Health and Wellness
Anxiety
Anxiety, also called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), is a mental disorder characterized by persistent excessive or unrealistic fears or worries. The term “anxiety” is commonly used to refer to a general state of unease or apprehension about future events; this is a common feeling experienced by everyone at some point in their lives. GAD describes the condition in which those feelings of fear and worry are persistent?People with GAD may be overly concerned about their health, finances, family problems, or work and the feelings of nervousness or dread disrupt their everyday lives. These feelings are accompanied by physical symptoms including headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and muscular tension. In addition to GAD there are several other anxiety disorders that have anxiety as an integral part of the disorder, including:Panic disorder: in which people experience sudden attacks of terror, usually accompanied by a pounding heart and sweatiness, that give them a sense of unreality, a fear of impending doom, or a fear of losing control. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): in which people are obsessed with certain fears (e.g. cleanliness, safety) which compels them to perform certain rituals (e.g. cleaning, counting, checking) to relieve the anxiety that these fears produce. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a disease that can develop in people who have taken-part in or witnessed a terrifying event that involved physical harm or the threat of physical harm (such as war or kidnapping) and may cause the person reliving the stressful event over and over. Social anxiety disorder: those with with social anxiety disorder experience overwhelming anxiety in everyday social situations and the fear of that anxiety may pervade their lives. Specific phobias: irrational fears about specific things that pose little or no actual danger, such as heights, water, flying, or spiders. These feelings occur on most days for at least six months. People with GAD can’t relax and worry constantly and so may have difficulty concentrating. They may also have trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night. Some of the other physical symptoms that may accompany anxiety include:fatigue headaches muscular tension muscle aches difficulty swallowing trembling or twitching sweating nausea lightheadedness having to go to the bathroom frequently feeling out of breath hot flashes restlessness irritability gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea The anxiety that occurs with GAD can range from mild to severe. Mild anxiety may allow sufferers to maintain a job and function normally in social situations, while severe anxiety can make work and social interaction unbearable and make even simple daily activities very difficult. Causes:The cause of anxiety disorders, including GAD, is unknown. However, there is evidence that anxiety disorders tend to run in families, suggesting that either genes or family environment (or both) may play a role in their development. There is some evidence to indicate that genes may play a modest role in GAD specifically. However, it is unlikely that anyone inherits an “anxiety” gene; instead, inheriting certain genes makes the development of GAD more likely to occur. Factors that may increase the risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder include: Female sex: Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from GAD. Childhood trauma: People who experience traumatic events as children are at higher risk for GAD. Serious illness: Having an illness such as cancer can make a person feel anxious about the future, treatments, etc. Life stress: Stressful situations in ones life, especially when they occur in bunches, can make a person feel overwhelmed and lead to anxiety and, potentially, GAD. Personality traits: People with certain personality traits including those with chronic insecurity, and those with some personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, may be at increased risk of GAD. Heredity: Some evidence suggests that GAD has a genetic component that causes it to run in families. GAD tends to occur in tandem with several other disorders. In fact, it rarely occurs on its own. Common co-morbidities or dual-diagnoses include other anxiety disorders, depression, and/or substance abuse. It is important to treat these other disorders as well as the anxiety; otherwise the anxiety symptoms may keep coming back. Treatment:Psychotherapy, or counseling, can also help improve anxiety symptoms. Psychotherapy involves talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor to discover what caused an anxiety disorder and how to deal with its symptoms. Unlike medication, it addresses the root causes of the anxiety and also may help provide coping mechanisms for how to deal with anxiety symptoms when they occur. One type of therapy shown to help with GAD is called cognitive behavior therapy or CBT. CBT helps a person recognize when his/her thoughts and behaviors are unhealthy and provides methods for replacing them with healthy ones. A lot of the feelings of helplessness that accompany mental disorders such as GAD stem from a perceived loss of control. CBT can helps a person learn to change the way he/she thinks and feel even when situations occur that are beyond their control.Prevention:There is no reliable way to prevent anxiety. However, a person may be able to reduce his/her risk of GAD by limiting the one risk factor that is underhis/her control: life stress. It is likely that differences in genetics and personal history determine whether a particular stressful event will cause a given person to experience anxiety. Taking steps to reduce the sources of daily stress may help a person better cope with major life events when they do occur.
Beneficial Qualities of Neem
The Neem tree has been known as the wonder tree of India for centuries.It is known as the freeof India as it is commonly found in India. It is considered as a magic tree,which has magical properties that cures many deseases. Neem tree is commonly known as Margosa tree in English and its Botanical name is Azadirachta indica meaning 'The free tree of India' it is also calledIndian Lilac.Neem is popularly known as 'Yavan Priya' meaning the beloved of muslims. Chemically neem contains complex compounds called triterpenes, limonoids, nonterpenoids, hexanortriterpenoids, and pentattriterpenoids. The most important active ingredient of neem is azadirachitin, which makes neem possess the power, that it projects in its usage.All parts of neem including seeds, leaves, flowers and bark have medicinal properties Every part of the plant is used i.e. flower, leaves, bark, seed, oil, branches and the excludant called neera, which flows out of the bark. It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-diabetic properties. Health Benefits of Neem: Neem is recommended in every type of ailment.Neem acts as anti bacterial, anti parasitic, anti fungal, anti protozoal and anti viral thus helps in protection from all the microorganisms.Some of health benefits of Neem are as follows:Skin care: Neem leaves paste when mixed with fresh turmeric (haldi) and applied to the face, clears the face of pimples and also reduces scars. Dry skin, dandruff, itchy scalp, wrinkles, skin ulcersBoth neem oil ( Oil extracted from neem seeds) and neem leaf are skin care ingredients: Neem relieves dry skin.
It soothes itchines, redness and irritation. It improves general skin health and immunity, combating bacterial infections, as in acne, boils and ulcers.It is used for treating psoriasis, eczema, scabies, head lice etc.Eczema: Recent studies indicate that neem leaf extracts (in form of a Soap or shampoo containing Neem oil) can easily relieve the itching and redness of eczema. To obtain the benefits of neem, one can take a warm bath with neem leaves in it. The neem bath heals and protects us from any minor skin infections. Effective Detoxification: It works as blood purifier and is very helpful in eradicating toxins from the blood. It also helps making our immune system very strong and efficient to fight against any foreign invasion.Digestion: Neem tea is an effective tonic for both indigestion and constipation.Eating neem will help get rid of intestinal worms, thus performing its role as a de-worming agent. It also eliminates the problem of acidity. It is highly recommended in hyperacidity and epigastric pain.Diabetes: Neem has been shown to control blood sugar levels and prevent adrenaline as well as glucose induced hyperglycaemia.Arthritis:The pain, inflammation, and swelling of the joints in arthritis can be greatly reduced by massaging muscle aches and joints with Neem oil. In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects there are several compounds like polysaccharides, catechin, and limonoids present in neem that act as pain killers.Anti cancer: The polysaccharides and limonoids found in Neem not only reduce the tumors and cancers but are also effective against lymphocytic leukemia. Another protein found in the neem leaf has been found to boost the immune response and helps to kill colon cancer cells.. Anti malaria: Neem usage boosts the body's immune system making a person less likely to contract malaria and more likely to heal faster if he does. Since neem also acts as a natural pesticide, it repels mosquitoes which primarily carry malarial infection.Hair : When used as hair oil, neem promotes shiny, healthy hair, combats dryness, prevents premature graying and may even help with some forms of hair loss.Cough: Cough is relieved by use of neem water Neem helps in reducing excess micturation Neem has given very good results in diseases like gonorrhea and syphilisNeem water is extensively used in burn injuries, thus to protect them from any kind of infection and also promote healing.Orak Care: The twig of neem tree (Miswak ) is largely used as a tooth brush in different regions of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and many Muslim countries..Although it might sound outdated to use twigs from trees for cleaning the teeth, studies conducted on the Miswak prove otherwise. Studies have shown that Miswak is better than toothpaste for preventing gum disease.The use of Miswak is well spread in the Muslim population of the world, and is a common entity in Muslim countries.The reason for common use of Miswak by Muslims can be attributed to religious beliefs. The Prophet of Islam (May Allah bles him and give him peace) used it frequently and also instructed his followers to do the same and hence the practice continues widely in Muslim countries.‘Ummul Momineen Bibi Aisha Siddiqua Rz. narrated : "The Messenger of Allah (May Allah bless him and give him peace) Never woke from sleep at any time of the day or night without cleaning his teeth with a Miswak before performing ablution."To perform Miswak after sleeping when one awakes is a Sunnah. Whilst asleep the bad odours from the stomach comes towards the mouth which is why the mouth smells. With the blessings of this Sunnah the mouth will be cleansed.When the Messenger of Allah (May Allah bless him and give him peace), intended to recite the Holy Qur’an or sleep, he pbuh would use a Miswak. He pbuh did the same when entering the house. Ummul Momineen Bibi Aisha Siddiqua Rz. said that-"The first thing that the Messenger of Allah (May Allah bless him and give him peace) did on entering the house, was Miswak."This is a great Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (May Allah bless him and give him peace).
It is also a Sunnah of all the Messengers of Allah ( peace be upon them), for they used the Miswak. Hadith:Hazrath Abu Hurairah Rz.narrated: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah bless him and give him peace), said that-"If I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Miswak for every prayer."There are 70 benefits of Miswak as suggested by Islamic Literature and many of these have been scientifically proven and the rest have not been studied yet. Miswak is being known as chewing stick in the western world and is being looked upon as a form of alternative medicine.The Miswak is obtained from the twigs of the Neem tree, Arak tree (Peelu tree) although a few other trees can also be used to obtain it such as walnut and olive tree.. Miswak keeps the teeth whiter and prevents gum problems. Neem is also used to treat bad breath, tooth decay, bleeding and sore gums and to prevent cavities.These are the various health benefits of Neem.Neem is popularly known as 'Yavan Priya' meaning the beloved of muslims
Benefits of Dates
Dates are the fruits of the date palm. They are dark reddish brown, oval, and about 1 1/2 inches long. Date skin is wrinkled and coated with a sticky, waxy film. Dates are one of the five fruits mentioned in the Quran. The Holy Quran says: "It is He Who produces gardens, both cultivated and wild, and palm-trees and crops of diverse kinds, and olives and pomegranates, both similar and dissimilar. Eat of their fruits when they bear fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest, and do not be profligate. He does not love the profligate." (Surat al-An'am, 141) "And in the earth there are tracts side by side and gardens of grapes and corn and palm trees having one root and (others) having distinct roots- they are watered with one water, and We make some of them excel others in fruit; There are Signs in that for people who use their intellect". (Surat ar-Ra'd, 4) And by it He makes crops grow for you and olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every kind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect. (Surat an-Nahl, 11) "And from the fruit of the date-palm and the grape-vine you derive both intoxicants and wholesome provision. There is certainly a Sign in that for people who use their intellect". (Surat an-Nahl, 67) "They say, 'We will not believe you until you make a spring gush out from the earth for us; or have a garden of dates and grapes which you make rivers come pouring through;" (Surat al-Isra', 90-91) "Make an example for them of two men. To one of them We gave two gardens of grape-vines and surrounded them with date-palms, putting between them some cultivated land." (Surat al-Kahf, 32) "The pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said, 'Oh if only I had died before this time and was something discarded and forgotten!' A voice called out to her from under her, 'Do not grieve! Your Lord has placed a small stream at your feet. Shake the trunk of the palm towards you and fresh, ripe dates will drop down onto you." (Surat Maryam, 23-25) "By means of it We produce gardens of dates and grapes for you, in which there are many fruits for you and from which you eat. (Surat al-Mu'minun," 19) "... and cultivated fields and palms with supple spathes? "(Surat ash-Shu'ara', 148) "We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and cause springs to gush out in it". (Surah Ya Sin, 34) "And soaring date-palms with layered spathes." (Surah Qaf, 10) "In them are fruits and date-palms and pomegranates." (Surat ar-Rahman, 68) "And olives and dates." (Surah 'Abasa, 29) "We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and cause springs to gush out in it, "(Surah Ya Sin, 34) Dates are mentioned in the Hadith too.The Prophet(May Allah bless him and give him peace) said that a house without dates has no food. Health Benefits of Dates : Health benefits of dates are uncountable, as this fruit is affluent in natural fibres. These natural products also contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which are advantageous for health. Dates are even rich in several vitamins and minerals. It is said that one date is minimum requirement of a balanced and healthy diet. It helps in fighting constipation, intestinal disorders, weight gain, heart problems, diarrhoea and abdominal cancer.Health benefits of dates have made them the best nourishment for muscles development. People consume dates in several ways, like mixing the paste of the dates with milk, yoghurt or with bread or butter to make the food tasty and healthy. This paste is beneficial for both adults and children, especially during the time of recovery. According to the modern medicine survey, it is known that dates are useful in preventing abdominal cancer. It is also seen that many Muslims break their fast by eating dates and water according to their traditions. Breaking fast with eating dates helps us to avoid overeating of the food after the fast. When the body absorbs the nutritional value of the dates, the feeling of hunger gets pacified.Dates are termed as a crown of sweets and ideal food which easily balances and digests food. It gives extra energy to a tired human body within half an hour after taking it. Dates are considered to be the best diet for confinement of the women. American Cancer Society recommends intake of 20-35 grams of dietary fibre in a day, supplied through dates. It is said that taking one date in a day will help you to maintain your healthy eyes for your lifetime.
They are quiet effective in guarding the night blindness problems.The other benefits of Dates are as follows:Constipation: Date is termed to be a laxative food. This is the reason that dates are beneficial for people suffering from constipation. For getting the laxative effect from dates, you need to soak dates for one full night in water. You should consume these soaked dates in the morning like syrup to get their actual advantages. Intestinal Disorders: The nicotinic content that is present in the dates is said to be beneficial for curing any kinds of intestinal disorders. Continuous intake of dates helps to maintain a check on the growth of the pathological organisms and thus, helps in the rise of friendly bacteria in the intestines. Weight Gain: Dates are said to be a part of healthy diet. They consist of sugar, fats, proteins as well as many essential vitamins. If the dates are consumed with the paste of cucumber, one can easily come out from the problem of over-slimming. One kilogram of dates contains almost 3,000 calories. These calories alone are sufficient to meet the daily requirements of a human body. Heart : Dates are quite helpful in maintaining your heart in healthy condition. When soaked for whole night and crushed in the morning and consumed, they prove to be quite advantageous for weak hearts. They help to fortify heart, if taken twice in the week. Diarrhea: Ripe dates contain potassium. Potassium is beneficial for controlling diarrhea. They are easily digestible, which helps to cope up with the problems of diarrhea. Intoxication: Dates are known as an excellent remedy for alcoholic intoxication. Dates provide quick relief in the case of alcoholic intoxication. They should be rubbed and soaked overnight for getting more nutritious values from them. Abdominal Cancer: Dates are beneficial for curing abdominal cancer. They work as useful tonic for all age groups. They work as better as the medicines, and are natural and do not bear any side effects in the body. They can be easily digested and used for supplying extra and needed energy. Treatment for Obesity: The wide variety of nutritious elements in dates makes it hunger-resistive! So treatment by eating few dates when feeling hungry helps reduce hunger and be filled. These dates will provide the body with the necessary sugar and stimulate the intestine which reduce hunger greatly, and eventually, reduce food consumption.Bones: Calcium is important for strong bones so this is an additional benefit that dates provide. As dates are rich in calcium, they contribute to healthy bones. For this reason it is recommended that children and older adults, especially women, eat plenty of dates to strengthen their bones.Modern science has also proved the effectiveness of dates, in preventing diseases of the respiratory system.Remedy for Liver and Inflammations: Dates remedy Lever and purge it from toxins, Breaking the fast with dates, is one of the most magnificent of natural remedies for the maintenance and purging the Lever from accumulated toxins. And also drinking dates juice could be used in the treatment of sore throat, various types of fever, rhinorrhia and common cold.Children's Disease: Dates tied to a wrist of the baby and allowed to be sucked during teething period hardens the gums and also prevents other complaints like restlessness and diarrhea.In short, onedate satisfies the minimum requirements of a balanced and healthy diet - so cultivating a healthy habit of eating dates miraculously preserves our health and attains longevity.
Benefits of Fiber
Fiber is an indigestible matter of plants. It is a form of carbohydrate that cannot be broken into nutrients. It passes through human digestive tract without any changes. Fibrous substances slow down the eating process, and prevent one from over indulgence in food. Fiber is one of the most nutritional ingredients for human diet. Health benefits of fiber are mainly associated with human digestive tract. Fiber plays a very important role in human digestion process. It makes the food bulkier and further aids in glucose absorption so that sugar enters the blood cells at a slow and even pace, maintaining normal blood sugar level. Fiber produces vital organic acids that nurture the lining of colon.Health benefits of fiber include heart problems, constipation, cancer, diabetes, obesity and toxins.Deficiency Symptoms: Deficiency of fiber is a major cause of obesity. It also increases the risk of diabetes and heart strokes. Whole grains and cereals are known to reduce the risk of major heart problems by almost 30 to 40%. Including fibrous substances in diet intake prevents host of chronic illnesses from affecting the body. Important Sources: There are two kinds of fiber:Insoluble fiber: fiber that is made of plant cells is indissoluble in water and can be used as a laxative. Soluble fiber:fiber that is made of carbohydrates is soluble in water and helps cholesterol and blood sugar level in human body. Foods like whole grains, bread, beans, fruits, green vegetables, lentils, cereals,okra (bhendi) satte isaphghol, and nuts are rich in fiber.
Benefits: Fiber is a plant produce. It is not found in animals. Fibrous substances are vital for human body and digestive tract. It also aids in prevention of many illnesses. Some of the health benefits of fiber are as follows:Indigestion and Constipation: The most important use of fiber is in digesting food. Fibrous substances add considerable bulk to the stools. The stools become soft, thus making it easier to pass through the intestine. Eating fiber rich foods can cure constipation. Heart Ailments: Foods that contain soluble fiber like barley, beans, lentils, etc have good effect on cholesterol level and normal functioning of the heart. Citrus fruits have similar effect on human body system. Cancer: Medical experts suggest that fibrous food helps in protection against colon cancer, and ovarian cancer. Diabetes: Normalized blood sugar level is mandatory for reducing the risk of diabetes. Diabetic people have found subsequent reduction in their glucose levels through intake of fiber rich foods. Obesity: High fiber foods are more bulky than other food items. Taken under dietary expert guidance, fiber foods give the feeling of a full stomach and curb the urge to eat more. thus helping in weight loss.Toxins: Fiber speeds up the passing of food through the intestinal tract, thus preventing constipation or diverticulosis disorders. Toxic waste materials are also easily bundled out of the system through soft and easy stools. Women usually need 25 to 30 gm of fiber intake on daily basis, whereas men generally need 30 to 40 gm of fiber intake every day.
Benefits of Figs
Figs are the fruit of theFicus tree (Ficus caricaa).It ia a member of the mulberry family.Its one of the sweetest fruits when fully ripe. Fresh figs are highly perishable. Figs tend to be more popular in their dried form because fresh figs are very delicate and tend to deteriorate quickly Ripe figs should never be washed until ready to eat and should be kept covered and refrigerated.. Unripe figs should be kept at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.The medicinal values of Fig are discussed in the Quranic verses in Sura al Teen. The Quraan says: “I swear by the Fig and the Olive” (Sura no. 95: verse no. 1). Fig plant is one of the only five plants mentioned in the Quraan, along with olives, grapes, pomegranate and dates. Hadith provides us with an event related to the fig: According to Hazrath Abu DardaRA someone presented figs to the Prophet Mohammed (May Allah bless him and give him peace) and he began distributing it among his followers. He said: “Eat it as it cures various diseases”. According to Ibn Seereen, a scholar in the science of dreams, figs, if seen in dreams, denote wealth. Hazrath Imam Jafar Assadiq RA advised eating figs to remove bad breath. The medical scientist, Al Shaikh al Raess, Bu Ali Ibn Sina, recommended figs to treat constipation, liver problems, urinary problems, heartburns, chest pains, piles and epilepsy. It is recommended to eat at least five figs early in the morning for four to ten months regularly, to completely eliminate piles. The medicinal benefits of fig are :Figs are high in dietary fiber and a rich source of magnesium as well potassium. Figs contain a relatively high amount of vitamins A, B, and C and are low on calories - about 50 calories each. Figs are ideal for those trying to lose weight. They contain the digestive enzymes for all the three components of diet i.e Proteins, carbohydrates and fat.Figs are also recommended in the treatment of asthma, coughs, colds and diabetes. Syrup made from fenugreek (methi) seeds, figs and honey is very effective in curing cough and bronchial asthma. The phosphorous content of the fig benefits the nervous system.Fig are good for diabetic patients: The American Diabetes Association recommends figs for a high fiber treat. Fig leaves reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients who have to take insulin injection. Fig is rich in Potassium. Potassium helps to control blood sugar. Fig leaves have anti-diabetic properties Figs are useful in the prevention of hypertension: People used to take more sodium in the form of salt. Low potassium and high sodium level may lead to hypertension. Figs are high in potassium but low in sodium. So, it helps to avoid hypertension. Strengthens bones: Figs are rich in Calcium. Calcium helps to strengthen bones. Figs are recommended to athletes and children. Due to its high alkalinity it has been considered to be beneficial to people who wish to quit smoking. Figs help dissolve and expel kidney and urinary bladder stones, and help patients suffering from kidney failure and patients who have a kidney transplant.Figs clear the obstruction of liver and gall-bladder and relieve inflammations of kidney and urinary bladder.It is a good nourishing tonic and provides protection against the effects of toxins. It is useful in pharyngitis, chest congestion, bronchitis, and also for liver and spleen ailments. It is a good expectorant. If it is chewed during fever, the patient feels relief from the dryness of mouth. It clears the intestinal obstruction,. It is anti-ulcer and antibacterial powers. It is carminative and expels the gases from the intestines. It is also useful in colics and is a good diuretic. It is useful for mental illness if taken regularly.Dry figs are baked till they are roasted well and powderd.this powder is beneficial for dental ailments and also helps in removing stains from teeth.Older people suffer from loss of vision.It is mainly due to muscular degeneration.Figs are recommended for the treatment of vision loss.. Similarly, this powder can be used against spots on the face and the skin in general.The fig, a member of the mulberry family, is one of the sweetest fruits when fully ripe. Fresh figs are highly perishable.. There are literally hundreds of fig varieties. Processed figs are used to make pies, pudding, cakes, other bakery products, jam, jellies and preserves.