Amla/Indian Gooseberry (Indian Herbs Series)

Amla

Medicinal Plant: Indian Gooseberry
Latin Name: Emblica officinalis

All parts of the plant are used in various Ayurvedic/Unani medicine

According to Ayurveda, amla fruit is sour and astringent in taste, with sweet, bitter and pungent secondary tastes.

Its qualities are light and dry, the postdigestive effect is sweet, and its energy is to cooling.

According to Ayurveda, amla balances all three doshas.  While amla is unusual in that it contains five out of the six tastes recognized by Ayurved, it is most important to recognize the effects of the "virya", or potency, and vipaka", or post-digestive effect.
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Amla is particularly helpful in reducing pitta due to its cooling energy and balances both Pitta and Vata by virtue of its sweet taste.  The Kapha is balanced primarily due to its drying action.  It may be used as a rasayana(rejuvenative) to promote longevity, and traditionally to enhance digestion, treat constipation, reduce fever, purify the blood, reduce cough, alleviate asthma, strengthen the heart, benefit the eyes.

Indian gooseberry is a common constituent, and most notably is the primary ingredient in an acient herbal rasayana called Chyawanprash.

In Chinese traditional therapy, this fruit is called 余甘子, which is used to cure throat inflammation.

Emblica officinalis tea may ameliorate diabetic neuropathy.

Amla is used in many hair tonics.  It enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation.  It strengthens roots of hair, maintains color and luster.  Eating fresh fruit or applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and color.  Amla oil is very popular in India as it serves as a very good hair growth booster thereby preventing hair loss.

Taking Gooseberry juice with honey is good for improving eyesight. It improves nearsightedness and cataract.  It reduces intraocular tension.

Gooseberry contains chromium.  It has a therapeutic value in diabetes.  Indian Gooseberry or Amla stimulate the isolated group of cells that secret the hormone insulin.  Thus it reduces blood sugar in diabetic patient.

Gooseberry strenghtens heart muscles.  So heart pumps blood flawless throughout the body.

Infection:  Due to its antibacterial and astringent attributes the Indian Gooseberry protects against infection.  It improves body resistance.

Due to its strong, cooling and laxative properties, Gooseberry is useful for remedies for diarrhea, and dysentery.  It is a great relief for gastic syndrome and hyperchlorhydria.

Consuming Gooseberry powder with butter and honey before meal improves appetite.  It helps in balancing Nitrogen level and thus increases weight in a healthy way.

Amla prevents health related hyperlipidaemia through attenuating oxidative stress in the aged process.

Gooseberry is a good source of vitamin C.

Scientific studies show that amla has anti-flammatory and antioxidant properties that can help maintain healthy hair.

Other studies conclude that topically applied amla has exfoliating and anti-bacterial properties and may help maintain a healthy scalp and promote hair growth.

Treat your hair with the amla powder mixture about once every two weeks.  Between treatments, try using a shampoo and conditioner containing amla.  You also can use amla oil on your hair between treatments for extra shine.

100 grams of amla contains 700mg Vitamin C.  If amla is dried in the shade then much of the vitamin C is retained.  To get the maximum out of amla it should be taken raw with very little salt.

Constipation causes infrequent stool, anal and perianal pain and abdominal discomfort.  This persistent straining during the defecation leads to bleeding piles.  Amla being rich in fibre regulates the bowel action and keeps constipation at bay.  Juice of amla taken with 250mg of giloy extract(Guduchi) provides an effective remedy for hemorroids.

If your blood cholesterol troubles you then take amla.  The vitamin C in amla helps in dilating the blood vessels and thereby lowering the blood pressure. Grind dried amla into a fine powder and mix it with sugar candy.  Store this mixture in a glass bottle and take one teaspoon of this mixture every day empty stomach.  This will help maintain the cholesterol level.

Amla has anti diabetic quality.  Make a mixture of equal quantity of amla, jamun and bitter ground powder.  Take one teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day.  This mixture is also useful in treating conjunctivitis and glucoma.

In case of acidity take 1 gram of dry amla powder with a little sugar in milk or water twice a day.

1 tablespoon of paste of amla leaves, mixed with honey is an effective treatment for diarrhoea.

For promoting hair growth and prevent premature graying of hair one can use amla rich oils and shampoos.  For a quick home remedy soak amla powder in water for a week.  Then use it wash hair.  This preparation is a 3 in 1 shampoo, conditioner and hair day. 

Amla helps in restoring Vitamin C level in elderly, diabetic patients, hypertensive and women using estrogen contraceptives.

Deficiency of Vitamin C makes a person lethargic, susceptible to infections, rheumatic pains and intestinal disorders.  Consuming amla removes this lethargic feeling and makes one vibrant and upbeat.

According to a research low vitamin C levels puts a person at risk of developing gallbladder disorders.  Taking amla saves one from gallbladder infections.

In children low vitamin C levels leads to disturbed growth and fragile disorders. For a person with low vitamin C level healing of wounds and fractures is a slow process.  For quick healing, one must consume amla.

Amla is also a cure for scurvy.  Dry amla powder mixed with an equal quantity of sugar taken in doses of one teaspoon twice a day with milk provides enough vitamin C to beat scurvy.

Amla also works wonder with pregnant and lactating mothers.

It also reduces the incidence of cancer of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract.

Amla is nature's best antioxidant.  Food rich in antioxidants combat free radicals naturally and without any side effects.

Triphala is the best formulation of amla.  It is a household name in India.  As the name suggests it is a combination of 3 herbs - amla, harad and beheda.  Triphala is prepared by mixing the powder of these three herbs together.

滋補肝臟和膽囊的天然保健配方 Liver Tonic Home Remedy for healthy liver and gallbladder.

配方詳情(等份)：
蒲公英根
水飛薊(苔薊草)
朝鮮薊
茴香子

作用：
本配方能恢復和保護肝臟功能，清理肝臟和膽囊多餘毒素。

用途：
用以維護肝臟健康，或經歷肝臟和膽道疾病後（急性或慢性）清理和強化肝膽功能。本配方適合肝衰竭、肝炎、黃疸病、膽汁不足和膽結石，並作為輔助治療慢性便秘。

Liver Tonic Home Remedy for healthy liver and gallbladder.

Remedy details(equal portions):
Dandelion root
Milk Thistle
Artichoke
Fennel seed

Action:
This remedy is a restorative and protective tonic for the liver, and is cleansing to both the liver and gallbladder.

Uses:
Can be used as an occasional maintenance tonic, or to cleanse and strengthen after illness or liver abuse or in the treatment of hepatic and biliary illness(acute or chronic).  Indicated in hepatic torpor, hepatitis, jaundice, sluggish bile and gallstones, and as adjunct therapy in chronic constipation.

金印草(北美黃蓮)在實驗測試中證實能降低膽固醇 Popular Herb Goldenseal Lowers Cholesterol in Lab Tests

由美國弗吉尼亞州帕洛阿爾托醫療保健機構統籌的一項動物和細胞培養試驗表明，一種主要用於對抗上呼吸道感染的北美草藥金印草，也可能是一種有效的降膽固醇藥物。研究結果刊登於 Journal of Lipid Research。

姓劉研究員及同事們指出，以往的研究發現金印草和其他草藥都含有一種叫黃連素的生物鹼可以降低血脂。在一個發表於2004年自然醫學雜誌的小型臨床試驗發現，一組包括32例高脂血症患者服用由中國草藥黃連(與金印草非常接近）提取的黃蓮素後，病人的膽固醇和甘油三酯水平平均來說下降了約三分之一。

在新的研究中，劉姓研究員發現金印草除含有黃連素外還含有其他有效成分，對高膽固醇人士更為有益。她從細胞培養和倉鼠實驗上發現，其他有益化合物配合黃連素產生協同效應，能有效平衡血脂。她的研究小組發現其中一種有效化合物為Canadine。

研究表明，Canadine及相關化合物有助促進肝臟低密度脂蛋白受體的產生。這種低密度脂蛋白受體粘附到肝細胞表面後，能有效抓住血液中低密度膽固醇（LDL），有效降低血液中“壞”膽固醇水平。

西藥他汀類藥物也有助降低膽固醇，不過其作用包括阻斷一種促進肝臟製造膽固醇的酶發揮作用，令肝臟天然產生的膽固醇降低，這樣會激活低密度脂蛋白受體和肝細胞從血液中抽取更多的有害血脂，其副作用可能包括肝臟和肌肉損傷。

Popular Herb Goldenseal Lowers Cholesterol in Lab Tests

Animal and cell-culture tests by a team at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System have shown that goldenseal root, a popular North American herb used mainly to fight upper respiratory infections, may also be an effective cholesterol-lowering agent. The findings appeared online in the Journal of Lipid Research.

Previous research by Liu and colleagues found that berberine, an alkaloid found in goldenseal and other herbs, could lower lipids. In a small clinical trial published in 2004 in Nature Medicine, a group of Liu's collaborators in China treated 32 hyperlipidemic patients with berberine isolated from the traditional Chinese herb huang lian, like goldenseal, mainly as an antimicrobial. On average, the patients' cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped by about a third.

In the new research, conducted solely in Liu's VA lab, goldenseal root proved more powerful than berberine by itself as an agent against high cholesterol. Based on the evidence from her cell-culture and hamster experiments, Liu believes that other compounds in goldenseal, in addition to berberine, work in concert to keep lipids in check. Her team identified one of these compounds as canadine. They are working to purify and characterize two others.

The study showed that the compounds boost the production of a protein known as LDLR (liver low-density lipoprotein receptor). Anchored to the surface of liver cells, LDLR grabs particles of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol from the blood and draws them inside the cell. This lowers cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Statin drugs accomplish the same job, but they do so by blocking an enzyme that enables natural production of cholesterol in the liver. When the liver is low in cholesterol, this activates LDLR and liver cells take in more harmful lipids from the bloodstream. Their side effects could include liver and muscle damage.

磷脂絲氨酸：對多動症(注意力缺乏症)兒童有幫助 PS: Help for ADHD kids

對於注意力缺陷症(ADHD)兒童，服用磷脂絲氨酸(PS)或許會有幫助。一項最新研究表明，每天補充磷脂絲氨酸一段短時間便會有顯著改善。這項研究發布於人類營養和飲食期刊(Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics)。

磷脂絲氨酸普遍存在於高代謝活性器官(例如肺、心、腦和骨骼肌等)，是維持腦功能最關鍵的營養素之一。在研究中，36名四歲至十四歲兒童每日服用200毫克磷脂絲氨酸，連續服用2個月。

研究人員得出的結論是，這能顯著改善ADHD症狀和短期聽力記憶。他們說：“補充磷脂絲氨酸可能是其中一種最為天然和安全的方法，改善患有ADHD年幼童的心理表現。”

“缺乏磷脂與神經元結構和功能損傷有莫大關係，在兒童早期發育過程中這關係尤為明顯。”首席研究員T. Hirayama表示。“飲食中缺乏必需脂肪酸和磷脂可能會增加童年患上注意力缺乏症的風險....通過補充磷脂絲氨酸能有效糾正這種根本性失衡，這可能是一個重要的治療策略。”這項研究也確認了早前的另一項研究結果。

PS: Help for ADHD kids

Kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit from taking phosphatidylserine (PS). A new study suggests that daily doses of the supplement creates significant improvement, even over a short period of time. The study can be found in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

Phosphatidylserine is a nutrient found in organs with high metabolic activity, like lungs, heart, brains and skeletal muscle. It's one of the nutrients most critical to brain function. In the study, 36 children between the ages of four and 14 were given PS in supplement form at a dose of 200 mg per day per two months.

The researchers concluded that the supplement significantly improved ADHD symptoms and short-term auditory memory in children. They wrote that “PS supplementation might be a safe and natural nutritional strategy for improving mental performance in young children suffering from ADHD.”

“Phospholipid deficiencies are linked to impairments in neuronal structure and function, especially during early development,” wrote lead researcher, T. Hirayama. “Dietary deficiency in essential fatty acids and phospholipids during childhood may increase the risk of developing ADHD-type symptoms....correcting underlying imbalances through PS supplementation may be an important treatment strategy in cases where deficiency exists." The research confirms results from an earlier pilot study.

大腦健康與乙酰基-左旋肉鹼 Brain Health, Acetyl-L-Carnitine

許多權威研究指出，乙酰基-左旋肉鹼比其他形式的左旋-肉鹼更容易穿過血腦屏障。這解釋了乙酰基-左旋肉鹼為何比用其他形式左旋肉鹼在大腦中發揮更高活性。

乙酰基-左旋肉鹼能影響大腦中乙酰膽鹼的水平，乙酰膽鹼是腦部主要負責記憶和適當腦功能的神經遞質。乙酰基-左旋肉鹼也能影響神經元水平，促進其合成和增強其功能。乙酰基-左旋肉鹼更能促進神經元釋放更多多巴胺(一種神經遞質），並幫助它粘合多巴胺受體，從而發揮重要功效。

大腦衰老過程中，合成和利用乙酰膽鹼和多巴胺的能力都明顯減弱。補充乙酰基-左旋肉鹼能有效延緩腦退化。研究人員還發現，乙酰基-左旋肉鹼能進一步作為大腦內的一種抗氧化劑，穩定細胞膜，並增強腦細胞內的能源生產。


Many authorities point out that acetyl-L-carnitine more readily crosses the blood-brain barrier than do other forms of L-carnitine. This is one explanation sometimes given for the greater activity found with acetyl-L-carnitine than with other forms of L-carnitine in conditions involving the brain.

Acetyl-L-carnitine influences neuronal levels of acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter responsible for memory and proper brain function, but supporting its synthesis and functions. Acetyl-L-carnitine also enhances the release of dopamine from neurons and helps it bind to dopamine receptors.

As the brain ages, the ability to synthesize and utilize acetylcholine and dopamine declines. Researchers have discovered that acetyl-L-carnitine further acts as an antioxidant within the brain, that is stabilizes cell membranes, and enhances energy production within brain cells.

Acetyl-L-carnitine influences neuronal levels of acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter responsible for memory and proper brain function, but supporting its synthesis and functions. Acetyl-L-carnitine also enhances the release of dopamine from neurons and helps it bind to dopamine receptors.

As the brain ages, the ability to synthesize and utilize acetylcholine and dopamine declines. Researchers have discovered that acetyl-L-carnitine further acts as an antioxidant within the brain, that is stabilizes cell membranes, and enhances energy production within brain cells.

認識二吲哚甲烷(DIM) Facts about Diindolylmethane

DIM是從“十字花科”蔬菜，例如白菜、甘藍、花椰菜和西蘭花中所含的植物物質在體內所形成。科學家認為，這些蔬菜有助於保護人體免受癌癥侵害，因為它們含有DIM和相關的I-3-C成分。

DIM可用於預防乳腺癌、子宮癌和大腸癌。它對預防前列腺肥大（BPH）和治療經前綜合徵（PMS）皆有功效。

DIM的工作基理？
DIM能發揮像人體雌激素相似的作用，但在某些情況下，它也能阻止雌激素對身體的影響。
韋恩州立大學醫學院的科學家最近指出，"I3C和DIM能影響大量細胞基因的表達方式，對預防癌變和提高細胞存活率和相關生理作用都有正面影響"。

Diindolylmethane(DIM) is formed in the body from plant substances contained in “cruciferous” vegetables such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli. Scientists think these vegetables may help to protect the body against cancer because they contain diindolylmethane and a related chemical called indole-3-carbinol.

Diindolylmethane is used for preventing breast, uterine, and colorectal cancer. It is also used to prevent an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy, BPH) and treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

How does it work?
Diindolylmethane might act like estrogen in the body, but there is evidence that under certain circumstances it might also block estrogen effects.
Scientists at Wayne State University School of Medicine recently noted that “I3C and DIM affected the expression of a large number of genes that are related to the control of carcinogenesis, cell survival, and physiologic behaviors.

單味印度草藥 多重益處(二) Single Herbs. Multiple benefits.(Part 2)

三果實 (Triphala)：三果實能加強消化力，也有溫和通便作用，含印度醋栗、訶子和油欖仁三種果實成分。三果實的排便作用不會產生依賴性，並促進消化道健康。

木橘果(Bael)：木橘果具有促進消化、驅蟲和抗炎等特性。木橘果對治療腹瀉、痢疾和蠕蟲感染非常有用。

姜黃(Haridra, Turmeric)：姜黃具有抗過敏、抗炎和抗細菌感染的性質。姜黃用於皮膚感染和過敏非常有效。

茜草 (Manjishtha)：茜草有助排毒清血，能有效對抗強光造成的斑點、皮膚粉刺和黑斑。茜草能保護皮膚細胞免受感染。

香膠樹(Shuddha guggula)：香膠樹有助降低血液中的膽固醇水平。香膠樹對調節脂質代謝非常有效，故能控制體重和減少身體多余脂肪。

黃細心(紅骨蛇)(Punarnava)：黃細心有助於減少尿道感染，對女性泌尿道感染（UTI）尤為有效。黃細心能促進泌尿系統健康。

刺毛黧豆 (Kapikachhu,Mucuna Dopa)：刺毛黧豆有助改善情緒和發揮壯陽作用。 它也有助於增加精子數量。

刺蒺藜（Gokshura）：有助提高男性的性慾和性功能。刺蒺藜能增加流向陰莖的血流量，從而提高勃起效果。

纈草（Tagara）：有助促進睡眠與改善睡眠障礙。它也有助於平復緊張不安和情緒困擾。纈草可長期服用，不會成癮。

武靴葉（Meshashringi）：武靴葉有助於減少對甜食的渴求，也能有效降低血糖水平，對預防血糖過高非常有用，糖尿病或肥胖人士均適合服用。

鴨嘴花(Vasaka)：能幫助呼吸更舒適，也能溶解粘液，能擴張支氣管及具有祛痰特性。

Triphala: Triphala strengthens weak digestion and exerts gentle laxative action through extracts of Indian Gooseberry, and Chebulic and Berlleric Myrobalans.  Triphala is non-habit forming, and helps ensure that the digestive tract works at the optimal level.

Bael: Bael has digestive, anthelmintic, and anti-inflammatory properties.  Bael is useful in treating diarrhoea, dysentery, and worm infestations.

Haridra: Haridra offers anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.  Haridra is useful in skin infections and allergies.

Manjishtha:  Manjishtha helps detoxify blood and treats sun spots, pimples, and dark spots effectively.  Manjishtha protects the skin tissue from the damage caused by infections.

Shuddha guggula: Shuddha guggulu helps lower blood cholesterol levels.  Shuddha guggulu have a well-established role in regulating lipid metabolism thus support weight control and body fat reduction.

Punarnava: Panarnava helps reduce the misery of urinary tract infections(UTIs) in susceptible women.  Punarnava supports a healthy urinary system.

Kapikachhu: Kapikachhu helps improve mood and exerts aphrodisiac qualities.  Kapikachhu helps boost sperm count.

Gokshura: Gokshura helps improve male sexual desire and performance.  Gokshura increases blood flow to penis, thus improves the quality of erection.

Tagara: Tagara promotes sleep in people with sleep disturbance.  Tagara helps calm nervous unrest and emotional troubles.  Tagara is safe for long-term use and non-habit forming.

Meshashringi: Meshashringi helps reduce one's craving for sweet foods.  Meshashringi helps in lowering blood sugar levels, and is useful for prodiabetics, diabetics, and obese diabetics.

Vasaka:Vasaka provides respiratory comfort with mucolytic, bronchodilatory and expectorant properties.

單味印度草藥 多重益處(一) Single Herbs. Multiple benefits.(Part 1)

印楝Neem：
印楝具有抗細菌和抗真菌特質。它能增強免疫系統，改善皮膚健康。

婆羅米Brahmi：
婆羅米以其鎮靜作用最著名。它有助增強警覺性，並提高記憶力。

苦瓜素Karela：
苦瓜素有助調節碳水化合物代謝。它有助平衡胰島素分泌，有利血糖控制。

大蒜素Lasun：
大蒜素有助平衡脂肪和膽固醇水平。

聖羅勒Tulsi(Tulasi)：
聖羅勒具抗菌和消炎特性。它有助舒緩呼吸系統疾病、季節性發燒，也能有效治療咳嗽、感冒和喉嚨痛。

阿朱那(Arjuna)：
阿朱那有助促進血液循環和增強心臟肌肉，對心臟健康非常有益。

睡茄(Ashvagandha)：
睡茄是印度草本舒緩神經緊張的良方。它會安定和讓思路清晰。它對高血壓和焦慮癥等均有療效。

油甘子(Amla)：
油甘子是自然界的所謂維他命C倉庫，含大量抗氧化劑。它有助促進機體免疫力，幫助消化，治療呼吸道感染、咳嗽和感冒也非常有用。

乳香(Shallaki)：
乳香對減輕關節疼痛發揮重要作用。乳香有助維護關節健康。

青牛膽心(Guduchi)：
青牛膽心能強化機體抗感染能力。青牛膽心有助增強白血細胞活性，提高免疫力。

蘆筍草(Shatavari)：
哺乳期婦女服用蘆筍草，有助調節荷爾蒙分泌，幫助增加奶量。蘆筍草也能改善產後婦女健康。

Single Herbs.  Multiple benefits.
Neem:Neem has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities.  It boosts the immune system from within and helps maintain a clear, blemish free and healthy skin.

Brahmi:Brahmi is renowned for its calming effect on the mind.  It enhances general mental alertness and also improves memory.

Karela:Karela is very useful in regulating carbohydrate metabolism.  It normalizes insulin secretion and keeps blood sugar in control.

Lasun:Lasun is used to control excess conversion of liqids and cholesterol.

Tulsi:Tulsi has both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.  It helps cure respiratory disorders, seasonal fever and is also effective in cough, cold and sore throat.

Arjuna:Arjuna promotes blood circulation and strengthens cardiac muscles.  It is very beneficial for the heart.

Ashwagandha:Ashwagandha is an herbal anti-stress agents.  It calms and revitalizes the mind.  It also combats stress disorders like hypertension and anxiety disorder.

Amla:Amla(Amlaki) is a nature's storehouse of Vitamin C.  It also contains antioxidants.  It promotes immunity, aids digestion and is useful in treating respiratory tract infections as well as cough and cold.

Shallaki:Shallaki plays a useful role in relieving joint aches and arthritic pains.  It maintains and supports healthy joints.

Guduchi:Guduchi builds the body's resistance to infections.  Guduchi helps enhance the activity of white blood cells, and improves the immune system.

Shatavari:In nursing women, shatavari supports lactation by regulating the hormonal secretion.  Shatavari improves postpartum health.

草本香料有助維護人體健康 Healing Spices: Protect Health Year-round

烹飪用草藥和香料為食物增添美味外，還有更多功能。這些調味劑含有重要的植物化合物，有助抵抗癌癥、舒緩糖尿及心臟疾病，並有助減輕因感冒和流感引起的疼痛和不適癥狀。許多草藥和香料如生薑、牛至、百里​​香等能消退食源性致病菌。其他如薑黃（含有薑黃素，即咖哩中的黃色），已被證明是預防酒精相關肝損害的有用草藥。

常見草藥和香料的藥用價值：
荳蔻 
可用於消化不良。它含有案葉素，具有防腐、防口臭，舒緩充血及脹氣等癥狀。
辣椒 
 對抗食源性細菌，並有助預防心血管疾病和呼吸道感染。
肉桂
 抗菌劑和抗氧化劑，也提高胰島素敏感性，同時降低膽固醇和甘油三酯。
丁香
 高效抗氧化劑，天然防腐劑和抗痙攣草藥。丁香油是安全有效的天然抗牙痛成分。
芫荽
 用於消化不良和腸胃脹氣。
尤加利樹
 天然防腐劑和減充血劑，適用於芳香療法及蒸氣吸入，也有膠囊和茶等補充劑形式。
大蒜
 高效抗菌，舒緩感冒和鼻塞，對抗動脈阻塞，降低血壓。也幫助對抗癌癥，治療糖尿病，雷諾氏病和真菌感染。(由於服用大蒜或會抵消益生菌作用，建議2者分開服用)。
薑
具有抗菌特性故常用於煮菜，有助改善口腔衛生，強力抗氧化劑，能顯著降低血脂，促進血液循環，並有助輕關節炎膝關節疼痛。對解酒和暈車均有功效。薑這種香料用於醫藥範疇已有數千年歷史。
甘草
 甘草有助抵抗呼吸道感染;而去甘草酸的甘草素（DGL）則有助改善消化問題。甘草是被廣泛應用的草藥，在世界上應用量僅次於姜。
沒藥
 沒藥屬於芳香類樹脂，具防腐作用，能針對口腔潰瘍、割傷及牙齦疾病。
牛至
 有效抗菌，對食源性致病菌特別有效，並有效針對多種癌癥。牛至比普通草藥高20倍抗氧化活性，是一種強有力消炎草本成分。
薄荷 
 抗菌、解痙以及幫助溶解膽結石。
迷叠香
 所含酚類物質具有抗癌特性、抗炎和強力抗氧化等好處。一些研究表明，迷叠香有助對抗白內障和老年癡呆癥。
鼠尾草
 適用於胃部不適，可增強記憶力。
八角
 有助支氣管祛痰，舒緩腸胃不適。
百里香
 針對各種細菌和真菌感染非常有效，可用於咳嗽。
薑黃
 含有薑黃素，有助降低炎癥反應和2型糖尿病的風險，有助對抗老年癡呆癥、克羅恩病、抑鬱癥、心臟衰竭、類風濕關節炎和抑制腫瘤生長。黑胡椒素能大大提高了薑黃在體內的吸收率。

Healing Spices: Protect Health Year-round
Cooking with herbs and spices provides far more than tasty food. Powerful plant compounds in these seasonings help fight cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, while working to relieve pain and the discomforts associated with seasonal bouts of colds and flu.  Many herbs and spices—like ginger, oregano, and thyme—help fight foodborne pathogens to prevent those annoying digestive “bugs” that no one wants to deal with over the holidays. Others, like turmeric (containing curcumin, which gives curry its yellow color), have been  shown to be protective against alcohol-related liver damage.

Healing Herbs & Spices
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) can be used for indigestion. It contains cineole, an antiseptic that’s effective against bad breath,  congestion, and flatulence.
Cayenne (Capsicum spp.) Antibacterial that fights food poisoning and helps prevent cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) Antimicrobial and antioxidant that also improves insulin sensitivity while lowering cholesterol and triglycerides.
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) High in antioxidants; also antiseptic and antispasmodic. Oil is safe and effective for toothache.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is used for indigestion and flatulence.
Eucalyptus (E. globulus) Antiseptic and decongestant useful in aromatherapy and steam inhalation; also available in capsules and teas. 
Garlic (Allium sativum) Antimicrobial beneficial for colds and nasal congestion; fights clogged arteries and lowers blood pressure. May also help fight cancer, treat diabetes, Raynaud’s disease, and yeast infections.   Can counteract probiotics, so take separately.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Antimicrobial useful in food preparation and oral health; antioxidant that significantly lowers lipids, aids circulation, and may help relieve arthritic knee pain. Effective for morning and motion sickness. This popular spice has been safely used medicinally for millennia.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) Take standard licorice for respiratory infections; use deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) products for digestive problems. Most widely used herbal remedy in the world after ginger.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Aromatic resin; antiseptic tincture for canker sores, cuts, and gum disease.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Antimicrobial effective against foodborne pathogens, even antibiotic-resistant bacteria; may be useful against several cancers. Has 20 times the antioxidant activity of other herbs; a potent anti-inflammatory.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) Antibacterial and antispasmodic; helps dissolve gallstones.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Contains phenols with anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. In some research, helps fight cataracts and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is used for upset stomach; may enhance memory.
Star anise (Illicium verum) is used as a bronchial expectorant and to soothe gastrointestinal complaints.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Antimicrobial effective against a variety of bacteria and fungi; useful for coughs.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Contains curcumin that reduces inflammation and risk for Type 2 diabetes; may help fight Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, depression, heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, and tumor growth.  Black pepper greatly improves turmeric’s absorption in the body.

阿育吠陀印度草藥生活方式帶您輕松入睡 Get a Good Night’s Sleep: The Ayurvedic way

許多人有睡眠問題。如果缺乏充足睡眠，長遠來說可能患上許多疾病的風險會增加。阿育吠陀印度草藥學是一種古老醫學系統。如有睡眠問題，不妨參照這種傳統醫學理論為我們提供的有用建議。

DOSHA影響睡眠樣式
首先，印度草藥學有所謂DOSHA（能量類型或體質)的分別。不同DOSHA人士可能遇上不同類形的睡眠問題。理解每個人屬於那種DOSHA對改善睡眠質量非常重要。
VATA類型人士傾向於睡眠不穩，這是由於他們通常有緊張和焦慮的特質，而大部分的失眠問題往往起源於VATA不平衡。VATA型失眠可能源於思考過度和擔憂心情，或對於其他人或四周環境反應過大。
PATA類型人士雖然睡眠時間少，但睡眠質素可以是良好的。一個例子是某大公司經理每日只有四小時睡眠，有時午後小休，但身體健康精神爽朗。PATA類型也有失眠的例子，不過多數由於一些情緒問題，例如事情未解決、憤怒、怨恨和嫉妒所導致。
KAPHA類型人士比較傾向於長時間沈睡。有時過多的睡眠反而進一步加劇睡眠不適。KAPHA類型人士很少遇到失眠。反而這類人士如果能適當減少睡眠時間及減少午睡，他們的健康會因此而獲益。

睡多久才足夠？
印度草藥醫生通常會建議六至八小時睡眠時間。KAPHA人士應適當減少睡眠時間，而VATA人士則應適量增加睡眠時間。每天的睡眠時間建議跟隨大自然規律，日出而作日入而息。VATA類人士如果不堪壓力或體力透支，可於午後小睡片刻。阿育吠陀印度草藥崇尚的生活方式，晚上十點上床，十一點前入睡，早上六點起床。但我們怎樣才能做到這一點？

幫助入睡的建議
阿育吠陀建議每晚預留時間悄悄檢討當天的一切。這種做法有助於釋放一天的緊張和過度關切，心靈平靜，煩惱拋諸腦後。練習瑜伽式子也有幫助，但避免刺激性或帶氧運動。使用精油按摩頭部，例如選用細磨麻油，然後洗個溫水澡，有助促進睡眠。VATA主導的人士可將精油按摩腳部，有助心情平靜。再洗個溫水澡效果更好。VATA主導類型人士晚飯挑選這些食物也有幫助：五穀雜糧、根莖類蔬菜、乳製品、牛奶和酥油煮出來的米飯。不要吃太飽，但分量必須足夠維持直早上但不會引起胃部不適。歌唱、吟誦、聽著平靜的音樂、置身於歡樂氣氛都有助良好睡眠。PATA類型失眠人士選用一些天然植物補充劑也有助平息睡前的精神刺激。睡床應該選用天然材料制造，也要確保不受動物或兒童幹干擾睡眠。房間應保持涼爽、乾燥、舒適、整潔，及盡可能減少電子燈光、噪音或振動。睡房避免安放電視和電腦。很多人會受到電視畫面干擾而失眠。睡前避免看電視、聽刺激音樂或玩電子遊戲。閱讀一些輕松或啟發性的內容，或聽輕音樂，祈禱和冥想都有助沈睡。禱告是與自己談話，冥想是靜聽自己心底話！這些生活方式都有助睡眠平和，如有需要可喝少量熱牛奶。如對奶製品過敏，可食用加熱的米水、椰奶、杏仁露，或其他果仁奶，添加少許肉荳蔻和/或積雪草。肉荳蔻是很好的鎮靜劑，但如每日過度使用，可能會導致腦筋遲鈍。

每日服用印度草藥睡茄一至四粒，喝溫牛奶和少量原糖有助人體應對壓力，並獲得深沈而平靜的睡眠。印度草藥油Bhringaraj塗於頭皮或髮線能起鎮定作用，避免精神過度活躍。蜘蛛香和纈草也能穩重情緒。洋甘菊茶對各種體質人士都是不錯的選擇，您可能需要試驗一下，看看什麼最適合你。祝您獲得甜蜜的夢！

Get a Good Night’s Sleep: The Ayurvedic way
Many people have sleep problems. Without adequate sleep, we are at risk for many diseases. Ayurveda, an ancient science of healthcare, offers sage advice in the slumber department.

Dosha Sleep Styles First, it is important to understand the typical quality of sleep experienced by each dosha (energy type).
Vata individuals tend toward interrupted sleep. This is due to their nervous and anxious nature, and most insomnia tends to originate from a vata imbalance. This vata-type insomnia can stem from excessive thinking and worrying as well as hypersensitivity to people and surroundings.
Pitta individuals may get moderate to little sleep, but it is sound. An example would be the efficient owner of a large company who functions well on four hours of sleep and a power nap. A pitta-type insomnia, though, can result from unresolved emotions like anger, resentment, and jealousy.
Kapha individuals tend towards heavy, prolonged, and excessive sleep, which further exacerbates the sluggishness of their natural constitution. Kaphas rarely experience insomnia. They will derive health benefits from purposefully shortening their sleeping time and not napping during the day.

How much is enough?
Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend between six and eight hours of sleep a night. A kapha may need less, while a vata may need more. When aiming for longer sleep, it is important that it be had before sunrise to be in harmony with nature. A vata-dominant person could also nap in the afternoon if overwhelmed or depleted. Most Ayurvedic lifestyle recommendations include instructions to be in bed by 10 pm, asleep by 11 pm, and up by 6 am. How do we make that happen?

Aids to Slumber
Ayurveda recommends setting aside time in the evening to quietly review the day. This practice helps to release the tensions and concerns of the day and to empty the mind of bothersome thoughts. Yoga asanas are valued, but no stimulating or aerobic poses should be done. Oil massage of the head—especially with grounding sesame oil—followed by a warm bath promotes a sound sleep. Applied to the feet of a vata-dominant person, the sesame oil anchors and calms. Follow by a warm bath for best results. For some vata-dominant types, heavier food for dinner helps. In Ayurveda, that means whole grains, root vegetables, dairy, and boiled rice with milk and ghee. The last meal of the day should sustain you until breakfast but not cause gastric distress. Singing, chanting, listening to calm music, and placing oneself in joyful circumstances are good preparations for sleep. Pitta-aggravated insomniacs may benefit from using soft natural botanicals to calm their irritation before bed. The bed must be conducive to sleep and free of disturbances by animals or children. The room should be cool and dry, comfortable and uncluttered, with as few electronic lights, noises, or vibrations as possible. Leave the television and computers outside the bedroom. Many people get disturbed by the evening news. Avoid this influence before bed, along with stimulating music, movies, and video games. Read something calming or inspiring, or listen to music for a few minutes. Prayer and meditation are the preamble to sleep for many. Prayer is where you do most of the talking, meditation is where you are listening! If, with all these lifestyle recommendations, you still need help with peaceful slumber, Ayurveda recommends drinking warm milk. If dairy intolerant, use warmed rice, coconut, almond, or other nut milks. To this, you can add a pinch of nutmeg and/or gotu kola.

Herbal Remedies Ashwagandha (one to four capsules) taken with warmed milk and a bit of raw sugar helps the body cope with stress and leads to deep, untroubled sleep. Medicated bhringaraj oil applied to the scalp or hairline calms the mind and excessive mental activity. Jatamansi and valerian herbs can also sedate and work for some. Chamomile tea is a good standby for all three doshas. You may need to experiment to see what works best for you. Sweet dreams!

氨基酸與運動健身 Amino-Acid and Fitness Connection

幾十年來，運動愛好者(特別是健身人士)都喜歡服用氨基酸增補劑增強肌肉能力，促進運動效果。

人體必需氨基酸
人體必需氨基酸是非常重要的氨基酸，身體需要這些氨基酸卻無法自我製造，所以必須中飲食攝取所得。當人體從飲食中獲得這些必需氨基酸後，便能夠製造很多有用的非必需氨基酸。一項研究發現，在進行負重訓練一兩個​​小時後，服用6克適當比例的人體必需氨基酸，能增加肌肉蛋白質的合成。而在負重鍛鍊前服用的話，肌肉蛋白質的合成更大為增加。研究說明在合適時間服用適當比例人體必需氨基酸可顯著提高肌肉蛋白質的合成。

支鏈氨基酸BCAA
支鏈氨基酸BCAA包括亮氨酸、異亮氨酸和纈氨酸。運動時服用BCAA有助維持肌肉組織健康，防止肌肉受到損害。愛好運動人士常於鍛煉身體後服用BCAA，以確保肌肉能迅速恢復。支鏈氨基酸也供應心臟和骨骼肌肉能量所需。一些研究表明，補充支鏈氨基酸對運動效能有增補作用，能強身健體的效果又不會讓脂肪增加。研究還表明，專業運動員使用支鏈氨基酸能防止體重和最佳運動體能下降。即使普通運動人士服用支鏈氨基酸後也有助增加肌肉量(不含脂肪)而體力也獲得明顯增加。

精氨酸
精氨酸於身體擔負幾個重要角色。它也是最普遍使用的健身增補劑。精氨酸能提高體內一氧化氮水平，這能提高運動表現。一氧化氮水平提高會促使肌肉血流量增加，為這些細胞提供更多氧氣和養分。補充精氨酸被認為能增加一氧化氮的產量，從而導致血流量明顯增加。

鳥氨酸
鳥氨酸由精氨酸分解而來。它也有助於建立肌肉和減少體內脂肪量，尤其當結合精氨酸和左旋肉鹼等氨基酸一起服用時效用更佳。鳥氨酸也是瓜氨酸、脯氨酸、谷氨酸這3種重要氨基酸合成所必需的氨基酸，為體內每個細胞提供更多能量。鳥氨酸精氨酸混合配方是的非常熱門的健身肌肉增補配方。

不過，世上並沒有什麼神奇補充劑能不做運動也促進肌肉生長。最可取的方法，是做適量運動配合健康，再補充適當氨基酸的話便能大大提高運動效能。

Amino-Acid and Fitness Connection
For decades, athletes (especially bodybuilders) have used amino-acid supplements as ergogenic aids (something that increases muscular work capacity) and to help meet athletic goals.

Essential Amino Acids
An essential amino acid is one that your body needs but does not manufacture; you must obtain it through diet. When essential amino acids are present in the diet, the body is able to make an adequate supply of nonessential amino acids. One study finds that when people take 6 grams of essential amino acids in the right proportions one or two hours after resistance training, the result is an increase in muscle protein synthesis. When they’re taken before weight training, the increase in muscle protein synthesis is even greater. When used in the right proportions and taken at the right times, essential amino acids can significantly increase muscle protein synthesis.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids
The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—maintain muscle tissue by preventing breakdown during exercise. They’re commonly used by athletes to ensure a quick recovery after a workout. BCAAs also supply energy to the heart and skeletal muscles. Several studies suggest that supplementation with BCAAs has an ergogenic effect in people who exercise, including an increase in lean body mass. Research also shows that highly trained athletes using BCAAs are able to avoid the significant loss in body weight and decrease in peak power experienced by those not taking them. Even untrained individuals using BCAAs experience a significant increase in fat-free mass and grip strength.

Arginine
Arginine has several important roles in your body. Its most popular use as an ergogenic supplement is its ability to augment nitric oxide levels, possibly helping to enhance your performance. Nitric oxide increases blood flow to working muscles, which in turn leads to increased oxygen transport and delivery of fuel to skeletal muscle. Supplemental arginine is thought to augment nitric oxide production, leading to an increase in blood flow.

Ornithine
Ornithine is  derived from the breakdown of arginine. It helps build muscle and reduce body fat, especially when combined with the amino acids arginine and carnitine. Ornithine is also needed for the formation of citrulline, proline, and glutamic acid, three amino acids that help supply energy to every cell in the body.  Ornithine is often combined with arginine as a muscle-building supplement.

There is no magic pill that works without exercise to promote muscle growth and improve performance. But when combined with a healthful diet, amino acids may help you achieve your sports-nutrition goals.