HEALING HERBS: FOR BLOOD SUGAR - DIABETES

2018 0624 25  Healing Herbs: For Blood Sugar - Diabetes

Best Herbs and Spices for lowering Blood Sugar

We live in a world where prescription medicine is getting more and more expensive as well as controversial. Alternative medicine is gaining momentum and with good reason! The same is true for treatments for diabetes type 2. You have therapies that can reverse diabetes through lifestyle and diet changes, natural supplements that can help stabilize blood sugar levels, and also herbs that lower blood sugar. Not only are these alternative therapies safer, but they are also easier on your pocket, on your body and mind.

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is necessary for the body’s overall health. Erratic blood sugar levels can affect the body’s ability to function normally and even lead to complications if left unchecked. Some herbs and spices found in nature do a tremendous job of naturally lowering blood sugar levels, making them a boon for diabetics and pre-diabetics. What’s more, being nature’s multi-taskers, herbs and spices also produce overall health benefits beyond just helping balance blood sugar.

Let us look at some of the best herbs that lower blood sugar, along with a few spices: 

Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema Sylvestre is one of the most powerful herbs for treating high blood glucose – both type 1 and 2 diabetics. It promotes glucose utilization in the cells thus lowering blood glucose. It also prevents the liver from releasing more glucose into the blood stream, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides.

Gymnema Sylvestre is used in traditional Indian medicine since the 6th century BC. The leaves of this plant contain ‘gymnemic acids’ that have the amazing ability to slow down the transport of glucose from the intestines to the bloodstream. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

According to studies, cinnamon may have a positive effect on the glycemic control and the lipid profile in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. This is because it contains 18% polyphenol content in dry weight. This popular Indian spice can improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control. 

Cloves

Cloves

This spice contains 30% of the antioxidant phenol in dry weight, along with antioxidants anthocyanins and quercetin. As a result, cloves have antiseptic as well as germicidal properties. It also offers anti-inflammatory, analgesic and digestive health benefits for diabetics.

Curry Leaves

Curry leaves

Curry leaves help to stabilize blood glucose levels and impact carbohydrate metabolism. Curry leaves contain a phytochemical that can help control blood sugar level in patients with Diabetes type 2 by reducing fasting and postprandial blood sugar level. Also, the amazing antioxidant properties of curry leaves can boost pancreatic cell production, thereby improving insulin function.

Garlic

Garlic

Oral administration of Garlic significantly decrease serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, creatinine, AST and ALT levels. Garlic also helps reduce high cholesterol levels, a complication that diabetics often face. This makes it an excellent spice to use for in all recipes!

Ginger

Ginger

A spice that is popular for soothing your stomach and aiding digestion, Ginger also has the ability to normalize blood sugar levels. Ginger extract can have a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect. It lowers serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and increases the HDL-cholesterol levels. Diabetes is a digestive disorder. Diabetics often face issues with acid reflux. Ginger soothes the entire digestive tract, giving diabetics another reason to add ginger to their supplement regimen.

Turmeric

Turmeric

Turmeric has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that all come together to help diabetics manage more stable blood sugar levels. It helps boost immunity and prevent infections that diabetics are often vulnerable to. 

Many diabetics also suffer from arthritis, since the sugar laden blood and inflammatory processes typical to diabetes often damage joints. Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory abilities, also helps with these joint pains.

                                       



YouTube Video 1: Healing Herbs: For Blood Sugar - Diabetes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mo_GGwzzYQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mo_GGwzzYQ

YouTube Video 2: Healing Herbs: For Blood Sugar - Diabeteshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F90BbqLEPh4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F90BbqLEPh4

 

HEALING HERBS: FOR HYPERTENSION / HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

2018 0617 24  Healing Herbs: For Hypertension / High Blood Pressure

Garlic - helps to break up toxins. You know toxin buildup leads to abnormal blood pressure and heart problems. Garlic stimulates blood circulation and is best herbs for the digestive system.

Arjuna – is a famous cardiac tonic, it is used to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and for heart conditions. Traditionally used to support circulation and oxygenation of tissues. It acts similar to the beta-blocker, also a powerful antioxidant and protects liver. 

Sarpagandha - has sedative and anti-hypertension property, thus for centuries, it is in use for the treatment of hypertension by traditional Indians. 

Punarnava - is an excellent natural diuretic, anti-inflammatory, mild laxative and heart tonic. It is useful in treating obesity, to improve appetite, jaundice, and general fever. According to Chinese’s medicine, blood pressure has a relation with kidney malfunction. 

Coriander - is a good diuretic, it makes your kidneys perform their roles of excretion better and thus lowers high blood pressure. 

Ashwagandha – is a sedative, diuretic, adaptogen, rejuvenating tonic, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, and immune booster. It is especially good in stress-related disorders such as arthritis, hypertension, hypotension, diabetes, and general debility. 

Ginkgo Biloba - can improve blood circulation by dilating arteries and reducing blood pressure. Gingko also aids in improving memory and mental alertness because of increased blood flow to the brain. 

Hawthorn’s berry - opens coronary arteries, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure. Hawthorn lessens artery hardening and strengthens heart muscle making it more effective in delivering blood to the body. 

Ginger - lowers the blood pressure by relaxing muscles surrounding blood vessels. Commonly used in Asian cooking. Ginger is also a powerful digestive herb helps relieve uneasiness and nausea. 

                                          

YouTube Video 1: For High Blood Pressure: [Click Here]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX7T7MHV6Us

YouTube Video 2: For High Blood Pressure: [Click Here]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7cuy9-Ouvw

 

HEALING HERBS : ARUGAMPUL [DURVA OR BERMUDA GRASS]

2018 0610 23  Healing Herbs: Arugampul [Durva or Bermuda Grass]                                                    

Everyone knows about Bermuda Grass or Cynodon dactylon which grows all over the world. Bermuda Grass or Durva Grass [Arugampul] has many health benefits and has been used in Ayurvedic Medicine in India for thousands of years for many ailments… and the juice is also called Arugampul juice in Tamil.

Alkalizing – Durva Grass juice is great for alkalizing the body thus helping to prevent acidosis that eventually creates inflammation and then opens the door to the creation of disease.

Detoxing – Durva Grass is a good detoxing agent, helps to cleans the liver and cells of the body and blood with chlorophyll.

Anemia – Durva Grass juice contains over 65% chlorophyll and hence it has the ability to boost hemoglobin and red blood cell production, thus helping with anemia.

Diabetes – Juicing Durva Grass with a few Neem Leaves is great for lowering and stabilizing blood sugar… and Durva Grass juice by itself lowers and stabilises blood sugar.

Great for Acidic Stomach and Indigestion – Durva Grass juice is great for lowering stomach acids thus helping with gastric ulcers, gastritis, and gastrolgia. Most people have seen dogs eating grass and there’s a reason why… it helps with GI distress.

Diuretic – Durva Grass juice is a good diuretic helping to detox the body and get rid of excess water retention. And being a good diuretic it helps to flush out kidney stones and helps with urinary tract infections.

Lung Problems – Durva Grass juice opens up the lungs and clears away congestion… making it great for colds, flues, asthma, and bronchitis.

Stops Bleeding – Durva Grass juice stops nose bleeds, GI bleeding, helps with excessive menstrual bleeding, and more.

Skin – Durva Grass juice rubbed on the skin helps with minor rashes, irritations, and a paste of Durv Grass stops the bleeding of skin wounds. Also boiling Durva Grass with coconut oil and licorice root for 15 minutes and applying to the skin helps with eczema. And Durva Grass paste mixed with turmeric powder works well for fungal infections.

Hunger – Durva Grass juice helps those who suffer from constant hunger, thus helping with obesity.

Contains – Durva Grass contains some crude protein, phosphorus and calcium for strong teeth and bones, potassium for water regulation and heart health, manganese for enzyme production, plus fiber for creating a good environment for probiotic growth in the colon (if the whole plant is consumed).

Antioxidants – Durva Grass contains Vitamin’s A and C which are great antioxidants that prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer. Also palmitic acid like that found in coconut oil which helps with atherosclerosis.

Making Juice – Take a large amount of washed Bermuda Grass tops without the roots and add coconut water or filtered water and juice in a wheat grass juicer. Drink the juice first thing in the morning, and do not eat anything else for a couple hours to make sure the juice has a chance to do its job without being diluted. A wheat grass juicer works well for juicing Bermuda Grass.

Alternate Method of Making Juice – Durva Grass juice can also be made by using a regular blender and then straining the juice through a fine strainer or cheese cloth. Add a little honey or stevia if you like the juice sweeter, but fresh Durva Grass juice is very refreshing and tasty by itself.

Powerful Mixture – Durva Grass juice mixed with a little fresh turmeric and a little honey or stevia is a powerful, refreshing, and soothing drink.

Dose – Drink at least one large glass of Durva Grass juice daily as needed on an empty stomach.

                                 


YouTub Video 1: Healing Herbs: Arugampul: [Clik Here]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eLxxy72ieg

YouTub Video 2: Healing Herbs: Arugampul: [Clik Here]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYfP0XOU2YA

                                         

HEALING HERBS: HOLY BASIL OR TULSI

2018 0603 22  Healing Herbs: Holy Basil or Tulsi 

The health benefits of "Holy Basil", also known as Tulsi, include oral care, relief from respiratory disorders, as well as treatment of fever, asthma, lungs disorder and heart diseases, to name a few. 

Holy Basil, which has the scientific name Ocimum sanctum is undoubtedly one of the best medicinal herbs that have been discovered.  It has endless medicinal values and has been worshiped and highly valued in India for thousands of years. Tulsi is commonly found in two varieties – the green coloured Lakshmi tulsi and the purple hued Krishna tulsi.

Even going close to a Tulsi plant can protect you from many infections. A few leaves dropped in drinking water or food can purify and kill the germs within as well. Even smelling it or keeping it planted in a pot indoors can protect the whole family from infections, cough, cold, and other viral infections.

These applications are not at all exaggerated. It has been an age-old custom in India to worship it two times a day, water it, and light lamps near it in the morning and evening. It was and still is, believed to protect the whole family from evil and bring good luck. Basil leaves have also been an essential part of all worship ceremonies since ancient times. These practices are not superstitious as they actually have sufficient scientific reasoning behind them. Keeping in view the ultra-disinfectant and germicidal properties of this legendary herb, wise people devised these customs to bring people into contact with this plant every day, so that they may keep safe from day-to-day infections.

Cures Fever

The miraculous healing properties of Holy basil come mainly from its essential oils and the phytonutrients in it. Holy basil is an excellent antibiotic, germicidal, fungicidal, and disinfectant agent and very effectively protects our body from all sorts of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It is an old practice in India to have a decoction of tulsi leaves and flowers in case anyone is suffering from a fever.

Cures Respiratory Disorders

Tulsi, along with curing viral, bacterial, and fungal infections of the respiratory system, gives miraculous relief from congestion due to the presence of components like camphene, eugenol, and cineole in its essential oils. It is very effective in curing almost all respiratory disorders including bronchitis, both chronic and acute.

Treats Asthma

Tulsi is very beneficial in the treatment of asthma since it relieves congestion and facilitates smoother breathing. The phytonutrients and essential oils, along with the other minerals in it, help cure some of the underlying causes of asthma as well.

Prevents Lung Disorders

The compounds like Vitamin C, camphene, eugenol, and cineole present in the essential oils of tulsi not only cure the infections in the lungs but also cure the congestion in them. Furthermore, they are found to be effective in healing the damages caused to the lungs due to smoking and tuberculosis, and prevents lung cancer. It also helps to cure tuberculosis due to its antibiotic properties.

Prevents Heart Diseases

Holy basil contains vitamin C and other antioxidants such as eugenol, which protect the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. Additionally, eugenol is very beneficial in reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood.

Reduces Stress

Vitamin C and other antioxidants in Holy Basil, apart from repairing damages done by free radicals, also minimize the stress caused by these oxidants. They soothe the nerves, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and thus reduce stress. Potassium in Tulsi, also reduces blood pressure-related stress by replacing sodium and loosening the tensed blood vessels.

Mouth Freshener

Tulsi is an excellent mouth freshener and an oral disinfectant and its freshness last for a very long time. Holy Basil destroys more than 99% of germs and bacteria in the mouth and this effect can last all day. It also cures ulcers in the mouth. Finally, it is known to inhibit the growth of oral cancer which can be caused by chewing tobacco.

Prevents Kidney Stones

Tulsi, being a detoxifier and a mild diuretic, helps to reduce the uric acid level in the body, which is the main culprit as far as kidney stones are concerned. It also helps clean out the kidneys through increased frequency of urination. Acetic acid and certain components in Tulsi essential oil facilitate dissolution of the stones. Finally, it has pain-killer effects and helps bear the pain from kidney stones as they pass.

Skin Care

Try taking a bath with a decoction of Holy basil mixed with your bath water, washing your face with it, or simply applying the paste of its leaves on an infected area of the skin in case of skin diseases. Rubbing holy basil leaves or its extracted oil on the body keeps mosquitoes and other insects away. It cures skin disorders both internally and externally, without any side effects. 

Prevents Premature Aging

Vitamin C and A, phytonutrients, and the essential oils in Holy Basil are excellent antioxidants and protect the body from nearly all the damages caused by free radicals in the body, which are hazardous byproducts of cellular metabolism that are responsible for a wide swath of diseases, including cancer. In the traditional Indian medicine system called Ayurveda, it is considered as a tonic to retain youthful vigor and avoid premature aging.

                                          

YouTube Video: Moolikai Maruthuvam:[Click Here]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roppaMzrgCU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roppaMzrgCU

HOMEOPATHIC CURES: CANTHARIS

2017 0924 39  Homeopathic Cures: Cantharis Q [Mother Tincture]

As an external remedy Cantharis will prevent blisters forming in cases of accidents by fire [burns or injuries from heated solids & scalds or injuries from heated liquids] if applied with sufficient promptness. In all cases of burns or scalds, one of the first things to do is, to prevent the air from access to the injured surface for which cotton wool or cotton of close texture is required. The tender skin of children is often roughened and scaled by exposure to cold winds. Make a lotion, by adding 5 drops of Cantharis tincture to 250 ml of water; with this sponge the exposed skin keeping it wet by repeated application. Internal treatment -- one globule of Cantharis 200c.

Cases* illustrative of the homeopathic healing of burns and scalds:

A lad aged fifteen was scalded on the right leg from near the knee down to the instep. In taking off his stocking it was noticed that several blisters have formed, a large one round the heel and three smaller ones. He was treated with Cantharis lotion. No pain remained after 24 hours.  No fresh blisters and in those already formed, the fluid was absorbed. In four days his leg was quite well and he attended his work as usual.

A little girl two years old fell with her right arm upon a hot poker. The skin did not appear much injured; she soon ceased crying and little notice was taken of the circumstance. The next day, however, she was very feverish and complained of sore arm. Cantharis lotion was now applied and one globule of Cantharis given internally. This treatment lessened the pain and reduced the fever. Eventually she became alright. This should teach that promptness and care are very desirable in such cases.

*from the book "ARNICA, CALENDULA, CANTHARIS, &C AS EXTERNAL REMEDIES IN ACCIDENTS" by Dr Henry Thomas, MD.

           ***                                      ***                                         ***

Let me give an illustration of the efficacy of Cantharis Q in the treatment of scalds from my personal life.  This accident happened in the late 1970's; it was a weekend. Rice cooking was over in a pressure cooker; I went to switch off the gas stove. All of a sudden, the pressure valve gave way and a steaming jet of cooked rice issued forth from the cooker and covered my face and head in no time.  

I had the presence of mind to take out a large basin, filled it with water, pour some Cantharis tincture into it; dipped a nice towel into it; and applied it to my face and head, keeping them wet with the lotion. Internally, I took one globule of Cantharis 200c. I was normal the next day. 

                                

YouTube Video: Cantharis for Burns and Scalds: [Click Here] 2:51min

HOMEOPATHIC CURES: CALENDULA Q

2017 0917 38 Homeopathic Cures: Calendula Q [Mother Tincture]

"Calendula cannot be ignored in cuts with laceration, surface or open injuries," writes Dr JT Kent in his "Materia Medica" [p.354].  "Dilute Calendula used locally will keep the wound odorless, will reduce the amount of pus and favor granulation in the very best possible manner and thus it assists the surgeon in healing up surface wounds. Calendula is all the dressing you will need for open wounds and severe lacerations. It takes away the local pain and suffering."

The following cases*, illustrative of its use in lacerated wounds are worthy of place here:

"A coachman was kicked by his horse on the lower hip which was much torn; the laceration was one inch in length and indented. Compresses were applied to the wound moistened with Calendula Q. After a lapse of three days, the wound healed  and the mark left after healing was scarcely perceptible.

Miss H had a fall down stairs. She had several contusions on the chest a deep hole on the forehead and another hole on the tip and back of the nose. Calendula was applied and the healing was so perfect that no one would suspect there had ever been a wound of any kind.

Mr C had the misfortune to have his fingers caught in the wheel of a mill. The anterior joint of the index finger and the two joints of the ring finger were torn off entirely and the fleshy part of the tip of the middle finger was likewise carried away. A small portion of the bare bone of the second joint of the ring finger had remained and the patient was very anxious to have it taken off. I [Dr Thorer] left it, however, in the hope that the granulation might be favourable and cover this little remnant of the joint with flesh. Calendula was applied on the second day after the occurrence of the acccident. The result of the application was very satisfactory. The wounds did not suppurate  and the granulation went on undisturbed to the termination of the cure. The index finger joint had become covered with flesh.

While cutting a cork with a scalpel, my hand slipped, and I [Dr Thorer] cut the top of the left thumb and thumbnail half way down the nail. I instantly applied pure tincture of Calendula on a cotton rag, which I wrapped round the thumb. On examination four hours afterwards, there was no mark of the cut upon the thumb; the pain was taken away in a few minutes after the application.

Master W had the upper lip cut completely through and the lower lip cut slightly by a stone thrown at him by another boy. The cut was of so decided a character that his father wished me to sew it up, but having full confidence in the power of Calendula to heal the wound, I did not do so. The lip was well cleansed with a lotion of Calendula and then strapped up with Calendula plaster and in less than forty-four hours, when the plaster was removed, the wound had completely healed, leaving a very faint line about half an inch long, showing where the hurt had been.

I have observed that Calendula, in most instance, seems at once to contract the mouths of small arteries."

*from the book "ARNICA, CALENDULA, CANTHARIS, &C AS EXTERNAL REMEDIES IN ACCIDENTS" by Dr Henry Thomas, MD.



YouTube Video:  Calendula, A Healing Herb: [Click Here] 6:41m

HOMEOPATHIC HOME REMEDIES FOR FIRST-AID KIT

2017 0910 37  Homeopathic Home Remedies for First-Aid Kit

HOMEOPATHIC HOME REMEDIES consist of a basic set of homeopathic single remedies, which help in treating all types of aches and pains, boils, cuts and bruises, insect bites, and many common ailments. Each single remedy is marked with its key indications. 

Homeopathic medicines have no harmful side-effects, have no expiry dates when stored safely away from strong odors and sunlight, and are cheap [hence no duplicates].

For external application: [Mother tinctures 10ml bottles with droppers]

01  Calendula Q [for cuts with laceration, open or surface wounds]

02  Cantharis Q  [for burns and scalds] 

For internal intake: [10 ml bottles globules 200c potency]

01  Arnica [injuries, bruise and shock, backache with lameness and soreness]
02  Rhus-tox [rheumatic pains, lumbago, getting wet, sprains from overlifting]

03  Hypericum [nerves affected when fingers are crushed or nails are torn off] 

04  Ledum-pal [punctured wounds by rusty nail, insect bites]

05  Hep-sulph [croupy cough, boils which suppurate, felons, quinsy]
06  Apis-mel [bee-sting with burning pain and swelling]

07  Silicea [corns, expulsion of foreign bodies from wounds]

08  Staphisagria [incised wounds, toothache]

09  Gelsimium [sunstroke, nervous prostration, face-ache]

10  Cocculus [travel sickness, sea sickness]

11  Aconite [cold, fever, tension, newborn does not urinate]

12  Arsenicum-album [food posoning, poisonous insect bites]

13  Nux-vomica [after overeating, indigestion, constipaion]

14  Pulsatilla [earache, menstrual colic, after eating undigestable food]

15  Belladona [fever, burning pain, headache]

16  Bryonia [joint pains, worse from movement]

17  Merc-sol [dysentery, toothache]

18  Sulphur [skin complaints, when selected remedies fail]