inflammation in a vicious circle.
As it is the malfunctioning of the
immune system, these are also called autoimmune diseases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is one of the most disabling types of arthritis. Three times as
many women as men are affected, many between 25 and 50
years, by this type of arthritis. It usually affects the small finger
joints, wrists, knees and toes. Fatigue, weight loss and fever may
accompany the swelling and pain in the joints. Stiffness of joints
and surrounding muscles is a regular symptom. In some cases,
damages to the heart, lungs, eyes, skin and nerves may follow.
Though there is no universal agreement on the causes of this
disease, some doctors think it may be the result of an infection.
The joint linings become inflamed and destroy the cartilage and
the bone. Some doctors give large doses of aspirin or similar
drugs. If arthritis is very aggressive, drugs called DMARDs or
SAARDs are given. These may have hazardous side-effects and
needs close supervision. Surgeries like joint replacement, tendon
reconstruction and synovectomy will be necessary in very advanced
Common Types
Ford Foundation Project Reviewed ........................................... 3
Ayurvedic medicines manufactured at Lakshmi Seva Sangham for Arthritis......................................5
LSS President Conveys her Blessing to the Employees of LSS.............................................. 6
Review of SFURTI by CEO of KVIC ........................................ 7
Linkage Loan to SFURTI Artisans............................................... 7
Pro Vice Chancellor of IGNOU visits LSS.................................8
Smt. Sheela Rani Chunkath IAS at LSS..................................... 8
Inside
Definition
The word 'arthritis' means 'inflammation of the joint', as
'arthro' means 'joint' and 'itis' means 'inflammation'. Hence,
arthritis, generally, denotes a disease that causes pain in the
joints resulting in partial or complete loss of movement of
the joints. The inflammation occurs when the cartilage, that
acts as a cushion inside the joints, wear down and expose
the bone surfaces. People of all ages, even children, suffer
from arthritis now-a-days, though the disease is generally
connected with aging. In chronic cases, it can last, on and
off, a life time.
Description
More than 100 different types of arthritis, affecting different
parts of the body, have been identified. Besides joints, some
types of arthritis are seen to be associated with diseases of
other parts of the body. However, most of the patients suffer
swelling, redness, pain and subsequent loss of motion in the joints.
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in senior citizens.
Inflammation is usually a defense mechanism of the immune
system of the body. When an injury or the presence of disease-
causing viruses or bacteria is noticed at a place in the body, the
defending cells of the immune system rush to the place and wipe
out the cause of the problem. After the battle is won, the
inflammation goes away and the area becomes healthy again. But
in several forms of arthritis, the inflammation remains as the real
problem, damaging healthy tissues and causing further
ARTHRITIS
Continued on Page 4
Dr. T.S. SoundramFOUNDER
Ayur WatchA Lakshmi Seva Sangam Communiqué
Mrs. Padmaja RajagopalanPresident
Dr.R. Kousalya DeviVice-president
M.R. RajagopalanAdvisor
Shri.K. ShivakumarSecretary
Editorial Team
Shri. K. Shivakumar
Dr. V. Balamurugan
Dr. R. Ramesh
Ms. R. Manjula
Design and Layout
JB Multimedia,
Lakshmi Seva Sangham
Gandhigram 624 302
Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu
Telephone: 0451 2452308
Fax: 0451 2453277
e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
www.ayurwatch.com, www.glss.in
Address for communication
Certified Khadi & Village Industries Commission, MumbaiNSIC Certified
For private circulation only
An ISO 9001:2000 & GMPCertified Institution
Editorial
K.Shivakumar,
Secretary
Social organization in the not for profit sector for the welfare of people concern
Vision
To caters to the needs of the patients through promotion of traditional medicines
Mission
Yours sincerely,
Dear Friends,
Initiation of green
LSS team had been contemplating for the past few months on preparation of Siddha and
Ayurveda medicines using organic raw materials. A brainstorming session conducted
recently with Smt. Sheela Rani Chunkat, IAS, helped to generate a lot of new ideas. We
have started quite a few initiatives taking cue from her ideas and suggestions. We will be
happy if the Green Foundation and other like-minded organizations/agencies help us in
identifying the raw materials.
A meeting of the Sacred Herbs and Foods committee was convened. The discussions
concluded with a decision that representation should be made to the Governments of
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for the reservation of 15% for the organizations registered with
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and National Small Industries Corporation
Ltd. (NSIC) for price preference. The tender conditions include supply of medicines in pet
bottles and it was decided to represent to the Governments to use glass bottles instead
of plastic bottles.
LSS team discussed with Dr. Latha Pillai, Pro Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National
Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi on promoting the starting of two diploma courses
related to cultivation of medicinal plants and preparation of traditional medicines in
collaboration with IGNOU.
Ford Foundation project has been reviewed by the Programme Officer from the FORD
Foundation, New Delhi. The performance of SFURTI Project is being appreciated by CEO
and Director of SFURTI.
We are thankful to Shri M. Vallalar, IAS, District Collector & Chairman of Cluster
Development Coordination Group (CDCG) of SFURTI (KVIC) project for his valuable
suggestions for improving our documentation of the history of patients and studying the
impacts of our Siddha and Ayurveda medicines.
we are happy to inform that our Siddha & Ayurveda cluster under SFURTI baged National
Award for the best performing cluster in Southern States. We are thankful to KVIC,
Government of India for selecting us as a best cluster.
Dr. Ajit Kanitkar, Programme Officer, FORD Foundation, New Delhi
made a visit on 31.07.09 for reviewing the “Promotion of
Marketing Techniques of Indian Medicines” (PMTIM) project
implemented by Gandhigram Trust through Lakshmi Seva
Sangham. Gandhigram Trust has received $50,000 (Rs. 23,
71,148/-) from FORD FOUNDATION for LSS to promote the
marketing of Siddha & Ayurvedic medicines and to ensure the
sustainability of social development programmes for rural women.
With the aim to promote marketing in urban and rural areas by
developing low cost advertisement and designing brand identity
and penetration.
Dr. Ajit Kannikar, Programme officer reviewed the project and had
formal discussions with the project team. Dr. Kousalya Devi,
Managing Trustee of Gandhigram Trust had interaction with the
Progrmme Officer. Ms. R. Manjula, Project Coordinator presented
a PowerPoint presentation and explained about the programme
Marketing Promotional Activities of FORD Foundation Project
Three days training programme on Rural Marketing was thorganized & carried out at Gandhigram from 15-17 July 2009
for the SHG members from Vellore, Kanchipuram , Tirunelveli
and Tuticorin districts of Tamil Nadu and Thiruvananthapuram
district of Kerala. Another training programme for the
members of SHGs, and panchayat level federation members
from Cuddalore district was organized at Cuddalore on 22nd
July 2009.
and techniques carried out under the PMTIM project. Dr. Ajit went
through the various departments of LSS.
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Ford Foundation Project Reviewed
Training on rural marketing
The Sacred Herbs and Foods (Herbal and Neutraceutical
Manufacturers Net work) represented to the Chief Minister of
Tamil Nadu on behalf of the members who are manufacturing
Ayurvedic and Siddha products certified by Khadi & Village
Industries Commission (KVIC) and National Small Industries
Corporation Limited (NSIC), on their supplies to the to
Government Departments. They requested the state Government
to accept price preference up to 15% over the lowest acceptable
offer from the large scale private sector units as per the KVIC
(No.3.8.1) and NSIC (note No.2) guidelines to those institutions
that are certified by both KVIC and NSIC.
Appeal to Govt. of Tamil Nadu
stages of the disease and are reported to be more successful.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
This is a form of chronic arthritis attacking children and may start
with fever and rash. Usually, it takes a long time to diagnose the
disease correctly. After 10 years, the disease may stop
progressing, but the damage done may be permanent and result
in further deterioration of the joints. Though the patient may get
completely cured of the disease, a deformity may remain till
death.
Osteoarthritis
Affecting almost all who cross 60 years of age, it is also known as
degenerative joint disease, arthrosis, osteoarthrosis and
hypertrophic arthritis. There is no complete cure for osteoarthritis
in allopathy, but proper treatment can help relieve the symptoms.
Besides these common types, there are other types like psoriatic
arthritis in which psoriasis accompanies arthritis, autoimmune
diseases in which the body attacks itself, septic arthritis in which
there is severe infection of the joints, gouty arthritis in which uric
acid crystals are deposited in the joints, etc.
Treatment of Arthritis
The main treatments in any form of arthritis are physical therapy
and occupational therapy to maintain joint mobility and range of
motion. Among the drugs administered to the arthritis patients
there may be non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin,
ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac. These are considered rather
safe. The second line of drugs for treating rheumatoid arthritis are
hydroxychloroquine, gold, penicillamine, azathioprine,
sulfasalazine and methotrexate. These can help delay the
progress of the disease, but have severe adverse effects.
Ayurveda classifies arthritis as a vata (air) related disease generally
that is caused by the accumulation of toxins in the body. External
causes are cold, damp and windy climate. Internal causes are
related to low Agni (poor digestive fire) leading to a built-up of
toxins in the body. Some ayurvedic treatises classify arthritis into
three types:
Vata type in which the joints will crack and pop
Pitta type in which the joints are red, hot and swollen
Kapha type in which the joints are stiff and swollen but cold
and clammy
The remedies in Ayurvedic treatment begins with the revival of the
digestive fire through short fasting to burn up the accumulated
toxins. Dietary restrictions avoiding heavy and damp food items
and encouraging intake of hot spicy herbs like cayenne, dry
Arthritis and Ayurveda
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ginger, cinnamon are put in place. Massaging the affected parts
and whole body massage with medicated oils are done to reduce
the pain and regain flexibility of the joints. Ayurvedic compound
Triphala to cleanse the colon and Guggul for cleaning and
strengthening the bone tissue are recommended. Turmeric
powder in warm water is also beneficial in relieving the
symptoms.
Guggul comes from the yellow resin produced by the stem of
Mukul Myrrh. It is the herb that is most used for the treatment of
arthritis in Ayurveda because of its amazing properties. It is anti-
inflammatory, analgesic and is an immune enhancer. Ricinus
communis, zingiber officinalis, cedrus deodara, tinospora
cordifolia, strychnos nux vomica, black pepper, winter cherry and
cinamonum camphora also have curing properties in the case of
arthritis in its various forms.
Lakshmi Seva Sangham is producing medications that are very
effective in the treatment of arthritis. Vatha Sanjeevi Tahailam is
massage oil that can be used in the treatment of all forms of
arthritis and Mahayogaraja Guggulu tablets are very popular
among the ayurvedic practitioners as sure remedy for arthritis.
Besides, the medication in paste form named Aswgandhadi
Lehyam is also a powerful tool in fighting arthritis, if taken
regularly for a long period. All these medications may be taken
under the supervision of an experienced practitioner of
Ayurveda/Siddha system. And finally, here are some home
remedies from all over the world, which you may try, and may be
useful, during the initial stages of the disease:
2 spoons of lemon juice with 1 spoon of honey in warm water
twice a day
Half-a-spoon of turmeric powder in warm water
Alfalfa tea twice a day
Rubbing the aching joints with hot vinegar to reduce pain
Two parts of olive oil with one of kerosene as liniment to
bathe joints
One garlic clove, lightly fried in ghee, every day for two
months
Exercising the afflicted joints in a tub full of hot water
Half-a-spoon of guggul twice a day with warm water after
meals
One spoon of cod-liver oil with orange juice before going to
sleep
It may be kept in mind that these home remedies and dietary
controls and exercises will not be sufficient in the chronic stages
of arthritis. Only Ayurvedic or Siddha treatment under the
supervision of an experienced practitioner of those systems of
medicine can cure the disease at an advanced stage.
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Continued from Page1
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Ayurvedic medicines manufactured at Lakshmi Seva Sangham for Arthritis Amavadha Thailam
It is an anti-inflammatory, and
is used for joint pains and
inflammation (swelling). Hot
fermentation should be given
after one hour after the external
application of the oil
(Amavadha Thailam).
Balaguduchyadi thailam
It relives pain and
burning sensations
of the body, when
applied externally. It
is also used for
inflammatory and
rheumatic swelling.
It is used in the
treatment of nervous
disorders like paralysis,
hemiplegia, facial
paralysis, neuritis and
neurasthenia. For
external uses only.
Dhanvantara Thailam Karpooradhi Thailam
It relieves pain and is
rubbed over
inflammatory swellings
and on the chest in
pneumonia and
pleurisy. For external
use only.
Ksheerbala thailam (ordinary)
It is useful in nervous
debility of joint pain.
For external use only.
It is used in the
treatment of paralysis
and similar diseases
relating to the nervous
system externally. For
external use only.
Narayana Thailam Vishamushti Thailam
It is anti-
inflammatory, anti-
erotic and is for
external application
only.
Karpasasthyadhi Thailam
It is a nervine tonic and is
anti-rheumatic. It is used
in paralysis and
hemiplegia. Though it is
generally used externally,
it is also given internally
with hot milk in some
cases.
Ksheerabala (101)
It is a nervine tonic and is
anti-rheumatic. It is used in
paralysis and hemiplegia.
Though it is generally used
externally, it is also given
internally with hot milk.
It is used in arthritis,
inflammatory swelling
burns and wounds.
Pinda Thailam
Arthritic joint surfaces
Medial Meniscus
Femur
Patella
Lateral meniscus
Tibia
Khadi outlet Managers @ LSS A meeting was arranged for the Managers of Khadi outlets on
05.08.09 to strengthen the market promotion of Siddha and
Ayurveda medicines. Shri. K. Shiva Kumar, Secretary of LSS, shared
details about the target achieved so far by LSS with the support of
the Khadi outlet. He congratulated the Managers for extending
the support and requested to increase the sales of the Siddha,
Ayurveda and Khadi products.
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LSS President Conveys her Blessing to the Employees of LSS A team members met Smt. Padmaja Rajagopalan, President of
LSS, in her residence at Bangalore on 18th July 2009 and narrated
the activities of LSS as well as the Human Resource and Welfare
Programmes of LSS.
She appreciated the happenings and blessed all employees for
running the unit in a successful manner.
LSS maintains the Gandhigram traditions
by planting new plants on Tagore Day. The
model of the place for planting has been
designed in such a way that the usage of
the different medicinal herbs for different
systems of the body is represented.
Tagore Day Celebrations
Navaga Gugglu
It is used in rheumatic
disorder, arthritis, chronic
ulcers and boils sciatica. It
is a deodorant and
reduces obesity and hyper-
cholestreamia.
Mahayogaraja Guggulu
It is a blood purifier and is
anti-inflammatory. It is
used in arthritis and
rheumatism.
It is anti-rheumatic and
anti-inflammatory. It is used
in rheumatic fever, arthritis,
sciatica and neuritis.
Maharasnathi kwatha choornam
It is a blood purifier in
Gout and arthritis. It is
given with Mahayogaraja
Gugglu.
Manjishtadhi kwatha choornam
Our advisor Shri M. R.
Rajagopalan, on his
appointment as an Executive
Committee member for the
third consecutive term in
CAPART.
LSS congratulates
A team of Siddha vaithyas from Chennai visited Lakshmi Seva
Sangham and its units on 6th June 2009. The Siddha Vaithyas
were very excited after viewing the production and the quality
control lab. They appreciated the fact that the medicines are
manufactured in a clean environment using the traditional
methodologies. The medicines produced are of high standard
and good quality, they stated after the visit.
Campus visit of Siddha Vaithyas
The performance and achivement for the past two years of the
SFURTI project implemented by LSS along with the necessary
documents for the release of further grant was handed over to
the Director, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC),
Divisional Office, Madurai for forwarding the same to the Central
Office, Mumbai, on 14th July 2009.
Performance and Achievement Report of SFURTIsubmitted to Khadi and Village Industries Commission
As part of the programme the SFURTI team arranged linkage loan
to the artisans who are involved in collection, cultivation and semi
processing of medicinal plants from the State Bank of India and
the Canara Bank. LSS and SFURTI express their sincere thanks to
State Bank of India, Ambathurai branch, and Canara Bank,
Gandhigram Branch, who helped us a lot by providing Linkage
loans tor SHG groups and Individual loans to individual
entrepreneurs. The loan amount not only helped them as working
capital but also reduced the money borrowing from private money
lenders at exorbitant rates of interest.
Linkage Loan to SFURTI Artisans REVIEW of SFURTI by CEO of KVIC
The Chairman- CDCG & District Collector visit Implementing Agency of Siddha and Ayurveda Cluster of SFURTI
The Project SFURTI implemented by LSS was reviewed by the Chief
Executive Officer of KVIC, Dy. CEO of Southern Zone and the
Director of SFURTI at Bangalore on 16th and 17th July 2009. Dr.
V. Balamurugan, CDE of the project and Shri J. Ananda Gandhi,
Finance Controller of LSS attended the meeting and explained the
targets already achieved and to be implemented in the next year
under SFURTI. The committee appreciated the team for the
successful implementation of the project.
The District Collector and Chairman of CDCG of SFURTI visited LSS on 8th August 2009 along
with the member CDCG & Project Officer of Women Development Corporation, Dindigul District.
The team went around the production unit of Siddha and Ayurveda unit. He suggested that the
effect of Siddha and Ayurvedic medicines in each disease should be documented in a scientific
manner. The activities of SFURTI and the present status were explained to the team. We also
requested financial assistance for the construction of CFC to be started at Kodaikanal shortly.
-7-
Propagation of Siddha & Ayurveda
medicines has been demonstrated
in front of the villagers at
Thottanoothu village, Dindigul on
26th June 09. FORD and SFURTI
team have performed a skit before
The Ford team has focused and covered three more districts viz.,
Vellore, Theni and Dindigul, for sales promotion camps. During
this period the team has targeted fifty traditional healers and
thirty five Siddha & Ayurveda medical practitioners. This
programme helps us to build and strengthen the relationship
between the LSS, plus doctors prescribing Siddha and Ayurveda
medicines and consumers.
Sales Promotion Camp under FORD
Awareness CampaignParticipation in Herbal Expo 2009 The Siddha medical students have organized Herbal Expo 2009
from 16th to 19th July 2009, at Anna Hospital, Chennai to create
awareness on Siddha and Ayurveda medicines among the public.
In this programme, SHG members of SFURTI and FORD marketing
promoters got an exposure of the Siddha and Ayurvedic
medicines. They explained about the goodness of Siddha and
Ayurvedic medicines. Good response and new trade enquiries
were received as a result of this programme.
Mrs. Latha Pillai, Pro Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, Delhi, visited the
campus of LSS on 21.07.09 and felt that it's very impressive work
in the area of traditional medicines by the Sangham. She also
added that a formal way to pass on this knowledge may be
considered. Shri Shiva Kumar, Secretary of LSS and Dr. Pankajam,
former Vice-Chancellor of Gandhigram Rural University & Director
of Dr. Soundram Community College shared their experiences and
the activities to be commenced under LSS and Gandhigram Trust.
Dr. V. Balamurugan and Ms. R. Manjula explained activities
undertaken in the SFURTI and PMTIM projects respectively.
Pro Vice Chancellor of IGNOU visits LSS
the audience, depicting the importance of Siddha & Ayurveda
medicines and their special features. Nearly 350 people, including
the Community leaders, ward councillors, other ward members of
the community & the public viewed the programmes.
Smt. Sheela Rani Chunkath IAS visits LSS
Smt. Sheela Rani
Chunkath, IAS, Principal
Secretary / Chairperson
& Managing Director of
The Tamilnadu Industrial
Investment Corporation
Limited visited LSS on
3rd August 2009.
During her visit, she made a brain storming session with the team
for future strategic plan of LSS. She appreciated the professional
integrity the LSS staff have maintained and advised LSS to start a
clinical lab and hospital.
We are happy to inform that our Dindigul Siddha and Ayurveda
Cluster under SFURTI implementing by Lakshmi Seva Sangham has
been selected as a best cluster for National Award-2009 representing
South Zone. We are thankful to Khadi and Village Industries
Commission (Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,
Government of India) for selecting us for the National Award. Shri M.
R. Rajagopalan, Secretary of Gandhigram Trust and Adviser of LSS
received the Award from the Hon'ble Union Minister for MSME Shri
Dinsha J Patel at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on 28th August 2009.
National Award for SFURTI