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

http://ebm.sagepub.com/content/228/9/1051.short

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2006.257

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874105007397

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2008.0044

http://www.getcited.org/pub/100216074

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

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

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

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

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

Natural cold and flu remedies you already have

There are no known cures for the common cold; however, your kitchen cabinets are likely stocked with many ingredients that can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery.

LEMONS: Lemons can be used to soothe sore throats, cleanse blood and loosen mucus in the sinuses or throat. A healing lemonade can be made by adding the juice from half a lemon and one teaspoon of maple syrup to a cup of warm water. Cayenne pepper can also be sprinkled on for added cleansing effect.

CHICKEN SOUP: Chicken soup has been used since the 12th century, when the Jewish physician and philosopher Maimonides recommend chicken soup to treat colds and flu. A whole natural organic chicken can be used to create a healing broth.

MUSTARD: Mustard packs placed on the chest can reduce fever and help heal mucous membranes in the lungs and chest.

GINGER: Ginger kills germs, and ginger tea can be used as an antiviral and also for upset stomachs. To make ginger tea, simmer two tablespoons of fresh ginger (chopped or grated) mixed into two cups of water. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat and let it steep for ten minutes. This can be consumed as often as needed, as ginger is also healing for the stomach - and the stomach flu. A ginger bath stimulates the lymph system and can speed up lymph drainage. To make a ginger bath, use a food processor to finely grate a quarter cup of fresh ginger. Place the ground ginger into a cheesecloth (or an old nylon stocking will do) and soak in the tub as water fills.

GARLIC: Common household garlic is a great treatment for colds and flu and can also be used to prevent their occurrence. Raw garlic has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Research has shown that garlic could speed up healing from the flu and also increase immunity. Too much garlic can cause bleeding, so those taking medications for blood thinning, such as aspirin, should take care when increasing the amount of garlic in their diet.

(Note: Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen. At signs of sudden weakness, or high fever, seek emergency care.)

Source: NaturalNews

4 Antiviral Herbs and How To use Them

Image: naturehacks.com

Natural Cures Not Medicine

When you have a virus it is much harder to treat because antibiotics do not effect viruses. Fortunately for us,
there are some anti-viral plants found in nature that we can use to treat viral infections. According to naturehacks.com , here are 4 herbs  that you can use to naturally medicate yourself if you catch a virus:

1. Lemon Balm
In Germany, the antiviral effects of lemon balm are well-documented, and creams made from the herb are prescribed for herpes outbreaks and cold sores. Lemon balm is very easy to grow in your garden – a little too easy, in fact, as it tends to take over if not contained. 

Lemon balm makes a very good tea, and can be drunk to combat all sorts of viral infections, such as colds and flu. The tea or a cream can be applied to cold sores or other viral lesions, such as shingles or chickenpox.

2. Astragalus   
This lesser-known immune enhancing herb is known as huang qi in Chinese medicine. The root is sweet, not unlike licorice, to which it is related. It has been shown to be a very effective antiviral herb, particularly in the prevention of colds and flu, and may even be effective against the Coxsackie B virus (this virus can cause an inflammation of the heart). 

You can simmer slices of the root in water to make a healing decoction, or you can use the commercially-available tincture. It is generally agreed that astragalus should be taken as a preventative rather than once the illness is in full swing, so if you think you’ve been exposed, or you experience the very first twinges of illness, you can start taking astragalus. 

3. Garlic
No discussion of antiviral herbs would be complete without mentioning garlic, an herb that is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. It’s not expensive, and you can use the whole herb or take capsules. However, many experts agree that “deodorized” garlic may not be as effective as the unaltered herb. 

You can simmer minced garlic in chicken broth and sip it to stave off colds and flu. Raw, minced garlic can be sprinkled over salads and tossed with pasta. Be careful with consuming too much of it raw, though, as it can cause severe nausea when taken in this form.

Related: Garlic can also be used as an antibiotic 

4. Ginger

Long ago, ginger was considered a “warming” herb that would prevent nausea from a “chilled stomach,” which was said to occur when large amounts of cold water were consumed in hot weather. We now know that ginger has powerful anti-nausea action, and it is also anti-viral. 

Teas made from fresh ginger are palatable and spicy. You can sweeten them with raw honey for added germ-fighting benefits and flavor. When you feel the very first stages of a cold or flu, try drinking some of this tea several times a day. You can even drink it as a preventative if you think you may have been exposed to any viruses. Ginger is considered quite safe, although it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Source: naturehacks.com 

Top 20 Natural Painkillers You Already Have In Your Kitchen

Image: www.herbs-info.com

We just discovered a fantastic, fascinating list of natural painkillers that are common kitchen ingredients! What’s interesting is that the list is not just a basic list – but also gives specific information as to the type of pain that researchers have found that these natural ingredients may assist with – and the way in which the food is used (not all of the remedies involve actually eating the herb / food in question!)

This list is absolutely incredible – and the uses are based on reports from scientific research (this info is included at the source article – link at the foot of my commentary). The original list is a bit of a long read though, requiring much scrolling – and so we thought it might be good to seem them all “at a glance” – so for those who want to “skim” through the list really quickly, I made a “short version” of the top 20, together with a summary of the condition each item is used for.

Once again, the miracles of nature have astounded me and made me wonder if the modern world will tamper with everything before going full circle and realizing that “natural is best” after all! Thankfully there are still many good scientists doing groundbreaking work in this field and I take my hat off to you.

Top 20 Natural Painkillers List

Ginger (add to 1-2 teaspoons daily to diet for general muscle pain) 10 more health benefits of ginger
Cloves (chewed gently for toothache / gum inflammation)
Apple Cider Vinegar (1tbsp mixed with water before meals for heartburn) More apple cider vinegar uses
Garlic (made into a special oil for earache – recipe at the original article)
Cherries (joint pain, headaches – 1 bowl per day)
Oily fish (Salmon, tuna, sardines, trout, mackerel, herring – intestinal inflammation – 18oz per week)
Yogurt (PMS – 2 cups per day)
Turmeric (chronic pain – 1/4 teaspoon per day) Turmeric is more effective than 14 different pharmaceutical drugs
Oats (endometrial pain – they are gluten free)
Salt (hot, salty foot baths for ingrown toenails – 1tsp per cup of water – 20 mins twice daily)
Pineapple (stomach bloating, gas – 1 cup of fresh pineapple)
Peppermint (add a few drops of the essential oil to bath for sore muscles)
Grapes (back pain – 1 heaping cup per day)
Water (general injury pain, helps wash away the pain-triggering histamine – 8 x 8 ounce glasses per day)
Horseradish (sinus pain – 1 teaspoon twice daily)
Blueberries (bladder / urinary tract infections – 1 cup daily)
Raw Honey (topical application 4 times daily for cold sores / canker sores) (see also our special report on raw honey) More health benefits of raw honey
Flax (breast pain – 3 tablespoons daily – must be ground or seeds will pass right through!)
Coffee (migraines – caffeine stimulates the stomach to absorb pain meds better)
Tomato Juice (leg cramps – tomato juice is rich in potassium – 10oz daily)

Can you think of any more? Let us know in the comments.

Source: herbs-info.com

The Anti-Insomnia Juice

Finding it hard to have an 8 hour sleep? Perhaps you are the type that wakes up every forty-five minutes and needs another thirty minutes to doze off again? And we all know that there is nothing worse than suffering from annoying insomnia and the stressful effect it has on the rest of your days; the task of getting through a work day when you can barely keep your eyes open is painstaking, and makes you quite unpleasant to be around. This juice can help!

The Anti-Insomnia Juice.

Ingredients: 1 Cucumber, 1 in. Ginger Root, 1 Lemon, 1 Green Apple, 9 Asparagus Stalks.

Source: RawForBeauty

How to regrow ginger at home from scraps you bought at the grocery store

Used for thousands of years in the far east, ginger tastes amazing and heals throughout the body! Ginger has multiple natural healing properties including but not limited to:

Heartburn:  Tea infused with fresh ginger has been known to be an effective treatment for heartburn.

Ovarian cancer:  A study out of the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that the powder of ginger can trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in ovarian cancer cells.

Women's health:  Again, ginger tea to the rescue!  If you are suffering from menstrual cramps, male some tea infused with ginger and add a bit of brown sugar to find natural relief.

Learn more about health benefits of ginger that we have written about here: Health benefits of ginger

Growing ginger at home has multiple upsides, including it being fresher and organic, not to mention saves you money. How to regrow ginger from scraps: 

Plant a small chunk off of your piece of ginger in potting soil with the newest buds facing up. Ginger enjoys non-direct sunlight in a warm moist environment. Before long, it will begin to regrow shoots and roots. Once the plant is established and you’re ready to harvest, pull up the whole plant, including the roots. Remove a piece of the ginger, and re-plant it to repeat the growing process.

Here is a good video on replanting ginger:

15 Foods That Can Be Regrown From Scraps

Image: mrshappyhomemaker.com

Regrowing your food from scraps can give you multiple benefits. You can start growing your own food that
you find that you like from the store, all the while avoiding the 'factory farming' problems that we get from the grocery store. No pesticides, no long trips on the truck from the farming areas, many times from other countries, for your food. This is cool way to find food that you like and start regrowing it at home while eating healthier and saving money. You can also use this technique to replant from your garden to save time and clone the most favorable plants.

We found this great list below of 15 foods can can be regrown from scraps on mrshappyhomemaker.com

Let’s count them out – from 1 to 15…

1, 2, 3, & 4.  Spring Onions, Leeks, Scallions, & Fennel

These are the ones I regrow the very most, I always have a mason jar of green onions regrowing above my kitchen sink. The technique is quite simple.  Once you are done with them (any of the above four), simply place the root end in a jar of water & it will begin to regrow within just a few days.  Just make sure to replace the water with fresh as need be.
15 Foods That Can Be Regrown from Scraps

5. Lemongrass

You can regrow lemongrass the same way you regrow the green onions.  Simply place the root ends in a glass of water, refreshing the water as needed. You will want to wait to harvest your lemongrass until it is about 12 inches tall.

6.  Ginger

Plant a small chunk off of your piece of ginger in potting soil with the newest buds facing up. Ginger enjoys non-direct sunlight in a warm moist environment. Before long, it will begin to regrow shoots and roots. Once the plant is established and you’re ready to harvest, pull up the whole plant, including the roots. Remove a piece of the ginger, and re-plant it to repeat the growing process.

Here is a good video on replanting ginger:


7. Potatoes 

Pick a potato that has a lot of good formed eyes, and cut it into 2-3 inch pieces, taking care to be sure that each piece has at least 1-2 eyes on it. Leave the cut pieces to sit at room temperature for a day or two, which allows the cut areas to dry. Potato plants thrive on a high-nutrient environment, so it is best to flip compost into your soil before you plant. Plant your potato pieces about 8 inches deep with the eye facing up. Cover it with 4 inches of soil, leaving the other 4 inches empty. As your plant begins to grow and more roots appear, add more soil.

8. Sweet Potatoes

You will need sweet potatoes with good formed eyes, just as you would want with a regular potato. You can bury the entire potato or use pieces under a thin layer of topsoil in a moist place with plenty of sun. When the shoots begin to reach a height of four inches you will need to replant the sweet potatoes, allowing them about 12 inches between each another. It takes about 4-6 months to grow sweet potatoes this way.

9, 10, 11, & 12.  Romaine Lettuce, Celery, Bok Choy, & Cabbage

These all are regrown by placing the roots in a dish of water. Cut the leaves or stalks off to about an inch above the roots.  Place the root end in a dish of water.  Make sure that the roots are inside of the water, but do not submerge the rest of the plant.  Place in a sunny window & spray with water 1-2 times a week to keep the top of the plant moist.

13.  Onions

Onions are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow from scraps. Just cut off the root end of your onion, leaving a 1’2  inch of onion on the roots. Place it in a sunny location in your garden and cover the top with soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist by watering when needed. As you use your home-grown regenerated onions, keep replanting the root ends you cut off, and you’ll never have to purchase onions at the store again.

14.  Garlic

You can re-grow a plant from a single clove.  Simply plant it with the root-end down. Sit the plant in a sunny window.  Once established, cut back the shoots and the plant will put all it’s forces into producing a nice garlic bulb – full of flavor & capable of repelling sparkly vampires.  You can repeat this process with a clove from the new bulb you have just grown.

15. Pineapple

To re-grow pineapples, you will need to remove the green leafy part at the top and take care that no fruit remains attached. Either hold the crown firmly by the leaves and twist the stalk out, or you can cut the top off the pineapple and remove the remaining fruit flesh with a knife. If you do not remove all the fruit parts, it will rot after planting and will likely kill your plant. Carefully slice small, horizontal sections from the bottom of the crown until you see root buds (the small circles on the flat base of the stalk). Remove the bottom few layers of leaves leaving about an inch worth of them at the bottom of the stalk.  Plant your pineapple crown in a warm and well drained environment. Water your plant regularly at first. Once the plant is established, you can cut down to about once a week. You will see growth in the first few months but it will take about 2-3 years before you are able to harvest.

Source: mrshappyhomemaker.com

Studies Prove Ginger Kills Two Common Types of Cancer

by Christina Sarich | Natural Society

Image: peoplespharmacy.com

Thanks to research from the University of Michigan and nearly three centuries of medicinal use, we can now utilize ginger root to not only kill ovarian cancer cells, but also prostate cancer cells with zero toxicity.

Truly among the great medicines of the world, ginger has long been used to treat inflammation and nausea, but the results presented in a session at the American Association for Cancer Research show that in every single instance where ginger powder was used to treat cancer cells, they all died as a result of being exposed to the compound. In medical lingo this is called apoptosis (cancer cell suicide.) When ginger is present, the cells even attack one another, called autophagy.

While ginger has been deemed a great natural remedy for those who are undergoing chemotherapy, it can also be used in larger quantities to treat cancer of its own accord.

Another study showing ginger’s ability to fight ovarian cancer concludes with:

“Ginger inhibits growth and modulates secretion of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells. The use of dietary agents such as ginger may have potential in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer.”

Ginger has also been proven to treat prostate cancer. The British Journal of Nutrition published the results of an American study recently in which ginger extract (zingiber officinale) killed human prostate cancer cells while healthy prostate cells were left alone. Whole ginger extract was revealed to shrink prostate tumor size by a whopping 56%

Further adding to the benefits of ginger, the spice has no toxicity when consumed even in high doses, and does not cause people to endure the very uncomfortable side effects of chemo and radiation treatments. The American Cancer Society admits  that more than 15% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 20,000 American women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. Many of these cases can be helped with ginger root.

While Big Pharma would have these men and women endure very invasive treatments, some simple ginger root powder can cause their cancer cells to commit a certain death.

Source: realfarmacy.com via Natural Society

Detox your liver by juicing these 5 organic ingredients

Your first line of defense against toxins is your liver! Cleansing the liver helps it produce better, more efficient bile, which helps your body flush toxins and break down fat more effectively. Many fruits and vegetables help to cleanse the liver, but dandelion greens (and other bitter greens like arugula and mustard greens) are particularly effective.

This amazing green helps to increase bile flow so that the liver can be properly detoxed. The incredible mineral and vitamin density of these greens also helps flush out toxins, binding to them and transferring them to the kidneys to be eliminated via urination.

Celery is also a diuretic while increases urine flow to help expel toxins at a faster rate, while ginger helps to eliminate bacteria and viruses and any inflammation that might be harming our precious detox organs.

Ingredients:
- 1 bunch organic dandelion greens
- 5 large organic carrots
- 1 head organic celery
- 2 lemons
- 4-5 inches ginger
- *Optional: to sweeten, add 2 granny smith apples (to make dandelion greens less bitter)

Take the above ingredients and juice them in a juicer. Enjoy!

Source: rawedibles.blogspot.ca

How to make this natural and healthy ginger ale at home

wellnessmama.com

It turns out that soda hasn't always been the high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavor concoction in an aluminum can that we know today.

For hundreds of years (and probably much longer) cultures around the world have made various forms of naturally fermented “sodas” from sweetened herbal teas or fruit juice mixes. These natural fermented drinks contained beneficial enzymes and probiotics to boost health and were a far cry from the unhealthy versions we have today.

This version uses a fermented ginger culture to create a naturally fizzy soda! Ginger is and delicious herb that has been used in many cultures for its health-boosting properties. From my herb profile of ginger:

“Ginger has been used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years and is said to help:

Image: Wellness Mama

Soothe digestive disturbances

Alleviate nausea (great in early pregnancy)

Reduce fever

Calm coughing and respiratory troubles

Stimulates the circulatory system

Helps relieve muscle aches and pain

Can help get rid of dandruff

Emerging evidence shows it helps lower cholesterol
Japanese research has found Ginger is effective in lowering blood pressure and cancer risk”

Read our earlier article: 10 more health benefits of ginger

This natural recipe for ginger ale uses fresh ginger and a cultured ginger mixture (called a ginger bug) to create a naturally fermented and naturally fizzy ginger ale. Though this mixture can contain a small amount of alcohol if left to ferment at room temperature for weeks, we use the short brew method to create a fizzy soda without the alcohol.

Homemade ginger ale is soothing for digestive disturbances and contains probiotics and enzymes. As with any fermented product, I’d suggest starting with a small amount (4 ounce or so) and working up as all the probiotics and enzymes can cause an upset stomach in those who aren’t used to consuming fermented products. I found small amounts of this mixture helpful in early pregnancy to ward off nausea and any time one of us has an upset stomach. It also just tastes great!

This recipe makes 2 quarts of natural ginger ale, though the recipe can be adjusted up or down by using a ratio of 1/4 cup sugar per 1 quart of water and adding 1/4 cup ginger bug starter per quart of water.


Natural Ginger Ale Recipe

A naturally fermented old-fashioned ginger ale (also once called Ginger Beer) that contains beneficial probiotics and enzymes.

Author: Wellness Mama

Recipe type: Cultured – Beverage

Ingredients:

A 1-2 inch piece of fresh ginger root, minced. Adjust this to taste. I use 2 inches as I prefer a stronger ginger taste.

½ cup of organic sugar or rapadura sugar. if using plain sugar, add 1 tablespoon molasses for flavor and minerals.

½ cup fresh lemon or lime juice

½ tsp sea salt or himalayan salt

8 cups of filtered (chlorine free) water (Here is the water filter we use)

½ cup homemade ginger bug (or can use ¼ cup whey for a faster recipe though the flavor won’t be quite as good. Here is a tutorial for how to make whey)

Instructions:

Make a “wort” for your ginger ale by placing 3 cups of the water, minced ginger root, sugar (and molasses if needed), and salt in a saucepan and bringing to a boil.

Simmer the mixture for about five minutes until sugar is dissolved and mixture starts to smell like ginger.
Remove from heat and add additional water. This should cool it but if not, allow to cool to room temperature before moving to the next step.

Add fresh lemon or lime juice and ginger bug (or whey).

Transfer to a 2 quart glass mason jar with a tight fitting (air-tight) lid. Stir well and put lid on.

Leave on the counter for 2-3 days until carbonated and transfer to the fridge where it will last indefinitely.

Watch this step carefully. Using whey will cause it to ferment more quickly and it will take less time. It should be bubble and should “hiss” like a soda when the lid is removed. This is very temperature dependent and the mixture may need to be burped or stirred during this fermentation time on the counter.

As with any traditional fermented drink, it is more of an art than a science as it depends on the strength of your culture, the temperature of your house and the sugar used. The final mixture should smell of ginger and slightly of yeast/fermentation and should be fizzy. Watch carefully that it doesn’t become too carbonated as this will cause too much pressure and may result in an exploding jar!

The mixture can be strained and transferred to Grolsch style bottles before putting in the fridge (we like these bottles).

Strain before drinking.

Enjoy!

Printable recipe: http://wellnessmama.com/easyrecipe-print/8945-0/

Source: wellnessmama.com

Boost Your Metabolism With This Homemade Grapefruit Juice

We often try to eat less in order to lose weight. This mentality is not the best, mainly because it can lead to a metabolism that shuts down and makes us end up gaining weight instead of losing weight. When we eat such little calories our bodies, naturally, go into starvation mode and begin storing fat at any cost possible. This doesn’t mean, however, that you can eat all the junk food you please and expect to lose weight.

In fact, there are many plant-based foods out there can can help boost your metabolism while you still consume the recommended amount of calories your body is meant to have. You may even be able to eat much more than you do now and still lose weight. Choosing nutrient rich foods that boost your metabolism will allow your body to efficiently turn food into energy which will allow you to reach your desired weight without feeling hungry all the time.

Start with this metabolism-boosting grapefruit infusion cocktail!

Ingredients:
- 2 large organic grapefruit
- 5-6 large carrots
- 4-6 inches ginger root
- 1 lime
- Optional: hot pepper (cayenne, habanero, etc.) for added metabolism boosting effects

Take the above ingredients and juice them in a juicer (such as the Omega 8006 - or other juicer). Alternatively, you could blend these ingredients then strain them in a cheese cloth/nut milk bag. Enjoy!

Source: rawedibles

Top 10 Must Have Herbal Teas For Natural Healing

Natural Cures Not Medicine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalcuresnotmedicine

When you’re sick, little is more comforting than holding a steaming mug of fragrant tea in both hands, warming your face with the hot steam.  Somehow, no matter how rotten you felt before, you instantly feel just a tiny bit better.

Image: theorganicprepper.ca

Whether you are lucky enough to grow your own tea herbs, you purchase loose teas, or you use tea bags, your cabinet is not complete without the following ingredients.  These teas are delicious and beneficial, with many different healing qualities.  Considering that we most often turn to herbal teas for healing purposes, it’s especially important to purchase or grow organic herbs for this purpose.  If your leaves are bathed in pesticide and then you add them to boiling water, instead of healing goodness, you are steeping toxins.

When making tea for medicinal purposes, be sure to steep the tea in a teapot with a lid, or to cover your mug while the herbs are steeping.  This helps to make a more potent brew by keeping all of the healing oils in the tea, instead of allowing them to drift into the room.  Most herbs should be steeped for about 10 minutes for maximum results.

There are many different herbs from around the world that have wonderful healing properties. I’ve concentrated this list on ones that can either be easily acquired and stored, or ones that can be easily grown in a backyard garden or a sunny window. Just like band-aids, antibiotic cream, or aspirin, these items are vital additions to your pantry, allowing you to dispense a hot, steaming, fragrant cup of nurturing in as little time as it takes you to boil water. Be prepared by keeping the following ingredients close at hand, and be self-sufficient by producing for yourself as many as possible (always the best way to make sure that the items were grown using safe, organic methods).

In no particular order…

1. Mint

Mint tea is the classic herbal tea. Mint is an ingredient in many different commercial tea blends and is much-loved for its refreshing fragrance.

Growing it:

Mint is an herb that doesn’t just grow easily – it can quickly overtake your garden!  For this reason, it is recommended to grow mint in either a container or its own bed. There are many varieties of mint and the healing properties are similar.  Whether you grow peppermint or spearmint, the active component is menthol.

Caution:

If you suffer from acid reflux, mint tea may worsen your symptoms.  Mint has antispasmodic properties

Mint tea can be used to:

• Reduce congestion in a cold or flu sufferer
• Reduce pain and bloating from gas
• Reduce cramping from diarrhea
• Act as a mild expectorant for a chest cold or bronchitis
• Induce sweating, the body’s natural cooling mechanism. This is a natural way to reduce a fever
• Relieve nausea without vomiting

2. Ginger

This homely root is an ingredient in many natural cough, cold, and nausea treatments.  Instead of giving your child gingerale when they are suffering from an upset stomach (and all of the HFCS and artificial flavors that come in it) brew up a nice cup of ginger tea sweetened with honey for a real dose of soothing ginger!

Growing it:

Ginger is a tropical plant that is apparently not difficult to grow indoors. It requires excellent soil, warmth, humidity, and filtered sunlight.

You can learn how to grow ginger HERE.

Caution:

It’s not recommended to exceed 4 grams of ginger per day – components in the herb can cause irritation of the mouth, heartburn and diarrhea if taken in excess.

Click HERE to find a recipe for a delicious honey-ginger cough syrup that can also be the basis for a night-time hot toddy.

Ginger tea can be used to:

• Reduce nausea
• Prevent or treat motion sickness
• Warm the body of someone suffering from chills
• Induce sweating to break a fever
• Soothe a sore throat

3. Chamomile

Chamomile tea should be steeped a little longer than other herbal teas in order to get all of the medicinal benefits.  This soothing, slightly apple-flavored tea has mild sedative properties. The petals of the tiny flowers are where the medicinal values lie.

Growing it:

Chamomile is easy to grow from seeds. Start them in the late winter and transfer outdoors when the risk of frost has passed.  Once the plants are well established, chamomile can thrive with little water during hot weather.  When buying your seeds, note that German chamomile is an annual and Roman chamomile is a perennial.

Caution:

Chamomile tea should be avoided by people who take blood thinners.  As well, those who suffer from ragweed allergies may also have an allergic reaction to chamomile, as the two plants are related.

Chamomile tea can be used to:

• Relieve anxiety
• Induce sleep
• Soothe mild nausea and indigestion
• Relieve a cough from throat irritation

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon doesn’t just smell like a holiday in a cup, it is anti-bacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, making it an excellent all-around remedy for whatever ails you.  Cinnamon is a wonderful source of immune-boosting antioxidants.

Growing it:

Cinnamon is the fragrant bark of a tropical evergreen tree.  This article from Mother Earth Living says that the trees are surprisingly easy to grow indoors  in large pots.

Try this delicious winter beverage:

• 1-1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder or a cinnamon stick
• 1 tea bag
• honey to taste
• Milk to taste

Stir cinnamon powder well into boiling water and steep for 8 minutes.  Add a tea bag and steep for 2 more minutes.  Stir in honey and warm milk.

Cinnamon tea can be used to:

• Increase blood flow and improve circulation
• Reduce nausea
• Ease stomach discomfort, bloating, gas and indigestion
• Warm the body of someone suffering from chills
• Soothe a sore throat
• Reduce cold symptoms

5. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is another herb that is loaded with healing properties.  The spiky, easy-to-grow plant has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and antifungal properties, making it helpful in treating a plethora of ailments.

Growing it:

You can actually root the lemongrass that you buy at the grocery store to start your own patio lemongrass farm. It grows beautifully in a large pot, making it a good herb for the apartment windowsill farmer to cultivate.  It can be grown year-round indoors. Check out this article for more information.

Lemongrass tea can help to:

• aid in digestion
• calm nervous disorders and anxiety
•  aid in the treatment of high blood pressure if a daily cup is enjoyed
• dilate blood vessels and improve circulation
• act as a mild diuretic to reduce fluid retention

6. Echinacea

This lovely flowering plant is probably the pinnacle of herbal preventatives.  Echinacea is not only anti-bacterial – but it stimulates the body’s immune system to fight off bacterial and viral attacks. The medicinal properties are in the leaves and the purple flowers.

Growing it:

Echinacea is also known as the “purple coneflower”.  The plant has deep taproots and is somewhat drought resistant. It is a perennial. Sow seeds outdoors in the early spring before the last frost. These plants like full sun and they don’t like too much moisture.

Echinacea tea can help to:

• enhance  the immune system
• relieve pain
• reduce inflammation
• provide antioxidant effects
• shorten illness time for sufferers of the common cold

7. Rosehips

Rosehips make a tart, tangy pink-colored tea.  They are the seed-filled pod at the base of a rose blossom, giving you a practical reason to have more rose bushes in your garden.  It mixes well and enhances the flavor of any berry or fruit-flavored tea.

Rosehip tea can help to:

• provide a nutritional supplement of Vitamin C
• improve adrenal function
• boost the immune system
• provide minerals such as calcium, iron, silicon, selenium, natural sodium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus and zinc
• increase energy
• heal tissues and cells

8. Blackberry leaf

Dried blackberry leaves give a luscious fruity flavor when steeped in boiling water.  Not only are they the basis of many delicious teas, they are loaded with a beneficial component called tannins. (Bonus tip: add a blackberry leaf to a jar of pickles when canning – the tannin helps to keep the pickles crisp.)

Caution:

Excess consumption of blackberry leaves (or anything containing tannins) can cause liver damage.

Blackberry leaf tea can help to:

• provide vitamin C
• treat diarrhea
• reduce pain and inflammation from sore throats
• provide an antibacterial effect against H pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers
• provide immune-boosting antioxidants
• provide high levels of salicylic acid, which gives them similar properties to aspirin, such as pain relief and fever relief
• reduce inflammation of the gums

9. Clove

Cloves are a wonderful addition to herbal tea just for the taste.  Not only is the flavor delicious, but cloves have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. The multipurpose little seed packs a mighty punch with its antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Growing it:

Cloves are the dried buds of a flowering evergreen tree that is native to Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. They are generally imported and, unfortunately, are not easy to cultivate in other climates or greenhouse atmospheres.

Caution:

In high amounts cloves can cause liver damage, blood in the urine, diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness.

Clove tea can help to:

• provide pain relief – it is a powerful analgesic
• break up mucous and work as an expectorant
• provide  a fragrant decongestant in a steaming cup of tea
• treat strep throat or tonsillitis – it relieves pain and provides a wash of antiviral and antibacterial components

10. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, also known as Bee Balm, was first recorded to have been used by the ancient Greeks as an overall tonic for good health.  It is an ingredient in the old world Carmelite water, a recipe created by Carmelite nuns in the early 1600s to treat headaches. (The traditional mixture also contained coriander, lemon-peel, nutmeg, and angelica root.)

Growing it:

Lemon balm is easy to grow and produces throughout the summer. The more you harvest, the more it produces.  It is perennial in warmer climates.  Lemon balm like rich moist soil with organic compost and partial shade in the hottest part of the day. It is another one of those herbs that can take over a garden, so plant it in a confined area.

Lemon balm tea can help to:

• fight off viruses – it was used historically against shingles, mumps, and cold sores
• calm anxiety and nervousness
• aid in sleep
• aid the digestive system by reducing spasms and quelling heartburn
• reduce nausea

What do you keep in your herbal medicine cabinet?  Why is it an important natural remedy for you? Please share in the comments section below!

Source: theorganicprepper.ca

About the author:

Please feel free to share any information from this site in part or in full, giving credit to the author and including a link to this website and the following bio.

Daisy Luther is a freelance writer and editor.  Her website, The Organic Prepper, offers information on healthy prepping, including premium nutritional choices, general wellness and non-tech solutions. You can follow Daisy on Facebook and Twitter, and you can email her at daisy@theorganicprepper.ca