Health news blog

SUCKLE stands for the soul quality of adaptability. In positive Honeysuckle state the person is adaptable to change in circumstances, change in conditions and does not find himself stuck up in the memories of the past when the present calls for action due to change of circumstances. Not that he washes his hands clear of his past life or his past experiences. He remembers them alright, and makes use of his past experiences for the benefit of the future—he does not repeat the mistakes for which he suffered; he does not trust the “friends” who betrayed him and does not ignore those who were sincere to him. He has a rational mind. He understands that “change’ is the very essence of life. It is only the dead who do not face any change except decay. They adapt themselves to the present-day changed circumstances and keep on moving towards then destiny guided by their Higher Self.*120\308\8*

The actinomycetes has been found to be the most promising group of microorganisms particularly for their industrial uses for the production of antibiotics, enzymes and related compounds. Among the antibiotic producing actinomycetes, the genus Streptomyces, is well known since the discovery of streptomycin. Later on several other antibiotics have been reported from various strains of this genus. However, species of this genus differ greatly in their response to various physical and chemical conditions around them. The characterization of morphological and biochemical properties, and the conditions favouring production of antibiotic like substances by this group of organisms is an important aspect for should be worked out in detail for their practical application.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
More that hundred actinomycetes were isolated from soil samples collected from places of Sagar District (Madhya Pradesh) by using the method of Williams and Cross. Out of these isolates one strain, i.e., Ac43 which showed promising antagonistic activity during screening was selected for further detailed study.

Antagonistic activity

Antagonistic activity of the above strain was tested against 14 pathogens by using the cross streak method as suggested by Casida.

Cultural characteristics

The test strain Ac43 was grown on the following three media and the cultural characteristics were noted:

(i)    Yeast Extract Malt Extract Agar

Yeast Extract – 4.0 gm, Malt extract – 10.0 gm, Dextrose – 4.0 gm, Distilled Water – 1000 ml, Agar-agar – 20.0 gm, pH adjusted to 7.3.

(ii)    Inorganic Salts – Starch Agar

Solution (A). 10.0 gm. starch was dissolved in distilled
water and then final volume of the solution was made to 500
ml.    *

Solution (B). K2HP04 – 1.0 gm, MgSo4.7H20 – 1.0 gm, NaCI -1.0 gm, (NH4)2S04 – 2.0 gm, CaC03 – 2.0 gm, were dissolved in 400 ml distilled water and to this 1.0 ml trace salt solution (FeS04.7H20 – 0.1 gm, MnCI2.4H20- 0.1 gm, ZnS04.7H20 – 0.1 gm, Distilled water – 1000.00 ml) was added to this. Its pH was adjusted to 7.0 before raising its. final volume to 500 ml.

Both solution A and B were fixed together and then to this, 20 gm Agar-agar was added before sterilization.

(iii)     Glycerol – Asparagine Agar

L – asparagine (anhydrous basis ) – 1.0 gm, Glycerol -10.0 gm, K2HP04 (anhydrous basis) – 1.0.gm.

Trace salts solution – 1.0 ml were dissolved in distilled water. The pH was adjusted to 7.2 and then the volume finally raised to 1000 ml with distilled water. To this 20 gm agar was added.

The morphological details of the mycelium, spore bearing structures, etc. were made by using microscopic methods. The colour of the colony, mycelium, etc. were recorded with the help of Rayner’s Mycological Colour Chart (CMI, Kew) while the melanin formation was studied following the method of Shirling and Gottlieb.

Biochemical Characterization

Tests were made to evaluate the production of H2S gas and acid by using standard methods (Hi-Media). For the study of catalase activity and starch hydrolysing capacity the method described by Waksman was used. The utilization of carbohydrates was determined by the method as given by Pridham and Gottlieb.

Antibiotic Production

The production of antibiotic was tested in the starch peptone broth having pH 7.2 . For this the organism was grown in 150 ml flask containing 30 ml of above medium on a reciprocating shaker (160 rpm) at 28°±2°C for 10 days. After incubation all the flasks were taken out and the content of each flask was filtered and to obtain a cell free extract the filtrate was then centrifuged at 6000 rpm for 20 minutes. The supernatant was condensed to 2 ml and purified by using silica gel column.

The purified sample was then studied by using thin layer chromatography. For chromatograpic analysis three solvent systems i.e., ethyl acetate : methanol (95:5), acetone : water (9:4) and butanol saturated with water were used as suggested by Stahl. The developed chromatograms were observed under ultraviolet Tight. Samples indicating the flourescent spot at or above Rf 0.80 were considered positive for production of polyene antibiotics. To confirm antibiotic production the spots were eluated by using ethyl acelate: methanol and the absorption spectrum of the eluate was obtained using Shimadzu, Double – beam spectrophotometer, UV-190. The spectrum was obtained at a wave length of 250 – 340 nm.
*3\218\2*

In the past it was considered important to sleep with the windows open. Today central heating is the accepted norm in many homes and it is therefore essential to open all windows before going to bed, letting in fresh, cool, oxygen-rich air. Unfortunately, this may have other drawbacks because in modern industrial towns there are many pollutants present in the air. Should you be fortunate enough to live in a relatively unpolluted area, keep a small window open for ventilation if your bedroom is heated. Draughts can be prevented by closing the curtains. It is important to realise that stale air in the bedroom disturbs the normal exchange of gases and sleep will not provide the rest it should. No wonder so many people still feel tired in the morning!

It is one thing to take care and change the bed linen frequently, but it is equally important to keep the body clean by daily washing. Never go to bed when the body is hot and sweaty; first take a shower or at least wash yourself down and remove all sweat and dirt. Sweating is healthy because it brings out toxins, but it also demands thorough washing. Dried up sweat clogs the pores and the toxins stick to the skin. Therefore, a clean body is part and parcel of salutary sleep.

*1218/28/1*

Thinking things over, I hit on the idea of exercising the abdominal organs by rhythmic breathing. At first I practised this by drawing in the abdomen when I inhaled, and pressing it out when I exhaled. On further consideration, however, I decided to reverse the order of things and draw in the abdomen when I exhaled and press it out when I inhaled. This resulted in considerable relief after a little while. The gases escaped and I felt better.

It is true to say that the exercises made me a little tired to begin with and gave me light pains that reminded me of aching muscles, but soon I noticed a peculiar warmth surge through the body. The pain in the heart region disappeared. I increased the breathing exercises daily, doing them once, twice, three times, four times a day, very briefly at first, then for five, ten, fifteen minutes. I exhaled slowly and steadily while pulling in the abdomen at the same time, then inhaled and slowly pressed out the abdomen. If this is done vigorously, the chest really fills up well and, in time, can hold twice as much air as before.

*1149/28/1*

Coffee, as a product of the coffee tree, has such a general acceptance all over the world that millions of tons of beans are consumed annually. Because of its composition, it is not surprising that many people concerned with their health are talking about it in conferences and in the press and other media. Coffee can damage our health, for it has been shown to have an

injurious effect on the nerves of those people who are already ‘living on their nerves’; it peps them up. Although I disapprove of the regular use of this nerve poison, I drink coffee to stay awake and alert on occasions when I am forced to drive long distances at night. Still, I know it does not do my nerves any good. True, I cannot justify drinking coffee except that on such occasions it is better than falling asleep over the steering wheel and causing an accident. If one is not a regular coffee drinker and only takes it occasionally as a stimulant, that is, a medicine, its immediate effect is amazing. If, however, you have been drinking coffee regularly, perhaps three or more cups of a strong brew every day, you will be used to it and the effect will be weaker or not apparent at all. Caffeine dilates the blood vessels and coffee, used as medicine, is therefore indicated as a chemical vasodilator.

*1080/28/1*

If you wish to sweeten your morning dish of muesli, you do not need either sugar or honey. Currants or raisins will amply sweeten your breakfast dish; just put them through the mincer and add them to the rest. Honey and grape sugar are excellent, nutritious sweeteners. Condensed sugar cane juice, pear or peach syrup and similar forms of sugar, which have not been refined, can also be used with confidence.

The commercially prepared so-called grape sugar, glucose or dextrose, made from corn (maize) starch, does not belong in the category of natural sugars. The chemical formula of synthetic grape sugar happens to be the same as that of natural sugar made from grapes. The two have nothing else in common. In fact, the ‘grape sugar’ or dextrose that is sold over-the-counter in powder or tablet form is a misnomer. To be sure, it supplies calories, it gives energy, but it lacks the nutritive and curative properties of the genuine grape juice. After all, we are not so interested in the chemical formula of sugar, but in its effect on our health.

*1010/28/1*

I prefer to call the evening meal ‘supper’ rather than ‘dinner’ because it should be a light meal rather than a heavy main one. Nor should it be eaten too late at night. A light meal will be well digested before it is time to go to bed. Supper may be the same as breakfast, but it does not have to consist of sweet food and fruit, although a fruit salad makes a pleasant change, especially if served with any of the whole cereal flakes or corn flakes. A good and inexpensive mixture is one made with ordinary oat flakes, currants or raisins and chopped nuts.

Be careful to use nuts sparingly at the end of the day. True, they are nourishing, but are intended for moderate consumption. Pine kernels make a pleasant change from walnuts and are tasty and nutritive. Crispbread and wholegrain (wholewheat) bread with a little butter or a good vegetable margarine go well with fruit salad, but if you have a problem with your liver, consider using honey or raw rose hip puree instead of fat.

*939/28/1*

Of course, if we did not season our food at all we would soon lose our appetite. It is true that bland food does not appeal to our tastebuds; instead, it can make us go off food altogether. The herbs we can sow or plant in the garden are sometimes also sold at the market. They are the basis for mild yet tasty seasoning. However, be careful with pepper, nutmeg and similar spices; better still, avoid them completely, since they are able to cause a lot of upsets. Peppers are an exception, if they are eaten only occasionally in small quantities and do not upset your digestion.

A suggested diet for the liver patient is given below. Further details about diets and care of the liver are given in the well-known book The Liver, the Regulator of Your Health. This book contains some excellent menus for meals, recipes and, of course, dietary instructions.

*473/28/1*

One of the best remedies is tormentil tincture, prepared from the fresh plant. It is most effective when taken in conjunction with sedative oat juice, Avena sativa, the combination being known as Tormentavena. By taking five drops in a little water every hour and preferably also refraining from eating, this excellent preparation stops even chronic cases of diarrhoea, usually within a day or two. This is a simple, completely harmless, yet most reliable botanical remedy and can be given even to infants without any danger. Temporary relief may also be obtained from raw rolled oats if masticated well and nothing else is added to them. Wood ash or charcoal made from lime wood have a beneficial therapeutic effect. Clay, white healing earth, is also recommended and is very effective.

When diarrhoea has been brought under control and can be considered arrested, it is necessary to consolidate the normal condition and complete the healing process by creating a new bacterial flora in the intestines. Two remedies are available that will help to achieve this: Acidophilus in powder form and the lactic acid preparation Molkosan. It generally takes a long time for the intestinal flora to become sufficiently established so that the intestine can once again function normally without assistance. Much care and patience are the key to beating this problem.

*416/28/1*

It also appears that a new road to successful treatment has been found in positively influencing the patient’s mineral metabolism. As a rule, epileptics have a low calcium level and often eliminate a lot of calcium, especially that bound to phosphorus, through the urine. For this reason a calcium therapy, together with an

appropriate diet, is advisable and beneficial. In addition to eating foods high in calcium, the patient should take Urticalcin, a biological calcium complex, as well as other supplements as described below. Besides being very effective, this treatment has no harmful side effects. The same cannot be said for treatment with bromine because over a period of time the patient’s emotional and mental health invariably begins to suffer.

*359/28/1*