Corey Jansen – Page 7 – Green Lifestyle Market

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.

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.