Month: October 2014

The Health Benefits of California Poppy

California Poppy is a medicinal herb and flower that is rich in vitamins A, C, and E as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium. California poppy contains sedative properties that make it highly beneficial for relieving anxiety, stress, panic attacks, insomnia, hypertension, colic and bedwetting in children. It is also useful for behavioral disorders such as OCD, Bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s, ADD, and ADHD.

California Poppy is good at sharpening cognitive skills such as memory and concentration which makes it a great herb for students and adults alike. California Poppy is known to be a phenomenal natural pain reliever and is a safe alternative to prescription medication. It contains analgesic and antispasmodic properties which is useful in providing relief from acute nerve and muscle related pain. California Poppy is also known to help reduce high fever, rapid pulse, and spasmodic coughs.

California Poppy contains antimicrobial properties which makes it excellent for applying to cuts, wounds, and skin ailments. California poppy powder can be mixed with coconut oil as a natural treatment for the elimination of head lice. California Poppy tea is wonderful to drink before bed to help prepare the body for a full and restful night’s sleep. Add 2 tsp of dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water and let steep for at least 10 minutes, sweeten with raw honey and/or lemon if desired.

California Poppy can be found in tea, tincture, extract, capsule, and cream form online or at your local health food store.

The Health Benefits of Calendula

Calendula is a medicinal flower that has several health benefits. Taken internally as a tea, tincture, or extract, calendula is highly beneficial and soothing for ulcers, indigestion, colitis, heartburn, gall-bladder problems, liver problems, menstrual cramps, and chronic inflammation.

Calendula’s antiviral properties also makes it a great support for the immune system and lymphatic system. Calendula extracts even have anti-cancer properties and have been known to benefit leukemia, breast, prostate, cervix, lung, pancreas, and colon cancer. Topically, calendula can be applied as a cream, salve, lotion, or oil and works wonders for skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, boils, shingles, athlete’s foot, sunburn, chickenpox, measles, bee stings, diaper rash, yeast infections, warts, and acne. It is also a good eye wash for conjunctivitis and dry itchy eyes.

A few drops of calendula oil can be applied directly into the ear to help ease the pain of an earache. The carotenoids contained in calendula reduce the signs of aging by decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and provide moisture and tone to the skin. On a cellular level, calendula also has the ability to help heal the after-effects of radioactive exposure, such as chemotherapy. As an anti-microbial, calendula is effective against ringworm and scabies.

Calendula cream is also good to use for broken bones, sprains, bruises, and varicose veins as it will help to decrease swelling in bodily tissues. Calendula tea & creams can be found online or at your local health food store, but these brightly colored flowers can also be easily grown at home too. Use the fresh petals as a beautiful addition to your salad or dry the flowers and use as a delicious tea that you can enjoy anytime.

 

The Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient rich vegetable that has several proven health benefits. It is very high in vitamins, minerals, and phyto-nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, & B-complex, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, & iron, and beta carotene.

Broccoli is packed with anti-cancer compounds such as sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which are known to help prevent stomach, colon, liver, breast, skin, and prostate cancers. It also has the ability to fight against H.Pylori bacteria that can cause a great amount of discomfort in the digestive tract.

Broccoli is excellent for strengthening and sharpening cognitive abilities such as memory, focus, and concentrations skills. It is also great for helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Broccoli is highly beneficial for the nervous system and is known to ease migraines, hypertension, anxiety, and nervous ticks. It contains natural antihistamine properties and is fantastic for warding off seasonal allergies, watery eyes, sinusitis, sinus infections, colds, flu, and bronchitis. Broccoli is well known for its ability to protect against heart disease and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks. It can also help to lower high blood pressure and maintain good cardiovascular health.

Broccoli is also great for building strong muscles and bones as well as for helping to prevent injury or future osteoporosis. Broccoli is high in fiber which makes it helpful for regulating blood sugar, preventing constipation, and curbing overeating. Broccoli is known to be excellent for vision and eye health and can significantly reduce the risk of macular generation and the need for cataracts. Broccoli is high in protein and contains more protein per cup, than that of rice, while only having half the calories.

Broccoli is most nutritious when eaten raw or steamed and can be easily made into a delicious creamy fat-free soup by adding fully steamed broccoli, carrots, and onions to a blender with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth for a nutrient rich and satisfying meal. Steamed potatoes can also be added for a heartier, creamier version, if desired. Broccoli can readily be found at your local supermarket, health food store, and/or farmer’s markets.

 

The Health Benefits of Basil

Basil is an herbal antibiotic, antiseptic, carminative, and appetizer that has an special affinity for the stomach. Basil significantly benefits the stomach during digestion and can provide immediate relief from gas, stomach cramps, and nausea.

Basil also contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can provide relief for inflamed bowel conditions such as colitis, IBS, crohn’s and celiac disease. Basil is also highly antibacterial and antiviral making it effective against bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, colds, flu, mono, shingles, and herpes. Basil is a rich source of magnesium which relaxes muscles and blood vessels and supports cardiovascular health by lowering the risk of irregular heart rhythms and spasms.

The essential oil of basil contains eugenol which works similarly to aspirin and ibuprofen in decreasing the swelling in joints and tissues to provide relief from arthritis and fibromyalgia. Basil’s fungicidal properties also aid in healing wounds, skin rashes, warts, and insect bites. You can purchase creams and salves or crush fresh leaves in a small amount of coconut oil, apply to the skin, and wrap with a fresh bandage daily.

Consider making fresh basil a staple in your diet and regularly add to salads, homemade pesto, guacamole, green smoothies, and even fruits like strawberries and bananas, the health properties are not to be missed.

 

The Health Benefits of Tangerines

Tangerines may be smaller than oranges, but they are several times higher in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as vitamins C & A, calcium, magnesium & selenium, and beta-carotene & luteins. Tangerines contain anti-viral and anti-cancer properties and are particularly beneficial for colds, fever, flu, arthritis, epstein barr, shingles, constipation, age related macular degeneration, bone repair, neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, and breast, colon, lung, stomach, ovarian, and prostate cancer.

Tangerines are an excellent food to help boost the immune system and keep it functioning at optimum levels.

Their high fiber content also helps to lower cholesterol and protect the heart and cardiovascular system from illness and disease. Tangerines are high in pectin which can significantly improve digestion and elimination. Tangerines are also a great weight-loss food that can help to keep you full, satisfied, and full of energy. They are also a perfect food to eat after working out as they can deeply hydrate and replenish the body on a cellular level.

Tangerines are typically easy to peel and are sweeter and juicier than oranges which makes them easy to eat out of hand and enjoyable for adults and children alike. Tangerine peels can also be added to water and/or tea to provide additional anti-bacterial and medicinal benefits. There are several varieties of tangerines on the market today including clementines, pixie, fall-glo, ponkan, sunburst, and murcott honey. Murcott honey tangerines are considered the “royalty” of the tangerine family as they are incredibly sweet and smooth and have a rich flavor and a deep orange flesh.

Murcott honey tangerines readily grow in Florida and California and are at their peak from late January-March. Tangerines can be made it into a delicious fresh juice that is fortified with an amazing array of nutritional and health benefits. Tangerines combine well with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries and are wonderful added to smoothies and salads. Tangerines can be found in the fresh produce section of your local supermarket and health food store.