Pain Cures You Can Find in Your Kitchen

I am going to share again from my wonderful Grandmother who was a registered nurse and has taught me a LOT about natural medicine... Thanks Grams! I am not sure where she got this info, but it is good and definitely needs to be passed along!

Make muscle pain a memory with ginger

When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger’s potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

Cure a toothache with cloves

Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

Heal heartburn with cider vinegar

Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. “Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain,” explains Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

Erase earaches with garlic

Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors’offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries

Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. If you’re one of them, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today’s painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing’s Michigan State University. Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. “Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain,” explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University. His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

Fight tummy troubles with fish

Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases...if your belly always seems to be in an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly to ease your misery. Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish, called EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, cramping and belly pain and, in some cases, provide as much relief as corticosteroids and other prescription meds. “EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side effect-free anti-inflammatories, that can dramatically improve the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract,” explains biological chemist Barry Sears, Ph.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead, MA. For best results, look for oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring.

Prevent PMS with yogurt

Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York’s Columbia University. “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux,”explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University.

Tame chronic pain with turmeric

Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That’s because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book, Reversing Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

End endometrial pain with oats

The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That’s because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University.

Soothe foot pain with salt

Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California’s Stanford University. The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple

Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California’s Stanford University. That's because pineapple is naturally packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers.

Relax painful muscles with peppermint

Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves -- a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler.

Give your back some TLC with grapes

Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.

Wash away pain injuries with water

Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York’s Manhattan College, say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.

Heal sinus problems with horseradish

Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn’t just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

Beat bladder infections with blueberries

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. That's because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University.

Heal mouth sores with honey

Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates. Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.

Fight breast pain with flax

In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

Cure migraines with coffee

Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

Tame leg cramps with tomato juice

At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

What have you found to ease pain in your kitchen?? Blessings... E

A Healthy Immune System

Your immune system is a very delicately balanced, fine-tuned process.  If you do not have a strong immune system, you are more likely to be someone that will be prone to chronic disease.  Whether that means things like chronic flu, colds and bronchitis or more serious ailments like cancer depends on how weak and compromised your immune system is.  If you are chronically ill, you need to take a step back and determine what is causing the weakness in your immune system and correct it.

There are foods and lifestyles that boost your immune system and those that break down your immune system.  Let's look at the negatives first.

Alcohol - anything in excess is bad for the body.  A cup of wine every now and then is good for the body since it has many good enzymes in it.  However, the high carbs and high sugars (in certain alcohols) are damaging to the body.  They overload the liver and make it difficult for the white blood cells to kill germs in the body.
Sugar - we just had a discussion about good sugars and bad sugars.  White refined sugar taxes the body in general.  8T or the equivalent of 2 sodas suppress the immune system and cause the liver to go into over drive.  In addition, it reduces the ability of the white blood cells to do their job by as much as 40%.  Do you want 40% of the germs in your body to thrive? 
Food Allergens - most of us don't realize that we have food allergies until they slap us in the face.  If you have issues with indigestion, bloating, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea - you have a food allergy.  Food allergies or sensitivities cause problems with your immune system because your white blood cells begin destroying good things.  Your body is thrown into chaos and begins destroying itself.
Fat - again we are back to excess.  Eating excessive amounts of fried foods, fatty foods, and the wrong type of fats reduces the ability of the white blood cells to do their job.  Again, reducing their ability to destroy germs.
Prescription Drugs - again... excess.  If you are chronically ill, you probably have filled your body with antibiotics that actually weaken your natural immune system.  An example - when you get stung by a bee or mosquito, your body immediately sends histamine to the site.  It doesn't send histamine to your entire body - JUST to the part of your body that was stung.  When you take a drug for an illness, it doesn't just go to fight the germs in the part of your body that is ill - it spreads throughout your body and not only kills germs, but kills the white blood cells that are naturally fighting the illness as well.

So, basically our "standard bad foods" are the ones you need to reduce or remove from your diet.  Now, onto the good foods and healthy lifestyles.

Vitamins C, B, & E all help strengthen your immune system.  They each have a separate function but together they build strong cell walls, increase the reproduction of white blood cells, and enhance their germ fighting capabilities. 
Cartenoids are found in orange fruits and vegetables as well as some green vegetables including spinach and kale.  They are very important in the germ fighting capabilities of your white blood cells.  They also promote cell communication necessary for fighting proper germs.
Bioflavenoids protect the cell structure from environmental toxins, hence increasing the strength of the cellular wall. 
Garlic enhances the multiplicity of germ fighting cells and increases the efficiency of the same cells.
Selenium boosts cancer fighting capabilities of the body.
Omegas - The Omegas are the essential oils necessary for your body to function properly.  They enhance the white blood cells capability to destroy germs.

As for the lifestyle, you need to remain active.  Even when you are not feeling well, it is vital for you to get at least 30 minutes of sunshine and at least 30 minutes of activity daily.  Both of these build up your tolerance and a stronger physical body promotes a stronger immune system.

Here's to a healthier stronger you!  Blessings... E

Healing after Surgery

There are many challenges to surgery.  It is best that one strengthen their immune system prior to surgery so that they are able to heal faster after.  Drink LOTS of water.  Your body will be inundated with poisons during surgery - anesthesia is one of the harshest chemicals you can give your body and it takes a while to get it fully out of your system.  Your body is weakened during surgery and needs to rebuild its strength.  Certain foods will help and others will hurt your recovery.

Colloidal Silver and Honey are your natural antibiotics.  Begin a colloidal silver regiment one week prior to surgery and continue for ten days after surgery.  Honey should also be started a week prior to surgery and continued for thirty days after surgery. 

Garlic / Green and White Tea are your high antioxidants.  White tea has higher amounts of the antioxidants you want than Green.  3 - 4 cups of either tea daily is recommended.  As for the garlic - if you are not one to like the taste of garlic in your food, take garlic capsules (follow box instructions). 

Water..water..water...water... got it yet?  Remember that both ingestion of enough water daily and using it to soothe your body while bathing is essential.

Vitamins A, B, C, K - These vitamins help with immune system and cellular regrowth - make sure you are getting plenty in your foods - and if you are weak in diet for these specific vitamins ensure that you are getting them through supplements... yes, I am recommending supplements if you can't get them through foods as these are critical to rebuilding and strengthening your body after surgery.

Recommended reading: http://www.herbcompanion.com/health/Holistic-healing-for-surgery.aspx
Recommended reading: http://www.wellsphere.com/complementary-alternative-medicine-article/surgery-recovery-best-ways-to-promote-natural-healing-and-a-speedier-recovery/400054

Blessings... E

Chemical-free Yards

I get harassed a lot about the fact that I don't use herbicides and pesticides or any other chemicals on or around my yard.  These chemicals affect every aspect of your life - the plants you put into your body, the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the meat you eat.  They affect your skin, your environment, and your overall health.  Those that believe that the chemicals in your life are just as natural and good for you as natural living haven't been paying attention to the change in disease over the past 50 years.  Ok.. off my soapbox...

Here is my philosophy - I love the earth and want it to be enjoyed by my great- great- great-grandchildren.  I want them to be able to see the vibrant greens of a forest, hear the sounds of a multitude of birds from their window, sea the incredible aquas of the ocean, and enjoy the vast array of foods we have today.  In order to do my part, I try to live as minimal a footprint as possible.  I try and nurture the earth as much as I can - even though I know there is yet more I could be doing. 

I live at the edge of a great forest - I have huge evergreen and oak trees on my property and off to one side a pond that is fed by the brook on my property.  This gives me a great amount of birds - and a great amount of mosquitoes.  My challenge was to maintain the birds (that eat the mosquitoes) and yet be able to be outside without being dessert for the silly mosquitoes.  So, I have a three pronged approach. 

Mosquito Repellent

One, I sprinkle onion & garlic granules on my yard about every three weeks.  I had never seen the mosquitoes' reaction to the granules until this last weekend - they immediately left the area.  I hadn't even seen them but as soon as I sprinkled the granules on the area the fled.  YEAH!!!  The granules have a very strong odor for the first 12 hours or so, and then you don't smell anything.  A couple things to note - make sure you have a dry yard when you use the granules and make sure you don't water your yard for 48 hours (or that Mother Nature doesn't help) so that they have time to work.  Planting onions and garlic also help - but not as much as the granules which are 100% natural.  You have to reapply about every three weeks depending on how moist your area is - once you see (or feel) the first mosquito - reapply.  Another benefit from the granules (primarily for those of you in my neck of the woods) is that Armadillos, moles, and shrews do not like the scent either.  I order mine straight from the company, but I know it is available on Amazon.com

Two, I spray my eucalyptus oil / lemongrass oil mixture around all my doors and windows outside.  This creates a barrier and any bugs that cross it will die as both ingredients are natural pesticides.  If you have problems with aphids or other creepy crawlies in your garden, it works for the plants as well.  This needs to be reapplied about once a month through fall.

And finally, when I go outside to work, I always apply the eucalyptus oil / lemongrass oil mixture to my skin.  If I am outside all day long, I will reapply when I come in for a water / tea break.  I also refrain from eating bananas during the spring as the chemical reaction in your body is an invitation to mosquitoes to dip in for a taste. 

Happy Gardening... Blessings.  E

Spring Angst

It started with an occasional cough, and progressed into post nasal drip and congestion.  The trees are blooming and flowers are out in Texas!  While it is my favorite time of the year... spring kills me for my allergies.  While the Yanks are still covered in snow... we in the South have welcomed spring completely!

Growing up I had allergies almost all year round.  Up until about eight years ago (when I embraced Naturopathy completely) I got Bronchitis every fall and usually was out sick for a full week.  Now, I am rarely sick - and only really have issues with my allergies in the fall (mold and mildew).  So... what changed? 

Actually, there were quite a number of things that changed.  I went from eating red meat, pork, chicken, and fish every day - at least once a day to eating primarily fish only once a week or so.  I worked out more, got more sunshine.  I ate more vegetables both raw and lightly steamed.  I paid more attention to WHAT I was eating - preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors.  I began taking Omega 3/6/9 daily.  And I also started drinking more water and green tea.  I also have removed all of the carpet in my home - I know that isn't usually a choice we all have, but it was a huge part of my year round allergy problem. 

My allergies were so bad that my doctor told me that I needed to completely close up my house through out the year.  What I didn't know at the time was that by closing up a house and running the AC / Heat year round you never remove the toxins from your home - and your home becomes more toxic than air in a smog filled city.  This is the reason I have recommended you open your home for several hours at least once a month.  Yes, you will be letting pollen and dust in, but more importantly you will be releasing the toxins from in your home - from your carpet, paint, and furniture, from your cleaning products, and from any other potentially dangerous things in your home.  DON'T EVER keep your home closed up for long periods of time. 

I have heard a lot of positive results with Acupuncture.  If you choose to go this route, make sure that you have found an experienced Acupuncturist. I have also heard of good results with Chiropractic adjustments.  Again, be careful whom you choose.  Both sciences have had a lot of bad press - but with the right professional, you will see a lot benefits. 

There are foods and herbs that also help lessen the sensitivity to the environment.  Garlic, echinecea, nettle, butterbur, and zinc are all herbs known to help fight allergies.  Foods that are high in Omega 3 (tuna, salmon, walnuts) help fight allergies.  Local honey has also been shown to reduce sensitivity with allergies, by ingesting honey made with local flowers you are basically ingesting small amounts to build up your resistance to the pollen.  Spicy foods help clear sinuses but don't really have any other benefit to allergies. 

This is from Mother Earth News - the link to the full post is below: Quercetin. A natural plant-derived compound called a bioflavonoid, quercetin helps stabilize mast cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. Quercetin also is a natural antioxidant that helps mop up molecules called free radicals that cause cell damage, which can lead to cancer. Citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine are naturally high in quercetin, but allergy sufferers will most likely need to use supplements to build up enough of this compound to prevent attacks. The recommended dosage is about 1,000 milligrams a day, taken between meals. It’s best to start treatment six weeks before allergy season. Those with liver disease shouldn’t use quercetin, so please consult your doctor before using this or any other supplement — especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Full post: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natural-Health/2006-08-01/Six-Natural-Allergy-Remedies.aspx?page=2#ixzz1GLklfSeo 

There are also specific foods to stay away from when you are congested, primarily dairy and bread.  Both increase the production of mucus in both the head and chest. 

Again, I caution you - if you are going to use herbs, please read all the details about each before using so you understand the pros and cons of each.  Herbs can be dangerous, if you do not understand how to use them properly. 

SUPER foods - Herbs / Spices

The best way to a healthier you... is to add a little "spice" to your meals.  Get creative with what herbs and spices you add to your meals.  It doesn't have to be complicated or hard... my favorite use... add as many fresh herbs as I can find to my salad... mmmm... a little balsamic vinegar.

http://www.herbcompanion.com/ is a great site.  Lots of good info.  Recipes - how to grow herbs - where to find organic farms in your area.
http://www.whfoods.com/ is another great site for information.

Mint - Peppermint has the highest concentration of menthol of any in the mint family.  It is commonly used to settle stomach indigestion, soothes nausea, protects the body against the formation of cancer cells, cleanses the body, and clears congestion.  Peppermint oil is known to aid in relieving the pain of a migraine by rubbing a drop of oil on the temples and at the base of the neck.  Boiling water and adding both peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil and breathing in the vapor helps to relieve congestion (both sinus and chest) and helps to heal lung infections.

Ginger - We use the tuber root / rhizome of the beautiful tropical ginger plant.  The Asians have used ginger for thousands of years as a healing herb.  When taken internally, it helps prevent motion sickness, reduces morning sickness during pregnancy, reduces inflammation and the effects of arthritis, fights colon cancer, and fights tumors.  When used in the bath it is an anti-inflammatory, a stress reliever, and helps reduce the affects of cold/flu. 
Turmeric - Turmeric is an active ingredient in mustard and curry.  It has a very distinctive taste and color.  Turmeric is known for it's great anti-inflammatory characteristics and for its relief for arthritic joints.  It is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cataracts, colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dill - I absolutely love fresh dill in my salads.  I grow it in my garden, because I eat so much of it... it gets too expensive! :)  Dill helps with digestion, has cancer fighting properties, helps regulate menstrual cycle, fights insomnia, and promotes good oral hygiene.

Thyme - I was surprised to find how many health benefits Thyme has.  Thyme when drank as a tea (fresh thyme, honey, lemon) has a variety of benefits - expels parasites, soothes and relaxes the mind and eases sleep, eases menstrual cramps and the effects of PMS.  Insects do not like thyme so plant some in your garden or around your favorite roses to deter them.  Thyme increases brain function and cell regeneration.  There are too many benefits to list here.  Thyme can be used fresh, dried, as a tincture, and as an essential oil.  It can be used to aid in healing almost any ailment.

Cinnamon - my favorite spice is also my favorite scent.  The most common benefits of cinnamon is a healthy heart and lower cholesterol. Just 1/2 t. of cinnamon has been known to reduce the LDL and triglycerides.  It has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.  There are also studies showing that cinnamon helps fight cancer.  Specifically slowing the growth of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.  It helps clear sinuses and reduce coughing.  Cinnamon reduces nervous tension and increases alertness, memory, and concentration.  Many women use it to ease menstrual pain and cramping.  Cinnamon aids in digestion, reduces urinary infections, and boosts immune system functions.

Garlic - one of the oldest medicinal herbs known, many consider it a wonder drug because of its many benefits.  There are so many benefits I can't name them all here... Garlic is a natural mosquito repellent.  It helps normalize cholesterol levels, strengthens the natural ability for the body heal itself, fights cancer, strengthens the body against allergies, helps regulate blood pressure, helps the body maintain a healthy weight, helps fight strokes, and promotes a healthy heart.

Hot Peppers - spicy food has long been known to aid in heart health, breaks up congestion, and as an analgesic (pain killer).  It also helps reduces the symptoms of Asthma, fights free radicals that cause cancer, boosts immunity, helps one maintain a healthy weight, and fights ulcers. 

Aloe Vera - aloe has long been known to help heal skin rashes, burns, and other skin ailments.  It also has been shown to regenerate skin cells.  An anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune stimulant herb with wonderful benefits. 

This is only a start... every herb and spice out there has some healthy benefit... the more herbs you use in your food - the less salt you need.- obviously your heart will than you there!  Try using one of the many Mrs. Dash products more and salt less... I know!  this is a work in progress.. we take baby steps!  Just giving you some great alternatives.  :)

Did you know....

Good Morning!
I woke up thinking about quick and easy things that everyone can do to improve their overall health. So let's play "Did you know?"

Honey not only is the only food substance that will not spoil, but it is also a natural antibiotic. It can be used to heal cuts / scrapes / burns. It can be added to your hot tea when you have a cold. It helps fight allergies - especially if you purchase honey that has been cultivated locally.

Oatmeal helps lower cholesterol, and also helps your skin. It fights acne (soap), dries up weeping rashes (bath), and there are many health benefits of eating whole rolled oats for breakfast - cancer fighting phytochemicals, and diabetes fighting soluble fiber. Avocado is also amazing for your skin.

Asparagus is one of your "super" vegetables. It has been shown to destroy cancer and tumors in the body if eaten regularly. Asparagus helps the body remain alkaline and cancer can't live in an alkaline environment.

The pectin in apples and grapes helps strengthen your nails.

A combination of Eucalyptus oil (40 drops) and Lemongrass oil (20 drops) mixed in water in a 32oz spray bottle has a multitude of uses. If sprayed around your windows (inside and out) and along your doors, will naturally deter bugs, and kill any that pass across it. I spray my house about once every three months, or as soon as I start to see creepy crawlies. If used in the laundry (I put it in the final rinse), it will keep bugs away from your clothes, towels, sheets.

Onion and garlic are natural mosquito repellents. On the flip side - if you eat bananas in the summertime, the chemical reaction in your body attracts the nasty little buggers. I buy pellets and sprinkle the yard every three weeks. I don't want to kill the mosquitoes because the birds eat them and I love listening to the birds. I have found that they also keep away moles and armadillos. :) A side benefit for sure! Plant either or both around your roses and they will keep the aphids and bugs away.

Colloidal Silver is probably the most important natural product to have in your home. It is a natural antibiotic and a powerful healer. It works on ear aches, to MRSA one of the most aggressive and deadly staph infections there is.

Well, how did you do? Got any for me? How about ideas for posts or questions you would like answers to? TTFN! E