Authentic Chinese cuisine and their spicy dishes is a favorite of almost all people as it suits almost any palate. This relished style of cuisine is made by the use of garlic, green chilly, ginger, other Indian spices and the ubiquitous MSG (sold under the brand name Ajinomoto). Just as consuming chocolate stimulates the sweet taste receptors of tongue, consuming food seasoned with MSG (Monsodium Glutamte) has stimulating effect on the “umami” or glutamate receptors of our tongue, increasing the savory flavor of these foods. However, many experts say that MSG causes “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome“; the dizziness, headaches, and chest pain are experienced by some people after taking dinner at a Chinese restaurant.

The best way to avoid MSG is to prepare food at home without MSG. You can use disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate as a substitute of MSG. Fermented fish sauce is the best substitute as an all-purpose substitute. For Asian dishes, soy sauce is the best substitute of MSG. In place of soy sauce, you can use vinegar and wasabi in some recipes. In pastas and other Italian/Western cooking, you can add parmesan cheese to replace MSG. Shiitaki mushrooms and Tomato are not as omnipresent in use as MSG or its substitutes but they can play roles as well. Read the rest of this entry »

Mice and ants can take up residence in human homes, because there is readily available supply of food scraps. They can turn dangerous if they are carrying disease or viruses that could contaminate the humans. For getting rid of mice and ants, peppermint oil is a great option. In this article there are tips for using Peppermint oil to control mice and ants. We get Peppermint oil from the leaves of peppermint plant. It is a cross between spearmint and a watermint. Peppermint oil is non toxic and easily available at health food stores. It is one of the most popular and least-expensive essential oils.

Mice have poor vision but a very good sense of smell. The smell of Peppermint oil is very strong and contains menthol. When a mouse comes across the smell of peppermint oil, it overpowers its sensitive nose and repels the mouse. Peppermint oil must be placed tactically at home, in the areas that are likely to attract mice and ants. Places such as pantry, cabinets or any other place a mouse would find convenient to build a nest or as a food source. The oil will be effective for repelling mice as long as the smell remain. Before applying peppermint oil, clean up each area where mice and ants come. Pick up food scraps, used tissue paper, clothes and seal all the known entrances that the mice and ants use. Read the rest of this entry »