Wednesday 27 June 2012

Looking for the best medicinal herb? Try Stevia


Stevia Plant is a plant that makes it possible for people who cannot take sugar to have the desired taste. This is a plant that has a taste that gives sweetness to the food item to whichever this is added. If a person is suffering from disease like sugar or similar disease and cannot eat any sweet product because of added sugar then usually those people go for sugar free and similar stuff. But a little research in this field may lead them to an output that offered them the best deal. These people can go for Stevia Plants which would never let the sweetness go away from the life of any individual. This product is found at various parts of the world. Since it is not available at every part of the world, this plant is also exported to and imported from various parts of the world. The plant basically is a member of the herb family and the leaves of the plant are used as the main stuff to act as sugar. With the increasing popularity of the product the production of the plant has been on an ever increasing demand and now it is being used in the various parts of the world. This makes Stevia Plant an herb that has exceptional benefits. This makes it possible for various people to enjoy the flavor of life. With this plant there are few side effects expected but as of now there has been no case of such side effect all across the globe. This thing brings in the success story of the product. It is available in few countries, and these include Brazil, Israel, Australia, Hong Kong and many more. These countries use this product in a large quantity. It is used in the large quantity in Japan where it has been used since many years and thus no cases could be confirmed for negative impact. Further, various countries have also banned his product with the fear of the impact or the quantity of the product to be used has been limited. This makes it something very genuine to be used. But still due to the high level of usage, this plant is used under the covers of the black market. The product has also been used for a simple reason that it is also a supplement to the diet. Doctors usually prescribe the daily dosage in many countries so that the maximum output could be received from this particular plant.



As far as the quantity to be used is concerned then one thing is assured that Stevia Plant is highly economical when it comes to the comparison in the quantity to be used for the sugar. This is sweeter than the normal sugar and that too around 300 times. Thus when it comes to making ice creams or chocolates, even then this product can be used and that too in a quantity that is much smaller than the otherwise used sugar quantity. Stevia Plant has a lot many advantages once the plant is explored.

Thursday 21 June 2012

Stevia is a Boon in Field of Natural Medicine


Recent research has proved that stevia plant can be beneficial in the treatment of many health conditions. Stevia is believed to have anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-glycemic, and anti-hypertensive properties which may help with hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, chronic fatigue, indigestion, upset stomach, heartburn, weight loss, cold and flu, gingivitis, tooth decay, cavities, dandruff and hair loss, brittle bones or osteoporosis, streptococcus, candidacies, bacterial infections and skin conditions such as cuts, wounds, rashes, itchiness, blemishes, acne, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dermatitis, eczema, and wrinkles. It may also improve energy levels, strengthen immune system, stimulate mental activity, and may also help in quitting the habit tobacco and alcohol.

Uses of Stevia –
1.   Dandruff and hair health - Stevia concentrate is believed to be beneficial for dandruff, dry scalp, and dull, dry and thin hair. People have noticed stronger, dandruff-free and rejuvenated hair after the usage of stevia. But to have best results regular use of stevia. For better results simply mix 3-4 drops of stevia concentrate into your regular shampoo and wash as normal. Also, after shampooing, using stevia tea as a conditioner and rinsing it out after 5 minutes can help in retaining natural hair color and strength.
2.   Gingivitis - Study shows that antibacterial properties of steviaplants may help in overcoming gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay and mouth sores. It may suppress the development and reproduction of infectious organisms in the gums and teeth, prevent the growth of plaque and may improve overall oral health. People who have used stevia as a mouthwash have experienced significant decrease in gingivitis and other mouth infections. Simply gargling with Stevia mouthwash and brushing with Stevia added toothpaste may be beneficial. To make Stevia mouthwash, add 3-4 drops of stevia extract in half a cup of lukewarm water or steep half a cup of tea with its leaves or teabag and gargle three to four times daily especially in the morning and at night. For toothpaste, mix 2 drops of stevia extract to the regular toothpaste. 


3.   Heartburn and Indigestion - People in different part of the world such as Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia have been using Stevia tea to soothe upset stomach, heartburn, and to improve indigestion and gastrointestinal function. Drinking Stevia tea after every meal may serve as a digestive aid and relieve heartburn and stomach pain. 
4.   Wrinkles and other skin problems - Stevia is believed to be a remarkable healing agent for skin disorders. Due to its antioxidant, antibacterial and antiseptic activity may help with wrinkles, skin blemishes, dermatitis, eczema, acne outbreaks, scarring, rashes, itchiness and chapped lips. A small amount of Stevia concentrate applied directly onto the affected skin may promote the healing process and can freshen up the skin.
5.   Weight Loss - Recent medical research have proved that low at carbohydrates, calories and sugar stevia may be beneficial in weight management. It is the least harmful herb used for management of weight. It is suggested to drink one cup of stevia tea or mix 10-15 drops of stevia concentrate in one cup of cold or warm water. And for best results drink it 15 minutes before every meal. 

Thursday 14 June 2012

Stevia Plants - Natural Medicine to cure in a Healthy Way


 Recent research showed that "Stevia has been safely used in research in doses of up to 1500 mg per day for 2 years." Due to the fact that stevia can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, most people would not even be able to consume 1500 mg in a whole week. There are a number of benefits provided by steviaplant and few main among them are listed below:

1.     Tooth Decay can be prevented – If someone started using this sugarless sweetener to replace refined sugars in their diet, they may see a decrease of tooth decay. One can only imagine how many teeth can be saved by replacing all of that sugar with healthier options, such as stevia. It also helps in making the teeth strong.
2.     Regulation of Blood Pressure - There is research that stevia could lower high blood pressure by using between 750-1500 mg of stevia each day. If more people choose to lower their risk by eliminating soda and using stevia throughout the day, they may have a better chance to lower their blood pressure in the future and with minimum risks.
3.     Decrease the blood sugar level – Blood sugar level can be decreased by using stevia plant. 1000 mg of stevia could reduce blood sugars by 18%. So it can prove to be a boon in the field of diabetes.
Apart from these benefits stevia plants can be used for other purposes also. There are many foods used on a daily basis that can be sweetened with stevia instead of the other harmful and refined sweeteners. For example, homemade spaghetti sauce can be easily sweetened with stevia. Or squeeze lemon juice into water and add a dash of stevia for some refreshing low calorie lemonade.

Precautions that should be taken while using stevia


.  Mild Muscle Pain - Some people have reported mild pain in certain muscles while taking stevia. So it is recommended to consult any expert before using stevia plant.
2.     Bloating and Nausea - Bloating, nausea, and mild gas are the common side effects of stevia, but they are least concerning effects.
3.     Infertility - There have been studies that show stevia having a contraceptive effect on the body, and there have also been studies that show it does not. This one is still up for debate. So prevent excessive use of stevia plant.
4.     Numbness - Some reports of short-term numbness in feet, fingers, hands and other extremities.
5.     Cancer - Another controversial side effect of stevia because the study that claimed stevia as a cancer causing mutagenic compound was highly criticized for being poorly conducted. There have been other studies that show stevia as not having any carcinogenic cancer causing effect on the body.
6.     Blood Sugar level - Studies have shown that stevia can actually lower blood sugar, which means it should be used with caution by people with diabetes. They should consult their doctor about the usage of stevia.
7.     Lowers Blood Pressure -Studies also show that stevia may play a role in lowering blood pressure. People who have low blood pressure already should avoid using the sweetener as a sugar substitute. 





Wednesday 6 June 2012

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NATURAL MEDICINE?


These herbal plants are also called natural medicines due to their strong medicinal effect. There are hundred and thousands of herbs which can be used in various types of diseases. Some main herbs which are used frequently are:
1.    Camomile - It is generally made into a palatable tea or infusion and is used for relieving in sleep disorder, nervous tension and head colds.
2.    Valerian - The root of the valerian plant is effective in the treatment of sleeplessness, depression and as a remedy for asthma. Valerian can often be purchased already ground for use.
3.    Comfrey and Garlic – They both are regarded as miracle plants of herbal lists. Comfrey is thought to possess excellent healing qualities and now science has proved it contains two important substances which are beneficial to health. It can be a medicine of bronchitis and as a general tonic while recovering. The leaves of comfrey are also believed to speed up the healing process of burns. The root of this herb is rich in fiber and is a strong laxative. When this ground root is added to alcohol, the resulting tincture is effective against diarrhea. Garlic has been in use for centuries and called as 'nature’s antibiotic'. The most popular use of garlic is to provide extra immunity to colds and flu. It can also purify the blood. Garlic capsules are available for those who find the taste objectionable.
4.    Stevia - The stevia plant is a naturally available sweetener that does not cause any health problem. Stevia plants are also responsible for regulating the level of blood sugar. Stevia in its common form is a white powder extracted from the leaves of the plant and it is rated at 70 to 400 times sweeter than sugar.
5.    Elderberry - The root and flowers of elderberry plant can be used for various purposes. For example, an infusion of the flowers is good for relieving asthma or for soothing sore eyes. And root can be used in making tincture, taken in small weak doses, is an effective diuretic and laxative.
6.    Rosemary - It is used both in cosmetics and medicine. Oil of rosemary rubbed onto the skin often relieves tension headaches and muscular soreness, and may also be applied externally for the relief of rheumatic pains.
7.    Kitchen herbs - Some of the everyday kitchen herbs have beneficial qualities. A compress of thyme can be used to sooth boils, fennel is useful against constipation, and the two commonest culinary mints, spearmint and peppermint, either chewed or drunk in infusion, are believed to stop vomiting.
Precautions –
Anyone who is unfamiliar with herbs or plants should be extremely careful not to use large amounts for long periods in treating a condition or any illness. Certain plants have negative or dangerous side-effects when used incorrectly.  Massive amounts of parsley can cause hemorrhage and perpetual drinking of camomile tea can induce nausea and pronounced vertigo.  So it is very necessary to consult an herbalist before trying something new.