NBA and former Olympics star Shaq reveals why he refuses to watch Paris Olympics (an)

The legend won gold with the USA at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

Basketball is one of the many sports being contested at the Olympics and has been for many years – but one of its most iconic stars in the form of Shaq has explained why he is not watching it at the Paris Games.

The Olympics is around its halfway stage in the French capital and the USA are fifth in the medal table as things stand, with China, Australia, France and Team GB ahead of them.

With basketball often being seen as an American sport, it is no surprise to see they have reached the knockout stages of the men’s competition in Paris.

The American team finished top of their group after victories against Serbia and South Sudan.

The clash against Serbia was a 21-point victory for the Americans with a 110-84 win.

And this was followed up with a 17-point triumph over South Sudan in the following encounter, with a 103-86 win being recorded.

Along with Serbia and the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Brazil and Greece have also qualified for the quarter-finals, which begin on August 6.

Shaq is a former Olympian himself, having won gold with the US team at the 1996 Games held on home soil in Atlanta, so you would think he would be tuning in to see how his countrymen get on.

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Well you’d be very wrong on that count, in fact, as he has confirmed he will not be watching the US team in their bid for gold in Paris.

And Shaq’s reluctance to tune in appears to stem from how they performed in the five exhibition games in the lead-up to the Olympics.

Wins were secured against Canada, Australia and Serbia, but close defeats at the hands of South Sudan and Germany were just avoided.

In fact, the US team, which boasts the likes of LeBron James, beat South Sudan by only one point.

And this seemed to turn Shaq off from watching the Olympics, as he explained on the latest edition of his podcast.

Speaking on The Big Podcast with Shaq, he said: “I am not even paying attention to the Olympics.

“They scare me. … It is like the fact they went 97 to 95 and they only beat South Sudan by one. Come on, bro! That’s never supposed to happen.

“A professional player is a professional player. Bad enough, we got all these Europeans.

“If you don’t win by 20, I’m not impressed by it.”

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Euphorbia Hirta: The Asthma Plant and Its Traditional Uses and Applications Euphorbia hirta, commonly known as the asthma plant, is a medicinal herb that has been cherished for centuries in traditional medicine. Known for its versatility, this plant has been widely used across cultures to treat a variety of health issues, including respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal disorders, skin conditions, infections, and more. In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits, applications, and preparation methods of Euphorbia hirta, highlighting why it continues to be an important and valuable part of herbal medicine. Respiratory Benefits: A Natural Remedy for Breathing Difficulties Euphorbia hirta is renowned for its effectiveness in treating respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and persistent coughs. Its ability to support lung health has made it a staple in traditional treatments for those suffering from breathing difficulties. How It Works: Bronchodilatory Properties: Euphorbia hirta helps relax the bronchial muscles, making it easier to breathe by widening the airways. Anti-inflammatory Effects: It reduces inflammation in the lungs, easing discomfort and improving respiratory function. Traditional Use: Often brewed into a tea or decoction, it is consumed to relieve asthma and other respiratory issues. Best Method: To experience relief from respiratory issues, drink a tea made from Euphorbia hirta’s leaves. This simple remedy has been used for generations to soothe the lungs and promote easier breathing. Gastrointestinal Uses: Supporting Digestive Health Euphorbia hirta has long been used to treat a range of digestive problems, including diarrhea, dysentery, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The plant’s soothing properties make it an excellent choice for supporting digestive health. How It Works: Antidiarrheal Properties: Euphorbia hirta helps to reduce frequent bowel movements, alleviating the discomfort associated with diarrhea. Anti-inflammatory Effects: It calms gastrointestinal irritation and reduces bloating, making it a great remedy for digestive spasms. Traditional Use: The leaves of the plant are often made into a decoction and consumed to support digestion and ease discomfort. Best Method: For a natural remedy to support gut health and alleviate digestive issues, prepare a herbal tea using the leaves of Euphorbia hirta. Drinking this tea regularly can promote digestion and help with symptoms of IBS and other gastrointestinal concerns. Dermatological Applications: Healing for the Skin Euphorbia hirta is frequently used in topical applications to treat skin conditions such as wounds, boils, rashes, and warts. Its natural healing properties make it an effective remedy for a variety of dermatological issues. How It Works: Antimicrobial Properties: The plant’s antimicrobial compounds help fight off bacterial and fungal infections that can cause skin problems. Wound Healing: Euphorbia hirta has been traditionally used as a paste or infusion to promote skin recovery and accelerate the healing process of wounds and abrasions. Anti-inflammatory Effects: It soothes skin irritation, reduces redness, and helps calm inflamed areas. Best Method: To treat skin issues, crush fresh Euphorbia hirta leaves into a paste and apply it directly to the affected area. This topical treatment can help heal wounds, clear up rashes, and soothe skin inflammation. Antimicrobial and Antiviral Effects: Natural Protection Against Infections Euphorbia hirta is also recognized for its strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. These qualities make it an essential natural remedy for combating infections, both internally and externally. How It Works: Fights Bacteria and Fungi: The plant’s compounds work to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of infection. Supports Immune Function: Euphorbia hirta strengthens the body’s ability to fight off pathogens and supports overall immune health. Pain Relief and Anti-inflammatory Effects: A Natural Pain Reliever Euphorbia hirta is commonly used to reduce pain and swelling associated with conditions such as arthritis, muscle soreness, and joint discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory compounds make it an excellent natural pain reliever. How It Works: Reduces Pain and Swelling: The anti-inflammatory properties help to ease pain and inflammation, providing relief from joint pain, arthritis, and muscle soreness. Best Method: For pain relief, apply Euphorbia hirta as a poultice or use its decoction in a warm compress to soothe sore muscles and reduce swelling. Antipyretic Properties: Lowering Fever Naturally In addition to its other benefits, Euphorbia hirta has been traditionally used to treat fever. Its natural compounds help regulate body temperature and promote recovery from illness. How It Works: Antipyretic Effect: The plant’s compounds help to lower body temperature, reducing fever and promoting overall recovery from illnesses. Best Method: Prepare a tea from the leaves of Euphorbia hirta to help reduce fever and promote a quicker recovery from colds and other illnesses. Urinary Tract Health: Supporting Kidney Function Euphorbia hirta has diuretic properties that can help support kidney health by increasing urine production and flushing out toxins from the urinary tract. How It Works: Increases Urine Output: By promoting diuresis, Euphorbia hirta helps to flush toxins from the kidneys and urinary tract, reducing the risk of urinary infections and inflammation. Supports Kidney Function: The plant may also help reduce the burden on the kidneys by clearing out waste products and promoting efficient kidney function. Best Method: Consume a tea made from Euphorbia hirta to support kidney health and maintain a healthy urinary system. Antioxidant Benefits: Combatting Oxidative Stress Euphorbia hirta is rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to chronic diseases and accelerated aging. How It Works: Reduces Oxidative Damage: The antioxidants found in Euphorbia hirta help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage. Best Method: Regularly drinking Euphorbia hirta tea may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, protect cells from damage, and contribute to overall wellness. Preparation and Usage The most common way to prepare Euphorbia hirta is by making a tea or decoction from its fresh or dried leaves. To prepare: Boil the leaves in water for several minutes. Strain the mixture and drink the tea. For topical use, crush fresh leaves into a paste and apply directly to affected areas of the skin. Safety and Precautions While Euphorbia hirta offers a wide range of health benefits, it’s important to use it responsibly: Moderation: High doses can cause side effects like nausea or irritation. Consultation: Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with pre-existing health conditions, should consult a healthcare professional before using Euphorbia hirta. Final Thoughts Euphorbia hirta, the asthma plant, is a powerful herbal remedy with a diverse range of traditional uses. Whether consumed as a tea, applied topically as a poultice, or used in a decoction, this plant offers numerous health benefits, including respiratory support, digestive relief, skin healing, and more. With proper use and guidance from health professionals, Euphorbia hirta can be a valuable addition to your natural wellness routine, helping you maintain better health and well-being. (an)

Euphorbia Hirta: The Asthma Plant and Its Traditional Uses and Applications Euphorbia hirta, commonly known as the asthma plant, is a medicinal herb that has been cherished…