To combat diabetes, you need to get moving every day, and you need to eat the right things. Commit to exercise, record it, and keep track of what you’ve been doing. Exercise will make your insulin-resistant cells more sensitive to insulin. Resistance training will help improve blood-sugar control and lower cholesterol levels. Everything will begin to work better, and you’ll feel better, too.

Now that you’re feeling better because you’re moving rather than melting into your couch, you should be able to think more clearly about all the foods that your body is craving: whole fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. They don’t take much preparation. It’s just as easy to grab a piece of fruit as it is to scarf down a doughnut. The fruit will keep you healthy, but the donut—or 6 of them—will definitely turn you in the wrong direction.

One piece of great news that we’ve collected in the past decade is the glycemic index of foods. It’s a rating based on how quickly 100 grams of a food raises your blood-glucose levels after eating, compared with 100 grams of glucose. Glucose is at the top at 100—it is absorbed very rapidly. What difference does this make? When blood sugar is raised, it stimulates an insulin response. Insulin helps remove the sugar from your bloodstream and transport it into muscle and liver cells.

Blood sugar returns to normal and stays there for several hours until it begins to drop and you eat again. This is the normal, healthy response that we want. However, when blood-sugar levels rise rapidly over and over again, too much insulin may be secreted. This constant wash of insulin over the cells of your body causes the cells to become resistant to insulin, inhibiting the transport of glucose into the cells. Give it time, and you’ve got Type II diabetes.

Many things affect the glycemic index of a food. Other nutrients, like fat and protein, slow absorption. Fiber slows absorption to a remarkable extent. If absorption of carbohydrates is slower rather than faster, then glucose passes into the bloodstream in a timed-release fashion and the insulin response stays well under control. Carbohydrate metabolism remains normal and healthy.

But remember, stop thinking about what you can’t eat next. Instead, focus on all the foods that your body needs to eat to stay healthy. Fuel yourself so that you can begin to increase the amount of exercise that you are doing. It’s the most positive way to change those old, unhealthy habits into new healthy habits.

• Vitamin/Mineral Supplement: Begin immediately by adding a good multi-vitamin/multi-mineral supplement to your daily diet. I shall only recommend USANA brand.

• Antioxidants: Add an antioxidant supplement (A, E, C, selenium or equivalent).

• Oils: Replace your salad oil with olive oil immediately, and change your cooking oil to coconut oil. (Polyunsaturated fats like corn and palm oil commonly used today oxidize at a lower temperature. This means that they throw off free radicals at body temperature, which cause cellular damage and accelerate aging.)

• Vegetables: If you aren’t already, add at least one very large serving of dark leafy green vegetables, one serving of yellow vegetables and one of dark red vegetables per day. This will add important enzymes, phytonutrients, minerals and fiber. The easiest way to do this is to insist on one large salad of romaine and RIPE tomato with carrots to nibble on the side And don’t forget to use olive oil for dressing. A squeeze of lemon goes nicely with this, and the combination of olive oil and lemon helps balance liver enzyme function as well.

• Eggs: Protein is vital to cellular regeneration. Although carbohydrates can give you energy, and in the long run your body can use vegetable proteins to synthesize human proteins, only eggs contain every single amino acid necessary to rebuild human cells. Unless you are allergic, add one or two eggs to your menu every day. You can hard boil and chop it over that salad.

• Yogurt: In addition to the protein it adds, yogurt also adds calcium and important digestive enzymes to your diet. Add at least one serving of live-culture yogurt daily. It’s cheap, it tastes good and it’s good for you. What more can you ask for? Full fat yogurt is preferable, since the low-fat kind is usually filled with food starch for texture and adds empty calories. Avoid the kind with lots of added sugar if you can, since sugar has little to no real long-term nutritional value.

• Hydration:Your body requires adequate water to move nutrients and enzymes throughout the body. One of the first habits you need to develop is drinking lots of clean water daily.

• Sleep:Although it’s hard to find, adequate sleep is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your appearance. You body spends most of your sleeping hours regenerating itself, rebuilding cells, balancing hormone levels and brain chemicals. Adequate sleep will not only help you look good, it will help you feel good as well. Neurochemicals that control mood and pain levels are produced during sleep, which is why so many chronic pain patients are found to have an underlying sleep disorder. So, even if you are not the raving beauty you wished you were, proper mood can lead to proper perspective, and at least it won’t bother you as much. There is, of course, no such thing as perfect, and there’s nothing like a good night sleep to put those nagging doubts and insecurities into perspective.

• Adequate Sleep: Make a habit of getting enough sleep. Most experts claim seven to nine hours per day is the required amount. Some experts say that setting the total amount of sleep to coincide with the natural 90 minutes per sleep cycles is best. This would mean either 7.5 or 9 hours of sleep per night. Five cycles would mean 7.5 hours, six cycles would be nine hours of sleep. Try experimenting with setting your clock for either 7.5 OR 9 hours, depending on your schedule, so that you can complete each and every sleep cycle naturally. On the other hand, if you find that 8 hours or 8.5 hours is what makes you feel best, by all means, do what works for you.

• Napping: Make a habit of grabbing naps. Humans were meant to take naps. That’s why those of us who are permitted to live according to our normal biological cycle (babies, small children and the elderly) take naps. Humans are designed to nap during the afternoon. Current studies show a natural rise and fall of hormones that indicate a programmed nap time in the afternoon. That famous mid-afternoon slump isn’t just lack of sleep at night, or a heavy lunch, or stress or overwork. It’s your instincts kicking in and telling you to take a few hours of down-time. Take a nap during the weekend if you can. Instead of sleeping in on Saturday and Sunday, get up at your normal time and then take a two hour nap in the early afternoon. Your body will thank you. And hey, if all you end up doing is resting in a cool room with your eyes closed and clearing your mind, that’ll help too.

Of course, as a ‘spa virgin’, it is not unusual to feel nervous and slightly apprehensive. What should you wear, what should you not wear, what should you bring … Well, relax, take a deep breath and read our Spa Tips below:
• Do a bit of research before choosing the best spa treatment for yourself. Visit various spas and make enquiries. Word-of-mouth recommendations are also a good way to assess a spa.
• Plan on arriving an hour before your appointed treatment so that you can prepare yourself – mentally and emotionally.
• Shower in warm water – your body will be more receptive to treatment. Most spas encourage guests to shower, soak, enjoy the whirlpool, sauna and steam bath … then, shower again before commencing treatment.
• Visit the toilet – cleanse your system thoroughly. You don’t want to be interrupted by the call of nature while in the midst of a relaxing massage.
• Before a hydrotherapy treatment, be sure to drink lots of water and juice – especially after a sauna or steam bath. Your body will also be better prepared to go through the detoxification process – the natural result of most body treatments and massage.
• Don’t be shy. Talk to your therapist while you are undergoing treatment. Be open about your health concerns.
• After your treatment … do not rush home immediately. Relax, explore … You don’t want to enter the real world so soon after being pampered and undergoing physical and spiritual cleansing.
• Finally, visit the spa shop. You might want to purchase the products used on you during your treatment. Or get a souvenir for your friends and loved ones. Share your experience and, who knows … you might convert a few skeptics yourself!

Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful astringents - such as aluminum salts - so that they cannot release perspiration. Many natural health care proponents argue against using aluminum because it accumulates in the brain.

Deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the perspiration mixed with “body dust” (skin, hair and other bacterial goodies we carry around on ourselves all day), and by antiseptic action against that bacteria. Deodorants are more healthful because they don’t interfere with perspiration, a natural cooling process.

Here are a few simple recipes, which are fun to make because they can customized with your favorite scents. We don’t always have to smell “powder fresh” or “sunshine fresh.” I prefer Geranium myself.

* Baking Soda: Baking soda works wonders because it neutralizes the odor of sweat. Just sprinkle a light covering of baking soda onto a damp washcloth. Pat on. Don’t rinse.

* Basic Deodorant Powder: 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, a few drops essential oils such as lavender or cinnamon, or try cedar and sage for men. Place the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Sprinkle a light covering of the powder on a damp washcloth. Pat on. Do not rinse.

* Basic Liquid Deoderant:1/4 cup each witch hazel extract, aloe vera gel, and mineral water, 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin, a few drops antibacterial essential oils such as lavender, or tea tree. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend. Makes 3/4 cup with an indefinite shelf life.

Simple home made deodorants

Simply put some apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and apply under the arms. When it dries…its smell is gone. It works for a minimum of 14 hours. It even can clear up a small mild rash from the regular store deodorant.

After shave

Prepare peppermint tea using two teabags and let it steep until cool. Place in spray bottle…and Voila! Great Aftershave.

But mineral oil doesn’t do any good for the body and prolonged or repeated skin exposure may cause dermatitis. Highly refined mineral oils are not classified as human carcinogens. However, related forms (untreated and mildly-treated oils) are listed as human carcinogens.

Some so called good massage oils are more likely to leave you feeling greasy after the massage, while other massage oils go rancid quickly and take on an unpleasant smell. Worse, some oils might irritate skin or cause allergic reactions.

These massage oils can be used alone or in combination. Here are my five top choices.

1. Coconut Oil
Although you may think of coconut oil as being a thick, white solid oil, fractionated coconut oil is actually a light, non-greasy, liquid oil. It is called fractionated coconut oil because it contains only a fraction of the whole oil. The long-chain triglycerides have been removed, leaving only the medium-chain triglycerides.

Fractionated coconut oil is less pricey than many other oils (it’s comparable to sweet almond oil) and like jojoba oil, has a very long shelf life. But perhaps the top feature of fractionated coconut oil is that it tends not to stain sheets, a problem with most massage oils.

2. Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is similar in texture and color to almond oil, but costs slightly more. It is rich in vitamin E, a quality that gives it a longer shelf life than the typical oil.

Like coconut oil,  Apricot kernel oil is absorbed into the skin, so it won’t leave people feeling greasy afterwards. This property also makes it a good oil to use for aromatherapy massage. Apricot kernel oil is a good alternative to sweet almond oil for people with nut allergies.

3. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is actually a wax extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant. Jojoba is a good option for most people prone to back acne because it is thought to have antibacterial properties and contains long chain wax esters that closely resembles skin sebum. Jojoba has a very long shelf life, so it’s a good choice if you don’t use it regularly. It is very well-absorbed, which makes it a favorite carrier oil for aromatherapy.  Jojoba is usually not irritating to skin.

One drawback: jojoba oil is so silky and quickly absorbed, you may need to reapply it often or mix it with other oils listed here. It is more pricey than other carrier oil.

4. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular massage oils among massage therapists. Extracted from almonds, sweet almond oil is pale yellow in color. It is slightly oily, which allows hands to glide easily over skin. Sweet almond oil is absorbed fairly quickly, but not so quickly that you need to keep reapplying it.

Compared with other oils, sweet almond oil is reasonably priced. It usually does not irritate skin. People with nut allergies should not use almond oil.

5. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a light, non-greasy oil that won’t leave skin feeling oily. The oil, extracted from sunflower seeds, is rich in the essential fatty acid linoleic acid, as well as palmitic acid and stearic acid, all components of healthy skin. The amount of linoleic acid in skin declines with age and can be stripped by harsh soaps and cleansers.

Sunflower oil can go rancid quickly, so it should be purchased in small quantities and stored in a dark cool area. Squeezing one or two capsules of pure vitamin E oil into the bottle may help to extend the shelf life.

People with allergies to the sunflower plant family should avoid sunflower oil.

Other Massage Oils

* Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is pressed from the avocado fruit. Deep green in color, avocado oil is a heavier oil and is usually mixed with lighter massage oils such as sweet almond oil. Avocado oil is roughly double the cost of sweet almond oil. People who are sensitive to latex may be sensitive to avocado oil.

* Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is very rich and has a distinct chocolate aroma. It is solid at room temperature and has a heavy texture, so it needs to be blended with other oils or used only for very small areas.

* Grapeseed Oil
In many respects, grapeseed oil makes a great massage oil. It has little-to-no odor, and it has a smooth, silky texture without being greasy. However, most grapeseed oil is extracted from grape seeds using a solvent (rather than being pressed from the seeds), which some aromatherapists say make it an inferior oil for aromatherapy massage.

* Kukui Nut Oil
A light, thin, non-greasy oil. Native to a Hawaii, kukui nut oil is typically used on all skin types, including oily skin and sun-damaged skin.

* Olive Oil
Most people are familiar with olive oil as a cooking oil, but it is occasionally used for massage. It is a heavy oil with a greasy or sticky texture and recognizable aroma that many associate with cooking, so it’s usually not used on its own for massage.

One study compared topical olive oil with sunflower oil and found that olive oil had no effect on epidermal barrier function, whereas topical sunflower oil resulted in significant improvement in the skin barrier.

* Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is prized in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. It is used in a daily Ayurvedic self-massage called abhyanga, as well as shirodhara. According to Ayurveda, sesame oil is especially useful for nourishing and detoxifying and for ailments associated with the vata type, such as anxiety, poor circulation, constipation, bloating, and excessive dryness. Sesame oil is a rather thick oil that may leave skin feeling oily, so it can be blended with lighter massage oils. The unrefined oil has a strong aroma.

If you are a Malaysian, would you believe if I say, your cooking oil (minyak kelapa sawit) is also another good massage oil. Yes this is the real truth. Just mix with your favourite essential oil. If you like something calming, try Lavender or Naroli. If you like to alleviate pain, try mix it with Peppermint and if you would like to avoid mosquito bite try mixing with Citronella or Lemongrass.

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There still is a top tier group of luxury consumers who are spending money. It may be a much smaller group than before, they may be spending less than before, but there are still many affluent people.

Spas have moved up in importance on people’s value list. Spas are no longer as much about “pampering” as they are about “wellness.” Spa services have moved from “luxury” to “necessity.” Like most people, the affluent may be making some sacrifices - but it is more likely that they are cutting out that second RM2,000 purse than skipping spa services.

Spas help people de-stress and the stress level has ratcheted up for everyone. Just like Yoga, many accomplished people regard spa services as truly helping them cope with today’s realities. Research has shown that the number one reason people go to spas is to de-stress.

It comes down to the issue of supply and demand. When you look at an urban city like KL, Singaro or Bangkok in this region for example, you have a handful of super luxury (and expensive) spas. Most of these luxury spas are in luxury hotels. Some of these hotels, like the Ritz-Carlton, are quite large. Spas like the Spa Village, attract not only their hotel’s guests but also clientele from outside the hotel.

Well-managed top tier luxury spas usually have extraordinary facilities, ambiance, outstanding staff, and service. There is still enough demand for the small supply of spas which get all those aspects right. Ishan Malaysian Spa is not in competition with any big names.

We are a simple 6 room spa in a tropical rainforest of verdant island LAngkawi. With well trained and skilled spa therapist, who possesses warm heart & hands just like the whether here.

Bamboo Massage has been around for ages. 20 years ago, we use to do this when we were massaging for 8-12 hrs a day continuously without break & meals. Reason is less energy been used from the us being the massage therapist and we can do this effortlessly.

Ishan Malaysian Spa is aspiring to be a spa school in Langkawi for those who are planning to come to learn the art and the science of rejuvenation, while holidaying in beautiful Langkawi.

This is a nice way You Tube of self Bamboo Massage. Pls click:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYbPMR3HGuk&NR=1

and enjoy it. If you are serious in learning the art of bamboo massage, pls contact me.

Today, from tofu to baby formula, soya products have swept the nation as a healthy source of protein, with a reputation for being all natural and good for you. As meantioned earlier, in my part of the world we also have mock meat, mork fish, meal maker and many more soya bi-product with excellent flavour, appetizing taste and flawless texture.

However, new studies is saying the ingredients in soya may increase the risk of breast cancer in women, affect brain function in men and lead to hidden developmental abnormalities in infants.

The concerning part, rests with the chemical makeup of soya: in addition to all the nutrients and protein, soya contains a natural chemical that mimics ‘estrogen’, the female hormone. Some studies in animals show that this chemical can alter sexual development. In fact, 2 glasses of soya milk a day, in a month, is enough for the chemical to change the timing of menstrual cycle.

Soya beans contain an amazing array of phyto-chemicals (biologically active components derived from plants), the most interesting of which are known as isoflavones.

Isoflavones are the compounds which are being studied in relation to the relief of certain menopausal symptoms, cancer prevention, slowing or reversing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of heart disease.

The truth is soya beans, though natural, are not suitable for human consumption. Only after fermentation for some time, or extensive processing, including chemical extractions and high temperatures, are the beans, or the soya protein isolate, suitable for digestion when eaten.

Soya beans contain an anti-nutrient called “phytic acid“, which all beans do. However, soybeans have higher levels of phytic acid than any other legume. Phytic acid may block the absorption of important minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc.

Epidemiological studies have shown that Asians who have high consumption of rice and soya also commonly have deficiencies in these minerals. It must also be noted that, this is of particular concern with regard to babies who are using soya-based infant formulas.

Who has something to gain from the consumption of soya?

Perhaps American giant companies like Monsanto which produce the genetically modified soya bean seeds. Perhaps companies like Cargill Foods (hmmm…I have a family member working here and draws a big cheque) or SoyLife (Good Lord! I used to love them :-() which produce countless soya-based foods. Of course, all of the companies which are constructing factories all over the world to do the processing which is necessary to make soya beans edible.

I feel the positive aspects of the soyabean are overshadowed by their potential for harm. Soyabeans in fact contain a large number of dangerous substances. I already mentioned “phytic acid”, also called “phytates”. This organic acid is present in the bran or hulls of all seeds and legumes but none have the high level of phytates which soyabeans do.

Soyabeans also contain potent enzyme-inhibitors. These inhibitors block uptake of trypsin and other enzymes which the body needs for protein digestion. Normal cooking does not de-activate these harmful anti-nutrients, which can cause serious gastric distress, reduced protein digestion and can lead to chronic deficiencies in amino acid uptake.

In addition, soyabeans also contain hemagglutinin, a clot-promoting substance which causes red blood cells to clump together. These clustered blood cells cannot properly absorb oxygen for distribution to the body’s tissues, and are unable to help in maintaining good cardiac health.

Hemagglutinin and trypsin inhibitors are both “growth depressant” substances. Fermenting soyabean can de-activate both hemagglutinin and trypsin inhibitors. Cooking cannot.

These enzyme inhibitors are found in reduced levels in tofu but are not completely eliminated. That’s why, if we are planning to continue to consume soya, I would recommend limiting your soya use to fermented products only, like tempeh or miso.

Only after a long period of fermentation (as occurs in the creation of miso or tempeh) are the anti-nutrient and phytate levels of soyabeans reduced, making their nourishment available to the human digestive system. The high level of harmful substances remaining in precipitated soya products like tofu, leaves their nutritional value questionable at best, and potentially harmful.
Soya and hormonal balance

Health-conscious people believe in the benefits of tofu, infant formula and other food products made from soya beans and soya extract. In a study of hamsters, it was recently found that a component of soya beans - isoflavones - significantly accelerated the onset of puberty in them.

It is child abuse to feed a baby soya formula. A baby fed soy will receive, through the phytoestrogens, the equivalent of approximately 5 birth control pills per day! The damage is incalculable.

Other reasons to stay away from soya

A very large percentage of soya - over 90% - is genetically modified and it also has one of the highest percentages contaminations by pesticides of any of the foods we eat.

Soya processors have worked hard to get these anti-nutrients out of the finished product, particularly soya protein isolate (SPI) which is the key ingredient in most soya foods which imitate meat and dairy products, including baby formulas and some brands of soya milk.

SPI is not something you can make in your own kitchen. Production takes place in industrial factories where soyabeans are first mixed with an alkaline solution to remove fiber, then precipitated and separated using an acid wash and, finally, neutralized in an alkaline solution.

Acid washing in aluminum tanks leaches high levels of aluminum into the final product. As a result, soya-based formula also has over 1000% more aluminum than conventional milk based formulas.

Finally, the resulting curds are spray-dried at high temperatures to produce a high-protein powder. A final hardship to the original soyabean is high-temperature; high-pressure extrusion processing of soy protein isolate to produce textured vegetable protein.

Nitrites, which are potent carcinogens, are formed during spray-drying, and a toxin called “lysinoalanine” is formed during alkaline processing. Numerous artificial flavorings, particularly MSG, are added to soy protein isolate and textured vegetable protein products to mask their strong “beany” taste and to impart the flavor of meat.

Yet soya protein isolate and textured vegetable protein are used extensively in school lunch programs, commercial baked goods, fast food products and diet beverages. They are heavily promoted in the world and form the basis of many food giveaway programs.

Protection against cancer?

Some sources claim that “soya has demonstrated powerful anticancer benefits…the Japanese, who eat 30 times as much soya as other part of the world, have a lower incidence of cancers of the breast, uterus and prostate.”

Indeed they do. But the Japanese and all Asians in general, have much higher rates of other types of cancer, particularly cancer of the esophagus, stomach, liver and pancreas. Asians throughout the world also have high rates of thyroid cancer. The logic which links low rates of reproductive cancers to soya consumption requires attribution of high rates of thyroid and digestive cancers to the same foods, particularly as soya causes these types of cancers in laboratory rats.

In the year 1991, a few Japanese researchers confirmed that consumption of as little as 30 grams or 2 tablespoons of soyabeans per day for only 1 month resulted in a significant increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone. Diffuse goiter and hypothyroidism appeared in some of the subjects and many complained of constipation, lethargy and fatigue, even though their intake of iodine was adequate.

25 grams of soya protein isolate, the minimum amount claimed to have cholesterol-lowering effects, contains from 50 to 70 mg of isoflavones. It took only 45 mg of isoflavones in pre-menopausal women to exert significant biological effects, including a reduction in hormones needed for adequate thyroid function. These effects lingered for 3 months after soya consumption was discontinued.

Birth control pills for babies themselves

But it is the isoflavones in infant formula which give the most cause for concern. In 1998, investigators reported that the daily exposure of infants to isoflavones in soy infant formula is 6 to 11 times higher on a body-weight basis than the dose that has hormonal effects in adults consuming soy foods. Circulating concentrations of isoflavones in infants who were fed soy-based formula were 13,000 to 22,000 times higher than plasma estradiol concentrations in infants on cow’s milk formula.

Approximately 25% of bottle-fed children in the US receive soya-based formula - a much higher percentage than in other parts of the Western world. It is estimated that an infant exclusively fed soya formula receives the estrogen equivalent (based on body weight) of at least 5 birth control pills per day. By contrast, almost no phyto-estrogens have been detected in dairy-based infant formula or in human milk, even when the mother consumes soya products.

Most people know lemongrass for the flavor it adds to Thai food. It is the refreshing citrus nip that balances the hot chili and creamy coconut milk in the ubiquitous Tom Yam soup. In fact, lemongrass originated in India, and then traveled onto Southeast Asia, becoming a staple ingredient in the cuisines of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. It also crossed the oceans to the Caribbean, where its lemony taste balances zesty island flavors.

With food, lemongrass is remarkably adaptable. It can be used fresh, dried or powdered; it complements meat and seafood. It is equally versatile as a remedy for everyday ailments, and its soft, citrus flavor and aroma make using it a pleasant experience.

In most instances, you’ll want to use the bruised stalk. To do this, take a stalk, cut off the tip (at the root end), cut a piece from the bottom approximately two inches long, peel off the dried outer layer and then crush it lightly with a mortar and pestle to release the oils. Two or three of these bruised stalks, chopped into half inch pieces and steeped in a pot of nearly boiling water, make a tea to aid digestion, ease menstrual cramps, reduce stress and promote a calm night’s sleep. Take those same stalks and rub their oil over your skin and you have a natural mosquito repellent — lemongrass is a common ingredient in candles and incense used to repel bugs. They can also be used topically for anti-fungal and antiseptic purposes.

Yet another way to use the stalks is to tie them into a sachet and drop them into a bathtub for a soothing aromatherapy experience. Given the stress of modern life — and the risks such as heart attacks that come with it — we consider these aids to relaxation as beneficial as the Malay warriors surely found their use of lemongrass centuries ago… Are you down with a bad case of sniffles? Is your skin feeling dry, or are you just simply feeling low? Lemon grass is the answer! This simple looking herb can be the panacea for many ills.

What is lemon grass?

The botanical name for lemon grass is Cymbopogon and variations of it grow in warm, temperate, and tropical regions. You can recognize the plant easily – the grass is tall and evergreen. If taken with tea, it can reduce the occurrence of fever, coughs, and colds. Rich in Vitamin C and loaded with anti-oxidants, it combats the free radicals in your body. You can use lemon grass fresh or dried.

Lemon grass for common colds and flu

Lemon grass offers a highly effective cure for congestion, without any side effects. Boil water, add tea and lemon grass. Let it brew for a few minutes. Then strain it, add some honey and drink it without milk. If possible, drink a few cups a day. Lemon grass is known to bring relief to those nagging body aches you have when you’re down with flu.

Lemon grass for healthy skin and nails

As lemon grass is loaded with Vitamin C, it works wonders for your skin and nails. You could blanch it in water and drink it many times a day or even soak your nails in it. This water could be used as a base for making a nourishing face pack with oatmeal. This will clear the dead skin cells of your face and leave it looking healthy and glowing.

Lemon grass for cholesterol

The thickening of the arteries with low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as ‘bad cholesterol’, is harmful for the body. The antioxidants present in lemon grass help reduce this and even increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or ’good cholesterol’. Doctors recommend that you drink tea made with lemon grass and honey every day for best effects.

Lemon grass for Cancer

A drink with as little as one gram of lemon grass contains enough citral, the key component that gives the lemony aroma and taste in lemongrass killed the cancerous cells, to prompt cancer cells to commit suicide. Israeli researchers in Ben Gurion University found this way to make cancer cells self-destruct. The best part of this is, while the cancerous cells dies, the normal cells remained unharmed. Make sure that you include lemon grass somewhere in your daily diet. This will increase the immunity of your body and it helps that this home remedy tastes really good! Photo by clayirving)