Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Turmeric- My Magical Herb

Turmeric, also known as the 'golden goddess' is a remarkable versatile herb. Since ancient times turmeric has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases. Turmeric has always been considered sacred and has been used as an essential ingredient while worshipping the deity. The sanctity of the herb makes it an essential ingredient in Indian marriages as well where the bride and teh groom have to apply a pack of turmeric paste on their body on the day of their marriage before taking a bath.Turmeric face pack is said to be very effective in improving complexion. It is well known for its antiinflammatory effects. It has various properties namely analgesic, antibacterial, carminative, antioxidant,antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiallergic, detoxification, diuretic and so on. The herb symbolizes prosperity, purity and fertility and has sacred connotations. It is an essential ingredient in Indian cooking and has special significance in Ayurvedic treatment.

My magical turmeric potion is mentioned below:

Ginger, Turmeric and Honey in Milk

Take a glass of hot milk, add a pinch of turmeric in it. Then add half table spoon of grated ginger in it or a spoon of ginger juice. Finally add a tea spoon of honey in it. Mix well. This magic potion is extremely useful in the treatment of cough and cold.



 Antibloating Potion

A juice made with turmeric, ginger, Cayenne and lemon juice and hot water can have antibloating effect on the body.


Pack of Turmeric Paste, Neem Paste and Multani Mitti

A pack of turmeric paste , neem paste and multani mitti made with rose water when applied on chicken pox marks can help in removing the marks quicker. It also helps in removing dark spots and acne marks when applied on the effected area. It can also be used as a face pack.

Turmeric has multiple benefits and mentioned below are some of the most important ones:

Cancer Prevention

Turmeric prevents the prolification of cancerous cells and has a preventive effect on tumours like colon carcinoma, breast carcinomas and T-cell leukemia.

Prevention of Alzeimer's Disease

 It prevents the build up of amyloyd plaque which causes Alzeimer's disease, in the brain 

Acts as a Liver Detoxifier

Turmeric improves the functioning of our liver by acting as a detoxification agent.

Cure for Arthritis

The antiinflammatory properties of turmeric make it very useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The antioxidant property of turmeric helps in destroying the free radical which cause damage to body cells. It is extremely useful in the treatment of joint pains and inflammation.

Weight Control

Turmeric improves fat metabolism and helps in weight management.

Useful in Controlling Diabetes

Regular intake of turmeric helps in maintaining moderate levels of insulin in the body. They reduce insulin resistance in patients which cause Type 2 Diabetes. They enhance the effect of medications in relation to diabetes and help in maintaining optimum glucose levels in the body.

Healing Wounds

Turmeric paste when applied to the place of injury can heal it faster as it acts as a disinfectant, due to its antibacterial property. It can also be used in the treatment of Psoriasis and other skin inflammations. It acts as a natural pain killer and quickly heals wounds.

Improves Immunity and Resistance to Diseases

A component Lipopolysaccharide in turmeric improves the immune system. The antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties makes it extremely useful in fighting germs.

Reduces Choslesterol Levels

Regular intake of turmeric can reduce the levels of harmful cholesterol in the body.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Ginger- The Miracle Cure for Myriad Ailments

Winters are back again and along with it is bringing in a lot of ailments like cough, cold and the flu. When I was a kid, ginger always worked miracles whenever I suffered from cough and cold. It is extremely helpful in treating cough and cold. The antiviral properties make it extremely useful in treating cough and cold. During my childhood days whenever I used to catch a cold, I was given a miracle concoction, a special tea containing tulsi leaves, black pepper, ginger and honey. It really worked wonders. The recipe to some of  my miracle potions is mentioned below:

Medicated Tea
Boil some water, add some grated ginger into it and let it boil for quite some time. Add 3-4 tulsi leaves in it, add a pinch of black pepper and finally add a very small amount of tea leaves. Let it boil for quite some time and finally add honey instead of sugar. Your medicated tea is ready to serve.



Lemon Honey Ginger Tea


Honey , lemon and ginger are three elements that are extremely useful in any kind of cold ailments. Lemon helps in boosting our immunity and is a rich source of Vitamin C. Honey has antibacterial properties. A special tea made with a table spoon of honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 table spoon grated ginger will help in soothing a sore throat.

Ginger, Turmeric and Honey in Milk

Take a glass of hot milk, add a pinch of turmeric in it. Then add half table spoon of grated ginger in it or a spoon of ginger juice. Finally add a tea spoon of honey in it. Mix well. This magic potion is extremely useful in the treatment of cough and cold.



Ginger is a rich source of several essential compounds like Zingiberol, kurkumen, filandrena,bitter resin, bisabolena, filandrena and zingiberena essential oils. Ginger is available in three varieties namely big ginger, small ginger and the red ginger. Red ginger is the most useful out of the three because of its high essential oil content and strong flavour.

I was always aware of the benefits of ginger in treating cough and cold other than its usefulness in cooking various Indian cuisines. The aroma of ginger is an essential in most Indian dishes. But lately after a bit of online research,  I came to know of the several other remarkable health benefits of ginger.

Prevention of Cancer

It is extremely useful in the prevention of  certain types of cancer namely prostrate cancer and colon cancer. Ginger controls the multiplication of certain cancerous cells. It has high level of antioxidants and can induce cell death(apoptosis).

Treating Migraine
Ginger  can control the prostaglandins which are responsible for triggering migraines.

Digestive Cure

Ginger is useful in treating various digestive ailments, they help in improving digestion improve defecation, cleanse the colon and increase the production of digestive enzymes. It reduces flatulence and its carminative property prevents bloating.

Improves Apetite

Ginger juice consumed before meals can trigger the digestive juices and restore lost apetite.

Cure for Arthritis
The anti inflammatory properties properties of ginger make it extremely useful in treating aches and pains.

Reduces Menstrual Pains and Irregularities

Ginger helps in mitigating menstrual pains at the beginning of the menstrual period and also helps in removing period irregularities.

Cures Respiratory Problems

Ginger has antihistamine properties and is useful in treating allergies. It prevents the airway contraction and is a perfect remedy for sore throat. A mixture of ginger juice, honey and fenugreek helps in treating asthma.

Reduces Harmful Cholesterol
Ginger is extremely effective in reducing the levels of harmful cholesterols and thereby preventing blockages and heart attacks.

Beauty Benefits

Ginger has several beauty benefits as well. They help in reducing acne, remove foot odour, control dandruff and help in getting silky hair.

Ginger is really a miracle herb, a wonderful cure for several health problems.