The healing properties of garlic have been reported since ancient times. It is well known for its antibacterial effects to treat bronchitis, whooping cough, and influenza. Nicholas Culpeper, a British herbalist believed it was a remedy for all diseases. It is only when garlic is cut or crushed, that it releases the enzyme allinase, the compound in garlic that have beneficial effects.
Modern research has identified the following key medicinal benefits of including garlic in your diet :
* May help to reduce cholesterol levels. Garlic may reduce cholesterol levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increase levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and decrease blood fats. Studies have found that allicin and other compounds appear to bring about this effect. Regular garlic consumption and adding fresh garlic to your cooking may therefore help to decrease the risk of heart disease.
* Reduce the formation of blood clots. Ajone, one of the substances that is produced once a garlic is crushed, appears to reduce the formation of blood clots. This potentially makes garlic a useful treatment for those with heart disease. Research has shown that the clotting mechanism reduce significantly when people are given daily supplements of garlic for one month.
* Help lowers high blood pressure. Powdered garlic (equal to 2.5g of fresh garlic) has been shown to lower blood pressure. Eating fresh garlic may also help this condition.
* Antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic has antifungal capabilities and is reported to be more effective than drugs against fungal infections such as candidiasis (thrush). It has also been shown that garlic is able to fight Parainfluenza type 3, herpes simplex type1, and influenza B viruses.
* Could protect against stomach cancer. Studies around the world suggest that diets high in garlic decrease the risk of stomach cancer. This is thought to be due to allicin compounds that appear to prevent cancerous changes in the stomach wall. It's antibacterial effect also help to act against Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers, which in turn can become cancerous.
22 October 2006
22 September 2006
Naturopathic Way of Preventing and Treating Diseases
Naturopathic medicine traces it's roots to Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived several centuries before the birth of Christ. Hippocrates taught that disease and illness had rational causes that could be found in nature, so he looked for their cures in nature as well. Naturopathy emphasizes prevention of disease and healthful lifestyle to assist the body's own healing power. It assumes that nature is the greatest healer.
Naturopathy is not one system of alternative healing but encompasses a variety of therapies which include : herbal medicine, exercise therapy, physical therapy, nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, acupressure, hydrotherapy, natural childbirth, and lifestyle counseling.
How does a naturopath treats a patient? A naturopathic physician will guide a patient toward a healthful lifestyle, but the patient must also take an active role, both in maintaining wellness and in the healing process. For example, when you have a headache, what do you usually do? Instead of swallowing a couple of aspirin, you might sip a cup of rosemary, peppermint, or sage tea. Or take a nap. Or a walk. Massaging the back of the neck relieves some headaches. Then you'll want to consider why you had the headache in the first place. Part of the naturopath's natural method of healing is that you discover the cause of the problem and eliminate it, so that it won't happen again. Naturopathic philosophy, teaches that when you're in tune with your own mind and body, you will be able to determine the appropriate safe and natural treatment for yourself. The aim is not the quick cure, but the safe cure.
Naturopathy is not one system of alternative healing but encompasses a variety of therapies which include : herbal medicine, exercise therapy, physical therapy, nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, acupressure, hydrotherapy, natural childbirth, and lifestyle counseling.
How does a naturopath treats a patient? A naturopathic physician will guide a patient toward a healthful lifestyle, but the patient must also take an active role, both in maintaining wellness and in the healing process. For example, when you have a headache, what do you usually do? Instead of swallowing a couple of aspirin, you might sip a cup of rosemary, peppermint, or sage tea. Or take a nap. Or a walk. Massaging the back of the neck relieves some headaches. Then you'll want to consider why you had the headache in the first place. Part of the naturopath's natural method of healing is that you discover the cause of the problem and eliminate it, so that it won't happen again. Naturopathic philosophy, teaches that when you're in tune with your own mind and body, you will be able to determine the appropriate safe and natural treatment for yourself. The aim is not the quick cure, but the safe cure.
10 September 2006
Just a short intro of this blog
The pursuit of good health and well-being offers many alternative routes. I happen to have the interest and curiosity to dig deeper into this age -old science of alternative medicine. It is not meant to encourage you to become your own healthcare practitioner but rather to give you the idea of what alternative therapies being practiced throughout the world. Millions have been using such therapies for thousands of years. Some have been
used since the beginning of recorded history. Many are based on the healing traditions of indigenous people and
some on modern-day researches. One attractive feature of the alternatives is that many emphasize wellness, not just cures when you get sick. The principles behind many alternative systems insist upon a recognition of the mind/body connection and a perception of the person as total being. Also, people want to take an active part in the management of their health and so people have begun to take a serious look at alternatives that seem to offer a more natural way of healing.
used since the beginning of recorded history. Many are based on the healing traditions of indigenous people and
some on modern-day researches. One attractive feature of the alternatives is that many emphasize wellness, not just cures when you get sick. The principles behind many alternative systems insist upon a recognition of the mind/body connection and a perception of the person as total being. Also, people want to take an active part in the management of their health and so people have begun to take a serious look at alternatives that seem to offer a more natural way of healing.
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