Archive for March, 2011

Most Popular Aromatherapy Essential Oils : Jasmine

Jasmine oil is one of the most popular scents in perfumery today. It is often referred to as the king of essential oils (and rose as the queen of essential oils) because it is so widely used. Approximately eight thousand to ten thousand blossoms are needed to make one gram of oil. Sweet-smelling Jasmine is extracted from the Jasminum grandiflorum, an evergreen with origins in China. Jasmine is an expensive oil that has powerful healing properties; it aids with everything from depression to childbirth. It is known most for its relaxing properties.

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Vinegar: A Food Remedy for Diabetes

Vinegar appears to have effects similar to some of the most popular medications for diabetes. Adding vinegar to your diet may help control blood glucose and insulin levels. People with diabetes might be able to use vinegar to help manage their blood sugar levels, and that those with prediabetes may be able to use vinegar to slow the progression to diabetes.  Small amounts of vinegar (about two tablespoons) added to food, or taken along with a meal, have been shown by a number of medical trials to reduce the glycemic index in food. Not only is the vinaigrette better for weight-loss, it may help you stave off diabetes.

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Low-Calorie Drinks Recipes for Diabetes

The following drinks recipes are low in calory and sugar. They are ideal for diabetic diet and weight-loss diet.

Low calorie mixer options:

Diet soda or diet tonic: 0 calories
Orange juice (6 oz): 84 calories
Light orange juice (8 oz): 50 calories
Light cranberry juice (8 oz): 40 calories
Light lemonade (8 oz): 5 calories
Coffee, tea: 0 calories
Lemon or lime juice (1/2 oz): 10 calories

Port wine (3 oz): 128
Bloody Mary (5 oz): 118
Red wine (5 oz): 120
White wine (5 oz): 120
Alcohol-free wine (5 oz): 20-30
Beer (12 oz): 150-198
Light beer (12 oz): 95-136
Ultra-light beer (12 oz): 64-95

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Cherry: A Fruit Remedy for Diabetes

Tart red cherries (Prunus cerasus) are a potential treatment for diabetes that may lower blood sugar levels. Because cherries contain chemicals called anthocyanins that are responsible for their rich red color, were found to increase insulin production by 50 percent. Anthocyanins may help control your blood sugar levers by boosting insulin. More than just cherries are loaded with anthocyanins. The chemicals are also found in red grapes, strawberries, blueberries, vegetables, and wine, cider, and tea. However, the biggest insulin effects seem to come from the type of anthocyanins found in cherries.

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Food Sources of Vitamin A

Vitamin A, commonly known as retinol, is a group of fat-soluble vitamins, that play a crucial role in the smooth operation of many life-sustaining processes. Vitamin A is essential in building strong bones and teeth, and in the growth and repair of all tissues, especially skin and mucous membranes. Because of the potential toxicity of high doses, which are associated with birth defects, stay within recommended guidelines. Beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, is considered more beneficial and is not associated with toxicity.

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Herbal Cough Syrup Recipes 2: Elderberry

Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) , or elder, is considered a strong immune enhancing herb which may be used as a diaphoretic to break fevers, urinary complaints, edema, rheumatic complaints, colds & flu symptoms and muscle pain. In many countries, including Germany, elder flower is used to treat colds and flu. Elderberry contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and may help prevent damage to the body’ s cells. Elderberry reduces duration and severity of colds.  Elderberry apparently works by strengthening the cell membrane so a virus cannot penetrate it. It also appears to inhibit the enzyme that viruses use to weaken the membrane. Elderberry may help reduce the symptoms of colds and flu by reducing congestion and possibly making you sweat more.

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Herbal Cough Syrup Recipes 1: Licorice

Licorice(Glycyrrhiza glabra) is included in cough remedy recipes for its demulcent qualities. Licorice root can be used to make a wonderfully soothing herbal honey cough syrup. It’s soothing herb that reduces inflammation and add flavor. Licorice may have an anti-tussive effect similar to codeine for cough suppression, without the side-effects of codeine.

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Herbal Tea/Tisane Recipes for Cough & Cold

Herbal cold/flu remedies are one of the oldest and most effective treatments available for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms. Herbal treatment will include teas and tinctures, steams, and cough drops and syrups.

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Iron Rich Herbs For Iron Deficiency Anemia

A lack of dietary iron is one of the most common causes of iron deficiency anemia and low hemoglobin. It is important to know the sources of iron-rich foods to eliminate iron deficiency. Choose the foods high in iron content if you are anemic (low haemoglobin). Poor intake of iron food may result in iron deficiency anemia. Iron is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world and for women in North America. It is estimated that only 65-70% of all Americans meet their daily recommended intake. The deficiency is most common in women between the ages of 15 and 50 as their need for iron is higher during this time due to menstruation and pregnancy. One in five American women have iron deficiency anemia, and over fifty percent of pregnant women exhibit anemia symptoms. Approximately three percent of American men have iron deficiency anemia. When depleted, oxygen circulates more slowly. If the body is low in iron, fatigue, irritability and headaches may occur. If the deficiency becomes significant, this can lead to anemia. If left untreated, anemia can be serious, with potentially life-threatening complications.


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Foods Sources of Folic Acid / Folate (B9 Vitamin)

Folic acid (also known as vitamin B9, vitamin Bc or folacin) is a water-soluble B vitamin. “Folic acid” and “folate” mean the same thing. Folic acid is used for preventing and treating low blood levels of folic acid (folic acid deficiency), as well as its complications, including “tired blood” (anemia) and the inability of the bowel to absorb nutrients properly. Folic acid is also used for other conditions commonly associated with folic acid deficiency, including ulcerative colitis, liver disease, alcoholism, and kidney dialysis. Folic acid is used for memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, age-related hearing loss, preventing the eye disease age-related macular degeneration (AMD), reducing signs of aging, weak bones (osteoporosis), jumpy legs (restless leg syndrome), sleep problems, depression, nerve pain, muscle pain, AIDS, a skin disease called vitiligo, and an inherited disease called Fragile-X syndrome. It is also used for reducing harmful side effects of treatment with the medications lometrexol and methotrexate.

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