Health Benefits and Uses for Home-Grown Herbs

Herbs are some of the best things you can grow around your house and garden. They are mostly easier to grow then many kinds of vegetables and fruits and yet they can be just as healthy and tasty to eat. These are 10 of the easiest, healthiest and most recommended herbs for you to grow, each with important tips on where and how to grow them. They are guaranteed to make your food taste better, your house smell nicer and your overall health better than ever before. Rosemary: A good for source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6, rosemary has been found to be helpful with enhancing memory and concentration as well as providing neurological protection. It is an herb that’s perfect to grow in a pot, but not in direct sunlight, so you don't even need to have a garden. Use dry or fresh rosemary to add a great taste to pizzas or baked potatoes. Thyme: Thyme is a powerful herb that can help you with many types of breast and colon cancer, bacterial infections and skin problems. Thyme is commonly used for the treatment of diarrhea, stomachache, arthritis, sore throat and bronchitis. The plant is very hardy and is easy to grow, it is also safe to harvest without constant fear of the plant dying. It is best used in deep stews and meat marinades. Sage: Sage is used in medicine to help alleviate symptoms of mental disorders such as Alzheimer's and depression. It can also be used to solve digestive problems, improve memory and help type 2 diabetes patients with lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A sage plant requires plenty of sunshine, good drainage and good air circulation. Sage is most often used with poultry and pork but can also be used to flavor cheese.

Lemon Balm: Many people believe that lemon balm has calming effects that can reduce anxiety and sleep problems, it is also used for digestive problems like upset stomach, intestinal gas, vomiting and colic. This useful plant tends to be naturally pest and disease resistant, all it really needs is some decent soil, protection from punishing heat and a regular watering schedule. This herb can be used for making homemade tea and as a yummy salad addition.

Parsley: Parsley contains more vitamin C and K than basically anything else you eat, it works wonders for people with kidney stones, gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, diabetes, cough, and asthma. If you plan on planting some parsley seeds in your garden do so in moist, rich soil and plant each seed about 7 inches (18 cm) apart. Chop parsley and sprinkle it on any dish you want to add a little life and color to, it's mild on flavor and yet very refreshing. Chives: Chives is nutrient-dense herb, its low on calories and high on beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Chives contains choline, an important nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. It has no problems growing in-doors or out-doors but it prefers full sun light, it is also important to give chives consistent watering in the growing season, to ensure high yields. Add a bit of chives to salads or other dishes spiced with herbs to give them an unexpected twist. Mint: Best grown in a pot, as it grows to fill whatever space you give it, mint is a very useful herb to have around the house. It can be used as a simple answer to allergies, colds, Irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal pains. Use mint to make home-made natural tea, add to your salads, and even just crush a bit of leaves and add to water with some lemon juice for a great healthy drink. Oregano: This plant will glow at ground level but won't spread too aggressively which means its best gown out-doors or in large containers. Not only does this herb provide food flavor and an amazing smell, it's also high on potent antioxidants and anti-bacterial ingredients. Water the oregano only when the soil is dry, they are native to arid regions and don't like too much water. Use it when you are making some home-made pizza, mix it in with your pasta sauce and even try adding a bit to your morning's scrubbed eggs. Tarragon : Tarragon has been used as a traditional remedy to stimulate appetite and alleviate anorexic symptoms. It is a rich source of vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamins A and B, and other minerals like calcium, manganese, iron and magnesium. Keep tarragon in a spot of the garden that enjoys full sun in the morning with dappled light in the afternoon. It can tolerate full afternoon sun in locations that don't get too hot but it should be kept well watered. Tarragon is a tasty spice for any dish with rice or chicken and can also add a refreshing, but not overpowering, taste to fish. Basil: Consider planting this herb in your garden and house just for the smell if not for its many possible heath benefits. Rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties, basil is a good source for vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, iron and potassium. During dry periods water the plants freely, basil loves moist ground, and also be sure to pick the leaves regularly to encourage growth throughout the summer. Commonly used in Italian cooking, basil combines wonderfully with anything that includes tomatoes and cheese. Those interest in health and cancer related topics are free to view my cancer blog- http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/ those interested in cancer and health related topics are free to see my blog- http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/  for crochet designs, my blog, those who like a particular design are free to mail me http://My Crochet  Creations.blogspot.com For info. about knee replacement, be free to view my blog- http://knee replacement-stickclub.blogspot.com  Tulsi/ basil, antioxdants, Vitamin A, B, C and K, magnesium, iron, potassium, tarragon, appetite, oregano, mint/ pudina, irritable bowel syndrome, chives, parsley, lemon balm, digestion, sage, thyme, rosemary,

Healthy Protein Rich Pancake

Ingredients

besan/ gram flour 1/2 cup
atta/whole wheat flour  1/2 cup
milk and water as needed
moong sprouts or any other sprouts either cooked or plain 1/2 cup
salt to taste
ginger-garlic-green chilli paste  2 tbsp OR you can use finely chopped ginger, green chillies and garlic if desired, which has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer properties
baking pdr.  1/2 tsp
spring onion finely chopped 1/4 cup or less
fresh coriander leaves/ parsley finely chopped 1 tbsp

Method
mix all the ingredients well, keep aside for at least 10 minutes (you can use only besan or only wheat flour)
heat a non-stick pan, coat lightly with oil, make pancakes, these won't come very thin, once light brown on one side, turn over, add little oil if needed, cook till brown, as it is getting cooked, you can sprinkle some cheese on top, as it will melt or once done on both sides, then sprinkle cheese in between, fold into half and serve hot, either plain or with desired chutney/ ketchup.

Health Tip- this is a very healthy pancake, as sprouts and besan are rick in proteins, also there is cheese and milk, to give you calcium, gives you enough carbs, Vitamin C from coriander leaves and spring onion. So, this can become a complete meal on its own, good to take for packed lunch.

Those interest in health and cancer related topics are free to view my cancer blog-
http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/

those interested in cancer and health related topics are free to see my blog-

http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/

 for crochet designs, my blog, those who like a particular design are free to mail me

http://My Crochet  Creations.blogspot.com

For info. about knee replacement, be free to view my blog-

http://knee replacement-stickclub.blogspot.com

26 Handy Tips For Any Kitchen

Some people think it's an easy thing to prepare meals in your kitchen. In their mind, it's a skip and a jump to a well prepared meal. Those of us who actually DO the cooking, though, know that it is both a science and an art, where experience can make a huge difference, and where handy tips are always welcome to save time and achieve better results. Here are 26 great kitchen tips we should all learn.

Those interest in health and cancer related topics are free to view my cancer blog- http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/ those interested in cancer and health related topics are free to see my blog- http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/  for crochet designs, my blog, those who like a particular design are free to mail me http://My Crochet  Creations.blogspot.com For info. about knee replacement, be free to view my blog- http://knee replacement-stickclub.blogspot.com

Clean a Filthy Oven Easy and Fast!

Whether you use a big oven or a small one, you cook a lot or you use it on occasion - all ovens eventually get grime and fat stuck to the bottom, sides and door. These stains can be incredibly hard to get rid of, even with the variety of chemical solutions we have.  But there ARE faster and easier ways to clean an oven than just scrubbing hard enough. Here is some excellent advice to clean your oven! Tip: Remember to use gloves in whatever you do; protect those hands!

First, use protective measures: Baking paper or tin foil. The first step of keeping an oven clean over time is in taking precautions. For instance, put casseroles on baking paper while you cook them to keep any liquids from reaching the oven. Also, you should put a tray wrapped in tin foil at the bottom place of the oven, so whatever makes it past the paper will end up there and won't have to be scraped later on. Strike the iron while it's still hot - with salt. Next time you witness a spill in your oven, don't just watch it and mumble to yourselves that you'll clean it later, but spread a little salt on the still liquid stain. When the oven cools, you'll be able to wipe off the stain with a cloth (without any left behind). By the way, this trick works well for a stove as well.  Let steam do your dirty work Before you roll up your sleeves and get to work rubbing at those stubborn stains, put a heat-proof bowl filled with water in the oven, and put it on high heat for about 30 minutes. The steam will soften the fat and dirt and will make removing them that much easier. The secret to fighting stubborn stains Drinking soda is a user-friendly way to clean fat and dirt stains. How does it work? Spread a generous layer of drinking soda on the stain (at the bottom of the oven) and cover with a damp cloth for a few hours. Then use a vacuum cleaner to suck away the soda (be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner immediately after) and wash the area well with cloth and water. Use the glass scraper Instead of scrubbing and scrubbing at the hard stains at the bottom of the oven and on its door. Use a glass scraper, and gently use with some hot water to scrape off the stains you thought you wouldn't be able to get rid of. You can get a glass scraper in most home improvement shops etc. The oven is clean? Now it's time for the shelves and trays! The simplest and most effective way to do these is just to put them in the dish washer and let it take care of the hard stains with hot rinsing. If you don't have one, just soak them in vinegar over night and then wash them. And as a finale, introduce a good smell to your oven with a lemon! If your oven has a bad odor, even after being cleaned, it's time to refresh it. Squeeze two lemons worth of juice, and put it in a heat-resistant bowl. Add some water. Throw in what's left of the 2 lemons as well, and put the oven on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Believe you us, not only will a lemony, refreshing smell spread through the kitchen, but the process also helps in getting rid of more stubborn stains.     those interested in cancer and health related topics are free to see my blog- http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/ for crochet designs, my blog, those who like a particular design are free to mail me http://My Crochet  Creations.blogspot.com For info. about knee replacement, be free to view my blog- http://knee replacement-stickclub.blogspot.com

Power Smoothie

Ingredients

skimmed milk chilled 1 cup
low-fat yoghurt  1/2 cup
apple chopped  1/2 cup
grapes/ raisins  5-6
almonds soaked  4-5
flax seeds  1/4 tsp

Method
combine all in a blender, serve at once.

those interested in cancer and health related topics are free to see my blog-

http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/


for crochet designs, my blog, those who like a particular design are free to mail me

http://My Crochet  Creations.blogspot.com

For info. about knee replacement, be free to view my blog-

http://knee replacement-stickclub.blogspot.com

Healthy chocolate pancake

Ingredients


jowar flour/ white millet flour  1 cup or ragi flour
dark chocolate finely chopped  1/4 cup
skimmed milk  3/4 cup
sugar substitute/ sugar  1/4 cup or to taste
 baking pdr. a pinch
vanilla essence  few drops
oil/ butter for cooking

Method
combine all the ingredients in a bowl with a little water and whisk to make a smooth batter, keep aside
heat oil/ butter in a non-stick pan, spread the batter to make a thick pancake, cook over medium flame on both sides till golden brown
serve hot.

those interested in cancer and health related topics are free to see my blog-

http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/


for crochet designs, my blog, those who like a particular design are free to mail me

http://My Crochet  Creations.blogspot.com

For info. about knee replacement, be free to view my blog-

http://knee replacement-stickclub.blogspot.com

Sago/ sabudana pudding

Ingredients

sago/ sabudana  50 gm
grated coconut  4 tbsp/ 20 gm
skimmed milk  500 ml
cardamom pdr.  1/4 tsp
almonds chopped  1 tbsp
sugar/ sugar substitute  3-4 tbsp or to taste

Method
soak sago in water for an hour
boil milk in a heavy bottomed pan, add sago, coconut, cook till sago gets transparent
add sugar, nuts, cardamom, boil for 2 minutes, remove, serve hot/ cold

those interested in cancer and health related topics are free to see my blog-

http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/


for crochet designs, my blog, those who like a particular design are free to mail me

http://My Crochet  Creations.blogspot.com

For info. about knee replacement, be free to view my blog-

http://knee replacement-stickclub.blogspot.com

The Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

After buying a pumpkin, most people would clean out the seeds, dispose of them, and keep the flesh, and that’s a terrible waste. Pumpkin seeds are not only edible; they’re incredibly healthy and make for a delicious snack. Pumpkin seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, many nutrients, proteins, minerals and vitamins. They can help lower your blood pressure, bolster your immune system and help in preventing cancer. The seeds are also rich in antioxidants, making them a powerful antiaging addition to your diet. The high levels of iron and magnesium are incredible energy-boosters, making perfect for pre or post-workout snacking. They help prevent the formation of kidney stones and are an excellent source for zinc, potassium and phosphorus. If that’s not enough, pumpkin seeds are useful at destroying tapeworms and roundworms, as well as boosting fertility levels.

Other benefits of pumpkin seeds Prevents constipation and promotes a healthy digestive system. Prevents premature aging and promotes longevity. Prevents kidney stones and osteoporosis. Reduces the risk of cancer, prostate, and diabetes. Reduces symptoms of asthma, arthritis, anxiety, and depression. Reduces bad cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease and stroke. Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol level. Improves your brain function and memory. Boosts immune system and bone density. Boosts your energy and mood.

Preparing pumpkin seeds: Clean the seeds - You have to clean the seeds meticulously until there are no signs of pumpkin guts. The best way to do this is to put the seeds & guts into a big bowl of water and break it apart with your hands. The seeds will float to the top. Let it simmer for 10 minutes in salt water – Put the clean seeds in boiled water with 1tsp of salt and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This makes the seeds easier to digest. Drain the seeds and dry them out – they don’t have to be completely dry, but it’s recommended. Spread seeds on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil – Make sure they’re finely coated in oil and add a light sprinkle of salt. Then spread them and try avoiding the seeds from overlapping each other. Roast seeds at 325F for 10 minutes - Remove from oven and stir. Roast for another 8-10 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of roasting, open a few seeds to make sure that they’re not burning. Make sure they don’t brown.

Tips to remember: When preparing a pumpkin, save the seeds. Add chopped pumpkin seeds to cereal. Make sure the seeds are dry when roasting them. Add pumpkin seeds to smoothies. Refrigerate in an air tight container when not consumed.     those interested in cancer and health related topics are free to see my blog- http://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com/ for crochet designs, my blog, those who like a particular design are free to mail me http://My Crochet  Creations.blogspot.com For info. about knee replacement, be free to view my blog- http://knee replacement-stickclub.blogspot.com