Causes of low testosterone

•    Obesity: Recent studies have shown that obese men are more likely to have low testosterone than non-obese men.

•    Testicle injury:  Trauma or injury to testicle may result in low testosterone level. Testicles produce testosterone. Injury to tissues of testicles can impair production of testosterone.

•    Diseases: Infectious diseases like mumps infection during puberty can affect testicles causing inflammation. Other infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB) , HIV may also affect production of testosterone. Certain inflammatory diseases like like arthritis and autoimmune diseases can cause low testosterone.

•    Increased iron in blood (hemochromatosis):  Increased iron in blood may damage testes and pituitary gland.

•    Aging: For most men, the level of testosterone start declining after the age of 30. It continue to decrease about 1% each year. By age 70, testosterone levels can decline by about 28%.

•    Chemo and Radiation therapy: Chemicals and Rays used in these therapies can damage testicular cells and diminish testosterone production. Sometimes these cells recover to function normally. Sometimes the damage may be permanent.

•    Performance boosting drugs: Performance boosting drugs like anabolic steroids, beta-2 agonists, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), and various human hormones, etc can lower testosterone level.

•    Smoking:  Cigarette smoking considerably alters concentrations of the sex hormone testosterone, in men. Male cigarette smokers have low testosterone levels than male nonsmokers. This leads to lower sex drive and lower sperm counts than those with normal or high concentrations of  testosterone hormone

•    Alcohol: Studies have shown that alcohol lowers testosterone levels about 40%. Chronic alcohol abuse leads to lowered sperm counts, sperm motility and free testosterone.

•    Marijuana:  Marijuana smoking leads to low testosterone level, erectile dysfunction and male infertility.

Functions of Testosterone in men

Testosterone is the principle male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid (anabolic steroids increase protein synthesis and build up muscles. They help to increase muscle mass, growth of body hair and secondary sexual characters of men). It is secreted in testicles. A small amount of this hormone is also secreted by adrenal glands.

In men testosterone plays an important role in complete development of male reproductive tissues like testes, prostate etc. Testosterone is largely responsible for activating the formation of male- body parts during development in the womb such as the penis, scrotum and prostate

It also promotes development of secondary sexual characters like beard, mustache, body hair, pubic hair, growth of penis and testicles, hoarseness of voice etc during puberty. Testosterone also activates an increase in the length of the bones, increasing overall height.

During puberty it influences penile erections. Erections become more frequent. Spontaneous ejaculation of semen or nocturnal emissions or wet dreams may occur during this time. Testosterone plays an important role in male fertility. Normal levels of testosterone help to increase libido, semen production, good erections and ejaculation.

Ayurveda Medicinal Properties of Kapikacchu- Mucuna pruriens

Mucuna pruriens is a legume, found in Africa, India and the Caribbean. It is an annual, climbing shrub which grows over 13 – 15 m height. The young plant is completely covered by hair where as  older plants are free of it. The leaves are tripinnate . Flowers are white, lavender, or purple. The fruits are leguminous. The husk is very hairy and carries up to seven seeds. Its seed pods are about 10 cm long and are covered in loose, orange hairs that cause a severe itch if they come in contact with skin. The chemical compounds responsible for the itch are a protein, mucunain, and serotonin

This plant is also known as cowhage, cowitch , Velvet Bean , Itchy bean, Buffalo bean etc. In India it is known as Kevancha, kavach or kevach (Hindi).

Ayurveda acharyas have grouped this plant under Balya (body strengthening herbs), Madhura skanda (herbs with sweet taste) and Vatasamshamana (Herbs which normalize vata dosha).

According to ayurveda principles the plant Mucuna pruriens or kapikacchu is heavy to digest and increases moistness of tissues. It has both sweet and bitter taste and the potency is hot.

Ayurveda medicinal properties:

This plant normalizes vata and increases kapha and pitta. Hence it is administered in diseases caused due to vitiation of vata.

The roots and seeds of kapikacchu help to strengthen the nervous system and reduce stress. Therefore it is used as nervine tonic.

The hairs on fruits help to eliminate intestinal parasites. It is usually administered with honey, butter and jaggery.

Seeds of mucuna pruriens act as vrishya (aphrodisiac). The seeds of this plant are eulogized as the best vrishya and vajikara which increase sexual functions in men. They help in conditions like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and low sperm count. Regular use of these seeds increase libido in men. Hence seeds of kapikacchu are used in vajikarana preparations. Kapikacchu seeds increase sperm count and sperm motility.

Seeds of velvet bean or mucuna are also effective in dysmenorrhea (gynecological condition of pain during menstruation) in women. Texts of ayurveda mention the usage of seeds to strengthen the muscles of vagina.

Roots of velvet bean have diuretic properties.

Ayurveda acharyas recommend use of this herb to strengthen the body, increase stamina and muscle bulk.

Studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens help to increase the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone increases muscle mass, libido and rectifies erectile dysfunction. The seeds improve male fertility by increasing concentration of male hormones. This increases quality and quantity of semen.

Seeds contain protein, lipids, dietary fiber, ash, carbohydrates, minerals and it contains plenty of  alkaloids, saponins and sterols. The main ingredients are L-dopa , mucanine and serotonin. L-Dopa acts as anti-Parkinson’s and increases testosterone.

The tribal people use plant and its extracts as anti venom for various snake bites.

10 Tips to increase healthy hair growth

1.    Eat a healthy Balanced diet. Include plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruits, minor millets, milk and milk products. Vegetables and fruits provide antioxidants and minerals which are necessary to keep the body healthy. Amla (amalaki or Indian gooseberry or emblica officinalis), is considered as a fruit which help in hair growth. Include banana in your diet as banana contains plenty of calcium which is a vital nutrient required for hair growth. Healthy diet prevents hair loss and improves quality and quantity of hair.

2.    Drink plenty of water (2 liters or 12 glasses per day). Water flushes out toxins and increases moistness of skin and hair. This prevents splitting of hair.

3.    Our body produces natural oil which is secreted through oil glands of skin and scalp. This oil keeps our hair strands conditioned. Hence do not use harsh shampoos or soaps which strip off natural oil of scalp. Always use mild shampoo to wash hair.

4.    Wash your hair once in three days. Repeated hair wash leads to dry hair and split ends.

5.    Exercise regularly. This helps to increase blood circulation and keep our whole body healthy and rejuvenated. A brisk walk for 30 minutes is advisable for all ages.

6.    Massage your scalp with good hair oil. Hair oil which is processed with hair friendly herbs help to condition the hair and prevent drying of hair. A good head massage help to increase blood circulation to scalp skin and aid hair growth. Head massage also reduces stress, tension headaches and induces good sleep.

7.    Take measures to prevent formation of dandruff. Dandruff leads to hair loss and stunts hair growth.

8.    Brush your hair from root to tips before taking head bath.

9.    Wear a swimming cap to prevent hair damage due to chlorine.

10.    Avoid tying hair tightly with hair bands. This leads to baldness.

Ayurveda – Natural hair care with Special KB-Special Hair oil

The KB-Special hair oil is prepared using sesame oil and other hair friendly herbs like brahmi, amla, phalasha etc.

The KB-Special hair oil balances vitiated vata as imbalanced vata or aggravated vata causes hair loss, dandruff, dry hair, premature graying, scalp itching, boils on scalp skin, burning sensation of scalp etc. Massaging scalp with this special oil revitalizes hair and helps in the above mentioned hair conditions.

Regular use of KB-special hair oil increases hair growth and enhances volume of hair and its shine. It strengthens the hair roots, kills lice and prevents formation of dandruff. It heals the boils of scalp caused by infections and prevents hair loss. It also assists in reducing dryness of scalp and conditions hair. This oil is best natural remedy for dry fizzy hair and split ends. Thinning of hair can be brought under control by using this hair oil.

It is specially recommended for diabetic patients who experience hair loss due to diabetes. The herbs like amla, brahmi etc, which are present in this oil, help to nourish the hair follicles, improves blood circulation and stimulate nerve endings of scalp. A good scalp massage with this oil helps to reduce stress and relaxes mind.

How to use: Take 5-10 ml of this oil in a bowl and warm it keeping in hot water. Evenly apply this oil on scalp and also onto the length of hair. Massage scalp with gentle rotating movements of finger tips. Soak a soft turkey towel in hot water and squeeze the excess water. Wrap this towel around head. The steam assists hair oil to reach the roots of hair. After 1 hour wash hair and scalp with gentle herbal shampoo.

Ingredients:
•    Sesamum Indicum oil (Sesame oil): Sesame oil brings aggravated vata to normal condition. When it is infused with various herbs, it almost cures all diseases. Sesame oil increases hair growth and enhances volume of hair and its shine. It strengthens the hair roots, kills lice and prevents formation of dandruff. It heals the boils of scalp caused by infections and prevents hair loss.
•    Eclipta Alba (Bhringraj): Eclipta alba is used with success in Ayurvedic medicine.In India. Eclipta alba also shows good antifungal activity hence removes dandruff and also prevents its formation. The plant shows anti inflammatory properties and hence soothes scalp skin. A mixture of eclipta and coconut oil keeps the hair dark and lustrous.
•    Bacopa Monniera (Brahmi) : It has a positive effect on the circulatory system. It improves the flow of blood while strengthening the veins and capillaries. Relieves stress and depression, energize flagging mental powers, fight sterility, ward off a nervous breakdown, and improve reflexes. Induces good sleep.
•    Amla: Prevents premature graying of hair and makes them strong and free from dandruff.very helpful in diabetic hair loss.
•    Sida cordifolia (Bala): Bala normalizes vata and sooths excited nerves. This herb normalizes Vata and pitta. Hence it is used in diseases which are caused due to vitiation of vata and pitta.
•    Butea Monosperma (Palash) :Has antibacterial properties . Hence help to prevent infections of scalp and itching.
•    Fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds prevent dandruff, hair loss and scalp infections
•    Rosemary: has traditionally been used to promote hair growth and keep the scalp free of any infections

Home remedies with banana plant parts

Banana is effectively used as an active ingredient in many home remedies for different health conditions.

Beauty Face packs:

Bananas are rich source of vitamins and minerals which are vital for skin. Face masks of banana help in many skin conditions.

For dry skin: Banana face pack nourishes and increases the moistness of dry skin.Mash ripe banana and add two tea spoons of milk. Apply this pack on cleaned face and wash it off after 25 minutes. This makes the dry skin soft and supple

For oily skin: Add two tea spoons of honey to mashed banana (ripe). Clean the face thoroughly and apply this pack. Wash it off after 20 minutes. Banana has antibacterial properties and help to reduce acne, pimples which erupt on oily skin. Honey helps to control excess oil secretion and gives a glow to skin. The skin looks young and radiant with repeated use of this pack.

For Normal skin:  Mash ripe banana in a bowl and add 2 tea spoons of rose water. Apply this mask on cleaned face. Wash it off after 20 minutes. This pack supplies vitamins and minerals to skin which help to boost the health of normal skin.

Wrinkles: Regular use of Banana face pack help to reduce wrinkles, lines and dark circles. Applying this pack on dry feet helps to make the feet soft and supple. The cracks and fissures on feet disappear by repeated application.

Hair Care: Many beauticians recommend a hair mask of banana for dry hair, dandruff, and hair loss.  They prefer a hair mask of mashed banana and curd to prevent the above hair problems and for a proper hair care. But precaution has to be taken to wet hair and scalp thoroughly before applying this hair mask. The hair mask can be washed off after 30 minutes.

Constipation: Consume a ripe banana at night . This helps to get rid of constipation as banana is rich in fibers. Mix this fruit with apples and pear. This fruit mix help provide abundant fibers, minerals and vitamins.

Warts: Banana peel is effectively used in warts. Use the peel inside out and cover the wart by taping it. Once the peel turns black remove and continue this for some weeks to get relief from wart.

Stomach Ulcers: Repeatedly consume banana in stomach ulcers. It helps to sooth the irritation due to gastric juice and relieves acidity.

Banana Stem: Banana stem is rich in fibers. The inner pulp of banana stem is used in south Indian cuisine.  The juice of banana stem detoxifies body and acts as a body coolant. Finely chopped banana stem can be eaten raw to get rid of constipation. This also helps in weight loss.

Kidney stones: Regular consumption of banana stem juice along with plenty of water helps in kidney stones.

Raw banana or green banana is a store house of minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. It contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc etc. Vitamins A, B, C, B-6 etc are also available in plenty. Potassium helps to reduce high blood pressure. There is a strong link between hypertension or high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction. As potassium helps to reduce high blood pressure, it also helps in erectile dysfunction.  Recent studies have shown that calcium is needed for sperm motility.  Banana is an ideal food for men to keep their sexual life healthy and active.

Ayurveda Medicinal properties of banana

Banana is the largest herbaceous flowering plant. This plant grows 6 to 7.5 meters tall. This herb belongs to genus “musa”. The plant has soft pseudo stem and spirally arranged long leaves. Leaves may grow 2.5 meters long and ½ meter wide.

This plant is known as “Kadali” in Sanskrit. The fruit is known as “kadali phala”. Fruits, stems and flowers are regularly used in south Indian cuisine.

According to texts of ayurveda banana fruit balances vata and pitta dosha. The fruit is used in herbal preparations for bed wetting in children. The stem of this herb is useful in kidney stones. The flowers are useful in diabetes and ulcers. The leaves of this plant are used in nature cure treatments like mud bath, banana leaf bath etc. The tender leaves have cooling and soothing effect when applied on burns.

Medicinal properties of Banana

Banana is a store house of minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. It contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc etc. Vitamins A, B, C, B-6 etc are also available in plenty.

Presence of iron in banana helps to boost the production of haemoglobin. This helps persons who suffer from anemia.

High blood pressure occurs due to high sodium level and low potassium level. Banana contains plenty of potassium. This helps to balance sodium potassium level and reduce hypertension or high blood pressure. There is a strong link between hypertension or high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction. As potassium helps to reduce high blood pressure, it also helps in erectile dysfunction. This fruit reduces the risk of stroke.

Banana contains calcium in good amount. Through researches it has been found that calcium helps to increase sperm motility. Banana is an ideal food for men to keep their sexual life healthy and active.

Banana has rich fiber content. This helps to increase bowel movement. Thus people who suffer from constipation are highly benefited by consumption of this fruit. High fiber and iron content, makes this fruit an ideal snack item for pregnant ladies.

Apart from these benefits banana acts as a brain tonic and helps to boost memory power. It calms nervous system, reduces stress and depression. This magic fruit helps to overcome morning sickness and heart burn.

Ripe bananas are ideal food for infants. Face mask of ripe mashed bananas help to rejuvenate skin and prevent formation of wrinkles.  This fruit help to supply required vitamins and minerals to smokers who are trying to quit smoking. The craving for nicotine reduces by consumption of this wonderful fruit.

Fight Erectile Dysfunction with life style changes

Simple changes in diet and lifestyle help men to improve erectile dysfunction. Healthier life styles like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, consuming healthy food, exercising regularly etc, help to overcome erectile dysfunction.

Stress is the main cause of erectile dysfunction. Our body can bear stress to some extent and keep us alert. When stressful condition prevails for a long time, it paves way to illness.  Stress related to a job, marriage, or finances is a common cause of erection problems. Ongoing stress may result in erectile dysfunction, which in turn increases stress. Keep some time of the day for you to relax. Even 15 minutes in a day is sufficient. Talk your problems with family members or friends. Have a positive attitude and believe in yourself. Learn relaxation techniques like pranayama (deep breathing technique) yoga and meditation.  Gardening, exercise, listening to music and indulging in games help to overcome stress. Find out ways for relaxation. Identify the factor which is causing stress and find a way to ease it. Alcohol or smoking cannot reduce stress. Instead they increase stress. Massaging your body with herbal oil once in a week is another best way to reduce stress.

Take a break from regular work to visit friends or places you like. Deep breathing exercises for few minutes in between your work help to reduce stress.

Quit smoking. It is known to everyone that cigarette smoking is harmful and addictive. But very few know the risks of cigarette addiction. Smoking inflicts body with many irreversible damages and reduces the human life span by 25 years. Men who smoke suffer from erectile dysfunction than men who do not. It is evident from researches. Smoking impairs erections and can become a reason for erectile dysfunction. Smoking causes formation of plaques in arteries (atherosclerosis) which obstruct the blood flow. It affects semen and also reduces sperm count and impairs sperm motility. But these are reversed after stopping smoking.

Quitting smoking can be very difficult and there is no single best way that works for all people. The best way to quit smoking is reducing the number of cigarettes every day. Keep away from friends and relatives who smoke. Do not store cigarette packs at home or at office.  Craving for smoking is only short lived and will go away even if you do not smoke. Talk to your doctor once you plan to quit smoking.

Exercise regularly. Regular exercise keeps your heart in good condition. Regular exercises improve blood flow to penile arteries. Exercising regularly lowers blood pressure, improves muscle tone, strengthens bones and reduces body weight. Reduced body weight also helps to reduce blood sugar level in diabetic patients. Exercises reduce stress, anxiety and depression. A regular exercise for 30 minutes 5 days a week is very ideal and keeps you fit. Brisk walk for 30 minutes is best exercise for all ages.

Raw Banana Patties

Ingredients:

Raw banana: 2 large raw bananas

Onion – 1 (finely chopped)

Ginger garlic paste – ½ tea spoon

Mint leaves (pudina) – ¼ cup (finely chopped)

Turmeric – ½ tea spoon

Red chilly powder – 1 tea spoon

Garam masala – 1 tea spoon

Cumin seeds- 1 tea spoon

Oil – 3 table spoon

Corn flour – 3 tea spoon

Sooji (Semolina – ½ cup)

Salt to taste

Method:

Cut bananas into two pieces .Boil them in a cooker. Peel off the skin of cooked bananas and grate them. Heat a wok (kadai) on stove. Pour three tea spoons of oil in it. Add cumin seeds to oil. When cumin seeds crackle add finely chopped onion and fry till they turn golden brown. Add ginger garlic paste and fry for 3 seconds. Add mint leaves, turmeric, garam masala, red chilly powder and mix them once. Turn off the stove. Add grated banana, corn flour and salt to this mixture. Mix well. Make small patties and sprinkle semolina (sooji) on them or roll them in semolina. Place a nonstick tawa on stove and smear it with 1 tea spoon of oil. Place these patties on it and shallow fry both sides using little oil. Serve it with tomato sauce and pudina (mint) chutney.

Benefits of Ingredients:

Raw banana is a store house of minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. It contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc etc. Vitamins A, B, C, B-6 etc are also available in plenty. Potassium helps to reduce high blood pressure. There is a strong link between hypertension or high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction. As potassium helps to reduce high blood pressure, it also helps in erectile dysfunction.  Recent studies have shown that calcium is needed for sperm motility.  Banana is an ideal food for men to keep their sexual life healthy and active.

Onion help to rejuvenate liver, normalize digestion, relieve constipation and increase appetite. Hence it is very beneficial in piles (hemorrhoids) , constipation, jaundice and indigestion. White onions are recommended in bleeding disorders to reduce bleeding. Hence it is used in conditions like bleeding piles and bleeding through nose. Onions are used in home remedies to reduce cough. Onion and its seeds are known to help in erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and male infertility. It helps to increase libido, quality and quantity of semen. It is a very good vajikara. It helps to reduce itching on skin.

Mint is known to relieve indigestion and bad breath. It relaxes muscles of intestine hence very helpful in irritable bowel syndrome. Mint helps to unblock respiratory passages and airways. Mint is used in many cold and headache remedies. It cleanses blood and helps to relieve acne. Mint calms mind and relieve mild aches.

Cool curd rice for summer

Ingredients:
Rice: 1 cup
Water : 3 cups
Thick curd: – 3 cups
Finely chopped coriander leaves – ¼ cup
White grapes (slit into halves) – 1 cup
Broken Cashews – ¼  cup
Curry leaves – 15
Red chilly – 2
Mustard – ¼ tea spoon
Asafetida – 1 pinch
Sugar – ½ spoon
Ghee – 2 tea spoon
Oil – 2 tea spoon
Salt to taste

Method: cook rice in a pressure cooker with recommended quantity of water. The rice should be cooked till it becomes soft. Take out the rice from cooker and spread it in a large bowl and allow it to cool. When rice gets cooled add finely chopped coriander leaves, curd, grapes, salt and sugar to rice. Place a ladle on stove and roast cashews with ghee and add it to rice. Heat oil in a ladle, add mustard to it. When it crackles add curry leaves, chilly and asafetida. Pour this on curd rice. Mix everything well.

Benefits of Ingredients:

Rice consists of lots of carbohydrates. This acts as an instant energizer and refreshes body and mind. It gets digested easily and quickly. It is an ideal health food for those who are debilitated and weak and require easy assimilation and quick energy. Texts of ayurveda recommend rice gruels along with buttermilk for digestive disorders such as diarrhea, dysentery, morning sickness, colitis, and jaundice.

Grapes: Grapes act as body coolant. They boosts memory power and act as a brain tonic. They help to relive constipation and promote digestion. These berries act as cardiac tonic and increase blood hemoglobin. Grapes are known to balance rakta (blood) and pitta. Hence they are very useful in gout and allergies. They strengthen the lungs and help in patients who are recuperating from tuberculosis, bronchitis and asthma. Grapes help in cystitis and burning micturition as they sooth the inner layers of bladder and act as diuretic. Fertility of men and women increases with the regular consumption of these berries. They strengthen the female reproductive system and increase the sperm count and sperm motility. Grapes play an important role in boosting immunity of skin and thus protecting it from various skin disorders.

curd:Intestinal infections like cholera, typhoid, amoebiasis etc usually surface during summer. Consuming curd daily during summer helps to increase intestinal flora (friendly bacteria present in intestine). These bacteria increase the resistance of our intestines to these infections. Hence curd is known as a probiotic.

Probiotics are the good bacteria that promote healthy digestion and build immunity. The most common friendly bacteria (probiotics) are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These probiotics are easily available in the form of curd (yogurt). Persons who cannot digest milk can digest curd easily.

Consuming curd rice daily especially during summer, keeps the digestion and intestinal problems away. According to ayurveda curd absorbs water from intestines (hence called as Grahi). By the virtue of this property it is widely used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. It mitigates vata dosha, increases kapha and pitta. Curd helps to increase quality and quantity of semen, strengthens the body, accelerates digestion (agni), stimulates taste buds and acts as an appetizer.Curd reduces irritability of bladder and helps in emptying bladder easily.