Category: Herbs & Spices

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.

The Health Benefits of Elderflower Tea

Elderflower tea is a soothing and healing beverage that contains strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Elderflowers are rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex as well as numerous phytochemicals and antioxidant compounds. Elderflower tea is a powerful immune booster and is particularly helpful with respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, asthma, chronic cough, sore throat, cold, flu, and fever.

Elderflower is a natural decongestant and helps to clear up mucus and congestion in the lungs, sinus, and nasal passages. It’s also very helpful in treating other viral illnesses such as measles, chicken pox, shingles, and Epstein Barr. Elderflower has the power to purify the blood and cleanse the lymphatic system of toxins and debris.

Elderflower works as a natural diuretic and can help eliminate water retention, bloating, and edema. Elderflower is also known to be particularly useful in benefiting liver disorders, fungal infections, urinary tract infections, toothaches, gout, headaches, arthritis, and hay fever.

Elderflower tea can also be applied topically and used to help help heal cuts, wounds, burns as well as fade blemishes and freckles. To make elderflower tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers to 1 cup of of boiling water and let steep for at least 10 minutes. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and/or a touch of raw honey to increase therapeutic benefits. Consider making several cups at a time and sipping throughout the day.

Elderflowers can be found online or at your local health food store in tea, extract, and tincture form.

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.