Tag Archives: Kulerron

Get Rid of Obesity with Ayurveda

Obesity

Obesity is a problem that has engulfed our society in the recent years. According to recent reports published by WHO1, 2016 witnessed an upsurge in the number of overweight people. It stated that more than 1.9 billion people were overweight and out of these, 650 million were obese. People are putting in consistent efforts to resolve this issue and have turned to Ayurveda for respite. Ayurveda and its principles give an impetus to the body to stay toned and certain ayurvedic herbs are fruitful in getting rid of the body fat as well, thus mitigating the risk of excess weight gain or acute obesity.

What is Body Fat and How it Causes Weight Gain or Acute Obesity?

Triglycerides, cholesterol and fatty acids are collectively known as body fat. Body fat is stored in a loose connective tissue that is composed of adipocytes. Another name for these tissues is the Adipose tissue. These tissues store energy in the form of fat deposits. These are specially layered under the skin or coating the internal organs of the body. Adipose tissue has two constituent tissues, the white adipose tissue, and the brown adipose tissue. White adipose functions as a reservoir of energy, producing various hormones and cytokines that monitor the metabolic activities of the body whereas the brown adipose tissue converts food into heat energy. The equilibrium between these two tissues determines the amount of fat in the body. However, an extreme imbalance between these two tissues or between the consumption of food and the outgoing of energy can further give birth to health issues such as obesity.

There are specific Ayurvedic elements that have the ability to get rid of body fat. Triphala, Pipul, and Honey cut down on fat deposits and are a genuine help to obese people. Triphala encourages the secretion of cholecystokinin in the body which relays messages to the brain signaling that the stomach is full. This automatically diminishes the food intake resulting in weight loss. Pippali, on the other hand, burns the fatty acids accumulating in the body, thus inhibiting weight gain.

Ayurveda’s best-fit resources to restrain such detestable body fat

The unrivaled remedies of Ayurveda provide the most appropriate solutions to slim down cumbersome body flabs. A few of the Ayurvedic constituents which have multipurpose utilities, one of them being decreasing fat accumulation in the body, are mentioned below

Triphala

The concordant mixture of Amlaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki aids weight loss. Triphala is endowed with anti-inflammatory properties along with vitamin C, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids and saponins, augmented with essential plant compounds. These compounds act as valuable constraints of body weight.

Triphala is present in Livonia along with Kalmegh, one of the products of Branolia Chemical Works aimed at restoring healthy liver metabolism.

Pipul

Pipul along with sunth ( dried ginger) and maricha ( pepper) restrains the excess deposition of fat. It ignites the “digestive fire “ in the gastrointestinal tract which will escalate the process of digestion, leaving no scope for fat to get deposited.

The richness of Pipul and Sunth is preserved in Bitocough and Branolia’s Honeyguard. Pipul, along with Vasak, Tulsi and Jashtimadhu are present in Bitocough which is an expectorant to combat cough and cold whereas Branolia’s HoneyGuard involves Honey, Tulsi, Jashtimadhu, Aswagandha along with Sunth to give an extra boost to our immunity.

Honey

This sweet viscous liquid, when taken before going to bed is exemplary for burning body fat. Honey contains vital hormones that curtail the appetite. This, in turn, enables weight loss as the rate of food consumption deters because of a bad appetite.

Honey is one of the ingredients amalgamated with Tulsi, Sunth, Jashtimadhu, and Ashwagandha in Branolia’s HoneyGuard which cures bronchial disorders.Thus, Branolia Chemical Works uplifts the ideals and principles of Ayurveda and makes our bond with Ayurveda even more concrete.

WHO1: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

Ayurvedic Remedies for Diabetes

Diabetic

Life does not always tilt the scales of fortune in our favour. Since man’s expectation knows no bounds, it is inevitable that he gets engulfed with anxiety and stress if things don’t turn up his way or maybe if he is too worked up. It is more often discerned that health problems crop up from a disturbed mind or the health issues may be hereditary. The mind can be put to ease in a number of ways, and Ayurveda advocates all possible remedies to diminish such common health issues. WHO1 has reported that the number of people suffering from diabetes has spiraled from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. These figures indicate that diabetes is emerging as a common health issue that needs to be addressed in the upcoming years.

What is diabetes?

It is a condition of increased blood sugar levels in the body. The glucose in our bloodstream is the main source of energy obtained from the disintegration of food materials. The pancreas secretes a hormone called Insulin, which stimulates the passage of glucose into our cells for processing energy. When the body becomes incapable of producing sufficient insulin or, is unable to use insulin properly, a substantial amount of unused glucose persists in the bloodstream, leading to Diabetes.

Types of Diabetes:

  • Diabetes Mellitus:  This chronic situation arises either due to insufficient production of insulin or due to unresponsive behavior of cells to the glucose level.
  • Diabetes Insipidus:  This happens to be a rare situation of diabetes where the kidneys are unable to maintain the balance of body fluids and expel an abnormally large volume of urine from the body, which happens to be insipid.

Ayurvedic herbs and spices that can cure Diabetes

Since time immemorial, man has always opted for herbal remedies to cure unforeseen health disorders and Ayurveda has been benevolent enough to place its uncountable remedies at our disposition. Even though Diabetes stands as a tough challenge to Ayurveda since there are no permanent cure for it but there are certain herbs that can maintain the blood sugar level in the body regressing the negative impacts of diabetes.

Tulsi(Ocimum tenuiflorum)

This shrub is commonly grown in Indian households owing to its religious significance and medicinal properties. Tulsi is said to have diverse uses, one of them being, regulating the blood sugar levels in the body. It assists in pancreatic beta-cell function and secretion of insulin. It also helps in the absorption of glucose by the muscle cells. Traces of tulsi extract are found in Branolia’s  Honey Guard and Bitocough along with other ingredients to ease sore throat and combat viral infections.

Amla

The efficacies of the Indian gooseberry cannot be equated with any other herb in accordance with its medicinal properties. Amla is known to enhance body resistance against numerous ailments, the common ones being cough, cold & flu. However, it is also used in treating pancreatitis, a condition exhibiting inflamed pancreas, in which the insulin-secreting cells are debilitated, thus aggravating the glucose content of blood. Amla also contains chromium which balances the carbohydrate metabolism of the body, thus keeping a steady level of glucose in the blood. Livonia, manufactured by Branolia Chemical Works includes Amla extracts along with Haritaki and Bibhitaki, which cater to problems related to the Liver.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the aromatic spices that contribute to regulating the glucose content in the blood. It is unique in the sense that it counterfeits the effects of Insulin, increasing the uptake of glucose in the cells.

Cumin

Another regular spice used in the Indian kitchen is bestowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory  properties responsible for normalizing blood sugar levels in the body.

Aswagandha

Another plant to be mentioned which not only plays a major role in managing stress and anxiety but also acts as an insulin stimulant, thus keeping tabs on the glucose level in the bloodstream. This herb, mixed with honey, Tulsi, Sunth, Joshtimodhu are the key ingredients of Branolia’s Honey Guard, an authentic formulation that takes care of the body’s immune system.

Kalmegh

These leaves are far bitter in taste than neem and possess outstanding healing properties, one of them being, curbing the glucose content in the bloodstream. It also helps in restoring healthy metabolism of the liver. This is the reason, the composition of Kalmegh and Triphala is bottled and sold as Livonia, a product of Branolia Chemical Works.

Thus we have been successful in utilizing the bountiful gifts bestowed by Nature to us. The measured Ayurvedic concoctions are indeed a blessing to the common man. Man,for ages, has recognized the treasure trove of Ayurvedic remedies and used them for his personal benefits. Owing to this fact, it is justified that Ayurveda’s profuse resources were never eclipsed to the common eye neither will it ever be in the years to come.

WHO1: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

The Ayurvedic Lifestyle: Long forgotten Dietary Habits

There is a saying in Hindi quite popular among the masses “Aadmi Ke dil ka rasta uske pet se hi hokar jata hai… , the corresponding translation of the statement being that the way to a Man’s heart goes through his stomach”.  On a spiritual note, the stomach is the seat of processing reality. The vacuum in our stomach stirs our innermost sensations and feelings. Whenever the emptiness within begins to consume us, we devour food which satiates our need and hunger and gives us respite from our yearning. Healthy food habits are responsible for nurturing us, moulding our growth and development in a positive way. Ayurvedic lifestyle and food habits have always been a boon for the people, benefitting them in every step of life. However, the reality which surfaces itself is much gloomy. The galloping time has left  ancient Ayurvedic practices and food habits far behind, oblivious to the common man which otherwise would have been an extra advantage to us

Some of the food habits involving Ayurvedic practices which should be inculcated in our regular lifestyle:

Eating Seasonal Food

A monotonous food regime is not welcoming as it may not be enough to nurture our body. Bringing in variety in the choice of food during the different seasons of the year is an added advantage to our body’s nutrient cycle. Seasonal fruits are a necessity for healthy body growth. For instance, the consumption of curd, cucumber and bottle gourd should be imperative during the summer months bringing about a cool effect in the body. The heat aggravating foods such as ghee should be consumed during the winter months.

Discouraging Overeating or we should eat the right proportions

Recurrent meals should not be undertaken. Ayurveda insists that there should be a substantial length of time separating two consecutive meals. The spiraling rate of junk and processed food consumption intensifies toxic elements that need to be cleansed. Cultivating sattvik food habits in our daily lives facilitates the detoxification of our body. Livonia, an authentic formulation of Branolia Chemical Works proves to be a perfect Ayurvedic tonic expelling toxins from our body and revitalizing the functionalities of the pivotal digestive organ of our body, the Liver.

Slow-paced eating

It should be imperative to eat at a steady pace and directing all the concentration while chewing food. The morsel of food in our mouth should be chewed and ground well, providing sufficient surface area for the digestive enzymes in the mouth to act fast, so that the digestion speeds up after the food passes down. Bellytone is an ayurvedic tonic, manufactured by Branolia Chemical Works which aids digestion and stimulates a healthy metabolism.

Distracted eating is averse to health

Certain food habits can lead to adversities in health. Surfing phones, sifting the pages of the newspapers, tampering with other gadgets while eating will falter the relaying of signals to the brain and result in impeding the rate of enzyme secretion for digestive functioning.

Eating food using fingers

This particular food habit is accentuated in traditional lifestyles encouraged by Ayurveda. Involving fingers directly to make the morsel of food conveys a direct signal to the brain. This, in turn, stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes enhancing digestion.

Sitting posture while having meals

This is another Ayurvedic practice that is still popular among the rustic folk, in India which is deemed beneficial for our body metabolism. Sitting in this posture is not only supposed to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area, but also alleviate stress and anxiety, ensures tranquility to the mind on account of blood flow to the brain.

Drinking  water while standing should be avoided

The standing posture for eating food or drinking water is more often criticized for its negative health impacts. Drinking water up straight mounts unnecessary pressure on the kidneys. It also disturbs the equilibrium of the body fluids, amassing fluids in the joints inflicting arthritis.

Lukewarm water at the beginning of the day

An ayurvedic practice which people should adhere to is to drink lukewarm water and then to start rolling in the regular chores. Lukewarm water warms up the body, thus hastening metabolic activities and assists in shedding bodyweight.

These Ayurvedic practices should be cultivated in our daily lives for a harmonious and serene lifestyle. Branolia Chemical Works has maintained the pristine essence of Ayurveda in its authentic products. The formulated tonic like Bellytone has created a perpetual imprint on our lives and that is what makes a difference today.

 

NATIONAL AYURVEDA DAY

It becomes a norm for every quintessential Indian to get tied to the phenomenal festivities offered by our culture, be it a small scale celebration or a festival celebrated with majesty. The dedication to participate in many festivities thrives on the heart of every Indian. The receding celebrations of Navratri, make way for the modest advances of the next session of festivities in a row, Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj. Dhanteras assumed to be “the day of wealth” to be concise in one word, symbolizes abundance and replenishment of wealth in everyone’s lives. Another myth supporting the origin of this day is that as told in the Puranas ,Lord Dhanvantari, the God Of Ayurveda, had emerged from a Samudra Manthan and he held a Kalash of Amrit in one hand and the sacred text of Ayurveda in the other. This year( 2019) Dhanteras was held on the 25th of October. However, this calendar date also strikes a chord with us reminding that the Ministry of AYUSH, was commenced on the 9th of November, 2014. This Ministry was known as the Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy(ISM&H) and it had been formed in March 1995. Years later, it was renamed as AYUSH, the abbreviation for Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, in November 2003. It specifically focused on broadening the scope of education and research in Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturotherapy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. Over the years, the Ministry has encouraged the favourable development and propagation of the AYUSH techniques in the current health care systems.

The Ministry of AYUSH had come forward with the decision on celebrating the National Ayurveda Day every year,on the same day which is observed as Dhanteras. This year the Ministry of AYUSH conducted the Fourth Ayurveda Day at Jaipur while the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) were the ones who hosted the event. The NIA held both the Dhanvantari Pujan and National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards-2019 which were two events on the National Ayurveda Day. Shri Om Birla, Speaker in the Lok Sabha graced the event as the Chief Guest while Shri Shiprad Yesson Naik, the Union Minister of AYUSH participated in the event. The event also observed 25 delegates of Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) who were active participants of the subsequent events on the 4th Ayurveda Day. Ayurveda, the ancient healing system which dates back to thousand years, originated in India. It has been rendered as one of the most meticulous and well-documented systems of medicines. Modern India inculcates the Ayurvedic way of living even to this day. Ayurveda aims at preventing diseases and promote a healthy state of living. The primary objectives of National Ayurveda Day are:

  1. Endeavouring to propagate Ayurveda into the mainstream
  2. To concentrate on the strengths and unique principles offered by Ayurveda
  3. Utilizing Ayurveda’s potentials as a cornerstone of reducing diseases and related morbidity and mortality.
  4. Exploration of Ayurveda’s potential, which plays an instrumental role in shaping national health policy and National Health programs.
  5. To create awareness amongst the young generation and to propagate Ayurvedic principles of healing within the society, in modern India.

The well-reputed Branolia Chemical Works has always upheld the principles of Ayurveda, over such a vast expanse of time and it still continues to do so. Ayurveda can always be addressed as a medical benefactor who has dissipated the arduous health miseries from the lives of people. Branolia Chemical Works has embraced the authenticities of Ayurveda through its products. Each of the products of Branolia Chemical Works, namely, Branolia, Branolia’s Kulerron, Branolia’s Honey Guard, Bitocough, Bellytone, and Livonia have alleviated people from their adverse health conditions and will continue to do so many more years down the line.

Nobel Prize Winners Study the Fluctuating Levels of Oxygen in the Blood: How can Ayurveda contribute to it?

 

With every fleeting second, as one is delving deeper into the varied branches of science, so is he reaping the benefits of novel scientific developments, technological advancements and discoveries and these inventions are signals of mankind putting their best foot forward towards a generative and a productive future ahead. One such progressive step has been taken in the field of medicine and physiology, by three veteran scientists, William G. Kaelin, Gregg L. Semenza and Peter J. Ratcliffe who have received the highest accolade for their impressive discovery in the field of medicine and physiology, that is the Nobel Prize, for their authentic discovery of tracking the adaptation of cells in accordance with the changing levels of oxygen in the bloodstream.

Oxygen is an essential element that exists in nature in the purest form. It plays an important role in sustaining living organisms. The study conducted had highlighted the molecular mechanisms monitoring the activities of the genes, in accordance with the fluctuating levels of oxygen in the blood. However, these fluctuating levels of oxygen in blood, at times, may create a condition of low oxygen diffusion. Haemoglobin, which are proteins identified as oxygen carriers of the body, are unable to accommodate sufficient oxygen in them to be circulated all over the body, on account of low oxygen diffusion rates and this will hinder the oxygen supply to the tissues. These conditions induce Hypoxia, a condition exhibiting low oxygen content in the body tissues. This would lead to adverse changes in cellular metabolism as Hypoxia, debilitates the oxygen content in the cells, subsiding cellular metabolism and gene expression in the cells. Hypoxia is also responsible for various respiratory diseases, neural and heart disorders in the body. Hypoxia is one of the many causes inducing malignant tumors in the body. For an expanding mass of tumor, the demand for oxygen is much more than its supply. The deficit in the oxygen supply induces the tumor cells to grow distant from the vascular system, hindering the diffusion of oxygen and this situation culminates in a fatal hypoxic environment. However, this remarkable study on oxygen detecting mechanisms, lays down potential guidelines, for healing diseases resulting from a dearth in the oxygen supply to the tissues of the body, thus repressing the growth of tumors around the breast, colorectal areas and pancreas which later on aggravates into cancer. However, the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda has devised ways to counter the effect of Hypoxia. Withania Somnifera, commonly known as Aswagandha, identified by Ayurvedic experts, as one of the essential components of Ayurvedic concoctions, works wonders in replenishing oxygen content in the blood and eliminating Hypoxia. It escalates the growth of RBC’s(red blood cells) in the body and since RBC’s are responsible for carrying oxygen all over the system, it ensures the healthy functioning of the cardiorespiratory system. It assists in the regulation of aerobic respiration and the cardiorespiratory processes function actively, diminishing the risks of fatal cardiovascular diseases. Another contribution of Ayurveda is Kulerron, which is one of the products of Branolia Chemical Works. This Ayurvedic tonic proves beneficial, especially for enriching the haemoglobin content in the blood which are the carriers of oxygen. The multiplication of haemoglobin automatically facilitates the faster transportation of oxygen throughout the body, diminishing the risks of Hypoxia.

The beneficial properties defining Aswagandha have been infused in the products of Branolia Chemicals. Extracts of Aswagandha are infused in Branolia’s Kulerron, which is blood replenishing Ayurvedic tonic and also in Branolia’s Honey Guard which fights bronchial congestion as it has anti-oxidant properties. Thus Aswagandha exhibits its multi-purpose utilities and versatile applications in Ayurveda and Branolia Chemical’s, over the years has borrowed the essential properties of Ashwagandha to make their products worthwhile.

Anemia at Older Age

With population aging, Anemia in older patients is a condition which doctors have to increasingly deal with. Large prospective registry studies have revealed an overall prevalence of anemia ranging from 10% to 24% in older individuals. Senior adults admitted to the hospital are more frequently affected by anemia (40%), and the prevalence is even higher (47%) in nursing home residents. Incidence of anemia rises with age with from 17% for males and 13% for females for mean age of 65 yrs to 45% for males and 30% of females in 85 yrs old age bracket.

Old_Age_Amenia

World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds were established in 1968 in a cohort of persons <65 years old, defining anemia as a hemoglobin (Hb) level of <130 g/L in men and <120 g/L in women. However, Hb levels decline with age and are distinct in different ethnic groups.

Low Hb levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, insomnia, impaired mood, and restricted Quality of Life. Moreover, anemia is associated with reduced physical performance. Low Hb levels are associated with an increased risk for falls and fractures. In addition, the presence of anemia is significantly associated with more frequent hospitalization and longer hospital stays for the elderly.

The various types of anemia affecting the elderly:

Anemia based on iron, folate, and/or vitamin B12 deficiency

Iron depletion is often associated with malnutrition. Age-dependent alterations in function of Gastro Intestinal Tract, concurrent use of multiple medications, and social isolation may lead to malnutrition and subsequent anemia. Bleeding due to a variety of medications (eg, acetylsalicylic acid, standard or direct oral anticoagulants) or GI diseases, including cancer, is the most frequent cause of iron-deficient anemia in older patients.

Anemia developing in the context of Chronic Kidney Disease

At least one-third of anemic patients older than 65 years show a hyper-inflammatory state typical for Chronic kidney disease(CKD) or for AI (cancer, autoimmune disease, and chronic infection). Renal failure results in severe anemia because of reduced EPO production. Erythropoietin (EPO) is the glycoprotein hormone that promotes differentiation of Erythroid Progenitor cells in bone marrow.

Clonal Anemia

Anemia is a condition wherein the number of red blood cells decreases in number and thus the oxygen carrying capacity of blood falls. Generally it is owed to iron deficiency. However in the older population it may be because of mutation in the blood cells. Though mutations take place in our body throughout our lifetime, they are small and cause no trouble. However as we grow older, the effect of these accumulated mutations become visible.

Branolia’s Kulleron brings in the goodness of Kulekhara in helping maintain hemoglobin levels in the blood. Kulekhara herb has been known for its anemia combating abilities in traditional medicine and ratified by modern research. Kulekhara contains 7.03 mg/100 gm of iron as well as other micro nutrients like sodium, potassium and copper. All this goodness goes into Kulleron which is prepared from the whole plant including root, leaves and stem.

Kulleron is an ayurvedic formulation. Advice of the doctor for persistent anemia is recommended.

Reference:

  1. Gaskell H, Derry S, Andrew Moore R, McQuay HJ. Prevalence of anaemia in older persons: systematic review. BMC Geriatr. 2008;8:1.
  2. Merchant AA, Roy CN. Not so benign haematology: anaemia of the elderly. Br J Haematol.2012;156(2):173-185.
  3. Stauder R, Thein SL. Anemia in the elderly: clinical implications and new therapeutic concepts.Haematologica. 2014;99(7):1127-1130.
  4. Artz AS, Thirman MJ. Unexplained anemia predominates despite an intensive evaluation in a racially diverse cohort of older adults from a referral anemia clinic. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.2011;66A(8):925-932.
  5. Valent P. Anaemia of the elderly (AOE): does it exist and does it matter in clinical practice? Eur J Clin Invest. 2008;38(10):782-783.
  6. Valent P, Horny HP, Bennett JM, et al. Definitions and standards in the diagnosis and treatment of the myelodysplastic syndromes: consensus statements and report from a working conference. Leuk Res. 2007;31(6):727-736.
  7. Valent P, Orazi A, Steensma DP, et al. Proposed minimal diagnostic criteria for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and potential pre-MDS conditions. Oncotarget. 2017;8(43):73483-73500.

The Legacy of Gangaprasad Sen – The Father of Ayurveda Renaissance in India

The house at 17 Kumartuli Street, North Kolkata, holds a decrepit façade and a forlorn look and is easy to miss if one is not searching for it. But about 200 years ago, this house was the Mecca of Ayurveda practioners in Bengal and from here started the Ayurveda Renaissance in India. Here lived one of Ayurveda’s most celebrated practitioners of his times, Gangaprasad Sen (1824-1896). This house saw some of the most path breaking practices in Ayurveda being firmed up. Here walked some of the most eminent personalities of those times, including Sri Ramkrishna Parmahansa who was the patient of Ganagaprasad Sen.

Gangaprasad Sen_Branolia

History remembers Gangaprasad Sen as the harbinger of the Ayurveda Renaissance in India. He began practice in Kolkata at the age of 19. He probably was the first person to export Ayurvedic medicine to Europe and America. He introduced the fixed consultation fee which equaled or surpassed the fee of the contemporary British physicians practicing in Calcutta. In the same way he introduced a fixed price list of ayurvedic medicines and advertised the same in newspapers as was the norm for western medicine. He was the first to publish a Ayurvedic journal in Bengali named Ayurveda Sanjivini for the purpose of upholding the stature of ayurvedic medicine. He established a tol in his home where students would be provided free room and boarding along with instructions in Ayurveda.

When the nineteenth century saw a sporadic fall in the popularity of ancient Indian medicine, he brought Ayurveda up to a standard mark. When western medicine started touching base with Indian masses, Ayurveda was perhaps the most popular among other indigenous methods of treatment. There was no sense of competition among the various Indian methods that were practiced during the time and Ayurveda was no doubt the most reputed.

During their initial years, the European doctors had to take help from the local Kavirajas to understand the diagnoses and treatments for diseases that were not in the least familiar to them. This was the late eighteenth century, Calcutta was fast becoming a hub for settlements and trading activities. Open drains, marshy lands, mosquito-borne fevers and the general lack of initiatives in the field of public health issues soon gave rise to an exorbitant mortality rate. Herein, European doctors cashed in the fear of diseases and started treating the rich and the elite for an expensive fee of one gold coin per visit. Soon, western medicine started picking up in popularity among the elite and the Kavirajas were often held guilty for deaths caused by administering Ayurvedic potions. The colonial government held the opinion that western medicine was more ‘scientific’ and ‘sophisticated’. The Ayurveda Renaissance changed the course of this school of thought.

Gangaprasad Sen and his students elevated the Ayurvedic medicines to the same stature as the allopathic medicine and attracted public interest to it in a way that brought back faith to the age-old science of Ayurveda. Bijoyratna Sen, a student of Gangaprasad Sen continued the work of his teacher in popularizing Ayurveda and encouraged the cooperation of traditional and western medical system. He even helped start a college where both the systems of medicines were taught side by side.

We intend to keep up with the legacy of the great stalwarts of Ayurveda. Our products are herbal therapeutics instrumental in dispensing Ayurvedic care for the last 95 years. We are committed to keeping alive the tradition of Ayurveda with the best production facilities and research labs.

The Women Idol Makers of Bengal

Women Idol Makers of Bengal

Kumartoli, in Kolkata, is a famous place for being the designer’s abode of thousands of idols that are rolled out each year during the festive season. A group of artisans has been mesmerizing the world with their unique art form. It has always been a male bastion for all these years. A few women have challenged this monopoly of male artisans. These new and determined breeds of women are breathing new life into wet clay to create a goddess that they can relate to.

The few of the extraordinary women folk who were able to carve a niche a niche out for themselves are:

  1. Mala Pal – Her small room in the narrow lanes of Kumartoli are adorned with several awards that she has won for her art. After quitting formal schooling at the age of 15, she only took up working as a full-time artisan after her father’s death. Today she has earned a place for herself and the idols made by her are exported to various countries in Australia, Canada, and Mala’s forte is the foldable idols that can be easily shipped to foreign locales. She has been successful and is now a famous name in Kumartoli.
  2. China Pal – China was initiated into this trade by a sudden twist of destiny. A sudden demise of her father and the financial hardship that followed forced China to take up the family business. Twenty-two years and China is today overseeing a team of twelve people working hard to meet the demands of her client. It is not just her profession but her passion that has earned her international fame. China has also participated in the China-South Asia & Southeast Asia Arts Week and Lancang Mekong Arts Festival.
  3. Kanchi Pal – She is a one-woman army who faced a lot of hardships, competition from her male counterparts to carve a place for her. Today all her idols are in high demand. She is one of the new generations of artists who are well adept in designing contemporary idols. Her idols have also won awards and accolades.

Clad in a sari these women entered this profession, not by choice but sheer coincidence. There have been times when these women have lost faith, but they kept fighting. Over the years, these hard-working women have mastered the art of mixing clay to give the right dimension to the idols that they design with such care. Today they are recognized for their talents globally and often conduct workshops all over the world. They conduct camps and have also ventured into the domain of creating clay jewelry during the lay months.

Branolia Chemicals recognizes the true spirit of these women, embodiments of Durga and Kali in real life.

At Branolia Chemical Works, concern for women and their health needs has always been foremost in our minds. This prompted our research team to bring out the Ayurvedic formulation Kulerron, which is extremely effective against anemia. With anemia being endemic amongst women in India, we hope to do our bit to meet this health challenge afflicting women effectively.

 

Address Air Pollution with Ayurveda

Air pollution

A week before Diwali India woke up to some astonishing facts published by the WHO (World Health Organisation) on the present condition of air pollution in India. The study highlighted that about 1 lakh children in India have died because of air pollution in the year 2016. Another study conducted by Greenpeace, a social work organization also published a report stating that 1.2 million deaths are occurring in India every year on account of the bad quality of air inhaled by the people. The current rise in environmental problems associated with the well –beings of humans are forcing folks to look at Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine.

Ayurveda aims towards balancing the entire eco-system of human existence in the best possible way. The main benefit of Ayurvedic medicine is that it is not only curative but at the same time preventive and restorative. It is well known that polluted air is one of the primary causes of adding toxins to our body making it more assailable to lung-related diseases and infections. Extreme cases have also come in the forefront where people have been afflicted with lung cancer. According to Ayurveda an increase in toxin content in the body leads to an imbalance in the Tridoshas. Ayurvedic treatment is solely based on the premise that a proper balance between Vata, Kapha and Pitta is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Ayurveda has an entire spectrum of methods to address this issue.

Ayurveda prescribes certain herbs to tackle the ill –effects of air pollution. The most important herbs prescribed by Ayurveda are:

  1. Tulsi – It is often referred to as the mother of all medicinal herbs. It is known to balance the Kapha dosha and is one of the key ingredients in the treatment of asthma, and other chronic respiratory disorders. It is also regarded as one of the most formidable anti-viral herbs with anti-microbial properties. The Tulsi plant also acts as an air purifier and if placed near the main entrance of a house will help in keeping the environment clean and pure.
  2. Triphala – There is a popular saying that is used amongst the Ayurvedic practitioners in India that with the proper use of Triphala all ailments related to the human body can be treated. Triphala is a combination of three fruits namely, Haritaki, Amalaki and Bibhitaki. Triphala is particularly effective in removing toxins from the human body. It also helps in balancing the Tridosha, which is a necessary component for good health.
  3. Vasaka or Vasak – It is a medicinal herb which is used to treat many ailments like asthma, bronchitis, and various other disorders. It is also used as an expectorant and a bronchodilator. The use of this herb can help fight ailments related to a lung Vasak is used as an ingredient in Bitocough, a cough syrup from Branolia Chemicals.

All the three key ingredients prescribed in Ayurveda for better functioning of the lungs and improving body constitution against the harshness of the external environment is present in Bitocough, an Ayurvedic formulation for fighting cough and cold. Bitocough is an effective shield in combating the adverse impact of air pollution and resultant lung disorders.