Home Remedies for Foot Odor

Did you know that our feet have 250,000 sweat glands! And that they produce about 250 ml of perspiration daily! Isn’t that much of sweat enough to give you foot odor? In fact, you may sweat more regardless of temperature or weather and if you are a teenager or a pregnant woman you have more reasons to get sweaty feet due to hormonal changes taking place in your body. Other people who are more likely to get smelly feet include those who keep standing all the time during the day, people who are under tremendous stress or those who suffer from hyperhidrosis which is a medical condition where a body sweats excessively which leads not only to foot odor but overall body odor. If you doesn’t fall in all these categories and still have foot odor, you may have fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Foot odor, medically known as bromodosis, can be embarrassing. In fact, keeping your feet freshly smelling can be counted as good personal hygiene. Here are some natural home remedies for you to keep your stinky feet fresh and odorless.

  

Remedies for Foot Odor

1. Baking Soda Foot Bath to Control Odor

Sweating is not the only reason for your foot odor. Its the bacteria which is on your skin that breaks down the sweat and produces a cheesy smell as the sweat decomposes. Baking soda creates an alkaline environment which is not at all bacteria friendly. Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, also neutralizes the pH of sweat which also helps in eliminating bacteria.

Get this:

• Baking soda- ¼ cup
• Foot bath basin
• Warm water to fill the basin

Do this:

• Fill your foot bath basin with enough warm water to soak your feet.
• Add baking soda to this warm water.
• Soak your feet in this for about 15-20 minutes.
• Dry your feet completely with a towel.

2. Vinegar to Remove Foot Odor

Vinegar,as you know, is acidic. When you soak your feet in water mixed with vinegar, it creates an acidic environment which is unfriendly for bacteria as they cannot survive in such an environment. You can use the regular vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this home remedy to get rid of foot odor. However, there is one concern here as vinegar has its own smell and while you get rid of sweaty odor you may smell vinegary! You may thus use some essential oil in your vinegar foot soak to keep this smell away from you.

Get this:

• Vinegar or Apple cider vinegar- ½ cup
• Warm water- 7-8 cups
• Thyme essential oil (optional)- 2-4 drops
• Foot bath basin or a big bowl

Do this:

• Fill the basin with warm water.
• Add vinegar and thyme oil, if using, to this water.
• Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.
• Dry your feet with a towel.

 

Best Benefits Of Pomegranate Juice For Skin, Hair And Health

  Benefits Of Pomegranate Juice

How many of you love to pick these glorious red fruits, pomegranates known for their amazing medicinal powers? Pomegranate is a thick skinned super seedy fruit, with a brilliant red hue which is now touted as a wonder fruit by scientific researchers. The name pomegranate derives from the French word “pomegranate” or seeded apple. They are believed to have originated in Iran and brought to Egypt in 1600 BC, where it was not only revered as an important food source but was also widely used for its medicinal value. It was held in high esteem even during those times, as it is evident by their depiction in Egyptian paintings and tombs. Inspired by the abundance of jewel toned seeds within the bright red rind, pomegranate is considered to be a symbol of fertility and prosperity in some cultures.

Drinking pomegranate juice benefits our health and skin in a myriad of ways. It is one of the few fruits whose juice is as beneficial as the fruit itself.  This is because the peel contains the maximum amount of antioxidants which are released in abundance when the fruit is squeezed while juicing. It is currently ranked alongside blue berries and green tea for its nutritional benefits.

Some people might find it a bit cumbersome to deal with the little seeds, which is why, extracting its juice is the best way to utilize the benefits of pomegranate juice. Drinking it allows for a quick and easy assimilation of all the nutrients found in the bloodstream by the body. In comparison to other fruits, pomegranates contain the maximum amount of anti-oxidants. It contains approximately 3 times more antioxidants than green tea and oranges. A single glass of pomegranate juice can provide you with 40 % of the daily requirement of folic acid and vitamins A, C, and E. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, being completely unprocessed, triumphs over packaged juice any day, as it retains the maximum number of vitamins. Make sure that the juice is unsweetened as sugar being inflammatory can counteract some of the health benefits of this fruit.

Nutritional Value of Pomegranate:

Pomegranate is a great source of ellagic acid, and antioxidant and punicic acid, an omega 5 polyunsaturated fatty acid which is highly beneficial for cell regeneration and proliferation. The juice of this fruit is an exceptional source of vitamin A, C and E and minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, potassium, iron, folic acid, niacin, thiamin, folates and riboflavin.

Sources: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/best-benefits-of-pomegranate-juice-for-skin-hair-and-health/

Cancer and Ayurveda

  

Cancer and Ayurveda

Cancer is a disease entity which no medical system, modern or complementary and alternative medicine, has really been able to control. All the current research data suggest that it is a growing concern across the world with numbers rising every year. In general, Cancer is defined as a large heterogeneous class of diseases in which a group of cells show uncontrolled growth, invade adjacent cells and spread across the body through the lymphatic system.

Ayurveda, the most ancient, structured medical system known to man mentions cancerous growths under the terminology “Arbuda". The concept of Arbuda is similar to that of a malignant tumor, which is treated surgically. These are explained in detail in the text of Susruta, who is considered as the "Father of Surgery".

However, in a clinical scenario, Ayurveda treats various cancers, as different entities. The treatment approaches to Ayurveda in cancer can be surmised under

1) Disease conditions that are directly mentioned and shows clear malignancy, which includes diseases that are diagnosed as arbuda and granthi. Examples are melanoma (referenced as mamsarbuda) and leukemia (referenced as raktarbuda) and oral cancer (mukharbuda).

2) Diseases that can be considered as cancer, such as carcinomas of the stomach and hepatocellular carcinomas affecting liver or various lymphomas which are explained in Ayurveda under diseases like Gulma or Udara.

3) Diseases with the possibility of malignancy, like erysipelas which is explained under Visarpa, incurable jaundice (asadhya kamala) and non-healing ulcers(nadi vrana).

Patients approach Ayurvedic practitioners for treatment of their primary treatment of cancer, following failure with modern treatment in progressing cancers (usually palliative), or as complementary to chemotherapy and radiation.

Among Ayurvedic polyherbal combinations that have shown an effect, “Brahma Rasayana”, an Ayurvedic classical preparation with rasayana (regenerative) properties have shown inhibition in tumor angiogenesis and prevention lung metastasis in animal models. Another commonly used Ayurveda rasayana preparation called “Chyavana prasha” has also been studied with Brahma Rasayana and found to be effective in Cisplatin (Cisdichlorodiammineplatinum [II] CDDP) induced acute nephrotoxicity, a side effect of a commonly used group antineoplastic drugs for tumor. These formulations have shown promise in alleviating various physiological conditions induced by free radicals and have tissue regeneration capability.

Ayurveda use more than 200 herbs and plants to treat Cancer. Early laboratory and animal research suggests that compounds taken from traditional Ayurvedic herbals may be able to slow the growth of cancer in animals. Some important ones among them are Withania somnifera, Boswellia serrata, Vitis vinifera, Dysoxylum binectariferum, Zingiber zerumbet Smith, Moringa olifera etc.

Withaferin A from Withania somnifera stopped the growth of breast cancer in mice in several findings. Selaginella bryopteris, an herb known in Ayurveda as Sanjeevani, was seen to stop the growth of cancer cells in the laboratory and also reduced the development of skin tumors in mice.

Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) taken from the gum resin of the Boswellia serrata was found to slow the growth of bowel cancers in mice. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is another herb that has shown action against bowel, prostate and liver cancer.Cow’s urine is another commonly used medicine in Ayurveda treatment for cancer.

Some important side effects of chemotherapy and Radiation therapy are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis, alopecia, anorexia, fatigue, sleep disturbances and constipation. Ayurveda can effectively manage these symptoms effectively and can be used as complimentary for chemo and radiation.

Biomedical treatment of cancer is not always feasible, and an Ayurvedic approach focusing on improving digestion, free radical scavenging, preventing tumor growth, and enhancing tissue metabolism may be useful. Ayurvedic treatment to cancer is focused on restoring equilibrium of doshas, improving immunity, strength.

Sources:  http://www.medibiztv.com/articles/cancer-and-ayurveda

Seasons And Ayurvedic Treatment

 

 Seasons And Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda, the holistic healing science propagates health for all with the aim of prevention is better than cure. Ayurveda explains the concept of seasonal regimens which help us to maintain the quality of life.The severity of heat and cold vary in each seasons. These changes affect the level of doshas (three basic constituents of functioning of the body in Ayurveda namely vata, pitha and kapha) in the human body.

Eventhough the seasonal variations are considered natural it will affect the equilibrium of doshas in the body and produces certain symptoms if not managed properly. This can be corrected by making changes in the life style. If these are neglected it will produce disease.In Ayurveda the year is divided in to six seasons (ritu) and each season consist of two months. These are Sisira (Late winter), vasantha(Spring), greeshma(Summer), varsha(Rainy season), sarat(Autumn) and hemantha(Early Winter).

Based on earth movement seasons are divided in to two groups, Adana kala (sisira, vasantha, greeshma) when earth moves closer to sun and heat is felt more and Visarga kala (varsha, sarad, hemantha) which consists of cooler seasons. According to modern calendar the seasons of Ayurveda starts with middle of January (start of Sisira ritu) to Middle of November (Hemantha ritu).Season or time of the treatment both external therapy and internal medication is an important factor in Ayurveda. The treatment done without looking season will be pointless. So it should be done in proper time except in emergency condition.

Two weeks before and after the period of each season has also to be considered. During this period treatments like vamana(medicated emesis), virechanam(induced laxation), dhara (pouring of medicated oil or decotion or milk or buttermilk on head or body), pizhichil (pouring of warm medicated oil on body along with massage), navarakizhi (massage with special bundle made of navara rice processed with milk and sida cordifolia), snehapanam (intake of medicated ghee), vasthy (enema), siravedham (mild surgical incision of veins inorder to remove impure blood) can be done along with internal medication.

There is an another opinion that treatment done in Varsha   for the diseases due to vitiation of three doshas ,in Sarad  for the diseases due to pitha vitiation and in for the diseases due to kapha vitiation should have more effect.In emergency conditions treatment can be done without looking for suitable season, but should take precautions to protect patients body from extreme cold, hot and rain if it persist. Treatments in which strict regimens are not needed also can be done in all the seasons.

Sources:  http://www.medibiztv.com/articles/seasons-and-ayurvedic-treatment

Nature’s Sweetener

Nature’s Sweetener

Honey is sweet – that’s a given. But did you know that honey also adds a special touch to almost any recipe? It’s the whisper at a party. It’s the sigh after the perfect bite. It’s the nostalgic feeling of childhood. It’s your secret ingredient with endless possibilities. 

Many people think of honey as a drizzle in desserts or a topping for toast. But now more than ever, honey’s being recognized as a versatile ingredient and pantry staple in the kitchen. All-natural honey gives your recipes unbeatable flavor and unmatched functional benefits. From balancing flavors to providing moisture to baked goods, one-ingredient honey performs a slew of tasks, all from one little bottle.

 

 

Discover the versatility of honey…

Sweetener: Honey is slightly sweeter than sugar, so less can be used to achieve the same sweetness intensity.
Flavor: Honey not only imparts a unique flavor to any dish, but it also balances and enhances the flavor profiles of other ingredients used in a recipe.
Emulsifier: Honey acts as a binder and thickener for sauces, dressings, marinades and dips.
Humectant: Honey provides and retains moisture to a variety of dishes and can even extend the shelf life of baked goods.


Sources:  http://www.honey.com/honey-at-home/honeys-natural-benefits/natures-sweetener

YOU COULD SAVE A LOVED ONES LIFE BY KNOWING THIS SIMPLE INFORMATION!!!

YOU COULD SAVE A LOVED ONES LIFE BY KNOWING THIS SIMPLE INFORMATION!!!

Stroke has a new indicator! They say if you forward this to ten people, you stand a chance of saving one life. Will you send this along? Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue:

During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) ...she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Jane's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 PM Jane passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR. Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. Chicken Soup)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke. A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved. I have done my part. Will you?

Sources: https://www.facebook.com/healthdigest

10 Meals of The Prophet of Muhammad SAW - His Sunnahs in eating!

With so many food around us all the time, we can be so tempted every time of a day! Be it raw, home cooked, cafe or street food, it is undeniable that the food industry is getting bigger each day. Food nowadays are often of fusion type and getting some real authentic dishes requires some extra effort. However as Muslims, we must first check the Halal status of the food we are about to indulge. Then, we should try to avoid some food that are halal but may be bad for our health. Or, show our love to Prophet Muhammad SAW by following his Sunnahs in eating!  

1. Prophet Muhammad SAW didn't drink milk while he ate beef, chicken or fish

Nabi Muhammad SAW once cautioned his companions as not to mix fish and milk in a dish. This fact is actually proven by science where it was found that chicken contains positive ions while seafood or fish contains negative ions. When these two ions meet, they will create a biochemical reaction which can lead to stomach pain or ulcers. 

2. Prophet Muhammad SAW forbids drinking milk with vinegar

Vinegar is acidic and slows down the rate of protein absorption in the intestines. Body growth can be stunt because of lack of protein 

3. Avoid eating acidic fruits with milk.
For example, oranges or lemons. This is just the same as drinking milk with vinegar

4. Prophet Muhammad SAW ate fruits before having meals

Eat fruits at least half an hour before we have heavy meals. Fruits naturally are high in fibre. When we eat fruits before our meals, automatically our stomach will be full with fibre. Thus we eat less rice or grains, which if are not burned later will transform into fat. 

5.  Prophet Muhammad SAW loved to eat cereals or grains such as Habbatus Sawda, barley and oats.

In a hadith narrate by Bukhari and Muslim, Prophet Muhammad SAW said:“Al-Habbah Al-Sawda’ is the cure for every disease except death”. Dietry based on cereals and grains are nutritious because they are high in phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants that increase the body's defense against viruses , good for the heart, prevents diabetes and obesity Al-Hakam Bin Uyainah said:“Rasulullah SAW won't sleep at night except after he has eaten Habbatus Sawda and honey. That is his practice every morning for energy, memorisation and to prevent asthma"

 
6. Prophet Muhammad SAW ate bread of whole grain wheat. 

Whole grain wheat is different from processed wheat as it has a higher absorption rate of protein, fibre and a high volume of vitamin E which reduces risks of heart related diseases and cholestrol level in the body. In a riwayat by Abu Daud, Yusuf bin Abdullah bin Salam ra,“I saw Rasulullah SAW took a piece of whole grain bread and he put a date on it, then he ate it" In a riwayat by Bukhari and Muslim, Aisyah ra said," The prophet's family was never satiate themselves by eating wholegrain bread two days in a row. In days where they can't obtain bread, they ate dates"

7. Dates

Famously synonym with the Arabs, dates are very goo's for the human health. Their high fibre content and low in fat as well as many other nutrients are well loved by people for its sweet and creamy taste. Dates are considered super food because they contain carbohydrate, protein, fibre, fat and iron (which is very rare in a fruit) Bukhari dan Muslim reported that Aisyah RA said,“Sometimes the stove in our house doesn't smoke for a month (they did not cook anything). All that we had were dates, water and other people gave us beef"

8. Prophet Muhammad SAW also ate other fruits such as watermelons

Abu Daud dan Tirmizi reported that AIsyah RA once said , “Rasulullah ate watermelon with rattab (wet dates).”

Watermelon contains 92 percent water and 8 percent sugar as well as antioxidants. The antioxidant or specifically, lycopene are proven by researchers can prevent cancer. 

9. Allah's Apostle loved cucumber.

Cucumbers are water rich, making it a great body coolant. Besides that, they are rich in vitamin C which are good for our skin and also contains silica. Silica is an important element to maintain the wellness of our tendons, ligaments and bones. 

10.  Prophet Muhammad SAW drank plenty of water

He drank slowly, while holding the glass with his right hand. He also forbids breathing in or exhaling out from the water. Drink water before having meals. If possible, avoid drinking while eating to smoothed the digestion process.

Sources: Azril Syazwan November 19, 2012 Prophetic Lifestyle

http://islamicwellness.com/12-meals-of-sunnah/

Makanan sunnah ganti vitamin?

NABI Muhammad SAW bersabda: “Perut adalah tempat bermula pelbagai penyakit”. (Hadis Riwayat Muslim). Sehubungan itu, sewajarnya kita mengambil berat jenis makanan yang diambil dalam kehidupan seharian. Dalam hal ini, Rasulullah sebagai teladan yang terulung dan paling agung, apa yang diamalkan Baginda seharusnya dijadikan ikutan. Ini termasuk dalam hal pemakanan dan makan apa yang Rasulullah makan itulah dipanggil makanan sunnah. Sebagai rasul utusan ALLAH, sudah tentu apa yang diamalkan oleh Baginda itulah yang terbaik dan harus jadi teladan.

Mengenai pemakanan, ahli fiqh menyebut, "berubatlah dengan makanan sebelum kamu berubat dengan ubat." Mutakhir ini, pengambilan makanan tambahan sudah jadi trend masyarakat hinggakan muncul pelbagai jenis produk yang kononnya mampu menyembuhkan penyakit kronik. Tinjauan mendapati kebanyakan produk makanan tambahan di pasaran adalah berasaskan makanan sunnah seperti madu, habbatus sauda, kurma, delima, zaitun, kismis, zaf’aran dan buah tin. Sesungguhnya disebut dalam al-Quran akan lapan kebaikan makanan yang jadi amalan Rasullullah SAW.

Tidak kira di pasar raya, jualan langsung ataupun pemasaran dalam talian, begitu banyak produk makanan tambahan ditawarkan kepada orang ramai pada masa ini. Makanan tambahan seakan sudah jadi budaya dalam hidup masyarakat moden. Daripada produk multi vitamin, makjun dan jamu mahupun yang berasaskan makanan sunah, terserah kepada kecenderungan masing-masing untuk memilih.

Namun, dalam keghairahan masyarakat membeli makanan tambahan, mungkin ramai yang masih tidak tahu apakah fungsi sebenar makanan jenis itu kepada kesihatan. Adakah menjadi satu keperluan untuk individu mengamalkan pengambilan makanan tambahan dalam diet seharian?

Bersesuaian dengan perkataan ‘tambahan’ di belakangnya, juru runding dan pendidik nutrisi, Dr Bahrain Samah memberitahu, makanan tambahan bukanlah sesuatu yang perlu dijadikan keutamaan. Sebaliknya beliau berkata,  ia hanya diambil apabila ada keperluan tertentu.

“Kebiasaannya makanan tambahan diambil apabila seseorang merasakan pemuliharaan kesihatannya tidak dapat dicapai dalam sesuatu tempoh. Makanan tambahan juga memainkan peranan untuk mencegah dan merawat sesuatu penyakit. “Selain itu, suplemen tambahan juga hanya diperlukan apabila kita dapati kandungan tertentu dalam makanan tidak mencukupi,” katanya.

Makanan sunnah lebih baik

Dengan pelbagai pilihan yang ada di pasaran, pasti ada kelebihan dan perbezaan bagi setiap produk. Jelas Bahrain, makanan sunnah ataupun merujuk kepada makanan yang diamalkan Rasulullah SAW tentunya memiliki kebaikan yang lebih berbanding yang lain. “Ini kerana ALLAH SWT telah menjelaskan khasiatnya dalam al-Quran. Malah, makanan sunnah juga dah dibuktikan dari segi sains ada banyak kebaikan dari pelbagai segi.

“Sama ada makanan sunnah atau suplemen lebih baik, saya tetap katakan makanan lebih baik sebab yang masuk dalam badan, yang kita ambil adalah dalam bentuk natural. Suplemen seperti multi vitamin mungkin ada semua khasiat, tetapi masih jauh berbeza dengan apa yang kita makan,” katanya. Menurutnya dari aspek pemuliharaan kesihatan dan penyembuhan penyakit, makanan sunah jika diamalkan dengan betul memang dapat membantu.

“Contohnya macam minyak zaitun dan habbatus sauda ada fungsi tersendiri untuk menjaga kesihatan. Yang penting ialah kita memilih jenis makanan yang betul dan ikut keperluan,” katanya. Bagaimanapun, beliau tetap tidak menidakkan kepentingan makanan tambahan lain bagi tujuan pengimbangan sekiranya sesuatu kandungan dalam makanan sunnah tidak mencukupi. “Misalnya jika seseorang itu memerlukan vitamin C untuk tujuan perubatan. Kurma basah mengandungi banyak vitamin C tapi mungkin tak cukup. “Jadi kita boleh mendapatkannya melalui vitamin C yang dijual di pasaran,” katanya.

Perlu tahu kandungan makanan
Namun, tidak ada guna jika seseorang hanya mengamalkan makanan sunnah tanpa mengetahui kandungan nutrisi di dalamnya. Kalau seseorang itu faham kandungan dalam makanan dan fungsinya pada kesihatan secara holistik sama ada melalui kajian sendiri atau pembacaan, ia akan membuatkan pengambilan makanan tersebut lebih berkesan. “Misalnya setiap pagi saya amalkan makan vitamin C, suplemen zink, garam gunung, cuka dan minyak zaitun. Sebahagiannya adalah makanan sunnah dan saya tahu kandungan setiap jenis makanan dan caranya bekerja. “Oleh itu, sebagai pengguna kita perlu didik diri kita dengan membaca atau menyertai bengkel dan sebagainya untuk meluaskan pandangan mengenai makanan,” katanya.

Sumber: Wartawan Sinar Harian 8 Julai 2014
http://www.sinarharian.com.my/nasional/makanan-sunnah-ganti-vitamin-1.297334