Month: September 2014

The Health Benefits of Thyme

Thyme has a powerful ability to kill off bacteria and viruses and should be taken at first signs of a cold or illness. It is a rich source of several essential vitamins such as vitamins A, E, C, K, B-complex and folic acid and it is also one of the best sources of calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, and potassium.

Thyme contains antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, carminative, diaphoretic, and expectorant properties which supports healing throughout the entire body. Thyme is vital to help stimulate memory, prevent nightmares and melancholy, ease headache and muscle tension, soothe coughs, relieve fevers, and fight colds and infections. It also contains a compound called carvacrol which is an excellent natural tranquilizer and has a tonic effect on the entire nervous system. Thyme is a good source of pyridoxine which is known to play an important role in manufacturing GABA levels in the brain, aid in regulating sleep patterns, and benefit neurotransmitter function in the brain. GABA is also one of the best natural defenses against stress damage.

Thyme is a great purifying herb for the digestive tract and has been found to destroy certain intestinal hookworms and roundworms and aid in the digestion of rich or fatty foods. Thyme has some of the highest antioxidant levels among herbs. It is packed with bioflavonoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and naringenin which have all been shown to have powerful effects on eliminating free-radicals and other disease producing substances from the body.

Thyme oil has been used as a local antiseptic and antimicrobial since ancient times and is highly beneficial in supporting the immune system and for easing fatigue and weakness after illness. Thyme oil can also help to stop hair loss by improving blood flow to the scalp and feeding the roots of the hair. Consider using more fresh thyme in your food by adding it to soups, salads, guacamole, vegetables, potatoes, rice, etc… Fresh thyme also makes a powerful and very healing tea. Steep a handful of fresh sprigs in hot water for at least 10 minutes or it can be soaked overnight in a pitcher of water and sipped throughout the day. Add honey or lemon, if desired.

 

The Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural wonder in the healing world and has been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-depressant since ancient times. The main component in turmeric, curcumin, has phenomenal anti-cancer properties and has been known to help to inhibit prostate, skin, colon, mouth, esophageal, lung, stomach, pancreatic, liver, and breast cancer.

Turmeric is also a known blood purifier and helps to soothe respiratory ailments, improve liver function, support the circulatory system, regulate menstrual cycles, prevent cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and heal gastrointestinal disorders. Turmeric significantly decreases inflammation that is attributed to arthritis and other auto-immune disorders such as lupus, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Turmeric also helps the body to digest proteins and fats as well as to regulate blood sugar for diabetics. It’s antioxidant properties have beneficial anti-aging effects and its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial properties aids in healing skin wounds and abrasions as well as inflammatory skin irritations such as psoriasis and eczema.

Turmeric is available as a powder, capsule, tincture, tea, spice, and/or ointment. Supplementing with turmeric or adding it to your diet will provide benefit for your whole body and is one of the best things you can do for prevention, repair, and longevity.

 

The Health Benefits of Valerian

Valerian is a medicinal herb and root that has significant sedative and tranquilizing properties that can provide tremendous benefit to both the central nervous system and the muscular system.

Valerian contains calcium, manganese, quercitin, and ascorbic acid as well as valepotriate and isovaleric acid which gives it its calming and relaxing qualities. It is especially beneficial for chronic insomnia, headaches, nervousness, menstrual problems, and anxiety. It is also helpful in soothing the digestive tract and cramps associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Valerian is also known to be very beneficial for the cardiovascular system and overall heart health.

Valerian can also be used to help control hunger and reduce the urge to eat out of stress. It has been shown to be beneficial in reducing seizure activity and is often combined with other herbs such as lemon balm, hops, and passionflower for increased relaxation and healing benefits. Valerian is most often taken as a supplement in a capsule, tincture, or tea form and can be readily found online or at your local health food store.

 

The Health Benefits of Mamey

Mamey is a sweet, creamy fruit that grows in Florida, Texas, California, Hawaii, Mexico, and South America. It is exceptionally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and beta carotene and is high in vitamins C, A, & B and minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Mamey contains antiseptic properties and is often recommended to help calm the nervous system, soothe an upset stomach, and alleviate headaches.

Mamey has been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer, improve immune function, and help to protect against heart disease and osteoporosis. It is also excellent for helping to alleviate hypertension and the symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Mamey is a great food for eye and skin health and can help to prevent age related macular degeneration, cataracts, and skin cancer. It is a wonderful food to help rebuild and nourish the body after a long illness as it is easy to digest and rich with healing properties.

Mamey fruit can range from a softball size to a football size and are ripe when soft all the way around. They have a rough brown exterior but a deep orangey red flesh that is decadently sweet and satisfying. Mamey fruit is completely fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium free and makes an excellent addition to smoothies, puddings, pies, fruit salads, and ice creams. It is often said that mamey tastes just like pumpkin pie in terms of its flavor and texture.

When in season, mamey can be found in the tropical fruit section of most supermarkets, as well as in speciality caribbean and mexican food stores.

They can also be found online and through mail order or at farmer’s markets in southern Florida, Texas, California , & Hawaii. Mamey is a fruit treasure with wonderful health properties that should not be missed.

 

The Health Benefits of Mache

Mache is an exceptionally nutritious salad green that is soft, buttery, creamy, and nutty. This delicious flavor profile is due to its high omega-3 content making it one of the most enjoyable and healthy green leafy vegetables available today.

Plant based omega-3’s, like those found in mache, are easily assimilated and allow the body to immediately utilize the nutrition and put it to good use by lowering triglycerides, improving HDL, reducing inflammation, maintaining healthy cognitive function, and reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and digestive disorders. Mache has 30% more iron than spinach and is also packed with folic acid which helps to alleviate the effects of depression, fatigue, and stress.

Once a rare speciality green, mache is now found in most major supermarkets in the packaged salad section of the produce department. It is a wonderful base for your salads or can be eaten as a tasty snack straight from the bag.