coriander

There are many ways of improving your health the natural way, and a lot of very helpful books have been written on the subject, such as The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual.  Spices have always been a part of Grandma’s Old-Time Remedies, so this article might repeat remedies you have already heard of, but I am sure it will also offer some new insight even if you are a well versed home remedy user already

Via: NaturalNews

Spices do more than make food taste great. Recent research is showing that spices can promote health and well being through a series of actions that are anti-aging and inhibiting of degenerative disease. The vegetarian diet so often associated with good health and lack of disease relies heavily on the use of spice. But you don’t have to be a vegetarian to gain the amazing health benefits these inexpensive flavor enhancers have to offer.

The addition of spices can turn up the taste of almost any food. Add some chili pepper, cumin or turmeric to mashed potatoes or rice. Sprinkle marjoram or rosemary on your salads, and dress up cottage cheese with whatever spicy flavor appeals to you. Add spice to vegetable dishes and sprinkle it on meats, poultry or fish before cooking. Spice up your veggie juices and smoothies. Any way you do it, adding spice means adding a wealth of health benefits.

Recent research continues to show the power of these natural medicines

Spices have more antioxidant power, measure for measure, than fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and premature aging. In a study reported in the British Journal of Nutrition, fifteen aromatic herbs and spices consumed in Central Italy as part of the Mediterranean diet were studied to reveal total phenolic, flavonoid and flavanol content as well as their antioxidant potential as measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Comparison was made between salads to which aromatic herbs had been added. The addition of lemon balm and marjoram increased by 150% and 200% respectively the antioxidant capacity of a salad portion, corresponding to an intake of 200 mg. of phenolics and 4000 ORAC units. Among other spices tested, cumin and fresh ginger made the most significant contribution to antioxidant capacity.

Full Story and a list of Spices that stand out for their health benefits

Via: Best Syndication

Acne can erupt anytime and anywhere. It is a mysterious skin disorder and as yet has no definitive singular cause. Because of this, several remedies are put forward by medical experts and alternative health practitioners, which unfortunately works only on a case-to-case basis. The most that they do is heal the most basic symptoms and not the root cause, often resulting to several sporadic acne eruptions. Mostly, over-the-counter products are very expensive. They also tend to be very harsh and strip the skin of its natural oils. Some people, in their desire to use only the most organic products turn to natural remedies to help cure acne.

Like any kind of medical product, natural remedies should be used in the proper dosages and prepared properly in the method that can extract helpful nutrients. There are several herbs, fruits and vegetables that contain properties suitable for getting rid of acne. Here are some of them:

1. Orange
Oranges are not only used for refreshing drinks but also as a remedy for acne. It can help with blood circulation and the fresh rind, when rubbed on the face can help dry out pustules and pimples. Use once or twice a day preferably before going to bed and Rub on face gently.

2. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a known astringent. It is also used as a cooling disinfectant to remove bacteria. A paste or ointment can be made from sandalwood to be applied on acne. Cut the herb (especially the wood) into very tiny pieces. Boil and strain while hot and add a hardener or base, usually coconut fat, coconut butter or almond oil. Stir slowly. After the mixture cools down, apply on pimples on the face and leave overnight.

3. Coriander
A popular Chinese herb used for garnishing and adding taste to dishes, coriander is also used to help ease acne. The plant can be infused and used after washing your face. You can pour boiling water over the whole plant and leave to infuse the properties of the herb into the water. Use the cooled infused water for washing your face at least once a day.

4. Fenugreek
The seeds of the fenugreek are a good natural remedy for skin irritations, including acne. For better use of the herb, poultices can be made out of fenugreek. Gather enough seeds for pounding and macerating the seeds. A mortar and pestle can be perfect for this job. You can apply the poultice directly on to the pustules and pimples or use a clean cloth for cold poultices. This can effectively cool down the swollen or inflamed areas of the face, shoulder or back.

5. Burdock
Burdock is a biennial plant that can be found along the roadside. It is a fairly common plant with fleshy roots and purple flowers. A decoction of the leaves can be a great help in cases of acne. Decoction is the best method to bring out the healthful properties by gently simmering of the herb for not less than thirty minutes. Strain the leaves after simmering. The extract can then be used on the face by gently blotting the affected areas with cotton or cloth.