Hot water freezes faster: It is a physical reality

Water or H2O is a pretty simple and the most commonly available liquid to mankind. Water though is the foundation and elixir of life yet scientists haven't cracked its mechanism of action.

This strange phenomenon was described by the likes of Aristotle, Bacon, and Descartes, yet is named after the Tanzanian high-school student who accidentally discovered by a high school student while freezing a hot ice cream mix in his cooking class in 1969. The Mpemba effect only occurs under very specific sets of conditions still remains a complete mystery.

Scientist show that there are some possible explanations for this phenomenon like differences in supercooling, evaporation rate, frost formation and effect dissolved gases have on hot and cold water. But these are just theoretical explanations but the reality is much more complex than just this.  

This concept is however helpful in large scale manufacturing of ice creams all around the world. How interesting is that!

Reference:

1. J.Walker, “Hot water freezes faster than cold water. Why does it do so?,” Sci. Am. 237(3), 246–257 (1977)
2. M Jeng, "The Mpemba effect: When can hot water freeze faster than cold?",  Am.Jour.Physics 74 (6) 514 (2006) 

Increase your knowledge with these tidbits

• The only part of the body that has no blood supply is the cornea in the eye. It takes in oxygen directly from the air.
• The sound you hear when you crack your knuckles is actually the sound of nitrogen gas bubbles bursting.
• It cost 7 million dollars to build the Titanic and 200 million to make a film about it.
• The reason honey is so easy to digest is that it's already been digested by a bee.
• Men's shirts have the buttons on the right, but women's shirts have the buttons on the left.
• German Shepherds bite humans more than any other breed of dog.
• The pupil of the eye expands as much as 45 percent when a person looks at something pleasing
• There is a great mushroom in Oregon that is 2,400 years old. It covers 3.4 square miles of land and is still growing. 
• When a person dies, hearing is usually the first sense to go.
• Our brain is more complex than the most powerful computer and has over 100 billion nerve cells.
• Our nose is out personal air-conditioning system: it warms cold air, cools hot air and filters impurities.
• We exercise at least 30 muscles when we smile.
• Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people.
• The animal responsible for the most human deaths world-wide is the mosquito.
• Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times.
• The USA uses 29% of the world's petrol and 33% of the world's electricity.
• A huge underground river runs underneath the Nile , with six times more water than the river above.
• Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.
• A tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion will make it go mad instantly and sting itself to death.
• Money isn’t made out of paper, it is made out of cotton.
• People with blue eyes see better in dark.
• People who ride on roller coasters have a higher chance of having a blood clot in the brain.

There is so much more to learn and so much more out there, so I would keep updating the post as and when I find something interesting and informative enough to share.

You are what you eat: God's Farmacy

It got me thinking when I looked outside my window this morning on how we can dissipate the resources presented at our disposal by the Almighty himself. One look at the rich abundance of flora and food we are bestowed upon, are we utilising these to the fullest? We are blessed with the wide array of natural resources of vitamins, minerals and various other potent life enhancing substances from the produce plant kingdom provides us to devour upon.

Instead of calling it the “God’s pharmacy”, it can be reinstated as the God’s farmacy, F being ‘food’  as we are about to discuss and lay down all the vegetables and fruits which we eat on a normal day to day basis but never noticed if it resembles any of our organs or is good for our body. It has been said over all these years as to how God has left us with so many clues and we being slow learners are rather really slow in comprehending this fact and putting it to use.

Have you ever thought about what good a handful of grapes can do to our body or munching a few of those walnuts between a busy day’s work does to our brain cells or how does eating a fig boost your health. Well, if you haven’t thought about that, then it is time we put a little thought into what is good to our body and how good is it? Is it wrong if we say “It looks like you, it is good for you”.

To get the optimum health benefits, it is recommended to eat variety of fresh organic fruits to furnish our body with essential nutrients. So, here are some captivating pictures of mouth watering fresh fruits and vegetables along with the information of its benefits.

Carrots (Eye)

Have you ever noticed that a cross-section of carrot looks like the human eye, which consists of the pupil, iris and the radiating lines? It sounds like a cliché to say that there is evidence to support the fact that carrot is known to greatly enhance the blood flow to the eyes and thereby improving its function.

Walnuts (Brain)

Wonders of wonders!!! A  Walnut looks like a little brain, the complete package with a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. Research supports the fact that walnuts develop lots of neurotransmitters for the brains’ function.

Tomato (Heart)

The god’s own love apple which is rich red in colour, the colour of love and has four chambers just like the human heart. Is it a coincidence that heart if for love and tomato is good for the heart? There is evidence to support the fact that tomatoes are loaded with lycopene which is considered as a heart and blood food.

Kidney beans (Kidney)

The kidney bean, otherwise called the chilli bean, with its dark red skin, is named for its visual resemblance in shape and colour to a kidney. They are also known as red beans, and these actually help heal and maintain kidney function.

Grapes (Lungs)

Lungs are made up of branches of smaller airways ending in tiny tissue bunches called alveoli. These resemble bunch of grapes which allows oxygen to pass from the lungs to the blood stream. The main reason for the struggle of survival of premature babies is that these alveoli do not begin to form until week 23 or 24 of pregnancy.

A diet high in fresh fruit, such as grapes, has been shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Grape seeds are also known to contain a chemical proanthocyanidin, which appears to reduce the severity of allergy induced asthma.

Celery (Bones)

Celery looks just like bones, doesn’t it. It specifically targets bone strength. Bones consist of 23 percent sodium as well as celery. It is said that if the body is malnourished with sodium, then the body utilises the sodium deposited in the bones, making them weak. Foods like celery replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Mushrooms (Ears)

A vertical section of a mushroom exactly in half looks like the human ear and guess what? It is known to actually improve your hearing due to existence of vitamin D which is important to maintain healthy bones, even the tiny ones in the ear that transmit sound to the brain.






Banana- Smile (LIPS)

Who would know that a banana would cheer you up and put a smile on your face? Research shows that this simple yet popular fruit contains a protein called tryptophan.

Once digested, digested it gets converted to serotonin, a neurotransmitter, which is one of the most important mood-regulating chemicals in the brain and most anti-depressant drugs work by adjusting levels of serotonin production. Higher levels are associated with better moods. So start eating bananas and stay happy.

Broccoli (Cancer)

When you closely look at the tiny green tips of a broccoli floret it looks exactly like a million cancer cells. Current research shows evidence of these green florets to be used in preventing the disease. A helping of broccoli for a week is shown to reduce prostate cancer by 45% amongst a study group.


Ginger (Stomach)

Commonly available root ginger often looks just like the stomach. So it’s interesting to know that one of its biggest benefits is aiding digestion. The Chinese have been using it for over 2,000 years to calm the stomach and cure nausea, while it is also a popular remedy for motion sickness.

Cheese (Bones)

Emmenthal, a nice holey Swiss cheese is not just tasty but also resembles the internal structure of bones.  It is also good for your bones due to the rich source of calcium and also reduces the risk of osteoporosis later in life. It also has another mineral phosphate, which mainly provides strength in bones an also helps to ‘power’ muscles. Getting enough calcium in the diet during childhood is crucial for strong bones. Now who said cheese is not good for you!

Avocadoes (Womb & cervix)

Avocado, when sliced into hald looks like an eye and has a strong resemblance to the female reproductive system, mainly the womb and the cervix is not just a coincidence. They are known to target their health and function as well. They have a high content of lutein which is known to help keep eyes healthy and prevent macular degeneration. . Avocados are high in folate which aids in healthy cell and tissue development – particularly needed during pregnancy. Research proves that eating one avocado a week balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancer. How interesting is this!  It takes exactly nine months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit as how a human child grows.

Figs (Male reproductive organ)

The figs have a strong resemblance physically to the male reproductive system. They are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow on a tree.  Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and are also known to increase the sperm count as well overcome male sterility. 

Sweet potatoes (Pancreas)

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and is known to balance the glycemic index of diabetics. All along we were told that diabetics should stay away from tubers, but why this consideration for sweet potatoes. Well, when you study this further, the sweet potatoes are known to have a medium glycemic index (61) and a low glycemic load (17)., thus maintaining a balance. Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant that protects all tissues of the body, including the pancreas, from damage associated with cancer or aging.

Olives (Ovaries)

Olives are known to resemble ovaries. It is shown to reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. Research also indicates that Olive Oil may reduce ovarian cancer by 30%.

Citrus fruits (Mammary glands)

Oranges, Grapefruits and other Citrus fruits comes under this category. They have always been compared to the appearance of the female mammary glands. They actually assist the well being of breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts. These fruits contain nutrients, specifically antioxidants that are helpful in the fight against breast cancer.

Onions (Skin)

Sliced onions resemble the body's skin cells. They are known to contain the flavonoid, Quercetin which supported by current research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

Strawberries (Heart)

Strawberry is the most delicious and nutritious fruit known to mankind. It is known to resemble the human heart and called the ‘Fruit of love’ and it is so rich in antioxidants and also has the ability to remove harmful toxins from the blood. This fruit is recommended for treatment of high blood pressure and blood purifier as it is consumed as skin cleansing food.




Red wine (Blood)

Wine is always considered as the taboo and is bad for health. Red wine which resembles human blood is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, specifically the powerful resveratrol. When you drink it, you're really loading up on the healthy stuff that protects the body against destructive things in the blood, like LDL cholesterol, which can cause heart disease. It is shown to have a blood-thinning compound in red wine, thereby reducing blood clots, which are associated with stroke and heart disease.

Hope this information was fruitful, pun intended. So next time you pick up a piece of fruit or a vegetable consider what part of your anatomy it resembles and you’ll find the nutrients contained in it will be most beneficial to your body.


References:

1. Chesley Johnson, Marion Saunders and Helen K. Mull,  The Effect of a Carrot Diet on Near-Sightedness,  The American Journal of Psychology Vol. 57, No. 1 (Jan., 1944), pp. 84-86 
2. ZHANG Qing-an, LI Jian-ke, LI Ze-zhen,  Effects of Walnut Oils Antioxidation Function on Liver and Brain of Mice,  Acta Nutrimenta Sinica, 2004-05 
4. A. Venket Rao, PhD and 
 
5. Sanjiv Agarwal, PhD, 
 Role of Antioxidant Lycopene in Cancer and Heart Disease,  Am Coll Nutr , October 2000 vol. 19 no. 5 563-569

7. Judy D. Sheeshka
 
8. ,
 
9.  
 
10. Donna M. Woolcott,
 
11. Neil J. Mackinnon. 
 Social Cognitive Theory as a Framework to Explain Intentions to Practice Healthy Eating Behaviors.  Journal of Applied Social Psychology, Volume 23, Issue 19, pages 1547–1573, October 1993

12. James Newton Heal A treatise on the physiological anatomy of the lungs 
13. Mehboob Hussain and Saleh Al Damegh,  Food Signs in Radiology, Int J Health Sci 2007 Jan 1 (1): 143-54.
14. Mary Jo Feeney, Mushrooms and Health Global Initiative Bulletin, Feb. 2008, Issue 1
15. Walkees et al, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Related Compounds in Bananas,  Science, 21 March 1958: Vol. 127 no. 3299 pp. 648-650
16. Butler, Shannon M., Inflammation enhanced colon cancer & natural anti-cancer plant compounds, MS thesis, Univ of Illinois
18. K.C. Srivastava, 
 
19. T. Mustafa, 
 Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders, Medical Hypotheses Volume 39, Issue 4, December 1992, Pages 342–348George Barrie,  X. Chronic (Non-Suppurative) Hemorrhagic Osteomyelitis,  Ann Surg. 1913 February; 57(2): 244–258.

20. C.H. Browner, Plants used for reproductive health in Oaxaca, Mexico, Economic botany, Vol 39, Number 4, 482-504
21. N Asano et al. Sugar-mimic glycosidase inhibitors: natural occurrence, biological activity and prospects for therapeutic application, TETRAHEDRON: ASYMMETRY REPORT NUMBER 48, Volume 11, Issue 8, 5 May 2000, Pages 1645–1680
22. NG Passalacqua, PM Guarrera, GDe Fine, Contribution to the knowledge of the folk plant medicine in Calabria region (Southern Italy), Fitoterapia, Vol 78 Issue 1, Jan 2007, p. 52-68
23. Ronco AL, ED Stefani, Hugo PD, Fruit intake and risk of breast cancer- A case-control study, Frontiers in Breast cancer research, p 157-86
25. J. O. W. Bland, 
 
26. Dorothy S. Russell, 
 Histological types of meningiomata and a comparison of their behaviour in tissue culture with that of certain normal human tissues, The Journal of Pathology and Bacteriology Volume 47, Issue 2, pages 291–309, September 1938

27. Paul E. Szmitko, BSc;  
     
    1. Subodh Verma, MD, PhD, 
     
    Red Wine and Your Heart, Circulation.2005; 111: e10-e11

Did u Know?????

When I was looking through the web today I found some very interesting facts which has to be shared. So this new post. Let me know how it looks and how many of you already know all this.

• Alien hand syndrome is an unusual neurological disorder, also known as Dr. Strange Love syndrome, where the sufferers arm seems to take a life of its own.
• Total weight of all the ants on earth is about the same as the weight of all the humans on earth. 
• Donald duck comics were once banned in Finland, as he doesn't wear pants. How strange is this.
• On an average, someone in the United States is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes. How sad...
• Anatidaephobia is the fear that somewhere in this world there is a duck watching you.
• There is enough fuel in the full tank of a jumbo jet to drive an average car four times around the world. How informative is that.
• Did you know that beetles taste like apples, wasps like pine nuts and worms like fried bacon.
• I read somewhere that mosquito repellents don't repel. They just work by hiding you. The sprays act by blocking the mosquitoes sensors so they have no clue you are there....
• It is said that if you remained calm for the first 90 seconds during a plane crash, you are more likely to survive. Wish we would remember that when such situation arises..
• Did you have a clue that a person will create so much saliva in a lifetime enough to fill two average sized swimming pools.
• Have you ever wondered why people or friends say "Bless you" when you sneeze. It is because your heart stops right there for a millisecond when you sneezed.
• Did u know that the bible has been translated to the alien language Klingon used in the Star trek series.
• According to suicide statistics, Monday is known to be the hot favourite for self-destruction. What a way to start the week.
• Will you have a sip of water from the bottle after reading this piece of information. A portion of water you are about to drink has already been consumed by someone else, not just once but over n over again.

Just so that you guys know, I would keep loading it and updating this post as and when I find something good to share.....

World is full of strange surprises and we say we have experienced everything

Treating asthma herbally!

Introduction

The vital role of plant kingdom makes the sustenance of life of mankind on this planet. Herbs have been the highly esteemed source of medicine throughout human history. They are widely used today and about 25-30 percent of today's prescription drugs contain chemicals derived from plants.

World Health Organization has recognized the potential of traditional and folk medicines in the management and self-reliance of health care system. Herbal therapy provides rational means for the treatment of many diseases such as respiratory problems, gastro-intestinal disorders, cardio-vascular illness, metabolic and degenerative diseases/disorders associated with the aging. 

Prologue

"Asthma" is a chronic lung disease characterized by a diminishing ability to easy breathing due to the obstruction  of the airways affecting the flow of air in and out of the lungs.

Herbs known to be used for asthma

Ayurveda is a long-standing tradition that offers a unique insight into comprehensive approach to asthma management through proper care of the respiratory tract. 

Long pepper (Piper longum)

Traditionally known as Pippali in Sanskrit, has been extensively used in Ayurveda and Unani medicines in the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma. It is believed that 1-2 teaspoonful three times a day for four weeks of an Ayurvedic formulation  containing P. longum showed relief for the symptoms of asthma.

Malabar nut (Adathoda vasica)

This shrub has a number of traditional medicinal uses. The active compound, vasicinone, showed bronchodilatory activity in vitro  and has been included in traditional preparations for the relief of cough, asthma and bronchitis.

Ginger (Zingiber  Officinale) 

A powerful natural expectorant and used widely in Chinese formulas, for coughs, colds, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pains associated with colds, edema and chronic bronchitis. The dried rhizome of ginger contains approximately 1–4% volatile oils which is considered to be a powerful natural anti allergy agent acting on the respiratory system. 

Black pepper (Piper Nigrum)

Piper Nigrum acts as a powerful anti convulsant and natural anti inflammation agent. Taken over a period of time it builds strong immunity against allergy. 

Indian ipecac (Tylophora asthmatica

A perennial plant native to south and east India and is official in Bengal pharmacopoeia. Traditionally, this has been used in the treatment of asthma, dermatitis and rheumatism. The plant has been described as bronchodilator, emetic, expectorant and diaphoretic.

Cardamon (Elatteria cardamom)This is a powerful natural anti inflammatory agent and an analgesic with significant cardiotonic properties. It heals the inflammation of respiratory tract. 

Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia)

This has been used as a diaphoretic, antipyretic and analgesic. Enhances expectoration of fluids in lungs. It has powerful anti edemic properties - prevents stagnation of fluids (mucous) in lungs.

Indian frankincense(Boswellia serrata) 

The active ingredient, boswellic acid blocks the leukotriene biosynthesis by inhibiting enzyme 5-lipoxygenase. There is no clinical documentation available on the effectiveness of boswellic acid in asthma, but the anti-leukotriene mechanism of this compound merits its inclusion in a new generation anti-asthmatic nutraceuticals.

Indian Ginseng (Withania Somnifera)

This is an anti stress herb possesing powerful anti inflammatory properties. It significantly reduces inflammation and blockages in respiratory tract. Taken over a period it builds immunity to allergic triggers. 

Imli (Tamarindus Indica) 

The plant has known to possess powerful anti inflammatory properties. It instantly relieves inflammation in lungs and respiratory tract. It builds strong immunity to allergy.

Cumin(Cuminum Cyminum) 

It acts as a powerful bronchodilator and a relaxant. It makes breathing easy and free of obstruction.  

Vibhitaka (Terminalia Bellerica)

This has proven to be an anti asthmatic, anti-spasmodic, expectorant and anti cough effects. It is commonly used to treat coughs and sore throat. 

Bichuti (Tragia involucrate)

This has powerful wound healing properties particularly in the respiratory tract. It heals the inflammation and polyps in the respiratory tract and acts as a powerful bronchodilator.

Manditti (Rubia Cordifolia)

This is a very powerful anti oxidant and free radical scavenger. It builds strong immunity to allergic triggers. It also has anti-inflammatory effect and prevents stagnation of fluids in lungs (expectorant).

Tulsi (ocimum sanctum)

Tulsi extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin preparations due to its antibacterial activity. For centuries, the dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.


Conclusion

Asthma is a frightening condition which can seriously impede one’s ability to breathe and suddenly rob the individual of its essential requirement i.e. oxygen. Herbs are considered as a rich source of therapeutic agents for prevention and treatment of asthma and its ailments. Though contribution of allopathic medicine for treating asthma cannot be under estimated, however it is also true that most of the drugs leave harmful/toxic side effects which is the major reason for the advances made in the field of alternative treatments for asthma which are comparatively cheap, easily available, relatively free from the problems of side effects, toxicity and developing resistance towards causative organisms.

Reference:

1. Nadkarni K. Indian Materia Medica vol 1, Bombay, India: Popular Prakashan, 1976:1252.
2. McFadden Jr., E.R. In; Harrison’s Principle of Internal Medicine, McGraw  Hill, New York, 13^th Edn., 1994 : 135–45
3. Serafin, W.E. Drug’s used in the Treatment of Asthma. In: Goodman Gillman A. (Eds.) The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, McGraw Hill; New York, 9^th Edn.,1996: 661.
4. Masoli, M., Holt, C., Weatherall, M. and Beasley, R. Curr. Allergy Asthma Resp., 2004; 2 : 123–131.
5. Galbraith, A., Bullock, S. and Manias, E., In; Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Health Professionals. Addison Valley Publishing Company, Sydney.1994 : 402.
6. Kirtikar, K.R. and Basu, B.D. Eds. Indian Medicinal Plants, Lalit Mohan Basu, Allahabad, India, Reprint 2^nd Edn., Vol.–III, 1993 : 1899–1901.