My Miraculous Experience with One of the Yoga Pose: Vajrasana (Adamantine, Thunderbolt, Diamond Pose)

Category: Yogic and Spiritual Practices

Hi Beautiful and Peaceful Souls,

It was the time when I was suffering from regular digestive problem. Suddenly, one day, my chest got choked and I felt heaviness and difficulty in breathing. I could not sleep without having fennel seeds that night. It gave me some relief, but in the mid-night I started vomiting several times. I can not forget that fearful night. Next day, I felt such a severe burning sensation in my stomach as if I have poured something hot inside me. I went to a regular physician who recommended antibiotics to me. I got well after 5 days but sore throat, acid reflux, heaviness in chest and slight burning in stomach, sour and bitter belching persisted. Later pain started below the right chest.  

       I took it very seriously and decided to do some research on my symptoms before visiting the physician again. As I am a strong believer of Ayurveda, so I spent most of the time in studying about the reason of my symptoms and its cure. Finally, I learned that all these suffering are because of life style disorders which could be because of many reasons viz: 
1. Eating large meals and lying down right after meal
2. Being overweight
3. Eating fried and oily food
4. Alcohol consumption and smoking
5. Eating after long intervals
6. Eating frequently even before the previous meal has been digested
7. Skipping meals
8. Incompatible food combination
9. Excessive intake of tea and coffee
10. Having too much water with meals 

All these reasons lead to acid reflux in which there is a burning sensation in chest and upward (anti-peristaltic) movement of gastric contents. Acid reflux is often accompanied with indigestion, tiredness, nausea, sour or bitter burping, heaviness, heart and throat burn. If this persists then it can lead to dislike for food. I was suffering with all these symptoms.
       
       Unfortunately, I used to skip meals most of the time which resulted in this condition. So, as the very first and foremost step, I started taking food at a fix time of day and as a practice started keeping handful of roasted channa and foxnut readily available whenever I have a feeling of hunger. Other things which I changed in my daily routine are:

1. Made sure that I have my breakfast strictly before 10 a.m and dinner before 8 p.m with a gap of 3 to 4 hours in between two meals.
2. Started keeping a gap of two and half to 3 hours between dinner and sleep. Make sure I chew food properly before intake.
3. Started cooking food with as low amount of oil or home made ghee as I could with additional precaution of adding very little spices, salt and unrefined sugar.
4. Stopped using refined oil and refined wheat flour completely.
5. Completely stopped having junk food.
6. Stopped drinking tea and coffee completely and replaced them with herbal tea.
7. Stopped drinking water along with and immediately after meal and make sure I drink water only after 1 and 1/2 hour of my meals.
8. Started drinking fresh water or water from clay pot rather than refrigerated water. Make sure I drink water slowly while sitting.
9. Reduced intake of acidic food such as curd that too only after adding shakkar or by diluting it with water if absolutely necessary.
10. Started taking non-citrus fruits such as banana or papaya as the first thing in the morning.
11. Started taking citrus fruits only before lunch and in case I would like to drink citrus fruit juices, I made sure that I have it only after breakfast.
12. Started taking salad half an hour or just before lunch but never along with lunch.
13. Restricted myself from taking any raw food items in dinner as it causes gastric issues.
14. Shifted to simple dinner such as khichdi or salty porridge or Moong dal along with chapati having little ghee applied.
15. Started taking Triphala powder before going to bed and avoid eating anything cold in night such as Ice-cream, cold milk or shakes.

All these practices really helped me to get rid of burning sensation in stomach, acidity, heartburn, sour or bitter burping and sore throat. I was amazed to see that without taking any medicine, 70% of the issues were resolved within a week. The only thing that persisted was heaviness in chest and normal burping. I learned that It happens when excessive air is expelled from stomach through mouth. This excess air is generated due to improper digestion of food. This means rather than getting digested food is getting fermented leading to formation of gas and toxins.  

      To get rid of above issues, I started adding carom seeds in afternoon meals. However, the issue persisted at night post my dinner. Then I decided to do some research on Yoga aasanas for efficient digestion. It is said that "if stomach is happy then we are happy". I came to know about Vajrasana. I will share my experience with Vajrasana little later before that let us discuss little bit on Vajrasana.

Yoga is a very ancient system originated in India. The word yoga is derived from sanskrit work yuj which means to join or to yok. Asana is the third step of Asthang yog. Vajrasana is a simple sitting yoga pose. Its name comes from Sanskrit word "Vajra" which means thunderbolt or diamond and "asana" means posture or to sit. Vajra is said to be weapon of Indra, king of Gods. It is described in Gheranda Samhita. Vajra is also nadi directly connected to genito-urinary system. So, it is beneficial for reproductive as well as digestive organs. This asana is indicated in disorder of digestive system. This asana is used by Islamic and Zen Buddhist community during their prayers and meditation (6). It stimulates Vajranadi which activate prana in Sushumna. Due to activation of vajranadi, it promotes good digestion and aid liver functions. It alters the flow of blood and nerve impulses in pelvic region and strength the pelvic muscles (5). It is said to help your body become as strong as diamond (1). It is the only asana that can be done after meal. It is the best position for blood circulation to allow to digestive organs, so that they can work efficiently. Because, this position obstructs blood flow to lower part of body-thighs and legs. It also helps in better food absorption and nutrient absorption. It gives best of whatever we are eating. It is helpful for liver, kidney, pancreas, stomach and intestine and increases metabolism of body.

Benefits of Vajrasana (1):
1. Enhances blood circulation in lower abdomen improving digestion.
2. Relieves excess gas trouble, digestive acidity and pain
3. Nerves of legs and thighs are strengthen
4. Makes knee and ankle points flexible and prevent certain rheumatic diseases
5. In this asana, spine is erect so beneficial for pranayam and meditation and it is best meditation asana for who are suffering from sciatica (5).
6. Keeps mind calm and stable
7. Strengthens sexual organs
8. Treats urinary problem
9. Reduces bloating, constipation and obesity
10. Helps reduce menstrual cramps

Clinical studies of Vajrasana:
        Friends, now I will discuss some studies which proved the benefits of Vajrasana on the basis of scientific facts. A clinical study in 2014 has been conducted and proved that Vajrasana was effective in improving physical and mental health of adolescence (2). Another clinical study conducted in 2017 proved that vajrasana along with other asana showed improvement in pain and stiffness of knee point (3). Vajrasana along with other asana showed moderate effect in Diabetes Mellitus in a clinical study mentioned in a scientific review. This review also indicates that the vajrasana along with other asana showed significant effect on regulating blood pressure of working women ranged from 25-39 years  of age (4). A clinical study conducted in 2010 proved that vajrasana along with other asanas helped reduce discomfort for people with lower back pain (7).  

My experience with Vajrasana:
    Friends, I came to know about Vjarasan from Yoga Guru Ramdev. Though I have learnt this asana from another yoga guru (8). I am really glad to share my experience with this pose. I try my level best to sit in vajrasan for 10 mins after lunch depending on the time availability but surely sit after dinner. I make sure to go for a walk after vajrasan. Guys, earlier I was having a lot of difficulty after having  meal as there was a heaviness in chest and normal burping and I felt this discomfort for the whole day. This asana gave me much needed relief from day 2 itself. After sitting for 10 mins in this asana, I experience one deep burp instead of many which indicates that my food is getting digested properly. It expels excess air from body in a normal way. Moreover, I got relieved from constipation too. Now, it is an indispensable part of my life. Prior to this, I could not even think about having a dinner feast but now, sitting for 10 mins in this asana really gives great relief to me. It does not mean that I started having junk or oily food in my diet on regular basis. I am really happy and perfectly fine with above discussed diet and vajrasana. 

Friends, I would like to share one thing here that if you have some health problems never do any asana without consulting your doctor. 

Precautions: Avoid Vajrasana if you have:
1. Knee problem or recently undergo knee surgery
2. Spinal cord condition especially lower vertebrae
4. Intestinal problems such as ulcers and hernia


Yoga is not only a physical exercise but also keep us mentally stable by keeping us physically healthy. Moreover, spending few minutes with full concentration in yoga and meditation gives us an opportunity to think beyond this world.

I will really feel great if I could convince even a single person to make Vajrasana a part of one's life and will get benefited from it. 

Take care all of you,

Your's Sincerely
Purnima Ghai   
    

References:
1.https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-vajrasana#benefits
2.https://ijanm.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=International%20Journal%20of%20Advances%20in%20Nursing%20Management;PID=2014-2-1-6
3.https://wjpr.net/admin/assets/article_issue/1490959240.pdf
4.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337184738_Issue_6_wwwjetirorg_ISSN-2349-5162
5.http://vipspublisher.com/journalajst.com/sites/default/files/issues-pdf/7447.pdf
6.http://www.iamj.in/posts/images/upload/1329_1334.pdf
7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215373/
8.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=druUUxRK31M&t=1s

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How I shifted to Aleovera Gel as one and only undeniable product for normal skin problems: IMC Herbal Aloe Gel Review

Category: Natural Commercial Products

Hi Beautiful and Peaceful Soul,

As, I have shared many blogs with you on products and activities which I follow in my daily life such as Minimalistic Space for Mindful Activity (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2019/11/organization-of-minimalistic-space-for.html), Concentrated Perfumed Oil (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2020/05/fair-substitute-for-alcohol-based.html), and Fountain Pen (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2020/05/fountain-pen-boon-for-choked-earth-with.html). As a part of this series, today, I am writing a review on Aleovera Gel from IMC Brand, which I use as  daily moisturizer.

 Friends, I used to apply Argan Carrier Oil  mixed with aleovera gel (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2019/03/review-rouh-argan-carrier-oil.html) as a moisturizer during the times when I had acne issues. Though it gave me substantial relief but soon I realized that this relief is superficial and to get a permanent cure there is a need to do something internally. So, I replaced refined products with natural ones in my daily diet  such as unrefined and partly refined Sugar, Khandsari (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2020/05/saturdaymay-2-2020-khandsarior-desi.html). Giving up refined sugar and using partly or fully unrefined sugar (of course in  very less quantities) provides permanent solution to my acne problem. After that, I gave up applying Argan oil and started using Aleovera Gel alone as a Gel based moisturizer instead of cream moisturizer. Aleovera gel too has "0" comedogenic rate similar to Argan oil (8). I heard a lot about beneficial effects of Aleovera gel but never bothered to research on it's authenticity. Before starting to use aloevera gel separately, I did went through some of the research studies and clinical trials. Thus, we will discuss a little bit on this before reviewing IMC Aleovera Gel.

        Aleovera has been used for medicinal purposes in several cultures  viz., Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan, and China since ages. Today, it is used as a base material in various dermatology and cosmetology applications. The botanical name of Aleovera is Aloe barbedensis. It is shrubby, perennial, xerophytic, succulent and pea-green colored. It has fleshy leaves and serrated edges. It grows in dry region of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. In India, It is Found in Rajasthan,  Andhra Pardesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. To survive in such dry and harsh conditions, plants leaves store excess water. Inner clear gel that contain 99% water and rest is made up of glucomannins, amino acids, lipids, sterols and vitamins. Aleovera contains 75 potentially active constituents (1). Some of these are:

    1. Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, E. These are anti-oxidants and neutralize free radicals. It also contains vitamins B 12, folic acid and cholin

   2. Enzymes: Cellulase, Amylase, Lipase and Bradykinase and many more. Bradykinase helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied topically.

  3. Minerals: Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Selenium, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium, and Zinc. Zinc acts as astringent to tighten pores.

  4. Sugars and Hormones: Sugars such as Monosacchrides and Polysacchrides; hormones such as Auxins and Gibberellins which stimulate fibroblasts and in turn increases collagen synthesis. This helps in faster wound-healing and increases breaking strength of scar tissue thereby, helps in scar removal (2). Moreover, scientific study was conducted in 30 adult females suffering from occupational dry skin with or without dermatitis (3). A noticeable improvement was observed for those who gloved their hand with aleovera gel glove in comparison to non-gloved hand. Another scientific study revealed that oral aleovera gel supplementation reduces wrinkles and improves elasticity in photoaged (damage to human skin by repeated exposure to UV-radiation) human skin (4, 5, 9). Aloe stimulates fibroblasts which produce collagen and elastin fibers making skin more elastic and less wrinkled. It also has cohesive effects on superficial flaking epidermal cells by sticking then together, thus softens the skin. Amino acids  in aloe softens hardened skin cells (1).    

       5. Other compounds: Fatty acids, anthraquinones and amino acids. Due to these it acts as Laxative, Anti-septic, Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory. Thereby, helps in reducing sunburn or tanning (6) and burning sensations along with acne and acne scars (7). 

         6. Great source of essential and non-essential amino-acids, and salicylic acid which has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial property. 

       7. Saponins: These constitute 3% of gel and has cleansing and antiseptic properties.

Friends, this research really motivated me to use aleovera gel in isolation, topically. I want to share, one more thing here that, I always apply face pack of haldi (Turmeric), chandan (Sandalwood) and Kesar (Saffron) in raw milk or curd. I apply this pack since teenage as recommended by my mother. It really gives clear complexion and subtle glow. So, I always keep looking for aleovera gel mixed with turmeric, sandalwood and saffron. Therefore, I tried yellow color variant of Patanjali aleovera gel (Patanjali Soundarya Aloevera Gel) enriched with saffron and sandalwood, but I found it to be too dry. So, I shifted to the basic Patanjali Aleovera Gel which though a little bit sticky, has good moisturizing capacity. So, I kept using it in the absence of any other better alternate.

         One day, I went to my optician to get my specs repaired and I found that the optician has started selling something called IMC products along with specs as a side business. Since I am a regular customer, so the optician introduced me to IMC products. Out of curiosity, I asked him for aleovera gel and he showed IMC aleovera gel. Guess what, this gel was enriched with Turmeric and Saffron (Alas! not Sandalwood). However,  I was happy to find it and without any second thought, I bought it. Now, here is my review on IMC herbal Aloe Gel:

Product Description: It is an Ayurvedic medicine. It is not a cosmetic or toiletry but a curative and preventive therapy. It has no side effects. This organic skin care gel works as anti-septic and anti-ageing. It prevents wrinkles, pimples, blemishes, brown or black patches, stretch marks, nappy rashes, cuts, burns, psoriosis, eczema, sunburns, graying or loss of hair, cure insects bite or shoe bite, rejuvenates and tone up skin, make skin young, fair, smooth, soft, supple and glowing.

Quantity: 100 g
Price: 220 Rs/- 
Date of Manufacturing: May, 2019
Shelf life: 3 years from date of manufacturing
Cautions: For external use only
Storing Condition: keep in cool and dry place
Availability: Amazon, Flipkart and Snap Deal

Packaging: It was packed in a cardboard box. It has non transparent tube which is user friendly and sturdy with flip open cap. So, it is travel friendly but the disadvantage is, you will not be able to know how much gel is left inside the tube.

My Experience: The color of aleovera gel is nice medium  orange tone. It has nice noticeable fragrance of saffron. Only a drop of it well moisturizes the face. It is really non-sticky. Whenever, I apply it on my face, I get a feeling of glycerine + rose water minus heaviness and stickiness thus It gives a true watery gel feeling. It gets absorbed in skin within few seconds and you get a feeling as if nothing has been applied. Since my skin is acne prone but it did not find any harmful effect on this gel.  It is non-irritating thus can be applied under and around eyes without any risk. The best part is, it gives an instant natural  glow to face with a hydrating and tightening effect to skin.

Guys, it is a fact that aleovera gel cannot work as sunscreen in isolation, but can increase the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) capacity of sunscreen lotion if added directly or in a novel way such as aleovera leaf powder beads (10). But, I have gone through one in vitro study which revealed the UV opacity potential (degree of blocking of UVA and UVB rays) of aleovera gel and SPF. This study gave hope for later study to be conducted in vivo (11, 12). So, I apply cold, thick layer of aleovera gel in night to overcome sunburn. As, It is good post sun treatment because of its cooling, healing and antiseptic properties. I also take shots of aleovera and amla in morning to protect myself from photoaging. Therefore, for me it works as sunscreen, moisturizer as well as natural medicine to keep acne at bay. As I am not a makeup lover, so do not buy much cosmetics except a few. So, I also use it as a primer, highlighter and makeup remover in case I need to apply makeup occasionally. I experimented with it by using it as highlighter, trust me guys, it really worked well as a natural highlighter. Friends, I use it in my weekly skin care routine after applying a face pack. I also apply it on after shaping my eyebrows and removing upper lips hair. It helps to reduce redness and bumps.

Friends, you will agree that when we apply too much hair oil then there is a need to use more shampoo to rinse out this oil from hair. The harsh chemicals in shampoo make our hair dry and then you need to apply conditioners. Honestly, I am not a kind of women who invests a lot money in hair or skin products which does not make sense (example conditioner). More chemicals means more damage to hair and skin. Some of you may argue that since ages our mothers and grandmothers used to apply oil before hair bath. True, but they never used chemical rich shampoos and conditioners for hair bath. Rather, they used normal soap or Reetha, amla, and shikakai water. Still, their hair are long and beautiful because they focus on eating healthy and keep themselves away from chemicals. I can understand that Reetha, amla and shikakai rinse water is cumbersome. So, I found an idea to mix oil with something which has a moistening effect but without being sticky. I mixed aloevera gel with mustard oil in equal amount to apply on my hair.  For this purpose, I extract aleovera Gel directly from aleovera plant from my balcony garden. Trust me guys, this idea works. In one wash, oil gets removed from hair and they become soft, silky and straight. I did not notice any frizz problem after using it. Not me, even my husband use it as after an after shave lotion.

Friends, here I want to highlight one thing, it is good that it is made in Bharat and W.H.O and GMP Certified. However, it is also Halal certified. Although it is a really good product but sorry, with no offense to any specific religion, I do not endorse this product as I believe that certificates like "Halal" are discriminatory in nature and allow only people of one religion to be employed in such organizations. This is against the fundamental right to equality provided to all the citizens in our constitution.  My bad that while buying I did not notice "Halal" certification mentioned on it.  Going forward, I will always notice that is NOT Halal and should be made in Bharat before buying anything.

So, still this journey for the search of aleovera gel enriched with turmeric, saffron and sandalwood has not yet finished. Good news is that I came to know that Emami has launched aleovera gel enriched with turmeric, saffron and sandalwood under their Boroplus brand. Moreover, It is much economical than IMC aleovera gel.  I will definitely buy, use and share my experience of it with you people.

I hope, my experience with aleovera gel will help you in one or other way.

We should consciously use the products in our day to day life to grow our nation and save our planet.

Take Care all of you

Your's Well Wisher
Purnima Ghai 

                     

References:

1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/

2.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325753#causes-and-prevention

3.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12548256/  
4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883372/
5.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265800#benefits
6.https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/aloe-vera-for-sunburn#does-it-help
7.https://www.verywellhealth.com/aloe-vera-for-acne-and-acne-scars-4097852
8.https://www.platinumskincare.com/comedogenic-ratings/
9.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263051/
10.http://rjtcsonline.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research+Journal+of+Topical+and+Cosmetic+Sciences%3bPID%3d2011-2-2-6
11. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23498423 
12.https://www.healthline.com/health/homemade-sunscreen


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Kusha Grass: Importance of "Holy Grass of Ancient Texts" on the basis of Scientific Research

Category: Natural Eco-friendly Products

Hi Beautiful and Peaceful Soul,

In my previous blog, I requested all of you to like my blog on fountain pen (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2020/05/fountain-pen-boon-for-choked-earth-with.html), if anyone of you have decided to start using fountain pen. However, no one has liked it yet, it is bit disheartening as perhaps I am unable to convince even a single person to use fountain pen. This definitely would have been my limitation which I will try to improve in future. One of my biggest dream is to make this world as a nature loving community and I will keep working on it till to my last breath.

INTRODUCTION
      Today, I am going to talk about one of the Holy Grass of ancient texts i.e., Kusha Grass. Kusha grass is also called as Darbha Grass in other languages (7). However, the proper identification of this grass has some contradicting views. One of the publications, "Medicinal Importance of Darbha: A Review" (3) published in Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine showed that in Vedic and Samhita period both Darbha and Kusha were recognized as two separate drugs as both have been mentioned separately  at several places . It also mentioned that these two drugs have certain similar properties, actions and indications. On the basis of these similarities and morphological appearance, the later text of Ayurveda have mentioned Darbha and Kusha Grass as synonyms to each other, which is main point of contradiction.

Dalhana, commentator of Sushruta Samhita and field botanist of Ayurveda, clearly differentiates Darbha and Kusha on the basis of morphology as follows- Kusha is small, soft and has needle like leaves while Darbha is thicker with scabrid and longer leaves. However, he did mention Darbha and Kusha as synonyms. Though actions and indications of Kusha and Darbha are mentioned together, most of the Nighantus accepted both Kusha and Darbha as two different varieties and mentioned synonyms of each other. Regarding the botanical source of these plants, there is a great confusion. Many authors used Desmostachya bipinnata for both the drug, while others said that Darbha is large and more scabrid variety of Kusha. It means, both have same Genera, but different species. But, many others used even different Genera "Imperata cylindrical" for Darbha which clearly indicates that both are different plants (3, 4).

     Friends, I am reading Asthanga Hridyam one page a day, so far I did not encounter the word Kushdavya and Dvidarbha. However, according to above discussed paper (3), Asthanga Hridyam has these words which indicates two types of both Kusha and Darbha, without any differentiation. I am sure to find these words in the later part of Asthanga Hridyam.

     Out of these two grasses, let's discuss about Vedic Grass i.e., Kusha Grass. The scientific name of this grass is "Desmostachya bipinnata". It is commonly known as Halfa, Bigcord, Sali-Reed and Old World Perennial Grass (1). The former scientific name of Kusha was "Eragnostis cynosuroides" (12). Kusha Grass is also called Kusa which is derived from Sanskrit word Kusala meaning sharp, intelligent and wise because of the sharp nature of tip of Grass.

     Grasses are the most successful plants on earth among all monocotyledonous plants. They have survived on planet despite various ecological changes. They have medicinal values and therefore considered as novel repositories. Any plant which has medicinal properties and is used in ritualistic practices is considered as sacred. This is the reason grass family is considered as sacred. It has great significance in Ayurveda because of medicinal and clinical properties. This grass constitutes vital ingredient in various Vedic sacrifices (Yagnas) and rituals. Due to this, it is also known as "Sacrificial Grass". In Atharvaveda, It is written that it is Soother of Anger because it brings calmness (14).  It can be easily found along river beds and plains throughout India. It is a vital component of traditional medicinal formulation such as Tripan chamool and others. The later is used in the treatment of many disorders such as dysentery, jaundice and skin diseases supported by traditonal ayurvedic scriptures (1).

      It is second most sacred herb in Veda after Soma. It is tufted perennial grass and good cattle fodder and sand binder to prevent soil erosion. It is the most aggressive weed in agricultural field. It is native to north, northeast and west tropical Africa, countries in Middle East and temperate and tropical Asia. Leaves of this grass attain a length up to 50 cm  and is 1 cm broad at the base. It is distributed throughout India at+ hot and dry places. It is believed that this Grass is capable of absorbing light radiation and acoustic vibrations.

SCIENTIFIC REPORTS ON MEDICINAL USES
        Roots of this grass are used in Indian traditional system of medicine as coolant, sweet, astringent, diuretic and galactagogue. According to Vitthalrao Bhimasha Khyade et al (1) the phyto-chemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, and coumarins have been extracted from this grass. These all have proven bioactivity as indicated in animal trials (6,7). A review paper "Pharmacological and therapeutic importance of Desmostachya bipinnata: A Review" explained the pharmacological effects of this grass as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anticancer, diuretic, antioxidant (10), hepato-protective, antidiabetic, and antihistamine (9). Scientific paper "Mootrala Karma of Kusha and Darbha-A comparative Study" published in Ayu. Journal of national center for biological information (5) revealed the positive effect of these two drugs as diuretic in healthy volunteers without any significant difference among these two drugs. This study was based on the fact that Acharya Sushruta has placed the two drugs in the Veerataravadi Gana, mainly indicated for the treatment of Mootrakruchchhra (Dysurea). I am really glad to share this information with you people that this study proved the truth of our ancient text again.

OTHER USES BASED ON SCIENTIFIC REPORTS

1. ACTS AS NATURAL PRESERVATIVE

      Kusha Grass is traditionally used to protect cooked food from toxic radiation during eclipse. During solar and lunar eclipse, the atmosphere is full of toxic radiation. It is said that cooked food kept during an eclipse can become toxic. If Kusha grass is kept on top of cooked food covered in a container then it will shield the food from toxic rays. It is a natural food-preservative. It is proved by research paper "Hierarchial Nanofeatures promote microbial adhesion in tropical grasses: Nanotechnology behind traditional disinfection" published in Journal of BioNanoScience. This research proved why this grass is used to prevent spoilage of  easily fermentable food during solar and lunar eclipses, a practice that is followed even today.  To understand the role of this grass on food during eclipses, cow's curd was chosen as fermentable food item as representative. It was found that this grass reduces microbial population in food item  in the absence of bactericidal ultra-violet and blue rays during eclipse. The disinfecting ability of this Grass was compared with five other trophical grasses chosen on the basis of presence/absence of nano structures, antibacterial effect and hydrophobic surface. Based on comparative studies with these grasses, it was concluded that the disinfecting ability of this grass is attributed mainly to the hierarchical micro/nano features present on the grass surface which attracts enormous number of bacteria and thus prevents bacterial growth in curd (8).

2. PROTECTS FROM RADIATION
          Kusha grass is also used around the home to help shield people from radiations. This grass has been found to block X-rays. This study was done by a Doctor SadhaShiv Rao (2) who covered his hand with grass followed by taking an X-ray his palm. Surprisingly, this grass absorbed 60% of the X-rays. Therefore, if it can absorb powerful X-rays radiations then it can definitely absorb ill radiations from environment. This is the reason that ring made from this grass is worn in finger along with recitation of sacred verses (1). As per opinion of an anonymous Vedic Scholar who is also a scientist, this ring is modern Mobius coil (13). It is also placed on all four sides of fire to help block negative radiations. It helps to protect against toxic radiations and negative energies of all types.

3. NATURAL COOLANT
        The mat prepared by this grass was used by Buddha as his meditation seat when he attained enlightenment under Bodhi tree. Mat and asana made out of this grass was used to perform Vedic rituals in Vedic era. This mat is also known as seat for priests and God. Kusha Grass is specifically recommended by Lord Krishna in Bhagvat Gita as an ideal seat for Meditation (14). This mat is also used for normal sitting and sleeping. It acts as a natural coolant. It helps keeping the body cool along with protective action against radiations (7).

4. NATURAL PURIFICATION AGENT
          This grass has the highest value in conducting phonetic vibrations through its tips. That is why priests recite selective verses by holding bunch of this grass and placing the tip of it over water containing vessel. The recited vibrations are absorbed by water in the vessel through the grass. This water is then sprinkled all over the place to purify it. It fills the place with Sanskrit phonetic sound and vibrations of mantras dampening ill effective and harmful sounds. Sanskrit phonetic sound and vibration when pronounced with correct intonations increases its effectiveness in filling the atmosphere with positivity. Moreover, this water is also used for religious ceremonies. One important point to remember is that without tip, grass is of no use (7, 11). A scientific study "Effects of Tulsi, Kusa, Copper on conductivity, turbidity and pH properties of water" revealed that Kusa, tulsi and Copper serve as eco-friendly, cost-effective and point-of-use method to purify the water (14).

In modern science, we hear a lot about the influence of music on  growth of crops. Kusha is a very good conductor of acoustic vibrations and  these positive sound vibrations could energize water (13). Ghee and some other items used in Homa cannot be disinfected. So, there is practice to place this Grass on these items.

5. ACTS AS NATURAL INSULATOR
         Kusha grass prevents discharge of energy, generated either during meditation or during any other communion with God, through our body into the ground. It can also protect us from electric shocks.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH KUSHA GRASS

       I bought Kusha Grass mat from Amazon, which I use for pooja and meditation daily. Since it is an insulator, so it does not give a hot or cold feeling in summers and winters, respectively.  

My friends, as I mentioned earlier that there is a controversy on identification of Kusha Grass. So, I have not concentrated on information based on common name of this Grass. All the information provided here is on the basis of scientific name i.e., Desmostachya bipinnata. 

I have a dream to see world doing research on facts given in Vedas, especially in the field of medical science.

Your's Well Wisher
Purnima Ghai

References:
1.http://www.worldscientificnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/WSN-100-2018-35-50.pdf
2https://hareraama.in/articles/srimukha/scientific-reason-for-wearing-darbhapavitram/
3.http://www.ayurvedjournal.com/JAHM_201623_08.pdf
4.https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/18479
5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665103/
6.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281874292_Tradition_to_therapeutics_Sacrificial_ medicinal_grasses_Desmostachya_bipinnata_and_Imperata_cylindrica_of_India
7.https://www.easyayurveda.com/2017/10/05/kusha-desmostachya-bipinnata/
8.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276455719_Hierarchical_Nanofeatures_Promote_Microbial_Adhesion_in_Tropical_Grasses_Nanotechnology_Behind_Traditional_Disinfection
9.https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/PHARMACOLOGICAL-AND-THERAPEUTIC-IMPORTANCE-OF-A-Al-Snafi/f273d9c877e8a6c7236e9dbb71be9a7a539a2ad2
10.http://jprsolutions.info/newfiles/journal-file-56f76845681a71.70881842.pdf
11.https://sanskritdocuments.org/articles/Plant_Biology_of_Yajurveda_by_Raghava_Boddupalli.pdf
12.https://insa.nic.in/writereaddata/UpLoadedFiles/IJHS/Vol22_4_2_SMahdihassan.pdf
13.http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2017/04/darbha-sacred-grass-in-hindu-worships.html
14.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322714061_EFFECT_OF_TULSI_KUSHA_COPPER_ON_CONDUCTIVITY_TURBIDITY_AND_pH_PROPERTIES_OF_WATER

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