One topic I have always been interested in is the healing properties of foods, herbs and spices. I have often noticed that certain diseases are common in some places and virtually absent in other parts of the world. I find that more and more people are looking at alternative forms of medicine. I hope you find this interesting too.
Yogurt: eating yogurt with "active cultures" is beneficial to the gastrointestinal tract.
Salmon: contains omega-3 fatty acids which lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Also high in calcium which increases bone density.
Beans: a diet with pleanty of lean protien helps lower bad cholesterol, prevents heart disease. Beans may also help preven colon cancer.
Aloe: consuming aloe by mouth can soothe gastrointestinal problems including ulcerative colitis. 2 teaspoons of aloe gel a day has been shown to lower blood sugar. It tastes bitter so mix with honey or pinapple juice.
Cruciferous vegetables (cabbages, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts ect): prevent cancers. These vegetables seem to have potent protective properties for mucous membranes, especially in the lungs and digestive tract, and they are therefore effective guardians against cancer, ulcers, and infections in these vital organs. Rich in antioxidant nutrients such as betacarotene, vitamin C, and selenium, crucifers guard your body against all sorts of toxins absorbed from polluted environments. Crucifers have always played important roles in traditional Asian diets, especially in China.
Cranberry: The bog fruit known as cranberry contains healthy amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants, and much more. Drinking fresh, unsweetened cranberry juice staves off or cures urinary tract infections.
Cumin: Prevents Cancer. Studies show that the curcumin in this spice inhibits the enzymes that help cancer cells invade healthy tissue and also keeps tumors from developing the new blood vessels that help them grow.
Cinnamon: Fights Diabetes. People with type-2 diabetes have difficulty processing insulin, the hormone that tells cells to remove excess sugar from the bloodstream. But studies show that cinnamon contains a substance that can help cells respond to insulin. Cinnamon also has an expectorant and gently reduces congestion and phlegm and dry up runny noses.
Ginger: Ginger is a multitasker. Used to combat nausea and digestive complaints -a substance in ginger shuts down a nerve receptor in the body that triggers the vomiting reflex. Also useful against mild colds. At the first sign of a cold make a ginger tea by placing a few thin slices of ginger in the bottom of a teacup, cover in hot water and let steep for 5 minutes. Add honey and a stick of cinnamon.
Basil: Combats colds. Basil is rich in antioxidants, which help boost immunity. It?s also an antimicrobial, which fights the germs that can cause colds. Basil also encourages concentration and sharpens the senses. ( aromatherapy) You can also steep basil into a tea and it alleviates stress by lowering cortisol levels and promoting a sense of well being.
Cloves: Clove oil has been shown to be an effective natural anti fungal against (tinia or ringworm), and although tea tree oil is a more effective anti fungal, a combination of tea tree oil and clove oil was found to be more effective. Cloves can be used in relieving a toothache by placing a single clove on the aching tooth. Clove oil can also be used by soaking in some cotton wool and then placing the cotton wool on the aching tooth. Cloves act as a mosquito repellant. The natural oil of clove is a natural mosquito repellant and can give protection against mosquitoes for 4-5 hours.
Thyme: Thyme is an antispasmodic, which helps with bouts of nonstop coughing. Thyme?s antiseptic properties also make it very effective against inflammation of the throat, which can cause coughing. It has been known to expel intestinal paracites. Thymes eases menstrual cramps and aides in digestion. Some people claim it elimates nightmares too.
Garlic: To ward off vampires, garlic could be worn, hung in windows or rubbed on chimneys and keyholes. Just seeing if you were paying attention. Garlic lowers cholesterol. Also fights colds, flu, bronchitis, ring worm and intestional worms. Shown to help heal acne and rashes. Garlic can ease the pain caused by insect bites.
Chamomile: Use chamomile for an upset stomach and for relaxation. Chamomile tea helps reduce stomach disorders, and adding a bit of chamomile essential oil to a bath helps reduce body stress and aids in relaxation. Kids could be given a chamomile bath before their bedtime to help them sleep
Honey: Honey has antimicrobial properties that are thought to be caused by its high acidity and its ability to dehydrate bacteria. Honey has been used to heal stomach conditions such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers. It is ingested for these purposes. Honey can also be used topically for skin conditions. It has been used to treat wounds, ulcers, acne and eczema.
Water: Keeps the body well hydrated, helps the kidneys do thier job of flushing wastes out of the body.
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, knew the secret of health and longevity as is reflected in his recommendation, "Let food be your medicine." While no one food is a cure-all, healing foods contain special properties that help mend, repair and maintain optimal body functions.
