Health

7 health benefits of pennywort and side effects

Published

1 day ago

April 29, 2024

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Table of Contents

Gotu Kola Nutrition
7 health benefits of pennywort or gotu kola
How to use Gotu Kola
Side effects of pennywort
Final thoughts
- Related
Discover the 7 health benefits of pennywort or gotu kola and side effects.
Also known as centella, Asian pennywort or Indian pennywort, gotu kola is a versatile herb that goes by many names. It also has many health benefits.
Gotu kola grows in wetlands in Asia. He is originally from China, Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
For centuries, the leaves and stems have been used as a natural remedy to treat everything from depression to gastric ulcers.

In fact, some even attribute the elephant’s impressive memory and long lifespan to the potent properties of this medicinal plant .

From improving wound healing to relieving anxiety, gotu kola is a powerful herbal remedy that can have a major impact on your health.

Gotu Kola Nutrition

Gotu kola is a member of the Apiaceae family, as are carrots, celery and parsley . Its taste can vary from sweet to slightly bitter and it is practically odorless.

Besides being an important ingredient in many traditional Asian cuisines, it is also found in many forms. It is found especially in the form of tea, capsule, tincture, dried herb and extract.

Gotu kola contains many nutrients that can contribute to its medicinal properties, including several B vitamins, vitamin C, and a handful of phytonutrients such as flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols.

These phytonutrients provide it with antioxidants – beneficial compounds that prevent damage to cells and help prevent disease.

However, the nutritional profile of gotu kola can vary widely depending on many factors, such as how it is processed or prepared.

7 health benefits of pennywort or gotu kola

Below are the health benefits of pennywort:

1. Benefits of pennywort for brain

One of the best-known benefits of gotu kola is its potential to improve cognition and sharpen memory .

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that gotu kola extract may be able to improve memory at the molecular level by enhancing the activity of a pathway that is associated with the formation of long-term memory. .

This was shown in a 2002 animal study in which rats were given gotu kola extract and underwent a series of tests to measure their cognitive function.

The extract has been shown to improve learning and memory by increasing the levels of antioxidants in the blood.

Another study found that gotu kola supplementation could boost both memory and cognitive function in older participants.

Thanks to its strong memory-enhancing abilities, this potent herb has come into the limelight lately as a natural treatment to help slow age-related decline and the progression of diseases like disease. of Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Improves circulation

Poor circulation can be the result of many different causes, including varicose veins, obesity, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. The decrease in blood flow can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle pain.

Traditional treatments to help improve circulation include exercise, elevating the legs, and avoiding long periods of immobility.

Supplementing with gotu kola can also help, as it has been widely studied for its unique ability to naturally improve blood circulation.

One study gave 87 participants with poor circulation a dose of 30 or 60 milligrams twice a day for 60 days. This dose was found to significantly improve circulation compared to a placebo.

Meanwhile, a review published in 2013 looked at eight studies and found that gotu kola was effective in improving circulation and relieving symptoms of poor circulation such as swelling, heaviness in the legs, and pain.

Adding gotu kola to your daily routine, along with other remedies like regular physical activity, can increase blood flow to help you avoid the negative side effects of poor circulation.

3. Benefits of pennywort for Skin

Another remarkable benefit of gotu kola is its ability to repair skin cells and improve the health of your skin.

It effectively boosts the antioxidant activity in your tissues. This promotes wound healing and skin regeneration.

Antioxidants can help neutralize harmful free radicals . These are compounds that build up over time to cause oxidative damage and accelerate aging.

An animal study found that applying gotu kola to wounds twice a day increased the levels of some antioxidants by up to 77% after seven days.

In another animal study, it was applied to wounds three times a day for 24 days, which increased collagen production and regenerated new skin cells faster. Collagen is the most abundant type of protein in the body and is responsible for repairing and renewing the skin.

Due to its positive effects on skin health, gotu kola is also often used topically as a natural remedy for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

4. Alleviates depression and anxiety

Besides being good for your physical health, some studies have shown that gotu kola can also be beneficial for your mental health.

Indeed, it has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. This means that it can naturally inhibit anxiety, help treat depression, calm nerves, and even act as a sedative to promote better sleep .

A 2010 study gave 33 participants 500 milligrams of gotu kola twice a day for 60 days. This not only resulted in reduced anxiety levels, but stress and depression levels as well.

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology produced similar results and showed that older participants supplementing gotu kola showed improvements in both mood and memory.

In addition, numerous animal studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of gotu kola in relieving anxiety and fighting depression.

5. Benefits of pennywort for gastric ulcers

The gastric ulcers are ulcers that form on the wall of the stomach, the esophagus or the small intestine. They cause symptoms such as pain, nausea, and bleeding.

Some studies suggest that gotu kola may help prevent and treat these harmful lesions by strengthening the intestinal barrier and blocking damage from harmful free radicals.

In fact, a study published in the journal Life Sciences showed that adding gotu kola to rats reduced the formation of gastric ulcers by 82%.

Another animal study found that the active compounds in gotu kola were able to reduce the size of gastric ulcers after just three days.

Combined with other treatments for gastric ulcers, such as reducing stress levels, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding foods that irritate the stomach, gotu kola may help prevent and treat. gastric ulcers.

6. Reduce inflammation

Inflammation is a normal biological response to injury. However, chronic inflammation can wreak significant havoc in the body and contribute to diseases like heart disease, obesity, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.

From protecting your cells from damage to preventing chronic disease, antioxidants are essential to many aspects of health. They’ve even been shown to help reduce inflammation.

Gotu kola can enhance the antioxidant activity of the body. It can help reduce inflammation and help in the treatment of several inflammatory disorders.

For example, an animal study carried out in 2008 showed that its active compounds were able to decrease several inflammatory markers and reduce the severity of arthritis in rats.

To truly reap its anti-inflammatory benefits, be sure to supplement your diet with other whole foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables.

7. Benefits of pennywort for cancer

Although current research is limited to test-tube studies, there is some evidence that gotu kola may help kill cancer cells.

This is most likely due to its potent antioxidant activity, as antioxidants can help neutralize carcinogenic free radicals and prevent damage to your cells.

A 2008 study treated human breast cancer cells with gotu kola extract and found it to successfully block cancer growth and induce cancer cell death.

Another study found it to be effective in causing the cell death of several strains of cancer cells, including human breast cancer cells, mouse skin cancer cells, and rat brain cancer cells.

However, while this evidence is promising, more studies are needed to assess the potential effect of gotu kola on cancer cells in humans.

History of Gotu Kola

Gotu kola has a rich history in its use as a medicinal herb. Native mainly to Southeast Asia, it has been a staple natural remedy for centuries.

Historically, it has been used for everything from promoting lactation to treating herpes, as well as a myriad of other ailments.

In addition to its medicinal effects, gotu kola was also revered in India and China for its ability to strengthen spirituality. In fact, many still call it “the herb of enlightenment”.

Today, while gotu kola remains an important part of many traditional Asian cuisines, people around the world appreciate it for its potent health-promoting properties.

How to use Gotu Kola

Integrating gotu kola into your daily life is easy and efficient, thanks to the many varieties available.

In many Asian countries, it is used as a leaf vegetable in curries, side dishes, and soups. It is also a popular base for salads. Sambol Gotu kola, for example, is a common side salad in Sri Lanka, made with gotu kola, grated coconut, onions, and chili peppers.

Here are some other recipes you can try:

• Cashew nuts and Gotu Kola relish

• Burmese Salad from Pennywort

• Vallarai Keerai Kootu (Pennywort leaves with lentils)

You can also sip a cup of soothing gotu kola herbal tea, use it as a cream or ointment for skin problems and wound healing , add a few drops of liquid extract to your drinks, or pop a quick and convenient capsule.

The many forms of gotu kola are widely available at most drugstores and health stores as well as online. Look for a reputable brand with minimal added ingredients to make sure you’re getting the best quality.

Recommended doses usually start at 1 gram per day and can go up to 4 grams per day. You should start with a small amount and increase it slowly to assess your tolerance.

Side effects of pennywort

Although they are generally safe when used at recommended doses, some side effects have been reported.

Although uncommon, side effects may include headache, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and skin irritation. If you experience these or any other side effects after taking gotu kola, you should stop using it and consult your healthcare professional.

Additionally, most research advises against use for longer than six weeks and recommends taking a two week break with prolonged use.

Most also recommend that you do not use gotu kola if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as its effects have not been studied on infants or children.

Finally, as large doses can act as a sedative, some sources caution against using gotu kola in combination with drugs that are used to treat anxiety or sleep disturbances.

Final thoughts

Gotu kola is as versatile in its uses as it is in its impressive health promoting properties. Whether it’s sharpening memory, improving cognition, or reducing inflammation, gotu kola is an easy way to bring a concentrated dose of health benefits into your day.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options if you want to reap the amazing health benefits of this potent pennywort herb. Capsules, powders, tinctures, and creams are all simple and effective ways that can help improve your health.

Combine gotu kola with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle to maximize its impact and help optimize your physical and mental well-being.

We hope the article on the 7 health benefits of pennywort (Gotu Kola) has been of great help to you.

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15 good reasons to drink lemon juice in the morning on an empty stomach

Published

1 day ago

April 29, 2024

admin

lemon juice in the morning on empty stomach

Discover the 15 good reasons to drink lemon juice in the morning on an empty stomach.

Lemon is one of the most frequently and widely used citrus fruits.

Its popularity is due to its scent and refreshing taste.

Its aroma makes it an ingredient of choice in many recipes and the composition of perfumes.

It also accompanies a large number of drinks, including tea and cocktails, it can also be served as fruit juice.

Not only is lemon used for its aromatic qualities, but also its therapeutic dimension.

Rich in vitamin C, lemon indeed has formidable therapeutic virtues: its Antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as its ability to stimulate the immune system are widely recognized.

One of the most common ways to reap the benefits of lemon is by squeezing the juice.

Lemon juice stimulates digestion and has a detoxifying action.

It also promotes drainage of the liver and thus improves digestion.

By its ability to boost metabolism, lemon juice is an effective way to lose weight.

If you want to lose weight, drinking lemon juice in lukewarm water every morning on an empty stomach gives fabulous results.

But that’s not all, nutrition specialists at the Edison Institute of Nutrition have compiled a list of the main benefits of consuming lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water on an empty stomach:

1. An excellent source of vitamin C, lemon juice protects the body by strengthening the immune system.

2. Drinking lemon juice in lukewarm water every morning on an empty stomach helps maintain pH balance in the body.

3. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, lemon juice helps fight infections.

4. Has a detoxifying action.

5. Promotes digestion.

6. Besides vitamin C, lemon is also an excellent source of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc.

7. Helps fight colds.

8. Lemon water is a well-known remedy for dealing with different skin problems like acne, rashes, wrinkles, or dark spots.

9. Mixed with lukewarm water, lemon juice stimulates digestion, boosts metabolism, and thus allows you to lose weight quickly.

10 Lemon juice is also very effective in removing toxins that have accumulated in the liver.

11. The anti-inflammatory properties of lemon help fight infections of the respiratory tract, sore throat, and inflammation of the tonsils.

12. Rich in electrolytes, lemon juice effectively hydrates the body.

13. Drinking lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water decreases muscle and joint pain.

14. Lemon juice in lukewarm water promotes good dental hygiene because it helps decrease dental pain and prevent gingivitis.

15. Drinking lemon juice in lukewarm water stimulates digestion and regulates intestinal transit.

SOME QUESTIONS / ANSWERS AND COMMENTS :

Q. Out of curiosity… my cousin is allergic to lemon. Does lime have the same virtues?

A. Yes, you can substitute lemon for lime.

I had to stop drinking lemon water for a month because I was sick. The joint pain I got rid of before all came back.

So I started drinking lemon juice in lukewarm water again every morning on an empty stomach.

Now after a week, and it’s true, my pain in my knees is gone !!!!

It’s amazing! Lemon is indeed very alkalizing and promotes the elimination of acids.

Also, it contains a lot of vitamin C, which is good for the joints.

Some people suffer from vitamin C deficiency and need to be sure to find it in their diet or supplements.

Q. After drinking lemon juice in lukewarm water in the morning on an empty stomach, how long should I wait to eat?

A. I recommend that you wait 20 to 30 minutes before eating.

Q. Why does lemon juice need to be mixed with lukewarm water? Is lemon juice also beneficial in cold water?

A. Lukewarm water stimulates digestion and the liver.

Coldwater does the opposite, it blocks digestion.

So it is best to consume lemon juice in lukewarm water.

Q. How many lemons should you squeeze in the morning to benefit from the benefits of this fruit?

A. I suggest squeezing half a lemon in a large glass of lukewarm water (25cl).

Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Citric acid and vitamin C promote the dissolution of gallstones, their elimination, as well as the clearing of the bile ducts.

Lemon juice has been used for centuries in the treatment of kidney stones and gallstones.

Lemon also has antimicrobial properties that help reduce gallbladder infections and relieve pain.

The pectin in lemon juice relieves bloating, nausea and pain.

Besides, lemon juice helps reduce the production of cholesterol by the liver.

Q. Hello. I have a question: I have thyroid problems, can I drink lemon juice in lukewarm water?

A. Yes. You can drink lemon juice in lukewarm water if you are suffering from thyroid problems.

Q. I take medicine on an empty stomach every morning for a thyroid problem. Should I take this medicine before drinking lemon water or after?

A. Since lemon water is absorbed relatively quickly by the body, I recommend that you take your medicine soon after drinking the lemon water.

Joint pain is associated with poor digestion and allergic reactions to certain foods.

Lemon water promotes digestion and the elimination of toxins.

If your teeth are prone to demineralization and are very sensitive, I advise you to drink lemon water through a straw.

Health

Mosquito bite: The Miracle Cure Against It

Published

1 day ago

April 29, 2024

admin

Discover The Miracle Cure Against Mosquito Bite.

Have you been bitten by a mosquito again?

They have the gift of stinging us when we spend a quiet evening on the terrace!

And then, hello the itching!

We only want one thing, and that is to scratch ourselves to the point of blood. It’s super annoying!

Fortunately, my grandmother gave me her natural remedy to quickly relieve a mosquito bite.

The miracle trick is to apply a paste of baking soda and witch hazel water. Look :

What you need

baking soda
witch hazel water
cup

How to do

Put three teaspoons of baking soda in a cup.
Pour a teaspoon of witch hazel water
Mix to obtain a paste.
Apply the paste to the bite.
Leave on.

Results

And there you have it, thanks to this remedy, you have stopped the itching of mosquito bites in their tracks 🙂

Easy, fast, and efficient, isn’t it?

It is a simple treatment that makes the sting deflate and disappear quickly!

This remedy is completely natural and very gentle. It is ideal for the fragile skin of children and babies.

And you don’t even need Apaisyl cream … it’s much more economical that way.

In addition, it works for all insect bites: mosquitoes, spiders, horseflies…

Why does it work?

Baking soda soothes the itchiness. It acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It thus calms the inflammation caused by the sting.

Witch hazel water also disinfects the sting and soothes the itchy sensation.

It also refreshes the skin and heals the irritated part thus bringing an immediate feeling of well-being.

We also find witch hazel in the composition of calming gels after insect bites from Hansaplast.

What is witch hazel?

Witch hazel is a plant native to North America.

Witch hazel water comes from the indirect distillation of dried witch hazel leaves. It takes about 60 kilos of leaves to get a thousand liters of water.

The many benefits of witch hazel have been recognized for a very long time.

It helps disinfect wounds. Applied in massage, it is an effective venous tonic and stimulates blood circulation.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties and as such, it relieves rheumatic and arthritis pain.

It is also an asset in your beauty kit. Used in rinsing water, it eliminates dandruff.

Finally, it is also found in perfumery, because its smell is very pleasant. It is similar to that of cut grass with a hint of mint in addition.

Health

17 Benefits of Garden Cress You Never Dreamed of

Published

1 day ago

April 29, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

Nutritional values of garden cress
17 Health Benefits of Garden Cress You Never Dreamed of
Precautions of consuming garden cress seeds
- Related
- Discover the 17 Benefits of Garden Cress You Never Dreamed of.
  The cress seeds must first be roasted before being consumed. People need to know that not only the leaves and stems, the health benefits of watercress seeds are also amazing.
  
  You will surely be surprised at the number of benefits you could get from consuming these little leafy vegetables with a botanical name.
  
  Garden cress is generally known as simply watercress. It is a fast-growing edible herb that is closely related to mustard and watercress.
  
  Due to its tangy taste, garden cress is very popular as a garnish for pasta or sandwiches.
  
  However, raw garden cress can be eaten as sprouts and added to salad and soup because they are basically like small leafy vegetables.
  
  The most surprising thing about garden cress is not only its small size but also all the edible parts, such as the leaves, stems, and seeds. While the leaves and stems can be eaten raw, Lepidium sativum.
  
  When it comes to size, garden cress is easy to underestimate, but when it comes to health benefits, water cress comes with a pretty long list that could beat even the largest plants.
  
  In other words, don’t underestimate the tiny size of watercress because even its seeds have surprising benefits for human health.
  Table of Contents
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  Nutritional values of garden cress
  
  • Those currently on the road to reaching a healthy living goal must have been familiar with watercress because this type of vegetable is packed with some nutritional values such as Folate, Iron, Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Protein.
  
  • To learn more about its amazing benefits, the list of garden cress seeds’ health benefits below will tell you more.
  
  17 Health Benefits of Garden Cress You Never Dreamed of
  
  1.- Reduce asthma symptoms
  
  • Although asthma is a class of diseases that cannot be completely cured, asthma symptoms could be reduced by eating garden cress seeds that contain an active compound to help improve lung function for asthma patients.
  
  2.- Helps to lose weight
  
  • Do you want to know the natural solution for weight loss? Just mix the garden cress seed with water and drink it in the morning when your stomach is still empty.
  
  • It is such an effective and natural way to lose some weight.
  
  3.- Natural solution for constipation
  
  • One of the amazing things you can get from consuming garden cress seeds is their ability to help you deal with constipation.
  
  • Just be sure to eat it regularly to help improve digestion and say goodbye to constipation for good.
  
  4.- They protect the immune system
  
  • Garden cress seeds naturally promote the immune system
  
  • They will improve your immunity booster by reducing the level of stress that can negatively affect your immunity.
  
  5.- Promotes RBC production
  
  • The iron content found in watercress seeds is quite high and one of the health benefits of iron is optimizing red blood cell production.
  
  6.- Treat anemia
  
  • As mentioned in the previous point, the iron content will help improve RBC production.
  
  • In other words, it is a shortcut to treating all the health conditions caused by iron deficiencies and one of them is anemia.
  
  7.- Helps to normalize the menstrual cycle
  
  • Women who have problems with their menstrual cycle can consume garden cress seeds because they contain certain estrogen-like phytochemicals to help regulate the irregular menstrual cycle.
  
  8.- Recommended for breastfeeding
  
  • Some research studies have shown that consuming watercress seeds can help improve milk production due to the protein and iron content found in both the leafy greens and the seeds.
  
  9.- Excellent memory reinforcement
  
  • Garden cress seeds contain a specific organic compound known as linoleic acid and arachidic fatty acid.
  
  • The combination of these organic compounds is an excellent memory booster.
  
  10.- Natural expectorant
  
  • When you suffer from mild cold, sore throat, or cough.
  
  • Just chewing on a pinch of garden cress seeds can help reduce the symptom as it could act as a natural expectorant due to its acidic taste.
  
  11.- Treat some skin conditions
  
  • Some conditions, like sunburn, will not be fatal, but they are not easy to deal with either.
  
  • Simply turning the watercress seed into a paste and using it on the sunburn area can help soothe sunburns.
  
  • It is applicable for dry lips.
  
  12.- It can prevent hair loss
  
  • You could consume garden cress seeds or use them as a styling paste to help prevent hair loss.
  
  • It is due to the content of minerals found in garden cress seeds, such as potassium, manganese, and iron.
  
  13.- Natural way to treat diarrhea
  
  • There is no such easy way to prevent diarrhea. Sometimes it happens and the best thing you can think of is how to treat diarrhea naturally and effectively.
  
  • The paste made from garden cress seeds is not only capable of treating common diarrhea but also dysentery due to its antibacterial agents found.
  
  14.- Treat colic in children
  
  • Although the cause of colic in babies is still something to be discussed, ground watercress seeds mixed with water could help calm the colicky baby.
  
  15.- Contains anti-cancer properties
  
  • Watercress seeds contain some powerful antioxidants to help fight the worst effects of free radicals.
  
  16.- Excellent source of powerful antioxidants
  
  • Some powerful antioxidants found in garden cress seeds include vitamin A and vitamin E.
  
  • Not only are they capable of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells but they also reduce the side effect of chemotherapy.
  
  17.-Healthy vision
  
  • Garden cress seeds are an excellent source of vitamin A and beta-carotene.
  
  • Among the health benefits of beta-carotene and vitamin A are excellent for vision.
  
  Precautions of consuming garden cress seeds
  
  • As mentioned above, the small size of the garden cress is not something to be taken lightly.
  
  • However, fortunately, due to its small size, it is almost impossible for people to consume it in large quantity because too much is never good.
  
  • It also applies to garden cress seeds and some precautions below can occur when you consume it in large quantities.
  
  • Garden cress seeds are not recommended for those who have problems with their urinary tract because garden cress seeds can worsen the condition due to their diuretic properties.
  
  • Although the garden cress seeds are highly recommended for the mother during lactation, it is better to avoid the mother during pregnancy, avoiding these delicious green leafy leaves altogether. It is because garden cress seeds contain abortifacient properties that could increase uterine contraction that could lead to abortion.
  
  • Garden cress seeds also contain goitrogenic properties that could impair iodine absorption when consumed in excessive amounts.
  
  • Unlike garden cress leaves and stems which are best eaten fresh and raw, garden cress seeds could easily be stored after they are sun-dried or roasted.
  
  • From the list of health benefits of garden cress seeds mentioned above, surely you can’t just throw away garden cress seeds.