**Summary Report: Advancements and Applications of Traditional Indian (Herbal) Medicine**

Traditional Indian medicine—primarily Ayurveda, but also including Siddha and Unani—remains highly relevant, both culturally and therapeutically.

Modern efforts increasingly focus on integrating its practices with contemporary medicine.

Several key trends and initiatives support this integration:

1.

**Scientific Validation and Standardization:**
India's Ministry of AYUSH actively works towards scientific validation and global standardization of Ayurveda and related systems.

The push for the inclusion of Indian traditional medicine into the WHO’s ICD-11 is particularly significant.

This move aims to establish a universal terminology, fostering global research collaboration and clinical acceptance.

**Research and Modern Application:**
Current research often centers around the therapeutic use of herbs for disease prevention and management.

For example, Indian herbal medicine is being examined for its ability to modulate the gut microbiome, a factor now linked with wide-ranging health conditions.

Ayurveda employs culinary herbs and spices for their health-promoting and disease-preventive properties—ginger, tulsi, and ashwagandha are common examples with growing scientific backing for roles in immunity, metabolic disorders, and stress management.

**Treatment of Specific Diseases:**
Clinics rooted in traditional Indian practices report cases, such as diabetes reversal, via dietary, herbal, and lifestyle interventions.

While rigorous evidence varies, these anecdotes fuel larger clinical studies.

For instance, ayurvedic formulations are increasingly studied for supportive management of conditions like flu, stress, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic syndromes.

Initiatives like chatbot 'RAKSHA' promote informed usage and help combat misinformation about Ayurveda.

**Integration with Western Medicine:**
Experts highlight the importance of balancing traditional and Western practices.

**Summary Report: Advancements and Applications of Traditional Indian (Herbal) Medicine**

Traditional Indian medicine—primarily Ayurveda, but also including Siddha and Unani—remains highly relevant, both culturally and therapeutically.

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G20 science advisors to discuss pre-competitive collaboration, traditional knowledge

Once it reaches a certain level of maturity, of course different countries will have their take. But pre-competitive R&D (research and development) space is what we think should be something where we should work:

New Delhi: In a bid to bolster the fight against future pandemics, India's top scientific advisor Prof Ajay Kumar Sood has urged G20 countries to collaborate in developing vaccine platforms by cooperating with each other in the pre-competitive research and development phase.

In a video interview Sood, who will chair the Chief Scientific Advisors' Roundtable (CSAR) of G20 countries next week, said India will also present its traditional systems of medicine and seek to harness the knowledge of indigenous communities of different countries.

Making a strong pitch for collaboration among G20 nations in drug development, Sood, the principal scientific advisor to the government, said there is enormous scope for cooperation in the pre-competitive research and development space.

"Once it reaches a certain level of maturity, of course different countries will have their take. But pre-competitive R&D (research and development) space is what we think should be something where we should work," he said.

Sood identified emerging technologies for environmental surveillance as another area for cooperation.

"This is something which has to be done by all countries. A lot of it is happening but there are many other countries which will need a helping hand. So, we should be ready to take everyone along," he said.

Pre-competitive collaboration involves two or more companies operating within the same industry coming together to address a shared problem or pain point that doesn't impact direct business competition or contribute to unfair advantage.

"When there is a pandemic, you cannot live in isolation. We have seen it in COVID, all countries will have to fight it together and it has to be eradicated or controlled at all places. If it does not, then it will linger on and that is what you are seeing for COVID," Sood said.

He said the CSAR meeting in Uttarakhand's Ramnagar from March 28-30 will also focus on harnessing the benefits of traditional knowledge in healthcare.

"Traditional medicine has a very important role to play but it should be put in scientific context. All that work has to be done. When you have traditional medicines, how can we put it on a platform where it meets the acceptance of science," he said.

Sood said India has a very rich tradition of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani and all of them have a role to play. It could be to build up immunity or strength or to address the symptoms of a disease, adding " whatever you think, it is possible".

"We should not try to limit ourselves to only what we call modern medicine," he said, making a strong pitch for diversity in various systems of medicine.

Sood also talked about harnessing the knowledge repositories of indigenous communities in G20 countries for the benefit of humankind.

"These are very, very old traditions. The goal should be, what we call traditional knowledge, it is really tested over centuries. It is very important that we take this traditional knowledge along with the other streams," Sood said.

Sood said the Ayush ministry is working on scientific validation of traditional systems of medicine.

"The Ayush ministry is doing that. This word was coined a few years back ayurvedic biology to address the issue of scientific validity. I am sure that in other countries there are parallel efforts. Because these tribal, traditional things are also very important and we need to learn from them," Sood said.

The three-day meeting in Ramnagar will focus on four broad themes Opportunities in One Health for better disease control and pandemic preparedness; Synergising global efforts to expand the access to scholarly scientific knowledge; Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in science and technology (S&T); and an Institutional mechanism for inclusive, continuous and action-oriented global S&T policy dialogue.

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What does traditional Indian medicine generally treat?

What is the traditional Indian medical system called?

What treatment did Former Kenyan President's daughter Rosemary Odinga get that helped her regain eyesight?

Traditional Indian medicine Ayurvedic treatment.

Modern efforts increasingly focus on integrating its practices with contemporary medicine.

Title:

Content: Healthy Directions Partners with Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary to Combine the Tradition Of Ayurvedic Practice with Modern-Day Science

Bethesda, Maryland, UNITED STATES

BETHESDA, M.d., March 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In Ayurvedic medicine, the body, mind and spirit are treated using a holistic approach. Part of the practice is the use of essential herbs that have been revered for millennia, and are now supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. This pairing of traditional use with clinical science creates uniquely modern Ayurvedic blends that can serve as a bridge to a new world of health and vitality. This is the motivation for neurologist and Ayurvedic practitioner, Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary’s development of Prajna Ayurveda herbals with Healthy Directions, which she says have a remarkable ability to reset and restore the body and mind.

Integrating traditional Ayurvedic practices and modern-day science has been Chaudhary’s method for decades and has helped her successfully restore thousands of patients back to health, as well as transform her own health. Partnering with Healthy Directions, an established 30-year-old manufacturer and marketer of doctor-formulated nutritional supplements, has empowered Chaudhary to develop herbal formulas made with powder from the whole plant, as it has been used for thousands of years, along with powerful extracts of the plant that have been clinically researched for specific health benefits.

“What impresses me about Healthy Directions is how well developed they are as a company in terms of the mind and the heart, and particularly the heart,” said Chaudhary. “The heart is the source of all healing in Ayurveda, so for me, it was so important to make a decision to partner with people who I know are heart-centered, and who really care about their customers.”

The literal meaning of Prajna (Praw-g-ńa) is “transcendental wisdom,” which in Ayurveda refers to the peace and balance that comes from being fully present in your body and mind. Chaudhary says it is the ultimate expression of wellness. There are four essential herbs that make up the foundation of all the Prajna Ayurveda formulas. These herbs are among Ayurveda's most trusted herbal medicines, that Chaudhary says can bring about transformational shifts in your physical health and overall well-being:

  • Prajna® Triphala is taken at night to cleanse and “sweep” the day away. This lesser-known herb has been traditionally used to support digestion and elimination, while also nourishing both mind and body for the day ahead.
  • Prajna® Ashwagandha is a popular “multi-tasker” herb that brings daily harmony, calm, and positivity by helping balance hormones and reducing levels of cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone.
  • Prajna® Brahmi has been used by Ayurvedic practitioners for centuries as a tonic for overall mind and memory support as well as for its calming effects on the nervous system.
  • Prajna® Guggul is a purifying Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for its cleansing effects and to support a healthy inflammatory response and cholesterol health.

The Prajna Ayurveda herbs by Healthy Directions are responsibly sourced in India, blended traditionally, produced in vegan capsules, triple-tested to assure quality, purity and potency and contain no hidden allergens such as gluten, dairy, egg or soy. Each affordably priced product is balanced for use by all three Ayurvedic mind-body dosha types, and incorporates Ayurvedic healing practices of sound medicine and sacred geometry. As part of the Prajna Ayurveda product line, Chaudhary has also developed the Veda Wellness products that uses essential Ayurvedic herbs with clinically-studied ingredients for modern-day health concerns, including: Veda Rescue, Veda Lean, Veda Balance Brain and Veda Balance Gut to target specific health concerns. Learn more about Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary’s Prajna Ayurveda herb line and “Om Namo Narayani” (I honor the divine energy that resides in all of us) at: https://www.healthydirections.com/dr-kulreet-chaudhary.

About Healthy Directions: Healthy Directions LLC, a subsidiary of Wellful LLC, is a leading provider of premier doctor-formulated nutritional supplements and skincare products. Celebrating 30 years of providing expert natural health guidance from some of America’s most knowledgeable and highly respected integrative and alternative health doctors, including Dr. Julian Whitaker; Dr. David Williams; Dr. Stephen Sinatra; Dr. Drew Sinatra; Dr. Briana Sinatra; Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, Dr. Rudrani Banik, Dr. Ken Redcross and Dr. Joseph Pergolizzi, Jr. Learn more at: https://www.healthydirections.com/about-us.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98eaae2d-7655-49e2-8ebd-2000394a053c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e9e36fb5-0a2e-42a6-8d78-1913fc824c89

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52092125-bbf1-42f1-8678-9e0095707325

Video accompanying this announcement is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa418877-d78d-4fd7-a636-9f85666f0d55

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Several key trends and initiatives support this integration:

1.

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Content: The Daily Iowan

The Daily Iowan

The Daily Iowan

The Future of Natural Pain Management: A Comprehensive Guide

The allure of natural remedies has been gaining momentum in the quest for pain relief. From ancient practices to modern innovations, the landscape of pain management is evolving, offering promising alternatives to conventional medicine. This comprehensive guide will explore various natural methods of alleviating pain and discuss the potential future of natural pain management, including the emerging trend of portable pemf devices.

Ancient Wisdom

Natural pain management draws from a rich tapestry of ancient wisdom, tapping into traditions that have stood the test of time. Practices like acupuncture, originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, target specific points in the body to promote the flow of energy, known as qi, and alleviate pain. Similarly, techniques such as yoga and meditation, rooted in ancient Indian traditions, harness the power of breath and movement to soothe both body and mind.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements

Herbs and supplements have long been used to address various ailments, including pain. Turmeric, for example, contains curcumin, a compound renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for managing conditions like arthritis. Ginger, willow bark and Boswellia serrata are among the other natural remedies that have shown promise in relieving pain and inflammation.

The Rise of Portable PEMF Devices

In recent years, a modern option has emerged in natural pain management: portable PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) devices. These compact gadgets deliver low-frequency electromagnetic pulses to targeted areas of the body, mimicking the body’s natural electromagnetic fields. Research suggests that PEMF therapy may help reduce pain and inflammation, accelerate healing, and improve overall wellness.

Portable pemf devices are designed for convenience, allowing users to incorporate pain relief into their daily routines. Whether at home, at work, or on the go, individuals can easily integrate PEMF therapy into their lifestyles, providing a non-invasive and drug-free alternative for managing pain.

Mind-Body Connection

The mind-body connection plays a crucial role in pain perception and management. Practices such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) aim to cultivate awareness and change the perception of pain. By addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of pain, these approaches empower individuals to better cope with their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

The role of stress in exacerbating pain cannot be overstated. Chronic stress triggers physiological responses in the body, such as increased muscle tension and inflammation, which can amplify pain signals. Mind-body practices like yoga and progressive muscle relaxation offer effective strategies for managing stress and promoting relaxation, thereby reducing the overall burden of pain.

Physical Therapies and Alternative Modalities

Physical therapies offer a holistic approach to pain management, focusing on restoring function and mobility. Techniques like chiropractic care, massage therapy, and hydrotherapy can relieve various types of pain, including musculoskeletal issues and chronic conditions. Additionally, modalities such as aromatherapy and music therapy offer non-invasive ways to promote relaxation and reduce discomfort.

The Future of Natural Pain Management

As interest in natural approaches to pain management continues to grow, the future holds exciting possibilities. Advancements in technology, coupled with a deeper understanding of holistic healing modalities, are paving the way for innovative solutions that prioritize individual well-being. From personalized wellness plans to wearable devices that track and optimize health parameters, the future of natural pain management promises to be both empowering and transformative.

Natural pain management encompasses diverse modalities that honor the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Today, individuals have many options to explore on their journey toward relief and healing. With these tools and tips, you are ready to chart a course toward a future where pain no longer dictates your life.

More to Discover

**Scientific Validation and Standardization:**
India's Ministry of AYUSH actively works towards scientific validation and global standardization of Ayurveda and related systems.

The push for the inclusion of Indian traditional medicine into the WHO’s ICD-11 is particularly significant.

Title:

Content: Traditional Indian medicine set to make a global debut, seeking inclusion in WHO’s ICD-11 list

The inclusion of Ayurveda and related systems on the WHO list will provide it with a common language that allows health professionals to share standardised information across the world

October 14, 2023 06:17 pm | Updated 06:17 pm IST - NEW DELHI

A view of the World Health Organisation headquarters.

In a move meant to put the Indian system of medicine on the world map and provide it with a common standardised language, the Union government has sought for Ayurveda and related systems to be included in the 11th revision of the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD), as the second module of a supplementary chapter on traditional medicine conditions.

The ICD provides a common language that allows health professionals to share standardised information across the world. The traditional medicine module of the 11th revision provides a list of diagnostics categories to collect and report on traditional medicine conditions in a standardised and internationally comparable manner.

Speaking exclusively to The Hindu about the development, Ministry of Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said: “We are hopeful that the addition of Module-2 for Ayurveda could happen as early as by next January.”

To aid regulation, research

“Ayurveda and related Indian traditional health care systems are formally recognised and widely practised health care systems in India, which is making a strong and valid point for its inclusion,” said Mr. Kotecha, adding that efforts to effectively regulate traditional medicine as an integral part of the health system require standardised and evidence-based information.

Mr. Kotecha further explained that the traditional medicine chapter under ICD-11 is a formative step for the integration of such forms of medicine into a classification standard used in conventional medicine. “It also provides the means for doing research and evaluation to establish its efficacy,” he said.

The Ministry added that this chapter would also help to respond to growing demands for more and better regulation of traditional medicine, and its integration in mainstream health care and health information systems.

ICD-11 covers Chinese medicine

After a decade of repeated consultations, ICD-11 had facilitated the inclusion of Module-1, which covers traditional medicine conditions originating in ancient China, which are now commonly used in China, Japan, Korea, and elsewhere around the world.

The eleventh revision contains around 17,000 unique codes and more than 1,20,000 codable terms, which are now entirely digital. ICD-11 came into effect from January 2022.

The joint use of ICD-11’s chapter on traditional medicine along with other chapters on neoplasm, patient safety, and injuries, can enhance the reporting of adverse events. It will enable the integration of traditional medicine into insurance coverage and reimbursement systems, in line with larger WHO objectives relating to universal health coverage. It will also link traditional medicine practices with global conventional medicine’s norms and standard development.

The development of Module-2 for Ayurveda-related diagnostic systems is being actively supported by the Ministry of Ayush. It extensively banks on the implementation experience gained on the ground by the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardised Terminologies Electronic portal, and the Ayush Health Information Management System, the Ministry said.

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Is traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda certified by the World Health Organization?

This move aims to establish a universal terminology, fostering global research collaboration and clinical acceptance.

What is the World Health Organization doing to promote traditional medicine, including Ayurveda?

Establishing rules for the safe, fair, and effective use of traditional medicine

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Content:   1. You Are At:
  2. English News
  3. Health
  4. Tips for Self-Care during Pregnancy

Tips for Self-Care during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman must take care of her diet intake and well-being as she is not feeding herself but eating for two individuals. Eating fresh fruits, fresh veggies, high fibers, and protein-rich food are good for the mother and the baby. Taking good care of health during pregnancy leads to smooth and healthy delivery.

Edited by: Health Desk
New Delhi Published on: December 26, 2021 10:28 IST

The phase of pregnancy modifies the whole lifestyle of a woman as this period needs extra attention and care. Pregnancy tends to bring about a gamut of physical to emotional changes, mood swings, food cravings are the most common ones. It became of utmost importance to eat more nutritious food and keep the body and mind in a calming stage. The habits and lifestyle followed by a pregnant mother not only affects the health of the mother but also affects the infant's health. Everybody talks about the beauty of being a mother but nobody wants to discuss the complications during pregnancy. The sudden increase in blood pressure, chances of anaemia, bacterial infections, weight change, joint mobility, morning sickness, mood swings are some of the most common complexities of pregnancy.

During pregnancy, a woman must take care of her diet intake and well-being as she is not feeding herself but eating for two individuals. Eating fresh fruits, fresh veggies, high fibers, and protein-rich food are good for the mother and the baby. Taking good care of health during pregnancy leads to a smooth and healthy delivery.

The psychological health of a mother is as important as physical health, taking care of emotions, happiness, and spiritual nourishment leads to a smooth pregnancy period. A pregnant woman can also follow a healthy diet month by month depending on the requirement of each month, considering a healthy diet post-pregnancy is necessary till the recovery period.

Ayurveda recommended some do and don'ts a woman should consider during pregnancy.

Do’s during Pregnancy

•  Follow a Sattvic diet including fresh fruits such as peach, pears, mango, and coconut, sprouted veggies, juices, herbal tea, and seeds. Sattvic diet calms the mind and provides energy to the muscles and bones which is extremely beneficial for women at the time of giving birth.

•  Favor the Appetite when desired, consuming foods with nutritional benefits such as protein, healthy carbohydrates are a must in pregnancy. The intake of plenty of water, juices, and fiber-rich food keep the hunger at rest for a longer period.

•  Doing Pranayam is effective in improving health and erecting the posture of the women, for the difficulty while sitting also practicing the breathing exercise balances the oxygen supply to the tissues.

•  Body Massage with herbal oils is helpful for the relaxation of the whole body and gives relief from muscle tension.

•  Practice Garbha Sanskar helps in educating the mind of the baby in the womb. It is an effective therapy that undergoes music therapy, mantra chanting, yogasana, and spiritual counseling.

Don'ts during Pregnancy
•   Avoid heavy diets and food such as eggplant, papaya, and raw eggs.

•   Stress during pregnancy can be harmful to the mother as well as for the baby. Plenty of sleep and rest and sipping peppermint tea instead of coffee calms the person mentally and refreshes the mind.

•   Avoid uncomfortable positions, as sitting on hard surfaces with wrong positions may lead to pain.

•   Don’t hold urges such as sleeping, eating, and yawning.

•   Ashwagandha is unsafe in pregnancy as the component present in the herb can harm the infant. It must also be avoided during the breastfeeding phase.

Ayurveda is one of the oldest sciences of healing and medicine has numerous benefits. The process of childbirth and pregnancy takes a toll on the female body. Hence, natural healing and home remedies are the best-preferred choices over other medical treatments for the betterment of both mother and child.

(The author is Vikas Chawla, Founder and Director, Vedas Cure)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not reflect the views of India TV)

**Research and Modern Application:**
Current research often centers around the therapeutic use of herbs for disease prevention and management.

Title:

Content: Current research on gut microbial modulation with culinary herbs and spices

An article published in Food Chemistry elaborated on the health benefits of culinary herbs and spices. It stated that these plant extracts harbor the potential for prebiotic effect, owing to their polyphenol content. The bioactive constituents likely harbor anti-inflammatory properties and modulate the gut microbe. Using herbs and spices could prevent certain diseases associated with impaired gut barrier function and obesity.

Background

Many branches of alternative medicine, like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani,  originated in India. The use of spices and herbs for medicinal purposes is an age-old practice, used even today – owing to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of these plant extracts and their high polyphenol content.

The fresh aerial parts (leaf and flowers) of certain plants are used as culinary herbs, whereas the dried remainder parts are used as a culinary spice. In Ayurveda, herbs and spices are not only used for promoting health but also for disease prevention.

Many herbs are used for treating mild gastrointestinal disorders, for instance, ginger for indigestion, turmeric during jaundice, licorice to attenuate gastrointestinal discomfort, and mint supplements during irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Herbs and spices are also used to ward off complications related to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and certain cancers.

The Mediterranean diet includes many herbs and spices, which renders its anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress reduction potential. Although there are indications for using herbs and spices for medicinal purposes, thorough scientific investigation is warranted before their prescription for health benefits.

The gut microbiome comprises bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes. The colon and the large intestine harbor approximately 3.8 x 1013 microbes; the majority are bacteria. The gut microbiota can be categorized in many ways and differs according to the host’s age, dietary pattern, health status, environment, and medication use.

Identifying and characterizing the gut microbiota can be culture-independent (for example, fluorescent in situ hybridization or FIAH) or culture-dependent (traditional method of bacterial plating). The advanced culture-dependent method also exists, like meta-genomics sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and immunoglobulin A sequencing.

Functions of the gut microbiome have been studied using human fecal specimens and multiple-stage complex gut models to determine the effects of dietary components on the gut microbial community and the effects of the gut microbiome on the overall well-being of the host. However, the entire functionality remains incompletely understood.

The review

This literature review explored current research findings on the effects of herbs and spices on gut microbes and the resulting health benefits.

Dietary modulation of the gut microbiota can improve overall health. Probiotics are dietary non-digestible carbohydrates that are not destroyed by the enzymes and digestive acids secreted by the upper digestive tract and enter the colon as fructans and galactans.

These metabolic byproducts are selectively utilized by beneficial bacteria which confer health benefits and improve the dysbiosis caused by illness, poor nutrition, aging, antibiotic use, and lifestyle alterations. Habitual consumption of probiotics can alter gut microbes by promoting specific bacterial populations.

Anaerobic gut bacteria ferment indigestible carbohydrates, which produce SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids). SCFAs impart numerous health benefits, such as – fat reduction, impeding type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progression, along with anticarcinogenic effects.

Another substance beneficial for health is prebiotics. Prebiotics are substrates selectively used by the host microbiome to confer health benefits. Prebiotics use several pathways leading to positive impacts on health. They promote polyphenol production; these modulate the gut microbiome.

Polyphenols are also found in herbs and spices; hence, these plant extracts may impose prebiotic effects. Polyphenols are phytochemicals; dietary polyphenols aid in maintaining gut homeostasis by selectively acting as prebiotics. They also show antipathogenic and antioxidant effects and play crucial roles in cell signaling, insulin sensitivity, and synthesizing inflammatory mediators.

About 90-95% of the dietary polyphenols reach the colon, are metabolized by gut microbes, and are transformed into metabolites that affect the bioavailability of polyphenols (and hence the health benefits).

Polyphenols can be structurally classified into flavonoids and non-flavonoids. Coumarin and tannins can also be included under dietary polyphenols. Flavonoids modulate the gut microbiome by transforming into absorbable metabolites from an unabsorbable parent. The metabolites, quantity of the consumed polyphenol, and action of gut microbes determine the health benefits. Tannins found in nuts and berries also confer health benefits by converting ellagitannins into urolithin metabolites. These two pathways cause homeostasis of the gut microbiome, prevent oxidative damage and inflammation, and confer an antimicrobial effect against invading pathogens.

However, there remain inconsistencies in herb and spice inventions. Such results can be attributed to the low bioavailability and the variable content of polyphenols in different plant derivatives. The polyphenol content also varies according to the harvesting techniques, shelf life, processing, and cooking methods.

Many studies have found that spices and herbs positively alter gut microbiota. Certain herbs also reduce the risk of cancer by acting as anti-inflammatory compounds. The anti-inflammatory effects are also pronounced in cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Spices promote SCFA production, which has an anti-obesity effect. Researchers have the anti-obesity properties of ginger root. Moreover, ginger and turmeric benefit by increasing the number of beneficial gut microbes.

Conclusion

More studies are warranted to study the impacts of spices and herbs on the gut microbiome and their health benefits on the host before their inclusion into dietary guidelines.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declared a conflict of interest, as one author works Pukka Herbs Ltd and another is in receipt of a PhD studentship funded by PUKKA Herbs Ltd.

Journal reference:

Written by

Nidhi Saha

I am a medical content writer and editor. My interests lie in public health awareness and medical communication. I have worked as a clinical dentist and as a consultant research writer in an Indian medical publishing house. It is my constant endeavor is to update knowledge on newer treatment modalities relating to various medical fields. I have also aided in proofreading and publication of manuscripts in accredited medical journals. I like to sketch, read and listen to music in my leisure time.

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For example, Indian herbal medicine is being examined for its ability to modulate the gut microbiome, a factor now linked with wide-ranging health conditions.

Ayurveda employs culinary herbs and spices for their health-promoting and disease-preventive properties—ginger, tulsi, and ashwagandha are common examples with growing scientific backing for roles in immunity, metabolic disorders, and stress management.

What does traditional Indian medicine generally treat?

It addresses the physical aspects of health conditions.

What mental health problems does traditional Indian medicine treat?

Support the management of symptoms related to mental health.

**Treatment of Specific Diseases:**
Clinics rooted in traditional Indian practices report cases, such as diabetes reversal, via dietary, herbal, and lifestyle interventions.

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What does traditional Indian medicine generally treat?

It addresses the physical aspects of health conditions.

While rigorous evidence varies, these anecdotes fuel larger clinical studies.

Title:

Content: We all identify with our heritage, homes, cultures and traditions. None of us would be happy to see the same misappropriated or exploited by another, lest we lose our identity or claim to what makes us unique.

Traditional knowledge (TK) represents the know-how, skills and practices developed, sustained and passed on from generation to generation within a community. Still, unlike most other forms of intangible cultural heritage, such as rituals and spiritual beliefs, TK can clash damagingly with modern legal systems, finding itself at loggerheads with national Intellectual Property (IP) frameworks. The potentiality and the ethics of a research company receiving a patent that relies on TK to outline the direction taken by R&D is the cause of impassioned debate over how the IP system regards indigenous peoples.

Nature's bounty

TK is commonly associated with using diverse plants as home remedies and for various medicinal applications. However, in Southern Africa, different plants also have deeply entrenched spiritual significance, for example, protecting homesteads against lightning and witchcraft. In the community's eyes, the use and exploitation of such knowledge without asking, not even getting to the issue of offering payment, is tantamount to theft.

Whether termed as theft or biopiracy, it ultimately refers to the same thing – the exploitation of an indigenous group, usually by a multinational corporation that utilizes local practices as a basis to conduct research into the pharmaceutical properties of a plant. Subsequently, they secure patent protection for a drug derived from this research, which then garners billions in revenue.

Arguably, the foremost purpose of the patent system, that which does not expire, is the dissemination of knowledge. Research into indigenous medicines can help spread their benefits from a very small area to the wider world. However, there is no reason for this to come at a cost to the local people.

The indigenous community would likely have never conducted the pharmaceutical research, development and clinical trials necessary to launch a market-ready drug. Nevertheless, the issue is one of equity. The traditional use of the plant may have initially guided the research in the right direction, resulting in the development of a successful drug with an identified active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

Cooperation and compromise

An equitable system would allow for benefit sharing between the indigenous community and the patentee. In light of this, many countries have acknowledged that there is a need for the protection of TK and adequate benefit sharing while also recognizing that the defense of TK does not have to exclude patentability.

There are many examples of TK from all over the world and how it has been used in developing pharmaceutical products. To cite just a few:

  • The Central African people of Gabon and Cameroon have used the brazzein berry for generations to help wean infants by letting them "forget" their mothers' milk (presumably due to the sweetness of the berries). A U.S. university isolated and reproduced the protein in these berries and was granted three U.S. patents and a European patent, the protein finding extensive application as an artificial sweetener. Since then, there has been no benefit sharing with the indigenous community for this TK. The knock-on effect has been an economic one for the local people, as the artificial production of the protein has dropped the price of brazzein, causing many local women who drew an income harvesting the berries to lose their jobs.
  • In India, the TK of the Kani tribe was used to assist the development of "Jeevani," a medicament to alleviate stress and fatigue. Fortunately, India's patent laws provide protection to indigenous communities. They ensure a benefit-sharing system between the patent holder and the local population achieved through a trust vehicle, which effectively allows the community to share in the profits made from commercializing the patented product or process.
  • In South Africa, generations of San people have used the plant Hoodia gordonii on hunting trips to suppress hunger and thirst and boost their energy. This appetite suppressant quality would become of huge interest to a pharmaceutical company, which went on to isolate the API and commercialize it as a drug. In contrast to the brazzein precedent, hoodia was a landmark case for benefit sharing in South Africa, with money held in trust for various San organizations to reap the rewards of this TK.

An often-unseen effect of patenting by multinationals is the devastation of local economies. Synthesized alternatives to naturally sourced compounds can wipe away incomes for farmers and their families. Without profit-sharing schemes, livelihoods may vanish in the face of industrial-scale production.

These examples illustrate that there have been wins and losses in the fight for benefit sharing and the protection of indigenous communities against the misappropriation of their TK and cultural heritage. Yet, there is still another concern: Where the TK indicates a certain medical use, how can that medical indication be patentable in so much as it meets the basic substantive requirements for patentability, namely, novelty and inventive step?

A place for opposition

This question is less of a concern where mainstream APIs are protected, given that patents applied for by pharmaceutical companies are never directed to the naturally occurring compounds or extracts from the plants. Instead, the development conducted by these companies is geared toward the extraction or purification of proteins, the artificial production of proteins and the creation of medicaments (including the testing and formulation of the same). Taking into account such advanced processes, together with carefully crafted patent claims, it is foreseeable that the bar for patentability should be met in such instances, albeit with the possibility that TK may have hinted at a medicinal use.

What happens, though, in the instance of pure natural extracts where the plant's medicinal use is identified by TK? This was looked at in the "pelargonium cases." Pelargonium, also called the African geranium, has long been known in South Africa for its potent medicinal properties in treating respiratory illnesses. In this example, issues were raised regarding both biopiracy and the absence of a benefit-sharing agreement between a European pharmaceutical company and the indigenous community.

Many species of medicinal plants grow in tropical and subtropical regions, with rainforests known to be living hotspots of pharmaceutical potential. However, the most prominent companies making use of such plants rarely originate in these regions, leading to what can be seen as wealth extraction.

The company had created a remedy for respiratory diseases and other medications without negotiating with the community. There were also doubts about the originality of the treatment as it used pelargonium, a plant the local population had been using for generations to relieve similar ailments, which suggested a possible lack of inventiveness on the part of the company. The European Patent Office (EPO) allowed for revocation on the basis of a lack of inventive step, thereby proving a direct interplay between TK and the patent process.

Work still to be done

The TK invalidated the patent, yet one must wonder if this was a true victory. With the TK appropriated and the chance for a benefit-sharing arrangement lost, the community found itself no better off despite the fact that the patents were invalidated. Whilst IP can serve indigenous peoples and benefit them in a virtuous environment, it would, unfortunately, seem as though pirates are still all too common and that Goliath will continue to take advantage liberally and wantonly of older ways of life.

In the absence of regulatory oversight, it is up to drug manufacturers and legal practitioners to wield the patenting system not as a cudgel against local communities nor as a barrier between the bearers of TK and the financial advantages it can promise but as a tool to unite the traditional and the modern worlds in a spirit of fairness and mutual betterment.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

For instance, ayurvedic formulations are increasingly studied for supportive management of conditions like flu, stress, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic syndromes.

What mental health problems does traditional Indian medicine treat?

Initiatives like chatbot 'RAKSHA' promote informed usage and help combat misinformation about Ayurveda.

Title:

Content: THIP Media and ĀCĀRA join hands to Fact Check Ayurveda-based misinformation in India

Under the collaboration, THIP Media’s chatbot RAKSHA will also be answering questions and clearing doubts about Ayurveda. RAKSHA, an acronym for Readily Accessible Knowledge and Support for Health Action (RAKSHA) is a chatbot by The Healthy Indian Project.

THIP Media and Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda on Friday announced their collaboration to check fake claims, myths, misinformation, and dis-information around Ayurveda.

THIP Media, the media arm of The Healthy Indian Project, is a health information and Fact check platform and is a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

“India’s pluralistic medical systems, less penetration of doctors, and regional language barriers create a perfect breeding ground of misinformation and disinformation about health, which often thrives on social media and WhatsApp forwards. Ayurvedic medicine remains one of India’s traditional health care systems and enjoys massive popularity. But, it is necessary to call out common myths and home remedies being claimed as scientifically proven Ayurveda facts. We are proud to be able to collaborate with ĀCĀRA for this initiative. With this alliance, we take a step forward to get support from ĀCĀRA’s knowledgeable and respected Ayurveda medical practitioners and researchers to build THIP Media as verified health information and fact check platform,” Sudipta Sengupta, Founder and CEO of The Healthy Indian Project said in a statement.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. P. Rammanohar from Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda says, “Ayurveda has been highly misunderstood concerning its medicines and treatment procedures. Unregulated advertisements, false claims, and prevailing myths on social media tarnish the reputation of this ancient health care system, whereas its positive contributions and potential are being undermined. The Indian Government has shown keen interest in mainstream Ayurveda in recent days. Favourable research policies have been formulated, allocated funds, and done studies even during the COVID-19 pandemic. At ĀCĀRA, we have been focusing on research to understand how Ayurveda can be deployed to better human health. Working with THIP Media, we wish to bring to light the ‘proven facts’ of Ayurveda,” Dr. P. Rammanohar from Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda said in a statement.

Under the collaboration, THIP Media’s chatbot RAKSHA will also be answering questions and clearing doubts about Ayurveda. RAKSHA, an acronym for Readily Accessible Knowledge and Support for Health Action (RAKSHA) is a chatbot by The Healthy Indian Project.

“Right knowledge is the first step of staying healthy. Any Indian citizen can Ask Raksha about any Ayurveda based questions they want answers to or share any health or Ayurveda-related message they want to get Fact Checked. All they have to do is send a message on whatsapp to +91-85078-85079. If RAKSHA knows the answer, she will reply back immediately. If RAKSHA doesn’t know the answer then she will refer the question to the internal editorial team who will then work with members of ĀCĀRA to get an answer as fast as possible. Through our partnership with ĀCĀRA we aim to make scientifically validated, evidence based knowledge about Ayurveda reach to all Indians and save them from misinformation,” Neelam Singh, Editor, THIP Media said in a statement.

Get live Share Market updates and latest India News and business news on Financial Express. Download Financial Express App for latest business news.

**Integration with Western Medicine:**
Experts highlight the importance of balancing traditional and Western practices.


**Summary of Nuggets from Provided Text:**

- The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen has been subject to repeated attacks and vandalism, with the most recent being the painting of the Russian flag on the statue, adding to a "long line" of such incidents.

- Acts of removal or destruction, like those faced by the Little Mermaid, carry educational or didactic potential, communicating values or contesting dominant images.

- There is mention of the importance of discourse around who or what gets honored or placed on pedestals in public spaces, implying controversy and debate surrounding the meaning of publicly situated statues like the Little Mermaid.

- Public acts of vandalism against cultural landmarks are interpreted within larger debates about remembrance, representation, and the power to shape historical narratives.

- The mass media often reports these incidents as attacks on a "famous landmark," emphasizing the Little Mermaid statue's cultural significance in Denmark and beyond.

- The text reflects generally on how images (including vandalized statues) function in public discourse, both as objects and as symbolic issues concerning identity, remembrance, and cultural ownership.

- There is no direct enumeration of specific incidents, perpetrators, or the detailed motives from the provided extracts, but the recurring theme is that acts targeting the Little Mermaid are repeatedly highlighted in media and academic discussions about cultural memory, contestation, and the shaping of collective identity.

- Public reactions, media coverage, and artistic representations underscore ongoing debates about whose stories and identities these monuments represent, linking acts of vandalism (such as those on the Little Mermaid) to broader societal questions.

- The question "Who decides who is put on a pedestal?"

suggests that acts of vandalism are not just about destruction, but are part of a larger dialogue about visibility, power, and whose histories are commemorated.

**Summary of Nuggets from Provided Text:**

- The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen has been subject to repeated attacks and vandalism, with the most recent being the painting of the Russian flag on the statue, adding to a "long line" of such incidents.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

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- Acts of removal or destruction, like those faced by the Little Mermaid, carry educational or didactic potential, communicating values or contesting dominant images.

Title:

Content: Smashing statues

Iconoclasm isn’t just an expression of anger. It’s how we try to make new worlds.
February 17, 2023
(Source image from Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam)

Sometimes, bored indifference can sting worse than outright hostility. I was telling a friend about my present book project, The Storm of Images, which concerns the iconoclasm struggle in the Byzantine Empire during the eighth and ninth centuries. In my view, it’s a pivotal moment in the definition of Eastern and Western Christian traditions, so I was somewhat deflated when my friend asked, in effect, Why on earth would you want to do that? It’s so long ago, and the whole story is, well, Byzantine, a word that through the centuries has acquired plenty of negative baggage.

Fortunately, I was able to articulate a response that went beyond the simply defensive. In fact, I would argue, the whole story of iconoclasm is of perennial significance, a fact that should be as obvious today as in any previous era. Not only is smashing images an absolutely standard and recurring part of what societies do, but it is a fundamental part of religious sensibility, and by no means only for Christians. Simply put, it’s the way that we try to make new worlds.

Image smashing arises from two distinct impulses. Some iconoclasm grows out of hatred of a particular individual or the beliefs and causes that they represent. Here the smashers are striking at the figures represented, seeking to purge their memories as evil and unwanted. Such were the attacks on Soviet and communist images following the collapse of the Eastern bloc in 1989. More recently, in the United States, we see assaults on statues of Confederate heroes such as Nathan Bedford Forrest or Robert E. Lee. Through attacks on objects, activists are attacking the larger causes represented by those images. The United States has, since 2020, experienced a historically very sizable and socially transformative outbreak of iconoclasm, which has been echoed around the world.

Other smashers may truly venerate or love the individuals depicted, but they reject the depiction itself. In this category, far from condemning the figure represented, activists are driven by the exalted view that they have of that person, and they are rather agitated by the very notion of representing them in material or visual form. Such representation is thought impossible, the attempt evil or blasphemous. Any form of worship or prayer directed at objects is unacceptable, and it is futile to draw distinctions between worship and veneration, of praying to a material thing as opposed to praying through it. This attitude, this rejection of material images as such, was a fundamental driving force in the European Reformation—one at least as important as any particular theological doctrine of any given thinker.

The smashing of images is commonly one sensational aspect of a larger package of religious innovations, often of a quite revolutionary character. These tenets might include an assertion of inner spirituality over external or material symbols, along with perhaps a stern rejection of institutional religion or professional clergy.

Iconoclasm coexists intimately with anticlericalism. It is a rejection of existing notions of authority and a quest for whole new groundings, free of the claims of tradition. Depending on the context, the destruction of religious images can be an assertion of the supremacy of secular authority, of kings and governors over bishops and priests. The fact of destroying supposedly sacred objects—and remaining unharmed—sends a powerful message about the futility of those objects. If they are so potent, why can they not even protect themselves?

For both categories of iconoclast, their achievement lies not in destroying a given statue or altarpiece but in asserting the power to do so, against the power of the old order that hitherto had been its shield and defender. To strike at a statue or image—to bring down a Confederate general—is also to attack the institutions or individuals that erected those figures in the first place and who support their maintenance. It is a symbolic statement of who controls the visual landscape.

Moreover, the mass public violation of older taboos and restraints proclaims the impotence of that old guard. The fact that authorities no longer have the will or ability to prevent the removal of such once-cherished things in itself proclaims the end of an old world and the creation of a whole new order of society or politics. It is zero hour.

Even when the matters at issue are ostensibly secular, such acts of protest often acquire a ritualized format, which has echoes of enthusiastic or revivalist religion. Scenes of the removal of statues or images unforgettably proclaim these moments of revolutionary transformation. They are deliberately theatrical. In a modern context, visual representations of such acts of destruction become iconic in their own right. In their power to teach values, the acts of removal or destruction are as didactic as the images they are combating.

Making images is a perennial and fundamental component of the human religious experience, and so is crediting them with supernatural powers. But no less common is the practice of critiquing or destroying them. Sometimes we commemorate people’s faces; at other times we deface, and with equal passion. In order to be balanced and objective, a hypothetical museum of global religions should properly include its share of hacked and defaced icons, of fragments of toppled and shattered statues. The never-ending dialogue between the two competing approaches, the smashers and the devotees, has often driven religious thought and artistic expression.

John Calvin famously declared that “the human mind is a perpetual factory of idols.” I would adapt that to say that, time and again, history proves that the human mind is a powerful factory of image breaking, of iconoclasm.

- There is mention of the importance of discourse around who or what gets honored or placed on pedestals in public spaces, implying controversy and debate surrounding the meaning of publicly situated statues like the Little Mermaid.

Title:

Content: Navigation

Who decides who is put on a pedestal?

Monuments in public spaces are a politically charged issue, with closed circles of experts often making decisions about who or what gets memorialised in Switzerland. In an opinion piece, a group of academics and curators argues that the time has come for greater transparency and new types of commemoration.

This content was published on February 27, 2022 - 10:00
Philine Erni, Sarah Grossenbacher, Rachel Huber and Vera Ryser

The Swiss women’s strike in 2019 and the Black Lives Matter movement that began in the United States in 2020 have helped to raise questions about the politics of memory in Switzerland. In the country’s public spaces, there is an absence of memorials to women, people with migration experience and people of colour.

The authors

Philine Erni is an art and literary academic and will be part of the management team of Theater Winkelwiese in Zurich from the 2022/23 season.

Sarah Grossenbacher studied history, sociology and spatial planning and is co-head of urban planning at the City of Lucerne.

Rachel Huber has a doctorate in history. She researches and teaches at the Department of Modernism at the University of Lucerne and is co-founder of the Historians' Network Switzerland.

Vera Ryser is a freelance curator, exhibition organiser and literary academic. Among other things, she co-initiated the project Das Wandbild muss weg!External link (The mural must go!).

End of insertion

Instead, it is mostly white male figures standing on pedestals of bronze or stone. For decades – centuries, even – they have represented Swiss progress, innovation and success. What’s often overlooked is that their success and wealth are built on, among other things, the exploitation of indigenous peoples, the keeping of slaves or their support for the slave trade.

Various voices have demanded that statues of such figures be transferred to museums or re-interpreted and their hidden stories be revealed and displayed.

The year 2021 marked 50 years since Swiss women obtained the right to vote. Many academic conferences and media reports, such as one in the German-language NZZ am SonntagExternal link newspaper, took stock of progress made in that time: roughly 70% of artworks shown in Swiss museums are by men; nine out of ten streets named after a prominent figure are named after a man; and women go largely unmentioned in history books.

The need for a diverse culture of remembrance is clear. But how can such a polyphony be taken into account when dealing with the existing monuments in public spaces?

Who decides? And why is there no public discourse?

Depending on their significance, existing monuments in public spaces fall under the responsibility of either city or cantonal heritage authorities. But deciding which structures can receive heritage status – and therefore become officially part of public remembrance – is the responsibility of heritage conservatorsExternal link. Normally these decisions come without public consultation, even in the case of public monuments that hold great symbolic and political significance.

Thanks to political pressure, in the city of Zurich a working group (Kunst im öffentlichen Raum or Art in the Public Space) is examining 26 statues, while the historian Georg Kreis is looking at “just under 40 monuments”External link. These studies are generally welcome, but they still raise questions: Who are the experts in this case and who is being brought on to offer advice? And why is there no public discussion, despite there being a highly political question at the core: how do we as a society want to remember the past?

Regulations exist primarily on the protection and preservation of monuments. Even artworks commissioned for public spaces are created for eternity, barring damage. Can activism alone prompt a swift removal? Vandalism can touch a nerve, but it only solves the problem of unbalanced representation in public spaces in a selective way. As seen with demands since the 1970s from feminists that public squares and streets be renamed, little has changed structurally: the demands are far too seldom complied with to this day.

Yet involving locals in a discussion is both possible and sensible. In recent years, many municipalities have gathered experience with participative processes. These have taken many forms: surveys, roundtables and workshops, even games and guided tours, both digital and in person. Why aren’t these forums being used to talk about public monuments?

What must we rethink or unlearn?

At this point, it is worth taking a look at the current restitution debate, where the art historian Bénédicte Savoy and the economist Felwine Sarr have called for a “gesture of restitution” with considerable success. “Gestures of removal” or “completion” could serve as a good starting point for a new approach to memory culture. They could also contribute to a new type of relationship between segments of society that are over-represented and those that are under-represented – one that gives a sense of community and belonging.

This approach would be based on the view that history, too, is “in constant flux,” as the historian Achim Landwehr puts it: the past, present and future are all related and historical narratives are constructs of the present-day perspective. This concept of history inevitably calls into question today’s assumption that monuments are valid for eternity.

To forge a new culture of remembrance that’s fit for our times, cities and towns need to actively promote a new type of relationship in public spaces, not just to protect their monuments, but also to renew them. The recent call to supplement the statue of David de Pury in Neuchâtel with works that will initiate a critical dialogue about the original statue of the Swiss banker and slave trader, and the Zurich project group to combat racism in public spaces show that Swiss cities are beginning – albeit slowly and within the constraints of existing structures – to take an interest in a new remembrance culture.

This new culture requires existing specialist juries to relinquish their power and make way for more participative strategies and greater transparency. This way it would be possible, at last, to anchor our towns’ public spaces in the present and distance ourselves from the misunderstanding that “heritage” should serve as a lasting commemoration of a system bequeathed to us by the past.

Existing statues would be complemented by achievements and realities that are part of our society but are not memorialised in public spaces – and therefore remain invisible. They include women, the LGBTQ community and people of colour as well as subjects that remain socially taboo: forced labour and Switzerland’s policy on foreign seasonal workers, for example. One pre-requisite for a diverse, intersectional culture of commemoration and remembrance would be that these “others” can participate in political, legal, institutional and cultural life.

Anyone who wants to contribute to this must work on visibility. It starts with basic research. And we have to establish different and more current forms of remembrance: “edit-a-thons” (where authors create articles collectively on neglected historical women for the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia) or hashtags such as #metoo and #blacklivesmatter. Perhaps these are examples of a future memory culture: they are participative and digital, ephemeral and volatile.

(Translated from German by Catherine Hickley/gw)

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of SWI swissinfo.ch.

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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- Public acts of vandalism against cultural landmarks are interpreted within larger debates about remembrance, representation, and the power to shape historical narratives.

- The mass media often reports these incidents as attacks on a "famous landmark," emphasizing the Little Mermaid statue's cultural significance in Denmark and beyond.

- The text reflects generally on how images (including vandalized statues) function in public discourse, both as objects and as symbolic issues concerning identity, remembrance, and cultural ownership.

- There is no direct enumeration of specific incidents, perpetrators, or the detailed motives from the provided extracts, but the recurring theme is that acts targeting the Little Mermaid are repeatedly highlighted in media and academic discussions about cultural memory, contestation, and the shaping of collective identity.

- Public reactions, media coverage, and artistic representations underscore ongoing debates about whose stories and identities these monuments represent, linking acts of vandalism (such as those on the Little Mermaid) to broader societal questions.

- The question "Who decides who is put on a pedestal?"

suggests that acts of vandalism are not just about destruction, but are part of a larger dialogue about visibility, power, and whose histories are commemorated.


**Report: The Repeated Intentional Damages to the Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen**

The Little Mermaid statue, one of Copenhagen’s most iconic symbols, has experienced multiple episodes of vandalism and politically motivated attacks since its installation in 1913.

Below are key incidents of intentional damage to the statue, details of what happened, and information about perpetrators and motives when known:

**1.

Decapitation (1964):**
- **Date:** April 24, 1964
- **Incident:** The statue was discovered on the morning of April 24, 1964, with its head sawn off and removed.

- **Perpetrator:** The head was never recovered.

Danish artist Jørgen Nash claimed responsibility as an act of artistic protest, in line with the Situationist movement, which critiqued bourgeois culture and questioned the conception of art in public spaces.

- **Story:** This became an infamous example of countercultural protest in Denmark and highlighted tension between the establishment and avant-garde artists.

Arm Severed (1984):**
- **Date:** July 22, 1984
- **Incident:** The statue’s right arm was sawed off but was later returned by two young men.

- **Perpetrator:** The individuals who took the arm returned it anonymously to a nearby TV station.

The motive was thought to be a prank or act of protest, though this was never officially confirmed.

Second Decapitation (1998):**
- **Date:** September 6, 1998
- **Incident:** The statue was again decapitated, and the head was stolen but later returned anonymously.

- **Perpetrator:** Unknown – the case remains unsolved, with speculation about the motive ranging from political protest to mere attention-seeking vandalism.

Blown Off Pedestal (2003):**
- **Date:** September 11, 2003
- **Incident:** The entire statue was dislodged from its rock by explosives and dumped into the harbor.

- **Perpetrator:** The specific individuals were never identified, but the act was widely interpreted as political protest.

**Report: The Repeated Intentional Damages to the Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen**

The Little Mermaid statue, one of Copenhagen’s most iconic symbols, has experienced multiple episodes of vandalism and politically motivated attacks since its installation in 1913.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

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Below are key incidents of intentional damage to the statue, details of what happened, and information about perpetrators and motives when known:

**1.

Title:

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From Peppa Pig Tea Bus Tour To A Peter Pan Playground: The Best Activities For Kids In London

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Having journeyed through London with my excited five-year-old by my side this summer, I've realized that the UK's bustling capital, often imagined as a playground for adults, holds numerous hidden treasures for the younger ones. If your child dreams of Peppa Pig adventures and majestic palaces like mine, London will transform those vivid fantasies into cherished memories. Beyond the iconic landmarks they recognize from beloved cartoons, the city offers unique and often overlooked experiences tailored just for children. Here are the best activities for kids in London.

Peppa Pig Bus Tour

One of the standout experiences for kids visiting London has to be the Peppa Pig Bus Tour. This isn't your average city sightseeing tour. Young fans of the show will be thrilled to ride on a historic double-decker bus turned restaurant, all while taking in the central city sites. Individual screens play Peppa Pig clips that relate to the landmarks as the tour progresses. And if you're lucky enough to get stuck in traffic? An onboard MC plays games and sings songs to entertain the young. Of course, no tour is complete without a little snack. Nibble on mini pizzas and scones and sip hot chocolate or tea as you journey through the city.

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Another must-visit spot for families is The Princess Diana Memorial Playground. The playground is inspired by Peter Pan, located near her former home, Kensington Palace. It's a haven for kids with a massive wooden pirate ship, sandy beaches with "buried treasure," and a variety of toys and play sculptures. Parents can relax knowing the playground is safely gated, allowing children to play freely.

The London Eye

Riding on the iconic London Eye gives your children a bird's-eye view of the city. Kids will love identifying real-life versions of their favorite landmarks (like Big Ben), especially after watching many animated movies set in this metropolis. The entire ride lasts around 30 minutes and offers unparalleled city views. Opt for a fast pass to minimize waiting times.

Mail Rail Exhibit at the Postal Museum

The younger crowd, especially those with a penchant for trains, will find the Mail Rail Exhibit fascinating. An interactive exhibit that includes a ride on an actual underground train, it weaves through old tunnels and offers insight into the underground railway system that once transported London's mail. There's also a postal-themed play space for kids under eight, equipped with a small-scale village for hands-on fun.

Hamleys Toy Store

No trip with kids would be complete without a visit to a toy store. And Hamleys isn't just any toy store—it's one of the world's oldest and largest. Seven floors filled with toys, gadgets, and gizmos await. Live demonstrations, entertainers, and the sheer variety of toys make this more than just a shopping trip—it's an experience.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Immerse your kids in a bit of British pomp and pageantry by witnessing the Changing of the Guard. While you might not get up close to the palace gates, the ceremony along the Mall will surely captivate. And the best part? The parade can also be viewed from St. James' Park playground, allowing kids to play while soaking in a bit of culture.

Afternoon Tea at The Guardsman

Introduce your little ones to a quintessentially British experience. The Guardsman, a short walk from Buckingham Palace, offers an elegant yet kid-friendly afternoon tea. And as a memento of the incident, they offer kids a stuffed bear dressed as a Beefeater.

London's blend of historical attractions and child-friendly activities make it a dream destination for families. Whether chasing the tales of Peppa Pig or exploring a Peter Pan-inspired playground, the city promises unforgettable memories for the young and young at heart.

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Decapitation (1964):**
- **Date:** April 24, 1964
- **Incident:** The statue was discovered on the morning of April 24, 1964, with its head sawn off and removed.

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Content: Upcoming Webinar : Watch Traders Mela for Hindi Speaking Trading Community at just 1499 INR for PRO!

8 must-see Paris spots featured in Emily in Paris Season 3

Featured in Netflix's Emily in Paris, these 8 landmarks in Paris are worth checking out on your next trip to the City of Love!

February 26, 2023 / 11:36 AM IST

Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) dining at Le Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. (Image via Twitter/Emily In Paris Brasil)

Netflix has announced the fourth season of Emily in Paris, which has garnered legions of fans since it started streaming in October 2020.

The show provides a glimpse into the lives of Paris’ entrepreneurs, artists and chefs. They are seen dining, socialising, and celebrating their lives in some of the most picturesque spots in Paris.

From historic landmarks to stylish restaurants, these spots offer a unique perspective of Paris. Bookmark this Emily in Paris-inspired Paris guide for your next trip to the City of Love.

A still from the show. (Image via Twitter/EmilyInParisBrasil)

Le Jules Verne

In Emily in Paris, Emily, Sylvie, and Madeline have a heated argument at Le Jules Verne, which is located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, the most-visited paid monument in the world.

Reopened in 2019, restaurant Le Jules Verne, conceptualised by designer Aline Asmar d’Amman has a chic vibe and offers awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the city's skyline.

Le Jules Verne's interiors are inspired by the Eiffel Tower, French tradition, and Paris. The design aesthetic of the eatery is restrained, and the colour palette includes silver-grey, white, and blue-grey with touches of gold and black.

At Le Jules Verne, chef Frederic Anton whips up beautifully plated, modern French dishes.

Le Jules Verne. (Photo by Stephan Julliard)

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Emily and Alfie have a lovely picnic at the scenic Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, which is one of the largest and greenest parks in Paris. Also known as Bald Hill, this popular park features rolling green hills, caves, waterfalls, an artificial lake, a suspended bridge built by Gustave Eiffel, and a viewpoint offering spectacular views of the city. Visitors can unwind amidst the park’s exotic, indigenous trees and spot seagulls, moorhens, and mallard ducks. The park also hosts activities for children and has food stalls as well.

Place de Valois

Emily’s workplace is located in this square. It is also the backdrop of Madeline and Emily’s confrontations. Originally known as Cour des Fontaines, Place de Valois is a quaint square in Paris. This pedestrian only square boasts buildings exhibiting traditional French architecture and trendy French cafes. We suggest grabbing an outdoor table at any restaurant at Place de Valois for people-watching!

Jardin du Palais-Royal

In the show, Emily and Mindy meet for the first time at this charming garden, and they continue to meet here throughout the show. This expansive garden is fronted by the neoclassical Palais Royal and is surrounded by luxurious shopping arcades that frame it. Jardin du Palais-Royal is the perfect place to relax or have a picnic lunch with friends.

As Emily and Mindy take a walk, they see some balloons at Sacre-Coeur Basilica and stop to admire the building. Consecrated in 1919, the Sacre-Coeur Basilica is one of the most visited churches in France. Situated at the top of the Montmartre hill, it showcases Roman-Byzantine architecture and features four majestic domes. You’ll find artists sitting around the church who paint spectacular portraits of people and the basilica. At night, the lit-up Sacre-Coeur Basilica is a sight to behold. The streets leading up to the church have people singing and dancing to lively music.

Sacre-Coeur Basilica (Photo by Mario Scheibl / Unsplash)

Palais Garnier

Sylvie and her husband enjoy a night at the Palais Garnier to celebrate their anniversary. The palace was the residence of the Paris Opera until 1989. Presently, Palais Garnier is primarily the venue for ballet performances. Designed by architect Charles Garnier in 1875, the breathtaking building houses an auditorium, public areas, a museum library, and numerous rehearsal studios and workshop spaces. Visit the Palais Garnier for its spectacular performances and its mesmerising interiors. Along with attending shows, visitors can also take guided tours of Palais Garnier.

(Photo by Caleb Maxwell/ Unsplash)

Hotel Molitor Paris

In Episode five, Emily and Mindy relax and have cocktails on Hotel Molitor's poolside chairs. Located in the chic 16th district of Paris, Hotel Molitor is an upscale boutique hotel. The hotel’s highlights include its heated outdoor pool, a historic 1930s indoor pool, a cafe, and a stylish rooftop bar. Decorated by Jean-Philippe Nuel, the hotel's guest rooms offer a view of the summer pool. This property is in a great location, and has well-appointed interiors and amenities.

La Nouvelle Eve

In this season of Emily in Paris, Mindy performs at La Nouvelle Eve, a traditional cabaret restaurant, and her friends Emily, Alfie, Camille, and Benoit support her in the audience. Situated at the foothills of Montmartre in the 9th arrondissement, La Nouvelle Eve is one of the oldest and most elegant cabaret theatres in Paris. It boasts opulent interiors featuring a Corinthian-styled multicoloured stage and sumptuous tables and booths. At La Nouvelle Eve, guests are treated to an eclectic range of cabarets and musical performances while they indulge in delectable French food.

Pallavi Mehra is a freelance lifestyle writer. She is on Instagram at pallywally_
first published: Feb 26, 2023 11:26 am

- **Perpetrator:** The head was never recovered.

Danish artist Jørgen Nash claimed responsibility as an act of artistic protest, in line with the Situationist movement, which critiqued bourgeois culture and questioned the conception of art in public spaces.

- **Story:** This became an infamous example of countercultural protest in Denmark and highlighted tension between the establishment and avant-garde artists.

Arm Severed (1984):**
- **Date:** July 22, 1984
- **Incident:** The statue’s right arm was sawed off but was later returned by two young men.

- **Perpetrator:** The individuals who took the arm returned it anonymously to a nearby TV station.

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Brazil's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue welcomes Taylor Swift

In return for the display, the Swifties were tasked with gathering funds for the Catholic Church’s World Day of the Poor.
Posted at 8:37 PM, Nov 17, 2023
and last updated 2023-11-17 20:37:18-05

Karma is a shirt on an iconic statue welcoming Taylor Swift!

Right before Swift kicks off her three-night Eras Tour in Rio's Estádio Nilton Santos, her "Junior Jewels" tee, straight out of the “You Belong With Me” video, made a cheeky cameo on the Christ the Redeemer statue. Talk about a solid rock-star fashion statement!

In the music video, the shirt displays "Junior Jewels," but in the projection on the 125-foot statue, it shows "Welcome to Brasil."

The screen appeared following a request from Rio's mayor, Eduardo Paes, and the Brazilian Swifties to Father Omar Raposo, who is responsible for maintaining the monument.

But the gesture came at a price — for a good cause, of course.

In return for the display, Father Omar requested that the Swifties help gather funds for 20,000 panettones and water for the Catholic Church’s World Day of the Poor Sunday.

By Thursday night, unsurprisingly to no one, the Swifties had met their goal.

In a single remarkable day of crowdfunding, the Swifties raked in 180,000 reais (approximately $37,000), footing the bill for panettones and water, that will help over 120 social institutions backed by the Catholic sanctuary that manages the statue and thousands of homeless, the sanctuary stated.

“Young people like challenges. So we directed the energy of fans to do good,” said Father Omar. “This can and will be replicated! It's a mobilization for solidarity, Christ the Redeemer descending the Corcovado mountain to impact society.”

The globally recognized Christ statue has been a symbol of Christianity for almost a century, not just in Brazil but across Latin America. Today, millions of tourists flock to capture selfies with the iconic statue, which earned the title of one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2017.

Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com

The motive was thought to be a prank or act of protest, though this was never officially confirmed.

Second Decapitation (1998):**
- **Date:** September 6, 1998
- **Incident:** The statue was again decapitated, and the head was stolen but later returned anonymously.

- **Perpetrator:** Unknown – the case remains unsolved, with speculation about the motive ranging from political protest to mere attention-seeking vandalism.

Blown Off Pedestal (2003):**
- **Date:** September 11, 2003
- **Incident:** The entire statue was dislodged from its rock by explosives and dumped into the harbor.

- **Perpetrator:** The specific individuals were never identified, but the act was widely interpreted as political protest.