10 best essential oils to enhance focus and concentration.

Does your kid quickly lose concentration and focus during classes? Diet undoubtedly plays a significant role in a child’s mental and physical development. However, your child can also benefit from the best essential oils for focus and concentration. We will discuss the top ten essential oils that miraculously boost attention span.

10 best essential oils to enhance focus and concentration.

If you have been looking for a fast and quick remedy to boost your brain health, there is nothing better than essential oils. Let’s have a look at some:

Peppermint oil

Peppermint is a crossbreed of water mint and spearmint with a strong yet refreshing smell. It is primarily found in Europe and North America.

How to prepare it?

You need an air-tight glass jar, fresh peppermint leaves, and olive or grapeseed oil to make peppermint oil. Crush the peppermint leaves, submerge them into the oil, close the glass jar lid tightly, and leave it for three days.

How to use it?

You can either apply the peppermint oil behind your ears, on your clothes, or on your wrist.

Where to buy it?

You can also buy essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs

Safety precaution

When making or applying peppermint oil, ensure it does not come in contact with your eye.

Sweet orange essential oil

The sweet orange oil is extracted through the orange’s rind using cold pressing methods. Many manufacturers add it to different oils. Often orange leaves and plants are also used for oil extraction.

How to prepare it?

You need to separate the peel from the white pith to make sweet orange oil. Dry the peels and store them in a glass jar with enough vodka to soak them. Leave it for 3-4 dry, strain the liquid, and let it sit until the alcohol evaporates.

How to use it?

You can add a tiny drop to the diffuser, as it is the best essential oil for focus and concentration. You can apply a tiny amount behind your ears or on your temple for stress relief.

Where to buy it?

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Safety precaution

Do not undiluted oil directly on your skin; keep it away from children and pets.

Spearmint essential oil

Spearmint is the best essential oil for focus and concentration extracted from a perennial plant. It has a sweet taste and a refreshing aroma. Most people use it when they have an upset stomach or to treat bad breath.

How to prepare it?

Take spearmint, crush it into small pieces, submerge it into olive or grapeseed oil, and keep it in an air-tight glass jar for three days. Separate the leaves from the oil and store them in a glass container.

How to use it?

Apply a small oil quality behind your ears, on your temple, or on your clothes or pillow. You may also add a drop of spearmint oil to a diffuser.

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Safety precautions

Do not consume the concentrated essential oil directly. Please keep it away from your eyes, kids, and pets.

Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary oil comes from the plant’s core; it seems wood-like and has needle-shaped leaves. It is the best essential oil for focus and concentration and is famous for its medicinal properties.

How to prepare it?

Take a dark glass bottle, fill it with rosemary, and add olive oil until it covers all of it. Leave the glass bottle in the sun for a month and strain it.

How to use it?

Add the essential oil in a diffuser, or apply it on your clothes, pillow, and behind the ear for a soothing feeling.

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After making the oil, please do not keep it open under the direct sun, as it can catch fire.

Lemon essential oil

The Lemon essential oil is best for natural therapy. Its zest is the main ingredient for making it. The lemon oil extraction uses the cold-pressing technique, the best essential oil for focus and concentration.

How to prepare it?

It is made using cold-pressing techniques on an industrial level, which involve rotating and pricking the peel. You can use dried lemon peel at home, submerge it into olive oil, and keep it in a glass container within a few days.

How to use it?

Add ting drops to the diffuser or apply a small amount to your skin.

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Safety precaution

Do not directly consume the oil; keep it away from your eye.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil is naturally extracted from its plant to help boost concentration, eliminate skin issues, and reduce anxiety.

How to prepare it?

Heat 1 cup of olive oil in a pan, add a handful of lavender flowers and leaves, and leave it to simmer. Add vitamin E capsules and strain in a glass jar. Cool, and apply!

How to use it?

You can apply the oil behind your ear, neck, wrist, or pillow.

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Safety precaution

The lavender essential oil can cause nausea or headache; always do a patch test.

Cedarwood essential oil

Cedar trees are the ultimate source for the extraction of their essential oil. They are the best essential oil for focus and concentration.

How to prepare it?

Cold-pressing, carbon, and stem distillation are a few ways to prepare it.

How to use it?

Apply it on your wrist, joints, temple, and behind your neck and ears.

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Safety precautions

It can irritate the skin; hence, do a patch test and dilute before applying.

Basil essential oil

Basil seeds are essential oils commonly used for aromatherapy and enhancing health.

How to prepare it?

Soak basil seeds in oil, and wait for them to soak for at least 5 to days before straining and storing in a glass jar.

How to use it?

Add a few drops into a diffuser or any dish of your choice.

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Safety precaution

If consumed directly without diluting, it can cause mouth blisters.

Bergamot essential oil

Bergamot essential oil’s main ingredient is the rind of the citrus fruit. People use it in various foods, especially in South Asia.

How to prepare it?

Industries manufacture Bergamot oil through cold-pressing and distillation.

How to use it?

You can mix this with other oils and massage it on your body for anxiety relief.

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Safety precaution

Never apply without diluting, as it can cause skin irritation.

Juniper berry oil

Juniper berry’s essential oil’s main ingredient is the coniferous tree. It has spiritual and medicinal properties to boost healing.

How to prepare it?

Industries manufacture Bergamot oil through cold-pressing and distillation.

How to use it?

Collect juniper berries in a glass jar, submerge in oil, shake it, and leave it outside for 4 to 6 weeks.

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Safety precaution

Wash your hands if the concentrated oil comes directly in contact with it.

10 Best essential oils that relieve stress.

When you want to relieve stress, many options are at your disposal. One of them is using various remedies that you can organize at home. Sometimes, you can also try to make your risks count. There are some recommended drugs you might consider trying out. But these recommendations should come from a physician. But the list below contains ten essential oils to relieve stress. Lavender essential oil This oil is so popular that many stores cannot miss it. Olive oil is good for its role as a carrier oil. It works along with vitamin E. It is suitable for relieving stress when applied in time.

The mode of its application comes in two ways. You can apply it to the affected area. But there is also an option of inhaling it to get direct relief. There is also herbal tea with lavender as the main ingredient. You can find it in the nearest grocery or some other outlet where such products are. Bergamot This is a kind of oil that is good for relieving stress. It is easy to buy in outlets near you. You can use jojoba or avocado as a carrier oil when making this oil. A few drops applied on the skin can do the trick and help you feel the relief you need. It also has a provision for inhaling if you prefer it this way.

But there is also a special tea with this essential oil featured. For some people, bergamot causes skin irritations and sunburn. That is why you must know if you are in a sensitive group before proceeding. Lemongrass This is an essential oil that comes with simplicity. But when used rightly correctly, it can take care of stress and anxiety. In its usage, you can ensure that you allow its aroma to work wonders. In short, it is brilliant for aromatherapy. But when extended further, it can also be a flavor in the tea.

The main caution you have to check is one. Ensure that you do not give it to infants when it is strong. It is available in most outlets that sell herbal remedies and supermarkets. Neroli essential oil This is a kind of essential oil that helps make sure that you enjoy a new life. Most scholars seem to show it is a good alternative for relieving stress. But the only limitation is that it is only suitable for inhalation.

Orange oil is good to use as a carrier oil. This oil is easy to find when checking outlets and selected supermarkets. Lemon essential oil This is an easy formula needed to make the stress-relieving formula. It is suitable for relieving stress and even making sure that anxiety reduces. Of course, all these should come down to a manageable level! But this oil has also come with many added benefits.

It is also suitable for treating sleep disorders and related factors or conditions. Inhalation is one of the application methods, but there is also the option of taking it in a hot cup of tea. Orange essential oil Now the main difference here starts with the flavor. This is besides other factors involved. When under stress or great anxiety, you can inhale this nice, pleasant flavor and enjoy the rest.

It works in the short term and the long run. The bottom line is that you can organize or prepare it when you want it ready. Ylang Ylang Essential oil The name should not mislead you into thinking it is only for certain people. This potent oil is good for bringing down your blood pressure and many ailments. It can be good if taken via inhaling and making the most out of it.

It is available in many outlets where essential oils and herbal products are. You can buy them from there according to the quantity you want. Peppermint is suitable for use as a carrier oil. This means that a little bit of mix gives the qualities you desire. Frankincense essential oil This is one of the oldest oils even featured in some parts of the bible. It is perfect for giving you a stress-relieving effect. It is also good for making sure that you can have some relief from anxiety.

As tradition may have it, this oil works well via inhaling. Ignore or enjoy the wood scent it comes with. Orange, rose, and lavender can make up for the added flavoring. When it comes to carrier oils, you can use jojoba or avocado. This oil is available in many stores around you or even online. Yuzu Essential oil Yuzu is a Japanese name that even suggests that this product originates from that part of the world. It has been used for an extended time in Japan and has spread to the rest of the world. According to scholars, it has excellent stress-relief effects. By the end of the day, you remain relaxed and enjoying a breath of fresh air. So, if you want to enjoy a relaxing and comforting feeling, inhale yuzu and enjoy. Valerian essential oil This is an aromatic solution in oil that has been in use for a long time. Its inviting aroma is fit for inhaling, resulting in a stress-relieving effect.

It is a good remedy for relaxation because it brings in a sleeping effect while calming the nerves. Conclusion Essential oils help relieve stress and can be good for calming you in times of anxiety. During such moments, the essential oil can be around the temple. This can allow you to relieve your balled-up stresses. Of course, it might not be the correct solution for some types of stress. But it makes the whole difference. So why not use your essential oil to calm your nerves and help you relax?

Where to buy:

NOTE: Please, seek advice from your health practitioner before adding these herbs and spices to your diet because some herbs and spices might contraindicate with prescription medication.

Black Cohosh: Top 10 Health Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

The perennial plant belongs to North America. Its scientific name is Actaea racemosa. With many native names like rattle weed, macrotys, snakeroot, black bugbane, bugwort, etc. Roots and rhizomes are a vital part of the plant. People cultivated Black cohosh: in the wild for medical uses. Active ingredients are unknown, yet these are some chemicals find in black cohosh. Triterpene glycosides, (actein, cimicifugoside) resims like cimicifugin, aromatic acid derivates like fucinolic acid, caffeic, isoferulic acid.

10 Benefits and uses of black cohosh:

For centuries, black cohosh has been used mainly for women. Most of its benefits are related to women’s health and gynecology.

1: Black cohosh as anti-spasmodic:

Beneficial in menstrual cramps. For half century been used as a pain-relieving tonic in Europe for the reproductive health of women. Along with its anti-inflammatory nature, it is an excellent herb for muscle and nerve pain relief.

2: Helpful in hot flashes:

During periods, women experience hot flashes, which is very painful. Cohosh herb helps in dealing with these hot flashes.

3: Use to treat PCOS:

Although there is little evidence, people believe that it helps treat polycystic ovarian syndrome in women. Due to this disease, women fail to conceive. But if you use black cohosh along with Clomid, it helps a lot.

4: Deals with infertility:

Individuals have used Black cohosh to increase fertility and chances of getting pregnant, but there is no solid evidence.

5: Black cohosh as a partus preparator:

Mid-wives have used Black cohosh for assisting during labor and delivery since ancient times.

6: Useful against snake-bites:

The native North Americans have used Black cohosh in severe conditions due to snake bites.

7: Treatment of fibroids:

A study on 244 women having fibroids was done for using black cohosh as treatment. The size of fibroids was decreased by 30% by using 40mg of the herb supplement daily for three months.

8: Treatment of breast cancer:

Many test-tube studies have proved that black cohosh extract helps decrease the spread of cancer cells by showing anti-estrogen activity.

9: Treatment of other diseases:

In native America, people used black cohosh for centuries for treating fever, cough, and pneumonia. Nowadays, we use it in the treatment of migraines and arthritis. Some evidence also supports its use for treating osteoporosis.

10: Anti-inflammatory action:

Due to the presence of salicylic acid, black cohosh acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is a suitable replacement for painkillers like aspirin. As an anti-inflammatory herb, it dilates blood vessels, increases the health of the heart, and helpful in high blood pressure.

Availability in different forms:

Roots and rhizomes are the main beneficial parts of the plant. The market comes in dry herb form, liquid extract, dried extracts in pill form.

Dried powder form:

Roots are dried and milled to get a powder form. You can dry the Roots in 85°F to 95°F. The drug producers packed this powder in the form of capsules. The encapsulated powder can be taken by adding in smoothies.

Tincture form:

Liquid from most delicate roots is extracted and mixed with ethanol. It is more effective in tincture form instead of dry form. According to Richo Chech (an author of books related to herbal medicines), the drying process of roots lost many medicinal properties. They used a Tincture form to make the female reproductive system healthy.

Tea form:

You can use Black cohosh in tea form. It tastes like sour dirt and bitter. Women use it to control their mood swings, anxiety, discomfort, and even skin health.

How to preserve the Black cohosh herb?

You can preserve cohosh herb for more than a year 8f roots are dried properly at 80°F to 95°F. Once dried, you store in burlap bags, polythene sacks, and drums.

Harvesting black cohosh:

A site with rich and well-drained soil is best for its cultivation. It grows in full sun but naturally finds it in shady areas. It can be grown in different ways.

A shade-grown or artificial shady place

To provide artificial shade, they use polypropylene cloth. It provides 30 to 85% shade. The structure should be 6 to 7 feet tall with open ends so that the wind can pass.

Woods cultivated:

Raised in woods. If you want to cultivate Cohosh herb in woods, then site having mayapple, trillium, ginseng, bloodroot grows. There are two ways how you can get seeds. One way is to purchase seeds and sow them in the soil, but it may take two years to germinate. Another way is to get seeds naturally. Harvest the seed in the fall and sow in the ground immediately. It is the easiest method. A sign of seeds being ready is a rattling sound. At this stage, seeds are ready to be taken from dried-up capsules. You can cut roots having buds and place them in seedbeds 1 to 2 inches apart. To increase activity and moist of soil, add bark mulch. These seeds will grow into beautiful plants with inflorescence in late spring and mid-summer.

Availability in the market:

Black cohosh is an important medicinal herb that comes in many brands. It is readily available in tincture form or dried powder form on the market. You can also order from Online stores.

Safety precautions:

Black cohosh is known for affecting the liver. Different countries give different labels on herb products. In America, the association of their herbal products issues warning over pregnant women use. While in Australia, the Department of health allows products to sell if it labels precautions for liver harm.

Recommendation amount to be taken:

There are different brands and forms of black cohosh in the market. The FDA (federal drug authority) has not regulated it.

In tincture form, 0.4- 2mm of dose along with 60% ethanol is enough.
In dried form, 40-200mg is suitable for the whole day.
Traditionally, higher doses are also used.
The prescribed dosage for bone density in postmenopausal women is 40mg daily for three months.
To increase mental health in postmenopausal women, they recommend 128mg for one year.
Due to the presence of triterpene glycosides, a 5 to 1mg dose is enough because above this, you will feel pain in the frontal lobes.
The dosage recommendation of black cohosh for hot flashes is 20mg a day.

Side effects of black cohosh:

Some of the side effects of the herb are:

It is not permissible to take black cohosh if you have any liver problems. Because it causes damage to the liver if taken in a high dose.
Pregnant women should prevent its use.
Some of the doctors say to avoid using black cohosh as it may thicken uterus wall lining.
The side effect if used in high doses is fever and nausea, lousy stomach, and shortness of breath.

Alternates of black cohosh:

There are few herbs used as an alternative to cohosh herb like

Blue cohosh: It is also a North American flowering plant. It has the same use as black cohosh.
Evening primrose oil: it is similar to cohosh herb as it soothes women in menstrual cramps.
Rhapontic rhubarb: helps in dealing with signs of menopause.

Conclusion:

Some things are theoretically proven, and some are proven medically by research. In older times, when there was no concept of tablets and supplements, people used herbs to treat illnesses. People used Black cohosh for centuries as a treatment of women-related diseases, especially menstrual cramps. Still, there is little known evidence of its benefits in scientific research. There is a need for more research to understand its activity and chemicals involved in healing.

Where to buy:

You can find it at grocery stores, health food stores, and online.

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NOTE: Please, seek advice from your health practitioner before adding these herbs and spices to your diet because some herbs and spices might contraindicate with prescription medication.

Turmeric | THE GOLDEN SPICE, Benefits Uses, Recipes , and Side Effects

Turmeric is a perineal herbaceous plant that belongs to the ginger family. It has tuberous rhizomes or underground stems used as a textile dye, condiment, and aromatic stimulant.

Turmeric has a pepper-like aroma, a bitterly warm taste, and a yellowish-orange color which a pigment called curcumin provides. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used in medicines for healing.

Table of contents

An Overview of Turmeric

History

Cultivation

Harvesting

Processing & Preserving

Types of Turmeric

Curcumin – Turmeric Root Extract

Process of Extraction

Uses of Turmeric

In Natural Medicine
In Food
As a Dye
In Rituals and Occasions
As a Sacred Decoration

10 Benefits of Turmeric

Side Effects & Warnings

Side Effects In Women

Who Should Not Eat Turmeric?

Conclusion

An Overview of Turmeric

With this brief intro to the Golden Spice, let us have a detailed overview of this natural plant.

History

The history of Turmeric is said to be as old as 4000 years. It was found to be used first in India. The Indian people used it as a culinary spice and built some spiritual bonding with it. From India, Turmeric reached China in 700 AD and Africa in 1200 AD. In 1280, however, Marco Polo introduced Turmeric as a vegetable having similar properties to saffron. Finally, in the 18th century, Turmeric reached the third-largest island of the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica.

The Ayurvedic and Unani systems and the Sanskrit medical papers suggest that Turmeric has been used widely in medicines for many years in South Asia. For example, in Susruta’s Ayurvedic Compendium, a medicine mixed with Turmeric can deactivate the effect of poisonous food.

Different cultures and languages give other names to Turmeric. The most common term used for Turmeric worldwide is ‘Yellow root.’ Turmeric is called Haldi in north India, influenced by the Sanskrit word Haridra; in south India, it is called ‘manjal.’

The phrase ‘turmeric’ is derived from the Latin word ‘terra merita,’ which refers to the yellowish color of ground turmeric. In French, it is called ‘terre merite.’ In the Sanskrit language only, there are 53 different names for Turmeric, showing the religious attachment of their people and culture to Turmeric.

Cultivation

Turmeric bulb on the floor and turmeric powder in a bowel

When we talk about turmeric cultivation, it is said that India produces the most Turmeric in the world. Turmeric is native to India and Indonesia both. It is cultivated in tropical or hilly areas, the mainland of India, and the island of the Indian Ocean. India produces over 95% of the world’s Turmeric and consumes 80% of it.

There are some specific climate and soil requirements for the cultivation of Turmeric.

The herb needs a hilly or tropical area from sea level to 1500m for

Ideal growth.

The suitable temperature for cultivating and growing herbs is 20 to 300 C.
The annual rainfall of the cultivation area must be 1500 to 2250mm.
Turmeric grows well in sandy, damp, well-drained clayey loam-rich soil.

Light black, red soils, ashy loam, and clay loams are all great for turmeric growth.

Harvesting

When the leaves dry and turn brown, turmeric plants take 8 to 9 months to grow and harvest. The plant is tipped out from the soil, and the soil on the rhizomes is cleaned. The stems are cut off an inch above the rhizomes, and the rhizomes are washed thoroughly.

Processing & Preserving

After harvesting, processing takes place. Before preservation, the rhizomes of Turmeric need to be processed. For processing, rhizomes at put in water and boiled for about 40 to 60 minutes. Then, rub the rhizomes with soft hands and get the cooked herb rhizomes dried in sunlight. It will take about 15 days to dry the turmeric rhizomes completely. Finally, you can make turmeric powder by grinding the rhizomes in a grinding machine or a coffee grinder.

You can preserve the turmeric powder for six months in a refrigerator. However, you should keep them in a freezer if you plan to use them longer than six months. In some parts of the world, the herb is sold in rhizome form and stored easily in the fridge for six months.

Types of Turmeric

We can classify Turmeric into five types. However, these types of Turmeric are similar to each other in one way or the other.

Kasturi Manjal: The first type of Turmeric is Kasturi Manjal, also known as Curcuma aromatic because it is famous for its intense aroma. People use Kasturi Manjal as a beautification cosmetic. For example, a paste of Kasturi Manjal is spread all over a bride’s body to make her look beautiful, especially in India and Pakistan. This herb type is similar to cooking Turmeric but not used in food due to its bitter taste. The powder of Kasturi Manjal is readily available from herbal vendors in India and Pakistan.

Curcumin Longa

The second type of Turmeric is Curcumin longa, the most common turmeric powder mixed with curry powder and used in cooking. It is also called Curry Manjal. The powder is obtained by boiling the rhizomes or stems and grinding them after drying.

Kuda

Kuda is the third type of Turmeric produced and used mainly in India. This type of herb has a round and elongated umbrella-shaped miniature structure. The word Kuda means umbrella. Kuda is similar to Manjl in color, and it is used for rituals and similar occasions only. People think that it has divine power and thus worship it. It is not used for cooking purposes.

Kari Manjal

Kari Manjal is the fourth type of Turmeric, also Black Turmeric as it has black roots. This type of herb is scarce, and people use it in making Ayurvedic medicines.

Mara Manjal

The fifth type of Turmeric is Mara Manjal. It is the Tree Manjal which is a kind of vine. It is also scarce and is used in making some particular medicines. But, unfortunately, this type of herb is gradually vanishing.

Curcumin – Turmeric Root Extract

Turmeric contains the chemical ‘curcumin‘ known as Turmeric Root Extract, which gives flavor to dishes and color to clothes. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance used to cure different health problems. However, the percentage of curcumin in a piece of Turmeric is only 3%. For this reason, curcumin is extracted in large amounts to be used in medicines and curing diseases.

Process of Extraction

Curcumin is extracted from the root of Curcumin longa, used for cooking. First, the turmeric root is ground to make a smooth powder. The powder is then dissolved in suitable solvents that do not dissolve the curcumin substance.

After filtration of those solutions, we obtain curcumin in the filter paper, and the finished product is ready for medicines.

Uses of Turmeric

Over the world, Persons use Turmeric for numerous usage. Here we will discuss the most common usage of Turmeric.

Turmeric as a Natural Medicine

Turmeric is a natural plant, and it is used as a natural medicine in many parts of the world, especially in some countries of Asia. Kasturi Manjal and Kari Manjal are the most common herbs used as medicine. Kasturi Manjal is famous for its beautiful odor and beautifying effects, commonly used in homes for beauty tips. In addition, individuals use Kari Mnjal to make Ayurvedic medicines.

Below are some common uses of Kasturi Mnajal.

The women and girls of Asian countries like India and Pakistan make a paste of Kasturi Manjal by mixing it with milk or yogurt and applying it to their skin to get beautiful, glowing, and smooth skin. It is a unique beauty tip for brides.
The massager mixes Kasturi Manjal with mustard oil for a better effect for body massage.
Newborn babies are given a bath with Kasturi Manjal in India.
Girls use a paste of Kasturi Manjal to eliminate unwanted hair growth on different body parts.
People with acne and scars use Kasturi Manjal paste to fight back acne and face spots. Some girls even use Basil paste with Turmeric for quick relief.
In Ayurvedic treatment, Mung bean powder is mixed with turmeric powder, and this soap-like material is used to heal many skin diseases.

Turmeric as a Food

In Cooking

In making dishes of chicken, rice, vegetables, and pulses, Turmeric is the main ingredient. It enhances the cooked food in color and taste.

In Drinks

Many doctors suggest using this golden milk to heal internal infections and injuries and boost immunity. Turmeric milk is prepared by boiling milk with Turmeric. Turmeric milk mixed with cinnamon is also used in winter for a soothing warm effect. This golden milk regulates inflammatory signals and works as an antioxidant.
Turmeric Tea is another great drink with the bursting health benefits of Curcumin. The tea recipe is straightforward. Add water, turmeric powder, fresh lemon juice, honey to taste, and a pinch of black pepper in a cooking pan and let it boil. As the water starts boiling, turn the flame low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. After that, pour the tea into your mug and enjoy it.

In herbal jam

A special sweet herbal jam is prepared by using turmeric powder. A balanced mixture of turmeric, ginger, and tamarind is prepared and preserved in jaggery sugar cane and pickled black peppercorns. This sweet herbal jam is used with rice, chicken, fish, or mayonnaise to make a sandwich.

In Pickles

Turmeric is also used in a fine pickle called Turmeric Ginger Salt Pickle. In this pickle, Turmeric roots and ginger roots are mixed with salt without using water or vinegar. This delicious yet straightforward pickle adds more flavor to your smoked meat, rice, rice, and beans, and any other dish you want to have it with.

Turmeric as a Dye

Yellow color holds a special significance for Hindus and Buddhists. The yellow color is sacred, presenting the most purified existence of divine spirits for them. That is why the Hindus and Buddhists use Turmeric as dying their clothes, and saintly men and women wear those clothes. On their religious occasions, they start their day by giving a yellow-dyed cloth to the priest. In addition, the newborn baby wears a yellow-dyed cloth on its first visit to the temple.

Turmeric is used in Rituals and Occasions.

As said earlier, the herb is special for Hindus and Buddhists. In their temples, they wash their idols with the herb as it symbolizes purity. The priests wear turmeric-dyed clothes to perform the rituals. Turmeric is also used in weddings to purify the minds and bodies of the married couple.

Turmeric as a Sacred Decoration

Besides using Turmeric in dying and performing rituals, Hindus and Buddhists also use a particular turmeric type, Kuda. It is an umbrella-shaped round and elongated kind of Turmeric, and it is kept in homes as a sacred decorative material. They also make a design on the earth called Kolam. This design is made from rice and turmeric powder and used to welcome guests and ward off evil spirits.

10 Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is a world-famous spice because of having numerous benefits. However, if you are concerned about what Turmeric does for the body, the below 10 benefits will clarify. These are the health benefits directly related to the body.

Natural Bioactive & Anti-Inflammatory Compound

Inflammation in the body is essential as it helps fight invaders like bacteria and repair inside damage. However, this inflammation can be dangerous when it becomes chronic and starts attacking body cells. In this case, curcumin plays a vital role. As an anti-inflammatory and bioactive substance, curcumin blocks a molecule NF-kb that gets into the nuclei and turns on the inflammation-related genes.

Increases the Antioxidant Capacity

The free radicals in the body can cause oxidative damage as these are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. This oxidative damage includes aging, heart attack, and other diseases.

Turmeric is an antioxidant with a robust structure that can neutralize free radicals and reduce their damaging effects. It also boosts the body’s activity in making its antioxidant enzymes.

Provides Skin Health Protection

Turmeric properties are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial, making it potentially practical for skin health. The medical herb can cure acne, scars, eczema, and similar skin problems. A special soap is prepared with a mixture of Turmeric and green mung beans to treat several skin problems. Turmeric is also used for beautiful, smooth, and glowing skin.

Prevents Heart Diseases

The dysfunction of the endothelium mainly causes heart disease. When inflammation and oxidation increase and high blood pressure and blood clotting occur, endothelium stops functioning well.

Curcumin in turmeric powder reduces inflammation and oxidation, regulates blood pressure, and improves the endothelium’s functioning. When endothelium performs well, the heart gets stable and starts functioning normally.

Helpful in preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is one of those diseases that have no cure. That is why its prevention is given more value than its cure. Alzheimer’s disease occurs when the protein tangles buildup and forms amyloid plaques. Different research studies suggest curcumin can prevent amyloid plaque buildup leading to Alzheimer’s.

Makes Arthritis Treatable

Arthritis is a joint disease most common in Western countries. This disease spreads due to inflammation in the joints. As an anti-inflammatory substance, curcumin can treat Arthritis. Different research showed that curcumin could treat Arthritis more effectively than anti-inflammatory drugs.

Gives a Boost to Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Neurons make connections and multiply in different areas of the brain. This process is driven by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a hormone. When this hormone level decreases, it causes several brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and depression.

Turmeric containing curcumin can increase the level of BDNF in the brain and has the power to reverse many brain disorders. As a result, Curcumin can make your brain smarter and improve memory.

Prevents & treats Cancer

Turmeric is so unique that it can also contribute to preventing and treating deadly Cancer. Many research pieces have proved that curcumin can kill cancerous cells and reduce angiogenesis and metastasis that spread Cancer by growing new blood vessels in cancerous cells or tumors. Thus, many studies show that it is a valuable herb to treat and prevent Cancer.

Contributes to treating Diabetes

Diabetes is an inflammatory condition of the body that Turmeric can treat with its inflammatory properties. Curcumin can help treat type 2 diabetes patients by giving them a specific dosage for about 16 to 20 weeks. In addition, it will help lower high blood sugar, improve insulin resistance, and reduce high cholesterol in the blood.

Gives a Boost to Immunity

Turmeric is considered one of the most powerful means to boost immunity. However, golden milk and tea are the most effective drinks to boost immunity and help your body fight back seasonal viruses and bacteria.

Turmeric Side Effects & Warnings

Turmeric and curcumin are beneficial and friendly to the body. However, there are some problems and dangers with it.

According to clinical studies, the herb’s most common side effects are gastrointestinal, resulting in constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, distension, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux, and yellow stool.

Turmeric Side Effects On Women

There is no considerable side effect of Turmeric, especially for women. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should use the herb carefully.

Who Should Not Eat Turmeric the golden spice?

As far as Turmeric’s suitability is concerned, it may not be suitable for people having obstruction of the bile duct, liver disease, gallstones, cholangitis, and any other biliary disease. This is because curcumin increases bile secretion, which can be problematic for such patients.

Annatto: a beneficial seed, Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

You might have seen reddish or yellow color in Caribbean cuisines; this is nothing else but an annatto.

Annatto, Common name “lipstick plant” or “poor man’s saffron” and botanical name Bixa Orellana. The seeds formed in pods of Bixa are famous all over the world but in different names: achiote, jarak, atsuete, Orellana, arnato. Fruit is heart-shaped covered with hair; when opened, there lie beautiful red seeds of annatto.

Hairy fruit along with pyramid-shaped seeds

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Ten surprising benefits and uses of annatto seeds:

Flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids present in annatto seeds exhibit a wide range of activities. Many of its benefits are due to these compounds, which I enlisted as follows:

1: Annatto as coloring agent:

The specific red color of these seeds is due to carotenoids present in seed coating. More Bixin (chemical present in the pericarp of seeds), more orange color, and more norbixin chemical tilts towards yellow color.

You may have seen yellow color in stews or soups in South America or Filipino cuisines. It is due to annatto seeds. In the Philippines, people use annatto seeds paste in marinating chicken as it makes it more flavourful.

In coconut, it is slightly yellowed to give a light yellow color.

2: Use in the dairy industry:

There is no stable alternative to annatto in the dairy industry, mainly used in ice creams, margarine, and the cheese industry.

3: Use in bakery items:

Many companies use annatto seeds in bakery items like waffles. You can use it as a healthy diet source.

4: Alternative source of vitamin B:

A known fact is that our bodies don’t produce vitamin E, vital for our body. We have to take it as a supplement. You will be surprised to learn that annatto seeds are the primary source of vitamin E.

Tocotrienols in large amounts, present in annatto seeds. This chemical is a form of naturally occurring vitamin E, present in extracts that exhibits highly neuroprotective activity.

5: Use for healthy skin:

The use of annatto on skin dates back to ancient times. People used it to color the face and body with insect repellent.

The antioxidant activity of annatto enhances the production of healthy cells and tissues reducing damaged skin.

Annatto paste reduces wrinkles and inflammation on the skin. However, the ancient people used it as sun cream. Peroxides present in seeds prevent DNA mutation in U.V rays.

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6: Use against diseases:

Rich in fiber, it may:

Boosts digestion and decreases heartburn.
Suitable for stomach activity.
A cure for cancer. As Bixin is an antioxidant, it may save tissues from damage due to cancer drugs.
Increases eye health, and decreases the chances of cataracts.

Not only annatto seeds but the whole plant has its benefits. We use leaves as a tea drink known to cure hepatitis, fever, and dysentery.

7: Good for bones:

It has calcium in it, hence suitable for weak bones, increasing durability. Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of tocotrienols for women in post-menopause, a significant component of these beneficial seeds in bone strength.

8: In the Cosmetic industry:

Famous as a lipstick tree, we use annatto to give beautiful shades to lips. It is also used in shampoos to give your hair smoothness. Hair dyes that give attractive colors to hair.

9: Annatto as Herbal medicine:

People use it as herbal medicine to treat many disorders in the form of a drink. In Asian culture, these beneficial seeds are an essential part of Ayurveda.

10: Beneficial as anti-parasite:

Anti-parasitic activity is also present in annatto seeds. It is 100% proven. Experimental use of annatto on fish shows removing the outer membranes of helminths (a parasite), causing their death.

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How to harvest the annatto plant:

These plants were founded in central and South America. It is harvested mainly in tropical countries like Mexico, Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, Peru, etc.

It can be grown both on a commercial scale and in small gardens. The soil must be organically rich and well-drained; the sun is a must. Before planting in soil, seedlings are grown in polythene bags in the nursery. These bags contain a mixture of soil, sand, and manure. The monsoon season (June to September) is ideal for farmers to spread these prepared seeds in the soil.

The condition of capsules decides the harvesting stage. After being ready, they spread them on spreadsheets. It takes around one week to get them dried. Once dried, they remove the seeds from pods. These seeds are then collected in bags and stored. Indias use this method of harvesting.

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Annatto seeds in powder form:

How many times have you used yellow or orange food color to enhance the color of your food? It comes from nothing else than annatto seeds. It makes food visually pleasing. If you have great taste buds, you will like its sweet and peppery taste. Annatto color seasoning is part of many Mexican and American cuisines.

Do you know one more amazing historical fact? Before being used as a coloring agent, people used it as body paint for its healing powers.

Like the Mayans, many tribes of ancient times used these beneficial seeds as a blood symbol, and it holds a very sacred place there.

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Annatto seeds in oil form:

Achiote oil, oil of annatto seeds, is made by simmering them in any oil. But on slow flame. Within a few minutes, the oil is ready to be used. Some uses and benefits of achiote oil are below:

• Indian and Mexican culture, people used to flavor and give color to many foods.

• Oil is used in the butter and cheese industry and offers many shades of yellow to cheese.

Where to buy these beneficial seeds:

Although, these are readily available in supermarkets. In America, you can find them in Spanish stores and Asian stores. You can also order annatto seeds or powder online from amazon or any other online shop.

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How to preserve or store them:

You can use these beneficial seeds for years. There are two simple tips:

Please place them in airtight containers.
Keep them away from light.

Substitute of annatto seeds:

Hibiscus powder, beet powder, paprika powder, and turmeric are all substitutes for annatto seed powder. Although, these spices or herbs will not give the same taste and color. Turmeric spice is tilted towards yellow color and has a powerful aroma. The Asian people use it in their cuisines

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Precautions in the use of annatto seeds:

Although incredibly beneficial seeds, there are some precautions for using them:

It can’t be used in soft drinks in Europe according to their legislation.
If you are new to cooking and learning, then don’t put whole annatto seeds in curry. It will take the seeds hours to soften.
Some people get allergic to it. If you are allergic to any color, then avoid it.
If you have diabetes, please do not use an annatto because your health care provider can observe your fluctuations in blood glucose levels. People should not use it along with diabetic medicines.
You should avoid annatto if you have scheduled your surgery. It is admissible not to use annatto two weeks before and after surgery.
It also decreases the effectiveness of some medicines. As medicines break down in the liver, it alters the breaking rate of chemicals in treatments.

Stability of annatto:

On a commercial level, due to its stability, it is 2nd most used dye. It is stable at high temperatures and other physical conditions.

Conclusion:

For centuries till now, the world is exploring its uses. Annatto is a fantastic plant, with lots of benefits in many industries. Many of its properties make it of great worth commercially, and in the medical field, there is room for a lot of research. But we must know that natural things also have side effects. Everything comes with its pros and cons.

Where to buy:

NOTE: Please, seek advice from your health practitioner before adding these herbs and spices to your diet because some herbs and spices might contraindicate with prescription medication.

10 excellent benefits and uses of Carob Powder

Carob Powder is a powder driven from the dried, roasted pods of its tree. It is an alternative form of Cocoa powder, but both are different from each other.

Carbo powder is a sweetener used in baked items because it has a beautiful, sweet taste. It contains chemicals and fibers that are helpful for you. Here, you will know about the 10 excellent benefits and uses of Carob Powder.

Benefits of Carob powder:

Carob powder is beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels as well as cholesterol levels. It consists of fibers and antioxidants but contains no caffeine. If you want to know about the detailed benefits, then you should continue your reading. These are some benefits of Carob powder.

Recovers from diarrhea:

If you get diarrhea, you will feel unpleasant, vomiting due to water dehydration. If you want some natural remedy to recover, you can use Carob powder. Studies have revealed that it is helpful for the initial stage of diarrhea, especially in children of 3-21 months.

Tannin is a large amount of Carob powder, thus used as the natural medicine for diarrhea. Tannins are polyphenols that have a binding property. These are water-soluble and bind with the mucous membrane of the intestine.

Fiber-rich powder:

Fiber is beneficial in maintaining your body safe and sound. Besides Tannin, Carob powder also contains fiber in a large amount. Two tablespoons of it consist of almost 5 grams of the powder. We use fiber to control constipation, blood sugar level, and control cholesterol.

A study revealed that there are antioxidant polyphenols in these fibers that maintain cholesterol levels in patients with high LDL.

Source of essential minerals:

Carbon powder contains calcium, an essential mineral of your body. Two tablespoons of it contain calcium, and this is 4% of the recommended daily use. According to studies, calcium helps maintain body weight.

This powder also consists of other essential minerals: iron, copper, zinc, manganese, nickel, barium, and cobalt.

Source of phytochemicals:

Carob powder consists of phytochemicals that play an essential role in your body. It helps reduce the chances of cancer and tumor. Besides, it also has some other properties, as it is antitumor and proapoptotic in its activity.

A phytochemical called quercetin has the property of killing leukemic cells. Different studies have been practiced on animals to check the phytochemicals that prevent you from cancer.

Maintain Blood Sugar Level:

Carob powder plays a vital role in maintaining your blood sugar level. This powder consists of Inositols, a vitamin-like substance that is essential for controlling diabetes. This inositol consists of Myo-inositol and d-pinitol for diabetes control. Health care personnel use Myo-inositol as insulin resistance for patients with high sugar levels.

Weight loss:

Carob powder is popularly known as a weight-reducing tonic through stimulating the body’s absorption, improving digestion, and effectively burning and removing fats.

Antioxidant.

It is rich in antioxidants and also repairs and prevent damage to cells by free radicals.

Gluten-free powder:

This powder contains no gluten, and it proves helpful in your health. Gluten is a protein that enhances your immune system. This immune system attacks your intestine and causes celiac disease. As this powder is gluten-free, you can use it if you have celiac disease.

Contain no sodium:

To live healthily, you should maintain your diet as per need. If you are Considering sodium, then you should take it in less amount. An excess amount of sodium may cause various diseases such as kidney problems, high blood pressure, and heart attack. Carob powder contains no sodium that makes it healthier for people who take less sodium in their diet.

Low in Fat:

Carob powder consists of no fat, and it is good if you want a low-fat diet. Besides, it has a higher sugar level than cocoa powder. Only two spoons of it contain 6 grams of sugar. But if you see the fats, it will benefit you as a healthy diet.

Uses of Carob powder:

Carob powder is mainly used in food, especially in sweets, due to its sweet taste. You can use it in your chocolate milkshakes and smoothies. It has other uses that I will discuss further.

Used as food:

Carob powder is widely used in diet to keep your body healthy. Here are other ways by which you can use this powder in your diet:

● You can use it in making bread dough or pancake batter, which gives you a unique sweet taste.

● As it has a special role in baking, you can use it in making brownies called Carob Brownies.

● You can add it to your smoothies, beverages to make them healthier.

● You can also add it to your chocolate drink.

Used for digestive issues:

Carob powder consists of tannins that may help you in resolving gastric issues. If you have digestive problems, you may use it as it helps in the elimination of toxins. It also helps in controlling the growth of harmful bacteria.

Conclusion

Thus, Carob powder is a healthy diet in its use as compared to cocoa powder. You have read the ten excellent benefits and uses of Carob powder so that you can use it for your desired purpose.

Where to buy:

NOTE: Please, seek advice from your health practitioner before adding these herbs and spices to your diet because some herbs and spices might contraindicate with prescription medication.

Mountain Rose Herbs

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Mountain Rose Herbs is dedicated to carrying a diverse range of certified organic and fair trade products.

Mountain Rose Herbs have various organic botanical products such as herbs, spices, teas, essential oils, and beauty and personal care items.

You can find all you need for a well-stocked spice cabinet from their A-Z list of dried herbs and spices, specialty seasonings, gourmet salts, peppercorns, seaweeds, and sprouting seeds.

10 Amazing Coriander Essential Oil Benefits & Uses

Coriander oil is unique oil distilled from the coriander seeds by steam distillation. This nutrient-rich coriander oil consists of many beneficial compounds important to your body. It also has medicinal importance that will surprise you when you go through the benefits. This oil is used for many purposes internally. It enhances digestion and relaxation because of its aroma, and people use it for healthy skin.

Here, you will get the 10 excellent benefits and uses of coriander essential oil.

Benefits and uses of coriander essential oil

Let’s discuss the excellent benefits of this oil that is also important to your body:

Weight Loss:

You must think long as you know everyone wants to become slim and smart. People use many ways to reduce their fat, but I will tell you how to get rid of fat. Coriander essential oil has the property to enhance lipolysis, which is the breakdown of lipids and fats. That means the more you use this oil, the more you lose weight.

Reduce blood sugar level:

Coriander essential oil has specific compounds that can reduce the blood sugar level of a diabetic patient. A study on this oil states that it lowers the blood sugar level of a diabetic rat. Studies revealed that the beta cells of the pancreas work actively with this oil. Beta cells produce insulin that maintains the blood sugar level. Thus, this oil is beneficial in reducing blood sugar levels.

Protect from brain’s internal injury:

Coriander oil contains chemicals that nourish the brain’s neurons and has an anti-inflammatory property. A study on rats revealed that this oil protects the neurons from nerve damage.

Beneficial for stomach and proper digestion:

Your body needs proper nutrients for proper functioning, and these nutrients come from the digestion of food. If you have improper digestion problems, you can use coriander essential oil to boost your digestion. Coriander oil has the characteristic of increasing the appetite, that will help in fast digestion.

Have antioxidants benefit:

The food industry uses antioxidants to increase the shelf-life of the foods. Coriander contains antioxidants, which could delay or prevent the rot of food.

The extract and oil of seeds and leaves of coriander had powerful antioxidant activities, thereby preventing the oxidative worsening of food.

The essential oil has an excellent antioxidant action, which we can substitute for synthetic antioxidants.

Protects the skin:

When protecting your skin, consider the essential coriander oil because it contains antioxidants that will safeguard your skin from free radicals. It also protects against harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Uses of coriander essential oil

Coriander essential oil has many uses that will prove helpful to you. Besides its uses and benefits, you should consult the health instructor for better results. Here, I will provide some of its services that will greatly help you. It also has the property to use as an inhalant due to its relaxing aroma and refreshing quality. We use it during a warm bath.

Breathe freshener and deodorant:

The manufacturing industry uses coriander essential oil in deodorant products for refreshment. After sweating, an unpleasant odor results due to the bacteria around your sweat glands. You should use the deodorant with coriander oil to prevent this unpleasant odor. This oil fight bacteria and reduces foul odor. Due to its sweet and excellent quality, the producers use it in mouth fresheners, making your breath pleasant. Thus, Coriander oil provides refreshment to you.

Pain relief:

Coriander essential oil has the property to reduce pain of all types. It can relieve headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, tooth pain, and even the pain of any injury. If you are suffering from pain, apply it to the affected area and reduce it. The itching on the skin reduces by using this amazing coriander essential oil.

Used to change the mood:

Whenever you feel down, you need some fresh air to make you feel better. Coriander oil has the same effect on the mood. It has some specific properties of aromatherapy that will help you to calm down. It relaxes your brain and maintains your emotional health and, ultimately, your mood. Whenever you feel down, you should try it.

Used as Preservative:

People use the oil in various ways, e.g., in foods as flavor and preservatives in pharmaceutical products, the same as in perfumes and lotion. It is helpful in food preparation and preservation and also in helping to prevent foodborne diseases and food damage.

Used to remove gases from the body:

If someone suffers from gas issues, he knows the pain and discomfort of this condition. Many people die due to gas problems every year because these toxic gases should be eliminated from the body. It is more dangerous when it is going upward. This coriander oil will help you to eradicate gas problems. When you have such a problem, take a spoonful of this oil, and you will find comfort.

Used to clean blood toxins:

We consider coriander essential oil a detoxifier as it removes toxins from the blood. These toxins may be uric acid, heavy metals, and many other types. This oil helps to eliminate these toxins from the blood.

You have known about the 10 fantastic coriander essential oil benefits and uses; you can use them wisely. But before going to rush into it, seek advice from a health consultant to get its good benefits.

NOTE: Please, seek advice from your health practitioner before adding these herbs and spices to your diet. Because some herbs and spices might contraindicate with prescription medication.