Month: March 2020

Phytochemicals in Herbs: Essential Oils

Pamela Terry

Phytochemicals are those chemicals found in plants that give herbs their healing properties. These phytochemicals have no nutritional value; however, they can protect us from or prevent various diseases and ailments that may attack our systems. One such phytochemicals is essential oil that gives herbs their aroma.

Essential oils are extracted from herbs through a process that concentrates the oil thereby making them more potent. This process is rather involved and can require a large amount of fresh herbs for a small yield of essential oil. For example, it takes an entire pint of flower petals to make just one tablespoon of essential oil. This explains why essential oils can sometimes be rather pricey. These essential oils are then used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and other applications.

Essential oils also usually have antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties. An antispasmodic will help to relieve or even prevent muscle spasms and cramps. Antispasmodics are often used by people suffering from intestinal cramping or severe menstrual cramps. Antimicrobials prevent or destroy microorganisms; i.e., bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that cause numerous diseases and ailments.

Most people are familiar with essential oils through their use in aromatherapy. For example, essential oil of lavender is used for relaxation and to relieve tension. Peppermint is often used for a stimulating and energizing effect. In addition, these aromatic oils are frequently added to medicines to improve their taste.

There are a few basic essential oils that you will want to keep on-hand to be used in various herbal remedies. One …

The Temperature of The Human Body – an Important Indicator of The Health of The Body

Pamela Terry

Body temperature is a composite indicator of thermal state of the human organism, reflecting the complex relationship between the production of heat from various organs and tissues and heat transfer between them and the external environment.

Body temperature is a composite indicator of thermal state of the human organism, reflecting the complex relationship between the production of heat from various organs and tissues and heat transfer between them and the external environment. 

The average human body temperature usually varies between 36.5 and 37.2 degrees Celsius due to the internal exothermic reactions and the existence of “safety valves” allowing the removal of excess heat sweating. 

“Thermostat” (hypothalamus) is located in the brain and is constantly involved in thermoregulation. During the day body temperature varies – morning and evening it changes by 0.5-1.0 degree C. 

In women, temperature varies depending on the menstrual cycle. If the normal temperature is 37 degrees, it decreased to 36.8 during the first days of the cycle, before ovulation and decreased to 36.6 and then again increased to 37.2 and finally stood at 37 degrees. 

In men, the temperature in the testes is 1.5 degrees lower than the rest of the body and the temperature of other parts of the body depends on physical exercise. 

Critical to man is considered the temperature of 42 degrees, at which the disorder in the metabolism of brain tissue. Human body is better adapted to cold and therefore reducing the temperature to 32 degrees causes tremors, but not a serious risk. …

The Spice of Beauty: Using Spices & Herbs in Your Facial Care Routine

Pamela Terry

Spices and herbs taste good and they smell good too, but did you know that they can also help make you beautiful and keep your skin looking young and healthy. Skin care manufacturers are using herbs and spices in your facial products in a major way these days in order to help you be more beautiful, and healthy from the outside in. What are they using and how does it help your skin? Here are seven of the latest spice and herb fads that you will be finding in your facial products.

Fennel

Fennel is good for sensitive skin, it is cleansing and soothing. It can help to purify oily skin and to reduce redness. Use two tablespoons of crushed fennel seeds mixed with a half cup of buttermilk as a facial cleanser. Boil the mixture in a double boiler for about a half hour, strain and let sit for two hours before use.

Cloves

Cloves have antimicrobial properties, which is why they have been used in the dental profession for centuries. Cloves work great for deep cleansing, and can be a great help at combating acne.

Pepper

Pepper helps to increase the blood flow and helps with circulation. It is great for use in massage oils, and it can help keep the face and skin looking young. May be an irritant to those with sensitive skin.

Turmeric

Look for facial items that have Turmeric in the ingredients if you are having a problem with age spots. It helps to …

Basil and Pepperoni Pizza: A Fast Favourite that Tastes Better than Delivery

Pamela Terry

Pizza satisfies a hungry family or a room full of party guests and it is a healthy meal option. So, don’t call for delivery: make a homemade version and be ready for the compliments and requests for another slice. Pizza is a dish that can be easily modified to suit various preferences and any picky eaters. Use a store-bought dough to make this meal even quicker to prepare.

Feel free to experiment with the toppings suggested below and create a new family favourite. Feta cheese, mushrooms, green peppers, cooked Italian sausage, pesto, onions, or sliced ham all make great additions to this basil and pepperoni pizza. If desired, serve a soup such as Basil Minestrone for an appetizer. And for dessert, Strawberry Shortcake makes a nice after-dinner treat. This recipe makes two 12" pizzas.

Basil and Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients

Pizza Dough:

  • 1-1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
  • 3-1/2 cups flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

Pizza Toppings:

  • Olive oil
  • 2/3 cup tomato sauce, 1/3 each per pizza
  • 1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoni, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Basil, fresh, torn into small pieces

Directions

Pizza Dough:

  1. Pour the warm water into a large bowl
  2. Sprinkle the yeast onto the water and let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast is frothy
  3. Stir to dissolve completely if needed at the end of 5 minutes
  4. Mix in the olive oil, flour, salt and sugar
  5. Knead until the dough
…