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test from vistaprint
| Posted on August 9, 2019 at 2:51 PM |
comments (2885)
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test from vistaprint |
New Super Green Smoothie
| Posted on May 15, 2016 at 7:06 PM |
comments (236)
|
We recently started growing wheat grass to juice for all of the numerous health benefits. I am also a huge fan of smoothies because they help me to consume larger quantities of fruits and veggies then I would normally consume. We decided to combine the wheat grass juice into the smoothie and deliciousness occurred! Here is what was in my super green smoothie: 1 handful of organic cilantro ( this is my preferred system of measurement and when I say approximately its because I basically just eyeball it and dump it in.The only exact measurement is the wheat grass :) 1 handful of organic mixed salad greens 1 handful of organic kale 2 tablespoons of organic hulled hemp seeds 2 tablespoons of organic black chia seeds 1 handful of organic dark sweet cherries frozen 1 handful organic mango chunks frozen approximately 3 oz of organic beet juice approximately 3 oz of organic goats milk blueberry kefir approximately 5 oz non sweetened organic almond milk 3 oz of freshly juiced wheat grass approximately 1 oz organic pomegranate juice 3 slices of fresh organic ginger 4 slices of fresh organic lemon and peel Blend it all together and drink! This made three 16 oz glasses. All of these ingredients are so good for you! I could list them all or I could just be lazy ( or as I like to call it efficient ) and post these lovely well written links to the numerous health benefits of these ingredients.
Hope any of this information was of use and helps to motivate you to create some delicious super green smoothies of your own! |
Beets, Berries, Burdock.
| Posted on March 9, 2016 at 12:54 AM |
comments (234)
|
In my effort to
eat healthy and still not have to cook too many meals I have turned to
smoothies. I can grab a bunch of powders, fruits and vegetables, throw in some
cashew milk, hit blend and breakfast is served. My latest
creation is to help detoxify the body while getting some of my daily dose of
fruits and veggies. I begin with organic beet root powder because it is easier
than cooking the beets and then blending them. I add 1 tablespoon of that, 1
tablespoon of organic burdock root powder, a piece of organic raw ginger, a
handful of organic parsley, a handful of organic kale, a handful of a mixed organic
spring mix, 1 cup of mixed organic frozen berries (cherries, blueberries, and raspberries)
and vanilla cashew milk. This sounds like it might taste bad but honestly
berries seem to overtake the other tastes.   The combination
above seems odd but every ingredient has a medicinal reason for being there.
Let’s begin with the beets. Beets are naturally rich in nitrates which helps to
improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Beets are also rich in iron,
magnesium, A, C, B1, B3, and B6, calcium, copper, phosphorus, sodium, iodine,
carbohydrates, protein and fiber. The next ingredient is the burdock root powder.
Burdock roots help to support detoxification of the organs and elimination
systems like the liver, kidneys, and skin. This root is also high in inulin
which is a starchy carbohydrate that is a prebiotic and prebiotics are good for
gut health. This root has been known to be effective for all sorts of skin
disorders (acne, eczema, psoriasis) and because of its cleansing effect on the
kidneys it is good for gout as well. Now for a quick disclaimer on these herbs:Burdock root is a common vegetable and is considered to be
safe for most people. People with skin
conditions may see an increase in symptoms when they first start to take
burdock. To decrease this effect, try combining it with more eliminating herbs
as well as starting with a lower dose and slowly increasing the dosage. There have been a few reports of adverse effects of burdock
in people allergic to Asteraceae family plants. Personal note on this- I have psoriasis and have seen a
great improvement in just 3 days of drinking this smoothie. Hopefully this will
only improve.  Next up is ginger
root. Ginger has great anti-inflammatory benefits from exercise soreness to rheumatism.
This root can lower cholesterol and help prevent blood clots, and is good for
upset stomach, cramps, coughs, and colds. Some studies now suggest it helps in
the fight against skin, ovarian, colon, and breast cancers. The next ingredient
is the handful of tasty berries. Blueberries and raspberries have vitamin K,
manganese, vitamin C, and fiber. Cherries have powerful antioxidants, reduce
inflammation, are a natural source of melatonin, and help reduce belly fat.  Next up are the vegetables,
kale and parsley. I have to add that technically parsley is an herb but my
brain identifies it as a vegetable so I have to hide it in my food well blended
up so I will eat it. Kale has vitamin A,
K, C, B6, B1, B2, B3, magnesium, copper, calcium, and manganese. Parsley has
folates, vitamin C, A, K, calcium, iron, and beta-carotene. The final ingredient,
cashew milk, is probably the least healthy. Normally cashew milk is very
healthy but as already mentioned, I avoid domestic manual labor whenever
possible so I don’t make my own. I buy my cashew milk flavored with vanilla. It
is unsweetened which is a little better but not as healthy as it could be. I am
going to go ahead and rationalize (with myself of course) that the wonderfully
healthy ingredients in this smoothie outweigh this one not 100% healthy
ingredient. If you really want to go for it you can make your own cashew milk
with soaked cashews and organic vanilla and this will be the breakfast of
champions! |
Helpful Herbs from A to Z- The letter P.
| Posted on January 31, 2016 at 10:57 PM |
comments (293)
|
Today’s blog is on helpful herbs that
start with the letter P. These are for educational purposes only. The
information is not intended to treat or diagnosis anything. Please check with
your physician before taking any herbs or herbal formulas and use extreme
caution if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any serious health conditions. In the last blog
we talked a little bit about the energy of an herb-whether it was a warming or
cooling herb. Another factor to consider in choosing an herb goes back to
taste. If the herb is sour or pungent it can be astringent in nature. An
astringent is something that contracts and dries tissues. This is great if you
have a need for that in things like running noses or open wounds. If you are
already experiencing tissues that are dry and in need of moisture this will
only aggravate the problem. You could add a moisturizing herb (usually these
are warm and sweet in nature) to the first herb, because you want the other
properties that first herb has to offer minus the astringent nature. Or you
could choose another herb all together that helped addressed the issue and
wasn’t astringent. This is why a one size fits all approach to herbalism isn’t
recommended. There are many beneficial herbs in the world and they can help to
aid in your overall health and wellness when all factors are considered. Hope
this helps explain a little more about the wonderful world of herbs. Now on to
some herbs that begin with the letter P. Western Herb  Prickly Ash (
Zanthoxylum Americanum)Parts Used: Bark and berries Energy and Taste: Spicy, warm and diffusing Constituents: Alkaloids,
fagarine, coumarins, resin, tannins, volatile oils Internal Uses: Sluggish
circulation, arthritis and rheumatic conditions, stimulates blood and lymphatic
circulation so good for skin issues as well. Can create a sense of heat in the
stomach due to its warming nature. Take ½ oz. of powder in pills or tea 3 x a
day. Topical Uses: Helps
to heal wounds and relieve toothaches when applied topically. Can apply as a
poultice or powder.  Chinese HerbPeony(Shao Yao) Paeonia Lactiflora Parts Used: Root Energy and Taste: Slightly
cold, bitter and acrid Constituents: Astragalin,
benzoic acid, calcium, copper, galic acid, glucose, linoleic acid, magnesium,
poeoniflorin, paeonol, potassium, tannins, zinc. Internal Uses: Fevers,
colds, nervous disorders, blood purifier, good for skin issues, menstrual
syndromes. Take 5-10 grams as a tea or capsule.  Ayurveda HerbPoppy (Papaver somniferum) Ayurveda Name: Ahiphena Parts Used: Seeds Energy and Taste: Pungent,
astringent, sweet and heating Constituents: Oleic and linoleic acids, thiamin, pantothenic
acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, iron, copper, calcium,
potassium, manganese, zinc, magnesium, opium alkaloids, papaverine. Internal Uses:
Poppy seed is a warming sleep aid taken a half hour before bed as a tea (4 TBS
of seeds brewed) Can also be helpful for diarrhea, nerve pain, and coughs. 250
mg to 1 gram daily as powder or in food. Hope any of this information was helpful. Check back for the
next blog on helpful herbs that begin with the letter R. Resources The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and
Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa
and Michael Tierra The Way of Chinese Herbs, Michael Tierra The Way of Herbs: Fully Updated with the Latest Developments
in Herbal Science, Michael Tierra |
Helpful herbs from A to Z-The letter O.
| Posted on January 31, 2016 at 10:44 PM |
comments (205)
|
Today’s blog is on
helpful herbs that begin with the letter O. This information is to inform only.
This information is never meant to treat, diagnose, or cure anything. Always
use caution and common sense when taking vitamins or herbs and check with your
physician for any contraindications. In the last blog
we talked about the taste of herbs and why they are important. In this blog I
want to briefly discuss the energy of herbs and why that matters when
considering which herb to take. Some herbs are cooling in nature (think of a
cucumber) and others are warming in nature (think of ginger). This is important
to consider when you are trying to find the right herbal treatment for what you
are trying to address. Warming herbs are best used to treat cold conditions.
Think of a person who has achy bones on a cold winter day. You wouldn’t offer
that person a plate full of cucumbers to make them feel better but you might
offer them a warm cup of ginger tea. Cooling herbs help to detoxify and to
remove inflammation. Think of someone who is experiencing symptoms of a heat
stroke. This is where you would possible offer a plate full of cold cucumbers
or watermelon. There are numerous
other things to consider when you are choosing the right herbs for your health.
This is just a much abbreviated explanation that I hope helps to explain why
the energy and taste of herbs are mentioned in these blogs. Now on to today’s
herbs. Western Herb  Oregon grape Root(Mahonia
Aquifolium)Parts Used: Rhizome
and Root Energy and Taste: Cool
and bitter Constituents: Berberine
alkaloid, columbamine, hydrastine, jatrorrhizine, oxyacanthine, tetrahydroberberine,
tannins. Internal Uses:
Liver, menstrual irregularities, skin diseases, arthritis. The yellow rhizomes
are used as a hepatic biliary stimulant enhancing the flow of bile throughout
the liver and gallbladder. This helps to improve the liver function. Can be
taken as a tincture or tea form. Do not take if you have hyperthyroid issues. Topical Uses: A cream containing 10 % can be applied to
rashes to help irritation.  Osha Root(Ligusticum Porteri)Parts Used: Root Constituents: Alkaloids, camphor, sapononins, ferulic acid,
terpenes, phytosterols. Energy and Taste:
Bitter and cool Internal Uses: Aids in digestion, colds, cough, and flu
fevers. 3-9 grams or 10-30 drops of tincture.  Chinese HerbOyster Shell (Mu
LI) Concha Ostrea Gigas Energy and Taste: Astringent,
cold and salty. Constituents: Calcium,
copper, iron, polysaccharides, sodium, magnesium. Internal Uses: Good for anxiety, palpitations, insomnia,
irritability and excessive anger. 15-30 grams Hope any of this information was helpful. Check back for the
next blog on helpful herbs beginning with the letter P. Resources The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and
Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa
and Michael Tierra The Way of Chinese Herbs, Michael Tierra The Way of Herbs: Fully Updated with the Latest Developments
in Herbal Science, Michael Tierra |
Helpful herbs from A to Z- The letter N.
| Posted on January 14, 2016 at 8:44 PM |
comments (239)
|
Today’s blog is on helpful herbs in Western, Ayurveda and
Chinese herbalism that begin with the letter N. Before we get into these herbs and their
properties I would like to begin with the taste of herbs. In every blog post
about herbs I include the energy and taste of the herb. I wanted to explain why
taste is important to the body in choosing an herbal remedy for your overall
health and wellness. The first taste I
want to talk about is Sour. These herbs are usually astringent or drying in
nature and help to drain things. They are often acid in nature (think of a
lemon) and this helps to cleanse and detoxify the body. One of the ways that a
sour herb does that is through taking a fat soluble toxin and making it more of
a water soluble toxin that is easier to excrete by the kidneys. This is one of
the reasons you will see all those articles about drinking lemon water to help
you lose weight. The next taste is
bitter. These herbs are known to drain and dry. They are used for the heart,
respiration, digestion, and immune function. They are often anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic,
antibacterial, and alkaloid. These properties help to move things out of the
body (liver cleansing, lung and mucus cleansing, and blood purifying). They are
best taken in smaller doses as too much will have an adverse effect on the
body. The next taste is
sweet and they are to nourish and strengthen the body. Simple sugars are more
readily available to utilize by the body. The brain, muscles, and tissues feed
on glucose. When this is easily available the digestive system doesn’t have to
work as hard and energy is preserved. This is only referring to natural food
sugars (think yams or molasses) not refined sugars that harm your body. A major
class of compounds called heteropolysaccharides are in many herbs that
strengthen the immune system (like astragalus) and have been well studies for
these benefits. These are to be taken in small doses for short periods of time. The next taste is
pungent also referred to as acrid. These herbs have a dispersing and moving
effect on the body. They are good for the liver, and lungs as they help to
prevent stagnation and to move mucus. Think of herbs like black pepper, cayenne
pepper, ginger, onion, garlic, horseradish. These herbs help to warm the organs
and disperse mucus. The last taste is
salty and these herbs are good for the kidneys, the heart, and to dissolve things. Salty herbs can tone and moisturize tissues but when taken in
too high a concentration they will dry and irritate. Salt helps to balance
potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in the body. These are herbs like sea side
plants (kelp) celery and parsley. Use only in small and therapeutic doses. This was only a
short introduction into the taste of herbs and why they matter but I think it
will help in understanding how herbs work and why. Here are some helpful herbs that begin with the letter N. Western Herb  Nettles (Urtica Urens)Parts used:
Leaves Energy and Taste:
Cool, bland and slightly bitter. Constituents:
High amounts of chlorophyll, indoles,
including histamine and serotonin, acetylcholine, vitamin C, A, potassium,
protein and fiber. Internal Uses:
Diuretic, astringent tonic, hemostatic, expectorant, and nutritive tincture
that is helpful in allergies. The high concentration of nutrients in nettles
make it great for anemia, asthma, and rheumatic conditions. A study of nettle
roots found them to be very effective in the treatment of enlarged prostate.
Take as a tincture 10-30 drops, as a pill, or a tea. Topical uses:
Helps to stimulate hair growth in shampoos, serums, or oils. Also stops
bleeding when applied topically on wounds. Ayurveda Herb  Neem (Azadiracta
indica)Ayurvedic Name:
Nimba Parts Used:
Seeds, leaves, and bark Energy and Taste:
Cooling, pungent and bitter astringent. Constituents:
isomeldenim, nimbin, nimbinene, quercetin, beta-sit sterol, terpenoids,
limonoids, azadrachtin. Internal Uses:
Purifies the blood, stimulates insulin secretion in the pancreas, is
antimicrobial and is often referred to as “the village pharmacy” because of its
numerous benefits. 250 to 500 mg a day, or as a tea. Topical uses:
parasites, eczema, acne, eye inflammations, gum inflammations. Use as a powder,
in ghee, in tincture, or tea or neem oil.  Chinese HerbNotopterygium (Qiang
Huo) This herb is endangered due to excessive cultivation Parts Used:
Root and Rhizome Energy and taste:
Warm, aromatic and bitter. Constituents:
furanocoumarins, notopterol, falcorindiol and phenethyl ferulate =
antioxidants, anti-cancer properties, cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Internal Uses:
6-12 grams These blogs are
not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure anything. They are intended for educational purposes only. Always
check with your physician before taking any herbs or vitamins. Hope of any of
the above information was helpful and check back for the next blog on the
letter O. Resources The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and
Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa
and Michael Tierra The Way of Chinese Herbs, Michael Tierra The Way of Herbs: Fully Updated with the Latest Developments
in Herbal Science, Michael Tierra |
Helpful herbs from A to Z - the letter M.
| Posted on January 5, 2016 at 3:43 PM |
comments (205)
|
Today’s blog is on helpful herbs that begin with the letter
M. This blog is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent anything. It
is for educational purposes only. Please always use caution when taking any
herb or vitamin and check with your physician for any contraindications. Western Herb  Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum, Cardos Marianus)Parts used - Seeds and aerial portions. Energy and taste - Bitter, sweet and cool. Constituents - Flavolignans collectively known as silymarin Internal uses - Hepatoprotective, bitter tonic, demulcent, antidepressant,
liver protective and regenerative that helps with chronic liver cirrhosis, necrosis,
hepatitis A and B. It is a hypolipidemic that lowers fat deposits in the liver
(fatty liver disease) Dose - 420 milligrams daily in
capsule or tea. Topical uses - Anti-inflammatory that helps with rashes and
acne when applied in a cream or lotion. Do not take while pregnant and if you have any allergies to
ragweed or daisies. Chinese Herb  Motherwort(Yi Mu Cao)Leonurus Cardiaca Parts used - Leaves Energy and taste - Slightly bitter, cold, and acrid. Constituents - Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, vitamin A. Do not use while pregnant as this herb stimulates uterine
contractions. Internal uses - Emmenagogue, anti hypertensive, antispasmodic,
diuretic, antibacterial, anti fungal. Helps with edema, promotes blood circulation,
and helps with nervous cardiac disorders, thyroid hyper function, and eye
issues. Dose - 2-4 ml in a tincture Topical uses – Helps with itchy skin and shingles when
applied topically in creams or lotions.  Ayurveda HerbMyrrh(Commiphora Myrrh) Ayurveda name - Bola Parts used - resin Energy and taste – Hot, astringent, and pungent. Constituents - Volatile oils, sesquiterpenes, myrcene,
acamphorene, guggulstrol, glycoresins, polysaccharides, potassium, tannins. Internal uses – Helps with gingivitis, digestive problems,
mouth ulcers, ulcerative colitis. Dose -1 to 2 ml three times a day in capsules. Topical uses - An antimicrobial and detoxifying herb that is good for
oral health when used in a tooth powder or a mouth wash. Hope any of the above information was helpful. Check back
for the next blog on helpful herbs that begin with the letter N. Resources The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and
Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa
and Michael Tierra The Way of Chinese Herbs, Michael Tierra The Way of Herbs: Fully Updated with the Latest Developments
in Herbal Science, Michael Tierra |
Helpful herbs from A to Z - the letter L.
| Posted on January 5, 2016 at 3:05 PM |
comments (212)
|
Today's blog is on helpful herbs that begin with the letter L. But first I wanted to begin
with why herbs can benefit the overall health and wellness of a person. In learning about herbs and their chemical constituents
I see several key components come up over and over again. I thought we could
break down two of these reoccurring components and see why they help to support
ones system. Flavonoids – they are responsible for a plants deep pigments
like in a blueberry or purple cabbage. The darker the plant the more
antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits that plant has. They support
cardiovascular health and nervous system health. Additionally they detoxify
your body and help to remove tissue damaging molecules and free radical damage. Triterpenoids – they have a steroidal effect, are
anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferation effect, support healthy cellular aging,
and have anti-cancer benefits. These are just two of the several chemical components that
make up herbs and plants that contribute to the overall health and wellness of
a body when taken on a regular basis. The first herb is one that gets used
often for its scent but has numerous health benefits to the body. Western Herb  Lavender(Lavender Angustifolia, L Officinallis)Parts used - Flowers Energy and taste - Spicy, mildly bitter, and cool. Constituents - Oil linalool, lavendulylacetate, borneol,
camphor, limonene, cadinene, courmarins, ursilic acids, flavonoids. Internal uses – It is a nervine, anti-inflammatory,
anti-depressant, antiseptic, analgesic, and good for the lungs and liver. Dose - 10-30 drops of tincture in water, drink as a tea 2 to
3 times a day. You can also add 4-6 drops in hot water and inhale the steam to
help your lungs. Topical uses - Good for burns or eczema, rashes and pain
relief. Can look for in products or place a few drops in a bath, or use the
undiluted oil on burns. Chinese Herb  Licorice (Gan Cao) Radix Glycyrrhizin UralensisParts used - roots Energy and taste - Neutral and sweet Constituents -Glycyrrhizin acid, flavonoids, immune
stimulant sugars. Internal uses - Helps with upper respiratory issues, adrenal
fatigue, boosts prostaglandin production and supports the body’s release of
cortisol while inhibiting some of the more detrimental side effects of
cortisol. Do not use if you are pregnant, or if you have heart issues,
hypertension, kidney, liver or low potassium issues. Dose – Can be taken in teas, tinctures, or capsules. Topical uses - Anti-inflammatory that helps to minimize redness
and inflammation in the skin in conditions like eczema and acne. Look for in
creams, lotions or masks.  Ayurveda Herb Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera)Ayurveda name - Padma, Kamala, Poshkara Parts used - Root and seed. Energy and taste - Sweet, astringent, and cooling. Constituents - Phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins, fiber,
high in vitamin C, B complex, cooper, iron, magnesium and manganese. Internal uses - Rejuvenates, is an astringent, hemostatic,
and nervine. Good for the heart and the reproductive system. Dose - Eat the seeds and peel and eat the root like a
potato. It can be taken in tea or capsule form. Topical uses - Purifies the skin, moisturizes and soothes
and is very high in vitamin C and B. Look for it in skin care products as an
extract in creams or lotions. Hope any of the above information was helpful. Always check
with your physician before taking any herbs or vitamins. Next blog post will be
on the letter M. Resources The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and
Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa
and Michael Tierra The Way of Chinese Herbs, Michael Tierra The Way of Herbs: Fully Updated with the Latest Developments
in Herbal Science, Michael Tierra |
Helpful herbs from A to Z - the letter K
| Posted on January 5, 2016 at 2:04 PM |
comments (129)
|
Today’s blog is on
the letter K and three herbs in Western, Chinese, and Ayurveda medicine that
are useful. But first we have to begin with the traditional disclaimer. This
blog is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to treat, diagnose,
prevent or cure any disease. Always check with your physician before taking any
herbs or herbal supplements.  Western Herb Kava Kava (Piper Methysticum) Energy and Taste:Pungent, bitter, and warm. Parts Used - Root Constituents – Resin, kavalactones, yagonin,
methysticin, glycosides, starch, analgesic, antispasmodic, antiseptic,
sedative, diuretic, tonic. Treats – Relives rheumatic pain, alleviates insomnia and
nervousness. Dose – 10-50 drops of tincture a day Internal uses- In Europe Kava is an approved phytomedicine which is used to treat anxiety and
depression. The kavalactones in Kava Kava act primarily on the limbic system.
Do not take if you have liver toxicity, renal disease, bile duct obstruction or
hepatic disease. Do not take if you
have heart issues or if you are on anti-coagulants. Do not take with alcohol, barbiturates,
or any other anti-psychotic medications or anti-anxiety medications, or while
pregnant or nursing. Short term use is best. Topical uses - The tincture (1 part kava tincture to 2 parts
glycerin) has a numbing effect when applied topically and is anti-fungal.  Chinese HerbKombu (laminarice japonica) Sea cabbage – Edible seaweed in Japanese. It is a kelp that
grows in tropical waters. Large brown algae. Constituents – Polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharide,
amino acids, volatile oil, carotene, vitamins B1, B2, C, and P, sulfur,
potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus iron, manganese, molybdenum, iodine,
aluminum, phosphate. Parts used – All parts of the plant are used. Energy and taste – Cold and salty. Internal uses – Reduces edema and helps renal health, helps
with atherosclerosis, hypertension, chronic bronchitis, chronic hepatitis,
anemia, helps with endocrine function, constipation, helps with skin and hair. Dose - 5 to 15 grams in pills or tincture daily.Because this is cold in nature it should be avoided by cold
deficient people. High in iodine and potassium so avoid if you have kidney
issues, hyperthyroidism or are breastfeeding or pregnant. Topical uses – High mineral content helps add important
minerals to skin in masks or creams.  Ayurveda HerbKutki (Picrorhiza Kurroa) Ayurveda name - Katuka Parts Used - Root Energy and taste - Cold and pungent. Constituents - Kutkin molecules, glycosides picroside
I, II, III, picrorhizin, androsin, apocynin, drosin and cucurbitacin. Internal uses - These constituents alter the structure of
the outer membrane of the hepatocytes in such a way as to prevent penetration
of the liver toxins into the interior of the cell. It stimulates the
regenerative ability of the liver, and is anti-inflammatory. Good for coughs,
asthma, liver issues, bronchitis and eye inflammation. Do not take if you are
hypoglycemic as one of the purposes of this herb is to stimulate digestive
secretions, normalize the function of the liver and help to store blood sugar
in the form of glycogen. Dose - 250-500 mg daily. Hope the above information was helpful! Next blog will be on
helpful herbs that begin with the letter L. Resources The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and
Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa
and Michael Tierra The Way of Chinese Herbs, Michael Tierra The Way of Herbs: Fully Updated with the Latest Developments
in Herbal Science, Michael Tierra |
Helpful herbs from A to Z- The letter J
| Posted on December 10, 2015 at 2:38 PM |
comments (202)
|
This blog is a little behind schedule but
better late than never! As always use caution when taking any herbs or herbal
supplements. None of the below information is intended for treatment or to
diagnose, only to inform. Chinese Herb  Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum Cuspidatum)Parts Used - Roots and leaves Energy
is cool, tastes are bitter and sour. Constituents - resveratrol, vitamin C, transresveratrol,
emodin, emodin monomethyl ether, polydatin (piceid) piceatannol, physcion,
astringin, oxalic acid, alkaloids, phenolics, sterol/terpenes, barium, bromine,
calcium, catechin, chrysophanol, citreosein, copper, dimethylhyroxychromone, fallacinol,
glucofragulin, glucoside, iodine, iron, isoquercitrin, manganese, methylcourmarin,
molybdenum, napthoquinone, nickel, phosphorus, physide, piceid, plastoquinine, potassium,
sulfur, tannin, zinc. Internal Uses - This herb is good for
cardiovascular health, to prevent or reduce fevers, antitoxin (an antibody that
counteracts a toxin), and helps to move blood. Most often used to treat
injuries, boils, burns, abscess, bites, stings, and hepatitis. Suggested doses
are a ½ tsp of a tincture of the root 3 times daily. Topical Uses - The leaves can be crushed and
powdered to form a paste for topical use. Caution: do not use if pregnant
or breast feeding. There is a drug interaction with several medications such as
blood thinners, please consult with a physician before
using. Western Herb  Juniper (Juniper Communis)Parts Used- Berries Energy
is warm and spicy and sweet. Constituents -Monoterpenes, alpha and beta pinene, sabinene, limonene,
terpinen 4-ol, alpha-terpineol, borneol, geraniol, myrcene, camphene, camphor,
alpha-eudesmol, neolignan glycosides, lignans, tannins, flavonoids. Internal uses - This herb is good for urinary problems, gout, rheumatic
complaints, is a diuretic, is a carminative, antiseptic, and a stimulant, good
for respiratory health, kidney stones, and uric acid buildup. Recommended dose
is 10-30 drops in a tincture or 4 to 6 drops of oil taken with honey 3 to 4
times a day. Topical uses - The oil can be used to treat
skin issues like acne, athlete’s foot, eczema, and joint pains, rheumatism, and
cellulite. Dilute oil in a carrier oil like grape seed oil or jojoba oil. Ayurveda Herb  Jambul (Syzygium Cuminij Eugenia
Jambolonum)Parts used - Fruits and seeds Energy
is neutral, taste is astringent and is a carminative. Constituents - anthocyanins, alkaloids,
flavonoids, glycoside called antimellin, vitamin A, C, and calcium, gallic
acid, and tannins. Internal Uses - This herb is an anti-diabetic, anti-diarrhea,
colic, and antimicrobial. Recommended dose is 0.3 to 2 grams of dried fruit 3 times
a day. Topical Uses - A paste from the leaves can be
applied to wounds. Use with caution if you are
taking anti-diabetic medication because of this fruits’ blood sugar lowering
properties. Hope any
of the above information was helpful. Check back next week for helpful herbs
that begin with the letter K! Resources The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and
Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa
and Michael Tierra The Way of Chinese Herbs, Michael Tierra The Way of Herbs: Fully Updated with the Latest Developments
in Herbal Science, Michael Tierra |
