Month: September 2014

The Health Benefits of Lomatium

Lomatium is a powerful herbal antibiotic that is highly effective for the respiratory ailments such as COPD, pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchitis, chronic cough, and asthma. Lomatium can also significantly improve overall immune function and is a fantastic herbal preventative to use during cold and flu season.

Lomatium contains antiviral properties that have been shown to be a potent treatment for viral illnesses such as influenza, hepatitis, mumps, hiv, shingles, measles, chicken pox, mononucleosis and epstein barr. It also has the ability to help relieve chest pain and upset stomach that frequently accompanies the flu.

Lomatium is also particularly beneficial for urinary tract and bladder infections. Lomatium’s strong anti-inflammatory properties are known to decrease swelling in joints and reduce bloating and edema which makes it a great herb for those who have autoimmune disorders and suffer with chronic pain, fatigue, lower back pain, and inflammation.

Lomatium has the ability to make the blood more alkaline which can help to detoxify the body. Topically, lomatium is excellent for disinfecting cuts, scrapes, rashes, and wounds. Lomatium grows in the wild in the south west and was revered by the Native Americans as one of their top herbal antibiotics.

During the 1917 flu pandemic, lomatium root was successfully used by the Native Americans to help keep them healthy and help ward off illness. Lomatium can be found online or at your local health food store in tincture, extract, capsule, tea, and salve form.

 

The Health Benefits of Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena is a fragrant medicinal herb that has mild antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties. Lemon verbena is excellent for the digestive tract as it is known to be good for relieving nausea, cramps, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, stomach or gastro-intestinal spasms, and colon irritability. It is also often used as a natural slimming aid as it has been shown to burn fat, break down cellulite, and regulate the metabolism. Lemon verbena is highly beneficial for crohn’s disease, colitis, celiac disease, sciatica, nervous twitches and ticks, and any stress related disorders. Lemon verbena also works as a natural remedy for Candida due to its powerful anti-fungal properties.

Lemon verbena is also particularly good for the nervous system and can help relax the nerves and muscles, calm the mind, alleviate depression, ease anxiety, and provide a general overall feeling of peace. Lemon verbena is also effective at loosening up and removing mucus from the lungs and sinus passages and can aid in providing relief from the symptoms of colds, coughs, flu, asthma, and sinus and respiratory infections.

It is also helpful in reducing fever in the body. Lemon verbena is often used by women for its ability to help regulate their menstrual cycle and reduce the symptoms of PMS. Lemon verbena has a bright lemony scent and is a great addition to salad dressings, smoothies, fruit salads, baked goods, and rice and vegetable dishes.

Lemon verbena tea is a relaxing and medicinal tea that can be prepared by adding two teaspoons of dried or fresh herb to 1 cup of boiling water and allowing to steep for at least 15 minutes or more.Fresh lime and raw honey can be used if desired. Lemon verbena is a relatively easy herb to grow in a pot or in the garden. Dried lemon verbena can be found online or at your local health food store.

The Health Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea has been called the “Elixir of Life” due to its incredible anti-viral, anti-bacterial, digestive, and sedative properties. Incredibly, it also has high levels of antioxidants which substantially increases its ability to heal and work effectively.

Lemon Balm contains a compound called terpene which has the ability to help relieve anxiety, stress, hypertension, depression, high blood pressure, muscle spasms, heart palpitations, tension headaches, circulatory issues, and cognitive disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Lemon Balm also benefits chronic gastrointestinal disorders including indigestion, IBS, colitis, and acid reflux. Lemon Balm has the ability to promote a healthy, balanced immune system and endocrine system, which is highly beneficial for autoimmune disorders such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Adrenal Fatigue, Multiple Sclerosis, and Vertigo.

It is also useful in treating insomnia, sleep disturbances, and jittery nerves, allowing for a more relaxed body and better quality sleep. The polyphenol tannins contained in Lemon Balm give it its anti-viral properties making it particularly helpful in healing colds, flu, bronchitis and any viral infections.

Topically, Lemon Balm can be applied as a cream to help heal and provide relief for cold sores and shingles as well as cuts and wounds. Essentially, Lemon Balm is a heal-all herb and has rightfully earned its reputation as the “Elixir of Life”.

As a delicious and refreshing drink, Lemon Balm tea can be added to your weekly health regime for a wide range of healing benefits. Fresh or dried herb can be steeped in hot water for a minimum of ten minutes and sweetened with raw honey, if desired.

 

The Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is made from deep red calyxes of the hibiscus flower that is rich in anthocyanins, fruit acids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and bioflavonoids.

Hibiscus tea is excellent for boosting the immune system and fighting off infections. Traditionally, hibiscus tea was regarded by the egyptian pharaohs to be royalty’s most important beverage as it was known to improve health and vitality.

The antioxidants found in hibiscus tea are often compared to those in red wine and have been noted for their positive effects on cardiac health including lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These antioxidants also contain powerful anti-cancer properties which have the ability to protect cells and keep them healthy and free from damage. Hibiscus tea is also known to be beneficial for weight loss, depression, sleep disorders, hypertension, and mood swings.

Hibiscus tea also is known to help lower blood pressure, prevent bladder infections, and relieve constipation. Hibiscus has been used for centuries to support liver function and aid in liver disorders such as fatty liver syndrome and jaundice.

Hibiscus tea can be consumed either hold or cold. Try adding some raw honey for a delicious and powerful immune strengthening drink.

 

The Health Benefits of Guava

Guava is a sub tropical sweet fruit that has several healing properties. Guava is exceptionally high in vitamins C, A, E, & K and minerals such as potassium, copper, and manganese. In fact, guavas have 5 times the amount of vitamin C than oranges! It is also packed with antioxidants that are known to boost the immune system and help to prevent colon, skin, lung, breast, and prostate cancer.

Guava is a rich source of lycopene and has nearly twice the amount than tomatoes. Lycopene is known to be an essential nutrient in helping to prevent prostate cancer, osteoporosis, macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, skin damage, and chronic illnesses. Guavas are also known to be particularly beneficial for constipation, diabetes, high blood pressure, gastroenteritis, and weight loss. Guava is a perfect anti-aging food as they help to keep skin smooth, glowing, and wrinkle-free.

They also provide a good source of energy and nourishment to keep the body strong and active. Guavas are ripe when soft and they have a sweet, creamy texture that is excellent when eaten fresh, juiced, or blended into smoothies. Bottled guava juice can be readily found in supermarkets and health food stores and is a good substitute when the fresh fruit is out of season or hard to find.

Guava leaves also provide several medicinal benefits and can be crushed or chewed for gum or tooth infections or pain as well as used for reducing mucus in the lungs and disinfecting the respiratory tract. Guava can be found in fresh, juice, nectar, dried, and frozen form at your local supermarket and speciality food stores.