Varun Tree

Kolkata: Extract from the bark of the neem tree, indigenous to India, may help treat and reduce the spread of coronavirus, a team of international researchers found. Neem, used for over thousands of years, is known for its pesticidal, insecticidal, and medicinal properties. The bark extract has helped treat malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, skin diseases and many other diseases. People also use it in hair and dental products. The study, led by a team from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, shows that components of neem bark may target a wide range of viral proteins, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent against emerging variants of coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2. The Indian researchers tested it in animal models and showed that it had antiviral properties against coronavirus. Using computer modeling, the researchers predicted that Neem bark extract will bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at various locations, preventing virus entry to host cells. Further, a team at University of Colorado, US, tested the Neem bark extract in SARS-CoV-2 human lung cells. It proved as effective as a preventive drug for infection and also decreased virus replication and spread after infection. The findings are reported in the journal Virology. "The goal of this research is to develop a Neem-based medication that can reduce the risk of serious illness when someone is infected with coronaviruses," said study co-author Maria Nagel, research professor in the department of neurology and ophthalmology at the varsity's School of Medicine. "We hope that scientists won't have to continuously develop new therapies every time a new SARS-CoV-2 variant emerges. "Just like how we take penicillin for strep throat, we envision taking the Neem-based drug for Covid, allowing us to resume our normal lives without fear of hospitalisation and death," Nagel said. The scientists believe this research could guide new antiviral therapeutic efforts to combat the ongoing pandemic, while holding out the promise for treating new coronavirus strains. (agency) Read More► Physical Fitness May Lower Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Hyderabad, May 17 (IANS) An 18-year-old youth in Telangana spent 11 days on a tree after testing positive for Covid-19 as he could not isolate himself in his small home.Fearing that he might infect his parents and sister if he stays in the house, Ramawat Shiva Naik set up his own innovative 'isolation facility' on a tree near the house. A resident of Kothanandikonda village in Adavidevulapally mandal of Nalgonda district, Shiva is an engineering student at college in Hyderabad. As the college was closed due to second wave of Covid-19 a few weeks ago, Shiva had returned home. To help his family, he started working as 'hamali' (porter) at a paddy procurement centre set up by the state government in the village to purchase paddy from farmers. As he was suffering from fever and had other suspected symptoms of Covid-19, he underwent the test at a primary health centre (PHC) , located about five km from his village. He tested positive for Covid on May 4 but since he had mild symptoms, a health worker at PHC told him that there is no need for hospitalisation but advised him to isolate at home. With four members of family sharing a one-room house with a single washroom, Shiva found that home isolation is not possible. With no government-run isolation facility in his village or in surrounding villages, the youth hit upon innovative idea. "I had no other option. I did not want my family members to suffer because of me," said Shiva.Since he had learnt that Covid-infected people are suffering from low saturation level, he chose the tree for his isolation hoping that this will help him maintain good oxygen levels. He selected a tree in front of his house as the isolation facility. The tree, which is called 'Ganuga' in Telugu (Pongame tree), is also said to have some medicinal properties. Using bamboo sticks, ropes and few other items, he made a cot and tied it to the tree branches. Shiva's parents used to keep his meals, water and other requirements in bucket and he used to pull up the same with a rope. Shiva remained in touch with family and friends through his mobile phone, which also proved useful to kill the time. He sent a few messages calling up on local authorities to set up an isolation centre in the area. Responding to his appeal and growing requests from people in his village and about a dozen other villages, the authorities set up an isolation centre late last week. They converted a hostel meant for students belonging to Scheduled Tribes into an isolation centre. They also persuaded Shiva to move to the centre. He will soon be completing his isolation period.Shiva's incident highlighted the problems faced by Covid infected in villages. Living in small houses with no or single washroom, they can't isolate themselves.In some instances, last year and also during the ongoing second wave, individuals who test positive were not allowed to enter into villages. At few places, Covid-infected patients are living in isolation either in huts outside the villages or in the fields. --IANS ms/ash

Lucknow, April 30 (IANS) Earthen pots hung on a Peepal tree, usually near the cremation grounds, is a rarity in normal times.As per Hindu tradition, the ashes placed in the earthen pot, called 'Ghant' is hung on a Peepal tree until the ashes are immersed.Usually, a tree has two to three Ghant hanging on them at a time. These are usually of those whose children are abroad and cannot return immediately for cremation.Today, however, with the pandemic raging on and the death toll mounting, the number of 'ghant' hanging on Peepal tree is growing by the day."There are more than two dozen 'ghant' hanging here. People are not coming back to collect the ashes of their family members and we cannot discard them. Maybe, after waiting for a few more days, we will immerse them in the river," said Krishna (name changed on request) a worker at the Gulala cremation ghat in Lucknow.He said that the Covid scare was so great that there have been at least three instances in the past one week where the relatives have left the bodies at the cremation ground without cremating them because they were asked to wait for their turn.While hanging a 'ghant' is a traditional way of keeping the ashes till the immersion is done, some cremation grounds have also got lockers where the urn can be kept."Our lockers are full and people now put a slip with the name of the deceased and hang the pot on the tree," said Alok, a worker at the Parmat Ghat in Kanpur.Workers at the cremation grounds say that here is no time to perform pre-cremation rituals that include chanting of mantras."We now do the basics and the pyre is set on fire because there are bodies waiting in the queue. Even the cremation of non-Covid bodies is being rushed up. It is a sad situation but the fact is that no one - not even the closest relatives, want to stay at the cremation groundAbhimanyu Tiwari, a priest at Rasoolabad ghat in Prayagraj, said, "We are performing cremation for around 60-70 bodies every day and more than half of them are not able to perform the last rites. Still, there are so many Ghant tied on the tree that just a look makes a person shiver."Post death rituals are also being done away."When my father died last week, my mother-in-law, husband and sister-in-law had also tested positive. They are all in home isolation and there is no question of even holding a prayer meeting for my father-in-law," said Nalini Singh, a young homemaker.Most of the people, in whose families deaths have taken place, are not holding the 'Tehraveen' ritual that is held on the 13th day of the death."There is no point because people cannot attend the ritual which is actually a kind of farewell feast in memory of the deceased. We will hold a prayer meeting when things normalize," said Nishant Mehrotra, who lost both his parents to Covid this month.--IANSamita/rt

The history of drugs may be a fascinating subject because it may be a saga of man's struggle with diseases. Because civilization advances and because disease patterns change life science.   Varun is a moderate size deciduous tree found wild but also cultivated throughout India. The bark of this tree is used in Ayurveda. In AYURVEDA, Varun or Varuna is mainly used for people undergoing the painful process of kidney stones. This herb has been in use since the time of Vedas.   Varun in other languages   Sanskrit: Varuna, Ashmarygna, azapa. English: garlic pear. Letin: crateva religiosa. Hindi: Barna, Barun, bila, bilasi, biliana ( It is also known as Crataeva nurvala, Vayvarno, Varano, Varuna, Bipatri, Mattamavu, Neervalamara, Neermathalam, Vayavarna, Haravarna, Baryno, Barnahi, Maralingam, Bilvarani).   History Varuna attains its name because of its effect on bodily fluids and the urinary system. The Ayurveda is recommended in the treatment of various urinary problems, including stones in the kidney, uterus, and bladder. Investigators on Varuna suggest it for urinary, antiseptic, and itholytic (stone breaking) actions. This plant is notably used in the treatment of stones.   Properties  Crataeva nurvala Medicinal properties Rasa (taste) – Tikta,  Kashaya – Bitter, Astringent Guna  – Laghu (Light to digest).  Vipaka – Taste conversion *digestion) – Katu (Pungent) Veerya – Hot potency (Ushna) Effect on Tridosha – Kapha and Vata Dosha   VARUN HEALTH BENEFITS: BENEFITS OF USING VARUN IN AYURVEDIC TERM    Many research studies conducted till now have shown the beneficial effect of Varun in several ways. It is known as the good blood purifier that maintains a healthy and stable state of a living being. It is useful in curing various diseases, mainly Urolithiasis, UTI, benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is also advantageous in healing wounds or anti-wrinkles.   TREATING DISEASE/ HEALTH PROBLEMS USING VARUN     Internal consumption     1-Urolithiasis/ kidney stone / Nephrolithiasis   Definition It is a hard deposit that forms in the kidneys and painful when passed.   Symptoms Pain while urinating Blood in urine Sharp pain in your back or lower abdomen Nausea and vomiting   How does Varun help?  Varun helps to break renal calculi and reduce stone size because of its Asmaribhendan (penetration) property. It also helps to expel it out because of its diuretic nature.   Dosage Take ½-1 teaspoon Varun powder Have it with honey after food.   2-Urinary tract infection/UTI/Bladder infection Infection in any part of the urinary system, the kidneys, bladder, or urethra, but more serious infections involve the kidney. It is most common in women.   Symptoms  Strong and frequent urge to urinate Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine Pain or a burning sensation while urinating Nausea and vomiting Muscle aches and abdominal pains.   How does Varun help? Varun helps in controlling burning sensation because of its diuretic effect. It expenses urine flow and alleviates the symptoms of UTI, like a burning sensation during urination.   Dosage Take ½-1 teaspoon of Varun powder Have it with honey after food.   3-Benign prostate enlargement/BPH It is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms, usually in aging men. In Ayurveda, BPH is similar to Vatasthila. In this condition, Vata gets localized between the urinary bladder and rectum.   Symptoms Frequent or urgent need to urinate Increased frequency of urination at night  Difficulty starting urination Weak urine  stream that stops and starts Exude at the end of urination Inability to empty the bladder   How does Varun help? Taking Varun helps to balance Vata and control the size of the prostate gland. It also helps to reduce the symptoms like painful or frequent urination due to its diuretic nature.   4-Loss of appetite/Anorexia People with a very low appetite that last more than a few days usually lose weight. Losing weight because of not having enough can often make a person feel weak and have fatigue.   Symptoms Weight loss Depression Loss of taste sensation   How does Varun help? Varun stimulates digestion and Improves appetite. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.   Dosage Take ½-1 teaspoon Varun powder. Have it with honey after food.   External use  1- wound healing: Varun helps in the quick healing of wounds; it decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This happens because of its Ropan ( healing) property.   Procedure a. take ½-1 teaspoon Varun powder. b. Make a paste with coconut oil c. Apply on the affected area for quick healing results of wounds.   2- Anti-wrinkle: wrinkles due to aging, dry skin, or lack of moisture. In accordance with Ayurveda, Varuna helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content on the skin.  A paste of Varun bark mixed with honey can give you shiny and glowing skin.   Procedure a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon Varun bark powder. b. Make a paste with coconut oil. c. Apply on the affected area to regulate wrinkle.   Forms of Varun in Ayurveda with the recommended dosage In Ayurvedic treatment, Varun can be used to create different types of herbal medicine. Varun is mainly used in the form of powder and capsules. If you are regarding the dosage amount for each  Varun form, you cAn follow these dosage recommendations.   VARUN CAPSULE a. take 1-2 Varun capsules. b. Swallow with water twice a day.   VARUN POWDER a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Varun powder. b. Have it with honey after food.   According to Ayurveda, adding Varun powder and honey in your regular diet helps improve appetite due to its deepan ( appetized) property.   If you have consulted with your doctor, it is advised to stick to it with the recommended dosage prescription.   SIDE EFFECTS OF VARUN While Varun is magically infused with its healing properties because it's a natural diuretic herb, it should be used carefully in folks that are already taking allopathic diuretics and medicines for signs. Seeking medical advice during pregnancy. Patients with heart disease can use Varun only under medical supervision if you are taking any antihypertensive drugs. This is often thanks to its diuretic property of Varun.   Interaction with medicines or supplements:   1-Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine? Yes. It doesn't react with homeopathic medicine.   2-Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids, etc.? Yes. Comprehensively, this product goes well with most of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking quite one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.   3-With western medicines Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product in conjunction with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to need Allopathic medicine first, wait for half-hour then take the Ayurvedic medicine.   FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. Does Varun help to cure indigestion? Ans. Taking Varun improves digestion and helps to digest the food easily. This is due to its Ushna (hot) nature. Procedure: a.Take 1/2-1 teaspoon Varun powder. b. Have it with honey after taking food.   Precautions: Patients with heart disease can use Varun only under medical supervision if you are taking any antihypertensive drugs. This is often thanks to its diuretic property of Varun.   Q. Is Varun good for getting rid of kidney stones? Ans. In MODERN SCIENCE VIEW Yes, Varun may be advantageous in managing kidney stones. Varun contains a component that reduces the tendency of stone formation in the kidneys. It also promotes the removal of kidney stones.   Q. Does Varun cure benign prostate enlargement? Ans. Scientific modern SCIENCE VIEWA lthough enough scientific evidence is not available, in traditional medicine, Varun may be useful in managing benign prostate enlargement. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it also improves the flow of the urine.   Q. Can Varun help promote appetite? Ans. In the MODERN SCIENCE VIEW, although enough scientific evidence is not available, Varun may be useful in stimulating appetite in traditional medicine. It also increases biliary secretions, which may help promote digestion.   Q. Is Varuna advantageous in nasal bleeding:  Ans. Enough scientific sustenance is available to support the role of Varuna Flower in nasal bleeding.   Q. Is Varuna advantageous in relieving constipation?     MODERN SCIENCE VIEW           AYURVEDIC VIEW       Yes, Varuna helps in relieving constipation because of its laxative property. It loosens stools and promotes movement.   Constipation could also be a condition that generally occurs because of pale or poor digestion. This leads to the formation & accumulation of poisons within the body within Ama's type (toxin remains within the body because of incomplete digestion). Varuna helps in managing constipation because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It improves digestion and prevents the formation of poisons within the body.     Q. Is Varuna beneficial in blood disorders?    MODERN SCIENCE VIEW     AYURVEDIC VIEW     Although enough scientific evidence isn't available to support the role of Varuna in blood disorders; however, it'd help in some blood disorders because of its blood purifying property. Yes, Varuna might be advantageous in blood disorders because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps purify the blood and prevents certain conditions that occur because of impure blood (like acne or boils on the skin).     Q. Does Varuna help in abscess?   MODERN SCIENCE VIEW      AYURVEDIC VIEW   Yes, Varuna might help abscess(collection of pus in body tissues) because of its blood purifying and anti-inflammatory properties. A paste of Varun leaves, or skin bark, is often applied sectionally to manage the abscess's pain and inflammation. The abscess  could also be a condition that sometimes occurs because of an imbalance of Vata-Pitta dosha and results in inflammation and pus formation. Varuna helps manage Abscess because of its Sothhar (anti-inflammatory), Kashaya (astringent), and Vata balancing properties. It reduces the symptoms like inflammation and prevents further occurrence of the abscess.   Tips: 1. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of  Varun bark powder. 2. Make a paste with coconut oil. 3. Apply on the affected area to receive better results.   Q. Is Varuna advantageous in gout?   MODERN SCIENCE VIEW     AYURVEDIC VIEW     Yes, Varuna is advantageous in gout because it contains certain constituents which have anti-inflammatory properties. These constituents inhibit protein activity responsible for stimulating inflammation and manages pain and inflammation associated with gout. Yes, Varuna might be beneficial within the condition of gout. In accordance with Ayurveda, Gout occurs because of an imbalance of Vata dosha and results in inflammation or swelling within the affected area. Varuna helps manage gout-like inflammation and swelling indications because of its Vata balancing and Suthar (anti-inflammatory) properties.