Flying Leaf

Top 10 Anti Inflammatory Herbs

If you’re in search for the best anti inflammatory herbs, you’ll find this article useful. There are numerous herbs that have been proven to aid in various health problems such as inflammation, infection, blood clotting and more. However, they also come with potential side effects just like the artificial medications we buy from drugstores, but to a lesser degree of course. Below are the top 10 herbs you can use to treat inflammation with a short description of its benefits, risks and other health concerns.

Before we proceed with our discussion of the top anti inflammatory herbs, it’s necessary that we talk about what inflammation really is, what are its causes, and the like. Scientifically speaking, inflammation refers to a condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to an injury, irritation, infection and other external changes. We normally associate inflammation with skin problems. When you see a reddish bump on your skin, you’re most likely to say its inflammation. People usually consider it as normal. But sometimes, internal inflammation can take place which may lead to more serious health problems.

The inflammatory response in the body results from the release of chemicals including prostaglandins and cytokines by the white blood cells. Usually, this condition is treated using antibiotics and corticosteroids. Inflammation has many causes. It can be triggered by allergy, muscle injuries, blood clotting and the like. Normally, this swelling will subside but in chronic cases, it will not. Here’s what usually happen. First is the entry of bacteria. Next is the contraction of the lumen of blood vessels which triggers blood flow. This will then lead to swelling, destruction of the microbes and tissue repair. At this point, everything goes back to normal.

Turmeric

This herb is widely used in Asian and Mexican dishes. Experts recommend turmeric to people with inflammatory diseases such as tendonitis, arthritis and other autoimmune illnesses. The advisable dosage of turmeric extract is between 400mg and 600mg which should be taken 3 times a day. Many studies have been conducted to test the effect of turmeric in the human health. Researchers from the Oregon State University found out that turmeric can aid in arthritis. Turmeric can also address swelling and pain which comes along with the inflammation.

Ginger

In many countries especially in Asia, ginger is used as a natural anti-inflammatory medicine. In a 1992 study conducted at Odense University in Denmark, it was found that people with inflammatory illnesses experience relief from inflammatory symptoms when taking ginger supplementation. In the said study, 75% of the participants who took ginger supplements reported that they experienced relief after taking ginger. In another study published in the Journal of Medical Food, the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been comprehensively discussed. It can be ingested or taken orally in a form of tea or supplement. Allergic reaction to ginger may cause several symptoms including headache, nausea and diarrhea.　

Boswellia

Also called Indian frankincense, this is among the anti inflammatory herbs that are also used to address joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. It also comes in supplements and natural drug treatments. In a 2005 study, it was found that Boswellia treats inflammation by destroying a type of cytokine which is involved in chronic inflammation. Unlike the standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NADs, Boswellia doesn’t cause irritation in the stomach. This herb causes boswellic acids which reduce inflammation in several ways. First, it boosts blood flow. Second, it prevents the inflammatory white cells from damaging tissues. And lastly, it blocks the chemical reactions that trigger the inflammatory responses of the body.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular spice that is used in international cuisines. This evergreen shrub is cultivated in many parts of the world. Aside from enhancing the taste of foods, it is also used in tea. Aside from the anti-inflammatory properties of this herb, rosemary is also known for its tonic, diaphoretic and its tonic effect. On a very recent research, it was found that rosemary has a stimulant and analgesic effect too which is mostly found it its oil. The anti-inflammatory characteristic of rosemary can be attributed to the flavonoids and rosmarinic acid.

Garlic

This is one of the most common anti inflammatory herbs that you can always find in your kitchen. Garlic is also considered as a natural antibiotic and is widely used in many countries to address various health problems including sinus infection. In fact, it has the same effect with penicillin. Garlic is also a health tonic just like rosemary. As an anti inflammatory medication, garlic works by altering the cytokines which trigger inflammation. This pungent and flavorful herb was also found to be useful in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, common cold, and cholesterol.

Licorice

Many of us are very much familiar with licorice as a candy and not as one of the anti inflammatory herbs. This plant is widely used in many countries as a remedy that can be taken with other herbal medications. Licorice is also considered as an anti depressant drug, anti ulcer, anti fungal, and immunity booster. This herb is also used in treating asthma, liver problems, fungal and viral infections, arthritis, prostate enlargement, gingivitis, tooth problems, and many more. This herb also contains high amount of flavonoids which makes it an anti inflammatory medicine. However, studies show that too much consumption of Licorice can trigger palpitations, difficulty in breathing and other heart problems.

Cayenne

This is one of the most powerful anti inflammatory herbs that are also helpful in improving blood circulation. Cayenne powder is also rich in vitamin B, B complex, and vitamin C. It also contains high amount of calcium and potassium which are essential nutrients that the heart needs. This herb is also said to aid in the treatment of arthritis, post herpetic neuropathy, psoriasis and cancer.

Cinnamon

We all love this herb for coffee and we use it to add enhance the aroma of cakes, muffins and other pastries. But other than its culinary benefits, cinnamon can also help you achieve a healthier body in many different ways. New studies suggest that cinnamon reduces the risk of inflammation. Eating too much of fatty foods can cause inflammation in the internal organs which later on can lead to the development of heart disease.

Parsley

Parsley is among the anti inflammatory herbs that are very rich in vitamins and minerals. It is fully packed with vitamins A, B, C and K. Traditionally, parsley has been used to treat kidney problems, painful menses, digestive disorders, etc. This popular spice is also known to prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancer. Because of the nutrients it contains, this herb for inflammation is also used to boost the immune system. Studies found that parsley, when combined with asparagus can be a powerful cure against inflammatory disorders.

Basil

The last but not the least of our top anti inflammatory herbs is basil. People suffering from arthritis are advised by many doctors to eat fresh basil. This fragrant herb is commonly used in salads and as flavor in pasta dressings.

These anti inflammatory herbs should be taken under the supervision of a health professional. If you’re currently taking medications, you should ask your doctor whether it is okay to take both the natural and synthetic medications at the same time. If you noticed any negative side effects such as itchiness, headache, nausea and other forms of discomfort, you should immediately stop taking it and look for another treatment.

Homemade Pest Oil/White Oil

Why buy Pest Oil from Bunnings or your local garden shop when you can make it yourself?

Oil based sprays are very useful in controlling a wide range of insect pests in the garden. Pests like scale, aphids, smooth skinned caterpillars, mites and even young grasshoppers suffocate when their bodies are covered with oil.

You can even use oil sprays to deter the citrus leaf miner. .

Heres how to make an oil base spray.

1. In a blender, combine 2 cups of vegetable oil with ½ cup of dishwashing liquid. Blend it up until it’s well mixed.  This is your concentrate and can be stored in a jar. Be sure to label it and include the dilution rate on the label.
2. To prepare the concentrate for use, dilute 1 tablespoon in a litre of water, mix it well and spray the pest as well as both sides of the foliage thoroughly. 
3. Always follow this dilution rate, because you can burn the foliage if it’s too strong and there are a few other rules; don’t apply it in hot weather and avoid using it on plants with hairy foliage as well as ferns, palms and cycads as this can also cause leaf burn.
4. Regular applications of this easy to make oil based spray will help protect your plants from many common pests found in the garden.

Other home made remedies:

All-round Insecticide

Chop four large onions, two cloves of garlic, and four hot chillies. Mix them together and cover with warm, soapy water and leave it to stand overnight. Strain off that liquid and add it to five litres of water to create an all-round insecticide. 

Pesticide

Crush a whole bulb of garlic and cover with vegetable oil. After two days, strain off the liquid, add a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid and use one millilitre of concentrate to one litre of water. 

Slug and Snail Spray

You can make a simple spray very cheaply that dissolves slugs and snails without affecting your plants.

This spray simply consists of 1 part ammonia to 4 parts water in a spray bottle, with a dash of liquid soap to make it stick better on the pests. One or two squirts and they dissolve into a foaming green sludge. The slugs are gone instantly because they don’t have a shell to protect themselves, the snails might need a second squirt to coat them well in the spray. Set the nozzle of the spray bottle to a narrow jet so you can target them precisely and give them a good dose of the stuff.

You will need:

• Plastic spray bottle
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) of pure liquid soap (use pure organic castile soap, made from olive oil if you want to keep it all natural)
• 100ml of Cloudy Ammonia
• 400ml of water

I use a 500ml spray bottle with measurements on the side, which makes the process really easy. Pour 100ml of Cloudy Ammonia into the spray bottle, add 400ml of water, then add a dash of liquid soap to make the mixture stick better to pests. Shake bottle lightly, and you’re ready to hunt these nasty garden molluscs!

Best time to hunt these critters is just when it gets dark, or after it has just rained, which is when they crawl out for a feed. Grab a torch/flashlight, and look for them, if you see them, spray them. Do this over several nights and it puts a serious dent in their population.

Ariston Margherita AL128D Manual

Ariston Margherita AL128D Washer/Dryer combo Instruction/Operation Guide

My Gout Experience

My experience with gout has been painful.  I’ve experimented with different ‘natural’ methods of treatment and I think that I’ve found one that works for me – so I thought I’d share it with others. 

I am convinced that not all natural methods of treatment work for everyone, one particular treatment may work for you and not for others.  So you will need to find one that works for you.  I’m going to list some of the things I’ve tried.  You’ll be glad to know that the following won’t break your budget.

Also, I’m not a doctor or a certified practitioner, I’ve just had gout for a number of years now and am just sharing my experience and providing links that I found useful and not providing advice.

Firstly, what is Gout.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gout)

Gout (also known as podagra when it involves the big toe) is a medical condition usually characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a red, tender, hot, swollen joint.

Gout can present in a number of ways, although the most usual is a recurrent attack of acute inflammatory arthritis (a red, tender, hot, swollen joint).  The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is affected most often, accounting for half of cases. Other joints, such as the heels, knees, wrists and fingers, may also be affected. Joint pain usually begins over 2–4 hours and during the night.  The reason for onset at night is due to the lower body temperature then. Other symptoms may rarely occur along with the joint pain, including fatigue and a high fever.

Hyperuricemia is the underlying cause of gout. This can occur for a number of reasons, including diet, genetic predisposition, or underexcretion of urate, the salts of uric acid.  Renal underexcretion of uric acid is the primary cause of hyperuricemia in about 90% of cases, while overproduction is the cause in less than 10%.

Foods that bring on gout

If you look hard enough, you’ll find almost everything brings on gout...well almost.  The main foods that bring on gout and that are widely accepted are:

• Red meat
• Beer/alcohol
• Shellfish (oysters, prawns etc)
• Lack of water
• Too much salt

Things that I’ve tried

Water – you must have a load of water when you have gout.  When you don’t have gout, keep hydrated. I remember reading somewhere that you should have enough water so that you urinate about 2L/day.

AppleCider Vinegar –  Apple Cider Vinegar contributes to the breaking down of food in the body, it prevents harmful bacteria from multiplying, aids respiratory infections, sore throats, nasal discharges,  it aids blood purification and circulation. 

When having ACV, you should try to get organic with the ‘mother’ – do some research, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

http://www.gout-aware.com/apple-cider-vinegar-for-gout.html 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/532249-can-apple-cider-vinegar-treat-gout/

Vegetable/fruit Juice – Mainly celery and beetroot. Beetroot and parsley have been said to have qualities that clean blood. I’ve also tried cherry juice – don’t get the reconstituted ones.

http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2007/3/28/columnists/foodsafety/17239112&sec=Food+Safety

http://cinnamonvision.blogspot.com.au/2011/01/parsley-helps-clean-your-blood.html

Herbal Tablets – My favourite, and one that I think works for me is Celery Seed tablets.  I regularly (whenever I remember) take Celery Seed tablets (2500mg) and I find that it does relieve the pain when I feel gout coming along.  Ever since I’ve been taking it, I haven’t had a blow out. I have also been taking Milk Thistle tablets (35000g) – it’s a liver tonic, a health liver helps keeps the blood clean and toxins out.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/111768-advantages-milk-thistle/

Spirulina Tablets - is a high alkaline seaweed food. It can change the weak acidic body condition to a healthy alkaline condition. It is also a natural health food with rich nutrients can be taken for a long time, for its non-toxic and has no side effect.

http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/spirulina-alkaline-food-supplement/

Blood donation/blood letting/wet cupping – by donating blood regularly (6 monthly) or performing wet cupping, removes blood from your body and encourages your body to produce new clean blood. You can perform wet cupping monthly if needed.

http://www.goutonline.net/showthread.php?t=10755

http://www.goutonline.net/showthread.php?t=10842

In Short

• When I got hit with gout
• I’d skip the foods that causes gout (listed above)
• Increase my veges
• Increase my water intake
• Decrease salt
• Have heaps of vege/fruit juice
• All that in addition to my regular celery, milk thistle and spirulina tables

I hope it works out for you.

MOST Rider's Practice Range in Homebush

Just wanted to share with the Learner Riders out there in NSW that there is a Rider's practice range for those that are going for the Provisional Riders Licences (P's test) in NSW.

Its around the Homebush Olympic park and its along Bennelong Parkway, near Marjorie Jackson Parkway.

It has the MOST (P's) course all marked out, the left turn, cone weave, U-turn, emergency braking and obstacle turn.

I was there on a Sunday morning about 9am and I was by myself for about an hour until another guy came along.  I had a chat with him and he said that it was always this quiet around there.

Cars are blocked off from the area, so you won't be bothered by them.

Just remember what you were taught in the Stay Upright course (eg. head checks and fast idle, friction point & rear brake) and you should be okay.

If you have troubles finding the MOST P's test in Homebush, just let me know.

A description of the MOST (P's test) is here http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/tests/most/index.html
and http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/downloads/most.pdf

A video demonstrating the MOST (P's test) can be viewed at  http://www.wheel-skills.com.au/RTA-motorcycle-operator-skills-test-MOST


View MOST Riders Practice Range in a larger map

My Bathroom Renovations

My old bathroom

The Demolition starts

The door to the old toilet has been closed up

Sand cement

Waterproofing

300 x 300 floor tiles

300 x 600 wall tiles

Thanks Mustapha =)