The items menetioned in the heading has differ in qualities. But one thing is common—all of there are useful to cure various ailments.
Honey
Honey is one of the finest sources of heat and energy. Energy is generated mainly by the carbohydrate foods and honey is one of the most easily digested form of carbohydrates. It enters directly into the bloodstream because of its dextrine content and this provides almost instantaneous energy. It is a boon to those with
weak digestion. All organs in the body respond favourably when honey is eaten. The famous Roman physician Galen has described honey as an all purpose medicine for all types of diseases. It is now used as a curative and preventive for several ailments. One spoon of fresh honey, mixed with the juice of half a lemon in a glass of lukewarm water and taken first thing in the morning, is an effective remedy for constipation and hyperacidity. Fasting on this honey-lemon juice water is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without loss of energy and appetite.
It is said that in Japanese geistia girls luxuriant hair, mix several tablespoonful of honey with alcohol, stirring them together. Then massage this mixture onto the scalp, allow it to remain there for two hours and then wash or rinse with shampoo thoroughly. It is said that regular use of this honey-alcohol mixture stimulates the hair follicles to grow into luxuriant tress.
Milk
According to Charaka, the great author of the Indian system of medicine, milk increases strength, improves memory, removes exhaustion, maintains strength and promotes long life. Experiments conducted in modem times have amply corroborated this opinion of Charaka.
Milk is the only article of diet which is well accepted as a wholesome food for persons of all ages, from infancy to old age. It is of special value in feeding infants, toddlers, growing children and expectant and nursing mothers. It is also recommended as a wholesome food for invalids.
Milk diet is highly beneficial in the treatment of thinness. If one is considerably below the normal weight, the gain will be from three to five pounds a week, depending upon the quantity of milk consumed. The body gradually fills out. The eyes become clear and bright and the complexion assumes a healthy colour. The assimilative organs gain renewed energy and power and the gain in the weight is permanent.
Sugarcane
Sugarcane juice has many medicinal properties. It strengthens the stomach, kidneys, heart, eyes, brain and sex organs. Its curative properties are given below.
Fevers
The juice is beneficial in fever. In febrile disorders which causes fever, when there is great protein loss, liberal intake of sugarcane juice supplies the body with necessary protein and other food elements.
Jaundice
Mixed with lime juice, it can hasten recovery from jaundice. It is, however, very essential that the juice, must be clean, preferably prepared at home. Resistance is low in hepatitis and any infected beverage could make matters worse.
Weak Teeth
The juice sucked from the sugarcane can prove highly valuable in case of weak teeth due to lack of proper exercise resulting from excessive use of soft foods. It gives a form of exercise to teething and makes them strong. It also keeps the teeth clean and increases their life.
Thinness
Sugarcane juice is a fattening food. It is thus an effective remedy for thinness. Rapid pin in weight can be achieved by its regular use.
Eye Disorders
The dew which collects on the long leaves of sugarcane is useful in several eye disorders. When instilled in the eyes, it is an effective medicine in defective vision, cataract, conjunctivitis, burning of the eyes and eye-strain after excessive reading.
Genito-urinary Disorders
Sugarcane is very useful in scanty urination. It keeps the urinary flow clear and helps the kidneys to perform their functions properly. It is also valuable in burning micturition due to high acidity, gonorrhoea, enlarged prostate, cystitis and nephrites. For better results, it should be mixed with lime juice, ginger juice and coconut water.
Curd
Although curd has a nutritive content similar to fresh milk, it has extensive special values for therapeutic purposes. During the process of making curd, bacteria convert milk into curd and predigest milk protein. These bacteria then inhibit the growth of hostile or illness—causing bacteria inside the intestinal tract and promote beneficial bacteria needed for digestion. These friendly bacteria facilitate the absorption of minerals and aid in the synthesis of vitamins of B group. Buttermilk, which has same nutritive and curative value as curd, is prepared by churning curd and adding some water, removing the fat in the form of butter.
Curd is also considered one of the best aids to natural good looks. It supplies the nerves and the skin with healthy ingredients and counteracts the ill-effects of exposure to the scorching sun. The bacteria in curd make the skin soft and glowing. Curd mixed with orange or lemon juice is a good face cleanser. It supplies moisture to the skin and fruit juice provides the essential vitamin C. One tablespoonful of juice should be mixed in one cup of curd. This should be applied to face and neck and allowed to dry for 15 minutes. It should then be wiped of with a soft tissue and washed with water.
A mixture of oatmeal flour and yogurt has been found effective in making the skin fairer and softer. This mixture should be kept on the facial skin for 15 to 20 minutes and then washed off with warm water. For pimples, a paste of curd and Bengal gram flour or besan should be applied on the face and then washed off.
Curd is also considered valuable in conditioning the hair. It makes the hair soft, healthy and strong. Curd should be massaged right into the roots of the hair before being washed off. Dandruff can be removed by massaging one’s hair for half an hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days.
