Sunday, 7 June 2009

10 Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is also known by the names of Guinea spice, cow-horn pepper, aleva, bird pepper, red pepper and Lal Mirch (in Hindi). Its a famous Indian spice, used for saute and adding flavor to various food recipes. Its utterly hot with a sharp and savory taste as its main identification. This one is a member of the capsicum or chili pepper family. Its rich in many nutrients like vitamin C, E, K and calcium, potassium, manganese and dietary fiber. So, check out its main health benefits right here..

cayenne pepper, red pepperHEALTH BENEFITS OF CAYENNE PEPPER

1. HEART HEALTH- Cayenne helps to maintain your blood pressure levels as normal. Removing the layers of plaque from the walls of the arteries, it prevents the problem of a heart attack. This pepper also improves your blood circulation by reducing the formation of clots, cleaning toxins and repairing the old blood cells.  It also liberates your body from LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides.
2. HYPERTENSION- It balances the flow of blood from head to foot and in the arteries and veins, healing the trouble of high blood pressure or hypertension.
3. CANCER- This spice has anti-cancer properties which help to treat a cancer disease, through apoptosis process (where cancer cells kill their own growth). Mainly, its able to heal leukemia and lung cancer, pancreas cancer and prostate cancer.
4. DIGESTION PROBLEMS- Being a well-known digestive aid, Cayenne Pepper stimulates the digestive tract, increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices. Mainly, the problems of abdominal cramps, acidity, gas and irregular excretion of urine and faeces can be treated with this pepper. Cayenne pepper also relieves the intestinal gas.
5. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY & PAIN RELIEVER- Cayenne is extremely rich in a substance called Capsaicin, a natural pain reliever. Cayenne's anti-inlammatory properties make it a natural cure for arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis and even herpes-related nerve damage. The topical application of this pepper reduces arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis related pain. It does this favor by calming and relaxing the sensory nerves. However, this remedy can cause a little irritation as cayenne pepper is a hot spice, but its extremely worthwhile for the purpose.
6. RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS- Cayenne is quite famous for its anti-fungal property which helps this spice in treating various respiratory infections like cold, flu, sore-throat and even asthma. This pepper aids in breaking up and melting congested mucus. The patient feels relieved as soon as the nasal passage gets cleared.
7. ANTI-ALLERGIC- Keep some amount of cayenne pepper in your socks before wearing them, to ward off cold weather health issues. It also stops an allergic reaction, fever and a severe headache issue. Now, isn't this great!!
8. PRODUCES SALIVA- Cayenne pepper increases the saliva production, which further promotes excellent digestion and maintains perfect oral health.
9. ANTI-BACTERIAL- It is a very effective food preservative, traditionally used to prevent food contamination from bacteria.
10. TOPICAL APPLICATION-   As a poultice, cayenne works wonderfully in treating rheumatism, inflammation, sores, wounds, snake bites and lumbago.
Besides this, do consult a good medical expert before trying this pepper for healing any disorder. Its important because every individual has a different temperament. So, its essential to know that which food suits best with your body's nature. This confirmation will help you to get the desired results without falling into the trap of any negative health problem.

Saturday, 6 June 2009

Turmeric Remedy for Yeast Infection Natural Cure

Yeast or Candidas are the microorganisms, normally present in your body. But they can take an opportunity in the people suffering from aweak immunity and start multiplying. This can cause the problem of ayeast infection. It causes some mild conditions like a skin rash or redness to some severe and life-threatening infections of the brain and blood. For healing it, a traditional herb-cum-spice, turmeric, acts as a wonderful remedy. It contains a fine antioxidant property which helps to control and treat the problem of a yeast infection. So learn about the other values of turmeric and the way to use it for this purpose in this information!!

turmeric, haldiTURMERIC FOR YEAST INFECTION

Turmeric is also known as Curcuma longa. Its highly used in the cooking, cosmetic and medicinal fields due to its awesome health benefits. In the whole Asia, this herb is used as ananti-inflammatory agent to treat a number of diseases like liver problems, sprains and sinusitis. And now, many studies have shown that, turmeric has the ability to fight against the growth of harmful microbes and infectious substances. It contains an element called curcumin which holds an anti-candida property. So, turmeric helps to prevent the progress of candida hyphae, which affects the human cells, by initiating the treatment of yeast cells. This process helps to decrease the resistance of yeast cells to the anti-fungal drugs used to kill them. So, the use of turmeric helps to restore the sensitivity of yeast to these drugs.
Turmeric also contains a powerful antioxidant activity. So, it helps to protect your body cells from the dangerous movement of free radicals. So, it makes your whole system stronger to fight against the problem of yeast infection. Basically, it forms a fine remedy for treating the distress of a skin yeast infection. For this, just mix around one teaspoon of turmeric in a few drops of water and apply this paste directly on the affected areas. Cover this application with a thin and soft cotton cloth strip. Keep it in this position until it dries off completely or for around 10 minutes and then clean it with a wet cloth. This remedy may irritate your skin a bit and leave a yellow stain on it. But don’t worry at all as this is just a temporary discomfort.
You can also take turmeric orally for this purpose. For it, just mix around one teaspoon of this herb in a glass of milk and then simply drink it. This remedy will make your body enough strong from inside to kill the problem of yeast infection. For better results, use this solution for at least two times in a day. It will boost your immune system and facilitate some fine anti-inflammatory effects in your body.
However, do consider the point that, the use of turmeric is considered safe only when its used in moderate amounts as its too hot in its element. High doses of this herb can cause certain troubles like an upset stomach, diarrhea, skin rashes and hives. So, use it only in genuine amounts to reap its superb and effective health benefits and treat the problem of yeast infection.

Saturday, 30 May 2009

Various Harmful Effects of Pesticides on Our Health

Pesticides are used by farmers to save the crop from the attack of pests. It helps them to yield an unharmed crop and keep its selling price low. But these powerful chemicals provide a lot of harmful effects on your health, as they are a poison for us. In other words, our diet is being poisoned, against our wishes. It all happens when we consume vegetables and fruits, grown in this non-organic way.
This issue is denoted with the title of 'Pesticide Poisoning'. It arises when the chemicals intended to kill pests, start affecting the non-targeted organisms like human beings and wildlife (like bees). This condition occurs from a long time exposure to the pesticides residue in food, air, water, soil, sediment, food materials, plants and animals. This process gives rise to a lot of health troubles. It mainly includes skin and eye irritation, nervous system disorders like Parkinson's Disease, reproductive diseases and severe types of Cancers. There may also occur the problems of neurological, birth defects, fetal death, and neurodevelopmental disorder.
To avoid the side effects of pesticides, soak all your fruits & vegetables in warm water, for a few minutes, at least. Then drain out the water.
- Peel their hard skin and wash them with the water that is mixed with salt, lemon juice or vinegar.
- Prefer buying only organic foods.
- If you have sufficient resources for home gardening, then nothing could be better than that !!! Grow your own vegetables & fruits in your home garden, without the use of any chemicals.

Friday, 22 May 2009

Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic Herb cum Spice

Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the most commonly used herbs, packed with multiple health benefits. Its nutritional value is extremely rich as it contains photochemicals and compounds like chlorine, iodine and sulfur. This herb is native to the Central Asia, mainly India. Hippocrates, Pliny the Elder and Galen described the use of garlic for many health conditions. It kills parasites; cures respiratory problems, poor digestion and low energy problems. Learn some of its wonderful health benefitsright below:
garlicCurbs diabetes- Garlic has the ability to increase insulin level in the body and so it regulates the blood sugar level.
Boosts immunity- This spice has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which boost your immune system to work efficiently. It reduces the incidence of common cold upto 60 percent.
Controls high blood pressure- The patients of high blood pressure get benefit by the use of garlic as it lessens the aggravation of blood vessels. Garlic is a Natural Blood Thinner.
Treats cancer- A severe cancer distress can be treated with the use of this spice. It contains certain compounds that neutralizes the cancer causing compounds.
Healthy digestive system- Garlic enhances the production of digestive juices in the stomach and helps to remove wastes from it. The crushed cloves of this spice prevent all forms of digestive diseases.
Heal infections- Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties helps to heal various infections. You will be surprised to know that garlic contains one percent power of penicillin.
Sound heart condition- The use of this spice helps in improving certain heart problems like coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.
Better skin health- Garlic contains a good amount of antioxidants and helps to maintain blood circulation. So, it proves to be really beneficial for forming a fine skin health. The raw form of this herb helps in clearing acne.
Beauty benefits- Garlic is used for mole removal and anti-aging purposes.
Blood purification- It helps in blood purification. In vitro studies, its found that this herb contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
Hypertension- Due to the ability to lower high blood pressure, garlic can control the problem of hypertension.
Scurvy- As garlic contains vitamin C, so it can treat the illness of scurvy.
Other benefits- This herb can heal the problems of respiratory diseases,asthma, digestive distresses like constipation, rheumatoid arthritis,heart disease, skin diseases like wounds, diphtheria, whooping cough and sexual debility.
As a herb, you can use garlic in its fresh form: chop it, mince it, chew it raw, roast it.. the way you like. As a spice, garlic can also be used in its dried form: simply sprinkle it on soups, salads, curries, sauces or marination. Its just awesome!!

Saturday, 7 March 2009

Health Benefits of Dates with Natural Remedies

Dates, one of the most nourishing fruits and called Phoenix Dactylifera scientifically, are largely used as a bread by the natives of Sahara. Dates are embraced as both dry and fresh fruits with astounding health benefits. Its made with 60-70 percent of natural sugar. This fruit undergoes fermentation very easily, this is the reason why it is dried under the sun. With great historical importance, dates are popularly known as Khajur in India. It got its origin in the Persian Gulf area or Mesopotamia. The level of glucose and fructose increases in your body with its use, due to which it is considered as one of the finest sources of energy. And it works as a tonic for treating various digestive disorders, too. Check out its wonderful healing values right below..

datesHEALTH BENEFITS of DATES

Constipation- This fruit contains a laxative effect. So it helps to treat the problem of constipation. For this purpose, soak some dates in water for one night and make their syrup on the next morning and drink it.
Intestinal health- A fine nicotinic amount in this fruit regulates the growth of pathological organisms. It helps to enhance the level of friendly bacteria in the intestine.
Weight gain- Dates are high in the content of fats, sugar, proteins and many vitamins. Just one kilogram of this fruit contains around 3,000 calories. So it proves to be a boon if you want to gain weight.
Heart health- Being rich in fortifying nutrients, date helps to form a healthy condition of the heart. For this, soak its pieces in water for one night and crush them on the next morning and then simply eat them.
Sexual debility- This food works as a tonic for enhancing the sexual stamina of a person. Just take a handful of dates and soak them in fresh goat's milk for one night. On the next day, grind them in the same milk and add a little cardamom powder and honey. Drinking this tonic helps to raise sexual endurance and treat sterility that has occurred due to a functional disorder.
Intoxication- If you are suffering from alcoholic intoxication (due to excessive intake of alcohol) then dates help to reduce this effect. You should soak them for one night and consume on the next day.
Teething problems- Traditionally,  a date was tied to the wrist of the baby and allowed to be sucked by the baby during teething phase. This helped to harden the gums and prevent other issues like diarrhea and fretfulness. A paste was made with honey and a date as an effective remedy for diarrhea and dysentery during teething, and was given three times a day. You can also try it on your baby.
*Avoid the overdose of this fruit as it can cause diabetes and tooth decay due to its high sugar content. So follow the key of 'moderation' while using it.

Saturday, 14 February 2009

Surprising Health Benefits of Camphor

Camphor, kapurCamphor (Kapur) is a waxy, white or transparent solid possessing a strong and aromatic odor. It contains many properties that shapes a healthy body. It includes stimulant, anti-spasmodic, anti-septic, decongestant, anesthetic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and insecticide values. Early civilization used to burn this solid in small plates as a part of their daily prayer. It helped to purify the air and keep away the harmful bacteria and viruses from damaging your body.

Health Benefits of Camphor

Skin and hair problems- The use of this solid in skin care creams treats various ill conditions. It happens due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal nature. If you mix its oil in water and take bath with it then it kills lice from your head.
Decongestant and anesthetic- The strong aroma of camphor works as a decongestant. It opens the blocked congestion of bronchi, larynx, pharynx, nasal tracts and lungs. So, its widely used in balms and cold rubs.
Camphor also works as a local anesthetic as it numbs the sensory nerve and concerned area of application.
Aphrodisiac, Sedative and Narcotic- The consumption of its oil boosts libido by activating the areas of the brain that are responsible for generating sexual desires and libido. It treats any erectile problem by increasing the circulation of blood in the affected area.
Camphor works as a sedative agent as it relaxes the body and generates the feelings of peace and freshness. Mix its oil in water in summers to get a cooling effect.
The narcotic effect of this one helps in desensitizing and relaxing the brain. But do not take its overdose as it can make the limbs to lose control over themselves.
Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis- The anti-spasmodic nature of this solid helps to subside spasms and cramps problems like spasmodic cholera. Its use also helps to treat any kind of internal and external inflammation distress. And its stimulant property increases blood circulation and treats rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
Carminative and Nervous pacifier- Its carminative effect prevents and removes the formation of gas. This one even calms various nervous diseases, convulsions, epileptic attacks and nervousness.
Stimulant- Camphor stimulates circulation, metabolism, digestion, secretion and excretion.
Other benefits- It can treat epilepsy, hysteria, viral diseases like whooping cough, measles, flu, food poisoning and infections of the reproductive organs.
Besides these health benefits, there are also some main uses of camphor. They are mentioned here:
- Add its oil to your bathing water to disinfect it.
- If you mix one or two drops of camphor oil in food grains then it keeps away the problem of insects.
*Talk to your doctor before starting the use of camphor for any medical purpose.

Thursday, 8 January 2009

Simple Remedies on How to Treat a Lung Infection Naturally

Lung Infection RemediesA Lung Infection is the inflammatory condition of your lungs. It might cause a lot of problems like shortness of breath, chest tightness, pain, chest congestion, problem in speaking, coughing, pressure on your heart, difficulty in sleeping and other small issues. The issues might be small but the discomfort is too high to be understood by a normal person. Dealing with such a condition with antibiotics, might aggravate your other health conditions. Also, antibiotics reduce your immunity to a great extent. You are unable to fight similar ill-health conditions in the future. This makes you addicted to such medicines, which you don't even want to opt for ! You need to know few quick natural remedies to combat such situationnaturally. So, here is an easier, natural alternative to such unwanted antibiotics.  For this, you need to get few important things in ur kitchen pantry - alum, licorice root, ginger, garlic and a steamer (for face).

Home Remedies to Deal with Lung Infection

Alum 

In Hindi, its called Phitkari. Its a magical remedy. Take an alum stone and a glass of hot water. Give a quick dip of alum into the water and repeat it 3-5 times. Don't immerse it. Gargle with this water before going to bed at night.. remember, one thing, don't drink even a sip of this water as its too strong for drinking but a wonderful and very effective remedy for lung infections.

Licorice Root

In Hindi, its called mulethi. Licorice Root, another effective herbal remedy for lung infections, promotes the level of cortisol in the body (an element required to fight hefty stress). It also contains several nutrients to maintain a good digestive and respiratory health. There are several ways to use it:
1) take a twig of this root and chew it for as long as you can. Extremely effective and refreshing there's nothing like it, if you can do it effortlessly.
2) take a small twig of this root, crush it in the mortar or with a rolling pin (used in making pancakes) and add to your herbal teas, as much as you want. Remember its a natural medicine, not a dessert. Its sweet but really strong for some.
3) take a glass of hot water (avoid other metals, prefer glassware) and put a crushed twig in it. Keep it aside (covered) for 5-10 min., till the water turns greenish. Now, drink this sip by sip and get relieved.

Ginger for Lung Infections

Ginger can be used in various forms for this purpose- ginger tea, use it in your curries, gravies, herbal teas, salads, soups, add in your food, as much as you can.. excellent for lung infections.

Garlic

Its another effective herb for lungs. Go garlic !! Use it in your gravies, sauces, curries, soups, salad dressings .. its tastes awesome!!

Long Pepper

Other names are Indian long pepper, Dried Catkins, Pippali, Pipal, Tippali, Pihal and Javanese Long Pepper or Indonesian long pepper. This magical herbal spice is used to cure cough, colds, fever and a number of stomach ailments. This aromatic spice is used in balms, used to soothe the muscular problems and acts as a nerve depressant. 
The best way to use it is simply crush one to two peppers and add it to boiling milk.. let it simmer for about 5 minutes, now drink this milk and have some rest. The best time for such remedy is while going to bed at night. Remember, as its too hot in its element, take it according to the severity of your lung infection. Minimum dosage is half pepper in a glass of milk and maximum should be 7 peppers. For kids, 1/4th to 1/2 a day is enough. Also, keep the climatic conditions in mind before going for this remedy.

In chilling weather, you can also crush it properly and take it with a teaspoon of raw honey. Its really really effective.

Steam

Giving steam to ur lungs, before going to bed, is a highly effective remedy for curing lung infections naturally.

Other Herbal Spices

Cinnamon, black pepper, caraway seeds, clove - excellent for lung health.

Deep Breathing

another great way to beat your Lung worries! Deep breathing is a big stress buster, gives you longer & quality life, gives strength to your lungs,, its just magical !! just give this a try! you won't be complaining, for sure!!
Hope all this helps you guys.. Take Care & Stay Healthy !!

Friday, 5 December 2008

Banana Shrub and its Benefits

Banana Shrub is one of the most cultivated plants, grown in the tropical nations. Its scientific name is 'Musa Sapeintum Paradisiaca' and called 'Kayla' or 'Amrit' in Hindi. A Banana Shrub is a large herbaceous tree that does not form a woody stem. It grows in an interesting way as it never originates from seeds. Some small sprouts of this fruit form their own leaves and fruits when they grow mature and stop taking help from the parent or old shrub. Here is some valuable information about its underlining benefits:

bananaImportant Uses of Banana Shrub and Parts

Almost all the parts of this fruit tree are used for some economic and medicinal purposes.
Banana Skin and Sap- Its skin is used in dyeing as the sap of this one is made of tannin which makes a black stain on the cloth. Due to this quality, its also used in making ink.
Flower and trunk- The flower and the central part of the buds, stems and shoots are used in various culinary arts as vegetables. Its flowers can be eaten raw or used in cooking various soups, curries and fried foods. Their flavor resembles the veggie, artichoke. In fact, the trunk of banana tree is also used in various South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Bark- Papers made for artistic purposes are made by the bark of this shrub.
Shoots- The shoots of this plant are rich in fibers and so used in textile industry.
Leaves- They are used in the South Asia and Southeast Asian nations as eco-friendly 'plates' to serve foods, especially during festivals. As they contain some juices, so they protect the food from burning and add a subtle flavor. The dried forms of these leaves are used for packing foods and as cups to hold liquid materials.
Fruits- Fruits of this tree are called bananas or kayla. They are mainly rich in fiber and vitamin B series which helps in inducing a cheerful mood and reduce the problem of depression. Some other ill conditions that can be treated with this fruit includes intestinal disorders, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, arthritis, gout, anemia, kidney diseases, urinary and menstrual disorders.

Friday, 7 November 2008

Neem Remedy for Healing a Yeast Infection

neemYeast infection is caused bycandida fungus. It can affect anyone at any place. In fact, an ear infection or severe headache can also be the signs of this infection. Even the nail beds of your fingers and toes can become the prey of this disease. However, yeast organisms can infect any part of your body. They are present in your body all the time, like bacteria and viruses. But if a person suffers from a weak immunity then these organisms become unbalanced and start multiplying. This process causes a severe infection in your body. For treating this disorder, neem herb works like a wonder. Scientific name for Neem is Azadirachta Indica. It contains some fine anti-fungal properties which help to remove a yeast infection. So read about its main values and the way to use it for curing this problem right here..

How Neem helps to Treat a Yeast Infection??

Neem forms an effective, organic, safe and natural solution for treating the problem of a yeast infection. Its one of the oldest and widely usedmedicinal plants across the whole globe. Historically, some of the common ‘health benefiting’ uses of this antiseptic plant are,
1. brushing teeth with its bark or twigs,
2. drinking the tea of neem leaves for healing oral infections,
3. taking bath with its leaves for curing malaria and
4. burning them for cleaning the air of the atmosphere.
This natural remedy works the best for treating the problem of a yeast infection in comparison to other chemical and inorganic pharmaceuticals. In addition to this, your body’s immune system does not show any rejection to neem as it does to the use of various artificial market antibiotics.
In the treatment of a fungal infection, a neem solution acts like a fine medicine when used both internally as a tea and externally as a paste or pack. Together, these two ways help to destroy a yeast infection.

Neem Tea for Yeast Infection Cure

For making its tea, just boil around 10 neem leaves in a cup of water and then strain them. Drink this tea for around two times in a day. It will kill the infection of yeast from your body.

Neem Pack / Paste

For this, take some leaves and grind them properly until a thick paste is formed. Now apply it over the affected parts and let it dry for some time. After that, clean this application by using a wet cloth. You can use this remedy for around two times a day.
Another Remedy
Simply boil some neem leaves in a glass of water and let this solution cool down a bit. Now soak a cotton cloth in it and wring it well. Clean your affected parts with this cloth. It will kill the colonies of yeast from your external body areas. You can also add these leaves into your bath tub and take bath with it. This method is really easy and effective for controlling this infectious disease. Washing your infected clothes in neem water helps to clean them properly.

However, keep the golden word ‘moderation’ as the key while using this natural remedy as everything works well only in certain limits.

Sunday, 28 September 2008

Top Health Benefits of Oranges

Orange fruit is one of the best gifts of nature. This fruit offers a lot ofhealth benefits for your body. Its native to Southern China. There are many varieties of this fruit. The more important forms are loose-skinned and tight-skinned oranges. The first one is very popular in India, known as Narangi and the second form is largely used in Europe. Its highly rich in vitamin C, B and A and calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, sulfur and chlorine. The consumption of this fruit immediately produces energy in the body. In many languages, this fruit is popular with the name of 'Chinese Apple'. Check its main health favors in this outlook:
orangeWeight control- This fruit is low in calories and high in fiber content. So it keeps your stomach 'full' without increasing your weight. So it makes a fine remedy to lose those extra pounds from your body.
Blood pressure control- If you suffer from high blood pressure then you may face the problems of a stroke, hypertension and coronary heart disease. Oranges contain a good amount of potassium which helps in the regulation of high blood pressure.
Diabetes prevention- This fruit has a low glycemic index which does not allow an increase in the blood sugar level when you eat it. So it helps to regulate the problem of diabetes.
Strong immunity- Orange juice is extremely beneficial for treating the problems of cold, flu and fever. It builds a strong immunity which helps your body to fight off with the infections that cause these disorders.
Inflammation- Due to the anti-inflammatory nature of this fruit, it helps to treat the problems of stiff joints and arthritis.
Cancer prevention- This fruit contains certain compounds which are called limonoids. They help to treat the diseases of stomach cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, mouth cancer and skin cancer.
Digestive health- If you take oranges in routine then they relieve the trouble of constipation. Their high fiber content helps to maintain a regularity of bowel movements.
Other benefits- The presence of phytochemicals and flavonoids in this fruit help to prevent the formation of blood clots and various tumors.
Skin health- To maintain a healthy skin, you need to take orange peels and rub them on your skin. Keep it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with fresh water.
For Culinary Use- Oranges are used in making marmaledes, cakes, puddings, juices and best of all, eaten raw !!