Moringa (Malunggay) Philippines By NELLY FAVIS-VILLAFUERTE April 3, 2009, 5:04pm Today, numerous government and/or private, local and

international groups, organizations, councils, commissions, and institutions are working to maximize the health, nutritional, economic, environmental, therapeutic and medicinal benefits of the moringa (malunggay) plant. Heres some interesting information about the moringa (malunggay) tree: Moringa tree is known by the different names in different countries. Examples are:- Philippines: Malunggay; Bangladesh: Sajina; China: La Mu; India: Sahjan, Murunga, Moonga; Indonesia: Kalor; Japan: Wasabi No Ki; Sri Lanka: Murunga; Taiwan: La Mu; Thailand: Marum; Vietnam: Chum Ngay; Somalia: Dangap; Palau: Malungkai and other languages: - Arabic: Habbah Ghaliah; English: Drumstick tree, Horse radish tree, West Indian ben; German: Behembaum; Spanish: Ben, Arbol del ben, Mornago, Moringa. Moringa (malunggay) is grown all over the Philippines and is a popular backyard plant; a sun and heat loving plant and does not grow well in cold weather; Moringa is now widely cultivated not only in the Philippines but in other countries like India, Africa, Ceylon, Thailand, Burma, Singapore, Taiwan, West Indies, Magadascar, Ethiopia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tropical Asia, Bangladesh, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands; There are 13 different species of moringa (malunggay) plant and the best known specie and the most widely cultivated is the moringa oleifera a specie native to the Philippines; The leaves, flowers, seeds, pods, roots, bark, gum and the seed oil from the moringa (malunggay) plant are continually being subjected to intensive research and development programs because the various constituents of the moringa are known to have, among other properties, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-tumor and anti-aging activities. No wonder moringa (malunggay) tree is known as the miracle plant. Today, the first hardbound, full-color, comprehensive reference guidebook on the moringa plant and the numerous moringa by-products that are created and marketed worldwide is now available. The moringa (malunggay) book (9 x 12, 312 pages, 750 colored pictures) is authored by Luis R. Villafuerte and Lalaine Villafuerte-Abonal my husband and daughter, both of whom are passionate advocates and crusaders of moringa (malunggay), the miracle plant. For more information about the Moringa (Malunggay Philippines) book, please call telefax (02) 551-88-55.

It is envisioned that through this book, government policy makers will be encouraged to promote a more creative development of the moringa industry. Also, Moringa (Malunggay Philippines) is an inspiring source book of information to plant lovers, researchers, nutritionists, natural scientists, herbologists, naturopaths, entrepreneurs and healthcare workers. Those who are interested in the study and application of beneficial trees and plants will find interesting insights in the nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical uses of the various parts of the moringa tree.

The Real Truth About Acne

Posted: May 26, 2010

Myths about acne die hard. Old wives' tales about its causes continue to persist, in spite of scientific condition to the contrary. This article aims to shed light on some common myths about acne and attempts to separate fact from fiction. Myth 1: People who have acne are unclean and maintain poor hygiene There is absolutely no truth to this statement. Acne is caused by a hormonal imbalance in the body. When the oil glands responsible for keeping our skin waterproof and moist, over react to produce excessive quantities of sebum, they block the associated hair follicle, causing clogged pores, which develops into acne. So hygiene has absolutely nothing to do with it. In fact unnecessary scrubbing of the skin can exacerbate the problem. Do take care of your skin though - wash your face gently and pat dry. Myth 2: Eating the wrong foods will lead to acne The fact is that there is no co-relation between what you eat and acne. The chocolates, the French fries, the cheese pizza, and all those other fatty foods that have been lambasted ever so often, because of their unhealthy consequence have no affect whatsoever on your skin. However, eating a well balanced diet makes sense. So while you don't have to be concerned as to whether your favorite treat affects your skin (at least directly), do remember that it does affect your overall health. Myth 3: Acne is caused by stress The truth is that the stress that most of us experience as part of our day-to-day existence does not lead to acne. Sometimes, acne can arise as the side-effect of drugs taken to treat severe stress. Talk to your doctor to find out if your stress medication is responsible for your acne. Stress can however make an already existing acne condition worse. Myth 4: Acne is a merely a cosmetic disease Well, acne does affect the way you look and yes, it is considered a threat to your physical well being. However, the fact remains that in some cases acne can lead to permanent scarring which is more than just purely cosmetic. Acne affects people psychologically. It is known to affect their perception of themselves, their self-esteem and confidence and their interaction with others. It can cause feelings of frustration, depression and social embarrassment. Myth 5: Acne cannot be cured