asian ginseng

Common Names--Asian ginseng, ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng.

Latin Name--Panax ginseng

What It Is Used For

Treatment claims for Asian ginseng are numerous and include the use of the herb to support overall health and boost the immune system. Traditional and modern uses of ginseng include:

• Improving the health of people recovering from illness
• Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance
• Treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause
• Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure

How It Is Used

The root of Asian ginseng contains active chemical components called ginsenosides (or panaxosides) that are thought to be responsible for the herb's medicinal properties. The root is dried and used to make tablets or capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as creams or other preparations for external use.

What the Science Says

• Some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune function.
• To date, research results on Asian ginseng are not conclusive enough to prove health claims associated with the herb. Only a handful of large clinical trials on Asian ginseng have been conducted. Most studies have been small or have had flaws in design and reporting. Some claims for health benefits have been based only on studies conducted in animals.
• NCCAM is supporting research studies to better understand the use of Asian ginseng. NCCAM is studying how Asian ginseng interacts with other herbs and drugs and exploring its potential to treat chronic lung infection, impaired glucose tolerance, and Alzheimer's disease. 

Side Effects and Cautions :

• When taken by mouth, ginseng is usually well tolerated. Some sources suggest that its use be limited to 3 months because of concerns about the development of side effects.
• The most common side effects are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal problems.
• Ginseng can cause allergic reactions.
• There have been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and high blood pressure associated with ginseng products, but these products' components were not analyzed, so effects may have been due to another herb or drug in the product.
• Ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar; this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, that are also thought to lower blood sugar.
• It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including Asian ginseng. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. 

Creamy cauliflower soup

What you need: Cauliflower florets, 2-3 shallots, 1 pod garlic, salt to taste.

Prep: Immerse the florets in water along with shallots, garlic to cook in a pressure cooker for up to 2-3 whistle. All ingredients will be tender then blend them in mixer to get that rich creamy liquid. No need to add water while save the cooked stock for later use. Now take 1 cup of the blended soup add salt n pepper to taste a little bit of butter or sour cream or shredded cheese giving a brisk boil till well combined to melt. serve warm for babies and todds.

For adults add seasoning like crushed chilly flakes, cloves, and other garnishing for extra taste and appeal.

Dhall

Dhall is the first food given to babies from 6 months & up. Indian moms usually try this trick handy when the babies start teething, crankiness or sick. While dhall is a naturally high protein food it also contains fiber, calcium, potassium, iron and low in fats giving a reasonable value of carbohydrates.

One simple dhall recipe is to cook until well mashed add salt, combine with boiled rice and a spoonful of ghee.
This will do the trick for 6-9 months babies. But once they learn to taste, their taste buds grows rapidly.. here are some ways to add dhall for all other food.

What to add:

Cumin powder = 1/4 tsp
black pepper powder = 1/4 tsp (less)
seasoning fry mustard, urad dhall, curry leaf = 1 tsp

With all these spices to expand the taste of dhall is sure to hit the babies liking. Also can be served with idly, dosa, chappathi, rice etc.

For toddlers:

Fry the finely chopped shallots, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, veges like peas, carrots, beans, cabbage etc. boil along with dhall to serve with all foods.

dhall kootu:

almost all vegetables can be combined in this form for any one & simple to cook dish that goes well with any food.

vegetables:

brinjal, chowchow (chayote squash), yellow squash, zuchini, pumpkins, drumstick, korean melon, long squash  (chorakai), thadiyangai (white pumpkin), cabbage, cucumber, etc.

dhall: finely boiled or cooked till mashed.

Any of the vegetables can be boiled add with dhall, salt, coconut milk or plain milk , green or red chilly 1, seasoning bring to a boil or simmer for 7-10 mins.

Traditional tamilnadu method :

Chop the vegetables in to 1/2 - 1 inch cubes. add with dhall and water cook till well combined. Then add finely ground paste of coconut, green chilly, cumin seeds, 1 small shallot. bring to boil add salt to taste, seasoning simmer for 5mins.

Quantity: for 1 cup chopped vegetables, 1/2 cup dhall, 1/4 to less coconut paste.
1/4 cup coconut (less) 2 green chilly according to spice level, 1-2 spn cumin seeds, 1 small onion.

gem stones by month

Birthstone is a gemstone attributed by the month in which a person is born.

January = Garnet

Febraury = Amethyst

March = Aquamarine

April = Diamond

May = Emerald

June = Pearls, moonstone

July = Ruby

August = Peridot, Sardonyx

September = Sapphire

October = Opal, Tourmaline

November = Citrine, Yellow topaz

December = Blue topaz, Tanzanite, Turquoise.

White gold : White gold is created by combining pure gold with a copper, zinc and nickel (or palladium) alloy.

Pink Gold
The result of combining pure gold with large amounts of copper.  Also called "Rose" or "Red" Gold.

Yellow Gold:

By combining with copper and silver, yellow gold retains a rich yellow color while increasing its durability.

Sterling Silver
A durable jewelry metal consisting of at least 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy.

Karat
The standard measurement of gold.  Pure gold is 24 Karats.

http://www.gemselect.com/group/gemselect.php?x_ByType=on

This webpage carries details about the list of gemstones available on earth for goodness.
http://www.gemselect.com/other-info/gemstone-meanings.php

fruity chocolate milkshake

What u need : are any variety fruit cubes like apples, pears, cantaloupe, banana.
nestle carnation drink mix 1 pkt chocolate flavor, 1 cup boiled cold milk, 1 spn sugar.

How u blend it: In a mixer add milk, sugar, 2 tblspn of drink mix, any of the fruits blend them to a
smoothie. serve chilled or to kids liking.

tip: carnation drink mix is available in vanilla flavor.