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I never listen to the stories on the radio... but I dont mind reading them..heeh...BUKAN SERAM.. TAPI SEGANNNN :p
Saturday, 31 January 2009
BETEL LEAVES - DAUN SIRIH
Origin, Distribution and Composition
The betel plant is a slender, aromatic creeper, rooting at the nodes. The branches of the plant are swollen at the nodes. The plant has alternate, heart-shaped, smooth, shining and long-stalked leaves, with pointed apex. It has five to seven ribs arising from the base; minute flowers and one-seeded spherical small berries. The use of betel leaf can be traced as far back as two thousand years. It is described in the most ancient historic book of Sri Lanka, Mahavasma, written in Pali.
Betel is a native of central and eastern Malaysia. It spread at a very early date throughout tropical Asia and later to Madagascar and East Africa. In India, it is widely cultivated in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Offering betel morsel (pan-supari) to guests in Indian subcontinent is a common courtesy.
An analysis of the betel leaf shows it to consist of moisture 85.4 per cent, protein 3.1 per cent, fat 0.8 per cent, minerals 2.3 per cent, fiber 2.3 per cent and carbohydrates 6.1 per cent per 100 grams. Its minerals and vitamin contents are calcium, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C. Its calorific value is 44.
Recent studies have shown that betel leaves contain tannins, sugar and diastases and an essential oil. The essential oil is a light yellow liquid of aromatic odor and sharp burning in taste. It contains a phenol called chavicol which has powerful antiseptic properties. The alkaloid arakene in it, has properties resembling cocaine in some respects.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
Betel leaf has been used from ancient times as an aromatic stimulant and anti-flatulent. It is useful in arresting secretion or bleeding and is an aphrodisiac. Its leaf is used in several common household remedies.
Scanty or Obstructed Urination
Betel leaf juice is credited with diuretic properties. Its juice, mixed with dilute milk and sweetened slightly, helps in easing urination.
Weakness of Nerves
Betel leaves are beneficial in the treatment of nervous pains, nervous exhaustion and debility. The juice of a few betel leaves, with a teaspoon of honey, will serve as a good tonic. A teaspoon of this can be taken twice a day.
Headache
The betel leaf has analgesic and cooling properties. It can be applied with beneficial results over the painful area to relieve intense headache.
Respiratory Disorders
Betel leaves are useful in pulmonary affection in childhood and old age. The leaves, soaked in mustard oil and warmed, may be applied to the chest to relieve cough and difficulty in breathing.
Constipation
In the case of constipation in children, a suppository made of the stalk of betel leaf dipped in castor oil can be introduced in the rectum. This instantly relieves constipation.
Sore Throat
Local application of the leaves is effective in treating sore throat. The crushed fruit or berry should be mixed with honey and taken to relieve irritating cough.
Inflammation
Applied locally, betel leaves are beneficial in the treatment of inflammation such as arthritis and orchitis, that is inflammation of the testes.
Wounds
Betel leaves can be used to heal wounds. The juice of a few leaves should be extracted and applied on the wound. Then a betel leaf should be wrapped over and bandaged. The wound will heal up with a single application within 2 days.
Boils
The herb is also an effective remedy for boils. A leaf is gently warmed till it gets softened, and is then coated with a layer of castor oil. The oiled leaf is spread over the inflamed part. This leaf has to be replaced, every few hours. After a few applications, the boil will rupture draining all the purulent matter. The application can be made at night and removed in the morning.
Lumbago
A hot poultice of the leaves or their juice mixed with some bland oil such as refined coconut oil can be applied to the loins with beneficial results in lumbago.
Problem of Breast Milk Secretion
The application of leaves smeared with oil is said to promote secretion of milk when applied on the breasts during lactation.
Precautions: Cancer of the mouth and lips has been found to be more frequent in areas where the betel chewing habit is widely prevalent. Other ill-effects of pan-chewing like dyspepsia, pyorrhea, cancer of the tongue and cheeks have also been observed amongst excessive chewers.
Other Uses
Aphrodisiac: Pan-supari, especially the pan, is prescribed by Ayurvedic physicians as an aphrodisiac. Partly owing to its deodorant, aphrodisiac, and invigorating properties, pan-supari came to form a part of the ritual with which a wife welcomed her husband.
The betel leaves are chewed together with betel nut as a masticatory. In its simplest form, sliced betel nut is wrapped in a betel leaf, smeared with lime and chewed. Often though, a clove and other spices such as cinnamon and cardamom are added. When chewed after meals, it sweetens the breath and acts as a gentle stimulant
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Can I? Or Not?
For the past few days I've been so dead tired. Still am..
Told hb about my day on Wednesday and at the end of it all... he said... we need a maid..hmmm...
Now that Azirul has started his tuition at Tampines St 21, about 20minutes walk from my place, I suddenly felt so damn tired. Not so much of housework that tires me but fetching the kids from school /tuition is taking its toll on me. Worst, my asthma is back... whenever I am tired.. it will pay me a visit.. haizzz....
The funny part is.. last few days... i was rushing to pick Aaron from school. Pushed the stroller to the lift... instead of pressing the button, I knocked on the lift door... waakakakkakaka... like... anybody in???? Open the damn door pls... hahahahaha.
SMSed hb about the joke. He laughed and said that we need a maid or at least a part time helper to help me out. I asked him if he is afraid that I wil go crazy. He said.. You are much stronger than that... but I dont want to see you like this.
I don't know...I really don't know if I should or not. I'm still sore over what happened with the previous maids. Phobia pun ada actually.
Should I wait for few more months before deciding??
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
PSORIASIS
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition. There are five types, each with unique signs and symptoms. Between 10% and 30% of people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called “psoriatic arthritis,” which causes inflammation of the joints.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which appears as patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale. These patches, or plaques, frequently form on the elbows, knees, lower back,
and scalp. However, the plaques can occur anywhere on the body.
The other types are guttate psoriasis (small, red spots on the skin),
pustular psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin), inverse psoriasis (smooth, red lesions form in skin folds), and erythrodermic psoriasis (widespread redness, severe itching, and pain).
Regardless of type, psoriasis usually causes discomfort. The skin often itches, and it may crack and bleed. In severe cases, the itching and discomfort may keep a person awake at night, and the pain can make everyday tasks difficult.
Psoriasis is a chronic, meaning lifelong, condition because there is currently no cure. People often experience flares and remissions throughout their life. Controlling the signs and symptoms typically requires lifelong therapy.
Treatment depends on the severity and type of psoriasis. Some psoriasis is so mild that the person is unaware of the condition. A few develop such severe psoriasis that lesions cover most of the body and hospitalization is required. These represent the extremes. Most cases of psoriasis fall somewhere in between.
Who Gets Psoriasis
More than 4.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with psoriasis, and approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. An estimated 20% have moderate to severe psoriasis.
Psoriasis occurs about equally in males and females. Recent studies show that there may be an ethnic link. It seems that psoriasis is most common in Caucasians and slightly less common in African Americans. Worldwide, psoriasis is most common in Scandinavia and other parts of northern Europe. It appears to be far less common among Asians and is rare in Native Americans.
There also is a genetic component associated with psoriasis. Approximately one-third of people who develop psoriasis have at least one family member with the condition.
Research shows that the signs and symptoms of psoriasis usually appear between 15 and 35 years of age. About 75% develop psoriasis before age 40. However, it is possible to develop psoriasis at any age. After age 40, a peak onset period occurs between 50 and 60 years of age.
About 1 in 10 people develop psoriasis during childhood, and psoriasis can begin in infancy. The earlier the psoriasis appears, the more likely it is to be widespread and recurrent.
Psoriatic arthritis develops in roughly one million people across the United States, and 5% to 10% experience some disability. Psoriatic arthritis usually first appears between 30 and 50 years of age — often months to years after skin lesions first occur. However, not everyone who develops psoriatic arthritis has psoriasis. About 30% of people who get psoriatic arthritis never develop the skin condition.
Causes
Psoriasis may be one of the oldest recorded skin conditions. It was probably first described around 35 AD. Some evidence indicates an even earlier date. Yet, until recently, little was known about psoriasis.
While scientists still do not fully know what causes psoriasis, research has significantly advanced our understanding. One important breakthrough began with the discovery that kidney-transplant recipients who had psoriasis experienced clearing when taking cyclosporine. Since cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive medication, this indicates that the immune system is involved.
Immune Mediated. Researchers now believe that psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition. This means the condition is caused by faulty signals in the body’s immune system. It is believed that psoriasis develops when the immune system tells the body to over-react and accelerate the growth of skin cells. Normally, skin cells mature and are shed from the skin’s surface every 28 to 30 days. When psoriasis develops, the skin cells mature in 3 to 6 days and move to the skin surface. Instead of being shed, the skin cells pile up, causing the visible lesions.
Genes. Researchers have identified genes that cause psoriasis. These genes determine how a person’s immune system reacts. These genes can cause psoriasis or another immune-mediated condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes. The risk of developing psoriasis or another immune-mediated condition, especially diabetes or Crohn’s disease, increases when a close blood relative has psoriasis.
Family History. Some people who have a family history of psoriasis never develop this condition. Research indicates that a “trigger” is needed. Stress, skin injuries, a strep infection, certain medications, and sunburn are some of the known potential triggers. Medications that can trigger psoriasis are anti-malarial drugs, beta-blockers (medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions), and lithium. Dermatologists have seen psoriasis suddenly appear after a person takes one of these medications, gets a strep infection, or experiences another trigger.
Psoriasis research continues to accelerate at a rapid pace and will continue to advance our knowledge of what causes psoriasis.
Quality of Life
All types of psoriasis, ranging from mild to severe, can affect a person’s quality of life. Living with this lifelong condition can be physically and emotionally challenging.
Itching, soreness, and cracked and bleeding skin are common. Nail psoriasis can be painful. Even the simple act of squeezing a tube of toothpaste can hurt. One woman described her psoriasis as feeling like “a bad sunburn that won’t go away.”
Several studies have shown that people often feel frustrated. In some cases, psoriasis limits activities and makes it difficult to perform job responsibilities. The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that 56 million work hours are lost each year by those who have psoriasis. Additionally, a survey conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation in 2002 indicates that 26% of people living with moderate to severe psoriasis have been forced to change or discontinue their normal daily activities.
Studies also have shown that stress, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem are part of daily life for people living with psoriasis. One study found that thoughts of suicide are three times higher for psoriatics than the general population.
Embarrassment is another common feeling. Imagine getting your hair cut and noticing that the stylist or barber is visibly uncomfortable. What if you extended your hand to someone and the person recoiled? How would you feel if you spent most of your life trying to hide your skin?
Treatment Advances Improve Outlook
With the emergence of several new therapies, including the biologic agents, more people are experiencing substantial improvements and reporting a greatly improved quality of life.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
LET'S DO OUR PART
SPECIAL COLLECTION
FOR HUMANITARIAN RELIEF EFFORT IN GAZA
The Rahmatan lil Alamin (Blessings-To-All) Committee established by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) will coordinate a special fund-raising effort in aid of the affected victims of the on-going conflict in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, in which many innocent civilian lives have been lost due to the ensuing violence.
2. The Rahmatan lil Alamin Fund will be collected through :
i) donation boxes placed at all 69 mosques starting today, Saturday, 10 January 2009. The boxes will be marked "Special Collection For Humanitarian Relief Effort in Gaza”.
ii) Donation in cash, by cheque as well as online. The cheque should be made payable to “MUIS” with the words “Humanitarian Relief Effort in Gaza” written on its back. The cash and cheques can be delivered to the Muis Headquarters at No 1, Lorong 6, Toa Payoh, Singapore 319376. Online contributions can be made through the Muis' E-services (Donation) website. For further clarification, you may also contact Muis at 6359 1199 during officer hours.
3. In addition to the above effort, the Harmony Centre is also collaborating with other faith organizations to raise donations to support this humanitarian cause. More information on this will be issued later.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
OFFICIALLY....
MAIDLESS! This is the 2nd week I am without a maid.
Malas bebenor nak citer pasal maid ni. Betul punya malas... But I have decided that I am not taking any maid at the moment. Maybe next year ke... next 2 year ke... dunno lah.
At the moment, I am happy and managing my time well. Unlike when our good maid left for home in July. I was kancheong. I could not manage the housework, the work and the kids. But this time, Alhamdulillah I am able to do it. InsyaAllah things will be better for me.
I have thought about it many times, abt getting a new maid but at the end of it all.. i have decided... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! NOT WORTH IT!!!! BUAT BAIK PUN TAK GUNA PAT DORANG NI TAUUUU!!! hahahahah.
So I rather use that money to give my baby an education. ekkekeke. We registered him in the Montesorri Integrated Program class for 3 hours (Monday to Friday) where our money will be berbaloi... wakakaka.
Today is his 5th lessons. He is picking up fast and adjusting himself well in class... the only one in class... actually. But he gets to mix with older kids - 3 to 5 yrs old for other activities.So every morning, I will sent Ashraf and Aaron to school. Go home to cook, clean, check my emails and ahemm.. today I had a short nap.. hahah. Picked Aaron up from school at 11.30am and then Ashraf at 12noon. Went to coffee-shop, bought chicken rice and fed them before sending Ashraf to his Montessori Class at 12.30pm. Went home, showered Aaron and put him to sleep. I am not complaining... I am contented.
Amirul and Azirul are back now from school. Showered, prayed and finished lunch. Now doing homework while I check and reply emails. Later at 3.15pm will go pick Ashraf from school. This will be my chores everyday. Yes, I do feel tired but no heart ache. Weekend, boys and hb wash the toilets.
I am doing my own cleaning, washing and ironing. At my own pace. Whenever I like... as long as my house is clean... I am happy. I pray that Allah gives me the strength and health to do what I like... for my family.
Friends, please pray for me too... thanks!!!!
Monday, 5 January 2009
4th Son - Aaron Ashfiq's 2nd Birthday
| Start: | May 16, '09 12:00a |
| Location: | Home sweet home |
Aaron Ashfiq, happy birthday darling. May Allah always protect you, shower you with blessings, love, health and all good things. AMin
3rd Son - Amir Ashraf's 6th Birthday
| Start: | May 14, '09 12:00a |
| Location: | Home sweet home |
Semoga menjadi anak yg soleh, baik, dipanjangkan umur, dimurahkan rezeki dan berjaya dlm hidup... Amin
1st Son - Amirul Haqqim's 12th Birthday
| Start: | Feb 21, '09 12:00a |
| Location: | Home sweet home |
Semoga dipanjangkan umur, dimurahkan rezeki, dan menjadi anak yg soleh dan berjaya dlm hidup.
2nd Son Azirul Haqqim's 10th Birthday
| Start: | Feb 5, '09 12:00a |
| Location: | Home sweet home |
Thursday, 1 January 2009
First Day of School... wohhoooo
Yes! Today is the First Day of School and Momma is very happy! Happy because she is alone at home in the morning. hahahah... but come afternoon... her headache will start!!!!
Today is Aaron's first day in school too! Sent him to school this morning at 8.30am and left while he was keeping himself busy with the toys. Will be picking him up in 10 minutes time. Wonder how he behave in class today. Not that there is any other kids with him... he is the only one in class and I hope he will not get bored.
Oh ya.. I visited Shaikha and her baby on 30th December. Her baby is so adorable! MasyaAllah. Like mother lah... pretty! Will upload her baby's photo later....
Til then.... adios!
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