Colon cleansing tea is an amazing product to eliminate intestinal plaque. This tea acts as an enhancer of digestive health by eliminating mucoid plaque from colon walls. This substance accumulates on the colon walls during digestion process. When left unattended for a certain period of time this can build up into a distinct malady or ailment as the plaque aggravates into a hard stagnant substance unable to pass through the digestive tract. As a result, important nutrients are unable to pass and provide nutrition to the body. The gastrointestinal health is hampered and a colon cleanse with beneficial teas are of great benefit.
As these cleansing teas work to eliminate mucoid plaque in the colon digestive health is greatly improved. The various types of colon cleanse teas are designed to improve not only the digestive system, but also assist the organs and glands in doing their job. Another major benefit is digestive teas are both a natural and powerful product to assist the body in detoxing and building the immune system. The harmful toxic substances that linger in your body can be completely eradicated after drinking cleansing teas for a period of time. Many natural and holistic therapists will recommend that you drink up to three cups or more of this tasty drink per day. After which you will be amazed at the effects of herbal colon cleansing teas effects.
A colon cleansing tea has many different plants and herbs combined together creating its effective benefits. Some most often included are Cascara Sagrada or Rhamnus purshiana bark, Senna or Cassia senna leaf and Barberry or Berberis vulgaris bark. Other important substances included in this mix for cleansing colon are Raspberry or Ruhus idacus leaf and Rhubarb or Rheum palmatum root. All these herbs and plants make the digestive system healthier. The chief functions other than cleansing the colon include gentle waste elimination support and enhancing the strength of the lower bowel. When your colon is healthy, you support overall better health.
There are also other organic tea formulations which combine colon cleasing and detox properties which assist the body in cleanising organs, ridding the body of heavy metals and other unwanted substances, such as yeasts, bacteria, virusus, and parasites. This approach may be one of the very best holistic methods for helping the body restore balance and the optimal function of organs and various body systems. Cleansing and detox benefits may help the body heal many ailments.
A Favorite WeightLoss, Detox and Colon Cleansing Tea
One of our favorite teas for cleansing and detox is Holy Tea which is sold through a buying club. We love this tea and drink it daily. It has a twenty year history of helping people with many symptoms including weight loss. For those who would like to get your tea for free, you can easily do so by sharing the benefits with a few friends and you will quickly offset the price of your tea. People love this tea.
soure :circlesoflight.com/healthy/colon-cleanse-tea.html
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The Colon Cleansing Teas for Better Health
How to Repair Stretched Earring Holes
Chandelier and long dangle earrings look fashionable hanging from your ears, but heavy earrings can wreck havoc with your earlobes over time resulting in stretched earring holes. Not only can this be unattractive to look at, it can also cause earrings to hang improperly. If you have stretched earring holes from years of wearing heavy earrings, what can you do to correct the problem? Here are some of your options:
Use support patches
You can purchase a product called Lobe Wonder Support Patches for Earrings which are small patches worn behind ear lobes to strengthen and reinforce them. This gives the earlobe more support so they're less likely to be further stretched by the weight of earrings. Assuming you don't have a complete tear or excessive stretching, this product may help to solve your problem. They do come with a money back guarantee if the product doesn't work for you.
Inject the area with a filler
An effective but more expensive option is to have your stretched earring hole injected with Restylane, a filler used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. Restylane is made up of hyaluronic acid which fills in the injected area adding strength and support to the pierced lobe. This procedure is performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon and the results last up to twelve months. At that time it would need to be repeated. With each injection costing several hundred dollars, this option doesn't come cheap.
Surgical repair
If your stretched earring hole has progressed to the point where the earlobe is torn, surgical reconstruction may be the only option. Earlobe repair surgery is done under local anesthesia at which time the stretched earring hole is sewn closed until healing occurs. Repiercing can then take place. Sutures are generally left in the earlobes for two weeks before being removed. It may also be possible to just sew the stretched ear hole closed just enough to introduce an earring into the hole, eliminating the need for repiercing. This type of surgery is best performed by a plastic surgeon.
The Avocado Moisture Mask for Your Hair
Everywhere you turn, commercial, print ads, product labels are filled with promoting their endless efforts to go green, go healthy, go nutrient-filled. I am not sure where it started - probably with bottle water or snapple blend ice teas, but a trend certainly emerged. However, it didn't stop at gyms, fast food or fruit beverages. Hair care, as well as skin care, took the leap too.
Nowadays, every hair care company is competing to push the next and best organic item or hydrolyzed nutrient to embed in their existing list of ingredients: Ojon - Ojon Oil, Garnier Fructis - Vitamin B3/B6, Pantene Pro-V, to name the major brands. Its gotten so saturated that it made way for brands like Carol's Daughter, Jane Carter Hair Solutions to pave a way in textured hair care. But with all this push for organic and chemical-free, why pay top dollar for results that you can buy at your own grocery store? So for those of you who want luscious, lavish hair without paying a fortune nor waiting a lifetime at the salon for it - check out my mixture for an Avocado Moisture Mask.
What you need:
A blender
2eggs
2 Avocados
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
water
plain yogurt
Optional - Henna - neutral if you love color; whatever hue if you don't ^^^^
Optional - Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Soy Quat ^^^^
Good Natural Remedies for Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a terrible disease that millions of people have to suffer with throughout their daily lives. While seeking professional treatment is always suggested for those who are suffering with alcoholism, there are other natural remedies for alcoholism that when you do in conjunction with your professional treatments will help you beat this terrible disease. Did you know that you can still give your body small amounts of natural occurring alcohol, which will help reduce the symptoms of withdrawals and also help individuals stop consuming alcohol? These foods have been shown to give relief to alcoholics when consumed properly.
One of the top natural alcoholism treatments is by using fruits and vegetables to help ease yourself off alcohol and rebuild the damage the alcohol has done to your body. It is suggested that you eat plenty of apples throughout your day to help reduce the cravings for wine and other types of liquors. This is because apples have a special ingredient within them to counteract the effects of intoxication and satisfy the body's desire to have specific types of alcohol. Many alcoholics have caused extreme amounts of damage to their livers, thus they need to consume nutrients that will help rebuild and treat your liver. A great way of doing this is through the juice from the leave of the Bitter Gourd. This juice actually treats the damage caused to your liver through constant consumption of alcohol. How you will want to consume this liquid is by taking three tablespoons of Bitter Gourd leaf juice that has been mixed with butter milk. Drink this mixture every morning for a month and you will find relief from alcohol withdrawals and you liver will receive the treatment needed to help rebuild itself.
For A Holistic Medicine Approach to HIV Treatment
Kaiser recalls a patient who could not tolerate protease inhibitors, but once an intestinal parasite problem was diagnosed and treated, the patient continued with antiviral drugs without stomach or intestinal upsets. Dr. Kaiser's standard treatments for parasite elimination include paromomycin (Humatin), iodoquinole (Yodoxin), and a natural treatment with psyllium seed husks or black walnut tincture. These should be taken only under medical supervision.
Miscellaneous gastrointestinal problems associated with HIV therapy often include constipation and intestinal gas. Chris Feagan, a registered nurse who works with HIV patients, advises that for constipation it's best to avoid laxatives if you can. Laxatives can be harsh and often exacerbate side effects.
Fegan suggests natural remedies like ginger root, peppermint or chamomile tea, allspice, fennel, and Swedish bitters. For gas, which can be embarrassing as well as painful, Fegan recommends walking, yoga, and over-the-counter antiflatulents.
For other natural remedies, Fegan recommends the "Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicine," by Charles W. Fetrow, Pharm.D., and Juan R. Avila, Pharm.D. (Springhouse Publishing, 1999).
Protein intake
For HIV patients, diet is extremely important both in alleviating side effects and in maintaining the immune system. One food group that patients sometimes ignore is protein, which Dr. Kaiser says helps your body fight illness; too little protein can cause fatigue.
When one of his patients adopted a macrobiotic diet, eliminating all meat, his CD4 count (an indicator of immune function) dropped "quite a bit," Dr. Kaiser recalls. When the patient started eating meat again, his CD4 count increased.
When an HIV-positive individual is under stress, Dr. Kaiser recommends 0.6 grams of protein per pound of body weight. For example, a 170-pound person should consume 100 grams of protein daily. In addition to meat, the doctor suggests beans, tofu, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds, and nuts such as peanuts and cashews.
Hormone levels
An optimal hormone balance is also crucial, says Dr. Kaiser. One hormone level he tests for is DHEA, because it's a "common deficiency with HIV patients." DHEA, an over-the-counter supplement, "helps with appetite, mood, and energy level," says Dr. Kaiser.
Why Acne Sufferers Are some of the Healthiest People
From outward appearances, in a group of people with clear skin with a single acne sufferer, an outside observer would almost always assume the person with acne had the worst health of the group.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
Acne sufferers are some of the most healthy people in the Western world. How can this be? First, acne sufferers are well aware of their condition. Gradually, they often take better and better care of themselves. They are very clean people. They strive to eat correctly. They are concerned about their health.
Acne is the great early warning sign. It is an outward sign that is saying "Something is wrong in my body, removing poisons by using the skin is my first line of defense. But there is hope! Acne is the first effect of wrong eating and wrong habits. It is a signifier of things to come if it is not removed naturally by cleansing the body and changing the diet."
It is clear, and is easily known by experience, that acne itself is not a deadly disease. It does not kill people, like cancer, or atherosclerosis. It is the first step of disease.
But why exactly is acne a sign of health? It is because it shows your body is working as it should be. The goal of the body is to eliminate toxins. It is far better for the body to eliminate the toxins than to store them, such as fat, or in the lungs (asthma), or in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Fat kills. How many old fat people do you know? There are none.
Asthma slowly kills you over time. Not to mention the things you have to avoid because of it. Atherosclerosis is an obvious killer.
So, the purpose of the body is to eliminate toxins. It does this well up until the point the internal organs are overloaded (kidneys, liver, etc.). Once these organs are overloaded, the body has to somehow remove toxins from the blood circulation as fast as possible. So the body often uses the skin, the largest organ of the body, to remove the excess toxins.
It should be noted that the acne sufferer that has their acne go away "naturally" with age, should be very concerned. What this means 99 times out of 100 is that the disease has progressed to another part of the body and is actually doing more damage to the body than if the toxins were coming out the skin.
Acne sufferers should also note that just because you have acne does not mean that every other part of your body is working just fine and that you are truly a healthy person. You are only healthy compared to those others around you, not healthy objectively. Rather, all of your organs are suffering. You should attempt to clean up your entire body, and as a result your acne will disappear.
The Absolute Acne Info: Natural Acne Treatment Information
The goal of this site is to provide you with a one stop source for helping you deal with your acne naturally.
What exactly is natural?
Modifying your diet to relieve symptoms
Cleansing your internal organs
Using herbs to provide nutrients to your liver and other organs, as well as for cleansing
What is not natural?
Prescription medicines
Harsh chemicals, like benzoyl peroxide
Food additives and processed foods
What causes acne?
The new trend in medical circles is to discuss acne as a hormonal imbalance. The previous trend was to talk about pores getting clogged by sebum. Unfortunately, neither of these are causes. What causes a hormonal imbalance? What causes pores to get clogged?
That is the goal of this site. To help you come to your own conclusions about what causes acne. It is also to help you find out about the dangerous side effects of prescription medicines.
The first step is to get acquainted with our simple No Breakfast Acne Plan. This is a great jumping off point for natural acne treatments.
Next is the main part of this site which is our step by step natural acne treatment guide. You will find an extensive resource for getting yourself on the right track to a healthier lifestyle and fantastic skin with this plan.
Zulvera’s Shampoo for Female hair Loss
Loss of hair due to ageing in women is a normal and natural process which by then may not be cause for concern. Women do tend to loose hair because of a lot of tension at work place or in the family, tiredness, insufficient sleep, improper diet. Women who go to parlors frequently also shed a lot of hair due to the chemical treatments on hair, various products, gels and creams which contain chemicals; hair styling which also is a reason for hair fall.
In certain cases they female hair loss is due to illness like diabetes, hyperthyroid and cancer which require the intake of medicines orally or externally. In these cases they undergo treatments involving heavy medicinal doses. Or radiation treatments also weaken the body and the hair gets weakened gradually reducing hair density and then finally baldness.
How to prevent hair loss
It is advisable to take proper care of the hair right from the beginning rather than finding a solution to a created problem. We know the basic needs of staying fit and healthy and this goes true even with the hair. Eat well balanced diet as the hair also requires nourishment. Weekly massage your hair with oil heated lightly. Apply this oil on the scalp with cotton and in circular motion. This will enable blood circulation. Hot oil massage reduces the strain levels on the mind and gives good sleep. Condition the hair with henna which is an herbal treatment and also strengthens the hair.
Treatment
There are various treatments in allopathy and one can also choose ayurvedic or homeopathic methods. Among the ayurvedic list is Zulvera. Zulvera is a shampoo made from effective herbs which work on the growth of hair at he same time preventing hair loss. Zulvera shampoo can be tried by any age. Besides latest developments in hair transplants is also available. Some do choose to wear wigs but there is nothing like natural hair. Female hair loss requires the advice of a professional and it is in the best interest of oneself to take steps after consulting the doctor.
Female hair loss is mainly due to hormonal imbalances and could be cured with the proper medical treatment. Issues of diet are also causes of concern for female hair loss.
Sarah has used Zulvera Shampoo and what she says about Zulvera-
“I have been reading comments on hairless, sad to say some haven’t had results that is because of every one has different skin tone and hair texture. My hair was falling and skeptically, Zulvera was a first try. It was the result, which I had never thought of. The shampoo started giving results in just one week. My bald scalp became smart as I felt the touch of hair for the first time in so many years.
Zulvera brings with it no side effects and whatever I got; it was pure natural hair care and nothing more. The shampoo has no synthetic chemicals or extracts used. It is the outcome of herbal extracts. The best part is, you will never feel irritation even after prolonged usage. Zulvera has given me full satisfaction in terms of shine and strength. It helped me regain my strength and vigor and all the more, it has been a friend to give my personality an enhanced appeal altogether. The shampoo brings awesome dandruff reduction power and I have simply forgotten the name “Female Pattern Baldness”.
Zulvera keeps your hair sashaying and gives you the energy to take the life with a swing.“
Hair Loss Shampoo
Hair loss is the most widespread problem perceptible in children, adults and old age generation, Going by the statistical norms, it reveals that every second person seems to grapple with either complete or partial hair loss due to one or other reason. Hair specialists and physicians ascertain many reasons for the potential hair loss problem, some genetic, while other physiological. Today, many effective remedies exist to get out of this problem. Each of these remedies has a desired effect depending upon the type of scalp skin and the possible causes of hair loss.
Some remedies are workable and produce miracles in least possible time. Hair loss products are flooded in the market place, with many companies venturing into it. You would come across reputable brands of hair loss product manufacturing companies thronging every departmental stores and malls. These include Fabao, Nioxin, Organin, Toppik, proTHIK, Spectral DNC, Rogaine, Fullmore, Tricomin, Shen Min, Super Million Hair, Top Coverage, DermMatch, Folligen, Min New York, COUVRe, Progaine, Revivogen and many more. Hair loss shampoo is manufactured from synthetic as well as natural products. Those manufactured from synthetic treatment of chemicals produce phenomenal effects in a day or two, while the ones prepared from naturally occurring extract of herbs and shrubs have lasting effect after a certain point of time.
Hair loss shampoo: Application Procedures
Listed below are the ways to apply hair loss shampoo for producing best possible results :
Wet Your Hair - Hair loss shampoo works perfect in wet hair. The ingredients in the shampoo make it essential to apply the product on the wet hair filaments. For this you should at least wet your scalp hair twice, which makes a way easy for the shampoo to spread smoothly and evenly, and reaching the scalp and beneath for best results.
Apply small quantity - After wetting your hair thoroughly, gently rub small amount of hair loss shampoo between the palms and then apply on the hair for 5 to 10 minutes. Small amounts produce astonishing results, owing to effective hair nourishing formula of the shampoos. Moreover, the more wet your hair; less will be the quantity of shampoo that you need to take. What an ideal bargain, isn’t it!
Leave the hair untouched for few moments - After massaging the hair with the shampoo; leave them untouched for some time until the hair loss shampoo simply percolates every hair filament reaching the base. This is necessary to impart strength and increases the hair growth tendency.
Rinse out thoroughly - After some time; rinse the hair under running water to remove the shampoo completely. Repeat the rinsing procedure again in order to drain the shampoo completely from the scalp and the hair. Remember, a small quantity of shampoo lather may cause itching on scalp skin.
Use Fresh Herbs In Your Cooking
Many common herbs that you might use in cooking are well known
for their healing properties. Using them in cooking is a great
way to incorporate the healing attributes of natural herbs with
your meals. Chances are you probably already use some herbs in
your cooking like basil and thyme but experimenting with even
more herbs can add taste to your dishes while improving health.
Cooking with fresh herbs is just as easy as using dried herbs.
Just chop up a bit of the herb and season to taste. You will
need to use about twice as much of the fresh herb than the
dried. You may want to wait until the last 20 minutes of
cooking to add the herb so the taste stays crisp. Herbs can be
used to flavor any foods. Commonly used in pasta sauces, herbs
can also be added to soups, oils, eggs and even desserts and
drinks.
You can grow your own herbs in the garden on window sill and
have fresh herbs all the time. Some grocery stores have fresh
herbs right in the produce section and, of course, you can
always find dried herbs in the baking section. If you grow your
own herbs, you can freeze them or dry them yourself in a
dehydrator to have for future use.
Here's some food and herb combinations that I like to use when
cooking with fresh herbs:
• Eggs with dill
• Pesto with basil
• Mint in any tea or punch
• Parsley with salad
• Rosemary and Thyme on oven roasted potatoes
• Basil and sage added to flavor butter
If you have a special condition or illness that might be
treated with herbs, then feel free to incorporate the herbs
into your usual cooking. Start by adding a small amount of the
herb(s) and taste - add more to suit. This is a great way to
realize the healthy benefit of herbs without having to remember
to take pills.
Use Fresh Herbs In Your Cooking
Lee Dobbins
About The Author: Lee Dobbins writes for pet and health related
websites.
The Healing Power of Natures Herbs
In today's world doctors and medicines are the ones we trust when it comes to our health matters. Medical progress is good news for all of us, but I've got good news too! Nature, our oldest doctor, has simple solutions to treat many cases effectively. Those solutions are called herbs. Below is a list of the most well known herbs, what they can do and how we utilize them.
Thyme: Bronchitis, cough, diarrhea. In half liter of water we use
1-2 spoonfuls drained thyme. We leave for few hours (we do not boil) and drink the water.
Garlic: Spring allergies, arteriosclerosis, stomach pain, cathartic. Simply
put it in your salad!
Acne. Fresh leaves are applied on the problem are. However, do not leave long because it causes irritation. Rinse of with water.
Oak rind: Sore throat, mouth ulcers or canker sores. Boil for 10 minutes and use it as a mouthwash.
Burns, hemorrhoids. We prepare the same solution and wash the area.
Aniseed: Cough, stomach disturbances, soft purgative. We boil 1
spoonful drained leaves in half liter of water and drink.
Rosemary: antiseptic, diuretic. Boil a handful of drained leaves in
half liter of water and drink.
Wounds. We prepare the same solution and wash the area. Attention! In high doses it can cause vertigo and convulsions.
Spearmint: Diarrhea, liver diseases. Boil a handful of drained
leaves in half liter of water and drink.
Mouth infections. We prepare the same solution use as a mouthwash.
Cinnamon: dysmenorrhoea, cramps. We boil 2-3 sticks of cinnamon in half liter of water and drink.
Tooth pain. We prepare the same solution and use as a mouthwash
Parsley: Diuretic, infections on kidneys and urinary bladder. We boil 1
spoonful drained leaves in half liter of water, leave for a few hours and
drink.
Attention! High doses can cause vertigo and bleeding, should not be used by pregnant women
Mint: convulsions, heartburns, icterus biliary stones. In hot (not boiling)
water place the leaves; leave for 1-2 hours and drink.
Infections of the larynx, colds. Prepare the same solution and wash the
area.
Rose: Due to it's mild action, it is recommended particularly for children.
Diarrhea. Boil a handful of drained petals from pink or red roses in half liter of water and drink.
Mouth ulcers or canker sores. Prepare the same solution and use as a
mouthwash.
Wounds and burns. We prepare the same solution and wash the area.
Chamomile: antiseptic, relaxing balancing acidity, appetite stimulant
Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea Boil 1 spoonful drained leaves in half liter of water and drink.
Mouth and larynx infections. Prepare the same solution and use as a
mouthwash.
Wounds, exanthemas, burns, herpes, hemorrhoids, eye infections. Prepare the same solution and wash the area.
We can utilize herbs to overcome minor health problems but don't neglect to consult your doctor in serious situations. And don't forget, scientists also use herbal basis in many medicines. Botanology was the ancestor of pharmacology!
For free daily articles and tips on home remedies, nature's cures and
treatments
The Healing Power of Natures Herbs
Charles Kassotis
all herbals List of Natural Herbs
ALFALFA: Very high in protein. Its benefits to the body affect muscle
tone, fatigue, poor posture, and development of hair, skin, and nails.
Alfalfa has been used to treat anemia, arthritis, cramps, diabetes,
nausea, ulcers and pituitary problems.
ALOE VERA: Much has been written recently on the powers of this
plant. It is a powerful astringent and vulnerary for open wounds. Has
been applied in raw gel form to burns and is a part of treatment for burn
patients at the Houston Burn Center. It is also acclaimed as a
beauty aid because of its astringent powers. Taken internally, the
herb has a purgative effect.
BARBERRY BARK: High in Vitamin C, can be ingested to reduce fever,
stomach distress and dysentery.
BLACK COHOSH: This herb contains estrogen so it is especially useful
for menopause and menstrual discomfort. It has also been used for
epilepsy, rheumatism, arthritis, asthma and high blood pressure.
BLACK WALNUT: Good for tuberculosis, skin rash, internal parasites
and ringworm. It can also be used as a poultice alone or in a
combination.
BLESSED THISTLE: This herb has been used in the treatment of liver
ailments, cellular degeneration and inflammation of the respiratory
system.
BLUE COHOSH: Nervine, antispasmodic and emmenagogue. This
herb is used most effectively in the treatment of menstrual
difficulties. It will regulate menstrual flow and help suppress the
nervous effects of menstruation. It is also used for easier delivery in
childbirth.
BRIGHAM TEA: Primarily a blood purifier, a tea or infusion made from
the herb is useful in alleviating sinus conditions and nose bleeds. Has
also been used to treat kidney problems, menstruation, skin disorders
and asthma.
BUCKTHORN BARK: Used to remedy appendicitis, constipation, liver
disorders, and as a bowel regulator. It is also effective for gout and
rheumatism and will produce flowing perspiration when taken hot.
BURDOCK ROOT: This herb is of prime value in the treatment of boils
and carbuncles. It will clean and eliminate impurities from the blood very rapidly. Excellent in the treatment of gout, rheumatism and
extreme cases of arthritis.
CASCARA SAGRADA: A good tonic for the treatment of recurring
constipation. It is also effective in helping the body rid itself of
gallstones. In addition, it is used to cure insomnia.
CATNIP: Helpful in the treatment of convulsions and as a pain killer.
Excellent as a calmative to relieve stress and tension.
CAYENNE: Proclaimed as one of the most useful remedies in the
history of herbal medicine. This herb dates beyond biblical records
and has been used in every major civilization. It is one of the
strongest stimulants known but can be used internally as a relaxant
and a healer of ulcerous conditions in the digestive system. Because
of its high mineral content of sulphur, phosphorus, magnesium, iron
and calcium, it is also used for: diabetes, gas, heart, pancreas, throat
disorders, arthritis, bleeding, coughs, etc.
CHAMOMILE: This is helpful in the treatment of upset stomach,
indigestion and headaches.
CHAPARRAL: Excellent as a blood purifier and liver cleanser. It will
relieve leg cramps, boils, arthritis, acne and kidney problems.
CHICKWEED: Because of its high Vitamin C content, this herb is used
most often to treat scurvy. Also used in the treatment of
constipation, hemorrhoids, rheumatism and some respiratory
disorders.
CLOVES: Used mainly for its aromatic quality, it is also a carminative
and a mild stimulant.
COMFREY: Best used as an overall tonic, it is a great healer and
blood cleanser. Taken internally in a tea or applied as an external
poultice, it is good for wounds and swelling, sprains, cramps and
muscle fatigue. Also used for coughs, colds, anemia, mental fatigue
and infections.
DAMIANA: Praised as an aphrodisiac, this herb is helpful as a cure for
female trouble usually due to female hormone imbalance. It is most
effective during menopause as a deterrent of "hot flashes."
DANDELION ROOT: The leaves and root of this herb are useful as a
blood purifier. High in essential vitamins and minerals, it has been
used for liver and kidney trouble as a blood builder. Also effective for
fatigue, skin disorders including age spots, cramps, constipation,
diabetes and hypoglycemia.
DEVIL'S CLAW: Stimulates the mechanisms of the body that cleanse
and detoxify. Known for its relief to arthritic and rheumatoid victims.
Possesses properties similar to chaparral, another desert herb famous
for its healing benefits.
DONG QUAI: A Chinese herb that provides female estrogen.
ECHINACEA: This herb is a basic blood builder and has been used in
all blood-related diseases such as external infections, boils, lymph
gland infection and gangrene.
EYEBRIGHT: Derived its name from its healing affects on all kinds of
eye ailments.
FALSE UNICORN: This herb is most acclaimed for its use in female
problems associated with pregnancy. It has been used for: diabetes,
hemorrhage, miscarriage, vaginal problems, menstruation and
sterility.
FENNEL SEED: Used as a food seasoning; also good for gas, gout,
cramps, colic and spasm control.
FENUGREEK: Most recommended for lung problems such as
bronchitis. Also good in the treatment of throat inflammation and as
a poultice for external wounds.
FO-TI: Contains properties that appear to have a marvelous
rejuvenating effect on the brain cells and endocrine glands.
GARLIC: This herb is nature's antibiotic. It contains the bio-salts
flourine, iodine, phosphorus and sulphur. The most famous
condiment around the world, garlic is also used for high blood
pressure, cramps, liver ailments, sinus trouble, etc. It will also cause
the skin to secrete a natural insect repellent.
GINGER: Used widely in Mexican and Oriental cooking. It is a popular
herb in reducing plans because it aids in the removal of excess waste
from the system. Naturally, it helps prevent griping and diarrhea, and
it is also good to alleviate cold symptoms centered in the lungs.
GINSENG: Widely recommended for the stimulation of mental and
physical vigor and as an overall tonic. Used extensively in Russia and
the Orient, it has been proven to increase human performance levels
in stress situations. Several varieties of ginseng grow naturally in China, Korea, Siberia and the Great Lakes Region of the United
States and Canada.
GOLDEN SEAL ROOT: Recognized as a long standing cure-all, it ranks
with cayenne and lobelia as one of herbal medicine's most important
remedies. Useful in control of secretions: mucous, hemorrhages,
catarrhal conditions, etc. Also a treatment for difficult and painful
digestion.
GOTU-KOLA: Used as a tonic, it is a good remedy for high blood
pressure, mental fatigue and senility.
HAWTHORN: Taken in small, infrequent dosage, this powerful herb is
a recommended heart tonic.
HOPS: Useful as a nervine and anodyne, it is used to treat
nervousness, sleeplessness, fever, toothache and earache. Taken
twice a day, morning and evening, it will increase urine flow and tone
the liver and gall bladder.
HORSETAIL GRASS: This herb contains large amounts of silica and is
recommended for the treatment of kidney stones. Also used for
glandular disorders and for a general eye, ear, nose and throat
remedy.
JUNIPER BERRIES: Used singularly or in combination, this herb has
good disease preventive powers. As a tea, it is good for kidney and
bladder trouble centered in the pancreas and other urinary tract
glands. Also used for the treatment of baldness, hypoglycemia,
diabetes, lumbago and itching. Because of the activity of this herb,
dosage should be kept small.
KELP: This herb is a good promoter of glandular health, especially
the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands. Kelp is also high in trace
minerals.
LICORICE ROOT: Another of the aphrodisiacs, this herb is excellent
for impotency, female problems, endurance, coughing and as a tonic
for sex stimulation.
LOBELIA: One of the most powerful and important herbs known to
man. Chiefly used as a relaxant, it is helpful in the treatment of all
fever and pneumonia. It helps clear the body of mucous congestion
in all of the body systems when taken as a tea made from the
powder. It is also used to induce vomiting when taken in large doses.
MARSHMALLOW: This herb's benefits are different for its leaves and
root. The leaves are used as an external poultice for swelling, ulcers,
and boils. The root (most often used in combination) is used as a
remedy for chest trouble. The root is also well-known as a remedy
for the kidneys.
MISTLETOE: Recommended mainly as a dietary supplement to supply
calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
MULLEIN LEAVES: A recommended herb for asthma relief when
taken as a tea. Its chief minerals are iron, magnesium, potassium
and sulphur. It has also been used for pulmonary disease and
hemorrhage of the bowels.
MYRRH GUM: This is an antiseptic, stimulant, tonic; used as a gargle
for sore throats and other oral infections such as pyorrhea, cankers
and halitosis.
PAPAYA LEAVES: Basically recommended because of it's high Vitamin
A content. The fruit of the plant is an aid to digestion. It supplies the
raw enzyme papain useful in the digestion of proteins.
PARSLEY: This herb has been used and acclaimed as an effective
measure in treating various types of cell degeneration, but it is also
an excellent diuretic. Added to food whenever possible, it will
increase the iron content of one's blood and increase resistance to all
types of infectious diseases. This herb is also very high in Vitamin A.
PASSION FLOWER: Used extensively as a relaxant for nervous
tension and the rigors associated with high blood pressure. Also used
to treat eye tension and strain.
PEACH BARK: Recommended to cleanse the body of toxins. It has
also been used for: nerves, water retention, as a laxative and as a
sleep aid.
PENNY ROYAL: Useful in the relief of menstruation, colds, fever,
colic, and spasms. This herb is a gentle reliever of gas and general
stomach pain. It is recommended that this herb not be taken during
the first 7 1/2 months of pregnancy.
PEPPERMINT: Useful as a mild stimulant, diaphoretic, antispasmodic.
It has been used for fevers, nausea and spasms.
PSYLLIUM SEED: Chiefly an aid to constipation and other disorders
due to colon blockage.
QUEEN OF THE MEADOW: This herb is used in various kidney
ailments. Diuretic, stimulant, astringent, relaxant, also excellent for
rheumatism.
RED CLOVER: This herb is a good dietary supplement to supply
needed Vitamin A. It also has value in the relief of nervous tension
and as a cleanser of body toxins.
RED RASPBERRY: The leaves and fruit will remove canker sores from
the mouth. It is very soothing and is used at the end of pregnancy to
prepare for childbirth by supplying the nutrients necessary to
strengthen the walls of the uterus. The herb is also an excellent
diuretic and is recommended as a natural means of relief for the
problem of water retention often associated with pregnancy.
RHUBARB ROOT: Most effective as a cathartic and astringent. Used
to cleanse the ailmentary canal and diminish diarrhea. Its gentle
action makes it desirable for persons bothered by hemorrhoids.
ROSEHIPS: A good source of organic assimilable Vitamin C.
ROSEMARY LEAVES: A good remedy for nervous headache;
carminative and diaphoretic.
SAFFLOWER: A natural laxative and diaphoretic.
SAGE: Good for stomach problems, hair growth, as a poultice for
tumors and as a tonic for nerves.
SARSAPARILLA: This herb is a good blood tonic. Effective for male
impotency, heartburn, fever and hormone balance.
SASSAFRAS: Once considered a cure-all, this herb now has limited
use in treating rheumatism, stomach ache and colic.
SAW PALMETTO: Reported to have a beneficial effect on the function
of male and female sex glands and a marked effect on glandular
tissue in general.
SKULLCAP: This herb is used in nearly all herbal combinations that
prevent nervous disorders. It has a soothing and relaxing effect that
induces sleep.
SENNA: A vermifuge; and aid in removing parasitic worms from the
colon.
SLIPPERY ELM: This excellent diarrhea remedy also helps reduce
irritation of the colon and small intestines. Other uses include: fever
treatment and respiratory infection.
SPEARMINT: Contains the important trace elements magnesium and
potassium. It is most effective for subduing nausea.
SQUAW VINE: A remedy popularized by Mexican peasants to aid in
childbirth and menstruation. Also Used to treat varicose veins.
ST. JOHN'SWORT: Mainly used as an astringent and sedative. Found
to be good for lung problems and in the treatment of hysteria. Used
by women as an over all tonic for uterine disorder, afterbirth pain,
and menstruation irregularity.
THYME: An antiseptic herb used in the treatment of coughs, colic,
heartburn, fever, diarrhea, cramps, etc.
UVA-URSI: Called the "plant for women" because of its use in female
problems; it is also useful in digestive stimulation and control of
obesity.
VALERIAN ROOT: One of the best nerve tonics. Two tablespoons two
to three times daily is excellent for children with measles, scarlet
fever, or just plain restlessness. This herb is good for convulsion
control, colic, all fevers, and for breaking up mucous blockage due to
colds.
WHITE OAK BARK: Because of the astringent powers of this material,
it is recommended for douches and enemas and as an aid for many
ailments from loosened teeth to varicose veins.
WOOD BETONY: Used to treat hysteria, head pain and neuralgia
because of its power as a nervine. This herb also has alternative
benefits in treating heartburn, indigestion and stomach cramps.
YARROW: High in potassium, this herb is used to treat the symptoms
of flu and the common cold. It is said that yarrow is better than
quinine for fevers.
YELLOW DOCK ROOT: Used as a blood purifier and as an effective
cardiac by most good herbalists. Very high in elemental iron.
Aloe vera is the drug of wonder plant
Aloe vera is the drug of wonders, whether you use it as vital ingredient in beauty products or it is consumed as dietary supplement. Aloe vera is hot fertile region plant, but now it is cultivated in most part of the world. It belongs to the onion/garlic family. There are about 300 species of Aloe vera. However the most important one is Aloe Barbadensis Miller. It is found to be full of 200 components and 74 known nutrients. This includes some of B vitamins like B12 and most of amino acids, iron, manganese, calcium, Zinc mineral, enzymes etc.
According to reports Aloe vera is found to have various medical and cosmetic properties. Today lot of Aloe vera products are available in market like aloe vera health drinks, moisturizers, cleansers, wound healing creams etc. Today’s Aloe vera is widely used in beauty products.
Aloe vera is also known to have certain medical properties. Aloe vera drink is used as tonic for patient suffering from arthritis, diabetes and high cholesterol. This is because of the dietary supplement properties, which help in healing like anti fungal, anti oxidant, anti bacterial and some other properties. It is found to boost the immune system. Doctors say Aloe vera is not a medicine. However it is found to have certain curing properties.
Doctors says they read lot of news about Aloe vera in news, but they are not sported by medical journals.
However aloe vera has very good results in skin diseases and it is often taken as health drink. Aloe vera is also found effective in treating wrinkles, stretch marks and pigmentations. Where as auravedic practitioners are in the favor of use of Aloe vera. According to them Aloe vera has very good role in diabetic. Aloe vera is found to have smaller molecular structure and cutting properties. This help breaking down fat globules, therefore reducing obesity. Medical properties of Aloe vera are still on debate, but the beauty properties are highly accepted by the world.
By Arvind Katoch Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Main Reasons Behind Female Hair Loss
locks loss in women may be of two modes, namely transient hair loss and eternal hair loss. momentary hair loss follows illness, pregnancy and childbirth. usually this can be treated certainly and suddenly and the hair income to its previous order. well diet and massaging the scalp to mend blood circulation are valuable. extreme hair loss should be diagnosed and treated by a educated and experienced doctor.
Causes for Female hair loss
• The most expected instigate of eternal hair reduction in women is Androgenetic Alopecia like in men. But women do not widen bluntness as men.
• The hair follicles are uninherent by a offshoot of Testosterone named DHT, Dihydro Testosterone. But the protective property of female hormones like Estrogen and Progesterone in women check bluntness in women.
• locks loss occurs typically in women of menopausal age as the production of female hormones drops behind their watch against hair loss. suitable health behavior can rebuild the hormonal imbalance.
• Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder which instigates hair loss in patches.
• Triangular alopecia is a order where hair loss occurs in the earthly areas. The hair is bemused quite or a few shrill hairs may still stay. This can be treated by health and surgical methods.
• Scarring Alopecia is instigated by scarring of the scalp on the top portion of the scalp and found typically in women. This occurs in African American women and may be attributed to the taut braiding or corn rowing of hair. The follicles undergo inflammation and subsequently scarring the scalp.
• Telogen Effluvium is a mode of hair loss found with women having blond hair. The hair comes off with brushing. The mind may be nutritional, hormonal or drug associated or stress connected.
Remedies for female hair loss
Nutritional supplements, herbal hair goods and sometimes hormone replacement therapy are useful in arresting female hair loss. Zulvera is a inherent remedy for female hair loss. Zulvera is made with inherent ingredients that are proven to contain DHT production. It activates the hair follicles stimulating hair lump. Zulvera is a secure formula for treating hair loss lacking wall property. Capsules and for hair revitalization also work well in addition to massaging and Aromatherapy.
Female locks cost tricky are usual now and Herbal locks cost Treatments are the best solutions for this conundrum.
The editorial is available by Eric Mcneece for Seo circle India Brosis Solutions.
article soure :/hairreplacementpro.org
Green Tea As A Preventer Of Stomach Cancer
By now most of us have heard that green tea has been shown to be an effective cancer preventer. There are numerous studies that have shown green tea’s anti-oxidants to have significant power in protecting our health and preventing disease.
Much of the research on green tea has been performed on laboratory mice, mostly because human trials take years to perform, and because human trials are rife with variables that can make conclusions difficult to determine.
However, one study performed in China on stomach cancer, did look at humans and attempted to ascertain whether or not green tea could mitigate their cancer risk, particularly in those who had a higher than average risk of stomach cancer, due to family history.
This study examined 206 people who had recently been diagnosed with stomach cancer, and 415 healthy participants. The subjects were thoroughly interviewed regarding their dietary habits. The participants were also screened for their relative susceptibility to stomach cancer, based on family history and other factors that raise the risk of developing stomach cancer.
This study showed a significant reduced risk of stomach cancer in those who were regular green tea drinkers. The reduced risk was even significant in those participants who would normally have had a higher than average risk of developing the disease.
Therefore, the study concluded that green tea may have the ability to mitigate other cancer risk factors. In particular, green tea was shown to significantly mitigate the risk for heavy alcohol drinkers.
Stomach cancer is a significant risk in the US. Each year, over 22,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, and over 11,000 will die from it. Two thirds of those who get stomach cancer each year are over the age of 65.
Today, stomach cancer is far less common in the US than it once was. Doctors believe this reduction is caused primarily by two things. The first is the more regular use of anti-biotics to treat infections in children. One particular bacteria, known as H pylori, is a significant contributor to stomach cancer, and anti-biotics can often kill this bacteria in our bodies while we’re still children, before it can cause problems later on.
The second reason doctors believe we’ve seen a decrease in stomach cancer is refrigeration. In years past, the only way to keep meat safe for long periods of time was through salt curing or smoking. It’s believed that the nitrates in meats preserved in this manner contribute to the development of stomach cancer. Therefore, the reduction in the amount of salt cured and smoked meats in our diet may reduce our risk of stomach cancer.
What are the risk factors for stomach cancer?
So, just what does make us have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer? There are several risk factors, and many of them can be controlled. The leading risk factors include:
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Poor Diet – As mentioned earlier, high levels of salted and smoked meat can contribute to stomach cancer. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been shown to lower your risk of stomach cancer.
• Previous stomach surgery - those who have had surgery for ulcers and other stomach problems are at a higher risk of stomach cancer.
• Pernicious anemia sufferers
• Menetrier Disease sufferers
• Those with Type A blood
• Stomach polyps
• Family History
• Epstein-Barr Virus
• Bacterial infections
Mitigating Your Risk
We can’t control our family history or our blood type, but many of the risk factors for stomach cancer are things that we have some control over. As an overall way to help prevent cancer, it’s important to eat a healthy diet.
Lots of fruits and vegetables are critical in this part of your cancer prevention regime, because in addition to their other healthy qualities, they are loaded with anti-oxidants, just like green tea.
Anti-oxidants are known cancer preventers because they fight the free radicals created in our bodies as we convert food to energy. These free radicals damage cells and DNA, leading to disease. But, a diet rich in anti-oxidants can neutralize these free radicals, preventing their damage.
So, including fruits and vegetables in your diet can help you in several ways. First of all, you’ll be getting lots of vitamins and your daily dose of anti-oxidants. However, fruits and vegetables can also help you keep your weight in check, which is also a cancer preventer. Obesity is a risk factor for stomach, and many other forms of cancer.
You can also mitigate your stomach cancer risk by not smoking. Most people know that smoking causes lung cancer, but many people don’t realize that smoking contributes to the development of many forms of cancer, including stomach cancer. It’s also a wise idea to limit your alcohol intake.
Some studies have shown an increased risk of stomach cancer among those who drank alcohol in large quantities over a period of years.
Finally, it’s important to keep close tabs on your health in general. Visit your doctor regularly for checkups and have routine tests done when recommended.
And, don’t forget to drink some green tea each and every day to give yourself and extra boost of cancer prevention!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Selecting a Healthy Colon Cleansing Tea
For those of us who are petrified at the idea of colon cleansing processes such as colonic boards or irrigation, the perfect solution is to introduce colon cleansing foods and teas to the diet. One of the safest and healthiest teas which can also be made part of the colon cleansing process is green tea. Green tea can be part of a colon cleansing diet as it can aid the body to detoxify and regulate bowel movements. There are many other herbal colon cleansing teas which also perform these necessary functions but one of the most well known is green tea. Often used as part of a weight loss diet, green tea is well know to have powerful antioxidant qualities needed to keep internal systems healthy.
A healthy colon cleansing tea should help to increase bowel movements, provide detoxifying qualities and give a boost to the health of the whole body. Some of the more specifically designed colon cleansing tea drinks combine the beneficial qualities of a number of healthy herbs and vitamins to help the body clear out excess waste and toxins and enable the digestive system and bowels to run smoothly yet again. A colon cleansing tea can be a simply yet healthy choice that will fit in perfectly to almost any diet plan.
Switching to Herbal Colon Cleansing Tea
As so many people already drink copious amounts of tea for its flavor and as a social past-time; it is relatively easy to make the simple switch to an herbal colon cleansing variety of tea. An herbal colon cleansing tea that contains ingredients such as rhubarb or even raspberry can help support the waste removal functions in the body and in turn lead to a healthier colon. Making the switch to an herbal colon cleansing tea can be abrupt or alternatively be a gradual change. A more gradual change can alleviate the chances of headaches occurring due to the lack of caffeine which is present in ordinary cups of tea. There probably will be side effects especially for heavy tea drinkers but these problems will subside and a healthier body will be the outcome.
Small changes like switching to an herbal colon cleansing tea can seem like little steps but even this can make a significant difference to a person�s feeling of health and well being. Anyone who is willing to try it out will soon see the difference in the regularity of their bowel movements and over time may even experience additional benefits associated with a healthy colon such as increased energy, healthy skin, less bloating and fewer tension headaches
Vaginal Odour - Smelly Pee Makes Pubic Hair Go Public
All women endure from vaginal odour; however what letters of vaginal odour is a different issue. while we language of odour the vagina is not an organ of the body known to smell. In reality it is odourless. How is the smell warranted asks millions of precious and bewildered women that overthrow smells from a supposedly non smelly jaws. chaos sets in for many women who suppose vaginal reek is a untreated utility of their body. How can this be if the vagina is odourless? Well ladies not deficient to burst your bubble “odourless organ” or not, vaginas do smell bebegin of begins.
If vaginal odour is begind through an infection then it can disturb your strength. Infections essential to be treated with medication; one trait disturb from an infection is an eagerness. An eagernessy vagina not only is embarrassing and discomforting but more so if in the band of calls. The difference between an eagerness around the vagina, or an eagerness on your back you can not range can be relieved by a lonesome. (ought I say more?)
How can vaginal odours transpire if the vagina is not a smelly organ, this is a grill raised by many a perplexed aspirant. Causes which are nominated as the culprit to why vaginal odour occurs are due to bacteria and fleas incoming the vagina. One familiar odour women cooperate to below is regularly referred to as smelling like fish. Bacterial vaginosis is typically the analyze for the ‘dubious’ odour excreted from the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis will essential medicinal sign to rid the infection hence winning the dubious odour with it.
Hygiene is most profound to check/rid particular vaginal odours. One letters of smell rises from not bearing the concealed parts thoroughly. Urine if not rinsed away after peeing can get stronger. If pubic hair is moistened by pee then the urine turns stale (sour)hence cawith a more noticable reek to become more public which can be very embarrassing when in a crowd
Did you know that the vagina is character freshing and atrait from the reality that it is an odourless organ, then, why do vaginal odours begin such a reek among women (pardon the pun) deficient to rid their pong? while the vagina is character freshing, bacteria and fleas still survive to roost in the vagina hence cawith infection which then begins vaginal reek.
The vagina and surrounding skin is very touchy so be delicate when with yield to fresh the region, reminisce if you have a vaginal infection, then no issue how greatly you bear will not rid the smell. Cleaning the vulva essentials nothing more than water. Consult with the pharmacist about any creation you lean on with to gain up an infection bebegin they may control elements.
sincere oils can be stripped from the vulva through unskilled element use on the skin goodbye it dry and regularly annoyed. Bebegin of this it plants the smelly precious region more flat to infection. element call with the vagina can be awfully risky cawith urinary piece infections if allowed to pierce the urethra. Never use creams and lotions recommended by others bebegin what facility for one may not for the other. remedial conditions essential to be determined for the right action to be prescribed.
element based yield can distress the untreated PH of the vagina. The outcome of this which then outcome in an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, genital mycoplasmas, and gardnerella vaginalis, with abridged or absent lactobacilli. If you have a smelly vaginal odour that gives you analyze for alarm or sign change in colour of discharge, the total you misplace touch and thickness, feel sorrow when urinating or see vaginal flow when not menstruating, then you must language to your surgeon.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Fighting the Visible Signs of Aging Your skin
The skin is the biggest organ of the body, and is significantly precious by the aging procedure. Estrogen receptors have been detected on the cubicleular sections of the skin and drop points of estrogen influence the skin-cubicle metabolism. Changes in the skin collagen leads to diminished elasticity and skin vigor. There is a different fall of collagen production after menopause. Changes in vascularity are found next menopause. Dermal blood emerge decreases significantly in postmenopausal women.
restore functions in skin are regulated by a group of compounds called ‘cytokines.’. Included in these are epidermal cubicle evolution dynamic (ECGF), transforming evolution dynamic (TGF), and angiogenesis dynamic. AF stimulates the restructure of the microvascular logic inside the skin. TGF and ECGF stimulate prompt cubicle proliferation for the replacement of numb or scratched cubicles.
extreme exposure to UV emission sources corrosion of the collagen and elastin fibers in this skin. This, in excursion sources ‘crossbetween’. intersect-between sources the collagen in the skin to become jumbled and brace. This fallout in flaccid and demise of skin elasticity, and permit facial expressions to put terrible outline and creases in the skin. Some of this UV injure can be banned by the use of sunscreens and sunblocks. Some of this injure can be hitchd by the use of ‘peels’ - where the surface layer of the skin is impassive by the use of mild acidic formulas, which deletes the scratched layers and stimulates the production of a stronger, thicker layer of skin.
limitless radicals are molecules bent by oxidative compound reactions inside the body. These open radicals injure cubicleular DNA and source mutations of the skin cubicles. limitless radical injure can be banned by the use of opposing-oxidants, both internally and topically. Antioxidants fascinate and require these open radical molecules, rendering them safe.
Premature skin aging can be avoided by avoiding overload exposure to sunlight and pollutants, as well as providing with skin with the nutrients it desires to mending itself. afford your skin with the structure blocks it desires by maintaining adequate consumption of the next nutrients:
food FOR AGING SKIN
ZINC: Zinc is mandatory for collagen production and elastin synthesis, as well as DNA mending. Zinc is mandatory for DNA duplication, which is mandatory for cubicle border. Zinc is mandatory for the production of certain proteins that delete scratched or mutated bandanna as well as for superoxide dismutase, a ability opposingoxidant.
COPPER: Copper helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, helps to condense the dermis, rises vascularity and oxygenation and factory to stimulate superoxide dismutase.
SULFUR: Sulfur is a section of the protein Keratin found in nails, curls and skin. Sulfur is chief for the production of collagen and it is mandatory for the production of the connective bandannas.
Vitamin A: The vitamin needed for wholesome skin. A somber need or overload intake can source dry, bumpy skin, among other evils. Ascorbyl palmitate useful on the skin decreased the point of formation of open radicals*.
Vitamin C: Known for its opposingoxidant properties. Photoshelterive properties of topically useful vitamin C have also been demonstrated, indicating its use in the avoidion and conduct of skin aging. Topical applications of 5% vitamin C cream is an achieveual conduct, clinically revealed to rise photoscratched skin.**
Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been revealed to hitch skin injure, rise wound curative. Vitamin D is bent in the body in reply to sunlight, and has been revealed to have a beneficial influence on skin mending and curls evolution. Vitamin D seldom requires supplementation, and 15 summary of daily low-sun exposure should stimulate adequate production of this hormone-like vitamin.***
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a ability opposingoxidant. Experiments show that that it may shelter against the degradation of collagen, and avoid skin injure by environmental insult and aging.***
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone): inner and topical application of CoQ10 has a beneficial achieve of avoiding photoaging. CoQ10 penetrates into the viable layers of the epidermis and reduces the point of corrosion. lessening in crease deepness next CoQ10 application has also been revealed in clinical trials. CoQ10 avoids oxidative DNA injure and suppresses the degradation of collagen.****
References:
*Skin shelterion against ultraviolet induced open radicals with ascorbyl palmitate in microemulsions. Jurkovic P, Sentjurc M, Gasperlin M, Kristl J, Pecar S. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
**Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: magnify-blind lessons vs. gesture. Humbert PG, Haftek M, Creidi P, Lapiere C, Nusgens B, Richard A, Schmitt D, Rougier A, Zahouani H. Department of Dermatology, infirmary Saint Jacques, University of Franche-Comte, Besancon, France.
***Vitamin D enhances mitogenesis mediated by keratinocyte evolution dynamic receptor in keratinocytes. Gamady A, Koren R, Ron D, Liberman UA, Ravid A. The thyme and Gerald Felsenstein remedial examine spotlight, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Petah-Tikva, Israel.
***Age-needy rise of collagenase expression can be condensed by alpha-tocopherol via protein kinase C inhibition. Ricciarelli R, Maroni P, Ozer N, Zingg JM, Azzi A.Institut fur Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Universitat Bern, Switzerland.
****Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous opposingoxidant and boost. Hoppe U, Bergemann J, Diembeck W, Ennen J, Gohla S, Harris I, Jacob J, Kielholz J, Mei W, Pollet D, Schachtschabel D, Sauermann G, Schreiner V, crack F, Steckel F.Paul Gerson Unna examine spotlight, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
The Tea Tree - 3 Amazing Variations of This Venerable Tree.
A tee tree, which is also well-known as a ti tree, is commonly used to refer to all related or possibly even unrelated series of trees which grow the leaves that are used to create this species of trees that may or may not contain the leaves from which conventional tea is even derived.
Nevertheless, they all have been labeled as such due to the fact that, at some point in time, numerous people have utilized leaves of these type of trees for the process of making tea.
That is to say people as well as groups have taken these leaves from the tea tree and soaked them in water so that they could make a tea like product. Although there are many types that are included in the tea tree classification, for the sake of space, we will discuss three in this article as examples; the leptospermum tree, the kanuka tree, and camelia sinensis, a true tea tree.
Kanuka
This type of tea tree is situated in New Zealand and is actually more like a shrub then a type of tree. This tea tree can grow very large and is plentiful across the landscape of New Zealand, and because of the little beautiful white flowers it has, tea trees such as these also develop into a beautiful backdrop across much of the landscape.
Some equate the appearance of a large grouping of kanuka trees to that of a snowy hillside in the winter. Despite the fact that the leaves are quite often utilized for tea making, this type of tea tree in reality only makes an herbal tea product, so technically speaking it is not actually a true tea making tea tree.
Leptospermum
Similar to the kanuka tea tree, the leptospermum more accurately resembles a bush as opposed to an actual tree. Similar to the kanuka, this tea tree is primarily located in New Zealand. However, it is mostly predominant in Australia, and yet just as similar to the kanuka tree, the leptospemum leaves create an herbal tea and not the actual true tea type of white, green, black/red or oolong. In addition to utilizing these tea leaves to make a tea like product, for a very long time natives have used the flowers nectar to create honey.
Camellia Sinensis
The camellia sinensis is one of the true tea tree out of which all teas, green, black/red, white and oolong are originally plucked from. It is primarily based on the eventual oxidation process that influences the final product. However nuances in flavor are also very relevant to the area of each camellia sinensis tea tree. This tea tree is indigenous to Asian regions, however today they can be located and are produced all around the world. All that is actually required is a small amount of tropical weather so that camellia sinensis can grow.
The magical glory of pearl milk tea
Pearl milk tea is something that I discovered only after arriving in California. The drink, which at first seems unappealing, is magically delicious. Take some milk tea and add tapioca pearls, and you have pearl milk tea, PMT for short. I took it upon myself to try various places near Stanford and let the masses know what I thought of them.
The Gods of Intermission said I could do this article and then told me, “You must try the Tresidder pearl milk tea! Bwahaha . . . ” On that ominous note, I headed over to the Corner Pocket. I overcame my worries and ordered a standard green milk tea. It was a visual shock; there were weird chunks floating in it, and it was one of the most unnatural colors I have ever seen. Despite this, I took a sip, which caused my tongue cry out in pain. The tea itself tasted like an unholy mixture of sugar and saccharine and distilled grossness. “The pearls may redeem it,” I thought. How wrong I was. The pearls were reminiscent of ass-flavored taffy. After recovering, I realized just how important it was to inform clueless Stanford students about real pearl milk tea. Here, for your pleasure, are some of the bumpinest PMT places in the area.
Black Pearl
Located on California Avenue, Black Pearl gives neat student discounts, and they also have video games, checkers and two big couches. I had a black pearl milk tea and a coconut milk tea. Both were really tasty, tea-wise and pearl-wise. On top of that, they sell other snack food, ramen, scoop ice cream and mochi ice cream. If you’ve never tried mochi ice cream, it is worth a trip over to Black Pearl to taste it. It is ice cream wrapped in mochi, which is a kind of Japanese rice dough. Ice cream in finger food form: How cool is that? On a side note, avoid any of the sucky citrus flavor milk teas. Also, there’s a lot of high schoolers that show up. They irritate me to no end, but they’re definitely a part of the Black Pearl environment.
Atmosphere: 3 stars PMT: 4 stars Other stuff: 4 stars
@live Cafe
This PMT place is located on University Ave. The teas taste good, and they have a large selection, but their itsy-bitsy pearls ruin the beautiful tapestry that is pearl milk tea. They get points for the uber-cool practice of sealing the cup with a lid of cellophane. It is fun to stab the straw through that cover to get at the sweet drink held within. @Live is a good place to go if you have a PMT craving but no way to get to a better place. They have some ice cream if you don’t dig the PMT. The store itself is on the small side, but they have some neat Chinese fashion magazines laying around that provide endless entertainment.
Atmosphere: 3 stars PMT: 3 stars Other stuff: 2 stars
Q-Cup
Q-Cup, in Cupertino Village, wins as my favorite. The store has pop, cartoony decor with techno music. Their selection is huge and cheap, around $2.50-$2.75. The most notable non-PMT refreshment they have are the heavenly crepes. Big, soft, ice-cream-and-other-stuff filled crepes. While my eyes were glued to the crepes, I got a jasmine pearl tea and also tried a coconut milk tea. They both rocked. The pearls are the perfect size, with a good flavor and consistency to boot. On top of all this, Q-Cup seals their PMT with the plastic covering. STAB! Sweet.
Atmosphere: 4 stars PMT: 5 stars Other stuff: 5 stars
Verde Tea House
At Verde on Castro Street, the PMT is comparable to Q-Cup’s. This place gets packed to the brim on weekends and serves some really tasty thick toast with peanut butter. Along with PMT, Verde Tea is bright green inside and stays open late into the evening. It was here that I lost my PMT cherry, so there is a special place in my heart for Verde Tea House.
Atmosphere: 4 stars PMT: 4 stars Other Stuff: 3 stars
Lucy’s Tea House
It’s located in an alley behind Verde Tea House, on Villa Street off Castro. Lucy’s wins the Neat Atmosphere Award. It has mad ambience. Lucy’s has a large stock of board games. I thought it was incredibly fun to play Go while sipping my tea. The Indian milk tea and the Thai milk tea were both tasty. The pearls are also a good size and flavor. Although they do PMT well, their selection is limited. I’d recommend checking out the tea floats, which are PMT with a scoop of ice cream in them. Check this place out, but be warned: the PMT is a steep $4 unless you get it to go, then it drops mysteriously to $2.50. Either you pay more or you miss out on the coolest part of Lucy’s.
Atmosphere: 5 stars PMT: 4 Stars Other stuff: 5 stars
After a whirlwind week of PMT comparison, I think that Q-Cup is my favorite. They do everything right. It is far away, but worth the trip. Lucy’s is the coolest joint to chill at with some friends. Failing that, Black Pearl is still pretty good. I would say that it rocks all right. In closing, try some pearl milk tea but please avoid Tresidder PMT. It hurts.
The magical glory of pearl milk tea
By Shawn Standefe
Pearl Milk Tea
Pearl Milk Tea (traditional Chinese: 珍珠奶茶; Hanyu Pinyin: zhēnzhū nǎichá; Tongyong Pinyin: jhenjhu nǎichá) also known as Boba milk tea and bubble tea (a name often mistakenly applied; bubble refers to the process by which certain types of pearl milk tea are made, and not the actual tapioca balls) , is a tea beverage that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. The Chinese name literally translates to pearl milk tea (珍珠 = Pearl; 奶茶 = Milk Tea). The balls are often called "pearls." Drinks with large pearls consumed along with the beverage through wide straws; while drinks with small pearls are consumed through normal straws. Pearl milk tea is especially popular in many East Asian and Southeast Asian regions such as China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Brunei, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and more recently popularized in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Description
Pearl milk tea is a mixture of iced or hot sweetened tea, milk, and often other flavorings. The distinctive characteristics of pearl milk tea are the black gummy balls made of tapioca (or, more commonly in East Asia, yam starch[citation needed]), called "pearls" or "boba" or balls that sit at the bottom of the cup. The pearls are larger than those found in tapioca pudding, with a diameter of at least 6 millimeters, but smaller ones are occasionally used. They are generally translucent brown with a darker brown center, although pearls of other colors or 'jelly cubes' have also recently become available.
The original pearl milk tea consisted of a hot Taiwanese black tea, tapioca pearls, condensed milk, and honey. As this drink became more popular, variations were created. Initially iced versions with a hint of peach or plum flavoring began to appear, then more fruit flavors were added until, in some variations, the tea was removed entirely in favor of real fruits. Today you can find shops entirely devoted to pearl milk tea, similar to juice bars of the early 1990s. They usually contain colored pearls that are chosen to match whatever fruit juice is used, in addition to brightly colored oversize straws for sucking up the pearls.
Pearl milk tea is generally split into two types: fruit-flavored teas, and milk teas. Milk teas may use dairy or non-dairy creamers.
The mixtures that make up Pearl milk tea vary. Several examples of flavors are strawberry, passion fruit, mango, chocolate, and coconut, and may be added in the form of powder, fruit juice, pulp, or syrup to hot black or green tea, which is shaken in a cocktail shaker or mixed in a blender with ice until chilled. The mixture is usually combined with milk and cooked tapioca pearls.
Pearl milk tea bars often serve pearl milk tea using a machine to seal the top of the cup with plastic cellophane. This allows the tea to be shaken in the serving cup. The cellophane is then pierced with a straw. Other cafés use plastic dome-shaped lids. Even fruit slushes and smoothies can have boba added to the drinks.
The "pearls" are made mostly of tapioca starch, which comes from the tapioca, or bitter-cassava plant. In other parts of the world, the bitter-cassava plant may be called manioca or yuca. Cassava is native to South America, and was introduced to Asia in the 1800s. The balls are prepared by boiling for 25 minutes, until they are cooked thoroughly but have not lost pliancy, then cooled for 25 minutes. After cooking they last about 7 hours. The pearls have little taste, and are usually soaked in sugar or honey solutions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_milk_tea
Monday, May 19, 2008
Categorizing Chinese herbs
Chinese physicians used several different methods to classify traditional Chinese herbs:
The Four Natures (四氣 or 四性)
The Five Tastes (五味)
The Meridians (歸經)
The earlier (Han through Tang eras) Ben Cao (Materia Medicae) began with a three-level categorization:
Low level -- drastic acting, toxic substances; Middle level -- medicinal physiological effects; High level -- health and spirit enhancement
During the neo-Confucian Song-Jin-Yuan era (10th to 12th Centuries), the theoretical framework from acupuncture theory (which was rooted in Confucian Han theory) was formally applied to herbal categorization (which was earlier more the domain of Daoist natural science). In particular, alignment with the Five Phases (Tastes) and the 12 channels (Meridians theory) came to be used after this period.
The Four Natures
This pertains to the degree of yin and yang, ranging from cold (extreme yin), cool, neutral to warm and hot (extreme yang). The patient's internal balance of yin and yang is taken into account when the herbs are selected. For example, medicinal herbs of "hot", yang nature are used when the person is suffering from internal cold that requires to be purged, or when the patient has a general cold constituency. Sometimes an ingredient is added to offset the extreme effect of one herb.
The Five Tastes
The five tastes are pungent, sweet, sour, bitter and salty, each of which their functions and characteristics. For example, pungent herbs are used to generate sweat and to direct and vitalize qi and the blood. Sweet-tasting herbs often tonify or harmonize bodily systems. Some sweet-tasting herbs also exhibit a bland taste, which helps drain dampness through diuresis. Sour taste most often is astringent or consolidates, while bitter taste dispels heat, purges the bowels and get rid of dampness by drying them out. Salty tastes soften hard masses as well as purge and open the bowels.
The Meridians
The Meridians refer to which organs the herb acts upon. For example, menthol is pungent, cool and is linked with the lungs and the liver. Since the lungs is the organ which protects the body from invasion from cold and influenza, menthol can help purge coldness in the lungs and invading heat toxins caused by hot "wind."
The History of Chinese herbals
The oldest medical book that mentions herbs is the Huang Di Nei Jing - The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. Differing opinions date the book between 800 BC and 200 BC. It’s a compendium of medical theory and practice attributed to the Yellow Emperor who is thought to have lived c.4700 BC or to be a mythical character whose age and royal status would provide credence to a contemporary work.
The period during which the Nei Jing appeared was one of great creativity and change. By 265 BC (when some scholars believe the Nei Jing was published) the transition from a shamanistic medicine to one based on theory and an accumulated body of knowledge was almost complete. Although the Nei Jing was supposed to have been written 2500 years prior it almost exclusively discusses the medicine of theory and accumulated knowledge. So the 28 substances and 12 prescriptions listed in the Nei Jing are the first mention of the Chinese herbal medicine which continues to be practiced now.
By 220 AD national and provincial government medical services were established. Professional specialties included prescribing physicians, senior physicians, junior physicians, apprentices and pharmacists. During the Chin Dynasty (265 AD - 420 AD) the Imperial University was established and medicine was part of the curriculum.
About 500 AD The Divine Husbandman’s Classic of the Materia Medica was published. This text contained the first references to “properties” of herbs and the first classification system for herbs other than the Five Element tastes. There were three major categories.
-Superior herbs - those which nourish life
-Middle Herbs - those which correct constitution
-Inferior herbs - those which expel disease
The Divine Husbandman’s Classic also sorted herbs by taste and temperature and it warned of toxic herbs. The catalog of substances contained plants, animals and minerals.
In 659 AD The Newly Revised Materia Medica, the first illustrated text of herbs, containing 844 entries, was published. 1108 AD saw the appearance of the Materia Medica Arranged According to Pattern which had 1558 entries. 1596 AD brought The Grand Materia Medica with 1892 entries. By 1977 5,767 entries were listed in the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Substances.
The period from 659 to the 1700’s saw the birth and evolution of several important components of herbal medicine theory. These components have continued in use to this day and are presented in the section Theory of Herbal Medicine.
The Yuzu Essential Oil
Citrus junos is a small tree that produces yellow-golden coloured citrus fruits resembling small oranges or tangerines. The peel of the fruit produces a delightful citrus fragrance with a floral overtone which is quite unique and difficult to describe. This fruit is known in Japan as Yuzu, and like most citrus fruits will yield an essential oil by cold expression.
I first encountered this unusual fruit whilst lecturing in Japan, and was immediately captivated by its distinctive fragrance. I decided I must learn more about this little-known member of the citrus family and see if it might prove a useful addition to aromatherapy.
Several trips to Japan later, I finally tracked down a producer of this fragrant fruit and arranged to purchase some of the essential oil on a regular basis. Sadly, the essential oil is not produced in very large quantities which therefore makes it quite expensive for a citrus oil, and very difficult to purchase other than directly from source.
Physical description
From the Rutaceae family, Citrus junos bears a physical resemblance to the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium ssp amara), reaching a height of approximately 4 metres (13ft). It has a rounded top of deep green, smooth, oval shaped leaves and attractive white flowers which bloom in early autumn.
In Japan during the late autumn, the small fruits ripen from dark green to a yellow-golden colour, and now resemble oranges which measure about 7.0 cm (2¾ inches) in diameter. The peel is much less smooth than that of an orange, often having a more 'pitted' and 'bumpy' appearance. Interestingly, yuzu is one of the most cold resistant citrus fruits.
Current and traditional uses
Both the fruit-juice and the rind of yuzu are extremely popular as flavouring agents in Japan, imparting an absolutely delicious, lemon-fruity and floral tang wherever it is employed. It is used to make a refreshing lemonade-type beverage, blended in salad dressings, made into marmalade and is even employed in ice-cream (my favourite!). In fact there seems to be no end of ways the Japanese have found to utilise the rind of this delicious fruit!
Traditionally, the fruits were used in a hot bath on the day of the winter solstice (Toji) to ward off a range of winter ills, such as colds and flu. To make a 'Yuzu yu' (Yuzu bath), the whole fruits or just the peel are added to the hot bathtub, and just as in aromatherapy, a nice long relaxing soak would bring about a feeling of wellbeing.
Of course, yuzu baths can be enjoyed at anytime for other conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism and general aches and pains. The oil from the fruit produces a tonic effect that stimulates the circulatory system and digestive system.
Origins
Although Citrus junos grows wild in Tibet and Korea, it is believed to have originated in China and was brought to Japan for cultivation in the 10th century. Due to its popularity here, it is cultivated on a grand commercial scale especially in Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, where large yuzu groves can be found.
Curiously, these other countries do not appear to produce the essential oil in very large commercial quantities, and despite many attempts I have been unable to locate producers of yuzu oil who are interested in exporting the oil. This is a pity, since it would be fascinating to compare the oils produced from the different origins.
Extraction and aromatherapy uses
The essential oil is extracted by cold expression of the rind, producing a pale yellow essential oil with an exquisite citrus aroma. This body of this fragrance exists somewhere between grapefruit and mandarin, with subtle overtones of bergamot and lime. It has a very dry, tangy quality whilst producing an almost floral note that is very appealing.
Used in aromatherapy, we have found that yuzu oil is very similar in action to bergamot, having a refreshing and uplifting effect on the body whilst calming the mind. Also in common with bergamot, this oil has a powerful anti-bacterial action which makes it effective against colds and flu, which would account for its success and popularity in Japanese folk medicine.
It is a very effective oil for use with stress, burn-out, nervous tension or anxiety, where it helps to bring a soothing and calming effect to the emotions. Likewise it gives upliftment to depressive states, frustration, regret and also helps to build confidence.
As you might expect, yuzu blends easily with all citrus oils, although to do so simply dilutes its unique fragrance. Try blending it instead with basil, benzoin, clary sage, chamomile Roman, cypress, frankincense, geranium, ginger, jasmine, juniper berry, lavender, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, rose (absolute & otto), sandalwood, vetiver and ylang ylang.
I find yuzu a very intriguing and rewarding oil to use, and hope that more will soon be discovered about its therapeutic properties. After a long and stressful day, I find it really gives a welcome boost to both mind and body. Try yuzu yourself, and see if you don't agree it is the king of all citrus oils.
The Yuzu Essential Oil
by
http://www.quinessence.com
The Tunisian Neroli Essential Oil
Neroli essential oil is extracted from the fragrant blossoms of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium sub.sp amara), and has a beautiful aroma that appeals to men and women alike. In common with rose and jasmine, neroli oil is almost a complete fragrance in itself and forms the heart of one of the worlds most enduring perfumes, ‘Eau de Cologne’.
Although neroli oil is produced in many countries such as Algeria, Egypt, France, Haiti, Italy, Morocco and Spain, the oils produced in France and Tunisia have always been considered to be the very finest and still command the highest price. At Quinessence, our preference is for Tunisian neroli oil.
Unlike much of its French counterpart, Tunisian bitter orange trees are not subjected to agrochemicals, simply because they are just too expensive for the smaller farmers to afford. Surprisingly, much of the neroli essential oil exported from Tunisia is produced from the blossoms of trees grown by small growing co-operatives and families, rather than from large-scale cultivation farms.
Origins and folklore
It is believed that C. aurantium originated in South-East Asia, later spreading to North-Eastern India, Burma and China, and eventually finding its way via Arab traders to Africa, Arabia and Syria. From these regions it was taken to the Mediterranean by the Moors, and by the end of the 12th century it was cultivated in Seville, Spain, thereby leading to the common name for bitter oranges.
It is not known precisely when or where the oil was first extracted by steam distillation, but legend has it that during the 17th century in Italy, Anne Marie de la Trémoille (Orsini), who was duchess of Bracciano and princess of Nerola, first introduced neroli oil as a fashionable fragrance to high society. She used it whilst bathing and also to perfume her stationary, scarves and most famously, her gloves.
The fragrance obviously caught on, because in 1709, the Italian perfumer J.M. Farina launched his blend of neroli, bergamot, lavender, lemon, petitgrain and rosemary onto an unsuspecting world, naming it ‘Eau de Cologne’. The rest as they say, is history.
Fragrant assets
The bitter orange tree is a small evergreen that typically reaches a height of 3 metres (10ft) in cultivation, but may attain up to 6 metres (20ft) when growing in the wild. It has a smooth brown trunk, stout branches and flexible green twigs with rather blunt thorns, and has a more erect stature and compact crown than that of the sweet orange tree (Citrus sinensis).
The green twigs contain a significant amount of essential oil, and these along with the broad, ovate, glossy and highly aromatic leaves are used to produce petitgrain oil. The golden-yellow sour fruits are round or oval with a thick, heavily pitted skin that yield bitter orange essential oil by cold expression. This is a truly fragrant tree!
Critical timing
Throughout April and May in Tunisia, prolific clusters of attractive, highly scented blossoms consisting of 5 petals and 24 yellow stamens begin to appear on the tree. Further to the beautiful oil within, these flowers also produce tasty nectar which proves irresistible to honey bees. The oil content of the flowers increases as they develop and bloom.
The flowering buds are usually harvested by hand early in the morning just as they begin to open - but only on warm, sunny days, because damp or overcast weather can have an adverse effect on the fragrance of the oil. It is absolutely critical that the buds are collected at the correct stage of maturity, because if they are plucked too soon the yield of oil will be lower and the resulting oil will have an unwanted 'green' note in the fragrance.
Conversely, if the buds have opened too far when they are gathered much of the precious volatile oil will evaporate during the process of transportation to the stills. Getting the timing wrong either way will have a severe detrimental effect on both the fragrance and value of the distilled essential oil.
Preparation and extraction
Before transportation to the distillery, the collected buds must be carefully 'winnowed' by hand to remove all traces of stray leaves, twigs or similar plant debris. Failure to remove this unwanted material will again result in a tainted fragrance of sub-standard quality, thereby be unable to command the high price normally associated with Tunisian neroli.
Isolation of the essential oil is achieved by low-pressure ‘cool’ water-steam distillation which yields a pale yellow oil with an exquisite, fresh, fruity-floral aroma. Up to 20% of the essential oil is dissolved into the water during the process of distillation, and this is recovered by solvent extraction resulting in what is known as ‘orange flower water absolute’.
Since this material consists mainly of the water-soluble components of the oil, the aroma is not very representative of the flower, but nontheless is still put to good use in the perfumery industry. Solvent extraction of the flowers produces a dark orange/brown viscous absolute with the most beautiful rich, warm and floral fragrance that closely resembles that of the blossoms.
Perfect for skin
Appealing in aroma to both men and women, neroli is one of nature’s most effective antidepressant oils, which together with its balancing and sedative properties makes it perfect for treating all types of negative emotional conditions, states of anxiety, menopause, and insomnia. This action may also in part explain the oils reputation as an effective aphrodisiac.
Most problem skin conditions respond extremely well to treatments incorporating neroli, but for best results mix it with a hypoallergenic carrier lotion or base cream rather than a carrier oil. Used as part of a regular skin care routine, neroli improves elasticity, stimulates new cell growth, reduces thread veins, softens wrinkles and scars, and smells absolutely divine. The perfect skin care oil.
The Bulgarian Rose Otto
Rose otto is the beautifully fragrant essential oil extracted from the species Rosa damascena, and holds a special place in the hearts of all who love aromatherapy and natural perfumery. There is quite simply, no other essential oil quite like it in terms of fragrance and wealth of therapeutic healing benefits.
It may be hard to believe, but of all the places in the world where roses are cultivated, the are just a handful of regions in 2 countries that provide just the right conditions to grow this incredible flower in large enough quantities to produce rose otto essential oil! One such area is in Bulgaria, and the others are in Turkey - and both are connected by history.
The particular variety of rose grown to produce rose otto in both of these countries is Rosa damascena forma trigintipetala, and its parentage has been the subject of great debate for many, many years. At one time it was believed to be a horticultural hybrid of Rosa gallica and Rosa canina that had escaped cultivation, but recent advances in identifying plant genetics has suggested it is more likely to be a hybrid of R. gallica and R. phoenicia.
Origin of the rose
The origin of the cultivated rose is often quoted as the Gulf of Persia, which is now known as Iran. From the 10th to the 17th century the rose industry was developed and dominated by Persia, and particularly in Shiraz, the famous city of poets and oriental culture.
From here the rose industry spread into Arabia, Mesopotamia, Palestine, Asia Minor (Anatolia) Greece, India, North Africa, and due to the conquering Moors reached as far as Spain. According to legend, in the 13th century R. damascena was brought from Damascus to Southern France by the returning Crusaders, although some experts believe it may have actually been R. gallica instead.
Valley of the Roses
During the 16th century, Ottoman (Turkish) merchants imported R. damascena for cultivation throughout the Balkan countries, including a newly founded town in Bulgaria that would eventually become known as Kazanlik. Kazan is the Turkish word for 'still', and Kazanlik literally means 'the place of stills'.
A nearby valley provided the perfect environment for growing roses, thereby establishing what would in later years become the finest rose oil producing region in the world. This area is now called the 'Valley of the Roses', and during 1878 cuttings from the improved stock were returned to Anatolia and planted in Isparta and Burdur, where current rose production still thrives.
Throughout the 19th century, the Bulgarian rose oil industry reigned supreme, almost monopolising the entire world supply of rose oil. This monopoly would not be broken until the industry was nationalised due to dramatic changes in the political and economical climate after World War 2, when production fell into a steady decline. Today, it is believed that Turkey holds the record as the largest producer of rose otto, and only the oil from this country matches the quality and fine fragrance to that of Bulgaria.
Climatic conditions
In Bulgaria, the rose blossoms of Rosa damascena begin to bloom around the third week of May, and will continue for three or four weeks depending upon climatic conditions. The yield of oil can be dramatically affected by the prevailing weather conditions - for example during very hot and dry weather the harvest may last only two weeks and the yield of the oil is lowered due to loss by evaporation. Conversely, during mild and humid weather the harvest time can be extended whilst at the same time increasing the oil yield.
The harvesting season starts as soon as the flowers begin to open and continues until all the roses have been gathered. In Bulgaria and Turkey the blossoms are still collected by hand in the time-honoured way, and are nipped just below the calyx (the green, outer protective cover). Collection begins at sunrise when the oil yield is at its highest, and should be completed by 10.00 am whilst the dew is still on the flowers. The flowers are initially placed into baskets, and then transferred to sacks for transportation to the distilleries.
Time is of the essence
Whilst the harvesters are picking the flowers, other workers carefully transfer the flowers from the baskets to the transportation sacks where they are weighed, and all the relevant details are recorded since harvesters are paid by the weight of flowers picked. Each sack weighs approximately 25 kilos when full and is loaded onto horse drawn carriages, the backs of donkeys or less commonly, trucks!
The harvest is then transported to the distillery as quickly as possible, since the picked flowers will begin to deteriorate immediately as precious volatile oil begins to evaporate due to the heat of the sun. This in turn of course will lower the yield of the crop and push up the price of production.
Extraction
In Bulgaria during the early 1900's, virtually all rose oil was distilled on-site using direct-fire stills operated by the farmers. A suitable site would be chosen adjacent to the field and near a stream and the apparatus would be set up. Although this sounds rather primitive, the yield produced from this type of amounts to 1 kilo of oil for every 2,500 to 3,000 kilos of roses. Amazingly, this is a considerably higher figure than can be achieved by modern industrial distillation techniques!
Modern stills are made of copper and are heated with an open wood fire from below. The roses can not be distilled in the usual way by directly injecting steam, because the petals compact to form a large mass that the steam can not penetrate. Therefore the distillation techniques have been refined in various ways to overcome this problem.
During distillation a large amount of oil is absorbed into the distillation water, and this is known as the 'First Water'. The rose oil must be recovered from this water to produce an acceptable yield, and this is achieved by skilfully re-distilling the water to separate the oil; a process known as cohobation.
The amount of oil produced directly from distillation is as low as only 20% or 25%, the majority being recovered from the distillate water by cohobation. This ratio does vary depending upon certain factors, but is usually in the region of 25% 'direct oil' and 75% 'water oil'. The 'Second Water' remaining after the process of cohobation is then sold as rose hydrosol (aka floral water) or re-cycled in the still for the next batch of flowers.
The total yield of oil will depend upon several conditions; climate, the time of the harvest, condition of the flowers and the method of distillation. During the middle of the harvest period the yield is higher than at the beginning, and mild weather will result in a further increase in the oil produced.
On average, Rosa damascena will yield 1 kilo of oil per 4,000 kilos of flowers using modern distillation processes. Under very favourable conditions only 2,600 kilos of roses may be required to produce 1 kilo of oil, whereas under less favourable conditions up to 8,000 kilos of flowers may be required to produce the same amount of oil.
