Month: September 2008

Indian Dill (Anethum sowa)/Anethum graveolens

Post author By Mukul
Post date September 22, 2008
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Botanical Name:Anethum sowa
Family: Apiaceae (ay-pee-AY-see-ee) (Info)
Genus: Anethum (uh-NAY-thum) (Info)
Species: sowa
Synonyms: Peucedanum graveolens ((L.)C.B.Clarke.), Anethum sowa (Roxb. ex Fleming.) A. graveloens[E] Lomatium graveolens var. graveolens[B,P] Lomatium kingii[B,P] Peucedanum kingii[B,P]

Sanskrit Name :Satahva

Other Common Names: From various places around the Web, may not be correct. See below.
Baston Do Diale [E], Catahva [E], Datli Boyana [E], Dereotu [E], Dill [L,B,H,S,P], Dille [D], East Indian Dill [E], Eneldo [E], Habbat Helwah [E], Hinojo [E], Indian Dill [H,E], Inojo [E], Inondo [E], King Desertparsley [P], Sadhab Al Barr [E], Surva [H],

Habitat :India, Pakisthan, Burma, Bangladesh and some other Asian Countries.(Surva) Pungent, somewhat more bitter variety extensively grown in India and Japan.Range: W. Asia. Naturalized in Europe in the Mediterranean.

Description:Annual growing to 0.75m by 0.15m . It is in leaf from May to November, in flower from April to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

..click to see the pictures..>…….(01).……..(1).………..(2).…..(3)……..(4)...

Cultivation details:
An easily grown plant, it prefers a moderately rich loose soil and full sun. Requires a well-drained soil and shelter from the wind. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.3 to 7.8.

Dill is a commonly cultivated herb, especially in warm temperate and tropical zones. It is grown mainly for its edible leaves and seeds, though it is also used medicinally. There are many named varieties. ‘Bouquet’ is an American cultivar that has a prolific production of seeds. The sub-species A. graveolens sowa from India has a slightly different flavour to the type species. The plant quickly runs to seed in dry weather. It often self-sows when growing in a suitable position.

A good companion for corn and cabbages, also in moderation for cucumbers, lettuce and onions, but it inhibits the growth of carrots. Dill reduces a carrot crop if it is grown to maturity near them. However, the young plant will help to deter carrot root fly.

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.

Propagation
Seed – sow April to early summer in situ and only just cover. The seed germinates in 2 weeks if the soil is warm. A regular supply of leaves can be obtained if successional sowings are made from May to the end of June. Autumn sowings can succeed if the winters are mild. Dill is very intolerant of root disturbance and should not be transplanted because it will then quickly run to seed.

Other details:This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Flowers are good for cutting.

Edible Uses
Condiment; Leaves; Seed; Tea.
Leaves – raw or cooked. Used as a flavouring in salads etc. The leaves lose their flavour if the are cooked for any length of time and so are best used raw or added to cooked dishes only a few minutes before the cooking is complete. The leaves can be harvested at any time the plant is growing, but are best just before the plant flowers. Per 100g, the plant contains 253 calories, 7.2g water, 20g protein, 4.4g fat, 55.8g carbohydrate, 11.9g fibre, 12.6g ash, 1784mg calcium, 543mg phosphorus, 48.8mg iron, 451mg magnesium, 208mg sodium, 3,308mg potassium, 3.3mg zinc, 0.42mg thiamine, 0.28mg riboflavin, 2.8mg niacin and 1.5mg vitamin B6.

Seed – raw or cooked. Very pungent and bitter in taste. It is used as a flavouring in salads, preserves etc, its chief uses being perhaps in making dill vinegar and as a flavouring in pickled gherkins. It can also be sprouted and used in breads, soups and salad dressings. Per 100g, the seed contains 305 calories, 7.7g water, 14.5g fat (0.73g saturated, 124mg phytosterol and no cholesterol), 55.2g carbohydrate, 21g fibre, 6.7g ash, 1,516mg calcium, 277mg phosphorus, 16.3mg iron, 256mg magnesium, 20mg sodium, 1,186mg potassium, 5.2mg zinc, 53IU vitamin A, 0.42mg thiamine and 0.28mg riboflavin.

An essential oil from the seed is used as a flavouring in the food industry.

A tea is made from the leaves and/or the seeds.

Composition
Seed (Fresh weight)
In grammes per 100g weight of food:
Water: 7.7 Calories: 305 Fat: 14.5 Carbohydrate: 55.2 Fibre: 21.1 Ash: 6.7
In milligrammes per 100g weight of food:
Calcium: 1516 Phosphorus: 277 Iron: 16.3 Magnesium: 256 Sodium: 20 Potassium: 1186 Zinc: 5.2 VitaminA: 53 Thiamine: 0.42 Riboflavin: 0.28

Leaves (Fresh weight)
In grammes per 100g weight of food:
Water: 7.2 Calories: 253 Protein: 20 Fat: 4.4 Carbohydrate: 55.8 Fibre: 11.9 Ash: 12.6
In milligrammes per 100g weight of food:
Calcium: 1784 Phosphorus: 543 Iron: 48.8 Magnesium: 451 Sodium: 208 Potassium: 3308 Zinc: 3.3 Thiamine: 0.42 Riboflavin: 0.28 Niacin: 2.8 VitaminB6: 1.5

Medicinal Uses:
Antihalitosis; Aromatic; Carminative; Diuretic; Galactogogue; Stimulant; Stomachic.

Dill has a very long history of herbal use going back more than 2,000 years. The seeds are a common and very effective household remedy for a wide range of digestive problems. An infusion is especially efficacious in treating gripe in babies and flatulence in young children.

The seed is aromatic, carminative, mildly diuretic, galactogogue, stimulant and stomachic. It is also used in the form of an extracted essential oil. Used either in an infusion, or by eating the seed whole, the essential oil in the seed relieves intestinal spasms and griping, helping to settle colic. Chewing the seed improves bad breath. Dill is also a useful addition to cough, cold and flu remedies, it can be used with antispasmodics such as Viburnum opulus to relieve period pains. Dill will also help to increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers and will then be taken by the baby in the milk to help prevent colic.

Claimed Therapeutic Use
(According to Ayurveda): For improving hunger, appetiser, anti-febric, vermifugal, digestive, abdominal colic, intestinal colic, ophthalmic disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease conditions, analgesic, body pain .

Other Uses
Essential; Insecticide.
The seed contains up to 4% essential oils. It is used in perfuming soaps, medicines and as a food flavouring.
Some compounds of dill (d-carvone is mentioned as one of them), when added to insecticides, have greatly increased the effectiveness of the insecticides.

Fresh foliage is eaten with steamed rice and used to flavour soup. Essential ingredient in curry powders. Fruits are carminative, stomachic and stimulant; and so are used chiefly for flatulence. Oil is used in the pharmaceutical and perfumery industries.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/62272/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_herbs_and_minerals_in_Ayurveda
http://www.sacredseed.com/ricanes.htm
http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Anethum+graveolens

Tags Anethum, April, Dill, Essential oil, Europe, Home, India, Lomatium, Peucedanum, PH, Salad, Seed, Vitamin B6

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Fish Oil is Better Than Drugs for Preventing Heart Failure

Post author By Mukul
Post date September 22, 2008
No Comments on Fish Oil is Better Than Drugs for Preventing Heart Failure

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Fish oil supplements appear to work better than a popular cholesterol-reducing drug to help patients with chronic heart failure, according to recently released research.

……………………….CLICK & SEE

Researchers gave nearly 3,500 patients a daily omega-3 pill derived from fish oils. Roughly the same number of patients were given placebo pills. Over a four-year period, fewer patients in the group taking the fish oil pills died of heart failure or were admitted to the hospital with the problem.

In a parallel study, the researchers gave nearly 2,300 patients the cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor and another group of close to 2,300 patients placebo pills. After four years, there was little difference in heart failure rates between the groups, but when the two studies were compared they found that fish oil is slightly more effective than Crestor because the oil performed better against a placebo than the drug did.

Chronic heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood efficiently around the body. Omega-3 fats have long been proven to offer health benefits such as protecting the heart and brain.

Sources:
Time August 31, 2008
The Lancet August 31, 2008
The Lancet August 31, 2008

Tags Conditions and Diseases, European Society of Cardiology, Fish oil, Health, Heart Disease, Heart failure, Omega-3 fatty acid, Rosuvastatin

Positive thinking

Recognizing Our Own Abundance

Post author By Mukul
Post date September 22, 2008
No Comments on Recognizing Our Own Abundance

Planting The Seeds Of Generosity :-
The most difficult time to be generous is when we ourselves are feeling poor. While some of us have experienced actually being in the red financially, there are those of us who would feel broke even if we had a million dollars in the bank. Either way, as the old adage goes, it is always in giving that we receive. Meaning that when we are living in a state of lack, the very gesture we may least want to give is the very act that could help us create the abundance that we seek. One way to practice generosity is to give energy where it is needed. Giving money to a cause or person in need is one way to give energy. Giving attention, love, or a smile to another person are other acts of giving that we can offer. After all, there are people all over the world that are hungry for love.

Sometimes when we practice generosity, we practice it conditionally. We might be expecting to “receive back” from the person to whom we gave. We might even become angry or resentful if that person doesn’t reciprocate. However, trust in the natural flow of energy, and you will find yourself practicing generosity with no strings attached. This is the purest form of giving. Remember that what you send out will always come back you. Selflessly help a friend in need without expecting them to return the same favor in the same way, and know that you, too, will receive that support from the universe when you need it. Besides, while giving conditionally creates stress (because we are waiting with an invisible balance sheet to receive our due), giving unconditionally creates and generates abundance. We give freely, because we trust that there is always an unlimited supply.

Being aware of how much we are always supported by the universe is one of the keys to abundance and generosity. Consciously remember the times you’ve received support from expected and unexpected sources. Remember anyone who has helped you when you’ve needed it most, and bless all situations that come into your life for the lessons and gifts they bring you. Remember that all things given and received emanate from generosity. Giving is an act of gratitude. Plant the seeds of generosity through your acts of giving, and you will grow the fruits of abundance for yourself and those around you.

Sources: Daily Om:

Tags Balance sheet, Energy, Gift, Home, Lehman Brothers, Money, Money supply, Universe

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Don’t Remove Earwax

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According to just-release U.S. national guidelines on earwax removal, you should leave it in your ears….CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Earwax is a self-cleaning agent, with protective, lubricating and antibacterial properties. That’s why tiny glands in the outer ear canal constantly pump it out. Excess earwax normally treks slowly out of the ear canal, carrying with it dirt, dust and other small particles.

When individuals poke around in their ears with cottons swabs or other foreign objects, earwax can actually build up and block part of the ear canal.

Sources:

Live Science August 29, 2008

Tags Add new tag, Alcon, Antimicrobial, Approved drug, Ear, Ear canal, Eardrum, Earwax, England, External acoustic meatus, Food and Drug Administration, Fort Worth, Health, Hearing aid, LiveScience, Otitis externa, Recreation, Texas, United States

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Paracetamol Ups Asthma Risk in Kids

Post author By Mukul
Post date September 21, 2008
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Infants who have been given the common pain reliever paracetamol may have a higher risk of developing asthma and eczema by the time they are 6 or 7, a large study covering children in 31 countries has found.

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The findings were published in the journal Lancet together with two other studies, which found that runny noses and wheezing early on in life may be strong predictors of asthma.

In one study, researchers pored through data provided by parents of more than 205,000 children and found paracetamol use in the first year of life was associated with a 46% higher risk of asthma by the time the children were 6 or 7 compared to those never exposed to the drug. It is used to relieve fever, minor aches and pain, and is used in a liquid suspension for children.

Medium use of paracetamol in the past 12 months increased asthma risk by 61%, while high dosages of once a month or more in the past year raised the risk by over three times. Medium use was defined as once per year or more, but less than once a month.

Suspicions of a possible link between paracetamol and asthma emerged when experts observed an increased use of the drug to a simultaneous rise in asthma prevalence worldwide.

Some experts think antioxidants, which stop unstable molecules known as free radicals from doing too much damage, can lower the risk of cancer, heart disease and other ailments. “Paracetamol can reduce antioxidant levels and… can give oxidative stress in the lungs and cause asthma,” one of the researchers, Richard Beasley at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, said.

Sources: The Times Of India