Who knew that drinking certain herbs could have health benefits? The answer is the Chinese. A good example of this is green tea, research shows that it contains epigallocatecchin gallate or EGCG that is an antioxidant.
Anti-oxidants found in green tea inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells so the body may help combat esophageal and lung cancer. It may fight against stress and aging which we all have to deal with as we grow older.
Aside from being an anti-oxidant, green tea destroys malignant cancer cells leaving healthy tissue untouched. This decreases the inflammation of blood which helps prevent arthritis.
When ingested on a regular basis, green tea can lower your LDL cholesterol reducing your chances of suffering from a stroke or heart attack. At the same time, it can increase the production of HDL better known as good cholesterol.
There are links between heart diseases and high blood pressure, drinking green tea inhibits the production of substances that cause the arteries to constrict. Even better, it can help those suffering from diabetes. This happens as polyphenols found in green tree extracts reduces the amount of amylase produced which lowers your blood sugar levels.
For those who are trying to lose weight, green tea can increase your metabolism and increase fat oxidation. If you are stressed, drinking green tea will help you recharge your batteries so you can continue working.
Green tea has been tested to prevent platelets from clotting and reduce levels of thromboxane that causes blood clots.
In many parts of Asia, companies that are involved in the business of selling and distributing deodorants and creams have used green tea extracts in making some of their products. This gives consumers protection against dental plaque and tooth decay because of the fluoride content.
While some research suggests that green tea can help those who are suffering from HIV, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, more research needs to be done, there is no cure yet for these three illnesses.
There are many health benefits associated with drinking green tea from making you look and feel younger to keeping your blood sugar levels in check. Just remember that there are limits to what herbs can do and modern medicine is there to help you if you are dealing with something serious.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Herbal Hair Care Secrets
Been dreaming of shiny, healthy hair? With the advent of cosmetic procedures and technology, achieving the type of hair that you’ve always wanted is possible. However, hair treatments only provide a temporary fix and constantly using hair care procedures eventually reduces the natural beauty of your hair.
Healthy Diet = Beautiful Hair
Depending on your diet, it is possible to achieve the quality of hair you always dreamed of. Hair is just like any part of your body. Its health also depends on food and nutrients. Couple your healthy diet with lots of water and rest to contribute to beautiful shiny hair.
Taking care of your health is the first step. Then, you can implement damage limitation procedures. The following are common elements that can contribute to damaged hair:
a. Overexposure to sun
b. Wind
c. Pollution
d. Excessive brushing
e. Too much coloring or treatment, among others
Precautionary Steps
You need to take precautionary measures to preserve the natural beauty of your hair and limit damage. Improving the quality of your diet is an efficient but inexpensive first step. Some of the most dreaded hair conditions include: lifeless, frizzy, dry, stressed hair and split ends.
Here are helpful tips to get you started towards naturally beautiful hair:
1. Reduce environmental stress by protecting your hair from wind and sun. Wear a cap and bring an umbrella whenever you go out.
2. Reduce, if not totally eliminate, hair care procedures such as curling, straightening, or blow-drying.
3. Allow your hair to naturally dry after washing.
Natural Hair Care Treatment
- Nettles are an effective tonic and detox treatment to relieve damaged hair. Make a tea out of dried nettle leaves, or you can purchase those readily available nettle tea bags from health food stores. Aside from drinking the tea, you can also use it as a hair rinse.
- Chamomile tea is an effective hair conditioner. If you want to achieve extra shine, simply add a teaspoon of lemon juice to a liter of tea.
- To restore moisture to dry hair, you can use infusions from common spices such as parsley or sage.
- If you have greasy or oily hair, you can make a rinse out of either lemon balm, lavender, rosemary, or mint. These herbs will help reduce the production of sebum and calm your scalp.
Herbal Hair Shampoo vs Commercial Hair Products
Proponents of natural hair care products emphasize not only its efficacy in addressing hair problems but also its lack of toxic effects on your body. Commercial shampoos utilize toxic chemicals that can be hazardous to your health, especially when used in excessive amounts. If you take the time to examine the labels of most shampoos available on the market, you might find these chemicals listed among its ingredients:
- propylene glycol
- cetearyl alcohol
- distearate
- isopropyl alcohol
- methylparaben or propylparaben
The main difference between commercially produced hair care products over organic ones is that the former utilize harmful ingredients in an effort to produce quick results. Today people always aim for quick, visible results. Therefore, chemicals are used in large amounts to produce the desired result. Unfortunately, this “quick fix” is detrimental to your overall health in the long term.
Benefits of Herbal Hair Products
Herbal hair products use natural herbal components to promote growth and health of hair. More than just reparation for damaged hair, these natural products aim to promote natural growth and development in a gradual, long term perspective.
Aloe vera is an example of a plant that contains properties that help promote the hair’s natural growth. Meanwhile, castor or coconut oils maintain the natural glow of your hair. In comparison, hair applied with coconut oil appeared to have a more natural but healthier glow compared to hair applied with shampoo.
Aside from fewer risks to your health, the promise of healthier and more beautiful hair is reason enough to switch to natural hair products.
Healthy Diet = Beautiful Hair
Depending on your diet, it is possible to achieve the quality of hair you always dreamed of. Hair is just like any part of your body. Its health also depends on food and nutrients. Couple your healthy diet with lots of water and rest to contribute to beautiful shiny hair.
Taking care of your health is the first step. Then, you can implement damage limitation procedures. The following are common elements that can contribute to damaged hair:
a. Overexposure to sun
b. Wind
c. Pollution
d. Excessive brushing
e. Too much coloring or treatment, among others
Precautionary Steps
You need to take precautionary measures to preserve the natural beauty of your hair and limit damage. Improving the quality of your diet is an efficient but inexpensive first step. Some of the most dreaded hair conditions include: lifeless, frizzy, dry, stressed hair and split ends.
Here are helpful tips to get you started towards naturally beautiful hair:
1. Reduce environmental stress by protecting your hair from wind and sun. Wear a cap and bring an umbrella whenever you go out.
2. Reduce, if not totally eliminate, hair care procedures such as curling, straightening, or blow-drying.
3. Allow your hair to naturally dry after washing.
Natural Hair Care Treatment
- Nettles are an effective tonic and detox treatment to relieve damaged hair. Make a tea out of dried nettle leaves, or you can purchase those readily available nettle tea bags from health food stores. Aside from drinking the tea, you can also use it as a hair rinse.
- Chamomile tea is an effective hair conditioner. If you want to achieve extra shine, simply add a teaspoon of lemon juice to a liter of tea.
- To restore moisture to dry hair, you can use infusions from common spices such as parsley or sage.
- If you have greasy or oily hair, you can make a rinse out of either lemon balm, lavender, rosemary, or mint. These herbs will help reduce the production of sebum and calm your scalp.
Herbal Hair Shampoo vs Commercial Hair Products
Proponents of natural hair care products emphasize not only its efficacy in addressing hair problems but also its lack of toxic effects on your body. Commercial shampoos utilize toxic chemicals that can be hazardous to your health, especially when used in excessive amounts. If you take the time to examine the labels of most shampoos available on the market, you might find these chemicals listed among its ingredients:
- propylene glycol
- cetearyl alcohol
- distearate
- isopropyl alcohol
- methylparaben or propylparaben
The main difference between commercially produced hair care products over organic ones is that the former utilize harmful ingredients in an effort to produce quick results. Today people always aim for quick, visible results. Therefore, chemicals are used in large amounts to produce the desired result. Unfortunately, this “quick fix” is detrimental to your overall health in the long term.
Benefits of Herbal Hair Products
Herbal hair products use natural herbal components to promote growth and health of hair. More than just reparation for damaged hair, these natural products aim to promote natural growth and development in a gradual, long term perspective.
Aloe vera is an example of a plant that contains properties that help promote the hair’s natural growth. Meanwhile, castor or coconut oils maintain the natural glow of your hair. In comparison, hair applied with coconut oil appeared to have a more natural but healthier glow compared to hair applied with shampoo.
Aside from fewer risks to your health, the promise of healthier and more beautiful hair is reason enough to switch to natural hair products.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Great Benefits of Herbal Remedies
Home and herbal remedies are perhaps as old as civilization itself. People have always known that many of the plants we grow and food in our kitchens can produce helpful effects on our bodies. People turn to these remedies when they're experiencing any discomforts or as first aid when they have minor scrapes. For good reason, these remedies are often cheap, always available and most of all, effective.
The information about how to make these remedies is often passed on to us by our parents or grandparents. They have proven to us, how reliable these remedies truly are. That is why we can be confident that these will work for us.
The drugs that pharmaceutical companies produce are based on the remedies that our ancestors had been producing. That is why we can put our trust on the efficacy of these remedies.
What are the benefits to making use of these remedies?
One of the benefits to using these remedies is the that people can do something for their ailments even without going to their neighborhood drug store. One can use the items in the kitchen or the plants in one's garden to relieve some common problems. This makes these remedies very convenient since the ingredients are always around. A variety of remedies are available for any kind of ailment; if the ingredients for one home remedy are not around, then one can make use of other ingredients.
These remedies are cheap to make. Often, one doesn't need to spend anything at all as the required items are just in one's pantry or outside, at the garden.
When we take pills that we've bought from the drugstore, a lot of strange additives can be mixed in. But many home remedies are all natural and that is why we don't need to worry about artificial chemicals producing side effects when using them.
However, it is still important that people know what they are doing when using these home and herbal remedies. Often, when the wrong herbal remedy is used, the effect will not be relief from their ailments. But it still pays to be very careful especially when dealing with recurring or serious ailments. If a person is not sure about the right remedy to use for his or her ailments, then it is still a good idea to visit a doctor for medical advice. That way, one can have the benefits of using these traditional remedies along with the medical advice from a trained doctor.
The information about how to make these remedies is often passed on to us by our parents or grandparents. They have proven to us, how reliable these remedies truly are. That is why we can be confident that these will work for us.
The drugs that pharmaceutical companies produce are based on the remedies that our ancestors had been producing. That is why we can put our trust on the efficacy of these remedies.
What are the benefits to making use of these remedies?
One of the benefits to using these remedies is the that people can do something for their ailments even without going to their neighborhood drug store. One can use the items in the kitchen or the plants in one's garden to relieve some common problems. This makes these remedies very convenient since the ingredients are always around. A variety of remedies are available for any kind of ailment; if the ingredients for one home remedy are not around, then one can make use of other ingredients.
These remedies are cheap to make. Often, one doesn't need to spend anything at all as the required items are just in one's pantry or outside, at the garden.
When we take pills that we've bought from the drugstore, a lot of strange additives can be mixed in. But many home remedies are all natural and that is why we don't need to worry about artificial chemicals producing side effects when using them.
However, it is still important that people know what they are doing when using these home and herbal remedies. Often, when the wrong herbal remedy is used, the effect will not be relief from their ailments. But it still pays to be very careful especially when dealing with recurring or serious ailments. If a person is not sure about the right remedy to use for his or her ailments, then it is still a good idea to visit a doctor for medical advice. That way, one can have the benefits of using these traditional remedies along with the medical advice from a trained doctor.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Important Things to Know About Herbal Remedies
Home and herbal remedies are usually natural alternatives to conventional medicine. Be careful because they can be dangerous even though they are natural. This can be true when the patient does not know how to use them properly. These types of remedies should be taken under the same level of care as you would with most types of medications. Prescription medicines are expensive and can bring harmful side effects, while herbal remedies cost less and usually do not have side effects that are as heavy. This makes them a viable alternative that can potentially save money, as long as you use the correct herbal remedy for your ailment.
Consult Your Doctor
However safe herbal remedies are, it is still important to consult your physician before taking any kind of remedy as they are still medicines. Please remember they are not a one-shot no-problem cure, but an alternative way to alleviate your condition. You will have to take even more caution if pregnant or breast-feeding.
Dosage
You may ask your physician about the recommended dosage for a certain herbal remedy in combination with whatever medication you are required to take. If it needs to be taken with something else, you should get a consultation about the dosage of each medication, including the herbal remedies. This is crucial so that there will be no accidents. Special care must be taken when it comes to children. Taking an herbal remedies can entail consequences if proper dosage is not observed, or even an intake due to an allergic reaction.
Research
Learning everything you can about these herbs can greatly increase the remedy's effectiveness since you will be taking them properly and with the knowledge of what they do and how they work. These types of medication tend to have mysticism attached to them. As long as you know what you are doing, then you may use that knowledge to supplement and regulate your intake as much as possible. Also, make sure to read labels as they contain the proper instructions. It is important to take new herbal remedies one at a time because you may overwhelmed your body with a sudden massive intake of medication, which can harm you. You will need to be cautious of possible allergies and other effects.
Beware Of New Remedies
Take half of a dosage of a new remedy so that you may find out if you're allergic and so your body can adjust. After three days, if adverse effects are not evident, then you may take a full dosage. Stop taking it if you get any nausea, diarrhea, and other side effects. Home and herbal remedies need not be difficult, but it is best to be on the of caution. They are still medicine, after all.
Consult Your Doctor
However safe herbal remedies are, it is still important to consult your physician before taking any kind of remedy as they are still medicines. Please remember they are not a one-shot no-problem cure, but an alternative way to alleviate your condition. You will have to take even more caution if pregnant or breast-feeding.
Dosage
You may ask your physician about the recommended dosage for a certain herbal remedy in combination with whatever medication you are required to take. If it needs to be taken with something else, you should get a consultation about the dosage of each medication, including the herbal remedies. This is crucial so that there will be no accidents. Special care must be taken when it comes to children. Taking an herbal remedies can entail consequences if proper dosage is not observed, or even an intake due to an allergic reaction.
Research
Learning everything you can about these herbs can greatly increase the remedy's effectiveness since you will be taking them properly and with the knowledge of what they do and how they work. These types of medication tend to have mysticism attached to them. As long as you know what you are doing, then you may use that knowledge to supplement and regulate your intake as much as possible. Also, make sure to read labels as they contain the proper instructions. It is important to take new herbal remedies one at a time because you may overwhelmed your body with a sudden massive intake of medication, which can harm you. You will need to be cautious of possible allergies and other effects.
Beware Of New Remedies
Take half of a dosage of a new remedy so that you may find out if you're allergic and so your body can adjust. After three days, if adverse effects are not evident, then you may take a full dosage. Stop taking it if you get any nausea, diarrhea, and other side effects. Home and herbal remedies need not be difficult, but it is best to be on the of caution. They are still medicine, after all.
Home Remedies Using Common Herbs
Aside from scientifically-proven medicinal use, herbs are fast becoming the newest option for treatment at home due to its accessibility. Asians, for one, are the ones who commonly practice the use of herbs as medicines.
What many have failed to realize is that this was the only source of treatment before modern cures became available. But in recent years, there was a revival of herbs, especially when numerous banning of several drugs came about. As a result the number of people opting for herbal medicine is fast increasing.
If you do prefer the natural healing properties of herbal medicines over synthetic products and chemically produced medicines, then you can always find them from your nearest drug store. However, there are recipes that you can create at home to provide immediate relief for common health conditions. Listed below are just a few of the most usual herbs used at home to treat common ailments or to provide relief.
Peppermint
When you are stressed out, you might find your body feeling aches and pains. You can use the analgesic effect present in peppermint to calm yourself. This herb is also used in aromatherapy to relax your senses. To experience its effect, you can try drinking peppermint tea since it is widely available in the marketplace. Meanwhile, you can pound a few peppermint leaves so you can directly apply it as balm on painful areas of your body.
Ringworm Bush
This type of herb specifically targets ringworms and other forms of fungal infection. To use it, you must follow the procedures below:
1. Wash a substantial amount of leaves from this herb making sure that they are clean and free from any residue
2. Pound the leaves until their natural juice releases.
3. Apply the secreted juice directly onto the afflicted areas of the skin.
4. You can do this as often as you desire until the skin infections are totally gone.
Chinese Honey Suckle
The Chinese Honey Suckle is one of the most common herbal remedies for younger kids suffering from intestinal worms. In order to administer the treatment, the mature seeds of the plant are removed. Those seeds are cracked until the insides are revealed. Take approximately 5 to 8 seeds for children and 8 to 12 seeds for adults. You can ingest those seeds to get rid of the intestinal worms. Be careful about taking the seeds' tougher outer layer because it might lead to stomach problems.
Garlic
Garlic is a widely used herb for culinary purposes. In fact, it is present in most household kitchens for it contributes to a great tasting dish. However, the use of garlic for medicinal purposes and herbal remedies at home could be another reason for you to stock up on garlic in your kitchen.
Garlic effectively reduces your blood pressure while also helping to remedy a high level of cholesterol in your blood. To address the latter health condition, the garlic can be sauteed, boiled, or eaten as is. A continued intake or inclusion of garlic in your diet is advised to reduce the risks of heart attack or stroke.
Garlic is also known as a natural antibiotic. Aside from its contribution to leaving a pleasant taste to your dishes, it also has several accompanying health benefits.
Guava Leaf
Guava is a popular fruit in the Philippines. But aside from being a delicious fruit, guava is popular for another thing: for its wide herbal and medicinal usage.
The Guava tree leaves have several uses for treating certain illnesses or wounds. Simply pound the leaf until it secretes its natural juice so you can apply it directly onto your skin or in the infected areas. Because of the leaves' antiseptic quality, it will help avoid further infections on your wound.
Meanwhile, the leaves could also be boiled. The solution can be used as gargle to help treat tooth decay and infections in your gum.
The practicality of herbs is unmatched. In one instant, you can use herbs like garlic or peppermint to spice up your dishes. On the other hand, you can also utilize their active components to provide easy cures for common wounds or illnesses without spending a dime.
What many have failed to realize is that this was the only source of treatment before modern cures became available. But in recent years, there was a revival of herbs, especially when numerous banning of several drugs came about. As a result the number of people opting for herbal medicine is fast increasing.
If you do prefer the natural healing properties of herbal medicines over synthetic products and chemically produced medicines, then you can always find them from your nearest drug store. However, there are recipes that you can create at home to provide immediate relief for common health conditions. Listed below are just a few of the most usual herbs used at home to treat common ailments or to provide relief.
Peppermint
When you are stressed out, you might find your body feeling aches and pains. You can use the analgesic effect present in peppermint to calm yourself. This herb is also used in aromatherapy to relax your senses. To experience its effect, you can try drinking peppermint tea since it is widely available in the marketplace. Meanwhile, you can pound a few peppermint leaves so you can directly apply it as balm on painful areas of your body.
Ringworm Bush
This type of herb specifically targets ringworms and other forms of fungal infection. To use it, you must follow the procedures below:
1. Wash a substantial amount of leaves from this herb making sure that they are clean and free from any residue
2. Pound the leaves until their natural juice releases.
3. Apply the secreted juice directly onto the afflicted areas of the skin.
4. You can do this as often as you desire until the skin infections are totally gone.
Chinese Honey Suckle
The Chinese Honey Suckle is one of the most common herbal remedies for younger kids suffering from intestinal worms. In order to administer the treatment, the mature seeds of the plant are removed. Those seeds are cracked until the insides are revealed. Take approximately 5 to 8 seeds for children and 8 to 12 seeds for adults. You can ingest those seeds to get rid of the intestinal worms. Be careful about taking the seeds' tougher outer layer because it might lead to stomach problems.
Garlic
Garlic is a widely used herb for culinary purposes. In fact, it is present in most household kitchens for it contributes to a great tasting dish. However, the use of garlic for medicinal purposes and herbal remedies at home could be another reason for you to stock up on garlic in your kitchen.
Garlic effectively reduces your blood pressure while also helping to remedy a high level of cholesterol in your blood. To address the latter health condition, the garlic can be sauteed, boiled, or eaten as is. A continued intake or inclusion of garlic in your diet is advised to reduce the risks of heart attack or stroke.
Garlic is also known as a natural antibiotic. Aside from its contribution to leaving a pleasant taste to your dishes, it also has several accompanying health benefits.
Guava Leaf
Guava is a popular fruit in the Philippines. But aside from being a delicious fruit, guava is popular for another thing: for its wide herbal and medicinal usage.
The Guava tree leaves have several uses for treating certain illnesses or wounds. Simply pound the leaf until it secretes its natural juice so you can apply it directly onto your skin or in the infected areas. Because of the leaves' antiseptic quality, it will help avoid further infections on your wound.
Meanwhile, the leaves could also be boiled. The solution can be used as gargle to help treat tooth decay and infections in your gum.
The practicality of herbs is unmatched. In one instant, you can use herbs like garlic or peppermint to spice up your dishes. On the other hand, you can also utilize their active components to provide easy cures for common wounds or illnesses without spending a dime.
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