Oregano

Scientific name: Origanum vulgare

Description: Oregano is an aromatic herb in the mint family sometimes referred to as "wild marjoram" in Europe and is closely related to the herb sweet marjoram. It can be use as fresh, dried or as an oil and is considered a staple herb in many cuisines around the world. The leaves of oregano are oval and are covered with glandular trichomes (plant hairs). The aroma and flavor of the leaves are far greater when the herb is dried than when the leaves are fresh.

Health Benefits:
Oregano contains chemical compounds such as carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene which has antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogues, diaphoretic, expectorant, stimulant, and mildly tonic properties. Its decoction is used for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, indigestion, stomach upsets, dysmenorrhea and are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.  It is high in carvacrol and thymol considered antioxidants that can help prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals and have remarkable bacteria-fighting power. Oregano is a natural form of omega-3 fatty acids which help in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. It is also have high content of manganese, calcium, iron, vitamin K and fiber.

Medicinal properties and benefits:

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Oregano contains beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP), a substance that inhibits inflammation and may also be beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis.

2. Antifungal, Antibacterial and antiviral.

Oregano oil can effectively protect the body against many of these fungal, bacterial and viral infections. Carvacol and thymol are powerful antimicrobials. Oregano contains carvacrol, thymol, cymene, caryophyllene, pinene, bisabolene, linalool, borneol, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, and terpinene.

3. Rich in Antioxidants

One active agent in oregano is rosmarinic acid, which is a strong antioxidant that supports immune system health.

4. Colds/Cough

The  carvacrol content induces sweat production as a mode of detox as well as get rid of unwanted phlegm in your lungs.

5. Osteoporosis/Good for the bones

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, so your body stores it in fat tissue and the liver. It is important for bone growth, maintaining bone density, and the production of blood clotting proteins while calcium is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth.

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.

Sargassum Seaweeds

Medicines from Natural Sources

Scientific name: Sargassum muticum

Description: 

Sargassum are generally brown or dark green in color and consist of a holdfast, a stipe, and a frond. It has branches, leafy appendages and berry-like structures that are actually gas-filled (oxygen) structures, called pneumatocysts which are filled mostly with oxygen and help keep the fronds afloat.

Sargassum is a genus of brown (class Phaeophyceae) macroalgae (seaweed) in the order Fucales and family Sargassaceae. They generally inhabit shallow water and coral reefs and are distributed
throughout the temperate and tropical oceans of the world.

It is edible and has a slightly bitter, salty flavor.


Health benefits of Sargassum seaweeds:

Sargassum seaweeds are nutritious and rich source of bioactive compounds such as vitamin C, B12,
carotenes (provitamin A), carotenoids, dietary fibers, proteins, and minerals (sodium, calcium,
magnesium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus, iodine, iron, zinc, copper, selenium,
molybdenum, fluoride, manganese, boron, nickel and cobalt). Sargassum have some compounds that are not available in terrestrial vegetables and have many biologically active compounds like
flavonoids, pheophytine, polyphenols, terpenoids, sargaquinoic acids, sargachromenol, sterols and
sulfated polysaccharides.

The highest iodine content is found in brown algae.


Medicinal Properties and Indications:

Sargassum has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-microbial

properties as well as anti-tumor, fibrinolytic, immune-modulatory, anti-coagulant,
hepatoprotective and has anti-viral activity.

Endemic Goiter and Hyperthyroidism - Sargassum seaweeds contains iodide, which has wonderful therapeutic effect on iodine deficiency induced endemic goiter and can temporarily inhibit hyperthyroidism.

Atherosclerosis - This seaweed has high sodium alginate sulfate content which can resist
hyperlipidemia, lower serum cholesterol and reduce atherosclerosis.

Weight loss - Sargassum has virtually no calories and high in dietary fiber thus is helpful in
losing weight.



Important warning: Please note that all medicines, including herbal medicines, should be taken
only on the advice of a qualified practitioner/doctor. You should not treat yourself on the basis of
any information given here.

Pomelo

Scientific name: Citrus decumana, Citrus maxima or Citrus grandis


Common names: shaddock, pomelo, suha, pamplemousse

Description: Pomelo is a large citrus fruit 15–25 centimetres in diameter and weighing about 2.2 to more than 4 lbs.  It has the consistency of grapefruits without the tart flavor. It is pale green or yellowish in color while its edible flesh inside is pulpy & white, pink or red and has very thick albedo (rind pith).

The peel is used to make marmalade or candied.

Parts used: Fruit, peel, leaves

Nutritional value:

Fresh fruit is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds like vitamin B & C, potassium, iron, magnesium, lycopene and dietary fiber. The rind has flavonoids, limonoids,
and terpenes.

Medicinal properties:

Studies show that pomelo is antimicrobial, antioxidant, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.

Anti-Aging - Pomelo has high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants and pomelo also contains spermadine (a rare chemical found in human sperm) and linked to anti-aging properties.

Anti-depressant - The extract of leaves showed psychostimulant effect and increased in norepinephrine level in the synapses thus helpful in lifting up the mood.

Blood Pressure - Pomelos are a very good source of potassium about 37% of your daily requirement. Potassium is a vasodilator which helps release tension of blood vessels and promotes increased blood circulation and oxygenation of organ systems. It is also good for the heart.

Body Cramping - Potassium is important in the fluid balance in the body and prevents muscle cramping and stiffness.

Diabetes - Pomelo Juice yields insulin like substance and is rich in lycopene and vitamin C.

Digestion - Pomelo contains about 25% of your daily requirement of fiber. This promotes healthy digestion and eliminates problems like constipation and diarrhea.

Dyspepsia - Peel or rind, dried or in decoction, used for dyspepsia.

Immune System - Being rich in Vitamin C this fruit helps to fight off infections, colds, coughs, fevers, and other microbial, viral, and bacterial infections.

Weight Loss - Pomelo contains Carnitine pamitoyl-transferase a “fat-burning enzyme” that can help you reduce your weight.

Garlic

Scientific name: Allium Sativum

Description: Garlic is widely used around the world for both culinary and medical purposes. It is a low herb growing to around 30 to 60 cm. Bulbs are broadly ovoid, consisting of several cloves and has a pungent flavor. The leaves are linear and flat like grass.

Part used:

The bulb is the most commonly used part although the leaves and flowers are also edible.

Health Benefits:

Many health conditions can be prevented and treated by taking a clove of garlic a day. Garlic has flavonoids, vitamin C, B6, magnesium, potassium, selenium, calcium and manganese. The key component of garlic is allicin, known to have a potent
anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties. It also possesses stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic and expectorant properties.

Medicinal properties and Uses:

Arthritis - Crush several cloves and rub on affected areas.

Lower Cholesterol and Blood Pressure - Regular intake of garlic can reduce blood cholesterol and may increase HDL(good cholesterol) and LDL(bad cholesterol) ratio that will prevent stroke and other heart diseases.

Prevents Blood Clots - The use of garlic can increase nitric oxide production in the blood vessels thus dilating the blood vessels and helps in fibrinolysis(dissolving of blood clotting). Garlic reduces the possibility of strokes and thromboses.

Diabetes - Garlic may also help regulate blood sugar levels.


Fight Infections(Athlete's foot, ear infection, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Corporis and other fungal diseases) - Garlic has sulfur compounds like allicin that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and that may help treat fungal infections. Raw Garlic is also a potent natural antibiotic. Cut clove crosswise and rub directly to affected area.

Cancer - slows down the growth of tumor cells specifically in colon, stomach and prostate cancers.

People who are allergic to garlic should stay away from it or those who consume it in large quantities may suffer from flatulence, stomach irritation and heartburn.


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.

Turmeric

Scientific name: Curcuma domestica Valet. Curcuma longa L

Description:

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant that reaches the height of 1 to 1.5 m.  This perennial plant belongs to the ginger family and the rootstock is round to cylindrical.  When broken it is bright yellow inside and the corms are succulent and has a reddish yellow interior. 

Medicinal Benefits:

Turmeric is also known as the Indian Saffron.  Its active ingredient is curcumin which has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, antiviral and antifungal actions.

Its tumor suppressing properties as well as its antioxidant capacity provides a neutralizing effect againsts free radicals in the body and protects the cell membranes from damage.

Turmeric helps to prevent atherosclerosis by reducing the number of platelets sticking together and forming blood clots.  Curcumin is also proven to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, which causes gastric ulcers.
The dosage level varies according to age and illness but the recommended level is usually between 400 – 600 mg daily.

Indication and Direction:

1.    Wound antiseptic
Wash the turmeric thoroughly to remove dirt.  Crush the fresh rhizome and apply over the wound to cleanse and stimulate recovery.

2.    Irregular menstruation, stomach pains
Wash the turmeric thoroughly to remove dirt. Cut into thin slices. Put in a steamer. Once done, let it dry under the sun before storing.

Use the dried rootstock as a tea by boiling them.

Counterindication: Should not be taken by pregnant women


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.