Month: October 2014

The Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic is one of the world’s oldest medicines and is an incredibly potent spice that can ward off a variety of illnesses and diseases. It has amazingly high levels of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and B-6 and minerals such as selenium, calcium, copper, and iron.

Garlic also contains very strong antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, and anti-viral properties. One raw crushed clove of garlic contains the antibiotic equivalent of 100,000 units of penicillin and has been proven to be more effective than both penicillin and tetracycline in suppressing certain types of disease carrying agents. Garlic contains a compound called allicin which has been shown to help significantly lower cholesterol and blood pressure by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme within the liver cells and blocking platelet clot formation in the blood vessels.

Garlic is also very good for the digestive tract and has a strong ability to eliminate toxic matter from the lymphatic system. Garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties make it vital for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, lupus, fibromyalgia, lyme disease, bursitis, shingles, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

It is also particularly beneficial for ear infections, candida, bronchitis, respiratory infections, food poisoning, herpes, coronary artery disease, stroke, colds, flus, urinary tract infections, and weak immune systems. Garlic can help eliminate lead and other heavy metals from the body. It is also a good remedy for removing parasites and worms from the colon.

Garlic can be juiced with vegetables for a powerful immune boosting drink. When feeling under the weather consider eating 1-4 cloves of raw garlic a day by adding it to guacamole, soups, hummus, or crushed on toast with a little olive oil. If the flavor of garlic does not appeal to you, odor-free garlic capsules can be a great alternative and a way to still get the health benefits of this natural wonder.

Garlic supplements can be found online or at your local health food store.

 

The Health Benefits of Figs

Figs are a highly prized and nourishing fruit that have been used to treat nearly every known disease since ancient times. They can provide phenomenal amounts of energy and vitality to the body as well as aid in the repair and restoration of the digestive, cardiovascular, lymphatic, reproductive, muscular, immune, and skeletal system.

Figs are one of the most alkaline fruits available and are rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, potassium, selenium, and zinc. In fact, figs are one the highest sources of readily assimilable calcium in the plant world which makes them a great choice to help prevent osteoporosis and their potassium content can help to prevent hypertension as well.

Figs have the ability to bind to acids in the body that accumulate as fat globules and flush them from the body making them a good addition to any weight loss program. They also work as an excellent laxative and their high mucin content help to eliminate toxic wastes and mucus from the colon. Similarly, they also also very beneficial for people who suffer from asthma as they can help to drain phlegm from the body.

Figs have the ability to kill off bad bacteria while promoting the buildup of good bacteria such as acidophilus in the bowel. Figs contain chlorogenic acid which can help lower blood sugar levels and control blood glucose levels in Type 2 Diabetes. There are hundreds varieties of figs, but some of the more common ones found in supermarkets include Black Mission, Kadota, Brown Turkey, and Calimyrna.

Fresh figs are a decadent treat when in season, but when fresh figs are not available, try soaking some dried figs in water for a few hours and blend into a sweet and creamy fig pudding or add to a smoothie for a flavor and nutritional boost. Snack on fresh or dried figs for a powerhouse of nutrition and energy that can help your body function optimally all day long.

 

The Health Benefits of Fenugreek Tea

Fenugreek tea is one of the oldest medicinal tonics and has been used for thousands of years to prevent fevers, soothe stomach disorders, and to treat diabetics. Fenugreek seeds are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, thiamin, folic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium.

Fenugreek tea can help to relieve lower back pain and reduce inflammation in the body. It is also highly beneficial for acid reflux, heartburn, respiratory issues, allergies, ulcers, gastritis, indigestion, and constipation. Fenugreek contains powerful compounds that can bind to toxins in the digestive tract and help to remove them from the body as well as protect the colon from cancer.

Fenugreek contains an amino acid called 4-hydroxy- isoleucine which helps to facilitate insulin secretion and has been shown to be very helpful for diabetics who are trying to find natural ways to control their blood sugar levels. Fenugreek tea is also very effective at helping to lower cholesterol and can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Fenugreek tea has been shown to significantly increase milk production in lactating women. Fenugreek seeds are often used in culinary dishes and are a main ingredient in curry spice and are delicious in vegetable and lentil dishes. The seeds, however, should only be added in small quantities as that have a very strong flavor and taste. Fenugreek seeds can also be sprouted and used as a healthy addition to salads and sandwiches. Fenugreek can also be used topically as an effective treatment for skin problems such as acne, boils, burns, and eczema.

Fenugreek seeds are readily available online and in the spice section of your local grocery store. Fenugreek can also be found in capsule, tincture, powdered, extract, and cream form at your local health food store.

 

The Health Benefits of Fennel

Fennel is considered both a vegetable and a herb due to its wide ranging nutritional and healing benefits. Fennel is rich in folic acid, vitamin C, magnesium, cobalt, iron, and essentials oils that contain powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Fennel is excellent for indigestion and is commonly used as a natural antacid in order to help reduce acidity and inflammation in the digestive tract and to facilitate proper absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food. Fennel has potent anti-flatulent and carminative properties which means it is able to prevent and stop the formation of gas in the stomach and intestines. Fennel is also known to be highly beneficial for sinus congestion, bronchitis, renal colic, anemia, hypertension, macular degeneration, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Fennel is used to help protect against both cardiovascular disease and cancer. Fennel contains an important anti-inflammatory phytonutrient called anethole that blocks both inflammation and carcinogenesis, which is the mutation of regular cells into cancerous cells.

Fennel also has the ability to ease and regulate menstruation by regulating hormonal action properly in the body. Fennel is used amongst nursing women to help stimulate consistent milk flow for their babies. Fennel is also known to help strengthen hair, prevent hair loss, relax the body, and sharpen the memory. Fennel seeds can be chewed after a meal to aid in digestion and to remove bad breath.

Fennel seeds can also be made into an effective medicinal tea by steeping the seeds in hot water for 10 minutes or more. Fresh fennel juice can be combined with fresh celery, cucumber, and/or apple juice for a healing and medicinal drink. Fresh fennel juice can also be used topically to swollen or inflamed eyes to reduce irritation, swelling, and fatigue. Fresh fennel has a crunchy, slightly sweet licorice flavor and is a wonderful addition to fresh salads, smoothies, soups, stir-fry, potatoes, and other vegetable dishes.

Fresh fennel and fennel seeds can be generally found at your local supermarket or farmer’s market. Fennel tea, capsules, tincture, and extract can all be found online or at your local health food store.

 

The Health Benefits of Eyebright

Eyebright is a tiny herb that grows readily in backyards, fields, and pastures. It contains anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergenic properties. As the name suggests, eyebright is known for being particularly beneficial for eye related problems such as conjunctivitis, cataracts, blurry vision, weakened vision, and swollen, puffy eyes.

Eyebright is also excellent for alleviating symptoms related to sinusitis, colds, seasonal allergies, and respiratory ailments. Eyebright can also enhance memory and improve overall cognitive performance. As a topical cream or poultice, eyebright can significantly improve acne and skin irritations.

Eyebright is commonly found online or at your local health food store as a tea, capsule, tincture, cream, or salve. Eyebright is often combined with bilberry for enhanced benefits.If you find it in tea form, steep for at least five minutes in order to fully extract its healing properties.