Green Leaf

Saturday, April 18, 2015

HOW TO MAKE PESTO

Using my smoothie maker, I made my own Pesto.

Wash each leaves carefully in running water.

Dry the leaves.

You can make your own way to dry it. For me, it dries quicker this way.

Slice the leaves for easier and faster blending.

One third part of extra-virgin olive oil in the bottle below is enough for these leaves. Add 1 clove of finely chopped garlic. Push the leaves down with spoon before turning the blender on.

Combine grated cheese and tuna for a nice sandwich spread

In a food processor, you can combine all these ingredients before blending.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Banaba is a popular medicine plant and is used in treatment of diabetes mellitus. It is high in corosolic acid which is used in many treatments for diabetes. It is a natural plant insulin, can be taken orally, and has no side effects, according to Japanese research.

There has been much research done on Banaba leaves and their ability to reduce blood sugar, and its "insulin-like principle."

Banaba has been used as a folk medicine among people with diabetes in the Philippines. Folkloric use also includes diuretic and purgative action from leaf decoctions and the use of root parts for stomach ailments. The plant is being studied for its application in the treatment of diabetes.

Active ingredients that are found in Banaba are corsolic acid and tannins, including lagerstroemin. These ingredients are thought to stimulate glucose uptake and have insulin-like activity. The latter activity is thought to be secondary to activation of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase or the inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase.

Banaba is a variety of crepe myrtle that grows in the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Australia. It is a deciduous, tropical, flowering tree that can grow to 18 m in height, with a 9 to 12 m spread. The large, oblong, dark-green, leathery leaves measure 5 to 10 cm wide by 12 to 30 cm long. The leaves turn an orange-red color in the fall. The flowers are pink to purple in color, giving way to oval, nut-like fruits. The bark of the tree is thin, mottled, and peeling.

In Japan, Banaba tea has become quite popular. In the US, many weight-loss formulas are now using banaba as a safe, natural component for reducing weight. Information regarding long-term human use is not available.

No adverse effects have been reported with its use.

Related Links

Basil
Gynura Procumbens

GYNURA PROCUMBENS

        It's not Ashitaba. It's Gynura Procumbens.

        My officemate introduced me to this plant. He was eating it raw. He said it was a miracle plant. Cures many kinds of illnesses particularly diabetes and hypertension. It's name was Ashitaba. When I googled it, I found out it's name is Gynura Procumbens.

         Gynura procumbens is believed to be one that possess the ability to lower blood pressure and sugar levels. Locals will recommend you to eat 3 – 7 leaves daily in the raw form. It has been used for the treatment of eruptive fevers, rash and kidney disease.

         Gynura procumbens is an amazing edible herb. It has been used as “FOLK MEDICINE” for hundreds of years. This herb has been found to be an extremely alkalizing and miraculous antiviral, anti-inflammatory edible plant. It is high in antioxidants and offers the possibility of remarkable results when it comes to improving overall health and longevity, and aiding in conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. It's also been known to significantly support the detoxification process. Easy to grow, your entire family can be eating it in a matter of days. It multiplies quickly so you can share plants with your friends and relatives.

       Wikipedia states, Gynura procumbens (Sabuñgai), sometimes called "longevity spinach," is an edible vine found in the Philippines, the Malay Archipelago, Thailand, and Indo-China. Leaves are ovate-elliptic or lanceolate, 3.5 to 8 centimeters long, and 0.8 to 3.5 centimeters wide. Flowering heads are panicled, narrow, yellow, and 1 to 1.5 centimeters long.

           This plant is an evergreen scrub which is of considerable medicinal value. It has found its way around the world and is widely used as an accepted medicine for diabetes, HTN, and elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

          The plant is popularly called as Ashitaba in our place. I shared it at home and was glad one day my mother found a plant. Now it has grown wild and my mother eats 3-4 leaves a day while toiling her plants in our small garden. A friend shared she mixes it with her sandwich spread during breakfast. I found an expensive container in an officemates table one day and was surprised to see it has gynura leaves in it. He has diabetes. Now, almost everyone I know in my place knows about it already and have plants in their homes. If you haven't got one yet, and have such illnesses, it's time you should. I eat 4-5 leaves a day, too. We combine it in our mixed vegetables for lunch and dinner.

Related links:

Sambong for kidney disorders or kidney stones.
Guyabano or Soursop a cancer cure.
Moringa Oleifera the miracle tree.
Health Benefits of Basil which is great for Pesto

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Sambong

We call it "alimhon" in our place.

Popularly known as Sambong or Blumea balsamifera, it is used to aid in the treatment of kidney disorders or kidney stones. Sambong leaves can also be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a diuretic, this herbal medicine helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body. Its expectorant properties make it as a popular recommendation to be taken in as tea to treat colds. Sambong is also a natural cleansing herb. I take a glass of sambong tea to cleanse my lungs of phlegm until it is gone.

Sambong is a native flowering or weed that is endemic in the Philippines and other tropical countries. It is a popular herb especially for its multitude of healing properties including anti-diarrhetic, anti-gastralgic, expectorant, stomachic, and antispasmodic, among others. Leaves can also be used for wounds and cuts.

Aside from these, sambong is also popular for stimulating the blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. Sambong helps in relieving menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea by stimulating blood flow thereby helping women in releasing the molecular compounds called prostaglandins, which causes the uterus to contract and constrict the blood supply that causes the menstrual cramps.

Since the plant is emmenagogues, drinking the sambong tea is not advisable to pregnant women as well as women who wanted to be pregnant. Moreover, drinking sambong should also be regulated because it also has hallucinogenic effects when excessively consumed.

Sambong is one herbal medicine (of ten) approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine in treating particular disorders.

Preaparation or use:

• A decoction (boil in water) of Sambong leaves as like tea and drink a glass 3 or 4 times a day.

• The leaves can also be crushed or pounded and mixed with coconut oil.
• For headaches, apply crushed and pounded leaves on forehead and temples.
• Decoction of leaves is used as sponge bath.
• Decoction of the roots, on the other hand, is to be taken in as cure for fever.

Other Benefits of Sambong

• Good as a diuretic agent
• Effective in the dissolving kidney stones
• Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism
• Treatment of colds & fever
• Anti-diarrheic properties
• Anti-gastralgic properties
• Helps remove worms, boils
• Relief of stomach pains
• Treats dysentery, sore throat

Saturday, May 26, 2012

How To Make Banaba Capsule

This was how I made my homemade Banaba capsule.

Carefully wash the leaves.

Air drying the leaves


Roast for about 5 minutes. You may tear the leaves into smaller sizes so that more leaves can be powdered at the same time.

Arrange in a blender and blend until leaves turns into powder.

Sift the powder.

Empty gelatin capsules are available in leading drugstores.

In capsuling, proper hygiene must be observed. It is recommended to sanitize hands with alcohol, making sure under nails are clean. Wear mask while packing. You may wear a hair net.

Health Benefits of Basil

Basil is said to be the "King of all herbs." In India, it is termed as "Holy Basil" and is worshiped as a form of incarnation and God. It is also a sacred plant for Hindus and grown in pots near the temples and outside almost every Hindu home. Basil is attributed to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna according to Hindu mythology and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine where it is called Tulsi or Holy Tulsi.

It is recommended that if you will take 5 leaves of Basil or tulsi on a daily basis dipped in tea, then you do not need to go to the doctor. Basil herb is best to cure ailments of nervous and digestive system.

Basil is also;

used to treat respiratory tract problems such as cough, cold, bronchitis, and asthma and improves blood circulation.
a well known antiseptic, analgesic, and antidepressant.
a carminative with antispasmodic properties.
an emmenagogue (herb which stimulates blood flow.
a natural expectorant and treats chronic and acute cough.
a natural febrifuge (a medication that reduces fever).
stimulates the adrenal cortex and stomach.
a natural tonic and aphrodisiac.

There many kinds of flavonoids that is found in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. Studies have shown that two of these flavonoids in particular, orientin and vicenin, are useful in protecting cell structures and chromosomes from damage by radiation and oxygen.

Basil essential oil has been found to help stop the growth of several types of bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics. This essential oil has been found to inhibit growth of the widespread staphylococcus, enterococcus, pseudomonas, and e. coli bacteria, among others. Adding basil to your vinaigrette will both enhance the flavor, and ensure that the fresh salad greens are safe to eat.

Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme. So, basil can have healing benefits, and provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory problems, like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Vitamin A also prevents free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels.

Magnesium is also present in basil. This essential mineral helps the heart and blood vessels to relax, improving blood flow. Other nutrients found in basil include iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.

Benefits of Basil Oil Massage

In Nervous System, Basil treats depression, stress, fatigue or tiredness, anxiety, headaches, neuralgia, and migraines. Basil is also used to treat the brain numbness with essential basil oil by inhalations, massage, etc.
In Circulatory System, Basil helps in stimulation of blood circulation and works as a tonic.
In Digestive System, Basil cures indigestion, nausea, and gastric spasm.
In Respiratory System, Basil treats asthma, cough, cold, phlegm in the lungs, sinus congestion, and loss of smell with the use of basil oil by inhalations, massage, dilution in the chest.
In skin, Basil works as an insect repellent and makes the skin smooth, flaccid, and toned.
In Reproductive System, basil works as an emmenagogue which helps in stimulation of the delay or lack of menstruation. Basil relieves cramps. It is taken in form of oil with massage and dilution.

Related links: Basil
Guyabano or Soursop
Guyabano Cancer Cure
Moringa Oleifera or Malunggay

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Basil

The word basil comes from the Greek "basileus", meaning "king", as it is believed to have grown above the spot where St. Constatine and his mother St. Helen discovered the Holy Cross. Basil or Sweet Basil, is a common name for the culinary herb Ocimum basilicum of the family Lamiaceae or mints. This can be identified by its square, hairy stems.

Basil is an incredible herb. It is enjoyed for its rich and spicy, mildly peppery flavor with a trace of mint and clove. There are over 40 known varieties of basil of which Sweet Basil is the most commonly known and grown. While the taste of sweet basil is bright and pungent, other varieties also offer unique tastes: lemon basil, anise basil and cinnamon basil all have flavors that subtly reflect their name.

Ocimum is from a Greek verb that means "to be fragrant." The foliage is easily bruised; just brushing against its foliage releases its wonderfully spicy fragrance. Varieties can grow to a height of 2 1/2 feet and are about as wide. Foliage colors range from pale to deep green, vivid purple and even purple laced with goldish yellow foliage. Texture varies from silky and shiny to dull and crinkly. Flowers appear in summer as whorls on the ends of branches and are either white or lavender.

Basil is a highly fragrant plant whose leaves are used as a seasoning herb for many different types of foods. Basil has become one of the most recognizable herbs ever since pesto, the mixture of basil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese, has become popular.

Basil has round leaves that are oftentimes pointed. They are green in color, although some varieties feature hints of red or purple. Basil looks a little like peppermint, which is not surprising since they belong to the same plant family.

Basil is native to India and Asia having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years. It is grown there as a perennial in those warm, tropical climates.

Basil has a lot of benefits. Its is popularly called Holy Basil.