Monday, January 9, 2012

Golden Seal

goldenseal closeup of fruitImage by zen via Flickrgoldenseal in fruitImage by zen via FlickrGoldensealImage by Coastlander via FlickrGoldensealImage via WikipediaGolden Seal is a perennial herb that is part of the Buttercup family. Golden Seal is used for a lot of medicinal purposes in a variety of ways both topically as well as internally. There are actually quite a few ways to purchase Golden Seal, in a bulk powder, salve, tincture, or a tablet. Internally it is a great digestion aid and if gargled with it has been known to remove canker sores.

Golden Seal has been around since times of the European conquest of America but has remained very strong because even today it is used for anti-catarrhal, anti inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, bitter tonic, laxative, and muscular stimulants. Herbalists say that if you are trying to ease gastritis, colitis, duodenal ulcers, loss of appetite, and liver disease, Golden Seal is what you might want to look into which is available at all herbal supplement stores. Golden Seal is very bitter so it stimulates bile secretions, stimulates the appetite, and aids in digestion.

Golden Seal has been around since the mid 19th century but is now threatened because Golden Seal is one of the most over harvested herbs. It keeps getting harvested and harvested but never replaced. Golden Seal which also goes by the name Yellow Root is often combined with Echinacea and prepared for easing the symptoms of colds. It is the underground root of Golden Seal that is harvested and dried to make teas and both liquid and solid extracts that are then turned into bulk powder, capsules or tablets.

Scientists claim that there is no evidence to support the use of Golden Seal for any ailments or medical condition whatsoever because of the very small amount of berberine that Golden Seal contains. Regardless of scientific claims, Golden Seal is one of the most widely sold herbs on the market today.

Although a very controversial subject, many people believe that the reason that Golden Seal is standing solid ground in the marketplace is because it is used primarily for the purpose of masking positive drug screens for people who are required to take drug tests for work or through law enforcement agencies. Many claims there is no validity to this claim but still many people are buying it because a friend told them that it worked and for that matter it is promoted in High Times magazine for the sole purpose of covering bogus drug screens. The claim is that because THC which is the active ingredient in marijuana is fat soluble it stores itself in the kidneys and becomes water soluble. Two to three days prior to a drug screen, you get some Golden Seal, follow the directions and it's a guaranteed pass.

If Golden Seal is one of the most popular herbs on the market today then someone has to be keeping them in business and it is true that many people are turning to herbal remedies in an attempt to heal themselves naturally rather than load up with a bunch of prescriptions that have nasty side effects.

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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Pokok Emas Cotek,Mas Cotek:Ficus Deltoidea

Golden Tree Cotek or Mas Cotek is a kind of herbs and plants used in the medical field Malays. In Malay medical cotek mas tree is divided into male cotek mas (small leaves) and female (large leaves).

Mas cotek or in scientific language, Ficus deltoidea a plant that is now receiving attention, especially among traditional medical practitioners. Besides Tongkat Ali and Fatima Masjid, Mas cotek known for their nutritional value are available to treat many diseases and is good for health care.

Name cotek Mas is a popular local names on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. In Sabah and Sarawak, the Borneo Islands, this plant is known as "narrow-narrow '. There is also the tribe in Sabah is called as 'agoluran'. In Indonesia, this plant is called 'tabat Prix' and a few names in other areas such as figs jelatih, a single fig, elephant ears fires and fires monkey ears. In Africa, it is known as 'Kangkalibang'. Despite this, the name of Mas cotek is the most popular name and was known when compared with the local names of others.

 In Malaysia, scientists have identified that there are more than 80 plant species belongs to the family of Ficus deltoidea. Plant also known as the fig is one species of Ficus deltoidea family. Ficus deltoidea Jack or Mistleteo fig are among the species scientifically classified and it belongs to the family Moraceae
    Name given as dowry cotek there tiny spots on the surface of the gold-leaf on each sheet. While the fruit is a pink dot. Seeds are spread by birds that eat its fruit. Traditionally mas cotek can be categorized into:

a) Mas cotek male
b) Mas cotek female

The most obvious differences between species can be identified cotek mas mas cotek male and female species is in form of leaves. Cotek mas tree leaves of the male has a small, tapered, thin and light, while the back leaf is colored spots. In general, the leaves have a red dot, but there are leaves with two and three red dots.
            For cotek mas tree has the appearance of the female is the larger leaves and many leaves are oval and round and thicker than the male species. Similar to the male species cotek mas, mas cotek female leaves also have spots on the back of the leaves. Color dots on the leaves of the female is colored red instead of black. Cotek gold veins more obvious female on the upper surface of leaves compared with green males.



Study that was done by the University of Malaya (UM) and the Agricultural Research Institute of Malaysia (MARDI) plant consists of four active ingredients needed body:

   1. Flavonoids
          * A powerful anti-oxidants to help the healthy circulation mengekalan
          * Acting as an anti-inflammatory and anti-Rival
   2. Tannis
          * Tighten the loose tissue, drain excess water secretion (diarrhea are) and protect the damaged tissue, such as eczema or burns
   3. Triterpenoids
          * Helps remove and remove phlegm and help absorb nutrients
   4. Phenols
          * Helps to reduce and eliminate swelling and acts as an antiseptic



  Studies show that five active ingredient that is required by the human body contained in the mas cotek are flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, proanthocyanins and phenols. These materials are identified able to help the mind in the process of remembering and can concentrate and can treat the problem of lack of concentration. It is also able to launch the effectiveness of Vitamin C in anti-oxidants, controlling nitrite oxide and blood circulation, regulate the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL), known as bad cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and reduce high blood pressure.


Almost all components Cotek Mas tree from the root, stem, leaves and fruit contain high medicinal value. So all the parts may be dried and used / applied in the form of herbal tea.
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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Mahkota Dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa)

Tree Mahkota Dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa) is known as one of the medicinal plants in Indonesia. Originally from Papua / Irian Jaya.

Phaleria contain several active substances such as:

     * Alkaloids, is detoxification which can neutralize toxins in the body
     * Saponin, which is useful as:
           o The source of anti-bacterial and anti-virus
           o enhance the immune system
           o enhance the vitality
           o reduce blood sugar levels
           o reduce blood clotting
     * Flavonoids
           o blood circulation throughout the body and prevent blockages in blood vessels
           o reduce the cholesterol content of fat and reduce penumbunan on blood vessel walls
           o reduce the levels of risk of coronary heart disease
           o contains anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory)
           o act as anti-oxidants
           o help to reduce pain if there is bleeding or swelling
     * Polyphenols
           o serve as an anti-histamine (allergy)

Plants or trees crown the god is often planted as shade. The size is not too big to reach 3 meters high, has bright red fruit that grows from the main trunk to the branches.

To extend the shelf life Phaleria, preservation can be done in several ways including refrigeration, canning, and drying. Drying is done at Phaleria aims to reduce the water content in the material, so the remaining water can not be used as a medium for microbial life destroyer that is in such materials, in other words, may prolong the shelf life of these Phaleria. The proper drying conditions will menentukn drying high quality results. 

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Burdock

Burdock is a plant that is related to the daisy family. It is also closely related to Echinacea, Dandelion, and Feverfew. Burdock is an herb but it is one that has been much neglected when it comes to getting attention. Back in ancient times the Greeks used the roots, the seeds, and the greens and used them for healing purposes. Throughout the Middle Ages Burdock was used for both food and medicine.

Today, Burdock is still used for such things as easing liver problems and digestive disorders. It was also found to be very effective for cleansing the skin for problems such as acne and also to assist in digestive problems. To this day throughout Europe the stalk and the greens are still eaten because they hold such valuable nutrition and vitamin values.

As more and more research is being done on Burdock many new and interesting discoveries are cropping up. A relationship is being examined between Burdock and its anti fungal and anti bacterial properties, and even more important it is showing signs of possibly being able to fight against tumors and could be a cancer fighting agent as well. Research has shown that since many of the cancer causing compounds are in almost all foods which are then eaten and stored in the human fat tissues that Burdock might very well be of help in fighting cancer because of the role that it can play in depleting these mutagens.

Burdock is also very helpful in strengthening the immune system when it has become weakened by environmental factors. When mixed with other herbs such as Dandelion and Ginger it can be a very powerful blood purifier. The most unique fact about Burdock is that it has a very high amount of inulin which is a natural occurring chemical within the body that mimics actions of insulin. Because of this, Burdock has been successful in helping combat hypoglycemia and pre diabetes conditions.

If you look for Burdock in the market you may find it called gobo instead as that is what some refer to it as. It is often combined with other vegetables or added to Tofu. Some boil Burdock while others sauté or deep fry it. Many have said it might not be such a good idea to look at Burdock before you eat it because you might change your mind about taking a bite.

It looks thick, dark, and woody but indeed the opposite is true when it comes to the taste. Burdock is well recognized as a health food because it has low calorie content and a high fiber intake. It is also loaded with potassium, iron, and calcium. People claim that Burdock tastes like nothing else. In other words it has a taste all of its own.

The best description that people can agree on when it comes to the flavor of Burdock is that it is sweet yet earthy, with a tender and crisp texture. It is often added to stews, soups, and stir fries. In the form of food, Burdock is highly nutritional and full of vitamins but in retrospect Burdock is also an effective herb for bringing the body back into balance.


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