Dry Brushing

I have discovered dry brushing through my friend and former teacher Dr. Ferdie Gallego, a well-known Holistic Physician, when we discussed about colonics and cleansing in his clinic in Cubao, Quezon City, PH. He demonstrate how to do it using dry brush or loofah ( a dried vegetable fiber ), he said it is a good practice from time to time to dry brushing the skin until it perspire and releases toxins. In one event, a Spa and Beauty therapist friend Jen LV, performed to me a dry brushing before some luxurious spa treatments and it was more effective and refreshing, so get a good brush and start doing it now. -RCB

From underground health reporter:

A 5-Minute Technique That Regenerates Your Cells and Boosts Your Immune System 

Did You Know... 

...that you can boost your lymphatic system ... improve your circulation ...regenerate your cells ... eliminate cellulite ... and give your skin a radiant and glowing appearance easily ... by using the dry brushing technique?

Dry Brushing Offers Powerful Detoxification 

The skin is the body's largest organ of elimination. Your skin is able to eliminate as much as one-fourth of the total toxins that your body filters out--up to 2 pounds of waste each day! But in order for your skin to do its job, it needs to be kept healthy and uncongested. That's why health experts recommend a very simple technique called dry brushing. It involves the use of a soft natural bristle brush to gently remove dead skin cells.

Dr. Gloria Gilbère, a renowned natural health practitioner, explains the value of dry brushing this way: "[With] today's sedentary life-style, general lack of exercise, and use of antiperspirants ... toxins and metabolic waste products become trapped in the body instead of being released with sweat." Dry brushing stimulates the sweat glands and exfoliates the skin.

Benefits of Dry Brushing:

Faster elimination of toxins 

Improved blood flow and circulation 

Reduced cellulite 

Accelerated lymphatic flow 

Exfoliation of the skin 

Cell regeneration 

Stimulates sebaceous glands 

Boosts immune system 

Opens pores and cleanses skin 

The "Second Circulatory System"

One of the most important benefits of dry brushing is the stimulation of the lymphatic system, sometimes called the "second circulatory system." The lymphatic system cleans up the waste created by virtually all the other systems of the body. The human body has twice as much lymph fluid than it has blood. But unlike the circulatory system, which has the heart to keep the blood flowing, the lymphatic system does not have a 'pump' to push the lymph fluids around the body. It relies on our breathing and movement in order to perform its function of protecting the body by removing dead cells, blood proteins and any other toxins ... and excreting them from the body.

If the movement of the lymph were to stop entirely for 24 hours, one would die as a result of the trapped toxins and proteins surrounding our cells.

Dry brushing your skin will stimulate and improve the lymphatic system. Since the flow of lymph easily becomes sluggish—especially if you don't do rebounding exercises, or do deep breathing (the 2 activities that keep lymph circulating properly), dry brushing can enhance the flow of lymph through your body.

Increased lymph flow benefits your health in many ways, because it ...

Rejuvenates the white blood cells
Stimulates the liver, pancreas, and thyroid
Improves digestion
Cleanses the kidneys and joints
Increases immunity
Helps the body fight diseases

Dry brushing also improves blood circulation itself, and helps to release toxins from the skin—keeping them from circulating throughout your body.

Eliminates Cellulite—and Improves the Appearance and Texture of Your Skin, Not only does dry brushing detoxify your body ... it also dramatically improves the feel and look of your skin. It does this by first, removing dead skin cells, thereby allowing the skin to breath and absorb nutrients. Second, it increases blood flow and flushes out toxins, which helps prevent and eliminate cellulite(which is caused by stored toxins). Dry brushing will lead to smoother, healthier-looking skin—especially on your hips and thighs.

How to Do the Dry Brushing Technique 

Health experts recommend a brush with natural bristles made from boar hair or plant fiber (or even a loofah). Synthetic bristles can cause irritation—and should be avoided.

The actual brushing process is quite simple, and should take no more than 5 minutes. Experts have many specific patterns and recommendations, but in general, they advise the following method:

Start at your feet and brush gently in small circular motions from toes to heel. 

Continue up each leg, and as you reach your waist, turn your strokes slightly inward towards your groin (where lymph nodes are located). 

To brush your arms, start at the finger tips and brush all the way up to your shoulders and armpits. 

Next, brush your back from lower to upper. 

Brush your stomach (downward strokes from navel toward hips and upward strokes from navel toward chest, avoiding breasts). 

Rinse off, and take a shower for the best possible results. 

Dry brushing will be most effective if done at least twice weekly. However, more frequent dry brushing will bring faster results. The direction of the strokes is important because it targets and stimulates the lymphatic system more effectively than brushing at random. If you want to dry brush your face, experts recommend a softer brush or a dry wash cloth. Brushing should be even gentler on the soft, sensitive facial skin.

UCLA Research on Alzheimers

A great share especially   for SCs ( senior citizens )

Take heart! It's mind over matter (unless some later research disproves this UCLA research).

USEFUL INFO FOR BOTH YOUNG AND OLD

UCLA Research on Alzheimer’s

Potentially useful info. Coffee drinkers will love this!!

This a very useful article. Please save it for your reference.

"The idea that Alzheimer's is entirely genetic and unpreventable is perhaps the greatest misconception about the disease," says Gary Small, M.D., director of the UCLA Center on Aging. Researchers now know that Alzheimer's, like heart disease and cancer, develops over decades and can be influenced by lifestyle factors including cholesterol, blood pressure, obesity, depression, education, nutrition, sleep and mental, physical and social activity.

The big news: Mountains of research reveals that simple things you do every day might cut your odds of losing your mind to Alzheimer's. In search of scientific ways to delay and outlive Alzheimer's and other dementias, I tracked down thousands of studies and interviewed dozens of experts. The results in a new book: 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss (Little, Brown; $19.99).

Here are 10 strategies I found most surprising.

1. Have coffee. In an amazing flip-flop, coffee is the new brain tonic. A large European study showed that drinking three to five cups of coffee a day in midlife cut Alzheimer's risk 65% in late life. University of South Florida researcher Gary Arendash credits caffeine: He says it reduces dementia-causing amyloid in animal brains. Others credit coffee's antioxidants. So drink up, Arendash advises, unless your doctor says you shouldn't. 

 2. Floss. Oddly, the health of your teeth and gums can help predict dementia. University of Southern California research found that having periodontal disease before age 35 quadrupled the odds of dementia years later. Older people with tooth and gum disease score lower on memory and cognition tests, other studies show. Experts speculate that inflammation in diseased mouths migrates to the brain.

3. Google. Doing an online search can stimulate your aging brain even more than reading a book, says UCLA's Gary Small, who used brain MRIs to prove it. The biggest surprise: Novice Internet surfers, ages 55 to 78, activated key memory and learning centers in the brain after only a week of Web surfing for an hour a day.

4. Grow new brain cells. Impossible, scientists used to say. Now it's believed that thousands of brain cells are born daily. The trick is to keep the newborns alive. What works: aerobic exercise (such as a brisk 30-minute walk every day), strenuous mental activity, eating salmon and other fatty fish, and avoiding obesity, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, heavy drinking and vitamin B deficiency.

5. Drink apple juice. Apple juice can push production of the "memory chemical" acetylcholine; that's the way the popular Alzheimer's drug Aricept works, says Thomas Shea, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts. He was surprised that old mice given apple juice did better on learning and memory tests than mice that received water. A dose for humans: 16 ounces, or two to three apples a day.

6. Protect your head. Blows to the head, even mild ones early in life, increase odds of dementia years later. Pro football players have 19 times the typical rate of memory-related diseases. Alzheimer's is four times more common in elderly who suffer a head injury, Columbia University finds. Accidental falls doubled an older person's odds of dementia five years later in another study. Wear seat belts and helmets, fall-proof your house, and don't take risks.

7. Meditate. Brain scans show that people who meditate regularly have less cognitive decline and brain shrinkage - a classic sign of Alzheimer's - as they age. Andrew Newberg of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine says yoga meditation of 12 minutes a day for two months improved blood flow and cognitive functioning in seniors with memory problems.

8. Take D. A "severe deficiency" of vitamin D boosts older Americans' risk of cognitive impairment 394%, an alarming study by England's University of Exeter finds. And most Americans lack vitamin D. Experts recommend a daily dose of 800 IU to 2,000 IU of vitamin D3.

9. Fill your brain. It <http://brain.it/> 's called "cognitive reserve." A rich accumulation of life experiences - education, marriage, socializing, a stimulating job, language skills, having a purpose in life, physical activity and mentally demanding leisure activities - makes your brain better able to tolerate plaques and tangles. You can even have significant Alzheimer's pathology and no symptoms of dementia if you have high cognitive reserve, says David Bennett, M.D., of Chicago's Rush University Medical Center. 10. Avoid infection. Astonishing new evidence ties Alzheimer's to cold sores, gastric ulcers, Lyme disease, pneumonia and the flu. Ruth Itzhaki, Ph.D., of the University of Manchester in England estimates the cold-sore herpes simplex virus is incriminated in 60% of Alzheimer's cases. The theory: Infections trigger excessive beta amyloid "gunk" that kills brain cells. Proof is still lacking, but why not avoid common infections and take appropriate vaccines, antibiotics and antiviral agents? What to Drink for Good Memory

A great way to keep your aging memory sharp and avoid Alzheimer's is to drink the right stuff.

a. Tops: Juice. A glass of any fruit or vegetable juice three times a week slashed Alzheimer's odds 76% in Vanderbilt University research. Especially protective: blueberry, grape and apple juice, say other studies.

b. Tea: Only a cup of black or green tea a week cut rates of 

cognitive decline in older people by 37%, reports the Alzheimer's Association. Only brewed tea works. Skip bottled tea, which is devoid of antioxidants.

c. Caffeine beverages. Surprisingly, caffeine fights memory loss and Alzheimer's, suggest dozens of studies. Best sources: coffee (one Alzheimer's researcher drinks five cups a day), tea and chocolate. Beware caffeine if you are pregnant, havehigh blood pressure, insomnia or anxiety.

d. Red wine: If you drink alcohol, a little red wine is most apt to benefit your aging brain. It's high in antioxidants. Limit it to one daily glass for women, two for men. Excessive alcohol, notably binge drinking, brings on Alzheimer's.

e. Two to avoid: Sugary soft drinks, especially those sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. They make lab animals dumb. Water with high copper content also can up your odds of Alzheimer's. Use a water filter that removes excess minerals.

5 Ways to Save Your Kids from Alzheimer's Now

Alzheimer's isn't just a disease that starts in old age. What happens to your child's brain seems to have a dramatic impact on his or her likelihood of Alzheimer's many decades later.

Here are five things you can do now to help save your child from Alzheimer's and memory loss later in life, according to the latest research. 1. Prevent head blows: Insist your child wear a helmet during 

biking, skating, skiing, baseball, football, hockey, and all contact sports. A major blow as well as tiny repetitive unnoticed concussions can cause damage, leading to memory loss and Alzheimer's years later.

2 Encourage language skills: A teenage girl who is a superior writer is eight times more likely to escape Alzheimer's in late life than a teen with poor linguistic skills. Teaching young children to be fluent in two or more languages makes them less vulnerable to Alzheimer's. 3. Insist your child go to college: Education is a powerful Alzheimer's deterrent. The more years of formal schooling, the lower the odds. Most Alzheimer's prone: teenage drop outs. For each year of education, your risk of dementia drops 11%, says a recent University of Cambridge study.

4. Provide stimulation: Keep your child's brain busy with physical, mental and social activities and novel experiences. All these contribute to a bigger, better functioning brain with more so-called 'cognitive reserve.' High cognitive reserve protects against memory decline and Alzheimer's.

5. Spare the junk food: Lab animals raised on berries, spinach and high omega-3 fish have great memories in old age. Those overfed sugar, especially high fructose in soft drinks, saturated fat and trans fats become overweight and diabetic, with smaller brains and impaired memories as they age, a prelude to Alzheimer's.

Excerpted from Jean Carper's newest book:

"100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's" 

 

Internal Cleansing and Detox

Our Calamansi (Philippine Lemon) is good for cleansing regimen for hepato-biliary system and digestion,
and alkalizing body and curing Acid-reflux syndrome 

De-clogging your elimination channels:

Internal cleansing literally means sweeping our system and wipe it off clean of any debris, putrefied byproducts and so on, It is de-clogging our circulatory  urinary, lymphatic, digestive, pulmonary system of metabolic wastes and toxins than could block the absorption of nutrients and functions of our systems. What are those elimination system?:

Urinary system : Kidneys and the ureter

Pulmonary: Sinuses and lungs

Skin

Digestive: Intestines, colon and anus

Lymphatics (lymph nodes, spleen and liver)

Ears

Internal cleansing is a method of eliminating and getting rid of toxemia in our system using oral solutions, herbs, teas and fasting and other natural substances, compare to the other method that I discussed here about mechanical detoxification which uses instruments and devices to get rid of toxins, here we use herbs, teas and herb cocktails to cleans in absence of those mechanical devices. It is really a necessity to cleans and detox our body since we are now living in a toxic world, we can not fully absorb the nutrients and make use of it if our digestive and liver or circulatory system is full of toxemia. We can not totally avoid those toxic food and environment, but we could do detox internally and mechanically if we do so, Cleansing and detox helps get rid of body odor, halitosis and even cancers.

Ways to cleanse internally:

Water therapy especially in A.M. , drink lots of it before taking your coffee, hydrate and wash away excess food taken from last day meal.

Fasting: They say that the best way to cleans is to fast, and deprived cancer cells feeding from your toxins.

Liver Cleanse: 4-10 pieces of fresh Calamansi in a glass of lukewarm water to be taken every morning before breakfast. 

Bentonite clay: Please read my post on "Healing Clay".

http://bridgetoselfhealing.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-used-to-have-book-on-healing-powers.html

Senna tea: Cleanse the digestive tract to be taken before sleep at night, bowel discomfort maybe experienced.  

Activated Charcoal capsules/powder: adsorb and trap away toxins, bad odors/breath
http://bridgetoselfhealing.blogspot.com/2012/05/health-benefits-of-activated-charcoal.html

Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon in a glass of water to alkalize the body before any meals. If you have sodium issues like hypertension limit the use to once a day and to 1/4 teaspoon, and try to avoid other sodium laden foods like bottled drinks, canned and processed foods.

Lemons

Calamansi (Philippine lemon): Cleanse the liver as well

Psyllium fiber (could be mixed with charcoal): .Very rich in soluble fiber and good for those who wants to loose weight. One sachet or one tablespoon mixed to your drinks (water or juices) before any meals, it could become sticky and gelatinous if not taken right away. 

Fruits and vegetable fibers- They absorb more water and cleans the lining of intestines

Read again some of my posts that can relate to cleansing:

http://bridgetoselfhealing.blogspot.com/2012/07/mechanical-detoxifications.html

Are you looking for suggestions for detox that you can creatively mix and match if desired? First, stop consuming toxins. That includes all processed foods, junk foods, sugar and sugar substitutes, and fluoridated water.

Do you follow a healthy lifestyle that cultivates longevity?  ask yourself and take a firm and determined stand to give our body and self a favor, Cleanse and Detoxify.

Gerovital H3/ GH3

My personal encounter with GH3:

I have witness the results of GH-3 from my patient, an old, stroke victim and bed ridden  patient, a father of a friend. He has difficulty walking (assisted), white and thinning hair, poor hearing, difficulty in speech and abnormal lab results (blood chemistry). My friend complained they are back and forth to the hospital and spend a lot money for his father's medical cost and no improvement at all despite the tons of medications and drugs. So she decided to bring her dad to a Naturopath doctor and recommended gerovital injections, after many sessions and compared to last time I saw her dad, I was surprised also tha he seems very much improved ! He can walk unassisted, can hear better, some white hair blackened and hair growth thickens and he can speak better. She told me that she so impressed with the doctor and the medication he gave to his dad which is Gerovital.  She is also taking it orally, with improvements in her and dad's health.

Browsing through the book of Eckankar Guru, Paul Twitchell: Herbs, The Magic Healers, page 217-218 (1971),  excerpt:

H3, which is a factor in procaine hydrochloride, has been used frequently by authorities to help older people regain health and to expand life. It is said that Procaine HCL is non-habit forming, well tolerated in the body, and above all, not a narcotic. It can be bought openly without a prescription.

H3 was developed in Romania under government supervision and was first used with older people for treatment of the signs of old age. Early experiments were deemed successful, and researches has been done in many countries and has progressed into what is known as Gerovital H3 therapy. It is said that the experiments have been successful and some value was found in treating hypertension, irregular heart rhythm, angina pectoris, skin inflammation, hives and narcotics addiction.

H3 seems to have been successful in helping the elderly restore memory, energy, hearing, dulled mental faculties, treating rheumatism, diseases of the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal system.

-Tien Cho

From Wiki:

Gerovital H3 (or procaine hydrochloride and products known as GH3 and other variants which may or may not be identical to Gerovital H3) is a controversial preparation developed during the 1950s and promoted by its advocates as an effective anti-aging treatment. During Gerovital's "jet-set" heyday, Gerovital treatments were reportedly administered to John F. Kennedy, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas and Salvador Dalí. In the United States, the FDA bans Gerovital H3 from interstate commerce as an unapproved drug and, since 1982, has prohibited its importation.

As with many scientific discoveries, the claimed regenerative potential of the anesthetic procaine, a primary ingredient, came to light by accident. Over the years, physicians using it reported unusual and unexpected effects in patients. Arthritis sometimes would improve, hair would re-grow or recolor, and skin quality often would improve. These reports came for the most part from surgeons, who were not particularly interested in gerontology.

Ana Aslan, MD was a Doctor of the National Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics in Romania. She was the first to seriously investigate the possibilities of procaine as a tool in the fight against aging. Dr Aslan recognized that procaine in a sense "attacks" the body's cells by numbing them. The body counterattacks with the enzyme cholinesterase. Cholinesterase hydrolyses the procaine in about one hour (66`±14`). Dr Aslan speculated that the compound could be stabilised so that it would not numb the cells. The body would not then reject it and the regenerative effects would be extended.

This notion launched her on a research mission lasting two years. In 1951 she had perfected a procaine product called Gerovital H3 (often called G.H.3 for short). It contained antioxidants and stabilising agents.

Claims coming out of the Institute's clinics for the next few years were viewed by some as outlandish. Patients treated with GH3 showed improvements in circulatory function, skin elasticity, ulcers, Parkinsonism, arthritis, hair loss, senility, memory, muscular power, lung capacity and depression. According to the reports, practically all ageing phenomena diminished in severity with GH3.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerovital
http://www.gerovital.co.uk/
http://www.gerovital-gerovital.com/

Meditation Heals Body, Mind and Spirit

"Unless you become a child, you can not see the kingdom of God"-Jesus the Christ

( My understanding is that,  It doesn't say that we have to become "childish", but rather "child-like" who has a mind of a child, which is pure and unadulterated, innocent and free. This is one character/ qualities we have to emulate during meditations)

No matter what your belief system or religion, prayers and meditation is a tool in a healing process, our body communicates with our minds, emotions  and thoughts and follow the flow of our consciousness  our nervous system is the physical connection to our spirit world, the neurons' dendrites (tentacles) getting smaller to connect to the spirit world. If you read my previous blog on the "Healing the four elements" , The Spiritual well-being also affects the physical and vice versa. Prayers and meditations is a tool to command and program our Conscious, Subconscious, Unconscious and Super-conscious mind, when we tap the power of these, our body will follow the natural order of the universe and governs the flow of energy and elements and even  up to the cellular and atomic level to heal, repair and rebuild itself.

http://bridgetoselfhealing.blogspot.com/2012/05/path-to-wholeness-healing-four-elements.html

(a supplemental read about the relationship of how mental and spiritual balance brought about by meditation brings healing)

Meditations involves focus, undisturbed thought forms of the precipitation of our desires, including perfect health, limitless vitality, perfect form, eternal youth, beauty of our original form which is PERFECT, for we are created in the image and likeness of God- Our Creator, but our human abuses and misuses of energies and body makes us less perfect. 

How to meditate effectively is to be still like a calm  river, visualize our desires and offer it to the great God source or Masters or spirit guides, It could be Saint or Deities or simply an image of Eternal Light. Maintain an undivided attention, so a comfortable position and quiet place will help, music could be also used, I usually choose classical music, for it is the music of the spheres, you may want to read my blog in the "healing power of music/ musical energy" in previous posts,  music  enhance the force field or vibrations. Hindu mystics are encouraging us to be vegetarians and to avoid sugars , because these food can affect the quality of our meditations and focus, meat is a dense energy, it makes us lethargic and dense, lazy and sometimes unable to focus, same for sugars and caffeine, it stimulates our brain to make it hyperactive and unable to focus. Deep and intense meditations can alter the DNA structures, it was proven by science over time, it can alter our body chemistry and composition.

Silent meditation vs. chanting (spoken) meditation:

Meditations combined with the science of the spoken word makes it dynamic and powerful, because we are using another faculty which is our throat chakra, so meditation+visualization+spoken word = triple action of all the faculties. We can maximize our time and the benefits of meditations, spoken words can be in forms of silent prayers, affirmations, fiats or decrees ( a form of poetic prayers that applies the science of rhythm). 

Meditations with Healing Thought forms:

Healing Thought forms is an aid in visualization for healing, It is the finished product, a visualized form of thoughts or affirmations, of fiats or prayers. It is like a mandala or diagram to illustrate the healing process. It can be in a form of symbol or a map detailing the process of healing, it is a prayer, meditation, visualization in action and forms. You can make your own healing thought-forms.

Thought forms is like a mandala or a treasure map of our healed physical body, so if we make our own thought forms , visualize the restoration of perfect health, form, eternal youth and beauty. Example of healing thought forms I did with my brother in law who had gallstones due for operation  way back, I visualized his gall bladder (take a picture from anatomy books) and visualized its perfect condition, with very bright white light, then in green ray for healing (green is the color of healing) and Blue ray (blue is the color of the will of God), I always invoke the will of God in doing healing to avoid karmic entanglement or attachment. "Let thy will be done"  and offer it to the Almighty. It works for them and visualizing this to my family as well, they became health conscious individuals, they are more conscious of their diet and learned to exercise, even without advising or telling them.  

Types of meditations:

1. Silent or mindfulness meditation
Silent contemplation using visualization to focus and concentrate and or music to relax and calm the body.

2. Physical meditations: Involves physical activity that relaxes our body just like doing a household chores, yes it is a form meditation because it involves focus and concentration and a feeling of lightness, fulfillment afterwards. Others like yoga, Tai-Chi and Qi-qong are all forms of physical meditations.

( A guide in choosing the right kind of music for relaxation, meditation and healing)
http://bridgetoselfhealing.blogspot.com/2012/05/the-healing-power-of-musical-energy.html

(Crystals is also a tool for meditation, find out how crystals can be of good use):

http://bridgetoselfhealing.blogspot.com/2012/07/on-healing-with-crystals-and-gemstones.html

This is yours truly, taken 2010 during a temple visits in Bangkok, Thailand

RCB

Herbs , Vegetables and Spices with Healing Properties

Great to know why this herbs, vegetables and spices are not only good for dishes but for your wellness as well...

Health benefits of pumpkin

Mostly known for being a part of Halloween decorations or a pie filling, pumpkins are also packed with nutrition and offer a wide range of health benefits. Pumpkins are a storehouse of vitamins, mineral and other healthy nutrients. Whether it is the pulp or the seeds, pumpkins are great for your health and can offer some incredible benefits.

Nutritional Composition of Pumpkins

High Carotenoids Content – Pumpkins owe their bright Orange color to the high amount of carotenoids present in them. Carotenoids assist in staving off the free radicals in the body, and help in preventing premature aging, cardiovascular diseases and other infections. They are also high in Lutein & Zeaxanthin which protect the eyes against free radical damage and prevent formation of cataracts and degeneration of the eye tissues.

Protein – Pumpkin seeds also known as Pepitas are a rich source of protein. One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains approx. 7 grams of protein. Their oil is high in phytosterols or plant-based fatty acids and their chemical composition is the same as cholesterol. Phytosterols can replace cholesterol in the body, and help in reducing the blood cholesterol levels.

Essential Fatty Acids – Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits. From providing protection against serious health diseases such as high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer to promoting healthy skin and improving brain power, essential fatty acids present in pumpkin oil offer several health benefits.

Vitamin A – Pumpkin is a rich source of Vitamin A. Regular consumption of pumpkin (both seeds and flesh) can promote the health of your eyes and boost your immune system remarkably.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C helps fight free radicals, improves immunity and promotes the production of collagen. The high Vitamin C content in pumpkins also offers protection against various forms of cancer.

Magnesium - Both the pulp and seeds of pumpkin are rich in magnesium, which is an important mineral required for various biological functions. Magnesium is also required for the maintenance bones and teeth.

Potassium & Zinc – Pumpkin is loaded with potassium and Zinc. Studies show that eating a potassium-rich diet can prevent onset of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Zinc is important for providing bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis. It boosts the immune system and promotes reproductive health.

Fiber – Pumpkin flesh is very low in calories and contains abundant quantities of extremely good dietary fiber. It is extremely effective for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, indigestion etc. The high amount of fiber also helps in lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood and in regulating the blood sugar levels.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Flesh and Seeds

Prostate Cancer – The protective compounds present within the pumpkin seeds, called phytosterols can lower the risk of prostate cancer. These work by shrinking the prostate and stimulating the secretion of chemicals that protect against the transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High DHT levels can cause enlargement of the prostate glands.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect – The Beta carotene present in pumpkin seeds and flesh has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of pumpkin can protect against joint inflammation and arthritis. Pumpkins have been known to provide relief from inflammation quickly, without the harmful side-effects of anti-inflammatory medicines.

Great on your skin – The high amount of Vitamin A, C and E as well as Zinc present in pumpkin, make it a great choice for those who want a healthy and glowing skin. Have a cup of pumpkin seeds per day to prevent appearance of wrinkles and to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.

Prevents Kidney Stones – Have 5 to 10 grams of pumpkin seeds every day. This stimulates the kidneys and prevents the formation of calcium oxalate stones.

Depression – Pumpkin flesh contains L-tryptophan, a chemical compound that triggers feelings of well-being and happiness. Having pumpkin as a part of your daily diet can keep your spirits high and prevent depression.

Treatment of Parasites – In various cultures especially China, pumpkins are used to treat infections caused by tapeworms and other parasites.

Diuretics – Pumpkins are natural diuretics. These help in flushing out the toxins and unwanted waste material from the body, leaving you refreshed and healthy.

With so many health benefits, it is no wonder that pumpkin is an important part of the list of Super Foods. Next time you are carving a pumpkin, do not throw away the pulp or the seeds – instead boil, bake or cook them in any form you like.

Health benefits of garlic

Garlic has been referred to as ‘nature’s antibiotic’. It is a powerful cleanser of the body and regular ingestion promotes a healthy heart and circulation by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. It also helps fight infection and can boost immunity.

There is strong evidence to suggest that garlic helps with the prevention of cancers of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum. Those who don’t like the taste of garlic should try the odourless supplements that are available..!!

Home Remedies using Tomatoes

When it comes to home remedies using tomatoes, you will probably never look at ketchup or a glass of tomato juice the same again. While the fruit (and not a vegetable) is versatile in the world of health (helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower high blood pressure, and fight cancer cells), there are also plenty of other everyday uses for tomatoes to consider.

HEALTH FACTORS OF TOMATOES

The tomato offers high nutritional content and provides a good source of calcium and iron. Eating tomatoes also delivers phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B, lycopene and potassium to your body. Rich in vitamin C, the amount increases as the fruit ripens. This is why the tomato is helpful in treating a range of minor health ailments. As for home remedies in the household, the tomato offers acidic powers, which can come in handy when cleaning a variety of materials.

TOMATO HOME REMEDIES

Tomatoes aren’t just for decorating a side salad or making your favorite pasta sauce – the acids and other components of the fruit can provide a wide range of solutions in the household. To begin exploring the effectiveness of home remedies using tomatoes, consider the following suggestions:

a) Revamp Chlorinated Hair :

For blond headed swimmers, the chorine has a tendency to turn locks green. When taking a shower, massage ketchup into the hair and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash it out using baby shampoo. Not only will the color fade, but the scent of pool will also vanish. You can also use undiluted tomato juice as a rinse. Cover with a shower cap, and wait 10 to 15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing and shampooing out of your hair.

b) Polish Copper Pots:

Reverse the damage of dull and tarnished copper pots by coating the surface with a thin layer of ketchup. Leave on for five to 30 minutes, and then rinse the pan. Dry immediately. It is the acids found in the ketchup that reacts with the tarnish to remove it.

c) Add Sparkle to Your Silver:

To add shine to tarnished silver, dunk your jewelry in a small bowl filled with ketchup, and leave in for a few minutes. To treat detailed surfaces, use an old toothbrush to work in the ketchup into small spaces. Do not leave the jewelry in the ketchup for too long or you run the risk of damaging the material. Rinse the jewelry clean, and dry it.

d) Skin Rejuvenation:

The vitamin C and antioxidants found in tomatoes offer an effective method of treating your skin. With the ability to tighten pores, kill bacteria and brighten the skin, start by cutting a tomato into two halves and rubbing one half on your face [2]. Concentrate on working the pulp into your skin. Let the remedy stay on the skin for 10 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. Use this remedy to fight oily skin, treat blackheads, and reduce the size of your pores.

e) Treat Eczema:

To fight the skin disease called eczema, try drinking tomato juice on a daily basis to see results.

f) Fight Diarrhea:

When you are suffering from a bad case of diarrhea, drink a concoction made out of the tomato paste that comes from 12 dried slices of tomato that has been placed in a cup of water.

g) Treat Bloodshot Eyes:

Treat bloodshot eyes by eating one or two fresh tomatoes first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

h) Fade Acne Scars:

Slice up a tomato and place on your face to rejuvenate skin plagued with acne scars. It is the vitamin C in the tomato that helps refresh damaged skin.

i) Decrease Acne Breakouts:

The vitamin A in tomatoes helps prevent the overproduction of sebum that causes acne, which can contribute to clearer skin. Apply tomato slices to your face.

j) Treat Mouth Ulcer:

Raw tomatoes can provide relief from the pain of a mouth ulcer. You may also gargle tomato juice three to four times per day to see results.

k) Treat Dark Circles:

A paste made out of one teaspoon of tomato juice, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of turmeric powder can be used to treat dark circles under your eyes. Apply the paste to under your eyes and leave on for 10 minutes. With regular use, you should see results.

l) Fix a Sore Throat:

To temporarily soothe a sore throat, gargle with a mixture of ½ cup of tomato juice and ½ cup hot water that has 10 drops of hot pepper sauce added to it.

m) Ease Morning Sickness:

Drinking a glass filled with fresh tomato juice (with a pinch of salt and pepper) first thing in the morning can help ease the symptoms of morning sickness.

n) Deodorize Plastic Containers:

When plastic containers start to absorb unpleasant odors, remove the scent by pouring a small amount of tomato juice onto a sponge, and wiping around the inside of the container. Wash the container and lid in warm, soapy water. Dry them well and store in the freezer as separate pieces for a couple of days. The container will be free of scents when you remove from the freezer.

o) Skunk Treatment:

At some point in time, you’ve probably already heard of people using tomato juice to get rid of skunk smell. Sponge undiluted tomato juice on your pet, including their face (making sure to avoid contact with their eyes). Wait a few minutes and allow the acids from the tomato to neutralize the skunk odor. Follow up by shampooing your pet – scrubbing with soap and water. For lingering odor, repeat the process until the scent is completely gone. This could take several days.

p) Clean Out Refrigerator Odors:

To rid a refrigerator and freezer of spoiled food odors, thoroughly wipe down the insides of the fridge with a washcloth or sponge soaked in undiluted tomato juice. Rinse out using warm, soapy water and then wipe dry. If the smell lingers, repeat the process.

q) Soothe a Sunburn:

Soaking peeled tomato slices in buttermilk before applying directly to sunburned skin can provide relief. It is the acidity that snaps shut your pores. Tomatoes also contain soothing agents that can make your damaged skin feel better.

r) Heal Wounds and Sores:

The leaves of wild tomatoes have been known to heal wounds and sores. Take a fresh tomato slice and place it on a wound. The infection will clear faster – usually within two to three days.

s) Treat Anemia:

Anemics can benefit from drinking a mixture of apple and tomato juice, as the tomato offers a rich source of iron.

Grandam's Courtesy: Home Remedies of Grandam's

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CABBAGE:

The health benefits of cabbage include treatment of constipation, stomach ulcers, headache, excess weight, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, ageing, and Alzheimer's disease.

Did you know that the cheap, humble looking and so widely used cabbage could work miracles? Cabbage is a leafy vegetable of Brassica family, round or oval in shape, consisting of soft light green or whitish inner leaves covered with harder and dark green outer leaves. It is widely used throughout the world, eaten cooked or raw as salad and is a very popular vegetable.

Deficiency Symptoms:

Deficiency of Vitamin C: Scurvy, which is recognized by spongy and bleeding gums, cracked lip corners etc., very weak immune system, frequent infections and cold, ageing, depression etc.

Remedy: Cabbage is abundant is Vitamin C. You will be surprised to know that it is richer in vitamin C than the famous oranges. Vitamin C, being one of the best anti oxidant, reduces free radicals in your body which are the basic causes of ageing. It also helps repairing the wear and tears in the body. Thus it is very helpful in treating ulcers, certain cancers, depressions, for strengthening immune system and fighting against cough and cold, healing of wounds and damaged tissues, proper functioning of nervous system and thereby help curing Alzheimer’s disease etc.

Deficiency of Roughage: This is a very serious deficiency but most neglected. Lack of roughage in the food results in constipation, the root cause to innumerable other ailments and health hazards such as stomach ulcers, headache, intestinal cancer, indigestion and resultant loss of appetite, skin diseases, eczema, ageing and hundreds related problems.

Remedies: Cabbage is very rich in fiber. This helps retain water and forms the bulk of the food and the bowels. Thus it is a good cure for constipation and related problems.

Deficiency of Sulphur: Sulphur is a very useful nutrient as it fights infections. Its deficiency results in microbial infections and late healing of wounds.

Remedy: Again, cabbage is rich is sulphur. So, it helps fight infections in wounds and ulcers.

Detoxification by cabbage: Cabbage is a good detoxifier too, i.e. it purifies blood and removes toxins (primarily free radicals and uric acid which is major cause for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, eczema, hardening and de-colorization of skin etc.). This detoxifying effect of cabbage is due to the presence of vitamin C and sulphur.

Other benefits of Cabbage: Cabbage, being rich in iodine, helps in proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system, apart from keeping the endocrinal glands in proper condition. Thus, it is good for brain and treatment of neurotic disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The various other nutrients present in cabbage such as vitamin-E which keeps the skin, eye and hair healthy, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc., are very useful for overall health. The cabbage can also be used for treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, peptic and duodenal ulcers etc.

Cabbage, raw Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 103 kJ (25 kcal)

Carbohydrates 5.8 g

- Sugars 3.2 g

- Dietary fiber 2.5 g

Fat 0.1 g

Protein 1.28 g

Thiamine (vit. B1) 0.061 mg (5%)

Riboflavin (vit. B2) 0.040 mg (3%)

Niacin (vit. B3) 0.234 mg (2%)

Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.212 mg (4%)

Vitamin B6 0.124 mg (10%)

Folate (vit. B9) 53 μg (13%)

Vitamin C 36.6 mg (44%)

Vitamin K 76 μg (72%)

Calcium 40 mg (4%)

Iron 0.47 mg (4%)

Magnesium 12 mg (3%)

Phosphorus 26 mg (4%)

Potassium 170 mg (4%)

Zinc 0.18 mg (2%)

HOME REMEDIES OF CLOVES

Cloves have long been considered a home remedy in India for toothaches, joint pains, indigestion, asthma, cough, skin disorders, headache, etc. These health benefits of clove can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, germicidal, rubefacient, stomachic stimulant properties. Presented here are some of the home remedies, collected from Indian kitchens where use of spices and condiments is not limited only to preparing meals, but also for treating common disorders.

Let's check how clove can be useful as home remedy for treating common ailments:

• The use of cloves in toothache is a common home remedy. Pressing a clove bud between the jaws, at the site of aching tooth eases the pain.

• Apply clove oil in the cavity of decayed tooth. This would reduce the pain and help to ameliorate infection.

• To remove bad breath, chew Cloves.

• Prepare a decoction by boiling 5-6 cloves in 30 ml of water. Take this decoction with honey thrice a day as an expectorant. Chewing a clove with common salt also relieves coughing.

• If you have cough or throat is congested, try chewing roasted clove. It is also a wonderful medicine in cases of inflammation in the pharynx (condition termed as pharyngitis).

• For treating asthma, soak 2 cloves, 12-15 basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaves, 10 black pepper (Piper nigrum) in water and boil for 15 minutes. Filter the same. To this, add two tsp honey and drink with milk.

• Those who suffer from acidity can suck a clove to relieve the uneasiness.

• Clove oil taken with sugar is known to cure stomach ache.

• Prepare a paste of clove with common salt. Drink it with milk to treat headache.

• Application of a paste of clove also relives headache.

• In cases of nausea and vomiting, prepare a paste by mixing clove powder in honey. Licking the same would ease the problem.

• Clove bud boiled in water and given to a pregnant lady eases vomiting sensation.

• Application of a few drops of clove oil mixed with mustard (Brassica juncea) oil is effective in joint pain and muscular cramps.

• For treating spasmodic coughs during tuberculosis, bronchitis and asthma, mix a few drops of clove oil and garlic in honey. Take this formulation before going to bed.

• In cases of earache, mix clove oil and sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil. Warm the mixture and put 2-3 drops in the ear.

• To treat acne, apply a paste of clove powder in honey over the affected area.

• Mix a few drops of clove oil in jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) or coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil and apply over acne. This home remedy not only removes acne but also leftover spots.

• For treating sty (inflammation on the eyelash), rub a clove stub in water and apply the same over the affected area.

• Clove oil works as an effective insect repellent when diluted with water in 1:10 ratio. Spray this solution to keep the insects at bay.

• Boil 6-7 clove buds along with 15 g aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) in half a liter of water till it remains one-fourth. Drinking the same with sugar is beneficial in the treatment of coryza (inflammation of the mucous membrane).

• Eating a clove in betel (Piper betel) leaf is best remedy for treating catarrh.

Disclaimer: The above mentioned home remedies are for information purposes only. Take advice from your doctor before following any of the above mentioned remedies. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/037218_Ancient_Egypt_medicinal_herbs_disease_cures.html#ixzz26jfz8rQY