Although in Europe and the U.S. cinnamon is most often associated with sweet dishes, it has broad culinary uses. For example, in India, cinnamon is never used with desserts, but is the main ingredient in curries.

Cinnamon is the bark of three bushy evergreen trees of the laurel (Lauraceae) family. The most fragrant and delicate cinnamon is obtained from the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree native to Sri Lanka (which used to be called ‘Ceylon’), the western coast of India (known as the Malabar coast), and Burma. Zeylanicum cinnamon is sometimes called ‘true cinnamon’ and ‘old fashioned cinnamon.’ But the ‘true’ part was just advertising copy for the Dutch East India Company’s 17th century monopoly.

The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Cinnamon ‘For loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints such as mild, spastic condition of the gastrointestinal tract, bloating, flatulence.’ It is chiefly used to assist and flavor other drugs, being helpful in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and to relieve flatulence. The oil is a powerful germicide, but being very irritant is rarely used in medicine for this purpose. It is a strong local stimulant, sometimes prescribed in gastro-dynia, flatulent colic, and gastric debility.

It is found that a mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most of the diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Ayurvedic as well as Yunani medicine have been using honey as a vital medicine for centuries. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 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 dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.

Honey and cinnamon mixtures are researched to be effective in a myriad of therapeutic conditions. These are enumerated below:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, chapati, or other 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 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 heartbeat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as age the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalizes the arteries and veins.

INSECT BITES: Take one part honey to two parts of lukewarm water and add a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder, make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body slowly. It is noticed that the pain recedes within a minute or two.

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.

HAIR LOSS: Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair. It was found to be effective even if kept on for 5 minutes.

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.

TOOTHACHE: Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied 3 times a day till the tooth stops aching.

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% within 2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, any Chronic cholesterol is cured. As per 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 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.

INFERTILITY: Yunani and Ayurvedic Medicine have been using honey for thousands of years to strengthen the semen of men. If impotent men regularly take two tablespoon of honey before going to sleep, their problem will be solved.

In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women, who do not conceive and need to strengthen the uterus, have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Women who cannot conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.

A couple in Maryland, USA, had no children for 14 years and had lost hope of having a child of their own. When told about this process, husband and wife started taking honey and cinnamon as stated above; the wife conceived after a few months and had twins at full term.

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

GAS: According to the studies done in India & 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 bacteria 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 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age.

Life spans also increases 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.

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 3 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 power in equal parts, are more alert and flexible.

Dr. Milton who has done research says that a half tablespoon 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 restore hearing.

Tags: ayurvedic, skin disorders, therapeutic, dietary supplement, herbal

Nature’s blessings in honey

The most precious moment in anyone’s life is when she/he hears the first cry of their newborn. A myriad of feelings in form of joy, excitement, responsibility and perhaps even fear enroll the emotions of the new born parents too. It is truly said that child gives birth to a mother. Such a pious and auspicious occasion is marked by a tradition in India…an ancient tradition which is carried forward since decades together. The grandparents or the elder most member of the family puts some honey on the tongue of the new baby as a symbol of health and good fortune. This precious substance has many advantages which enable it to take the form of nature’s blessings.

What is honey?

Honey is formed by honey bees when they rest and suck nectar from the pollen of flowers. It is a natural process where by metabolic processes of the honey bee, honey is formed. It is stored in the bee hives and these are generally broken to extract honey. Since it is a natural product obtained primarily from pollen, it gives rise to anti allergic properties to protect people from pollen allergies.

Honey is a sweet substance and perhaps this is the reason why it easily fits in the daily regimen of most people as a healthy substitute to sugar. In fact almost 70% households in U.S use honey in some form or the other on account of its taste or health benefits. Chemically it is composed of glucose and fructose which are natural mono saccharides easily digested and absorbed in the blood , better and faster than sucrose present in sugar. In fact it is much better for high risk diabetics as metabolism of mono saccharides is faster.

In addition there are several enzymes and hormones present from the bee which secretes the honey making it more adaptable to the human system. A number of vitamins and minerals in form of calcium, zinc, manganese, sodium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, iron , phosphate, vitamin B1,B2, B3, B5, B6 along with vitamin C make this product efficient in restoring normal health of the body. Since most of these micro nutrients are required in trace amounts within the body, honey suffices the need which is left unmet in most cases, specially in vegetarians.

Some health benefits of honey are listed below:

1. Antiseptic

Honey contains antimicrobial agents, which prevents infections by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. When using honey it may help to heat it up before putting it on your wound.

1. Moisturizer

Honey may also be good for your skin. It has the ability to attract water. It is also safe for sensitive skin. You can use it as a moisturizing mask for your skin as well as your hair.

1. Source of energy

Energy is released fastest by mono saccharides once they are rapidly absorbed in blood stream. Since both glucose and fructose are supplied by honey, it relieves fatigue and energizes the mind and body.

1. Anti plaque
   

Honey stops the growth of dental plaque bacteria and reduces the amount of acid produced, which stops the bacteria from producing dextran (a component of dental plaque).

1. Anti inflammatory
   

It is used to relieve sore throat pain. Pour a teaspoon of honey into a large serving spoon and then top off the spoon with lemon juice. Swallow the concoction (without water) every few hours until symptoms clear up. Some people add a pinch of black or red pepper to increase blood circulation to the throat.]

1. Relaxant

Honey is a carbohydrate and will increase the level of tryptophan-an amino acid that is used in the production of serotonin-, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that will induce a sense of calm and drowsiness. That is why some people drink a cup of water with a spoonful of honey before sleep

1. Honey may also be effective in the treatment of your ulcers. In Europe, honey has been used internally to help cure ulcers, particularly stomach ulcers.
2. In treating diarrhea, honey promotes the re hydration of the body and more quickly clears up the diarrhea and any vomiting and stomach upsets

So, next time when you want to take care of your health ask for honey tea and not sugar less tea. Perhaps this sweet is more beneficial !

Tags: Ayurvedic, herbs, medicine, alternative, remedies

There have been plenty of new-age beauty brands promising you the world, but here are very simple, elementary old-age rituals that Indian queens of that “Kingdom Era” used to follow :

• Use a face scrub from milk mixed with crushed almond, crushed walnut kernels, and bengal gram powder. Suggested Use : 2-3 times a week.
• A natural body lotion made from rose water, glycerine and lime juice is very good. Apply it all over your body to hydrate it.
• Mix Sugar granules, honey and orange rind and it will give you a natural homemade body-scrub to keep your skin soft and supple.
• Fresh Cream mixed with lemon-juice and honey can be used as a face pack (15 mins). Cream is very good to moisturize the skin.
• Massage your whole body with olive oil mixed with aloe-vera gel (Ghrit Kumari)
• To relieve a sunburn - use a face-mask by applying Plain Yoghurt (Curd). It will soothe and repair the skin.
• Rub the skin of the Papaya , OR the orange pulp on your face. It maintains the pH balance. Cucumber Slices also work wonders for your eyes.
• Simple Rose water - when sprayed over your face, gives you an instant refreshing feeling.
• Lastly, to give yourself a dose of antioxidants and vitamins, do not touch those pills - Instead, try a glass of mix-fruit smoothie.

I hope you like this, Follow any one of those - and you are set !

Regards, Puneet

Ringworm is a skin-infection caused by fungi. Today, we describe the ayurvedic way to treat ringworm using common ingredients found at home. Garlic is the principle remedy here.

• Early morning, when you rise, take half tsp. of Sea-salt with a glass of warm water.
• After about half an hour, take a metal tumbler, or a bowl and crush a fresh garlic-pod in it. Add 50 ml of fresh unsalted, plain Yoghurt (curd/dahi) and half tsp. of