Wednesday, July 25, 2007
MEDICINE MADE AT HOME
THIS IS THE WAY WE SURVIVE IN AFRICA.
In Uganda, the extraction of health products from naturally and commonly occurring herbs has been widely embraced. From food supplements to ointments, beauty products, medicines and beverages, the list of health products extracted from herbs is almost endless. Here are some of the wonder-working herbs that have been popularised.
Moringa This is a short stem, small-leaved tropical plant with various species, the commonest being Moringa oleifer. MODA Enterprises in the old Taxi Park as Richard Kanyike the sales person explains, specialises in remedies made from moringa. They include soap and jelly that soften and clear the skin of fungal infections. Powder, which is extracted from leaves or stems and roots is also said to be an immune booster that can be put in hot water as a beverage or in food as a spice. There is also malarial treatment powder, cough syrup as well as massage oil, which are derived from the different parts of the plant. Dama Medicinal Herbs at Shoppers’ Stop Plaza processes a wide variety of medicinal remedies from all sorts of herbs, some of the commonest being;
Aloe VeraA very short-stemmed succulent plant that spreads by root sprouts, Aloe Vera can be processed in different forms like powder, syrup, jelly or even boiling the leaves in water to be drank. It is seen to have varied functions including detoxification, treatment for fevers, skin growth, immunity stimulation, eliminating body odour, fighting obesity and viral hepatitis.
Eucalyptus Oil from eucalyptus leaves can be used for cleaning and in deodorants. Also, small extracts from leaves, the bark and roots are added in food supplements, cough drops and decongestants. The leaves, bark and roots can be chewed in their natural state as remedies for cough and stomach upsets. Eucalyptus oil is also said to have insect repellent properties.
Sunflower Oil extracted from sunflower seeds is used for cooking. This oil is given for the wide range of fatty acid compositions it contains, some of which contain a higher level of healthy fats.
Rosemary This woody, perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-like broad leaves has a very old reputation for improving memory, and has been widely used as a symbol for remembrance, according to the Encyclopaedia for Medicinal Plants. Fresh and dried leaves, when added to food, promote perspiration, relieve headaches, improve blood circulation and stimulate delayed menstruation. It is also added in shampoos.
Peppermint With its high menthol content, peppermint is often used as a flavouring in tea, ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste. When inhaled or applied to the skin, it helps with upset stomachs, inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and can help soothe and relax muscles. Other benefits are credited to its high manganese, vitamin C and A content and traces of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and copper.
LavenderThe most common species of this plant is Common Lavender, which yields a highly effective essential oil that can be used in balms, perfume and other cosmetics. Joyce Kirabo of Dama Medicinal says that it can also be used as an antiseptic, or to relieve abdominal pains during menstruation, stomach gas, headache and dizziness.
Ginger The grass-like plant is one of the most readily available herbs and is most consumed in its natural raw form. This legume is mostly chewed to reduce stomach gas, aid digestion and also to prevent nausea and vomiting.
LemonThe Encyclopaedia for Medicinal Plants by George D. Pamplona-Roger states that lemons contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties that may deter cell growth in cancers and limonins that could be anti-carcinogens. At Dama Medicinal, lemon extracts are given for cough and sore throats, rheumatism, kidney stones and allergies. Diluted lemon juice is given for hair rinsing.
CeleryCelery, is a common vegetable and is also grown for its seeds. These (seeds) yield a valuable volatile oil used in pharmaceuticals. Its seeds and roots are used either as whole spices or can be crashed and mixed with salt, as celery salt. The leaves stimulate appetite and juice extracted from the whole plant is taken for joint and urinary tract inflammations since it is said to contain calcium.
Posted by BASABOSE at 9:40 AM
I LOVE THIS BECAUSE ITS PART OF ME AND ITS WANT MY MOTHER AS EVER DONE TO SEE ME HEALTHY.
TAKE IT AS PART OF YOU.
Boy you like african made medicine.
You are a nyc guy as well do you mean you have been using these medicines as well Jenny-london
beneficial method at home
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine - dating back to around 8,000 years ago in ancient China. Acupuncture is the art of inserting tiny needles into specific places on the body and can cure many different ailments including asthma, insomnia and high blood pressure. It is believed that acupuncture can successfully treat over 40 different common health problems, and another method used in the china is Reflexology may be described as a specialized form of massage of the feet and - less commonly - of the hands. Performed to detect and correct "imbalances" in the body that may be causing ill-health, it is, however, much more than simply massage.The therapy has its roots in the practices of the healers of ancient Egypt, Greece, and possibly also of ancient China.
and some kind of the medicine are made in very little level in home during the old ages