Thyme for Health

Thyme for Health has moved!

2011-04-21T08:29:00.010-05:00

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Don't forget to bookmark the new site!

Why Peppermint in Tea Room Bathroom Soap?

2011-03-20T13:35:00.005-05:00

Almost ready to open! Tea Room opens next Sunday (March 27, 2011) and the Herb Shop opens the following Tuesday (March 29, 2011). Whew!

I have had several people take advantage of "the facilities" in the Thyme Wisper Herb Shop & Tea Room, as I prepare the shop for opening for business. I find it very interesting that EVERY male who has used my shop's bathroom has commented on the bathroom soap. They would come out smelling their hands and then commenting on how nice the soap feels and smells. None recognize the smell and so they ask what it is. So what is it they are smelling? Peppermint.

Read more...

Afternoon Tea

2010-07-25T07:42:00.007-05:00

Prior to the introduction of tea into Britain, the English had two main meals, breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was ale, bread, and beef. During the middle of the eighteenth century, dinner for the upper and middle classes shifted from noontime to a long, massive meal at the end of the day.

According to legend, one of Queen Victoria's (1819-1901) ladies-in-waiting, Anna Maria Stanhope (1783-1857), known as the Duchess of Bedford, created the afternoon teatime. Because the noon meal had become skimpier, by four o'clock in the afternoon the Duchess suffered from "a sinking feeling".

At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few bread stuffs. Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea. This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking the fields." The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses.

The primary distinction between differing tea meals is the time of day, food served and the location of the meal,

Therefore, afternoon tea (also referred to as Low tea) is a light meal typically eaten between 3:00 pm and 5:00 p.m. Traditionally the tea and food are served on a lounge (or low) table, which is where it gets its name.

A formal afternoon tea is, nowadays, usually taken as a treat in a hotel, café or tea shop. In everyday life, many British take a much simpler refreshment consisting of tea and biscuits at teatime.

High tea is served later, typically between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm and consisted of a full, dinner meal for the common people. Tea was still served, but there would also be meats, fish or eggs, cheese, bread and butter, and cake. High tea was eaten at a regular high table, hence the term "high" tea.

In recent years, high tea has become a term for an elaborate afternoon tea, though this is an American usage that is not recognized in Britain (and frowned upon by etiquette advisors).

Serving vegan and gluten-free items with tea between 11 AM and 2 PM, the Thyme Wisper Tea Room will be deviating from the typical mid-afternoon hours of a British afternoon tea. The menu will offer a choice of teas to be served with a delicacy (Simple Tea) or with a light meal served on a three tier curate stand (Afternoon Tea).

Lavender Lemonade

2010-04-11T13:12:00.007-05:00

Having a booth at the Blooming Arts Festival in Linden (space graciously provided by the Commodore Hotel) and a speaking engagement at the Perry County High School for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Future Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) gave me opportunities to share what will be my signature chilled beverage in my Tea Room (opening in Spring 2011). Many people who tried the Lavender Lemonade wanted to have the recipe. As promised, here it is:

Lavender Lemonade

Yields a little over one quart

4 cups of water
4 fresh organic lemons, squeezed and seeds strained out (but leave in some of the pulp)
1 tbsp dried lavender buds
1/8 cup raw blue agave nectar

Pour one cup of boiling water over lavender buds.
Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
Combine remaining 3 cups of water with lemon juice.
Mix with steeped lavender water.
Add agave nectar and stir.
Chill before serving.

Some people said they thought the drink was not sweet enough. I believe this is mainly because they are used to (or should I say, are addicted to) the sharper sweet taste of table sugar. Agave nectar has a smooth sweet taste which allows the flavor of lavender and lemon to dominate. However, the size and juiciness of the lemons can make a difference in the tartness of the drink, as well as the fact that being organic makes them taste more "lemony". So the amount of agave nectar may need to be adjusted to taste.

You may be wondering why I chose this particular drink as my signature beverage for my Tea Room. Besides the fact that the fragrance of lavender is one of my favorite, lavender is an herb with many wonderful attributes. Lavender essential oil can be inhaled, added to bath water or applied to the skin to provide support for migraines, dizziness, and digestive disorders. Trials in 1980 showed that lavender is effective as a antibacterial and antimicrobial against dental decay. Research in 1976 showed that it purifies and deodorize the air, killing many microbes within 3 hours after exposure to the oil. As an antiseptic and disinfectant and with the ability to heal wounds, lavender essential oil is part of my first aid kit. Applying undiluted lavender oil to a burn and then following with cold water to remove the sting will assist in healing.

With the sedative action of lavender, a mild infusion (tea) of the lavender buds promotes natural sleep. Adding its antispasmodic action, drinking the tea supports insomnia, poor digestion, migraines, and irritability. And with its floral fragrance and gentle taste, I think you can understand why many an evening I am sipping a cup of lavender tea.

But now for the lemon in lavender lemonade... Of course lemon is full of vitamin C, but did you know that there are compounds in lemons called limonoids that have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon? Scientists from the US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are now investigating the potential cholesterol-lowering effects of limonin. Another study indicates that lemons may provide humans with protection against inflammatory polyarthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints. Lemon is also an antiseptic that can be used on insect bites and stings. It can even be used straight on warts. You probably already knew that it is great for cleaning.

So now I think you can understand why Lavender Lemonade will be the signature chilled beverage for my Tea Room. However, for you unfortunate individuals who are allergic to lavender (such as my eldest daughter), there will always be another choice for a chilled drink in my Tea Room. And of course there will be many choices for hot teas.

My Herb Shop and Tea Room is under construction with plans to open Spring 2011. So in the meantime, try out the recipe. It is quite refreshing on a hot summer's day.

You may be deficient!

2010-03-14T18:38:00.006-05:00

Do you experience?

Leg cramps startling you awake at night, making you an insomniac?

When you yawn and stretch in bed, your calf muscles seize up?

Daily heart palpitations that cause a slight cough and catching of breath?

These are symptoms of magnesium deficiency.

So what does magnesium do? Quite a lot! Magnesium regulates:

325 enzymes in the body, the most important of which produce, transport, store, and utilize energy

many aspects of cell metabolism, such as DNA and RNA synthesis, cell growth, and cell reproduction

nerve action

activity of the heart

neuromuscular transmission

muscular contraction

vascular tone

blood pressure

peripheral blood flow

entry and release of calcium from the cell, which determines muscular activity

Consider that last item. It takes magnesium to get calcium into your cells. Osteoporosis is evidence of a deficiency of BOTH calcium AND magnesium. So taking calcium with vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption without also taking magnesium causes further magnesium deficiency, which in turn triggers a cascade of events leading to bone loss! Without magnesium, calcium will not work properly. Research shows that the ratio of calcium to magnesium in the Paleolithic or caveman diet from which we evolved was 1:1. With our current diet having an average of ten times more calcium than magnesium, you can see why magnesium deficiency is common.

Besides osteoporosis, there are numerous other symptoms of deficiency:

Tooth decay. Magnesium deficiency causes an unhealthy balance of phosphorus and calcium in saliva, which damages teeth.

Nerve problems. Magnesium alleviates peripheral nerve disturbances throughout the body, such as headaches, muscle contractions, gastrointestinal spasms, and calf, foot, and toe cramps. It is also used in treating the central nervous system symptoms of vertigo and confusion.

Musculoskeletal conditions. Fibrositis, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, eye twitches, cramps, and chronic neck and back pain may be caused by magnesium deficiency and can be relieved with magnesium supplements. Calcium helps leg cramps, at least initially, because excess calcium forces magnesium to be released from storage sites. But if someone is magnesium-deficient, the excess calcium can begin to cause more problems.

Migraine. Serotonin balance is magnesium-dependent. Deficiency of serotonin can result in migraine headaches and depression.

Kidney disease. Magnesium deficiency contributes to atherosclerotic kidney failure.

Insomnia. The production of melatonin (which regulates sleep) is disturbed without sufficient magnesium.

Hypoglycemia. Magnesium keeps insulin under control; without magnesium, low blood sugar can result.

Hypertension. With insufficient magnesium, blood vessels may go into spasm and cholesterol may rise, both of which lead to blood pressure problems.

Heart disease. Magnesium deficiency is common in people with heart disease. In fact, magnesium is administered in hospitals for acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrhythmia. Just like any other muscle, the heart requires magnesium.

Fatigue. Magnesium-deficient patients commonly experience fatigue because dozens of enzyme systems are underfunctioning. An early symptom of magnesium deficiency is fatigue.

Diabetes. Magnesium enhances insulin secretion, facilitating sugar metabolism. Without magnesium, insulin is not able to transfer glucose into cells. Glucose and insulin build up in the blood, causing various types of tissue damage.

Depression. Serotonin, which elevates mood, is dependent on magnesium. A magnesium-deficient brain is also more susceptible to allergens, foreign substances that in rare instance can cause symptoms similar to mental illness.

Cystitis. Bladder spasms are worsened by magnesium deficiency.

Bowel disease. Magnesium deficiency down the bowel, causing constipation, which could lead to toxicity and malabsorption of nutrients as well as colitis.

Blood clots. Magnesium has an important role to play in preventing blood clots and keeping the blood thin - without any side effects.

Asthma. Both histamine production and bronchial spasms increase with magnesium deficiency.

Anxiety and panic attacks. Magnesium normally helps keep adrenal stress hormones under control.

So just think about this:

Magnesium is necessary in hundreds of enzymes in the body but is almost totally lost during the processing of packaged and fast foods.
Good sources of magnesium are leafy vegetables, nuts, skim milk and whole grains, but the amount of magnesium in these foods are declining due to depletion of minerals in the soil.

And then add that prolonged psychological stress raises adrenaline, the stress hormone, which depletes magnesium!

So what can you do? If you supplement with calcium, zinc, and/or iron, then you must supplement with magnesium as well. Eat plenty of foods that are high in magnesium. Practice stress management techniques. And bathe ten minutes two or three times a week in Epsom Salts, since a 2004 research study showed that both magnesium and sulfate are safely absorbed through the skin when bathing in 1% solution.

Such simple things to do for health...

Want to know more about magnesium? I highly recommend The Magnesium Miracle by Carolyn Dean MD ND.

Is Agave Nectar another HFCS?

2009-12-18T13:25:00.007-06:00

As I have stated in several of my previous posts, I prefer not to add any sweetener to my dishes, preferring fruit such as raisins instead. If a sweetener must be added, I will suggest the use of honey or the herb stevia. However, I do keep agave nectar on hand. A wonderful chilled lavender lemonade I like to share in the summer time does need just a little sweetening, and agave nectar does a perfect job - not over powering, but enhancing the taste of the lavender and lemon.

There are currently only two manufactures of agave nectar - Volcanic Agave and Netkutli. Other companies that sell agave nectar put their label on the product from one of these manufacturers. Volcanic Agave produces agave nectar from the blue agave plant and Netkutli produces agave nectar from the agave salmiana plant. These two manufacturers produce agave nectar differently.

Volcanic Agave produces agave nectar by expressing the juice from the core of the blue agave plant, called the piña. The juice is filtered using mesh screens, then heated at a low temperature of 118 degrees, to hydrolyze carbohydrates into sugars. The main carbohydrate is a complex form of fructose called inulin or fructosan. The filtered, hydrolyzed juice is concentrated to a syrup-like liquid a little thinner than honey and ranges in color from light to dark depending on the degree of processing.

Netkutli produces agave nectar by expressing the juice from the core of the agave salmiana plant by hand twice a day. It is immediately brought to the facility to remove the excess water as it will ferment rapidly if left standing. It is during the removal of the moisture that the only heat is applied. The juice is evaporated and moisture removed in a vacuum evaporator. The vacuum enables the moisture to be withdrawn at low temperatures. The temperature is closely controlled at approximately 138 degrees. A natural non genetically modified (GM) organic vegan enzyme is introduced to convert the complex sugars into their simple sugar components. Inulin is a fructan which is hydrolyzed into the simple sugars composing agave nectar, fructose and glucose. The sugars in agave nectar come from the breakdown of the inulin molecule through the introduction of the enzyme to break apart that molecule.

Neither manufacturer has chemicals involved in any part of their production or packaging process. Nor do either add other sugars to their finished product. However there were other manufacturers who did. The last of these were closed down in the summer of 2008. Thus I can clearly state that the agave nectar produced today is NOT another HFCS.

I personally prefer using the blue agave nectar, since the manufacturing process uses very low temperature (118 degrees) and no additional enzymes. But it is my personal preference only. The other manufacturing process uses a natural enzyme, much the same as bees do to make honey. I just feel that the evaporation process at 138 degrees may be removing some of the natural nutrients, even though I have no evidence that this is true.

Agave nectar IS a sugar. It has been touted as safer for diabetics because a higher fructose composition typically doesn't cause dangerous spikes in blood glucose. However recent clinical trials were halted by the Glycemic Research Institute in Washington D. C. because of severe side effects in diabetics.

Raisins in every meal

2009-11-13T13:23:00.010-06:00

I don't really have raisins in every meal, but I do include them in many. Why? Not only are they very nutritious - providing vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and iron, phytochemicals (antioxidants), tartaric acid, and dietary fiber, both insoluble and soluble- but they also help your teeth. Yes, those sticky sweet gems actually help protect your teeth and gums! Christine Wu, of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, said in a press release, that the "Phytochemicals in raisins may benefit oral health by fighting bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease." Laboratory tests showed that phytochemicals slowed or stopped the growth of two different types of bacteria commonly found in the mouth -- Streptococcus mutans, which causes cavities, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes gum disease -- and prevented cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to surfaces.

Raisins are rich in potassium while low in sodium (3 oz contains 646 mg potassium and 10 mg sodium). This is a perfect food for those of you with high blood pressure.

Raisins are also one of the top sources of the trace mineral, boron, in the U.S. diet. Boron is a mineral that is critical to our health, and has been of special interest in women like me who are dealing with bone health and osteoporosis. Boron is a trace mineral required to convert estrogen and vitamin D to their most active forms (17-beta-estradiol and 1,25-(OH)2D3 respectively). Estrogen levels drop after menopause causing osteoclasts to become more sensitive to parathyroid hormone, which signals them to break down bone. Studies have shown that boron provides protection against osteoporosis and reproduces many of the positive effects of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women.

One study suggests that the addition of a reasonable quantity of sun-dried raisins, 3 ounces per day, helps prevent constipation and possibly protect against some colonic diseases. Another interesting finding was that sun-dried raisins altered the concentration and ratios of bile acids in the colon in a way that, according to some research, could help prevent colorectal cancer.

Another study suggests that foods rich in antioxidants, such as sun-dried raisins, when used as a source of energy before and during intense athletic activity, can protect the body from DNA damage due to oxidative stress.

Only negative I can find about raisins is that sulfur-containing compounds are often added as preservatives to help prevent oxidation and bleaching of colors. The sulfites used to help preserve dried raisins cause adverse reactions in an estimated one out of every 100 people, who turn out to be sulfite sensitive. Sulfite reactions can be particularly acute in people who suffer from asthma. The Federal Food and Drug Administration estimates that 5 percent of asthmatics may suffer a reaction when exposed to sulfites. Federal regulations prohibit the use of these preservatives in organically grown or produced foods.

So now you know why I include raisins in many of my meals AND only buy organic raisins.

Another daily anti-inflammatory

2009-10-14T11:56:00.011-05:00

Have you heard of essential fatty acids? They are fatty acids that are necessary for your health, but your body can not produce them. So your body must get them from your diet. The two principal essential fatty acids are linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid and alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid. You have probably seen and heard many advertisements about foods that are high in omega-3. Yet you don't hear much advertising about foods high in omega-6 fats. The fact is that we need both types of fats to be healthy and must derive them both from our food. So why the emphasis on omega-3?

Well, it turns out that it is highly unlikely that any of us are having trouble adding omega-6 fats in our diet. Consider just some of the foods that have plenty of omega-6 fatty acids: poultry, eggs, avocado, cereals, whole grain breads, most vegetable oils, and even the Evening Primrose Oil that I take daily. In fact you may remember that I mentioned in an earlier post that pumpkin seeds were high in omega-3. Well, those little nutritious seeds also have omega-6 fatty acids in them.

Our bodies need BOTH essential fatty acids. Together and in the proper balance they support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune and nervous systems. They also help burn more body fat. (Interesting that we need to eat fat to burn fat...) The optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is thought to be 4 to 1 or lower. Some recent studies suggest even 2 to 1. Now think about the modern Western diets which typically have ratios in excess of 10 to 1, some as high as 30 to 1!

By now you are probably wondering what this all has to do with the title of this post - another daily anti-inflammatory. Well, those omega-6 fats are converted into pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, while the omega-3 fats are metabolized into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. (Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances made in our bodies from fatty acids.) So Omega-6 fats tend to promote excessive inflammation when not balanced by sufficient amounts of omega-3 fats in the diet. Like most things in life (maybe all?), it is all about balance.

To improve your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio you need to increase your consumption of foods rich in omega-3s, such as flaxseed oil, canola oil, walnuts, and cold-water fish like wild salmon, while decreasing your consumption of foods rich in omega-6 fats, such as safflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, butter and the fats found in meats.

One of those foods high in omega-3 that I eat every day is (drum roll).... flaxseed.

Wait, you say. Don't you mean flaxseed OIL? Sure, many people buy flaxseed oil to get the full benefit of omega-3. But those nutritious little seeds have other benefits in addition from what comes from their oil.

One major benefit is that those seeds provide fiber. I could do a whole article on the benefits of fiber, but just to name a few - lowers cholesterol, relieves constipation, stabilizes blood sugar in diabetics and lowers risk of colon cancer.

They are also high in magnesium, which helps to reduce the severity of asthma by keeping airways relaxed and open, lowers high blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, prevents the blood vessel spasm that leads to migraine attacks, and generally promotes relaxation and restores normal sleep patterns.

And flaxseeds have lignans, which with the omega-3 put the brakes on prostate tumor growth in men who were given 30 grams of flaxseed daily for a month before surgery to treat their prostate cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids alter how cancer cells lump together or cling to other cells, while flaxseed's anti-angiogenic lignans choke off the tumor's blood supply, thus helping to halt the cellular activity that leads to cancer growth.

Whole flaxseed will most likely just pass through the intestines without getting digested, so I grind a tablespoon of flaxseeds in a coffee grinder. Ground flaxseed is great in my cereal in the morning and on my yogurt in the evening. It gives a very light, slightly nutty flavor to the food. I store the whole flaxseeds in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

You can use flaxseed in place of eggs in muffins, pancakes and cookies. To substitute flaxseed for one large egg in a recipe, use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed plus 3 tablespoons water. It will somewhat alter the texture from what you are used to.

And, as I said, it's another daily anti-inflammatory...

How to make Ginger Tea

2009-10-11T09:52:00.010-05:00

This is an excellent video from Karen Lee on how to make a Ginger Tea that gives you the most medicinal value. You can also add a stick of cinnamon (true cinnamon, of course) in the simmering water for additional healing. Try to use minimum sweetening, if any, for better healing. If drinking the tea for warming and want it sweeter, try just a little agave nectar, honey or stevia.

How to use and store fresh ginger root

2009-10-08T10:22:00.003-05:00

Here is a helpful video from the RealAge web site on preparing and storing fresh ginger root.

Not only eat, but SMELL this one

2009-10-02T20:57:00.007-05:00

Want to be more alert, refreshed and less frustrated while driving on long trips? A study reported in 2005 showed that this can be achieved just by smelling cinnamon (or peppermint). After mentioning cinnamon in my last post, I figure I need to explain in this post why I eat it every morning. (I'll eventually write about peppermint. Promise.) So when I know that I am going to take a long drive in the motorhome, I make sure I get a good whiff of cinnamon as I add it to my breakfast cereal. Another good reason for taking that morning sniff is that I want to boost my brain. Research results were presented in 2004 to the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, in Sarasota, FL, that showed chewing cinnamon flavored gum or just smelling cinnamon improved participants' scores on tasks related to attentional processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor speed.

But first, before I tell you about all the other wonderful benefits of cinnamon that might encourage you to eat it every day like I do, I must warn you. There are actually different cinnamons. Ceylon cinnamon is the true cinnamon and is typically more expensive than the other cinnamons (called cassia cinnamons) that are more commonly used. The big difference between them is that cassia cinnamons have higher levels of coumarins compared to the Ceylon cinnamon. The anti-coagulant properties of coumarins does not cause a problem when ingesting Ceyon cinnamon, but can become dangerous when ingesting the cassia cinnamons, if consumed in large amounts on a regular basis. This is especially dangerous for someone who is on blood-thinning medication!

OK. So how do you tell them apart? Click here for a wonderful explanation about the differences and click here for a visual way to tell them apart. Then, if you decide to consume cinnamon on a daily basis, make sure you get Ceylon cinnamon from now on.

Clinical trials held at the University of California in Santa Barbara have shown that cinnamon affects cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose transport. In a 2003 study, diets of diabetic men and women were supplemented with one, three or six grams (just more than one teaspoon) of cinnamon daily. After 40 days their LDL cholesterol levels fell as much as 26% and it made no difference on the amount of cinnamon taken.

Researchers have discovered than cinnamon slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, reducing the rise in blood sugar after eating. So seasoning a high carb food with cinnamon can help lessen its impact on your blood sugar levels.

Researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service have reported that less than half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol and triglyerieds were lowered as well. When daily cinnamon was stopped, blood sugar levels began to rise.

Cinnamon is also a powerful antioxidant. A study in the journal of Nutrition found that out of all spices, cinnamon is one of the richest sources of disease-fighting antioxidant.

Cinnamon's antiseptic properties help to prevent infection by killing decay-causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. One German study showed that the use of cinnamon bark suppressed the cause of most urinary tract infections and the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections. It is also helpful in relieving athlete's foot.

Recent research has shown that cinnamon's antimicrobial properties are so effective that it can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. In a study, published in the August 2003 issue of the International Journal of Food Microbiology, the addition of just a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to 100 ml (approximately 3 ounces) of carrot broth, which was then refrigerated, inhibited the growth of the foodborne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. When the broth was refrigerated without the addition of cinnamon oil, the pathogenic B. cereus flourished despite the cold temperature. The researchers noted that the addition of cinnamon not only acted as an effective preservative but improved the flavor of the broth.

Cinnamon is often an ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral hygiene products because it helps kill the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. And with cinnamon's anti-inflammatory action, inflammations of the throat and pharynx may be relieved through its use.

And that last action - anti-inflammatory - is the major reason why I add to my cereal cinnamon with ginger every day. All the anti-inflammatory power I can get to keep arthritis at bay! However, if you have heard about the remedy of honey and cinnamon mixture for arthritis pain (that passed around the Internet), I am sorry to tell you... but read this.

I have found another wonderful use of cinnamon besides eating it for its health benefits. Research has shown that cinnamon oil (as well as clove oil and eugenol oil) is an effective snake repellent. Snakes will retreat when sprayed directly with this oil and will exit cargo or other confined spaces when the oil is introduced to the area. I think I will spray the inside of my tents...

Muscle pain?

2009-09-26T17:58:00.003-05:00

You probably have heard of using ginger to ease nausea and indigestion (remember the action carminative from an earlier post on parsley?), but did you know that ginger is Nature's ibuprofen? It is an excellent anti-inflammatory, naturally taking away that pain in your shoulder or in your legs. It also relieves abdominal cramps. In my much younger days I kept crystallized ginger by my bedside for those occasional menstrual cramps that were inhibiting my ability to sleep.

During the past 25 years laboratories have been able to substantiate that ginger shares pharmacological properties with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and has fewer side effects than these drugs. So when I used to participate in 7 day event bicycle rides - riding 50 to 100 miles on a bicycle every day for 7 days - I didn't take any ibuprofen. Instead I always carried ginger with me to nibble on along the ride.

These days I keep arthritis pain and stiff muscles at bay by dicing up fresh ginger root every morning and adding it to my sprouted grain cereal and fresh fruit. Many an evening meal is a little fruit and yogurt with either ground or fresh ginger added. (I also add cinnamon, but I'll explain more about that herb in a later post.) A recent 12 month study showed that for those participants taking ginger and not placebo, not only did their subjective experience of pain lessen, but the swelling in their knees lessened to a measurable degree. That works for me!

Since ginger is effective at controlling inflammation, and inflammation contributes to the development of ovarian cancer cells, researchers are studying the effect of ginger on stopping cancer cells from growing. Jennifer Rhode, M.D., a gynecologic oncology fellow at the U-M Medical School says, "In multiple ovarian cancer cell lines, we found that ginger induced cell death at a similar or better rate than the platinum-based chemotherapy drugs typically used to treat ovarian cancer." In addition, researchers at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center are investigating ginger to control nausea from chemotherapy and ginger to prevent colon cancer.

One recent study found that ginger was far superior to an over the counter and prescription drug Dramamine. Ginger relieved all the symptoms of motion-sickness, including nausea, dizziness, vomiting and cold sweating.

Speaking of sweating, when I become chilled, I drink a hot cup of ginger tea. It warms me from the inside out. It turns out that this ability of ginger to promote sweating (action called diaphoretic) boosts the immune system. Researchers have recently discovered that sweat contains a potent germ-fighting agent called dermicidin that once on the surface of the skin, protects the body from invading bacteria and fungi like E. coli and Candida albicans.

Hmmm... I think during this flu season I will make sure I regularly drink some ginger tea.

Mineral MOST effective for osteoporosis?

2009-09-23T12:39:00.001-05:00

If asked which mineral is the most effective for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, I bet the majority of you would say calcium. But studies in the past several years are showing that eating more foods high in calcium and taking high dosage calcium supplements is NOT improving bone density or reducing risk of bone fracture. In fact, recent studies have shown that we do not even need as much calcium as once thought. For years I have been taking the recommended 1500 mg of calcium daily for women over 50 years of age. Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey published in early 2009 show that 566 mg per day is adequate as long as my Vitamin D3 level is greater than 20 ng/mL, which it is. What is interesting (to me) is that for men, there was no association with bone density for calcium at any level of vitamin D. And the amount of daily calcium that was adequate for men was 626 mg. I'm not satisfied with 'adequate', so I make sure I eat food containing lots of calcium (estimating about daily average of 200 mg from food) and supplement with one 750 mg capsule.

So what is the most effective mineral for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions? Would you believe strontium? Don't panic. I am not talking about the radioactive 'strontium 90' from atomic bombs. Strontium is a naturally occurring mineral in the same family as calcium and magnesium. Strontium is one of the most abundant elements on earth, comprising about 0.04 percent of the earth's crust, more than carbon. It is the most abundant trace element in seawater. The human body contains about 320 mg of strontium, nearly all in bone and connective tissue and absorbs strontium as if it were calcium.

Besides in the soil and in bones, strontium is found in root and leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, spices, seafood, dairy foods, Brazil nuts and drinking water. The typical daily diet is thought to contain from as little as 1mg to more than 10 mg of strontium.

Strontium has been used medicinally for over a hundred years. Even as late as 1955, it was listed in the Dispensatory of the United States of America. For decades in the first half of the 20th century, 200 to 400 mg/day of strontium salts were prescribed without toxic effects.

Four landmark studies that have been conducted in the past five years have shown that strontium supplementation increases bone density and reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures. Unlike any other known natural substance or drug, strontium inhibits bone resorption while simultaneously stimulating bone growth. And the studies have shown positive results within 6 months!

Strontium supplementation has resulted in new mineral deposits in areas where bone was eroded by cancer (metastatic bone cancer). In a 10 year study, strontium was shown to reduce the incidence of cavities. And in another study researchers found that strontium strongly stimulated PG production, suggesting a cartilage-growth-promoting effect of strontium, and providing a sound basis for clinical testing of strontium in osteo- and other forms of arthritis.

Strontium, like calcium and magnesium, easily bonds with other substances to form stable salts like strontium carbonate, strontium lactate, strontium citrate and strontium ranelate. That last salt is made with a formulated ranelate - does not occur naturally - so that it could be patented. It is a prescription drug called Protelos and the major clinical trials have provided remarkable positive results. However other clinical studies have used several forms of strontium salts and each has had positive results. Thus strontium is the active ingredient and it does not matter what it is attached to.

The studies have determined the optimum dosage - 680 mg per day that is taken all at once. It is also more effective when not taken with calcium, since the two minerals can interfere with one another. In fact, if you see a "bone formula" with strontium, don't take it. Strontium should be taken away from calcium and magnesium for best absorption. Following the procedure used in the studies, I usually take my two 340 mg capsules three hours after my last meal of the day, just before I go to bed. If I ate late, say because of a dinner engagement, I will get up early in the morning to take my strontium and wait an hour before eating breakfast. And I take my calcium with meals, as is recommended. Strontium does not have to be taken with meals.

Taking strontium does not take away the need to do weight bearing exercise and getting enough calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, boron, zinc, vitamin K, etc. Alcohol, caffeine, and stress will still leach calcium from the bones, whether taking strontium or not. For me, strontium allows me to treat my osteopenia without taking a drug with all its side effects and long term effects.
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And not taking pharmaceuticals is very good, in my mind.

Getting the most from green tea

2009-09-17T10:26:00.001-05:00

After you read my last post, did you go look for some green tea? You figured it must be like drinking black tea, right? Just put a tea bag in a tea cup and pour boiling water over it. Maybe add sugar and lemon...

Well, if you have been reading my posts and remember that I am a Master Herbalist, you probably can guess what I think about adding sugar. Many green tea bags include lemongrass (check the label) which will sweeten the tea some. (Unfortunately I am allergic to lemongrass. I say unfortunately because lemongrass is a wonderful medicinal herb in its own right.) Or add a little honey, if you must have it sweeter. At least you would get some additional nutrition. Or have you heard of stevia - a wonderful herb for sweetness? Personally I enjoy green tea without adding any sweetner.

But, lemon? ABSOLUTELY. Squeezing some fresh lemon or lime juice (or orange or grapefruit juice) into your tea cup will actually INCREASE the level of catechins - the naturally occuring antioxidants found in green tea - that the body will absorb.

Unlike black tea, where boiling water is used, green tea is brewed with lower temperature water. Let the water barely reach the boiling point, then let it cool slightly before pouring it over the tea. Then cover the tea cup and let it steep for only one or two minutes. You can reuse the tea leaves several times, depending on the type of green tea. With Chinese gunpowder green tea (my favorite), I can actually make five cups of tea by reusing that initial teaspoon of loose tea each time.

Green tea has a third to half the amount of caffeine than that in a cup of coffee. Most (80%) of the caffeine will be extracted from the leaves in the first cup within 45 seconds. So if you want decaffeinated tea, just pour off the liquid after steeping for 45 seconds and add more hot water and steep again. However the impact of caffeine in green tea, compared to coffee or cocoa, is lessened by at least two of the beneficial components - the catechins I mentioned earlier and the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine directly stimulates the production of alpha brainwaves, thus calming the body while promoting a state of relaxed awareness. Guess that is why, as I sip my green tea, I feel like I am going through a Zen moment...

5 Cups Green Tea daily

2009-09-12T11:19:00.002-05:00

Every morning I enjoy sipping green tea. I try to have at least five cups. Why?

Research has shown that people drinking at least five cups of green tea a day have a significantly lower risk - 23% for women - of dying from ALL causes. Now I am not afraid of dying, but I really would like to go naturally.

I have friends and family who have had breast cancer (1 out of 7 women will get breast cancer) - studies have shown that women drinking the most green tea were 22% less likely to develop breast cancer.

I have been diagnosed with osteopenia. A noted lead researcher Amand Devine stated that flavonoids from green tea may be stimulating osteoblast function, resulting in increases in bone density. Osteoblasts are the cells responsible for producing new bone.

How about you? Have high triglicerides? Concerned about cardiovascular disease (CVD)? Is Colon Cancer in your family? Ovarian Cancer? Prostrate Cancer? Bladder Cancer? Kidney Cancer? Lung Cancer? Research in all these areas have shown Green Tea to be preventative (lowering the risk of developing in the first place) or beneficial in healing.

Green tea helps lower high blood pressure, lowers LDL and raises HDL, improves insulin sensitivity in Type 2 diabetes and minimizes damage to the brain after having a stroke. Green tea protects the liver from alcohol and other toxic chemicals.

It begs the question: Why aren't you drinking green tea every day?

Got Gas?

2009-08-26T15:02:00.000-05:00

Beatrix Potter, in The Tale of Peter Rabbit, says about that naughty rabbit,

First he ate some lettuce and some broad beans, then some radishes, and then, feeling rather sick, he went to look for some parsley.

Guess that naughty rabbit instinctively knew about what is called the carminative action of the world's favorite herb, parsley. It eases flatulence and the colic pains that may accompany it. So next time you see that garnish on your plate, don't just think of it as 'presentation'. Eat it.

In small doses parsley leaves and roots stimulate the appetite, increase stomach secretions, and promote digestion. Parsley's high chlorophyll content allows it to freshen the breath, which is partly why restaurants include parsley leaves with meals. It is especially good for offsetting garlic odor.

Another reason to have parsley as a regular part of your diet is that parsley's volatile oils cause it to be a "chemoprotective" food, and in particular, a food that can help neutralize particular types of carcinogens. One type of carcinogen that parsley neutralizes is benzopyrenes that are part of cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke. So as you eat that steak you had cooked on the grill and then afterwards sit among your smoking friends (I hope you don't smoke!), make sure you eat some parsley.

Parsley is also a mild emmenagogue. This means that it is an herb which stimulates menstruation. As a strong tea made from the fresh plant, it works like a charm for starting menstruation when pregnancy is not the cause for delay. Thus parsley should not be used in medicinal dosage during pregnancy as there may be excessive stimulation of the womb.

Parsley is also a diuretic, which helps your body get rid of exess water. So parsley is good for water retention, bloating and high blood pressure. It is said that as a result of this diuretic action in parsley, it helps PMS symptoms.

I could go on and on about the wonderful health benefits of parsley - high in vitamin C and folate, lowers homocysteine and protects against rheumatoid arthritis, for example.

Parsley is widely used as a companion plant in gardens. It attracts predatory insects, including wasps and predatory flies to gardens, which then tend to protect plants nearby. For example, they are especially useful for protecting tomato plants as the wasps that kill tomato hornworms also eat nectar from parsley. While parsley is biennial, not blooming until its second year, even in its first year it is reputed to help cover up the strong scent of the tomato plant, reducing pest attraction.

Want to know more about growing your own parsley? Check this site.

Did I open your eyes, and your mouth, to that garnish on your plate?

What Herb 'Cures All'?

2009-08-20T15:09:00.024-05:00

Do you know which herb is good for almost any disease or infection, improves circulation, and maintains healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels? And it is also a natural antibiotic and boosts the immune system. But that's not all. It also prevents or clears bacterial infection, lowers fever by increasing perspiration, and reduces blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels. It is even an expectorant! But that still is not the end of it. It also fights acne, spots, ringworm, lupus and abscesses on the skin. It has also been used in treating upper respiratory infections (especially bronchitis), urinary infections, asthma, sinusitis, arthritis, and ulcers. And it even prevents weight gain! Hint: It has been called the stinking rose.

Yes, garlic is an amazing plant that truly deserves its reputation as the 'cure-all' herb.

The garlic bulb contains the amino acid allicin. When crushed, allicin is released. This chemical element is the component that gives its strong pungent odor, and is responsible for the powerful medicinal properties of the plant. One medium clove can equal the antibacterial action equivalent to 1% penicillin!

It also contains an oil that is composed of sulfur-containing compounds. These sulfur compounds, as well as Selenium and Vitamins A and C containing compounds, make it a potent antioxidant which protects cell membranes and DNA from damage and disease. The National Cancer Institute (January 1992) reported that people who ate the greatest amount of onions and garlic had the lowest incidence of stomach cancer.

I try to eat the recommended two cloves a day by crushing the cloves and putting them in my salad, wrap or whatever meal I am prepaing for lunch or dinner. Research has shown that garlic forms allicin steadily and in regular spurts rather than all at once. So it is better to let it set for a 15 minutes to an hour before using it in order to build up a greater amount of allicin. Crushing garlic is always the first step in my meal preparations.

I also keep Garllic Oil as part of my first aid 'kit'. I use it as a topical application for skin problems such as athlete's foot or acne. I even use it for bug bite wounds.

Garlic Oil

8 oz garlic, peeled and minced
Olive oil, warm

Place the garlic in a large jar and add enough oil to cover the garlic.
Shake and allow to rest in a warm place for two to three days.
Strain the oil through cotton or muslin until all traces of garlic have been removed. Any remaining pieces can cause mold.
Bottle in a dark jar and keep refrigerated.

Garlic should not be eaten prior to some surgical or dental procedures due to an increased risk of bleeding. Caution is urged for people who have bleeding disorders or who take blood thinning medications (anticoagulants, aspirin/anti-platelet agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen) or herbs/supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. An adjustment of dosage may be necessary.

Enjoy good health. Eat garlic!

Got Zinc?

2009-08-18T09:09:00.008-05:00

Zinc promotes a healthy immune system and the healing of wounds. It protects the liver from chemical damage and is vital for bone formation (think about this in regards to dealing with osteoporosis!). It also enhances acuity of taste and smell.

Many of you know about taking zinc lozenges when you first notice cold or flu symptoms. Taking zinc boosts the immune system. You can take a lozenge every 6 hours for up to three days. Longer than that is not going to help and, in fact, will depress your immune system, as will taking too much zinc. Daily intake for healthy people should be around 20 mg per day, with maximum level of 40 mg per day.

How do you know if you are low in zinc? Look at your fingernails. Are they thin, peel, and have white spots? Other possible signs are acne, delayed sexual maturation, fatigue, growth impairment, hair loss, high cholesterol levels, impaired night vision, impotence, increased susceptibility to infection, infertility, memory impairment, a propensity to diabetes, prostrate trouble, recurrent colds and flu, skin lesions, and slow wound healing.

However you may be taking in plenty of zinc!

Too much calcium can interfere with absorption of zinc (and excess zinc can interfere with calcium absorption, especially if calcium intake is low). For most people, the best ratio between supplemental calcium and zinc is up to 2500 milligrams of calcium with 50 milligrams of zinc daily.
Zinc levels may be lowered by diarrhea, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and diabetes.
Dietary fiber and phytic acid, found in bran, wholegrain cereals and nuts inhibit zinc absorption.
Significant amount of zinc is lost through perspiration.
Taking zinc and iron together interferes with each other.

Zinc absorption has been shown to be greater when you increase the protein content in your diet, although the level of zinc absorption varies depending on the kind of protein you eat. Pumpkin seeds ( also known as pepitas) are an excellent source of zinc and contain a significant amount of protein, as well. They even provide Omega-3! There is a lot of research going on with these little nutritious seeds, especially in the treatment of prostrate ailments. Other studies are on anxiety disorders, arteriosclerosis, cholesterol levels, and arthritis.

Food sources for zinc in addition to pumpkin seeds include: brewer's yeast, egg yolks, fish, kelp, lamb, legumes, lima beans, liver, mushrooms, oysters, pecans, poultry, sardines, seafood, sunflower seeds and whole grains.

Herbs that contain zinc include: alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, hops, milk thistle, mullein, nettle, parsley, rose hips, sage, sarsaparilla, skullcap, and wild yam.

Got zinc? Take a handful...

Insidious HFCS

2009-08-16T08:41:00.011-05:00

Do you know about the insidious HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP? It is in everything! To avoid HFCS you pretty much have to not eat anything processed. Now why would I suggest that you avoid it? Well, if you don't believe in eating something that is genetically engineered, you need to know that in making HFCS, two enzymes used in the process must be genetically engineered. For an easy to understand explanation of how HFCS is processed, visit this site.

But more importantly is what HFCS does to your body. The body processes the fructose in high fructose corn syrup differently than it does old-fashioned cane or beet sugar. It actually alters the way metabolic-regulating hormones function. It also forces the liver to kick more fat out into the bloodstream (in the form of triglycerides). What does that mean? HFCS entices you to want to eat more and at the same time stores more fat in your body.

Your digestive system has two main hormones that control hunger and appetite. Ghrelin is secreted by the stomach and increases your appetite. When your stomach's empty, it sends ghrelin out, requesting food. Leptin tells your brain that you're full. HFCS inhibits leptin secretion, so you never get the message that you're full. And HFCS never shuts off ghrelin, so even though you have food in your stomach, you constantly get the message that you're hungry. A double whammy surely leading to obesity!

So it seems to me if eating HFCS leads to getting high triglycerides and becoming obese, it might be a good idea to avoid it. Wouldn't you agree?

Think of Food as Medicine

2009-08-14T20:06:00.003-05:00

As a Master Herbalist I am trained in understanding the healthy attributes of plants and in preparing teas, tinctures and ointments from these plants in order to facilitate health and healing. Many of these plants are the same plants that we eat as food. And most of these can give us the same healthy benefits directly as food. In fact I consider whatever I put in my mouth is either making me healthy or unhealthy, and thus I choose accordingly. One of the best web sites I highly recommend bookmarking - The World's Healthiest Foods - lists those foods that are considered to be, well, the healthiest. But that's not all. The web site provides the nutritional data, the medical research, how to store, how to prepare and even wonderful recipes for these foods.