Sikh Medicine and How Babay Bhangra Paunday Nay
As you read this, you may want to press play to hear the accompanying music.
During my elementary years, my dhadhi would always give me a spoonful of a foul-substance that was called ‘sayth’ (health). For years, everyday, I would take a spoonful from the hands of my dhadhi without crying a word. I have no idea what I was taking or if it had any lasting effect, but as a kid I didn’t get sick that often and today I must admit I think I am healthy.
Many of us may have such memories, but no longer know the contents and usages of such desi remedies. Despite most of us being ‘mind-colonized’ by allopathic medicine, homeopathic medicine for preventative and minor ailment medication is being rediscovered by allopathic medical centers.
In 2005, researchers Davinder S. Sandhu and Michael Heinrich from the University of London’s School of Pharmacy published “The Use of Health Foods, Spices and other Botanicals in the Sikh Community in London” in Phytotherapy Research.
The researchers’ aims were simple:
In this paper we report on the use of plants as health foods, herbal medicines, and spices in an ethnic community – the Sikh of Punjab.
As far as methodology:
The research was carried out in seven Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) located in London selected by random sampling from a total of 35.
In total 84 semi-structured interviews were conducted in October and November. Of these interviews 40 (48%) were conducted with male informants, whilst 44 (52%) were with females. One question asked for the first point of call in case of minor illnesses such as headache or influenza. Interestingly 38% of all respondents chose self-medication with Sikh HMPs (herbal medicine products) as the preferred option, another 5% selected self-medication with OTC (over-the-counter)remedies.
Not surprisingly it was the older Sikhs surveyed that had a greater botanical knowledge of desi remedies:
As expected, the average number of species cited (i.e. botanical knowledge) is proportional to age, demonstrating greater knowledge in older generations.
The sample sets showed that those 60-69 years old could on average cite 18 remedies, those 20-29 could only cite 7. Is this due to our lack of knowledge or a genuine rejection of our grandparents’ knowledge systems in favor of those only after ‘FDA approval’? Along with many other streams of Sikh knowledge, we are rapidly losing that information as we begin to lose our grandparents and parents.
Attached to the article is a fascinating list of various desi remedies and their uses. The most common probably would not be a surprise to many of us and include: onion – gunda, garlic – lasan/thon, cayenne pepper – lalmirch, cinnamon – dhal chini, lemon – nimbu, fennel – saunf, cardamom – elaichi, ginger – adrak.
Some may think of these as little more than ‘folk remedies,’ but it is widely known that homeopathic preventative medicine is becoming increasingly popular. Maybe this is also another reason why ‘Babay Bhangray Paunday Nay’ while the rest of us sit and complain about our ‘tuees’ (backs) and ‘godays’ (knees).
Have you taken any of these as remedies? Do you take HMPs? What are your thoughts on the loss of this little-studied stream of Sikh knowledge?
82 Responses to “Sikh Medicine and How Babay Bhangra Paunday Nay”
I don't remember the last time I have been to an allopathic doctor. For most every day minor ailments I use "food for healing". Basically remedies like you mentioned in this article are things that I use. I find it highly effective and treats the cause rather than just the symptoms (as most drugs do). Plus it is a lot more healthy to use the natural remedies than drugs. These days when someone gets a cough, fever, or a cold, they take a pill/drug. I think in this fast paced society we all want a quick fix….and don't want to take responsibility for our health. There are consequences to everything and so called "quick fixes" have their side effects.
I think many people assume that allopathic drugs are "advanced" and the "modern way" and don't realize that you have to treat the body as a whole. That is the idea behind holistic health care. There is a place for drugs, but people shouldn't jump right to them so quickly.
I think the issue is really about lack of education of alternative ways to keep yourself healthy. This is one area that I would like to tackle in the coming months on SikhNet. Let's see how it goes
I don’t remember the last time I have been to an allopathic doctor. For most every day minor ailments I use “food for healing”. Basically remedies like you mentioned in this article are things that I use. I find it highly effective and treats the cause rather than just the symptoms (as most drugs do). Plus it is a lot more healthy to use the natural remedies than drugs. These days when someone gets a cough, fever, or a cold, they take a pill/drug. I think in this fast paced society we all want a quick fix….and don’t want to take responsibility for our health. There are consequences to everything and so called “quick fixes” have their side effects.
I think many people assume that allopathic drugs are “advanced” and the “modern way” and don’t realize that you have to treat the body as a whole. That is the idea behind holistic health care. There is a place for drugs, but people shouldn’t jump right to them so quickly.
I think the issue is really about lack of education of alternative ways to keep yourself healthy. This is one area that I would like to tackle in the coming months on SikhNet. Let’s see how it goes
This makes a lot of sense… both my Dhadha and Nana are in rude health well into their seventies, while my Dad and uncles/aunts suffer various ailments while in their forties/fifties!!
Hmmm… maybe I should have eaten more badaams (almonds) before my last set of exams
This makes a lot of sense… both my Dhadha and Nana are in rude health well into their seventies, while my Dad and uncles/aunts suffer various ailments while in their forties/fifties!!
Hmmm… maybe I should have eaten more badaams (almonds) before my last set of exams
…I thought Hajmola was the cure for all that ails you
…I thought Hajmola was the cure for all that ails you
anyone else find it weird in that video how the singer was the only one not wearing a pag and how he was portrayed verses how all the "backup dancers" were portrayed? typical. not related to the actual topic, but it stood out to me…
anyone else find it weird in that video how the singer was the only one not wearing a pag and how he was portrayed verses how all the “backup dancers” were portrayed? typical. not related to the actual topic, but it stood out to me…
For most coughs and colds, one does not need a damn thing. Well, I take it back, one needs to have inherited a good immune system and the the ability to 'suck it up'.
Homeopathy is one of the biggest hoaxes perpetrated on mankind. It will remain so, until good quality research proves that it has any role beyond the expected placebo effect that every medicine, herb, vitamin has. And I mean that for many allopathic medicine also.
Until then, lassi peeo, dabb key varjish karo, smoke na karo, daroo ghatt peeo, charhdi kala vich raho tay sarbat da bhala karo-you will be aight 😉
For most coughs and colds, one does not need a damn thing. Well, I take it back, one needs to have inherited a good immune system and the the ability to ‘suck it up’.
Homeopathy is one of the biggest hoaxes perpetrated on mankind. It will remain so, until good quality research proves that it has any role beyond the expected placebo effect that every medicine, herb, vitamin has. And I mean that for many allopathic medicine also.
Until then, lassi peeo, dabb key varjish karo, smoke na karo, daroo ghatt peeo, charhdi kala vich raho tay sarbat da bhala karo-you will be aight 😉
oh and one other thing, the reasons babay bhangra paunde is because they are from a generation that actually worker, walked or biked everywhere, ate less polluted food(probably) food, had less mental stress (probably). But at the same time, plenty of ppl in the new generation who are just as healthy and fit because they lead a clean and active lifestyle (plus they got some good genes from their babay).
oh and one other thing, the reasons babay bhangra paunde is because they are from a generation that actually worker, walked or biked everywhere, ate less polluted food(probably) food, had less mental stress (probably). But at the same time, plenty of ppl in the new generation who are just as healthy and fit because they lead a clean and active lifestyle (plus they got some good genes from their babay).
While I agree that the lifestyles of our previous generations included more physical labor and activity, I don't agree that they had less mental stress. I think that we suffer from the same epidemic that most of this country suffers from, diseases that are showing to be avoidable with healthy active lifestyles. However, even more than that is the lack of awareness of these "traditional medicines" that are not actual medicine, rather foods that provide the body with needed nourishments.
I agree, and I think this is a huge contributing factor to why there is an increased difficulty to concentrate on Naam (meditation), because we are continously polluting our bodies and our minds. (Not trying to preach, and am definitely including myself in this).
While I agree that the lifestyles of our previous generations included more physical labor and activity, I don’t agree that they had less mental stress. I think that we suffer from the same epidemic that most of this country suffers from, diseases that are showing to be avoidable with healthy active lifestyles. However, even more than that is the lack of awareness of these “traditional medicines” that are not actual medicine, rather foods that provide the body with needed nourishments.
I agree, and I think this is a huge contributing factor to why there is an increased difficulty to concentrate on Naam (meditation), because we are continously polluting our bodies and our minds. (Not trying to preach, and am definitely including myself in this).
baingandabhartha, just because something hasn't been proven by modern science doesn't mean it doesn't have value or benefit. Modern science has SOO MUCH yet to even uncover of things that were practiced thousands of years ago (meditation, yoga, home remedies, healing, etc).
I personally don't notice benefits that often from homeopathy, however with my kids I have noticed benefits. Homeopathy is totally based on symptoms, so getting the right remedy is important. When my son was a "wee" baby… he used to get high fevers during (especially when teething). Literally within minutes after giving a homeopathic remedy the fever was gone.
So, while you may not understand or believe it works, many people do benefit from it. Not everyone benefits or might notice effects….but such is the beauty of our world is that there are many ways to health and healing. Not every method works for everyone. We are all unique individuals and each body responds differently.
baingandabhartha, just because something hasn’t been proven by modern science doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value or benefit. Modern science has SOO MUCH yet to even uncover of things that were practiced thousands of years ago (meditation, yoga, home remedies, healing, etc).
I personally don’t notice benefits that often from homeopathy, however with my kids I have noticed benefits. Homeopathy is totally based on symptoms, so getting the right remedy is important. When my son was a “wee” baby… he used to get high fevers during (especially when teething). Literally within minutes after giving a homeopathic remedy the fever was gone.
So, while you may not understand or believe it works, many people do benefit from it. Not everyone benefits or might notice effects….but such is the beauty of our world is that there are many ways to health and healing. Not every method works for everyone. We are all unique individuals and each body responds differently.
Gurmustuk Singh, I respectfully disagree with you. Homeopathy is a sham. It is based on dilutions of chemicals that defy calculation-sometimes the dilution is so high that the original substance that is proposed to produce the effect is no longer measurable and in many cases completeley absent in the concoction taken by the patient. When presented with that arguement the practitioners of this stuff will tell you that the essential 'vibrations' (an unmeasurable, hypothetical event-along the lines of creationism) are still preserved.
Classical homeopathy is generally defined as a system of medical treatment based on the use of minute quantities of remedies that in larger doses produce effects similar to those of the disease being treated. Hahnemann believed that very small doses of a medication could have very powerful healing effects because their potency could be affected by vigorous and methodical shaking (succussion). Hahnemann referred to this alleged increase in potency by vigorous shaking as dynamization. Hahnemann thought succussion could release "immaterial and spiritual powers," thereby making substances more active. "Tapping on a leather pad or the heel of the hand was alleged to double the dilution" This paragraph is quoted from http://skepdic.com/homeo.html
There is also evidence that homeopaths (maybe not in the US-I know it happens in India) put allopathic medicine (read steroids, antibiotics) into their concoctions. This stuff is not tested to the same standard, but is touted to 'natural' and 'safe'.Example-ppl with asthma that get somewhat better after 'drinking the white powder' given by a homeopath-many times loaded with a steroid-an 'allopathic' treatment.
The fact that your childs fever resolved with homeopathy is a perfect example of anecdote. Thats what homeopathy relies on. Anecdotes. No head to head comparisons with the patients and practitioners blinded to the substance being administered. Fevers in young children are common because of literally thousands of viruses-most of them producing benign, self resolving illnesses no matter what is given to the child.
I am not stumping for allopathic medicine, I do agree with you that we are all different and that not everyone responds in the same way to treatments-possibly has to do with our genes and their variable expression. THe ppl who benefit-will likely also benefit from eating honey mixed with cowdung, accupuncture, bowel cleansing enemas and a sundry of other such 'natural cures'.
My attitude towards all 'cures' is highly skeptical especially the ones that use mysticism, 'spiritual powers' etc.
On the same issue, modern medicine, despite all its advances, has not benefited in prolonging or saving human life to the same extent as the simple discovery of two things-clean drinking water and the theory of infectious disease.
In the end, to each his own-we are all free spirits-we all do whatever pleases us, makes us feel better.
Gurmustuk Singh, I respectfully disagree with you. Homeopathy is a sham. It is based on dilutions of chemicals that defy calculation-sometimes the dilution is so high that the original substance that is proposed to produce the effect is no longer measurable and in many cases completeley absent in the concoction taken by the patient. When presented with that arguement the practitioners of this stuff will tell you that the essential ‘vibrations’ (an unmeasurable, hypothetical event-along the lines of creationism) are still preserved.
Classical homeopathy is generally defined as a system of medical treatment based on the use of minute quantities of remedies that in larger doses produce effects similar to those of the disease being treated. Hahnemann believed that very small doses of a medication could have very powerful healing effects because their potency could be affected by vigorous and methodical shaking (succussion). Hahnemann referred to this alleged increase in potency by vigorous shaking as dynamization. Hahnemann thought succussion could release “immaterial and spiritual powers,” thereby making substances more active. “Tapping on a leather pad or the heel of the hand was alleged to double the dilution” This paragraph is quoted from http://skepdic.com/homeo.html
There is also evidence that homeopaths (maybe not in the US-I know it happens in India) put allopathic medicine (read steroids, antibiotics) into their concoctions. This stuff is not tested to the same standard, but is touted to ‘natural’ and ‘safe’.Example-ppl with asthma that get somewhat better after ‘drinking the white powder’ given by a homeopath-many times loaded with a steroid-an ‘allopathic’ treatment.
The fact that your childs fever resolved with homeopathy is a perfect example of anecdote. Thats what homeopathy relies on. Anecdotes. No head to head comparisons with the patients and practitioners blinded to the substance being administered. Fevers in young children are common because of literally thousands of viruses-most of them producing benign, self resolving illnesses no matter what is given to the child.
I am not stumping for allopathic medicine, I do agree with you that we are all different and that not everyone responds in the same way to treatments-possibly has to do with our genes and their variable expression. THe ppl who benefit-will likely also benefit from eating honey mixed with cowdung, accupuncture, bowel cleansing enemas and a sundry of other such ‘natural cures’.
My attitude towards all ‘cures’ is highly skeptical especially the ones that use mysticism, ‘spiritual powers’ etc.
On the same issue, modern medicine, despite all its advances, has not benefited in prolonging or saving human life to the same extent as the simple discovery of two things-clean drinking water and the theory of infectious disease.
In the end, to each his own-we are all free spirits-we all do whatever pleases us, makes us feel better.
Gurumustak Singh,
There are some things that definitely have value or benefit irrespective of the fact they may not be proven by modern science; however, I don't believe homeopathy falls in that category.
If someone claims X does Y – they should be able to prove it.
If homeopathic doctors claim taking X can reduce blood pressure, then they should be able to prove it, and prove it consistently, time and time again.
There is no reason why the scientific method cannot be used to test the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.
Gurumustak Singh,
There are some things that definitely have value or benefit irrespective of the fact they may not be proven by modern science; however, I don’t believe homeopathy falls in that category.
If someone claims X does Y – they should be able to prove it.
If homeopathic doctors claim taking X can reduce blood pressure, then they should be able to prove it, and prove it consistently, time and time again.
There is no reason why the scientific method cannot be used to test the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.
Not everything can be proven based on the current scientific understanding of the world. This has been the case for thousands of years and as time passes…things which were thought to be impossible based on their understanding were proven as true later on.
We all believe in God… can this be proven by science? I know this is a different area…. but it's a similar thing based on our understanding and experience of things.
Not everything can be proven based on the current scientific understanding of the world. This has been the case for thousands of years and as time passes…things which were thought to be impossible based on their understanding were proven as true later on.
We all believe in God… can this be proven by science? I know this is a different area…. but it’s a similar thing based on our understanding and experience of things.
Gurumustak Singh,
Please take no offense, but I cannot agree with you on this matter.
I do agree that things once thought impossible by scientific minds of the time, are now possible. However, I do not think it is too much to ask practitioners of medicine to back up their claims.
For instance, if homeopathic medicine can indeed cure or help certain medical conditions, then is it too much to ask them to quantify these results via proper research?
I'm not saying they have to prove how the homeopathic medicine works, just prove that it actually works.
If homeopathic doctors say X medicine will lower blood pressure, shouldn't they have to prove that the medicine does actually lower blood pressure? Would you agree with me that homeopathic doctors should at least be able to prove their remedies work?
Gurumustak Singh,
Please take no offense, but I cannot agree with you on this matter.
I do agree that things once thought impossible by scientific minds of the time, are now possible. However, I do not think it is too much to ask practitioners of medicine to back up their claims.
For instance, if homeopathic medicine can indeed cure or help certain medical conditions, then is it too much to ask them to quantify these results via proper research?
I’m not saying they have to prove how the homeopathic medicine works, just prove that it actually works.
If homeopathic doctors say X medicine will lower blood pressure, shouldn’t they have to prove that the medicine does actually lower blood pressure? Would you agree with me that homeopathic doctors should at least be able to prove their remedies work?
Dear Gurmustuk, P.Singh, and Baingandabhartha,
I think the problem with the aforementioned debate is that we are thinking in binaries.
Gurmustuk – I am sure that you would agree that quacks do exist and there are nefarious people that under the 'homeopathy' label have committed all types of fraud.
P.Singh and Baingandabhartha – That however being said, I think it is rather naive that only Western science that has the ability to unlock all other knowledge systems. To discount other knowledge systems, because they have (as of yet) not been reproduced in a science lab does not discount that knowledge. Experience and accumulated knowledge bases have shaped medical practices in a number of different settings. It isn't only after Western scientists declare that adhrak (ginger) has antiseptic qualities that it gains those qualities. Trial-and-error have been systematically produced for many centuries in many different societies.
Allopathy and homeopathy both have their place. Allopathy is notoriously non-preventative. This is where homeopathic medicines can be a wonderful boon. Allopathic procedures, like surgery, also have their place and are often best able to treat acute disease and illness. Homeopathy helps prevent the onset.
Practices such as accupuncture have defied western science explanation. That does not mean that accupuncture does not work. I can cite a number of peer-reviewed journal articles describing the pain-alleviating effects of accupuncture. The same would apply to many of the herbs and foods described in the aforementioned article.
Many health practitioners have moved to a far more nuanced understanding. There is no reason that us here on the Langarhall can't see that as well. A mixed-methods approach will probably do the best for your health. If you still prefer OTC medication (as does most Western societies), feel free to do that, but do not equate some 'scam' with all scam. Special interests (often also those involving self-interest) play a role in science labs as well, although this topic is deemed not 'kosher' in our society.
Dear Gurmustuk, P.Singh, and Baingandabhartha,
I think the problem with the aforementioned debate is that we are thinking in binaries.
Gurmustuk – I am sure that you would agree that quacks do exist and there are nefarious people that under the ‘homeopathy’ label have committed all types of fraud.
P.Singh and Baingandabhartha – That however being said, I think it is rather naive that only Western science that has the ability to unlock all other knowledge systems. To discount other knowledge systems, because they have (as of yet) not been reproduced in a science lab does not discount that knowledge. Experience and accumulated knowledge bases have shaped medical practices in a number of different settings. It isn’t only after Western scientists declare that adhrak (ginger) has antiseptic qualities that it gains those qualities. Trial-and-error have been systematically produced for many centuries in many different societies.
Allopathy and homeopathy both have their place. Allopathy is notoriously non-preventative. This is where homeopathic medicines can be a wonderful boon. Allopathic procedures, like surgery, also have their place and are often best able to treat acute disease and illness. Homeopathy helps prevent the onset.
Practices such as accupuncture have defied western science explanation. That does not mean that accupuncture does not work. I can cite a number of peer-reviewed journal articles describing the pain-alleviating effects of accupuncture. The same would apply to many of the herbs and foods described in the aforementioned article.
Many health practitioners have moved to a far more nuanced understanding. There is no reason that us here on the Langarhall can’t see that as well. A mixed-methods approach will probably do the best for your health. If you still prefer OTC medication (as does most Western societies), feel free to do that, but do not equate some ‘scam’ with all scam. Special interests (often also those involving self-interest) play a role in science labs as well, although this topic is deemed not ‘kosher’ in our society.
That singer is Gurdass Mann..wow…he's great. =) and he doesn't wear a pagh. Because Gurdass Mann is not much of a religious man, you cant hold that against him.
That singer is Gurdass Mann..wow…he’s great. =) and he doesn’t wear a pagh. Because Gurdass Mann is not much of a religious man, you cant hold that against him.
Dear Mewa Singh, to believe that Homeopathy prevents the onset of disease is naivete in its extreme. SO it prevents appendicits, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, stroke. Its not to say that diseases can be prevented OR delayed by something. Yes, lifestyle, foods, excercise, genes all play a role. Click on the website that I mentioned in my earlier post.
However, I never said that everything has to be reproducible in 'some science lab'. Only that it be subject to the scientific method. Traditional remedies are NOT the same thing as homeopathy. Traditional remedies do work-and they will be 'rediscovered' as in the case of haldi (which btw some jackass tried to patent here in the US). But the quackery that is homeopathy reaches a realm so as to defy any rational thinking.
And yes, science labs have self-serving conflicts of interest, I dont discount that all just look at the Vioxx fiasco-thats why I remain a skeptic first.
Dear Mewa Singh, to believe that Homeopathy prevents the onset of disease is naivete in its extreme. SO it prevents appendicits, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, stroke. Its not to say that diseases can be prevented OR delayed by something. Yes, lifestyle, foods, excercise, genes all play a role. Click on the website that I mentioned in my earlier post.
However, I never said that everything has to be reproducible in ‘some science lab’. Only that it be subject to the scientific method. Traditional remedies are NOT the same thing as homeopathy. Traditional remedies do work-and they will be ‘rediscovered’ as in the case of haldi (which btw some jackass tried to patent here in the US). But the quackery that is homeopathy reaches a realm so as to defy any rational thinking.
And yes, science labs have self-serving conflicts of interest, I dont discount that all just look at the Vioxx fiasco-thats why I remain a skeptic first.
Mewa Singh,
I agree with the general thrust of what you are saying, but with specific reference to homeopathy, I think you are being too generous.
I readily acknowledge that western science does not capture the breadth and depth of all knowledge, and there are other valuable sources to consider.
That said, western science has provided a useful methodology for analyzing cause and effect phenomenon.
Taking the accupuncture example you have provided – while western science may not be able to determine exactly how accupuncture alleviates pain, scientific methodology does provide a sound means for establishing accupuncture DOES alleviate pain.
I am not familiar with research on homeopathy, but are there any legitimate studies proving homeopathic remedies have the effect they purport to have?
Mewa Singh,
I agree with the general thrust of what you are saying, but with specific reference to homeopathy, I think you are being too generous.
I readily acknowledge that western science does not capture the breadth and depth of all knowledge, and there are other valuable sources to consider.
That said, western science has provided a useful methodology for analyzing cause and effect phenomenon.
Taking the accupuncture example you have provided – while western science may not be able to determine exactly how accupuncture alleviates pain, scientific methodology does provide a sound means for establishing accupuncture DOES alleviate pain.
I am not familiar with research on homeopathy, but are there any legitimate studies proving homeopathic remedies have the effect they purport to have?
Dear P.Singh and Bhangandabhartha,
I think our labels are problematic and we actually do agree on much more. Instead of talking about 'allopathic medicine' and 'homeopathic medicine' as if they are singular entities, maybe it is much more fruitful to discuss homeopath(IES) and allopath(IES) in the plural. There are shams in both, although homeopathy may have in terms of sheer numbers more problematic people. At the same time let us not throw the baby out with the bathwater and recognize that both have an effect.
Specifically about bhagandabhartha's objections, I understand your skepticism. Does homeophath prevent diabetes, sure (like you said), it can have an effect. Lemon juice and vinegar can help reduce blood-sugar spikes following a meal and thus over time should one consume more lemon juice/vinegar in one's diet it may help prevent the onset of diabetes. This is just one example, while there are many others. There is a scientific explanation in that it is believed that acetic acid interacts with stomach acid to slow certain chemical digestion processes. Is it a 'cure' for diabetes, it maters how we are using these terms.
P.Singh, you may be right about being generous with the term, but if you actually look at the goal of biopharmacology it is to chemically manufacture drugs and those chemical compounds that people have been using under the broad term of 'homeopath(IES)' for centuries. Are their frauds, of course, but why pay for chemically produced substances when one can find many of these in common vegetables, fruits, herbs, etc. I believe this was Gurmustuk's thrust as well.
Dear P.Singh and Bhangandabhartha,
I think our labels are problematic and we actually do agree on much more. Instead of talking about ‘allopathic medicine’ and ‘homeopathic medicine’ as if they are singular entities, maybe it is much more fruitful to discuss homeopath(IES) and allopath(IES) in the plural. There are shams in both, although homeopathy may have in terms of sheer numbers more problematic people. At the same time let us not throw the baby out with the bathwater and recognize that both have an effect.
Specifically about bhagandabhartha’s objections, I understand your skepticism. Does homeophath prevent diabetes, sure (like you said), it can have an effect. Lemon juice and vinegar can help reduce blood-sugar spikes following a meal and thus over time should one consume more lemon juice/vinegar in one’s diet it may help prevent the onset of diabetes. This is just one example, while there are many others. There is a scientific explanation in that it is believed that acetic acid interacts with stomach acid to slow certain chemical digestion processes. Is it a ‘cure’ for diabetes, it maters how we are using these terms.
P.Singh, you may be right about being generous with the term, but if you actually look at the goal of biopharmacology it is to chemically manufacture drugs and those chemical compounds that people have been using under the broad term of ‘homeopath(IES)’ for centuries. Are their frauds, of course, but why pay for chemically produced substances when one can find many of these in common vegetables, fruits, herbs, etc. I believe this was Gurmustuk’s thrust as well.
All I know is that shahad and adrak has always worked better to relieve a soar throat than any Vicks spray.
All I know is that shahad and adrak has always worked better to relieve a soar throat than any Vicks spray.
botanical medicine does not equal homeopathic medicine. i think there is some confusion in the original posters understanding of these different approaches to health.
botanical medicine does not equal homeopathic medicine. i think there is some confusion in the original posters understanding of these different approaches to health.
Mewa Singh –
I think you are right, and that we probably agree a fair bit on this subject. However, unless I'm mistaken, I think you may be confusing homeopathy with alternative medicine in general.
I do believe alternative medicine (alternative to western allopathy) can be beneficial, especially since I have benefited from it myself. Heck, I recall my father eating garlic to control slightly high blood pressure, well before garlic became mainstream as a way to lower bp.
On the other hand, homeopathy, created by some German dude in the 1800s, is a distinct and defined system of medicine. It is based on a premise of "like cures like" and makes claims that appear to wilt under close scrutiny.
Mewa Singh –
I think you are right, and that we probably agree a fair bit on this subject. However, unless I’m mistaken, I think you may be confusing homeopathy with alternative medicine in general.
I do believe alternative medicine (alternative to western allopathy) can be beneficial, especially since I have benefited from it myself. Heck, I recall my father eating garlic to control slightly high blood pressure, well before garlic became mainstream as a way to lower bp.
On the other hand, homeopathy, created by some German dude in the 1800s, is a distinct and defined system of medicine. It is based on a premise of “like cures like” and makes claims that appear to wilt under close scrutiny.
[quote comment="509"]All I know is that shahad and adrak has always worked better to relieve a soar throat than any Vicks spray.[/quote]
lol – I think my grandmother had a remix version of that remedy – I think it involved mixing black pepper with honey (can't recall if ginger was also mixed in, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was).
[quote comment=”509″]All I know is that shahad and adrak has always worked better to relieve a soar throat than any Vicks spray.[/quote]
lol – I think my grandmother had a remix version of that remedy – I think it involved mixing black pepper with honey (can’t recall if ginger was also mixed in, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was).
P.Singh,
You may be right about my confusion. I am definitely not talking about anything that was 'discovered' by anyone German.
P.Singh,
You may be right about my confusion. I am definitely not talking about anything that was ‘discovered’ by anyone German.
[quote comment="502"]That singer is Gurdass Mann..wow…he's great. =) and he doesn't wear a pagh. Because Gurdass Mann is not much of a religious man, you cant hold that against him.[/quote]
THe irony of music videos like this is that it takes a special and rare person to be a Sikh like those back-up singers while anyone and anybody can go to the barber and razor.
[quote comment=”502″]That singer is Gurdass Mann..wow…he’s great. =) and he doesn’t wear a pagh. Because Gurdass Mann is not much of a religious man, you cant hold that against him.[/quote]
THe irony of music videos like this is that it takes a special and rare person to be a Sikh like those back-up singers while anyone and anybody can go to the barber and razor.
Also homeopathy is for the most part a sham that has not withstood rigorous scientific study. Science is very rigorous and hard studied and exposed to withering scrutiny, systems like homeopathy are based on folklore and anecdote. Go to a homeopathy when you are septic and hypotensive instead of being admitted to a scientific ICU and being placed on pressors, iv therapy and antibiotics.
Also homeopathy is for the most part a sham that has not withstood rigorous scientific study. Science is very rigorous and hard studied and exposed to withering scrutiny, systems like homeopathy are based on folklore and anecdote. Go to a homeopathy when you are septic and hypotensive instead of being admitted to a scientific ICU and being placed on pressors, iv therapy and antibiotics.
P.Singh, Mewa Singh, and baingandabhartha,
I think in this debate about homeopathic medicine we are confusing two forms of desi dhuaaya. There is one that is "khar di desi dhuae", which are all the food remedies we use at home (ginger, jamans, shayads, and all their mixtures) as well as some churins (i.e. a powdery concoction of different herbs and spices and I don't know what else, but it works really well … I would most likely turn to a churin before I went for an Western OTC medicine). Then there is the "desi dhuee" we get from a homeopathic "doctor", which includes small white sugar balls coated in some oils or liquids. For myself, I completely agree that "khar di desi dhuaa" is no joke and just because it has not been completely legitimized by Western Science does not mean that it is not effective. Western Science just needs to "catch-up" and as Mewa Singh said,"Trial-and-error have been systematically produced for many centuries in many different societies". However, I highly question the "desi dhauee" given to us by homeopathic doctors. I actually have had family members take this medicine and believe in; while others have tried and decided it is not going to work for them (they never had the expectation that it was guaranteed to be effective, but just worth a shot). I sometimes wonder if it’s just the placebo effect with these homeopathic “desi dhuaaya”.
P.Singh, Mewa Singh, and baingandabhartha,
I think in this debate about homeopathic medicine we are confusing two forms of desi dhuaaya. There is one that is “khar di desi dhuae”, which are all the food remedies we use at home (ginger, jamans, shayads, and all their mixtures) as well as some churins (i.e. a powdery concoction of different herbs and spices and I don’t know what else, but it works really well … I would most likely turn to a churin before I went for an Western OTC medicine). Then there is the “desi dhuee” we get from a homeopathic “doctor”, which includes small white sugar balls coated in some oils or liquids. For myself, I completely agree that “khar di desi dhuaa” is no joke and just because it has not been completely legitimized by Western Science does not mean that it is not effective. Western Science just needs to “catch-up” and as Mewa Singh said,”Trial-and-error have been systematically produced for many centuries in many different societies”. However, I highly question the “desi dhauee” given to us by homeopathic doctors. I actually have had family members take this medicine and believe in; while others have tried and decided it is not going to work for them (they never had the expectation that it was guaranteed to be effective, but just worth a shot). I sometimes wonder if it’s just the placebo effect with these homeopathic “desi dhuaaya”.
Homeopathy was the preferred method of medicine in the United States until the AMA was created with the (initial) sole purpose of destroying homeopathy. Now we are expected to believe the claims and studies and methods of the AMA to "disprove" homeopathy. Homeopathic schools were known to admit women and black people into their schools, but the rival schools opened by the AMA did not. Meaning the same group of privileged people who run medicine (and pretty much everything) now, were and still are the same people trying to hold onto their market share of people's "health."
The AMA began to influence the government and now 'owns' the government. The government is so in the pocket of the AMA (read representatives of the pharmaceuticals) and the pharmaceutical companies themselves that they allow things like 'vioxx' to be sold. We all know that homeopathy has never killed anybody like vioxx.
Seriously, if homeopathy did not work, then why would the AMA be so vehemently opposed to it? Why would people on this forum have such strong negative opinions about it? If it really is a sham, then why argue against it? You only need to state your opinion once. Arguing about it, shows insecurity. If it was so obviously a sham, there wouldn't be such passionate negative opinions and propaganda about it. Look at wikipedia even. It gives a practically glowing opinion of the AMA, while citing AMA literature to critisize in the heaviest manner homeopathy. Wikipedia belongs to the people, it shows a prevelant opinion. If it was written in 1850, Homeopathy would have a glowing review.
Seriously why argue agains homeopathy? The people who claim that it doesn't work, claim that it actually does nothing. Therefore from their standpoint, it doesn't affect your health, it only affects the money you could have potentially spent on their 'medicine.'
Homeopathy was the preferred method of medicine in the United States until the AMA was created with the (initial) sole purpose of destroying homeopathy. Now we are expected to believe the claims and studies and methods of the AMA to “disprove” homeopathy. Homeopathic schools were known to admit women and black people into their schools, but the rival schools opened by the AMA did not. Meaning the same group of privileged people who run medicine (and pretty much everything) now, were and still are the same people trying to hold onto their market share of people’s “health.”
The AMA began to influence the government and now ‘owns’ the government. The government is so in the pocket of the AMA (read representatives of the pharmaceuticals) and the pharmaceutical companies themselves that they allow things like ‘vioxx’ to be sold. We all know that homeopathy has never killed anybody like vioxx.
Seriously, if homeopathy did not work, then why would the AMA be so vehemently opposed to it? Why would people on this forum have such strong negative opinions about it? If it really is a sham, then why argue against it? You only need to state your opinion once. Arguing about it, shows insecurity. If it was so obviously a sham, there wouldn’t be such passionate negative opinions and propaganda about it. Look at wikipedia even. It gives a practically glowing opinion of the AMA, while citing AMA literature to critisize in the heaviest manner homeopathy. Wikipedia belongs to the people, it shows a prevelant opinion. If it was written in 1850, Homeopathy would have a glowing review.
Seriously why argue agains homeopathy? The people who claim that it doesn’t work, claim that it actually does nothing. Therefore from their standpoint, it doesn’t affect your health, it only affects the money you could have potentially spent on their ‘medicine.’
One thing that's clear is that the best medicine you will have today is to load two videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-dQLOE3d3g http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awuTkVytgYs
Turn the volume down on one and watch the other. It's fun both ways!
One thing that’s clear is that the best medicine you will have today is to load two videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-dQLOE3d3g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awuTkVytgYs
Turn the volume down on one and watch the other. It’s fun both ways!
why does everyone call surgery western medicine? I've read about some of the earliest docters and they were Indian, and Egyptian and they were successfully performing complex surgeries.
I'm in college and I hope to eventually become a doctor and I would like to combine traditional and modern medicines. Is there anywhere that someone can learn about these desi remedies?
I believe:
1. prevent illness by regular exercise including meditation and yoga, a healthy diet including knowledge of various foods such as ginger and garlic.
2. If you get a minor illness such as a cough or a cold take some kind of mild herbal medicine, or sometimes just rest and allow your body to take care of the problem because some herbs take a while to build up in your system and by that time you are already feeling better. (Remember that some herbs are toxic and should only be used sparingly and in small amounts)
3. If you have a serious illness than you should take a prescription medication as directed by your doctor. After that start over at step #1.
why does everyone call surgery western medicine? I’ve read about some of the earliest docters and they were Indian, and Egyptian and they were successfully performing complex surgeries.
I’m in college and I hope to eventually become a doctor and I would like to combine traditional and modern medicines. Is there anywhere that someone can learn about these desi remedies?
I believe:
1. prevent illness by regular exercise including meditation and yoga, a healthy diet including knowledge of various foods such as ginger and garlic.
2. If you get a minor illness such as a cough or a cold take some kind of mild herbal medicine, or sometimes just rest and allow your body to take care of the problem because some herbs take a while to build up in your system and by that time you are already feeling better. (Remember that some herbs are toxic and should only be used sparingly and in small amounts)
3. If you have a serious illness than you should take a prescription medication as directed by your doctor. After that start over at step #1.
I almost forgot the most important thing to do in order to stay healthy!
Always remember Waheguru and our Gurus and do regular seva…our spiritual health is more important anyway…
I almost forgot the most important thing to do in order to stay healthy!
Always remember Waheguru and our Gurus and do regular seva…our spiritual health is more important anyway…
I am 69+ and participated in World Master Games in 2005 held at Edmonton Canada.. I have won so many gold and silver medals in US and Canada. I am using green leaves for me well being. By using various combination of vegetable juices so many ailments can be cured without any side effects. Green leaves of vegetables are more effective then vegetables. Green leaves can help to loose weight in amazing amounts. So AHAR CHAKISTA is the best for treating ailments.
I am 69+ and participated in World Master Games in 2005 held at Edmonton Canada.. I have won so many gold and silver medals in US and Canada. I am using green leaves for me well being. By using various combination of vegetable juices so many ailments can be cured without any side effects. Green leaves of vegetables are more effective then vegetables. Green leaves can help to loose weight in amazing amounts. So AHAR CHAKISTA is the best for treating ailments.