Champa (fragrant yellow flower): Grind champa flowers and apply it on the skin affected with leprosy. A few drops of this flower destroy the germs present in the blood. Dry the flowers and make a fine powder, use this powder to get relief from itching. Champa cures fever, improves the eyesight and gives strength and energy to men.
Aniseed (Saunf): Aniseed contains a lot of beneficial qualities. Boil the aniseed flowers in water; add cardamom and a few mint leaves in the water. It is better to boil the leaves in a ceramic pot and keep the water aside. When the water gets cold, give one teaspoon to small children and to babies who are getting new teeth and those who are suffering from extreme heat. This reduces the stomachache and the teeth will also grow in the correct manner.
Marigold: Grow marigold flowers near dirty ponds and near the surroundings of the house to protect the house from mosquitoes. It is also beneficial in liver diseases, swelling of the liver, stones and skin diseases.
Jasmine: This flower possesses a very good fragrance and grows especially in the summer season. Decorate the house with Jasmine flowers. You can keep a garland near you or in a vase, which will give freshness and fragrance. Its smell reduces the burning sensation. Women who have the problem of mild menstruation should chew a few petals of this flower. The menses cycle will become regular and the menstruation also becomes normal.
Night Queen: Commonly known as 'Raat ki Rani' possesses an extremely good fragrance, which can be felt from a long distance. The flower produces fragrance from evening to midnight and after that it gradually reduces. Another advantage of this flower is that mosquitoes are kept at bay. Its fragrance makes the person drowsy and puts one to sleep.
Sunflower: Sunflower contains vitamins A and D. It cures diseases which occur due to sunlight. Its oil is especially beneficial for heart patients and it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Chameli: Oil of this flower is used in skin diseases, pyaria, toothache, wounds, eye diseases, boils, etc. It increases the blood flow and activates the entire body. In case of mouth ulcers chewing the leaves of Chameli provide instant relief. This flower also contributes in providing mental happiness.
Saffron: This flower gives happiness and glowing skin. It gives strength, stops vomiting and destroys wind, bile and phlegm related problems (all the three dosha disorders). Saffron cools down the anxiety and stress present in different systems. Hence it is also known as a natural tranquilizer. It gives vigor, strength, activity and glow if consumed along with betel leaf.
Ashok: It is also known as Madan tree. The flowers, skin and leaves of Ashoka tree are highly beneficial for women and are used as medicine to cure several diseases. Its powder has the potential to cure most of the diseases related to women.
Palash (Forest Flame): It is considered to represent immense beauty because of the yellow flowers which grow on the tree in bunches. The tree looks very attractive from a distance. It is also called Forest Flame due to this quality. Its powder can cure any type of stomach problem. Boil the flowers in water and make a fine paste, keep this paste on the lower part of the belly to cure problems of stones. In case of acute pain due to the presence of stones or painful urination this medicine is highly beneficial.
China Rose (Gudhal): This flower is related to the uterus. Roast this flower in ghee and consume it after your menstruation cycle. This will protect the pregnancy. Chew a few China rose flowers to cure mouth ulcers. If you are suffering baldness or loss of hair, make a fine paste with these flowers and apply it on the scalp. It gives coolness and purifies the blood. It can be taken in the form of squash or Gulkand to cure Sujak (gonorrhoea) disease. China Rose squash is especially beneficial and makes a person happy and cheerful.
Shankhpushpi (Blue creeper): It is also known as 'Vishnukanta' and is found in summer season and appears to be some kind of grass. Grind the flowers, leaves and stem. Mix the paste with water and add honey or sugar candy. This medicine is extremely good for refreshing the mind and overcoming lethargy. Students are advised to take this regularly to cope up with stress, burden and competition.
Acacia: Grind the leaves of Acacia tree and apply on the head to get rid of headache. Apply the paste on skin affected with eczema and ringworm; it is beneficial for skin diseases. It also gives relief in cough and respiratory problems. Gargling with the acacia leaves helps stop tooth decay.
Neem: Grind the flowers of the neem tree and make a fine paste, apply this on boils and wounds to reduce burning sensation and heat. Rub the paste on the body and take bath, this is good to cure ringworm problem. Neem leaves are also useful for reducing weight. Grind the flowers, mix the paste in water and sieve it nicely. Regular consumption of this solution reduces weight and purifies the blood. It protects the body from infectious diseases. Neem has many uses and hence is also known as 'doctor of the home'.
Clove: This destroys the bacteria present in the pancreas and intestines. It increases the white blood cells and thereby the resistance power of the body. It also stops bad breath. It works like a painkiller, in case of pain in any part of the body. Rub the clove on a grinding stone and apply the paste on the painful area. Suck a clove incase of severe pain in the teeth. Smoking clove excretes all the unwanted elements through sweat.
Juhi (a kind of Jasmine): Make Gulkand or powder from the Juhi flowers. This medicine is beneficial for acidity, stomach ulcer and mouth ulcers. Living under the proximity of a Juhi tree protects one from tuberculosis.
Madhawi (Basil, a kind of creeper, which gives fragrant flowers): This flower is beneficial to cure skin diseases. Prepare powder from these flowers and apply the lep (pack) on the affected area. In case of arthritis, chew these flowers in the morning. It also controls respiratory problems.
Harsingar or Parijat: (Coral Tree ): This flower cures arthritis. The face pack made with these flowers gives glowing skin. Its sweet smell makes the mind cheerful.
Swallow-wart (medicinal plant - Aak): This flower removes phlegm and burning sensation. In case of jaundice, keep a few flowers in one or two betel leaves and give it to the patient. This medicine is very beneficial for this disease.
Kadamb: It is also known as Madan tree. If the cattle are suffering from some disease, keep the flowers and leaves in the cattle shed; the disease will not affect the cattle. It grows in rainy season and was the favorite tree of the 'gopikas' of Lord Krishna.
Kachnar (flowers of this tree are used as a vegetable): The bud of this tree blossoms in rainy season. The buds are useful in controlling the urge to pass bowels at small intervals. You can also make a poultice from the skin and flowers along with water and apply it on burn wounds and boils.
Shirish (Acacia tree): It is a wild tree possessing a nice fragrance. Its fragrance coming along with the wind refreshes the mind and makes a person happy. In case of itching sensation, grind the flowers and apply on the paste on the affected area. Prepare a decoction of the flowers and wash the eyes, this is useful for any type of eye problem.
Naagkesar (medicinal tree): It looks like clove. It destroys itching sensations. Make a powder of these leaves and consume it with butter or curd, this is beneficial in bleeding piles. It is also beneficial for conceiving a child.
Bakul (tree with fragrant leaves): The flowers of this tree are mixed with oil and used to make perfumes. Make powder of the flowers and apply it on the skin. This will make your skin becomes smooth. The squash of these flowers cures infertility in women. Use the stem of this tree for brushing teeth; it cures all dental problems.
Amaltaas (purgative medicinal plant): It grows in the summer season and the yellow flowers of this plant grow in bunches. It is very pleasing to the eyes when seen from a distance. Gulkand of these flowers is beneficial to cure constipation. Excess consumption is harmful and can cause dysentery, cramps in the stomach and ill feeling.
Pomegranate: In case of bile related eruptions on the body, prepare the juice from the pomegranate flowers, add sugar candy and drink it. Suck the flowers to cure mouth ulcers. Pour the juice of pomegranate bud to cure conjunctivitis.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Medicinal Use of Flowers at Home
Lotus: There is a strong relationship between the lotus and Goddess Lakshmi (signifying richness and wealth). The lotus represents growth in nature. The honeybee makes honey with its pollens and the flower is used to prepare Gulkand. Gulkand is used as a medicine to cure constipation and other diseases. One can see green colored seeds inside the lotus flower, which are roasted to make makhana. If the raw seeds are peeled and taken as a medicine, it increases strength and vigor. It is cold in nature. It is used as eyeliner along with honey to improve the eyesight. The lotus leaves can be used as a cosmetic as well. Grind the lotus leaves and mix them with the ubatan (a pack made out of gram flour, raw milk, curd and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder) and apply on the face. Rub it gently on the face, the skin glows and the face looks beautiful.
Kewda (Pandanus) : It has a nice fragrance like Kasturi (musk). This flower removes odors and fills the atmosphere with fragrance. Kewda oil is beneficial for respiratory problems and provides vitality. Its perfume relieves headache and gout pain. Boil the flowers in water and take bath with this water, it is very beneficial in cases of leprosy, itching, small pox and heart diseases. A few drops of this flower added to water gives relief in headache and tiredness. In case of fever one drop of kewda essence helps the sweat to come out and the body temperature comes down. In case of severe pain in the ear, place two drops of its perfume in the ear. It will instantly relieve the pain.
Rose: Rose represents beauty, love and affection. The gulkand made out of rose is purgative in nature and reduces the heat in the intestines and stomach. It makes the heart and mind cheerful. Wash the eyes with rose water to reduce the redness of the eyes and swelling. Its perfume is vitalizing and its oil makes the mind cool. A few drops of rose essence is used in sweet dishes. It provides coolness during the hot summer season.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
About blood donation
* Person above 18 years of age and over 50 Kgs. in weight can donate blood once in three months.
* A normal adult has five to six liters of blood in his/her body of which only 300 ml is used during blood donation.
* This blood is replaced by your body within 24 to 48 hours!
* No special diet, rest or medicine is required after blood donation.
* The donor should not have taken any medicine in the last 48 hours.
* The donor should not have contacted jaundice in the previous three years.
* Every donor is given a medical checkup prior to donation to see if he/she is medically fit and doesn't suffer from anemia, high blood pressure etc.,
* The donor cannot contract AIDS or any other disease by donating blood.
Monday, November 9, 2009
WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH
I received mail from my friend and I wish to share it with all ...
It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value.
We publish below a description of use of water for our readers.
For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2. Gastric - 10 days
3. Diabetes - 30 days
4. Constipation - 10 days
5. Cancer - 180 days
6. TB - 90 days
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.
Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.
Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value.
We publish below a description of use of water for our readers.
For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2. Gastric - 10 days
3. Diabetes - 30 days
4. Constipation - 10 days
5. Cancer - 180 days
6. TB - 90 days
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.
Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.
Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Honey with Lemon Juice.
Beauty experts have long known that honey is chock full of humectants that nourish and moisture the the hair, skin and the body.
Honey can be used on just about every body part and is sometimes used to soften scar tissue and encourage the growth of new skin.
According to the ancient medical scriptures raw unheated honey also has the following benefits…
anti fat substance
easily digestible
improves digestion
good for the eyes
good for the voice
gives suppleness to your body
purifies and clears the channels
bestows contentment
heals wounds
purifies and heals ulcers
gives good color and complexion
improves intelligence
cures many types of diseases
rejuvenates your body
Honey is opposite to sugar. Sugar actually makes you fatter but honey is the only sweet tasting substance that strips away fat.
Honey also should never ever be boiled, heated or cooked. It has been found that cooked or boiled honey has a deformed molecular structure turning it into a toxic glue like substance that sticks to the channels within your body and this glue like substance causes disease.
So please use only raw, unheated honey. Raw unheated honey is pure medicine. Raw unheated honey can be brought from any health food store in the world. It can also be brought on the internet.
The power of lemon juice…
Fresh lemon juice is excellent to help you lose weight. Lemon juice is a…
powerful weight loss substance
wonderful aid to internal cleansing
antiseptic
retards the presence of disease causing bacteria
cleanses the liver
helps reduce bloating and flatulence
aids elimination
antioxidant
helps keep your skin clear
The power of a glass of room temperature water…
A simple glass of water upon waking up helps remove constipation and detoxifies your body. A simple glass of water has several healing qualities:
Helps remove fatigue
Enhances glow of skin
Prevents constipation
Increases stamina
Provides satisfaction
Helps the heart
Helps digestion
Antioxidant
“How to take this potent home remedy”
First thing in the morning as soon as you wake up fill a glass with room temperature or luke warm water, add 1 teaspoon of raw unheated honey and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, then drink. Take this remedy once every day on a empty stomach.
This home remedy is nature’s medicine and is a million times more effective at shedding fat then any weight loss pill. You will be surprised how something so simple as this home remedy can help you not only shed huge amounts of fat but also increase your health and well being.
Now it must be remembered in order to lose weight effectively you need to combine many weight loss principles together.
“While this home remedy is very powerful it needs to be combined with other weight loss principles to be fully effective in a complete weight loss program”
These principles include: mastering your eating habits, eating a healthy diet, special weight loss exercises, potent fat shedding herbal supplements and lastly preventative medicine (basically knowledge on how to keep weight off long term).
Honey can be used on just about every body part and is sometimes used to soften scar tissue and encourage the growth of new skin.
According to the ancient medical scriptures raw unheated honey also has the following benefits…
anti fat substance
easily digestible
improves digestion
good for the eyes
good for the voice
gives suppleness to your body
purifies and clears the channels
bestows contentment
heals wounds
purifies and heals ulcers
gives good color and complexion
improves intelligence
cures many types of diseases
rejuvenates your body
Honey is opposite to sugar. Sugar actually makes you fatter but honey is the only sweet tasting substance that strips away fat.
Honey also should never ever be boiled, heated or cooked. It has been found that cooked or boiled honey has a deformed molecular structure turning it into a toxic glue like substance that sticks to the channels within your body and this glue like substance causes disease.
So please use only raw, unheated honey. Raw unheated honey is pure medicine. Raw unheated honey can be brought from any health food store in the world. It can also be brought on the internet.
The power of lemon juice…
Fresh lemon juice is excellent to help you lose weight. Lemon juice is a…
powerful weight loss substance
wonderful aid to internal cleansing
antiseptic
retards the presence of disease causing bacteria
cleanses the liver
helps reduce bloating and flatulence
aids elimination
antioxidant
helps keep your skin clear
The power of a glass of room temperature water…
A simple glass of water upon waking up helps remove constipation and detoxifies your body. A simple glass of water has several healing qualities:
Helps remove fatigue
Enhances glow of skin
Prevents constipation
Increases stamina
Provides satisfaction
Helps the heart
Helps digestion
Antioxidant
“How to take this potent home remedy”
First thing in the morning as soon as you wake up fill a glass with room temperature or luke warm water, add 1 teaspoon of raw unheated honey and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, then drink. Take this remedy once every day on a empty stomach.
This home remedy is nature’s medicine and is a million times more effective at shedding fat then any weight loss pill. You will be surprised how something so simple as this home remedy can help you not only shed huge amounts of fat but also increase your health and well being.
Now it must be remembered in order to lose weight effectively you need to combine many weight loss principles together.
“While this home remedy is very powerful it needs to be combined with other weight loss principles to be fully effective in a complete weight loss program”
These principles include: mastering your eating habits, eating a healthy diet, special weight loss exercises, potent fat shedding herbal supplements and lastly preventative medicine (basically knowledge on how to keep weight off long term).
Friday, November 6, 2009
Vegetables for Health
* What comes in all shapes, colors and sizes, can help prevent cancer, heart disease and obesity? The answer is not some magic diet pill, but vegetables!
1. Vegetables are low in calories.
To lose weight, eat fewer calories and increase your level of activity. Using vegetables in main dishes and snacks can help you lose weight.
2. Vegetables are low in fat and have no cholesterol
A high-fat diet raises your chance of getting heart disease and some kinds of cancer. Vegetables, on the other hand, are very low in the kind of fat linked to heart disease. Many foods from animals contain cholesterol. Eating these animal products may increase the cholesterol in your blood and raise your risk of heart disease. Since vegetables contain no cholesterol, eating them can help prevent this killer disease.
3. Vegetables are low in sodium.
Sodium is found in salt and many other foods. Too much sodium can cause high blood pressure in some people. Fresh vegetables contain very little sodium. In general, frozen vegetables have more sodium than fresh vegetables do, and canned vegetables have even higher levels. Check food labels to find foods with the lowest amount of sodium.
4. Vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals.
Dark green and orange vegetables help protect against cancer of the throat and lungs. These vegetables contain beta-carotene, a pigment which is turned into vitamin A by the body. Foods high in beta-carotene can help prevent cancer. This group of vegetables includes carrots, winter squash, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes and kale.
Many vegetables are also high in vitamin C, and can help prevent cancer of the throat and stomach. Those rich in vitamin C include peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes and collard greens.
Some vegetables are very good sources of the mineral iron. Iron is needed to build blood and provide energy. Too little iron in the diet can cause anemia. Iron is highest in spinach, peas, lima beans, black-eyed peas, beet greens and whole potatoes.
Dark green vegetables, such as spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, and cabbage, are high in calcium. Calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth, and can help prevent the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis.
5. Vegetables in the cabbage and mustard family have extra health value.
This family of vegetables includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and mustard greens. These vegetables are called cruciferous because their flowers resemble a cross. These vegetables can help lower the risk of colon, stomach and lung cancer.
6. Vegetables are high in fiber.
Fiber is the part of plants that cannot be digested or absorbed by the body. A high-fiber diet may protect against colon cancer. All vegetables are sources of fiber. It is best to get fiber from food, rather than taking pills or other supplements. Too much fiber can make it harder for your body to absorb many nutrients, such as iron.
Tips to Maintain Vegetable Nutrients
*
o Cook vegetables with the least amount of water possible so that vitamins and minerals do not leak out of the vegetables into the water. Microwaving, stir frying and steaming are good methods to use.
o Cook vegetables for as short a time as possible, or better yet, enjoy them raw. (Too much heat can destroy some vitamins.) When boiling vegetables, cover the pot.
o Avoid frying vegetables in large amounts of butter or oil. (Stir frying uses little oil.) When serving cooked vegetables, add only small amounts of high-fat foods such as hollandaise sauce, mayonnaise, butter and margarine. Low-salt tomato sauce and low-salt soy sauce are delicious substitutes for high-fat sauces.
o Season vegetables with herbs and spices instead of salt.
1. Vegetables are low in calories.
To lose weight, eat fewer calories and increase your level of activity. Using vegetables in main dishes and snacks can help you lose weight.
2. Vegetables are low in fat and have no cholesterol
A high-fat diet raises your chance of getting heart disease and some kinds of cancer. Vegetables, on the other hand, are very low in the kind of fat linked to heart disease. Many foods from animals contain cholesterol. Eating these animal products may increase the cholesterol in your blood and raise your risk of heart disease. Since vegetables contain no cholesterol, eating them can help prevent this killer disease.
3. Vegetables are low in sodium.
Sodium is found in salt and many other foods. Too much sodium can cause high blood pressure in some people. Fresh vegetables contain very little sodium. In general, frozen vegetables have more sodium than fresh vegetables do, and canned vegetables have even higher levels. Check food labels to find foods with the lowest amount of sodium.
4. Vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals.
Dark green and orange vegetables help protect against cancer of the throat and lungs. These vegetables contain beta-carotene, a pigment which is turned into vitamin A by the body. Foods high in beta-carotene can help prevent cancer. This group of vegetables includes carrots, winter squash, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes and kale.
Many vegetables are also high in vitamin C, and can help prevent cancer of the throat and stomach. Those rich in vitamin C include peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes and collard greens.
Some vegetables are very good sources of the mineral iron. Iron is needed to build blood and provide energy. Too little iron in the diet can cause anemia. Iron is highest in spinach, peas, lima beans, black-eyed peas, beet greens and whole potatoes.
Dark green vegetables, such as spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, and cabbage, are high in calcium. Calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth, and can help prevent the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis.
5. Vegetables in the cabbage and mustard family have extra health value.
This family of vegetables includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and mustard greens. These vegetables are called cruciferous because their flowers resemble a cross. These vegetables can help lower the risk of colon, stomach and lung cancer.
6. Vegetables are high in fiber.
Fiber is the part of plants that cannot be digested or absorbed by the body. A high-fiber diet may protect against colon cancer. All vegetables are sources of fiber. It is best to get fiber from food, rather than taking pills or other supplements. Too much fiber can make it harder for your body to absorb many nutrients, such as iron.
Tips to Maintain Vegetable Nutrients
*
o Cook vegetables with the least amount of water possible so that vitamins and minerals do not leak out of the vegetables into the water. Microwaving, stir frying and steaming are good methods to use.
o Cook vegetables for as short a time as possible, or better yet, enjoy them raw. (Too much heat can destroy some vitamins.) When boiling vegetables, cover the pot.
o Avoid frying vegetables in large amounts of butter or oil. (Stir frying uses little oil.) When serving cooked vegetables, add only small amounts of high-fat foods such as hollandaise sauce, mayonnaise, butter and margarine. Low-salt tomato sauce and low-salt soy sauce are delicious substitutes for high-fat sauces.
o Season vegetables with herbs and spices instead of salt.
Looking at computer? Watch your eyes
Your laptop may be your best buddy at work and at play, but your eyes will disagree. Here’s how to get them to see eye to eye.
After your morning cup of tea, the first thing you reach for-perhaps even before you grab the newspaper-is the ‘on’ switch on your PC or laptop.
At home, at work, back home again, it isn’t uncommon today for us to spend over 10 hours each day at arm’s length from a computer screen. Technology has its advantages, but there is a flip side to it too.
Add Computer Vision Syndrome to the list of modern urban lifestyle maladies we must contend with. But better computer habits can help you overcome the problem.
Are you a victim?
The answer could be ‘yes’if you live with these problems on a daily basis, week in, week out :
* Eye pain
* Reddened eyes
* Watering eyes
* Headache
* Fatigue
* Irritability
* Poor concentration on the PC
Why this is happening
Contrary to what the office grapevine says, it really isn’t the PC that’s the problem-that friendly monitor is not emitting any harmful rays or radiation. Whether black-and-white or colour, the tube’s not the culprit.
The real causes of your trouble
* Constantly fixing your gaze at a point very near your face (the position of the monitor for most of us). ‘Convergence fatigue’ is what we ophthalmologists call it.
* Infrequent blinking (while you surf and type at top speed gazing at the monitor).
Convergence fatigue
When we look at an object placed close to our face, both our eyes move towards each other to fix on the target-in other words, they try to converge (the extreme case of which is crossed eyes!).
Consider how tough it is to stay cross-eyed for more than a minute. It’s not that extreme, but even a lower convergence is a strain when you hold it too long. And that’s what prolonged sessions with the monitor do to you. Result: fatigue in the eye muscles, responsible for focussing them to converge. Force them to keep at it, and you end up with eye strain, pain-and a headache. This is like any other prolonged activity leading to sore muscles. What your eyes want and need is rest.
Infrequent blinking
You may not realise it, but you always have tears standing in your eyes! That film of moisture over the front of your eyes keeps them well lubricated for health and comfort. It’s from those tears that your eye tissues get oxygen and nourishment. Just like the computer monitor needs to refresh constantly to keep the picture clear, you need to keep blinking to ‘wash’ and ‘bathe’ the eyes in tears. When you don’t blink enough, that film of tears starts to dry up or sag. Soon, you start feeling the dryness-as irritation, then redness and finally, as a protective reflex, increased watering of the eyes.
What you can do
Computers-and other screens, like the wide flat screen TV-are here to stay. You can, quite literally, blink the eye pain away!
1. Monitor yourself
* First of all, push the monitor as far as you comfortably can. About 2-3 feet away from your face is a good distance.
* Do not stare at the monitor for too long. Take your eyes off the screen every 5-10 minutes.set a reminder if you have to.
* Every half an hour or so (yes, set a timer), close your eyes for 1-2 minutes to give them rest.
* Every hour or so, take a 5-minute break. Indeed, it’ll do your whole body a world of good to stand up, stretch, pace a little.or go run a short errand. Deskercises (exercises you can do sitting at your desk) are also a great idea if your workplace just isn’t conducive to getting up and walking around.
* Make a conscious effort to blink. often! Ask colleagues or children to warn you if they fi nd you staring ahead without blinking.
* Avoid sitting right under, or in front of an air conditioner, so that the air draught doesn’t hit your face. The gust dries your ‘tears’ faster.
2. Counter convergence fatigue
Exercise your eyes regularly to prevent the pain of working too long at the computer (or even of reading or writing for hours at a time).
3. Lubricate your eyes
Ask your ophthalmologist to recommend lubricant eye drops to counter the dryness and irritation. You can use these 3-4 times a day to soothe the redness and burning. Over-the-counter (OTC) options include-Tears Naturale and Addtears, amongst others. Very rarely, these drugs cause an adverse reaction -if there is any irritation, redness or swelling, discontinue at once and report to your doc. Exercise your eyes regularly to prevent the pain of working too long at the computer (or even of reading or writing for hours at a time). So this is for all professionals who work at a PC daily, as well as for students, and others who spend long hours at the computer, who said ‘yes’ to the symptoms above-follow the exercise regimen mentioned above (see box).
That said, make sure you also get your eyes tested by an eye surgeon to catch incipient eyesight problems and ‘convergence insufficiency’ (eyes that are too tired to deal with near-distance work).
After your morning cup of tea, the first thing you reach for-perhaps even before you grab the newspaper-is the ‘on’ switch on your PC or laptop.
At home, at work, back home again, it isn’t uncommon today for us to spend over 10 hours each day at arm’s length from a computer screen. Technology has its advantages, but there is a flip side to it too.
Add Computer Vision Syndrome to the list of modern urban lifestyle maladies we must contend with. But better computer habits can help you overcome the problem.
Are you a victim?
The answer could be ‘yes’if you live with these problems on a daily basis, week in, week out :
* Eye pain
* Reddened eyes
* Watering eyes
* Headache
* Fatigue
* Irritability
* Poor concentration on the PC
Why this is happening
Contrary to what the office grapevine says, it really isn’t the PC that’s the problem-that friendly monitor is not emitting any harmful rays or radiation. Whether black-and-white or colour, the tube’s not the culprit.
The real causes of your trouble
* Constantly fixing your gaze at a point very near your face (the position of the monitor for most of us). ‘Convergence fatigue’ is what we ophthalmologists call it.
* Infrequent blinking (while you surf and type at top speed gazing at the monitor).
Convergence fatigue
When we look at an object placed close to our face, both our eyes move towards each other to fix on the target-in other words, they try to converge (the extreme case of which is crossed eyes!).
Consider how tough it is to stay cross-eyed for more than a minute. It’s not that extreme, but even a lower convergence is a strain when you hold it too long. And that’s what prolonged sessions with the monitor do to you. Result: fatigue in the eye muscles, responsible for focussing them to converge. Force them to keep at it, and you end up with eye strain, pain-and a headache. This is like any other prolonged activity leading to sore muscles. What your eyes want and need is rest.
Infrequent blinking
You may not realise it, but you always have tears standing in your eyes! That film of moisture over the front of your eyes keeps them well lubricated for health and comfort. It’s from those tears that your eye tissues get oxygen and nourishment. Just like the computer monitor needs to refresh constantly to keep the picture clear, you need to keep blinking to ‘wash’ and ‘bathe’ the eyes in tears. When you don’t blink enough, that film of tears starts to dry up or sag. Soon, you start feeling the dryness-as irritation, then redness and finally, as a protective reflex, increased watering of the eyes.
What you can do
Computers-and other screens, like the wide flat screen TV-are here to stay. You can, quite literally, blink the eye pain away!
1. Monitor yourself
* First of all, push the monitor as far as you comfortably can. About 2-3 feet away from your face is a good distance.
* Do not stare at the monitor for too long. Take your eyes off the screen every 5-10 minutes.set a reminder if you have to.
* Every half an hour or so (yes, set a timer), close your eyes for 1-2 minutes to give them rest.
* Every hour or so, take a 5-minute break. Indeed, it’ll do your whole body a world of good to stand up, stretch, pace a little.or go run a short errand. Deskercises (exercises you can do sitting at your desk) are also a great idea if your workplace just isn’t conducive to getting up and walking around.
* Make a conscious effort to blink. often! Ask colleagues or children to warn you if they fi nd you staring ahead without blinking.
* Avoid sitting right under, or in front of an air conditioner, so that the air draught doesn’t hit your face. The gust dries your ‘tears’ faster.
2. Counter convergence fatigue
Exercise your eyes regularly to prevent the pain of working too long at the computer (or even of reading or writing for hours at a time).
3. Lubricate your eyes
Ask your ophthalmologist to recommend lubricant eye drops to counter the dryness and irritation. You can use these 3-4 times a day to soothe the redness and burning. Over-the-counter (OTC) options include-Tears Naturale and Addtears, amongst others. Very rarely, these drugs cause an adverse reaction -if there is any irritation, redness or swelling, discontinue at once and report to your doc. Exercise your eyes regularly to prevent the pain of working too long at the computer (or even of reading or writing for hours at a time). So this is for all professionals who work at a PC daily, as well as for students, and others who spend long hours at the computer, who said ‘yes’ to the symptoms above-follow the exercise regimen mentioned above (see box).
That said, make sure you also get your eyes tested by an eye surgeon to catch incipient eyesight problems and ‘convergence insufficiency’ (eyes that are too tired to deal with near-distance work).
Drink Water!
Water makes up 83% of the blood and acts as a transport system, delivering nutrients to the brain and eliminating toxins.
Your brain needs to be fully hydrated so that the circuitry works well and it functions at optimum levels. Water is essential for concentration and mental alertness.
Studies have shown that most people are permanently partially dehydrated. This means that their brain is working considerably below its capacity and potential.
Your brain needs to be fully hydrated so that the circuitry works well and it functions at optimum levels. Water is essential for concentration and mental alertness.
Studies have shown that most people are permanently partially dehydrated. This means that their brain is working considerably below its capacity and potential.
An Intelligent Diet
Boost your brainpower by feeding your brain ‘brain foods’. Here are 4 tips for an intelligent diet:
1. Balance your glucose - it provides fuel for your brain. Try to eat carbohydrate foods in the evening as it promotes relaxation and sleep.
2. Eat essential fats - ensure your diet is rich in omega-3 fats found in oily fish.
3. Include plenty of protein rich foods in your diet. Proteins are essential to make neurotransmitters which are vital for the thinking process. Try to eat a protein based lunch to optimise your mental performance and alertness throughout the day.
4. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals to ‘fine tune’ your mind.
5. Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day to keep your brain well hydrated.
6. Oxygenate your brain by exercising and eating little and often. Eat your main meal before 7pm.
1. Balance your glucose - it provides fuel for your brain. Try to eat carbohydrate foods in the evening as it promotes relaxation and sleep.
2. Eat essential fats - ensure your diet is rich in omega-3 fats found in oily fish.
3. Include plenty of protein rich foods in your diet. Proteins are essential to make neurotransmitters which are vital for the thinking process. Try to eat a protein based lunch to optimise your mental performance and alertness throughout the day.
4. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals to ‘fine tune’ your mind.
5. Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day to keep your brain well hydrated.
6. Oxygenate your brain by exercising and eating little and often. Eat your main meal before 7pm.
Sleeplessness
We have all suffered from bouts of sleeplessness at one time in our lives but for many people, sleeplessness has become the norm more than the exception. Sleeplessness causes unnecessary exhaustion and has some serious implications to our health that are hard to ignore.
If you’ve been trying to overcome sleeplessness and haven’t had much success, don’t give up yet. Other than forcing the little sheep to jump over the fence and popping that sleeping pill into your mouth, there are other ways you can use to overcome sleeplessness and take a trip to dreamland.
Just follow these simple steps:
1. Regularize your sleeping habit. Your body is more prone to following a certain pattern if you set a regular rhythm. Try to establish a certain time for sleep and then go to bed on the same time each night. Set your alarm on the same time everyday, too, regardless of whether its a weekday, a weekend or a holiday. Once your body recognizes a given pattern, it will follow your initiative and give in. .
2. Avoid alcohol before bedtime. Its best to develop a sleeping habit without resorting to outside triggers. Let sleep come from within and not as a result alcohol or pills. The increase in the number of people becoming addicted to sleeping pills is alarming. They are very addictive.
3. Keep away from stimulants. Coffee is great for breakfast but its a bad idea to drink a cup a few hours before you go to sleep. Coffee and other stimulants like tea, nicotine or chocolates can keep your body feeling active and wide awake, so best to take them early in the day and avoid taking them before bedtime. Take warm milk instead.
4. Exercise early. If you’re getting regular exercise, its best to do it in the morning or at lunch time, not just before going to bed. Exercise helps stimulate the body, keeping you feeling refreshed and active long into the night. If you must perform a few exercises, keep to breathing and stretching routines that are slow and rhythmic.
5. Don’t force it. Thinking about sleep will only make you lose sleep. If you’re having trouble with sleeplessness one night, don’t try to push yourself into falling asleep because you’ll only end up upset and anxious. If your mind refuses to rest, get up and do some light chores, read a boring novel or practice light tai-chi. Avoid stimulating yourself too much and perform the activity until you feel tired and sleepy.
6. Keep daytime snoozing to a minimum. Studies have shown that 15 minutes of light naps are as restful as one-hour naps. If you must rest during the day, try to keep sleeping time short and don’t do it just a few hours before your actual bedtime. When your body has had enough rest, it is energized enough to go on for longer hours, sometimes for the rest of the night, depriving you of much-needed regular sleep.
7. Keep your bedroom as a place for sleeping. Try to minimize putting in stuff that relates to work or other activities in your bedroom. Keep your files, documents, sports equipment and other work/play implements in places other than your bedroom so that you’ll learn to recognize it as a place to rest and sleep, not a place to work in to finish that yearly report, send e-mails, correct presentations or fix the racket.
8. Keep distractions away from the bedroom. Try to keep your bedroom nice and quiet. Block out the noise by using thick curtains or carpeting. You could buy earplugs or an electronic device that produces white noise or other pleasant sounds that block away the sounds of traffic, outside music or voices. Keep lights from disturbing your sleep by keeping curtains, blinds or shutters closed.
9. Keep your bedroom clean and your bed comfortable. Nothing spells utter sleeplessness better than a cluttered, dirty bedroom. Keep it tidy and well-ventilated, making it conducive to good nights sleep. If you cant sleep without extra pillows, it cant hurt to have three or four in bed with you. If you have a preferred mattress firmness, then by all means buy the one that helps you sleep better. You can only overcome sleeplessness if you’re comfortable in bed.
10. Induce sleep through relaxation techniques. This is the same method that hypnotists and meditation specialists use. Use self-hypnosis or progressive muscular relaxation techniques. You can either do this while in bed or sitting on a chair in your bedroom. When your mind is relaxed and peaceful, its much easier for your body to give in and fall asleep.
Though not all these methods work for every one, we hope you have picked one out that will work for you. Please, for your own health, avoid addictive sleeping medications.
Fruits For Beautiful Skin
Here are a list of beauty fruits that can give your skin a boost. Give it a try and your skin will thank you for them
Beauty Fruit 1: Apples
Apples are a great conditioner and toner for your skin. They have amazing skin-healing powers and have been used as a beauty aid for centuries. Add a cup of apple juice to your bath to cleanse and soften your skin. The juice of apple can be used as a breathe freshener too. Apple juice when applied to your hair scalp can prevent dandruff. Use as a final rinse after shampooing your hair. Also, remember, apples are filled with pectin - essential for fighting the dreaded acne
Beauty Fruit 2: Lemons
A classic home beauty ingredient. Lemons are used to cleanse and freshen the skin and hair. Use lemon slices to soften rough skin spots such as elbows and heels. Lemon slices also help deodorize and mix a few teaspoons of lemon juice in your bath and you will feel fresh the whole day. Lemon juice can be added to your favourite cleanser or shampoo to refresh and tone your scalp. It also helps prevent dandruff. Lemon rinds can be rubbed on to scars as it aids healing. Lemon is a ,natural bleach it can help to fade out dark spots and acne scars too
Beauty Fruit 3: Bananas
 |
| Fruit Benefits |
Banana is a great emollient for your skin and hair. They are rich in protein and natural fats and can be used on all skin types. An easy facemask that will make your skin supple is to apply mashed banana all over your skin and leave it on for 2o minutes, rinse off with warm water and moisturize after that. Mashed banana also makes a wonderful hair conditioner when mixed with a 1 tablespoon of honey. Perfect for keeping hair beautiful even if dyed regularly
Beauty Fruit 4: Pineapple
Like papaya, pineapples are great skin softeners, which cleanses and rejuvenates dull and dry skin. Use pineapple slices on rough skin spots like knees, elbows, and heels. Use a slice of pineapple as you would a sponge or loofah to scrub your body in the bath or shower.
Beauty Fruit 5: Papaya
Papaya- rich in papain enzyme and Vitamin A, is the best treatment for exfoliating your skin. For having a fresh and glowing skin apply mashed papaya and 3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel and massage all over your body monthly. Leave on your skin for no more than five minutes and rinse thoroughly. Use it with caution for the first time as it may sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
Beauty Fruit 6: Peaches
Peaches are highly emollient and perfect for dry skin types. Mash a fresh peach and combine with a tablespoon of plain yogurt to make a smooth paste. Apply on the skin and leave it on for 20 mins and then rinse off with warm water. Your skin will feel moisturized and supple to the touch.
Benefits of Coconut Water
Drinking fresh coconut water is a refreshing experience. It helps you to overcome hot and humid conditions naturally. Coconut water is not only tasty and refreshing, it is healthy too. This article will throw light on some of the common benefits associated with drinking coconut water.
As mentioned above, coconut water is a natural way of keeping your body cool and refreshed. It contains some important minerals and thus helps in replenishing fluids and minerals lost by the body due to excessive sweating. Since coconut water replenishes body’s lost minerals and fluids, it is not a bad idea to drink coconut water after a session of strenuous exercise.
Along with naturally hydrating the body, coconut water also provides many health benefits. If you are suffering from intestinal worms or urinary problems, then coconut water can help you out.
It has been found that adding one teaspoon of olive oil in a glass of coconut water and drinking it can provide natural relief from the problem of intestinal worms. Similarly, drinking coconut water on a regular basis provides relief from urinary troubles.
Coconut water can prove beneficial for people suffering from kidney stones. This is because coconut water helps in breaking down the stones which can then be easily eliminated from the body.
Coconut water also helps in boosting up the immune system, thereby enhancing your body’s defense mechanism against various kinds of infections.
If you are suffering from fever, nausea and vomiting, then drinking coconut water can provide relief. In addition, it can also help you to easily get rid of hangover symptoms.
If you are looking for ways to reduce weight, then drinking coconut water on a regular basis can help as coconut water naturally increases the metabolism rate and thus helps in accelerating the fat burning process of the body
Drink coconut water because it is beneficial for your overall health and wellness.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)