Natural remedies to treat sick kids

Is your kid sick again?
Kids get sick a lot, about six to eight times each year with the common cold alone. And for some parents, herbal remedies are a natural alternative to prescription or over-the-counter medications.

In fact, natural products accounted for the most common alternative and complementary medicine therapy used by children in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“In herbal medicine, we like prevention,” according to Sara Chana, a classical homeopath and master herbalist practicing in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Chana said herbs can be used to ward off infections when the school year starts, on airplanes or during the holidays.

Here, experts weigh in on the best natural remedies to help ease your kid’s symptoms and get him or her on the mend – stat. But, remember: It’s best to get the green light from your child’s pediatrician before using any alternative remedies. Like medicines, they can also have serious side effects.

Colds
Fox News' Medicine Hunter, Chris Kilham, recommended using umcka to treat colds.
“Umcka demonstrates very good efficacy for helping the duration and severity of a cold,” Kilham said.
A South African herb, umcka is found in natural cold remedies or with menthol to soothe sore throats. Ginger root tea and echinacea are also effective at reducing symptoms. For congestion, drop eucalyptus oil in hot water, put a towel over your child’s head and let him or her breathe in.

Coughs
The best way to relieve a cough is to thin the mucus so it can be expelled, Chana said.
Mixtures of wild cherry bark, hyssop, and catnip, as well as eucalyptus drops or loquat syrup can help.
Flu
“Oscillo is the single most widely used and popular natural flu remedy in the entire world,” said Kilham, who added that if taken at the first sign of flu symptoms, oscillo can prevent the flu from getting worse.
Elderberry extract and echinacea can also help to shorten the time it takes to feel better.

Ear infections
Mullein oil, derived from the Mullein plant’s flowers, can help ear aches and ear infections, Kilham said. Drop it in the ear as often as needed.

Fever
A fever can be worrisome, but because bacteria and viruses can’t survive in heat, a fever can be a good thing.
“We like fevers because fevers fight infection,” Chana said. She added that herbs can help the child feel comfortable enough to drink fluid while the fever does its job.
Elder flower, lemon balm, yarrow and catnip might help as well. However, always let your doctor know if your child has a fever, especially an infant, as a fever can signal something more serious.

Sunburn
Forgot to re-apply sunscreen? Chana said she swears by a mixture of pure aloe vera from the plant, St. John’s Wort and lavender oil to soothe a sunburn.

Sleep
Can’t get your kid to wind down before bed? Try a cup of chamomile tea.
Chamomile has been used to treat insomnia, sleep disorders and anxiety, so it can help to calm your child.  Lemon balm and linden are also good choices.

Stomach problems
If your child has a stomachache, peppermint tea can help. But, if he or she has diarrhea or is vomiting, it could be the stomach flu. The herb andrographis might help, but it’s important to first make sure your child receives an accurate diagnosis because many cases that appear to be the flu are actually food poisoning, Kilham said.

Cinnamon, taken in capsules or in tincture form, has been shown to help with both the stomach flu and food poisoning.

Long-distance love

Is yours the make or break kind?

 

Every woman who has been in a long-distance relationship knows all too well the pendulum of joy and pain it brings: the much-anticipated visits from your loved one;

The bursts of heaven-like paradise while you're together and the sadness that looms as that dreaded goodbye nears.

Those who are in long-distance relationships or considering it, the age-old questions flood their minds: what are the chances that this relationship will succeed? Should I even bother trying and can love really conquer all?




Family and marriage counsellor, Sis Dukie Mothiba, and her team of relationship experts at FAMSA give advice on how to make longdistance loving (or the decision to be in such as relationship) work for you.
My man has been promoted to a job in another city. What are the chances of a long distance relationship working out?

It depends on individual people. What could be an advantage to one couple may be a disadvantage to another. It will also depend on how much time the couple spends apart and what their intentions for being in the relationship were in the first place.

Normally people go into relationships with the genuine intention to make it work and last. Therefore, if circumstances change and one has to move to a faroff place, the couple will naturally want to make an effort to maintain the relationship in as strong and sound a state as possible.

It is also important to set goals for your relationship. Is there a possibility of moving closer together or being in the same city? What are the chances of formalising things at the end of this unavoidable separation?

The right purpose of a relationship will help it last. But a relationship that existed only because the partners were available and accessible to each other is not likely to stand the test of a perpetrated separation.

How do we keep our love alive from opposite ends of the world?
Clear communication is important at all times so both can understand that the separation is not bringing an end to the relationship.

When a relationship is important enough, the couple will use all modes of contact and communication: telephone, Internet, email, letter-writing, visits, exchange of gifts, etc. When together, the couple should express as much of their love as possible.

When contact is not possible, mutual trust and regular communication will keep the relationship going until the next meeting. Clear communication in terms of feelings, needs, thoughts and intention, and ongoing clarification regarding expectations is an integral part of a healthy relationship whether or not the couple lives together.

Travelling love tip: Have a regular meeting place or holiday half way between your locations. It cuts the travelling distance and cost into half.

What about the temptation which he or I may face while we're apart?
Mutual trust and commitment to each other will help protect the relationship from infidelity. When partners do all they can to keep in touch and make their partner the one important person in their life, then insecurities and temptations can be overcome.

Furthermore, a conscious decision to stick with the right principles and values will help prevent temptation. In a good relationship, partners are honest with each other and they are also constantly coming up with creative ways to enrich and strengthen the relationship.

When separation is unavoidable, the couple should use the time to do a careful examination of thoughts, feelings and reasons for their separation as well as a thorough review of the whole relationship.

If all the warning signs are there, can we still save our relationship?
If the relationship is important to both partners, the couple should work on saving it when they see the first negative sign.

What enriches the self is not to move from relationship to relationship but to find one person that you want to be a part of your life and to build an enriching relationship with him or her.

 If it isn't working out, it is still important to discuss new expectations as they emerge.

FAMSA offers specialised counselling for individuals and couples nationwide. For more information, visit www.famsa.co.za 
What are the warning signs that things aren't working out?

When the focus is more on the negatives than the positives.

When thoughts, feelings and needs are no longer shared.

When promises and expectations are no longer fulfilled.

When the frequency of the contact and communication becomes less and less.

When interest and attention wanes.

When the purpose or goal of the relationship can no longer be found.  
Have you had a long-distance relationship? Did it work? Tell us in the comment box below.

Love or crush?

Are you actually in love or are you just crushing? We look at the difference between the two…

You can’t stop thinking about him. You hear his voice in your mind’s eye. You wonder what he looks like with his clothes off. But is this love? Or just a passing fancy? Read the bullets and you decide…

It’s a crush when:
• You meet each other in the lift and you cannot think of a single thing to say.

• When someone else talks about him you can feel your face getting warm.

• You want to look cool in front of him. 

• It’s difficult to make eye contact.

• Butterflies (anxious ones).

• Your attention is suddenly drawn to his forearm and such a wave of lust crashes down on you that it leaves you blushing.

• You try not to talk about him lest anyone notice.

• You fantasise about stroking his hair out of his eyes.

• You’d be very embarrassed if anyone found out.

• It usually passes quickly, thank God.

You’re in love when:
• You can talk to him for hours and you find everything about him fascinating.

• When someone else talks about him you smile.

• You want to tell him everything about yourself.

• When you look into his eyes it feels as if you’re drowning.

• Butterflies (happy ones)

• Your attention is suddenly drawn to his forearm and such a wave of lust comes crashing down on you that leaves you blushing.

• You have serious mentionitis and can’t stop talking about him.

• You fantasise about stroking his hair for hours.

• You want to scream it from the rooftops.

• If you’re lucky it can last a lifetime, thank God.
Do you go from crush to crush? Or do you have one true love?

5 Worst Female Sex Problems

Painful intercourse, low libido, a dry vagina and more... Our experts address some of the most common concerns, with advice on how to fix them.

So far, we’ve tackled everything from your most embarrassing intimacy questions, ways to get in the mood and mistakes to avoid in bed; to expert advice for sensational nooky, blowjob tips and even tested tricks to help tighten your vajayjay!


The thing is...


•    We want you to feel fulfilled.

•    We want you to be adventurous.

•    We want you to try new positions.

But first...


•    We want you to show sexual confidence.


And, what better way than to know the answers to some of your worst sexual fears?


Concern: Painful Sex


Q: Is it normal for a woman to experience pain if she hasn't had sex for more than 3 months if so, what is the cause?


A: First I recommend you have a gynae check up to ensure there are no physical problems and no infection. Then, the easy answer to that is no, you should not be experiencing significant pain...


Click here to read Dr Eve’s full answer.


Concern: No sex drive

Q: Why do I have no desire at all?


A: There are many facets to lack of libido - both external (medication and lack of stimuli) and internal (physical and mental). Start by visiting your GP to ascertain that you are physically healthy.


Then you'll have to start exploring your body and your sexuality again. Find out what interests you. Find things that turn you on. Make yourself orgasm. Read, play, explore. You might need to see a psychologist in this phase. It can be a hard road but it is worth it in the end.


Click here to read Mrs. Miller’s full answer.


Concern: Dry vagina


Q: I know that I can use a lube, but is there a natural way of getting rid of this problem?


A: If you can rule out any medical factors then most commonly the reason you are dry is because you are not being sufficiently aroused in the moment with your partner. Perhaps you have lost attraction for him, or maybe you have no desire to be sexual with him; perhaps his sexual technique is just not doing it for you.


Click here to read Dr Eve’s full answer.


Concern: First-time sex


Q: What should I expect and what position is best?


A: Expect some pain with penetration – but who knows, you may have very little bleeding and be relaxed enough so your pain may be minimal.


Click here to read Dr Eve’s full answer.


Concern: Erection difficulty


Q: What can I take to give me an erection that lasts longer, no matter how many times I ejaculate?


A: I am going to tell you a little secret – few women enjoy having ongoing penetration for 1 solid hour. They tend to dry up, get a little bored and she cannot maintain orgasmic ecstasy with 1 hour's worth of only thrusting.


Click here to read Dr Eve’s full answer.

What sex concerns do you have? Share them below.

Top 5 health mistakes women make

From carrying heavy handbags to wearing crippling heels, here are some womanly habits you should try to break.

Wearing heels

More and more of us are opting to wear heels on a daily basis, and this could be bad news for our health. High heels affect our posture, put pressure on joints, and can lead to a range of conditions including arthritis, hammer toes, back pain and tendon injuries – and that’s before you take into account any heel-related accidents! To minimise damage, limit your heels to 1.5 inches for daily wear, and wear insoles to help reduce the pressure on joints.

Carrying a heavy handbag

With the rising number of gadgets and accessories the majority of women haul around, many of us are carrying around several pounds of weight on our shoulders every day. As a result, lots of us are also putting our long term health at risk. While you may not feel the effects right now, lugging around a heavy handbag can lead to serious back problems and neck pain as well as poor posture. Don’t wait until the damage is done – do your health a favour and try clearing out all non-essential items and switching to a smaller bag.

Sleeping in makeup

Most of us have succumbed to the temptation to sleep in our post-party makeup at some point. However, leaving makeup on overnight – along with the dirt and oil that naturally accumulates on skin throughout the day –is a quick route to clogged pores, congested skin and spots. Sleeping with mascara and eye makeup on can also affect your health by causing eye irritation, bloodshot eyes or even infection.

Matching men drink for drink

From networking drinks to first dates and social events, there are many instances when women may feel compelled to keep up with the drinking habits of the opposite sex. However, women not only tend to weigh less than men but they have less body water to dilute the alcohol, which means they tend to get more drunk more quickly. To minimise the risks of alcohol on your health, try to keep within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption and alternate alcohol with soft drinks.

Wearing the wrong bra size

It is thought that more than 70 per cent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. However, wearing a badly fitted bra can not only affect the look of your clothes, but research suggests it can cause a range of health problems including back, neck and breast pain, breathing difficulties, poor posture, skin irritation, circulation problems and even irritable bowel syndrome. Rather than guessing your size, make sure you get measured to ensure you are getting the support you need.

The key to great sex

Michael Kennedy says that talking is the best way to achieve great sex with your partner. See why.

What is the best tool to ensure a healthy and on-going sexual relationship? Foreplay, toys, porn? Love and understanding? Compatibility? Perhaps.

All, some or none may be used – depending on the relationship and willingness to try “out there” methods such as porn or toys – but they are not the magic potion many seek.

Many believe that sex should be kept to the bedroom, certainly not on forums like women24.com where, skande, teens may happen on taboo subjects like oral sex or solid gold dildos and become raving nymphomaniacs (clearly their hormones weren’t already working).

The plain and simple truth is this: the truth will set you free. Knowledge is power and what better way to make your sex life great than to be informed?

And by this, I don’t only means reading forums such as this, or the many websites devoted to sexuality, but within the relationship itself.

And therein lies the point I’ve been getting to (excruciatingly slowly I might add): communication is the greatest sex tool in existence.

Reading the comments’ section of the various articles, it is clear that there are many couples having little or no sex at all. I would presume that in many cases, the old “Brace yourself Sheila” was the closest thing to foreplay some women experience.

Tell Bruce to start his car on a wintery morning and take it to 200kph immediately and he’ll laugh at you. How foolish that he doesn’t realise that you have to warm up a woman as well.

So whose fault is it that Bruce hasn’t delivered a mind-blowingly orgasmic warm-up to the real deal? His for not knowing, but also yours for not communicating.

A husky voice telling you how much she likes it when you touch her like that, how wet it makes her, is likely to get her man’s attention immediately - and even more importantly – get him to do the things that makes you world rock.

Because let’s face it (and I’ll admit it), guys can be a bit clueless at times.

Treat guys like you might your vibrator (if you own one that is) – you can choose the setting that best suits your pleasure – it’s the same with guys, just tell them which setting to use.

And I don’t mean like a sergeant-major - “Yes there, no not there, faster, ok slower, now harder…” - but in that sexy voice that makes your partner feel like sex god because he’s pushing all the right buttons.

Men respond well to subtle, but clear commands. Our DNA is programmed to believe that  we always know what we’re doing (and why men don’t ask for directions).

But if we’re told in a non-threatening way, where our manliness is complemented rather than questioned, then we’ll be as pleased as punch to help you to get what you want.

And if you’d prefer to show us…. Well, that’s a conversation for another day

The rules of the sisterhood

No matter how understanding you think you are, there are certain things in life that are simply unforgivable. Murder, theft, adultery, coveting.

You don't have to be Mother Theresa to realise that these are the major ethical no no's of our society, and while most of us would love to believe in karmic payback, there simply isn't enough guarantee. The laws of moral integrity have been set in stone since day one, so how come some people find it so difficult to comprehend and abide by them?

Fortunately, the laws of sisterhood are far less convoluted and ambiguous than those featuring in Big J's little black book. In fact, the commandments of girl world are far simpler and easier to digest than any other.

1) Thou shalt not betray my trust; two;
2) Thou shalt not share or use any of my secrets against me; and last but most important, thou shalt not covet, sleep with, have impure thoughts of, cavort, flirt with, blow, brush up against, so much as even bat a drunk eyelid at any of my current or previous boyfriends.

Although rules one and two can be forgiven sleeping with your bff's beau is just nasty and will result in a fate far worse than burning flames and tortured souls.  

But just how far does this golden rule stretch? True, sneaking around behind your friends back with a former lover is about as spineless and despicable as the mothers on Toddlers & Tiara's, but what happens when the man your friend is coveting is not necessarily in your possession? Is he still off limits?

 Does the golden rule extend to the guys we're crushing on as well even if they're clearly not that into you? Should we back off and remain true to our friends or do you risk taking a dangerous leap of faith for our own happiness?  

Serena and Mandy had been best friends since their first period together back in junior high. Although they were as different as chalk and cheese in every sense, these two bestie's were inseparable.

Mandy was your typical hopeless romantic who believed in magic moments and slow motions while Serena had blossomed into an overnight siren, dripping with style, swag and sex appeal.

She could have had anyone she wanted and did, including guys that were into Mandy. The things she had done were beyond wrong but somehow she managed to convince her bff that they were always the ones making the first move.

Mandy didn't care all that much so long as Serena didn't sink her venomous teeth into Danny Shield. Everyone knew that Mandy had it bad for Danny, and even though he was involved with someone else, she waited patiently, wishing and hoping that destiny would one day intervene, driving a wedge between them once and for all. She even went as far as dating his circle of friends one by one just so that she could remain close to him.

The gods were smiling down on Mandy the day that Danny and Val broke up. It seemed as though her perseverance had paid off. You can imagine her surprise the very next day when Danny called her up and invited her to join them for a drink at the club.

Thrilled and overjoyed, she put on her Sunday bests and glammed up to the nines for the occasion. Tonight was the night that she would finally get to taste those sweet lips she had been dreaming of for the past two years. Tonight, true love would prevail and she would finally get her happily ever after...

It should have been predictable but perhaps Mandy was too euphoric to give it a second thought. What should have been the happiest moment of her twenty something life turned into her very worst nightmare.

There in the beer garden sprawled across Danny's lap sat the queen of skank gnawing at her latest victim. "Hey girl", Serena called from across the way before turning back towards Danny devouring his face with her massive lips. "Ka-Pow!" Bitch went down head first into a face full of gravel. It could have easily turned into an episode of Jerry Springer but one swing is all it took to get the message across. This friendship was officially over.

Going after a guy you know your friend is crushing on is definitely an extension of the cardinal rule. It combines all three laws and breaks them all at once.

Yes, in a perfect world we'd all be mature enough to realise that they'd probably make a far better couple than you and him ever would but until you get the green light directly from the horse's mouth, don't even think of crossing that line. In fact, never cross that line. I pity the she-devil who betrays her friend like that. Girls can be pretty mean when their hearts are on the line and just like a coven, they retaliate in packs. Before you know it, you'll end up with no friends and a bad rep that would make Judas look like a priest.

When it comes to dishonouring the laws of sisterhood, is a life of eternal condemnation really worth it? 

Herbs for health

Did you know that herbs can play a role in a healthy diet? The Herb Society of America recognizes an herb as plants that are valued for their flavor, fragrance, medicinal and healthful qualities, economic and industrial uses, pesticidal properties and dyes.



Years ago a plant was called an herb if you used its leaves but the definition today includes all plant parts. Thus garlic (a root) and turmeric a rhizome (underground stem) are considered herbs.

Some folks say herbs are “small doses of medicine” because they contain antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins and phytosterols. Many also contain anti-microbial substances. They are a wonderful addition to food because they enhance the taste of the food we eat, rather than adding calories.

Should you use fresh or dried herbs? Whenever possible, purchase or grow fresh herbs because they have the most health benefits and the best taste. If you have ever dried an herb you know how delicious it smells as it dries, but that only means that the herb’s essential oils are evaporating.

Basil is an herb common to many cuisines and is frequently sold as sprouting plants in supermarkets. It comes in many flavors — licorice, cinnamon, thai — and contains high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin A and lutein, as well as magnesium, copper and potassium.

Basil is easily grown from seed, so it is readily available. I like to preserve basil by freezing it on rolled aluminum foil. It keeps all its color and all its taste. Drying basil ruins both its color and taste. Cut basil can be stored in the refrigerator for several days if the freshly cut ends are immersed in water and it is loosely covered.

For garlic, make sure to plant your largest cloves in October about six inches deep. Dig when the leaves begin to die down in July. It’s worth it, since garlic fights coronary disease, reduces infections and is believed to be a cholesterol reducer.

You can use it in soups, with meats or in stir-fry. You can also pickle it or keep it dry in a cool place.
Please be careful when making garlic oil. It should be used immediately because it can harbor the bacteria that cause botulism.

Oregano is one of the basic herbs in Greek and Italian cuisines. It is rich in thymol, lutein, zeazanthin and antioxidants, and it is said to increase the motility of your digestive tract.

Since oregano is such a strongly flavored herb it is acceptable to use it dried, but when cooking don’t use too much.

I don’t preserve it. Instead, I just go outside at any time of the year to harvest it. In the winter it is still green under the snow.

Parsley is a biennial herb taking two years to complete its life cycle. The flat leaf parsley resembles cilantro and has a stronger flavor so it is used in cooking. The curly leaf parsley tastes better fresh.

Note that parsley is the herb with the largest amount of Vitamin K. If you are susceptible to gout or kidney stones, be careful, because it is high in oxalic acid.

SSENT Herbal Shop
www.ssentherbalandtherapy.co.za

Herbs for haircare

 

Have you ever noticed how you tend to look dull when your hair is oily and in need of cleaning and how you brighten up almost immediately after washing your hair?

SSENT Herbal Shop www.ssentherbalandtherapy.co.za


 However, the use of chemical-rich shampoos and conditioners provides only temporary results and in the long run, can even harm the texture of your hair. Nature has provided us with several herbs that nourish and protect hair without any side effects and therefore, it makes sense to use these herbal remedies more often.

AMLA
A fruit that is best known for its high vitamin C levels, the Indian gooseberry or amla is great for hair, too, adding luster and softness to your hair and doing away with dryness of the scalp. It is also a rich source of essential fatty acids that serve to keep the hair follicles strong and nourish the hair from the roots.

Tip:  Mix a little amla powder with water and keep overnight; the next day, apply this paste to your hair, leave on for a few hours and wash with a mild shampoo. Boil amla with a little shikakai and soapnut in an iron vessel, steep overnight and next day, use the strained liquid to shampoo. Make your own amla oil by soaking a few dried fruits in coconut or sesame oil for a few days; then filter and use.

HIBISCUS
Hibiscus has valuable hair care properties and is said to be capable of promoting hair growth, preventing loss of hair and also keeping away grey hair. With its astringent action, hibiscus reduces oiliness and prevents the scalp from becoming red and itchy.

Tip:  Soak hibiscus flowers and leaves in water overnight (use a 1:6 ratio) and next day, squeeze them the next day to get an extract. Apply this extract onto your scalp and hair as a tonic using a cotton ball.Take 10 hibiscus flowers and 5 hibiscus leaves, crush them and boil with half a cup of coconut or sesame oil. When the liquid emits fumes, add in 3 tulsi leaves and switch off the flame, allowing the oil to cool naturally. Strain this liquid and apply to the scalp, leave it on for a few hours and wash with warm water.

 SOAPNUT
Soapnuts have been used for ages by people in Asia and are now known to contain substances called saponins that have a natural soap-like action. In India, these nuts have been used in combination with shikakai to treat infections of the scalp and help with hair growth.

Tip: Soak a few soap nuts in water, shake occasionally, and leave for a few hours. Then remove the nuts and add to another vessel containing water and use the first liquid to wash your hair. Use the second batch of soap water to wash hair again and if necessary, prepare a new batch of soapnut liquid for a third wash. The best part is that you can use a few soapnuts multiple times to get your natural soap solution. Combine with shikakai fruits if you wish to have an even better effect.

 BHRINGARAJ
Bhringaraj is traditionally considered an excellent hair growth promoter and this is evident from the many hair oils that contain this ingredient. It is also known to prevent greying of hair and helps to keep hair dark and shiny. It can be used in recipes of your own for easy hair care at home.

Health.india.com tip: Take a few leaves of the Bhringaraj plant and grind them to extract the juice. Boil this juice a little and mix in with coconut oil and apply the oil to the hair. If you cannot find leaves, look for Bhringaraj powder, mix it in oil and use.

 SHIKAKAI
Shikakai is the fruit obtained from a plant that grows extensively in South India and for years, people there have used this to cleanse their hair. It helps to nourish the hair glands and scalp and because of its low pH, it does not allow infections and dandruff to take hold. Shikakai powder is commercially available or you can powder the fruits on your own at home to get the powder.

Tip:  Mix a little shikakai powder with warm water to a consistency of dosa batter. Rub warm castor oil or coconut oil into your scalp, leave on for two to three hours, and then rub in the shikakai paste. To remove the paste, rinse hair with warm water.  Do not use any shampoo or conditioner following this. For even better results, mix in a little soapnut powder with the shikakai powder in a ratio of two parts of soapnut to one part of shikakai.

TULSI
Although it is best known for its expectorant properties that are useful in cough and cold, Tulsi also has valuable action on the hair. It helps remove itchiness of the scalp and also removes bumps that may be present as a result of heat or dryness of the scalp.

Tip: Prepare about 5 tablespoons of paste by chopping and grinding tulsi leaves. Take the paste in a heating vessel, mix in half a cup of coconut or sesame oil and stir as you heat on a low flame. As the mix gives out fumes, mix in a few seeds of fenugreek (methi) and as they pop up, remove the vessel from the flame. Cool and strain the oil and apply to the scalp for dealing with itchiness.

When you look at someone the first time, besides the person’s eyes, nose, cheekbones and jawline, there is yet another factor that makes an impression – the hair. Paying attention to your hair care regimen is therefore as important as caring for the rest of your body and using these herbal remedies, you will soon be drawing second glances.

All the herbs mentioned here can be found at 
SSENT Herbal Shop
www.ssentherbalandtherapy.co.za

Healing herbs

Herbs have been used in world cuisine for centuries. Today, they are as popular and certain herbs are associated with specific dishes. We look at some of the main herbs that are great additions to your dishes and also how they can help medicinally.

Herbs have been a major ingredient in cooking around the world and many have originated in middle and eastern cultures.

More and more herbs today are being promoted as vital ingredients in your cooking. So, how do we know which ones to use and which also will be beneficial not just for taste but for our health too? To find out the answers let’s look at some of the popular herbs used in dishes.

BASIL

Originally from India, Basil is used commonly in tomato based dishes and is a popular ingredient in Italian, Taiwanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Cambodian cooking. It also works very well with onions, garlic and olives. The leaves of this herb may taste like anise, with a strong, pungent and often sweet smell.

Basil is often used with other herbs like Oregano and Sage in dishes. For the most intense flavor, it should be added at the end of the cooking process. Prolonged heat will cause Basil’s volatile oils to dissipate.
Always try and use fresh basil because you will never get full flavor when using dried basil. So, if using dried, as a guide one tablespoon of fresh chopped basil is equal to one teaspoon dried.
Basil is said to be a tonic and calms the nervous system, it may aid digestion and stomach cramps and basil tea can help relieve nausea.

BAY LEAF

An essential ingredient in many South Asian dishes, especially Biryani. It is used frequently in curries, soups, casseroles, stews, braises and pâtés.

Originating in Asia Minor, it was not introduced to England until the sixteenth century. Today, it is one of the most widely used culinary herbs in Europe and North America.

The herb has a distinctive, sharp and bitter taste and can be used as a whole leaf, dried, crushed or ground for cooking. Bay is one of the herbs that can be put into an Italian sauce or Indian curry in the beginning and left in for the entire simmering process. It is also an ingredient in the South Asian spice Garam Masala.
For European cooking it is part of the herbal seasoning bouquet garni, which is a combination of herbs tied together with string.

The Bay leaf is known to be stimulate and aid digestion.
CORIANDER

Coriander, also known as cilantro or dhania is a herb which is popular in South Asian dishes as a garnish at the end of the cooking process. Historically, Coriander seems to have been cultivated in Greece since at least the second millennium BC.

Fresh chopped coriander leaves are used as a garnish immediately before serving South Asian dishes because heat diminishes their flavour. The leaves spoil quickly when removed from the weed, and lose their aroma when dried or frozen.

The fresh leaves are also used an ingredient in Chinese dishes, Mexican cooking, particularly in salsa and guacamole and as a garnish, and in salads in Russia.

Both the seeds and leaves of Coriander are used for aiding the urinary tract and treating infections of this area.

DILL

Dill is commonly used in fish dishes, pickles and soups. It originated within an area around the Mediterranean and the South of Russia. In India, dill is known as ‘Savaa’ in Hindi or ‘Soa’ not related to Soy, in Punjabi.

The flavor of Dill weed diminishes greatly the longer it is cooked. Add it at the last minute for full flavor and aroma. Conversely, heating brings out the aroma of Dill seed, so toasting in a hot frypan before using helps bring out the best in flavour.

It is prepared in the manner of yellow Moong daal as a main-course Indian dish. In Middle Eastern dishes the herb is used in cold dishes, pickles and with fish.

Dill is known for its effectiveness to relieve flatulence and other gastric issues, and often served as an after meal digestive.

FENNEL

The bulb, foliage, and seeds of the Fennel plant are widely used in many of the cuisines of the world. For cooking, green seeds are the best. The leaves are delicate and flavoured. The bulb is a crisp, hardy vegetable and may be sautéed, stewed, braised, grilled, or eaten raw. Dried fennel seed is an aromatic anise-flavoured spice.

Fennel features prominently in Mediterranean cuisine, where bulbs and fronds are used, both raw and cooked, in side dishes, salads, pastas, vegetable dishes and risottos. Fennel seed is a common ingredient in Italian sausages and meatballs and northern European rye breads.

In many parts of India and Pakistan, known as ‘Saunf’ roasted fennel seeds are consumed as mukhwas, an after-meal digestive and breath freshener.

In India, fennel seeds are also eaten raw, sometimes with some sweetener, as they are said to improve eyesight. Fennel is known for its properties to help with digestion and prevent excessive insomnia, nausea and vomiting.

OREGANO

Oregano is also known as wild Marjoram. The herb was first known to be used by the ancient Greeks.

It is very popular in Italian cooking especially in pasta sauces, on pizzas and frequently used with roasted, fried or grilled vegetables, meat and fish. The herb is also widely used in Turkish, Palestinian, Lebanese, Egyptian, Syrian, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish, Philippine and Latin American cuisines.

It is particularly full of flavour when dried and combines well with spicy foods. Leaves are most often used in salads especially, Greek salads.

Oregano is known to relieve the symptoms of colds, flu and coughs but must not be used medicinally during pregnancy.

SAGE

Originating from Mediterranean regions this herb is popular to flavour potato and vegetable dishes, giving a strident and bitter flavour. It has a strong distinctive flavour and aroma so needs to be used sparingly.
It is often combined with other herbs, mainly Thyme in dishes. Sage blends well with mild cheeses and is commonly used as a key ingredient for a stuffing mix, used for many meat roasts.

Dried sage is preferred by most cooks and comes in whole leaf, rubbed, and ground form. Fresh leaves may be covered in olive oil and stored in the fridge for up to three weeks. It is one herb that freezes well.
Sage can help with indigestion, anxiety, excessive sweating and can help ease sore throats if used as a part of a gargle mixture.

THYME

Used by Ancient Egyptians and the ancient Greeks for non-cookery purposes, Thyme was introduced to Europe by the Romans. The herb is a key ingredient in many cuisines including Lebanese, Israeli, Italian, French, Persian, Portuguese, Spanish, Greek, Caribbean, Indian and Turkish dishes.

Thyme is often used to flavour meats, soups and stews. It is often used as a primary flavour with lamb, tomatoes and eggs. It does not overpower and blends well with other herbs and spices.

Thyme can be bought both fresh and dried. The fresh version is full of more flavour but also has a storage life of rarely more than a week.
Thyme has been known to be useful to treat coughs and catarrh.

MINT


The history of Mint goes back to the Greek times and Romans are known to be responsible for carrying the herb throughout Europe. It is a herb common to South Asia, especially as a chutney. The plant is called ‘Pudina’ in Punjabi.

Mint is ideal for soups, salads, sauces, meats, fish, poultry, stews, chocolate dishes and lemony desserts. It is used widely to flavour dishes with its distinct pungent taste. For meat dishes, it goes well with Lamb. Also, it is popular as a herbal tea.

Mint aids indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and can help with reducing colds. Pudina is also well known for its use as a mouth and breath freshener.

CURRY LEAVES


Belonging to the ‘Curry Tree’ which is a small tree, growing 4–6 m tall, with a trunk up to 40 cm diameter, curry leaves are highly valued as seasoning in southern and west-coast Indian cooking, and Sri Lankan cooking. Especially in curries, usually fried along with the chopped onion in the first stage of the preparation.

The curry leaves tend to lose their delicate fragrance when dried. Therefore, try to obtain them fresh.
They are known to have anti-cancer properties, helping with stomach disorders and constipation, and even used to promote hair growth and reducing grey hairs.

There are many more herbs that are available for use in cooking or medicinal purposes and every one of them has its own properties. So, don’t be afraid to explore the use of herbs in your cooking because they can add a distinct flavour to a dish and make it a hit for your taste buds.

Chief Dembe
SSENT Herbal Shop 
www.ssentherbalandtherapy.co.za 

Herbs for diabetes

So you have made it through the guilt of fruitcakes, ham, 'enhanced sorrel' and all the rich foods abundant during the holiday season, and part of your new year's resolution is to manage your diabetes a little better. 

While there is no cure for diabetes, Chinese medicine can help in its management alongside conventional drugs, or alone, depending on the severity of the condition. The main goal is to reduce blood glucose to within normal ranges while addressing the accompanying symptoms.

Symptoms
Some of the signs and symptoms of Type One and Type Two diabetes include: increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, presence of ketones in the urine (the byproduct from the breakdown of muscle and fat which occurs when there's not enough insulin), fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, high blood pressure and frequent infections, such as gum or skin infections and vaginal or bladder infections.

Additionally, long-term complications of diabetes may include:

• Cardiovascular disease - including coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke and narrowing of the arteries.
• Nerve damage (neuropathy) - This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward. For men, it may lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Kidney damage.
• Eye damage - such as cataracts and glaucoma.
• Foot damage - cuts and blisters left untreated can become serious infections and, if severe, may require toe, foot or leg amputation.
• Skin and mouth conditions - increased susceptibility to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.
• Osteoporosis.
• Alzheimer's disease - Type Two diabetes may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
• Cancer - People with diabetes have a higher risk of some cancers.

Herbal formulas
In Chinese medicine, diabetes is often treated as a yin deficiency (empty fire) condition, especially characterised by symptoms such as: increased thirst, extreme hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, brittle bones and numbness, tingling and burning in the extremities.

The treatment plan is to: nourish the fluids of the body and clear heat in order to relieve these symptoms. Herbal formulas comprising herbs such as: Hei Zhi Ma (sesame seed), Li Zhi He (lychee seed), Ren Shen (ginseng root) and Wu Mei (fructus Mume) are selected to reduce blood-glucose levels and are taken daily.

Acupuncture treatments
As in the case of herbal formulas, blood-glucose levels and accompanying yin deficiency symptoms are assisted by acupuncture treatments, particularly in very severe cases. Very thin acupuncture needles are inserted in the selected acupuncture points related to the accompanying symptoms and gently stimulated.

Lifestyle recommendations
In managing diabetes, lifestyle modifications are very important. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes at regular intervals is essential, with limited amounts of saturated fat, alongside a consistent exercise plan. If overweight, just shedding excess weight can make a huge difference.

Chief Dembe
SSENT Herbal Shop
www.ssentherbalandtherapy.co.za

SSENT Herbal Shop

SSENT Herbal shop is a South African herbal shop run by Chief Dembe we provide herbs, herbal creams, herbal pills, herbal teas.

We sell

• weight loss herbs,
• body shaping herbs,
• std herbs,
• sex herbs,
• anti aging herbs,
• muti,
• chronic disease herbs,
• vaginal herbs,
• beauty herbs,
• skin herbs 
• mental illness herbs

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SSENT Herbal Therapys
Cell: +27(0)79 047 2780
Tel : +27 (0)11 079 6367
Email : info@ssentherbalandtherapy.co.za
Website : http://www.ssentherbalandtherapy.co.za/