Categories
Herbs & Plants Herbs & Plants (Spices)

Cinnamon

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Botanical Name : Cinnamomum aromaticum
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Cinnamomum
Species: C. verum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Laurales

Synonyms:Cinnamomum zeylanicum,Cinnamomum verum

Common Names:Cinnamon, “true cinnamon”, Ceylon cinnamon or Sri Lanka cinnamon,Cinnamomum cassia, called Chinese cassia or Chinese cinnamon.

Habitat :Cinnamon is native to Asia, it  is an evergreen tree originating in southern China, and widely cultivated there and elsewhere in southern and eastern Asia (India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam,Combodia & Sreelanka). It is one of several species of Cinnamomum used primarily for their aromatic bark, which is used as a spice. In the United States, Chinese cassia is often sold under the culinary name of “cinnamon”. The buds are also used as a spice, especially in India, and were once used by the ancient Romans.

Description:
The tree grows to 10–15 m tall, with greyish bark and hard, elongated leaves that are 10–15 cm long and have a decidedly reddish colour when young.The leaves are ovate-oblong in shape, 7–18 cm (2.75–7.1 inches) long. The flowers, which are arranged in panicles, have a greenish color, and have a distinct odor. The fruit is a purple 1-cm drupe containing a single seed.  click to see the pictures
History:
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known on earth.
The use of cinnamon can be traced back to Egypt around 3000 B.C., where it was used as an embalming agent, to China around 2700 B.C., where it was used medicinally by herbalists. In traditional Asian medicine, cinnamon has long been used to treat blood pressure and poor blood circulation

click to see

Cinnamon is also known by the names Sweet Wood, Cassia and Gui Zhi. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the dried inner bark of the shoots, and the oil distilled from the bark and leaves. Cinnamon is an ancient herbal medicine mentioned in Chinese texts as long ago as 4,000 years. Cinnamon was used in ancient Egypt for embalming. In ancient times, it was added to food to prevent spoiling. During the Bubonic Plague, sponges were soaked in cinnamon & cloves, and placed in sick rooms. Cinnamon was the most sought after spice during explorations of the 15th and 16th centuries. It has also been burned as an incense. The smell of Cinnamon is pleasant, stimulates the senses, yet calms the nerves. Its smell is reputed to attract customers to a place of business. Most Americans consider Cinnamon a simple flavoring, but in traditional Chinese medicine, it’s one of the oldest remedies, prescribed for everything from diarrhea and chills to influenza and parasitic worms. Cinnamon comes from the bark of a small Southeast Asian evergreen tree, and is available as an oil, extract, or dried powder. It’s closely related to Cassia (Cassia tora), and contains many of the same components, but the bark and oils from Cinnamon have a better flavor. Cinnamon has a broad range of historical uses in different cultures, including the treatment of diarrhea, rheumatism, and certain menstrual disorders. Traditionally, the bark was believed best for the torso, the twigs for the fingers and toes. Research has highlighted hypoglycemic properties, useful in diabetes. Cinnamon brandy is made by soaking crushed Cinnamon bark a “fortnight” in brandy. Chinese herbalists tell of older people, in their 70s and 80s, developing a cough accompanied by frequent spitting of whitish phlegm. A helpful remedy, they suggest, is chewing and swallowing a very small pinch of powdered cinnamon. This remedy can also help people with cold feet and hands, especially at night. Germany’s Commission E approves Cinnamon for appetite loss and indigestion. The primary chemical constituents of this herb include cinnamaldehyde, gum, tannin, mannitol, coumarins, and essential oils (aldehydes, eugenol, pinene). Cinnamon is predominantly used as a carminative addition to herbal prescriptions. It is used in flatulent dyspepsia, dyspepsia with nausea, intestinal colic and digestive atony associated with cold & debilitated conditions. It relieves nausea and vomiting, and, because of its mild astringency, it is particularly useful in infantile diarrhea. The cinnamaldehyde component is hypotensive and spasmolytic, and increases peripheral blood flow. The essential oil of this herb is a potent antibacterial, anti-fungal, and uterine stimulant. The various terpenoids found in the volatile oil are believed to account for Cinnamon’s medicinal effects. Test tube studies also show that Cinnamon can augment the action of insulin. However, use of Cinnamon to improve the action of insulin in people with diabetes has yet to be proven in clinical trials. Topical applications of Cinnamon include use as a hair rinse for dark hair, and as a toothpaste flavoring to freshen breath. As a wash, it prevents and cures fungal infections such as athletes foot. It is also used in massage oils. You can also place Cinnamon in sachets to repel moths. Its prolonged use is known to beautify the skin and promote a rosy complexion. The common name Cinnamon encompasses many varieties, including Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum saigonicum, which are used interchangeably with.

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This well known spice is also a medicinal plant. The best cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka. In the wild, cinnamon trees can grow to 60ft tall, but when cultivated, they are kept cropped shorter so there is always a supply of new shoots. Young shoots are cut and the bark removed. The outer bark is peeled away, the inner bark is left to dry. It curls as it dries into the familiar cinnamon “quills”.

click to see the pictures

In traditional Asian medicine, cinnamon has long been used to treat blood pressure and poor blood circulation. Cinnamon even contains an antioxidant, glutathione. It has been used as a carminative (relieves wind in the digestive system), and to relieve nausea and vomiting.
It reduces muscle spasms and is slightly astringent, so is good for tummy upsets and painful periods.

Cinnamon encourages the digestive system to work efficiently and improves the appetite so is a good herb to use after a flu or other illness to aid convalescence. It is warming and improves circulation, so is good to take if you suffer cold hands and feet, or chilblains.

Recent research has shown that cinnamon is very effective in reducing blood sugar levels. People suffering late-onset diabetes (Type II), especially if it is mainly controlled by diet, are now being recommended to add a teaspoon of cinnamon to their daily diet. It is nice sprinkled on porridge in the mornings (and oats are good for lowering blood sugar too, so it is a good combination).

PROPERTIES & USES:
Therapeutic: Analgesic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant. germicide, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, styptic, vermifuge.
Medical:
Internal: – Amenorrhea, candida, circulation (slow), colic, cough, diarrhea, exhaustion, flatulence, infection, intestinal parasites, stress and typhoid.
It is used to treat colds, sinus congestion, bronchitis, dyspepsia
high pitta, bleeding disorder.
External:– bites, colds, coughs, influenza, lice, rheumatism, scabies, tinea (athlete’s foot), toothache, warts & calluses.

Medicinal properties of cinnamon:
It acts on plasma, blood, muscles, marrow and nerves.
It affects circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems.
Cinnamon has been associated with the ability to prevent ulcers, destroy fungal infections, soothe indigestion, ward off urinary tract infections, and fight tooth decay and gum disease. The pharmaceutical industry currently uses cinnamon in toothpaste and mouthwash as a natural flavoring.

It is a stimulant, diaphoretic (increases perspiration), carminative (helps prevent gas formation), expectorant, diuretic (increases urine production), and painkiller.

As per Ayurveda:It is katu, sheeta veerya, laghu, beneficial in derabged kpha, expectorant, spermicidal, antidysentric and remover hoarseness of voice.

Parts used: Leaves and bark.

Therapeutic uses:
In the form of oil used externally in the treatment rheumatism, neuralgia, headache and toothache.
It is internally used in common gastro-intestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea vomiting; useful in menorrhagia, gonorrhoea, tuberculosis and enteric fever.

A must for cold days in autumn and winter
Ayurvedic Cinnamon Insoles not only warm your feet but also strengthens your immune system.
*Enjoy
*Warm feet in winter
*Regulated foot temperature
*Stimulated blood circulation
*Distaunched heavy legs
*Banish
*Smelly feet forever
*Calluses & painfully cracked heels

Helps
Fight old age Type II diabetes
To regulate blood sugar levels

Precaution
Not to be worn in final stages of pregnancy.Due to a toxic component called coumarin, which can damage the liver, European health agencies have warned against consuming high amounts of cassia. Other possible toxins founds in the bark/powder are cinnamaldehyde and styren.

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.

Sources:
http://www.cinnamoninsoles.com.au/Benefits%20of%20Cinnamon.html
http://www.arcadiaherbsandalternatives.com/singles/herbs/cinnamon.htm
http://www.ayurvedakalamandiram.com/herbs.htm#tvacha
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamomum_verum

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Chirayta(Swertia chirayita .)

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Botanical Name:  Swertia chirata
Family:    Gentianaceae
Genus:    Swertia
Kingdom:    Plantae
Order:    Gentianales
Synonyms:Chirata. Indian Gentian. Indian Balmony.

Habitat :This plant grows in Northern India, Nepal.

Parts Used: Whole plant

Other Names:Chirayata, Kirata-tikta, Kiryat-charayatahBhunimba, Bhuchiretta, Charayatah, Chiraita, Indian Gentian, Jwaran- thakah, Kirata, kiraita, Kiriath, Kiriyattu, Kiryat-charayatah, Mahatita, Nila-vemu, Nila-vembu, Qasabuz-Zarirah

Habitat: Occur in hilly regions of India. Cultivation recommended in higher regions in the Himalayas, in Kashmir,Himachal Pradesh,Punjab,UP & Assam.
Harvesting time :  Flowering    Fruiting

Description: An annual herb upto about 1.5 m high, leaves in opposite pairs, flowers pale black, tinged with purp.Other Species—In Indian bazaars where Chiretta is much more used than in England, the name Chirata is given to manykinds of Gentian-like plants. The one that is most in use among them is Ophelia augustifolia, the hill Chirata. It can easily be recognized by the stem being hollow, without pith and lower part of stem square. Another adulterant is Andrographis paniculata, also a native of India, one of the Acanthaceae; this in the dried state looks more like a bundle of broomtops, but is used a great deal in India as it has two valuable bitter tonic principles, Andrographolide and Halmeghin.

This herb is indigenous to temperate Himalayas at altitudes above 4000 feet from Kashmir, Nepal and Bhutan. It is sometimes found in other parts or India. Tinnevelly ‘nilavembu’ is the best form of the herb.

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

When the flowering is well advanced the entire plant is collected, dried, and packed into bundles, which are sometimes compressed before exportation. The drug consists chiefly of the stem, which is of a dark purplish-brown colour, quite glabrous, and contains a large continuous pith. In the upper part it branches freely, bearing numerous fruits and flowers, together with a few opposite leaves with prominent curving lateral veins. The fruits are bicarpellary but unilocular, and contain numerous minute brownish seeds. The root is short, stout, and oblique. All parts of the herb have an intensely bitter taste. Various other species of Swertia (e.g., S. angustifolia, Buch.-Ham. S. alata, Royle ; S. trichotoma, Wall. have been found mixed with or substituted for chiretta. From these the genuine drug may be distinguished by its dark colour, intensely bitter taste, and continuous pith. Andrographis Paniculata, Nees , which has been offered as chiretta, has dark green stems with numerous slender erect opposite branches, few lanceolate green leaves, and a fibrous root. The roots of Rubia cordifolia, Linn. are also occasionally mixed with chiretta; they are readily distinguished by their purple colour.

Constituents.  The plant contains the two bitter principles, ophelic acid and chiratin. The latter occurs in the larger proportion, and yields, by boiling with hydrochloric acid, chiratogenin and ophelic acid, but no sugar. Neither ophelic acid nor chiratin has been obtained in crystals.

Other constituents are:

*resins
*gum
*carbonates and phosphates of potash
*lime and magnesia
*ash 4 to 6 p.c.

It contain no tannin.

Medical Uses:Bitter tonic, stomachic, febrifuge and anthelmintic, appetizer, laxative,
alterative, antidiarrhoeic and antiperiodic.

Whole plant-its used in fever (malarial), diarrhea and weakness

It is an excellent medicine for strengthening the stomach and promoting its action thus used in treating stomach disorders like dyspepsia and diarrhoea. its anthelmintic properties help in destroying intestinal worms. An infusion of the herb is taken for this purpose. The root of the plant is useful in curing hiccups and vomiting. The herb can also be used for range of other diseases and conditions including leprosy, leucoderma, scabies, neuro-muscular disorders, menorrhagia, menstrual irregularity, urinary disease, heart disease, asthma, cough , dyscrasia, Ulcer, jaundice and anaemia.

Action and Uses in Ayurveda and Siddha:
Tikta-rasam, metha veeryam, lagu, ruksham. In sannipatham, swasam, kasam, raktadosham, trishna sodham, kushtam, jwaram, krimi
Chiretta owes its action to its bitterness; it is used in dyspepsia to improve the appetite. At one time it was believed to exert a specific action upon the liver, but there is no evidence to confirm this. It is usually administered in the form of infusion. The preparations of chiretta are without tannin, and may, therefore, be prescribed with iron. Chiretta and kreat (Andrographis) are active ingredients of many advertised bitters. Chiratin has been used in powder form, diluted with milk sugar, but the liquid preparations of chiretta are usually preferred.

Action and Uses in Unani: Tonic to heart, liver and eyes, resolvent, drying, astringent, liquifying, balgham, cough, scanty urine, melancholia, dropsy, sciatia, skin diseases.
According to G. K. Nair and M. Mohanan, authors of “Medicinal Plants of India,” this herb is an excellent drug for:

*intermittent fevers

*skin diseases

*intestinal worms

*bronchial asthma

*burning of the body

regulating the bowels

An infusion of the herb made in hot water with aromatics like cloves, cinnamon etc. is given in doses of half to one fluid ounce. Ayurvedic practitioners often prescribe this infusion in doses of two ounces twice a day before meals as a tonic to check hiccup and vomiting.

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.isourcecenter.com/results.php?&q=chirata

http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h139.htm)

http://www.iifmnmpbmkis.org/Misapp/Chirayta.html

http://www.india-shopping.net/india-ayurveda-products/Swertiachirata%20-chirayata.htm

http://ayurveda.ygoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/swertia-chirayita.jpg

http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chiret64.html

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Dry Fruit

Peanut

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Highlights of the Round-table Discussion

A group of the country’s leading scientists in the areas of nutrition, epidemiology, anthropology, public health, and food science met in a rare round-table conference to share their knowledge and to discuss what we know and what we need to know about the role of nuts in the diet. There is an emerging body of research that appears to show that nuts may play an important role in decreasing the risk factors for heart disease and possibly other chronic diseases. Future research needs were also discussed. The conference was unprecedented in the prominence of the scientists and organizations involved and in that many of the participating scholars discussed work from recently published and current research. The conference was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, American Dietetic Association, American Heart Association and the University of California at Davis. Additional support was provided by the International Nut Council and the National Peanut Council. It was held Sept. 28 and 29, 1995 at the U.S.D.A.-A.R.S. Western Human Nutrition Center, Presidio of San Francisco. A general overview of the information shared is presented here.


Introduction: Nutritional Components of Nuts

Nuts Are Rich in Fiber, Vitamins, Minerals and Other Nutrients
Nuts are a complex plant food. They are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, biotin, riboflavin, niacin, and iron. Many nuts are also an great source of folic acid, which has been shown to reduce the instance of birth defects when taken by pregnant mothers.
Nuts may also be a source of helpful biologically active components found in plant foods, such as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are compounds that are potentially beneficial to people, but not currently classified as vitamins or minerals. They are important “health protectants.” Phytochemicals in nuts include ellagic acid, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, luteolin (a major antioxidant), isoflavones and tocotrienols. Some nuts contain up to eight different forms of sterols, which are thought to help moderate cholesterol levels. Nuts appear to contain a number of these phytochemicals, although further analysis needs to be conducted as new technology is developed to measure exact amounts.

Not All Fat Is the Same
Despite being thought of as “bad for you,” fat is essential for our bodies to function properly. While many Americans eat too much of it, we need to consume some fat in our diets.
An ounce of nuts has between 165 and 200 calories and between 14 and 21 grams of fat. About 80% of the calories in nuts comes from fat, however, most of that fat (more than 90% on average) is monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Unsaturated fats are generally thought of as the “good” fats, as opposed to artery-clogging saturated fats, mostly found in animal products, like butter and meat. Because the fat in nuts is unsaturated, nuts can actually work to lower total (or serum) cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Diets high in saturated fat contribute to high levels of total (or serum) cholesterol and to high levels of low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Too much saturated fat in the diet also unfortunately reduces “good” high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
Most nuts are very low in saturated fats. Opinion polls have show that many people mistakenly believe that nuts contain cholesterol. There is no cholesterol in nuts, since they are a plant product, and cholesterol is found only in animal products.


Nuts, An Ancient Food
Not only are nuts health-enhancing for modern people, they were probably one of the reasons that people first settled into villages. Recent archeological excavations at the village of Hallan Cemi in Eastern Turkey, settled 10,000 years ago, has uncovered the existence of a non-migratory society with economies centered on the harvesting of almonds and pistachios. The work of Michael Rosenberg, Ph.D., has shown that this settled village life preceded the development of agriculture. It’s possible that nut-centered societies not only preceded agricultural ones, but that the harvesting of wild nuts may have actually fostered agriculture.


 

Although the benefits are greatest for frequent nut eaters, those who ate nuts even once a week had 25% less
heart disease than those who avoided nuts.

Nuts should not be left out of any cholesterol lowering diet,” says Dr. Joan Sabaté.

The Role of Nuts in Disease Prevention

In addition to helping people control or prevent cardiovascular diseases, nuts might also play a role in reducing or preventing deaths attributable to diabetes and cancer.

Extracted from : ://www.aboutpeanuts.com/nn1.html

Consume monounsaturated fats.
Vegetable oils like canola, olive and peanut, and certain nuts including walnuts, almonds and peanuts, may increase your high-density lipoprotein, also known as “good” cholesterol.
New research shows “peanut and peanut butter ” is wet loss diet reduces heart disease risk by 14%
Harvard study shows eating peanuts and peanut butter may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.

Researchers at Harvard find three times as many people stick to Medditerranean -style weight loss diet than traditional low fat diet

Additional studies show peanuts are Heart -Healthy-lowering blood cholesterol.
Effective in healing people on Mediterranean Diet-loose weight and keep it off..

More satisfying for longer period of times,than high carbohydrate snacks.

Comprised of important plant chemicals, such asphytosterols,thought to help fight heart disease and cancer.

Extracted from:http://www.peanut-institute.org/

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Uncategorized

Hangover and alcohol poisoning

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Drinking alcohol moderately may not be bad always rather in several cases it is good for the body.But one should never drink alcohol to such extent that one may get hangover or alcohol poisoning, because they are dangerous. Alcohol poisoning may in several cases casuse death.

CLICK TO SEE THE PICTURES

EFFECT OF ALCOHOL IN YOUR BODY:

What is BAC?

BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Content, and is the number of milligrams of alcohol per milliliter in your bloodstream. In New Jersey, the legal definition of drunkenness is a BAC of 0.08.

If you are a 120 lb. woman who drinks four drinks in one hour, your BAC will be 0.17. If you are a 160 lb. man who consumes 5 drinks in one hour, your BAC will be 0.14. Of 100 people with a BAC greater than 0.4, statistics show that one will die.

How does alcohol enter the bloodstream?

Alcohol will immediately be absorbed through the lining of your stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. However, two factors affect the rate at which alcohol passes into your blood. If your drink is carbonated, the increased pressure in your stomach will force alcohol into your bloodstream faster; conversely, food in the stomach slows the absorption of alcohol by preventing it from going directly to the small intestine, where it would be absorbed much faster. Depending on gender, your liver can process about one ounce of alcohol each hour. Excess alcohol remains in the blood stream, resulting in an increased blood alcohol content (BAC). Ninety percent of the alcohol you ingest is metabolized, while the other 10% is excreted through urine and breathing. Vomiting directly after consumption may prevent some alcohol from entering the blood stream, but waiting too long will do little to reduce BAC.

.YOU MAY  CLICK TO SEE :
How Alchol Affects The Human Body

How much alcohol is in one drink?

Because different drinks contain varying amounts of pure alcohol, you should be aware of the proportion of alcohol in everything you drink. A 12-ounce beer (5% alcohol by volume) has the same amount of alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor (40% alcohol) or a 5-ounce glass of wine (13% alcohol).

Is it okay to drink while on medication?

Taken before or while drinking, many medications will multiply the effects of alcohol on your body. Aspirin and other drugs prevent the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (found in the stomach and liver) from breaking down alcohol, thus slowing the liver’s ability to decrease BAC. In other words, alcohol will accumulate in your blood faster and have longer lasting effects. Women on birth control pills will process alcohol slower than other women, because the hormones in the pill and alcohol both rely on the liver for processing.

Why canân’t women drink as much as men?

Women possess a smaller quantity of the enzyme needed to break down alcohol (alcohol dehydrogenase), which means they metabolize alcohol at a slower rate than men. Additionally, women are generally smaller, so ingesting the same amount of alcohol as a larger man will produce a higher BAC.

What are the long-term effects of heavy drinking?

There is a plethora of serious health complications that can arise from excessive drinking. You may develop neurological problems, including impaired motor skills, deterioration of vision, seizures, and permanent brain damage. Long-term heavy drinking will also affect the heart, causing shortness of breath, enlarged heart and abnormal heart rhythm. You will be more likely to develop mouth and throat cancer and to have high blood pressure, putting you at greater risk for stroke and heart attack. Since alcohol is metabolized by your liver, you put yourself at risk for alcoholic fatty liver and cirrhosis of the liver (fatal disease).

Can I increase my tolerance by drinking more frequently?

Yes, but this is not a good thing. Higher tolerance means you can ingest more alcohol without showing signs of intoxication. If you drink frequently, your body will become accustomed to the effects of alcohol and you will not feel as drunk, but your BAC is not affected by tolerance and the alcohol still does the same damage to your liver and other organs. Increasing your tolerance will lead you to drink more to get the same effects, leading to greater liver damage and other health complication.

How can I cure a hangover?

Waking up after a night of heavy drinking is never fun. As part of a hangover, you are likely to experience a headache, body aches, fatigue, heartburn, nausea, and dehydration. Nothing can truly cure a hangover except time (which will vary according to gender, size, weight, tolerance, medications taken, food consumption, dehydration, and rate of alcohol consumption). However, you can lessen the symptoms by drinking lots of water to combat the dehydration caused by alcohol. You can also take pain relievers, but there are drawbacks to aspirin (e.g., Bayer) and acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol). Like alcohol, aspirin can irritate the lining of the stomach, increasing your chances of developing stomach ulcers. Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver, and when combined with alcohol, can cause liver damage. Thus, to avoid further damage to your body, resist taking medication for a hangover unless absolutely necessary for your comfort.

To avoid suffering a hangover you should consider modifying your drinking habits. Not only should you drink less, eat while drinking, alternate alcoholic drinks with juice or water, and space your drinks to allow your liver to keep up, but you should also consider what you are drinking. Certain alcoholic drinks contain more congeners than others. Congeners are natural by-products of alcohol fermentation, and cause hangovers. Gin and vodka have the fewest congeners, while bourbon and red wine contain the most. Additionally, you should stick to one kind of drink for the entire evening. Mixing different types of drinks can lead to horrendous headaches and nausea. If you start drinking wine, don’t move on to beer, stay with wine for the night. Your body is already challenged to cope with alcohol, why complicate it’s job with trying to process many different foreign substances.

HOW TO AVOID DANGER (AND A HANGOVER) WHILE DRINKING:

  • Set limits. One way to make sure you do not drink to excess is to decide how many drinks your body can safely handle and do not exceed this limit during the course of the night. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to keep track, especially when playing drinking games. Such games may provide entertainment and a chance to feel included in a social group, but they contribute to excessive drinking. The atmosphere created by drinking games is dangerous because it causes you to drink more than you would usually through peer pressure and rapid rate of consumption. Chugging alcohol will delay awareness of how much alcohol is in your body because of the time it takes to raise your BAC.
  • Eat a meal before you drink. Food in the stomach will slow the entrance of alcohol into your bloodstream by preventing it from entering your small intestine which absorbs alcohol faster than the stomach. High protein foods, like cheese, are best at slowing down the effects of alcohol, and thus help prevent a hangover.
  • Steer clear of carbonation and shots. The carbon dioxide of carbonated drinks, like beer and soda, increases the pressure in your stomach, forcing alcohol out through the lining of your stomach into the bloodstream. The high concentration of alcohol in shots also means that your BAC will increase rapidly.
  • Alternate with non-alcoholic beverages. Not only will this slow your consumption of alcohol, but it will also counter the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
  • Don’t combine alcohol with other drugs. Alcohol’s effects are heightened by medicines that depress the central nervous system, such as sleeping pills, antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and some painkillers. Other drugs have harmful interactions with alcohol as well, so it is best to consult a physician before drinking while on medication. The combination of illegal drugs and alcohol can also have adverse effects.
  • Don’t drink if you are suffering  from fatigue. Exhaustion magnifies the effect of alcohol on the body. Unfortunately, alcohol is often used as a reward after periods of high stress that have overworked the body to fatigue
  • General Rules:

    Rule #1: Don’t leave your friend alone, even if the person is conscious. Watch for signs of alcohol poisoning.

    Rule #2: Do not assume that he/she will make it home safely. The full effect of the alcohol may not have hit yet. If the individual has vomited, lost motor coordination, or is not coherent, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.

    Rule #3: Do not assume an unconscious person is sleeping. The individual may be suffering from alcohol poisoning.

    How can you tell the difference between being passed out and alcohol poisoning?

    There are three key symptoms that indicate alcohol poisoning.

  • 1.You cannot wake your friend, and observe that he/she has cold, clammy,or unusually pale or bluish skin.
  • 2.Slow or irregular breathing (less than eight times a minute or at least 10 seconds between breaths).
  • 3.The individual does not wake up during or after vomiting.

How can you help?

If you observe one or more of these three symptoms, call for medical help. Continue efforts to wake your friend, and make sure he/she is lying on the side of his/her body to prevent choking on vomit. Closely monitor breathing and perform CPR if breathing stops. If you do not know CPR, find someone who does. In a non-emergency situation, call the PIBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT

Consuming the juice of Bitter gourd leaves does wonders in clearing intoxication. In a glass of buttermilk add 3 tspns of this juice and drink it. It acts as a great home remedy to heal the damaged liver.

In some cases Homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicines helps a lot to Hangover and Alcohol Poisoning.

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.

Partly extracted from:https://findmeacure.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=112

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a disease/disorder, where angry red lesions on the skin , multiply, and scale over with silvery patches, Of course this is an over simplification.

But Psoriasis is non contagious, Usually inherited. It is an Autoimmune disorder and very rarely life threatening.

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The word Psoriasis has come from ancient Greece and it means itch. Red eruptions appear on the surface of the skin and begin to eatch.These areas form plaques over the reddendend lesions. The plaques resemble multi-layered scales of skin. Psoriasis varies in intensity from a few random spots to a massive outbreak sometimes covering the entire body and requiring hospitalization too.

Psoriasis has a tendency to be genetically inherited.Recently it has been classified as being an autoimmune disorder.This disorder can originate in juveniles or not be evident until adulthood.It has been reported to initiate as early as birth or not occur until very late in life.Once Psoriasis begins, there are only remissions and replaces of varying degree of intesity..There is no known cure yet,only possible control over the severity.

Psoriasis reacts.It has triggers(such as systematic step infection) which can cause the body to go from mild to severe case within days.There are also other factors,such as sunlight,which may help to decrease the severity.

Psoriasis occurs in 2% of the total population.It can be mildly annoying problem or can destroy the self-esteem and life of the victim.Although it is not at al contagious, it definitely an ugly disease that can alenate coworkers and acquitances.

Arthritis can sometimes stem from psoriasis, attacking the joint spaces,giving the victim another disease to deal with.This disease can be consuming.The ugliness of the patches,the chronic eatching and flaking(although not life threatening) impact the self-esteem and life style of the victim.Time and money are spent to keep it under control.

Treatment Advances Improve Outlook
With the emergence of several new therapies, including the biologic agents, more people are experiencing substantial improvements and reporting a greatly improved quality of life.

References:
American Academy of Dermatology. “American Academy of Dermatology’s Psoriasis Public Awareness Campaign Provides Latest Information About this Skin Condition.” Available at: http://www.newswire1.net/NW2004/C_AAD_CH/111504/index.html. Accessed April 26, 2005. American Academy of Dermatology. Psoriasis. Available at: http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/Psoriasis.htm. Accessed April 26, 2005

Topical treatment

Bath solutions and moisturizers help sooth affected skin and reduce the dryness which accompanies the build-up of skin on psoriasis plaques. Medicated creams and ointments applied directly onto psoriasis plaques can help reduce inflammation, remove built-up scale, reduce skin turn over, and clear affected skin of plaques. Ointment and creams containing coal tar, anthralin, corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues (for example, calcipotriol), and retinoids are routinely used. The mechanism of action of each is probably different but they all help to normalise skin cell production and reduce inflammation.

The disadvantages of topical agents are variabily that they can often irritate normal skin, can be awkward to apply, cannot be used for long periods, can stain clothing or have a strong odour. As a result, it is sometimes difficult for people to maintain the regular application of these medications. Abrupt withdrawal of some topical agents, particularly corticosteroids, can cause an aggressive recurrence of the condition. This is known as a rebound of the condition.

Some topical agents are used in conjunction with other therapies, especially phototherapy.

Phototherapy

It has long been recognised that daily, short, nonburning exposure to sunlight helped to clear or improve psoriasis. Niels Finsen was the first physician to investigate the theraputic effects of sunlight scientifically and to use sunlight in clinical practice. This became known as phototherapy.

Sunlight contains many different wavelengths of light. It was during the early part of the 20th century that it was recognised that for psoriasis the therapeutic property of sunlight was due to the wavelengths classified as ultraviolet (UV) light.

Ultraviolet wavelengths are subdivided into UVA (380–315 nm), UVB (315–280 nm), and UVC (< 280 nm). Ultraviolet B (UVB) (315–280 nm) is absorbed by the epidermis and has a beneficial effect on psoriasis. Narrowband UVB (311 to 312 nm), is that part of the UVB spectrum that is most helpful for psoriasis. Exposure to UVB several times per week, over several weeks can help people attain a remission from psoriasis.

Ultraviolet light treatment is frequently combined with topical (coal tar, calcipotriol) or systemic treatment (retinoids) as there is a synergy in their combination. The Ingram regime, involves UVB and the application of anthralin paste. The Goeckerman regime, combines coal tar ointment with UVB.

A form of phototherapy called Grenz Rays (also called ultrasoft X-rays or Bucky rays) was a popular treatment of psoriasis during the middle of the 20th century. This type of therapy was superseded by ultraviolet therapy and is no longer commonly used.

Photochemotherapy

Psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy (PUVA) combines the oral or topical administration of psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Precisely how PUVA works is not known. The mechanism of action probably involves activation of psoralen by UVA light which inhibits the abnormally rapid production of the cells in psoriatic skin. There are multiple mechanisms of action associated with PUVA, including effects on the skin immune system.

Dark glasses must be worn during PUVA treatment because there is a risk of cataracts developing from exposure to sunlight. PUVA is associated with nausea, headache, fatigue, burning, and itching. Long-term treatment is associated with squamous-cell and melanoma skin cancers.

Systemic treatment

Psoriasis which is resistant to topical treatment and phototherapy is treated by medications that are taken internally by pill or injection. This is called systemic treatment. Patients undergoing systemic treatment are required to have regular blood and liver function tests because of the toxicity of the medication. Pregnancy must be avoided for the majority of these treatments. Most people experience a recurrence of psoriasis after systemic treatment is discontinued.

The three main traditional systemic treatments are the immunosupressant drugs methotrexate and ciclosporin, and retinoids, which are a synthetic forms of vitamin A. Other additional drugs, not specifically licensed for psoriasis, have been found to be effective. These include the antimetabolite tioguanine, the cytotoxic agent hydroxyurea, sulfasalazine, the immunosupressants mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine and oral tacrolimus. These have all been used effectively to treat psoriasis when other treatments have failed. Although not licensed in many other countries fumaric acid esters have also been used to treat severe psoriasis in Germany for over 20 years.

Biologics[4] are the newest class of systemic treatment for psoriasis. These are manufactured proteins that interrupt the immune process involved in psoriasis. Unlike generalised immunosuppressant therapies such as methotrexate, biologics focus on specific aspects of the immune function leading to psoriasis. These drugs are relatively new, and their long-term impact on immune function is unknown. Examples include Amevive®, etanercept (Enbrel®), Humira®, infliximab (Remicade®) and Raptiva.

Alternative Therapy

  • Antibiotics are not indicated in routine treatment of psoriasis. However, antibiotics may be employed when an infection, such as that caused by the bacteria Streptococcus, triggers an outbreak of psoriasis, as in certain cases of guttate psoriasis.
  • Climatotherapy involves the notion that some diseases can be successfully treated by living in particular climate. Several psoriasis clinics are located throughout the world based on this idea. The Dead Sea is one of the most popular locations for this type of treatment.
  • In Turkey, doctor fish which live in the outdoor pools of spas, are encouraged to feed on the psoriatic skin of people with psoriasis. The fish only consume the affected areas of the skin. The outdoor location of the spa may also have a beneficial effect. This treatment can provide temporary relief of symptoms. A revisit to the spas every few months is often required.
  • Some people subscribe to the view that psoriasis can be effectively managed through a healthy lifestyle. This view is based on anecdote, and has not been subjected to formal scientific evaluation. Nevertheless, some people report that minimizing stress and consuming a healthy diet, combined with rest, sunshine and swimming in saltwater keep lesions to a minimum. This type of “lifestyle” treatment is suggested as a long-term management strategy, rather than an initial treatment of severe psoriasis.
  • Some psoriasis patients use herbology as a holistic approach that aims to treat the underlying causes of psoriasis.
  • A psychological symptom management programme has been reported as being a helpful adjunct to traditional therapies in the management of psoriasis.
  • It is possible that Epsom salt may have a positive effect in reducing the effects of psoriasis.

Future Drug Development

Historically, agents used to treat psoriasis were discovered by experimentation or by accident. In contrast, current novel therapeutic agents are designed from a better understanding of the immune processes involved in psoriasis and by the specific targeting of molecular mediators. Examples can be seen in the use of biologics which target T cells and TNF inhibitors. Future innovation should see the creation of additional drugs that refine the targeting of immune-mediators further.

Research into antisense oligonucleotides is in its infancy but carries the potential to provide novel theraputic strategies for treating psoriasis.

Prognosis

Psoriasis is a chronic lifelong condition. There is currently no cure but various treatments can help to control the symptoms. Many of the most effective agents used to treat severe psoriasis carry an increased risk of significant morbidity including skin cancers, lymphoma and liver disease. However, the majority of people’s experience of psoriasis is that of minor localised patches, particularly on the elbows and knees, which can be treated with topical medication. Psoriasis does get worse over time but it is not possible to predict who will go on to develop extensive psoriasis or those in whom the disease may appear to vanish. Individuals will often experience flares and remissions throughout their life. Controlling the signs and symptoms typically requires lifelong therapy.

“The heartbreak of psoriasis”

The phrase “the heartbreak of psoriasis” is often used both seriously and ironically to describe the emotional impact of the disease. It can be found in various advertisements for topical and other treatments; conversely, it has been used to mock the tendency of advertisers to exaggerate (or even fabricate) aspects of a malady for financial gain. (In Bloom County, the character of Opus once considered the possibility of his suffering from “the heartbreak of nose hemorrhoids.”) While many products today use the phrase in their advertising, it originated in a 1960s advertising campaign for Tegrin, a coal tar-based medicated soap.

Partly extracted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoriasis

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