View allAll Photos Tagged detoxifying
Ruprechts-Storchschnabel
Weitverbreitete, sehr schattenverträgliche zarte pflanze, die ich zwischen den Feuersteinen entdeckt habe.Die Pflanze riecht beim Zerreiben leicht widerlich, wie nach zerquetschte Wanze.( sagt man)
Das Wissen um seine Wirksamkeit ist schon sehr alt, die Kelten und Germanen kannten und nutzten diese Pflanze ebenfalls, für Tier und Mensch übrigens. Ihren heutigen Namen Ruprechtskraut soll die Pflanze jedoch dem heiligen -Ruprecht verdanken, Rupert oder Robert von Salzburg (um 660 – um 718), der dort Erzbischof war und seine Fisteln und Geschwüre mit Storchenschnabel geheilt haben soll.
Sie wirkt zusammenziehend, blutstillend, wundheilend, antibakteriell und antiviral, entgiftend, entzündungshemmend, gemütserhellend und fröhlich stimmend, sie soll Herz erfreuen und fröhlich machen. Mir gefallen am besten die letzten vier Wirkungen.
Widespread, very shade-tolerant tender plant that I discovered between the flints. The plant smells slightly disgusting when crushed, like a crushed bug. (They say)
The knowledge of its effectiveness is very old, the Celts and Germans also knew and used this plant, for animals and humans by the way. However, the plant is said to owe its current name Ruprechtskraut to Saint Ruprecht, Rupert or Robert von Salzburg (around 660 – around 718), who was archbishop there and is said to have healed his fistulas and ulcers with Roberts geranium.
It has an astringent, haemostatic, wound-healing, antibacterial and antiviral, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, mood-enhancing and cheerful effect, it should please the heart and make you happy. I like the last four effects best.
Bramble is both loved and hated for its thorns and powers of entanglement as well as its delicious fruit and it is deeply embedded in our tradition and folklore.
The pastime of blackberry picking (blackberrying) goes back thousands of years and is still popular in both town and country. Ripe juicy blackberries have a high vitamin C content and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are traditionally used in pies, crumbles (usually paired with apples), wines, jams, jellies and vinegar. Strong ale brewed from blackberries, malt and hops was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Bramble has widely been used in traditional medicine. Its leaves are used in the preparation of herbal teas and the root bark and leaves are used medicinally, being strongly astringent with diuretic, healing and detoxifying properties. Gerard's Herbal published in 1633, gives a remedy made from blackberry leaves 'for fastening the teeth back in'. Blackberries are known to have health benefits for women due to their high levels of phytoestrogens.
Blackberry fruits yield a blue dye and a fibre from the stems have been used to make string. Blackberry bushes can prevent soil erosion on infertile, disturbed sites and the ancient Britons used thorny stems as a boundary or barrier in the way modern people use barbed wire.
Brambles also provide an important source of nectar for Brimstone and Speckled Wood butterflies; fruits for Song Thrushes and Yellowhammers; and hiding places for Hedgehogs and Dormice.
#macromondays #granules
I decided to share this image for the upcoming #macromondays theme called #granules
Size of the wooden spoon is aprox. 2,5 cm = 1"
Himalayan salt, often called pink salt, is a type of rock salt mined from the Salt Range mountains in Pakistan, particularly near the Khewra Salt Mine. It's famous for its distinctive pink color, which comes from trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Here are a few quick facts:
Uses: Commonly used in cooking, as bath salts, or in salt lamps for decorative and claimed therapeutic purposes.
Health claims: Some believe it has detoxifying or respiratory benefits, but scientific evidence is limited.
Flavor: Slightly milder than regular table salt, with a unique mineral
Granules are small particles or grains that typically range in size from very fine to coarse. They can occur naturally or be manufactured and are often used to describe materials that are solid, dry, and granular in texture.
Granules In Different Contexts:
Biology / Cell Biology:
Granules are small structures within cells, often involved in storage or secretion of substances.
Examples: Secretory granules in glands, granules in platelets (important for blood clotting), or cytoplasmic granules.
Pharmaceuticals:
Granules refer to a dosage form made of aggregated powdered ingredients.
They improve flowability, compressibility, and can be used for sustained release medications.
Food Industry:
Granules can refer to coarse grains of salt, sugar, coffee (like instant coffee), or seasoning mixes.
They often dissolve easily in water and are used for quick preparation.
Geology:
Refers to a specific particle size category of sediment, typically between sand and pebbles (~2–4 mm).
Found in riverbeds, beaches, and sedimentary rocks.
Astronomy:
Granules on the Sun are convection cells visible on its surface (photosphere).
They appear as bright areas with darker edges, caused by the movement of hot plasma.
Vielen Dank für Eure Besuche, Kommentare und Sternchen!
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A detoxifying walk in the peaceful Planaval valley
Una disintossicante passeggiata nel silenzioso vallone di Planaval
All rights reserved © Nick Outdoor Photography
安平區永華市政中心 - 台南市議會 / 波斯菊品種繁多可觀賞可藥用
Anping area Yunghua municipal administration center - Tainan City Hall / There are many varieties of cosmos, which are ornamental and medicinal
Centro municipal de la administración de Yunghua del área de Anping - Tainan Ayuntamiento / Hay muchas variedades de cosmos, que son ornamentales y medicinales
安平区永華市政センター - 市政府のビル / コスモスには観賞用や薬用として多くの品種があります
Anping-Bereich Yunghua städtische Verwaltungsmitte - Tainan Rathaus / Es gibt viele Arten von Kosmos, die dekorativ und medizinisch sind
Centre municipal d'administration de Yunghua de région d'Anping - Hôtel de ville de Tainan / Il existe de nombreuses variétés de cosmos, qui sont ornementales et médicinales
Anping Tainan Taiwan / Anping Tainan Taiwán / 台灣台南安平
{View large size on fluidr/觀看大圖}
Melody 曲:JAPAN / Words 詞:Sheesen / Singing : Sheesen
{ 夢旅人 1990 Dream Traveler 1990 }
中文名稱:波斯菊
英文名稱:Cosmos
學名:Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
科名:菊科(Compositae)波斯菊屬(Coreopsis)
別名:兩色金雞菊、蛇目菊(江蘇南部植物手冊)，痢疾草、金錢菊
原產地:北美
用途:1.園藝植栽用：波斯菊常被大片栽植成花海，非常壯觀、美麗。
2.藥用：性味：全草：甘、平。效用：全草：清熱解毒，化濕。治痢疾，目赤腫痛，癰瘡腫毒。
Chinese name: Bōsī jú
English name: Cosmos
Scientific name: Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
Family name: Compositae (Compositae) Cosmos (Coreopsis)
Aliases: two-color coreopsis, snake eye chrysanthemum (plant handbook of southern Jiangsu), dysentery grass, money chrysanthemum
Origin: North America
Uses: 1. Horticultural planting: Cosmos is often planted in large areas into a sea of flowers, which is very spectacular and beautiful.
2. Medicinal use: Nature and flavor: Whole plant: sweet, flat.
Function: Whole plant: clearing away heat and detoxifying, removing dampness. Treatment of dysentery, red eyes, swelling and pain, carbuncle sore swollen poison.
家住安南鹽溪邊
The family lives in nearby the Annan salt river
隔壁就是聽雨軒
The next door listens to the rain porch
一旦落日照大員
The sunset Shineing to the Taiwan at once
左岸青龍飛九天
The left bank white dragon flying in the sky
November 30th,2009
work was fun yesterday. i talked to jimmy online for a bit..i really miss my florida people. i worked 7hours yesterday. i'm going to get a good paycheck again next week:D:D
this is a lame picture but ah well. i was having to much fun with the pictures for today to care about this one. i still haven't been to the beach in cali but i prob. will this spring. i'd love to take jonel. oh haha how could i forget the epic day that was yesterday? so yesterday at work i bought myself a 2oz shot of wheat grass(look it up it's so good for you), biggg mistake. i think next time i'm taking a 1oz until my body get's used to it. the detoxifying effects are sooo strong and powerful it makes you want to puke, you feel so dizzy and nauses, but once that wears off your body feels incredible clean and rejuvenated. it's amazing. though i couldn't eat anymore veggies that nigh:( because 1oz of wheat grass juice is 2.5 lb of veggies. that saddened me. but i want to take a shot of wheat grass juice about once a month and then every other week and then once a week and then stick with that. y'all should try it. It doesn't taste bad, but it does make your nose feel funny, though every person experiences different things with it. haha.I bought some yummy bread at raplhs..oh fl people raplhs is like god compared to publix it's incredible. but yeah. I didn't have time to do yoga in the morning so i did it at night and wow it was great. i haven't done it at night since last tuesday, but not this last.
安平區永華市政中心 - 台南市議會 / 一朵花一個宇宙 - 就像行星系統
Anping area Yunghua municipal administration center - Tainan City Hall / One flower one cosmos - like a planetary system
Centro municipal de la administración de Yunghua del área de Anping - Tainan Ayuntamiento / Una flor un cosmos - como un sistema planetario
安平区永華市政センター - 市政府のビル / 一花一コスモス - 惑星系のように
Anping-Bereich Yunghua städtische Verwaltungsmitte - Tainan Rathaus / Eine Blume, ein Kosmos – wie ein Planetensystem
Centre municipal d'administration de Yunghua de région d'Anping - Hôtel de ville de Tainan / Une fleur un cosmos - comme un système planétaire
Anping Tainan Taiwan / Anping Tainan Taiwán / 台灣台南安平
{View large size on fluidr/觀看大圖}
Melody 曲:JAPAN / Words 詞:Sheesen / Singing : Sheesen
{ 夢旅人 1990 Dream Traveler 1990 }
中文名稱:波斯菊
英文名稱:Cosmos
學名:Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
科名:菊科(Compositae)波斯菊屬(Coreopsis)
別名:兩色金雞菊、蛇目菊(江蘇南部植物手冊)，痢疾草、金錢菊
原產地:北美
用途:1.園藝植栽用：波斯菊常被大片栽植成花海，非常壯觀、美麗。
2.藥用：性味：全草：甘、平。效用：全草：清熱解毒，化濕。治痢疾，目赤腫痛，癰瘡腫毒。
Chinese name: Bōsī jú
English name: Cosmos
Scientific name: Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
Family name: Compositae (Compositae) Cosmos (Coreopsis)
Aliases: two-color coreopsis, snake eye chrysanthemum (plant handbook of southern Jiangsu), dysentery grass, money chrysanthemum
Origin: North America
Uses: 1. Horticultural planting: Cosmos is often planted in large areas into a sea of flowers, which is very spectacular and beautiful.
2. Medicinal use: Nature and flavor: Whole plant: sweet, flat.
Function: Whole plant: clearing away heat and detoxifying, removing dampness. Treatment of dysentery, red eyes, swelling and pain, carbuncle sore swollen poison.
家住安南鹽溪邊
The family lives in nearby the Annan salt river
隔壁就是聽雨軒
The next door listens to the rain porch
一旦落日照大員
The sunset Shineing to the Taiwan at once
左岸青龍飛九天
The left bank white dragon flying in the sky
The pineapple (Ananas Comosus) is a tropical plant with an edible fruit; it is the most economically significant plant in the family Bromeliaceae.
ETYMOLOGY: The first reference in English to the pineapple fruit was the 1568 translation from the French of André Thevet's The New Found World, or Antarctike where he refers to a Hoyriri, a fruit cultivated and eaten by the Tupinambá people, living near modern Rio de Janeiro, and now believed to be a pineapple.
Later in the same English translation, he describes the same fruit as a "Nana made in the manner of a Pine apple", where he used another Tupi word nanas, meaning 'excellent fruit'.
OLD WORLD INTRODUCTION: While the pineapple fascinated Europeans as a fruit of colonialism, it was not successfully cultivated in Europe until Pieter de la Court (1664–1739) developed greenhouse horticulture near Leiden.
Pineapple plants were distributed from the Netherlands to English gardeners in 1719 and French ones in 1730.
MEDICINAL: Among the medicinal properties of the fruit, the most notable is that of bromelain, which helps metabolize food.
It is also a diuretic, slightly antiseptic, detoxifying, antacid and vermifuge.
Its use has been studied as an aid in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, and obesity control.
PRODUCTION: Today, pineapple is the second largest tropical fruit crop in terms of volume, surpassed only by banana (Musa paradisiaca).
The main producers are Costa Rica, Brazil, the Philippines, Indonesia and India, which account for 50% of production. Other important producers are Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Thailand and China. The most important cultivar is the so-called 'smooth Cayenne', originally from French Guiana. (Source: Wikipedia)
ANANAS COMOSUS (PIÑA), 2025
La piña (Ananas comosus) es una planta tropical con un fruto comestible; es la planta económicamente más importante de la familia Bromeliaceae.
ETIMOLOGÍA: La primera referencia en inglés a la piña fue la traducción de 1568 del francés de The New Found World, or Antarctike de André Thevet, donde se refiere a un Hoyriri, una fruta cultivada y consumida por el pueblo tupinambá, que vivía cerca de la actual Río de Janeiro, y que ahora se cree que es una piña.
Más adelante, en la misma traducción al inglés, describe la misma fruta como una "Nana hecha a la manera de una piña", donde utilizó otra palabra tupí, nanas, que significa 'fruta excelente'.
INTRODUCCIÓN AL VIEJO MUNDO: Si bien la piña fascinó a los europeos como fruto del colonialismo, no se cultivó con éxito en Europa hasta que Pieter de la Court (1664-1739) desarrolló la horticultura de invernadero cerca de Leiden.
Las plantas de piña fueron distribuidas desde los Países Bajos a los jardineros ingleses en 1719 y a los franceses en 1730.
MEDICINAL: Entre las propiedades medicinales del fruto, la más notable es la de la bromelina, que ayuda a metabolizar los alimentos.
Es también diurético, ligeramente antiséptico, desintoxicante, antiácido y vermífugo.
Se ha estudiado su uso como auxiliar en el tratamiento de la artritis reumatoide, la ciática, y el control de la obesidad.
PRODUCCION: Hoy la piña es el segundo cultivo frutal tropical en volumen, sólo superado por el plátano (Musa paradisiaca).
Los principales productores son Costa Rica, Brasil, Filipinas, Indonesia, India, que concentran el 50 % de la producción. Otros productores de relieve son Kenia, México, Nigeria, Tailandia y China. El cultivar más importante es el llamado 'smooth Cayenne', originario de la Guayana Francesa. (Fuente: Wikipedia)
安平區永華市政中心 - 台南市議會 / 大紅色波斯菊 - 開的像香水蓮花
Anping area Yunghua municipal administration center - Tainan City Hall / Big red cosmos - Blooms like a perfumed lotus
Centro municipal de la administración de Yunghua del área de Anping - Tainan Ayuntamiento / Gran cosmos rojo - florece como un loto perfumado
安平区永華市政センター - 市政府のビル / 大きな赤いコスモス - 香りのよい蓮のように咲きます
Anping-Bereich Yunghua städtische Verwaltungsmitte - Tainan Rathaus / Großer roter Kosmos - Blüht wie ein duftender Lotus
Centre municipal d'administration de Yunghua de région d'Anping - Hôtel de ville de Tainan / Grand cosmos rouge - Fleurit comme un lotus parfumé
Anping Tainan Taiwan / Anping Tainan Taiwán / 台灣台南安平
{See photos on black background/黑板觀看}
Melody 曲:JAPAN / Words 詞:Sheesen / Singing : Sheesen
{ 夢旅人 1990 Dream Traveler 1990 }
學名:Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
科名:菊科(Compositae)波斯菊屬(Coreopsis)
別名:兩色金雞菊、蛇目菊(江蘇南部植物手冊)，痢疾草、金錢菊
原產地:北美
用途:1.園藝植栽用：波斯菊常被大片栽植成花海，非常壯觀、美麗。
2.藥用：性味：全草：甘、平。效用：全草：清熱解毒，化濕。治痢疾，目赤腫痛，癰瘡腫毒。
Chinese name: Bōsī jú
English name: Cosmos
Scientific name: Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.
Family name: Compositae (Compositae) Cosmos (Coreopsis)
Aliases: two-color coreopsis, snake eye chrysanthemum (plant handbook of southern Jiangsu), dysentery grass, money chrysanthemum
Origin: North America
Uses: 1. Horticultural planting: Cosmos is often planted in large areas into a sea of flowers, which is very spectacular and beautiful.
2. Medicinal use: Nature and flavor: Whole plant: sweet, flat.
Function: Whole plant: clearing away heat and detoxifying, removing dampness. Treatment of dysentery, red eyes, swelling and pain, carbuncle sore swollen poison.
家住安南鹽溪邊
The family lives in nearby the Annan salt river
隔壁就是聽雨軒
The next door listens to the rain porch
一旦落日照大員
The sunset Shineing to the Taiwan at once
左岸青龍飛九天
The left bank white dragon flying in the sky
Thunbergia laurifolia, commonly known as laurel clockvine or blue trumpet vine, is a tropical flowering plant valued for both its ornamental and medicinal properties. Native to Southeast Asia, it features clusters of vibrant blue, trumpet-shaped flowers against glossy, laurel-like leaves. Besides its aesthetic appeal, this vine is utilized in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Easy to cultivate, Thunbergia laurifolia is a popular choice in gardens, where its twining vines create a visually striking display.
Yellow and black, a strident warning to potential predators of toxicity and unpalatability. Yet how did this come to be? How do you get from caterpillar to toxic beauty?
'De novo' (from new) biosynthesis of toxins is a possibility, though more common, and potentially less work, is bioaccumulation or biological magnification. This strategy involves a caterpillar usually adapted to a host plant, feeding, sequestering, concentrating, and perhaps slightly modifying biochemical constituents in the plant's sap. These toxic compounds provide a degree of safety as animals come to learn and associate them with colors and patterns like those seen here.
Excellent strategy, no? But that's not the entire story. This toxic lifestyle is not without its cost. Sequestration and modification of these biochemical compounds requires the right tools for the job, whether that be specialty enzymes or specific cells or organs to hold this hazardous soup and prevent poisoning oneself. This adaptation while obviously beneficial can slow growth and development, allowing faster growing competitors the opportunity to outcompete. Moreover, an organism's evolution doesn't happen in a vacuum. The plants meanwhile are modifying their biochemical constitution in the 'hopes' of ridding themselves of these essentially parasitic caterpillars and the predators are evolving means of detoxifying themselves and putting yellow and black butterflies back on the menu.
It is a rich, complex world, the deeper you go, the more you risk losing yourself in it altogether.
See more #butterfliesofSani.
Photographed for the #SaniProject2017. Follow us at #Sanilodge Destination Ecuador #paulbertner.
EXPLORE July 8 highest position #230
This is my ride -- a vintage Columbia -- when I feel like detoxifying.
The North Haven Inn was originally built on the site in 1838. This building was demolished and replaced with the present Haven Hotel in 1887.
From 1898 – 1926, the Haven Hotel was home to the Italian inventor and physicist, Guglielmo Marconi, who built a 120-foot (37 m) wooden transmitter mast in the hotel’s grounds at the hotel in 1898, and another 158-foot (48 m) wireless mast at the back of the hotel. He carried out some of his first wireless telegraphy experiments at the Haven Hotel. Marconi lived at the Haven Hotel until 1926, where he took his meals at a communal table where all guests were invited to eat. Following dinner, there was often a musical interlude with Guglielmo accompanying his guests on the piano. The Haven Hotel was rebuilt in 1926, when the country still ricocheted from the Great War and Britain’s hotel architecture was stagnant, it was hailed a seaside architectural triumph.[by whom?] In fact, one publication[which?] announced it was “the only good-class hotel of any size erected of late” and a “successful attempt to combine modern ideas in hotel planning with the latest construction and materials.”
Completed in 10 months, it is said [by whom?] that over 1,000 architectural drawings were produced by hand and that, on average, 162 men were employed per day, for 270,600 man hours. This was an epic undertaking for what was, at the time, a seaside town. Whilst the Haven Hotel visible today has largely stayed true to its original design, there are some quirks that, over the years, have been lost to changing times and trends. For example, the seawater sunken baths, which offered guests a detoxifying soak in the comfort of their own rooms, the chauffeur’s accommodation conveniently located above the parking facilities and a petrol station for guests on the site of today’s Business Centre, and the designated smoking room, which at the time would have been considered the height of fashion.
It took 500,00 bricks, 500 tons of cement, 12,000 cubic feet of timber and 6,000 cubic feet of stonework, the hotel is now considered[by whom?] a fine example of 1920s architecture.
Organic Black Rice from Manipur, India
"Black rice is the richest of all types of rice in terms of its powerful disease figting antioxidants. It also contains dietary fiber, anti-inflammatory properties, and has the ability to help stop the development of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and even weight gain. Helps in Detoxifying the Body .""
flickriver.com/photos/juanito1948/
No tengo ni idea de como se llama. Si algun amig@...
M Martin Vicente
. Esta flor es la flor de la achicoria, que se utiliza para hacer un tipo de Flores de Bach.
Cichorium intybus, la achicoria común, radicchio o radicheta, es una planta herbácea perenne de la familia de las asteráceas.
Desde el siglo XVII la infusión de su raíz tostada se utiliza como sucedáneo del café.
Como vegetal de ensalada su uso se remonta sólo al siglo XIX,.
Desde la Edad Media el Cichorium Intybus se emplea a efectos medicinales.
Propiedades
estimula el funcionamiento adecuado del hígado;
estimula la secreción de bilis,
desintoxicante y depurativa (colagogos y coleréticos);
cicatrizante;
sedante;
diurética.
expulsión de gusanos intestinales.
Y si quieres saber mas, mira en Wikipedia
I have no idea of his name. If any friends ...
THANKS. to M.Martin vicente. This flower is the flower of chicory, which is used to make a type of Bach Flowers.
Cichorium intybus, common chicory, radicchio or radishes, is a herbaceous perennial plant of the Asteraceae family.
Since the seventeenth century infusion of roasted root is used as a coffee substitute.
As a salad vegetable use dates back only to the nineteenth century.
From the Middle Ages the Cichorium intybus is used to medicinal effects.
properties
stimulates the proper functioning of the liver;
stimulates the secretion of bile,
detoxifying and cleansing (cholagogues and choleretic);
healing;
sedative;
diuretic.
expulsion of intestinal worms.
And if you want to know more, look in Wikipedia
At this time of year throughout the Yukon, Grizzlies can be found grazing in these flowerpatches. However, they carefully avoid these purple flowers, the wild sweet pea, which are said to be poisonous, and instead hunt for the similiar, but pale yellow, flowers, which they consume with great vigor for hours on end. For a long time, basically being a know-nothing when it comes to flowers, I thought these yellow ones the Bears are munching down on were Yellow Paintbrush, but a closer investigation makes it appear that I've been wrong all along ...
Apparently what they are fattening up on is the "Northern Oxytrope"
What mystifies me is that Oxytrope is the same thing as what is commonly called Loco-Weed, a plant which has been seen to derange and even blind or paralyze domestic cattle. The plant is generally considered toxic due to it's heavy absorption of selenium from the soil. Is our northern variant non-toxic?, Have Grizzlies Bears adapted to eating tons of this stuff daily by developing a detoxifying digestive enzyme? Are Grizzlies actually getting stoned as they eat this stuff, which could account for the singleminded concentration with which they seek it out, utterly ignoring photographers and other distractions ??
Anybody out there know anything about this ?
The American makeup artist, beauty blogger, entrepreneur and the founder of beauty line Huda Beauty, Huda Kattan has recently revealed her most amazing detoxifying bath ingredients and we are not surprised.
Huda recently took to her official Instagram and posted a video of making her favorite bath. She added bubble bath, lots of Epsom salt, French cream clay, powdered coconut milk powder and Himalayan pink salt. She also lit up scented candles to spice up the whole environment. She called the entire bath her favorite detoxifying bath for all the right reasons. All the bath ingredients that the beauty blogger added are quite common except for Himalayan salt which is quite underrated.
Himalayan Salt:
Himalayan pink salt is proved to be healthiest and purest of the sea salt family because it is finally refined without any addition of preservatives. It is full of nutrients and mineral traces like iron, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, phosphorus and others. Its anti-bacterial and detoxifying properties make it absolutely healing for humans and animals as well. It’s a perfect ingredient for skin because its minerals make it smooth, prevent scaring, remove dead cells, help in fighting off acne and much more. Let’s dig deep into why Himalayan salt should be added in every bath.
Detoxifying Properties:
The pink salt has extraordinary detoxifying properties which help in extracting harmful toxins from skin and tissues. The salt crystals penetrate through the skin and leave it nourished and refreshed. They also trigger self purifying abilities of the skin in a miraculous way. For the very reason the salt is recommended to be added in every bath especially after a long hectic day or whenever the body needs it.
Exfoliating Properties:
The Himalayan pink salt is highly recommended natural body scrub for its mineral contents and exfoliating texture. It not only removes the layer of the dead cells from the skin but also makes a protecting layer inside the skin to prevent dryness. It’s super easy to make a salt scrub by mixing only three ingredients: pink salt, olive oil and essential oil. Use the scrub on the whole body to make it naturally smooth and glowy.
Bath Soak:
When the Himalayan salt is added in the bath and the body gets soaked in it, the process of dermal absorption starts. Though this heavenly process, the body starts soaking minerals from the salt such as zinc (which prevents scaring), magnesium (which helps in relieving cramped muscles), sulphur (which makes the skin soft), chromium (which fight off acne) and others. This bath soak is highly recommended for nourishing the skin.
Start adding Himalayan pink salt to your bath and have a great skin.
A small medieval village in the Park of Madonie with a delightful, still well preserved old town that captivates you from the very first moment, the town develops around the castle of Ventimiglia, near a Byzantine hamlet called Ypsigro.
The township of Castelbuono lies in the heart of the Madonie mountain range: with its Castle perched on the Colle San Pietro this place appears like a village of times gone by! Castelbuono is situated within the luxuriant and glowing vegetation of its woods of oaks, chestnuts, cherry trees, and above all of manna ashes. The local manna ash is the tree from which, through a series of small cuts made in its bark, a sugary liquid pours out that solidifies under the heat of the sun producing the well-known “Manna.” Manna is an arboreal essence in great demand for its numerous detoxifying properties that is also used in local confectionery. Castelbuono is one of the few townships in the world together with the adjacent village of Pollina to cultivate the “manna” extracted from ash trees’ trunks and to encourage the subsistence of the very ancient job of the ash grower. The origins of Castelbuono are to be connected with the small Byzantine centre of “Ypsigro” (from Byzantine Greek, “fresh spot”) which existed near the present-day township. Since the fourteenth century the history of Castelbuono becomes intertwined with the history of the County of Geraci and of the Ventimiglia family. Under their “enlightened” government, the township experienced a considerable growth throughout the centuries. In the sixteenth century Castelbuono was attributed the title of “Capital of the Ventimiglia Estate” which included more than “twenty lands” and many “fiefdoms.”
Flower of the week in unforgettable flowers
Wetenschappelijk: Chelidonium majus
Scientific name: Chelidonium majus
Nederlands: Stinkende gouwe
English: Greater Celandine
Français: Grande Chélidoine
Deutsch: Schöllkraut
Wetenschappelijk: Chelidonium majus
Familie: Papaverfamilie, Papaveraceae
Geslacht: Chelidonium, Gouwe
Medicinale werkingen
Hier staan de medicinale werkingen beschreven met de reden waarom stinkende gouwe een geneeskrachtige werking heeft:
Doordat het de secretie van de alvleesklier verhoogt werkt het bloedsuikerverlagend.
De urine- en zweetdrijvende werking maakt stinkende gouwe tot een geneesmiddel tegen oedemen, verminderde nierfunctie, nierstenen, artritis, artrose en jicht.
De bloedsomloopstimulerende eigenschappen in de kleine haarvaten maken dit kruid tot een geneesmiddel tegen oogbindvliesontsteking, tranende en brandende ogen en grijze staar.
Omdat het de lever, gal en darmwerking stimuleert is dit een goed geneeskruid tegen de huidaandoeningen eczeem, psoriasis, ringworm en hoofdroos.
Vanwege de kalmerende en licht narcotische werking van chelidonine wordt dit kruid ingezet tegen nervositeit, rusteloosheid, stress, angst en slapeloosheid,
Stinkende gouwe kan in een dieet tijdens de chemokuur worden gebruikt omdat het antitumoraal werkt.
Uitwendig gebruik
Melksap van sttinkende gouwe remt ongebreidelde celdeling en staat om deze reden te boek als antitumorale stof. Het breekt de eeltlaag, het eiwit van de hoornlaag, af; in medische termen heet dat een keratolytische werking. Het gaat zowel virussen als bacteriën tegen en het werkt derhalve ontstekingsremmend. Het melksap wordt gebruikt om de volgende huidaandoeningen te bestrijden:
Wratten, goedaardige huidtumoren,
Eelt, likdoorn,
Schimmelinfecties,
Oogbindvliesontsteking en
Hoornvliesvlekken
Mens en Gezondheid
English
plant for the future
Greater celandine has a long history of herbal use]. Traditionally it was employed as an ophthalmic to treat and clear the eyesight whilst in modern herbal medicine it is used more as a mild sedative, antispasmodic and detoxifying herb, relaxing the muscles of the bronchial tubes, intestines and other organs. The latex is much used externally to treat warts. Caution should be employed, especially when the plant is used internally however, because it contains toxic alkaloids, The leaves and the sap are acrid, alterative, anodyne, antispasmodic, caustic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, hydrogogue, narcotic, purgative. They are used in the treatment of bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, jaundice, gallstones and gallbladder pains. The plant is harvested in the spring as it comes into flower, it is best used fresh, but can also be dried for later use. The roots can also be used, these are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. The plant has anticancer properties and is analgesic. It is an important component of a stomach ulcer drug. The plant has an abundant acrid bright-orange sap that stains the skin strongly and is powerfully irritant. It is used as an external treatment to get rid of warts, ringworm and corns and has also been used to remove films from the cornea of the eye. The plant contains the alkaloid chelidonine, which is similar to the alkaloid papaverine found in poppies. This alkaloid has antispasmodic and sedative effects on the bile ducts and bronchi. However, results have been inconsistent, especially if the preparation is not fresh]. The plant also contains the alkaloid sparteine, which restores normal rhythm to feeble arrhythmic myocardia. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Chelidonium majus for liver and gallbladder complaints.
Portrait of a devotee.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
for the recipe go to carrotsandclaret.com/vegetable-curry-kidney-beans/
This is simple to make but full of flavour. The large chunky vegetables absorb the delicious spices and rich tomato sauce. Kidney beans add protein, folate, magnesium and the detoxifying trace element molybdenum. And it’s delicious!
It's likely you've heard of the "Westin" brand before. When you stay at one of their hotels, you expect good service, a comfy bed (so comfy, it's got a divine name: the "Westin Heavenly Bed") and a squeaky clean room (OK, we're exaggerating here...your room won't squeak, but it still should be in very good condition). That's the nice thing about certain brands -- you can be confident they'll maintain certain standards.
So picture a typical Westin hotel. But now imagine that it's located a mere two blocks from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Ta da...jazz hands...and any other form of exclamation you can think of: You've got The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa.
Situated on Flamingo Road, near Las Vegas Boulevard (which, by the way, is one of the busiest intersections in the city), you're practically a hop, skip and a jump from several major megaresorts -- like Bellagio, Bally's, Caesars Palace and The Cromwell. You're also almost next door to The LINQ Promenade (you might even catch a glimpse of its signature attraction, the High Roller observation wheel, from your window).
In addition, if you stay at The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa, you can look forward to a combination of relaxation and laid-back fun. The relaxation comes from the Hibiscus Spa, which has a sauna and steam room (you are allowed to use these as part of the resort fee). This spa is a great place for head-to-toe pampering. Enjoy a variety of massages, body treatments, facials and salon services -- like the Tranquil Escape Detoxifying Mud Mask, which you may need to help you recover after a wild night on the town.
You'll find the hotel's outdoor heated pool just a few steps from the spa. Four private cabanas and plenty of deck chairs surround it. What better place to while away an afternoon?
Alternatively, if you want to keep up your exercise schedule, you can do so in the fitness studio. Burn off calories on an array of treadmills, stationery bikes and elliptical machines.
After your workout, or really any time you feel a hunger pang, head to Savona. Open 24 hours, this restaurant features American-style cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, there are daily specials, a kids' menu, late-night eats and a variety of desserts.
Coffee, pastries and sandwiches are also available around the clock at Starbucks, which is located next to the hotel's gift shop.
Unlike a typical Las Vegas hotel, the Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is non-gaming.
The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is also known for catering to business travelers. There's an excellent business center here as well as plenty of space for meetings, conventions or special events.
A quiet retreat with proximity to one of the most exhilarating streets in the world (and all of its wonderful attractions), The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa not only has the rep, but much more.
By Vegas.com
It's likely you've heard of the "Westin" brand before. When you stay at one of their hotels, you expect good service, a comfy bed (so comfy, it's got a divine name: the "Westin Heavenly Bed") and a squeaky clean room (OK, we're exaggerating here...your room won't squeak, but it still should be in very good condition). That's the nice thing about certain brands -- you can be confident they'll maintain certain standards.
So picture a typical Westin hotel. But now imagine that it's located a mere two blocks from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Ta da...jazz hands...and any other form of exclamation you can think of: You've got The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa.
Situated on Flamingo Road, near Las Vegas Boulevard (which, by the way, is one of the busiest intersections in the city), you're practically a hop, skip and a jump from several major megaresorts -- like Bellagio, Bally's, Caesars Palace and The Cromwell. You're also almost next door to The LINQ Promenade (you might even catch a glimpse of its signature attraction, the High Roller observation wheel, from your window).
In addition, if you stay at The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa, you can look forward to a combination of relaxation and laid-back fun. The relaxation comes from the Hibiscus Spa, which has a sauna and steam room (you are allowed to use these as part of the resort fee). This spa is a great place for head-to-toe pampering. Enjoy a variety of massages, body treatments, facials and salon services -- like the Tranquil Escape Detoxifying Mud Mask, which you may need to help you recover after a wild night on the town.
You'll find the hotel's outdoor heated pool just a few steps from the spa. Four private cabanas and plenty of deck chairs surround it. What better place to while away an afternoon?
Alternatively, if you want to keep up your exercise schedule, you can do so in the fitness studio. Burn off calories on an array of treadmills, stationery bikes and elliptical machines.
After your workout, or really any time you feel a hunger pang, head to Savona. Open 24 hours, this restaurant features American-style cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, there are daily specials, a kids' menu, late-night eats and a variety of desserts.
Coffee, pastries and sandwiches are also available around the clock at Starbucks, which is located next to the hotel's gift shop.
Unlike a typical Las Vegas hotel, the Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is non-gaming.
The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is also known for catering to business travelers. There's an excellent business center here as well as plenty of space for meetings, conventions or special events.
A quiet retreat with proximity to one of the most exhilarating streets in the world (and all of its wonderful attractions), The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa not only has the rep, but much more.
By Vegas.com
The name "Culver's root" derives from a certain Dr. Culver who was a pioneer physician of the 18th century
Veronicastrum virginicum
Culver’s root contains essential oil, phenolic acids, some bitter substances, phytosterol, alkaloids, tannins, mannitol, dextrose, resins, and saponins
The Seneca Indians used the plant in tea form to induce vomiting as a part of purification rituals.
The use of the herb, mostly in moderate doses, as a laxative and detoxifying agent was adopted early on by the European settlers.
Later the herb was used as a remedy for liver diseases and to stimulate bile production. In addition, it was also used to treat malaria and typhoid fever.
Culver’s root was once included in United States Pharmacopoeia but it’s not commonly used today because its strong potency is difficult to control
Culver’s root can affect the liver and gallbladder by increasing the production and secretion of bile, which lubricates the intestines which in turns enhances bowel movements.
The herb is therefore sometimes used as a treatment for chronic constipation, irritation of the intestines and ailments related to the liver and gallbladder such as hepatitis, cholecystitis, jaundice and other conditions which are believed to be caused by poor liver function (eg. some skin diseases).
The herb may also be of value as a remedy for diarrhea, bloating, chronic indigestion, hemorrhoids, and anal prolapse.
Culver’s root is often combined with dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and barberry (Berberis vulgaris).
As a treatment for liver ailments and when used as a remedy for constipation it may be combined with the herb sweet flag (Acorus calamus) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).
Culver’s root usually works best in small doses that are administered repeatedly over an extended period of time.
As a decoction: 1 or 2 teaspoons of the dried rhizome and roots in a cup of cold water which is then brought to boiling point, then simmered for 10 minutes and then strained. 1 cup of the brew can be used three times daily.
As a tincture: 1-2 ml three times a day
High doses of the herb can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Furthermore, as the herb has powerful laxative (purgative) properties it can cause dizziness and bloody stools.
Sun Salutation (Ashtanga Surya Namaskara)
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
It's likely you've heard of the "Westin" brand before. When you stay at one of their hotels, you expect good service, a comfy bed (so comfy, it's got a divine name: the "Westin Heavenly Bed") and a squeaky clean room (OK, we're exaggerating here...your room won't squeak, but it still should be in very good condition). That's the nice thing about certain brands -- you can be confident they'll maintain certain standards.
So picture a typical Westin hotel. But now imagine that it's located a mere two blocks from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Ta da...jazz hands...and any other form of exclamation you can think of: You've got The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa.
Situated on Flamingo Road, near Las Vegas Boulevard (which, by the way, is one of the busiest intersections in the city), you're practically a hop, skip and a jump from several major megaresorts -- like Bellagio, Bally's, Caesars Palace and The Cromwell. You're also almost next door to The LINQ Promenade (you might even catch a glimpse of its signature attraction, the High Roller observation wheel, from your window).
In addition, if you stay at The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa, you can look forward to a combination of relaxation and laid-back fun. The relaxation comes from the Hibiscus Spa, which has a sauna and steam room (you are allowed to use these as part of the resort fee). This spa is a great place for head-to-toe pampering. Enjoy a variety of massages, body treatments, facials and salon services -- like the Tranquil Escape Detoxifying Mud Mask, which you may need to help you recover after a wild night on the town.
You'll find the hotel's outdoor heated pool just a few steps from the spa. Four private cabanas and plenty of deck chairs surround it. What better place to while away an afternoon?
Alternatively, if you want to keep up your exercise schedule, you can do so in the fitness studio. Burn off calories on an array of treadmills, stationery bikes and elliptical machines.
After your workout, or really any time you feel a hunger pang, head to Savona. Open 24 hours, this restaurant features American-style cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, there are daily specials, a kids' menu, late-night eats and a variety of desserts.
Coffee, pastries and sandwiches are also available around the clock at Starbucks, which is located next to the hotel's gift shop.
Unlike a typical Las Vegas hotel, the Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is non-gaming.
The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is also known for catering to business travelers. There's an excellent business center here as well as plenty of space for meetings, conventions or special events.
A quiet retreat with proximity to one of the most exhilarating streets in the world (and all of its wonderful attractions), The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa not only has the rep, but much more.
By Vegas.com
My Experience
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
Three statues of Sir Stanley Matthews showing him playing football at various stages of his life, outside the Britannia Stadium
He is the wing wizard who combined sublime talent with incredible longevity. Sir Stanley Matthews played until he was 50 having taken care of his body in an era when science and sport never mixed.
He made his debut in March 1932 for Stoke City and played his last game for them 33 years later on February 6, exactly half a century ago. In between, he forged hero status at Blackpool, winning the 1953 FA Cup in a final that became synonymous with his name.
He won two Second Division titles 30 years apart, was knighted while still playing and won 54 England caps. Matthews, who died aged 85 in 2000. A former team-mate, an adversary, a famous friend and his daughter each said,
Matthews (right) is the only player ever to have been knighted while he was still alive after he won two Second Division titles with his hometown club Stoke - 30 years apart from each other.
Jimmy ARMFIELD Team-mate at Blackpool
People talk about him being England’s greatest footballer; he was certainly Blackpool’s. The success we had was down to his talismanic stature. He was the one who attracted the crowds and was known throughout the world. Dads would take their sons to watch the greatest player they’d seen. Matthews was a national treasure.
The first time I was picked for the England Under 23 team, Joe Smith — Blackpool’s manager — sent for me. I thought he was going to pat me on the back but he said: ‘The FA have sent a letter that they want you to play in Denmark. Have you thanked Stan?’ I asked why and he replied: ‘Anyone can play behind Stan.’
Everyone said what a wonderful passer I was at right back but all I was doing was giving the ball to the great man.
I never once saw him out of breath. That’s an incredible thing to say because when I came in he would have been in his late 30s. When he went back to Stoke everyone thought that was it but he won them promotion. There was an aura around him.
I picture him with the No 7 on the back of that tangerine jersey. Most full backs’ memories of Matthews will be looking at that number on his back!
He never got booked. He never queried a referee, dived, looked for a free-kick. He’d never retaliate. And he had some kickings.
Stan was a consummate pro. He was the first one who really worked at personal fitness. In a morning you could go down to the beach at 8am and he’d be there doing deep breathing then jogging up and down.
I learned more from him than any coach. I’d just watch him.
He had quite an amusing streak. He could make funny, but cutting, remarks. We were playing at Arsenal. I picked him out with my left foot and instead of landing at his feet it hit his chest. My pass gave the defender a good chance of nailing him again. When he got off the floor, Stan looked straight at me and said: ‘Shocking. Absolutely shocking’. That shoved some life into me!
The emotion of the 1953 FA Cup final came because Blackpool had lost in 1948 and ’51. This was going to be third time lucky. Stan would get his medal.
It was Coronation year, we were going to climb Everest and Gordon Richards was going to win the Derby. The first two came off and it was Stan’s turn.
We were 3-1 down to Bolton. The game was transformed by Stan Mortensen belting in a free-kick. Matthews sprang to life in that last half-hour. He was unstoppable.
He told me that I shouldn’t go around trying to kick people because that’s not what football is about.
He said: ‘Once a full back kicks me I’ve got him. I know he’s frightened of me.’
It was that era just after the war — stiff upper lip. Stan embodied that feeling around the country. That’s why when we played away from home we knew the crowd wanted to see him.
For a man to get knighted while he was still playing ... can you see anyone else doing that? Can you see away crowds applauding like they did for Stan?
CLIFF JONES Opponent at Tottenham
Stan warmed up with weighted boots on — like diver’s boots.
Then his actual football boots were made out of calf leather. A little firm in Northampton made them. I’ve never seen boots like them. So light, you could bend them into all shapes. They only lasted about three games.
You can imagine the effects of jogging around in weighted boots then slipping on these light boots. He could run the 100m as fast as Jesse Owens.
He was very forward-thinking. Just before the game he would have a drink of egg, milk and glucose powder. His pre-match meal, if you like.
He said to me: ‘What’s your pre-match meal?’ I said probably a bit of steak or chicken about three hours before kick-off. He said: ‘Why don’t you try this?’ Four heaped tablespoons of glucose powder. It was a great source of energy.
On a Monday he wouldn’t have anything to eat. He would just drink eight pints of water to flush his system out. These days they call it detoxifying. He was very much his own man. He would have vitamin tablets. All things we never thought of. That’s why he played until he was 50. Ryan Giggs was 40 when he packed it in. Stan went on for another 10 years!
It was Harry Johnston, captain of Blackpool at the time, who said: ‘We have this winger who doesn’t score goals, won’t head a ball and there is no chance of him tackling back, but he is the greatest winger you’ll ever see.’
It was his control and over 10-15 yards he was lightning. He would just jog up to a full back, drop a shoulder and go outside him and be gone. Full backs knew what he was going to do but there was nothing they could do about it.
JEAN GOUGH Matthews’ daughter
As a little girl I remember him as a loving daddy who did his utmost to keep his family out of the limelight. In the 1940s he became the first sporting superstar — acclaimed all over the world despite there being no TV and very little media. In order not to be recognised he would wear sunglasses and a hat. It never worked!
I remember the discipline my dad followed. I can see him now, making his carrot juice every day. He managed to obtain a tiny juicer. All visitors to the house were offered this magical health drink. The only trouble was that too much carrot juice could make your skin go yellow!
Pop was obsessed with eating the right foods. I passed this on to my own children. Stan’s granddaughter Samantha is a leading authority on nutrition in Texas and she and Pop planned to write a book together but sadly never got round to it. I can see him now, doing his deep breathing and stretching exercises before going for his workout on Blackpool beach. Sometimes he would take me with him and I cherish this time with him.
PETER COATES Stoke chairman and friend
Stan is Stoke’s legendary player. He was the first football man to become a truly international figure. The gates would go up in London because they wanted to see him. It would happen in Europe and South America — because they didn’t see him on the telly.
Even now, when I travel abroad and mention Stoke I hear ‘Ah, Stanley Matthews.’ The turnout for his funeral was the largest apart from royalty and Winston Churchill.
Sir Bobby Charlton told me a story. He said, ‘Jackie (his brother) and I used to go to Newcastle when Stoke were playing and we would stand by the corner flag to get close to Matthews.’
I first saw him just after the war as a young boy and I later got to know him well. He would come to mine for dinner and eat like a mouse. He was a man before his time, intent on prolonging his career. He once told me: ‘One mistake I made was I retired too early. I had two more years in me.’
He wanted to be Peter Pan, he never wanted to grow old. Even in his 80s he had a spring in his step.
Fruit ONLY! Cure for one thousand illnesses
Top
FRUITS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Pineapple
Avocado
Figs
Mangoes
Grapes
Papaya
Passionfruit
Banana
Peaches
Apricot
Lemons
Grapefruit
Melons
Orange
Prunes
Tangerine
Tomato
Watermelon
Strawberry
Apple
Olives
NUTS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Almond
Brazil Nut
Cashew Nut
Chestnut
Coconut
Hazelnuts
Peanuts
Pinenuts
PistachioNut
Walnut
SEEDS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Linseed
Pumpkin
Seasame
Sunflower
BERRIES AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Bilberry
Blackcurrant
Cherry
Cranberry
Gosseberry
Hawthorn Berry
Mulberry
Strawberry
FRUITS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
PINEAPPLE
Like melons, pineapples have no built-in reserves of starch that convert to sugar- thestarch is stored in the stem of the plant rather than in the fruit itself. Just before the fruitripens completely, the starch converts to sugar and enters the fruit;
A large pineapple will have a greater proportion of edible flesh to rind and core, but small and medium- sized pineapples can still be delicious;
The fruit should be firm and plump, as well as heavy for its size, with fresh looking green leaves;
A good pineapple should be fragrant, but if the fruit is cold, the aroma may not be apparent;
The pineapple is considered to be a protective fruit;
Nutritional Value
The pineapple is the most essential foodstuff in “The Dries Cancer Diet”;
This fruit has great nutritive value;
It contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats and water.It also has calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium, chlorine,sulphur and manganese;
Pineapples are an excellent source of vitamin C and have vitamin A, B1 and B2;
Health Benefits
Lessens time and degree of inflammation;
Pineapple enzymes have been used with success to treat rheumatoid arthritis and tospeed tissue repair as a result of injuries, diabetic ulcers and general surgery;
Bromelain enzymes are present in raw pineapple or freshly squeezed juice;
Pineapple enzymes act specifically to break down protein, helping to ease digestion;
Reduces blood clotting and helps remove plaque from arterial walls. Studies suggest that pineapple enzymes may improve circulation in those with narrowed arteries, such as angina sufferers;
Used to help cure bronquitis, throat infections; it has a laxative effect, helps to clear digestive inflammation and intestinal fevers;
It is efficient in the treatment of arterioscleroses and anaemia;
Pineapple is an excellent cerebral toner; it combats loss of memory, sadness and melancholy;
AVOCADO
A smooth, buttery texture and a mild, nutty flavour are the hallmarks of the avocado, a tropical fruit with a unique flavour that can be used in many different ways;
On the outside it looks like a leathery pear that is sometimes called an “alligator pear” or a “butter pear”;
Nutritional Value
The third most important food in “The Dries Cancer Diet”;
Is high in vitamin E. It is also high in monounsaturated fat and calories;
It is one of the most nourishing fruits;
It has almost all vitamins, including vitamin C;
The avocado contains fourteen minerals, all regulate body functions and stimulate growth;
Its fatty substances have a good effect on the organism while animals fats have a harmful effect;
Health benefits
Avocado nourishes all the organism and helps cure several ailments;
Helps to combat harms done by eating meat, digestive problems, rheumatism, kidney, liver and skin infections;
They aid in red blood regeneration and prevent anaemia;
FIGS
Figs are noticed for their sweetness and soft texture – they consist of a pliable skin enclosing a sweet, even softer, fleshly interior filled with edible seeds;
Figs have the shortest life span of any fruit in the market. Once they are harvested, they last about only a week. As a consequence, about 90 percent of the world’s fig harvest is dried;
Nutritional Value
The mineral content of figs closely resembles that of human milk;
Figs are rich in both vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, sodium potassium and chlorine;
Due to its high content in glucose, the most assimilative of all sugars the fig is nutritive;
Figs are high in vitamin B, that is essential in the intestine regulation, the fig has a similar function in our bodies as cereals do;
They contain mucin and pectin;
Black figs are high in potassium;
Dried figs, offer a surprisingly dense nutritional package;
Dried figs are rich in fibre, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron, and are useful as a more nourishing substitute for sugar in cooking;
Health Benefits
The fig is oxidant, laxative, diuretic, digestible and a blood cleanser;
It is excellent for the liver;
Great producers of energy;
MANGOES
Mangoes are round, oval, or kidney shaped, and are about the size of a small melon or large avocado.They have a smooth skin and orange yellow flesh;
When ripe, the flesh is soft and exceptionally juicy, to the point where eating a mango can be a fairly messy business, the taste, however, is matchless;
Most mangoes start off green and develop patches of gold, yellow, or red as they ripen;
Nutritional Value
Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C;
Their content in vitamin C varies according to the type of mango;
They are a useful source of vitamin E and iron;
Ripe mangoes are rich in beta - carotene;
Mangoes have excellent nutritive qualities;
Health benefits
Mangoes are depurative and diuretic;
Are good to combat stomach acidity;
GRAPES
Most commercial grapes grow on woody vines that are not raised from seeds, but are propagated from cuttings or grafted onto existing rootstocks;
The vine plants must be staked or trellised as they grow, to support the heavy bunches of fruit;
There are four classes of grapes: wine grapes,table grapes, raisin grapes, and sweet juice grapes.
Grapes do not mix well with other fruits so they should be eaten alone;
Nutritional Value
They are incredibly rich in vitamins A, C and P (bioflavonoids) and trace elements such as germanium and selenium;
High in water and magnesium content;
Dark grapes are high in iron;
Raisins and sultanas are a concentrated source of calories, sugar and nutrients;
Health Benefits
Grapes are considered one of the most medicinal fruits;
They are used in several cures having excellent results;
Grapes are one of the most efficient and reliable therapies that have an impressive track record for tumour reduction;
Grapes will purify the blood, invigorate the immune system, and put flesh and weight back onto bodies that have become severely wasted and weakened by cancer;
Sugar from grapes is easily digested and assimilated by the blood without tiring the digestive organ;
Grapes tonic, mineralise and renovate the tissues;
Grapes promote the action of the bowel, clean the liver and aid kidney function;
Due to their high water content they add to the fluids and help eliminate hardened deposits that may have settled in any part of the body;
They are very soothing to the nervous system;
They are good blood builders due to their high content of iron;
PAPAYA
Called also a tree melon because of its resemblance to a melon, this fruit grows on a giant herbaceous plant and not a tree;
The cultivated papaya is a melon like fruit with yellow- orange flesh enclosed in skin that ranges in colour from green to orange to rose;
At the papaya’s centre is an oblong cavity containing dozens of small black seeds. It can be round, pear-shaped, or long like a banana;
The papaya is sometimes referred to as papaw, but this is not correct, as the papaw is a separate fruit that belongs to an unrelated botanical family;
Nutritional Value
It is a valuable and delicious fruit;
Papayas are rich in several vitamins A, B, C, and D;
Rich in calcium, phosphorous and iron;
Excellent to eat in the morning for they have nutritional value that satisfies the body’s needs in the morning;
Excellent food for children because it is important for their growth;
The papaya is high in digestive properties and has a direct tonic effect on the stomach;
Health benefits
Papayas clean the digestive organ;
Papayas are diuretic, laxative and refreshing;
Helps to maintain the acid –alkaline balance of the body;
Used in the treatment of stomach ulcers and fevers;
PASSION FRUIT
An egg-shaped tropical fruit that is also called a purple granadilla, the passion fruit has a wrinkled purple brown rind enclosing flesh – covered seeds;
The seeds are edible, so the orange pulp can be eaten straight from the shell. Its pulp is very good and highly aromatic it is used for juicing;
Nutritional Value
Rich in vitamin C and a good source of vitamin A, iron and potassium;
If eaten with the seeds, it is an excellent source of dietary fibber;
Health Benefits
Passion fruit has somniferous properties, taken before going to bed they help relax and sleep during the night;
They have febrifugal and soporific properties;
BANANA
Bananas have a peel that comes off easily and neatly;
A ripe banana is firm, with a plump texture, strong peel, and no trace of green on the skin;
A skin that is flecked with brown means thr fruit is good.They ripen best after they have been picked;
They can be easily digested by everyone;
Nutritional Value
Good source of potassium, whether ripe or less ripe;
Very ripe bananas are high in sugars;
Sugars in the banana are readily assimilated and they contain many vitamins and minerals;
Rich in starch and soluble fibre;
They are excellent four young children and infants;
Bananas are good in reducing diets because they satisfy the appetite and are low in fat;
Health Benefits
Potassium can help avoid and regulate high blood pressure;
Good for energetic activity. The starch in less ripe bananas resists digestion and, along with the fruit’s soluble fibre, provides a gentler, longer-lasting energy rise than most sweet foods, which is good for stamina;
Very ripe bananas are high in sugars that are readily assimilated;
They benefit muscular system and can improve stamina;
Less ripe bananas counter constipation, ripe sugary bananas help relieve diarrhoea;
Ripe bananas may raise mood and help sleep. Carbohydrates eaten with little protein are known to have a soothing effect by stimulating serotonin, a substance that raises mood;
Ripe bananas eaten on their own supply all the ingredients for this reaction: quickly absorbable carbohydrate, serotonin, its precursor trypophan and vitamin B6;
Bananas are an excellent food to treat anaemia;
Bananas feed the natural acidophilus bacteria of the bowel;
PEACHES
Peaches are round and smooth with juicy and sweet flesh that ranges from white to intensely yellow;
Fine quality peaches are firm and free from blemishes. They have a fresh appearance. If peaches are picked green or immature they will not ripen satisfactorily;
Peaches do not gainm sugar after they are pickefor they do not have no reserve of starch.
Nutritional Value
Provide a good amount of vitamin C and A;
High sugar content;
Health Benefits
Peaches are diuretic, depurative and detoxifying so they are wonderful to eat on a weight - loss program;
The body assimilates peaches very easily;
Indicated to help lung debility, liver infections, cancer ulcers, herpes rheumatic pain, arterial hypertension and anaemia;
APRICOT
Fresh apricots, which are among the first fruits of summer, are notable for their fragrance, delicate flavour and velvety surface.
Nutritional Value
Exceptionally high in beta-carotene. Dark orange fresh apricots are one of the top fruits for beta-carotene;
Rich in soluble fibre;
Dried apricots are rich in potassium;
Health Benefits
Foods high in beat-carotene are linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, cataracts and some forms of cancer;
An intake of potassium helps avoid and regulate high blood pressure;
Steadies blood sugar levels and helps constipation. Studies have shown that a high intake of soluble fibre steadies blood sugar and energy levels by slowing digestion. It can also help to lower cholesterol level;
Dried apricots in particular help prevent and treat constipation;
Helps prevent iron deficiency. A low intake of iron is a common cause of resistance and stamina;
LEMONS
Lemons have slin of an oily, fine texture and are heavy for their size;
They are firmbut not hard to the touch;
The bulk of lemons are either Eurekas or Lisbons;
A short neck at the stem end distinguishes Eureka lemons; Lisbons have no distinct neck, but the blossom end tapersto a pointed nipple;
Eurekas may have a few seeds and a somewhat pitted skin, while Lisbons are commonly seedless, with smoother skin. Both types have medium – thick skins and are abundantly juicy.
Nutritional Value
Rich in alkaline elements;
Lemons are very rich in acid citric and vitamin C;
They contain phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium;
They are very refreshing and make a wonderful drink in the Summer and a marvellous tea in the winter;
Health Benefits
They are antiseptic, natural and secure against stomach and intestine fermentations;
Lemons are one of the most highly alkalinizing foods;
They destroy all microbes and create germ invulnerability;
Lemons are usually used in fevers and flues as well as in cleansing processes of the body;
They are very good in retaining calcium in the body;
Lemons are wonderful for throat trouble and catarrh;
GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruit is a subtropical acid fruit, probably developed from a cross between an orange and a shaddock, a citrus fruit with thick skin, many seeds, almost no juice, and a verysour taste;
Grapefruit often has a reddish brown colour over the normal yellow. This citrus fruit combines tanginess and sweetness;
Nutritional Value
Fresh grapefruit is low in calories and is a good source of flavonoids, water-soluble fibers, potassium, vitamin C and folic acid;
Grapefruit is very rich in citric acid and their salts;
Health Benefits
Grapefruit, like other citrus fruits, has been shown to exert some anticancer effects;
Grapefruit pectin has been found to possess cholesterol-lowering action similar to that of other fruit pectins;
Normalizes hematocrit levels (refers to percentage of red blood cells per volume of blood);
When taken befor bedtime, grapefruit is conductive to a sound sleep;
Helps prevent constipation and stone formation;
Excellent aid in reducing fevers from colds and flu;
Good for any hardening of the body tissue, such as of the liver and arteries
MELONS
Melons are members of the Cucurbitaceae, or gourd family, they grow on vines;
Except for watermelons, all melons resemble winter squashes in structure- they have a thick flesh with a central seed-filled cavity;
Melons do not combine with other foods and should be eaten alone;
Nutritional Value
Melons are a good source of potassium, vitamin A, B, and C;
The orange flesh varieties have exceptional amounts of betacarotene;
Melons are very high in silicone especially when eaten right down to the rind;
Health Benefits
Ripe melons are refreshing, alkalising, mineralising, oxidant and diuretic;
They have an anti-clotting action on the blood;
Melons are an excellent supply of distilled water that contains the finest mineral elements;
ORANGE
Orange trees (and orange hybrids such as tangerines and tangelos) are semitropical evergreens;
Oranges are firm, heavy for their size, and evenly shaped. The skin is smooth. Thin skinned oranges are juicier than thick skinned specimens, and small to medium – sized fruits are sweeter than the larger ones
Nutritional Value
Oranges combine vitamin C and flavanoids;
They provide pectin;
High in sodium when completely matured in the sunshine;
Oranges are one of the best sources of water - soluble vitamin C;
Health Benefit
Helps the body’s defences. Vitamin C is vital for resistance to infection, both as an oxidant and in its role in improving iron absorption. Oranges combine Vitamin C with flavorous, such as hesperidins, which seem to strengthen the vitamin’s antioxidant powers;
Anti-cancer potential – In several studies, people who eat more oranges and other citrus fruit have lower rates of some cancers, especially of the stomach. The fruit may block the possible transformation of nitrates and nitrites in foods, especially smoked, into nitosamines associated with stomach cancer;
Pectin helps lower cholesterol. Oranges provide pectin, a form of soluble fibre that helps reduce blood cholesterol, especially “bad” LDL type cholesterol;
Can improve small blood vessels strength. Flavonoids and vitamin C in oranges help maintain cell wall strength, aiding capillary circulation;
Excellent for treating overacid body conditions, constipation or a sluggish intestinal tract;
PRUNES
Prunes are dried plums, but just not any plums: The two fruits are identical botanically;
Compared to plums that are marketed fresh, the varieties that make satisfactory prunes generally have firmer flesh, more sugar, and a higher acid content – traits that make it possible for the fruits to be dried with their pits intact without fermenting;
The transition from plum to prune is a carefully controlled process. The plums are allowed to mature on the tree until they are fully ripe and have developed their maximum sweetness. Then they are mechanically harvested and dried for 15 to 24 hours under closely monitored conditions of temperature and humidity;
Nutritional Value
Rich in magnesium, sodium, phosphorous and potassium;
Provide a useful amount of fibre and iron;
Health Benefits
Prunes have an excellent laxative effect;
They clean and unclog the liver, the digestive system and helps to overcome infections and intestinal fevers;
Due to its high content in phosphorous the prune has excellent results in cerebral debility;
TANGERINE
Tangerines are flat at the ends and have deep orange, loose fitting, pebbly skin;
Nutritional Value
High content in phosphorous, calcium and vitamin C;
Rich in magnesium and vitamins;
Health Benefits
Due to its high content in phosphorus and calcium the tangerine benefits the development of the skeleton;
With its magnesium it tonics the articulations, muscles, benefits the intestines and the nervous system;
Their vitamins content is advised against infections;
TOMATO
Although botanically a fruit-specifically, a berry- the tomato is prepared and served as a vegetable;
Equal to oranges, both in vitamins and in alkaline elements and are the finest of foods;
Nutritional Value
Tomatoes are high in vitamin value andhave significant levels of antioxidants;
They have a small amount of beta-carotene;
Health Benefits
People who eat more of foods rich in these antioxidants have been shown to have lower levels of several forms of cancer, as well as of heart disease, stroke and cataracts;
May contain other protective substances. Tomatoes are a good source of theflavonoid substance quercetin, plus a large amount of a carotene called lycopene. Both are being investigated for their potential protective effects;
Helps remove toxins, especially uric acid;
WATERMELON
Watermelons bears more resemblance to a cucumber, with its seeds dispersed in aradical pattern throughout its flesh;
There are more than fifty varieties of watermelon. Most watermelons have familiar red flesh, but there are orange and yellow- fleshed varieties. There are also seedless varieties;
Watermelons are about 92 percent water and 8 percent sugar;
It is extraordinarily refreshing and must be eaten ripe and fresh;
Nutritional Value
Watermelons are valuable for their minerals, vitamins, sugars and pure water;;
They Provide a useful amount of fibre and iron;
Health Benefits
The water content helps to clean the kidneys from uric acid;
STRAWBERRY
Strawberries are known as a “false” fruit because it grows from the base and not from the ovary of the flower, therefore it is not a “true” berry;
Nutritional Value
One of the richest sources of vitamin C as well as fibber;
High content of sodium and easy assimilative iron;
Health Benefits
They are a traditional diuretic and have an excellent effect on the kidneys;
Also used to relieve rheumatism or gout;
Strawberries have an alkaline reaction in the body due to their high sodium content;
APPLE
A member of the rose family, the apple has a compartmented core and is classified as a pome fruit;
Nutritional Value
The apple may not be the nutritional standout of the fruit bowl, but if an apple is eaten, it will provide you with respectable amounts of soluble and insoluble fibber, some vitamin C and beta-carotene (if you eat the peal), and potassium and boron;
The fruit is fibrous, juicy and nonsticky, making it a good tooth –cleaner and a gum stimulator.
Apples contain pectin and are an alkaline food;
Health Benefits
Can reduce blood cholesterol levels, especially “bad” LDL type cholesterol. Pectin, a soluble fibre in apples, is thought to play a key part in this;
Counters constipation and diarrhoea. The specific combination of fibre types and fruit acid in apples is probably responsible for their well-known ability to prevent and treat constipation. The liquid- gelling pectin and the natural antiviral properties in apples explain their traditional use for diarrhoea;
Traditionally used for arthritis, rheumatism and gout. The apple’s benefits for digestion and the disposal of unwanted substances from the body support its reputation for helping joint problems. This may be due to a combination of actions: fruit acids that improve digestion, the antioxidant effect of the flavonoid quercetin and pectin’s ability to increase elimination.
May improve defences against illness;
OLIVES
Nutritional Value
Due to fat content olives are highly energetic, especially when ripe, they should be used in the winter;
Olives are easy to digest if well chewed;
Black olives are better than green olives;
Health Benefits
They are recommended for tuberculosis and other chest infections as well as asthma.
NUTS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
The protein and fat contained in many nuts and a few seeds provide a great amount of physiological fuel value to the body;
Walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, almonds and peanuts are very rich in arginine (produces significant reductions in serum cholesterol;
Arginine inhibits fat absorption;
The inclusion of argimine-rich nuts and seeds in the diet frequently helps to prevent coronary heart disease;
Nuts are also rich in tryptophan and tyrosine, two important aminoacids for the brain;
These affect neurotransmitters or chemicals within the brain;
Tryptophan stimulates serotin, the neurotransmitter that causes a sense of relaxation;
Nuts are rich in selenium, strontium, boron and molybdenum;
Selenium is a potent oxidant, it helps protect the immune system from damage caused by free radicals;
Selenium is also vital for proper function of the pancreas and keeping muscle tissue elastic;
Strontium is vital to the production of immune system macrophages, which move about the body like garbage collectors, consuming foreign debris and harmful bacteria that may injure the system in several ways;
Strontium is also a key component in intracellular functions, it’s presence in the body keeps cells from mutating due to environmental (chemical) or social (stress) considerations;
Strontium is also involved in the bonding of calcium with magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium to form strong bones;
Boron is essential for calcium uptake and healthy bones and teeth;
Molybdenum is needed in extremely small amounts for nitrogen metabolism;
Stimulates normal cell activity and is part of the enzyme system of xanthine oxidase;
Molybdenum concentrates primarily in the liver, bones, and kidneys;
Low intakes have been frequently associated with male sexual impotence, higher incidents of cancer, and frequent mouth and gum diseases in both sexes;
ALMOND
Nutritional value
High in fat which is mainly monosaturated;
Rich source of vitamin E;
Almonds are one of the richest non-animal sources of calcium;
Health Benefits
Helps reduce blood cholesterol - although almonds are high in fat, it is mainly monounsaturated;
Vitamin E has recently emerged as very protective against death from heart disease when eaten in much higher amounts than the daily adult allowance of 10mg;
They are very nutritive, rich in fat and proteins. Their proteins have a high biological value and they are excellent substitute for meat;
Almonds are energetic and therefore advised to hard and intellectual workers and students;
Many doctors prescribe almonds to their cancer patients;
BRAZIL NUT
Nutritional Value
This tropical nut contains exceptionally high levels of selenium;
The protein of this nut is of high biological value and recognised has complete;
Complete proteins are the ones that have all the essential aminoacids which are indispensable to life maintenance and growth;
The index of growth resulting from the use of the brazil nut is equal to the use of milk;
Rich in healthy fats it is essential for students and hard workers;
Health Benefits
Fattening food for Cancer, AIDS and other flesh-wasting diseases;
Has anticancer properties due to its exceptionally high levels of selenium;
Very important to help cure anaemia, malnourished people and tuberculoses;
CASHEW NUT
Nutritional Value
Cashew Nuts have a high vitamin C content as well as iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium and vitamin B1;
They also contain about 50% fat, mainly monounsaturated, so enjoy them in small amounts;
Health Benefits
Cashew nuts have antiseptic and cicatrising properties;
They are excellent for toothache and gums;
CHESTNUT
NutritionaL Value
Chestnuts are energetic and many people eat them in order to perform hard work;
Health benefits
They are a good food for the liver and kidneys;
Chestnuts should be eaten with a juicy fruit to serve as a laxative because the cashew nut is astringent;
The water chestnut is excellent for intestinal discomforts due to inadequate chewing of each mouthful consumed, eating in hurry and bad food combinations;
COCONUT
A quality coconut is heavy for its size. When shaken, the liquid inside will slosh around. A nut without liquid indicates spoilage as well as moldy or wet eyes.
The water of the coconut is notthe milk. The coconut is an essential food in "The Dries Cancer Diet"
Nutritional Value
Rich in potassium, sodium and selenium;
It is an excellent and complete food when taken in its natural form;
It’s a good substitute for egg, cheese and milk even better than all of them;
Coconut milk compares to mother's milk in its chemical balance;
Health benefits
It is well tolerated by diabetics;
Coconut is also good to develop the thorax and has a terrific effect on the nerves;
Coconut is good for arterioscleroses problems;
Plays an important part in the metabolic process of polyunsaturated fatty acids;
Prevents the development of free radicals;
HAZELNUTS
Nutritional Value
Contain about as much vitamin E as almonds. And are high in vitamins B1 and B6;
They are also high in fat so they should also be enjoyed in small amounts;
Hazelnut oil is delicious and suitable for use in cold dishes and for low temperature cooking;
PEANUTS
Nutritional Value
Contain about 26 percent protein-higher than dairy products, eggs, fish and many cuts of meat;
They have many of the essential B-complex vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin as well as appreciable amounts of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and magnesium – including a balanced share of calories, but no cholesterol;
Health Benefits
Peanut leaves are used to cure insomnia, haemorrhages, hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels;
PINE NUTS
Nutritional Value
Provide more a good amount of vitamin E, as well as a high level of iron magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin B1;
PISTACHIO NUT
Nutritional Value
Pistachios are rich in potassium, phosphorous, and magnesium salts;
High lipid (fat) and protein contents;
Health benefits
The three elements above combined are an effective treatment for controlling hypertension;
All nuts and seeds are fantastic for energy needs due to their high lipid and protein contents. But pistachios give energy in an unusual way;
Glumatic acid forms an interesting partnership with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA and glumatine (GAM) in making the reactions of the brain run more smoothly;
G.A is a stimulant neurotransmitter; GABA is calming to the brain; and GAM is difficult to classify simply because it performs many different functions related to brain metabolism;
But the nonessential amino acid GA has the highest concentration of all the amino acids in the brain. It helps in the production of mental energy more than anything else;
WALNUT
Nutritional Value
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids;
High concentration of nutrients;
Good amount of ellagic acid;
Health benefits
Helps maintain heart health. Linoleic acid can reduce blood cholesterol levels. Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, and omega –3 fatty acid, discourage blood clots;
Two large-scale diet surveys showed that people who ate walnuts had a lower risk of coronary heart disease;
In a third walnuts lowered blood fats, including cholesterol, and blood pressure levels;
Omega –3 fatty acids have been used successfully to reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis and itchy, scaly skin conditions;
Concentration source of nutrients. The high calorie concentration in walnuts and their substantial nutrient levels, make them good for people with small appetites, such as convalescents;
Walnuts contain a fair amount of ellagic acid. It has cancer-prevention properties and it has a soothing effect on our minds and nerves, which enable us to sleep;
SEEDS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Seeds develop good complexion and strong bones due to several good minerals in which they are rich;
They help to prevent sagging jowls and fatty accumulation around the throat;
The jaws are constantly exercised by frequent seed or nut chewing;
Excess deposits of fat stored in the muscle tissue of the face, neck, and throat is gradually “burned up” by increased chemical combustion;
Seeds keep teeth free of cavities and plaque and the gums free of inflammatory infections like periodonitis and gingivitis;
Chewing seeds often helps to “massage” gums areas with lesions;
LINSEED
Nutritional Value
Linseed is one of the few plant substances rich in omega-3 fatty acids;
Health Benefits
Benefits heart health, the body’s defence systems and inflammatory conditions;
Lignans are among the plant substances that have a weak oestrogen-like activity. They may also supplant stronger oestrogens, reducing high blood levels of oestrogen, a risk factor for breast cancer;
As well as averting constipation, linseed encourages “friendly” intestinal flora, which prevent the development or re-absorption of toxic products of the metabolism;
Linseed contains mucilaginous fibre, which soothes the delicate linings of the stomach and digestive tract.
PUMPKIN SEEDS
Health Benefits
Tests confirm the traditional use of pumpkin seeds for an enlarged prostate;
In 1990, in a double blind study over 3 months, pumpkin seed extract significantly improved symptoms such as urinary-flow time, amount and frequency in sufferers, compared to those given a placebo;
Pumpkin seeds can reduce the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to bladder stones. For example, in 1987. In a study of an area in Thailand with a high number of bladder stone sufferers, pumpkin seeds were more effective than conventional treatment in reducing crystals;
Zinc is vital to the immune system, for example, to help infection resistance and for wound healing, growth and taste.
SESAME SEEDS
Health benefits
Sesame seed is excellent for underweight and malnourished people;
It is used in the relief for colitis, gastritis, heartburn, and indigestion;
The sesame seed oil has an excellent result in the treatment of complicated fracture wounds;
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Nutritional Value
Rich natural source of vitamin E and linoleic acid;
Good source of beta carotene and vitamins C and E;
Health Benefits
A low level of vitamin E is the most important risk factor in deaths from heart attack. People with low vitamin E levels are nearly 3 times more likely to develop angina. Increasing linoleic acid decreases both total and LDL “bad” cholesterol, which helps avoid narrowing of the arteries. Linoleic acid also discourages blood clotting;
Anti-cancer potential – people who eat more foods rich in the antioxidant beta carotene and vitamins C and E levels of cancer, and are less vulnerable to cataracts as they get older;
Prevents damage caused by exercise. Exhaustive exercise increases the concentration of free radicals in the body, which can lead to muscle damage unless ample vitamin E is present to prevent oxidation;
Sunflower seeds have been used in the form of tea to remove mucus accumulation and to cure prostate problems;
BERRIES AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Berries contain significant amounts of: iron, copper, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, chromium, fluorine, selenium, silicon, rubdium, aluminium, boron, bromine and others;
Ellagic acid is a substance that reduces greatly the incidence of cancer and it is present in berries and brazil nuts;
Ellagic acid can only be used as a preventive and not as a treatment;
BILBERRY
Nutritional Value
Rich in flavonoids and anthocyanosides;
Dried bilberries can be taken as they are, but it is better to take a concentrated solutionof the fruit juice and drink and drink a wineglassful as required;
Health Benefits
Bilberry flavonoids strengthen the blood capillaries and improve circulation. This property may help prevent and treat problems such as chilblains, broken veins, varicose veins and poor circulation in diabetics;
Bilberry extract has been shown to help a range of eye problems. Bilberry extract taken in combination with 20mg of beta-carotene a day may improve adaptation to light and night vision;
May help the body resist illness. Bilberry anthocyanin flavonoids have antioxidant, anti-infective and anti-inflammatory actions;
Counters urinary tract infections. Blueberries contain the same compound that in cranberries prevents the main bacteria that cause urinary tract infections from gaining a hold on the bladder wall;
Traditionally used to treat diarrhoea. Eating bilberries or blueberries fresh or dried is an old remedy for diarrhoea;
Bilberries contain a significant preventive and curative antiulcer activity, which are attributed to the group of compounds in the berries themselves called anthocyanosides. This flavonoid is also common to all red and blue berries such as blackberries, cherries, blueberries and hawthorn;
The fluid extract or powder of dried bilberries has been amply documented to benefit problems of circulatory insufficiency in the extremities including feet and legs, hands and arms, as well as the head area;
In fact, the extract is well documented to reduce and even reverse damage caused by actual blood-vessel deterioration or inflammation;
It strengthens the entire vascular system and prevents leakage of fluids or cells from capillaries;
Strengthens coronary arteries and helps prevent obstruction of heart arteries by accumulation of digested fat;
Bilberry also inhibits the degradation of blood platelets;
Extract of bilberry is quite useful for the prevention and treatment of haemorrhaging and the formation of blood clots. It prevents venous insufficiency causing swelling of the ankles and feet-especially during pregnancy or as people age.
Bilberries increase enzymatic activity and energy production in the eye. Thus, it enables the eyes to receive and transmit signals better and more rapidly
BLACKCURRANT
Nutritional Value
Blackcurrants are very high in vitamin C and also provide significant amounts of vitamin E and carotenes;
High potassium level;
Health Benefits
People who eat more of foods rich in antioxidants have been shown to have a lower rate of heart disease, stroke, cataracts and cancer;
Anthocyanin flavonoids counter the common bacteria that cause food poisoning and urinary tract infections. The high pectin level of blackcurrants can also help relieve diarrhoea, for which the fruit is traditionally used;
Anthocyanin flavonoids are anti-inflammatory, which explains why a blackcurrant drink helps to relieve a swollen, sore throat and may also be linked to its traditional use for rheumatism. Blackcurrant seeds contain 25-30% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid;
Extracted from the seeds, GLA is used to treat inflammation associated with rheumatism and skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. In theory, the amount of blackcurrants most people eat provides too little GLA to benefit these ailments but traditional use for rheumatism suggests they are worth trying. Grind the seeds to help make the GLA available to the body;
Diuretic with a high potassium level;
Diuretic often help those who suffer from high blood pressure and rheumatism, but deplete their potassium levels. Blackcurrants combine a diuretic effect with a high level of potassium;
CHERRY
Nutritional Value
Cherries are have a high iron and alkaline content;
Health Benefits
Cherries are excellent, for they depurate, alkalise and mineralise our blood; They are famous for their quality to neutralise the organism acids;
They can help gout by lowering uric and acid levels;
Gout sufferers build up excess uric acid, a natural waste product of digestion, which forms into crystals in the joints leading to pain and swelling;
Acid cherries have astringent properties while sweet cherries are laxative;
Black cherries are recommended against anaemia due to their high iron content;
CRANBERRY
Health Benefits
Helps prevent and treat urinary tract infections, particularly cystitis in women;
The most common bacteria causing urinary tract infections, Escherichia coli, thrives by attaching itself to the walls of the intestines and bladder. An unidentified substance in cranberry discourages the adhesion;
Can help the body’s defences – Cranberries are anti-fungal and antiviral (but not against the Candid albicans fungus that causes thrush);
May aid kidney stone sufferers- in those with kidney stones, small amounts of cranberries may help lower urine levels of calcium, preventing stone formation;
GOSSEBERRY
Health Benefits
Gooseberry have about them certain nutritional properties that help to lower serum cholesterol in the circulating blood plasma by assisting fat metabolism within the liver;
HAWTHORN BERRY
Nutritional Value
They have a high sugar- low-protein and fat content pulp;
Rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids;
Health Benefits
These berries are active in the treatment of heart palpitations, angina, and stroke. This action is attributed in part, on the bioflavonoids such as rutin and hesperidin and vitamin C present in the berries;
MULBERRY
Nutritional Value
These berries are rich vitamin A, potassium, phosphorous and calcium;
Health Benefits
They have a strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action and therefore used to clean the blood, digest and refresh;
It is advised to people with acid saturated bodies as well as rheumatic problems, gout and arthritis;
STRAWBERRY
Strawberries are known as a “false” fruit because it grows from the base and not from the ovary of the flower, therefore it is not a “true” berry;
Nutritional Value
One of the richest sources of vitamin C as well as fibber;
High content of sodium and easy assimilative iron;
Health Benefits
They are a traditional diuretic and have an excellent effect on the kidneys;
Also used to relieve rheumatism or gout;
Strawberries have an alkaline reaction in the body due to their high sodium content;
Top
FRUITS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Pineapple
Avocado
Figs
Mangoes
Grapes
Papaya
Passionfruit
Banana
Peaches
Apricot
Lemons
Grapefruit
Melons
Orange
Prunes
Tangerine
Tomato
Watermelon
Strawberry
Apple
Olives
NUTS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Almond
Brazil Nut
Cashew Nut
Chestnut
Coconut
Hazelnuts
Peanuts
Pinenuts
PistachioNut
Walnut
SEEDS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Linseed
Pumpkin
Seasame
Sunflower
BERRIES AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Bilberry
Blackcurrant
Cherry
Cranberry
Gosseberry
Hawthorn Berry
Mulberry
Strawberry
In the procession.....
My Experience of Chhath.
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
A tea seller on road.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
A worshiper on her way to Sun salutation.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
In Poland, the two most common bird cherry species are the European bird cherry (Prunus padus subsp. padus, czeremcha pospolita), and the American Mayday/Hagberry (Prunus serotina). The P. padus has many properties, and uses, is very versatile, and can be consumed in a variety of ways. Bird cherry fruits have a sweet-tart flavor, and an intense aroma. The fruit pulp is safe to consume. The fruit is primarily used for health problems due to its richness in valuable substances, vitamins, and minerals (vitamin C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, rutin, and fiber). It strengthens the immune system: This is due to its high concentration of vitamin C. Antiseptic, and antibacterial: An infusion of the fruit is effective, for example, for sore throats. Juices, and tinctures made from the fruit are especially recommended in autumn, and winter. Other health, and medicinal properties of bird cherry fruit (without seeds!): anti-inflammatory, antitussive, sedative, diuretic, detoxifying, gastrointestinal ailments, and for the female reproductive system.
Mother Nature knows a secret or two about beauty, and Green Bar has taken full advantage of her savvy, borrowing from her abundant store cupboard to bring you a range of treatment oils that moisturise and care for your body and face naturally.
Totally free of preservatives and additives, these beautifying, detoxifying and all-round life-enhancing oils simply rely on plants’ natural goodness to get you glowing.
Only the finest cold-pressed oils have been used to nourish and moisturise to the max. And the benefits extend beyond the merely physical: apart from their smoothing, plumping and nourishing properties, each special blend contains aromatic ingredients to uplift the spirits and make you feel beautiful inside too.
WEB: www.greenbarinc.com
- - - - -
PHOTOGRAPH BY: Alexander Yee
Seen also in Collections:
Seen also in Set:
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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Print & Web - No part of this photo can be use without written permission from the photographer. Citation of photographers' name is required.
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Blessings to a married lady.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
•) The Inspiration Behind this French Brooch Necklace (•
This particular creation was inspired by a French, 13th century gold ring brooch decorated with rubies and sapphires in tall collets encircled with foliage. We have named our own piece with an inscription that was common during this era: "Ami Amet Deli Pencet", which translated from French means "think of a friend who loves you".
True to the period we wanted this to be a versatile adornment, so we chose to include a little inspiration from a portrait of Sir Christoper Hatton, circa 1589, in which he wore a cameo suspended from a luxurious set of gold chains around his neck. In our own creation we've substituted the thick chains with fine, gold filgree leaves and stems, cultivating a more delicate art piece to grace a woman's gentle throat, while still being substantial enough for a man.
We say "inspired" because we don't recreate pieces, but rather conjure up our own jewelled magic based on the spirit of authentic renaissance adornments that capture our imagination, and that allow us to both explore and share some of the rich, historical context behind them.
Jewelry was worn by all ages and genders in the middle ages, and often had functional purposes as well as decorative ones. Pieces were often ornate and elaborate, with courtly love appearing as a central theme in many creations. This is the "intent" that this necklace was infused with during it's creation.
As influence increased toward the latter half of the thirteenth century so so the demand for jewellery outside of court circles. As a result, laws were passed in an attempt to prevent the lower classes from wearing jewellery at all. Edward III introduced a law in England in 1363 forbidding the families of artisans and yeoman from wearing "belts,
collars, clasps, rings, garters, brooches, ribbons, chains, bands or seals, or any other thing whatsoever of gold or silver", though this proved a rather difficult thing to enforce. Imagine trying to make that law work in Second Life *grins*
Curious about the historical details behind this ring and other jewelry from it's time period? We've shared some of our favourite facts with you on this below.
(See the section called: •) This Collection's Historical Roots and Inspirations (• )
•) Collection features (•
Alchemy is the art of turning something base into something of value, and that's exactly what we have in mind when we dig into the earth for raw metals and stones to conjure up collections of mystical and mythical body art.
Our creations draw on an eclectic mix of personal cravings and a desire for authenticity and historical relevance. While many inworld jewellers feature traditional stone cuts, polish and scripted sparkle, we embrace a more natural approach to creation, adopting the beauty of unpredictable earthstone shapes, cabochon cuts and a painstaking attention to the details of natural lighting and shine. We treat our renaissance gems as beautiful pieces of personal, natural art.
From baroque trinkets to Byzantine, hammered metal and gusseted jewels, we craft a quixotic mix of personal treasures decadent enough to tantalize the appetites of gypsies, kings and whores.
Our second collection draws on the raw decadence of ancient metals and powerful stones, invested with the intent of "courtly love" through a set of real life rituals infused into a delicate sigil concealed against your skin. With a lust for the kind of lavish personal adornment that made Roman and medieval cultures so distinctive in their styles, we set out to drape you in tasteful motifs of jewelled antiquities, metals with rich patinas, delicious age, and a constellation of both powerful and healing talismans and stones.
Our "intentional jewelry" is much more than simple adornment. Each piece is a tool that can be used to invoke a level of magic in your own first and second life. A carefully chosen set of first life rituals were used in it's creation, including a combination of incense, oils and candle magic. We anoint our tools (including our computers) with oils blended for consecration, creativity and balance. In the creation of this piece we used both "consecration" and "attraction" oils.
Just add magic ...
Our "intentional jewelry" is much more than simple adornment. Each piece is a tool that can be used to invoke a level of magic in your own first and second life. A carefully chosen set of first life rituals were used in it's creation, including a combination of incense, oils and candle magic. We anoint our tools (including our computers) with oils blended for consecration, creativity and balance.
We've included a little guide to help you understand a bit more about the stones we chose, the planets that they are associated with, and some of the ways that you might use them in your own rituals through this inworld jewelry to invest your intentions.
For more information on how we use magic in our work and what our views are regarding magic, please see the "magic" tab on our website for more information. alchemyimmortalis.com
The necklace arrives tucked into a bottle of elixir that renames itself and converts to a beautiful alchemy prop when unpacked. We tend to use dual use packagers because we value practicality. Dual use means, once an item or items are unpacked, your unpacker becomes a decorative item. Nifty! It's like recycling. Don't fill up the landfill with prim packaging and risk your mother boxing your ears.
The potion bottle that the packaging transforms into is a special edition, containing an authentic Gypsy rose love potion and spell that you can make as part of your own kitchen witchery. We chose this particular potion and spell because of it's relevance to the intention of "courtly love" that this piece of jewelry is infused with.
*** Please note that we do NOT advocate using any potion or practice in a way that compromises the free will of/causes harm to another person or thing.
And a dash of relentless, loving care ...
If your belief system doesn't include magic, we wanted to appeal to your appreciation for realism, quality and thoughtful construction. This item is mostly sculptwork (sculpted prims) so care was taken in minimising LOD falloff by not overstressing the verts. We also used design elements that are more resistant to LOD falloff to camoflague any shortcomings so that enjoyment of this item could be had at reasonable distances.
All of the texture work is hand painted on the model directly. The textures are not simply applied but matched to the depressions and curves of every single prim within the design. Although we can easily and realistically cast light using our 3D programme, we hand paint the shadows for a more artistic appearance that better matches our overall sim design and theme. One is not better than the other, as it's like choosing between a photograph and a painting. We actually have a variable mix of both depending on the piece, but tend towards mostly hand painted as it better marries our pieces to our overall sim concept. Each piece you buy from us is crafted as part of a greater whole and lends a finished wholeness to its design.
The textures are hand drawn, not photo sourced. Our jewelry is completely created by us and for us, to give our users a rare uniqueness to their items because exclusivity is ultimately what gives a virtual item it's personality when many produced items tend to share particle effect base and texture sources.
And a healthy pinch of scripted resource stewardship ...
We've scripted this collection to be low lag overall, and anytime we script that is our main objective. We also want something to be extremely easy to use or we know that you simply won't use it. That's no good at all. We like items to move if they are designed to mimic RL elements. The coding behind the scenes is clean and sharp...not very exciting to anyone disinterested in geeky things like that, but believe me when we tell you we celebrate and salivate when we conquer aspects of messy code we've seen inworld in the past. Always expect our items to be cleanly coded, interactive if we can manage it, and have a usefulness beyond simply looking pretty.
Here's to living a more magical life!
-- Alchemy and Immortalis Cyannis.
•) This Collection's Historical Roots and Inspirations (•
Jewelry was worn by all ages and genders in the middle ages, and often had functional purposes as well as decorative ones. Pieces were often ornate and elaborate, with courtly love appearing as a central theme in many creations.
As influence increased toward the latter half of the thirteenth century so so the demand for jewellery outside of court circles. As a result, laws were passed in an attempt to prevent the lower classes from wearing jewellery at all. Edward III introduced a law in England in 1363 forbidding the families of artisans and yeoman from wearing "belts, collars, clasps, rings, garters, brooches, ribbons, chains, bands or seals, or any other thing whatsoever of gold or silver", though this proved a rather difficult thing to enforce. Imagine trying to make that law work in Second Life *grins*
•) Metals and Stones (•
Most medieval jewelry was crafted with gold and silver, decorated with colourful enamels, niello (a black alloy of silver, sulphur and lead) and gemstones. Rubies, sapphires and pearls were favourite choices, and markedly different from the faceted cuts set into jewelry today. Medieval gems were generally polished instead, creating pebble-like shapes with soft pools of colour. This cabochon cut is what gives jewelry from this period such a distinctively rustic look and feel.
While the colour of stones added to the beauty of a piece, they were often chosen for their healing or spiritual powers. This was a widely embraced part of the culture during middle ages, and something we personally embrace as we set out to craft new collections of "intentionally created" jewelled art at Alchemy Immortalis.
•) Magical Properties and Healing Powers (•
Much was written about these powers, including eleventh century references to stones such as sapphires, which were considered to possess the power to protect one against physical injury, fear, fraud and envy, and also to protect one's chastity. While sapphires were revered for their significance as a sign of peace and reconciliation, they were also thought to have the ability to promote the healing of ulcers, eye conditions and headaches. Some gemstones contained fossilized fish teeth (known as toadstones), and were also embedded into jewelry because they were thought to have similar healing powers.
You will sometimes find that stones have been drilled. This was done in the belief that it would increase the effectiveness of the stone's power.
Because of this belief in the magical and healing properties of many stones, they were often set into jewelry in a way that provided direct contact with the skin. Open-backed settings were a common feature of rings and pendants, thought to increase the effectiveness of a stone's magical or healing powers.
In addition to precious stones, other substances were sometimes used to infuse jewelry with special powers. For instance, the "unicorn horn" -- the name given to the horn of the dolphin-like Narwhal at the time -- was sometimes cut into semi-circular pieces and mounted on gold chains as a means of detecting poison.
•) Pendants (•
Pendants were prolific during the Renaissance, and again worn by both genders and all ages. Men and children tended to wear them hung on a chain around their neck, while women often fixed them to their girdles, bodices, sleeves or ruffles with ribbons or pins. Intended to hang freely, the backs were often as ornately decorated as the fronts.
Artisans of the time tended to craft pendants out of gold and enamels, generously nestled in beds of precious stones, such as diamonds or ambergris, and the naturally shaped baroque pearls which became wildly popular at the end of the 16th century.
•) Design as a Nod to an Expanding World (•
The beginning of the sixteenth century was marked by the excitement of exploration by sea, and the wild and perilous journeys embarked on to trade with distant continents. This was celebrated in the crafting of elaborately jewelled pieces that included galleons, sea monsters and mermaids at the time.
•) Personal Expression (•
People living in the renaissance often chose pieces of jewelry for the same reasons that many of us do today: as an expression of some unique aspect of their personality or the things they care most about. As we do now, people would sometimes choose jewelled pieces bearing an animal or symbol as a nod to some personal context or joke.
Certain animals and talismans had particular significance at the time. For instance, the "salamander" was considered to be a sign of passionate love, as it was believed to thrive in fire. Cupid was another popular symbol during this time, often found on pendants as a sign of courtly love.
Insignias were also a popular form of symbolic personal decoration, with the initials of a husband and wife perhaps being engraved into a ring or pendant in celebration of marriage.
•) All Roads Lead to Rome (•
A revived interest in the arts of ancient Greece and Rome had a heavy influence in the design of much renaissance jewelry. Pediments and pillars were motifs borrowed from
ancient architecture. Historical figures and characters from mythology came to life again through elaborately designed pieces of jewelry bearing their likeness carved into cameos and elements of gold. While religion had long been a major influence in personal adornment, mythical figures such as Hercules, Cupid, Apollo, Daphne, Leda and the Swan began to take their place as prominent fixtures in jeweled art.
Greek and Roman craftsman had created highly prized pieces engraved into carnelian and other stones. Carved Byzantine pieces were similarly valued antiquities. The Renaissance fueled a renewed dedication to this intricate art, inspiring a prolific collection of cameos, where the design is carved in relief, and intaglios where the design is a more subtle etching into the surface of a gem.
While a variety of gemstones and even shells were sometimes used for these pieces, multi-layered onyx and sardonyx were the preferred materials for this time period, revealing
contrasting shades of glossy brown and white.
•) A Guide on the Powers and Use of the Stones(•
Ruby
Rubies are associated with Mars, which rules physical strength and symbolizes predominantly male energy. Philosophically, Mars represents a need to temper primal urges while at the same to embracing the fire within. Rubies can give the wearer clairvoyance and guards against deception.
A ruby can can be useful at times when you want to summon up strength, energy, creativity, sexuality, confidence, courage, adventure. It can also be a helpful stone to set in order to draw success to you when engaging in sports or combat, or entering a new venture that has high risk.
The Ruby is a powerful heart stone, healing the heart, protecting against the loss of heart energy, and dissolving emotional congestion. Rubies heal and balance emotions, making you more emotionally aware and helping you to connect with others emotionally. Rubies have an intense and vivid energy, stimulating loving emotions, helping with the expression of love, and facilitating states of passion and bliss.
Rubies can also be used to shield you against psychic and emotion attacks. They're a good stone for Aries, Leo and Cancer.
Sapphire
Sapphires are associated with the planet Jupiter, whose historical alchemical value was it's optimistic characteristics. Jupiter was often called on to temper Saturn's dark moods, and tends to be recognized as a planet of the higher mind. It also represents generosity, goodness and opportunity.
Much was written about the powers of stones in the middle ages, including eleventh century references to sapphires, which were considered to possess the power to protect one against physical injury, fear, fraud and envy, and also to protect one's chastity. While sapphires were revered for their significance as a sign of peace and reconciliation, they were also thought to have the ability to promote the healing of ulcers, eye conditions and headaches. Some gemstones contained fossilized fish teeth (known as toadstones), and were also embedded into jewelry because they were thought to have similar healing powers.
You will sometimes find that stones have been drilled. This was done in the belief that it would increase the effectiveness of the stone's power.
Because of this belief in the magical and healing properties of many stones, they were often set into jewelry in a way that provided direct contact with the skin. Open-backed settings were a common feature of rings and pendants, thought to increase the effectiveness of a stone's magical or healing powers.
Jupiter is known as the 'great teacher'. It is associated with wisdom, optimism and honour. It's stones, including sapphires, are associated with higher education, religion, law, philosophy, gurus, rules, law, judges and physicians. These stones are also used in rituals focusing on humanitarian and protecting roles, your values, beliefs, friends and aspirations.
They are also used in business and personal rituals based on the principles of growth, expansion, prosperity and good fortune, as well as those focusing on your inner sense of justice and morality, your ideals and higher goals, and mercy.
In healing sapphires govern blood and have traditionally been used for rituals involving the liver, pituitary gland and the disposition of fats.
Jupiter stones also govern long distance and foreign travel, adventurers, languages and foreign cultures. They are associated with the urge for freedom and exploration, fun and laughter, joy, confidence, optimism, generosity and even sports.
You might choose to set the stones in your jewelry to sapphires when you want to focus on financial aspects in your life, or at the start of new undertakings when you are focusing on activities of expansion, philanthropy, gain and increase. They are also used when you are seeking favors from grandparents, aunts and uncles, advisers (doctors, lawyers, accountants, astrologers). You may also use them when you are seeking advice or consultation, including in settling disputes.
Bloodstone
Like a Ruby, Bloodstone (also known as Heliotrope) is associated with Mars, which rules physical strength and symbolizes predominantly male energy. Philosophically, Mars represents a need to temper primal urges while at the same to embracing the fire within. Bloodstone can give the wearer clairvoyance and guards against deception.
It can be useful at times when you want to summon up strength, energy, creativity, sexuality, confidence, courage, adventure. It can also be a helpful stone to set in order to draw success to you when engaging in sports or combat, or entering a new venture that has high risk.
Legend suggests that Bloodstone was first formed by drops of blood staining the stones at the foot of the cross at Christ's crucifixion. It is a powerful healing stone, valuable for grounding negative energy and cleansing the body. It can be used to increase enery and strength, and in helping to overcome fearfulness
and worry.
You can also set Bloodstone when you want to enhance intuition and creativity, or to combat fatigue, irritability and confusion.
Carnelian
Carnelian is a stone associated with both the Sun and Mercury. It provides a great stablizing energy, protecting the wearer against envy, fear and rage, and helping to banish sorrow. It can be used in rituals where courage is required to make big decisions and launch new ventures, drawing prosperity.
As a sun stone it can also be used for healing and health, and it's alignment with Mercury can be particularly helpful when healing nervous disorders. Sun stones can also be used to summon up the kinds of creative forces that give vitality to endeavors such as acting and the stage, hobbies and activities marking the fun side of life.
This stone can also be set when summoning favours from friends or those in a position of authority over you.
As a stone associated with Mercury it can pave the way for success in forms of communication such as writing, journalism and giving speeches, as well as fuel success in studies and education. It can be empowering when seeking a new job, and where a reflectivity and rational thinking is required.
Hematite
Hematite is associated with Saturn, and is a very protective and detoxifying stone. Lore suggests that hematite was formed from drops of dragons blood.
It's known as the "stone of the mind", enhancing memory, original thinking and technical knowledge. It can help focus energy and dissolve negativity, calming and grounding you during times of stress or worry.
Hematite can also be used to help you find your own gifts and to release any limitations that you may have imposed on yourself. Set Hematite when in need of balance and equilibrium, or when having difficulty focusing energies.
While Saturn at times played a role in more sinister alchemical processes, it also represents order and a gravitational pull to balance and moderation. Alchemists drew on the power of Saturn when they wanted to take matters into their own hands, so using it's associated stones can reinforce the desire to call your own energy into focus in a very powerful way.
As a stone of Saturn, hematite can be used in rituals where you want to summon physical or emotional endurance and patience during hardships. You can set it when you want to give up bad habits and unhealthy choices, and make repairs.
It can be invoked in a focus on longterm goals, gains and planning, including career longevity, rewards and investments.
Saturn's stones can also be used when seeking favours from elders who we are not related to, or from difficult people.
It can also be used to attract "kind" love.
Back to work after a nice Christmas break at Arlington Fleet Services in Eastleigh, running as 0X59 (oh very clever, yeah, see what you've done there Mr rail-movement-scheduler-type-person) Hanson-liveried 59103 Village of Mells leads 59102 Village Chantry and 59104 Village of Great Elm away from Parton's Corner and past Bunn's lane near Frome heading for Merehead, all that's missing is 101 Whatley for the full set of "villages".
Interesting to see American "actor" Vin Diesel at the controls (go on, have a good look), I use the word "actor reservedly as I've seen 'XXX The Return of Xander Cage' (he should have stayed away) and that's 107 minutes of my life I will never get back, and who can forget his sterling work in the Fat & Brainless franchise as well as his heart-wrenching (and bank-balance-busting) emotional-rollercoaster portrayal of Groot on the Marvel Studios gravy train.
Hey, back to trains again (sometimes I even amaze myself), apparently treatments at the Arlington Spa include Horn Rub (Good Morning Vicar), Buffer Massage (more Tea?), Coupling Manicure, Wheel Pedicure and Bogie Scrub - Whatley of course emerged in December 2023 having enjoyed the all over Body Exfoliation and Heidelberg Treatment with Chantry having booked in just recently for some Orange therapy. By the look of things in this view Chantry clearly enjoyed some kind of purifying and detoxifying Mud Pack but left Eastleigh in a hurry.
The 'Where's Wally' series of Children's books created by English author Martin Handford have been published since 1987 and have sold in excess of 70 million copies world-wide and been translated into at least 26 languages. In North America the books are known as Where's Waldo, in Germany as Where's Walter and in Norway as Where's Willy (yes, yes, see you in Church Vicar!)
Mother and child in Chhath.
My Experienceof Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
My Experience
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
My Experience
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
A brown mineral-rich clay from the Atlas mountains in Morocco, sometimes written as ghassoul. Used for washing the hair and skin.
An old photographer covering the story.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
Offerings for Sun God.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
Offerings for Sun God.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
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TAURINE
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Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid which is naturally occurring in the human body. “Conditionally essential” means that in some situations or under certain conditions, as for example, in situations of high stress or physical exertion, increased amounts of taurine are eliminated from the body and cannot be replaced by the body in sufficient amounts.
Taurine is involved in vital functions of the human body. Taurine acts as an antioxidant and has been shown to promote detoxification by binding together with harmful substances and thereby accelerating their excretion from the body.
Taurine is also contained in different foodstuffs like e.g. scallops, fish or poultry and is added to most baby food.
GLUCURONOLACTONE
Glucuronolactone is a carbohydrate.
It is naturally occurring in the human body where it is involved in detoxification processes, supporting the body in eliminating waste substances from the body.
Glucuronolactone is also present in different foodstuffs such as grain or red wine.
CAFFEINE
Caffeine is known for its beneficial effects on mental and physical functions. It has been shown to improve e.g. reaction speed, alertness and concentration. Caffeine also stimulates fat-burning during endurance activities and thereby helps to use fat stores in the body which results in a more efficient supply of energy.
Caffeine is contained in many foodstuffs such as coffee tea or chocolate. One can of Red Bull Energy Drink contains approximately the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.
B-GROUP VITAMINS
B-group vitamins play an important role in energy metabolism, such as the build-up and break-down of carbohydrates, fat and protein. B vitamins are also shown to support mental and physical performance.
SUCROSE
GLUCOSE
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Milo
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Milo (pronounced /ˈmaɪloʊ/) is a chocolate and malt powder which is mixed with hot or cold milk to produce a beverage popular in many parts of the world. Produced by Nestlé, was originally developed by Thomas Mayne in Sydney, Australia in 1934.[1] It is marketed and sold in many countries around the world. However, in the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden and Colombia it is available only in small quantities.
Most commonly sold as a powder in a familiar green tin, often depicting various sporting activities, Milo is available as a premixed beverage in some countries, and has been subsequently developed into a snack bar and breakfast cereal. Its composition and taste differ in some countries.
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BlueStorm
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BLUE STORM wakes up your body when it revitalizes the nervous system, detoxifying the organism, simulating the circulation, increasing the capacity to react and concentrate at work, the gym, sports, intimate sessions, and all activities that require your body to make maximum effort.
Furthermore, BLUE STORM enhances efficiency of body functions, improves performance and provides energy boost. It works to increase endurance and concentration, promote rapid recovery, and improve reaction speed. Containing Taurine, Caffeine, and Vitamins, BLUE STORM stimulates the metabolism and enhances efficiency of body functions. No wonder why experts call it the ideal energy and functional drink of athletes, professionals, students, motorists, travelers, clubbers, and lovers.
Apart from helping your body to react better while you do activities that require more effort, BLUE STORM energy drink helps to recover lost energy that the body loses while doing such activities. As a premium functional energy drink, BLUE STORM when consumed in appropriate quantities daily becomes an additional battery for the body.
Devotion
My Experience
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all cladded in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]
Ladies in traditional clothes and ornaments.
My Experience of Chhath
I am a permanent resident of Kolkata, but I never witnessed the celebration of Chhath Pooja here. Lakhs of migrant residents from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states of India and Nepal as well, celebrated their most ancient festival along the bank of river Hoogly, the sacred river that flows through the city. On 6th November this year, around 2pm, I went to a famous ghat on the bank of river Hoogly opposite to Eden gardens. It was an unique photographic journey to witness how people performed their rituals with so much devotion and faith. I saw hundreds of devotees sitting on the banks quietly with their offerings to Sun God and some performing their rituals with half of their bodies immersed in the Ganges, and some with fire, called ‘Homas’. I was closely looking at them, and I was amazed by their dedication, devotion and complacency. Thousands of devotees were found proceeding towards the Ganges with their offerings, all clad in bright clothes and ornaments, and many were found on their way to lay prone on the roads touching their whole body (Ashtanga or eight parts of the body) on the Earth and performing ‘Dondis’(Surya Namaskara -Sanskrit: सूर्यनमस्कार, Sun Salutation). Many of the family members, including newborn kids were found lying on the roads waiting for the main worshipper of the family to crossover their bodies as a way to get blessings from them. Most of the main family worshippers were found to be the eldest ladies of the family. Through Chhath, I rediscovered my religious India, in a new and beautiful way.
Chhath Pooja
Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival of worshiping Sun God, as the Rigveda contains hymns worshiping the Sun God and describes similar rituals.Historically it is native to eastern Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.The God is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is also believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Environmentalists claim that Chhath is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival.
Regions Celebrating Chhath
Although the festival is observed most elaborately in Mithila Province of Nepal,Terai-Madhesh region of Nepal, Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and UP, it is also more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence.The festival is celebrated in the regions including but not exclusive to the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Gujarat, as well in various countries worldwide.
Timings
Chhath puja is performed on Kartika Shukla Shashthi, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in Bengali calender. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian English Calendar.
History
The rituals also find reference in the Sanskrit epic poem Mahābhārata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites. It is assumed that the oldest Purohits were requested by the kings to come and perform the traditional pooja of the Lord Sun. They used to chant the ancient Rigveda texts and a variety of hymns for worshiping the God. In the ancient time of Mahabharata Chhath pooja was celebrated by Draupadi and Pandavas of Hastinapur (present Delhi) for solving their instant problem and regaining their lost kingdom. It is also assumed that the Chhath puja was first started by the Surya Putra (son of Sun God) Karna. He was a great warrior and had ruled over the Anga Desh (Munger district of Bihar) during the Mahabharata period.
Ethymology
The word chhath means sixth in Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri languages and the festival is celebrated on the sixth day of the month Kārtika of the Hindu lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.The word is a Prakrit derivation from the Sanskrit ṣaṣṭhi, meaning sixth.
The Goddess who is also worshipped during the famous Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is known as Usha in the Vedas. She is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. The rituals signify rising sun as well as setting sun.
Rituals and Traditions of Chhath Puja
It is believed that worshipers of the Chhath take holy bath and follows a period of abstinence and become separate for 4 days from the main family. Throughout the period he is believed as the pure spirit and sleep on the floor having single blanket.
Devotees offer prasad to Sun at the Chhath such as sweets, Kheer, Thekua, bananas and other fruits included in a small bamboo tokari. The prasad is cooked without salt, onions or garlic with maintained purity. It is a four days festival which includes:
On the first day, devotees take bathe early in the morning in the holy water of Gange and bring some holy water to their home to prepare the offerings. The home and its surroundings should be cleaned at this day. They take only one meal a day known as kaddu-bhat cooked only by using the bronze or soil utensils and mango woods over the soil stove.
On the second day, the day before Chhath, devotees keeps fast for whole day and break their fast in the evening after sunset after the worship of Sun. They offer Rasiao-kheer, puris, fruits in the puja. After taking meal in the evening, they go on a fast without water for the next 36 hours.
On the third day (day of Chhath) they offer the Sanjhiya Arghya at the ghat of riverbank. After Arghya, they wear the single saree of turmeric color. Other family members are waiting for getting the blessings from worshiper. At the night of Chhath a vibrant event of Kosi is celebrated by lighting the lamps of clay diyas under the covering of five sugarcane sticks. The five sugarcane sticks indicate the Panchatattva (earth, water, fire, air and space) the human is body made up of.
On the early morning of the fourth day (Paarun), devotees along with their family and friends offer Bihaniya Aragh at the ghat of riverbank of Gange. Devotees end their festival through breaking the fast by having the Chhath prashad.
Six levels of purification in Chhath ( a belief)
The belief of fast and cleanliness of body on the festival identify the detoxification of the body and mind in order to set up the body and mind to accept the cosmic solar energy.
Standing in water with half of the body inside the water diminishes the escape of energy as well as facilitates the prana to elevate to the sushumna.
Then the entrance of cosmic solar energy takes place in the pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus (known as the Triveni complex) through the retina and optic nerves.
In the 4th stage Triveni complex gets activated.
After activation of the Triveni complex, spine gets polarized and body of devotee gets transformed into a cosmic powerhouse and gets the Kundalini Shakti.
At this stage the devotee is fully able to conduct, recycle and pass on the energy into entire universe.
Benefits of the rituals (a belief)
Devotee of the Chhath puja can improve the immunity of body.
A variety of skin infections can be cured through the safe radiations of sunlight.
It increases the fighting power of blood by improving the performance of WBC.
Solar energy provides the power to control the secretion of hormones.
Significance
Chhath puja has a special significance during the Sunrise and Sunset periods. The Sunrise and sunset are the most important periods of the day during which a human body can safely get the solar energy without any harm. That’s why there is a myth of offering the Sanjhiya Arghya and Bihaniya Arghya to the Sun at the Chhath festival. During this period the solar energy has low level of ultraviolet radiations so it is safe for the human body. People perform the Chhath puja in order to thank the Lord Sun for the lives on the earth as well as to get blessings.
The ritual of Chhath puja provides mental calmness (by detoxifying the body and mind), enhances the energy level and immunity, reduces the frequency of anger, greed and jealousy as well as lot of negative emotions. It is also believed that following the Chhath processes helps in slowing down the ageing process. Such beliefs and rituals of the Chhath make it the most significant festival in the Hindus ever.
[ Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath and www.varanasi.org.in/chhath-pooja ]