Star anise is a herb also known as chakra phool a native to southwest China and Vietnam , with scientific name Illicium verum Hook. f (Austrobaileyales: Schisandraceae) used as a spice in China and Asia . Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China (2002), considers it both as food and medicine implying its low or non-toxic effects on humans (1) .

Star anise : From Herb Star to Shield star

When the pandemic of flu and influenza came, Tamiflu became the saviours of many. But who made tamiflu both preventive and curative medicine for influenza? It was shikimic acid extracted from Star anise(2,3) that protected us from these influenza viruses. Though pharmacies later came up with one more source of shikimic acid i.e. E coli , but star anise beyond doubt saved many and still remains the first choice , providing a natural shield against these deadly everchanging viruses.

Since ancient times the oil produced from star anise containing thymol, terpineol and anethole, which were used for treating cough and flu (4). Though shikimic acid is believed to be the one acting against influenza virus but its combination with another compound called quercetin commonly found in kale, blueberries, red wine and green tea is supposed to be acting better than tamiflu also (5). Antiviral activities are observed against herpes simplex virus 1 as well (6). Ingesting star anise may also help relieve cough and sore throat (7).

Star anise : A Multiple Benefit Star

Protection against viruses is just one benefit of star anise, but this twinkly earth star have some other benefits also which come along with the package such as it acts as a

Preventer : Star anise is rich in antioxidants(8), vitamin A and C thus preventing progress of chronic diseases(9) like ageing and diabetes.
Protector : Help reduce cancer risk(10) by its action on free radicals.
Fighter : Star anise extracts and essential oils have antifungal( 11, 12) abilities, especially against Candida albicans, a common yeast infection. It has antibacterial properties. Four antimicrobial compounds derived from the spice were effective against nearly 70 strains of drug-resistant bacteria(13).
Palliator : Improve digestion and Star anise tea may help alleviate digestive complaints like gas, abdominal cramps, indigestion, bloating and constipation (7).
Pacifier : Spice has mild sedative properties that may aid in calming nerves and ease sleep disorders(7)

How to use Star Anise ?

Star anise is sweet and licorice-like and tastes well with coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and clove. It’s considered a key ingredient in five-spice powder, a spice mixture used in Chinese cuisine that also includes cloves, Chinese cinnamon, fennel seeds and Sichuan pepper, and is also sometimes added to other spice mixes like garam masala. It’s even a secret ingredient in some baked goods and desserts.

Personally, not being a very big fan of using garam masalas in my daily meals, i mainly use whole pods of star anise while making lentils.When i started adding these pods (1-2) once or twice a week , i noticed less susceptibility of my husband landing up with those nasty cold episodes and he is one of those people who starts sneezing with even slight variation of temepatures. I also know a friend of mine who uses star anise water ( adding 2-4 pods in 1 ltr of water, boil and then use) in every cold episode and it works wonders for her.

You may brew a soothing cup of hot star anise tea with 1 or 2 pods in boiling water or It can be ground up and used as a spice or used whole to deepen the flavor and aroma of soup, stew, coffee or broth. Star anise oil is commonly used as a natural preservative. Here are Some recipes with star anise :

Star Anise : Pandora Box

In nature if we can find medicines we have poisons as well thus nature gives us japanese star anise which is poisonous and chinese star anise which act as a medicine. But ,

“ ONE MAN MEDICINE CAN BE OTHER MAN POISON”

So, If you fall under these groups, refrain from using the oil or consuming high amounts of star anise altogether:

Children below 5 years old (14)
Pregnant women
People with endometriosis or estrogen-dependent cancers

While there's information citing star anise's potential in increasing breastmilk production, talk to your physician before using the essential oil or consuming high doses of this spice. It's said that star anise, as well as other herbs like yarrow, chickweed and buckthorn, may pass through breastmilk and affect your infant(7) One study found that after star anise tea was given to young infants to relieve colic, neurological troubles occurred, with symptoms such as tremors, spasms and vomiting which was mostly believed to be adultered with japenese star anise(15). So, always consult your physician before consuming high doses of these spices and also be aware of the source and adultration.

Refrences:

FLU and COlD : The Story of Non identical Twins

December 19, 2018 shilpa sharma

Every change bring something or other and so does the season. Every season has its own friends and foes. Some diseases like fungal infections are more prevalent in humid rainy seasons while skin and respiratory disease are more commonly found in winter season. So talking about the winters , Flu and common cold are the most frequently occuring ailments in both adults and children during cold dry windy days. But how is Flu different from common cold and why they occur more in winters? Is it because its cold or something else, lets find out.

Flu and Cold : Identical twins or Non identical twins ???

So as we all know twins have the same mother, so here though the body part affected by both flu and cold is same that is our breathing machinery i.e. nose and throat , but their cause and symptoms are pretty different , just like in non identical twins.

Flu, popularly known as influenza for which we get vaccine shots also is caused by influenza virus. This virus can give you High fever, chills bodyache and fatigue along with stuffy nose, cough , sore throat etc.

Common cold on the other hand can be caused by as many as 250 different types of viruses, so it stands for its name as all these 250 viruses are commonly found in our environment. So, that means scientist will have a really hard time in finding a vaccine which can actually take care of so many viruses at the same time. But this mild disease which usually gets over within a week by itself, presents mainly as sore throat, sneezing, runny stuffy nose and mildfever, and all these symptoms can be managed with basic general measures.

So, now the question arise why we have more cases of these two diseases in winters or we may ask why these viruses love winters ?

Flu and cold : Winters presents ?

When we say winters, there are few things which surely cross our mind : snow and christmas. So, viruses also gets christmas presents in winters, which help them to multiply and infect many people . What are these conditions that are optimum for viruses during winters:

a. Low temperatures and low humidity

b. Less human activity and more indoor time

c. Less exposure to sun thus low levels of Vit D and melanin ( which gives colour to our skin pigment ), thus lower immunity.

d. Some hormones like adneocorticoid undergoing cyclical chages as per body cycle results in decreased number of White blood cells which fight infection.

Armours against Flu and Cold!

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If you don't have that nearby, use an alcohol-based gel.
Cough and sneeze into a tissue.
No tissue? When you cough, turn your head away from others.
If you have a sudden sneeze, bend your arm and sneeze into it.
Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Wash any shared surfaces, like phones and keyboards, frequently. Viruses can live on surfaces for several hours.
Stay away from crowds during cold and flu season
Increase the intake of Vit C rich foods.
Drink lots of hot fluids like soups, water etc.
Gargling with salt water atleast 3 -4 times a day to soothe the throat.
And last and not the least, meet your homoeopathic physician to maintain your immune levels to keep yourself prepared in case you come in contact with any of these viruses.

Home remedies for beautiful hands

May 18, 2016 shilpa sharma

Hands are the most used parts of our body but when it comes to care they are the last ones to receive it. So here are some tips to keep them happy, beautiful , young and healthy forever:

1. Olive oil : Massage your hands with some warm olive oil for 5 to 10 minutes twice daily to enjoy soft and smooth hands. Olive oil has anti - ageing effects also.

2. Oatmeal : It is a natural cleanser and an exfoliater. Also its protein content locks the skin moisture inside keeping them soft. Prepare a mixture with 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal, ½ to 1 teaspoon of honey and a little water to make a paste. You can also add a little freshly squeezed lemon juice.Rub this mixture on your hands.Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.

3. Coconut oil:It is not only good for dry skin but also soothes the skin damaged by UV rays. Apply warm extra-virgin coconut oil on your hands.Massage for about 5 minutes using circular motions before going to bed everyday.

4. Milk cream : A natrural moisturizer, an exfoliater and the skin ph maintainer. So rub some fresh milk cream on your hands. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off your hands thoroughly with lukewarm water. You can use this remedy daily.

5. Honey : An antioxidant with anti ageing effects. Mix equal amounts of honey and glycerin. Apply it on your hands, wait 10 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily.

6. Lemon juice: Its a cleanser and lightens any spots on skin. Add the juice of 1 lemon and some honey to a small tub filled with lukewarm water. Soak your hands in it for about 10 minutes. Pat dry, then apply a little bit of vitamin E oil or olive oil to maintain the moisture level of your skin. Use this remedy a few times a week.

Exercises for Premature Ejaculation

May 5, 2016 shilpa sharma

Ejaculation can be considered premature when it occurs 30 seconds to 4 minutes in the sex, depending on different cultures, countries and experts. However, it seems that most tend to agree that any sexual intercourse lasting less than 2 minutes can be considered premature ejaculation.

Deep Breathing : Deep breathing is a form of meditation that can sometimes help control the arousal and tension that lead to early ejaculation. Try to spend five seconds breathing in one deep, full breath, hold it for about three seconds, and then exhale for five seconds. If you can do this for about five minutes without breaking the rhythm, you may be able to use it in the bedroom.
Stop and start method : This begins as a solo exercise. Begin by masturbating alone, bringing yourself close to orgasm and stopping. After relaxing, continue bringing yourself closer and closer to orgasm until you can’t hold it any longer. (Doing this several times by yourself without distraction will help you learn where is point of no return is.) When you feel that you have mastered the technique, the couple should engage in sexual activity that stops short of intercourse.Try to incorporate it smoothly into sex and take advantage of the pauses to focus on sources of pleasure other than the penis.
The squeeze method: This method requires one of the partners to squeeze the penis in the area between the shaft and the glans (for about 30 seconds), at the same point that the stop-and-start technique would be used just before you are about to ejaculate.The idea is to reduce the erection through squeezing. Just as with the stop-and-start method, your should do it on your own first, master it, and then invite your partner to practice the technique with you.
Kegel exercise:There’s no better method to strengthen the pelvic region than to create a strong pubococcygeus muscle (PC muscle), which can help control ejaculation. The easiest way to find this muscle is to see if you can stop the flow of urine when you go to bathroom. It’s the PC muscle that you use to do that. Once you find it, practice feeling exactly where it is located and make sure you engage it, rather than using your abdominals, buttocks, or thighs. (These must all stay loose when doing Kegel exercises.) To do Kegels, you will quickly clench and release the PC muscle repeatedly for ten seconds. You should do three sets, with a ten-second break between sets. If you can contract your PC muscle when close to orgasm, you should be able to slow things down.
Tantric technique:When you approach that point,cease stimulation (i.e., pull out), then contract the PC muscle and lower your chin to your chest (this is important, as it prevents energy from rising too high and making you feel ungrounded). You should then draw in a breath, feeling the warmth of sexual energy rise upwards in your body. Repeat this as needed, until the desire to release is no longer urgent.