Tag: elixir

The holy plant called Tulsi

Basil leaves, a.k.a Tulsi is regarded as a holy plant in Indian culture. This medicinal plant is literally worshipped and you can see it planted at the entrance or in front of almost every Indian household and is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition. It is well known for its amazing healing power and medicinal properties and is the principal herb in Ayurveda. It is of great significance in Indian culture and tradition and has a sacred place in Indian homes.In Hindu mythology, tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu and is ceremonially married to Lord Vishnu on the 11^th day of Kartikka in the lunar calendar and this ritual is called ‘Tulsi Vivah’. The scientific or botanical name of this aromatic plant is Ocimum sanctum. Tulsi is something, that is a gift to mankind. It has benefits that go so on and on, just innumerable and infinite. The nutritional and pharmacological properties of tulsi has been traditionally used since ages for different purposes.

Tulsi, no doubt, is an Elixir to life. Even having religious significance, the medicinal importance of this herb can’t be undermined. Having an stringent taste, strong aroma, tulsi has variable curative benefits as it promotes longevity and has remedial effects over many diseases. If you go through the benefits of this culinary herb Basil, you will find yourself be acquainted with the perks of tulsi and why you should increase the use and be disease free by the use of the tulsi leaves regularly;

Treatment in cold, flu and sore throat: The basil leaves are highly efficient in treating cold, asthma, flu and sore throat caused due to infections. Especially, during rain season when many diseases like malaria, dengue are prevalent, basil leaves are used to treat them as a home remedy. Just chewing some tulsi leaves can treat the cold, flu or blocked nose and relieve the affected person. Boiling few leaves in hot water with cloves can relieve the sore throat.

Cures fever: Tulsi is well known for its treatment for fever due to its anti-microbial properties. It is effective in bringing down the temperature of body suffering from fever and also protects the individual from dengue or malaria type fevers. Tulsi leaves boiled in water with honey, turmeric are effective in treating fever and are suitable for both children and adults. Tulsi is having unique chemistry and unique blend of so many nutrients and antioxidants, the anti-viral, anti-bacterial, immunity-enhancing properties of tulsi helps in curing fever.

Relieves stress: The holy basil really contributes in relieving stress. This herb actually helps in refreshing and rejuvenating the person’s mind and relaxes the body. It helps in calming the mind and restoring person’s good health when exposed to extreme stress. Stress, which is a leading cause of many diseases can be relieved through the use of tulsi.

Anti-ageing effects: Due to the presence of anti-oxidants in tulsi, it has anti-ageing effects on the skin. Because of its properties, it prevents the body from damages caused due to free radicals, which delays the ageing process and appearance of wrinkles and other signs. With age, Tulsi links the mind, body and spirit and supports your body in many ways. The leaf has adaptogen properties, which soothes the nerves and improves the blood circulation. It is always better to consume tulsi rather than using so expensive anti-ageing beauty products.

Good for skincare and haircare: Basil leaves are really good for the maintenance of healthy and glowing skin and for the long, shining hair. It has powerful purifying and antioxidant properties, So, when basil leaves are eaten raw, they purify the blood and give you clear and glowing skin. Tulsi can even treat many skin allergies and disorders and acne prone skin. Eating it raw or making a paste or face pack can be really effective for a good skin.

Protects against Cancer: Having so many curative properties, being anti-fungal, it protects against cancer. Because it is antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic, tulsi is found to stop the increase of cancer cells in the body. This is because it has compounds which stops the blood flow to the tumor by attacking the blood vessels supplying it. If cancer patients have the extract of tulsi or its juice everyday, it can be effective in their treatment.

Reduces risk of Heart disease: The powerful antioxidant component called Eugenol in tulsi protects the heart against srokes and heart diseases. Also, this component checks the blood pressure and keep it in control and even balance the cholesterol levels in person’s body. Simply, chewing few leaves of tulsi every morning in an empty stomach can keep many heart ailments at bay and keeps your heart healthy.

Tulsi, the Holy Basil is certainly principle of herbs and its remedial properties and religious concerns in India has made it so popular that every household has it or if any kitchen doesn’t have tulsi, it seems incomplete without it. Tulsi, no doubt, is of great importance in every house and with so many health benefits, it is truly an elixir for human body. Make it a habit to chew some leaves raw or include tulsi in some way in your daily life for a healthy living. Worship it and eat it too.

Happy Eating. Happy life.

July 20, 2014
Why Coffee Is The Elixir Of Life

Coffee is a brewed beverage that is prepared from the roasted seeds of Coffea shrubs. Coffee is served worldwide in various forms. some people like latte, while some prefer the strong Espresso shots. Coffee is a beverage which can be had any time of the day, any time of the year. A hot cuppa coffee while you sit like a cozy puppy in blanket on a winter morning cannot be beaten by anything on this earth. Similarly, having ice chilled cold coffee on a day when Sun has decided to kill us with its scorching heat and show to the entire world that it is so hot, can prove to be a life-saviour. There are numerous kinds of variants available in the market of coffee, ranging from a mild one to one which is so strong that it will just disappear your sleep in the matter of just one cup. Coffee, due to its amorphous nature, is liked by all and there is no dearth of people who are coffee addicts. The strong taste and smell of coffee make it different from all the other beverages. Here are some of the reasons why is coffee is the elixir of life:

1. The Aroma

Though it is true that no two things are alike in this universes and this holds true for everything but only one thing justifies it to the fullest. That thing is none other than coffee. There is nothing like coffee in this world. It is unique in every aspect. The strong smell of coffee is so addictive that whenever anyone passes across a coffee house, the person is bound to intentionally inhale the enigmatic vapour peeping through those glass doors. The smell is so strong and has neutralising qualities which is the reason why people at the malls would offer you to smell some coffee beans in between smelling two different scents. Many surveys tell that the aroma of coffee often serves as a soothing fragrance and is capable of calming the disturbed human mind. So, what are you waiting for? Go. Find that jar of coffee and sniff, sniff!

2. The Taste

Coffee due to the presence of caffeine, is acidic in nature. The acidic strength of coffee is different in mild and strong variants. The mild one feels smooth inside your mouth and its taste lasts longer. Whereas, coffee which is said to be more acidic, gives a tangy flavour. The strong taste of coffee is often compared to the strong taste of citrus fruits as they both have an addictive aroma and a tangy, peculiar taste to them. No aerated beverage like cola, has a flavour that is as addictive as this naturally produced coffee. Due to the availability of so many options, one can choose how strong they want their coffee to taste. The strongest taste of coffee in its most raw form can be had by savouring a cup of hot espresso or black coffee, as it is called in some countries. If the bitterness of an espresso is too harsh for you, you can opt for coffee with different ratio of milk, foam and cream.

3. The Kick

If ever you have played ‘The Sims’, then you would know that whenever your character drinks too much coffee, it starts feeling “buzzed”. The similar is the situation outside that virtual game too. The aroma and the perfect taste, both combine to produce a beverage that is non-alcoholic yet it gives a kick in the head very strongly. The best part of this buzz is that it gives you a certain sense of being high but that is not so strong as that gained by an alcoholic drink and thus, you do not lose your senses after many rounds of coffee. Coffee is capable of giving you the much necessary kick and that too, without any ill and anti-social side effects. Many people claim that the high they get from coffee is a soothing one and it just gives them a sense of happiness from within.

4. The Sleep Deleter

We all have had those nights when we had to stay awake the entire night and complete five assignments in one go. We know that no friend, no notes, nothing of those things could have proved to be of even an iota of help had it not been for coffee. What work can anyone do if one is not awake? Coffee is the ultimate sleep deleter. It just vanishes those lazy moments and gives a strength that no other energy drink can provide. This sleep deleter is a tonic that is very enriching and does not lead to a hangover. A strong cup of coffee keeps the eyes wide open and is enough to burn the midnight oil. The kick, the taste, the aroma, all of these qualities of coffee make it the elixir of life. Coffee is not just a beverage. It is the beverage.

June 24, 2014
Green Tea: The Elixir!

Do you drink green tea? Yes, I know everyone has heard about the potential benefits of this beverage. After all, it has become all the new way of getting refreshed replacing the traditional caffeine containing tea or coffee. Well, I’m an avid green tea drinker and my family has also become a fan of green tea. And I can definitely claim the benefits of this super awesome tea. By the time, I have developed the taste for green tea and now I really like it. If you have been ignoring this bliss drink for the issue of taste, you’re being silly! Trust me, you will start liking it automatically as soon as you realize the health benefits of green tea and that refreshing feeling you experience after its consumption. It is like an inside bath of body as it flush out the toxins and makes you feel light and nice. The reason to drink green tea may be anything but yes, you should drink it everyday for maximum benefits. Just two glasses of green tea are so much more than this caffeine drinks or carbonated drinks. To satisfy your sweet tooth, one can add honey to it, which can reap other benefits too.

Why Green Tea?
Green Tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation while processing and avoids fermentation process, which is the reason that green tea retains maximum amounts of antioxidants and poly-phenols that gives green tea, its many benefits. Green Tea has originated in China, but it has now become associated with many cultures throughout Asia. It has been used as a medicine for thousand of years and has multiple uses ranging from lowering blood pressure to fighting cancer.
While looking deeper into the advantages of green tea, I have enlisted some of the super awesome and amazing benefits of green tea, if you’re not aware of. So, go through them and surprise yourself.

Improves Dental Health and prevents tooth decay: It has been proved by various studies that chemical antioxidant “ catechin” in tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria and virus, which in turn lowers the risk of infection. It leads to improvement in dental health, reduced bad breath and lowers the risk of dental caries.

Lowers Blood Pressure: It can prove to be a perfect drink for people having problem of high blood pressure as regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

Combats Depression: As green tea has such a refreshing effect, it helps in curing depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves which provides a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and can be great for tea drinkers.

Lowers the risk of various types of Cancer: Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants and cancer develops due to oxidative damage and uncontrolled growth of cells. Green tea is thought to kill cancer cells without damaging the healthy tissue around them. Many observational studies have found that green tea drinkers are significantly less likely to develop various types of cancer as they have powerful antioxidants that may protect against cancer.

Helps in losing weight and prevents obesity: Some studies show that green tea leads to increased weight loss as it increases the metabolism. Green tea leads to decrease in body fat and is particularly effective in reducing abdominal fat. The poly-phenols in green tea boost levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which body converts food into calories.

Reduces cholesterol: Consumption of green tea reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good and bad cholesterol. Thus, it lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s : Many studies have found that the “Catechin” compounds in green tea have various protective effects on neurons in animal models, potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Green tea is said to delay the decay of cells caused by these diseases.

Lowers the risk of Diabetes: Green tea apparently helps insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. It helps regulate glucose levels and prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage. It may also lower the risk of developing type II diabetes in the long run.

Excellent for Skincare: Green Tea is an excellent potion for skin and helps in maintaining soft supple skin. Drinking green tea can make your skin shine. It also helps with wrinkles and signs of ageing because it has anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory activities and is also rich in flavonoids. It also provides protection against sun damage.

Well, If we consider how much is apt for a day. You can say just one cup is enough for some days, but if you’re feeling anxiety or tired or want to enjoy its extra-benefits, there is no limit to the cups. You can consume from 2 to 5 cups a day and feel the refreshment and energy. Green Tea is the most preferable drink on the planet. These loaded bags of antioxidants and nutrients are much sought after option for maintaining good body with overloaded health benefits. In order to feel better, lose weight and to reap other benefits, you should consider making it a regular part of life. It is truly an Elixir of life.

Consume it, drink it. Everyday.

June 18, 2014