medecinal uses of banana

Cultivated banana is botanically known as Musa paradisiaca. The ancient Chinese and Vedic writings include details of healing properties of Banana consumed either as a vegetable or as a fruit.

Medicinal properties of Banana:

•The fruit has a mild laxative property
•It is used as a remedy of constipation in children
•It is believed to be helpful in curing diarrhoea and dysentery
•The fruit is used to heal the intestine lesions
•It forms the part of diets of children suffering from malnutrition
•The core of the stem is believed to be useful in stomach upset and diabetes
•The extract of core of the stem is considered to be useful in dissolving the stones in the kidney and urinary bladder and reducing the weight. The inflorescence mixed with coconut oil and spices is used for flushing the urinary blocks
•The fruit is believed to reduce the worm problems in the kids
Nutritional properties:

•Hundred grams of ripe Banana provides approx. 116 Kcal energy that makes it a supplementary staple food.
•Banana has relatively less proteins compared to cereals, absence of other protein rich foods in the diet can cause protein deficiency in people depending mostly on Banana as staple food
•Cooked or ripe Banana are easily digested
•Banana is a fair source of Vitamin B and Calcium
•Banana contains about 20% sugar.

12 NATURAL WAYS TO GET OVER BAD BREATH

There are few things more unpleasant and uncomfortable in social situations than talking to someone with bad breath. And if you suffer from chronic bad breath (halitosis) yourself, you already know how embarrassing it can be talking to other people who you know can smell it. For many people, grabbing a mint or a piece of gum is their go-to solution, as it quickly masks the problem. But this approach often fails to address the root causes of bad breath, which for many people includes dietary deficiency.

Regularly brushing your teeth and tongue, especially after meals, as well as flossing daily, swishing with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, and getting periodic teeth cleanings are, of course, the first places to start when addressing bad breath issues. But if the problem persists beyond all this, you may have some kind of nutritional deficiency or underlying health condition that requires other interventions as well. Here are five natural ways to help cure the problem of bad breath at the systemic level through diet:

1) Drink more water. Believe it or not, dehydration is one of the most common causes of bad breath. Many people drink far too little water throughout the day to ward off the bacteria in the mouth that are most responsible for causing bad breath. Tiny microbes in the mouth actually feed on loose food particles throughout the day, releasing odor-causing byproducts that end up stinking up breath. And all-natural saliva, it turns out, is your body's built-in remedy for eliminating these bacteria.

But in order for your body to produce enough bacteria-fighting saliva, you must be drinking plenty of clean, fluoride-free water throughout the day. Since saliva is full of oxygen, bacteria have a much harder time surviving because they require low-oxygen environments in order to thrive. Saliva also contains natural enzymes that help stimulate the production of antibodies that neutralize bacteria, which end up getting eliminated when you swish with water, mouthwash, or other oral hygiene products.

2) Supplement with zinc. Another common cause of halitosis is a deficiency in the mineral zinc, which helps maintain a clean, bacteria-free mouth. Some mouthwash products actually contain zinc as an active ingredient because the mineral is a known antimicrobial, and aids in the neutralization and elimination of harmful germs. But supplementing with oral zinc and eating more zinc-rich foods like pumpkin and gourd seeds, cacao, and organ meats, for instance, might be an even better approach, as it can help address the problem systemically.

"Zinc deficiency is associated with poor healing, immunity and inflammation," writes Heather Caruso in her book, Your Drug-Free Guide to Digestive Health. "Halitosis from oral disease can benefit from zinc supplementation

3) Drink stinging nettle tea daily. Since bad breath can also stem from a buildup of heavy metals, yeast overgrowth, and other toxins inside the body, it is important to regularly flush your system via dietary interventions. And one way you can do this is by taking stinging nettle or drinking stinging nettle tea. A powerful herb that has been shown to purify the blood and eliminate toxins from the body, stinging nettle helps stimulate the lymphatic system, increase the excretion of uric acid through the kidneys, and boost adrenal function, all of which target halitosis at its root.

"Bad breath is often indicative of toxemia or defective elimination via liver," explains Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Guide. This helpful manual goes on to suggest not only nettle, but also alfalfa sprouts, parsley, peppermint, dill, fennel, sage, licorice, dandelion goldenseal, echinacea, wild yam, myrrh, lemon, and chlorophyll tablets as viable treatment options for bad breat

4) Take probiotics. Along these same lines, poor gut health is another common cause of bad breath. If your digestive tract is overloaded with built-up toxins, for instance, or if routine antibiotic use and poor dietary habits have left your digestive system in shambles, bad breath could merely be a side effect of another underlying problem. And supplementing with probiotic flora or eating more probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, fermented sauerkraut and kombucha tea just might be the remedy.

A study published in the journal Current Opinion in Gastroenterology back in 2011 found that probiotic supplements actually help replace odor-causing oral microbes with beneficial varieties, effectively nipping bad breath in the bud. Other studies have identified specific probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus salivarius that directly target harmful bacterial strains in the mouth, and reduce or eliminate the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) responsible for causing bad breath

5) Eat more carrots, celery, and apples. Crunchy fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber are also beneficial in the fight against bad breath. Eating more carrots, celery, and apples, for instance, can help scrape out the plaque buildups that are responsible for causing more mild or infrequent forms of bad breath, as well as add an extra dose of immune-boosting nutrients to your diet. These foods also help trigger an increased production of bacteria-fighting saliva inside the mouth.

6. Peppermint

A large majority of toothpastes contain peppermint flavoring, and this isn’t by accident. Peppermint has the ability to give the mouth a fresh, clean feeling. Essential oils from peppermint (real peppermint, not flavoring) does much more than create a fresh feeling. One study showed that peppermint oils actually help reduce bad breath more effectively than a lab-produced chemical rinse. ^[1]

7. Tea Tree

Tea tree oil has been long known among natural health practitioners for its toxicity to harmful, bad breath causing organisms. With these powerful properties, researchers have examined the effectiveness of tea tree oil extract in mouth rinses. One such study found tea tree oil eliminated a wider range of microorganisms than the chemical chlorhexidine. ^[2] Another study found that Solobacterium moorei, a bacteria associated with halitosis, was highly susceptible to the effects of tea tree oil.  Included in a rinse, it offers a complete cleansing effect in the battle against bad breath. Tea tree oil has also been found successful in addressing Candida, which can cause bad breath. 

8. Sage

Sage has been known since ancient times as a healing herb. Modern research has only validated its effectiveness against harmful organisms and its powerful halitosis fighting abilities. Sage has been shown to be effective against bad breath causing organisms such as Candida albicans, Streptoccocus mutans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. 

9. Myrrh

Myrrh has been used for thousands of years in a myriad of ways. For those looking to battle bad breath – whatever the cause – myrrh is a potent natural remedy because it helps cleanse the mouth of germs and also addresses conditions that may encourage future growth. 

10. Clove

In Chinese medicine, bad breath is considered a result of Qi stagnation. According to the Chinese, clove encourages Qi flow and clove has a long history in Chinese medicine for remedying bad breath. Modern studies have found clove to be an effective component of mouth rinses. In one study, participants preferred it to a chemical based mouth rinse in terms of taste, after-taste and ease of use.  The authors of this study also noted that mouth rinses using herbs like cloves also presented viable alternatives for individuals who could not use chemical rinses.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that a natural product swirled around in the mouth would taste and feel better than something out of the lab.

11. Pine Needle

Pine resins and oils have been used historically for a range of medicinal therapies. Pine naturally contains terpene alcohols which are potent cleansing agents and toxic to harmful organisms. Researchers have also determined pine oils offer powerful antioxidant properties. As a component of a mouth rinse, pine needle supports overall mouth health!

12. Eucalyptus

For reducing bad breath, eucalyptus has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness. In a 2010 study, eucalyptus was found to eliminate mouth malodor by significantly reducing volatile sulfur compounds (the ones that make your breath wretched). The success of eucalyptus in this study demonstrated that its cleansing effects worked both in the lab, as well as in practice.

HOW TO CURE TYPHOID FEVER WITH HERBS

Typhoid fever — also known simply as typhoid[1] — is a common worldwide bacterial disease transmitted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person, which contain the bacterium Salmonella enterica enterica, serovar Typhi.[2] The disease has received various names, such as gastric fever, abdominal typhus, infantile remittant fever, slow fever, nervous fever and pythogenic fever. The name typhoid means "resembling typhus" and comes from the neuropsychiatric symptoms common to typhoid and typhus.[3] Despite this similarity of their names, typhoid fever and typhus are distinct diseases and are caused by different species of bacteria.[4] INGREDIENTS: Get unripe pawpaw,unripe pineapple,ginger,lime orange,sugar cane,and Lipton tea.

cut everything into pieces, boil with fermented corn water for one hour. take one glass cup 3 times daily for one week. if symptom persist visit your doctor. PREVENTION:Sanitation and hygiene are the critical measures that can be taken to prevent typhoid. Typhoid does not affect animals, and therefore, transmission is only from human to human. Typhoid can only spread in environments where human feces or urine are able to come into contact with food or drinking water. Careful food preparation and washing of hands are crucial to prevent typhoid.

MEDICINAL USES OF MORINGA

The Moringa Tree with its edible leaves, flowers, and pods are one of most power packed, nutritious trees in the world, but it is also one of the most healing trees in the world. All of the tree is either used for food, medicine, or cooking. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years to both prevent and treat almost 300 diseases. The information in this article is not based on double blind research but on the historical and current usage of Moringa leaves, flowers, and pods in Nigeria, and many other countries. This is how the people have used it in the past and how they use it now. Much of this information was observed and documented in the different health projects by physicians in their treatment of AIDS, malnutrition, and disease. In Nigeria, Ayurvedic physicians use it in their standard treatment protocols. How can Moringa leaves have an impact on so many problems? Many health problems are due to poor nutrition, malnutrition and imbalanced disease states, which result in immune system breakdown and disease. When you correct those imbalances and nutritional deficiencies with super packed nutritious food, it is bound to improve health and disease states. The ability for Moringa leaves, flowers, bark, and pods to have such diverse healing effects is due to the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healing elements the tree contains. A review of Moringa's power packed nutrition: Here is a nutritional breakdown of Fresh Moringa Leaves: 7 times the Vitamin C of Oranges; 4 times the Calcium of Milk; 3 times the Potassium of Bananas; 2 times the Protein of Yogurt; 4 times the Vitamin A of Carrots; and ¾ the iron of Spinach. Moringa leaves when dried become a even greater, powerhouse of nutrition containing: ½ the Vitamin C of Oranges; 17 times the Calcium of Milk; 15 times the Potassium of Bananas; 9 times the Protein of Yogurt; 25 times the Vitamin A of Carrots; and 20 times the Iron in Spinach. All elements except the Vitamin C is increased when you dry the leaves in the shade. Drying the leaves in direct sunlight decreases its nutritional values. How Moringa and Artemisia Annua Leaves benefit AIDS Patients: There are health projects going on in Tanzania, Musoma, and other areas. There is a real AIDS crisis in these areas. In these AIDS cases, the doctors have found that the combination of two herbs, Moringa and Artemisia Annua, improved the energy, stamina, and CD4 counts of the AIDS patients. Some of their patients came in so weak, they were not able to walk or care for themselves. They improved so dramatically that many were able to go back to work and many stayed to help the incoming patients. These dramatic improvements were documented over and over again by the doctors in these health projects. How the herbs were used in the treatment protocols: The physicians combined dried Moringa Leaves with Artemisia Annua and then added one heaping teaspoonful of the powder to make a tea. A liter of tea using 5 grams of the powder was given 3 times a day to the patient while the symptoms were acute. Later when the patients improved, it was reduced to a cup a day. When you consider the super nutrition in Moringa leaves, it is easy to understand how the Aids patients would improve. The power packed nutrition would bolster their immune function, strength, stamina and ability to live a more normal active life. Moringa does NOT cure AIDS but helps the AIDS patient live longer and improves their quality of life and health. Often the AIDS patient does not die from AIDS, but from one of the opportunist infections that prey on their compromised immune system. Moringa Leaves and its effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, breast milk production, and anemia: In India, the leaves are used to normalize blood pressure and to treat anxiety. In 1994, a team of researchers identified a new nitride and mustard oil glycoside that demonstrated its ability to lower blood pressure. An infusion of the leaf is used to reduce sugar levels though not as effectively as the standard hypoglycemia medicine. Moringa leaves mixed with honey then followed with coconut milk drunk 2 to 3 times a day is used for diarrhea, dysentery and colitis. Moringa leaves have been observed and documented by doctors in the health projects to increase breast milk production and the health of nursing mothers. This is due to the nutrition in the leaves especially the protein, calcium, and iron content. Given to failure to thrive infants, it encourages weight gain and improved health due to the super packed nutritional content of the leaves. Moringa leaves are given to improve anemia in infants, children and adults because of its high iron content. Iron tablets cause stomach distress, constipation, and are difficult to digest. Iron tablets are not easy to obtain in these poor communities. Given their compromised digestive systems due to malnutrition, the iron tablets would most likely not even be utilized by the body. Researchers have not identified all the various elements in the plant that affect these health problems. It may be that in the overall improvement of the patient's nutritional status that these imbalances are corrected. Improved nutrition supports the patient's own body mechanisms to heal and correct these conditions.

MEDICINAL USES OF SHEA BUTTER

Shea butter is used as a base for medicinal ointments and has been claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It has been claimed internationally to be an effective treatment for the following conditions: 1. Fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretch marks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis. It is also being used as a sun blocking lotion; although the level of protection against the sun's ultraviolet radiation is extremely variable, ranging from nothing to approximately SPF 6. In Nigeria, Shea butter is used for the management of sinusitis and relief of nasal congestion. This is due to its hydrating properties which help in relaxing the tension in the face skin thus easing respiration. The anti-aging benefits of Shea butter have been recognized internationally and there is a mind-boggling range of Shea butter products available these days. Industrial The main industrial use of Shea butter outside Africa is in cosmetics, such as moisturizer creams and emulsion and hair conditioners for dry and brittle hair. It is also used by soap makers, typically in small amounts (5-7% of the oils in the recipe), because of its property of leaving a small amount of oil in the soap. The Vitamins A and E found in Shea butter help in keeping the skin supple and healthy. It also prevents premature wrinkles and facial lines. Vitamin F works as a rejuvenator. (Vitamin F from our local Food) Rough and chapped skin is soothed and healed. Shea butter penetrates the skin easily and does not clog the pores. Dry skin and dry scalp relief • Heals blemishes and keeps wrinkles at bay • Excellent skin moisturizer • Reduces itchiness caused due to excessive dryness of the skin • Cures minor burns and tough skin on feet • Evens out skin tone • Offers sun and wind protection • Restores elasticity to the skin • Restores lost hair lustre • Eliminates scalp irritation caused due to chemical processing

Medicinal uses of Pepper fruits(Dennettia tripeta)(igbere)

Nigeria researchers have shown that eating pepper fruits could decrease the risk of blindness caused by glaucoma. THE season is here again! Pepper fruit is in town. It comes with the rains. It is spicy and peppery. The young leaves are chewed on account of their pungent spicy taste. The fruits, green at first then turning red, ripen in April and May have a peppery spicy taste and are chewed for this property. The fruit is held to be a good source of vitamin. Botanically called Dennettia tripetala, pepper fruit belongs to the plant family Annonaceae. It is called ako in Edo, nkarika in Ibibio, mmimi in Igbo, and ata igbere in Yoruba. But Nigerian researchers have demonstrated how a meal rich in pepper fruit reduces the risk of glaucoma by stabilizing the Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) of the eye. The study titled Effect of Dennettia tripetela Seed Intake on the Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) of normtensive Emmetropic Nigerian Igbos, was authored by researchers at the Department of Optometry Abia State University, Uturu. IOP is the pressure within the eyeball as a result of the constant formation and drainage of the aqueous humour. It is the internal pressure of which allows the eye to hold on to its shape and function properly. Intraocular pressure is controlled primarily by the rate of secretion or rate of drainage of the aqueous humour. These will be building up pressure leading to increased risk of optic nerve damage, a pathological condition called glaucoma. Glaucoma is rated as the second leading cause of vision loss worldwide. It is also estimated that 66.8 million people are affected by glaucoma worldwide and 6.7 million are bilaterally blind because of the disease. It was said to affect individuals of all age groups but is more prevalent after the fourth decade of life. Black subjects, in comparison with Caucasian subjects are known to have increased risk of optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma. IOP is essential in visual health because it sustains the metabolism of the cornea and lens. Generally, the normal range of IOP value is between 13mmHg to 21mmHg. IOP above these values are considered to be pathological resulting in glaucoma. According to the Abia State University study, results obtained showed that consumption of 0.75g of seed gradually reduced the mean IOP from 15.6mmHg to 11.20mmHg, (25.64 per cent reduction) after 60 minutes; and gradually reversed towards baseline value at 120mins-post ingestion. The mean induced change in IOP at 60 minutes was 4.00mmHg. The effect was found to be statistically significant. The researchers wrote: “Result obtained from this study showed that ingestion of 0.75g of reduced the Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) of normotensive emmetropes though not sustained. At 30 minutes post consumption of pepper fruit, the IOP was reduced by 17.30 per cent (12.90mmHg) from the mean baseline of 15.60mmHg. This decrease in IOP was consistent at 60 minutes (a 25.64 per cent reduction 11.20mmHg) and then started reverting towards baseline. This decrease was therefore not found to be sustained after 60minutes post consumption of the seeds. The IOP returned almost to baseline after 120 minutes (a mean of 15.40mmHg) post ingestion of 0.75g. There was a statistically significant reduction of IOP after 30 minutes and 60 minutes. This reduction in IOP recorded was probably due to the ascorbic acid, magnesium, flavonoid, melatonin, thiamin, vitamin B, lipoid acid content of Ascorbic acid had been established to support the osmotic influx of water following osmolarity elevation of blood artificially leading to the fall in IOP. “The effect of flavonoid in IOP reduction is thought to be as a result of the reduction in excessive permeability of blood aqueous membrane within the eye. The presence of lipoic acid (fatty acid) probably helped in the reduction of IOP by increasing glutathione in red blood cells and lacrimal fluid of glaucomatous patients thereby reducing the IOP. “Finally, the presence of melatonin, thiamine (vitamin B) and vitamin B perhaps also contributed to the reduction in IOP. This is due to the fact that melatonin levels have been found to decrease in glaucomatous patient and normal diurnal rhythms of IOP fluctuation reflect melatoninrhythms. Since glaucoma has been found to be one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide the need for cheaper and acceptable adjuvant remedy becomes necessary Therefore ingestion should be encouraged as an adjuvant in the treatment of glaucoma.” According to a study published in African Journal of Food Science by researchers at the Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, pepper fruit is a well-known Nigerian spicy medicinal plant normally used in folk medicine to cure fever, cough, toothache, as well as a stimulant and in the preparation of some special dishes for pregnant and postpartum women. The study is titled “Changes in the total phenol content and antioxidant properties of pepper fruit (Dennettia tripetala) with ripening.” The researchers concluded: “The present study shows that unripe pepper fruit has higher antioxidant activities than the ripe pepper fruit, despite its lower total phenol content. Therefore, the physiological changes that accompanies ripening of pepper fruits that brings about changes in pigment would increase the total phenol, but decreases the antioxidant properties of pepper fruit.” . An epidemiological association between those who have a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetable and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain forms of cancer has been recorded. Some communities in parts of Southern Nigeria also utilized the leaves and roots, in addition to the fruits for medicinal purpose. D. tripetala is used as masticators, which when chewed produces unique peppery effect. The peppery spicy taste of mature D. tripetala fruits usually serves as a mild stimulant to the consumer. The fruits are sometimes taken with kolanut, garden egg and palm wine in parts of Nigeria, especially in Southern part of Nigeria where it serves also for cultural entertainment of guests, particularly during coronation, new yam festivals, weddings and marriage festivals. D. tripetala fruit has also been reported to be used as spice in flavouring food, and as seasoning, which are added to prepared food such as meat, sausages, soups and vegetable. The peppery fruits of D. tripetala are applied to the food meant for pregnant women and are important in the diets of postpartum women, during which time it is claimed that spices and herbs aid uterine contraction. D. tripetala fruits contain important nutritive substances such as vitamins, minerals and fibre.

MEDICINAL USES OF ALLIGATOR PEPPER

Alligator pepper means different things to different people. It is served along with Kola-nuts to guests for entertainment, as communion and used for religious rites by diviners for invoking spirits. It is a common ingredient in pepper soup, a spicy delight in most parts of West Africa. But since antiquity, alligator pepper has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases. The alligator pepper plant has both medicinal and nutritive values and the extracts of its seeds has been used as an antidote to dysentery and diarrhoea. What is more, it is an effective herb for the treatment of snake bite. But alligator pepper, which is called names such as grains of paradise, Atare (in Yoruba), chitta (Hausa), or Guinea pepper, is one seed individuals with diabetes might find very good in ensuring the regulation of their blood sugar, thus protecting them from complications of the disease such as blindness and limb amputation. Surprised that alligator pepper has multipurpose? The medicinal uses of alligator pepper dates back into ages and recently scientists in a new study corroborate its usefulness in lowering blood sugar under laboratory conditions. Researchers in ascertaining the blood-sugar lowering effect of alligator pepper had 25 albino rats that were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each. Two control groups: non-diabetic (positive) and diabetic (negative) were administered tap water as vehicle solvent, throughout the duration of the experiment. The remaining three groups received 100 mg/kg of metformin, 200 and 400 mg/kg orally and aqueous(water) seed extract of alligator pepper respectively and simultaneously.

The researchers, who evaluated the fasting blood glucose in these rats daily, found that oral administration of aqueous extract of alligator pepper to diabetic rats lowered blood glucose to normal level within six days of administration, while metformin took 14 days. There was no significant difference in the duration of lowering the blood glucose by the two doses of extract administered, meaning that the effect was not dose dependent. The December 2010 study was published in the Sierra Leone Journal of Biomedical Research and entitled “Evaluation of Hypoglycaemic Efficacy of Aqueous Seed Extract of Aframomum melegueta in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats. It was carried out by Adesokan Ayoade A, Akanji Musbau A and Adewara Gabriel S, all from the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin. They wrote: “This study, scientifically confirmed the locally acclaimed glucose lowering effect of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta by traditional medicine practitioners. The extract possesses a more potent hypoglycaemic property than metformin. It took 14 days to attain normoglycaemia in the group that received metformin and only six days in the two groups that received extract of A. melegueta.” The researchers, who stating that the fact that insulin is completely absent in alloxan-induced diabetes perhaps explain the reason the extract of A. melegueta was more efficient than metformin, declared that they were going to carry out further work to ascertain the precise mechanism of the action of the plant in reducing blood sugar level. According to them, “it would also be worthwhile to isolate the acclaimed active ingredients responsible for the pharmacologic activity in subsequent research.” Meanwhile, for diabetes that patronises alligator pepper, they would also be protected against common infectious diseases. The extracts of its seeds has been used for years in the treatment of infectious diseases as well as in the treating wounds and prevention of infections. In a study, researchers also tried to ascertain the potency of its extract in the prevention of many common disease-causing germs which include Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherictaia coli, Salmonella typhi and klebsiella pneumonia. These includes germs that causes food poisoning, pneumonia, blood infections and other deadly diseases The study was carried out by Doherty, V. Funmilayo in collaboration with Olaniran, O.Oluwakemi both form the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos was entitled “Antimicrobial Activities of Aframomum Melegueta (Alligator Pepper)”and published in the July, 2010 issue of the International Journal of Biology. The study found that the seed extract of alligator pepper inhibited the growth of all the bacteria tested, suggested that the plant extract has broad spectrum in activity (acts against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria). Higher antimicrobial activity of the extracts was observed on E.coli, Klebsiella spp and Salmonella spp at high concentration. That alligator pepper was able to halt multiplication of the virus in the laboratory is of great implication as it portends the possibility of giving the human body a chance to fight off disease-causing germs. Alligator pepper is reputedly aphrodisiacs, worm expellant, stimulants and diuretics as well as useful in the treatment of measles, leprosy, low breast milk production and excessive bleeding after child birth. Studies carried out on laboratory rats support the idea that they increase the libido (in rats) and that they can reduce pain and inflammation so may be good to treat arthritis. However, they are yet to be tested on humans. An ethnobotanical survey on plants used as male contraceptive used in the South-western part of Nigeria named alligator pepper as an herbal male contraceptives. The inventory was published in the African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Meanwhile, many medicinal plants have been confirmed to have blood-sugar lowering (hypoglycaemic) properties. Some of them include garlic, neem, unripe pawpaw fruit, ginger lily, Trigonella foerum (Fenugreek), Ocimum santum (Basil), and Aloe vera. Ginger lily (bush-cane), is called kakii-zuwaa in Hausa, mbiritem in Ibibio, okpoto in Ibo, andura and atare tete-egun in Yoruba. Researchers at the University of Reading, United Kingdom and Kogi State University, Anyigba validated the use of Costus afer as a hypoglycaemic (reduces blood glucose/sugar) plant in native medicine. According to the study published in British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, the plant extract did not reduce blood glucose in fed rats, but significantly reduced blood glucose when administered in combination with a conventional anti-diabetes drug, glibenclamide. In the study entitled “Evaluation of the Phytochemical Composition and Hypoglycaemic Activity of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Costus afer in Albino Rats”, they “Oral administration of the methanolic leaf extract of Costus afer showed a dose dependent hypoglycemic effect as revealed.”

MEDICINAL USES OF BITTER LEAVES

As its name suggests, it is a plant whose main characteristic is it bitter stem and leaves. There also exists a species of the plant which produces a ‘sweet‘ leaf. Popular in most of West Africa and named after botanist, William Vernon, its botanical name is Vernonia, it belongs to the family of Asteraceae. Bitter leaf is also referred to as ironweed, a name coined from the intensely purple flowers which later take on a rusty hue. Bitter leaf is able to flourish in a variety of climates unlike other plants which are often native to certain areas. Although most popularly used for food, bitter leaf has also traditionally been used for its medicinal properties now proven by medical research. With around a thousand varieties, the bitter leaf plant’s uses range from antimicrobial to decorative. Some of the most common uses are noted below. 1. STOMACH ACHE: Chew the tender stem and swallowing the juices is a well known remedy for stomach aches. Alternatively pound the fresh leaves in a mortar to extract the juice. Add a pinch of salt to three tablespoons of the undiluted juice and drink. This version is reported to bring immediate relief. 2. SKIN INFECTIONS & OTHER AILMENTS: For skin infections such as ringworm, itching, rashes and eczema, the pure, undiluted extract of bitter leaf is excellent. Simply apply it to the affected part daily. The roots are used by sufferers of gingivitis and toothache due to antimicrobial properties which prevent the growth of bacteria. 3. GOOD FOR THE LIVER : Weighing between 1 and 3 kilograms, the liver is essential for the metabolism of fats and protein and must therefore be well taken care of. Alcohol, sugar, and processed foods we often feed ourselves can weaken the liver and make it susceptible to infections. Damage to the liver is often difficult to reverse and bitter leaf has long been used as a toner for this and other vital organs of the organ of the body. 4. DIABETES: As with the liver, bitter leaf helps repair the pancreas as well as cut down sugar levels in the blood. Agitate and squeeze ten handfuls of the fresh leaves in ten litres of water and drink two glasses thrice daily for one month. This amounts to six glasses daily. 5. INSOMNIA: Bitter leaf extract has been known to work magic for many unable to get restful sleep. Simply take two glasses of bitter leaf solution every night to experience great calm and well being. You may add a little honey if you wish. 6. PNEUMONIA: Squeeze the fresh leaves of the plant in water. Take a glass-full thrice daily. Warm [DO NOT BOIL the solution each time before drinking. Continue the medication for a month. To save time a large quantity can be made in one go. Add some honey to preserve the solution. NB: Bitter leaf extract stored for longer than twenty-four hours loses the bitterness but the efficacy remains. 7. PROSTRATE CANCER: Prostrate cancer is most common among black men over forty years old. Its symptoms include difficult and painful urination, among others. Bitter leaf helps increases the flow of urine and reduces the pain through its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also said to stop the cancer from spreading. Simply squeeze the fresh leaves in water and take a glassful four times daily. 8. FATIGUE: Often feel weak and tired? Do you lack vitality and vigour? Squeeze the leaves in water and drink a glass three times daily. Soon you will experience a new lease of energy. 9. STROKE: Bitter leaf solution has a calming effect on the nerves, strengthens the muscles and cleanses the system. 10. ARTHRITIS: Arthritis or rheumatism patients who have tried bitter-leaf solution as described above attest to its effectiveness. It soothes inflamed joints and eradicates the pain.

MEDICINAL USES OF ORANGES

The orange tree has many healing properties; there are different species of citrus orange, although medicinal uses of the differing oranges are similar. There is often confusion between the sweet orange tree (Citrus sinensis) and the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium); the bitter orange tree is the more versatile of the two trees, producing three different essential oils. However, the sweet orange tree also has healing properties within its fruit. Orange trees need a minimum temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit to grow successfully; they also need plenty of sun, well-drained soil and plenty of water through the growing season. The Differences Between Sweet Orange and Bitter Orange Both species of orange trees are members of the Rutaceae plant family; the bitter orange tree is an evergreen tree which grows up to 33 feet in height. It has dark green, glossy leaves, with sharp spines, fragrant white flowers and small fruit. The sweet orange tree is smaller than the bitter orange tree but with larger fruit; it has few spines and is not as hardy as the bitter orange tree. Essential Oils Produced by the Orange Tree The bitter orange tree produces three different essential oils which are used in aromatherapy; bitter orange oil from the fruit of the tree, Petitgrain oil from the leaves of the tree and orange blossom (or Neroli) oil from the flowers of the tree. The sweet orange tree produces one essential oil from the fruit of the tree. The fruit of the bitter orange is also high in vitamin C. In Chinese medicine, dried bitter orange is used to treat diarrhea and prolapse of the uterus. An essential oil of the bitter orange fruit is obtained by cold expression of the outer peel of the ripe fruit. The essential oil of both orange trees are used in the treatment of skin care, water retention, bronchitis, constipation, colds, flu and nervous conditions. Healing properties of orange are anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-depressant, sedative and a tonic. Essential oil of orange is obtained by cold expression of the ripe outer peel of the fruit. The fruit of the sweet orange tree contains vitamins A, B and C, in addition to potassium. In Chinese medicine, the dried orange peel is used to treat coughs and colds; however, traditional Chinese medicine consider oranges as a source of internal heat, which may aggravate skin conditions such as eczema. The Chinese also advise pregnant women against eating the fruit to lessen hyperactivity in the baby; in the West, it is thought that hyperactivity in children may be aggravated by oranges.

MEDICINAL USES OF LOCUST BEANS

To many people, the name African Locust bean or monkey cutlass tree is associated with that cooking ingredient made from its seed, which is referred to as locust bean seed or dawa dawa in Hausa land. As with many African plants, the tree has had its use in traditional medical treatment of several diseases. To relieve diarrhea, the bark is boiled to make a tea. For infections, wounds, and fever, the bark is boiled and applied on the affected part of the body. The bark when macerated had being used in the treatment of toothache and treatment of wounds. Its leaves when crushed had being tried in the treatment of hemmorhoids and burns just as its flowers and bud when grilled and macerated has been used for the treatment of hypertension and in the prevention of leprosy in some communities. Some also use the decoction of the seed made by concentrating its extract through boiling to reduce tension, treat mouth sores as well as insect bites. Meanwhile, there is a scientific basis for its use in the treatment of wounds and stomach ulcers according to researchers that tried to assess the effect of the decoction on some germs that cause diseases. These are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Campylobacter jejuni/coli. H. pylori is the germ that causes stomach ulcer. The researchers from University of Yaounde, Cameroon, in the 2006 online edition of the journal Pharmacology tested the crude extracts of several plants, including locust bean tree bark along side others such as Pleiocarpa sp, Rinorea oblongifolia and Drypetes gossweileri. They considered also stem bark and seeds of bitter kola and wild basil leaves. They were dried and ground into a fine powder before extracted with either an alcoholic solution, water or both. Many of them were found to be effective in slowing down the growth of H. pylori and Campylobacter jejuni. These included the Garcinia mannii (a chew sticks for cleaning of teeth), locust bean, wild basil leaves and Markhamia lutea (Nile Tulip Tree). They suggested that the extracts either possess active principles with different (synergistic) antimicrobial mechanisms, or that the different active principles components of these plant extracts complement each other in a manner. Meanwhile, they declared that many of these plant extracts are active in laboratory conditions but not in humans due to their short stomach transit time and reduced contact with the infectious agent and/or due to their poor acid stability. According to them, the ability of the extract of the barks of these plants, including locust beans, slow down the growth of several germs including that for ulcer, thus providing some scientific support for their use in the traditional management of peptic ulcer disease. In addition, they said there may be the need for more studies to assess their safety and effectiveness in humans to further provide scientific validity for their traditional use. The effectiveness of locust bean root bark extract against some micro-organisms associated with urinary tract infections equally affirms the antibacterial properties of the bark of the tree. In an assessment by a group of researchers from the Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria, they said there are evidences that it can be used in the prevention of diseases caused by such germs as Escherichia coli known to cause bloody diarrhea and sometimes kidney failure; Staphylococcus aureus (germ that causes food poisoning, pneumonia and blood poisoning), Klebsiella pneumoniae (causes urinary tract infection) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (causes severe nosocomial infections). These germs are also associated with urinary tract infections. They found that both the water and methanolic extracts displayed appreciable antibacterial activities against such recalcitrant pathogenic bacteria like K. pneumoniea, S. aureus and E. coli that are known to show above average resistance to most chemical antimicrobial agents. These pathogens are known to cause majority of community and hospital acquired infections. However this group also tried expaining why the plant is helpful in treatment of diseases. Their justification for the folklore use of locust bean in medical practice by majority of the populations of the sub-Saharan Africa, they said may be due to its ability to inhibit these germs.They said its bark consist mainly of glycosides and tannins, appreciable amounts of saponins glycosides and phenolics, with trace amount of alkaloids in the June 2007 edition of the African Journal of Biotechnology Meanwhile, there are evidences that locust bean seeds because of such bioactive compounds may really have a basis for its effectiveness in the treatment of snakebites, diabetes, fever and infections caused by some susceptible pathogens. The presence in the root of substantial quantities of glycosides may justify the use of the decoctions for conditions of the heart and hypertension.

MEDICINAL USES OF AVACADOS

Avocados is not just a fruit with high nutritional value it also has medicinal properties. We will see how avocadoes help in reducing weight, fighting cancer cell growth and helps when applied in dysentery.Avocados are a rich source of vitamin K, fiber that helps in digestion, vitamin C, B6, folate and copper and potassium. Their potassium content is higher than what a medium size banana can provide.

Avocados have a high fat content. That is, between 71% to 88% of their total calories – about 20 times the average for other fruits. An avocado in general contains 30 grams of fat – 20 of these fat grams are full of health-promoting monounsaturated fats, special mention of oleic acid is a must here.

Avocados contain oleic acid, that accrding to researches done may help to lower cholesterol level. Avocados are also a good source of potassium, a mineral found in banana that helps regulate blood pressure. Appropriate intake of potassium can help to one protect and fight against high blood pressure, heart disease and also stroke.

One cup of avocado has 23% of the folate that our body needs through the day. It is an important nutrient for heart health. Women whose intake of dietary folate is higher have 55% lower risk of having heart attacks or dangerous heart disease. People who consume folate-rich diets also have a much lower risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids including oleic acid, which in current research shown to have properties to protect against breast cancer also. An extract of avocado containing these carotenoids and tocopherols restrict the growth of androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostrate – both type of cancer cells.

How do you include avocados in your daily diet? Some slices of avocado can be added and salad, or chopped avocado can be mixed into salsa. This does not only add a rich, creamy flavor to your meal, but greatly increases your body’s ability to absorb the health-promoting carotenoids that vegetables provide. This is an important property and should be kept at the top of mind while preparing meals.

Disadvantages or negative effects in humans are primarily due to allergies individuals have against particular compounds or chemicals. It can cause allergy in some people. For the first few times you include avocados in your diet you should be more observant.
The fruit skin is antibiotic; is used as remedy for dysentery. The leaves of avocado are chewed to protect or inhibit pyorrhea. Poultices made of avocado leaves are applied on wounds. Heated leaves are also applied on the forehead to get rid of neuralgia. The leaf decoction is taken as a remedy for diarrhea, sore throat and hemorrhage. It is also believed that it stimulates and regulates menstruation.


These are some of the properties of avocados. Whether is is fighting cancer or dysentery or relieving wounds, Avocados are the way to go!

Prostate Cancer Prevention
Avocados have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.

Oral Cancer Defense
Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.

Breast Cancer Protection
Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies.

Eye Health
Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases.

Lower Cholesterol
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.

Heart Health
One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don't. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart.

Stroke Prevention
The high levels of folate in avocado are also protective against strokes. People who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower risk of stroke than those who don't.
Better Nutrient Absorption Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. In one study, when participants ate a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes lycopene and beta carotene) than those who didn't include avocados.

Glutathione Source
Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an important antioxidant that researchers say is important in preventing aging, cancer, and heart disease.

Vitamin E Powerhouse
Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health.

MEDICINAL USES OF CARROT

Did you know? - One pound of carrots gives a normal man enough energy to raise 64 tons 1 foot in the air? That same pound can produce 1 ounce and 11 grains of sugar. A pound also contains 14 ounces of water.
Remember carrots nourish they do not heal. If the body has the ability to heal itself, it will use the raw materials found in foods to do its own healing work. Herbs do not heal, they feed. Herbs do not force the body to maintain and repair itself. They simply support the body in these natural functions.

Carrots are credited with many medicinal properties; they are said to cleanse the intestines and to be diuretic, remineralizing, antidiarrheal, an overall tonic and antianemic. Carrot is rich in alkaline elements which purify and revitalize the blood. They nourish the entire system and help in the maintenance of acid-alkaline balance in the body. The carrot also has a reputation as a vegetable that helps to maintain good eyesight. Raw grated carrot can be applied as a compress to burns for a soothing effect. Its highly energizing juice has a particularly beneficial effect on the liver. Consumed in excessive quantities, carrots can cause the skin to turn yellow; this phenomenon, which is called Carotenemia and caused by the carotene contained in carrots, is frequently seen in young children but is not at all dangerous.
During thorough investigations, carrots have more properties than just for eye health. One is to prevent stroke. People affected by stroke, if you consume lots of vitamin A, will have fewer neurological damage (nerve) and have a chance to heal. This is because when the brain does not get oxygen for how long, as in stroke, the cells began to experience malfunctions (interference function) that causes a series of events culminating when the nerve cells of oxidative damage, and these conditions can be muted if the blood contained many vitamin A.

A study showed that eating carrots at least five times a week can reduce the risk of stroke. Savor antistroke also generated because the activity of beta carotene to prevent the occurrence of plaque or cholesterol deposits in blood vessels. Beta carotene is the most active pigments when compared with the alpha and gamma carotene. Usually known as beta carotene provitamin A that the intestinal wall. “Because the carrots do not contain cholesterol. There is a fiber that can reduce fat in the blood. He can also be as an anti-oxygen. Oxidized fat in blood vessels that will make a stroke, it can prevent a stroke if he ate carrots that anti-oxidants and fiber is high, “he said.

No one wants to have a stroke and nobody wants to die young. Prevention is better than cure. So what are you waiting, carrot we know as the vegetables can lead us away from a stroke. Carrots were also used as a detox and a very good antioxidant. “For the heart, there Massuchusetts a 1300 study in the elderly is given one serving a day. Each day is given to a group of elderly people 122 gr. Apparently, the risk of heart attacks decreased 60 percent compared to the no consumption, “he explained.

One cup of carrots (16.679 mcg) contain more beta carotene could reduce the risk of various cancers. One cup can reduce 20 percent of post-menopausal breast cancer, and can hit as much as 50 percent of bladder cancer, also 50 percents lung cancer if we eat them. Carrots also according to Dr Win’s good for preventing diabetes.“Unlike the insulin resistance, can prevent diabetes. ” he concluded.
CARROT not only contain vitamin A which is good for the eyes. More than that, carrots contain many nutrients and minerals to prevent stroke. Carrots are known to contain vitamin A which is very high. Carrots have other elements such as calories, protein, carbohydrate, calcium, and iron. Carrots are the plants that are planted throughout the year and can grow in all seasons, especially in mountainous areas that have cold temperatures and damp. Carrots are vegetables easily available and very much beneficial for health.

There are some people, especially children who do not like this vegetable because not yet know whether the benefits of carrots are very rich in vitamins. Okay, let’s see how far the carrot to benefit the body. According to Dr. John MS Win SpGK from Medigreen, the content in 122 grams or a cup of carrot juice have vitamin A as much as 34, 317, 40 mg, 16.678 mcg beta carotene, vitamin C 11.35 mg, folate 17.08 mcg. Vitamin K 16.10 mcg. While nutrition, such as calories of 52.46 calories, 1.26 grams of protein and 167.10 grams of water. Minerals in carrots is phosphorus, potassium and high atrium.

So far, people familiar with carrots only for the eyes because of its vitamin A content is very high. Carrots are believed to reduce the minus, plus and a cylinder in your eye. Apparently it’s just a myth. According to scientific research, carrots do contain lots of vitamin A. However, the optical system errors on eye can not be corrected with vitamin A. Like a camera lens has no focus. The film of any quality brand will record a blurred image if the lens is not perfect. “It is a source of vitamin A. However, the optical system errors on eye can not be corrected with vitamin A. Like a camera lens has no focus. The film of any quality brand will record a blurred image if the lens is not perfect. “It was a good source of vitamin A for night vision. Vitamin A to the retina produces rhodopsi (purple pigment) on a special eye for night vision. Vitamin A will reduce the aging of the macula eyes and prevent cataracts in the elderly, “explained the doctor who is also the practice of nutrition in hospitals.

medicinal uses of cucumber

The most cheaply available vegetable is cucumber. This is used for preparing salads as well as a vegetable. This vegetable is very soft and cool.

It also has other benefits. It can also be used to increase one’s beauty. It also has several medicinal properties. Some of them are given below:

If because of heat, one’s eyes becomes red or one feels tiredness in the eyes due to longer hours of studying one can take out the pulp of the cucumber and grind it and put on one’s eyes. One would get immediate relief.

If one’s skin becomes reddish due to heat or if one’s skin feels very hot one can apply the pulp of the cucumber on one’s skin.

Taking the juice of cucumber and adding sugar in it and drinking it continuously would help one in getting rid of the problem of thirstiness.

Applying the juice of cucumber flowers to one’s eyes provides coolness to one’s eyes.
The roots of cucumber are beneficial if one is bitten by a mad dog (one affected with rabies).
If one has the problem of kidney stones regularly consume the seeds of cucumber.
To 20-25 gms of cucumber seeds add 1 teaspoon of honey and butter. If this is regularly provided to children it helps in improving their health.
Cucumber is also beneficial to the disorders related to the stomach.
For acne problem, apply the pulp of cucumber to one’s face regularly.
If the juice of cucumber is applied to one’s hair it helps in strengthening the roots of one’s hair.

Some precautions to be taken before consuming the vegetable :

Though it has so many beneficial effects one need to keep few things in mind before eating it.
Some of them are :

• Always consume the vegetable fresh.
• Never eat cucumber on an empty stomach.
• Always wash it thoroughly before consuming it.
• Those suffering from cough should never consume /eat it.

OTHER BENEFITS ARE
Cucumber medicinal values: Cucumber has countless health benefits as well as cosmetic properties. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, folic acid (when it is not peeled it contains folic acid) and potassium. The skin of the cucumber is rich in fibre that contains variety of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and silica.

Health Benefits of Cucumber

Listed below are some of the effective health benefits of cucumber:

* Cucumber has cleaning properties that removes accumulated waste and toxins from our body. It may improve arthritis since it eliminates uric acid.
* Cucumber juice mixed with carrot juice is said to be more beneficial to rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body.
* It has been found that people with diabetes are benefited from the consumption of cucumber or cucumber juice.
* Cucumber juice taken daily may help in the improvement of gout and eczema.
* Cucumber included in diet helps people suffering from chest, lung and stomach problems.
* The potassium content of cucumber helps in proper regulation of blood pressure and promotes flexibility of muscles.
* The magnesium content of cucumber helps in smooth blood circulation, relaxes nerves and muscles.
* The fibre content of cucumber helps in regulating cholesterol levels in the body and contributes to bowel regularity.
* A cup of fresh cucumber juice reduces heartburn, soothes acid stomach and gastritis.
* Cucumber helps in preventing splitting of nails of the fingers and toes as it is rich in minerals.
* Place a slice of cumber on the affected sunburn area. It relaxes and elevates the sunburn’s pain, heat and inflammation.
* Slices of cucumber placed on the closed eyes reduce swelling and soothe the eyes.
* Cucumber is a best source of silica- a trace mineral which contributes to the
* strength of our connective tissue. Connective tissue is a tissue that holds our body together.

Cosmetic Benefits of Cucumber

* It prevents and treats under eye dark circles when slices of cucumber are kept on the closed eyes regularly before sleep in the night.
* It improves skin complexion and glow as it is rich in silica.
* It is used a common component in all the face pack preparations. The cooling, cleansing and diuretic properties of cucumber work as a best natural cosmetic for skin.
* Cucumber juice is said to promote hair growth especially when it is added to the juice of lettuce, spinach and carrot.

Benefits of Cucumber Mask
There are various benefits of cucumber mask. The nourishing, hydrant and astringent properties of cucumber mask can restore skin’s normal pH balance. It can cleanse, cool, soothe and soften our skin. It can relieve stress and reduce our under-eye dark circles.
Benefits of Eating Cucumber
There are many benefits of eating cucumber. It is suggested that cucumber can treat arthritis, diabetes, eczema, regulate blood pressure, improve blood circulation, etc.
. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need Every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a Cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that Quick pick-me-up that can last for Hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror Fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a Cucumber slice along the mirror, it will Eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, Spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and Slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few Slices in a small pie tin and your garden will Be free of pests all season long. The chemicals In the cucumber react with the aluminum to give Off a scent undetectable to humans but drive Garden pests crazy and make them flee the Area.

5. Looking for a Fast and easy way to remove cellulite before Going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or Two of cucumbers along your problem area for a Few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber Cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, Firming up the outer layer and reducing the Visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles Too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or Terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices Before going to bed and wake up refreshed and Headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B Vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential Nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in Equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and Headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that Afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers Have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for Quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and You realize that you don't have enough time to Polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber Over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a Quick and durable shine that not only looks Great but also repels Water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a Cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic Hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, Facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire Cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber Will react with the boiling water and be Released in the steam, creating a soothing, Relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce Stress in new mothers and college students During final exams.

11. Just finish a Business lunch and realize you don't have gum or Mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to The roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 Seconds to eliminate bad breath, the Phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your Mouth responsible for causing bad Breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to Clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the Surface you want to clean, not only will it Remove years of tarnish and bring back the Shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm Your fingers or fingernails while you Clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the Cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen Writing, also works great on crayons and markers That the kids have used to decorate the Walls!!

MEDICINAL USES OF WATERMELON

It is a trailing fleshy vine of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), native to tropical Asia but grown in many warm countries for its edible fruit. It has solitary yellow flowers 7.5 to 10 centimetres (3 to 4 inches). wide; hairy oval leaves that are heart shaped at the base and a melon-shaped or cucumber shaped fruit 20 to 38 centimetres (8 to 15 inches) long. Each green fruit has whitish waxy covering and contains fat, white seeds about half inch long.

Water-melon juice is a very favourite and refreshing drink in hot summer months. It subsides pitta, keeps the body cool and calm. It prevents sun­stroke and heat-stroke. It is a tonic, digestive and rejuvenative.
Benefit and uses of Water-melon.

Watermelon contains is 90% water, 50 calories, and vitamin C, has just a trace of fat without cholesterol.
Watermelon is not only great on a hot summer day, this delectable thirst-quencher may also help quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.
Most benefit of watermelon is that it contains high levels of lycopene--an antioxidant that may help the body fight cancer and prevent disease
Watermelon is fat free, nutritionally low in calories and considered an ideal diet food, and is high in energy, making it a great energy boost.
Watermelon contains no cholesterol of dietary significance and only a small amount

of fat. It is an important source of potassium and may micronutrients.

MEDICINAL USES OF COCONUT

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.

Coconut In Traditional Medicine

People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows the people have learned of its importance as a effective medicine. For thousands of years coconut products have held a respected and valuable place in local folk medicine.

In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.

Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:


Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.

Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.

Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.

Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.

Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.

Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.

Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.

Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.

Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.

Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.

Helps protect against osteoporosis.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.

Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.

Improves digestion and bowel function.

Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.

Reduces inflammation.

Supports tissue healing and repair.

Supports and aids immune system function.

Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.

Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.

Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.

Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Functions as a protective antioxidant.

Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.

Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.

Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).

Reduces epileptic seizures.

Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.

Dissolves kidney stones.

Helps prevent liver disease.

Is lower in calories than all other fats.

Supports thyroid function.

Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.

Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.

Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.

Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.

Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.

Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.

Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.

Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Helps control dandruff.

Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.

Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

Is completely non-toxic to humans.

medicinal uses of cassava

Cassava has had many folk medicine uses in tropical and subtropical countries where it has been a staple food for millions of people. Leaves and roots have been a folk remedy for tumors and cancers, which may be due to the B17 content, also known as laetrile. Vitamin B17 is also found in some seeds like apricots, peaches, apples, plums, nectarines, cherries, bean sprouts, flax, millet, lentils, macadamia nuts, as well as bamboo shoots, watercress and sweet potato. Edward Griffin in his research and book, ‘World without cancer, the story of vitamin B17’, says that B17 stimulates haemoglobin red blood cell count. Griffin believes many ailments of man could be related to a simple vitamin B17 deficiency. It is noteworthy, that in some ethnic cultures, where the way of life has been a very simple diet with cassava as a staple food, cancer is a very rare occurrence.
Medicinal Uses of Cassava

1. For relief of headache or fever apply a head compress of pounded cassava leaves.

2. Solution formed by boiling the bark of the stem of the cassava plant will help expel intestinal worms and will also serves as medicine for rheumatism.

3. Pounded cassava tuber may be applied on ulcerated wounds as medicine. The juice from the pounded tuber also as an antiseptic.

4. Cassava starch relieves the ill-effects of rashes and prickly heat. Place cassava starch on affected parts.

Nutritive Value of Cassava

1. The cassava tuber is boiled and eaten with or without sugar.

2. The tuber is a good source of gapleck and sago. From gapleck, starch is manufactured which is then made into flour and used in the preparation of biscuits, cookies and bread. Sago is used in the preparation of "guinata-an", a native delicacy.

3. The cassava starch is also made into paste which serves as glue.

MEDICINAL USES OF APPLE

APPLE AND ITS MEDICINAL USES
The apple is a highly nutritive food. It contains minerals and vitamins in abundance. The food value of the apple is chiefly constituted by its contents of sugar which ranges from 9 to 51 per cent. Of this, fruit sugar constitutes 60 per cent and glucose 25 pet cent and cane sugar only 15 per cent.
Apples are useful in kidney stones
The skin of apple should not be discarded when taking it in raw form as the skin and the flesh just below it contain more vitamin C than the inner flesh. The vitamin content decreases gradually towards the center of the fruit. The skin also contains five times more vitamin A than the flesh.
Iron contained in the apple helps in formation of blood.
Raw apples are good for constipation.
Cooked or baked apples are good for diarrhea.
Apples have been found useful in acute and chronic dysentery among children. Ripe and sweet apples should be crushed into pulp and given to the child several times a day.
Apples are of special value to heart patients. They are rich in potassium and phosphorus but low in sodium. It is also useful for patients of high blood pressure.
Apple is also said to be beneficial to gout patients caused by increase of uric acid in blood.
The apple peel water is an excellent medicine for the inflamed eyes as an eye wash. The over-ripe apples are useful as a poultice for sore eyes. The pulp is applied over the closed eyes.
Tooth-decay can be prevented by regular consumption of apples as they possess a mouth cleansing property.
The apple is the best fruit to tone up a weak and run-down patient. It removes deficiencies of vital organs and makes the body stout and strong. It tones up the body and the brain as it contains more phosphorus and iron than any other fruit or vegetable.
AN APPLE A DAY KEEP DOCTORS AWAY





FACTS ABOUT AND MEDICINAL VALUE OF APPLE
--- Apples come in all shades of reds, greens, yellows.
--- 2500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States.
--- 7500 varieties of apples are grown throughout the world.

---- The top apple producing states are Washington, New York, Michigan, California, Pennsylvania and Virginia, which produced over 83 percent of the nation’s 2001-crop apple supply.
---- Apples are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free.
---- A medium apples is about 80 calories.
---- Apples are a great source of the fiber pectin.
---- One apple has five grams of fiber.
---- Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit.
---- In Europe, France, Italy and Germany are the leading apple producing countries.
---- Most apples can be grown farther north than most other fruits because they blossom late in spring, minimizing frost damage.
---- It takes the energy from 50 leaves to produce one apple.
---- Apples are the second most valuable fruit grown in the United States. Oranges are first.
---- In colonial time apples were called winter banana or melt-in-the-mouth.
---- Newton Pippin apples were the first apples exported from America in 1768, some were sent to Benjamin Franklin in London.
---- In 1730 the first apple nursery was opened in Flushing, New York.
---- Some apple trees will grown over forty feet high and live over a hundred years.
---- Apples have five seed pockets or carpels. Each pocket contains seeds. The number of seeds per carpel is determined by the vigor and health of the plant. Different varieties of apples will have different number of seeds.
---- China is the leading producer of apples with over 1.2 billion bushels grown in 2001. World's top apple producers now are China,Poland,USA,Italy and Turkey.