Month: October 2014

The Health Benefits of Cumin

Cumin is one of the best spices to therapeutically use for digestive disorders such as indigestion, dyspepsia, stomach cramps, gastritis, bloating, constipation, nausea, and flatulence. Cumin seeds contain good amounts of vitamins E, A and B-complex and is an excellent source of minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, calcium, and manganese.

Cumin helps the body absorb and assimilate nutrients much more efficiently. It also contains anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties and have beens shown to significantly reduce the risk of stomach, colon, and liver tumors. It has also been shown to detoxify the body by boosting liver and kidney function. It is known to help benefit colds, flu, insomnia, asthma, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, muscle spasms, and arthritis.

Many of the health properties in cumin seeds are found in their essential oils which include cuminaldehyde and thymol. These compounds help to support healthy immune, respiratory, circulatory, reproductive, lymphatic, and digestive systems.

For pregnant woman and new mothers, cumin has been known to help relieve morning sickness and to strengthen milk production for breast feeding. Cumin seeds can be made in a tea by gently boiling two cups of water with 2-3 teaspoons of cumin seeds for 10 minutes or more. Allow to cool and sip throughout the day. Cumin tea is also excellent for weight loss as it can help to boost the metabolism and energize the body.

In biblical times, cumin seeds were highly valued for their digestive properties and were used during times of ceremonial fasting to help cleanse and purify the body. Topically, crushed cumin seeds or cumin powder can be mixed with coconut or olive oil and be applied to boils, scrapes, burns, and insect bites to help disinfect and soothe the skin. Consider finding new ways to add this healing spice into your weekly meals.

 

The Health Benefits of Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a highly alkalinizing and hydrating food that are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, magnesium, silicon, and potassium. Cucumbers are also packed with antioxidants and enzymes such as erepsin which helps to digest proteins and destroy parasites and tapeworms. The high chlorophyll and lignan content in the cucumber skin makes it a great anti-cancer food and can be particularly helpful in reducing the risk of estrogen related cancers such as breast, uterus, prostate, and ovarian cancer. The high fiber content of cucumbers makes it an excellent remedy for constipation by adding bulk and hydration directly to the colon.

Cucumbers are also one of the best natural diuretics around, aiding in the excretion of wastes through the kidneys and helping to dissolve uric acid accumulations such as kidney and bladder stones. Cucumbers have wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits which can significantly benefit autoimmune and neurological disorders. It can also help to diminish swelling and puffiness underneath the eyes when applied externally.

Cucumbers also benefit teeth and gums as the fiber and nutrients help to massage the gums and remove bad bacteria from the teeth. Their high silica content promotes strong and healthy hair and nails which has earned them the reputation for centuries as being a “beautifying” food. Fresh cucumber juice has the ability to cleanse and detox the entire body as well as help to alleviate digestive problems such as gastritis, acidity, heartburn, indigestion, and ulcers.

It is also an ideal way to properly hydrate the body since it is contains beneficial electrolytes that have the ability to bring nutrients and hydration deep into the cells and tissues making it far more effective than water alone. Fresh cucumber juice is also an excellent remedy for bringing down a fever in children and the convalescent.

 

The Health Benefits of Cloves

Cloves are a highly prized medicinal spice that have been used for centuries in treating digestive and respiratory ailments. Cloves contain good amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex as well as minerals such as manganese, iron, selenium, potassium, and magnesium. They also contain powerful antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties making them tremendously useful in helping to heal a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions.

Cloves are particularly beneficial for the digestive tract and are great for indigestion, gas, constipation, bloating, nausea, and countering the effects of heavy, rich food. They are excellent for relieving muscle spasms, headaches, and nerve pain. They are also often used to disinfect gums, teeth, kidneys, liver, skin, and bronchi.

Clove oil contains eugenol which is a powerful anesthetic and natural pain reliever and is commonly used to help relieve toothaches and to numb gums in dentistry. Clove oil is also beneficial for the circulatory system and is a potent platelet inhibitor which prevents blood clots. Clove oil is also excellent for athletes foot and for healing cuts, bruises, burns, rashes, and psoriasis. Essential oil of Clove is an effective decongestant and should be used in a vaporizer, humidifier, or aromatherapy machine to help disinfect the air and to help benefit respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, tuberculosis, bronchitis, asthma, colds & coughs.

Cloves are often combined with other herbs to create seasonings such as Curry Powder and Garam Masala in India, Chinese Five Spice in China, and Worcester Sauce in Great Britain. They are also the ideal addition to deserts, fruit salads, smoothies, and savory dishes alike.

Clove tea is helpful for strengthening the immune system and detoxifying the body. Steep 2 tsp of whole cloves in two cups of hot water for at least 10 minutes, sweeten with honey if desired.

Cloves can be found whole or powdered in you local supermarket or health food store. Capsules, extract, tincture, tea, and topical oils & creams can all be found online or at your local health food store.

The Health Benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea

Chrysanthemum tea is a remarkable healing drink that is rich in beta carotene, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Chrysanthemum tea contains potent anti-viral and antibacterial properties that make it highly beneficial for healing colds, flu, sore throats, itchy eyes, respiratory and sinus infections, urinary tract infections, and bladder and kidney infections. It is also very helpful in easing anxiety, tension, irritation, nervousness, and confusion.

Chrysanthemum tea is known to rejuvenate the brain as well as calm down the nervous system, leaving you alert and grounded. It is also good for blocked arteries, varicose veins, atherosclerosis, stabilizing blood pressure, and for preventing coronary artery disease. Chrysanthemum tea has a cooling effect on the body and can help to bring down fevers, heat rash, and heat stroke.

Chrysanthemum tea can help to ease headaches, nerve pain, and toothaches. It also aids in digestion of heavy or rich meals and is an effective liver detoxifier. To make this healing and refreshing tea, use 1-2 tsp of dried flower tops to 1 cups of boiling water and let steep for at least 20 minutes, strain and sweeten with raw honey if desired. The dry flowers can also be soaked in water and used topically as a natural treatment for acne, eczema, psoriasis, or dry, itchy skin.

Dried Chrysanthemum flowers can be found online or at your local health food store.

The Health Benefits of Chives

Chives are one of the richest plant sources of vitamin K which is vital for bone and neurological health and can help to prevent osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Chives also have an exceptional amount of vitamin A and other antioxidants such as carotenes and lutein which help to protect the body from a variety of cancers.

Chives contain a healing compound called allicin which has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Allicin also has the ability to help reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and help to decrease the risk of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. The sulfur containing oil in chives provides powerful antiseptic abilities without any of the digestion disturbing tendencies that the rest of the onion family can create.

Chives are also known to help build the immune system, fight intestinal fermentation, and stimulate both stomach and liver function. Chives are also an excellent source of folic acid which is essential for woman before and during pregnancy.

Chives can be easily grown indoors or out and are a simple, flavorful, and healthy addition to any salad, guacamole, potato, rice, soup, or vegetable dish.