Ginger roots and its health benefits

Introduction

It is underground rhizome of the ginger plant. Its botanical name is zingiber officinale. Its flesh can be white, brown or red depending upon its variety. It is covered with brownish skin. It resembles light brown knotted root. It has thin grass like dark green leaves and small yellow flowers. It is native of South East Asia. It is grown all over the world but main commercial producers are India, Fiji, Jamaica, and Indonesia. The fresh or dried ginger and its powder is available in market

Chemical composition

It has vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, insoluble and soluble fiber, carbohydrates and more.  It has minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper and magnesium. It contains vitamins B5 and B6, which are good for optimum health. Potassium is important compound of cells and body fluids, and helps control B.P. and heart rate. It contains potent ant-inflammatory compound called gingerols. Its taste is aromatic, pungent and hot.

Health benefits

Gastrointestinal relief

It is very effective in preventing motion sickness, flatulence and reduces all symptoms associated with it, such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting and cold sweating. It helps to settle stomach. It has anti-inflammatory, carmonative, antiflatulant, and anti-microbial properties. It gives effective relief from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Its anti-inflammatory action has been shown to be very useful in reducing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy even of severe form. Unlike anti vomiting drugs which can cause birth defects, ginger is completely safe and only a small dose is required.

Arthritis

Its anti-inflammatory compounds called gingeroles is believed to reduce pain levels and inflammation and improves mobility in arthritis problems. Regular consumption of ginger by people with arthritis related problems such as aging knees significantly reduces pain and swelling.

Common cold and flu

It is used as warmer in a cold day by putting into tea or milk. It may help by relieving symptoms of cold and flu. It is used as a tea herb by blending with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and nutmeg. It plays dual role both as herbal remedy and spice. It makes popular herbal drinks by adding lemon juice and honey to relieve cold coughs and sore throat. It is natural decongestant, as well as anti histamine making it perfect remedy for common cold.

Heart health

It promotes heart health by inhibiting cholesterol production in liver and strengthens heart. It decreases activity of clotting agent PAF which creates clot possibly resulting in heart attack or stroke.

Cancer

The gingerole, main active ingredient of ginger, may inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells. Its extract has shown anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effect on ovarian cancer cells. It has very high level of anti-oxidant, higher than many berries making it an excellent defender against cell damage and associated disease caused by free radicals. Anti-oxidant activities thought to explain its possible anti-cancer effects. It has the ability to decrease cancer cell proliferation and suppress mechanism that initiates cancer cell activation, Study shows that it has ability to defeat several types of cancer cells including some most aggressive and difficult to treat lung, ovarian, colon, breast and prostate cancers.

Diabetes

Various studies show that it can prevent and treat diabetes, along with related ability to reduce blood sugar, cholesterol. It reduces incidence of diabetic nephropathy, the kidney damage.

Anti-fungal

It has ability to treat most difficult to treat and drug resistant fungal infection.

Migraine relief

Study shows that it may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

Other uses

It has special place in Indian traditional medicines and Chinese medicines for its unique phytochemical which are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties. It promotes health sweating. A good sweat may assist detoxification. Studies have found that this sweat contains potential germ fighting agent which may help fighting infection. It is so concentrated with active substances that you don’t have to use much to get its benefits.

It is used in treatment of menstrual cramps as a herbal remedy. As a herbal remedy it has history going back thousand years. In addition to its numerous health benefits, in India, it is liberally used in daily life. It enhances flavour of savory dishes, curries, sweet dishes, cookies and ginger breads, Ginger candy is sold in Asian markets in hard and soft chew form. It makes tasty refreshing cold drink by adding into sugarcane juice with lemon,

Side effects

As it works as blood thinner, if you are on blood thinning medicine or clotting disorder or have gall bladder problem, don’t take medicinal dose of it. Excessive use may cause gastro intestinal upset.

Cinnamon and its health benefits

In this post, I will write about the spice, cinnamon and its health benefits.

Introduction

Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of several trees. It is harvested by growing the trees for two years, then the inner bark taken out and used. Outer woody portion is discarded.

Cinnamon is cultivated mainly in Shri Lanka, Madagascar and Seychelles. In Chinese medicines and in Indian Ayur Vedic system of medicine, it is long considered as a super power used to treat cold, indigestion and cramps.

It is also believed to improve energy, vitality and blood circulation. It is used both as a spice and medicine, since ancient times. It is used in food preparations. Principally, it is used in cooking as a condiment and flavouring material. It is also used in pickles, sauces as flavour and preservative. It is one of the oldest spices known.

Chemical composition

Cinnamon is high in nutrients. It is a great source of manganese, iron, calcium and fiber. Its flavour is due to the aromatic oil it contains. It has sweet and pungent taste. The pungent taste comes from cinnamon aldehyde.

Health benefits

Diabetes

Several scientific studies carried out shows that it significantly helps with type 2 diabetes by increasing amount of insulin production, and by improving their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing blood sugar. It not only stimulates insulin receptors but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them. Study on people with type 2 diabetes shows that consuming as little as 1gm (1/4 teaspoon) cinnamon powder per day is found to reduce blood sugar. The cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabeteswill reduces risk of problems associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease

Studies have shown that ½ teaspoon full of cinnamon powder can lower triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol, thus improving cardiovascular health.

Arthritis

Half teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon honey, taken every day morning on empty stomach have significant relief of pain after one week and can walk without pain in one month.

Take one part honey, two part lukewarm water and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder and make a paste by mixing them. Massage it on the itching part slowly. Pain will recede with 15 minutes.

Yeast infection

It has shown amazing ability to stop drug resistant yeast infection.

Cancer prevention

Study published by researchers shows that it reduced proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Antioxidant

It is more powerful antioxidant compared to other antioxidant spices. It prevents oxidation more effectively than all other spices. 

Hair loss

Make paste of hot olive oil and one tablespoon honey and one teaspoon cinnamon powder. Apply on scalp before bath. Keep it for 15 minutes than wash hair.

Bladder infection

Take two tablespoon cinnamon powder, one teaspoon honey and put them in a glass of lukewarm water. Mix and drink it. It will destroy germs causing the infection of bladder.

Toothache

Make paste of ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder and one teaspoon honey. Apply it on aching tooth. Apply daily three times until the tooth stops aching.

Heart disease

Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder. Apply on bread in place of jam. It will reduce cholesterol and will strengthen heart.

Skin infection

Apply honey and cinnamon in equal parts to cure infection of eczima, ringworms and all types of skin infection.

Brain health

By just smelling its wonderful odour of this sweet spice, boosts brain activity and its cognitive function and memory.

Other uses

• It has anti-clotting effect on blood.
  
• It is an excellent source of fiber and good source of calcium and trace mineral manganese to protect colon health and heart health.
  
• Traditionally it is used as warming remedy and provides relief on onset of cold or flu especially when mixed in tea with fresh ginger.
  
• It has been found effective natural remedy for eliminating headache and migraine relief.
  
• When added to food and pickles, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a good food preservative.
  
• It gives an enchanting aroma and flavour when chewed.

Side effects

It has been found toxic in large doses. Large amount of cinnamon may increase liver problems. If you are on diabetes medication, you should pay close attention to blood sugar level. It may fall too low.

Aloe Vera and its medicinal uses

In this post, I will write about aloe vera and its medicinal uses.

Introduction

Aloe vera is a succulent plant related to cactus. It is stemless or a very short-stemed plant. Its leaves are thick and fleshy, green or grey green and have small teeth. Their fleshy leaves store water and are succulent. This juicy plant survives in areas of low rainfall. It flowers in summer. For medicinal use it produces two substances: gel and latex.

History

Aloe vera probably originated in northern Africa. It is found in morocco, Mauritania, Egypt. It is frequently cited being used in herbal medicine since beginning of first century. In Egypt it was presented as burial gift to deceased pharaohs. It is found being mentioned in rig Vedas, ancient scripture of India, as ghrita kumari. It is widely grown as ornamental plant in home gardens. Large scale plantation is undertaken in India, China, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Cuba.

Chemical composition

It has water, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 200 phyto nutrients. It contains proteins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, germanium, and vitamin A, B1, B2, B5, B12, C and E. It also contains folic acid, niacin, essential fatty acids and enzymes. It contains 99% water. The remaining 1% water is extremely powerful because about 100 ingredients work extremely well to treat health problems. It is the only known natural vegetarian source of vitamin B12.

Medicinal uses

Aloe vera is the most impressive medicinal herb given by nature. It is used in Indian system of ayurvedic medicine as multipurpose skin treatment.

Burns

It is excellent treatment for burns. Burns can be healed remarkably quickly and pain reduced very quickly by applying topically to the burn area. For minor burns, even scars are not left if the burn is treated with aloe vera.

Skin problems

It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish moisture. Skin disease such as acne, eczema, skin irritation respond well to natural antiseptic of aloe. Its topical application may be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis. It is widely used in making cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, soaps and herbal toothpaste. It can be used as shaving gel and aftershave to prevent razor burns. It enhances skin health. Its gel can be used for dandruff as well as lice. Aloe bitter gum/sap used in cosmetics helps to fight severe pimples, black spots, acne, stretch marks, fungal and bacterial infection.

Wrinkle repair

Vitamin C and E, present in aloe vera helps to improve skin’s firmness and keep it hydrated. Its gel penetrate 4 times faster than water and helps to moisturize the under layer of skin. Combining with coconut oil can make good skin cream with supplements nutrients, essential; fats and moisture.

Digestive system

Its ability to encourage release of pepsin helps to improve digestion. Its juice seems to soothe digestive tract, irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Its juice is commonly used internally to relieve digestive discomfort.

Laxative

It helps to relieve constipation. There is strong scientific evidence in support of laxative properties of its latex. Dried latex is made from the inner lining of the leaf. It contains aloin which is generally used as laxative.

Cardiovascular system

Aloe vera reduces triglycerides and lowers cholesterol. It reduces high B.P. by treating its cause. Vitamin C present in aloe vera helps to maintain tone of blood vessels and promotes good circulation.

Immune system

It seems to be excellent at regulating immune system. It can stimulate the immune response for those with weakened immune system. Vitamin benefits of aloe vera juice helps building the body’s defense system naturally against stress and disease.

Cancer

It seems to halt growth of cancer and to heal pre-cancerous lesions or growth. Its gel is a miracle cure for early stage colon cancer when combined with raw vegetable and fruit juice.

Detox

Its use said to be one of the finest body cleanser. It cleans morbid matter from stomach, liver, kidney, spleen, bladder and colon.

Other uses

• It stabilizes blood sugar in diabetes.
  
• It is used externally or internally to relieve joint and muscle pain.
  
• It cures teeth and gum disease.

Many nutrients available in aloe vera promote growth process and healthy functioning of all body’s system. Diluted leaf sap drank as a cure for malaria, headache, and chest pain and as a appetizer. Various scientific research studies are underway to study its potential to combat the HIV virus and to treat certain types of cancer particularly leukemia.

There is no single ingredient that makes it very potential and healthful, but several different compound group of nutrients work together to make it effective. Study report prepared by scientist of Banaras Hindu University of India says that aloe vera can be used to lower blood glucose and blood lipid level in diabetes and cardiac patients.

Side effects

• Avoid taking aloe for prolonged period as a laxative due to risk of dehydration and electrolyte balance.
  
• Use of topical aloe is not associated with significant side effects.
  
• Abdominal cramp and diarrhea is reported with prolonged use or high doses.
  
• Oral intake of aloe may also lower blood sugar level, take care if you are on prescription medicine for diabetes.

Garlic and its health benefits

In this post, I will write about garlic and its health benefits.

Introduction

Garlic is odoriferous bulb belonging to the lily family of onions, leeks and chives. Garlic bulb is divided into sections called cloves. Each clove has a covering of thin layer which protects them from losing moisture and rotting. It can stay at room temperature for a long time. Its scientific name is Allium Satum.

History

Throughout history, it is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. It is one of the oldest plants grown in the world. It has been grown for more than 4000 years. It is native to central Asia. China, India, Spain, USA and South Korea are among the top commercial producers.

Chemical composition

Garlic is packed with vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain good health. Some of this includes manganese, calcium, zinc, potassium, protein etc. It is an excellent source of manganese 15%, Vitamin B6 11%, Vitamin C 9.3%, Vitamin B and B2. Garlic has germanium, an anti-cancer agent, more than any other herb. It is also a good source of selenium. The selenium is an important part of body’s antioxidant system. Apart from all these nutrients, it has active compounds called Allicin and diallyl sulphide. Sulphur is a key element of our health and it is the cause of its pungent odor.

Health benefits

Immune system

Garlic’s most potent health benefit is its ability to enhance the body’s immune system. Its most active compound Allicin is a powerful antibiotic. Allicin inhibits the ability of germs to grow and reproduce. It’s effective against toxic bacteria, viruses and fungus.

Skin disease

It can heal some stubborn skin diseases such as ringworm infection and eczema, not healing by other means. For that crush garlic. Keep it for 10-15 minutes. Apply on affected skin. Let it dry. It will burn but it will cure the skin problem.

Ear infection

It may help to cure ear infection. For that, crush garlic. Put a little cooking oil and heat it at low heat until the garlic paste gets dried. Let it cool and use it as ear drop.

Blood pressure

Allicin is a powerful antioxidant and transmits cellular signals that relax and dilates blood vessels and increase blood flow. Due to this action, it may help to equalize blood pressure whether low or high.

Cardiovascular system

Various studies on garlic to study its medicinal uses confirm that it can reduce cholesterol. Being an antioxidant, it helps scavenge harmful free radicals. It lowers triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol in blood serum, thus prevents arteriosclerosis. It is blood thinner and reduces blood clotting. In this way, it would reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. Vitamin B6 present in garlic prevents heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels in blood. The homocysteine is a by-product of protein breakdown which causes inflammation and damages to blood vessels.

Cancer

When garlic is crushed and kept for 10-15 minutes, it triggers enzyme reactions that produce a variety of compounds called allyl polysulphides. Various studies done to study the health benefits of garlic found that when garlic is eaten, human red blood cells emit hydrogen sulphide. Human red blood cells can take sulphur containing molecules called polysulphides and use them to produce hydrogen sulphides. So it appears that garlic has power to boost production of natural supply of hydrogen sulphide in the body which may help to protect the body against various types of cancers including breast, prostate, and colon cancer.

Arthritis

It seems to reduce inflammation and pain in the body making it beneficial for people with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Other uses

• It is a good remedy for common cold and flu.
  
• It also regulates blood sugar in diabetes.
  
• Allyl sulphide present in garlic may help improve iron metabolism.

Due to its numerous benefits, sometimes it is called wonder drug.

How to use

The best and most effective way to use garlic as medicine or herb is by crushing it.

• Take 2-3 cloves of garlic.
  
• Remove the covering.
  
• Cut into small pieces and crush it into paste in a stainless steel bowl.
  
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
  
• Add some water and drink it.
  
• Take it half an hour after meal.
  
• Continue to drink more water for some time.

 Side effects

The main social reason people don’t like to use it is because of its bad smell. It makes breathe and sweat smell like garlic. Eating fennel seeds or drinking lemon juice helps to reduce its smell.

Excessive use or large dose may produce problems such as irritation or damage to digestive tract.

If you are on blood thinning medication such as warfarin or aspirin you should consult a doctor before using it.

Turmeric and its Medicinal Uses

In this post, I will write about turmeric and its medicinal uses.

Introduction

Turmeric is a perennial plant of ginger family. Its botanical name is Curcuma longa. It grows underground like other tubers. India and Pakistan are significant producers of turmeric. It is a major part of Indian ayurvedic system of herbal medicine. It has long been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in Indian and Chinese system of natural healing.

Chemical composition

It is orange or yellowish in color. It has a mild peppery and bitter taste and mild fragrance. It is a good source of some minerals like manganese 17% and iron 10%. Apart from this it also has Vitamin B6 4.1% and potassium 3% and fibre. But the most potent element in turmeric is yellow or orange pigment called curcumin.

Medicinal benefits

Numerous studies done on turmeric have shown that curcumin is a primary anti-inflammatory agent in it. Its anti-inflammatory effect is comparable with potent drugs with no side effects or toxicity. It is also a very powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that protect body cells from damage caused by activated oxygen molecules known as free radicals.

Rheumatoid arthritis

In many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, free radicals are responsible for painful joints and eventual damage to the joints. People having painful joints find relief from pain by using turmeric regularly. As a home remedy, turmeric is used in fine powder form. Small dose of turmeric powder and black pepper taken with water regularly will relieve arthritis pain.

Cancers

Turmeric is useful in prevention and treatment of certain types of cancers. Frequent use of turmeric inhibits growth of new blood vessels in tumors.  It boosts effect of chemotherapy drugs and reduces its side effects. Although studies of effect of curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment in humans is in early stage, but it has been found to reduce developments of several forms of cancer in laboratory animals.

Cardiovascular system

The turmeric is useful in maintaining and treatment of cardiovascular system. It lowers LDL [bad) cholesterol while raising HDL [good) cholesterol levels in blood serum. It protects cardiovascular systems and prevents arteriosclerosis and oxidation of cholesterol in the body. When cholesterol oxidizes, it builds up on the walls of arteries. Turmeric may also prevent platelet build up along damaged walls of blood vessels.

Diabetes

Turmeric being antioxidant helps to reduce insulin resistance in diabetes. Turmeric with other spices like cinnamon and fenugreek seeds may help to moderate blood sugar levels in diabetes. In diabetes take ½ - 1 teaspoon turmeric 3 times a day with water.

Other uses

• Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric, regular and daily consumption of it can prevent onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
  
• Turmeric is an effective home remedy for asthma. Add one teaspoon of turmeric in warm milk and drink it. This mixture will relieve symptoms of asthma.
  
• It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial useful in cuts and burns. A pinch of it put on cuts will stop bleeding and speeds up wound healing. For burns, mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel and apply it on burnt area.
  
• It heals sore throats, mouth ulcers and inflamed tonsils. It is useful in common cold and coughs. For that, mix turmeric with honey or put in a pinch of turmeric powder in mouth before going to bed.
  
• It may help in treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
  
• It is a liver detoxifier.
  
• It relieves pain and inflammation caused by muscle sprains and swellings. Make paste by mixing turmeric powder with common salt and water and apply it on swollen muscles or joints.
  
• If you feel bloated due to indigestion, take a small dose of turmeric with black pepper with water. It will help to relieve the problem.
  
• Mix 1 teaspoon turmeric, two cloves and 2 leaves of guava and boil in a glass of water. Let it cool down then gargle to provide instant relief from toothache.
  
• It is mixed with yellow gram flour and water to make paste, used as a cosmetic to provide a glow to skin.

Modern science is beginning to recognize amazing healing properties of turmeric in treatment of diseases. Combined with black pepper, turmeric becomes much more potent.

Due to its numerous health benefits and its colour, it is called the golden spice of life.

Side effects

 Despite its various health benefits, it is known to result in liver distress, constipation or stomach related problems if consumed in high doses for prolonged period of time. It should not be used when  you are on blood thinning medicines, such as aspirin or warfarin, or suffering from gall stones and bile obstruction.