April 2000 Ageless herbal newsletter

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	on this page Centella asiatica Lentil and herb soup Do-it-yourself manicure Disorders that can show on your nail bed Supplements for better nail growth Previous newsletters

Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)

This multi-facetted herb is also known as Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Pai Kuo and Wild Violet - not to be confused with the African Violet, and has been used internally and externally since the 17^th century in Africa, India, the Philippines, Java and France, whose people ate two leaves a day for anti-aging and also used it for “tired aching” skin, treating leprosy sores, syphilis, leg ulcers, slow-healing wounds, venereal sores, tuberculosis, skin lesions and psoriasis.

In India it is also called the "tiger herb" – since wounded tigers are often found to roll themselves in it. Chinese physicians used it for longevity and to treat fevers, colds and influenza.

This herb contains alkaloids and minerals that are beneficial in the treatment of a host of ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, thread and varicose veins.

It helps to improve the venous blood supply from the heart, strengthening the walls of the arteries and veins, and pours energy, vitality, longevity and virility into our tired stress-filled systems. It is used for wound healing, varicose veins, insect bites, eczema, scalp problems and other skin conditions. People also use it for arthritis, headaches, tension, anxiety and sluggishness with great effect.

Laboratory tests have proved that it contains compounds that exert a balancing effect on connective tissue. The net effect is improved function and integrity of the collagen matrix and supportive structures leading to remarkable wound healing activity.

The traditional use of centella in the treatment of leprosy was supported by a study that showed that the asiaticoside in the herb dissolves the waxy coating of the leprosy bacteria, which then allows the body’s immune system to fight the bacteria. This waxy coating protects the leprosy bacteria against attack by the immune system.

Excellent results were also obtained in the treatment of 2^nd and 3^rd degree burn wounds, where the extract limited the shrinkage and swelling of the skin caused by infection, and also assisted in inhibiting scar formation, increasing healing and reducing fibrosis.

It is also great for elimination of excess fluids, energizing and helping with mental depression, improves sex drive, stimulates the central nervous system, is helpful in cardiovascular and circulatory problems and problems with connective tissue in the skin.

Lentil and herb soup

Ingredients:

½ cup lentils (red or brown); 5 cups stock (chicken or beef); 1 onion; 1½ teaspoons olive oil; 1 clove garlic; ¼ lb spinach; sea salt and black pepper; 1½ cups chopped fresh mixed herbs – sorrel, parsley, chervil, tarragon, lovage and lemon thyme; juice of ½ small lemon (fresh), 1 cup unflavored yogurt or buttermilk.

Instructions:

Remove all impurities from lentils and wash very well. Place lentils and stock in thick-bottomed pot and bring to the boil, reduce heat and let simmer until soft. (Do NOT add salt at this point, as the lentils will then take longer to soften) Red lentils will take about 30 minutes to soften, while brown lentils will take a bit longer – approximately 45 minutes.

Peel and chop onion and sauté in a skillet until soft and brown. While still busy browning add the minced garlic to it. If you cannot mince the garlic, pulverize it with the flat side of a knife – but please be careful.

Add the washed spinach, cut into small pieces, to the softened lentils, add the salt and pepper, and simmer until the spinach is cooked and soft – which should take about 10 – 15 minutes. Then add the sautéed onions and garlic as well as the freshly chopped herbs to the lentil and spinach mix.

Simmer for another 3 – 5 minutes, remove from heat and let cool. Puree the mixture in a blender and add the lemon juice, yogurt (or buttermilk). You can serve it immediately, or if you need to reheat – do it gently and do NOT let it boil again.

Do it yourself manicure

A common mistake made by many is to take good care of their facial skin, but to neglect looking after their hands. The problem with this is that our hands, with everyday working, washing and exposure to chemicals and environmental pollutants, show aging far quicker than our pampered facial skin.

Men as well as women should have regular manicures to ensure well groomed hands, as neglected hands and nails – in men and women - do not make a good impression.

Doing your manicure:

• Do a manicure at least every two weeks.

• If you wear nail varnish, start by removing it with an oil based enamel remover, as pure acetone is too drying.

• Shorten nails by filing with an emery board – not a metal file. File to one side only as this will prevent the nails from snagging.

• If your nails are very uneven or ridged you could lightly buff, with a nail buffer – but do not buff too much, as it can weaken your nails.

• Soak hands in warm soapy water for some time and gently brush cuticles and under nails to remove any dirt or particles.

• Remove hands and dry them while gently pushing back the cuticles with the towel.

• If more work needs to be done on the cuticles, brush on cuticle removing cream/lotion and wait the required time. Thereafter gently push back the cuticles with a wooden (orange) stick. Be careful not to push them back too violently, or you might damage the cuticle. Do NOT cut cuticles.

• Take an exfoliating cream, and massage well into your hands to remove all dead skin from them and to give circulation a boost.

• Clean under each nail, and if needed use a bit of lemon juice to bleach under each nail.

• Wash hands and dry well.

• Apply rich emollient cream to your hands and massage in well.

Nail and hand care tips

1. Use a hand cream after washing dishes and before going to bed.

2. Train yourself to wear gloves while doing any dishes – it is not only better for your hands, but safer as well.

3. If your cuticles are very dry, use a cuticle massage cream, or rub and massage a bit of pure beeswax into the cuticles each night.

4. If your hands and nails are in a very bad condition, treat them to a soak in warm olive oil. Gently warm the olive oil in a double pot, or over steam – making sure that it is not too hot. Soak your hands in the warm olive oil for at least 30 minutes, while continuing to massage your hands and cuticles.

5. If you bite your nails, do not use brightly colored nail varnish – it will make them even more noticeable.

6. Do not use too much “nail hardening” lotion – it can make your nails brittle and dry.

7. If your hands are looking very old and tired get hold of waterproof gloves (special ones can be bought for this purpose) with a material covering, cover your hands in extra rich cream or oil, and sleep with your hands covered in the special gloves. This will really make a huge difference. If you cannot get hold of these special gloves, tie a plastic bag around your hands after you covered them in the extra rich cream or oil. You will need somebody to help you with this, and make sure the bag is securely tied; otherwise the cream or oil may make a mess of your bed linen.

Disorders that can show on your nail bed

We have listed some problems below that may be indicated by your nails if they are:

Please note

• The problems and manifestations listed above are only supplied for interest and general information, as nails could have markings with totally different medical reasons, and diseases do not always show in this manner.
• Please see your medical practitioner if you have a medical query and do not use the information above for use as diagnosis of any medical condition.
• The above information is for general information purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Supplements for better nail growth

• Unflavored gelatin can improve the quality of your nails, if taken regularly over an extended period of time (6 weeks minimum).

  • Dissolve 1 oz (25 g) of unflavored gelatin in some juice and take daily.

• B Complex, and especially Brewer's Yeast

• Vitamin C, folic acid and protein must also be available in sufficient quantities.

• Zinc when in short supply, would also be required by the body either in diet or a supplement.

• Hair, Skin and Nail formula from the Zest for Life range of supplements.

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