Truffle

Truffle

Botanical name
Terfezia, Tirmania or Tuber

Description
The truffle is a fleshy edible fungus that grows underground, on or near the roots of trees. Its colour varies from shades of white, gray to black and it is recognised by its distinct strong aroma. There are many different types of truffle, the white variety has a creamy texture and a clean taste unlike the black one which has an earthy flavour similar to that of mushrooms and nuts but with a stronger aroma.

In Europe truffles are originally sniffed out by pigs due to the aroma they give off which is similar to that of the sex hormone found in boar saliva. Dogs are also trained to sniff them out as they do not eat the truffle upon finding them.

As for the desert truffles which the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) was referring to (the Terfezia or Tirmania genus) then they do not require trained dogs or pigs to sniff them out. They grow close to the surface forming a distinct cracked mound noticeable to the trained eye. The Arabs call the truffle the ‘daughter of the thunder’ due to their growing after thunderstorms and scientists say that the yield of desert truffles is definitely related to the total rainfall and its distribution.

Among the other names used for the Truffle is Faga’ used in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, Terfez used in Morocco and kam`a used in southern Iraq.


Evidence from the Sunnah
The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The kam’ah (truffle) is from al-Manna (which is a food mentioned in the Quran, Surah al-Baqarah) and its water is a cure for the eye.” [Agreed Upon by al-Bukhari and Muslim]


Parts used
The complete truffle is used after removing its outer skin.


Medical uses

Truffles have been a delicacy since ancient times. It is used in soups and gravies amongst the Arabs as well as being boiled in milk or water. The desert Arabs used it as a meat substitute and recipes for them can also be found in the books of the Romans and Greeks.

According to Ibnu Qayyim its juice is used to strengthen eyesight or it can be used as a kohl in cases of bad eyesight or conjunctivitis.

In a recent study carried out by the Department of Nutrition and Food Technology of Jordon University (2010) it was concluded that the antioxidant properties of the desert Truffle can prevent liver damage.

Truffles have a high nutritional value such that a sample of desert truffles (Tirmania nivea) from Saudi Arabia was found to contain 27.2% protein, 7.4% fat, 28% carbohydrates, 13.2% crude fibre, and 5.1% ascorbic acid. High amounts of K and P, and all essential amino acids were present in fair amounts, (Journal of Food science 2006) thus making it a great source for energy as suggested by Ibn Sinaa.


Application

The water from the Truffle is extracted and the eye is anointed with it. As you can see from the video below the method of extracting water from a truffle is as follows:

• Carve a hole into the top of the truffle as you would when coring an apple (making sure not to pierce the bottom so that the water can be collected).
• Place the truffle onto a safe heat source with no flames such as hot coal or embers.
• Leave it to heat for about 5 to 10 mins or until you see the water collecting at the bottom.
• Extract the water using a sterilised syringe and preserve it in an air tight container.

Read More

Talbinah

Talbinah/ Barley

Botanical Name

Hordeum Vulgare is the botanical name for barley, it is from the Poaceae family.


Description

Talbinah is actually a broth made from barley (Sha`eer). The broth is called Talbinah because it is thin and white, similar to milk.

Barley (the essence of Talbinah) is a rugged cereal grain from the grass family, it can grow up to 1 ½ to 4 feet tall and flourishes in cool climates.

It has not been established where exactly barley originated from however it has been traced back to 7000BC Iran and 5000BC in the early Egyptian and Sumerian writings. Barley was part of the staple diet in ancient Egypt, in 5th century AD Tibet, and Medieval Europe. Known to the ancient Greeks, Romans and Chinese, it is from the most ancient of cultivated grains; it was the first domesticated grain in the Near East (current day Syria, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon) and has been used for centuries in dishes ranging from bread, soup and cereal.

The most common forms of barley found today are: Hulled barley where only the outer husk is removed, Scotch barley where the grain is husked and coarsely ground, barley grits where the grain is hulled and cracked into medium course pieces, and Pearl barley where the bran is removed, steamed and polished. The most nutritious and beneficial of these is the hulled barley as the other forms lose a lot of their nutritional value through the different processing they go through. Pearl barley is more commercial and widely available unlike the other forms which can mainly be found in health food stores.


Evidence

Talbinah has been mentioned in many narrations of the Prophet [peace be upon him] such as the narration of Aisha that when someone from her relatives died, the women would gather for that (reason) then they would disperse except her family, she would order an earthenware pot of talbinah be cooked, then tharid (a dish made form meat and bread) would be made and the talbinah poured over it. Then she (Aisha) would say (to the women), ‘Eat from it for indeed I heard the Messenger of Allah [peace be upon him] say: “Talbinah is a relaxation for the heart of the sick person and it removes some of the sorrow”.’ [Bukhari 479/9, Book of Food, Chapter of Talbinah]
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) also said: the Messenger of Allah [peace be upon him] said:, “You must have what you find unpleasant but beneficial: the talbinah.” She further said – “whenever one of the family of the Messenger of Allah [peace be upon him] was troubled with sickness, the pot never left the fire until he reached one of two extremes.”, [Ibn Majah #3446] Ibn Qayyim explained this means until he or she recovered or died.

From the hadeeth of Umm Kulthum who heard Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) saying, the Messenger of Allah [peace be upon him] said: “”You must have what you find unpleasant but beneficial (i.e. talbinah); by the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, indeed it cleanses the stomach of one of you, just as one of you washes his face from dirt, with water.”[Sunan An Nisai Al Kubra, #7575 and Mustadrak Ala Saheehayn, by Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Abdullah al Haakim An-Naisaburi,Book of Food, #7531].


Parts Used
It is more common that the barley grain is used; however, unknown to many people; the green barley leaves can be used too.


Constituents

Barley consists of carbohydrates (55% starch, 15% fibre), Proteins (12%), lipids (3%) and Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and anthocyanin). Amongst its vitamins and minerals are; B1 (Thiamine), B2(Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic), B6, B9 (Folate), selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. It also contains calcium and potassium. Its constituents function as follows;

Phytochemicals – natural plant-based chemicals – may reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Soluble fibre is effective in lowering blood cholesterol and can reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also beneficial in slowing the absorption of sugar and reducing the risk for developing type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

Insoluble fibre is beneficial in helping the body maintain regular bowel function. It may also help lower the risk of certain cancers such as colon cancer.

Starch – has softening and absorbent properties.

Antioxidants – especially vitamin C and E protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.


Medical Uses

Ibn Qayyim mentioned that talbinah has the same benefits of barley water but it is even better. He said that it has a cleansing action and provides subtle nourishment. The talbinah broth according to this great scholar and physician of Islam clears any bilious, phlegmy humours that collect in the stomach and puts it at rest.

In modern times many discoveries have been made about this prophetic remedy of barley. It is now known that the starch contained in barley is especially useful for its emollient (softener), absorbent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties making it beneficial in smoothing the intestinal mucosa and highly recommended for stomach pain or irritation.

B Vitamins are involved in the development and maintenance of the nervous system; they produce brain chemicals that affect the mood and they are vital for mental and emotional well-being. Deficiency in B vitamins has been linked to depression. This may explain the saying of the Prophet [Symbol] that talbina removes some of the sorrow. Our body does not store B vitamins so they must be a part of our daily diet.

Barley is a high fibre, whole food and an excellent choice for type 2 diabetes sufferers or pre-diabetes. It contains many vitamins and minerals, in particular beta-glucan soluble fibre. Research shows that barley beta-glucan soluble fibre promotes healthy blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption. Published in the August 2007 edition of the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice journal; a long-term study reported a 30-percent decrease in HbA1c (average blood glucose level) in type 2 diabetics who consumed a healthy diet including pearl barley that supplied 18 grams of soluble fibre a day.

The absorptive capacity of starch is useful in mild diarrhoea as it absorbs excess fluid in the stool thus stopping diarrhoea.

The U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) made a press release in 2006 announcing that whole grain barley and barley-containing products are allowed to claim that they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This was based on the scientific research to support these claims.

Green barley grass is rich in vitamins A, C, B1, B2, and B12; folic acid, calcium, iron, and potassium. Unlike most plants, barley grass provides all nine essential amino acids – those which our body can’t produce. Green barley leaves contain a very high level of chlorophyll which acts as an antioxidant lowering free radicals, this can help prevent cancer.

Research carried out in the School of Medicine and health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, by Allan L. Goldstein, Ph.D. (2010), – head of the biochemistry department – and his colleagues; indicated that an antioxidant called alpha-tocopherol succinate (a relative of vitamin E) may be the major factor of the plant’s anti-tumor action. Dr Goldstein and his team found that it seems to inhibit several types of cancer, including leukemia, brain tumors, and prostate cancer.

In Japan where green barley is popular; according to Yoshihide Hagiwara, M.D., researcher, founder and owner of the largest Pharmaceutical company in Japan, and author of the book “Green Barley Essence” (1986) – barley grass helps cure skin diseases and ulcers by promoting the growth of new cells. Certain antioxidants can act as a remedy for the skin; Vitamin C and Carotenoids which are both found in green barley grass are used to rejuvenate the mitrochondria in the skin cells for more youthful looking skin.

Green barley grass offers more protein than a sirloin steak, five times the amount of iron compared to spinach, seven times more vitamin C than orange juice, and 11 times more calcium than cow’s milk.

It is no wonder that barley is a super-food, it is one of the most beneficial forms of dietary fibre which promotes a healthy digestive tract. It Lowers blood cholesterol levels, prevents blood sugar levels from rising in people with diabetes and reduces the risk of cancer.

For the sake of brevity we have mentioned only a few medical uses for barley. Many current researches have been, and are being carried out on this amazing prophetic remedy which the Prophet Mohammed [Symbol] advised the Muslims with. There are even studies showing that barley can help in preventing breast cancer, Gallstone, childhood asthma and arthritis.


Application

There are many ways to utilise barley.

For sadness, depression or for general well-being – drink talbina until health is regained. To make talbina; add 1-2 tablespoons of 100% barley flour to a cup and a half of milk or water. Cook the mixture on a low heat for roughly 5-10minutes or until it reaches the consistency of broth, then drink. The talbina can be sweetened with honey for a better taste.
For sore throat – gargle with barley water.

For stomach ache – drink two to three glasses of barley water.

For diarrhoea – drink two to three glasses of barley water.

For Diabetes, pre-Diabetes or constipation – Include barley as part of your regular diet. Drink talbina regularly, add some barley grains to your favourite stew, use barley grains as a rice substitute, or replace your normal bread with barley bread which was a part of the Prophet Muhammad’s [Symbol] diet. Eat barley flakes as a breakfast cereal, bake muffins or scones with barley flour, or even make a barley salad.

For Urinary Tract Infection – Drink barley water several times a day, it flushes out the toxins and clears the urine.

For help with cancer – make barley a regular part of your diet, in the form of talbina, barley water, and as a whole food in stews, bread meals etc. Deficiency in selenium can lead to cancers of the skin, stomach, colon and breast. Barley is a good source of selenium which improves the skins elasticity and prevents free radicals.

For constipation and anaemia – Mix green barley powder (start with 1/2 teaspoon once a day then increase to 2-3 teaspoons) with water or juice and drink it. (Green barley extract can be bought in powder or pill form in specialised stores. Please read the instruction carefully before taking any supplement.)


Cautions

Though Barley is well tolerated the following cautions are to be taken.

Gluten allergy ––barley should be avoided by people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

Type two Diabetics who take drugs to lower blood sugar may need to exercise some caution until the proper dosage is established.



Recipe for barley water

• 8 cups of water
• 1 cup of barley
• 2 lemons (optional)
• ¼ cup of honey (optional)
• Place the barley and water in a pot, cover, and bring to a boil.
• Decrease the heat and then let the barley simmer for 30 minutes.
• Strain the barley water through a strainer and set the water aside in a jug. (Do not waste the barley as it can be used as a rice substitute in a stir fry or a risotto dish.)
• Chill the barley water before drinking.
• For added flavour, (especially if you want to give barley water to the children) add the juice of two lemons and some honey to the barley water, stir well and then serve.

References:
Health Benefits of Barley by Joan Marie Conway, PhD, RD ( Research carried out for the USDA Agricultural Research Service)

Read More

Soybean

Soybean

Common Name: soy, soya

Latin Name: Glycine max

The soybean is a species of legume native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean which has numerous uses. The plant, classed as an oilseed rather than a pulse by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, produces significantly more protein per acre than most other uses of land.

Soy is available in dietary supplements, in forms such as tablets and capsules. Soy supplements may contain isoflavones or soy protein or both. Soybeans can be cooked and eaten or used to make tofu, soy milk, and other foods. Also, soy is sometimes used as an additive in various processed foods, including baked goods, cheese, and pasta.

• Research suggests that daily intake of soy protein may slightly lower levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
• Some studies suggest that soy isoflavone supplements may reduce hot flashes in women after menopause. However, the results have been inconsistent.
• There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether soy supplements are effective for any other health uses.

Soy is considered safe for most people when used as a food or when taken for short periods as a dietary supplement. 

Minor stomach and bowel problems such as nausea, bloating, and constipation are possible. 

Allergic reactions such as breathing problems and rash can occur in rare cases. 

The safety of long-term use of soy isoflavones has not been established. Evidence is mixed on whether using isoflavone supplements over time can increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (a thickening of the lining of the uterus that can lead to cancer).

Read More

Senna

Senna

Botanical name
Cassia angustifolia (Alexandrian Senna) Caesalpiniaceae.


Description
Senna is a shrub that grows to about 1 meter in height and is found in hot and humid climates. It has yellow flowers and papery pods which contain six to eight seeds in them. It grows in Western Arabia (Al-Hijaaz) and is harvested in countries like India and Pakistan. Originally it was the Muslims who introduced Senna to European Medicine in the 9th or 10th century.


Evidence from the Qur’aan & Sunnah
Senna has been mentioned in the Sunnah of the Prophet.

From Asmaa Bint Umais, She said: The Messenger said “with what do you relieve constipation?” she said: with the shubrum. He said “(it is) hot and strong”, she then said: I also relieve it with the Senna, so he said “if there was a thing (which) cures from death indeed it would be the Senna.” [Ibn Maajah 3461; Shaykh Al-Albaani graded it daeef. The two Arnaoots mentioned that this hadeeth is strengthened by the following narration.]

The Prophet said “Upon you is the Senna and the Sanoot (cumin) for indeed in the two of them is a cure for every disease except Saam” He was asked “O Messenger of Allah, What is Saam?” He said “Death” [Ibn Maajah 3457; Shaykh Al-Albaani graded it saheeh]


Medical uses
According to Ibn Al-Qayyim, other than being a laxative, senna relaxes the muscle and improves the hair; it also helps against lice, headache, rash and epilepsy.

Senna can be used for the hair in the same way that Henna is applied. The difference is Senna does not colour the heair like Henna. It makes the hair thick and glossy and improves the health of the scalp.

Today the leaves and pods of the Senna plant are important ingredients of laxatives sold in most pharmacies. It is a recognised cure for constipation which begins to work 10-12 hours after ingestion. It detoxes the body and cleanses the colon. Sihab Al-Badry Yassin a researcher in Egypt compiled a chemical analysis proving the advantages of senna. In it he shows how senna cured a patient who had bacteria in the stomach that was preventing iron absorption in his body. He was treated with cupping and Senna as a detox to cleanse his stomach and colon. For further reading please refer to his book “Medicating with Senna, A prophetic way of life”


Application
For constipation – Boil a desert spoonful of Senna leaves with two glasses of water and brew for about 10 to 15 minutes or until it is reduced by half. Strain the leaves and drink the liquid before going to sleep.

For conditioning the hair – mix some Senna leaf powder with warm water until it becomes a paste. Apply the paste to the hair and leave in for about 10 to 15 minutes before washing off.


Constituents

• Flavanoids
• Mucilage
• Antraquinones (Sennosides)

Cautions
Since Senna is a strong laxative it can lead to stomach or abdominal pains. For this reason it is advisable to take it with aromatic or carminative (something that expels gas from the body) herbs. Other cautions of Senna are;

• Repeated use of Senna can aggravate constipation
• It should not be given to children under the age of 12 years
• It should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers
• It should not be taken by persons who have intestinal blockage or inflammation
• It should not be taken by persons who suffer from haemorrhoids
• It should not be taken at the same time as drugs containing antraquinones.

Read More

Olive

Olive

Botanical name
Olea europaea Oleaceae.

Description
The olive tree is a plant that grows to about 10 meters with a grey twisted trunk. It has spear shaped leaves which are greyish green on top and silvery white on the bottom. Its white flowers grow in clusters, and its fruit (the olive) is oval shaped containing only one stone. The olive begins as a green fruit and ripens to black.


Evidence from the Quran and Sunnah
The olive has been mentioned many times in the Qur’aan,it is one of the blessed foods of this life. From among the ayaat that mention the olive are the following:

“Allâh is the light of the heavens and the earth. the parable of his light is as (if there were) a niche and within it a lamp, the lamp is In glass, the glass as it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east (i.e. neither it gets sun-rays Only In the morning) nor of the west (i.e. nor it gets sun-rays Only In the afternoon, but it is exposed to the sun All Day long), whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself), though no Fire touched it…” [24:35]

“And a tree (olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that grows oil, and (it is a) relish for the eaters.” [23:20]

“And it is He who produces Gardens trellised and untrellised, and date­palms, and crops of different shape and taste (its fruits and its seeds) and olives, and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste). eat of their fruit when they ripen, but pay the due thereof (its Zakât, according to Allâh’s orders 1/10th or 1/20th) on the Day of its harvest, and waste not by extravagance . Verily, He likes not Al-Musrifûn (those who waste by extravagance)…” [6:141]


The olive has also been mentioned in the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet :
From Abu Hurayrah from the Prophet that he said:
“Eat the olive and anoint (yourselves) with it, for indeed it is from a blessed tree.” [Tirmidhi 1853, Ahmed 497/3]. This hadeeth has also been recorded by Haakim hadeeth #122/4 and Ibn Maajah hadeeth #3319 from Umar with a slightly different wording.


Parts used
All parts of the olive tree are used, its bark, its leaves, its fruit and its oil.


Constituents
Olive leaves contain;

• secoiridoides (oleuropein in particular) which reduce blood pressure
• triterpenes
• Flavanoids
• Olive oil contains;
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Vitamin E

Medical uses
Ibn al Qayyim said that olive is hot and wet in the first degree and that the quality of its oil depends on the tree that it is produced from, such that oil from unripe olives are cold and dry, while black olives produce hot and wet oil. He mentioned that olive oil is useful against poisons, loosens the bowel, ejects worms and strengthens the gums. From amongst the other benefits of this blessed tree he mentioned was that olive oil mixed with salty water is useful against blisters resulting from a fire burn; and the olive leaves are useful against erysipelas (skin disease characterised by infection of the skin and underlying tissue), eczema, sores and urticaria (hives – elevated patches and severe itching caused by allergic reaction). Also all the types of olive oil soften the skin and slow down the aging process.

Studies carried out by Egyptian researchers in 2002 found that olive can lower blood pressure. The olive leaves are used to reduce blood pressure, dilate coronary blood vessels, lower blood sugar levels and regulate the heart beat. Spanish studies carried out in 1992 indicated that oleuropeoside lowered blood sugar levels in ‘in vitro’ models of diabetes thus it can be used in less serious non insulin dependent diabetes.

Studies to date confirm most of what Ibn Al Qayyim said. Olive oil;

• is mildly laxative, it stimulates secretion and elimination of bile and can be used to treat gallstones.
• is also used in the treatment of stomach ulcers and to ease nervous tension.
• Softens and soothes the skin.
• is used in sun creams.

Application
The olive plant can be used in more ways than one, its oil should be used liberally in cooking, and as an ointment for the skin. Some other ways to use it are as follows for build up of wax in the ear place 3 to 4 drops in the ear morning and evening for a few days until the wax softens and can be removed easily.

For type 2 Diabetes and High Blood pressure boil about 20 dried leaves in 300ml of water, boil for 30 seconds and infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day during meals .

To prevent gallstones take 50ml of olive oil between meals.

To reduce the pain of already existing gallstones take 50-150ml of olive oil.


Cautions
The olive has no known side effects.

Read More

Mentha

Mentha

Mentha (also known as mint) is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae (mint family). The genus has a subcosmopolitan distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America.

Local name: Pudina

The leaves have a warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavor with a cool aftertaste, and are used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams. In Middle Eastern cuisine, mint is used on lamb dishes, while in British cuisine and American cuisine, mint sauce and mint jelly are used, respectively.

Mint essential oil and menthol are extensively used as flavorings in breath fresheners, drinks, antiseptic mouth rinses, toothpaste, chewing gum, desserts, and candies, such as mint (candy) and mint chocolate.

Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains.

Read More

Lemon

Lemon

The lemon is a species of small evergreen tree native to Asia. Lemon juice, rind, and zest are used in a wide variety of foods and drinks.

Lemons were the primary commercial source of citric acid before the development of fermentation-based processes.

Lemon oil may be used in aromatherapy. Lemon oil aroma does not influence the human immune system, but may enhance mood.

The health benefits of lemon include treatment of throat infections, indigestion, constipation, dental problems, and fever, internal bleeding, rheumatism, burns, obesity, respiratory disorders, cholera and high blood pressure, while it also benefits hair and skin care. Known for its therapeutic property since generations, lemon helps to strengthen your immune system, cleanse your stomach, and it is considered a blood purifier.

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C. Which is needed for healing wounds, and for repairing and maintaining bones and teeth.

Read More

Honey

Honey

Description
Honey is a sweet and sticky fluid produced by honey bees from the nectar of flowers and plants. Its colour, flavour, thickness and aroma vary depending on the flower or plant from which the bees gather the nectar. Bees ingest the nectar they collect into their ‘honey stomach’, the nectar is regurgitated and dehydrated repeatedly until it reaches the desired quality at which stage it is placed by the honey bee into a honeycomb cell where it gradually converts into honey.

Evidence from the Qur’aan and Sunna
In the Qur’aan, Allah informs us about the honey of honey bees, that their honey varies in colour and that it is a healing for mankind. He the Most High said: “There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in yhis is indeed a sign for people who think. [16:69]

He, the Most High, also mentions honey in the Qur’aan as one of the foods of paradise: “The description of Paradise which the Muttaqûn (pious) have been promised is that In it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure)…” [47:15]

Honey has also been mentioned in the authentic Sunna. It is reported that the Prophet (upon be salah and salah) said: “Cure is in three (things): a drink of honey, a slash of the knife used in Hijaamah and branding (cauterizing) by fire. And I prohibit my nation from cauterizing.” [Bukhaaree (5356)]

In another hadeeth, it states: “Upon you is the two cures: the honey and the Qur’aan” [Ibn Maajah (3452), Shaykh al-Albani graded this hadeeth weak and said that it is authentic as a statement of Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood]

Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree narrated, “A man came to the Messenger (upon be salah and salam) and said, ‘My brother has pain in his stomach’, so the Messenger (upon be salah and salam) said, ‘give him honey to drink.’ The man came back and said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! It only increased his illness!’ So the Messenger (upon be salah and salam) said, ‘Give him honey to drink.’ The man came back and said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! It only increased his illness!’ The Messenger of Allaah (upon him be salah and salam) said ‘Allaah spoke the truth and your brother’s belly has lied. Go and give him honey to drink.’ He went and gave him honey and was cured.” [Bukhaaree (5684), Muslim (2217)].

Ibnul Qayyim commented that the prescribed medicine should be in sufficient doses otherwise the ailment will not be fully cured and dosage larger than the required amount will weaken the body and cause side effects. Hence the reason why the man wasn’t cured straight after taking the honey was due to excessive amounts of harmful properties in his stomach, the prophet r knew that the dose was not enough and that the man needed more honey to be cured. [Zaad al-Ma’aad -4/35].


Constituents
Honey is composed of 95% sugars; fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose. It contains the minerals potassium, sulphur, calcium, chlorine, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, manganese and silicon. It also contains the vitamins; Riboflavine (B2), pyridoxine (B6), ascorbic acid (C), thiamine (B1), niacin (B complex), pantothenic acid (B complex).

Honey contains natural acidity, the main one being gluconic acid and the others being acetic, malic, lactic, maleic, citric, formic, butyric, pyroglutamic, succinic and oxalic acid. It contains small amounts of proteins which depend upon the amount of pollen that is present. Amazingly honey also contains the carbohydrates dextrose, pollen, glycine, calvenlase, mucilage, levcine and tyrosine.

So out of the five main nutritional elements that the body needs honey contains, vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates, (the fifth element which it doesn’t contain is fat). So it is no surprise that honey is considered a food.

Medical uses
Honey has been used throughout centuries by many nations. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, Assyrians and Romans used it in healing and as food. It is a natural antiseptic which prevents infection and is an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Its properties make it far superior than most of the antibiotics prescribed today. Ibn Al Qayyim mentioned that honey is a food, a drink, a sweet, a remedy a type of refreshment and an ointment and that there is no substance that is more beneficial. Since the medical uses of honey are many for the purpose of brevity we will only mention some of the maladies it is most commonly used for.

• Colitis – Polyphenols contained in honey act as an antioxidant, these antioxidants can help reduce the damage done to the colon in colitis.
• Burns, cuts and wounds – the antiseptic and antibacterial properties in honey are good in treating burns, skin ulcers, and other wounds. It prevents the growth of bacteria and is soothing to the skin. It speeds up the healing process and by regulating the collagen production it minimises scars.
• Enuresis (Bed-wetting) – Due to its water-holding and sedative properties honey is able to absorb large amounts of water and retain it for long periods of time. Hence making it an excellent remedy for in-voluntary bed wetting especially for children since it has no sideeffects.
• Skin care – Honey is an essential ingredient in skincare products. It can be mixed with other ingredients to treat acne, abscesses, and other skin conditions. It can also be mixed with other ingredients to make facial masks, facial toners, facial creams and moisturizers. It is known to delay the appearance of wrinkles when utilised daily in one of the above mentioned forms.
• Diarrhoea and stomach ulcers – The prophet r prescribed honey for the man who was having stomach problems as mentioned in the hadeeth detailed in the beginning of this article. Studies indicate that honey shortens the duration of diarrhoea.
• General health – studies suggest that honey may increase the populations of probiotic bacteria in the gut which can help strengthen the immune system, lower cholesterol, prevent colon cancer and improve digestion.
• Gastroenteritis – a clinical study where patients were given a bland diet and 30ml of honey three times a day proved to be an effective remedy for 66% of the patients, it relieved a further 17% and corrected anaemia in 50%!
• Gastric Ulcers – Studies prove that honey reduces the secretion of gastric acids. Furthermore honey as a dietary supplement has treated gastric ulcers with an 80% recovery rate on tests carried out on 600 gastric ulcer patients in 1987. Additionally, radiological examination indicated that the ulcers had disappeared in 59% of the patients.
• Diabetes – Studies carried out in 1985 and 1988 suggest that honey can be used as a sweetener in type 2 diabetes since honey has no acute hyperglycaemic effect.
• Oral Health – due to its antibacterial properties honey can aid in treating mouth ulcers, gum disease and other areas of oral health. The Honey Research Unit in the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand has written about the potential of honey for therapeutic usage in dentistry.

Application
The most effective way to take honey is by oral consumption; however it is applied topically depending on the malady that it is used for. We will mention a few of the ways honey can be applied.

• General health – Take one teaspoons 2-3 times a day.
• Burns, cuts, wounds, bruises and lacerations – apply topically (i.e. directly on the place effected)
• To bring lustre to the face – mix equal parts of olive oil, honey and almond oil (this can be stored in a jar), apply the mixture to the face and leave for 15 to 20 minutes before washing off.
• To prevent Bed Wetting – The child (or patient) should empty their bladder and then take one teaspoon of honey before going to sleep.
• To rejuvenate hair – mix ½ cup of honey and ¼ of a cup of olive oil, massage into the scalp. This will get the nutrients into the roots of the hair. Leave for 30 minutes to an hour and then wash off.

Read More

Green Tea

Green Tea

Common Names: Green tea, Chinese tea, Japanese tea

Latin Name: Camellia sinensis

All types of tea (green, black, and oolong) are produced from the Camellia sinensis plant using different methods. Fresh leaves from the plant are steamed to produce green tea. Green tea and green tea extracts, such as its component EGCG, have traditionally been used to prevent and treat a variety of cancers, including breast, stomach, and skin cancers, and for mental alertness, weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels, and protecting skin from sun damage.

Green tea is usually brewed and drunk as a beverage. Green tea extracts can be taken in capsules and are sometimes used in skin products.

• Laboratory studies suggest that green tea may help protect against or slow the growth of certain cancers, but studies in people have shown mixed results.
• Some evidence suggests that the use of green tea preparations improves mental alertness, most likely because of its caffeine content. There are not enough reliable data to determine whether green tea can aid in weight loss, lower blood cholesterol levels, or protect the skin from sun damage.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Green tea is safe for most adults when used in moderate amounts.
• There have been some case reports of liver problems in people taking concentrated green tea extracts. The problems do not seem to be connected with green tea infusions or beverages. Although these cases are very rare and the evidence is not definitive, experts suggest that concentrated green tea extracts be taken with food, and that people discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if they have a liver disorder or develop symptoms of liver trouble, such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice.

Read More

Ginger

Ginger

Common Name: Ginger
Bengali name: Adha

Latin Name: Zingiber officinale

Ginger is a tropical plant that has green-purple flowers and an aromatic underground stem (called a rhizome). It is commonly used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Historically, ginger has been used in Asian medicine to treat stomach aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Today, ginger is used as a folk or traditional remedy for postsurgery nausea; nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, and pregnancy; rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; and joint and muscle pain.

• Studies suggest that the short-term use of ginger can safely relieve pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
• Studies are mixed on whether ginger is effective for nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, or surgery.
• It is unclear whether ginger is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or joint and muscle pain.

Side effects most often reported are gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. These effects are most often associated with powdered ginger.

Read More

Garlic

Garlic : A natural Medicine

Common Name: garlic

Local Name: Rosun

Latin Name: Allium sativum

Introduction

Garlic is the edible bulb from a plant in the lily family. It has been used as both a medicine and a spice for thousands of years. Garlic’s most common folk or traditional uses as a dietary supplement are for high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Other folk or traditional uses include prevention of certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancers. Garlic cloves can be eaten raw or cooked. They may also be dried or powdered and used in tablets and capsules. Raw garlic cloves can be used to make oils and liquid extracts. It's more available in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Research

• Cardiovascular: A 2013 meta-analysis concluded that garlic preparations may effectively lower total cholesterol by 11–23 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol by 3–15 mg/dL in adults with high cholesterol if taken for longer than two months. The same analysis found that garlic had a marginally positive effect on HDL cholesterol, no significant effect on blood triglyceride levels, and that garlic preparations were generally well tolerated with very few side effects.[1]

A 2012 Cochrane review of two randomized controlled trials found that the effect of garlic supplementation on blood pressure is unclear and that there is insufficient evidence to determine if garlic lowers cardiovascular death and disease rates in people with hypertension.[2]

• Cancer: A 2014 meta-analysis of observational epidemiological studies found that garlic consumption is associated with a lower risk of stomach cancer in the Korean population.[3] Similarly, a 2013 meta-analysis of case-control studies and cohort studies found limited evidence suggesting an association between higher garlic consumption and a lower risk of prostate cancer. However, the association was only significant in the case-control studies and the authors noted there was evidence of publication bias.[4]

• Common cold: A news source reported garlic supplements may prevent the common cold,[5] but there is insufficient clinical research to confirm this effect.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Garlic appears to be safe for most adults.
• Side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn, upset stomach, and allergic reactions. These side effects are more common with raw garlic.
• Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) in a manner similar to aspirin. This effect may be a problem during or after surgery. Use garlic with caution if you are planning to have surgery or dental work, or if you have a bleeding disorder.

References

1. Ried K, Toben C, Fakler P (May 2013). "Effect of garlic on serum lipids: an updated meta-analysis". Nutrition Reviews 71 (5): 282–99. doi:10.1111/nure.12012. PMID 23590705.
2. Stabler SN, Tejani AM, Huynh F, Fowkes C (August 2012). "Garlic for the prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 8: CD007653. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007653.pub2. PMID 22895963.
3. Woo HD, Park S, Oh K, Kim HJ, Shin HR, Moon HK, Kim J (2014). "Diet and cancer risk in the Korean population: a meta- analysis" (PDF). Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 15 (19): 8509–19. doi:10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.19.8509. PMID 25339056.
4. Zhou XF, Ding ZS, Liu NB (2013). "Allium vegetables and risk of prostate cancer: evidence from 132,192 subjects" (PDF). Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 14 (7): 4131–4. doi:10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.7.4131. PMID 23991965.
5. "Garlic 'prevents common cold'". BBC. October 3, 2001.

Read More

Cumin

Cumin

Cumin sometimes spelled cummin, (Cuminum cyminum) is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native from the east Mediterranean to India. Its seeds (each one contained within a fruit, which is dried) are used in the cuisines of many different cultures, in both whole and ground form. It also has many uses as a traditional medicinal plant.

Local name: Geerah, girah.

Cumin seed is used as a spice for its distinctive flavour and aroma. It is globally popular and an essential flavouring in many cuisines, particularly South Asian.

It is believed that cumin is beneficial for heart disease, swellings, tastelessness, vomiting, poor digestion and chronic fever.

The health benefits of cumin also include its ability to aid in digestion, improve immunity and treat piles, insomnia, respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, gastritis, common cold, lactation, anemia, skin disorders, boils and cancer

Read More

Cranberry

Cranberry

Common Names: Cranberry, American cranberry, bog cranberry

Latin Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon

• There is some evidence that cranberry can help to prevent urinary tract infections; however, the evidence is not definitive, and more research is needed. Cranberry has not been shown to be effective as a treatment for an existing urinary tract infection.
• Research shows that components found in cranberry may prevent bacteria, such as E. coli, from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection. There is also preliminary evidence that cranberry may reduce the ability of H. pylori bacteria to live in the stomach and cause ulcers.
• Findings from a few laboratory studies suggest that cranberry may have antioxidant properties and may also be able to reduce dental plaque (a cause of gum disease).

• Drinking cranberry juice products appears to be safe, although excessive amounts could cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.
• People who think they have a urinary tract infection should see a health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Cranberry products should not be used to treat infection.

Read More

Clove

Clove : A Multi-source of Medicine

Clove is an herb. People use the oils, dried flower buds, leaves, and stems to make medicine.

Clove is used for upset stomach and as an expectorant. Expectorants make it easier to cough up phlegm. Clove oil is used for diarrhea, hernia, and bad breath. Clove and clove oil are used for intestinal gas, nausea, and vomiting.

Clove is applied directly to the gums (used topically) for toothache, for pain control during dental work, and for a complication of tooth extraction called “dry socket.” It is also applied to the skin as a counterirritant for pain and for mouth and throat inflammation. In combination with other ingredients, clove is also applied to the skin as part of a multi-ingredient product used to keep men from reaching orgasm too early (premature ejaculation).

Clove contains significant amounts of an active component called eugenol, which has made it the subject of numerous health studies, including studies on the prevention of toxicity from environmental pollutants like carbon tetrachloride, digestive tract cancers, and joint inflammation.

In foods and beverages, clove is used as a flavoring.

Cloves are also said to be a natural anthelmintic.

In manufacturing, clove is used in toothpaste, soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, and cigarettes. Clove cigarettes, also called kreteks, generally contain 60% to 80% tobacco and 20% to 40% ground clove. Eugenol, one of the chemicals in clove, acts like menthol to reduce the harshness of tobacco smoke.

Like other spices, cloves are available throughout the year. They are renowned for providing their uniquely warm, sweet and aromatic taste to ginger bread and pumpkin pie, but they can also make a wonderful addition to split pea and bean soups, baked beans and chili.

In children, clove oil is LIKELY UNSAFE to take by mouth. It can cause severe side effects such as seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.

Read More

Cherry

Cherry

A cherry is the fruit of many plants of the genus Prunus, and is a fleshy drupe (stone fruit).

Genus: Shrub.

Benefits: Rich in vitamin A, B and C. High in calcium and magnesium. Good general immune system booster with anti-inflammatory effects.

Parts used: Berries.

Growing conditions: Two plants must be planted for pollination. Likes full sun and needs damp soil.

Read More

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

Common Names: cinnamon, cinnamon bark, Ceylon cinnamon, cassia cinnamon, Chinese cinnamon

Latin Name:
Cinnamomum zeylanicum (also known as Cinnamomum verum); Cinnamomum cassia (also known as Cinnamomum aromaticum).

Cinnamon comes from the bark of trees native to China, India, and Southeast Asia. A popular cooking spice in many cultures for centuries, cinnamon also has a long history of use as a folk or traditional medicine.

Science Says:

• High-quality clinical evidence (i.e., studies in people) to support the use of cinnamon for any medical condition is generally lacking.
• An analysis of five clinical trials concluded that cinnamon does not appear to affect factors related to diabetes and heart disease.

Cinnamon appears to be safe for most people when taken by mouth in amounts up to 6 grams daily for 6 weeks or less. Some people may have allergic reactions to cinnamon or its parts.

Read More

Water

Water

Water (chemical formula: H2O) is a transparent fluid which forms the world's streams, lakes, oceans and rain, and is the major constituent of the fluids of organisms.

The human body contains from 55% to 78% water, depending on body size. To function properly, the body requires between one and seven liters of water per day to avoid dehydration; the precise amount depends on the level of activity, temperature, humidity, and other factors. Most of this is ingested through foods or beverages other than drinking straight water. 

It is not clear how much water intake is needed by healthy people, though most specialists agree that approximately 2 liters (6 to 7 glasses) of water daily is the minimum to maintain proper hydration. 

Medical literature favors a lower consumption, typically 1 liter of water for an average male, excluding extra requirements due to fluid loss from exercise or warm weather.

When your water intake does not equal your output, you can become dehydrated. Fluid losses are accentuated in warmer climates, during strenuous exercise, in high altitudes, and in older adults, whose sense of thirst may not be as sharp.

"Adequate fluid and fiber is the perfect combination, because the fluid pumps up the fiber and acts like a broom to keep your bowel functioning properly," says Koelemay.

Read More

Butter

Butter

Butter is a solid dairy product made by churning fresh or fermented cream or milk, to separate the butterfat from the buttermilk.

It is generally used as a spread on plain or toasted bread products and a condiment on cooked vegetables, as well as in cooking, such as baking, sauce making, and pan frying. Butter consists of butterfat, milk proteins and water.

Most frequently made from cows' milk, butter can also be manufactured from the milk of other mammals, including sheep, goats.

As butter is essentially just the milk fat, it contains only traces of lactose, so moderate consumption of butter is not a problem for lactose intolerant people. Butter rice is also a well known gastritis remedy.

Read More

Black Seed

Black Seed

Botanical name
Nigella sativa

Description
Nigella Sativa commonly known as the blackseed or black cumin originates from the western Asia. It is also known as habbatul sawdah (blackseed) or habbatul barakaah (blessed seed) in the Arabic language. The blackseed is a natural herb from the Ranunculacea (buttercup) family which comes from Western Asia and has also been cultivated in Africa, Middle East, Far east, Mediterranean basin and parts of Europe.

The plant can grow between 16-24 inches in height and presents white flowers wherein the nigella sativa can be found. These black seeds grow between 3mm in length and are a rectangular shape. When rubbed together they release a strong aromatic scent which resembles that of oregano and the crunchy textured seeds have a strong spicy/peppery flavour with a slight bitterness.


Evidence
The one who is fully aware of the affairs of His creation decreed that trials and tribulations would affect us, and from these trials are some which may affect our health and wellbeing. Therefore from His bounty He made for every ailment a cure and from these cures He made the blackseed. This is supported by the prophetic narration on the authority of Abu Hurairah that the Prophet said “Use the black seed, because it contains a cure for every type of ailment except death.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim, At-Tirmidhi and others)


Constituents
Black seed contains over 100 valuable nutrients and chemical components. From its most affective ingredients is the nigella and melatin which are active ingredients that provide digestive benefits, promote cleansing and assist with overall eliminating action. It also contains Nillegone and Thymoquinone which are two of the most volatile oils found in the seeds. Nigellone offers anti-spasmodic and bronchodilating properties and also acts as an antihistamine which helps to reduce negative symptoms of allergy sufferers, and Thymoquinone contains anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties and acts as an anti oxidant which helps clean the body from toxins. Together they enhance the black seeds affect against respiratory ailments.

The seeds have a rich supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids, a source of 21% protein, 38% carbohydrates and 35% plant fats and oils. And from the vitamins and minerals, it contains vitamin A, B, B2, C, Niacin, Calcium, Potassium, iron, Zinc, Magnesium and Selenium.

Other significant ingredients include: alanine, arginine, ascorbic-acid, asparagine, campesterol, carvone, cymene, cystine, dehydroascorbic-acid, eicosadienoic-acid, glucose, glutamic-acid, glycine, iron, isoleucine, leucine, linolenic acid, lipase, lysine, myristic-acid, nigellin, nigellone, palmitic-acid, phenylalanine, potassium, beta-sitosterol, stearic-acid, stearic-acid, stigmasterol, tannin, thymohydroquinone, thymoquinone and tryptophan.


Medical Uses
Blackseed has been for over 1400 years, and in recent centuries increasing numbers of research have been undertaken to investigate its properties. Since 1959 more than 200 studies were undertaken at various international universities and many articles published in support of the vast healing properties and superb affects of black seed on the immune system as well as its assistance in helping the bodys own healing process.

Research carried out by the The Cancer Immune- Biology Laboratory of South Carolina stated that ‘Black Cumin Oil (Black Seed) generally helps stimulate the production of bone marrow and cells of the immune system. It increases the production of interferon, protects normal cells from the damaging effects of viral disease, destroys tumour cells and increases the number of antibody producing B cells.’
Due to its constituent Nigellone which offers both anti-spasmodic and bronchodilating properties, black seed is strong against respiratory ailments.

Studies carried out on rats by the department of bio-chemistry at the Goziosmanpasa University medical facility in Tokat, Turkey concluded that ‘N sativa (nigella sativa) may protect brain and medulla spinalis tissues against oxidative stress induced by EAE (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis).

Black seed is an anti-oxidant thus helps cleanse the body of toxins. It contains immense benefits for the body and is used as a remedy to treat wide range of ailments such as skin disorder, allergies, illnesses, infections, conditions related to respiratory health, digestive system, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system as well as support and assist the general well being. It has been effective in stimulating the body and its energy through treating sexual impotency, stimulating women’s menstrual cycle and flow of breast milk and calming the nervous system. Its properties have made it a successful remedy for treating common problems such as fatigue, asthma and bronchial problems, back pains, eczema, arthritis, diabetes, disorders, flu and nasal congestion, hair loss, headaches, muscular pains, dry coughs, colic pains, skin allergies, toothaches and ulcers.

The rich supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids found in the black seed plays a key role in daily health and wellbeing. It helps regulate the metabolism and the cholesterol, eliminates toxins from the body, improves the blood circulation, balances insulin level and increases healthier liver function.

Through vast research and recent studies it has been discovered that black seed acts as an anti-biotic, anti bacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-asthmatic, antitumor, anti-histaminic, anti hypertensive, hypoglycaemic, and anti-bacterial, anti bronchial and immune boosting agent.

These medical studies attest to the truthfulness of the statement of the messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon Him) that within the black seed is a cure for every disease.


Application
The black seed can be used in various medical formulas to cure numerous ailments. From its usage is a list below of simple remedies for common nuisances and illnesses, bear in mind that an alternative formula can be used to achieve similar results (as are found in various books on the black seed).

1. Curing dandruff- crush black seed with vinegar and apply to the sculp this should relieve the ailment (for acne, mix the black seed with a little vinegar to form a paste and apply to the affected region)
2. Improving memory- take a teaspoon of blacked oil with a glass of pure orange juice every morning for a period of 10 days
3. Backache and muscular pains- mildly heat a little black seed oil and then massage into the affected area alternatively powder equal quantities of asparagus seeds, black cumin, fenugreek and caraway. Take ¼ teaspoon of powder every morning with a glass of water.
4. Sleeping disorder- mix a teaspoon of black seed with some honey and water and drink before retiring to bed
5. Asthma and bronchial and respiratory problems- mix a teaspoon of black seed oil in coffee, and take twice a day. Also rub the chest with black seed every night and inhale the vapour of black seed in hot water
6. Hair loss- massage lemon juice into the hair and leave for 15-20 minutes, wash out thoroughly with shampoo, then aply black seed oil into the sculp and continue for a period of 20 days
7. Eye infection, pain and weak sight- apply the oil around the eyes and on the eyelids before retiring to bed, and take ½ a teaspoon of black seed oil mixed with carrot juice, for weak sight continue this treatment until there is improvement
8. Flu and nasal congestion- insert four drops of black seed into each nostrils to relieve from nasal congestion and head cold distress
9. Toothache and gum- cook some black seeds in vinegar then add black seed oil. Rinse the mouth with this combination to ease toothache and help gums (or even simpler mix a half a teaspoon of black seed oil with warm water and gargle in the mouth, apply oil on the affected tooth for quick relief)
10. Healthy complexion- mix black seed oil with an equal amount of olive oil, massage into the face and leave for an hour, then wash out with soap and water
11. Diabetes- grind together equal amounts of black seed and watercress (or mustard seed as an alternative) with half its amount of pomegranate peal and fumitory. Take ½ a teaspoon of the mixture together with a teaspoon of black seed oil daily before breakfast, continue treatment for a period of one month.
12. Increase in flow of breast milk- mix together 250 grams of black seed with 250grams of pure honey, stir and take one tablespoon with black seed oil twice a day
13. Vomiting- take half a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mixed with equal amount of black seed oil, twice a day.

Read More

রমজান মাসে ডায়েট নিয়ে কিছু টিপস

রমজান মাসে ডায়েট নিয়ে কিছু টিপস

রমজান মাসে ডায়েট নিয়ে যারা আমার মত টেনশিত তারা কিছু আইডিয়া নিতে পারেন। প্রথম কথা হল রমজান মাসটা খুব ভালভাবে পালন করতে হবে। নইলে কিছু না কমে উল্টা ৪-৫ কেজি ওজন বেড়ে যাবে। রমজান মাসে ডায়েট মানে দীর্ঘ সময় না খেয়ে থাকার কারণে বডির মেটাবলিজম রেট (ক্যালরি বার্ন প্রসেস) স্লো হয়ে যায়। অল্প সময়ে বেশি খাবার হজম করার শক্তি শরিরে থাকেনা। তখন তা স্টোর হয়ে যায়। তাই কনো মতেই বেশি খাওয়া যাবে না। এখন আপনি নির্বোধের মত বেহিসাবী হয়ে খেলে মোটা হবেন তা নিশ্চিত। তাই রমজান মাসে ডায়েট নিয়ে কিছু টিপস।
সেহরি :

সেহরি খাবার ২০ মিনিট আগে ১/২ লিটার পানিতে অর্ধেক লেবুর রস মেশাবেন। কুসুম গরম পানিতে খেলে ১ গ্লাসে মেশালেও হবে। সেহেরিতে মিনিমাম ১ লিটার পানি খাবেন। কারণ পানি খুব জরুরী আপনি সারাদিন পানি খাবেন না। আর পানি খুবই জরুরী আপনার বডি প্রপারলি কাজ করার জন্য। লেবু খাবেন, কারণ এরপর আপনি যা খাবেন তা হজমে সাহায্য করবে এবং খাবারের পুষ্টিগুন শোষনে সাহায্য করবে। আর লেবু পানি ওজন কমাতেও সাহায্য করে। কুসুম গরম পানিতে মিশিয়ে খাবার চেষ্টা করবেন। লেবু পানি আপনাকে সারাদিন হাইড্রেটেড থাকতে সাহায্য করবে।

সেহরিতে সবসময় কমপ্লেক্স কার্ব খাবেন, যেন হজম হতে দেরি হয় আর বেশিক্ষন পেট ভরা থাকে। যেমন ওটস, বার্লি, লাল আটার রুটি, লাল চালের ভাত। এগুলার ফাইবার বেশি সময় ধরে পেট ভরা রাখবে সাথে সারাদিন এনার্জেটিকও থাকবেন। রুটি ১-২ টা/ ওটস ৫০ গ্রাম / ৩-৪ টেবিল চামচ যেন ৫০০ গ্রামের জার ১০ দিন যায়/ লাল চালের ভাত ১-১.৫ কাপ/ ২ পিস মাল্টি গ্রেইন ব্রেড। সাথে প্রোটিন হিসাবে ১-২ পিস মুরগির মাংস/মাছ, ১-২টা ডিমের সাদা, বা ১০-১৫ পিস সয়া নাগেট কারি করে। মশলাযুক্ত খাবার স্ট্রিক্টলি এভোয়েড করবেন। মাছ মাংসের ঝোলের বিপরিতে সবজি বা ডাল খাবেন। রেড মিট একদম বাদ। সাদা ভাত/রুটি/পাউরুটি বাদ।
ইফতার :

প্রথমেই ভোরের মত লেবু পানি খাবেন। মিনিমাম ১ লিটার পানি খাবেন ইফাতারের সময়। ৩-৪ টা খেজুর দিয়ে রোযা ভাঙবেন। খেজুর সুগার, ফাইবার আর এনার্জিতে ভরপুর সাথে ক্যালরিও। তাই কোনমতেই ৩-৪ পিসের বেশি না। খেজুর আপনার ব্লাড সুগার লেভেল স্ট্যাবল হতে সাহায্য করবে এবং সারাদিনের না খেয়ে থাকার জন্য দুর্বলতা কাটাতে সাহায্য করবে। ১ পিস খেজুরে ২৩ ক্যালরি। ইফতারে ১ গ্লাস ফ্রেস ফলের জুস /যেকোনো ১ টা ফল রাখতে পারেন, যেমন আপেল, কমলা, পেয়ারা। পিয়াজু, বেগুনি, ছোলা,মুড়ি, জিলাপি এসব ভুলেও ছুবেন না। নইলে ওজন কমাতে হবে না।
রাতের খাবার :
রাতের খাবার টা সালাদ/ ফল দিয়ে সেরে ফেলবেন যদি ওজন কমানো নিয়ে খুব বেশি চিন্তিত থাকেন। ভেজিটেবল/ চিকেন স্যুপ খেতে পারেন। অথবা লাল আটার রুটি ১-২ পিস সবজি দিয়ে / ওটসের চাপাতি সাথে ডিমের সাদা অংশ দিতে পারেন। প্রোটিন হিসাবে ডিমের সাদা অংশ/ সাদা মাংস/মাছ বা নাগেট খেতে পারেন।
যেকোনো সময় ১ গ্লাস দুধ খাবেন লো-ফ্যাট সম্ভব না হলে নরমালটা। রাতে খেলে বেটার হয়।
এখন কারো সাদা ভাত না খেলে যদি ঘুম না হয় তিনি চাইলে ইফতারে ১-১.৫ কাপ খেতে পারেন সবজি, মাছ মাংস ডাল দিয়ে। সাথে খেজুর আর লেবুপানি টা রাখবেন। সেক্ষেত্রে রাতে শুধু সালাদ/ ফল খেতে পারবেন।
সিজনাল ফল হিসাবে আম ২-১ পিস (গোটা) মাঝারি সাইজ খেতে পারেন। ১০০ গ্রামে ৬০ ক্যালরি হিসাব করে নিবেন।
সহজ পাচ্য আর সেদ্ধ খাবার খাবেন। তেল, মশলা, মিষ্টি জাতীয় খাবার বাদ। গ্যাসের সমস্যার কারণ ভাজা-পোড়া খাওয়া।
ক্যাফেইন স্ট্রিক্টলি বাদ। চা, কফি, কোক সব বাদ। এসব ফ্লুইড লস বাড়ায়। ডিহাইড্রেট করবে বডিকে।
কিছু টিপস :
এবার আসি ওয়ার্কআউট প্রসঙ্গে রোযার সময় দিনে কিছু করা যাবে না। ইফতারের পর নামাজ পড়ে সর্বোচ্চ ৪০-৪৫ মিনিট হাঁটতে পারেন। ২০ মিনিট হলেও সমস্যা না। অথবা রুমে ফ্রি হ্যান্ড কিছু ওয়ার্কআউট করতে পারেন ২০-৩০ মিনিট। বেশি করা যাবে না যেহেতু বেশি ক্যালরি কনজিউম হবে না এত অল্প সময়ে। সপ্তাহে ২-১ দিন রেস্ট নিবেন। সারাদিন একটিভ থাকার চেষ্টা করবেন। মনে রাখবেন খালিপেটে ফ্যাট বার্ন বেশি হয়।
ঘুমের বিষয়টা বলি, ৬-৭ ঘন্টা ঘুমাবেন এর বেশি বা কম না। রাতে যেহেতু ৩-৪ ঘন্টার বেশি সম্ভব না ঘুমানো সেহেতু বাকিটা দিনের যেকোন সময় ঘুমিয়ে কভার করবেন। ঘুম খুবই প্রয়োজন কারণ বডির সকল পরিবর্তন ঘুমের মধ্যে হয়।

Read More

রমজানে পানিশূন্যতা রোধ করার কিছু টিপস

গরমের তীব্র যন্ত্রণায়, সারাদিন পানাহার না করে থাকার কারণে, অনেকের মাঝে দেখা দেয় পানিশূন্যতার সমস্যা। আর রমজানে পানিশূন্যতা রোধ করার কিছু টিপস নিম্নে দেওয়া হলঃ 

রমজানে পানিশূন্যতা রোধ করার কিছু টিপস

1. লবণাক্ত, বেশি মিষ্ট, ভাজা ও মশলাদার খাবার এড়িয়ে চলুন। এ সবের জন্য শরীরে বেশি পানির দরকার পড়ে।
   
2. প্রতিদিন কমপক্ষে ৮ গ্লাস পানি পান করুন। ইফতারে দুই গ্লাস পানি পান করুন। এরপর ঘুমাতে যাওয়ার আগে প্রতিঘণ্টায় কমপক্ষে ১ গ্লাস করে পানি পান করুন। সেহেরিতে বেশি পানি পান করতে ভুলবেন না।
   
3. যদি ব্যায়াম বা বাইরের গরমে কাজ করেন তবে শরীর প্রচুর পানি হারায়। এ ক্ষেত্রে শরীরে বেশি পানি দরকার হয়।
   
4. খাবার তালিকায় তাজা মাছ ও সবজি রাখুন। এ সব খাবারে প্রচুর পানি আছে। ইফতারের পর সালাদ ও তাজা ফল ডেজার্ট হিসেবে খেতে পারেন।  
   
   
   
   
   
5. দোকানের মিষ্টি জুসের চেয়ে ঘরে তৈরি তাজা ফলের রস পান করুন।
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. ইফতারে সুপ খেতে পারেন। এটা পানিশূন্যতা দূর করার ভাল উৎস।
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. ইফতারের দুই ঘণ্টা পর এককাপ কফি খেতে পারেন।
   
8. সেহেরিতে সুষম পুষ্টি বজায় রাখুন।
   
   
   
   
   

অনেকের মধ্যে একটি ধারণা আছে- সেহেরিতে বেশি পানি পান করলে সারাদিন আর তৃষ্ণা পাবে না। ধারণাটি কি ঠিক?
এটা ঠিক যে, সেহেরির সময় প্রচুর পানি পান করলে তা আমাদের তৃষ্ণা দূরে সাহায্য করে। পানি ছাড়া অনেকটা সময় টিকে থাকতে সাহায্য করে। কিন্তু তার মানে এই নয় যে, এটি সারাদিনের তৃষ্ণা দূর করবে।

Read More

Belladonna

Belladonna

Belladonna is a plant. The leaf and root are used to make medicine.

The name “belladonna” means “beautiful lady,” and was chosen because of a risky practice in Italy. The belladonna berry juice was used historically in Italy to enlarge the pupils of women, giving them a striking appearance. This was not a good idea, because belladonna can be poisonous.

Though widely regarded as unsafe, belladonna is used as a sedative, to stop bronchial spasms in asthma and whooping cough, and as a cold and hay fever remedy. It is also used for Parkinson's disease, colic, motion sickness, and as a painkiller.

Belladonna is used in ointments that are applied to the skin for joint pain (rheumatism), leg pain caused by a disc in the backbone pushing on the sciatic nerve (sciatica), and nerve pain (neuralgia). Belladonna is also used in plasters (medicine-filled gauze applied to the skin) for treating psychiatric disorders, a behavior disorder called hyperkinesis, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and bronchial asthma.

Rectally, belladonna is used in hemorrhoid suppositories.

The effectiveness of BELLADONNA is showing in:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Asthma.
• Whooping cough.
• Colds.
• Hay fever.
• Parkinson's disease.
• Motion sickness.
• Arthritis-like pain.
• Nerve problems.
• Hemorrhoids.
• Spasms and colic-like pain in the stomach and bile ducts.

Belladonna has chemicals that can block functions of the body's nervous system. Some of the bodily functions regulated by the nervous system include salivation, sweating, pupil size, urination, digestive functions, and others.


Special precautions & warnings:

• Belladonna is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy.
• Belladonna might cause rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and might make CHF worse.
• Belladonna might make constipation worse.
• Belladonna might make stomach ulcers worse.

Read More

রমজানে সু-স্বাস্থের জন্য টিপস

রমজানে সু-স্বাস্থের জন্য কয়েকটি টিপস

রমজান হলো আত্মা ও শরীর শুদ্ধিকরণের মাস। গরমের এই দিনে প্রায় ১৬ ঘণ্টা পানি পান ও খাদ্যাহার থেকে আমাদের বিরত থাকতে হচ্ছে। এজন্য আমাদের একটি বিশেষ রুটিন মেনে চলা উচিত যাতে একটি স্বাস্থ্যকর ও নিরাপদ রমজান মাস পালন করতে পারি।
 এখানে স্বাস্থ্যকর রমজান পালনের জন্য বেশ কিছু টিপস দেয়া হলো-

০১. আপনি সুস্বাস্থ্যের অধিকারী হয়ে থাকলেও, রমজান মাসে আপনি একটি তালিকা প্রস্তুত রাখতে পারেন যেন আপনার শরীর পর্যাপ্ত পুষ্টি, পানি ও বিশ্রাম পায়।
০২. অতিরিক্ত চিনি থেকে দূরে থাকুন। কারণ এটি আপনার দেহের রোগ প্রতিরোধ ক্ষমতা কমিয়ে দেয়।
০৩. রোজার এই গরমের দিনে যথাসম্ভব একটু ছায়া ও ঠান্ডা জায়গায় থাকার চেষ্টা করুন এবং যতটা সম্ভব আপনার ফিজিকাল এক্টিভিটি কমিয়ে আনুন।
০৪. সুন্নাহ মেনে চলুন। ইফতারে রোজা ভাঙ্গুন খেঁজুর, দুধ বা ফলের জুস দিয়ে। ইফতারে হালকা খাবার খান। একেবারে অনেক খাবার খাবেন না। কেননা পাকস্থলী অনেকক্ষণ পরিপাক না করায় হঠাত্‍ অতিরিক্ত খাবার পেলে ভালো ডাইজেস্ট করতে পারে না। তাই ইফতারে হালকা খাবার খেয়ে মাগরিবের নামাজ পড়ে আবার হালকা কিছু খান, যেমন – স্যুপ, ক্রাকার্স, লেবুর পানি ইত্যাদি। এরপর একটু সময় নিয়ে রাতের খাবার খান।
০৫. হালকা ব্যায়াম করুন। রাতের খাবারের পর ১০/১৫ মিনিট হাঁটুন।
০৬. প্রচুর পরিমাণে পানি পান করুন সেহরিতে। এছাড়া পানির পাশাপাশি এলোভেরা জুস, ডাবের পানি, দই খাওয়ার চেষ্টা করুন সেহরিতে। এরা আপনাকে হাইড্রেট রাখতে সাহায্য করবে। এছাড়া এগুলোতে ন্যাচারাল সুগার থাকে যা শরীরের জন্য উপকারী।
০৭. সেহরিতে কমপ্লেক্স কার্বোহাইড্রেট সমৃদ্ধ খাবার যেমন ভাত, আলু, প্রোটিন, ফলমূল ও সবজী খান। পরিমিত পরিমাণে খান।
০৮. অতিরিক্ত ভাজাপোড়া ও ঝাল খাবার খাওয়া থেকে বিরত থাকুন এবং ধূমপান পরিহার করুন ।
০৯. দাঁত পরিষ্কার রাখুন। সেহেরির পর দাঁত পরিষ্কার করুন ব্রাশ বা ফ্লস দিয়ে। এছাড়া প্রত্যেক নামাজের আগে মেসওয়াক করুন।
১০. পর্যাপ্ত পরিমাণে ঘুমান। ৮ ঘণ্টা ঘুম প্রয়োজন আপনার।
রোজা রাখুন। মনে রাখবেন রোজা রাখলে শরীরের কোন ক্ষতি হয় না বরং আমাদের শরীরের জন্য ভালো। রোজার মাসে শান্ত থাকার চেষ্টা করুন। অযথা রাগারাগি করবেন না ।
রাসূল (স.) বলেন, “তোমরা যখন রোজা রাখবে, তখন অশ্লীল বাক্যালাপ করবে না। চেঁচামেচি করবে না। যদি কেউ গায়ে পড়ে ঝগড়া করতে আসে বা তোমাকে গালি-গালাজ করে, তবে বলে দেবে, আমি রোজাদার।”
(আল-হাদিস )

Read More