Organic News: herbs

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Purify Air Naturally With These Herbs

This is a collection of some house plants which help clean the air in the room from pollution, bad smell and lower carbon dioxide naturally.
Rosemary

Some use this herb for cooking, other use it as a herbal tea. The most important function of this herb is its ability to improve cognitive function and shield the brain from free radicals.And the presence of this plant in the room is enough in the long run. Rosemary still exhales some of its essential oils in the room (you don't need to boil it in a tea infusion to benefit from it).

Basil

Basil is one well known herb and spice. Naturally it is spread in Asia and North Africa but can easily be cultivated for all climates and domesticated. Grows about 1-2 feet long with small white blossoms and wide leaves. The fruit is small 4-seed nut that dries and drops by itself at autumn and can be reseeded in the next Spring. The rich aroma and the pleasant peppery taste are only one part of the coin. It can be also used as herbal tea and as all other plants will reduce the Carbon Dioxide in the room. Gather some leaves for the salad and leave enough smaller leaves for it to grow.

Mint

The best herbal tea for winter. The best plant for indoor planting. There are many subspecies which are also called Mint. They include plants suitable with cooking with dry beans, plants suitable for baking meat, others suitable for extracting fragrant oils for perfumery and scent lamps and dozens more.

All of them has few things in common:
They make the air easier to breathe if you have lung disease.
They have very pleasant aroma.
They attract one small wasp when blooming. The wasp kills some parasites on other plants or injects eggs inside them.
They make excellent herbal tea or tasty cooking spice.
They love sun and water but are incredibly easy to grow.

You can cut a branch and leave it in a glass of water for one week. It will grow very potent roots and you can plant it everywhere.

Jasmine

Jasmine opens its flowers between 6 and 8 PM, when the temperature is lower. Having Jasmine aroma when dining is very pleasant. Having jasmine tea is also very good. (Just bruise some petals in a cup and pour boiling water. Cover for 10 minutes with a small dish). In China and India, it is mixed with green tea leaves and tumbled until the green tea absorbs all the fragrance form the Jasmine. In fact - Jasmine tea bags bought from store are actually green or Oolong tea with Jasmine scent.

Source: http://m0rd0r.hubpages.com/hub/8-aromatic-indoor-herbs-which-purify-air

Herbal and Natural Remedies For Colds And Flu

Herbal remedies have stood the test of time, whereas many of the patent medicines currently in use have only been around for a few years - who can tell what the long term effects will be?

The more scientific among you will be pleased to see that we have backed up our findings with numerous links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Herbal remedies are not just folk tales, but more and more are being discovered by science to have tremendous potential!

Honey Lemon Ginger Cinnamon Tea

An easy-to-prepare, soothing, fun and delicious traditional cold remedy. Use fresh, organic ingredients and raw local honey for best results:

1 teaspoon honey.
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
A few slices of fresh lemon.
A few thin slices of fresh ginger.
I typically slice the lemon and ginger straight into a mug, fill with boiling water then mix in the honey and the cinnamon and let steep for a few minutes. If you wish to filter out the bits or make more than 1 cup, I would suggest preparing in a small pan. Measure the "right amount" of water by pouring fresh water in to the pan from the mugs you are going to be using - then boil the water and switch off the heat before adding the other ingredients. Pour through a tea strainer.

Garlic

Belief in the healing qualities of Garlic is widespread. Most people use it in cuisine, however it is often considered to have medicinal benefits - typically being regarded as a blood cleanser, tonic and as a remedy for colds and flu.

Although often fried in food, it can also be steamed (5-7 minutes) which will preserve the nutrients better, or eaten raw if you are feeling brave! For those who do not like the smell it is possible to get capsules of garlic oil.

Despite the popularity of garlic and the tradition of use against colds, science is as yet far from convinced of its effectiveness: A UK study on 146 volunteers from 2001 found garlic effective in preventing colds, however many more recent studies are critical - returning a verdict of "insufficient evidence".

Feverfew

There is a growing body of research to support the traditional "multipurpose" use of Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) for many ailments - especially the treatment of fevers and colds - but also others including migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, problems with menstruation and labor during childbirth, psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Feverfew has been in use since ancient times, being known to early European and Greek herbalists and is widely cultivated around the world.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has been well known for its antiseptic qualities for some time. It is even reported to be diffused in hospitals in Australia - which is interesting as the most recent research has found it active in vitro against some serious pathogens - notably "hospital-aquired staph" MRSA, E coli and other nasties.

Common ways to use eucalyptus include using an oil diffuser, or in steam - notably by putting a few drops on the floor of the shower (be careful not to make it slippery if the floor is smooth!), or putting a few drops in a bowl of very hot water and breathing the steam. If you have a cold, steam can help with congestion, helping clear the nose.

Source: http://www.herbs-info.com/natural-remedies-for-colds-and-flu.html

How to Make Your Own Mason Jar Herb Garden

What you will need:
6 mason jars (I used 3 quart sized and 3 pint sized, just for fun)enough potting soil to fill all your jarsvarious herb seeds (choose your favorites!)
window sill herb garden

Photos by Anna Gleave

Fill the mason jars almost to the top with soil, leaving enough room to add just enough additional soil to lightly cover the seeds.

Add seeds to each jar following planting instructions on the seed packet. (Or just sprinkle some in each jar like I did.)

Cover lightly with more soil. You don’t want to plant them too deep because they need the sun (and water) to germinate. Add just enough water to each jar to wet the soil and the seeds. I used a condiment-style squeeze bottle to control the water flow so I didn’t dislodge the seeds.

Affix some sort of tag to your jars to aid in identifying them as they sprout. (In hindsight, this would have been smarter to do BEFORE I added the seeds because it’s pretty hard to tell what seeds are in what jar AFTER you plant them! lol)

I planted my herb garden on June 13th and took these pictures 2 days ago. Coming along quite nicely don’t you think? I haven’t actually used any in cooking yet, but just as soon as they’re a little farther along, herb butter is at the top of the list!

Now when I have a recipe that calls for fresh herbs, my “supply” is a short walk to my window sill. :-)

Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com

Top 10 Herbs That Boost Your Immune System

Carly Fraser | livelovefruit.com

Image: preventdisease.com

These 10 immune supportive plants will ensure that all those nasty colds and flus going around don’t end up in YOUR body! Help purify the blood of toxins and impurities and provide yourself with a new & improved immune system!

Chaga Mushroom
These mushrooms contain immune system supportive secondary metabolites (melanin, betulinic acid, phenolic compounds and lanostane-type triterpenoids) which contain high levels of antioxidants. Records from as early as the 16th century have shown that the chaga mushroom has helped those suffering from ulcers, cancer, tuberculosis and gastritis! The immune system is also balanced by certain polysaccharides found within this mushroom, helping to combat inflammation and to fight against infections and germs.

Astragalus
This herb helps to protect and support the immune system by preventing colds and upper respiratory tract infections, reducing blood pressure, treating diabetes and protecting the liver. Astragalus supplements have been found to improve immune function in individuals recovering from chemotherapy or radiation (who have compromised immune systems), and helps these individuals recover faster and live longer. Astragalus is an antioxidant, so it helps with individuals suffering from heart disease, chronic inflammation, high cholesterol levels and cancer.

Maitake Mushroom
This incredible mushroom has been shown to limit as well as reverse tumour cell growth, and boost the functioning of our immune system. These mushrooms contain a polysaccharide called beta glucan which stimulates the immune system and activates proteins and cells which target and attack cancer. These include macrophages, T-cells, natural killer cells, and interleukin-1 and -2. Researchers have also shown that maitake can regulate blood pressure, glucose, insulin as well as serum and liver lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids), and can help individuals wishing to lose weight.

Pau D’Arco
This bark-like substance which can be made into teas is an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It stimulates the immune system and is well-known as a “natural antibiotic.” This bark contains naphtoquinones which inhibit free radicals and inflammatory leukotrienes as well as suppress tumour formation and reduce tumour viability. It fights against infections, colds, flus, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, inflammatory conditions like arthritis and gout and acts as a mild diuretic.

Echinacea
Most people are aware of the amazing effects of echinacea and the immune system. Studies have suggested that this flower stimulates our white blood cells and spleen cells whose primary function is to fight off infections in the body. It may also stimulate the release of interferons which are some of the body’s most potent infection-fighting soldiers. Interferons interrupt the genetic code of germs which prevents them from replicating and reproducing. Echinacea also stimulates the body to produce more macrophages which phagocytose (eat) bacterial cells, keeping our body infection-free!

Ginger
This amazing root is a wonderful anti-viral and anti-bacterial! It has been found to inhibit viruses from attaching to and infecting different cells of the body via stimulation and secretion of anti-viral proteins called interferon-beta. Ginger also inhibits mucous formation and clears up congestion. Ginger and garlic combined make a particularly potent combo which offer antibacterial benefits against drug-resistant bacteria!

Goldenseal
This herb has been used for decades to help combat urinary tract infections, diarrhea, eye infections, canker sores and vaginitis. Goldenseal contains a compound called berberine which kills many different bacteria types and stimulates the production of white blood cells, making them more effective at fighting infections and strengthening the immune system. It is considered a natural antibiotic and can also help with individuals suffering from digestive issues.

Korean Red Ginseng
This “king of herbs” is one of the most well-known oriental medicinal herbs. It has been used as an herbal remedy for a variety of disorders (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, insulin resistance, and hypertension) due to it’s incredible immune supportive effects. Red ginseng has been reported to enhance the human body’s resistance to illness or microbial attacks by maintaining a homeostasis of the immune system. Ginseng stimulates the production of a variety of immune system cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, T cells, and B cells, all of which help our body fight off disease and illness at a much faster rate.

Schizandra Berry
This potent adaptogenic herb has cortisone-like effects on the immune system, which makes it a powerful “natural antibiotic.” It is also a wonderful source of antioxidants which assist in improving mental clarity and increases your body’s level of the detoxifying antioxidant called glutathione. It not only helps power the immune system, but it combats issues related to stress such as adrenal fatigue, dizziness, headaches, heart palpitations, insomnia and profuse sweating.

Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw has been used for hundreds of years to treat multiple health issues. The extracts of this herb contain powerful antioxidants which scavenge free radicals and help prevent inflammation, improve immune function, support DNA repair and promote normal cell division. When rats were fed an 8-week diet supplemented with cat’s claw, research found that white blood cell count dramatically increased, suggesting that this herb helps to improve the body’s ability to fight off infectious bacteria and viruses. Likewise, adult men who supplemented with cat’s claw for six months also experienced this increase in white blood cell count, and thus enhanced immune function.

Originally posted at livelovefruit.com

Sources:
http://iospress.metapress.com/content/x3uf7a180f21vf69/

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X04013129

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X04013129

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10267-003-0099-y

http://partnecglobal.eurasiansupply.com/ds/rd/rdgf/3/maitake_mxtract.pdf

http://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=wP_Aiwi9qN8C&oi=fnd&pg=PP9&dq=pau+d%27arco+immune&ots=UEwP1-2Tkk&sig=kJUIKbhH4duKh9wcteskve9OB6E#v=onepage&q=pau%20d’arco%20immune&f=false

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http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0192415X02000661

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037887410800216X

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037887410800216X

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/PL00000268

This is How to Peel Garlic in Less Than 10 seconds

Peeling garlic...why are you so difficult? We all love garlic but peeling it is another story. It's important that we all get our servings of garlic as often as possible and as much as possible. Not only is garlic delicious, it's also very good for you. Check out our previous article: The Health Benefits and Uses of Garlic

Here is a short video that shows you an easy way to peel garlic literally in under 10 seconds.

Image: ohmyveggies.com

Top 10 Herbs That Strengthen Your Immune System

Carly Fraser | livelovefruit.com

Image: preventdisease.com

How to Optimize Turmeric Absorption for Super-Boosted Benefits

Elizabeth Renter | Natural Society

When we talk about eating foods for their specific health benefits, many people think simply eating the food is enough. For instance, if you struggle with inflammatory bowel disease and have read that turmeric is effective in healing many digestive issues, you may simply get a turmeric (curcumin) supplement to start taking. But you would be overlooking one crucial fact about turmeric that could mean the difference between simple consumption and full-absorption. That fact: turmeric is fat-soluble, and you want to be able to absorb is magnificent food to experience all of the health benefits it has to offer.

Image: healthbenefitsofturmeric.org

When something is fat-soluble, that means it dissolves in fat. Without fat, the active component in turmeric, curcumin, has a difficult time making it past the stomach, into the small intestine, and into the blood where it can offer the greatest benefits.

In order to make the most of turmeric, you must take it with a bit of fat.

With curry (where turmeric is most popular), your body is able to make the most of the curcumin because there is usually some oil in the recipe. We can learn from this by trying to take turmeric as part of a healing synergistic whole—one healing piece of an overall healthful meal.

But even when curry isn’t on the menu or when you simply want a “hit” of curcumin, you can use it’s fat-soluble qualities to ensure your body makes the most of it.

Read: Cancer Doctor Explains How to Get the Most from Turmeric

Golden Milk Tea, sometimes referred to as only golden milk, is an ancient way of experiencing the benefits of turmeric with helpful fat included. While there are many recipes for golden milk, they usually involve dissolving a paste of turmeric and water into a small cup of milk and coconut oil. Remember to use high-quality organic turmeric in the milk preparation. Also, as NaturalNews reports, you can prepare the paste in advance and keep it in your refrigerator for weeks.

Other ways to get the most out of your turmeric:

Sprinkle some on an avocado
Dissolve it in a tablespoon of coconut oil before adding it to a smoothie
Stir it into olive oil and then toss in fresh vegetables
Consume turmeric or curcumin with black pepper. ”Adding black pepper to turmeric or turmeric-spiced food enhances curcumin’s bioavailability by 1,000 times, due to black pepper’s hot property called piperine,” says nutritionist Stacy Kennedy.

A little fat plus a little turmeric equals a whole host of health benefits. From reducing blood pressure and inflammation to preventing Alzheimer’s and treating depression—making the most of this beautiful root could have immeasurable positive effects on your health.

Source: naturalsociety.com | @naturalsociety on Twitter | NaturalSociety on Facebook