The Hollywood Herbalist

This is an A to Z of completely natural herbal remedies that work wonders for a host of A-listers. Cameron Diaz uses witch hazel to help her complexion, Jessica Alba uses eyebright when she gets too close to cats and her eyes puff up. Whether it's for skin, hair, nails or a flat tummy, there's herbal help at hand. Here's a list of the most popular, with the scientific basis for each, an A-lister who swears by it, and a tip for each application. 

Smooth Skin 

Herbal how-to: Evening primrose or borage, known as starflower. 

What the experts say: The oil of evening primrose is packed with essential fatty acids, especially Omega-6 gamma-linolenic, acid (GLA). It helps calm eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis as well as plumping up dry skin and soothing scaly bits. Starflower oil, made from beautiful borage flowers, is even more potent, and what's more, it also helps ease stiff joints and can help lower cholesterol. 

Green goddess: Halle Berry is among the starlets whose great skin is thanks to a helping hand from Mother Nature, not from the surgeon's knife. 

Did you know? Oats can also be great for soothing irritated skin and calming dermatitis or eczema - try tying a handful in a muslin bag and letting it infuse your bath. 

Glossy Hair 

Herbal how-to: Sage, rosemary, chamomile and burdock root. 

What the experts say: Want more luxurious locks? Burdock root and rosemary are believed to stimulate hair growth and both are also a great remedy for itchy scalps and dandruff. Sage and chamomile are said to help strengthen hair, and sage can even help to calm frizz - try rinsing the hair with an infusion made with 10-15 leaves (for greasy hair, rinse with a rosemary infusion). 

Green goddess: Demi Moore has found the secret to great-looking hair - she rubs rosemary oil on to her scalp, giving herself a vigorous scalp massage at the same time to stimulate blood flow. 

Did you know? Make your own hair helper like Demi's: Add 2-5 drops of rosemary essential oil to one teaspoon of olive oil then work the oils through dampened hair and massage the scalp. Wrap your head in a warm towel and leave on for 45 minutes to deep condition the hair. Wash out and rinse with cool water. 

Flat Stomach 

Herbal how-to: Peppermint, lemon balm, fennel and chamomile. 

What the experts say: Peppermint, which contains the essential oil menthol, is fantastic for relieving bloating and gas - it works by directly soothing the muscles in the digestive system. Chamomile's natural anti-inflammatory properties help soothe and heal the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Fennel and lemon balm are fantastic for relieving the pain of trapped wind. 

Green goddess: Beyonce Knowles keeps her tummy trim by always including herbal teas like peppermint in her tour requests. Did you know? Infusions work best for getting a flatter stomach, as they allow herbs to come in direct contact with the walls of the stomach and intestines. 

Bright Eyes 

Herbal how-to: Gingko biloba, eyebright or bilberry leaf. 

What the experts say: Gingko biloba is fantastic for improving circulation so can stimulate blood flow to the eye region, and studies have shown it may play a role in preventing diabetic cataracts. Bilberry has been found to reduce eye irritation and can extend the range and clarity of your vision, while eyebright is recommended for conjunctivitis or eye strain. 

Green goddess: Twinkle-eyed Jessica Alba is allergic to cats so she always turns to eye drops containing eyebright to keep her peepers looking perfect. 

Did you know? The effects of the bilberry plant were discovered during World War II when pilots who had been enjoying bilberry jam on their toast found they were becoming more accurate at hitting their targets. 

Herbal how-to: Gotu kola, gingko biloba and horse chestnut. 

What the experts say: No one wants unsightly varicose veins and while there's no non-invasive ways to fully reverse them, you can prevent them with a little herbal help. Horse chestnut is a tonic which helps to improve the tone of the veins by tightening the elastic fibers in their walls. However, extreme caution is advised in finding the right dose. The Indian herb gotu kola helps to strengthen existing varicose veins, to prevent them getting any worse and increases blood flow. Gingko biloba can also be useful for improving circulation in the lower limbs. 

Green goddess: Known for her long pins, Nicole Kidman is keen to keep her legs flawless with a supplement to boost blood flow. 

Did you know? The enzyme bromelain from pineapple is particularly useful in stopping the enzymes that break down damaged veins - it also prevents fibrin from forming lumpy deposits around varicose veins. 

Fight Flare-Ups 

Herbal how-to: Dandelion, witch hazel and red clover. 

What the experts say: Dandelion has general detoxifying properties which can be put to great use when it comes to battling spots and acne. Red clover is useful as an effective treatment of skin problems because of its high dosage of vitamin B-complex - fresh flowers have traditionally been mashed and applied straight to the skin as a remedy for insect bites. The astringent effects of witch hazel are undoubtedly useful for many acne sufferers - just dab a little onto problem areas, or use instead of your usual toner. 

Green goddess: Cameron Diaz is famed for her flawless skin but is still prone to breakouts which she fights with a homemade witch hazel and aloe vera face mask. 

Did you know? Aloe vera has anti-bacterial properties and its cool mucous liquid acts as a cooling agent for inflammations and skin irritations. 

Naturally Gorgeous Nails 

Herbal how-to: Dulse and horsetail. 

What the experts say: Dulse, a supplement from the algae family, is very high in nutrients, one of a few non-animal sources of B-12, and contains omega 3 fatty acids, minerals such as silicon, magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, chromium, and iodine. Along with benefiting the bones, it helps with tissue growth and the skin. Horsetail is packed with antioxidants that help prevent degeneration of skin and nails, and can even help brittle nails. 

Green goddess: Rihanna's nails always look amazing - want to know her secret? Her favorite L.A. nail salon offers a hand massage which includes horsetail extract. 

Did you know? Pale, brittle nails may be due to nutritional deficiencies, such as calcium, zinc and iron, or from too much selenium - white spots on your nails are also often due to a vitamin or mineral deficiency, particularly zinc.

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Indian Restaurant In London-Eat Mouth-watering Dishes And Feel Healthy

Indian food is not only popular among Indians but it is also becoming popular all over the world especially in UK. And you can find many Indian restaurants in London offering delicious and healthy traditional Indian cuisine. The most remarkable ingredients used in Indian dishes are spices. And because of this exotic herbs and spices only people love to enjoy Indian food. 

The best example of herbs and spices are Indian curry. It is very popular and in all parts of the world it is considered as a symbol of Indian dish. This word has come from Kari which means vegetables drenched in spices. In the Indian restaurant in London curry is the most requested item. 

If you want to enjoy Indian cuisine in your town whether in your sweet home or eating out the main thing which you have to consider is to find a best Indian take away or restaurant. The main thing which you think of is the quality of food and their price to make a restaurant your regular take away out. 

Make sure that the food which you are eating is fresh and tasty. It is very important to have fresh and healthy food. Before having your dinner or lunch makes sure that the food is prepared in a clean, neat and tidy environment. The ingredients which they are using are fresh. If you are planning to have some deserts then find out that the deserts they offer do they prepare in the restaurant only or order from somewhere else. 

Another thing which you think of is budget. But generally people do not mind in paying more if the quality of food is good. You can easily find Indian cuisine restaurant of all wallet sizes. 

But if you are planning of dinning out then you must find the location and ambiance of restaurant. If the restaurant is good but it is far away from your house then it is obvious that you will change your mind. And the environment of a restaurant also matters a lot. 

There are many Indian restaurants in London which have their own websites and by visiting their websites you can find they avail you the facility of online table reservation and online order. By surfing their sites you can easily known the timings of the restaurant, address, contacts and menus. You can also get discount coupons if you place your order online. If the restaurant has this facility then by just clicking a mouse button you can check their menu list and place your order without any problem. There is no need to search a menu card in your home or to call them and ask them to read out the dishes they have for you. If the restaurant has not got this facility then it means that they have no concern for their customers. 

The best way to find a best Indian restaurant in your town is to read the reviews and check the ratings of the restaurant online. You can also have opinions of your friends or relatives.

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Neem, (Azadirachta Indica) Herb As Is Natures Best Anti-Biotic Without Any Side Effects

Neem

Neem is natures best anti-biotic without any side effects. Neem Capsules are best natural Remedy for Acne. The dosage for Acne is 2 capsules twice daily. Neem cleanses the blood and removes acne within few days. There are many traditional uses of Neem, other than Acne which are described below. 

Neem is an excellent natural remedy for psoriasis. 2 Capsules thrice daily, used for 2 months help in reducing the scales very much and helps in curing the problem of Psoriasis permanently. 

Neem in Acne: Acne is a problem caused by excessive hormonal imbalance or fire energy imbalance leading to Pimples. The impurities in blood erupt as tiny pimples or pustules on skin or face. Neem acts as a natural soothing and blood purifying herb. Regular use of Neem for 15-20 days clears away the skin and brings back the natural glow. 

Neem in Psoriasis and other skin ailments: Neem has important role to play in Psoriasis. The lesions clear away after regular use of Neem capsules for 2-3 months. The reasons for Psoriasis in Ayurveda is again the accumulation of toxins and impurities within the blood. Neem is natures best blood purifying remedy. Neem capsules in the dosage of 2 capsules twice daily, after meals, with plain water helps a lot in clearing away the Psoriasis lesions. 

* Neems medicinal, cosmetic and health care properties have been well known and used for centuries in India. Neem is one of the best bitter tonics in ayurveda which help detoxification and helps enhance the immune system. 

* Neem is very useful in skin disorders and helps maintain a healthy, beautiful and glowing skin. Neem has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and blood purifying properties. It helps maintain healthy circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems. 

Neem in Diabetes: 

Neem has been found to reduce insulin requirements by up to 50% for diabetics, without altering blood glucose levels. 

Diabetes is an incurable, chronic metabolic disorder that develops when the pancreas can no longer produce sufficient insulin. Blood sugar levels rapidly elevate yet the body is unable to use the energy contained in the sugar leading to weakness and eventually unconsciousness. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people ages 25 to 74, damages nerves, kidneys, the heart and blood vessels and may result in the amputation of limbs. 

Neem leaf is a traditional herb for treating diabetes and has been scientifically proven effective in treating and preventing diabetes. Oral doses of neem leaf extract significantly reduced insulin requirements for non-insulin dependent diabetes. 

Neem leaf extract have been shown to reduce insulin requirements of diebetics without apparent effect on blood glucose levels. Different studies show insulin requirement reductions of between 20% and 50% for those who take five grams of dried neem leaf capsules. There are even anecdotal reports of diabetics chewing a single neem leaf daily that have been able to eliminate insulin injections completely. 

Based on the many studies of neem effects on insulin requirements, the Indian government has approved the sale by pharmaceutical companies of neem tablets for diabetics (Some of these preparations are really nothing more than powdered neem leaves). 

After determining an individuals tolerance to neem, the typical treatment for diabetes using neem leaf is one neem leaf capsule in the morning on an empty stomach and one after diner. 

Neem capsules have been traditionally used in curing large number of diseases and disorders. It was used in Traditional Chinese medicine & unani medicine for curing skin problems, digestive disorders, dental problems, heart diseases, diabetes etc. 

Neem

In the modern times, owing to a large number of researches conducted all over the world, leading companies and scientists have proved the efficacy and safety for use as a medicine. Neem and its parts are being used as an active ingredient to manufacture tablets for preventing and curing diseases. There has been a shift in consumer patterns from synthetic drugs to natural ones, as they do not have any side effects. Unlike other medicines, neem compounds like azadirachtin, nimbidin etc are multi functional and multi purpose, so one kind of tablets can be used to treat number of disorders simultaneously. 

Properties of Neem Being Used for Capsules 

� Anti bacterial 

� Anti fungal 

� Anti Inflammatory 

� Anti viral 

� Blood purifying 

� Anti toxic 

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How To Cure Premature Ejaculation Naturally

Premature ejaculation is a medical condition that more than fifty percent of men suffer from. There are many factors such as environmental and psychological matters, depression and even stress that cause this condition. Other factors include lack of confidence in performing sexual acts in bed, lack of communication with your partner or unresolved feelings that may lead to ejaculating prematurely. If you want to know how to cure premature ejaculation, here are some herbal remedies to try. 

Treating this condition with herbal remedies is the best way as you will not experience any side effects. Some of the effective herbs are Indian ginseng, Musli, asparagus, Avena Sativa and many more. In Indian and Chinese medicine, these herbs have been used for centuries and are preferred over synthetic drugs. Other natural remedies are also mentioned below: 

Atirasadi churna is a potent combination of herbs that have been used since 5000 years ago. These herbs give you strength, energy and power and are effective for sexual weakness and fatigue. 

Cullen corylifolium seeds are used in treating febrile diseases such as lower back pains, incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Another powerful herb known as Angelica can be applied directly to the skin around genital area for immediate effect. 

The most powerful herbal aphrodisiac originates from Indonesia, known as Tongkat Ali. It has the ability to heighten your desire for sex and boost testosterone levels as well as improve strength. This herb has been used for centuries to cure impotency and increases libido to much higher levels. 

Ginkgo Biloba is another herb that increases the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain. Not only does Ginkgo improve sexual performance, but it also enhances sexual endurance, alertness and memory function. 

The above mentioned remedies are only a few listed here, but you can find so many more by going online. There are many reputable websites that supply natural remedies on how to cure premature ejaculation, so all you need to do is a little research to find the right one for you.

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Using Oregano Herb For Cooking

The oregano herb, an herb with a very flavorful and aromatic leaves, is said to have originated from Greece. In fact, the term oregano came from the Greek word "oros" meaning mountain or hill and "ganos" meaning joy or happiness. As such, oregano literally means "joy of the mountain". The early Greeks even regarded it as a symbol of joy and used it extensively for its medicinal properties. Overtime, the culinary uses of oregano became prominent in many Mediterranean dishes. 

Oregano, despite of its popularity in Greece, Italy and other Mediterranean countries, was almost unknown in the US until after the World War II when soldiers brought home the "pizza taste". Its popularity around the world rose with the popularity of Italian foods, particularly pizza. Today, oregano is a staple herb in Italian cuisine and is greatly famous for enhancing the flavor of tomato-based dishes. It is used in meat, fish, and poultry dishes. It's great in salads, soups, vegetable dishes, pasta sauces and scrambled eggs. 

The versatility of the oregano herb was probably because there isn't just one oregano herb. The oregano plant is classified into many types, and each type has its own distinct appearance, aroma, flavor and use in cooking. 

Greek Oregano is often referred to as the true oregano. With its classic pungent and spicy flavor, it perfectly complements any tomato, cheese and egg based dishes and is also known as the pizza herb. Toss fresh oregano leaves in salads for a zesty kick or use it with meat, fish, poultry, pasta, soup and stew. It's also great for stuffing and dusting for grilled dishes. 

Mexican Oregano, which is native of Mexico, is actually more closely related to Lemon Herbena than the oregano family. It has a deeper and more intense "oregano" flavor with a slight citrus twist. It goes well with barbeque, seafood and chicken kebobs, and sausages. 

Italian oregano (also called Sicilian Oregano) is a cross of oregano and sweet marjoram and inherits the pungent and sweet flavors of both plants. Use it as regular oregano if you want your dish with a hint of sweetness, or use with "marjoram enhanced" recipes for an added spice. 

Marjoram is sometimes confused with true oregano, but marjoram is of the sweeter variety. In fact, aside from main dishes, marjoram is also used to flavor desserts such as ice cream, custards, pies and fruit desserts. 

There are also other varieties like the Hot and Spicy which obviously is spicier than the regular oregano; Cretan, Syrian and Turkish oregano are the types with an intense pungent and spicy flavor but are slightly more bitter; Russian oregano is more similar to Greek oregano in taste and aroma. With different varieties of the oregano herb, it's no wonder why it flavored some of the most famous cuisines.

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Italian Flat Leaf Parsley

Italian parsley (sometimes known as flat-leaf parsley) is a green herb with serrated leaves and a clean, slightly peppery taste. It has flat leaves and grows to a height of one and half feet (4cm). While many are familiar with curly leafed parsley, which often shows up as garnish in restaurants, you may not be equally familiar with the flatter-leafed Italian parsley, a close cousin. Although there are more than 30 varieties of parsley, Italian Parsley is favoured by both professional cooks and home chefs alike because it contains significantly more of the essential oils that make up the parsley taste. It looks a little like coriander, so don�t get them muddled up. Flat-leaved parsley has leaves with sharp points, whereas the leaves of coriander are rounded. 

Usually sold in bunches, Italian parsley should be bright green with no wilting. Avoid Italian parsley with bruised or limp leaves or with flowering buds which makes it very bitter. 

Parsley is used for its leaf in much the same way as coriander (which is also known as Chinese parsley or cilantro), although it has a milder flavour than coriander. You will find it in every kind of cooking, from sauces to soups and is particularly wonderful eaten fresh in salads. It is rich in Vitamins A and C and the minerals, iron and calcium; although it is unlikely that anyone would consume enough qualities that would make a significant contribution to their health. Parsley is said to be a diuretic and a stimulant; it combats scurvy and intestinal problems, stimulates the appetite, and aids digestion. Parsley oil is sometimes used in perfumes and soaps, and parsley juice has been used as an insecticide. 

This particular herb grows best in a mostly sunny location with relatively rich, moist well drained soil. It also grows well in deep pots, which helps accommodate the long taproot. If grown indoors it requires at least five hours of sunlight a day and will make seeds in its second year. It tends to self-seed once it is started. Plant new Italian Parsley seedlings every spring. 

Parsley is susceptible to downy mildew, so give it enough space for good air circulation. 

Use in Cooking 

Italian parsley intensifies the flavours of other herbs and can be included in any dish using herbs for a fuller, richer flavour. Mince Italian parsley and add to buttered, boiled potatoes. Add whole sprigs of it to tomato sauces for the last 20 minutes of cooking and remove before service. Mince Italian parsley very finely along with fresh oregano and basil and add to breadcrumbs to use for coating veal, pork or poultry scallops. On the other hand if you�re making vegetable, chicken or beef stock, adding a bunch of Italian parsley will provide excellent flavour. 

Combine one stick of butter at room temperature with two tablespoons chopped Italian parsley (leaves do not have to be chopped perfectly but you want to make them small enough that you don't just get a whole mouthful of leaf) and two tablespoons lemon juice to make the classic Maitre d' hotel butter to use on steaks, fish, vegetables and breads. Briefly boil Italian parsley leaves, drain, and saut� in olive oil and serve as a side dish. 

Parsley doesn't hold up well to cooking, so add it to cooked dishes at the very last 

?What does it go with 

The fresh flavour of green parsley goes extremely well with potato dishes (French fries, boiled buttered potatoes or mashed potato), and with rice dishes (risotto). It also goes well with fish, fried chicken, lamb or goose, steaks, meat or vegetable stews. Freshly chopped green parsley is used as a topping for soups, green salads or on open sandwiches with cold cuts or p�t�s. 

Discover the flavour of flat leave parsley and find a new world,

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The Origins of the Oregano Herb

Oregano herb was unheard of in the United States, and in most parts of the world, until after World War II, when returning soldiers came back with an appetite for the "pizza herb". Oregano at that time, and even up to this day, was a staple pizza ingredient in Italy. However, the herb did not originate in Italy. 

It was the Greeks who first cultivated and used oregano for culinary and medicinal applications. They even regard it as "panakes" or a cure-all herb because of its wonderful antiseptic and healing properties. They also use oregano leaves when making wreaths to hail and honor their gods and goddesses, and to celebrate joyous occasions such weddings, childbirth and victories. Oregano is also offered to the graves to bring peace to the souls of their departed loved ones. 

According to Greek mythology, it was Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, who created the herb to give happiness to mankind. It then became a symbol of joy for the Greeks. The word oregano came from two Greek words (oros meaning mountain and ganos meaning joy) which when combined literally means "joy of the mountain". It was also associated with Artemis, the goddess of childbirth. Hence, women in labor would often be seen wearing wreaths made of oregano for protection and safe delivery. 

True to its name, oregano is often seen in ancient Greece as the bright and seemingly happy herb plants growing alongside hills and mountains. But it served another purpose there, because the Greeks believed that livestock such as horses, goats and sheep feeding on oregano leaves yield tastier and more tender meats. Another reason to be happy, it seems. 

The popularity of the oregano herb spread throughout the Mediterranean region such as Turkey, Sicily and Spain. When the Romans conquered the Greeks, they found oregano in most Grecian homes. They instantly fell over the new flavor that this herb offers and incorporated it in their cooking. They used it to flavor meats and fishes. Italian dishes involves a lot of sauces, and since oregano goes so well with tomato, cheese and egg-based dishes, it wasn't surprising that the herb will became an essential part of the Italian culinary. 

They also discovered its medicinal value and used it as a cure for toothaches, indigestion and diarrhea, cough and colds, fever and rheumatism. With the expanding Roman Empire, oregano's fame and its many uses and applications, easily spread throughout Europe and most part of Northern Africa. It is also believed to have reached China during the Medieval ages, where it also became a favored herb for cooking and a potent ingredient in many oriental drugs and medicines. 

Today, oregano herb has sprouted different plant varieties, each offering its own distinct flavors and aroma. To name a few, we have the Cretan, Golden, Italian, Sycilian, Syrian, Sweet Marjoram, Hot and Spicy, Mexican and so on. Each nation seems to have its own type of oregano. It only goes to prove how beneficial and useful are the properties of these wonderful herb.

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