Here Are 10 Reasons Why You Need To Always Have This Herb In Your House!

Here Are 10 Reasons Why You Need To Always Have This Herb In Your House!

When thinking about mint, green, aromatic and refreshing are the first three words that pop in our mind. But this “wonderful herb” can’t be described in only three words. After you finish reading this article you will discover some of the most important properties of mint. Mint is rich in powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, B6, AK, riboflavin and folic acid.

Here is a list of some of the most beneficial effects of mint:

Improves digestion
Mint improves digestion and this is one of the most important useful effects which she has. In order to make better results drink mint tea.

Irritated intestines
Scientists have discovered that mint is very efficient in healing symptoms of irritated intestines.
Asthma and other respiratory problems Lungs may benefit from its smell. People who have asthma are advised to inhale mint tea. Add 4-5 mint leafs in hot water and inhale in order to ease breathing.

Decreases blood pressure
Mint helps in decreasing blood pressure and pulse thanks to potassium.

Improves health
Mint destroys bacteria which causes caries neutralizes the breath smell. This is why mint is usually added in breath refreshing products such as breath sprays, toothpastes and mouthwash.

Decreases pain
The incredible mint leafs may ease headache, muscle pain and even stomach pain. Combine a cup of sea salt 6-8 drops of mint essential oil and 1/3 cup of olive oil in order to relax muscles. Massage your feet for 5-10 min and then wash them.

Reduces nausea
With the help of the aroma from mint essential oil you will feel as new.

Helps with depression
In order to decrease stress a cup of tea from fresh mint leafs is all that you need.

Improves memory
Mint aroma will help you improve memory and it will have positive influence on you mental capacities.

Prevents cancer
Mint leafs contain menthol which helps in preventing different kinds of cancer especially prostate cancer.

Sources:  http://www.healthylifetricks.com/here-are-10-reasons-why-you-need-to-always-have-this-herb-in-your-house/

Eating in Light of the Sunnah | Food for the Mind and Soul

With Ramadhan coming up, now more than ever we need to be aware of the important sunnahs around eating and drinking. No doubt, if you are fortunate enough to have family and friends around for iftar the food and drink will be flowing inshaAllah. But don’t think just because the fast is over for the day, that you’re goal of attaining good deeds is done until suhoor.

Here are some the sunnahs of eating and drinking!

Wash Your Hands Before You Start Eating

As hungry as we’ll all be, it’s important to wash your hands before you start eating. Not only is this part of the sunnah, it’s general hygiene. And as you will see, you’ll be eating with your hands so you’ll want them to be clean.

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “The blessings in the meal is by washing before and after it.” [Abu Dawud]

Make Du’a on Breaking Your Fast and Say “Bismillah” Before Eating

Even before we have taken the first sip of water, we should say the following du’a:

“The thirst has gone and the veins are quenched, and reward is confirmed, if Allaah wills” – Thahabadh-dhama’u wabtallatil-‘urooqu, wa thabatal-ajru inshaa-Allaahu. In Ramadhan, and for the rest of the year, it’s important to remember that any sustenance that comes to us, has only come to by the permission of Allah swt. He swt is Ar-Rizzaq (The Sustainer).

Eat with the Right Hand and with 3 Fingers

Now, I know how this may seem strange especially if you’re used to eating with a knife and fork. I myself did not take too well to this concept of eating with my hands but over the years I have gotten used to it alhamdulillah. It really does help to build a relationship with your food and curbs over-eating as you can only pick up 3 fingers worth of food at a time.

“When any one of you eats, let him eat with his right hand, and when he drinks, let him drink with his right hand, because the Shaytaan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand.” [Muslim]

Eat From What is Directly Infront of You

In the UK especially, the hours of fasting are long and warm. I personally have never exerienced a Ramadhan in the winter so I know nothing but the long summer fasts alhamdulillah. But one thing is certain, when it’s time to break your fast you are HUNGRY. But, we should only take from the food that is infront of us as according to the hadith of the Prophet (saw) in which He (saw) said “O young boy, say Bismillaah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is directly in front of you.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

Pray for Your Host

There is great reward in providing food to a person and that reward is increased when that person has been fasting. Whether it is your husband, children, family members, friends or even a homeless person on the street sharing food during Ramadhan is a noble task alhamdulillah. Cooking for a group of people can be stressful during Ramadhan so keeping your host in mind is beneficial.

The Prophet (saw) made this du’a for Sa’d ibn Ubaadah who brought him a simple meal of bread and oil. “May fasting people break their fast with you, may the righteous eat your food, and may the angels send blessings upon you.”

The 3 Second Rule in Islam – Eating Food That’s Dropped

I’m sure we’ve all heard of the 3 or 5 second rule from when we were younger but I’m sure you never knew about it in relation to the sunnah. It’s easy to take for granted the food that we have in Ramadhan. Every grain of rice, every vegetable, every morself of meat is a blessing from Allah swt and we should all strive to remember that.

“If any one of you drops a piece of food, let him remove any dirt from it and eat it, and not leave it for the Shaytaan.” [Muslim]

Lick Your Fingers When Your Finished and Clean the Plate

“Whenever the Messenger of Allah (saw) ate food, he would lick his three fingers.” [Muslim]

“You do not know in which portion the blessing lies.” [Muslim]

In some cultures, this may be seen as disrespectful or bad manners but in Islam it’s part of the sunnah. Remember though, this is the sunnah AFTER you’ve finished eating, don’t be a double dipper and lick your fingers and then go in for a second taste. Islam praises good hygiene!

And remember to clean the plate! The same rule applies, you don’t know where the blessing is, that knowledge is only with Allah swt. Cleaning your plate also lets the host know that they’re a really good cook mashaAllah.

After You’ve Finished Eating

So you’ve come to the end of your meal, alhamdulillah. Allah swt has provided you with sustenance to go ahead and pray Tarawih with energy but the sunnah doesn’t stop, it’s a guide to life!

When you’ve taken your last bite say “Alhamdulillah” or follow the hadith in which the Prophet (saw) used to say, “Al-hamdu Lillaahi hamdan katheeran tayyiban mubaarakan fihi ghayra makfiyyin wa laa muwadda’in wa laa mustaghnan ‘anhu rabbana (Praise be to Allaah, much good and blessed praise. O our Lord, You are not in need of anyone, and we cannot do without Your favour nor dispense with it).” [Bukhari]

These are some of the sunnahs of eating. If there’s anymore you’d like to add leave a comment below inshaAllah.

Sources: https://christalblogs.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/eating-in-light-of-the-sunnah-food-for-the-mind-and-soul/

Tips: Spice That Literally Melts Fat

Spice That Literally Melts Fat

This truly amazing and easily accessible spice is a real treat for the body.

Cumin strengthens the immune system and can help you in losing weight.

According to one study, people who consume cumin can lose about 2 pounds of weight without starving and without a special diet.

You can always add a little cumin in cooked meals or make a mixture of spices that you store in a glass jar. The mixture should include dried pepper, garlic, cumin, pepper, salt, a little turmeric.

Or, mix 1 tablespoon ground cumin with 150ml low-fat yogurt and eat it in the morning after breakfast.

- See more at: http://www.healthylifevision.com/spice-that-literally-melts-fat/#sthash.1j0QMPfZ.dpuf

The Most Powerful Natural Antibiotic

This is The Most Powerful Natural Antibiotic Ever – Kills Any Infections in The Body

The basic formula of this powerful tonic dates back to medieval Europe, that is, from the era when people suffered from all sorts of diseases and epidemics.

This master cleansing tonic is actually an antibiotic that kills gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It has also a powerful antiviral and antifungal formula, increases blood circulation and lymph flow in all parts of the body. This plant-based remedy is the best choice for the fight against candida.

This tonic has helped many people to cure many viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal diseases and even plague! Its power should most certainly not be underestimated.

It can cure many chronic conditions and diseases. Encourages blood circulation, and purifies blood. This formula has helped millions of people throughout the centuries to fight the most deadliest diseases.

The secret is in the powerful combination of high-quality natural and fresh ingredients!

To sum up, this tonic is effective in the treatment of all diseases, successfully strengthens the immune system, acts as an antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic medicine. Assists in the most severe infections.

Master tonic – Recipe

You may want to wear gloves during the preparation, especially when handling hot peppers, because it is difficult to get the tingling off your hands! Be careful, its smell is very strong, and it may stimulate the sinuses instantly.

Ingredients:

    24 oz /700 ml apple cider vinegar (always use organic)
    ¼ cup finely chopped garlic
    ¼ cup finely chopped onion
    2 fresh peppers, the hottest you can find (be careful with the cleaning – wear gloves!!!)
    ¼ cup grated ginger
    2 tbsp grated horseradish
    2 tbsp turmeric powder or 2 pieces of turmeric root

Preparation:

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, except for the vinegar.
Transfer the mixture to a Mason jar.
Pour in some apple cider vinegar and fill it to the top. It is best if 2/3 of the jar consist of dry ingredients, and fill in the rest with vinegar.
Close well and shake.
Keep the jar in a cool and dry place for 2 weeks. Shake well several times a day.
After 14 days, squeeze well and strain the liquid through a plastic strain. For better results put a gauze over it. Squeeze well so the whole juice comes out.
Use the rest of the dry mixture when cooking.

Your master tonic is ready for use. You do not need to keep the tonic in your fridge. It will last for long.

Extra Tip: You can also use it in the kitchen – mix it with some olive oil and use it as a salad dressing or in your stews.

Dosing:

Caution: The flavor is very strong and hot!
Extra Tip: Eat a slice of orange, lemon or lime after you take the tonic to ease the burning sensation and heat.
Gargle and swallow.
Do not dilute it in water as it will reduce the effect.
Take 1 tablespoon every day to strengthen the immune system and fight cold.
Increase the amount every day until you reach a dose of 1 small glass per day (the size of a liquor glass).
If you struggle against more serious disease or infection, take 1 tablespoon of the tonic 5-6 times a day.
    It is safe for pregnant women and children (use small doses!) because the ingredients are all-natural and contain no toxins.

Warning: Do not use on an empty stomach, and start with a teaspoon for the first few times. It is POTENT and can cause nausea or vomiting if you are not used to it.

Health benefits

Garlic is a strong antibiotic with a wide range of health benefits. Unlike chemical antibiotics that kill millions of friendly bacteria your body needs, its only goal is bacteria and microorganisms. Garlic also encourages and increases the level of healthy bacteria. It is a powerful antifungal agent and destroys any antigen, pathogen, and harmful disease-causing microorganisms.

Onion is garlic’s closest relative ​​and it has a similar but milder action. Together they create a strong fighting duo.

Horseradish is a powerful herb, efficient for sinuses and lungs. It opens sinus channels and increases circulation, where common colds and flu usually begin, as most doctors would agree.

Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and it is a strong circulation stimulant.

Chili peppers are the most powerful circulation stimulators. They just send their antibiotic properties to fight the disease where it is mostly needed.

Turmeric is the most perfect spice, cleanses infections and reduces inflammation. Blocks the development of cancer, and prevents dementia. It is especially useful for those who struggle with joint pain.

Apple cider vinegar – there must be something very healthy in the use of apple cider vinegar as the father of medicine, Hippocrates, used vinegar around 400 BC because of its healthy properties. It is said that he used only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh and ripe apples which are later fermented and go through rigorous process to give the final product. Apple cider vinegar contains pectin, a fiber that reduces bad cholesterol and regulates blood pressure.

Health experts agree that people need more calcium as they get old. Vinegar helps the extraction of calcium from foods it is mixed with, which helps in the process of maintaining bone strength. Potassium deficiency causes a variety of problems including hair loss, brittle nails and teeth, sinusitis, and runny nose.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium. Studies have shown that potassium deficiency results in slow growth. All of these problems can be avoided if you use apple cider vinegar regularly. Potassium also removes toxic wastes from the body.

Beta-carotene prevents damage caused by free radicals, maintains skin firm and young. Apple cider vinegar is good for those who want to lose weight.

It breaks up fat which supports a natural weight loss process. Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, efficient in the fight against fungal and bacterial infections. This acid dissolves uric acid deposits that form around the joints, and thus alleviates joint pain. Dissolved uric acid is later eliminated from the body.

It is believed that apple cider vinegar is useful in treating conditions like constipation, headaches, arthritis, weak bones, indigestion, high cholesterol, diarrhea, eczema, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, mild food poisoning, hair loss, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other health problems.

The master tonic is the best combination to fight each of these conditions. Protect your health using natural antibiotics!

Sources: http://complete-health-and-happiness.com/powerful-natural-antibiotic-ever-kills-infections-body/

The Magic of Mushrooms

The Magic of Mushrooms

 

Mushrooms are rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals, and eating them regularly has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer in studies of Chinese women.

 

 

Mushrooms also prevent prostate cancer cells from multiplying in mice – and might do the same in men. They supply hard-to-get nutrients. One medium portobello mushroom supplies 21 percent of the recommended daily intake of selenium, and one-third of your copper needs. It also has as much potassium as a medium-size banana.

What’s more, mushrooms retain their nutrients when stir-fried, grilled or microwaved, and can help cut kilojoules. When minced meat was replaced with mushrooms in dishes such as lasagna and chilli con carne, adults consumed 1600 fewer kilojoules per day, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study.

 

Just don’t sabotage their benefits by preparing mushrooms with butter. Instead, toss them into a nonstick pan with a little oil, then sauté on a low heat until they soften.

- See more at: http://www.rdasia.com.my/the-magic-of-mushrooms#sthash.G54gohc5.dpuf

Benefits of Trigona (Kelulut Honey and Propolis)

Trigona honey have long been introduced only to discover this Trigona honey goodness. What is Trigona  bees? This is a family of honey bees also, but it is smaller and did not sting. Unlike most bees, Trogona (kelulut) not harmful  to humans and the honey produced is useful in medicine and health.  Like bees, Trigona also form complex social colonies. MARDI in Malaysia has conducted research on this species and found Trigona bees in Malaysia has many species of Trigona bees. In Malaysia , there are 30 over species Trigona bees.

This Trigona (Kelulut) bees produce honey and propolis  rich in antioxidants. Slightly different with ordinary honey bees, honey from the Kelulut bees is  light in color, it taste is not like the other honey,  its not as sweet, sweet  flavor it more earthly. Sometimes it can taste like some wood. Because the nest is near to the group, like in a tree stump and difference from the normal honey bee which up high in the tree.

Propolis can also function as anti-fungal, anti fungus, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory that is commonly used as active ingredients in cosmetics, creams and tablets. Trigona (Kelulut) honey is still in the research and potential commercialization.

 

Antioxidants have many functions, especially in the cancer problem. Among the reported illnesses cured through traditional treatment methods is the use of propolis are :

 -diabetes mellifluous

- stroke

- hepatitis

- cancer

- hypertension

- kidney stones

- and HIV / AIDS.

Based on studies conducted under the supervision of Assoc. Prof Dr. Amrah Siti Sulaiman, from USM (University of Science Malaysia) state that Trigona (kelulut) honey could reduce glucose levels for diabetics and effective prevent cancer and gout.

Generally speaking, for its nutritional value and benefit, said its far better than the normal honey (bee) and its price is more expensive than the Honey Bee.

 

Propolis - The Natural Anti-Bacterial Properties

 

Basil Essential Oil - Health Benefits

The health benefits of basil essential oil include its ability to treat nausea, motion sickness, indigestion, constipation, respiratory problems, and diabetes. Basil oil is also a good source of Vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium.

The leaves and seeds of the basil plant are the important medicinal parts of this herb, which is regularly used in cuisines and recipes all over the world. Basil essential oil is popular in Europe, Central Asia, India and Southeast Asia. The oil is extensively used for culinary purposes in the Mediterranean region and still forms the active ingredient of many Italian recipes such as pesto. It is also used when making pasta and salads.Basil was widely used in ancient times in place like India for various medicinal purposes (Ayurvedic medicine). The herb was used to treat diarrhea, cough, mucous discharges, constipation, indigestion, and certain skin diseases.

The health benefits of basil essential oil include the following:

Cosmetic Applications: Basil essential oil is used topically and massaged into the skin. It enhances the luster of dull-looking skin and hair. As a result, it is extensively used in many skin care supplements that claim to improve the tone of your skin. It is also commonly used to treat the symptoms of acne and other skin infections.

Digestion: Basil essential oil is also used as a digestive tonic. Since basil oil has carminative properties, it is used for treating indigestion, constipation, stomach cramps and flatulence. It provides immediate relief from the gas in your stomach and intestines. It also has colic qualities and is therefore used to alleviate bowel pain.

Illness: Basil essential oil is effective in providing relief from colds, influenza and associated fevers. Due to its antispasmodic nature, it is frequently used to treat symptoms of whooping cough.

Respiratory: Along with its function in relieving coughs, it can also be used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections.

Infections: Basil oil is good for treating a variety of infections such as cuts, wounds, skin infections, and bladder infections due to its antibacterial properties. It is also good for viral infections that attack the body and can enter the body through other wounds.

Stress Disorders: Basil essential oil has a refreshing effect when smelled or consumed, so it is used for treating nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy, migraines and depression. Due to the calming nature of basil essential oil, it is widely used in aromatherapy.  Regularly using this essential oil provides mental strength and clarity.

Blood Circulation: Basil essential oil improves blood circulation and helps to increase and optimized various metabolic functions of the body.

Pain Relief: Basil essential oil is an analgesic and provides relief from pain. That is why this essential oil is often used in the treatment of arthritis, wounds, injuries, burns, bruises, scars, sports injuries, surgical recovery, sprains, and headaches.

Eye Health: It is ophthalmic and can quickly relieve bloodshot eyes.

Vomiting and Nausea: Basil essential oil can be used to prevent vomiting, particularly when the source of the nausea is motion sickness, but also from many other causes.

Itching: Basil essential oil is also a good treatment for itching from bites and stings from honey bees, insects and even snakes.

Word of Caution

Basil essential oil and basil in any other form should be avoided by pregnant, breastfeeding, or nursing women. On the other hand, some people suggest that it increases milk flow, but more research needs to be done.

Blending

Basil essential oil blends well with bergamot, clary sage, clove bud, geranium, lime, lemon, hyssop, juniper, eucalyptus, neroli, marjoram, rosemary, melissa and lavender.

Sources:  https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/basil-essential-oil.html