Posts Tagged ‘Tree’

What are different health benefits of clove oil?

Cloves have been used for home remedies and for flavouring cuisines for time immemorial. It is largely grown in Indonesia, South Philippines and the Island nation of Zazibar. Today Cloves are also grown in India, China, West Indies, Brazil, Madagascar and some other Tropical climates. Clove trees are 10-12 metres high; the clove is a flower which is originally of pink colour and on drying it becomes brown.

In fact Cloves are dried unopened flower buds. Clove oil is isolated from these dried cloves by steam distillation. Clove oil has 60-90 % eugenol. It is antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and has antiseptic properties. It has Omege-3 fatty acids, Magnesium, Fibre, Iron Potassium and Calcium as well. It also contains fair amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

Dental Applications
Clove oil is used mainly for dental applications. It is a natural pain killer as well as it kills bacteria and fungus. Cotton wads soaked in Clove oil reduce tooth ache considerably. It can also kill bad breath and there is a saying that in China it used to be used as a mouth freshener. The eugenol in Clove oil is a natural pain killer.

Reduce inflammation
Clove oil can reduce inflammation in the body. In case of colds, stuffy nose, viral infections, asthma, and bronchitis, clove oil relieves such conditions. Clove oil is also used in massages to relieve muscle pain and arthritis because of its inflammatory properties.

Antiseptic and antispasmodic properties
As for its antiseptic properties it heals cuts and bruises, fungal infection, burns wounds and other skin ailments and cold sores. This is due to its high flavonoids content. It also relives muscle spasm if applied in the affected area.

Stomach Ailments
It can also be used to cure stomach ailments such as flatulence, loose motions, indigestion and nausea. Cloves are used to relieve, diarrhoea, gastric irritability and vomiting. Possibly that is why it is used in food preparations as a common spice.

Nutritional Value
Clove oil contains significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, Sodium, Iron, magnesium and dietary fibre which makes it important nutritionally.

Curative effects
- Eugenol in the cloves helps in minimizing the harmful effects of environmental waste, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. It helps to boost the immune system by clarifying the blood and thus helps fight infection.
- In Asian countries clove oil is used to countries to cure malaria, cholera, scabies and other tropical diseases.
- Clove oil also prevents blood clots and is used to control glucose and hence beneficial for diabetic patients.
- At home it is used to relieve headaches. You apply clove oil mixed with salt on your forehead and headache is relieved.
- If clove oil is applied on a stye in the eye, the pain is relived and after a while the style disappears.
- It also relives ear ache. A mixture of clove oil and sesame if applied to the ear the pain is relieved.
- Clove oil also acts as a mosquito repellent and can be safely used for 4-5 hours effect.

Cosmetics
Clove oil is also used in the cosmetic industry in the manufacture of creams and lotions. In aromatherapy it is used as a massage oil to relive stress and tension by its application. Even perfumes use a mixture of clove oil.

Food
- Clove oil is used extensively in the Asian and African countries as a part of the spices used in everyday cooking. It highlights the taste of the food and also brings dilatory benefits.
- Mixed with either vanilla or other ice creams it is used in the preparation of Desserts.
- In certain Asian countries it is served as a digestive after food, along with other mouth fresher’s.

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Nutmeg herb and spice – Characteristics, Benefits and Advantages

Nutmeg is the dried seed of the nutmeg tree fruit which belongs to the genus Myristica and looks similar to a walnut. This is the only tropical fruit that is the source of two different spices, nutmeg and mace.
The herb is widely cultivated in West Indies, Indonesia, India and French Guyana. It contains many natural substances such as volatile oil, pectin, pectosans, starch and furfural.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NUTMEG HERB

- The nutmeg tree grows very tall and may reach up to seventy feet.
- The fruit when dried gives nutmeg which is the seed and mace which is the covering.
- The fruit splits in half to reveal a net-like, bright red covering over the seed.
- Nutmeg has sweet, spicy and nutty taste, is an essential constituent used in most of the Indian kitchens.
- Nutmeg has a very distinct odor.
- Nutmeg is often used as a food flavoring for baked goods, egg nog, puddings, meats, sausages, sauces, and vegetables.

Therapeutic properties of nutmeg are stimulant, sedative, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and bactericide.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG AND NUTMEG OIL

- Nutmeg oil acts like a stimulator for brain.
- Nutmeg oil reduces stress and mental strain.
- Nutmeg is also good for curing anxiety and depression.
- Nutmeg increases blood circulation.
- Nutmeg is an excellent antidote for cardiovascular systems.
- Nutmeg helps detoxify liver and kidneys.
- Nutmeg oil is added to cough syrups.
- Nutmeg is used to relieve rheumatic pain, muscle pain, neuralgia, sciatica, menstrual cramp, and toothache as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Nutmeg powder heated on the pan with sesame oil until brown is used for this.
- Nutmeg helps in getting rid of diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion and hiccups as well as it improves appetite.
- Nutmeg is very effectual medicine for insomnia.
- Nutmeg oil helps in removing bad breath.
- Nutmeg oil is is used for relief from cramps during menstruation and often provides relief from menstrual irregularities.

PRECAUTION:
- Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe. It is not recommended for people with psychiatric disorders because of its psychoactive properties.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.

What are different health benefits of Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a small tree that grows in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Veitnam, Egypt and Indonesia. The name cinnamon is derived from a Greek word meaning sweet wood. It is derived from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon “sticks” or “quills” are rolls of dried bark, and can be grated into a powder or soaked in liquid. Cinnamon has anti-microbial and anti-clotting properties.

The benefit of cinnamon arises from the medicinal properties of its oil including its antispasmodic and antimicrobial nature.

- It lowers the LDL cholesterol ( the bad cholesterol ), total cholesterol, and triglycerides by eating half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily.
- It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
- It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.
- When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
- Smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
- Reduces blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes.
- It strengthens the cardiovascular system thereby shielding the body from heart related disorders.
- It is used to treat toothache and fight bad breath.
- Cinnamon also found to cure flu, influenza, sore throat and congestion.
a) Add a cinnamon stick to boiling water.
b) Let boil for 2 minutes.
c) Remove the cinnamon stick.
d) Use the cinnamon water for any herbal tea, such as green tea.
e) Drink this tea two times per day. If the cold persists for longer than 3 days, consult your doctor.

- It boosts the activity of the brain.
- Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties, it is effective on external as well as internal infections.
- Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of Luke warm water and drink it. It destroys the germs of the bladder.
- Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomachache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.
- It treats diarrhea.
- It reduces arthritis pain.
- Cinnamon is taken to reduce the discomforts associated with mensuration cycles.
- Cinnamon tea is usually a combination of the finest cinnamon from Sri Lanka and Chinese black teas. Cinnamon tea is what many would consider to be “comfort tea”. It improves circulation, eases cold symptoms, relieves stomach upsets and menstrual aid.

NOTE: It is toxic only in large or excessive doses with side effects that may include changed breathing, stomach upset, diarrhea, sleepiness, depression or convulsions, red or bleeding gums and mouth ulcers.