Benefits

• Cumin is high in Iron, which helps transport oxygen from the lungs to all cells in the body. Iron also helps with the metabolism and energy production.

• Cumin extract reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and pancreatic inflammatory markers, according to a study done in 2002.

• Cumin increases the body’s ability to fight infections, since it is high in vitamins A and C.

• Anti-Cancer properties have been found in Cumin.

• Cumin has high concentrations of antioxidants, which is an anti-aging nutrient. Antioxidants help protect against diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, heart disease – to name a few.

• Cumin may help stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, which benefits the digestive system and improves the absorption of nutrients throughout the body.

• Cumin is an anti-congestive, which may help with those who suffer from bronchitis or asthma.

• Specifically for new Mothers who are nursing, Cumin has been shown to be helpful in increasing milk supply. Note: It is more beneficial (for nursing) if taken with raw honey.

Intake

Dried – Cumin seeds can be eaten whole or ground (powder) in recipes. They are quite potent, so you don’t need to use a lot in a recipe.

Extract – Cumin’s essential oil can be used orally or externally.

Precautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor first.

If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid using the oil externally since it could cause a bad reaction to your skin.

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There as a man by the name of Robert Stickle that was diagnosed with having a malignant melanoma. Surgery was unsuccessful, and he was given only two years left to live. In June 1986, he wrote the following letter to the president of the Society for the Promotion of Dandelions:

” I went on a search for the answer to my mortal problem, and [discovered] that perhaps it was a nutritional dilemma…. To me, cancer is primarily a liver failure manifestation. {Italians are very concerned about problems of the ‘fegato’]. [I discovered that] the cancer rate in native Italians is very low among the farming population (paesanos). When they get affluent and move to the city, its the same as the rest of civilized man. Paesanos eat dandelions, make brew from the roots, and are healthy, often living to over 100 years.”

Robert said that he began eating dandelions every day. It’s interesting to know that the letter was written 18 years after the grim diagnoses from his doctors. Robert’s improvement astonished his doctors, since there had been no recurrence of his melanoma.

It’s amazing what a simple plant can do to heal the body.

Benefits

• Stimulates bile, which helps digest fats, relieve constipation, prevent gallstones, and even alleviates a hangover.

• Contains fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. With that said, all of this helps against diabetes.

• Improves brain function and may help improve memory, since dandelion is rich in choline and lecithin. These nutrients may even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

• Have a wart? The white milky substance that comes out of the leaves and stems of the dandelion can be applied to your wart to help remove it. Apply daily for just one week.

• Known to help promote weight loss. Controlled studies (on mice) showed that they lost up to 30% of their body weight in 30 days when given dandelion extract with their food. Those eating grass lost much less weight. I just thought that this was an interesting study you might want to know about.

• Disinfection properties can help fight against bacterial infections, pneumonia,  yeast infections, and bronchitis.

• May help reduce blood sugar levels, which is positive news for diabetics.

• Dandelion is considered a diuretic, which means it rids the body of water. This can be a good thing in the sense that it helps the body get rid of certain infections, such as urinary tract (bladder) infections. Just make sure you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• Anti-Inflammatory properties shown, which can help with those who have arthritis.

Intake

Fresh – You can eat fresh dandelion leaves, such as in a salad or on a sandwich. The older dandelion leaves are a little bitter, so you might want to try the young leaves for better taste.

Dried – You can buy (or make your own) dandelion tea, which can be made from either the leaves or the root of the dandelion.

Pill – You can buy dandelion herb in a pill form. Just follow the instructions on the manufacture’s label.

Precautions

Since dandelion is a diuretic, long term use could affect the amount of potassium that is in your body. Make sure that you drink plenty of water and eat foods high in potassium. According to research (Hobbs 1985), they have found that eating dandelions are completely safe to consume on a regular basis.

As far as I am aware, this herb is safe for consumption, even if you are pregnant or nursing. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with contacting an herbalist if you have any questions.

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Image Credits: Your Cup of Tea; Dandelion

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The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease. – Thomas Edison

The more I think about it, the more I realize that the common medicine used today is not “Traditional” by any means. I urge you to study and understand the importance of natural medicine, the only “traditional” medicine that allows your body to heal without harmful side effects. The more I study nutrition, the more I realize that you can heal your body with herbs, spices, and the healthy whole foods you can choose to eat.

What is your favorite natural remedy?

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1. Turmeric

Benefits

• May increase metabolism and aide in fat loss or weight management

• Naturally detoxifies the liver, which helps boost liver function

• The active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin. A study in 2009 showed that the combination of curcumin and vitamin D helped the immune system to clear the brain of amyloid beta, which is a substance that forms the brain plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

• Natural Antiseptic and Antibacterial agent.

• A study done in 1992 has showed that Turmeric may be able to help reduce cholesterol level and fight atherosclerosis (which is when the artery wall thickens).

• Natural pain killer

• May help prevent Melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.

• Natural anti-inflammatory that works just as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs on the market – with less or no the side effects. Because of this, it can be used as a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

• Early studies show promise that Turmeric can help slow the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Intake

Dried – You can find Turmeric in a dried powder form to use in a variety of recipes. I typically find this spice used in Indian dishes, but you can be creative and use this however you want! Test it out, and have some fun!

If you prefer, you can usually find Turmeric in a pill at your local health food store. Just follow the suggestions on the bottle for use.

Precautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor first (by the way – I am pretty sure every spice and herb says this!).

Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction.

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Image Credit: FotoosVanRobin on Flickr®

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What is Maca Root?

Maca Root is a South American herb that is considered to be a powerful superfood. Maca is an adaptogenic herb, which means it aids in restoring the body’s normal homeostatic functions. Maca is used to increase energy, boost libido, increase stamina, stimulates blood circulation,  and even helps with hormonal balance in young women. Maca Root has been known to promote reproductive health in both men and women.

How Maca helps with Fertility

There’s no denying that Maca Root helps both men and women with fertility, which is why I might suggest that both spouses take Maca Root.

Maca Root helps with increasing a man’s libido, regulating estrogen levels, which ultimately increases healthy sperm production. All very good things for fertility.

For women, it’s important to have optimal estrogen levels. If estrogen levels are too low or too high, it can prevent a woman from becoming pregnant or remain pregnant until full term. Maca Root helps regulate the estrogen levels in a woman’s body, helping a women become pregnant.

How soon can Maca Root work? Many see positive results in the first few weeks of taking it. I found a Maca Root fertility “success story” which really tells you how beneficial this herb is with fertility: “How Maca Root Got Me Pregnant”.

In addition this that women’s story, I have personally known couple’s who have tried to get pregnant but couldn’t. Once the women started taking Maca Root, within a month or two, she was pregnant!

It seems so simple, right? That’s actually a reason why many won’t take Maca Root! It just seems too simple. I believe that herbs are on this earth for a reason, and they are here to benefit and heal our body! If you and your spouse are trying to get pregnant, you have nothing to lose by trying Maca Root.

How to Use Maca Root

You can use Maca in a powdered concentrate form, which can be mixed with flour for baking or blended in with smoothies or shakes. If you prefer not to mix it in with your meals, you can also try taking Maca Root in capsule form.

I found Organic Maca Root Powder at my local health food store, but if you can’t find it locally, you can easily buy the product online.

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3. Tarragon

Benefits

• High in vitamin A, calcium, iron, and manganese

•Treats stomach cramps

•Increases appetite to help treat anorexia

•Helps aide digestion

•You can chew tarragon leaves to stop hiccups

•Helps reduce body oder

•Can be used to help with insomnia (tea)

Intake

Dried – Used for culinary purposes and teas.

Essential Oil – When tarragon is in an oil form, there is eugenol in the herb that has been used in dentistry as a local anesthetic and antiseptic for toothache complaints.

Precautions

Some people may have a slight risk of having an allergic reaction to tarragon. When tarragon is used as an essential oil, it can be poisonous and should not be used by small children or pregnant women.

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1. Maca: Natural Solution to Infertility

Benefits

•Increases the Metabolism

• According to research done by Dr. John Christopher (natural herbalist), Cayenne Pepper can be used to stop a Heart Attack within 30 seconds of use, by drinking warm water with 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

• Lowers Blood Pressure

•Kills cancer cells in the pancreas, prostate, and lungs.

•Heals Stomach Ulcers

•Boosts Circulation

•Cleans arteries and lowers cholesterol

•Contains antifungal properties

Intake

Powder – This is the most common form of Cayenne Pepper, and easily found in the spices isle. This is an easy way to add Cayenne Pepper to your meals.

Dried Flakes – Another form to add to your meals.

Whole (Fresh or Dried) – You won’t want to eat a Cayenne Pepper whole since it is very hot. Mostly you will cut up the Cayenne Pepper and add as needed to your recipes, culinary or medicinal.

Precautions

If you don’t like hot foods this might not be the spice to season your foods with, but you might want to add small amounts to your diet to benefit from everything Cayenne Pepper has to offer.

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If you would like to experience the full health benefits of Peppermint, be sure to avoid the Peppermint Candies that are just full of sugar. Sadly, the sugar defeats the purpose of the Peppermint. Good thing there is plenty of ways to enjoy the health benefits of Peppermint without the unnecessary sugar.

Benefits

• Contains calcium, copper, iron, potassium, manganese, Vitamins C, B2, and A.

• Relieves Stress and Anxiety

• May lower blood pressure levels

• Helps relieve Nausea

• Muscle relaxer, which may reduce any Menstrual Pain

• Anti-Inflamatory effects

• Known to have Antiseptic and Antibacterial properties

• Natural Decongestant

• Helps aide digestion, including helping  with Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)

• Relieves Migraines or Headaches (if constricted blood vessels is the cause of the pain)

• Natural Pest Control (repels ants, rodents, fleas, and even lice)

Intake

Dried – The dried Peppermint leaves are commonly used in teas.

Oil- Peppermint Oil can be used for culinary as well as medicinal purposes.

Precautions

Peppermint should be avoided if you suffer from acid reflux disease, heart burn,  GERD, or gallstones. Peppermint does not go well with cyclosporine or any other medication that has the purpose of preventing the rejection of transplants. Peppermint is not recommended for infants, and peppermint in high doses is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

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Benefits

•Anti-inflammatory properties

•May help with respiratory problems

•Helps with digestion; Soothe stomach aches and stops diarrhea

•Can help lower blood pressure

•Relieves stress

•May help increase blood circulation

•May help dissolve kidney stones

•Can help treat arthritis

Intake

Spice- Nutmeg is commonly found in the spice isle already grounded and ready to be added to your favorite recipes. Nutmeg is a great way to add flavor and health benefits to any dish. Nutmeg has a strong flavor, so you don’t need to add a lot to your recipe.

Oil- Nutmeg oil can be used to rub or massage onto your skin to help relieve muscle or joint pain. Nutmeg oil has also been known to help detoxify your kidneys (dissolve kidney stones and treat kidney infections).

Precautions

Too much nutmeg can be toxic. You shouldn’t consume more than 3 tablespoons a day, which is actually a lot considering how strong this spice is.

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1. Oregano
2. Cayenne Pepper
3. Turmeric

Here are some of the health benefits that come with Rosemary:

Benefits

•Defenses against cancer

•Anti-aging (help prevent wrinkles)

•Inhibits infections from minor cuts

•May help relieve congestion brought on my a cold

•Promotes circulation

•Help arthritis suffers due to the antioxidants

•Diuretic, which helps prevent yeast causing bacteria from growing (bye-bye yeast infections!)

Intake

Dried or Fresh – Season up your recipes! Rosemary is best known for its culinary use.

Essential Oil – Has the ability to help strengthen and heal organs such as the heart, brain, and liver. As healthy and beneficial as Rosemary Essential Oil can be, never use more than 1 drop of this oil at a time.

If you don’t know what you are doing, stop right there. It would be best to ask a licensed professional; Herbologist or Nutritionist. They will be able to help you with your specific needs.

Precautions

Pregnant or Breast-feeding woman should not consume extract or use for medicinal purposes. Pregnant woman can use Rosemary in small amounts for their cooking.

If you have high blood pressure, chronic ulcers, epilepsy, diverticulosis, or colitis, you should not take rosemary supplements or internally for medicinal purposes.

An overdose of essential oil of Rosemary can be very dangerous, and should only be taken as directed and within reasonable amounts.

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Not only is Oregano a wonderful herb used to spice up a bland recipe, but it also has many wonderful health benefits you may not know about.

Benefits

•Strong antibacterial properties

•Contains antioxidant vitamins, which may play a role with anti-aging and cancer prevention.

•Contain Carvacrol and Thymol, which have been found to aid digestion, calm upset stomachs,  and  inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

•Contains Fiber.

•When fresh (not dried), Oregano contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, Manganese, Calcium, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

•Helps maintain respiratory health.

•Can help treat skin infections and itchy skin.

Uses

You can use Oregano fresh or dried in recipes or as an oil topically. Oregano fresh is less flavorful than dried oregano, but both still have their health benefits.

Precautions

•Oregano oil can reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron. If you are already iron deficient or pregnant, you should limit your consumption of Oregano oil. The volatile oil can be harmful for your unborn child if you are pregnant.

•Children who are less than two years of age and those with very sensitive skin should not use the Oregano oil topically.

•Bottom line:  Yes, Oregano is good for you but too much of a good thing, can be bad.

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Let’s start at looking at the competition. Table salts, or “iodized salt” has gone through intensive bleaching and refining processes, and then on top of that, many have undergone a heat processing and even include additives and chemicals.

Real Salt by Redmond is carefully taken from deep within the earth, crushed, screened, and packaged to stay all natural. It has a pink coloring, which is from the 50-plus trace minerals that weren’t stripped away by any refining/bleaching process.

Taste

Yes, Real Salt by Redmond actually tastes different than other processed and refined salts out there. Good news is, when I say “different”, I mean that it actually tastes better. It is not so different that you don’t think you are tasting salt, but I believe there is just so much more flavor to it, that you will actually enjoy your salt that much more! Nice.

Health Benefits

Salt is good for you- if you have the right kind of Salt. Some of the benefits of Salt, are as follows; Salt helps regulate the body’s metabolism, food digestion, necessary for proper function of nerve fibers, keeps the water balanced correctly around your tissues and cells in your body, and Salt even helps your heart function, or beat, properly.

For those bloggers out there who believe salt is bad for you, or believes that salt does not have a lot of health benefits is either A) talking about processed and bleached iodized salt,  or B) does not know what they are talking about.  Yes, you need moderation in all things, but to flat out say Salt is not beneficial is just not logical when you really do your research and list the facts.

I recommend going to Real Salt’s website to read their testimonials.  Not only will you  find that I am not the only one who thinks it tastes better, but you will actually come to find how many switched to Real Salt to lower their high blood pressure, among other things.

Many of you may think “well…it’s just salt!”, but remember that each step you take to become healthier,  it makes such a difference for your body! Yes, it is salt. You can now throw away your cheap salt you bought at the grocery store (and not feel guilty about it),  and replace it with an all natural salt that is actually beneficial for your body.

Now, you are one step closer to a healthier you.

For more information, you may visit realsalt.com

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Benefits

•Anti-inflammatory

•Stimulates blood circulation

•Antiseptic

•Treatment of Arthritis

•Lowering Cholesterol

•Skin Diseases

•Respiratory Infections and Bronchitis with excess of Mucous (dries things up)

Intake

Drops – can take 20-40 drops in water, 2-4 times a day. You can drink, or you can use a smaller amount of water and gargle.

Topically- can be applied to cold sores, and even infected wounds.

If you don’t know what you are doing, stop right there. It would be best to ask a licensed professional; Nutritionist or Herbologist. They will be able to help you with your specific needs.

Precautions

There are no known side effects to Myrrh if you take normal doses. Large doses may irritate the stomach, and should not be taken during pregnancy.

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Cinnamon comes from dried bark from a Cinnamon tree. The bark can be either dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks, or dried and ground into a powder.

Benefits

•Cinnamon contains Calcium, Manganese, Fiber, and Iron.

•Cinnamon has been found to have a helpful effect on blood sugar levels, which makes it helpful for those who have Diabetes.

•The smell of Cinnamon may help with memory.

•Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory effects, and when mixed with Honey may relieve arthritis pain.

•Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on blood and actually helps with blood circulation.

•Natural preservative by preventing bacterial growth, which can ultimately help prevent or kill bacteria infections.

Uses

You can use Cinnamon in just about anything. You can add a dash of cinnamon to your breakfast cereal in the morning, add it to herbal tea, or top on your dessert. You almost can’t go wrong when trying to add Cinnamon to your regular diet.

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