Friday, February 27, 2009

First Birthday for my Blog!


Time to celebrate my blog’s first birthday. Surprising to know that its been one year today since I started writing my very first post. It was just some random thoughts that floated around in my head. Blogging proved to be a huge help during a difficult time of my life. It also helped me discover my writing skills. Now the blog, my fellow bloggers , blog readers & visitors comprise an important part of my life. And I sincerely hope it will remain so in coming years. Besides, your comments, your feedback is the driving force that makes me blog. Hopefully the love and bond we share via this blog, will stay fresh and friendly forever.
Thanks everyone once again. And again. Happy Birthday abigeeth.blogspot.com !!!
Image courtesy : Internet (yet to post my own picture...)

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Herbs of India - Part 4


Neem : (Botanical name - Azadirachta indica)


Neem is a medium sized to large tree characterized by its short, straight bole, furrowed, dark brown to gray bark, and dense rounded crown of pinnate leaves. The Neem seeds, Barks, Leafs, are the sources of various Neem extracts. Neem has been in use for centuries in the Indian Agriculture as Best Natural Bio Pesticide and organic fertilizer with pest repellent property. The Indian Medicinal field has also been using Neem for various types of diseases to be cured. Neem is also used in manufacturing Natural Herbal Cosmetics. Neem comprises of 40 different active compounds called Tetranortriperpernoids, or more specifically liminoids. These liminoids create hormonal disruptions and prevents the insect from Feeding, Breeding or Metamorphosing.


Herbal Neem Usage: A wide multitude of diseases or conditions can be successfully treated with various elements of Neem.


Herbal Neem Cures Cancer: Throughout Southeast Asia Neem has been used successfully by herbalists for hundreds of years to reduce tumors. Researchers are now supporting these uses. Neem has been tested on many types of cancers, such as skin cancers, using Neem-based creams and lymphocytic cancer, using the herb internally. In India, Europe and Japan scientists have found that polysaccharides and liminoids in Neem bark, leaves and seed oil reduced tumors and cancers and were effective against lymphocytic leukemia.


Herbal Neem Cures Dental Care: People in both India and Africa have used Neem twigs as tooth brushes for centuries. Neem twigs contain antiseptic ingredients necessary for dental hygiene. Neem powder is also used to brush teeth and massage gums. In Germany many researchers have shown that Neem extracts prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.


Herbal Neem Cures Diabetes: Because Neem is a tonic and a revitalizer, it works effectively in the treatment of diabetes, as well. More than a disease that requires change of diet, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people ages twenty-five and seventy-four; it also damages nerves, kidneys, hear and blood vessels; it may even result in the loss of limbs. Incurable, it can be treated in a variety of ways. One recommendation is to take one tablespoon (5ml) of Neem leaf juice daily on an empty stomach each morning for three months. An alternative is to chew or take in powder form ten (10) Neem leaves daily in the morning. Some studies have shown that oral application of Neem leaf extracts reduced a patient’s insulin requirements by between 30 and 50 percent for nonkeytonic, insulin fast and insulin-sensitive diabetes.



Herbal Neem Cures Heart Disease: Major causes of a heart attack include blood clots, high cholesterol, arrhythmic heart action and high blood pressure. Neem has been helpful in these conditions too. Its leaf extracts have reduced clotting, lowered blood pressure and bad cholesterol, slowed rapid or abnormally high heartbeat and inhibited irregular heart rhythms. Some compounds may produce effects similar to mild sedatives, which reduce anxiety and other emotional or physical states that may prompt a heart attack. The antihistamine effects of the nimbidin in its leaves cause blood vessels to dilate. This may be why the leaves help reduce blood pressure.


Herbal Neem Helps For Birth Control: Neem has been shown to be a powerful, relatively inexpensive birth control agent for both men and women. In the first century B.C., Charaka, the Indian physician, gave a detailed method for using Neem for contraception. Cotton soaked in Neem oil was kept in the vagina for fifteen minutes before intercourse. This killed the sperm.

Neem’s contraceptive uses for women are even more varied. Even the leaves are said to be effective. Many women in Madagascar chew a handful of Neem leaves every day, which according to their statements prevents pregnancies. In the case of unwanted pregnancies, Neem is said to be capable of inducing a miscarriage. Neem oil based vaginal creams and suppositories are extremely popular in India. Nonirritating and easy to use, they are almost 100 percent effective. When tested against human sperm, Neem extract (sodium nimbidinate) at 1,000mg was able to kill all sperm in five minutes and required only 30 minutes at a lower, 250 mg level. It is suggested that these creams and suppositories also prevent vaginal and sexually transmitted diseases. Oddly, Neem oil has also been taken internally by ascetics who wish to diminish their sexual desire.


Herbal Neem For Prevention Of Malaria: Malaria is quite common in India and throughout the tropics. Neem has been shown to be effective in a number of ways against this deadly disease. Both water and alcohol based Neem leaf extracts have been confirmed as effective. It has been shown to block the development of the gamete in an infected person. Neem leaf extract greatly increases the state of oxidationin red blood cells, which prevents normal development of the malaria virus. Irodin A, an active ingredient in the leaves, is toxic to resistant strains of malaris; 100 percent of the malaria gamete are dead within seventy-two hours with a 1 to 20,000 ratio of active ingredients. Other experiments have used alcoholic extracts of Neem leaf, which performed almost as well. Gedunin and quercetin, compounds found in the leaves, are also effective against malaria. Several studies show that Neem extracts are effective even against the more virulent strains of the malaria parasite. Some scientists believe that stimulation of the immune system is a major factor in Neem’s effectiveness against malaria. Even though Neem may be effective against the parasites that carry malaria, it has not been shown to prevent the malaria infection once it’s in the body.


Herbal Neem Cures Rheumatism: Neem leaves have anti-inflammatory activity, similar to that in drugs such as phenyl butazone and cortisone. They can relieve pain and reduce acute pain edema. For rheumatism, tropical applications of a warmed Neem cream that contains Neem oil and perhaps a mild Neem tea will help lessen pain.


Herbal Neem Cures Stress : Relatively new scientific findings indicate that Neem may even be useful for reducing anxiety and stress. An experiment was done on test animals and has been proved the fact that it reduces stress.


Monday, February 16, 2009

Herbs of India - Part 3


Indian gooseberry: is a wonder herbs and one of the precious gifts of nature to man. It contributes towards health and longevity.

Indian gooseberry has been used as valuable ingredient of various medicines in India and abroad. Indian gooseberry also called Amla in Hindi, increases red blood cell count. It is one of the highest natural source of Vitamin C (3,000 mg per fruit) .Amla is known as amritphala in Sanskrit, which literally means "the fruit of heaven" or "nectar fruit." It is so called because it is rich in many desirable properties. It was described in a 7th century literature that several scholars and sage the sage is reputed to have restored their vitality with this fruit.

Beneficial points :
Respiratory disorders:
Indian gooseberry is beneficial in the treatment of respiratory disorders. It is especially valuable in tuberculosis of the lungs asthma and bronchitis.
Diabetes:
This herb, due to its high vitamin C content, is effective in controlling diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months. Will stimulates the pancreas and enable is to secrete insulin, thus reducing the blood sugar in the diabetes. Diet restrictions should be strictly observed while taking this medicine. It will also prevent eye complication in diabetes.
Heart Disorder: Indian gooseberry is considered an effective remedy for heart disease. It tones up the functions of all the organs of the body and builds up health by destroying the heterogeneous or harmful and disease causes elements. It also renews energy.
Eye disorder: The juice of Indian Gooseberry with honey is useful in preserving eyesight. It is beneficial in the treatment of conjunctivitis and glaucoma. It reduces intracular tension in a remarkable manner. a cup of juice mixed with honey can be taken twice daily for this condition.
Rheumatism: To treat rheumatism a teaspoon of the powder of the dry fruit mixed with 2 teaspoons of jaggery can be taken twice daily for a month.
Scurvy:As an extremely rich source of vitamin C, Indian gooseberry is one of the best remedy for scurvy. Powder of the dry herb, mixed with an equal quantity of sugar, can be taken in doses of 1 teaspoon, thrice daily with milk.
Ageing: Indian gooseberry has revitalizing effects, as it contains an element which is very valuable in preventing ageing and in maintaining strength in old age .It improves body resistance and protect the body against infection. It strengthens the heart, hair and different gland in the body.
Hair Tonic:
Indian gooseberry is an accepted hair tonic in traditional recipes for enriching hair growth and pigmentation. The fruit, cut into pieces is dried preferably in the shade. These pieces are boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes charres. This darkish oil is excellent in preventing graying .The water is which dried amla pieces are soaked overnight is also nourishing to hair and can be used for the last rinse while washing the hair. Indian gooseberry is used in various ways. The best way to take it with the least loss vitamin C, is to eat it raw with a little salt. It is often used in the form of pickles and it is dried and powdered. The berry may also be used as a vegetable. It is boiled in a small amount of water till soft and taken with a little salt.
Other Uses:
The root bark is astringent and is useful in stomach ulcers.The bark is useful in gonorrhea, jaundice and diarrhea.
The leaves are useful in curing conjunctivtis , inflammation, indigestion, diarrhea and dysentery. The fruits are sour, astringent, bitter, sweet, cooling, digestive, laxative, anti pyretic, diuretic and tonic. Amala fruit aids digestion, cures flatulence, helps correct body functions and metabolism

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Herbs of India - Part 2



Thulsi or Holy Basil



Holy Basil is commonly grown in Hindu homes and it is a sacred plant in the Hindu religion. Native to India , Tulsi has a long tradition of use in ayurvedic medicine.Holy Basil has been used for thousands of years as a prime herb in ayurvedic treatment, and is mentioned in the Charak Samhita (the central teaching of ayurvedic medicine) which was written at least two thousand years ago.


Beneficial points:


1.Used in ayurvedic medicine for common colds, headachesstomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria.


2.considered an adaptogen, which means that it assists the body adapt to stress (environmental, physical, or chemical), restore balance in the body, and normalize body functions


3. It is currently being studied for its beneficial properties and has been found to be effective for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, stress, wound healing, the immune system.


4. Research has proved that liver support and protection, hypoglycemic conditions, ulcers, digestion, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, radiation poisoning, cataracts, the memory, respiratory system, urinary problems, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions, been treated successfully.


5.It is an antioxidant.


Contraindications:


Not recommended for use if pregnant, nursing, or are considering becoming pregnant (may have an anti-fertility effect). Do not administer to infants or toddlers. May lower blood sugar, consult a doctor if hypoglycemic (in separate studies, it has also been shown to be beneficial for those with hypoglycemia). Holy Basil has mild blood thinning properties.

To be continued ................................

Courtesy : Pacific Botanicals.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Herbs of India - Part 1


Lately i had been posting articles which is someway or other connected to natural & healthy living. This time i've planned to post some articles on Indian herbs. Hope you all like it.

Indian herbs are renowned all over the world for their medicinal properties. India is the second highest producer of medicinal herbs in the world after China. Himalayas, Aravalis, and Nilgiri mountains are the greatest reserves of medicinal herbs in India.

Let me take one at a time so that we can stay focussed.

Turmeric:

is one of nature's most powerful healers. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.
The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.


The list doesnt end here; 2o reasons to add turmeric to your diet :


1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

No wonder we Indians use turmeric almost everday in our cooking.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.


To be continued.....................


Courtesy : http://www.indiabook.com/
Image Courtesy : Internet.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Guilt free snacks :


This article is dedicated for those who are in diet and tired of egg whites, steamed vegetables and other diet food.

Most of us follow an unusual eating pattern to reduce the weight but the key to a successful wightloss is portion size (to control the calorie intake) and the ability to satisfy your hunger. SO you can continue eating what you eat regularly but restrict the portion size.

Some usefull tips on how to add spice to a diet-friendly palate especially the snacks time food.


Soup: tomato-based soup with a touch of meat or fennel is healthy and can feel very special. Stay away from cream-based stocks and go with broths with vegetables and grains, like chicken vegetable or vegetable barley.


Chocolate: Here’s the good news: Minimally processed dark chocolate has heart-healthy flavonoids that have antioxidant power. And in small quantities [chocolate] can have a positive effect on brain functioning. The less-good news: You have to have the willpower to eat it small enough quantities.


Brussels sprouts: As long as they aren’t overcooked just lightly browned at the edges with some oil or vinegrette are much more nutritious than celery. Helps to maintain your youth.


Acai: You can find it in the freezer section of health food stores and markets. It is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and phytosterols. She suggests whipping it together with other fruits for a morning smoothie to kick-start your day. Acai is rainforest fruit from the Amazon that has great rejuvenating qualities.


Cheese: Apart from its fat content it’s also high in protein yet it helps with weight control, when combined with a right amount of carb in a manageable way gives a balanced and satisfying nosh.


Pomegranate: is high in free-radical fighting antioxidants and in flavor. The power of this potential superfood is in its high level of phytochemicals (plant chemicals that have protective or preventive properties). IT can be consumes as juice , Use the juice as a holiday cocktail, sprinkle the seeds over salads or cereal .


Nuts: Again high in fat, but this is why they can be so satisfying. Pay special attention to portion control. One third of a cup, or one and a half ounces, just four times per week. Any nut will do cashews, walnuts, almonds, pecans, or try macadamia nuts for something a little more exotic.



Wish you all luck guys.