Search For Health Tips

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Baby-Bottle Caries

How early can a person have tooth decay? The answer is, as soon as a person has teeth erupted.

This means an infant under the age of 1 can start having tooth decay. Tooth decay that happens in infants is called Early Childhood Caries. ECC is a severe problem that causes debilitating tooth destruction in infants and young children.

The prevalence of ECC is estimated to be as high as 90 percent in some Head Start populations. However, by following the guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and by visiting a dentist for the first check-up by the child's first birthday, ECC can easily be prevented.

ECC is a specific form of severe decay found in the teeth of infants and toddlers who fall asleep with bottles of milk, juice or any sweetened liquid in their mouths. ECC is also known as baby-bottle tooth decay, nursing-bottle caries and milk-bottle syndrome. It is the only severe dental disease common in children under 3 years of age.

Bacteria, which are found in the mouth, convert sugar into acids. These acids destroy the enamel and dentin of the tooth. The flow of saliva in the mouth helps to wash acids from the tooth surface during the daytime. However, when an infant is asleep, the flow of saliva is significantly reduced, and this allows acids to pool on the tooth. This, coupled with the sugars found in juices, milk or other soft drinks, will lead to early cavities.

The top four front teeth are most affected by ECC, which appears as white chalky marks on the teeth due to decalcification by the acids. If these teeth are left untreated, unsightly and often painful cavities will develop.

Baby teeth are important to a child for chewing and biting food, making a good smile, and speaking. However, the most important function of baby teeth is that they are holding space in the mouth for upcoming permanent teeth.

The first baby tooth erupts around 6 to 8 months of age, and usually all 20 baby teeth are erupted by the age of 2 or 2-and-a-half. Early loss of baby teeth can cause blocked eruption, drifting, crooking and crowding of the permanent teeth.

A child who prematurely loses baby teeth will have a very high chance of needing braces in the future. If an abscess or infection occurs around baby teeth with ECC, it may affect the development of the underlying permanent teeth.

The best treatment for ECC is prevention. But teeth affected by ECC can still be treated if intervention is early and the underlying causes are stopped.

The following are guidelines, developed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, for preventing baby-bottle tooth decay:

  • Don't allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or other sweet liquids.

  • Comfort a child who wants a bottle between regular feedings or during naps with a bottle filled with cool water.

  • Always make sure a child's pacifier is clean, and never dip a pacifier in a sweet liquid.

  • Introduce children to a cup as they approach 1 year of age. Children should stop drinking from bottles soon after their first birthdays.

  • See the dentist if any unusual red or swollen areas appear in a child's mouth, or any dark spot on a child's tooth.

Healthy adult teeth begin with healthy baby teeth. Knowing and following the AAPD guidelines, and visiting a dentist for the first check-up around the age of 1, are very important for preventing young children from getting ECC.

Coronary Artery Disease – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Coronary artery disease signifies the contraction of arteries as a result of atherosclerosis. Due to the contraction of arteries, enough oxygen does not reach up to the heart muscles. When sufficient amount of oxygen is not received by the heart then it leads to pain in chest. This condition is named as Angina. The occurrence of heart attack is usual in case an artery is blocked completely. Coronary artery disease is one of the most common diseases found in the people all around the world. Every year a large number of people die due to heart attacks. Coronary artery disease may be prevented for reducing the number of deaths caused by heart problems.

If we wish to know about the cause of coronary artery disease then we need to know that the arteries are hardened due to atherosclerosis. As a result of this, heart receives very less oxygen than required by it. Plaques are formed inside blood vessels. Such plaques are formed by fatty acids. Such blockage makes the passage of arteries narrow and heart muscles do not get enough oxygen. Deposition of bad cholesterol in the arteries is the main cause of such blockage which occurs in arteries.

Symptoms of coronary artery disease do not show up until the problem gets very serious. People get to know about such problem when they suffer from pain in their chest or angina pectoris. Angina is the first symptoms which may be experienced by people who have coronary artery disease. People who have this problem may also experience discomfort or pain in chest when they exert themselves. The pain may disappear when proper rest is taken by the people.
The treatment of this disease include intake of drugs which reduce the level of bad cholesterol in body. Antiplatelet medication is used to prevent the formation of blood clots. Drugs to control high blood pressure help in preventing heart attack. In case, someone experiences any of the symptoms of coronary artery disease, he/she should immediately consult a doctor. A heart attack may be prevented if doctors know about it in advance.

Moringa Oleifera Information-Uses and Benefits

Moringa oleifera is a tree which satisfies many nutritional requirements and also works as a medicine for many diseases. This plant is commonly found in areas of Africa as well as in the northern regions of India. Almost every part of this tree can be used for different purposes. Although this tree is a native of Himalayas, but now it can be found in South and Central America, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Philippines, and Africa. This tree is known for providing great nutritional values.
Moringa Oleifera

The undeveloped pods of the parts of this plant contain more nutritional values than to the ripped ones. These pods contain vitamins, essential amino acids and other vital nutrients which make these pods very nutritious. These pods can be eaten raw as green beans or green peas. The ripped pods can be cooked or fried and tastes like peanut. These pods have edible, non drying oil which is called Ben Oil. About 38-40% of this Ben Oil is present in these pods. This oil is odorless, sweet, and clear and never becomes sour. The nutrition value of this oil is very much similar to olive oil. The leaves of this tree can be used as salad, greens, pickles, seasonings and in vegetable curries. These leaves are also used in cleaning walls and utensils. The flowers of this tree are enriched with calcium and potassium and are cooked with other food stuff to get a better taste and nutrition value.
Moringa Oleifera

Moringa trees are enriched with nutritional values and are the best source for curing malnutrition. The leaves contain vitamin A, B and C along with protein, calcium and iron. A research says that 25 grams of Moringa tree leaf powder can provide about Calcium 125%, Potassium 41%, Protein 42%, Magnesium 61%, Vitamin A 272%, Vitamin C 22% and Iron 71% which is hard to find in any other food stuff.

The seed leftovers which are left after extracting oil from seeds are also used in cleaning water. This is one of the best and natural ways to clean water. Many researches conclude that different parts of this tree can be used in curing different diseases. According to Ayurveda, about 300 diseases can be cured with the help of various parts of this tree.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Weight Loss Tips

Losing weight can be a very challenging thing to do. It will require a commitment on your part to make some changes in perhaps your diet and exercise habits in order to see success long term and experience fast weight loss. However most of us already know that we need to exercise and eat right yet most of us do not do it regularly as part of an effective weight loss program.

For many of us the stress from our jobs and daily lives can cause us to turn to food for relaxation and stress relief which may feel good in the short term but obviously has many negative long term side effects. Here are a few tips to help you get back on track to getting a fit and healthy body.

Tip 1: Set Goals

This is a very important step that is often overlooked by most people trying to lose weight. Goals are very important because they will help to keep you on track and get you back on track quickly even if you make a few mistakes along the way.

The first step in proper goal setting is to decide why you want to lose weight. This is the fuel that will drive you to accomplish a healthy weight. Write down on a piece of paper right now the main reasons why you must lose weight. This is critically important because something magical happens when you write your goals on a piece of paper and doing this can make easy weight loss possible since you will almost automatically do the right things and it will seem effortless.

Now set a date 1 month from now and 3 months from now targeting the weight you want to be at. Be realistic so aim for a weight loss of maybe 10 pounds a month on average. Write down the weight you will accomplish on a piece of paper. Once you have done this you must review this information daily to program your mind for the kind of body you choose to create. Each of these steps matter so do not skip them nor underestimate their power.

Tip 2: Eat Smaller Meals More Often

Most people consume huge meals once or twice a day so as a result your body ends up becoming very good at storing fat instead of burning it. If you go more than 4 or 5 hours without food your bodies metabolism slows down because it thinks you are trying to starve it.

Eat smaller meals every 3 to 4 hours. You can still eat all your favorite foods but break down the portions to smaller amounts. You will find that you get hungry less and your body's metabolism will also speed up because it knows you feed it the right amounts of food on a regular basis which assists in natural weight loss.

Tip 3: Exercise Right

When it comes to exercise it is important to note that you do not need to work out endlessly to see results. All you need to do is walk for 20 to 60 minutes a day and then maybe once a week or so do some weight training to keep your muscles strong.

Remember that muscle burns calories all the time so it is important to build and maintain some muscle mass to get the best weight loss results. Buy a treadmill and some free weights or join a gym and just do some basic exercises regularly.

Another good tip to help you on the road to fast weight loss is to use some sort of a green drink supplementation. Green drinks are concentrated whole food supplements that are rich in green foods which are great at detoxifying your internal system and aiding in rapid weight loss. Go to a local health food store or even a supermarket and ask for a green drink. They are usually powdered and look very green in color and are a great addition to any weight loss diet.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Nitro Force Side Effects

Serious body builders or weight trainers realize that some supplements are known to cause serious side effects. Nitro Force is an arginine based amino acid blend that does not contain any illegal steroids or hazardous stimulants. Because it is a 100% natural arginine based supplement you should not experience serious side effects when taking Nitro Force as directed.

The amino acid ingredients that comprise Nitro Force have not produced negative effects either in the research and development stages or in clinical trials. There really is only one known possibility that can be an issue and that is if you have a rare condition known as argininemia which is a genetic disorder. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, you should not take Nitro Force.

Essentially, because the stacked ingredients are amino acids of one form or another, they have proven to be highly effective as well as safe. The human body naturally produces those amino acids so you will only be fundamentally increasing levels in order to gain maximum results.

Arginine based amino acid compounds do have some rather nice side effects, however. There is a sufficient amount of research that indicates that arginine compounds may help certain disorders of the kidneys, improve the body’s healing processes and it might even reduce the severity of or inhibit altogether migraine headaches. Side effects are not always a bad thing! NO pumps that can relieve painful migraine headaches can also pump other parts of the body at the same time and that’s a very pleasant side effect as you will discover.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Tava Tea Review

If you are trying to lose weight, it can be a very tought thing to do. There is no debate in that! Weight loss is one thing that most people find extremely difficult to achieve as it tends to take time and a lot of effort! Luckily, we now live in the age of invention where new products that will help you lose weight are now readily available.

One of the latest weight loss tricks that most people are using is a new tea that just came out. It’s known as Tava Tea and it’s an incredible blend of everything you’ll need to successfully lose weight and keep it off. There’s nothing like having some help with losing weight!

There are several benefits to including Tava Tea in your daily diet. These include:

•It’s safe but very effective
•All natural and good for your health
•Contains Amino Acid L-Theanine which is responsible for increasing the ability to keep calm and happy
•All ingredients are certified ORGANIC
•May strengthen your immune system
•Promotes strong and healthy teeth
•Contains essential minerals and vitamins
There are several more benefits but there are simply too many to list! Now more than ever, people are including Tava Tea in their daily diet and exercise regime to boost weight loss to an entirely new level of achievement!

Looking good and feeling good could never be easier. Be sure to get your box of Tava Tea before supplies run out. Enjoy a healthy life!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Baby Brain Boost Review

Have you ever noticed that when you are speaking to a pregnant mom about the baby she is carrying the first thing she does is to gently place her hands on her abdomen as if caressing or protecting her baby? There may be some psychology behind that, but it just goes to show you that the number one priority for any expectant mom is to love and protect her child, even in the womb. Baby Brain Boost was formulated for just those very reasons. By taking the very best vitamin/mineral supplement that is jam-packed with nutrients you can promote the development of a healthy baby and take care of yourself at the same time.

Not only does Baby Brain Boost provide nutrients for both you and for the healthy development of the baby you are carrying, but it is also loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their amazing ability to help fight disease causing free radicals in your blood. Because at this point what you eat is what baby eats, it is all the more reason for you to take supplements that will also help baby ward off any potential dangers. Chances are if you get sick, baby gets sick.

Actually, you can’t say enough about the benefits of antioxidants. Not only do they help reduce the number of free radicals in your blood and baby’s blood, but they also promote the healthy development of baby’s heart. The formulation of Omega-3 fatty acids in Baby Brain Boost promotes the development of a strong and healthy heart for baby while it is nourishing yours as well.

Remember this, moms. You want to protect your baby even before it is born, and the very best way to do this is to protect yourself as well. Baby Brain Boost is a supplement that provides the nutrients you need now, and will certainly need in the future as well.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Acai Fit Detox Review, Will It Work?

Numerous harmful chemicals and pollutants are present in the air we breathe and the foods we eat. All these impurities make our system tainted. Many animal products contain synthetic hormones which can wreak havoc with the natural hormone balance in our body. Even fruits and vegetables have been exposed to an alarming amount of chemical insecticides and pesticides. These chemicals are not naturally processed and eliminated by the body. Therefore, it is essential to detoxify the body. Here is where acai berry can help. Acai Fit Detox is the best product in the market which contains all the benefits of the pure acai.

Acai Fit Detox is made from purest form of acai extracts available on this planet. Acai berry is extremely rich in antioxidants and has been proven to be effective in combating cell damage and harmful effects of free radicals. It also flushes away toxins and waste from the body. This is not all. The acai berry boosts metabolic rates and helps the body to burn fat efficiently.

It even helps prevent proliferation of cancer cells. It has a good combination of essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, vitamins, minerals and fiber. All these work together to leave your body feeling fit and healthy from within. Hundreds of satisfied customers bear witness to the fact that Acai Fit Detox works wonders for those who want to cleanse their system, shed excess pounds and boost their energy levels.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Natural Body Detox for Kids

If you have been benefited a lot by following a body detox program, then it is possible that you are thinking of passing the same benefits to your little one as well. However, you should know that it is very important to choose detox food items for children carefully as their kidneys and liver are not as strong as of adults. There are some food items which can be given to children for cleansing their body.

One should know that whole foods are very effective in detoxifying a kid’s body. Children also love to eat whole food items. They will help in removing toxins from their body, in a gentle and safe way. You should keep in mind that most of the body detox recipes cut down the protein intake significantly. However, protein is very important for the growing children. So, while you give them such food items which aim at cleansing their bodies, you should also add some protein in them. If you are planning to follow detox diet for your obese child, you should consult a professional.

Other than trying detoxifying food items, you should also ensure that your child is drinking adequate quantity of water. This will improve their bowel movement and simplify digestive disorders. Experts also insist that every kid should be involved in some kind of physical activities. This will make them sweat, which is regarded as one of the most natural way of body detoxification. When it comes to your kid, don’t experiment with the body detox products available in the market.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

HydraxanThin Review

Everybody wants a body of their dreams, but due to their busy lifestyle, do not have the time to go to the gym and execute those stressful workouts. You will be happy to know that you can have the same figure by just taking a wonderful health supplement on a regular basis. If you are a health conscious person, you must have heard the name of HydraxanThin. It is a wonderful health supplement, which can offer you many health related benefits.

The supplement is extremely effective, as it contains a fantastic ingredient named Astaxanthin. It is a strong antioxidant and thus can detoxify the body quite effectively. When the bad toxins get washed out, you will not only feel healthier from within, but also lose a few pounds from your body. You will have a slim look with a flat tummy.

It will also help your skin to regain its natural glow and hence you will look much younger than before. Your body metabolism will increase, and you will feel a substantial gain in the energy level of your body. It will also supply more energy to your muscles and they will become stronger and healthier in the process. For these reasons, the supplement has been included by many celebrities in their daily diet.

If you are interested in buying the product, you will have to order it in their website. You will be benefited as you will be entitled to get a free trial offer of this immensely beneficial product.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Body Fat Percent Tips

Guidelines for Reducing Body Fat Percentage

Excess body fat rather than excess weight is now seen as the major indicator of weight-related health problems. For a general guide to desirable body fat levels, see the following body-fat-percent table.


Body Fat Guidelines from American Council on Exercise

Classification

Women (% Fat)

Men (% Fat)

Essential Fat

10-12 percent

2-4 percent

Athletes

14-20 percent

6-13 percent

Fitness

21-24 percent

14-17 percent

Acceptable

25-31 percent

18-25 percent

Skin Care Tips

It is really important for you to be able to identify your skin type. This is to enable you to look after your skin correctly.

lso the selection of your cosmetics is, to a considerable extent, influenced by your skin type. Although no two skins are exactly similar most have characteristics which enable them to be grouped into one of the following types: Dry skin, Normal skin, Combination skin and Oily skin.
To determine your skin type, wash your face with a mild face wash. Then, after 30 minutes, press a clean tissue against your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. If the tissue shows no trace of oil, then you have dry skin. Dry skin looks rough and is prone to premature fine lines and wrinkles. If your skin is oily in some parts but dry in others, then you have combination skin. Normal skin usually looks smooth and is not prone to break outs. Oily skin feels oily to touch and tends to shine. Oily skin is also prone to blackheads and pimples. A sensitive skin needs special care, as it may be sensitive to some ingredients found in popular cosmetics. Those with sensitive skin should always use beauty aids that are hypoallergenic to protect their skin from allergic reactions. A regular skin care programmed, adapted to the needs of your particular skin type, and goes a long way in keeping your skin radiant and problem free.

- Dry Skin: Dry skin needs extra care, as it is prone to fine lines and wrinkles. This is especially true during the winter months when it feels even drier and may feel too taut or may even flake. A few measures help alleviate dryness and keep your skin supple and, at the same time, guard against premature aging.
1. Always wash your face with a mild, soap-free face wash. Never use soap, as that would further strip your skin of natural oil.
2. Always use a moisturizer during the day. Use upward, circular motion to lightly massage the moisturizer into your face. Make sure not to pull or tug your skin.
3. You should consider using a night cream before going to bed at night. It is advisable to use a cream that contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids(or AHA's, as they're commonly known).AHA's are derived from sources such as milk, fruit and sugar-cane. These acids gently exfoliate the dry, dead, outermost layers of skin while they moisturize the newly revealed layers. They greatly benefit complexions that look dull, dry or flaky and they give your skin a beautiful glow.
4. Both AHA and Vitamin C help reduce fine lines and other signs of aging. Thus, you may get good results quickly by using a moisturizer or cream that contains Vitamin C during the day and an AHA-based night cream. Most known brands have moisturizers and creams that contain these.
5. If you have dry skin that tends to flake off, looks red and has some itchy patches that scab, consult your doctor to rule out eczema. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is generally considered to be a hereditary condition that can occur throughout the year. Other causes of eczema can be fabrics such as wool, some skin-care products or detergents etc.Your doctor may prescribe a cream to soothe the redness and irritation.Non-irriating fabrics such as cotton also help avoid flare-ups.
6.Many people suffer from weather-related dry skin. If the weather in the winter months is normally drier and this tends to dehydrate your skin, regular use of moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated and supple.

Home Remedies For Dry Skin

1. Add 1/2 tsp of rose water to 1 tsp of honey and gently apply to the face. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes, and then wash off with tepid water. Honey moisturizes and soothes dry skin, and is gentle enough for daily use.

2. Massaging you face regularly with almond oil or olive oil works wonders for dry skin.

3. Take 1/4 of an apple. Peel off the skin and grate. Cool in the refrigerator. Apply it on the skin and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off with cool water. Apple helps soothe dry skin and gives it a pleasant glow.

4. Take 1 tbsp of cream. Stir lightly till it becomes a smooth paste. Apply to face and neck before bath. Cream helps remove suntan and makes your skin silky and supple.

- Normal Skin Normal skin is usually trouble-free and needs simple care to keep it healthy and glowing. Normal skin also tolerates most popular lotions and creams as well. A regular skin-care program combined with a balanced, healthy diet helps keep normal skin stay supple and young. Regular care for normal skin should include a few simple steps.
1. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing daily keeps normal skin in great shape for a long time. It is advisable to use natural products on your skin.
2. It̢۪s easy to take trouble-free skin for granted. But, if neglected, it will begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles. So always remember to nourish and moisturize your skin.
3. Creams and lotions that contain vitamin A, C and E help improve the texture of your skin, making it smoother and softer. Moreover, these vitamins counter the effects of free radicals.
4. Even if your skin is normal, you still have to give it regular care. Your skin, like any other skin type, is constantly assaulted by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules formed in the skin when it is exposed to the environment, pollution, or sunlight.

Home Remedies For Normal Skin

- Mash 1/4 of a ripe banana. Apply on the face, taking care to avoid the areas under the eye. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then wash off with cool water. Banana is excellent to do away with dead skin that makes your skin look lifeless. Regular use of banana gives your skin a fresh, healthy glow.

- Combination Skin: Skin that is oily in some parts but dry or normal in others is considered as combination skin. The oily skin is concentrated on the T-zone, which is across the forehead, down the nose and chin. Whenever you wash your face, you may find that some areas of your face feel tight after washing; and that these parts look dull or feel dry and rough whereas the T-zone looks shiny, feels oily to touch and is prone to pimples and blackheads. Combination skin needs special attention because the dry parts of your face need to be considered, whereas the oily parts need to be kept clean to avoid breakouts. Follow these simple tips each day and see what a difference they make to your skin.
1. Cleanse your entire face twice a day. Always use a mild cleanser to gently remove dirt, grime and make-up from your face.
2. The dry areas of your face need to be moisturized to prevent the formation of premature wrinkles. Use a good moisturizer on the dry parts of your face, and if possible, use an oil-free moisturizer on your T-zone.
3. If you use make-up, try and use oil-free/shine control type of make-up on the T-zone. These products are easily available in the market today and help absorb all the excess oil secretion and control the shine.
4. If you have a combination skin, your skin will greatly benefit from AHA and Vitamin C moisturizers and creams. Products that contain AHA tend to normalize the skin.

Home Remedies For Combination Skin

1. Always keep a small bottle of rose water in the refrigerator. Saturate a bit of clean cotton with cool rose water and dab liberally on your face. Enjoy the fresh feeling.

2. Take 3-4 tbsp of ripe, deseeded papaya pulp. Mash well and cool in the refrigerator. Apply on face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash off with cool water. Papaya helps normalize combination or oily skin and gives it a beautiful healthy glow.

- Oily Skin Skin that looks oily, feels greasy to touch and is prone to blackheads and pimples is known as oily skin. It is imperative to keep oily skin clean and to control the excess secretion of oil. On the positive side, oily skin tends to age more gradually as compared to other skin types, as natural oil protects oily skin from fine lines and wrinkles. A simple but regular skin-care programmed coupled with a well-balanced, healthy diet helps manage oily skin and minimizes skin break-outs.
1.It is essential to cleanse your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at bedtime. Always use a mild cleanser. They help prevent clogged pores and reduce pimples..
2. Follow up the cleanser with an astringent as this will remove all excess oil. It is best to avoid an alcohol-based astringent. Instead, it is advisable to use natural products. Alcohol-based products strip too much oil from the face.
3.If your skin does break out, do not touch or squeeze the pimples. Pimples, if squeezed, may leave permanent scars. There are a number of effective pimple creams available in the market today. Consult a dermatologist to know which one is best suited for you.
4. If possible, get your face professionally cleansed once a month.
5. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day. Water helps flush out toxins from the body.
6. Avoid fried foods and chocolates.
7. Make sure that you eat a well-balanced diet which includes fruits and green leafy vegetables daily.

Home Remedies For Oily Skin

1. Keep a bowl of water in the fridge and splash this cold water on your face 3-4 times a day. Cold water will not only leave you feeling refreshed but will also tighten the pores.

2. Neem leaves are excellent for pimples. Crush washed neem leaves to form a paste and apply this to the affected parts. Leave it on for at least an hour.Neem will help the pimples dry up faster.

3. For marks and blemishes left behind by pimples use calamine lotion. Just dab some lotion on the blemishes at bedtime and they will gradually fade away.

4. A great pack for oily skin is the chilled cucumber. Finely grate cucumber or blends a cucumber in the blender to form a paste. Chill in the fridge. Apply it on the face and relax for 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water. For best results, repeat twice a week, on a clean, cleansed face.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Sarsaparilla Information Uses and Benefits

Sarsaparilla is a woody vine that has small flowers and black, blue or red fruits in a berry like form. These fruits are generally eaten by birds. The plant can grow to heights of about 50 m. Tropical and temperate regions of the world like South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, and the West Indies are native to this plant. A vine is produced by its long, tuberous rootstock which trails on the ground and climbs with the help of tendrils which grow in pairs from the petioles of the alternate, orbicular to ovate, evergreen leaves. The auxiliary umbels produce small greenish flowers.
Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla’s steroids like sarsasapogenin, smilagenin, stigmasterol, and pollinastanol and saponins like sarsasaponin, smilasaponin, and sarsaparilloside and sitosterol glucoside are the main chemicals to which its pharmacological properties can be attributed.

A number of diseases like venereal diseases, herpes, arthritis, gout, epilepsy, insanity, chronic nervous diseases, abdominal distention, intestinal gas, debility, impotence and turbid urine can be treated by this plant’s extracts and the indigenous populations of South America have used its root to cure conditions like sexual impotence, rheumatism, skin ailments and as an effective ward against physical weakness.
Sarsaparilla1

Many traditional medical practitioners also use the root as a treatment for leprosy and skin problems such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

Sarsaparilla root is used as a tonic, blood purifier, and diuretic and sweat promoter by European physicians for a long time. Worldwide, treatments for gout, syphilis, gonorrhea, wounds, fever, cough, scrofula, hypertension, digestive disorders, and cancer have been prepared by using the Sarsaparilla plant’s many useful properties.
Sarsaparilla2

Mexico, Latin America, and China have cultivation projects which produce the majority of the plant roots which are used to make herbal medicines. The processed herb is also widely available in the form of tablets, capsules and tincture products.

Its tonic, detoxifying, blood purifying and lymph cleansing properties are used by naturopathic and

Sarsaparilla

herbal medicine practitioners by combining it with other herbs to make effective treatments.

A very wide selection of herbal remedies for skin disorders, libido enhancement, hormone balancing, and sports nutrition formulas contain the plants root as one of its ingredients.

While no side effects or toxic effects of Sarsaparilla have ever been documented, ingestion of large doses of saponins may cause gastrointestinal irritation and is not recommended.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Pudina Information-Uses and Benefits

Mentha or mint falls into the genus that comprises of some 25 species and belongs to family Lamiaceae. It is widely found in Africa, Europe, Australia, North America and Asia. Mentha is aromatic, essentially perennial and rarely are annual herbs. They possess simple oblong or lanceolate leaves which are present in opposite pairs and bear serrated margins. The leaf colors may range from grey green or dark green to beautiful, blue, purple or pale yellow. Flowers come out in bunches on an elevated spike and can be white or purple in color. The corolla is 2-lipped comprising of 4 unequal lobes in which the uppermost happens to be the largest one. Fruits borne are small and like a dry capsule and contain 1-4 seeds.
Pudina

Mint grows best in moist soils and wet conditions. They are around 10 to 120 centimeters tall and have the capability to spread in the vicinity.

Cultivation

Mints grow well in moist, cool places with shade. They can extend through runners and due to this reason they are known to be invasive in nature. They can be kept in bottomless, deep containers which can then be buried in the soil partially. They can also be spread through seeds but this is considered to be an unreliable means as seeds of mint are very different from one another and some can even be sterile.

Pudina

Usages

Cosmetic and MedicinalIt is a medicinal herb that is utilized to treat chest pains and stomach aches. Menthol extracted from mint oil is a constituent of many cosmetics and perfumes. It is also helpful in aromatherapy. It is also mixed in insect-bite treatments as an antipruritic. Other products in which menthol can be seen are cigarettes (so as to lessen the tobacco effect) and those related to common cold.

Pudina

CulinaryMint leaves, either dried or fresh, can be used for adding in various food materials. This is because; they produce a fresh sweet flavor. They are utilized in beverages, teas, syrups, jellies, ice creams and candies. Menthol which is a mint essential oil is used as a flavoring agent in drinks, breathe fresheners etc. Methyl salicylate (common name being “oil of wintergreen”) is used as a flavoring agent in candies and other food stuffs
InsecticidesUsed by a number of capers to kill mosquitoes. Mint oil is a well-known insecticide which is environmental-friendly.
AromatherapyMenthol is used in Aromatherapy.