Category Archives: Health & Fitness

Natural Herbal Teas And Their Many Health Benefits

Herbal tea is a common terminology given for tea made from various herbs other than the common tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Herbal tea is also termed as “tisane,” which denotes that the herbal tea is not prepared from the common tea leaves. Almost all available herbs are used in the preparation of herbal tea. The plant parts used to prepare herbal teas are fresh or dried leaves, flowers, roots and seeds. Some herbs are wholly used with all parts.

Popular herbs that are commonly used in the preparation of herbal tea are Anise Hyssop, Arabian Jasmine, Common Sage, False Roselle, German Chamomile, Jamaican Tea Hibiscus, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Mints, and Roman Chamomile. Each herbal tea has different properties and it is specifically used for different ailments.

Blackberry tea is prepared from the blackberry bushes (Rubus from the family Rosaceae). This tea is used for various health benefits, especially to get rid of diarrhea.

Blueberry tea is made from the dried leaves of the blueberry plant (Vaccinium from the family Ericaceae). This tea is consumed to get rid of kidney inflammation and to ameliorate the flow of urine.

Dandelion tea is prepared from the leaves of the dandelion herb (Taraxacum from the family Asteraceae). The tea is believed to be very effective for improving the functions of the liver, getting rid of gallstones and in improving skin ailments.

Essiac tea is made from four important herbs which are Burdock (Arctium from the family Asteraceae), Indian Rhubarb (Darmera peltata from the family Saxifragaceae), Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra from the family Ulmaceae) and Sorrel (Rumex acetosa from the family Polygonaceae). The tea is renowned as an herbal cancer treatment. It is believed that the tea prevents the growth of new carcinogenic cells.

Ginseng tea is prepared from the aromatic tuberous roots of the ginseng plant (Panax from the family Araliaceae). It is believed that the tea greatly improves the resistance power of our body against stress.

Kombucha is a sweetened tea prepared from a group of microorganisms, known as kombucha colony, by using a fermentation process. The kombucha colony microbes consist of bacteria and yeasts; they are Acetobacter, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Torulaspora delbrueckii, Candida stellata, and Zygosaccharomyces bailii. A chemical compound present in this tea seems to help the liver for detoxifying the body.

Persimmon tea is prepared from the dried and crushed leaves of the tree (Diospyros from the family Ebenaceae). The tea is believed to be rich in Vitamin C, and it seems to prevent scurvy.

As you can see there are many Natural Herbal remedies available to keep your body in optimal health without the side effects. This is just a small sample of herbal teas. There are literally thousands of varieties available. Don’t be afraid to sample different kinds. You just might find that special taste and wonderful aroma that you just can’t live without.

Herbal Teas Tasty Or Toxic

Have you visited the tea section of your local grocery store lately? If so, you’ve seen the dizzying array of herbal tea blends, brands and flavors. There’s no doubt that herbal teas are a huge commercial success, and they’ve been enjoyed for centuries. Many tea lovers buy them for their smell and taste. Others expect herbal teas to be a healthier alternative for other caffeine-containing beverages. Some buy them strictly for the medicinal benefits or effects on the packages.

These claimed medical effects can include calming, soothing, and relaxing. On the other hand, other high-caffeine tea blends may promise increased energy and concentration. Green tea remains a top-seller for its legendary health effects. Is there a dark side to the booming herbal tea business?

Reading The Tea Leaves

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the responsibility to evaluate foodstuffs and medications sold to the public. Herbal teas receive very little regulation. Generally, herbal teas fall into a gray area between foods and drugs. Traditionally, the FDA has considered herbal teas taken only for taste and aroma to be classified as foods. Another FDA “rule of thumb” has been that any herb that is safe for consumption in food is therefore assumed to be safe when taken as a tea. However, the FDA has been taking a closer look at herbal teas and their effects.

Are Herbal Teas Toxic?

That’s a difficult question to answer, as the FDA is learning. The large majority of commercial herbal tea blends contain multiple ingredients in relatively small concentrations. These teas are quite safe to drink when used according to the product instructions. Problems arise, however, when people prepare their own herbal teas, deliberately concentrate commercial blends, have an allergic reaction to the tea ingredients, or the tea is incompatible with prescription medications.

What’s The Problem?

The problem is one of consumer awareness. Many plants and herbs used in teas have specific and measurable medical properties. Caffeine is one of the best examples. It is a naturally occurring ingredient in both tea and coffee plants. Problems are possible when uninformed persons attempt to medicate themselves with teas.

Some Examples

* Chamomile is reported by some to be both a relaxant and a digestive aid. The chamomile plant is a member of the same plant family as ragweed, asters and chrysanthemums. People allergic to those plants should be cautious of chamomile tea.

* Comfrey tea has been associated with two reported cases of liver disease in the U.S. In one case, the patient abused the herb by drinking nearly a dozen cups of comfrey tea daily as well as consuming many comfrey pills. This extreme herbal dosage continued for over a year, resulting in the liver ailment.

* Lobelia tea can cause vomiting, breathing problems, convulsions, and lead to coma and death when used in large amounts.

* Aromatic sassafras tea in large amounts has caused cancer in lab rats. Oil of sassafras and safrole are the major chemical components of the sassafras oil. These components were banned from root beer decades ago. Although sassafras bark is banned from all food use, extract that contains no safrole is allowed.

Should You Be Scared?

Commercial herbal tea vendors would never willingly endanger you, their customer. Commercially available herbal tea blends are expected to be very safe to drink when prepared according to their directions. Similar to drugs, problems with herbs arise when they are abused or taken in extreme concentrations.

These herbs, even those in commercial herbal teas, can have medicinal effects. Therefore you should always talk to your doctor before using herbal preparations, especially if you use prescription medication. Even if you are not on medication, stop any herb use immediately if you experience unusual symptoms. The symptoms may be an allergy to the herb, or something totally unrelated to the herb. Only your doctor can tell you for sure

osmetic Gynecology Facts

Cosmetic gynecology is for women whose genitals are affected by child bearing trauma, the aging process, and inherited anomaly. This treatment helps a women overcome the difficulties she may face in her intimate relations and be more confident about their body. Most women are largely embarrassed to even speak about it. But with changing times, women now seek help for their most intimate problems. The best candidates for this surgery are women who have suffered a trauma to their genital areas. After a roper consultation the doctor can decide the course of action to be taken to help the patient. Like any other surgery, it is essential for a woman to have realistic expectation from Cosmetic Gynecology Surgery.

Before surgery

Before surgery, you will be asked to undergo tests to ensure you are healthy enough for the surgery. Your doctor will ask you to stop smoking drinking and avoid certain blood thinning medications or supplements. Along with that you will be encouraged to live a healthy life by eating right and working out. You should arrange for people to help you for a few days as you will need it.

After surgery

Your doctor will guide you through the recovery process. You will be instructed on how to clean your incision (if any). Avoid any strenuous activity till you heal completely. Patients should desist from any sexual activity for about six weeks unless they are told otherwise. In case of any discomfort of pain, patients can apply ice to the area for the first 48 hours. You will also be prescribed painkillers to help you with the pain. You may feel sore for a few days but it will be worth it. Personal hygiene is quite important during your recovery. Ensure that you eat will and rest well.

At Allure Medspa we believe that you look good when you feel good. Your beauty reflects how confident you feel about your body inside out. Don’t be embarrassed about asking for help. Seek out the means to look pretty outside and feel beautiful within.

The Elegance Of A Glass Tea Set Or A Chinese Tea Set

The tea-drinking experience has been enhanced in so many ways in recent years. The days of one or two brands of pre-made tea bags or loose tea have been replaced by a plethora of tastes, aromas, and colors that have been the cornerstone of the herbal tea phenomenon. The variety of choices that are now available in types of herbal teas, and the ingredients that are used in them, has expanded the horizon of many a tea drinker.

The added bonus of having a beverage that is actually very healthy has created an even larger worldwide demand for herbal teas of all kinds. People are finding that drinking herbal teas and fruit infusions not only satisfies their taste buds, but also supports their physical and mental well-being and continued good health.

This increase in herbal tea consumption has created another market altogether. The way in which tea is served has been updated in a tremendous way, with an equal approach of modernity and tradition. Many people are finding that their tea time can be greatly enhanced by the addition of a glass tea set or a Chinese tea set. The use of glass is especially complementary to herbal teas, since many of them create as much color as they do flavor, fragrance, and nutrition.

The list of different types of herbal teas is too long for any one overview. Green teas alone account for scores of varieties. The traditional �Japanese� green tea, which itself is a derivation of the Chinese standard, can be had in many different ways, depending on the botanical ingredients contained within. Black teas, fruit infusions, and other herb and plant combinations will often result in a colorful and visually stimulating brew that should be seen to be fully appreciated.

A glass tea set or a Chinese tea set can properly display the many-hued brews that are possible with herbal teas. The rich yellows of oolong and chamomile, the bright reds of hibiscus buds, and the vast spectrum of browns that are part and parcel of herbal teas and fruit infusions come alive in a glass tea set or a Chinese tea set. The process of changing colors can also be appreciated as the herbal blends begin to brew in the water, whether in a glass teapot or in an individual glass tea cup.

The popularity of blooming teas, or flowering teas, is another part of the herbal tea experience that is best enjoyed with a glass tea set or a Chinese tea set. Asian artisans, skilled in the selection and joining together of botanicals, are able to create fantastic works of art that come alive in a brew. Jasmine buds, globe amaranths, and chrysanthemums literally grow into an organic design in a glass tea set or a Chinese tea set. The amazing visual show of flowering teas cannot be fully appreciated any other way.

The traditional designs of a Chinese tea set or the innovative creations that are being offered in many a glass tea set can truly enhance the already satisfying experience of herbal teas.

Advantages Of Consulting A Physician Online

The Internet is a large, open and mostly free, library for any and every questions people have. Apart from questions about relationships, the most frequent questions have to do with disease symptoms, ailments as well as their cures. Many depend on Google for medical information associated with a certain symptom, disease or any medical condition they assume they’ve. So it only makes sense for your medical world to make a location for itself in the world of internet.

There are many Doctors’ forums where individuals can post questions, which can be answered by Doctors. Qualified Doctors use this popular medium to achieve to those who are looking for advice. Recognizing the opportunity here, lots of doctors today allot part of time for online consultation.

Consider a peek at some advantages of consulting a health care provider online.

Availability

It’s possible to consult with a doctor associated with preference (who can be found with proper research online or via recommendation) from the easy your own home/office/any other host to choice. All that is required is really a device with internet access.

Time saving

Find a good doctor to Consult – A lot of time can be saved while there is no need of traveling or standing in a queue for consultation. Or no tests answers are required prior to a detailed consultation, this can be enquired ahead of time and kept ready. Also, you don’t need to must take a day off, and hence there is a lesser chance of missing appointments.

Economical

With there being no expenses, labor charges, etc, doctors charge fairly less to have an online consultation in comparison to face-to-face consultation. As the price of medicines and tests might not be different, some great benefits of consulting a physician online can be viewed affordable when compared to expense involved registering as a patient at the hospital/clinic, in traveling back-and-forth, etc.

Anonymity

Individuals with hesitate to choose a face-to-face consultation once they are afflicted by embarrassing symptoms or ailments. Although some patients may later decide to physically check out a doctor for advanced treatment options, those who prefer complete anonymity will be able to look for a platform online to acquire their concerns addressed.

Lesser risk

Find a good doctor to Consult – Self diagnosis may look to be simple and affordable but is extremely risky as not everything published online maybe accurate. Rather than depending on forums and Google for solutions to one’s medical queries, it’s possible to consult directly with a doctor with similar ease and convenience.

Need assessment for Gestational Diabetes for Women

The gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes or high blood sugar occurring in the pregnant women who have never had a pregnancy, (Redden, 2011). The degree of glucose rises to an intolerance level for the onset or first recognition during the pregnancy. The name gestational refers to the description of the period during pregnancy. The problem affects may pregnant women.

Research indicates that seven percent of the pregnancies are affected by the gestational diabetes. There are more than 200, 000 cases of annually of the women affected by the state of diabetes. The range of prevalence has been seen to rise from one to fourteen percent for the pregnant women. The gestational diabetes is offered for the women who have never had diabetes for the high blood sugar for the pregnant, (Nieto, 2009). The gestational diabetes mellitus has affected the state of the common health problems for the pregnant women. The targeted population for the gestational diabetes problem is for the women. The gestational diabetes influences about the 4% of the pregnant women. The reason for the control of the gestational diabetes is due to the need of controlling the gestational diabetes for the baby and woman. The hormones from the placenta for women make the mother to be insulin resistant, (Revel, 2009). The women are required to take the prenatal care for the important assessment of the women with the gestational diabetes for the risk factors.

The national health discussions have focused on prevention of the gestational diabetes. The provision of health problems to the babies and the women posed the danger for the society. The promotional awareness has been posted on the assessment of the smoking cessation, physical exercise and randomized controlled traits, (Nieto, 2009). The effective tertiary prevention is of high concern for the development of the condition of gestational diabetes.

Social cognitive theory

Albert Bandura suggested the social cognitive theory. The theory recognizes the father was the first address for the nature and importance of the self-efficacy of the determination of the behavior. The self-efficacy or efficacy expectation require the assessment of the social cognitive theory is best for the examination of the process involved for the people who learn from the observation of the gradual acquisition of the control of the behavior, (Redden, 2011). The self-efficacy helps in the assessment of the generative capabilities for behavioral, social and cognitive sub skills. The integrated courses of the action are on the service of the innumerable purposes. The environment, behavior and personal factors for the pregnant women should be used for the control of influences. The behavior direction is towards the different issues of the particular goals.

The theory is based on the adoption of the new behavior patterns for the generalization of the behavioral patterns for the long-term maintenance of the behavioral patterns. The high degree of self-efficacy is based n the essential assessment of the carrying out of the self-care tasks. The reporting of the results affects the survey for the different diabetes for the self-care requirement. The high self-efficacy is associated with the issues for exercise and diet for self-care on social support, (Nieto, 2009). The patient’s confidence is designed for the enhancement of the self-efficacy of the increase to the patient’s confidence. The theory will be of importance due to the basic assumption that it provides. The people are able to learn by the observation of others. The learning is placed on the assessment of the internal processes for the leading of the behavioral changes. The women and their environment are considered mutually to influence each other.

Literature Review

The currently around state for the 3.5% pregnancy of the organization will be affected for the gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is considered the common life-long health condition. The 2.9 million people will be affected with the state of the diagnosed state for the people that have the conditions for insulin dependent, non-insulin dependent, GDM and secondary type of diabetes. The insulin considers the hormone offered for the state of glucose that enters the body cells. The gestational diabetes can be accessed on the issues for the diagnosis, (Revel, 2009). The medical experts are placed on the agreed requirement for the single set of screening of the guidelines for the gestational diabetes. The questions are on the issues of the gestational diabetes for the screening of no risk factors. The screening of all the pregnant women will be placed on the best way of identifying the cases of gestational diabetes.

Learn How To Make Your Own Herbal Home Recipes

It is easy to learn how to make your own herbal home recipes. Herbal remedies are definitely a great way to treat any minor or common ailments that your family members may have. Just imagine the ease and convenience if you know how and what to do about treating open cuts, runny noses, fever, insect bites and back pain and best yet, in a natural way. You can, instead of reaching for your drug medication cabinet ever so often, be making your own herbal remedies that come right out of your kitchen or from your garden.

Here are a couple of basic herbal home recipes that you can try:

1.The easiest way to derive benefits from herbs is with consuming a herbal tea infusion. Herbal tea infusions can be made within a few minutes. Usually an infusion is made just like hot tea. Simply put the herb (or herbs) that you are working with into a pot that has a closed, tight-fitting lid. Then, pour hot water over the herbs and let them soak there for at least 10 minutes. Next, strain this by pouring it through a nylon sieve or a strainer into a coffee cup. Store the leftover infusion in a cool place so that you can heat it up again later. Nevertheless, you should try to drink herbal infusions fresh.

2.Herbal home remedies can also be made in the form of a decoction. Here, the active ingredients from the plant have to be more vigorously extracted than with an infusion. These herbal remedies are actually made from the twigs, barks, roots and berries. In order to make a decoction you will need to mash the herbs and then simmer it in water for about an hour. Next, remove the bark, twigs, roots or berries with a strainer. This can be drunk either hot or cold. Decoctions must be always consumed fresh.

3.Herbal remedies in the form of tinctures, are more difficult to make than the other methods of preparation. Place the herb that you are working with in a large jar and cover it with a mixture of vodka or rum and water. Please ensure that this mixture contains at least 25% alcohol. Seal the jar and then store in a cool, dry place for 2 weeks. You will also need to shake the jar occasionally. After 2 weeks, press the mixture through a wine press and collect the tincture in a jug. Once you have all of the mixture, use a funnel to strain the liquid into a dark bottle for storage.

4.Lastly, you can consume herbal remedies in the form of syrups. This goes well with kids! First, you need to heat about 2 cups of a standard herbal infusion in a medium-sized saucepan. Add approximately 500 grams of sugar or honey and then stir this mixture until the sweetener has completely dissolved. Let the mixture sit and cool. Then, pour the syrup into a dark bottle, seal it with a cork stopper and store it in a cool, dry location. You must not omit the cork stopper as syrups ferment quickly.

You can always seek the guidance of your local herbalist if you need more detailed instructions in the herbal home recipes. Your herbalist can also help you with your herb supplies. Of course, it will be useful to know what herbs to use for treating the various ailments. As a mother, there can be many unexpected crisis that I have to deal with on a day by day basis. Learning about how to make my own herbal home recipes has helped me save trips to my family medical doctor several times already

Healing Benefits Of Drinking Herbal Tea Remedies

With using different types of tea leaves for brewing, herbal tea remedies can come in different taste and blend. Then, there are also organic tea leaves; supposedly one grade higher than the rest and commanding a premium price. Some prepackaged teas also have a combination of more than one herb. You would find that you are spoilt for choice.

The most important thing to remember about drinking herbal tea is that you can use its healing properties to improve your health. Although herbs have been around for many thousands of years already, it is only recently that they become more popular especially with those who have been used to consuming a diet of coffee and taking drugs for instant reliefs. Herbal tea remedies are considered generally safer and with fewer side effects.

In the United Kingdom, for instance, many have started to drink more teas. The increase in popularity is a natural occurrence since the British already drink a lot of black tea. The idea that tea can help to soothe a medical problem adds to the heightened interest. In fact, most people drink 1,000 cups of tea each year.

As previously mentioned, each type of tea has different benefits. For instance, Chamomile tea is a mild sedative. Other herbal tea remedies can help to improve your digestive system, detoxify your body and improve your circulation. Of course, all of these things can also help to improve your mood, thus making you feel a lot happier and relaxed.

With increased popularity, you can buy herbal teas from your local supermarket. Many supermarkets and stores also have their own herbal tea brands available. Specialty stores selling tea may even go so far as to explain what the different benefits of each tea are.

Even then, it is important to remember that you still need to thread with caution. In large quantities or for certain types of herbs, there can be some negative effects from herbal remedies. There are 2 different reasons for this:
1.Some of the herbal tea’s ingredients look very similar to other plants that can actually be harmful to your body. For this reason, you should never pick your own herbs unless you are 100% sure of what you are doing.
2.If your doctor has prescribed you some medications for a medical condition, consuming certain types of herbal tea may have a negative effect on your body.

Be prepared to be amazed by the different taste sensations of herbal tea remedies. A true connoisseur will tell you that no two cups taste exactly the same! If you have read about the dangers of becoming addicted to caffeine, then consider herbal teas as an alternative. Many herbal tea remedies do not contain caffeine. Instead of coffee, think about switching to a cup of tea today

The Rich Variety Of Herbal Teas

In our quest to enjoy all sorts of taste experiences, many of us have a lot of fun experimenting with herbal teas. Known for their variety and in some cases their health benefits, enjoying herbal fusions has become a popular pastime with quite a number of people. Here are some of the reasons why and how we enjoy herb teas.

For many of us, we first heard of teas fused with various herbs as part of folk medicine treatments known to our grandparents. If a family member had trouble sleeping at night, a nice cup of chamomile tea might be just the think to bring about sweet dreams. Having a cup of peppermint tea may help an upset stomach. For someone suffering with the common cold, an herbal tea made from brewing apple peelings and orange rinds might help to hasten recovery. Just how effective these teas actually were is open for debate. But it cannot be denied that they certainly helped one to believe that the ailment was now on the way to being healed.

For other people, fusions have not been so much about treating ailments as preventing them. There are a number of loose and bagged teas on the market today that purport to provide partial amounts of the nutrition that each of us need in order to be healthy. Drinking our way to health is particularly attractive to many of us, in that we perceive it as much easier to get part of our daily vitamins and nutrients from herbal teas than it is to sit down to a full meal.

However, many of us aren’t all that concerned about health benefits every time we have a cup of herb tea. Instead, we are in it for the rich flavors. Some of us get quite a kick out of combining our lemon grass tea with some apple cinnamon tea and seeing what the fusion tastes like. We enjoy the variety of different types of tea and how easy it is to brew a cup when we are in the mood for something a little different. Sometimes we like to take our newly discovered blends as a piping hot beverage, and other times we like them chilled and served with ice cubes. Whatever our preference, the prevalence of several brands of herb tea makers on the grocery store shelves is mute evidence that herbal teas are not just for the health food store anymore. Why not take a look today? You may find one or two blends that would be a lot of fun to try.

Loose Leaf Tea Varieties

Everybody admires tea, and it is the second most consumed beverage in the world. People mostly consume tea, and it is best to have it on tired morning, rainy days and during TV shows and movies. There are various types of loose leaf verities such as herbal tea, white tea, green tea, black tea and Oolong tea and many other blends of loose leaf tea.

Loose white tea has sweet vegetal flavour and has a light, delicate taste. White is the youngest of all teas and is more delicate too. Its leaves and buds are normally picked from the bush in the early spring time before they fully open. For plucking these baby tea levees, usually farmers get extremely short time and that also in the early morning hours when sunshine is not too intense. White tea has many health benefits that include prevention of cancer with its contents of antioxidants and catechin, immune booster, which helps against protecting viruses and bacteria, prevents tooth decay be keeping oral hygiene, lowers harmful cholesterol, blood pressure and convenient for the heart.

The liquor color of tea produces a sweet and pleasant aroma and taste is sweet not as strong, as the vegetal tastes of green tea.

Another tea amongst loose leaf tea varieties is green tea, which is popular amongst Western countries for its varied health benefits. Green tea does not taste delectable, but it will take your time to adjust to its taste. Green tea has plethora of health benefits, and it is true that when you search for green tea, most of the results will be showing you its health benefits that are magical in some cases. Its health benefits include, helps in fighting cancers and tumours, lowers cholesterol, keeps oral hygiene, lowers the risk of gallbladder cancer in women, beneficial for liver, help in healing arthritis and contains antibacterial agents, which prevents you in the cold season.

There are usually two types of green tea varieties one is Chinese and other is Japanese. There are thousands of varieties of this tea. You can buy the quality tea from website O-Cha.com from where fresh tea usually comes by ship to you in a sealed package right from Japan.

Next loose leaf variety is Black tea; it is the most consumed variety of loose-leaf tea. This is usually grown in three leading countries India, Sri Lanka and China. This tea offers the most delicious varieties. This tea is appropriate for morning breakfast and evening. Its uses are mainly to make iced tea. India is the largest producer of Black tea although China is the birthplace of tea but due to India’s surrounding and climatic conditions India produce one of the finest qualities. This tea has same health benefits as that of green tea and contains less caffeine than coffee. It also boosts immune system to fight against various diseases.

Oolong tea is also known as Wu Long tea, and it comes between black and green tea. This tea comes from the Camellia sinensis. Its health benefits include destroying free radicals, boost immune system, health teeth, nicest looking younger skin and help in weight loss as it contains antioxidants and polyphenols.

Herbal tea is considered truly like spiced tea and has many varieties such as Chamomile tea, Lemon Grass Tea, Herbal green tea, Essiac tea, Ginger tea, peppermint tea, Spearmint tea and many more. There are many health benefits of the loose leaf verities of this mentioned tea