Magic Of Organic Lifestyle

Cough? Try this Ginger Tea

2008-01-19T22:35:00.000-08:00

Ginger is other excellent remedy for cold and cough.

Ginger tea is good for fever, cough and cold. Dried ginger powder 1/2 tsp, 2-3 black pepper cones, 2-3 cloves, 2-3 cardamom, 1/2 tsp Cummins seeds should be boiled and add little tea leaves and sugar or honey and can be had hot. It gives good relief of the throat pain, cold and cough. It can be taken two to three times in a day.

Boil water with Cummins seeds. Drink it warm through out the day will give relief.
Take 8- 10 tulsi leaves, 1-2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 inch piece ginger crushed and 3-4 black pepper cones, boil it in 1 cup of water. Add 1 tsp of honey to this and drink it warm. This is good for cold and cough with phlegm

Mix equal parts of ginger juice and honey and have it 2-3 times in a day which is good for cough.
Mix 1tsp of black pepper powder, 1tsp dried ginger powder, 1tsp long pepper powder, 1tsp liquorice root powder and 3- 4 sugar candy. It can be had when cough is there. People with high blood pressure should avoid eating liquorice as it can retain sodium and deplete potassium in the body.

You can also chew a small piece of liquorice root 2-3 times in a day for dry cough.
Ginger powder, black pepper powder and honey is also good for dry cough and can be had 3-4 times in a day.
1 tsp turmeric, 2-3 tsp ginger juice, 2-3 tsp lime juice and 3 tsp honey can be mixed and taken 3 times for cough in a day.

Onion juice and honey will relieve irritation in the throat.
Thyme leaf juice is good for coughs and can be used for gargling.

Cough & cold....Home remedies

2008-01-19T22:29:00.000-08:00

Herbal Remedies against cold

Drink plenty of water to combat dehydration and keep mucus on the move.
Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C.
Take 1/2 lime and 1 tsp of honey in hot water. Honey helps to soothe the sore throat thus relieve irritant cough.
Take 1 tbsp of fresh gooseberry juice with 1/2 tsp ginger juice added to it is also found to be very effective. This can be taken regularly to prevent recurrence of cold. Gooseberry has got the highest vitamin C.
Steam inhalation with few eucalyptus oil drops will help to relieve a stuffed nose. This can be done two to three times a day.
Mix drops of eucalyptus oilwith wheat germ oil and rub it on your nose, chest and back will help to clear the nasal blockage.
Garlic and onion soup is an excellent remedy for cold. Garlic have anti viral and anti bacterial properties.
A tablespoon of ajwain crushed in the palms and tied up in a thin kerchief and can be used for inhalation to relieve nasal block. This can be used for small children also. This tied bundle can be kept on the pillow while sleeping and is found very effective.

2008-01-03T04:46:00.000-08:00

Can Organic Food Reduce Obesity

The advantages of organic food are well documented in that you can avoid eating all the nasty pesticides and other chemicals found in conventional food. Not only that, organic food tastes much better with a full flavor too! What is not so commonly known is that organic food can actually help relieve obesity as part of your weight loss regime. Eating organic food also means you will be giving your body a greater quantity of essential nutrients, especially if you steam your vegetables. Conventional food contains many chemicals and your body has to deal with these and dispose of them in order to avoid poisoning your system. Most of this work is undertaken by your liver, a very key organ that can make or break your weight loss attempts. The liver is the powerhouse of your body and is also the largest burner of fat too. However to be at its most efficient your need to make sure you feed it properly. By this I mean that you need to make sure you are eating enough fibre and limit the intake of toxic chemicals both in the form of food and alcohol. As you probably know fibre helps your digestive system in that it consists of indigestible matter that passes out of your body. This essential function carries with it many of the toxins and waste products from your body that you need to get rid of daily. Fibre helps ensure a speedy exit of these waste products – think of it as cleaning out your pipework! Fibre also helps to ensure that your liver efficiently rids itself of toxins and gives it less opportunity to store them as fatty deposits. If you load your body with too much fat, additives and poisonous chemicals then what usually happens is that the parts your body cannot dispose of are stored as fat until and when, your body can get round to dealing with them and clearing them out. This can lead to fat deposits all around your body but most worryingly can lead to a condition called fatty liver. A tired, toxic liver is the number one reason why many people’s weight-loss attempts are floored. You have to make sure your essential organs are operating at peak efficiency to make the most gain in your weight loss attempts and this means eating good quality food, preferably raw and free of added chemicals, which makes organic food a good choice. Remember that conventional manufacturers deliberately add synthetic chemicals to processed foods to increase their shelf life and pesticides and hormones to farm produce to boost their crop volumes. You don’t want to be eating too much of that type of produce as the chemicals they contain will definitely affect your liver and digestive system performance, probably making you actually put on weight in the form of the stored fatty deposits I mentioned earlier. Organic food can help in that you reduce the number of toxic chemicals entering your body which in turn reduces the stress on your digestive system and its fat production. This should help make for a leaner thinner you.

2008-01-03T04:44:00.000-08:00

So What Is Organic Gardening All About?
Organic gardening is growing without chemical fertilizers, naturally building the soil to support healthy plant life. Organic gardening is a constantly evolving dance that allows you to be a full participant in your garden. It is not a fad or new in any way. In fact, it is the oldest method of cultivation and had its first serious beginnings in Europe. It's good for your family, and it's less expensive to do. Organic gardening is really about designing the garden as a complete ecosystem, a natural environment where the gardener is a participant, not an observer. The key to organic gardening is to work with nature in the growing of plants so that the resources consumed by the garden can be replenished both minimally and consistently. Although organic gardening does require a few changes in the way things are done from traditional gardening, you will quickly discover organic gardening is easy and fun. Reduced pollution of the environment through recycling of garden, household and other wastes rather than dumping or burning them is seen as a beneficial by product. One of the basic tenant of organic gardening is to "Feed the soil and the soil will feed the plants". This involves the mysterious world of compost making. Organic compost is a great soil conditioner, is nutrient rich and will give your plants, crops and flowers all they need to prosper. Organic matter (decayed plant material) is an essential ingredient in fertile soils, improving the soil tilth while preventing soil compaction and crusting. Adding organic matter improves any soil's texture as well as attracting soil organisms that create nutrients in the soil. Sadly, many people still view organic gardening as a niche or trend, not realizing the incredible benefits gained. Organic gardening benefits not only you and your family, but your land, animals and the earth. Benefits to our children and pets, which are often accidentally exposed to pesticides sprayed on people's lawns and gardens. Benefits to wildlife if pesticide residue is kept out of our waterways and land. Benefits to the world (a recent study has shown that global warming IS happening, and it IS caused by humans) by keeping pesticides, herbicides and fungicides out of our air and soil. Remember that organic gardening is much more than preparing soil, using mulch, avoiding synthetic disease and pest controls, and planting your plants. When the kids discover how much fun organic gardening is, they will look forward to making this a normal part of life when they grow up.

virgin coconut oil

2008-01-02T08:40:00.001-08:00

Anything in its purest form is always the best, especially where health and well being is concerned. This also applies to coconut oil. This oil in its most refined form is also known as virgin coconut oil. And this requires a different process from what is used for deriving the oil that is generally used.
The virgin coconut oil is derived from the fresh coconut non-copra part, also called the flesh of the coconut. For this oil there is no usage of chemicals or high temperature heating to further refine it. This is because the natural and pure oil is absolutely stable. Its shelf life goes up to several years.
There are essentially two primary process used to manufacture this type of coconut oil. These are:
Briskly drying the non-copra of the fresh coconut and then pressing out the oil. This requires the least amount of heat for drying the coconut flesh, after which mechanical methods are used to derive the oil.
Wet-milling is a method whereby the oil is derived without drying the non-copra of the coconut. Instead the coconut milk is derived, from which the water is separated; and from this water the oil is extracted. To carry out this various methods such as the following can be used: - Boiling - Fermentation - Refrigeration - Enzymes - Mechanical centrifuge.

coconut oil

2008-01-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

While many people live with the misconception that oil in general is not good for health, the fact is that oil used appropriately does promote good health and a beautiful body. Very few oils have multiple human benefits; however, coconut oil is a seed derived oil that can be used from head to toe as well as for cooking.
Organic coconut oil is extremely beneficial for health, but needs to be used in safe and prescribed measured. It has nutrients and properties that lower the cholesterol levels as well as prevent thyroid related ailments.
Apart from that, using the oil in its purest form is good for the hair and skin. In the coastal regions most babies are massaged with the coconut oil in its organic form. Researchers from the medical field are constantly studying the benefits of the organic form of coconut oil.For health reasons nutritionists and dieticians promote a coconut oil diet. They recommend foods fried in this oil, rather than the usual cooking oil. In fact, in Kerala food is commonly cooked in oil from the coconuts.
In other coastal regions the curry is generally cooked in this oil and does taste out of the world. One can actually tell the difference between food cooked in coconut oil, and other regular oil.
One should remember that not all types of food or recipes can be cooked in coconut oil. This is because this oil has a special cooking property that makes baking and frying the best option, apart from other cooking methods. However, one can source out coconut oil recipes to cook up something delicious and healthy for the family.
In India, almost every household would stock up coconut oil for hair growth and maintenance. Since ages this oil is highly recommended for maintaining good health of the scalp and hair. And nowadays with the pollution and the amount of chemicals one's hair is exposed, the problems seem to be rising. However, the best option is to regularly oil the hair, at last two to three times, prior to a wash.
Even though coconut oil is largely produced and manufactured in India and come other Asian countries, yet coconut oil research is happening almost everywhere in the world. More and more nations are adopting this oil as part of their lifestyle because of the large number of benefits. This is also being considered as a holistic oil.
In the United States of America one of the leading coconut oil brands is fresh shore coconut oil . This company is known for it virgin coconut oil variety and amounts for large sales each year. Apart from this there are other companies in this nation that have either already ventured into or are going to venture into the business of coconut oil.

Tulsi..the sacred

2008-01-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi)

The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshipped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi.
1. Healing Power:The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.

2. Fever & Common Cold:The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.

3. Coughs:Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.

4. Sore Throat:Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.

5. Respiratory Disorder:The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.

6. Kidney Stone:Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.

7. Heart Disorder:Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.

8. Children's Ailments:Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.

2008-01-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

Organic cotton baby clothes--Benefits every parent should know

Organic cotton baby clothes are a hot item with retailers of all kinds these days. They're so hot, in fact, that mega-giant Wal-Mart now carries a line of organic baby clothing and layette items in its stores.
Though the organic cotton baby clothes trend is extremely popular with apparel makers and retailers, many parents are confused because they simply don't understand how the term organic relates to cotton and baby clothes. Too, parents often believe that the term is simply made up to con them into believing there's something special about the baby clothes when there probably isn't. Many of them will pass on buying organic baby clothes, blankets, and such--and thus miss the many benefits that their children could get from wearing them.
So when looking at organic cotton baby clothes it's good to have some background. For example, organic cotton is grown chiefly in India under strict regulations and in fields that are chemical-free. Organic means that something is grown in a chemical-free environment. Organic cotton growers take that further by ensuring that the fields have not chemicals or pesticides of any type used for a minimum of three years. This is heavily regulated and is highly watched to ensure that organic cotton is exactly what it claims to be.
By comparison, ordinary cotton is grown in places that aren't as particular about where the cotton is grown. It is also grown using high levels of pesticides and chemicals that is imbibed by the cotton as it grows. As there are far fewer restrictions in place for conventionally grown cotton, there's no way of knowing just how much chemical pesticides are really being used.
These pesticides are generally petroleum-based and have many serious side effects, and these chemicals do stay in the cotton. The chemicals left in the cotton are thought by experts to have the potential cause everything from allergic reactions to asthma to even cancer. Add to that the fact that manufacturers also often add dyes to the cotton which offer additional chemical reactions, and you have a serious problem.
Baby clothes made from organic cotton eliminate all health issues that can come from traditionally grown cotton. To make organic cotton baby clothes an even healthier choice, many have nickel-free snaps or buttons made from nuts, which are hypoallergenic, further ensure that the baby clothes are the safest possible clothing for children to wear.
Organic cotton also protects our environment. It also protects water quality and the health of people who work growing it and manufacturing it. So purchasing organic cotton baby clothes, blankets, bedding, etc., means that you not only protect your child, you also have a hand in making the whole world a little safer place to live.

Organic Mantra

2008-01-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Benefit of organicGrowing crops in healthy soils results in food products that offer healthy nutrients.
There is mounting evidence that organically grown fruits, vegetables and grains may offer more of some nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, and less exposure to nitrates and pesticide residues than their counterparts grown using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Questions and Answers About Organic

What is organic?
Organic refers to the way agricultural products—food and fiber—are grown and processed. Organic food production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food.
Is there an official definition of "organic"?
The following excerpt is from the definition of "organic" that the National Organic Standards Board adopted in April 1995: "Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony."
What does "Certified Organic" mean?
"Certified Organic" means the item has been grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set.
Can any type of agricultural product become certified organic?
Yes, any agricultural product that meets third-party or state certification requirements may be considered organic. Organic foods are becoming available in an impressive variety, including pasta, prepared sauces, frozen juices, frozen meals, milk, ice cream and frozen novelties, cereals, meat, poultry, breads, soups, chocolate, cookies, beer, wine, vodka and more. These foods, in order to be certified organic, have all been grown and processed according to organic standards and must maintain a high level of quality. Organic fiber products, too, have moved beyond T-shirts, and include bed and bath linens, tablecloths, napkins, cosmetic puffs, feminine hygiene products, and men’s, women’s and children’s clothing in a wide variety of styles.
Who regulates the certified organic claims?
The federal government set standards for the production, processing and certification of organic food in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). The National Organic Standards Board was then established to develop guidelines and procedures to regulate all organic crops. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during December 2000 unveiled detailed regulations to implement OFPA. These took effect on April 21, 2001, with an 18-month implementation period ending October 2002. At that time, any food labeled organic must meet these national organic standards. USDA’s National Organic Program oversees the program.
Are all organic products completely free of pesticide residues?
Certified organic products have been grown and handled according to strict standards without toxic and persistent chemical inputs. However, organic crops are inadvertently exposed to agricultural chemicals that are now pervasive in rain and ground water due to their overuse during the past fifty years in North America, and due to drift via wind and rain.
Do organic farmers ever use pesticides?
Prevention is the organic farmer’s primary strategy for disease, weed, and insect control. By building healthy soils, organic farmers find that healthy plants are better able to resist disease and insects. Organic producers often select species that are well adapted for the climate and therefore resist disease and pests. When pest populations get out of balance, growers will try various options like insect predators, mating disruption, traps, and barriers. If these fail, permission may be granted by the certifier to apply botanical or other nonpersistent pest controls under restricted conditions. Botanicals are derived from plants and are broken down quickly by oxygen and sunlight.
How will purchasing organic products help keep our water clean?
Conventional agricultural methods can cause water contamination. Beginning in May 1995, a network of environmental organizations, including the Environmental Working Group, began testing tap water for herbicides in cities across the United States’ Corn Belt, and in Louisiana and Maryland. The results revealed widespread contamination of tap water with many different pesticides at levels that present serious health risks. In some cities, herbicides in tap water exceed federal lifetime health standards for weeks or months at a time. The organic farmer’s elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, in combination with soil building, works to prevent contamination, and protects and conserves water resources.
Is organic food better for you?
Furthermore, organic foods and fiber are spared the application of toxic and persistent insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers. Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. In the long run, organic farming techniques provide a safer, more sustainable environment for everyone.
Why does organic food sometimes cost more?
Prices for organic foods reflect many of the same costs as conventional items in terms of growing, harvesting, transportation and storage. Organically produced foods must meet stricter regulations governing all of these steps, so the process is often more labor- and management-intensive, and farming tends to be on a smaller scale. There is also mounting evidence that if all the indirect costs of conventional food production—cleanup of polluted water, replacement of eroded soils, costs of health care for farmers and their workers—were factored into the price of food, organic foods would cost the same or, more likely, be cheaper.
Isn’t organic food just a fad?
No. U. S. sales of organic food totaled $5.4 billion in 1998, about $6.5 billion in 1999, and reached nearly $7.8 billion in 2000. The market has grown 20%–24% annually during the 1990s. The adoption of national standards for certification is expected to open up new markets for U. S. organic producers. Internationally, organic sales continue to grow as well.
The Organic Trade Association is the leading business association representing the organic industry in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Its more than 1200 members include growers, processors, shippers, retailers, certification organizations and others involved in the business of producing and selling certified organic products.