Scientists To Study How Herbs Work.

Scientists might soon be able to tell how Ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi and Amlaki boost the memory. In an effort to validate Ayurvedic medicine, a team of city scientists and medical practitioners have started work towards gathering evidence on how 40 traditional herbal drugs prescribed by the 6th

century physician Vaghbhata, function at a cellular level in animal tissues and organs through the use of radionuclides.

Radionuclides, also referred to as radioisotopes, are chemical substances that exhibit radioactivity.
“Presently, Ayurvedic doctors prescribe drugs without knowing how they function at a molecular level in the human body. Even the extent of its localisation around the organs, to gauge effectiveness of prescribed dosage, is not known,” said Dr RD Lele, head of nuclear medicine at Lilavati Hospital and the brain behind the project. “We want to study the mechanism of action of the drug in the body. There could be a placebo effect where the patient believes that the drug is working and hence feels better. And if the drug works, we want to know how they work at a molecular level,” said Dr Lele.
The research is a collaboration between the Haffkine Institute, Parel, the Board of Research in  Isotope Technology (BRIT), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and a few independent doctors.
On February 24, Dr Lele and Dr Abhay Chowdhury, director of the Haffkine Institute, will present their initial study at the Department of Science and Technology to seek financial support. Ayurveda experts are skeptical about the study.

Ayahuasca Admixture.

Ajos Sacha - It is added to the brew to drive away evil spirits, or to purify the blood and body to make the ayahuasca more readily accepted. It is good for depression,  repairs the energy in all the body, and offers protection. Can also be used in baths.

Bobinsana - It is said to root the person more closely to the natural realm allowing them to communicate with plant spirits.  The spirit of this plant is said to come out of the water and appears as a mermaid.

Cat's Claw/Una de Gato - A very sacred herb in the Amazon. Shamans believe that during illness, the soul becomes sick first and then the body and that Cat's Claw can help to overcome illness by balancing the physical and spiritual worlds.

Chiricapsi - Very small amounts. It is believed in Iquitos that, brunfelsia grandiflora makes ayahuasca more powerful and produces acoustical effects "like rain in the ear." It allows connection with the inner self, reflection on past events and is said to repair the energy of the body.

Chuchuhuasi -It is believed to be a master spiritual plant.  Used as a general tonic and can help to overcome challenge of sustained ayahuasca use and the dietas (controlled diet). It is also a mild stimulant and relieves tiredness. It balances our masculine and feminine energies, it gives strength and reflection and awareness.

Clavo Huasca  - Sometimes added to the brew or taken simultaneously to help reduce nausea and diahorrea. It is also believed to allow spiritual growth.

Guayusa - Has stimulant properties and is believed to take away fear and allow harmonisation with the jungle.

Mucura  - Used for cleansing baths and in Ayahuasca to protect against withcraft, fear and bad luck.

Tobbaco - Master plant which teaches the art of healing.

Toe - Tiny amounts (2 or 3 leaves in 30 doses). Is believed to be a master plant which gives vision.

Ucho sanango/Bonafousia undulata  - Used to gain psychic power and strength.

Yawar Panga/Aristolochia didyma  - Cleanses upper chakras and releases blocked energies.