FOOD AND NUTRITION
Milk: The Prophet(SAW) said that milk wipes away heat from the heart just as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow. It strengthens the back, increases the brain, augments intelligence,renews vision and drives away forgetfulness.
Honey: Considered to be the best remedy for diarrhoea when mixed in hot water. It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and drug of drugs. It is used for creating appetite, strengthening the stomach, eliminating phelgm,as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye salve and mouthwash. It is extremely beneficial in the morning in warm water and is also a sunnah.
Olive oil: excellent treatment for skin and hair, delays old age, treats inflammation of the stomach
Mushroom: The Prophet(SAW) said that mushroom is a good cure for the eyes, it also serves as a form of birthcontrol and arrests paralysis.
Grapes: The Prophet was very fond of grapes, it purifies the blood, provides vigour and health, strengthens the kidneys and clears the bowels.
Dates: The Prophet(SAW) said that a house without dates has no food, also to be eaten at the time of childbirth.
Figs: It is a fruit from paradise and a cure for piles
Barley: Good for fever in a soup form
Melon: Melon contains 1000 blessings and 1000 mercies, The prophet SAW said "None of your women who are pregnant and eat of water melon will fail to produce off spring who are good in counternanace and good in character.
Pomegranate: The Prophet(SAW) said it cleanse you of Satan and evil aspirations for 40 days.
Water: The Prophet(SAW) said the best drink in this world and the next is H20 (water), when you are thirsty drink it by sips and not gulps, gulping produces sickness of the liver.
In the Holy Quran, Allah commands Muslims and all of mankind to eat of the Halal things.
O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome in the earth, and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an open enemy for you. (2:168)
O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is (indeed) He Whom ye worship. (2:172)
Eat of that which Allah hath bestowed on you as food lawful and good, and keep your duty to Allah in Whom ye are believers. (5:88)
Halal: The Arabic word Halal means lawful.
The following products are definitely Halal:
1. Milk (from cows, sheep, camels, and goats)
2. Honey
3. Fish
4. Plants which are not intoxicant
5. Fresh or naturally frozen vegetables
6. Fresh or dried fruits
7. Legumes and nuts like peanuts, cashew nuts, hazel nuts, walnuts, etc.
8. Grains such as wheat, rice, rye, barley, oat, etc.
Zabihah: Animals such as cows, sheep, goats, deer, moose, chickens, ducks, game birds, etc., are also Halal, but they must be Zabihah (slaughtered according to Islamic Rites) in order to be suitable for consumption. The procedure is as follows:. The animal should be put down on the ground (or held it if it is small) and its throat should be slit with a very sharp knife to make sure that the 3 main blood vessels are cut. While cutting the throat of the animal (without severing it), the person must pronounce the name of Allah or recite a blessing which contains the name of Allah, such as "Bismillah Allah-u-Akbar".
Haram: The arabic word Haram means unlawful.
The following items have been categorically spelled out as being Haram by jurists in light of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW):
1. Pig
2. Blood
3. Carnivorous animals
4. Almost all reptiles and insects
5. The bodies of dead animals
6. Halal animals which are not slaughtered according to the Islamic Law.
7. Wine, Ethyl Alcohol, and Spirits.
The above mentioned items are Haram and should be avoided by all Muslims.
Ingredients: The following ingredients should be avoided by all Muslims:
1. Alcohol (Ethanol, Ethyl Alcohol): Alcohol is a colorless liquid, produced by the fermentation of sugar or starch, that is the intoxicating agent in fermented drinks and is used as a solvent. Also called ethanol and ethyl alcohol.
2. Animal Shortening: Shortening is a type of fat such as lard that is solid at room temperature, and is used for making pastry.
3. Bacon: Meat from the back and sides of a hog that has been salted, dried, and often smoked.
4. Enzymes: Microbial Enzymes are okay A protein substance produced in living cells, that influences a chemical reaction within a plant or animal without being changed itself; an organic catalyst. Enzymes help break down food so that it can be digested. Pepsin is an enzyme.
5. Ethanol: Alcohol is a colorless liquid, produced by the fermentation of sugar or starch, that is the intoxicating agent in fermented drinks and is used as a solvent. Also called ethanol and ethyl alcohol.
6. Ethyl alcohol: Alcohol is a colorless liquid, produced by the fermentation of sugar or starch, that is the intoxicating agent in fermented drinks and is used as a solvent. Also called ethanol and ethyl alcohol.
7. Gelatin: An odorless, tasteless, protein substance like glue or jelly, obtained by boiling the bones, hoofs, and other waste parts of animals. It dissolves easily in hot water and is used in making jellied salads and desserts, camera film, and glue.
8. Gin: A strong colorless alcoholic drink distilled from grain and flavored with juniper berries.
9. Ham: Meat cut from the thigh of the hind leg of a hog after curing by salting or smoking.
10. Lard: The fat of pigs or hogs, melted down and made clear. Lard is made especially of the internal fat of the abdomen and is used in cooking.
11. Rum: An alcoholic liquor made from sugar cane or molasses. It can be clear but is usually colored brownish-red by storage in oak casks or by the addition of caramel.
12. Wine:
1. Alcohol fermented from grapes: an alcoholic drink made by fermenting the juice of grapes
2. Alcohol fermented from other fruit: an alcoholic drink made by fermenting the juice of fruit other than grapes, or the juice of other plants
13.. Tallow: A hard fatty substance extracted from the fat of sheep and cattle.
14. Vanilla Extract/Flavour: A flavouring extract made from the vanilla bean and used in candy, ice cream, and perfumes. The flavour extracted from vanilla beans is most commonly dissolved in alcohol. Documentation from a distributor of vanilla extract showed that the ingredient contained 50% alcohol.
BUTTER (ZUBD)
Author Unknown
Abu Dawud narrated in his Sunan that the two children of Busr said, "The Messenger of Allah pbuh came by us and we offered him some butter and dried dates, as he used to like eating butter and dried dates."
Butter is hot and wet and has many benefits, such as maturing the mixtures (bodily wastes) and decomposing them, along with relieving the tumjors that appear next to the ears and ureters (tubes leading from the kidney to the bladder). When butter is used alone it also heals mouth cankers and the various other types of tumors that attack children and women. When one licks butter, it will help against lung hemoptysis (spitting up blood) and will mature the tumors of the lungs.
Butter softens the nature, the nerves adn the hard tumors that result from black bile and phlegm and relieves the dryness in the body. When butter is laid on the place where children's teeth emerge, it will help the teeth grow. Butter also soothes the coughing that accompanies colds and dryness. It also heals herpes and the roughness in the body and works as a laxative. Yet, butter reduces the appetite and the sweetness of honey and dates.
The wisdom behind the Prophet pbuh eating dried dates with butter is that they would neutralize the effect of each other.
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TALBEENAH
Author Unknown
Praise be to Allaah.
Talbeenah is mentioned in a number of saheeh ahaadeeth, such as the following:
(a) It was narrated from 'Aa'ishah, the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), that if a member of her family died, the women would gather together, then they would depart, except her own relatives and close friends. She would order that a pot of talbeenah be cooked, then some thareed would be made and the talbeenah would be poured over it. Then she would say: Eat some of it, for I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: "Talbeenah soothes the heart of the sick person, and it takes away some of the grief." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5101; Muslim, 2216.
(b) It was narrated from her (may Allaah be pleased with her) that she would order that talbeenah be made for the sick and the one who was mourning a death, and she used to say: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: "Talbeenah soothes the heart of the sick and takes away some of the grief." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5365; Muslim, 2216
It is clear from these two hadeeths that talbeenah is used to treat the sick and to reduce the grief of one who is grieving, soothing his heart and giving him energy.
Talbeenah is a broth that is made from two spoonfuls of barley flour with bran, then a cup of water is added to that and it is cooked over a low fire for five minutes.
Some people add a spoonful of honey to it.
It is called talbeenah because it is like milk (laban) in its whiteness and consistency.
Ibn al-Qayyim said: If you want to know the virtue of talbeenah, then think of the virtue of barley water, for it is barley water for them. It is a soup that is made from barley flour with bran. The difference between it and barley water is that the latter is made from whole grains, whereas talbeenah is made from flour, which is more beneficial as the properties of the barley are released through grinding. We have mentioned above that habits have an effect on whether medicines and foods are of benefit. It was the habit of the people to drink barley water made from flour rather than whole grains, which is more nourishing and effective… end quote. Zaad al-Ma'aad, 4/120
Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, describing talbeenah: It is a kind of food that is made from flour or bran, to which honey may be added. It is so called because it resembles milk in its whiteness and consistency. Its benefit is that it is soft and well-cooked, not hard and raw. End quote. Fath al-Baari, 9/550
There is no doubt that barley has many benefits, some of which have been discovered in modern studies, such as: lowering cholesterol, treating the heart, treating depression, treating high blood sugar and high blood pressure, softening the stools and soothing the colon. Studies have also demonstrated the importance of barley in reducing the incidence of colon cancer. Dr. Sahba' Bunduq said – after noting the benefits mentioned above and discussing them in detail: In this sense, talbeenah is a protection against diseases of the heart and circulatory system, as it protects the arteries from arteriosclerosis – especially the major arteries of the heart. It also protects against angina, reduction of blood supply and cardiac infarction. As for those who have actually been affected by these vascular and cardiac problems, talbeenah, with its health benefits, can play an important role in preventing their symptoms from getting worse. This shows the miraculous nature of the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Talbeenah soothes the heart of the sick." End quote.
And Allaah knows best.
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THYME
Author Unknown
Thyme is "zaatar" in Arabic. Thyme is most popularly used as one of the main ingredients in the spice mix named after it - Zaatar. This mixed zaatar is actually a mix of sumac berries and zataar, however, plain zaatar is also readily available in the Middle East and has many uses that you may not have thought about.
Thyme is a vermifuge and daily consumption of it helps keep worms and other parasites from dwelling in your body. You can eat or drink the tea for this purpose. Eating "mixed zaatar" on a daily basis may not be a bad idea! Especially if you live in a place where you are unsure of water quality or cleanliness.
Eating Zaatar on bread helps you digest the heaviness of the bread and prevents many digestive and allergic reactions related to bread.
A Hadith related by Ibn al-Juzi states that "They fumigated their houses with thyme and frankincense." this is because thyme is a fantastic anti-fungal, anti-botic, anti-septic, and anti-microbial agent. It also repels insects. So if you have any illness in the house or any problem spots in your house or yard - think of thyme. A cleverly placed thyme bush is a good addition to any garden.
Drinking the green leafy tea also has many health benefits. A few cups a day will ease menstrual cramps as well as relieve the tenseness and moodiness that often accompanies PMS (or the "MS" itself). Thyme tea is also helpful for stomach problems as well as coughs and fever.
Thyme tea is a wonderfully pleasant tea for children's coughs as they delight in the flavor. It is also said to alleviate whooping cough and nightmares. It helps in the elimination of phlegm, relieves any pain that may accompany the illness and calms a child's nerves.
You can also use it for a mild sore throat (for a severe sore throat spray a couple drops of the essential oil mixed with water or herbal tea directly on your throat) and post nasal drip.
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HEALTH BENEFITS OF HONEY
Author Unknown
"And your Lord revealed to the bee saying: Make hives in the mountains and in the trees and in what they build: Then eat of all the fruits and walk in the ways of your Lord submissively. There comes forth from within it a beverage of many colours, in which there is healing for men; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who reflect. (Surat an-Nahl, 68-69)
Honey is a sweet treat. In fact, it is man's oldest sweetener. It can be a good substitute for sugar in our drinks and food. But it is also good for many other things and treating many other conditions. Reliance on commercialized medicines which contains too much chemicals can become hazardous to our health. Alhamdullilah, Allah has given us the knowledge that Mother Nature can at least help to ease the pain we are suffering from.
Honey is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate. It contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 all of which change according to the qualities of the nectar and pollen. Besides the above, copper, iodine, and zinc exist in it in small quantities. Several kinds of hormones are also present in it.
Approximately one half of the human diet is derived directly or indirectly from crops pollinated by bees. Today honeybees are an essential part of a healthy agriculture economy. If you have allergies, honey can be beneficial. If you eat honey that is local to your area, it may prevent your seasonal allergies. Bees use the pollen from local plants and eventually it ends up in your honey.
Honey may also be good for your skin. It has the ability to attract water. You can use honey instead of alpha hydroxy masks because of its high content of the acid. It is also safe for sensitive skin.
You can also use it as a moisturizing mask for your skin as well as your hair. To use it as a conditioner, mix the honey with olive oil. Be sure to wash your hair thoroughly before you go outside.
If you have a sore throat, take some honey.Due to its natural anti-inflammatory effect, it will help to heal the wounds more quickly.It also has different phytochemicals--chemicals found in plants and different foods--that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus making it a good substitute for wound dressings. The taste may also take your mind off the pain.
There is evidence that honey diluted in water will help with your stomachaches and dehydration.
Germ-Fighting Properties
Do you have a cut? Honey is a natural antiseptic. Medical journals cite more than 600 cases in which honey was employed to treat wounds.By applying honey to your wounds, you prevent infections. Honey contains antimicrobial agents, which prevents infections by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. When using honey it may help to heat it up before putting it on your wound (caution test the heat before you place it on the wound).Many types of bacteria can't survive in honey, so wounds heal, swelling eases, and tissue can grow back.
Honey may also be effective in the treatment of your ulcers.In Europe, honey has been used internally to help cure ulcers, particularly stomach ulcers.
Burns, too, heal better with honey, studies show. The advantage of honey is that it not only prevents infections from occurring, it actually accelerates skin healing.. Since the sugar in honey absorbs water it helps to trap some of the moisture so that the bacteria and other microbes can't grow as easily as in other food.
How Does It Help In Healing Wounds?
When honey comes into contact with body moisture, the glucose oxidase enzyme introduced to the honey by the bee slowly releases the antiseptic hydrogen peroxide at a sufficient level to be effective against bacteria but not tissue damaging. Not only is honey anti-bacterial, it also draws body fluids and nutrients to the area and so assists cell growth and prevents a scar forming by drying out of the wound.
The osmotic action of the honey draws out and provides a film of liquid between the tissues and the dressing, allowing the dressing to be removed painlessly, without tearing of the re-growing cells. There are reports in medical journals of large bed sores, otherwise needing skin grafts, that have healed without scarring after honey treatment.
In treating diarrhea, honey promotes the rehydration of the body and more quickly clears up the diarrhea and any vomiting and stomach upsets. The anti-bacterial properties of honey, both the peroxide and non-peroxide, are effective in the laboratory against MRSA strains of bacteria which are notoriously resistant to antibiotics and are sometimes responsible for the closing of hospital wards.
Other Benefits of Honey
Easily digested: Because sugar molecules in honey can convert into other sugars (e.g. fructose to glucose), honey is easily digested by the most sensitive stomachs, despite its high acid content. It helps kidneys and intestines to function better.
Good source of antioxidants: It plays a big role in the prevention of cancer as well as heart disease.
Has a low calorie level: Another quality of honey is that, when it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight.
Rapidly diffuses through the blood: When accompanied by mild water, honey diffuses into the bloodstream in 7 minutes. Its free sugar molecules make the brain function better since the brain is the largest consumer of sugar, thus, reduces fatigue.
Supports blood formation: Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. In addition, it helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.
Does not accommodate bacteria: This bactericide (bacteria-killing) property of honey is named "the inhibition effect". Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted with water. It is very interesting to note that newly born bees in the colony are nourished with diluted honey by the bees responsible for their supervision - as if they know this feature of the honey.
Royal Jelly: Royal jelly is a substance produced by worker bees inside the beehive. Inside this nutritious substance are sugar, proteins, fats and many vitamins. It is used in problems caused by tissue deficiency or body frailty.
It is obvious that honey, which is produced in much higher amounts than the requirements of the bees, is made for the benefit of man. And it is also obvious that bees cannot perform such an unbelievable task "on their own."
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BLACK SEEDS
Author Unknown
Tiny and hairy, being no more than 3mm in length, black seed originates from the common fennel flower plant (Nigella sativa) of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. Nigella sativa is sometimes mistakenly confused with the fennel herb plant (Foeniculum vulgare).The plant reproduces with itself and forms a fruit capsule which consists of many white trigonal seeds. Once the fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed to the air, becoming black in color (black seeds).
Commonly known as the "seed of blessing," it has been used as a natural remedy in the Middle and Far East for more than 2000 years. Black seed provides nutritional support for the body's defense system. In 1959, the active ingredient in black seed, crystalline Nigellone, was first isolated and identified as providing many health benefits. Clinical trials have validated the efficacy of black seed in promoting health and wellness.
The most pertinent point to be made about black seed is that it should be regarded as part of an overall holistic approach to health and ideally should be incorporated into one's everyday lifestyle. In this way, the many nutritional and healing properties contained in the seed can help build the body's immune system over time, supplying it with the optimum resources it needs to help prevent and fight illness.
USING THE BLACK SEED
Black seed as a daily health supplement
Most medicines work best when given a chance to run their full course, and this too, is the case with black seed. In cognizance of its substantial nutritional components, as well as its specific medicinal properties, the body's ability to maintain health and promote healing of a lasting nature is best increased through regular use of black seed.
Black seed as an energy source
Ibn Sina (980-1037), in describing the black seed as that which "stimulates the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue or disspiritedness," still holds true for Tibb (Islamic Medicine) health practitioners today. The rich nutritional value contained in black seed as outlined by scientific analysis of black seed, also points to it as a great source of energy.
From the Tibb health perspective, the black seed has an ability to maintain and restore body heat. Our Western diet, predominantly made up of cold foods -- ice in our drinks, yogurt, pizza, cheese -- all deplete the innate heat our body requires in order to optimally function. Tibb holds the view that a reduced metabolic rate (innate heat) is the cause of most illnesses. The body, in losing energy, also loses its ability to fight off toxins, resulting in a greater chance of contracting illness.
Black seed and other medication
Black seed may be used in conjunction with conventional or other forms of natural medicine. It is not recommended that black seed be used exclusively in the treatment of serious medical complaints which may require more immediate action. For example, conditions like bronchitis sometimes require conventional antibiotics to prevent the condition from becoming more severe. However, black seed may be used as a therapeutic aid together with this and other forms of treatment to help counteract any side effects experienced from the use of antibiotics or other potent, chemically based medicines.
Pregnancy and lactation
The black seed is not recommended during pregnancy, however during lactation. It is an excellent form of added nutrition for both mother and the growing child while its immune system boosting properties serve as a natural, safe way to build resistance against illness. In addition, as studies have shown, black seed helps increase milk production during breastfeeding.
Initial trials have shown that black seed may have an ability to increase the male sperm count.
Babies and toddlers
In addition to its many nutritional components, black seed contains carotene, which is essential for infant growth. During the toddler years, black seed provides children with all the energy they require for this active stage of life. Regular usage of black seed, which increases its immune system strengthening effect on the body, will decrease the length and severity of natural childhood illnesses, particularly during winter when children are most susceptible to contracting colds and flu.
Black seed for the elderly person
Which its rich nutritional, energy-giving value, in combination with immune system strengthening properties, black seed is an ideal health supplement for the elderly person.
HOW DOES BLACK SEED BENEFIT?
The majority of our health problems have the same causes- infection by micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. When using clinical (allopathic medicines) each symptom is treated individually and usually with synthetic chemically manufactured medicines that contain alcohol and other harmful ingredients.
Black seed is effective at treating the body as a whole and fights the actual cause of the symptoms.
Black seed regulates too weak or too strong reactions of the immune system, is excellent for treating chronic, allergic and hormonal diseases, black seed support metabolism, improve digestion, helps to lowers blood sugar levels. It is used to dispel worms and parasites from intestinal track. It is useful in soothing bronchitis and coughs, increase body tone, stimulates menstrual periods, increases the flow of breast milk, provides quick energy, increases sperm count, calms the nervous system, encourages hair growth and retards hair fall out, and prevents skin wrinkling.
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HULBAH (FENUGREEK)
By Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyah
Taken from the book Medicine of the Prophet
The Prophet pbuh was reported to have visited Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas ra once when he was ill while in Makkah and he asked that a doctor be brought to examine him. They brought Al-Harith bin Kaladah who examined him and said, "There is no harm with him, just cook some fenugreek with dates and let him eat them." Sa'ad was reported to have done that and was then healed.
Hulbah is hot in the second degree and dry in the first degree. When fenugreek is cooked in water, it will soften the throat, chest and the stomach. It also relieves coughing, dryness, asthma, hard breathing and increases the sexual drive. It also relieves flatulence, phlegm, piles and the various accumulations in the intestines. It also dissolves the phlegm from the chest and helps against gastric ulcer and lung diseases. "Hulbah" is used to heal the intestines, mixed with some ghee and fanith.
When five measures of fenugreek is taken in a drink, it will increase the flow of menstruation, and whenit is cooked and the hair is washed with it, it will make it curly and will combat dandruff.
When flour of the fenugreek is blended with some vinegar and natron (a mineral salt) and used as a bandage on the tumor of the spleen, it will dissolve it. Also, the woman who suffers from pain in the vagina due to a tumor will benefit if she sits in the water in which the fenugreek was cooked.
When it is used as a bandage and placed on hard, cold tumors, it will help dissolve these tumors. Also, when its water is drunk, it will help against the pain in the stomach that results from accumulating gaseous materials and will cleanse the intestines.
When one eats the Hulbah cooked in honey, dates or figs on an empty stomach, it will dissolve the phlegm that accumulates in the chest and stomach, and will also help against coughing that accompanies such ailments.
Hulbah also relieves urine retention and works as a laxative. When it is placed on the erratic nail, it will heal it, while its oil helps against cracked skin due to extreme cold, when it is mixed with wax. There are many other benefits for the Hulbah (Fenugreek).
Some doctors stated, "If the people had knowledge of its benefits, they would buy it with its weight of gold."
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LEMONS (ATRAJ)
By Ibn Suyuti
Taken from Medicine of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), pp 34-35
Atraj-Lemons
It has been said of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, that he liked to gaze upon a citrus fruit. He (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, 'The citrus fruit is like a true believer, with a good taste, and a good scent.' This is an accepted hadeeth taken from al-Bukhari
The sour citrus is cold and dry. From it is made lemon juice, which is good for hot stomachs. It also strengthens and gladdens the heart, stimulates the appetite, quenches the thirst, satisfies hunger, cures diarrhea and palpitations. It diminishes sorrow and the desolution of the self. It removes ink stains from clothes and freckles from the face.
The white pilthy matter from the citrus is cold and wet and difficult to digest. It is bad for the stomach and eating it results in colic.
The seeds, peel, leaves and blossom are hot and dry. The seeds contain the property of an antidote. If two mithqals of them are ground up and put on the sting of a scorpion, this will be beneficial. If a few mithqals are drunk, they will help to counteract all kinds of poisons. The yellow peel is used to make citrus syrup. This is beneficial in cases of colic, strengthens sexual desires, and stimulates the appetite. It also dissipates wind, although the leaves are stronger and more pleasant for this. The scent of citrus purifies pestilence and foul air.
Masruq said, "I entered the tent of 'Ayesha one day. With her was a man who was completely blind. She was cutting up a citrus for him, and he was eating pieces of it dipped in honey. I said, 'Who is this?' She replied, 'This is the hidden son of my mother who has been given this defect by Allaah and His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).'"
Mithqal - a small unit of weight, approx, 4.50 grams
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LEMONS
Taken from as-Suyuti's medicine of the Prophet (peace be upon him)
Source http://www.geocities.com/mutmainaa/food/lemon.html
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "The Citrus fruit is like a true believer, with a good taste, and a good scent." [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Lemons are usually known for their high content of Vitamin C - four times higher than that of oranges. Hungarian scientist Albert Szent-Gyorgi, uncovered a synergy between pure Vitamin C and a then unidentified cofactor in the peels of lemons and called the resulting compound Vitamin P. Still known as such, Vitamin P particularly benefits the capillaries by reducing pain and improving blood circulation. It also heals cataracts, decreases bile production, alleviates herpes and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
Other important properties of lemons are their mineral contents. They contain 48.3% potassium, which nourishes the brain and nerve cells; 29.9% calcium, which builds strong bones and teeth; and 4.4% magnesium, which in conjunction with calcium, plays an important part in the formation of albumen in the blood.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, the smell and the taste of lemons can help fuel a general release of stress. In aromatherapy, lemon oil is used as a muscle relaxant and a skin and circulation stimulant. Rubbed on the face, lemons open up the pores releasing heat and refreshing the skin.
Lemons have other therapeutic effects on the body as well. Drinking lemon juice helps cleanse the lymphatic system, invigorate skin tissue and increase the blood flow. This might be one reason for the popularity of lemonade on a hot, sticky day. Eaten during pregnancy, lemons help build the developing baby's bones. Lemons also aid in the digestion of heavy meals by producing the necessary enzymes and in the assimilation of protein, calcium, zinc and vitamins.
Lemons also have cholesterol-lowerin
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