Tea is a widely consumed beverage across the world. It is an integral part of everyday societal life.  Not only is tea a nature’s wonder herb, but a stimulant, too. Of late, this herb has been receiving a lot of attention from the media. Tea has existed since centuries in countries like China, Japan, India and Sri Lanka. Its potentiality in promoting health has received world-wide attention.People across the globe are turning to this ancient herb to re-discover its magical benefits. This herb contains protective, anti-oxidant and revitalizing properties. Today it is cultivated across the world especially in tropical and subtropical regions

Latin name – Camellia sinensis
Sanskrit Name – Shyamparni/Chaha

The degree of processing of this plant determines whether the tea would be green, black or red variety.

• Green Tea: It is the least processed amongst all the available varieties of teas. It is simply steamed quickly before packaging.
• Black Tea: It is partially dried, crushed and fermented.
• Red Tea: It is similar to the black tea wherein partial drying, crushing and fermentation processes are carried out.

But the most popular varieties as are:

a) Black Tea
b) Green Tea

The major constituents of tea that contributes in establishing its distinctive identity as a beverage include caffeine, Poly-phenols and essential oil, theanine (an amino acid unique to tea), vitamins, minerals, and methyl-xanthines. Pantothenic acid and riboflavin are active principles present in its leaves. Kaempferol and Quercetin are active principles present in the fresh leaves and green tea. It contains fluoride essential for strong teeth. and contains half the amount of caffeine found in an equally-sized cup of coffee. It is devoid of calories – which is Good News for Health Conscious individuals!!!

Recent research has depicted anti-oxidant properties (i.e. cancer fighting properties) in the herb-especially Green Tea. Extensive clinical research studies have been conducted to establish its efficacy.

Benefits of Drinking Herbal Tea:

• As a beverage and a stimulant
• Helps to fight against mutagenic agents i.e it contains anti-oxidant properties that prevents cancer.
• Helps to curb high blood pressure
• Prevents viral and bacterial infections in individuals
• Helps in delaying ageing process in individuals  
• Helps in improving and regulating the functions of the digestive and excretory systems.
• Helps to prevent occurrence of blood clots
• Helps in lowering cholesterol levels
• Helps in neutralization of enzymes that aid in the growth of tumors
• Helps to stimulate the immune system of an individual

Today, as part of this series, we present a recipe on how to prepare Herbal Tea from Chamomile herb which has been described below:

Chamomile Herbal Tea

Ingredients
1 ounce chamomile (Babunphool/Babuna)
2/3 ounce peppermint
1 ounce caraway seeds (Aniseed/Saunf)
2/3 ounce angelica (Babhool)

Use 1 teaspoon of the mixture per cup of hot water. Steep this mixture 10 minutes and strain.

Caution:  Never give an infant or young child a medicinal tea with peppermint in it. The menthol in the peppermint could have a reverse reaction.

Uses:

• For Gastric complaints
• For digestive disorders
• As a beverage and stimulant
• As an energizer

Dr Sameer Sippy

We are as old as we look or, rather, our skin looks .

Although a smooth skin remains the glowing aspiration of  all women, it becomes an unreal goal with age. This is when antiaging creams steps in.

But how safe are these ‘harbingers of youth’? It seems that the users of these products have more to fear than just aging.

It has been recently reported in the media that several prominent brands of  anti ageing creams contain the active ingredient alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).

According to Dr Sam Epstein, chairman of the US Cancer Prevention Coalition, these are “probably the most dangerous cosmetic products on the market”.

Many of these age- controlling products, that claim to erase fine lines and diminsh wrinkles, actually work by peeling away the top -most layer of the skin, thereby making it vulnerable to damage through sun exposure and  enviornmental toxins.It is exactly for this  reason that many  companies that sell  products with AHA  warn  consumers that it is mandatory for them to use a sunscreen.

But obviously,  it is not enough!

The US Food and Drug Administration has cautioned consumers that AHAs “could destroy the upper layers of skin, causing severe burns, swelling and pain”.

Apparently, AHA is not the only culprit. Another  harmful product, limonene, a known carcinogen also finds its way into several anti -aging creams.

What is it that prompts these companies to churn out these creams in tons? I believe it is our obsession — with  youth and anything young. We started living out of harmony with nature, and the consequence was telling.That is when the ‘cosmetic rasputins’ stepped in with their bottled remedies.

I have just named a few harmful products  but it is anyones guess that there are many many more . It is ok for the countries where  paranoia and regulations control  the sale and recall of such products.What about ‘lesser’  countries? Do we allow ourselves  to be  enthralled by porcelain models and blissfully  continue to use these creams ?

There are so many factors that promote  aging. Poor nutrition, lack of exercise and stress are just a few.It goes without saying that diseases and familial predisposition are also among the factors that enhance ageing. Therefore, it is important to understand what is wrong in the first  place and analyse thoroughly before succumbing to charlatans.

The need for the hour is the ‘back to nature’ approach .Make sure you put the right things into your system to support it for life — this includes sensible healthy foods and clean water. Regular exercising is mandatory for a youthful and a disease-free state.Eliminate stress .You can choose your own methods to de stress—there are plenty around.All these methods will reduce the production and action of free radicals which damage cells.

Traditional practices have come up with their own antiaging products and beauty -enhancing creams that use only natural ingredients. Ayurvedic products are one of them. .It would be worth while to give them a try.

Aging is unstoppable. The challenge is to age gracefully and not cut a sorry figure .If the above  tips are carefully followed  you will be forced to smile at the  youthful  ‘stranger’ you see in the  mirror.

What’s stopping you?
 
Dr. Reeja Tharu

Let’s talk about what nutrients you can get in a watermelon today – continuing on the theme of the importance of keeping yourself hydrated.

The nutritional value of a typical watermelon comes mainly from the water it contains. Which means it’s a good fruit to have lots of this summer. It also has potassium, which is important for people who are dehydrated because they lose potassium fast (lack of potassium causes the muscle cramps dehydrated people sometimes experience).

Besides, you also a bigger wallop of lycopene (the antioxidant pigment which makes watermelons and tomatoes red) from watermelons than you get from tomatoes. Lycopene from watermelons is more easily absorbed than from tomatoes (which need to be cooked to make the lycopene available). Lycopene protects you from cancer and heart disease.

It also has Vitamins A, C, and B6.

So go get that watermelon and eat it, or juice it and drink it. Enjoy!

Learn more about the watermelon! Go to:

1. Interesting facts about the watermelon

2. Watermelon juice

3. Watermelon for beauty

4. Watermelon – an aphrodisiac

Shampoos, conditioners and hair loss prevention creams are being launched in our market almost every other day. Each claiming to be superior then the other. Each claims to cure conditions such as dandruff.  Despite all the hype there is still no cure for this relatively benign but annoying condition. In the long run it can cause hair-loss.

Speaking about hair loss what information do we need to understand about this condition that is medically called  alopecia. Medindia often gets questions related to this topic. Do not get carried away by all the advertisement that claim to restore your lost hair. Some of these advertised products are extremely expensive and can burn a hole in your pocket. Before investing understand the condition and go through our different resources related to hair-loss.

The term ‘Alopecia’ comes from the Greek alopekia, which means fox-mange.

Alopecia is mostly hereditary condition and is normal in some individuals. For men, it typically starts from the forehead and the hair loss continues to recedes further back  till only a horseshoe-shaped fringe is left on the sides. For women, there is more diffuse  hair loss throughout the scalp, but they seldom  get bald.

Some of the hair loss is not necessarily genetic, and needs to be investigated by a doctor. Hair loss in patches (alopecia areata) and hair loss all over the body (alopecia universalis) are thought to be caused by an autoimmune disorder. Skin diseases, excessive hair treatments, and habits like wearing the hair pulled tight and pulling out hair are also known to cause severe hair loss in children and adults.

Doctors treat hair loss with medicines like Minoxidil and Finasteride (generic names) and surgery, and many herbal and alternative treatments are also available. If they don’t work, there are wigs and hair pieces of all colors and styles. If you are young and losing hair, doing your research and being proactive about your problem will help you find solutions and feel better.

To know more about alopecia, go to:

1. Sporting the Naked Pate: On Hair Loss and Balding
2. Hair Loss in Women
3. News: New drug may stop alopecia
4. News: Study says common treatments for patchy hair loss are useless
5. News: Smoking related to age-related hair loss in men

Fenugreek leaves and seeds are nature’s gift to mankind. This wonder herb is rich in minerals like Potassium, Calcium, and Iron. The leaves have good dietary fiber and are abundant in Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

One hundred grams of fenugreek leaves comprise only 49 calories and our body easily assimilates it.

Fenugreek leaves add flavor and zest to your cooking and you can add fenugreek leaves to any kind of cooking that involves dal, vegetable, rice, or atta (chapathi flour). Ensure that the leaves are washed well before cooking.

Fenugreek leaves also have exceptional medicinal uses and can be used as a beauty aid as well.

• Anemic patients can consume fenugreek leaves regularly as they are a rich source of iron.

• Fenugreek leaves paste applied on palms and soles alleviates burning sensation.

• A cup of fenugreek leaves decoction added to honey and a teaspoon of ginger powder clears the phlegm and cures cough.

• Fenugreek leaves paste applied on swellings, sprains and burns heals them effectively.

• Fenugreek leaves consumed regularly tones your respiratory system, nervous system, reproductive system and neuromuscular system.

• Fenugreek leaf powder significantly increases the antioxidant system in diabetics.

Fenugreek leaves or Methi as a beauty aid

• Fresh fenugreek leaves paste and coconut milk applied over the scalp is believed to prevent hair-loss, promote hair growth, preserve its natural color, delay graying of hair and make it silky soft.

• A paste of methi leaves mixed with vinegar is good for treating dandruff.

• A pimple and blackhead prone skin when treated with the paste of fenugreek leaves and turmeric, improves the skin tone.

• Fenugreek leaves also has anti ageing properties. Make a paste of fenugreek leaves and add boiled milk to it. Applying this to your face delays the appearance of fine lines and face wrinkles. It not only improves the complexion but also makes one look years younger.

Fenugreek leaves and acne treatment

Fenugreek leaves paste when applied on acne affected area every night and washed away the following morning with warm water prevents fresh breakouts of acne.