestrogenic potential and is useful in managing male pattern baldness.
Fenu Greek is a leguminous herb which grows to a height of about 2 feet. The herb is produced mainly in South Indian states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Fenu Greek oil is extracted from the seeds. It contains compounds such asdiosgenin.
Diosgenin is a steroid sapogenin. Other sapogenins include yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogens. The plant also contains alkaloids such as trigonelline, gentianine, and carpine compounds.
Fenu Greek oil is prepared from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L) which is also known as Greek hay.
How to prepare fenugreek oil?
To make fenugreek oil, infuse carrier oil (like coconut or olive) with fenugreek seeds.
Steps:
Firstly you can crush or soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek (methi) seeds overnight, then drain.
In a pan, warm 1/2 cup of your carrier oil (coconut, olive, castor) on low heat.
Add the ground seeds to the warm oil [along with ingredients like onion juice or curry leaves which is optional]and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Let the mixture cool, then strain through a fine sieve into a clean, airtight bottle.
Benefits of Fenu Greek hair oil
Fenu Greek oil is well known for its potential to prevent hair loss. It is claimed that fenugreek oil provides some beneficial results in managing androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.
Diosgenin component in fenugreek is thought to have the potential to manage male pattern baldness. Diosgenin has oestrogenic hormonal activity. This can oppose dihydrotestosterone which is high in people having male pattern baldness. Owing to the oestrogenic property of diogenin compound fenugreek oil helps inhibition of dihydrotestosterone. Therefore, it can be concluded that diosgenin has anti-androgenic activity. It is having oestrogenic potential and is useful in managing male pattern baldness.
Furthermore, Fenu Greek oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties.
Flavonoids and Trigonelline of the oil cause vasodilation in the scalp. Flavonoids have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effect.
Fenugreek oil has protective effect on skin. It has fungicidal effect against Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum.
A study points out that Fenugreek oil and seeds are effective in managing skin conditions such as Pityriasis sicca.
Antibacterial properties have been reported by several studies.
The fenugreek seed extracts have been found to be effective against E. coli, Salmonella.typhi and Staphylococcus. aureus.
The oil protects scalp skin if applied on hair and scalp regularly.
Usually, fenugreek oil is applied in combination with a carrier oil [ eg: coconut oil] to enhance its penetrating capacity to hair cuticle and scalp.
How to use fenugreek oil on hair?
Only a few drops of the fenugreek oil are to be add to carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. Gently apply the mixture on hair and scalp
Benefits of fenugreek as hair mask
Fenugreek has lecithin which is a natural emollient and helps in strengthening and moisturization of hair. Hence, fenugreek seed extract with water and other ingredients is used as hair mask for achieving healthy clean scalp and shiny soft hair.
Preparation of fenugreek hair mask
Fenugreek hair masks are commonly used for making soft silky healthy hair in traditional medicine. The emollient and moisturizing properties of the seed along with its antifungal effects has been used in the making of hair masks which impart healthy shine and glossiness to hair.
Steps in the preparation of mask:
Soak 2 tablespoons of methi seeds in water overnight
In the morning, blend the soaked seeds into a smooth paste with a little water in a grinder or mixer.
Add 3-4 tablespoons of plain yogurt (curd), aloe vera gel and mix well to form a creamy paste.
Apply this mask and massage gently onto your scalp and hair, from roots to tips. Leave on for 30-45 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water or cold water and a mild herbal shampoo.
This hair mask is very much useful in cleaning the scalp ,removing dead skin and dandruff. It provides the hair a smooth shiny luster and softness.
written by dr sanjana vb
References
1. Mullaicharam AR, Deori G, Maheswari RU. Medicinal values of fenugreek – A review. Res J Pharm Biol Chem Sci. 2013;4:1304–13. [Google Scholar]
2. Schulz C, Bielfeldt S, Reimann J. Fenugreek+ micronutrients: Efficacy of a food supplement against hair loss. Cosmetic Medicine. 2006;27:176–9. [Google Scholar]
3. Verma V, Saxena R, Garg P, Sharma S, Khanna P, Singh M, et al. Effect of germinated seeds of fenugreek on malassezia furfur from hair dandruff. Int J Curr Res. 2011;3:322–3. [Google Scholar]
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular ingredients used in the preparation of various dishes and used for weight loss by some people. Please have a look at the health effects of apple cider vinegar.
It has been used for reducing blood glucose level in diabetic people. According to Harvard health publishing, a few studies suggest that vinegar help in reducing blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes and type 2diabetes.
Another study shows that apple cider vinegar consumption helps to reduce blood lipid levels. Its role in reducing cholesterol needs extensive research.
It is often consumed by people who want to lose weight. However, there is no significant research evidence that support the role of apple cider vinegar in achieving weight loss.
Apple cider vinegar is used in salad dressings, in preparing sauces and marinades and as a home remedy for various health issues.
It is used as preservative agent in foods. Apple cider vinegar is consumed in small quantities or taken as a supplement by some people.
How to take apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar should be taken in the diluted form in small quantities only. In highly concentrated form its high acidity can damage tooth enamel while sipping.
What is Apple cider vinegar and how is it prepared?
Apple cider vinegar is a common type of vinegar, produced by fermenting apples. Apple cider vinegar is prepared through the fermentation of crushed apples.
It is a two-step process. It is made by crushing apples, then squeezing out the juice. Bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, which converts the sugars to alcohol. The first step occurs relatively rapidly and involves the conversion of sugars to alcohol (cider) by yeast.
The second step is not rapid. In this step the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria Acetobacter. Acetic acid and malic acid combine to give vinegar its sour taste.
Maceration and other production methods have been can significantly affect the chemical composition, total antioxidant activity, acidity, and phenolic content of apple cider vinegar.
Chlorogenic acid is the most abundant phenolic substance produced by fermentation and maceration process. Gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid are present in low levels.
Caution
• Apple cider vinegar can lower potassium levels. So, people suffering from low potassium or heart diseases related to it should not consume apple cider vinegar.
• Apple cider vinegar may cause untoward drug interaction with drugs lowering blood sugar such as insulin.
Safety
Low amount of diluted apple cider vinegar consumption is associated only with low risk of health effects. But adverse results are reported with over consumption in undiluted concentrated forms. These include esophageal damage, tooth enamel erosion, and excessive burping, flatulence, and bowel movements.
People having allergies to apples may experience allergic reactions to apple cider vinegar.
The use of apple cider vinegar may cause drug interactions with insulin or diuretics.
Almond oil is an amazing rejuvenating ingredient used since time immemorial for enhancing the glow. Almond oil has been enriched with linoleic acid & vitamin E & antioxidants which accentuate the beauty of your skin.
Almond oil is yellowish oil extracted from the seeds of the Prunus dulcis tree. It belongs to the family Rosaceae. Almonds are edible seed with great nutritive value. They are abundant source of vitamin E antioxidants.
Almonds are native to southwestern Asia, and grown primarily in Mediterranean climates. California [U.S.A] is the major producer of almonds in the world [ around 80 percent of the global production].
There are two varieties of almonds:
sweet almond (P. dulcis, variety dulcis) and bitter almond (P. dulcis, variety amara). Sweet almonds are the edible type consumed as nuts and used in cooking or as a source of almond oil or almond meal.
Uses of almond oil
Almond oil is used for various purposes :
Cosmetic use
Food preparation
Pharmaceutical use
Others
How does almond oil rejuvenate your skin?
The ageing skin
Skin ageing happens through the synergistic activity of intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. The intrinsic factors include genetics, cellular metabolism, hormone and metabolic processes. The extrinsic factors of ageing include chronic light exposure, pollution, ionizing radiation, chemicals, toxins.
Apart from the factors leading to normal process of ageing exposure to sun is linked with detrimental effects on skin. UV rays of sun cause premature ageing and it is called photo ageing.
The premature photoaged skin typically shows a thickened epidermis, mottled discoloration, deep wrinkles, laxity, dullness and roughness. Gradual loss of skin elasticity leads to sagging. Slowing of the epidermal turnover rate and cell cycle lengthening worsens aged look of the skin.
Severe loss of fibrillin-positive structures as well as a reduced content of collagen type VII lead to wrinkles in sun exposed prematurely ageing skin. The sparse distribution and decrease in collagen content in photoaged skin may be due to increased collagen degradation by various matrix metalloproteinases, serine, and other proteases irrespective of the same collagen production.
Glycosaminoglycans are among the main dermal skin matrix constituents that help in binding water. In photo-aged skin, these constituents may be associated with abnormal elastotic material and their functions on skin are impaired.
The total hyaluronic acid level in the dermis of skin that age intrinsically remains stable but epidermal Hyaluronic acid diminishes markedly.
UV-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are causing photo damage to skin. Wrinkling and pigmentation are the main visible changes of photo ageing.
These factors may act conjointly damaging the skin and overtime the skin appears dull, dry, lusterless and parched.
The primary goal of any skin anti-aging therapy is to achieve a healthy, smooth, blemish-free, translucent and resilient skin. There are various cosmetic procedures and therapies to rejuvenate the skin and repair it. Here we share the natural methods of rejuvenation of skin and in which the potential of almond oil is discussed.
The role of antioxidants on skin
The antioxidants can reduce collagen degradation by reducing the concentration of free radicals in the tissues.
Antioxidants act by:
directly neutralize free radicals
reduce the peroxide concentrations and repair oxidized membranes
quench iron to decrease ROS production
short-chain free fatty acids and cholesteryl esters neutralize ROS through lipid metabolism
Almond oil in reducing the impact of ageing
Almond oil is rich in Vitamin E antioxidants and help to rejuvenate the skin and hair follicles of scalp. It can also remove fizziness of hair. Applying almond oil on your skin and hair everyday may help you get glowing radiant skin and hair.
The antioxidants in almond oil may remove free radical induced damage to your skin. It nourishes skin deeply removing pigmentation and exfoliating the dead tissues.
The almond oil contains vitamins E and K that help skin regeneration and maintain its elasticity.
Almond oil is rich in antioxidants, particularly Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and phenolic compounds, which protect against oxidative stress, reduce lipid peroxidation and enhance antioxidant enzymes.
Almond oil has emollient and sclerosant properties and, therefore, has been used to improve complexion and skin tone.
Almond oil is extensively used in the cosmetic industry, particularly in dry skin creams, anti-wrinkle and anti-aging products.
Almond oil works as a good moisturizer for your skin and hair. It brings back the supple look of your skin through intense nourishing.
Almond oil used in aroma therapy
Almond oil is one of the best essential oils used in aromatherapy and massage therapy as it helps to remove dryness of skin easily and it helps to rejuvenate body and mind due to its nice aroma.
Recommendations
For better results in your anti-ageing journey eat a handful of almonds daily. The nutritive value of almonds is very high as they are enriched with vitamin E and other antioxidants.
R.K Narayan, one of the prominent literary figures of India who uplifted Indian literature into the western literary world in the beginning of 20th century has more than 200 novels, as well as short stories and plays in his credits. Most of his works feature the social context and the quintessential mundane life. His is the renowned author of Malgudi days
Narayan’s distinctive writing style and narrative have been compared with those of Guy de Maupassant by many stalwarts. R. K. Narayan was a distinctive personality in the literary world with his unpretentious expression of a natural element of humour in his works.
Most of his works narrate the stories of common man and his trials and trepidations of life, driving the readers to life experiences that relate to the theme mostly. Throughout his literary journey he wrote explicitly about the intricacies of Indian society without any deviation from his unique characteristic simplicity. His writings had the distinctiveness of the use of nuanced dialogic prose with gentle Tamil overtones based on the nature of his characters. This distinctive style of writing gifted R.K Narayan the sobriquet ‘the Indian Chekhov in the literary horizon’.
Anthony West of The New Yorker opined that Narayan’s writings were of the realism genre of Nikolai Gogol.
Somerset Maugham, The famous English writer on a trip to Mysore in 1938, ardently wished to meet Narayan. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen and Maugham subsequently happened to read Narayan’s book ‘The Dark Room’ and he made a note to Narayan, expressing his admiration about the work.
A glimpse into the private life of R.K. Narayan
Early childhood days
R. K. Narayan was born in a Tamil Brahmin family on 10 October 1906 in Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu. He was born as the second child to his parents and his father was a school headmaster and mother a home maker. His grandmother had a great role in his upbringing as he resided with her for a significant part of his childhood in their ancestral home. During that period grandmother taught him arithmetic, mythology, classical Indian music and Sanskrit. In the family mostly the members conversed in English, and grammatical errors on the part of Narayan and his siblings were scowled down. This exposure to English language in daily life might have influenced him later when he set his foot into the literary career.
Narayan had studied at a succession of schools in Madras, including the Lutheran Mission School in Purasawalkam, C.R.C. High School, and the Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School.
He was a voracious reader during his childhood days and he read avidly works of Dickens, Wodehouse, Arthur Conan Doyle and Thomas Hardy.
Young Narayan – the genesis of a writer
Later Narayan moved to Mysore to live with his parents when his father was transferred to the Maharaja’s College High School. The library at the school and his father’s own collections gave him more access to reading, and here he started writing as well.
In 1926 Narayan joined Maharaja College of Mysore and secured a bachelor’s degree. For a brief stint he worked as a school teacher; however, he left the job when he was asked to work as a substitute for the physical training master. This incident prompted him to choose writing as a profession.
His first published work was a book review of Development of Maritime Laws of 17th-Century England. Later he started writing for English newspapers and magazines although it was not a well-paid job which could earn a livelihood. However, he took a firm decision to continue with writing career as family whole heartedly supported it even in the adverse financial circumstances.
In 1930, Narayan wrote his first novel, Swami and Friends, but initially it was confronted with rejection. Later Narayan created Malgudi, a town that was a symbolic cross section of the prevailing society in his works.
Narayan worked as a reporter for a Madras-based daily called ‘The Justice’ dedicated to the rights of non-Brahmins and the job gave him acquaintances with a large network of great people.
Narayan had sent the manuscript of Swami and Friends to a friend at Oxford, and about this time, the friend showed the manuscript to Graham Greene a well-known writer of his time. Greene helped Narayan publish the book in 1935 with his recommendation. The book was semi-autobiographical and had reference to his childhood memoirs.
Narayan’s second novel “The Bachelor of Arts” published in 1937 again with the recommendation of Graham Grene. The theme discussed in the novel had been inspired by the college experiences of the author. It was a narrative that chronicled the transformation of a rebellious adolescent to a mature well-adjusted man.
He published the third novel The Dark Room in 1938 and received good reviews from the readers. The book discussed domestic or marital discord, that depicted the oppression suffered by women under male chauvinism.
In 1937, Narayan’s father died, and Narayan was forced to accept a commission from the government of Mysore as he was not making sufficient income.
Darkest moments of life inspiring to find solace in writing
Later R.K Narayan got married with Rajam but that marriage didn’t last long as his wife died of typhoid in 1939. The untimely demise was traumatic to Narayan and he fell into the abyss of grief and the void the loss had created, for a longtime. He never thought of a remarriage and his prime concern was their daughter Hema, who was only three years old when her mother died. The dejection and despair of his loss in life inspired him to return to writing, perhaps he could find solace in scribbling and the outcome was the novel ‘The English Teacher.’ This book also was autobiographical.
Narayan himself acknowledged that The English Teacher was almost entirely an autobiography, albeit with different names for the characters and the change of setting in Malgudi; he also explains that the emotional narrative in the book reflected his own grief related to his wife’s death. His first collection of short stories, Malgudi Days, was published in November 1942, followed by The English Teacher in 1945.
In between, being cut off from England due to the war, Narayan started his own publishing company, Indian Thought Publications; the publishing company was a success and is still active, currently managed by his granddaughter.
Gradually R.K. Narayan’s novels achieved fame and recognition in far-flung areas. By 1948, he accumulated wealth and built a big house and bought a luxury car of his times. In the meanwhile, Narayan wrote the story for the Gemini Studios also for the film Miss Malini.
In 1951 he published his book The Financial Expert, which is regarded his masterpiece and hailed as one of the most original works of fiction. The next novel, ‘Waiting for the Mahatma’ was a work based on the fictional visit to Malgudi by Mahatma Gandi.
In 1953, his works were published in the United States for the first time, by Michigan State University Press.
The Guide was written while he was visiting the United States in 1956 on the Rockefeller Fellowship. While staying in the U.S., Narayan had the habit of maintaining a daily journal these scribblings later served as the cornerstone for his book ‘My Dateless Diary’.
During a visit to England, Narayan could meet his friend and mentor Graham Greene for the first time in life directly. Grene was his mentor cum supporter in the initial years of publishing of his books.
The Guide was published after his return to India and the book is the embodiment of Narayan’s writing skills and elements such as ambivalent expressions coupled with a riddle-like conclusion. He was honored with Sahitya Academy Award in 1960 for this book.
The Man-Eater of Malgudi, was released in 1961. The book was reviewed as having a narrative that is a classical art form of comedy, with delicate control. After the launch of this book, R.k Narayan visited the U.S.and Australia. He got recognition in India and abroad as an accomplished and talented author of fiction portrayed in a realistic style.
Narayan was a columnist for magazines and newspapers including The Hindu and The Atlantic during that time.
Setting foot on mythology &translation of epics
In 1964, Narayan published his first mythological work, Gods, Demons and Others, a collection of rewritten and translated short stories from Hindu epics.
In 1938, he embarked on a translating journey first translating the Kamba Ramayanam to English and it was published in 1973, after long five years of meticulous researching. Subsequently, Narayan started working on a condensed translation of the Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata.
Adopting unexplored paths and styles in writing &life
Narayan embarked on a new theme of work and published, The Painter of Signs. Here he took a deviation from his regular plot and experimented with hitherto unaddressed subject of sex in it.
He was elected as an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and won the AC Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature during this time. Around the same time he rose to international fame and Narayan’s works were translated to Chinese for the first time.
In 1983, Narayan published his next novel, A Tiger for Malgudi, about a tiger and its relationship with humans.
His next novel, Talkative Man, published in 1986, was the tale of an aspiring journalist from Malgudi. During this time, he also published two collections of short stories: Malgudi Days (1982), a revised edition including the original book and some other stories, and Under the Banyan Tree and Other Stories, a new collection.
In 1987, he completed A Writer’s Nightmare, another collection of essays about topics as diverse as the caste system, Nobel prize winners, love, and monkeys. The collection included essays he had written for newspapers and magazines since 1958.
Living alone in Mysore, Narayan developed an interest in agriculture. He bought an acre of agricultural land and tried his hand at farming. He loved walking to the market every afternoon to interact with the people. Perhaps his social connections are reflected in his novels from the earlier years onwards as a writer.
R.K Narayan – a revolting visionary in politics
In 1980, Narayan was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, for his contributions to literature. During his entire six-year term, he was focused on one issue—the plight of school children, especially the heavy load of school books and the negative effect of the system on a child’s creativity, which was something that he first highlighted in his debut novel, Swami and Friends.
His inaugural speech highlighted this issue and resulted in the formation of a committee chaired by Prof. Yash Pal, to recommend changes to the school educational system.
In 1990, he published his next novel, The World of Nagaraj, also set in Malgudi. Narayan’s age shows in this work as he appears to skip narrative details that he would have included if this were written earlier in his career. Soon after he finished the novel, Narayan fell ill and moved to Madras to be close to his daughter’s family. A few years after his move, in 1994, his daughter died of cancer and his granddaughter Bhuvaneswari (Minnie) started taking care of him in addition to managing Indian Thought Publications.
Narayan then published his final book, Grandmother’s Tale. The book is an autobiographical novella, about his great-grandmother who travelled far and wide to find her husband, who ran away shortly after their marriage. The story was narrated to him by his grandmother, when he was a child.
In May 2001, Narayan was hospitalised. He died a few days later on 13 May 2001, in Chennai at the age of 94.
Awards &recognitions
Narayan’s early works were compared by critics to that of E. M. Forster, an author who shared his dry and humorous narrative. Often Narayan was labelled as “The South Indian E. M. Forster” by critics and followers. However, Narayan’s work and the linguistic simplicity was not well appreciated by later generation writers. His writings were criticized by some as of a pedestrian style with a shallow vocabulary and a narrow vision. Yet R.K Narayan is one of the most revered and read authors of India and west. He stands out as the luminous star in the literary firmament due to his unique style of simplicity in writing and connectedness with mundane life.
In a career that spanned over many decades Narayan was honored by many accolades and prestigious awards such as :
the AC Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature,
the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan, India’s second and third highest civilian awards
the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest honour of India’s National Academy of Letters.
He was also nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.
In 1964, he received the Padma Bhushan
In 1980, he was awarded the AC Benson Medal by the (British) Royal Society of Literature
In 1982, he was elected an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times.
In 1986, he was honored by Rajyotsava Prashasti from Government of Karnataka.
He had been conferred with several honorary doctorates by the University of Leeds (1967), Delhi University (1973) and the University of Mysore (1976).
in 2000 nation honored him by awarding India’s second-highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan.
Narayan’s greatest contribution to Indian literature is that he uplifted the Indian literature to the zenith of glory in the western world being a representative of the common man. He is regarded as one of the three eminent Indian fiction writers, writing in English language including Raja Rao and Mulk Raj Anand.
Cognition is a terminology that often come across in our everyday discussions& readings related to thinking and brain functions. What is cognition? How cognitive impairment do occur and what are the ways to prevent cognitive impairment?
Cognition simply refers to any process related to perceiving, thinking, understanding, reasoning and comprehending. According to American psychological association cognition is defined as all forms of knowing and awareness, such as perceiving, conceiving, remembering, reasoning, judging, imagining, and problem solving. Along with affect and conation, it is one of the three traditionally identified components of mind. An individual percept, idea, memory, or the like.
Cognitive impairment is a condition related to reduced brain functions related to memory, understanding and comprehension. It is a term used for indicating problems with thinking, memory, and judgment, ranging from mild to severe.
It may eventually affect the quality of life if left untreated. Mild cognitive impairment can often be managed with lifestyle changes and a few simple medications. However, more severe cognitive impairment may impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities. It may present as:
Difficulty with thinking and memory &in concentrating, learning new things, or remembering past events.
Language and communication also affected. Difficulty in finding the right words or following conversations.
Therefore, it is crucial to prevent risk factors leading to cognitive impairment. It is not possible to prevent totally, some dementia or severe cognitive impairment causing factors. However, the risk can be considerably reduced by paying some attention to our daily routine and habits.
Some modifiable risk factors & solutions to prevent cognitive impairment
Cognitive functioning of brain is dependent on several factors related to our daily lives.
A few factors leading to cognitive impairment are listed here:
1] Sleep
Sleeping for 6-8 hours is crucial for proper functioning and repair of nervous system. Sleep deprivation has detrimental impact on nervous system functioning. How does sleep benefits us in improving the health of nervous system?
Sleep plays a crucial role in reducing mental fatigue and helping memory and recall. Studies have proven that lack of sleep affects long-term memory, working memory, attention, higher order executive function, and various decision-making processes. Sleep deprivation can impair memory, recall functions of the brain. Furthermore, it may elevate your stress levels.
Sleep is essential for regenerating certain areas of brain
It is important for brain to continue the regenerative processes within neurons for ensuring proper functioning of brain and nervous system. It happens during sleep hours. Sleep deprivation hampers the regenerative processes.
During sleep beta amyloid fibrils are removed by CSF.
According to research studies during sleep, the cerebrospinal fluid removes the beta-amyloid metabolite in the brain which are harmful to brain functions as they have been implicated in the disease pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Beta amyloid metabolite is notorious for causing Alzheimer’s disease. That means, sleep deprivation may enhance the risk of Alzheimer’s disease increasing beta amyloid fibril deposition.
Brain cell damage is repaired during sleep
It is during sleep that certain enzymes repair brain cell damage caused by free radicals. Sleep deprivation prevents this repairing process. It is a fact that the brain functions normally because of the neurotransmitters, and neurons that are unable to rest or regenerate.
Studies have shown that sleep [particularly NREM sleep]is important for turning off the norepinephrine, serotonin and histamine neurotransmitters, which is the time available for receptors to “rest” and regain sensitivity to be more effective at naturally produced levels again.
Each phase of the sleep cycle has critical role in restoring restores and rejuvenating the brain for optimal function. Normally the glymphatic system of brain eliminate toxins building up with in the nervous system and brain during sleep. It cannot eliminate these toxins that can build up, and negatively affects cognitive abilities, behaviour, and judgment if there is lack of sleep.
Lack of sleep also affects your linguistic capacity.
Temporal lobe of brain is linked with language processing. Sleep deprivation affects it very adversely. Lack of sleep may cause slurred speech due to the brain’s incapacity to process the neuronal signal at optimum levels during waking hours.
2] Physical activity & exercise to strengthen neuroplasticity potential of brain
Have you heard about the unique potential of human brain neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is the term referring to the brain’s ability to change, reorganize, or grow neuronal networks. This can involve functional changes due to brain damage or structural changes due to learning. Exercise and physical activity may help to boost it.
Regular moderate aerobic exercise is an effective solution for improving neuronal health and functional abilities. It is assumed that exercise-induced memory improvement is probably mediated through neurotrophic factors, and exerkines.
Exerkines are defined as signalling molecules released in response to acute and/or chronic exercise, which exert their effects through various pathways.
Many organs, cells and tissues release these factors, including skeletal muscle (myokines), the heart (cardiokines), liver (hepatokines), white adipose [fat]tissue (adipokines), brown adipose tissue (baptokines) and neurons (neurokines). Exerkines have potential roles in improving cardiovascular, metabolic, immune and neurological health. Thus, exercising helps your brain power.
Some brain exercises to improve cognition & memory
Brain exercises modify neuronal activity in such a way that they may help improvement in memory, cognitive functions or mental abilities.
Practise the following things to improve cognition:
Learning new and complex skills
Eg: playing instruments, games
Solving problems in mathematics
Learning a new language
Recall what you have read
Cooking
Visualization of words, things etc.
Eye- hand coordination activities such as playing tennis, chess etc.
Sports games
yoga
Meditation
Completing a jigsaw puzzle
Socializing
Increasing vocabulary or word power
Listening to music
conclusion
Mild cognitive impairment may affect quality of life overtime or it may progress to more serious forms if not addressed on time with adequate lifestyle changes and some simple medications for a short period of time in cases requiring them.
In order to prevent this mental catastrophe, make a change or modification in your habits from the very early age.
Never forget to do physical exercise in your routine; practice brain exercise and ensure that you get adequate sleep.
It is crucial to understand that erratic sleep may disrupt your memory and other brain functions even if you exercise every day. Therefore, ensure that you sleep for at least 6-8 hours a day.
Furthermore, yoga & meditation may help to improve health of brain and nervous system.
Nutrition has pivotal role in maintaining the health of nervous system. Eat healthy follow balanced diet preferably, Mediterranean diet.
Just include some micro habits to your routine for a big positive change. Enjoy this beautiful world with your senses and maintain your cognitive powers intact!
Indian subcontinent has several renowned trees for worshipping which are considered sacred. The list of sacred trees of India chiefly includes Banyan tree and Peepal.
Trees are symbolically connected with tradition and culture in various geographical regions of the world since time immemorial. The concept of linking trees with holiness or divinity and categorizing them as sacred trees is intricately connected to Indian as well as South East Asian cultures.
Indian subcontinent and countries like Japan, Korea also have this deep-rooted linkage with trees. The trees have merged intimately with myths and legends of the region and rituals are performed to worship trees in some of these hamlets for many centuries.
The tradition & practice of worshipping trees connecting with the religious landscape has been noted since ancient times. Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism has religious linkage with trees.
Indian subcontinent has several renowned trees for worshipping which are considered sacred. The list of trees chiefly includes Banyan tree and Peepal. Other sacred trees include Neem, Ashoka,Kadamba, Parijata,Sandal wood , fig tree etc.
Trees are symbolic representation of knowledge according to various cultures of India. Banyan tree is connected with permanent wisdom of hermit life and enlightenment.
Various religious texts and scriptures of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism has mentions about sacred trees and environment. The Hindu text Matsyapurana has Sanskrit hymns which illustrates the reverence paid to ecology in the ancient era.The excerpt from Matsyapurana goes like this:
“A pond equals ten wells, a reservoir equals ten ponds, while a son equals ten reservoirs and a tree equals ten sons”.
According to Vedic literature many trees including Banyan tree, figs, khejri, teak,silk cotton were integral part various vedic rituals.
In Sikhism Jujube tree is considered as a sacred tree capable of removing all woes and sufferings, particularly the jujube tree situated near Harmandir sahib complex, Amritsar.
Banyan tree [Ficus benghalensis]
Banyan tree is worshipped as a symbol of longevity, connectedness, life’s stability and strength. This tree is a connecting link between generations due to its long years of survival or lifespan. The tree has witnessed many centuries, attaining giant aerial roots over the years and remains symbolic of growth, connectedness, stability and longevity.
Banyan tree is regarded as the symbol of Trimurti- Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva according to Hinduism and it is worshipped very fervently in the subcontinent. The tree is considered as immortal as per the vedic traditions.
Banyan tree has gained significance beyond the spiritual realm and it is often regarded as a symbol of fertility, longevity and stability gathering the sobriquet tree of life. It is the national tree of India.
Indian subcontinent has numerous centuries old Banyan trees and Sagar in Madhya Pradesh has a Banyan tree which is believed to be 5000years old.
Ficus benghalensis or Banyan tree is an evergreen tree with wide spreading crown of green foliage and grows to a height of 20-30 meters. It is an epiphyte growing on the stem or branch of another tree and as it grows over the years numerous aerial roots are generated and these root hanging down to the earth touching the soil. Eventually these roots thicken and imparts strength and stability.
Peepal tree [ Ficus religiosa]
Peepal is known as Bodhi tree because it is under a Peepal tree The great Buddha achieved enlightenment. The tree has religious significance not only in Buddhism but also in Hinduism and Jainism. The sacred fig is the tree of meditation and has given utmost significance in Indian state Odisha, Bihar and Haryana as the state tree.
Ficus religiosa is a seasonal deciduous semi evergreen tree growing into the height of above 30m and trunk diameter up to 3 meters. Ficus is native to India and its neighboring countries like Nepal , Bhutan and Bangladesh etc. It grows in a wide variety of soils having good drainage for water. Ficus grows well in temperature range0-35 degree Celsius. It gross well in a wide variety of climates including tropical rain forest climate and tropical monsoon climate.
The stories Sacred trees of India are innumerable and are infused intricately with the religion, tradition and culture of this land and it imparts fervent hues to the cultural heritage as well as lives of people of the subcontinent since antiquity.
Praveswara temple, Thalagunda in Karnataka is an ancient shiva temple of Kadamba dynasty , a monument protected monument by Archeological Survey of India[ASI] due to its historical significance.
Thalagunda,karnataka
Thalagunda is a village in the Shikaripura taluk of Shivamogga district in the state of Karnataka, India. The village has been referred as Sthala-Kundura, Sthana-Kundur and Sthana-kunja-pura during ancient period. This hamlet is situated about 45 km from Banavasi, 20 km from Soraba and 7 km from Siralkoppa town.
There are many ancient temples in Thalagunda village including pranaveshvara, gangaadhareshvara, trineetra and veerabhadra temples. Praveswara temple is a protected monument by Archeological Survey of India[ASI] due to its historical significance.
According to the inscription found in the pillar of pranaveswara temple, it can be assumed that the temple was worshiped by earlier rulers including the Satakarnis. The temple dates back to the Satavahana period. However the current findings of architecture denotes that it is not of the Satavahana period but of the early Kadambas although explorations around the temple premises had revealed brick structure of the Satavahana period.
Pranaveswara temple
The temple is a small square building consisting of a garbhagriha and a sukanasi. There is a huge Shivalinga inside the sanctum. The garbha-griha doorway jambs are carved out of Kadamba inscription stones, the entrance doorway construction style denotes that it is of a later period, perhaps of the eleventh century CE.
Thalagunda inscription pillar
The Talagunda pillar inscription of Kakusthavarman is a well known epigraphic record in Sanskrit found in the ruined pranaveswara temple. The pillar is located in front of the Pranavalingeshwara temple.
The inscriptions are engraved on hard grey granite and dated to between 455 and 470 CE. It throws light into the history of Kadamba dynasty and the reign of king Śāntivarma in northwest Karnataka.
The pillar is 1.635 metres (5.36 ft) high with a 0.4 metres (1.3 ft) square top. It is octagonal shaft that slightly tapers and narrows as it goes up. The width of the octagonal face is 0.178 metres (0.58 ft). The inscription is found on all faces, but on 7 of the 8 faces, it consists of two vertical lines that start at the bottom of the pillar. On the eighth face, we can find just one short line.
The inscription consists of 34 poetic verses that respect the chanda rules of Sanskrit. It is the earliest epigraphical evidence found in Karnataka about the existence of a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Talagunda, the construction of a temple water tank, and the practice of worshipping the Shiva Linga before about 450 CE.
The inscription unravels the glory of Kanchipuram as a center (ghatika) for advanced studies in ancient India, where the already learned Brahmin Mayurasarman from Talagunda goes with his counsellor to study the whole Veda. It also throws light into the cultural values and customs prevailed in the 5th-century India with the mention of “music” and goddess of wealth (Lakshmi) and speaks about the practice of marriage between north Indian and South Indian empires.
How to reach Thalagunda ?
The nearest railway station is Shivamoga .You may reach Manglore or Bangluru by flight and may reach Shivamoga by train or bus service. Approximately a one and half hour journey from Shivamoga by cab may help you reach Thalagunda[77.5km].
