Argan Tree (Argan Oil)

Scientific name: Argania spinosa

Description: Argania or Argan Tree belongs to the Sapotaceae family of trees that only grows in the calcareous semidesert Sous valley of southwestern Morocco. The thorny trees can grow up to 26–33 ft high and live from 150 to 200 years in a harsh environment and poor soil. The leaves are small, oval with a rounded apex while the flowers are small with five pale yellow-green petals. The fruit is green, oval-shaped and a little bigger than an olive with a thick, bitter peel surrounding a pulpy pericarp (that's sweet-smelling but has an unpleasant flavor). Its middle layer has the very hard nut that protects the last inner layer that contains up to 3 almond-shaped Argania Spinosa kernels which are oil-rich seeds. Argan oil are produced from the kernels found inside the Argan fruit.

Argan Oil:

The production of Argan oil is a long and tedious manual process. First, the ripe fruits of the argan tree are dried in the open air and manually crushed to separate pulp and pits (In some practices, they let the goats eat the fruits and the kernels are later retrieved from the goat droppings). Then the pits are broken into two to reveal an almond or what is known as the Argania Spinosa kernels. The freshly harvested kernels of the Argan fruit are hand-ground in a stone grinder, hand-kneaded for hours and filtered through an organic cotton sieve (first cold pressed) to extract the aromatic oil.

Argan oil has a nutty flavor and is used for seasoning and as a salad dressing, to dip bread in at breakfast or to drizzle on couscous or pasta. Since Argan oil is easily absorbed by the skin and brings a lot of nutrients, it’s also commonly mixed into a number of cosmetic products like shampoos, soaps, facial cream and conditioners. And, even if it's an oil, Argan oil doesn't clog pores - it's non-comedogenic.


Health Benefits of Argan Oil:

Argan oil is known to be a beauty elixir that you can use from head to toe. It has twice as much vitamin E than olive oil and it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (consisting of 80%) such as oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acids. This magnificent oil also has phenols (caffeic acid, oleuropein, vanillic acid, tyrosol, catechol, resorcinol, (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin), carotene (Vitamin A) as well as squalene. Argan's superb anti-ageing properties are due to high levels of vitamin E and saponins which soften the skin). Not to mention its abundant anti-oxidants and free radical scavenger effects. Depending on the extraction method, argan oil may be more resistant to oxidation than olive oil.

Medicinal Properties of Argan Oil:

1. Treats acne
Aside from being rich in Vitamins A, E, saponins and antioxidants. Argan oil also has anti-sebum effects which can effectively regulate amounts of sebum on the skin and reduce oiliness. Its high in oleic (omega 9 monounsaturated nonessential) and linoleic (omega 6 unsaturated) fatty acids content aid acne-prone skin.

2. Fast Wound healing and heals skin infections
Argan oil has both antibacterial and fungicidal properties. It is also has a strong combination of antioxidants and all the vitamins needed to heal wounds and infections.

3. Soothes atopic dermatitis
Vitamin E and the natural inflammatory properties found in argan oil can have soothing effects on atopic dermatitis and relieving the itchy, red skin.

4. Has anti-aging effects
Argan oil has long been used as an anti-aging treatment because it significantly increases the elasticity of the skin. The linoleic acid increases skin moisturization levels while the oleic acid improves the skin’s permeability and assist other ingredients to penetrate the skin more easily.

After cleansing morning and/or night, massage a few drops of pure argan oil directly onto your face and neck. It being a dry oil, it absorbs quickly and is not greasy. Argan oil can also be used as a serum by applying a night cream after the Argan oil absorbs into the skin.

When applied externally, tocopherol from the vitamin E helps boost cell production while promoting healthy skin and hair.

5. Prevents and reduces stretch marks
Argan oil improves skin elasticity which help prevent and treat stretch marks.

6. Alleviates Symptoms of Rosacea and Psoriasis

Argan oil contains a large number of healing properties, including antioxidant, unsaturated fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties. These soothes the skin and alleviates psoriasis and rosacea. It also give rash relief.

7. Hair treatment

Massage a generous amount of argan oil into your hair and scalp. The effect is better if you leave it overnight by wrapping your hair and leave it on while you sleep.
If you have dandruff or dry scalp, do an overnight treatment twice a week until the dandruff is gone. Continue with weekly treatments or as needed.

8 . Foot Treatment
If you have dry, cracking skin on your feet or heels, rub 2 drops into your feet.
Cover with socks to give the oil a chance to soak in and leave it for at least 20 minutes, and preferably overnight. You may use a warm washcloth to clean feet afterwards.

9 . Protects from sun damage

Argan oil is traditionally been used to protect skin from sun damage. The antioxidant activity in argan oil helped protect the skin against free radical damage caused by the sun. It prevents sun burns, hyperpigmentation and against the development of skin cancer like melanoma.


How to make a rejuvenating Argan face mask:

1 Tbsp lemon juice
3 Tbsp Greek-style yogurt
1 Tbsp honey
3 drops of Argan oil

Clean and dry face. Apply face mask and leave for 10 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water.

Side effects and risks:

Argan oil is generally considered safe for most people to use. However, some may experience minor side effects as a result of its use. So best to test argan oil on a small, hidden patch of skin to make sure that it won’t cause allergy or irritate your skin.

Side effects related to oral usage are uncertain as few human studies have been conducted.

When ingested orally, argan oil may cause digestive upset, loss of appetite or bloating, and some people may experience skin reactions like rashes or acne breakouts. If you experience anything not normal, stop taking argan oil immediately.

Neem

Scientific name: Azadirachta indica

Other Names: Arishta, Arishtha,  Bead Tree, Holy Tree, Huile de Neem, Indian Lilac, Indian Neem

Description:

Neem belongs to the Mahogany family or Meliaceae. It is a fast growing evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height and is found in abundance in tropical and semi-tropical regions like India, Burma, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

This tree is drought resistant and is highly resistant to pests and diseases. The branches are long and form a broad crown while the flowers are small yellowish-white in color and has the shape of a star with a pleasant smell.

The bark is gray and rough and the leaves are pinnate with saw-toothed edges.

The fruit is hard, round, yellow and contains one single seed.

The leaves and bark have a bitter taste and are mostly used in tea and is often combined with other herbs such as spearmint and cinnamon.

The oil extracted from the seeds is known as margosa oil.

Neem helps to kill bacteria and fungi, it is often used as an ingredient in toothpaste, soaps and skin care products and it can also be used as an insecticide.

The flowers produce a nectar that can be used as a sweetener.

Parts used: Every part of this tree has medicinal value. Commonly used are bark, leaves, and seeds although the root, flower, and fruit are also used but less frequently.

Medicinal uses and properties:

For centuries, the neem tree has played a big part in Ayurvedic medicine, Unani, Homoeopathic medicine and Indian folk medicine and it is still one of the most commonly used medicinal plant in India owing to its wide range of medicinal properties.

More than 140 compounds have been isolated from different parts of neem. The healing properties of neem are mainly due to some bitter substances, known as triterpenes (limonoids) and azadirachtin. It also contains beta-sitosterol, tannins, polysaccharides, flavonoids and essential oil.

The antifungal, antioxidant content and antibacterial properties of neem make it a popular ingredient in shampoos and scalp cleansers as it hydrates the scalp, eliminate dandruff and strengthens the hair.

Neem is known to have antipyretic properties and it has been used traditionally to lower high fever.

The leaf of neem is known to demonstrate these properties: immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, antiulcer, antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial, antifungal, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. Thus the Neem leaf is used for leprosy, ntestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels. fever, diabetes, gum disease/gingivitis, and liver problems.

The twigs are chewed to maintain the alkaline levels in the saliva, fight germs, treats swollen gums and claims to give whiter teeth. It is also used for cough, asthma, hemorrhoids, and diabetes.

The bark extract has been used as a treatment for asthma, sore throat, jaundice, tuberculosis, eczema, stomach ulcers, diabetes, arthritis, and rheumatism.

The flower is used for reducing bile, controlling phlegm, and treating intestinal worms.

The fruit is used for hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, urinary tract disorders, phlegm, diabetes, and skin wounds.

The seed and and its oil are used for leprosy and intestinal worms. IT is also used for birth control and can cause abortion.

Neem can be directly applied to the skin to treat head lice, wounds, skin ulcers.

It can also smoothen the skin and can be used as a mosquito repellent.




Herbal tea recipe: One tablespoon of the dried leaves in half a liter of boiling water and steep for 5-10 minutes before straining. Recommended dosage: two to three cups daily.


Potential Side Effects of Neem:

The herb is considered unsuitable for young children, infants, the elderly or people suffering from debilitating diseases or conditions. Ayurvedic doctors do not advise the use of neem if the person suffers from fatigue .

Don't use Neem in large doses as it can cause breathing problems, seizures, and lethargy (drowsiness).

It is advised to consult your physician before taking any medicinal plants or medication. The blog is for information purposes only.

Spirulina

Scientific name: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima

Other Name: Blue-Green Algae

Description:
Spirulina is a blue-green algae (cyanobacterium). It belongs to the family of several species of micro algae such as blue-green aphanizomenon and green algae (chlorella) and dunaliella. There are two species of blue-green algae, Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima.

Spirulina have the shape of spiral coils that grow best in low-alkaline conditions such as fresh water lakes, ponds and rivers. In some places, spirulina are cultivated at algae farms to preserve their purity. It also requires an abundance of sunshine and moderate temperatures. Spirulina has a completely digestible cellulose wall that can be digested with ease and can be immediately consumed.

It can be consumed by humans (and other animals) and used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food.  It is available in tablet, flake and powder form.

When choosing Spirulina, make sure to choose one that is organic and free from contamination and nitrate compounds.


Parts used: Algae

Health Benefits:

Spirulina is largely made up of protein and essential amino acids and is a good source of antioxidants.  It is touted as the “most nutrient dense food on the planet” and it  contains the following nutritional content:

    Calories
    Protein (Spirulina is considered a complete source of high-quality protein that is highly usable)
    Dietary fiber
    Sugars

Fats:

    Total fat
    Saturated fat
    Omega-3 fatty acids
    Omega-6 fatty acids

Minerals:

    Copper
    Iron (Spirulina is one of the best plant sources of iron and it has a highly absorbable form of iron that is gentle on the digestive system)
    Manganese
    Magnesium
    Sodium
    Potassium
    Zinc
    Phosphorus
    Calcium (Spirulina is very high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in milk.)
    Selenium

Vitamins:

    Riboflavin
    Thiamin ( also known as Vitamin B1 is necessary for the digestion of fats and proteins; for increased energy, eye health, brain function and for improving nerve functioning.
    Niacin
    Pantothenic Acid
    Vitamin K
    Vitamin E
    Folate
    Vitamin B6
    Vitamin C
    Vitamin A


Spirulina contains many pigments which may be beneficial and bioavailable.

Spirulina is one of the few foods with a natural GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) that has anti-inflammatory properties.

Medicinal properties and uses:


1. Powerful Antioxidants that protect our cells from damage. It has phycocyanin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory.

2. Helps Remove Heavy Metals. Spirulina can bind with heavy metals (e.g. arsenic) and radioactive isotopes in the body and help remove them.

3. Improves HIV/AIDS

Studies show that CD4 cells (T-helper white blood cells that fight infection and are used to stage HIV) and HIV-1 viral load (another HIV biomarker) remained stable or has showed clinically significant improvement.

4. Eliminates Candida

Spirulina has anti-microbial agent that can inhibit Candida from thriving.

5. Helps Prevent Cancer

Phycocyanin can fight free radicals and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

6. Lowers Blood Pressure

Phycocyanin is a pigment found in the spirulina that scientists have discovered possesses antihypertensive effects. It also has been shown to prevent atherosclerosis and reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels.
7. Lowers Chance of Stroke

It can prevent atherosclerosis and subsequent stroke.
8. Boosts Energy
9. Speeds Up Weight Loss

Spirulina speeds up weight loss because it is high in nutrient-dense proteinand low-fat.


Contraindication:

Those with PKU should consult with a doctor before taking.
Those on any type of anti-coagulation medicine should consult with a doctor before taking Spirulina.
People with autoimmune disease.
If you are pregnant, nursing or have any medical condition, check with your doctor first.
Contact your doctor/health care provider to confirm whether or not you should be supplementing with spirulina.


Disclaimer:

The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health. Check with your doctor before beginning any supplement. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you have heard or read in this article or the internet.

Ashwagandha

Scientific Name :  Withania Somnifera

Other names: Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, winter cherry

Description:

The Ashwagandha plant is a hardy small woody shrub that grows to about 150 centimeters. It has a central stem with branches that are covered in wool-like hairs and extend radially in a star pattern.  It displays small flowers with central yellow section and light green petals.  The small bright red berry-like fruit has a
distinctive red seeds in it.

The roots of Ashwagandha looks like a big carrot with one long thick structure or it can also look like a subsystem of intertwined roots. The word Aswhagandha in Sanskrit means 'smell of a horse' because the root smells like one. This tree is cultivated in India.


Parts Use: Fruit, Seed, Root


Medicinal properties and uses:


Ashwagandha root is considered similar  to 'ginseng' because the health benefits it give resembles that of ginseng. It promotes physical and mental health, rejuvenation and longevity. It also allows the body to cope
with stress and increase the energy level.

Scientists labeled this herb as non-specific tonic (enhances physical fitness) and “adaptogen” because it
adapts to fit certain health needs within the body and finds what’s wrong with and attempts to fix it. It is important in prolonged stress.


It enhances memory and improve brain function.
It promotes sound sleep - Ashwagandha has a calming effect.

Decrease high cholesterol levels, blood pressure and hypertension
Diuretic
Anti-epileptic
Anti-tumor
Anti-fungal
Pain relief/Arthritis/Anti-inflammatory
Regulates blood sugar
Reduces depression and anxiety
Combats stress
Gastrointestinal disorders
Skin infections
Stabilizes moods and encourage adrenal recovery.


Precaution:

Ashwagandha is generally considered safe, however, it may induce abortion when taken in very large doses and it may also cause infertility in women.

Readers are advised to consult a physician or health care provider before taking any herbs/medications.