Herbal remedies have been used by people in different parts of the world to treat a variety of conditions. When it comes to cancer, many people with a strong belief in alternative therapy will often approach an herbal medicine practitioner to find relief from the symptoms of the condition, alleviate the side effects of radiation or chemotherapy or to prevent spreading of the cancer. Considering the astounding findings being thrown up by studies on the medicinal properties of herbs, modern-day research is beginning to focus on the usefulness of herbal drugs in cancer.

Basics of Cancer

Cancer basically consists of normal cells getting transformed into abnormal ones by activation of certain oncogenes and suppression of certain other genes that normally suppress tumour formation. These abnormal cells then grow in an uncontrolled manner, avoiding the process of cell death called apoptosis that normal cells undergo. New blood vessels develop to supply nutrition to the tumour and this growth soon attacks other tissues and spread all over the body. The presence of chronic inflammation has been linked to cancer growth and much of the current research on herbal drugs shows that plant ingredients that can reduce or control inflammation are valuable against cancer.

Turmeric

People living in countries like India, where turmeric is regularly consumed, show low rates for some cancers and perhaps this is the reason behind it. Turmeric contains an ingredient called curcumin and research shows that this may have a preventive action against cancer. It has been found to show an ability to differentiate between normal and cancerous cells and can create apoptosis selectively in the latter; besides, it also helps the normal cells stay healthy and thrive. In laboratory studies, turmeric shows best results against cancers of the bowel, skin, breast and stomach. Some studies have also found that curcumin suppresses a mechanism that is responsible for growth of tumours in cancer of the head and neck.

Tulsi

Tulsi is well known for its expectorant properties, making it a valuable ingredient for home remedies for cough and cold. However, researchers are now finding that it is a rich source of antioxidants that helps prevent the negative effects of oxidative stress in the body. One of its components, carnosol, has shown promising results in liver, stomach and prostate cancer as well as leukaemia; it is believed to reduce the size of the blood vessels that supply the tumour and this slows down its growth.

Saffron

A costly ingredient that is generally reserved for use in sweet preparations, saffron has been found to reduce tumour growth in animal experiments. Saffron contains a carotenoid called crocin that reduces the rate of tumour growth probably by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA and RNA in the cancerous cells or by exerting an antioxidant action. In liver cancer studies, saffron was found to stimulate apoptosis and blocking the inflammatory response.

Ginger

Ginger is most well-known for its use as a digestive and the important role it plays in combating nausea. Now, researchers are finding that ginger tends to cause apoptosis in breast and ovarian cancer and leukaemia.  More importantly, it has been found that this ability to kill cells is a selective one – only the cancerous cells are attacked, while the normal cells are left unaffected. Some research studies also show that ginger stops the action of enzymes associated with cancer and causes the body to synthesise a greater number of proteins with cancer-fighting properties

Garlic

Garlic gives a typical flavour to food and this prized quality is a result of the sulphur-containing ingredients present in it. Since the past few years, it has been recognised for its action as a digestive, an expectorant, and a cholesterol-lowering agent. Now, preliminary research is showing that consuming garlic may also prevent the development of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract – the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum – the breast and pancreas.

Aloe Vera

Traditionally recognised for its value in injuries to the skin and as a laxative, aloe vera is now being studied for anti-cancer properties. Researchers have found that aloe contains an ingredient called acemannan that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory action as well as the ability to stimulate the immune system; this, along with its lack of toxic effect even at high doses has spurred further investigation into its use against cancer.

Some of the most widely used allopathic cancer drugs have been derived from nature – vincristine and vinblastine from the Vinca or periwinkle plant and taxol from the yew plant are examples that easily come to mind. Yet another substance called camptothecin found in the Mappia foetida plant is widely used as an over the counter remedy for cancer in the USA. Although Mappia foetida is not mentioned anywhere in Ayurvedic or Siddha literature as having anticancer action, camptothecin has been found effective against different forms of cancer.

What all this indicates is that many herbs are a storehouse of ingredients that have been hitherto unrecognised for their medicinal value. Including them in your diet can have a cancer preventive action and for people diagnosed with cancer, these herbs alone or in combination with allopathic drugs may prove useful in combating the disease. The fact that they have shown promising results in laboratory studies indicates that in the near future, it is quite likely that herbs will occupy a greater place in the fight against cancer.

A new study suggests that dark chocolate can help in anger management! Researchers claim that the polyphenols in dark chocolate increase calmness and the sense of contentment!  Polyphenols are found naturally in plants and are a basic component of the human diet. These compounds have been shown to reduce oxidative stress which is associated with many diseases. They may also have beneficial psychological effects, scientists believe.

‘Anecdotally, chocolate is often linked to mood enhancement,’ said lead author of the study, Matthew Pase, from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. ‘This clinical trial is perhaps the first to scientifically demonstrate the positive effects of cocoa polyphenols on mood,’ Pase said.

Seventy-two healthy men and women aged 40-65 years took part in the randomised study to receive a dark chocolate drink mix standardised to contain either 500 mg of cocoa polyphenols, 250 mg of cocoa polyphenols or 0 mg of cocoa polyphenols. The drink mixes were given to participants in identical packaging so that both the investigators and participants were unaware of which treatment they were receiving. Participants drank their assigned drink once a day for 30 days.

After 30 days, those who drank the high dose concentration of cocoa polyphenols reported greater calmness and contentedness than those who drank either of the other drink mixes. The researchers did not find any evidence that cocoa polyphenols significantly improved cognitive performance.

Additionally, only those who consumed the highest amount of polyphenols (500 mg per day) reported any significant positive effects. Participants who consumed a moderate amount (250 mg per day) reported no significant effects. The study was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Earlier research has shown that dark chocolate has immense health benefits but only when consumed in moderate amounts. It’s supposed to keep heart disease away, lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.

Here are some of the some benefits of dark chocolate:

1. Reduces heart attack risk – Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can suppress the chances of heart attacks. Also it is the oxidative damage by free radicals that is responsible for cancer.

2. Lowers blood pressure – Flavonoids (the antioxidants in chocolate) lower high blood pressure through the production of nitric acid and helps maintain hormonal balance.

3. Lowers cholesterol- Dark chocolate Lowers LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) by 10% according to some studies.

4. Makes you happy – Like exercising, chocolate stimulates endorphin production which gives an immense sense of pleasure. Alcohol too gives an endorphin high but then chocolate is a much healthier option and isn’t known to cause liver damage.

5. Lowers depression – Chocolate raises your serotonin level (neurotransmitter) which acts as an anti-depressant.

6. Acts as a stimulant – Theobromine can be described as a stimulant similar to caffeine but without affecting the Central Nervous System to a great extent which gives a similar feel-good effect.

7. Mostly contains good fat – Chocolate contains three kinds of fat in equal proportion:

The Good: Oleic Acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that occurs in olive oil as well.

The Neutral: Stearic Acid is a saturated fat but one which research shows has no effect on cholesterol levels.

The Ugly: Palmitic Acid is also a saturated fat (the bad fat), one which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk. So we can see 2/3 of the fat from dark chocolate isn’t bad at all. We are not saying that you tuck into a pound of chocolate a day though.

8. Acts as an aphrodisiac – Chocolate has long been linked to sexual desire. In fact it was the Aztecs who drew a connection between cocoa beans and libido. Chocolate contains two chemicals with aphrodisiac qualities: tryptophan (building block of serotonin) a brain chemical involved in sexual arousal and  phenylethylamine, a stimulant related to amphetamine, which is released in the brain when people fall in love.

9. Contains lots of natural minerals – As a plant-based cocoa contains many naturally occurring minerals that boost your health. Some of them are copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium.

Overconsumption of dark chocolate may lead to obesity and other related diseases

    Appeal to the Nation

Sahara India Pariwar’s main mission is to spread awareness of Patriotism by uniting the common man, army personnel and students to sing the National Anthem in one voice at the same day and same time.

It is an emotional appeal to the people of the country to participate in the cause of patriotism in the diversified nation like India. The beauty of the cause is that everyone from a common man to army personnel is participating in the event.

Sahara Pariwar wants to invoke an emotional appeal in everyone to sing our beloved National Anthem Jana,Gana,Mana on 6th May 2013 at 10 AM with 11 lakh Sahara Workers singing National Anthem in one uniform at the same time from 4512 Sahara Offices spread across India.

National Anthem brings pride to the country as it is the unique identity. Sahara Pariwar India is starting an initiative called the “Bharat Bhawna Diwas”

Sahara India Pariwar main mission is to spread awareness of Patriotism by uniting the common man, army personnel and students to sing in one voice at the same day and same time.Sahara India Pariwar will be creating world record with 1, 01,000 Sahara India Pariwar Workers singing the National Anthem together at one point in Lucknow in one Uniform, the record for the maximum number of people singing the National Anthem at the same time is held by Pakistan with 42,813 people.

Be proud of the Indian patriot in you and join the unique cause you can use your cameras to capture your family members, friends, and school and college mates singing the national anthem in attention and share it on youtube with the descriptor “Bharat Bhawna Diwas 2013”

You’re Favorite Color: What it says About You???

Whether we’re a vibrant Orange, or a peaceful Blue, our color preferences are a key to understanding our personalities. Find out what this color expert has to say about your favorite color. What does it reveal about who you really are?

White: Symbolic of purity, innocence and naivete, white has strong connotations of youth and purity. If you are an older person, your preference for white could indicate a desire for perfection and impossible ideals, maybe an attempt to recapture lost youth and freshness. It may also symbolize a desire for simplicity or the simple life.

Red: The color of strength, health, and vitality, Red is often the color chosen by someone outgoing, aggressive, vigorous and impulsive—or someone who would like to be! It goes with an ambitious nature but those who choose it can be abrupt at times, determined to get all they can out of life, quick to judge people and take sides. Red people are usually optimistic and can’t stand monotony; they are rather restless and not at all introspective, so they may be unaware of their own shortcomings. They find it hard to be objective and may blame others for any mishaps. Quiet people with a preference for red may feel the need for the warmth, strength and life-giving qualities of the color, or they blanket their true feelings under a sober exterior. Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated natures, with a zest for life.

Maroon: Harsh experience has probably matured the Maroon person into someone likable and generous. It is often a favorite color of someone who has been battered by life but has come through. It indicates a well-disciplined Red personality—one who has had difficulty experiences and has not come through unmarked but who has grown and matured in the process.

Pink: This color embodies the gentler qualities of Red, symbolizing love and affection without passion. Women who prefer Pink tend to be maternal. Pink desires protection, special treatment and a sheltered life. Pink people require affection and like to feel loved and secure, perhaps wanting to appear delicate and fragile. Pink people tend to be charming and gentle, if a trifle indefinite.

Orange: This color of luxury and pleasure appeals to the flamboyant and fun-loving person who likes a lively social round. Orange people may be inclined to dramatize a bit, and people notice them, but they are generally good-natured and popular. They can be a little fickle and vacillating, but on the whole they try hard to be agreeable. Orange is the color of youth, strength, fearlessness, curiosity and restlessness.

Yellow: The color of happiness, wisdom and imagination, Yellow is chosen by the mentally adventurous, searching for novelty and self-fulfillment. Yellow usually goes with a sunny and shrewd personality, with a good business head and a strong sense of humor. It is the color of intellectuality and all things to do with the mind. Yellow folks are usually clear and precise thinkers who have a good opinion of their own mental capacities and who have lofty ideals. They may at times tend to shun responsibility, preferring freedom of thought and action.

Green: The color of harmony and balance, Green symbolizes hope, renewal and peace, and is usually liked by the gentle and sincere. Greens are generally frank, community-minded people, fairly sociable but preferring peace at any price. Green people can be too self-effacing, modest and patient, so they may get exploited by others. They are usually refined, civilized and reputable.

Blue: Soft, soothing, compassionate and caring, Blue is the color of deliberation and introspection, conservatism and duty. Patient, persevering, conscientious, sensitive and self-controlled, Blues like to be admired for their steady character and wisdom. They are faithful, but are often worriers with somewhat inflexible beliefs and can be too cautious, and suspicious of flamboyant behavior.

Blue-Green: Exacting, discriminating, poised and attractive, the Blue-Green person tends to be sensitive, intellectual and refined, persevering and stable if rather detached. Blue-Greens have excellent taste, and are usually courteous and charming, capable but often refusing help or guidance.

Turquoise: Complex, imaginative and original, Turquoise people drive themselves hard and may be in a state of turmoil under their outwardly cool exterior.

Lavender: This is often chosen by a person who lives “on a higher plane,” who never notices anything sordid and who is always impeccably and beautifully dressed. Lavender people may be on a continual quest for culture and the refined things of life, high and noble causes but without the necessity of getting their hands dirty. A Lavender person is usually creative, charming, witty and civilized.

Purple: Purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty and sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental, expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood. If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant and dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority.

Brown: A Brown person has stamina and patience, tending to be very solid and substantial, conscientious, dependable, steady and conservative. Browns are not impulsive, and may be inarticulate and tactless but they love responsibility and are reliable and kindly. If you chose Brown, watch out for a tendency to be obstinate and inflexible.

Grey: The color of caution and compromise, diligent Grays search for composure and peace and often work hard without reward. Older Grays like life to run on an even keel with few ups and downs. Young Grays may be withdrawing from life and suppressing their personalities. Grays often have good business ability and tend to work too much.

Black: Dignified and impressive without being showy, Black people want to give the appearance of mystery, but their preference may also indicate a suppression of desires and worldly aims, suggesting hidden depths and inner longings.

Your Birth Color: What it Says About You

The “Color Wheel of Life” follows the progression of the seasons, showing what colors they’re associated with and what qualities they bring to life. Whether you’re picking inspiring colors for the objects in your living space, seeking crystals for healing, or just trying to understand more about the influence different colors have on your mind, this chart (below) can help you discover the color you were born to. Crystal Vaults describes how to start using it:

“The wheel is read in counterclockwise order. Start from the winter solstice at the top and follow the color wheel and the year around to the left. The second inner ring shows the days of the year as the year and the color changes progress through the greens of spring, the yellows of summer, and the reds of autumn.”

To discover what your birth color is and what it means, you can explore the chart below. What’s yours? Share with us in the comments!

                    THOUGHTS 

        Ways To Inspire Everyone Around You.

Be the person you know yourself to be – the best version of you – on your terms. Above all, be true to YOU, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.  Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others temporarily think you are.

Practice what you preach or don’t preach at all. Walk the talk!  Be the change you want to see in the world.  If you really want to inspire others to do something, then this ‘something’ should be a big part of your life.

“Treat a man as he appears to be, and you make him worse. But treat a man as if he already was what he potentially could be, and you make him what he should be.”

Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help repair their future.  In life, you get what you put in.  When you make a positive impact in someone else’s life, you also make a positive impact in your own life.

Be happy with who you are now, and let your positivity inspire your journey into tomorrow.  Everything that happens in life is neither good nor bad.  It just depends on your perspective.  And no matter how it turns out, it always ends up just the way it should.

GIFT WRAPPING TECHNIQUES