Natural Insects Repellent

Natural Insects Repellent – Herbs and Plants

How hateful it can be whenever those little pesky things come around intruding our lovely home sweet home. Let us just take a look at some wonderful herbs and plants that can help keep them at bay or at least see much less of them around.

Keep out:

Mosquitoes   – Plant some Rosemary around your garden. You might also like to crush the dried leaves, put it in an organza bag and hang it around your bedroom. If you are hardworking enough, try plant some Marigolds in your garden and the mosquitoes would jolly well shy away from your perimeter. In Asian countries, the Malays would plant lots of lemongrass, also known as citronella at their backyard to keep the mosquitoes away. The usage of Eucalyptus oil is kind of effective too but if you apply it too often, the mosquitoes tends to develop some type of resistance. They would still come hovering around you legs and bite you if you are well covered!

Ants   – Grow small pots of Mint or Lavender and decorate it around the house. Or you would rather crush the dried mint leaves and scattered around the interior of the house. Watch out for the wind if you contemplate to scatter it around the exterior of your house! One better solution is to place mint tea bags at the corners.   

Cockroaches   – If you have some pandan leaves (Pandanus) in your kitchen, the cockroaches will run away. Others have used the traditional method such as bay leaves as substitutes. You may also plant some catnip in pots to deter them. Get a real-tight rubbish chute if you live in an apartment. Their young often climb out from there. 

Flies  – Place potted basil plants in infested areas and hang whole or ground cloves in a small muslin teabag, that would be enough to keep them out of your home. Make sure that the hygiene of your home is not neglected. They can also breed at the floor trap in the toilets. Never leave food remains in your kitchen for too long. 

Bees   – They hate strong smelling Mint and Basil. Never plant Geranium, the bees like them!

Lizards   – If you would hang some dried lemongrass stems in an organza bag, leave it where the lizards always come in, like at the window and door knob, you will see much less of them. Others have tried using vinegar to wipe around their window frames. You can try that too.

Snakes   – Try to plant lots of lemongrass on the soil instead of pots to keep them away. Snakes hate the smell of mint too, so plant lots of mint on the ground. They also hate cinnamon. However, the best way to keep snakes away is through preventive measure. Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed up off the ground, keep grasses mowed and make sure any compost or woodpiles are kept at a safe distance. Snakes like cover in which to move around and they feed on insects and rodents. Keeping these at bay and there is no interest for the snakes to come here.

My Country My Home

Uniquely Singapore!

Singapore is located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It has about 5 million people living here of which 2.91 million were born locally.  The most amazing thing about our people, is that, despite there are four major ethnic groups consisting of the Chinese, Malay, Indian and other minority races, we lived in absolute peace, harmony and unity. Accordingly, Singapore is one of the most unique places in the world where there is actually no conflict between cultures. Our little nation has progressed to what it is today from a swampy and forested island to one of the most developed countries and has landed itself as one of the world’s 9^th most expensive city as well as one of the world’s least corrupted countries. 

Singapore is also one of the richest countries in Asia and ranks in the top five of the richest countries in the world. Singapore is a highly developed capitalist mixed economy with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $303.7 billion in 2011. There are more than 3000 Multinational Companies (MNC) here.

The climate is relatively humid with monsoon season, like much rain on and off, twice a year around April to May and October to November. All year round the weather remains kind of tropical with an average temperature of between 25 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. Known as a garden city, Singapore is a clean and green environment advocating environmentally friendly lifestyle. Almost 50% of Singapore is covered by greenery.  Singapore is rich in biodiversity and is home to over 3,971 species of vascular plants of these, 2000 are native plants, 364 species of birds, 295 species of butterflies, 98 species of reptiles, 52 species of mammals, 28 species of amphibians, and 255 species of hard corals.

Singapore attracted about 11.6 million tourists in Singapore for the year 2011. We have more than 110 hotels here and have hosted many successful conventions. Singapore’s strategic location makes us one of the busiest crossroads in the world and our open policy has made it much easier for nationals from almost all countries to visit without visa requirements. We have a well-developed infrastructure to meet all business and security needs. For the first time in decade, Singapore has topped in the Swiss-based international Institution for Management Development's 2010 Competitiveness Yearbook. There are currently 112 commercial banks operating in Singapore of which 108 are foreign banks and 6 are local banks.

We are also ranked as one of the world’s safest countries in the world and we are reputed as a shopper’s paradise. Both locals and tourists can walk along the streets at late night without fear.

Our four main races of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian also celebrate many festivals throughout the year such as the Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas Day. Singapore is a great place to live, work and study. Try the good food here too. 

Singapore has many places of interest and attractions. We have the world famous Singapore Zoo (home to more than 2,000 creatures) and Night Safari (World’s first night wildlife park) as well as the award winning Changi Airport.  Check out these places: 

Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Bird park –The largest open-concept bird park in Asia Pacific and one of the best in the world. Take a look at the African waterfall aviary, dinosaur descendents, hornbill and toucans exhibition with lots of other highlights such as dinner with penguins. 

National Museum of Singapore – A cultural and architectural landmark in Singapore, with a history dating back to its inception in 1887. The National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum with a progressive mind. It is custodian of the 11 National Treasures, and its Singapore History and Living Galleries adopt cutting-edge and multi-perspective ways of presenting history and culture to redefine conventional museum experience.

Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer – the world's tallest wheel observatory, gives a 360 panoramic view of Singapore. 

Sentosa Island – Lots of fun under the sun! Visit the island on a cable car, enjoying the refreshing scenic beauty. Try the Luge (it is a part go-cart, part toboggan which offers a truly unique outdoor experience suitable for all ages that is not found anywhere else in Singapore or Southeast Asia). 

Skyride

Board the Skyride and take in the fantastic panoramic scenery of the city skyline and beautiful coastline. Lots of beaches in Sentosa, You can catch the monorail ride to visit the Fort Silosa, Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom.

Watch 4D Magix (an interactive movie experience with 4-dimensional digital effects.  This multi-million Sentosa 4D Magix Theatre is the first in Southeast Asia.  Using a state-of-the-art digital projection system, movies come to life right off the big screen. Have a seat and feel a whole new generation in movie magic!  Equipped with in-built speakers as well as environmental effects like water features, seat vibration, leg ticklers and base shakers to give you THE ultimate difference)

Universal Studio

Universal Studios Singapore – Featuring 24 movie-themed rides and attractions, 18 of which are unique to Singapore, thrill seekers and families will be the first to experience many new rides and shows based on blockbuster hits.

Chinatown – A bustling street market, lots of street stalls selling all kinds of stuff. Visit also the Chinese temples here, experience a Chinese tea appreciation session, look out for the nightly cultural performances.

Chinatown

Sultan Mosque – The Sultan Mosque or Masjid Sultan is situated at Muscat Street in Singapore and is known as one of the most significant mosques in Singapore. This historic building comprises of a prayer hall and the dome too is its star attraction. This is one of the oldest mosques in Kampong Glam. Its history dates back to the days when Singapore was ceded to the British in 1819.

Little India – Makes you feel like you are in India.

Esplanade

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay – Our city's premier performing arts venue. Take a look at its architecture beauty, shaped like a durian.

Merlion Park – A unique Singaporean icon sits opposite the Esplanade, complete with a mini-park. The original Merlion statue used to stand at the mouth of the Singapore River since 1972 but has moved to its new home here. It is a male and is a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion - occurs in a number of different artistic traditions.

Boat Quay - A fun place to hang out with lots of bars and restaurants. The scenic at night is spectacular.

Chijmes – the renowned national heritage site - home to a variety of eateries and bars.

The Istana

The Istana – Official Residence and office of the President, the Istana is open to the public on five statutory public holidays a year - Lunar New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day and National Day. (Be sure to check out the next open house date before dropping by)

Orchard Road – A 2.2 kilometre long street that is the retail and entertainment hub of Singapore. A whole list of shopping centres such as the Centrepoint, Plaza Singapura, Ngee Ann City, Wisma Atria, Tang Plaza, The paragon and more! Shop till you drop…and there are actually more than 100 shopping malls in Singapore.

Casino – Marina Bay Sands Casino and Resort World Sentosa Casino.

Marina bay Sands

Sands Sky Park – amazing view from the Skypark. 

Natural Cures from Fruits and Vegetables

All Natural Remedies 

Ever wonder if those days would ever come when you do not even have to visit the Doctor again for common ailments like coughing, running nose, sore throat or some other health issues that got you worrying. The Chinese folks always have a knack resorting to home-made remedies, cures from fruits and vegetables when someone is unwell in the family. It would soothe the pain and symptoms, heal the wound, and over the next few days, you will be well and the agony would diminish. The healing process also subject to a number of other factors such as room temperature (make sure that you are kept warm and not too hot!); the overall emotional state of a person (if you do not believe that it will help you, the body would very well not absorbing the goodness that you are eating).

However, by getting your ailment cured, does not mean that you need to consume it every single day for a long period of time – this method is only for cancer related illnesses. Please do try it for the next 2 to 3 days and if it has not gotten better, please pay a visit to your family doctor!

 Sore Throat

Once I was down with a bad sore throat and tried this! Fruit – A big Korean Pear. It really worked immediately and gave a soothing effect. I bite on another one a few hours later; it became much better and kept eating every 4 hours. In between the hours, I also took a few honey drops from Strapsils. =) May sure you also drink lots of water. Believe it or not, the double booster effect really took off! My sore throat was gone the next day.

On other occasions, I would buy a bottle of honey (I mean 100% pure honey; do not be fooled by those that put labels as “pure honey”; nowadays, most of them are mixed with sucrose, water and other elements), make into a drink and squeeze the juice of a quarter lemon or a few limes into it. This would sure make that you cough out all the phlegm and germs that is making your tonsil uncomfortable.

A little bit of general knowledge I have acquired over the years is that,  in this world, the top three BEST NATURAL CURES for all kinds of illnesses are – Honey, Black Cumin Seed (Nigella sativa) and dates.

Coughing

Having a cough is terrible and extremely disturbing when you are at work and especially so when the workplace is air-conditioned. Try to mix a few tablespoons of apple cider, honey and a bit of lemon juice. After that, drink half a cup of lukewarm water. Do this a few times a day. Sometimes, I would drink a cup of hot red tea with some lemon juice added to it.

Alternatively, I also relied on the traditional eastern herbal mixture - Fritillaria Loquat Sore Throat Syrup.  You can get this from your local Chinese medicinal hall. Before I hit the bed, I also would rub some peppermint oil (or you can try Vicks) on my chest and bring it to my nose; inhale it deeply a few times. You need to have a good night sleep too for the cough to go away.

Avoid coconut juice and its related food, all kinds of meat and banana when you are coughing. These foods would actually make your cough worst!

Running Nose

Usually running nose would come together with either headache, giddiness and body aches. This is a symptom of overworked and insufficient rest. For speedier recovery, I would make sure that I make a bowl of hot mixed vegetable soup with carrot, cabbage, julienne big onion and garlic. The most important part is the fresh grated black pepper added to it. Keep drinking different types of soup, like watercress with chicken, broccoli, leeks and winter melon soup until you get better. Always add some garlic and onions (Red or white) in the soup.  

A few hours after that, I would drink a cup of hot ginger tea, and before sleeping a cup of peppermint tea. This would make me sleep well. Keep your bedroom well ventilated and warm.

Here is a list of food with natural healing properties:-

Apple – Strengthens the heart, ease stomach cramps, cleanse the intestine. (Note: Do not eat its seed as it contains a high level of cyanide)

Avocado – Good for eyesight and regulates blood pressure. This is often regarded as an anti-aging food.

Barley – Good for fever and reduces body heatiness. The Chinese often boiling this weekly for their family members and whenever someone is down with fever. Recipe – A pot of water + 2 cups of barley grains (Rinse it 2 times and have it soak for about half an hour). Drain the barley and pour it into the pot of water. Bring it to a boil for about half an hour. Stir a few times to prevent the barley grains from sticking at the bottom of the pot. Switch off the fire and leave it there until it cools. Add some sugar if you like for taste. Drink it when it is lukewarm.   

Brinjal – A very effective way to reduce high cholesterol. The best cooking method is by cutting it into quarters and steaming it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Eat it with some sauces. You can also put it into soup.

Cherry – Cures gout.

Cabbage – Cures stomach ulcers, constipation, headaches, decrease swelling for breastfeeding mum due to engorgement.

Dates – Gives strength, treats heart disease, aids fertility, improves appetite, prevents constipation and helps those suffering from anemia.

Dragon Fruit – Cures arthritis, strengthen the kidney, improves memory and keeps cancer at bay.

Figs – Cures asthma and piles. Fig soaked in milk overnight and consumed it in the morning is known to increase sexual prowess for men.

Ginger – is used to remove phlegm, warms the body and aids digestion.

Ladies finger – Helps prevent constipation, improves diabetes and prevents complication during pregnancy if consumed weekly. To aid easier childbirth, you should eat it about 2 to 3 times a week two months before delivery. 




Mangoosten – Reduces heatiness of the body and soothing for the throat. 

Strawberry - Relieves and reduces hot flushes for menopause women, prevents formation of blood clots within the blood vessels and improves the immune system of the body. 




Tomato - Is good for your immune system, for beautiful hair and skin. It is also known to contain antioxidant properties for neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells in the body.

Papaya – Aids digestion and regulates menstrual flow.

Rasberry  – Helps to clean the urinary tract and eliminate toxins of the liver and blood. Rasberries are rich in iron and helps to fight anemia. Its leaves when consumed as tea would ease cramps and discomfort.   

Coming up next – Uniquely Singapore!

Healthy Living, Good Habits and A Gracious Lifestyle

Health is Wealth

“     Quote -The first wealth is health by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Good health gives you the confident to lead the life you wish to live. When one is healthy, goals and ambitions are within reached, makes you look good on the outside and feel good within. You have the ability to pursue self sufficiency as well as the means to make sure that all the family needs are taken care of. No amount of money can buy someone who is dying of an incurable illness, redeeming the pain suffered and reverse the things that were done. By then, so much money would have been spent on healthcare. In order to maximize the quality of enjoying the luxury of life, you will first need to give priority to your health.


Before venturing into the different ideas of keeping healthy and improving your health, you will need to bear in mind a little bit of attention to your eating habits and lifestyle.

<Eating too much of the same food is bad for you>

Cultivate a good eating habit. Lots of fruits and vegetables would be good. Do not eat the same type of food every day. It is essential to mix up your diet to make sure that you are getting all the essential minerals and vitamins necessary for a healthy lifestyle and a nutritional balance. For example, I never eat the same type of fruits every day. Choose fruits and vegetables that are rich in colors like green, yellow or red, that is to say, they are packed with phytochemicals. To emphasize their nutritional value, such chemicals are nowadays more commonly called hytonutrients. These are a group of plant substances – with names like flavonoids, isoflavonoids, lignans, carotenoids, phytosterols, etc.  Phytonutrients protect us against many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. They are even claimed to reverse the process of aging. Also, drink lots of water to keep your body hydrate and consume food with high fiber derived from natural source. 

  

Quote - To ensure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately,   cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life                                                    

by William Londen

<Eat in moderation>

Do not overeat. Effects from overeating over a long period of time will result in fatty liver, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and worst, stroke. It will have a damaging effect on your metabolism rate (ever wonder why is it so hard to lose weight?) and heavily burdened on your kidneys. Eat in moderate portion with regular meals throughout the day. Use this food pyramid to gauge your daily intake.

<Exercise Regularly>

Exercise improves your blood circulation. It gives a boost to your mood (endorphins are stimulated and released into the brains), helps you sink into a deep sleep (sleep well), allow you to breathe and think better (oxygen intake). For a start, 10 minutes of jogging is good enough for about three to four times a week. Slowly increase it to 20 minutes or more. Swimming is a low impact sports and is good for the elderly and those who suffer from knee pains. Try some stretching as well whenever possible at your own time and convenience. Regular exercise keeps chronic health conditions at bay, improves your immune system, reduces stress and anxiety.         

<Quit Smoking>

If you do, quit now. If you cannot do it immediately, cut down the number of sticks by one a day and try to keep yourself busy with interesting activities, like pick up a new hobby and start to mix around with non-smokers. Give yourself a goal and a target date to stub that cigarette forever. That is a first step to trying. You will make a great difference with a positive change to your life and those around you. Believe that you can do it.

Coming up next: Natural Cures from Fruits and Vegetables