Home Remedies for Food Poisoning  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jn7-QONMNs

Most of us have suffered through food poisoning at one time or another. Food poisoning is caused by bacteria or other toxins in food. Some of the symptoms are nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Food poisoning should not be ignored.
When you are suffering from food poisoning, your body will lose more water than normal. So try to stay well hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water throughout the day. The water will help flush out the toxins and bacteria causing your symptoms. Along with water, you can also drink diluted fruit juice and broth. You can also start treatment immediately with simple and readily available ingredients from your kitchen.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for food poisoning.

1. Ginger

   Ginger is an excellent home remedy for curing almost all types of digestive problems related to food poisoning.
   
   • You can drink one cup of ginger tea after eating lunch or dinner to stop heart burn, nausea and other symptoms associated with food poisoning. To make ginger tea, boil one teaspoon grated ginger in a cup of water for a few minutes, add sugar and your tea is ready
   • Add a few drops of ginger juice to one teaspoon of honey and swallow it several times a day to reduce inflammation and pain.
   • Eating raw ginger increases the acid level in your stomach, which will help you digest your food more quickly.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

   Due to its alkaline nature, apple cider vinegar can alleviate various food poisoning symptoms. Apple cider vinegar will soothe the gastro-intestinal lining and kill the bacteria, giving you instant relief.
   
   • Just mix two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of hot water and drink it before eating any solid food to prevent acid indigestion.
   • Alternatively, you can drink two tablespoons of undiluted apple cider vinegar.

3. Fenugreek Seeds and Yogurt

   Yogurt is another anti-bacterial agent that can counter attack the bacteria that cause food poisoning. You can take one teaspoon fenugreek seeds along with a tablespoon of yogurt. You just need to swallow the seeds and need not chew them. The combining effect of fenugreek seeds and yogurt will give you an immediate relief from stomach pain as well as vomiting.

4. Lemon

   The anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties in lemons can give you much relief. The acid in lemons helps kill bacteria that cause food poisoning.
   
   • Just add a pinch of sugar to one teaspoon of lemon juice and drink it two to three times a day.
   • You can also sip on warm water with lemon juice to clean out your system.

5. Basil

   Basil is an excellent herb that can cure infections caused by food poisoning. You can get the benefits from basil in several ways.
   
   • Drink basil juice witha tablespoon of honey several times a day.
   • Put a few drops of basil oil in one liter of drinking water. Drink it slowly throughout the day to kill bacteria causing stomach pain and other problems.
   • Add basil leaves, some sea salt, and a pinch black pepper to three tablespoons of plain yogurt. Eat this three to four times a day until your symptoms are gone.

6. Garlic

   Garlic is also very effective in fighting food poisoning due to its strong antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It relieves symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain by destroying unhealthy microbes in the intestines.
   
   • Eat one fresh garlic clove, swallowing it with water. If you can tolerate the smell of garlic, you can also try garlic juice.
   • Alternatively, you can make a mixture of garlic oil and soybean oil and rub it on your stomach after eating.

7. Banana

   Bananas are a rich source of potassium that greatly helps reduce the various effects of food poisoning. Because bananas are very soft,they are easy on the stomach. Eating just one banana will also help restore your energy level. You can simply eat a ripe banana or make a tasty and healthy banana shake and drink it two to three times a day.

8. Cumin

   Cumin seeds can control stomach inflammation due to food poisoning.
   
   • Just crush one tablespoon of cumin seeds and swallow it, then drink a glass of water.
   • You can also make an herbal drink from cumin seeds, salt, and asafetida. Drink it two to three times a day. This will cleanse the system and relieve your symptoms.

9. Herbal Tea

   Sipping on different types of herbal tea can help soothe your disturbed system and keep your body well hydrated. Peppermint tea has a soothing effect on your stomach and can relieve stomach cramps. Comfrey root and meadow sweet tea will treat your stomach infection. If you are experiencing nausea, try licorice tea or chamomile tea as these teas will reduce inflammation and calm your stomach.

10. Honey

    Honey has both antifungal and antibacterial properties that can be effective for treating indigestion and other food poisoning symptoms. Honey as a natural remedy can be taken in its pure form or added to tea. A teaspoon of honey three times a day can do wonders to heal an upset stomach due to food poisoning and indigestion. It also controls the formation of excessive acid in the stomach.

These natural treatments are sure to alleviate the symptoms of food poisoning and help you get instant relief. However, if symptoms continue, consult a doctor immediately.

http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-food-poisoning.html

8 of the World’s Healthiest Spices & Herbs You Should Be Eating

By The Editors of EatingWell Magazine


By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D., Associate Nutrition Editor at EatingWell Magazine

As a registered dietitian and associate nutrition editor at EatingWell Magazine, I know that herbs and spices do more than simply add flavor to food. They let you cut down on some less-healthy ingredients, such as salt, added sugars and saturated fat, and some have inherent health benefits, many of which Joyce Hendley reported on for EatingWell Magazine.

Modern science is beginning to uncover the ultimate power of spices and herbs, as weapons against illnesses from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. "We're now starting to see a scientific basis for why people have been using spices medicinally for thousands of years," says Bharat Aggarwal, Ph.D., professor at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and author of Healing Spices (Sterling, 2011).

Aggarwal notes that in his native India, where spices tend to be used by the handful, incidence of diet-related diseases like heart disease and cancer have long been low. But when Indians move away and adopt more Westernized eating patterns, their rates of those diseases rise. While researchers usually blame the meatier, fattier nature of Western diets, Aggarwal and other experts believe that herbs and spices-or more precisely, the lack of them-are also an important piece of the dietary puzzle. "When Indians eat more Westernized foods, they're getting much fewer spices than their traditional diet contains," he explains. "They lose the protection those spices are conveying."

While science has yet to show that any spice cures disease, there's compelling evidence that several may help manage some chronic conditions (though it's always smart to talk with your doctor). What's not to love? Here we've gathered eight of the healthiest spices and herbs enjoyed around the worl


Chile Peppers
May help: Boost metabolism.
Chile peppers add a much-appreciated heat to chilly-weather dishes, and they can also give a boost to your metabolism. Thank capsaicin, the compound that gives fresh chiles, and spices including cayenne and chipotle, their kick. Studies show that capsaicin can increase the body's metabolic rate (causing one to burn more calories) and may stimulate brain chemicals that help us feel less hungry. In fact, one study found that people ate 16 percent fewer calories at a meal if they'd sipped a hot-pepper-spiked tomato juice (vs. plain tomato juice) half an hour earlier. Recent research found that capsinoids, similar but gentler chemicals found in milder chile hybrids, have the same effects-so even tamer sweet paprika packs a healthy punch. Capsaicin may also lower risk of ulcers by boosting the ability of stomach cells to resist infection by ulcer-causing bacteria and help the heart by keeping "bad" LDL cholesterol from turning into a more lethal, artery-clogging form.


Ginger
May help: Soothe an upset stomach, fight arthritis pain.
Ginger has a well-deserved reputation for relieving an unsettled stomach. Studies show ginger extracts can help reduce nausea caused by morning sickness or following surgery or chemotherapy, though it's less effective for motion sickness. But ginger is also packed with inflammation-fighting compounds, such as gingerols, which some experts believe may hold promise in fighting some cancers and may reduce the aches of osteoarthritis and soothe sore muscles. In a recent study, people who took ginger capsules daily for 11 days reported 25 percent less muscle pain when they performed exercises designed to strain their muscles (compared with a similar group taking placebo capsules). Another study found that ginger-extract injections helped relieve osteoarthritis pain of the knee.


Cinnamon
May help: Stabilize blood sugar.
A few studies suggest that adding cinnamon to food-up to a teaspoon a day, usually given in capsule form-might help people with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar, by lowering post-meal blood-sugar spikes. Other studies suggest the effects are limited at best.

Turmeric
May help: Quell inflammation, inhibit tumors.
Turmeric, the goldenrod-colored spice, is used in India to help wounds heal (it's applied as a paste); it's also made into a tea to relieve colds and respiratory problems. Modern medicine confirms some solid-gold health benefits as well; most are associated with curcumin, a compound in turmeric that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been shown to help relieve pain of arthritis, injuries and dental procedures; it's also being studied for its potential in managing heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Researcher Bharat Aggarwal is bullish on curcumin's potential as a cancer treatment, particularly in colon, prostate and breast cancers; preliminary studies have found that curcumin can inhibit tumor cell growth and suppress enzymes that activate carcinogens.

Saffron
May help: Lift your mood.
Saffron has long been used in traditional Persian medicine as a mood lifter, usually steeped into a medicinal tea or used to prepare rice. Research from Iran's Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital at Tehran University of Medical Sciences has found that saffron may help to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and depression. In one study, 75% of women with PMS who were given saffron capsules daily reported that their PMS symptoms (such as mood swings and depression) declined by at least half, compared with only 8 percent of women who didn't take saffron.


Parsley
May help: Inhibit breast cancer-cell growth.
University of Missouri scientists found that this herb can actually inhibit breast cancer-cell growth, reported Holly Pevzner in the September/October 2011 issue of EatingWell Magazine. In the study, animals that were given apigenin, a compound abundant in parsley (and in celery), boosted their resistance to developing cancerous tumors. Experts recommend adding a couple pinches of minced fresh parsley to your dishes daily.

Sage
May help: Preserve memory, soothe sore throats.
Herbalists recommend sipping sage tea for upset stomachs and sore throats, a remedy supported by one study that found spraying sore throats with a sage solution gave effective pain relief. And preliminary research suggests the herb may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer's disease by preventing a key enzyme from destroying acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and learning. In another study, college students who took sage extracts in capsule form performed significantly better on memory tests, and their moods improved.


Rosemary
May help: Enhance mental focus, fight foodborne bacteria.
One recent study found that people performed better on memory and alertness tests when mists of aromatic rosemary oil were piped into their study cubicles. Rosemary is often used in marinades for meats and poultry, and there's scientific wisdom behind that tradition: rosmarinic acid and other antioxidant compounds in the herb fight bacteria and prevent meat from spoiling, and may even make cooked meats healthier. In March 2010, Kansas State University researchers reported that adding rosemary extracts to ground beef helped prevent the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs)-cancer-causing compounds produced when meats are grilled, broiled or fried.


What are your favorite herbs and spices?

By Kerri-Ann Jennings''

  http://shine.yahoo.com/vitality/8-world-8217-healthiest-spices-38-herbs-eating-150600515.html

Ginger Tea Helps Digestive Problems

Ginger Tea Helps Digestive Problems

Ginger is a fairly well known root, used in preparing many dishes. I even had ginger pancakes when I was in Holland (can't say that I was a big fan, but they certainly were memorable). But did you know ginger can help with digestive ailments? Here's what Anil Minocha, M.D. has to say in Natural Stomach Care:

"Ginger--This ubiquitous and delicious root helps just about any digestive problem you can think of. Use it as a general stomach tonic, as an anti-inflammatory for the bowels, as a digestive stimulant, and as an aid for leaky gut. Westerners prefer the dried or crystallized root, but the more potent form is prepared the Eastern way by purchasing a stalk of fresh ginger root, peeling, slicing a one-inch piece into several smaller pieces, and boiling for twenty minutes. Add some honey and drink a cup of fresh ginger tea twice a day."

Herbs and Pregnancy

Herbs and Pregnancy

Over the last 40 years, the popularity of herbal and natural remedies has been increasing. But if you're pregnant and looking to go the herbal route, how do you know what's safe for you and your baby? Does ginger help with morning sickness? Are there really that many green tea benefits? Here, we examine four popular herbal remedies that pregnant women might want to take.

St John's Wort
Originally thought to relieve the body of evil spirits, St John's Wort has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used to help premenstrual syndrome, minor wounds and burns, hemorrhoids, ear infections, viral encephalitis and seasonal affective disorder, among others. St John's Wort is also a popular home remedy for people suffering from mild depression.

Very little information about the effects of St John's Wort on a developing fetus exists. Since sufficient tests have not been done, most doctors will recommend that you not take St John's Wort while you are pregnant. There is some evidence that the herb causes uterine contractions in pregnant animals who have been given St John's Wort, which could indicate a risk of preterm labor in pregnant women who take the herb.

Echinacea
Also called purple coneflower, echinacea is commonly used to boost the immune system and ward off infection. While it has been shown to be mostly ineffective in fighting colds (the most common use), echinacea may be useful in the treatment of other infections, such as athlete's foot.

There has been one study on the effects of echinacea on pregnancy: between 1996 and 1998, a Canadian study followed 412 women, 206 of whom had taken echinacea during their pregnancy, and 206 of whom had not. Of the 206 who did take echinacea, 112 had taken it during their first trimester. Researchers found that there was no appreciable difference in the rate of minor and major birth defects, delivery method, gestational age, infant birth weight, maternal weight gain, fetal distress, or pregnancy outcome. The conclusion is that if you wish to take echinacea while pregnant, you may do so, but should probably check with your doctor just to be sure.

Ginger
Used by people the world over, ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is a popular remedy for indigestion, nausea, gas, arthritis pain, and cold and flu symptoms.

Because of its anti-nausea properties, ginger is a popular natural remedy for pregnant mothers suffering from morning sickness. The findings on the safety of taking ginger as a remedy during pregnancy have been mixed. Some studies claim that it is no more effective than a placebo, while two separate double-blind studies have found that ginger does significantly reduce nausea in pregnant women.

If you would like to take ginger during pregnancy, know that most medical experts agree that low doses of ginger should be safe for pregnant women. But, as always, when in doubt, check with your doctor before you start yourself on a ginger-regime.

Green Tea
Hailed by many as a wonder beverage, green tea has several medicinal and person applications. It's antioxidant effect helps to prevent cancers, reduce cholesterol levels, fight infections, improve the immune system and sooth arthritis pains. As a mater of course, many people enjoy a cup of green tea every day; so is it necessary to stop if you're pregnant?

In general, if you drink coffee, or any caffeinated beverage, it is recommended that you switch to decaffeinated while pregnant. Since caffeine is a diuretic, it may deplete your water, which could harm you and your baby. That said, there is no evidence that caffeine causes birth defects, though it can potentially cause other complications, therefore it is safe to consume green tea while pregnant, but in moderation. If you usually drink a pot a day, try to limit yourself to one cup and remember to balance any caffeine consumption with extra water consumption.

http://www.pregnancy-info.net/herbs.html

Menstrual-Cramps

Menstrual-Cramps
Natures Solution

Concern: Menstrual-Cramps

Remedy: Ginger Tea

Why it works:

Ginger contains two substances, gingerols and shagaols, that tone the muscles of the digestive tract, neutralize stomach acid and stimulate the production of digestive juices.

Ginger is often used as a general remedy to settle the stomach.

It also has numerous pain-reducing and anti-cramping compounds.

How to use it:

There are several ways to take ginger.

You can eat a piece of fresh, peeled ginger, up to a half-inch piece, four times a day, as needed.

Or you can steep a piece of fresh ginger in hot water to make tea.

Health food stores also carry crystallized ginger, where fresh ginger is infused with sugar to make a sweet yet pungent treat.

Ginger is available in powdered, tablet form as well.

What to watch out for:

Ginger can hinder your blood's ability to clot, so avoid it in the few days before and after any surgery or if you are on blood-thinning medication.

If you are suffering from morning sickness, check with your doctor before self-prescribing ginger.

Other remedies to consider:

Menstrual-Cramps Remedy: Peppermint

Why it works:

Peppermint is prized for antispasmodic and antigas properties, among other benefits.

It's also a mild stimulant, you'll often see it in tea that is labeled "refreshing" or "restorative."

This multitasking herb has a mild numbing effect as well.

How to use it:

Make tea out of one to two ounces of dried peppermint leaf and eight ounces of water.

It's also available in capsule form.

Make sure it's enteric-coated.

Buy it from a reputable health food store and read the package for dosage.

What to watch out for:

Don't use peppermint if you suffer from acid reflux.

Because peppermint relaxes the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, it can encourage stomach acid to flow upward, making heartburn or indigestion caused by acid reflux worse.
Menstrual-Cramps Remedy: Evening primrose oil

Why it works:

Evening primrose oil is a good source of gamma-lineolic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is often found to be lacking in women who are suffering from PMS.

The body converts GLA into prostaglandins, which act like hormones to regulate certain bodily functions such as inflammation and muscle contraction.

In Europe, evening primrose oil is often used to treat the bloating, cramping and breast tenderness associated with PMS.

How to use it:

Take up to two teaspoons of evening primrose oil a day, with food.

Menstrual-Cramps Remedy: Raspberry leaf tea

Why it works:

Raspberry leaf tea has been used for many years by women to ease menstrual cramps.

Researchers believe it could be the plant's pycnogenol that helps ease uterine muscle contractions.

Raspberry leaf tea is also a traditional remedy for the discomfort associated with the third trimester of pregnancy and is used to help prepare the uterus for birth.

How to use it:

Brew a tea using dried or fresh raspberry leaves.

Allow it to steep for up to 10 minutes.

Menstrual-Cramps Remedy:

Kava kava (Piper methyscticum)

Why it works:

Kava grows naturally on islands in the South Pacific.

There, it has traditionally been brewed into a beverage and served to promote a sense of calm and well-being.

It is a natural tranquilizer with none of the foggy side effects of other prescription calming agents.

It also has compounds that help relax uterine muscles.

How to use it:

Take a few drops of tincture under the tongue as needed.

What to watch out for:

There have been numerous reports of liver failure in people who take kava kava in Europe.

NOTE *** Do not use it for extended periods of time (more than one month), or at all if you have liver problems, regularly consume alcohol or are on any medication that also compromises liver function.