The Enormous Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus is an aromatic herb that has properties that provide great relief as a decongestant and an expectorant. For centuries Vick's which is made as a Eucalyptus rub is applied to the back and chest of a person who has a common cold or any other respiratory distress. It is known to loosen the mucus in the chest so that it can be coughed up and expelled.

Eucalyptus also has some antibiotic association with it. Eucalyptus has both internal and external uses. Internally it is the leaves that are used for herbal teas that are able to assist people by acting as a diuretic, an anti-diabetic and also has some anti-tumor properties. The Eucalyptus oils are almost never used internally or ingested but on rare occasion a doctor might use a miniscule amount for nasal congestion, bronchial disease and other respiratory problems.

Externally, Eucalyptus is used as a vapor rub and while it is recommended that it be rubbed on the chest and back area it is also good for inhalation in such ways as steam vaporizers. Some even boil water and drop a teaspoon of vapor rub into it so an ill person can breathe in the fumes which will help to break up the congestion in the lungs. Quite often people have used the very same rub for sprains, bruises, and muscle aches and pains.

Never underestimate the power of Eucalyptus oil as it can be beneficial for many reasons. First it is a very powerful antiseptic, it is used to treat pyorrhea which is a gum disease. It is often used to treat burns too. One thing you can bank on is that insects do not like Eucalyptus so if you mix some with water and put it in a spray bottle you can be sure that bugs will stay away. A small drop on the tip of the tongue is said to take away nausea. Many people will soak a cloth in Eucalyptus and put them in their pantries or closets to fend off bugs and roaches. Another quick tip is a few sniffs of Eucalyptus is said to help someone who has fainted and when mixed with cinnamon is known to alleviate the symptoms of the flu.

Eucalyptus is also commonly used for aromatherapy too because when mixed with other oils it is extremely beneficial. The effects of Eucalyptus are stimulating and balancing and the scent is very woody. For the purposes of aromatherapy it blends well with Juniper, Lavender, and Marjoram. Eucalyptus when used in aromatherapy does the body good as it helps to relieve mental fatigue, improves mental clarity and alertness, sharpens the senses, refreshes and revives, stimulating, energizing.

It also has great effects on the body as it feels cooling; it relieves pain and sore muscles, breaks up congestion, and reduces inflammation. Eucalyptus incorporated with aromatherapy offers pure enjoyment. Inhaling the fragrance of Eucalyptus can reduce stress and lessen depression. It makes for an overall sense of better well being. Eucalyptus is great for both bathing and also for massage oils.




The Enormous Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The leaves of the eucalyptus tree, when dried, offer an oil that comes with an expansive catalog of health benefits. Used to make medicines, lotions, perfumes, cosmetics, a number of other products, eucalyptus essential oil is one of the most useful plants in the world.

Whether you're struggling with an ailment, looking to boost your hair's moisture and shine, attempting to soften your skin, cooking, or creating your own products, eucalyptus oil can help you out in some way or another. However, we've only just scratched the surface of how helpful this essential oil truly is.

What is Eucalyptus Essential Oil Used For?

The eucalyptus leaf is used for a number of health problems first and foremost. A common ingredient in natural medicines, the uses of this plant span the full gamut. The following are just a few of the illnesses, ailments, and health problems this essential oil is used to treat, soothe, and improve:

    Infections: An anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus can work wonders when it comes to nasty infections. It is also an analgesic (pain killer), an antibacterial, and it is anti-infectious, meaning it has all the makings of an effective medication for different types of infections that may plague the body. Of course, eucalyptus oil should never be ingested or applied to the skin in its absolute form. It should be diluted until safe. Most medications will do this for you, however.

    Upset Stomach: As a pain killer, diluted eucalyptus oil can assuage upset and sour stomachs, as well as relieve any pain they may cause.

    Coughs: Eucalyptus oil has been known to help loosen tight coughs and clear out phlegm following a cold. As an antiviral, it works well against colds and flus.

    Respiratory Tract Infections and Problems: The leaf and oil are also used to treat respiratory tract infections, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, and whooping cough. It can also be used as a preventative measure to maintain sinus health.

    Acne: A natural astringent, eucalyptus oil is also used to treat acne and oil skin.

    Burns: The clean, cooling effect of eucalyptus oil helps to soothe pain from burns and encourage healing of wounds.

    Soreness and Inflammation: For sore muscles, joint pain, and arthritis, eucalyptus oil is a lifesaver. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help it soothe and reduce pain. When added to a bath, it can soothe sore muscles and melt away stress, stiffness, and tenderness.

    Fever: The pain killing properties in eucalyptus oil also work well with fevers and the symptoms they bring. Body aches, headache, weakness and tenderness can be reduced and improved with the help of this essential oil.

How to Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil can be applied a number of ways. Depending upon what you're using it for, how you use it could be different.

    In the Bath: One of the main ways it is used is in the bath as a shower gel or soap. This means that the oil is already well diluted and ready for direct use. However, you can dilute the pure oil yourself using sweet almond oil or something similar, and add 10 to 14 drops directly to your warm bath.

    Diffuser: An aromatherapy diffuser fills the air in a room with eucalyptus and is a wonderful way to gain its therapeutic value. Diffusers can be use in living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms and even on your office desk.

    Massage: Eucalyptus essential oil is also commonly used as a massage oil. It is great for sore muscles and relieving stress and can even help improve blood circulation to the brain, giving you the ability to think clearly and calmly.

    Incense/Candle: Diffusing eucalyptus oil in an office, classroom, or in the home is a good way to improve the blood brain connection and encourage a clear thought processes.

Always make sure to buy only 100% pure therapeutic essential oil for best results.

Caution: Side Effects and Possible Poisoning

Eucalyptus oil should never be taken orally or applied directly to skin unless safely diluted. If, however, it has been ingested without being properly diluted, the following problems can occur:

    Nausea
    Diarrhea
    Vomiting
    Upset Stomach

Eucalyptus poisoning presents itself a little differently. Watch out for these symptoms:

    Suffocation feeling/Difficulty breathing
    Small pupils
    Dizziness


If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor straight away.

Russell (Rusty) Hart is the founder of the Health, Fitness & Sport Club, a website devoted to the promotion of health, fitness and wellness. The site encompasses a wide variety of health and fitness activities including general health matters, pilates, yoga, CrossFit, treadmill training, running, kettlebell, swimming, baseball, camping, hunting, HIIT, triathlons, extreme sports, equestrian and more. Should this subject matter be of interest you can visit the HF & S Club home site where you'll find over 1,300 quality posts with new posts being published daily. To quickly access those that are of interest you can select any of 20 Categories broken down by over 260 Sub-Categories for easy access.

You can also visit visit any of the HF & S Club's four Stores all of which feature 1,000s of sports and health products at the very best prices.

Access this website by going to [http://www.healthfitnessandsport.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/J_Russell_Hart/278755

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9085219

Seven Benefits of Garlic

For millennia people have used garlic for various culinary and medicinal purposes, but many of the benefits of garlic have been lost or are unknown to the average person in modern society. See how many of these uses you know and/or can apply in your own life.
Garden Pests- Garlic can be used for garden pest control either by planting it strategically, in a system know as companion planting, or by mixing cloves with pepper and liquid soap to use as a pesticide. Either way it can be an effective repellent in the garden.
Mosquitoes- Other pests that garlic can repel are mosquitoes. It is said that something in the plant's compounds is actually harmful to them, and therefore they avoid it. You can either place cloves of garlic in areas where there are mosquitoes, or put extracts on the exposed parts of your skin.
Pet Pests- Your pets can get protection from garlic too. Fleas, ticks and other parasites do not like garlic. Making sure there is plenty of garlic in your pets diet can go a long way to protecting them. Some brands of pet food include dehydrated garlic, make sure to check the labels. Protect your pet from insects by making sure they have a steady diet that includes plenty of garlic.
Worms and Parasites- Humans are not immune from parasites. In addition to repelling pests elsewhere, there are health benefits of garlic too. It has been confirmed by scientific studies that over time, garlic has been shown to kill tapeworm, roundworm, hookworm, and pinworm.
Skin Care- With antibacterial properties and an ability to equalizes blood circulation, garlic on the skin can be used as a cleanser, and as such can help with acne and other skin ailments. Caution should be taken to an area of the skin tested for sensitivity before general use.
Circulatory Health- Eating garlic can be beneficial for your heart. In addition to equalizing blood circulation, it helps to lower blood pressure, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, and can counteract the effect of smoking on blood pressure.
Diabetes- Garlic can also lower blood-sugar levels helping people with diabetes. It stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, which is the hormone that controls sugar usage, and binds chemical receptors that would deactivate the insulin.
There are many other benefits of garlic which you would be wise to discover, but those mentioned here should be enough to show why garlic is something that can be beneficial to everyone.

www.urbanhomesteadingtoday.com is a website that is focused on urban homesteading and the topics and tips, such as benefits of garlic, relevant to developing your own homestead.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sandi_Baine/391660

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5710661

Benefits of Juicing Celery and Celeriac

Juicing celery benefits weight loss and health, to effectively improve your digestion and immune system. Celery was originally used for medicinal purposes to purify the blood. No calories and high in fiber, celery juice is a stimulating tonic and a great addition to a healthy eating diet.
Celery and celeriac juice is traditionally used for: asthma, constipation, fever, fluid retention, gout, headache, inflammation, insomnia, kidneys, liver, lungs, migraine, nervous problems and weight loss.
Fresh celery juice has a mild diuretic effect and helps curb the craving for sweets which benefits weight loss.
Rich in magnesium and iron content, with up to 95% water, fresh celery juice provides valuable nourishment for blood cells. Juicing celery will provide a good source of potassium, which is great for a hydrated and healthy skin. A major benefit in consuming celery juice is that it also helps to regulate blood pressure. Vitamin C found in celery helps to support the immune system and is a cold fighter. Fresh celery contains cancer-fighting compounds that detoxify pollutants including cigarette smoke.
Common salt or inorganic sodium chloride is harmful to the body, whereas organic sodium in celery juice is most beneficial. Sodium is called the youth element because it removes acid from the body, reduces stiffness and loosens the muscular skeletal frame.
Celery juice is useful for people who have high acidity resulting in calcification and degenerative bones and joints. This harmful accumulation is obtained from the over-indulgence of animal protein, too many grains, refined and concentrated sugars and concentrated starches. The body can benefit from an increased consumption of celery juice which helps to eliminate calcium deposits before they accumulate and cause harm.
Drinking one or two glasses of fresh celery juice can benefit people afflicted with nervous disorders and insomnia. Celery juice is a revitalizing brain tonic, enhances memory, and is good for dizziness. Some have even discovered the sobering qualities of raw celery juice as an antidote to alcoholic indulgences.
The juice from celery root or celeriac is valued as an appetizer that stimulates digestion. Celeriac juice has an almost immediate beneficial effect on the body when it is sipped. It is amazing how much juice you can extract from these large, hard, dry-looking roots.
Ideal in tropical climates, celery juice is a natural coolant and protector in hot weather. A glass of organic celeriac juice will keep you dry and comfortable, while those around you perspire. Great if you enjoy a vigorous workout like I do, celery juice can be used as a natural sports drink to replace valuable fluid and mineral loss due to sweating.
The higher the chlorophyll content, the darker is the celery. Use the stalks and green leaves of celery, which contain both sodium and insulin. Only juice firm celery stalks with fresh leaves. Celery can add a refreshing but salty taste to your juice recipes and is best juiced with carrots or apples.
The health benefits of juicing celery and celeriac are enormous. Introducing celery juice into your daily diet can not only improve long term health but also encourage weight loss. So get out your juicer and start juicing celery today!

For more juicing tips and reviews on the Breville juicer [http://www.juicertips.com/brevillejuicer.html], Omega juicer, Citrus juicers and more try visiting juicertips.com [http://www.juicertips.com] where you can quickly and easily find tips, advice and information on juicer reviews [http://www.juicertips.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Melissa_Jawai/107104

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/629310

18 Amazing Benefits Of Cloves (Laung) For Skin, Hair And Health

Cloves are definitely one of the most distinct herbs around but ironically enough, cloves have been around forever and are not finished doing business just yet. Usually if you can not get your hands on some cloves, Allspice can be a substitute. Cloves have some preservative properties to them but they work well as an antiseptic, expectorant, anesthetic, or an emmenogogue, working well on the kidneys, the spleen and the stomach.

Some make a combination of cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon, and marjoram for a hot tea that helps bronchitis, asthma, coughs, a tendency to infection, tuberculosis, altitude sickness, nervous stomach, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, the side effects of lobelia, and depression. Sometimes people mix cloves with hot water, again making a tea and claim that it helps them get a good night's sleep.

Cloves and ginger is a sure way to settle the stomach and stop vomiting. If you combine equal parts of cloves and basil it is supposed to detox meals from the body. Cloves have been used for failing eyesight and tooth problems. It was used for earaches very often throughout history as putting a little warmed oil of clove on a piece of cotton and in your ear was certain to rid any earache. Mostly, cloves are known for being warm and spicy but also have a strong relationship with pain relief, easing nausea and vomiting, and improving digestion. Cloves also kill intestinal parasites and act as an antimicrobial agent against fungi and bacteria. It has also been suggested that cloves have antihistamine properties as well.

Do not be too quick to pass off the possibilities of cloves and aromatherapy as the two have a very strong bond between them. Since cloves have such a positive and stimulating effect on the mind they pair up great with other oils for aromatherapy purposes. In the 16th and 17th centuries cloves were worth their weight in gold however it is the clove oil that is most essential. In Indonesia many people smoke clove cigarettes and that did spill over into the United States for a while but lost most of its vigor when it was found that clove cigarettes could cause adult respiratory distress syndrome.

The word clove comes from the Latin word "clavus" which means nail. If you have ever looked at a clove you will notice that it does resemble a nail. Many people use whole cloves when they cook ham by sticking the spiky part around the outer edges of the ham for extra flavor. Indian curries can not do without cloves but it is also used in pickles, sauces, Worcestershire sauce, and even spice cakes that are baked from scratch.

Throughout history cloves has never been forgotten but has lost some of its popularity. Some still use it as a spice and some for minor dentistry and even still more for the purpose of aromatherapy. People still look at cloves as an "old fashioned" herb. For some families it has been passed down through generations and in the pantry still sits a jar of whole cloves for that special ham dinner.

Below is a list of the top clove benefits.

1. Toothache:
Cloves provide relief from toothache (1) and this is one of the main reasons why you will see them listed as an Ingredient in 99% of toothpastes.

2. Nausea and vomiting:

Cloves and clove oil when taken together can provide relief from Nausea (2).

3. Cough and breath:

Cough and bad breath can be cured by consuming cloves. These are very common problems that we all face and can be very well treated by the consumption of cloves on a daily basis. You can do this by including them in your dishes and also as refreshments at any time of the day (3).

4. Seasoning abilities:
Its seasoning capabilities make it very easy to blend in many dishes, beverages and desserts. It helps to provide strong flavour and aroma to the food (4).

5. Sinusitis:

Other benefits include overcoming sinusitis. This can be done by taking the powder of grounded cloves into your nose. This action must be done with a straw of adequate size.

6. Morning sickness:

It is a good remedy for treating morning sickness. Take around ten grains of cloves, mix them with tamarind and palm sugar and make it into a nice mixture using water. Drink this solution twice a day as an effective treatment.


7. Flatulence:

Clove is mixed with water and used in the preparation of tea to overcome flatulence.

8. Cold:

Common cold can be treated effectively by drinking a lukewarm mixture made with ten drops of clove oil and honey. Drink it twice or thrice a day..


9. Aphrodisiac:

Clove is also an aphrodisiac and its fragrance eliminates exhaustion and fatigue related thoughts.

10. Stress:

It thus soothes the senses and relieves stress in the body. Mix cloves with basil, mint and cardamom in water to make a flavoured tea. Take this along with honey to provide you relief from stress.

[ Read: Health Benefits Of Almonds ]

Skin Benefits of Cloves:

Clove oil is strong in nature and should be carefully applied. It should be diluted to as low as 1 percent before application, because direct application can burn or affect the skin. Clove oil is used by naturopaths and beauticians to treat skin conditions. Let’s have a look at the skin benefits of clove:

11. Treats and Removes Acne:

Clove oil has been found very potent for acne removal. It is to be applied topically to the affected areas. It is often blended with face packs or massage creams for application on the skin. It gives a tingling sensation when applied to the skin. The reason behind the sensation is the potent nature of clove oil. The possibility of acne spreading over the unaffected areas can be eliminated by killing off the bacteria with the help of the antimicrobial properties of the oil. Skin conditions, such as blackheads, whiteheads, scarring, pimples and scaly skin are the signs that characterize the skin ailment known as acne. Patches and blemishes can be formed due to acne. Acne commonly happens during the adolescent stage due to hormonal imbalance. The essential oil obtained from the clove plant flower has great purifying properties. It helps to eliminate the inflammation caused due to painful pimples. It also helps get rid of the bacteria that increase the chance of skin breakouts. Due to its anesthetic properties, it acts as a numbing agent. To use clove essential oil for the treatment of acne, it must be added to carrier oil in the ratio 1:10, where one part is clove oil and ten parts are of the carrier oil. The reason for diluting is that clove oil irritates the skin when used in the pure form. The mixture made, as explained above, can be directly applied with a cotton swab or clean finger tip to the acne, zit or pimple. Leave the mixture till dry. It acts really fast.

12. Cures Blemishes and Scars:

It comes in handy for the removal of blemishes and scars from the skin. When clove oil is applied directly on the skin under professional supervision, it truly works as a mild chemical peel. It exfoliates the blemished or dead skin gently and makes the skin appear healthier and clearer.

13. Antioxidant Properties:
None of the other essential oils is found to have such high antioxidant properties as clove essential oil. We are familiar with the fact that antioxidants are very good for maintaining healthy skin and body. Clove essential oil is rich in minerals, such as potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron and Vitamins A and C.

14. Treats Rashes, Cuts and Wounds:

Clove essential oil is also used to treat rashes, scabies, stings, cuts, wounds, bites, fungal infections and athlete’s foot.

15. Offers Relief from Anxiety:
It also contributes to provide relief from anxiety and helps to induce sleep, which is once again essential for an attractive skin and great complexion. Insomnia and anxiety are the major causes of unhealthy skin. With successful control over both these conditions, one cannot fail to achieve a soft, smooth and glowing skin. The antimicrobial, anti-fungal, aphrodisiac, antiviral, antiseptic and stimulating properties of clove essential oil make it helpful to treat a number of ailments.

Hair Benefits of Cloves:

16. Prevents Hair Loss:

Cloves or clove oil can be used to prevent hair loss. It can also be used for the purpose of thickening the hair.

17. Hair Color Refresher:

Clove tea can be used as a great hair color refresher. Apply clove tea after the coloring of the hair and shampoo is done. Always make sure to get the clove tea cold before its application on the hair. Your hair will appear full of life and fresh with just one rinse of clove tea once the shampoo is done. The clove scent also works as a perk for the refreshed hair. It makes the hair feel rejuvenated.

18. Hair Conditioner:

If one is suffering from brunette or auburn hair, the mixture of cloves with olive oil can be used as a conditioner. It assists in boosting up the fragrance and helps in color conditioning of the hair. To prepare the conditioner, mix 2 tbsp of ground cloves and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Warm the mixture in a pan and let it heat for some time. Remember not to boil the mixture. Remove the mixture from the heat and leave it to cool off for a minimum of 3 hours. Strain the mixture into a bottle or a small jar. Before going to shower, warm some of this clove-olive oil mixture by rubbing it in between the hands. Gently rub the mixture onto the scalp and apply it to cover every part of the scalp by running your comb through the hair ends. Let the mixture set for 20 minutes after wrapping it in a shower cap. Then, rinse the oil out in the shower and rub that oil in your skin. It is recommended to shampoo twice for best results.

How to Select Cloves?

Cloves are available round the year in spice stores. They are available in whole and powdered forms. The powdered form gets weaker quickly than that of the whole form. It is recommended to choose whole cloves and grind them as needed. A sweet fragrance is released by good quality clove buds when they are pressed in between the index finger and thumb. One more reason to buy whole clove buds is that the powdered form can sometimes be adulterated with some other powders. The buds should be compact with sepals and stem. Another way to find out if the clove is of good quality is by putting it in water. It is a good quality clove, if it manages to stand upright, and if it sinks or tilts horizontally, then it is not to be considered a good quality clove. The best ones can be bended even if they are dried. It is always best to pick those cloves, which are grown organically.

How to Store Cloves?


An airtight glass or plastic container is the best to store cloves, whether in the whole or powder form. The whole buds should be kept in a cool, dark and dry place. They should be hand milled, whenever required. In case of powder cloves, they should be placed inside the refrigerator. The powdered clove should be utilized as soon as possible as the flavor of the powdered form is lost quickly than that of the whole buds.

Tips to Use Cloves:

The flavor of cloves is strong. Always remember to carefully consider the amount of cloves used in the dish. To give the dish an Indian touch, add clove buds with curry powder to the garlic, sautéed onions and tofu. Cloves are appropriate for the seasoning of broths, soups and baked goods. Ground cloves can be sprinkled over the fruit compotes to give them a tasty punch. Such great benefits of clove make it a miracle spice. It is advisable to add this spice to your food and experience its goodness together with its plethora of health benefits. Leave us your comments below.

Nutrition chart of Cloves:


A table spoon of cloves which is around 6 grams contains 21 calories, with 11 calories coming from fat content.

Fat content is 1 gram which is 2% as per the daily value of consumption for a 2000 calorie intake diet chart.
Cholesterol is 0mg and sodium is about 16mg with dietary fiber contributing 2 grams or 9% of the daily value.
Vitamin A and C are also present in good amounts which are 1% and 9% in DV, with calcium and iron being 4% and 3%.
Having read about what the health benefits of cloves are, do make sure that you include them in your daily food.
Cloves

15 Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species that are alive and the leaves are one of the most studied leaves in clinical settings today. Ginkgo Biloba is an herbal form of medicine and in Europe and The United States is one of the biggest sellers. Many traditional medicines contain Ginkgo and are used for enhancing memory and to treat circulatory disorders. Scientific studies all support and validate these claims. Newer evidence shows that Ginkgo might very well be effective in treating decreased blood flow to the brain, especially in the elderly. There are two types of chemicals in Ginkgo leaves, flavonoids and terpenoids, which are thought to have very strong antioxidant properties resulting in aiding those who have Alzheimer's disease.

While the Ginkgo plant is still in tree form, it produces fruit that is not edible; inside of the fruit are seeds that are poisonous to humans. Most of the studies that are currently being conducted on Ginkgo are being done on the leaves of the Ginkgo (GBE). Although many components of the Ginkgo tree have been studied only two have been directly related to the big success of Ginkgo, as mentioned above. This is why Ginkgo is showing a much more structured relationship with treatment of Alzheimer's and Dementia. Because Ginkgo is so effective in improving blood flow to the brain and because of its antioxidant properties, the evidence that Ginkgo can help these patients is extremely promising.

It is suggested that Ginkgo truly can improve cognitive functions such as thinking, learning, and memory, improve activities of daily living and social behavior, and lessen the feelings of depression. Further studies are showing that the flavonoids can also help with retinal problems, people with circulatory problems in their legs, memory impairment, and tinnitus. Many doctors are recommending Ginkgo for treatment or discomfort associated with altitude sickness, asthma, depression, disorientation, headaches, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and vertigo.

Ginkgo may also reduce the side effects of menopause, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. The option of Ginkgo has a lot more appeal these days then the options of prescription medication which has unpleasant side effects. Children under the age of 12 should not use Ginkgo and in adults it usually takes about 4-6 weeks before you will see any significant results. There has been a relationship developing between Ginkgo as an anti aging aid since it is such a powerful antioxidant that wards off the free radials.

It is very common and becoming even more so for healthy people to include Ginkgo as an herbal supplement on a daily basis for better concentration and enhanced memory. People claim that in general they feel that Ginkgo reduces any mental fatigue that daily life has a tendency to bring forth. Many men are taking Ginkgo to improve impotence as well as increase fertility. The Chinese have used Ginkgo Biloba for many years and have found great success with it so it seems that they might be on to something here because this herbal remedy looks like it going to be around for a very long time.

Here is a small study where people got twice as much as above. German researchers gave 20 people with Alzheimer's either a placebo or 240 mg of ginkgo a day. After 30 days the people on placebo had no improvement. Of the 10 on the ginkgo, one had progression of the disease, 2 stayed the same and 7 experienced an improvement of mental function.

1. HelpsAlzheimer’s Disease and Other Forms of Dementia

This is what ginkgo biloba is the most well known for-- improving memory. Is this why an elephant never forgets (they eat these tree leaves). A webpage says:

Some evidence shows that taking ginkgo leaf extract by mouth modestly improves symptoms of Alzheimer’s, vascular, or mixed dementia.

Now at this point someone can say "Didn't the U.S. government, specifically the 26th National Institute of Health (NIH), the NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) do a large study that shows that ginkgo is ineffective at doing the above?"

2. Helps Anxiety

From above webpage: "Preliminary clinical research shows that a specific ginkgo extract (EGb 761, Tanakan) can reduce symptoms of anxiety in adults with generalized anxiety disorder or adjustment disorder with anxious mood."

3. Recovery from Stroke

It helps people recover from a stroke caused by a clot.

4. Hearing Loss

Many health problems are caused by a lack of blood circulation.

5. Help with Vertigo and Dizziness

6. Helps PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

7. Glaucoma

It is a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing gradual loss of sight.

8. Helps with ADHD (Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder)

9. Improves Thinking Problems Caused by Old Age

10. Improves Thinking in Young People

WebMD.com has a webpage about the benefits of ginkgo biloba mentioned above. It says:

Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain and acts as an antioxidant.

Some studies have found that in healthy people, ginkgo might modestly boost memory and cognitive speed.

Several ginkgo studies have shown that it can help with memory problems caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers have studied ginkgo for many other conditions, including ADHD, depression and other psychological conditions, multiple sclerosis, and tinnitus from a vascular origin.

University of Maryland Medical Center has a page about ginkgo biloba. It says:

Ginkgo leaves have two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) that are antioxidants.

Laboratory and animal studies show that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels, and retina from damage. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.

11. Helps with MS (Multiple Sclerosis)

12. Lowers High Blood Pressure

13. Age Related Problems with the Eyes like Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a a gradual loss of the central part of the field of vision usually affecting both eyes that occurs especially in the elderly.

14. Helps Headaches

15. Helps with Intermittent Claudication, PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) or PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease)

This is when you have severe pain while walking due to the blood vessels in the legs becoming too clogged up.
Ginkgo Biloba

Benefits Of Rosemary For Hair

Rosemary is a relative to the mint family and the name is derived from its Latin origin to mean "dew of the sea." Rosemary is very common in Mediterranean cuisine and has somewhat of a bitter astringent taste to it. While that is true it compliments oily foods very nicely. A tisane can be made from the Rosemary leaves and that is also very popular when cooking.

First it is burned and then added to a BBQ to flavor various foods. Sage, unlike many other herbs has a high nutritional value to it and is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6 and is more nutritional in its dried form rather than fresh. Rosemary should be harvested just as you are going to use it because it truly loses its flavor once dried. Gardner's swear that if you plant some Rosemary plants in and around your garden, the Rosemary will fend off moths, beetles, and carrot flies.

Older Europeans loved Rosemary and believed that it improved memory and also used it as a symbol of remembrance and was often tossed into fresh graves before they were buried over. Traditionally it has been said that Rosemary, left untrimmed, would grow for thirty three years where it will reach the height of Christ when he was crucified. Many would also place sprigs of Rosemary underneath their pillows to ward of evil and nightmares. Often the wood that comes from the stems of the Rosemary plant was used to make musical instruments. Remember that people back then liked to utilize every piece of something as not to waste. Today, many wreaths are made from Rosemary as a symbol of remembrance.

Today, Rosemary is still used for many things besides cooking as it is in potpourris, air fresheners, shampoos, and cosmetics. There has also been scientific evidence that Rosemary works very well as a memory stimulant. Rosemary has also shown some cancer prevention properties in animals. But further Rosemary has shown a strong relationship in relaxing muscles, and to soothe stomach upset as well as menstrual cramps. The main thing to remember when using Rosemary for this purpose is that if you use too much it can actually cause a counter effect.

When made into a tea it is ingested for calming nerves and anxiety and as an antiseptic. Rosemary when used as a tea many people find to taste very good. Making the tea from Rosemary is quite simple actually, just pour boiling water over the leaves and steep for 10-15 minutes. A little sugar can be added by you should not add any cream. A few sprigs can be added to oils and vinegars to flavor the products which add a nice taste for cooking.

When used cosmetically it can lighten and tone human hair and when mixed with equal parts of shampoo it has been known to strengthen hair too. It also makes for a nice additive in hot bath water. Rosemary is still used quite commonly today however more so for cooking than anything else.

Benefits Of Rosemary For Hair

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Rosemary has been used for centuries to not only stimulate hair growth but also delay graying. Listed below are the different ways in which the herb promotes healthy hair growth.

• When you are suffering from hair loss, growing your hair or keeping it long may seem a difficult task. Rosemary oil can counter hair loss by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp, which, in turn, promotes hair growth (1).
• Its high nutritional value and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent ingredient for nourishing the hair follicles and soothing the scalp. It also has analgesic properties that make it a good remedy for soothing inflamed scalps (2).
• It is known to thicken hair and add shine, and is often used by people who have thin, lusterless hair (3).
• The oil from the herb helps clean the hair follicles by unclogging them. Clogged follicles often lead to problems like dandruff, and, in extreme cases, hair fall.
• Rosemary oil is renowned for its ability to prevent and stop the spread of gray hair (4).
• It moisturizes a dry scalp, and prevents flaking and dandruff (5).
• It repairs damage while removing dirt and grime that may keep the hair weighed down (6).

For Hair

6 Top Benefits of Marjoram For Health, Skin & Hair

Marjoram is the dried leaves from an herbal plant called the Origanium hortensis. The name Marjoram is a Greek word that means "Joy of the Mountain." Ancient Greeks believed that if Marjoram grew on a grave that person would enjoy eternal happiness. The taste of Marjoram is a bit sweeter than that of Oregano. Many people believe that Marjoram is, in part, a species of Oregano. Marjoram is a pretty user friendly herb that is used quite traditionally in Italian, French, North African, Middle Eastern, and American cuisine. Marjoram compliments quite nicely sausages, various meats, fish, tomato sauces, salad dressings, breads, stuffing's, and salads.

Marjoram is a relative to the mint family. You get the most flavors from Marjoram if you use the fresh leaves rather than fried marjoram. One big difference between Oregano and Marjoram is while Oregano tends to prosper in taste the longer it simmers in a sauce or stew, marjoram is the opposite and should be added into the dish as late as possible. Although Marjoram is sweet and mild, it is also at the same time minty and has a hint of citrus. The biggest Marjoram exported in Egypt. Marjoram blends very well with Bay Leaves, pepper, and Juniper. While all vegetables can benefit from a hint of Marjoram, it seems to work best on adding and enhancing the flavor of cabbage and legumes.

Many people find a great benefit from Marjoram in aromatherapy oils. Marjoram is said to have a soothing and warming effect with a spicy and warm scent. This explains why it is so popular with those who enjoy the many benefits of aromatherapy. Many times for aromatherapy oils it will be mixed with lavender, bergamot, and cedar wood. Beyond the great world of aromatherapy Marjoram has many other beneficial uses too as it is used as an analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and as a diuretic. The many uses of Marjoram include treatment for anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis, bruises, colic, constipation, digestive problems, gas, insomnia, muscle aches and pain, PMS, Rheumatism, sinusitis, and sprains.

Quite often people use Marjoram on a daily basis in various forms. Some prefer it as a tea which has been used throughout history for easing such ailments as hay fever, indigestion, sinus congestion, asthma, stomach upset, headache, dizziness, coughs, colds, and disorders associated with the nervous system. Some even use the tea as a mouthwash. One or two cups of marjoram tea per day have proven to be extremely therapeutic. Marjoram can be made into an ointment or salve by crushing the dried herbs into a paste, adding just a tiny bit of water. This is a common way to treat sprains and Rheumatism. Even still, some will mix the Marjoram into a paste and then into an oil to use for tooth pain or gum issues.

Marjoram should not be ingested internally in a medicinal or herbal form during pregnancy but can be eaten as an herb that is added to food. As you can see, Marjoram is a very essential and beneficial herb that was used in ancient times and is commonly still used today.

1. Marjoram For Snoring:

Marjoram like I mentioned before effectively prevents snoring. To use marjoram as a home remedy for sleep, sniff marjoram essential oil right before sleeping. Taking a sniff of marjoram oil is said to greatly reduce the snoring. You can also try this blend of essential oil blend to make an effective home remedy for snoring: Take around 10 drops of lavender essential oil and 10 drops of marjoram essential oil in a small glass bottle. You can either add it to essential oil vaporizer and place it in the bedroom an hour before sleeping or simply sniff it before bed.

2. Marjoram For Headache Pain Relief:

Marjoram is very useful for easing the inflammation and can be used to ease the pain of tooth infections, arthritis,  headaches and other pains. To use it for headache relief make marjoram tea by boiling the dried leaves in water till it is reduced in half and sweeten it with honey. This tea also relieves one of nervous headaches, cold and respiratory related problems. As this herb is very aromatic, a little goes a long way.

3. Marjoram For High blood Pressure:

A study conducted on the effect of marjoram for high blood pressure showed that blood pressure reduced significantly when marjoram was used. The best way to use marjoram for blood pressure is to use it as a massage oil. When using it as a massage oil, always use it with base oils and the best base oils are cold pressed unrefined oils. Use around 15 drops of marjoram oil for a cup of base oil. A good massage with this oil is the best way to De-stress and no wonder the blood pressure comes down :)

4. Marjoram for sleep:
The best way to use marjoram for sleep is by making sleep pillows. Sleep pillows are very effective and is a fun project to do at home that gives amazing results, these also make great gifts. To make the sleep pillows shade dry the marjoram till completely dry and fill it in pure cotton cloth bags preferably muslin bags as they let out the scent better. Stitch small sachets out of pure cotton for making these sleep pillows or you can even purchase it. If the herbs are dried completely, they really last a long time. You can also use the marjoram and lavender essential oil blend mentioned before too.

5. Marjoram For Skin:
Marjoram can be used to treat skin disorders very effectively. You can also make your own marjoram cream by boiling a cup of olive oil with a bunch of fresh marjoram. Once the essence has completely steeped in, melt around 2 tbsp of bees wax along with the marjoram steeped oil till the wax melts. Let it cool and your homemade marjoram skin cream is ready!  This cream can be applied for treating stiffness, sprains, etc

6. Marjoram For Hair:
Marjoram treats the infections of the scalp. Try making this hair rinse, make a hair rinse by boiling a bunch of fresh marjoram in water and use it as a hair rinse. You can also add a few drops of marjoram essential oil to make it very effective. Of course lastly my favorite use, tie garlands with marjoram and jasmine flowers for your hair to calm your senses and make you feel really good!

Marjoram For Hair