Medicated Hand Kerchiefs

8/8/2019 Medicated Hand Kerchiefs

1/31

1. INTRODUCTION

Health is defined as the general condition of a person in all aspects. Health is

defined as being "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not

merely the absence of disease or infirmity or it is also a level of functional or metabolic

efficiency of an organism. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal

resources, as well as physical capacities." Overall health is achieved through a

combination of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, which, together is

commonly referred to as the Health Triangle.

All human beings suffer from some common health problems . However we take

care of our health, there are some common health problems which occur often in our

human body such as cold, head ache and digestion health problems. Generally we protect

ourselves by taking antibiotics but the best way to protect ourselves from the health

problems is to use herbals because antibiotics cause harm to the body by killing the

friendly flora and fauna, side by side with the bacteria or virus. Taking this fact into

consideration, it seems to be more preferable to go in for natural cure for treating various

health problems.

And in common to maintain us from personal health and hygiene, we use

handkerchiefs, typically a hemmed square of thin fabric that can be carried on purse or

pocket typically intended for our day to day life for wiping ones hands, blowing ones

nose, wiping face, keep us free from dust etc. Therefore handkerchiefs play a great role in

our life. Hence it was decided to prepare the medicated handkerchiefs for different health

problems.

1.1 OBJECTIVE

To prepare Handkerchiefs for cold, head ache and indigestion.

1


2/31

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS

2.1.1 COLD

Cold is an ailment that affects the upper respiratory tract of a person i.e. nose and

throat. It is basically caused by picornaviruses, including rhinoviruses or corona viruses.

Though a harmless disease, common cold is highly contagious and can spread easily, and

rapidly, from one individual to other. The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract

infection (VURI), acute viral rhinopharyngitis, acute coryza, or cold) is a contagious,

viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system, caused primarily by rhinoviruses

and corona viruses. Common symptoms include a sore throat, runny nose, and fever.

There is no cure, however symptoms usually resolve spontaneously in 7 to 10 days, with

some symptoms possibly lasting for up to three weeks.

The common cold is the most frequent infectious disease in humans with on

average two to four infections a year in adults and up to 6 - 12 in children. Collectively,

colds, influenza, and other infections with similar symptoms are included in the diagnosis

of influenza-like illness. They may also be termed upper respiratory tract infections

(URTI). Influenza involves the lungs while the common cold does not.

2.1.1.2 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms are cough, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion; sometimes

this may be accompanied by conjunctivitis ( pink eye ), muscle aches, fatigue, headaches,

shivering, and loss of appetite. Fever is often present thus creating a symptom picture

which overlaps with influenza. The symptoms of influenza however are usually more

severe. The common cold usually resolves spontaneously in 7 to 10 days, but some

symptoms can last for up to three weeks. In children the cough lasts for more than 10

days in 35-40% and continues for more than 25 days in 10%.

Those suffering from colds often report a sensation of chilliness even though the

cold is not generally accompanied by fever, and although chills are generally associated

2


3/31

with fever, the sensation may not always be caused by actual fever. In one study, 60% of

those suffering from a sore throat and upper respiratory tract infection reported

headaches, often due to nasal congestion.

2.1.1.3 CAUSE

VIRUSES

The common cold is due to a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The

most common implicated is rhinovirus (30-50%), a type of picornavirus with 99 known

serotypes. Others include: corona virus (10-15%), influenza (5-15%), human

parainfluenza viruses, human respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and

metapneumovirus.

In total over 200 serologically different viral types cause colds. Corona viruses

are particularly implicated in adult colds. Of over 30 corona viruses, 3 or 4 cause

infections in humans, but they are difficult to grow in the laboratory and their

significance is thus less well-understood. Due to the many different types of viruses and

their tendency for continuous mutation, it is impossible to gain complete immunity to the

common cold.

RISK FACTORS:

A tendency to touch your eyes or nose. If you touch your eyes or nose frequently,

you are increasing the likelihood of transferring viruses from your hands into your upper

respiratory tract.

Not keeping your hands clean. Cleaning hands with soap and water, or with an

alcohol-based hand sanitizer, has many benefits. First, it helps to reduce (although it does

not eliminate) the chance of transferring the virus to your eyes or nose if you DO

accidentally touch them. Second, cleaning your hands helps to reduce the spread of

viruses from surface to surface, thereby reducing the number of "danger points" for both

you and the people around you. And anything you can do to help keep others from

3


4/31

getting colds will help to break the viruses' chain of transmission, thereby ultimately

perhaps keeping you healthy as well.

A history of smoking extends the duration of illness about three days. A lack of

sleep has been associated with those who sleep fewer than 7 hours per night three times

more likely to develop an infection when exposed to a rhinovirus than those who sleep

more than 8 hours per night.

Low blood vitamin D levels are associated with an increased the risk of getting a

common cold. Common colds are seasonal, occurring more frequently during winter.

This is believed to be due to a behaviors changes such as increased time spent indoors at

close proximity to others rather exposure to cold temperatures.Humidity may play a role

in viral transmission. One theory is that dry air causes evaporation of water thus allowing

small viral droplets to disperse farther and stay in the air longer.

2.1.2 HEADACHE

The pain that is experienced in head or upper neck area is called headache. It is

one of the most common ailments affecting people these days. From being mild in nature,

headaches can go up to being so severe that they disrupt your daily routines.

In medicine, a headache or cephalalgia is a symptom of a number of different

conditions of the head. Headache is caused by a disturbance of the pain-sensitive

structures in the head. The brain in itself is not sensitive to pain, because it lacks

nociceptors. Several areas of the head and neck have the pain-sensitive structures. The

pain-sensitive structures are divided in two: within the cranium (blood vessels, meninges,

and the cranial nerves) and outside the cranium (the periosteum of the skull, muscles,

nerves, arteries and veins, subcutaneous tissues, eyes, ears, sinuses and mucous

membranes).There are a number of different classification systems for headaches. Causes of

headache can be divided into life threatening causes and benign causes.

4


5/31

2.1.2.1 SERIOUS CAUSES:

Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and

spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges.The inflammation may be caused by

infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain

drugs. Meningitis can be life-threatening because of the inflammation's proximity to the

brain and spinal cord; therefore the condition is classified as a medical emergency.

The most common symptoms of meningitis are headache and neck stiffness

associated with fever, confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to

tolerate light (photophobia) or loud noises (phonophobia). Sometimes, especially in small

children, only nonspecific symptoms may be present, such as irritability and drowsiness.

If a rash is present, it may indicate a particular cause of meningitis; for instance,

meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria may be accompanied by a characteristic

rash.

A lumbar puncture may be used to diagnose or exclude meningitis. This involves

inserting a needle into the spinal canal to extract a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF),

the fluid that envelops the brain and spinal cord. The CSF is then examined in a medical

laboratory. The usual treatment for meningitis is the prompt application of antibiotics and

sometimes antiviral drugs. In some situations, corticosteroid drugs can also be used toprevent complications from overactive inflammation. Meningitis can lead to serious long-

term consequences such as deafness, epilepsy, hydrocephalus and cognitive deficits,

especially if not treated quickly. Some forms of meningitis (such as those associated with

meningococci, Haemophilus influenza type B, pneumococci or mumps virus infections)

may be prevented by immunization.

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain.Encephalitis with meningitis is

known as meningoencephalitis.A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the

brain, which can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). It is defined as any

intracranial tumor created by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division, normally either in

the brain itself (neurons, glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells,

myelin-producing Schwann cells), lymphatic tissue, blood vessels), in the cranial nerves,

in the brain envelopes (meninges), skull, pituitary and pineal gland, or spread from

5


6/31

cancers primarily located in other organs (metastatic tumors).Primary (true) brain tumors

are commonly located in the posterior cranial fossa in children and in the anterior two-

thirds of the cerebral hemispheres in adults, although they can affect any part of the brain.

In the United States in the year 2005, it was estimated there were 43,800 new

cases of brain tumors (Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, Primary Brain

Tumors in the United States, Statistical Report, 20052006), which accounted for 1.4

percent of all cancers, 2.4 percent of all cancer deaths, and 2025 percent of pediatric

cancers. Ultimately, it is estimated there are 13,000 deaths per year in the United States

alone as a result of brain tumors.

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by

RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae (the influenza viruses), that affects birds

and mammals. The most common symptoms of the disease are chills, fever, sore throat,

muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness/fatigue and general discomfort. Sore

throat, fever and coughs are the most frequent symptoms. In more serious cases,

influenza causes pneumonia, which can be fatal, particularly for the young and the

elderly. Although it is often confused with other influenza-like illnesses, especially the

common cold, influenza is a much more severe disease than the common cold and is

caused by a different type of virus. Influenza may produce nausea and vomiting,

particularly in children, but these symptoms are more common in the unrelated

gastroenteritis, which is sometimes called "stomach flu" or "24-hour flu".Typically,

influenza is transmitted through the air by coughs or sneezes, creating aerosols containing

the virus. Influenza can also be transmitted by direct contact with bird droppings or nasal

secretions, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Airborne aerosols have been

thought to cause most infections, although which means of transmission is most

important is not absolutely clear. Influenza viruses can be inactivated by sunlight,

disinfectants and detergents. As the virus can be inactivated by soap, frequent hand

washing reduces the risk of infection.

Influenza spreads around the world in seasonal epidemics, resulting in the deaths

of between 250,000 and 500,000 people every year, and millions in pandemic years. On

average 41,400 people died each year in the United States between 1979 and 2001 from

influenza. Three influenza pandemics occurred in the 20th century and killed tens of

6


7/31

millions of people, with each of these pandemics being caused by the appearance of a

new strain of the virus in humans. Often, these new strains appear when an existing flu

virus spreads to humans from other animal species, or when an existing human strain

picks up new genes from a virus that usually infects birds or pigs. An avian strain named

H5N1 raised the concern of a new influenza pandemic, after it emerged in Asia in the

1990s, but it has not evolved to a form that spreads easily between people. In April 2009

a novel flu strain evolved that combined genes from human, pig, and bird flu, initially

dubbed "swine flu" and also known as influenza A/H1N1, emerged in Mexico, the United

States, and several other nations. The World Health Organization officially declared the

outbreak to be a pandemic on June 11, 2009 (see 2009 flu pandemic). The WHO's

declaration of a pandemic level 6 was an indication of spread, not severity, the strain

actually having a lower mortality rate than common flu outbreaks.

Vaccinations against influenza are usually given to people in developed countries

and to farmed poultry. The most common human vaccine is the trivalent influenza

vaccine (TIV) that contains purified and inactivated material from three viral strains.

Typically, this vaccine includes material from two influenza A virus subtypes and one

influenza B virus strain. The TIV carries no risk of transmitting the disease, and it has

very low reactivity. A vaccine formulated for one year may be ineffective in the

following year, since the influenza virus evolves rapidly, and new strains quickly replace

the older ones. Antiviral drugs can be used to treat influenza, with neuraminidase

inhibitors being particularly effective.

Sinusitis is a condition consisting of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which

may or may not be as a result of infection, from bacterial, fungal, viral, allergic or

autoimmune issues. Newer classifications of sinusitis refer to it as rhinosinusitis, taking

into account the thought that inflammation of the sinuses cannot occur without some

inflammation of the nose as well.

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure is

elevated. It is also referred to as high blood pressure or shortened to HT, HTN or HPN.

The word "hypertension", by itself, normally refers to systemic, arterial hypertension.

Hypertension can be classified as either essential (primary) or secondary. Essential or

primary hypertension means that no medical cause can be found to explain the raised

7


8/31

blood pressure and represents about 90-95% of hypertension cases. Secondary

hypertension indicates that the high blood pressure is a result of (i.e., secondary to)

another condition, such as kidney disease or tumors (adrenal adenoma or

pheochromocytoma).

Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart

failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure. Even

moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure leads to shortened life expectancy. At

severely high pressures, defined as mean arterial pressures 50% or more above average, a

person can expect to live no more than a few years unless appropriately treated.

Beginning at a systolic pressure (which is peak pressure in the arteries, which occurs near

the end of the cardiac cycle when the ventricles are contracting) of 115 mmHg and

diastolic pressure (which is minimum pressure in the arteries, which occurs near the

beginning of the cardiac cycle when the ventricles are filled with blood) of 75 mmHg

(commonly written as 115/75 mmHg), cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk doubles for

each increment of 20/10 mmHg.

2.1.3 DIGESTION

Gastritis is a condition, wherein, there is an inflammation of the lining of the

stomach. Gastritis strikes suddenly in some people, while others develop it over a period

of time. Loose stools, diarrhea is the condition wherein the body experiences frequent

passage of watery, unformed stools. These are caused by improper digestion problems.

The general consensus among health professionals is that most, if not all, major diseases

start in the colon. This is not surprising when you consider that our foods are laced with

preservatives, artificial ingredients, hormones, and other chemical additives. Refined,

processed, low fiber foods, animal fats, a lack of exercise, and an ever increasing level of

stress all contribute to our current gastrointestinal health crisis.

Many digestive complaints and symptoms appear even in apparently healthy

people. They frequently go undiagnosed because these complaints are not serious.

Symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, belching, flatulence, food

sensitivities, indigestion, malabsorption, irritable bowel syndrome, and the list goes on

and are so common that they are seen as normal. Consider that a sluggish bowel can

8


9/31

retain pounds of old toxic fecal matter. This leads to a vicious cycle of autointoxication

that taxes our defense systems and eventually leads to more serious disease.

Over 100 million Americans suffer from some form of digestive disease. In fact,

more Americans are hospitalized due to diseases of the digestive tract and colon than for

any other group of disorders.

2.2 MAINTAINING HEALTH:

Achieving health and maintaining healthy is an ongoing process. Effective

strategies for staying healthy and improving one's health include the following elements:

2.2.1 SOCIAL HEALTH:

Personal health depends partially on the social structure of one's life. The

maintenance of strong social relationships is linked to good health conditions, longevity,

productivity, and a positive attitude. This is due to the fact that positive social interaction

as viewed by the participant increases many chemical levels in the brain which are linked

to personality and intelligence traits.

Volunteering also can lead to a healthy life. To be a volunteer, while gaining

plenty of social benefits, people also take their mind off their own troubles. Volunteering

could even add years of life. According to a university study, compared with people who

did not volunteer, senior citizens who volunteered showed a 67% reduced risk of dying

during a seven-year period.

2.2.2 HYGIENE:

Hygiene is the practice of keeping the body clean to prevent infection and illness,and the avoidance of contact with infectious agents. Hygiene practices include bathing,

brushing and flossing teeth, washing hands especially before eating, washing food before

it is eaten, cleaning food preparation utensils and surfaces before and after preparing

meals, and many others. This may help prevent infection and illness. By cleaning the

9


10/31

body, dead skin cells are washed away with the germs, reducing their chance of entering

the body.

2.2.3 STRESS MANAGEMENT:

Stress management is the amelioration of stress and especially chronic stress often

for the purpose of improving everyday functioning.

Stress produces numerous symptoms which vary according to persons, situations, and

severity. These can include physical health decline as well as depression.

2.3 HERBALS:

HISTORY OF HERBS:

From prehistoric days, plants are used for shelter, food and medicine. The use of

plants for medicinal purposes is as old as our civilization. The first known written record

of curative plants was of Sumerian herbal of 2200 BC. In the 5th century BC, The Greek

doctor Hippocrates list out some 400 herbs in common use. Dioscorides, in the Ist q

century AD, wrote a herbal by using 600 plants which ultimately became the base for

many later works. Herbs have been used for uncounted time for various purposes like

healing the sick and infirm. Most of the people still continue to use herbs to benefit their

bodies. People thought that herbs keep the body in tune with nature as nature intended

and maintain proper balance. Many scientific studies are still continued with modern

research following the lead of old folklore and herbal uses to help finding new western

medicine. Man has also been aware of the effects of Herbs on the body, mind and

emotion. For example - Flowers were utilized to attract love, food and protection.

Fragrant plants were worn to heal the body and give a sense of well being. The most

costly flowers are offered to gods and goddesses and the use of aromatic incense is

recorded from the earliest of times.

2.3.1 PRESENT STATUS:

Herbalists today, believe to help people build their good health with the help of

natural sources. Herbs are considered to be food rather than medicine because they're

10


11/31

complete, all-natural and pure, as nature intended. When herbs are taken, the body starts

to get cleansed, it gets purifying itself. Unlike chemically synthesized, highly

concentrated drugs that may produce many side effects, herbs can effectively realign the

body's defenses. Herbs do not produce instant cures, but rather offer a way to put the

body in proper tune with nature.

For thousands of years, humans have used herbs. Herbs have been used in the

following ways - In cooking for flavoring foods, as perfumes, as disinfectants, to protect

us against germs, as medicines to heal when we are sick.

2.3.2 HERBALISM TODAY:

Herbs are generally defined as non-woody plants, which die after blooming. This

definition has been expanded to any of the plants of which part or whole can be used in

medicinal treatments, culinary preparations (as seasonings), nutritional supplementation,

or used as a coloring or cosmetic agent. Fresh herbals and medicinal plants can be

acquired by gathering them in wild conditions, growing them in your own personal

garden, or buying them from other gardeners and health food stores from the germ theory

of disease and the advent of antibiotics to combat various infections; it appeared as if

infectious diseases were a thing of the past. With the realization that chemical medicines

are not always "magic bullets" and may carry serious side effects, herbalism and ancient

medicines are making a comeback. Our challenge now is to ensure that valued botanicals

should remain abundant for future generations.

There are several ways to prepare herbs for consumption and use in medicinal

remedies. When herbs are prepared by steeping in boiling water to be drunk as a tea, they

are known as an infusion. If these dried herbs get simmered in hot water, they are called

as decoction. If gets incorporated in with other ingredients and made into cream, they are

viewed as a herbal ointment. Sometimes used a Herbal compress where piece of cloth is

soaked in an infusion or decoction and is wrapped and applied externally. If herbs are

used to cleanse and heal externally, they are called herbal wash. Herbal infusions and

decoctions can also be used as herbal bath for relaxation and healing. Always follow the

11


12/31

recommended dosages on your preparations and recipes because over-use of herbs can

defeat the purpose for which you are using them. Some of the most beneficial herbs can

prove to be toxic if over used.

2.3.3 MEDICINAL HERBS AVAILABLE IN INDIA:

There are several herbs which are known for their medicinal properties. These

medicinal herbs are in use since time immemorial. In modern times too people are now

increasingly turning to medicinal herbs as a source of alternative therapy. One of the

major benefits of medicinal herbs is that they have no side effects.

Some of the common medicinal herbs that are used in everyday life are:

2.3.3.1 NEEM:

Neem has been used for treating all sorts of skin problems for centuries. It

contains Nimbidol and Gedunin which have excellent fungicidal properties. Neem is

extremely effective in treatment of skin disorders such as warts, scabies, psoriasis,

eczema, and dandruff.

2.3.3.2 BASIL (Tulsi):

Common names: Tulsi, Basil

Scientific name: Ocimum tenuiflorum

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Plantea

Order: Lamiales

Family: Lamiaceae

Genus: Ocimum

Species: O.tenuiflorum

Binomial name: Ocimum tenuflorum

Ocimum tenuiflorum (also tulsi, tulas) is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is

an erect, much branched sub shrub 30-60 cm tall with hairy stems and simple opposite

12


13/31

green leaves that are strongly scented. Leaves have petioles, and are ovate, up to 5 cm

long, usually slightly toothed. Flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls.

There are two main morph types cultivated in Indiagreen-leaved and purple-leaved.

Basil is worshipped in Indian culture as the purest and most sublime plant. It is

extremely effective in treating skin disorders as it is a blood purifier and kills bacteria.

Basil Tea or tea with basil leaves provides relief to inflamed throat conditions.

There is also a variety of Ocimum tenuiflorum which is used in Thai cuisine, and

is referred to as Thai holy basilTulsi is native throughout the Old World tropics and

widespread as a cultivated plant and an escaped weed. It is cultivated for religious and

medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil. It is widely known across South Asia as a

medicinal plant and an herbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda, and has an important role

within the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship

involving Tulsi plants or leaves.

AYURVEDHA:

Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing

properties. It is mentioned by Charaka in the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text.

Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and

helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is

regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.

Tulsis extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches,

stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria.

Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or

mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used for

medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin preparations due

to its anti-bacterial activity. For centuries, the dried leaves of Tulsi have been mixed with

stored grains to repel insects.

Recent studies suggest that Tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern

painkillers, due to its high concentration of eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-

allylbenzene). One study showed Tulsi to be an effective treatment for diabetes by

reducing blood glucose levels. The same study showed significant reduction in total

13


14/31

cholesterol levels with Tulsi. Another study showed that Tulsi's beneficial effect on blood

glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.Tulsi also shows some promise for

protection from radiation poisoning and cataracts.

Some of the main chemical constituents of Tulsi are: Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid,

Rosmarinic acid, Eugenol, Carvacrol, Linalool, and -caryophyllene.

2.3.3.3 TUMERIC (Haldi):

Turmeric is used as a popular remedy for infections, injuries, boils, accident

recovery etc.

2.3.3.4 SANDALWOOD: (Chandan):

Sandalwood is a uniquely Indian plant that has an extraordinary fragrance. The

bark of the sandalwood tree is extremely smooth and sandal paste is applied on the body

to impart an extremely smooth, unblemished and lustrous look to the skin. The fragrance

of sandalwood is also said to be a proven aphrodisiac.

2.3.3.5 ALOE VERA:

Aloe Vera is useful for X ray burns, Dermatitis, Cutaneous and disorders of skin.

Drug from juice is tonic and is used in jaundice, ameneorrhoea, atonic and piles. Aloe

Vera Gel has the remarkable ability to heal wounds, ulcer and burns.

2.3.3.6 CARDAMOM:

Cardamom is used internally for indigestion, nausea, vomiting and pulmonary

disease with copious phlegm. It can be used with a laxative to prevent stomach pain,

griping, as well as flatulence. The seeds are also chewed to sweeten the breath and taken

to detoxify caffeine in people taking excessive amounts of coffee. They are also used as a

spice in cooking and as a flavoring in other medicines.

14


15/31

2.3.3.7 ROSE PETALS:

Rose petals is used in internal asthma, high blood pressure, bronchitis, slow

circulation, diarrhea, dysmenarrhea (painful menstruation), cough, fever and fluid

retention, indigestion, insomnia, palpitation, stress and urinary tract infections.

2.3.3.8 CASTOR:

Castor leaves are used externally by nursing mothers to increase the flow of milk.

Castor Oil is a natural emollient and can be applied to the skin and hair as a

softener. Externally Castor Oil is used to treat ringworm and itch.

2.3.3.9 EUCALYPTUS:

Common name: Eucalyptus

Scientific name: Myrtaceae


Kingdom: Plantae

Order : Myrtales

Family : Myrtaceae

Sub family: Myrtoideae

Tribe : Eucalypteae

Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of flowering trees (and a few shrubs) in the myrtle family,

Myrtaceae. Members of the genus dominate the tree flora of Australia. There are more

than 700 species of Eucalyptus, mostly native to Australia, and a very small number are

found in adjacent parts of New Guinea and Indonesia and one as far north as the

Philippine archipelago. Only 15 species occur outside Australia, and only 9 do not occur

in Australia. Species of Eucalyptus are cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics

including the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, Chinaand the Indian Subcontinent

Is a fast-growing source of wood, its oil can be used for cleaning and functions as

a natural insecticide, and it is sometimes used to drain swamps and thereby reduce the

risk of malaria. Outside their natural ranges, eucalypts are both lauded for their beneficial

15


16/31

economic impact on poor populations and derided for being invasive water-suckers,

leading to controversy over their total impact.

Eucalyptus is one of three similar genera that are commonly referred to as

"eucalypts," the others being Corymbia and Angophora. Many, but far from all, are

known as gum trees because many species exude copious sap from any break in the bark

(e.g. Scribbly Gum). The generic name is derived from the Greek words (eu), meaning

"well," and (kalyptos), meaning well "covered," which refers to the operculum

on the calyx that initially conceals the flower.

Eucalyptus has attracted attention from global development researchers and

environmentalists. It is a fast-growing source of wood, its oil can be used for cleaning

and functions as a natural insecticide, and it is sometimes used to drain swamps and

thereby reduce the risk of malaria. Outside their natural ranges, eucalypts are both lauded

for their beneficial economic impact on poor populations and derided for being invasive

water-suckers, leading to controversy over their total impact.

SIZE AND HABITAT:

A mature Eucalyptus may take the form of a low shrub or a very large tree. There

are three main habit and four size categories that species can be divided into.

As a generalization "forest trees" are single-stemmed and have a crown forming a minor

proportion of the whole tree height. "Woodland trees" are single-stemmed although they

may branch at a short distance above ground level.

"Mallees" are multi-stemmed from ground level, usually less than 10 m (33 ft) in height,

often with the crown predominantly at the ends of the branchlets and individual plants

may combine to form either an open or closed formation. Many mallee trees may be so

low-growing as to be considered a shrub.

Two other tree forms are notable in Western Australia and described using the

native names "mallet" and "mar lock". The "mallet" is a small to medium-sized tree that

does not produce lignotubers and has a relatively long trunk, a steeply branching habit

and often a conspicuously dense terminal crown. This is the normal habit of mature

healthy specimens of Eucalyptus occidentalis, E. astringens, E. spathulata, E. gardneri, E.

16


17/31

dielsii, E. forrestiana, E. salubris, E. clivicola and E. ornata. The smooth bark of mallets

often has a satiny sheen and may be white, cream, grey, green or copper.

The term marlock has been variously used; in Forest Trees of Australia it is

defined as a small tree without lignotubers but with a shorter, lower-branching trunk than

a mallet. They usually grow in more or less pure stands. Clearly recognisable examples

are stands of E. platypus, E. vesiculosa and the unrelated E. stoatei.

The term "morrell" is somewhat obscure in origin and appears to apply to trees of

the western Australian wheat belt and goldfields which have a long, straight trunk,

completely rough-barked. It is now used mainly for E. longicornis (Red Morrell) and E.

melanoxylon (Black Morrell).

Tree sizes follow the convention of:

Small to 10 m (33 ft) in height

Medium-sized 1030 m (3398 ft)

Tall 3060 m (98200 ft)

Very tall over 60 m (200 ft)

2.3.3.10 MINT:

Common names : Pudina,Wild mint,Field mint, Corn mint.

Scientific names:

Mentha arvensis


Kingdom: Plantae

Order : Lamiaels

Family :Lamiaceae

Genus : Mentha

Species :M.piperita

Binomial name: Mentha arvensis

Mentha arvensis is a species of mint with a circumboreal distribution. It is native to the

temperate regions of Europe and western and central Asia, east to the Himalaya and

eastern Siberia, and North America. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 1060

cm (rarely to 100 cm) tall. The leaves are in opposite pairs, simple, 26.5 cm long and 1

17


18/31

2 cm broad, hairy, and with a coarsely serrated margin. The flowers are pale purple

(occasionally white or pink), in clusters on the stem, each flower 34 mm long.

The fragrant mint has a distinct aroma liked by all. This herb facilitates good

digestion, upset tummies, relieve from infections, and also a cure for head ache.

2.3.4 CITRUS FRUITS:

Citrus is a common term and genus of flowering plants in the rue family,

Rutaceae, originating in tropical and subtropical southeast regions of the world. The most

well known examples are the orange, lemon, grapefruit, and lime. The generic name

originated in Latin, where it refers to Citrus medica, and was derived from the ancient

Greek word for cedar. Some believe this was because Hellenistic Jews used the fruits

during Sukkot (Feast of the Tabernacles) in place of a cedar cone, while others state it

was due to similarities in the smell of citrus leaves and fruit with that of cedar. The

taxonomy and systematic of the genus are complex and the precise number of natural

species is unclear, as many of the named species are clonally propagated hybrids, and

there is genetic evidence that even some wild, true-breeding species are of hybrid origin .

Cultivated Citrus may be derived from as few as four ancestral species. Natural and

cultivated origin hybrids include commercially important fruit such as the oranges,

grapefruit, lemons, some limes, and some tangerines.

2.3.5 CITRUS FRUITS AVAILABLE IN INDIA:

2.3.5.1 ORANGE:

Common names: Orange, Sweet orange

Scientific names: Citrus aurantium


Kingdom: Plantae

Order : Sapindales

Family : Rutaceae

Genus : Citrus

Species : c*sinesis

18


19/31

Binomial name: c.sinesis

An orangespecifically, the sweet orangeis the citrus Citrus sinensis (syn. Citrus

aurantium L. var. dulcis L., or Citrus aurantium Risso) and its fruit. The orange is a

hybrid of ancient cultivated origin, possibly between pomelo (Citrus maxima) and

tangerine (Citrus reticulata).[citation needed] It is a small flowering tree growing to about

10 m tall with evergreen leaves, which are arranged alternately, of ovate shape with

crenulate margins and 410 cm long. The orange fruit is a hesperidium, a type of berry.

Oranges originated in Southeast Asia. The fruit of Citrus sinensis is called sweet orange

to distinguish it from Citrus aurantium, the bitter orange.

2.3.5.2 GRAPEFRUIT:

The grapefruit is a subtropical citrus tree known for its sour fruit, an 18th-century

hybrid first bred in Jamaica. When found in Barbados it was named the "forbidden fruit";

it is also called the "shaddock", after its creator.

These evergreen trees are usually found at around 56 metres (1620 ft) tall,

although they can reach 1315 metres (4349 ft). The leaves are dark green, long (up to

150 mm, or 6 inches) and thin. It produces 5 cm (2 in) white four-petaled flowers. The

fruit is yellow-orange skinned and largely oblate, and ranges in diameter from 1015 cm.

The flesh is segmented and acidic, varying in color depending on the cultivars, which

include white, pink and red pulps of varying sweetness. The 1929 US Ruby Red (of the

Red blush variety) has the first grapefruit patent.

The fruit has only become popular from the late 19th century; before that it was

only grown as an ornamental plant. The US quickly became a major producer of the fruit,

with orchards in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California. In Spanish, the fruit is known as

toronja or pomelo.

2.3.5.3 LEMONS:

Common names: Lime, Lemon

Scientific names: Citrus Limon


Kingdom: Plantae

19


20/31

Order : Sapindales

Family : Rutaceae

Genus : Citrus

Species :c*Limon

Binomial name: Limon

The lemon is a small evergreen tree (Citrus Limon) originally native to Asia, and is also

the name of the tree's oval yellow fruit. The fruit is used for culinary and nonculinary

purposes throughout the world.

The lemon is a small evergreen tree (Citrus Limon) originally native to Asia, and

is also the name of the tree's oval yellow fruit. The fruit is used for culinary and

nonculinary purposes throughout the world primarily for its juice, though the pulp and

rind (zest) are also used, mainly in cooking and baking. Lemon juice is about 5%

(approximately 0.3 moles per litre) citric acid, which gives lemons a sour taste, and a pH

of 2 to 3. This makes lemon juice an inexpensive, readily available acid for use in

educational science experiments. Because of the sour flavor, many lemon-flavored drinks

and candies are available, including lemonade.

HISTORY:

The exact origin of the lemon has remained a mystery, though it is widely

presumed that lemons first grew in India, northern Burma, and China. In South and South

East Asia, it was known for its antiseptic properties and it was used as an antidote for

various poisons. Lemons entered Europe (near southern Italy) no later than the first

century AD, during the time of Ancient Rome. However, they were not widely cultivated.

It was later introduced to Persia and then to Iraq and Egypt around AD 700. The lemon

was first recorded in literature in a tenth century Arabic treatise on farming, and was also

used as an ornamental plant in early Islamic gardens. It was distributed widely throughout

the Arab world and the Mediterranean region between AD 1000 and AD 1150. The

genetic origin of the lemon, however, was reported to be hybrid between sour orange and

citron.

20


21/31

The first real lemon cultivation in Europe began in Genoa in the middle of the

fifteenth century. It was later introduced to the Americas in 1493 when Christopher

Columbus brought lemon seeds to Hispaniola along his voyages. Spanish conquest

throughout the New World helped spread lemon seeds. It was mainly used as ornament

and medicine. In 1700s and late 1800s, lemons were increasingly planted in Florida and

California when lemons began to be used in cooking and flavoring. In 1747, James Lind's

experiments on seamen suffering from scurvy involved adding Vitamin C to their diets

through lemon juice

2.3.5.4 LIME:

Lime is a term referring to a number of different fruits, both species and hybrids,

citruses, which have their origin in the Himalayan region of India and which are typically

round, green to yellow in color, 36 cm in diameter, and containing sour and acidic pulp.

Limes are often used to accent the flavors of foods and beverages. They are usually

smaller than lemons, and a source of vitamin C. Limes are grown all year round and are

usually sweeter than lemons.

Limes are a small citrus fruit, Citrus aurantifolia, whose skin and flesh are green

in color and which have an oval or round shape with a diameter between one to two

inches. Limes can either be sour or sweet, with the latter not readily available in theUnited States. Sour limes possess a greater sugar and citric acid content than lemons and

feature an acidic and tart taste, while sweet limes lack citric acid content and are sweet in

flavor.

2.4 HANDKERCHIEF

A handkerchief (also called handkercher or hanky) is a form of a kerchief,

typically a hemmed square of thin fabric that can be carried in the pocket or purse, and

which is intended for personal hygiene purposes such as wiping one's hands or face, or

blowing one's nose. A handkerchief is also sometimes used as a purely decorative

accessory in a suit pocket.

The material of a handkerchief can be symbolic of the social-economic class of

the user, not only because some materials are more expensive, but because some

21


22/31

materials are more absorbent and practical for those who use a handkerchief for more

than style. Handkerchiefs can be made of cotton, cotton-synthetic blend, synthetic fabric,

paper, silk, or linen.

Handkerchiefs were also used, especially by children, as an impromptu way to

carry around small items when a bag or basket was unavailable. They could also serve as

a substitute for a bandage over a small injury. In the United Kingdom, the habit of

wearing a handkerchief with tied corners on one's head at the beach has become a seaside

postcard stereotype, referenced by the Gumby characters in Monty Python's Flying

Circus.

Historically, white handkerchiefs have been used in place of a white flag to

indicate surrender or a flag of truce; in addition to waving away sailors from port. King

Richard II of England, who reigned from 1377 to 1399, is widely believed to have

invented the cloth handkerchief, as surviving documents written by his courtiers describe

his use of square pieces of cloth to wipe his nose.

3. METHODOLOGY

22


23/31

3.1 SELECTION OF MATERIAL

A high quality cotton material was selected and purchased from

Coimbatore Cut Depo, Coimbatore. The material purchased was manufactured by a

reputed company with the use of high quality cotton yarns. The colour of the

handkerchiefs is bought in various colours depending upon the herbals and citrus

fruits used. The cotton material was made in a single layer. In each colour of fabric

one metre was purchased, cost of one metre was Rs.35.

3.1.2 COLLECTION OF HERBS AND CITRUS FRUITS

The orange and lemon fruits are collected from reputed fruit shops and the

extracted oils of tulsi, pudina and eucalyptus are collected from ayurvedha shops in and

around Coimbatore.

3.2 PREPARATION OF HANDKERCHIEFS

The material purchased is taken and sterilization is done in hot water .

The material is dried under normal shade of sun.

Then the material is cut in a square form in the approximate size of a

handkerchief.

All four sides of the material is stitched , to finish the raw edges and the

handkerchief is made.

This process is continued to make 25 samples of handkerchiefs.

3.3 EXTRACTION PROCESS

The well grown oranges and lemons are taken in required number. The fruits are

washed well in normal water in such a way it removes dirt, insects and the fruit is dried.

3.4 PREPARATION OF MEDICATED HANDKERCHIEFS

23


24/31

3.4.1 ORANGE PERFUMED HANDKERCHIEFS

The fruits are taken, washed cleanly in such a way the dirt, insects and dust

particles are washed off.

The skin of orange fruit is peeled off and the remainder is the fruit.

The oil which comes from the skin is sprayed on the handkerchief in such a way

the oil falls on the handkerchief without leaving a stain mark.

After spraying, a quick iron is given to the handkerchief.

Five samples are done like this and kept closed inside a zip lock cover.

3.4.2 LEMON PERFUMED HANDKERCHIEFS

The fruits are taken, washed cleanly in such a way the dirt, insects and dust

particles are washed off.

The skin of lemon fruit is peeled off and the remainder is the fruit.

The oil which comes from the skin is sprayed on the handkerchief in such a way

the oil falls on the handkerchief without leaving a stain mark.

After spraying, a quick iron is given to the handkerchief.


3.4.3 PUDINA OIL APPLIED HANDKERCHIEFS

The cotton piece is dipped in the oil.

With the help of the cotton, the oil is applied evenly on the handkerchief.

After applying, a quick iron is given to the handkerchief.


3.4.4 TULSI OIL APPLIED HANDKERCHIEFS

24


25/31





3.4.5 EUCALYPTUS OIL APPLIED HANDKERCHIEFS





3.5 TESTING THE MEDICATED HANDKERCHIEFS

In order to test the treated handkerchiefs, I have kept the medicated handkerchiefs

for visual inspection to common people.

I have found the people who were generally suffering from headaches, cold and

digestion problems.

Patients name and address are given in the appendix.

The handkerchiefs were given to the people in a marriage hall and the feedback

was taken.

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

25


26/31

4.1 FEEDBACKS

Old people may not be able to use any mint sweets due to their sugar and health

problems during cold or indigestion, they felt these handkerchiefs are more useful

instead.

4.1.1 FOR ORANGE AND LEMON PERFUMED HANDKERCHIEFS

Helps to reduce the disturbance in the stomach after intake of food.

Enhances the digestion.

Good stimulator for effective digestion.

Reduces the disturbance of feeling of restlessness due to food intake.

4.1.2 FOR PUDINA AND TULSI APPLIED OIL

Helps to reduce the cold.

Enables to breathe gently without any disturbance.

Promotes intake of air freshly in the nose and avoid stuffy nose.

Helps to reduce cold without any side effects.

Helps to give a good feeling of reducing cold.

4.1.3 FOR EUCALYPTUS APPLIED OIL

Helps to reduce head pain considerably.

Acts as a stimulator to reduce the feeling of headache quickly.

Helps to reduce the symptoms of headache.

Keeping the material on head besides inhale helps to reduce the headache.

It also has an effect of controlling mild cold.

Helps to reduce frequent cough when in use for headache.

26


27/31

4.2 DURABILITY

The durability of the handkerchiefs was checked to know how long the perfume stays

in it.

4.2.1 FOR ORANGE AND LEMON PERFUMED

HANDKERCHIEFS

The perfume stands up to two - three washes.

4.2.2 FOR PUDINA AND TULSI PERFUMED HANDKERCHIEFS

The perfume stands for two washes

4.2.3. FOR EUCALYPTUS PERFUMED HANDKERCHIEFS

The perfume stands for one wash.

The oils can be bought and applied on handkerchiefs and used for future.

5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

27


28/31

Health is defined as being a state of complete physical, mental and social well-

being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Handkerchiefs are used in our day to day life for wiping ones hand, blowing

ones nose and wiping face,etc.

Common health problems are cold, head ache and digestion problems.

Cold is an ailment that affects the upper respiratory tract of a person.

Pain experienced in head or upper neck area is head ache.

Gastritis and improper digestion are digestion problems.

The material is cut and a handkerchief is constructed.

Skin of orange and lemon are washed and peeled off.

The oil from the skin is squeezed and sprayed on to the handkerchiefs. The oil of various herbs is applied on to the handkerchiefs with the help of cotton

evenly.

The handkerchiefs are given a quick iron and kept inside a zip lock cover.

The handkerchiefs are kept for visual inspection and feedbacks are collected from

the affected people.

These handkerchiefs may also be called as aroma handkerchiefs.

5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

Anti microbial handkerchiefs can be made.

28


29/31

6. BIBLIOGRAPHY

www.google.com

www.wikipedia.com

www.meditex.com

www.motherherbs.com

www.ayurveda-herbal-remedy.com

www.envymags.com

www.styletips.com

www.ehow.com

APPENDIX

1. Priya , 23, Cross Cut Road, Coimbatore.

2. Pradhan, 31, Commercial Street, Bangalore.

3. Arjun ,3 , Harmony Street,Kerela

4. Vinusha, A/5 , Bridge way colony extension , Tirupur.

5. Nithya sree,301/1,Sulthan street,Coimbatore

6. Anbu Chelvan, B-3, T. Nagar, Chennai.

7. Aparna, 77, Hope college road, Coimbatore.

8. Palaniswamy, 301/1, Sulthan Street, Punjai Puliampatti.

9. Radhai, 301/3, Sulthan Street, Punjai Puliampatti.

10. Uma Maheshwari, 34, Bridgeway colony extension, Tirupur.

11. Dharshan, 36,May dale apartments, Harmony Street,Kerela.

12. Deepak, 12, R.S.Puram.Coimbatore.

13. Mythili, 45, Opp.bus stop, Townhall, Coimbatore.

29


30/31

14. Pavithra, 33, Big bazaar street, Coimbatore.

15. Yamini Sekar, 21, Peelamedu, Coimbatore.

16. Rakhini B, 23, Sai Baba Colony, Coimbatore.

17. Samyuktha, 21, Sai Baba Colony, Coimbatore.

18. Sangavi, B 4, Charring Cross, Ooty.

19. Janani, 44, Kumaran Coll.Bus Stop, Tirupur.

20. Rajini, 34, Karuvampalayam post, Tirupur.

21. Mega, 22, Opp old bus stand,Tirupur.

22. Mahalakshmi, 22, Opp old bus stand, Tirupur.

23. Sherin, 12, D B road, R.S.Puarm, Coimbatore.

24. Anu Boby, 12, Harmony Street, Cochin.

25. Agee Antony, 23, T.Nagar, Chennai.

26. Swathi, 66, New Bus Stand Stop , Kovilpatti.

27. Preethi, 32 , D.B. Road. Coimbatore.

28. Meera, 14, KulliChettiar Street , Tirupur.

29. Sai, 7, Katuvalavu Tirupur.

30. Madan, C 18, TNAU, Coimbatore.

31. Siddhu, B 35, TNAU, Coimbatore.

32. Karan Singh,23 Gold wings, Coimbatore.

33. Gokulnath, 22, Gold wings, Coimbatore.

34. Jennifer , 16 B, R S Puram, Coimbatore

35. Jai, 33, Opp New Book Stall, Chennai.

36. Sree Shakthi, 32, Charing Cross,Ooty.

37. Saravana Prabhu , 44 , Commercial Street , Bangalore

38. Naveen Kumar, 67, Loyola Coll.Street, Chennai.

39. Surya Narayanan, 77, JJ Nagar, Sathy.

40. Vanitha, 23, SS Street , Dharapuram.

41. Anitha 22, SS Street , Dharapuram.

42. Nithya, 44, near bus stop, Erode.

43. Shreya, 21, Sitra, Coimbatore.

44. Divya, 11, T.Nagar, Trichy.

30


31/31

45. Suganya, 78, Park Road, Mysore.

46. Athmika, 34, Raja Street, Coimbatore.

47. Madhu, 33, Near Bus Stop, Ganapathy, Coimbatore.

48. Prathana, F7, Mayflower Apartments, Coimbatore.

49. Brindha, F 8 , Mayflower Apartments , Coimbatore.

50. Sanju , 12,KK Nagar , Coimbatore.

Documents

Medicated Hand Kerchiefs