Q: My 10-year-old daughter has problems concentrating in school. She gets distracted easily and often forgets to hand in her homework. She does very poorly on tests. She feels very hot all the time; she is very restless, and very active. You had mentioned Gotu Kola for concentration in an earlier Ayurveda Helpline. What dosage do you recommend? Also, are there any other remedies? -Sam
A: You can give her one tablet of Gotu Kola with water daily after dinner and one tablet of Amla daily after breakfast.
Q: I am a 29-year-old married woman. What would you advise to improve my chances of getting pregnant? I believe that Ayurvedic remedies can help. -Jia
A: Not being able to become pregnant after a year of trying could be infertility. If you think you might be infertile, consult your gynecologist. If findings are within limit, you can take one capsule of Shatawari twice a day, and one teaspoon of Phal Ghrit (medicated ghee) with milk, in the evening, for three months.
Q: I have a 21-year-old daughter and she has acne issues. She washes her face every day, eats a vegetarian diet, and takes a daily multi-vitamin as well as fish, flaxseed, borage oil, and Omega 3, 6, 9 combined in one supplement. Any Ayurvedic remedies she could try to help get her skin to a more normal condition? -Amy
A: Acne usually begins with blackheads. Blackheads are not dirt, they’re actually the result of oil and dead cells getting trapped in a pore where they block the duct and mix with bacteria. They then turn black when exposed to air. Red pimples develop when blackheads become inflamed and they spread when touched with dirty hands. When the pimple becomes infected, it develops a whitehead or pustule. This can break and cause scars. Your daughter can take one tablet of Amla twice a day and one tablet of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) twice a day. She should avoid oily, spicy foods and she needs to drink a lot of water and fluids. She should also eat lots of fruits and green vegetables. You can ask her to wash her face with mild soap and cold water, two to four times daily. Don’t apply any ointments on the face.
Q: I have had gall bladder surgery. Am I still at risk for getting gall stones and are there remedies? -Sean
A: Cholesterol gallstones are composed mainly of cholesterol which is made in the liver, and pigment gallstones are composed of calcium salts, bilirubin and other materials. You can take Arogya Vardhini Vati, two tablets with water, three times a day before meals. You can also take Guggul capsules twice a day. You can drink one cup of radish juice daily. Also, drink a lot of water. Avoid fatty food and dairy products.
Q: I am a working woman and I often suffer from severe stress, anxiety and panic attacks. It has begun to affect my work and home life. Please recommend Ayurvedic remedies. -Bea
A: You can take two capsules of Ashwagandha, an hour before going to bed, and a tablet of Brahmi twice a day. You can massage your head with almond oil or olive oil daily. You should also do mind-relaxing exercises.
