a flavonol, is a plant-derived flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables, leaves and grains. It also may be used as an ingredient in supplements, beverages or foods.
Quercetin is a phytochemical that is part of the coloring found in the skins of apples and red onions. It has been isolated and is sold as a dietary supplement.
Quercetin: a biological response modifier
Flavonoids, in general, are often referred to as "nature's biological response modifiers" because of their ability to modify the body's reaction to other compounds, such as allergens, viruses, and carcinogens, as evidenced by their anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. Anti-inflammatory/anti-allergy actions. Quercetin has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity due to direct inhibition of several of the initial processes of inflammation. For example, it inhibits both the manufacture and release of histamine and other allergic/inflammatory compounds. Quercetin appears to be useful in virtually all inflammatory and allergic conditions, including asthma, hayfever, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, as well as in diabetes and cancer.
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Roselle : Extract from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roselle_(plant)
The roselle is known as the rosella or rosella fruit in Australia. Its close relative, Hibiscus cannabinus is also known as meśta/meshta on the Indian subcontinent, Tengamora in Assam, Gongura in Telugu, Pundi in Kannada,LalChatni or Kutrum in Mithila] Mathipuli in Kerala, chin baung in Burma, กระเจี๊ยบ krajeab in Thailand, bissap in Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Benin and Niger, the Congo and France, dah or dah bleni in other parts of Mali, wonjo in the Gambia, zobo in western Nigeria (the Yorubas in Nigeria call the white variety Isapa (pronounced Ishapa)), Zoborodo in Northern Nigeria, Chaye-Torosh in Iran, karkade (كركديه; Arabic pronunciation: [ˈkarkade])[dubious ] in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, omutete in Namibia, sorrel in the Caribbean and in Latin America, Flor de Jamaica in Mexico, Saril in Panama, rosela in Indonesia, asam paya or asam susur in Malaysia. In Chinese it is 洛神花 (Luo Shen Hua) . In Zambia the plant is called lumanda in ciBemba, katolo in kiKaonde, or wusi in chiLunda. In certain West Indian islands, Grenada, for example, it is called Sorrel.The plant is considered to have antihypertensive properties. Primarily, the plant is cultivated for the production for bast fibre from the stem of the plant. The fibre may be used as a substitute for jute in making burlap [1]. Hibiscus, specifically Roselle, has been used in folk medicine as a diuretic, mild laxative, and treatment for cardiac and nerve diseases and cancer.[2]
Tumeric: Uses in folk medicine
Main article: Curcumin , Extra from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumeric
In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric has many medicinal properties and many in South Asia use it as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.It is taken in some Asian countries as a dietary supplement, which allegedly helps with stomach problems and other ailments. It is popular as a tea in Okinawa, Japan. Pakistanis also use it as an anti-inflammatory agent, and remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders. In Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan, turmeric is applied to a piece of burnt cloth, and placed over a wound to cleanse and stimulate recovery. Indians, in addition to its Ayurvedic properties, use turmeric in a wide variety of skin creams that are also exported to neighboring countries.
Turmeric is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease,[6] cancer, arthritis, and other clinical disorders.[7]
Pandan Leaves
The Pandan Leaf comes from the Screwpine tree, which can be found in Madagascar, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the tropical areas of Australia.
The medicinal uses for this tree are as follows: The entire plant is used as a diuretic, the roots have anti-diabetic properties, and the leaves are used for treating diseases of the skin.
In cooking, the leaf is used in making grass green Pandan cake which is similar to the American sponge cake. The Pandan leaf has also been used in rice and making different type of curries.
Strips of the leaves are used in making woven baskets, which are used to serve rice or other food items.
Mid-eastern Indians use the flower of this plant in making perfume as well as desserts and sweets.
Fenugreek (Known as hu lu ba in Chinese)
Fenugreek is a digestive aid. As an emollient it is used in poultices for boils, cysts and other complaints. Reducing the sugar level of the blood, it is used in diabetes in conjunction with insulin. It also lowers blood pressure. Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation and fights infection. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion, and loosens & removes excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps the body utilize oxygen. Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine. Fenugreek contains mucilagins which are known for soothing and relaxing inflamed tissues. Fenugreek stimulates the production of mucosal fluids helping remove allergens and toxins from the respiratory tract. Acting as an expectorant, Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis and congestion. In the East, beverages are made from the seed to ease stomach trouble.Fenugreek can be beneficial in a number of ways, including helping reduce fever and slow aging. It can be taken to fight bronchitis, sore throats, kidney troubles, ulcers and constipation. Fenugreek also can help to prevent cardiovascular disease, lowering the risk of heart attack. Fenugreek can also increase sexual stimulation. Fenugreek can ease problems during menstruation. The herb also can reduce menopausal symptoms. Fenugreek can be used as a topical treatment for skin problems including boils, burns, abscesses, gout, eczema and ulceration of the skin. Fenugreek can coat the stomach and intestine lining, which helps soothe gastrointestinal inflammation.
Consumption of thyme oil or fenugreek is not recommended for pregnant women as either herb can stimulate the uterus, which can be dangerous during pregnancy. Read more: Side Effects of Fenugreek & Thyme | eHow.co.uk http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_6308921_side-effects-fenugreek-thyme.html#ixzz18wa01gTi
LemongrassLemongrass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. Research shows that lemongrass oil has anti-fungal properties.[1]
Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus) is similar to the species above but grows to 2 m and has red base stems. These species are used for the production of citronella oil, which is used in soaps, as an insect repellent in insect sprays and candles, and also in aromatherapy, which is famous in Bintan Island, Indonesia. The principal chemical constituents of citronella, geraniol and citronellol, are antiseptics, hence their use in household disinfectants and soaps. Besides oil production, citronella grass is also used for culinary purposes, in tea and as a flavoring.
In 2006, a research team from the Ben Gurion University in Israel found that lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) caused apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. Through in vitro studies, the researchers examined the effect of citral, a molecule found in lemon grass, on both normal and cancerous cells. Using concentrations of citral equivalent to the quantity in a cup of tea (one gram of lemon grass in hot water), the researchers observed that citral induces programmed cell death in the cancerous cells, while the normal cells were left unharmed.[5]
Encyclopedia of SpicesCooking recipes : ECurry http://www.ecurry.com/blog/curries/gravies/fenugreek-seeds-with-potatoes/
Healthy Eating Recipes : http://www.healthyeatingmagazine.com/healthy-eating-menu
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