12 Natural Gargles For Sore Throat

As an official comeback from a very long hiatus on this blog, posts will now be every 12th of the month.

For this official return, here are the 12 natural gargles for soothing your sore throat which is relevant during this COVID-10 worldwide pandemic.

1. Salt and water - mix 1⁄4 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water.  Note: mix a fresh batch of gargle for every use. Better to waste a bit pouring it out than to leave it in your glass, where it might become contaminated with bacteria. Also, do not swallow the gargle; spit it out!
2. Hot sauce and water - add five shakes of ground cayenne pepper (or a few shakes of hot sauce) to a cup of hot water for sore throat relief. The capsaicin in chillies helps soothes pain and fights inflammation. Note: Don’t try this if you have open sores in your mouth. 
3. Ginger, honey and lemon - mix 1 teaspoon each of powdered ginger and honey, 1⁄2 cup of hot water, and the juice of 1⁄2 squeezed lemon. Pour the water over the ginger, then add the lemon juice and honey, and gargle. Honey coats the throat and also has mild antibacterial properties. 
4. Sage and apple cider vinegar - Sage has been used as a throat-soother for centuries. One recipe to try during cold and flu season: grind 2 tablespoons each dried sage and thyme into a mason jar with 2 cups apple cider vinegar. Leave covered at room temperature for two weeks, then strain out the herbs. When you’re ready to gargle, mix a couple of tablespoons of the sage mixture into a small glass of warm water. Another herb with cold-busting properties is thyme.
5. Turmeric and water - This yellow spice is a powerful antioxidant, and the traditional system of medicine called Ayurveda, rooted in Hinduism, has used turmeric to fight pain and inflammation for centuries. To try it yourself, add 1/2 teaspoon of the ground spice to a cup of warm water and use up to three times a day.
6. Clove tea - Add 1 to 3 teaspoons of powdered or ground cloves to warm water, then mix and gargle. Cloves have soothing properties, explains acupuncturist, Elizabeth Trattner. Plus, they also have antimicrobial properties that can help stop the growth of bacteria, according to research in Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal. The spicy mixture can also be used as a mouthwash to help tooth pain, she says.
7. Spicy tomato juice - For temporary relief of sore throat symptoms, try this tasty gargle: 1/2 cup each of tomato juice and hot water, plus about 10 drops of chilli sauce. Bonus: capsaicin from chillies boosts circulation.
8. Goldenseal, echinacea, or myrrh and water - Gargling with these herbal anti-inflammatories can soothe swollen and sore throat tissue, says Trattner. Try several drops of herbal tinctures in a small amount of warm water.
9. Apple cider vinegar and salt - Anecdotal evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar can help a sore throat, and research does show that it has antibacterial properties. Gargle with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water; use several times a day if needed. For a gentler treatment, combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon every four hours.
10. Licorice root powder and water - Licorice root may soothe a sore throat and help eliminate cough-inducing phlegm; a 2013 study of more than 200 people found that surgical patients who had gargled with a licorice solution prior to anaesthesia were less likely to develop a sore throat post-surgery.
11. Green tea - This one is actually a sore-throat prevention measure, since one health benefit of tea is the ability to fight infections. Next time you brew a cup of green tea, make a little extra and gargle with it. A 2016 review of research found that gargling with tea may have a preventative effect against the flu virus.
12. Raspberry tea - This is an old home remedy for a sore throat because of the anti-inflammatory properties. One recipe calls for pouring one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves or packaged raspberry tea. Steep for ten minutes, then strain and let cool a bit. Gargle while warm.

References:
Sore throat remedies: 12 natural gargles that may ease the pain
ETH Podcast #COVID–19: Try gargling!

12 Ginger Benefits

1. Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea.
2. Ginger is a means to fight fungal infections.
3. Ginger is a natural pain reliever for stomach ulcers.
4. Ginger is a natural menstrual pain reliever similar to mefenamic acid and ibuprofen medicines.
5. Ginger is a powerful anti-cancer solution that may be able to block cancer cell growth including prostate cancer, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer.
6. Ginger is a natural blood sugar regulator.
7. Ginger is a very powerful joint and muscle pain reliever.
8. Ginger is a reducer of bad LDL cholesterol and helps in raising beneficial HDL cholesterol to our body.
9. Ginger is a brain aging protector.
10. Ginger is a bacterial infection fighter
11. Ginger is a healthy immune and chronic inflammation fighter including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
12. Ginger is a promoter of proper digestion with the ability to prevent dyspepsia with symptoms such as heartburn and discomfort.

References:

https://draxe.com/10-medicinal-ginger-health-benefits/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LN2QDaQr38 

12 Amazing Natural Beauty Remedies

References:

12 Astonishing Natural Beauty Remedies {DIY Inspiration} 
DIY Natural Home Beauty Remedies

12 Natural Bee Sting Remedies

12 Natural Bee Sting Remedies

The pain and swelling remedy that works for one person may not do much for another, so I’ve compiled a short list of the ones that people claim as the best. The majority of these items can be found around the average household, but you may want to purchase a couple of them to have handy for the growing season.

1. Garlic cloves: This one is quite popular and is touted as one of the best for the pain of a sting. Crush a garlic clove to release the garlic juices and press it against the sting.
2. Lavender essential oils: Just a drop on the sting site is all you need. The essential oils in the lavender are supposed to neutralize the venom immediately.
3. Baking soda and water: This one seems to have been around forever, but it’s a favorite. Mix the baking soda and water to form a thick paste then slather it onto the skin. Don’t wash it off.
4. Peanut butter: This was a new one for me. Again, people everywhere seem to find it effective. I’m anxious to try it, I mean, I am; but I’m not, you know?
5. Plantain (Plantago spp.): Plantain is a common weed that apparently had medicinal properties when it comes to bee stings. It makes itself at home almost everywhere, but whether you can find it around your home or not will depend on how obsessed you are with your yard or garden. In fact, if you’d like to plant plantain on purpose, there are some cultivars grown as ornamentals. They called P. major 'Rubrifolia' which has lovely purple foliage and P. major 'Rosularis' that has green bracts (in truth, they're leaves) that look like green roses. To use plantain as a bee sting treatment, chew up some of the leave to release its juices or firmly roll it between your thumb and fingers. Then press the juicy leaves against the sting.
6. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) flowers: Prepare flowers by crushing enough of them to get a good juice content and apply to sting.
7. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) leaves: Prepare the leaves the same way as plantain.
8. Basil: Using crushed basil leaves is said to be extremely affective for pain caused by stings.
9. Onion: Cut an onion in half and press the inside of it (the juicy part) on the sting.
10. Honey: So, how ironic is this? I mean, it seems only fitting that if the bees have the sting; they also have the cure. Pour some honey on the affected site.
11. Parsley: I would crush quite a bit of parsley so you could really get some juice to try this one.
12. Apis Mellifica: Are you ready for more irony? Apis Mellifica is a homeopathic remedy that's made from whole bees that's suppose to work wonders on stings from all kinds of critters including fire ants. There are different potentcies and dosages so if you purchase some, follow the directions on the label.

Most of these natural remedies call for crushing or mixing ingredients, so it might not be a bad idea to invest in a mortar and pestle. A mortar and pestle is a small marble, stone, or wooden bowl with a little marble club-like thing used for crushing that looks like it belongs to cave people.

References:

12 Natural Bee Sting Remedies

12 Best Foods For Diabetes

1. Spinach
2. Nuts
3. Sardines
4. Hummus
5. Chia Seeds
6. Citrus Fruits
7. Lentils
8. Quinoa
9. Whole-Grain Pasta
10. Sweet Potatoes
11. Tomatoes
12. Berries

To end this week of posts regarding Diabetes Awareness Week, here is a parody of the song "Let It Go" that tells exactly what diabetics go through when they are 'hypo'.

       Let It Go! A Diabetes Parody Song ("I Feel Low")

References:

DOH Annual Calendar July 2014 4th week - National Diabetes Awareness Week
DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK
Diabetes Week
National Diabetes Week 2014
Diabetes mellitus
10 Best Foods for Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Diabetes Superfoods
Top 25 Power Foods for Diabetes
Let It Go! A Diabetes Parody Song ("I Feel Low")

12 Recommended Diabetic Diet Menu

Recommended diabetic diet menu for Filipinos (but others can still try) ...
 

1-week_diet_cycle_menus.pdf

1. A diabetes meal plan is a guide that tells you how much and what kinds of food you can choose to eat at meals and snack times.
2. A good meal plan should fit in with your schedule and eating habits.
3. Everyone needs to eat a certain numbers of calories to survive. Eat more than you need and you gain weight; eat less (or burn more) than you need and you lose weight. Calorie needs depend on gender, age, height, activity level, current weight, and the number of calories your body burns at rest.
4. People with diabetes have to take extra care to make sure that their food is balanced with insulin and oral medications (if they take them), and exercise to help manage their blood glucose levels.
5. Your doctor and/or dietitian can help you create a meal plan that is best for you.
6. There is no one perfect food so including a variety of different foods and watching portion sizes is key to a healthy diet. Pick foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber over those that are processed.
7. People with diabetes can eat the same foods the family enjoys. Everyone benefits from healthy eating so the whole family can take part in healthy eating. It takes some planning but you can fit your favorite foods into your meal plan and still manage your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.
8. Remember to eat about every 3 hours and practice portion control. 
9. A good diabetes meal plan includes:
   
   • Understanding how different foods and the amounts you eat affect your blood sugar (glucose)
   • Choosing healthy foods
   • Eating your meals at the times appropriate for your diabetes treatment
10. When planning your meals, keep the following in mind:
    
    • Keep it colorful by including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. When selecting vegetables, it is best to choose from nonstarchy ones such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, or green beans
    • Keep it whole-grain by choosing whole-grain foods instead of processed grain products. Start including brown rice instead of white rice, and serve whole-wheat spaghetti with pasta sauce
    • Swap out the soda by choosing water and calorie-free diet drinks instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet tea, and other sugar-sweetened drinks
    • Switch to nonfat dairy products by replacing full-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese with nonfat dairy like skim milk, nonfat yogurt, and nonfat cheese
    • Use liquid oils only when cooking instead of solid fats. Any fat that is solid at room temperature is higher in saturated and trans fats than liquid alternatives. Remember: fats are high in calories, so be mindful when cooking
    • Trim the fat by choosing leaner cuts of meat and try to remove visible fat. Remove skin from poultry. If you roast food, use a rack to let the fat drip off. If you make soup, prepare it a day in advance and place in the refrigerator overnight so the solid fat on top can be removed before serving. Avoid meats that are high in fat, like bacon. Reserve ribs and pork-containing meals for special occasions
    • Cut back on dessert such as high-calorie snack foods and desserts which includes cookies, cakes, and full-fat ice cream which are loaded with calories and fat.
    • Watch your portions. Portion control is a very important part of a healthy meal plan. Eating too much food, even if it is healthy, can lead to weight gain. One great way to learn about portions is to measure how much you serve with measuring cups. You may be surprised how much rice, pasta, meat, or desserts you put on your plate
11. This recommended diabetic diet menu is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace personalized advice given to you by your doctor.
12. To find out about the amount of carbohydrate that’s right for you, ask your doctor for a referral to a Registered Dietitian.

Screenshot of Diabetic Diet Menu from http://www.coa.gov.ph/gad/articles/1-week_diet_cycle_menus.pdf

 Click link below for the complete menu:

1-week_diet_cycle_menus.pdf

References:

DIABETIC DIET ONE WEEK CYCLE MENU
Diabetes Meal Plans and a Healthy Diet
Outsmart Diabetes 5-Week Meal Plan
Diabetes Menu Plan for prevention and management
Diabetes meal plan recipes
Basics of a Diabetes Meal Plan
Basic diabetic menu for one week
7-Day Diabetes Meal Plan
Diabetes Meal Planning
Seven-Day Type 2 Diabetes Meal Plan

12 Recommended Herbs For Diabetes

12 Medicinal Plants or Herbal Plants for Diabetes

1.   
   
   Akapulko (Cassia alata) a medicinal plant called "ringworm bush or schrub" and "acapulco" in English, this Philippine herbal medicine is used to treat tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness.
2.   
   
   Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Common names include "bitter melon " or "bitter gourd " in English. This Philippine herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemofrhoids, coughs, burns and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer properties. It is available commercially in tablet form (Amargozin by Altermed/Pascual Laboratories), in capsule formulation, (Charagen Ampalaya), and as teas.
3.   
   
   Bawang (Allium sativum) Common name in english is "Garlic". Bawang is a used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat infection with antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-hypertensive properties. It is widely used to reduce cholesterol level in blood.
4.   
   
   Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "Guava" in English. A Philippine herbal medicine used as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine.
5.   
   
   Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known as "5-leaved chaste tree" in english is used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat cough, colds and fever. It is also used as a relief for asthma & pharyngitis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea.
6.   
   
   Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". This Philippine herbal medicine is used to eliminate intestinal parasites.
7.   
   
   Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: "Ngai camphor or Blumea camphor" is a Philippine herbal medicine used to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, anti-diarrhea, anti spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension
8.   
   
   Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - English :"Wild tea" is a Philippine herbal medicine taken as tea to treat skin allergies including eczema, scabies and itchiness wounds in child birth
9.   
   
   Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) is a Phillipine herbal medicine known for its effectivity in treating arthritis and gout.
10.   
    
    Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, is used in Philippine herbal medicine as analgesic to relive body aches and pain due to rheumatism and gout. It is also used to treat coughs, colds and insect bites
11.   
    
    Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) - Banaba is being studied for its application in the treatment of diabetes. Its ability to lower blood sugar is attributed to its corrosolic acid content. The plant is commercially available as tablets, extracts, capsules, powders and teas.
12.   
    
    Mabolo (Diospyros blancoi) - A member of the Ebenaceae family, it is also known as the Philippine persimmon, velvet apple or butter fruit (in Singapore). This fruit grows from the Kamagong tree which is native to the Philippines. Indigenous to forestlands in low or medium altitudes in the country, the Kamagong tree is mainly used for furniture and specialty wood products. While the tree is known around the world for its wood, its fruit, mabolo, deserves a bit more attention

References:

DOH Annual Calendar July 2014 4th week - National Diabetes Awareness Week
DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK
Diabetes Week
National Diabetes Week 2014
Philippine Traditional and Alternative Medicine
What is lagundi
The 10 Best Philippine Medicinal Plants
Herbal medications to prevent diabetes?
Kamote
Philippines Medicinal Herbal Plants and its Uses
Examples of Herbal Plants here in the Philippines
Mabolo Fruit for Diabetics
Discovering mabolo
Philippine Herbal Medicine