Carrots for Cancer Prevention

Foods for Cancer Prevention: Beat Cancer with Carrots:

Various experimental studies conducted on mammals suggest that carrots have an inhibitory effect on cancer cells. Many of the health benefits of carrots were assumed to be due to its concentration of beta carotene but research carried out at the University of Southern Denmark showed that it is actually the plant antioxidant, Falcarinol! The latter is a natural pesticide produced by the plant, which guards the carrot roots from disease and fungus.

Eating Carrots can Help Prevent Cancer

According to a recent study, the poly­acetylene, Falcarinol can significantly slow down the growth of cancer cells, making cancer less likely to invade the body. Preliminary research in animal models proposes that falcarinol may have a protective effect against certain types of cancers like leukemia, colon cancer and prostate cancer. The studies also confirmed that it has a more powerful effect than beta carotene.

Laboratory rats that were fed a diet of raw carrots / isolated falcarinol were a third less likely to develop chemically-induced (azoxymethane) tumors than those in the control group. 

In the US, researchers at Harvard University discovered that women who consumed at least 5 carrots / week were nearly two-thirds less likely to have a stroke than those who ate them only once a month. There is another study that found that the risk of breast cancer was lower in women who consumed the highest levels of beta-carotene compared to women who ate the lowest levels.

Ann Cameron, an author of 15 children’s books, cured her Stage 4 cancer by consuming carrot juice only. She states, “I believe from personal experience that carrots can cure cancer – and rapidly, without chemotherapy, radiation, or other dietary changes.” (source: naturalsociety.com)

Falcarinol is also found in celery, parsley, ginseng and other vegetables, but only when raw. Cooking destroys the cancer preventing properties of falcarinol. Also, falcarinol is soluble and lost (70% reduction reported) when carrots are boiled for 12 minutes or so. Long-term frozen storage and blanching of carrot pieces can lead to a 30% reduction of the compound, falcarinol. Consuming fresh and raw carrots is always the best option.

The Slimming Furnace: Cinnamon Tea for Weight Loss

The Slimming Furnace: Cinnamon Tea for Weight Loss:

The combination of honey and cinnamon has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to promote general well-being and cure various ailments. Although, there is a lack of scientific evidence, many people swear by the unique healing ability of these ingredients as home remedy. 

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to mankind and honey's popularity has continued throughout history.

Cinnamon and honey, is one of the best-known mixtures, has been reported to be a natural cure for many diseases such as arthritis, bladder infection, hair loss, skin problems, bad breath, toothache, cholesterol, heart diseases, colds and indigestion. Not just that, cinnamon and honey also work well when it comes to weight loss.

A cinnamon and honey tea is believed to burn the fat faster and regulate eating habits by eliminating food cravings. With its fragrant aroma and soothing taste, the tea is claimed to help you shed pounds in a natural way. To enjoy the spice on its own, try the simple, versatile recipe of Cinnamon-Honey Tea:

• Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup.
• Pour boiling water over cinnamon and cover.
• Let it steep for 15 minutes.
• Add a teaspoon of honey to the cooled liquid (hot liquid tends to destroy the nutrients and enzymes present in honey).
• The tea can be taken an hour before breakfast and an hour before going to bed at night.

Stay Healthy, Be Happy!

Cure Common Ailments with Fennel Seeds

Fennel Seeds (Saunf)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial herb popularly used in cooking and flavoring drinks. Fennel seeds are rich in vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine and calcium. Fennel is reputed to have therapeutic role as an antispasmodic, analgesic, antacid, appetizer, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and galactgogue. Owing to its medicinal values, fennel is taken for curing day to day health ailments. In this post, lets learn about some of the beneficial remedies with fennel to cure common health problems- 

Natural Home Remedies with Fennel Seeds

• Soak about 2 tbsp of fennel seeds in a glass of water overnight and strain the water next morning. Add a pinch of black salt & sugar to taste. This drink is known to be beneficial in Heat stroke.
• Add about ½ tsp of powdered fennel seeds to the juice prepared from beet root & carrots. Having this drink beneficial in cases of Anemia. 
• Boil about 2 tsp of fennel seeds in water. Let the mixture stand for 10 min. & strain. Add honey to taste and drink 2-3 cups everyday. This remedy is very effective for Nursing mother for increasing milk.
• Dry roast about 100 g of fennel seeds, add sugar in equal proportions and powder. Administer a tsp of the mixture 3-4 times daily in cases of Diarrhea.
• Mix equal amounts of fennel seeds, dry ginger, carom seeds, black cumin seeds & powder. Add salt to it & store in a air tight container. Administering about ½ tsp of the mixture before meals acts as an Appetizer.
• Eating a tsp of fennel seeds in betel leaf taken after meals, is effective as a Mouth Freshener.
• Boil 2 tsp of fennel seeds in water & use it as a steam facial to cleanse & Rejuvenate Skin.
• Eating a tsp of fennel seeds after meals is known to improve Digestion.
• Taking fennel seeds with fig is known to relieve Bronchitis & other associated problems.

Home Remedies for Boils

Boil is a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue in the skin. It starts as a small, red, painful nodule and gradually increases in size. After some time, this area becomes firmer while the center gets filled with white pus. Boils are tender to touch and can be very painful. These may appear on various body parts like head, face, breast, scalp, back, groin, underarms and buttocks. Boil can appear either single or collectively on the skin.

Boils are highly contagious and are caused by the bacteria,Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria enter into the body through the hair follicle or via small cuts on the skin. Boils are also caused due to blocked sweat glands. Some other reasons of this skin problem are diabetes, poor nutrition, poor hygiene, poor immune system, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, chemotherapy and exposure to harsh chemicals.

Boils rarely require medical attention and can be relieved with natural remedies, but often resolve on their own. The best cure for boils is to treat them as soon as they start developing. In this post, let’s find out some useful natural home remedies to treat boils effectively.

Natural Home Remedies for Boils

• Babool- Applying hot poultice of powdered bark of white babool on boils either subsides them or suppurates them.
• Neem- Prepare a paste of neem leaves and apply the same over the affected area. Another way of treatment is to boil some neem leaves in water until the water evaporates to one-third and use the same to rinse the infected area.
• Cinnamon- Prepare a decoction of cinnamon by boiling down 4g of Cinnamon in 3 cups of water to one cup and decant. Administrating it twice daily, in early stages of boils, helps to subside them.
• Turmeric- Stir a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drink this twice a day. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which are helpful in the treatment of boils. A paste of turmeric and fresh ginger can also be directly applied on the boils for relief.
• Drumstick- Applying a warm poultice of drumstick tree leaves in the early stages of boil, makes it subside. It also reduces inflammation accompanied with such glandular swellings.
• Tea Tree Oil- To treat boils, dab a clean cotton ball into tea tree oil and gently apply it directly on the boil. Be cautious not to take tea tree oil internally.  
• Onion and Garlic- Applying a paste or warm juice of onion or garlic directly over the boil is an effective remedy for boils. This application hastens the process of ripening and subsequent drainage and bursting of boils. Try to add onion and garlic into your diet as much as possible.
• Castor Oil- Dab clean cotton ball into castor oil. Apply this directly on the boil. This treatment can be followed 2-3 times a day.
• Betel leaf- Gently warm a betal leaf till it becomes soft and coat it with a layer of castor oil. Now, place it over the inflammed part of the skin. Do not forget to replace the leaf every few hours. This application will rupture and drain out the boil.
• Cumin Seeds- Grind some cumin seeds to make a paste in water. Apply it directly over the infected area.
• Nutmeg (Jaiphal)- Nutmeg is another effective remedy for boils as it stimulates blood circulation in the body. For this, mix half a teaspoon of nutmeg powder in a cup of hot milk. Drink this preparation to prevent bacterial infection in the boil.
• Basil (Tulsi)- Crush some basil leaves with ginger and apply this mixture on the affected area to heal the boils.
• Mulberry- Applying a hot poultice of tender mulberry leaves twice daily for a week subsides boils in its early stages.

Prevention is Better than cure

There are some measures that you can take to prevent boils from developing although these are not completely preventable. Good hygiene and the regular use of antibacterial soaps can help to prevent bacteria from building up on the skin. Use a clean towel and do not share it with others. Wash your hands to prevent bacteria from infecting the skin. Exfoliate your skin on the regular basis to prevent sweat ducts from blockage.

Foods high in sugar and fat should be avoided if you are prone to boils and skin abscesses. Including Vitamin A, C and E rich foods in your diet would surely help to combat boils. Zinc-rich foods are also good for the skin and aid the healing process significantly. Eating green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits is beneficial in keeping boils at bay. Alcohol, caffeine and caffeine products should be avoided as these can aggravate boils. Never squeeze a boil, otherwise, it may cause pain and spread the infection.

Health Benefits of Bitter gourd (Karela)

Health Benefits of Bitter gourd

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) originated on the Indian subcontinent, and was introduced into China in the 14th century. Todau, widely grown in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Asia, Africa, South America, it is unsavory yet very nutritious and healthy. Bitter gourd primarily grows in vines. It bears its fruits during the month of September and November. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Bitter gourd received different names such as  Karela (Hindi), bitter melon and bitter gourd (English), Goya (Japanese), ampalaya (Filipino), etc.

Health Benefits of Bitter gourd (Karela)

• Bitter gourd is also useful for those suffering from piles. Drinking bitter gourd juice or taking it with buttermilk every morning for a month would be beneficial in getting rid of this painful ailment.
• Bitter gourd is high in fiber and hence, prevents constipation. It can cure stomach related disorders by stimulating the secretion of gastric juices.
• It is highly beneficial for those suffering from dyspepsia. People suffering from heartburn and ulcers must cut down on its consumption.
• Bitter gourd purifies blood because of its blood-purifying properties and also said to treat boils and itching caused for similar reasons.
• Bitter gourd contains a chemical called Charantin which reduces high blood glucose levels; hence it is useful for diabetics. Bitter gourd juice can be taken in the morning on an empty stomach to keep a check on the blood sugar levels.
• Bitter gourd juice taken in the morning is beneficial to strengthen the immune system by improving our body’s fighting mechanism against infection and diseases.
• Bitter gourd works well for those who want to lose weight. Add bitter gourd to your diet as it stimulates excretion of bile juices in the liver that are very essential for fat metabolism.
• Fresh juice of bitter gourd leaves can be used to treat cholera in early stages.
• Bitter gourd has high amount of beta-carotene that helps cure eye problems and improve eyesight.
  

Pregnant women must be careful and should try to minimize bitter gourd intake! Bitter gourd is known to have a property that causes abortion. It has monorcharins substance that might have side effects on the gravid uterus.

Herbal Remedies for Muscle Cramps

Muscle Cramps are the painful and spasmodic contractions of the muscles.  Most often people get cramps in the calf muscles; however, one can also get them in thighs, feet or just about any muscle of the body. 

Cramps can be caused due to overexertion, stress, dehydration, or sometimes when the affected part of the body has remained frozen in one position for a long time! Less common causes include diabetes, hypoglycemia, anemia, Parkinson's disease, thyroid & endocrine disorders, and use of some medications. 

Try these effective herbal remedies to ease the muscular cramps:

• Take 5g of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) roots powder with milk daily. This works as a nerve tonic & treats cramps.
• A massage with mustard oil on the affected part is beneficial to cure cramps.
• Before retiring to bed, drinking a glass of warm milk of with 1/4^th tsp dried ginger powder and 1 tsp of turmeric powder is said to give relief from cramps.
• Prepare a mixture of wintergreen oil (1 tbsp) with 4 tbsp of vegetable oil and massage over the affected area to relieve pain & stimulate blood flow.
• Taking a tsp of castor oil with milk at bed time is another useful remedy for cramps.
• Massage sesame oil into the muscle cramp for relief.
• Boil 1 tsp of sesame seeds in milk and take it warm at bedtime.  
• Applying a hot fomentation on the affected area with a bag of salt is also effective in providing relief from cramps.
• Taking a tsp of fennel seeds or carom seeds after meals with lukewarm water prevents the occurrence of cramps by stimulating digestion, and treating flatulence & bloating.
• Take a hot shower or apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle.

When we don't have enough fluid in our body system, it leads to an electrolytic imbalance that causes muscles to cramp up. Eating a diet rich in minerals like sodium, potassium and calcium regulate muscle contractions & help in curing cramps. Including Vitamin E rich food in the diet is said to improve blood flow through the arteries, and hence, treat cramps. Also, drink plenty of water daily to avoid dehydration. Stretching exercises of the limbs are beneficial.

Herbal Remedies for Migraine

A migraine is a severe headache that is often exacerbated by a number of factors, such as stress, diet, lack of sleep, and even exposure to extreme climatic conditions. It results from a combination of blood vessel enlargement and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the blood vessels in the brain. 

Migraine activates the sympathetic nervous system that controls automatic responses to stress and pain. The activation of this response leads to the symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. When trying to combat migraine attack, it is important to treat the underlying causes of the pain as well as to treat the symptoms of the attack.

Find in this post, certain simple and effective natural herbal remedies to treat Migraine.

• To treat the symptoms of migraine, put a single drop of pure peppermint oil on the tongue. Massage it on the part of the head that hurts. Peppermint oil is as an effective aid against vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.
• Sniffing powdered seeds or the root bark of siris helps control migraine.
• Eating ginger or having a hot cup of ginger tea with basil leaves is also said to provide soothing relief from pain. Also, chamomile or mint tea works wonders.
• Henna flowers have found to be beneficial in providing relief from head pain. Dip the flowers in vinegar and rub them on the forehead to ease migraine.
• Prepare carrot juice combined with beetroot, cucumber and spinach. Take this preparation for migraine pain relief.
• Drinking fresh juice of ripe grapes is also said to be effective for migraine.
• A cabbage compress can relieve the pressure of the migraine. Just take several cabbage leaves and make a compress and lay on your head.
• Massaging the tensed muscles with tea tree oil will not only make the person feel good but will also relieve migraine.
• Cold compress is thought to relieve the migraine pain. Placing an ice pack at the nape of the neck or surrounding the head with an ice wrap can help reduce inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, relieving the primary cause of Migraine.
• Lie down with your face-up and your head hanging off the edge. Keep your legs elevated to allow the blood circulate to the affected area. Use this in combination with ice therapy to immediately reduce inflammation of the blood vessels.
• Applying a paste of jayphal on the area where migraine has surfaced, subside the pain.
• The most effective and safe natural medicine is butterbur, also known as petasites. It is available in pill form at the stores and is very effective in treating migraine pain.
• A hot shower is also said to give relief from head pain. Vinegar or Hydrogen peroxide can be added to water bath to relieve tensed muscles.
• Lie down in a dark room for instant relief as bright light makes the headache worst.

To combat migraine, eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of exercise and sleep. Avoid smoking and Alcohol. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration! Migraine can be a result of dehydration, as sweating excessively and heat can trigger migraine attacks. Taking a complex combination of B Vitamins, particularly Vitamin B2 (400 milligrams a day) and B6, in diet or as supplement helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

Take vitamins every day for best results. Vitamins will help you stay healthy and migraine-free. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are believed to be effective in reducing the intensity and the frequency of migraine attacks. Taking magnesium in diet or as supplement (at a dose of 400 - 600 milligrams/day) is believed to be effective for menstrual-associated migraines and migraines associated with auras. Take caution that Magnesium may cause diarrhea, if you take too much. Also, consuming CoEnzyme Q10 (300 mg/ day) has proven to be effective in reducing migraine pain.

A regular exercise is always recommended to migraine sufferers. Breathing exercises are quite helpful in providing relief. Every time you feel a migraine coming, begin taking long, slow and deep breaths. As you take deep breaths, allow all the tension to flow out of your body. Learn to cope up with day to day stress and anxiety. Get an adequate amount of sleep each night. By implementing a few healthy changes in your daily habits, and taking advantage of these beneficial natural remedies, you may look forward to a migraine-free life.