Showing posts with label Herbal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Herbal. Show all posts

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Stevia Plant, The Natural Sweetener

7:23 AM  , , ,  1 comment



Stevia, the Sugar Plant
High Level of Blood Sugar?  Diabetes? You can, still enjoy a sweetener using Stevia, the Sugar Plant. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the sweetleaf plant. It’s 300x as sweet as sugar, so it only takes a small amount to produce the same sweet taste as cane sugar.  Stevia has been used as a sweetener in many cultures for centuries, but is only recently gaining acceptance as a sugar substitute in the United States. It was first introduced in the US in the mid 1990s as an herbal supplement. After much controversy, it was approved by the FDA.

The following are the top five health benefits from Stevia:

A no-carb, no-calorie substitute
For those watching their carbohydrate or caloric intake, Stevia is both carb- and calorie-free. This makes it possible for dieters to satisfy sweet cravings without wrecking their eating plans.

Lowers blood pressure
Stevia has been shown, in some studies, to lower blood pressure. This makes it an ideal sweetener for people with high blood pressure.

                                             Lowers blood sugar

Stevia
For people with high blood sugar levels, Stevia has the possible benefit of lowering sugar levels. This makes it a possibly acceptable substitute for anyone with blood sugar or insulin problems, including diabetics. However, diabetics should continue to monitor their blood sugar levels and insulin levels after using Stevia to make sure everything remains in check.

 

Has antibacterial properties

Stevia, when used orally, has shown antibacterial properties. This makes it an ideal ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwashes, as it can aid in fighting cavities and gingivitis. It has shown the same properties when used topically, and has been used as an ointment in thetreatment of eczema and acne.

 

Aids in calcium formation

Some studies, conducted on chicken eggshells, have shown that chickens who are fed a preparation laced with Stevia lay eggs with significantly tougher shells. This suggests that Stevia aids in calcium formation, which would be an ideal side effect particularly for women and children with growing bones. However, experts warn that this has not been definitely proven to translate to human calcium formation.

You can have your home grown sugar plant. In this way, you can make sure that it is organically cultivated. It is best propagated by cutting stems.  This plant loves the sun and you can plant it on pots. By doing so,you'll have a ready sweetener when you need it.
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Friday, January 10, 2014

Basil, a Powerful Anti-bacterial Plant and Source of Health-benefiting Nutrients

6:28 AM  , , , , , , ,  1 comment





The Health Benefits of Basil


Basil  is a very good source of iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin A and C. Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax, thus improving blood flow and lessening the risk of irregular heart rhythms or a spasming of the heart muscle or a blood vessel.

Research Findings on Basil

Research studies on basil have shown unique health-protecting effects in two basic areas: basil's flavonoids and volatile oils.The flavonoids found in basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage.The volatile oils on the other hand provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. 
Essential oil of basil, obtained from its leaves, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. In a study published in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of Microbiology Methods, essential oil of basil was even found to inhibit strains of bacteria from the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas, all of which are not only widespread, but now pose serious treatment difficulties because they have developed a high level of resistance to treatment with antibiotic drugs.(September 8, 2003)

Studies published in the February 2004 issue of Food Microbiology, have shown that washing produce in solution containing either basil or thyme essential oil at the very low concentration of just 1% resulted in dropping the number of Shigella, an infectious bacteria that triggers diarrhea and may cause significant intestinal damage, below the point at which it could be detected. While scientists use this research to try to develop natural food preservatives, it makes good sense to include basil and thyme in more of your recipes, particularly for foods that are not cooked such as salads. Adding fresh thyme and/or basil to your next vinaigrette will not only enhance the flavor of your fresh greens, but will help ensure that the fresh produce you consume is safe to eat. (March 25, 2004).

Basil Tea, an effective remedy for cold and cough ...

 I found basil to be a very good treatment for cold and cough, particularly when it's just starting.   I drink basil tea three times a day, 10 minutes after breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It's very effective! Try it!  It's very aromatic, and I'm sure it will help you too, as it helped me.

Instead of buying bottled dried basil or packed basil from supermarkets, why don’t you plant one in a pot or in your garden?  Picking fresh leaves from your home grown basis is much more fun.  Besides,  it can be easily propagated by seeds or by cutting stems. 

 Ever since i learned about basil's health benefits, it became part of my collections in my garden.  I love three of its varieties such as the Thai, Sweet and Lemon basil,

Be healthy and enjoy life!


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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

The Wonder Plant (Sabungai – Gynura Procumbens)

7:40 PM  , , , , ,  25 comments


High Cholesterol? High level of blood sugar? Are you looking for a natural treatment? Try the Ganura Procumbens. It is also known as the wonder plant, anti-cholesterol plant and longevity spinach. It is used as anti-hypertensive, glucose lowering, anti-inflammatory and source of proteins and peroxidase. 

As I searched for natural treatment for hypertension and high blood sugar level,  I've found Sabungai  (Gynura Procumbens).  This plant is widely recognized

 for its medicinal value. Research shows that it is an efficient regulator of blood sugar and protects the kidney and retinas from damage caused by high blood sugar. It also lowers blood cholesterol and triglycerides, lowers blood pressure,and has anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity.

The leaves of this plant can be eaten raw or can be used as vegetable. Most recommends 3-6 leaves to be eaten daily.  I have this plant in my garden, and it grows fast.  It likes moist soil always.  It is easily propagated by cutting stems.

Please be aware, however,  that there are many sellers of this plant who call it Ashitaba.  Based on my research, the plant shown on the picture is Sabungai (gynura procumbens) and NOT Ashitaba and the two plants have different medicinal properties.

Sabungai is generally accepted as safe.  There is no warning or evidence of interaction with drugs.

General Studies as published in Philippine Alternative Medicine


Anti-Inflammatory: Study of ethanol extract showed anti-inflammatory activity.


Antihypertensive: Study showed the oral administration of aqueous extract significantly lowered blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Results suggest GPE may be useful for prevention and treatment of hypertension through increasing NO (nitric oxide) production in blood vessels.

Glucose Lowering: Ethanolic extract of leaves significantly suppressed elevated serum glucose levels in diabetic rats. The extract did not significantly suppress glucose levels in normal rats. Results conclude the leaves of GP may be biguanide-like activity.

Abundant Leaf Proteins / Peroxidase: Study found few abundant proteins from the leaves of GP; among these, peroxidase was found the most abundant of the extracted proteins. Results suggest a natural source for peroxidase for use in the cosmetic and skin care industry.

Nutritive / Antioxidative Properties: Ethanolic Gynura extract exhibited the highest antioxidative properties in every assay. Nutritive evaluation suggests the extract is a good protein source and may have positive effects on free radical scavenging and iron chelating.

Gynura procumbens Medical Toothpaste: A Gynura procumbens toothpaste invention consists of" gynura procumbens (Lour.) extractant of 1-20%, glycerol of 20-55%, diglycol of 10-15%, abradant of 20-45%, carboxymethyl cellulose of 0.5-1.5%, sodium dodecyl sulfate of 0.5-2%, additive of 1-4%, essence of 1-2% and saccharin of 0.1-1%.

Anti-Ulcerogenic: Study results suggest the ethanolic leaf extract of Gynura procumbens promotes ulcer protection as shown by significant reduction of ulcer area, histologic decreases in ulcer areas, with absence or reduction of edema and leucocyte infiltration of submucosal layer.

Anti-Diabetic: (1) Study evaluating the water extract of G. procumbens in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed a hypoglycemic effect by promoting glucose uptake by muscles. (2) Study results suggest the antidiabetic effect may be mediated through the stimulation of glucose uptake and the potentiation of insulin action.

Toxicological Evaluation: Administration of a methanol extract of G. procumbens did not produce mortality or significant changes in various parameters in both acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies.

Be healthy and enjoy life!

Reference: Philippine Medicinal Plants, http://www.stuartxchange.com/Sabungai.html

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How to prepare effective herbal medicines?

5:30 AM  , ,  2 comments


On my succeeding blogs, I plan to write about herbal medicines, particularly those herbs, which are found in the Philippines and those which can treat common health problems like cold, cough, high level of bad cholesterol, high blood sugar level, fungal infection, urinary track infection, and others.

Before I introduce to you the different herbal medicine plants, let me first give you some tips on proper handling and preparing herbal medicines:

 Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:

Ø  If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically - without pesticides.

Ø  Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and after heavy rainfall.

Ø  Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on young parts.

Ø  After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the oven or air-dried on screens above ground and never on concrete floors. 

Ø  Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight preferably with a moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and other plant parts that are prepared properly, well-dried and stored can be used up to six months.

Tips on Preparation of Herbal Medicines:


Ø  Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.

Ø  Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enamelled, glass or alike.

Ø  As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.

Ø  Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.

Ø  Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction develops.

For best result, please observe the above tips. 

          Be healthy and enjoy life!


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Nutritious Sea Grapes “Lato”(Caulerpa lentillifera)

5:25 AM  , , ,  3 comments

"Lato:
Have you known or tasted  Sea Grapes, a seaweed locally known as “lato” in Bicol? Did you know that  “lato”  is highly nourishing for it contains high amount of minerals, balanced amino acid profile and rich in iodine. Being a good source of Magnesium, this seaweed helps reduce high blood pressure and prevents heart attack. It is also useful for people suffering from thyroid problems. It can be eaten raw as an appetizer, dipped in lemon juice or vinegar mixed with onion and/or other spices.  It can be used in salads, be eaten as snacks, can be used in Sushi and as an ingredient in Salmon Rolls, and many more.

Newly harvest "Lato"
“Lato”, scientifically known as Caulerpa lentillifera is one of the favored species of edible Caulerpa due to its soft and succulent texture. They are also known as sea grapes, green caviar and "ar-arosep". This pretty green seaweed is made up of tiny oblong balls.

Did you know that the sea grapes are abundant in Panlatuan Cove of Pilar, Sorsogon, Philippines?  This seaweed grows naturally and abundantly in  an area of about ten hectares , as estimated by the Municipal Agriculture Office Technician. The term “Panlatuan” is a local dialect meaning, a place where “lato” came from.  The cove covers the villages of Lungib, San Rafael and Inapugan. It has a pure seawater, which is considered as high saline, with 28-31 ppt as tested by a refractometer.  Local folks observed that said seaweed is more abundant from October to May than during rainy season when the level of salinity decreases. The “lato” from this area,  can now be found at the wet markets of the provinces of  Albay, Sorsogon, and even in some parts of Metro Manila. 

Dare to taste and enjoy its heath benefits.

 Other Posts you may like to read:
Pansit-pansitan , a Herbal Medicine for Arthritis, Gout, Pimples,etc.Natural Treatment for Wrinkles Soya Milk: A Healthy Drink Good for Adults and ChildrenDiscover Tarra-Mint Tea: Health Benefiting Tea Fresh From Your Garden
How to Keep Fit after Christmas and New Year Celebrations?



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Saturday, January 4, 2014

Pansit-pansitan , a Herbal Medicine for Arthritis, Gout, Pimples,etc.

8:10 PM  , , , , ,  23 comments

Pansit-pansitan
Pansit-pansitan (family: Piperaceae) is used as a herbal medicine for the treatment of: 
                     • Arthritis
                     • Gout
                     • Skin boils, abscesses, pimples
                     • Headache
                     • Abdominal pains
                     • kidney problems

Pansit-pansitan  is also known as Ulasiman-bato and tangon-tangon in the Philippines. Its English name is peperomia. Its leaves and stalk are edible. It can be harvested, washed and eaten as fresh salad. Taken as a salad, pansit-pansitan helps relive rheumatic pains and gout. An
infusion or decoction (boil 1 cup of leaves/stem in 2 cups of water) can
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Thursday, January 2, 2014

Natural Treatment for Wrinkles

10:07 PM  , , , ,  6 comments

Forehead wrinkles
Who wants a wrinkle?  Nobody wants it.  Yet, we cannot avoid having wrinkles as we aged.  A wrinkle is a crease in the skin which typically appears as a result of aging process, habitual sleeping positions, loss of body mass, or temporarily, as a result of prolonged immersion in water.  Age wrinkling in the skin is promoted by habitual facial expressions, aging, sun damage, smoking, poor hydration, and various other factors. Among the wrinkles in our body, it is the wrinkles, which were formed in our face and neck that we want to give special focus.

If we cannot avoid it as we age, can we do something to delay it?  Sure, we can!  We only need to be health-conscious and we need to do some extra effort to care for our skin, particularly our face and neck.  To treat wrinkles, some even resort to surgery.  Many, however, go to dermatology clinics or beauty health clinics for regular treatment.

For those who cannot afford and for those who do not want to visit clinics, you can do it at the convenience of your homes. Here's a secret which I want to share with you to minimize, eliminate or delay the process of having wrinkles:

     * Regular Facial and Neck Massage.  For those whose wrinkles were just starting, you have to massage in a circular or stretching motion the wrinkles on your forehead and those around your eyes at least once a month.  For those whose wrinkles were already well-defined, you have to do it at least once a week until you see improvement on your treatment. If you have nightly beauty ritual, you can do some massage while applying your beauty product.

     *   Regular Facial and Neck Exercise. For your face, you can do it by saying a big, "A" and "O" to firm up your muscles.   For your neck, a simple neck stretching will do.

     *   Drink more water and eat a balance diet, more on fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin A, C and E.

     *   Avoid smoking or exposing yourself in a smoke-filled or polluted environment.

     *   Be conscious of your facial expression.  Wrinkles are manifestations of your facial expression.  It can even be said that your wrinkles reflects your attitude in life. Nevertheless, you need to be conscious of your facial expression if you wish to prevent having the same lines in your face again.

What shall be used for massage?  A simple baby oil or lotion will do.  However, if you have a virgin coco oil mixed with one teaspoon of honey and two drops of lemon that would be better.  You can however, use your favorite lubricant to facilitate massage.  What is important is that you were able to massage the area of your face where wrinkles start forming or where wrinkles were formed.

Preserve your beauty and enjoy life!

 

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How to make a delicious an nutritious soya milk

5:02 AM  , , , ,  No comments

Soya Milk
Soya milk is one of my favorite health drinks. It is also loved by my son who is now 11 years old.  I used to give it to him since he was 7 months old.

I have discovered that soya has many health promoting phytochemicals, such as isoflavones, phytates, saponins and polyphenols. It is also rich in Manganese, and a very good source of Vitamin C, Folate, Protein, Thiamin, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium.  It is also low in Sodium and Cholesterol. Hence, a regular intake of this milk can help in promoting ones general health.

Soya milk can  be found at supermarkets and groceries however, I can't afford to buy it regularly. Soya beans, however are readily available in the market at a cheaper price. So, I learned to process soya into milk. Besides, freshly prepared milk,  free from preservatives, is more delicious and beneficial.

Here's how I do it:
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