#natural medicine

Natural Medicine/ Medicina Natural

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Todays post is about Coffee, it’s potential health benefits and health negatives are a hotly discussed topic from people on both sides so lets take a look at some of them here:

Benefits:

• Drinking coffee blocks Adenosine which is a neurotransmitter that is inhibitory, this leads to and increased level of  memory, mood, vigilance, energy, reaction time and general cognitive function
  
• Coffee can aid in healthy weight loss as it increases the metabolic rate by up to 11% and it can specifically increase fat burning by 10-30% depending on the amount of muscle you already have. The leaner you are the more potential fat burning bonus you get.
• Drinking coffee can reduce your risk of getting type 2 Diabetes by as much as 50%
• It contains lots of essential antioxidants and minerals which add up if you have 2-4 cups a day, this boosts your immune system
• Lowers the risk of liver diseases significantly, even reducing liver cancer risk by up to 40%
• A Harvard study showed that women who drank at least 4 cups a day were at a 20% lower risk of getting depression
• It can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 20%
• It can reduce mental fatigue experienced by those suffering from fatigue inducing debilitating disorders such as M.E (however the come down can be quite taxing and not worth the initial benefit in some)

Negatives:

• Drinking it on an empty stomach stimulated hydrochloric acid production which will cause acid reflux and potentially strip your stomach lining of it’s protective film. This can lead to long term stomach complaints involving pain and excessive acid build up, increasing the risk of heart burn and indigestion. This also can lead to stomach ulcers. Never drink it on an empty stomach!
  
• It can lower the amount of nutrients absorbed from food as it acts as a laxative. This can cause stomach contents to enter the intestine prematurely before all the nutrients have been absorbed.
• It can also lower iron absorption in the stomach and reduce the kidneys abilities to retain calcium and zinc.
• Due to the stimulated release of stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, the “energy boosting” effects can actually have a negative effect on those suffering from stress and anxiety. They can experience increased levels of heart rate and tensions which can lead to heightened anxiety and even panic attacks in some.
• Coffee addiction can be experienced in some people, symptoms include withdrawals such as headaches, sickness, nervousness and irritability.

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Final points:

-  When drunk regularly but in moderate amounts it can have great health benefits such as a boost to the immune system, lowered risks of dangerous diseases including some cancers, reduced risk of depression and increased fat burning potential.

-  However like everything if drunk in excess and on an empty stomach it can cause lots of health issues such as stomach ulcers and increased stress & anxiety.

-  The best way to have coffee if you want it’s benefits as a health tonic is to drink good quality coffee with the minimum amount of additives possible, when drunk with additives such as milk and sugar it can become more unhealthy than healthy so moderate the additives you have in your coffee if you want to get the most out of it. Try adding stevia or honey rather than sugar,              and any alternative milk such as soya or oat milk. Studies seem to correlate in showing that the most benefits are seen in those who drink 3-4 cups of good quality black coffee every day however 2 cups a day still saw significant benefits especially in terms of getting good antioxidants.

-  Never drink it on an empty stomach!

-  The myth of coffee being carcinogenic has been busted by studies, they have in fact shown a reduced rate of cancers in regular coffee drinkers than those who are not. However like stated above, what you add to the coffee can change this drastically. 

(:

Thyme, 5 of it’s health benefits and 3 remedial uses!

1. When eaten with or drunk as a tea after a meal, it can increase efficient digestion of fats, this helps reduce bloating and digestive issues. It is also great for cleansing the gastrointestinal tract and has been found to kill parasites within it.

2. This herb has been used since history began as a treatment for lung conditions and infections, it is especially effective for treating excess mucus present in those with Asthma, Bronchitis and more. Adding it to your diet can help keep excess mucus and general chest congestion at bay. 

3. High antispasmodic properties help to relieve muscle cramps, even those experienced during menstruation.

4. High antibacterial and antiseptic properties make this great for overall wellbeing and keeping sicknesses at bay such as colds, coughs and general infections. This combined with it’s odor reducing properties make it a great oral rinse and mouthwash for those suffering from bad breath or throat infections such as tonsillitis.

5. It increases the appetite, helping those who struggle to eat in the mornings due to acid reflux or any general nausea. If you are suffering from an infection but feel to sick to eat this can help a lot! (Unfortunately this can’t be used for morning sickness in Pregnant women as Thyme should not be taken in teas or doses not normal to the dietary levels when pregnant)

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I was only going to do one remedial use but it wouldn’t do this versatile herb justice so here goes three,

1. For toothache, oral infections, tonsillitis, sore throats, bad breath, gum disease and general oral complaints, soak a sprig of Thyme in some water overnight and use it as a gargle/mouthwash to freshen the breathe and fight excess bacteria (including those that cause tooth decay)

Alternatively you can buy Thyme tinctures to make up the gargle/mouthwash fast.

2. For bronchial complaints involving heavy lung congestion, excess spasm induced coughing and chest infections make up a tea and steam bowl.

To make the tea:

• 1 Tsp dried Thyme per cup (so if using a teapot 3 spoons for 3 peeps)
• Boiled water, from a kettle or pot
• Lemon or Honey for flavoring! (these also add soothing properties)
• Simply add the water to the thyme in a mug, let it steep for 5-15 minutes depending on how bad your symptoms are, the longer it steeps the more bitter the taste.

Drinking this tea two to three times a day should be enough to relieve most complaints above.

To make the steam bowl:

• Simply add a sprig or two of fresh thyme or 1 tbsp of dried Thyme to a heatproof bowl and inhale until the vapor stops. (This is also great for opening pores before using a facial mask/cleanse!)
  

This will help relieve chest & nasal congestion and reduce spasm induced coughing associated with dry chesty coughs.

3. For gastrointestinal health and wellbeing, adding Thyme to your diet is a great option especially for those who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome or indigestion. You can do this by adding a sprig or two to a meal during cooking whether it is a soup, stew, roast or much more it can be added and then taken out before eating. Just be aware, if you add it early you will lose the delicate flavor but too late and the health benefits will be minimal. To combat this you can use dried Thyme as a seasoning near the very end of the cooking process!

If a flare up in IBS/Indigestion symptoms occur or an infection involving symptoms such as Diarrhea arises, drinking the tea above can help!

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Cautions - Thyme should not be used during pregnancy

I hope this helps some of you, if anyone would like to suggest or request a topic/post feel free to message me (:

 How to dry Chili Peppers, 5 health benefits and a remedial use for them!

To sun dry

1. Pick good quality peppers and give them a rinse in cool water
   
2. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds (you can dry these separately if you like)
3. Place them down on a baking tray/tin making sure to put the skin side facing up. Ridged bottom trays are best as they let air get underneath more easily.
4. Dry them in direct sunlight for at least 8-9 hours and cover them at night with a cloth so no flies or bugs get to them.
5. When they break apart easily in your hands they are ready to be put into a clean sterilized jar. (You can sterilize a jar by gently boiling it in a pan of water)
6. You can keep them as they are or rehydrate them before using them with water to help release more flavour. They can also be cut into smaller strips, diced or ground into a powder.

To oven dry

1. Rinse the peppers in cool water
2. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds
   
3. Place them down on a baking tray/tin making sure to put the skin side facing up. Ridged bottom trays are best as they let air get underneath more easily.
   
4. Simply preheat the oven on a low heat, 45 Celsius on a fan oven, 80 Celsius on a gas oven. 104 Fahrenheit - 176 Fahrenheit
5. Place the trays in the oven and cook for 6-7 hours, drying time may vary though however once they start to turn brown they are done. Keep a close eye on them every so often to make sure they do not burn!
6. They can be kept in a brown paper bag or in a clean jar

5 Health benefits of Chili Peppers such as Cayenne 

• Very high levels of Vitamin C, 100g Gives 240% of your daily recommended allowance. This helps to boost the immune system and keep colds and infections at bay and to fight them once they occur.
  
• Capsaicin  the compound that gives a chili it’s strong spicy flavour and pungent smell has been shown to be anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic and to reduce bad cholesterol. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
• The antioxidants present in Chili peppers help to reduce damage caused by free radicals especially those that occur from stress and disease. This not only helps to reduce aging but also general deterioration and reduce the risk of cancerous cells developing. 
• Certain minerals and compounds found within them can help to regulate and lower blood pressure along with improving poor blood circulation.
• Chili’s can greatly aid in weight loss by stimulating the metabolism due to it’s Capsaicin content.

A remedial use for Cayenne Chili Peppers - Sinus pain & congestion remedy

• Boil water for one cup
  
• Pour the water into a cup once it has settled a little
• Add ¼ of dried ginger (or a ginger teabag if you prefer)
• As much fresh lemon juice as you like, I recommend half a lemon
• ¼ teaspoon of dried Cayenne pepper
• You can add honey or infuse it with some lemon rind if you like
• Sip it slowly as it can leave a burning sensation in the back of the throat for a while. To help this consider eating some fresh mint to help soothe it and get even more cold fighting properties!

Cautions 

Avoid this if you allergic to Cayenne or other spices as it may contain the same allergen. 

If you have any notable conditions it may be worth checking with a Herbalist or Doctor before trying this remedy as it may interfere with certain medication due to the Capsaicin.

Just a few quick words, sorry I haven’t been as active this last couple weeks, I hope you are all well or as well as can be and as always feel free to drop me a message if you have a request for a herb/spice/plant overview or remedy.    Also my ask box is always open!

(:

Hi everyone, todays post is about a remedy for inflammation that can also be used as a health tonic for benefiting the immune system and easing digestive complaints.

It is an Apple Cider Vinegar & Honey drink that’s constituent parts can have surprising benefits such as: 

• Anti cancer properties - studies show slowed growth rates in cancer cells and some even show Cider Vinegar being able to kill cancerous cells. 
  
• Increased weight loss potential
• Increase in heart health and overall cardiovascular health
• Cider vinegar has been shown to help balance blood sugar levels so it will off-set the small but potential rise from the honey
• Helps keep the body in a general state of wellbeing, this is largely down to the antioxidants, minerals and vitamins in the Cider Vinegar and the nutrients in the pollen/nectar that is used in making Honey.
• If you use Honey farmed local to you, your body can build up an immunity to the pollen used over time which may help those who suffer with bad Hayfever or Pollen induced asthma complaints (I have used this for my asthma in summer and can confirm it worked for me)
• It has been shown to reduce inflammation, especially in Arthritis type conditions and Fibromyalgia. 
• Great for maintaining regular bowels and digestive health.
• Has benefits for the skin thanks to the antioxidants and minerals which help to protect and restore skin cells.
• The honey brings especially strong antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and immune system boosting properties all while being gentle on blood sugar levels.

So here is a simple recipe!

• Boil enough water for a cup
  
• 2-3 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar (make sure to shake the bottle first) into a cup suitable for hot water
• 2-3 teaspoons of honey into the cup
• Add the water and stir as you do so
• You can add extra flavours such as lemon or lime juice, cinnamon or ginger powder and experiment with your own ideas
• You can drink it hot like a tea or let it cool and put ice in it!

Having this with each meal can help your digestion, and having it 2-3 times a day can help to relieve chronic inflammation. For overall health tonic benefits once a day will be enough to get the boost the minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants have on offer.

Cautions - As always be sure you have no allergies to the ingredients and if you are on medication, pregnant or have conditions such as Diabetes it is always best to check with a herbalist, botanist or doctor before trying any remedy!

I will put up a Vegan equivalent soon if anyone would like!

(: 

Down the rabbit hole

Kush Da God, Boulder, CO

I have gone from severe chronic pain and fatigue, to zero chronic fatigue and mild pain. Professionals didn’t listen to me so I had to do my own research. Here are a few things that have given me my life back.

(DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or giving medical advice, I am merely sharing my personal experience and some things that have worked for me, please do your own research and continue to see your doctor)

Sending love :)

3 ways to kill hay-fever :)

1) Vitamin C

2) Nettle tea

3) Avoid dairy, tomatoes, celery, melons, peaches and alcohol as they can worsen symptoms!

Vitamin c and nettle tea are natural antihistamines, and won’t put you to sleep like some medicines do!