Natural Cures Not Medicine: 03/13/13

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Surprising health benefits of black cherries


Besides tasting amazing, there are some other reasons to eat black cherries!
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  • Anti inflammatory:  Studies suggest that eating cherries can help with inflammation.  A study out of the Journal of Nutrition suggests that compounds in black cherries inhibit inflammatory pathways.
  • Sleep:  Black cherries contain both tryptophan and melatonin which help you sleep.  Sleep problems can lead to scores of other health problems including obesity, diabetes and depression.
  • Muscle recovery:  A study suggests that black cherries may help improve muscle recovery because of their anti inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid peroxidation capabilities.
  • Treats gout:  Some studies show that black cherry juice can be  taken to reduce gout flare ups.  




Health Benefits of Ancient Herbal Tea


TEA OF LIFE- 
“MIRACLE WITHIN REACH”

This herbal tea (or tisane) is commonly known as the herb Epazote. Other names include American Wormseed, Semi Contra, Chenopodium ambrosioides.

This herb has been used around the world for centuries for its many health benefits.
Recently, it has been touted as a relieve for muscle and joint aches and discomfort.

Other health benefits of this ancient herb include:
*high anti-oxidant properties
*supports digestion and gastric health
*helps body fight off intestinal parasites
*supports healthy blood glucose levels
*promotes healthy menstrual cycles and helps prevent cramps
*promotes uterine health
*promotes prostate health
*stimulates urinary flow
*supports healthy blood pressure
*supports healthy liver functions
*promotes skin health
*promotes respiratory health
*supports healthy kidney function

Focused Energy Tea

Focused energy “tea”

Want a great morning pick me up without the jitters or the inevitable crash?

Try Guayusa (Gwhy-You-Sa) tisane. This Ecuadorian rainforest evergreen holly plant has been used for centuries by the natives. It is related to Yerba Mate.

Prized for its caffeine content, one serving has about 90 mg of caffeine, about the same as a cup of instant coffee, and more caffeine then green or black tea. It also has about twice the antioxidants as green tea.

What makes this different from other energy drinks and teas are the other stimulating compounds it contains. It contains theobromine, the same stimulant found in chocolate, and theophylline, an uplifting compound also found in green teas. These 2 compounds work with the caffeine to offer a smooth energy boost without jitters or energy crashes.

This plant also contains polyphenols, saponins, flavonoids,chloragenic acids, isoflavones, and L-theanine which make this plant a virtual super food in a cup!

This smooth tasting herbal tisane has a clean finish and tastes great without any additives. 


6 health boosts from pomegranates

Pomegranate flavored drinks and treats seem to be a big hit, but where did all the hype come from?  It turns out this strange looking fruit has powerful effects when eaten.

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Heart health:  Pomegranate helps maintain normal blood flow to the heart.  Its antioxidant qualities reduce harmful cholesterol and help prevent heart disease.


Immune health:  The abundant antioxidants in pomegranates are believed to strengthen the immune system.


Skin health:  Pomegranate is credited with giving skin a more healthy appearance and also eases skin inflammation.


Protect against illness:  The antioxidants in pomegranates remove free radicals that cause tissue damage in the body but is also believed to have antiviral effects as well.  There are also claims that pomegranate can be useful for treating minor illnesses like a soar throat.


Prevent Alzheimer's:  Pomegranate may reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.


Prevent Cancer:  This wonder fruit is loaded with antioxidants called flavoring which may help counteract cancer agents in the body.






A few ways ginger impacts your health




Natural Detox and Immune Boosting Tonic

A great natural detox and immune boosting tonic:


This concoction of Nature's Super Antibiotics destroys both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is also a potent anti-viral and anti-fungal/yeast formula, and will increase blood and lymph circulation to every part of the body. It is so effective that it is said to be the cure for colds and the flu, and is the herbal preparation of choice against Candida. This basic formula dates back to medieval Europe and the plagues. 




Benefit of each Ingredient: (All Organic Of Course!!)
  • Garlic is a broad spectrum antibiotic. Unlike chemical antibiotics that kill off millions of friendly bacteria that your body needs, Garlic only targets the invading bacteria and even promotes and increases your healthy bacteria. Garlic is also a powerful anti-fungal and literally destroys any antigen, pathogen and any harmful or disease causing micro-organism. 
  • Onion is Garlic's next of kin and has similar but milder action. Together they are a tremendous fighting duo. 
  • Horseradish is a potent herb for the sinus and lungs. It opens up the sinus passages and increases the circulation there, where most doctors agree, the common cold and influenza often starts. 
  • Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is a tremendous circulatory stimulant.
  • Cayenne (Peppers) is the most powerful circulatory propellant known. It simply sends the antibiotic and disease fighting properties of the other herbs where they're needed most.
  • Turmeric clears infection and reduces inflammation inside of the body. It blocks cancer from developing. Especially helpful for those with joint pain.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (I use Braggs Organic ACV)  There surely must be something really healthy in using apple cider vinegar, since The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, used this vinegar around 400 B.C. for its health giving qualities. It is said that he had only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar. 
DIRECTION FOR MAKING YOUR OWN!


  • 1 30 oz. bottle Organic Apple Cider Vinegar(I recommend Braggs ACV)
  • 1/4 cup chopped Garlic
  • 1/4 cup Onions
  • 1/4 cup Habanero peppers (or hottest peppers you can find)
  • 1/4 cup grated Ginger
  • 1/4 cup grated Horseradish
  • 2 T Turmeric


  1. Blend  ingredients together for a couple of minutes
  2. Strain
  3. Pour liquid back in bottle
  4. Compost everything else!

You can store the tonic in a cupboard for long periods of time. No need to keep in the refrigerator. You can also use it mixed with olive oil for a salad dressing.  Or a shot full on your stir fry.



*For sore throat, gargle a bit in the mouth and swallow.
*For an illness, such as a cold or flu, take about 2 droppers full or a Tablespoon every couple of hours.  
*For daily immune support drink 2 droppers full/ 1Tablespoon every day. Build up tolerance to a shot glass full.
*Eat an orange, lemon, or lime slice after to ease the heat.
All About Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh ripe apples that are fermented and undergo a stringent process to create the final product. The vinegar contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, iron, and fluorine.

Pectin in the vinegar is a fiber which helps reduce bad cholesterol and helps in regulating blood pressure. The need for calcium supplements once you start growing older is very well known. This vinegar helps extract calcium from the fruits, vegetables and meat it is mixed with, helping in the process of maintaining strong bones. Potassium deficiency causes a variety of ailments including hair loss, weak finger nails, brittle teeth, sinusitis, and a permanently running nose. Apple cider vinegar is loaded with potassium. Studies have shown that potassium deficiency results in stunted growth. All these ailments can be avoided with the intake of apple cider vinegar. The potassium in this vinegar also helps in eliminating toxic waste from the body. The beta-carotene helps in countering damage caused by free radicals, helping one maintain firmer skin and a youthful appearance. Apple cider vinegar is good for those wanting to lose weight. It helps in breaking down fat which helps in natural weight reduction.

Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which is very helpful in fighting fungal and bacterial infections. This acid dissolves uric acid deposits that form around joints, helping relieve joint pains. This dissolved uric acid is gradually eliminated from the body.
It is claimed that apple cider vinegar is helpful in ailments such as constipation, headaches, arthritis, weak bones, indigestion, high cholesterol, diarrhea, eczema, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, mild food poisoning, hair loss, high blood pressure, obesity, along with a host of many other ailments. No wonder then many know apple cider vinegar as the "Wonder Drug".
Alex is a renowned speaker, (R)evolutionary teacher and world traveler, having lived and studied in the United States, South Africa and Costa Rica. She has a BA in Environmental Studies, a Masters Degree in Psychology and is a qualified Yoga instructor. She is a continuous source of inspiration to thousands of women around the world and has spent her life tirelessly researching ways to maintain a fully balanced life. 


The 10 best uses for Neem

If you have not heard about the herb Neem, it is time! 



Neem is a powerful popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine.  It has an incredible amount of uses from helping with digestive issues to healing skin problems.  It can be taken orally or topically. The Neem tree lives up to its name, 'The Tree of Life.'

Here are the 10 best uses for Neem:

1. Immune System Support and Booster ~ Neem has antibacterial, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is also rich in antioxidants which fight off free radical invaders that can damage cells and lead to illness.  Coughing can also be reduced by drinking neem water.

2. Skin Healing and Support ~ Neem has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm inflamed or irritated skin.  It can help with skin issues such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. Take a bath with Neem Leaves or mix with coconut oil and put on the skin.

3. Anti-inflammatory ~ Neem has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in conditions such as arthritis, muscular pains and inflamed wounds. Heat Neem Oil with Coconut Oil and massage into aching joints.

4. Dental Health ~ Neem can be used in toothpaste or mouthwash to prevent gum disease and cavities.  Neem prevents the gums from becoming irritated and inflamed and prevents the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth.  The twigs from the tree were used for centuries to brush teeth.

5. Parasites ~ Neem can be used to combat intestinal worms. Drink Neem tea to kill ring worm and scabies.

6. Insect Repellant ~ Neem is a natural insect repellant. It is safe to use on the body to keep pests away. It can also be used in shampoo to get rid of lice.  Put oil in hair and let sit overnight. Neem oil can also be added to dog shampoo to kill flees and ticks.  Another use it to make a spray to protect your garden from pests.

7. Digestive Issues ~ Neem Supports a healthy GI tract and helps to process foods to prevent digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation.
8.  Liver Supporter ~ Neem helps the liver function properly by filtering out toxins so it can work properly. Use of Neem also recommended  for treatment of jaundice.

9. Warts, Cold Sores and Herpes ~ A paste of Neem powder can be applied to warts and herpes and other viral issues.

10. Cancer treatment ~ Neem has been known to reduce the size of tumors when it's injected around the area.



There are many more uses for this Wonder Herb. Neem is a fast growing tree which makes purchasing the powder, leaves, seeds or flowers inexpensive if you cannot find a tree growing near by. I personally have used it as an insect repellent for my entire family, (dogs and plants included). I have also used it to relieve skin issues and I use it for dental health. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the 'Tree of Life' and find below some of the products that I have developed using Neem. 

Thank you for joining me on my journey to live as close to the Earth as possible!

With Gratitude,
   ~Alex
Alex is a renowned speaker, (R)evolutionary teacher and world traveler, having lived and studied in the United States, South Africa and Costa Rica. She has a BA in Environmental Studies, a Masters Degree in Psychology and is a qualified Yoga instructor. She is a continuous source of inspiration to thousands of women around the world and has spent her life tirelessly researching ways to maintain a fully balanced life.

Natural Cures Not Medicine

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The best tea you never drank!





The best tea you never drank!


Rooibos tisane (herbal tea), or Red Bush Tea is a dried shrub from South Africa. 

Pronounced "Roy-Boss", this herbal tisane is caffeine free and has been used for centuries by the natives of South Africa for a host of ailments.

This Tisane comes in two versions, green and red

Green is the more natural version, but it is more labor intensive and more expensive and has a more earthy taste then its red counterpart. 

The red version is produced my laying the green shrubs on the mountainside to “ferment” or oxidize. The sun dries it out and changes it to the red color.

Rooibos is high in antioxidants, minerals, quercetin(which helps with allergies and may fight off cancer cells), can increases your SOD (superoxide dismutase)levels, and can be used to treat eczema and acne.

Some of its many health benefits include:
1. may lower blood pressure,
2. may offer cardiovascular protection
3. acts as a bronchodilator
4. prevents DNA damage
5. acts as an anti spasmodic
6. used to treat colic in babies
7. used to reduce stress levels
8. research has shown Rooibos to be anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory & anti-viral.
Best thing about Rooibos is the taste. It has a slightly sweet, yet earthy taste. It is very mild, yet thoroughly enjoyable. Drink it for the taste; enjoy it for its health benefits.


The Best Foods For Strong Bones


One in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis related fracture.  ("porous bones") Most will experience a humped upper back or easily broken bones. The good news is that if you eat wisely and exercise regularly you can avoid this fate.

Prevent Osteoporosis - Make sure you get plenty of calcium in your diet.

Some more foods that strengthen bones:

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6 heavy hitting antioxidant foods!




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Before trying anything you find on the internet you should fully investigate your options and get further advice from professionals.

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