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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Health benefits of Lemon grass


Lemon grass abundantly grown in the Philippines it is widely used as spice in Philippine cooking. Lemon grass is locally known to us Filipinos as tanglad (Citronella Grass). The Lemon grass is the number one additive to chicken tinola a famous recipe in cooking chicken. Most of us did not know the health benefits of Lemon grass in this article we discuss some health benefits that we must know.

Lemon grass is beneficial in many ways; continue to know more about the health benefits provided by lemon grass. Lemon grass has antibacterial and antifungal properties which help to deal with lot of health problems. It is the herb which is used in many homes to cope mainly with cough, cold and fever. However, lots of people are unaware that this wonderful herb can provide lots of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Lemon Grass:

• It contains an antibacterial and antifungal properties
• It helps to detoxify the liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract.
• Helps boost the immune system
• Helps reduce uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats
• It helps alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis.
• Helps improve the skin by reducing acne and pimples
• It helps tone the muscle and tissues.
• Helps to cope with fever
• Helps battle with cough and cold
• Helps battle with stress
• Makes battle with high blood pressure easier
• It help lowers the cholesterol level
• Will helps to cleanse the body by eliminating toxic substances
• Cleanses other organs of our body including kidney, pancreas, liver, bladder etc.
• Helps to improve the digestive system
• Helps to improve blood circulation
• Helps to cope with excessive fats in body
• Helps to deal with menstrual problems
• Proves beneficial to cope with acne and pimples


How to us Lemon Grass

Lemon grass can be boiled and consumed in tea form it can also included in diet in many forms. Some people make use of lemon grass oil to add its flavour to food. Lemon grass is best when added in flavour along with ginger.

You can also prepare an extraordinary and medicinal drink with lemon grass. Just take few fresh strands of lemon grass, two to three cloves, a small piece of cinnamon stick, and turmeric powder and boil it with milk. After this mixture is properly boiled, drain it and drink it when it cools down to get relief from cough and cold.

This plant can be easily grown in backyard and resistant to different weather condition.


Health benefits of lemons we must know


Lemon Fruit


The origin of Lemon is mystery. Lemon is abundantly grown in South East Asia it has know having antiseptic properties and it was used as an antidote for various poisons. Lemon has a lot of nutritional value that is very good in our body and also in culinary.

Lemon has lot of varieties that came from different places of the world, namely Bush lemon tree, Eureka, Lisbon, Meyer, Ponderosa, Variegated Pink, Verna, Villafranca, Yen Ben and Yuzu.

Below is a compilation of Health Benefits we can get from lemon.

Good for stomach

Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.

Excellent for Skin Care

Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.

Aids in Dental Care

Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.

Cures Throat Infections
Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.

Good for Weight Loss

One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight
as well.

Controls High Blood Pressure

Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.

Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders

Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.

Good for treating Rheumatism

Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.

Reduces Fever

Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.

Acts as a blood purifier

The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.

Other known health benefits of Lemon

• Lemon being a citrus fruit fights against infection. It helps in production of WBC's and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading microorganism and prevents infection.

• Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

• Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

• Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut.

• Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin.

• A few drops of lemon juice in hot water is believed to clear the digestive system and purify liver as well.

• The skin of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder can be applied to the hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves head ache and cools the body.

• Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from getting more.

• Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightner and skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches.

• Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue.

• Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold.

• Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection and gonorrhea.

• Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain.

• Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems.

• Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glycerin.
• Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections.

• Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and brings down your weight.

• Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case of diarrhea.

• Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel.

• A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma.

• Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin.

• Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a treatment for diphtheria.

• Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.

• Lemon applies over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young.

• Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.

Drink lemon everyday to keep healthy all day.


How to use Baking Soda TO Stop Body Odor Naturally

Baking Soda
Many people suffer bad body odor. Body odor is a result of bacteria multiplying rapidly in the presence of sweat, but sweat itself is almost completely odorless to humans. Individual body odor is influence by genetics, diet and food intake.
Body odor can be reduced or prevented using deodorants, antiperspirants, disinfectants, and soaps with herbs, ointments and baking soda.

As the body odor is associated with hygiene practices it can be change in diet as well as other factors discussed.

Baking soda is one of the simplest and cheapest solutions in body odor. Below are the instructions in using Baking Soda as body odor treatment.

Instructions

Step 1 – DEODORANT

Apply a slightly heavier coat of deodorant than normal. Then, apply baking soda on top of that layer, same with applying baby powder. Do not inhale baking soda. It's not toxic, but any lung contaminate can result in respiratory problems.

Step 2 – BAD BREATH

Purchase toothpaste with baking soda as an ingredient, or try adding baking soda to our toothpaste. We can also mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with our mouthwash and use it to swish and gargle.

Step 3 – HAIR

Hair also produce bad odor. Our hair traps odors and oils produced by our scalp. In fact, more body heat is released through our head than through any other part of our body. These oils not only look bad, but carry an unpleasant odor too.
We try adding a touch of baking powder to our grooming routine. In the shower, after washing and conditioning, lets mix a small amount of baking soda (2 tbs approximately) with enough water to create a paste. The paste is applied to our hair and massage in thoroughly. Allow to sit for 3 minutes, then rinse. Our hair may feel slick even after rinsing. This is because a small amount of baking soda will cling in our hair, helping to absorb odors throughout the day.


Step 4 – SHOES

We are probably aware that baking soda is a common additive to innersoles and other shoe inserts. However, we don't need to purchase the insert to have the same odor fighting effects.
Pour enough baking soda into our shoes to coat the inner sides. Spread the baking soda on all inner sides of the shoe as though we were coating a baking pan with flour. Allow soda several hours to absorb odors. Then, turn shoe upside down over a trash bin and pat with our hand to remove excess powder. Repeat as often as we need to keep up with foot odor.


Step 5 – HAND ODOR

If you are one of many people who find that any odor our hands come in contact with is difficult to wash away, baking soda is the answer. Baking soda is highly effective in removing unpleasant smells like onion and garlic. Simply wet our hands, apply baking soda liberally, scrub, rinse. Odor is gone.

Step 6 – LAUNDRY

Adding baking soda to our laundry will help stop body odor. This method works best with natural fibers like cotton, denim blue jeans, linen.

WASH METHOD ~ Wash clothes as normal with regular detergent, but add 1/4 cup baking soda to the wash.

DRYER METHOD ~ Wash clothes as usual. Moisten a clean washcloth, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Add the washcloth to the load in our dryer. Dry as usual.

This method works best for ongoing prevention of body odor

Step 7 BATH

There are many benefits to adding soaking in a baking soda bath. It will help relieve skin irritation, moisten our skin, relieve itch. It will also help fight odor.
Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a comfortably warm bath. Soak.

Tips & Warnings

***NOTE*** If you are in a situation where showering is not an option, baking soda can be applied directly to our hair and combed through for a similar effect. Do not mix the baking soda with any water.

- If skin irritation develops, discontinue use of baking soda.

- If you have existing skin conditions, consult our doctor before using baking soda in any of the methods described in this article.
- Do not expose eyes to baking soda.

- Do not inhale baking soda.

Monday, September 19, 2011

10 Reasons Why Sun Is Good for Our Health


Sun


Even from the beginning our ancestors believe that sun give life to earth without it we can't live this planet. But too much exposure to sunlight is a disaster. In short it is depends on how we use it. Below are 10 reasons why Sun is good for our health.

1. The sunlight kills microbes. That's why it is important to put out in the sun carpets, blankets and eiderdowns that cannot be washed regularly. Exposure to the sun confers the skin a bright, healthy look and increased elasticity. A moderately tanned skin is more resistant to infections and sun burning than an untanned one. Many skin diseases (dermatitis) can be controlled and even cured through controlled exposure to the sun. The sun rays are proven to strengthen the immune system.

2. Due to the sun our mood and morals improve. Sunlight helps in cases of chronic or acute depression, by stimulating the synthesis of endorphins (good-feeling hormones). That's why we get depressed in the cold and dark days of the winter.

3. The sun is good against insomnia. Daytime exposure to sunlight increases the melatonin production during the night. This hormone helps regulate the sleep.

4. Under the action of the sunlight, the skin synthesizes vitamin D, which makes possible calcium absorption in the intestine, helping the organism grow strong bones. This way the sun prevents rachitism in both children and adults and osteoporosis in elders.

5. As vitamin D and some related compounds impede the development of some cancer cells, we can say the sun fights off this disease. Regular and controlled exposure to the sun has a preventive effect against cancer of colon, breast, leukemia and lymphomas.

6. Exposure to the sun strengthens the cardiovascular system. Blood circulation is improved; the pulse, arterial pressure, moderately high glycerin and cholesterol levels can be normalized.

7. Sun rays improve liver functioning, being effective in treating jaundice.

8. They help the kidneys with a part of their job, as the sun waves favor the elimination of waste products through the skin, when we sweat.

9. The sun also helps losing weight by increasing the metabolic rate through the stimulation of the thyroid. It also eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

10. The sun rays also ease the healing of the swollen joints during peaks of inflammation in cases of arthritis.

I hope you enjoy reading this is so you are free to leave your comments.


Home remedies that can be found in Kitchen


Home remedies that can be found in Kitchen


I share to you some remedies that we must know. These are all commonly found in our kitchen most probably part of our life in kitchen.

Make muscle pain a memory with ginger

When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months. Expert's credit ginger's potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

Cure a toothache with cloves

Got a toothache and can't get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

Heal heartburn with cider vinegar

Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. "Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain," explains Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

Erase earaches with garlic

Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors' offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University Of New Mexico School Of Medicine. Scientists say garlic's active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People's Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries

Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. If you're one of them, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today's painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing's Michigan State University. Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. "Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain," explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University. His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

Fight tummy troubles with fish

Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases…if your belly always seems to be in an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly to ease your misery. Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish, called EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, cramping and belly pain and, in some cases, provide as much relief as corticosteroids and other prescription meds. "EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side effect-free anti-inflammatories, that can dramatically improve the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract," explains biological chemist Barry Sears, Ph.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead, MA. For best results, look for oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring.
Prevent PMS with yogurt
Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York's Columbia University. "Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux," explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University.

Tame chronic pain with turmeric

Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That's because turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book, Reversing Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

End endometrial pain with oats

The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That's because oats don't contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University.

Soothe foot pain with salt

Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California's Stanford University. The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it's anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice
daily, until your infection subsides.

Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple

Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California's Stanford University. That's because pineapple is natually packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers.

Relax painful muscles with peppermint
Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren't properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves — a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler.

Give your back some TLC with grapes

Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That's great news because your back's vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.

Wash away pain injuries with water

Whether it's your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York's Manhattan College, say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. "Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints' lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine," adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. "And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain." One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today's juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.


Heal sinus problems with horseradish

Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation's number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn't just spur congestion and facial pain; it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

Beat bladder infections with blueberries

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey's Rutgers University. That's because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can't get a toehold and creates an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University.

Heal mouth sores with honey

Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they'll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates. Raw honey's natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.

Fight breast pain with flax

In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientist's credit flax's phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don't have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, and applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

Cure migraines with coffee

Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

Tame leg cramps with tomato juice

At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

I hope You found this article Interesting and knowledgeable.
Source http://hungamaplus.com/2011/06/27/pain-cures-you-can-find-in-your-kitchen/