Natural Cures Not Medicine

Most Read This Week:

How to beat jet lag.


If you travel for work or just have a lot of family living abroad, you may be familiar with dreadful jet lag.  Fear not, for there are some steps you can take to lessen the effects jet lag.
File:Far Eastern Air Transport Airliner.JPG
The condition known as jet lag is caused when you travel across several time zones.  The human body runs on a schedule or what is referred to as an "internal clock," maintained based on the pattern of sunlight, night, and day.  Jet lag tends to be worse when you cross 4 or more time zones and has a variety of symptoms including difficulty concentrating, daytime fatigue, sleep problems, and muscle soreness.
Chances are if you are traveling far you may not want to waste time when you reach your destination trying to cope with the time change and the effects of jet lag, especially if you are traveling for business purposes.  Here are a few ways you can minimize the effects and maybe sidestep jet lag altogether!

Melatonin:  When your body can detect that the day is coming to an end and the night is here, it produces melatonin which helps you fall asleep at the right time.  You can take melatonin supplements to help outsmart your internal clock and reset it once you are at your destination.  Be careful when you head to the U.K. because you must have a perscription for it.

Sunlight:  Sun exposure in reasonable doses is good for you but it can also help with adjusting your internal clock to a new schedule.  When you reach your destination, be outside during prime sunny hours and get some good exposure  to orient your body to the new day/night schedule.  If you are too restless at a late hour, turn the lights down low and close your curtains to get rested and sleepy.  Use an eye mask if needed.

Diet:  Jet lag is caused by a shift in time zones that throws off the body's internal clock due to a difference in daylight and night time hours, but the effects of jet lag can be made worse by dehydration and or toxicity.  Make sure you drink plenty of water and eat healthy leading up to and after your trip and try to avoid processed sugar, alcohol, and caffeine as they create toxicity in the body and tend to dehydrate.  Be sure to detox before you leave for the airport.



Recent Posts From Natural Cures Not Medicine:

The Top 10 Detoxifying Foods


Minty Lime Detox Smoothie


Fruits and veggies that are good for detoxing


Natural Detox and Immune Boosting Tonic


Using Green Onion As Alternative Medicine

Green Onion - Alternative Medicine
Traditional medicine for common cold - Helps maintain blood pressure - Increases appetite - Fights fungus infections - Colon cancer treatment - Stress and tiredness - Reduce inflammation all with this lovely plant.
Topical Application of Green Onion
For Sore Throat:
Cut the green onion's white part into pieces. Put in a cloth bag and steam it for a hot compress. You can also mix the green onion with grated ginger and some salt. Wrap the hot bag in a towel or gaue and place it over the throat - chest - soles - palms or back.
For Swollen Feet:
Boil the whole green onion for a few minutes. Grind it and mix with a little water just enough to make a paste and then place it to the swollen part of your feet. This simple method has been used for hundreds of years by our ancestors.

For Nasal Congestion: (runny nose)
Mash the green onion and make wet cotton with its just. Place the wet cotton to your nose.

Natural Cures Not Medicine
Get healthy using nature!

Related posts from us:
Health benefits of silver:
Uses for garlic
10 health benefits of pomegranates

The Best Foods For Healthy Vision

Feel free to download and share 

The best food for your eyes:


Placenta: The Cure for Post Partum Depression?


Every living mammal instinctively eats their placenta after giving birth to replenish nutrients. The placenta is a really remarkable organ. It is this amazingly designed organ that replaces multiple other human organs for the period of time the baby is in the womb. The number of functions it does is really quite significant. For thousands of years, many cultures have revered the placenta as a powerful and invaluable part of the postpartum healing process. In the US, on the other hand, it is more common to dispose of the placenta immediately after childbirth. However, more new mothers who are prone to depression are finding that the very organ that kept their baby alive can prevent the "baby blues."

Today, approximately 80 percent of women experience some level of postpartum depression/mood disorder following childbirth. After giving birth, many new mothers experience a drop in hormones, blood loss and fatigue; all of which are thought of as key factors in the development of the "baby blues" and postpartum depression. Symptoms of the baby blues include sadness, weepiness, lack of concentration, anxiety, and a feeling of dependence. These can last for the first several weeks or even months of the baby's life; causing many new mothers to find it a challenge to take care of their newborn. Using the placenta for its medicinal properties during the postpartum period is a natural and healthier way a new mother can help avoid these symptoms and the costly treatments that usually accompany them, such as medications and counseling. With proper preparation, the majority of women can avoid the baby blues. Full of Qi, life energy, the placenta aids in postpartum wellness by replenishing the new mother's system with natural iron and protein while helping reintroduce the essential hormones back into her system.



Research published in The Journal of Nutrition: (http://jn.nutrition.org/content/135/2/267.full) shows that postpartum iron-deficiency can cause postpartum depression. During childbirth, there is a huge loss of blood that causes many women to become iron deficient. The placenta is high in iron and helps replenish the lost iron. 
The Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and  Neonatal
Nursing:(http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1177/0884217505279997/abstract) published research that explains that fatigue is one of the leading causes of postpartum depression, but mothers report that by consuming the placenta, their energy levels are restored. Few scientific studies have been spent on ingesting the placenta after childbirth also known as placentophagia. However, the combined existing research suggests that ingesting the iron-rich placenta may be a good first line of defense against postpartum mood problems. 


The placenta is the connection between the mother and baby inside the womb. When a woman gives birth, the placenta still contains the nutrients that were supplying her baby with life in the womb. The idea is that by eating the placenta and putting the life-giving nutrients back into the new mother, she will also be replenishing her body with all that she needs to heal and recover quickly so she can be the best mother for her baby. Women who ingest their placenta in some form report a faster, more pleasant postpartum recovery and report fewer emotional issues. Many new mothers are choosing to have their placenta turned into capsules that they can ingest. Placenta encapsulation seems to lessen the 'gross' factor that many women have with eating it raw. New mothers, and their families, notice a remarkable improvement in overall feelings of happiness and well-being when taking placenta capsules. Thus, often referred to as "happy pills.



Benefits of placenta pills:
    • Balance hormones
    • Increase milk supply
    • Increase energy 
    • Quicker recovery from birth Brings body back into balance
    • Prevents postpartum depression 
    • Less postpartum bleeding Helps to heal tears or cuts 
    • Assist the uterus to return to size
    •  Increase postpartum iron levels


    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. 

    Natures Most Potent Allergy Blockers


    Spring and Fall are oh so beautiful times of the year as Mother Nature is changing so vibrantly during these seasons. However, these seasons also send millions of people around the world running for the pharmacy to buy the strongest and most expensive anti-allergy medication they can find. Most people believe that their allergies are caused by pollen, dander, cat or dog fur etc, but the truth about what causes these allergies is much more complex. Most of these 'allergens' are actually harmless because what REALLY causes most allergic reactions is YOUR OWN IMMUNE SYSTEM! It mistakes these incoming allergens as a serious threat and begins an all out immune system assault, resulting in the excessive sneezing, coughing,  mucus, itching eyes etc associated with an allergic reaction. The body then floods your system with special cells called 'mast cells' which release chemicals like histamine which in turn cause your allergy symptoms.


    Your current health certainly has an impact on wether you will develop a reaction or not, so it is best to try to keep your immune system well supplied during these times to prevent your body from developing allergies. You should also do your own research when identifying a natural remedy that works for you. Some severe adverse reactions have been reported by some people while taking some of these remedies below and some are not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

    Below is a list of some of Natures most potent allergy blockers.

    Butterbur Plant

    • Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) ~ This perennial plant is native to Europe and Northern Asia and is member of the Daisy family. It has been used for thousands of years by indigenous people for many physical ailments and modern medicine knew of it's amazing ability to curb severe migraines decades ago. However, scientists have recently been studying Butterbur in allergy reduction and prevention with amazing results. It does however contain a toxic element, Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid (PA's), that in high doses can causes severe physical reactions and cause various cancers. Many manufacturers have made butterbur extracts available by removing the PA's and always be sure that your butterbur product contains NO PA's before attempting to curb your allergies with Burrterbur.
    • Stinging Nettles ~ Stinging Nettles have been used in various forms for allergies all over the world and is considered one of the best natural histamine blockers. It can be used in the form of tea, freeze dried, capsulated or some people even eat the leaves raw (which we DO NOT recommend). They have long been used as an allergy medication because of their ability to curb histamine production therefore resulting in smaller allergic reactions. A few words of caution ~ nettles can affect menstrual cycles and they should not be used during pregnancy. If you are taking blood pressure medication, be aware that nettles can lower your blood pressure. Drink lots of water when using nettle as it also acts as a diuretic.
    • Burdock Root ~ This root has been used for many thousands of years and is a key ingredient in many ancient Chinese medicinal remedies. Burdock is a common weed that produces purple flowers. It has very volatile oils, carbohydrates, fatty oils, tannins and plant sterols. The root of this herb has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, which is why it has been used to treat allergic reactions.
    • Quercetin ~ This substance is found in the skin of onions, red grapes and apples among other plants and is natural antihistamine. It is a plant based chemical known as a flavanoid and further evidence shows that quercetin is effective in restoring normal insulin function that can lower risks from metabolic conditions including diabetes
    • Bromelain ~ This enzyme is primarily derived from the stems of pineapples, and has long been used for medicinal purposes by natives of Central and South America. It is thought to inhibit the bodies production of histamines, therefore reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
    • Bee Propolis ~ Bee Propolis is produced by, you guessed it, Bees! It is generally used by Bees in the hive for dozens of different purposes including sealing the hive, reinforcing hive strength and it is believed to help strengthen the human immune system, thereby helping to reduce allergic reactions. 
    There are many manufactures of natural allergy remedies and I suggest you find one that works for you and your specific allergy needs.

    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
    Keep healthy using nature.

    Related Posts From Us:

    The Best Anti Aging Foods



    The Best Anti Aging Foods

    Feel Free To Download And Repost This Image:

    The Best Anti Aging Foods:

    • Avocado
    • Berries
    • Cucumber
    • Pomegranate
    • Lemon Grass
    • Cinnamon
    • Noni
    • Oregano
    • Coconut
    Natural Cures Not Medicine
    Get healthy with nature!

    Recent Posts This Week:


    Surprising olive oil facts and uses


    Olive oil can be added to just about any meal or salad and is the staple of a Mediterranean diet.  Did you know that people in Mediterranean regions have lower cancer rates and better heart health?  It seems like olive oil isn't just tasty, but is natural health insurance.

    Olive oil is sometimes called liquid gold, and there are many ways to use the oil for life's challenges and to improve your health such as lowering cholesterol.  LDL cholesterol, deposits in the arteries, blocking the blood vessels and heightening the risk of heart disease.  Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat that actually combats the buildup of plaque in the arteries and does not remove health or HDL cholesterol which helps remove the harmful cholesterol from the body.  

    Several large studies have also concluded that consumption of olive oil helps to lower blood pressure.  One study concluded that taking the oil reduced the incidence of hypertension in men, while an additional study in the American Journal of Hypertension concluded that polyphenol rich olive oil helps reduce blood pressure in young women with mild hypertension. 

     A study from Greece linked higher intake of olive oil with a lower risk of cancer.  Preferring olive oil to other added lipids, particularly those containing saturated fats, may reduce the risk of developing upper digestive and respiratory tract neoplasms, breast, and possible colorectal and other cancer sites.



    Read more of our recent articles



    Is your bread killing you?



    6 Natural Pain Killers



    Health wonders of pineapple


    Pineapple is a popular tropical fruit.  You can find it as an ingredient in fruit salads, cooked dishes, or as a meal in itself.  Not only is pineapple delicious and versatile for cooking but you can also benefit greatly from eating it.  Pick up a pineapple from the grocery store, enjoy a nutritional boost and grow a pineapple tree!
    Forget candy or greasy donuts, nutrition is nature's health insurance.  Here is how you can prevent disease by enjoying pineapple and how you can turn any pineapple you eat into a pineapple tree of your own!

    Vitamin C:  Vitamin C is hailed as "the detox vitamin," removing free radicals from the body that may cause damage to various organs and tissue.


    Alleviate arthritis:  The natural anti inflammatory effects of pineapple can do wonders for arthritis patients.  Pineapple also strengthens the bones and can be helpful with similar conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and gout.


    Prevent macular degeneration:  Macular degeneration, which is caused by damage to the retna, is a major cause for vision loss in adults.  Pineapples contain beta carotene which helps maintain eye health.


    Fiber:  Fiber is an important part of the digestive process.  It helps move food through the body and remove waste while also lowering cholesterol and managing blood sugar levels.  When you eat food that contains a good amount of natural fiber, you will feel more full too.


    Improve digestion:  Pineapples contain bromelain which helps tremendously with digestion.  Bromelain helps to process fluids taken into the body to make sure that they are not too acidic and regulates pancreatic secretions to aid in digestion.  Brmelain also has a good impact on the digestive track because it has protein digesting properties.


    Vitamin B:  Pineapple contains vitamin B which can aid the body in metabolizing fats and digesting proteins.  Vitamin B is also thought to help lower the risk of developing cancer as well as heart disease.



    Grab a whole pineapple, cut off the spiny outer skin, core it, and lob off the stem that has leaves growing out of it on the top.  Place the top in some fresh water and some sunlight until it grows roots and then plant in your garden or a flower pot to transplant later.  Enjoy the fruit and enjoy watching your new pineapple tree grow!





    Read more of our great posts about healing fruits!


    Best Smoothie To Start The Day!



    More Reasons To Eat Fruit!



    The Sour Sop Can Kill Cancer



    10 Health Benefits From Pomegranates


    Sprouts are a miracle food: The Facts

    Sprouts are a miracle food. 

    Sprouting is the process of germinating various kinds of seeds to be eaten raw or cooked, raw sprouts being the most nutritious.  The great benefit is they can be germinated indoors at anytime of the year.  When seeds are soaked and sprouted, they turn into a nutritional powerhouse.  There are numerous nutritional benefits as well as many ways to use your homegrown sprouts!

    The Facts about Sprouts

    • The nutritional content of sprouts is many times greater than the original food value of the seeds and beans from which they sprout.
    • Pound for pound, a salad made from a variety of sprouts, compared with the traditional lettuce salad, would cost less than half as much yet provide five times as much protein, six times as much Vitamin C and seven times as much of the B Complex Vitamins.
    • Whole dried peas have no Vitamin C, yet when sprouted for 48 hours, provide more Vitamin C (ounce per ounce) than fresh oranges.
    • Sprouts save food preparation time since they require no cleaning, peeling or chopping, and can be cooked (if desired) in a mere fraction of the time required for most foods.
    • Sprouts have the highest concentration of nutrition per calorie of any food.
    • Broccoli sprouts carry potent anti-cancer agents.
    • Sprouts are actually freshly germinated edible seeds such as beans, grains and nuts.
    • As a 'living' food, Sprouts continue to grow vitamins after being harvested.
    • Captain James Cook had his sailors eat sprouts, limes and lemons for their Vitamin C content to aid in curing scurvy.
    • During WW11 when the United States was concerned about a possible meat shortage, the scientific community advised the government that the consumption of germinated seeds was the best and the cheapest alternative to proteins in meat.
    • Sprouts contain an abundance of highly active anti-oxidants that prevent DNA destruction and protect us from the ongoing effects of aging.
    • The most powerful enzyme-rich foods are sprouted seeds, grains and legumes. Sprouting increases their enzyme content as much as 43 times more than non-sprouted foods. The enzymes in Sprouts help our body digest the nutrients in our food and boost the life-giving activity in our body.
    • Sprouts save food preparation time since they require no cleaning, peeling or chopping, and can be cooked (if desired) in a mere fraction of the time required for most foods.

    GROW THEM YOURSELF!


    • Select a Sprouting vessel.  Many different types can be used but one simple vessel is a glass jar with a piece of cloth secured over its rim. There are tiered clear plastic sprouters available allowing you a number of seeds, beans, and nuts to be sprouting at the same time. Whatever vessel you choose, water must be allowed to drain from it because sprouts that sit in water rot quickly.
    • The seeds, beans or nuts are moistened with clean water 2 times per day
    • Each seed, bean or nut has its own ideal sprouting time but usually after 3-5 days they are ready to eat!
    • If left longer, they will develop leaves and turn into bay greens which are also edible and nutritious. 
    • Sprout growth can be slowed or halted by refrigeration.



    The Five Rules of Sprouting 

    1. Rinse often.         
    2. Keep them moist, not wet.         
    3. Keep them at room temperature.         
    4. Give them plenty of room to breathe.         
    5. Don't put too many in any one container. 

    Eating and growing sprouts is a great way to have fun with nature and eating them provides huge amounts of raw energy for your system. Enjoy as many as you can!!


    With Gratitude,
    Alex is a renowned speaker, (R)evolutionary teacher and world traveller, 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. 

    A dozen reasons to eat Brussels sprouts

    Ok, not the most popular veggies among children but they could be nature's health insurance if you include these strange looking greens in your diet.

    Brussels sprouts have been cultivated for food since the 16th century.  Cultivation in the U.S. began in the 8th century when French settlers brought them to Louisiana.  Like broccoli, they contain a chemical called sulforaphane which is believed to have strong anti cancer properties.  Brussels sprouts also contain indole-3-carbinol, a substance that helps repair DNA in the cells and appears to block the growth of cancer cells.  The best way to prepare Brussels sprouts in order to maintain the potent nutritive and healing value is to steam or stir fry rather than boiling. 



    Check out some of our other recent posts:


    Instant Cure For Hiccups






    Disclaimer:

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

    Below are our most recent posts on facebook