HERBS AS HEALTH FOOD

1.HONEY
Honey is a sweet viscous food substance made by honey bee (Apis melliferea and
Apis dorsata, Family Apidaea). Honey is a sweet, golden liquid made by
honeybees. Honeybees store their honey in small, hexagonal cups called a
honeycomb. Raw honey comes straight from the honeycomb. Unlike raw honey,
regular honey undergoes a pasteurization process.

Health Benefits of Honey

a) Antioxidant
Natural honey contains a range of compounds that act as antioxidants,
including phytochemicals, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid.
b) Nutrition
Honey contains specific nutrients that can make it a healthful addition to
the diet. Natural honey naturally contains small amounts of the following
vitamins and minerals:
 Niacin
 Thiamine
 riboflavin
 pantothenic acid
 Iron
 Pyridoxine
 Ascorbic acid
 Magnesium
 manganese
 Potassium
 phosphorous
 zinc
Honey naturally contains sugar. A little more than half of the sugar in honey is
fructose and it also contains sucrose and other disaccharides. Honey contains rich
amount of protein and amino acids. Some research suggests that honey may offer
a protective effect against diabetes and some types of honey may help improve
cholesterol level.

c) Treating diarrhoea
Raw honey may have a soothing effect on digestion, help to treat mild
diarrhoea, try taking a teaspoon of raw honey or mixing honey with a drink.
Avoid taking too much honey because excess sugar can make diarrhoea
worse
d) Relieving coughs-Several studies have suggested that honey may be as or
more effective than some over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines. Many
cough medicines are not safe for younger children to take, so honey may be
a good alternative for children over one year of age.
e) Wound healing -Honey is useful in wound healing because of its
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Some evidences also suggests that honey has antiviral and antifungal
properties.Also, honey is acidic, which helps release oxygen from the
wound and promote healing.
f) Antibacterial action - Honey is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial
agent. It contains hydrogen peroxide and glucose oxidase and has a low pH
level, which means it can kill harmful bacteria and fungi.Because of its
antibacterial action, people can use it to cleanse wounds.
g) Protecting the brain - Some evidence suggests that honey may have
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers that can benefit the
brain. Honey had protection against brain damage caused by exposure to
lead. In addition, raw honey may contain ingredients that help
fight inflammation in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in
memory.

2.GARLIC

Garlic is a species of the onion genus, Allium. Biological source Allium sativum of
the family Lilliaceae.It has been used both as a food flavouring and traditional
medicine. Garlic is bulbous plant. Allicin(sulphur containing compound) present in
Garlic. Garlic is a very good source of vitamin B1, vitamin C, B6, selenium,
phosphorus and calcium
Health Benefits

a) Cardiovascular Benefits.
Garlic decrease the risk of unwanted clotting due to excessive platelet
aggregation as a result prevent heart attack, coronary artery diseases,
hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels,
Which May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease, Garlic can lower total
and LDL cholesterol.
b) Anticancer effect
Garlic contains large number of potent bioactive compounds with
anticancer properties. Chiefly allyl sulphide derivatives.Garlic also provides
antioxidant and ant inflammatory propertiesdue to the presence of sulphur
containing compounds
c) Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer's disease
and Dementia
d) Eating Garlic May Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body-At high doses,
the sulphur compounds in garlic have been shown to protect against organ
damage from heavy metal toxicity
e) Hepatotoxicity-Garlic can protect the liver cells from toxic agents.
f) Diabetes Mellitus-Garlic possess hypoglycaemic effect due to sulphur
contain compounds.
g) Antimicrobial effect-garlic has been used for centuries to fight infectious
disease .garlic has been effective against excess of gram positive ,gram
negative and acid fast bacteria .the effect is due to allicin sulphur
containing hormone.
h) Garlic possess anti-protozoan properties
i) Anti-protozoan properties-Many fungus are sensitive to garlic, including
Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, etc.
j) Garlic Is Easy to Include in Your Diet and Tastes Absolutely Delicious

3.AMLA

Amla(Phyllamthusemblica family-Phyllathaceae) is a subtropical plant and grows

in dry climate, commonly known as Indian gooseberry. It is a tough plant, the
fruits are subglobose depressed at both ends, shiny and fleshy drupe fruit. Amla is
highly nourishing and is an important nutritional source of vitamin C, minerals and
aminoacids.The fruit contains ascorbic acid,glutamic acid,proline,aspartic
acid,phyllemblin,curcuminoids etc.

Health Benefits

a) Immunity booster- Amla is a general energy promoter, diseases preventer

tonic, as it has effect on immune system.It increases white blood cell counts
b) Cures Anaemia - Amla is a rich source of vitamin C which is an essential
component that helps in the absorption of iron.
c) Manages Diabetes- Due to high vitamin content, it is effective in controlling
diabetes.
d) Remedy for heart disorders-Amla helps to control blood pressure, and
tones up the functions of all organs.
e) Cure eye disorders-The juice of amla with honey is useful to preserving
eyesight.it is helpful in treatment of conjunctivitis and glaucoma.
f) Prevents aging – it has refreshing effect, it prevent aging and maintaining
strength in old age.it improves body resistance.
g) Good for skin- Amla strengthen digestion,helps in liver detoxify, and as it
rich with vitamin C and minerals it is very good for complexion.
h) Promotes healthier hair- Amla boosts absorption of calcium, creates
healthier hair, nails and hair. It retards premature hair greying and
strengthen the hair follicle.
i) As an extremely rich source of vitamin C, it is one of the best remedy for
survey
j) Improves the functioning of urinary system.

4.Ginseng

Ginseng is a type of slow-growing perennial plant that belongs to the

genus Panax under the family Araliaceae.There are two main types of ginseng:
Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng
(Panaxquinquefolius). Ginseng plants are perennial herbs with sturdy taproots.
The plants generally die back in the fall and remerge from the root system in the
spring. Ginseng typically possesses compounds known as ginsenosides.

Health Benefits
a) Alzheimer's disease. Evidence shows that taking Panax ginseng root daily for
12 weeks can improve mental performance in people with Alzheimer's
disease.
b) Lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Taking
Panax ginseng by mouth seems to improve lung function and some symptoms
of COPD.
c) Mental function. Taking Panax ginseng by mouth might improve abstract
thinking, mental arithmetic skills, and reaction times in healthy, middle-aged
people but not in young adults.
d) Erectile dysfunction (ED). Taking Panax ginseng by mouth seems to improve
sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction
e) Flu. Taking a specific Panax ginseng by mouth appears to reduce the risk of
getting a cold or the flu.
f) Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue. Taking Panax ginseng daily for 3 months
reduces feelings of tiredness and improves quality of life in females with MS.
g) Cancer. Research suggests that taking ginseng by mouth might decrease the
occurrence of some types of cancer, including stomach cancer, lung cancer,
liver cancer, ovarian cancer, and skin cancer
h) Heart failure. Taking Panax ginseng by mouth daily, without or without
conventional medications, seems to improve heart function.
i) Diabetes. There is inconsistent evidence about the effects of Panax ginseng on
diabetes. Some research shows that taking Panax ginseng by mouth daily can
improve blood sugar levels. 
j) Memory. Taking a specific Panax ginseng extract (G115) together with
vitamins, minerals, and dimethylaminoethanolbitartrate might improve
memory in people with memory problems.