Sodium benzoate is a preservative that promotes cancer and kills healthy cells

Sodium benzoate is a preservative that promotes cancer and kills healthy cells
Thursday, September 29, 2011 by: S. D. Wells

(NaturalNews) Organic consumers and nutritionists may already know, but the rest of the general population does not know about sodium benzoate. It has the ability to deprive the cells of oxygen, break down the immune system and cause cancer.

This killer is flying under consumer radarwith its user friendly tag line, "as a preservative." This silent cell choker has found its way into thousands of products, even foods that are labeled as all natural. But don't be fooled. While benzoic acid is found naturally in low levels in many fruits, the sodium benzoate listed on a product's label is synthesized in a lab.

Derived from a reaction of benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide, sodium benzoate is actually the sodium salt of benzoic acid. Sodium benzoate is a known carcinogenic additive which, when eaten or applied to the skin, gets transported to the liver, where it is supposed to be filtered, and expelled in urine, but the damage gets done before that process is completed.

Sodium benzoate chokes out your body's nutrients at the DNA cellular level by depriving mitochondria cells of oxygen, sometimes completely shutting them down. Just as humans need oxygen to breathe, cells need oxygen to function properly and to fight off infection, including cancer.

The FDA says it's safe because the amount used to preserve foods is very low, but don't ever combine it with vitamin C or E, as this causes benzene to be formed. This is dangerous. Benzene is a known carcinogen, which means it causes cancer.

Okay, so this should be easy. Never, ever mix vitamin C with pickles, peppers, salad dressings, jams, most condiments, vinegar, fruit juices, salsa, dips, shredded cheese, ketchup, or diet or regular soda. Don't forget about mouthwash, toothpaste, cough syrup, cream, lotion, and hundreds of cosmetic products.

So now why is it put in food? It's the cheapest mold inhibiter on the market, so it's all about the money. Acidic foods tend to grow bacteria, mold and yeast more easily than non-acidic foods, so the sodium benzoate extends the shelf life, while it shortens human life.

Cancer is all about the cumulative effect. When the human body is exposed repeatedly to any level of this carcinogen, which rears its ugly head in thousands of products, the immune system, over time, is depleted to the point that one acquires an immune deficiency. Then the body does not have enough essential nutrients to detoxify, and this occurs at the cellular level. Parkinson's, neuro-degenerative diseases, and premature aging have all been attributed to this infamous preservative.


Learn more:http://www.naturalnews.com/033726_sodium_benzoate_cancer.html#ixzz4CyyGQpJ1

THE RESONANCE OF OMKAR

THE RESONANCE OF OMKAR 

fills him with bliss and celebration. You could not take his happiness from him even if you throw him into the fire!..........

“ What else can be meant by prayer? The only meaning is to be filled with Omkar. 

There is no prayer, no worship besides the resonance of Omkar. 

Temples have been so designed that the cupola re-echoes with the resonance of Om and throws the vibrations back to you. 

Special attention was given whenever a temple was built so that if you pronounce Om in the correct manner a single resonance bounds back to you a thousand fold.

The West has recently introduced a new scientific technique, biofeedback, which may prove very useful in the future. It is a training method that can help calm the mind by showing it what is happening inside. When the mind is very very busy and excited, electrical currents are produced that reflect the level of activity. By means of small wires this current can be transmitted to a biofeedback machine, whose job is to show you how busy the mind is by measuring the current and turning it into a sound that you can hear. When the mind is filled with thoughts and the body is tense a high pitched tone is repeated very rapidly. When the mind becomes more quiet, the sound slows down and drops in pitch. Slowly, slowly, it helps you to become more and more aware of the changes that are happening within, until eventually you are able to control the sounds, and thereby you produce a state of total relaxation and quietness within. Finally, when the body is trained to hear itself you don't need the machine any more. This biofeedback technique can also be used for training in meditation.

The East was well versed in biofeedback techniques for ages. The vault of the temple is one proof of it. It collects the resonance of Om and sends it back to the center of its origin. The sound is created by you and it showers on you. Then as the resonance of Omkar begins to approach nearer and nearer to the actual Omkar, the speed of the feedback will increase as well as its intensity. 

As you become more advanced, you will feel the resonance forming within you; then your Omkar will be more from the heart than the throat. 

Simultaneously there will be a change of tone of the echo resounding in the temple. You will find its quality to be more tranquil.

As the resonance of Omkar sinks deeper into your heart you will feel more pleasure in the echo of the temple. When the sound comes only from the mouth it will seem like so much noise at first. When the utterance begins to come from the heart you will begin to sense the music in the resonance. When it becomes absolutely perfect you will find the resonance taking place by itself; you are no longer producing it. Then will every atom of the temple shower its bliss on you.

The temple is like a small pool for you to practice. It is just like learning to swim in shallow waters. When you have completely mastered the art of uttering Omkar, step out into the vast ocean of space. The whole world becomes one big temple for you, with the cupola of the blue skies above. Wherever you stand and pronounce the Omkar, the vast vault of the skies will respond to your utterance and bliss will shower from all sides.

Says Nanak: From the letter, from the word alone can He be praised. From akshara alone all knowledge is attained. From akshara is all writing and speaking. From akshara all destiny takes place.

This is a very subtle point to understand. Nanak says through the letter alone are all events destined. As the word opens within you, your destiny changes. The key to changing your life lies within in the form of Omkar. The further away from Omkar you go, the deeper you plunge your life into misery. As your coalition with the sound, the word, the name develops, good fortune comes your way accordingly.

To be removed from Omkar is to be in the seventh hell; to come nearer to Omkar is to approach closer to heaven, and to be one with Omkar is to realize salvation. 

These are the three directions your destiny can take, and there is no other way to change your fortune. No matter how much wealth you attain, if you are in hell you remain in hell -- only your hell will be the hell of the wealthy. If sorrow is your lot it will remain so even if you build a palace for yourself; you succeeded in changing the hut into a palace, but not your misery into happiness. Your suffering remains the same. Your destiny does not change because the wavelength of the vibrations that determine your destiny have not changed.

There are two types of people in this world. There are some who constantly strive to change the conditions of their lives: a poor man strives to get rich, a small-time clerk struggles to become the head of his firm, a man living in a tenement wants his own house, another wishes for a more beautiful wife -- and so on. They try to change the situation, but the wavelength of their life currents remains the same; there is no change in them whatsoever.

The other class of people are the seekers. They do not care to change the conditions around them, but get down to changing the wavelength of their life vibration. No sooner does the wavelength change, whether in a shack or a palace, the person finds himself in the highest kingdom.

Throw him into hell, he experiences only heaven. The resonance of Omkar fills him with bliss and celebration. You could not take his happiness from him even if you throw him into the fire!”
OSHO
The True Name, Vol 1
Chapter 8 - Countless Ways (28 November 1974 am in Chuang Tzu Auditorium)

Halasana to Reduce Blood Pressure

Halasana, the Miracle Pose that Helps Reduce Blood Pressure
By Kriti Malik | Jun 15, 2016 | 2,541 views
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In the beginning, the Halasana pose seems downright uncomfortable. Your neck’s bent inwards, your breathing is haphazard, and your toes are struggling to meet the ground. Slowly, but soon enough, you realise how practicing this pose and being able to hold it for more than 15 seconds can make your spine, neck, hamstrings and toes alert, and stretched out enough so your body feels open.

‘Hal’ stands for ‘plow’ and ‘Asana’ stands for ‘pose’. Halasana or ‘the plough pose’ takes its name from the farming instrument, plough, used by farmers across India to prepare the soil for sowing of seeds. In the sequence of asanas, Halasana is usually performed after Sarvangasana, which is basically a shoulder stand. According to Meenakshi Swami, the author of The Science of Yoga, “asanas like halasana, suryanamaskara, seershasana and kapalbharti increase the flow of blood to your head, improving intellectual power as well as memory.”

It’s one of those asanas which you can’t perform half-heartedly because you may seriously injure yourself. You need to be extremely mindful, have great control over your breath and keep steady for at least 15 seconds. Once you build strength and flexibility, you can try and hold this pose for as long as 10 minutes.

Benefits of Halasana

1. One of the most noticeable benefits of Halasana is the extreme stretch it gives to your back bone, right from the neck to the tail bone, releasing any muscular tension. Judith Lasater writes in the Yoga Journal, “All structures of the posterior spine are stretched, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. In additions, the hamstring muscles – at the back of the thigh, in particular – receive quite a stretch as well.”

2. With age, your backbone tends to become stiff. Halasana works on the flexibility of your backbone and helps open up and strengthen it.

3. BKS Iyengar, the founder of ‘Iyengar Yoga’ suggests that Halasana is extremely helpful for those suffering from hypertension or migraine.

4. Swami Satyananda Saraswati writes in Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, “Halasana massages all the internal organs, activates digestion, relieves constipation, revitalises the spleen, suprarenal glands (which belong to the endocrine system and are placed over your kidneys), promotes the production of insulin by the pancreas and improves liver and kidney function.”

5. He adds, “Halasna also regulates activities of the thyroid gland which balances the body’s metabolic rate, and stimulates the thymus gland, boosting the immune system.”

6. Shaili Singh, who holds a Masters Degree in Yoga and Science of Living from Jain Vishva Bharati Institute and a diploma in Yoga from Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, says, “it’s really good to burn fat around the gut. Halasana also improves the functioning of the thyroid gland and improves blood circulation.”

Tips for Halasana

1. The best way to do this asana is to place folded blankets under your shoulders. This lends some support to your upper body and neck.

2. If you find it difficult to lift your hips off the ground, try placing a pillow under them. This should give you the initial push.

3. Use both your hands to stabilise yourself and keep them there till you’ve safely placed your toes on the ground. Even the slightest movement could create imbalance and you could risk injury to your neck.

4. For those with a stiffer back, try another version of Halasana, known as Ardhaasana where your legs are parallel to the floor and resting on a chair.

5. Breathing – Inhale and hold on to your breath while you get into the pose. Exhale and then steady your breath while in the pose. When you want to resume your earlier position, breathe and hold on to it again.

How to do Halasana

1. Grab a mat and lie down straight with your hands on the side.

2. Slowly raise your legs together followed by your hips. At this point you can also use your hands to support your back.

3. Take your legs backwards, over your head, towards the floor.

4. Gently, place your toes on the ground. Then, place your arms back on the side.

5. Hold this pose for as long as you can and while you do, breather slowly and keep looking forward.

6. As the blood rushes to your head, pace your breath and count to 100.

7. Once you’re done, hold your lower back with your hands and bring your legs back to lie down straight. Exhale while you do this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJdTX4FaWc0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL3EDtIzo2g

Antibiotics can trigger pathogens’ growth in gut

Antibiotics can trigger pathogens’ growth in gut
Taking antibiotics for a longer time not only can change the microbiota of our gut but also push growth of harmful pathogens, leading to diseases, researchers have found.By: IANS | Newyork | Published: June 16, 2016 12:59 PM

The findings showed that pathogens like Salmonella flourish in the gut after antibiotic treatment because of the increased availability of oxidised sugars.(Reuters)

Taking antibiotics for a longer time not only can change the microbiota of our gut but also push growth of harmful pathogens, leading to diseases, researchers have found.

The findings showed that pathogens like Salmonella flourish in the gut after antibiotic treatment because of the increased availability of oxidised sugars.

The oral antibiotic treatment increases the synthesis of a host enzyme that generates nitric oxide radicals.

This can oxidise sugars into sugar acids, such as galactarate, which acts as a key driver of Salmonella growth.

“Research has traditionally focused on the mechanisms by which antibiotics help control the growth of bacteria or inform the development of new formulations when bacteria become resistant to existing drugs,” said lead author Franziska Faber at University of California-Davis.

The usage of antibiotic also elevates the risk of contracting gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella.

While diarrhea may be mild and clear up after antibiotic therapy is completed, in some cases, it can lead to colitis, an inflammation of the colon, or more serious conditions that cause abdominal pain, fever and bloody diarrhea.

“Changes in the gut microbiota underpins many human diseases and the mechanisms that are responsible for altering microbial communities remain poorly understood,” the researchers said.

Identifying the mechanism responsible for altering microbial communities could open the door to the development of new therapies, said the paper published in the journal Nature.

Soaked Almonds are Better Than Raw Almonds

Why Soaked Almonds are Better Than Raw Almonds



Rich, crunchy and gorgeous - Brown cased almonds (badaam) are not just rich in vitamins and nutrients, they're also a real joy to cook with. Shred them over some creamy kheer, toast them to make a soft and air-light souffle or grind them to make some luscious Badaami Korma - they're one of the most commonly found and loved nuts.

Almonds grow on trees in a pale green perforated shell. When an almond is attached to the tree, it is known as drupe. But almonds aren't the only ones that grow in a shell - Olives, prunes and apricots also grow in a hard casing and are found on trees.

Some believe that almonds have been around for almost 19,000 years.They were initially cultivated in Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey, and later spread out to the Mediterranean region, Europe and China. Almonds also have great historical significance. It is said that almond and almond trees both featured in the Old Testament. The branch of the almond tree was also spoken of in Exodus, the story of Moses and in Egypt they were stuffed in all kinds of treasures - vases, boxes, jewelry cases etc.

Nutrient Profile

Almonds are rich in nutrients like vitamin E, dietary fibers, omega 3 fatty acids and proteins. Some say that almonds can be considered the next big 'superfood' because of their unbelievable nutrient profile. They're high on protein so they keep you full for longer and they're rich in manganese which helps strengthen bones and regulate blood sugar. They're extremely helpful for those with blood pressure problems and also help muscle and nerve function.

Raw Almonds vs Soaked Almonds

If your mother pleaded with you every morning to eat your daily dose of soaked almonds, then she may have been right. Choosing between soaked almonds and raw almonds isn't just a matter of taste, it's about picking the healthier option.

Why soaked almonds are better - Firstly, the brown peel of almonds contains tannin which inhibits nutrient absorption. Once you soak almonds the peel comes off easily and allows the nut to release all nutrients easily.

How to soak? Soak a handful of almonds in half a cup of water. Cover them and allow them to soak for 8 hours. Drain the water, peel off the skin and store them in plastic container. These soaked almonds will last you for about a week.



Benefits of soaked almonds:

1. Help with digestion - Soaking almonds helps in releasing enzymes which in turn help with digestion. Soaking almonds releases enzyme lipase which is beneficial for digestion of fats.

2. Help with weight-loss - The monounsaturated fats in almonds curb your appetite and keep you full. So feel free to snack on them because they'll help you avoid binge-eating and trigger weight-loss.

3. Almonds keep your heart healthy, reduce bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) and increase good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein).

4. They are a good source of antioxidants: Vitamin E present in soaked almonds works as an antioxidant which inhibits free radical damage that prevents ageing and inflammation.

5. Fight Cancer: Soaked almonds contain Vitamin B17 which is vital for fighting cancer.

6. Flavonoid present in almonds suppresses tumor growth.

7. Help in lowering and maintaining glucose levels and regulating high blood pressure.

8. Soaked almonds contain folic acid which reduces birth defects.

Poor Memory and Yogic Tips to Improve It

Poor Memory and Yogic Tips to Improve It By Satyajit Arya | Jun 03, 2016 | 

http://www.remedyspot.com/reasons-for-poor-memory-and-yogic-tips-to-improve-it/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=all&utm_campaign=memory4
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We need some information and knowledge to work. It is also possible to obtain the required information and knowledge but we would not be able to do the work if they are not available on time or we do not remember them when required. Therefore, we can say that good memory is necessary for our day to day life and if a person wants to progress in his or her life then it is also necessary to improve the memory. From this view it can be said that there is a close relationship between progress and memory.

Our Objective:
To experience the necessity for good memory, benefits of good memory, reasons for poor memory and tips to improve it.

Definition of Memory:
The strength to remember the old acquired knowledge and information when necessary in order to complete some work is known as memory power.

Types of Memory:
Short-term memory: The person remembers things for a few minutes or hours and then forgets.
Long-term memory: The person remembers things for several years due to repetition.

Reasons for Poor Memory:
Lack of interest
Preoccupied state of mind
Excess of kapha and faecal matter in the body.
Sleepiness and lethargy.
Sitting in wrong posture.
Negative approach – I can’t remember things.
Not repeating the memorized information or subjects.
Hereditary
Ego, anger, fear, worry, tension and anxiety
Some mental problem
Malnutrition

Tips to Improve Memory Power:

• Increasing interest and awareness 
• Positive approach – I have a good memory 
• Controlling negative conditions like ego, fear and other psychological tendencies. 
• Repeating things frequently.~ Controlling the kapha in the body, clearing stomach, practicing Jalneti. 
• Sitting in correct posture, keeping the spine absolutely straight. 
• Practice of Gyanmudra, Mahaprana dhwani, bhavana, chanting mantras etc. 
• Practicing asana like Yogmudrasana, Sarvangasana, Shashakasana, Padhastasana. 
• Taking medicines and nutritious diet to improve memory. 
• Practicing meditation and Shavasana. 
• Trying to memorize things repeatedly. 

A person with very poor memory can lose his or her mental balance also, he or she leads a life like a dead person. Every person has normal memory and works with its help. Sharp memory is essential to succeed in life. Nature has gifted us with the power of remembering things but it is dormant. It can be improved with regular practice of Yoga and meditation.

How to Improve the Memory According to Ayurveda
By The Editor | Dec 19, 2014
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Ayurveda has the cure for all disease. It is a complete and approved system of medication. The medicines made out of rasa (essence), bark, fruit, and leaves of different plants may appear to be useless, but they have the capacity to cure many incurable diseases. Today’s modern life style has influenced the human brain to a great extent.

Busy schedules and hectic work has resulted in our memory power becoming weakened. Foreign companies are coming up with new medicines and polluting the bodies environment at a time when we are trying to cope up with stress and tension. It is not sure whether such polluting medicines improve memory power or not, though it is certain that these medicines have adverse effects on the body.

Our brain has three parts. There are the conscious, subconscious and unconscious aspects of mind. All three forms are associated with memory. The conscious mind is the part of contemporary memory. The subconscious mind is related to those memories which can be remembered with great difficulty. The memories, which have been forgotten and the person is unable to recollect in spite of his best efforts are included in the unconscious mind. The memories and incidents which are a part of this mind sometimes appear in the form of dreams or a rare incident.

Important Yogic Remedies from Ancient Indian Scriptures:

1. 29th chapter of Agnipuran contains a medicine, which grants longevity to a person. According to the text, consuming 240 mg to 500 mg of Brahmi powder with milk every morning is very beneficial. It also increases the memory power.

2. Ayurvedic scriptures like Charaka and Sushruta say that consuming 3 gm of green vegetable soup (made form Brahmi) increases the memory power. Brahmi leaves are tasty just like the tamarind leaves.

3. Bhav Prakash includes the importance of Shankhpushpi for good memory. Consuming 3 to 6 gm of Shankhpushpi powder with milk is extremely beneficial for increasing memory. It also plays an important role in improving the functioning of the brain and its overall development.

4 .Beshajya Ratnavali is a famous Ayurvedic literature. According to this book, regular consumption of Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, almond, etc. strengthen the brain cells and provide coolness to the brain. They are helpful in improving memory power and curing nervous related problems.

5.An Ayurvedic literature called Chikitsa Chandrodaya mentions the importance of Brahmi in the form of a chemical. Regular consumption of Brahmi improves the capacity to think and understand. It also includes a simple combination to improve memory power. It says that almond and sugar candy ‘Halava’ (sweet dish) is very healthy to strengthen the brain cells and improve the memory power.

6. Add one gram of black pepper in ten grams of honey and consume this mixture twice a day. This combination is very beneficial for increasing the memory power, improves eyesight and stops premature graying of hair.

7. A Greek literature ‘Ijajul Gruba’ mentions that consuming fiber in right quantity is extremely beneficial. Almond and pomegranate squash are very useful sources of fiber food. Whichever squash suits the body, should be taken regularly in the summer season. This book has cautioned that the best way to improve the memory power is to keep the mind cold and the feet warm.

8. Ayurvedic books have paid utmost attention to massage. Massaging the feet and head with rapeseed oil is beneficial in improving the memory power. Regular massage of the head increases the blood flow and also improves the memory power. It also relieves headache and improves the eyesight.

9. A simple tip can improve your memory power many times. When you go to bed, lie down straight, close your eyes and memorize all the activities, which you did throughout the day from morning to evening. Practice this tip everyday and you will notice that the memory power has improved to a great extent.

10. People who sleep with their head towards the East or South direction have very good memory power.

11. According to Guru Pushya Yog one should always keep Apamarg herb, this increases the memory power.

Diet for a Healthy Brain:

Necessary vitamins for the brain:

Vitamin B -1: It is necessary for the brain. The main sources are-sprouted cereals, green-leafy vegetables and groundnuts.

Vitamin B-2: This is also very important for the brain and is found in milk, cheese, green vegetables, tomato and apricot.

Vitamin B-6: The brain needs this vitamin and is mainly found in whole grains, yeast, dried beans, potato, fruits, and green vegetables.

Vitamin B-12: It is very important for the proper functioning of the brain. Its main sources are milk, curd and cheese.

Vitamin-C: It keeps the brain healthy and the main sources of this vitamin are tomatos, melons, myrobalan, lime, green leafy vegetables, cabbage, strawberry, and turnip.

Vitamin-E: It gives strength to the brain and the main sources of this vitamin are tomato, dried beans, pulses, grains, spinach, and green vegetables.

Mineral Salts are Very Important:

1. Calcium keeps the brain healthy and is mainly found in beans, grains, and pulses.

2. Our brain requires sodium and can be obtained from pulses, cheese. It is normally found in all the edible items and common salt is also sodium.

3. Our brain also requires iron, which is found in green vegetables, pulses, beans, groundnuts etc.

4. Potassium also strengthens the body and pulses, green leafy vegetables, beans, cereals, milk, fruits especially banana and orange are good source of potassium.

5. Zinc keeps the brain in proper condition and can be obtained from beans, cereals, and pulses. These items should be included in our daily diet.

6. Magnesium strengthens the mind. It is found in soyabeans, milk, green vegetables, pulses, well water etc.

7. Copper is very essential for the brain and the best sources are cereals, mushroom, green peas, beans etc.

8. Selenium refreshes the mind and makes it strong. Selenium is found in whole grains, milk, cheese, vegetables etc.

Sun Heated Oil:

1. Oil made under the sunlight cures diseases related to the brain. This oil is known as ‘Asmani’ oil, which means the oil made under the sky. To prepare this oil you require a blue colored glass bottle and black sesame oil or rapeseed oil or coconut oil. Fill the bottle with any one type of oil and keep it under the Sun for at least three months. Do not keep the bottle on the floor rather place it on some wooden plank.

2. Cover the bottle with cotton and change the cotton everyday.

3. This oil makes the mind active, cool and makes the hair healthy.

4. This oil works very well in all diseases related to the brain. Massaging the body with this oil increases the strength of the body.

5. This oil reduces burning sensation in the eyes, hands, legs and nervous weakness.

12 natural antibiotics to survive infections

Long before pills, our ancestors used these 12 natural antibiotics to survive infections
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 by: J. D. Heyes
http://www.naturalnews.com/054139_natural_antibiotics_remedies_treating_infections.html


(NaturalNews) As readers of Natural News are well aware, the medical industry, in collusion with Big Pharma, has been over-prescribing antibiotics for years, resulting in new strains of superbugs that are difficult to kill. In point of fact, it's not at all improper to suggest that at some point in the future, our overuse of antibiotics may result in bacteria evolving to the point where nothing on earth can kill it.

Long before today's antibiotics were developed in labs, however, there were foods and herbs that helped us guard against infection and disease on a daily basis. Indeed, many of these natural anti-bacterial defenders are still around today, and are in use by holistic healers around the world.

Our ancestors had solutions for healing, utilizing antibiotics from nature which are still as valid now as they were then.

Oregano and oil of oregano: If you've ever had Italian food, chances are good that you've had oregano before, and you probably didn't even realize its health benefits. In addition to its antibacterial properties, oregano also aids in digestion and with weight loss. An oil found in oregano, called Carvacrol, has also been found to fight bacteria that can lead to infection.

Raw apple cider vinegar: This has far-reaching benefits. Daily intake of apple cider vinegar includes antibiotic and antiseptic benefits, while naturally alkalizing your system. It can also help you manage your weight, lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Honey: The ancient Romans knew of honey's antibacterial properties, using it to treat wounds and prevent subsequent infections. And today, in countries all around the world, honey is still considered to be one of the best natural antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories and antiseptics, in addition to its antibacterial properties. In fact, Manuka honey, found in New Zealand, has been found to have the highest levels of antioxidants and curative abilities.

Turmeric: This brilliantly-colored spice is flavorful, but also has great body protection qualities. In addition, turmeric can be both consumed and applied externally, which makes it a great all-round bacteria fighter. For extra protection, you can mix turmeric with honey and create a paste to apply to skin.

Garlic: Again, more than just a wonderful seasoning, the garlic plant has very powerful qualities. It can fight the common cold, keeping germs at bay before they have a chance to infect you. A compound in garlic – allicin – protects against yeast, parasites, bacteria and more.

Grapefruit seed extract: According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a study found that grapefruit seed extract is effective against more than 800 known viruses and bacteria, as well as more than 100 strains of fungi and parasites. Besides boosting antibacterial protection, this extract also alkalizes the body and improves gut flora.

Echinacea: Many people are not familiar with this product, but it certainly has wonderful antibacterial qualities. Found in kitchens, this herb has been proven to reduce the amount of colds that the average person may experience in a lifetime. Echinacea has also been found to shorten the duration of colds, but is best taken as a preventative measure.

Cabbage: A cruciferous vegetable, sulfur compounds found in cabbage are effective battlers of cancer, as are kale and broccoli, two other members of the same family. But cabbage also contains a massive amount of vitamin C, with one cup providing up to 75 percent of your daily recommended allowance.

Extra virgin coconut oil: You should be using more coconut oil anyway, because it's much better for you (because it's natural) than chemical-laced vegetable cooking oils, but in addition to that, extra virgin coconut oil has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, and is packed with antioxidants. Use it to boost your immune system.

Fermented foods: Think unpasteurized cabbage, homemade pickles, kefir and probiotic yogurts – all of which renew our intestinal flora, which in turn protects against cancer and gives us greater ability to fight off infections.

Colloidal silver: This natural antibiotic is a mixture of silver particles that have been suspended in fluid, and has been used for centuries. However, this treatment should only be used on a short-term basis, because too much silver, a heavy metal, can be toxic as well. It works by disabling the enzyme that single-cell bacteria need in order to multiply.

Mudakathan Keerai-for treating joint pains, ear pains, menstrual cramps,cold, eczema

5 Amazing Health Benefits & Uses of Mudakathan Keerai | Balloon Vine| Cardiospermum Halicacabumhttp://www.wildturmeric.net/

We call balloon vine plant "Mudakathan Keerai" in Tamil and this plant is very famous in Tamil Nadu for it's use in treating joint pains. 

Mudakathana keerai is a climber with balloon like fruits and it's botanical name is cardiospermum halicacabum. It is called kanphata in Hindi and is best identified with the leaves and balloon like fruits. 

For treating joint pains, we add the mudakathan keerai leaves to regular dosai batter and make dosais out of it. Mudakathan keerai is easily available in the markets, but make sure they are fresh. You can also easily grow this plant in pots and that way you will get fresh leaves daily. 

Most of the herbal remedies call for fresh herbs and that too for many remedies they have to be used for longer periods of time. The main reason many don't follow herbal remedies is because they have to get fresh herbs everyday. 

Unless or otherwise you are living in a village, given our hectic schedules, I know it will be next to impossible to go and collect fresh herbs from the market everyday. The best way to solve this problem is grow your own. Especially for herbs like mudakathan, which has to be used for longer periods of time, it is very important that you grow your own. 

Herbs are much easier to grow than ornamental plants and most of them need little to no maintenance at all. My biggest desire is to grow all the herbs in my home and nothing makes me more happy than finding new herbs. 

The best thing about mudakathan keerai is it can be used both internally and externally for treating joint pain and regular use gives good relief. 

Mudakathan keerai also treats all cold and cough related problems. This is a very safe herb that can be used even for treating children's cough & cold. It can also be used to treat ear pain, menstrual cramps, general tiredness and sluggishness. Few drops of the mudakathan keerai leaves juice in the ear will treat ear pain. The poultice of this amazing herb can be used for all kinds of pain. The juice of this plant when combined together with pure turmeric powder and applied on the affected area treats eczema.

1. Mudakathan Keerai Dosai Recipe For Joint Pain:

The most popular way of using mudakathan keerai is by making dosais out of it. People who are suffering from arthritis, joint pain and inflammation should try to include this dosai at least twice or thrice a week in their diet along with external application. 

The easiest way to prepare this dosai is by mixing the paste with our regular idli batter. To make the batter, wash a handful of mudakathan keerai leaves and grind it along with a green chilli and 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds to a fine paste and add it to a cup of idli batter. The batter should neither be too thick nor too thin, make thick or thin dosais and serve it along with coconut chutney. Mudakathan keerai dosai is delicious and very nutritious too. It can also be made regularly and given to children as it is full of nutrients and vitamins.

2. Mudakathan Keerai Thuvaiyal Recipe For Arthritis:

Another recipe using mudakathan keerai is mudakathan thuvaiyal. If you are planning to use mudakathan for treating joint pain, it is better to know all the different ways of preparing dishes with it, as you will get bored if you keep making the same thing again and again. 

If you are a rice lover like me, then you would love this thuvaiyal especially if had with few drops of homemade ghee. To make the thuvaiyal, 

• heat a tsp of oil in heavy bottomed pan and fry 2 red chillies and a tbsp of split urad dhal till light golden separately and keep aside. 
• In the same pan, fry 1/4 cup mudakathan keerai till it wilts completely and keep aside, 
• now fry around 1/8 cup of coconut along with 1 tsp of tamarind till a nice smell wafts and switch off. 
• Grind everything together into a very thick paste with little boiled water along with salt. 

This thuvaiyal is best had with hot rice along with a few drops of homemade ghee.


3. Mudakathan Keerai Soup Recipe For Cold & Cough:



Mudakathan rasam is very famous in my place but I prefer to make soup out of it as it is mild and perfect for taking it when we are having cold, cough or fever. To make the soup, 

• first pound 5 peppercorns, 
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds in a mortar and pestle coarsely, now add 2 cloves of garlic and pound everything together well. 
• Heat an iron kadai and heat 1/2 tsp of homemade ghee and fry the pounded spices for a few seconds in low flame. 
• Now add 1/2 cup of mudakathan keerai leaves and fry till it is wilted, add 2 cups of water of water and let the leaves cook. 
• Once the leaves are half way cooked, add required amount of salt and cook till completely done. 
• Once it is fully cooked, remove from fire and let it cool a bit. 
• Now take a potato masher and mash the ingredients once and strain. 

This soup is perfect for cold & cough and can be given to children. It is also very good for convalescents, as it is very very nutritious.

4. Mudakathan keerai for Dandruff

Mudakathan keerai can be used for hair to treat itchy scalp and dandruff. You can add mudakathan keerai to your homemade hair rinse recipes or you can also make a simple rinse by boiling the a cup of leaves in a liter of water till the leaves are cooked, strain and use it as a hair rinse. This hair rinse can be refrigerated, so if you have lot of greens left make this hair rinse and store it in the refrigerator. You can also make a homemade oil for treating dandruff using mudakathan keerai. To make the oil, boil mudakathan keerai with sesame oil and use that oil as a massage oil before hair wash. Regular use of this homemade hair rinse will treat itchy scalp very effectively.

5. Mudakathan Keerai Leaves Compress For Joint Pain:




Along with consuming mudakathan keerai internally, if we use it externally we will get results fast. The best way to use it externally is by making a compress out of it. This compress can be made either with only mudakathan keerai or along with vada narayan leaves which is also very good for treating joint pain. This poultice will give very good temporary relief from joint pains and arthritis pain. To make the compress, heat castor oil in a pan and fry the leaves in a very slow flame. Once the leaves are hot enough, take a pure white cotton cloth and place the leaves in the middle and tie it into a bundle. Your homemade compress for joint pain is ready! When you are using this compress, the castor oil will flow out of the bundle as you keep pressing so make sure you don't wear good clothes while doing the treatment else it will stain the clothes. Once the compress loses it's heat warm it again over a hot tawa..