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The Fabulous 5: In the search for safe and affordable cures, many of us have forgotten this quintet of medicinal plants right under our noses. Attracted by the curing power, and lack of side effects of medicinal plants, more and more people are shifting to natural remedies. While the spotlight is often on new discoveries from remote places of the globe, there are actually several potent yet common and often overlooked plants that we can grow in our own backyards. 1. Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Part used: fruit
Known as fukwa in China, karela in India, ngai uri in Japan, bitter melon in the U.S., and ampalaya in the Philippines, this fruit is a potent home remedy for diabetes, constipation, high cholesterol, hypertension, and kidney and liver problems. In fact, several studies have shown that this fruit can actually increase the production of beta cells by the pancreas. This improves the body's ability to produce insulin. 2. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Part used: bulb
Garlic has been used as antiseptic for a long time. During World War I, garlic juice diluted in water was used to prevent infection and help seal wounds. Garlic juice is also used as a home remedy for asthma, coughs, hoarseness and other lung disorders. In Super Anti-Oxidants, author Dr. James Balch names garlic as one of the many amazing sources of antioxidants. He says garlic lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system, balances blood sugar, prevents heart disease, assists in fat metabolism, and also aids in cancer prevention. 3. Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Part used: root
The oft-overlooked carrot is a root crop that can help relieve constipation, asthma, poor complexion, poor teeth, insomnia, and high blood pressure. They can even improve the eyesight, end painful urination, increase menstrual flow, and keep the skin healthy. The best way to enjoy the benefits of carrots is by eating them raw; carrot juice is easily made with today's food processors. 4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Part used: root
Ginger juice is a common household remedy for colds and flu that is safe for children even if taken in large amounts. It is also effective in treating morning sickness, nausea, vomiting, migraines, cough, fever, viral infections, flatulence, and cramping. But it does not stop there. Japanese studies suggest that taking ginger can make the heart contract stronger, while lowering heart rate and blood pressure by 10 to 15 mmHg. Indian researchers, on the other hand, have discovered that ginger can remove cholesterol from both blood and liver. 5. Chilli pepper or cayenne pepper (Capiscum frutescens L.) Part used: fruit
Cayenne pepper, the main ingredient of Tabasco sauce, is one of the hottest peppers. It has been shown to help treat high blood pressure and digestion disorders and is an excellent cleanser of the digestive system. It is also a hemostat, a substance that can stop blood flow from cuts or wounds in seconds, an antiseptic, and a counterirritant. Noted medical herbalist Dr. Richard Schulze, says cayenne is also a cardiac tonic, a pure stimulant that increases the pulse that, to some extent, helps the delivery of blood to all parts of the body, without narcotic side effects. The Heart-healthy Food: Want to find out how to lower your risk for heart disease? Then you need to know which foods you should eat. Well, here are some of them:
Fish Fish helps protect your heart. Fish oils have omega-3 fatty acids which can help cut your risk for an abnormal heartbeat can lead to heart problems and even sudden death. Trout, salmon, herring and sardines have more fish oil and seem to be more protective than lower-fat fish. Just be sure you don't add extra fat when you cook your fish. Skip the butter. Bake, grill, or broil fish instead of frying. For flavor, add lemon or a low-fat herb marinade.
Oatmeal Oats are a great source of soluble fiber which can help lower your cholesterol. If oatmeal doesn't fit the bill, then have cold cereal made from whole oats. Or, try a cereal with added psyllium (another type of soluble fiber). Add soymilk and strawberries (also high in soluble fiber), and you've got a really heart-healthy meal. Other foods high in soluble fiber include legumes, peas, apples, barley, citrus fruits and rice bran.
Garlic A clove a day (that's one segment, not a whole bulb) may keep the doctor away by helping reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. Certain compounds in garlic make the platelets in your blood not sticky. This can help prevent blood colts. Some studies show that if you have high cholesterol, eating garlic may help reduce your total blood cholesterol level by about 10 percent.
Tea Whether you prefer black tea, green tea, or oolong, preliminary research shows that tea may help protect against heart disease. Tea has powerful antioxidants that may help prevent low-density lipoprotien (LDL) cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) from damaging your arteries. Antioxidants may also lower your risk for stroke. As an added benefit, switching from coffee to tea can cut your caffeine intake in half.
Soy Soy protein contains isoflavones. These substances help lower LDL cholesterol in people who have high cholesterol. In one study, people who used a soy beverage instead of cow's milk for four weeks lowered their LDL cholesterol level by 10 percent to 20 percent. Certain compounds in soy protein can help keep blood vessels flexible and help prevent blood clots. Good sources of soy protein are soymilk, beverages, soy nuts, tofu, and soy protein powder.
Fruits and vegetables
Fruit and vegetables are a treasure chest of health-promoting compounds called phytochemicals. In fact, an orange has more than 170 of these compounds. Scientists are just starting to understand what phytochemicals do. One found in strawberries, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, and grapes can help the body produce less cholesterol. Another one found in broccoli, kale, cherries, red grapes, red and yellow onions, and apples can help protect the arteries from cholesterol buildup. So fill up on fruits and veggies. |
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