Herbal Blog

• 10Aug

  Update on Resveratrol

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  An article on Polygonum cuspidatum, a commercial source of resveratrol, came out in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, June 9, 2010 which shows that resveratrol has the potential to delay aging. This study was done in animal models and in vitro (laboratory test). In general the observations were the reduction of oxidative stress which translates into an anti-oxidant power and also the inflammatory stress. These are the major mechanisms for longevity and stress, and imply that resveratrol can be help delay aging and biological stress. [Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism , doi:10.1210/jc.2010-0482]

  To correlate this with the study at Harvad University by Dr. David Sinclair, he reported that grapes naturally produce resveratrol which could fight age related diseases by studying genetic materials and reduce the pathologic effects of high fat diet by mimicking caloric restriction. [Cell 97 (5): 609–20.doi:10.1016/S0092-8674(00)80772-2. PMID 10367890.] This apparently has something to do with the French paradox, wherein French people’s consumption of red wine could explain why France has low rates of cardiovascular disease despite the high consumption of fat relative to the United States.

  The Japanese knotweed, Polygonum cuspidatum has the highest amount of resveratrol followed by grapes, and among the varieties of grapes, the muscadine grapes are the next best source. Resveratrol can also be found in other red or purple grapes, peanuts, cranberry, raspberry, and blueberries.

• 07Jul

  Nattural Quality Corp. TVC

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• 29Mar

  Sampalok (Tamarindus indica)

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  Tamarind is a fruit which is rich in essential oils and citric acid. It can be used as anti-helminthic, astringent and tonic. It well known that tonic baths or aromatic baths has been traditionally practiced. By boiling the leaves of tamarind in water, the decoction can be used as bathing solution or decoction after childbirth. Other traditional use of tamarind is to mix the pulp of the fruit in water and using it as an anti-pyretic (for fever).

  The fruit is a good source of Vitamins B-complex and C.

  Tags: sampalok, tamarind

• 04Nov

  Stick Plant for Warts

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  Euphorbia tirucalli or stick plant contains a latex which can be used for warts. The latex is corrosive and poisonous and a drop on the latex on warts for about 3 consecutive days can “cauterize” the warts. The latex material contains hydrocarbons (terpenic alcohol) which is also a good source of biofuel or biodiesel. Since the sap is poisonous be careful in handling the plant because any contamination with the eyes can cause blindness. Similar sap from trees such as pili or cashew works the same way on warts and moles.

  Tags: Stick Plant, Warts

• 08Jun

  Spaghetti Squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a rich source of Vitamin A

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  One of the more exciting variety of squash is the “Spaghetti Squash”. It used to be found only in temperate countries, but recently you can now buy this from the supermarket. It is now grown in Bukidnon. This squash is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins A, B and C.

  

  

  How to cook a Spaghetti Squash:

  1. Boil in water for 20 minutes. Before boiling pierce the squash, on several locations, with a fork, making sure the holes go through the layers of the squash. You can do this on four sides of the squash.

  2. After boiling, cool slightly and open the squash, continuing the cooling of the opened squash.

  3. After cooling or when you think you can handle the squash, using a fork, pick the strands of the squash (or “comb out the strands”), removing first the seeds and the inner fiber of the core.

  4. You can now do almost anything with these strands. Commonly, a vegetable spaghetti. Saute onions, garlic and a few herbs such as basil and tomatoes or put chunky tomatoes or spaghetti sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese and it ready to eat and enjoyed by the whole family.

  Note: do not over boil the squash as it will loose its taste.

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