10 health benefits of kadi patta or curry leaves

Kadi patta or curry leaves is a staple in Indian and Pakistani dishes . Commonly used as seasoning, this leaf adds a special flavour to every dish it is added to. But there is more to the humble curry leaf than simply flavour. Packed with carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, copper, minerals and vitamins like nicotinic acid and vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, antioxidants, plant sterols, amino acids, glycosides and flavonoids, curry leaves help your heart function better, fights infections and can enliven your hair and skin with vitality. Want to know more? Here are the top 10 health benefits of kadi patta.
Helps keep anaemia at bay:
Kadi patta or curry leaves are a rich source of iron and folic acid. Interestingly,  anaemia is not only about the lack of iron in one’s body, it is also the body’s inability to absorb iron and use it. This is where folic acid comes into paly. Folic acid is mainly responsible for carrying and helping  the body absorb iron, and since kadi patta is a rich source of both the compounds it is your one-stop natural remedy to beat anaemia.
Tip: If you suffer from anaemia eat one date (khajoor) with two kadi patta leaves on and empty stomach every morning. This will not only help keep your iron levels up it will also help make you stronger and beat the symptoms of anaemia.
Protects your liver from damage
If you are a heavy drinker, eat a lot of fish or indulge in other activities that could be damaging  your liver, then curry leaves are  your best friend. A study published in Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and  Clinical Research found that curry leaves were highly effective in protecting the liver from oxidative stress that commonly affects it when one  ingests  harmful substances like mercury (commonly found in fish), alcohol and other environmental factors. The highly effective anti-oxidative properties – due to the high amount of kaempferol  it contains – combined with vitamin A and C not only protects the liver but also stimulates it to work more efficiently.
Tip: This remedy is very effective to strengthen the liver. Heat one spoon of homemade ghee, add the juice of a cup of kadi patta, some sugar and freshly powdered pepper. Remember to only  heat this mixture a little as Kaempferol boils at very low temperatures and will evaporate if overheated.
Keeps your blood sugar levels under check – fights diabetes
 Curry leaves are potent anti-diabetic agents. They are believed to also have an adjuvant action on non-insulin dependant diabetics (people with type 2 diabetes). A study published in the Journal of Plant food for Nutrition, found that curry leaves have a great impact on the blood sugar levels of diabetics. They showed that not only does it help lower the blood sugar levels, but also kept in check for a few days after the  administration of  curry leaves. Curry  leaves help your blood sugar levels by affecting  the insulin activity of the body and reduces ones blood sugar levels. Also the type and amount of fiber contained within the leaves also played a significant role in lowering blood sugar levels. So, if you suffer from diabetes, kadi patta is the best natural method to keeping your blood sugar levels in check. Apart from that kadi patta is known to help improve digestion and alter the way  your body absorbs fat, thereby helping you lose weight. Since weight gain is one of the leading causes of diabetes, kadi patta treats the problem right from the root.
Tip: To help keep your blood sugars under check you should ideally add kadi patta to all your meals. Alternatively having fresh leaves on an empty stomach everyday can also help.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
Lowers cholesterol and protects you from heart disease
A study published in the Journal of Chinese Medicine found that curry leaves have properties that can help in lowering one’s blood cholesterol levels. Packed with antioxidants, curry leaves prevent the oxidation of cholesterol that forms LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). This in turn helps in increasing the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) and protects your body from conditions like heart disease and atherosclerosis. 
Strengthens the organs of your stomach and helps with digestion
Curry leaves are known to be carmative in nature and help greatly in digestion. Once ingested it helps the stomach digest food well and flush out the rest. In Ayurveda it is believed that kadi patta has mild laxative properties that not only help the stomach get rid of unwanted waste, it also rids the body of ‘ama’ (or toxic waste) and balances out the pitta levels in the body.
Can help relieve the symptoms of diarrhoea
Even though curry leaves have mildly laxative properties, it is a great remedy for diarrhoea. This because kadi patta  contains carbazole alkaloids that lend it anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties that help heal an upset stomach. Apart from that, curry leaves are also known to balance out all the three doshas in the body and reduce the amount of pitta in the stomach – a side effect  of diarrhoea according to Ayurveda.
Tip: If you suffer from diarrhoea gently crush some kaddi patta into a ball (the size of a berry), and drink it with some butter milk. Do this twice to thrice a day for relief.
Can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy
According to a study curry leaves have the amazing ability to protect the body from the ill effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It not only protects the chromosomes from damage but also protects the bone marrow  and halts the production of free radicals in the body. The study also suggested that this astonishing ability of the leaf could also indicate an ability to protect the body from cancers.
Reduces congestion in the chest and nose
If you suffer from a wet cough, sinusitis or chest congestion, kadi patta is a very effective home remedy to relieve the symptoms. Packed with vitamin C, A and compounds such as kaempferol that is a very potent anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, anti fungal, decongestant and antioxidative agent, curry leaves can help loosen up and release congested mucous.
Tip: To relieve congestion take a spoon of powdered curry leaves and add a spoon of honey to it. Make it a paste and eat this solution twice a day.
Can help heal and reduce skin infections, beat early ageing and rid your skin of blemishes
Sounds unbelievable doesn’t it? But it is true, kadi patta contains very strong anti-oxidant properties , anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-protozoal properties. This makes a great home remedy for common skin infections like acne and fungal infections of the nail that are often difficult to treat.
Is great to stop hair fall, premature greying of the hair and accelerate hair growth
Kadi patta has always been known to help in preventing greying of the hair. But it also very effective in treating damaged hair, adding bounce to limp hair, strengthening the shaft of thin hair, hair fall and treats dandruff. The best part about this benefit is that you can either choose to eat the curry leaves to help with your hair woes or apply it to your scalp as a remedy.
Tip:  To help strengthen your hair and fight dandruff,  add the juice of kadi patta, to 100ml of coconut oil. Heat this oil till it turns blackish and apply it to your scalp regularly.

Amazing Health Benefits of Almonds

 

 Botanical Name : Prunusamygdalus. It is popularly known as "Badam"

1. Regulates and Reduces Bad Cholesterol : Handful of almonds in your daily diet is a great and effective natural remedy to lower and reduce bad cholesterol level in the body. Almonds are a good source of energy and nutrients. Almonds contain monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic and palmitoleic acids and bit of polyunsaturated fats that helps to lower the "bad cholesterol" or "Low Density Lipoproteins" (LDL) and thereby increase the "good cholesterol" or  High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). Monounsaturated fatty acids helps to prevent various coronary artery diseases and strokes by maintaining healthy lipid profile in the body.

2. Almonds are Good for Your Heart : The monounsaturated fat, potassium, magnesium and vitamin E content in almonds helps in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Almonds can prevent and reduce the bad cholesterol effect on the body. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant which helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Almonds can also help to reduce CRP or C-reactive Protein that causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almond is also a good source of folic acid and hence, it helps to reduce the homocystein level that causes fatty plaque build-up in the arteries. Almonds can prevent the risk of many heart diseases and heart attacks.

3. Helps to Regulate Your Blood Pressure : Almonds can help to reduce your blood pressure. The presence of high potassium content in almond regulates the blood pressure. Almonds have low sodium content.

4. Helps to Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels : Almonds helps to lower the rise in blood sugar levels and stabilize it. Almonds regulates the blood sugar, improves the insulin sensitivity and reduces the chances of type 2 diabetes risk. It's a healthy snack for diabetic patients.

5. Almonds for Weight Loss : Nuts like almond aids to weight loss. Almond is a good source of fiber, protein and healthy fats. Almond satisfies your appetite and hence, stops you from further cravings and over-eating. Therefore, if you are trying to shed some pounds, include almonds in your daily diet.

6. Good source of Vitamins and Minerals : Almond is a rich source of minerals like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese and selenium. It also contains very important B-complex group of vitamins. For example : Niacin, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B-6 and Folates. Almonds are an excellent source of Vitamin D and E.

7. Good source of Protein : Almond is high in protein. They provide highly absorbable protein.

8. Almond Boosts Energy : The essential nutrients like protein, manganese, copper and riboflavin helps to generate energy in the body.

9. Good Source of Vitamin E : Almond is rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant which helps to prevent cardiac diseases and cancer. It can also help to reduce the chances of cataract. Vitamin E is essential for healthy tissues and blood cells.

10. Helps to Prevent Constipation : As we know, almonds are good source of fiber. Fiber rich foods are good for digestive system and also helps in the prevention of constipation. Drink plenty of water after eating nuts like almonds.

11. Good in Pregnancy : Almonds when consumed regularly during pregnancy helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newly born babies due to folic acid or folate content.

12. Good for Skin Care : Almond is a natural skin care remedy. Almond can be use as an exfoliating scrubs or face pack. Almond helps to cleanse the skin deeply and improve skin tone. Almond skin care products are available in the form of powder, paste, lotions, oil, creams, soap or exfoliating scrub. Almond oil is often recommended for massaging new born babies. Almond oil is one of the most popular essential oil for body massaging and is widely use in many massage theraphy such as aromatherapy since it helps to relieve stress.

Almond face pack helps to prevent blackheads, pimples and other skin problems like acne. Almond is also known to prevent premature aging. It is especially good for treating dry, dull and sensitive skin. It nourishes and moisturises your skin. The vitamin E content adds to more advantage since vitamin E is needed for healthy glowing skin.

13. Good for Hair : Almond oil is one of the best popular home remedy for beautiful hair. Massage your hair scalp with almond oil to treat hair related problems like dandruff, hairfall, dry hair, sry scalp, etc. Massaging with almond oil nourishes your hair. It can reduce and control hairfall, premature graying of hair, adds lustre as well as makes your hair longer, stronger and thick. It can help prevent split ends too.

14. Get Rid of Dark Circles : Dark circles is one of the most common beauty problem. Rub almond oil and massage it gently around the area under your eyes. This will help to reduce or lighten dark circles by increasing and improving the blood flow to the area under your eyes. Dark circles can happen due to lack of sleep, unhealthy diet and insufficient nutrition or excessive stress. Therefore, get some adequate sleep, relax, eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water and if the problem is due to some medical conditions such as iron deficiency, etc, make sure to consult with your doctor for further advice.

15. Good for Brain Power : Almond contains many essential nutrients required by the brain for proper development. Soaked 4-5 pieces of almonds in water overnight and have it in the morning. Soaking almonds in water makes them softer and more digestable. Almond enhances intellectual ability. The presence of brain boosting chemical known as "Phenylalaine" in almond helps in the development of cognitive ability. Make sure that you are not allergic to nuts.

16. Strengthen Bones : Almond contains calcium and magnesium which is essential to keep your bones healthy and strong.

17. Good for Anemia : Since almond is a good source of iron and magnesium, it is very useful for the treatment of anemia. Another advantage is, almond is full of essential nutrients which helps in the development of blood cells and improve circulation and oxygen levels in the body.

18. Prevent Cancer : Almond is rich in antioxidants. Vitamin E which is in the form of alphatocopherol that may help prevent diseases like cancer. Almond can help to protect the body from free radical damage. Almond is low in saturated fat. It is rich in fiber content which has detoxifying effect and thereby improves the movement of the food through digestive system more efficiently. It cleanse out the system and hence, helps to prevent colon cancer. 

Note : Almond is one of the most nutritious nuts. If you are lactose intolerance, you can crush almonds into fine powder and mix it with warm water. This provides good nutrition. Almond milk does not contain lactose. It is easily digestible too. Also, please remember that some people are allergic to nuts such as almonds. If you are one of them, do not include nuts in your daily diet. Make sure to check ingredients while buying products so as to keep yourself safe.

Do u know what,s this?lives b/w your fingers

Do u know what,s this?lives b/w your fingers.
Its Itch mite. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an itch mite, Sarcoptes sp. , on the surf- ace of a piece of skin. This parasite attacks hum- an skin, causing scabies. Scabies is typified by severe itching (especially at night), red papules and often secondary infection. The female mite tunnels in the skin to lay her eggs and the newly- hatched mites are passed easily from person to person by physical contact. The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the mite's saliva or faeces. Commonly infected areas are the groin, penis, nipples and the skin between the fingers. Treatment is with hexachlorophane or benzyl benzo- ate creams. Magnification: x110 at 6x6cm size.

Fat Tissues the largest cells in the human body

 Fat tissue. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a sample of fat tissue, showing fat cells (adipocytes, orange) surrounded by fine strands of supportive connective tissue. Adipocytes are among the largest cells in the human body, each cell being 100 to 120 microns in diameter. Almost the entire volume of each fat cell consists of a single lipid (fat or oil) droplet. Adipose tissue forms an insulating layer under the skin, storing energy in the form of fat, which is obtained from food.

Ginseng

Botanical Classification

Family	Araliaceae
Genus and specie	Panax ginseng

Other names

Man root, root of immortality, Tartar root and life root.
American ginseng refers to Panax quinquefolius.

Description of the herb

It is a perennial geophyte with a short rhizome attached to a fleshy root and has a single stem that emerge every year, with compound leaves and a single cluster of small white flowers that develop into bright red fruit.

Parts used

The fresh or dried root is used.

Properties

It is a sweet tonic herb that both stimulates and relaxes the nervous system and encourage the secretion of hormones, improves stamina, lowers blood sugar as well as cholesterol levels and increases resistance to disease.
It contains at least 18 triterpenoid saponins, called ginsenosides or panaxosides and they are glycosides of oleanolic acid, 20-S-protopanaxdiol, ginseng polysaccharides (panaxans), pectin, free sugar, vitamins B1, B2, B12, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, choline, fats, minerals and polyacetylenes.

Common classification

Ginseng roots in a market in Seoul, 2003

P. quinquefolius American ginseng (root)

According to traditional Chinese medicine, American ginseng promotes yin energy, cleans excess yang and calms the body. The reason it has been claimed that American ginseng promotes yin (shadow, cold, negative, female) while Asian ginseng promotes yang (sunshine, hot, positive, male) is because, according to traditional Chinese medicine, things living in cold places or northern side of mountains or southern side of rivers are strong in yang and vice versa, so that the two are balanced.^{[citation needed]} Chinese/Korean ginseng grows in Manchuria and Korea, the coldest area known to many Koreans in ancient times. Thus, ginseng from there is supposed to be very yang.
Originally, American ginseng was imported into China via subtropical Guangzhou, the seaport next to Hong Kong, so Chinese doctors believed American ginseng must be good for yin, because it came from a hot area. They did not know, however, that American ginseng can only grow in temperate regions. Nonetheless, the root is legitimately classified as more yin because it generates fluids.
The two main components of ginseng are claimed to be in different proportions in the Asian and American varieties, and are speculated to be the cause of the excitatory versus tonic natures.The ginseng is traditionally hewn and a few slices are simmered in hot water to make a decoction.
Most North American ginseng is produced in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia and the American state of Wisconsin, according to Agri-food Canada. P. quinquefolius is now also grown in northern China.
The aromatic root resembles a small parsnip that forks as it matures. The plant grows 6 to 18 inches tall, usually bearing three leaves, each with three to five leaflets two to five inches long.

Panax ginseng Asian ginseng (root)

Ginseng and reishi mushrooms in bottles being sold in Seoul, Korea.

 

Panax ginseng is available in four forms:

1. The form called fresh ginseng is the raw product.
2. The form called white ginseng (WG) is fresh ginseng which has been dried. It is grown for four to six years, and then peeled and dried to reduce the water content to 12% or less. White ginseng is air dried in the sun and may contain less of the therapeutic constituents. It is thought by some that enzymes contained in the root break down these constituents in the process of drying. Drying in the sun bleaches the root to a yellowish-white color.
3. The form called red ginseng (RG) is harvested after six years, is not peeled and is steam-cured at standard boiling temperatures of 100 °C (212 °F), thereby giving it a glossy reddish-brown color. Steaming the root is thought to change its biochemical composition and also to prevent the breakdown of the active ingredients. The roots are then dried. RG is more common as herbal medicine than WG, and there is increasing research on the pharmacological activities of RG specific ginsenoside.
4. The form called sun ginseng (SG) is created from a heat processing method which increases ginsenoside components such as ginsenoside-[Rg.sub.3], -[Rk.sub.1] and -[Rg.sub.5] by steaming white ginseng at a higher temperature than red ginseng. The herb is steamed for three hours at 120 °C (248 °F). Research has shown that SG has increased nitric oxide, superoxide, hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite scavenging activities compared with conventionally processed RG or WG. The increased steaming temperature produces an optimal amount of biological activity due to its ability to amplify specific ginsenosides. Japanese researchers set out to investigate the antioxidant effect of SG on oxidative stress.

Red ginseng

Red ginseng

Red ginseng (Hangul:; Hanja: ; RR: hong-sam, simplified Chinese:; traditional Chinese:; pinyin: hóng sēn), is Panax ginseng that has been heated, either through steaming or sun-drying. It is frequently marinated in an herbal brew which results in the root becoming extremely brittle. This version of ginseng is traditionally associated with stimulating sexual function and increasing energy. Red ginseng is always produced from cultivated roots, generally from Korea.
In 2002, a preliminary double-blind, crossover study of Korean red ginseng's effects on impotence reported that it can be an effective alternative for treating male erectile dysfunction, during which 60% of study participants noted an improvement in ability to produce an erection.
Another study reported red ginseng reduced the relapse of gastric cancer versus control.
A study of ginseng's effects on rats found that while both white ginseng and red ginseng appear to reduce the incidence of cancer, the effects appear to be greater with red ginseng.
A study by Sung H, Jung YS, Cho YK. showed potentially beneficial effects of a combination of Korean red ginseng and highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1-infected patients.
Falcarinol, a seventeen-carbon diyne fatty alcohol was isolated from carrot and red ginseng, and was thought to have potent anticancer properties on primary mammary epithelial (breast cancer) cells. Other acetylenic fatty alcohols in ginseng (panaxacol, panaxydol and panaxytriol) have antibiotic properties.

Wild ginseng

Harvested ginseng in Germany.

Wild ginseng is that which grows naturally and is harvested from wherever it is found to be growing. Wild ginseng is relatively rare, and even increasingly endangered, due in large part to high demand for the product in recent years, which has led to the wild plants being sought out and harvested faster than new ones can grow (it requires years for a root to reach maturity). Wild ginseng can be either Asian or American, and can be processed to be red ginseng.
There are woods-grown American ginseng programs in Maine, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia and Kentucky, and United Plant Savers has been encouraging the woods planting of ginseng both to restore natural habitats and to remove pressure from any remaining wild ginseng, and they offer both advice and sources of rootlets. Woods-grown plants have a value comparable to wild-grown ginseng of similar age.

Therapeutic uses

• Internal use
  • It is used internally for debility associated with old age and illness.
  • Studies have shown that it improves mood, physical and intellectual performance and other metabolic parameters.
  • Furthermore, ginseng is used for lack of appetite, stress, insomnia, chronic illness.
  • It is believed to be a powerful adaptogenic aphrodisiac that will affect any system in the body that is out of balance. In Chinese medicine it is used to quickly restore homeostasis (balance) reducing the effect of aging and enhance physical, sexual and mental performance whilst increasing energy and resistance to the harmful effect of stress - and for these reasons it is often used to help men with impotence and sexual problems, and is a good general tonic.
  • Ginseng is reported to possess hormone-like and cholesterol-lowering effects, promote vasodilatation, and also act as an anxiolytic as well as antidepressant.
  • Some studies have ginseng extracts and ginsenosides to be effective in stimulating learning, memory, and physical capabilities as well as supporting radioprotection, providing resistance to infection and having excellent antioxidant and anti-fatigue effects.
  • It is also used to enhance energy metabolism and reducing cholesterol and triglycerides while elevating HDL levels.
• External use
  • Ginseng is used in cosmetics for its rejuvenating properties.
  • The administration of Ginseng has been clearly associated with obvious improvements in the general metabolism. The herb has a beneficial effect on circulation and the plant regulates the tone of the smooth muscles of the blood vessels.
  • There are a very large number of studies which show the action of Ginseng on specific body functions; its stimulating effect on the immune system has been described and also the way it stimulates protein synthesis and inhibits proteic enzymatic degradation in the fibroblasts.
  • The plant is responsiblefor increasing phospholipid synthesis in the blood, inhibiting ATPase in the brain and many other effects.
  • It has also been shown that Ginseng has a strong anti-radical effect, which is more considerable in derivatives of protapanaxatriol than in other fractions of the plant.
  • This vast amount of properties give Ginseng an almost unlimited use in cosmetics. Its activity makes it useful in nourishing creams, in treating wrinkled and aged skin and in all cosmetic products used to retard the onset of age.
  • In body milks and bath products, Ginseng acts by optimizing the cutaneous metabolism of the whole body and in capillary products, Ginseng may be used in treatment products for weak hair and lotions for preventing hair loss as it stimulates growth and gives strength.
• Aromatherapy and essential oil use
  • None noted.

Safety precautions and warnings

May worsen the side effects of stimulants such as coffee, and should best be avoided when consuming alcohol.
Not normally used by pregnant women and is not indicated for use by young children, people suffering from depression, high blood pressure, anxiety or any acute inflammatory disease.
Excess may cause headaches, restlessness, high blood pressure and nausea.\

 Side effects
According to a Sports Nutrition FAQ published by UMass Amherst, one of P. ginseng's most common side effects is the inability to sleep. However, other sources state ginseng causes no sleep difficulties. Other side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, nose bleeds, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and breast pain. Ginseng may also lead to induction of mania in depressed patients who mix it with antidepressants.
Ginseng has been shown to have adverse drug reactions with phenelzine and warfarin, but has been shown to decrease blood alcohol levels.

Overdose

The common adaptogen ginsengs (P. ginseng and P. quinquefolia) are generally considered to be relatively safe even in large amounts. One of the most common and characteristic symptoms of acute overdose of Panax ginseng is bleeding. Symptoms of mild overdose with Panax ginseng may include dry mouth and lips, excitation, fidgeting, irritability, tremor, palpitations, blurred vision, headache, insomnia, increased body temperature, increased blood pressure, edema, decreased appetite, increased sexual desire, dizziness, itching, eczema, early morning diarrhea, bleeding, and fatigue.
Symptoms of gross overdose with Panax ginseng may include nausea, vomiting, irritability, restlessness, urinary and bowel incontinence, fever, increased blood pressure, increased respiration, decreased sensitivity and reaction to light, decreased heart rate, cyanotic (blue) facial complexion, red facial complexion, seizures, convulsions, and delirium.
Patients experiencing any of the above symptoms are advised to discontinue the herbs and seek any necessary symptomatic treatment.

References

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginseng

 http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-ginseng.htm