SHEA BUTTER

SHEA  BUTTER USED FOR GLOWING SKIN
                

                          
Is a slightly yellowish or ivory-colored fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree  (Vitellaria paradoxa). Shea butter is a triglyceride  (fat) derived mainly from and oleic acid. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturize, salve, or lotion. Shea butter is edible and is used in food preparation in Africa and also as a prophylactic, Occasionally the chocolate industry uses shea butter mixed with other oils as a substitute  coco butter, although the taste is noticeably different.
In some parts of West Africa, Shea Butter is referred to as Ori.

 

If shea butter is applied to the skin especially individuals with dried type of skin .it rekindle and rejuvenate the skin texture and color.When mixed with any type of anti fungus cream ,its will smooth the surface of the skin,and prevent the lost of water moisture.

SHEA BUTTER AS AN HAIR OIL TREATMENT  

This butter serve for a lot of purposes including as a hair ointment when mixed with a menthol.Applied this mixture to the scarp every time you hair brush,or comb the hair.its stop itching scarp and promote hair growth. 

STRETCH MARK REMOVAL.


 





stretch mark is one of the difficult mark to get ride off.Most women suffer this especially after child birth ,or after loosing weight and their is excess skin left apart in the body.Stretch mark can also be cause by expansion of the skin ,or during application of chemical substance like beaching cream.To get ride of this problem of stretch mark applied shea butter on the affected region instead of using cream that can cause more damage to the skin .this problem is at the increase due to change in climate and bad eat.The best and only method is to applied things that comes naturally instead of using chemical.Shea butter when applied on the affected region morning and night will cover up the affected areas ,this is a gradual process that required patient to complete just ensures that you do this for a long time until the marks are covered.

  

Garlic Fights Infections

There's no doubt that garlic destroys bacteria. The compound in garlic that acts as an antibiotic is allicin, which is formed when garlic is crushed.
If the aroma - hence allicin - is destroyed, as in cooking, garlic is no longer a microbe killer, although the health benefits of garlic don't stop there, even when cooked, garlic can perform other therapeutic functions.
Tests have found raw garlic even more powerful than penicillin and tetracycline.
Literally hundreds of studies confirm garlic broad-spectrum antibiotic activity against a long list of microbes, including botulism, tuberculosis, diarrhoea, Candida infections, staph, dysentery and typhoid.
According to one count, seventy-two separate infectious agents are defeated by garlic.
A researcher said: "Garlic has the broadest spectrum of any antimicrobial substances we know of. It's antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-protozoan and antiviral."

Garlic Boosts Immunity

Dr Abdullah and his colleagues at the Akbar Clinic and Research Center in Panama City, Florida, found that both raw garlic and a garlic extract called Kyolic dramatically increased the powers of the immune system's natural killer cells - the first line of defense against infectious disease and perhaps cancer.
The killer cells derived from the blood of those eating garlic or taking the garlic extract were mixed with cancer cells and were able to destroy from 140 to 160% more cancer cells than did killer cells from non-garlic eaters.
Dr Abdullah believes that the health benefits of garlic extend beyond treating infections and cancer, but can also affect AIDS, in which immune function fails. Garlic, he says, might rev up immune defenses in AIDS patients; it also may directly combat the many fungal-type infections AIDS patients fall prey to.

Heart Food

Garlic is one of the best healing foods you can eat for heart disease.
It lowers blood cholesterol and creates other blood changes protective against heart disease - such as thinning the blood and preventing embolism (internal blood clots).
In one study, the blood clot-dissolving system (fibrinolytic activity) persistently rose in healthy people by 130% and in heart patients by 83% during a three months' period. It became sluggish after the garlic treatment ended.
The health benefits of garlic go beyond lowering 'bad' LDL cholesterol, it also lowers triglycerides (another type of fat in the blood) and raises 'good' HDL cholesterol.
(Further Reading: Garlic and Heart Disease)
Perhaps garlic's better well known accomplishment is its ability to lower high blood pressure. It's been used in China for centuries for that purpose and the Japanese government officially recognizes garlic as a blood-pressure depressor.

Garlic and the Lungs

Dr Irwin Ziment, a pulmonary specialist at the University of California, Los Angeles, regularly prescribes garlic as a decongestant and expectorant for common colds and as a 'mucus regulator' for chronic bronchitis.
How does garlic work as an expectorant? The pungent property of garlic irritates the stomach, which then signals the brain through the vagus nerve to stimulate bronchial glands to release a flood of watery fluid.
The same reflex turns on glands that also cause the nose and eyes to water and in the lungs they release fluids that then thin the mucus, enabling the ordinary lung mechanisms to expel it.
Regular doses of garlic, as well as other pungent spices - such as hot peppers, black pepper, ginger, mustard, turmeric - help keep susceptible persons from developing debilitating chronic bronchitis, can treat clods, sinusitis and asthma, and keeps mucus moving normally through the lungs.

Garlic and Cancer

Garlic is one of the stars in cancer research circles. The health benefits of garlic in treating cancer have been studied for many years.
For example, as long ago as 1952, Russian scientists successfully used garlic extracts against human tumors.
Evidence that people who eat garlic are more likely to escape cancer comes from a comparison of garlic eating in two Chinese counties in Shandong province.
Gangshan County residents eat about 20 g. of garlic a day (about seven cloves) and have a gastric cancer death rate of 3.45 per 100,000 population.
In nearby Quixia County, the residents care little for garlic and eat it rarely; they die of gastric cancer at the rate of 40 per 100,000.
The non-garlic eaters have an almost twelve times greater risk of deadly gastric cancer.
Japanese scientists found that garlic extracts acted as powerful antioxidants against so-called 'lipid peroxidation' that can insert inappropriate oxygen molecules into cells, causing their destruction.
Other investigators testing sulfur compounds from garlic (and onions) find that the substances saved mice from colon cancer by blocking the conversion of chemicals to powerful carcinogens.
Studies have shown that as few as two or more servings of garlic a week may help protect against colon cancer.
Substances found in garlic, such as allicin, have been shown not only to protect colon cells from the toxic effects of cancer-causing chemicals but also to stop the growth of cancer cells once they develop.

Garlic and Bad Breath

Unless everybody around you eats garlic, if you are the only one eating it, you can be easily identified by your breath and no doubt this is what puts many people off eating garlic and enjoying its many health benefits.
Many suggestions have been put forward: strong coffee, honey, yoghurt or a glass of milk. The French call red wine an effective deodorizer. Cloves are also supposed to do it.
The most commonly recommended advice is chewing parsley - the herb chlorophyll is supposed to douse the garlic smell. Try different ones and see which one is best for you.
Don't let the smell stop you from enjoying the health benefits of garlic, especially if you suffer with elevated cholesterol levels, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, Candida infections, asthma, respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal complaints.
The best thing you could do is to enjoy it with your family and friends, so nobody will notice the smell!

Other practical matters on garlic:

• To enjoy the health benefits of garlic to the full, use garlic that is as fresh as possible; growing your own is the best. Unfortunately, also garlic varies widely in its therapeutic chemicals depending on soil conditions. That could be one reason why researchers say test results of garlic's therapeutic capabilities vary.

• Chopping or crushing garlic stimulates the enzymatic process that converts the phytochemical alliin into allicin, a compound to which many of garlic's health benefits are attributed. The compound allicin is also mainly responsible for the pungent odour of garlic.

• Raw of cooked? Garlic has to be raw to kill bacteria, boost immune function and probably help prevent cancer. But cooked garlic can lower blood cholesterol and help keep blood thin and perform as a decongestant, cough medicine, mucus regulator and bronchitis preventive. The best advice: eat it both ways.

• What about garlic oils, capsules, pills, special preparations? Many of them, warn experts, have none or very little of the active garlic compounds. So make sure you're getting the best quality products, otherwise you might be wasting your money.

Quick Serving Ideas

• Garlic, either chopped, sliced, or crushed, is a valuable addition to many foods, sauces and soups to improve the nutritional benefits as well as the flavour.

• Macerate garlic in olive oil for one week and use this flavoured oil in dressings and marinades.

• Purée two or more cloves of fresh garlic, 12 oz./350 grams canned chickpeas, 2 tablespoons sesame butter (or tahini), 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice to make a quick and easy hummus.

• Purée the cloves from two heads of roasted garlic, 3 cups cooked potatoes and 1/2 cup olive oil together to make a delicious garlic mashed potatoes. Season to taste.

• Stuff pitted olives with pieces of garlic and serve as hors d'oeuvres or mix into salads.

Grow Your Own Garlic
If you want to enjoy the health benefits of garlic to the full and you want some tips and advice on growing your own garlic have a look at this beautiful website:
Backyard-Vegetable-Gardening.com : A how-to guide for growing vegetables in your backyard or containers; tips and advice about planting, maintaining, and harvesting your own vegetables, along with recipe ideas.

Enhances Immune Function

Garlic is a powerful rejuvenative herb. It is high in iodine and sulfer. The body converts garlic to alkaline ash in the process of digestion. It is useful in reducing blood cholesterol, removing flatulence and producing hypotension effect. It has fibrinolytic activities i.e. break down of fibrine which lowers cholesterol level. Garlic also decreases serum triglycerides and phospholipid levels and oxides those enzymes which are required for cholesterol production in the body. It is a good remedy for atonic dyspepsia. It is also expectorant and antiseptic. Its allisatin I and allisatin II salts act like strong antibiotics and kill the Tubercular bacilli in sputum or in other parts of the body. It contains the minerals Selenium and Germanium which enhance the beneficial effect of Garlic. S- Ally Cysteine Sulphoxide (allicin); isolated from Garlic dose 200mg/Kg decrease serum lipids, blood glucose and activity of serum enzymes. Garlic has a multifaceted action on the cardiovascular system. It has a strong anti-oxidant activity also.

Garlic protects the human body from the attack of bacteria and bacillae in times of epidemics or when the danger of infection is prevalent. It is an internal antiseptic and contains a bacteriocide called Crotonaldehyde. It has stimulating effect on the sexual glands also.

The capsule renews blood, cleans its all impurities, regulates the digestion and removes all parasites in the intestines which might be injurious. It is recommended for the diseases of the lungs, arterio - sclerosis, high blood pressure, gout, rheumatism,asthma, chronicle bronchial catarrh, intestinal complaints, loss of appetite, constipation and worms.

Recent researches show remarkable effect of garlic in protecting some form of cancers.

A survey of 4,000 Italians and Chinese was reported at the First World Congress on the Health Significance of Garlic in Washington, D.C., in 1990. The results of this survey led researchers to conclude that people who eat lots of garlic and its relatives, including onions, leeks, chives and scallions - at least 25 to 50 pounds a year over 20 years - have fewer cases of stomach cancer.

In the laboratory, both raw and dried garlic have been shown to destroy tumor cells. It takes about three hours for garlic compounds to enter the cell, but once in place they get to work almost immediately. Studies reported in 1977 showed that garlic breaks down fibrin - the substances that blood clots are made of - and thus stops clots from forming.

Health Benefits of Ginger – The Superfood

 

Chinese and the Romans, to mothers of poorly children worldwide, for thousands of years now ginger has been used as a spice and a medicine. Although it is commonly described as a root, it is in fact a rhizome, a stem that grows out from the plant underground, and from which small roots will sprout, as well as new green shoots.
Ginger’s most well-known medicinal use is as a digestive-aid, to relieve tummy pain, nausea and diarrhoea, as well as morning sickness and travel sickness. This is thought to be because of the spice’s high levels of gingerol; a powerful component that gives it its natural zingy flavour, and which acts as an anti-inflammatory in the body.
If you’re wondering how to use ginger, it’s very easy- since it is both fibrous and tough, and full of juice and oils, it is ideal for grating or expressing into just about any food or drink that you feel like.
Even ginger ale and candied ginger have medicinal properties, if you’re not sure about using the fresh variety.
Don’t like the taste? Don’t worry, you can buy it in supplement form too, so you get all the great benefits, without any of the strong flavour!

Benefits of Ginger – The Superfood

Have a look at what else ginger can do for your health

1. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are thought to provide pain relief in a number of ways, from halting migraines in their tracks, to easing the aches of arthritis.
2. Studies have started showing really exciting results on the effect ginger has on ovarian cancer: Although more research is needed, it seems that ginger has the ability to eliminate cancerous ovarian cells. It also seems to dramatically slow the progress of bowel cancer; encouraging news indeed!
3. Were you spoon-fed ginger ale as a child when you had the flu? If you were, Mum had the right idea, as ginger is shown to have a boosting effect on the immune-system, making you better faster.

So ginger is delicious AND nutritious! But let’s check there’s nothing we should be cautious of…

Side Effects of Ginger?

These seem to be minimal! Some consumer reports have suggested that ginger can cause nausea and stomach-upset rather than prevent it, but these do seem to be rare cases. Since ginger is an anti-inflammatory, people on any blood-thinning medications should perhaps approach the spice with caution to ensure it doesn’t interfere with their condition, although studies on this are not by any means conclusive. If you have any doubts at all, please do consult your doctor.

Studies say…

1. It helps morning sickness!
   The University of Maryland conducted research into the effect of 1g of ginger on morning sickness and found it to be more effective than a placebo at relieving symptoms.
   http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm
2. It is a great anti-inflammatory!
   The University of Miami concluded that ginger is an effective anti-inflammatory, and even suggested that ginger extract could one day be used instead of synthetic anti-inflammatory medication!
   http://www.arthritistoday.org/nutrition-and-weight-loss/healthy-eating/good-food/ginger-benefits.php
3. It fights ovarian cancer!
   Studies at the University of Michigan showed that ginger was as effective at destroying cancerous cells as standard platinum-based chemotherapy drugs.
   http://chiefherb.com/proven-health-benefits-of-ginger/
4. It slows bowel cancer!
   The University of Minnesota carried out studies that showed the growth of colorectal cancerous cells being slowed by treatment with ginger.
   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72
   
   

Infertility: Reason men should take alligator pepper

 

Couples with infertility, no doubt face a lot of trying times, especially in Africa, where it is not culturally accepted that a couple does not have a child of their own. Little wonder prayers are made at wedding ceremonies that the new bride would give birth to both the male and the female child.
Globally though with few exceptions, the desire of every couple is to become parents within the first or second year of married life. While many couples have this dream fulfilled, there are quite a number of others who do not; no matter how hard they try.
Unfortunately, many homes are going through the agony of childlessness with the problem of infertility fast becoming a plague in this part of the world. While many couples have this dream fulfilled, there are quite a number of others who do not; no matter how hard they try.
The prevalence of infertility in Nigeria is put at between 20 and 25 per cent among married couples, according to experts. However, 40 to 45 per cent of all consultations in gynaecological clinics are infertility-related.
Experts say while 75 per cent of infertility cases are caused by biological make up such as sperm count, its motility and volume, ovulation (the monthly release of an egg), blockage of the fallopian tubes and endometriosis, about 25 per cent of the cases are due to complications caused by sexually transmitted diseases resulting from unprotected sex with multiple partners. 10 per cent of the cases are caused by Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
Sperm motility refers to the forward motion capacity of the sperm. The shape of the sperm, technically referred to as sperm morphology is another crucial factor in male fertility. 70 per cent normally-shaped sperm indicates good morphology; and abnormally shaped sperm appear with malformed heads, (including two heads, tiny heads, round heads) and tails (two tails, short tails). These shapes tend to affect their motility.
Again, weight is an issue in male infertility. Fertility doctors  are of the opinion that increased body mass may be associated with decreased fertility, as obesity creates relatively high levels of the female-associated hormone oestrogen.
In Cameroon, traditional practitioners use medicinal plant materials to treat male factors (erectile impotence, disorders of ejaculation and oligozoospermia) responsible for male infertility, including the seeds of Aframomum melegueta.
Cameroonian researchers in a  study that evaluated the effects of dry seeds of the aqueous extract of Aframomum melegueta on some reproductive parameters of mature male rats found that it could cause an increase in the secretions of epididymis and seminal vesicle, which are accessory sex organs.
The 2012 study was entitled “Effects of the aqueous extract of dry seeds of Aframomum melegueta on some parameters of the reproductive function of mature male rats.”It was documented in the journal, Andrologia.
Mature male albino wistar rats were used for the study. They were given aqueous extract of dry seeds of alligator pepper for a period lasting between eight and 15 days. This was performed in two doses: 115 and 230 mg kg”1 during for days and 115 mg kg”1 during 15 days. Control rats received distilled water during the same periods.
The animals were sacrificed and their blood, as well as testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate were collected and analysed.
The researchers reported that alligator pepper at doses of 115 and 230 mg kg”1 stimulated the production of testosterone. This might be because of the presence of flavones in the seeds of alligator pepper.
Aside this, they said intake of extracts of alligator pepper also causes a significant increase in testicular cholesterol after eight and 15 days of treatment. This is physiologically important, as cholesterol is the primary substrate for androgen and especially testosterone production.
Given that alligator pepper stimulated the secretions of the testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle after eight days and this stimulatory activity was maintained 15 days later, they wrote, “these findings supported the traditional use of this plant as solution for male reproductive problems, especially those linked to the secretion of the sexual glands.”
Alligator pepper is widely used by many ethnic groups in Nigeria for various purposes. It is served along with Kolanuts to guests for entertainment, as communion and used for religious rites by diviners for invoking spirits. It is a common ingredient for preparing pepper soup, a spicy delight in most parts of West Africa.
For ages, alligator pepper, also referred to as  grains of paradise or atare in Yoruba has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases. The extracts of its seeds has been used for years against intestinal infections, infestations, haemorrhoids, to calm indigestion and heart-burn.
In West African folk medicine, grains of paradise are valued for their warming and digestive properties. A report has it that in Ghana, the seeds of alligator pepper are chewed to cure dysentery, as a sedative against toothache, anti-rheumatism, migraine and to cure fever.
Iwu M. (1993) in the book entitled Handbook of African Medicinal Plants confirmed uses of alligator pepper for the treatment of leprosy, taken for excessive lactation and post partum hemorrhage, galactogogue and as a worm expeller.
According to the Medicinal Plants of Nigeria- South West Nigeria Volume 1 compiled and published by Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Victoria Island, Lagos, alligator pepper seeds are chewed to improve sperm count in men. Also its leaf juice is used to improve fertility in women and also to regulate menstrual flow.
Meanwhile, researchers have also shown that extracts of walnut tree are effective anti-microbial agents, could be used to boost sperm count, fertility, menstrual flow, treat uterine fibroids, and bring relieve in hiccups. In Nigeria, African walnut is called asala or awusa in Yoruba; ukpa in Ibo; and okhue or okwe in Edo.
Cissus populnea and Sesamum radiatum are two tropical medicinal plants used to correct male infertility factor in South-Western part of Nigeria.
Experts’ evaluation of these herbs found they have antimicrobial activity, which may cure some sexually transmitted infections that could be responsible for male infertility.
An investigation on these herbs used in folkloric medicine to treat male infertility in the 2009 edition of Research Journal of Medicinal Plant showed that the essential oil from the stem powder of C. populnea and the leaves of S. radiatum inhibit the growth of several germs of bacteria origin and as such may correct male infertility factor arising from bacterial infection.
Cissus populnea (Ogbolo or Ajara (Yoruba) or Daafaaraa (Hausa) is used extensively in medicinal preparations in West Africa. Sesamum radiatum commonly referred to as benniseed  is used for the treatment of catarrh, eye pains, bruises and erupted skins.
The study entitled “Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil from the Stem Powder of Cissus populnea and the Leaves of Sesamum radiatum, Herbal Medications for Male Infertility Factor” was carried out by Osibote, E.A.S., M. Ogunlesi, W. Okiei, T. Asekun and O.B. Familoni, all from the Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos.
Mucuna pruriens (Werepe in Yoruba and Agbala in Igbo) which is also used as a male fertility enhancer in phytomedicine, has been found to contain L-dopa, an important brain chemical involved in mood, sexuality, and movement. It is commonly called cowitch, cowhage, velvet bean, cow-itch or buffalo bean.
In one study, oral intake of the seeds in 56 human males was able to improve erection, duration of coitus, and post-coital satisfaction after only four weeks of treatment.
The seed also has ability to induce the formation and development of spermatozoa in human males, being able to improve sperm count and motility.