We all enjoy a little sweetness in our lives, yet there�s no getting away from the negative effects of sugar. A wealth of scientific evidence links this acidic poison to a legion of harmful consequences including immune system suppression, a rise in bad cholesterol, tooth decay, premature aging, a mal-absorption of nutrients, Candida growth, hormone imbalance and an increase in free-radicals. Sugar also contributes to obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, vision problems and migraines and is found to feed cancer cells. With no saving graces, sugar is highly deleterious to the systems of the body.

We crave sugar if our blood sugar levels are out of kilter. This occurs by consuming sugary foods and refined carbohydrates such as white flour that are quickly converted into sugar by the body. It's a catch 22; the more sugar you eat, the more you crave. Aside physical detriments, the highs and lows of sugar addiction cause mood swings, irritability and a loss of concentration.

Artificial sweetness such as aspartame and saccharine are dangerous alternatives which break down into hazardous toxins in the body. Methyl alcohol derived from aspartame, for example, converts into the neurotoxin and carcinogen formaldehyde and formic acid which has the chemical composition of ant venom. Formic acid is used commercially in products such as paint stripper.

The synthetic amino acids that compose aspartame � phenylalanine and aspartic acid are seriously poisonous. According to Dr. John Olney, a neuroscientist at Washington University, St. Louis, Aspartic acid (40% of aspartame) causes holes in the brains of mice. Further, phenylalanine (50% of aspartame) causes seizures and degrades into DKP, a tumor causing agent.

Aspartame has a staggering 92 official side effects and countless studies have linked it with damage to the nervous system and neurological problems. Saccharin even tells you on the package that their product can cause cancer.

Complaints about aspartame represent 80-85 per cent of all food complaints registered to the FDA. There is Strong statistical evidence which links aspartame to breast cancer. American Cancer Society figures show that breast cancer cases have doubled since 1981, the year aspartame was approved for use as a food additive.

What if there was a healthy alternative that not only tasted sweet but actually had positive effects on the body? Sound too good to be true?

Stevia is a natural sugar substitute, a healthy sweet food that, quite the opposite of sugar, can regulate blood sugar levels and improve stamina. Used for centuries in native Paraguay, stevia is now widely popular in Japan, where thorough testing has revealed its benevolent use as a sweetener. The glycosides in stevia that give it it�s sweet taste are not metabolised by the body so no calories are absorbed. Further more it hosts an array of healthy nutrients such as phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium and zinc, vitamins C and A, protein and fibre and, unlike sugar, does not cause the growth of unhealthy bacteria or fungi.

Stevia, in balancing blood sugar can actually alleviate cravings for sweet foods and has been observed to reduce the appetite if taken 15-20 minutes before eating. It has also been revealed as a diuretic that can help rid the body of excess fluid.

If looking for an alternative to sugar, this remarkable non-caloric herb is the ultimate sugar subsititute; healthy, tasty and sweet! Stevia can be found in liquid or powder form in many healthfood stores or online and there are numerous cook books available with stevia recipes.

Sweet vegetables such as carrots, butternut squash and sweet potatoes, and superfood fruits such as berries, papaya, figs and prunes rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, are also great substitutes when kicking the sugar habit. Vegetables high in fibre and healthy whole grains also serve to stabalise blood sugar levels and ensure a slow release of energy into the blood stream, dimishing the rushes and subsequent cravings associated with sugary foods and refined carbohydrates.

Copyright 2006 Sylvia Riley

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Medicine and treatment of diseases go a long long way back. This is true even of the medicinal herbs used to treat various ailments. The ancient Indian text, the Atharva Veda has many references to medicinal herbs and the various ways they can be used. In ancient times, as there was no standard treatment meted out to take care of ailing people, herbal medicine was put to considerable use.

Treating cuts and wound, treating diseases like malaria and typhoid and treating fevers fell within the purview of the herbal domain. Although people were unaware as to how these herbs actually functioned, they knew that they did provide relief from pain and had a soothing effect on the person who was suffering. This was the primary aim. Later on, when these herbs were boiled, distilled and purified, they were made into pills, which were more effective.

From the bark of the neem tree, which is used to strengthen gums and clean teeth, to its leaves, flowers and fruits that are used to treat various skin disorders, the neem tree is a typical example of medicated wonder. It has anti-bacterial properties, acts as a fungicide, and has been successfully used to cure eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff.

The basil or the 'tulsi' as it is commonly known in India, also has a history dating right into Indian culture. It has always been regarded as having purifying properties. A tea made from it's leaves is very effective in treating throat disorders. The paste made from basil leaves is used in poultices, which are used for wounds and skin disorders. While the seeds of the herb anise are used to tackle flatulence, colic and disturbances of the digestive tract, the herb arnica is used to reduce inflammation, heal bruises and cuts. Anise is a mild herb and is sometimes given to children to be used as an expectorant.

Cinnamon is a herb which almost acts like a catalyst hastening other remedies to work faster. It purifies the blood and also helps to combat infections. Cloves are herbs, which have immense value. The oil of the clove is used to tackle toothaches. They produce sweating when there is a fever and is used to treat whooping cough. The herb eucalyptus has wonderful medicinal properties. The oil is used as an antiseptic to treat gum disease and also prevents infections caused by burns. A mixture of the oil and leaves when steamed helps to cure sinusitis. The leaves and the oil act as insect repellants. Fenugreek is a herb which reduces infections in the lungs. Mixed with lemon and honey it brings down a fever and also supplies the body with nutrients. Like fenugreek, coriander is used as a spice and has medicinal value. It helps in digestion and increases the appetite. When made into a lotion, it is used for rheumatic pain. The oil is used in cosmetics.

Camphor oil made from camphor leaves has been used as an embalming fluid. The crystals have antiseptic and antispasmodic properties. Balms and liniments are used to counter rheumatic and back pain. As a chest rub, it is used to treat bronchitis and lung infections. Celery acts as a cleanser and a diuretic. Its seeds help to get rid of the waste accumulated in the body. Medicinal herbs have thus formed an inevitable part of our lives. There are more medicinal herbs than have been actually discovered, and the ones that have been discovered have uses and benefits beyond the ones that have been stipulated.

For more articles on ayurvedic herbs, visit Herbal.co.in.

Learn about home remedies commonly used in Indian ayurveda.

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