Health Benefits of Wormwood Tea

Wormwood is a major ingredient in absinthe, a famous drink of the nineteenth century, believed to be associated with the deaths of Edgar Allan Poe and Vincent Van Gogh.
Wormwood is a perennial shrub, native to Europe, northern Africa, western Asia, and nowadays, North America. It is usually planted along roads and pathways, and grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet. The stem of wormwood has a gray-green or white color, covered with fine hair. Its flowers, leaves, and upper shoots are used in herbal medicine, while its bitter flavor is instrumental in enhancing the taste of alcoholic beverages.

The tall claims made about wormwood's ability to treat cancer, or the side effects of conventional cancer treatment methods, are not supported by scientific evidence. However, some compounds from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), which is related to wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), have shown positive results in the treatment of malaria, and have been used for the same since ancient times. Drinking wormwood tea is also known to increase the libido, and strengthen the immune system.

Wormwood Tea for Better Health
Caution: Wormwood tea is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women, and babies. Acts as a Digestive Stimulant
The number of stomach problems that wormwood tea treats is countless. It aids digestion, relieves stomach ache, heartburn, gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, improves appetite, and treats irregular menstruation. The reason behind the effectiveness of wormwood is its excruciatingly bitter taste. This bitter taste triggers a release of bile from the gallbladder, and other secretions from the intestinal glands, that aid digestion.

Wormwood tea is also used to fight intestinal worms. The herb contains a potential chemical component, thujone, that kill parasites. In addition to thujone, wormwood also contains santonin, which is beneficial in treating several parasitic diseases. Furthermore, wormwood is also rich in sesquiterpene lactones, that have properties similar to peroxide, which weaken the membranes of the parasites and then kill them.

Soothes Irritated Skin
If you have skin problems due to contact dermatitis (a form of eczema), drinking wormwood tea is one of the best remedies to treat these problems. The higher levels of antioxidants present in wormwood are capable of reducing itching and irritation of the skin. Moreover, this herbal tea can keep your skin healthy and refreshed. While it reduces the itching sensation and feeling of irritation, it also moisturizes your skin. Apart from that, it can also be used to treat slow-healing wounds, skin blotches, and insect bites.
Acts as a Cleanser
Bitter wormwood tea is the best treatment for the removal of parasites from the body. The bitter flavor of the tea has the potential to get rid of the bad parasites from the body, and also detoxify the body by getting rid of unwanted toxins. Wormwood tea has a purging effect, which throws the bile away from the liver and ultimately, out of the body. For better cleansing results, you should drink wormwood tea daily.

? Add 1 heaped teaspoon of the wormwood herb, or 1 rounded teaspoon of wormwood powder to 1 cup of boiling water.? Allow the herb to steep in water for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then drink it. Wormwood tea can be taken either before, during, or after meals.? To counter the bitter taste, you can add stevia or xylitol, which are natural sweeteners that help make the tea more palatable.? Remember that the longer the tea brews, the better the effect on the body.
To enjoy the health benefits of wormwood tea to the fullest and avoid any adverse effects, it is important to take it in moderation. Moreover, ensure that you are consuming wormwood tea or any of its forms only under the supervision of a medical professional, and in small amounts. Also, do not drink the tea continuously for more than four to five weeks.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.

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Health Benefits of Farro

Did You Know?
Though Farro is one of the lesser-known whole grains today, it is probably one of the oldest grains to be used by man. Ancient Egyptians are known to have used Farro for consumption around 6,000 years ago!
For those of you who haven't stumbled upon this nutritious grain before, Farro is a specific wheat species; consumed in its whole-grain form. That said, there's an unsettled debate over which species of wheat goes into this wonder ingredient.

While buying Farro, it is usually in the dried form, and needs to be thoroughly boiled and softened before consumption. But Farro is literally a tough nut to crack, so soaking overnight is definitely an advisable option. To cook till perfection, ensure that it's soft on the inside, and yet crunchy on the outside. Though it is used extensively in main course, Farro is very versatile and can be a part of practically any course of your meal!

*Per 50 grams
of Semi-pearled Farro? Farro is a great source of Vitamin B3. This essential vitamin helps in improving one's metabolism.

? It is also a superb source of magnesium. High magnesium intake keeps a track on your blood pressure, ensures better cardiac health, and keeps your bones strong.

? For the Health-conscious: Farro is a wonder grain, packed with limited calories and high-fiber. Add it to your compact meals to ensure that you stay full for longer! Not only this, dietary fiber also helps in improving digestion and keeps diabetes, and cardiac problems at bay.

? Battle Cholesterol: Farro itself being free of cholesterol, also helps you reduce your existing cholesterol levels. A bowl full of Farro has 8 grams of cholesterol-lowering fiber!

? Versatile Staple: Farro is a very versatile grain and is the best alternative for people watching their weight or suffering from several health problems. Retain most of your recipe, and simply replace rice or pasta with Farro!

? Farro, thanks to its high magnesium content, also helps relieve menstrual cramps.

? Farro has complex carbohydrates. Which means that it takes longer to digest and steadily fuels your energy requirements for longer durations.

? Protein-ilicious! Farro is almost 15% protein.

? Farro is also rich in antioxidants owing to the presence of lignans. Antioxidants are known to prevent cardiovascular problems and degenerative diseases.

? Consuming Farro also increases your zinc intake, thus, improving your cardiac, mental and essentially, reproductive well-being.

? Farro also fuels your meal with iron. This essential mineral improves our muscle and brain function, and as we all know, helps in supplying our body with oxygen.

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Benefits of Having a Workout Partner

Flabbergasting!
According to one Kansas State University research, an individual who is accompanied by a gym buddy is benefited, as his/her own time span and intensity of workout shoots up by almost 200%, while sweating it out (together) in the gym.

Working out alone can sometimes get boring and tone down your motivation, but when you have a partner, working out together can be real fun. A workout friend brings a lot of benefits to your fitness regimen, a few of which are listed below.

» Do not choose a partner who is lazy, as he/she won't be a motivator, and chances are that you may also end up lazing around.

» Find a partner who is of the same physique as yours, so you can plan your sessions and can help each other while exercising.

» It is also necessary to find a partner who has the same fitness goals, else it can get very frustrating as you can't compare any of your triumphs.

» If you and your partner have some things in common, your workout sessions can become more interesting, and you can start with some more activities together.

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Health Benefits of Practicing Sun Salutations

Sun salutation is an important part of yoga. It is one of the easiest yoga routines, and an excellent way to get started with yoga if you are a total newbie. Like all yoga, sun salutation or Surya Namaskara is a whole-body exercise. A full cycle of the 12 aasanas of surya namaskara, tasks and strengthens pretty much every muscle, bone, and connecting tissue in the body.

Traditionally, surya namaskara has been performed in the morning, facing the rising sun. Though the reason for this is that the exercise is performed in honor of the Sun God, it resonates with the medical advice that exposing your body to gentle sunlight in mornings produces more vitamin D; Vitamin D is essential in building denser and stronger bones. Due to its nature as a muscle-stretching exercise, it is an ideal way to speed up recovery from earlier exercise sessions. It can be performed as a stretching routine after weight-bearing exercises. But since this is also a weight-bearing exercise in itself, it should preferably be performed on its own, or more static stretches should be added after it.

How Does Surya Namaskara Benefit You?

Here's a summary of the various health benefits imparted by practicing surya namaskara.

? Surya namaskara is an effective exercise for both muscle gain and weight loss, as well as general fitness. Like any exercise, regularly performing it helps slow down the effects of aging. It is a muscle-stretching exercise, and improves flexibility drastically.

? Unlike weight machines, which work a particular muscle to the exclusion of everything else, surya namaskara positions work the muscles, bones, as well as the ligaments/tendons in multiple areas of the body. More than 90% of the body is worked upon during a cycle of surya namaskara. This leads to better muscle coordination, and, since the connecting tissues are also strengthened, much more functional strength is achieved. Better muscular coordination also leads to much better balance, and a wider range of motion.

? The positions in surya namaskara alternate between stretching and bending the spine. In today's sedentary lifestyle, this motion is particularly beneficial to the spine. It helps relieve minor-to-moderate back problems, and also balances the chronic muscular contractions in the shoulder and the chest that arise from sitting in a chair for long hours. The cycle of alternately stretching and bending also enhances the functioning of the digestive system, and core muscles.

? Surya namaskara is, in essence, a weight-bearing exercise. Hence, it contributes to greater bone-mineral density.

? The positions in surya namaskara are accompanied by a specific breathing pattern, which increases lung capacity, teaches the body to use available oxygen efficiently, and enhances blood circulation.

? The psychological benefits of yoga have been explored and recognized by Western medicine. Regularly practicing surya namaskara is known to aid stress relief, and helps keep depression away. It promotes 'mindfulness', and, over time, imparts a calm, peaceful mentality to the practitioner. It also helps the practitioner relax in the short term.

? Traditionally, surya namaskara, like all yoga, is considered to be much more than just bodily exercise. The various positions in sun salutations are considered to have a positive effect on respective chakras in the human body. In the West, yoga has been practiced primarily as a physical exercise, and the spiritual aspect has been largely ignored. There haven't been any studies proving a connection between this exercise and the various chakras of the human body, and believing in the chakra system is completely a matter of choice. Personally, I have been practicing surya namaskara for much of the last 7 years, purely as a physical exercise.

However, the alleged positions of the various chakras correspond, with surprising accuracy, to the positions of various endocrine glands and vital organs in the human body, and sun salutations may also enhance the functioning of these glands and organs. The chakra most affected by each position can be said to be the one consisting of the organs and glands closest to the gravitational center of the body while performing the position (this is just a general rule of thumbs). Regardless of what side you are on in this debate, sun salutation unarguably has an overall positive and 'healing' effect on the whole body, and certainly doesn't harm or hinder any bodily process.

Let's look at the benefits conferred by each of the 7 distinct aasanas in surya namaskara.

Pranamasana

Although this is described as a 'resting pose', it helps you figure out the best way to balance your body. Tightened core muscles and thighs help you hold your body in a straight line, which is an oft-overlooked aspect of general fitness. It also helps you figure out any problems with your alignment.

This pose is said to have an effect on the Anahata chakra. This chakra is located in the chest, and can be said to be equivalent to the thymus and the heart.

Hasta Uttanasana

This is the first 'stretching pose'. As mentioned before, stretching your spine is one of the best things you can do for one of the most important parts of the body, before a day of sitting in a chair and hardly moving at all. It relieves the pressure on the spinal discs, acting as a deterrent against the likes of herniated discs and other spinal ailments. Stretching the spine also 'wrings out' the abdominal organs, thus improving digestion, and increases the range of motion of the shoulder and biceps/triceps muscles.

This position is said to enhance the Vishuddhi chakra. This chakra, situated in the throat, can be said to correspond with the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Hastapadasana

This is the first bending pose. Bending forward stretches the glutes, hamstrings, and the calves, and results in stronger, more flexible legs and hips. It also increases blood flow to the brain, but since the next position reverses this effect, this is not a major advantage.

This position is said to benefit the Swadhishthana chakra. This chakra, situated in the sacrum, can be said to correspond to the gonads.

Anjaneyasana

This stretching pose imparts the same benefits as a lunge. It stretches the thighs and the groin, as well as engaging abdominal muscles and the lats. Correctly done, it also stretches the arm and shoulder muscles.

This position is said to work upon the Ajna chakra. This chakra, located on the forehead between the eyebrows, can be analogously compared to the pineal gland.

Adho Mukha Shwanasana

This step imparts roughly the same benefits as the Western exercise of plank. Sometimes, an actual plank is performed instead of this aasana. Balancing the body on the palms and toes strengthens the shoulders, wrists, core muscles, and hips. It also stretches and strengthens the calves and hamstrings, especially the former.

This position is said to enhance the previously mentioned Vishuddhi chakra.

Ashtanga Namaskara

This step is very similar to a pushup, except that the hips are raised above the body, and the knees touch the floor. Like the pushup, this position strengthens the shoulders, the core muscles, and the hips and thighs.

This position is said to better the Manipura chakra. Located in the abdomen, it can be equated to the pancreas, and the adrenal glands.

Bhujangasana

This is the 3rd stretching position in the sequence, and consequently relieves the spine, strengthens the shoulders, and enhances the functioning of the abdominal organs.

This position enhances the previously mentioned Swadhishthana chakra.

Position 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are simply repetitions of the positions 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, respectively; this signifies the cyclical nature of this exercise.

Despite the universally beneficial nature of these exercises, some precaution must be taken. Surya namaskara is primarily a stretching exercise, and proper warmup should be done before starting this exercise. If not warmed up, forceful stretching of the muscles can cause serious injuries.

Like all exercises, a physician must be consulted before starting a new exercise regime, especially if you suffer from a spinal, cardiac, or respiratory condition. Pregnant women should refrain from doing the full exercise, especially after the first trimester, and should consult a trusted yoga expert for a modified version of the exercise, which can actually be beneficial to the baby's growth and the mother's well-being.

DISCLAIMER: This article should not be used as replacement for medical advice. The advice of a medical professional should always be sought before starting any exercise routine.

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Health Benefits of Juniper Tea

The Juniper tree was rumored to have magical powers, and simply placing it near the entrance of the house could protect its residents from witches, accidents, and diseases.
The juniper tree has a long history of use, thanks to its high medicinal value. The plant and its extracts are regarded as folk medicine in some European countries. Depending upon the species of the plant, it can either be a small shrub or grow to a height of up to 40m.

The purple-black berries that grow on this plant display antimicrobial activity, and are the main ingredient in juniper tea. Being an antiseptic and an excellent source of antioxidants, the medicinal purposes of juniper tea are numerous, some of which are discussed below.

Juniper Tea Health Benefits

Relieves Indigestion
Kick-start your digestion process post a heavy meal by having a cup of juniper tea. This herbal tea can provide a great amount of relief from indigestion, that often manifests in the form of an upset stomach and gas. Heartburn and bloating, that are common after having elaborate meals, can be alleviated by drinking juniper tea. It can also be helpful to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as colitis and ulcers.

Detoxifies Kidneys
Due to its diuretic properties, juniper tea can be helpful to cleanse the kidneys. Juniper tea detoxifies the urinary system by getting rid of harmful substances through urine. This is crucial to keep the urinary tract system healthy. Therefore juniper tea is also used in the treatment of UTI. If you suffer from a bladder infection, you can always take juniper tea as a way to combat the urological condition. Its diuretic action stimulates the kidneys and improves urine flow, which may also contribute in dissolving kidney stones. The antimicrobial properties of juniper tea can aid in treating other urological conditions such as prostatitis, vaginitis, and urethritis as well.

Resolves Edema
Due to its diuretic nature, it can help to get rid of excess fluids and alleviate tissue swelling commonly associated with water retention. It increases urine flow to expel excess fluid, which may eventually help to cure edema. On the whole, the increased urination also contributes in eliminating toxic waste from the body.

Treats Joint Problems
The medicinal benefits of juniper tea may also extend to reducing joint pain. Studies have proved the anti-inflammatory activity of juniper berries. Proanthocyanidins, naturally occurring compounds, are known to induce inflammatory reaction in the affected tissues. There is excess secretion of proanthocyanidins in the inflamed tissue. In one such study, it was observed that juniper tea helped in restricting synthesis of proanthocyanidins, which may help in alleviating inflammation. The fruits and herbal tea of the juniper tree have been used for years to treat musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint inflammation.

Reduces Uric Acid Levels
Accumulation of uric acid in the joint tissues that causes inflammation is common in people affected with gout. Taking juniper berries in the form of tea can work wonders to decrease uric acid levels, which may help to alleviate symptoms of gout. Thus, taking juniper tea can aid in keeping uric acid levels in the normal range and prevent a gout attack. Too much uric acid can also cause uric acid crystals to form in the kidneys, and eventually cause formation of kidney stones. All these issues can be avoided by drinking juniper tea.

Treats Viral Infections
Respiratory problems such as common cold, seasonal flu, and bronchitis can also be effectively treated by drinking tea made from juniper berries. The plant contains a powerful antiviral agent that can restrict the activity of different viruses. So, taking its extracts, such as juniper tea, does help to soothe viral infections of the respiratory tract. Inhaling the steam produced while making juniper tea also provides relief from a few symptoms of lung infection. Even herpes can be effectively managed by with the help of juniper tea.

A Natural Expectorant
Looking for a natural way to drain the mucus from the lungs? Look no further, as juniper tea acts as a natural expectorant. There is no need to take chemical-based cough syrups that claim to loosen the mucus at the expense of other bothersome side effects. One can always rely on juniper tea to get rid of excess mucus and reduce chest congestion.

Stimulates Appetite
Not feeling hungry during meal times? Want to improve your appetite naturally? Well, have juniper tea just before having a meal and expect your hunger to return with a vengeance.

Stimulates Menstrual Flow
Women suffering from irregular periods may benefit by taking juniper tea as it helps to improve menstrual flow. It is also one of the best home remedies to alleviate muscle cramping.

High in Antioxidants
The juniper berries that are used in making this herbal tea are full of antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and other nutrients such as vitamin B. Antioxidants act as powerful defense mechanisms against free radicals - molecules that have been linked to numerous degenerative diseases. So, consuming juniper tea can provide you with a generous dose of antioxidants, thereby making you feel healthier.

Caution
Continued usage of juniper tea can be detrimental to kidneys. So, despite its health benefits, frequent intake of juniper tea has to be avoided. One should drink not more than 2 cups of juniper tea daily and this can be continued for 2 months at the most.Juniper tea acts as a uterine stimulant, meaning it can induce contraction of uterus muscles. Although uterine contractions are normal during pregnancy, juniper tea can cause premature contractions, which may lead to menstrual bleeding. So, it is essential that pregnant women, and even those planning to conceive, avoid taking juniper or its extracts. Breastfeeding women should also avoid drinking juniper tea.Natural diuretics such as juniper tea can do more harm than good in people with serious kidney impairments. Kidneys with primary defects won't be able to handle the diuretic activity of juniper tea.People suffering from diabetes need to consult a doctor before taking juniper tea. Animal studies suggest that juniper berries and leaves tend to decrease blood sugar levels. So, taking too much of juniper extracts can significantly reduce sugar levels in the body, thereby increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Also, the efficacy of prescribed diabetic medications may lower when they are taken in conjunction with juniper tea.There have been sporadic reports of cedar berries (belonging to one of the juniper plant species) helping to treat and even cure diabetes in humans. Also, juniper berries has a long history of use as a treatment for diabetes by Native Americans. However, large-scale studies are yet to verify the effects of juniper extracts on diabetic patients.Juniper Tea Side Effects

Anything consumed in excess is bad for health and this also holds true for juniper tea. Despite having high medicinal value, drinking juniper tea in moderation is the key to reap its benefits. Excess intake can make you susceptible to some of its bothersome side effects, some of which are given below: DiarrheaHigh blood pressureIntestinal discomfortBlood in urine (indicating kidney damage)Urine emanating offensive odorOn the whole, there can be a debate whether juniper tree holds magical powers, but there is little doubt that the juniper tea is good for health if taken in moderation.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

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Hidden Health Benefits of Eating Spicy Food

There are a number of people who crave for spicy food. The pleasure of eating a spicy meal can be an entirely different experience. A hot, burning sensation which can be discomforting and even painful though for some, it is worth relishing the flavor and they enjoy every bit of it. This is the magic of spicy food. Chili is not the only substance that increases the spiciness of the food, as there is pepper, turmeric, jalapenos and other herbs which add to the flavor and hotness. Though a lot of people think it is unhealthy to eat spicy food, the good news for spicy food-lovers is that this food contains hidden health benefits like improving immunity and heart health and even aiding weight loss too.

It is Healthy to Eat Spicy Food!

Spicy foods like chili and pepper get their hotness from a compound called capsaicin. It also plays a major role in providing health benefits. Higher the content of capsaicin the hotter that food becomes. But on coming in contact with the skin it may cause a burning sensation. It may also cause irritation to your eyes. Hence, be careful while handling chilies and peppers. Excess of spicy food also can be harmful, hence the consumption should always be in moderate amounts. Following are some of the health benefits that you gain from consuming spicy food in moderation.

One of the main compounds of chili is capsaicin which has a thermogenic effect on the body that leads to increased metabolism. This further results in burning extra calories and can lead to considerable weight loss. Apart from this, if you are following a diet or your healthy food is less appealing, then you can just sprinkle certain spices which will not only enhance the taste but can also keep you healthy.
Capsaicin in chilies reduces the effect of LDL or bad cholesterol which further reduce the chances of blood clots that may block the arteries. This helps in the proper circulation of blood through the heart and improves the functioning of cardiovascular system. Various studies have shown that people who eat more spicy food have lower incidents of heart and stroke problems.
Capsaicin also has the ability to inhibit the substance P, which is a neuropeptide, that triggers the body's inflammatory response. Hence, we can say that consumption of spicy food can help in reducing inflammation. It also prevents the inflammation of arteries.
Chili and pepper are high in vitamin A and vitamin C. Two teaspoons of chili powder provides about 10% of vitamin A and 6% of vitamin C of the body's daily requirement. It boosts the immune system and improves the first line of defense of the human body.
In 2006, a team of researchers from the Cancer Institute at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in collaboration with colleagues from UCLA, found out that capsaicin drove human prostate cancer cells to kill themselves. But excess intake of capsaicin has also been associated with stomach cancer. So always be careful about the amount you consume.
According to a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2006, there was a considerable drop in the blood sugar levels in diabetic people after they have a spicy meal. The study was carried out on 36 diabetic people who were asked to eat bland food (without any chili and pepper) for four weeks. And then for the next four weeks their daily diet was supplemented with 30 gm of chili pepper blend. The results showed their blood sugar levels increased less when they consumed chili pepper blend in comparison to when they ate bland food. Relieves Congestion: Spicy food increases body heat and helps in clearing the mucus. This reduces sinus pressure and pain.Provides Better Sleep: Studies have shown that people who consume chili pepper on a daily bases enjoy a better and longer sleep.Boosts Mood: When you eat chilies, due to the instant hot sensation, the brain releases endorphins which are natural painkillers, and are also known as happy hormones, to nullify the effect. This naturally boosts your mood.Fights Stomach Ulcers: Stomach ulcers are usually caused due to the bacterial growth. Chili and pepper consumed in moderation are known to kill these bacteria and avoid stomach ulcers.So, even if you are not a lover of spicy food, you can just spice up your meal a bit to enjoy the goodness of chilies and pepper. To derive its various health benefits, it is very important to consume spicy foods in moderation, as excessive consumption can also cause harm.

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