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ScienceDaily (Aug. 18, 2010) — Emodin, a natural product that can be extracted from various Chinese herbs including Rheum palmatum and Polygonum cuspidatum, shows promise as an agent that could reduce the impact of type 2 diabetes. Findings published in this month’s edition of the British Journal of Pharmacology show that giving emodin to mice with diet-induced obesity lowered blood glucose and serum insulin, improved insulin resistance and lead to more healthy levels of lipid in the blood. It also decreased body weight and reduced central fat mass.

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celery

Quick relief even from hornet stings can be provided by a pulp made from chewed up celery:  Chew up a stick of celery with the back molars, apply the pulp of celery and saliva to the wound.  Thobbing will significantly decrease within 15 minutes.  Relief for several hours to follow can be provided if the pulp is kept on the wounds for longer.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Rubbing apple cider vinegar on insect bites and stings relieves itchiness and pain.  Besides, apple cider vinegar can be applied to:

• heal burns:  place a soaked gauze to the injured area
• remove dandruff:  Rinse hair after washing with apple cider vinegar
• eliminate body odors under the arm
• cure athletes foot:  soak sore feet daily ina strong solution

thyme

Thyme is a “natural antibiotic” much like cinnamon or garlic.  With the flu season approaching fast, as well as the threat of swine flu, keeping a decent stock of dried thyme as well as the following recipes handy is well advised.

If fresh thyme is available, use it first.  If no fresh thyme is available, use the CUT dried herb: 2bsp of the dried herb equals 1 handful of fresh thyme.

Any of the following solutions can be used to bath wounds and burns or as an eye wash for red, irritated eyes. Make sure the solution is moderately cool before applying it to the eyes.

• Tea for gargling (sore throat), mouth wash (tooth decay, cold sores) and drinking (common cold, influenza, fever, allergies) :
  Boil 1 3/4 pints of water, remove from heat, add a dozen sprigs of fresh thyme, cover, let steep for half an hour.  Strain and drink 3-4 cups daily.
• For external purposes such as hot compresses on the chest to help break up lung congestion (in cases of asthma, bronchitis, cold or flu) or massage lotions for aching muscles and joints:
  Boil 2 pints of water,remove from heat,  add 1.5 handfuls of fresh thyme, cover and let steep for 40 minutes.  Strain and use.
• For foot- and hand baths (to increase blood circulation, get rid of nail fungus or athlete’s foot, reduce fever) and a douche (against yeast infection):
  Boil 1 1/4 pints of water, remove from heat, add1 handful of fresh thyme, let steep for 25 minutes.  Strain and use somewhat hot for hand and foot baths, but let cool to lukewarm for a douche.

potato

Infected sores, boils, abscesses, carbuncles as well as infected acne can be treated with slices of potato (for sores) or a potato plaster. The potato draws out purulent matter and infection. Thus, the sore, abscess or boil will heal faster.

• For sores, just apply slices of potato to the infected area.
• For boils, abscesses, carbuncles and infected acne as well as contusions, burns, sprains, fractures, hemorrhoids, appendicitis, arthritis, neuralgia and eczema, use the following recipe for a potato plaster:
  Peel and grate ordinary potatoes and mix half of them with an equal amount of green vegetable leaves, like spinach, radish or cabbage. The vegetable leaves should be coarsely pureed in a food blender before you mix them with the potatoes. To this wet mass add 10% white flower, then mix everything thoroughly by hand in a big bowl. Add just enough ice water (never warm water) to give the paste a wet, somewhat even and thick consistency.
  How to apply the potato plaster:
  Apply plaster directly on the skin. For sensitive skin, rub the affected area with olive oil before and after applying the plaster. Put a clean cloth over the plaster and secure it with a linen bandage. When the plaster dries out, apply warm water on the dry mass until it becomes moist again. Let the plaster sit in place for about 3.5 hours, while reclining. Remove plaster and rinse skin with warm water.

Via: http://www.bellaonline.com

Treat your Flu and Cold with Healing Herbs

The summer is now waning and many people are dreading the fall and winter because of the usual flu and colds that accompany the turning leaves and drifting snow. Luckily these illnesses can be controlled and even avoided using herbs.

* Garlic: Is very effective in improving the function of the immune system and should be taken proactively to avoid catching the flu or colds.

* Yarrow: This lovely yellow flower is great to treat the fever associated with the flu and can be used in conjunction with Elder to fight this debilitating symptom.

* Elder: Most people have heard of elderberries in wine and never realized that the compound that gives these berries their deep color also can shorten the duration of the flu. The flowers are also useful to treat sinus congestion and fever. There are several sinus congestion teas on the market that have dried elder flowers as the main component.

* Marshmallow: This plant root has been used for centuries to treat sore throat and coughs due to many different viruses. It is very effective in relieving the irritated throat passages and ease lung congestion due to mucus buildup.

* Thyme: although most people use this herb with great effect in culinary creations it also is an extremely powerful antimicrobial which can treat respiratory infections successfully. Do not ingest the essential oil of this plant but instead infuse either dried or fresh leaves in boiling water and drink like a tea.

* Sage: This herb is actually an ingredient in many commercial preparations designed to sooth sore throats. Similar to thyme, sage has antimicrobial properties and can be used to gargle with help relieve sore throat symptoms.

These are the most commonly used effective herbs for the various symptoms relating to the flu and common cold but care must be taken just as one would with synthetic drugs. Dosage and preparation should be carefully adhered to and you should always follow the producers’ instructions or carefully study the best amount. People on blood thinners or heading towards surgery should avoid taking garlic and yarrow supplements. Elder berries need to always be cooked and elder flower must not be used for long periods of time. Avoid yarrow if you have allergies to Echinacea and stop taking it if sensitivity to sunlight develops. If you are on other medications marshmallow may reduce their effectiveness and do not take this supplement if you are diabetic. If you are pregnant or breast feeding any herbal supplementation should only be done with the supervision of a professional.

Source/Full Story:  Reuters

Abstract:  Activation of Nrf2 in Endothelial Cells Protects Arteries From Exhibiting a Proinflammatory State

…
Researchers at Imperial College London have found evidence a chemical in broccoli and other green leafy vegetables could boost a natural defense mechanism that protects arteries from the clogging that can cause heart attacks.

In a study funded by the British Heart Foundation charity and conducted on mice, the researchers found that sulforaphane — a compound occurring naturally in broccoli and other brassicas — could “switch on” a protective protein which is inactive in parts of the arteries vulnerable to clogging.
…
“This study provides a possible explanation for how green vegetable consumption can promote a healthy heart.”
…
The research, reported in the journal Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, was conducted using purified sulforaphane, not broccoli. Researchers said the next step was to test the effect of the chemical as it is found in vegetables.

Technorati Tags: broccoli, brassica, sulforaphane

dandelion (both root and leaves, dried)

• If your child, or grandchild, comes down with one of the typical childhood diseases, like mumps, measles or chickenpox, or any type of upper respiratory infection (from pneumonia to chronic bronchitis), dandelion tea will help break the fever and clear up lung congestion.
  Bring 1 quart of water to a boil.  Cut 2.5 tbsps dried dandelion root. Reduce heat and add the cut root, cover and let simmer for about 12 minutes.  Cut 1 tsp dried dandelion leaves.  Remove tea from heat and add the cut leaves.  Let steep for 30 minutes.  Strain.  Sweeten the tea with 1 tsp of either blackstrap molasses or pure maple syrup per cup.  Give to a child to drink lukewarm every 5 hours or so until the fever breaks and the lung congestions clears up.

apple, berries

• Apples actually have properties that resemble those of penicillin.  Fresh apple juice or fresh apple sauce can successfully fight infections such as stomach flu, and polio viruses.
• Apples also help prevent cavities in your teeth: Eat a thin apple slice or two after every meal, or snack, and it will reduce the danger of cavities substantially.
• Strawberry extract, raspberries, blueberries and wild cranberries all have antiviral properties and can fight intestinal viruses, including the herpes simplex virus, and the polio virus.  Generally speaking, berries have a cleansing effect on the blood.

Sometimes, location matters.  if you have to live in the city, consider what this article has to say about 10 US cities:
Via: Allergy Asthma Blog

- Be Where It’s Safer For Your Asthma Or Allergy Attacks:

Are you the type of person who dreads the arrival of spring season because you are allergic to pollens? When you were a kid or now as an adult, do you usually suffer from asthma or allergic attacks?

If you belong to any of these two categories, then it is a must for you to know that there are states or cities in the country which are more allergy-prone than others.

Every year, the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) publishes a list of the areas in the country which have the greatest risk for allergy prone individuals, as well as those who frequently suffer from asthma attacks.

Their basis is whether a city or state has a longer pollinating season; the level of traffic and factory smog; the possibility of mold growth in the air; the spore levels and the number of Board Certified Allergists per patient in the area.

Full Story

Via: TriCities

Q: I planted a small herb garden this year, and it is growing beautifully. Now that it’s growing, though, I don’t exactly know what to do. When do you harvest the herbs and how do you prepare them (cut, dice, chop, etc.) for eating? Actually, anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated. Now I wonder why I even bothered to plant them!
– Linda,
Blountville, Tenn.

A: First of all, don’t regret planting the herb garden. If nothing else, the smells that some herbs give off are great, the colors are good and some even keeps bugs away.
But, foremost, you can do so much with the herbs in the kitchen. Remember, if you have a recipe that uses dry herbs, you have to use about twice as much fresh herbs.
This is because dry herbs are more concentrated due to being dried out. Fresh herbs can be dried or frozen and used later.

SOME TIPS ON GROWING HERBS
Don’t let space stop you from starting your own garden. Small crops like lettuces, strawberries, herbs and tomatoes grow very well in containers on your deck, patio, windowsill or even a fire-escape.
Talk to other gardeners in your area before getting started. Since you share similar sun and soil conditions, oftentimes what works for them is likely to work for you.
Herbs are great for beginners. Start with hearty herbs like rosemary, mint and thyme that can survive indoors or out year-round. More delicate herbs like basil prefer the great outdoors and lots of sunshine.
Plant prolific herbs like mint in containers to keep them from taking over your garden. This is a very important tip. Make sure if your container has holes in the bottom, you don’t put the pot directly on the ground. The roots will grown out the holes and still take over your garden.
Most herbs love sunlight, so whether you plant indoors or out, in a container or in the ground, make sure they get plenty of sun and water.

STORING FRESH HERBS
Almost all herbs can be saved, either by drying or freezing. It’s best to dry woody-stemmed and thick-leaved herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano or even mint. Hang them upside-down in bunches somewhere cool and dry, then strip off the leaves and keep them in an airtight jar.
Soft-leaved herbs like basil and parsley are best frozen: freeze leaves, with a little water, in ice-cube trays. Thaw them out in a colander before using.

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cardamom, cinnamon

• To relive indigestion, heartburn and even cramps in a tasty way, sprinkle a little cinnamon and cardamom on hot buttered raisin toast, chew thoroughly on every single bite, and only then swallow.

Via: ezinearticles.com

Apples can neutralize stomach acid.

According to some experts, Granny Smith and Braeburn apples are great acid neutralizers and those who prefer natural remedies might want to give them a try. Apples contain malic and tartaric acids which naturally neutralize stomach acids. This reduces stomach pressure, which lessens the likelihood of heartburn. History notes that people have used the natural antacids of apples for many years to relieve discomforts brought about by heartburn. Since apples are natural you can eat as many apples as you’d like without getting any adverse effects.

Apple cider vinegar is another good remedy.

Vinegar is also another popular homemade remedy for heartburn, especially the apple cider vinegar. You can take a couple of teaspoonfuls of this vinegar in a cup of water or in applesauce to experience an immediate healing effect. Vinegar adds to the bulk of the acid in the digestive system and aids in the digestion process.

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Via: Charlotte Alternative Medicine Examiner

If you spend a little too much time in the sun without properly shielding your delicate skin, there are a variety of all natural remedies to help heal and soothe the damaged areas.

* A compress dipped in a homemade cooling mix will help calm the sting. Try a mixture of 1 part skim milk or 1 part baking soda with 4 parts cold water.

* Make a mixture of equal parts cornstarch and water and apply directly to the skin.

* Use raw vegetable slices to cool and soothe. Apply thin slices of cold cucumbers, potatoes or apples to the affected area.

* Boil lettuce in water. Strain and refrigerate the water for several hours. Later, use cotton balls to blot the cooled water onto the burned skin.

* Apply plain, cold yogurt to the skin and then rinse it off with a cool shower.

* Apply calamine or calendula oil to calm the burning sensation, reduce inflammation and promote skin healing.

* Natural aloe vera has soothing properties that cool on contact and aids in the healing process.

* Comfrey contains allantoin, an active ingredient that stimulates cell regeneration. It is available as a juice and a lotion.

* Green tea bags can be applied to the eyelids to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with overexposure to the sun.

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Caraway

• Here is a tee made from caraway seeds that will not only prevent heartburn and acid indigestion, but also, if taken warm, will help relieve uterine cramps, promote breast milk secretion in nursing mothers and help clear away mucus from the back of the throat.  You may even give small amounts of this tea to infants with intestinal gas problems.  Here is the recipe:
  Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.  Add 4 tsp of slightly pounded caraway seeds.  Let simmer for 5  minutes on the stove, then take off the stove and let sit for another 15 minutes.  A little honey may be added to sweeten the taste.  Drink a cup with every meal to improve the digestion of food.