Today Health Article

October 3rd, 2011

Todays advantages of herbal beverages, is that they rarely do any harm to the body. They are unlike the flavored sodas of today, which are loaded with sugar, calories, artificial flavors, and preservatives.  The herbal beverages come with health benefits along with healing properties.

 One of the most admired herbal beverages today is the green tea.Green tea is popular because of its antioxidant properties which are clinically proven to postpone aging and fight cancer. Green tea is recommended for diabetic patients too. It has a unique aroma and is very refreshing after a long day at work. Teas blended with herbs, seed, roots and dried flowers like basil, ginger, camomile and so on, herbal tea is considered to have therapeutic benefits. Though these are on a little higher side when compared with conventional black tea, the money spent on them is worthwhile for healthy living.

Amla juice

 Amla, the Indan Gooseberry, is another herbal beverage today that has attracted attention to many health conscious people. The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branches  are 10–20 cm long and are usually deciduous. The leaves are simple, and are closely set along  the branch, and are light green in color.

The flowers are greenish-yellow, with the fruit being nearly spherical, light greenish yellow in color. The fruit is also quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows.

The berries ripening in autumn, and are harvested by hand, after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous.

In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable.

Amla

This fresh-green berry is a remedy to scores of diseases and infections. It is claimed to also delay aging. Loaded with vitamin C, amla juice is recommend for skin, hairs and joints. If  drank regularly it boasts the immune system and the metabolic system, which fine tunes the body to be fit and healthy.

Finding this magical juice at your nearest store might be a remote possibility. You can still benefit from the amla juice concentrate by buying it over the Internet. It is normally suitable for consumption by people of all ages. You can have it as many times in a day and enjoy the renewed energy within you. It is recommended for premature hair greying. Amla juice is an effectual hair tonic. Mix the juice with water and use it for the last rinse on shampooed hairs. Leave to dry naturally for soft and tangle free hairs.

Aloe juice is next on the list of healthy beverages. A lot has been said about the wonderful qualities of aloe. From skin problems to cancer, aloe has been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of many life-threatening diseases. Aloe juice is recommended for relieving joint pain. Mixture of aloe and amla juice is an effective remedy for stomach related problems. Add it with water and have it at least once a day to keep health problems a bay.

Perhaps owing to its medicinal qualities, the Hindus, treat it as a very sacred tree and worship on ‘Akshaya Navami’. In the Kartik month (mid Oct. to mid Nov.) if one takes its dose regularly it provides complete protection against all the disorders due to cold. Amla is unique as it doesn’t leave its chemical ingredient even if it is heated. It is a tree whose no part is useless. It also has the atmosphere purifying qualities. Chemically, besides being the best source to get Vitamin C from, it also has gallic acid, tannic acid, sugar, albumen, calcium, protein, phosphorus, carbohydrates, irons etc.

Amla and Health Remedies Offered

  It seems that taking Amla and Black Til (black sesame seeds) in equal quantity with honey or ghee is linked to increasing mental and physical weaknesses. By taking a cupful of sugarless milk with the murraba of Amla, it helps to revitalize the brain. Some suggest taking every morning with water makes one’s resistant enough to fight off various ailments.

Also the suggestion of taking milk in the morning after licking one teaspoon of ground Amla powder mixed with honey imparts freshness and strength to the body.

 Intellect gets sharpened if one takes the pulp of fresh Amla or Amla juice with honey or ghee every morning and evening.

Other Remedy Facts to Consider

• As an eye tonic and cure of eye ailments
• For curing relief in  heart ailment
• Relieves Pain of Migraine.
• Curing involuntary nocturnal emission
•  Remedies for Sexual Impotence
•  Problems connected with uro generative system
• Acidity and digestive problems
• Female ailments
• Blood impurities
• Diabetes
• Piles
• Stone-problem
• Constipations
• Cold and cough
• Skin troubles
• Baldness and other allied problems
• Gives relief in Jaundice
• Gout
• Removing the spots left by measels, chicken pox, small-pox etc.
• Boils in mouth
• Lice in hair
• Amla as the beautifying agent
• Checking menstrual disorder
• Insect-bite

What you might find so amazing is this gooseberry has  so many benefits regarding our health, and so many remedies, I believe one could write a book on this very subject. Some have studied this berry with great interest and have found what the Hindu’s may have already learned, that this gooseberry is perhaps very key to our longevity  and good health.

Todays Health Comments

This article today made believe I should run out and buy some Amla juice, but knowing we just do not have these trees growing in our backyard, the health food stores or the Internet is the most probable resource to purchase. Although we actually grew native gooseberries, I had no idea that their were others with such health benefits, so I will have to check out our local gooseberries as well. There is numerous health remedies which have included this juice or other parts of the plant, which have aided in our health.

Further Reading

 Yokozawa T, Kim HY, Kim HJ, et al. (Sep 2007). “Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) attenuates age-related renal dysfunction by oxidative stress”. J Agric Food Chem. 55 (19): 7744–52. doi:10.1021/jf072105s. PMID 17715896.

• ^ Rao TP, Sakaguchi N, Juneja LR, Wada E, Yokozawa T (2005). “Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) extracts reduce oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats”. J Med Food 8 (3): 362–8. doi:10.1089/jmf.2005.8.362. PMID 16176148.
• ^ Jacob A, Pandey M, Kapoor S, Saroja R (Nov 1988). “Effect of the Indian gooseberry (amla) on serum cholesterol levels in men aged 35-55 years”. Eur J Clin Nutr 42 (11): 939–44. PMID 3250870.
• ^ Qureshi SA, Asad W, Sultana V (Jan 2009). “The Effect of Phyllantus emblica Linn on Type — II Diabetes, Triglycerides and Liver — Specific Enzyme”. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 8 (2): 125–128. doi:10.3923/pjn.2009.125.128. http://www.pjbs.org/pjnonline/fin991.pdf.
• ^ Tarwadi K, Agte V (Aug 2007). “Antioxidant and micronutrient potential of common fruits available in the Indian subcontinent”. Int J Food Sci Nutr 58 (5): 341–9. doi:10.1080/09637480701243905. PMID 17558726.
• ^ ^{a b c d} Dharmananda S. Emblic Myrobalans: Amla, Institute of Traditional Medicine [2]
• ^ Habib-ur-Rehman, Yasin KA, Choudhary MA, et al. (Jul 2007). “Studies on the chemical constituents of Phyllanthus emblica”. Nat. Prod. Res. 21 (9): 775–81. doi:10.1080/14786410601124664. PMID 17763100.

Todays Health Site

December 16th 2010

Urinary Tract & Bladder Infections 

The Urinary Tract Infection is second only to Respiratory infection as the most common type of infection. These kind of infections are much more common in girls and women than in boys and men younger than 50 years of age. For this reason  is not well understood, but the anatomy differences between the genders (a shorter urethra in women) might be partially responsible. Since these infection are more common than we want to believe, understanding their symptoms and some preventive steps might be helpful.

A Urinary Tract Infection

Commonly termed a UTI is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. These symptoms may include frequent feeling and/or need to urinate, pain during urination, and cloudy urine. The main causal agent is Escherichia coli. Although urine contains a variety of fluids, salts, and waste products, it does not usually have bacteria in it. When bacteria get into the bladder or kidney and multiply in the urine, they may cause a UTI.

The most common type of UTI

This  acute Cystitis is often referred to as a bladder infection. An infection found in the upper urinary tract or kidney is known as pyelonephritis, and is potentially more serious. Although  urinary tract infections can be uncomfortable, they usually can be easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. with all no significant difference between the classes of antibiotics.

Prevention  and Remedies

- http://cranberryinstitute.org/health/urinarytract.htm – Due to a natural anti-adhesion substance in cranberries, they can help ward off urinary tract and bladder infections. Emerging research is that drinking cranberry juice may also have an antiviral effect on intestinal viruses. http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/printNewsBis.asp?id=60496

About 40% of women and 12% of men have a urinary tract infection at some time in their life.

Todays Health Comments

Taking preventive health measures, drinking cranberry juice or eating the berries may be very beneficial for those whoe are prone to UTI. Although men are less suseptable to these infections, it can happen. I use to spend endless hours on the road traveling and became a victim to this occasionally. I come to recognize the value of this little remedy. It’s important recognize the symptoms and address them before they become serious. Good health come from taking preventive measures.

Today’s  Health Article

This article may be combining Mother Nature and Science. Perhaps,  giving little notice to the fact, that this flower has been targeted with  todays health benefits. A few studies have been given towards its medical benefits, yet most of us just know it for its beauty and landscaping qualities.

I had known this flower to be called the purple coneflower in my flower garden. It’s a beautiful perennial that almost all people enjoy, yet  I was unaware that it held other benefits.  The Echinacea, the name  almost every one would have trouble pronouncing,  has been proclaimed by some articles, that the American Indians used the Echinacea during the winter to enhance their overall health  and general well being.

THE FLOWER

 The Echinacea flower is a Perennial flower that can be planted in the spring or fall and may reach heights 3 to 4 ft. tall. It does best in well drained soil with full sunlight or light shade. It starts to bloom around mid summer and  continues to fall. Once they are growing they thrive well on the available rainfall, except in the extreme dry areas.

THE BENEFITS

The Europeans became true believers, Americans  have preferred antibiotics, but the Germans occupied the leading position in the research studies. These studies resulted in the isolation of the main herb’s constituents, which are:

  Flavonoids, oils, polysaccharides, phenols (cichoric, caffeic, and caftaric acids and echinacoside), and alkylamides. It also contains copper, iron, iodine, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and E.

 Their proclamation, a combination of these ingredients, works as a natural antibiotic, which can suppress viruses  activity and promote immune stimulating effect through the activation of T-cells (immune system natural bacteria killers).

 The scientists have determined, after their conducted trials, that  Echinacea itself, does not cure diseases,  it helps the body resist and fight the illnesses, making it stronger.

Respiratory problems, bronchitis, sore throat, enlarged prostate glands, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast (candida) infections, ear infections (otitits), sinusitis, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) are  the diseases,  which Echinacea gives  a strong helping hand.

May also be applied topically, it can help heal eczema, psoriasis, and slow-healing wounds. Echinacea is added to anti-hemorrhoids medications.

Echinacea is also a mighty skin protector from the sun damage.

THE TEA

Echinacea Tea is prepared by simply infusing the leaves, stems, flowers and roots of the Echinacea plant in hot water. The natural healthy properties of the herb, principally the polysaccharides and echinaceoside, are transferred to the Echinacea tea during the infusion process.

 ECHINACEA SIDE AFFECTS

Although  some people are claiming that Echinacea has no side effects, studies  have shown that some people may experience allergic reactions, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, muscle aches, nausea, sore throat, temporary numbness of the tongue and upset stomach.

The trials have no official results on the use of Echinacea by pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 12.

IMPORTANT WARNING

People who are Immunocompromized  are advised to avoid the use of this plant, since it is likely that it may accelerate the development of the conditions. like cancer, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, and HIV AIDS.

 In the United States its use is said to be safe if followed to the doctor’s or manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to talk with your health care provider before taking any natural supplement.

Baby cries…

If your baby cries not just one hour, not just two hours, but perhaps three hours hours a day, at least three days a week,  and three weeks in a row, your baby,  might suffer from Colic.

For the mothers and fathers , Colic can be very difficul at times, because there is no known cause and sometimes very little that can be done.  Every baby reacts differently, this is why such  difficultly  is attached to it. So your baby’s remedy now becomes  a trial and error.

A colicky baby  can stress parents, become difficult on the nerves, and lead to frustrations  as well. Thus, making them feel  neglectful  or not good parents  because they aren’t providing  what is necessary to make their baby feel comfortable.

Colic just by its own definition, can be difficult, but  best described as excessive crying.  The baby is usually between the ages of  2 and 16 weeks. Now normally babies cry, but “colicky” babies cry hard and vigorously for long periods, despite most  efforts to console. Here are other symptoms that may also be found in colic babies:

• the baby’s symptoms occur usually about  the same time  day or night, often after meal times,
• the baby shows signs of gas discomfort and abdominal bloating
• the baby has a hard, distended stomach, with knees pulled to the chest, clenched fists, flailing arms and legs, and an arched back
• or experiencing frequent sleeplessness, irritability and fussiness

There are even more remedies for colic than there are theories about its cause. Your baby will most certainly
respond differently to a given baby colic remedy than another baby.

The  next segment will cover some of the various remedies and since food seems to be linked to the symptoms, how to be watchful of what your baby is eating, if you have a colic baby…this will be posted shortly.

If you need  more info you can      Click here

TODAY’S  HEALTH  FEATURE ARTICLE

A Natural Remedy…Yes or No!

Cascara, a Natural Remedy for losing weight.

A interesting question, perhaps some professional feedback, would shed more light on this topic.

Cascara Sagrada, known as the Sacred bark, Chittem bark, Bitter bark, California Buckthorn, or Rhamnus Purshiana, is a common ingredient which might be found in some natural remedies for losing weight.

This bark is harvested from the tree, sliced into smaller pieces, left to dry for a period of time, before using as a remedy.

Generally, advise given by most Doctors…
Cascara should be taken NO LOnger than 8 to 10 days.
Carefully read the label pertaining to losing weight with Cascara.
If pregnant or nursing-use with extreme caution.

This product ( Cascara) is a strong stimulant laxative and if not used with care, it can leach potassium and sodium from your body.

If so, how does it fit into todays health,using this remedyfor losing weight?

Perhaps many of the products being marketed today have Cascara in them.

Is this the remedy for those who desire that lean look?

Why everyone considering this option or remedy should be sure to read the label. Also a visit to your local Pharmacist, may be helpful to translate the ingredients and understand the side affects.

It is always a good suggestion to consult with your regular doctor as well. This Doctor may know your health situation, and can consult or be able to  help prevent unnecessary  risks.

A word of Caution may be considered here…Ask questions, and…seek professional advice.

 The advance guide to weight loss, Click Here