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.

How to Reverse and Cure Cardiovascular Disease Naturally

Here, I will write about cardiovascular disease, which I had, and how I managed to reverse and cure it.

Cardiovascular diseases

Introduction

Any disease that affects cardiovascular system is cardiovascular disease. It involves heart and blood vessels such as arteries, veins and capillaries. There are many types of cardiovascular diseases, but here I will discuss about coronary heart disease.

It is the biggest cause of death and the most common disease to affect normal life worldwide. In developing countries it is increasing at an alarming rate. Mortality rate has declined in rich countries but death has increased in low income countries.

Causes of this disease are said to be sedentary life style, excessive use of fats in foods, high B.P., diabetes, smoking or use of alcohol, high level of cholesterol and excessive use of chemicals In growing of foods, heredity etc.

Certain risk factors, such as age, gender, family history are unchangeable, but certain factors such as lifestyle change, physical activity, smoking and excessive use of alcohol can be modified in a positive way. Those who have family history should modify their lifestyle and take early precautions such as healthy eating, exercise, avoidance of smoking and drinking and controlling stress.

What happens in coronary heart disease

When waxy substance in blood serum called cholesterol gets deposited on walls of arteries, it forms hard substance called plaque. This process is called atherosclerosis. Over time it causes narrowing or hardening of arteries causing decreased flow of blood. When it affects heart arteries, the condition is called coronary heart disease [CHD] and puts a person at the risk of heart attack. When it affects brain vessels, it is called cerebral vascular disease and puts a person at risk of stroke. It may affect blood flow to other vital organs such as kidneys or intestines.

When you are at rest, coronary heart disease does not give you much problem, but when you are under physical or mental stress or under fight or flight situation heart needs to work more and require more blood supply to its muscles. Here, real problem comes. At that time you feel discomfort or chest pain called angina in various degree depending on the degree of narrowing or blockages of coronary arteries. If the blockage is more, you may get heart attack.

What is cholesterol

Cholesterol is an organic chemical substance, classified as waxy steroid fat. It resembles the very fine scraping of a whitish yellow candle. It is produced in liver. Enzyme called HMG-COA reductase plays a central role in the production of cholesterol. The liver produces it by biosynthesis at regulated rate. It is also found in certain foods.

Cholesterol is a necessary substance in body for efficient functioning of every cells and the whole body system. There are three main functions of cholesterol in the body:

1. It is an essential structural component of outer coating of cells called cell membrane.
   
2. It makes up bile acids that work to digest fat in intestines.
   
3. It allows body to make vitamin D and hormones like estrogen in women and testosterone in male.

The liver produces about 100mg of it in a day. Others we get from the food we eat.
Cholesterol is a type of lipid. Lipids are fats that are found throughout the body. Lipids are oil-based and blood is water-based. They don’t mix. So cholesterol cannot travel alone through the blood stream. It has to combine with other protein. This protein acts like a carrier picking cholesterol and transporting it to the different parts of the body. When this happens, that substance is called lipoproteins (Lipids + proteins). There are two most important lipoproteins in the body:

1. LDL – Low Density L:ipoprotein
   
2. HDL – High Density Lipoprotein
   

1. LDL

If there is more lipid and less protein in lipoprotein, it is less dense. So it s called low density lipoprotein. LDL has tendency to build up on the walls of arteries and promotes atherosclerosis and increases chances of heart diseases. That’s why it is called bad cholesterol. Lower the number in blood serum, lower the risk. It should be 100-129mg/dl.

2. HDL

In this type of lipoprotein, lipid is less and protein is more, so it is more dense. It is called high density lipoprotein. It has very opposite effect on body than LDL. It protects against heart diseases by talking away LDL – bad cholesterol from the blood stream keeping it from building up on arteries, so it is called good cholesterol. Higher the number, lower the risk. It should be 55mg/dl or above.

Triglyceride

This is another fatty substance in blood serum measured during lipid profile. They are fats from certain foods we eat. It should be less than 150mg/dl.
Total cholesterol It is the measure of HDL, LDL and other lipid components. In lipid profile test, it should be less than 200mg/dl.

Process of atherosclerosis starts at early age and keeps going on. If you have family history of coronary heart problems than you should start taking early precautions.

In a treadmill test, echocardiogram and lipid profile test, if you are positive for CHD, following measures may help to delay or reverse the cardio heart disease:

Diet control Foods like eggs, meats, bitter, ghee, cheese, ice cream are loaded with cholesterol. You can avoid them or take in control. Vegetables, fruits and grains contain none. Those, you can take as much as you like.

Exercises

Certain aerobic exercises may help in CHD. Brisk walk is a good exercise. You should walk 30-40 minutes daily. Certain yoga poses and pranayams may help in controlling CHD. You can find more information from relevant source.

Medication

You should take medicines regularly as advised by physicians without fail. After doing some exercises, even if you feel better, don’t stop or reduce dose without consulting the doctor.

How I managed to reverse and cure CHD

Being aware of our family history of cardiovascular disease, I started taking precautions at age of about 45 years of age. I stopped using ghee and butter, and eating oil-fried food in controlled amount. I am non-smoker and have never used alcohol. I am a pure vegetarian. Being a mechanical engineer by profession, I have an active lifestyle. I do daily walk of about 30-40 minutes.

Despite taking all the above precautions, I started feeling discomfort in 2008 at the age of 59 years while doing normal duties. I went for medical checkup. Treadmill test report and lipid profile report was positive for CHD. The doctors advised me to go for further checkup and angiography.

Due to fear of bypass surgery, instead of going for angiography, I went for EECP (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation) which was offered in a special heart hospital. There, in noninvasive testing called cartography, they found I had my three coronary arteries blocked in various degrees. Then the doctor advised me, either to take EECP treatment or go for bypass surgery. I opted for EECP. It is a noninvasive computerized treatment of 35 days, daily one hour, outpatient. They claimed to open collateral arteries of heart muscles by this treatment, so heart muscles get enough blood in area which was lacking blood due to blocked arteries. Daily, I was going for treatment and days were passing without any signs of improvement. At the end of 35 days, I did not feel any improvement of the symptoms.
While thinking and praying to God on what to do next, one day suddenly I saw some news item in a newspaper that there is a yoga workshop where they teach some exercises, claimed to reverse CHD and clear blocked arteries. I went there and learned the exercises. I bought some DVDs and books about the exercises.

In June 2008, I started doing these exercises regularly as explained. After doing them for about 4-5 months, I started feeling better while walking and doing normal duties. After 7-8 months, I felt a definite and sure improvement while climbing stairs and fast walking. After doing them for about 2 years, I went back for medical checkup. Treadmill test and echocardiogram was negative for CHD. Lipid profile parameters came in normal range. The doctor told me that I don’t have any heart problem. I am still doing these exercises and living a happy, healthy life.

In the next post, I will write about how the set of exercises work.

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.

Home Remedies for Heart Health

In this post, I am going to write about how to maintain good heart health by the use of home remedies.

Garlic                        

Garlic is very rich herb consisting of many vitamins and minerals. Some of them being: vitamin A, B, C, B2, zinc and Calcium. Full of antioxidants, it seems to be able to lessen plaque buildup and reduce chest pain. It is also a mild coagulant helping to thin blood, lowering B.P., raising HDL while lowering LDL, cholesterol and triglycerides. Thus it helps to prevent arteriosclerosis, hence reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Moderate amount of garlic everyday can help in keeping the heart generally healthy. Best way to use it, is to crush 2 to 3 cloves of garlic into fine paste, leave it for 10 minute , mix it water and drink 30 minute after taking food. Allicin and other powerful medicinal compounds are produced when garlic is finally crushed and left for about 10 minutes.

Cayenne pepper             

It is a great food for circulatory system in that it feeds the necessary elements into the cell structures of arteries and veins, so that they regain elasticity again. Blood pressure adjusts itself to normal. It regulates the flow of blood from the head to feet. It influences the heart immediately, and then gradually extends its effect to the circulatory system and nerves. One of greatest stories of Dr. John Christopher, the great natural herbalist, in his long career was how he could make the patient to drink a glass of warm cayenne water. He said “a teaspoon of cayenne should bring the patient out of heart attack”. Start by mixing about a quarter of teaspoon in glass of warm water and drink.

Oat

Oats are full of omega -3 fatty acids, folate and potassium. This fiber rich super food can lower levels of LDL cholesterol and keep arteries clear.

Olive oil

It is full of monounsaturated fats. Olive oil lower LDL cholesterol and reduces risk of developing heart disease.

Avocado

Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fat. It can help lower LDL levels while raising amount of HDL cholesterol in your body.

Strawberries

This fruit is loaded with vitamin C. Vitamin C is antioxidant vital to maintaining healthy heart. It is also good source of fiber and potassium, both important for heart health.

Spinach                            
Along with other B vitamins, B6 and B12, it has folic acid. Folic acid can help prevent heart disease.

Broccoli

It is rich in calcium which is another heart healthy nutrient.

Related links where you can get more information:

1. Home Remedy for Clearing Blocked Coronary Arteries.

2. How to Clear Blocked Coronary Arteries by Exercises
3. Natural Remedy to Clear Blocked Arteries
4. Narrowing of Arteries: Home Remedies
5. Causes and Home Remedies for Heart Disease

Benefits of Rhythmic Breathing

In this post, I am going to write about the benefits of rhythmic breathing. By practising rhythmic breathing, your physical body comes in harmony with the astral body, so there is no conflict between two bodies. Mind which is difficult to control comes automatically under control and becomes calm. Negative emotions of anger, fear, doubt, worry etc becomes less and less. Even some occasions can cause certain emotions, but they don’t overpower, hurt or disturb deeply. You don’t take life seriously. Your habit of reaction  becomes response. It helps to improve relationships and family life. Positive attributes such as tolerance, forgiveness, joy, happiness, positive thinking, mindfulness etc. takes root in your daily life. As breathing and thought process is connected. In rhythmic breathing, as breaths slow down, thoughts also slow down. You can watch your thoughts and become mindful. It helps to practise positive thinking. You allow only those thoughts which make you happy, healthy, joyous and good. In religious discourses, motivational and inspirational talks, we are told that negative emotions of anger, jealousy, greed and lust are doors to hell, and are bad to live peaceful and healthy life, but nobody shows us practical way to control them. Rhythmic breathing is a practical way to control these emotions.

Positive emotional changes in astral body slowly manifests in our physical body. Its immediate benefit is on the heart as heart is the organ which is strictly working on rhythm. Heart beat becomes near optimum i.e. 72 B.P.M. Coronary arteries blockages, valves blockages starts dissolving. Palpitation comes under control. Other diseases such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis, gout, cholesterol etc comes under control. Normally, a person is breathing 14-15 breaths per minute. By breathing rhythmically at 12 breaths per minute, we are saving 20-25% of energy used in breathing, so we stay energetic with less hunger and sleep. With less number of breaths, we are getting more oxygen because we are using full capacity of the lung. When blood circulates in the body, it carries rhythm together with oxygen and nutrients and gives rhythm to every cell of the body. Hence, they get new life and starts vibrating with energy at right frequency and rhythm. Imagine a community of trillions of cells living in rhythm, harmony and coordination living under the control of their master i.e. the mind. A happy, healthy and prosperous life.

Those who are spiritual and believes that we are spiritual being, having human body experience and seeking spiritual enlightment and salvation (moksha), and looking for freedom from birth and death cycle should also practise rhythmic breathing. By practicing rhythmic breathing, you come in harmony with the universe. You become attuned to the rhythm of universe. You experience sense of oneness with the super consciousness, God, nature, Divine wholeness or whatever you may like to call. The soul becomes free from all emotions, which is the cause of birth and death cycle.

From my own personal experience, I feel that more research needs to be done on rhythmic breathing, especially its ability to cure heart ailments and cancers, as cancer is also caused by some body cells losing rhythm, becoming rebellious and out of control of the mind.

Related links where you can get more information:

1. Introduction to Rhythmic Breathing
2. An introduction to 3 Step Rhythmic Breathing (3SRB) by Parth Sejpal
3. Stress Relief Techniques 1: Rhythmic Breathing
4. Meditate Now Making Your Breath Rhythmic
5. Rhythmic Breathing Exercise

Home Remedy for Clearing Blocked Coronary Arteries.

In this post, I am going to explain how to make a recipe for clearing blocked arteries. Follow the steps below.

1. 1 cup ginger juice – Take 250g of ginger. Peel off its skin and put the ginger in a blender. Add some water and blend the ginger properly. Then strain the juice.
2. 1 cup garlic juice – Take 250g of garlic and prepare the juice using the method described above.
3. 1 cup lemon juice – Prepare it by squeezing the lemon juice out of the lemon.
4. I cup apple cider vinegar (ACV) – Available from shops.


Mix all the juices and put them in a stainless steel pot. Boil using low heat for about ½ an hour. After that, remove it from the stove and let it cool. Then mix about 3 cups of honey. If you are diabetic, then put less honey. Mix properly. Take two tablespoon daily on an empty stomach. Continue for some months.

Any blocked arteries will be cleared. Combined with the exercises described in the previous post, it will give you faster and better results.

Related links where you can get more information:

1. How to Clear Blocked Coronary Arteries by Exercises
2. Home Remedies for Heart Health 
3. Home Remedies for Coronary Heart Disease
4. Natural Remedy to Clear Blocked Arteries
5. Narrowing of Arteries: Home Remedies
6. Causes and Home Remedies for Heart Disease

How to Clear Blocked Coronary Arteries by Exercises

In this post, I am going to write about how my three blocked coronary arteries got cleared by exercises. 

In early 2008, I started feeling discomfort in my chest while walking and doing other daily normal activities. I went for the medical checkup where the doctors found that I had three of my coronary arteries blocked in various degrees and high cholesterol. The doctors advised for bypass surgery.

While deciding on what to do, I read about a health workshop in which they where teaching exercises which could clear blocked arteries. I went there and learned these exercises and started doing them regularly.

Day by day, I started to feel some improvement. After 3 to 4 months, I became quite well. After 1 year, when I went back for medical checkup all reports were normal, and the doctors said there is no heart problem.

These are the exercises that I started and am still continuing to date:

1. Tension relaxation Exercises.

These consist of 7 exercises taking around 10 minutes in total. By releasing muscular tension, it improves blood and life force circulation. It removes waste collected in joints and muscles, thus relieving pain and nerves become stronger.

2. Swiso

It is done by hand movements while standing with music at 36 breathes per minute. This is done for one minute. Swiso relieves one from chest pain, shoulder pain. It also relieves one from heart and lung problems.

3. Refining Exercises

These consist of six exercises taking a minute each. Each one deals with different areas of the body. As the name suggests, the exercises refine the body. They are very useful in cardiovascular diseases such as artery and valve blockages, palpitation, high and low blood pressure; diabetes, acidity, constipation, arthritis etc.

4. Gold nugget

By 40 seconds of this exercise, perineum area gets activated, where endocrine glands are interconnected. It balances and improves efficiency of endocrine glands. Life force is upgraded. It is a spiritual exercise.

You can read more about these exercises at the official 3SRB site.

Indeed by doing these exercises, I bypassed the bypass surgery. To date I am still doing these exercises and enjoying perfect and total health.

In the future posts, I am going to write more about these exercises and other health issue.

Questions and comments are most welcome.

Related links where you can get more information:

1. Home Remedy for Clearing Blocked Coronary Arteries.
2. Home Remedies for Heart Health
3. Understanding Blocked Coronary Arteries Video
4. Home Remedies for Coronary Heart Disease
5. Natural Remedy to Clear Blocked Arteries
6. Narrowing of Arteries: Home Remedies
7. Causes and Home Remedies for Heart Disease