This blog was created and for use by the Kepong CSCQ Practitioners as a virtual community centre. Comments concerning the Kepong Station can be posted here. Notices of whatever nature concerning Kepong Station will also be posted here as well. Your participation and feedback are welcome. Let us together strive for improvements of health both physically and mentally.

Friday, July 30, 2010

CINNAMON & HONEY IS KNOWN TO HEAL HEART DISEASES,ARTHRITIS,BLADDER INFECTIONS,CHOLESTEROL, ETC


Cinnamon and Honey

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar. In reality honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call "crystallizing".

When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was.

Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Cinnamon and Honey

~ Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around.~

Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases.

Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right do sage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.

Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat.
In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University , it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.
As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the
chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr... Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

You might want to share this information with a friend, kinfolks and loved ones. Everyone needs healthy help information ~ what they do with it is up to them ~ share with your email buddies!!!!!

(This article is re-directed from CHARITY ONE. Thanks.)

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

BLESSING
現在能看到以下這封文章都是有福之人

鵑鵑原本在美國工作,公司給她的待遇很好,再加上單身,生活過得很逍遙。

前一陣子她住在臺灣的母親罹患腦瘤,開刀後復原得很慢。

鵑鵑立刻請調回臺,找了間公寓,把母親接到身邊就近照顧。

鵑鵑不是家中的獨生女,上有大姐,下有弟弟,但是只有她放棄原本的生活,承擔服侍母親的責任。

她大姐偶爾給她一筆錢,當作是孝親費,此外很少露面,更別談關心自己母親的現況,好像出點錢就可以心安理得的把母親推給妹妹。

我們這些鵑鵑的朋友看不過去,紛紛提醒她要找大姐和弟弟談清楚母親的事。

鵑鵑保持她一貫的優雅從容,靜靜的說:「照顧媽媽是我的福氣。」


原本為她打抱不平的我們,聽了這句話,頓時沉默起來。

難怪從來不曾聽她抱怨,自認享有「福氣」的人,怎麼會向人訴苦呢?

她總是耐著性子尋找適合母親的飲食配方和復健機構,珍惜與母親相處的時光,
鵑鵑忙著張羅都來不及了,哪有閒功夫喊累叫煩哪!

在鵑鵑細心打點下,病情不大樂觀的母親,身體竟一天天好起來,母親想要康復的意願也啟動了,甚至會離開臥房到屋外走走。

原本令人覺得沉重的擔子,因為鵑鵑懂得惜福,居然化作豐盛的禮物。

現在鵑鵑成了大家的強心劑,每當我們遇到困難,或者受了委屈,習慣性的退縮、放棄、抱怨或指責別人時,總會想起她的話。

在我們這一群朋友中,開始流行一種句型:

「能多做一點是我的福氣。

「孩子不聽話,耐著性子引導 他是我的福氣。

「擠公車沒位子坐是我的福氣。」

那麼能認識你也是我的福氣說這些話的時候,我們多少帶著點自我解嘲的意味,有時也是開玩笑,但不知不覺中,我們看待周遭人事物的態度有了明顯變化,原來好福氣也是會傳染的。

一句話人生的成敗,常常因為一個人、一件事,甚至一句話而有決定性的影響。

尤其對人有用的一句話,勝過千言萬語。

古今中外有很多人因為別人的一句話而深受感動,甚至豁然開朗;由於「一句話」而改變一生的事例,更是多不勝數。

美國著名的教育家和演講口才藝術家卡內基,小時候是一個非常調皮的小男孩。

他九歲的時候,父親將繼母娶進門。

他父親向新婚妻子介紹卡內基時,如是說:「希望你注意這個全郡最壞的男孩,他實在令我頭痛,說不定明天早晨他還會拿石頭砸你,或做出什麼壞事呢!」

出乎卡內基預料的是,繼母微笑地走到他面前,托著他的頭,注視著他。

接著告訴丈夫:「你錯了,他不是全郡最壞的男孩,而是最聰明,只是還沒找到發洩熱忱地方的男孩。」

此話一出,卡內基的眼淚不聽使喚地滾滾而下。

就因為這一句話,建立了卡內基和繼母之間深厚的感情;也因為這一句話,成就了他立志向上的動力;更因為這一句話,讓他日後幫助千千萬萬的人一同步上了成功之路。

「一句話」很容易說,! 但重要的是要能讓對方受用。

給人一句好話,讓人生命奮起飛揚,何樂而不為呢?所以,人要常說:

第一、給人歡喜的話;

第二、給人鼓勵的話;

第三、給人肯定的話;

第四、給人讚美的話。

多說好話,少說壞話。

不經意的一句輕浮話,有時會自毀前程,而一句關懷別人的話,卻能讓沮喪的人有生存下去的 勇氣。因此人要經常檢點自己的口舌,以免破壞了好因緣。

原來你也很富有有一位青年,老是埋怨自己時運不濟,發不了財,終日愁眉不展。

這一天,走過來一個鬚髮皆白的老人,問:「年輕人,為什麼不快樂?」

「我不明白,為什麼我總是這麼窮。」

「窮?你很富有嘛!」老人由衷地說。

「這從何說起?」年輕人不解。

老人反問道:「假如現在斬掉你一個手指頭,給你 1千元,你幹不幹?」

「不幹。」年輕人回答。

「假如砍掉你一隻手,給你 1 萬元,你幹不幹?」

「不幹。」

「假如使你雙眼都瞎掉,給你 10 萬元,你幹不幹?」

「不幹。」

「假如讓你馬上變成80歲的老人,給你100萬,你幹不幹?」

「不幹。」

「假如讓你馬上死掉,給你1000萬,你幹不幹?」

「不幹。」

「這就對了,你已經擁有超過1000萬的財富,為什麼還哀怨自己貧窮呢?」

老人笑吟吟地問道。

青年愕然無言,突然什麼都明白了。

心靈導航

親愛的朋友,如果你早上醒來發現自己還能自由呼吸,你就比在這個星期中離開人世的人更有福氣。

如果你從來沒有經歷過戰爭的危險、被囚禁的孤寂、受折磨的痛苦和忍饑挨餓的難受……。

你已經好過世界上五億人了。

如果你的銀行帳戶有存款,錢包裡有現金,你已經身居於世界上最富有的8%之列!

如果你的雙親仍然在世,並且沒有分居或離婚,你已屬於稀少的一群。

如果你能抬起頭,面容上帶著笑容,並且內心充滿感恩的心情,你是真的幸福了。

因為世界上大部分的人都可以這樣做,但是他們卻沒有。

如果你能握著一個人的手,擁抱他,或者只是在他的肩膀上拍一下。你的確有福氣了。

因為你所做的,已經等同於上帝才能做到的。

如果你能讀到這段文字,那麼你更是擁有了雙份的福氣,你比20億不能閱讀的人不是幸福很多嗎?

看到這裡,請你暫且放下書,然後非常認真地對自己說一句話:
「哇!原來我是這麼富有

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Benefits of eating Pineapple

Do you like Pineapple .....

*Wish to know more about this remarkable local fruit? Read on. This article was sent to me by a retired chemistry professor from NUS* (National University of SIngapore)

Fresh Pineapple Has Many Benefits....

The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family. It is extremely rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit. The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today. It is a multiple fruit. One pineapple is actually made up of dozens of individual flowerettes that grow together to form the entire fruit.

Each scale on a pineapple is evidence of a separate flower. Pineapples stop ripening the minute they are picked. No special way of storing them will help ripen them further. Color is relatively unimportant in determining ripeness.

Choose your pineapple by smell. If it smells fresh, tropical and sweet, it will be a good fruit. The more scales on the pineapple, the sweeter and juicier the taste.

After you cut off the top, you can plant it. It should grow much like a sweet potato will. This delicious fruit is not only sweet and tropical, it also offers many benefits to our health.

Pineapple is a remarkable fruit. We find it enjoyable because of its lush, sweet and exotic flavor, but it may also be one of the most healthful foods available today. If we take a more detailed look at it, we will find that pineapple is valuable for easing indigestion, arthritis or sinusitis.

The juice has an anthelmintic effect; it helps get rid of intestinal worms.

Let's look at how pineapple affects other conditions. Pineapple is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical to development of strong bones and connective tissue. A cup of fresh pineapple will give you nearly 75% of the recommended daily amount. It is particularly helpful to older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age.

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple's value.

Proteolytic means "breaks down protein", which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.

Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory. Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. It produces mild pain relief. In Germany, bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Orange juice is a popular liquid for those suffering from a cold because it is high in Vitamin C. Fresh pineapple is not only high in this vitamin, but because of the bromelain, it has the ability to reduce mucous in the throat.

If you have a cold with a productive cough, add pineapple to your diet. It is commonly used in Europe as a post-operative measure to cut mucous after certain sinus and throat operations. Those individuals who eat fresh pineapple daily report fewer sinus problems related to allergies. In and of itself, pineapple has a very low risk for allergies.

Pineapple is also known to discourage blood clot development. This makes it a valuable dietary addition for frequent fliers and others who may be at risk for blood clots.

An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple juice. It really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first thing in the morning often makes a difference. It's also good for a healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages plaque growth.

(We received this article via an e-mail.)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

教你十招動作,一生受用無窮。

These ten exercises are good for long life.
教你十招動作,一 生受用無窮.
Do this 20 times a day will keep the diseases away.
每天做20,百病不侵.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Low Cholesterol Levels Increases Cancer Risk
- American College of Cardiology

(This article is re-directed from Sincerely Mine. Thanks.)

For years, I've been telling my patients that the medical establishment' s obsession with lowering cholesterol to prevent heart disease is causing more harm than good.

If your doctor continues to get you worried about your high cholesterol levels, here's a bit of news for you...

In fact, your high cholesterol may be protecting you from cancer.

Today, I'll explain the truth behind the myth of cholesterol, and show you how to achieve heart health naturally.

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology revealed that driving down cholesterol levels actually increases the risk of cancer.

Researchers at the Tufts University School of Medicine found that among people taking "statin" drugs - like Lipitor and Zocor - there was a higher rate of cancer. Although the link between the drugs and cancer wasn't clear, there was no doubt that drastically low cholesterol levels correlated to cancer risk.

The big drug makers continue to sell the notion that the best way to fight heart disease is to lower LDL levels, the so-called "bad" cholesterol.

Yet 75 percent of people who suffer heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels.

It makes sense that low cholesterol levels are linked to cancer because cholesterol is one of your body's basic building blocks. You need it to produce testosterone, to build and repair cell membranes, and to preserve your nerve cells through the formation of the protective "sheaths" that cover them.

Starving your body of this critical substance will lead to other health problems. We already know that extremely low cholesterol levels result in muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, decreased sex drive, and "brain fog." This new research shows that there may be even more deadly consequences.

What really matters is not low "bad" cholesterol, but high levels of HDL, the so-called "good" cholesterol. As long as you have a high HDL count - 75 to 80, for example - it doesn't matter whether your total cholesterol is 150 or 350. A high HDL will always keep your risk of heart disease extremely low.

So why haven't you heard this already? It may be because there's no drug that effectively raises good cholesterol levels. You can only effectively do it naturally.

Consume natural fats. Avoid processed or fast foods containing "trans" fats - these man-made substances were never meant for consumption, and your body doesn't know what to do with them. They wind up clogging your arteries and putting you on the fast track to heart disease.

Instead, get your fat from free-range or grass-fed animals, eggs, nuts, and unprocessed vegetable oils. These are some of the healthiest foods you can eat. (As with all foods, look for organic or minimally processed options whenever possible.)

The health benefit of these natural fats comes from their balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Your body needs both but, as with cholesterol, they have to be in balance. Omega-3s are great for your heart. They've been shown to prevent irregular heartbeat, reduce clogging of the arteries, lower blood pressure, and decrease inflammation in body tissues.

If you stick to eating natural fats, you'll automatically get the right ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3, which is about 2:1. As an added bonus, you'll automatically raise your "good" cholesterol levels and you'll reduce your risk of cancer.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

聖严法师语录


(Click on the image to enlarge it.)

Monday, July 12, 2010

The Amazing Cucumber

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeine drinks and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4.. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminium to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5.. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your taps, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

(We received this article via an e-mail.)

Friday, July 09, 2010

跪着、蹲着、坐着——最好的运动
作者:中里巴人

(此文转载自求医不如求己 真心就是大智慧,谢谢。)

什么是最好的运动,就是用最短的时间,最简单的方法,最少的消耗,来换回最大的体能。

学武功都希望找到武功秘笈,什么是武功秘笈呢?就是找到身体的潜能,然后发挥到极致。

一般人的体质都相差不多,你锻炼别人也锻炼,怎么就能比别人强呢?况且有些人天生就是泰森,就是史瓦辛格,强壮无比,你怎么锻炼,好像也无法超过他。

我们很多人并不想当大力士,不想与人较量,不想当武林豪杰,只想成为健康的人,但是方法是一样的,都是要找到身体真正的能量库。

人体真正的能量来源于意念,意,心底的声音。念,专注的精神。意从心而发,念靠肾来定。心为火烛,肾为火药,二者合一,叫做水火既济(心为火,肾为水)。就是人从内心发出的一道激光。它能有多大的力量呢,说不清楚,因为它的潜力无限。

但这道强光需要激发,需要拨云见日,水落石出。方法从身体上找,从精神上找。拨云见日,就是要把闲杂念虑拨开,露出本来的想法。此为护心镜。佛家双手合十于胸前即为此意。水落石出,就是把身体上的三浊排出,引气血入关元。此为固元丹。道家的意守丹田,就是此法。但此二法都是博士的证书,不是入学的测验。一上来,就用这两法修炼,恐怕连校门都进不去。

但是用跪着——蹲着——坐着,同样可以达到目的。且谁都能做,只需每天念二字真言:“坚持” 。跪着可以直身而跪,也可下压臀部。可以原地,也可行进。蹲着,就是小时候拿树枝在地上写字时那种姿式就妥。如果能脚后跟不离地,向前蹭着走几分钟当然最好。

坐着,盘腿坐很好,盘不上也没关系。今天可以换一种坐法。在床上,坐在枕头或坐垫上,然后不用手撑往起站。不用站起来,只要臀部离开坐垫就行,每天做三分钟,用不了几天,你会感觉体力大增,然后渐渐将坐垫去掉。

这三种锻炼方法的好处。留着您自己总结吧。因为好处太多,太明显,您一做便知。

跪着,用力点在腿,腰,腹三部分。蹲着,用力点在腰、腹。坐着往起站,用力点全集中在腹。锻炼各有侧重,但效果是,不使力却自然发力。发的是丹田之力。这是动力之源。

别人可以给你提供方法,但必须你自己来去实践。把别人家的猫抱到自己家里来拿耗子,会怎样呢?你抱着它,它就想挣脱,你一放下它,它马上就跑回自己家去了,根本不会管你家的老鼠。这就是说,一切都得靠你自己来完成。猫是能拿老鼠,但是要你家的猫才会拿你家的老鼠。

有人说,我跪不了,膝盖疼。我说,那您就蹲着。她说:我蹲不下,腰腿疼,我说,那您就坐着,她说,我坐着站不起来,怎么办。然后问我:你还有没有更好的方法。我说,那就推腹吧,她说:我手上没劲,推不动。

我不知道,她到底想说什么。但我对她说:总要开始做才行。推腹手没劲,推着推着,手就有劲了。蹲着蹲不下,那就找个小板凳先练坐着。跪着跪不了,您就靠在床边,一脚站在地板上,一脚跪在床上不就行了吗?

有了方法,您还等待观望,不起而行之,一以贯之,那这辈子,您还在等谁来救您呢?



Tuesday, July 06, 2010

The Hidden Health Secrets of Lemons

(This article is re-directed from beliefnet. Thanks

15 Hidden Health Secrets of Lemons

Bunch of lemons on tree

By Theresa Cheung

Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief?

There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances--notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene--that promote immunity and fight infection.

These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit. Here are 15 that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Whether you use them in the form of juice, teas, drinks, dressing, poultices or in the bath, take advantage of lemons’ natural healing power.

Learn the first health secret of lemons.

Abolish Acne

Lemon  half on wooden juicer

Lemon contains citric acid, which can be effective in treating acne. The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. In addition to drinking lemon juice with water first thing in the morning, here are some suggestions on how to prepare a homemade acne treatment using lemon:

· With your finger or a cotton ball, apply fresh lemon juice on acne and leave it overnight. Wash with water the following morning. There may be an uncomfortable sensation of burning at first, but it will soon disappear.

· Mix one part of freshly squeezed lemon juice with an equal part of rose or honey water. Put the mixture on affected areas for at least half an hour. Wash it afterwards with water. This application should be repeated twice daily, ideally in the morning and the evening.

Note: these remedies are safe and natural, but if acne is severe or there are open wounds, consult your doctor first.

Abandon Your Anxiety

Stacked lemon slices

Research has shown that lemon balm has a calming effect and therefore may be able to help remove fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, and tension. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing concentration and alertness. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees. If you’re feeling tense sprinkle a few drops of lemon balm essential oil (Melissa officinalis) on a handkerchief to inhale.

Canker Sore, No More

Lemons in water

The proven antibacterial and antiviral properties of lemons can accelerate the healing process in the case of cankers. Mix the juice of freshly squeezed lemon into a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with this solution; do this three times a day. There may be a burning sensation when the lemon juice comes into contact with the canker, however, the more frequently you use it, the less burning there will be.

Leave the Fever

Tea with lemon

Chills and fevers may be due to a variety of causes, but the lemon is always a helpful remedy. Here is a method that can ease symptoms: add the juice of 1 lemon to a cup of hot water with honey and drink at once, then every 2 hours until the fever or chill subsides.

Cold and Flu Got You Blue?

Lemons squeezed of their juice

When you have a cold, the healing power of lemons works both internally, by supplying urgently required vitamin C to your defense cells, and externally, through the application of its antiviral properties to the virus on the mucous membranes in the nose and throat.

At the first indication of a cold – a runny nose or sore throat –try to give your body as much immune-boosting vitamin C as you can so that the virus is eliminated before it gets a chance to take hold. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours.

If you have a sore throat, add the juice of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of sea salt to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water. Gargle three times a day for 1 minute to diminish the burning sensation. If it’s a case of tonsillitis, gargle every 2 hours for at least 30 seconds with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon. Tilt the head back to allow the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the juice to flow into the back of the throat. You can swallow the juice when you have finished gargling thereby benefiting from an immune-boosting vitamin C shot.

Cure Corns and Calluses

Lemon wedges

Lemon poultices applied overnight are a good home remedy for corns and calluses. Place a slice of lemon approx 5 mm thick on to the corn, bandage and fasten. Dabbing the affected area with lemon essential oil also helps accelerate the healing process. Take care to only use the undiluted oil on the callused area using a cotton ball or Q- tip, as it is too strong for un-callused skin.

Erase Eczema

Lemons and honey

If you suffer from skin infection such as eczema, a lemon wrap may offer relief. Add 8 drops of lemon essential oil to 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of liquid honey. Honey also has anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the healing power of lemon.

Soak a linen cloth in the liquid, squeeze out the excess, and gently place the cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. Not only will this ease the infection, it will counter the overwhelming urge to scratch.

Fight Fatigue

Lemon half with straw

Long distance walkers, world travelers, and explorers look upon the lemon as a Godsend. When fatigue sets in, they might suck lemon juice by piercing the top of the fruit with a straw, giving themselves a quick-acting medicine and a lovely refreshment.

Explorers also use lemon for protection against many infections of the tropics. A small amount of lemon juice will quench thirst more effectively than many times the amount of water. Experienced travelers declare that when they add lemon juice to ordinary drinking water, in various localities, it acts as an antiseptic and prevents illness due to allergy to different water supplies.

Lemon oil also seems to be able to stimulate brain activity so whenever you feel tired for no reason or are finding it hard to focus or concentrate, add 4 drops of lemon oil to a water-filled aromatherapy lamp. Alternatively, drink a glass of lemon water every few hours.

Hexed with Halitosis?

Thin lemon slice

Lemons can help freshen breath that has gone sour after consuming certain spices, alcohol, cigarettes, or that is caused by insufficient salivation. To keep breath fresh, thoroughly rinse your mouth several times a day with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. Chewing on a lemon slice after every meal will also help.

Healing Hypertension

Lemon, garlic, and tomato

Garlic and onions have been shown to be effective in the fight against hypertension, and they combine well with the healing power of lemon. Add 3 crushed garlic cloves and 1 chopped onion to 1 quart or cold skimmed or low fat milk or soy milk. Slowly bring to the boil and let it stand for 5 minutes. Pour through a sieve and chill. Add the freshly squeezed juice of 3 lemons and sip throughout the day.

And if you suffer from high cholesterol, don’t forget that the pectin power in lemons along with its other metabolism and circulation boosting nutrients can help lower cholesterol.

Smite a Bug Bite

Lemons on the tree

If the stinger is still in the skin, take it out with a pair of tweezers. Massage 1 to 2 drops of lemon oil, mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey, into the skin around the bite.

To repel insects, add 20 drops of lemon oil to 1 cup (250ml) of water and spray into the air. It smells great and repels insects at the same time. Another home remedy is to place a cotton ball soaked in lemon oil in your bedroom. If you are sitting outside in the evening, apply lemon scent to skin areas not covered in clothing. Or, add 10 drops of lemon oil to 1 ½ oz of sunflower oil and rub into the skin.

Put Insomnia to Rest

Lemon slice and tree branch

Several studies have found that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep. In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 18 healthy volunteers received two separate single doses of a standardized lemon balm extract (300 mg and 600 mg) or placebo for 7 days. The 600 mg dose of lemon balm increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness.

Pulverize Pain

Lemon and cucumber slices in water

Even though it tastes bitter, lemon juice has a powerful alkaline effect in the body and is therefore a natural agent against excess acid, which is in part responsible for rheumatism. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water 3 times a day and if you experience severe pain add the juice of 2 lemons 3 times a day.

Lemon oil has pain-relieving qualities, so to inhibit inflammation and ease pain, massage the affected area daily with several drops of lemon oil mixed with 1 tablespoon (15ml) jojoba oil.

Save your Stomach

Lemon slice in water

Drink the juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water after each meal. The lemon acid will stimulate the production of stomach acid and the activity of stomach muscles.

Say Adios to Varicose

Drizzling oil

Lemon oil has vessel-strengthening properties that can help fight varicose and spider veins. For spider veins, take 2 to 3 drops of lemon oil every day and mix in a small bowl with jojoba, avocado or almond oil and massage the affected area.

For varicose veins,add 6 drops of lemon oil to 1 ½ oz (50 ml) wheat germ oil, and 2 drops each of cypress and juniper oil. Use this mixture daily for a gentle massage of the legs from bottom to top, in the direction of the heart. For a vein and vessel-rejuvenating bath add 8 drops of lemon oil to a warm bath. Also add 4 drops of cypress oil blended with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of honey. Soak in the bath for 15 minutes and when you come out, pat your skin dry – don’t rub it.

Medical Precautions Note: If you suffer from heartburn, kidney or gall bladder problems or have a citrus allergy consult your doctor before using these remedies or drinking lemon juice. To protect your teeth enamel, wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth after chewing, drinking or rinsing with lemon juice. Rubbing lemon juice or oil and drinking lemon juice is not suitable for children under the age of 10. Lemons are effective home remedies for a variety of health concerns but in the case of serious illness always consult your doctor first.