4 HERBS EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR ‘MEDICINE’ CABINET

There are perhaps hundreds, or at least dozens of medicinal foods and herbs that deserve a place in your kitchen’s herbal medicine cabinet. But for someone who is just getting their feet wet in the world of herbalism and natural healing, collecting numerous herbs can be overwhelming. For that reason, we’ve chosen 4 healing herbs to get you started—herbs that should be the cornerstones of every natural healer’s arsenal.

From calming upset stomachs to killing cancer cells, these 4 herbs have been shown time and time again to provide incredible healing powers.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric has numerous health benefits and is easy to incorporate in your cooking. The spice can reduce inflammation, fight depression, cut heart disease and diabetes risk, and has been researched extensively for its ability to beat cancer. Scientists from around the world have found turmeric to positively impact over 581 different diseases and conditions. It is one of the most well-researched spices on the planet.

While we commonly think of turmeric as the yellow spice in curries, you can reap it’s medicinal benefits in other ways as well. Golden milk tea or golden milk is one way people from the Middle East have taken turmeric for ages. Just make sure you know how to optimize turmeric absorption to reap the most benefits.

2. Ginger

Like turmeric, ginger is a root. Also like turmeric, the health benefits of ginger are amazing. The herb is particularly good at calming digestion, but can also fight cancer, inflammation, and boost your immune system. Ginger tea is an elixir that can be used for colds, sore throats, and upset stomach. Simply simmer some slivers of ginger in water for 5 minutes, cool slightly and drink. Add a little local honey to supercharge it’s benefits.

3. Oregano

It’s not just for pizza; oregano has healing qualities that go far beyond its culinary allure. It’s loaded with vitamin K and manganese, and is packed-full of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Research has linked this culinary herb with weight loss, digestive health, combating foodborne pathogens and relieving pain.

Oregano is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. You can grow your own oregano quite easily and then use it fresh or dried, or find oregano oil in health food stores.

4. Basil

Another culinary herb, basil has many health benefits as well. Its antibacterial properties make it a contender for fighting serious infections including listeria monocytogenes, staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli. The herbs high levels of the flavonoid zeaxanthin make it a great solution for protecting eye health and preventing age-related macular degeneration. Also like oregano, basil is easy to grow. Here are some other holy basil benefits.

Starting a healing kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These four healing foods are a good place to start.

Source:

Natural Society

Image Credit

http://truththeory.com/2013/10/30/4-herbs-everyone-should-have-in-their-medicine-cabinet/

101 Reasons Why You Should be Using Holy Basil

Image: facebook.com/erinjanus

Not sure which tea to drink? I can give you 101 reasons to choose organic Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil.

Holy Basil tea has not only been found to benefit the cardiovascular, digestive, immune, and nervous system, but has also been found to improve cognitive ability, mental clarity, soothe asthma, headaches, stomach pain and reduce stress... and amazingly— even neutralize harmful effects of fluoride that may be present in your water. And that's not even half of what I would call, this WONDERPLANT, can do for you.

Here is one report that might convince you to drop whatever tea you're drinking and find yourself some organic Tulsi: http://www.holy-basil.com/MaimesReportHolyBasil

These Foods Will Help You Live Longer

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Do you follow a lifestyle that helps you age slower, and promotes longevity? If you aren’t, you should think about starting! These foods can actually enhance your longevity and make you feel healthier, stronger and younger. They have the potential to slow biological aging by providing antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and an array of other nutrients that help enhance our immune system, combat inflammation, and defend against free radicals.

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Berries
Berries are loaded with antioxidants which rapidly slow down the aging process by preventing the damage done by free radicals. A variety of studies have shown that berries, one of the most antioxidant rich fruits, have the ability to improve our memory and keep our brains sharp as we age – say goodbye to dementia and Alzheimer’s!

Water
A large majority of the population is not getting enough water, but drinking water is one of the key elements to increasing your longevity. Drinking at least 2 litres of water daily will help improve your cellular function, metabolism, and organ function. Our bodies are made up of about 60-70% water, so this substance is incredibly essential to proper health!

Broccoli
Raw broccoli is incredibly high in sulforaphane (especially broccoli sprouts). This substance has been found to be very effective in preventing cancer which is one of the main causes of age-related death today (via DNA mutations which naturally occur with age). Broccoli is also loaded with other antioxidants to help protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals, leaving us feeling and looking youthful!

Kale
Kale is a cruciferous vegetable, like broccoli, and thus makes it a wonderful cancer-fighting vegetable that you should be including in your diet at least 3 times a week. It clears out free radicals in the body, and contains a ridiculous amount of nutrients like vitamin K (key regulator of inflammation), vitamin C, iron and calcium which are crucial for prolonging our life span.

Thyme
Once upon a time, thyme was used as a preservative in the Mediterranean due to it’s amazing antioxidant properties – in fact, Egyptians once used it for embalming bodies. It’s principal oil called thymol has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which neutralize disease-causing pathogens such as E.coli and staphylococcus.

Basil
Basil is known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties – inflammation leads to a variety of diseases and illness if left untreated for long periods of time. The better you feel, the better your body and mind function. Particularly, holy basil has been coined the term “the elixir of life,” having the ability to improve human health and longevity. It has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is wonderful for keeping your hormones in check, as well as boosting your immune system and strengthening your cardiovascular system. They are also rich in vitamin A, B6 and potassium which are linked to excellent heart health, especially with their ability to help regulate blood sugar. Include sweet potatoes in your diet, raw or cooked (yes, sweet potatoes are lovely eaten raw, and are not harmful – shred them in salads!).

Asparagus
Asparagus is loaded with beneficial nutrients which can help us live a long and healthy life. It is a natural detoxifier and diuretic making it effective in preventing kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs). The nutrients in asparagus range from vitamins A, C, B and K, as well as manganese, iron, fibre and folate. It helps promote good digestion, strong bones and a healthy heart, and contains antioxidants like glutathione which is the body’s strongest antioxidant!

Avocado
Avocados are filled with heart-healthy oleic acid which helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. They are also high in potassium which protects or heart and reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure or suffering from a stroke. They contain folate, and a handful of antioxidants which fight off free radicals, protecting our organs and tissues from damage over time!

Garlic
Garlic is definitely a power food! It contains sulfur compounds which protect our cardiovascular system and prevents heart attacks and stroke. Garlic is also incredibly useful in strengthening our immune system and fighting off free radicals which naturally lead to diseases like cancer and other illnesses.

Source: Live Love Fruit

Basil Beats Bacteria!

All Hail Basil, the Royal Herb!

Did you know that Basil, the delicious herb known for its use in spaghetti sauce, pesto, and salad dressings actually has a long history and a variety of healing properties. 

 No way?  Yes way!

The word "basil" is derived from the Greek word Basilikohn which means "royal," alluding to the fact that it was held in high regard in ancient times.  Basil was first cultivated in Asia and Africa and is known to be used in several different types of cultural cuisine.  But, here is the real cool part...  It boosts cardiovascular health, is an anti-inflammatory, fights bacteria, and even protects your DNA from environmental damage and radiation.  A study published in the Journal of Microbiology Methods concluded that essential oils from Basil inhibits multiple strains of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria!

Basil is also an excellent source of daily nutrients.  Packed with vitamin k, this super herb is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin k.

     Have tons of basil growing in your garden?  Just pesto the rest-o!

Make a dairy-free pesto: 

• Chopped basil, 
• garlic, 
• olive oil 

TIP:

Store what you don't use in the freezer

 for an amazing topping later on!