Focus, motivation, learning, and memory
Our brain is like a virtual filing cabinet where the completed tasks, acquired information, and experiences are all processed and then stored - nothing is lost, instead just taking a little more effort to retrieve.
Clearly, it is important to maintain a healthy nervous system and good, sound brain function. A healthy brain and nervous system depends on the supply and flow of oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to all parts of the brain. A brain which is well supplied with nutrients and oxygen will not only work well, but will also play a part in mood, energy levels and motivation levels. Conversely, a healthy blood supply to the brain will also assist in the removal of carbon dioxide and other gaseous wastes.
The natural way
It stands to reason, therefore, that maintaining an adequate supply of blood to the brain will help to increase oxygen and nutrient supply and maintain a healthy balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the brain thereby maintaining healthy brain functions like concentration, attention span, mental alertness and memory. These are just a few of the many reasons why regular exercise, healthy diet, and sufficient sleep are all very important to enhance brain function and the nervous system.
Rather than treating problems in isolation, naturopaths prefer to take a holistic look at the individual and incorporate changes in a number of areas including diet, lifestyle, surroundings, and emotional elements - thereby supporting the health of the individual as a whole.
In addition, natural remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to support the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system, helping to maintain efficient concentration and memory functioning.
In more recent times, research has confirmed this traditional wisdom. There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to support the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and maintain the healthy flow of oxygen and nutrient- rich blood to the brain and peripheries (Pointel JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, Ledevehat C, Joubert M. Angiology 1987;38[1 Pt 1]:46-50).
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
how they do it?
Centella asiatica green leaves from Sri Lanka in the kitchen, where it is Gotu kola. In Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) Gotu = cones shape and kola = leaves. Mallification as usually, accompanied by traditional rice and curry, and goes especially well with vegetarian dishes such as parippu (dhal), and jackfruit or pumpkin curry. Very nutritious. In addition to finely chopped Gotu Kolabaum, almost always contain mallification May shredded coconut and green chilli, finely chopped, chili powder (1 / 4 tsp) turmeric powder (1 / 8 teaspoon) and lime (or lemon) juice.
A change that is very familiar with Kenda kola, Gotu kola also from the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka. Kenda kola is very good cooked with red rice (with liquid), coconut milk and Gotu kola is liquidized. The pulp is soft with Jaggery. Centella leaves in the word pennywort drink.
In Indonesia, the leaves for Sambai oi peuga-ga, such as Aceh, salad, mixed in the pickle in Bogor.
In Vietnam and Thailand, this sheet for the preparation of drinks that can be consumed or, unwrought or as a cold salad rolls.
In the Malaysian kitchen, which leaves from the plants used for the side dish, a kind of Malay Salad (ulam).
It is one of the components of the Indian drink 'thandaayyee ".
A change that is very familiar with Kenda kola, Gotu kola also from the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka. Kenda kola is very good cooked with red rice (with liquid), coconut milk and Gotu kola is liquidized. The pulp is soft with Jaggery. Centella leaves in the word pennywort drink.
In Indonesia, the leaves for Sambai oi peuga-ga, such as Aceh, salad, mixed in the pickle in Bogor.
In Vietnam and Thailand, this sheet for the preparation of drinks that can be consumed or, unwrought or as a cold salad rolls.
In the Malaysian kitchen, which leaves from the plants used for the side dish, a kind of Malay Salad (ulam).
It is one of the components of the Indian drink 'thandaayyee ".
Gotu Kola, youth vitamin x?
In 1979 Richard Lucus wrote a book that claimed a subspecies of Gotu Kola, called "Hydrocotyle asiatica minor", had a longevity factor called 'youth Vitamin X'. This youth Vitamin X was said to be a tonic for the endocrine glands and brain. He also said that extracts from this subspecies were beneficial to help circulation and skin problems.
Since then, Michael Moore, has debunked this as myth. He claims that there is no such subspecies of Gotu Kola in existence. Nonetheless, some of the circulatory and dermatological effects have a solid basis in Centella asiatica.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a small annual plant that is native to Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, northern Australia, Iran, Melanesia, New Guinea and Malaysia. It has slender interconnecting stems, creeping stolons, that are red to greenish in color. The leaves are green, long-stalked, reniform leaves that have a smooth texture with rounded apices. The root consists of rhizomes, which grow down vertically.
It is cream colored and covered in root hairs. When it flowers, the buds are a pinkish to red color. They are situated in small bunches close to the soil surface.
This herb thrives along low wet areas and along ditch lines. It is not uncommon for the plant to suffer bacterial contamination. This is likely due to being harvested from sewage ditches. Because of the fact that it is aquatic it is extra sensitive to water pollutants. It matures in three months and is harvested by hand, roots and all.
Gotu Kola is antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anti-ulcerogenic, a cerebral tonic, a mild adaptogen, nervine, vulnerary, a diuretic and a circulatory stimulant.
When eaten in raw form, like in a salad, this herb is thought to help maintain youthfulness. It can also brewed as a tea for an afternoon energy boost. The juice from the leaves is a good remedy to relieve hypertension, treat open sores and makes a great general tonic for good health.
Traditionally, the plant was used to help medicate leprosy. Several reports have come out from the scientific community, since then, that have shown it has wound healing properties. It helps scars to mature by the production of type 1 collagen.
Centella Asiatica is also used to revitalize the nervous system and brain; as well as help to increase concentration and memory span. Its age combating and antioxidant properties are a big reason people use it today. In Thailand it is used to help people who are detoxifying from an opium addiction.
Gotu Kola is a widely used herb with many uses. It is often mixed with other herbs in a complete homeopathic health regimen. It can be helpful with anything from improving the memory to helping open wounds on the skin heal.
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist and natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural remedies & healing techniques for common health & emotional ailments and conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dee_Braun
Since then, Michael Moore, has debunked this as myth. He claims that there is no such subspecies of Gotu Kola in existence. Nonetheless, some of the circulatory and dermatological effects have a solid basis in Centella asiatica.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a small annual plant that is native to Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, northern Australia, Iran, Melanesia, New Guinea and Malaysia. It has slender interconnecting stems, creeping stolons, that are red to greenish in color. The leaves are green, long-stalked, reniform leaves that have a smooth texture with rounded apices. The root consists of rhizomes, which grow down vertically.
It is cream colored and covered in root hairs. When it flowers, the buds are a pinkish to red color. They are situated in small bunches close to the soil surface.
This herb thrives along low wet areas and along ditch lines. It is not uncommon for the plant to suffer bacterial contamination. This is likely due to being harvested from sewage ditches. Because of the fact that it is aquatic it is extra sensitive to water pollutants. It matures in three months and is harvested by hand, roots and all.
Gotu Kola is antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anti-ulcerogenic, a cerebral tonic, a mild adaptogen, nervine, vulnerary, a diuretic and a circulatory stimulant.
When eaten in raw form, like in a salad, this herb is thought to help maintain youthfulness. It can also brewed as a tea for an afternoon energy boost. The juice from the leaves is a good remedy to relieve hypertension, treat open sores and makes a great general tonic for good health.
Traditionally, the plant was used to help medicate leprosy. Several reports have come out from the scientific community, since then, that have shown it has wound healing properties. It helps scars to mature by the production of type 1 collagen.
Centella Asiatica is also used to revitalize the nervous system and brain; as well as help to increase concentration and memory span. Its age combating and antioxidant properties are a big reason people use it today. In Thailand it is used to help people who are detoxifying from an opium addiction.
Gotu Kola is a widely used herb with many uses. It is often mixed with other herbs in a complete homeopathic health regimen. It can be helpful with anything from improving the memory to helping open wounds on the skin heal.
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist and natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural remedies & healing techniques for common health & emotional ailments and conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dee_Braun
anti-aging by natural way
Botanical Name: Centella asiatica
Other Common Names of Gotu Kola: Indian pennywort, pennywort, asiatic pennywort, antanan, pegaga, brahmi, chi-hsueh ts'ao, man t'ien hsing
Habitat: Gotu kola is native to Australia, Pacific Islands, Asia, South Africa, South America and other tropical climates. This perennial is found in shady, marshy areas. It can grow in shallow water or in moist soil.
Description: In shallow water gotu kola uses floating roots and the leaves rest on top of the water. On dry land, numerous small roots give rise to reddish stolons with small, thin leaves. The leaves may reach 1 inch thick by 6 inches long. Three to six reddish flowers may arise in a sessile manner. The fruit of this perennial is about 2 inches long with 7 to 9 ribs and a hardened pericarp.
Plant Parts Used: The entire plant is harvested at maturity and used for medicinal purposes.
Therapeutic Uses of Gotu Kola and Claims
* Gotu Kola is known as a longevity herb and often used as a general health tonic.
* Historically, gotu kola has been used to treat many disorders; including syphilis, hepatitis, epilepsy, stomach ulcers, nervous conditions, diarrhea and fever.
* This herb can be used externally for wounds and skin lesions.
* Gotu kola has been shown to support the blood vessels and help lower blood pressure with regular use. This helps reduce the frequency and severity of chronic venous insufficiency and the development of varicose veins.
* There is support to show that this plant may help with nervous conditions, especially anxiety and insomnia.
* Sufferers of scleroderma may find relief from the use of gotu kola.
* Anklylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine) and rheumatoid arthritis may also respond well to this herb.
* This herb helps rejuvenate the brain and nervous system and helps improve brain health. This herb has shown anti-aging properties.
Potential Side Effects of Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola has been shown, in some cases, to raise cholesterol and blood sugar levels, so should be avoided by those with high cholesterol and diabetes. This herb may also lead to miscarriage if used during pregnancy. The effect of use on infants and young children is unknown so those women who are breastfeeding should not use it. Gotu Kola use may lead to sensitivity to sunlight or artificial tanning lights. Upset stomach and nausea may occur with oral use and contact dermatitis may result from topical use. Gotu Kola may interact with medications that cause drowsiness and result in an increased sedation. Anticonvulsants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, drugs for insomnia, and tricyclic antidepressants are all drugs that cause drowsiness and may cause an interaction when taken with this herb. It may also lessen the effectiveness of insulin and other oral diabetic medications, as well as cholesterol-lowering medications. Gotu Kola may also have an increased sedative effect when taken with over-the-counter cold and cough medicines, or when drinking alcohol.
Therapeutic Dosages
Gotu kola is usually found in the form of herbal teas, tablets, capsules, tinctures, and salves. The tea is typically consumed three times a day. The oils, creams, or even tea, can be applied to the skin as needed throughout the day. Due to the varying potency and strengths of different products it is important to follow the manufacturer’s suggested dosage.
Other Common Names of Gotu Kola: Indian pennywort, pennywort, asiatic pennywort, antanan, pegaga, brahmi, chi-hsueh ts'ao, man t'ien hsing
Habitat: Gotu kola is native to Australia, Pacific Islands, Asia, South Africa, South America and other tropical climates. This perennial is found in shady, marshy areas. It can grow in shallow water or in moist soil.
Description: In shallow water gotu kola uses floating roots and the leaves rest on top of the water. On dry land, numerous small roots give rise to reddish stolons with small, thin leaves. The leaves may reach 1 inch thick by 6 inches long. Three to six reddish flowers may arise in a sessile manner. The fruit of this perennial is about 2 inches long with 7 to 9 ribs and a hardened pericarp.
Plant Parts Used: The entire plant is harvested at maturity and used for medicinal purposes.
Therapeutic Uses of Gotu Kola and Claims
* Gotu Kola is known as a longevity herb and often used as a general health tonic.
* Historically, gotu kola has been used to treat many disorders; including syphilis, hepatitis, epilepsy, stomach ulcers, nervous conditions, diarrhea and fever.
* This herb can be used externally for wounds and skin lesions.
* Gotu kola has been shown to support the blood vessels and help lower blood pressure with regular use. This helps reduce the frequency and severity of chronic venous insufficiency and the development of varicose veins.
* There is support to show that this plant may help with nervous conditions, especially anxiety and insomnia.
* Sufferers of scleroderma may find relief from the use of gotu kola.
* Anklylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine) and rheumatoid arthritis may also respond well to this herb.
* This herb helps rejuvenate the brain and nervous system and helps improve brain health. This herb has shown anti-aging properties.
Potential Side Effects of Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola has been shown, in some cases, to raise cholesterol and blood sugar levels, so should be avoided by those with high cholesterol and diabetes. This herb may also lead to miscarriage if used during pregnancy. The effect of use on infants and young children is unknown so those women who are breastfeeding should not use it. Gotu Kola use may lead to sensitivity to sunlight or artificial tanning lights. Upset stomach and nausea may occur with oral use and contact dermatitis may result from topical use. Gotu Kola may interact with medications that cause drowsiness and result in an increased sedation. Anticonvulsants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, drugs for insomnia, and tricyclic antidepressants are all drugs that cause drowsiness and may cause an interaction when taken with this herb. It may also lessen the effectiveness of insulin and other oral diabetic medications, as well as cholesterol-lowering medications. Gotu Kola may also have an increased sedative effect when taken with over-the-counter cold and cough medicines, or when drinking alcohol.
Therapeutic Dosages
Gotu kola is usually found in the form of herbal teas, tablets, capsules, tinctures, and salves. The tea is typically consumed three times a day. The oils, creams, or even tea, can be applied to the skin as needed throughout the day. Due to the varying potency and strengths of different products it is important to follow the manufacturer’s suggested dosage.
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