Three homemade achaars/ pickles to boost your immunity

Fresh haldi/ turmeric pickle

You will need
Fresh yellow haldi
Fresh orange haldi
Fresh ginger
Lemon
Black peppercorns
How to make
Chop all ingredients into tiny pieces including lemon. Put this mixture in a jar along with the whole peppercorn. Leave this in the sunlight for five to 10 days to ferment.
Curcumin in haldi has anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. It works excellent to boost immunity, aids digestion, relieves arthritis pain, improves blood circulation and helps you detox.
The active ingredient in black pepper called piperine also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps boost the body's ability to absorb curcumin.
But do not go overboard and have it only twice a day.

Amla achar

Amla
Water
Salt
Oil
Fennel seeds
Mustard seeds
Fenugreek seeds
Onion seed
How to make
Wash the amla under running water and prick the amlas with a fork. Soak these amlas in water and salt for an hour.
Take a pan and heat some oil on high flame. Once the oil is heated, turn off the gas and add fennel seeds, mustard seeds, onion seeds and fenugreek seeds. After a minute, add turmeric and amlas. Turn on the gas and stir fry the ingredients in medium flame. Add some salt, red chilli powder. Turn off the gas and let the achar get cool down. Now keep the achar in an airtight container in the sun for 5-6 days. readmore

Lemon ginger achar

You will need
Green chilies
Lemon
Ginger
Salt
Carom seeds
Turmeric powder
How to make
Chop the green chilies and dice lemon and ginger. Now add some lemon juice, salt, carom seeds, turmeric powder and red chili powder.
Keep this mixture in a clean jar and keep it in the sun for 8-10 days, until the lemon becomes tender.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.      https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations   https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes     https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

8 Herbal Teas to Help Reduce Bloating

If your abdomen sometimes feels swollen and uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Bloating affects 20–30% of people .

Many factors may trigger bloating, including food intolerances, a buildup of gas in your gut, imbalanced intestinal bacteria, ulcers, constipation, and parasitic infections.

Traditionally, people have used natural remedies, including herbal teas, to relieve bloating. Preliminary studies suggest that several herbal teas may help soothe this uncomfortable condition .

Here are 8 herbal teas to help reduce bloating.
1. Peppermint
In traditional medicine, peppermint (Mentha piperita) is widely recognized for helping soothe digestive issues. It has a cool, refreshing flavor .

Test-tube and animal studies suggest that plant compounds called flavonoids found in peppermint may inhibit the activity of mast cells. These are immune system cells that are abundant in your gut and sometimes contribute to bloating.

Animal studies also show that peppermint relaxes the gut, which may relieve intestinal spasms — as well as the bloating and pain that can accompany them .

Additionally, peppermint oil capsules may alleviate abdominal pain, bloating, and other digestive symptoms .

Peppermint tea hasn’t been tested for bloating. However, one study found that a single tea bag supplied six times more peppermint oil than a serving of peppermint leaf capsules. Therefore, peppermint tea may be quite potent .

You can buy single-ingredient peppermint tea or find it in tea blends formulated for stomach comfort.

To make the tea, add 1 tablespoon (1.5 grams) of dried peppermint leaves, 1 tea bag, or 3 tablespoons (17 grams) of fresh peppermint leaves to 1 cup (240 ml) of boiled water. Let it steep for 10 minutes before straining.

    Summary
    Test-tube, animal, and human studies suggest that flavonoids and oil in peppermint may relieve bloating. Thus, peppermint tea may have similar effects.

2. Lemon balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) tea has a lemony scent and flavor — along with hints of mint, as the plant is in the mint family.

The European Medicines Agency notes that lemon balm tea may relieve mild digestive issues, including bloating and gas, based on its traditional use .

Lemon balm is a key ingredient in Iberogast, a liquid supplement for digestion that contains nine different herbal extracts and is available in North America, Europe, and other regions, as well as online.

This product may decrease abdominal pain, constipation, and other digestive symptoms, according to several human studies .

However, lemon balm or its tea hasn’t been tested alone for its effects on digestive issues in people. More research is needed.

To make the tea, steep 1 tablespoon (3 grams) of dried lemon balm leaves — or 1 tea bag — in 1 cup (240 ml) of boiled water for 10 minutes.

    Summary
    Traditionally, lemon balm tea has been used for bloating and gas. Lemon balm is also one of nine herbs in a liquid supplement shown effective for digestive issues. Human studies of lemon balm tea are needed to confirm its gut benefits.

3. Wormwood

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a leafy, green herb that makes a bitter tea. It’s an acquired taste, but you can soften the flavor with lemon juice and honey.

Due to its bitterness, wormwood is sometimes used in digestive bitters. These are supplements made of bitter herbs and spices that may help support digestion .

Human studies suggest that 1-gram capsules of dried wormwood may prevent or relieve indigestion or discomfort in your upper abdomen. This herb promotes the release of digestive juices, which can help optimize healthy digestion and decrease bloating .

Animal and test-tube studies report that wormwood may also kill parasites, which can be a culprit in bloating .

However, wormwood tea itself hasn’t been tested for anti-bloating effects. More research is necessary.

To make the tea, use 1 teaspoon (1.5 grams) of the dried herb per cup (240 ml) of boiled water, steeping for 5 minutes.

Notably, wormwood shouldn’t be used during pregnancy, as it contains thujone, a compound that can cause uterine contractions.

    Summary
    Wormwood tea may stimulate the release of digestive juices, which may help relieve bloating and digestive issues. That said, human studies are needed.

4. Ginger

Ginger tea is made from the thick roots of the Zingiber officinale plant and has been used for stomach-related ailments since ancient times .

Human studies suggest that taking 1–1.5 grams of ginger capsules daily in divided doses may relieve nausea.

Additionally, ginger supplements may speed up stomach emptying, relieve digestive upset, and reduce intestinal cramping, bloating, and gas .

Notably, these studies were done with liquid extracts or capsules rather than tea. While more research is needed, the beneficial compounds in ginger — such as gingerols — are also present in its tea .

To make tea, use 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (0.5‒1.0 grams) of coarsely powdered, dried ginger root (or 1 tea bag) per cup (240 ml) of boiled water. Steep for 5 minutes.

Alternately, use 1 tablespoon (6 grams) of fresh, sliced ginger per cup (240 ml) of water and boil for 10 minutes, then strain.

Ginger tea has a spicy flavor, which you can soften with honey and lemon.

    Summary
    Studies suggest that ginger supplements may relieve nausea, bloating, and gas. Ginger tea may offer similar benefits, but human studies are needed.

5. Fennel

The seeds of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) are used to make tea and taste similar to licorice.

Fennel has traditionally been used for digestive disorders, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and constipation .

In rats, treatment with fennel extract helped protect against ulcers. Preventing ulcers may reduce your risk of bloating .

Constipation is another contributing factor in some cases of bloating. Therefore, relieving sluggish bowels — one of fennel’s potential health effects — may also resolve bloating .

When nursing-home residents with chronic constipation drank 1 daily serving of an herbal tea blend made with fennel seeds, they had an average of 4 more bowel movements over 28 days than those drinking a placebo .

Still, human studies of fennel tea alone are needed to confirm its digestive benefits.

If you don’t want to use tea bags, you can buy fennel seeds and crush them for tea. Measure 1–2 teaspoons (2–5 grams) of seeds per cup (240 ml) of boiled water. Steep for 10–15 minutes.

    Summary
    Preliminary evidence suggests that fennel tea may protect against factors that increase bloating risk, including constipation and ulcers. Human studies of fennel tea are needed to confirm these effects.

6. Gentian root

Gentian root comes from the Gentiana lutea plant, which bears yellow flowers and has thick roots.

The tea may initially taste sweet, but a bitter taste follows. Some people prefer it mixed with chamomile tea and honey.

Traditionally, gentian root has been used in medicinal products and herbal teas formulated to aid bloating, gas, and other digestive issues .

Additionally, gentian root extract is used in digestive bitters. Gentian contains bitter plant compounds — including iridoids and flavonoids — that stimulate the release of digestive juices and bile to help break down food, which may relieve bloating .

Still, the tea hasn’t been tested in humans — and it’s not advised if you have an ulcer, as it can increase stomach acidity. Thus, more research is needed .

To make the tea, use 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 grams) of dried gentian root per cup (240 ml) of boiled water. Steep for 10 minutes.

    Summary
    Gentian root contains bitter plant compounds that may support good digestion and relieve bloating and gas. Human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

7. Chamomile

Chamomile (Chamomillae romanae) is a member of the daisy family. The herb’s small, white flowers look like miniature daisies.

In traditional medicine, chamomile is used to treat indigestion, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and ulcers .

Animal and test-tube studies suggest that chamomile may prevent Helicobacter pylori bacterial infections, which are a cause of stomach ulcers and associated with bloating .

Chamomile is also one of the herbs in the liquid supplement Iberogast, which has been shown to help decrease abdominal pain and ulcers .

Still, human studies of chamomile tea are needed to confirm its digestive benefits.

The chamomile flowers contain the most beneficial components, including flavonoids. Inspect dried tea to ensure it’s made from flower heads rather than leaves and stems .

To make this pleasant, slightly sweet tea, pour 1 cup (240 ml) of boiled water over 1 tablespoon (2–3 grams) of dried chamomile (or 1 tea bag) and steep for 10 minutes.

    Summary
    In traditional medicine, chamomile has been used for indigestion, gas, and nausea. Preliminary studies suggest that the herb may fight ulcers and abdominal pain, but human studies are needed.

8. Angelica root

This tea is made from roots of the Angelica archangelica plant, a member of the celery family. The herb has a bitter flavor but tastes better when steeped with lemon balm tea.

Angelica root extract is used in Iberogast and other herbal digestive products. The herb’s bitter components may stimulate digestive juices to promote healthy digestion .

Additionally, animal and test-tube research notes that angelica root may relieve constipation, which is a culprit in bloating .

Overall, more human research with this root is needed.

Some sources claim that angelica root shouldn’t be used during pregnancy, as there isn’t enough information on its safety. You should always consult your doctor before using any herb during pregnancy or while breastfeeding to ensure proper care (35Trusted Source).

A typical serving of angelica tea is 1 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of the dried root per cup (240 ml) of boiled water. Steep for 5 minutes.

    Summary
    Angelica root contains bitter compounds that may stimulate the release of digestive juices. Human studies are needed to confirm whether its tea has anti-bloating benefits.

The bottom line
Traditional medicine suggests that several herbal teas may reduce abdominal bloating and relieve digestive upset.

For example, peppermint, lemon balm, and wormwood are used in digestive products that have shown preliminary benefits against bloating. Still, human studies are needed on individual teas themselves.

That said, herbal tea is a simple, natural remedy you can try for bloating and other digestive issues.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

The 12 Health Benefits of Fennel

I love this aromatic herb, as well as its flavour. It is well known to aid digestion, that is why in many Indian restaurants, it is offered at the end of the meal.

If you’ve never tried fennel now is the time to try this uniquely aromatic and flavorful vegetable, reminiscent of anise. A brief introduction to its many nutritional benefits may make it the most desirable addition to almost every salad and dish you prepare because it is simply a treasure trove of health.

Unlike its seeds used for seasoning, fennel looks like a bulb, even though it doesn’t grow in the dirt. Most importantly, it has special abilities to protect you from anemia, cancer, aging, bone fractures, heart attacks, infections and more. In addition to all of these, it is also an excellent diet food! So keep an open mind (and mouth) when learning about fennel in the following article.

1. Prevents anemia
Iron and amino acid histidine, which are found in fennel, are two essential substances that fight anemia. While iron encourages the production of hemoglobin in the blood, histidine helps produce red blood cells and is therefore important in preventing anemia and encouraging oxygen supply to the tissues.

2. Helps digestion
In Indian culture, it is customary to chew fennel seeds after meals to help digestion and prevent bad breath. Fennel, filled with dietary fiber, relieves digestive problems such as abdominal cramps, gas, and constipation. One fennel has about 7 grams of dietary fiber, which is about 28 percent of the recommended daily intake. The fennel plant also reduces acidity in the stomach and intestines and helps in better absorption of nutrients found in the food we consume. The aspartic acid that is preserved is one that actually absorbs gases, so fennel is especially recommended for anyone who feels bloated after a meal.

3. Prevents heart disease and stroke
As noted above, fennel contains a large amount of dietary fiber, and besides the benefit it gives to our digestive system, it also contributes to the protection of heart health. The reason for this is that the fibers reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and, indirectly, also the risk of heart disease and stroke resulting from blocked blood vessels. Aside from its fiber content, fennel contains vitamins C and B as well, which also help your body keep your heart healthy.
 
4. Balances blood pressure
Fennel has a large amount of potassium, an essential mineral in our body, whose benefits are connected to vascular expansion. This means that eating fennel helps reduce the pressure exerted on blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure itself. Because of this effect, it can be said that fennel protects us from heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis, partly because of the potassium in it. For diabetics, this advantage is especially important since high blood pressure makes it difficult for them to regulate their insulin and glucose levels.

5. Improves brain function
Fennel not only helps our body but also our ability to think. The same potassium, which helps us to control blood pressure and prevent heart disease and stroke, is an electrolyte that also helps in the electrical transmission of the body, including the important electrical processes that occur in the brain. Potassium helps our cognitive functioning, that is, our ability to think and understand. In addition, the contribution of potassium to the expansion of blood vessels allows more oxygen to reach the brain, so don’t be surprised if you feel sharper and smarter after having a bite of fennel.
 
6. Strengthens the immune system
One cup of chopped fennel contains 20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential and natural antioxidant that strengthens our immune system and protects our body from inflammation, heart disease, and various cancers. Vitamin C is also one of the partners in the production of collagen in the body - an essential protein for the production of connective tissues and soft tissues that protect us against pollutants.

7. Regulates menstruation and encourages the production of breast milk
Fennel also has female-only benefits, thanks to phytoestrogen molecules, which help to balance the female hormonal system. Components of fennel are used in a variety of pre-menstrual treatments, and its consumption as a vegetable will help you cope with the symptoms of menopause and the lack of estrogen. For those pregnant and breastfeeding, fennel is also known as a vegetable that helps to produce breast milk in cases where mothers suffer from a lack of it.

8. Improves vision
Fennel's benefits also touch on our vision, as the vegetable protects the eyes from inflammation and helps prevent premature aging of vision and macular degeneration. The antioxidants in fennel, derived from vitamin C and amino acids such as arginine, are very effective in renewing tissues and preventing damage to vision associated with the effects of age. You can consume the vegetable as it is or juice it and place it on the eyes using cotton rounds to reduce irritation and a look of fatigue. Fennel also contains flavonoids, other antioxidants known to protect vision.

9. Protects bone health
Fennel has a great amount of calcium that helps maintain healthy bones and teeth and prevents bone depletion - osteoporosis, a skeletal disease that is the most common cause of fractures in older age. Apart from calcium, fennel also contains a high amount of magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin K, all of which have additional benefits and important roles in protecting the health and strength of bones in the body.
 
10. Reduces inflammation
Fennel is a powerful anti-inflammatory plant thanks to Anethole, which is a phytochemical found in the plant responsible for its unique smell and flavor. This component prevents the development of inflammatory processes and also the development of carcinogenesis, which is the primary stage in the development of cancerous cells. Fennel is highly recommended for consumption to prevent diseases, and also as a natural treatment if you experience gum infections or urinary tract infections.
 
11. Improves skin appearance
It turns out that fennel helps us feel good inside and also looks good on the outside. Its vitamin C content helps prevent premature aging of the skin and encourages the production of collagen that protects our skin and gives it volume and a youthful appearance. Generally, a sufficient intake of vitamin C reduces the formation of wrinkles and keeps our skin tighter, and as you are about to discover in the next section, fennel helps with this for another reason.
 
12. Helps weight loss
Many of the products we purchase in order to lose weight are based on increasing the sense of satiety and suppressing the desire for sweet and salty foods. Fennel can help you do this naturally, along with significant savings in financial expenses, while helping your body and improving your health in the various ways described so far. The secret of its magic lies in the high amount of dietary fiber it contains which intensifies and extends the sense of satiety after eating.

Studies have shown that people who added 14 grams of dietary fiber to their diet, without changing anything else, ate 10 percent fewer calories a day and dropped 4 pounds after 4 months. In average fennel which weighs roughly ½ a pound, there are about 7 grams of fiber, which means that eating 2 servings a day may help you shed extra pounds of your weight in a short time. Just make sure not to exceed the recommended daily intake of 25 grams of fiber.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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10 Healthy Herbal Teas and How They Benefit You

Herbal teas have grown in popularity over recent years and are feted by many for the range of health benefits they offer drinkers. Of course, in some countries - such as China and Sri Lanka - they have a long history of use for their medicinal qualities, as well as their range of tastes and flavors. When choosing an herbal tea, it's important to understand how each herb can help your health and overall well being. This article will help you select and prepare the right teas to match the health benefits most relevant to you.

What is Herbal Tea?

It's not really 'tea' at all, because tea is a specific type of plant. It refers to an infusion of leaves, seeds, roots or bark immersed in hot water. They should not be confused with 'fruit teas' (orange tea, lemon tea etc.), which are flavored largely to make them taste good. Only certain parts of many of the herbs used to make these drinks can be consumed, as others might be poisonous, but drinking a generously stacked portion of herbal tea can provide as much goodness as a vitamin pill, in a way that is easy and enjoyable to digest.



Selecting and Preparing Your Herbal Tea

When selecting an herbal tea, it is important to look for a well-sourced product made from natural ingredients. This is one sector where organic is usually very much best, and if you want to gain the most health benefits, avoid teas with added oils and artificial flavors. You should also leave your teabag to infuse for a decent amount of time - at least 10-15 minutes when preparing your drink. Here are ten of the healthiest herbal teas you can drink.
1. Chamomile
Main Benefits: Fights sleep problems & anxiety

Chamomile is a small flowering plant that looks similar to a daisy, and it's golden buds have been found to help people who struggle to sleep well or suffer from mild insomnia. This is because it contains tryptophan, an amino acid known for its tranquilizing qualities. Studies have shown that it also possesses anti-anxiety properties that can help anyone prone to bouts of anxiety to relax. Chamomile has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries and was favored by ancient Egyptians. It is an effective, gentle and natural sedative with anti-stress properties.



2. Elderflower
Main Benefits: Decongestant, allergy relief and treating the common cold

Elderflower is a white flower of the Elder plant, which belongs to the Adoxaceae family and is found in subtropical areas of the world. Only its ripe berries are edible (when cooked) and other parts of the plant are poisonous. The berries have been used throughout history as a treatment for the common cold, blocked sinuses, respiratory health, and allergy relief. So if you want to breathe more easily, try Elderflower Tea.

3. Peppermint
Main Benefits: Treatment for nausea, vomiting and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Peppermint is a hybrid cross between watermint and spearmint, and is indigenous to areas of Europe and the Middle East, although it has now been introduced to most areas of the world. It is a popular flavoring in confectionery, ice-cream, and toothpaste, and is also used in soaps, shampoos, and washes. It is also understood to encourage bile production in the gallbladder, helping the body break down fat and combat symptoms of nausea. It also provides short-term relief for people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

4. Lemon Verbena
Main Benefits: Aids digestion & boosts the immune system

Lemon verbena or Aloysia citrodora is a native South American plant brought to Europe in the 17th Century and cultivated for its oil. It is traditionally used in France as a digestive aid because the citrus helps to break down fats as they pass through the digestive tract. It can be drunk before and after meals to serve its purpose. Studies have also shown that it can reduce oxidative stress and strengthen white blood cell production, encouraging a better functioning immune system.

5. Green Tea
Main Benefits: Strengthens tissue cells
Pages could be written about the many health benefits of green tea, and no list of healthy herbal teas would be complete without it. It strengthens tissue cells to help protect the body from aging (and age-related diseases) and is high in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage caused by pollutants. Green tea can help fight cancer, heart disease, and diabetes and has a number of other benefits too. You can find out more here. The Japanese drink gallons of it, and they have the highest life expectancy of any nationality.

6. Fennel
Main Benefits: Treatment for constipation, colic, and flatulence. Also aids weight loss.
Fennel is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean and has many ancient culinary and medicinal uses. It has anti-spasmodic properties that help relax intestinal muscles and provide an effective solution for constipation, colic, and flatulence. Fennel tea is also an excellent diuretic that encourages the urge to urinate, helping expel toxins from the body. The herb also helps suppress hunger and speeds up metabolism, making it an excellent weight loss tool.

7. Nettle
Main Benefits: Boosts a run-down body

Nettle is a British herb that forms the basis of an excellent, all-around healthy tea. It is made from the plant of the stinging nettle, a plant that causes pain if touched in the wild, and has been used in medicine for many thousands of years. It has been shown to have a range of health benefits, including the treatment of urinary tract infections, hay fever, and osteoarthritis. It boosts the immune system and supports the adrenal gland, just two of the properties that make it an excellent tea to drink when you are feeling run down.

8. Milk Thistle or Dandelion Tea
Main Benefit: Cleanses the liver

Both milk thistle and dandelion tea are classed as weeds in the wild, but when used in tea they are one of the best natural ways we can regenerate, cleanse and purify the liver. Although both are beneficial, they work in different ways. Dandelion is known to act as a liver tonic and stimulates bile secretion, while milk thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help improve symptoms of hepatitis and liver disease.


9. Ginger
Main Benefits: Cleansing, circulation, digestion & pain relief

Ginger is another plant with plentiful health benefits and has been used for centuries to ease stomach upsets and relieve pain. Ginger tea can be bought from the store, or made using a fresh piece of ginger placed in water and simmered on the stove for 10-15 minutes. It is known for its warming properties, so it is a great option if you have a fever. It also promotes blood circulation and relieves joint pain, making it a great healer.

10. Rosehip Tea
Main Benefits: Protects the skin, boosts adrenal function and promotes immunity
Roses are among the best-loved flowers in the world, but they are not just useful for their beautiful scent and aesthetics. Their fruit - the rosehip - also provides a host of goodness that makes for a great fragrant and healthy tea. Rosehip is one of the best sources of vitamin C in the natural world, important for healthy skin, a successful immune system and tissue health. Rosehip also boosts adrenal function, providing plenty of extra energy and alertness. It's worth reaching for next time you feel run down

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.      https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations   https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes     https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement