Info on Burdock Root!!!

Burdock root is a medicinal herb and food that has powerful anti-tumor, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Burdock root is one of the top recommended herbal remedies for cancer due to the belief that it can stop cancer cells from metastasizing and it is one of the star ingredients of the famous natural cancer remedy known as Essiac AKA Herbmama's Detox Blend. It is also highly beneficial for colds, flu, sore throats, bronchial congestion, ulcers, gallstones, anemia, kidney stones, chicken pox, gout, measles, strep throat, urinary tract infections, bladder infections, hepatitis, and enlarged prostates.

Burdock root is an essential blood purifier and detoxifying herb as it can neutralize and safely eliminate poisons and toxins from the body. Burdock is one of the most important herbs for treating chronic skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and shingles. It can also help to stimulate metabolism, re-grow hair, strengthen nails, and aid in edema and weight loss. Burdock root is an effective painkiller that can help alleviate symptoms of inflammation that affect auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis, lupus, and diabetes. Since it contains up to 50% inulin, it has been known to help diabetics because inulin is a soluble & prebiotic fiber that helps with digestion & to lower blood sugar. It can also help eliminate harmful levels of uric acid through the kidneys.

Fresh burdock can be juiced with celery, kale, and apple or used in recipes similarly to carrots. It is often steamed or added to soups and stews. It has a subtly sweet and earthy flavor that works well with potatoes, mushrooms, and onions. Dried burdock root is often used as a medicinal tea. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried burdock root and let steep for at least 10 minutes or more, sweeten with honey if desired. Burdock root can be readily found in a cream, salve, tincture, extract, and capsule form. It’s potent healing abilities has made it a vital herb for your natural medicine cabinet.

We have included this awesome herb in our Herbmama's Detox Blend & Diabetic Support Tea.

Nettles!

Yes, the same stinging nettles that aggravate your skin if you get the stingers on you. Nettles has been used for centuries to help treat allergies, particularly hay fever, which IS the most common type. According to Dr. Andrew Wiel, M.D., he knows of nothing more effective than nettles for allergy relief. All the over the counter stuff, the scripts, even medications such as Allegra & Claritin treat only the symptoms of allergies and tend to lose effectiveness over time. With side effects such as drowsiness, dried up sinuses, insomnia & high blood pressure, they should not be taken all the time anyway. Nettles has none of those side effects and can be used on a regular basis. But the benefits of nettles doesn't stop here.

The properties of nettles is as follows: it's an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-rheumatic, anti-asthmatic, anti-convulsant, anti-histamine, astringent, decongestant, diuretic and more! What's wonderful too about it is it's a great all-over tonic for the body!! It's great for the adrenals & so many have adrenal issues now & don't even realize it.

Nettles can be used for: seasonal allergies, arthritis, bronchitis, bursitis, gingivitis, sinusitis, tendonitis, high blood pressure, inflammatory conditions, hair loss, eczema, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, Alzheimer's, asthma, bladder infections, hives, kidney stones, MS, PMS, sciatica....to name a few!!!

Warning: Nettles may lower blood pressure & heart rate, so be cautious. Do not take if breast-feeding or if pregnant.

Most stinging nettle products are made from the stem and leaves, but the roots also have pharmacological qualities. The herb has anti-inflammatory qualities that can affect treatment of many health issues. The aboveground parts have typically aided in allergy relief and other breathing-related problems. The roots are able to provide relief for urinary disorders and enlarged prostate as well

More research is needed, but stinging nettle is also said to:

• Stimulate hair growth
• Help control blood sugar in patients with diabetes
• Reduce bleeding connected to gingivitis
• Treat disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract
• Provide relief from water retention
• Decrease menstrual flow
• Provide asthma relief
• Heal wounds
• Treat hemorrhoids
• Stimulate contractions in pregnant women
• Treat insect bites
• Treat tendonitis
• Treat anemia

 Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain:

Arthritis sufferers often experience joint pain, typically in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Nettle works alongside anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to allow patients to decrease their NSAID use. Because prolonged use of NSAIDs can cause a number of serious side effects, this is an ideal pairing.

 

Studies also show that applying nettle leaf topically at the site of pain decreases joint pain and can help treat arthritis. Nettle can also provide relief when taken orally. Another study published in the Journal of Rheumatology shows stinging nettle’s anti-inflammatory power against other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Hay Fever:

Histamine production in the body creates the adverse reactions related to allergies. Allergies cause uncomfortable congestion, sneezing, itching and more. Stinging nettle’s anti-inflammatory qualities affect a number of key receptors and enzymes in allergic reactions, preventing hay fever symptoms if taken when they first appear. The leaves of the plant contain histamine, which may seem counterproductive in allergy treatment, but there is history of using histamines to treat severe allergic reactions.

Info taken from the internet & DrAxe.com

Ever Heard of Astragalus???

Astragalus is one of the most used herbs in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). It is also known as Huang-qi or Milk-vetch root. In Chinese herbalism astragalus is reputed to strengthen the 'chi'.

It belongs to the legume family and is non-toxic at any dose. This herb contains flavonoids, polysaccharides, sapponins & trace minerals. It is just about the only herb that contains all 4 of these important elements!!

Astragalus strengthens, protects & supports the immune system. As we all know a healthy, strong immune system is key to being healthy! Since inflammation is the root of most diseases, astragalus is an anti-inflammatory and therefore can be key in the body's response to inflammatory conditions such as illness or disease. It also helps to strengthen the heart and can help reduce blood pressure. But people who take warfarin need to be cautious as it increases the body's response to steroids. Also if you take beta blockers they may not be as effective when taking astragalus. Just some words of warning there!

This adaptogenic herb is being rediscovered today. It can boost & balance immune function and help to treat all types of infections that deplete energy. It helps to make the body's T-cells more aggressive. It strengthens digestion, lungs, the spleen & can protect the liver. It aids in adrenal functions. It also fights free radical damage. Studies show its ability to relieve insulin resistance and treat diabetes naturally. Astragalus is able to increase insulin sensitivity, protect pancreatic beta cells (the cells in the pancreas that produce and release insulin). It has been known to reduce or eliminate tumors as well. It can also help alleviate the horrid symptoms from chemotherapy.

Since it is an anti-inflammatory it seems to inhibit the release of histamines from cells. so it could help relieve hay fever & other allergies which can cause sinus issues.

Instead of directly attacking infectious organisms, it aids the body by fortifying every component of the existing immune system!

So why wouldn't one add this awesome herb to their daily regime??

Fats...The Good, The Bad & The Ugly -- Part 3

EFA's or essential fatty acids are the polyunsaturated forms called omega 3's & 6's. They are essential because the body can't manufacture them. Life itself is not possible without adequate amounts of EFA's. The 3's & 6's are very sensitive to heat & modern food processing. Hydrogenation or high heat processing not only removes all of the nutrients, but also makes the oils toxic to our bodies. So the omega 3's should never be heated & should only be added after cooking has been completed. It is important to have a properly balances intake of healthy essential fats including omega 3 & 6 fats. Research has shown an approximate ratio of 4:1 of healthy omega 6's to omega 3 fats which provides the body with a proper balance of EFA's.

Healthy supplemental oils: cod liver, flaxseed, high vitamin butter oil.

Healthy cooking oils: butter (preferably from grass-fed cattle), coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, ghee or clarified butter, palm oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, safflower & sunflower oils.

Healthy oils should be in colored containers & should be avoided if in a clear one. Light can damage the oils. There should also be an expiration date on the container as nutrients have a shelf life. Look for expeller or cold pressed oils.

Organic butter is one of the healthiest foods. It contains fat-soluble vitamins, trace minerals, short & medium chain fats as well as other key nutrients. One of the most interesting items in butter (from cows grazing on grass) is the "X factor", as described by Dr. Weston Price, one of the pioneers of using natural foods. It refers to a substance that helps the body absorb & utilize minerals!

Margarine contains neither vitamins or minerals. It contains many substances harmful to the body. They should be avoided at all costs.

Information taken from: Guide To Healthy Eating. Written by David Brownstein, M.D. & Sheryl Shenefelt, C.N.

Fats...The Good, The Bad & The Ugly -- Part 2

Mono-saturated fats are liquid at room temperature & are known for being high in the antioxidant Vit. E. They are not as stable for cooking, but used best in spreads & dressings or occasional low heat cooking. The most common form is oleic acid & it can be found in: avocados, almonds, canola oil, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, olive oil, peanuts, pecans & pistachios.

Hydrogenated oils are highly refined & found in most packaged food. It's a process by which an extra hydrogen molecule is added, therefore able to convert liquid oils to a solid or semi-solid fat, such as margarine. It is beneficial to the manufacturer, but not the consumer because trans-fats are formed in the process. These have been linked to cancer, heart disease & many other chronic degenerative disorders. Trans fats are actually toxic for our cell membranes. With an over abundance the cells become leaky & distorted.

Polyunsaturated fats are the least stable of all fats. They are liquid or soft at room temperatures. They can not withstand a lot of high heat cooking or processing because free radicals are easily formed. Free radicals are compounds that damage the cells of the body. The most common forms of these fats are the omega-6 (linoleic) & the omega-3 (linolenic)!

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids are: cold water fish oils such as mackerel, salmon, albacore, tuna, sardines & lake trout. Flaxseeds & oil. Pumpkin seeds & walnuts.

Sources of omega-6 fatty acids: Borage, black currant, canola, corn, cottonseed, primrose, safflower, soybean & sunflower.

Processed vegetable oils (i.e. refined oils) are very popular in the grocery aisles & in our diets. These oils are overused due to misinformation of their health qualities by the food industry as well as health care providers. They contain high amounts of omega-6 without the balancing effects of the omega-3's & have been shown to suppress the immune system over time.

Fats...The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!!

Food consists of 3 major macronutrients: carbs, proteins & fats. Fat contains more energy than the other two. Fat is essential for forming cell membranes & hormone production. Inadequate fat intake can lead to vitamin deficiency since fats acts as a carrier for fat soluble vitamins like  A, D, E & K. It's found in both animal & vegetable products, adds flavor to foods & satisfies hunger as well. Good fats are essential to maintaining health.

Although many agencies tell us we need to eat low fat to be healthy, numerous imbalances & vitamin deficiencies have become apparent in low fat diets. With the food pyramid they even focus on grains and little to no fats info as to why we should ingest healthy fats.

Fat in diet does not necessarily mean weight gain. Adequate intake of good fats from whole foods gives satiety which helps us not to overeat. Every cell membrane in the body contains fat & all steroid hormones are produced from cholesterol which is a fat-like substance. Now cholesterol is an important molecule for the body...it works with hormone production & helps the immune system to function properly.

Good fats are those that have not been hydrogenated & can be saturated, mono-saturated or polyunsaturated. Bad fats provide no nutrition to the body, but also cause the immune system to malfunction & can lead to a variety of illnesses from obesity to cancer to auto immune problems.

Bad fats consist of: 1) Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils 2) Processed vegetable oils such as soy, corn, canola & cottonseed (plus these are GMO's). 3) Trans fats.

Saturated fats have gotten a bad rap from physicians, dieticians as well as the media. They can withstand higher cooking temps without producing tissue damaging free radicals. They are solid at room temperatures & come mainly from animal sources like meat & dairy products. Optimal health is not possible without adequate amounts of saturated fats in our bodies. It gives our cells the strength to maintain structure & it is predominate in our brains.

Healthy foods that contain significant amounts of saturated fats include: coconut oil, cultured dairy (i.e. yogurt, kefir), organic butter, organic free-range red meat & palm oil.