Alkapulko

Also knows as:

bayabas-bayabasan,kapurko, katanda, katandang aso, pakagonkon, sonting (Tag.); andadasi, andadasi-a-dakdakel, andadasi-bugbugtong (Ilk.); adadisi (Ting.); ancharasi (Ig.); andalan (Sul.); bayabasin, bikas-bikas (Bik., Tag., Bis.,); kasitas (Bik., Bis.); sunting, palo china (Bis.); pakayomkom kastila (Pamp.); ringworm bush or shrub (Engl.), Acapulco (Engl)


Akapulko is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. Akapulko is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine. The akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema.. Akapulko leaves are also known to be sudorific, diuretic and purgative, used to treat intestinal problems including intestinal parasites. Akapulko is also used as herbal medicine to treat bronchitis and asthma. Because of Akapulko’s anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in the Philippines. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has helped develop the technology for a akapulko herbal medicine lotion.


Akapulko is an erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves. Akapulko leaves have orange rachis that has 16-28 leaflets. Akapulko produces an axis of golden yellow flowers that has 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Akapulko flowers are enclosed by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed in time


Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following skin diseases
• Tinea infections,
• insect bites,
• ringworms,
• eczema,
• scabies and
• itchiness.


Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine
Pound Akapulko leaves, squeeze the juice and apply topically on affected area twice a day until cured. There are commercially available Akapulko herbal medicine lotions in the Philippine market for skin diseases treatment. If symptoms persist or irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.


Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following stomach problems
• Laxative to expel intestinal parasites,
• diuretic
• purgative.
• Strong decoction of leaves are also known to cause abortion in pregnant women.


Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine for treatment of stomach problems
Pound or cut a cup of Akapulko seeds, Akapulko leaves and flowers into manageable sizes then let it seep in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to creat an Akapulko herbal tea. Let it cool and drink a cup three times a day. The potency of Akapulko herbal tea is good to last for one day. Make new Akapulko herbal tea as needed. When symptoms persist or irritation occurs stop the use and consult your doctor.


Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following lung and mouth problems:
• Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea,
• mouthwash in stomatitis,
• alleviation of asthma symptoms


Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine for lung and mouth problems
As expectorant and for the alleviation of asthma attacks. Drink a cup of Akapulko herbal medicine tea (see above for the preparation) three times a day until symptoms improved.
For the treatment of mouth infections such as stomatitis, gargle the Akapulko herbal tea three times a day until symptoms improve.


If symptoms persist and irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.


To prepare an Akapulko herbal ointment prepare and follow these instructions.
1. Wash fresh leaves of Akapulko thoroughly and cut in small pieces.
2. Add one glass of cooking oil or coconut oil to one glass of cut fresh leaves.
3. Fry until crispy.
4. Remove from the heat; strain.
5. Cut 2 white candles (Esperma No. 5) into small pieces
6. In a cooking pot, pour the strained oil together with the candle pieces; stir until the candle has melted.
7. Pour the mixture into a clean container; cover when cool.
8. Apply the Akapulko herbal ointment to affected areas twice daily.


(Source: www.doh.gov.ph/pitahc)

Pineapple

The extract made from pineapples (Ananas comosus) has a variety of positive effects on the skin and promotes skin elasticity while removing dead damaged skin, while improving hydration and moisture and promoting a more elastic and clear looking skin.



Pineapple fruit has some active principles with important effect on skin - sugars and a-hydroxy-acids (AHA) as well as enzymes.


These active principles are responsible for its moisturizing and anti-ageing action, and also have a antifungal and purifying effect on the skin. 


In studies, it was also shown that bromelain, contained in pineapples, also has a strong anti-inflammatory action and has a positive effect, interfering with the growth of malignant cells and tumors.


The a-hydroxy-acids (AHA) are a group of organic acids that work on the corneal layer and reduce the cohesion of the corneocytes. The result of the application of AHAs is a thinner corneal layer, which improves its elasticity and flexibility regardless of the degree of skin hydration.


The use of AHAs gives better results than simple hydration; its action is more significant in cases of extreme dryness with visible hydro-keratosis.


The sugars and derivatives form hydrogen bridges with the water on the surface of the skin, retaining it and thus maintaining the moisture of the horny layer to enhance the elasticity, resilience and softness of the skin.


Two newly discovered enzymes found in pineapple are also highly effective in removing damaged skin (debridement) as was shown when tested in burn trauma. 


Traditional Use Of Pineapples
In Africa, the dried, powdered root is a remedy for edema. The crushed rind is applied on fractures and the rind decoction with rosemary is applied on hemorrhoids. Indians in Panama use the leaf juice as a purgative, emmenagogue and vermifuge.


Pineapple juice is taken as a diuretic and to expedite labor, also as a gargle in cases of sore throat and as an antidote for seasickness.

Carrot

Carrots are well known as the universal vegetable for juicing. It has benefits for us at a very young age. it has a number of health benefits. The carrot provides what is certainly the most important basic juice. The yellow color is due to carotene. The juice has a number of wellbeing effects. The carrot provides what is definitely the most imperative necessary juice. An imperative element in an infant's up bring can be found in the vitamin A. Drinking carrot juice is thought to be extremely beneficial for the liver due to Vitamin A's cleansing effects. Vitamin A reduces bile and fat in the liver. It has anti-carcinogen properties. The juice is best ingested in the afternoon because of the burst of energy that always follows.



Another vitamin contained in carrot juice is vitamin E. This vitamin appears in three forms, known chemically as alpha-, beta-, and gamma-tocopherol, and commonly known as the vitamin E complex . It helps prevent cancer. It is also believed to have cancer-curing properties. A carrot and milk juice is the ideal vitamin A source for infants and can in no case lead 10 the risk of the child having too much A. It blends with practically all other juices. It is a delicious nourishing beverage for all members of the family at all times and it should be an important part of the diet in cases of illness. Many of the aches and pains related with being older, will be far less if carrot juice is in our diet on a daily basis.


Carrot juice if applied on blemishes regularly helps them to fade away. A helping is one of the best swallows you can make to enhance your life. It is like a tonic. It will improve the overall health of you and your child, and increase immunity. Drinking the juice, as well as eating carrots, is thought to be especially beneficial for prenatal health. Beta-carotene that forms into Vitamin A is said to be very healthy for both mother and child. Beta carotene is an anti-oxidant, and thus it prevents cell degeneration. Anti-oxidants also slow down the ageing process. Another fruit which is an excellent anti-oxidant is the berry. It can be taken alone, or combined with other fruit and vegetables juices.


Carrot Juice Benefits Tips
1. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and revitalizes and tones the skin.
2. It helps prevent cancer.
3. Low blood pressure can be helped by consuming parsley, capsicum and garlic juice.
4. If applied on blemishes regularly helps them to fade away.
5. Carrot juice applied daily is great for uneven skin tones due to blemishes and pigmentation.

Lavender

The health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems. Lavender has the Latin name Lavare, which means “to wash”, due to its aroma that gives the feeling of a clean aroma.



Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourris since years.


Lavender essential oil has also been traditionally used in making perfumes. The oil is very useful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations are made using lavender oil. Lavender oil blends well with many other essential oils including cedarwood, pine, clary sage, geranium, and nutmeg. Today, lavender essential oil is used in various forms including aromatherapy oil, gels, infusion, lotion, and soaps.


The various health benefits of lavender essential oil include:
Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. Its refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.


Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.


Pain Relief: Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago. A regular massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.


Urine Flow: Lavender essential oil is good for urinary disorders as it stimulates urine production. It helps in restoring hormonal balance and reduces cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder. It also reduces any associated cramps.


Respiratory Disorders: Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.

Skin Care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema.

Hair Care: Lavender essential oil is useful for the hair as it can be very effective on lice and lice eggs or nits.

Blood Circulation: Lavender essential oil is also good for improving blood circulation. It lowers blood pressure and is used for hypertension.

Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion as it increases the mobility of the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and thus aids in treating indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea.

Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.
Other health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to treat leucorrhea. It is also effective against insect bites. The oil is also used to repel mosquitoes and moths. You will find many mosquito repellents containing lavender oil as one of the ingredients.


As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that diabetics stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people having sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting and headaches due to usage of lavender oil.

Cucumber

Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of our connective tissue. Connective tissue is what holds our body together. Cucumbers are effective when used for various skin problems, including swelling under the eyes and sunburn. They also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids. These acids prevent water retention. That may explain why when cucumbers are applied topically they are often helpful for swollen eyes, burns, and dermatitis.


Cucumber is a vegetable that belongs to the same family as pumpkins, zucchinis and other squashes. It has a dark green skin, which reveals whitish or very light green flesh, when peeled. There are basically two types of cucumbers - the pickling varieties and the slicing varieties. Of these, the pickling variety is relatively small, around 2 - 4 inches long.

Today we see the cucumber as a provider of a very healthy juice beneficial for its places as an increaser of the flowing of weewee and as a complement to the outcomes of apium graveolens dulce and carrot juice for rheumatic statuses, while at the same clip being a soothing skin lotion.

As a beauty aid, the cucumber provides immediate relief to puffy eyes; a fresh cucumber can be cut into thin slices, and these placed on the eyes for 5-10 minutes. This works incredibly well after a tiring day at work in front of the computer, and helps to relieve stress and dark circles around the eye area as well. Grated cucumber can be used as a mask and tonic for the entire face and neck.

Cucumbers are scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, which belongs to the same family as pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon and squash.

Cucumber’s nutritional benefits include natural salts, enzymes, and vitamins essential for strong cell growth and repair. In addition, the high mineral content and minerals in cucumber peel offer a natural source for a fresh, powerful antioxidant. The alkalinity of cucumber is also a positive attribute, and because of its water base, the cucumber is also a top choice as a diuretic.

The high water content makes cucumbers a diuretic and it also has a cleansing action within the body by removing accumulated pockets of old waste material and chemical toxins. Cucumbers help eliminate uric acid which is beneficial for those who has arthritis and its fibre-rich skin and their high levels of potassium and manganese helps regulate blood pressure and help promote nutrient functions. The magnesium content in cucumbers also relaxes nerves and muscles and keeps blood circulating smoothly.

Cucumber is good for those who are dieting as it is very low in calories. It has a cleansing action within the body by removing accumulated pockets of old waste material and chemical toxins. It helps eliminate uric acid so it is good for those who has arthritis. Its juice is a nourishing vitamin for our hair and skin. It is also a good rejuvenator and makes us feel and look younger.

It is believed that cucumber helps in reducing swelling around the eyes or the big dark circles under your eyes. This is world-wide treatment which is being used to its maximum extent.

Coffee

Coffee and skin care? It might surprise you to learn that in 2006 in the United States over 140 skin care products containing caffeine were launched compared to just 21 in 2003.



Coffee had a hard time of it in the 20th century while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration waffled over whether it was good or bad for you. As we move solidly into the 21st century, more indications of coffee's beneficial properties are surfacing, and nowhere is that more evident than in the lucrative skin care market.


Primarily, coffee and caffeine are finding their way into skin lotions and creams because of antioxidant properties and tightening and firming qualities. Caffeine applied to the skin operates in three ways - as an antioxidant, a diuretic and a vasoconstrictor. Among others, Avon, Neuturogena and L'Oreal have included caffeine in some of their products.


For years, caffeine has been used in products sold to reduce cellulite. It's clear that caffeine dehydrates fat cells by somehow energizing them which in turn causes the sodium/potassium component of the cells to vacate. Consequently, water disappears as well. Bottom line - skin on buttocks and thighs becomes smoother.


Caffeine's vaso-constricting characteristic also makes it a favorite ingredient in eye gels for reducing puffiness and dark circles as well as tightening skin around the eyes. Of course, nothing eliminates cellulite or troubled skin around the eyes completely. The best you can hope for is noticeable improvement, perhaps only for a few hours.


With the explosion in coffee based skin products, it now is seen in body scrubs, face creams and fragrances. A number of products even smell like coffee and contain ground coffee intended as an exfoliate. Some purveyors have even gone so far as to suggest that the absorption of caffeine through the skin will yield the sort of alertness you can expect from drinking coffee.


Not so fast say the dermatologists. None of the products harbor concentrations sufficient to produce the jolt one might hope for from a cup of java. Moreover, absorption is through the skin slow, so it's questionable whether enough of coffee's stuff can penetrate to enhance alertness. Infusing the coffee aroma in products, is thought, on the other hand, to stimulate perkiness by association.


Some promising studies on mice suggest that the caffeine in coffee may kill off skin cancer cells on radiated animals. So far, the results appear promising, but cannot, as yet, be translated to humans. However, many sunscreens do contain caffeine since it has been shown to have some sun blocking effects.


A few folks are even suggesting that investment in expensive skin care potions is unnecessary. It's claimed that you can receive the same benefits by concocting your own home brewed coffee soaps and body scrubs from used coffee grounds. Formulas are even offered.


Hey, now you can shower with your espresso!

Cinnamon

Cinnamon of Ceylon, the best-known variety of cinnamon, comes from the Sri Lankan cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), an evergreen native to Sri Lanka, the East Indies, the Antilles, Java and Madagascar.

Name: Cinnamon
Botanical Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum


History:
Cinnamon was considered by the ancients as one of the most important aromatic spices available and is mentioned in the Old Testament in the same context as Myrrh, Olibanum, gold and silver. It is doubtful, however, whether the species C. zeylanicum was known before the 13th century, since the spice is not mentioned as a product of Ceylon - to which it was indigenous - until 1275, when it was documented by an Arab writer, Kazwini.


The protuguese occupied Ceylon in 1536 manly to obtain supplies of Cinnamon, and the Dutch began its cultivation there in 1770 with such success that the total European demand was far exceeded, and for years large quantities had to be burned.


The essential oil of Cinnamon is extracted from both the bark and the leaf of this well known culinary spice. A member of the Lauraceae Family, Cinnamon is a tree of the tropical regions of the world and has been used for many hundreds of years both in cooking and as a medicinal substance. The pale amber oil is obtained by steam distillation and has a distinctive sweet and piercing aroma.


Uses in Natural Skin Care Products:
Although it is mildly astringent, Cinnamon has few cosmetic uses as it is strongly stimulating to the skin and warms the body.


Uses in Traditional Medicine:
Cinnamon is best known for its action on the digestive system as an appetite stimulant, aphrodisiac and general tonic.
Cinnamon is known to be beneficial in overcoming general debility and weakness after a bout of flu and is a good muscle relaxant.