Healthy With Nature

7 TANAMAN PENGUSIR MALARIA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:57:00 +0000

Di samping obat-obatan medis, ada beberapa tanaman yang bisa membantu melawan malaria. Pengalaman nenek moyang kiranya pantas dilestarikan dan tidak ada salahnya kita coba praktikkan. Nah, beberapa tanaman berikut terbukti mampu mengusir malaria:

1. ANUMA
Sebutan botaninya adalah Artemisia annua, termasuk suku Asteraceae. Orang Jawa dan Papua sama-sama menyebutnya anuma. Hidupnya di hutan-hutan, atau kadang tumbuh liar di pinggir-pinggir jalan. Belakangan, tanaman anuma dijadikan tanaman hias dalam pot, karena tampilannya memang cukup eksotik.

Daunnya berbentuk oval, lonjong, panjang sekitar 10-18 cm dan lebar 5-15 cm. Ujung runcing, pangkal tumpul, tepi beringgir, dan warna hijau atau ada pula ungu kehijauan. Batangnya tegak, bulat persegi, dan berwarna hijau kecokelatan. Daun atau seluruh bagian tanaman mengandung saponin, flavonoida, polyfenol, dan minyak atsiri.

Kegunaan anuma, selain sebagai obat demam, juga dipakai untuk obat malaria. Sediakan daun anuma segar sebanyak 60 gram, cuci bersih, lalu rebus dalam 400 ml air. Biarkan mendidih selama 10-15 menit. Saring, dan setelah dingin diminum. Lakukan sehari 2 kali pagi dan sore.

2. BROTOWALI
Tanaman brotowali (Tinospora crispa) hidupnya merambat. Batangnya berwarna hijau, penuh benjolan, dan banyak mengandung air. Daun berbentuk jantung berwarna hijau muda. Bunga bermahkota 6 berwarna hijau muda. Buah berwarna hijau.Batang brotowali mengandung glikosida pikroretosid, alkaloid berberina, palmatina, zat pahit pikroretin, dan hars. Oleh karena itu, batang brotowali terasa amat pahit, bahkan binatang pun enggan menyentuhnya. Mereka yang belum biasa menikmati brotowali, bisa jadi akan muntah karena pahitnya. Untuk itu, tambahkan gula pada ramuan brotowali.

Dibutuhkan tigaperempat jari batang brotowali segar. Potong batang seperlunya lalu rebus di dalam 4,5 gelas minum air. Biarkan mendidih hingga sisanya tinggal separuh. Air rebusan disaring, tambahkan pemanis gula. Saban hari, penderita malaria dianjurkan menenggak tiga kali, dan masing-masing tigaperempat gelas minum.

3. JOHAR
Tanaman johar (Cassia siamea) lumayan sering diteliti kemungkinannya sebagai obat malaria. Daunnya mengandung alkaloida bersifat sedikit beracun dan oxymethylanthraquinone. Namun, zat-zat itu masih terus diuji kaitannya dengan pengobatan malaria. Menurut Heyne (1917), sudah sejak lama daun johar dipakai mengobati malaria.

Lazimnya pohon johar ditanam di tepi-tepi jalan sebagai pohon perindang. Tingginya bisa mencapai 15 meter dengan batang berdiameter 40-50 cm. Bunganya berbentuk malai, warna kuning. Kayunya termasuk kuat dan awet.

Untuk menggunakannya dalam pengobatan malaria digunakan tigaperempat genggam daun johar segar. Silakan direbus di dalam 3 gelas air, hingga rebusannya tersisa tigaperempatnya. Saring dan diminum 3 kali sehari, masing-masing tigaperempat gelas.

4. MENIRAN
Tanaman meniran (Phyllanthus niruri) disebut juga dengan nama lokal memeniran, daun-gendong-anak, atau sidukung-anak. Di negeri Cina lebih dikenal dengan sebutan ye xia zhu atau zhen chu cao. Selama ini, meniran masih tumbuh liar di kebun atau hutan. Menyukai tempat-tempat yang tanahnya lembap. Ada juga yang menanamnya untuk pengobatan alami.

Meniran termasuk tumbuhan berbatang basah, tingginya sampai 45 cm, bunganya berseling, tumbuh pada ketiak daun. Buahnya kotak, bentuknya bulat-bulat seperti menir. Daunnya bersirip genap. Daun tersebut mengandung zat-zat seperti filantin, kalium, damar, dan zat samak.Untuk mengobati malaria, siapkan setengah genggam daun meniran, cuci bersih lalu rebus dengan air bersih sebanyak 3 gelas. Biarkan mendidih hingga tinggal tigaperempat bagian. Sesudah dingin, saring lantas minum 3 kali sehari sebanyak tigaperempat gelas. Bila perlu tambahkan sedikit madu.

Resep lainnya, sediakan 7 batang lengkap tanaman meniran, 5 biji bunga cengkeh kering, dan 1 potong kayu manis. Semuanya dicuci bersih, lalu ditumbuk halus dan direbus dengan 2 gelas air bersih sampai mendidih. Saringlah, lalu silakan diminum 2 kali sehari pagi dan sore.

5. PEPAYA
Tanaman pepaya sungguh kaya gizi dan kandungan zat-zat lainnya. Daun pepaya mengandung enzym papain, alkaloid karpaino, psudo-karpaina, glikosid, karposid dan saponin, sakarosa, dekstrosa, dan levulosa. Sedangkan buahnya mengandung karotena, pectin, d-galaktosa, papain, dan sebagainya. Sementara biji pepaya memiliki glucoside, cacirin, dan karpain. Getahnya mengandung papain, kemokapain, lisosim, lipase, glutamin, dan sklotransferase.

Untuk mengobati malaria, ambil daun pepaya agak muda dan masih segar sebanyak setengah gelas minum. Cuci bersih lalu giling sampai halus, tambahkan tigaperempat cangkir air masak dan sedikit garam. Peras, lalu saring dan minum 3 kali sehari.

6. PULAI
Sekarang memang sudah cukup sulit menemukan pohon pulai (Alstonia spectabilis), kecuali mereka yang bergerak di bidang bisnis korek api. Kayu pulai dipakai sebagai batang korek api tersebut. Kayu pulai tergolong ringan, tidak keras, dan tak ada galihnya. Pohon pulai bisa tumbuh sangat tinggi dan besar, bisa mencapai 15 meter dengan diameter batang mencapai 60 cm.

Pohon pulai mengandung banyak getah berwarna putih yang sangat pahit. Pada kulit batangnya terdapat kandungan saponin, flavonoida, dan polifenol. Untuk mengatasi malaria, sediakan 3 jari kulit pulai, cuci dan potong-potong seperlunya. Lantas rebus dengan 5 gelas minum air bersih. Biarkan mendidih sampai setengahnya. Sesudah dingin, saring lalu minum 3 kali sehari masing-masing tigaperempat gelas. Jika perlu, boleh ditambah sedikit gula agar tidak terlalu pahit.

7. SAMBILOTO
Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) termasuk tanaman semusim. Ia tumbuh liar di hutan, di ladang, dan di halaman-halaman yang tanahnya agak lembap. Ada yang sengaja menanam sambiloto sebagai tanaman obat-obatan. Berbatang basah, tinggi sampai 80 cm. Daun berbentuk lonjong atau taji, berhadap-hadapan. Bunganya putih atau ungu, dan bergaris-garis dalam payung tambahan.

Tanaman ini mengandung panikulin dan zat-zat pahit (andrografin, andrografoloid). Khusus daunnya mengandung zat minyak terbang, garam-kalium dan natrium, kalmegin, dan hablur kuning (sangat pahit).

Agar malaria segera pergi, siapkan setengah genggam daun sambiloto segar. Cuci bersih lalu rebus dengan 3 gelas air bersih. Tunggu mendidih sampai tinggal seperempat bagian. Setelah dingin, saring dan minum 3 kali sehari masing-masing tigaperempat gelas.

Alternative Medicine – Healing Comes From Within

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:52:00 +0000

Many people don't feel good, but don't really know why. They complain of “unexplained” symptoms such as chronic fatigue, over-weight, depression, memory loss, fibromyalgia, food cravings, headaches, muscle and joint pain, arthritis, intractable back pain, heartburn, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, mood swings, rashes, itching, allergies, attention deficit, dyslexia, hearing and vision loss, balance problems, high blood pressure, insomnia, ...the list goes on. Standard medical tests show little or nothing. Many of my patients have reported over the years that their MD's either ignore these symptoms or give vague explanations such as:

It is because of your age

You just have to live with it

It's all in your head

It is stress

It is genetic

It is...

What this really means: nobody knows how to determine the cause for all these symptoms.

Allopathic Medicine

Over the past decades traditional western allopathic medicine has come up with extraordinary number of pharmaceutical drugs in order to fight an extraordinary number of diseases. It seemed in the past, and it still appears that way today, that if we only could come up with the right chemical compound we could eventually conquer and eliminate any disease under the sun. This quest for the "Silver Bullet" continues.

Chronic Illness

Somehow, we seem to have missed the mark. With the amount of medication consumed in the USA one would assume that we are the healthiest people on the planet. However, we have more chronic diseases than ever. Even though our life span has been increased, our quality of life has not. Healthy aging eludes many of us. Diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, allergies, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, depression abound.

Alternative Medicine: No Drugs – No surgery

Alternative Medicine - a different paradigm

The power to heal lies within YOU.

YOUR Alternative Medicine practitioner – YOUR coach, your teacher

YOU must take full responsibility

YOU must be willing to CHANGE

Alternative Medicine - There are No Magic Pills

Who we are is the sum total of our genetic strengths and weaknesses, our upbringing, our education, our environment, the quality of our food, the quality of our water, the quality of the air we breathe, the quality of our thoughts, our emotions, our relationships to one another, our capacity to give and receive love and affection, the amount of bad impressions we take in from horrible TV shows, the amount of ever increasing violence we are exposed to in the movies and/or in real life, the functioning of our brain and nervous system, our organs, our organ systems...

Alternative Medicine - The only Question is WHY

The only relevant question to ask: WHY?
Why do you have these symptoms?
Why is your body malfunctioning?

These are of course the most difficult questions to answer.

Alternative Medicine is concerned with the functioning of the entire human being in the context of his or her life. Genetics and life style are part of the equation. Illness and disease are not seen as independent realities that are explainable by being given a name and treated as such. Illness is rather viewed as an expression of some underlying imbalance and breakdown of normal function.

Alternative Medicine - Illness and Premature Aging - a Call for Change!

Biological aging is related to a noticeable decline in normal function. Function of the brain declines with age, so does digestive function, and many other glandular and hormonal functions. Aging can be accelerated by various life style choices:

Smokers have higher risk of age-related diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

People who consume excessive amounts of alcohol have increased risk of liver and cardiovascular problems.

Poor quality/junk food diets that are excessive in carbohydrates (calories) and low in protein and other essential nutrients lead to obesity, diabetes, digestive stress, heart problems and frequent illness in general.

“Recreational” drug users/addicts - you see this in their complexion, their posture, the evidence of their mental decline.

Use and over-use of pharmaceutical drugs – ALL have side effects.

Lack of physical activity and our sedentary life styles decreases brain function.

Inadequate digestive function leads to malnutrition, which in turn affects all aspects of our lives.

Antibiotic use destroys the normal bacterial flora in your intestines.

Antibiotic use causes Candida overgrowth and immune system suppression, with devastating consequences for your health.

Chronic stress accelerates aging

Shallow breathing and/or polluted air leads to oxygen deficiency.

Oxygen starvation leads to cell malfunction, especially in your heart and brain.

Mercury exposure from silver amalgam (mercury) fillings in your mouth is very toxic to your brain.

Environmental toxins in air and water accelerate aging.

Alternative Medicine - Medicine of the Future
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." Thomas A. Edison

We can slow or even reverse our biological aging through intelligent changes in lifestyle, environment, and nutrition:

It is estimated that making appropriate changes can positively influence more than 75 percent of our health and life expectancy after age 40!

The goal of Alternative Medicine is to optimize health through

Chiropractic Neurology

Removing structural stress form spine and joints

Diet and Nutrition

Digestive Support

Homeopathic/Isopathic remedies

Detoxification

Balancing body ph

Improved oxygenation and deeper breathing

Increased physical activity

Brain exercises

Color and light therapies

And more

Health is not seen as merely the absence of disease, but rather as an expression of vitality and well-being. An ever increasing number of healthcare professionals are becoming aware of the shortcomings and failures of allopathic medicine.

Alternative Medicine is slowly coming of age and is the true Medicine of the Future.

Stasis Dermatitis and Stasis Ulcers-Skin Disorders

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:44:00 +0000

Diagnostic Hallmarks Distribution: ankle History of preceding noninflammatory swelling (stasis) Presence of varicosities Clinical Presentation

The term "stasis" refers to the presence of chronic, noninflammatory edema of the lower leg. Stasis dermatitis occurs when the itching that often accompanies stasis leads to scratching with consequent excoriations, weeping, crusting, and int1ammation. The color of the inflammation in stasis dermatitis is violaceous rather than bright red because of pooling and deoxygenation of venous blood. In long-standing cases of stasis dermatitis, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation adds a distinctive brown hue to the underlying violaceous color. The initial changes of stasis dermatitis are almost invariably found at the ankles, but extension distally onto the foot and proximally up the lower leg is commonly seen.

Many types of eczematous disease, including atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis, occur on the ankle either as a primary disease or superimposed on stasis dermatitis. Correct identification of stasis dermatitis depends on evidence that noninflammatory edema preceded the appearance of the eruption.

Stasis ulcers frequently accompany stasis dermatitis. They appear as round to slightly irregularly shaped craters, 2 to 5 cm in diameter, with rolled violaceous borders. The center of the ulcer consists of granulation tissue that mayor may not be covered with purulent material or adherent crust. The amount of pain present is variable; often they are surprisingly asymptomatic.

Stasis ulcers begin as a result of trauma to edematous, eczematized skin. This ulcerated skin, both because of anatomically poor arterial blood supply to the lower leg and the further compromise in blood flow resulting from edema, heals very slowly. When healing finally occurs, it is accompanied by scarring. This, in turn, further compromises blood flow, allowing even minor episodes of trauma to initiate a whole new cycle. Bacterial infection in the ulcers or in the surrounding eczematized skin sometimes further complicates the process. Course and Prognosis

Stasis dermatitis generally runs a chronic course with intermittent exacerbations and remissions. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation remains present for months after each exacerbation.

The presence of trauma (cuts, bruises, and excoriation) to the weakened skin in stasis dermatitis sometimes leads to the development of stasis ulcers. Healing of these ulcers causes the development of tightly constricted, thickened skin around the ankle (lipodermatosclerosis). This change is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed as scleroderma. Residual edema may be found above and below the constricted area. Squamous cell carcinoma can occasionally develop in the epithelial margins of long-standing stasis ulcers. Pathogenesis

The chronicity of stasis dermatitis depends on the continuous presence of edema. Thus, stasis dermatitis is commonly seen when the edema is due to venous valve incompetency (varicose veins) but occurs only infrequently with the intermittent edema that accompanies congestive heart failure.

Only a small proportion of patients with stasis develop stasis dermatitis. This situation is analogous to the infrequency with which dyshidrosis evolves into dyshidrotic eczema. In both diseases the eczematization occurs primarily because of the superimposition of the itch-scratch cycle, thus suggesting that atopic individuals are at particular risk. Author writes about beauty secrets. He also writes about skin diseases and health diseases.

The Natural Health Industry Takes Its Part on the Net With Herlab Replacesments

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:39:00 +0000

Herbal products are used by nearly half of the U.S. population. Quality, productivity, and efficiency are these natural health products that, marketers have sought to make men insecure about the size. Barrages of herbal male enhancement ads are everywhere to get more attention.When Viagra was launched in 1998, there were few genuine treatments for people, who want to have health and natural way to fight impotence suffering.

For example: Hoodia truly works, as a diet aid hasn't been scientifically proven. Pills and capsules claiming to contain hoodia are widely available in the United States online and at most online health stores, which sell herbal supplements. Such products are largely exempt from U.S. government regulations, which require drugs to be tested for safety and effectiveness before being sold. Also is well known that, South Africa is the only African country exporting hoodia legally – Grown there manifacturied in U.S or other countries dealing with the Weight Loss Market.

There are much more examples, like herbal vigra, other weight loss herbs, replacing some really dangerous prescription drugs like Acomplia and similar. Well known facts are that these products are much more cheaper, natural and with proven no side effects at all, because of the herb in them. Those are also the main reason why most of the customers with health problems are choosing them.

Online Health Pharmacy offers herbal supplements that are disease specific, that you can see them on the herbs market. The increases of this industry are also supported by the typed searches, made online. Hoodia has been described as a "wonderdrug" by major news sources.

Are You Looking For A Natural Stop Smoking Remedy?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:36:00 +0000

With smoking becoming not only anti-social but now outlawed in many countries, the search for an effective, natural stop smoking remedy is more furious than ever before.

Perhaps it would be best to begin with a definition of what we mean by "natural." After all, there can be few, if any, more widespread unnatural things to do than the voluntary inhalation of poisonous, noxious fumes many times every day! No one made you do that, and there is certainly no instinct for it!

Hence, the search for a "natural stop smoking remedy" has the in-built irony of being a natural way to help you to desist from doing something entirely unnatural!
Let us assume that natural in this sense would mean not placing any more artificial substances in your body.

Nicotine patches, gum, sprays or other means of administration therefore need ruling out. They don't come with actual fumes, but the ingredient that keeps you hooked on tobacco is, of course, nicotine, (ask anyone who's ever tried to quit by switching to "herbal" tobaccos). Therefore, finding another way to administer the same drug is one of the toughest ways to quit, and the failure rate is quite high.

Where they succeed, it is only (in this author's opinion), because they force you to break up the routine of lighting up, inhaling and exhaling and so on. Furthermore, they enable you to "ingest" nicotine, (a powerful insecticide!) in areas where smoking itself would be forbidden, so once again, you are feeding yourself unusual behaviour patterns.

The "habit" or routine of smoking is thus tampered with, but the cravings aren't dealt with and often the wearer/chewer only wishes for a cigarette, often ending up doing both. (This is a very dangerous practice incidentally, as too much nicotine can cause a heart attack).

Then we have hypnosis. This is far closer to our quest for a natural stop smoking remedy, but is sadly often misunderstood or misrepresented. The smoker is hoping for a completely passive "cure" from the therapist in many cases. The expectation seems to be that you will turn up fully addicted to smoking, whereupon you will be rendered by means of a swinging pendulum, into a zombie-like state of which you will have no awareness or recall. When you are brought out of this state, you will in all other respects be restored to your normal, cheerful, sunny self with the single exception that the desire to smoke will have completely and utterly vanished!

Ah! The quest for the holy grail of both smokers and therapists alike! Let me tell you now, if you go to a hypnotherapist that is about as far from what will happen as your next encounter with a real monster from Star Trek!

The reality is that you will be completely aware of the hypnotherapist's suggestions and although hypnosis can unquestionably smooth the transition from you being a helpless addict to becoming a happy non-smoker, you will still need to consciously apply your new "programming" especially in the first few days whilst the nicotine departs from your body with the inevitable "pangs" accompanying that process.

Surely the most natural stop smoking remedy must be good old fashioned "cold turkey." Statistically if you choose this route you have a 10 per cent chance of staying free for life. However, you are likely to become one of those whingers who spends the rest of your days wishing you could have "just one more puff."

May the Lord have mercy - not only upon you, but upon all your long-suffering friends, (smokers and otherwise), and family! Plus, you have a ninety per cent chance of returning to smoking - with probably all the accompanying guilt, self-recriminations and possibly criminal-like secrecy. Not desirable.

The best natural stop smoking remedy of all then would surely be one where no artificial "gimmicks" are required, (by the very definition of "natural stop smoking remedy" - this goes without saying).

Furthermore, you should understand every step of the process, and finally you should not be wrestling with your own willpower - the emotional desire to smoke versus your logic trying to restrain you - for the rest of your days. Indeed, you shouldn't have to endure that agony at all!

Quite possibly the ultimate in natural stop smoking remedies (since it fulfils all of these criteria) is one which employs NLP. (Neuro-linguistic programming - but don't bother looking it up unless you're one of those geeks who needs to look under the bonnet of your new Porsche instead of just enjoying the experience of driving around in it!).

NLP works for smokers because it utilises the very mechanism we use when we simply change our minds about something. You don't need willpower to decide you no longer take sugar in your tea, or that you now love Robbie Williams' music ... or whatever.

If ever there was a way to pull yourself out of the hole you got yourself into with smoking, this surely has to be it because it bypasses the need for willpower - every smokers' nightmare.

7 Step Process for Achieving Stress Free Healing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:33:00 +0000

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is an energy psychology that uses tapping on the meridian points to stimulate flow in the body's energy field, resulting in the removal of negative emotional blockages that can lead to psycho-physical illness. One can say that EFT is like acupuncture only without the needles.

This article uses EFT metaphorically to help tap the healing process into the body. Once the body knows a routine in cell and bone it becomes depth knowledge, something not easily forgotten. When we tap on the meridians, we use a code the body understands;a language it can process. With that in mind let's open the taps together so the flow can begin.

There are 7 body points to be tapped, as well as 7 taps to be done at each of the points, and finally 7 steps to the process as it is being used here. (The 7 EFT tapping points used for this version are inner eyebrow IE, outer eyebrow OE, under eye UE, under nose UN, indentation between chin and bottom lip CH, collarbone CB, and underarm UA).

Tap Step 1 Identify the individual issue to be worked on, the blockage in your life that you are ready to release. The more specific the item is, the easier it will be to collapse the issue.

Tap Step 2 Give the intensity of the pain/emotion a rating, a numerical value from 1 to 10 where 1 is very low and 10 is the worst it has ever been.

Tap Step 3 Address psychological reversal. Many times our energy polarities get reversed. When this happens EFT will not work. It is like trying to operate with our batteries in backwards. To address this issue, we tap on the karate chop point KC (located at the side of the hand where we would execute a karate chop)and say. "Even though I have this issue (substitute your problem for the issue),I deeply and completely accept myself." Repeat this statement 3 times while continuing to tap the KC point.

Tap Step 4 Cleanse the windows of your energy system, the blockages that have built up over time around the negative emotion. Do this by tapping approximately 7 times on each of the 7 meridian points (IE, OE UE, UN, CH, CB and UA as described above). While tapping repeat a small reminder phrase about the issue being addressed such as "this stress."

Tap Step 5 Reevaluate the intensity of your issue from 1 to 10.

Tap Step 6 If your blockage has not collapsed to 0 or 1, return to step 4 and repeat the process.

Tap step 7 If it has collapsed, always remember to celebrate victory.

When an issue collapses while using EFT, it often collapses for good. There have been many one minute wonders reported by EFT users. Other times clearing the blockage takes time and stick to it tapping. This later scenario is usually the result of numerous entangled aspects, some of which only surface after the original detail has been cleared. Our lives are so entangled from the process of living that there are often layers and layers to an issue that need to be peeled off one at a time until, like dominoes, the entire structure comes toppling down. Other times, only the major aspect needs to be removed to achieve the desired results.

“100-year-old” Wild Ginseng Root

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 06:25:00 +0000

Larry Harding has grown American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) for over 45 years. Harding’s Ginseng Farm, located in Friendsville, Maryland, in the Appalachian Mountains, has over 70 acres of wild simulated ginseng (ginseng grown in an environment designed to simulate conditions of the wild environment). Harding’s ginseng originated from harvested wild roots and seeds the Harding family collected up to 50 years ago. When it comes to ginseng, Harding has just about seen it all, so in the fall of 2007 when Roger Welch brought him a wild ginseng root that weighed just under a pound (lb), Harding wasn’t surprised, but said it was quite unique. “Most ginseng roots are a fraction of an ounce,” said Harding (oral communication, November 6, 2007). “Normally there are 200-330 roots per dry [wild] lb.”

According to Robert L. Beyfuss, American ginseng specialist for Cornell University Cooperative Extension, properly dried ginseng roots (of all types) weigh about one third of their original weight.¹ Welch had just started drying the root when Harding saw it so it had already lost a little of its weight. They drying process normally takes 8 to 10 days. The process didn’t hurt its value much since in September wild ginseng was selling for $400-500 per dry lb.² Now in November 2007, according to Harding, it’s selling for over $800 per dry lb. “That’s how rare it’s become,” said Harding. “When I was a kid I used to hunt it, but now only a few hunt it and it’s hard to find. It’s like digging for gold.”

Welch has been hunting ginseng for 47 years. He retired 6 years ago from a job at a paper company and said the money in ginseng is fairly good and that ginseng hunting is a healthy sport (e-mail, November 9, 2007). Yet when he found what he calls a “12-pronger,” he didn’t know what he had: “It was raining and muddy. There were a couple of tops so I thought it was several roots all clumped together,” said Welch (oral communication, November 9, 2007). “I even stopped and showed it to a couple of my buddies—telling them it was one root—and I thought I was fooling them. Turns out I wasn’t!” According to Beyfuss, ginseng plants usually have from 2 to 4 palmately compound leaves which are often called prongs. Mature ginseng plants usually have 3 prongs, very vigorous plants may have 4 prongs, five prong plants are very rare, and a twelve prong plant is “phenomenal” (e-mail, November 9, 2007).

When Welch was able to remove the mud, he saw it was indeed one piece. He later returned to the same area in western Maryland to see if he could find another root that large but could not. He did, however, profit from the additional ginseng he found. Welch said the roots he usually finds are hardly over 30 years old, and the average root a ginseng hunter finds and keeps is between 5 and 10 years old since ginseng has to be at least 5-years-old to be legally harvested. Welch estimated that this root was anywhere from 50 to 100 years old.

The roots Harding sees are 5 to 30 years old and are seldom over 50. Harding estimated that Welch’s root, because of its size and age rings, was around 100 years old. However, according to Beyfuss, ginseng roots can be roughly determined by counting the numbers of abscission scars on the rhizome and not necessarily the age rings. He said this particular root was hard to gauge due to the fact that it had multiple tops, and it is easier to determine the age of a root with a single rhizome and one stem. He estimated that this root could be 100 years old, but was most likely closer to 50.

Harding was aware of only one case with roots over 100 years old. In 2005, the Yonhap news agency of Korea reported that a set of 6 ginseng roots, including specimens up to 110 years old, sold at an auction for $120,000 to two brothers who wanted to help treat their mother’s ailing knees.³ Harding added that, since a ginseng’s medicinal value increases with age, this root could be worth $1,000 or more to someone who wanted its medicinal properties, though one might also want it for sentimental reasons. However, Harding did not buy the coveted root himself. “It’s not worth over a thousand to me,” said Harding. “It doesn’t have sentimental value to me, but to someone else it could be worth a lot.”

It certainly has sentimental value to Welch, who traditionally gives his ginseng money to his wife as a Christmas gift. “I’ve given her about $5,000 this year—she’s pretty happy,” said Welch. This, however, didn’t include money for the 12-prong root. Even with offers from $1,200-$1,500, Welch said he isn’t selling. Instead he said he’d rather give it to a museum like the Smithsonian, or some other institution that would display it and keep it intact.

“The Smithsonian’s not too far from me and if I wanted to see my root, I’d be able to,” said Welch. “I took that out of the ground without breaking one limb. I’d like to put it somewhere it won’t be used.”

—Kelly E. Saxton

Tips Untuk Mengetahui Gejala Kista

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 06:08:00 +0000

Kenali riwayat keluarga anda. Adakah riwayat anggota keluarga yang menderita kista ovarium, endometriosis, atau kanker ovarium.
Kenali diri anda. Adakah perubahan fisik di daerah pusat tubuh berupa benjolan pada perut yang teraba. Adakah riwayat gangguan alat kandungan sebelumnya. Apakah anda mengalami infertilitas atau dalam usaha untuk menunda kehamilan.
Kenali gejalanya. Misalnya nyeri perut yang berat terutama saat haid, disertai dengan gangguan berkemih dan gangguan pada saluran cerna seperti mual, muntah, dan gangguan BAB dll.
Kenali beberapa factor resiko lain seperti haid pertama di usia yang sangat muda (lebih muda dari usia 11 tahun), siklus haid yang singkat (kurang dari 27 hari) atau tidak teratur, serta periode haid yang panjang (lebih dari 7 hari).
Pemeriksaan USG dianjurkan bagi mereka yang memiliki resiko untuk mendeteksi secara dini kemungkinan adanya kista.

Buah Lebih Baik Daripada Suplemen Vitamin C

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 05:55:00 +0000

Vitamin C telah banyak dikenal berkaitan dengan perlindungan terhadap skurvi dan flu. Buah yang kaya akan Vitamin C merupakan antioksidan kuat yang dapat melindungi DNA selular dari kerusakan akibat oksidasi. Serena Guarnieri dan para peneliti lainnya pada Divisi Nutrisi Manusia, Universitas Milan, Itali, menduga bahwa suplemen vitamin C tidak memiliki efek perlindungan yang sama dengan buah seperti jeruk. Para subjek uji diberikan minum satu gelas jus jeruk, minuman yang mengandung vitamin C hasil pemrosesan dan larutan gula. Jus jeruk dan minuman dengan vitamin C yang telah diproses, masing-masing mengandung 150 mg vitamin C sedangkan larutan gula tidak. Sampel darah subjek uji diambil pada 3 jam dan 24 jam setelah meminum larutan uji. Tingkat vitamin C pada plasma darah menngkat setelah meminum jus jeruk dan minuman yang mengandung vitamin C hasil pemrosesan. Kerusakan DNA akibat oksidasi mengalami penurunan secara berarti pada sampel darah subjek uji yang mendapatkan jus jeruk sementara minuman dengan vitamin C yang telah diproses dan larutan gula tidak menunjukkan efek perlindungan tersebut. Dengan demikian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa vitamin C bukan satu-satunya komponen yang bertanggung jawab terhadap adanya efek entioksidan, ada hal lain yang perlu diteliti lebih lanjut. Vitamin C yang tersedia dalam matriks buah beserta dengan berbagai substansi bermanfaat lainnya kemungkina berinteraksi satu sama lain. Peneliti gizi lainnya menduga bahwa kemungkinan gula dalam jus berinteraksi dengan vitamin C untuk menghasilkan efek antioksidan. Efek dari senyawa fitokimia (sianidin-3-glikosida, flavanon dan karotenoid) yang ada dalam jeruk perlu diteliti lebih lanjut untuk memperjelas dugaan ini.

Tips Meningkatkan Kualitas Sperma

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 05:54:00 +0000

Tidak semua pria mempunyai sperma sehat sehingga terjadi kesulitan dan kegagalan dalam pembuahan.dikarenakan gerakan sperma pelan atau bentuknya tak sempurna atau berenang menuju arah yang salah.Setidaknya pria harus punya 20 juta sperma/ml air mani waktu ejakulasi. dan cukup kuat berenang ke pembuluh telur.
Berikut Tips memperoleh sperma yang berkualitas :

# Suhu Sejuk Dan Celana Longgar, Suhu testis harus lebih dingin dari suhu normal tubuh, hindari sauna, mandi uap atau berendam di air panas. Hindari juga menggunakan celana dalam ketat, karena suhu di sekitar testis panas

# Berhenti Merokok, Merokok menambah resiko kesuburan dan disfungsi ereksi pada pria.Jumlah sperma pria perokok lebih sedikit di banding pria tak merokok

# Makanan Sehat, Konsumsi makanan rendah lemak, berprotein tinggi, sayuran dan seluruh jenis padi-padian.Istirahat cukup dan minimalkan stres.

# Kurangi Hubungan Intim, Semakin banyak ejakulasi. semakin berkurang kepadatan air mani, sehingga berpengaruh juga pada jumlah sperma

# Hindari Alkohol dan Obat Bius, Alkohol mengurangi produksi testosteron dan mempunyai kontribusi pada disfungsi ereksi.Obat bius mengurangi kerapatan, kemampuan gerakan sperma dan menambah sperma abnormal

# Olahraga Otot dengan mengurut Zakar, Meskipun tak lansung meningkatkan produksi sperma dan air mani, olah raga otot dengan mengurut buah zakar dapat meningkatkan daya tembak lebih jauh dari sebelumnya

UBI - SINGKONG SEHATKAN JANTUNG & DARAH

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 05:53:00 +0000

Kolak ubi-singkong disukai karena rasanya yang manis dan ringan. Padahal bukan cuma rasanya yang istimewa, khasiatnya pun tak bisa diabaikan, menhatkan jantung dan mengendalikan darah adalah sebagian manfaatnya. Apa keistimewaan lain ubi-singkong?Rasanya memang sederhana, tetapi justru itulah sisi istimewanya. Kedua bahan ini sangat mudah dikombinasikan dengan bahan lain. Tak terhitung kreativitas menu berbahan ubi dan singkong. Tetapi yang layak diprhitungkan adalah khasiatnya untuk menyembuhkan berbagai penyakit.Cegah KebutaanUbi hidup liar menjalar. Ada tiga jenis ubi jalar, yaitu ubi berumbi putih, kuning kemarahan (jingga), dan ungu. Yang lebih baik adalah yang berwarna kuning jingga karena kaya kandungan bakarotennya. Betakaroten merupakan provitamin A dan bersifat anitoksidan. Konsumsi ubi jalar yang kaya provitamin A tersebut dilaporkan sebagai faktor pencegah kebutaan akibat kurang vitamin A Pada balita di darah lembah Balim, provinsi Irian Jaya.Kandungan kimia pada ubi jalar cukup kaya, antara lain protein, lemak, karbohidrat, kalori, serat, abu, kalsiu, fosfor, zat besi, karoten, vitamin B1, B2, C, dan asam nikotinat. Menurut pakar tanaman obat Prof. Hmbing Wijakusumaya, ubi jalar memiliki sifat kimia manis dan dingin. Efek farmakologisnya berkhasiat sebagai tonik (meningkatkan stamina) dan menghentikan pendarahan. Bagian yang bisa dimanfaatkan adalah umbi dan daun.Ubi jalar dapat digumnakan sebagai obat penyakit kuning, pengbengkakan, rematik, asam urat, pegal linu, dan rabun senja. Semua penyakit ini dapat diatasi dnga mminum air rebuasan ubi jalar merah dicampur bahan-bahan lain. Khusus untuk rematik, asam urat, dan pegal linu, slain air rebusannya yang diminum, ubi rebusnya juga di makan. Khusus untuk rabun senja, bukan air rebusannya yang diminum, melainkan ubinya yang dimakan.AntipenyumbatanSingkong sama populernya denga ubi. Bukan hanya umbinya yang memiliki rasa unik, namun daun singkong pun bisa disulap menajadi sayuran yang sangat nikmat. Menurut pakar tanaman obat Prof. Hembing Wijayakusuma,efek farmalogis dari singkong adalah sebagai antioksidan, antikangker, antitumor, dan mnambah nafsu makan. Bagian yang biasa dipakai pada tanaman ini adalah daun dan umbi.Umbi singkong memiliki kandungan kalori, protein, lemak, hidrat arang, kalsium, fosfor, zat besi, vitamin B dan C, dan amilum. Daun maengandung vitamin A, B1, dan C, kalsium, kalori, fosfor, protein, lemak, hidrat arang, dan zat besi. Sementara kulit batang, mengandung tannin,enzim peroksidase, glikosida, dan kalsium oksalat. Penyakit aterosklerosis atau timbunan lemak di dinding pembuluh darah dapat diceagah daenaga hanya makan daun singkong. Akibat tersumbatnya aorta (saluran darah besar), darah tidak bisa disalurkan ke jantung dan penderita menjadi anfal. Pada penelitian daun singkong mengandung cuprofilin yang mampu menurunkan kolesterol, trigliserida, lipida serum darah secara nyata. Cuprfilin pada daun singkong terdapat pada klorofilnya. Klorofil dan beberapa turunannya memiliki daya antioksidan dan antikangker. ANEKA KHASIAT UBIKencing Manis : 100 gram ubi jalar, 15 gram kulit labu bligo, dan 50 gram biji alpukat direbus dengan 1.000 cc air hingga trsisa 500 cc. Lalu disaring dan diminum airnya, sedangkan ubinya dimakan.Penyakit Kuning : 200 gram ubi jalar merah, 30 gram daun serut atau mirten segar, dan madu secukupnya, direbus dengan 1.000 cc air hingga tersisa 500 cc. Ramuan disaring dan diminum dua kali sehari.Rematik, Asam Urat, Pegal Linu : 200 gram ubi jalar merah, 15 gram jahe merah, 10 gram jahe biasa, 5 butir cengkeh, 5 butir kapulaga, 1 jari kayu manis, 5 gram biji pala, 10 butir merica, dan gula secukupnya direbus denga 1.500 cc air hingga tersisa 600 cc. Lalu airnya diminum dan ubinya di makan.Keseleo dan Luka Memar : ubi jalar secukupnya dikeringkan dan ditumbuk hingga menjadi bubuk. Tambahkan arak putih lalu oleskan pada tempat kaki yang sakit.Eksim : 250 sampai 300 gram ubi jalar merah diblender atau diparut, airnya dioleskan pada bagian yang terkena eksim.Bisul : 100 sampai 200 gram ubi jalar putih diparut lalu ditempelkan pada bagian tubuh yang sakit.Herpes : 100 gram daun ugi jalar dijus lalu dioleskan pada bagian tubuh yang sakit.Sakit Tenggorokan : 200 gram ubi jalar putih dikeringkan lalu ditumbuk hingga menjadi bubuk. Seduh dengan air panas dan diminum hangat-hangat.Masuk Angin dan Perut Kembung : 200 gram ubi jalar merah, 15 gram jahe, 1 jari kayu manis, 5 butir cengkeh, 5 butir kapulaga, dan gula merah secukupnya derebus dengan 1.000 cc air hingga tersisa 500 cc, lalu diminum airnya. MANFAAT SINGKONG UNTUK PENGOBATANSakit Kepala : daun singkong ditumbuk lalu digunakan untukkompres.Obat Demam : 60 gram batang pohon singkong, 30 gram jali yang telah direndam hingga lembut direbus dengan 800 cc air hingga tersisa 400 cc. Ramuan disaring dan diminum airnya sebanyak 200 cc. lakukan dua kali sehari.Luka Bernanah : batang singkong segar ditumbuk lalu ditempelkan pada bagian tubuh yangsakit. Untuk luka garukan, singkong diparut lalu ditempelkan pada bagian yang sakit dan diperban. Luka Terkena Benda Panas : singkong diparut lalu diperas airnya didiamkan beberapa saat hingga patinya mengendap, lalu patinya dioleskan pada bagian yang luka. Diare : 7 lembar daun singkong direbus dengan 800 cc air hingga tersisa 400 cc. Lalu disaring dan di minum airnya sebanyak 200 cc. Lakukan dua kali sehari.cacingan : 60 gram kulit batang singkong dan 30 gram daun ketepeng cina direbus dengan 600 cc air hingga tersisa 300 cc. Lalu disaring dan diminum airnya menjelang tidur.Beri-Beri : 200 gram daun singkong dimakan sebagai lalap.Meningkatkan Setamina : 100 gram singkong, 25 gram kencur, dan 5 butir angco yang telah dibuang bijinya, diblender dengan menambahkan air secukupnya. Lalu tambahkan madu dan diminum.

Tea is a boon but without milk

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:28:00 +0000

Previous studies have shown that drinking tea is a boon for cardiovascular health, but now researchers have found that the beneficial effects of the drink are 'totally wiped out' by putting milk. German researchers publishing their findings in the online version of the European Heart Journal show that a group of proteins called caseins found in milk prevent the dilation of blood vessels which occurs when pure black tea is consumed. As a result they argue that those who drink milk with their tea should seriously consider going without on occasion, in order to boost the healthiness of their heart. 'There is a broad body of evidence from experimental and clinical studies indicating that tea exerts antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and vasodilating effects, thereby protecting against cardiovascular diseases. 'As worldwide tea consumption is second only to that of water, its beneficial effects represent an important public health issue. But, up to now, it is not been known whether adding milk to tea, as widely practiced in the UK and some other countries, influences these protective properties. ?So, we decided to investigate the effects of tea, with and without milk, on endothelial function, because that is a sensitive indicator of what is happening to blood vessels,' senior researcher Dr Verena Stangl, professor of Cardiology (Molecular Atherosclerosis) at the hospital, said. In the study, reported in the European Heart Journal, 16 women drank half a litre of freshly brewed tea, tea with skimmed milk, or plain boiled water. Tests were taken on an artery in the forearm for two hours afterwards. They showed that drinking black tea significantly improves the ability of the artery to relax and expand -- but adding milk completely blunts the effect. 'We found that, whereas drinking tea significantly increased the ability of the artery to relax and expand to accommodate increased blood flow compared with drinking water, the addition of milk completely prevents the biological effect,' Dr Mario Lopez, who also worked on the study, said. Stangl also said their findings could also have implications for cancer, against which tea has also been shown to be protective. 'Since milk appears to modify the biological activities of tea ingredients, it is likely that the anti-tumor effects of tea could be affected as well. I think it is essential that we re-examine the association between tea consumption and cancer protection, to see if that is the case,' she said.

Bananas are not just for Monkeys any more

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:24:00 +0000

Bananas Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Diabetes Information

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 15:47:00 +0000

Insulin

Insulin has two critical roles in the body that we cannot live without, yet it can be the root of many health problems, including diabetes. Insulin carries sugar (glucose), fat and protein into your cells where they are used for energy and the repair of your cells. When you eat, a certain amount of the food will be converted into glucose and enter the bloodstream. As the sugar levels rise, the body senses it and the pancreas secretes insulin to lower the sugar. This is insulin's second main function.

Humulin or Lantus, Which Insulin For Your Child?

Humulin or Lantus? When my daughter, who was 8, was first diagnosed the Children's Hospital that was treating her put her on an insulin program of short acting Humalog NPH and long acting Humalin N. You should have seen me that first day of training after a long night in the emergency room where she was diagnosed. I was a raving lunatic to begin with so my brain was mostly mush at that point. Add to that everything began with "H". Mix this "H" with that "H" but first charge this "H" with air, then draw this "H" first followed by that "H" but make sure you roll this "H" between your palms and for crying-out-loud don't shake that "H". Anyway I guess osmosis worked and all of that information finally seeped in. We were officially diabetic now.

Diabetes Awareness: Ill Wait til it Hurts

By the time many type 2 diabetics (and often their doctors) realize action is necessary, the disease, with its destructive high blood sugars, has been silently damaging their body for years.

Raising Happy Diabetic Kids

This is the first in a series of articles I am about to embark upon concerning this subject. As my family gets older and matures with this disease I think back to the early days and wonder why aren't we all on medication for depression? Why don't we have standing twice a week appointments with a psychiatrist? How did we end up so normal?(whatever that is) As I look back this didn't happen by accident, nor am I Super Dad, and I didn't plan it out step by step. It was mostly just paying attention, luck, and decent communication between my girls and me, granted sometimes at the top of our lungs.

Improper pH Balance Increases Risk and Damage of Diabetes

Raising Happy Diabetic Kids Part II

This is the second article in a series I am writing about how to raise happy diabetic children. You can find the first article titled Help Your Child Develope Self-Confidence in our article archives.

Diabetes Awareness: The Downside... a New Wardrobe?

Here is some commonsense thinking:

Pre-Diabetes - The Calm Before the Storm

Remember when the medical world identified pre-hypertension to better monitor your blood pressure? The new buzz: Pre-Diabetes concerns a similar condition pinpointing people who are at severe risk for getting diabetes. Because diabetes silently invades your body, early detection and corrective action are critically important.

Pre-Diabetes Awareness: Gamblers Understand the Odds

Do you gamble? Play Texas Hold'em poker, casino games, or lotteries? Then understanding your odds of winning is part of the challenge.

Pre-Diabetes: Check Engine Warning Light

Your car has an early detection system and so does your body. Take 3 minutes to read this article and learn how you can save yourself a life time of aches, pains, and costly medical bills.

Treating Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

The toes burn and tingle and sharp pains shoot into your legs. The bed sheets feel uncomfortable on the feet as you toss and turn, trying to get some rest. Your feet felt numb throughout the day, but now feel like they are on fire. Nothing seems to help as you watch the hours on the clock pass by, hoping to fall asleep.

Exercise & Diabetes

You are no doubt aware that exercise can help prevent the serious complications that often come with diabetes and heart disease. Research has repeatedly shown that regular physical activity helps reduce the likelihood of having a heart attack or a stroke, aids in weight loss, and improves mood.

Protein Principles for Diabetes

Dietary considerations can present a Hobson?s choice in diabetes. Even when the intake is nutritious, assimilating it can be another matter. Then there is the problem of progression of diabetic complications if one ends up with excess glucose or fat in the system. Excess carbohydrates in a meal, and the resulting uncontrolled blood sugar levels can be detrimental to any number of tissues, from the lens of the eye, to the neurons, small blood vessels and the kidneys. Fat is also a problem with increase incidences of atherosclerosis, large vessel disease and cardiac complications. What, then is the appropriate macronutrient for the diabetic population? Enough medical literature exists to suggest that in diabetes, proteins are probably the best bet.

Low-Carb: The Role of Insulin

There are three basic units the body uses for energy:

Preparing Your Child and Family for Life With Diabetes

After the initial shock of diagnosis wears off and we become more comfortable with administering insulin shots, scheduling blood tests and mealtimes, and carbohydrate counting we have a chance to look to the future. At that point it really begins to sink in what a long-term commitment parenting a diabetic child really is. We now understand we have been drawn into a different lifestyle that will last as long as we are parents. Even when our child is grown up and leaves home we will still be concerned and involved with the diabetes community.

ABELMOSCHUS MOSCHATUS MEDIK

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:43:00 +0000

Botany

Synonym : Hibiscus abelmoschus L.

Classification

Division : Spermatophyta

Sub Division : Angiospermae

Class : Dicotyledonae

Nation : Malvaies

Tribe : Malvaceae

Clan : Abelmoschus

Type : Abelmoschus moschatus Medik

Name of public or trade : Waron

Name of Area

Sumatera : Kapas sedeki (Lampung)

Java : Kakapasan (Sunda) Waron (Jawa) Kastore bukal (Madura)

Maluku : Kasturi (Ternate)

Descripsy

Habitat s : Bush, once season, high ± 3,5 m.

Bar : Wood, circular, straightening, ramification of monopodial, green or green [of] chocolate.

Leaf : Single, square five is, lobed, bercangap or divided five, jetty form heart, tip of fine-form. edge flatten, length 6-22 cm, wide 5-20 cm, finger bone, long handle 5-10 cm, green.

Flower : Single, bell form, [in] leaf armpit, calyx 2-3 cm, triangle, furry, tip of have coronet [to] five, green, tube form stamen, free gist;sari head, yellow, crown five, red jetty, length 3,5 - 10 cm, yellow.

Fruit : Box, circular [of] egg, flank five, becoming sharp, furry or have hair [to] loo like comb have, valve [to] five, chocolate to is black.

Seed : Kidney form, pipih, lobed, hard, chocolate to is black.

Root : circularly, branching, turn white brass.

Profits or Usages

Leaf of Abelmoschus moschatus good for as cough medicine, its seed represent cosmetic raw material

For cough medicine weared ± 2 gr of powder leaf of Abelmoschus moschatus, poured boiling water into by 1 / 2 matured water glass [of] heat, after chilled to be to be filtered. Result of filter drinked one day twice 1 / 4 morning glass and evening.

Chemical content

Seed, root and leaf of Abelmoschus moschatus have content of saponin and of flavonoida, despitefully its leaf have content of tanin and [his/its] seed also have oil content of atsiri.

Amomum cardamomum Willd

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:05:00 +0000

Kapulaga/Cardamom

Sinonim

• Amomum kapulaga Sprague

• Amomum compactum Solad ex Maton

• Alpinia striata Horst.

• Cardamomum minum Rumph

• Elettaria cardamomum Maton

• Elettaria major Smith

Familia

Zingiberaceae

Name of area

• Cardamom

,Kardamon ( Acheh, Malay

• Palago, Pelaga, Puwar ( Minangkabau)

• Kapol, Kapol Sebrang, Pelaga ( Sunda) Rahimy

• Kapulogo, Kapulogo Sabrang, Pulogo, Kapol Sabrang ( Jawa)

• Kapolagha, palagha ( Madura)

• Kapolagha, korkolaka ( Bali)

• Gandimong ( Bugis)

• Gardamungu

• Pelaga ( Malaysia)

• Luk Grawan ( Thailand)

• Cardamom ( Inggris)

Plant Deskripsi

Plant in the form of annual herba, height can reach 1 - 5 metre. Grow to gang, forming many anakan. structured Sham bar by frond- frond of leaf, in form of is cylindrical, green chromatic. fat and rather big Bar corm. Single leaf, spread over, chromatic of hijau.tua. Piece of slippery leaf or rather furry, in form of lance or Iancet, with sharp-pointed back part and jetty, and leaf edge flatten. Leaf length [about/around] 30- 60 cm, and width 10-12 cm. Fin bone. very short Handle Leaf. Frond length and leaf handle [about/around] 1-1,5 metre. [Among/Between] palepah and piece of leaf there are tongue which [is] its blunt back part, length [about/around] 0,5 cm.
Flower in the form of seed ( small bongkol) located in tip of bar, white or white chromatic [is] brass. Flower handle emerge from bar corm, pendanting is, slim. Long calyx, more or less 1-1,5 cm, furry, green chromatic. Chromatic flower of putih.bergaris-garis crimson, with redish colour [in] middle shares [of] him. Crown in form of tube, long 1-1,5 cm, white or white chromatic [is] brass. Taju usually [is] longer the than its tube. blue Flower chromatic lip have white column [to], its edge turn yellow. Length stamen 1-1,5 cm, elliptical form gist;sari head, length [about/around] 2 mm. Pistil handle is not furry, furry pistil head, in form of mug.
Its fruit in the form of box fruit, there are, in short and little tandan. Circular fruit [is] length, lobed, triangular, rather pipih, furry sometime, white chromatic [is] brass or turn yellow greyly. Bear fruit 3, each;every room dissociated by flimsy membrane as thick as paper. Every room contain 5-7 little seed, black or tan, typical odorous beraroma. In this wedge room lapped over length 2 line, cohere.
Fiber root, dirty white chromatic. Circular Rimpang [of] length, branching simpodial, white chromatic [is] brass. Initially branchs of rimpang this [is] wrapped by short skins. All part of plant [is] aromatic.

Habitat and disseminating

To grow wild [in] primary forest and teak;core forest, [in] low mountain area and its land;ground rather wet, pouring high hujari, or [in] area which is cloudy always, [at] height 200 - 1000 m above sea level. Thrive below/under wings of forest wood trees, [in] very covert tempattempat. This plant also many conducting, because its fruit [is] utilized as mace [at] various cookery type. This plant spread over almost in all Indonesia, especially [in] West Java and South Sumatra. Besides in Indonesia, cardamom found many [in] Srilangka, India, Guatemala, Tanzania, Papua Nugini, and Malabar.

Part of used plant

• All part of crop
• Bar
• Fruit
• Rimpang.

Chemical content

Its oleaginous Fruit [of] atsiri most off all contain sineol, terpineol, and borneol. rate of Sineol in fruit of[is more or less 12 %. From other sideing that cardamom fruit containing many saponin, flavnoida, compound- compound of polifenol, manganese, extract, sugar, fat, silicate and protein.

Pregnant seed 3 - 7 % oil of atsiri which consist of terpineol, acetate terpinil, sineol, alpha of borneol, and beta.kamfer. Despitefully oleaginous seed also fat, protein, oksalat kaisium and grit acid. With distillation of seed obtained [by] oil of atsiri the so-called Oleum Cardamomi, used as [by] [is] stimulant and giver of aroma. Its [of] pregnant him [of] saponin, and flavonoida of polifenol, beside also oil of atsiri.

Traditional usage

Water of Rebusan entire/all part of crop used for strong drug to one who feel to weaken or weaken effect of performance. Also good for one who are is diseased [of] rheumatism or rheumatism. Sometime [is] also used as [by] afrodisiaka ( to increase Iibido). Irrigate bar rebusan used as [by] drug degrade heat (fever).

Its fruit [is] utilized for the materials of delicioused and refresher of food and beverage. Fruit also can eliminate to feel an itch [at] red lane, as cough medicine, and stomachache drug. Rimpang [is] often used to deodorize mouth, for cough medicine, and degrade heat ( as antipiretikum). dried Rimpang, to be milled, 1alu braised can become beverage of penghangat to one who is chilled, especially to who live in mountain, [in] area have cool climate [to] or [in] very damp forest. This beverage at the same time can cure hot pain in.

Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. Et Klotzsch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:54:00 +0000

Kastuba

Sinonim

• Poinsettia pulcherrima R. Grah

Familia

Euphorbiaceae

Name of Area

• Red Tree, Puring Benggala ( Sumatra)

• Denok ( Jakarta)

• Kastuba, Ki Geulis ( Sunda)

• Godong Poison, Plants Poison, Racunan ( Jawa)

• Poison, Kedapa ( Bali)

• Christmas Flower

• Eastern Flower

• Lobster Flower

• Poinsettia

• Yi Ping hong.

Breakdown of plant

Clump of straightening, high [about/around] 1,5–4 metre. bar have Wood, branching, rubbery turn white milkyly. Root ride rust coloredly. Single leaf, its situation spread over. circular Leaf form [of] egg ( ellipse ovatus) until ( oblongus) by 2 – 4 hollowing, length 7 – 15 width and cm 2,5–6 cm. Back part and sharp-pointed leaf jetty, bony [is] fin. bottle green Leaf, surface of [his/its] underside [of] smooth berambut. long Leaf handle, [about/around] 5–20 cm, rose colored when still is young, and turn into green after is old.

Compound interest in form of malai flatten or branch fork, in typical formation [is] so-called cyathium, appear [in/on] tip of ramification. Every cyathium deal with big protector leaf, in form of Iancet, rose colored. High [of] cyathium [about/around] 1 cm, green chromatic with red taju and one big gland [at] its rust colored side [of] jingga. Calyx form bell, chartreuse chromatic. Crown turn yellow squeezing. Gist;Sari handle. chromatic of merah-jingga, red gist;sari head. Pistil with bear ovary three is, rose colored.

Its fruit [of] box fruit, long 1,5 cm, time still is young [of] green chromatic after tan old. Circular seed, tan. Now crop varitas of Kastuba which planted many [is] result of glorifying coming from Europe. Shorter Crop, leaf more wide, with protector leaf colour all kinds of, like squeezing is, white, or pink.

Habitat and disseminating

To grow [at] lowland area until height 1400 metre above sea level. More and more lower place grow, leaf colour will more and more fairly. good red and Green colour emerge if this plant [is] planted [at] height less than 700 metre above sea level. This plant come Mexicanly, widespread now in Indonesia and other tropical Asia nations.

Part of utilized plant

• Leaf

• Flower

• Rubber

• Root

• Entire/All part of plant.

Chemical content

• Pregnant Leaf [of] alkaloid, flavonoida, tanin, saponin, fat, and amilodekstrin

• Pregnant bar [of] saponin, brimstone compound, fat, amilodekstrin, acid and extract of formiat.

Usage

• traditionally used as [by] dysentery drug, emphysema ( TUBERCULOSIS), dermatitis, broken bone, bloated because beaten, and external hurt. Also to launch menstruation, and multiply ASI

• Leaf used as [by] traditional drug as tonic, and to cure hurt

• Rubber used as [by] traditional drug to heal new hurt.

KINA( Chinchona spp. )

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:15:00 +0000

SEJARAH SINGKAT
Kina merupakan tanaman obat berupa pohon yang berasal dari Amerika Selatan di sepanjang pegunungan Andes yang meliputi wilayah Venezuela, Colombia, Equador, Peru sampai Bolivia. Daerah tersebut meliputi hutan-hutan pada ketinggian 900-3.000 m dpl. Bibit tanaman kina yang masuk ke Indonesia tahun 1852 berasal dari Bolivia, tetapi tanaman kina yang tumbuh dari biji tersebut akhirnya mati. Pada tahun 1854 sebanyak 500 bibit kina dari Bolivia ditanam di Cibodas dan tumbuh 75 pohon yang terdiri atas 10 klon. Nama daerah : kina, kina merah, kina kalisaya,

Klasifikasi
Divisi : Spermatophyta
Sub divisi : Angiospermae
Kelas : Monocotyledonae
Keluarga : Rubiaceae
Genus : Chinchona
Spesies : Chinchona spp.

Deskripsi
C. succirubra : Tanaman berupa pohon dengan tinggi hingga 17m, cabang berbentuk galah yang bersegi 4 pada ujungnya, mula-mula berbulu padat dan pendek kemudian agak gundul dan berwarna merah. Daun letaknya berhadapan dan berbentuk elips, lama kelamaan menjadi lancip atau bundar, warna hijau sampai kuning kehijauan, daun gugur berwarna merah. Tulang daun terdiri dari 11 – 12 pasang, agak menjangat, berbentuk galah, daun penumpu sebagian berwarna merah, sangat lebar. Ukuran daun panjang 24 – 25cm, lebar 17 –19cm. Kelopak bunga berbentuk tabung, bundar, bentuk gasing,bergigi lebar bentuk segitiga, lancip. Bunga wangi, bentuk bulat telur sampai gelendong.
C. calisaya : Letak daun berhadapan, bentuk bundar sungsang lonjong, panjang 8 –15cm, lebar 3 – 6cm, permukaan bagian bawah berbulu halus seperti beludru terutama pada daun yang masih muda, panjang tangkai 1 – 1.5cm. Daun penumpu lebih panjang dari tangkai daun, bila sudah terbuka daun penumpu akan gugur. Bunga bentuk malai, berbulu halus, bunga mengumpul di setiap ujung perbungaan, kelopak bentuk tabung dan bergigi pada bagian atasnya. Bunga bentuk bintang, berbau wangi dengan ukuran panjang 9mm, helaian mahkota bunga bagian dalam berwarna merah menyala, berbulu rapat dan pendek, panjang benang sari setengan bagian tabung bunga. Buah berwarna kemerahan bila masak, bentuk seperti trelur panjang 4mm dan bersayap.
C. ledgeriana : Tinggi pohon antara 4 – 10m, cabang bentuk segi empat, berbulu halus atau lokos. Daun elip sampai lanset, bagian pangkal lancip dan tirus, ujung daun lancip dan jorong, helaian tipis, berwarna ungu terang tetapi daun mudaberwarna kemerahan, tangkai daun tidak berbulu, berwarna hijau atau kemerahan, panjang tangkai 3 – 6mm. Ukuran daun panjang 25.5 – 28.5cm, lebar 9 – 13cm, namun adakalanya panjang 7cm dan lebar 2cm. Daun penumpu bundar sampai lonjong panjang 17 – 32mm dan tidak berbulu. Mahkota bunga berwarna kuning agak putih dan berbau wangi, bentuk melengkung dengan ukuran panjang 8 – 12mm. Panjang malai 7 – 18cm dan gagang segi empat sangat pendek dan berbulu rapat. Kelopak bunga bentuk limas sungsang 3 – 4mm, tabung tebal ditutupi bulu warna putih, tabung mahkota bunga bagian luarnya berbulu pendek tapi bagian dalamnya gundul dengan 5 sudut. Tangkai sari tidak ada. Buah lanset sampai bulat telur dengan ukuran panjang 8 – 12mm dan lebar 3 – 4mm. Biji lonjong sampai lanset panjang 4 – 5mm.

MANFAAT TANAMAN
Kulit kina banyak mengandung alkaloid-alkaloid yang berguna untuk obat. Di antara alkaloid tersebut ada dua alkaloid yang sangat penting yaitu kinine untuk penyakit malaria dan kinidine untuk penyakit jantung. Manfaat lain dari kulit kina ini antara lain adalah untuk depuratif, influenza, disentri, diare, dan tonik.

Zingiber officinale L.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 10:18:00 +0000

Sinonim
• Zingiber officinale Rosc.
• Zingiber majus Rumph.
• Zingiber minus Rumph.

Familia
Zingiberaceae

Name of area/Traditions

• Halia (Aceh)
• Bahing (Batak Karo)
• Pege (Toba)
• Lahia (Nias)
• Halia, Jahe (Melayu)

• Sipodeh, Sipadeh
(Minangkabau)
• Jahi (Lampung)
• La, Hai (Dayak)
• Sipados (Kutai)
• Jahe (Jawa)
• Jhai (Madura)
Lahya (Bali)
• Laiae (Kupang)
• Reja ( Bima )
• Alia (Sumba)
• Lea (Flores)
• Bawo (Sangir)
• Alia, Jae, Goraka (Minahasa)
• Melito (Gorontalo)
• Leya, Ria, Lia, Luya (Sulawesi Utara)
• Laia (Makasar)
• Pese (Bugis)
• Yuyo (Buol)
• Siwe, Pusu, Sukeia, Sehi (Ambon)
• Siwei (Buru)
• Gisoro, Goraka, Gohoro, Hilohiloto (Halmahera Utara)
• Geraka, Goraka, Galaka (Ternate)
• Gora (Tidore)
• Ili (Tanimbar)
• Laian (Aru)
• Leya (Alfuru)
• Lali (Kalara Fat)
• Marman (Kapaur,India)
• Halia (Malaysia)
• Khing (Thailand)
• Anaha, Naha, Agat, Alomangi, Naupak, Loya-agarisen, Giya, Kasumba-giya,
Fute-giya, (Filipina)
• Ginger (English)
• Gengibre (Spain)

Plant Deskripsi
Plant Deskripsi of Herba, straightening, high around 30-60 cm. Sham bar, grooved, green chromatic. Single leaf, bottle green. Piece of leaf in form of Iancet, edge flatten, sharp-pointed back part, and its blunt jetty. Leaf length of[is more or less 20-40 width and cm around 2-4 cm. Compound interest in form of seed, length flower handle is more or less 25 cm, green chromatic squeeze. Calyx in form of tube, pronged three. funnel shaped Corolla [of] length. 2 - 2,5 cm, purple chromatic. circular globular Box fruit until length, tan. Circular seed is black chromatic.

Fiber root, dirty white chromatic. Its , thick and rather wide ( is not cylindrical), rust colored to turn pale. interior of Rimpang/fruits fibrous rather harsh, lemon colored with pink back part. Rimpang smell typically, and hot to likely refresh. Pursuant to size measure and colour its recognized, at least 3.
ginger varitas, that is big ginger ( referred also elephant ginger or rhinoceros ginger), small ginger ( or ginger of bird), and red ginger ( or ginger of sunti).`One of third the varitas which used by many traditional drug materials is red ginger, especially if/when the needed is its oil of him. In everyday medication, which is a more regular used by small ginger to be compared to obtained to be easier cause of red ginger. assumed by Big ginger less for drug, on that account more used as ripe flavour. Oil content of atsiri lower big ginger relative than which there are in red ginger and small ginger.

Habitat and disseminating
Ginger disseminating grow open in place until in place rather shaded, [in] solid land;ground, run dry and or fertility, [in] garden and [in] lawn. Can grow [in] lowland until height more than 900 metre above sea level. [In] meeting [in] subtropical and tropical nations, for example [in] India, Malaya, Chinese, [in] nations of Mediteranian and African.

Part of used by plant is Rimpang.

Chemical content
Rimpang Ginger oleaginous of atsiri oil which consist of compounds of seskuiterpen, zingiberen, zingeron, oleoresin, kamfena, limonen, borneol, sineol, sitral, zingiberal, felandren. Beside that there are also extract, resin, organic sour like acid of malat acid and of oksalat, Vitamin of A, B, and C, and also compounds of flavonoid and of polifenol.

Traditional usage
Rimpang Ginger have many usefulness, for example for the drug of headache, catch a cold, to strengthen stomach ( as stomachikum), and add passion eat ( stimulansia). [Is] also used to cure rheumatism, cholera, diphtheria, neuropati, as antidote of snake, and as external drug to cure keseleo, bruise and bloated.

POWERFUL MEDICINE IN A CUP OF HERBAL TEA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:16:00 +0000

(NC)-Most North Americans don't realize it, but herbal, or medicinal tea is a very important part of health care around the world. In fact, the WHO (World Health Organization), states that over 80% of the world's population still relies on herbal medicine as its primary form of health care. In Germany, medicinal teas are available only with doctor's prescriptions, and in Chinese hospitals medicinal teas are given alongside drugs.

Although modern, chemically based preparations can be effective and faster acting than the gradual effects of natural remedies, many have harmful side effects. Medical practitioners are now realizing that the gentle healing action of herbal medicine, especially in the form of herbal teas, is far less stressful for the body. The gradual effect of these remedies, while not dramatic, is more effective in the long run and easier on the body.

There are teas: to relieve asthma, cold and flu; to enhance weight loss and improve digestion; teas for urinary tract health, women's hormonal concerns, immune system strength and for general detoxifying; teas to help you sleep, calm your nerves or improve your skin. Basically, there is a tea for just about every ailment.

As much as ancient traditions and careful blending are important with medicinal teas, it's the availability of active components within the herbs themselves that determines their effectiveness. The growing environment and the drying conditions for the herbs must be closely monitored to ensure truly effective herbal remedies. Flora prides itself on the quality herbs they select for the wide range of medicinal teas they offer.

Salus Coltsfoot Plant Juice

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:06:00 +0000

COLTSFOOT PLANT JUICE HELPS LUNGS

NC)—Since ancient times people have turned to Coltsfoot for a wide range of bronchial, (lung), conditions. A highly regarded plant medicine, Coltsfoot's high content of minerals, and other substances assist lungs through increased mucous production and expectoration. Expelling offending organisms from the tissues allows them to heal. Coltsfoot will relieve dry, unproductive coughs, smoker's cough, and bronchial asthma and it is reliably effective for colds. Native healers used to dry and smoke the leaves or make a tea. Today, through a special process, we can access this resilient herb through fresh plant juice.

In the 1920's, a Swiss pharmacist,Walther Schoenenberger, developed a juice pressing process to harvest medicinal plants and preserve them immediately while they are still at their freshest and most medicinally active state. Just as foods are higher in nutrients when fresh and whole, we find the same is true for many plant medicines. The process also preserves the wholeness of the plant and avoids isolating any single element. Mr. Schoenenberger believes that this is why these plant juices are such effective medicines, considered indispensable by many natural health care practitioners.