Soursop aka Guyabano

Scientific name: Annona muricata var. subonica
Other names: guanábana, guanavana, guyabano, graviola,  custard apple, Brazilian pawpaw, durian benggala, nangka blanda, nangka londa, mullaatha.

Description:

Soursop or Guyabano is a fruit-bearing tree that is native to Central America, Caribbean, South America and sub-Saharan African countries.  It is also grown in parts of Southeast Asia. Guyabano is just a small evergreen tree of usually about 5 to 7 meters high. The leaves are oval-shaped, pointed on both ends and with smooth, shiny texture.  The flowers are large white or yellow or greenish-yellow that bloom all year round and emits a pleasing scent.

The fruit of the soursop (guyabano) is green, obviate, pear or heart-shaped and covered with soft spines.  It has thin skin and the fibrous edible pulp is soft & whitish with sweet-sour citrusy flavor. The black, hard seeds
inside taste awful and are indigestible. The guyabano pulp is usually eaten ripe or made into juice, smoothies,
sorbets or ice cream.


Parts used: Fruit; Leaves

Health Benefits:

Soursop is one of the healthiest fruits available to us. It has high amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, potassium, phosphorus, iron and dietary fiber. Because of the presence of these vitamins and minerals,
guyabano(soursop) is known to have lots of health benefits, it is a potent antioxidant and it enhances the immune system.


Medicinal properties:

Traditional medicine have used not only the fruits of the guyabano/soursop but also the bark, leaves, roots,

flowers and seeds to treat many ailments like asthma, wounds, infection, eczema, inflammation, arthritis,

rheumatism, heart disease, liver problems, wounds, stomach spasm, dysentery, scurvy, hematuria, urethritis and

even to remove head lice.

~Guyabano seeds (pulverized)

*It is toxic and is for external use only

*The seed oil is used to purge parasites and kill head lice. It is also used as a skin astringent.


~Guyabano leaves (minced and boiled)

*Treatment for eczema and skin diseases (poultice of mashed leaves and sap applied directly on skin)

*Used as wet compress to treat pain and inflammation of the joints like arthritis, rheumatism

*Treatment of pimples (The sap of the young leaves may be applied directly)

*Treatment of fever (decoction of leaves taken internally)

*Tranquilizing and sedative properties (Drinking boiled guyabano/soursop leaves may help induce sleep)

~Guyabano fruit (juice/shake or smoothie)

*The guyabano fruit is diuretic and can treat dysentery, scurvy, hematuria and urethritis
  
~Guyabano bark, roots and leaves (minced and boiled)

*To treat diabetes
*Tranquilizer and sedative

~Guyabano leaves and roots

*Treat colic and convulsions

1. Anti-Cancer

Annonaceous acetogenins are the compounds found in Guyabano extract that has the ability to inhibit the enzyme processes and the growth of malignant cells. It is known to kill the different types of cancer cells found in colon, pancreatic, liver,lung, breast, ovarian, cervical, prostate cancer and lymphoma. Researched showed that this compound is many times stronger in killing cancer cells than the commonly used chemotherapy drug. And unlike chemotherapy which can harm the healthy cells, Soursop or Guyabano can kill these malignant cells without damaging the healthy cells.


How to make Guyabano Tea:

Boil 1 liter of water.
Add 1 cup of shredded air-dried guyabano leaves (air dried guyabano leaves have more medicinal properties than

fresh leaves).
Turn down the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Drink within 7 hours after making the tea to benefit from its medicinal properties.

30-3-30 Rule

It is best to drink it 30 minutes before mealtime.
Taken 3 times a day.
For 30 consecutive days.

To get the full benefit of the treatment.

For maintenance, drink one glass for 5 consecutive days then stop for 2 days then resume drinking for 5 days.
Repeat the process. You may taper it when the cancer cells are gone.


2.Good for the Liver
Guyabano enhances production of endogenous antioxidant that is beneficial to hepatic tissues.

3. Anti-Depressant
Guyabano contains compounds like annonaine, nornuciferine and asimilobine that possess anti-depressive effects.


Cautions and Adverse Effects:

Internal consumption of the concoctions of leaves, seeds and barks are not recommended for young children, pregnant and lactating women.

The annonacin content is a neurotoxin associated with neurodegenerative disease and  might be linked to the
development of atypical Parkinson's disease.  Thus taking guyabano in large doses is not recommended for people with suspected Parkinson's disease and those with motor control problem.

The hydrocyanic acid found in leaves can be harmful when taken in high concentrations.

THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS AND AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Cayenne Peppers

Scientific name: Capsicum annuum

Description:

Densely branched and growing to a large perennial shrub, the capsicum is productive in warm and dry climates and is said to have originated in French Guiana. The flowers are off-white, sometimes purplish color and the fruit is a berry which turns yellow, green or red when ripe. These fruits are dried and grounded to produce these pungent cayenne pepper.  The Cayenne pepper is one of the spices derived from these species of Capsicum.

Capsicum is a catalyst herb.

Part/s Used: Ripe Fruits

Health Benefits:

Cayenne Pepper is high in vitamins and minerals that are needed for healing. It has a rich supply of vitamin C and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), beta-carotene and carotenes which are antioxidants that helps prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 (folic acid), cobalt and zinc.  Cayenne pepper/Capsicum is also very rich in organic calcium and potassium - minerals that are good for the heart.


Medicinal Properties and Uses:
Capsicum or Cayenne pepper is a medicinal and nutritional herb with constituents like capsaicin, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids and have been used as both food and medicine.

For oral medicine:  Put one or two tablespoons of dried and grounded cayenne pepper into warm water.

For liniment (external use): In one pint of cider vinegar, boil 1 Tablespoon of hot pepper. Do not strain and do not place in a bottle while hot.

As a catalyst herb, the cayenne or capsicum will increase the power of all other herbs. The stimulating properties of the cayenne pepper speed up the absorption and effectiveness of any herbs taken in combination with it.

For example:
Combined with garlic & parsley, Cayenne will help lower blood pressure.

Combine Capsicum and Plantain and apply externally to remove splinter and draw out foreign objects embedded in the skin.


Capsicum/cayenne pepper has been proven beneficial for:

Arthritis - Cayenne or capsicum is used externally as a remedy for painful joints by stimulating blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation and discomfort. Liniments (see below for the recipe) can be applied everyday to ease pain.


Cardiovascular disease - it significantly lowers serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides. It regulates blood flow and strengthens the arteries, possibly preventing heart attacks.


Chronic fatigue and depression - Capsicum stimulates energy.
Gastric ulcers - it stimulates the protective mucus-forming membranes of the stomach.

Impotence caused by venous insufficiency

Pain relief, vascular headaches - Cayenne/capsicum is rich in salicylates (an analgesic and a natural aspirin-like compounds). Cayenne are rubefacients that warms the body by quickly dilating small capillaries, and increasing circulation.

Psoriasis - Capsaicin is a potent constituent found in cayenne and has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of psoriasis.

Sore Throat - a small amount of cayenne pepper sprinkled in water and gargled will cure sore throat.

Toothaches - Pound cayenne pepper and put an oil.  Soak a cotton into the cayenne oil and plug it into the affected tooth.

Wounds - use a poultice and apply on wound for quick healing.



Warning: Don't touch your eyes with your hands after handling Cayenne peppers. This is also counterindicated in individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or chronic bowel inflammation.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Chamomile

Scientific name: Maticaria Recutita

Description:

Chamomile is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae plant family (daisy family). It is an annual, herbaceous plant that originated in south-eastern Europe and Asia but has now spread to all continents.

Chamomile grows around 10-50 feet tall and it's ramified stem reaching up to 60 cm. The leaves are yellow and green, while the hermaphrodite flowers are tubular, golden yellow with bright white rays that bloom in warm regions from May up to late August or early September.

Part used:
Flowers

Medicinal Properties and Uses:

In folk medicine, chamomile has long been used ease spasm and discomfort in the digestive tract.  It is also used to treat a plethora of ailments:

AnxietyAsthma
Canker sores
Colds
Colic
Conjunctivitis, eye irritations
Crohn's disease
Diarrhea
Eczema
Enterocolitis
Fatigue
Fever
Gingivitis
Hemorrhoids
Hyperacid gastritis
Indigestion
Insomnia
Menstrual disorders
Migraine
Neuralgia   
Irritable bowel syndrome
Peptic ulcer
Rheumatism
Sinusitis
Skin irritations
Stomatitis
Ulcerative colitis
Wounds (minor)

The flowers of chamomile contain essential oils, glucides, acids, lipids (emollient), vitamins B1 and C, minerals like calcium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, zinc, zirconium.

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, antispasmotic, analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic and disinfecting properties.

It has cicatrizant, emollient and has a calming, sedative effect. Chamomile also contains coumarin that is has anticoagulant or blood-thinning effects. The antitoxin action of chamomile helps eliminates intestinal gasses.

Chamomile comes in tea(infusion), ointment, oil and capsule form.

Chamomile infusion

Put a teaspoon of chamomile flowers in a liter of boiled water. Wait a few  minutes before consuming. The tea is often given to women suffering from menstrual cramps.  Chamomile tea is also used for stomach upset, diarrhea, bowel pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, intestinal bloating and other gastrointestinal problems.

For colds and sinusitis -Inhale vapors as you are heating the infusion.

The infusion can also be added to the bath water for skin irritations, minor wounds,  skin problems, hemorrhoids and to ease fatigue.

The infusion can also be used to wash conjunctivitis or gargled to relieve toothaches.

Chamomile oil

Fill a clean bottle with chamomile flowers.  Pour in cold-pressed olive oil. Expose it in the sun for 2 weeks.  After that keep the oil in the refrigerator.  Chamomile oil is used to treat psoriasis, eczema, inflamed
skin, infections and other skin conditions.


Chamomile is known to have a soothing and calming effect and is used for insomnia.  Chamomile tea or capsules are used to ease tense muscles, relieve migraine headaches and anxiety.


Contraindication:

People with skin allergies or those who are allergic to ragweed and chrysanthemum may also be allergic to chamomile.

Allergic reactions may be manifested as wheezing, rash, itching, hives and chest tightness.

Chamomile should not be taken during pregnancy or when breast-feeding.

As mentioned, chamomile contains coumarin (anticoagulant or blood-thinning) and should not be combined with warfarin or other medications/supplements that have the same effect and it should not be used by people with bleeding disorders.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.