Wednesday, 9 April 2014

The drumstick Tree (Moringa Oleifera)

The moringa is a tall erect tree, its a fast grower, with small white flowers and round leaves. It produces long ribbed pods, which looks like drumsticks, and hence the name. its seeds looks like wings. Almost every part of the drumstick tree has so much therapeutic or nutritional value, it could be considered an all- natural pharmacy and multi-vitamin.
The leaves contain high amounts of vitamin A(4X more thn carrots), Vitamin C(7X more than oranges) protein(2X that of milk and= to eggs) Calcium(4X more than milk) Iron(3X the iron of spinach) and potassium(3X the amount in bananas) which is essential for the functioning of the brain and nerves.
India's ancient tradition of Ayurveda says the leaves prevent 300 diseases. They are antibacterial are a natural antibiotic, very much like penicilin, and a wonderful cleanser for respiratory diseases. It is a great tonic for everyone, especially infants and growing children. The leaves can be dried in the shade and then grind and placed in a sealed dark container.
Drumstick pods have the same nutritional value as the leaves. Four or five sticks made into soup provide enough calcium for anyone suffering from diseases like osteoporosis. A soup of the leaves, flowers and sticks helps prevent infections of the throat, chest and skin. The high content of vitamin A in both leaves and pods can save the eyesight of children.

Sunday, 1 September 2013

Compresses

A compress is a very good way of treating muscular pain, sprains and bruises as well as reducing pain and congestion of internal organs. The compresses can be used either hot or cold according to the nature of the condition being treated.
For injuries such as sprains, bruises, swellings, inflammation and headaches, cold compresses are recommended. Hot compresses are recommended for the following: old injuries, muscular pain, toothache, menstrual cramp, cystitis, boils, abscesses etc..
To make a hot compress: sprinkle 4-6 drops of essential oil in half litre of water as hot as you can bear, place a small towel or soft fabric on top of the water. Wring out the excess water and place the fabric over the area to be treated, cover this with a piece of plastic and then lightly bandage in place if necessary. Leave in place until it has cooled to body temperature, renew at intervals as necessary.
To make a cold Compress: Use exactly the same method but with icy cold water. Leave in place until it warms up to body heat and renew as required.

Thursday, 1 August 2013

Carpal Tunnel syndrome

Carpel tunnel syndrome is pressure on the nerves where it passes from the wrist into the hand via the carpel tunnel, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers, pain when writing, typing, gripping, or other activities that involve repetitive use of the wrists and hands. Symptoms usually get worse at night and may affect one or both hands. This syndrome is commonly caused by repetitive movements like, data entry, working out with weights or chopping vegetables. It can also appear for no reason, typically in middle-aged women, or in women who are pregnant or taking oral contraceptives.
  • Practical advice: Rest the hand as much as possible. Take regular breaks from repetitive hand work. If you are working at a keyboard or machine, try to stop and do listed below every thirty minutes.
  • Dietary - Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to carpel tunnel syndrome. Studies show that taking a daily supplement of 100 ml of vitamin b6, along with a vitamin B-complex supplement, helps relieve symptoms after 6-12 weeks.
  • Hydrotherapy: Place an ice pack on the wrist for 10 minutes, take off for 10 minutes, repeat 4 times. Perform this procedure in morning and night.
  • Exercise: Do the following exercise at least 4 times a day to relieve numbness and tingling. Clench your fists, then spread your fingers out; repeat 20 times. Circle the hands, rotating from the wrist, for about 2 minutes. Do the same exercise with your hands above your head to relieve tension in the arms and neck.
  • Chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture are effective treatments for this condition.
  • In some severe cases doctors may give a cortisone injection, or surgery maybe recommended.

Monday, 15 July 2013

Face pack for "Normal" skin

2 teaspoons natural live yoghurt
1 teaspoon almond oil
1 drop rosemary or lavender
approximately half teaspoonful of oatmeal to bind

Mix the essential oil into the almond oil and stir in the other ingredients to form a paste. Apply to the face and neck, and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

Friday, 5 July 2013

Essential oils and Hormones

Some essential oils contain plant hormones, for example, Fennel which contains a substance very similar in its chemical structure to oestrogen. It is used in aromatherapy to help those suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome, menopausal difficulties and as an anti-wrinkle skin treatment oil.
Plants such as Fennel, Caraway and Fenugreek stimulate the flow of milk, whereas peppermint and sage decrease the flow.
Garlic helps to balance thyroid secretion.
Basil, geranium, pine and rosemary stimulate the adrenal cortex.
Clary sage, lavender and ylang-ylang lower high blood pressure.
Camphor and rosemary raise low blood pressure.
Lemon and hyssop act as regulators of blood pressure: they can raise or lower.
Cypress balances female sex-hormones, which is useful during menopause.
Other oils such as sandalwood, jasmine, rose and neroli acts more on an emotional level.

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Red stone- Ruby

Ruby- red clear-fires up the heart with sparkles. It symbolizes spiritual love and devotion, it is connected to lord Shiva, which is also an aspect of divine fire and purification. The ruby gives positive life force qualities, it activates and vitalizes the whole body through the circulation of the blood stream. It has a heating and stimulating vibration, sometimes it contains inclusions of rutile needles, which gives it a silky lustre and added power.

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

TMJ-Temporomandibular joint syndrome

TMJ: Pain that affects the head, jaw, and face when the temporomandibular joint(connecting the jaw bone to the skulll just below and beside the ear)and its surrounding muscles and ligaments do not function correctly. It is often caused by clenching or grinding the teeth. Symptoms include frequent headaches, pain around the ear, and clicking noises when the mouth is opened or closed.
Hydrotherapy: The first course of treatment is to relax tight muscles in the jaw area by increasing the blood flow. This can be done with hot or cold treatment. Prepare an ice pack, using a bag of ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a kitchen towel, and place it on the painful side of the jaw. Alternatively, use a heating pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Keep the ice pack or hot water bottle in place for about 10 minutes. Repeat several times.
Massage: Lay the tips of your fingers on the jaw muscles. You can locate these by clenching and unclenching the teeth, which activates the jaw muscles. Unclench the teeth and massage the area with small, firm circular movements, gradually easing away the tension.
Acupressure: Place the heels of your hands between the upper and lower jaws, in front of the earlobes, and gradually press inwards. Clench your back teeth-you will feel a muscle pushing out into your hands. Press again on this muscle with the teeth apart for 1 minute, release and alternate to the other side of the jaw.
Chiropractic treatment can be most helpful in this condition. Acupuncture can help relieve spasm and pain.
Muscle relaxant drugs may be recommended to relieve spasm. Orthodontists can prescribe a bite-splint, or cortisone injected directly into the joint can reduce inflamation and reduce symptoms.