Medicinal Properties of the Flame Lilly

Gloriosa Superba . Known as Flame lilly in English, Kajongwe in Shona (Zimbabwe) and Unyawo in Ndebele is a plant which is the national flower of Zimbabwe and was the national flower of Rhodesia.It occurs naturally on tree and rock shades on hillsides in South Africa , Swaziland, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

Though chemical research has shown that the plant sap from the sterm and tuber is highly poisonous , It has medicinal properties when used correctly. It is claimed to have anthelminthic, Antiperiodic, Antiseptic, Pediculicide; Purgative, libacterial and Antiviral properties.

Accoding to the Tswana of Botswana, the sap from young leaves and leaf tips can applied onto the skin to treat acne and skin disorders . The fresh leaves are crushed and the sap extracted can be diluted with water for senitive skin, then applied to the affected areas.

In Zimbabwe the Flame lilly plant is used as a toothache relief remedy. Cut part of the tuber and boil in water. The water is then applied onto the affected tooth and pain is suppose to subside after a few minutes.

In certain parts in Africa, the plant is used to treat stomach worm problems, digestive disorders and sexually transmitted infections .

The Power Of the Lemon Bush

Lippia javanica , Lemon Plant (English) . Also knwn as Zumbani in Shona (Zimbabwe), Umsuzane in Xhosa (South Africa), Umsutane in SiSwati (Swaziland) is a plant with aromatic leaves and has been used in Africa for generations for its medicinal properties. The plant is purely African and generally grows all year round on grassland and stream banks.

Fresh leaves are sometimes used as a tea subtitute in many parts in Southern Africa. The herb is used to treat coughs, colds, fever and bronchitis, malaria, influenza and measles.

When the leaves and twigs are burned the smoke is said to be effective for treating cough and asthma.

Skin disorders, such as heat rash and other rashes, as well as scratches, stings and bites can also be treated. Here the tea is usually cooled and then applied like a lotion. Even lice and scabies can be treated with it.

The plant is grown as a windbreak on the edges of gardens.

A pesticide can be made from the crushed leaves and branches.

In Zimbabwe, it is used to wash hands when people are immediately from the grave to cleanse "evil spirits". When placed on top of a fresh grave, it is said that the plant protects the corpse from scarenging animals of the night.

Natural Hangover Remedies

Unless you subscribed to my feed, you know you have a hangover when you have nausea, vomiting , headaches , sensitivity to light and nose, and definitely thirst after a hard night out.

While the debase continues of whether hangover is preventable, its inevitable to have hangover once one consumes large amounts of alcohol. Here are a few tips you can quickly try.

1. Drink lots of water. Though it might not be pleasant, this has proven to be the most reliable method. Preferably before going to sleep, drink at least two glasses of water. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect due to the increased urine production during drinking .Dehydration is the cause of headaches and dry mouth .

2. Electrolytes . Cream, coffee, oysters, chili peppers, and aspirin are common, occasionally helpful hangover remedies. And again here the idea is to retain the fluids in the body so water should accompany those remedies.

3.Exercise . It has been proven that a light exercise after intoxication can be helpful.

3. Food .Simple consumption of foods such as eggs, which contain cysteine, may be enough to replenish lost moisture and at least rehydrate the body cells , making a hangover shorter.

4. Peanut butter. Where I come from it is generally believed peanut butter is the best remedy for hangover.

Cream, coffee, oysters, chili peppers, and aspirin are common, occasionally helpful hangover remedies
Cream, coffee, oysters, chili peppers, and aspirin are common, occasionally helpful hangover remedies

Can beer cause acne?

More often than not, many people have complained of breaking out after a night out of heavy drinking and the biggest question that's been asked is. Does beer cause Acne ?. While studies have shown no direct link between beer and acne it certain Indivisuals have developed pimples a day o two after drinking beer.

One line of thought is that certain people may have an allergy to all the yeast in beer. This allergy could lead to a number of things, including your skin drying out and therefore developing acne or some other sort of blemish. The yeast isn’t going to directly cause acne, but the toxicity of it relative to your body will since you are allergic to it and therefore your body views it as a toxin.

If you are one of the people who consumes the nation’s favorite yeast-rich tipple ( Hansa, Heineken, Castle, Amstel) , there might be fringe benefits. Brewer's yeast is rich in B vitamins, which are needed to maintain the nervous system, and metabolize your food. It’s also good for the complexion — so some drinking may help alleviate those acne and spots. But, too much beer increases the body’s vitamin requirements, especially B1 (Thiamine). Excess thiamine is excreted through the skin resulting in breakouts in people with vulnerable skin and change a person's body odor. Most excess thiamine however is excreted in the urine.

Ciders contain high amout of sugar and in my previous article talked about the link between diet and acne. Beer is made with ingredients which contain complex carbohydrates, therefore have a high glycemic index which may result in acne breakout.Wine is known to lower your blood sugar, because of the acidity and therefore less acne.

Looking at the points above its important to note that it depends on the individual's metabolism and its important to investigate to find your link to beer and acne.