Turmeric

……. Turmeric …….

Turmeric is a valuable herb extensively used in Ayurveda. Turmeric is used extensively in India, Nepal, Middle East, Moroccan, African and Southeast Asian cookery, considered a cleansing herb for the whole body; it gives energy and grants prosperity. The finger like stalk is scalded, dried and used for medicinal preparations. In addition, turmeric is great for the skin. So before investing in an expensive beauty product, take a look in your kitchen.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

• It is an excellent natural antibiotic.
• It strengthens digestion, prevents the formation of gas and helps to improve large intestinal flora.
• It purifies the blood, aids digestion of protein and promotes proper metabolism in the body.
• Turmeric is used in treatment for fever and mild stomach upset.
• It is also used in infection, arthritis, dysentery, jaundice and other liver problems.
• It is used to treat chest congestion, menstrual discomforts and many more ailments.
• It helps to relieve carpel tunnel syndrome, joint inflammation and prevent cancer.
• It is also extensively used in treating cough problem. Add a pinch or two of turmeric to warm milk to soothe respiratory ailments such as cough or asthma.

Some Important Home Remedies

• It helps your skin tone and color. Simply apply a little turmeric mixed with cucumber juice or lemon to the affected area. Leave for 15 minutes and wash off. Do this every day, and gradually you will notice your skin color returning to normal.
  
  
• Take a ½ inch piece of turmeric and boil it with half a glass of milk. Once the milk has turned yellow, remove from fire, let it cool slightly, and sip this. This will cure numerous ailments. Women especially should drink this every night, as it strengthens bones and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.
  
  
• Turmeric is a wonderful body scrub. It leaves your skin soft, smooth and glowing.
  
  
• It is an excellent anti-oxidant, which essentially means that it stabilizes unstable oxygen molecules. These are known as free radicals, and are what cause damage to cells, leading to aging and various other diseases such as cancer.

Naveen ~ Chinthakaaya

Garlic

......Garlic......

Garlic (Allium Sativum) is a plant with a very strong and bitter flavor which has been used for both culinary and medical purposes for hundreds of years. The key medicinal ingredient in garlic is allicin, which is known to have wonderful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties.

What are the Benefits of Garlic?

Garlic can be used to treat high cholestrol, parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion, and low energy. Studies suggest that regularly eating garlic helps lower blood pressure, controls blood sugar and blood cholesterol, and boosts the immune system. It has also been found to reduce the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer.

Note that it is not recommended to take garlic in its raw form, since the enzyme necessary to produce allicin may be destroyed in the stomach before having any positive effect. For this reason, dried or powdered garlic tablets are more suitable to take advantage of garlic's immune-boosting qualities. Studies have shown that other forms of garlic such as cooked garlic, pickled garlic, and aged garlic are also beneficial.

Uses of Garlic
Allergies

Garlic is known to have antiviral properties, which helps the body fight against allergies. Simply take one tablet of garlic supplement each day 2 or 3 weeks before the usual allergy season begins.

Coughing
Garlic's antibacterial properties make it a wonderful treatment for coughs and other throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections.

Diabetes
Garlic is considered to regulate blood sugar levels by increasing the release of insulin in diabetics. Therefore an effective remedy is to take one capsule or tablet of garlic everyday.

High Blood Pressure
Clinical studies have shown that people with high blood pressure who took garlic capsules daily for up to five months lowered their blood pressure levels as effectively as patients taking prescription blood pressure drugs. A suggested dosage is 600-900mg garlic capsules once daily.

High Cholesterol
Studies have shown that taking 600-900mg of garlic everyday lowers cholesterol levels and reduces arterial plaque formation by 5–18%. Therefore, an effective natural remedy is to take one garlic tablet or capsule (600-900mg) once per day.

Toothaches
Garlic's antibacterial, analgesic, and anesthetizing properties can help cure toothaches. Simply put some garlic oil or a piece of crushed garlic clove directly onto the affected tooth and the gum for instant relief.

Warts
Garlic's ability to fight infections and bacteria makes it an effective cure for warts and other skin problems.
Take a fresh clove of garlic and cut its tip off.
Rub the cut area of the clove directly onto the wart for a few seconds.
Repeat this each night before going to bed until the wart disappears.
If you feel any kind of irritation or strong burning sensation, simply rinse the area with water.
What are the Side Effects of Garlic?
For most individuals, garlic does not cause any serious side effects. However people who are allergic to garlic or who consume it in large quantities may suffer from stomach irritation, heartburn, or flatulence. Garlic appears to be safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In fact, two studies have shown that babies prefer breast milk better from mothers who regularly eat garlic.

Note that due to garlic's anti-clotting and blood thinning properties, people taking anti-coagulant drugs or who are scheduled for surgery should check with their doctor before taking garlic supplements.
Where and How to Buy Garlic
Fresh garlic and garlic powder can be bought at regular grocery stores. Garlic supplements are available in the form of tablets, capsules, extracts, and oils and can be purchased at most health food stores.

By: Naveen ~ Chinthakaaya