Herbal teas are surging in popularity due to their delectable flavors and proven health benefits. Herbal teas contain seeds, barks, nuts, grasses, flowers, ripe fruit and dried leaves that contribute to their research-proven health benefits. Read on to know more about herbal tea benefits.

Health Benefits of Herbal Teas

• Make your mind relaxed and calm
• Improve heart health
• Relieve digestive and stomach problems
• Cleanse the body by flushing out toxins
• Promote wellness and energy

More Herbal Tea Benefits

• Allspice tea soothes cold and relieves upset stomach.
• Chamomile tea hosts anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve and prevent many maladies. It is ideal for insomniacs as because it contains the amino acid tryptophan, which provides a tranquilizing effect, promoting relaxation and sound sleep.
• Chrysanthemum tea is sweet and reduces body heat caused by fever. It also prevents liver damage and neutralizes body toxins.
• Cinnamon tea promotes calmness and supports healthy digestion and circulation.
• Fennel tea improves digestion because it has anti-spasmodic properties. Thus, it relaxes the stomach muscles and treats flatulence, colic and constipation. It is also a diuretic and detoxifies by causing periodic urination. This cleans the kidneys of impurities and makes the skin clear and radiant.
• Ginger tea has been used for centuries to treat many health problems like migraines, indigestion, cold and nausea. It also has a warming effect which relieves rheumatic pain by stimulating circulation.
• Ginseng tea promotes vitality and maintains body health.
• Hawthorne tea increases blood flow and strengthens the heart.
• Hibiscus tea soothes menstrual cramps and lowers high blood pressure.
• Lemongrass tea has calming properties.
• Peppermint tea relieves stress and treats digestive issues. It is also used to freshen the breath. This tea has been traditionally used to treat vomiting and nausea.
• Parsley tea is a diuretic and also improves kidney function.
• Raspberry Leaf tea treats diarrhea, canker sores, sore throat and cold. This tea also maintains the health of skin, teeth, bones and nails.
• Sarsaparilla tea gives healthy skin and boosts energy.
• Slippery Elm tea relieves gastrointestinal problems like stomach cramps.
• Research proves that St John’s Wort tea can treat mental ailments like depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by stimulating brain chemicals.
• Elderflower tea cures colds by clearing the nasal passages.
• Lemon Verbena tea is a great digestive aid.
• Nettle tea is rich in silica, calcium and iron. These minerals help this tea to boost energy and build healthy teeth, hair and bones.
• Green tea has anti-aging effects and its antioxidants protect body cells from pollutants.
• Thyme tea effectively treats colds. It contains volatile oils that prevent infection and viral attacks.

Summary
We hope the numerous herbal tea benefits revealed in this article will enthuse you to consume them regularly. However, get the green signal from your doctor by your start drinking herbal teas on a regular basis.

Nutritional Values of Garlic:
Following are the nutritional values of garlic that are present in 100 grams:

• Vitamin C – 13 mg
• Riboflavin – 0.23 mg
• Thiamine – 0.06 mg
• Protein – 6.3 g
• Carbohydrates – 20.8 g
• Zinc – 1.93 mg
• Calcium – 30 mg
• Phosphorus – 310 mg
• Manganese – 0.86 mg
• Iron – 1.2 mg
• Copper – 0.63 mg

Health Benefits of Garlic:
The properties and nutrients of garlic affect the following health conditions if taken regularly:

Cough and cold:
It is said that consuming a garlic clove is a best remedy to treat cold caused by allergies, cough and cold. This is so because garlic is a good source of vitamin C and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also reduces upper respiratory tract infections.

Antioxidant:
Garlic fights and protects from the development of free radicals. This property is exhibited by aged garlic that has extremely powerful antioxidant effects.

Anti-cancer:
Researches have proved that garlic helps in dealing with cancer. The compounds in garlic help white blood cells in defending body against cancerous cells and slow down the growth and development of cancerous cells.

Infections:
The anti-parasitic, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties and allicin of garlic make it useful in treating several infections. This is an important medicinal use of garlic.

Strengthens immune system:
Consuming garlic regularly enhances immunity. Also, it increases white blood cells production and boosts functionality of immune system.

Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol:
Regular consumption of garlic aids in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Treats impotence:
Garlic’s aphrodisiac properties help in treating impotence. It has been used since ancient times for treating impotence. An enzyme, nitric oxide synthase aids in obtaining erection.

Diabetes management:
Regular intake of garlic increases insulin secretion in the body for regulating blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.

Enhances brain functioning:
Garlic improves brain functionality and prevents degeneration of frontal lobes of brain.

Toothaches:
Application of crushed garlic on affected gum and tooth gives instant relief due to its analgesic and antibacterial properties.

These are a few garlic health benefits. You can use garlic and enjoy its health benefits. Also, it has some side effects so be careful. Do not consume too much.

Ashwagandha flourishes in North America and India. The roots of this plant are used by many herbalists. It has several beneficial elements such as flavonoids. Several studies have proved that ashwagandha is very effective in decreasing stress, invigorating body, increasing mental ability, as an antioxidant and in reducing inflammation. Read through the below lines to know more about health benefits of ashwagandha.

Ashwagandha Health Benefits:
Following are the health benefits of Ashwagandha:

Sexual Debility:
Ashwagandha is an excellent herb to increase libido power in both men and women. It improves sexual balance. For increasing sexual vigor and sperm quality and count, men must take 1 tablespoon of Ashwagandha root powder in a glass of milk. Often, it is used in herbal supplements which increase sexual function and desire.

Stress:
This herb has anti-stress adaptogenic properties that calm down the nerves and improve body’s ability for managing emotional and physical stress. This anti-stress adaptogenic property of ashwagandha takes care of nervous system. Thus, it fights against stress symptoms. Also, it increases mental clarity and counteracts negativity feelings. For relieving stress, mix a tablespoon of its root powder in a glass of milk and drink it.

Diabetic neuropathy:
This herb comprises of anti inflammatory and adaptogenic properties that are useful in diabetic neuropathy. It helps for improving weight loss, fatigue and weakness associated with diabetic neuropathy. Also, it neutralizes high blood pressure and enhances insulin sensitivity.

Arthritis:
Ashwagandha is an excellent herbal remedy for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It manages arthritis inflammation. It reduces pain to a great extent. For getting relief from arthritis, one can mix a tablespoon of ashwagandha root powder in a glass of milk and drink it on an empty stomach. This also strengthens bones.

Skin care:
Ashwagandha also treats skin problems. One can apply the paste of ashwagandha leaves and roots externally for treating swellings, carbuncles and ulcers. For treating wounds and bedsores, Ashwagandha leaves are warmed in ghee or fat and applied on afflicted parts. For curing dark spots, one must apply Ashwagandha leaves paste on afflicted area.

Insomnia:
Good news for those suffering from insomnia. Ashwagandha is an excellent herb for treating insomnia. You must use it with oyster shell and valerian root.

Sterility in women and milk secretion:
Ashwagandha must be taken with ipomoea paniculata, licorice and asparagus racemosus for increasing milk secretion. Also, it treats sterility in women and helps to conceive a child. For this condition, women must mix 6 grams of root powder in a glass of milk and must drink it for a week after menstruation.

Other benefits:

• Boosts memory, alertness and immune system
• Treats digestive disorders and conjunctivitis
• Helps to treat common cold
• Useful to treat syphilis and tuberculosis

These are a few health benefits of Ashwagandha. If you notice any reactions, consult the health care provider immediately.

Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy and herbal treatments because of its efficacy. This oil can boost your physical and mental health. Read on to learn about the numerous lavender oil benefits.

Treats Aching Muscles
After a long hard workout or running session, your body would be sore and tired. To soothe your pains and aches, add some lavender oil and Epsom salts to a warm bath and soak in the tub to relieve muscular tension.

Cures Acne
Aromatherapists aver that lavender oil can effectively get rid of acne. This oil inhibits bacteria which cause skin infection, prevents sebum over-secretion and reduces scarring. You can add lavender oil to skin cream and use as a cleanser or moisturizer.

Fights Bacteria and Viruses
Research reveals that lavender oil can effectively eliminate bacteria which cause diphtheria, tuberculosis and typhoid. This oil is mixed with lemon balm to enhance its anti-viral powers.

Treats Minor Burns
Another lavender oil benefit is that it heals minor burns without scarring. If you suffer a minor burn, cool the skin with cold water for a few minutes and then apply lavender oil. You will experience immediate pain relief and cooling sensation.

Treats Wounds and Cuts
If you suffer a wound or cut, apply lavender oil neat on it to soothe pain, prevent infection and aid healing without any scars.

Soothes Ear Pain
For ear pain, warm up lavender oil by placing the bottle in some hot water for about two minutes. Then, massage the warm oil around the throat and ears. For infants and children, you can mix warm lavender oil with some olive oil and then use this mixture for massaging in the same areas.

Relieves Fatigue
A long hard day at the office can leave you tired and fatigued. When you reach home, add a few lavender oil drops to hot water in the bath tub and soak your feet in it. Lavender will reach your bloodstream through the porous soles, and soothe and stimulate your body systems.

Cures Headache
To treat headache, sprinkle some lavender in oil in cold water, soak a clean cloth in it and apply this compress on the forehead. You can also massage your temples and forehead with lavender oil for relief.

Treats Insomnia
Sleep deprived insomniacs will love this lavender oil benefit. Just add drop a few lavender oil drops on your pillow at bedtime. Research reveals that this tactic promotes sound sleep in elderly patients and helps them become more alert during daytime.

Soothes Anxiety and Stress
Today’s hectic life breeds plenty of stress and anxiety, which affect us both physically and mentally. If you are feeling stressed, just massage some lavender oil on your temples to get soothing relief.

More Lavender Oil Benefits

• Treats eczema and itchy, dry skin
• Cures fever
• Gets rid of palpitations, faintness and giddy spells
• Helps overcome the effects of long-haul travel
• Treats menstrual cramps
• Repels insects like mosquitoes and moths
• Treats scabies skin infection
• Cures shingles in a week
• Effectively treats sinusitis when added to steaming water and inhaled
• Soothes sunburn

Summary
Now that you know all about the various lavender oil benefits, use this precious essential oil to boost your health. To know more about lavender oil and how to use it effectively, contact an aromatherapist or herbal remedy specialist.

Cinnamon Health Benefits:
Cinnamon tree bark has been used for several medicinal and non medicinal purposes. It is said that it has strong antibacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. One must be aware of cinnamon oil benefits, but most people use cinnamon bark directly. This is so as cinnamon oil triggers some allergic reactions, while cinnamon bark is safe to use. Read through the below lines to know more about the health benefits of cinnamon.

Cold and cough:
It has been used as a home remedy for cold cough since ages. In order to treat cold or cough, one must have cinnamon tea two times a day. One can add honey to ground cinnamon for treating conditions such as flu, sinus, cold and chronic cough.

Diabetes:
Cinnamon has polyphenols. These are natural antioxidants which help in controlling blood sugar levels. Some compounds in this spice can stimulate insulin receptors. Thereby, they help body to use glucose thoroughly. Some studies have proven that cinnamon is useful for diabetics, particularly type 2 diabetes. It enhances insulin resistance which aids in weight control.

Lowers cholesterol levels:
Studies have proven to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides in blood. Thus, it helps to prevent several heart conditions. You can add a pinch of it to tea and coffee or include it in food for enjoying its benefits.

Arthritis:
The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon help in reducing the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Combine honey and cinnamon to make a paste and massage it on affected parts to get relief from discomfort and pain.

Immune system:
Cinnamon strengthens the immune system and protects us from several viral and bacterial infections. It also helps in curing several fungal infections as it has antifungal properties.

Skin:
The antifungal and antibacterial properties of cinnamon aid in keeping the skin free from infections. Also, it has anti-aging properties that protect the skin from the adverse effects of free radicals. Thus, it makes your skin look younger and healthier. Having cinnamon tea in the morning keeps your skin fresh and soft all the time.

Toothaches:
Cinnamon is a natural pain reliever for toothaches. Make a paste with four parts of honey and one part of cinnamon and apply it on aching tooth. This helps in relieving the pain to a great extent.

Hair:
Most people suffer from hair loss. Cinnamon aids in controlling hair loss and thereby prevents balding.

These are a few health benefits of cinnamon. I hope this information may be useful for you!

herbal remedies for common cough

which can help you cure common cough without spending money on prescription drugs and their harmful side effects. Common cough is usually caused due to either the blockage of bronchial tubes by waste substance or inflammation of the pharynx and larynx. Following are some herbal remedies for common cough which you can use safely with little or no side effects.

Home medicine for common cough

• Turmeric

  : The turmeric plant is considered a silver bullet for common cough. You can mix half teaspoonful of turmeric powder with a cup of hot milk and drink this twice a day. This should give you relief from common cough quickly.

• Onion

  : Raw onion juice is known to help in treating cough. Finely chop the onions and extract its juice. Mix one teaspoonful of onion juice with one teaspoonful of honey and set it aside for 4-5 hours. This is an effective cough syrup which can be taken two times a day. Onions are found to be effective in removing phlegm. You can also crush a medium-sized onion, add juice from a medium-sized lemon to it and then a cup of boiling water mixed with it. You can add honey for taste. Take this medicine two to three times a day.

• Grapes

  : Grapes are found to be an excellent remedy for cough. They have the ability to tone up your lungs while acting as an expectorant helping in relieving you from cough and cold in a short duration. You can mix one cup of grape juice with one teaspoon of honey for cough relief.

• Almonds

  : Almonds are effective in treating dry cough. Remove the brown outer skin of some almond kernels and soak them overnight in water. Once soaked well, grind them well to form a paste. Add about 20 grams each of sugar and butter to this paste. Take this paste once in the morning and once in the evening.

• Raisins

  : Sauce prepared from raisins can be helpful in curing cough and this is a popular home remedy for cough. Crush 100 gms with water. Mix 100 gms of sugar with this mixture and heat it. Preserve this mixture when it starts forming a sauce-like consistency. Take 20 gms of this sauce at bedtime everyday.

• Belleric Myroblan

  : Mixture prepared from this herb is found to be very helpful as a home remedy for curing cough. Prepare the mixture comprising 2 gms of the fruit pulp, 1/4th teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of honey and ½ teaspoon of pepper and consume it twice a day to treat the condition. You can also enclose the fruit which is dried, in wheat flour and roast it. This is another way of treating your cough.

• Aniseed

  : Aniseed has high expectorant capability and is an effective cure for dry coughs which are hard. It helps you break the mucus in the throat and chest. Drink tea made out of this spice regularly till your cough vanishes. This is one of the simplest home remedies.

• Ginger

  : Ginger is a herb which is very effective in soothing your throat and chest while relieving cough. You can mix a few drops of ginger with honey and take it three to four times a day. For dry cough, you can peel a small piece of fresh ginger, add a pinch of salt and chew.

Some other

herbal remedies for common cough

include chewing a couple of seeds of peppercorn with a pinch of black cumin seeds and a pinch of salt, a clove of crushed garlic with 3-5 drops of clove oil and half teaspoon of honey, or a cup of boiling water with one teaspoon of carom seeds, one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one teaspoon of honey.

is a versatile fruit coming from palm like trees mostly grown in Central and South America. The fruit bears resemblance to a grape in structure. Texturally, it is a lot less fleshy than the grape. It is round and black purple in color and about 1 inch in diameter. It is widely used in dietary supplements and have been recommended profusely in a lot of body cleanse and detox regimens.
The extract of this berry is generally used to fortify health drinks and supplements.

Benefits of Acai Berry

• It is rich in the antioxidant Anthocyanin. It is thought to be heart healthy. It has 30 times more the amount of Anthocyanin than red wine. It has a beneficial impact on the cholesterol levels and helps in removing plaque from the arteries.
• It can prevent blood clots and improve blood circulation. Hence it is thought to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Anthocyanins also help against viral infections and has anti allergic properties. They also help reduce free radicals and prevent cellular oxidations.
• The antioxidant properties in this wonder berry is ten times that of grapes and two times that of blue berries. It is particularly useful for slowing down the aging process.
• Anthocyanins can prevent cancer by inhibiting cancerous cell mutations.
• It is rich in essential fatty acids such as omega – 6 and omega-9 fatty acids (linoleic acid and oleic acid). These fatty acids are extremely beneficial for cardiovascular health. It reduces the lousy LDL cholesterol and helps to spike up the levels of the good HDL cholesterol and prevent hypertension. They also increase the absorption of fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, E, D and K.
• A type of plant sterols known as beta- sitosterol can help treat enlargement of the prostate gland in males.
• It is high in protein and low in fat. It has a high amount of dietary fiber. That makes it a very good weight loss supplement.

Acai berry

is a superfood which continues to be used from centuries for its super health benefits.

]]> http://www.drgranny.com/2011/06/22/health-benefits-of-acai-berry/feed/ 0 http://www.drgranny.com/2011/06/12/all-you-needed-to-know-about-kombucha/ http://www.drgranny.com/2011/06/12/all-you-needed-to-know-about-kombucha/#comments Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:45:30 +0000 admin http://www.drgranny.com/?p=3310 Kombucha

is a kind of fermented tea drank for health reasons. There are no scientific evidences of its proclaimed health benefits. Nevertheless, it has been used for centuries as an energy drink. People have and still continue to report its several health benefits. It is made at home by fermenting tea with a solid mass of yeast and bacteria. This substance is also referred to as the mother or mushroom.



Components of the Kombucha drink

It contains less than 0.5% of alcohol. It is thus classified as a non alcoholic beverage. A prepared drink of kombucha can contain the following components:

• B-Vitamins
• Alcohol
• Acetic acid
• Butyric acid
• Gluconic acid
• Lactic acid
• Malic acid
• Oxalic acid
• Usnic acid

The supposed health benefits of Kombucha tea are as follows:

• It contains a probiotic live bacteria which helps to increase the friendly bacteria of the gut.These bacteria help to digest food better and ensures better assimilation of nutrients.
• It acts as a detoxifying agent and helps to cleanse the body.
• It improves immunity and the disease and infection fighting capabilities of the body.
• It reduces arthritis pain.
• It flushes out kidney stones along with urine.
• It helps in reducing intestinal gas and digestion problems. The acidic content in the drink helps with the production of the gastric hydrochloric acid and helps in digestion.
• It improves eyesight and gives relief from migraine.
• It alleviates chronic fatigue, mental stress and tension.
• Its probiotic prowess is believed to slow down the progression of cancer and prevent it.

Contradictions to the health claims

• It has been found to increase the size of the liver and spleen in mice.
• There have been several reports of liver damage, metabolic acidosis and toxic reactions associated with persistent use of this tea.
• Severe hypersensitivities to the compounds in the drink are also not unheard of.
• A lot of undesirable reactions to the drink are related to the unhygienic fermenting of the tea.
]]> http://www.drgranny.com/2011/06/12/all-you-needed-to-know-about-kombucha/feed/ 0 http://www.drgranny.com/2011/06/03/health-benefits-of-rosemary/ http://www.drgranny.com/2011/06/03/health-benefits-of-rosemary/#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:32:14 +0000 admin http://www.drgranny.com/?p=3271 Rosemary

, is a herb belonging to the mint family. It has a potent woody flavor to it. The plant grows in a shrub and has needle like leaves. Apart from its culinary use, it has a lot of medicinal properties which makes it an ultimate weapon in treating minor ailments at home.



Health Benefits of Rosemary

• The oil made from this herb is known for its anti microbial prowess. It has a strong refreshing warm aroma and is often an ingredient in room sprays, candles, fragrances. It helps to remove bad odor and brings a positive energy to the environment.
• It is good for oral hygiene and helps to remove bad breath.
• It has the efficacy to remove pain and aches. Ideal to be massaged with, it is used extensively in head aches, muscle pains and arthritis.
• It is used as a meat tenderizer. It helps to make meat more digestible by breaking down complex proteins in it.
• Its disinfectant properties help revive scalp health and promote hair growth. When lightly massaged on the scalp twice a week, it would give wonderful results. It helps in preventing hair loss by stimulating hair follicles. Mixed with tea tree oil it forms a potent compound in treating hair problems. It helps in the problem of dry and flaky scalp skin. It nourishes hair like no other herb. It is often the popular choice of a herbal ingredient in shampoos and conditioners.
• It is extensively used to treat indigestion, bloating, stomach cramps.
• The essential oil of this herb is believed to boost memory and concentration. A lot of students are advised to use it during stressful exam times.
• Inhaling it can lift spirits, eliminate stress and depression and remove mental fatigue.
• It has energizing properties and is also known to help ladies during mensuration by reducing cramps and clots.
• It has been used with a lot of efficacy since ancient times in treating gall bladder, prostrate, kidney and other associated problems.

Rosemary

is an extremely cheap, easily available powerhouse of nutrients right in your backyard.

health benefits of celery

.

Celery Health Benefits:

The

health benefits of celery

are as following:

• Reduces blood pressure:

  Celery has a chemical that lowers stress hormone levels in the blood. This lets the blood vessels to expand and gives more space for blood flow, hence reduces blood pressure.

• Reduces cholesterol levels:

  Regular consumption of celery reduces the clogging of arteries by cholesterol.

• Acts as a good antiseptic:

  Celery seeds aid in eliminating uric acid from the body. Hence it is good for people suffering from cystitis, kidney problems, bladder disorders, etc. These also help in preventing urinary tract infections in women.

• Promotes the health of joints:

  Celery is an excellent food for people with gout, arthritis and rheumatism. The anti inflammatory properties of celery aid in reducing the pain and swelling near the joints. These sticks contain diuretic substance which helps to flush out uric acid crystals which get collected around the joints.

• Enhances immunity:

  This is rich in vitamin C, hence it boosts immune system of a person.

• Prevents cancer:

  It contains polyacetylenes and phthalides. These anti cancerous substances detoxify carcinogens. Also it contains coumarins which improve the functionality of some white blood cells.

• Relief from cold:

  Due to the presence of vitamin C, consumption of celery gives relief from the common cold.

• Reduces intensity of asthma:

  Vitamin C present in celery prevents the damage caused by free radicals and hence, lessens the severity of the inflammatory conditions such as asthma.

• Diuretic activity:

  It is rich in both potassium and sodium. These minerals aid in regulating the fluid balance.

• Cardiovascular health:

  Vitamin C present in the roots of celery enhances cardiovascular health.

• Cures rheumatism:

  Extracts of celery contain 85% of 3nB. This is very effective in treating muscular pains and arthritis.

• Gives relief from migraine:

  It contains coumarins which give relief from migraine headaches.

• Good for diabetic patients:

  Consumption of celery leaves helps in treating diabetic conditions.

• Relives ophthalmologic disease:

  Dripping of celery tea drops on the eyelids is good for ophthalmologic affects.

Due to the high levels of calcium, celery calms nerves. Hence, eating celery aids people to be calm. It also acts like an antioxidant also. All parts of the celery such as leaves, seeds and root may be used for treating many ailments. Consumption of celery juice before meals helps in reducing the weight. It also has many nutritional benefits. Regular consumption of celery aids in preventing gallbladder, liver, pancreatic and kidney diseases, tuberculosis, obesity, anemia, acidosis, over work of brain, dropsy and pyorrhea, catarrh, high blood pressure, asthma, constipation and neuritis. This also helps in improving dental health.

Nutritional Values of Celery:

Following are the nutritional values of celery present in 100 grams:

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – 0.057 mg
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – 0.021 mg
• Vitamin B6 – 0.074 mg
• Vitamin B3 – 0.32 mg
• Vitamin E – 0.27 mg
• Vitamin C – 3.1 mg
• Calcium – 40 mg
• Copper – 0.035 mg
• Magnesium – 11 mg
• Iron – 0.2 mg
• Potassium – 260 mg
• Zinc – 0.13 mg
• Sodium – 80 mg
• Protein – 0.69 g
• Dietary fiber – 1.6 g
• Sugars – 1.83 g
• Carbohydrates – 2.97 g
• Total fat – 0.17 g
• Calories – 16 kcal
• Energy values – 67 kj

This is all about the health benefits and nutritional values of celery.