Aloe Vera

An aloe vera plant can add a lovely touch of green to any office or home. But
did you know that your favorite potted plant could be used for so much more
than household dcor?
The powerful aloe vera plant is a part of the Aloaceae, or lily, family, which is
known for its diverse perennials with short stems and thick, crowded leaves.
Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Native to
North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands, today aloe vera is
grown in tropical climates worldwide. From relieving heartburn to slowing the
spread of cancer, researchers are only first beginning to unlock all of the
powerful uses of this universal plant and its many amazing byproducts.
1. Your houseplant could fight your heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that often results in symptoms
including heartburn. A recent review explains that consuming 1 to 3 onces of
aloe gel at mealtimes could reduce the severity of GERD and other digestionrelated problems. The plants low toxicity makes it a safe and gentle remedy.
2. A little aloe vera gel a day could keep bacteria on fruits and
vegetables away. In a recent study, an aloe vera gel coating on tomato
plants was able to block, not all, but many types of harmful bacteria. Similar
results were found in a different study with apples. This means that aloe gel
could help produce stay fresh for longer without the need for potentially
dangerous chemicals.
3. An alternative to mouthwash. A 2014 study found aloe vera extract to
be a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based mouthwashes. The
plants natural ingredients, which include a healthy dose of vitamin C, can
block plaque and also provide relief if you have bleeding or swelling gums.

4. The new blood sugar regulator is greener than ever. Might aloe
vera be able to help people with diabetes regulate their blood sugar
levels? One studyconducted in Thailand found that two tablespoons of aloe
vera juice per day caused blood sugar levels to fall in people with type 2
diabetes, which means it may have a future in diabetes treatment. These
results were confirmed with alater study from Turkey that used pulp extract.

Slippery elm is a tree. The inner bark (not the whole bark) is used as medicine. People
take slippery elm for coughs, sore throat, colic, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids,
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bladder and urinary tract infections, syphilis, herpes, and
for expelling tapeworms
Possibly Effective for:

Sore throat, when added to lozenges. Commercial lozenges containing slippery

elm are preferred to the native herb when used for cough and sore throat. The
lozenges prolong the pain-killing effect.

Insufficient Evidence for:

Cancer. Early research suggests that a specific product containing burdock

root, Indian rhubarb, sheep sorrel, and slippery elm bark does not improve quality of
life in breast cancer patients.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). An early study shows that taking a specific
product containing slippery elm bark, lactulose, oat bran, and licorice root can
increase bowel movements and reduce stomach pain and bloating in people with IBS
that is characterized by constipation. A different combination product containing
slippery elm bark, bilberry, cinnamon, and agrimony can reduce stomach pain,
bloating, and gas in people with IBS that is characterized by diarrhea.

Coughs.

Colic.

Diarrhea.

Constipation.

Hemorrhoids.

Bladder infection.

Urinary tract infections.

Other conditions.

Slippery elm is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. When applied
to the skin, some people can have an allergic reactions and skin irritation.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Folklore says that slippery elm bark can cause a
miscarriage when it is inserted into the cervix of a pregnant woman. Over the years,
slippery elm got the reputation of being capable of causing an abortion even when taken
by mouth. However, theres no reliable information to confirm this claim. Nevertheless,
stay on the safe side and dont take slippery elm if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree. The tea tree was named by
eighteenth century sailors, who made tea that smelled like nutmeg from the leaves of
the tree growing on the swampy southeast Australian coast. Do not confuse the tea tree
with the unrelated common tea plant that is used to make black and green teas.
Tea tree oil is applied to the skin (used topically) for infections such as acne, fungal
infections of the nail (onychomycosis), lice, scabies, athlete's foot (tinea pedis),
andringworm. It is also used topically as a local antiseptic for cuts and abrasions, for
burns, insect bites and stings, boils, vaginal infections,
recurrent herpes labialis,toothache, infections of the mouth and nose, sore throat, and
for ear infections such as otitis media and otitis externa.
Some people add it to bath water to treat cough, bronchial congestion, and
pulmonaryinflammation.
How does it work?
The chemicals in tea tree oil may kill bacteria and fungus, and reduce allergic skin
reactions.

Mild to moderate acne. Applying a 5% tea tree oil gel appears to be as effective
as 5% benzoyl peroxide (Oxy-5, Benzac AC, and others) for treating acne. Tea tree
oil might work more slowly than benzoyl peroxide, but seems to be less irritating to
facial skin. When applied twice daily for 45 days, tea tree oil reduces several acne
symptoms, including acne severity.

Fungus infections of the nails (onychomycosis). Topical application of 100% tea

tree oil solution, twice daily for six months, can cure fungal toenail infection in about

18% of people who try it. It can also improve nail appearance and symptoms in about
56% of patients after three months and 60% of patients after six months of treatment.
It seems to be comparable to twice daily application ofclotrimazole 1% solution
(Fungoid, Lotrimin, Lotrimin AF). Lower concentrations of tea tree oil do not seem to
be as effective. For example, there is some evidence that a 5% tea tree oil cream
applied three times daily for two months has no benefit.

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis). Topical application of a 10% tea tree oil cream works
about as well as tolnaftate 1% cream (Genaspor, Tinactin, Ting, and others) for
relieving symptoms of athlete's foot, including scaling, inflammation, itching, and
burning. However, the 10% tea tree oil cream doesn't seem to cure the infection. A
stronger tea tree oil solution (25% or 50%) is needed for that. Application of 25% or
50% tea tree oil solution appears to both relieve symptoms and clear up the infection
in about half of people who try it for 4 weeks. However, 25% or 50% tea tree oil
concentrations don't appear to be as effective for curing the infection
as medications such as clotrimazole or terbinafine.
Insufficient Evidence for:

Bacterial infection of the vagina (bacterial vaginosis). Early research suggests

that tea tree oil may benefit people with bacterial vaginosis.

Dandruff. Early research suggests that applying a 5% teat tree oil shampoo
three minutes daily for four weeks reduces scalp lesions, scalp itchiness, and
greasiness in patients with dandruff.
Chamomile
M. chamomilla grows as an erect annual, and A. nobilis is a slow-growing perennial.
The fragrant flowering heads of both plants are collected and dried for use as teas and
extracts. They all are members of theAsteraceae (daisy) family.
Chamomile is applied to the skin and mucous membrane for inflammations and skin
diseases. It can be inhaled for sore throats, used in baths to soothe anal or genital
inflammation, and used internally for stomach and intestinal spasms and inflammatory
diseases. However, clinical proof supporting any of these uses of chamomile is limited.
Traditional and ethnobotanical uses
Known since Roman times for its medicinal properties, chamomile has been used as an
antispasmodic and sedative in folk treatment of digestive and rheumatic disorders.
Chamomile tea has been used to treat parasitic worm infections and as hair color and
conditioner. The volatile oil has been used to flavor cigarette tobacco. Chamomile has
been utilized as a skin wash to clean wounds and ulcers, and to increase the sloughing
of necrotic tissue and promote granulation and proper healing. It also has been reported
to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, and deodorant properties. Various

formulations of chamomile have been used to treat colic, cystitis, fever, flatulence, and
vomiting.

How safe is it?

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to ragweed pollens.

Pregnancy/nursing

Poorly documented adverse reactions (eg, affects on menstrual cycle, reputed abortive
effects, uterine stimulant). Avoid use during pregnancy.
No clinical data are available on the use of chamomile during lactation.
Interactions

Possible interactions have been reported with warfarin or cyclosporine. Because

warfarin and cyclosporine have a narrow therapeutic index, patients taking either of
these medications in more than modest amounts should avoid using chamomile at the
same time.
No interactions caused by sedative effects or antispasmodic properties of chamomile
have been reported.
Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a plant. The leaf, bark, and twigs are used to make medicine. You
may see a product called witch hazel water (Hamamelis water, distilled witch
hazel extract). This is a liquid that is distilled from dried leaves, bark, and partially
dormant twigs of Hamamelis virginiana.
Witch hazel is taken by mouth for diarrhea,
mucus colitis, vomitingblood, coughing up blood, tuberculosis, colds, fevers,
tumors, and cancer.
Some people apply witch hazel directly to the skin for itching, pain and swelling
(inflammation), eye inflammation, skin injury, mucous membrane
inflammation,varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, insect bites, minor burns, and
other skin irritations.
In manufacturing, witch hazel leaf extract, bark extract, and witch hazel water are
used as astringents to tighten the skin. They are also included in
some medications to give those products the ability to slow down or stop
bleeding. Those medications are used for treating insect bites,
stings, teething, hemorrhoids, itching, irritations, and minor pain. Possibly
Effective for:

Hemorrhoids. Applying witch hazel water to the skin may help to temporarily
relieve itching, discomfort, irritation, and burning from hemorrhoids and other anal
disorders.

Minor bleeding. Applying witch hazel bark, leaf, or water to the skin reduces
minor bleeding.

Skin irritation. Applying witch hazel cream seems to relieve mild skin irritation,
but not as well as hydrocortisone. Other research shows that applying a specific
witch hazel ointment (Hametum) to the skin appears to improve symptoms of skin
injury or irritated skin as effectively as a dexpanthenol ointment in children.

Possibly Ineffective for:

Itchy and inflamed skin (eczema). Applying a cream containing witch hazel to
the skin for 14 days does not seem to improve itchy and inflamed skin in people with
moderate eczema. Applying hydrocortisone cream seems to be a more effective
treatment option.
Insufficient Evidence for:

Diarrhea.

Vomiting blood.

Coughing up blood.

Sage is an herb. The leaf is used to make medicine.

Sage is used for digestive problems, including loss of appetite, gas (flatulence),stomach

pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bloating, and heartburn. It is also used for reducing
overproduction of perspiration and saliva; and for depression, memory loss,
andAlzheimer's disease.
Women use sage for painful menstrual periods, to correct excessive milk flow during
nursing, and to reduce hot flashes during menopause.
Sage is applied directly to the skin for cold sores; gum disease (gingivitis); soremouth,
throat or tongue; and swollen, painful nasal passages.
Some people inhale sage for asthma.
In foods, sage is used as a commonly used spice.
In manufacturing, sage is used as a fragrance component in soaps and cosmetics.
Possibly Effective for:

Alzheimer's disease. Taking extracts of two different sage species (Salvia

officinalis and Salvia lavandulaefolia) for 4 months seems to improve learning,
memory and information processing in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's
disease.

Mental performance. Taking a single dose of common sage (Salvia officinalis)

or Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) by mouth seems to improve memory,
alertness, and attention in healthy adults. When used as aromatherapy, these sage
species seem to improve alertness, but not attention and memory.

Cold sores, when applied as a cream containing sage and rhubarb. Applying a
cream containing common sage (Salvia officinalis) and rhubarb (Rheum officinale
and Rheum palmatum) to cold sores may be about as effective as acyclovir (Zovirax)
cream. Acyclovir cream heals the cold sores in about 6 days; it takes the sage and
rhubarb cream about 7 days to heal them. Sage and rhubarb together work faster
than sage alone.

High cholesterol. Taking common sage (Salvia officinalis) three times per day
for 2 months seems to reduce bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and
blood fats called triglycerides, and increase good high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol, in people with high cholesterol.

Memory. Taking a single dose of common sage (Salvia officinalis) or Spanish

sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia) by mouth seems to improve memory in healthy adults.
However, these sage species do not seem to improve memory when used as
aromatherapy.

Menopausal symptoms. Early research suggests that taking extract of common

sage (Sage Menopause, Bioforce AG) for 8 weeks improves symptoms of
menopause, especially hot flashes. Also, other developing research suggests that
taking a combination of common sage (Salvia officinalis) and alfalfa extract for 3
months reduces hot flashes and night sweats.
Insufficient Evidence for:

Lung cancer. People who regularly use sage as a spice seem to have a 54%
lower chance of developing lung cancer compared to those who dont use sage.

Sore throat. Using a specific spray containing 15% common sage extract
(Valverde Salvia Rachenspray) seems to reduce throat pain in people with a sore
throat. However, sprays containing higher (30%) and lower (5%) amounts of common
sage extract do not seem to reduce throat pain. Other early research suggests that

Milk Thistle:
Milk thistle is a plant. The above ground parts and seeds are used to make medicine. The seeds are more commonly
used.
Milk thistle is used most often for liver disorders, including liver damage caused by chemicals, Amanita phalloides
mushroom poisoning, jaundice, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis.
Nevertheless, researchers have not yet concluded with certainty that milk thistle is effective for any of these uses.
Milk thistle is also used for loss of appetite, heartburn (dyspepsia), and gallbladdercomplaints.
Some people use milk thistle for diabetes, hangover, diseases of the spleen, prostate cancer, malaria, depression,
uterine complaints, increasing breast milk flow, allergy symptoms, and starting menstrual flow.
In foods, milk thistle leaves and flowers are eaten as a vegetable for salads and a substitute for spinach. The seeds
are roasted for use as a coffee substitute.
Milk thistle gets its name from the milky sap that comes out of the leaves when they are broken. The leaves also have
unique white markings that, according to legend, were the Virgin Marys milk. Dont confuse milk thistle with blessed
thistle (Cnicus benedictus).
Possibly Effective for:

Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis). Some research shows that people who take a milk thistle extract in
combination with a conventional antihistamine have reduced symptoms compared to people who just use
an antihistamine.

Diabetes. Some research shows that taking silymarin, a chemical found in milk thistle, along with
conventional treatment can decrease blood sugar, totalcholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or
bad) cholesterol, and triglyceridesin people with diabetes.

Heartburn (dyspepsia). When used daily for 4 weeks, a specific combination product (Iberogast, Medical
Futures, Inc) that contains milk thistle plus peppermint leaf, German chamomile, caraway, licorice, clowns
mustard plant, celandine, angelica, and lemon balm seems to reduce the severity of acid reflux,stomach pain,
cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

Menopausal symptoms. Research in women suggests that taking a specific product containing milk
thistle, black cohosh, dong quai, red clover, American ginseng, and chasteberry (Phyto-Female) twice daily for 3
months reduces menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.

Skin damage caused by radiation treatment. Research suggests that applying a specific product
(Leviaderm) containing silymarin, a certain chemical found in milk thistle, to the skin reduces skin damage caused
by radiation treatment in women with breast cancer.

Most studies of milk thistles effectiveness have used a specific extract standardized to 70% to 80%
silymarin. In the U.S., this formulation is found in the brand name product Thisilyn (Natures Way).
Possibly Ineffective for:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Research shows that taking milk thistle for 8 weeks does not
improve OCD symptoms.

Hepatitis B. Most clinical evidence suggests that milk thistle or specific chemicals from milk thistle do not
improve liver function or reduce the risk of mortality in patients with hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C. Most clinical evidence suggests that milk thistle or specific chemicals from milk thistle do not
improve liver function or reduce the risk of mortality in patients with hepatitis C.
Insufficient Evidence for:

Liver disease caused by excessive use of alcohol. There is conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of
milk thistle for treating alcohol-related liver disease. Early research suggests that taking milk thistle by mouth
might improve liver function and reduce risk of death. However, other research suggests it may not have an
effect.

Alzheimers disease. Early research suggests that taking a combination supplement containing silymarin,
a chemical found in milk thistle, seems to improve mental function in people with Alzheimers disease.

Amanita mushroom poisoning. Giving silibinin, a chemical found in milk thistle, intravenously (by IV) may
lessen liver damage caused by Amanita phalloides mushroom (death cap) poisoning. However, it is hard to obtain
silibinin in the U.S.

Bloodroot is a plant. People use the underground stem (rhizome) to make medicine.
Bloodroot is used to cause vomiting, empty the bowels, and reduce tooth pain. It is also
used to treat croup, hoarseness (laryngitis), sore throat (pharyngitis), poor circulation in
the surface blood vessels, nasal polyps, achy joints and muscles (rheumatism), warts,
and fever.
Some people apply bloodroot directly to the skin around wounds to remove dead tissue
and promote healing. During the mid-1800s, bloodroot extracts were applied to the skin
as part of the Fell Technique for treatment of breast tumors.
In dentistry, bloodroot is used on the teeth to reduce the build-up of plaque. Plaque is a
film of saliva, mucus, bacteria, and food particles that can promote gum disease.
Possibly Effective for:

Dental plaque. Brushing teeth with a specific toothpaste containing bloodroot

and zinc chloride (Viadent Original, Vipont Pharmaceuticals) or using a similar
toothpaste containing bloodroot, zinc chloride, and fluoride (Viadent Fluoride
toothpaste, Vipont Pharmaceuticals) along with a using mouth rinse containing
bloodroot and zinc (Viadent Oral Rinse, Vipont Pharmaceuticals) seems to reduce
dental plaque. Also, rinsing with bloodroot mouthwash after a
professional tooth cleaning seems to slow the regrowth of dental plaque. In addition,
using a bloodroot toothpaste (Viadent toothpaste, Viadent Inc.) and rinsing with
bloodroot mouthwash (Viadent Oral Rinse, Viadent Inc.) seems to prevent plaque
development in teenagers wearing orthodontic devices.

Swelling of the gums (gingivitis). Although some conflicting results exist, most
research shows that brushing with a toothpaste containing bloodroot and zinc
chloride (Viadent Original, Vipont Pharmaceuticals) or using a similar toothpaste
containing bloodroot, zinc chloride, and fluoride (Viadent Fluoride toothpaste, Vipont
Pharmaceuticals) along with a mouth rinse containing bloodroot and zinc (Viadent
Oral Rinse, Vipont Pharmaceuticals) reduces gingivitis. Also, rinsing with bloodroot
mouthwash (Viadent Oral Rinse) after a professional tooth cleaning seems to slow
the development of gingivitis.

Insufficient Evidence for:

A serious dental infection (periodontitis). Early research shows that using

toothpaste and a mouth rinse containing bloodroot extract and zinc chloride for 2
weeks following usual periodontitis treatment reduces gum swelling and bleeding, but
not dental plaque, in people with periodontitis.

Coughs.

Spasms.

Emptying the bowels.

Causing vomiting.

Wound cleaning.

Other conditions.
Echinacea is an herb. Several species of the echinacea plant are used to make medicine from its leaves, flower, and

root.
Echinacea is widely used to fight infections, especially the common cold and other
upper respiratory infections. Some people take echinacea at the first sign of a cold,
hoping they will be able to keep the cold from developing. Other people take echinacea
after cold symptoms have started, hoping they can make symptoms less severe. The
people who use echinacea to treat symptoms have the right idea. Research to date
shows that echinacea probably modestly reduces cold symptoms, but its not clear
whether it helps prevent colds from developing.
Echinacea is also used against many other infections including the flu, urinary tract
infections, vaginal yeast infections, genital herpes, bloodstream infections (septicemia),
gum disease, tonsillitis, streptococcus infections, syphilis, typhoid,malaria, and
diphtheria.
Other uses not related to infection include chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS),
rheumatism, migraines, acid indigestion, pain, dizziness, rattlesnake bites, and attention
deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Sometimes people apply echinacea to their skin to treat boils, abscesses, skin wounds,
ulcers, burns, eczema, psoriasis, UV radiation skin damage, herpes simplex,bee stings,
and hemorrhoids.
How does it work?

Echinacea seems to activate chemicals in the body that decrease inflammation,

which might reduce cold and flu symptoms.
Laboratory research suggests that echinacea can stimulate the bodys immune
system, but there is no evidence that this occurs in people.
Echinacea also seems to contain some chemicals that can attack yeast and
other kinds of fungi directly.

Possibly Effective for:

Common cold. Many scientific studies show that taking some echinacea
products when cold symptoms are first noticed can modestly reduce symptoms of the
common cold in adults. But other scientific studies show no benefit. The problem is
that scientific studies have used different types of echinacea plants and different
methods of preparation. Since the studies have not been consistent, it is not
surprising that different studies show different results. If it helps for treating a cold,

the benefit will likely be modest at best. It also isnt clear whether echinacea can help
PREVENT colds. Any benefit is likely to be modest.

Vaginal yeast infections. Taking echinacea and applying a medicated cream to

the skin seems to lower the recurrence rate of infection to about 16% compared to
60.5% with econazole alone.

What is Ginseng?
In the eastern and central US and Canada, American ginseng is found in rich, cool
woods; a large crop is grown commercially in Wisconsin. Asian ginseng is cultivated in
Korea and China. The short plant grows 3 to 7 compound leaves that drop in the fall and
bears a cluster of red or yellowish colored fruits from June to July. The shape of the root
varies among species and has been used to distinguish types of ginseng. The root
contains the highest amount of active ginsenosides. Ginsenoside content varies with the
age of the root, season of harvest, and preservation method. While at least 4
ginsenosides are detectable in most young roots, the content more than doubles after 6
years of growth. High-quality ginseng generally is collected in the fall after 5 to 6 years
of growth
Ginseng is perhaps the most widely recognized plant used in traditional medicine and
now plays a major role in herbal health care. For more than 2,000 years, various forms
have been used in medicine. The name Panax derives from the Greek word for all
healing. Ginseng root's man-shaped figure (shen-seng means man-root) led
proponents of the doctrine of signatures, an ancient philosophy, to believe that the root
could strengthen any part of the body. Through the ages, the root has been used in the
treatment of loss of strength, hardened arteries, blood and bleeding disorders, and
colitis, and to relieve the symptoms of aging, cancer, and senility.
General uses
Ginseng is widely used for its antistress, anticancer, immune system modulation,
cardiovascular, CNS, and hormonal effects, and for improvement of athletic
performance, but these uses have not been confirmed by clinical trials.
What is the recommended dosage?
According to the Complete German Commission E Monographs, crude preparations of
dried root powder 1 to 2 g can be taken daily for up to 3 months. In numerous clinical

trials, the dosage of crude root has ranged from 0.5 to 3 g/day and the dose of extracts
has generally ranged from 100 to 400 mg.
Limited evidence exists for any established interactions, with most data derived from
laboratory studies and healthy volunteers. Very few case reports exist; however, use
ginseng cautiously with the following medicines: antidiabetic drugs/insulin, antipsychotic
drugs, caffeine and other stimulants, furosemide, imatinib, monoamine oxidase
inhibitors, and nifedipine. Reports of interactions with warfarin and antiviral drugs are
conflicting. It is estimated that more than 6 million people ingest ginseng regularly in the
United States. There have been few reports of severe reactions and a very low
incidence of adverse events has been reported in clinical trials. Allergic reactions have
been reported. Inappropriate use of P. ginseng or ginseng abuse syndrome includes

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (/ndi, n-/;[2] Hindustani: [mondd as

krmtndd andd i] ( listen); 2 October 1869 30 January 1948) was the
preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India.
Employing nonviolent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired
movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.
The honorificMahatma (Sanskrit: "high-souled", "venerable")[3]applied to him first in
1914 in South Africa,[4]is now used worldwide. He is also called Bapu (Gujarati:
endearment for "father",[5] "papa"[5][6]) in India.
Born and raised in a Hindu merchant caste family in coastal Gujarat, western India, and
trained in law at the Inner Temple, London, Gandhi first employed nonviolent civil
disobedience as an expatriate lawyer in South Africa, in the resident Indian community's
struggle for civil rights. After his return to India in 1915, he set about organising
peasants, farmers, and urban labourers to protest against excessive land-tax and
discrimination. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi
led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women's rights, building
religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, but above all for achieving Swaraj or
self-rule.
Gandhi famously led Indians in challenging the British-imposed salt tax with the 400 km
(250 mi) Dandi Salt March in 1930, and later in calling for the British to Quit India in
1942. He was imprisoned for many years, upon many occasions, in both South Africa
and India. Gandhi attempted to practise nonviolence and truth in all situations, and
advocated that others do the same. He lived modestly in a self-sufficient residential
community and wore the traditional Indian dhoti and shawl, woven with yarn hand-spun

on a charkha. He ate simple vegetarian food, and also undertook long fasts as a means
of both self-purification and social protest.
Gandhi's vision of an independent India based on religious pluralism, however, was
challenged in the early 1940s by a new Muslim nationalism which was demanding a
separate Muslim homeland carved out of India. [7] Eventually, in August 1947, Britain
granted independence, but the British Indian Empire [7] was partitioned into
two dominions, a Hindu-majority India and Muslim Pakistan.[8] As many displaced
Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs made their way to their new lands, religious violence broke
out, especially in the Punjaband Bengal. Eschewing the official celebration of
independence in Delhi, Gandhi visited the affected areas, attempting to provide solace.
In the months following, he undertook several fasts unto death to promote religious
harmony. The last of these, undertaken on 12 January 1948 at age 78, [9] also had the
indirect goal of pressuring India to pay out some cash assets owed to Pakistan. [9]Some
Indians thought Gandhi was too accommodating.[9][10] Nathuram Godse, a Hindu
nationalist, assassinated Gandhi on 30 January 1948 by firing three bullets into his
chest at point-blank range.[10]
Indians widely describe Gandhi as the father of the nation (Hindi: ).[11][12] The title
"The Father of the Nation" for Gandhi is not an official title and has not been officially
accorded by Government of India. An RTI query filed by a 10-year-old girl
fromLucknow in February 2012 revealed that PMO has no records of ever according
such title to Gandhi. MHA and National Archives of India also communicated of not
having any records. Origin of this title is traced back to a radio address
(on Singapore radio) on 6 Jul 1944 by Subhash Chandra Bose where Bose addressed
Gandhi as "The Father of the Nation". On 28 Apr 1947, Sarojini Naiduduring a
conference also referred Gandhi as "Father of the Nation". [13][14] The RTI applicant had
also pleaded for Gandhi to be officially declared as "Father of the Nation" to which the
MHA informed that Gandhi cannot be accorded with the title by Government of India
since the Indian constitution does not permit any titles except educational and military
titles.[14]
His birthday, 2 October, is commemorated as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, and
world-wide as the International Day of Nonviolence.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi[15] was born on October 2, 1869[1] to
a Hindu Modh Baniya family[16] in Porbandar (also known as Sudamapuri), a coastal
town on the Kathiawar Peninsula and then part of the small princely state of Porbandar
in the Kathiawar Agency of the Indian Empire. His father, Karamchand Uttamchand
Gandhi (18221885), served as the diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar state.

The Gandhi family originated from the village of Kutiana in what was then Junagadh
State.[17] In the late 17th or early 18th century, one Lalji Gandhi moved to Porbandar and
entered the service of its ruler, the Rana. Successive generations of the family served
as civil servants in the state administration before Uttamchand, Mohandas's
grandfather, became diwan in the early 19th century under the then Rana of Porbandar,
Khimojiraji.[17][18] In 1831, Rana Khimojiraji died suddenly and was succeeded by his 12year-old only son, Vikmatji.[18] As a result, Rana Khimojirajji's widow, Rani Rupaliba,
became regent for her son. She soon fell out with Uttamchand and forced him to return
to his ancestral village in Junagadh. While in Junagadh, Uttamchand appeared before
its Nawab and saluted him with his left hand instead of his right, replying that his right
hand was pledged to Porbandar's service.[17] In 1841, Vikmatji assumed the throne and
reinstated Uttamchand as his diwan.
In 1847, Rana Vikmatji appointed Uttamchand's son, Karamchand, as diwan after
disagreeing with Uttamchand over the state's maintenance of a British garrison.
[17]
Although he only had an elementary education and had previously been a clerk in the
state administration, Karamchand proved a capable chief minister.[19] During his tenure,
Karamchand married four times. His first two wives died young, after each had given
birth to a daughter, and his third marriage was childless. In 1857, Karamchand sought
his third wife's permission to remarry; that year, he married Putlibai