Sencha is a Japanese green tea, Sencha - Its name means infused tea. This is the every day green tea of Japan. You can find it in some form in most Japanese households. Sencha have the strongest potency of all Japanese teas in Vitamin C, and Vitamin B2 (aka Riboflavin, which helps formulate the red blood cells). This tea contains a moderate to high caffeine level.
Sencha, literally meaning, ‘roasted tea’, pertains to the past processing methods used to make this most popular of all Japanese green tea. Today, sencha is initially steam treated before further processing with hot-air drying and finally pan-frying. Over three quarters of all tea now produced in the Japanese tea gardens is in fact graded as sencha, a tea selected for its pleasant sharpness and fresh qualities complementing a leaf of high uniformity and rich emerald colour.
Green tea from the Shizuoka region of Japan. Sencha translates as 'common,' but there is nothing ordinary about this exquisite 'spider leg' tea. The latter refers to the leaves' long, slender shape. Our 'Sencha Overture' is a wonderfully delicate second flush (summer) tea whose soothing taste and fresh green scent make it a perfect everyday treat.
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Saturday, August 30, 2008
Sencha
Friday, August 29, 2008
Melodorum fruticosum Lour.
Melodorum fruticosum Lour 3-10 m high, crown cylindrical, densi1ey, evergreen, stem bole. Bark: brown, smooth, or scaly cracking, alternate, apex acute, base alternate on obtuse. Flower: solitary, pale yellow, scented, axillary and terminal. Fruit: aggregate,apex obtuse, base acute, glabrons. Seeds 1-2, black, sour-sweet taste. Occurring in mixed deciduous forest and dry evergreen forest in central and eastern parts of the country growing in any soil. Propagation: by seed and grafting.
Melodorum fruticosum Lour.
Sciencetific name Melodorum fruticosum Lour.
Common name Devil Tree, White Cheesewood
Family Annonaceae Thank natural to make herbals for good life!
Dandelion Root Benefits and Information
Dandelion, the enemy of suburban lawns, happens to be a very nutritious food and has been used for medicinal purposes since the 10th century. The leaves contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc potassium, manganese, copper, chlorine, calcium, boron, and silicon. The substances eudesmanolide and germacranolide are the active constituents in dandelion and are unique to this plant.
Dandelion Uses
Dandelion leaves are commonly recommended as a food supplement for pregnant and postmenopausal women because of the numerous nutrients they contain. This plant produces a mild diuretic effect and reduces serum cholesterol levels. Dandelion root is used to improve appetite and minor digestive problems. Some modern naturopathic physicians believe that it can help detoxify the liver and gallbladder. It shows proven value as a diuretic, flushing excess water from the body. It is believed by many experts to promote the flow of bile and stimulates the appetite. Dandelion juice once was quite popular as a diuretic, laxative, and remedy for rheumatism.
Dandelion is considered a remedy for the following conditions:
Appetite loss
Indigestion
Kidney and bladder stones
Liver and gallbladder problems
Urinary tract infections
Dandelion Nutritional Content
Dandelion contains lactupicrine, a bitter principle, tannin, insulin, a latex-like substance, polysaccharides, and carotene.
Side Effects/Interactions
Gastric discomfort may arise due to hyperacidity. There are no known drug interactions.
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Damiana Information and Facts
Damiana is a yellow-flowering plant that is frequently found growing in climates that are relatively hot and humid including Central and South America and in a few regions in the United States. Damiana was traditionally used as a respiratory, neurological, and sexual medicine by indigenous cultures of Mexico. Commercially introduced in the United States in 1874, damiana was marketed as an aphrodisiac and has been claimed to induce euphoria, as well as to help people with depression.
Although there is a clear lack of scientific evidence to support any of the theories for the efficacy attributed to damiana, its seeming ability to induce mild euphoria could support a logical theory that in relatively small quantities, damiana could lead to relaxation and could calm anxiety. Conceivably, those suffering from sexual dysfunction resulting from stress or emotional troubles could benefit from supplementation with this herb. But again, there is not enough scientific evidence to support its use as a medicinal herb.
Dosage and Administration
While damiana is commonly used in herbal combinations most experts do not feel that traditional use of this herb is justified by modern research.
Possible Side Effects and Interactions
The leaves have a minor laxative effect and may cause loosening of the stools at higher amounts. Until more is known about damiana's effects on the female hormonal system, it should be avoided during pregnancy.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Health Benefits of Food
The health benefits of food have been studied by various ancient civilizations and modern herbalists, naturopaths, and dieticians. Doctors have always told us that a proper balanced diet will help us prevent the incidence of a number of illnesses and diseases, treat most of the ailments, and live a healthy and happy life. Yet most of us limit ourselves to only a few types of food items.
Our body requires a variety of nutrients for its metabolism. Here is a short list of nutrients that our body requires – calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fiber, minerals such as boron, calcium, chlorine, chromium, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, vanadium and zinc, vitamins such as vitamin A, Retinol, Vitamin B, Vitamin B1, Thiamine, Vitamin B2, Riboflavin, Vitamin B3, Niacin, Vitamin B5, Pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6, Pyridoxine, Vitamin B8, Biotin, Vitamin B9, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Cyanocobalamin, Vitamin C, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Tocopherol, and Vitamin K. To get all these nutrients, it becomes necessary to eat a variety of food items.
Count the number of different food items that you have eaten in the past one month. In most circumstances, you will not cross 20. Now look at the different types of food items that are popular throughout the world.
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The Conventional Medical Treatment for Breast Cancer
Current statistics report that one woman in nine will get breast cancer in her lifetime. This does not mean that a 30-year-old woman is at high risk of developing breast cancer at that point in her life, but rather that she has a one-in-nine chance of developing the condition at some point in her life. In actuality, a woman has a I-in-5900 chance of having breast cancer at age 30, and a risk of 1-in-800 at age 80. Men rarely develop breast cancer.
Heredity plays a large role in determining a woman's risk for breast cancer. People who have three or more close relatives with the condition, and people whose families have breast cancer in more than one generation are at increased risk. People who have relatives with early onset of breast cancer, cancer in both breasts, or ovarian cancer also have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have mutations of the BRCAI or BRCA2 genes have up to an 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer by age 70. This genetic mutation occurs most often in Jewish women of Ashkenazi descent.
Yet, heredity is not the only risk factor for developing breast cancer. A high-fat diet, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, giving birth to a child after the age of 30 or not giving birth at all, an early onset of menstruation, and menopause after age 52 are all thought to increase breast cancer risk. Exposure to environmental toxins are another suspected risk factor. On the other hand, some women develop breast cancer without being in any of the high-risk groups.
Signs and Symptoms
A lump or thickening in the breast or the tissue surrounding the breast
Tenderness in the breast
Swelling in the armpit area
Change in the appearance of the breast (one may be higher than the other, or take on a different shape)
An area of flattening or indentation of the skin of the breast Change in color or texture of the breast
Change in the nipple (nipple may be retracted, dimpled, itchy, or flaking)
Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
Conventional Medical Treatment
If you notice even a slight change in one or both breasts, visit your physician immediately, since breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and to other parts of the body. Your doctor physically examines your breasts and takes a mammogram, or breast X-ray. If the mammogram reveals a mass of tissue, or is unclear, your physician may recommend an ultrasound test. This diagnostic test uses sound waves to create an image of interior breast tissue. It is used not only to pinpoint the location of a mass, but to help determine whether the mass is cancerous. In many cases, a needle biopsy is required to confirm diagnosis. There are two types of needle biopsies. During fine needle aspiration, a small needle is inserted into the breast lump. If the lump is a cyst and not a tumor, fluid will drain from it when pierced with the needle. If the lump is a tumor, cells are removed for examination. During a core needle biopsy, actual breast tissue cells are removed for examination.
If the tumor is less than 4 centimeters in size, it can be surgically removed with a lumpectomy (removal of the lump), followed by radiation. If the tumor is large, mastectomy (removal of the breast and underlying tissue) is necessary. After mastectomy, the breast can be reconstructed either at the time of surgery or at a later date. During breast cancer surgery, lymph nodes from the underarm are removed and examined for the presence of cancer cells. Women with positive lymph nodes require follow-up chemotherapy or hormone therapy with tamoxifen. There are several treatment options for breast cancer, depending on ,the size of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and whether the tumor cells have positive or negative estrogen receptors. Women should discuss the various options with their physicians.
Hormone therapy is another common method of treating breast cancer. The hormone tamoxifen blocks the effects of estrogen on the breast, which in turns stops the growth of cancerous cells. Unfortunately, tamoxifen has been shown to raise the risk of uterine cancer, so women are screened carefully before being given the drug.
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Caralluma Fimbriata - The Natural Weight Loss Alternative?
Caralluma Fimbriata, the new emerging natural weight loss heavyweight is now being touted the world over as pure weight loss magic. Could it be that this new supplement is what will help countless thousands in their quest to lose weight?
In our attempts to lose the weight we are all very different both chemically and with genetics and as such those differences will ultimately determine which type of weight loss products we should try.
Appetite suppressant, fat burners, carb counters and calories watchers make up the general mix of how we formulate our approach to weight loss. Usually what has worked best in the past is what we gravitate to first.
When it comes to pure unadulterated appetite control, Caralluma Fimbriata seems to fit the bill in an almost magical way. It has very specific properties that target you appetite control center.
Caralluma has recently under gone extensive clinical trials to not only determine which properties of the plant work and why but also to determine side effects, if any.
In the tests conducted, a 500mg pill was given to a tightly controlled test group twice daily before their meals. The group, ranging in age from about 30 to 70 years of age reported no known side effects.
It was also discovered that the natural weight loss glycosides contained withing the plant actually worked as an appetite suppressant considered more effective than the ever popular Hoodia.
Less complex chemically than Hoodia, caralluma fimbriata is cheaper to produce and provides a much safer product as it is not currently being mixed with other varient ingredients such as Hoodia is.
The benefits of Caralluma are also being demonstrated in other areas of the body as well including blood pressure and kidney function. It is currently being tested on diabetics and has also shown great promise as an anti inflammatory agent.
Some people may become discouraged when taking natural weight loss products. Not necessarily because they do not work but because these people most likely are taking products which are targeting the wrong method they need to use in losing weight.
When trying Caralluma you must be targeting appetite suppression as this is what it targets safely and effectively with the brain. It does not work on far or carbohydrates.
Appetite suppression may be the choice you should target in your desire to achieve the weight loss you are looking for. Caralluma should then be investigated more thoroughly as you may be surprised at how effective it can be.
Caralluma Fimbriata - The Natural Weight Loss Alternative?
By: Barry Crewse
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Monday, August 25, 2008
Yarrow Root and Yarrow Herb
Yarrow is a very hardy and prolific plant which can be found growing naturally in many regions of Europe, North America, and Asia. It is also a very attractive plant that is used in residential and commercial landscaping. The flowering tops of yarrow are used to produce herbal remedies and preparations.
Yarrow is believed to have originated in the milder climates of Europe and Asia and has been around for over 3,000 years. In ancient times the leaves and flowers of yarrow were eaten and tea-like drink was made from yarrow leaves. Medicinally, fresh leaves of the yarrow plant were applied to wounds to stop bleeding, fight fevers, treat gastrointestinal conditions, lessen heavy menstrual bleeding, and improve circulation. Fresh leaves were chewed to relieve toothaches.
In more recent times, yarrow has been used in connection with a number of health conditions including menstrual ailments and bleeding hemorrhoids. Similar to chamomile, yarrow is also a common herbal remedy for bloating, flatulence, and mild gastrointestinal cramping.
A number of chemicals may contribute to yarrow's medicinal properties. The volatile oil of yarrow, which is rich in sesquiterpene lactones and alkamides, is believed to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have shown that yarrow can reduce smooth muscle spasms, which might further explain its usefulness in gastrointestinal conditions. The alkaloid obtained from the herb known as achilletin has been reported to stop bleeding; however, no human clinical trials have confirmed the effectiveness of these traditional uses of yarrow.
Dosage and Administration
The following are recommended adult doses for yarrow:
Dried herb: 2 to 4 g in infusion or capsules three times a day
Extract (1:1, 25 ethanol): 1 to 4 mL three times a day
Tincture (1:5; 40 ethanol): 2 to 4 mL three times a day
Yarrow flowers, or equivalent preparations: 3 g a day as infusion or tea
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Sunday, August 24, 2008
Vitamins - Synthetic vs. Natural
Synthetic or Natural Vitamins - What's The Difference?
Hold the Fritos, and pass the carrots. Most kids today are not eating what they need for proper growth and general health. According to the September '97 Journal of Pediatrics, only 1% of American children aged 2 to 19 eat healthy diets. With a rapidly growing kid's vitamin industry, it is apparent that more and more parents are turning to vitamins to supplement their children's diets. Do we really know how safe these products are? Can they fully replace the nutrients in spinach or apples? Is there a difference between vitamin products on the market?
What Are Vitamins?
Before we can answer these questions, we must know exactly what vitamins are. In Judith DeCava's book, The Real Truth about Vitamins and Antioxidants, she defines a vitamin as "a complex mechanism...of functional, interrelated, interdependent components. A vitamin consists of, not only the organic nutrient(s) identified as the vitamin, but also enzymes, coenzymes, antioxidants and trace element activators." A vitamin complex is not simply an individual chemical or several chemicals. It must contain all factors that make up the vitamin in its entirety. Just like a car is not four tires, nor a wheel, nor an engine, but rather it is a "car" when all parts are complete and working together.
Two Viewpoints
There are two points of view when it comes to supplements. One is that vitamin parts can be synthesized, in high concentrates (high potency). This is the principle followed by most supplement manufacturers, the majority of which are pharmaceutical companies. These vitamins are termed "synthetic". (Though they can be labeled "natural" even if they come from sugar or coal tar).
The other viewpoint is that vitamins and mineral elements are so complex, and have so many parts that are dependent upon each other, that when separated they no longer can produce a normal nutritional effect on the body. According to this theory, an overdose of any one vitamin, as it occurs with separated out or synthetic vitamins, can be hazardous to the body. Complete vitamins, with all of their parts and necessary cofactors are often termed "whole food vitamins", since they are derived entirely from whole foods.
Vitamin C is Not Simply Ascorbic Acid
An excellent example of the difference between whole food and synthetic supplements, is vitamin C. The majority of books and magazines on the subject of nutrition refer to vitamin C as ascorbic acid. These terms are used interchangeably. However, vitamin C is not simply ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is the outer skin of vitamin C, much like the skin of an orange. Vitamin C also contains bioflavonoid complexes, tyrosinase, and several other factors. What do you get if you purchase a synthesized bottle of vitamin C? You are buying ascorbic acid, a small part of vitamin C, manufactured from super-refined corn sugar. Ascorbic acid does have strong effects on the body but is more of a drug than a nutrient. Because your body needs all parts of a vitamin to function, it will leech the other necessary cofactors from itself in order to use the ascorbic acid. This puts a lot of extra stress on your body, according to Dennis Nelson, in his book, Maximizing Nutrition.
Another example of whole food versus synthetic is vitamin B complex. Coal tar is the source of many synthetic B vitamins. Coal tar is not alive, and research confirms that it does not work as well in our bodies as natural sources of B vitamins, such as wheat germ.
What is Best For Our Children?
What is in the best interests for our children? According to many nutritionists, including Dr. Betsy Meshbesher, a nutritionist and owner of a national vitamin company, whole, organic foods in their natural state are best. Feeding your children organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains instead of potato chips, macaroni and cheese, granola bars and other highly processed foods will give them the nutrients they need to be healthy. What do you do if your child won't eat nearly enough whole foods? Then use whole food vitamins such as wheat germ oil, which provides a substantial amount of vitamin E complex as well as other vital nutrients. Or use rice bran syrup or nutritional yeast, which are excellent sources of the vitamin B complex.
How do we know if the vitamins are working? Let me relate my personal story, which illustrates how I learned the hard way about the efficacy of vitamins. One and a half years ago my daughter was born prematurely. By the time she was three months old she had chronic bronchitis, cradle cap, a persistent diaper rash, and very white porcelain skin. Though she was breastfeeding, it was apparent that she needed additional help. Liquid infant vitamin drops for several weeks did nothing to change her health condition. After thoroughly researching nutrition and consulting with several nutritionists, I started her on cod liver oil (an organic source), which is rich in vitamins A and D; rice bran syrup full of the vitamin Bs, iron, and other essential nutrients; wheat germ oil, rich in vitamin E; a liquid mineral supplement, and a whole food vitamin C tablet, which I crushed. By mixing my breast milk with tiny amounts of all of these nutrients, (as well as acidophilus-healthy bacteria that fight off bad bacteria in the body) she was able to fully recover within two to four weeks.
Her lungs completely cleared and she has not even had a cold in the past year. She has never again had a rash on her bottom. Her cradle cap rapidly disappeared, replaced with beautiful shiny red hair. Her skin changed from white porcelain to beautiful creamy pink. She looks healthier and she is healthier.
In summary, it is best to feed your children the healthiest foods possible because food is the best medicine. However, if your child does not eat well or has a health condition that is not resolving, try whole food concentrates. Skip the funny cartoon vitamins that look and taste like candy. They may actually be harming instead of helping your kids.
Vitamins - Synthetic vs. Natural
By Dr. Laura Mason-Scarborough
more content of Herbal Remedies Vs. Conventional Medicine
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Home Remedies To Thicken Hair
One of the single most dramatic actions you can take to change your look is to color your hair. Your hair color is one of the foundations for your overall look, and so it becomes the stage for your makeup and fashion choices. There are limitless color options out there, so how you to choose the shade of hair color that is right for you?
In order to choose a good hair color for you, you must first understand how hair color actually works. Whether you are going to a salon to have the coloring done, or doing it at home with a kit, understand that your new hair color will be a mixture of your natural color and the color shade you add. For example, if you have medium brown hair, and you choose a medium red color to add, your new color will be auburn not a medium red.
Therefore, when working on a home color, do not look at the picture on the front of the box and imagine that is the color your hair will be after use. Instead, flip the package over and look at the shade selector on the back. Find your "starting color" and the chart should be able to show you the approximate color you will get if you use the color you are holding. If you are still unable to find the color you want, mix shades to create a custom color. If you are going to mix, however, make sure the colors are from the same product line and only two shades either lighter or darker than each other.
Secondly, you need to be aware of the depths and tones, and before you choose the hair color that is right for you, find the right ones. Depths are, for example, light brown, medium brown, or dark brown. The depth descriptors on the packages should help you choose the depth you want. As for tones, all colors are available in warm tones, such as red and gold, and cool tones, such as ash and neutral shades. The depth and tone of the hair color will add dimension to your hair color.
As for the selection of the actual hair color that is right for you, keep in mind your skin tones and eye color. Hair color that complements your natural skin tones will help you to look your best. If you have an olive, reddish brown, light or rosy skin tone and eyes that are hazel, blue-gray, green, or blue, for example, choose cool colors. For you, hair colors of complimentary tone will generally contain the word "neutral" or "ash in the description.
You will want a warmer depth to your hair color if you have medium golden, golden brown or darker hair. In addition, warmer colors will compliment you if you have eyes that are deep brown, brown, or hazel. You will want to check the hair color packages you are going to use for words like "warm" or "reddish" on the descriptors.
Perhaps you do not wish to make a dramatic change. If that is the case, there are still rules for making your selections. For instance, if you are coloring merely to highlight your natural hair color, choose the shade you can find that is closest to your natural hair color. If you want to subtly lighten your hair, look for a shade that is approximately two levels lighter than your natural color, which will provide subtle and natural change. If you want to cover gray, consider, once again, a shade close to your own natural hair color. Your other option is to use a color that is one shade lighter than your hair to turn the gray into highlights.
Hair coloring can be valuable and fun. Use it to hide gray, give yourself a makeover, or just go with a whole new look. Be sure, though, before making the plunge, to find the proper color for you. Use your skin tone, natural hair color, and eyes to make a decision that will have you looking your very best. With proper care and color selection, you can create a new look that is natural and complimentary
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Slimmers try out green tea study on 2007
Slimmers try out green tea study on 2007
Scientists at the University of Nottingham are trying to find out if drinking green tea can aid weight loss.
Researchers are recruiting 220 volunteers as part of a 12 week study which will look at how flavanols in the tea affect fat tissue.
Half of the group will drink a cup of green tea twice a day, while the others will be given a placebo drink.
Those taking part will be aged 18 to 55, healthy, but slightly overweight and will be examined regularly.
Ancient discovery
Professor Ian Macdonald who is leading the research programme, said: "We are not giving our volunteers a diet, although dietary advice can be provided at the end of the 12 week period.
"We want to see if green tea affects the amount of body fat someone has, and in particular whether it affects the fat around their waist."
Results of the experiment are expected to be released in 2008.
The tea, discovered in China nearly 5,000 years ago, has long been thought to have health benefits.
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Red Raspberry Leaf, Tea, Herb and Extract Benefits
Raspberry bushes are native to North America but are cultivated in other countries including Canada. Although it is best known for its delicious red berries, raspberry leaves have a number of medical applications. They have been used in connection with the common cold, sore throats, diarrhea, pregnancy, and postpartum support.
In pregnancy it was traditionally used to help with nausea, ease labor and delivery, and post- partum recovery. It is also helpful for regulating menstrual period and controlling diarrhea.
Raspberry leaf tea also acts as an astringent on irritated skin by tightening the top layers of skin or mucous membranes effectively reducing secretions, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness. As a mouth wash it is used to soothe mouth and throat irritations.
Possible Side Effects and Contradictions
Raspberry leaf may affect infants and is not recommended for women who are breast-feeding. Pregnant women should avoid taking Raspberry leaf tea 3 months before delivery. Diabetics should be careful as it might lower the blood sugar levels drastically.
Dosage and Administration
As a tea use 2-3 tsp of dried or chopped leaves in 5 -8oz of boiling water for 5 min, discarding solid particles. Take as needed.
Topically use tea on skin.
Orally as a mouth wash use tea dosageThank natural to make herbals for good life!
