Nature as a medicine

Mint plant (pudina)

Today, let me tell you some health benefits of pudina (mint plant )….

It helps to promote the digestive system by stimulating digestive enzymes.

Mint leaves are highly recommended for asthma patients, as it acts as a good relaxant and relieves chest congestion.

Mint leaves can improve memory power and mental alertness.

Mint leaves extract is useful to treat and prevent acne. It’s leaves tones the skin, softens dry and itchy skin.

Taking peppermint oil capsules improved the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome patients.

Breastfeeding mothers commonly experience sore and cracked nipples, which can make breastfeeding painful and difficult, applying mint to the skin can help relieve pain associated with breastfeeding.

It can also be a great remedy to treat nausea associated with morning sickness.

It kills bacteria and beats bad breath, keeping your mouth and teeth naturally healthy.

The aroma of mint helps in relaxing your brain and body by calming your mind.

Warning

Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimize the consumption as it may cause stomach irritation. Menthol oil is contraindicated in children to use topically as it may cause breathing difficulties.

Coriander (Dhaniya)

Almost in every house, we eat dhaniya but do you know about it’s benefits?

Let me tell you about it.

Coriander seeds, extract, and oils may all help lower blood sugar. In fact who have low blood sugar should use it cautiously.

It is rich in immune-boosting antioxidants.

Coriander may protect your heart by lowering blood pressure.

It may also boost appetite among some people.

Coriander may have several skin benefits, including for mild rashes like dermatitis.

It is used in the treatment of skin inflammation, high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, anemia, and indigestion.

Coriander is also useful for menstrual disorders, smallpox, conjunctivitis, skin disorders, and blood sugar disorders, improve memory while also benefiting eye care and even fight cancer.

Ways to protect us from pollution…..

This time the quality of air is extremely poor and the condition is most likely to worsen after the festival Diwali. Here are some ways to protect ourselves…….

Olive oil

With increasing pollution and smog, it is suggested to cook your foods in this healthy oil. It will help in preventing the health effects of air pollution. Infact, not only in times of high pollution, other times ( less pollution) we should use olive oil to keep ourselves healthy.

Jaggery

Jaggery, or also called ‘gur’ has a lot of health benefits, especially during winter season.It can even reverse the negative effect of smog and bad air quality.

Warning- Do not overconsume it.

Turmeric milk

A glass of turmeric milk Or haldi ka dudh can do wonders for your health.It is beneficial for your overall respiratory health. To make this at home, boil a glass of milk , then add few small pieces of raw turmeric and add sugar according to your taste. Your turmeric milk is ready to drink.

Tulsi and ginger tea

Tulsi and ginger tea is a popular home remedy to protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution and smog.Don’t take tension because you can easily prepare it at home. You just need to add few small pieces of ginger and 2-3 leaves of tulsi in your tea.

Citrus fruits

You need to take vitamin C to protect yourself from pollution. As you all know that the good source of this vitamin is citrus fruits like lemon, pineapple, orange, etc.

Onion and garlic

It is loaded with antioxidants and can help in keeping you safe from the harmful pollutants in the air. This combination in your diet can also go well for asthma patients or diseases related to the respiratory system.

Sugar cane

Sugar cane helps protect you from air pollution. You can either chew on it and spit the fibre out or simply make a fresh juice out of it.

Steam

Another home remedy that can protect you from the increasing pollution and smog is taking steam daily. If you can add few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil into your steam then that would make a great combination.

Wear masks.While stepping outside your house, you should wear a mask on your face without fail. This will help in protecting you from diseases and the negative impact of smog and air pollution on your lung health.

Exercise

Do not give up on physical exercise.You just need to avoid outdoor activities. You can do indoor exercises.

Hydrated

Ensure that you drink enough water throughout the day or other healthy drinks like coconut water and fresh lime.

Benefits of alsi seeds/ flaxseeds

Flaxseed is a good source of many nutrients, including protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, thiamine, and copper.

It is rich in lignans, which are plant compounds that have been studied for their potent cancer-fighting properties. Interestingly, this seed boasts 75–800 times more lignans than other plant foods

Flaxseed’s high fiber content may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.It also helps in decrease of blood pressure.

Flaxseed may stabilize blood sugar levels and promote blood sugar control.It may be particularly helpful if you have type 2 diabetes.

Flax seeds may be useful as a part of a weight loss diet.They contain soluble fiber, which becomes highly sticky when mixed with water.This fiber has been shown to be effective at suppressing hunger and cravings, potentially promoting weight loss.

Flaxseed may help reduce joint pain and stiffness.

Flax seeds are especially beneficial for women. They are known to help women’s fertility by boosting the chances of conception.

Flaxseed benefits for skin and hair include preventing damage caused by free radicals in the air and strengthening the roots which reduce hair fall.

Dry flax seeds are usually well tolerated, and allergy is rareStill, it’s recommended to drink plenty of water when eating these seeds.

Health benefits of Marigold (calendula/genda)

Do you know that there are lots of benefits of marigold?

Marigold’s most popular use from ancient times to modern day has been for healing the skin of wounds, burns, rashes, itchiness, bites and swelling.

It’s oil is an excellent antioxidant source. This beautiful orange and yellow Calendula oil is an excellent antioxidant source. This beautiful orange and yellow oil is rich in carotenes and carotenoids – the compounds responsible for the plant’s radiant colour.

It was most commonly used as a skin treatment, with preparations used for treating minor wounds, callouses, insect bites and stings, eczema, itches, burns and haemorrhoids.

Marigold extract may help make skin firmer and more hydrated. There was also a very slight improvement in elasticity of the skin.

Marigold (calendula) oil in cream form has sun protection factor (SPF) properties.

Flavonoids present in marigold flowers have been found to exhibit cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory & inhibitory activities against colon cancer, leukemia & melanoma cells.

Marigold flowers offers benefits for the proper regulation of the processes that occur in the female reproductive system. These flowers help in relieving menstrual pain and cramps.

Due to its strong smell, antioxidant content and volatile oils, these flowers can be used to naturally fend off mosquitoes, pests & other insects.

It also treats ingrown hairs.

Plants Which Can Help in Pollution Reduction

Plants whose daily consumption can help to fight pollution.

Amla( indian gooseberry) , it has vitamin C which helps build resistance against air pollutants.

Tulsi and Giloy, this fortifying combination is an effective anti-allergen that helps look after the ailments arising due to the air pollution.

Aloe vera and Turmeric, consuming a drink with a mixture of turmeric with another fortifying herb like Aloe Vera is the natural answer you must seek in this polluted environment.

Plants which cleans the surrounding air

Song of India (Dracaena plants) have shown to be one of the most effective air filters.

Rubber plant, this plant has shown to absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into breathable oxygen.

Peace lilies have shown to improve indoor air quality by up to 60%.

The Snake Plant is extremely effective in its ability to absorb harsh chemicals like carbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals found in indoor air.

Aloe Vera, this plant acts as a natural air purifier and reduces toxic chemicals including formaldehyde and benzene – two chemicals that are present in cleaning products.

The Spider Plant is an antioxidant as it effectively removes harsh chemicals that occur from cleaning products and furniture.

Areca palms filter out harsh chemicals which accumulate from products such as nail varnish, detergents, wooden furniture, poor ventilation, gasoline, cosmetics etc.

Boston fern, Alongside being a natural air filter, it also restores natural moisture to the air.

English Ivy ( common ivy)can stimulate mucus glands and contains expectorant properties, which can help people with breathing difficulties.

Benefits of Ashwagandha

“Ashwagandha” is Sanskrit for “smell of the horse,” which refers to both the herb’s scent and its potential ability to increase strength.

Its botanical name is Withania somnifera.

Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress.

Research has shown that ashwagandha may have beneficial effects on athletic performance and may be a worthwhile supplement for athletes.

It’s supplements have been shown in some studies to benefit male fertility and increase testosterone levels.

Ashwagandha may have some benefits for people with diabetes or high blood sugar levels.

It may improve brain function, including memory.

Ashwagandha may be an effective natural remedy to improve sleep and may especially help people with insomnia. root appears to be safe and effective for managing certain health conditions, including stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

ROSE : As a medicine

Have you ever thought that rose can provide you with health benefits? This flower exerts a positive effect on your body, mind and skin and has been used since ancient times.

Eating a handful of rose petals satiates your senses and prevents you from eating more and thus, helps you lose weight in a natural way.

Roses are not only a universal symbol of love but also a natural aphrodisiac. According to Ayurveda, rose petals are very effective in helping a person feel sexually active.

It also relieves stress and depression.

Rose petals act as a natural aid to treat piles. They are quite effective against bleeding piles and act as an instant aid to combat pain. Here are top 9 natural remedies to combat symptoms of piles.

Rosewater helps treat skin irritation on sensitive skin, balances out oily skin, softens and tones the skin.

Apart from being a good moisturiser, rose petals contain antibacterial properties helps to dry the acne.

The polyphenols in rose tea have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cognitive diseases.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and medicinal herb. Recently, science has started to back up traditional claims that turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties.

These compounds are called curcuminoids. The most important one is curcumin.

Curcumin is a bioactive substance that can fight inflammation.

Turmeric can increase the antioxidant capacity of the body.

Curcumin may lower your risk of heart disease. has been studied as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment and been found to affect cancer growth and development .

Curcumin has benefits against depression.

Health benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been used for centuries and is currently more popular than ever.

Aloe vera is widely used today in:

•Food – it is approved by the FDA as a flavoring.
•Cosmetics.
•Food supplements.
•Herbal remedies

Benefits

Aloe vera in tooth gels is as effective as toothpaste in fighting cavities.

Aloe vera promotes significant wound healing and closure in diabetic rats compared with the commercial product and provides a promising product to be used in diabetes-induced foot ulcers.”

It might be effective in protecting the skin of breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.

It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

It accelerates wound healing.