Basic Ingredient 1- Ginger

Why Ginger first? because I love ginger! And my online nick is also ginger.
Most people will know ginger are often used in most cooking and expel wind out from the body. Pure essential ginger can be used in health product such as soap and body massage. But trust me, ginger can do more then just expel wind.

Ginger:-
Mature ginger roots are fibrous and nearly dry, often used as spice in different cuisine especially in seafood, lamb and curries.
Young Ginger often are prickled in vinegar or sherry, crystallized to make ginger candy.
Powdered ginger are used to make ginger bread, baking or add spices to some dishes.

The value of the ginger as an herbal medication lies in its pungent and warming properties - which are essential to treat a lot of conditions. The herbal remedies made from the ginger have a very stimulating effect on the functioning of the heart and the circulation of blood in the body.

Uses:-

1. Improve body circulation
One of the main benefits of the herbal ginger remedy is its ability to stimulate the circulatory system. The herb also helps in bringing an increased flow of blood to the surface of the skin; this singular property makes the ginger a very important herbal remedy for the treatment of conditions such as chilblains and to treat impaired circulation along the hands and feet of patients. The herb also effectively helps in controlling elevated or high blood pressure as it directly affects the circulation of blood. Perspiration in the body is increased by remedies made from the ginger and at the same time, the herb helps in bringing about a reduction in elevated body temperature during fevers

2. Traditional medicines
In Chinese remedies, fresh ginger and dry ginger has two distinct and different uses. Fresh ginger are use in treating fevers, to treat headache and to alleviate the pain and discomfort of aching muscles in the body. As for the dry powdered ginger/ dry ginger are used in cooking/infusion tea to treat internal colds, and to improve physical symptoms such as cold and clammy hands/limb.

3. Heat Compress
 Hot ginger compress are used to treat muscular aches and pains, to ease joint stiffness. Medicine heat pad- one component is dry ginger- used to ease abdominal cramps, stiffness of neck or any part of the body.

4. Ease Nausea and Vomitting
Ginger is able to alleviate nausea and vomiting. It's help in setttling the stomach;aids in soothing the symptoms associated with indigestion. Its helps in calming wind and flatulence. Ginger also helps in relieving griping induced by the presence of diarrhea due to infection.

5. Easing Stomach problem
The antiseptic qualities of the ginger endow it with great and extremely beneficial effects to deal with all manners of gastrointestinal infections; the remedy can effectively treat certain types of food poisoning as well.

6. Encourage sweating/ decongestion
 Perspiration in the body is promoted by drinking the hot ginger tea, this tea also helps in reducing elevated temperatures during a fever and it helps in clearing away catarrh in the body. The remedies made from the ginger have a stimulating effect and affect an expectorant action inside the lungs, this result in the clearing of phlegm and helps relieve catarrh coughs and related chest infections in different patients.

7. In women's problem
 Menstruation is promoted by ginger, and the remedy is also useful in dealing with various other disorders affecting the uterus, the ginger remedy is also very effective in alleviating delayed or scanty periods as well as blood clots associated with the menstrual cycle. In women, remedies made from the ginger can be used to help relax the muscular spasms and in relieving the pain present during ovulation and during menstrual periods. Remedies made from the ginger are recommended as an herbal tonic to invigorate the reproductive system as a whole by many herbalists. The clotting and thinning of blood is also inhibited by remedies made from the ginger.

8.For blood pressure
The ginger remedies also help in lowering the elevated blood pressure and can help individuals with high cholesterol problems. Ginger remedies have a tendency to heat up the body and due to this effect, herbalist suggest that individuals who do not tolerate heat well, such as people with gastritis or peptic ulcers avoid the remedies made from ginger.


SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS
Side effects of ginger are rarely felt. This may not be true for all individuals, and some individuals may be very sensitive to the taste of the herb or they may experience symptoms such as heartburn when using the ginger. This information is for reading and enriching knowledges and does not replace doctor's instruction. Any medical issue, please visit your doctor.

Recipes:
Hot Ginger Tea
Ingredient:
1 pcs of ginger
500ml of hot water
honey

Methods:
Wash ginger under running water till water runs clear. You may want to scape away the skin. I do boiled ginger with its skin. Sliced it or slap it with the blade of a chopper.
Throw the cracked ginger in the boiling water. Boil for 5 mins. If you prefer less mild, turn of the heat. Just infuse the ginger. Stir in honey to suit your taste.

Sparkling Ginger mint tea - Mocktail
ingredient:
300ml - 500ml  can sprite/ 7-up
300ml of ginger tea(refer to ginger tea recipe as above)
1-2 teaspoon of grated ginger
some mint leaves- chopped finely
2 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of lemon rind
Honey- if needed to taste

Methods:
Mix grated ginger and mint leaves, lemon juice and lemon rind together.Seperate into two martini glassess or any glasses. Slowly pour in ginger tea and top up with sprite. Decorate with a sprig of mint leaves.

You can add volka to make it a cocktail.Or ever replace sprite with ginger ale for a try.
Have fun!

Herbs and plants 1

Alfafa: (Medicago Sativa)- Alfafa is a good laxative and natural diuretic. It is often used to reduce urinary tract infections and promoto lowel movement. Reputed to be an excellent appetite stimulant and overall tonic.

Aloe Vera: ( Aloe ferox,A.barbadensis)- Internally, concentrated Aloe ferox resin is ised as a laxaive. Externally, the clear gel drom the A.Barbadensis leaf, is used to treat burns, abrasions, skin injures, and in cosmetic products and drinks.

Astragalus: (Astragalus membranaccous)- Used in traditional Chinese and Esat Indian medicine for it immune-enhancing and tonic properties. Research has indicated its usefulness as a supportive tool for a variety of chronic immune problems.

Beetrool: (Beta vulgaris) : An addition to the very specail class of anti-cancer vegetables, beetrool is able to improve the body cells' respiration(ie. oxygen utilization), hence may decrease the virulence of cancer cells. Especially beneficial for the health of the liver.

Bilberry: ( Vaccinium myrillus)- A European version of bluebery. Bilberry extract is rich in purple/nlue pigments beneficial for accelerating the regeneration rate of the visual system, reducing eye fatigue and strain. and improving light to dark adjustments.In Europe, bilberry extract is used to help increase microcirculation bt stimulating new capillary formation, strengthing capillary walls and increasing overall health of the circulatory system.

Black Cohosh: ( Cimicifuga racemosa)- Standardized extract of this herb has been used for relieving mild menopausal symptoms such as depression, hot flash, mood swings, insomnia and prouse sweating. It can be used alone, or with other herbs, or in conjuction with HRT( Hormone Replacement Therapy).

Butcher's Broom: ( Ruscus aculeatus) - In Europe, Butcher's broom extracts are used extensivesly both internally and externally to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is also good for bladder and kidney health. Beneficial for managment of carpal tunnel syndome.

Cat's Claw: Uncaria Tomentosa)- This herb is also know as Una de Gota. Its clinical applications include use in gastritis, ulcers, cancer, arthritis, rheumatism, irregualrities of the female cycle and acne. Studies have determined that Cat's claw contains a wealth of phytochemicals which makes it a mental stabilizer, an immune regulator, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory agent.

Cascara Sagrada: ( Rhamnus purshiana)- The bark is used as a stimulant laxative, especially is cases of chronic constipation. The name "sagrada" refers to "scared bark" a nama given to it by early Spanish explorers in the Pacific Northwest. As an approved, safe abd effective laxative, cascara and cascara extracts are found in numerous over the counter laxative perparations.

Capsium (Cayenne, hot pepper) (capsium Species)- Internally, cayenne acts as  a circulatory stimulant, induces perspirations. and is used to stimulate digestion. Serveal OTC products for externa; use is arthritic and rheumatoid conditions contains capsaicin, the hot principle in the oil of capsicum, as the active pain relieving ingredient. Tropical capsaicin perparations are also used for the relief of pain associated with herpes zoster(shingles).

Celery:( Apium graveoleus)- Celery has a calming effect on the digestive system, relieving gas and indigestion. It is also reputed to be useful against rheumatism and gout. Celery juice and exract of celery seeds are excellent diuretics.

Chamomile: (Matricaria recutita). Used internally, chamomile flowers are antispasmodic and used to relieve digestive upset. A popular remedy for indigestion, flatulence, gastrointestinal spasms, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Often used as a bedtime beverage because of its mild sadative effect. Externally, chamomile extracts are useful for inflammation of skin and muccous membrances.

Carnberry: (Vaccinium macrocarpon)- Cranberry helps to prevent urinary tract infections caused by E. Coli bacteria, particular in people with history of recurrent infections. An excellent example of how common food can have health benefits beyond their nutritional qualities.

Dandelion: (Taraxacum officinala)- The youn leaves are widely used as salad greens and in tea as natual diuretic. The roots are mild laxative and promotoe bile and liver function.

Dong Quai( Also spelled Tang Kwei or Danggui)(Angelica sinensis)- one of the most widely used herbs in tradtional Chinese medicine, it is primarily used in herbal formulas as a "female tonic" to treat muscle cramps and pain before menstrual periods.  Dong quai should not be used during pregnancy and menstruation period.