Categories
Herbs & Plants

Cola acuminata

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Botanical Name : Cola acuminata
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Cola
Species: C. acuminata
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malvales

Common Names :Local name:
Cola is called differently by different tribes:

Tribe Ewondo call it Abeu and tribe Boulou call it Abel

Habitat :Cola acuminata is native to Democratic Republic of Congo.Grows in the forest areas.

Description:
Cola acuminata is an evergreen tree of about 20 meters in height. Its germination can reach 2 to 3 months at a fast rate, and has long and ovoid leaves pointed at both the ends that have a leathery texture. The trees have yellow flowers with purple spots, and star-shaped fruit. Inside the fruit, about a dozen round or square seeds can be found in a white seed shell. The nut’s aroma is sweet and rose-like. The first taste is bitter, but sweetens upon chewing. The nut can be boiled to extract the cola. This tree reaches 25 meters in height and is propagated through seeds. C. nitida and C. acuminata can easily be interchanged with other Cola species.

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Cultivation:
Originally a tree of tropical rainforest, it needs a hot humid climate but can withstand a dry season on sites with a high ground water level. It may be cultivated in drier areas where ground water is available. C. nitida is a shade bearer but develops a better spreading crown which yields more fruits in open places. Though it is a lowland forest tree it has been found at altitudes over 300 m on deep rich soils under heavy and evenly distributed rainfall.

Regular weeding is a must and this can either be done manually or by using herbicides. Some irrigation can be provided to the plants, but it is important to remove the water through an effective drainage system as excess water may prove to be detrimental for the growth of the plant. When not grown in adequate shade, the kola nut plant responds well to fertilizers. Usually, the plants need to be provided with windbreaks to protect them from strong gales.

Harvesting and storage: Kola nuts can be harvested by hand, by plucking it at the tree branch. Like in western countries and other countries of the world, it has been harvested by the use of harvesters. When kept in a cold and dry place, Kola nut can be stored for a long time.

Propagation: Usually by seed, although cuttings are sometimes used. Trees will bear in 7-10 years from seed.

Chemical constituents of kola nut:
*caffeine (2–3.5%)
*theobromine (1.0–2.5%)
*theophylline
*phenolics
*phlobaphens (kola red)
*epicatechin
*D-catechin
*tannic acid
*sugar
*cellulose
*water

Medicinal Uses:
Kola nut stimulates the central nervous system and the body as a whole.  It increases alertness and muscular strength, counters lethargy, and has been used extensively both in western African and Anglo-American herbal medicine as an antidepressant, particularly during recovery from chronic illness.  Like coffee, kola is used to treat headaches and migraine.  It is diuretic and astringent and may be taken for diarrhea and dysentery.  It will aid in states of depression and may in some people give rise to euphoric states.  Through the stimulation it will be a valuable part of the treatment for anorexia.  It can be viewed as specific in cases of depression associated with weakness and debility.

Other Uses:
In addition to its medicinal value, Cola plays a significant social role in Cameroon. Among Moslems from the north, Cola is sacred. In other communities, in particular the Bamiléké, Cola is a sign of love and friendship. Furthermore, Cola is consumed in ceremonies in particular dowry ceremonies, ‘tontines’, funerals, wake-keepings, etc. Some people consume Cola to reduce tiredness, hunger and to stay awake. Others consume it for its stimulant effect. Cola from the north is also used to tint clothing. Cola is also used in breweries (Nkongmeneck, 1985).

Kola nuts are perhaps best known to Western culture as a flavouring ingredient and one of the sources of caffeine in cola and other similarly flavoured beverages, although the use of kola (or kola flavoring) in commercial cola drinks has become uncommon. However, recently the use of Kola nut has been reintroduced, most notably in Whole Foods Market 365 Cola  as part of their trend to use natural rather than artificial ingredients. It is also used in Barr’s Red Kola, Red Bull’s new Simply Cola, Harboe Original Taste Cola, Foxon Park Kola, Blue Sky Organic Cola, Sprecher’s Puma Kola, Virgil’s Real Cola, Hansen’s Natural Original Cola, and Cricket Cola, and formerly in Royal Crown Premium. In Barbados the Kola nut is made into a sweet drink known as Clayton’s Kola Tonic.

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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cola_acuminata
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kola_nut

Click to access Cola_eng.pdf

http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/cola_nut.htm
http://www.britannica.hk/botany/kola-nut-369346.html

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_C.htm

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Categories
News on Health & Science

Pomegranate Ranked Healthiest Fruit Juice

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles have ranked 10 beverages according to their antioxidant levels.

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Currently, claims of superior antioxidant activity on beverages can be misleading, as the testing is usually based on a limited spectrum of antioxidant activities.

To get to the bottom of which beverages are best, they used four tests of antioxidant potency, a test of antioxidant functionality, and an evaluation of the total polyphenol content of polyphenol-rich beverages in the marketplace. Here is how the rankings turned out:

1. Pomegranate juice
2. Red wine
3. Concord grape juice
4. Blueberry juice
5. Black cherry juice
6. Açaí juice
7. Cranberry juice
8. Orange juice
9. Tea
10. Apple juice

A Closer Look at Antioxidant-Rich Juices

Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate is the healthiest of them all, because it contains the most of every type of antioxidant. It may protect against some cancers, such as prostate cancer. It might also modify heart disease risk factors.

Concord Grape Juice
Concord grape juice is a source of very potent antioxidants. There’s some research indicating it may be good for your heart and help reduce blood pressure.

Blueberry Juice
Blueberry juice contains lots of antioxidants and fiber, and is very high in vitamin C. There’s some indication that blueberries may have a beneficial effect on age-related cognitive abilities.

Black Cherry Juice
Not only is it high in antioxidants, but there is evidence that black cherry juice can diminish exercise-induced muscle injuries.

Cranberry Juice
It’s also high in antioxidants and vitamin C. There is evidence that it can decrease the incidence of urinary tract infections.

Sources:
Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 2008; 56(4): 1415-1422
CBS News July 5, 2008

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Categories
Health Problems & Solutions Healthy Tips

Get Rid of Your Anger

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Anger is a feeling that many of us know all too well. Some of us experience it daily, while others hold on to it for years at a time. As you likely know, anger is not at all a healthy emotion, and it doesnt make you feel good. Over time it can become self-destructive, ruining relationships and even your health…...CLICK & SEE

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This is not to say that anger is always a bad thing–anger is a natural part of living; it is a signal that something is wrong and needs your attention. Anger evokes that well-known “fight-or-flight” response, preparing us to defend ourselves physically and psychologically.

Sometimes it is required to get angry to get the job done from subordinates or for some other purposes.But this anger should just be a show only,and this is not harmful.
But if it pushes your body into an overdrive mode that is almost always unnecessary.

It is always said that Wiser and Cleaver people never get angry but shows anger.Anger always slows down the progress.A bad worker always gets angry with his tools.

When you become angry the hormones adrenaline and cortisol are released, causing your heart rate and blood pressure to increase. Also, your muscles get tense, your digestive processes stop and certain brain centers are triggered, which alters your brain chemistry.

In the long run, and sometimes even short term, this automatic response to anger can lead to a variety of health problems such as:

  • Headaches
  • Problems with digestion
  • Insomnia
  • Increased anxiety
  • Depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Skin problems, such as eczema
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke

Not only that, but anger can lead to other negative emotions like bitterness, hopelessness, futility and overall sadness. Let’s face it; it’s hard to have a good time if you are holding on to anger.It always hrms us,never does any good to any one.So the obvious answer here is: let the anger go. Get rid of it, and it will not be able to bring you down either physically or emotionally.Yes, everyone knows that this is easier said than done, of course, and while the anger management techniques may not guarantee that your life will become suddenly anger-free, they will certainly help you deal with the anger that does come along in a more healthy, proactive way.It is a fact, if you are really interested to get you free from anger, you can surely do it but with time. But your mental strength and strong wish should always be there.Let me write down some of the techniques and methods through which a person can get rid of anger and they are as follows::-

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE:
This overcomes variety of emotional changes.But you will have to learn it from some expert
.It involves tapping your body’s energy meridians and voicing specific positive affirmations about, in this case, your anger. While this may sound unusual, it works to clear the “short-circuit”–the emotional block behind your anger–from your body’s bioenergy system, thus restoring your mind and body’s balance, which is essential for optimal health and the healing of physical disease.

RELAXATION:
If you feel anger starting to take over, simply trying to relax can dissuade the negative feelings. This doesn’t mean that you should ignore your feelings. Take a step back and assess the situation. Is your anger justified? If you determine that it is, give yourself a moment to feel hurt, frustrated or annoyed, but don’t let it consume you.Always try to control your mind,never allow your mind to overtake you in getting angry which will never do any good to you.
There are simple steps that you can use daily to overcome anger. These include:

  • Slow, deep breathing
  • Imagining a peaceful scene
  • Relaxation exercises, such as yoga poses

After awhile you’ll see that these steps become automatic reactions, and you won’t even have to think about doing them when anger confronts you.

EMPATHISE:
Don’t let the source of your anger get the better of you. If someone makes you angry, try viewing the situation from his or her angles. Looking at things from a different perspective may make it easier to understand why the situation is occurring, and it may help you to calm down if you come up with a reasonable explanation.

EXERCISE:
Physical activity is a great way to reduce angry feelings. It gives you a chance to focus your mind on something else and once your body is hard at work you will be less likely to obsess over angry feelings.

Vigorous activities such as running and kickboxing are healthy ways to release angry energy that has built up. Follow the intense portion of your workout with something soothing, such as meditation or yoga, to help you relax.

STAY AWAY FROM ARTIFICIAL STIMULANTS:
Stimulants like sugar,caffeine and nicotine speed up the nervous and cardiovascular systems, which can add to the symptoms of anger. If you have recurrent problems with anger, staying away from these items can help. Avoiding them will also produce other health benefits beyond anger reduction.

ACCORDING TO ME IF SOME REALLY WANTS TO GET RID OF ANGER AND WANTS TO GET MENTAL PEACE, ONE SHOULD TRY TO DEVELOP THREE QUALITIES WITHIN AND THEY ARE LOVE,SACRIFICE AND FORGIVEFULLNESS.

There are Good things and Bad things, Beautiful thing and Ugly things, one should accept Good things,admire them, enjoy the beautiful things but never hate bad or ugly things.Because anger develops from hate, if one wants, may avoid them to get mental peace.We should always remember that for all circumstances we get into trouble are created temporarily and the time resolves it.Nonviolent Peaceful Solution is the best way to handle personal problems.Even the toughest problem can be solved permanently through this process.
Anger Management: A Simple –Twelve-Step Program

1. Accept that most things in the world are out of your control.

2. Accept that it is your choice to get angry about those things.

3. No one makes you angry.

4. Life is unfair. Waste no energy lamenting or trying to change that fact.

5. No one likes to be around an angry person. No one feels like helping an angry person.

6. So why be angry? Maybe you really don’t want your problems solved. Maybe you just want to complain and wail and gnash your teeth.

7. Take stock of yourself. What do you want?

8. You should smile more. Your face won’t break.

9. Anger is a weed; hate is the tree. –St. Augustine

10. Anger makes a rich man hated and a poor man scorned. –Thomas Fuller

11.It is always wise to see the good side of every person you meet with.

12.Try to avoid the persons you dislike..

(Help taken from :http://www.mercola.com/2003/aug/9/anger.htm)

Categories
Home remedies

Home Remedies

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Home remedies sometimes give unexpected result to cure several  ailments.I therefore,tried to gather information of some of them and noted down .It will be a great pleasure for me if any one of them comes useful to some one.

FOR ABORTION:
2 Gms. of Tender leaves of Babool
2 Cups of Water

Boil it so that water becomes one cup. Strain, add Misri to taste. Use this 2/3 days once a day to check abortion.

FOR Acidity and Indigestion :

Roast one teaspoon each of dry cumin seeds and caraway seeds of ajwain in a pan. Add one-cup water and boil till it is reduced to half its quantity. Strain and add sugar to taste. Drink one teaspoon for relief from acidity and indigestion.
Arthritis/Gout: 1.Boil mustard oil (10ml) with one moderate pack of Garlic bulb, apply on the affected parts 3/4/ times a day.

2.Massage with camphor oil ¾ times a day on the affected parts.

3.Apply warm mustard oil on the affected parts at the time of bed rest and cover them with Dhatura leaves overnight. Keep doing it for 15 days. Repeat again as per need.

4.Massage with Turpentine oil/Eucalyptus oil 3/4 times a day on the affected part. Cover that portion with a wet towel and gradually pour hot water (not very hot) from the kettle on it. You may experience great relief.

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Bad Breath:Parsley leaves are rich in chlorophyll, nature’s own deodorizer. Chew some leaves regularly and your breath will remain fresh. Alternatively, you can chew some cardamom seeds to sweeten your breath.

Beautification of Lips:Massage your lips with coriander leaf juice for soft and rosy results.

Bleeding Gums:Take lemon juice in a glass of water daily for 3/4 days. Also gargle with salt.

Bruises:Slice a raw onion and place over the bruise. But do not apply this over grave injuries.

click to see:Topical Skin Cancer Treatment Home Remedy Formulations

Cataract:1 Gram of Tobacco leaves
4 Grams of Arandi ka Tel
Mix this material to very fine paste and keep it in a small bottle. Apply it to eyes with the help of a needle daily.

Catarrh :To get releif from congestion, mix a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water and sip frequently.

Chills:Instead of your regular hot tea or coffee, have a glass of hot water mixed with honey and lemon. Put a teaspoon of honey, lemon juice and a little grated ginger in a glass and add hot water stir & drink.

Cholera :Mix powdered red pepper with honey and prepare fine small pellets (equal to 1/2 pea size). Use 2 pellets when patient feels extreme weakness. It will bring dramatic relief in 2/3 days.

Cold :Drink plenty of lime juice everyday as the ascorbic acid (Vitamic C) content of lime helps heal wounds quickly, maintain your teeth, helps also hair, nails and complexion in good condition and guard against catching colds.

Constipation:
1.The best way to deal with constipation is to change food habits. Milk, boiled vegetables, fruits and their juices should be taken in large quantities together with foods containing a lot of roughage & fibrous matter.

2.10g of Senna leaves and 5g of Aniseed should be boiled in a cup of water with sugar, then strained and drunk before retiring for the night.

3.Half a litre of milk mixed with 50g of khand taken at night will give relief.

4.Another remedy is to eat 40g of Gulkand with milk everyday.

5.If these remedies fail to give relief, 6g of the Rind of Harr should be finely powdered and mixed with a little luke warm water and salt be taken.

6.Take bathu ka saag during the season for getting rid of obstinate constipation.

7.Simply eat a few liquorice sticks. One of its many properties is that it is a natural laxative.

8.If you have often constipation, eat more ladyfinger(OKRA) ‘Sabji’(AS VEGETABLE).


Cough:
1. Dip pieces of one medium size onion in 10ml of pure honey, leave it overnight. Remove the pieces and take one spoon juice 3 times a day.

Muli as vegetable

Anar & Angur juice

Liv-52 Tablet, 2 tablet 3 times a day

Take rest.

2. If you’re suffering from a nagging cough or chest congestion, boil three cups water with two fresh betal leaves & four crushed peppercorns, till the water is reduced to half. Strain and drink it every morning and night with a teaspoon of honey added to it.

3.1 Gram of White pepper
250 Mgs. of Misri
Grind these items to a very fine powder. Now mix it with one tsp Malai and take it bit by bit rather lick it gradually.

4.First cut an onion or several flakes of garlic into thin slice. Cover the slices with honey and leaves for two to three hours. Drink a spoonful of the resulting juice throughout the day.

Cough, Nausea and Vomiting :Take half a cup of onion juice mixed with two teaspoons of honey for relief from cough, nausea & vomiting.

Cracked Skin :Apply a mixture of grated potato soaked in olive oil. Leave this for 10 minutes and then rinse off.

Cuts/Wounds:Sprinkle powdered Mehndi or

Sprinkle powdered Haldi

Dandruff :Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the henna mixture before applying it on your hair if you want, dark copper colour. This also helps to get rid of dandruff and leaves your hair shining.

FOR DIARRHEA: 1.When Diarrhea is a constant problem,eat Archway Coconut Macaroon Cookies

2.A strong cup of unsweetened black tea is effective in stopping diarrhoea

.3.Another quick remedy is to peel apple and shred it. Keep the shredded pieces in a plate for approx. 20 minutes until they turn brown in colour, and then eat them.

Diarrhoea/Indigestion/Gas:Saunf and Dhania is to be mixed in equal proportion, powdered and a small amount of Misri or Khand is added. 2 tsp is to be taken morning and evening. This will stop diarrhoea/indigestion/gas formation and is helpful to eyes.

Dog-bite :
In case of dog-bite, first apply mustard oil on that part and then pack it with red pepper powder. It will check disease from spreading even if the dog is rabid.

Dropsy/Liver Inflammation :Leaves of Kasondi (1g) and Kali mirch (7) is ground together in water and filtered. Filtrate is to be taken morning and evening for one week (each time 1g kasondi & 7 kali mirch).

Dysentery : A teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a glass of lukewarm water will bring relief immediately.

Dysentery/Tenusmus/Diarrhoea : Grind whole plant of Duddhi in water. Strained water extract (half cup) if taken 2/3 times a day gives quick relief.

Grind a lemon (including the seeds and the rind) to a paste, with a little salt. It makes an effective cure for diarrhoes.

Hari Harr & choti Harr half roasted in over and powdered. This powder, mixed with a pinch of black salt, if taken three times (1/2 tsp) will bring prompt relief.

Ecyzema : Apply garlic juice & lemon juice to the affected place. It will clear fungus infection.

Eczema/fungus infection of nails, hand & feet will be cleared with the use of Mehndi (Use continuously for a week). Avoid excess indulgence in water.

Use of tulsi leaves and lemon juice to the infected part will also cure eczema.

Enuresis (Passing Urine at Night) : Chewing one teaspoon of black sesame seeds (til) before going to bed is a sure shot treatment for such problem.

Eye Sight : One small piece of haldi is kept in lemon and when it dries, haldi is taken out & put in second fresh lemon and when it dries it is further kept in third/fourth lemon. Now, Haldi is ground with one/two drops of water & applied on the eyes with the help of a needle for 7/10 days or as needed.

Eyebrow in Perfect Shape ; Put a little warm castor oil on scanty eyebrows. This will enhance their growth.

Face Cream: 1/2 Cup of Channa ka atta (besan)
1 Tsp of Haldi Powder
1/4 to 1/2 Cups of Mustard Oil
Mix all these materials to a semi-solid paste and apply it on your face. It will bring marvelous glow on your skin. It can be used on hands & legs also.

Fever : Mix equal number of leaves of Tulsi, Neem and Lemon grass plus 7-10 black pepper. Boil it like making tea. Strain the water and drink 3/4 times a day.

Fever/Headache/Bodyache/malaria : Take 5 Leaves of Ghiraita,5 Leaves of Neem leaves, 10 Leaves of Tulsi, 5 Leaves of Lemon Grass and 10-15 Leaves of Black pepper
Mix all, boil & strain, add sugar to taste. Take half cup 3 times a day
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Files :
While going to toilet, put a medium piece of Alum (Fitkari) in water. Use this water after the toilet. Repeat till relief.

For all kinds of Fever :
Gilo (Gurach)-one gram is powdered and dipped in water. Water is strained and divided in two doses. Mix each dose with a spoon of sugar and take morning and evening. Better if Ajwain (250mg.) is also added to Gilo.

For Angina and Ischaemic Heart Disease ; Puskarmula

Arjun

Kut

Prishnaparini

Guggulu

Above plants are equally powdered and 10g powder is left overnight in a cup of water and taken in the morning.

For Body Resistance to Disease :
A mixture of Amla, Harr, Bahera and herb Giloya (1:1:1:1) if taken regularly makes the person immune to illness.

For Cold : 10 Leaves of Tulsi 2 Tsp of Honey
Make paste of leaves and mix with honey. Taken in the morning, it will keep out cold & cough away and will also help in bringing down blood pressure.

For General Debility : Sage is an excellent pick-me-up. Take 100g of fresh sage leaves and soak them in a bottle of white wine for two weeks. Add honey for sweetening and leave for an extra 24 hours. Use a muslin cloth for straining, making sure your press as you strain. Collect the solution in a bottle and drink a little before meals.

For Malaria :
10 Leaves of Tulsi
5 Leaves of Bhang
10-15 Leaves of Kali-mirch
Grind the above mixture to a paste and make pea size pellets. Dry it in shade. Take Two pellets three times a day.

For Nausea : Lime Water at the time of nausea will be helpful.

Soft kheera should be eaten gradually to get rid of obstinate nauseatic condition.

For Purifying Blood :
A Plant commonly called Mundi, its aqueous extract (one cup) daily purifies the blood.

For Vigour :
2 Tsp of Onion Juice
2 Tsp of Honey
1 Tsp of Adrak Juice
To be taken twice, morning and evening for ten or fifteen days.

For Vigour & Strength

2 Tsp of Onion Juice
2 Tsp of Honey
2 Tsp of Desi-ghee

Mix the above materials and warm it on stove, add Misri and take once in the morning for 15 days.

Gas/Giddiness :
1 Gram of Dhania Powder
250 Mgs. of Khand
Mix these two materials in the said ratio and keep it in a container, use two tsp after each meal with water.

Habitual Abortion : Grind fresh flowers of Anar (2g) to a fine paste. Add a little water and filter. Add sugar to taste in filtrate and use it morning and evening (taking 2g flower each time) for three days.

Haemoglobin : Prepare leafy vegetable ‘Sabji’ in an iron ‘Kadhai’. It will taste good. The ‘Kadhai’ is a good source of iron which is required to increase haemoglobin in blood.

Hair loss : 1. Don’t throw away lemon rinds, orange peels and pomegranate skin. Just dry them in the sun and grind to a fine powder. Mix this powder in coconut oil and apply to your hair to prevent hair loss and for glossy hair.

2. The Scottish dermatologists stated that “Cedarwood, lavender, thyme, and rosemary oils have hair growth-promoting properties. These oils have been anecdotally used to treat alopecia [baldness] for more than 100 years.Thyme vulgaris (2 drops, 88 mg), Lavandula angustifolia (3 drops, 108 mg), Rosmarinus officinalis (3 drops, 114 mg), and Cedrus atlantica (2 drops, 94 mg). These oils were mixed in a carrier oil, which was a combination of jojoba, 3 ml, and grape seed, 20 ml, oils … The oils were massaged into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes. A warm towel was then wrapped around the head to aid absorption of the oils. Patients were advised to use this technique every night.

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Healthy & Glowing Hair; Extract the juice of the aloe-vera plant and rub it into your scalp. This ensures the healthy growth of hair.

For glowing hair, grind a few whole green grams, lemon peels, a handful of curry leaves and a few “rithas” to a paste and apply to the hair before washing off.

Hiccups: Roast some peppercorns and breathe deeply. Your hiccups will stop at once.

High B.P.: 1.If your are suffering from high blood pressure, try this remedy. Boil two cups water with 10 to 15 basil leaves, a few peppercorns and a little sugar. Strain and drink it thrice a day.

High Blood Pressure :
5 Cloves of Garlic
5 Leaves of Tulsi
4 Tsp of Honey
Make a paste of above ingredients and eat once in the morning without taking anything.

Eat two bananas daily to balance excess sodium in the body. Banana contains enough potassium to cut ill effects of sodium (we use as common salt).

2. To control high blood pressure, mix equal quantities of onion juice and honey and take one teaspoon every day in the morning.

Hoarse Voice : Sprinkle common salt on the small pieces of adrak. Take the pieces gradually one by one.

Indigestion : Place a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger into a pan and add a cup of water. Cover and allow it to simmer for five minutes. Strain the contents & drink.

Insect Bite : To cure an insect bite apply any balm on it. It will relieve you of the itchy sensation.

Click for:-> Home Remedies for INFERTILITY MEN / WOMEN

Kidney Problem : Dry tulsi seeds and grind them with an equal quantity of sugar. One spoon of this powder, taken every morning, is good for the kidney.

Leprosy : 1 Gms. of Red Pepper (Powdered)
2.5 Gms. of Ghee
Mix and keep the above in a small container. Use it on the affected part 2/3 times a day. It will bring good results.

Leucoderma or White Spot on Skin :
(if it is senseless, it could be leprosy then do not use this prescription)
Eat Bathu ka sag daily during the season in form of Roti or Dall-sag and use its juice over spots daily at least 2/3 times. Eat Anjir regularly for a month.

Liver Problem : To maintain your liver in a good condition, eat a refrigerated pineapple slice dipped in honey, twice a day.

Losing Hairs : A mixture of almond oil, olive oil and castor oil in equal proportions acts as an excellent hair tonic.

Lovely Eyes : Place cotton wool swabs dipped in cold milk on closed eyes to soothe the eyes and remove dark circles.

Triphalla (Amla+Harr+Bahera) soaked in water overnight then boiled & filtered. The filtrate to be applied to the eyes along with rose water.

 

Malaria:Eating a leaf or two of tulsi takes care of many disorders specifically works wonders during complex diseases like malaria.

Malnurtrition: Banana is a complete food. It has all the ingredients necessary for body’s nutrition, growth & strength. So, it is specially recommended for children and old people. But it causes a little bit constipation so, it should be taken with black pepper & salt.

Medicinal Value of Basil Leaves : For immediate relief from toothache, take two basil leaves, a grin of salt and a pinch of pepper powder and press against the affected tooth.

Mix equal quantities of basil juice, honey, and caraway seed (Ajwain) juice and drink on an empty stomach if you are suffering from cough.

Migrain:

click to see: Home Migraine Remedies

Motion Sickness :
Chewing a couple of cloves while traveling will relieve motion sickness.

Nails :For glossy and strong nails, soak them in a mixture of lemon juice & glycerine.

Nausea : Powdered cinnamon and sliced ginger work by interrupting nausea signals sent from the stomach to the brain. If you are a herbal tea drinker, simply sprinkle powdered cinnamom on the tea and drink. You can also drink ginger-tea to check nausea.

Nausea & Stomach Ailments : Eat a slice of fresh ginger after each meal to protect yourself, from stomach ailments. For immediate relief from nausea, chew salted dry ginger sticks.

Nausea/Bile : Eat a slice of fresh ginger after each meal to protect yourself, from stomach ailments. For immediate relief from nausea, chew salted dry ginger sticks.

Nose Bleeds:Dip a cotton bud in rose water and dab it on to the inside of your nostrils to stop the bleeding.

Nosebleed : Stop nosebleeds by putting a few drops of pomegranate juice into your nostrils.

Preventing Insects in books: Place neem leaves in your books to prevent them from being attacked by insects.

Burn neem leaves in the courtyard or garden to keep mosquitoes away.

Skin Beautification :Banana is a natural skin whitener. Mash a ripe banana and apply it on the face and neck, and your tan colour will fade away.

Smelly Feet : Soak your feet in strong tea for 20 minutes every day until smell disappears. To prepare your footbath, brew two tea bags in 500 ml of water for 15 minutes and pour the tea into a basin containing two litres of cool water.

Sore Throat:
1. Drink tea with a pinch of pepper to get relief from bad throat.
2.Powder peppercorns and basil leaves and dry them in the shade. Use this powder to make black tea.

Spots: Herbs like tea tree oil and lavender oil, both antiseptics, can be applied neatly and quickly to pimples.

Sprain : Add a tsp of salt to two tsp turmeric powder and boil with a little water to obtain a thick paste. Apply while still hot over sprain.

Stomach Belches: Eat a small piece of jaggery after eating radish you can avoid unpleasant belches.

Stomach Upsets : 1. For quick relief from an upset stomach, chew a spoonful of ‘ajwain’ (fennel seeds) with little black salt.

2.5 Leaves of Tulsi
Few pieces of Adrak
10-15 pieces of Black Pepper
Boil these material. Strain and drink 2/3 times (half cup).

Tea : Tea is a wonderful drink. Brew your tea slowly, it takes three-four minutes for the anti-oxidants to make their way into the water. Anti-oxidants delay ageing.

Thirst : Eat a cardamom or two, especially during long journeys, to avoid feeling thirsty.

Tired Eyes :Lavender oil offers gentle relief for tired and strained eyes. Add a drop lavender oil to 500ml of water & shake the solution well. Dip two cotton wool pads in the liquid, squeeze out the excess water and place one pad over each eye (Don’t use contact lenses at this time).

To Check Bleeding :Sprinkle powdered haldi and henna over the oozing blood. This will stop flow of blood immediately.

To Stop Oozing Blood : Sprinkle haldi powder, flowing of blood will be stopped.

Toothache : 1.Cloves are excellent painkillers. You can either chew one, or place it near the tooth. As the juices flow and mix with saliva, they numb the gum and alleviate pain.

2.Take one teaspoon ginger juice, a little edible camphor, a little honey and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture for a second and apply it on the aching tooth. You will get immediate relief.

3.A paste made of finely ground leaves of Tulsi should be warmed a little and applied to the aching tooth.

Ginger ground into a paste with a pinch of salt also relieves toothache.

Applying clove oil is also effective.

Brush your teeth with dried, powdered leaves of Tulsi to strengthen gums and prevent pain & pyrrohoea.

Brush your teeth after each meal to keep away dental problems.

Avoid chewing tobacco, pan-masala and other similar items to avoid early decay.

Wash and dry neem leaves. Grind them to a fine powder. Sprinkle this powder over the toothpaste before brushing your teeth. You will never have complaints of tooth decay or any mouth diseases.

4.For instant relief from severe toothache, press a little turmeric powder into the tooth.

Toxicity :
To check if mushrooms are poisonous, boil them in water along with a few garlic flakes. If water turns black they are poisonous.

Warts :Place some chopped onions in a dish, cover with salt and leave overnight. Twice a day apply resulting juice to the warts until they disappear.

FOR ARTHRITIS:1.A scientist noticed that when he got up out of his chair after watching a football game, his arthritis pain was greatly diminished.During the course of the game he had consumed a six-pack of diet soda containing aspartame. Putting two and two together, he thought this artificial sweetener might have contributed to his relief.
This research was published in the very respectable scientific journal, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

2.Empty a packet sundried raisins into a bowl and pour in just enough gin to cover the raisins. Allow the gin to evaporate (about one week) and then place the moist raisins in a jar with a lid .Eat nine raisins a day. They go well on cereal, and it will help to get rid of Arthritis.

3. Purchase Certo in the canning section of your local grocery. It is a thickening agent used to make jams and jellies. Certo contains pectin, a natural ingredient found in the cell walls of plants.
There are two recipes: Take 2 teaspoons of Certo in 3 ounces of grape juice three times a day. As the pain disappears, this can be reduced to 1 teaspoon in juice twice a day.
4. Take turmeric pills and arthritis pain will disappear.Turmeric powder can also be eaten along with morning cereal.

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FOR WARTS:1. Tape a small piece of banana skin (with the fleshy side towards the wart) over the wart at bedtime. Leave it on overnight. Some people report that warts given this treatment daily disappear within weeks.

2.Research on duct tape was published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (Oct. 2002). Parents were told to cover the wart with a piece of duct tape for six days. If it fell off, they were to replace it.
At the end of the six days, they removed the tape, soaked the wart in warm water and then filed it down with an emery board. The duct tape was replaced the following day and the process was repeated for two months or until the wart disappeared.

In this study, 85 percent of the children treated with duct tape were cured. Most warts disappeared within the first month. In fact, the study found that duct tape worked better than freezing warts off.In this study, 85 percent of the children treated with duct tape were cured. Most warts disappeared within the first month. In fact, the study found that duct tape worked better than freezing warts off.

FOR CUTS:1.Sprinkle black paper dust on the cut .The bleeding stopped almost instantly, and the cut healed with barely a scar.

2. Leak the cut with your own tongue, put your own saliva on the cut let it dry,do this 3 or 4 times, your cut will be healed soon.

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FOR ASTHMA: During Asthma attack if you donot have inhaler in hand,or not available, drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee.It will give instant relief.Caffeine is very similar to a tried-and-true asthma medicine called theophylline.

FOR VAGINAL DRYNESS: Vaginal dryness is a common problem after menopause or certain cancer treatments. Finding an acceptable sexual lubricant can be a challenge.One
couple who used an old-fashioned moisturizing hand lotion called Corn Huskers for twenty-five years. They said it is slippery but not greasy and stays where you put it. Corn Huskers contains guar gum and algin as well as glycerin, an ingredient also found in personal lubricants such as Replens, Astroglide, Maxilube, or K-Y Jelly.

FOR FLATULENCE: A cup of fennel seed tea two or three times daily helps to get rid of flatulence. To make fennel seed tea, slightly crush a teaspoon of fennel seeds and pour boiling water over them.

One tablespoon of flaxseed powder in a glass of juice twice a day, together with two capsules of fennel seed two or three times a day will cure serious gas problem.

FOR INDIGESTION:

Parsley
A very effective and refreshing indigestion remedy is parsley. Eat about 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley, or a few sprigs of fresh parsley and chase it down with a glass of water.

Celery
Some swear that eating a stick of celery at the first signs of indigestion works like a charm.

Potato
Some people claim that the quickest indigestion remedy is raw potato. When hit with indigestion, take a raw potato and eat a small piece about the size of your whole thumb. Chew it up real good and swallow it.

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FOR CONSTIPATION:1. Flaxseed is rich in soluble fiber. Some one has found a way to utilize this property to prevent constipation: Put three quarts of water on to boil, add two tablespoons of flax seed and simmer for fifteen minutes. Then cool it and strain it into containers. (It makes just over two quarts.) With two ounces in orange juice every morning, constipation will be over.

2. Drink every morning a teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey mixed in 8 ounces of warm water.This will act as a cure to your constipation. Try it and it will work.

3. 1 cup applesauce 1 cup coarse, unprocessed bran 3/4 cup prune juice
Mix all the ingredients together. They will turn into a pasty, stiff glop about the consistency of peanut butter. After mixing, it should be kept refrigerated. Take one or two tablespoons daily and wash it down with a full eight ounces of water.

FOR COLD:1.Grind about half an inch of fresh ginger root into a paste and place in a mug. Add boiling water and “steep” for several minutes. Strain the clear liquid into another mug, sweeten, and sip.Your symptoms start to subside within about twenty minutes. Drink this in the morning and evening, and your cold usually will get better by the second day.

2. A very good protection against Cold is to eat CHICKEN ADOBO, a Philippine chicken dish. Make it as follows:
6 pcs. Chicken 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup white vinegar 6″ piece fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced thin 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 or 3 tablespoons brown sugar
Combine all ingredients in a casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 5 minutes.

3.Tamarind-pepper rasam is also considered an effective home remedyfor a cold in South India. Dilute 50 mg tamarind in 250 ml of water. Boil the diluted tamarind water for a few minutes with a teaspoon of hot ghee and half a teaspoon of black pepper powder. This steaming hot rasam has a flushing effect, and should be taken three times a day. As one takes it, the nose and eyes water and the nasal blockage is cleared.

FOR SEA SICKNESS OR BOAT SICKNESS: Sit keeping your spine straight,take a deep breath through nose,hold it for 2to3 seconds and release it very slowly through you mouth.Do this for 3 to 4 times and then drink a glass of worm water. Your sickness will be over within 5 minutes.

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FOR ITCHES: If you let the hot water tap run for a few minutes this should be about right. A few seconds’ exposure is all you need to produce several hours of relief from the itches. The water needs to be hot enough to be slightly uncomfortable but not so hot that it burns (120-130 degrees Fahrenheit).

FOR NOSEBLEEDS: Put cold keys down the back of your neck.. Within seconds the bleeding will stop. I don’t know how this trick works, but I am sure it works.

FOR DANDRUFF:Apply listerine mixed with baby oil on your hair. Within 2 to 3 days you will get rid of dandruff.

FOR LICE: Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash contains essential oils including thymol, eucalyptol, menthol and methyl salicylate. It also has 26.9 percent alcohol, which may kill lice. An expert in lice treatment confided to us that alcohol does seem to be toxic to lice, so that may partially explain your success. Breathing in the mist may not be safe, so anyone who tries this technique should be extra cautious to protect a child’s face from the aerosol spray.

FOR TOENAIL FUNGUS:
Toenail fungus can be cured using a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and Listerine. Combine them in a quart jar with a screw-on lid and used a clean paintbrush to apply the liquid to the affected toes morning and nightThen put your socks on to keep it acting a while longer and protect the bed sheets at night. The fungus took about three months to clear up. It is slow growing, but is also slow to cure.
The herbal ingredients in Listerine may have anti-fungal properties, but home remedies rarely come with specific guidelines..

Many people have reported success soaking infected nails in one part vinegar to two parts water. Others got good results soaking their toes in Listerine. Such remedies won’t work for everyone and take several months to produce results.

FOR STINGS: 1.Mix 1/4 teaspoon of Meat tenderizer with 1 teaspoon of water to make a paste. Smearing this on a bee or wasp sting relieves the pain.

2. Cut an onion from the middle portion, hold it on the sting for about 20 minutes,it will take away the pain and stop swelling too.

FOR BACK PAIN:

Valerian

This is one of the most relaxing back pain remedies because it actually affects the nervous system. Take 20 drops of tincture every 2 hours per day, or two 250 mg capsules four times per day.

Cayenne Pepper

Because cayenne pepper, or red pepper contains capsaicin, a very potent pain relieving chemical, it is one of the most effective back pain remedies. Mash up a red pepper and apply it directly on the painful area of your back.

You can also take the mashed up red pepper and add it to any common, all natural, skin or body lotion, until the mixture starts to turn dark pink, and apply that to the area where the back pain is located.

Peppermint Lavender Rosemary Oil

Mix 4 drops of peppermint oil, lavender oil and rosemary oil with 1/2 ounce of safflower oil. This is one of the most soothing back pain remedies. Warm up the mixture and use it as an oil-rub to massage the affected area.

All three major ingredients will relieve inflammation, prevent muscle spasms, and decrease back pain.

Fire And Ice

Ice helps reduce swelling and strain of the back muscles. Apply an ice pack to the affected area and massage the area for about 10 minutes, every 3 hours, for 2 to 3 days. This combination of ice and heat is another one of the more soothing back pain remedies.

After applying ice for about 3 days, switch to heat. Place a soft towel into a large bowl of mildly hot water.Wring it out and while laying on your stomach, apply the warm towel to the affected area where the back pain is located.

Put some plastic wrap over that, and then apply a heating pad, set to medium, over the plastic wrap. Now place something rather heavy on top of the heating pad, like a telephone book, to create a bit of pressure.

Turmeric
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties make it one of the better back pain remedies. Take 400 mg of extract in capsule form 3 times per day.

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FOR ATHLETE’S FOOT: Let your dog lick the portion of your leg pains.You will get rid of pain soon.Dog saliva does have some antimicrobial properties. Dutch researchers have identified compounds in human saliva called histatins that have antifungal activity. Canine saliva may also have similar properties.But never try this remedy if the skin is broken, however, since dogs can carry bacteria in their mouths.

FOR CANKER SORE: Take a tablespoon of sauerkraut juice in your mouth and swish it around morning and night, then swallow it. Do this twice a day and the canker sores
should go away.

FOR LEG CRAMPS: Put a bar of soap under the bottom sheet near your legs. And get rid of leg cramp.

FOR HICK CUPS: Just put a spoon of sugar under your tongue and get rid of hick cups.

FOR SWEATY PLUMS & SOLES :Boil five tea bags in a quart of water for five minutes. When the solution cools, soak your hands or feet for twenty to thirty minutes nightly.

FOR UNDER ARM ORDER: Wash under arms with vinegar mixed in water,and you will be oder free all day.Diluted vinegar should be applied only to unbroken skin (not after shaving), or it will sting. If it causes any rash or other reaction, it should be discontinued immediately.

FOR BODY ODOR:1. One of the best body odor remedies is arnica because it actually kills the odor producing bacteria. Apply arnica cream instead of a commercial deodorant. This can be found in most health food stores.

2. Eat 1 teaspoon of fresh parsley with each meal. As an alternative to the fresh stuff, take one 500 mg capsule each day.

FOR FUNGUS: Toenail fungus can be unsightly. Try soaking the infected nails for at least fifteen to thirty minutes daily. The recipe: one part vinegar to two parts warm water. Allow six weeks to see a cure.

ACNE, BLACKHEADS, AND PIMPLES:

  • Dab a small amount of toothpaste (paste, not gel) on pimples before bed; this helps dry out the pimples.
  • Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and rose water, apply to face with a cotton ball, and allow to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. 15-20 days of this application helps cure pimples and also helps to remove blemishes and scars.
  • Apply fresh lemon juice on the affected area overnight. Wash off with warm water next morning.
  • For acne that hasn’t seemed to respond to anything, steep 2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10-20 minutes, cool, and apply to affected area with a cotton ball.

A few more Home Remedies are written below:
1.FOR CLEAR AND GLOWING SKIN: –
Powder, equal portions of green gram and Bengal gram with a fist full of fenugreek seeds and preserve. When needed,ix the required quantity of this powder mixture in plain water and apply all over the body before bathing. Take bath without applying any soap. This is a special skin cleaning powder. Regular uses of this mixture not only clean the body but also make it glow.
It is ideal to massage the skin, especially face with curd, as it tones up dry and oily skin
Mixture of curd and Bengal gram paste with a little turmeric is very effective facemask.
Cut a ripe lemon fruit into two. Gently massage the face with one half. Squeeze the other half in a glass of water and drink it with a pinch of rock salt. Continue this for seven to eight weeks. This will remarkably improve the appearance of the skin by removing greasiness and lighting the colours.

2. FOR FAIR COMPLEXION: –
Those who are really concerned about skin colour consume a tablespoonful of honey in lemon juice daily. This improves complexion, because honey is rich in B complex factors. Eat lot of carrots, lime, cucumber, onion, fenugreek and coconut possibly fresh. Also if possible take an amla a day. Vitamin ‘C’ rich gooseberry (amla) lightens skin colour. Drink liberal amount of water, juice and like fluids. These will improve the complexion to a great extend.

3.FOR PIMPLES: –
Applying basil juice mixed with lemon juice in equal portion on the pimples, cures them effectively
Remove the outer layer of juicy onion. Soak it in salt solution for a couple of hours. After removing the onion from the salt solution, slice it or grate it, apply the onion juice gently on the face also apply rub the sliced onion the on septic spots. This is an effective cure & preventive for the frequent, septic pimples.

4.FOR LICE INFESTATION: –
Lice in children affect their growth. And using pesticide or chemical oriented medicines to remove lices is very harmful. Here is an easy effective home remedy. Put a pinch of camphor in coconut oil and use it as hair oil. Apply paste of fenugreek seeds as a medicine once in a week and wash the child’s hair with very dilute camphor water the lices will just vanish away.
This tow or three times in fifteen days. This will help to get rid of Lice.
5. FOR DANDRUFF: –
Human hairy problems should be handled delicately whether it is hair falling or dandruff or lice. Synthetic based modern shampoos do no good but lot of harm. Here are some very beneficial home remedies for the hair problems.

Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds in water, over night. Ground the seeds Into a fine paste. Apply this paste all over the head and leave it for half an hour. Wash the hair With soap nut Powder.

Regular use of lemon juice for the last rinse of hair while bathing prevents Dandruff
Twice the week, washing the hair with green gram powder mixed with curd Is also very useful in getting rid of dandruff.
6. FOR BALDNESS: –
There is some simple, harmless, home treatment for the sudden, patchy loss of hair. These home treatments are effective in stimulating reappearance of hair in the bald patches.

*Lemon seeds and black pepper seeds are ground to get a fine paste in plain water or ginger juice. This fine paste is applied on the patches twice a day for a few weeks. With a mild, irritant action, this remedy increases blood circulation and stimulates hair growth.

*Small piece of liquorice (mulathi) ground in milk with a pinch of saffron, as a paste and applied all over the bald patches at bed time for a few weeks, stimulates hair growth.

7.FOR INSECT BITE OR STING: –
*For scorpion sting, applying juice of mango leaf on the spot and given the leaf decoction to consume is a very effective and easy cure.

*Tulsi or holy basil leaves juice given orally and applied on the spot of sting an effective curative for any sting or bite.

* For wasp sting or some insect bite, rubbing lemon piece or onion slices with force is useful in decreasing the effect of poison.

* If there is swelling on the spot of any bite or sting, applying dry ginger paste with curd (little warm) is very effective to subsides the swelling quickly.

*Rubbing fenugreek powder over the area of the stings or bite also removes the harmful effects of the poison.

Home Remedies for Vinegar for itchy scalp,fennel seeds after meals helps to avoid flatulence and rinsing through nasal passages with a homemade saline solution to get rid of sinus trouble

Home Remedies With Herbs

Click for more Home Remedies

Natural Home Remedy for Arthritis Relief
Home Remedy for Acne
Home Remedy for Cold
Home Remedy for Cough
Home Remedy for Psoriasis
Home Remedy for Stubborn Cold Sore
Home Remedy for Constipation
Home Remedy for Heartburn
Home Remedy for Hemorrhoids
Home Remedy for Nasal Congestion
Home Remedy for Boil
Home Remedy for Canker Sore
Home Remedy for Ear Ache
Home Remedy for Ear Infection
Home Remedy for Fever Blister
Home Remedy for Fleas
Home Remedy for Head Louse
Home Remedy for Passing Drug Test
Home Remedy for Pimples
Home Remedy for Pink Eye
Home Remedy for Sore Throat
Home Remedy for Toothache
Ring Worms Home Remedy
The Benefits of Natural Home Remedies
Simple Solutions that Work: Home Remedy

Share Your Experiences

You may click & See also;

 *Alternative medicine
 *Herbal medicine
*Old wives’ tale
*Traditional medicine
 *Tamagozake
 *Folk medicine
 *Bates method

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.

References:

http://www.peoplespharmacy.org/archives/home_remedies/index.asp and http://www.home-remedy.org.

http://www.hashmi.com/homere.html

http://www.abouthomeremedy.com/

http://www.astrogyan.com/natural_herbal_tips/indian_ayurvedic_natural_herbal_home_remedy.html

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Herbs & Plants Herbs & Plants (Spices)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

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Botanical Name :Zingiber officinale
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Zingiber
Species: Z. officinale
Kingdom: Plantae
clade: Angiosperms
clade: Monocots
clade: Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales

Common Name :Ginger

Ginger: When fresh it is called “ardraka”, and in the dried form it is referred to as “shunthi”

Habitat :  Ginger is a herb that is indigenous to the South West coast of India. It is also known in the East as a hot or yang herb, and has a long history of traditional usage spanning back over 2,500 years.The characteristic aromatic smell of ginger is familiar to many of us, and its use as a spice in cookery is very well known.

Description:

Zingiber officinale is usually about four feet tall, with long, narrow leaves that measure around seven inches long. When the plant flowers, it produces small yellow-green flowers. The word “zingiber” is a distant relative of the Sanskrit word “shringavera,” which means “shaped like a deer’s antlers” (referring to the shape of the plant’s leaves)..

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Different Uses:
Ginger used for cooking and medicinal purposes is not the outer part of the ginger plant, but the root. Ginger root is light beige in color and looks a bit like a hand, with many small extensions from a larger main body. Ginger root should be firm and have no growths on the exterior.

Gari (ginger)Ginger produces a hot, fragrant kitchen spice.[5] Young ginger rhizomes are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste. They are often pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack or just cooked as an ingredient in many dishes. They can also be steeped in boiling water to make ginger tea, to which honey is often added; sliced orange or lemon fruit may also be added. Ginger can also be made into candy.

Mature ginger roots are fibrous and nearly dry. The juice from old ginger roots is extremely potent[6] and is often used as a spice in Indian recipes, and is a quintessential ingredient of Chinese, Korean, Japanese and many South Asian cuisines for flavoring dishes such as seafood or goat meat and vegetarian cuisine.

Ginger acts as a useful food preservative.

Fresh ginger can be substituted for ground ginger at a ratio of 6 to 1, although the flavors of fresh and dried ginger are somewhat different. Powdered dry ginger root is typically used as a flavoring for recipes such as gingerbread, cookies, crackers and cakes, ginger ale, and ginger beer.

Candied ginger is the root cooked in sugar until soft, and is a type of confectionery.

Fresh ginger may be peeled before eating. For longer-term storage, the ginger can be placed in a plastic bag and refrigerated or frozen.

Culinary Use: The essential oil is used in commercial flavourings. Fresh root ginger is extremely popular in a huge variety of stir-fry or curry dishes. Authentically, fresh root India and oriental countries. It is incorporated by different techniques slices may be added to marinades or in cooking, to be discarded on the side of the plate or bowl as the food is eaten. Grated, chopped or crushed ginger is used in pastes or braised dishes. Finely shredded ginger is added to fried and stir-fried dishes, or it may be used raw in salads. Pickled and preserved types are served as appetizers or used in savoury cooking.

All these methods are employed to flavour fish and seafood, poultry, meat, vegetable and noodle dishes. Ginger is also widely appreciated in new cooking styles, for example with chicken and game in casseroles.

Ginger is all essential in much western baking, for example in traditional gingerbreads, cakes, biscuits (such as ginger snaps), French pain d’ epice and German Pfefferkuchen. The spice is also important in chutneys, pickles, jams and sweet preserves as well as drinks, such as ginger beer, ginger ale and ginger wine.

Most of Bengali Indian cooking giger paste and onion paste is always added to give a good taste and flavour in curry.Drink a cup of hot tea with ginger in it ……. is good for cold.

Aroma and Flavour: The aroma when you cut into a piece of fresh root ginger has a hint of lemon, with a refreshing sharpness. Jamaica ginger is said to have the finest aroma, with the Kenyan spice being of good quality too. Other African and Indian gingers have a darker skin and a biting, less pleasant flavour.

The Benefits of Ginger

Ayurveda considers it to be one of the best herbs which nullify the toxins produced in the body due to improper digestion. Fresh ginger is useful in alleviating cold and cough whereas the dried one has more anti-“vata” effect. Due to its “pitta” aggravating properties, excessive use of ginger is contra-indicated in conditions involving hyperacidity, ulcers and gall stones.

Nausea – it is often used to ease nausea caused by travelling or pregnancy as well as that due to other causes.
Digestion – it has the ability to calm the stomach, promote the flow of bile, and improve the appetite.
Stomach Cramps caused by wind – it can relieve these, often quicker than any other herbal medicine.
Circulation – it helps to support a healthy cardiovascular system by making platelets less sticky and therefore reducing he likelihood of aggregation (a major factor in atherosclerosis) Much recent work has focused on the use of ginger in circulatory disorders such as Raynauds disease, which is characterised by blue fingers and toes. Ginger appears to promote blood flow to these areas, which eases the problem.
Rheumatoid arthritis – it has traditionally been used to help inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis. It is also valued for its analgesic action, which may help arthritic conditions.
Cholesterol – studies have suggested that ginger may be useful in keeping cholesterol levels under control, although how this works is not yet understood.
Respiratory infections – it is well known for its warming expectorant action on the upper respiratory tract, and this is why Chinese herbalists have traditionally used ginger to treat colds and influenza.

For more than 5,000 years Ginger has been used for the relief of the occasional upset stomach. Ginger, a warming energizer, is traditionally known to support the digestive and immune systems. In ancient Sanskrit, Ginger was called Vishwabhesaj, which means the universal medicine. Ayurvedic practitioners use Ginger to activate Agni, the body’s fire element. Agni burns up Ama, naturally occurring toxins and undigested food in the body. When you decrease Ama, the body gains strength, balance and harmony.

Medicinal and Other Use: Henry VIII is said to have used ginger as a medicine for its qualities, as outlined by Culpeper, the herbalist, 150 years later: Ginger helps digestion, warms the stomach, clear the sight, and is profitable for old men; it heats the joints and is therefore useful against gout’. Ginger has an impressive record in treating all kinds of ailments: it is said to help poor circulation, and to cure flatulence and indigestion; it is taken as a drink for coughs, nausea and influenza. In the East ginger is chewed to ward off evil spirits. it is considered to be a cure for travel sickness. The essential oil is used in perfumery.

Click & see :How to use ginger for better health  

One medical research study had results indicating that ginger might be an effective treatment for nausea caused by motion sickness or other illness, The study however, failed to show a significant difference between ginger and a placebo. There are several proposed mechanisms of action for the anti-emetic properties of ginger but there is not yet conclusive support for any particular model.

Modern research on nausea and motion sickness used approximately 1 gram of ginger powder daily. Though there are claims for efficacy in all causes of nausea, the PDR recommends against taking ginger root for morning sickness commonly associated with pregnancy due to possible mutagenic effects. Nevertheless, Chinese women traditionally have taken ginger root during pregnancy to combat morning sickness. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (compiled by health professionals and pharmacists), states that ginger is likely safe for use in pregnancy when used orally in amounts found in foods. Ginger ale and ginger beer have been recommended as “stomach settlers” for generations in countries where the beverages are made. Ginger water was commonly used to avoid heat cramps in the United States in the past.

In Western-hemisphere nations, powdered dried ginger root is made into capsules and sold in pharmacies for medicinal use. In the US, ginger is not approved by the FDA for the treatment or cure of any disease. Ginger is instead sold as an unregulated dietary supplement. In India, ginger is applied as a paste to the temples to relieve headache. In Myanmar, ginger and local sweet (Htan nyat) which is made from palm tree juice are boiled together and taken to prevent the Flu. A hot ginger drink (made with sliced ginger cooked in sweetened water or a Coca-Cola-like drink) has been reported as a folk medicine for common cold.

Ginger has also historically been used in folk medicine to treat inflammation, although medical studies as to the efficacy of ginger in decreasing inflammation have shown mixed results. There are several studies that demonstrate a decrease in joint pain from arthritis after taking ginger, though the results have not been consistent from study to study. It may also have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties, making it theoretically effective in treating heart disease; while early studies have shown some efficacy, it is too early to determine whether further research will bear this out.

The medical form of ginger historically was called “Jamaica ginger”; it was classified as a stimulant and carminative, being much used for dyspepsia and colic. It was also frequently employed to disguise the taste of nauseous medicines. The tea brewed from this root was an old-fashioned remedy for colds.

The characteristic odor and flavor of ginger root is caused by a mixture of zingerone, shoagoles and gingerols, volatile oils that compose about 1%–3% by weight of fresh ginger. The gingerols have analgesic, sedative, antipyretic, antibacterial, and GI tract motility effects.

Ginger is on the GRAS list from FDA. However, like other herbs, ginger may be harmful because it may interact with other medications, such as warfarin; hence, a physician or pharmacist should be consulted before taking the herb. Ginger is also contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones, because the herb promotes the release of bile from the gallbladder.

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Properties
Pungent oleoresins – these have been identified as the phenylalkylketones, known as gingerols, shogaols and zingerone. The dried root of ginger has been shown to be more potent than the fresh root with regard to shogaol, which is thought to be the most potent of the constituents of ginger.

Contra-indications/Precautions
Anyone with a history of gallstones should consult a medical practitioner prior to use. Short-term use of low levels during the first three months of pregnancy appears to have no adverse side effects. Anyone using anticoagulants should not use ginger.

Ginger allergies
Some people are allergic to ginger. Generally, this is reported as having a gaseous component. This may take the form of flatulence, or it may take the form of an extreme constriction or tightening in the throat necessitating uncontrollable burping to relieve the pressure .

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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

Resources:   (Extracted from: http://www.healthreaction.com/web/articles/ginger.htm and http://www.good-earth.com/yogi-tea—ginger-tea.html and http://www.hotel-club-thailand.com/thai-cooking/thai-spices.htm), http://www.ehow.com/facts_5541828_description-ginger-plant.html

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