So many medicinal herbs are used for the fabulous flavor in our favorite dishes. Spice up your life with some of these tasty (and healthy) herbs:
Allspice is a great spice that can be used with many meals; it is a tasty addition to meats, vegetables, pickles, and fruit dishes. It may be helpful with digestion, inflammation, and nerve tissue.
Cayenne is a popular herb that has many functions. It can help purify the blood, break down mucous, improve energy levels, aid in digestion, lower cholesterol, improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, stimulate the excretion of wastes through sweating, and offers great nutrition to the cells.
Cinnamon is a popular kitchen spice that has many health benefits. It helps to warm the system, and is commonly used with cooling foods (fruits, milk, desserts). It warms the organs to prevent from distress with the: intestines, heart, menses, back, and lung. It has also been found helpful in killing and eliminating parasites, stabilizing blood sugar, preventing indigestion and gas, and stopping excess bleeding.
Cloves may help with digestive distress (nausea, vomiting, flatulence, etc.). It may also be used topically as an antiseptic; and may be helpful for toothaches. Cloves may be beneficial in warming the body (increasing digestion and improving circulation), which is why clove is more popular as a spice during the colder months. It may also be helpful in killing and eliminating parasites.
Coriander (also called cilantro) is a cooling herb that helps to balance hot and spicy foods. It is useful for fevers, inflammation, and pain; it also helps with intestinal balance to prevent griping. It has been found helpful with the detoxification of heavy metals.
Cumin is one of the best kitchen spices known to prevent and relieve gas. Cumin helps to increase circulation, and is often given to new mothers for 3 reasons: (1) to help sooth their heart and uterus after the stress of childbirth, (2) to increase milk production, and (3) to prevent colic in babies.
Dill helps to improve the appetite and digestion. It is commonly found in colic formulas because of its ability to ease flatulence and promote proper digestion.
Garlic is a powerful herb that possesses many exceptional properties, including the abilities to: lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, expand vessel walls, inhibit platelet aggregation, kill and expel parasites, kill bacteria and fungus, protect from and kill viruses, and promoting overall health.
Ginger is a highly effective and tasty herb that can be used frequently in the kitchen and for health complaints. It has been found helpful for: digestion, flatulence, fatigue, gastro-intestinal issues, nausea, pregnancy complaints, arthritis, stomach aches, immune function, diarrhea, blood sugar, circulation, dizziness, heartburn, aches and pains, detoxification, nervousness, stress, and stimulation.
Mint has been found to be antibacterial and antiparasitic. It may also help sooth muscle tissue, prevent flatulence, promote digestion, stimulate the liver and gallbladder, promote the healing of ulcers, prevent inflammation, and ease pain. The smell of mint has been found helpful for relaxation and concentration, as well as the health of lung tissue. Although there are many different types of mint, many of them have the same health benefits.
Nutmeg may be helpful to improve circulation, digestion, heart troubles, and nerve transmition.
Onions are similar to garlic in their healthy properties, although not as extreme. Onions are stimulants that increase the energy of the body, stimulate circulation, and break up mucous or obstructions; while also helping to kill any invading pathogens.
Oregano is a common digestive herb, which has been found to promote digestion and ease flatulence. Oregano may also be helpful for reduction and elimination of yeast and parasites in the body.
Parsley is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C available in a plant. It is also an effective diuretic, used to help rid the body of excess water. It has been found helpful with kidney or urinary complaints. It encourages the elimination of uric acid, so may be helpful for gout, arthritis, and inflammation. Parsley has been used to ease flatulence and colic pains, and promote digestion.
Salt (in excess) is often linked to a variety of health concerns, including hypertension (high blood pressure), fluid retention, pregnancy problems, and electrolyte imbalance. When used in moderation, salt is essential for proper mineral concentration and balance in the body. A healthy salt option is a more natural sea salt that still has a variety of other minerals present.
Turmeric is a popular detoxifying herb that has very little taste and can be used in relatively high doses frequently in the kitchen. It has been found helpful for: arthritis, improving liver health, digestion, menstrual complaints, bruises and injuries, stimulation, blood sugar, imbalanced hormones, gallstones, circulation, and inflammation.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Yoga 101
The general population has some confusion about yoga. Don’t people just sit around and meditate during a yoga class? Isn’t yoga a religious practice? Don’t people have to be flexible to take a yoga class? Or perhaps you have heard that only young people take yoga class; or you can’t take yoga because you are Christian/Jewish/etc; or you don’t have good enough balance, agility, and/or coordination; or you have pain in a certain area of your body. These are all reasons I have heard people say when I invite them to my yoga classes.
First and foremost, yoga is a very broad topic that warrants a great deal of confusion. There are many different types of yoga (to name a few): Raja Yoga is primarily meditation, Jnana Yoga is about expanding the mind through learning, Karma Yoga promotes selfless service, and finally Hatha Yoga promotes the purification of the body. Hatha Yoga is most commonly practiced in yoga studios, gyms, schools, and community centers.
Within the scope of Hatha Yoga, there are different types of practices (to name a few): Vinyasa is a breath-and-flow style, Ashtanga is often called “Power Yoga”, Iyengar is primarily concerned with body alignment, Bikram is often called “Hot Box Yoga” because it is practiced in a 95-100 degree room, and finally Yogafit is a combination of these different yoga styles (minus the “Hot Box”). I practice Yogafit because I find that it is the most adaptable, and affords me the luxury of having great variety in each yoga class.
During one of my yoga classes, you will find yourself deep breathing as you get into simple poses (also called asana’s, pronounced ash-na’s). We will hold these simple asanas for one breath or for 10 breaths (towards the later part of class when we are working on strengthening our muscles); and then we might move into progressively harder variations of the asana if your body is calling for more of a challenge. Each class is catered toward each individual in the class, so that a teenager can take the same class as a senior or a pregnant woman; there are many modifications for each asana.
After a yoga class, your body, mind, and emotions will feel calmer and cleaner. We have worked together toward purifying your whole being. Scientifically, yoga has been found helpful for individuals challenged with: sleep, blood pressure, unhealthy weight, depression, pain, arthritis, memory, concentration, aggression, anxiety, and so much more. It has also been found helpful for detoxification, which may help to delay the effects of ageing.
First and foremost, yoga is a very broad topic that warrants a great deal of confusion. There are many different types of yoga (to name a few): Raja Yoga is primarily meditation, Jnana Yoga is about expanding the mind through learning, Karma Yoga promotes selfless service, and finally Hatha Yoga promotes the purification of the body. Hatha Yoga is most commonly practiced in yoga studios, gyms, schools, and community centers.
Within the scope of Hatha Yoga, there are different types of practices (to name a few): Vinyasa is a breath-and-flow style, Ashtanga is often called “Power Yoga”, Iyengar is primarily concerned with body alignment, Bikram is often called “Hot Box Yoga” because it is practiced in a 95-100 degree room, and finally Yogafit is a combination of these different yoga styles (minus the “Hot Box”). I practice Yogafit because I find that it is the most adaptable, and affords me the luxury of having great variety in each yoga class.
During one of my yoga classes, you will find yourself deep breathing as you get into simple poses (also called asana’s, pronounced ash-na’s). We will hold these simple asanas for one breath or for 10 breaths (towards the later part of class when we are working on strengthening our muscles); and then we might move into progressively harder variations of the asana if your body is calling for more of a challenge. Each class is catered toward each individual in the class, so that a teenager can take the same class as a senior or a pregnant woman; there are many modifications for each asana.
After a yoga class, your body, mind, and emotions will feel calmer and cleaner. We have worked together toward purifying your whole being. Scientifically, yoga has been found helpful for individuals challenged with: sleep, blood pressure, unhealthy weight, depression, pain, arthritis, memory, concentration, aggression, anxiety, and so much more. It has also been found helpful for detoxification, which may help to delay the effects of ageing.
Spring Clean your Body too!
When spring comes around, we often open up the windows for the first time (at least in Central NY we do) and let the fresh air come in, we often move the furniture around and clean out those life-sized dust bunnies, and we often clean out our closets and drawers of old clutter that has been weighing us down. Our house feels rejuvenated and refreshed.
Just as much as our house needs a “spring cleaning”, our bodies do too.
Our bodies have a tendency to hold-on to “stuff” during the winter months, similar to most animals, as we are preparing for colder temperatures and lack of fresh nutrients. We might notice this as we naturally gain a few pounds of weight during the fall and early winter, and loose those few pounds during the spring and early summer. Often, we find over time that our body “remembered” to gain those few pounds of weight in the fall, but “forgot” to lose those few pounds in the spring. Generally a good detox will help the body to “remember”.
My all-purpose rule of thumb: What goes in, must come out!
When there is a disruption of that rule, and our body is abnormally “holding-on” to unnecessary matter, our bodies grow in size. All too often, it is not just the size of our body that grows, but in the amount of discomfort and dis-ease that also grows. The “extra” that our body is holding onto can produce a rather unhealthy environment, yet perfect for the growth of fungus, bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. Some research states that environmental factors are responsible for 80-90% of all cancers!
So, while you are cleaning out the clutter in your house, think about all the clutter you have in your body, and make plans to clean your body out too.
Just as much as our house needs a “spring cleaning”, our bodies do too.
Our bodies have a tendency to hold-on to “stuff” during the winter months, similar to most animals, as we are preparing for colder temperatures and lack of fresh nutrients. We might notice this as we naturally gain a few pounds of weight during the fall and early winter, and loose those few pounds during the spring and early summer. Often, we find over time that our body “remembered” to gain those few pounds of weight in the fall, but “forgot” to lose those few pounds in the spring. Generally a good detox will help the body to “remember”.
My all-purpose rule of thumb: What goes in, must come out!
When there is a disruption of that rule, and our body is abnormally “holding-on” to unnecessary matter, our bodies grow in size. All too often, it is not just the size of our body that grows, but in the amount of discomfort and dis-ease that also grows. The “extra” that our body is holding onto can produce a rather unhealthy environment, yet perfect for the growth of fungus, bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. Some research states that environmental factors are responsible for 80-90% of all cancers!
So, while you are cleaning out the clutter in your house, think about all the clutter you have in your body, and make plans to clean your body out too.
Benefits of Yoga
The benefits are yoga are varied. Yoga has been found to be helpful for increasing flexibility, improving mobility, and increasing lubrication of the joints and joint tissues. Often as we age, we experience arthritic type symptoms or inflammation of the joints, because of a lack of joint lubrication and/or deterioration of the joint tissue. Yoga can be helpful for improving joint function, as well as reducing pain from movement. Another way yoga is beneficial for the joints is by increasing muscular strength, to allow the muscles around the joints to take the weight, instead of putting pressure on the joints. As an added bonus, stronger muscles and improved flexibility allow the body to have better posture.
Yoga has also been found beneficial for the heart. Yoga studies show that yoga can help to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and lower blood sugar; all of which may prevent heart disease and stroke. Yoga has also been found helpful for chronic medical conditions, including: asthma, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, depression, and so many more.
Yoga can be both active and relaxing; yoga can get the body exercising (build muscle, loose fat, improve aerobic respiration), and stimulate a relaxation response (deep breathing, improve glandular functioning) during a single class. This can reduce stress levels, increase feelings of calm, improve memory, increase self-confidence, and even improve relationships (inside and outside the yoga class). Yoga is even being studied for its effects to slow the ageing process.
Many people use Yoga for different reasons. Some athletes use yoga to help them stay focused during their competitions; studies show the athletes who do yoga have better performances. Women may take yoga during pregnancy to help with the delivery of their child(ren); yoga can help a women stay relaxed and focused during the birthing process. Some people use yoga because it helps them feel younger, pain-free, and more energized & motivated to accomplish their tasks. Yoga has been practiced by billions of people for over 5000 years simply because life feels better with yoga.
Yoga has also been found beneficial for the heart. Yoga studies show that yoga can help to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and lower blood sugar; all of which may prevent heart disease and stroke. Yoga has also been found helpful for chronic medical conditions, including: asthma, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, depression, and so many more.
Yoga can be both active and relaxing; yoga can get the body exercising (build muscle, loose fat, improve aerobic respiration), and stimulate a relaxation response (deep breathing, improve glandular functioning) during a single class. This can reduce stress levels, increase feelings of calm, improve memory, increase self-confidence, and even improve relationships (inside and outside the yoga class). Yoga is even being studied for its effects to slow the ageing process.
Many people use Yoga for different reasons. Some athletes use yoga to help them stay focused during their competitions; studies show the athletes who do yoga have better performances. Women may take yoga during pregnancy to help with the delivery of their child(ren); yoga can help a women stay relaxed and focused during the birthing process. Some people use yoga because it helps them feel younger, pain-free, and more energized & motivated to accomplish their tasks. Yoga has been practiced by billions of people for over 5000 years simply because life feels better with yoga.
Feng Shui
Feng Shui is the ancient art of article placement within living and business quarters. Although its origin might be interpreted differently than its original intention, it is currently used most often as a method of creating a peaceful and harmonious environment in which we live or conduct business. Feng Shui is a rather complex environmental science, but the general philosophy behind Feng Shui is rather simple: Cleanliness is Godliness. And although we often use this principle in our daily lives when we bathe our bodies and eat healthy foods, we often forget it within our living environment (or our larger body). Some very general principals are: (1) Live Simply. If you go for a longer than 6 months without using any particular object (clothes, kitchen supplies, basement supplies, etc.) than give it to someone who will use it more regular. If you have more than enough, then there is little room for you to accumulate more; whereas if you keep the supply of “stuff” going out and coming into your life in natural flow, you may notice that you are actually living more fully. (2) Live Cleanly. Make sure your cleaning instruments are fulfilling their life purpose, too! Keeping your environment free of dust and debris may make it feel more peaceful and freeing. An easy way to do this is to de-clutter ( it is much easier to clean an empty countertop than a cluttered countertop!), clean on a regular basis (vacuum weekly, make sure kitchen is clean before bed, clean bathroom bi-weekly, etc.), use natural cleaning products (our earth is our living environment too!), and invest in some air purifiers (you will be surprised at how much you DON’T have to dust). (3)Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Our earth is our living environment too! Having a garage sale one-two days a year will force you to clean out the clutter; and whatever doesn’t sell will be a nice tax write-off donation. Have a bin at your office, church, or community center for unwanted clothes (and stuff). Instead of buying new, check out “new to you” websites or bulletin boards. (4) Check with the Bagua. This ancient “plan” of placement is beyond the scope of this article, although can be learned and used over time. For more information, learn about the ancient art of Feng Shui through your local library, internet, or consultants.
Essential Oils in your Drinking Water
Essential oils are the liquid component of flowers, roots, shrubs, seeds, bushes, and trees; very simply, they are the “blood” of the plant kingdom. They are oxygenated and help to transport nutrients into the cells of our bodies; they are chemically complex and highly concentrated. The distillation of an entire plant may only produce a single drop of essential oil. They are unlike vegetable oils because they are not greasy and do not clog pores; in fact, most essential oils that are bought in local stores may not actually be essential oils at all because they contain vegetable oils to dilute them. A quality essential oil can be tested by placing a drop of it on a piece of white paper and noticing if an oily residue is left behind; a quality essential oil will leave NO oil behind. With this said, true essential oils are not inexpensive and can range in price from $10 - $200.
Essential oils have been used since the beginning of recordable time. In fact, it is believed that the ancient Egyptian tomb thieves were primarily interested in essential oils when raiding elite tombs. It is also believed that Moses used essential oils to protect Israelites from the plagues; and essential oils also protected thieves in the 15th century from contracting the black plague.
Essential oils have been used medicinally to kill bacteria, fungus, and viruses. They also have been found to balance mood, dispel negative emotions, increase a person’s vibration, and create ambiance (while eliminating unpleasant smells) in an environment. Essential oils are “essential” to the health and well-being of humans, animals, and the earth; they fight infection, initiate tissue regeneration, contain hormone-like compounds, decrease the viscosity of the blood, increase atmospheric oxygen, promote detoxification, and so much more. Because essential oils are chemically similar to human cells and tissues, they are easily identified and accepted by the body.
A few essential oils that can be added to water (only a couple drops per glass) to create tasty and healing beverages:
1. Lemon oil – disinfectant (antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-infectious), that improves white blood cell formation to improve immunity. Commonly used to cleanse skin and reduce wrinkles; has been found beneficial for blood pressure, digestive problems, sore throats, respiratory infections, anxiety, memory, skin, nails, clarity of thought, and overall feelings of well-being.
2. Grapefruit oil – antiseptic, detoxifier, diuretic, disinfectant. Has a unique fat-dissolving characteristic. May be beneficial for depression, weight-loss, cellulite, fluid retention, acne, drug withdrawal, liver disorders, fatigue, migraines, and menstrual tension. It also has a cleansing effect on the lymphatic system, kidneys, and the vascular system.
3. Orange oil – calming, antitumoral, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, sedative. Has been found helpful for menopause, tumor growth, respiratory infections, appetite, complexion, digestive issues, muscle soreness, ulcers, tissue repair, fluid retention, wrinkles, and high cholesterol.
4. Lavender oil – antiseptic, antitumoral, sedative, anti-inflammatory. Has been found beneficial for skin care, relaxation, tissue regeneration, inflammation, hair loss, allergies, viruses, headaches, high blood pressure, stretch marks, nausea, tumors, menstrual problems, insomnia, asthma, respiratory issues, and overall health and well-being.
5. Peppermint oil – anticarcinogenic, decongestant, supports digestion, expels worms, cardiotonic, antiseptic. Helpful for hypertension, pain relief, urinary tract, gallbladder, concentration, mental accuracy, asthma, candida, fever reduction, headaches, itchy skin, varicose veins, respiratory infections, heart burn, and halitosis.
Essential oils have been used since the beginning of recordable time. In fact, it is believed that the ancient Egyptian tomb thieves were primarily interested in essential oils when raiding elite tombs. It is also believed that Moses used essential oils to protect Israelites from the plagues; and essential oils also protected thieves in the 15th century from contracting the black plague.
Essential oils have been used medicinally to kill bacteria, fungus, and viruses. They also have been found to balance mood, dispel negative emotions, increase a person’s vibration, and create ambiance (while eliminating unpleasant smells) in an environment. Essential oils are “essential” to the health and well-being of humans, animals, and the earth; they fight infection, initiate tissue regeneration, contain hormone-like compounds, decrease the viscosity of the blood, increase atmospheric oxygen, promote detoxification, and so much more. Because essential oils are chemically similar to human cells and tissues, they are easily identified and accepted by the body.
A few essential oils that can be added to water (only a couple drops per glass) to create tasty and healing beverages:
1. Lemon oil – disinfectant (antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-infectious), that improves white blood cell formation to improve immunity. Commonly used to cleanse skin and reduce wrinkles; has been found beneficial for blood pressure, digestive problems, sore throats, respiratory infections, anxiety, memory, skin, nails, clarity of thought, and overall feelings of well-being.
2. Grapefruit oil – antiseptic, detoxifier, diuretic, disinfectant. Has a unique fat-dissolving characteristic. May be beneficial for depression, weight-loss, cellulite, fluid retention, acne, drug withdrawal, liver disorders, fatigue, migraines, and menstrual tension. It also has a cleansing effect on the lymphatic system, kidneys, and the vascular system.
3. Orange oil – calming, antitumoral, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, sedative. Has been found helpful for menopause, tumor growth, respiratory infections, appetite, complexion, digestive issues, muscle soreness, ulcers, tissue repair, fluid retention, wrinkles, and high cholesterol.
4. Lavender oil – antiseptic, antitumoral, sedative, anti-inflammatory. Has been found beneficial for skin care, relaxation, tissue regeneration, inflammation, hair loss, allergies, viruses, headaches, high blood pressure, stretch marks, nausea, tumors, menstrual problems, insomnia, asthma, respiratory issues, and overall health and well-being.
5. Peppermint oil – anticarcinogenic, decongestant, supports digestion, expels worms, cardiotonic, antiseptic. Helpful for hypertension, pain relief, urinary tract, gallbladder, concentration, mental accuracy, asthma, candida, fever reduction, headaches, itchy skin, varicose veins, respiratory infections, heart burn, and halitosis.
Does your pet have allergies?
An allergy is an abnormal response to a natural, harmless substance that the body has identified as an intruder or invader. This causes the immune system to react aggressively: producing excess histamine and mobilizing overactive white blood cells; which in turn can do more damage to the body than the invader.
Allergic responses differ greatly with animals. Often dogs experience itchy skin eruptions (often referred to as “hot spots”), inflamed ears, excessive licking of the feet, inflammation of the toes and anus, and digestive upset. Cats usually experience itchy skin eruptions (“hot spots”), small bumps, sores, scabs, inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), and digestive upset. Some other symptoms might be: sneezing; congestion of the nose, ears, sinuses, throat, and lungs; as well as inflamed lips, acne, and bloody pimples.
Although the cause of allergies is largely unknown, there have been a number of speculations that might hold true for many animals. Most theorists discuss an excess of chemicals in the body. When there are too many chemicals flowing into the body, the kidneys and liver cannot adequately process them all; over time, the system becomes toxic. A heavily polluted body is more likely to have an overactive immune system, making the possibility of allergies more likely. Possible causes of toxicity are: pesticides, pollution, heavily processed foods, some prescription medications, use of chemicals in homes and gardens, vaccinations, and cosmetic breeding.
Suggestions for improvement of a dog or cat with allergies are varied that should be discussed with a wellness counselor and veterinarian. Some suggestions may include: diet altercations (including organic food, hand-made food, raw food, elimination of food allergies, and/or natural packaged food), massage, acupuncture, and various emotional/mental treatments. Supplementation with essential fatty acids, a multi-vitamin and mineral complex, antioxidants, homeopathy, probiotics, enzymes, herbs, Willard water, essential oils, and/or flower essences may also bring benefits. Enhancing the animals environmental health may be helpful: attempt to use an air purifier and water purifier; avoiding electromagnetic radiation through power lines, computers, cell phones, microwaves, etc; avoiding exposure to chemicals in foods and drugs; and avoiding heavy metals in dental work, vaccinations, etc. Working closely with a licensed standard or holistic veterinarian and animal wellness counselor may help alleviate many allergy symptoms and bring greater mental/emotional/physical health to the dog or cat.
Allergic responses differ greatly with animals. Often dogs experience itchy skin eruptions (often referred to as “hot spots”), inflamed ears, excessive licking of the feet, inflammation of the toes and anus, and digestive upset. Cats usually experience itchy skin eruptions (“hot spots”), small bumps, sores, scabs, inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), and digestive upset. Some other symptoms might be: sneezing; congestion of the nose, ears, sinuses, throat, and lungs; as well as inflamed lips, acne, and bloody pimples.
Although the cause of allergies is largely unknown, there have been a number of speculations that might hold true for many animals. Most theorists discuss an excess of chemicals in the body. When there are too many chemicals flowing into the body, the kidneys and liver cannot adequately process them all; over time, the system becomes toxic. A heavily polluted body is more likely to have an overactive immune system, making the possibility of allergies more likely. Possible causes of toxicity are: pesticides, pollution, heavily processed foods, some prescription medications, use of chemicals in homes and gardens, vaccinations, and cosmetic breeding.
Suggestions for improvement of a dog or cat with allergies are varied that should be discussed with a wellness counselor and veterinarian. Some suggestions may include: diet altercations (including organic food, hand-made food, raw food, elimination of food allergies, and/or natural packaged food), massage, acupuncture, and various emotional/mental treatments. Supplementation with essential fatty acids, a multi-vitamin and mineral complex, antioxidants, homeopathy, probiotics, enzymes, herbs, Willard water, essential oils, and/or flower essences may also bring benefits. Enhancing the animals environmental health may be helpful: attempt to use an air purifier and water purifier; avoiding electromagnetic radiation through power lines, computers, cell phones, microwaves, etc; avoiding exposure to chemicals in foods and drugs; and avoiding heavy metals in dental work, vaccinations, etc. Working closely with a licensed standard or holistic veterinarian and animal wellness counselor may help alleviate many allergy symptoms and bring greater mental/emotional/physical health to the dog or cat.
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