THYME :Another amazing herb

Herb, Herbaceous Plant - a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; Thyme is an herb from the mint family. You probably recognize from your spice set. But it’s so much more than an after-thought ingredient. With about 400 subspecies, its range of uses is impressive. Ancient Egyptians used it in their embalming practices, while ancient Greeks used it as incense. Thymus linearis Benth. is a species of thyme found in Pakistan and Afghanistan. A recent study found that an extract was able to significantly reduce the heart rate in rats withhigh blood pressure, and was also able to lower their cholesterol One sure way to use thyme to help lower your heart rate is to substitute it for salt in your foods.  Thyme to Stop Coughing :
Thyme essential oil, which is obtained from its leaves, is often used as a natural cough remedy.In one study, a combination of thyme and ivy leaves helped to alleviate coughing and other symptoms of acute bronchitis. So next time you’re faced with a cough or sore throat, try drinking some thyme tea.
Thyme to Boost your Immunity :
Getting all the vitamins your body needs every day can be challenging. Luckily, thyme is packed with vitamin C and is also a good source of vitamin A. If you feel a cold coming on, thyme can help get you back in shape. With about 400 subspecies, its range of uses is impressive. Ancient Egyptians used it in their embalming practices, while ancient Greeks used it as incense.
Thyme to Get Rid of Pests:
Thymol is also an ingredient of many pesticides— both outdoor and indoor — and is commonly used to target bacteria and viruses, as well as rats, mice, and other animal pests. A recent study shows that thyme extract can repel mosquitoes, but growing it in your garden isn’t enough. In order to get the best pest-fighting results, rub thyme leaves between your hands to release the essential oil.
Thyme for Good Smells:
Organic and all-natural skin care products can now be found at most retailers, and many contain thyme. Thanks to its antiseptic and antifungal properties, it is a common ingredient in mouthwash. Thyme is also a popular ingredient in natural deodorants and is often included in potpourri.
A Few Quick Serving Ideas:
Add thyme to your favorite pasta sauce recipe.
Fresh thyme adds a wonderful fragrance to omelets and scrambled eggs.
Hearty beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans and black beans taste exceptionally good when seasoned with thyme.
When poaching fish, place some sprigs of thyme on top of the fish and in the poaching liquid.
Season soups and stocks by adding fresh thyme.

Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious health problem that can lead to heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or above is considered high. Hypertension usually is diagnosed when a person has a sustained high reading over a certain period of time. Common causes or contributing factors of hypertension are obesity, genetic factors, excessive drinking, high salt intake, lack of aerobic exercise, stress, birth control pills, pain relievers, kidney disease, and adrenal disease.

Medication is often prescribed for hypertension. You can also help control it with simple natural remedies.

Here are some home remedies for high blood pressure.

1. Lemons

Lemons help keep blood vessels soft and pliable and by removing any rigidity, high blood pressure will be reduced. In addition, you can help lower your chance of heart failure by consuming lemon juice regularly, due to its vitamin C content. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. Simply drink a cup of warm water with the juice from half a lemon added to it each morning on an empty stomach. For best results, do not add salt or sugar.

2. Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon seeds contain a compound called cucurbocitrin, which helps widen the blood capillaries. At the same time, it also helps improve kidney functioning. This in turn reduces blood pressure levels and also helps a lot with arthritis.

Also, a 2010 Florida State pilot study found that watermelon can help lower blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effect.

• Grind equal quantities of dried watermelon seeds and poppy seeds (khush khash). Take one teaspoon of this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach and again in the evening.
• Alternatively, add two teaspoons of gently crushed, dried watermelon seeds to one cup of boiled water. Steep it for about an hour, then strain it. Take four tablespoons of this water at regular intervals throughout the day.

3. Garlic

Several studies have demonstrated blood pressure lowering effects of garlic. Both raw and cooked garlic help control high blood pressure and at the same time reduce cholesterol levels. Garlic helps relax blood vessels by stimulating the production of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide.

• Eat one or two crushed garlic cloves daily. You can simply crush them with your hands. Crushing garlic cloves creates hydrogen sulfide, a compound that promotes good blood flow, removes gas and reduces the pressure on the heart. If you do not like eating raw garlic or if it causes a burning sensation, then take it along with a cup of milk.
• You can also mix five or six drops of garlic juice in four teaspoons of water and take it twice a day.

4. Banana

Bananas are one fruit that people with high blood pressure can eat regularly to control it. Bananas are a rich source of potassium, which lessens the effect of sodium.

So, try to eat one or two bananas daily. Along with bananas, you can try dried apricots, raisins, currants, orange juice, spinach, zucchini, baked sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and winter squash.

In addition to using these natural remedies as part of treatment for high blood pressure, it is essential to follow your doctor’s medical and dietary advice and go for regular checkups.

5 Herbs To Calm Anxiety ( Without Being Drowsy)

Are you 'swimming' in stress, lately? Bills and worries piling up? Challenges sprouting up in your job, family, and home? You may be suffering from anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. and affect 40 million adults. Generalized anxiety disorder, on its own, affects 6.8 million adults, with women twice as likely to be affected as men.

Whether you’re suffering from a lifelong illness or simply going through a stressful period in your life, natural herbs can help. Here are five  that are particularly good for calming you down - without putting you to sleep

1:Passion Flower

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that passionflower has shown in a few studies to work as well as some of the benzodiazepine medications that are usually prescribed for treating anxiety. 

A four-week double-blind study, for example, compared passionflower with oxazepam. Results showed oxazepam worked more quickly, but by the end of the study period, both treatments were shown to be equally effective. Bonus—side effects like daytime drowsiness were fewer with passionflower. 

A second study also showed that passionflower helped ease symptoms like anxiety, irritability, agitation, and depression in participants going through withdrawal from an opiate drug addiction. 

Dosage: Try one cup of passionflower tea three times daily, 45 drops of liquid extract daily, or about 90 mg/day.

2:Lavender:

A 2010 multi-center, double blind randomized study of lavender oil compared to anti-anxiety medication lorazepam found that both were effective against generalized and persistent anxiety. Bonus — lavender had no sedative side effects. 

“Since lavender oil showed no sedative effects,” researchers stated, it could be an effective and “well-tolerated alternative to benzodiazepines” to treat generalized anxiety. An earlier 2000 study found similar results. 

Dosage: Try about 80 mg/day of the supplement, or use the oil as an aromatherapy solution.

3:Lemon Balm:

Though usually found in combination with other herbs, lemon balm also has anti-anxiety powers on its own. 

Research published in 2004, for instance, gave participants a single dose of lemon balm extract (300 mg or 600 mg) or a placebo, then measured their mood after one hour. The higher dose resulted in reduced stress and improved calmness and alertness. Even the lower dose helped participants do math problems more quickly. 

Dosage: Use in aromatherapy, try 300-500 mg of dried lemon balm three times daily, 60 drops daily, or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm herb in hot water for a tea four times daily.

4:Ashwagandha ( herbal capsule ):

A 2012 double blind, placebo-controlled study gave participants either placebo or a capsule containing 300 mg of high-concentration full-spectrum ashwagandha extract, twice a day. The study lasted for 60 days. Those taking the ashwagandha showed significant improvements. Even the levels of the stress hormone cortisol were substantially reduced in those taking the extract. And there were no serious side effects. 

In an earlier 2000 study, ashwagandha had anxiety-relieving effects similar to those of lorazepam. 

Dosage: Typical dosage is 300 mg standardized to at least one to five percent withanolides, once or twice a day.

5:L- thenanine (balck-tea leaves) :

This one isn’t really a herb — it’s a water-soluble amino acid,  but it’s gotten such good research behind it we had to include it here. It’s found mainly in green tea and black tea and is also available as a supplement. 

Studies have found that it acts directly on the brain, helping to reduce stress and anxiety—without causing drowsiness. 

Research from 2008, for example, found that those participants taking 50 mg of L-theanine a day had a greater increase in alpha (relaxed brain waves) activity than those who took a placebo. 

An earlier 1998 study found that 200 mg a day lead to increased alpha-brain waves and a relaxed, yet alert, state of mind. 

A later 2011 study found that it was also associated with reduced anxiety, and was well tolerated and safe for participants. 

Dosage: A typical cup of black tea contains only about 25 mg of l-theanine and green tea only about 8 mg. While a cup of tea may be calming, if you want more potent effects, try a supplement, about 200 mg a day.

HOME REMEDIES FOR STOMACH FLU

The stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is a condition where the gastrointestinal tract is inflamed, usually as a result of contracting a viral infection. The four common viruses that can cause stomach flu are adenovirus, astrovirus, caliciviruses and rotavirus.

Stomach flu is highly contagious and common among adults and children. It gets spread through contact with someone or something that is contaminated with the virus. Symptoms usually appear 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last for two to five days, or in severe cases up to 10 days.

Having stomach flu is a very unpleasant experience. Common symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, headache, body aches, stomach cramping, mild fever, fatigue and vomiting.

In most cases, stomach flu goes away on its own. To speed up recovery, the best things you can do are take rest, keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and treat the symptoms with home remedies.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for stomach flu.

1. Ginger

With its natural anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is a highly effective home remedy for stomach flu. Plus, ginger is a natural antiviral that will help fight off the virus causing the flu.

This herb will aid digestion and give you relief from nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and bloating. It will also help reduce the frequency of loose stools.

• Boil one teaspoon of freshly chopped ginger in 1.5 cups of hot water. Coverand allow it to steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and sip this tea slowly. Drink it a few times a day until you feel better.
• You can even chew a small piece of fresh ginger root several times a day to soothe the stomach.

Note: People with high blood pressure should avoid ginger remedies.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint is another herb widely used to fight stomach flu. It is a carminative and contains antispasmodic properties that help dispel gas and bloating as well as give you relief from stomach and intestinal cramps.

• Add one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to one cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep for 10 minutes, strain and cool. Drink this herbal tea for five times daily between meals for two to three days.
• You can also take one or two enteric-coated peppermint capsules two or three times per day until you get relief from the symptoms.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is also very effective against stomach flu. It is a powerful antibacterial as well as antiviral agent that will destroy any bacteria or virus in your stomach. Also, cinnamon’s warm nature will quickly help get rid of the chills, aches and pains and make you feel more comfortable.

• Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to one and one-half cups of boiling water. Let it brew for five minutes, and then strain with a cheese cloth or fine strainer. Add one teaspoon of honey. Drink the soothing tea three or four times a day for two days.
•  Alternatively, you can mix one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one tablespoon of pure honey in a glass of warm water. Drink this up to three times a day for two days.

4. Chamomile

Another herb that is known for its wonderful stomach-healing properties is chamomile. It has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly effective in treating many of the stomach flu symptoms. Be it diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea or gas, chamomile will help give you relief.

•  Add two to three teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers to a cup of hot water.
• Cover and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Strain, and then add some lemon juice and honey as per your taste.
• Drink this tea three or four times a day for two to three days.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Another effective home treatment for stomach flu is apple cider vinegar. It acts as an effective agent against the viruses that cause stomach flu. It is also a rich source of pectin, which helps soothe an irritated stomach. Moreover, it helps treat stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and gas.

• Add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water or any fruit juice. Drink it before meals until you get complete relief from stomach flu symptoms.
• Alternatively, add one tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey to one cup of warm water. Drink this every few hours until you start feeling better.

6. Lemon

Because of its acidic effect, lemon is considered an excellent remedy for stomach flu. It can kill the pathogens that cause stomach flu. Plus, the vitamin C in lemon as well as the antimicrobial properties boost the immune system to fight off the virus.

• Mix one to two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice in a glass of water.
• Drink it 30 minutes before meals.
• Follow this remedy until you recover completely.

HERBS FOR MEMORY RETENTION

Today we’re going to talk about herbs, and some of them you may even find growing in your garden. A few of these earthy little babies harbor a gold mine of brain-boosting abilities and may just be the ticket to a better memory. Go grab your gardening gloves so we can start digging into our herbs for memory retention.

Huperzia (Chinese Club Moss)

Huperzia is a native of China and has been used in its entire mossy state for centuries for its vast medicinal purposes.Scientists have found a mega memory booster in this mossy herbs. This inhibitor kicks the brain into high gear with increased levels of the important neurotransmitters responsible for forming new memories, memory recall as well as cognitive functioning. There’s also the added bonus of receiving a bit of brain protection from huperzia as it is reported to stave of the memory stealing progress of Alzheimer’s.

TURMERIC

There’s good news for those of you who enjoy a nice curry dinner on occasion! The most prominent spice used, turmeric, which gives curry its warm, slightly peppery and bitter taste is actually really good for your memory. The cool thing about turmeric is that it really doesn’t take a whole lot to start improving memory, especially in those who are diabetic and cognitively impaired.In fact, studies have shown that a mere gram of the vibrantly colored spice will start you on the right path to a better working memory. Improving and preserving your working memory is crucial as it is the key to critical cognitive abilities such as planning, problem solving and reasoning.

ASHWAGANDHA

This hard to pronounce herb is a pro at aiding in the fighting against diseases, cancer, infertility, high blood pressure, anemia and depression. Ashwagandha is also useful in lowering cholesterol levels, stabilizing blood sugar, providing relief from inflammation and calming anxiety. It’s no wonder some in the medical community are calling Ashwagandha a wonder herb. The benefits of this “wonder herb” really start to get interesting when we look at the research done on Ashwagandha’s impact on memory and cognitive functioning.

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis)

. Green tea is also beneficial when trying to lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure and is even noted to be helpful to those dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes and kidney stones.

Green tea is also being given a two very enthusiastic thumbs up from researchers who have conducted multiple studies on its positive effects on cognitive function. A 2014 study performed at the University of Basel found solid evidence of the awesome effects green tea has on the brain.The study reported that there is a “ beneficial effect of green tea on cognitive functioning, in particular, on working memory processing at the neural system level by suggesting changes in the short-term plasticity or parieto-frontal brain connections

Peppermint

Peppermint is good for much more than candy canes, my friends. In fact, peppermint is now considered to be on the list of natural substances used to help improve memory when it is applied topically, used for aroma therapy and even ingested in its natural, leafy form.The oil has noted qualities similar to caffeine in the sense that it is capable of waking your mind, increasing focus and aiding memory. A 2008 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information reported a pretty notable increase in both enhanced memory and alertness when subjects were exposed to peppermint aroma prior to cognitive testing.Perhaps it’s time to wake up and smell the peppermint rather than the coffee if it means you’re in for a better memory and improved alertness. It may not be so hard to kick the caffeine habit either since peppermint just so happens to aid in the process of ditching the coffee, thanks to its natural herbal super powers.

Asian Ginseng

Asian ginseng is one of three commonly used herbs in the ginseng family and is known for its memory boosting abilities. The use of Asian ginseng dates back well over 5,000 years and has earned its spot as a staple in many medicine cabinets across the world. The list of its uses is rather long, but it is definitely touted as the herb to take if you’re in need of a mental boost as it is reported to relax the nervous system, increase mental cognizance and stimulate the brain as an aid to memory.

Research has shown a positive increase in cognitive function when Asian ginseng is taken. This herb is credited with increasing concentration, memory and mental arithmetic. Another study found this form of ginseng to aid in abstract thought among subjects tested despite a lack of change in response time or their ability to concentrate.

ROSEMARY

Most of us are familiar with the awesome smell of rosemary when it’s used in the kitchen with our favorite meals, but the power of this herb doesn’t stop at its smell and taste by any means. It turns out that oil produced from the aromatic little sprigs is said to increase memory retention by up to 75% as well as decrease cortisol levels and lower anxiety in some people.Apparently, Ophelia was really onto something when she said, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance,” in Shakespeare’s Hamlet!Rosemary oil can be helpful when applied to the palms when you need to study, work on a concentration heavy project or really any task requiring you to tap into your memory skills. You can use a nifty oil diffuser to put your rosemary oil to use for aromatherapy if you’d rather not apply it directly to your skin. Breathing in its herbal goodness is said to be just as helpful to the memory.

5 HERBS THAT BELONG IN EVERY KITCHEN GARDEN

Savory and pungent, herbs hold a special spot in the kitchen arsenal, providing the X factor in many home-cooked meals. Judiciously measured in a pinch here and a dash there, herbs add complexity and depth to dishes in subtle and profound ways, rounding out flavors as food hits the tongue.

Perhaps the best way to make the most of them is to try growing your own. Regardless of the size of your home, there’s always room for a pot on the windowsill or a small container. Homeowners with more room can go the edible landscape route for an abundant supply of leafy greens and fresh herbs. From seed to plant to your cooking pot, herbs keep right on giving. Snipping off small quantities stimulates the plants to produce even more. Get your kitchen garden started with these five basic herbs.

Flat-leaf parsley

Much maligned as a garnish, fresh or dried parsley is a kitchen staple. The leaves give a bite to salad greens, and when dried they add depth and complexity to sauces. Once established, parsley beds grow in loose clumps with delicate serrated leaves and spindly stems.

Oregano

With pungent, tight, oval leaves, oregano works wonders in Italian dishes, which favor sweet and savory flavor combinations. Oregano is one of the few herbs that tastes even better dried than fresh. This herb also works wonders as a companion plant to help keep bugs at bay in the vegetable garden.

Sweet Italian basil

The bright green plant with shiny broad leaves loves warm weather. Considered a staple in pasta sauce and summer salads, basil shines in homemade pesto.

Rosemary

A hardy bush with woody branches, rosemary makes the herb garden complete. The needle-like leaves emit the piney aroma of Christmas trees. Rosemary pairs well with roasted meat and savory breads, and it creates one of the most divine kitchen fragrances, sending appetites into overdrive.

Dill

The delicate fronds of this prehistoric-looking  plant creates an indelible impression on the taste buds. Fresh dill is used to cure salmon and season dips, and it is the main attraction in pickles, too.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are all the rage for the many medicinal qualities they are supposed to possess. It's claimed they can help with everything from easing a cold and indigestion to fighting infection and nausea. But when choosing a herbal tea remedy, make sure you pick the right one. While fruit flavoured teas - such as rosehip, apple and orange - tend to be delicious, they are developed for their flavouring more than anything else. Herbal teas on the other hand, such as thyme, peppermint and ginger have greater therapeutic virtues. Susan Curtis, a homeopath for Neals Yard Remedies, says that fruit teas tend to be blended from synthetic ingredients, but herbal teas often contain real herbs. 'This means they make effective remedies if drunk at least three to four times a day,' she says. Susan suggests reading the ingredients first. 'If the label mentions real herbs then the quality will be good,' she says. 'Avoid any teas with artificial flavourings. The best quality herbal teas tend to be organic.' We've rounded up ten herbal teas picked for their medicinal benefits and explain what each could do for you. Elderflower: {4} The white blossom from the Elder tree is a traditional cure for colds. It is an effective decongestant because it helps clean the nasal passages of catarrh. It is also a good diaphoretic - meaning it encourages the body to sweat. Naturopaths believe that viruses are unable to breed in a raised body temperature.Lemon Verbena: Lemon Verbena - like citrus liqueurs such as Poire William and Calvados - are traditionally used in France as a digestive aid. This is because the citrus content helps to break down fats in the digestive tract. Ginger:{7} Ginger is an excellent remedy in the early stages of an infection because, as a warming spice, it can promote a fever and hasten healing. Ginger's warming effects are also said to relieve rheumatic aches and pains by widening the blood vessels and stimulating circulation. Nettle: A British herb that is good to take when feeling run down. This is because of its rich mineral content. Nettle is a good source of iron, calcium and silica. Iron produces red blood cells, essential for energy. Calcium and silica are important for building bones, hair and teeth. Chamomile: {6} The small golden buds of chamomile give many people relief from mild insomnia. Chamomile is the principal ingredient in many 'sleepytime' tea blends. This is because chamomile contains tryptophan, an amino acid known for its tranquilizing effects. When taken as an infusion, these properties act as a relaxant in our bodies and help to promote sleep. Green Tea: Japanese green tea leaves strengthen tissue cells found all over the body, and so protects the body from ageing. This is because green tea is high in antioxidants - compounds produced in the body that protect the cells from damage such as pollutants.Thyme: {3} This Mediterranean herb is an effective treatment for colds. This is because thyme contains volatile oils - constituents in the plant that protect it against virus and infection. When taken as an infusion, these properties act as a good decongestant for the chest in our bodies. Fennel: A Mediterranean herb that has anti-spasmodic properties. This means it works on relaxing the intestinal muscles and is particularly good for constipation, colic and flatulence. Fennel is also a good detox because it is a diuretic - meaning it creates the urge to urinate. This helps to clean the kidneys and so rid the body of impurities, which then promotes a clearer skin. Peppermint: {5} A traditional remedy used for nausea and vomiting. By stimulating bile production in the gall bladder, peppermint breaks down fat in the digestion system, thus relieving nausea. St John's Wort: St John's Wort is an extract of a small yellow flower commonly found in Britain and Europe. It is a mild anti-depressant and shown to be an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Recent medical research shows that St John's Wort helps with depression by raising chemical levels in the brain.

About Herbs !

What are Herbs?

Plants that are prized for their scent, flavor, medicinal or other asset is known as an ‘herb’. Herbs are usually used in foods, for making medicines, for pest control, and also for spiritual purposes. Since ancient times, the culinary and medicinal values of different herbs have been appreciated by almost every part of the world and among many different cultures. Herbs can be classified into innumerable categories depending on their scientific family and genus.

Why Herbs?

For most people, herbs are an enigma. In a world where electricity makes radios work, gas makes cars work and drugs make bad bacteria die [sometimes], it is a huge mental leap to the complexity of why herbs work. When asked this question, my mind was immediately flooded with streams of facts, attributes and a numerous of reasons why I choose herbs almost exclusively over modern pharmaceutical.  If I feel a tickle in my throat, I grew up a tea. If I get chills, body aches and a runny nose, I’m on top of it with some diaphoretic herbs. If my knees feel achy or a little swollen, I apply the topical remedies. Too much worry? A soothing bath infused with essential oils is my cure. 
My moisturizer is a blend of pure nut and seed oils enhanced with therapeutic-grade essential oils. My shampoo is made from soap nuts.

Health benefits of herbs:

To improve the overall health of the body, herbs have been playing a major role for decades;  they help in healing wounds faster, make up for nutritional supplements and also deliver a host of benefits. Herbs strengthen the immune system, lower blood sugar and cholesterol, have anti-inflammatory properties, and prevent Alzheimer’s diseases and various types of cancer.

Herbs eliminate the nutritional deficiencies in your body and thus restore the correct function of the body. Herbs rectify problems rather than suppress them. It is also said that herbs nourish every part of the body with their vitamin and mineral content. In short, our body needs certain essential dietary nutrients to meet the everyday demands of life because herbs provide us with most of the necessary components for a healthy life.

Herbs are normally used as flavoring additives to culinary dishes. Along with that, herbs are now an integral part of various medicinal practices in most countries.

Many herbal extracts like those derived from mint, licorice, fenugreek, ginkgo, and aloe Vera are used in medicines. The health benefits of herbs vary with their type. For example, ‘Artichoke’ cures different kinds of digestive problems, whereas ‘American Ginseng’ works as a health tonic and ‘Rosemary’ promotes healthy brain function. Almost all herbs have some health benefit and you can consume herbs for their comprehensive benefits after acquiring the recommendation of a medical practinior.