How to Use Wild Yam
Tea recipe for coughs, nausea, spasms, inflammation, hormone imbalance:
Place 8 oz. chopped fresh root (or 4 oz. of dried) in sauce pan, cover with water and bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer for 20 to 30 min. Strain and store in refrigerator. Take in ½ cup doses twice a day.
A tea of the root is used to alleviate many of the symptoms of menopause and PMS such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness by raising the progesterone levels in a woman’s body. It is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, gallbladder complaints by increasing bile production in the liver. It is also said to relieve spasmodic cramps, and in small doses is especially helpful in treating the nausea of pregnant women.
Wild yam is commonly used in connection with symptoms associated with inflammation, spasms, and osteoporosis. Wild Yam has also been used in American folk medicine to treat coughs and to induce sweating and vomiting. Some believe that Native Americans and early settlers used it for its antispasmodic effects (relieves muscle tightness), which is how it got the name Colic Root.
Warning:
Large doses of Wild Yam may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Although rare, allergic reactions to Wild Yam can occur, including rashes, asthma, and other symptoms.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Aloe Vera
What Aloe Can Do
Aloe gel has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns. Applied Aloe becomes a protective coating on the affected areas, infusing burns with cooling moisture. It also speeds up the healing rate by increasing the availability of oxygen to the skin, and increasing the synthesis (creation of new skin) and strength of tissue. Many people drink Aloe juice to soothe digestive tract
irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers. As a food supplement, Aloe is said to facilitate digestion, aid in blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions.
Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent over-acidity, a common cause of indigestion. Acemannan, a newly discovered compound in Aloe, boosts T-lymphocyte cells that aid the immune system. Aloe can aid in keeping the skin supple, and has been used in the control of acne and eczema by rubbing the gel on the skin, and drinking the juice. Aloe taken internally is said to relieve arthritis and joint pain.
WARNINGS:
If you use Aloe, you should cut away the skin and drain off the inner layer of yellow juice, leaving only the actual gel in the middle of the leaves. The yellow juice, especially prominent in older plants, has been known to irritate the skin upon contact.
Test for a reaction by rubbing a small amount on the inside of your forearm before using on large areas of skin. I use younger, smaller plants that have no juice, and so have never encountered this problem. Very large amounts of ingested Aloe Vera juice will induce vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Aloe gel has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns. Applied Aloe becomes a protective coating on the affected areas, infusing burns with cooling moisture. It also speeds up the healing rate by increasing the availability of oxygen to the skin, and increasing the synthesis (creation of new skin) and strength of tissue. Many people drink Aloe juice to soothe digestive tract
irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers. As a food supplement, Aloe is said to facilitate digestion, aid in blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions.
Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent over-acidity, a common cause of indigestion. Acemannan, a newly discovered compound in Aloe, boosts T-lymphocyte cells that aid the immune system. Aloe can aid in keeping the skin supple, and has been used in the control of acne and eczema by rubbing the gel on the skin, and drinking the juice. Aloe taken internally is said to relieve arthritis and joint pain.
WARNINGS:
If you use Aloe, you should cut away the skin and drain off the inner layer of yellow juice, leaving only the actual gel in the middle of the leaves. The yellow juice, especially prominent in older plants, has been known to irritate the skin upon contact.
Test for a reaction by rubbing a small amount on the inside of your forearm before using on large areas of skin. I use younger, smaller plants that have no juice, and so have never encountered this problem. Very large amounts of ingested Aloe Vera juice will induce vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ginger
How to Use Ginger Root
Tea for chills, colds, nausea, circulatory stimulant, tummy-ache.
Ginger tea is also great for healing the female organs after birth and/or surgery.
Ginger tea is so effective against ailments of the reproductive and digestive systems because it stimulates circulation and supports a good blood supply to these organs.
1 - 2 slices of ginger root to a cup of water and simmer for 10 minutes.
A pinch of cinnamon or a squeezed lemon can be added. Add honey for sweetener.
Massage Oil for aches and pains, and circulatory stimulation:
Add 5 - 10 drops ginger oil to 25 ml of olive or almond oil.
This also combines well with juniper or eucalyptus oil.
Ginger Syrup for coughs, colds, tummy-aches, apply topically to infected wounds:
Honey offers its own range of health benefits to ginger, especially if the ginger can be low-heat-infused into the honey.
Besides enhancing the flavor, preservation, and variety of applications for ginger, honey possesses its own range of antibacterial, anticancer, anti-fungal, wound-healing, and anti-ulcer properties.
Warnings
Some people are allergic to ginger. Generally, this is reported as discomfort resulting in flatulence, or it may take the form of an extreme tightening in the throat necessitating uncontrollable burping to relieve the pressure.
Tea for chills, colds, nausea, circulatory stimulant, tummy-ache.
Ginger tea is also great for healing the female organs after birth and/or surgery.
Ginger tea is so effective against ailments of the reproductive and digestive systems because it stimulates circulation and supports a good blood supply to these organs.
1 - 2 slices of ginger root to a cup of water and simmer for 10 minutes.
A pinch of cinnamon or a squeezed lemon can be added. Add honey for sweetener.
Massage Oil for aches and pains, and circulatory stimulation:
Add 5 - 10 drops ginger oil to 25 ml of olive or almond oil.
This also combines well with juniper or eucalyptus oil.
Ginger Syrup for coughs, colds, tummy-aches, apply topically to infected wounds:
Honey offers its own range of health benefits to ginger, especially if the ginger can be low-heat-infused into the honey.
Besides enhancing the flavor, preservation, and variety of applications for ginger, honey possesses its own range of antibacterial, anticancer, anti-fungal, wound-healing, and anti-ulcer properties.
Warnings
Some people are allergic to ginger. Generally, this is reported as discomfort resulting in flatulence, or it may take the form of an extreme tightening in the throat necessitating uncontrollable burping to relieve the pressure.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Garlic
Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is the most powerful herb for the treatment of antibiotic resistant disease. No other herb comes close to the multiple system actions of garlic, its antibiotic activity, and its immune-potentiating power. Unlike traditional medications, and many herbs, garlic is directly effective against viruses. It has been successfully used to treat all of the following common conditions:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Active bacterial infections
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Sinus infection
- Infections of eye, nose, and ears
- Athlete’s foot and surface skin infections
- Prevention of blood infections such as gangrene Amebic dysentery
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Peppermint
Mint has a high menthol content, which makes the herb a good choice for clearing plugged nasal passages, and soothing inflamed lung, throat, and nasal tissue. Peppermint and Spearmint are popular flavors in chewing gum, toothpaste, chocolates, breath sprays, and more. Peppermint can also be found in some shampoos, and when used, it will give a tingly, cooling sensation on the scalp.
Mint aids in calming an upset stomach by inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and can help smooth and relax muscles when inhaled or applied to the skin. Other health benefits are attributed to the high manganese, vitamin C and vitamin A content; as well as trace amounts of various other nutrients such as fiber, iron, calcium, folate, potassium, tryptophan, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin, and copper! Who would ever guess this little green plant could hold so much value!
Need an herb to make you burp? Mint tea relaxes the gastro-oesophageal sphincter, thus promoting belching, and reducing acid reflux, and indigestion.
Mint aids in calming an upset stomach by inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and can help smooth and relax muscles when inhaled or applied to the skin. Other health benefits are attributed to the high manganese, vitamin C and vitamin A content; as well as trace amounts of various other nutrients such as fiber, iron, calcium, folate, potassium, tryptophan, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin, and copper! Who would ever guess this little green plant could hold so much value!
Need an herb to make you burp? Mint tea relaxes the gastro-oesophageal sphincter, thus promoting belching, and reducing acid reflux, and indigestion.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Soy Products - Safe or Harmful?
I have many, many cookbooks in my house. Half promote soy products as healthy. The other half recommend avoiding soy because new research shows it can be harmful. Which are right?
What Is Soy?
As many farmers around the world can attest to, soy is a product of the soybean. Soybeans have been grown in China since almost 3,000 BC and valued as a crop. The soybean plant is a short bush that grows podded beans. Soybeans were brought to the US in the mid-1700s. They are eaten whole as a food, squashed for their oil or, most often, mashed to form a base for other food products. The US currently has 65 million acres of soybean planted to support the gigantic processed food industry. 60% of all food on store shelves contain soy.
As a side note, the asians did not by and large EAT their soy. They fermented it for up to 3 years and then used it as a light condiment. 65% of the asian diet consisted of fish (Japan) or pork (China) - i.e. natural meats. The soy intake was around 2 Tbsp a day - a far cry from the huge amounts of "modified soy" found in a modern developed country diet.
Soy Consumption in China and Japan
Why is Soy Valued?
Unlike just about any other plant, soybeans are high in protein and iron. This makes them especially valuable for vegetarians and vegans, but also of interest to anyone who cannot afford to eat meat or wants an alternative. In rural communities where animals were incredibly expensive, soybeans were a cheap alternative.
Soy's Health Claims
Soy has been shown to help lower cholesterol when taken as part of a healthy diet. The diet included 23g/day of soy protein powder. Another study in 2003 found that soy helped reduce the risk of cancer in mice, results which they attributed to the isoflavones in soy.
Current Issues with Soy
Often, soybeans are used as a protein substitute in vegetarian diets because they are high in iron. Women especially need adequate iron intake to remain healthy. However, a study done in 2001 shows that only 27% or so of the iron in soybeans is actually absorbed. Previous studies put the absorption amount as low as 2%. Both agree that women not eating meat should take vitamins to ensure adequate iron intake.
There are "phytates" in soy which block a body from properly absorbing zinc. So eating soy *while you eat* other plant materials means that you won't absorb the zinc in those plants. It doesn't affect the zinc IN your body already but it does harm your ability to absorb new zinc while you are eating soy. Meaning either you need some non-soy-eating times to get your zinc into you, or you need to take vitamins at a different time of day to compensate. Zinc is critical for proper brain functioning. Read about Soy, Alzheimers and Brain Aging. Phytates also interfere with absorption of calcium, magnesium and iron.
Two thirds of soybean oils in use are hydrogenated. Read more about Trans Fatty Acids to learn about the risks of hyrogenated oils. Even if you eat soy in other manners, you should try to avoid using soybean oil.
Soy has been shown to interfere with the thyroid and immune system. A doctor at the National Center for Toxicological Research noted in a letter to the FDA that "Infants consuming soy infant formula rich in isoflavones have about a two-fold risk of developing [goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis]". Isoflavones have been bred into soybeans in modern times and are an estrogen-like compound. In addition, the high isoflavone levels in soy products have been associated with earlier puberty rates in girls in developed countries. 1% of girls have some signs as early as age 3.
Soy formulas often have high levels of manganese in them, which can harm the brains of infants and even lead to ADHD problems. Some soy formula manufacturers are putting warning labels on their products as a result.
The US grows more soybeans than any other country, and over half of all US soybeans have been genetically modified to handle "roundup" - a weed killer. Unfortunately, while this was meant to reduce the pesticides needed, studies have shown that actually the soybeans now get up to 5 times as much pesticide laid on them as before because the crops are so valuable.
Soy Allergies
Many people are allergic to soy, just as people are intolerant of lactose and wheat products. This can cause bloating and other symptoms. It's always wise to try going without something for 2 weeks to see how you feel - and then to reintroduce it slowly to see how you react. Unfortunately this can be VERY tough with soy since just about every processed food could have soy in it. Because it is such a cheap bulker, it is used in everything from gum to cereal to cardboard.
Because the soy industry is a multi-million-dollar moneymaker, it is easy to find studies backed by this industry that support their claims of 100% worry free safety. But as in all things regarding your health, it is important to evaluate your options and to balance your food in moderation. The more you can eat fresh, natural foods, and avoid processed foods of any kind, the better off you will be.
What Is Soy?
As many farmers around the world can attest to, soy is a product of the soybean. Soybeans have been grown in China since almost 3,000 BC and valued as a crop. The soybean plant is a short bush that grows podded beans. Soybeans were brought to the US in the mid-1700s. They are eaten whole as a food, squashed for their oil or, most often, mashed to form a base for other food products. The US currently has 65 million acres of soybean planted to support the gigantic processed food industry. 60% of all food on store shelves contain soy.
As a side note, the asians did not by and large EAT their soy. They fermented it for up to 3 years and then used it as a light condiment. 65% of the asian diet consisted of fish (Japan) or pork (China) - i.e. natural meats. The soy intake was around 2 Tbsp a day - a far cry from the huge amounts of "modified soy" found in a modern developed country diet.
Soy Consumption in China and Japan
Why is Soy Valued?
Unlike just about any other plant, soybeans are high in protein and iron. This makes them especially valuable for vegetarians and vegans, but also of interest to anyone who cannot afford to eat meat or wants an alternative. In rural communities where animals were incredibly expensive, soybeans were a cheap alternative.
Soy's Health Claims
Soy has been shown to help lower cholesterol when taken as part of a healthy diet. The diet included 23g/day of soy protein powder. Another study in 2003 found that soy helped reduce the risk of cancer in mice, results which they attributed to the isoflavones in soy.
Current Issues with Soy
Often, soybeans are used as a protein substitute in vegetarian diets because they are high in iron. Women especially need adequate iron intake to remain healthy. However, a study done in 2001 shows that only 27% or so of the iron in soybeans is actually absorbed. Previous studies put the absorption amount as low as 2%. Both agree that women not eating meat should take vitamins to ensure adequate iron intake.
There are "phytates" in soy which block a body from properly absorbing zinc. So eating soy *while you eat* other plant materials means that you won't absorb the zinc in those plants. It doesn't affect the zinc IN your body already but it does harm your ability to absorb new zinc while you are eating soy. Meaning either you need some non-soy-eating times to get your zinc into you, or you need to take vitamins at a different time of day to compensate. Zinc is critical for proper brain functioning. Read about Soy, Alzheimers and Brain Aging. Phytates also interfere with absorption of calcium, magnesium and iron.
Two thirds of soybean oils in use are hydrogenated. Read more about Trans Fatty Acids to learn about the risks of hyrogenated oils. Even if you eat soy in other manners, you should try to avoid using soybean oil.
Soy has been shown to interfere with the thyroid and immune system. A doctor at the National Center for Toxicological Research noted in a letter to the FDA that "Infants consuming soy infant formula rich in isoflavones have about a two-fold risk of developing [goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis]". Isoflavones have been bred into soybeans in modern times and are an estrogen-like compound. In addition, the high isoflavone levels in soy products have been associated with earlier puberty rates in girls in developed countries. 1% of girls have some signs as early as age 3.
Soy formulas often have high levels of manganese in them, which can harm the brains of infants and even lead to ADHD problems. Some soy formula manufacturers are putting warning labels on their products as a result.
The US grows more soybeans than any other country, and over half of all US soybeans have been genetically modified to handle "roundup" - a weed killer. Unfortunately, while this was meant to reduce the pesticides needed, studies have shown that actually the soybeans now get up to 5 times as much pesticide laid on them as before because the crops are so valuable.
Soy Allergies
Many people are allergic to soy, just as people are intolerant of lactose and wheat products. This can cause bloating and other symptoms. It's always wise to try going without something for 2 weeks to see how you feel - and then to reintroduce it slowly to see how you react. Unfortunately this can be VERY tough with soy since just about every processed food could have soy in it. Because it is such a cheap bulker, it is used in everything from gum to cereal to cardboard.
Because the soy industry is a multi-million-dollar moneymaker, it is easy to find studies backed by this industry that support their claims of 100% worry free safety. But as in all things regarding your health, it is important to evaluate your options and to balance your food in moderation. The more you can eat fresh, natural foods, and avoid processed foods of any kind, the better off you will be.
Cooking Oil Type and Use Chart
There are many different types of oils used in cooking. What are the various types of oils best used for, and which are most healthy for you?
Many oil types give a distinctive flavor to their dishes, so a lot of this has to do with what flavors you enjoy in your foods. Try getting a combination of the various healthy oils and experiment with them to bring diversity to your menu! Also note that most people get WAY too many Omega-6 oils in their diet and not enough Omega-3s. The proper ratio should be 3:1 of 6 oils to 3 oils, instead of the current average ratio of 10:1. So decrease the amounts of Omega-6s you eat, and kick up the Omega-3 levels!
Be sure to follow the temperature guidelines. If you heat an oil too hot, it can start to smoke, ruining your food and smoking out your home. Also, overheating an oil can destroy its health benefits and even turn the healthy oils into trans fatty acids. Omega-3s should be served cold. Omega-6s should be used under 212F. Store oils in a dark cool place, and use within a year.
Canola Oil
From: Genetically modified rapeseed - has tiny peapod like fruits.
Temps: Up to 375F for *smoke point*, but only use cold for omega-3 health benefits
Health: 10% Omega-3 oils
Uses: Stir frying, grilling. Has very mild taste.
Coconut Oil
From: Coconuts
Temps: Any temperature
Health: This is a saturated fat but a healthy one, and is the only one on the list safe at high temperatures.
Uses: Deep frying, other high temperature cooking. Discard after each use.
Corn Oil
From: Corn
Temps: Up to 400F
Health: 25% Omega-6 oils
Uses: Little taste and good at high temperatures, good for frying.
Use only if other oils are not available.
Flax Seed Oil
From: Flax seeds
Temps: use cold only
Health: 58% Omega-3 oils plus Omega-6 oils
Uses: Salad dressings
Grapeseed Oil
From: Grape seeds
Temps: Use to 200F to preserve Omega-6; can be used higher
Health: 76% Omega-6, shown to reduce LDL levels
Uses: Great for frying or sauteeing, a bit expensive. Light, grapey flavor.
Hazelnut Oil
From: Hazelnuts
Temps: Use up to 325F
Health: 78% Omega-9s
Uses: Stir frying, deep frying
Olive Oil
From: Olives
Temps: Up to around 350F
Health: 76% Omega-9, many heart benefits; countless studies extoll this
Uses: Salads, any Italian or Mediterranean dishes, grilling vegetables. Gives a distinctive (yummy!) flavor to foods.
Peanut Oil
From: Peanuts
Temps: Up to 212F for health benefits; can be used much hotter.
Health: 22% Omega-6. Note - some are sensitive to irritants in this oil.
Uses: stir fry, deep frying
Safflower Oil
From: Safflower seeds
Temps: Use to 212F
Health: 79% Omega-6 oils
Uses: Good for salads and sauces, has a distinctive flavor.
Sesame Oil
From: Sesame seeds
Temps: Up to around 350F
Health: Lots of Omega-6 oils plus 49% Omega-9
Uses: Great for stir frying and for a hint of flavor in marinades
Sunflower Oil
From: Sunflower seeds
Temps: Use to 212F
Health: 69% Omega-6 oils
Uses: Salads and sauces
Walnut Oil
From: Walnuts
Temps: use cold
Health: 5% Omega-3 oils
Uses: Salad dressings and spreads
Many oil types give a distinctive flavor to their dishes, so a lot of this has to do with what flavors you enjoy in your foods. Try getting a combination of the various healthy oils and experiment with them to bring diversity to your menu! Also note that most people get WAY too many Omega-6 oils in their diet and not enough Omega-3s. The proper ratio should be 3:1 of 6 oils to 3 oils, instead of the current average ratio of 10:1. So decrease the amounts of Omega-6s you eat, and kick up the Omega-3 levels!
Be sure to follow the temperature guidelines. If you heat an oil too hot, it can start to smoke, ruining your food and smoking out your home. Also, overheating an oil can destroy its health benefits and even turn the healthy oils into trans fatty acids. Omega-3s should be served cold. Omega-6s should be used under 212F. Store oils in a dark cool place, and use within a year.
Canola Oil
From: Genetically modified rapeseed - has tiny peapod like fruits.
Temps: Up to 375F for *smoke point*, but only use cold for omega-3 health benefits
Health: 10% Omega-3 oils
Uses: Stir frying, grilling. Has very mild taste.
Coconut Oil
From: Coconuts
Temps: Any temperature
Health: This is a saturated fat but a healthy one, and is the only one on the list safe at high temperatures.
Uses: Deep frying, other high temperature cooking. Discard after each use.
Corn Oil
From: Corn
Temps: Up to 400F
Health: 25% Omega-6 oils
Uses: Little taste and good at high temperatures, good for frying.
Use only if other oils are not available.
Flax Seed Oil
From: Flax seeds
Temps: use cold only
Health: 58% Omega-3 oils plus Omega-6 oils
Uses: Salad dressings
Grapeseed Oil
From: Grape seeds
Temps: Use to 200F to preserve Omega-6; can be used higher
Health: 76% Omega-6, shown to reduce LDL levels
Uses: Great for frying or sauteeing, a bit expensive. Light, grapey flavor.
Hazelnut Oil
From: Hazelnuts
Temps: Use up to 325F
Health: 78% Omega-9s
Uses: Stir frying, deep frying
Olive Oil
From: Olives
Temps: Up to around 350F
Health: 76% Omega-9, many heart benefits; countless studies extoll this
Uses: Salads, any Italian or Mediterranean dishes, grilling vegetables. Gives a distinctive (yummy!) flavor to foods.
Peanut Oil
From: Peanuts
Temps: Up to 212F for health benefits; can be used much hotter.
Health: 22% Omega-6. Note - some are sensitive to irritants in this oil.
Uses: stir fry, deep frying
Safflower Oil
From: Safflower seeds
Temps: Use to 212F
Health: 79% Omega-6 oils
Uses: Good for salads and sauces, has a distinctive flavor.
Sesame Oil
From: Sesame seeds
Temps: Up to around 350F
Health: Lots of Omega-6 oils plus 49% Omega-9
Uses: Great for stir frying and for a hint of flavor in marinades
Sunflower Oil
From: Sunflower seeds
Temps: Use to 212F
Health: 69% Omega-6 oils
Uses: Salads and sauces
Walnut Oil
From: Walnuts
Temps: use cold
Health: 5% Omega-3 oils
Uses: Salad dressings and spreads
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)