Natural Health Ezine » Natural Solutions

Oregano Oil Health Benefits

NHE — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:53:03 +0000

Oregano is a very popular spice that has been used for hundreds of years. This spice is mixed into a variety of foods to add a little extra flavor to a dish. Not only is this spice used in foods, but certain parts of the oregano plant can be made into an oil. The wild oregano plant species grows in mountain regions that are remote and have no pollution. The oil from the wild oregano plant is extracted from the leaves of the plant. The leaves of this plant have a high amount of oil, and once the oil is extracted, it’s developed into a product called oil of oregano. Oregano oil provides many different benefits to a person’s health. Oregano oil health benefits range from being able to help people suffering from digestive problems, to treating athlete’s foot.

Helps With Skin Infections

Oil of oregano works well on skin infections. Along with treating athlete’s foots, oil of oregano helps treat other internal and external fungal infections. It destroys every type of yeast and fungi, no matter where it’s located in or on the body. Oil of oregano also stops the growth of parasites and bacteria. It has been known to neutralize protozoans, worms, and amoebas. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can be relieved by using oil of oregano. Other skin problems that this oil can help with include diaper rash, dandruff, venomous bites from bees and other insects, and other skin disorders. It is OK to use oregano oil directly on the skin, as long as it’s diluted with water. It can also be diluted with coconut oil or olive oil. The ratio is normally one drop of oregano oil to every teaspoon of coconut oil or olive oil.

Helps With Digestive Problems

Oregano oil has high concentrations of carvacrol and thymol. These two substances have been known to help with an upset stomach and help with digestion. Mild indigestion can be remedied by putting two or three drops of this oil into a glass of milk. Oregano oil is also helpful in reducing the risk of food poisoning. When combined with eggs, meat, salad, or milk, the oil can stop food poisoning microbes from growing. Other intestinal issues that oregano oil can help with include intestinal gas and diarrhea.

Helps With Colds, Sore Throats, And Sinus Congestion

Oregano oil health benefits also include helping to defend against the common cold and sore throats. If you feel like you’re getting a cold, or if your throat is a little scratchy, adding three drops of oil of oregano to a glass of orange juice, can have symptoms clearing up in no time. This mixture is also a good remedy for sinus congestion. It’s safe to drink the orange juice and oregano oil three to five times a day.

Oil of oregano is densely packed with minerals. The minerals in oregano oil include the following

Magnesium
Calcium
Iron
Zinc
Copper
Potassium
Boron
Manganese

There are also quite a few vitamins in oil of oregano including the following.

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Niacin

Oregano oil health benefits are plentiful. This oil is a great addition to anyone’s diet, and it’s easy to incorporate. You can add the oregano oil to hot tea to make a nice soothing drink. There are a few words of caution, however. If you’re allergic to mint, basil, thyme, or sage, you might get an adverse reaction to this oil. If you use this oil on the skin and end up with a rash as a result, stop using it and consult your doctor. It also might reduce your body’s iron absorption ability, therefore pregnant women are urged not to use it regularly. Other than these issues, oregano oil can provide you with many health benefits.

Coriander – A Green Leaf Full of Life

Guest Author — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:54:44 +0000

Author Bio: Cathryn Johnson is a content writer for Medical Coding Certification who gives advice on the pursuit of education and living a healthy life. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors, performance arts and a good book.

I have recently been taking East Indian cooking lessons from my best friend’s mom. As we cook together, she often chats away regarding the multitude of health benefits the various spices we use possess. At first, I didn’t think much of her free commentary. But one evening, I decided to do some research of my own. I was amazed to discover that the colorful spices that I thought simply added to the taste, texture and aroma of Indian food,in fact provide quite a health punch.

What is Coriander?

One of my favorite Indian spices is coriander. I love coriander for its earthy aroma, which is a mixture of citrus and sage. Coriander can be found in seed or powder form, or as leaves, more commonly referred to as cilantro or Indian dhania. The fruit of the coriander plant contains two seeds which, when dried, are the used as the dried spice. The leaves of the plant are also used in cooking.

Coriander is one of the world’s oldest spices. Its use can be traced back to 5,000 BC. Although coriander originated in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions its has been widely used in Asian countries for thousands of years. The
ancient Egyptians cultivated coriander and it was even mentioned in the Old Testament. Hippocrates, along with many other early physicians, used coriander for its medicinal properties. Both the Greek and Romans used coriander to
preserve meats and flavor breads. In fact, the name coriander comes from the Greek word koris, which means bug. Perhaps this name has to do with the way the seeds look, or maybe because of the “buggy” offensive smell it emits when
unripe.

What are the benefits of Coriander?

Coriander is slowly developing quite a reputation for its healing properties. In certain parts of Europe, coriander is known as an “anti-diabetic” plant. Studies show that when this spice was added to the diet of diabetic mice, it helped
stimulate their secretion of insulin and lowered their blood sugar. Coriander has a stimulating effect on the endocrine glands, which results in an increase in secretion of insulin from the pancreas, which in turn increases the insulin level in
the blood. This helps with proper assimilation and absorption of sugar. And the end result is a fall in the sugar level in the blood, thus proving beneficial in the fight against diabetes.

In India, coriander’s anti-inflammatory properties are touted. Coriander contains, cineole, one of the 11 components of the essential oils, and linoleic acid, which both possess anti rheumatic and anti-arthritic properties. Thus, coriander is
beneficial for reducing arthritic swelling. Coriander also helps excretion of extra water from the body, this helping reduce swelling due to malfunctioning of kidney or anemia.

In the United States, recent studies show that coriander has cholesterol-lowering effects. In a study involving rats fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, coriander lowered total cholesterol levels. It also lowered LDL (the “bad” cholesterol),
while increasing levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol). It is believed that the acids present in coriander, which include linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin-C), are what help reduce the cholesterol
level in the blood. Coriander is also believed to help reduce the cholesterol deposition along the inner walls of the arteries and veins. As an added benefit, coriander provides a good source of dietary fiber, iron and magnesium.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to use coriander in its powdered or seeded form to enhance the flavors in your food, or in its leafy form as an edible garnishment, its health benefits make it a spice worth including in your spice rack. And if you are not
much of a cook, go out for Indian food, most dishes in restaurants are at least garnished with coriander leaves.

Photo by alex_lee2001

Health Benefits Of Hops

NHE — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:26:17 +0000

Hops are most commonly known for being an ingredient in beer. Hops are what gives beer its bitter taste. You might be surprised to learn that hops is not only used in beer. Hops have been an integral part of herbal healing, having some of its traditional uses supported by today’s modern science. The hop is a flower that grows in clusters. The flowers look like green cones and were first cultivated on a regular basis in the 8th or 9th century AD in Bavaria’s Bohemian gardens, as well as other parts of Europe. The hop plant is normally trained so they grow up strings in commercial fields known as hop gardens, hop fields, or hop yards.

What else is it in?

Along with being an ingredient in beer, hops are also found in other beverages, such as a carbonated drink called Julmust. This beverage is very much like soda and is a popular drink in Sweden. The oils and extracts found in the hops plant are used in a variety of different products. These oils and extracts are used to flavor candy, gelatin, and yeast. They’re also used in pudding, ice creams chewing gum, baked goods, and a variety of condiments.

What are the benefits?

There are quite a few health benefits of hops. A sedative chemical was found in the hops plant in 1983. For several decades before this discovery was made, scientists didn’t believe that hops could be taken as a sedative. There are small traces of this sedative chemical located in the fresh leaves of the plant. As the leaves dry and age, the concentration of the chemical increases. A sedative is different from a sleep aid, as a sedative is designed to relax you and not put you to sleep. Sedatives are used to relieve anxiety. Along with anxiety, hops are also good for cardiovascular disorders, hyperactivity, shock, ulcers, and toothaches.

Women who are going through menopause, might find that taking hops can be beneficial. German scientists have conducted research on hops, and have found that the plant contains hormones that are very similar to estrogen. Because of this discovery, hops might help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause. The same research also discovered hops may be able to alleviate pain from arthritis as well. There are anti-inflammatory properties found in the hops herb that can help arthritis patients.

A unique benefit of taking hops is its ability to treat dandruff. In extract form, hops can be rubbed into the scalp to help treat this issue. Shampoo your hair as you normally would, then apply the hops extract. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it out thoroughly with plain water. This can be a preventative treatment as well as a way to get rid of the problem.

Hops can have an effect on a person’s risk of getting cancer. Oregon State researchers extracted flavonoids from hops and tested it in the treatment for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer. The researchers found some evidence that suggests the flavonoids found in hops may cut a person’s risk of getting these types of cancers. These flavonoids also neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals destroy cells in the body, and promote early age signs such as wrinkles.

While there are some health benefits of hops, there are also some precautions when consuming the herb. Hops can lower blood sugar levels by a significant amount that could cause hypoglycemia in diabetics. Hops should never be given to young children, particularly children under two years old. The FDA has deemed hops as being safe for healthy women who are not pregnant or nursing, and adults who are not using another type of sedative. For older children and adults over the age of 65, a lower dose is recommended.

Taking too much of this herb can result in several issues including upset stomach, diarrhea, confusion, vomiting, and seizures. It’s best to consult with a doctor before experimenting with this herb, especially if you’re taking other medications. Because of the benefits of this herb, and the fact that hops is an ingredient in beer, does not give you a license to drink more beer. Use caution when drinking alcohol. It’s OK to drink a beer or two from time to time, just don’t go over board.

Photo by katrinket

Natural Remedies For Jet Lag

NHE — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 10:36:47 +0000

Traveling can be an exciting activity. You go to places you’ve never been to before, or you visit relatives you haven’t seen in a while. Whatever the reason for your trip, you don’t want to feel tired and sluggish during your time away. When you travel through many time zones, you might experience jet lag. Jet lag is when your internal clock is disrupted by changing time zones. The more time zones you cross, the more pronounced the jet lag will be. There are specific signs and symptoms of jet lag. These signs include:

Disorientation
Lack of concentration
Fuzzy headed feeling
Irritability
Fatigue
Dehydration
Uncomfortable feeling in the legs and feet
Disrupted sleep after arriving at your destination

It takes time to recover from jet lag. The estimation from NASA suggests that it takes one day for each time zone you pass through to recover your normal internal rhythm. So if you fly through five time zones, it will take five days for you to feel normal. Flying one or two times zones away isn’t usually a problem, and it shouldn’t effect your internal schedule too much, but any more than two, and you might feel the effects. There are a few natural remedies for jet lag. There are ways to prepare your body for your trip so the effects aren’t as severe as they could be.

Prepare Before Your Trip

If you know in advance that you have a trip coming up that is several time zones away, you can start to adjust your schedule before hand. Go to bed an hour earlier than you normally would (or later depending on which way you’re traveling). Take a natural sleep aid such as melatonin to help you get to sleep earlier. Make sure you set your alarm clock an hour earlier also, so you don’t sleep to your usual time. Keep setting the clock back an hour every day until you’re on the time zone of your destination.

Jet lag can also disrupt your eating patterns. Adjust your eating patterns just like you adjusted your sleep patterns a few days before your trip. Eat meals at times that correspond with your destination. High protein diets can help your body prepare for a long flight. If you’re sitting on an airplane for several hours without moving, the protein in your diet will help fight off fatigue.

During Your Trip

Get plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. The air on an airplane is recycled and very dry. This can quickly dehydrate you and leave you feeling fatigued. Drink water throughout your flight to keep your body alert and hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as soda, tea, and coffee. Alcohol should be avoided as well. Stick with water the whole way.

While you’re on the plane flying to your destination, set your watch for the new time zone. Once you do this, start thinking as if you’re in the time zone already. Don’t think about what time it is at home, concentrate on where you are now. When you arrive at your destination, get outside and into the sun as soon as possible. The sunlight will wake you up and give you a boost in energy.

If you begin to feel sleepy on the plane, get up and move around. Be sure it’s safe to do so. Stand up, stretch your legs, and walk up and down the aisle to get your blood flowing. The longer you sit still, the more tired your body will feel. If you get up and stretch from time to time, you’ll stay alert and won’t be tempted to nap.

When you land, stay active. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Keep your legs moving, this will help you stay alert and will not have you dwelling on how tired you may be feeling. Stay active until it’s time to get to bed in the new time zone. Again, set your alarm so you don’t over sleep.

If you’ve got a trip coming up, and your destination is in a time zone far from where you live, keep these ideas in mind. The natural remedies for jet lag listed above can help you adjust and have you spending more time having fun with relatives or enjoying new travel sites. Bring along some natural sleep aids, like melatonin, in case you find yourself still having a hard time falling asleep.

What are your tips to help or avoid jet lag?

Photo by Olastuen

Tulsi Health Benefits

NHE — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:14:25 +0000

There’s an herb that is not well known yet to the Western world, but it’s becoming more popular. It’s bound to gain more recognition the more we get to know the health benefits of the herb. It’s called Tulsi, or Holy Basil. Tulsi has been around for thousands of years and is highly honored in India for its amazing healing properties. Tulsi health benefits provide more than just healing abilities. Health benefits such as boosting the immune system, enhancing stamina, and promoting a healthy metabolism can prevent sickness from occurring. Tulsi health benefits are vast. Let’s take a look at just a few of the advantages it provides.

The healing power of Tulsi is astounding. Chewing the leaves can clear out phlegm and mucus from bronchial tubes. The leaves of Tulsi are an expectorant, meaning it helps to eliminate the mucus that builds up in the lungs. This makes it a great herb for anyone suffering from a slight cough, bronchitis, or a chest cold.

The leaves of Tulsi can also strengthen the stomach and can enhance digestion. Tulsi can aid in the healing of the common cold, sore throats, and fever. Drinking Tulsi tea in a liter of boiling water can help reduce a temperature. The juice that is found in the herb’s leaves is what makes the fever reduction possible.

Tulsi can be useful in treating other respiratory ailments, such as asthma and influenza. A mixture of Tulsi leaves, ginger, and honey can be an effective treatment for these issues. And a mixture of Tulsi leaves, table salt, and cloves can give fast relief to the flu.

The Holy Basil helps to strengthen the kidneys. Kidney stones may be passed quicker by drinking the juice found in the leaves of Tulsi mixed with honey. Tulsi is a mild diuretic and a detoxifier and can help reduce levels of uric acid concentration within the blood. The main cause of kidney stones is a build up of this uric acid. Since Tulsi is a mild diuretic, it can help to pass the stone quicker than normal.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C and eugenol, are found in Tulsi and protects the heart from free radical damage. The herb also helps with lowering cholesterol levels. Stress can also cause issues with the heart. Stress can increase blood pressure, which can put strain on the heart. Drinking Tulsi tea can help sooth raw nerves and help to lower stress levels. Blood pressure can be lowered by drinking tea with this herb.

Tulsi can keep teeth strong and healthy. If you dry the herb’s leaves in the sun, then mash them into a powder form, it can be used to brush your teeth. Just add a little water to the powder and it turns into a sort of paste. Instead of adding water, you can also add mustard oil and create a paste with that. This herbal toothpaste can maintain your teeth, help to alleviate bad breath, and can be used to massage the gums to prevent gingivitis. It can also be used to help teeth disorders such as pyorrhea.

Sore eyes and night blindness can be remedied by Tulsi. These eye disorders are caused by a lack of vitamin A. Placing two drops of the juice from the leaves into each eye can help alleviate these issues. Or you can fill a bowl with water and let the leaves soak in it for a while. Wash your eyes out with this water and it should reduce the soreness. Drinking Tulsi tea regularly can protect the eyes from free radical damage, and can reduce your chance of getting glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, vision defects, and opthalmia.

These are just a handful of Tulsi health benefits. Other advantages include the following:

Quicker wound healing after surgery
Protects against infection
Acts as a vaccine against pox
Anti-carcinogenic to help fight against cancer and tumors
Reduces labor pains
Destroys rabies germs
Treats cholera
Treats gastroenteritis
Treats whooping cough
Treats measles
Treats mumps
Treats urinary and genital infections

The list just keeps going. This is definitely one herb to be on the lookout for. The health benefits are seemingly endless.

Photo by Leepak

Does Tea Tree Oil Help Kill Mold?

NHE — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:48:41 +0000

Mold is not only an unsightly blemish in your home, it’s also dangerous to your health. Every type of mold can potentially cause health problems. Mold produces allergens that may trigger allergic reactions. They can even set off an asthma attack in people who are allergic to mold. Certain types of molds can produce strong irritants and toxins. People who are exposed to large amounts of indoor mold can experience a myriad of symptoms. These symptoms include the following:

Breathing difficulties
Asthma
Allergies
Cancer
Chronic colds or recurring colds
Problems with the central nervous system
Chronic coughing
Skin rashes
Coughing up blood
Chronic dandruff
Diarrhea
Skin rashes
Dermatitis
Headaches
Kidney failure
Loss of memory

There are many more issues that mold can cause. The list of symptoms is ongoing, but you get the idea. Mold is hazardous to your health. When you get mold in your home, you want to get rid of is as soon as possible. When you first notice mold in your home, find out where it’s coming from. Mold can gather if there’s a water leak nearby, or in a damp place such as the shower area. Make sure to always hang towels up after a shower instead of just tossing them on the floor or in the hamper. If you let them hang dry before you put them in the hamper, mold will have a harder time of accumulating. If you have a leak that is causing the mold issue, fix that leak as soon as you can.

How To Kill Mold

There are many products on the market that can kill mold, but they can contain harmful ingredients. Bleach is said to kill mold, but I know for me, bleach irritates my throat and nose quite a bit, especially in copious amounts. There might be a solution to this problem. Tea tree oil is said to be able to kill mold. Tea tree oil is a clear, or almost clear, hydrophobic essential oil. This oil is extracted from the leaves of the Australian native Melaleuca akternifolia plant. The question is though, can tea tree oil help kill mold?

The answer is yes! Tea tree oil is a natural mold killer. This oil is a natural fungicide, germicide, and it kills bacteria. It is a bit costly, but a little of this oil goes a long way. You’ll only be using a few drops at a time, but the mold will be gone. Tea tree oil works on a variety of surfaces that mold can be found. Such as ceilings, rugs, furniture, or shower tiles and curtains. The scent from tea tree oil is a bit strong, but the odor will go away after a few days.

Tea Tree Oil Recipe

To make a tea tree oil mold spray all you need to do is put two cups of water into a spray bottle and add one to two drops of tea tree oil. Close the bottle and give the it a few good shakes so it all mixes together thoroughly. Spray the moldy area completely with the mixture, and let it sit for few hours. If the area is really saturated with mold, let the spray sit over night. Then wipe the solution off with a clean damp rag. If you let the solution sit over night, it will become dry. Once you wipe the area clean with a damp rag, the mold should come off easily. If you have multiple areas with mold, you can always make more of the solution. Just add one drop of the oil for every cup you use.

Many people have had success using this oil on mold. You can avoid the harsh chemicals of traditional mold cleaners by making your own with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil does have a strong odor, but it should not cause side effects like headache or irritation of the nose and throat like bleach can. If the mold issue in your home is severe, don’t hesitate to call in a specialist. Traditional mold cleaners and this tea tree oil is fine for small mold problems, but for larger issues, get help from a professional. Mold is not something to be treated lightly.

Photo by Shaylor

Natural Burn Remedies

NHE — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:10:50 +0000

When you hear the word burn, what does your mind think of? Sunburn? Burns from touching hot objects? Those are the most common ways to get a burn. Summer is here and many people are flocking to the beaches to enjoy the warm weather. Sometimes, it takes a while for a sun burn to make itself present. A person might not feel the sunburn until a few hours after they’ve gotten out of the sun. By then, they’ll feel the heat and the tightness of their skin and then realize they have gotten a sun burn.

Not all burns happen because of the sun though. Burns happen when the skin comes into contact with anything hot. You might grab a pot or pan from the stove and not realize how hot the handle is until it’s too late. Hot grease and even boiling water can burn skin if you spill it on yourself.

Three degrees of burns

First degree burns are mild and will only cause the skin to turn a light shade of red. It may be a bit painful, and can take anywhere from three to six days before it heals.
Second degree burns are a bit worse. Not only can second degree burns turn the skin red, they can also cause blisters, swelling, and the skin can start peeling.
The worst of the burns is the third degree burn. These are quite serious, as they can actually cause the skin to char. Third degree burns can cause damage to the nerves, and burn the skin well below the top layer.

How To Treat Burns

If you’ve got a first or second degree burn, you’ll be able to treat them yourself. However, if you get a third degree burn, get to the doctor or the hospital right away. There are many ways to treat first and second degree burns at home. These natural burn remedies are easy and inexpensive. When you first get burned, or when you first realize you’ve gotten a sun burn, it’s best to lower the temperature of the burnt skin. Cool compresses, a cool bath, or a milk bath (mixture of milk and water) can do this. Leave the cool compress or stay in the cool bath for about 15 to 30 minutes and it should relieve some of the pain and discomfort. You don’t want to get the compress or water too cold, as this can actually make the discomfort of the burn worse.

A great household item that can relieve burns is honey. First wash the burn area with cool water and soap, then apply the honey to the burn. Honey is good to use on burns that have caused blisters, because when a blister pops, there’s a slight chance that it can get infected. The honey will stop any infections and will also help the wound to heal. Another food item that helps with second degree burns is papaya. Certain enzymes are present in the papaya that remove dead cells from the wounded area.

One of the more common natural burn remedies is Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is an ingredient found in many body lotions on the market today. Aloe Vera is very soothing on the burnt skin and can promote healing. Fresh aloe Vera in combination with vitamin E makes for faster healing. You can cut some fresh leaves from an aloe Vera plant and apply it to the burnt skin. When the area begins to heal break open a vitamin E capsule and apply the liquid to the area. This combination will prevent the wound from scarring.

The healing process of a burn may be sped up by what you eat. A high protein and high calorie diet may help the burn to heal faster. When the skin is burned, this causes a loss in micro nutrients the body needs, such as zinc, copper, and selenium. When these micro nutrients are lower than they should be, the risk of infection is greater. Other vitamins that are important in the healing process are vitamin C, vitamin B complex, arginine, and glutamine.

Additional natural burn remedies include the following:

St. John’s Wort
Mint
Calendula
Witch Hazel
Mustard
Egg whites
Eating citrus fruits
Eating broccoli
Eating potatoes

Burns are never fun to get, but they do happen from time to time. Whether you get burned from the sun, from grabbing a very hot item, or spilling hot liquids on yourself, the natural remedies above may help relieve some of the pain and discomfort. Remember to always apply sunscreen when you go outside. And if you get a severe third degree burn, seek medical attention immediately.

Photo by DarlingSnail

Health Benefits Of Irish Moss

NHE — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:32:28 +0000

Among the many foods that are considered to be super foods, Irish moss is a lesser known item. Irish moss is a species of seaweed, that grows in massive amounts in the rocky parts of the Atlantic coasts of America and Europe. It also is found in parts of the Pacific. It gets it’s name because it’s most abundant near Ireland. When it’s fresh, Irish moss is soft and varies in color. It can be greenish-yellow, red, dark purple, or purplish-brown. This seaweed is used in foods such as jellies and gelatin. The gelatin can go into ice creams, drinks, and other deserts. Irish moss is also used in cosmetics. It is often the key ingredient of body lotion. Irish moss can be made into the form of an extract for easier consumption. There are many health benefits of Irish moss.

Irish moss is great for the skin. When it comes into contact with rough and dry skin, Irish moss can help to rehydrate it, and leave the skin feeling silky and smooth. Irish moss is effective on a number of severe skin disorders, including eczema, psoriasis, bad sunburns, and rashes. This amazing seaweed is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D, all of which play a role in nourishing the skin to make it healthy. Applying Irish moss to the skin, can help to enhance the natural moisture barrier of the skin. At the same time, it helps to block out harmful elements that can damage the skin.

Over time, the skin loses it’s elasticity. Irish moss contains vitamin K, which has been associated with keeping the skin’s elasticity intact. It can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and can diminish dark circles and bags under the eyes.

Irish moss not only helps the skin, it can help on the inside of the body as well. The seaweed can help protect against arteriosclerosis, hyper tension, and fat buildup. It can also help prevent the buildup of cholesterol, and protect against obesity. It helps to increase metabolism which can lead to the ability to burn off fat quicker. By helping to prevent these problems, Irish moss can help lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Irish moss is an expectorant, meaning it can break up mucus and help clear out the lungs of any phlegm that builds up with a common cold. Because of the expectorant qualities, Irish moss helps to prevent a common cold from turning into pneumonia. Irish moss can treat other respiratory problems such as bronchitis.

Irish moss has been found to be very helpful with the recovery of radiation poisoning and cancer. This is due to the plant’s high iodine content. Iodine is difficult to come by, and is found mainly in table salt. People don’t get as much iodine in their diets as they should, so Irish moss is beneficial for that purpose alone. Along with iodine, Irish moss also contains calcium, sulfur, potassium, and vitamin E.

Other issues that Irish moss can help with include the following.

Varicose veins
Halitosis (bad breath)
Dysentery
Inflammation
Problems with the urinary system
Duodenal and peptic ulcers
Strengthens connective tissues
Strengthens hair, skin, and nail
Swollen joints
Thyroid conditions
Glandular problems
Tuberculosis
Influenza
Mumps viruses

The health benefits of Irish moss are plentiful, both for the outside of the body, as well as the inside. This seaweed can help you live a longer life by preventing diseases and warding off illnesses. It can also help you look and feel younger. Irish moss is easy to add into your diet. You can mix a little into your morning or afternoon smoothie and start reaping the rewards.

Photo by beautifulcataya

The Many Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

NHE — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:59:25 +0000

This is a guest article from Nick Lewis.

Apple cider vinegar is one of those innocuous products that may be sitting in your cupboard gathering dust, despite containing a myriad of health uses and benefits. Yes, it can be used as a salad dressing or in a pickle sauce but it has also been touted as a folk remedy for nearly everything you can think of for decades at least.

In keeping with the current vogue for organic produce, it is more likely sold as organic apple cider vinegar and one would be advised to stick to these, as many apple cider vinegar products contain other ingredients that may actually diminish the health benefits to be garnered from using pure apple cider vinegar.

Among the many health uses its supporters lay claim to, apple cider vinegar is said to help with muscle cramps, hair loss, colds, flus, sinus congestion, dermatitis and weight loss. Various less verifiable claims have been made on its behalf over the years, and apple cider vinegar has been sold as a genuine ‘cure-all’ by more unscrupulous sellers for serious conditions.

It would be a shame if organic apple cider vinegar was tarnished by these salesmen as recent scientific research has verified many of the more sensible claims for the benefits of taking apple cider vinegar, and has thrown up some interesting, and perhaps unexpected benefits.

Apple cider vinegar first rose to prominence as a weight loss aid in the 1970s, but a recent study showed that taking apple cider vinegar before a meal can increase satiety levels, meaning that participants felt more satisfied following a meal, which could combat tendencies to over-eat, lending credence to this claim.

Another recent study has shown that organic apple cider vinegar can lower post-meal glucose spikes which may contribute to weight loss, but is perhaps more interesting for diabetics who may also benefits from taking apple cider vinegar before bed to lower morning glucose levels.

Organic apple cider vinegar is also touted by proponents of the alkaline/acid balance theory as a way of alkalinising the blood, thus contributing to overall general health. Supporters of this theory claim that an acidic blood PH level can lead to all sorts of negative health effects ranging from anxiety to sluggishness. Coupled with evidence that apple cider vinegar can help lower blood pressure and strong anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties and its use as a daily tonic seems sensible.

One word of warning though: pure apple cider vinegar is very strong, so it is advisable to dilute it before imbibing as it can lead to throat damage otherwise. Typically the advice is to mix 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a full glass of water for a simple tonic, although there are many different recipes for apple cider vinegar drinks out there. Hippocrates himself is said to have prescribed apple cider vinegar with honey for many illnesses.

9 Health Foods With Benefits Of The Fountain Of Youth

Linda — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:31:38 +0000

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The concept of the Fountain of Youth dates back hundreds of years. Although it’s only a legend, the simple truth is humans have always been interested in preserving their youth. From exercising to avoiding excessive sunlight to taking anti-aging supplements, almost everyone is doing something to stay young, but most people overlook one of the most effective tools for slowing the aging process: food.

The foods we eat absolutely affect how we look and the way our body functions. By eating the right foods, you can look better, feel younger, and have a stronger, healthier mind. What are the best foods for keeping you young? Read on to find out.

Cocoa—Did you know that cocoa powder has almost twice the amount of antioxidants as red wine? It also has nearly three times the amount found in green tea. These antioxidants offer numerous anti-aging benefits, helping to prevent many diseases and keeping your mind sharp. To get the most benefits from chocolate, you should eat dark chocolate as milk chocolate has fewer of these antioxidants.
Almonds—The Food and Drug Administration has released studies suggesting daily consumption of almonds could reduce the risk of heart disease. But that’s not all. Almonds also have healthy fatty acids that can help your nails stay strong and look their best. The result? You stay healthier, and the antioxidants and healthy fats keep you feeling and looking your best.
Olive oil—It seems like every day you hear about more benefits associated with olive oil. Olive oil contains heart-healthy fats that can help prevent diseases and keep you feeling your very best. Some scientists even claim olive oil can help prevent cancer. This antioxidant-rich compound is also a feature ingredient in many beauty products as it helps to keep you looking young.
Yogurt—Yogurt offers a wide range of health benefits, but perhaps the most important benefit is that it strengthens your immune system. A strong immune system means fewer illnesses and just less wear and tear on your body. The calcium in yogurt can also help keep you strong, further working to preserve your youth.
Cranberries—The cranberry is pretty remarkable. These little berries are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids have been found to have various anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, meaning they can basically help you stay healthier and stronger. Cranberries are also jam-packed with antioxidants, fighting off damage done to the body by free radicals and pollutants we’re exposed to every day. Cranberry extract is a popular ingredient in skin renewal products.
Fish—There’s a reason fish oil supplements have become so popular. Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which work to clear out your arteries, improve heart health, and even improve brain function. The best fish varieties are wild salmon, tilapia, mahi mahi, and whitefish. Try to keep fish as a part of your regular diet so you can ward off heart disease and preserve your youth.
Soybeans—Soybeans have numerous heart-healthy fasts, proteins, and fibers that can keep your heart and mind performing at optimal levels. Soybeans have been said to help diabetes, aid in growth in development, prevent mental fatigue, energize the brain, and fight cholesterol. But be sure to buy non-GMO soybeans.
Blueberries—Blueberries have extraordinarily high antioxidant levels. It’s pretty difficult to find any other food that can match it. The antioxidants in blueberries work to destroy free radicals. What are free radicals? These are the substances many believe cause aging in the body. Evidence seems to suggest that an antioxidant-rich diet can slow the aging process, and with the high levels of antioxidants in blueberries, you could get the maximum anti-aging benefits.
Grapes—Grapes provide a comprehensive range of health benefits. They have polyphenols, which can be helpful in preventing cancer and heart disease. Grapes are also rich in antioxidants, so you’ll enjoy the anti-aging benefits every time you consume grapes or grape juice. Some studies have even found that grapes can prevent skin cancer, keeping your skill cells healthy and smooth.

The key to getting the most of these foods is to enjoy them regularly with a sensible diet. If you eat these alongside foods that are bad for you, you’ll never get the full results you hope for. You should also exercise regularly to further protect yourself against aging.

How many of these 9 foods are a regular part of your diet? What other foods do you think help with preserving youth?

Photo by J.C. Rojas