Herb of the Month: Turmeric

In this month’s issue of Better Nutrition (aka “The Medicine Hunter”) discusses the health benefits of turmeric. “A large body of science shows that curcumin, a compound in turmeric root, possesses significant healing properties and is chiefly responsible for the herb’s overall healing powers,” writes Kilham in the article. Turmeric has a long Ramuan tradition, so we thought it would be helpful to give you a breakdown of this mystical herb.

Basics: Turmeric or kunyit in Malay, is one of the oldest and most important herb-cum-spice species. Its ancient and modern usages include being an ingredient in folk medicine, food flavoring, dye and even religious and ritual ceremonies since 600 B.C., according to Herbs of Malaysia. A perennial herb native to Southeast Asia, turmeric is currently cultivated commercially in India, China, Indonesia and Indochina. The plant grows about one meter tall and has aromatic, light green leaves with sharp, pointed tips. Turmeric is extensively used throughout the world to flavor, color and increase the quality of preserved foods.

Uses: Turmeric can be applied to the body for an array of skin and eye conditions. The essential oil of turmeric is used in perfumes, and its resin is used as a flavoring and coloring ingredient in foods. In traditional medicine, turmeric is used for a variety of stomach and digestive system conditions. Turmeric is also the main spice used in many curry dishes.

Health benefits: Medicinally, its chemicals are known for maintaining healthy inflammatory response. For these reasons, it is traditionally used in treating immune health and kidney function. Turmeric also promotes normal bile secretion, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and addresses post partum discomfort. 

Turmeric, 3 Ways:

1. Boost your sexual energy. Ukup kering—or dry herbal steam—uses freshly pounded turmeric, black seed and lime juice for strengthening and toning up vaginal and cervical muscles. Mix fair parts of each to create your own mix.
2. Settle your stomach. According to WebMD, taking 500 mg of turmeric four times daily helps soothe upset stomach.
3. Spice up your meal. An important spice in Asian cuisine, turmeric is one of the most popular ingredients in curry dishes. Don’t be afraid to get creative, either—turmeric can also be sprinkled over pasta sauce and salad dressing, or sprinkled on meats such as roasted chicken. Try this recipe.

Have you ever used turmeric to spice up a dish or taken the herb as a dietary supplement? Do you know of other turmeric health benefits? Feel free to leave us a comment! 

Stress Fighting Foods – Ramuan Style

Now that fall is officially here, an onslaught of stresses may return as quickly as they disappeared on your summer vacay. If you’re someone who turns to food in times of stress, don’t worry. You can use this to your advantage for boosting your health, and not your waistline. 

According to David Zinczenko, author of Eat This, Not That, you should eat when you’re stressed – it’s our bodies’ “natural reaction to want to store calories to face whatever challenge is causing the stress in the first place.” Inspired by one of his recent Yahoo! Health articles, we’re going to provide you with some stress fighting foods – in true Ramuan fashion, of course.

1. Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a tropical “superfruit,” native to the Malay Peninsula. Mangosteen is revered in Southeast Asia for its rare flavor, which is a cross between a passion fruit and a peach; and it is often eaten as a dessert fruit or made into jams. According to Health and Beauty from the Rainforest, Mangosteen has been found to contain potent antioxidants known as xanthones, which help support the immune system.

2. Green tea

Made with steamed tea leaves, green tea contains EGCG and has been widely studied. Green tea’s natural compounds promotes cell health, supports cardiovascular health, supports caloric burning and combats oxidative stress. How’s that for stress relief?

3. Bananas

The Malays refer to it as, “Pisang.” This popular and simple fruit contains a wonderful combination of natural sugars, magnesium (a stress relieving mineral) and potassium that supports immune health. Serotonin is a powerful natural hormone that excites the brain and makes one feel great. The natural vitamins and minerals found in bananas—which include vitamins B6, K, C and iron—also help keep the nervous system in tip-top condition, plus support immune health, vitality and general health. So when taking on your next big task, why not stock up on a few bunches to help boost your mood? 

If you're feeling stressed, how do you keep yourself from reaching for that piece of pizza or can of diet soda? Do you have any go-to healthy foods besides the three we mentioned?  (There are plenty more!) 

75 Ways to Be Your Healthiest Ever

Source: WebMD and Good Housekeeping


From its first year of publication, Good Housekeeping has urged readers to live healthfully--to take "a walk before breakfast" (1885), "eat more fish" (1932), and get "at least eight hours of sleep" (1933). The tips here, whether from the early days or fresh from the latest journals, have one thing in common: they are based on the best expertise of their time. 

In collaboration with Good Housekeeping this month, WebMD offers its "75 Ways to Be Your Healthiest Ever," which covers everything from oral hygiene and burning calories to yoga, ginger and the importance of... sweat. It's an interesting mix of health tips...but that's what Living Ramuan is all about: intelligent blending for improved health and balance. [Read full article]

Many Women Have Low Libido, But Few Seek Help

Source: USA Today

She’s just not that into …doing it. Waning interest in sex is the most common sexual health issue among women, according to an article in USA Today over the weekend. The article cites a 2006 PRESIDE (Prevalence of Female Sexual Problems Associated with Distress and Determinants of Treatment Seeking) study, which found that low libido affects 38.7 percent of females. Yet surprisingly, few are actually reaching out to get help. While no FDA-approved medication can currently treat the condition, health experts say some promising drugs are on the horizon, and alternative therapies can prove effective. But to receive treatment, women need to be willing to take the first step and talk about it in the first place—something that the majority of them aren’t really doing. USA Today delves deeper into the issue. [Read full article]

Get Empowered About Your Health

The New York Times’ "Well" blog recently featured a Q&A with Elizabeth Cohen, a longtime CNN medical correspondent and patient who wrote a new book called, “The Empowered Patient.” In the Q&A, Cohen talks about her experiences with the health care system, and answers questions such as, “Do patients really have the power to take their health into their own hands?” Becoming an “empowered patient” might mean asking difficult questions or being “a bad patient,” according to Cohen. But it could also mean insisting on a second opinion or seeking out alternative therapies or holistic remedies.

Many patients today are turning to alternative treatments, which are typically defined as “any form of therapy not taught widely in medical schools” or that “have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the U.S.,” according to WebMD. In 2007, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or CAM, reported that approximately 38 percent of adults used CAM. Last year, the American Medical Association  also reported that nearly 40 percent of adults and 12 percent of children in the U.S. use herbal supplements, meditation, chiropractic services or acupuncture. What these numbers seem to indicate is that 1) an increasing number of patients are more than willing to take charge of their health and become informed consumers of health products, and 2) people are looking for natural wellness solutions that have historical, cultural and scientific basis.

With so many alternative therapies and herbal solutions available today, how do you get empowered about your health? The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine offers several suggestions as a starting point, but there are other ways to take charge of your own healing. In what ways have you become an empowered patient this year? 

11 Warning Signs of Low Testosterone

Source: CBS News Health

Whether it's on the basketball court, golf course or at an after-work happy hour, it's rare to spend time with a group of men without hearing at least one joke about testosterone deficiency. But to the estimated five million men who are affected by male menopause, it is no laughing matter. The latest research suggests that guys without enough testosterone face a higher risk of several serious illnesses, including diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. A simple blood test can reveal whether a guy has low "T," but there are plenty of other clues that a problem exists.

In a follow-up to last Friday's post about the rise of male menopause, here are CBS News' 11 warning signs of low testosterone to help educate and encourage more men to take control of their own sexual health. [Read full article]. 

Male Menopause on the Rise

Source: CBS News Health

Think women are the only ones forced to cope with hormonal changes in midlife? Think again. Experts say more than five million men experience the effects of hypogonadism, also known as male menopause. The condition is no easy feat for them, either—on top of a waning sexual drive and erectile dysfunction, other symptoms include mood swings, fatigue and reduced muscle mass. Today, CBS News discusses the increasingly prevalent male disorder supplemented with a bit of medical insight. [Read this article]

Ramuan Celebrates National Yoga Month!

September is officially National Yoga Month, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to remind you about the many benefits of yoga. At the very least, we hope to inspire you to lead a healthier, more balanced life this month.

What’s the Ramuan Connection?

Yoga means “union” or “to join together” in Sanskrit. It is an important part of the Ayurvedic medical tradition, and has ties to Malaysian health traditions, including Ramuan.

From the earliest Indian presence on the Malay Peninsula, yoga has been an abiding presence. Much like yoga, the Malays themselves have long practiced traditional exercise that is a series of bodily movements combined with breathing techniques known as senaman asak badan. Many of the postures resemble elements from the natural world—for example, bending tree, tiger, snake, warrior and blowing flute pose. In many ways, yoga, Ayurveda and Ramuan have the same goal: the mind-body-soul balance.

What Are The Benefits?

Those who practice yoga can benefit from increased flexibility, strength and posture, but Charaka Samhita (the preeminent Ayurvedic text) also mentions yoga as being helpful in removing tension, improving digestion and integrating bodily and mental functions.

How Can You Celebrate National Yoga Month?

It’s never too late to start the practice of yoga, but perhaps you need a little incentive. For the month of September, try the One Week Free Yoga Card, redeemable at over 1,000 participating studios nationwide. Low on gear? Snag a new yoga mat by taking advantage of celebratory discounts, such as YogaDirect’s current deal for 25 percent off all eco-friendly products or this 20 percent off coupon code for Lucy merchandise. And for inspiration on the go, you can also download Women’s Health’s Hot Body Yoga iPhone app to try out new poses and techniques any time you want. Don’t be afraid to take matters into your own hands for boosting the well-being of your mind, body and spirit this month!

Ramuan’s GNC Gift Certificate Twitter Giveaway

Start fall off the healthy way—with your favorite vitamins and supplements from GNC Stores! Biotropics Ramuan has officially launched its GNC Gift Certificate Twitter Giveaway, which will run from today, September 1 to September 15, 2010. The prize? We will be awarding the winner with a shiny new gift certificate at a retail value of $50 U.S. dollars, valid at GNC Stores nationwide. Here is how to enter:

1. Follow us @RamuanHealth on Twitter.
   
2. Submit your answer to this question, “What Ramuan Health product contains a pure, patented Tongkat Ali extract to promote sexual vitality in men?” via @reply.

The selected winner will be chosen at random from all correct responses on September 15. (No purchase necessary.) Good luck!

For the official contest rules, click here.