April 2000 Ageless herbal newsletter
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 17th 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 2nd and 3rd 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.
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.
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:
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Do a manicure at least every two weeks.
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If you wear nail varnish, start by removing it with an oil based enamel remover, as pure acetone is too drying.
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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.
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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.
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Soak hands in warm soapy water for some time and gently brush cuticles and under nails to remove any dirt or particles.
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Remove hands and dry them while gently pushing back the cuticles with the towel.
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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.
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Take an exfoliating cream, and massage well into your hands to remove all dead skin from them and to give circulation a boost.
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Clean under each nail, and if needed use a bit of lemon juice to bleach under each nail.
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Wash hands and dry well.
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Apply rich emollient cream to your hands and massage in well.
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Use a hand cream after washing dishes and before going to bed.
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Train yourself to wear gloves while doing any dishes – it is not only better for your hands, but safer as well.
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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.
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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.
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If you bite your nails, do not use brightly colored nail varnish – it will make them even more noticeable.
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Do not use too much “nail hardening” lotion – it can make your nails brittle and dry.
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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.
We have listed some problems below that may be indicated by your nails if they are:
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Blue |
problems with asthma or emphysema |
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Brittle |
iron, calcium or vitamin A deficiency or problem with kidney function or circulation or thyroid |
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Breaking |
general nutritional deficiency. |
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Chipping |
general nutritional deficiency |
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Cracking |
general nutritional deficiency |
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Dark |
deficiency of B12 or anemic |
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Dry |
deficiency of vitamin A |
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Flat |
deficiency of B12 or anemic |
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Hanging |
deficiency protein, vitamin C, folic acid |
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No moon |
overactive thyroid |
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Peeling |
general nutritional deficiency |
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Soft |
overactive thyroid |
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Splitting |
shortage of hydrochloric acid in your system |
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Spoon |
deficiency of iron |
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Thick |
circulatory or thyroid problem |
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Vertical ridges |
deficiency of iron |
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White bands |
protein deficiency |
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White lines |
heart disease, high fever, and liver problem |
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White spots |
zinc deficiency |
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.
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Unflavored gelatin can improve the quality of your nails, if taken regularly over an extended period of time (6 weeks minimum).
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B Complex, and especially Brewer's Yeast
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Vitamin C, folic acid and protein must also be available in sufficient quantities.
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Zinc when in short supply, would also be required by the body either in diet or a supplement.
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Hair, Skin and Nail formula from the Zest for Life range of supplements.
- Healing cream
- To assist in wound healing while soothing skin complaints – such as eczema and psoriasis, acne and piles and moisturizing and protecting the skin. This product has shown its effectiveness over a wide range of problems and judging from sales over more than a decade – it is the trusted healing cream to help with all mishaps, allergic reactions, irritated, burning, itchy and uncomfortable skin conditions.
- Face wash
- This face wash will properly clean your face and remove all impurities and environmental pollutants, without drying the skin. It contains eight herbal extracts to help promote a clear, vital and healthy complexion and a younger looking skin.
- Moisturizing day cream
- This day cream is formulated to help fight the signs of aging on various fronts. It helps to reduce free radical damage which, if left unchecked, leads to premature aging. The herbal extracts help to promote cell rejuvenation and regeneration and provide moisture and hydration to the skin.
- Nourishing night cream
- This nourishing night cream penetrates the skin extremely well and does not make the skin feel oily. It contains a host of herbal extracts to help in the fight against premature aging and has added vitamin E as well. Apart from the moisturizing effect and the anti-aging properties it also softens and smoothes the skin.
- Eye gel
- An effective refreshing eye gel to help reduce puffiness and dark rings around the eyes, while fighting wrinkles and lines. This is a very clever combination of herbal extracts and the base formula has its roots in a clinically proven formula.
- Mud face mask
- With this skin treatment product we combined a special selection of herbs in a base of thermal mud with oligoelements. This recommended weekly treatment will boost circulation to the skin, help to fight wrinkles and lines, improve firmness while at the same time improving suppleness and elasticity of the skin.
- After shave balm
- This effective balm helps to relieve an irritated skin caused by shaving. Not only is it a soothing balm, but the herbal extracts actively work to increase hydration and moisturize the skin to help fight the signs of premature aging – and all of this done in one simple no-fuss balm.
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- Shampoo with rosemary extract + 7 other herbals
- Our shampoo is in a class of its own – and granted – it is far more expensive than cheap supermarket shampoos, but no other shampoo has the active ingredients we have in our shampoo. The rosemary will boost the health of the hair and scalp, while the other seven herbal extracts will help strengthen the hair and make it shine, increase the volume and make it manageable.
- Rosemary hair treatment conditioner
- We have found that this hair conditioner should really be used as a conditioning treatment. This then removes the need to condition the hair every time you wash – and can be used once a month. It is a superb hair tonic and helps in the control of sebum secretion of the scalp. Although not formulated for dandruff – the ingredients will assist with this as well, while supporting the health of the scalp.
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- Hand and body lotion
- When formulating this hand and body lotion we created a rich nourishing, protecting and reviving lotion, which will not leave the skin oily or tacky, but will create a well moisturized, hydrated and supple skin. After applying this lotion it will quickly be absorbed by the skin, leaving it silky soft, smooth and well moisturized.
- Stretch mark gel
- Although nothing can remove already formed stretch marks (only surgery can do that) – thousands of satisfied clients confirm that this gel improves the appearance of old stretch marks. The gel will help in PREVENTING stretch marks (a 92% success rate) and is used with great success by expectant mothers and body builders who may form marks when bulking-up. The formula of this gel is based on clinical studies done in France, to which we added other herbal extracts.
- Cellulite gel
- Fighting cellulite is easy with this herbal cellulite gel. It contains a patented extract of Bayberry (Myriceline) and nine other plant extracts and essential oils. The gel will help to get rid of cellulite (which has been clinically proven) and will also help to prevent cellulite from forming. So now it is easy to get your soft body contours back again.
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- Apple cider vinegar (liquid) with Centella asiatica
- The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are combined with the therapeutic properties of Centella asiatica. This old folk remedy is still used with great effect by thousands of people daily.
- Apricot kernel capsules
- Our capsules contain natural apricot kernels combined with Resveratrol, Selenium, Grape Seed Extract, MSM, Vitamin C and Bioperine and offers a safe and non-toxic of supplementing with apricot kernels.
- Digest capsules
- If your digestive system is under-par and you struggle with constipation or you simply need to boost the health of your digestive system then this capsule is for you. Fenugreek is a general digestive tonic and psyllium is a magical bulking agent that will help proper bowel movements, without using a laxative.
- Detox capsules
- Our modern day lifestyle exposes us to many unwanted additive and our diet also places stress on the body. To help the body get rid of toxins and waste materials naturally we combined fennel, basil, celery and parsley to help the body remove these toxins. It peps-up your metabolism and helps the bladder, kidneys and liver to do their work more effectively.
- Urinary and bladder health capsules
- Using an all natural approach, our capsules will help the discomfort and burning urine sensation of urinary tract infection and help clear up foul smelling urine. We combined cranberry, dandelion, uva ursi and vitamin C in a single capsule to effectively fight bladder infections and to stop the burning sensation when urinating.
- Tri- Mushroom blend capsules
- If you need an immune system boost then have a look at our combination of maitake, reishi and shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms have showed to be a great help in boosting the immune system – and form a good nutritional supplement support for HIV/Aids patients and people receiving chemotherapy. Any person with even a slightly compromised immune system may benefit from this supplement.
- Hoodia slimming capsules
- Many companies offer hoodia capsules – but most of the time these supplements do not contain the real thing. We use CERTIFIED hoodia in our capsules and is combined with chromium to make it more effective to help lose weight. P57 is the active ingredient in hoodia and some people find it an effective appetite suppressant – without any side effects.
- Olive leaf extract capsules
- This natural detoxifier helps with a variety of ailments and people with chronic fatigue syndrome, infections, glandular fever (Epstein Barr), and even candida and herpes have found it of value. Olive leaf extract helps to fight bacteria, viruses, retroviruses, and protozoa and yeast strains. Apart from fighting all of these problems it also helps to improve kidney function and fights free radicals.
- Sexual supplement (previously known as Vuka Nkuzi)
- Men normally don’t admit when they have a declining libido although it is a most common problem. We combine in this supplement seven different natural ingredients to boost sexual health – without any side effects often experienced with such medication. After more than a decade, and thousands of regular Vuka Nkuzi clients we still offer this well priced supplement to boost the libido.
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- Jojoba oil
- This liquid golden ester not only moisturizes and penetrates the skin but also helps to fight wrinkles and lines while promoting a clear and unblemished skin. Jojoba does not clog the pores but helps to restore skin elasticity and smoothness. It will leave the skin supple and velvety soft without any oiliness and can be used neat on the skin.
- Lavender oil
- This is the most popular essential oil and with good reason. Lavender oil is a superb product to use on burns, insect bites, sunburn, wounds and other skin complaints and irritations. Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that can be used neat (not diluted) on the skin, and is great to help with regeneration and rejuvenation of skin cells. Emotionally it has a calming and soothing effect and is an exceptionally pleasant smelling oil.
- Tea tree oil
- Once used, you will always have a bottle of tea tree essential oil handy. It deals effectively with bacteria, fungi and viruses. Our oil surpasses the “Australian Standard” by having less than 15% 1,8 cineole and more than 30% of Terpinen-4-ol. This powerful essential oil is effective in various ways to fight infections and skin problems.
- Almond oil
- This light and deeply moisturizing oil has a softening effect on the skin and can be used on the face and body. Almond oil has excellent emollient properties and helps to balance water and moisture loss in the skin. It can be used neat on the skin and also makes an excellent massage base.
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