Grapefruit – Infection: The seeds of this fruit, at a dose of 5 to 6 every 8 hours
for two weeks, have been shown effective in eradicating urinary tract infections,
including drug-resistant strains.[i]
Pineapple – Cancer: The enzyme bromelain, extracted from pineapple, has been
shown to be more potent that the chemotoxic agent 5-fluorouracil in killing cancer,
in the animal model.[ii]
Watermelon – Hypertension: Watermelon contains amino acids, such as L-
citrulline, which help the blood vessels dilate naturally,
countermanding endothelial dysfunction and reducing blood pressure. [iii] [iv]
Cherry – Inflammation/Pain: Compounds within cherries known as
anthrocyanins have been shown to be as effective as NSAID drugs in reducing pain
and inflammation.[v] [vi]
Lemon – Kidney Stones: Lemonade therapy has been shown to be a reasonable
alternative for patients with kidney stones.[vii]
Papaya – Skin Ulcers: Used in Jamaica as a traditional medicine, new research
indicates that topical application of unripe papaya fruit on chronic skin ulcers
generates a positive response rate 72% of the time.[viii]
Pomegranate – Hormones: Pomegranate is the fruiting ovary of the
pomegranate plant, contains potent plant estrogens which do not stimulate
unregulated cell proliferation, and may function as an ideal "back up" ovary for
women's hormone health.[ix]
Kiwifruit – Cholesterol – When used with hawthorn, kiwifruit extract was found
to be superior to simvastatin (trade name Zocor) in lowering cholesterol in mice fed
a high cholesterol diet.[x]
Cranberries – Cranberry: The extract of this berry has been shown as effective
as the drug trimethoprim in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in
older women, without increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance/super-infection
and/or fungal infection.[xi]
Coconut – Gastric Ulcers: both the milk and the water of the coconut have been
shown to have anti-ulcerogenic properties against NSAID drug-induced mucosal
erosion.[xiii]
Strawberries – Heart Disease: Many red fruits and berries have now been shown
to be valuable for heart health, but strawberry is beginning to emerge as uniquely
beneficial to cardiovascular health. Strawberry powder has been shown to improve
the lipid profile and oxidative stress markers, and markers of atherosclerosis, in
women with metabolic syndrome.[xv] [xvi] Strawberry extract has also been
shown to relax the lining of the blood vessels, which may reduce high blood
pressure and disburden the heart muscle from over-exertion.[xvii] Even the
strawberry leaf extract has been shown to increase coronary artery blood flow in a
manner similar to hawthorn extract.[xviii]
FLOWERS
Jasmine – Sweet, exotic jasmine flowers do not only make delicious cup of tea, but they
also aid in digestive issues, stomach ulcers and ulcers. Sipping this brew before
bedtime can help to ward off insomnia and anxiety.
Begonia – Begonias can be prepared in several different ways. An infusion made by
soaking the flowers in hot water helps to eliminate headaches and rid the body of toxins.
The crushed flowers and leaves can also be rubbed directly on the skin to help relieve
pain and heal sores or burns.
Rose (PDF) – Roses contain a good deal of Vitamin C and are very safe for human
consumption. The petals can be eaten raw to increase blood circulation, and they also
relieve depression. Rose tea acts as a mild laxative. A paste or cream made from the
petals does wonders to improve the condition of the skin, especially on the face.
Sunflower – Consuming a brew made from sunflowers helps greatly with ulcers and
menstrual cramps. It can also be used as a wash for gargling in cases of sore throats.
Passionflower – Passionflower contains medical properties best suited for treating
disorders such as insomnia, agitation, anxiety, and epilepsy. It also acts on the nerves
to reduce pain and induce a calming sensation.
Lotus – Lotus flowers are popular in both Eastern and Western cultures for their
effectiveness against fever, diarrhea and also more serious illnesses such as cholera
and bronchitis. A syrup made from the flower provides much relief for bad coughs.
ROOTS
Alum root - is a strong astringent used to stop the bleeding of cuts, superficial
abrasions and ulcers on the lips. It is used in dilute form as a mouthwash or gargle and
has been effective for mouth and throat ulcers. Internally, it is useful as a tea or in
capsules to help ease malaria symptoms, diarrhoea, for loose bowels and for
excessive mucus in the urinary tract accompanied by frequent urination.
Cinnamon
Very helpful for digestive problems especially when accompanied by gas and
cramping, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. Also used to
treat colds, flu, arthritis and rheumatism. Medicinally it is used to warm the organs
to treat heart and abdominal pain. It is effectively used as a tincture given every fifteen
minutes or so to stop bleeding from the uterus. Simmered in milk and taken with a little
honey, cinnamon is also very effective for indigestion and dysentery.
Other traditional uses: backaches, bronchitis, congestion, edema, headaches,
hiccups, liver problems, menorrhagia, menstrual pain, melancholy, muscle tension,
pain of the waist and knees, palpitations and toothache.
Garlic (allium sativa)
Is a natural antibiotic, anti-microbial, a fungicide, a cleanser and antioxidant. Useful
for arthritis, asthma, bacteria infections, bronchitis,cancer, candida, poor
circulation, colds, colitis, coughs, digestive problems, fever, flatulence, flu, high blood
pressure, intestinal infections, lung disorders, parasitic diarrhoea, warts, worms, blood
purifier, detoxifying the liver, mucus, prostate, sore throats,toothache, tumours,
whooping cough and yeast infections, viruses and the toxoplasmosis parasite and
protects against stomach cancers. Garlic is a good source of vitamin B9 (folic
acid), vitamin K, allicin, zinc, iron.
Ginger
Has antioxidant, antiseptic and expectorant properties. Promotes perspiration in
a fever, cleanses the digestive tract in cases ofdiarrhoea, lowers blood
pressure and thins the blood. Useful for indigestion, nausea, motion sickness, morning
sickness, coughs,colds and flu. Ginger root is nourishing to the gastrointestinal
system. It also helps the body to eliminate wastes through the skin. Ginger
enhances circulation and acts as a catalyst for other herbs, to increase their
effectiveness. It helps the body relieve congestion.
2. Garlic
Eating a clove or two of fresh garlic a day may indeed keep the doctor away, in part
because it has immune-boosting, antibacterial, antiviral, andanti-fungal effects. Many of
garlic’s therapeutic effects are derived from its sulfur-containing compounds, such as
allicin, which are also what give it its characteristic smell. In general, garlic’s benefits fall
into four main categories:
1. Reducing inflammation (reduces the risk of osteoarthritis and other disease associated
with inflammation)
2. Boosting immune function (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic
properties)
3. Improving cardiovascular health and circulation (protects against clotting, retards plaque,
improves lipids, and reduces blood pressure)
4. Toxic to at least 14 kinds of cancer cells (including brain, lung, breast, gastric, and
pancreatic)
LEAVES
Neem leaves
are used to treat chickenpox and warts by directly applying to the skin in a paste form
or by bathing in water with neem leaves. In order to increase immunity of the body,
neem leaves are also taken internally in the form of neem capsules or made into a tea.
The tea is traditionally taken internally to reduce fever caused by malaria. This tea is
extremely bitter. It is also used to soak feet for treating various foot fungi. It has also
been reported to work against termites. In Ayurveda, neem leaves are used in curing
neuromuscular pains. Neem leaves are also used in storage of grains.
Mint LEAVES
is a calming and soothing herb that has been used for thousands of years to aid
with upset stomach or indigestion. Mint is thought to improve the flow of bile through
the stomach, which helps to speed and ease digestion.
Holy TULSI (BASIL)
is an excellent antibiotic, germicidal, fungicidal and disinfectant agent and very
efficiently protects our body from all sorts of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Even
smelling it or keeping it planted in a pot indoors can protect the whole family from
infections, coughs, colds and other viral infections.
