What's In Your Kitchen

[Guest guest]

An interesting article I came across the other day. Tumeric Many clinical studies agree that the cucumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, including a significant beneficial effect in relieving rheumatoid arthritis & carpal tunnel syndrome. Curcumin, which gives this spice its yellow pigment, may also lower cholesterol. Turmeric is also packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C & E, which have been shown to prevent cataracts Thyme contains thymol, which increases bloodflow to the skin. The warmth is comforting & some herbalists believe that the increased bloodflow speeds healing. An antispasmodic, thyme relaxes respiratory muscles & is endorsed for treating bronchitis by Commission E, the expert panel that judges the safety & effectivness of

herbal medicines for the German government. Aromatherapists say that thyme's scent is a mood lifter. Sage The oils found in sage are antiseptic & antibiotic, so it can help fight infections. Sage is effective for symptoms of menopause-night sweats & hot flushes - because of its estrogenic action & because its tannins can dry up perspiration. There's also compelling evidence that sage may be of value to people with diabetes for whom the hormone insullin does not work as efficiently as it should. Laboratory studies indicate that sage may boost insullin's action. Rosemary is one of the richer herbal sources of antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent cataracts & it contains 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that help fight infection. Traditionally used to ease asthma, this common culinary ingredient has volatile oils that can reduce the airway constriction induced

by histamine, that chemical culprit of asthma & other allergy symptoms. Herbalists think that rosemary may also help ease breast pain by acting as a drying agent to fluid-filled cysts. Parsley Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones & bladder infections & keep our body's plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. They also relieve bloating during menstruation. And there's a reason for that parsley on the edge of your dinner plate:- It's an effective breath freshner because it contains high levels of chlorophyll. Oregano contains at least 4 compounds that soothe coughs & 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odour. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help unknot muscles in the digestive tract, making oregano a digestive aid. This

familiar spice also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure. Mints Herbalists use mint, the premier stomach tonic, to counteract nausea & vomiting, promote digestion, calm stomach muscle spasms, relieve flatulence & ease hiccups. Menthol, an aromatic oil in peppermint, also relaxes the airways & fights bacteria & viruses. Menthol interferes with the sensation of pain, short-circuiting the nerve transmission from pain receptors. Thus it may be useful in reducing headache pain. Scientific evidence suggests that peppermint can kill many kinds of microorganisms & may boost mental alertness. In one study, people who inhaled menthol said they felt as if it relieved their nasal congestion, although it didn't increase their measurable airflow. Ginger When it comes to quelling the queasiness of motion sickness, ginger has no

equal, say herbalists. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrinate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness & motion sickness. Ginger stimulates saliva flow & digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas & diarrhoea & is effective as an antinausea remedy. This aromatic herb also helps lower cholestrol. Herbalists have also found it to be useful as a pain reliever. Intact garlic cloves contain an odourless, sulfur-containing amino acid called alliin. When the garlic is crushed, alliin becomes allicin. Research shows that allicin helps lower cholesterol & blood pressure & helps prevent blood clots. Garlic can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many

organisms, including bacteria & viruses that can cause earaches, flus & colds. Research indicates that garlic is also effective against digestive ailments & diarrhoea. What's more, studies suggest that this familiar herb may even help prevent cancer. Fennel Rich in volatile oils, fennel is what's known as a carminative herb, meaning that it can ease bloating, gas pains & digestive spasms in the small & large intestines. Fennel can also reduce bad breath & body odour that originates in the intestine. Women who are breastfeeding may find that fennel, which works in a way similar to the body's hormones, increases milk flow. Dill has been used to soothe the digestive tract & treat heartburn, colic & gas for thousands of years. In fact, the word dill comes from the Old Norse word dilla, meaning to lull or soothe. The herb has an

antifoaming action that suggests why it might help break up gas bubbles. Like parsley, dill is rich in chlorophyll, which also makes it useful in treating bad breath. Oil of Clove is 60 to 90 percent eugenol, a potent pain-deadening antimicrobial. Clove has earned the official endorsement of the FDA as an effective stopgap measure for tooth pain. Clove is also among the spices that can help the body use insulin more efficiently, thus lowering blood sugar somewhat. In one lab study, clove was also found to speed the healing of cold sores. Cinnamon bark contains an oily chemical called cinnamaldehyde that kills a variety of illness-causing bacteria, including the dreaded E. coli, Salmonella & Staphylococcus aureas. Research shows that cinnamon is also able to stop the growth of the Asian flu virus. Herbalists report that cinnamon bark also

helps regulate the menstrual cycle & checks flooding during menopause. Cinnamaldehyde also has a tranquilizing effect that helps reduce anxiety & stress. Basil is a herbal carminative - that is, it can relieve gas & soothe stomach upsets. One possible explanation for it's calming effect is a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to help ease muscle spasms. Research is still premilinary, but laboratory studies also suggest that compounds found in basil may help disrupt the dangerous chain of events that can lead to the development of cancer.

Suzi

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.

health/

www.onegrp.com/?mamanott organic cosmetics

http://suziesgoats.wholefoodfarmacy.com/

FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click.