September 2013 Herb of the Month: Ginger

 

Good Morning!

September Herb of the Month: Ginger

Zingiber officinale is a warming, spicy and soothing culinary herb used for 5,000 years in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic healing practices. Ginger contains more than a dozen anti-viral components which treat many common ailments. Its anti-viral and pain relieving properties are famous. It's used raw, in powder, ground and as an oil, but its most popular form is in tea.

Botanical name: zingiber officinale
Use: Good in preparations for muscular fatigue, rheumatism and arthritis. Helpful for conditions like diarrhea and catarrh... Can irritate the skin...
Perfume Note: Base
Blends well with: Rosewood, Coriander, Benzoin, Ylang Ylang, Rose
Source: root
Production method: steam distillation
Aromatherapy benefits: warms, sharpens, aphrodisiac
Aroma type: sharp, peppery, spicy, pungent
Warning: may be irritating to sensitive skin
Safety Information: "test" patch this oil on the skin (inside of elbow)

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea can be made with raw, grated ginger or dried ginger powder. It's important to make sure ginger powder is minimally processed without additives. Kitchen spice rack ginger is okay to use, but can be low quality. If you use raw ginger, cut up about 5 chunks and add them to a sauce pan. Add about 6 cups of water and cover. Heat to a boil. Vent the lid and let the tea simmer on low for 15 minutes. Drink two to three cups a day or as needed. Another option: Add either one generous teaspoon of grated ginger root or a half teaspoon of high-quality powdered ginger to a mug. Scald it by pouring hot water over it rather than immersing the ginger into the water. This releases more active components. Let the tea steep, covered if possible, for 10 minutes, give a light stir and drink while still warm. Add a soothing teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon for a soothing cold remedy.

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Discovering Digestive Health: Aromatherapy Remedies

 

Good Morning!

Discovering Digestive Health: Aromatherapy Remedies

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils that can benefit digestive disorders, not only therapeutically but can work as a psychological de-stressor, as well! Suggested essential oils for digestive disorders include:

Cinnamon: German health authorities (Commission E) approve cinnamon bark oil for mild gastro-intestinal spasms, stimulating appetite and relieving indigestion. It is used in flatulent dyspepsia, dyspepsia with nausea, intestinal colic and digestive disorders associated with cold conditions. It relieves nausea and vomiting, and is particularly useful for infantile diarrhea.

Ginger: is a warming oil and supports emotional well-being, as well as calms the digestive system. Also known as an antiseptic, laxative, stimulant and a tonic, it's commonly used for diarrhea, gas, indigestion, morning sickness, nausea, motion sickness, vomiting.

Grapefruit: This wonderful oil has an energizing effect and is said to help with eating disorders. It is rich in linolenic, linoleic and oleic acids and has a astringent and toning effect when applied topically. It is a good detoxifier as it stimulates the lymphatic system helping to rid the body of toxins. It can be used for inhaling the aroma as it will help to reduce the craving for sweet foods and desserts.

Lavender: This calming, soothing essential oil is useful for digestion because it increases the mobility of the intestine. It helps to improve overall digestion, including nausea and gas.

Lemon: This bright and fresh oil helps to stimulate digestion and acts as a natural antibacterial, so it can keep harmful bacteria from growing in the gut.

Marjoram: This fresh, warm, and slightly woody scent is best known for flavoring food. For digestive problems, like constipation, indigestion, and flatulence, use 2-3 drops in a carrier oil and massage into the abdomen.

Peppermint: is an anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-viral, antispasmodic and invigorating. It soothes, cools and dilates and can be beneficial for food poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, bad breath, nausea, motion sickness, infections, gastritis, heartburn, flu and cold, and indigestion.

Rosemary: This oil is often used for indigestion, flautulence and stomach cramps. Rosemary leaves are often added to meat dishes as it helps in digesting meat, especially lamb, beef and pork. As a digestive assistant, it relieves constipation and diarrhea.

Chamomile: Roman chamomile is used for various digestive disorders including indigestion, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, intestinal gas and flatulence due to mental stress.

For Digestive Support
3 drops Ginger
3 drops Peppermint
4 drops Cinnamon
5 drops Chamomile

Blend essential oils in 1 oz of unscented cream or jojoba oil. Massage into abdomen after each meal. This blend of oils can also be used in an inhaler for nausea or car sickness.

The top five cancer-causing foods

 

1. Hot dogs
Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.


2. Processed meats and bacon
Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.


3. Doughnuts
Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.


4. French fries
Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .

5. Chips, crackers, and cookies
All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.