Common name: Aloe Vera (sometimes called Barbados Aloe, Medicinal Aloe)Most Aloes grows upright with thick, succulent leaves in a rosette. The leaves are lance-shaped with a sharp apex and a spiny margin. Usually Aloe flowers bloom in the fall with golden-orange tubular forms on spikes.

It ranges in size from very short flower stems to some with stems over 20 feet tall.

Location: Aloe Vera is a semi-tropical plant which looks more like a cactus. It is a member of lily family which usually grows in the African continent.

Parts Used: Gel from the leaves. An orange-yellow sap can be seen when a leaf of Aloe Vera is cut from the top.

Cosmetic Uses: Aloe can be used to treat skin disorders (acne, oil skin), dandruff, cosmetics and beauty (it is included in many beauty creams, lotions and in health drinks).

Medicinal uses: The Aloe Vera plant contains number of health benefits that has been used for medicinal purposes around the world for more than 3500 years.

Aloe has been used as a healing herb. It is taken internally for, and to improve the immune system.

A vast research has been done on Aloe Vera and proved to be very effective and significant in the treatment of various ailments, cathartic, hepatic, cholagogue (a cholagogue is a medicinal agent which promotes the discharge of bile from the system, purging it downward), emmenagogue (those herbs which stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus, some stimulate menstruation), vermifuge (an agent that causes the expulsion of worms or parasites from the body).

The aloe actually has tissue regenerative properties. It is also anti-bacterial and anaesthetic. The sticky gel used it to treat any kind of sunburn (experiments show that aloe protects from ultra-violet rays and may help in the treatment of cataracts and skin cancer), skin sore, stomach problems, mouth ulcers, insect bites and even poison ivy rash.

Toxicity Precautions: Aloe Vera is a legally restricted (it is illegal in some countries to possess or use this plant without proper certification). The bitter yellow juice from its leaf base is toxic. Do not take internally. Aloe Vera is not safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding period. Aloe is a purgative and stimulates uterine contractions.

Tip: Keep an aloe plant in your kitchen to use on burns and cuts. To apply, simply cut a leaf off of the plant, and squeeze the gel onto the burn or cut. For more serious burns or cuts you can open the leaf long ways and apply it to the burn as a poultice.

Click www.aloevera.com to watch Aloe Vera manufacturing process.

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• March 19, 2008 -- Jasmine
• March 14, 2008 -- Garlic
• March 14, 2008 -- Bay Leaves
• March 14, 2008 -- Cayenne
• March 14, 2008 -- Basil
• March 14, 2008 -- Valerian
• March 14, 2008 -- Savory

Common Names: mint, spearmint, peppermint, curly mint, ginger mint, apple mint
Parts Used: Leaves and flowers
Leaf colors range from dark green and gray-green to purple, blue and sometimes pale yellow.
The peppermint leaf is rarely used in cooking, but the oil is used for making sweets and medicinal flavourings.

Culinary Uses:
The leaves have a pleasant warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavour with a cool aftertaste.
Spearmint is milder and is better for other cooking purposes, enhancing meat, fish, and vegetables. Use the specialty mints in salads, fruit dishes, teas, and as a garnish.
Mint leaves are used also in teas, beverages, marmalades, syrups, confectionary, ice creams and chewing gums.
In Middle Eastern cuisine mint is used on lamb dishes. In British cuisine, mint sauce is popular with lamb.
Mint is a necessary ingredient in a popular tea in northern African and Arab countries.

Medicinal uses:
Peppermint is an excellent digestive aid. It is specific for use in treatment of morning sickness and motion sickness.
Use it as an inhalant to treat stuffy noses and congestion.
It helps relieve the discomfort of painful periods.
Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains.
Mint tea also is a strong diuretic.
Menthol and mint essential oil are also much used in medicine as a component of many drugs, and are very popular in aromatherapy.

Cosmetic uses:
Mint essential oil and menthol (wide range) used as flavourings in breath fresheners, antiseptic mouth rinses, toothpaste, soaps and perfumes.
Some people added to their baths for relax and to stimulate their bodies.

Other uses:
Mint leaves are often used by many campers to repel mosquitoes, extracts from mint leaves have a particular mosquito-killing capability.
Mint oil is also used as an environmentally-friendly insecticide for its ability to kill some common pests like wasps, hornets, ants and cockroaches. Also rats and mice dislike mint.

Tip:
Herbs are a familiar ingredient in cooking but it is so easy to just use the familiar ones each time. Here is a guide to some of the more unusual ones around. All are available fresh or dried but remember that fresh herbs have a milder flavour and use roughly 15ml (1 tbsp) of fresh herbs to 5ml (1 tsp) dried.

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• March 12, 2008 -- RANCH DRESSING WITH HERBS

Food sources:
Vitamin B12 is not found in foods of vegetable origin.
B-12 can only be found in animal sources such as poultry, eggs, milk (soya), cottage cheese, fish (tuna), meat, beef liver and kidney, bee pollen, breakfast cereals, sunflower margarines and yeast extracts.

Deficiency:
Vitamin B12 is one of a water-soluble vitamins and the body cannot store them. After the body uses the vitamin, leftover amounts leave the body through the urine.
Low levels of B12 can cause anaemia, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness and loss of balance,  Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
A low level of vitamin B12 has also been associated with asthma, depression, AIDS, tinnitus, diabetic neuropathy and low sperm counts.
Because vitamin B12 comes primarily from animal products, people who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet and do not consume eggs or dairy products may require vitamin B12 supplements. Therefore, vegetarians are strongly encouraged to supplement.

Recommended dietary allowances (RDA):
Although the daily intake required is small, Vitamin B12 absorption in the human body is poor, so higher amounts are required.
Adults (men and women) need 2.0 micrograms of vitamin B12 each day.
2.6 mcg/day - pregnant women
2.8mcg/day - breastfeeding women
0.2 mcg - infants and children
Some people who have problems with absorption or have had bowel surgery may need injections of Vitamins B12 to prevent deficiency because their bodies can’t absorb oral supplements properly.

Tips:
•    Fermentation in the manufacture of yoghurt destroys much of the B12 present. Boiling milk can also destroy much of the B12.
•    If you want to get the most vitamins possible from your food, refrigerate fresh produce, and keep milk and grains away from strong light. Vitamins are easily destroyed and washed out during food preparation and storage.
•     If you take vitamin supplements, store them at room temperature in a dry place that’s free of moisture.

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• April 16, 2008 -- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid, Folate, Folacin)

Benefits:
Vitamin B 9 is a water-soluble vitamin. Folate occurs naturally in food, folic acid is a synthetic folate form.
Vitamin B9 is needed for energy production and a strong immune system. It is crucial to the good health of every cell in the body, including skin cells, red and white blood cells.
Folic acid plays an essential role in human growth and development.

Food Sources:
Fruits – dates, oranges and orange juice
Vegetables- asparagus, dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, mustard greens, turnip greens, escarole, beet greens, radicchio), broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, avocado, Brussels sprouts
Meats- beef liver, lean meats, turkey
Fish- canned tuna, salmon
Legumes- lentils, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, peas, brewer’s yeast
Grains- wheat germ, whole grains, soy flour
Dairy products- milk, cheese

Folic Acid and Pregnancy – Folic acid is especially essential for pregnant women. If women do not take in enough folic acid before conception and during pregnancy, there is an increased risk that the baby will have congenital malformations. Folic acid greatly reduces the incidences of neural tube defects such as Spina bifida (split spine). Pregnant women who do not consume enough of the vitamin also have an increased chance of giving birth prematurely or of having low birth weight babies. Pregnant and lactating women are encouraged to supplement this vitamin in addition to consuming a diet rich in folic acid.

Deficiency:
In most cases a folic acid deficiency occurs without any symptoms.
Because folic acid is often deficient in those who are depressed, a supplement may help.
People who are at high risk of strokes and heart disease may greatly benefit by taking folic acid supplements.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) deficiency signs and symptoms such as diarrhoea, appetite and weight loss, weakness, headache, irritability, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, anorexia, forgetfulness, acne and sore tongue. A severe deficiency results in anaemia in adults and can slow the rate of growth in children. If left unchanged could lead more seriously to anaemia and possibly cancer.

Side effects:
Toxicity from excessive folic acid intake does not normally occur, as folic acid is water soluble and regularly excreted by the body. Very large intakes may cause stomach problems, sleep problems, skin reactions, and seizures.

Daily recommendation:
400 mcg per day for adults
500 mcg per day for lactating women
600 mcg per day for pregnant women

Tips:
•    Regarding whether or not you should take Vitamin B9 supplements, it should be noted that folic acid is water-soluble (you absorb only about half of the folic acid you eat), and is easily destroyed by microwaving, processing, overcooking, or reheating.
•    Folic Acid deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies and has been observed in alcoholics, pregnant women and people with absorption problems such as ulcerative colitis.

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• April 16, 2008 -- Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin, Cobalamin)

Benefits:
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is used in processing and metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, while assisting with controlling your mood as well as your behaviour. Hence, this vitamin is important in brain functions, such as elevating mood. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is required for the balancing of hormonal changes in women as well as assisting the immune system and the growth of new cells. The Pyridoxine might also be of benefit for children with learning difficulties, as well as assisting in the prevention of dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.

Good sources:
Fruits- bananas, apricots, cantaloupe
Vegetables- avocado, carrots, spinach, yams
Meats- chicken breast, turkey breast, liver, kidney, pork loin, beef
Nuts-sunflower seeds, walnuts
Cereals-wheat germ, whole grains, oatmeal
Dairy products-eggs, butter, cheese
Legumes- garbanzo beans, brown rice
Fish - salmon, tuna
Peanut butter
Potatoes

Deficiency:
A deficiency in Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) could cause: nerve damage (neuropathy) and insomnia, irritability, skin changes (such as dermatitis and acne), asthma and allergies. Kidney stones may also appear.
Women in particular may suffer from severe period pains, emotional PMS symptoms, premenstrual acne and nausea in early pregnancy. Mood swings, depression as well as loss of sexual drive is sometimes noted when pyridoxine is in short supply and the person is on hormone replacement therapy or on birth control pills. Because vitamin B6 is needed to form red blood cells, deficiency can cause Anaemia.
Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause seizures, particularly in infants. Anticonvulsants may be ineffective in treating these seizures. Also, people taking – diuretics (water pills) or antibiotics may increase the risk of Vitamin B6 deficiency.

Side effects:
Supplementation should be controlled as extreme dosage, such as in excess of 2,000 mg per day, may cause neurological damage to the extremities.
People on medication for Parkinson’s disease should be careful about taking Vitamin B6 as it can inactivate L-dopa.
People taking Pyridoxine late at night sometimes experience very vivid dreams.

Daily Recommendation:
1.3 mg - 1.5 mg. for adults under age 50
1.5 mg. - 1.7 mg. for adults over the age of 50
1.9 mg for pregnant women
2 mg for breastfeeding women

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Food sources of vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) can be found naturally in legumes and beans, eggs, brewer’s yeast, fresh vegetables(broccoli), beef, pork, kidney, liver, poultry, milk, mushrooms, nuts, royal jelly, saltwater fish, whole grain cereals, oatmeal and whole wheat.

Deficiency of vitamin B5
The symptoms are - fatigue, headaches, nausea, tingling in the hands, depression, personality changes and cardiac instability. Also can be reported- frequent infection, fatigue, abdominal pains, sleep disturbances and neurological disorders including numbness, muscle weakness and cramps are also possible indications that this nutrient is in short supply.
Vitamin B5 is a water soluble vitamin which means it is liable to destruction by food processing, sulphur drugs, sleeping pills, alcohol and caffeine. People under stress, prone to allergies might develop a shortage of this vitamin.

Side effect
Common symptoms could include: diarrhoea, upset stomach, fatigue.
Taking 1,500 mg a day over an extended period may cause sensitivity to the teeth.

Daily recommendation
Children- (9-13 years) 4 mg/s
Women- 5 mg/s per day
Men: 7 mg/s per day

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Vitamin B-3, also commonly called Niacin, is a member of the B-complex vitamin family.
Benefits: Facilitates the body’s ability to eliminate toxins, assists in antioxidant and detoxification functions, help stabilize blood sugar, help lower cholesterol level, relieve acne, migraines, vertigo, forgetfulness, high blood pressure, diarrhoea, support genetic processes in your cells, helps your body process fats.

The best sources of Vitamin B-3:
Fruits: dates, mango, peach
Vegetables: mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, green vegetables, turnips, carrots and celery
Dairy products: milk, cheese, eggs,
Meats: chicken breast, lean meat, veal, beef liver, beef kidney, pork, venison
Fish: tuna, salmon, swordfish, prawns
Nuts and seeds: peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds,
Wheat and legume products: cereal bran or germ, whole grain, rice bran, beans, corn flour, barley, lentils,Some of the other sources include:sweet potatoes, brewer’s yeast

Vitamin-B3 Deficiency:
Because of its unique relationship with energy production, vitamin B3 deficiency is often associated with general weakness, forgetfulness, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, muscular weakness, skin infections, sores in the mouth, headache, anaemia and trouble sleeping or relaxing. Digestive problems can also be associated with niacin deficiency. When the deficiency is severe, a disease called Pellagra. The first symptom is easily recognizable. A lesion appears on skin that has been exposed to sunlight. This more serious condition must be treated immediately. Pellagra is also characterized by symptoms including dermatitis, irritability or diarrhoea.

Health Conditions:
Vitamin B3 may play a role in the prevention or treatment of the following health conditions: Alzheimer’s disease, Cataracts, Convulsions, Depression, Diabetes, Gout, Smelling and taste disorders, Hallucinations, Headaches, HIV/AIDS, Hyperactivity, Menstrual pain, Multiple sclerosis, Osteoarthritis, Vertigo, Rheumatoid arthritis, Insomnia.

Side effects:
Very large intakes (>3000 mg) may causes liver damage, peptic ulcers, skin rashes, headaches, low blood pressure.

It is NOT recommended for:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should take niacin under medical supervision.Adult people suffering from kidney disease and children under age 12 are not recommended to take Vitamin B3.

Daily intake recommendation:
18-20 mg per day for men
12-15 mg per day for women

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SOURCES:
Fruits-papayas, raisins, apricots, pineapples, bananas,
Nuts and oilseeds-almonds, walnuts, pistachio nuts, cashew nuts, mustard seeds
Dairy products - milk, eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, yeast,
Vegetables - asparagus, okra, turnip, radish, spinach, brussel sprouts, lettuce, cauliflower, most of the dark green leafy vegetables, mushrooms
Meats - liver, kidney and heart, beef
Cereals - barley, wheat germ, wheat flour, rice
Legumes - soya beans, peas, lentil, gram (black, red, bengal)
Fish - oily fish, salmon
Side effects: There is no known toxicity to riboflavin.
Because riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, excess amounts are easily excreted by the body in the urine. Possible reactions to very high doses may include itching, numbness, burning or prickling sensations and sensitivity to light. Excess riboflavin excreted in the urine causes it to become bright yellow in color, which many people notice when they take B vitamin supplements. Also sulpha drugs and alcohol can destroy vitamin B2.

Daily intake recommendation:
1.7 mg for men
1.3 mg for women
1.6 mg for breastfeeding women

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• Thiamine (B1)
• Riboflavin (B2)
• Niacin (B3)
• Pantothenic Acid (B5)
• Pyridoxine (B6)
• Biotin (B8)
• Folic Acid (B9)
• Cyanocobalamin (B12)

The Thiamine helps the cells of the body convert carbohydrates into energy. It’s also needed for healthy functioning of the heart, nervous system and muscles, liver, mouth, skin, hair and eyes.

         SOURCES OF VITAMIN B1:

        Very good sources of vitamin B1 (Daily Value > = 50%) include:

• Asparagus, Romaine lettuce, Spinach, Mushrooms, Sunflower seeds,
•  TunaGreen peas, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Brussels sprouts

   Also good sources are:

• Cabbage (cooked), Chicory (raw), Carrots, Avocado
• Oats, Barley, Millet (raw)
• Spaghetti, Couscous
• Pecans (dried), Peanuts (raw), Pistachio nuts, Hazelnuts (dried), Chestnuts
• Pumpkin and squash seeds, Sesame seeds
• Whole Wheat, Wheat germ
• Rice (brown), Toast (white bread), Lentils
• Cereal (corn flakes, whole grain)
• Soy Milk, Miso, Peanut butter, Bakers Yeast (dry)
• Pinto Beans, Bean sprouts, Kidney Beans, Adzuki Beans, Soya Beans
• Potatoes (baked)
• Pork, Beef Liver, Fish, Oysters
• Oranges and orange juice, Raisins, Watermelon

VITAMIN B1 DEFICIENCY:
The most notable symptom of a Vitamin B1 deficiency is a condition called Beriberi.  Symptoms include:

• mental confusion
• poor appetite
• headaches
• muscle fatigue
• poor concentration
• depression
• irritability
• heart problems (rapid heartbeat)
• nerves that tingle and tiredness

HEALTH CONDITIONS:
Vitamin B1 may play a role in the prevention and treatment of the following health conditions:

• Alcoholism
• Depression
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Epilepsy
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple Sclerosis

Daily Intake Requirements:
This vitamin is non – toxic and really is not possible to consume “too much”.
Thiamine is water soluble and cannot be stored in the body.  It’s eliminated through the urine.
Women should have 1.2 mg every day, and men should have 1.5 mg each day.

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