Posted on May 27, 2008 under Herbs |
The number of health applications for green tea continues to increase; used a great deal especially within the weight loss industry and for products which are used as antioxidants. If you are looking to use green tea weight loss products, they’re available in liquid form, for drinks, or tablets if you prefer; either way excess calories will be lost when used.
When used for extended periods it helps to re-generate human body cells and as a consequence actually slows down the normal aging process. However, weight loss treatments using it rely on the laxative and toxin purging qualities of the plant that speed up the metabolism. The product increases the metabolic rate and the number of calories burnt so less fatty tissue forms.
Mention should be made that some dietary efforts should be also taken; you can’t eat hamburger and French fries and expect green tea weight loss products to make you slim over night. It is important to remember that weight loss also requires a person to completely change their eating habits otherwise just consuming the product will be a waste of time.
For the best results when using green tea as a hot drink; you are advised to use it prior sleep when the metabolism is slowing down. There is generally an acclimatization period of a couple of days when using this product, during which time the user may feel some stomach and bowel discomfort but it shouldn’t take too long before this vanishes. Such green tea weight loss effects are normal, particularly if you haven’t used the plant before as the body adjusts to the accelerated metabolism that eliminates the toxins much faster, before they pass into the blood. It doesn’t take long to see the results and if you follow your diet correctly; i.e. increasing your liquid intake, regular exercise and eating fruit and vegetables then expect to see good results within your first week.
The attributes of green tea can be further enhanced when it is used in combination with extracts from the root of ginseng. Used in Asia for thousands of years ginseng is well known and respected there and provides essential vitamins and minerals for good health when combined with those already found in the product.
Ginseng is also beneficial for the immune system and when used in combination with green tea, helps to improve the energy level of a person who is losing weight so they do not feel so lethargic. Both ginseng and green tea have excellent safety records even when the diet lasts up to 26 weeks.
Posted on May 22, 2008 under Herbs |
Bassora tragacanth, Indian tragacanth, kadaya, kadira, katila, karaya, kulla, mucara, Sterculia gum, Sterculia tragacanth, S. urens, S. villosa
Karaya gum is a soft gum obtained from Sterculia tragacanth, a softwood tree cultivated in India and Pakistan. The use of karaya gum became widespread during the early 20th century. Today it’s used in a variety of products to provide bulk, including cosmetics, hair sprays, and lotions. Karaya gum absorbs more than 100 times its weight in water; it forms a viscous solution in low concentrations in water and a gel or paste in higher concentrations. When taken orally, it isn’t digested or systemically absorbed. In the GI tract, it acts as a bulk-forming laxative to stimulate peristalsis. The dried bark may have astringent properties, and the paste is reputedly antibacterial when applied topically to wounds. Karaya gum is available as a dry powder or paste.
Reported uses
Karaya gum is used industrially as a thickener in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, hairsprays, lotions, and denture adhesives. It’s also used as a binder or stabilizer in foods and beverages. Karaya gum is used orally as bulk-forming laxative akin to psyllium. It’s applied topically as powder or paste to treat pressure sores or care for ileostomies or colostomies.
Administration
Karaya gum is generally recognized as safe for ingestion as a food additive.
Hazards
Adverse reactions associated with karaya gum include constipation, abdominal distention, dyspnea, cough, wheezing, and bloating. It may decrease absorption of oral drugs.
Patients with bowel obstruction should avoid using karaya or any other bulk-forming laxative. No information is available on use of karaya gum by pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Clinical considerations
- As with other bulk-forming laxatives, karaya gum may decrease absorption of drugs taken concurrently. This effect should be clinically insignificant with amounts found in food and pharmaceuticals.
- To maximize laxative effect, patient needs adequate fluid intake.
- Karaya gum may cause pain when applied topically to wounds.
- Encourage adequate fluid intake, and teach patient about increasing fiber in diet.
- Instruct patient to separate intake of oral drugs by 2 hours.
- Tell patient to notify pharmacist of any herbal and dietary supplements that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
Preliminary studies suggest that karaya gum may normalize blood sugar and plasma lipid levels, but this has not been well substantiated. The demulcent properties make it useful for relieving sore throats. Using karaya gum as a coating applied to dentures has been shown to reduce the adhesion of bacteria by 98%. Widespread experience with the product throughout the United States and Europe has shown that the gum has not been associated with significant toxicity and is essentially inert when ingested.
Posted on Apr 30, 2008 under Gardening |
Ideal for all decorative ponds- a range of sizes for operating everything from small water features to larger combined fountain and waterfall displays.
New features have been added to the smaller Cascade Pumps for 2006, all models from the 120 to 400 series are now supplied with a ball joint for easy leveling of the fountainhead. The 120 has a new, easy-to-operate flow control. All models are supplied with foam free strainers requiring less cleaning together with tool free access for cleaning and maintenance. The 120 pump also has a new and improved base plate for extra stability.
Key Features include:
* Size and Efficiency. Latest technology and use of best materials leads to a compact pump with very low energy consumption. For example, the Cascade 840, pumping 840 gallons an hour, uses only 41 watts.
* Foam-free Technology. The removal of pre-filter foam eliminates regular cleaning and produces hours of maintenance free enjoyment. Cascades up to the 840 don’t use foam and any particles that pass through the strainer will not damage the motor or block fountain heads. They are designed that way.
New for 2006
New features have been added to the small Cascade pumps and changes at the large end enhance the Cascade range even further.
* An integral ball joint gives a perfect fountain even if the pond floor is not level.
* Easier to open cage - the two sides of the cage on all Cascades up to the 400 now only have one join in the middle of the base.
* 3 new big sizes use lower watts for greater efficiency, they are ideal for pond and saltwater use and can be used out of water.
* Easier, more flexible flow controls.
* More accessories in the box than ever before.
Use a Cascade for:
* Water Features - barrels, pebble pools. The new Cascade 120 can even run dry which may happen with small features in hot weather.
* Fountains - All Cascades come with simple but effective fountain heads. Change the scenery by changing them round. Try the 2 or 3 Tier or the Bell fountain heads.
* Filtration - Water can be pumped to a filter and back into the pond, direct or down a waterfall. Filtration will be more effective if a Titan solids handling pump is used.
* Flexibility - Using the diverter you can run water, and control it, to two of the above features at the same time.
For further information on individual pump improvements, performance, and the accessories included, please go to Pump Technical Data.