Showing posts with label Anti-aging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anti-aging. Show all posts

Friday, January 26, 2024

12 benefits of Rosemary

 

Abundant in the wild all around the Mediterranean, rosemary likes limestone soils and adapts very well to arid and rocky regions. Exploited for their medicinal properties, the fresh or dried leafy branches of this condiment plant are also commonly used to flavor grilled dishes, stews, stews, soups and other sauces.

 

Forms and preparations: essential oils, capsules, ointments, tinctures, herbal teas, decoctions, inhalations, poultices, baths, etc.

 

12 benefits of Rosemary


What are the benefits of rosemary? 

Promotes digestion, regulates lipids, improves blood circulation: cholagogue (helps with the evacuation of bile), antispasmodic.

Diuretic: it reduces the risk of kidney stones or gout and prevents rheumatism.

Anti-stress, anti-fatigue: it prevents insomnia and helps combat intellectual overwork.

Antioxidant action: against cellular aging.

Against skin conditions: infections, wounds, cleaning of the skin and genital areas.

Accelerates hair growth.

Helps fight against certain pathogens: antimycotic and antibacterial.

Relieves rheumatism.

The choline it contains acts as a lipid regulator in the liver and promotes digestion.

Its diuretic properties facilitate kidney activity and help prevent rheumatism.

Its antioxidant properties stimulate brain activity and improve memory.

Rosemary is also suitable as a de-fatigue, to stimulate people who suffer from asthenia, while acting preventively against insomnia. It has antiseptic qualities which make it a good agent for cleaning the skin and sensitive areas or acting directly on infected wounds. It can also be used for its cough suppressant power.

 

Precautions for use :

At the indicated doses, it is safe. However, we can warn against the use of high doses of cineole essential oil, which could have a neurotoxic effect.

 

Contraindications :

Taken orally, it is contraindicated for children under 12 years old and people suffering from gallstones or liver disease. Except in cooking, it is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Best 10 Herbs and Spices for Brain Health (Memory Loss, Dementia, Alzheimer, Parkinson, Depression )

 

Does this sound weird to you? The use of herbs to improve memory (Memory Loss,Dementia, Alzheimer) has been practiced in several countries. Native Americans, peoples of the Orient, Egyptians and Greeks all used herbs to improve memory.


When approaching an exam or to prevent age-related intellectual disability problems, it is useful to know the natural means to boost your cognitive functions. We introduces you to 10 plants recognized for their virtues on memory and / or concentration. 

Best 10 Herbs and Spices for Brain Health



1- Parsley and thyme:

 

Apigenin is a flavonoid found in these spices which is good for strengthening the connections between neurons and mother cells.

 

Some researchers believe that a diet rich in apigenin may influence brain cell formation and communication.

 

This is why parsley and thyme are some of the best herbs and spices to contain this product.

 

Plus, these condiments in your meals may also help prevent depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

 

You may never have heard of apigenin, only estrogen.

 

The chemical structure of these two plants is very similar, as estrogen also works together in the development of neurons.

 

Apigenin causes the same types of cellular changes as estrogen.

 

2- Chamomile for your brain:

 

Who doesn't have chamomile tea bags at home? If you like it a lot, then you will have one more reason to want to have this drink when you have a meeting or, simply when you enjoy it while watching the sun go down.

 

Among the best herbs and spices, chamomile is a totally recognized and real stress killer.

 

Not only does it give you a feeling of peace and calm, it also helps you regulate anxiety.

 

Chamomile contains components that can bind to receptors for certain chemicals in the brain, reducing anxiety in the process.

 

Our recommendation is to have a cup of chamomile tea in the evening, before going to sleep. This will relax you and promote your sleep.

 

3- Sage :

When there is memory loss it is very difficult to recover. However, we can optimize their performance.

 

If we name the best herbs and spices, this one could not be missed, which apparently improves memory performance.

 

If you want to improve your learning, your memory and your attention, you now know what to ask your herbalist.

 

However, you need to be careful if you are consuming sage supplements and consult your doctor first. Because it can be dangerous for some people, for example, those who suffer from high blood pressure.

 

4- Mint for your brain:

 

It is one of the best herbs and spices, and therefore can never be missing in your kitchen. If you work a lot, you can't help but consume mint.

 

This rich and delicious herb is a great help in improving the working memory of healthy adults.

 

In addition, it is also a common remedy for nausea.

 

You can take it in tea, just like chamomile, and with a little honey. You will see that in about 20 minutes you will notice better long-term memory, and in labor, better alertness.

 

If you prefer a good milkshake that gives you energy and nutrients, add a few fresh mint leaves to the mix and enjoy its refreshing flavor.


5- Rosemary for your brain:

 

This spice has a rich aroma of essential oil and its smell can simply improve the prospective memory of people over the age of 65.


You will wonder what prospective memory is. It is about the ability to remember specific events and the tasks that will follow in the future, such as the doctor's appointment, our birthday or that of our children.

 

So, if you want to improve the prospective memory of a loved one or even your own, follow this recommendation.

 

This technique has already been used in comparative studies with people over the age of 65 in a room scented with lavender, another with rosemary and a last without perfume.

 

 6- Turmeric:

 

Turmeric contains curcumin which is the element that makes it anti-inflammatory. This is an antioxidant and it improves the activity of antioxidants already present in the body.

 

 

Unfortunately, this antioxidant is not very present in the spice, at around 3%.

 

In addition, it is rather poorly absorbed. In order to optimize its use, it is recommended to combine it with black pepper, which has the effect of improving its absorption rate by 200%.

 

For the brain, curcumin increases the protein BDNF which has the effect of improving brain growth. This therefore dilutes (and even reverses in some cases) brain diseases linked to old age such as Alzheimer's and dementia.

 

Serotonin and dopamine are also increased which reverses the narrowing of the hippocampus. It improves your happiness and can counter depression.

 

Curcumin also helps counter inflammation and oxidative damage. This is then as good for brain diseases (Alzheimer's, etc.) as it is for joint problems such as arthritis.

 

 People need to be reminded that if they are on blood thinners to stay away from turmeric.

 

7- Ginger:

 

Ginger contains volatile oils making it one of the best foods to calm nausea and vomiting. It also serves as a good digestive and can then increase appetite.

 

That said, ginger has different components that help protect the brain, offer anti-inflammatory properties (so it fights osteoarthritis and joint and muscle pain) and can help heart function.

 

In addition, it helps control blood sugar levels. It is then good to combine it with high carbohydrate meals and / or with high glycemic index foods.

 

8- Garlic:

 

It promotes blood flow to the brain and kills cancer cells therein.

 

With more blood available, it improves memory and the ability to learn. In addition, the increase in the arteries in the brain helps prevent the development of free radicals and inflammation.

 

In the long term, garlic prevents brain degeneration, thus providing better longevity and the prevention of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.

 

9- Ginseng to improve concentration:

 

Ginseng is a stimulating plant that would have beneficial effects on the cognitive functions and the intellectual concentration of those who consume it.

 

A study of 3 adolescents between 14 and 17 years old with ADHD1 (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) showed that consuming ginseng reduced their hyperactivity, concentration problems and immaturity. Similar results were shown in a study of 18 young people aged 6 to 14 who also had ADHD2, and who were given 1 g of ginseng daily. However, there is little evidence to explain these positive effects.

 

While ginseng has benefits on concentration, studies of its effects on memory are fewer and more controversial. A study dating from 1987 carried out several tests on rats and showed that a daily dose of 10 to 30 mg / kg of ginseng considerably increases the capacities of learning and memorization. However, another 2010 study4 of 30 people with an average age of 22.9 years did not show any particular benefit on memory.

 

How to consume ginseng?

Ginseng can be consumed as a mother tincture, as a capsule or as a decoction (boil 1 g to 2 g of the roots in 150 mL of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). Dosages can be up to 3 g, 3 times a day.

 

10-Ginkgo biloba to reduce the manifestations of hyperactivity:

 

Ginkgo is commonly found in extract form, the most recommended being EGb761 and Li 1370 extracts. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of standardized extract of Ginkgo leaves to treat memory loss and pain. concentration disorders, among others.

 

Some studies have been done on people with ADHD1,2 (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and have shown encouraging results. In particular, patients showed fewer signs of hyperactivity, inattention and immaturity. One of this research studied the combination of ginseng and ginkgo to treat ADHD in 36 people with ADHD, and patients also showed signs of improvement in hyperactivity, social problems, cognitive problems. , anxiety… etc.

 

Another study looked at 120 people with cognitive impairments, aged between 60 and 853. Half of the group received 19.2 mg of ginkgo as a tablet, 3 times a day. After 6 months of treatment, this same group scored significantly higher than the control group on two memory tests.

 

Finally, the benefits of ginkgo on memory have also been studied in 188 healthy people between the ages of 45 and 564, given 240 mg of EGB 761 extract once daily for 6 weeks. The results showed that treatment with ginkgo was superior to placebo, but only in the case of exercise requiring a rather long and complex memorization process.

 

It is usually recommended to consume 120 mg to 240 mg of extracts (EGb 761 or Li 1370) per day, in 2 or 3 doses with meals. It is recommended to start with 60 mg per day and gradually increase the dose to avoid possible side effects. The effects of ginkgo may take a long time to appear, which is why it is recommended that you take at least 2 months of treatment.


Before rushing into the benefits of any of these herbs, please educate yourself first and make sure that there will not be any negative interactions with any medications you are currently taking. The idea is to improve your memory, not to damage your health further in any other way.

Monday, January 20, 2020

8 Surprising Uses Of of aloe Vera :


Considering how this plant has become "trendy" this decade, I am sure you have already heard of it ... But do you really know what it is? And above all, what it can bring to your body as a benefit? Aloe vera or aloe is a thorny plant that comes from East Africa. They are also found on the shores of the Mediterranean and in hot zones. Belonging to the lily family, aloe vera is a perennial plant without a stem. In its green parts there is a clear pulp resembling a viscous gel of pale green color. It is the latter that we use in cosmetics.






 

The use of this plant dates back over 6,000 years. The Egyptians nicknamed it the "plant of immortality" and it was not only the Egyptians who used it. Good for immortality on the other hand, we will come back ...

 
Top 8 Surprising Uses / benefits of aloe Vera (  How to Recover aloe vera gel + Warnings )

The Incas, Chinese and Greeks also used it to treat the skin, hair, gums and internal organs. Today, those in the world of cosmetics use it a lot, but other sectors like dermatology and phytotherapy also use it. Many studies have already proven the benefits and virtues of aloe vera. So I told myself that I was going to tell my dear bearded people about its benefits and uses!
 

Because yes gentlemen, aloe vera can also be useful for your facial hair. I’ll talk about that a little below.

What does aloe vera actually contain?

When we talk about aloe vera, we often refer to aloe vera gel. However, note that this perennial plant produces two substances such as latex and aloe vera gel. We don't often talk about latex. This bitter yellow sap is found in the small canals of the bark and contains anthranoid. The latter is a molecule with laxative effects and it is for this reason that it is not used much. Latex can also cause irritation on the skin and mucous membranes, some people are even allergic to latex. The aloe vera gel found in the heart of large aloe leaves is made up primarily of water, but it also contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. These elements make the moisturizing, emollient, purifying, repairing, healing, repairing and anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera. You can take this gel orally and in some cases apply it to the skin.

1- Aloe vera: a natural exfoliating scrub :

This first benefit should strongly interest you since it will be very useful for the skin of your face, and therefore to better protect your beard too. Indeed, in most cosmetic products for the body and the face, there is aloe vera. This contains exfoliating active ingredients. This will allow you to prepare a "homemade" exfoliating scrub for the face or body with aloe.





 
To do this, you need an aloe vera leaf. Cut it lengthwise and take the inner part. Use it as an exfoliating sponge in the shower. You can also use it for your feet. For optimal exfoliation for the feet, you will need to prepare a mask with 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 150 g of oat flakes, 10 cl of body milk and 90 g of cornmeal. Leave this exfoliating mask on for a few minutes before rinsing: your feet will regain their softness.

2- Aloe vera to treat burns, sunburns and insect bites :

If you are the clumsy type in the kitchen or you are often bitten by insects or mosquitoes, aloe vera will quickly become your friend! Whether the burn is mild or serious, you can use aloe vera to treat and calm it. Collect the aloe gel and mix it with vitamin E oil. Apply the mixture to your skin. If you do not have vitamin E oil, you can simply put the aloe vera gel on the area where there is the burn.

Also, after the bite of an insect, itching or pimples may be present. Aloe vera can also work by reducing or even eliminating the itchiness and pimples. To do this, all you have to do is apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. Prepare your stock without further delay ...

3- Aloe vera makes hematomas disappear :

Well, aloe vera is perfect for your bruises. Aloe gel contains agents that help eliminate hematomas. Understand that these agents do not work miracles and will not make the bruises disappear in a few minutes either, eh! For quick relief, apply aloe vera gel to the bruises. Let the gel work before rinsing it off. Repeat this twice a day for a few days: you will eventually get rid of these hematomas.

4- Aloe vera, an ideal treatment for sunburn :

Even if you used sunscreen when you tanned, you can still get sunburned. The feeling of these sunburns is not at all comfortable. Worse than that, it can even form a burn on your skin, and there you will taste! To soothe a sunburn, take aloe vera. Applying the gel will directly relieve you. You can apply aloe vera gel on your shoulders, on your face or on the affected part. It is even possible to leave the gel to act overnight. This application must be renewed the next day, the day after, until the sunburns are perfectly treated. Okay, take it easy on your body's exposure to the sun anyway, huh ... In addition, exposing your beard to the sun too much can harm it and damage it in the long run. How? 'Or' What ? By drying your hairs, but also by being able to discolor them…

5- Use aloe vera to treat skin infections and allergic skin reactions :

Again, aloe vera is going to be very helpful for your facial skin and beard. Indeed, certain skin infections can appear under your beard, such as itching, allergies to certain products, or even eczema. So if you want to have perfect skin (even on the rest of the body) and you have aloe gel at home, do not deprive yourself. This gel can have its effect on skin infections, eczema, yeast infections, allergic skin reactions, psoriasis and even rosacea. The latter is an incurable skin condition, but you can use aloe vera to treat acne symptomatic of this condition. The gel of this plant with multiple virtues will also have an effect on cold sore rashes, herpes, blisters, warts, acne pimples, scars and stretch marks. Suffice to say that it is a hyper-efficient all-in-one with great benefits. Good for stretch marks, on the other hand, you understand that it will be for your wife eh ... After childbirth, ideal therefore!

6- Make a moisturizer and an anti-aging treatment with aloe vera :

If you've always used a moisturizer from the big brands, it's time to switch to a homemade moisturizer that will cost you almost nothing and will do the same thing as the cosmetic. And above all, much more natural. Aloe gel is recommended for the treatment of dry skin. The result will be seen very quickly. Again, this is great for softening your facial skin and beard.
Also, if the first signs of aging appear on your skin, take aloe vera gel to treat them. Even if having wrinkles is not our main concern as men, why not protect yourself naturally from your youth? If you use aloe vera when you are young, your skin is more likely to age more slowly, and especially better.

Remember that Cleopatra used this aloe vera trick to keep her skin looking young. If you have a few pigment spots on your face, you can apply aloe vera gel there as well. Well, if you have a big beard, it will hardly be seen, but I'll tell you anyway just in case.

7- Aloe vera gel, a complete care for the hair :

If you're the kind of person who wants to let your hair grow a little, aloe vera gel can replace several products for your hair and aloe vera itself contains elements that will accelerate hair growth. To ensure this effect, apply aloe vera gel to the scalp while gently massaging it. The exposure time must be at least 30 minutes.

If you are one of those who actively fight against dandruff, don't waste your time testing all the so-called “miracle” products of the big brands. Just take aloe vera gel to make your product at home.
Mix coconut milk and wheat germ oil with this aloe gel. These ingredients must be of the same amount. Massage your scalp with this mixture before going to rinse. If your conditioner is exhausted and you have nothing left, don't panic. You can find shiny, silky, smooth and disentangled hair using aloe vera gel.

8- Aloe vera toothpaste :

The problem with industrial toothpaste is that it is industrial. As a result, you don't really know what you are putting on your teeth, and this can end up weakening them. If you run out of toothpaste at home and have aloe vera gel in a small box, take it. Brushing your teeth with this gel will strengthen the gums and promote healthy teeth. To complete the action of the gel, also take aloe juice. To keep your teeth looking white and healthy, you can also use (very moderately) vegetable charcoal or an arak stick (also called siwak).

Recover aloe vera gel :

For most of these tips, you need aloe vera gel. You can find in organic stores aloe vera gel which is already canned, but the ideal is to recover this gel yourself obviously. To do this, you will need to get aloe vera leaves that need to be cleaned well. Get rid of the top of the leaf and the thorns on each side. Using a knife, remove the green layer on the surface on both sides. You will then have transparent gel blocks. As for storage, the gel should be put in a glass or in a clean bowl. If you can't recover, watch this video which will be of great help to you.

 
How to extract fresh aloe vera gel


Warnings :

Aloe vera: separate the non-consumable parts well :

The medicinal and cosmetic properties of aloe vera are a hit on the Internet. Creams, ointments and other preparations based on this plant exist. But in the trade you can also find its fresh leaves, which you cook yourself at home. It is this last case that worries the French authorities, because the dangerousness or not of these sheets depends on the way they will be prepared by the customer.
 
In an aloe vera leaf cut crosswise, only the gel in the center of the leaf is consumable after cooking. This gel is surrounded on all sides by a thin layer of latex, a yellow liquid which is highly dangerous. When the leaves are sold whole, it is up to the customer to separate the gel, the only consumable part of this plant.
 
Aloe vera has some dangers :
 
Various studies on the properties of aloe vera have been conducted in the past. Researchers point out that this herb can cause stomach cramps, even diarrhea and constipation. In addition, aloe vera can disrupt the electrolyte balance and the functioning of the liver. It can also cause arrhythmia. In a notice published in January 2018, the European Food Safety Agency (EASA) indicates that the latex compounds in aloe vera are capable of damaging DNA and of being carcinogenic.
 
The DGCCRF therefore recommends exercising caution if you choose to buy the fresh leaves of this plant, and does not recommend their consumption to children, pregnant and lactating women .