The Benefit of Herbs
• Holy
Basil : used in natural remedies, is known
to relieve gastric problems, muscular pain, chest pain, and
abdominal pain as well as improving digestion.
A single Holly Basil leaf contains 0.35% aroma oil as well
as other varieties of organic acid. This knowledge, gained
from traditional Thai medicine, practiced in herbal treatments,
is shown to cure minor ailments
•
Lemon
Grass: Until recently, lemon grass, or Takrai
as it is known in Thailand, was primarily grown in India,
Indonesia, and South East Asia. But as the popularity of Thai
cuisine grows around the world, the demand for it has increased.
It is used to combat depression and bad moods, fight fever
and as well as nervous and digestive disorders. Studies show
that lemon grass has antibacterial andanti-fungal properties.
Lemon Grass also helps to relieve gastric trouble, improves
digestion and enhances the appetite.
•
Galingale :
expels wind and strengthens the bowels. It eases colic, provokes
urine and the terms and prevents dropsy. Good for giddiness
and is sometimes used in gargles for mouth ulcers.
•
Lesser Galingale :
comprises all of the properties of Galingale; to summarise
it helps to ease abdominal pain, diarrhoea and gastric trouble.
•
Ginger
has also been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine
for the positive effects it has on the body, as well as to
enhance herbal combinations. Ginger is most commonly known
for its effectiveness as a digestive aid. By increasing the
production of digestive fluids and saliva, ginger helps relieve
indigestion, gas pains, diarrhoea and stomach cramping. Ginger
is also used to treat nausea related to both motion sickness
and morning sickness.
•
Coriander:
In literature, coriander is mentioned as an aphrodisiac in
The Tales of the Arabian Nights. Mostly used to settle the
stomach, its warm, fragrant taste does make it preferable
to some of the more pungent, powerful herbs like savoury.
In fact, coriander is often used commercially as an ingredient
to make medications more palatable. Coriander is well known
to reduce the suffocating effect that is experienced as a
result of indigestion and also helps to nourish the digestive
system.
•
Cinnamon :
was probably the first spice used by man. Ancient records
reveal that it was used for more than 5,000 years. Native
to southern Asia, the cinnamon tree has provided a spice known
the world over. Cinnamon is used by herbalists to relieve
nausea and vomiting. Cinnamon also produces a mild astringency
that is helpful for combating diarrhoea and is found to improve
freshness by reducing exhaustion that is experienced in every
day life.
•
Chili
: helps in the absorption of fat,
protein and carbohydrates contained in other foods, it cooperates
with the organism to improve the digestion because it increases
the production of gastric juices
and stimulates the intestines in their movements.
However, people with gastric problems, ulcers, or altered
gastric mucus (such as the one created by a over-consumption
of acid substances such as alcoholic beverages, coffee, etc)
should avoid eating chilli, since its irritating effect can
aggravate their condition.
•
Konyakku :
is a carbohydrate containing high fibre, which cannot be digested
by enzymes High fibre food contains very low calories and
because of digestion and minimal absorption into the body
weight loss is a natural result as well as helping the body’s
evacuation process. Fibre also relates to the glucose level
and cholesterol in the blood stream, by encouraging the absorption
of glucose into the blood stream and then swift movement to
the digestion system. The glucose level is then slowly increased,
which is beneficial for sufferers of Diabetes who need to
control their glucose levels. Furthermore, fibre can help
to convert bad cholesterol into good cholesterol.
Vitamins
and minerals
Vitamin
A
helps in the formation and maintenance of healthy
teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes,
and skin. It is also known as retinol because
it generates the pigments in the retina. Vitamin
A promotes good vision, especially in dim light.
It may also be required for reproduction and lactation.
Beta-Carotene, which has antioxidant properties,
is a precursor to Vitamin A.
Beta-carotene
is a substance from plants that the body converts
into vitamin A. It also acts as an antioxidant
and an immune system booster. Other members of
the antioxidant carotenoid family include cryptoxanthin,
alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene.
However, unlike beta-carotene, most of these nutrients
are not converted to vitamin A in significant
amounts. Pro vitamin A is transformed into Vitamin
A, which is important for the growth and development
of the human body and preserves the organ tissues
of the body.
Potassium
is essential for muscles, nerves and the heart,
it helps muscles contract and keeps blood pressure
stable. Potassium maintains fluid balance, maintains
mineral balance of blood, metabolism of glucose
(for energy) and the synthesis of fatty acids
and cholesterol. It assists Protein distribution
and helps regulate heartbeat. |
Phosphorous
combines with calcium to develop and maintain
proper skeletal growth, strong bones and tooth
development It enhances other nutrients, assists
Kidney functioning and the transfer of nerve impulses.
Phosphorous utilizes carbohydrates, fats and proteins
for growth, maintenance, repair of cells, and
energy production.
Calcium
is the most abundant mineral in our body, and
accounts for around 1.5% of total body weight.
The distribution of calcium is mainly in the bones
and teeth (99%), with a little found in soft tissues
and the blood. In children, the body’s calcium
is completely renewed annually, and every ten
years in adults, and so regular input is essential.
Calcium is required for the structure of bones
and teeth, and is also involved in normal muscle
function, nerve function, as well as blood clotting.
It is the most abundant mineral in the body, comprising
over 1.5% of the total body weight, of which about
99% is found in the bones. The remaining 1% of
calcium is found in the soft tissues.
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