August 22, 2010

Alternative Cholesterol Treatments

Cholesterol is a vital nutrient for healthy body function. Cholesterol is used by the body in the manufacture of hormones testosterone, estrogen, progesterone to name a few. This list is by no means complete. It is also used in the myelin sheath formation (covering for nerves). The liver makes approximately 90 percent of the body's daily cholesterol requirement. The remaining 10 percent is obtained from dietary sources.

Cholesterol is usually transported around the body in the blood bound to different proteins. Depending on the type of protein it called HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) or LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein). High LDL, in conjunction with a low HDL has been associated with atherosclerotic plaque formation and hence has been linked to heart disease. Atherosclerotic plaque formation on the arterial walls causes hardening and narrowing of the arteries which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Efficacy of Lemon Balm

lemon balm
Habitat
    Lemon Balm is common throughout Europe, but  mostly cultivated in the United States. It sometimes grows wild in sunny fields and along roadsides. It is a perennial and is easily cultivated by seed or root division in rich, sandy or loamy soil. The branched upright stem is square and grows to about 3 feet in height. The leaves are bright green growing in opposite pairs they are ovate and serrate. The whole plant has fine hairs and a lemony scent when crushed. The flowers are yellow-white to rose colored or even bluish, two lipped, bilabiate they grow in clusters at the joints or some times on small branches at the joints. Lemon Balm blooms from about July to August. Gather the leaves flowers and stems as soon as the flowers begin to open.

August 20, 2010

Benefits of Green Tea for Your Body

Green Tea Tree
Green tea is tea made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing.
Health Benefits : Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cariovascular disease, infection, impaired immune function.

August 19, 2010

Ginseng is Said to be Highly Good for The Metabolism.


Other Names: American Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, San, Redberry, five fingers, man root, divine root, Root of life.

Habitat
    Perennial herb, native to Eastern N. America found from Maine to Georgia, west to Oklahoma and Minnesota, growing in rich soils in cool woods. Cultivation: Ginseng requires a deep moist humus rich soil in a shady position in a woodland, growing well on north-facing slopes and in deep cool woodland areas. Seeds should be sown in a shady position in a cold frame or greenhouse, and spend least their first winter there. Plant into their permanent positions in late summer or early spring. It has a large, thick, fleshy, whitish, root, growing 3 to 4 inches in length, specimens have been found twice this size. Most roots are spindle shaped with smaller appendages. The stem is simple and erect, on average about 1 to 2 foot high, bearing three to five large, palmate, leaves in a whorl atop the stem, each leaf is long stalked, divided into five finely-toothed, short petiole, leaflets, and a single, terminal umbel, with a few small, yellowish or light green flowers which grow on a short stalk from the center of the whorl of leaves. The fruit is a cluster of bright red berries. Flowers bloom in June and July. Gather the roots in Fall after the berries or seeds have fallen away. Dry for later herb use. The wild supply is quickly being diminished due to over harvesting for export to china and other countries, in some areas it is illegal to harvest during certain months of the year.

August 18, 2010

Bawang Putih, Bauang or Garlic is Known as Nature's Antibiotic

garlic-1
Bawang or Garlic with scientific name Allium sativum, is a low herb, which only grows up to sixty centimeters high. Its leaves are flat and linear, with bulbs that consist of several tubers. This herb is one of the most widely used herbal medicines in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. and can also be found commonly in the kitchen of Southeast Asia households as it is used to spice up food preparations. The Philippine bawang or garlic variety is more pungent than the imported ones. Its medicinal properties have been known for a long time and have been especially proven during World War II when it was used to treat wounds and infections of soldiers. Garlic’s antibacterial compound known as allicin, saved many lives of the soldiers as this property prevented the wounds from being infected and developing into gangrene at a later stage by extracting the juice of bawang or garlic and applying to the wounds.

August 17, 2010

Spinach: Has Been Used in Ayurvedic Medicine for Centuries

Can just one green, leafy vegetable prevent cancer, help one achieve weight loss goals, lower blood pressure, strengthen the heart, and even prevent birth defects? Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Manganese, Folate, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin B 2 (Riboflavin), Calcium, Potassium, and Vitamin B 6. The strong natural mineral and vitamin content in spinach can be an effective source of healing for a multitude of health ailments. One cup of boiled spinach produces 41.4 calories with a whopping 1100% daily value percentage of Vitamin K in just one serving.
Spinach has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is known in Ayurveda to be a cooling medicine that enriches one`s complexion. Spinach is used in Ayurveda as a headache remedy by bandaging spinach leaves onto the forehead. It is still promoted today, in Ayurvedic ways, as a sleep remedy for insomnia. While old Ayurveda texts claim spinach to be an aphrodisiac, modern medicines have linked the consumption of spinach to decreased hearing loss in men over 60.

For The Health Properties of Moringa Tree

The Moringa tree (Moringa Oleifera) is a slender, semi-deciduous, perennial tree that grows to about 10 meters tall, with drooping branches. It thrives in subtropical and tropical climates, giving fruit and flowers continually. However, the drought resistant Moringa grows best in dry, sandy soil. This makes it an ideal tree to grow in semi-desert conditions, as it provides both food and shade. The Moringa is a fast growing tree that can reach up to 3 meters in its first year.
Every part of the Moringa tree is useful, from the leaves to the roots, providing a rich source of food and medicine. The leaves are said to be a rich source of nutrients. According to miracletrees.org, fresh Moringa leaves contain 7 times the vitamin C of oranges, 4 times the calcium of milk, 4 times the vitamin A of carrots, 3 times the potassium of bananas, 3 times the iron of spinach and as much protein as that found in eggs.