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Plants As Source for Allopathy Medicines

Plants As Source for Allopathy Medicines

Allopathy, also known as conventional or Western medicine, primarily relies on pharmaceutical drugs and surgical interventions to treat medical conditions. However, some medications in allopathic medicine have their origins in plant-based sources. Plants have long been a valuable source of medicinal compounds in allopathic medicine or conventional Western medicine. Many drugs and pharmaceuticals have their origins in plant-based sources. Here are some notable examples of plants that serve as sources for allopathic medicines and examples of drugs or compounds in allopathic medicine derived from plants.

Drugs: Aspirin, Morphine, Quinine, Atropine, Digoxin, Paclitaxel, Vinblastine and Vincristine, Artemisinin, Vardenafil. Some of the plants that are used for medicine extracts are: Vinca, Cinchona, Atropa belladonna, willow tree, Papaver somniferum, Digitalis purpurea etc.

A rough estimate suggests that 25% to 30% of prescription drugs in the United States have their origins in plant-based compounds. This includes medications like aspirin (originating from willow bark), morphine (derived from the opium poppy), and many anti-cancer drugs that have plant-derived precursors or inspiration.

It is important to note that while many medications have botanical origins, modern pharmaceutical processes often involve the synthesis and modification of these compounds to produce standardized and controlled pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the use of these medications is regulated and should be supervised by healthcare professionals. Plant-derived medicines continue to be an area of interest in drug discovery and development, as they may offer potential new treatments for various medical conditions.

Image credit: Image by FinjaM from Pixabay ( Free for commercial use)

References:

·         https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560124/

·         https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/essential-medicines-powered-by-plants.html

·         https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/ethnobotany/medicinal/index.shtml

·         https://www.scielo.br/j/ramb/a/Gy77vYy9CkwJbgL7kKGTkcw/?lang=en

·         https://www.pharmatutor.org/articles/herbs-interaction-allopathic-drugs-review

Aspirin For Pain and Fever from Willow Tree

Aspirin For Pain and Fever from Willow Tree

Morphine For Pain Relief from Poppy

Morphine For Pain Relief from Poppy

Atropine For Poisoning from Nightshade Plant

Atropine For Poisoning from Nightshade Plant

Digoxin For Heart Condition from Foxglove Plant

Digoxin For Heart Condition from Foxglove Plant

Paclitaxel for chemotherapy From Yew Tree

Paclitaxel for chemotherapy From Yew Tree

Vinblastine and Vincristine for Cancer from Vinca

Vinblastine and Vincristine for Cancer from Vinca

Artemisinin for Malaria from Wormwood Plant

Artemisinin for Malaria from Wormwood Plant

Quinine Antimalarial Drug from Cinchona

Quinine Antimalarial Drug from Cinchona

Yohimbine for Erectile Disfunction from Corynanthe yohimbe

Yohimbine for Erectile Disfunction from Corynanthe yohimbe
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 12, 2024
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Herbal Teas Helps To Relieve Bloating

Herbal Teas For Bloating Relief
 

Image credit: Tea cup -Image by Mareefe from Pixabay (Free to use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Roasted vegetables salad

Healthy Roasted Vegetable Salad Recipe

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables by caramelizing their natural sugars. This makes the salad more flavorful, which can encourage higher vegetable intake. Benefits of consuming roasted vegetables – improves digestion, low calorie density, good for heart health, improves skin health and supports bone in addition it also balances blood sugar. Moreover, those who does not want to eat cold salad will enjoy roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

Vegetables for Roasting:

  1. Zucchini chopped – 1 Large.
  2. Red bell pepper chopped – 1 medium.
  3. Yellow bell pepper chopped -1 medium.
  4. Red onion, cut into wedges- 1 small.
  5. Sweet potato peeled and cubed – 1 medium.
  6. Cherry tomatoes halved – 1 cup.
  7. Broccoli florets – cup
  8. Olive oil – 1 to 2 Tbsp.
  9. Salt and pepper, to taste
  10. Dried oregano or thyme (optional) – 1 tsp

Salad Base:

  1. Four cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or kale) – 4 cups
  2. Feta cheese crumbled (optional) -1/4 cup.
  3. Nuts or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds) -1/4 cup.

Dressing:

  1. Olive oil- 3 Tbsp
  2. Lemon juice – 2 Tbsp
  3. Honey or maple syrup (optional) – 1 tsp
  4. Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare vegetables: Place all chopped vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, sweet potato, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli) on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano or thyme, and toss to coat.
  3. Roast vegetables: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
  4. Prepare dressing: While the vegetables are roasting, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
  5. Assemble salad: In a large bowl or platter, add the mixed greens. Top with roasted vegetables, crumbled cheese, and nuts or seeds.
  6. Add dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.

Tips:

Customization: Feel free to add other roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, pomegranate seeds, apple slices, nuts, cranberries to enhance taste.

Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, or quinoa for extra protein.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Image credit: www.werindia.com Created AI September 10, 2024, at 2:52 PM

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 11, 2024
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Under eye bag removal

Simple life changes can help you to get rid of under eye bag

Do you get puffy eyes or bags under your eyes? Many of us do. Women use different eye products, creams, surgery, laser treatment etc. to get rid of the eye bags. For women most of the time under eye bag is a source of cosmetic concern than a health issue. One can get rid of the eye bags with some changes in the diet and daily habits.

Reasons for under eye bags:

Under eye bags occur for different reasons. It could be due to lack of moisture, not getting enough rest and sleep, sleeping position, smoking, traveling, pollution, stress and allergy are some of the reasons. In addition, it could be also due to high intake of salty food, alcohol drinking and not enough water can be responsible too. Apart from these reasons, it can be due to some medical conditions.

If you don’t have any medical conditions, then instead of applying harmful chemicals that can interfere with you eye health, bringing some changes in your diets and habits could help you to get rid of the eye bags.

Keeping eye in good health is critical as we age. Sometimes it is the age factor that is responsible for puffiness and under eye bags. To maintain your appearance, keep up good habits, good diet program and learn to relax through mindfulness and meditation.

  1. Avoid salty food– Reduce salt intake, control eating pickle, saltines, chips etc. Salt retains water not just under the eye. It causes edema in legs and increases weight. Cut down on salt in every meal. Do not add extra salt to your food.
  2. Drinking water – Through out the day stay hydrated. Your body cells need water to keep your skin moisture. Skin is responsible for toxin elimination from the body. The more you sweat and perspire, your body needs water. Drinking water helps to keep the body electrolytes in balance.
  3. Include Vitamin A rich food in your diet – Because retinol helps to keep the skin in healthy condition. Retinol is another name for Vitamin A. Include foods that contain retinol in your diet.
  4. Allergies – Get to know your allergies. Avoid allergy causing foods, pollen exposure. Do not rub your eyes to avoid puffiness and swelling.
  5. Avoid alcohol – Because alcohol dehydrates the body and makes skin appear malnourished.
  6. Include vitamin C rich food – Vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables promote skin thickening around eyes.
  7. Getting good sleep – Avoid sleeping on one side or on your belly continuously as both these cause fluid accumulation under eyes and swelling in face. Use thin pillow or no pillow to avoid puffiness of face and eye. Get recommended hours of sleep every single day. Rest and relax whenever you must.
  8. Too much Sun – Standing in Sun for longtime or exposure to Sun for long hours causes dehydration by damaging the collagen. Wear sun glasses when you have to step out in hot sun.
  9. Wash face and eyes – Using slightly warm water wash your face and eyes. Remove make up before going to bed.
  10. Quit smoking – Smoking is not good for health anyway. It can harm your eye and overall health.
  11. Screen – Take a break from screen every half an hour if you are working on the computer. Reduce time looking at your smart phone. Strain on eyes is another reason for its puffiness.

Best eye cream

Image credit: Photo by lalesh aldarwish from Pexels

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 3, 2024
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Everyday tricks and tips for girls

Twelve Everyday Tricks and Tips for Girls

Looking for easy quick tips and/or tricks to get ready to step out? Depending on the occasion, we all take more or less time to get ready. We all look for readily available tricks that lost long and help us feel comfortable throughout the day. These below mentioned tips could help you to get ready, save your time, energy and of course money too!

  1. Easy way to make perfume last: Take bit of Vaseline in your finger tip and apply a bit on wrist, neck and chest. Spray the perfume on it. Vaseline helps to keep perfume stick to skin for longer time and you feel fresh for the day.
  2. Banana peel: If you are regular coffee drinker and want to whiten your teeth before stepping out, grab banana peel. Use white portion of the peel and rub on teeth! You will see the magic.
  3. Smelly arm pit? Cut a lemon into half and gently rub underarm with little baking soda. Not only under arm darkness disappears, also the smell.
  4. No time to clean smelly shoe? Use tea-bags for this one. Place tea bags in the shoes and leave it for few hours. Tea bags absorbs the odor and shoe feels fresh. This is temporary trick.  Don’t forget to wash shoes next time.
  5. Nail polish trick: If you are in a hurry to dry nail polish, instead of blowing on nails, dip your fingers in ice water. This will help to set the nail polish and there won’t be any mess.
  6. Want to dry hair fast? Don’t want to use hair dryer? Then use a clean cotton T -shirt. Wrap the T-shirt around hair just like towel and the water gets absorbed fast and easily.
  7. Working on oily skin: While having oily skin is great, sometimes it could take more time to apply make up and also when oil comes on surface, you might need to reapply the makeup. Solution? Mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal portion. Apply a think coat on skin before going to bed. Morning using warm water wash the face. Balancing skin pH is essential to prevent oil in skin. Vinegar helps in keeping skin hydrated.
  8. Chaffing problem? Skin irritation can result in canceling your program. Mix coconut oil and corn starch – apply on affected area. You will feel better.
  9. Worried about winter lips? Apply honey on your lips during winter night. Leave it for couple of minutes and wash with lukewarm water. You will have soft, smooth lips.
  10. Worried about lipstick? Here is a quick tip. After applying lipstick, close mouth and place a piece of paper towel on the lips. Now sprinkle little face powder on the paper towel. Remove paper towel. Your lipstick stays for long time.
  11. Finger and toe nails care: If you don’t want to go for manicure and pedicure, to strengthen and keep nails beautiful try applying toothpaste on nails once a while.
  12. Rough knees? Worried about wearing skirt? Apply a mixture of lemon juice, baking soda and honey. Leave it for an hour. Wash using warm water. If you wish you can add turmeric instead of baking soda.

These beauty tips and care are quick solutions for those who don’t have time and money to spend.  It is always good to keep skin, hair, nails, eyes in good condition with proper diet and healthy lifestyle.

Image credit: Image by Rondell Melling in Pixabay ( free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Lymph fluid circulation

Keep Lymph Fluid Circulating For Good Health

Lymph fluid, also known as lymph, is a clear, colorless fluid that flows through the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Lymph is composed primarily of water, proteins, white blood cells-especially lymphocytes, and waste products.

Functions of Lymph Fluid:

  • Transporting WBC: Lymph carries lymphocytes, which help fight infections and play a critical role in the body’s immune response.
  • Removing toxins and Waste: It helps remove cellular waste, bacteria, and other debris from tissues.
  • Absorbing Fats: Lymph absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and transports them to the bloodstream.
  • Maintaining fluid balance: It helps return excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream, preventing swelling and maintaining the body’s fluid balance.

How lymph circulates in our body? Lymph fluid circulates through lymph vessels and passes through lymph nodes, which filter the fluid and remove harmful substances like bacteria and cancer cells. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a pump (like the heart); lymph moves through the body due to muscle contractions, breathing, and the presence of valves in the lymphatic vessels that prevent backflow.

If lymph fluid does not circulate properly, it can lead to a condition called lymphedema. The lymphatic system is a crucial part of the immune system, responsible for removing waste, toxins, and excess fluid from tissues, and transporting lymph—a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells—throughout the body.

Consequences of poor lymph circulation:

Swelling (Edema): When lymph fluid cannot circulate properly, it accumulates in the tissues, causing localized swelling, usually in the arms or legs. This swelling can be painful and may become severe over time.

Increased risk of infections: Since lymph fluid contains white blood cells that help fight infections, poor circulation can weaken the immune system. The stagnant fluid becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to frequent skin infections (like cellulitis) or more serious infections.

Tissue damage and fibrosis: Chronic lymphedema can cause tissues to harden and thicken in a process known as fibrosis. This can reduce mobility and make the affected area more prone to injuries and infections.

Discomfort and pain: Lymph fluid buildup can cause a feeling of heaviness, tightness, or aching in the affected area. The skin may feel tight, and the swelling may lead to pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty with movement.

Skin changes: The skin over the swollen area may become tight, thick, and rough. Over time, skin changes such as discoloration, warts, or leakage of lymph fluid through the skin can occur.

Impaired wound healing: Poor lymphatic circulation can slow down the healing process of cuts, wounds, or surgical incisions due to reduced immune response and poor drainage of toxins and waste products.

Psychological impact: Chronic conditions like lymphedema can affect mental health, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal due to physical discomfort and changes in appearance.

Draining lymph fluid naturally can be achieved through various methods that promote the healthy functioning of the lymphatic system.

1. Exercise: Regular exercise, especially activities that involve jumping or bouncing (like rebounding or jumping rope), can help stimulate lymph flow. Walking- A daily walk can also encourage lymph movement.

2. Hydration: Drink the right amount of water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration, which is essential for lymphatic health.

3. Dry brushing: Use a natural bristle brush to gently brush your skin in long, upward strokes towards the heart. This can stimulate lymph flow and improve circulation.

4. Lymphatic massage: A gentle massage technique that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. You can either see a professional or learn self-massage techniques.

5. Deep breathing: Practice deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises to help move lymph fluid through the chest area. Learn Yogic Pranayama breathing exercises to keep lymph fluid moving in the body.

6. Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Include foods that support lymphatic health, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and omega-3 fatty acids.

7. Herbal teas and supplements: Some herbs are believed to support lymphatic health, such as echinacea, cleavers, and red clover. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

8. Hydrotherapy: Alternating between hot and cold showers can stimulate lymphatic circulation. Morning and night showers before going to bed will help stimulate lymphatic circulation.

9. Elevate legs: Lying down with your legs elevated above your heart can help drain lymph fluid from the lower body. Practicing legs up the wall yoga pose is beneficial for heart health.

10. Compression garments: Wearing compression stockings can help encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid in legs and supports legs.

11. Avoid tight clothing: Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes that can restrict lymph flow. Tight clothing around your stomach and groin area is not good for lymphatic fluid easy flow.

12. Reduce toxins: Minimize exposure to environmental toxins and maintain a healthy liver function to support the lymphatic system.

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can support lymphatic drainage and overall health. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen.

Image credit: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-person-doing-a-massage-6188036/ &Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-black-tank-top-and-black-shorts-holding-brown-wooden-brush-6810844/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Indian diet

Diet with Cinnamon, turmeric and garlic improves health

The whole world is getting vaccinated and people are trying to get back to pre-pandemic “normal life”. However the Covid virus variants are making it tough to everybody to get back to normal life. Vaccination will help to fight the disease. But to remain healthy and fit we need healthy food and daily dose of exercises for the body. While we try to get back to routine life, we also should focus on our diet. Including ingredients that support and boost our immune system is key to fight Covid-19 disease. Consider including healthy ingredients in your diet.

Traditional Indian foods are all about prevention and cure. Indian food is a staple diet and if you understand the perfect balance of using ingredients in cooking, it does magic to health.  In Indian kitchen you will see many varieties of spices. All the spices have many health benefits and are known to prevent and cure many health conditions. Indian traditional medicines formulas are derived from Indian kitchen as most of the ingredients that you see in Ayurveda are available and used in Indian cooking for health benefits.

When we talk about the medicinal properties of these ingredients or herbs the three ingredients take front row in the kitchen. These are: Cinnamon, Turmeric and Garlic. All these three are highly medicinal and help health in various ways. These three herbs are unique for their properties. If you are planning on Indian diet, then don’t forget to include them in your diet plan.

Cinnamon:

  • Cinnamon contains polyphenol. Consuming half a teaspoon cinnamon powder everyday helps body indifferent ways.
  • It controls blood sugar level and helps diabetic condition
  • Boosts metabolism and helps in controlling obesity and weight gain
  • Helps in cutting down triglyceride levels and is heart friendly
  • The amount of antioxidant present in cinnamon makes it a good preventive remedy for cancer and other conditions.

How you can add cinnamon in diet?

  1. Add 1 or 2 teaspoon cinnamon powder to green tea, mix and drink
  2. Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder to a cup of yogurt, mix and have
  3. Add cinnamon powder to soup, curry, stir-fried vegetables and as an exotic flavor in dishes
  4. Morning drink water with lemon and cinnamon powder to increase metabolism.

Turmeric

  • The second important ingredient you should consider adding to your diet is nothing but turmeric. It contains a compound called curcumin. Adding one teaspoon of turmeric into dishes or consuming home made turmeric tablet helps to build the immune system.

Consuming turmeric,

  1. Reduces body inflammation
  2. It helps to control age related memory condition
  3. It cures wounds easily, adds glow to skin and it controls infection.
  4. Makes breathing easy and controls cold and cough

Garlic:

  • Many people avoid garlic in diet for various reasons. Garlic is one of best medicinal herb that one should be consuming. If you are not, then try practicing the taste by adding little by little to your food. You will get benefit of garlic.

Consuming one garlic clove every morning helps to control cholesterol and blood sugar level.

  1. It is a good remedy for heart condition as it controls cholesterol.
  2. It is also known to prevent cancerous cells production in the body.
  3. The anti fungal and anti bacterial property of garlic makes it a good remedy for cough, cold and fever.
  4. To consume garlic – add it to curry. Or you can fry it with little ghee – add salt and chili powder and consume. One can add garlic to curry, vegetable juices, salads, soups etc.

If you are buying turmeric, go for organic turmeric powder which is more natural without chemicals added to it. Cinnamon – make sure it is the right cinnamon as in recent years barks of other trees that are similar to cinnamon are sold in the market and does not have the properties of cinnamon.

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Almond oil beauty application

Beauty Tips With Almond Oil

Almond oil is extracted from raw almonds and is known for its wide range of uses in both beauty and health. Almond oil is a versatile product with many benefits for both beauty and health, making it a valuable addition to various routines.

Types of almond oil:

  1. Sweet almond oil:
    • Derived from edible almonds.
    • Primarily used in cooking, skincare, and haircare.
    • Rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin E.
  2. Bitter almond oil:
    • Extracted from bitter almonds.
    • Contains amygdalin, which can produce toxic cyanide; often used in lesser amounts in cosmetics or for medicinal purposes but is not safe for regular consumption.

Nutritional composition:

Apart from fat almond oil contains Vitamin E, minerals and phytosterols: ~35 mg (help lower cholesterol levels). Almond oil does not contain protein. It is composed entirely of fats, with no significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates, or fiber. If you are looking for protein, whole almonds or almond butter would be better options, as they retain the protein content that almond oil lacks.

Health benefits of almond oil:

  • High in Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, promoting skin health, and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
  • Rich in healthy fats: Primarily monounsaturated fats that support heart health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Can help reduce inflammation both internally and externally.

Almond oil is a versatile ingredient in beauty routines, known for its nourishing properties. Though almond oil is calorie-dense, it is a heart-healthy option that supports various functions in the body, from skin repair to improving cardiovascular health.

Ways to use almond oil and the benefits it provides for our health.

1. Moisturizing skin:

  • How to use: Apply a few drops of almond oil to clean skin, gently massaging it in. It is light and absorbs easily, making it great for dry or sensitive skin.
  • Benefits: Helps to hydrate and soften the skin, reducing dryness and promoting a natural glow.

2. Dark circle treatment:

  • How to use: Apply a small amount of almond oil under the eyes before bed. Gently pat it in with your ring finger.
  • Benefits: The vitamin E in almond oil can help lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness.

3. Hair shine and repair:

  • How to use: Warm a few drops of almond oil and apply it to the ends of your hair or use it as an overnight hair treatment.
  • Benefits: Almond oil helps in repairing split ends, adding shine, and nourishing dry or damaged hair.

4. Lip softener:

  • How to use: Mix few drops of almond oil with honey and apply it to your lips.
  • Benefits: Helps to soothe and soften chapped lips, keeping them moisturized.

5. Natural makeup remover:

  • How to use: Apply a few drops of almond oil to a cotton pad and gently wipe away makeup.
  • Benefits: Effectively removes makeup while nourishing the skin, without causing irritation.

6. Anti-aging:

  • How to use: Mix a few drops of almond oil with your regular moisturizer and apply it to your face and neck.
  • Benefits: Almond oil’s antioxidants, like vitamin E, help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting youthful skin.

7. Hand and nail treatment:

  • How to use: Massage almond oil into your hands and nails before bed.
  • Benefits: Softens rough hands and strengthens nails, preventing breakage and promoting healthy cuticles.

Allergic Reactions: People with nut allergies should avoid almond oil, as it can cause allergic reactions. Almond oil is gentle and suitable for most skin types, but it is always a good idea to do a patch test first to ensure it works for your skin.

Image credit: Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/almonds-on-clear-glass-bowl-beside-bottle-with-yellow-liquid-11852052/ (Free to use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: August 29, 2024
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