This local ‘wild beauty’ helps cure jaundice

In general, plants of ornamental value are grown in gardens just to increase the aesthetic features of landscapes. The ornamental features of the plants may not necessarily be flowers but could also be bright coloured foliage, curiously looking fruits, unusual forms and textures of barks. In all the above cases, the prime intention of the garden planner is to provide eye-pleasing designs to visitors.

In order to enhance the aesthetic values of the gardens/landscapes, our Indian horticulturists import numerous exotic species. However, the flip side to importing exotic species, often, is the sidelining of native, productive landscapes. Apparently, farmers in our country are spending lots money and energy in combating the spread of these invasive ‘imported beauties’. Therefore, it is inevitable for us to learn about the plant species that grow naturally and enhance natural landscapes.

This type of native ornamental plants are known as ‘wild beauties’. This is the right time for nature lovers to turn their attention towards familiarising and propagating our native plants. Interestingly, in addition, our native plants are useful as medicines, food and drinks, and some species are reported to positively alter human attitudes, behaviours and psychological responses. 

Mussaenda frondosa L., which belongs to Rubiaceae is one such wild beauty that can be spotted even at a distance because of its shiny, large, leaf-like floral parts. The vernacular names Bellila (Kannada); Vellila (Malayalam); Velli Madandai and popular names in English, Flag Bush, White Lady reveal the beauty of this ornamental shrub. In Sanskrit, this is known as Shruvati.

This wild beauty also has several medicinal uses. Leaves and flowers are crushed and applied externally in case of wounds. The shiny leaf-like bracts is boiled in water, and the liquid is then used to cleanse hair. It is also used to treat jaundice. The juice of the plant is used to treat eye infections. In addition, the common plant’s — found to grow in moist deciduous to evergreen forests of Western Ghats — decoction of leaves are administered orally to get rid of intestinal worms.

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Try avoiding these 6 food and drink items to get good night's sleep

If falling asleep often feels more challenging than training for a marathon, you might be able to blame your diet. While eating a balanced mix of fruits, veggies, and protein will make you pass out like a baby, the second you turn off the lights, there is a handful of foods that do the exact opposite.
Some foods are known for causing insomnia—and eating them in the evening is especially bad news for your sleep schedule, according to reports. According to the doctors, that’s because while some edible options promote a healthy slumber, others decrease the sleep hormone serotonin, which makes resting up no small feat. The next time you're having trouble catching your snooze, try eliminating these common culprits from your diet, and you’ll be on the express train to snoozeville in no time.

Eliminate these 6 sleep-stealing items from your diet for a better night’s sleep.

1. Fried foods

Fried foods not only bring down your serotonin levels, but your body takes longer to digest the stuff, says the doctor. Because of the slowed digestion, you’re kept awake longer. It’s just another reason to bake your foods instead: You’ll get the health benefits from the potatoes without all the oil.

2. Coffee

Start your day with coffee, but definitely don’t end with it. A cup of coffee can keep you awake—even if you only have the smallest amount.  To avoid letting coffee ruin your good night’s sleep, have your last cup by 2 p.m, says the Dr. And, avoid other sources of caffeine, like tea and soda.

3. Alcohol

This one can be tricky, considering drinking alcohol is often an evening thing. Whether you’re unwinding from work with a glass of rose or grabbing a cocktail at happy hour with friends, just be aware that the booze might make falling asleep more difficult. 

Since alcohol effects the body two different ways—first by stimulating, then by sedating—drinking too close to bedtime might mean you’ll get stuck trying to pass out as your blood alcohol content is still rising, according to reports . Instead of putting you to sleep, drinks will keep you up until your blood alcohol content falls back down—and that can take quite a while. To help combat these effects, keep the alcohol to a minimum, and balance it out with water.

4. Red meat

Eating red meat might taste good, but it’s bad for your sleep. Like anything fried, the often fatty food takes longer for your body digest, keeping you awake way past your bedtime. Instead, go for chicken, fish, or plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, quinoa, and tempeh.

5. Spicy foods

Sorry, sriracha lovers: Go ahead and bring the heat for lunch, but when it comes to dinner, you might want to hold back. According to a Dr., spicy meals can lead to pain and acid reflux, keeping you awake at night. Your best bet is saving the hot sauce for earlier in the day so you don’t have to deal with indigestion later on.

6. Liquids

Chugging a glass of water before hitting the sack might sound like a good idea, but you’ll likely regret that decision once you’re running to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Instead, aim to get your H2O fix throughout the day, like by starting your morning with lemon water (it’s a beauty hack celebs love). 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                             https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                       FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

8 tips for long term weight loss are a cinch to follow

Many of us struggles to shed those pounds which we gain either due to over-eating or less exercise or due to medication- steroids.Some don't like to stick to a diet, as one gets bored quickly eating the same type of food, also the temptations of fast food is too much for some to avoid !

Well, for all such people trying desperately to lose weight, a specialist has said that if we follow these simple rules, it will help.
 

1. Snacking

Do you often find yourself subconsciously reaching for that 3pm snack even when you’re still full from lunch? We are undeniably creatures of habit but it is so important to listen to your body and only eat when you feel hungry. This will ensure you aren't adding unnecessary calories to your daily intake or getting into a habit of eating for the sake of it.

2. Eating whilst cooking

I know the feeling – you’re prepping dinner and the ingredients look so fresh and delicious that you can’t help but snack on bits and pieces as you cook. The problem is you might find that by the time your meal is ready, you’re barely hungry. This habit is a real trap for mums, particularly when cooking an early dinner for the kids and a later meal with their partner.

3. Hidden calories

Sauces can be a great way to add flavour but they are often jam packed full of sugar and hidden calories. Sauces and dressings can undo all the good work you have put into making a healthy meal without you even noticing. Making your own dressing is the best way to make sure you eliminate those hidden calories and know exactly what is going into your food. Don’t forget to experiment with spices too, which help add flavour to a home cooked meal.

4. Too much of a good thing

Avocado, nuts, and fruit - they’re all good for you, right? Absolutely, but try not to go overboard with your favourite ingredients. Don’t forget that moderation and variety is key and too much of one thing is never good for you.

5. Sitting all day

If you work in an office, chances are you’re sitting down at your desk for most of the day. I always tell my clients to keep moving throughout the day to incorporate some incidental exercise into your routine. Why not ditch the car and start walking to work, or even try working from a stand-up desk?

6. Portion sizes

So often, our eyes are way too big for our belly and this means we can load up our plates and feel the need to eat until it’s all gone. It’s important to make sure your portions are a sensible size and not too out of hand, and remember, don’t be afraid to leave food on your plate.

7. Liquid calories

While a bottled juice, can of soft drink or that extra addition of sugar or milk in your coffee might satisfy your sweet cravings, remember that they do nothing to fill you up and might mean you still reach for another snack on top. If you’re hungry, why not opt for a more filling snack like a protein ball to smash those sugar cravings?

8. Supermarket shopping on an empty stomach

I’ll be the first to admit that everything looks all the more enticing when you’re shopping with hungry eyes and an empty stomach, (that box of mac n’ cheese would really hit the spot!) But this is definitely when silly decisions are made, so do yourself a favour and make sure you avoid shopping when you’re starving.

Try to focus on eliminating these old everyday habits in favour of a healthier routine and I guarantee you’ll start to see a difference.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                      PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   
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Effective Home Remedies for an Aching Throat

The throat itches, is swollen and burning, and even the simple act of swallowing becomes a scary prospect? You're not alone! Throat aches are some of the most common phenomenon as we move into the winter season.

Here are 10 ways you can calm that aching throat down without having to go see a doctor:
 

1. Keep your nasal passageways open

 

Doctors agree that two of the most common causes of throat pain are the buildup of snot and dryness, that occur mostly from breathing too much through the mouth when the nasal passageways are closed. 

There are materials that fight nose congestion, especially those containing Pseudofrin (no need to doctor's note) which will help open the nasal passageways.

Using nose sprays (with a salt water solution) may also help keep those passageways open and breathing easier.

2.  Home remedies to gargle with:

Salt Water: This is the old favorite, and you can create it by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water (the warmer the better, within your tolerance levels, don't let it get cold or loses effectiveness). If you have it at home, this is a good time to add 1 tablespoon of Listerine for its germ killing benefits. This you gargle several times a day, and will help you to rinse and neutralize acids in your throat. You will notice that the burning sensation is going down and the area will usually start to heal. Don't let up on the gargling.  

 

Raspberry Tea: Pour a glass of boiling water on 2 tea spoons of raspberry dried leaves, soak for 10 minutes and then filter. You can add 1 tea spoon of apple vinegar and/or honey, and then gargle 4 times a day.

Sage Leaves: Mix 1 spoon of sage leaves with 1 cup of boiling water, soak for 10 minutes and then filter.  You can add 1 tea spoon of apple vinegar and/or honey, and then gargle 4 times a day.

Turmeric: For a burning sensation in your throat, mix 1 cup of boiling water with 1/2 a spoon of turmeric (anti inflammation) and 1/2 a spoon of salt. Gargle twice a day. If you hate gargling, you can also mix 1/2 a spoon of turmeric with 1 glass of hot milk, and slowly sip it.

 

Hot sauce and water: Hot peppers containt a material called capsicum which alleviates pain and reduce inflammation. You can prepare this by grinding a cayenne pepper and adding 5 shakes of the ground material to a cup of hot water. Warning: it WILL burn, buy try to gargle this every 15-30 minutes and see if it does the trick. 

When the body is aching and weak, logic dictates that you rest. Same goes for throat ache. It's very important to save up your energy, to allow the body to fight the infection. If the throat pain doesn't require medical attention, resting will help cut down the healing time.

3. Rest

 

What does resting have to do with a sore throat? A lot. While you rest, your body has more energy to fight the infection in your throat. If you've taken some of our home remedies, be sure to rest between to give your body a fighting chance.

4. Vinegar

A useful home remedy based on apple vinegar: Take 1 cup of hot water and mix 1 table spoon of honey and 1 table spoon of apple vinegar.  Sip slowly without letting the liquid cool down. Drink as often as possible.

For gargling: Mix 1 spoon of salt, 1/2 a cup of vinegar and 1 cup of hot water. Drink every 15 minutes as needed. 

* Be sure to melt the salt in the vinegar before adding the water.

5.  Horseradish Cocktail

 

A traditional Russian remedy: Mix 1 cup of hot water with 1 table spoon of pure horseradish (or a horseradish root) with 1 table spoon of honey and 1 table spoon of cloves. Sip slowly over the course of an hour.

6. Citrus Fruits

Lemon Juice: Mix 1 cup of hot water with 1 table spoon of honey and 1

table spoon of squeezed lemon juice. Sip slowly.

Lime Juice: Mix 1 table spoon of lime juice with 1 table spoon of honey in hot water, and drink as needed.

7. Steam 

An old remedy for an aching throat is a steam tent. Sit with your face over a steaming bowl of hot water and cover your head with a towel to keep the steam in. Add 1-2 drops of Eucalyptus extract for a much greater help.

8. Lozenges

Some doctors say that sugar can help reduce throat ache and accompanying cough, but even Lozenges without sugar can calm down an aching throat by keeping your mouth and throat moist, which will make you feel less pain.

9. Popsicles

An ice popsicle can calm down a burning throat. Make sure you aren't sucking on the popsicle, but cutting small pieces and letting them melt in your mouth.

10. Drink plenty of liquids

This may go without saying, but when you suffer from an aching throat, you should drink at least 8-10 cups of water a day (preferably not cold water). This will keep your throat well oiled, will prevent the dry feeling you get and even aid the fight against inflammation.

 

 THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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Eat sweets to cure chikungunya!

Initially, many thought that chikungunya has no cure.

However, now, the city doctors have found a simple and novel way of curing the disease.

A city-based physician, Dr Suresh Shah, who cured 1,300 patients during the major outbreak seven years back, said: ‘The best way to treat chikungunya is to have home-made sweets like sukhdi, kheer, sheero and lots of liquids. Of course, paracetamol should be taken, but the main focus should be on home-made sweets.’

Elaborating on this, Dr Suresh said that the one suffering from chikungunya needs to be given energy as joint pain and viral fever make the patient weak.

Many doctors may suggest glucose drips for instant energy, but to ensure that the situation does not get worse, sweets and liquids should be taken. They help in recovering in just three to five days, added Dr Suresh.

 The city doctors believe that chikungunya is back, but this time in a milder form.

Another family physician, Dr Pragnesh Vaccharajani of Navrangpura area, said that for the treatment of chikungunya, steroids are a strict no-no.


But in reality, unnecessary pain killers, steroids should be avoided. The doctors have realised that steroids and pain killers do not help in curing chikungunya.

However, Dr Vaccharajani said that liquids, plain paracetamol and good rest are the three essential things to cure the disease.

Talking further about finding a cure to the disease, a city-based physician in Sabarmati area, said: ‘Earlier, chikungunya was new for the doctors and there was not much awareness about it. Now, over a period of time, people have developed immunity, therefore, chikungunya is not a life-threatening disease’. 

As chikungunya results in low blood platelets, it is advisable to have plenty of fruits and liquids for energy, added Dr BS Shah.

PS- THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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