Vedic Shop

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Dating back over 5,000 years, Ayurveda is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world. However, the holistic health practice is far from remaining in ancient times. Ayurvedic medicine exists as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the US, but according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), 80 percent of India’s people practice Ayurveda on its own or in addition to Western medical practices, and India has a total of 180 colleges teaching Ayurvedic medicine today.

Literally, the word Ayurveda means “science or knowledge of life” in Sanskrit. Ayurvedic medicine takes into account all aspects of life to create harmony among the mind, body and spirit. Once individuals are in complete harmony, they possess a strong well-being and are less likely to contract illnesses, leading to an overall longer and happier life.

The Five Elements

In Ayurveda, the entire universe is considered to be composed of five elements: earth, water, fire, air and space. Besides existing in the outside physical world, the five elements also exist and function as part of the human body. The five elements react outside and inside the body to create balance in the world.

Eattasteheal.com explains how although humans eat foods produced by the earth to survive, they ultimately become one with the earth after death. Making up almost 75 percent of the human body, water is necessary for life. Fire also supports human life because it warms the body and is produced during all chemical, inner-body procedures. While air is necessary to breath oxygen, it also causes all of the body’s actions due to its inner and outer body circulation. Lastly, space serves as the backbone and environment for the other four elements to interact and function.

Tridosha

The concept of life’s three energies or doshas (Tridosha) is another important idea of Ayurveda. Every dosha contains a combination of the five elements, and the energies control all actions on both the universal and physiological levels. According to NCCAM, when doshas become imbalanced, the body develops illnesses.

Article source: http://www.empowher.com/holistic-health/content/ayurveda-balancing-connections-between-body-and-universe

Dr Suresh Patankar, a Pune-based urologist, will be presenting a research paper on ‘Herbmed Plus’, an ayurvedic medicine, at an international conference to be held in Berlin, Germany, between July 16 and 20. Patankar is head of the urology department at BJ Medical College.

In a press conference held in Pune on Thursday, Patankar said that Herbmed Plus reduces the possible harmful side effects in urological operations. “Sometimes, some residues can remain in the kidney, which can lead to new stone formations. Herbmed Plus helps remove these fragments completely without causing pain to the patient.”

Patankar said that he had the patent for Herbmed Plus, an ayurvedic medicine, which uses several constituents such as varun, banana steam, yav, aghada and others. The international conference was organised by the Society Internationale De Urology.

Article source: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_pune-urologist-to-present-paper-at-berlin-meet_1566269

However, the state submitted that it had resolved to provide 100 per cent grants for the sanctioned set up of the colleges as per the year 1981 and 1986. But, if the colleges now need to increase the staff, they can do so by using the amount generated by annual fees.

After hearing both the parties, the bench of chief justice SJ Mukhopadhaya and justice J B Pardiwala dismissed the petition with the observation that the state is under no obligation to fund the increased staff, and if the colleges want to hire people, they can do so by utilizing funds that they get from students by way of fees.

Article source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Pay-from-your-pocket-to-hire-more-staff-HC-tells-grant-colleges/articleshow/9328792.cms

Till some time back, health insurance policies used to cover only allopathy treatment while ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy and unani treatments were left out of the ambit. Despite having a comprehensive health insurance plan in place, individuals who preferred such systems had to pay out of their own pockets.

These policyholders can now breathe easy as some insurance companies have started including such alternative forms of treatment under their cover, especially ayurveda. "Ayurveda being the most prevalent of the alternate systems, we have designed a product to cover treatments under ayurvedic hospitalization," says S S Gopalarathnam, managing director, Cholamandalam MS General Insurance.

While some insurers only offer it under their group policies, others have started offering the facility to individual health insurance seekers. PSU insurer New India Assurance and standalone health insurance provider Star Health and Allied Insurance are other insurance companies that have started covering ayurvedic treatments under individual policies. ICICI Lombard General Insurance covers it under government scheme and Future Generali Insurance offers it to corporate group insurance buyers from which employees of the covered company can benefit.

"Our policies as such do not cover any other line of treatment other than allopathy. However, in group policies, if requested for we do offer tailor-made packages to corporate clients to cover ayurvedic treatment subject to certain conditions," explains Shreeraj Deshpande, head, health insurance, Future Generali.

How did this need to cover alternative forms of medicine in health insurance arise? Gopalarathnam, explains, "During various focus group discussions with customers and agents, we found that for chronic ailments like spondilytis, arthritis and epilepsy, many people preferred alternate streams of treatment such as ayurveda, siddha and homeopathy etc."

Though the coverage has been expanded, there are curbs on the amount and situations under which it can be claimed.

New India Assurance's extends cover to individuals undergoing treatment with the help of Ayurvedic, homeopathic and Unani systems of medicine. "Such claims will be covered only to the extent of 25% of sum insured. Also, they need to have availed of the treatment at a government hospital to be eligible for the claim," informs Segar Sampathkumar, deputy general manager, New India Assurance.

Similarly, Star Health also covers non-allopathic treatment, except Naturopathy, costs under its Unique Health Insurance Policy, "up to 25% of sum assured or a maximum of Rs 25,000 per occurrence, per year."

Chola Individual Health line Insurance policy provides coverage for ayurveda during hospitalization, prior and post hospitalization. A policy holder can get treated in any of the government registered ayurveda hospitals across the country and claim if hospitalized for more than 24 hours.

Naturopathy treatments are excluded in all policies, while few cover unani and homeopathic. This is because other forms of treatments have no standard treatment protocols and highly varied costs thus making it difficult to actuarially compute the cost to be covered.

Even under ayurveda, select procedures are covered to ensure people do not misuse a policy for a basic rejuvenation procedure.

"We do not cover the unani system of medicine. Under ayurveda, hospitalization for panchkarma (five actions) meant to purify the whole body by eliminating accumulated toxins, is covered on a case to case basis," explains Deshpande.

It is important to note that there is no standalone cover available for covering alternative treatments. You will have to buy a standard health insurance cover from these select insurers and others who start offering the non-allopathic coverage.

Before you head for alternative treatment and make a claim, see whether the treatment is listed in the insurance policy document. Insurers are particular about the specific treatments covered. "Snehan and Swedan are payable only when these procedures are done as a part of pre-panchkarma preparation. Comfort treatments involving steam bath/sauna/oil massages are excluded," Deshpande adds.

Similarly Gopalarathnam says, "We have identified about 40 common ailments for which ayurvedic treatments are prevalent and widely used, which we cover for treatment across any government registered hospitals."

Article source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Ayurveda-unani-treatments-under-mediclaim-umbrella/articleshow/9351755.cms

New Avatar of Ayurveda

AyurVAID hospital group is leading the transformation of
ayurveda into a mainstream healthcare system beneficial to all segments of society,
increasing both the quality and the accessibility of treatment available, reports
M Neelam Kachhap

What
do you expect to see when you walk through the doors of an ayurvedic hospital?
Indian ambience, massage rooms, neatly dressed receptionist but not a certificate
from the National Board of Accreditation for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers
(NABH) adorning the front wall. Yes! An NABH certification captures your attention
as soon as you enter India’s unique ayurvedic hospital ‘AyurVAID’.

This is not the only landmark achieved by this three-year-old
hospital, located at Domlur, Bangalore. The hospital has recently been approved
by the Karnataka Government to provide cashless facility for ayurvedic treatment
to all state government employees and their families. With this AyurVAID has
become the first and only ayurvedic hospital in India to receive quality accreditation
and government approval for its facility.

The Hospital

Rajiv Vasudevan CEO,
AyurVAID Hospitals

AyurVAID is run by the umbrella company Kerala First Healthcare
Services. The brain child of Rajiv Vasudevan, AyurVAID Hospitals integrates
classical ayurvedic with modern allopathic practice to treat chronic medical
conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and stroke. The first two hospitals are
in Kerala: a 15-bed one at Ernakulum and a 30-bed one at Aluva.

With a current strength of six hospitals and health centers
across five states in India, AyurVAID has grown to be a chain of hospitals,
providing in-patient and out-patient facilities with pharmacy, consultation
and a healthy ayurvedic diet. It not only provides curative but also preventive
treatment for severe chronic diseases. AyurVAID has also introduced a low-cost
hospital format called AyurSEVA, located in poor communities such as Dharavi,
a slum of Mumbai, featured in the Bollywood film, 'Slumdog Millionaire'. However,
all the hospitals abide by the same standards of service. “AyurVAID is
patient-centric and uses standardised processes to deliver safe, effective and
affordable care to all strata of society especially poor communities,”
informs Rajiv Vasudevan, CEO, AyurVAID Hospitals.

Leadership Vision

AyurVAID’s vision is to lead the transformation of ayurveda into a mainstream
healthcare system – beneficial to all segments of society, including low-income
households. It is known that the burden of chronic diseases has the most visible
debilitating effect on the poor and their ability to earn a daily living. AyurVAID
aims to address these healthcare issues and provide care through the ayurvedic
system of medicine. “AyurVAID’s vision is to lead the transformation
of ayurveda into a mainstream healthcare system,” avers Vasudevan. The
Hospital wants to demystify the aura of 'magic' hovering around ayurveda and
bring to light its true value as a system of healing. It is not that ayurvedic
treatment is not available in India; however, it is marred by individuals and
groups who project it as an unexplained magical healing method, laced with dark
rituals, enticing patients from India and abroad. On the contrary, ayurveda
is an ancient form of medicine which goes beyond pain relief and rejuvenation,
backed by literature. This system of medicine has also evolved over time and
today is capable of taking care of a large group of aliments in turn promising
to take the load off the allopathic system of medicine, which in India is already
burdened. Talking about the vision Vasudevan says, “The aim of AyurVAID
is to spread the message of aurveda to larger populations through a convenient
system which is acceptable by the people. AyurVAID is poised to be a profitable
enterprise with a social purpose.”

Business Strategy

AyurVaid has changed the light in which we generally see aurveda. It is trying
to revive this ancient art of healing and bring it closer to the people. However,
it is not only a unique social enterprise but a profitable business model also.
“The business model is sustainable and scalable healthcare service delivery
using the ayurvedic treatment as a base,” explains Vasudevan. It is a for-profit
commercial business model, which allows consumers to choose so as to impact
maximum number of people. “Our business model is definitely a for-profit
model,” adds Vasudevan. Its delivery model allows for cross-subsidisation
by serving high-end patients as well as low-income patients. “Service delivery
format is standardised healthcare delivery aligned to NABH standards and all
units have an in-patient, out-patient, pharmacy and consultation,” Vasudevan
further explains.

AyurVAID opened its first center in Kerala, an intelligent strategic step as
ayurveda needs no introduction in Kerala and the patients there already use
it as a means of treatment. However, venturing out of Kerala and moving to the
Mumbai suburbs was a surprise move. Vasudevan explains, “We do not have
to go the extra mile of promoting ayurveda in Kerala. It is a very well accepted
treatment module there.” And it is with this belief and conviction that
people will see the benefits of ayurvedic treatment and turn to ayurveda as
a means of treatment, Vasudevan has gone ahead and opened more centers in different
states finally targeting whole of India. “We are creating a reliable and
replicable system akin to allopathy which will make ayurveda the choice of millions
with chronic illnesses over the next decade. AyurVAID will of course be in the
front leading that paradigm shift," emphasises Vasudevan. AyurVAID hospitals
are the only ayurvedic hospitals accredited by 12 of India's leading medical
insurance service providers.

Money Matters

Treading an unknown path was not easy for Vasudevan, but he had years of experience
dealing with ayurvedic preparations to fall back on. His firm belief in this
system of medicine led him to pool in all his savings and convince a few friends
to invest Rs 55 lakh initially into the project. As the project took off Vausdevan
was able to convince more people and soon he managed to get external funding
from the US based social investor Acumen Fund which till date has invested Rs
six crore in the project. “Our initial investment was Rs 50 lakh and Acumen
further invested Rs 7cr” confirms Vasudevan. We reached breakeven relatively
fast, but cycle takes time to stabilise.” He is currently busy scouting
for investors for the third wave of funding for further expansion.

According to Vasudevan it is a sustainable model where investments are low with
even lesser gestation period. “Advantages for an ayurvedic centre are that
it is low on capital investment and also RoI happens in three to four years.
This is a lean business model. In a regular allopathic hospital cost per bed
varies from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 150 lakh whereas in an aurvedic hospital cost per
bed is Rs two-three lakh. That’s the beauty of it all! For Rs three lakh-a-
bed serious medical care can be delivered which tackles a big chunk of diseases,”
informs Vasudevan. Most of the chain hospitals are small 15-30 bed facilities
completely adhering to quality standards.

Adding to the strategic strength of AyurVAID is its operations,
which is perfectly aligned with the organisation‘s vision and quality is
achieved with highly standardised procedures for all services provided. The
location of the hospitals is strategically chosen; away from the clutter of
the city, they provide a peaceful and serene setting to the target customer.

New Hospital
AyurVAID has set up an 18 bed AyurSEVA Hospital in
the heart of Dharavi, in Mumbai in March 2009 and a 15 bed Ayur SEVA Hospital
in Ramamurthy Nagar, in Bangalore in February, 2009.

The result is an in-patient service offering for
chronic disease management at the rate of around Rs 750 per day, even
in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore.

“Typically, medical insurance products targeting
BPL and vulnerable segments of society have coverage of up to Rs 25000.
With the very low cost of in-patient treatment (Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000
per week) appropriate care becomes accessible to the poor,” explains
Vasudevan.

AyurVAID has collaborated with a leading private medical
insurance companies to design a breakthrough insurance product with 'accessibility
maximising' features, targeting low income communities. AyurVAID also
collaborates with a leading Bangalore based NGO to extend primary healthcare
services to unorganised laborers across Bangalore.

Perhaps, this is the first time that any ayurvedic organisation
in the private sector has systematically addressed the core and major
challenges to begin the process of repositioning ayurveda in the minds
of different stakeholders - general public, government, insurance companies.

Challenges

In India, 12 million deaths a year are associated with chronic diseases. Low-income
families are disproportionately affected due to the lack of affordable treatment
and preventive care. Treating chronic disease drains away resources and affects
the ability to earn livelihoods, creating a downward spiral of disease and poverty.
However, the challenge faced by AyurVAID hospital is to make ayurveda the choice
of the masses for treatment of chronic diseases.

Another challenge is to find trained dedicated staff. At present AyurVAID boasts
of a good number of doctors as well as nurses at each facility. However, to
find people with the right bend of mind is a little difficult. “ Ayurveda
physicians undergo rigorous five-year education programmes that include detailed
study of the classical ayurveda medical science as well as the essentials of
modern medicine, surgery and pharmacology. Despite demand for their services,
a lack of health infrastructure means the qualified and government-accredited
ayurveda physicians are underutilised.”

Yet, Vasudevan feels that it is possible to sustain and scale up this model
of healthcare delivery. “Its possible to take aurveda to the level of allopathy,
the market size for both medicine and service in ayurveda is approximately Rs
10,000 crore.”

Beyond this there is also the matter of a pricing model. A good pricing model
is crucial to the business and needs to be effective to contribute to the stability
of the hospital. The average price of an out-patient treatment level is about
Rs 1000. By taking this approach, AyurVAID is increasing access to healthcare
for the poor in a sustainable and scalable manner, while simultaneously expanding
AyurVAID’s market presence and building a long-term customer base for the
company.

In fact a look at the comparative cost of ayurvedic versus allopathic treatment
brings out the pricing difference. Vasudevan explains with two examples.

There are three aspects to this comparison.Firstly, a root cause intervention
versus symptomatic intervention. Secondly, consider the lifetime costs of having
a chronic ailment.

The third consideration ss the non cost aspects, which are quality of outcomes(core
medical benefits), quality of life (on account of medical management,physical
and mental function) and finally, the impact on workplace (productivity), home
(family) of person with chronic ailment.

For example, a patient with ikuchi-Fujimoto disease pays
Rs 20,000 for allopathy consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicines. But
according to Vasudevan, the same patient paid Rs 1,008 at AyurVAID.

Similarly, a rheumatoid arthritis patient was advised surgery
for both knees at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 - 3 lakh. Surgery was avoided
with conservative ayurveda treatment at AuurVAID costing Rs 36,000.

Community Health Initiative

AyurVAID has developed the ‘AyurSEVA’ brand of hospitals, which is
a community initiative of AyurVAID Hospitals, offering AyurVAID services at
affordable rates to low-income communities typically earning between Rs 6000-8000
per month. With identical medical standards, AyurSEVA units are able to bring
down the cost of treatment by offering a general ward format and employing a
lower cost of establishment and operations. Being close to urban slums, they
reduce the total cost incurred by the target customer to avail the service,
which works in their favour.

Growth Plan

The hospital chain is getting ready for the next wave of growth. The immediate
plan is to get one more NABH accreditation for a different unit at Bangalore
followed by the other units.

Other than this, the company is seeking a third round of funding mostly from
a PE source. However, Vasudevan also adds that they are in no hurry to expand
as they are concentrating on perfecting the business model, seeking clarity
of the business model adopted and further refining it to settle into the fast
growth path and strengthening its brand to be known as quality healthcare provider.

Currently all the hospitals are managed by the parent company but in future
AyurVAID may look at a franchise model or a different business model to expand
into Northern and Eastern states. Soon, cities like Bhopal and Kolkata will
see new AyurVAID Hospitals. “As we grow we will look at partners,”
reveals Vasudevan. Expansion in Mumbai is also on the cards.

AyurVAID is also focusing on the public healthcare delivery pie. “We are
keen to work with the government. Our mission is to take ayurveda to the masses
and there is scope in the primary healthcare space. In fact National Rural Health
Mission (NRHM) has provision for ayurveda and a large number of recruitment
has taken place but the implementation is yet to happen,“divulges Vasudevan.

At present AyurVAID procures classical drugs from a reputed company and distributes
it through their pharmacy, but in future the company may be interested in its
own brand of medicines. “Right now we are not thinking of our own brand
of medicine but some day we will take it up,” says Vasudevan.

mneelam.kachhap@expressindia.com

Article source: http://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/201107/market10.shtml

As the world increasingly looks towards adopting a healthy lifestyle, one of the must-take approach is through food. And, when we talk food, it’s a lot about the ‘way’ food is prepared. Remember daadima ke nuske? Well, take the idea to another level and step into the world of ayurvedic cooking, a concept fast picking up across countries.

“Kitchens are buzzing with one simple trick: understand the right mix of spices and foods,” says 29-year-old Kaushani Desai, an SNDT food nutrition graduate from Mumbai. She is an ayurveda cooking instructor with Art of Living for six years now. “The concept is about rediscovering the basic principles to understand what the body needs. Like, eating more fried, microwave-heated and processed foods may be an easier option, but it is not healthy considering it decreases immunity,” explains Desai.

While she emphasises on the “science behind ayurveda cooking”, it is important to understand food properties - what type goes with which spice - besides temperature and mixing right. It’s true that spices are crucial to cooking, especially in our Indian method of cooking, “but then, as per ayurveda, they all have medicinal properties”, says Desai.

Grinding spices at home is ideal, at least dhana and marcha. Ghee or clarified butter, says Desai, must be used in food rather than using oil. This, considering ghee is also used as a medicine in ayurveda.

Go through her recently released book, Sattva - the Ayurvedic Cook Book, and you see an interesting combination of cuisines. You also find Lebanese cuisine featuring under ayurvedic recipe methods. Explaining the how and why behind it, Desai says, “I want to break the perception that ayurveda form of cooking is boring and bland. Since I have travelled across the world, I would take the liberty of saying that if a person sticks to a region’s original cooking methods, the nutrients are maintained and it definitely helps the health of a person.”

Taking into account Gujaratis’ love for food, she says, “Gujarati food is just right since we include all the tastes ranging from sweet, sour and salty to spicy, bitter and astringent. However, when a person eats only as per taste, the ‘value’ of what is taken in, decreases. That is how imbalance in the body is created.”

For all those who enjoy walking around and munching, there’s a word of caution too. “People often eat and munch while walking or standing, especially at gatherings and parties, although this is not good for digestion. It must be avoided.”

A few to-dos, if followed religiously, can make a world of difference. Like, for example, “replacing jaggery with sugar”. One tends to avoid excess intake that way, she reasons. Desai also has a piece of advise for those who shop for food items from the market. “It is important to take a look at the ingredients when you buy food products. Also consider the composition of preservatives,” says the ayurveda food expert who believes organic foods must be promoted.

Considering the shift towards organic food sale in the market, we seem to have begun our ride with our ticket to health.

Article source: http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/26/201107242011072401325521f6cc8abc/How-about-a-ticket-to-health.html

In one corner of the narrow Gali Qasim Jan in Ballimaran — dotted with crumbling structures and wholesale outlets of footwear and sunglasses — stands a building that’s a blend of classical and colonial architectural styles. The façade looks part Gothic cathedral, part Mughal haveli. The arches are Latin but the carved patterns are Indian, and the geometrical designs on the sandstone structure only add to its grandeur. The over 100 years old structure, Hindustani Dawakhana, located just opposite the haveli of Mirza Ghalib, has an impressive history as well.

Partially restored around six years ago, this was once the seat of traditional Unani and Ayurvedic medicine, established in 1910 by Hakim Ajmal Khan, a well known doctor and freedom fighter. Listed as a heritage building by both the MCD and INTACH, the government and private conservation agencies took a note of its dilapidated condition only in 2000, when parts of the Dawakhana caved in. The restoration work was, however, not without criticism, with some historians claiming that it was done by demolishing parts of the structure and adding interior features that were not in keeping with the original building.

However, what couldn’t be torn down or altered was its history. Gali Qasim Jan, named after a medieval noble, boasted of some illustrious residents during the pre-Independence era. Besides Ghalib, poet Hali, grandfather of filmmaker Khwaja Ahmed Abbas, poet Hasrat Mohani, who penned chupke chupke (sung by Ghulam Ali), were among those who lived here. So did the Unani Hakims of Sharif Manzil, who were the doctors of royal families. The Hakim family also had a free hospital in the locality. Standing outside the building, amid a sea of humanity, it is difficult to imagine that the Dawakhana or dispensary in its heydays took out patents for as many as 84 rare herbal formulae such as Musafi, Sarbat-E-Sadar, Sekhon and Hebab-Kebatare.

... contd.

Article source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/dawakhana-from-the-past/821445/

Leadership (Abuja)

Gabriel Ewepu

20 July 2011

analysis

From the beginning of time, traditional medicines have been used for both the prevention and cure of ailments that affect human health. They are sourced from leaves, the bark, seeds, sap and other parts of trees and weeds.

Traditional medicines have been used to cure deadly ailments such as diabetes, cancer and ulcer. Most traditional medicines are consumed in their raw and semi-processed forms by Asians, Africans and Latin Americans. But over the years, countries like China and India have been able to refine and develop traditional drugs and are exporting them to Europe, America, Asia and Africa. Some of them make claims of being able to cure infertility, menstrual cramps, irregular cycles, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, hot flashes, arthritis, weak digestion and endometriosis.

There is, however, growing global concern about the safety of traditional medicines, as there have been several cases of complications caused by some of the traditional medicines exported to Europe and America. For this reason and the fact that people tend to use herbal medicines indiscriminately, regulatory bodies in countries like Britain and America have stopped the importation of some traditional drugs from China and India.

"Research we conducted last year found a significant proportion of people believed 'herbal' means 'benign'," says Richard Woodfield, Head of Herbal Policy at the Medicines and Health Care Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). "That means people are more liable to self-medicate, and to neglect to inform their doctors, even though there's a risk that the herbal remedy will react with any prescription drugs. They're also more vulnerable to fraudulent, even criminal operators who put products out which are heavily adulterated with dangerous pharmaceuticals."

Last year, scientists at Boston University found that a fifth of Ayurvedic medicines - popular traditional Indian herbal remedies - bought over the internet contained dangerous levels of lead, mercury or arsenic, which could cause stomach pains, vomiting or liver problems.

Menopause remedies also came under fire after a study reported in the Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin, a journal that reviews medical treatment, found no evidence they actually worked. Gynaecologist Heather Curry of the British Menopause Society says, "Our feeling is that there isn't enough scientific evidence either on effectiveness or safety."

For example, a German study last year found the "herbal antidepressant" St John's Wort to be as effective as standard antidepressants such as Prozac. However, side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness and stomach pains have been widely reported and it interacts strongly with some prescription drugs such as Warfarin and oral contraceptives. And in April, an MHRA investigation into Jia Ji Jian, sometimes marketed as 'herbal Viagra', revealed it contained up to four times the level of pharmaceuticals found in legally prescribed anti-obesity and anti-erectile dysfunction medicinal products, which can cause serious side effects including heart and blood pressure problems. As a herbal remedy it should not contain any pharmaceuticals at all.

In Nigeria, the business of traditional medicines is a very lucrative one. People say they are affordable, accessible and they work. Of recent, some traditional medicine practitioners have gone into aggressive media advertisement to register their products and presence in major towns like Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Aba and others, all in a bid to promote their products and woo more customers. It is not uncommon to hear their claims of how one traditional medicine can cure over 10 different health problems. One wonders how that is possible. There are even those who have claimed that they have the cure for HIV/AIDS.

The nation's regulatory body for drugs, the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has tested and approved some of these traditional medicines as being safe for use. But many still have their doubts about them. In spite of NAFDAC's efforts, it is worrisome to see all manner of people venturing into the business. With the poor regulation and monitoring strategies, the health of Nigerians in this regard stands at great risk.

Some residents in Abuja lay bare their minds on the safety of traditional medicines. Mr. Chukwuma Ikeagwani, a financial expert spoke on the challenges and ways to improve traditional medicines. "Herbal drugs no doubt have been successfully used in treating various ailments. They have also helped to bring relief to some patients where orthodox drugs could not do anything, reducing complications that could have led to death. Whether they are all safe though is doubtful. The business is considered by some to be very lucrative, so there is infiltration by quacks, because there are cases of fake herbal drugs on the market. Most of these traditional drugs don't have regulated doses, as some of them are not scientifically manufactured.

"Another issue is the environment where they are being produced. Most of these places are nothing to write home about. The instruments are mostly not sterilised or kept clean. Also some of the substances they use are dangerous to human health. Well, traditional drugs can be improved if the government through its research institutes, can collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health in partnering with development partners. Traditional medicine practitioners will then produce safe herbal drugs. Also, the government should regulate their activities."

Israel Okosun, a graduate of philosophy gave his view about traditional medicine practitioners and the safety of traditional medicines. "Traditional medicines were used by our forefathers and were effective, but not now, as most traditional medicine practitioners are not genuine and as dependable as in the olden days. Most of them are quacks just out to deceive and make money from unsuspecting customers. Some of them use magic in the name of traditional medicine practice, to induce people to patronise them to the detriment of their health. People now prefer to go to hospital and use orthodox drugs, since traditional medicines are not reliable. I am not condemning all of them. Some are genuine and have positively contributed to the health care of Nigerians.

My advice to NAFDAC is that a unit or department should be established, which will dedicatedly monitor and control the activities of traditional medicine practitioners to ensure the safety of traditional medicines and weed out quacks," Okosun said.

Bioko Ezekiel, a political analyst said, "Actually, traditional medicine is as old as man and the society then heavily depended on it to tackle different health problems. The use of traditional medicines can enhance longevity. Countries like China and India majorly depend on them. Some of these traditional drugs can cure a lot of ailments, which I have witnessed.

People condemn traditional medicines because Britain came with orthodox drugs to convince us against our traditional medicines. This has made some of us throw away our traditional heritage, which traditional drugs are a part of. I mean we are fast losing our cultural heritage to orthodox drugs, which are mostly chemical-based. I see traditional medicines as safe for human consumption. Therefore, the government should revive its practice and usage. Government is simply not committed to developing traditional medicines, because it does not have regard for what its own produce, which are natural and good for human health. If there is more political will by the government in developing traditional medicine, most people will be able to afford it."

Richard Woodfield of the MHRA agrees. "Avoid unlicensed herbal remedies, particularly those sold on the internet and steer clear of anything claiming to be '100% safe' or 'safe because it's natural'. Like any other drugs, herbs can have side effects. Look for the THR or PL standard on the label and consult with your doctor if taking any prescription medicine."

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Unfortunately, my first memory of cloves is associated with excruciating pain. I must have been about 10, with a horrid toothache. My father wrapped two cloves in some cotton and told me to bite on the cotton with the tooth that hurt. Ouch. I did, and a few minutes later the pain subsided enough for me to feel human again.

Luckily, there are other people in this world who have kinder, gentler memories of this lovely spice.

"My mother loved any kind of spice cookie with cloves in the recipe. I think I inherited that from her," says Karen Adler, who pairs with Judith Fertig as the BBQ Queens. Their most recent cookbook was "300 Big Bold BBQ Grilling Recipes" (2009). "As I began to bake, I would do combinations of cinnamon and cloves for more flavor. I also like to pickle olives, and a small bunch of cloves in the pickling juice adds a wonderful earthy dimension of flavor. When I began barbecuing, I found that cloves added to barbecue rubs or sauces added a very nice depth of flavor."

Cloves are actually dried flower buds, and they add a deep, sweet aroma to dishes. They can be used whole or ground, but one thing remains constant: The taste is strong, so use them sparingly. Raw cloves are bitter.

Cloves — used in Asian, Mexican and European cooking — generally accompany spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. Cloves have long been used in ayurvedic medicine and incense, but they're also found in some cigarettes.

And that toothache? The essential oil in cloves is a local anesthetic, and it's sometimes used in mouthwash.

Adler has a wonderfully simple suggestion for using cloves: Flavor one package of yellow cake mix with a teaspoon of cinnamon and two teaspoons of ground cloves. Bake according to directions for an easy spice cake.

I add whole cloves to infuse hot oil, removing them before continuing to cook. Add them whole to rice dishes and grind them for desserts.

APEROL SPICE

Cloves scent this drink featured in Kara Newman's "Spice Ice — 70 Tongue-Tingling Cocktails" (Chronicle Books, 2009). It uses Aperol, an Italian liqueur with bitter orange, rhubarb and other ingredients.

Makes: 1 drink

2 ounces Aperol

1 ounce gin

1 ounce cinnamon-clove syrup (see recipe below)

1 ounce lemon juice

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Combine Aperol, gin, cinnamon-clove syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a cocktail glass. Dash in bitters and serve.

CINNAMON-CLOVE SYRUP

Make a batch of this spiced syrup, which will keep for weeks. Use it to add depth and zing to cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks. Ad a splash to club soda or drizzle it over waffles or desserts.

Makes: about 1 cup

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces

1 tablespoon ground or whole cloves

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan, uncovered. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool and remove the cinnamon pieces and cloves (strain through cheesecloth if using clove powder). Pour the syrup into a glass container with a secure cover. Keep refrigerated.

Contact Monica Bhide: monica@monicabhide.com

Article source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2015701250_seasonings23.html

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It is never too late to start again - especially in crime. A 90-year-old man, undeterred by a jail sentence, has churned out fake medical degrees in near-industrial quantities becoming, arguably, the single biggest operator of his kind in the country.

Medical authorities and the government have put Balwant Rai Arora under the scanner for allegedly producing at least 50,000 fake doctors in Delhi and the NCR over the last 15 years - since 1995, when he began his racket.

All these 'degrees' have been given by the so-called Delhi Medical College, a fake institute which he runs from his home in Vipin Garden in the Uttam Nagar area of west Delhi. The names of some 'degrees' like the basics of allopathic medicine and surgery have been invented by him. The Medical Council of India(MCI) does not recognise any degree by this name.

The number of 'degrees' given out by Arora's fake institute so far is more than five times the number of MBBS degrees that four of Delhi's top medical institutes would have given out in the same period. The All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has 50 MBBS seats, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) has 250 MBBS seats, the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) has 150 MBBS seats and Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) has 150 MBBS seats.

The astonishing revelation came after the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) conducted raids on quacks in the national capital recently. It also proved that Arora had showed no inclination to slow down after being caught redhanded in 2000 and subsequently jailed for four years.

The DMC has now referred the case to the Delhi government and the Delhi Police to investigate.

Arora reportedly issued medical degrees of MBBS, Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Sciences (BUMS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) and MD, said Dr Anil Bansal, convenor of DMC's anti quackery cell.

"We frequently conduct raids in different parts of Delhi to seal illegal clinics and curb the practice of quackery. After the raids we summoned the alleged doctors who claimed to have formal medical degrees to practice medicine in the city. We doubted them and called for verification of their degrees. At least 12 were carrying fake medical degrees issued by Balwant Rai Arora," said Bansal.

Delhi Police spokesman Rajan Bhagat said, "The crime is serious. A complaint has been received. This is a matter of investigation. As soon as we find evidence, proper action will be taken immediately as per the law."

On his second coming, Arora's urge to ramp up his racket seems to have increased. In 2000, when he was arrested, he would charge between Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,800 for each degree. That sum has grown manifold, according to the DMC. "Arora sends touts to quacks as agents and sells them the BAMS degree ranging from Rs 8,000 to 25,000. But, he is open to bargaining as well. He is the vice chancellor as well as the controller of examination," said Bansal.

Arora has been known to be brazen about his activities. Before his racket was busted in 2000, he would advertise his fake medical college and the degrees it offered in newspapers. DMC official Bansal said that when the council investigated the matter, Arora's neighbours said that a few youngsters would come for tuitions.

At the Vipin Garden home, which Arora shares with his wife and children, there is little activity. Arora himself has no sense of wrongdoing.

"I give my students degrees for practising general medicine. There are no doctors in the rural areas so they need some persons to help them. We tell them how to give first aid to the patients. I am doing no crime. I have been doing this for years and I know I am benefiting people by doing this," said Arora.

The single-storey house is old. But, it stands out among other houses in the neighbourhood. His neighbours seem to be aware he runs a fake medical degree racket.

Arora had been initially sentenced to a seven-year jail term after his arrest by the Delhi Police in 2000 (he had reportedly given out 40,000 'degrees' since 1995). On June 13, 2000, the police had seized blank fake degrees and a few other documents from his possession.

Arora was convicted for cheating and forgery in 2004, but was released in 2008. That was after he pleaded that his punishment be reduced in view of his age and the fact that he was a senior citizen.

"Arora reportedly apologised in the court and said that he would become a responsible citizen. He was imprisoned for four years only keeping his old age in mind. But he has again started selling fake medical degrees. We assume that he might have sold another 10,000 degrees by now in these three years," said Bansal of DMC. "The matter is serious as the people he has issued degrees to are practicing fearlessly. We have written to the Delhi Police and the health secretary, Delhi government about the matter. He is now awarding a degree in basics of allopathic medicine and surgery of three years under the Sanatan Gurukul Ved Vishwavidyalaya, Patanjali Sahdevpur Road, Haridwar.

There is no such degree as per the Medical Council of India rules and the college is not recognised.

"No person can practice with this degree," said Dr Bansal. "One Ram Ratan in Sultanpuri, Kavita Yadav with the name of Lucky clinic and her husband B S Yadav with the name of Shyama clinic in Kapashera area were practicing with these fake degrees. We convened a meeting on May 23 and June 9, 2011 where we found out that that eight more people were carrying these degrees," he said.

Interestingly, Arora a resident of 76 Vipin Gardenin the national capital continues to print the certificate for a winner of "Who is Who of the year 1998" by American Biographical Institute (ABI) Inc. "ABI sells medical degrees and awards in the US which is not acceptable in India," said Bansal.

Article source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/fake-medical-degrees-racket-in-new-delhi/1/145894.html