6 reasons you should drink lemon grass tea everyday

• Sipping lemon grass tea doesn't just refresh you but also cleanses your body, promoting proper functioning of all organs and keeping various ailments at bay. Children, however, should not consume lemon grass tea or milk without consulting a doctor. 
  
  

  
  
  
  1.Good for kidneys and liver: 
  
  The diuretic properties and of lemongrass help the body in releasing the toxins from the body thus helping in proper functioning of the kidneys and liver suggests a study published in the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science on the comparative study on the Antimicrobial activities of the Ethanolic extracts of Lemon grass . Frequent urination also helps in flushing out the accrued fats and maintaining proper digestion.
  
  
  2.Cough and cold: 
  
  A cup of lemon grass tea or inhaling lemon grass steam can help ward off cough and cold. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of lemon grass help in coping against the ailments. Lemon grass oil can be used for relieving headaches too.  
  
  
  3.Arthritis: 
  
  The anti-inflammatory properties of lemon grass help in suppressing enzymes that cause inflammation in joints during arthritis, and thus help in relieving pain. Lemon grass oil can be mixed with coconut oil and applied on joints. Sipping lemon grass tea is also beneficial for arthritis. 
  
  
  4. Digestion:
  
   The antimicrobial properties of lemon grass help in relieving gastroenteritis. Its antiseptic compounds kill the bacteria, thereby reducing flatulence, stomach cramps, constipation or heartburn. 
  
  
  5.Skin:
  
   Lemon grass is rich in Vitamin A and hence very helpful for skin troubles. The antiseptic and astringent properties of lemon grass help reduce acne, pimples and are effective even for psoriasis. Sipping lemon grass tea is the best way to cleanse body and skin. You can also dilute lemon grass in body oil and use it to keep bad odour away. 
  
  
  6.Cancer: 
  
  Studies have indicated that citral, one of the components of lemon grass helps prevent the growth of hepatic cancer cells. Thus, lemon grass shows promising results in preventing skin or breast cancer.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Top Four Ayurveda Brain Tonic Herbs: Enhance your Brain Powers Naturally

In this age of day-by-day increasing mental stress, strain and cut-throat competition, we are finding it more and more difficult to cope with the pressures of day to day life. Ayurveda claims at not only increasing the powers of the brain but also at keeping the mental diseases away, along with helping to cure them desirably. It is believed that a number of the diseases have their root in the brain of an individual. That is one of the reasons why the number of psychological and neurological cases is on the increase.

Ayurveda Dosha Healing and Mental Balance 

 According to Ayurveda text, the balance of the three body humors viz. air, fire and phlegm or the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas when gets disturbed, tends to manifest itself both in somatic as well as psychic spheres.

• Vitiation of the Vata dosha destroys mental sense and gives rise to grief and infatuation.
• When the Pitta dosha or the fire humor of the body gets aggravated beyond its normal limits, may lead to mental states of fear, lust and grief.
• Similarly, imbalance in Kapha causes lethargy and in-discrimination.

These dosha imbalances disturb both the body as well as the mind. Although the predominant factor in case of mental disturbances is believed to be an increase and imbalance in the two mental states of the brain viz. Rajas and Tamas. These two states are ascribed to Iccha (Desire) and Dwesha (Repulsion). It is believed that when these states of mind tend to cross the limits set by social norms and values; they tend to excite the basic humors of the body resulting into degeneration of the brain powers and birth of mental diseases.

 Herbs as Brain Tonics 

1. Shankhpushpi

There is a herb named as Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) which is one of the nature’s precise answers to the brain weakness. It has been used since ages in Ayurveda therapy to sharpen intellect and increase the mental powers, as it has a cooling, calming and subsiding action on the brain. Shankhpushpi is believed to be a Medhya Rasyana (Brain tonic) in Ayurveda and it is a rejuvenator par excellence. One teaspoonful of the powder of this herb is to be taken twice daily along with a cup of milk. It could prove beneficial in maladies like insomnia, anxiety, everyday stress, and loss of memory, anorexia nervosa and lethargy.

  

2. Brahmi

Brahmi (Centella asiatica) is another useful brain tonic. It can be taken in powder or paste form along with milk. You could also extract juice by pounding the fresh herb and take it once or twice in a dose of 20-ml approx. Though useful for all ages, it is a boon for students as it increases the intellect and helps undo stress and strain. Powder of this herb taken along with powdered herbs of Shatavari (Asparagus) and Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) aids in reducing the aggravated Pitta or fire in the system and thus gives a calming effect to the brain. It is also a good cure for bilious headaches.

3. Jatamansi

Roots of the herb of Jatamansi (Nordostachys jatamansi) helps to tone up the brain and stabilizes mental abilities. It is another excellent restorative as it helps to subside all the three body humors. It thus has a specific action on the nervous system and aids in curing a number of mental diseases like hysteria, depression, insomnia, epilepsy and loss of memory. It has also shown results in hypertension.

 4. Shatavari

Another herb by the name of Shatavari(Asparagus racemosus) is a body and brain rejuvenator and good for intellect. All the more, it helps undo the everyday strain and induces sound sleep. This can be taken in powder form in a dose of 3 to 5 grams along with milk or mixed into equal amount of honey. Also, some medicinal preparations of the herb are available like Shatavari Gritha, which can be taken a teaspoonful at bedtime along with warm milk. Regular use of the same for sometime helps fight mental stress, exhaustion and fatigue. It aids in increasing the eyesight and mental faculties as well.

 

Fenugreek - Health Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum), native to southern Europe and Asia, is an erect annual herb with white flowers and hard, yellowish brown and angular seeds. Known as methi in Hindi, it is a popular ingredient in many North Indian dishes.

Fenugreek Nutrition
  Fenugreek seeds and leaves are strongly aromatic and flavorful. Seeds are bitter in taste but lose their bitterness if roasted slightly. They are rich in vitamins such as thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, B6, and C, and are a storehouse of minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. Fenugreek leaves are a rich source of vitamin K as well. 


 
Health Benefits of Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are rich source of trigonelline, lysine and l-tryptophan. The seeds also contain a large amount of saponins and fibers that could account for many health benefits of fenugreek.

• Increases Breast Milk - 
    Fenugreek is used as a galactagogue by nursing mothers to increase inadequate breast milk supply. This is evidenced by a study which found that consumption of herbal tea containing fenugreek seeds enhanced breast milk production in mothers and facilitated infant birth weight regain in early postnatal days. 


 
• Reduces Cholesterol -
 Fenugreek contains saponins that help reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol from fatty foods. Some studies also indicate saponins to have a role to play in reducing the body’s production of cholesterol, especially the LDL levels. For example, Reddy and Srinivasan from the Central Food Technological Research Institute, CSIR, Mysore, India, found that fenugreek helped regress existing cholesterol gallstones in mice. Further, they claimed that fenugreek could significantly reduce cholesterol concentration.

• Prevents Diabetes - 
 An unusual amino acid (4HO-Ile), so far found only in fenugreek, has possible anti-diabetic properties such as enhancing insulin secretion under hyperglycemic conditions, and increasing insulin sensitivity. Iranian researchers from Qom University of Medical Science suggest the potential of 4HO-Ile as an adjunct to diabetes treatment for type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes.


 
• Protects from Cancer -
 Studies have shown that the fibers in fenugreek help prevent certain cancers. For example, researchers at Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, found that fenugreek has estrogenic effects and could be a possible alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Other studies have shown that saponins and mucilage in fenugreek bind to toxins in the food and flush them out, thus protecting the mucus membrane of the colon from cancers.


 
• Maintains healthy Testosterone Levels - 
An Australian study reported significant positive effect of fenugreek on physiological aspects of male libido and also found that it may assist to maintain normal healthy testosterone levels. The study recruited 60 healthy males aged between 25 and 52, without erectile dysfunction and randomized to 2 tablets per day of 600mg Testofen (Fenugreek extract and mineral formulation) or placebo for 6 weeks. The researchers found that Testofen significantly increased sexual arousal and orgasm in the study men.


 
• Aids Digestion - 
 Fenugreek is said to be an effective heartburn or acid reflux remedy because the mucilage in fenugreek seeds assists in soothing gastrointestinal inflammation, and coating the stomach and intestinal lining.  According to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, a 2-week intake of a fenugreek fiber product taken 30 minutes before two meals /day, by subjects with frequent heartburn, diminished heartburn severity. The researchers found that the effects were similar to that of ranitidine at 75mg, twice a day.


 
• Helps with Weight Loss - Fenugreek complements diet and exercise for weight loss. This thermogenic herb aids weight loss by suppressing appetite, increasing energy in the short term, and potentially modulating carbohydrate metabolism.


Fenugreek Natural Remedies

Fenugreek is widely known for its culinary properties and also as traditional remedy for a number of conditions.

• Fenugreek seeds are rich in vitamin E and are added as preservatives in pickles.

• Dried leaves of the fenugreek are used for flavoring meat, fish and vegetable dishes.

• Herbal tea made with fenugreek, lemon and honey (check below for recipe) is traditionally used as remedy for fevers.

• A paste made from fresh fenugreek leaves applied regularly to scalp before bath helps hair growth, improves hair complexion, and reduces dandruff.


• Fenugreek is used traditionally as remedy for eczema, burns, abscesses, and gout.

• Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and induces childbirth.

• Fenugreek extract has been suggested to assist in balancing women’s hormones as also to enlarge breasts..

• Always take the advice of your doctor before using fenugreek for any medical condition.

Fenugreek Side Effects • In large doses, fenugreek may cause birth-defects because of its teratogenic potential. It would be prudent to avoid fenugreek supplementation during pregnancy.

• Fenugreek seeds can cause internal bleeding.

• Skin irritation and allergy has also been reported with fenugreek. Severe allergy symptoms include chest pain, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

• Diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, gas, bloating and urine odor are other possible side effects of fenugreek.

Fenugreek Recipes

Fenugreek Seed Tea

1. Lightly crush a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds.

2. Soak them in a cup of freshly boiled water and steep it for 1 to 3 hours. (The longer you steep, higher the benefits).

3. Strain the tea, add honey and lemon to taste and drink it hot or cold. You can add tea leaves or other herbs too for different flavor.

Methi Moong Dal Subzi

1. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a pan.

2. Add half a teaspoon cumin seeds and when they splutter add one chopped onion, 2 cloves of garlic crushed, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.

3. Add a pinch of turmeric powder, 2 cups of chopped fenugreek leaves and salt to taste. Cook for a few minutes. Fenugreek leaves cook very quickly.

4. Add quarter cup of soaked moong dal (split green gram) and half a cup of hot water.

5. Sprinkle a teaspoon of besan (Bengal gram flour), mix well, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, till the moong dal is cooked.

6. Serve hot with roti or rice.

Fennel Tea: Benefits And Who Must Not Consume

Fennel has been used as a medicinal and culinary herb since the times of the ancient Greeks. In medieval Europe fennel was thought to ward off evil spirits on Midsummers Eve. Fennel is an herb native to southern Europe and Asia Minor. It is cultivated there, and in the US, Great Britain, and temperate areas of Eurasia.
Fennel seeds brew up a tasty, licorice flavored tea. Great by itself, or as a flavorful addition to other herbal blends. For those who have trouble with poor digestion, gas and bloating, a simple cup of fennel tea after a heavy meal can be the simplest and most effective remedy. Fennel reduces bad breath, belching, and acts as an antibacterial in the mouth. Add a small amount of fennel directly to food, or add a small amount of fennel seed tea to drinking water.
In ayurvedic traditions, fennel increases the digestive fire without aggravating pitta. Its energy is in dispute some say warming, others cooling, most likely neutral. It calms the nerves, is the premier carminative herb for adults, and promotes mental clarity.

 

History of Fennel

Historically, the use of fennel dates back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used in traditional rituals and celebrations as a symbol of Nature. In Greek mythology, Prometheus used a fennel stalk to steal fire from the gods. Fire gave us the ability to cook our food, so it would only be fitting to be carried by a herb that is good for the digestion.
The health properties of fennel were so popular that Olympic athletes, in Ancient Greece, would use the seeds to increase stamina and promote longevity. And Greek doctors prescribed this tea to nursing mothers in order to increase breast milk.
In Ancient Egypt, India and China you would find that this medicinal tea was used to treat snake and insect bites. As time passed, fennel seeds were used to relieve hunger during fasting periods. Tasty, healthy and popular, fennel was considered one of the nine holy herbs of the Anglo-Saxons, according to Chaucer, the 14th century English poet.

How To Make Fennel Tea

~Using Seeds

Start by gently crushing approximately one teaspoon of fennel seeds in a mortar and pestle. This will release the flavor, oils and the most divine aroma.
Scoop the seeds out with a teaspoon and place into a tea ball or strainer and pour one cup of boiling water over them.
Allow the seeds to steep in the boiling water for seven to ten minutes.
Remove the tea ball/strainer and top up with a little more hot water.

~Using Fresh Leaves

Snip or pull the fresh, fine green leaves off the bulb and rinse well.
Pour a cup of boiling water.
Add the leaves and allow to steep for 15-20 minutes.
Remove leaves and top up with a little more hot water

~Using The Bulb

Clean the bulb really well.
Chop into smaller pieces.
Add to a tea strainer.
Pour boiling water over the top and steep for 15-20 minutes.
Remove strainer and top up with a little more hot water.

Fennel Tea Health Benefits

1. Gastrointestinal Issues

One of the most common applications of fennel is to treat heartburn. Drinking a single cup of tea or chewing fennel seeds when you start feeling the symptoms of indigestion can ease the pain and burning.

2. Women’s Health

Fennel’s volatile oils have mild estrogen-like qualities, so they are used extensively in Chinese medicine to treat hormonal problems. Fennel is also used to boost libido and to stimulate the production and flow of milk in lactating women. It is sometimes used to treat amenorrhea.
One of greatest health benefits of fennel tea is its ability to stimulate the production of estrogen, hence relieving symptoms of PMS, menstrual cramps or menopausal symptoms. Due to the presence of anethole, the main component of fennel oil, fennel tea has been used for years, especially by midwives and herbalists, as a tonic to protect the female reproductive system.

3. Improves Digestive Health

Fennel is often touted as an antispasmodic, so it can help relax the digestive tract and ease cramps and gas and to treat irritable bowel syndrome. The essential oil of fennel contains estrogen, which inhibits muscles spasms, allowing you to digest more easily. It even relieves hiccups. Its aromatic and carminative properties are an excellent ally to treat flatulence, diarrhea, bloating or stomach cramps, which are also symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Kills Internal Parasites

Fennel tea reduces acid levels in both your stomach and rids the intestines of worms and bacteria.

5. Aids Colic

Fennel herbal tea is good and safe for children, as it relaxes the intestinal tract which may help when your baby is suffering from colic.

6. Cleanses Blood

Fennel herbal tea increases healthy urine flow and protects your liver from alcohol damage and treats diseases such as jaundice. This blood cleanser may also improve kidney function and prevent kidney stones.

7. Weight Loss

Fennel tea helps reduce water retention, making it one of the best weight loss teas for you. It boosts your metabolism, allowing you to burn fat faster, reduces cellulite and regulates your appetite.

8. Relieves Arthritis

By cleansing your body with this healthy tea, you improve also the health of your tissues and joints, thus relieving arthritic pain and gout.

9. Immune System Boost

To feel healthy you need a strong immune system to help you fight bacteria and viruses. A fennel infusion helps to prevent the onset of cold symptoms. This wonderful tea helps to reduce fevers, relieve sore throats and treat most upper respiratory tract illnesses, namely asthma, bronchitis, cough and it clears up congestion and excess phlegm.

10. Healthy Eyes

Sometimes after a bad night’s sleep, you may wake up with swollen and sore eyes. Prepare a cup of fennel tea, soak a cotton ball in it and place it over your eye lids of 10 minutes. It’s quite refreshing and it will not only reduce puffiness, but it also treats eye infections like conjunctivitis.

11. Hormonal Balance

A healthy liver leads to proper hormonal balance which in turn is the key to relieve a number of symptoms that affect you on a daily basis.

12. Stronger Heart

Fennel tea is a wonderful source of vitamins and antioxidants that can help you to maintain a healthy heart. Antioxidants and vitamins and the cleansing action mentioned above all work to help you lower your bad cholesterol levels and thus reducing the chances of you suffering from hypertension.

13. Respiratory Problems

Fennel tea is often recommended to treat respiratory issues from simple colds to asthma. It can also help with upper respiratory tract infections because of its antimicrobial properties. Fennel can also be used to treat problems such as angina and high blood pressure.

14.Gum Health

Gargling fennel tea can relieve inflamed gums and treat bad breath.

15. Mother’s Health

Expecting moms, this tea may help with morning sickness and treat sore nipples and infections. You can dip a cloth in the tea mixture and apply it to the sore area three times a day. Although more studies are required, nursing moms can take this tea, with the approval of their doctors, to increase the flow of milk. However, don’t take more than 2 to 4 cups daily.

Side Effects of Fennel Tea

If you are allergic to carrots or celery, remember that fennel comes from the same botanical family, so it is likely that fennel tea may cause an allergic reaction. Be aware of such symptoms as itching, hives or swelling of the skin. If this happens, stop taking this herbal tea and contact your doctor.
If you are taking medication, talk to your doctor first, as fennel tea may interact with the medication you are taking and enhance the effects to more than you desire. If you are prone to blood clots, drink this tea in moderation.
People who are estrogen-dependent cancer must avoid this tea as well. However, it is said that it may be useful to sooth stomach cramps and vomit after chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer.
It is best that while you are expecting a baby not to drink too much fennel herbal tea, as may become toxic and travel through the placenta and harm the development of the endocrine system of your little one.

3 Best Kitchen Herbs To Grow And Their Uses

Herbs are extremely useful and great way to heal some common ailments naturally. They require little maintenance and can be grown in a small patch of land or in containers near your windows. Herbs are less needy of nutrition than vegetables, so most soil types work well. You can use herbs to make herbal tea or any other concoction and use it in your daily cooking to a dash of freshness, color and flavor.
Below are 3 best herbs to grow for your herb garden if you’re a beginner. There are also recipes and herbal remedies where you can use these herbs. Imagine taking fresh herbs and making fresh herbal tea or make a remedy for flu!

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Also known as ‘tulsi’ in India, it’s a popular herb and worshipped in India and other communities around the world for its healing properties. If you’re using it for cooking, always use it at the end (after you have removed the food from heat) as heat damages the delicate flavor.

Growing Process

Plant seeds or seedlings of basil, a warm-season annual, after the last frost during a warm spell. When flowering tops appear, cut them off (you can use them in salads) to encourage new leaf production. You can sow a second planting of seeds directly in the garden in early summer. When kept indoors, a pot of basil repels flies.

Recommended Varieties

Genovese is best for cooking; ask your nursery about specific varieties for spicy flavor, compact growth habits or frilled foliage.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a very fragrant herb and can be used for cooking for both its flavor and fragrance. Its beautiful earthy taste lends itself very well to both spicy and bland dishes.

Growing Process

Cilantro is a fast-growing annual, cilantro can be planted in spring and again in late summer. It is among the easiest herbs to start from seeds sown directly in the garden, but it suffers when transplanted. The ripe seeds are what form the spice coriander. To harvest coriander, allow plants to flower and then collect seeds after they turn brown. Store seeds in a cool, dark spot.

Mint

Mint is a very versatile herb and there are many types of mint. It’s easy to dry mint and crush it. It has a fresh taste and can be used as a palate cleanser before or after food. Blending it with other spicy herbs makes for a good curry paste.

Growing Process

Plant mint, a hardy perennial in most areas, in spring. You can start mint from seed, but plants you buy often have better flavor. Mint is a notoriously aggressive spreader, so it’s best to grow it in containers. Clip growing tips monthly to encourage new growth.

Recommended Varieties

Peppermints and spearmints are best for cooking; pineapple mint has beautiful variegated leaves.

Top 10 Herbs and Spices for Your Heart

The heart is a muscular organ, about the size of a fist. It pumps blood through a network of arteries and veins called the cardiovascular system to the rest of the body. This blood provides the body with oxygen and nutrients, and helps in the removal of metabolic wastes.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 611,105 people die each year of heart disease.
Heart disease refers to problems that affect the structure and functioning of the heart as well as blood vessels.
Some common types of heart conditions include coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, irregular heart rhythm, atherosclerosis, angina, myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack), hypertensive heart disease, congenital heart disease, and peripheral artery disease.
The risk of developing heart problems increases with factors like excessive smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, aging, a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and excessive alcohol or caffeine intake.
Some common symptoms that may signal heart trouble include persistent coughing, chest discomfort, anxiety, fatigue, rapid or irregular pulse and shortness of breath.

Here are the top 10 herbs and spices for your heart.

1. Garlic

Garlic is highly beneficial for heart health due to its anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and antiplatelet properties.
A 2006 review study published in the American Society for Nutrition journal showed a strong correlation between garlic consumption and heart benefits.
Garlic is effective in treating raised serum total cholesterol, raised bad (low-density lipoprotein or LDL) cholesterol, increased platelet aggregation and hypertension, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.

• Eat 1 or 2 freshly crushed garlic cloves daily.
• You can opt to take garlic supplements. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage.

Note: Garlic may interfere with certain medications due to its blood-thinning properties. Consult your doctor before taking it.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric has a compound called curcumin that possesses powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin enhances cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of many diseases related to the heart.
Turmeric helps increase blood circulation and prevents blood clotting to prevent heart attacks. It even controls inflammation that can lead to heart disease. In addition, it prevents hardening of the arteries by inhibiting fat oxidation and lowering cholesterol.

• Use turmeric in your cooking or drink a glass of warm turmeric milk daily.
• As a nutritional supplement, you can take 250 to 600 mg standardized curcumin capsules 3 times daily. Consult your doctor for proper dosage.

3. Hawthorn

Hawthorn is another well-known herb for heart health. It helps in blood vessel dilation, which lowers blood pressure. It also increases blood flow to the heart and improves cardiac muscle contractions, thus leading to an overall stronger heart that functions better. In addition, its anti-arrhythmic effect helps steady the heartbeat.
In a 2010 review by Pharmacognosy Review, researchers studied clinical trials involving hawthorn and the herb’s safety profile.
They concluded that hawthorn may potentially represent a safe, effective, nontoxic agent in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and ischemic heart disease.
The recommended amount ranges from 160 to 1,800 mg per day in 2 or 3 divided doses. As it may interact with certain medications, consult your doctor before taking this supplement.

4. Hibiscus

Followers of traditional medicine rely on hibiscus for the treatment of heart disease. Water extracts of hibiscus flowers affect atherosclerosis mechanisms, blood sugar, lipids and blood pressure. All these elements help improve overall heart health.
A 2003 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that hibiscus extract helped inhibit the development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. High cholesterol is one of the main causes of heart disease.

• Drink a cup of hibiscus tea twice daily.
• You can also take 100 to 250 mg of standardized extract twice daily. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage.

5. Cayenne

Cayenne contains capsaicin, which makes this spice a powerful antioxidant. It also has the potential to dilate blood vessels, combat oxidation and prevent blood clots.
All these factors contribute to good heart health. Capsaicin helps reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, two of the major risk factors of heart disease.
In addition, it helps burn calories and aids weight loss, which reduces the risk of developing heart problems.

• Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a cup of hot water. Drink it a few times a week.
• You can take capsaicin supplements, 2,000 to 4,000 IUs every other day. However, always consult a doctor before taking supplements.

Note: It is important not to take cayenne in excess. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children should avoid this spice.

6. Green Tea

Green tea is very good for your heart due to its flavonoids and antioxidants. It improves the health of cells that form the innermost lining of the heart and blood vessels. This plays a key role in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
A 2008 study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation reported that regular intake of green tea improves blood vessel functioning. By drinking more than 5 cups of green tea daily, you can lower the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke by 26 percent.

• Drink 4 to 5 cups of green tea (preferably caffeine-free) daily.
• You can even take 100 to 750 mg standardized green tea extract per day after consulting your doctor.

7. Cinnamon

This well-known spice can provide protection against heart disease. It inhibits the release of inflammatory fatty acids from the blood’s platelet membranes, which helps maintain the proper thickness of the blood. This in turn reduces high blood pressure, which can damage the arteries and other organs.
In addition, it helps lower triglycerides as well as LDL cholesterol, which is important for your heart to function properly.

• For medicinal benefits, consume ½ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder per day. Sprinkle cinnamon powder in your oatmeal, tea, smoothies, soups and salads.
• Add a cinnamon stick while making a cup of warm tea, such as black, ginger or any other herbal tea.

Note: People allergic to cinnamon must avoid this spice. In addition, those taking blood thinners must consult their doctor before taking this spice.

8. Ginger

Ginger has natural blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory properties that can lower LDL cholesterol. The active ingredient in ginger is gingerol, a compound that helps relax blood vessels and stimulate blood flow throughout the body.
In a 2000 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that regular intake of ginger extract reduces plasma cholesterol, inhibits LDL oxidation and attenuates development of atherosclerosis.

• Make ginger tea and drink it hot or cold, 2 or 3 times a day.
• Use fresh ginger root in your cooking by adding it to sauces, stir-fries, soups and even fruit and vegetable drinks.
• You can also take a ginger supplement, after consulting your doctor.

9. Fenugreek

Fenugreek has antioxidant and cardioprotective benefits, making it an important herb to promote heart health. There are several compounds in fenugreek that can reduce cholesterol, treat clogged arteries, lower blood pressure and prevent heart attacks.
Moreover, it helps stabilize blood sugar and prevent obesity, two major factors behind heart disease.

• Soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. The next morning, drain the water and eat the soaked seeds on an empty stomach. Do this daily.
• You can even drink 1 to 2 cups of fenugreek seed tea daily.

10. Coriander

Both the fresh leaves and seeds of coriander are good for your heart due to its antiplatelet activity and natural antioxidant properties. It helps reduce platelet aggregation, which can cause an impairment of blood flow to the heart.
Coriander seeds have a hypolipidemic action in the body, which helps reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Environmental Biology proves this fact. Coriander is also useful in diabetes management, a major risk factor of heart disease.

• Add 1 teaspoon of coriander seed powder to a cup of water. Boil the water, strain it and drink it once daily.
• Also, try to use fresh coriander and coriander seeds in your cooking.
•  

  27 Home Remedies for Removal of Acid Reflux 

Acid reflux is a term given to a phenomenon when the stomach acid flows upwards in the oesophagus, resulting in what is commonly known as heartburn. Acid reflux is scientifically called as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GERD.  Due to a drastic change in eating habits, it has become very common in people now-a-days. Acid reflux can be treated with several over-the-counter antacids available in the market, but it can also be treated with natural home remedies.

Causes

• Over-eating
• Obesity
• Excess intake of fatty foods
• Caffeine
• Alcoholic drinks
• Smoking
• Lying down soon after eating
• Stress
• Hernia
• Pregnancy

Symptoms

• Burning sensation in the chest
• Bloating
• Burping
• Nausea
• Hiccups
• Bloody stools or vomiting
• Dysphagia – when the oesophagus becomes narrow
• Loss of weight
• Dry cough or sore throat

Home Remedies for Acid Reflux

Let’s see some of the natural home remedies of acid reflux that can be easily tried at home.
1. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is a good remedy to take for acid reflux as it accelerates the flow of saliva, thereby washing out any extra acid that is accumulated in the gut. It relieves the symptoms of acid reflux.

2. Aloe Vera
Sip down some aloe vera juice to get instant relief from heartburn as aloe is very soothing for upset stomach. It reduces the inflammation caused in the oesophagus. It is recommended to drink half cup of aloe vera juice before taking the meal.

3. Licorice
You can also take tea made from licorice root, which is highly soothing and beneficial in treating acid reflux. A thin layer of mucus is formed in the lining of oesophagus, which protects it from the acids, coming up from the stomach.

4. Slippery Elm
This is one of the best herbal remedies to treat acid reflux. You can suck a slippery elm lozenge in order to get relief from chronic heartburn. It also gives relief from cough and throat ache, caused due to acid reflux.

5. Baking Soda
Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Drink it. It helps a lot in neutralizing the effect of acidity, caused in the stomach. But, make sure not to use it for chronic heartburn as it is high in salt content.

6. Holy Basil Leaves (Tulsi)
Simply chewing fresh tulsi leaves gives a quick relief from acid reflux symptoms.

7. Carrot Juice
A cup of carrot juice works well to give an instant relief from acid reflux. You can also drink cabbage juice.

8. Ginger
Crush some ginger and take out its juice and mix some lemon juice in it. Drink this mixture. This is one of the best remedies to stop acid reflux fast. Else, mix crushed ginger with a small piece of jaggery. Suck it till the juice reaches your stomach. It will instantly lower the acid reflux, providing you relief.

9. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
Eat raw amla. It is one of the best cures for acid reflux. You can add a pinch of salt to it for taste. It improves digestion and therefore, prevents acid reflux.

10. Honey
Take a spoonful of honey before you go to bed at night. Honey is really soothing and helps in neutralizing the acidity, caused in the stomach. It is good to prevent acid reflux at night.

11. Papaya
You can also eat papaya in order to get relief from acid reflux. Papaya contains enzymes, which is helpful in the digestion process.

12. Fenugreek
Soak some fenugreek seeds in water and drink it after some time. Fenugreek seeds are a good remedy to get immediate relief for acid reflux.

13. Agrimony or Stickwort
It is a very good herb to treat acid reflux. You can take it with milk to cure acid reflux symptoms.

14. Hyssop
It is an effective herbal remedy for the treatment of acid reflux as it naturally cures the stomach lining while reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.

15. German Chamomile
It is a very useful herb for treating acid reflux as it quickly gives relief from heartburn.

16. Fennel Seeds
Munch on few fennel seeds in order to get a quick relief from acid reflux.

17. Wood Betony
This herb washes out excess acid from the stomach while also improving digestion.

18. Eat Raw Almonds
Raw almonds are a good source of calcium and help a lot in curing the problem of acid reflux.

19. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in some honey and drink this mixture in order to get relief from acid reflux.

20. Lemon Juice
Mix some lemon juice in a cup of lukewarm water and drink it on an empty stomach early in the morning to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux. It maintains a proper balance of acidic level in the stomach and therefore, prevents acid reflux.

21. Cardamon
Take two cardamoms and grind them. Now, add 250 ml water to them and boil for 13-15 minutes. Strain and drink the water. It will definitely help you to get rid of acid reflux.

22. Clove
In order to reduce the discomfort caused due to acid reflux, chew some cloves.

23. Milk
Drink chilled milk to get instant relief from acid reflux.

24. Black Pepper
Black pepper stimulates the digestion process. Therefore, add it to your food. Alternatively, grind some black pepper. Mix some rock salt as per your taste. Take ½ teaspoon with water in the morning and evening, after having meals. It is extremely beneficial in removing acid reflux.

25. Coriander and Cumin Seeds
Mix and grind an equal amount of sugar candy, coriander seeds and cumin seeds. Take 2 teaspoon with cool water after having meals, twice a day. It helps in complete removal of acid reflux.

26. Bananas
Bananas possess high pH values. It stimulates the inner lining of belly to secrete more mucous, thereby decreasing the acid reflux.

27. Mint Leaves
Take some mint leaves and chop them. Add them to the boiling water. Drink the water when it gets cooled. It is an effective home treatment for acid reflux.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Acid Reflux

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Decrease your intake of fatty and spicy foods.
• Chew your food properly.
• Avoid caffeine and citrus fruits.
• Avoid over-eating.
• Drink lots of water.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Slightly elevate the head of your bed.
• Don’t lie down on the bed, just after having a meal.
• Exercise daily.
• If you are overweight, try to lose your weight.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes.
•  

 

           What are the health benefits of rosemary?

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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean. It is used as a culinary condiment, to make bodily perfumes, and for its potential health benefits.
The herb not only tastes good in culinary dishes such as rosemary chicken and lamb, but it is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6. It is typically prepared as a dried whole herb or a dried powdered extract, while teas and liquid extracts are made from fresh or dried leaves.
Rosemary is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae along with many other herbs, such as oregano, thyme, basil, and lavender. The name rosemary derives from the Latin ros meaning "dew" and marinus meaning "sea" - "sea dew."
The herb has been hailed since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Rosemary was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth.
This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods.

Possible health benefits of rosemary

Rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds- these are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Laboratory studies have shown rosemary to be rich in antioxidants, which play an important role in neutralizing harmful particles called free radicals.
Improving digestion - In Europe rosemary is often used to help treat indigestion - Germany's Commission E has approved it for the treatment of dyspepsia. However, it should be noted that there is currently no meaningful scientific evidence to support this claim.
Enhancing memory and concentration - blood levels of a rosemary oil component correlate with improved cognitive performance, according to research in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, published by SAGE.

 
Rosemary has leaves shaped like needles
and pink, white, blue, or purple flowers.

Neurological protection - scientists have found that rosemary is also good for your brain. Rosemary contains an ingredient, carnosic acid, that is able to fight off free radical damage in the brain.
According to a study published in Cell Journal, carnosic acid "may be useful in protecting against beta amyloid-induced neurodegeneration in the hippocampus."

Prevent brain aging - Kyoto University researchers in Japan revealed that rosemary may significantly help prevent brain aging.
 
Cancer - Research published in Oncolocy Reports found that "crude ethanolic rosemary extract (RO) has differential anti-proliferative effects on human leukemia and breast carcinoma cells."²
Another study, published in Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, concluded that rosemary may be an effective herbal anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent.³
In addition, a report published in the Journal of Food Science revealed that adding rosemary extract to ground beef reduces the formation of cancer-causing agents that can develop during cooking. Protection against macular degeneration - a study published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, led by Stuart A. Lipton, M.D., Ph.D. and colleagues at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, revealed that a major component of rosemary, carnosic acid, can significantly promote eye health.
This could have clinical applications for diseases affecting the outer retina, such as age-related macular degeneration - the most common eye disease in the U.S.

Recent developments on health benefits of rosemary from MNT news
Diabetes-fighting potential spotted in culinary herbs - Food scientists have discovered that the popular culinary herbs rosemary, oregano and marjoram contain compounds that may have the potential to manage type 2 diabetes in a similar way to some currently prescribed drugs.

Precautions and side effects

Rosemary is usually safe when taken in low doses. However, extremely large doses can trigger the following side effects (although rare):

• vomiting
• spasms
• coma
• pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)

High doses of rosemary may cause miscarriage. Therefore it's not advisable for pregnant women to take any supplemental rosemary.

Ayurveda’s Turmeric Milk, Skin Salve And Face Wash.

Turmeric: The Multipurpose Super Herb

The curative properties of turmeric have lent it to be used as a spice in Indian recipes and medicine in Ayurveda for thousands of years. The healthy nutrients of milk team up perfectly with the anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric. Turmeric milk or Haldi ka doodh (haldi means turmeric, doodh means milk) brings this sweet nectar onto the favorite’s list of healing rasāyanas of many traditional yogis and Ayurvedic Consultants.

The 6 Tastes:

In Ayurvedic cooking we want to make sure we deliver all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent, and pungent) in every meal.  This balances the doshas which leads to less imbalance and sickness. What I find is that I can eat about 1/3 as much food and feel a sense of satiation when all the tastes are included in my meal. That is such a good thing in this day and age of the giant plate meals. But it also explains why those giant plate meals even exist. In a meal that isn’t well planned to offer all 6 tastes, we continue to eat hoping that we will eventually, if we eat enough, find enough of these tastes and then be satisfied. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t, but either way, we are eating far too many calories.
It is sometimes difficult to get all the tastes into one meal. One of the easiest ways to meet this requirement is to use spices. For instance turmeric supplies the bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes with just one spice. These are sometimes the three harder tastes to add to a meal.  It is a heating spice thought to help in diabetes and also promotes good digestion. Turmeric increases vata and pitta if too much is consumed, and relieves kapha.

Ways to consume Turmeric:

Milk is a great delivery system for turmeric whether you are using it internally or externally. Adding turmeric to milk increases milks own antioxidant qualities. Milk fights free radicals that damage skin, making it lose its elasticity and glow. Milk also strengthens bones, which helps with osteoporosis and arthritis (joint inflammation and pain). Consuming the drink twice a day before meals will ease morning stiffness, reduce pain and swelling in the joint. But it’s the anti-inflammatory qualities that make turmeric milk a favorite for soothing sore throats and calming coughs. Raw organic honey is often added not only for taste but for its own powerful anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.  Raw honey is known in the Ayurveda world as being a prabhava, a term which means the unexplainable special effect of a substance, that cannot be explained by rasa (taste), virya (the quality of energy released by an herb or food after eating), or vipāka (the final post-digestive effect of food that occurs in the colon and has an action on the excreta.) Being the scientist that I am, this was not a hard concept for me to understand, just a hard one to explain on paper, so thank you Brian Brink, one of my Ayurvedic teachers from Kripalu for that definition.

Here are some recipes for you to try:

Basic Turmeric Milk Recipe

Ingredients:
½” of fresh ginger grated
½ tsp. dried turmeric powder or 1 inch piece fresh turmeric
1 cup whole milk
½ cup filtered water
1 Tbls raw honey, or to taste
Method:
Place all ingredients except honey into a pan and simmer for 20 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes to seep. Rewarm if needed and then add the honey. Once the honey has been stirred in, strain and sip.

Sore Throat Soothing Turmeric Milk Recipe

Ingredients:
½ tsp. dried turmeric powder
1 tsp ginger minced
¼ cup water
Method:
Top off the cup with milk and heat the mixture for a few minutes until the milk almost boils. If you want to add peppercorns, which is thought to improve the absorption of the turmeric you can also add that to the mixture before heating. Other flavors can be achieved by adding a few pods of cardamom (cracked) and a pinch of saffron to the milk/water concoction before boiling.

Cough Turmeric Milk Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup milk
Sugar to taste
½ tsp. ajwain (carom seeds)
¼ tsp. turmeric powder
Method:
Add milk and sugar to pan and heat until sugar dissolves. Set aside. Take ajwain and roast in a non-stick pan for a few minutes until brown. Add to the ajwain mixture the turmeric and stir. Add to the warmed milk, mix well, strain, and sip while warm.

The Ultimate Turmeric Milk Recipe

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh whole milk
½-1 tsp of turmeric powder
2-3 whole peppercorns
2-3 cardamom pods cracked
½ inch ginger, roughly chopped
½ tsp ghee (not if you are experiencing mucus)
Pinch of saffron, optional
Honey or jaggery for taste
Method:
Heat the milk along with the spices for 2-3 minutes or until the milk is almost boiling. Add sweetener to taste, let cool until warm and strain and serve.

Sleepy-time Turmeric

Use the basic turmeric milk recipe and add nutmeg. Nutmeg helps you sleep.

Turmeric Honey

Ingredients:
9 Tsp dried turmeric powder
½ Tsp freshly ground black pepper (grind it finely)
½ Tsp dried ginger powder
Raw organic honey
Method:
Mix turmeric, pepper and ginger thoroughly.  Start adding a liquid honey into the powder.  It helps to warm the honey (not cook, just warm) which allows it to absorb better.  Whipped versions of honey or old honey that has begun to crystallize will not work, the honey needs to be runny.  Stir, slowly adding the honey until all the powder is dissolved and you have a thick paste.  The amount will vary depending on the moisture content of the honey.  Store turmeric honey in an airtight jar.

Turmeric Milk (Non Dairy)

Ingredients:
8 ounces almond or coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2-inch wide round slice of ginger root, peeled and finely chopped
Dash of cayenne pepper
1/2 – 1 teaspoon honey (or molasses as suggested by my dear friend and yoga teacher Shari)
Optional additions: a tsp ghee, cinnamon, cardamom
Method:
Gently warm the almond or coconut milk on the stove. In a mug, combine the remaining ingredients. Drizzle a teaspoon of the warmed milk into the mug and mix until the liquid is smooth with no lumps. Add the rest of the milk and mix well. You can leave the pieces of ginger in the tea, or strain it out before drinking.

External Use of Turmeric

Turmeric Paste

Turmeric Paste for Psoriasis

Turmeric is now gaining attention in the Western scientific community for the treatment of various conditions, including psoriasis. According to the journal Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric responsible for inhibiting skin growth factors that lead to psoriasis scales.  It has also been used in face wash and face mask concoctions for years to help with acne.
Turmeric Paste Recipe
Ingredients:
¼ cup of turmeric powder
2 ½ cups of water.
Method:
To make turmeric paste, stir and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium–high heat and stir constantly until it reaches a thick honey-like paste consistency. If it gets too dry while cooking add some water. Once cool, transfer the contents into an airtight glass container or jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator up to about a month.
To use, spread a thin layer of turmeric paste onto the psoriasis-affected areas of skin, before bedtime. Use enough paste so that you cannot see the underlying skin, but not so much that the paste is falling off. Wrap a piece of gauze around the skin treated with turmeric paste to keep the paste in place. Leave the turmeric paste on your skin, covered with the gauze, overnight. Remove the gauze and wash the turmeric paste off of your skin using warm water.
Turmeric permanently stains porous surfaces, such as plastic and clothing. It temporarily stains the skin, giving it a light yellow to orange color. Stains on the skin gradually fade over a few days’ time.

Turmeric Face Wash and Mask

India’s brides have been using this recipe for years to give them beautiful radiant skin on their wedding day. But you don’t have to be walking down the aisle to gain the benefits from this face mask. It not only will brighten the skin, but will also help with acne and age spots.
Turmeric Face Wash Recipe
Ingredients:
¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon of neem
A few drops of coconut oil
Method:
To make this recipe, place the turmeric and neem in a small bowl and mix well. Then place a small amount in the palm of your hand and add coconut oil, drop by drop until you reach the desired consistency. Apply the turmeric paste onto your face and neck beginning at the forehead and moving down, making sure to avoid the eye area. For face wash, gently massage over face for about 30 seconds.  It is a little gritty so be gentle.  Rinse face with cool water.  To use as a mask, let the paste dry, it takes about 20 minutes. Wash off the mask with warm water and then after all paste has been removed, splash your face with cold water. Gently dry with a soft, clean towel.

I am sure this is not the last word on turmeric. But for now, hopefully this information will give you a way to invite turmeric into your lives. My mission always is that you live healthy and happy every day, and if anything that you have learned from me helps you do that, then well I have done my job.