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Saturday, February 20, 2010

Pterocarpus Marsupium Information-Uses and Benefits

Pterocarpus marsupium, which is known for the blood sugar reducing qualities, is one of the most known Eastern herbal medicines. This tree’s heartwood contains high levels of flavonoids which are said to be the source of chemical potency of this tree. It is said that drinking some overnight kept water in goblet made of the heartwood of this tree is extremely beneficial for diabetic people.
Pterocarpus

Some studies conclude that this herb lowers down the absorption process of glucose in gastrointestinal areas which helps in improving the insulin as well as pro insulin level in blood. Apart fro this, Pterocarpus also helps in improving the restoration of the pancreatic B cells. Some researches have shown that this plant has medicinal qualities like lowering down the cholesterol level, act as anti inflammatory medicine and work as cardio tonic.

Studies and researches which are done to prove the anti diabetic effects of Pterocarpus marsupium

Pterocarpus

Various researches and studies have shown that this herb is very effective in curing various diseases. This herb is also very useful in lowering blood sugar level which is very important for a diabetic person. There have been two trials done to check the effects of this herb in diabetic patients. In the first trial, ninety seven patients were put on test for 12 weeks and were given two to four grams of extracts of this herb each day.

By the end of 12 weeks, all the patients were again tested and it was found that about 67% of the patients had reduced levels of blood sugar in them and they have also maintained the levels with the help of this herbal extract. Aroun

Pterocarpus

d 73% of the patients reduced their glucose levels with the help of 2 grams, 16% of the patients needed 3 grams and 10% of the patients had to take 4 grams per day of this herbal extract to stabilize their blood sugar levels.

In the other research, 22 diabetics were treated with 29 to 70 years of age were given two or four ounces of this herbal extracts for thrice a day for about seven days. These patients also showed good

Pterocarpus Marsupium

results and proved that this herb is a perfect remedy and cure for diabetes.

Additional researches

Many other researches were also done to check the results on diabetes patients. It was found that this herb is perfect for curing diabetes in the most efficient way.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Psyllium husk Information-Uses and Benefits

Psyllium husk which is also known as isphagula is actually the coat of the Plantago Psyllium seeds. This plant is majorly found in the areas of Middle East. The Psyllium husk is one of the best sources of dietary fiber and it is highly recommended to add this husk in diet in comparison to any other grain. For instance, Psyllium husk has about 71 grams of fiber per third part of a cup whereas Oat bran has 5 grams of fiber per third part of a cup.
Psyllium husk

You can find the Psyllium husk content in major supplements which are known for having dietary fiber in them. This dietary fiber is very useful for people who have dietary problems like diarrhea or constipation. Psyllium husk works in a different way by absorbing the water of the digestive tract of a human body. It itself does not get digested which make the stool bulkier and softer. This helps in reducing the digestive problems.

Isphagula or Psyllium husk also helps in reducing the cholesterol level in blood other than helping in digestiveproblems. Cholesterol is reduced at a higher rate if Psyllium husk is taken with low fat diet but researches have shown that Psyllium husk can reduce cholesterol level if it is taken with high fat diet too. It can reduce 7% of low density lipoproteins which are called ‘bad cholesterol’.
Psyllium husk

Some researches are still in progress to determine other benefits of Psyllium husk. It is said that Psyllium husk helps in reducing blood sugar. Other benefits from consuming this product are that it may help in losing weight by passing fat through stools.

Although, Psyllium husk beneficial in many ways but it should be consumed with some care. You can feel problems like gas or bloating in the first few days after using this product. You can also feel problems like flatulence or diarrhea in the starting days. It takes your digestive system some time to get habitual of this dietary product.
Psyllium husk

Psyllium husk should be taken with special care among those people who have gone through any surgery related to bowels or intestines. Some people are allergic to this product; hence it should be taken with care.

You should remember that this product should be taken with water. You should take this product with water and also drink at least six to seven glasses of water per day.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Papaver somniferum Information-Uses and Benefits

Botanical Name: Papaver Somniferum

Family Name: Papaveraceae

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Ranunculales

Family: Papaveraceae

Genus: Papaver

Species: somniferum

Popular Names: Aphium Opium Poppy, Poppy seeds, Plant of Joy, White Poppy Posta, Common Garden Poppy, Mawseed

Parts utilized: Flowers and Seeds

Habitat: Grown at an altitude of around 1500 to 2100 on a large scale in places like India

Papaver somniferum

Portrayal

This plant is known to have narcotic properties hence the name “papaver somniferum” which literally means “sleep bringing poppy”. This is also called opium poppy and is an annual plant of height approximately 3-5 feet. It gives rise to radiant white, purple, red and pink flowers that grow on a mid bulbous shell. If smashed, this pod generates milky latex known as opium. Leaves are simple, alternate, toothed and clasping. Capsule –like fruits in which seeds are spread. Poppy is raised as a decorative plant in countries like South America, North America, Asia and Europe. India, Turkey and Australia are the chief producers of this plant.

Papaver somniferum

Chemicals which are present in the plant

The chemicals present in poppy are as follows: thebaine, morphine, oripavine, codeine,protein,ether extract, nitrogen free extract, crude fiber, ash, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid,iodine,manganese,copper,magnesium,sodium,potassium,zinc,lecithin,oxalic acid, pentosans, an amorphous alkaloid ,narcotine, enzymes like emulsion, diastase, nuclease and liapase.

Usages and advantages of Poppy

Utilized for medicinal reasons and is a constituent of drugs like codeine, laudenine, morphine, nicotine etc.
Poppy based medications are very beneficial for lessening severe pains.
A stimulant that produces euphoria and assists in getting rid of tensions and anxieties
Highly advised for minor pains due to its analgesic and cough suppressing properties.
It is very effective in treating intestinal stomach seizures and also respiratory spasms that occur due to asthma attacks.

Papaver somniferum


Beneficial for bruises, cold, colic, cancer, conjunctivitis, dysentery, fever, enteritis, hypertension, hemicrania, headache, inflammation, hysteria, hypochondria, insomnia, mania, malaria, neuralgia, nausea, melancholy, snakebites, ulcers, warts, toothaches ,tumors etc.
Effective for cancers related to tongue, spleen, stomach, skin, uterus, breast etc.
Reduces pain and calms down the excitement.
Offers two food constituents – poppy seed and seed oil.
Seeds are utilized in baking and spraying on bread and rolls.
Seeds are rich in drying oil which is employed for manufacturing varnishes, soaps and paints.
Oil cakes form the fodder for livestock
Warning

High dose is very addictive and may decrease respiration.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Liquorice Information-Uses and Benefits

Liquorice or Glycyrrhiza glabra is actually a white and purple flowering plant which is commonly found in southwest and central Asia and Mediterranean region. This plant is well known for its sweet taproot which grows about four feet deep. This plant grows best under full sun and needs limited shade with moist and rich soil. This pant may grow up to 3 to 17 feet in height.
Liquorice

The branches of this plant are upright and this plant has round stems which take a angular shape when reach to the top. The leaves of this plant are odd, pinnate, and alternate and are divided in about eight pairs of diamond shaped leaflets.

The plant of Liquorice flourishes in summer season. This plant has sweet pea alike flowers which grow in bunches. These flowers are small with long peduncles and are purple-bluish in color. The fruit grown on this plant is compressed, smooth, single cell legume and has four seeds similar to kidney shape.

Liquorice

The plant root is round, straight, fibrous, tough, long and perennial. The inner part has yellowish color and outer part has grayish color. It has a sweet taste and has the most wanted assets in its cortical. This plant can be majory found in Indian regions like sub- Himalayan regions and Punjab.

This herb is also given a name, glukos riza by the Hippocrates. This term means ‘sweet root’ due to the sweet taste of its root. This plant is used as herbal medicine. Liquorice is derived from the Latin word liquiritia which means sweet wood. In Sanskrit, this is called as yashti which means stem.

Liquorice

This plant is not only used as a medicine but also as a spice. But most of the times it is preferred as medicine than as spice. In ancient times, this herb was most commonly in use among Egyptians for the diseases related to the upper regions of respiratory system. Root of this plant is used as the medicine for curing diseases.

The root of this plant is highly recommended by Ayurveda for curing cold, cough, and other bronchial related problems. This herb was very common in use during the period of Charaka. This herb was used by singers’ pill to cure the soreness or harshness of the throat.

The root contains around 4% of glycyrrhizin which is 50 times sweeter in comparison to cane sugar which makes the root sweet.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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.

Since this tree provides not only nutritional values but also medicinal help, it would be better to call it a Miracle Tree.

Juglans Regia Information-Uses and Benefits

Juglans Regia is a plant that grows about 20m on an average. These trees flower in the month of June and the seeds become ripe by October. The flowers are usually pollinated by the wind as both male and female flowers can be found on the same plant. Juglans Regia is a self fertile plant and is one of its kinds. The plant grows well in drained soil like sand or clay. Presence of acids, neutrals and alkaline in the soil is a plus point for the plant’s growth. These plants only grow in moist soil with adequate sunlight.
Juglans Regia

Juglans RegiaThe sap and the seed of the plant’s fruit are used as edible components. The seeds can be eaten raw. These seeds are also majorly used in confections, cakes, ice-creams etc. the seeds can also be ground and used as a flavoring agent in sweets and savory dishes. Fruits of these plants can also be used in the preparation of pickles at the time when they are unripe. Edible oil is also extracted from the seeds of these fruit, however it should be stored for a long time as it goes rancid very soon. This edible oil has its major application in salads and even in cooking various delicacies. The sap of the fruit is used in making sugar. Also the shells that are finely ground are used in the stuffing of ‘agnolotti’ pasta. They are also considered as an ideal substance for the adulteration of spices. The green husks can be dried and used as a rich source of vitamin C. These vitamins can be extracted and used in the production of vitamin supplements. The leaves of these plants can also be used exactly like tea-leaves.Juglans Regia
Juglans Regia

The walnut tree has also shown its contribution in treating various health disorders. The leaves of this tree have been very effective against anthelmintic, inflammation, astringent and others. They have also shown positive results in the treatment of constipation, chronic coughs, asthma, diarrhea, dyspepsia etc. The leaves can not only be used as a skin treatment, but also be used as a blood purifier. Strumous sores can be controlled and treated by walnut leaves. Walnut is being used in the treatment of cancer since ancient days.Juglans Regia Researchers claim that some extracts from the plant have been powerful in fighting cancer. Apart from its medicinal uses, the plant extracts are also used in the formation of various dyes. These dyes are further used to dye hair. They are also used in making of other useful goods like soap, paint etc.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements are continuing to grow in popularity as each day more people talk about the benefits they are experiencing from taking these natural supplements. It is difficult if not impossible for most people with their busy and stressful lives to get all the nutrition their bodies need without taking some nutritional supplement.

Herbal supplements can often be the best choice as far as nutritional supplementation is concerned for many reasons we discuss below. Keep reading and discover how herbal supplements can benefit you in almost every aspect of your health. We hope you become and stay Superhealthy.

What are Herbal Supplements?

Herbal supplements are a type of nutritional supplement that is made from all natural herbal ingredients. Many regular nutritional supplements contain many artificial chemicals that could have harmful effects on your health. In addition, our bodies especially our digestive system has a tough time absorbing regular nutritional supplements so much of it simply goes to waste.

Many herbal supplements have much higher absorption rates so our bodies absorb the nutrients more easily and thus you get a much greater nutritional benefit. Some examples of common herbal supplements include ginseng, bee pollen, gingko biloba, aloe vera, green tea etc.

What are the side effects of herbal supplements?


Most herbal supplements are simply foods so unless you have allergies to that kind of food the side effects are minimal or non existent. However if you are taking prescription medications be sure to consult with a doctor or herbologist to make sure there will be no complications or negative reactions.

What are the benefits of herbal supplements?

We all know at some level that sticking to the most natural forms of foods are often the best choice. Many times just by consuming a food you can tell whether it is helping or hurting you simply by observing the way you feel after consuming that food. Learn to listen to your body as it will give you the signals of pain and pleasure and then make the necessary adjustments.

When you consume quality herbal supplements you may notice many positive effects like an almost immediate increase in energy and vitality. Learn more about specific herbal supplements below (please check back often as we add more supplements regularly)