Garlic (Lashan)

Name: Garlic

Biological Name: Allium sativum

Liliaceae

Other Names: Garlic, Lashan, Rasonam, Lashuna

Veluthulli, Ugragandha, Mlecchagandha, Lesan

Description:

Garlic is closely related to onion and chives. The largest commercial garlic production is in central California. The bulb is used.

Parts Used: Bulb and oil

Active Compounds:

The sulfur compound allicin, produced by crushing or chewing fresh garlic, in turn produces other sulfur compounds: ajoene, allyl sulfides, and vinyldithiins.

History:

Garlic is mentioned in the Bible and the Talmud. Hippocrates, Galen, Pliny the Elder, and Dioscorides all mention the use of garlic for a large number of conditions, including parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion, and low energy. Its use in China was first mentioned in A.D. 510. Louis Pasteur confirmed the antibacterial action of garlic in 1858.

Medicinal Applications

Action

alterative, anthelmintic, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, detoxifier, disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, rubefacient, rejuvenative, stimulant, vesicant

Uses

Garlic is beneficial in:

Asthma

Atherosclerosis

Blood and lymph cleanser

Colds and flu

Colic

Congestive heart failure

Convulsions

Cough

Edema

Heart disease

Hemorrhoids

High cholesterol

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides)

Hysteria

Immune function

Impotence

Indigestion

Intermittent claudication

Nerve and bone tissue rejuvenative

Paralysis

Recurrent ear infection

Rheumatism

Skin diseases

T. B.

Tremor

Tumors

Round worms

Yeast infection

Circulatory Effects:

More than 250 publications have shown that garlic supports the cardiovascular system. It may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, inhibit platelet stickiness (aggregation), and increase fibrinolysis-which results in a slowing of blood coagulation. It is mildly antihypertensive and has antioxidant activity.

Note: Garlic only keeps clotting in check, a benefit for persons at risk for cardiovascular disease. It cannot effectively replace stronger anticlotting drugs; its primary value is as a preventive.

Antimicrobial Actions:

Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal activity' It may work against some intestinal parasites. Garlic appears to have roughly 1 % the strength of penicillin against certain types of bacteria. This means it is not a substitute for antibiotics, but it can be considered as a support against some bacterial infections. Candida albicans growth is inhibited by garlic, and garlic has shown long-term benefit for recurrent yeast infections.

Anticancer Actions:

Human population studies show that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer. This is partly due to garlic's ability to reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds. Animal and test tube studies also show that garlic, and its sulfur compounds, inhibit the growth of different types of cancer-especially breast and skin tumors.

Miscellaneous

Garlic is often applied to indolent tumors, ulcerated surfaces and wounds. A poultice of the bulb is used for scrofulous sores and ring worm. A clove of Garlic when introduced into the ear passage give relief of ear-ache. It is locally used in sciatica, paralysis and neuralgic pains. Raw Garlic juice is inhaled in whooping cough and pulmonary tuberculosis. The oil in which Garlic has been fried is believed to be a useful liniment for rheumatic pains, nervous diseases like infantile convulsions, scabies and maggot infested wounds.

Garlic is useful for fevers, coughs, flatulence, disorders of the nervous system, agues, dropsical affections, pulmonary phthisis, whooping cough, gangrene of the lung and dilated bronchi. A decoction of garlic made with milk and water is given in hysteria, flatulence and sciatica. A syrup of garlic is a valuable remedy for asthma, hoarseness, disorders of the chest and lungs. The garlic oil is useful for paralytic and rheumatic affections.

Dosage:

Some people chew one whole clove of raw garlic per day. For those who prefer it, odor-controlled, enteric-coated tablets or capsules with standardized allicin potential can be taken at 400-500 mg once or twice per day (providing up to 5,000 mcg of allicin). Alternatively, a tincture of 2-4 ml can be taken three times daily.

Safety:

Most people enjoy garlic. However, some individuals who are sensitive to it may experience heartburn and flatulence.

Because of garlic's anti-clotting properties, persons taking anticoagulant drugs should check with their nutritionally oriented doctor before taking garlic. Those scheduled for surgery should inform their surgeon if they are taking garlic supplements.

There are no known contra-indications to the use of garlic during pregnancy and lactation.

Ginger

Name: Ginger

Biological Name: Zingiber officinale

Other Names:

Ginger; Ardrakam; Shunthi; Adrak; Sunth; black ginger; race ginger; African ginger; sheng jiang;

Parts Used:

Rhizome (root)

Description:

Ginger is an herb indigenous to southeastern Asia. It is cultivated in the U.S., India, China, West Indies and tropical regions.

Ginger is a creeping perennial on a thick tuberous rhizome. In the first year, a green, erect, reed-like stem about 60 cm high grows from this rhizome. The plant has narrow, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate leaves 15 to 30 cm long, which die off each year. The flower scape grows directly from the root and terminates in a long, curved spike. A white or yellow flower grows from each spike.

Active Compounds:

The dried rhizome of ginger contains approximately 1-4% volatile oils. These are the medically active constituents of ginger; they are also responsible for ginger's characteristic odor and taste. The aromatic principles include zingiberene and bisabolene, while the pungent principles are known as gingerols and shogaols.

Volatile Oil:

Components can vary greatly, depending on the country of origin. The main components of the volatile oil are:

( -)-zingiberene and arcurcumene

beta-bisabolene and arcurcumene

neral and geranial

D-camphor

beta-phellandrene

geranial

neral and linalool

(E)-alpha-farnesene, important as aroma carrier zingiberol (mixture of cis- and trans-beta-eudesmol)

Arylalkane - Pungent Substances

Gingerols:

chief components [6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, [10]- gingerol

Shogaols:

chief components [6]-shogaol, [8]- shogaol, [10]- shogaol

Gingerdiols

Diarylheptanoids: including, among others, gingerenone A and B

History:

Traditional Chinese medicine has recommended ginger for over 2,500 years. It is used for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and rheumatism. Ginger is commonly used in the Ayurvedic and Tibb systems of medicine for the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis.

Remedies For:

For over 2,500 years, ginger has been an important herb in Asian medicine. Traditionally it has been used to promote cleansing of the body through perspiration, to calm nausea (

Action:

Aromatic, carminative, stimulant to the gastro- intestinal tract, diaphoretic, expectorant, antiemetic, and stomachic, also sialagogue and digestive; Externally, a local stimulant and rubefacient.

Ginger is used for:

Atherosclerosis, heart disease

Chemotherapy support

Migraine headaches

Morning sickness

Motion sickness

Nausea and vomiting following surgery

Rheumatoid arthritis

Belching

Laryngitis

Vomiting

Constipation

Incontinence

Flatulence

Colic

Spasms

Fever

Eye diseases

Asthma

Colds

Cough

Digestive System Actions:

Ginger is a classic tonic for the digestive tract. Classified as an aromatic bitter, it stimulates digestion. It also keeps the intestinal muscles toned. This action eases the transport of substances through the digestive tract, lessening irritation to the intestinal walls. Ginger may protect the stomach from the damaging effect of alcohol and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) and may help prevent ulcers.

Allergies and asthma:

Dried ginger can help in the management of allergies and asthma by offsetting the effect of the platelet-activating factor (PAP). PAP initiates inflammatory processes in allergy and asthma. It was found to become more active after changes in blood chemistry that occur in a high-fat diet.

Atherosclerosis and high cholesterol:

Arthritis, bursitis, fibrocystic breasts, lymphedema, and pain.

Ginger inhibits the production of immune-system components called cytokines. These chemicals are believed to create a long-term tendency toward inflammation. Ginger also stimulates blood circulation. These effects of ginger are taken advantage of in treating a number of disorders marked by swelling and pain, such as arthritis. Studies have also shown that ginger can relieve pain without the side effects typically found when using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids.

Anti-nausea/Anti-vomiting Actions:

Research is inconclusive as to how ginger acts to alleviate nausea. Ginger may act directly on the gastrointestinal system or it may affect the part of the central nervous system that causes nausea. It may be that ginger exerts a dual effect in reducing nausea and vomiting.

Colds, influenza, and strep throat:

Shagaol

Parasitic infection.

Ginger contains a chemical called zingibain that dissolves parasites and their eggs. In laboratory trials, ginger extracts have been shown to kill the anisakid worm (a parasite occasionally found in raw fish) within sixteen hours. Ginger tea is useful as a supplement in treating schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease.

Seizure disorders.

Ginger protects the body from the hepatotoxic effects of valproic acid (Depakene), a common treatment for seizure disorders. Ginger, when used on a daily basis, was found to improve the elevated levels of the liver enzymes alanine amino- transferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

Action and Uses in Ayurveda and Siddha

Ginger is an important herb used in Ayurveda. Ayurveda takes advantage of the following medicinal properties for ginger:

Analgesic, anti-emetic, aromatic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diaphorelic, digestive, expectorant, nervine, sialagogue, stimulant.

Ayurvedic practitioners consider ginger to be a truly a wonder drug, having so many healing properties. It was called the universal medicine. Taken with rock salt it reduces vayu; with rock candy it reduces Pitta; with honey it reduces Kapha. Thus it can be used to influence all tridoshas.

Ginger is used in the following ayurvedic remedies:

katu rasam, ushna veeryam, vata-kapha-haram, katu- vipaka, lagu, snigdam, pachanam, ruchyam, vrishyam, swaryam, vibhanda haram, in grahani agnimanthyam. amavatham, chardhi, swasam, soolam, arsas, anaham, hrith-rogam, udhara rogam. It is used externally in kapha, swellings, headache.

Action and Uses in Unani

The following actions of ginger is taken advantage of in Unani Medicine:

aphrodisiac, Carminative, digestive, removes obstruction in the vessels, removes viscid matter, and strengthens memory. In addition, ginger is used in nervous diseases, and for incontinence of urine.

How To Use Ginger:

For treating indigestion, flatulence, colic, vomiting, spasms, stomach and bowel pains with fever, colds, cough, and asthma:

Use ginger-jam.

How To make the Jam

Mix the juice from fresh ginger with water and cane sugar.

Boil it to a syrup like consistency.

Add saffron, powders of cardamom, nutmeg, and clove.

Store properly and use when needed.

For indigestion with want of appetite:

Mix together equal parts of ginger juice, lemon juice and rock salt. Mix well and take it before meals.

Alternately, combine equal parts of ginger and rock-salt. Mix well. Take it just before meals. This cleanses the tongue and throat, increases the appetite and produces a pleasant sensation.

For sciatica and other forms of rheumatism:

A compound oil named Saindha vadya Taila is traditionally used in Ayurveda for this condition

For bile and delirium due to biliousness:

Mix 2 parts of ginger juice with 7 parts of cow's milk. Boil to half volume. Add rock-candy powder. Take this before going to bed.

Alternately, combine two parts each of ginger juice, mango-juice, fine sugar and cow's ghee. Mix well. Melt it down to half the quantity. Take in the morning and evening daily.

For sore throats, hoarseness, and laryngitis:

Chew a piece of fresh ginger. This produces a copious flow of saliva.

For diarrhea:

Rub ginger juice on navel.

For diabetes:

Take ginger juice with rock candy twice daily.

For dyspepsia, loss of appetite and piles

Use Samasarkara Churna. Another remedy, Saubhagya Sunti is used as a carminative tonic in dyspepsia and; in disorders of the alimentary canal in females after confinement.

For nausea, and vomiting

Take a combination of ginger juice and onion juice.

For nervous headache

Mix ginger juice with milk. Let dry. Use as snuff.

For indigestion and low appetite:

Mix ginger with ghee or hot water.

For painful bowels or stomach:

Make an infusion of dry ginger. Mix it with 1-2 tbs. castor oil.

You can also take a mix of asafoetida and ginger powder.

For chronic rheumatism

Make an infusion of dry ginger (Sonth) (combining 1part dry ginger with 24 parts water ). Take this warm just before going to bed. Cover the body with blankets to induce perspiration.

For Dropsy and Cirrhosis of the Liver:

Ayurvedic doctors from India believes that drinking the juice extracted from fresh ginger in gradually increasing doses acts as a strong diuretic that is useful in cases of general dropsy.

Traditional literature suggests that:

"This method was tried 'in three cases of ascites with dropsy arising from cirrhosis of liver of recent origin and there was, when the juice was so administered, complete subsidence of ascites and disappearance of the dropsy.' The fresh juice of the drug acted as a strong diuretic. The patients passed gradually increasing quantities of urine daily."

This remedy, however, was not effective in treating dropsy of chronic Bright's disease and chronic heart disease. In fact, these conditions got worse when this remedy was administered. Also, "longstanding cases of cirrhosis with ascites did not derive the slightest benefit from its administration." The Ayurvedic literature goes on to state that "fresh ginger juice, when properly administered, will be found beneficial in cases of early cirrhosis of the liver with ascites and dropsy of the lower limbs."

For Dropsy

See Ginger Remedy for Dropsy

For rheumatism

See Sunta Ghrita. It is an Ayurvedic herbal remedy for rheumatism that incorporates ginger.

For headache

Make a ginger paste by mixing dry ginger powder with a little water or aloe gel . Apply and rub this paste to the forehead before going to sleep

For neuralgic head ache

See Ginger Headache Remedy

For tooth or face aches:

Make a paste of ginger powder and aloe gel or water. Apply the paste to the face.

For fainting

See Ginger Remedy for Fainting

For Cholera

In the collapse stage of cholera, powdered ginger is rubbed to the extremities, to check the cold perspiration, improve the local circulation, and to relieve the agonizing cramps.

For vaginismus

Mix powdered dry ginger well with castor oil or with the paste of castor-root. Apply this to the painful parts.

Miscellaneous Home Remedies Utilizing ginger

Ginger Rhubarb Digestive Remedy

This is an Ayurvedic child's digestive.

Ginger Rhubarb Tonic

This is an Ayurvedic tonic useful for digestion.

Ginger Ajowan Indigestion Remedy

An Ayurvedic home remedy for indigestion.

Ginger Stomach-ache Remedy

Ayurvedic home remedy for stomach-ache.

Dosage:

Most people take 2-4 grams of the dried rhizome powder two to three times per day or a tincture of 1.5-3 ml three times daily.

For treatment of nausea, people try single doses of approximately 250 mg every two to three hours, for a total of 1 gram per day.

For prevention of motion sickness, many people start taking ginger tablets, capsules, or liquid herbal extract two days before the planned trip.

Perhaps the most versatile of all herbs, fresh ginger can be topically applied as a warm fomentation to relieve spasms pain and cramps. Simply cut several slices of the fresh root and place them in a pan of boiling water. Saturate a flannel cloth with the tea and apply it topically as warm as the body will bear. This is an ideal treatment for stiff neck and shoulders. The herb is cooked with meat to aid its assimilation and detoxify it. Fresh ginger tea is the most ideal herb to use for the first signs of mucus, cold, cough, and so on. To make it taste better, add honey. Drinking ginger tea with meals will greatly aid digestion and assimilation and is useful for those with weak, cold digestion.

Safety:

Ginger is one of the most widely available and widely used herbal remedy on the planet. Billions of people use ginger safely daily as food and medicine. A few precautions should be followed, though.

Ginger should not be used by those with heat signs in the lungs or stomach.

Side effects of ginger are rare when used as recommended. However, some people may be sensitive to the taste or may experience heartburn. Persons with a history of gallstones should consult a nutritionally oriented doctor before using ginger.

Ginger can prolong the sleeping time induced by barbiturates. Use ginger with extreme caution if you are taking any kind of medication to induce sleep.

Ginger is contraindicated in morning sickness. Because of its cholagogic effect, ginger should not be taken in the presence of gallstone conditions except under the supervision of a doctor. The daily consumption of ginger root may interfere with the absorption of dietary iron and fat-soluble vitamins. Avoid taking ginger for two weeks prior to undergoing elective surgery.

Short-term use of ginger for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy appears to pose no safety problems; however, long-term use during pregnancy is not recommended.

Ginger can increase the potency of prescription medications used to prevent blood clots, such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or warfarin (Coumadin). Combining ginger with these medications could result in unexpected bleeding. Discuss with your physician before taking ginger to control nausea after surgery. If bleeding is a major risk, ginger should be avoided.

Clove

Name: Clove

Biological Name: Caryophyllus aromaticus, Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia caryophyllata

Myrtaceae

Other Names: Clove, clovos, caryophyllus

Parts Used: Flower buds

Active Compounds:

Clove oil is 60 to 90 percent eugenol, which is the source of its anesthetic and antiseptic properties.

History:

During the Han dynasty (207 B. C. to 220 A. D.) those who addressed the Chinese emperor were required to hold cloves in their mouths to mask bad breath. Traditional Chinese physicians have long used the herb to treat indigestion, diarrhea, hernia, and ringworm, as well as athlete's foot and other fungal infections.

India's traditional Ayurvedic healers have used clove since ancient times to treat respiratory and digestive ailments.

Clove first arrived in Europe around the 4th century A.D. as a highly coveted luxury. The medieval German herbalists used cloves as part of anti-gout mixture.

Once clove became easily available in Europe, it was prized as a treatment for indigestion, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It was also used to treat cough, infertility, warts, worms, wounds, and toothache.

Early American Eclectic physicians used clove to treat digestive complaints and added it to bitter herb- medicine preparations to make them more palatable. They were also the first to extract clove oil from the herbal buds. They used it on the gums to relieve toothache.

Contemporary herbalists recommend clove for digestive complaints and its oil for toothache.

Remedies For:

Anodyne, antiemetic, antiseptic

Toothache, oral hygiene:

Dentists use clove oil as an oral anesthetic. They also use it to disinfect root canals.

Antiseptic Uses:

Clove oil is the active ingredient in several mouthwash and a number of over-the-counter toothache pain-relief preparations.

Infection fighter:

Clove kills intestinal parasites and exhibits broad antimicrobial properties against fungi and bacteria supporting its traditional use as a treatment for diarrhea, intestinal worms, and other digestive ailments.

Digestive aid:

Like many culinary spices, clove may help relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract.

Clove oil will stop the pain of a toothache when dropped into a cavity. A few drops of the oil in water will stop vomiting, and clove tea will relieve nausea. Eating cloves is said to be aphrodisiac.

Description:

The clove is an evergreen tree, 15 to 30 feet tall, native to the Spice Islands and the Philippines but also grown in India, Sumatra, Jamaica, the West Indies, Brazil, and other tropical areas. It has opposite, ovate leaves more than 5 inches long; and its flowers, when allowed to develop, are red and white, bell-shaped, and grow in terminal clusters. The familiar clove used in the kitchen is the dried flower bud. The fruit is a one- or two-seeded berry.

Dosage:

Infusion: Use 1 teaspoon of powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 20 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

Medicinal amounts of clove should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary. For temporary relief of toothache prior to professional care, dip a cotton swab in clove oil and apply it to the affected tooth and surrounding gum.

Safety:

Toothaches require professional care. Clove oil may provide temporary relief, but see a dentist promptly.

Japanese researchers have discovered that like many spices, clove contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent the cell damage that scientists believe eventually causes cancer. On the other hand, in laboratory tests, the chemical eugenol, has been found to be a weak tumor promoter, making clove one of many healing herbs with both pro- and anti-cancer effects. At this point, scientists aren't sure which way the balance tilts. Until they are, anyone with a history of cancer should not use medicinal amounts of clove.

For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, powdered clove is considered nontoxic. However, high doses of the oil may cause stomach upset when ingested. When used externally, it may develop a rash.

Clove and clove oil in medicinal amounts should be consumed only under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Cardamom (Elachi)

Name: Cardamom

Biological Name: Elettaria cardamomum, Elettaria repens

Zingiberaceae

Other Names: Bastard cardamom, cardamom seeds, cardamon, Malabar cardamom, cardamom, Ela, Elachi

Yelam

Description:

Cardamom is a perennial plant found commonly in southern India. The simple, erect stems grow to a height of 6 to 10 feet from a thumb-thick, creeping rootstock. The leaves are lanceolate, dark green and glabrous above, lighter and silky beneath. The small, yellowish flowers grow in loose racemes on prostrate flower stems. The fruit is a three-celled-capsule holding up to 18 seeds.

Parts Used: Seed

Active Compounds:

The seeds and pods contain a volatile oil which is used in perfumes and as a stimulant.

History:

It is said that cardamom grew in the gardens of the King of Babylon in 720 B.C. The ancient Egyptians chewed cardamoms to whiten their teeth and simultaneously sweeten their breath. As early as 4 B.C., Indian Ayurvedic medicine texts used the spice to remove fat and as a cure for urinary and skin complaints. Cardamom was used in perfumes by ancient Greeks and Romans, and also recommended by Apicius, a famous Roman epicure, to counteract over-indulgence.

Medicinal Uses

Action

appetizer, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive stimulant, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic.

Uses

asthma

belching

biliousness

bronchitis

colds

cough

diarrhea

headache

hoarseness

indigestion

involuntary urination

nausea

respiratory disorders

stomach complaints

to stimulate the mind

vomiting

Cardamom seeds are useful for flatulence, but they are usually used as adjuvants with other remedies. They are also used as a spice in cooking and as a flavoring in other medicines.

The seeds and pods contain a volatile oil which is used in perfumes and as a stimulant. The aphrodisiac properties of cardamom are extolled in Arabian Nights- the people in Middle East still believe that cardamom possesses such properties. Cardamom is a stimulant, it cools the body in extreme heat and it aids digestion.

Remedy for Celiac Disease:

Chinese use powdered cardamom sprinkled on cooked cereal to correct celiac disease (intolerance for the gluten commonly occurring in children, marked by frequent diarrhea and continual digestive problems.)

Dosage:

Infusion (don't boil seeds), powder, milk decoction

Safety:

No information available.

Black Pepper

Name:

Black Pepper

Biological Name:

Piper nigrum

Piperaceae

Other Names:

Black pepper, pepper, white pepper, green peppercorns, Maricha, Gulmirch

Kurumulaku, Nellamulaku

Parts Used: fruit

Active Compounds:

Black pepper's aromatic, slightly musty odor comes from the volatile oils found largely in the flesh and skin; its pungent bite comes from the alkaloids-piperine and piperidine-and resins found mostly in the seeds. The oils go into perfumes and flavorings.

History:

No plant since the apple of Eden has had a larger, more telling effect on human history than the black pepper vine. Beginning in 327 B.C., when Alexander the Great invaded India and discovered the pleasures of well-seasoned food, wars have been fought, kingdoms over- thrown, unknown oceans braved, and continents discovered-all for the sake of peppercorns.

Attila the Hun, holding all of Rome hostage, demanded 3,000 pounds of them as tribute. Throughout medieval Europe, pepper was commonly traded, ounce for ounce, for gold.

In 1488, in search of a water route to the spice markets of India, Bartholomeu Dias first sailed the raging waters around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. Four years later, looking for an easier route to the same markets, Columbus landed in the New World.

In the centuries that followed, European nations vied viciously with each other in colonizing tropical lands and trying to comer the spice market.

Description:

The black pepper is produced by a woody, broad-leaved evergreen vine that is cultivated today in many tropical lands, from India, Indonesia, and Malaysia to South America and the West Indies. The stout vine, which is allowed to climb poles or small trees in cultivation, bears many slender, densely packed flower spikes. The fruits that develop upon these spikes are generally harvested while still green; the signal is the reddening of the lowest fruits on a spike. The green fruits are dried until the flesh around the single hard seed is wrinkled and grayish black, then ground into black pepper or packaged and sold as whole peppercorns.

The milder white pepper is made from the same plant; but the fruits are allowed to ripen, and the flesh is removed before the seeds are ground.

Medicinal Uses

Action

anthelmintic, antipyretic, antiperiodic, carminative, expectorant, stimulant

Externally- resolvent, rubefacient, stimulant

Uses

asthma

boils

cholera

colic

cough

diarrhea

fever

gas

gastric ailments

hemorrhoids

indigestion

chronic rheumatism

obesity

plegm

sinus congestion

skin diseases

sore throat

worms

Pepper has long been recognized as an ingredient for stimulating the appetite as well as an aid in the relief of nausea. In India it had been used as a medicine for variety of ailments from paralysis to toothache.

East Africans are believe that body odor produced after eating substantial amounts of pepper repels mosquitoes.

A Philippine folk remedy calls for a a generous pinch of black pepper and an equivalent amount of anise to be combined to 1 cup of brandy. Warm it over low heat (Do not boil.). Slowly sip small amount of this while still warm. Retain in the mouth for 45 seconds before swallowing. This helps to reduce elevated body temperature due to fever.

Black pepper is used in liniments and gargles; they have been used as carminatives, reducing stomach and intestinal gas; and they have been found to stimulate the activity of the heart and kidneys. It is also an effective insecticide against houseflies. Gardeners use pepper sprays against several kinds of pests.

For toothache

Make a decoction of the pepper by adding 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper to 1/2 cup boiling water. Stir, cover and simmer on low heat for 7 minutes. Steep, still covered for another 15 minutes. Strain.

For toothache, rinse the mouth with small sips with warm decoction. Retain the liquid in the mouth for a minute or more. Repeat as needed.

Safety:

Caution: May cause digestive Inflammations.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

(Aloe barbadensis, Aloe capensis)

Plant Part Used

Leaf gel; latex

Introduction

Aloe is a succulent plant, mostly found in East and South Africa that has been used medicinally for centuries. Traditional applications abound, including topical use in wounds, burns, rashes, and internal use as a laxative. While the gel from the aloe leaf may provide the wound healing properties, the bitter, yellow latex from the plant contains a bowel stimulant that may function as a laxative.

Today, aloe vera gel is found in many commercial skin-care products, shampoos, and conditioners while the latex is a key component of many commercial laxatives.

Reported Uses

Aloe vera gel has been used for centuries, both internally and externally, to treat a wide variety of wounds including traumatic wounds, burns, lacerations, abrasions, punctures, sunburns, inflammation, and frost bite. It has been used to treat skin disorders like psoriasis, a rare skin disease known as lichen planus,(1) and diabetic and pressure ulcers.(2) Internally, aloe may also be useful in the treatment of peptic ulcers, some studies suggest.(3, 4) Taken orally, aloe vera gel helped reduce symptoms of patients with ulcerative colitis because of its anti-inflammatory effect.(5)

Scientists think aloe enhances the body's natural wound-healing systems while stimulating the activity of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for regenerating and maintaining tissue structure and integrity.(6) Aloe also contains vitamins and minerals that may be beneficial in wound healing.(7, 8) What's more, aloe may have anti-inflammatory effects, which might further contribute to wound healing.(9)

Aloe vera has been reported for years to be effective in treating various types of burns,(10, 11, 12) including those resulting from radiation therapy. Without the use of aloe gel the radiation effects to the skin occurred in three weeks compared to five weeks when the gel was used.(13)

While aloe is best known for its ability to mend our wounds, it may also have a few other applications. Most important of these is aloe's role as a laxative. Scientists and traditional healers alike have long known that the latex form of aloe vera can have laxative effects.(14)

Studies suggest that one component of aloe vera may support immunity and function as an anti-viral agent.(15, 16) Some studies have even looked at the use of aloe in the treatment of HIV and type 1 herpes, but results are inconclusive at this time.(17) Other studies have looked at aloe's potential antibacterial and antifungal properties.(18)

Though studies have conflicting results, aloe may help support proper blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or similar disorders.(19, 20)

Dosage Info

Dosage Range

Leaf gel: Apply topically as needed to affected areas. Aloe vera gel may be taken internally at doses of 1-3 tablespoons, up to 3 times daily; recommended to use aloin and aloe-emodin free products if using internally.

Latex: 20-30mg hydroxyantracene derivatives daily.

Most Common Dosage

Leaf gel: Apply topically as needed to affected areas. Internally: 2 tablespoons, 3 times a day; recommended to use aloin and aloe-emodin free products if using internally.

Latex: 20mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives daily.

Standardization

Leaf gel: If using internally, it is recommended to use aloin and aloe-emodin free products.

Latex: The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be 20-30mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives per dose of the latex, calculated as anhydrous aloin.

*Standardization represents the complete body of information and controls that serve to enhance the batch to batch consistency of a botanical product, including but not limited to the presence of a marker compound at a defined level or within a defined range.(21)

Toxicities & Precautions

Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.

General

Because of the laxative effects of latex, overuse may cause electrolyte imbalances.(22)

If used in wound healing and the wound has not improved in five to seven days, consult your physician or seek further medical attention.

Side Effects

Occasional side effects have been reported with the use of this dietary supplement. Discontinue topical use if rash or irritation develops.(23) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away.

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding

This dietary supplement should not be used in pregnant women.(24)

This dietary supplement should not be used if you are breast-feeding an infant.(24)

Age Limitations

To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem Benefits:

Make Neem Your Safety Net

Neem, scientifically referred to as Azadirachta indica, is a medicinal tree. It offers plenty of usages in several shapes and sizes. It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, and anti-infertility properties. All parts of Neem including seeds, leaves, flowers and bark have medicinal properties. It is native to Indian continent.

Typically, it is known as the ¡¥village pharmacy¡¦ because of its holistic power to protect against several health complications. Let us explore some more details about it. Since ancient ages, this tree is well-respected the history of natural medicine. It can treat various diseases and disorders ranging from malaria to bad teeth. Almost all parts of this tree contain medicinal benefits. Its seeds, leaves and barks have compounds known as limonoids with proven medicinal properties.

Ecology

Neem is drought resistance. It can tolerate almost any length of high temperature. Typically this tree is grown in sub-arid to sub-humid areas, where the annual rainfall varies between 400mm to 1200mm. This tree thrives in any types of soil, however, best grown in well drained deep sandy soil. This tree cannot stay alive below 4„aC temperatures. At this temperature, leaf shedding is confirmed in addition to premature death.

Neem tree has various usages in a variety of sectors. Let us focus exploring some of them.

Medicinal Usages

The twig of this tree is largely used as a tooth brush in different regions of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is an oldest tradition used effectively in dental care. The oil extracted from the seeds and kernel of the Neem tree is used in the manufacturing of cosmetics such as soaps, shampoos, balms, and creams. It has the potentiality to use as a great carbon dioxide sink. Traditionally it has been recognized as a great resource for anti-desertification property. It offers great solution to acne and provides good support for skin elasticity. Ayurveda and traditional herbal medicine suggest chicken pox patients to sleep on neem leaves to get rid off the problem. The neem gum prepared from bark is typically used as a bulking agent and for the production of medicinal foods for diabetic patients.

Horticulture Usages

This tree offers a great resource for environment-friendly biopesticides. Limonoids found in the leaves, seeds and bark are used as an effective insect-growth controlling substance. The uniqueness lies with its ability to alter the life-processing behavior of the insect in such a fashion that the insect becomes unable to feed, breed or undergo through metamorphosis process.

Disease Control and Pest Control

The extract of leaves, seeds as well as barks is effective in treating scabies, a transmissible ectoparasite skin infection. It is a great substitute for permethrin. Scabies is not at all resistant to the biochemical properties of neem, so in prolonged complication of scabies neem is found to be effective. Human head lice can be cured with the external application of neem leave juice over the scalp. In Ayurveda, it is respected as ¡¥Sarbaroganibarini¡¦, which means ¡¥cure for all diseases¡.

According to the report produced by The National Institute of Health, its extract has the potentiality to be used as an AIDS preventive. However, not sufficient researches have been conducted so far.

It has anti-allergic properties. So it is able to inhibit allergic reactions if applied either externally or internally. Possibly in recent decades, it can be used as an effective male birth control pill. This is the for the first time in human history the production of men birth pill without affecting libido or sperm production has become possible within the span of controlled study.

It has the ability to enhance the immune system. Also its immune polysaccharides property makes it a future cancer cure. Apart from that, it decreases the blood sugar level and reduces the possible usage of insulin to 30%-50%, hence it is effective for diabetic patient. The extracts are found to be beneficial for other diseases as well such as herpes, heart diseases, hepatitis, fungal infection, malaria, psoriasis, and ulcer.

Hakeem Akbar Ali Ahmed is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about Neem for Acne. Also read about Eczema in Children if you are worried about your Child Skin Care.