Turmeric-a spice for your health!!!

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been long used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent, a remedy for digestive disorders and liver problems, and as an effective treatment for skin diseases and wound healing.
In one study, turmeric was also found to improve symptoms in the autoimmune eye disorder uveitis. In this study turmeric was shown to be as effective as corticosteroids but free of the side effects commonly associated with steroids.
Turmeric is native to Asia, where it grows as a perennial flowering plant. The active ingredient in turmeric is a substance known as curcumin, which belongs to the family of curcuminoid compounds.
In Ayurvedic medicine turmeric has been studied and used as a medicinal agent for thousands of years. A teaspoon of turmeric poweder in a cup of warm milk used three times daily has long been considered an effective Ayurvedic treatment for colds and influenza.Turmeric bolied with milk and taken on empty stomach early in the morning has known to retard progression of Diabetes.It is useful in relieving flatulence. Turmeric is very useful intestinal antiseptic. The rhizome, its juice or dry powder, mixed in butter milk or plain water is highly beneficial in intestinal problems, especially chronic diarrhoea. The juice of raw turmeric mixed with a pinch of salt is considered an effective remedy for expelling worms. Turmeric being rich in iron is valuable in anaemia. A teaspoon of raw turmeric juice mixed with honey is taken everyday in the treatment of this condition. This herb is beneficial in the treatment of measles. Turmeric roots are dried in the sun and ground to a fine powder. Turmeric is an effective household remedy for bronchial asthma. A teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk twice or thrice daily is very effective. Because of its ability to induce bile flow, curcumin helps break down fats and increases the production of stomach acids. For this reason, turmeric should not be used in people diagnosed with gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner.
Turmeric and Arthritis:
A research study has explored the use of turmeric for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition affecting two million Americans. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is the most common of the autoimmune rheumatologic disorders, is characterized by joint swelling, pain, stiffness and a progressive loss of joint function
Results suggest that the most improvement, measured in terms of joint swelling, occurred in the rats given an extract containing only curcuminoids, the major components of turmeric, as opposed to more complex extracts containing curcuminoids plus other turmeric compounds (similar to commercially available supplements).
Contraindications:
Turmeric should not be used in pregnancy and in patients with gallstones or bile duct obstructions unless it is under the advise of their physicians.

Medicinal use of ginger!!!

Ginger is rich in volatile oils, beta-carotene, essential fatty acids, amino acids, resins, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, B-vitamins, vitamins A and C and gingerols (including shogaols, a breakdown product of gingerols and are produced only upon drying and twice as effective and pungent as gingerol.
Beneficial Uses:For nausea, Ginger is a wonderful and time-honored remedy. The herb is frequently used to settle a queasy stomach, control vomiting and colic, ease morning sickness, motion sickness and seasickness.
Ginger is said to improve digestion and has been known to pep up the appetite, promote saliva production, combat dyspepsia and relieve flatulent colic . It is also thought to be helpful for stomach cramps, alcoholic gastritis and hangover.
The shogaol content in Ginger increases the activity of the digestive tract and is particularly helpful in digesting rich, fatty foods.
Ginger has been used to cleanse the body of toxins through the skin by stimulating and increasing perspiration and has also been useful in breaking fevers. It is slightly diuretic and further cleanses the body by strengthening kidney function and increasing kidney filtration.
Ginger is a natural blood thinner and may help to prevent strokes, heart attacks and hardening of the arteries. The chemical gingerol appears to inhibit an enzyme that causes cells to clot and thereby reduces platelet aggregation and blood "clumping." Ginger helps to retard the production of cholesterol by the liver and has been known to reverse the increase in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, thus helping to combat heart attack.
As an effective expectorant, Ginger has been used to rid the body of mucus buildup in the sinuses, throat and lungs. For centuries, the Chinese have used Ginger as a drying herb to eliminate mucus and have used it for colds, diarrhea and coughs. This sweet, pungent, aromatic and warming herb is still considered a fine treatment for congestion, colds, influenza, asthma and chronic bronchitis. It is said to ease cold symptoms, and the shagaol in Ginger is thought to kill cold viruses. Its pain relieving properties have been said to ease the abdominal pain sometimes associated with colds and flu and also to counter the pain of strep throat.
Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties are said to help arthritis, bursitis and sprains. The herb inhibits the production of immune system components called cytokines, chemicals that create a long-term tendency toward inflammation and also stimulates blood circulation, offering pain relief, increased joint mobility, decreased swelling and morning stiffness.
Further supporting its pain killing and swelling properties, other pain-killing benefits attributed to
Ginger include treatment of migraine headaches, menstrual cramps and the cramping caused by constipation. It is also thought to and relieve both the pain and stop the production of hormones that cause swelling in fibrocystic breasts.
Recent research indicates that Ginger is useful in the treatment of minor burns and skin inflammations
Ginger is considered effective in combating parasitic infection.It has also shown properties of inhibiting growth of bacterias like Salmonella.
Ginger is a warming herb that is thought to strengthen the function of the kidneys, bladder, uterus and liver (increasing bile production). It is also said to help increase blood circulation, including peripheral circulation (hands, feet, etc.).
Contraindications:People taking blood thinners should avoid Ginger, and the herb should be avoided for two weeks prior to elective surgery. Pregnant women who use Ginger for morning sickness should not take large amounts nor use it for prolonged periods without consulting a physician. Ginger increases bile production and should not be used by people with gallstones or gallbladder disease unless supervised by a doctor.