Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Health and Beauty Secrets of Other Lands

HIMALAYAS
The Hunza, who live on the highest peaks of the Himalyas, are among the longest living people in the world. The higher up in the Himalayas you climb, the more potent the plants are.

To ease allergies, the extract of the Guduchi, a flowering vine significantly reduces nasal congestion and sneezing. It blocks histamines and boosts immune cells that fight allergens.

Buckwheat, which is gluten free, is also a major source of fatty acids and vitamins B and E. It is also rich in rutin, a cancer-fighting bioflavonoid that fights inflammation, lowers cholesterol and strenghtens capillaries.

The Gotu Kola boosts blood circulation in the body, improving concentration and alertness and it reduces varicose veins, spider veins, and edema.

The resin of the Guggul tree can help lower bad cholesterol as well as prescription drugs - without the side effects. It also improves good cholesterol levels. In addition to that, it improves thyroid function which improves metabolism. Researchers aren't exactly sure how it works, but they think it helps speed the breakdown of cholesterol in the liver before it can enter the bloodstream.

The Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, boosts production of the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine easing the symptoms of depression. It takes effect in about 72 hours. It also is loaded with antioxidants so it lowers cholesterol and blood sugar and protects cells from damage caused by aging, inflammation and some chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Drink a cup or two of Tulsi tea daily.

Himalayan natural salt crystals boost energy, mood and well-being. They enhance the body's absorption of nutrients as well as balance electrolytes and boost circulation. Use as you would table salt.

Drink 2 oz daily of Goji berry juice to fend off a cold. It triggers a 300% boost in illness-fighting white blood cell production in as little as 3 weeks. They also have 500 times more vitamin C per ounce than an orange, and 15 times more iron than spinach. They are also packed with compounds that trigger secretion of the natural anti-aging human growth hormone (HGH).

MOROCCO
The spice Tumeric has lipotropic properties which rev metabolism and help the liver flush out toxins. It also reduces inflammation in fat cells and lowers blood sugar dramatically. It is a popular spice in Moroccan cuisine. Sprinkle it on chick or steak for a spicy curry taste.

Cumin, another spice, has more than 100 chemicals that help ease digestion and prevent gas and bloating. It also helps stimulate the enzymes that break down food more efficiently so you get more nutrients and the fats and toxins are swept out before they can be stored by the body.

Researchers have found that the herb Fenugreek boosts circulation to the scalp and ormalizes cortisol levels, which help regulate production of oils in the skin and hair. The Diosgenin compound can stabilize mood swings and ease PMS.

Moraccon Oil is the hottest thing in Hollywood right now. The Argan oil is made from the crushed kernels of hte argan tree, which grows only in Morocco. The fatty acids and vitamin E have been shown to penetrate hair shafts to reduce frizz and smooth split ends. Moroccan oil sold in most salons contains extra ingredients, but the 100% Argan oil is so organic, Moroccans use it for cooking too!

Moraccan mud, or Rhassoul, is rich in silica, iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. The clay draws out dirt, toxins, and impurities from the skin and deposits skin-soothing minerals back into the pores. It has been found to reduce dryness up to 80% after a single use.


PROVENCE
Folks in this southern regoion of France use Sage to beat PMS and hot flashes. Sage's natural estrogens balance hormones and its tannins help block sweating.

They consume Almonds to relieve a tension headache. The almonds have salicylates, the same painkillers found in aspirin. They are also high in Vitamin E which widens blood vessels to ease circulation in the head and magnesium, which reduces muscle tension.

For soft skin they rely on Calendula which protects against dryness, wrinkles and acne.

A glass of red wine, handful of red or purple grapes, or a glass of grape juice every day has the antioxidants quercetin and anthocyanins which fight inflammation, easing joint pain. As well, it has Resveratrol, a flavonoid that blocks pain.

Garlic sulfur and allicin remove toxins and pollutants from the liver and one study found garlic can bind to mercury in the body and sweep it right out of the system. It can kill germs and bacteria on contact but leaves your "good" bacteria alone.

CHINA
Body brushing to rid yourself of cellulite. Body brushing, they say, is shown to tighten and exfoliate skin and reduce cellulite. It stimulates the lymphatic system to flush out fluids and toxins that make you feel tired and sluggish too. Just use a natural soft bristle brush to sweep you skin from head to toe in a circular motion for two minutes every day before you shower. Focus on the soles of the feet, back of the knees and the neck.. all of which are areas near the lymph glands.

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