Posts Tagged ‘Warm’

What are various health benefits of Nutmeg?

Nutmeg is sweet, spicy and nutty in taste and is an essential constituent used in most of the Indian kitchens. Nutmeg is a warm, rich, somewhat sweet, brownish-red spice. It comes from the seed of the fruit of the nutmeg tree, which looks similar to a walnut. This spice is very aromatic, with rich, sweet, savory, warm tones. Nutmeg and mace have similar taste qualities, but mace has a stronger flavor.
Nutmegs are evergreen trees, native to the rain forest Indonesian Moluccas Island, also known as the Spice Islands. The tree grows to about 50-60 feet in height, is the source of nutmeg and mace, two valuable spices. Inside the fruit is a hard egg-shaped seed of about 20 mm to 30 mm long and 15 mm to 18 mm wide, and 5 to 10 grams in weight.
Nutmeg is a popular ingredient for cooking and used in various sweet and spicy dishes like baked goods, white sauces and puddings. Nutmeg should be stored in cool, dark, dry areas. This spice is very versatile.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG

- Nutmeg can stimulate the brain, prevent mental exhaustion as well as rid our minds of stress. It acts like a brain tonic.
- Nutmeg eases stomach problems like indigestion, gas, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Nutmeg and nutmeg oil can treat liver problems by eliminating the toxins that cause ailments to this vital body organ.
- Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Nutmeg oil can treat anything from toothaches, to sore gums to bad breath.
- Nutmeg oil helps in improving concentration.
- Nutmeg is also an effective sedative i.e it is used as a pain relief.
- Nutmeg has antibacterial properties, nutmeg can also effectively treat halitosis or bad breath.
- Nutmeg can actually help you achieve smoother and healthier skin by helping you treat several skin problems.
- Nutmeg is rich in vital B-complex vitamins including vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A.
- Nutmeg proves to be an excellent tonic for the cardiovascular system.
- Nutmeg is useful during congestion and cough.
- Drinking one cup of milk boiled with 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg promotes sleep.
- Nutmeg oil is also a good herb for the kidney, helping it dissolve kidney stones as well as relieve infections.
- Nutmeg is very effectual medicine for insomnia. To treat insomnia, consume 1/4 tsp of nutmeg powder with 1 cup of milk and bring to boil.
- Rub nutmeg on a stone slab in water and apply the paste on the skin which is affected.

PRECAUTIONS WHILE HAVING NUTMEG

- Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.
- Touching nutmeg can cause allergic skin reaction.

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About your muscles – dangers of chronic muscle tension.

Muscles are attached to bones, and move the bones only by contracting. This is why muscles are arranged in pairs. Muscle tissue is made up of a multitude of tiny fibers, shaped like threads. It is the contractile action of these fibers that causes a muscle to shorten, and thus move the bone to which the muscle is attached.
Unfortunately, muscular tension is not always under control. When you are driving, typing, viewing a computer screen for hours, the muscles of your back, neck and shoulders may tend to tighten up, even if you do not want them to tighten up.
Adequate blood supply is necessary for all living tissue. When a muscle is in a relaxed condition, its muscle fibers are spaced relatively far apart. there is plenty of room for blood to circulate amongst the cells of the fibers. When contracted, the muscle fibers are more densely spaced, leaving less room for blood to circulate. veins and arteries, as well as nerves, are constricted. Less oxygen and nutrients enter the muscle tissue, and waste products accumulate as less can be carried away by the decreased blood flow.
Maintaining even a partial state of contraction over a long period of time can have numerous negative effects. The build up of waste products especially lactic acid, can cause pain and a tendency to cramp.
A more serious problem is that a chronic state of contraction can make the muscle fibers permanently shorten, reducing the range of motion that is possible without tearing the the muscle fiber. This leads to torn muscles. Once the fibers of a muscle have been torn, they do not always grow back as normal fiber. Instead, they can be replaced by a scar tissue which does not relax and contract as does normal muscle fiber.

Hot water therapy-physiological effects, indications, precautions

Heat tolerance is one of those individual preferences. The hot water has many physiological effects.

Physiological effects of Hot water
- A temporary increase in blood pressure is noticed.
- Superficial circulation is increased.
- Blood supply to muscles in increased.
- Sedation of sensory motor neurons and pain relief.
- Respiration rate is increased.
- Sweating is promoted and there is an increase in elimination of metabolic waste.
- Muscle relaxation and relief of muscle spasm.
- Heart rate is increased.
- Blood volume is increased.
- Metabolism is increased with more oxygen reaching to tissues and increasing carbon dioxide production.
- Immune system is stimulated.
- Increased anti body production.

Indications of Hot Water therapy
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Sprains and strains
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasm
- Muscle tension
- Bruises
- Neuralgia

When Hot Water Therapy should not be done ?
- Malignancy
- Active Tuberculosis
- Fever
- Severe hydrophobia
- Vascular disease
- Skin rashes or skin infections
- Acute bleeding
- Open wounds
- Seizures
- Severe cardiac complications
- Thermal nerve deficiency

Precautions using Hot Water Therapy

- Pregnancy
- Injury
- Diabetes
- Obesity or physical disability
- Cardiac history
- Loss of sensation