Nature’s Remedies

Along with sesame oil, almond oil is probably one of most popular massage oils, primarily because it smells so darn good. But besides its non food uses, almond oil is really good, healthful oil to use for cooking.

Almond oil is very high in monounsaturated fats 61 to 65 percent of the fat in almond oil is from oleic acid, the same omega-9 monounsaturated fat that makes olive and macadamia nut oils so healthy. Monounsaturated fat (omega-9s) are central to the Mediterranean fiat that has been shown in virtually every single research study to be associated with lower rates of heart disease.

Almond oil Under-appreciated for its Healthy Monounsaturated Fats

Through admirable lobbying on behalf of the olive oil industry, the FDA took a look at the massive evidence for the health benefits of monounsaturated fats and allowed a health claim to be made for olive oil as a result. Understand that the health benefit comes from monounsaturated fat in general. but because it was the olive oil Association who partitioned the FDA, the FDA limited its investigation of the research to ” Monounsaturated fat in olive oil,” while recognizing that other oils provide this same fat. It’s all political. Monounsaturated fat, and it does good things for you whether you get it from olive oil or almond oil. True, almond oil doesn’t have quite as much as olive or macadamia nut oil, but it’s still a good source of this healthy fat.

There are dozens of studies on the potential role of almonds in a healthy diet and on the antioxidant properties of various photochemical found in the nut itself. Though no cooking oil are strong source of vitamins and minerals, almond oil does have a little bit of vitamin E and vitamin K. It’s also got a high smoke point, so it can be used for all kinds of cooking.

The pineapple is the best-known tropical fruit. In addtion to its sweet,heady aroma, it has a special property that distinguishes it from all other fruits: It contain an enzyme called bromelain, which can break down the protein in foods.(Normally this can be done only by gastic juices and digestive enzymes in the body.) Bromelain enables pineapple to promote the digestive process, because only protein compounds that have been broken down into smaller components can be absorbed by the bloodstream. Pineapples also contain valuable vitamins and minerals. in folk medicine the fruit or juice is also used to induced perspiration and reduced fever.

Therapeutic Effect

The enzyme bromelain in the pineapple starts the digestive process, thereby releiving gastrointestinal upset, impoving circulation, stopping cramps and inhibiting inflammation. It may help rid the body of inflammatory compounds that contribute to artbritis. Pineapples also have diuretic perspiration, a process that helps flush toxins from the body.

Components

Pineapples contain vitamin C, folic acid,potassium and dietary fiber. Other known active components are citric acid and additional fruit acids, as well as the valuable enzyme bromelain.

Dosage 

To take advantage of pineapple’s myriad healing powers, drink 31/2 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times daily before meals or eat a slice of fresh pineapple at each meal.

For joint and muscle pain 

Eating pineapple rich in bromelain can have a powerful anti-flammatroy effect. This makes the fruit useful both to prevent and treat sports injuries in those who exercise regularly. it can speed the healing of bruises. It may also help ease arthritis pain and is a good remedy for generalized joint aches, tendinitis and bursitis.

For corns, calluses and dry skin 

Corn and calluses onthe feet and rough skin on the elbows and heels can be removed with the fruit acids in pineapple. Apply mashed fruit to the affected area and leave it on for an hour. Rinse and gently scrub the area to remove the dead skin. Several treatments may be needed.

The name of this familiar and time-tested household remedy comes from ancient Hebrew and means “enchant”. Long-used as a culinary sweetener, honey is valued for its many healing properties as well. Treatment with honey is referred to as apitherapy and includes replenishing energy, enhancing physical stamina and strengthening those weakened by illness or stress. Honey can also help calm the mind and promote rejuvenating sleep. In addition, honey relieves indigestion and is used to treat cardiovascular disease and respiratory complaints.

Finally, a thin coat of honey can be applied to the skin to disinfect and heal minor skin wounds and chapped lips.

Therapeutic Effect: Honey helps restore energy, has a general calming effect and helps to dissolve mucus,applied externally to the skin, it disinfects and heals minor wounds.

Components

The principle constituents of honey are the simple sugars fructose and glucose. Other ingredients include water, pollen, organic acids.enzymes and various proteins

Honey and fitness

Honey provides a healthful pickme0up.

The Glucose and fructose in honey have been predigested by the bees that produced it. These simple sugars are quickly and easily absorbed in the human digested tract, and they have an overall soothing effect.Honey may be a healthy treat, but take care when using it as a sweetener: Just 1 tbsp. of honey has 64 calories, compared to 46 calories in 1 tbsp. of granulated sugar.

Shopping tip

Many kind of honey are available. The consistency, fragrance and taste depend on the types of flowers from which bees collect nectar. Look for honey that has been produced by beekeepers who do not feed their bees refined sugars or use harmful pesticides.

Take care! Don’t give unpasteurized honey to infants. It contain a type of bacteria that, though harmless to older children and adults, can be very dangerous to those younger than a year.

Used for the treatment of indigestions, coughs and colds, insomnia, headaches, general weakness and skin wounds

Applications

• Relaxing honey Bath
  

Put 2 oz of honey in a glass with 5 drops of lavender oil. If the honey is too thick, heat it by placing the glass in warm water. Add 1 or 2 tbsp. of the honey-lavender mixture to your bathwater to help you relax and combat insomnia.

• Honey as a dressing for wounds

Applied externally, honey is useful for healing minor-cuts and abrasions by drawing excess water from the tissues and reducing swelling. In addition, honey contain a germ-killing substance called inhibine,which helps prevent infections. Spread the honey directly on the wound and cover with a sterile bandage.

• Help for hay fever
  

Honey contains grains of pollen that, over time, may have a desensitizing effect, making it useful for the relief of allergies. Hay fever sufferers are advised to eat honey that has been harvested locally.

 

 

• For relief of asthma bronchitis and other respiratory ailments

Honey is an outstanding household remedy that can be used in combination with various medicinal herbs.For relief of coughs and wheezing associated with bronchitis, whooping cough or other minor respiratory ailments, mix 1 tsp. of honey. Take the mixture orally as needed to soothe inflammed and airways.

Although the olive tree originated in Asia. it has been cultivated for over 3,000 years in Mediterranean countries, where much of the olive crop is used to make olive oil. In this process, olives are pitted and ground to thick pulp. The pulp is then pressed to remove the juices, which are placed in a centrifuge to separate the water from the oil. Nutritionally, olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon; however, the fat is mostly monounsaturated, which has a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels and is easily digested. In countries where olive oil plays an important role in diets, such as Greece, Italy and Spain, there is low incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The mild vegetable mucilage in olive oil also protects the body’s digestive tract. Ancient civilizations used olive oil, as well— to help heal wounds. Today olive oil is prized as a moisturizer and skin remedy.

Therapeutic Effect: Taken internally, olive oil stimulates metabolism, promotes digestion and lubricate mucous membranes. It can also be applied externally to treat dry skin.

Components

Olive oil contains 77 percent monounsaturated fatty acids, 14 percent saturated fatty acids and 9 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids, plus vegetable mucilage and vitamin E.

Help for the digestive tract

Take 1 tsp. of olive oil on an empty stomach to simulate digestion and relieve upset stomach, flatulence and heartburn.

Olive oil for constipation

In the morning, take 1 tsp. of olive oil mixed with lemon juice on an empty stomach. Or try an enema made from 5oz. of olive oil in 20oz. of boiling water, cooked to lukewarm.

The antioxidant benefit

The vitamin E in olive oil is an antioxidant. In addition, monounsaturated fatty acids are less easily damaged by oxygen than other types of fat. They are therefore less likely to produce free radicals, which damage cell membranes and contribute to several diseases.

Extra Tip

To help build strong fingernails and soften cuticles soak your nails each night in a mixture of 3 parts lukewarm olive oil to 1 part freshly-squeezed lemon juice. Put on cloth gloves and let the oil penetrate overnight. Your nails will gradually become more resistant to breaking and chipping.

Used for cardiovascular disease, high blood cholesterol, earaches, constipation, stomach upset, dry skin and stretch marks.

Applications

• To Lower blood cholesterol levels

The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil help lower LDL (”Bad”) Cholesterol levels without affecting HDL (”good”) Cholesterol or triglyceride levels. To Lower your cholesterol, at least 15 percent of your daily calories should come from monounsaturated fatty acids. Whenever possible, use olive oil in place of butter or other vegetable oils in cooking, in preparing dressings for salads or vegetables and making sandwiches.