Geneva, April 30: A total of 148 confirmed swine flu cases have been reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the UN agency said.

As of Wednesday, cases were reported from nine countries, including 91 from the US with one death and 26 from Mexico with seven deaths, the agency said in its latest update.

The other seven countries that have reported laboratory-confirmed cases with no deaths include Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) and Britain (5), the agency said.

Mexico City, April 30: The number of confirmed swine flu infections in Mexico climbed from 49 to 91, with eights deaths caused by the new strain, Mexican Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova has said.

The latest figures came shortly after the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva raised the pandemic alert for swine flu by one level to phase 5.

The declaration of phase 5 by WHO Director General Margaret Chan Wednesday night is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent, but not inevitable. The second-highest phase is characterised by human-to-human spread of the virus in at least two countries in one WHO region.

There have been close to 160 deaths and nearly 2,500 infections in Mexico’s flu outbreak. Of these, more than 1,300 people remain in hospital, but most have not yet been identified as swine flu cases.

Apart from Mexico, which is the epicentre of the outbreak, WHO reported confirmed swine flu cases in Canada, the US, Israel, Spain, Britain and New Zealand. Costa Rica said it had two confirmed cases and 25 suspected cases were pending testing.

Chan said all countries should activate pandemic flu plans and called on governments and health authorities to be on high alert for influenza-like illnesses and pneumonia.

“The situation remains serious,” Cordova said, adding that all non-essential state and federal government offices and private businesses would be closed until May 6. Only essential service providers such as hospitals, transport, supermarkets and garbage collectors were to remain open.

Mexico City’s Finance Minister Mario Delgado told a press conference Wednesday that the government would give 50 pesos (about $4) per day to those workers who have suffered because of the limitations on movement and closure of several establishments.

Those hospitalised were to be compensated with 3,000 pesos (about $200), he said.

On Tuesday, Mexico City banned restaurants from serving food on their premises, although they can sell take-away meals. The move affected an estimated 35,000 restaurants and some 450,000 jobs.

Argentina suspended flights to and from Mexico from Wednesday until at least Monday, as it awaited test results of three suspected cases of swine flu.

Cuba Tuesday suspended flights to and from Mexico. The measure was to last 48 hours, but was later extended indefinitely, according to an official statement published Wednesday in Communist Party daily Granma.

Germany, April 29: More evidence of the global spread of the swine flu emerged Wednesday as German authorities confirmed three swine flu cases.

The three cases confirmed by the Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s national disease control center, include two women, aged 22 and 37, and a man in his 30s. All had recently traveled to Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak.

With this, Germany becomes the third European country, after Spain and Britain, where the disease has surfaced.

In Mexico, 159 people are believed to have died from swine flu. Another 1,300 people are reportedly hospitalized, some of them “critically” ill, US health authorities revealed.

According to latest reports, 65 cases have been confirmed in the United States, 14 in New Zealand, 13 in Canada, one in Costa Rica, two in Spain, two in Britain, and two in Israel. Nations with suspected infections are Australia, Austria, Argentina, Chile, Denmark, Hong Kong, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Poland, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, Colombia, Switzerland and Thailand.

With the threat of a pandemic looming large, the World Health Organization said it may raise its pandemic alert level to Phase 5 — the second highest. The Mexican authorities have already declared the 2009 swine flu outbreak as a public health emergency.

The custom authorities worldwide have also stepped up the health screenings vigil. Visitors from countries where the outbreak has been reported are being closely screened. Also, travelers are being urged to cancel trips.

Swine Flu, also called swine influenza, is a respiratory disease seen in pigs. Caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in swine (most commonly the type A influenza virus), the infection is typically characterized by symptoms like chills, running nose, sore throat, cough, fever, severe headache and body ache and a general feeling of discomfort.

As the virus spreads easily through air and touch, preventive actions like washing hands, covering coughs with an arm or shoulder, can cut risk manifold. Keeping inside and avoiding contact with infected persons is the key.

Having already claimed lives of over 159 people in Mexico and infected nearly a dozen others in the U.S., swine flu has become a cause of grave concern for human race.

The disease has already been declared a “public health event of international concern” by WHO. The global organization’s director-general, Dr. Margaret Chan, has appealed for increased stronger worldwide surveillance for curbing any outbreaks of such illness.

Global Measures
Governments of various countries around the world are on high alert to check for any flu like symptoms.

Following warning from WHO (World Health Organization) that the swine flu could grow into a pandemic, many countries across Asia, including Mexico, U.S., Russia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, are imposing health checks at airports to screen patients with flu symptoms.

Argentina has already declared a health alert and has directed passengers arriving on flights from flu-hit Mexico to report if they have any flu-like symptoms. China, too, has made it compulsory for those coming from flu-affected places to report immediately at ports of entry if they felt flu-like symptoms.

Russia has made it compulsory for all those coming from U.S. or Mexico to get their temperatures checked. “All airline passengers from Mexico and the United States will be passing through a contact-free heat sensor,” informed Gennady Pnishchenko, head of the Federal Consumer Protection Service, Russia.

Measures in Mexico
“[We are] monitoring minute by minute the evolution of this problem across the whole country,” Mexican President Felipe Calderon said as health officials counted suspected infections in six states from the tropical south to the northern border.

In Mexico, nearly 159 people have lost their lives to the swine flu. Mexican Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova stated that there are more than 1,300 cases being examined for any suspected infection.

The Mexican government has set aside an amount of $450,000 to take adequate measures to fight the flu. Meanwhile, President Calderon has already given special powers to the government to conduct tests on suspected cases and keep them isolated to curb the spread of flu.

People, especially tourists, have been urged to wear surgical face masks in Mexico. Museums have been closed and churchgoers have been asked to stay home. Stadiums, nightclubs and theaters have been closed by the authorities. Schools in the Mexico State, city and San Luis Potosi have been closed until May 6.

Aloe Vera is well-known for its ability to help burns heal. But that isn’t all this remarkable plant can do!

There are hundreds of species of Aloe found all over the world, but not all are used in herbal healing. In fact, most should not be used at all, as some are quite toxic to humans. The most common Aloe species used for healing is aloe vera barbadensis, and this article will concentrate on the uses of that plant.

History shows that Aloe was used by Cleopatra as a cosmetic aid for her skin, which was said to be of legendary beauty. This places the plant in use at least as early as 1500 BC. Arab traders spread it far and wide around the 6th century, trading it as far as Asia. It is said that Alexander the Great conquered areas where the plant grew so that he could use the medicine for his soldiers, other reports state that he kept one particular island for growing aloe for his soldiers. Mention of this remarkable plant is made in 12th century German medical records as well as in the Compendium of Materia Medica to the Chinese Ming dynasty. The Greek physician Dioscorides wrote of using it externally for treating wounds of all sorts. Columbus carried it on board his ships during his ocean voyages. Everywhere it has been used, it has become a very important part of healing.

Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera

The gel of the inner part of an aloe leaf is used to treat burns, skin rashes (including poison oak and ivy), acne, insect bites, ringworm, bedsores, herpes simplex, and painful shingles, as well as chafed nipples from breastfeeding, when applied to the affected area externally. If used for this purpose, please remember to cleanse the area of aloe prior to the baby nursing, as the aloe if ingested by infants can cause diarrhea and/or serious intestinal cramping.

Internally it can be used to keep the bowels functioning smoothly, or when there is an impaction, although it can cause intestinal cramping when taken internally, and there are other herbs that do this job better. It is not recommended as a general laxative. There is a mixture commercially available that is a combination of various Aloe species that is then concentrated after blending. It is called Aloin, and is used as a laxative. I would not recommend it for general daily use, or the body may become dependent. Using aloe internally is not always a good choice for those with IBS, colitis, or ulcers, as it can irritate these conditions from its strong actions, so do seek guidance from a health care professional to determine if aloe is right for your specific case. People without these kinds of problems usually tolerate aloe internally without a problem. Aloe has also been used internally to treat mouth sores and for thrush (candidiasis).

It aids in healing wounds by drawing out infection, and preventing infection from starting. It has been shown to promote wound healing by increasing the availability of oxygen to the wound as well as increasing the strength of the collagen needed to rebuild the damaged tissues. The gel dries into a sort of “bandage” that aids in healing open wounds. This also makes it a good treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and other such skin problems.

Aloe has been used to treat radiation burns and acid burns as well as frostbite. In cases of sunburn or frostbite, you can add one or two cups of fresh aloe juice to a tub of lukewarm water. Soak, and then reapply aloe gel to the affected areas after the bath. For those little kitchen mishaps, you can cut off a small piece of a leaf and apply the fresh gel directly to the burn or cut. The plant will heal itself by sealing off the cut. Another useful remedy is to peel the outer leaves off the inner gelatinous parts, and place in a blender with 500 milligrams of vitamin C per cup of gel. Mix well, then store in the refrigerator. This salve is very soothing to mild burns. Serious burns and deep wounds may require other treatments first, and then aloe applications, so you should check with a health care professional in these cases.

A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the body’s natural resistance. Studies have shown acemannan boosts T-lymphocyte cells that aid the immune system. There are various studies being conducted at this time involving HIV and AIDS internal treatment with aloe. This is not a treatment that should be attempted without professional guidance at this time, however.

Aloe should not be used internally by pregnant women as it can cause cramping that will bring on uterine contractions. For this reason it should not be used during the menstrual cycle, either. It should never be used internally by those who have difficulty with intestinal cramping. Avoid its internal use for children under the age of 12.

Aloe is found in thousands of commercial products for hair, skin, and overall beauty for people and animals. Americans have typically been taught to use it only externally, while the rest of the world uses it for a wide range of treatments, including skin cancers, eye inflammations, hemorrhoids, gall bladder problems, ulcers, abscesses, and many other uses. Check with your health care professional to see if this herb is right for you.

Aloe’s actions are purgative, laxative, immune-enhancing, mucilaginous, bitter, vulnerary, demulcent, emollient, emmenagogue, and astringent.

Spiritual Uses of Aloe Vera

Growing an aloe vera plant in the kitchen is said to help prevent burns and mishaps while cooking. It is also believed to help to prevent accidents in the home, bring good luck to the home, and guard against evil. It is used in healing rituals, services, and spells all over the world.

It is reported to have been used to embalm the body of Christ. In Africa the aloe is hung over houses and doors to drive away negative forces and draw luck to the home. In some parts of old Mexico, large wreaths made of whole garlic bulbs strung on wire are decorated with pictures of saints, sprigs of healing herbs, clumps of freshly-cut aloe, and other such items, and then hung in the home for protection, luck, and prosperity.

Growing Aloe Vera

This plant is originally native to Africa. Those living in the deep South, such as in southern Texas or southern Florida and other warm, arid regions in the world, can grow aloe outdoors. For the rest of the world, growing indoors in pots is preferred and simple. Remember that Aloe is a succulent, not a cactus, so it needs regular watering to keep the leaves fleshy and juicy, but do not over water. It prefers bright light to grow properly, and really appreciates a sandy, well-drained soil.

There are many different kinds of tea enjoyed around the world for pleasure, taste, and medicinal use. In this article, I will focus on the uses of what is commonly known as Green Tea on the market today.

Green tea, Black tea, and Oolong tea all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. What makes the difference between these teas is the way the leaves themselves are processed. Green tea is made by steaming and drying the leaves only, while black tea is made by withering, rolling, fermenting, and then drying them. Since green tea is not fermented, like black and oolong, its active constituents remain largely unaltered. Black tea is considered by most to have too many tannins, a known carcinogen, to be a useful medicinal beverage.

Tea as a beverage has been enjoyed in the Orient for well over 3000 years, and has been used in Chinese medicine for nearly as long. According to Chinese legend, tea was discovered accidentally by an emperor around 4,000 years ago, when leaves from the Camellia sinensis fell into a cup of hot water that was to be used to brew a different drink. And thus the history of green tea began.

Medicinal Uses of Green Tea

Green tea has recently come into prominence as an effective anti-oxidant. It has been shown to reduce the risk of many forms of cancer, including breast cancer, and it has the ability to stabilize blood lipids, making it a valuable part of an overall cardiac care regimen. Active plant constituents called polyphenols are believed to be responsible for these actions. It aids in treating high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, and stimulates immune functions. Green Tea may actually lower the risks for arteriosclerosis. Research has shown that it guards against cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels, improving the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, reduces platelet aggregation (clumping or clotting of blood cells), and lowers blood pressure.

This herb eases mental fatigue and has been used in treating digestive tract infections. The Chinese often use it to treat migraine headaches. It can also help to prevent plaque buildup on the teeth, and since the leaves contain a natural fluoride, may be helpful in preventing tooth decay. It can help to promote the burning of fat in the body, as well as help to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.

Green tea bags or leaves are used as a poultice for baggy eyes and tired eyes. The infusion is used externally to bathe sunburn to soothe, as well as to ease the discomfort of insect bites.

People who are sensitive to, or cautioned to reduce or avoid, caffeine, can still use the decaffeinated form of Green Tea, which is still shown to have some of the same medicinal properties and qualities, although a single cup of regular green tea is not usually considered to be harmful, having half the caffeine of a cup of coffee. Don’t use in large quantities while pregnant or nursing due to the caffeine levels, although again a single cup should be safe.

Green tea’s actions are considered to be anti-viral, antioxidant, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, analgesic, astringent, caridiotonic, digestive, nervine, and carminative.

Spiritual Uses of Green Tea

Green Tea is used in prosperity rituals, and to honor various deities around the world. The leaves are burned to ensure future prosperity and are included in talismans to give courage and strength to the one who carries it. Tea ceremonies of a spiritual nature are very popular and a valuable part of life and culture in Eastern countries (such as the well-known Japanese Tea Ceremony).

Growing Green Tea

Camellia sinensis is grown in various temperate climates around the world, so check with your local county extension service to see if a species will grow in your area. Tea plants are native to Southeast Asia, and have been planted widely in tropical and subtropical areas. Some species can tolerate light frost. Camellia sinensis is a small evergreen tree with a strong taproot, growing to around 6 to 8 feet tall, most often pruned back to shrubs in tea cultivation. Seedlings are usually shaded until they are 6 to 12 months old. They can typically tolerate varying moisture conditions, including drought. The leaves are hand-picked at harvest, and then are steamed and heated to dry the natural sap and prevent oxidation for green teas.