Foods that Reduce Inflammation in the Body

Ginger, turmeric, green tea and papaya are among the foods that can help to reduce the inflammation in the body and control diseases. These foods can control inflammation without causing any side effects.  

When bacteria or virus invade the body, the reaction of white blood cells causes inflammation. White blood cells release certain chemicals to protect the body. Some of the symptoms of inflammation are fever, fatigue, headache and loss of appetite. But at times inflammation can disturb the body balance resulting in diseases. 

Breathing problems could be due to a heart condition. Inflammation of the bronchioles can cause asthma and bronchitis. Kidney problem could cause inflammation of the kidney. Diarrhea could be due the inflammation of the large intestine. 

Several drugs are available to reduce inflammation. But they can cause side effects. Certain foods can help to reduce inflammation naturally. Most of these foods are rich in vitamins and nutrients. They can help to boost the immune system.

Papaya

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Papaya for Inflammation

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain which can help to reduce inflammation. 

Ripe papaya fruit can be applied directly to the burns and wounds. It will hasten the recovery. It can treat chronic skin diseases and infected wounds.

Papaya can help to treat acne, warts, pimple and corns.

Anti-inflammatory properties of papaya can help to reduce the severity of asthma, bronchitis and arthritis. It contains a combination of anti-oxidants which can help to get rid of inflammation

Turmeric for Inflammation

Turmeric contains curcumin as its active ingredient. It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

It is a very good remedy for cuts and burns

It reduces the inflammation due to skin diseases like psoriasis

It helps to reduce the pain due to arthritis

Turmeric can help to protect the liver from the bad effects of alcohol and certain other diseases.

Turmeric is a very good remedy for irritable bowel syndrome and can flush out gallbladder stones. 

It can also reduce the symptoms in case of asthma and bronchitis. 

Add ½ tsp of turmeric to warm milk and drink it before going to bed every day.  Turmeric is also available in the form of pills and capsules.

Green Tea for Inflammation

Green tea contains a potent compound called EGCG which can help to reduce inflammation. This compound can help to reduce the incidence of degenerative diseases.

It helps skin care with its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties.

It helps to lower the risk of cancer by blocking the production of cancer cells

Green tea with cardamom can help to relieve the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis

Green tea with ginger is an excellent remedy for indigestion. It can also reduce the symptoms of nausea

Green Tea and Lemon

Add a few drops of lemon to green tea. It can help to clean up the digestive system and improve the liver function

Ginger for Inflammation 
                                                                                                                                Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory spice. It has a pungent taste. It can help to control motion sickness, vomiting and nausea. It can control the inflammation and pain due to arthritis. Ginger can also control the recurrence of migraine. It reduces the phlegm and help to relieve the breathing problems due to asthma and bronchitis.

Ginger Tea

Cut ginger into small slices and add some water and boil it in a pan. Strain the liquid and drink it when it cools down. This is one of the best methods to make use of the health benefits of ginger.

These are some of the foods that can help to reduce inflammation in the body.

Health Benefits of Strawberries: Antioxidants

Strawberries are delicious, highly nutritious and anti-oxidant rich food. It offers a wide range of health benefits. It is one of the best foods available to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It has anti-ageing properties and helps to prevent skin wrinkles.

Strawberry

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Strawberries grow in the wild and are also cultivated. They were cultivated by the Romans even before the Christian era. Strawberries are used in ice creams, desserts, salads, yogurt and beverages. They are rich in vitamin C, B2, B5, B6, folate and potassium. They also contain manganese and copper.

Antioxidants

Strawberries contain high amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants have anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory                                             properties. Strawberries are among the top 8 foods that lower the risk of cancer.

Dietary Fiber

Strawberries are rich in dietary fiber. One cup of the fruit contains 13% dietary fiber but only 43 calories. It helps to relieve constipation and stabilizes blood sugar

Risk of Heart Attack

Eating strawberries regularly, lowers blood pressure and decreases inflammation of the blood vessels. It has anti-coagulant properties which prevents blood clots and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. It contains potassium which is also beneficial for the heart.

Boosting Immunity

Regular consumption of strawberries raises the antioxidant saturation levels in the blood. This helps to boost the immune system and ward off common diseases and infection.

Macular Degeneration

Consumption of strawberries will reduce the risk of macular degeneration due to ageing. Strawberries can be made a part of each and every meal in the form of salad, juice or some other preparation.

Oral and Dental Care

Strawberries can get rid of tartar. They can also stop bleeding gums. Rub slices of strawberries against your gums and teeth. You can also hold strawberry juice as long also possible in the mouth before swallowing it. It also helps to whiten the teeth.

Delicious and Healthy Strawberry Preparations

1. Wash strawberries
2. Cut away its green cap using a knife or a strawberry huller
3. Cut it in to 3-4 parts
4. Sprinkle sugar to sweeten them
5. Mix it well

Keep it in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving

It is not only delicious but also healthy.

Strawberry Juice

Cut strawberries into 5-6 parts

Add 2 tsp of sugar

1 tbsp of vanilla

One cup of water

1 tbsp of lemon juice

Put all these ingredients in a blender. Blend it for a few minutes. Take it out and strain it. It will be delicious to drink.   

Strawberry Sauce

Mash a pint of strawberries with a potato masher till they are soft. It can also be mashed in a blender but has to be taken out before it becomes too soft. Then place it in a sauce pan. Add 2/3 cup of sugar, 8 tbsp of water and 2 tbsp of corn starch. Cook it over low heat till it starts to boil. Add a few strawberry slices to the mixture and stir it well. The sauce can be served hot or cold

Strawberry Jam

The ingredients for strawberry jam are

1 kg strawberries

1 kg sugar

1 lemon

1 tbsp of butter

1. Remove the hull of the strawberries and cut them into half.
2. Place them in a bowl and add sugar. Turn it over till it mixes well
3. Place it a in a freezer overnight
4. Transfer it in to a sauce pan and place it over low heat. Keep stirring it
5. Boil it for about half an hour till the jam reaches the setting point
6. The setting point can be determined by placing a drop of jam on a dry plate. 
7. Press the drop with a finger. If it wrinkles it has reached the setting point. If it runs, it has to be cooked for some more time.
8. After it reaches the setting point remove it and let it cool

It can be transferred to sterilized jars for storage. It can be stored for one year in a cool cupboard.

The above preparations make the healthy strawberry delicious too.

How to Make Your Hair Thicker Using Coconut Oil

Coconut oil proves excellent nourishment for the hair and helps to make your hair thicker, soft, smooth and shiny. 

Hair loses its natural oils with exposure to sun, pollution and shampoo. Hair dryers can also dry up natural oils.  Coconut oil helps to rejuvenate and revitalize hair. It has been extensively used for hair care for thousands of years. It provides excellent nourishment for hair and hair roots. It penetrates the hair shaft and promotes the health of hair follicles. Coconut oil helps to prevent loss of protein content of the hair by shampoo. It makes hair soft and shiny. It promotes hair growth and helps to make your hair thicker.

A Rare Twin Coconut

Hair is made of dead protein filaments. The major component of hair is called keratin. The cells inside the hair follicles under the skin are the only part of hair that is alive.

It is necessary to wash your hair frequently to keep it clean. Coconut oil helps to prevent the loss of hair. It is also a very good remedy for dandruff, split ends and thinning hair. It helps to prevent baldness.

Fatty Acids

Coconut oil is a rich source of fatty acids like linoleic acid, oleic acid and caprylic acid. It is a very good emollient. It provides the necessary moisture for hair and is especially good for dry hair.

How to Use Coconut Oil

Keep the bottle of coconut oil in a glass of warm water, till the oil melts. Rub the oil gently to your scalp with a massage. Cover it with a towel before going to bed. It can be washed off with shampoo next morning.

Coconut Oil as Hair Conditioner

As coconut oil contains proteins that promote hair growth. It can be used as a hair conditioner. Massage warm coconut oil to your scalp just before shampooing. It helps hair to retain its natural oils.

Coconut Oil with Lemon

Add a few drops of lemon to coconut oil and apply it to your scalp. Wash it off after half an hour. It will help to reduce gray hair and give a darker tone to the hair. It will also help to get rid of the dandruff.

Coconut oil for Lice

It can also get rid of lice, as it can kill both adult lice and eggs. Apply warm coconut oil to hair and shampoo it after some time. Comb your hair after it is dry. Repeat the process several times.

It has excellent antimicrobial properties and is a very good remedy for scalp infections.

Coconut oil is cost effective and is the best known hair tonic available. It promotes hair growth and helps to make your hair thicker. 

Natural Foods for Energy Boost

Certain foods help to boost energy and increase your endurance. Some of those foods are banana, citrus fruits, vegetables, green tea, coffee, eggs, nuts and honey.

At times you may feel too exhausted to perform your daily tasks. Your muscles may be aching and you may be experiencing, “too tired to do anything" feeling. It might be difficult to concentrate on tasks at hand and you may feel frustrated. Certain natural foods for energy may help to boost your energy levels and get over tiredness.

Banana for Energy Boost

Banana is an antioxidant which is low in calories. It is rich in carbohydrates and helps to convert blood sugar into fuel. It helps to give you endurance as well as providing instant energy. This is because carbohydrates are easy to digest. It also prevents a number of illnesses like anemia, hypertension, constipation and heartburn

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamins, dietary fiber and minerals. They contain two varieties of sugar, glucose fructose and sucrose. Some of the citrus fruits that help to boost your energy levels are grapefruit, orange and tangerines. Lemon helps you to get rid of chronic fatigue. Just smelling lemon may revitalize your senses and increase your mental alertness.

Vegetables for energy boost

Green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli and asparagus contain vitamins magnesium and iron. Cabbage and lettuce are rich in vitamin C. The green vegetable salad is not only popular but also boosts energy.

Green Tea for energy boost

Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and provides energy to the entire body. It contains small quantities of caffeine which is also an energy booster.

Coffee for energy

If you want to boost your energy early in the morning there is nothing like a cup of coffee. Coffee contains caffeine. Moderate consumption of coffee is good for health.

Eggs

Eggs contain high quality proteins and nutrients which provide energy for an active lifestyle. Proteins help to control the absorption of energy from food. It helps to keep up your energy levels longer. This will help you to remain active right through the day.

Nuts

Nuts are a very healthy option if you need energy. They are protein rich and provide energy for a longer period. They also contain omega 3 fatty acids which provide energy to muscles to other organs of the body. Some of the important nuts that help to boost your energy are almonds, walnuts, pecans and cashews.

Honey

Honey is not only tasty but also a rich source of carbohydrates. It provides instant energy to the body and reduces fatigue. It helps to boost endurance and performance in sports. Honey contains glucose which provides instant energy. It also contains fructose which is absorbed by the body to provide sustained energy.

These are some of the natural foods for energy boost that help to increase your energy levels to get more out of life.

Home Foot Soak Recipe

Home foot soaks with Epsom salt, vinegar and essential oils is very relaxing. It can help to clean up the feet and get rid of the bruises and heel cracks.  

Your foot is the most used part of the body as you will be on it most of the day. It carries the entire weight of the body and needs special attention. There is nothing more relaxing than a warm water foot soak at home. After you return home from a day’s hard work, watch television or relax reading a book with your feet in a basin of warm water. You require a basin large enough to hold five liters of water and deep enough to soak your feet up to your ankles.

At Home Foot Soak Normal

Take warm water in a basin large enough to hold both your feet. Add a few drops of an essential oil to it. You can massage your feet with a soft brush or pumice stone. It will not only help you to relax but will also help to get rid of the sweat and bad smell of your feet

Vinegar Foot Soak

To make the foot soak more relaxing, you can add a cup of vinegar and 2 tsp of lavender essential oil to the piping hot water in a basin. Stir it well. Cool the water till the temperature becomes bearable. Then sit on a relaxing chair at home and dip your feet.

Epsom Salt Foot Soak

Epsom salt can be used for foot soak. Add 1/2 a cup of epsom salt to basin of hot water. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and dip your feet in it. Epson salt (magnesium sulfate) is absorbed by the skin. It relaxes the muscles and draws away toxins from the body. It also sedates the nervous system. Sprains, swelling and bruises are also reduced.

Foot Soak Athletes Foot

Vinegar foot soak is a very good remedy for athlete’s foot. Add a cup of vinegar and a cup of table salt to the water. Dip a cotton ball in vinegar and rub your feet with it. Soak your feet for 10 minutes every day for 10-15 days and the fungus will disappear.

Foot Soak for Cracked Heels

Lack of moisture results in cracked heels and dry skin. Honey is a very good moisturizer. Almond oil is very effective in healing cracked skin. It contains fatty acids and vitamin E. Add 2 tbsp of honey and 2 tbsp of almond oil to hot water. Dip your feet in water 20 minutes. It softens the skin and helps to get rid of the cracked heels.

Glycerin and Essential Oil  

Add 2-3 drops of glycerin to warm water in a large basin. Also add 2-3 drops of essential oil like lavender, eucalyptus or mint. Soak your foot for 20 minutes. Rub the cracked skin on your heels gently with a pumice stone. Apply some Vaseline to the cracked heels as it will help to hold moisture.

These are some of the recipes for home foot soak 

What are the Health Benefits of Ginger Root?

Ginger root has a wide range of health Benefits.  It is a very good remedy for digestion and nausea.  

Ginger is a perennial plant which grows in tropical climates. Ginger has been grown for thousands of years across the world and is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Ginger root is used in alternative medicines like ayurveda, aromatherapy and herbal therapy to treat a variety of diseases. It is also used to flavor food in several cuisines. It is been wide use alternative medicine for its health benefits for a long time

Ginger

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Ginger for Vomiting and Nausea

Ginger can be eaten powdered or raw to get rid of nausea and vomiting. It can get rid of nausea and vomiting which occurs during the 15-18 months of pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that ginger is also effective in controlling nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Ginger for Digestion

Ginger stimulates digestion and is a very good remedy for digestion problems. It also prevents E.coli from causing diarrhea. Ginger is soothing on the stomach and aids digestion. It can also contribute to weight loss. According to researchers from Maastricht university of Netherlands, it has fat burning properties and boosts metabolism.

Ginger for Cough and Cold 

Ginger is a very good remedy for cold and cough. It can even provide relief for laryngitis. Ginger tea can be prepared with the addition of lemon and honey. Take it several times a day to get rid of colds and cough

Cholesterol and Hypertension

Ginger will help to reduce the LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood. Higher levels of LDL can contribute to the formation of plaque on the walls of the arteries and narrow them down. This will increase the blood pressure levels. The plaque can also lead to the reduction of elasticity of blood vessels. The reduction of blood pressure will reduce the chances of the formation of blood clots. This will also help to prevent heart attack and strokes.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has several health benefits. Peel ginger and get rid of its skin. Cut it into thin slices. Boil water in a sauce pan. Add the slices to it and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add lemon and honey to it. Drink a cup the tea 2-3 times a day. This will help you to get all the health benefits of ginger.

Other Methods of Using Ginger

- Fresh ginger can be grated or ground and added to your food

- Crystallized ginger candies which can be purchased, can be used like lozenges

-  The commonly available beverage, ginger ale is quite tasty and healthy.

These area some of the important heath benefits of ginger.

How to Dissolve Kidney Stones Naturally

Kidney stones are generally made up of a substance called calcium oxalate.  Certain other types of kidney stones also exist. They are cystine, uric acid and struvite. They are hard and have a sharp crystalline structure. They could be small or even grow up to the size of a golf ball. Small stones may pass out of the urinary tract unnoticed. But the larger stones can cause excruciating pain. They can even block the passage of urine. Several methods are available to dissolve the kidney stones naturally.

Reasons for the Formation of Kidney Stones

There are several reasons for the formation of the kidney stones. Some of the  common reasons are

- Not drinking enough water. The uric acid in the kidney gets concentrated leading to the formation of kidney stones

- Certain diseases like hyperthyroidism, Crohn’s disease, renal tuberculosis and urinary tract infections can cause the formation of kidney stones.

- Hereditary factors

- Diet can also be a reason for the formation of kidney stones.

- Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, spices, sugar products, meat and condiments

Symptoms  of kidney stones

- Severe pain in the groin

- Passing blood in the urine

- Pus cells in the urine

- Reduction in the amount of urine

- Burning sensation while urinating

Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones

Water kidney stones

It is essential to drink at least two liters of water a day. This helps to dilute the levels of uric acid and prevent the formation of kidney stones.  Drinking coconut water also helps to flush out small stones from the kidney

Lemon kidney stones

Squeeze two fresh lemons in a liter of water. Add two tbsp of raw honey. You can mix it well in a blender. Consume small quantities of the liquid at regular intervals. You can also drink this early in the morning on empty stomach. A tsp of olive oil can be added to this. Lemon dissolves the kidney stones and reduces their size. Olive oil lubricates the stones and makes their passage out of the system easier.

Watermelon kidney stones

Watermelon has a very high water content. It also contains potassium salts. It is a diuretic which helps to increase the quantity of urine. Even water melon seeds have properties of a diuretic. Boil water melon seeds in hot water. Strain it and drink it at regular intervals. This not only flushes out the kidney stones but also prevents further formation.

Pomegranate Juice kidney stones

Pomegranate has several health benefits. It is considered to be a diuretic. Pomegranate can be eaten raw or taken in the form of juice. It will help to decrease the acidity of the urine. It also helps to dissolve the small stones.

Basil Juice kidney stones

Basil juice acts as a tonic for the kidney and is very good for its heath. Take a tsp of basil juice with a tsp of raw honey daily for six months.  This will help to dissolve and expel the kidney stones.

These are some of the methods to dissolve the kidney stones naturally and expel them. 

Related Articles

Kidney Stones: Causes and Remedies

Tomato juice is a very good natural remedy for kidney stones. Boiling figs in water and drinking it regularly also helps to get rid of them. 

Antioxidants in Green Tea Health Benefits

Antioxidants in green tea helps to reduce cholesterol levels and reduces the age related problems. Lemon green tea improves the digestive system and liver function
                                                                                                     Steaming hot cup of green tea to start the day is not only refreshing but also is very healthy. Green tea comes from the leaves of the plant, camellia sinensis. It is rich in antioxidants. Did you know herbal green tea can be prepared at home with the addition of a few easily available herbs? Herbal green tea combines the health benefits of green tea with added to that of the herbs.

Green Tea
Wikimedia Commons

Origins of Tea

Tea has been used as a beverage in China for thousands of years. It was discovered when a Chinese emperor dropped some tea leaves in boiling water. When he drank, he found it refreshing. The taste of green tea is often described as light.

Green Tea

Green tea is dried but not wilted. It has a more delicate flavor than black tea. It is said to be more beneficial for health. It contains small amounts of caffeine. The chance of dental cavities is reduced by drinking green tea as it contains fluorine. It helps to prevent blood clots as it is a blood thinner. It contains minerals and salts in plenty

Benefits of Antioxidants in Green Tea

The antioxidants in green tea will

- Lower the LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, helping to prevent

heart disease

- Reduce the incidence of age related degenerative diseases

- Help skincare with its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties

- Help the sugar metabolism process as it contains polyphenols

- Lower the blood sugar levels in diabetics

- Reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in healthy people

- Lower the risk of cancer by inhibiting the production of cancerous cells

Preparation of Herbal Green Tea

Cardamom green tea

Cardamom powder can be added to green tea when it is boiled. It nor only gives it a distinct flavor and aroma but also has health benefits. It helps to
improve digestion. Cardamom is a herbal spice which has detoxifying properties. It is also helpful in controlling the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. It
helps to relieve sore throat. Cardamom is also an antacid and is a stimulant.

Cloves green  tea

Add 4-5 cloves to the boiling tea and take it out after a few minutes. Cloves add a distinct peppery taste to the tea. They are very good antioxidants.
They help to relieve tooth ache. Cloves contain flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory properties. They help to fight respiratory infections like asthma
and bronchitis.

Ginger green  tea

Add a few slices of ginger to the boiling tea and take it out after 5 minutes. Ginger is an excellent remedy for indigestion. It has antiviral,
anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It relieves the symptoms common cold. It helps to get rid of nausea. It also helps to get rid of diarrhea.
Ginger lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the chances of blood clot.

Lemon Green Tea

Lemon tea is not only very tasty but also very healthy. Add a few drops of lemon juice and a tsp of honey to the green tea. It gives a distinct flavor and
taste. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and fights infection. It reduces blood pressure and lowers LDL levels. It also helps to clean up the digestive system and
purify liver.

All these herbal additives added to green tea make the herbal green tea not only tasty but also the healthiest drink.