Author: Mukul

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Pancreatities

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Definition:
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the Pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach . It secretes insulin, which is of fundamental importance in the handling of glucose. If the pancreas is not functioning properly diabetes may develop.

Another function of the pancreas is to secrete digestive enzymes into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food.

CLICK TO SEE PICTURES......(01)..... (1).…….(2).…..(3)

In pancreatitis, the enzymes that help digest fats, proteins and carbohydrates in food become active inside the pancreas and start digesting the pancreas

Symptoms:
The symptoms of acute pancreatitis usually begins with severe pain in the upper abdomen. The pain may last for a few days. Some of the other symptoms are: swollen and tender abdomen, sweating, nausea, vomiting,fever, mild jaundice, and rapid pulse.

Diagnosis:

To diagnose pancreatitis, your doctor will take your medical history and perform a complete medical examination. He or she will be particularly interested in how much alcohol you drink and if you have had symptoms of gallstones. Diagnostic tests include blood and urine studies for pancreatic enzymes and sugars, x-rays of the abdomen and chest, ultrasound exam of the pancreas and gallbladder, and computed tomography (CT) scan of the pancreas. In severe cases of chronic pancreatitis, your doctor may order an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). An ERCP is a way of looking at your pancreas through a slim flexible tube, called an endoscope, that is inserted into your mouth and down to the pancreas. An endoscope is fitted with a tiny fiber optic camera that gives the physician a detailed view of the pancreas. During the ERCP, the physician can remove a sample of tissue, a biopsy, from the pancreas.In some cases the doctor may want to do Endoscoip Ultrasonography(EUS) to detect the cause of Pancreatities. Your doctor may also want a stool sample to test for excess fats.

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Types Of Pancreatities:

There are two main typs of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period of time. It ususally resolves. Some people with acute pancreatitis may have more than one attack and recover completely after each. However, acute pancreatitis can be a severe, life-threatening illness with many complications. About 80,000 cases occur in the United States each year. About 20 percent of the cases are severe.Many young people dies in Pancreatities due to the faulty ways of drinking too much alcohol in empty stomac to get a quick kick.Several times they forget the art of drinking alcohol .Alcohol should always be drunk after eating some food or along with food,slowly (not too fast) and enjoy a soothing sensation.

Chronic pancreatitis occurs over a long period of time and does not resolve itself. Chronic pancreatitis results in a slow destruction of the pancreas. The usual cause of chronic pancreatitis is many years of alcohol abuse, but the chronic form may also be triggered by only one acute attack, especially if the pancreatic ducts are damaged. The result of chronic pancreatitis is an inability to properly digest fat caused by a lack of pancreatic enzymes. The production of insulin is also affected.

Causes Of Pancreatities:

Acute pancreatitis is usually caused by drinking too much alcohol(sometimes specially in empty stomac) or by gallstone. A gallstone can block the pancreatic duct, trapping digestive enzymes in the pancreas and causing pancreatitis.

Chronic pancrestitis occurs when digestive enzymes attack and destroy the pancreas and nearby tissues.. Chronic pancratitis is usually caused by many years of alcohol abuse, excess iron in the blood, and other unknown factors. However, it may also be triggered by only one acute attack, especially if the pancreatic ducts are damaged.

Complecations of Pancreatities:
Some of the complications from pancreatitis are: low blood pressure heart and kidney failure, ARDS(adult respiratory distress symdrome),diabetes, ascites,accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, ans cysts or abscesses in the pancreas.

Treatments of Pancreatities:

Treatment depends on how bad the attack is. If no complications in the form of kidney failure or lung problems occur, acute pancreatitis usually improves on its own.
The goal of therapy is to maintain circulation and fluid volume. Treatment measures must also relieve pain and decrease pancreatic secretions. In 90% of patients with acute pancreatitis, the disease occurs as a mild self-limiting illness and requires simple supportive care alone. In the remaining 10% of patients, the disease can evolve into a severe form of acute pancreatitis with significant complications, a lengthy duration of illness, and a significant mortality rate.

Prevention:

Although pancreatitis isn’t always preventable, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

  • Avoid excessive alcohol use. Overuse of alcohol (in empty stomac specially) is the leading cause of chronic pancreatitis and a contributing factor in many acute attacks.
  • Stop smoking. Tobacco use increases your risk of pancreatitis, especially if you also drink alcohol.
  • Limit fat. Eating a high-fat diet can raise your blood-fat levels and increase your risk of gallstones – both risk factors for pancreatitis. A healthy diet emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and limits fats, especially saturated fats such as butter.

Extracted partly from:http://www.mamashealth.com/pancreatitis.asp and http://www.diseases-conditions.info/diseases/pancreatitis.html
Herbal Remedy of Hereditary Pancreatitis

Home Remedy and Natural cure

Herbal Medicine That may Cure Pancreatitis

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Diabetes

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Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

In order to determine whether or not a patient has pre-diabetes or diabetes, health care providers conduct a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Either test can be used to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes.
With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl signals pre-diabetes. A person with a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher has diabetes....click & see

In the OGTT test, a person’s blood glucose level is measured after a fast and two hours after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. If the two-hour blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dl, the person tested has pre-diabetes. If the two-hour blood glucose level is at 200 mg/dl or higher, the person tested has diabetes.

Major Types of Diabetes


Type 1 diabetes
Results from the body’s failure to produce insulin, the hormone that “unlocks” the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are often dramatic and come on very suddenly.
* Type 1 diabetes is usually recognized in childhood or early adolescence, often in association with an illness (such as a virus) or injury.
* The extra stress can cause diabetic ketoacidosis.
* Symptoms of ketoacidosis include nausea and vomiting. Dehydration and often-serious disturbances in blood levels of potassium follow.
* Without treatment, ketoacidosis can lead to coma and death.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are often subtle and may be attributed to aging or obesity.
* A person may have type 2 diabetes for many years without knowing it.
# Type 2 diabetes can be precipitated by steroids and stress.
# If not properly treated, type 2 diabetes can lead to complications like blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage

Type 2 diabetes
Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women – about 135,000 cases in the United States each year.

Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are 41 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 20.8 million with diabetes.

CAUSES OF DIABETES:
Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough or any of the hormone insulin, or when the insulin produced doesn’t work effectively. In diabetes, this causes the level of glucose in the blood to be too high.

In Type 1 diabetes the cells in the pancreas that make insulin are destroyed, causing a severe lack of insulin. This is thought to be the result of the body attacking and destroying its own cells in the pancreas – known as an autoimmune reaction.

* infection with a specific virus or bacteria;
* exposure to food-borne chemical toxins; and
* exposure as a very young infant to cow’s milk, where an as yet unidentified component of this triggers the autoimmune reaction in the body.

However, these are only hypotheses and are by no means proven causes.

Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is believed to have a strong genetic link, meaning that it tends to run in families. Several genes are being studied that may be related to the cause of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is believed to develop when:
* the receptors on cells in the body that normally respond to the action of insulin fail to be stimulated by it – this is known as insulin resistance. In response to this more insulin may be produced, and this over-production exhausts the insulin-manufacturing cells in the pancreas;
* there is simply insufficient insulin available; and
* the insulin that is available may be abnormal and therefore doesn’t work properly..

The following risk factors increase the chances of someone developing Type 2 diabetes:
* High blood triglyceride (fat) levels
* Gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
* High-fat diet
* High alcohol intake
* Sedentary lifestyle
* Obesity or being overweight

* Ethnicity: Certain groups, such as African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Japanese Americans, have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites.

* Aging: Increasing age is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Risk begins to rise significantly at about age 45 years, and rises considerably after age 65 years.
Rarer causes of diabetes include:
* Certain medicines;
* pregnancy (gestational diabetes); and
* any illness or disease that damages the pancreas and affects its ability to produce insulin e.g. pancreatitis.

It’s important to also be aware of the different myths that over the years have arisen about the causes of diabetes.
Eating sweets or the wrong kind of food does not cause diabetes. However, it may cause obesity and this is associated with people developing Type 2 diabetes.
Stress does not cause diabetes, although it may be a trigger for the body turning on itself as in the case of Type 1 diabetes. It does, however, make the symptoms worse for those who already have diabetes.
Diabetes is not contagious. Someone with diabetes cannot pass it on to anyone else.

TAKE CARE AND CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH ONE STEP AT A TIME:
If you have diabetes, you would be wise to make healthful lifestyle choices in diet, exercise, and other health habits. These will help to improve glycemic (blood sugar) control and prevent or minimize complications of diabetes.

Diet: A healthy diet is key to controlling blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes complications.

Managing type 2 diabetes means making some changes to how you live. Your doctor will ask you to eat healthy, be more active, lose weight if you need to, and quit smoking. He or she may prescribe one or more medicines, too.
It may seem like a lot to do. But keeping your blood sugar under control now can help reduce the risk of health problems from diabetes later.
.
Regular Yoga exercise, meditation and proper Ayurvedic treatment can keep a diabetec patient well all his or her life through.

(Help taken from:http://www.emedicinehealth.com/diabetes/article_em.htm and http://www.diabetes.org/about-diabetes.jsp)

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Herbs & Plants

Amazing Aloe Vera Plant

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Botanical name: Aloe barbadensis
Family:  Xanthorrhoeaceae
SubfamilyFamily:: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Species: A. vera
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales

Common Name:   Aloe, Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant

Habitat ;The natural range of A. vera is unclear, as the species has been widely cultivated throughout the world. Naturalised stands of the species occur in the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula, through North Africa (Morocco, Mauritania, Egypt), as well as Sudan and neighbouring countries, along with the Canary, Cape Verde, and Madeira Islands. This distribution is somewhat similar to the one of Euphorbia balsamifera, Pistacia atlantica, and a few others, suggesting that a dry sclerophyll forest once covered large areas, but has been dramatically reduced due to desertification in the Sahara, leaving these few patches isolated. Several closely related (or sometimes identical) species can be found on the two extreme sides of the Sahara: dragon trees (Dracaena) and Aeonium being two of the most representative examples.

The species was introduced to China and various parts of southern Europe in the 17th century. The species is widely naturalised elsewhere, occurring in temperate and tropical regions of Australia, Barbados, Belize, Nigeria, Paraguay, Mexico and the US states of Florida, Arizona and Texas. The actual species’ distribution has been suggested to be the result of human cultivation

Description:

There are over 250 species of Aloes in the world, mostly native to Africa. They range in size from little one inch miniatures to massive plant colonies consisting of hundreds of 2 foot diameter plants. Although most Aloes have some medicinal or commercial value, the most commonly known is the Aloe barbadensis… better known as Aloe vera.
Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces.   The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long.   Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil.

Aloe vera leaves contain phytochemicals under study for possible bioactivity, such as acetylated mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones, other anthraquinones, such as emodin, and various lectins

click & see the pictures
All Aloes are semitropical succulent plants, and may only be grown outdoors in areas where there is no chance of freezing.However, they make excellent house plants when they are given sufficient light. Potted Aloes benefit from spending the summer outdoors. Older specimens may even bloom, producing a tall stock covered with bright colored coral flowers. Aloe flower nectar is a favorite of hummingbirds!

The medicinal properties of Aloe vera have been known, and recorded since biblical times. It has been used for a variety of ailments, and as an ointment for burns, cuts, and rashes, as well as an ingredient in various beauty preparations.
The sap of the Aloe is a thick, mucilaginous gel. It is this gel which is used medicinally. The outer skin has essentially no value, but because it is commercially easier and less expensive to utilize the entire leaf, ‘whole leaf’ Aloe juice has been hyped as the ‘best’. This is not the case.

Growing Alo Vera Plant:
Because Aloe plants consist of 95% water, they are extremely frost tender. If they are grown outdoors in warm climates, they should be planted in full sun, or light shade. The soil should be moderately fertile, and fast draining. Established plants will survive a drought quite well, but for the benefit of the plant, water should be provided.
Because of their popularity, Aloe vera plants are available at almost every garden shop or nursery. Unless you live in area with a very mild climate, it’s best to leave your Aloe plant in the pot and place it near a window that gets a lot of sun. You can move the pot outdoors during the summer months.
Aloe vera is a succulent, and as such, stores a large quantity of water within its leaves and root system. During the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and utilize very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. Allow the soil to become completely dry before giving the plant a cup or two of water. During the summer months, the soil should be completely soaked, but then be allowed to dry again before re-watering.
Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it is time to repot choose a wide planter, rather than a deep one. Use a planter with a drainage hole, or provide a 1-2 inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot to ensure adequate drainage. Use a good commercial potting mix with extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand added. You may also use a packaged ‘cacti mix’ soil. Fertilize yearly, in the spring with a dilute (half strength),
Aloes are propagated by removing the offsets which are produced around the base of mature plants, when they are a couple inches tall (or larger). They may also be grown from seeds.

It is quite effective to relieve itching from stings, bites and various ‘stinging’ plants, such as poison ivy. It is also good for the same problems, when they are encountered by your pets.When you need to use it medicinally, just remove a lower leaf from the plant, slice it open, and apply the gel on the affected area.

The miracles derived from the aloe vera plant is amazing.This is truly a life-saving plant. It is one of the most astounding gifts of nature, and it belongs in the first aid kit and medicine cabinet of every home in America. Now, medical researchers have discovered that a compound produced by the aloe vera plant can be administered to patients who are experiencing severe trauma and blood loss. Once administered, this compound literally enhances the diffusion of oxygen molecules in the red blood cells in order to support the tissues of the body, allowing the patient to live on less blood. This effect, of course, is promising to save the lives of a great number of people who undergo traumatic injuries, including soldiers who are woonded on the battle field.It’s rather astounding — by simply extracting this so-called drag reducing polymer, or DRP,from the aloe vera plant and then administering it to patients, you can save their lives. In the military, medics could carry very small quantities of this aloe vera compound and administer it to soldiers who are suffering from extreme blood loss, thereby saving their lives.

How many lives could be saved? In laboratory tests on rats, the survival rate went up from 50% to 80% for those rats who were experiencing severe blood loss. This is a huge increase in the potential survival rate of human beings if they respond to this aloe vera compound in a similar way.It is very exciting news for medical science and also for natural health and those who are supporting the use of healing substances from nature in order to enhance modern medicine. This ingredient comes from the slick gel substance inside the aloe vera plant. This is a mucilage that is rich in polysaccharides and has specific visco-elastic properties. In a sense, it makes your blood cells flow more smoothly (without so much friction) and this is just the latest research to show the miraculous nature of the aloe vera plant,

Aloe Vera Juice has many benefits to the human body.When you consume aloe vera, you’re helping your system in so many ways. I think it is offers very strong support to the digestive system. It soothes the digestive tract.It is discovered that aloe vera prevents and reverses colon Cancer and other cancers of the digestive tract.Aloe Vera plant shows it is made up from a large variety of amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals and it comes closer than any other known plant to the duplication of life’s essential substances in the biochemistry of the human body.It can help ease constipation and prevent continuing diarrhoea, setting a regularity to the bowel. All this helps to reduce discomfort and bloating. Naturally, as these symptoms are eased, so the stress associated with the discomfort is also reduced.Aloe Vera is a stimulant to the immune system, a powerful anti- inflammatory, an analgesic and is able to speed up cell growth. Aloe Vera contains a large number of mucopolysaccharides (basic sugars) which are found in every cell in the body. Aloe also contains large numbers of nutrients including vitamins E, C, B1, 2, 3, and 6 as well as iron, manganese, calcium and zinc. Seven essential amino acids and fatty acids are also found in Aloe Vera.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful, debilitating condition. It manifests itself as stiff, swollen joints with varying degrees of associated pain caused partly due to nerve damage and partly by the pressure of the swollen area.Repairing damaged tissue by regenerating cells is a function at which Aloe Vera has been shown to be most successful. It not only relieves the painful symptoms but also helps to disperse damaged tissue – a type of detoxification process. Aloe Vera may be taken both internally as a juice or as a gel applied to the painful joint. Here Aloe Veras deep penetration may show benefit.

Aloe Vera is a powerful laxative and known to be one of the finest body cleansers, removing morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen and bladder and is considered to be the finest colon cleanser known. It will not promote “gripe” (sharp pains and grumbling in the bowels) when used as a laxative, and it is also less likely to cause dehydration from such use.

Aloe is potentially helpful in the treatment of Type-2 diabetes and does not cause weight gain, a common side effect in some diabetes medications. The herb also promotes the absorption of nutrients through the digestive tract and normalizes blood sugar.

Indian Ayurvedic physicians highly recommend the use of Aloe internally as a drink that acts as an astringent for hemorrhoids, in addition to stimulating fertility in women.

In test tube studies, acemannan, a potent immune-stimulating compound found in Aloe, was shown to be active against HIV. In people with AIDS, it soothes the lining of the digestive tract, increasing nutrient absorption. University Maryland researchers found another compound in Aloe, aloe-emodin (responsible for its laxative effect), which appears to kill the viruses that cause herpes and shingles.

Aloe juice also contains aloemannan, a complex sugar that concentrates in the kidneys, stimulates the growth of healthy kidney cells and slows rate of crystal formation.

Aloe Vera soothes the gastrointestinal tract and eases peptic ulcer inflammation caused by excess acid, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Ingested, Aloe helps to lower cholesterol, increases blood-vessel generation in the lower extremities of people with poor circulation, soothes stomach irritation and promotes healing.

A medically active complex sugar in Aloe stimulates and regulates various components of the immune system, and some clinics have used Aloe Vera to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy treatments when used with other chemotherapy agents. Aloe protects against skin-damaging X Rays – an effective antioxidant that absorbs free radicals caused by radiation. It also reduces inflammation resulting from radiation therapy and stimulates cell regeneration.

Applied topically, Aloe Vera is known to rejuvenate wrinkled, sun-aged skin, and will stimulate cell regeneration. Application also promotes the healing of sores, insect bites, cuts and burns, and is an effective treatment against psoriasis and eczema. Aloe contains enzymes that relieve pain, and as a mild anesthetic, it relieves itching and swelling. Its topical application will help burns from scarring. Aloe Vera is an astringent and emollient; it is antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial.

A tea made from the dried juice of Aloe Vera Leaf makes a fine mouthwash, effective against cold sores and also a wash for the eyes.


In any event, an important fact must be remembered: Aloe Vera has no known adverse side effects. It is an extract from the leaf of the Aloe Vera plant, known throughout the world where it grows naturally as the   First Aid Plant,  the  Burn Plant, the ‘Miracle Plant   and the    Medicine Plant

THIS IS THE PLANT THAT BELONGS TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD,EVERY AMBULANCE AND EVERY EMERENGENCY ROOM IN AMERICA.

Click to learn :->Aloe barbadensis Mill.( an..Indian Aloe Vera Plant)

Alo Skin Care Products

Alo Vera Beauty Product

Alo Vera Products

Medicinal Uses Of Alo Vera

ALOE VERA USED IN AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

Oil made from  Aloe barbadensis leaf paste and diethyl phenylacetamide (DEPA):  is a very good anty mosquito lotion oil  invented by Indian  Defence Research Centre.It is being experimented for the last five years and found very good result.It has got no side effect but it is considered to be the best form of mosquito repellent ever available in the market.
Anandabazar patrika

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

 

(help taken from:http://www.newstarget.com/001560.html ,http://www.thegardenhelper.com/aloe~vera.html and http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Aloe%20Vera/aloinf20.htmhttp://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Aloe%20Vera/aloinf20.htm)

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Herbs & Plants

Mentha arvensis

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Botanical Name : Mentha arvensis
Family:    Lamiaceae
Genus:    Mentha
Species:M. arvensis
Kingdom:Plantae
Order:    Lamiales

Common Names:  Pudina,”Podina” in Hindi, wild mint or corn mint, Japanese Mint

Parts Used: Whole Plant, Oil

Habitat: Mentha arvensis is native to Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, N. Asia and the Himalayas.   Found through out India and is grown all over the world.It grows in arable land, heaths, damp edges of woods.

Description:It is an herbaceous perennial plant growing  to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). The leaves are in opposite pairs, simple, 2-6.5 cm long and 1-2 cm broad, hairy, and with a coarsely serrated margin. The flowers are pale purple (occasionally white or pink), in clusters on the stem, each flower 3-4 mm long. It  is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to October, and the seeds ripen from Jul to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.It is noted for attracting wildlife.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Cultivation :
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry. This species tolerates much drier conditions than other members of the genus. Prefers a slightly acid soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A sunny position is best for production of essential oils, but it also succeeds in partial shade. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. Most mints have fairly aggressive spreading roots and, unless you have the space to let them roam, they need to be restrained by some means such as planting them in containers that are buried in the soil. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Polymorphic. The whole plant has a very strong, almost oppressive, smell of mint. The flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies. A good companion plant for growing near brassicas and tomatoes, helping to deter insect pests. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation :
Seed – sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Mentha species are very prone to hybridisation and so the seed cannot be relied on to breed true. Even without hybridisation, seedlings will not be uniform and so the content of medicinal oils etc will vary. When growing plants with a particular aroma it is best to propagate them by division. Division can be easily carried out at almost any time of the year, though it is probably best done in the spring or autumn to allow the plant to establish more quickly. Virtually any part of the root is capable of growing into a new plant. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. However, for maximum increase it is possible to divide the roots up into sections no more than 3cm long and pot these up in light shade in a cold frame. They will quickly become established and can be planted out in the summer.

Edible Uses :
Edible Parts: Leaves.
Edible Uses: Condiment; Tea.

Leaves – raw or cooked. A reasonably strong minty flavour with a slight bitterness, they are used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. An essential oil from the plant is used as a flavouring in sweets and beverages. The leaves contain about 0.2% essential oil

Properties Mint is tasty, relishing, and hot, an appetizer that eliminates the excessive formation of wind phlegm. It is beneficial in cough, indigestion, sprue, diarrhea, cholera, and chronic fever and eliminates the worm’s from the stomach. It also increases the digestive powers.

Medicinal Uses:

Anaesthetic; Antiphlogistic; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Aromatic; Cancer; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Febrifuge; Galactofuge;
Salve; Stimulant; Stomachic.

Corn mint, like many other members of this genus, is often used as a domestic herbal remedy, being valued especially for its antiseptic properties and its beneficial effect on the digestion. Like other members of the genus, it is best not used by pregnant women because large doses can cause an abortion. The whole plant is anaesthetic, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, galactofuge, refrigerant, stimulant and stomachic. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments. The leaves are a classical remedy for stomach cancer. Another report says that this species is not very valuable medicinally. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use. The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses.

The entire plant is antibacterial and antifibrile. It is effective in headache, rhinitis, cough, sore throat, colic, prurigo and vomiting. Menthol obtained from this is used in balms. It is also used as flavoring agent in culinary preparations.

Pudina or mint has various herbal and Ayurvedic medicinal value.
Mint is generally a sweet flavour imparting a cool sensation to the mouth. Peppermint has the highest concentrations of menthol, while pennyroyal is strong with a medicinal flavour.

Mint is refreshing, stimulative, diaphoretic, stomachic, and antispasmodic. It helps in colds, flu, fever, poor digestion, motion sickness, food poisoning, rheumatism, hiccups, stings, ear aches, flatulence and for throat and sinus ailments.

Both fresh and dried mint is used. Mint is used in a variety of dishes such as vegetable curries, mint recipe for chutney, fruit salads,vegetable salads,salad dressings, soup,desserts,juices, sherberts, etc.Peppermint is used to flavour toothpaste,mouth freshners and chewing gum.

  • A fresh juice extracted from the mint is very beneficial in cold.
  • If a semi liquid juice made from the powdered leaves of mint and basil is taken, it cures fever and its relapsing.
  • Mixed juice of mint and ginger cures ague. It also cures all types of fever by causing excessive perspiration. This juice is also beneficial in flatulationan and coryza.
  • A mixture made of six grams of mint, six grams of ginger juice and 1 gram of powdered rock salt, cures colic in stomach.

Other Uses :
Essential; Repellent; Strewing.

The plant is used as an insect repellent. Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint. The plant was therefore used in homes as a strewing herb and has also been spread in granaries to keep the rodents off the grain. The leaves also repel various insects. An essential oil is obtained from the plant. The yield from the leaves is about 0.8%. The sub-species M. arvensis piperascens produces the best oil, which can be used as a substitute for, or adulterant of, peppermint oil. Yields of up to 1.6% have been obtained from this sub-species

Known Hazards :  Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, large quantities of some members of this genus, especially when taken in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so some caution is advised.

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://www.fatfreekitchen.com/spices/mint.html
http://www.urday.com/spice.html)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentha_arvensis
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mentha+arvensis

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Sore Throat(Strepcococcus)

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Sore throat refers to the inflammation of the pharynx or back of the throat. It occurs frequently when a person has a cold or an attack of influenza. Sore throat may also involve the tonsils and adenoids…..click & see 

What causes a sore throat?

A sore throat can have many causes.  Some of these are listed below:

  1. Many common viruses, and even the viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) and the flu, can cause a sore throat. Some of the viruses that cause a sore throat can produce blisters in the mouth and throat (“aphthous stomatitis”).
  2. Breathing through the mouth can produce throat dryness and soreness.
  3. Sinus drainage may cause a sore throat.
  4. Shouting very loudly for a long period may cause sore throat.
  5. A sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. The two most common bacteria to cause as sore throat are Streptococcus (which causes strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash.
  6. Common cold may sometimes inflamate the gland and cause sore throat.
  7. A sore throat that lasts for more than 2 weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS.So, sore throat, if lasts more than 2 weeks, contact a doctor (preferably ENT spacilist)immediately.

Try these home remedies to cure it :-

Gargle with your own fresh hot urin will cures Sore Throat easily.
Drink a glass of hot water with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and some honey. You’ll feel better instantly. You can also drink a chamomile tea with lemon and honey added.

  • Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort:
  • Gargle at least once each hour with 1 tsp (5 g) of salt dissolved in 8 fl oz (237 mL) of warm water.
  • If you have postnasal drip, gargle often to prevent more throat irritation
  • Prevent dehydration. . Fluids may help thin secretions and soothe an irritated throat. Hot fluids, such as tea or soup, may help decrease throat irritation
  • Two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be added to a litre of cold water and simmered on a gentle flame. This should be allowed to cool to a temperature that could be tolerated by the buccal cavity. Strain this mixture and gargle with it several times a day. This cures a sore throat.
  • Soak 8-10 almonds. Peel and grind with 8-10 pepper corns. Mix in 1 cup of water. Sieve and drink adding either salt or sugar to taste.
  • The leaves of holy basil have also been found beneficial in the in curing sore throat. Water boiled with basil leaves should be taken as a drink, and also used as a gargle to relieve a sore throat
  • Soak two teaspoonfuls of ajowan seeds in cold water. Add a pinch of common salt. Using this infusion as a common gargle substantially eases the acute sore throat.
  • Eat garlic. Garlic is an anti-septic and good for many conditions.
  • Boil one whole onion, mash and eat with a little butter, salt and pepper.
  • A teaspoon of honey raw helps releave throat inflammation.
  • Use a vaporizer or cool air humidifier in your bedroom.
  • Warm or cool mist may help you feel more comfortable by soothing the swollen air passages. It may also relieve hoarseness. However, don’t let your room become uncomfortably cold or very damp.
  • Use a shallow pan of water to provide moisture in the air through evaporation if you don’t have a humidifier. Place the pan in a safe location where no one will trip on it or fall into it.
  • If you suspect that problems with stomach acid may be causing your sore throat, see the topic Heartburn
  • Do not smoke or use other tobacco products and avoid secondhand smoke.

Alternative practitioners recommend a variety of natural products for the treatment of sore throat. For example, aromatherapists recommend inhaling the fragrances of lavender, thyme, eucalyptus, sage, and sandalwood. Herbalists recommend taking osha root, ginger, or slippery elm. Some practitioners suggest gargling with a mixture of water, salt, and turmeric. Homeopathic practitioners treat sore throats with very dilute solutions of Lachesis, Belladonna, Phytolacca, yellow jasmine, or mercury. Nutritionists recommend vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A or C and the mineral zinc.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

 

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