Wise Mom Says

Wise Mom Says: Secrets of a Super Mom – Revealed!

Gotu Kola And Its Health Benefits


Gotu kola is now becoming more popular, and its health benefits are well known throughout the world. With the health trend now on herbal and other natural medicines, most people have known the therapeutic value and health benefits of gotu kola.

gotu kola centella asiaticaGotu kola is a medicinal herb that thrives in India, China, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Indonesia, and other tropical countries. This herb, also known as “centella asiatica”, thrives well in places with good water supply and much sunlight.

Gotukola is rich in vitamins A, B, E, and K. It also contains magnesium which is crucial to many body functions such as energy production, protein formation, and cellular replication.

Otherwise called as Gotu cola is called “Brahmi” in Sanskrit, which means “wisdom” or “consciousness”.  This herb is very good in boosting memory and intelligence because it increases blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain. Gotukola re-vitalizes the brain and the nervous system, increases attention span, and improves concentration. It is also used to treat depression and anxiety.

Gotukola is a good nerve tonic. Like gingko biloba and lecithin, gotu kola dissolves and unclogs the cholesterol in blood vessels, thus improving blood circulation in the body, and supplying more oxygen to the brain for good memory and intelligence.

This cholesterol-dissolving property of gotu kola makes it good for the treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency. This also makes gotu kola as a good herb for lowering high blood pressure.

Gotu kola is good in the treatment of wounds, and for acetic acid- induced gastric ulcers. It is also good for the treatment of skin rashes, itching, redness, thick skin, and other skin diseases such as psoriasis and leprosy.

It has powerful antioxidant properties. It increases the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. This herb is called  “miracle elixir of life” because of its anti-aging and rejuvenating properties that promote youthfulness and longevity. A legend is told of Chinese herbalists who lived up to more than 200 years because of their taking raw gotu kola.

Gotu kola neutralizes blood acids and cools  the blood, making it good for fevers and inflammations. It is a blood purifier, and is good for heart and liver functions. Gotu kola is used to treat rheumatism, blood diseases, connective tissue disorders, schizophrenia, kidney stones, and poor appetite.

Gotucola has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat syphilis, hepatitis, diarrhea, epilepsy, asthma, mental fatigue, and insomnia.

Gotu kola has many health benefits. Some herbalist used it to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Most adults eat the raw leaves of gotu kola daily to prevent dementia and other memory-related problems due to old age.

Dangers of MSG


Most people are not aware of the dangers of MSG. Monosodium glutamate or MSG is a toxic substance that is used as an enhancer in almost all processed foods. It was first discovered in  1908 by Kikunae Ikeda of Tokyo Imperial University. He isolated this flavor from seaweed broth and called it monosodium glutamate. Ikeda patented MSG in 1909 through the help of Ajinomoto Corporation of Japan, and from then on, it became the most popular food flavor in the name of Ajinomoto.

Monosodium glutamate is an excitotoxin like aspartame, and caffein. Like all excitotoxins, it is very dangerous to the body especially the brain and the nervous system. It causes brain tumors, brain cancers, and many more different disease.

Some of the consumers are now aware of the harmful effects of monosodium glutamate, and because of this, the manufacturers of MSG are hiding its name in euphemised names such as hydrolyzed protein, textured protein, yeast extract, sodium caseinate, glutamate, calcium caseinate, yeast nutrient, yeast food,  autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) , hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP), and others.

Hydrolyzed protein is made from rotten vegetables. This decaying vegetables are boiled in a vat of acids. After the acid bath, the veggie-acid slurry is then neutralized with caustic soda. The proteins then coagulate into a brown sludge, solidifies as a sludge mat on the surface of the vat. This brown sludge is dried up and powdered and sold as hydrolyzed protein.

MSG disrupts the endocrine relationship between the meta-thermoregulatory modulators like neuropeptide Y (NPY) and leptin and their target tissue, reducing the thermogenicity of brown fat while suppressing the food intake (hypophagia). This means that MSG will make you to gain weight even when you decrease your caloric intake.

Glutamic acid is one of the amino acids that are the building blocks of protein occurring naturally in tomatoes, milk and mushrooms. This natural glutamate in plants and animals is called L-glutamic acid. Nomal digestive process breaks this natural or “bound” glutamic acid, and then delivered to glutamate receptors in our body and brain. Broken this way, it is harmless, but when it is processed (autolyzed, hydrolyzed, modified or fermented with strong chemicals, bacteria or enzyme, it becomes “free” , modified and harmful. MSG is 78.2% glutamate, 12.2% sodium, and 9.6% water. This ‘”free” glutamic acid contains d-glutamic acid, L-glutamic acid,  pyroglutamic acid, and other contaminants which are not found in natural glutamic acids in plants and animals.

The following are some of the symptoms of MSG toxicity: swelling of hands, numbness or paralysis, mouth lesions, atrial fibrillation, rise or drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, angina, vomiting,  heart palpitation, stomach cramps, painful rectum, spastic colon, joint pains, muscle aches, water retention, shortness of breath, mental dullness, tightness of chest, depression, runny nose and sneezing, loss of memory, dizziness, anxiety,  extreme dryness of mouth, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s, insomnia, infertility, gall bladder problems, kidney pain, aching teeth, skin rash, tinnitus or Meniere’s disease, , slurred speech, balance problem, obesity, brain tumors and cancers, chronic cough, asthma, ALS, ADD, ADHD, diabetes, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, pituitary tumors, hypoglycemia.

Health Benefits In Listening To Mozart


There are health benefits in listening to Mozart. Most of Mozart’s pieces are now confirmed by scientists to have beneficial health effects on the brain and to the whole body in general.

Some studies showed that listening to Mozart can help epileptics. Seizures were significantly reduced after listening to a Mozart piece for 45 minutes a day.

This “Mozart effect” is also said to enhance fetal development, improve mathematical seliminates, learning, and increase the spatial IQ. It was also noted that listening to Mozart reduces stress, and arthritic pains, and improves eyesight.

The original research on Mozart-effect looked at how the K448 piano sonata affects the  spatial IQ of a person. Volunteers were instructed to visualize correctly the unfolded shape of a piece of paper that had been folded many times. It was found out that those who listened to Mozart had a performance quantified to be equivalent to an increase of eight to nine points in IQ.

It is theorized that this improvement in performance is due to the stimulation and warming up of the areas in the brain that are involved in the processing of music by those concerned with spatial perception.

Neurologists found out that a child with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, had fewer seizures when exposed to Mozart’s K448 piano sonata for 10 minutes every hour. Another study found changes in brain activity in 23 out of 29 cases when Mozart was played.

According to Dr John Hughes of the University of Illinois, this Mozart effect may be  similar to  pulsating electrical stimulation, that brings order to malfunctioning nerve cells in the brain. Mozart’s music is brilliantly complex, and highly organized, and the cerebral cortex seem to resonate with Mozart’s music to normalize any of its sub-optimal functioning.

Part of Mozart’s genius is his repetition of themes in a way that is not boring, but instead is engaging to the listener. He repeats a theme not necessarily with the same but different notes and at the same interval. This technique in musical composition is only unique in Mozart.

These repetition and periodic changes are also  found in all brain and bodily functions. It is this repetition that acts like repetitive electrical stimulation that creates the Mozart effect.

Researchers simulated this electrical stimulation by implanting electrodes in epileptic patients,  and found out a 95 percent reduction in seizures. Researches are being conducted to verify the same effect in listening to Mozart.

Mozart soothes the beating heart. A study on the effects of music on heart-rate variability showed that listening to music may be helpful in heart diseases. The study showed that listening to Mozart or Bach lowered the  heart rate and its variability.

Listening to Mozart may ease stress in newborn babies. Mozart was played to newborn babies to help them get over the trauma of birth, and doctors are running clinical trials to ascertain whether Mozart’s music can reduce stress, heart rate and motor activity in premature babies.

These are some of the many health benefits that can be derived from listening to Mozart. Besides the health benefits stated above.  Mozart music is also beneficial to plants and animals. Plants grow taller, and bear more fruits when Mozart music is played on them. Orchids and other flowering plants bloom faster, and aquarium fish become happy and lively when exposed to Mozart music.

Harmful Effects of Caffeine


The harmful effects of caffeine are many. Among the harmful effects of caffeine are forgetfulness, nervousness, and addiction.

Caffeine is a psychoactive substance naturally found in coffee, tea, kola nuts,  and in lesser amount, in cocoa. It is also found in beans, leaves, and fruits of some plants that acts as a natural pesticide to ward off insects.

Caffeine is a common ingredient in soft drinks, such as cola which was originally prepared from kola nuts. Soft drinks usually  contain about 10 to 50 milligrams, and energy drinks, 80 milligrams of caffeine per servings. Guarana, a prime ingredient of energy drinks, contains large amounts of caffeine with small amounts of theobromine and theophylline. It is also found in tea, and in chocolates, in the form of cocoa, in small amount.

Caffeine is an excitotoxin that harms the brain. It stimulates the body in similar manner as cocaine and heroin, and its addiction is gradual and subtle. Like most excitotoxins, caffeine causes brain malfunctions. This substance, like alcohol and nicotine, can easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier and can over excite the brain neurons to death.

Busy people  who want to extend their working hours drink more coffee in order to stay awake all day. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the central nervous system of our brain, and brings a temporary feeling of alertness and wakefulness. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the control of the sleep-wake cycle. It promotes drowsiness and sleep after long hours of work or mental activity.

Caffeine molecule is structurally similar to adenosine. It easily binds to adenosine  receptors on the cell surface without activating them, thus blocking and inhibiting their functions. Cells that are normally slowed down by adenosine are speeded up by caffeine. Sensing that the cells are not slowed down, and suspecting that an emergency has happened, the hypothalamus reacts by releasing a neuro-hormone called dopamine into the bloodstream which triggers the adrenal glands to start pumping. Dopamine  increases heart rate and blood pressure, thus the feeling of wakefulness and alertness when drinking coffee.

The temporary sensation of high energy and alertness after drinking coffee, soft drinks, and energy drinks could be due to the the effects of caffeine’s three by-products during its metabolism.   Paraxanthine increases the lipolysis process, which releases glycerol and fatty acids into the blood as a source of fuel for the muscles. Theobromine dilates the blood vessels to increase the amount of oxygen and the flow of nutrients to the brain and muscles. Theophylline relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchioles;  changes the time of heart rate, and alters the force of  muscle contractions in the heart.

Caffeine is an excitetotoxin that destroys the brain. Its excitatory effects not only weaken the neurons in the brain but can even over excite them to death. Caffeine, by counteracting adenosine, has inhibitory effects on brain activity. It adversely affects the healthy functioning of the brain, and other learning seliminates.  Long-term consumption of caffeine even in small doses affects learning and memory by inhibiting the creation of neurons in the hippocampus of the brain.

Other harmful effects of caffeine are the following:

  • it causes nervousness, trembling, and abnormal muscle contractions
  • it causes dizziness and headaches
  • it causes indigestion
  • it slows down reaction to auditory and visual stimuli
  • it causes forgetfulness  and tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon
  • it increases the risk of myocardial infarction
  • it increases heart rate
  • it causes heart palpitation
  • it increases the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women
  • it causes lethargy, and irritability
  • it causes confusion and inability to focus
  • it causes visual hallucinations
  • it intensifies and prolongs the effects of psychostimulant drugs such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, and dextroamphetamine
  • it causes increased gastric acid secretion in the cells
  • it decreases broad-range thinking abilities

Some studies showed that caffeine is good for the heart, and increases mental performance related to focused thought. This may be true as in other contradicting results from studies done on the effects of caffeine. But these are all temporary and transitory. When the stimulating effects are gone, the harmful effects of caffeine appear in the form of illnesses and diseases.

Caffeine is a nerve irritant that does not nourish the system in any way. Its temporary effects of high energy, alertness, wakefulness, increased strength, vivid imagination, and mental arousal are only nervous excitements produce before caffeine is ever digested and assimilated by the body. When the effects of this stimulant are gone, these unnatural euphoric conditions disappear, and only results to debility and langor.

Why Is It Safe To Be A Vegetarian?


Why is it safe to be a vegetarian?

There are many reasons why it is safe to be a vegetarian. If people will educate their taste buds and start eating a vegetarian diet, they will greatly benefit from it and become  healthy.

Why is it safe to be a vegetarian? A vegetarian diet strengthens and boosts the immune system. A strong immune system easily wards off ailments and diseases. A strong immune system means good health and longer happy life.

A vegetarian diet is nutritious, and gives energy and vitality to the body. Fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables are rich sources of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals for a complete balanced diet.

The phytonutrients in fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that retard aging, and prevent a lot of diseases. The phytochemicals in fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables have anti-carcinogenic effects against most forms of cancer.

Why is it safe to be a vegetarian? Plant-based proteins are lighter proteins compared to animal proteins from flesh meats. They are easily digested and assimilated by the system to nourish the whole body.

Flesh meat eating is the cause of tumors and cancers in the body. They are the carriers of parasites and of communicable diseases from animals such as mad cow disease, foot and mouth disease, bird’s flu, and other diseases that plague humanity today.

A vegetarian diet, contrary to common beliefs, provides a complete balanced diet. Some people believe  that a vegetarian diet does not supply the body with the  essential nutrient, vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is found in spirulina, and in other seaweeds. Vegetables rich in cobalt also help the body to produce its own vitamin B12.

A vegetarian diet of fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables supplies all the essential nutrients for a very healthy body. The chlorophyll in green leafy vegetables, through a metabolism in the body not yet fully understood , are converted into red blood cells.

Why is it safe to be a vegetarian? A vegetarian diet is safe from toxic chemicals, feed additives, and preservatives that come with flesh meats sold in the market.

A vegetarian diet is free from animal fats that clog the blood vessels of  the body.  Clogged arteries cause cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and heart attacks.

It is indeed safe to be a vegetarian. A vegetarian diet gives energy, stamina, strength, and vitality necessary for a very healthy body, mind and soul.

PS3 games for Kids


Summer is coming, and everyone is happily anticipating for it. School days will soon be over, and kids need rest from hectic school activities and from difficult exams. What a relief to know that school days will soon be over, and school children will soon be free from long hours of studies, and from deadlines of project submissions!

Compliment your kids of their good academic performance at school too. Give them something that will make them happy this summer. Buy them ps3 games so that they can bond together at home this summer, playing safe games of your choice. And also buy them other things that they love such as toys, notebooks, books, and other accessories. There are many beautiful designs in various radiant colors that can stimulate their young minds.

Regular Exercise for Health


Resistance bands are much freer to use than the conventional bulky exercise equipment, and much better than the the barbells, dumbells and other exercise devices. Resistance bands are immensely convenient for indoor and outdoor exercise, and it is best for stamina and strength development.

Unlike the conventional exercise machines, resistance bands are very flexible and allow you to move in all directions including the sides, below and overhead. You can mimic your golf swing or tennis strokes with the use of resistance bands to perfect them.

Don’t forget to take resveratrol when you’re on a workout program, and to wear pneumatic armband for support and to avoid for alleviating symptoms of tennis or golfer’s elbow, while exercising. This is doubly important especially for the ladies who want to slim down and have a beautiful body. Satisfied users of Resveratrol supplement testified not only of having increased energy and vitality when taking resveratrol, but of having effectively lose weight as well. Take resveratrol and be cancer-free. Exercise with resistance bands for a stronger well-sculpted muscular body.

Playing Golf on Summer Vacation


Playing golf is one of those sports that is good for health. Like other form of sports, it is good for physical fitness and also the environment where the sport is played, makes the sport even more of an healthy activity. Playing in the open golf course, under the the sun, and very close to nature is indeed beneficial for our health. So if you plan to do any activities this summer, or want to bond with your parents, kids or friends, make golf one of those activities. You can also buy the best golf gifts and other equipment or even just golf caps, golf shoes, etc. for your loved ones, so they would really feel the golfer spirit. Aside from enjoying your summer vacation, your body does not only receive proper exercise through walking, but it also benefits your lungs, being able to breathe fresh air.

Rainy Days and Tuesdays


It’s been raining hard since last night. I think there is what they call ITCZ or inter-tropical convergent zone nearby. Just some random terms I get to hear on TV weather news (whatever that means). Perhaps, more storms are coming our way, as HABAGAT months of July and August approaches.

The national weather bureau predicted, that we will be experiencing more rain-showers than sunny days. Looks like all the green parts in this side of the planet will be rejoicing, including the plants in our garden. Honestly, I like it cold better, than when the weather is hot and dry.

I can’t believe that June is over, tomorrow it will be July! It means I have been writing on this blog for a month now! It feels great to know, that aside from all my duties at home, I have also managed to maintain this blog. So far, I haven’t written much, but I am happy that I have a blog like this one. My kids have theirs too, and they just suggested that I make my own. I thought it would not work for me, but it did!

Anyway, I think I have to get off this computer for now. My son just lent me some of his books, and I’d like to take the opportunity to read them while I have nothing to do. I guess I’ll have to end this rainy Tuesday with a sip of tea and a good book.

How Activated Charcoal Heal Wounds


In our dialect we call our cat Miming. Our home cat is good at catching rats. Our home used to be frequented by rats, but when we reared a cat, they all disappeared.

Miming, our home cat has been with us two years now. He is a good cat, and obedient too. But he sometime scours the kitchen, when he becomes hungry. He is so selective in his food. He does not eat when there is no fish or vegetables. So, he goes out and looks for food outside. When he comes home, and has not found any food, he cries and ask for food and will not stop asking until you give him food.

One afternoon, he came home weak and with a wound on his face. His fur slightly covered it, and we did not know what caused it or who did it to him. Unlike the usual days where he would wander around and not stay home, he just slept near the fireplace insert and just curl there all day, a sign that he wasn’t feeling too well.

The wound was quite deep, and we had to treat him by pouring virgin coconut oil on his wound and filled it with activated carbon or charcoal. In a few days, the wound was gone. It is very effective for wounds; and it saved Miming’s life.



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