Healthy pocket

Monday, January 23, 2012

Damiana

Scientific Names: Turnera aphrodisiaca, Turnera diffusa

Other names: Herba de la pastora, Mexican damiana, Old woman's broom

Description:

Damiana is a relatively small shrub which is native to Central and Southern America. It has  pale green leaves with small yellow flowers and hairy ribs. Damiana has strong odor which reminds some people of chamomile and fruits that taste like figs.


Medicinal uses and Properties:

The leaves are dried and made into tea for its relaxing effect.

Damiana leaves have been used as an aphrodisiac
and to boost sexual potency.

It has also been used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and mild depression.

Damiana has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries for the ff:

Mild purgative
diuretic properties
improve digestion and to treat constipation
energy tonic and stimulant
an aphrodisiac for both men and 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 BEFORE TRYING THIS. AVOID
SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

KELP

 Scientific name: Phaeophyceae Laminariales


Description:

Kelp is a kind of brown seaweed that grows along coastlines around the world. Kelps grow as fast as half a meter a day in underwater kelp forests in shallow waters.The kelp has leaf-like structure or the blade, the stem-like structure also know as the stipe and the root-like structure called the holdfast that anchors the kelp to the seabed.

Medicinal properties and uses:

 Kelp is a rich source of natural vitamins and minerals, as well as essential trace minerals.  It is especially high in iodine and is a great natural source of iron. Kelp contains calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. This seaweed also contains vitamins A, B1,
B2, C, D and E, as well as amino acids.

Thyroid Health
Since Kelp is rich in iodine and Iodine is essential to the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland. Eating kelp regularly will help to regulate thyroid hormones. It can also protect against radiation poisoning due to its high iodine content.

Anti-Inflammatory
Kelp has anti-inflammatory properties found in the substance fucoidan.

Arthritis
Kelp alleviate arthritis pain because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Improve liver function

Fight against heart disease.  Kelp helps to lower cholesterol levels.

Estrogen-Related Cancer( ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancer) and Endometriosis
kelp has phytoestrogenic properties as well as it lowers the serum estradiol levels in women. Iodine is also important for female hormone regulation.

Kelp can help to increase energy levels and boost immunity

Weight Loss
Kelp has metabolism stimulating properties

For poor digestion, flatulence and constipation

Reduce hair loss

Kelp is consumed as a salad. Kelp also makes a popular salt substitute (granules or
powder form) that can be added to salads, soups, seafoods and sausages. Or kelp can be taken as a
nutritional supplement.



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.



Friday, January 20, 2012

Alfalfa

Scientific Name: Medicago sativa Leguminosae

Other names: Lucerne, Chilean Clover, Purple Medic, Father of All Foods,

Buffalo Grass, Buffalo Herb


Description:

Alfalfa is a perennial plant belonging to the pea family that is harvested
after having grown to approximately 3 feet.  It is bushy with blue-green
leaves, bluish-purple or yellowish flowers and seeds in sickle-shaped or
spiraled pods.  The roots of the Alfalfa can go down twenty to thirty feet
into the ground and this brings up the minerals that are not available on
the surface.


Parts Used: 
Alfalfa Stems, leaves as well as the sprouts from the seeds.

Medicinal properties and uses:

Alfalfa is a good source of protein and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
It contains chlorophyll, organic acids, saponins, isoflavins, sterols,
coumarins, alkaloid and minerals like Calcium, potassium, phosphorus,

Magnesum and zinc.  It is also rich in  vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E,

K, niacin, biotin, folic acid and pantothenic acid.

It plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system and in the
maintenance of a healthy body.

The leaves contain phytoestrogens that could be beneficial in menopausal
and breast feeding women. Saponins can help lower blood cholesterol and
slows the progress of atherosclerosis


Alfalfa can be eaten as fresh raw sprouts (washed thoroughly, of course) or
can be taken in capsules or teas, infusion or as a herb sprinkled onto food.
This is a source of good iodine.



Alfalfa is known to cure or give relief to the ff:

kidney problems
fluid retention and swelling
Arthritis
auto-immune disorder
Prevent strokes
Whooping cough.
Reduce blood sugar levels (diabetes)
Cancer
Endometriosis


Alfalfa is also known as a natural treatment for hair loss.

Combined with equal amounts of carrot and lettuce, the combination of these

juices are helpful for the growth of hair.

Contraindications:

As with all herbal products, moderation is the key to avoiding adverse

reactions. Not to be taken during pregnancy and contraindicated in

autoimmune diseases.  Not to be taken when using blood thinning or

anticoagulant medication such as warfarin.


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.


Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Yerba Maté


Scientific name: Ilex paraguayensis

other names: cimarrón, Paraguay cayi, Paraguay tea, Jesuit’s tea, South American holly and St. Bartholomew’s tea

Description:

"Yerba" means herb. Yerba leaves are dried, chopped, and ground into a powdery mixture. While "mate" refers to the gourd in which the infusion is traditionally prepared and drunk. The gourd is first filled one-half to three-quarters of the way with yerba. Then cold water is added to moisten the leaves and protect the nutrients and flavor of the herbs. Hot water (never boiling) is then added. One can pour hot water to the same herbs as many as ten times before they lose their color and taste.

Yerba belongs to holly family which are grown wild Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.

Parts used:
Dry leaves


Medicinal properties:

Yerba mate is a herbal tea claimed to have many medicinal properties and health benefits.

It contains several vitamins and minerals including Beta-carotene (vitamins A), B1, B2, C and E, as well as iron, phosphorus and calcium.

Yerba mate also aid in mental alertness and stimulates the memory. It has three active xanthine alkaloids and is known as a coffee alternative but without the negative effects associated with caffeine.


This herbal tea contains significant levels of polyphenol antioxidants, as well as antioxidant chlorogenic acid and is said to have a higher antioxidant property than green tea.

Yerba mate helps boost the immune system, helps relieve allergies, improves digestion, regulates appetite and is a mild diuretic. 



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.