Banana and Orange Mask

Banana and Orange Mask

This Banana Orange Mask is great for Oily Skin. Bananas are loaded with soothing properties that help in reducing skin inflammation. Applying the pulp of banana on your face helps in making your skin supple and soft. It is known to be helpful in clearing acne as well. Applying banana on the face enhances the glow of your face. When combined with honey, bananas will give your skin a moisturizing effect as it keeps it hydrated and fresh, and prevents drying.

Honey has natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. It helps to protect your skin from the damage of the sun's rays, supports the skin's ability to rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin, leaving your skin feeling silky soft and supple. One of the most common natural skin care benefits with honey is related to the treatment of minor acne. Honey absorbs impurities from the pores on the skin, making it an ideal cleansing agent.

Honey also contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and therefore is a wonderful beauty aid that nourishes the skin and the hair. Honey also acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent, and helps disinfect and speed the healing process in wounds, scrapes and burns.

Who wouldnt want to try this mask out with all these benefits?

Ingredients: 1 ripe banana 1 tablespoon honey 1 orange

Preparation: 1. Mash the banana 2. Mix it with honey 3. Add a few drops of freshly squeezed orange 4. Make sure your face is washed make up is removed thoroughly before you apply the mask 5. Apply the mask evenly to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes 6. Rinse it off with warm water 7. Pat your face dry with a towel

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Benefits of Mushrooms

Benefits of Mushrooms

A mushroom is the fleshy body of a fungus, which is usually produced above ground. Vegetarians often substitute mushrooms for meat in traditional meat dishes because of their somewhat tough, meaty texture. However, not all mushroom varieties are edible, and the consumption of poisonous species often result in sickness or even death. Therefore, it is important that you research which mushroom species are edible before picking them yourself (the mushrooms sold in supermarkets and stores, of course, are not likely to be poisonous!). Some popular edible mushrooms include cremini, shitake, and portobello, and almost all of them are nutritious on some level. Let's take a look at the benefits of mushrooms now.

List of Benefits

High in fiber - If you are a vegetarian or vegan and need a good source of fiber, mushrooms are a great choice because, like most vegetables, they contain extremely large amounts of it. Consequently, mushrooms assist in the regulation of your digestive system and relief from constipation.
High potassium content - Mushrooms are a good source of potassium, which helps to reduce high blood pressure and prevent strokes. People who are allergic to multivitamins or potassium supplements will be especially glad to hear this news.
Prohibits cancer development - Eating mushrooms reduces the risk of cancer greatly due to their high phytochemical content. In fact, shitake mushrooms in particular are proven to block tumor growth in the body.
High levels of vitamin B12 - Mushrooms are high in vitamin B12, so if you are deficient in this important vitamin, consider adding more mushrooms in your diet.
Assists in weight loss - According to a medical study from Johns Hopkins University, adults who substituted mushrooms for meat in their meals consumed 400 fewer calories every day. This data shows that mushrooms have a positive effect on diet improvement, and that you can lose weight by making small dietary changes.
Very low in cholesterol - Another benefit of eating mushrooms is that they contain very little cholesterol, making them good for the heart. Adding mushrooms to a salad that contains other heart-friendly foods such as celery, carrots, corn, okra, and squash will make your heart squeal with joy!
Improving Flavor

One common complaint about mushrooms is that they lack flavor. Here are some ways to add spice to your mushrooms: If you are preparing a pot roast, sauté your mushrooms in red wine. Some of the juices from the pot roast will mix with the red wine, and the mushrooms will taste better. Another idea is to make a mushroom pasta sauce by chopping mushrooms and putting them a saucepan with cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and a little vegetable broth.

Conclusion

Evidently, mushrooms have plenty of health benefits, so you should not let their alleged lack of flavor deter you from including them in your salads and cooked meals. After all, mushrooms assist in weight loss, cholesterol reduction, cancer prevention, and the provision of vitamin B12. In fact, mushrooms are now considered a superfood by many health experts, so there is no longer any reason why a health-conscious individual shouldn't try and experiment more with them.

Home Remedies With Henna And Benefits Of Henna Or Mehndi

Home Remedies With Henna And Benefits Of Henna Or Mehndi

About Henna or Mehndi
Latin Name : Lawsonia inermis.

In India, Henna is called Mehndi. It is also called Hina.

Henna is a small flowering shrub or tree that is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southern Asia, Africa and Northern Australasia.


Henna powder as well as the paste that is made by grinding dried leaves or fresh leaves of the henna plant is also called henna or mehndi.

Use of henna has been recorded since the Bronze Age and it has also been used in ancient India, Rome, Spain, Syria and Egypt. Henna has a long history of use that extends to almost 6000 years.

Henna has a cooling effect on the body and also dyes the hair and skin from a pale orange to a reddish brown color. When henna leaves are crushed a red orange pigment known as lawsone is released which dyes the hair and skin. Lawsone has an affinity for bonding with protein.


Adding essential oils like tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil or lavender oil will help henna stain better.

Henna has traditionally been used in festivals and celebrations in many parts of the world and in India since olden times, to tattoo the hands, feet, arms and legs especially during marriages and festivals.

Muslims have used henna to dye their hair and beard as a tradition since the times of Prophet Muhammed who enjoined Muslim womenfolk to dye their nails with henna.

Henna is safe to use in pregnant and nursing women, during chemotherapy and radiation. However ensure that you use pure henna.

Inspite of the many benefits of henna FDA has approved its use only on the hair and not on the skin, as according to FDA, other ingredients are added to pure henna to make it produce a product that gives a darker and longer lasting color. This product called black henna is not actually henna and is harmful to health due to the chemical PPD that is toxic and a potential carcinogen.

Henna has been used in hair dyes, cosmetic products, hair products and for making temporary tattoos.

It is used to preserve cloth and leather. Since ancient times henna has been used to dye wool, silk as well as leather.

Henna also repels some insects and mildew. Place henna flowers between folds of woolen cloth to keep moths away.

Henna flowers are used to make perfume.


It is a wonderful conditioner for hair, makes it thick, shiny and more manageable. It restores the natural acid-alkaline balance of the scalp. Being a natural cleanser it does not alter the chemical structure of the hair.

Health Benefits Of Henna

Henna has laxative, expectorant, diuretic, tonic, anthelmintic, anti toxic, anti bacterial, antiviral and anti fungal properties.

It promotes hair growth, relieves bronchitis, asthma, Traditionally henna has been used to treat burns blisters and other skin conditions, headache and migraine, jaundice, amoebic dysentery, stomach and intestinal ulcers, enlarged spleen and even cancer. Henna acts as a good sunscreen,

It is also applied to treat dandruff, fungal infections, eczema and wounds etc.

Some Natural Remedies With Henna or Mehndi

Mouth Ulcers
Soak 50 grams henna powder in 500 ml water. Strain and swish this water around in the mouth for relief.

Alternately, some leaves of henna can also be chewed.

Boils
Boil some henna powder in water and wash the boils with this water.

Burning of the soles of the feet
Apply henna on the soles.

Gum Disease
Boil henna leaves in water. Strain and swish this water around in the mouth.

Cracks, Cuts, Wounds, Injuries
Apply henna paste on the affected area.

Dyeing Hair
Take 50 grams henna powder, 1/2 tsp coffee powder and 25 grams amla powder. Mix these in milk and apply on the head. This will give a golden color to the hair.


Prickly Heat
Apply henna paste on area of the back, neck etc affected by prickly heat. It relieves burning and itching immediately.

Cooling The Body/ Relieving Body Heat
Apply henna paste on the palms and soles. It benefits those with high blood pressure. Henna relieves body heat, induces a feeling of coolness, keeps the mind and head cool and calm.

Fatigue
Sportsmen can benefit by an application of henna paste on the soles of the feet to get relief from fatigue and keep the body cool as well.

About Black Henna or Kali Mehndi


The black henna that is available in the market is not natural henna. It is obtained from the indigo plant and also contains the chemical para phenylenediamine or PPD. Sometimes these are added to henna to produce black henna.

Black henna is extremely dangerous to health since it is a transdermal toxin and a potential carcinogen apart from the fact that it causes allergy in many of those who use black henna.

Getting a black henna tattoo makes the hair sensitive to hair dyes and other chemicals and if a person has had a black henna tattoo and follows it up later with a chemical hair dye, it could even cause a life threatening allergic reaction.

Some Precautions With Henna Use

Henna is safe normally when used externally on hair and skin. Allergic reactions like inflammation of skin and respiratory problems are rare if pure henna is used.
It is considered unsafe for oral consumption.
Henna reacts with Lithium and slows down its excretion. If you are talikg lithium supplementation please note.
Do not use henna in children under 12 years and those with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency as it can cause bursting of the red blood cells even when applied on the skin.
Pregnant women should not take it orally as it might lead to miscarriage. Nursing mothers should also avoid it.

The Benefits Of Eating Onions

The Benefits Of Eating Onions


Origin And General Information
Onions are native to Asia and The Middle East. Onion is the most cultivated species of the genus Allium and the cultivation goes back to over 5000 years.
Ancient Eygyptians not only used them as currency but worshipped them as they believed that onions gave eternal life. They placed onions in the tombs of Kings who died believing the dead would take them along to their after life..

There is a lot of folklore with respect to the placing of onions with the dead right from believing that the dead could come back to life to the onion being handy in the after life due to its many antiseptic qualities.
Onions find mention in ancient texts of the Romans, Greeks, Indians, Egyptians, Chinese, Sumerians and has mention even in The Bible ( Numbers 11:5 ).

Uses Of Onions
Onions are primarily used as a food source, in cooking as the start off ingredient in Indian and other Asian cooking, in making onion soups and chutneys, raw in salads and as pickles in vinegar.
They are used in microscopic demonstrations in the laboratory in colleges as the onion cells are quite large even under low magnification and hence easier for study of the cell.
Onion skins have been used in dyeing.
Onions are used as odour remover, insect repeller, metal polisher to remove rust from metals, eliminator of new paint smell, as a smelling salt, for training one's pets etc.
In Ayurveda and herbal therapy, onions are being used for treatment of many ailments.
Varieties Of Onions
Onions are commonly available in the following varieties:
Yellow Onions


These are the sweetest in taste with golden coloured outer skins and pale yellow coloured inner flesh. They are the best for cooking. They are used in onion soups.

Red Onions




They are the most pungent of all the varieties having a red outer skin and red white inner flesh. They cannot be stored for a long time. They are used in salads and sandwiches in traditional cooking.


White Onions


They have white outer skins with the inner flesh too, being white. They are the mildest in flavour. They can be eaten raw or cooked. They are more used in Mexican cooking.
Green Onions/ Spring Onions


The green onions normally available are basically immature onions. They are also eaten raw.


Nutritional Components Of Onions


Onions are rich in the strong sulphur containing compounds which are the primary cause of their strong smell and healing properties. They contain high levels of flavonoids particularly Quercetin which is also an anti oxidant. Onions are a good source of vitamins B6, C, biotin, K, folic acid, chromium, calcium and fiber.

Health Benefits Of Onions
Onions are more beneficical when eaten raw. Also when not cut nor dipped in water they maintain higher nutrient levels. However, cooked onions still retain sufficient nutrients to be beneficial to health.

Some of the many benefits of onions are listed below:
Remove worms, act as an antibiotic and have antiseptic properties.
Alleviate pains, inflammations and spasms.
Are diuretic, digestive, fungicidal, a tonic and a stimulant.
Lower cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease & stroke.

Protect against tumour growths and a wide range of cancers.
Prevents gastric ulcers, stimulates the peristaltic movement of the intestines, removes flatulence & indigestion.
Relieves respiratory problems like cough, cold, flu, bronchitis and remove phlegm.
Are antiallergenic, lower blood sugar levels, maintain strong bones,prevent anaemia and tooth decay and oral infections.
Make the blood thin and retard blood clotting.

Uses Of Onions In Specific Health Conditions

In Insomnia

Drink juice of red onions whether they are raw, boiled or steamed. Take 4 tsp at night.

For Eyes

Regular use improves vision.

In Dog Bites

Crush onions finely. Add honey & apply on the bite. It removes the poison.

Also drink onion juice.


In Warts

Applying onion juice on warts destroys them.


To Increase Mother's Milk

Eat raw onion with meals.

In Fits

3 ounces of onion juice mixed with a little water taken eal\rly morning regularly relieves fits. Take this for atleast 40 days.


Making a person who is in a fit smell onion juice brings him back to conciousness.

In Heat Stroke/ Sunstroke

Apply onion juice to temples and chest and massage. Also drink onion juice. Eat raw onions daily with meals and keeping one in the pocket prevents sunstroke.

In Ear Problems

Putting 5-6 drops of warm onion juice in the ear gives relief from pain, pus and whistling sounds.

In Baldness


Apply onion juice and massage on the bald areas regularly. It is reported to grow new hair and stop hair loss.

In Digestion Problems


Onion consumption increases appetite and helps in digesting food. It also improves the functioning of liver and spleen, removes accumulated wind and relieves pain and bloating of stomach.

Heat an onion bulb in fire and take out its juice. Add some salt and drink for relief.

In Hiccups

Cut raw onion. Wash it with water. Add salt and eat. It relieves hiccups. Continue for few days.

In Constipation
Eat 1 raw onion everyday with food.
In Worms

1 tsp onion juice taken every 2 hours kills worms and relieves indigestion.

In Acidity

Mix 60 gms white onion cut in small pieces in 30 gms curd. Eat this 3 times daily for a week for relief.

In Dyspepsia

Cut red onion. Squeeze some lime juice on this and eat with meals for relief.

In children give 5 drops of onion juice to drink.

In Dysentery


In mucus & bloody stools, add 1 onion cut finely cut, to fresh curd made of cow's milk. Wash onion pieces in water before adding to curd.

In Diarrhoea

Grind onion and apply on the navel for control of loose motions.


In Nausea

Eat onion with a little salt.

In Jaundice

A. Cut onions in half and put in vinegar or lemon juice in a jar. Add some salt & black pepper to this. Eat 1 onion daily in morning & evening to get relief.

B. Take 1/2 cup juice of white onion. Add little jaggery & ground turmeric. Mix and drink in morning and evening.
In Bloody Piles
Add 50 gms sugar in 100 gms onion juice and drink.

In Urinary Problems
Put 50 gms onion pieces in 1 litre of water. Boil and strain this water. Add honey. Drink 3 times daily. it brings on urine without pain. It also relieves the problem of frequent urination and helps in bringing on urine in cases of retention of urine.

In cases of burning sensation during urination make the following:

Add 50 gms of finely cut onion to 1/2 litre water and boil till half the water remains. Drink this for relief.

For black hair

Grind onions and apply in hair. It turns hair black.

In Renal Stones


A. Add sugar to onion juice and make a syrup.drinking this breaks the stones and removes them.

B. Take 50 gms onion juice in the morning on empty stomach daily.It breaks the stones and removes them.


In Asthma

Crush onions and inhale the vapours for relief in cough, throat and respiratory diseases and lung affections..

Add honey to onion juice and lick this for relief in asthmatic cough.

In Gout

Massage a mixture of onion juice & mustard oil for relief.
In Abscess

In boils which are ripe and painful do the following:

Grind onions. Add turmeric, wheat flour, water, pure ghee and cook on fire for sometime. Make a poultice and tie it when warm on the boils. It opens up the boil and relieves.


In Headaches & Headaches Due To Sunstroke

Grind onions and apply on the soles of the feet.

In Cholera

A. Add mint juice to onion juice and take 1 tsp every 10 minutes.

B. A mixture of 1 part lemon juice, 1/2 part mint juice and 1/2 part onion juice when taken relieves.


C. Taking warm onion juice also helps.

Protection From Cholera

Take 25 ml onion juice, 1 cup water, juice of 1 lemon, little salt and black pepper powder and little ginger juice. Drink this 4 times a day.

To Protect Teeth

Eat raw onions. It kills harmful bacteria and stops bad breath.

To Protect Against Heart Failure

Researchers at The Royal Victoria Infirmary Institute, UK, have found that if one consumes a plateful of boiled or fried onion pieces in breakfast everyday, it helps in preventing heart attack. The onions prevent formation of blood clots in the coronary arteries.

For Increased Heartbeat & Heart Diseases

Eat 1 raw onion daily with food. Onion helps in regulating blood circulation.

In Intoxication

Onion juice consumption helps in reducing the effects of intoxicating drinks.

In Corns

Apply onion juice 3 times daily to soften corns. cut corns when soft.

As Strength Giver

Take 1 tsp onion juice mixed with 2 tsp honey daily.

For Snake Bite

Mix onion juice 15 ml with 15 ml mustard oil. make the person who is bitten drink this. This is one dose. Take 2 more doses like this , each after a gap of 30 minutes from the earlier dose. This removes the poison.

In Dropsy

Eating raw onion frequently during the day increases urine output & benefits.


In Cold & Cough

Eating raw onion relieves sneezing & running nose.

3 to 4 tsp of onion juice taken with honey in equal measure controls cold, cough & flu symptoms.

Also, Homeopathic medicine Allium cepa 30, 8 pills taken every 3 hours, 5 times a day, for about 2 days relieves frequent sneezing, watery running nose and shoe bite too.

In skin Diseases


Eating raw or cooked onions is beneficial in sick looking & pale skin. It improves the colour of the skin.

Tying a poultice made of warm roasted and crushed to pulp onions on boils which though ripe do not break open, will break open the boils and remove the pus. this will give relief and heal the skin and protect the wound against infections.

Washing of pus infected wounds with a solution made up of 1 part of onion juice & 4 parts of water and tying a bandage dipped in this solution on the wound, heals it.

In Nosebleed

Put onion juice in the affected nostril. It also prevents and relieves nose & throat infection.

In Tuberculosis

Onion juice inactivates the TB bacteria in the body. Eating raw onions has the same effect. Eating onions with salt is more beneficial.

In Anaemia

Onion juice or raw onions increases haemoglobin due to the high content of Iron in it. Eating onions improves strength.

In Bites By Poisonous Insects

Tying a poultice made of ground onions and eating raw onions with salt helps in cases of bites due to honey bees, poisonous insects, scorpions etc.

In Vomiting

Mix equal parts of onion juice and ginger juice. Take 2 tsp of this to stop vomiting.

In Toothaches & Gum Aches

Keep a piece of onion at the affected tooth for relief.

In Blood Disorders

Add 10 gms of candy sugar & 1 gm roasted white cumin seeds in 50 gms onion juice and drink.

Ginseng: Healthy or Harmful for Women?

Ginseng: Healthy or Harmful for Women?

by healingsword

Should women use ginseng? Is ginseng, especially Chinese and Korean ginsengs that are called “yang” tonics, harmful to women, since female energy is “yin”? Should women limit themselves to herbs traditionally given to women, such as red raspberry and dong quai (angelica in the West)? What, if any, value can ginseng have for women? Is there potential harm to women in taking this herb?

One Woman's Experience Taking Ginseng

Although not a scientist or medical doctor, perhaps I can add some clarity to this issue based on my experience. I am a woman who has taken ginseng regularly for over thirty years. Occasionally, I have gone a few months or even years without taking it during that time. I first started using ginseng at around age twenty. I roomed in an establishment with various friends at the time, and one young male friend suggested I chew sliced ginseng root that he gave me as a gift. I tried it, finding the taste unique but not abhorrent. I noticed it gave me energy, but not like the boost from caffeine; ginseng-based energy seemed more organic, like that from a good meal or good night’s sleep.

I next used ginseng a few years later when serving as a missionary, working fourteen-hour days, often outside fundraising and witnessing in bitter cold Midwestern and Northern winters. I attribute my relative good health and stamina during those years at least partially to drinking Korean ginseng tea made from paste extract on a regular basis. I was able to do that work, rarely getting sick (and bouncing back quickly whenever I did get a cold) for all those years not only based on faith, but because I could endure the physical conditions. I believe regular ginseng use helped me do that.

Stepping back from active church work in 1987, I worked full-time in retail to support myself, then returned to college and earned multiple degrees, including a minor in Dance at age forty-seven. Eleven years later, I am currently completing my 200-hour yoga teacher certification, while still working multiple jobs. I believe that the stamina and good health with which that lifestyle has been possible is due at least partly to regular consumption of ginseng, usually Korean ginseng. Whenever I have stopped taking it, I notice a decrease in vitality, less appetite, and weakened digestion. Taking ginseng once more, those symptoms ceased. Additionally, menopause for me was relatively easy, with no hot flashes or extreme mood swings.

Choke Cherry Season

Choke Cherry Season

Choke Cherry Season has arrived!





ripe colorado choke cherries
I've written about these before, but here's another look. These were staple food crops of indians traveling through and living in th' rocky mountain region, and it's no wonder, they are absolutely fabulous. Of course my family seems to be the only ones we know who think so, but the Kiowa knew, the Cheyenne knew, the Lakota knew. They also made tea from th' twigs and inner bark, and drank it for pleasure and sore throats.






We are grateful to be living at th' base of the foothills, so now we have ripe chokecherries. We can drive up the canyons into th' mountains and find cherries just turning purple, which will be ripe in a few weeks, and cherries just turning red, which will be ripe in a month or so. So that makes our harvest season from mid july-september, and we take full advantage of it, mostly making fruit leather, which we eat almost faster than we can make it. It's delicious. Gives you energy too. Makes you feel like a kid. What grown-ups do you know that get giddy over fruit leather? We do.



Choke cherries turn black long before they ripen, you'll know they're ripe when they strip easily from th' tree, with just th' brush of your hand pulling them down. If it takes force, leave 'em be a while. I just pull my hand gently down th' clusters and all th' ripe ones fall in. Then i'll come back later and try again, or just leave 'em for th' bears and coons. And with our massive fire, there's gonna be some hungry bears this summer and fall.



i picked these in under twenty minutes.
Here they are strained and spread out to dry. I first mash them through a fruit strainer, then take all that's left and put it in a skillet, add a little water and simmer for about ten minutes. This i'll run through th' strainer again and then spread it all out about a quarter of an inch thick and let it dry in th' sun.


choke cherry fruit leather dryin in th' sun
Once it's dry to th' touch i slice it up, let it dry a bit longer, then flip it over. Usually at this point we can no longer resist the urge to eat and by th' time it's dry half of it's gone. But it only needs to be dry to keep it, and we want to eat it. Never the less, some of it does get dry, and we eat fruit leather proper. To read more about it click here

Herbal Remedies For Premature Ejaculation

Herbal Remedies For Premature Ejaculation

 by sumitaThomas

For the many men who suffer from premature ejaculation, herbal remedies are a ray of light. Medically, this condition is also known as rapid ejaculation and is caused by anxiety and low levels of a brain chemical known as serotonin. Although many drugs and creams are presently prescribed for treatment, the use of herbs is a safer and more effective method. This blog looks at some of the widely used herbs for the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Natural Treatment Options For Premature Ejaculation

1. Passion Flower

The extracts of this herb have calming and soothing properties that help to reduce stress levels and anxiety. This is most commonly consumed in the form of herbal tea and for which the dry flowers are used. Tablets and liquid extracts are also available and should be used only after getting a go ahead from the doctor.

2. Magnolia Bark

As there is clinical evidence that low levels of serotonin can cause premature ejaculation, many herbs that increase its levels can be taken. Magnolia bark has been used in ancient Chinese medicine to increase the levels of this useful chemical. It has two naturally occurring compounds called honokiol and magnolol, that are responsible for this effect. This is most useful when taken on a daily basis, till signs of improvement are seen.

3. Gingko Biloba

This medicinal herb which has its origins in China, helps by increasing the circulation of oxygen and blood to the penis. Also, it helps to combat depression and elevate mood. However, in individuals who are already using blood thinning drugs, ginkgo's use must be prohibited as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Hence this drug should be used only after getting a doctor's approval.

4. Yohimbe Bark

This is commonly used in Africa for the treatment of anxiety disorders and to lower the levels of stress. It also reduces the levels of a brain chemical called norepinephrine that can restrict the blood flow to the penis The extracts are available as tablets and capsules that have been derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree. They work by inducing calmness and helping the person to relax. The side effects on overuse are increased blood pressure and irregularity in the heartbeat.

5. Ginseng

This herb is the most popular remedy for erectile dysfunction and is relatively safe when used under medical supervision. It has been proven by many scientific studies to help men who suffer due to this condition. A constituent called ginsenoside present in ginseng helps to improve blood flow to the penis and enhance sexual function. 

6. Maca

This is the root of a vegetable plant that grows abundantly in Peru. Its use has been associated with an improvement in sexual desire and lower levels of depression. Additionally, it also increases the sperm count and protect sperms from damage that occurs due to stress and anxiety.

Herbal remedies can be used as the first line of treatment for premature ejaculation as  their efficacy is proven by many scientific studies, and they are safe when used in the recommended doses. For the millions of men who are suffering from premature ejaculation, herbs should be tried before beginning drug treatment for better results and management of the disorder.

Slippery Elm: Herbal

Slippery Elm: Herbal Remedies

Aptly named, this tree is truly slippery -- but it is also elusive in another way. Once used widely by American settlers, many wild slippery elm trees have succumbed to Dutch elm disease, making the trees less plentiful than they once were.

Fortunately, slippery elms have not been lost forever: You can buy slippery elm products in health food stores. It has many uses, including as a popular herb used in herbal remedies to treat inflammations.
Uses for Slippery Elm

The species name fulva means "tawny" or "pale yellow" and refers to the light color of the pleasant-smelling powdered bark. Added to water, the powdered bark becomes a soothing mucilage. The mucilage moistens and soothes, while the herb's tannins are astringent, making slippery elm ideal to soothe inflammations, reduce swelling, and heal damaged tissues.

Mucilage is the most abundant constituent of slippery elm bark, but the tree also contains starch, sugar, calcium, iodine, bromine, amino acids, and traces of manganese and zinc. Many people eat slippery elm to soothe and nourish the body.

Slippery elm helps heal internal mucosal tissues, such as the stomach, vagina, and esophagus. It is often recommended as a restorative herb for people who suffer from prolonged flu, stomach upset, chronic indigestion, and resulting malnutrition. You can use slippery elm to soothe ulcers and stomach inflammation, irritated intestines, vaginal inflammation, sore throat, coughs, and a hoarse voice.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Use of these remedies in connection with over the counter or prescription medications can cause severe adverse reactions. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.


lippery Elm Preparations and Dosage

Slippery Elm can be used in herbal remedies to reduce swelling and heal damaged tissues. Its bark is often made into tea, and its mildness makes it easy to ingest. Below are some ideas on how to prepare and take slippery elm.
Preparations and Dosage

Because slippery elm does not tincture well, its bark is powdered or cut into thin strips for tea. Like all demulcents, the bark is best prepared with a long soak in cold water. The powder is used as a healing food: Stir 2 to 3 tablespoons into juice, pureed fruit, oatmeal, or other foods. You can also mix slippery elm powder with hot water, bananas, and applesauce to prepare an oatmeallike gruel that can soothe an inflamed stomach or ulcer.

The powder can also be used in rectal and vaginal suppositories to soothe inflammation of these tissues. For treating a simple sore throat or cough, try slippery elm lozenges, which you can make yourself or buy in health food stores and some pharmacies.
Precautions and Warnings

None. Slippery elm is considered safe, even for babies, the elderly, and pregnant women.
of Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is usually well tolerated. Whether taking it in tea, as a lozenge or in another form, slippery elm's mild nature makes it a useful herb to treat inflammation and its resulting discomfort.

Jennifer Brett, N.D. is director of the Acupuncture Institute for the University of Bridgeport, where she also serves on the faculty for the College of Naturopathic Medicine. A recognized leader in her field with an extensive background in treating a wide variety of disorders utilizing nutritional and botanical remedies, Dr. Brett has appeared on WABC TV (NYC) and on Good Morning America to discuss utilizing herbs for health.This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Use of these remedies in connection with over the counter or prescription medications can cause severe adverse reactions. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.