Thousands of people face the predicament today of having shoe-string budgets, voracious appetites but strong yearnings to get the finest probable values within their means. Possibly, they find out through actual demonstration and experience that the herbal remedies are culinary magicians which convert scraps into handsome dainties. They’re thus aroused by the reality that by utilizing herbal treatments they could afford to play host and hostess to a bigger number of hungry and envious friends than ever just before. Herbal remedies are effortless to grow which I can strongly vouch, for I’ve grown them all. I can also bear ample witness towards the reality that they lessen the price of high living, if by that phrase is meant pleasing the palate without offending the purse. Ginkgo biloba herb, also known as Bai Guo is famous for its renowned anti-aging effect and memory improvement. Additionally, ginkgo biloba herb can serve as both delicious culinary herb as well as an alternative medicine.

Going back to history, Chinese herbal medicine has used both the leaf and seed of ginkgo Biloba herb for thousands of years, but modern research has focused on the standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), which is prepared from the dried green leaves. This standardized extract of gingko biloba herb is highly concentrated and seems to be clinically more effective in treating health problems particularly circulatory ailments than the leaf alone.

Ginkgo Biloba Herb as an Alternative Medicine

Ginkgo biloba herb also reduces the unwanted effects of menopause, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Using Ginkgo is a great deal more attractive these days than the allopathic prescribed medicine because it has no unpleasant, unwanted effects. Kids below the age of 12 are advised not to use Ginkgo. The adults normally require about 4 to 6 weeks observing and experiencing the effects.  Research and scientific studies all validate Ginkgo biloba herb as an effective anti aging agent that has potent anti-oxidant properties which wards off the free radicals .Latest proof shows that Ginkgo biloba herb quite miraculously fits the requirement in treating reduced blood circulation towards brain, particularly with the elderly people.

Ginkgo biloba herb is very popular with health conscious folks and is used as a natural supplement on regular basis for improved concentration and enhanced memory. Folks claim that they really feel that Ginkgo biloba herb reduces any mental fatigue and rejuvenates the mind and body. Quite a few men are taking Ginkgo to boost impotence and also raise fertility. The Chinese have utilized Ginkgo Biloba for numerous years and also have observed fantastic results with it.

Growing Spices and Herbs for its Excellent Culinary Power and Therapeutical Remedies

Growing spices and herbs will supply a continuous flow of freshness and zest to your cooking dishes, habit and style. Not only herbs and spices have volatile oils and essential phenol compounds, they are very effective in checking bacteria, virus and fungi.

1. Cloves are utilized in pomanders, sachets and as an ingredient in potpourri. Lots of people also use “Oil of Clove” to ease a toothache.
2. Coriander is excellent for blood purification, acidity and gastric problems.
3. Coriander is used to check conjunctivitis, heavy menstrual flow and skin diseases.
4. Saffron is a cooling agent and has vital anti-bacterial properties.
5. Turmeric helps with cystic fibroids and sclerosis.
6. The yellow coloured powerful beta carotene found in turmeric also reduces the power of eye lenses.
7. Basil or Holi Tulsi  has great anti-oxidant properties.Basil keeps your hair and skin glowing.
8. Basil leaves aid in diabetes , fever and respiratory problems , kidney infection and mouthinfections.
9. Dill leaves have wonderful curing effect on curing diarrhea, dysentery, cold and bad breath.
10. Dill is good for pregnant women and lactating mothers.

The condiments and spices in culinary cuisines stimulates the gastric juices which is good for digestion. Growing spices and herbs in your home herb garden is a necessary evil . Growing spices will aid an essential commodity which is key to freshness and flavour of many recipes. Not only growing spices will provide culinary flavour, their excellent medicinal or curing power can help treat minor ailments at home and prevent major catastrophes ,chronic diseases.

Growing Medicinal Oregano Herbs Indoors

Growing oregano herb in a kitchen herb garden is easy. If you are confined of space, you can grow oregano herbs from seeds indoors in small pots. The plants require a bright sunny location with out a excess need of water and fertilizer.

Health benefits of Medicinal Oregano herbs

1. Oregano is an excellent antioxidant due to the presence of  high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Additionally, oregano has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens .Growing oregano for both of these characteristics are useful in health and food preservatives is highly recommended.

2. In the Philippines, the primary usage is of medicinal oregano is in treatment of cold and cough, instead of cooking.

3. Tonics, aqueous and oil extracts, capsules of oregano are taken for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, fungal infections, indigestion, stomach upsets, enteric parasites and painful menstruation.

4. The leaves and flowering stems are strongly antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and mildly tonic.Growing oregano in your kitchen garden will supply first aid for minor ailments

5. It is strongly sedative and should not be taken in large doses, though teas with mild portion of medicinal oregano has a soothing effect and induces sleep.

6. Medicinal oregano is one of the best antiseptics because of its high thymol content.

7.Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used oregano as an antiseptic as well as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments.

8.A Cretan oregano is still used today in Greece to soothe a sore throat.

9. Latest news from a team comprising researchers from a UK university and NGO in India have discovered that the essential oil of Himalayan medicinal oregano has strong antibacterial properties and even kills the hospital superbug MRSA. The world is hopeful that these findings will lead to the development of hands-soaps and surface disinfectants in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

10. Oil of oregano has been found helpful against ear infections. Practitioners of alternative medicine often recommend oregano as an herb essential to aid in the recovery of a variety of ailments.

Vegan term was invented in 1944 by Donald Watson to describe a “non-dairy vegetarian”. It was formed from the first three and last two letters of the word “vegetarian”. Vegetarians choose to avoid all forms of  animal products.  Veganism is an extension of vegetarianism where vegans avoid meat, poultry, eggs, honey, dairy products, fur, leather, wool, cosmetics and food derived from animals. The majority of vegan friendly products contain vegetarian ingredients for hair and skin care . None are tested on animals.  Here is a summary of top 10 vegan values in simple terminology.

Top 10 reasons to Adopt Veganism and Vegan Friendly Products

• Vegans believe in “mindfulness’ analogous to ‘Ahimsa’ preached by Buddha, they strive to be thoughtful of the action, choices and deeds. They choose not to enforce and rule the animal world in a hierarchy based system and reap the fruits of this awareness in inner peace, harmony, wisdom and tranquility.
• Vegans observe themselves as a part of the natural world and not as its owners or masters.
• Vegan friendly products are free from harmful Parabens, Lanolin, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulphate and Petrochemicals.
• Veganism do not accept supremacy of human beings as a superior species/race who is free to hurt or destroy the less intelligent species. Species and other life-forms need not justify their existence, nor plead for protection from extinction on the grounds of their potential usefulness as food or medicine for humans.
• It is no more acceptable to torment or kill creatures with “primitive nervous systems” than those with “highly developed nervous systems”. Life is precious whether it is a human existence or the life of a duck, a crayfish, a carp, a cow or a chicken.
• Veganism encompasses much more than advocacy of a diet free of animal products, or a fervent defence of animal rights.
• Vegan diets usually contain more nutrients than non-vegetarian diets in some nutrients such as fibre, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium.  The vegan diets are and lower  in protein, riboflavin, vitamin B₁₂, and calcium compared to  non-vegetarian diets.
• Vegan diets can also be low in iodine and selenium, but this depends on the soil in which the plants are grown. This can be easily taken care by cultivating plants in iodine and selenium rich soils or taking alternative herbal supplements.
• John Muir  once observed “Every time I bend down to pick something up, I find it is connected to something else.” There is an equivalent “ecology” to our behavior. Everything we do connects to something else; every action touches on the world around us, either close at hand and noticeable, or far away and unperceived, immediate in its effect or distant in time.
• If there is a single article of faith, it is that commitment to Vegan values will bring us closer to a world in which the fate and fortune of a planet and all its life forms do not hang on the judgment or the generosity of one species.

Vegan Diet and Vegan Friendly Products
Practicing veganism is not as much a diet choice as a belief system and art of living. When you value life as precious as your own, you do not take other’s life. Vegans choose not to be a part of system that is based on violence, cruelty and exploitation. Vegetarian diet comprising of herbs and plants is always good for digestion and complete with all nutrients and vitamins devoid of fats. Eating raw green salads is considered very healthy.  Green leafy vegetables and sesame seeds contain calcium that can suffice the needs of human beings.

Drinking milk is not only un-necessary it is un-natural. Cows’ milk contains ideal amounts of fat and protein for young calves, which is  too much for human beings. Once human babies grow, there is no need of further intake of milk because the body stops producing lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in milk. In fact, the calcium in milk cannot be absorbed as it doesn’t contain phosphorous in right proportion.The consumption of animal fats and proteins leads to heart disease, colon and lung cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and a number of other debilitating conditions. In fact , you can grow your own herbs and plants at your home herb garden and prepare vegan breakfasts and meals.  You can also prepare other vegan friendly products such as home made vegan shampoo, vegan lip balm ,and vegan lotion from herbs that will be dirt cheap compared to supermarket store  vegan products. Alternatively, you can buy vegan friendly products from vegan stores.

Top 10 Herbs for Natural Healing and Home Ayurvedic Remedies

Here is a summary of the top 10 herbs and the reasons associated, why one should use home ayurvedic remedies for minor treatments and major prevention of catastrophic and chronic ailments.

Basil: Basil is the first among my “Top 10 herbs” for home ayurvedic remedies. Basil has excellent sedative, aphrodisiac and healing properties. Basil helps relieve the pain of tired and aching feet and is also an antiseptic and antibacterial herb. Its healing properties consists of using it as a digestive aid to relieve nausea and an upset stomach. Basil is antispasmodic, hence aids in the healing and relief of headaches and migraines, vertigo and even chronic ailments. It is famous as a culinary herb, used in Italian and Thai dishes for its wonderful aroma. Basil is one of the most efficient cleansing agent and helps with healing kidney and urinary problems. Basil is a source of beta-carotene, estragole, eugenol, borneol and Vitamin C. In many countries, basil is used as an aid to childbirth also. Basil used in tea has a very rejuvenating and simulating effect .

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is the second among my “Top 10 herbs” for home ayurvedic remedies. Aloe Vera is often called ‘the fountain of youth” and very rightly so. The ancient Egyptians called Aloe Vera ‘The Plant of Immortality’, recognizing not only its healing qualities but also its everlasting skin moisturizing and nourishing effects. This highly prized plant was so revered  that it was often included among the funeral gifts and buried along with the pharaohs of Egypt. It has been said, that queens like Nefertiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their regular skin care routine to retain their beautiful complexions. It finds usage  in various medicines for treatment of acne, rashes, itchings, minor skin eruptions, sunburn, minor cuts, wounds and skin allergies with absolutely zero side effects. It is very famous for soothing and healing properties. Many ancient tales of Aloe Vera have been proved by the modern medicine which unlocks the wonder bursting within its miraculous leaves. Aloe Vera juice can be taken daily as it is very good for our digestive system. It is also popular  for its treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Raw Garlic: Raw garlic finds third place among my “Top 10 herbs” for home ayurvedic remedies. The herb has excellent antibiotic properties, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It also reduces the clotting tendency of the blood. If human beings were to invent a drug that had perfect properties according to what is known about heart disease and associated risk factors, we couldn’t improvise on garlic. Garlic raises protective high-density lipoproteins and lowers harmful low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides .Garlic helps in cancer prevention by raising the body’s level of glutathione transferase, a liver enzyme known to detoxify the body of carcinogens. Proven to work against various micro-organisms including bacteria resistant to antibiotics, garlic is known to be antifungal and antiviral, and is used in treatment of AIDS patient as well. According to a research in China, researchers found gastric cancer was reduced where garlic intake was high

Ginger: Raw ginger is the fourth among my “Top 10 herbs” for home ayurvedic remedies. Decades of research and uses of ginger establishes the fact that it improves digestion and eases stomach upset and nausea. The pungent underground stem of the tropical ginger plant has been used for centuries in European, Chinese, and Ayurvedic herbal medicine. It is not an exaggeration- ginger is almost a complete medicine kit in itself. All types of digestive disorder are eased by ginger. It also provides relief from morning sickness and eases motions. The antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger help to ease menstrual cramps and headaches. The warming property of ginger helps to cast away the chills of a cold or flu and ease muscle aches. Another convenient way to continuously obtain the health benefits of ginger is to include it liberally in cooking, fresh gingerroot is a wonderful addition to soups and many culinary dishes. Minced crystallized ginger added to fresh berries or other fruits is very delicious.

Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo Biloba finds fifth place among my “Top 10 herbs” for home ayurvedic remedies. The extract from the Ginkgo tree has shown to improve visual disorder by improving microcirculation to the eyes especially among patients suffering from senile macular degeneration, a common condition thought to involve free radical damage. The herb increases blood flow to the brain and is used in the treatment of circulatory disorders and impaired memory. Scientific studies prove that standardized ginkgo extract prevents and benefits ailments such as vertigo, tinnitus, inner ear disturbances, ability to concentrate, anxiety, depression, neurological disorders, senility, circulatory disorders, edema and Raynaud’s disease (a vascular disorder).

Echinacea: Echinacea  is the sixth among my “Top 10 herbs” for home ayurvedic remedies. Various studies and prolonged research proves the herb’s value for aiding the immunity, and the ability to activate white blood cells and stimulate the regeneration of the cellular connective tissue and the epidermis. Echinacea also enhances the vital components of the body’s immune system by eliminating invading organisms and neutralizing harmful enzymes fighting infection. According to German studies, Echinacea extract is used in influenza because it contains proteins that help protect no infected cells against viral infections and allergy treatment

Astragalus: Astragalus finds seventh place among my “Top 10 herbs” for home ayurvedic remedies. Astragalus extracts increases body’s immune system and helps strengthen digestion, increase metabolism, and heals wound. It is also used for the treatment of chronic weakness of the lungs, respiration problems and sweating issues. According to holistic online, ancient Chinese healers considered astragalus to be a superior healing herb. (See Reference 3) Its Chinese name, huang qi is a reference to the plant’s yellow root, the part used in healing. Chinese herbalists used astragalus to relieve symptoms such as lack of energy and strength, and poor appetite. Astragalus has a phytochemical and nutrient content that makes it effective for treating various immune-deficient disorders. The herb’s phytochemicals include betaine, beta-sitosterol and formononetin. Astragalus also contains calcium, copper, essential fatty acids, and magnesium, to name a few of its nutrients.

Ginseng: Ginseng occupies eighth place among my “Top 10 herbs” for home ayurvedic remedies. Ginseng in addition to being a sexual energizer for men, reduces stress and improves hormonal balance. Ginseng is one of the most widely studied herbs, having been the subject of more than 3,000 scientific studies to understand its beneficial effect on a person’s physical and mental performance. Studies have shown ginseng helps increase memory and learning by improving circulation. It’s also been shown to reduce cholesterol and protect the liver from toxins. Ginseng is widely known to strengthen the lungs, nourish body fluids and calm the spirit. It is also used for treatment of shock, collapse and heart weakness, as well as for promoting longevity and increasing resistance to disease. According to a Japanese study, cancerous liver cells could be reverted to normal cells when treated with ginseng extract.

Arnica: Arnica occupies the ninth place among my “Top 10 herbs” for home ayurvedic remedies. Fresh or dried flowers of Arnica are used in medicinal preparations. The herb tincture is an excellent remedy for bruises sprains sore muscles and joints for external use only. Arnica has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500 century and remains popular a very popular homeopathic medicine even today. Applied externally as a cream, ointment, liniment, salve, or tincture everyone including Europeans and Native Americans have used arnica to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. It is often the first homeopathic remedy used for injuries such as sprains and bruises. Arnica in herbal form is primarily restricted to external use because it can be dangerous when taken internally without knowing the exact quantity. It should be taken internally only in the extremely diluted form common to homeopathic remedies after consulting with your homeopathy doctor.

Calendula: Calendula is the tenth among my “Top 10 herbs” for home ayurvedic remedies. Calendula got its name because it often blooms every new moon .It has an orange or yellow flower and is native to the Mediterranean area. Calendula can be taken internally or externally. Calendula is a very safe herb. The only known reactions are in people with ragweed allergy.  The herb is especially used for gastrointestinal disorders, it protects the lining of the stomach and intestines by inhibiting the causes of swelling and inflammation. It is used in checking the effects of the bacteria associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers, and stomach cancer. External uses are related to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of calendula’s orange petals. Calendula flowers are edible, and may be added to salads or cooked foods. They can also be dried for use in teas. Calendula adds flavor and color to cereals, rice, and soups. These include hemorrhoids, vaginal itching caused by menopausal tissue changes, insect bites, diaper rash, acne, burns, scalds, eczema, and sunburn. By using this herb on infections, healing is more pain-free, better, and faster.

I have studied and explored a handful of my top 10 herbs that are my all time favourite. Though the order of placing them among the top 10 herbs can vary based on its uses, this is due to the fact that they can be easily grown and are easily available in medical stores for treating common ailments. Instead of running to a doctor and taking allopathic drugs, these ailments can be treated easily with home ayurvedic remedies. They are not very exotic plants but they have hidden healing power that makes them extra-ordinary. They were used for centuries for natural healing and most importantly they are safe and very efficient. Most of the herbs have multipurpose healing effects and excel at multitasking.

Why do free radicals arise?

Free radicals arise normally during metabolism, sometimes out immune system purposely creates them to neutralize and combat with viruses and bacterias. Environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides also create free radicals. Examples are hydroxide (OH), and nitric oxide (NO) radicals. Free radicals are very unstable and react quickly with other compounds to capture the shortage of electron in order to gain stability. This process cascades resulting in disrupting and harming cells. Although the body can handle the free radicals naturally, if antioxidants are unavailable, excessive damages can occur which increases with aging.

Antioxidant Curing Remedies with Herbs

Although oxygen and hence oxidation is crucial for life, it can also be damaging; hence, plants maintain complex systems of multiple types of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and vitamin E and enzymes such as catalase and various peroxidases. Low levels of antioxidants in human beings causes stress and may damage or kill cells. Antioxidants are also widely found in dietary supplements for maintaining good health and preventing ailments such as coronary heart disease and cancer. For example, they improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy by decrease side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Precautions

Antioxidants are required in low levels for human bodies, high doses of vitamins and minerals can be toxic. The National Academy of Sciences has come out with safe upper intake levels for adults of 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day and 1000 milligrams of vitamin E per day from both foods and supplements combined. Studies have not been conducted to know how higher levels than these will affect healthy persons.

Herbs – Precious Source of Antioxidants

Herbs are usually plants with aromatic and healing properties. They are mainly used to spice up foods and for preparation of herbal teas. Herbs contain many phytochemicals including antioxidants. Take antioxidants rich food; eating antioxidants in meals and drinking antioxidants in herbal tea, fresh juices will go a long way to assure you a healthy life style.

Natural Home Made Remedies

Home remedies are becoming very popular and are the first choices of many people who are concerned of longer lasting healing effects. It comes without surprise that simple home made remedies are powerful healers. Natural cure from home made tinctures, concoctions from herbs, fruits and vegetables are not only preventive in nature, the effects are very obvious and quick without the allergic reactions.

Why choose natural or alternative herbal medicine ?

It is known to everybody that antibiotics cause undesirable side- effects, drowsiness, weakness, allergies and diarrhea. Body becomes weak and chances are if antibiotics are over-used , bacteria becomes resistant and start multiplying. Antibiotics target only bacteria and not other harmful organisms such as virus. Hence it is important to know that when you catch cold and sore throat , it is caused by virus and antibiotics do not have any effect against virus. What’s more, the antibiotic will kill off substantial amounts of normal, friendly bacteria in the body, encouraging the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may wreak havoc later.

Home made remedies comes to rescue in many such common ailments. A mixture of ginger juice with honey or a hot concoction of  black pepper, basil and black salt are the best remedies for common cold and sore throat. Not only you feel better after taking these concoctions, your body develops resistance for any further infection. They are so good that you can take them regularly and you will notice that your immunity against infection is enhancing and the resistance power growing.

Natural Weight Loss with Herbal Products

It would be prudent to check out the labels of these herbal products to determine their exact ingredients and how are they effective to your weight loss program. If you have no idea what an ingredient does, then you better consult an expert or do some research on the internet to understand the composition, usage and the benefits.

It is extremely important for an individual to utilize herbal products effectively for their weight loss program by taking in measured doses according to the prescription of the medical expert to avoid complications. You should avoid self-medication especially if you are new to the usage and have limited knowledge.

Herbal Weight Loss Remedies

Experts stress the fact that herbal remedies for weight loss should be tried in conjunction with physical workouts, stopping junk food and eating healthy and nutritious food rich in greens, salads and sprouts. In other words, just drinking green tea or consuming herbal weight loss medicine is not enough for weight loss. The weight loss should sustain with healthy habits and life style for longer durations.

One tends to gain weight when the intake of calories is more than the amount of calories the body can burn in a day. Only if your diet is lesser than the energy usage of body by burning calories will your body lose weight. An active lifestyle that used physical exercises with moderate intake will definitely put a hold to the increase in weight. Studies have shown that if the metabolic rate of an individual increased, burning fat becomes easier. This explains why some people eat a lot and still do not put on weight whereas others seem to gain weight with every nibble of bite.

Herbal Weight Loss Products

Green tea is known for the most effective herbal remedy for weight loss. It is useful for increasing weight loss, enhancing metabolism and thermo genesis. This property of green tea balances appetite, helps expedite fat burning and lowering bad cholesterol level. Green tea is one of the safest herbal remedies, which can be used by everyone without the fear of any allergies or side-effects.

St. John’s Wort with its diuretic properties helps to expedite metabolism, and controlling of the function of nervous system. Due to its possible side effects, the products containing this plant should be taken only under jurisdiction of an expert therapist.

Guggul contains guggul-sterone which stimulates the metabolism rate and raises body temperature by burning excess fat.

Start an Herb Garden with Weight Loss Herbs

Guggul tree is a flowering shrub once very eminent and common in India, now listed as endangered but found in abundance in Africa and central Asia. It is very popular in Ayurvedic Weight Loss Remedies and equally popular in western countries too. You can easily grow Guggul and Hoodia in your home herb garden. Hoodia looks similar to a cactus plant with no leaves and requires very less water. Guggul prefers arid or semi-arid climates and is tolerant of poor soil. Growth of Hoodia is good in all soil types and can withstand light frost in winter and rainy season. It should be kept dry and not over-watered. Hoodia can grow without direct sun but needs bright light. Start an herb garden today with a new and unique theme of weight loss herbs and become a celebrity and centre of attraction in your neighborhood.

Types of Basil That Can be Grown Indoors Easily

Basil loves warm climate and grows profoundly in sun with a moist soil. Avoid over-fertilizing the herb which can affect the flavor.
Lemon Basil- Lemon Basil is a white flowered with small leaves and noted lemon fragrance. It produces less foliage.
Sacred Basil – The sacred basil also known as “Holy Tulsi” is used in religious traditions in India. It is used in tea and very effective in curing cold and cough.
Thai Basil – Thai holy basil and Tulsi both have smaller, softer, slightly hairy leaves and the fragrance of cloves.
Cinnamon Basil – It is a cultivar of sweet basil and contains cinnamate, the compound that gives cinnamon its flavor. The leaves are medium sized and have strong fragrance of cinnamon.

Basil’s Medicinal Uses

Basil leaves contain oils that are a rich source of phyto-chemicals or active compounds that contributes to the aroma and the refreshing flavor. It was found that the medicinal properties of the Basil herb family has secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds including flavonoids, phenylpropasnoids and anthocyamins that are predominant for antioxidant, antibacterial , antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties . Basil is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, lungs and liver. It is also found to regulate sugar and blood pressure. Basil enhances body’s natural defense against germs, viruses and diseases.  Sweet basil is traditionally used for the treatment of ailments such as headaches, coughs and diarrhea.

Mix a paste of sandalwood and basil leaves, apply to your forehead to reduce headache. Use basil with neem to make a paste and apply it for skin infection. Basil also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning and cataracts, though research has to establish the facts.

Spice Up Your Herb Garden by Growing Basil

Grow basil indoors if you are short of space and have room for only one herb in your herb garden. Use this versatile herb to spice up your culinary skills and dishes. You can grow two varieties of Basil easily – one is large-leaved green basil like “Sweet Basil”, “Italian and lettuce-leaf Basil“, another is the dwarf variety such as “Dwarf Basil”, “Bush Basil” and “Spicy Globe. The larger type grows to about 2 to 3 feet height whereas the smaller one grows to 8 to 12 inches in width and height.

Basil’s Uses in Ayurveda

The “Holy Basil” or the ‘Sacred Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda and is known for its highly beneficial healing properties. You can find its merits in Charaka in the “Charaka Samhita”, an ancient Ayurvedic text. Eminent by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it has high regards in Ayurveda and is known as “Elixir of Life”. Basil is found to cure headaches, different type of allergies, skin infections and believed to promote longevity. Store and dry basil leaves to use it all year round.

Root Causes of Indoor Environment Pollution
Carpets, boards and insulation foam give rise to formaldehyde gas which causes irritation to the eyes and nose and is a probable contributor to common allergies found in people. Biological pollutants include pollen grains from plants, flowers, hair from pets, mites, fungi, parasites and bacteria. Most of them are allergens and cause asthma, hay fever and bronchitis. Soil emits radon gas that does not escape home interiors due to poor ventilation system thus causing harm to the dwellers. Asbestos sheets used in household are suspected to cause cancer.

Common ailments due to polluted indoor environment
In the absence of natural light and ventilation, human body is prone to various diseases and allergies caused by harmful bacteria and viruses present almost everywhere. A major part of human population continues to depend on biomass fuels like wood, dung and coal for their energy needs. Traditional cooking and heating on open fire results in high level of indoor air pollution. The smoke emitted with such fuels contains harmful carbon mono-oxide.

Start Your Own Home Herb Garden
According to “The world health report” indoor air pollution is responsible for 2.7% of the global burden of human diseases and the percentage continues to rise. Start an herb garden today with herbs and plants to increase green cover and also build, strengthen your immunity and resistance towards diseases. Herbs are known to possess demulcent, expectorant, anti-catarrhal and anti-oxidant properties. The dragon tree is known to be one of the most efficient pollutant removers which explain its omni-presence in offices with a spiky variegated leaves on a tall central stem. The goosefoot plant with its glorious marbled leaves is also extremely effective against all forms of pollution. Basil is known to drive mosquitoes away. This herb is useful in curing respiratory problems like bronchitis, allergies and asthma. Common spider plant is excellent at removing formaldehyde and the emissions from a computer terminal. Ivy a popular creeper removes almost 80% of airborne mold and fungus spores.