Aloe Vera is a miracle medicinal plant that has been used for health and beauty purposes since ancient times.
The miracle herb Aloe Vera is one of the real boons gifted by nature to human beings. One of the oldest known plants, it has been used in several millennia for various health and beauty purposes. Greeks, Egyptians, Indians, Mexicans, Japanese, Chinese, all loved to use the plant alike. Where Christopher Columbus and Alexander the Great used Aloe Vera to treat their soldier’s wound, beauty legends and Egyptian queens like Cleopatra and Nefertiti used it as a part of their regular beauty regimes.
A brief introduction of Aloe Vera- The plant derives it’s name “Aloe” from Arabic word “Alloeh” which means bitter, where as “Vera” in Latin means “true or genuine”. Due to it’s area of origin, plant is also referred as “Lily of desert” and due to it`s magical healing potency, it is called “the plant of immortality”, “Wand of Heaven” and the “First Aid plant”. In ancient Greece it was regarded as universal panacea. The very first reference to Aloe Vera in English was given by John Good yew in A.D. 1655 in a book that he translated from any other language. Although the species was described as “Aloe Vera” by Nicolas Laurens Burman in 1768 in his book “Flora Indica”. In India it is found mainly in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and TamilNadu. It`s various common Indian names are - Hindi: Guarpatha, Ghikanvar, Sanskrit: Gritakumari, kumari, Malayalam: Kumari, Marathi: Korphod, Tamil: Chirukuttali, Telugu: Chinna Kalabanda, Oriya: Kumari, Canarese: Lolisara etc. Aloe Vera is a stem less or very short stemmed succulent plant that probably originated in African countries and gradually spread in tropical and sub tropical regions world wide, where weather conditions were not chilling. Today there are around 250 species of Aloe Vera found world wide, but only 4 or 5 are commonly used in medicines. The most common of them is Aloe Babandensis. Aloe Vera spreads by offsets and root sprouts. It`s leaves are green or gray-green, flashy, and thick with a serrated margin. Some varieties show white flecks on the upper and lower stem surface. The plant produces yellow flowers in summer which grows on a spike up to 90cm tall. Each leaf of Aloe Vera is made of three layers- (1) inner clear gel containing 99% of water, rest of this layer contains glucommannas, amino acids, lipids, sterols and vitamins. (2) Middle layer of latex which is bitter and contains anthraquinones and glycosides. (3) The outer thick layer or rind which synthesizes carbohydrates and proteins.
Medicinal properties and uses- Aloe Vera has almost all the chief nutrients that the human body requires. That’s why herbalists describe it as universal panacea. It contains almost 75 potentially active constituents like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, salicylic, lignin, sugars, acids and amino acids, saponins etc.
The plant is so rich in amino acids that it provides 20 out of 22 amino acids required by the human body. It contains vitamin A, C and E which acts as antioxidants. Besides, the plant is a good source of vitamin B12, chlorine and folic acid and enzymes. Aloe Vera is a rich source of minerals. Its leaves contain calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, Zink, chromium, selenium etc. The plant also contains hormones like Auxins and gibberellins. These are the components that give the plant wound healing potency and have anti- inflammatory actions. Aloe Vera is considered very effective in treating the pancreas, kidney, liver stomach and small intestine diseases. It stimulates the immune system hence helps the body fighting various diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
Use in dermatology- Due to it’s special effects on skin, Aloe Vera is regarded as the queen plant by the dermatologists It stabilizes digestive system, therefore providing proper nourishment to the skin. It acts as a good cleanser for the skin by fighting extra amount of melanin. Aloe Vera gel helps to erase blemishes and dark spots that are generally caused as after pregnancy-effects on the face. It makes the skin pores clear and healthy and free from acne. It’s anti- aging potency is now well proved by the scientists. It’s anti-oxidant components help in fighting with age related changes. It also acts as a good moisturizer for the skin. Not only this, Aloe Vera products also work as a good conditioner for hair giving them proper nourishment.
Side effects- Although herbalists deny any serious side effects but in some cases it has showed some mild side effects like redness, burning, stinging sensation etc. According to doctors it is better to not take Aloe Vera orally during pregnancy and breastfeeding, because some of the components present in it may create some health complications for mother as well as the little baby.
6/2/09
speaking_pets for children
Have you guy's ever went to the pet store to buy a pet, and can't decide which pet to buy? When your standing in front of a pet you want, but you think their too much trouble, and they'll cause a big commotion in your house? Well, here are some small pet's and some small notes about them!
Hamsters
Adorable little animals that are very amusing, and fun to play with. Well, it's not hard to pick what colour you want your hamster to be, they come in a variety of colours! Some are very furry, some have marks around there body, and more! They're not much of a trouble, they need water, food, some company once in a while, and a toy to play with. One thing about hamster's is that their nocturnal, sleep in the day and stay awake at night. They can get really grumpy if they're awoken in their sleep during the day, and will sometimes bite you if you start to bother them.
Gerbils
They're a lot like hamster's, but they tend to be more active and they seem to get frightened more easily. They get startled when they get picked up, and other then that, they are basically like hamster's.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pig's are just like hamster's or gerbil's, but one more advantage they have, is that they're stronger and can take more of a hit then hamster's can. They don't need all the fancy stuff, like tube's, wheel's and other stuff. Just water, food, and some fruit once in a while. Other then that, there one of the best small pet's a child can have.
Rats
Rats make a great pet for people without the fear of them, people who are scared of rats, might not want to get rats as a pet. One of these people are me, personally I'm afraid of these little creatures. Even though I do agree they are cute, but I'm just not fond of them. They do make better pet's in a larger cage, and they might need a cage mate, but don't worry, two rat's are easier to take care of! They're very social, and won't just sit there, they're fun to teach tricks to, and they are not as fragile. They bond with humans better then guinea pigs, and they have fun!
Fish
Fish, in my opinion are one of the EASIEST pet's to take care of, and they are very amusing to watch. All you need to do is basically buy it an aquarium and a couple of friend's and feed it once in a while. I would put a couple of toys inside so it could have fun, and maybe a mini castle, or a rock so it can maybe play hide and seek. Who knows, in a couple of week's they could have breed-ed a couple of fish, and maybe be more social with each other. One thing I don't recommend, is leaving it in a small area, or near another pet, because if someone grabs a hold of the fish, they might tip over the aquarium, and maybe kill the fish, and we don't want that to happen!
Well, next time you go to the pet store, you might have a better idea of what pet to buy! (:
Have fun, and take care.
Hamsters
Adorable little animals that are very amusing, and fun to play with. Well, it's not hard to pick what colour you want your hamster to be, they come in a variety of colours! Some are very furry, some have marks around there body, and more! They're not much of a trouble, they need water, food, some company once in a while, and a toy to play with. One thing about hamster's is that their nocturnal, sleep in the day and stay awake at night. They can get really grumpy if they're awoken in their sleep during the day, and will sometimes bite you if you start to bother them.
Gerbils
They're a lot like hamster's, but they tend to be more active and they seem to get frightened more easily. They get startled when they get picked up, and other then that, they are basically like hamster's.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pig's are just like hamster's or gerbil's, but one more advantage they have, is that they're stronger and can take more of a hit then hamster's can. They don't need all the fancy stuff, like tube's, wheel's and other stuff. Just water, food, and some fruit once in a while. Other then that, there one of the best small pet's a child can have.
Rats
Rats make a great pet for people without the fear of them, people who are scared of rats, might not want to get rats as a pet. One of these people are me, personally I'm afraid of these little creatures. Even though I do agree they are cute, but I'm just not fond of them. They do make better pet's in a larger cage, and they might need a cage mate, but don't worry, two rat's are easier to take care of! They're very social, and won't just sit there, they're fun to teach tricks to, and they are not as fragile. They bond with humans better then guinea pigs, and they have fun!
Fish
Fish, in my opinion are one of the EASIEST pet's to take care of, and they are very amusing to watch. All you need to do is basically buy it an aquarium and a couple of friend's and feed it once in a while. I would put a couple of toys inside so it could have fun, and maybe a mini castle, or a rock so it can maybe play hide and seek. Who knows, in a couple of week's they could have breed-ed a couple of fish, and maybe be more social with each other. One thing I don't recommend, is leaving it in a small area, or near another pet, because if someone grabs a hold of the fish, they might tip over the aquarium, and maybe kill the fish, and we don't want that to happen!
Well, next time you go to the pet store, you might have a better idea of what pet to buy! (:
Have fun, and take care.
6/1/09
Energy of the future
Some countries use fossil fuels such as coal, gas, ... Other countries encourage the use of alternative sourses of energy such as wind and solar power.
What might be positive and negative development of each?
================================================================
Current energy sources will not be able to sustain our growing society. We must look to alternate energy sources for the answer.
For further readings on alternative energy (hydro, solar, wind, biomass, nuclear) pls read this (20 pages)
https://www.wellsfargo.com/downloads/pdf/about/csr/alt_energy.pdf
================
Alternate energy sources must replace our traditional energy sources because they are sustainable for our lifestyles. Since the age of industrialization, we have relied heavily upon traditional energy resources (mostly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas). These traditional resources have shaped our culture as well as our development. However, when these resources are used to produce energy, they negatively impact our delicate environment. They are also nonrenewable and will one day run out. However, we may solve the problem of our depleting resources through current technology, which promise new alternative methods to produce energy. Using these alternative resources will greatly increase our sustainability.
Alternative sources must replace traditional sources because they are renewable (the resource will never deplete). One example of an alternate resource is hydroelectricity which generates power via moving water. Due to the hydrologic cycle, the fast-moving water will never deplete. Hydroelectricity is therefore a renewable energy resource. Another example of renewable energy is solar power, which generates energy by collecting heat or light from the sun. Since the sun will not stop emitting heat and light (at least not for the next 4,000,000,000 years) it is considered a renewable resource. Wind can also be used to generate large amounts of electricity. As long as the sun’s heat creates wind currents, we will be able to produce power from the wind. Coal will be gone in 200 years, whereas natural gas will have disappeared in less than 100 years. However, these three resources mentioned above, hydro, solar, and wind power, cannot be depleted.
Another advantage alternative power sources have over traditional sources is that they have little to no impact on the environment. Hydroelectricity relies solely on fast-flowing water to generate power. Once a hydroelectric dam is operating it does not emit any pollutants into the atmosphere. Geothermal energy is considered to be the cleanest energy resource yet explored. A geothermal plant does not burn any fossil fuels and requires minimal land space to operate. Its environmental impact is nearly zero. Hydrogen energy promises to be an excellent substitute to gasoline products currently used in cars and trucks. The element hydrogen is much more powerful per liter than gasoline. Unlike gasoline, the exhaust products of hydrogen do not pollute the atmosphere with CO2 or CO1 (carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide respectively) but release clean H2O (water). Since alternative energy sources have minimal effects on the environment, the must be used as substitutes for traditional energy sources which are currently trashing our earth.
The only disadvantages of alternative energy are that they are often unreliable and have high start-up costs. For example, solar energy requires a great number of solar cells to produce any significant amount of electricity. The cells are expensive and may not be affordable for family households or small companies. They also only produce electricity on sunny days. Because the sun is not always shining, the source is not reliable. Another example of an energy resource that is expensive to start up is hydroelectric dams. Though running costs are cheap the building of a hydroelectric dam far exceeds that of a fossil-fuel-burning plant. Many governments and companies may stay away from alternative energy sources such as these because the resource is unreliable or they cannot afford the initial start-up costs.
Alternative energy has more benefits than drawbacks. Unlike traditional resources, it is renewable and has little to no impact on the environment. The only drawbacks to these sources are that they are often unreliable and command high startup costs. Our current technologies employed to produce energy are not sustainable. The resources will not last for future generations. We therefore need to move to alternate energy resources to ensure that our lifestyles are sustainable, both for us and for future generations.
What might be positive and negative development of each?
================================================================
Current energy sources will not be able to sustain our growing society. We must look to alternate energy sources for the answer.
For further readings on alternative energy (hydro, solar, wind, biomass, nuclear) pls read this (20 pages)
https://www.wellsfargo.com/downloads/pdf/about/csr/alt_energy.pdf
================
Alternate energy sources must replace our traditional energy sources because they are sustainable for our lifestyles. Since the age of industrialization, we have relied heavily upon traditional energy resources (mostly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas). These traditional resources have shaped our culture as well as our development. However, when these resources are used to produce energy, they negatively impact our delicate environment. They are also nonrenewable and will one day run out. However, we may solve the problem of our depleting resources through current technology, which promise new alternative methods to produce energy. Using these alternative resources will greatly increase our sustainability.
Alternative sources must replace traditional sources because they are renewable (the resource will never deplete). One example of an alternate resource is hydroelectricity which generates power via moving water. Due to the hydrologic cycle, the fast-moving water will never deplete. Hydroelectricity is therefore a renewable energy resource. Another example of renewable energy is solar power, which generates energy by collecting heat or light from the sun. Since the sun will not stop emitting heat and light (at least not for the next 4,000,000,000 years) it is considered a renewable resource. Wind can also be used to generate large amounts of electricity. As long as the sun’s heat creates wind currents, we will be able to produce power from the wind. Coal will be gone in 200 years, whereas natural gas will have disappeared in less than 100 years. However, these three resources mentioned above, hydro, solar, and wind power, cannot be depleted.
Another advantage alternative power sources have over traditional sources is that they have little to no impact on the environment. Hydroelectricity relies solely on fast-flowing water to generate power. Once a hydroelectric dam is operating it does not emit any pollutants into the atmosphere. Geothermal energy is considered to be the cleanest energy resource yet explored. A geothermal plant does not burn any fossil fuels and requires minimal land space to operate. Its environmental impact is nearly zero. Hydrogen energy promises to be an excellent substitute to gasoline products currently used in cars and trucks. The element hydrogen is much more powerful per liter than gasoline. Unlike gasoline, the exhaust products of hydrogen do not pollute the atmosphere with CO2 or CO1 (carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide respectively) but release clean H2O (water). Since alternative energy sources have minimal effects on the environment, the must be used as substitutes for traditional energy sources which are currently trashing our earth.
The only disadvantages of alternative energy are that they are often unreliable and have high start-up costs. For example, solar energy requires a great number of solar cells to produce any significant amount of electricity. The cells are expensive and may not be affordable for family households or small companies. They also only produce electricity on sunny days. Because the sun is not always shining, the source is not reliable. Another example of an energy resource that is expensive to start up is hydroelectric dams. Though running costs are cheap the building of a hydroelectric dam far exceeds that of a fossil-fuel-burning plant. Many governments and companies may stay away from alternative energy sources such as these because the resource is unreliable or they cannot afford the initial start-up costs.
Alternative energy has more benefits than drawbacks. Unlike traditional resources, it is renewable and has little to no impact on the environment. The only drawbacks to these sources are that they are often unreliable and command high startup costs. Our current technologies employed to produce energy are not sustainable. The resources will not last for future generations. We therefore need to move to alternate energy resources to ensure that our lifestyles are sustainable, both for us and for future generations.
Testicular cancer genetic advance
Testicular cancer tends to affect younger men
Researchers have for the first time found inherited genetic factors which raise the risk of testicular cancer.
A UK team found many testicular cancer patients shared common DNA variants on chromosomes five, six and 12 that healthy men did not have.
This finding was echoed in a separate US study in the same journal, Nature Genetics, which highlighted two of the same variations.
Both studies raise hopes of better treatments and diagnostic tests.
The UK team, from the Institute of Cancer Research, compared the profile of 730 testicular cancer patients with those of healthy men.
TESTICULAR CANCER
Mainly affects young men aged 20-44
Around 1,900 new cases a year in the UK
Treatment cures over 95% of patients
Untreated, cancer cells may spread to nearby lymph nodes. The disease can also spread to the lungs or, rarely, other organs
They found men who inherit any of the three genetic variants have a raised risk of the disease.
Those who carry the variant most closely linked to the disease have two to three times the risk of the general population.
And inheriting all three variants raises the risk by up to fourfold.
However, it is still the case that only a small proportion of men who carry the higher risk variations will actually develop testicular cancer.
Researcher Dr Elizabeth Rapley said: "We have known for some time that men whose father, brothers or sons had testicular cancer are much more likely to get it themselves and we have been searching for this genetic link.
'More to be found'
"We have identified three genetic factors linked to an increased risk of testicular cancer. We believe there are more still to be found and we are working on identifying the rest."
Professor Mike Stratton, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, also worked on the study.
He said: "By combining these genetic risks with other known risk factors it may be possible in future to identify men who are at high risk of developing testicular cancer, particularly those who have a brother or father already affected by the disease.
"This may allow early detection or prevention.
All three genetic variants uncovered by the study were found near genes involved in the survival and development of cells which go on to form sperm.
The finding suggests that disrupting the work of these genes may be one mechanism by which cancer is able to grow.
More tests due
One of the variants was found in a gene called KITLG, which is also known to play a role in skin pigmentation.
The higher risk variant was found much more commonly in white men, and may explain why they seem to have a higher risk of testicular cancer.
Ed Yong, of the charity Cancer Research UK, said: "While more than 95% of testicular cancer patients are successfully treated, finding genes that increase the risk of this cancer is important.
"It tells us more about its basic biology and presents new opportunities to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease in those men most at risk - men aged under 50."
Previously, a small US study found a specific gene was more active in some types of testicular cancer cells, but did not establish whether it was inherited, or triggered only in cancer cells after the disease started to develop.
In the latest study, the researchers established the key genetic variations were found in every cell of the patients' bodies - clear evidence that they were definitely inherited.
The researchers are now looking for up to 3,000 men who have had testicular cancer to participate in the study to identify more genetic risk factors.
Researchers have for the first time found inherited genetic factors which raise the risk of testicular cancer.
A UK team found many testicular cancer patients shared common DNA variants on chromosomes five, six and 12 that healthy men did not have.
This finding was echoed in a separate US study in the same journal, Nature Genetics, which highlighted two of the same variations.
Both studies raise hopes of better treatments and diagnostic tests.
The UK team, from the Institute of Cancer Research, compared the profile of 730 testicular cancer patients with those of healthy men.
TESTICULAR CANCER
Mainly affects young men aged 20-44
Around 1,900 new cases a year in the UK
Treatment cures over 95% of patients
Untreated, cancer cells may spread to nearby lymph nodes. The disease can also spread to the lungs or, rarely, other organs
They found men who inherit any of the three genetic variants have a raised risk of the disease.
Those who carry the variant most closely linked to the disease have two to three times the risk of the general population.
And inheriting all three variants raises the risk by up to fourfold.
However, it is still the case that only a small proportion of men who carry the higher risk variations will actually develop testicular cancer.
Researcher Dr Elizabeth Rapley said: "We have known for some time that men whose father, brothers or sons had testicular cancer are much more likely to get it themselves and we have been searching for this genetic link.
'More to be found'
"We have identified three genetic factors linked to an increased risk of testicular cancer. We believe there are more still to be found and we are working on identifying the rest."
Professor Mike Stratton, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, also worked on the study.
He said: "By combining these genetic risks with other known risk factors it may be possible in future to identify men who are at high risk of developing testicular cancer, particularly those who have a brother or father already affected by the disease.
"This may allow early detection or prevention.
All three genetic variants uncovered by the study were found near genes involved in the survival and development of cells which go on to form sperm.
The finding suggests that disrupting the work of these genes may be one mechanism by which cancer is able to grow.
More tests due
One of the variants was found in a gene called KITLG, which is also known to play a role in skin pigmentation.
The higher risk variant was found much more commonly in white men, and may explain why they seem to have a higher risk of testicular cancer.
Ed Yong, of the charity Cancer Research UK, said: "While more than 95% of testicular cancer patients are successfully treated, finding genes that increase the risk of this cancer is important.
"It tells us more about its basic biology and presents new opportunities to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease in those men most at risk - men aged under 50."
Previously, a small US study found a specific gene was more active in some types of testicular cancer cells, but did not establish whether it was inherited, or triggered only in cancer cells after the disease started to develop.
In the latest study, the researchers established the key genetic variations were found in every cell of the patients' bodies - clear evidence that they were definitely inherited.
The researchers are now looking for up to 3,000 men who have had testicular cancer to participate in the study to identify more genetic risk factors.
5/31/09
Speaking_film, music band _Mamma Mia
The ever so-beloved West End musical Mamma Mia! has finally been taken from the stage to the silver screen.
The film is based on the songs of legendary Swedish pop band ABBA and is an adaptation of the musical of the same name.
Mamma Mia! uses the music of ABBA to tell the story of Sophie Sheridan, a 21-year-old American bride-to-be, trying to find out the identity of her real father so that he can give her away at the wedding.
Since the premiere of the musical in London in 1999, over 30 million people have seen Mamma Mia! around the world and the theatre production has grossed $2bn in earnings.
Although the title of the musical is taken from ABBA's 1975 chart-topper Mamma Mia, neither the musical's nor the film's plot has anything to do with the story of the group itself.
The band ABBA was the winner of the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and following that success their songs topped the charts worldwide until the early 1980s.
After a week of exclusive showing in the Leicester Square Odeon, one of London's most famous cinemas, the film was screened in cinemas across the country from 10th July.
Some people say maybe it is the mature A-list cast that makes the film work so well. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard star as the three potential fathers with the Oscar winner Meryl Streep starring as the mum of the bride-to-be.
A film critic said the film is truly wonderful. It is sharp, hilarious and very beautifully shot.
If you are a fan of ABBA, a fan of the musical, or simply just a fan of Pierce Brosnan, then the film Mamma Mia! is a must.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vocabulary
Listen to the words
Download the words (421 K mp3)
ever so beloved
very popular
the silver screen
the cinema
legendary
very famous
bride-to-be
woman who is going to get married
give her away
the formal act in a wedding ceremony when the bride is presented to the groom, traditionally by her father, is known as 'giving away'
has grossed
has taken an amount of money before tax and other expenses
chart-topper
song which reached the top of the music charts
topped the charts
reached the number one position in the music charts
A-list cast
the actors in the film are from the top group of respected performers
shot
filmed
is a must
is something that should not be missed
The film is based on the songs of legendary Swedish pop band ABBA and is an adaptation of the musical of the same name.
Mamma Mia! uses the music of ABBA to tell the story of Sophie Sheridan, a 21-year-old American bride-to-be, trying to find out the identity of her real father so that he can give her away at the wedding.
Since the premiere of the musical in London in 1999, over 30 million people have seen Mamma Mia! around the world and the theatre production has grossed $2bn in earnings.
Although the title of the musical is taken from ABBA's 1975 chart-topper Mamma Mia, neither the musical's nor the film's plot has anything to do with the story of the group itself.
The band ABBA was the winner of the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and following that success their songs topped the charts worldwide until the early 1980s.
After a week of exclusive showing in the Leicester Square Odeon, one of London's most famous cinemas, the film was screened in cinemas across the country from 10th July.
Some people say maybe it is the mature A-list cast that makes the film work so well. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard star as the three potential fathers with the Oscar winner Meryl Streep starring as the mum of the bride-to-be.
A film critic said the film is truly wonderful. It is sharp, hilarious and very beautifully shot.
If you are a fan of ABBA, a fan of the musical, or simply just a fan of Pierce Brosnan, then the film Mamma Mia! is a must.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vocabulary
Listen to the words
Download the words (421 K mp3)
ever so beloved
very popular
the silver screen
the cinema
legendary
very famous
bride-to-be
woman who is going to get married
give her away
the formal act in a wedding ceremony when the bride is presented to the groom, traditionally by her father, is known as 'giving away'
has grossed
has taken an amount of money before tax and other expenses
chart-topper
song which reached the top of the music charts
topped the charts
reached the number one position in the music charts
A-list cast
the actors in the film are from the top group of respected performers
shot
filmed
is a must
is something that should not be missed
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