TURMERIC REMEDIES

TURMERIC REMEDIES

The marigold-coloured spice, known as Turmeric, which is revered in India as ‘holy powder’, has been used for centuries to treat wounds, infections and other health problems.  There has been increasing research into Turmeric’s main ingredient, Curcumin, and its astonishing array of antioxidant, anti-cancer, antibiotic, antiviral, and other, properties.  Researchers have discovered that Curcumin acts by inserting itself into cell
membranes, and making them more orderly, a move that improves the cells’  resistance to infection and malignancy.  It appears that Curcumin  the pigment that gives Turmeric its yellow-orange colour, and which is thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal effects  is able to ‘discipline’ cells, and get them back into working order.

The reason people in India refer to Turmeric as ‘holy powder’ is because it has such a broad range of health effects.  In fact, Curcumin has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, with benefits that include:

TURMERIC REMEDIES 
1. Pigmentation:  Apply a little Turmeric, mixed with Cucumber Juice or Lemon Juice, to the affected area to reduce pigmentation.  Leave on for 15 minutes, or more, and wash off.  For best results, do this every day until you regain your skin tone colour.

2. Strong Bones:  To strengthen bones, add Turmeric to hot milk, and drink before going to bed at night.

3. This will assist in curing numerous ailments, and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.

4. Pregnancy Stretch Marks:  To prevent unsightly stretch marks, due to pregnancy, apply a mixture of Turmeric and Malai, or Turmeric and Curd, to your stomach and waist before going for a bath.  Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash off.

5. Wounds:  Sprinkle a bit of Turmeric with Honey (optional), on cuts, bruises, or scrapes, after a thorough wash, as the anti-bacterial action will prevent wound infections.

6. Arthritis:  Turmeric can be used to reduce pain associated with Arthritis.  Warm a cup of milk.  Before it boils, remove it from the heat, and add in one teaspoon of Turmeric powder.  Stir, and drink it (this can be done up to 3 times daily).

7. Reduce Fats:  Regular use of Turmeric reduces fats, aids blood circulation, and purifies the blood.

8. Cosmetic Use:  For dry skin, make a paste of Milk Cream (1/2 tablespoon), Gram Flour (1 tablespoon – available in Indian stores) and Turmeric  (1/2 teaspoon), and apply it daily to your face to own glowing skin without any marks.  Leave out the Milk Cream if your skin is oily.  Make sure to scrub the paste into your face well, as it helps to remove blackheads too.  Turmeric may also be mixed with Almond Oil and Honey to purify and nourish skin.

9. Cysts:  Turmeric is very effective in resolving Cysts.  Apply a Turmeric paste on the Cyst.  The Cyst is, generally, resolved in about one month.

10. Joint Pain:  Mix 1/8 teaspoon Turmeric, 3 Cardamom Pods (optional), 1/4 cup Water, simmer for 5-7 minutes, then add 1 cup of Milk, 2 tablespoons Almond Oil  (cold-pressed).  Bring just to boiling point (but do not boil).  Add honey or maple syrup to taste, if desired.  Sip slowly as a hot tea.

11. Cancer/Leukemia:  No-one really knows the quantity required to treat cancerous conditions, however, it’s recommended to take at least 10 grams per day (5 grams twice a day), dissolved in fat.  The Curcumin in Turmeric is not toxic, so why screw around with low doses (however, be aware of the side effects).

12. Digestion/Metabolism/Stomach/Dyspepsia/Indigestion:   (a) For a digestive system ‘cleanse’, mix 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric with 1 cup hot Milk, allow mixture to cool, and then drink.  (b) To balance digestion, add 1 teaspoon Turmeric to 1 cup of Yoghurt, and eat it right after lunch.   (c) For Stomach Ache, mix Turmeric and Honey.

13. Anaemia:  Every day, take a dose of 1 teaspoon of Turmeric juice mixed with Honey.

14. Asthma:  Boil 1 cup of milk and add 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder.  Drink warm.

15. Burns:  Mix 1 teaspoon of Turmeric with 1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel, and apply to burnt area.

16. Conjunctivitis:  Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed raw Turmeric in 1/3 cup of water.  Boil and sieve.  Use 2-3 drops of this mixture in each eye, up to 3 times per day.

17. Dental Problems:  Mix 1 teaspoon of Turmeric with 1/2 teaspoon of Salt.  Add Mustard Oil to make a paste.  Rub the teeth and gums with this paste twice daily.

18. Diabetes:  Take between 1/2 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon of Turmeric 3 times per day.

19. Diarrhoea:  Take 1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric powder or juice in water (or with Yoghurt), 3 times per day.

20. Pain/Swelling:  Mix 1 teaspoon of Turmeric and 2 teaspoons of Ginger with Water to make a paste.Spread over a cloth, place on the affected area (pain), and bandage.  Also, add 1 teaspoon of Turmeric to 1 cup of Warm Milk, and drink before bed.

21. Other:  Turmeric also assists Gallbladder, Premenstrual discomfort, Eczema, Endometriosis, Cataracts, Immune System, Melanoma, Heart/Cardiovascular conditions, Cholesterol, Liver, Colon, Coughs/Colds (take with Ghee), Alzheimer’s disease,  Piles (Turmeric/Onion/Mustard Oil paste on rectal area), Allergies, Hayfever, Boils, Menopause, Heel Spurs, Bunions, Fatigue, Goiter, Sinus, Migraine/Headache, Obesity, Itching, Bruises, Inflammation, Eye Conditions, Respiratory conditions, and more.

22. Use Glutamine When Taking Turmeric:  It is recommended to use Glutamine, at least 20 grams per day, with Curcumin, to make it maximally effective.

SEMINAL WEAKNESS AND PREMATURE EJACULATION

SEMINAL WEAKNESS AND PREMATURE EJACULATION 

This is defined as ejaculation that occurs prior to penetration  or ejaculation before the person and the partner achieve orgasm. This usually is a result of the sexual debility and excesses and is not an uncommon condition nowadays. It is often associated with a lot of anxiety that tends to aggravate the condition. Ejaculation, controlled by the central nervous system, happens when friction on the genitalia and other forms of sexual stimulation provide impulses that are sent up the spinal cord and into the brain. 

SOME HOME REMEDIES 

1. Avoid taking salty, sour, pungent and bitter things. Food ingredients having sweet and astringent tastes are usually administered. Meat, eggs, cow's milk and ghee prepared from it are useful for this condition.

2. Mixture of cardamoms (elaichi), almonds, butter and sugar is taken daily in the morning.

3. Powdered root of the herb ashvagandha is useful when taken in one teaspoonful doses twice daily.

4. Juice of onions is useful when given with honey.

5. Mixture of roasted husked gram and sugar is taken at night daily for a month.

6. Twenty to twenty-five tender fruits of the ladies finger (bhindi) are given in the morning.

Clove Oil - Health Benefits

Clove Oil - Health Benefits

Clove is an evergreen tree, which produces a flower bud that has numerous medicinal properties. It is often referred as clove bud. Clove bud has a shaft and a head and hence it has the Latin name clavus meaning nail. Clove was extensively used in the ancient Indian and Chinese civilizations and it spread to other parts of the world, including Europe, during the seventh and eight centuries. Clove is rich in minerals such as calcium, hydrochloric acid, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A and vitamin C.

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1. Dental Care: The most prominent use of clove oil is in dental care. The germicidal properties of the oil make it very effective for relieving dental pain, tooth ache, sore gums and mouth ulcers. Gargles with diluted clove oil help in easing the throat. The characteristic smell of clove oil helps removing bad breath. As a result, clove oil is added to numerous dental products and medications, including, mouth washes, and tooth pastes. Dentists also mix clove oil with zinc oxide and prepare a white filling material as a temporary alternative to root canal.

2. Infections: Due to its antiseptic properties, clove oil is useful for wound, cuts, scabies, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, bruises, prickly heat, etc. It can also be used insect bites and stings. Clove oil is very strong in nature and hence should be used in diluted form. Further, it should not be used on sensitive skin.

3. Skin Care: Clove oil is often recommended for skin care, especially to acne patients.

4. Stress: Clove oil is aphrodisiac in nature and hence serves as an excellent stress reliever. It has a stimulating effect on the mind and removes mental exhaustion and

5. fatigue. When taken internally, in appropriate amounts, it refreshes the mind. Clove oil also induces sleep and is helpful to insomnia patients. It is useful for treating mental problems such as loss of memory, depression and anxiety.

6. Headache: Clove oil when mixed with salt, and applied on the forehead, gives a cooling effect and helps in getting relief from headache.

7. Respiratory Problems: Clove oil has a cooling and anti inflammatory effect, and thereby clears the nasal passage. This expectorant is useful in various respiratory disorders including coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and tuberculosis. Chewing a clove bud eases sore throats

8. Earache: A mixture of warm clove oil and sesame oil is a good remedy for earaches.

9. Indigestion: Clove oil is effective in stomach related problems such as hiccups, indigestion, motion sickness, and flatulence. Hence, clove one of the important spices added in Indian dishes.

10. Nausea: Clove oil is helpful in case of nausea and vomiting and is often used for pregnancy related vomiting.

11. Blood Circulation: Clove oil increases your body metabolism by increasing blood circulation and reducing body temperature.

12. Blood Purification: Clove oil also helps in purifying the blood.

13. Diabetes: Along with blood purification, clove oil also helps in controlling the blood sugar levels and hence is useful to diabetics.

14. Immune System: Both clove and clove oil is useful for boosting the immune system. Its antiviral properties and ability to purify blood increases your resistance to diseases.

15. Premature Ejaculation: Research has indicated that clove can be useful for treating premature ejaculation.

16. Cholera: It is believed that clove oil is useful for treating cholera.

17. Sty: Clove and clove oil is a very effective home remedy for treating sty. Sty is an inflammation on the eyelash and is a very irritating condition. Sty is not only painful, but also causes difficulty in the proper functioning of the eye.  Other benefits of clove oil include the following:

18. Cosmetics: Clove oil is often added in cosmetic creams and lotions. It is a good massage oil providing relief from pain and stress.

19. Clove Cigarettes: Usage of clove in making cigarettes is a new trend all over the world. Traditionally, clove was added in cigarettes in Indonesia. Smokers (wrongly) feel that the  numerous health benefits of clove would nullify the ill effects of smoking.

20. Flavoring Agent: Along with its digestive properties, clove oil is added in food items due to its flavor. It is added in many Indian dishes, pickles, sauce, spice cakes, etc.

21. Soaps: Due to the characteristic aroma, soothing effect and antiseptic properties, clove oil is added in making soaps.

22. Perfumes: Clove oil is also used in making perfumes.

One should be careful while using clove oil. Clove oil is strong in nature and hence should be diluted before application. 

Natural Help for Anxiety

Natural Help for Anxiety

Dealing with Anxiety 
Anxiety is a part of normal human existence. Everyone has been tense before a big test or performing in front of a crowd. It’s hard wired into our system to protect us through the “fight or flight” reflex. For some people these experiences are isolated, but for others anxiety is a constant and domineering force that controls and impairs their whole being.

A fast-paced modern lifestyle can be difficult for both adults and children. Trying activities such as work deadlines, job interviews, school competitions and public interactions don’t make it any easier either.

It’s not uncommon to find oneself a little overwhelmed at the thought of a particular upcoming event or situation. Sometimes demands may be so great that it is difficult to slow down and take a deep breath, causing us to worry about everything.

The natural way
1. A lot can be done to support a healthy ability to relax and slow down. One way of doing this is to keep your mind producing its own natural feel good chemicals by eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods, getting plenty of fresh air and sunshine and exercising regularly.

2. Practicing relaxation techniques, meditation or even taking time for a regular walk on the beach can all help to reduce stress levels and facilitate a feeling of calm - helping us to wind down and relax.

3. Natural remedies can also help to support the nervous system and to keep nerves settled and soothed - to enable us to cope more easily with the everyday stresses of our modern existence. In fact, natural remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to support the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system.

4. In more recent times, research has confirmed this traditional wisdom. There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to support the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and maintain a healthy equilibrium - which will assist with staying calm under pressure.

5. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter manufactured and found in the brain. Along with other neurotransmitters, serotonin helps to support emotional wellness and sleep patterns as well as energy levels, sex drive and appetite. Serotonin also promotes healthy concentration, a positive mental attitude, memory and mental alertness.

6. While your feelings are not all about brain chemicals, the delicate balance between neurotransmitters and other hormones can play a big part in maintaining emotional stability, wellness and a positive outlook. Lifestyle, stress management and maintaining healthy relationships all contribute to happiness.

7. However, when there are challenges to face, a solid foundation of emotional health, balanced brain chemistry and a healthy self esteem will make all the difference to how we are able to cope or have the emotional strength to make changes necessary to improve our lives.  

8. A lot can be done to naturally maintain emotional health and a healthy positive mental attitude.

9. It is a good idea to keep your natural feel-good chemicals flowing by eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain foods, ensuring plenty of fresh air, adequate sleep, moderate sunshine and regular exercise. Many healthy foods (e.g. bananas, turkey and carbohydrates) contain nutritional precursors of serotonin and this makes them natural ‘mood foods’ to maintain healthy serotonin levels!

10. Also, never underestimate the power of a few stolen minutes during the workday (or school day) to rejuvenate the spirit and relax the mind - meditation, yoga or listening to a calming CD can all promote relaxation. Smoking, recreational drugs and alcohol can all depress the nervous system and affect the balance of neurotransmitters like serotonin - so try to cut back or avoid these habits for the sake of your emotional as well as your physical health.

11. Participate in social and community activities.  Social interaction and a sense of giving to your community enhance self-esteem and reduce stress.

12. Take care of yourself. Get regular exercise, eat nourishing food, and maintain a healthy weight.

13. Participate in activities you enjoy. Have you always wanted to learn a new language? Take up ballroom dancing? Mentor a child? Now is the time! (And activities like these will also help your brain.)

14. Stay focused on positive things and avoid negative self talk such as “I can’t do that” or “I’m too old.” When your self talk is negative, you will feel more stress. Instead of thinking what you can’t do, remember what you can do.

15. Connect with the people who are most meaningful to you. People with friends tend to be happier than those without. Stable social relations help you adjust to changes such retiring, moving, and losing loved ones.

16. Remember stressful events that you successfully coped with in the past and repeat what worked before.

17. Focus on addressing your problems instead of feeling helpless about them. Think of them as “challenges” or “tests” rather than as insurmountable obstacles.

18. Learn and use relaxation techniques and meditation.

19. If you are a caregiver, make use of support and education groups, as well as respite care, which provides time off for caregivers.

20. Medication may be needed in severe cases, which would require consultation with your doctor. Also, symptoms may begin to diminish on their own with age.

Tips for Coping with Depression

Tips for Coping with Depression

What is Depression?
Anyone can feel down from time to time or experience bouts of emotional grief or sadness due to some unexpected life event. For instance, they grieve when someone dies, or feel the sadness and loss when a close relationship ends, or even lose a job.

All these feelings are normal and are part of the ups-and-downs of life. But clinical depression is more than just the blues, more than the expected grief after any loss, and most certainly more than a bad couple of days.

Depression is a deep and dark state, a black hole that may seem impossible to emerge from, and a serious medical condition involving a delicate balance of brain chemicals. Unlike a bad mood that you can simply snap out of, depression can severely disrupt the ability to function properly and can extend through every aspect of your life with serious consequences.

Signs of depression may include feeling somewhat flat, tired and unmotivated. As it progresses a person with depression may no longer want to participate in social activities or hobbies that they once enjoyed.

Eventually individuals with depression may even lose the drive to work altogether, their relationships become strained and they push people away and become unreachable, and the will to live a happy, productive life slowly fades.

Although the future for someone suffering with depression may look bleak, there is a light at the end of the tunnel - depression is treatable and those suffering can live a happy, normal life. 

Signs of depression

• Weight loss or weight gain 
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia) 
• Difficulty thinking and concentrating 
• Difficulty making decisions 
• Fatigue or loss of energy 
• Feeling physically slow, agitated, or restless to the degree that others begin to notice 
• Physical complaints such as headaches, joint pains and stomach aches 
• Low self-esteem, feeling worthless or excessively guilty 
• Low libido or diminished interest in sex 
• Suicidal thoughts, or continuous thoughts of death and self-harm

Tips for Coping with Depression
1. Regular exercise! Even if only for 30 min at a time, three days a week, a good workout will increase happiness inducing endorphins while burning the stress hormone cortisol which is associated with depression. If you do not feel motivated, or dislike exercising at first, keep going for long enough and you will definitely begin to see benefits within 3 - 6 weeks.

2. Talk it out. Talk to someone you trust, a close friend or a licensed counselor and try and come up with a plan of action. Often it is the first steps to recovery that are the most difficult, so try not to do it alone.

3. Eat a healthy diet. A poor diet depletes energy levels and a deficiency in certain nutrients (e.g. iron) can result in fatigue and feelings of depression.

4. Ensure that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs, and explore serotonin uplifting foods such as oats, turkey, milk, pasta and other carbohydrate-rich foods.

5. Set realistic goals and responsibilities. It is important to have a plan of action and to start taking responsibility for the future, but know your limits and set your goals within reason. Small steps taken consistently are better than big steps which cause you to bomb out.

6. Prioritize and learn to say no. Avoid unnecessary stress by doing what needs to be done first and learn to look after your own needs. Be careful not to allow others to overload you with their responsibilities.

7. Make a conscious effort to stop negative thoughts. Try and change these thoughts into neutral thoughts and do not indulge in pessimism. Remember that this will take time, and may be difficult at first, but it can also be life-changing. Psychotherapy can be very helpful in this regard.

8. Take action! While your symptoms of depression may make you feel like crawling into bed or existing in your pajamas and slippers all day, make a decision everyday to get up, get dressed and do something. Simply cleaning your room, going for a scenic drive or doing something creative can be uplifting and help break a bad cycle.

9. Turn to nature. One of the best ways to re-energize and uplift your spirit is to get in touch with nature. Go for a walk in the forest, a picnic in the park or a simply sit on the beach and watch a sunset.

10. Let others help you. Don’t turn down a helping hand or a comforting hug. When depression hits, you may feel like pushing people away, but this is the time you need love and affection the most. Pets are also a great source of love and comfort!

11. Help others. One often feels a loss of purpose when depressed, so regain a positive purpose by helping others. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or help out at an organization that could benefit from your time and skills.

12. Make a change. Change is often very invigorating and refreshing. Aim to change your life-style to a healthier one, change your negative attitude towards life, and change your job if you know that your current work makes you miserable. It need not even be a drastic change. Simply re-arranging furniture or giving a touch of paint to a dull room can go a long way to uplifting your mood - better yet, it will keep you busy.

13. Read all about it. There are many books which are very helpful in learning how to manage depression. These include books written by experts in the field - as well as books published by ordinary people with a useful or uplifting contribution to share.


Research what is best for you. If you have a chronic or life threatening condition, don’t make changes without first discussing them with your doctor in order that your condition may be monitored. Well informed and supportive practitioners will support patients who want to take responsibility for their own health. 

Stretching

Stretching

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Stretching may be done at any time of the day and can involve a great number of exercises. Probably your first stretch of the day is done just before or just after you get up. Your muscles have not moved much all night and need to be reminded of what they are designed to do. Watch a cat or dog when it wakes up. The first thing it does is stretch. Everyone needs a certain amount of flexibility or range of motion in the joints. Stretching exercises are the way to increase flexibility.

Precautions
While you are stretching, you must remember to continue to breathe. Holding your breath during a stretch may increase your blood pressure above safe levels. If you continue to breathe as you stretch, your blood pressure should remain within normal limits.

Exercises that use rotation are not recommended for older people, particularly those with arthritis, because rotation exercises may damage the joints. These include such exercises as neck rotation, trunk rotation, arm circles and ankle rotation.
Note: Before beginning any exercise regime, be sure to check with your medical doctor for consent to begin.

Types of Stretches
There are two types of stretching. Ballistic stretching is a repetitive, bouncing stretch that research has shown is not good for the muscles and tendons. Static stretching is a low, continuous stretch. This type of stretch is recommended for stretching exercises.

How to Stretch
To properly stretch a muscle, you should try to lengthen the muscle to a point where you just feel the muscle stretching. Stretching should not hurt; the statement “no pain, no gain” has no place in a stretching program. Hold the stretch for six to 10 seconds, lengthening the muscle if it relaxes in that period of time. Relax, then repeat the exercise.

These are static stretches suitable for people of all ages. Hold each position six seconds by counting 1001, 1002, etc. Then relax. Repeat each exercise the number of times indicated. These exercises will relax muscle tension and strain caused by sitting in one place or position for a long time.


STRETCHING TIPS 
1. Always do a light warm up before you stretch. For example walking, biking for 5-10 minutes. Never stretch when the muscles are cold.

2. Hold each stretch for 20-30 sec. Repeat it 1-2 times.

3. Stretch the muscle until you feel a slight discomfort and hold that position for 20-25 sec. Stretching should never be painful nor should you be contracting your muscles when you stretch.

4. Always breathe normally when you stretch. Feel the muscle relaxing as you exhale.

5. The common tight muscles are shoulders, chest, hip flexors, abs, and calves. Make sure to stretch these muscles.

STRETCHING MISTAKES 
1. Rounding the lower back and upper back during stretching. Maintain the natural arch in your lower back and do not round your upper back. Proper posture is important even when you stretch.

2. Stretching too hard: If you stretch too hard, your muscles contract as a protective mechanism to prevent getting hurt. So do not try to force the stretch; stretching should be relaxing.

3. Not enough time: You have to hold the stretch for 20-30 sec and repeat it once or twice to improve flexibility.

Dietary Calcium

Dietary Calcium

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The human body needs calcium more than any other mineral. A man weighing 70 kg. contains one kg. of calcium. About 99 per cent of the quantity in the body is used for building strong bones and teeth and the remaining one per cent is used by the blood, muscles and nerves. Calcium performs many important functions. Without this mineral , the contractions of the heart would be faulty, the muscles would not contract properly to make the limbs move and blood would not clot. Calcium stimulates enzymes in the digestive process and coordinates the functions of all other minerals in the body.

Calcium is found in milk and milk products, whole wheat, leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and cabbage , carrots, watercress, oranges, lemons, almonds, figs and walnuts. A daily intake of about 0.4 to 0.6 grams of calcium is considered desirable for an adult. The requirement is larger for growing children and pregnant and lactating women.

Deficiency may cause porous and fragile bones, tooth decay, heart palpitations, muscle cramps, insomnia and irritability. A large increase in the dietary supply of calcium is needed in tetany and when the bones are decalcified due to poor calcium absorption, as in rickets, oesteomalacia and the malabsorption syndrome. Liberal quantity of calcium is also necessary when excessive calcium has been lost from the body as in hyperparathyroidism or chronic renal disease.

DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES

DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES

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The skin under the eyes is very delicate and thin and the blood vessels close to the skin tend to occasionally become prominent and engorged and thus give a bluish tint to the skin. Dark circles can also be due to excessive pigmentation in that area. This is usually hereditary  or  can develop when the person is overtired and is not able to get proper sleep due to reasons like stress, anxiety  or it can occur due to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, too much exposure to sunlight  or  due to excessive loss of weight.

SOME HOME REMEDIES
1. Drink a lot of water, atleast eight to ten glasses and also apply a cold-water compress over the closed eyes for about five to ten minutes,several times daily.

2. Eat a lot of fresh raw vegetables, salads and fruits.

3. The cream of milk  or  malai with the addition of a few drops of rose water in it should be applied locally with the help of a thin and soft cloth over the area.

4. Applying thin slices  or  grated cucumber,  potato  or  papaya over the eyes helps to give a cool and refreshing effect and helps reduce the dark circles.

5. Application of almond oil  or  vitamin E oil over the dark circles kept overnight tends to help a lot.

SPERMATORRHEA

SPERMATORRHEA

Involuntary discharge of seminal fluid without any sexual excitement is termed as "spermatorrhea". 

SOME HOME REMEDIES 

1. Mixture of three oz of sugar and hundred grains of dehydrated borax is given for a week.
2. Saffron macerated with old ghee is given for three days.
3. Mixture of powdered cardamoms (elaichi) and fried pecacuan (hing) is given in six-grain doses with ghee and milk.
4. The home remedies given in the above two topics of impotency and premature ejaculation can also be given.

BOILS AND ABSCESS - HOME REMEDIES

BOILS AND ABSCESS - HOME REMEDIES

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A "boil" also called as furuncle is a red, painful, raised area of the skin surrounded by swollen inflamed tissue, usually the result of bacteria (especially staphylococcus variety) that invade through a microscopic break in the skin and infect a blocked sweat gland or hair follicle. When the white blood cells fight against the infection, the dead cells and killed bacteria accumulate as pus and lead to the formation of a localized collection of pus in the skin, which is called as an "abscess".

To bring a developing boil to a head, apply warm, moist compresses for twenty to thirty minutes, three to four times daily. Keep the skin around the boil or abscess clean. Recurrent boils could be a sign of inadequate diet or an early symptom of diabetes.

In cases where the boil or abscess does not resolve or is very slow to heal or if the person suffers from diabetes or a deficient immune system, a physician should be consulted to prevent any further complications.

HOME REMEDIES 
1. The person should be put on a diet consisting of fresh juicy fruits, whole grain cereals and raw vegetables. Avoid tea, coffee, white bread and starchy and sugary foods.

2. A few drinks of lemon juice taken daily will purify the blood and help to fasten the healing process.

3. Taking a clove of garlic daily acts as an effective antiseptic and helps to detoxify the body. Also the juice of garlic or onion may be applied externally on the boils to help ripen them, break them and evacuate the pus.

4. Heat the mixture of turmeric (haldi) powder, jaggery and wheat flour and then apply it to the boils when warm to speed up the healing process.

5. Eating a lot of oranges and grapefruit (chakotra) daily helps faster healing of the boil.

6. Sandalwood paste has got astringent and anti-inflammatory properties and also has got a refrigerating or a cooling effect on the skin. So it is a useful application over the boils.

7. Apply plain honey or mix it with an equal amount of cod liver oil and apply it directly over the boil and cover it with a sterile dressing.

8. Applying pieces of stale bread soaked in hot milk on the boil or a poultice of warm milk and flour with a tablespoon salt added to it is a useful remedy.

9. One teaspoonful of cream of milk, mixed with half a teaspoonful of vinegar and a pinch of turmeric powder, makes an excellent poultice. It helps in ripening the blood boils and in healing them without allowing them to become septic.

10. Drink a cupful of milk in which some figs (anjeer) are boiled for a few minutes and give it warm to the patient. Also placing a raw fig as a poultice helps to ripen it.

11. Boil parsley in water till it is soft and juicy and when it is comfortably hot, it should be wrapped in a clean muslin or linen clothe and applied over the boil as a poultice.

12. Drink a mixture made from one-third teaspoonful of freshly ground nutmeg (jaiphal), one teaspoonful honey and four to five ounces of hot water daily for five days continuously.

13. Cumin seeds (jeera) are ground in water and made into a paste and applied over the boils. Also in cases of small children suffering from summer boils, a fine powder of cumin mixed in coconut milk is useful.

14. A simple method to quicken the ripening of a boil in any part of the body is to apply a mixture of ash heated with melted butter or ghee. Ash, which is chemically soda potash, acts as an astringent to drain out the purulent matter from inside the boil. Warm ghee softens the top layer of the epithelial cells of the skin.

15. Lightly steamed cabbage leaves or tomato slices act as a useful poultice for the boil.

16. Scrape the inside of the ripe banana peel and spread it on a cloth and bandage the abscess or boil.

17. Applying mashed raw potato over the abscess also helps.

TOP TEN HOME REMEDIES FOR SEXUAL DEBILITY AND IMPOTENCE

TOP TEN HOME REMEDIES FOR SEXUAL DEBILITY AND IMPOTENCE

Sexual debility usually results in people who are stressed up emotionally and physically or in people who overindulge in sex since an early age, resulting in poor sexual performance, resulting in the person further feeling low and depressed. Impotence is a condition that involves a partial or complete failure of erection of the penis with a normal sexual desire. This may occasionally resolve on its own within a few days, but if it persists then consulting a doctor becomes necessary. Avoid eating a heavy meal late at night. Taking a cool bath before going to bed may help in certain cases. Avoid taking excessive alcohol and stop smoking.

Give yourself some time to relax and avoid talking of work at home. 

SOME HOME REMEDIES

#1. Those who are suffering from the above said condition are advised to take a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits. They should avoid tea, coffee and all kinds of processed, canned and refined foods.

#2. Two to three cloves of raw garlic should be taken daily.

#3. Lightly macerated mixture of equal parts of dried dates (seedless), blanched almonds, pistachios and sugar is pickled in thin ghee for a week and one ounce is given to the person every morning.

#4. Milk in which figs (anjeer), roots, bark and tender sprouts of Banyan tree (vata) have been boiled is given with honey and sugar.

#5. The dried roots of asparagus (safed musli), about fifteen grams boiled in one cup of milk should be taken twice daily.

#6. Ripe plantains are taken with some ghee twice daily.

#7. Cooked rice eaten  with some ghee and soup of kidney beans (rajmah) is good.

#8. Juice of white onions and fresh ginger is taken with honey daily for a few weeks.

#9. Black raisins should be boiled with milk and taken thrice daily.

#10. Ten drops of the fluid extract of Black Willow (Salix Nigra) in a little hot water before meals is useful for sexual weakness and neurasthenia.

SCIATICA - REMEDIES

SCIATICA - REMEDIES

Source:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gray1244.png

"Sciatica" is a term used to signify pain along the sciatic nerve, which occurs especially when the nerve is compressed or pinched by the tightened muscles attached to the hip when it emerges from the spinal cord or due to the pressure from an intervertebral disc prolapse or a spinal tumor. There is a shooting or a spasmodic pain that radiates from the buttock or the lumbar region down the back of the thigh to the knee and calf and occasionally to the foot or the ankle. This pain can be associated with numbness or tingling in the affected limb and is worse on coughing  or straining and may be better by lying down flat.

SOME EXERCISES AND PREVENTION:
1. To relieve the pain, apply cold and hot compresses alternately for ten minutes each. This is done at least twice or thrice daily.

2. Avoid sitting on your large wallet, sitting on hard stools, wearing tight belts and tight pants, since they can bring on the sciatic pain.

3. Regular stretching and movements of the affected limb is necessary for faster relief of the pain. Take a short walk for a few minutes every hour.

4. Ask the patient to lie on the floor for ten to fifteen minutes, with a thin pillow under the neck and the head with the lower legs resting on the seat of an upholstered chair.

5. To relieve the sciatica pain, lie on one side with the knee of that side slightly bent, and then extend the other leg and raise it towards the ceiling three times. Turn over and repeat the same exercise on the opposite side.


SOME HOME REMEDIES 
a. Pulses, beans and fried things are strictly prohibited. The patient should not take curd or any other sour things, including sour fruit.

b. Watercress (Jalkumb) is added to boiling milk and some  jaggery  or sugar is added to it and this is then taken once daily.

c. Saffron should be mixed in some warm milk and given to the patient for relief in the pain.

d. Drinking a glass of fresh, raw potato juice (mixed with  juice of  beet, carrot or celery leaves) daily, helps to relieve the sciatica pain.

e. Mixture of lemon juice, honey and impure carbonate of potash is given.

Pregnancy Care II

Pregnancy Care II

1. REGIME: The mother should take utmost care during pregnancy as the delicate fetus lies within her stomach. Climbing stairs, repeated bending as well as sitting in difficult postures should be avoided. Jerks can also be harmful and so a pregnant mother should avoid traveling in rickshaws, carriages and two wheeler. It is a wrong conception that a pregnant lady should be taking rest all the time. She has to, like normal times, wake up early and do a little bit of work, take a walk especially two to three hours after lunch  or in the evening. The pregnant woman must wear clothes that are loose and comfortable and which do not exert any kind of pressure on any part of her body.

2. MENTAL STATE: The expectant mother should always be in a healthy state of mind. This is because the negative emotions (like fear, apprehension, worries, grief, anxiety, irritability, etc.) affect not only her own health but also the health of the fetus. During severe depression in the pregnant mother, there is markedly reduced motility of the fetus and sometimes an extension of the gestational age. So an atmosphere of joy
and gaiety should be maintained for the pregnant woman as far as possible. She should spend more time in hobbies like reading good old time stories, knitting, painting, listening to good music, meditating, etc. and should also go for gentle walks and do plenty of mild, non-vigorous exercises.

3. THINGS TO AVOID: Smoking, drinking alcohol and taking any drugs or medications without her doctor's advice is to be strictly avoided. The pregnant woman should avoid undergoing any X-ray, including the dental ones, since they are known to contribute to the development of cancer, not only in the mother, but also in the children in the later years. Also she should avoid any oil massages. The mother-to-be is also advised to avoid excessive use of salt, refined sugar, harmful spices (like white vinegar, black and white pepper and mustard), coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks and food products made from white flour.

4. LABOR:  It is a process through which the product of conception is expelled from the uterus into the outside world. Labor is often preceded by agitation, nervous trembling, lowness of spirits, weepy disposition, etc. The patient may complain of loose stools a day or two before labor, which should not be interfered with. There are intense pains in the abdomen that are associated with passage of water and a slight discharge of reddish mucus called as a "show" that helps further the process of labor. The process of labor may be protracted in women in their first confinement.

Natural childbirth at home or in any familiar surrounding under the assistance of a registered medical practitioner is by far the most effective to help ease the mother during labor. When the expectant mother complains of labor pain, ask her to drink plenty of fluids, urinate at least once every hour or two, apply hot compresses on the lower abdomen to ease the pain, keep taking deep breaths and try to relax. Ask the expectant father to stay by his wife all the time. After delivery the mother should be kept perfectly quiet, both in body and mind and loud noise, strong odors and anything that can excitement her should be avoided. The discharges that take place after confinement are called as "lochia" and they tend to vary from person to person. In some it can be thin and scanty whereas in others it may be profuse and can continue for several weeks. The discharge is initially red in color, but gradually grows lighter, becoming yellowish and then whitish and then it completely ceases. In cases where the discharge continues for too long or is too profuse or if suppressed suddenly, medical assistance is required.

MORNING SICKNESS

MORNING SICKNESS

The sensation of being nauseous and having a loss of appetite with a feeling of being very weak, giddy and tired with occasional vomiting and heartburn during the first few months following conception is termed as 'morning sickness'. The amount of nausea and vomiting present will not only vary from person to person, but also from one pregnancy to another in the same person. The condition is considered to be serious if there is violent, ineffectual retching or if the vomiting is prolonged and severe with loss of large amounts of gastric secretions resulting in loss of electrolytes and their complications. Persisting or prolonged nausea and vomiting may also indicate that there is a toxemic condition present that needs medical attention. A few home remedies to relieve the distressing symptoms of morning sickness are having crackers and fresh fruit juice and chewing on anise seeds. In cases where the person is not able to retain anything, ask her to eat a few pieces of chilled watermelon. Eat small, frequent meals when you feel better. Peach leaf tea is also useful for the trouble of morning sickness.

Some Remedies

1. Eat small meals often. Skipping meals can make nausea worse.
2. Drink lots of fluid between meals.
3. Avoid foods with strong smells. Eating food at room temperature or cold foods can help. (Note: remember to avoid the “at-risk” Listeria foods like cold meats, smoked seafood, soft cheeses or left-overs that are cold or more than 24 hours old).
4. Avoid spicy foods and fatty foods.
5. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks (tea, coffee, cola).
6. Ginger has been shown to help with morning sickness. Try ginger tablets, ginger lollies or ginger ale.
7. Vitamin B6 may also help manage morning sickness. Speak with your pharmacist about the correct dose as too much can be harmful.
8. Iron supplements or iron in your pregnancy supplement may upset your stomach.
9. Speak with your doctor about this before changing your supplement or dose
10. Avoid smoking. This can make the nausea worse and is bad for you and your baby’s health.
11. In severe cases, your doctor may need to prescribe some medication to help control your nausea and vomiting.

PREGNANCY CARE

PREGNANCY CARE

Source:http://www.usda.gov/oc/photo/02cs2059.htm

The blood of the mother is the sole source of nourishment for the child and so should be kept pure and healthy by taking a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and micronutrients.

The following are some advises regarding the diet and other factors for the pregnant woman that helps to prevent any complications and aids the mother to have a normal delivery of a healthy baby:

1. A strict vegetarian diet is very important to be taken by the mother during the nine months of pregnancy; since it is a good source of minerals, vitamins, trace elements and enzymes which will favorably influence the growth and formation of the fetus. Most vegetables should be eaten raw in the form of a salad. Some vegetables, such as potatoes, yams and green beans can be taken cooked, steamed  or  baked. Vegetables containing an excess of oxalic acid, such as spinach (palak), rhubarb (revandchini) and cabbage should be boiled in water for around five minutes, before eating. The proteins in alfalfa, parsley and potatoes are comparable to the protein in milk in their biological value.

2. Garlic and onions contain sulphur and selenium, very important trace elements for the pregnant woman and so should be included in the daily diet.

3. All grains and seeds are rich sources of vitamins (especially vitamin E and B complex vitamins) and unsaturated fatty seeds and these should be had in the sprouted form since sprouting increases the nutritive value of the seeds. Wheat, mung, beans, alfalfa and soyabeans make excellent sprouts.

4. Soyabeans, buckwheat, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds and peanuts all contain complete proteins of high biological value.

5. Roasted peanuts are taken with jaggery and cow or goat milk.

6. Almonds are of tremendous importance for the development and nourishment of the child's brain. Soak daily about ten almonds overnight in water and then the next day morning peel off the skin and then grind it into a paste with a few drops of water and take it daily, freshly made.

7. Foods rich in iron are very important to be taken daily. The  sources of iron are almonds, apples, apricots, avocados, bajra, bananas, beet root, Bengal gram, black berries, black currants, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, cashewnuts, coriander leaves, drumstick (saijan ki phalli), dry dates, dried plums (also called as prunes), egg  yolk, figs (anjeer), fish, jaggery, jawar, kelp, legumes, lettuce, lintels, liver, meat, methi, nuts, parsley, peaches, pears, pistachios, pumpkins, radish leaves, raisins, rice, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach (palak), sprouted grains, strawberries, watermelon and whole wheat.

8. Fruits are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins and enzymes and are easily digested and have a cleansing effect on the blood and the digestive tract. Dried fruits should be pre-soaked before eating. Fruits are best eaten for breakfast or as a snack between the meal times.

9. Calcium is another important mineral for a growing fetus. It helps in the development of eyes and the skeletal system and so low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt should be taken daily.

10. Other calcium-rich foods are almonds (unblanched), asparagus, beans, brewer's yeast,

11. Brazil nuts, cereals fortified with calcium, citrus fruits, figs (anjeer), fish (like mackerel, salmon, sardines and shellfish), green leafy vegetables (like blackstrap molasses, broccoli, cabbage, chick-peas, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, etc.;  except spinach), lime, oats, peanuts, peas, prunes (dried plums), sesame seeds, soybean, sunflower seeds, tofu, wheat and whole-grain cereals.

12. Thyme tea speeds up delivery.

ASTHMA-HOME REMEDIES

ASTHMA-HOME REMEDIES

"Asthma" is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways wherein the airways in the lower respiratory tract go into a spasm and they narrow down in response to a stimulus like an allergy, change of weather, air irritants, lung infection or stress. The air gets trapped in the lungs during expiration leading to a labored breathing and the narrowed bronchus will no longer be cleared effectively by coughing up the mucus formed and thus many of the bronchi become obstructed by mucus plugs. 

For details please refer to the following post:
http://healthtips-sastha.blogspot.com/2012/05/asthma.html
HOME REMEDIES
1. Strictly avoid curd, buttermilk, rice, sugar, lentils (masoor), banana, guava, sour things, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments, pickles, sauces, fried things, refined and processed foods.

2. Include figs  (anjeer), dry grapes, dates, papayas and apples daily in your breakfast. The juice of grapefruit (chakotra) is an age-old remedy in asthma.

3. Three to four dry figs (anjeer) should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight and should be taken on an empty stomach the next morning, along with the water in which it was soaked. This treatment should be continued for a period of about two months for good results.

4. Freshly prepared mixture of ginger juice, lime juice and honey, one teaspoonful of each should be taken up to three times daily. This will help to soothe the throat and decrease the cough.

5. Magnesium is the essential mineral that helps to relax the smooth muscles lining the airways. The rich sources of this mineral are whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.

6. Boiling cloves of garlic in an ounce of milk and taken daily in the morning helps in the early stages of asthma.

7. A teaspoonful of bitter gourd (karela) root paste mixed with an equal amount of honey  or  juice of honey basil leaves (tulsi), given once every night for a month acts as a good expectorant.

8. A paste made from long pepper (pipli), dates, black raisins, ghee, sugar and honey is an efficacious remedy in asthma.

9. Soup prepared from drumstick leaves (saijan ki phalli) and taken once daily is beneficial for the treatment of asthma.

10. Half a teaspoonful of powder of dry safflower seeds, mixed with a tablespoonful of honey, can be taken twice daily.

11. Carrot juice is of some good value in asthma.

12. A few cups of strong coffee make a beneficial effect for an asthmatic attack.

13. Make a paste from ajwain and jaggery and take this twice daily for a few months.

14. Massage the chest with a mixture of eucalyptus and mustard oils. Add two or five drops of eucalyptus oil to half cup of mustard oil.

15. Five drops of the tincture of the herb Squill or Sumbul (also known as the Musk Root) should be taken in warm, sweetened water thrice daily for a few weeks.

Sprouts for Optimum Nutrition

Sprouts for Optimum Nutrition

Image Source:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

Sprouts are considered as wonder foods. They rank as the freshest and most nutritious of all vegetables available to the human diet. By a process of natural transmutation, sprouted food acquires vastly improved digestibility and nutritional qualities when compared to non-sprouted embryo from which it derives.
Sprouted foods have been part of the diet of many ancient races for thousands of years. Even to this day, the Chinese retain their fame for delicious mung beansprouts`. Sprouts provide all the essential vitamins and minerals. They should form a vital component of our diet. Sprouting requires no constant care but only an occasional sprinkling of water.
All edible grains, seeds and legumes can be sprouted. Generally the following are used for sprouting :
i. Grains : Wheat, maize, ragi, bajra and barley. 
ii. Seeds : Alfalfa seeds, radish seeds, fenugreek seeds, carrot seeds, coriander seeds,
pumpkin seeds and muskmelon seeds. 
iii.  Legumes : Mung, Bengal gram, groundnut and peas. 
 
Alfalfa, as the name in Arabic signifies, is the king of all sprouts.
Grown as a plant, its roots are known to burrow as much as 12 meters into the subsoil to bring up valuable trace minerals of which manganese is especially important to health and digestion ; it is a vital component of human insulin. Apart from minerals, alfalfa is also a rich source of vitamins A,B,C,E and K and amino acids. Sesame seeds are another good source of nourishment. They contain all the essential amino acids in their 20 per cent protein content and higher concentration of calcium than does milk. They are high in letichin, unsaturated fats, vitamin E and vitamin B complex, besides other live nutrients.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Image source:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/deed.en

Mushrooms have been used as medicines by humans for 5,000 years or more. As you will see, many mushrooms have properties that can improve your health and well-being. These eight healing mushrooms: maitake, reishi, shiitake,Cordyceps sinensis, Agaricus blazei, Phellinus linteus, Trametes versicolor, and Hericium erinaceus, as well as recent findings on additional mushrooms. It explains how ancient peoples used these mushrooms and the promise they bring for healing and preventing illness in the modern world. Mushrooms are the fleshy and edible fruit bodies of several species of fungi. 

Mushrooms are making their mark. Contrary to their simple appearance, fresh mushrooms have a whole lot going for them. Fresh mushrooms are nutritious - low in fat and sodium and contain many important nutrients. More and more, mushrooms are becoming the focus of scientific studies exploring their health benefits. Currently, researchers are investigating mushrooms and many health issues including cancer prevention, immune function, diet satiety and weight management.  Here are some of the highlights: Antioxidants: Fresh mushrooms contain a powerful antioxidant called l-ergothioneine. Ergothioneine is found in both raw and cooked mushrooms.  Portabella and crimini mushrooms have the most, followed by white button mushrooms.   

1. Cancer-fighting: Fresh mushrooms offer nutrients such as beta-glucans and conjugated linoleic acid, compounds that are currently being studied for their chemopreventive potential. Recent research suggests that mushrooms and mushroom extracts may have potent anticancer activity, for both breast and prostate cancer.

2. Essential Nutrients: A 100 gram serving of uncooked, sliced fresh mushrooms has only 22 calories, no cholesterol, is virtually fat-free, is low in sodium and has 1 gram of fibre. They are a good source of riboflavin and a source of copper, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, niacin and pantothenic acid. Along with serving up great taste,fresh mushrooms also make an important contribution to daily intakes of folate, thiamin, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium and zinc.

3. Fibre: Mushrooms offer both soluble and insoluble fibre, which may have anti-cancer properties as well as promoting satiety and good bowel health.

4. Immunity: Emerging research indicates that certain mushroom extracts, such as beta-glucans, may have a positive effect on the immune system.

5. Weight management: Fresh mushrooms are a low-energy-dense food, meaning you can eat more of them without expanding your waistline.  

6. Good for cardiovascular health:Besides having minimal sodium, mushrooms are rich in potassium. Portabella mushrooms are specifically one of the best sources of potassium. You can also get twenty to forty percent of your daily copper requirement, from a single serving of mushroom. Both potassium and copper are essential for our cardiovascular health.

7. Anti-aging property: Mushrooms contain ergothioneine, an antioxidant necessary for healthy eyes, kidney, bone marrow, liver and skin. Mushrooms are also rich in riboflavin and selenium. These chemicals by strengthening the immune system, prevents the action of free radicals in the body, consequently reducing the aging process.

OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

One of most important things necessary for a strong immune system is the right kind of lifestyle, proper diet and a good nutrition. Our bodies are constantly attacked by hundreds of toxic chemicals and pollution everyday. We  are also exposed to a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that keep on forming newer breeds each time which again is a result of an exposure to our human advancement technologies like radiology, harmful chemicals, antibiotics, etc.

What is the immune system? 
The immune system is the part of our body that protects us from the constant attack of bacteria and viruses in our body. The bone marrow, spleen, liver, thymus, lymph nodes and white blood cells are the main soldiers that protect our immune system from this kind of an onslaught.

The cells and organs of each human being is made different from another since the body requires a system of recognition that protects it from all that is foreign and maintains the uniqueness of each person. These cells and organs of the body constitute the immune system. E.g. If the white blood cells that roam throughout the body find out some foreign body, they attack it and remove it from the body. That is why organ transplant patients must have their immune systems suppressed or else the body will recognize the foreign tissue and attack it.  Antibiotics are nowadays highly overused making the body not only dependent on them but also contributing to being one of the main and the most common causative factors for reduced immunity. Common illnesses have now become more and more difficult to treat, because of the newer, complex and more powerful strains of bacteria and viruses formed due to the abuse of these antibiotics.

One should help teach the body how to fight an illness by using more natural and non-toxic means of treatment and also by taking in good nutrition and a balanced diet.

FOOD, NUTRIENTS AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS WHICH BOOST UP THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

1. When trying to get recover from an illness, one should learn to take in more of fluids  (especially in the form of water, soups and sugar-free drinks like vegetable and fruit juices) and unrefined foods.

2. It has been seen through studies that chronic alcoholics and chronic smokers are more susceptible to infections. So stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

3. One should learn to stop using refined sugar since it tends to weaken the immune system for hours after taking it. Use natural ways of sweetening like jaggery and pure honey.

4. One should eat atleast one bowl of fresh fruits daily, since they contain a rich source of good natural nutrients.

5. The leaves of young barley (jau) and wheat plants are rich in beta-carotene, B vitamins, magnesium and potassium. Thus it is useful for boosting up the immunity.

6. Vitamins A, C and E are three of the most useful antioxidant nutrients for enhancing the immune system and so food items rich in these vitamins should be taken liberally.

7. The B Vitamins, especially the Vitamins B2 and B6 are especially valuable for enhancing the immune system. These help relax the nervous system and are also necessary for a faster healing process.

8. Exposure to sunlight for about twenty minutes every day has shown to have immune enhancing properties and is also a rich source of vitamin D.

9.  A shortage of magnesium will lower the number of white blood cells, especially the T cells which results in weakened immunity. So eat a diet rich in magnesium to boost up the immunity. Magnesium is found especially in apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, brewer's yeast, brown rice, dairy products, figs (anjeer), garlic, green leafy vegetables, kelp, meat, nuts, peaches, seafood, sesame seeds, tofu, wheat and whole grains.

10. Selenium – This is a trace mineral that also helps to boost up the immune system. Depending on the soil content, selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, broccoli, brown rice, chicken, dairy products, garlic, liver, meat, molasses, onions, salmon, seafood, tuna, vegetables, wheat germ and whole grains.

11. Zinc – A deficiency of this mineral will impair the immune system greatly. Sources of zinc are brewer?s yeast, egg yolk, fish, lamb chops, legumes, lima beans, liver,meat,mushrooms, oysters, pecans, poultry, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seafood, soybeans and whole grains.

12. Beta-carotene should be taken in doses of about 30 milligrams of beta-carotene per day for about two months to enhance the immune system.

13. The roots of the plant Echinacea Purpurea when taken in the form of an infusion are useful to boost up the immune system and are best used against viral infections like cold or flu and in chronic vaginal yeast infections. One should use this herb only when you need it and not on a daily basis since its immuno stimulating activity then decreases. Echinacea should not be used with HIV patients or in persons with autoimmune disorders.

14. CoQ10 is a non-vitamin nutrient and a powerful antioxidant that has been widely studied for its ability to protect arteries, lower blood pressure and strengthen the heart.

Vitamin D - Facts

Vitamin D - Facts

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is important for bone health. Having vitamin D in your diet will maintain the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus in your blood.

These two minerals are needed to build strong bones.  Vitamin D also helps keep the immune system functioning normally helping the body resist some types of disease.In adults, getting too little vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis or osteopenia (weak bones). In children, too little can result in rickets. Signs of rickets are muscle weakness, bowed legs, or knocked knees.Other effects of vitamin D are being studied. Some studies suggest adequate vitamin D may protect against certain cancers and lower risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Other studies suggest high blood levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of pancreatic and colorectal cancer in some people. More research is needed to establish how vitamin D affects risk of chronic disease.

Dissolves in fat but not in water

Where do you get vitamin D?
You have three sources:
1. Sunlight-in spring, summer, and fall your skin can make it for you. Exposing your arms and legs to sunshine for 15-30 minutes at mid-day will provide all the vitamin D you need for that day. However, sunscreen with a protection factor of 8 or higher reduces your skin’s ability to make vitamin D by more than 95 percent.
2. Foods-Natural sources are oily fish like sardines, salmon, and mackerel; cod liver oil; and eggs. Milk, some orange juice, and cereals can be fortified with vitamin D.
3. Supplements-both multivitamins and single doses of vitamin D are available. Supplements  may contain vitamin D2 or vitmain D3. Both D2 and D3 appear to be equally usable by the body.

On the issue of sunlight exposure, by the way, it turns out that super antioxidants greatly boost your body's ability to handle sunlight without burning. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful "internal sunscreens" and can allow you to stay under the sun twice as long without burning.

Other powerful antioxidants with this ability include the super fruits like Acai, Pomegranates (POM Wonderful juice), blueberries, etc.

New breath of life for health body

The new health advisory body established to provide independent advice on the health needs of asylum seekers has officially begun operations.

   The Immigration Health Advisory Group (IHAG) members, led by former Defence Force medical officer Dr Paul Alexander, include medical professionals, psychiatrists, psychologists and GPs, as well as advocates and officials.

   A spokesman for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) said IHAG would have a broader scope than the former Detention Health Advisory Group (DeHAG) which had been “instrumental in facilitating improvements in health care for people in detention"

“Since DeHAG’s establishment, there have been significant changes in the size, nature and complexity of the immigration detention and status resolution environment, including expanded use of community detention and the use of bridging visas for clients who formerly would have been in immigration detention,” the spokesman said.

   “This has meant that the type of health services provided, and the way in which services are used by clients, have also significantly changed.”

   He said the new group would not only advise on the needs of people in detention but also on the health of asylum seekers in the community, as well as recent humanitarian visa holders.

   “The expanded capacity of the group includes the design, development, implementation and evaluation of health and mental health policies and services for asylum seekers, refugees or recently granted permanent visa holders receiving support through the department’s assistance programs,” he said. 

Source  http://www.psnews.com.au/Page_psn3537.html

Food as Medicine

Food as Medicine

HEADACHE? EAT FISH!
Eat plenty of fish — fish oil helps prevent headaches.
So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.

HAVE FEVER? EAT YOGURT!
Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season.
Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.

TO PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA!
Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses my appetite and keeps the pounds from invading….Green tea is great for our immune system)!

INSOMNIA (CAN’T SLEEP?) HONEY!
Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.

ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!
Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (when I was young, my mother would make onion packs to place on our chest, helped the respiratory ailments and actually made us breathe better).

ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH, TOO!
Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system)

UPSET STOMACH?   BANANAS - GINGER!
Bananas will settle an upset stomach.
Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.

BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!
High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.

BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!
Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? EAT CORNFLAKES!
Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.

MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS!
Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.

COLDS? EAT GARLIC!
Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)

COUGHING? USE RED PEPPERS!
A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy.

BREAST CANCER?  EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage
Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.

LUNG CANCER? EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!
A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.

ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE ALSO!
Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES!
Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment)

CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO!
Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!
Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure.Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!
The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.

Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E &fiber. It’s Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke…

Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits &protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they’re high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young………blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field……..they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies)

Orange: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer.

Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system.  They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant.  Other nutrients found in watermelon are Vitamin C &Potassium. (watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn suv rays)

Guava & Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation.

Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (also good for gas and indigestion)

Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measure for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips For Men

Better to stop than cure is one adage that's appropriate to try to to to maintaining health. Too many individuals still don't appreciate the health that have been obtained and eventually regret when sick. The main reason behind the present folks died before the life expectancy is because of be caused by lifestyle factors. Some of the lifestyle that adversely have an effect on health embody poor diet, alcohol consumption,smoking, lack of exercise.

Factor proximity lifestyle everyday guy who causes men a lot of prone to having diseases due tolifestyle. For instance, smoking, a ton of them think that smoking could be a natural thing for a person, and it turns out that habit has started since teen. Though smoking includes a negative effect on virtually all organs of the body and are terribly dangerous for health.

Alcohol consumption and stress additionally another issue. We all apprehend that alcohol consumption has adverse effects on health in the short and long run basis.

In the short term, dehydration, affects sleep patterns, alcohol can be rejected by the digestion by vomiting, shortened attention span, and the zero.40p.c concentration of alcohol in the blood will cause poisoning ensuing in death [*fr1] of these affected.

You'll find an extended list of diseases caused by consuming alcohol in the long run, as well as cardiovascular disease, malabsorption, chronic pancreatitis, alcoholic liver disease cancer and many additional.

Another factor contributing to the prevalence of more speedy mortality of the life expectancy is the environmental issues like air and water pollution. But for the chief issue is the result of our own lifestyle. By approach of adjusting our lifestyle is the most effective answer to maintaining health, although we have a tendency to can not avoid environmental pollution issue. Keep reading, we have a tendency to have other health tips for men.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips For Children

 Food is Fun… Enjoy your food; Breakfast may be a terribly important meal; Eat lots of various foods each day, selection is the recipe for health; Which cluster would you tip for the high? Base your food on carbohydrates; Gimme five!

Do you keep in mind after you learned to ride a bike? The foremost necessary part was getting the balance right. Once you could balance easily, the pedals may turn smoothly, to drive the wheels and get the bike moving.

The same factor is true when it comes to selecting our food. Once we tend to have learned to carefully balance the amounts and varieties of foods eaten, all the organs within the body can operate smoothly and therefore the body can work efficiently.

Sharing a meal with family and friends at home or at college is a great approach to fancy food. It is fun to see different individuals’s alternative of food – what do your friends eat? Do you try totally different foods each day? Check out your lunch box or dinner plate. How many different types of fruit and vegetables will you notice?

Just like cars, buses and trains cannot run while not fuel, our bodies want energy to work. Especially once a night’s sleep, energy levels are low. So, whether or not you are off to high school, or out and regarding at the weekend, start the day with breakfast. Masses of carbohydrates is simply the ticket: attempt cereal with milk, fruit or yoghurt, toast or bread, maybe with lean meats.

You need over forty completely different nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals) each day for smart health. Since there is no single food that contains all of them, it's important to balance your daily decisions. Of course there are no sensible or unhealthy foods, so you do not want to miss out on the foods you relish. The most effective way to form certain you get the right balance is to eat a big variety of foods every day.

About [*fr1] the calories in your diet ought to return from carbohydrate foods, such as cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes and bread, thus it's a good idea to include a minimum of one of those at each meal. Try whole grain bread, pasta and different cereals to provide you extra fibre. Have you tried baking your own bread? It’s sensible fun and smells wonderful!

Fruits and vegetables are among the foremost vital foods for giving us enough vitamins, minerals and fibre. We have a tendency to ought to all try to eat at least 5 servings every day. For example, a glass of fruit juice at breakfast, perhaps an apple and banana as snacks and two vegetables at meal times. Then you have got already reached your total. How many totally different kinds can you see in the supermarket? Why not attempt some new ones?

Eating too many of these fatty foods (such as fried potatoes, fried meats and sausages, pies and pastries) may not be so good for your body. Conjointly go straightforward on fat spreads like butter and margarines. Although we need some fats to induce all the nutrients we want, it's higher for our health if we don’t eat an excessive amount of of these foods and obtain knocked off balance. Therefore, if you have a high-fat lunch, see if you'll have an occasional-fat dinner at home.

Even if you eat regular meals during the day, there can still be times in between that you feel hungry, particularly if you have been very physically active. Snacks will fill the gap, but should not be eaten as opposed to meals, only as an additional. There are lots of different snacks accessible. Your choice might be yoghurt, a few contemporary or dried fruits, sticks of vegetables like carrots and celery, unsalted nuts or rice crackers, or perhaps a slice of fruit loaf or some bread with cheese. Occasionally, you will prefer crisps and other packet snacks, a chocolate bar, a chunk of cake or biscuits. Whichever snack you enjoy, keep in mind it is invariably smart to include a selection of various varieties to stay things in balance.

Did you know that additional than half of your weight is simply water? So along with giving your body all the food it needs each day to stay healthy, you need at least 5 glasses of liquids daily. It is particularly necessary if the weather is terribly hot or if you have done tons of exercise, to own plenty to drink. Usually – but not continuously – your body can tell you this, by making you are feeling thirsty. Plain water is nice of course; you'll try tap water or mineral water, plain or flavoured, sparkling or non-sparkling. Fruit juices, tea, soft drinks, milk and alternative drinks, can all be okay occasionally.

Brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily. Eating foods high in sugar or starches too often throughout the day can play a part in tooth decay. Therefore don’t nibble foods and sip drinks all day long! Sugar-free chewing gum can help you retain your teeth healthy. However, the most effective method to stay a nice smile is to brush your teeth twice each day with fluoride toothpaste. Conjointly, after brushing your teeth at bedtime, don’t eat any food, or drink something however water!

Just sort of a bike could become rusty if it is not used for it slow, our muscles and bones want to be kept moving too. Activity is required to stay your heart healthy and your bones strong. It will conjointly be good fun. Strive to include some form of activity each day: it may be just walking to highschool and running up the steps. However, games like skipping and football at break times are smart for giving the body a workout. Swimming may be a particularly good sport for keeping you healthy.