Antioxidants: From 1 Different Sources
Compounds that protect the body against free radical activity and lipid peroxidation. Free-radical scavengers. Low levels in the tissues reduce the span of human life. High levels enable humans to live longer. The greater the oxidation damage to the DNA, the shorter the lifespan.
Vitamins A, C and E inhibit production of free radicals. Especially effective is beta-carotene, the precursor of Vitamin A, found in carrots, spinach, yams and some green leafy vegetables. Vitamin E and Selenium work together to prevent free radical damage to cell membrane. Antioxidants act favourably on glaucoma, Parkinson’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
This group claims to have an anti-tumour effect. Epithelial cancers may invade the respiratory and gastro-intestinal tracts, lungs, skin and cervix of the womb. The higher the level of antioxidants in the cells, the lesser the risk of epithelial cell cancer, and blindness in the aged. vChief antioxidants: Alfalfa, Comfrey, Asparagus (fresh), Beet tops, Dandelion leaves, Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Goldenseal, Irish Moss, Parsley, Walnuts, Watercress, Wheat sprouts. Perhaps the cheapest and most effective is Garlic.
Diet. Highly coloured fruits and vegetables: oranges, red and green peppers, carrots, apricots, mangoes, liver and spinach.
Supplements. Beta carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc. See: SOD, FREE RADICALS.
A compound that can neutralise oxygen-free radicals in the body; these are atoms and chemical groups that can damage cells. Free radicals are the product of various disease processes as well as of such agents as poisons, radiation and smoking. Natural antioxidants also occur in the body.... antioxidant
Linn.
Family: Liliaceae, Alliaceae.
Habitat: Native to Central Asia. Cultivated all over India.
English: Garlic.
Ayurvedic: Lashuna, Rasona, Yavaneshta, Ugragandha, Ma- haushadh, Arishta.
Unani: Seer, Lahsun.
Siddha/Tamil: Ullippoondu, Vellaip- pondu.
Action: Antibiotic, bacteriostatic, fungicide, anthelmintic, antithrom- bic, hypotensive, hypoglycaemic, hypocholesterolaemic. Also used for upper respiratory tract infections and catarrhal conditions.
Key application: As a supportive to dietary measures for elevated levels of lipids in blood; as a preventive measure for age-dependent vascular changes. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.) Also as an antimicrobial. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia). Garlic has been shown to be effective in respiratory infections and catarrhal conditions. (The British Herbal Compendium.)The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia indicates the use of the bulb as a brain tonic in epilepsy and psychic disorders.Heavy consumption of garlic prior to surgery led to increased clotting time or reduced platelet aggregation (in human case reports). Garlic tablets at a dose of 400 mg twice daily for 12 weeks reduced platelet aggregation 59% compared with placebo in 80 patients (in human clinical study). (Francis Brinker.)Garlic cloves are high in sulphur- containing amino acids known as al- liin (no taste, no smell, no medicinal action). With crushing or chewing alli- in comes into contact with the enzyme alliinase. Alliinase, in less than 6 s, transforms alliin into allicin (strongly medicinal), which breaks down into a number of sulphur compounds including ajoene, vinyldithin and diallyl disulfide, and trisulfide. The antibiotic effect is attributed to allicin; hypogly- caemic effect to allicin and allylpro- phyldisulphide (also to S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide); anticarcinogenic activity to diallyl monosulfide; platelet aggregation inhibitory effect to diallyl-di- and tri-sulphides. Ajoene inactivated human gastric lipase, which is involved in digestion and absorption of dietary fats.Diallyltetra, penta-, hexa- and hep- tasulphides are potential antioxidants.Allium leptophyllum Wall. is equated with Vana Lashuna, Jangali Lahsun.
Dosage: Bulb—3 g (API Vol. III.)... allium sativum
Nutritional Profile
Energy value (calories per serving): Moderate
Protein: High Fat: Moderate Saturated fat: High Cholesterol: Moderate Carbohydrates: None Fiber: None
Sodium: Low
Major vitamin contribution: B vitamins
Major mineral contribution: Iron, phosphorus, zinc
About the Nutrients in This Food
Like fish, pork, poultry, milk, and eggs, beef has high-quality proteins, with sufficient amounts of all the essential amino acids. Beef fat is slightly more highly saturated than pork fat, but less saturated than lamb fat. All have about the same amount of cholesterol per serving.
Beef is an excellent source of B vitamins, including niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, which is found only in animal foods. Lean beef pro- vides heme iron, the organic iron that is about five times more useful to the body than nonheme iron, the inorganic form of iron found in plant foods. Beef is also an excellent source of zinc.
One four-ounce serving of lean broiled sirloin steak has nine grams fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 101 mg cholesterol, 34 g protein, and 3.81 mg iron (21 percent of the R DA for a woman, 46 percent of the R DA for a man). One four-ounce serving of lean roast beef has 16 g fat (6.6 g saturated fat),
92 mg cholesterol, and 2.96 mg iron (16 percent of the R DA for a woman, 37 percent of the R DA for a man).
The Most Nutritious Way to Serve This Food
With a food rich in vitamin C. Ascorbic acid increases the absorption of iron from meat.
* These values apply to lean cooked beef.
Diets That May Restrict or Exclude This Food
Controlled-fat, low-cholesterol diet
Low-protein diet (for some forms of kidney disease)
Buying This Food
Look for: Fresh, red beef. The fat should be white, not yellow.
Choose lean cuts of beef with as little internal marbling (streaks of fat) as possible. The leanest cuts are flank steak and round steak; rib steaks, brisket, and chuck have the most fat. USDA grading, which is determined by the maturity of the animal and marbling in meat, is also a guide to fat content. U.S. prime has more marbling than U.S. choice, which has more marbling than U.S. good. All are equally nutritious; the difference is how tender they are, which depends on how much fat is present.
Choose the cut of meat that is right for your recipe. Generally, the cuts from the cen- ter of the animal’s back—the rib, the T-Bone, the porterhouse steaks—are the most tender. They can be cooked by dry heat—broiling, roasting, pan-frying. Cuts from around the legs, the underbelly, and the neck—the shank, the brisket, the round—contain muscles used for movement. They must be tenderized by stewing or boiling, the long, moist cooking methods that break down the connective tissue that makes meat tough.
Storing This Food
Refrigerate raw beef immediately, carefully wrapped to prevent its drippings from contami- nating other foods. Refrigeration prolongs the freshness of beef by slowing the natural multi- plication of bacteria on the meat surface. Unchecked, these bacteria will convert proteins and other substances on the surface of the meat to a slimy film and change meat’s sulfur-contain- ing amino acids methionine and cystine into smelly chemicals called mercaptans. When the mercaptans combine with myoglobin, they produce the greenish pigment that gives spoiled meat its characteristic unpleasant appearance.
Fresh ground beef, with many surfaces where bacteria can live, should be used within 24 to 48 hours. Other cuts of beef may stay fresh in the refrigerator for three to five days.
Preparing This Food
Trim the beef carefully. By judiciously cutting away all visible fat you can significantly reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol in each serving.
When you are done, clean all utensils thoroughly with soap and hot water. Wash your cutting board, wood or plastic, with hot water, soap, and a bleach-and-water solution. For ultimate safety in preventing the transfer of microorganisms from the raw meat to other foods, keep one cutting board exclusively for raw meats, fish, and poultry, and a second one for everything else. Finally, don’t forget to wash your hands.
What Happens When You Cook This Food
Cooking changes the appearance and flavor of beef, alters nutritional value, makes it safer, and extends its shelf life.
Browning meat after you cook it does not “seal in the juices,” but it does change the fla- vor by caramelizing sugars on the surface. Because beef’s only sugars are the small amounts of glycogen in the muscles, we add sugars in marinades or basting liquids that may also con- tain acids (vinegar, lemon juice, wine) to break down muscle fibers and tenderize the meat. (Browning has one minor nutritional drawback. It breaks amino acids on the surface of the meat into smaller compounds that are no longer useful proteins.)
When beef is cooked, it loses water and shrinks. Its pigments, which combine with oxygen, are denatured (broken into fragments) by the heat and turn brown, the natural color of well-done meat.
At the same time, the fats in the beef are oxidized. Oxidized fats, whether formed in cooking or when the cooked meat is stored in the refrigerator, give cooked meat a character- istic warmed-over flavor. Cooking and storing meat under a blanket of antioxidants—catsup or a gravy made of tomatoes, peppers, and other vitamin C-rich vegetables—reduces the oxidation of fats and the intensity of warmed-over flavor. Meat reheated in a microwave oven also has less warmed-over flavor.
An obvious nutritional benefit of cooking is the fact that heat lowers the fat content of beef by liquif ying the fat so it can run off the meat. One concrete example of how well this works comes from a comparison of the fat content in regular and extra-lean ground beef. According to research at the University of Missouri in 1985, both kinds of beef lose mass when cooked, but the lean beef loses water and the regular beef loses fat and cholesterol. Thus, while regular raw ground beef has about three times as much fat (by weight) as raw ground extra-lean beef, their fat varies by only 5 percent after broiling.
To reduce the amount of fat in ground beef, heat the beef in a pan until it browns. Then put the beef in a colander, and pour one cup of warm water over the beef. Repeat with a second cup of warm water to rinse away fat melted by heating the beef. Use the ground beef in sauce and other dishes that do not require it to hold together.
Finally, cooking makes beef safer by killing Salmonella and other organisms in the meat. As a result, cooking also serves as a natural preservative. According to the USDA, large pieces of fresh beef can be refrigerated for two or three days, then cooked and held safely for another day or two because the heat of cooking has reduced the number of bacteria on the surface of the meat and temporarily interrupted the natural cycle of deterioration.
How Other Kinds of Processing Affect This Food
Aging. Hanging fresh meat exposed to the air, in a refrigerated room, reduces the moisture content and shrinks the meat slightly. As the meat ages enzymes break down muscle pro- teins, “tenderizing” the beef.
Canning. Canned beef does not develop a warmed-over flavor because the high tempera- tures in canning food and the long cooking process alter proteins in the meat so that they act as antioxidants. Once the can is open, however, the meat should be protected from oxygen that will change the flavor of the beef.
Curing. Salt-curing preserves meat through osmosis, the physical reaction in which liquids flow across a membrane, such as the wall of a cell, from a less dense to a more dense solution. The salt or sugar used in curing dissolves in the liquid on the surface of the meat to make a solution that is more dense than the liquid inside the cells of the meat. Water flows out of the meat and out of the cells of any microorganisms living on the meat, killing the microor- ganisms and protecting the meat from bacterial damage. Salt-cured meat is much higher in sodium than fresh meat.
Freezing. When you freeze beef, the water inside its cells freezes into sharp ice crystals that can puncture cell membranes. When the beef thaws, moisture (and some of the B vitamins) will leak out through these torn cell walls. The loss of moisture is irreversible, but some of the vitamins can be saved by using the drippings when the meat is cooked. Freezing may also cause freezer burn—dry spots left when moisture evaporates from the surface of the meat. Waxed freezer paper is designed specifically to hold the moisture in meat; plastic wrap and aluminum foil are less effective. NOTE : Commercially prepared beef, which is frozen very quickly at very low temperatures, is less likely to show changes in texture.
Irradiation. Irradiation makes meat safer by exposing it to gamma rays, the kind of high- energy ionizing radiation that kills living cells, including bacteria. Irradiation does not change the way meat looks, feels or tastes, or make the food radioactive, but it does alter the structure of some naturally occurring chemicals in beef, breaking molecules apart to form new com- pounds called radiolytic products (R P). About 90 percent of R Ps are also found in nonirradiated foods. The rest, called unique radiolytic products (UR P), are found only in irradiated foods. There is currently no evidence to suggest that UR Ps are harmful; irradiation is an approved technique in more than 37 countries around the world, including the United States.
Smoking. Hanging cured or salted meat over an open fire slowly dries the meat, kills micro- organisms on its surface, and gives the meat a rich, “smoky” flavor that varies with the wood used in the fire. Meats smoked over an open fire are exposed to carcinogenic chemicals in the smoke, including a-benzopyrene. Meats treated with “artificial smoke flavoring” are not, since the flavoring is commercially treated to remove tar and a-benzopyrene.
Medical Uses and/or Benefits
Treating and/or preventing iron deficiency. Without meat in the diet, it is virtually impossible for an adult woman to meet her iron requirement without supplements. One cooked 3.5- ounce hamburger provides about 2.9 mg iron, 16 percent of the R DA for an adult woman of childbearing age.
Possible anti-diabetes activity. CLA may also prevent type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes, a non-insulin-dependent form of the disease. At Purdue University, rats bred to develop diabetes spontaneously between eight and 10 weeks of age stayed healthy when given CLA supplements.
Adverse Effects Associated with This Food
Increased risk of heart disease. Like other foods from animals, beef contains cholesterol and saturated fats that increase the amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood, raising your risk of heart disease. To reduce the risk of heart disease, the National Cholesterol Education Project recommends following the Step I and Step II diets.
The Step I diet provides no more than 30 percent of total daily calories from fat, no more than 10 percent of total daily calories from saturated fat, and no more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. It is designed for healthy people whose cholesterol is in the range of 200 –239 mg/dL.
The Step II diet provides 25– 35 percent of total calories from fat, less than 7 percent of total calories from saturated fat, up to 10 percent of total calories from polyunsaturated fat, up to 20 percent of total calories from monounsaturated fat, and less than 300 mg cho- lesterol per day. This stricter regimen is designed for people who have one or more of the following conditions:
• Existing cardiovascular disease
• High levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, or “bad” cholesterol) or low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs, or “good” cholesterol)
• Obesity
• Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes, or diabetes mellitus)
• Metabolic syndrome, a.k.a. insulin resistance syndrome, a cluster of risk fac- tors that includes type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes)
Increased risk of some cancers. According the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in red meat (beef, lamb, pork) increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 15 percent for every 1.5 ounces over 18 ounces consumed per week. In 2007, the National Can- cer Institute released data from a survey of 500,000 people, ages 50 to 71, who participated in an eight-year A AR P diet and health study identif ying a higher risk of developing cancer of the esophagus, liver, lung, and pancreas among people eating large amounts of red meats and processed meats.
Food-borne illness. Improperly cooked meat contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 has been linked to a number of fatalities in several parts of the United States. In addition, meats con- taminated with other bacteria, viruses, or parasites pose special problems for people with a weakened immune system: the very young, the very old, cancer chemotherapy patients, and people with HIV. Cooking meat to an internal temperature of 140°F should destroy Salmo- nella and Campylobacter jejuni; 165°F, the E. coli organism; and 212°F, Listeria monocytogenes.
Antibiotic sensitivity. Cattle in the United States are routinely given antibiotics to protect them from infection. By law, the antibiotic treatment must stop three days to several weeks before the animal is slaughtered. Theoretically, the beef should then be free of antibiotic residues, but some people who are sensitive to penicillin or tetracycline may have an allergic reaction to the meat, although this is rare.
Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella and toxoplasmosis. Cattle treated with antibiotics may pro- duce meat contaminated with antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella, and all raw beef may harbor ordinary Salmonella as well as T. gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is particularly hazardous for pregnant women. It can be passed on to the fetus and may trigger a series of birth defects including blindness and mental retardation. Both Salmonella and the T. gondii can be eliminated by cooking meat thoroughly and washing all utensils, cutting boards, and counters as well as your hands with hot soapy water before touching any other food.
Decline in kidney function. Proteins are nitrogen compounds. When metabolized, they yield ammonia, which is excreted through the kidneys. In laborator y animals, a sustained high-protein diet increases the flow of blood through the kidneys, accelerating the natural age-related decline in kidney function. Some experts suggest that this may also occur in human beings.
Food/Drug Interactions
Tetracycline antibiotics (demeclocycline [Declomycin], doxycycline [ Vibtamycin], methacycline [Rondomycin], minocycline [Minocin], oxytetracycline [Terramycin], tetracycline [Achromycin V, Panmycin, Sumycin]). Because meat contains iron, which binds tetracyclines into com- pounds the body cannot absorb, it is best to avoid meat for two hours before and after taking one of these antibiotics.
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Meat “tenderized” with papaya or a papain powder can interact with the class of antidepressant drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibi- tors. Papain meat tenderizers work by breaking up the long chains of protein molecules. One by-product of this process is tyramine, a substance that constructs blood vessels and raises blood pressure. M AO inhibitors inactivate naturally occurring enzymes in your body that metabolize tyramine. If you eat a food such as papain-tenderized meat, which is high in tyramine, while you are taking a M AO inhibitor, you cannot effectively eliminate the tyramine from your body. The result may be a hypertensive crisis.
Theophylline. Charcoal-broiled beef appears to reduce the effectiveness of theophylline because the aromatic chemicals produced by burning fat speed up the metabolism of the- ophylline in the liver.... beef
(Bison, rabbit, venison)
Nutritional Profile
Energy value (calories per serving): Moderate
Protein: High
Fat: Low
Saturated fat: High Cholesterol: Moderate Carbohydrates: None Fiber: None
Sodium: Low
Major vitamin contribution: B vitamins
Major mineral contribution: Iron, zinc
About the Nutrients in This Food
Like other animal foods, game meat has high-quality proteins with suf- ficient amounts of all the essential amino acids. Some game meat has less fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than beef. All game meat is an excellent source of B vitamins, plus heme iron, the form of iron most easily absorbed by your body, and zinc. For example, one four-ounce serving of roast bison has 28 g protein, 2.7 g fat (1.04 g saturated fat), 93.7 mg cholesterol, 3.88 mg iron (25.8 percent of the R DA for a woman of childbearing age), and 4.1 mg zinc (27 percent of the R DA for a man).
The Nutrients in Roasted Game Meat (4-ounce serving)
The Most Nutritious Way to Serve This Food
With a food rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron.
Diets That May Restrict or Exclude This Food
Low-protein diet (for kidney disease)
Buying This Food
In American markets, game meats are usually sold frozen. Choose a package with no leaks or stains to suggest previous defrosting.
Storing This Food
Keep frozen game meat well wrapped in the freezer until you are ready to use it. The packaging protects the meat from oxygen that can change its pigments from reddish to brown. Freezing prolongs the freshness of the meat by slowing the natural multiplication of bacteria that digest proteins and other substances on the surface, converting them to a slimy film. The bacteria also change the meat’s sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cystine into smelly chemicals called mercaptans. When the mercaptans combine with myoglobin, they produce the greenish pigment that gives spoiled meat its characteristic unpleasant appearance. Large cuts of game meat can be safely frozen, at 0°F, for six months to a year.
Preparing This Food
Defrost the meat in the refrigerator to protect it from spoilage. Trim the meat to dispose of all visible fat, thus reducing the amount of fat and cholesterol in each serving.
When you are done, clean all utensils thoroughly with hot soap and hot water. Wash your cutting board, wood or plastic, with hot water, soap, and a bleach-and-water solution. For ultimate safety in preventing the transfer of microorganisms from the raw meat to other foods, keep one cutting board exclusively for raw meats, fish, and poultry, and a second one for everything else. Finally, don’t forget to wash your hands.
What Happens When You Cook This Food
Cooking changes the way meat looks and tastes, alters its nutritional value, makes it safer, and extends its shelf life.
Browning meat before you cook it does not “seal in the juices,” but it does change the flavor by caramelizing proteins and sugars on the surface. Because meat’s only sugars are the
Game Meat
63
small amounts of glycogen in muscle tissue, we add sugars in marinades or basting liquids that may also contain acids (vinegar, lemon juice, wine) to break down muscle fibers and tenderize the meat. (NOTE : Browning has one minor nutritional drawback. It breaks amino acids on the surface of the meat into smaller compounds that are no longer useful proteins.) When meat is heated, it loses water and shrinks. Its pigments, which combine with oxygen, are denatured (broken into fragments) by the heat. They turn brown, the natural color of well-done meat. At the same time, the fats in the meat are oxidized, a reaction that produces a characteristic warmed-over flavor when the cooked meat is refrigerated and then reheated. Cooking and storing the meat under a blanket of antioxidants—catsup or a gravy made of tomatoes, peppers and other vitamin-C rich vegetables—reduces fat oxidation and lessens the warmed-over flavor. Meat reheated in a microwave oven is also less likely to taste warmed-over.
How Other Kinds of Processing Affect This Food
Aging. Hanging fresh meat exposed to air in a cold room evaporates moisture and shrinks the meat slightly. At the same time, bacterial action on the surface of the meat breaks down proteins, producing an “aged” flavor. (See below, Food/drug interactions.)
Curing. Salt-curing preserves meat through osmosis, the physical reaction in which liquids flow across a membrane, such as the wall of a cell, from a less dense to a more dense solu- tion. The salt or sugar used in curing dissolve in the liquid on the surface of the meat to make a solution that is more dense than the liquid inside the cells of the meat. Water flows out of the meat and out of the cells of any microorganisms living on the meat, killing the micro-organisms and protecting the meat from bacterial damage. Salt-cured meat is higher in sodium than fresh meat.
Smoking. Hanging fresh meat over an open fire slowly dries the meat, kills microorgan- isms on its surface, and gives the meat a rich, smoky flavor. The flavor varies with the wood used in the fire. Meats smoked over an open fire are exposed to carcinogenic chemicals in the smoke, including a-benzopyrene. Artificial smoke flavoring is commercially treated to remove tar and a-benzopyrene.
Medical Uses and/or Benefits
Treating and/or preventing iron deficiency. Without meat in the diet, it is virtually impossible for an adult woman to meet her iron requirement without supplements.
Adverse Effects Associated with This Food
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Like all foods from animals, game meats are a source of cholesterol. To reduce the risk of heart disease, the National Cholesterol Education Project recommends following the Step I and Step II diets.
The Step I diet provides no more than 30 percent of total daily calories from fat, no more than 10 percent of total daily calories from saturated fat, and no more than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. It is designed for healthy people whose cholesterol is in the range of 200 –239 mg/dL.
The Step II diet provides 25– 35 percent of total calories from fat, less than 7 percent of total calories from saturated fat, up to 10 percent of total calories from polyunsaturated fat, up to 20 percent of total calories from monounsaturated fat, and less than 300 mg cho- lesterol per day. This stricter regimen is designed for people who have one or more of the following conditions:
• Existing cardiovascular disease
• High levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, or “bad” cholesterol) or low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs, or “good” cholesterol)
• Obesity
• Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes, or diabetes mellitus)
• Metabolic syndrome, a.k.a. insulin resistance syndrome, a cluster of risk fac- tors that includes type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes)
Food-borne illness. Improperly cooked meat contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 has been linked to a number of fatalities in several parts of the United States. In addition, meat con- taminated with other bacteria, viruses, or parasites poses special problems for people with a weakened immune system: the very young, the very old, cancer chemotherapy patients, and people with HIV. Cooking meat to an internal temperature of 140°F should destroy Salmo- nella and Campylobacter jejuni; to 165°F, E. coli, and to 212°F, Listeria monocytogenes.
Decline in kidney function. Proteins are nitrogen compounds. When metabolized, they yield ammonia that is excreted through the kidneys. In laboratory animals, a sustained high-pro- tein diet increases the flow of blood through the kidneys, accelerating the natural age-related decline in kidney function. Some experts suggest that this may also occur in human beings.
Food/Drug Interactions
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Meat “tenderized” with papaya or a papain powder can interact with the class of antidepressant drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibi- tors. Papain meat tenderizers work by breaking up the long chains of protein molecules. One by-product of this process is tyramine, a substance that constructs blood vessels and raises blood pressure. M AO inhibitors inactivate naturally occurring enzymes in your body that metabolize tyramine. If you eat a food such as papain-tenderized meat, which is high in tyramine, while you are taking an M AO inhibitor, you cannot effectively eliminate the tyramine from your body. The result may be a hypertensive crisis.... game meat
Green Tea comes with such a host of health benefits, that it’s called the ‘wonder herb’ by tea drinkers and medical practitioners alike.
Drinking green tea lowers cancer risk and also inhibits carcinogenic in cigarettes and other compounds when imbibed. Green Tea contains potent antioxidants called polyphenols, which help suppress free radicals. Green tea also stops certain tumors from forming. Green tea lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels and thereby promotes heart health. Green tea also lowers blood pressure, prevents and fights tooth decay and dental issues, and inhibits different viruses from causing illnesses.... green tea
(Sorrel)
Dried Hibiscus flowers are made into a tea that offers very high health benefits. Hibiscus tea is known to lower blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol and strengthen the immune system (it’s rich in Vitamin C). Hibiscus flower infusions have known to reduce hypertension as well, in people prone to this condition. A recent study reveals that hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals. Red zinger tea and sorrel tea contain hibiscus.... hibiscus flower tea
1. Beta carotene: Carrots are a rich source of this powerful antioxidant, which, among other vital uses, can be converted into vitamin A in the body to help maintain healthy skin.
2. Digestion: Carrots increase saliva and supply essential minerals, vitamins and enzymes that aid in digestion. Eating carrots regularly may help prevent gastric ulcers and other digestive disorders.
3. Alkaline elements: Carrots are rich in alkaline elements, which purify and revitalize the blood while balancing the acid/alkaline ratio of the body.
4. Potassium: Carrots are a good source of potassium, which can help maintain healthy sodium levels in the body, thereby helping to reduce elevated blood pressure levels.
5. Dental Health: Carrots kill harmful germs in the mouth and help prevent tooth decay.
6. Wounds: Raw or grated carrots can be used to help heal wounds, cuts and inflammation.
7. Phytonutrients: Among the many beneficial phytochemicals that carrots contain is a phytonutrient called falcarinol, which may reduce the risk of colon cancer and help promote overall colon health.
8. Carotenoids: Carrots are rich in carotenoids, which our bodies can use to help regulate blood sugar.
9. Fiber: Carrots are high in soluble fiber, which may reduce cholesterol by binding the LDL form (the kind we don’t want) and increasing the HDL form (the kind our body needs) to help reduce blood clots and prevent heart disease.
10. Eyes, hair, nails and more! The nutrients in carrots can improve the health of your eyes, skin, hair, nails and more through helping to detoxify your system and build new cells!
11. Improves vision
There’s some truth in the old wisdom that carrots are good for your eyes. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision.
Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against macular degeneration and senile cataracts. A study found that people who eat large amounts of beta-carotene had a 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little.
12. Helps prevent cancer
Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer.
Falcarinol is a natural pesticide produced by the carrot that protects its roots from fungal diseases. Carrots are one of the only common sources of this compound. A study showed 1/3 lower cancer risk by carrot-eating rats.
13. Slows down aging
The high level of beta-carotene in carrots acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. It help slows down the aging of cells.
14. Promotes healthier skin
Vitamin A and antioxidants protect the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes and uneven skin tone.
15. Helps prevent infection
Carrots are known by herbalists to prevent infection. They can be used on cuts—shredded raw or boiled and mashed.
16. Promotes healthier skin (from the outside)
Carrots are used as an inexpensive and very convenient facial mask. Just mix grated carrot with a bit of honey. See the full recipe here: carrot face mask.
17. Prevents heart disease
Studies show that diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Carrots have not only beta-carotene but also alpha-carotene and lutein.
The regular consumption of carrots also reduces cholesterol levels because the soluble fibers in carrots bind with bile acids.
18. Cleanses the body
Vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. It reduces the bile and fat in the liver. The fiber present in carrots helps clean out the colon and hasten waste movement.
19. Protects teeth and gums
It’s all in the crunch! Carrots clean your teeth and mouth. They scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or toothpaste. Carrots stimulate gums and trigger a lot of saliva, which, being alkaline, balances out the acid-forming, cavity-forming bacteria. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.
20. Prevents stroke
From all the above benefits it’s no surprise that in a Harvard University study, people who ate five or more carrots a week were less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or less.... amazing health benefits of carrots
Commonest form of cancer in women. Overall mortality remains about 50 per cent at five years. Appears to run in families. Strikes hard unmarried women. Married women who have no children. Those who do not nurse their babies, or who are infertile and have no child before thirty. Eight out of ten chest lumps are benign.
Symptoms. A small lump comes to light while washing, a discharge from the nipple, change in nipple size and colour, irregular contour of the breast surface. Though tissue change is likely to be a cyst, speedy diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Some hospital physicians and surgeons are known to view favourably supportive herbal aids, and do not always think in terms of radical mastectomy. Dr Finlay Ellingwood, Chicago physician (1916) cured a case by injection of one dram Echinacea root extract twice a week into the surrounding tissues.
The condition is believed to be due to a number of causes including suppression of ovulation and oestrogen secretion in pregnant and lactating women. A high fat diet is suspected of interference with the production of oestrogen. Some women are constitutionally disposed to the condition which may be triggered by trauma or emotional shock. Increase in incidence in older women has been linked with excessive sugar consumption. “Consumption overwhelms the pancreas which has to ‘push it out’ to all parts of the body (when broken down by the digestive process) whether they need it or not. The vital organs are rationed according to their requirements of nutrients from the diet. What is left over has to ‘go into store elsewhere’. And the breast is forced to take its share and store it. If it gets too much, for too long, it may rebel!” (Stephen Seely, Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Manchester)
“Women who nurse their babies less than one month are at an increased risk for breast cancer. The longer a woman breast-feeds – no matter what her age – the more the risk decreases. (Marion Tompson, co-founder, The La Leche League, in the American Journal of Epidemiology)
Lactation reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer. (Newcomb P.A. et al New England Journal of Medicine, 330 1994)
There is currently no treatment to cure metastatic breast cancer. In spite of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy survival rate has not diminished. Herbs not only have a palliative effect but, through their action on hormone function offer a positive contribution towards overcoming the condition. Their activity has been widely recorded in medical literature. Unlike cytotoxic drugs, few have been known to cause alopecia, nausea, vomiting or inflammation of the stomach.
Treatment by a general medical practitioner or oncologist.
Special investigations. Low radiation X-ray mammography to confirm diagnosis. Test for detection of oestrogen receptor protein.
Treatment. Surgery may be necessary. Some patients may opt out from strong personal conviction, choosing a rigid self-disciplined approach – the Gentle Way. Every effort is made to build up the body’s natural defences (immune system).
An older generation of herbalists believed tissue change could follow a bruise on the breast, which should not be neglected but immediately painted with Tincture Arnica or Tincture Bellis perennis.
Vincristine, an alkaloid from Vinca rosea (Catharanthus roseus) is used by the medical profession as an anti-neoplastic and anti-mitotic agent to inhibit cell division.
Of possible therapeutic value. Blue Flag root, Burdock root, Chaparral, Clivers, Comfrey root, Echinacea, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Marshmallow root, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Prickly Ash bark, Red Clover, Thuja, Wild Violet, Yellow Dock.
Tea. Equal parts: Red Clover, Clivers, Gotu Kola, Wild Violet. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. 3 or more cups daily.
Decoctions. Echinacea, Blue Flag root, Queen’s Delight, Yellow Dock.
Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag root, Echinacea, Poke root, Mistletoe.
Formula. Echinacea 2; Gotu Kola 1; Poke root 1; Mistletoe 1; Vinca rosea 1. Mix. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily and at bedtime. According to progress of the disease, increase dosage as tolerated.
Maria Treben’s tea. Parts: Marigold (3), Yarrow 1; Nettles 1. Mix. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water. 1 cup as many times daily as tolerated.
William Boericke, M.D. recommends Houseleek. E.H. Ruddock M.D. favours Figwort.
Topical. Treatments believed to be of therapeutic value or for use as a soothing application.
(1) Cold poultice: Comfrey root.
(2) Poultice of fresh Marshmallow root pulped in juicer.
(3) Injection of Extract Greater Celandine (Chelidonium), locally, gained a reputation in the Eclectic school.
(4) The action of Blood root (Sanguinaria) is well known as a paint or injection.
(5) Ragwort poultice: 2oz Ragwort boiled in half a pint potato water for 15 minutes. See: POULTICE.
(6) Popular Russian traditional remedy: Badiaga (Spongilla fluviatilis), fresh water sponge gathered in the autumn; dried plant rubbed to a powder. Poultice.
(7) Maria Treben’s Poultice: Carefully washed fresh Plantain leaves, pulped, and applied direct to the lesion.
(8) If lymph glands are affected, apply Plantain poultice to glands.
(9) Dr Brandini’s treatment. Dr Brandini, Florence, used 4 grains Citric Acid (prepared from lemons) in 1oz (30ml) water for ulcerated cancer of the breast considered incurable. “The woman’s torments were so distressing that neither she nor other patients could get any rest. Applying lint soaked in the solution, relief was instantaneous. Repeated, it was successful.”
(10) Circuta leaves. Simmered till soft and mixed with Slippery Elm bark powder as a poultice morning and night.
(11) Decoction. Simmer gently Yellow Dock roots, fine cut or powdered, 1oz to 1 pint, 20 minutes. Saturate lint or suitable material and apply.
(12) Yellow Dock ointment. Half ounce Lobelia seed, half ounce Yellow Dock root powder. Baste into an ointment base. See: OINTMENT BASE.
(13) Infusion, for use as a wash. Equal parts: Horsetail, Red Clover, Raspberry leaves. 1oz to 1 pint boiling water infuse 15 minutes.
(14) Dr Christopher’s Ointment. Half an ounce White Oak, half an ounce Garden Sage, half an ounce Tormentil, half an ounce Horsetail, half an ounce Lemon Balm. Method: Boil gently half an hour in quart water, strain. Reduce to half a pint by simmering. Add half a pound honey. Bring to boil. Skim off scum. Allow cool. Apply: twice daily on sores.
(15) Dr Finlay Ellingwood. Poke root juice. “Fresh juice from the stems, leaves and roots applied directly to diseased tissue. Exercises a selective action; induces liquefaction and promotes removal, sometimes healing the open wound and encouraging scar formation. Masses of such tissue have been known to be destroyed in a few weeks with only a scar, with no other application but the fresh juice. Produces pain at first, but is otherwise harmless.”
(16) Lesion painted with Mandrake resin. (American Podophyllum)
(17) Dust affected parts with Comfrey powder. Mucilage from Comfrey powder or crushed root with the aid of a little milk. See: COMFREY.
(18) Dr Samuel Thomson’s Cancer Plaster. “Take heads of Red Clover and fill a kettle. Boil in water for one hour. Remove and fill kettle with fresh flower heads. Boil as before in the same liquor. Strain and press heads to express all the liquor. Simmer over a low fire till of the consistency of tar. It must not burn. Spread over a piece of suitable material.”
(19) Wipe affected area with cut Houseleek. (Dr Wm Boericke)
(20) Chinese Herbalism. Take 1-2 Liang pulverised liao-ko-wang (Wickstroemia indica), mix with cold boiled water or rice wine for local compress. Also good for mastitis.
(21) Italian women once used an old traditional remedy – Fenugreek tea.
(22) A clinical trial of Vitamin D provided encouraging results. Patients with locally advanced breast cancer were given a highly active Vitamin D analogue cream to rub on their tumours. “It was effective in one third of the tumours,” said Professor Charles Coombes, clinical oncologist, Charing Cross Hospital, London.
Diet. “A diet rich in cereal products (high in dietary fibre) and green leafy vegetables (antioxidants) would appear to offer women some protection against breast cancer due to the relation between fibre and oestrogen metabolism. Meat-free diet. In a study of 75 adolescent girls, vegetarians were found to have higher levels of a hormone that women suffering from breast cancer often lack. (Cancer Research) Supplements. Daily. Chromium. Selenium (600mcg). Zinc chelate (100mg morning and evening). Beta carotene. “Low levels of Selenium and Vitamins A and E are shown in breast cancer cases.” (British Journal of Cancer 49: 321-324, 1984).
Vitamins A and D inhibit virus penetration in healthy cell walls. Multivitamin combinations should not include Vitamin B12, production of which in the body is much increased in cancerous conditions. Vitamins B-complex and C especially required.
Note: A link between sugar consumption and breast cancer has been reported by some authorities who suggest that countries at the top of the mortality table are the highest also in sugar consumption; the operative factor believed to be insulin.
Screening. Breast screening should be annual from the age of forty.
General. Mothers are encouraged to breast-feed children for the protection it offers against mammary malignancy. (Am.J. Obstet. Gyn. 15/9/1984. 150.)
Avoidance of stress situations by singing, playing an instrument. Adopt relaxation techniques, spiritual healing and purposeful meditation to arouse the immune system; intensive visualisation. Avoid the carcinogens: smoking, alcohol.
Information. Breast Cancer Care. Free Help Line. UK Telephone: 0500 245345. ... cancer - breast
n. (in biological systems) a molecule that serves as an electron acceptor. In human disease oxidants are derived from normal intracellular processes and released by inflammatory cells. They are counteracted by *antioxidants, such as beta-carotene.... oxidant
n. one of a large group of non-nutritive compounds made by plants that have an effect on health. They include *antioxidants, flavonoids, flavanols, flavanones, isoflavones, anthocyanins, carotenoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, phyto-oestogens, and others.... phytochemical
Bai Hao Oolong Tea is a type of oolong tea, made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Although Oolong tea is known as a traditional Chinese tea, the Bai Hao Oolong tea is made in Taiwan. Find out more about the Bai Hao Oolong tea!
About Bai Hao Oolong tea
Bai Hao Oolong tea is a type of Oolong tea produced in Taiwan, in the Hsinchu County. In English, it means “white tip oolong tea”. It is also known by the name Dongfang meiren; in English, its name is translated as “oriental beauty tea”. It is also said that, at the beginning of the 20th century, a British tea merchant presented Queen Elizabeth II. After tasting it, she also called it “Oriental Beauty”, which became one of the tea’s well-known names.
The name Bai Hao Oolong tea, translated as “white tip oolong tea”, refers to the leaves. Theyare dark purple or brown, while the tips have a white, silvery color.
The Bai Hao Oolong tea has a sweet and fruity taste, while the color of the beverage is a beautiful bright reddish-orange.
Production of Bai Hao Oolong tea
The tea bushes that produce the leaves of Bai Hao Oolong tea are cultivated in Northern Taiwan. They are grown without using any kind of pesticide. This is to encourage the tea green leafhopper to feed on the leaves, stems, and buds in order to suck the phloem juice. The buds then turn white, as the plant becomes oxidized where it was bit. This is what gives the tea its unique, sweet flavor.
In order to have the tea green leafhopper bite on the plants, it is necessary that the bushes producing Bai Hao Oolongtea leaves be cultivated in warmer areas. The tea bushes are planted in the northwestern part of the country, in lower altitude areas which have sufficient sunshine and humidity. It is harvested during mid-summer and then, it is fermented up to 70%. Only the bud and the top two leaves are used.
How to prepare Bai Hao Oolong tea
In order to prepare Bai Hao Oolong tea, use two grams of tea leaves for every 150 ml of water. The ideal water temperature is around 80°C-85°C, while the steeping time is of 1-2 minutes. The Bai Hao Oolongtea leaves can be used for more than one brewing, though you have to gradually increase steeping time.
Benefits of Bai Hao Oolong tea
Oolong teas are good for our health, and the Bai Hao Oolong tea is not an exception. Read more about some health benefits of the Bai Hao Oolong tea.
First, the polyphenols in its composition help you to lose weight. They increase the function of the enzymes which are responsible with burning fat. That’s why it’s a good idea to drink cups of Bai Hao Oolong teaif you’re on a diet.
Bai Hao Oolong tea also contains fluoride, which helps you maintain a good oral hygiene. It helps protect your teeth as it prevents the decaying of teeth and stops the plaque build-up. Overall, it makes your teeth stronger. The polyphenols in the Bai Hao Oolong tea also help treat skin problems such as eczema and rashes.
Other skin problems can be treated with Bai Hao Oolong tea, as well. The antioxidants in its composition fight against the free radicals affecting your skin. Some of the skin benefits include reducing the dark spots and wrinkles, slowing down the aging process, and improving the color of the skin. They also help protect you against cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Drinking Bai Hao Oolong tea also helps reduce high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is especially good for diabetes patients, who can keep the blood glucose level under control.
Lastly,Bai Hao Oolong teais also helpful when it comes to increasing energy, reducing stress and improving brain power.
Side effects of Bai Hao Oolong tea
While there are many health benefits when drinking Bai Hao Oolong tea, don’t forget that there are a few side effects, as well.
One is related to the caffeine found in the Bai Hao Oolong tea. Although the amount is less than in most types of black tea, you still have to be careful if caffeine isn’t good for your body. Be careful not to get the following symptoms: insomnia, anxiety, headache, dizziness, irritability, and blurred vision. Also, pregnant women have to reduce the amount of tea they drink, as the caffeine may cause miscarriages and birth defects. It can also affect the child during breast feeding.
It’s important not to drink too much tea either, including Bai Hao Oolong tea. IT is generally recommended that you not drink more than six cups of tea a day. General symptoms that may appear when drinking too much tea are loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and irregular heartbeats. Also, it was discovered that, among elderly people, excessive amount of Bai Hao Oolong tea can cause hypokalemia.
The Bai Hao Oolong tea is a richly-flavored, fruity tea that also keeps you healthy. If you decide to include it in your daily diet, you surely won’t regret it.... bai hao oolong tea - the taiwanese oolong tea
Barley tea is widely consumed due to its medicinal properties. It fights effectively against several types of cancer, due to its high content of antioxidants.
Barley Tea description
Barley is a self-pollinating annual plant, member of the grass family. It grows to a height of 1 to 4 feet, being able to withstand various growing conditions. It is found in grasslands, woodlands, disturbed habitats, roadsides and orchards.
The grass of barley is acknowledged to be a source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and it also has a high content of antioxidants.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Barley grass has been prescribed to fight diseases of the spleen or poor digestion. It has also been effectively used to treat depression or emotional imbalance.
Barley tea is the resulting beverage from brewing the abovementioned plant.
This is a very common and appreciated drink in many parts of Asia including Japan, China, Malaysia and Singapore.
Barley tea is popular in Japanese and Korean cuisine: the barley grass is often roasted and then stewed in hot water.
It is also intaken as a caffeine-free coffee substitute in American cuisine.
It is traditionally used for detoxification, to improve digestion and for urinary tract infections.
Barley Tea brewing
Barley tea is available in loose grains, tea bags or already prepared tea drinks.
It is usually made by briefly simmering roasted barley grains.
The resulting beverage has a toasty taste, with slight bitter undertones.
Barley tea is best consumed hot, though some report that room temperature and even cold barley water is still effective.
Barley Tea benefits
Studies conducted so far showed that
Barley tea is effective in treating:
- certain forms of cancer
- digestion
- prostate
- sleep disorder
Barley tea is believed to help relieving early symptoms of colds, acting as a daily nutritional supplement and successfully cleansing the body of toxins.
This tea may help improve blood sugar levels and also reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Barley Tea side effects
Barley tea is not recommended for nursing and pregnant women because it may stop lactation.
Barley tea is a healthy alternative to caffeine drinks and people choose it daily to replace the first mentioned beverage.... barley tea may fight cancer
The pomegranate tea is a refreshing, fruity tea whose main ingredient is the pomegranate. The fruit itself is refreshing, sweet and a bit bitter. Not only doespomegranate tea taste lovely, but it is also good for your health!
About the Pomegranate Tea
The pomegranate tea is a delicious beverage, sweet and fruity-flavored. The main ingredient is, of course, the pomegranate. Pomegranate trees are cultivated all over Asia, as well as in California, Arizona, tropical Africa, and in the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are harvested from September to February, and in the Southern Hemisphere, from March to May.
As a fruit, the pomegranate has vitamin C, vitamin B5, potassium, natural phenols, and polyphenols. Also, the edible seeds contain fiber.
How to prepare Pomegranate Tea
It isn’t difficult to prepare pomegranate tea. First, boil 6-8 ounce of water. Pour the hot water in the cups which contain either tea leaves or teabags. Let it steep for about 10 minutes before you remove the tea leaves or the teabag.
For a calming effect, you can try to combine the pomegranate tea with chamomile tea. You can also mix it with black or green teas, based on your taste.
Pomegranate Ice Tea
If you miss the taste of pomegranate tea, but you don’t feel like drinking it during summer, you can try pomegranate ice tea. It shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to prepare it.
For 5 serves, you need the following ingredients: 5 cups of boiling water, 5 teabags (of a non-fruity kind of tea), 2 cups of pomegranate juice, and sugar.
First, boil the water. Pour it into a heat-resistant pitcher, add the teabags and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Next, remove the teabags and let the temperature cool. Add the pomegranate juice and the sugar, stir well and then put it in the refrigerator. Later, serve it with ice.
For a richer flavor, you can add lemon, lime or mint leaves. Or experiment a little and add anything else you like and think it might make it taste better.
Benefits of Pomegranate Tea
Pomegranate as a fruit, consumed in all its forms, contains lots of health benefits. The pomegranate tea is no exception.
Pomegranate tea is rich in antioxidants. They are helpful when it comes to fighting against aging. They also strengthen the immune system, and lower the risk of getting cancer and diabetes.
Pomegranate tea can also help reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. The chances of getting cardiovascular diseases become lower if you drink pomegranate tea.
Pomegranates also have anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking pomegranate tea can slow down joint conditions (osteoarthritis), as well as reduce the pain caused by joint conditions and diseases. It will also help you protect your body’s cartilage.
Also, pomegranate tea can help with strengthening your immunity, reducing LDL (bad cholesterol), and treating depression and preserving a good mental balance.
Side effects of Pomegranate Tea
There aren’t really any bad side effects related to pomegranate as a fruit, as well as pomegranate tea. Although rare, there are cases of allergies to pomegranate. Also, pomegranate juice and, based on how much you drink, possibly pomegranate tea as well, may neutralize the positive effects of some medications; it’s best to check with your doctor.
Other side effects are related to drinking too much pomegranate tea; this applies to all types of tea, as well. It is advised that you not drink more than 6 cups of tea a day. Otherwise, you might get the following symptoms: headaches, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats. In this case, you need to try and drink less.
Whether hot during winter, or cold during summer, pomegranate tea is a great choice for a fruity, refreshing beverage. It also brings many health benefits with it. Give it a try and you’ll surely enjoy it!... benefits of the pomegranate tea
Black Dragon Pearl tea is a type of black tea that provides a full range of benefits to consumers of all ages, worldwide. It distinguishes itself through its chocolate taste and therapeutical benefits.
Black Dragon Pearl Tea description
Black Dragon Pearl tea, originating from the Chinese province Yunnan, is a type of unsteady black tea, well-known in the area. Each tea pearl contains thirty hand-picked leaves and buds which are immediately rolled to prevent leaves from drying.
A morning or afternoon cup of Black Dragon Pearl tea together served with fruits may be a pleasant way to relax oneself.
How to prepare Black Dragon Pearl Tea
Black Dragon Pearl Black tea can be infused up to three times and still keeps its malty flavor. In case of steeping too long, like any black tea, it can get bitter. When brewed, it has a reddish-brown color, whose aroma makes it identifiable for the senses and, when drunk it has a very delicate and chocolaty taste.
Black Dragon Pearl Black tea can be served with or without sugar (or honey) and milk. It contains a relatively low caffeine level.
When preparing
Black Dragon Pearl tea:
- Use 1 teaspoon of tea for 8 ounces of water ( 2ounces of tea equals 25-30 teaspoons)
- Heat water until it is almost boiling (195 degrees).
- Pour over the pearls.
- Steep them for 3 or 4 minutes.
Black Dragon Pearl Tea benefits
Studies revealed the important qualities of Black Dragon Pearl tea.
Like any type of black tea, this luxurious beverage contains antioxidants - proven adjuvants in
treating cancer and stopping tumors growth. This type of tea has been associated
to lowering the risk of stomach, colon and breast cancer, although the connection is not fully scientifically proven. Researchers claim that a compound in Black Dragon Pearl tea caused colorectal cancer cells to disappear, whereas normal cells were not affected by it.
Black Dragon Pearl tea is also recommended in dealing with:
- poor arterial functioning that can cause heart attacks and strokes
- inflammation
- viruses
- cholesterol reduction
- teeth decay
- blood toxins removing
- aging effects
Black Dragon Pearl Tea side effects
In case of intaking more than 3 cups of tea per day, headaches and dizziness can sometimes appear. Rarely, symptoms of upset stomach may follow Black Dragon Pearl tea consumption.
A diet based on
Black Dragon Pearl tea plays an important part in one’s life because it renders the sufficient quantity of antioxidants needed by human body to fight against a large array of diseases.... black dragon pearl tea
(Boysenberries, dewberries, youngberries)
Nutritional Profile
Energy value (calories per serving): Low
Protein: Low
Fat: Low
Saturated fat: Low Cholesterol: None Carbohydrates: High Fiber: Moderate Sodium: Low
Major vitamin contribution:
Vitamin A, vitamin C
Major mineral contribution: Calcium
About the Nutrients in This Food
Blackberries have no starch but do contain sugars and dietary fiber, pri- marily pectin, which dissolves as the fruit matures. Unripe blackberries contain more pectin than ripe ones.
One-half cup fresh blackberries has 3.8 g dietary fiber, 15 mg vitamin C (20 percent of the R DA for a woman, 17 percent of the R DA for a man), and 18 mcg folate (5 percent of the R DA).
The Most Nutritious Way to Serve This Food
Fresh or lightly cooked.
Buying This Food
Look for: Plump, firm dark berries with no hulls. A firm, well-rounded berry is still moist and fresh; older berries lose moisture, which is why their skin wrinkles.
Avoid: Baskets of berries with juice stains or liquid leaking out of the berries. The stains and leaks are signs that there are crushed—and possibly moldy—berries inside.
Storing This Food
Cover berries and refrigerate them. Then use them in a day or two.
Do not wash berries before storing. The moisture collects in spaces on the surface of the berries that may mold in the refrigerator. Also, handling the berries may damage their cells, releasing enzymes that can destroy vitamins.
Preparing This Food
R inse the berries under cool running water, then drain them and pick them over carefully to remove all stems and leaves.
What Happens When You Cook This Food
Cooking destroys some of the vitamin C in fresh blackberries and lets water-soluble B vitamins leach out. Cooked berries are likely to be mushy because the heat and water dis- solve their pectin and the skin of the berry collapses. Cooking may also change the color of blackberries, which contain soluble red anthocyanin pigments that stain cooking water and turn blue in basic (alkaline) solutions. Adding lemon juice to a blackberry pie stabilizes these pigments; it is a practical way to keep the berries a deep, dark reddish blue.
How Other Kinds of Processing Affect This Food
Canning. The intense heat used in canning fruits reduces the vitamin C content of black- berries. Berries packed in juice have more nutrients, ounce for ounce, than berries packed in either water or syrup.
Medical Uses and/or Benefits
Anticancer activity. Blackberries are rich in anthocyanins, bright-red plant pigments that act as antioxidants—natural chemicals that prevent free radicals (molecular fragments) from joining to form carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds. Some varieties of blackberries also contain ellagic acid, another anticarcinogen with antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Adverse Effects Associated with This Food
Allergic reaction. Hives and angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, and eyes) are common allergic responses to berries, virtually all of which have been known to trigger allergic
reactions. According to the Merck Manual, berries are one of the 12 foods most likely to trigger classic food allergy symptoms. The others are chocolate, corn, eggs, fish, legumes (peas, lima beans, peanuts, soybeans), milk, nuts, peaches, pork, shellfish, and wheat (see w h eat cer ea ls).... blackberries
Cherry Tea is a dark red beverage with an intense fruity flavour whose colour resembles ripe cherries and it can be enjoyed hot or cold. The delightful cherry scent is often blended with other aromas which results in savory and exotic mixtures.
Cherry Tea Brewing
Regarding cherry tea, the brewing time can vary, but the standard procedure entails a five-minute steeping process. Consequently, you will rejoice in the lovely cherry aroma of your amazingly enticing and enjoyable beverage.
Health Benefits of Cherry Tea
Cherry Tea is a beneficial fruity beverage with numerous health benefits. Cherry fruits are renowned for their delightfully refreshing flavour and delicious sweet taste, but they are also packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that essentially contribute to our wellbeing. These fruits are rich in antioxidants which protect our body from free radicals and thus lower the risk of cancer and various neurological diseases, but they also delay the aging process.
Cherries also contain melatonin, an antioxidant with calming effects on the brain, which helps releave irritability, insomnia and headaches, thus improving the quality of sleep. The countless health benefits of cherry tea also include anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially prove effective against pain caused by diseases or injuries.
Cherry fruits are low in calories, but they contain vitamin C which unfortunately entices you to consume approximately 180 calories more a day. This could possibly result in the accumulation of some extra weight if consumed for large periods of time. Therefore, adjust your dietary plan accordingly.
Side effects of Cherry Tea
Cherry Tea contains extracts from the cherries which can induce an allergic reaction to people sensitive to these fruits, but it is generally side-effect-free.
You can enjoy a savory cup of cherry tea at any given time of the day in order to boost your overall energy level and metabolism. The full flavour of succulent fresh cherries along with a delectable and lingering aftertaste will enchant you. Cherry tea is without doubt a delightful juicy drink with an exotic character.... cherry tea - ingredients and health benefits
(Huckleberries)
Nutritional Profile
Energy value (calories per serving): Low
Protein: Low
Fat: Low
Saturated fat: Low Cholesterol: None Carbohydrates: High Fiber: Moderate Sodium: Low
Major vitamin contribution: Vitamin C
Major mineral contribution: Calcium
About the Nutrients in This Food
Blueberries have some protein and a little fat. They have no starch but do contain sugars and dietary fiber—primarily pectin, which dissolves as the fruit matures—and lignin in the seeds. (The difference between blueber- ries and huckleberries is the size of their seeds; blueberries have smaller ones than huckleberries.)
One-half cup fresh blueberries has 1.5 g dietary fiber and 9.5 mg. vitamin C (13 percent of the R DA for a woman, 11 percent of the R DA for a man).
The Most Nutritious Way to Serve This Food
Fresh, raw, or lightly cooked.
Buying This Food
Look for: Plump, firm dark-blue berries. The whitish color on the ber- ries is a natural protective coating.
Avoid: Baskets of berries with juice stains or liquid leaking out of the berries. The stains and leaks are signs that there are crushed (and possibly moldy) berries inside.
Storing This Food
Cover berries and refrigerate them. Then use them in a day or two.
Do not wash berries before storing. The moisture increases the chance that they will mold in the refrigerator. Also, handling the berries can damage them, tearing cells and releas- ing enzymes that will destroy vitamins.
Do not store blueberries in metal containers. The anthocyanin pigments in the berries can combine with metal ions to form dark, unattractive pigment/metal compounds that stain the containers and the berries.
Preparing This Food
R inse the berries under cool running water, then drain them and pick them over carefully to remove all stems, leaves, and hard (immature) or soft (over-ripe) berries.
What Happens When You Cook This Food
Cooking destroys some of the vitamin C in fresh blueberries and lets water-soluble B vitamins leach out. Cooked berries are likely to be mushy because heat dissolves the pectin inside.
Blueberries may also change color when cooked. The berries are colored with blue anthocyanin pigments. Ordinarily, anthocyanin-pigmented fruits and vegetables turn red- dish in acids (lemon juice, vinegar) and deeper blue in bases (baking soda). But blueberries also contain yellow pigments (anthoxanthins). In a basic (alkaline) environments, as in a batter with too much baking soda, the yellow and blue pigments will combine, turning the blueberries greenish blue. Adding lemon juice to a blueberry pie stabilizes these pigments; it is a practical way to keep the berries a deep, dark reddish blue.
How Other Kinds of Processing Affect This Food
Canning and freezing. The intense heat used in canning the fruit or in blanching it before freezing reduces the vitamin C content of blueberries by half.
Medical Uses and/or Benefits
Anticancer activity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wild blueberries rank first among all fruits in antioxidant content; cultivated blueberries (the ones sold in most food markets) rank second. Antioxidants are natural chemicals that inactivate free radicals,
molecule fragments that can link together to form cancer-causing compounds. Several ani- mal studies attest to the ability of blueberries to inhibit the growth of specific cancers. For example, in 2005, scientists at the University of Georgia reported in the journal Food Research International that blueberry extracts inhibited the growth of liver cancer cells in laboratory settings. The following year, researchers at Rutgers University (in New Jersey) delivered data to the national meeting of the American Chemical Society from a study in which laboratory rats fed a diet supplemented with pterostilbene, another compound extracted from blueber- ries, had 57 percent fewer precancerous lesions in the colon than rats whose diet did not contain the supplement. The findings, however, have not been confirmed in humans.
Enhanced memory function. In 2008, British researchers at the schools of Food Biosciences and Psychology at the University of Reading and the Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at the Peninsula Medical School (England) reported that adding blueberries to one’s normal diet appears to improve both long-term and short-term memory, perhaps because anthocyanins and flavonoids (water-soluble pigments in the berries) activate signals in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that controls learning and memory. If confirmed, the data would support the role played by diet in maintaining memory and brain function.
Urinary antiseptic. A 1991 study at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel) suggests that blueberries, like cr anber r ies, contain a compound that inhibits the ability of Escherichia coli, a bacteria commonly linked to urinary infections, to stick to the wall of the bladder. If it cannot cling to cell walls, the bacteria will not cause an infection. This discovery lends some support to folk medicine, but how the berries work, how well they work, or in what “dos- ages” remains to be proven.
Adverse Effects Associated with This Food
Allergic reaction. Hives and angiodemea (swelling of the face, lips, and eyes) are common allergic responses to berries, virtually all of which have been reported to trigger these reac- tions. According to the Merck Manual, berries are one of the 12 foods most likely to trigger classic food allergy symptoms. The others are chocolate, corn, eggs, fish, legumes (peas, lima beans, peanuts, soybeans), milk, nuts, peaches, pork, shellfish, and wheat (see wheat cer ea ls).... blueberries
High in antioxidants and vitamins, cranberries are one of nature’s super foods, helping to fight free radicals and lead a healthier life. Discover how a cup of Cranberry tea can make your life better.
About Cranberry Tea
The cranberry plant is a small evergreen shrub and trailing vine, which grows in many regions from around the world, mostly in mountain forests. It has slender, wiry stems and evergreen leaves. The cranberry bush produces pink or purple flowers in the spring and bright red berries in the fall. It is edible, with an acidic taste that can overwhelm its sweetness. Cranberries are normally considered too sharp to be eaten plain and raw, as they are not only sour but bitter as well.
Cranberries are commonly found in juice drinks, compote or jelly, in baking or even cranberry wine.
Raw cranberries have moderate levels of vitamin C, E, K, dietary fiber and the essential dietary mineral, manganese, as well as a balanced profile of other essential micronutrients.
Cranberry tea has a tasty flavor and can be drunk in many forms and combinations.
Brew Cranberry Tea
Only the fruits are suitable for Cranberry tea. There are many ways to prepare a tasty tea. For example, you can combine the powdered cranberry fruit with sugar-free teas like green tea and rooibos tea, or with herbal infusions like cinnamon tea. Cranberry tea bags are also widely available for ready infusion in hot or near-boiling water. There are also a lot of ways and mixtures to prepare tasty ice cranberry tea.
Cranberry Tea Benefits
Cranberry tea has amazing benefits for your health. Cranberry tea is an immunity booster and an overall tonic due to the antioxidants contained.
Cranberry tea is used to prevent and slow the progression of the gum disease or gingivitis.
Regular intake of the tea in combination of a healthy diet can result in weight loss and a healthier overall body.
Cranberry tea helps detoxify and protect the kidneys. It can be used to treat and prevent urinary tract infection.
Cranberry tea may have beneficial effects in fighting eye problems.
Cranberry Tea Side Effects
The good news is that there are no side effects associated to cranberry tea.
You can include cranberry tea in your daily routine with no fear what so ever and you can enjoy its many benefits.... cranberry tea
Linn.
Synonym: C. domestica Valeton.
Family: Zingiberaceae.
Habitat: Cultivated all over India, particularly in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
English: Turmeric.
Ayurvedic: Haridraa, Priyaka, Haridruma, Kshanda, Gauri, Kaanchani, Krimighna, Varavarni- ni, Yoshitapriyaa, Hattavilaasini, Naktaahvaa, Sharvari.
Unani: Zard Chob.
Action: Anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, hepatoprotective, blood-purifier, antioxidant, detoxi- fier and regenerator of liver tissue, antiasthmatic, anti-tumour, anticu- taneous, antiprotozoal, stomachic, carminative. Reduces high plasma cholesterol. Antiplatelet activity offers protection to heart and vessels. Also protects against DNA damage in lymphocytes.
Key application: In dyspeptic conditions. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO.) As antiinflammatory, stomachic. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The rhizomes gave curcuminoids, the mixture known as curcumin, consisting of atleast four phenolic diaryl- heptanoids, including curcumin and monodesmethoxycurcumin; volatile oil (3-5%), containing about 60% of turmerones which are sesquiterpene ketones, and bitter principles, sugars, starch, resin.Curcumin related phenolics possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and hepatoprotective activities. The antioxidant activity of curcumin is comparable to standard antioxidants—vitamin C and E, BHA and BHT.The volatile oil, also curcumin, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models (the effects were comparable to those of cortisone and phenylbutazone). Used orally, curcumin prevents the release of inflammatory mediators. It depletes nerve endings of substance P, the neu- rotransmitter of pain receptors.Curcumin's cholesterol-lowering actions include interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and increasing the excretion of bile acids via its choleretic effects.Curcuminoids prevent the increases in liver enzymes, SGOT and SGPT; this validates the use of turmeric as a he- patoprotective drug in liver disorders. Curlone, obtained from the dried rhizome, is used against hepatitis.Turmeric and curcumin increase the mucin content of the stomach and exert gastroprotective effects against stress, alcohol, drug-induced ulcer formation. (Curcumin at doses of 100 mg/kg weight exhibited ulcerogenic activity in rats.)The ethanolic extract of the rhizome exhibited blood sugar lowering activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Piperine (a constituent of black and long pepper) enhances absorption and bioavailability of curcumin.
Dosage: Cured rhizome—1-3 g powder. (API Vol. I.)... curcuma longa
Labill.
Family: Myrtaceae.
Habitat: Native to Australia; now cultivated mainly at the hill-stations of India.
English: Blue-Gum tree, Australian Gum tree.
Ayurvedic: Tilaparna, Tailaparna, Sugandhapatra, Haritaparna Neela- niryaasa, Tribhandi, Triputaa, Sar- alaa, Suvahaa, Rechani, Nishotraa.
Unani: Neelgiri oil.
Siddha/Tamil: Karpooramaram.
Action: Essential oil from leaves— antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, antispasmodic, decon- gestant, antiasthmatic, expectorant, antirheumatic, diaphoretic. Used in chronic, bronchitis, migraine, congestive headache, neuralgia and ague, as an inhalant or internal medicine. Root—purgative.
Key application: Leaf tea for catarrhs of the respiratory tract. Oil used externally for rheumatic complaints, contraindicated internally in inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, bile ducts, and in severe liver diseases. (German Commission E.) Oil—internally as adjuvant treatment of chronic obstructive respiratory complaints, including bronchitis and bronchial asthma, also for symptomatic relief of colds and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract; externally for symptomatic treatment of colds and rheumatic complaints. (ESCOP.) Leaf—antiseptic. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)E. globulus is the main commercial source of Eucalyptus leaf oil; yield is 2.12%; 1,8-cineole exceeds 70% (pharmaceutical grade oil requires a minimum cineole content of 70%).Several potent euglobals, having closely related acyl-phloroglucinol- monoterpene (or sesquiterpene) structures, are isolated from the leaves and flower buds. These compounds showed strong granulation-inhibiting activity and inhibition of TPA induced EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) activation.Phloroglucin derivatives, isolated from leaves, showed better antiinflammatory activity than indomethacin.Natural antioxidants have also been isolated from the plant.
Dosage: Leaf—50-100 ml infusion. (CCRAS.)... eucalyptus globules
Darjeeling tea is a black tea grown in the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. Darjeeling tea is also called the “champagne of teas” since it is considered to be the finest tea in the world. At first, Darjeeling tea was available only as black tea but later on, Darjeeling white tea and Darjeeling oolong tea have been produced.
Darjeeling tea is made from the small-leaved Chinese plant Camellia Sinensis, unlike most Indian teas that are made from the large-leaved Assam plant. The reason is that, in the early 1840’s, a civil surgeon of the Indian Medical Service named Dr. Campbell was transferred to Darjeeling and used seeds from China to experiment tea planting.
How to brew Darjeeling tea
Many tea drinkers complain about not getting the right flavor when drinking the Indian
Darjeeling tea. The main reason why this happens is because the preparation of Darjeeling tea is a delicate process and ignoring even only one step can cause the loss of an authentic flavor and taste. Here are some important rules in brewing Darjeeling tea:
- Use water that is free of chlorine, iron, salt and other type of impurities, because otherwise it can completely ruin the taste orDarjeeling tea.
- An important detail that most people ignore is using the right teapot. That is why it is recommended the use of China porcelain teapots and cups.
- For proper infusion, the Darjeeling tea leaves should be placed into the pot and then pour hot water on it.
- And last, Darjeeling tea connoisseurs advise not to put any kind of milk, honey or sugar in it since they change the aromatic flavor of Darjeeling tea. Also, milk reduces the benefits of this tea.
Here are the brewing instructions:
First of all, you have to boil the water. Once the water is boiled, let it cool for about 5 minutes because if it is too hot, the
Darjeeling tea leaves might burn and you will lose the flavor. Then add one teaspoon of Darjeeling leaves per 8 oz cup in the teapot and slowly pour water over the leaves. Let it steep between 2-5 minutes, but be careful! Steeping it for more than 5 minutes, may lead to a bitter cup of tea! Try to drink it without any kind of sweetener or milk to really enjoy the flavor.
Darjeeling Tea benefits
Darjeeling tea has many benefits because of the high antioxidant content that combat free radicals and diseases. Also
Darjeeling tea contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, calcium, magnesium and potassium, according the University of Arizona.
- Darjeeling tea strengthens your immune system, lowers cholesterol, fights dental plaque and maintains a healthy heart.
- Provides relaxation because of the L-theanine (amino - acid) that reduces mental and physical stress. That is why, people who suffer from depression or have anxiety attacks are advised to drink Darjeeling tea since it offers a feeling of well-being.
- It gives you energy, even though it has a small amount of caffeine. The L-theanine amino- acid softens caffeine’s speedy and uneven effects so that a person who is consuming Darjeeling tea feels relaxed and energized in the same time.
- Darjeeling tea contains antioxidants called flavonoids that protect cells from free radical damage.
- Reduces stroke risks and improves the function of blood vessels.
Darjeeling tea side effects
Since
Darjeeling tea is a black tea, it has almost the same side effects as the simple black tea:
- People with anemia and iron deficiency should avoid drinking Darjeeling black tea.
- In cases of diabetes, even though Darjeeling tea’s caffeine content is softened by the the L-theanine amino - acid, still might affect blood sugar.
- People who present calcium deficit shouldn’t drink black tea, including Darjeeling tea, since it could produce dizziness and the sensation of fainting.
- Also, pregnant women are advised not to drink black tea.
Darjeeling tea is perfect for any time of the day and it is worldwide acknowledged as being to teas what champagne is to wine. It has a unique flavor that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world!... darjeeling tea - the champagne of teas
Most of the people have already used it for cooking, but now it is time to consider drinking fennel as a tea. In ancient times it was believed that this herb had mysterious vitalistic properties.
About fennel tea
Also known as Foeniculum vulgare, fennelis a perennial, edible herb, green and crunchy like celery, with feathery leaves and small yellow flowers. It ressembles to dill as well. Its bulb is white or pale green with closely superimposed stalks. Originated from the Mediterranean regions now it grows almost everywhere.
It is rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C and D, antioxidants and it is a great source of amino acids, fatty acids, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium, sulfur and zinc.
Generally, the seeds are used to make fennel tea but some might use the leaves as well.
How to make Fennel tea
A cup of fennel tea will offer you a world of benefits due to its healthy constituents.
For a tasty tea, take one teaspoon of fennel seeds and pour one cup of boiled water. Let the tea steep for about 10 minutes allowing the water to extract the oil from the seeds and then use another cup to drain the tea.
Benefits of Fennel tea
There is a wide range of health benefits for drinking fennel tea. Find out below some of the most important ones.
Fennel tea stimulates milk production (lactation) and has the same impact on the body as estrogen. It also improves the hormone balance and alleviates symptoms of PMS and menopause.
Fennel tea has been shown to be diuretic, bile-producing, pain-reducing, fever-reducing and an antimicrobial fighter.
The seeds and the tea can help with digestive problems by relaxing the smooth muscles of the intestine and it is often used by people to alleviate bloating, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, and gas.
Fennel tea is effective at reducing the symptoms of cold and flu, soothing sore throats, clearing up congestions in the chest and expelling excess phlegm.
It is believed to improve the eyesight.
Side effects of Fennel tea
A part from the many benefits that it has, fennel tea also has some precautions that are better to be taken into consideration.
The consumption of fennel in excessive quantities is not indicated because it can lead to muscular convulsions and even hallucinations.
Pregnant women should avoid drinking fennel tea because it can act as an uterine stimulant. Do not apply fennel directly to your skin because it can irritate it.
Fennel tea is mostly safe for regular consumption as long as you do not drink more than 3 cups a day. Do not ignore its precautions if you want to have a healthy experience.... fennel tea
Dill is one of the oldest culinary herbs. Most people use it for cooking but few are familiar with the benefits of dill tea.
About dill tea
Scientifically called Anethum graveolens, dill is an annual aromatic plant with a special therapeutic value. Its cultivation begun in ancient times and today it is popular throughout the globe. It is also used for manufacturing many herbal remedies and medicines.
Dill tea can be made from seeds or fresh dill leaves, often called “dill weed” to differentiate it from the seeds. The seeds are viable for couple of years.
Dill tea has a sweetly pungent, cooling feeling and it is sharp after taste and has a heavy and lasting flavor. Dill tea has a tender green color.
The plant is a source of proteins, carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium and potassium. It also contains a small amount of riboflavin, niacin and zinc.
Dill tea offers help in cough, cold and flu. Its seeds were believed to benefit various digestive problems. The seed essential oil may relieve intestinal spasms and griping.
Dill seeds contain volatile oil, flavonoids, coumarins and triterpenes. Dill leaves (weed), on the other hand, are rich in carvone, limonene and monoterpenes, carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, vitamins A, C, B complex, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper.
In traditional medicine, the seeds are recommended for feminine health in order to correct problems related to estrogen level. Dill seeds favors the growth of female secondary features (breast augmentation, pilosity hair growth rate, skin softness) extending the biological female health.
How to brew dill tea
To make dill tea from seeds, use 2 teaspoons of mashed dill seeds in 1 cup of boiling water and let it infuse for 10 minutes. Filter the seeds and your tea is ready to be served - fast and easy.
For therapeutic purposes, you can drink 3 cups a day with 30 min before meals.
To prepare dill weed tea, take 2 teaspoons of dill weed for 1 cup and let it boil in water for approximately 10 minutes. The longer you let the dill tea boil, the more medical benefits you will get.
Benefits of dill tea
Whether it is made from seeds or fresh leaves, dill tea has a long list of health benefits :
Dill tea is popular for controlling flatulence especially when prepared from seeds
This kind of tea is suitable for infants against colic or other ailments such as cough, flu, indigestion, gas, stomachache or insomnia. It also stimulates milk production in nursing mothers.
Dill tea has many other benefits for women. It alleviates menstrual symptoms and pain, sterility or premature menopause.
It is also diuretic and antispasmodic and can be used with success for treating hemorrhoids, jaundice, scurvy, diarrhea, dysentery or respiratory disorders.
Dill tea enhances the bone and dental health being a good source of calcium. It also ensures oral freshness.
Antioxidants in the dill’s tea essential oils contribute to fight against free radicals and cancer.
Dill tea warnings
Dill tea has only few warnings especially in hyperestrogenism, hypermenorea, ovarian cysts, breast lump, benign and malignant tumors or other allergies associated with dill.
Dill tea is suitable for regular consumption, is relaxant and strength giving, but take into consideration the warnings before you drink it.... dill tea and its amazing benefits
Genmaicha Tea is a savoury Japanese traditional green tea, having a light yellow colour and a sweet nutty flavour resulting from the combination with roasted brown rice. Originally drunk by poor Japanese people who were unable to purchase a sufficient amount of tea leaves and used it as a filler, Genmaicha Tea is now a beverage consumed by everyone.
The legend says that a slave accidentally dropped rice in his samurai master’s tea while it was brewing and he was consequently beheaded. But the master was delighted with the result and named the tea Genmaicha in the honour of the departed worker.
Genmaicha Tea brewing
In order to brew Genmaicha Tea, it is recommended to use water heated at an 80 to 85 degrees Celsius temperature. The steeping time should not exceed five minutes and is generally resumed at three minutes, but it is often believed that one minute of brewing suffices. Genmaicha Tea can be served both hot and cold without minimizing its unique roasted aroma.
Genmaicha Tea Health Benefits
Genmaicha Tea provides a wide variety of health benefitsdue to its antioxidant properties, which are completely retained despite the amount of brown rice it contains, which is relatively low. These antioxidants improve the immune system function, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Genmaicha Tea has also been proven to improve joint and bone strength and is therefore beneficial and effective for people who suffer from arthritis or rheumatism.
Furthermore, Genmaicha Tea is also recommended for people who suffer from diabetes because it considerably increases the activity of insulin and reduces the glucose level in the organism.
This particular tea is also extremely effective in the weight loss process - studies show that the consumption of Genmaicha Tea accelerates the burning of fats. It is recommended to drink two or three cups of tea daily.
When to drink Genmaicha Tea
Genmaicha Tea can be used as a replacement for coffee, but it is best when consumed in the afternoon because it maintains the energy level up, it keeps you alert and relaxed at the same time due to its content of theanine, an amino acid which affects the brain’s neurotransmitters and thus promotes concentration.
Genmaicha Tea side effects
The possible side effects ofGenmaicha Tea consumption include those related to caffeine intake, such as nausea, stomach upset, nervousness or insomnia.
However, Genmaicha Tea brings numerous benefits for the metabolism of tea drinkers, contributing to a balanced lifestyle and enhancing the energy levels.... genmaicha tea
If you’re a fan of black tea, you must have heard of the Earl Grey tea. If not, this is your chance to find out all you need to know about this richly-flavored black tea. Read about its health benefits and side effects, as well.
About Earl Grey tea
Earl Grey tea is one of the most popular types of black tea, drunk by people all around the world. It has a refreshing, citrusy flavor thanks to the bergamot orange oil added in its composition. The bergamot orange is the fruit of a citrus tree which blooms during winter; it is commercially cultivated in Italy. The bergamot oil, which is responsible for the tea’s citrusy flavor, is extracted from the skin of the fruit.
In America, it is sometimes misspelled as “Earl Gray”. However, this is not the generally accepted spelling of the tea’s name.
The Earl Grey tea is often drank during breakfast or brunch. It makes a good team with different sweets and pastries. It is also used to add flavor to various types of cakes.
History of Earl Grey tea
The Earl Grey tea is named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl of Britain, who was Prime Minister during the 1830s. As to why it was named after him, one legend says that a Chinese merchant gave this tea to Lord Grey to show his gratefulness, as one of the lord’s men had saved his son from drowning. However, there are doubts related to the authenticity of this story, as Lord Grey had never been to China, and the Chinese hadn’t yet discovered about the use of bergamot oil as a tea ingredient.
It is possible that, seeing as Earl Grey tea was discovered at the beginning of the 19th century, it was simply named after a politician who was quite well-known at that time.
According to the Grey family, Lady Grey served Earl Grey tea to various guests. As it became more and more popular, she was asked if the Earl Grey tea could be sold. This is how it became a brand of the Twinings tea company.
Varieties of Earl Grey tea
Considering how popular the Earl Grey tea is, it isn’t surprising that there are currently quite a few varieties of this tea.
One of the well-known varieties of Earl Grey tea is Lady Grey, named after Mary Elizabeth Grey, the wife of Lord Grey. Other flavors are added to the usual Earl Grey tea. Some varieties of Lady Grey include adding blue cornflower blossoms, lavender or Seville oranges.
Another type of the Earl Grey tea is the Russian Earl Grey. To the usual ingredients, it adds citrus peels, vodka, and lemon grass.
Other types of Earl Grey tea include flowers among its ingredients. One of them is the French Earl Grey, which uses rose petals.
There are some types of Earl Grey tea where the usual black tea leaves are replaced with something else. One example is Earl Grey Green, where the bergamot oil is combined with green leaves instead of the black ones. Another example is Rooibos Earl Grey, possibly originating from Malaysia. In this case, the black leaves are replaced with Rooibos, a South-African herbal plant.
Also, in various coffee shops and tea shops, you can find a drink called London Fog. It is a “tea latte” and its ingredients are Earl Grey tea, steamed milk and vanilla syrup.
How to prepare Earl Grey Tea
For a cup of Earl Grey tea, use one teaspoon of tea leaves, or one regular-sized teabag. Boil the water before pouring it into the cup, and then let it steep for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the tea leaves or teabag.
Based on your preferences, you can add sugar, lemon or milk to your cup of Earl Grey tea.
Benefits of Earl Grey Tea
The Earl Grey tea comes with many health benefits, both thanks to the black tea leaves and the bergamot oil.
First, the antioxidants in its composition strengthen your immune system. They help keep your body young and healthy, protecting it from various viruses. This is why people who have caught a cold or the flu, or simply have a fever, drink Earl Grey tea.
The Earl Grey tea has a calming effect thanks to the bergamot oil in its composition. It helps improve your mood by fighting against anxiety, depression, stress, and mood swings.
The bergamot oil in the Earl Grey tea also helps you with digestion. It’s useful when suffering from indigestion, nausea and colic. It is also recommended in the case of urinary tract infections and intestinal problems.
Earl Grey tea also helps you maintain a good oral hygiene. It fights against tooth decay and oral infections, and keeps the cavities away.
Side effects of Earl Grey tea
Despite its many health benefits, consumption of Earl Grey tea can have a few side effects, as well.
The caffeine found in the composition of Earl Grey tea can affect you negatively, especially if caffeine isn’t good for your body. To some people it may induce anxiety and heart palpitations. It can also increase blood pressure, making it bad for people who already have a high blood pressure.
Also, if you drink a large amount of Earl Grey tea for a long time and suddenly, you stop, you might experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms. They include headaches that can last for up to a week, difficulty in concentrating, nausea, depression and anxiety.
Drinking a large amount of Earl Grey tea can lead to side effects, as well. You might end up suffering from headaches, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats. Therefore, make sure you don’t drink more than six cups of any tea, including Earl Grey tea.
Stay healthy by drinking this rich and citrusy-flavored black tea, the Earl Grey tea. Keep an eye on the side effects, but don’t let them scare you, as there are many more health benefits. So relax and enjoy your cup of Earl Grey tea with some cookies!... discover more about earl grey tea
If you’re looking for a fruity-flavored tea, try the blueberry tea! Not only is it richly aromatic, but it also comes with several health benefits.
About Blueberry Tea
Blueberry tea can be considered a type of black tea which has been infused with blueberry flavor. It can also contain pieces of dried blueberry, as well as pieces of other dried berries. Blueberry leaves may be used, as well.
Blueberries are grown all around the world. Based on the place where they are cultivated, harvesting time may vary. In North America, harvesting starts in May and ends in late summer, while in the Southern Hemisphere, harvesting takes place during winter and may last until early spring. They are rich in vitamins, dietary fiber and dietary mineral manganese.
Blueberry Tea Cocktail
There is also a cocktail with the name “Blueberry Tea”. It is made from tea and liqueurs, and it is served hot, usually in a brandy snifter. The usual ingredients for the cocktail are Grand Marnier liqueur, Amaretto liqueur, and hot Orange Pekoe tea.
If interested, you can give it a try. However, be careful not to mix it up when ordering Blueberry Tea in a place that might serve both. Despite its name, it might not contain anything blueberry-related; still, the taste is fruity, similar to that of blueberries, which is why the cocktail is named Blueberry Tea.
How to prepare Blueberry Tea
There are several ways in which you can enjoy a cup of Blueberry tea.
For a classic cup of Blueberry tea, add a teaspoon of Blueberry tea leaves into a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 3-04 minutes before removing the leaves. Add sugar or honey to sweeten the taste.
Another way to prepare Blueberry tea is with black Ceylon tea. Add a teaspoon of leaves or a teabag in a cup of hot water and let it steep for 3-4 minutes. After removing the tea leaves or the teabag, add fresh blueberry juice and stir; the more blueberry juice you add, the stronger the flavor. This is ideal during hot summer days, when you can serve it iced. Also, you can replace the black Ceylon tea with rooibos tea or white tea.
Health Benefits of Blueberry tea
Drinking Blueberry tea leads to plenty of health benefits. The black tea leaves are rich in antioxidants, amino acids, minerals and vitamins, while blueberries have plenty of nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C and E. Together, they help you stay healthy!
The antioxidants that are found both in the tea leaves and in the berries are good at helping you fight off cancer. A cup of blueberry tea can reduce the risk of developing tumors and cancer. The antioxidants also have a neuroprotective effect on the brain. Therefore, it may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Blueberry tea also helps when it comes to muscle damage. This time, the antioxidants are the ones protecting the muscle cells from muscle oxidative damage which is usually associated with high-intensity exercise.
Blueberry tea reduces the risk of diabetes. Consumption of blueberry tea helps boost the insulin sensitivity. This way, the body uses insulin more efficiently to store glucose. It also helps lower the blood sugar levels, reducing the need for insulin. Blueberry tea lowers the blood pressure, as well, reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Polyphenols that are part of the blueberry tea’s composition help prevent urinary tract infections. They keep the harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. Also, blueberry tea has ellagic acid, which protects the metabolic pathways.
Side effects of Blueberry tea
Besides the many health benefits, don’t forget that blueberry tea has a few side effects, as well. They’re not too harmful, but you should still remember them.
If you’re suffering from diabetes, you know that blueberry tea is good for you, since it lowers the blood sugar levels. Still, you have to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels. In some cases, it may lower the blood sugar levels too much, and you might get hypoglycemia.
Blueberry tea might affect blood glucose levels, so it might interfere with the blood sugar control both during and after a surgery. You should stay away from blueberry tea (and blueberries, in general) two weeks before the surgery.
Be careful not to drink too much blueberry tea! This applies to all types of tea, too. It is recommended not to drink more than six cups of tea per day. For some, it might be even less. See if you get any of the following symptoms: headaches, dizziness, insomnia, irregular heartbeats, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. If you get them, you should reduce the amount of tea you drink.
Blueberry tea is a delicious, aromatic type of tea. It’s also good for your health, as it combines the health benefits of both black tea leaves and blueberries. Drink a cup or two a day and you won’t regret it!... discover the blueberry tea
One of the most popular drinks in China, Dragon Well tea is part of the green teas family, having an inviting and a toasty flavor. A truly enjoyable and spectacular cup of tea.
Description of Dragon Well tea
Dragon Well tea is a type of pan-fried green tea, most commonly named Longjing tea from Hangzhou, Zheijang province in China, where is produced mainly by hand. During the production process, the Dragon Well is dried under a wood-fired Chinese pan called “wok”. This process removes the green, grassy taste and also inhibits enzyme activity. Due to the widespread opinion in China that the Dragon Well tea has a cooling effect, its popularity significantly increases especially during the spring and summer seasons.
Often called the national tea of China, Dragon Well tea is often served to head of states and foreign delegations during their visits in China. Presented as a tribute to many generations, it was given even to Richard Nixon during his memorable encounter with Mao Zedong.
This tea is very popular because of its unique properties: jade color, vegetative aroma, mellow chestnut flavor and singular shape. It has a buttery, nutty, rich texture and an enjoyable dry finish.
Commonly, Dragon Well tea is graded using a scale of six levels from superior quality to low quality so it is advisable to chose wisely when you decide to buy it. When the flavor can barely be sensed, it is clear that you deal with a poor quality.
How to store the Dragon Well tea
If the tea is sealed, keep it in a freezer. Cover with a box to insulate from temperature change. In order to get warm, leave it to room temperature before opening. This prevents condensation.
After opening the package of Dragon Well tea, it is best to keep it away from light, moisture, smell and heat in an airtight container.
Ingredients of Dragon Well tea
Like most green teas, the Dragon Well tea contains amino acids, vitamins, flavonoids, proteins, calcium, iron, fluorine, theine and has one of the highest concentrations of catechins among teas, second only to white teas.
How to brew Dragon Well tea
When it comes to brewing Dragon Well tea, the best choice is a clear glass teacup, so that you can see the beauty of the leaves as they dance and unfurl in the water. It is really spectacular. Quality of tea is related directly to the beauty of the buds. Glass is most suitable also because it disperses heat quickly and prevents over-steeping. If you see that the buds have reached the bottom, this means that the tea is ready to drink.
You should infuse a small amount of leaves in high temperature water for as long as it takes.
Pour hot water at approximately 80 - 90 degrees Celsius. Immerse until most of the tea buds has sink to the bottom of the glass and the tea liquor turns yellow. This will take 5 to 10 minutes for the first infusion. During soaking, the tea brings out a soft, pure aroma, a yellow-green color and a rich flavor.
Decant and leave a small quantity as you may use it as the seed for the next infusion.
Infuse for another 2 to 4 times with progressively shorter steeping time.
Health Benefits of Dragon Well tea
All tea comes from the same plant named Camellia sinensis. The method of production creates the different types of tea. Dragon Well tea contains the highest content of antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants are proven to fight against certain cancers, lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reduce the likely-hood of getting the flu and other infections, boosting the immune function of our body and help reduce the signs of aging. It is also a fat burning accelerator so let’s not forget its important benefits for diets. There’s also enough fluoride found in green tea to aid against plaque and other oral bacteria.
Side effects of Dragon Well tea
Like any other green tea, Dragon Well tea may have few side effects like restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure due to the caffeine content. It may also cause pain in the stomach area or reduce the body’s absorption of iron by 25% so it is contraindicated to people with anemia, faintness, gastritis with hyperacidity, stomach and duodenal ulcer.
In spite of few side effects, it is worth trying it and get to know its flavor. The spectacle of drinking this type of tea is truly unique and the flavor really satisfying.... discover the spectacle of dragon well green tea
Rhodiola tea is a delicious, mellow herbal tea. With its plant growing in cold, mountainous regions, this tea has various important health benefits. Find out more about rhodiola tea!
About Rhodiola Tea
Rhodiola tea is made from the rhodiola rosea plant. It grows in cold, mountainous areas, such as the Arctic, the mountains of Central Asia, the Rocky Mountains, and European mountains (Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathian Mountains). It is also known by the names golden root, rose root, Aaron’s rod, arctic root, king’s crown, lignum rhodium, and orpin rose.
Rhodiola is a perennial plant with spikes of green leaves. The shoots can grow up to 35cm, and each bear a single yellow flower, which blooms during the Arctic summer.
How to prepare Rhodiola Tea
It takes awhile to prepare rhodiola tea, but it should be worth it. To enjoy a cup, you have to follow a few steps.
For one cup, you need about 5 g of rhodiola root. Put that into a cup of freshly boiled water and let it brew for about 4 hours. Once the time is up, filter the liquid and your tea. Add honey or fruit juice if you want to sweeten the flavor.
Rhodiola Tea Constituents
Rhodiola rosea has lots of active constituents. Some of the important ones include rosavin, rosin, rosarin, rhodioloside, tyrosol, and salidroside. In its composition, we can also find phenolic antioxidants: proanthocyanidins, quercetin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol.
As rhodiola tea is made from the rhodiola rosea plant, these constituents are transferred to the tea, as well.
Rhodiola Tea Benefits
The most important health benefits of rhodiola tea are related to your mental state. It helps if you’re feeling depressed; it improves your mood and fills you with energy. It also reduces fatigue and stress, and it’s bound to make you feel more relaxed. Generally, it helps enhance your mental functions, including your memory.
By reducing stress levels, rhodiola tea also reduces the amount of stress hormones which can cause heart problems. Rhodiola tea regulates your heartbeats and fights against heart arrhythmias.
Men can drink rhodiola tea if they’ve got erectile dysfunction; this tea is often included in the treatment. It’s useful for women too, as it helps lose weight and can therefore be drunk when on a diet. At the same time, it can also help with anaemia.
You should drink rhodiola tea to help you with muscle recovery after exhaustive exercising. This tea increases the level of enzymes, RNA, and proteins needed.Rhodiola tea can help if you’ve got a cold or the flu. Interestingly, it will also help you if you’ve got altitude sickness.
Rhodiola Tea Side Effects
Even if rhodiola tea has so many health benefits, there are a few side effects you should be careful with, too.
It is best not to be consumed by pregnant women, or those who are breastfeeding. In both cases, rhodiola tea can affect the baby.
Even if rhodiola tea is used to treat depression, it is not good when it comes to bipolar disorder. Make sure you talk with your doctor first if you’re not sure whether you should drink rhodiola tea or not.
Also, as rhodiola tea is used to enhance your energy, you should not drink it in the evening or even worse, before going to bed. It might lead to insomnia.
Rhodiola tea should be on your list of ‘teas to drink’. You don’t have to worry when on a diet, as it will also help you lose weight. Just make sure you won’t get any side effects and you’re safe to drink it!... drink more rhodiola tea!
Women need to be careful both with what they eat and drink during pregnancy. Even if tea is generally recommended as an everyday beverage, most teas shouldn’t be drunk during pregnancy. Find out which teas you should and shouldn’t drink when you’re pregnant.
Careful with teas for pregnancy
There are various reasons why pregnant women should be careful with the type of tea they drink. Many are related to the caffeine content some tea varieties might have. Drinking tea with caffeine content might lead to birth defects or even unwanted miscarriages.
Also, other tea varieties can lead to uterine contractions, or have properties that involve regulating menstruation. These can also lead to miscarriages.
That doesn’t mean that, during pregnancy, women should completely stay away from teas. They just have to know what type of tea they can drink.
Teas you can drink for pregnancy
Rooibos tea is often recommended to pregnant women, as it doesn’t contain caffeine at all. It contains antioxidants, as well as a low level of tannins. Thanks to this, they are less likely to interfere with iron absorption and, therefore, cause anemia during and after pregnancy. It also helps with indigestion and may relieve nausea.
Pregnant women can drink ginger tea or mint tea, which help with morning sickness, or chamomile tea to prevent insomnia. Also, nettle tea can be drunk during the second and third trimester of the pregnancy (not the first) only if it’s made from nettle leaves and not from the root.
Raspberry leaf tea has many benefits related to pregnancy. First of all, if a woman wants to get pregnant, this tea will increase fertility, as well as strengthen the uterine wall and relax the muscle in the uterus. During pregnancy, it helps with leg cramps, morning sickness and diarrhea. Also, drinking this tea may lead to less artificial ruptures in the membranes, which lowers the chances of needing a caesarean delivery, as well as needing forceps or vacuum birth.
Teas you shouldn’t drink for pregnancy
Even if teas are usually considered to be good for our health, this isn’t the case. Women should be careful not to drink various types of tea for pregnancy.
It is considered best for pregnant women not to drink teas that contain caffeine. Teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant (green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea) contain caffeine, so it is best to avoid them. Small amounts may be acceptable, however it can still be risky, as they might still lead to birth defects or miscarriages.
Pregnant women should also be careful with herbal teas. The varieties they shouldn’t drink include devil’s claw, ephedra, fenugreek, gentian, ginseng, hawthorne, motherwort, red raspberry leaf, senna, shepherd’s purse, St. John’s wort, or yarrow.
Teas for labor
Partridge tea is recommended for pregnant women who are due to give birth. It is recommended to be drunk during the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy.
Partridge tea helps with relieving congestions of the uterus and ovaries. It can also be used as an antiseptic to treat vaginal infections. Plus, when it is combined with raspberry leaves, it can help even more during the last two weeks of pregnancy.
Pregnant women should be careful even when it comes to the type of tea they drink. Some might be harmful, while others may help them a lot both during and after pregnancy. If you want to get pregnant, make sure you remember the accepted teas for pregnancy.... drinking tea for pregnancy
Did you know that eucalyptus leaves are the favourite food of koala bears? Having a pungent scent and antimicrobial properties, eucalyptus is a well known remedy for sinusitis and other respiratory ailments. It is also used successfully in aromatherapy.
About Eucalyptus Tea
Eucalyptus is one of the quickest growing tree species on the planet and it is derived from the grayish-green, leathery leaves of the tree botanically known as Eucalyptus globulus, also called the “blue gum tree” or “Australian fever tree.” Native to Tasmania, the eucalyptus tree grows in subtropical zones worldwide. The leaves contain eucalyptol, as well as tannins, caffeic and gallic acids, also found in green tea, along with flavonoids and antioxidants.
Eucalyptus is antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal and antispasmodic with expectorant and decongestant properties.
Eucalyptus is primarily valuable for its leaves, which are used to make an essential oil, eucalyptus tea and compresses. If you want to enhance the scent of the leaves, due to the aromatic oils that are contained inside, all you have to do is break or crush them, and then this will be released.
You can prepare eucalyptus tea either using dry or fresh leaves. However, Eucalyptus tea made of dried eucalyptus leaves has lost most of its healing power. Instead, it’s best to cut small branches with a few dozen fresh leaves and keep them in a vase with water to prevent drying.
How to make Eucalyptus Tea
To make eucalyptus tea, pour 1 cup of boiled water over up to 1/2 teaspoon of the dried eucalyptus leaves. Cover and steep for 10 minutes, then strain. You can sweeten with honey and drink up to 2 - 3 cups a day.
If you want to use fresh leaves, take a single one, chop it, add hot water and let it steep for about 4-6 minutes - then add honey or brown sugar. The bits of leaf should then be strained and discarded. Take care not to ingest the eucalyptus oil directly, as it is extremely strong and somewhat volatile. Then drink in small sips while hot.
Benefits of Eucalyptus Tea
Some studies pointed out that drinking eucalyptus tea may help increase insulin production and lower blood sugar level.
You can gargle this tea when you have throat infections, or use it as a mouthwash as its antiseptic and antibacterial properties fight bad breath.
Eucalyptus tea, when rubbed in the chest area, may relieve bronchitis, asthma and colds.
When inhaled, the steam from the eucalyptus tea can help alleviate chest infections and a host of respiratory and pulmonary ailments like colds, emphysema, whooping cough and asthma.
Applied topically, the tea may produce healthier looking skin.
A compress with eucalyptus tea is effective in treating painful joints, minor burns and sore muscles.
Side effects of Eucalyptus Tea
Side effects from eucalyptus tea are rare; nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported. Consult your doctor before using eucalyptus tea. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, if you have inflammation of the kidneys or that of the gastrointestinal tract, bile duct disease, liver disease or low or high blood pressure, don’t drink eucalyptus tea.
Eucalyptus is a tree with many benefits and uses. Eucalyptus tea can easily be included in a healthy life style, especially when it is used to treat certain ailments.... eucalyptus tea
Jasmine tea is a Chinese tea made from jasmine flowers. This tea is one of the most popular teas in China, being a specialty for over 800 years. It is basically used as a green, white or oolong tea having a subtle sweet flavor.
How To Make Jasmine Tea
Brewing jasmine tea is not such a difficult process. First of all you will need to boil the water. Add 1 tablespoon of jasmine leaves into your teapot or infuser and pour the hot water over it. Cover it and let it steep for about 3 minutes, but no longer than 5 minutes because you may obtain a bitter taste. If you didn’t use an infuser, make sure you use a strainer when you pour the tea into your cup to catch the jasmine blooms. Since it already has a sweet, floral taste it is advised not to put any sweetener, but if you want you can add some sugar or honey.
Jasmine Tea Benefits
Jasmine tea is full of antioxidants that protect your body against the damage that free radicals can cause to your body cells.
Jasmine tea helps you lose weight thanks to the combination between caffeine and antioxidants. Also, this tea reduces fat and encourages cholesterol absorption.
Some studies revealed that jasmine tea may help prevent cancer.
Jasmine is also used for its calming effects in aromatherapy as an essential oil. Judging by this fact, drinking a cup of jasmine tea also provides you relaxation.
Jasmine Tea Side Effects
Over consumption may lead to certain side effects. For example, jasmine tea has caffeine content that heightens alertness and reduces sleepiness. Also, caffeine increases secretion of stress hormones, insomnia and dehydration so try not to drink too much jasmine tea. One or two cups of jasmine tea a day!
Needless to say, pregnant and breastfeeding woman are advised not to drink jasmine tea, also because of its caffeine content.
Enjoy this wonderful scented tea and all its benefits! Do not drink more than 2 cups of jasmine tea per day, this way making sure you won’t experience any of its side effects.... jasmine tea - a famous chinese scented tea
Green tea is considered a “wonder drug” because of its healthy contribution in human diets. Its antioxidant properties fight successfully against cancer, but not only.
Green tea description
Green tea is made from Camellia sinensis, an Asian plant, originating from China, Japan and South Korea. Oolong tea and black tea are prepared from the same plant as the green tea. A special feature of this type of tea is the ability to block the natural process of fermentation: after being picked, its leaves are steamed, dried and then rolled, thus blocking fermentation.
Due to its constituents, it acts as an antioxidant, diuretic, cerebral and fattening burning stimulator, and also as a cancer protector.
Green tea has been the subject of many scientific and medical studies so as to determine its health benefits. It seems that regular green tea drinkers may have a lower risk of developing heart diseases and certain types of cancer.
There are several types of green tea available on the market: Bancha Tea,
Chun Hao Tea ,
Dao Ren Tea ,
Dragonwell Tea ,
Genmaicha Tea ,
Gunpowder ,
Gyokuro Tea ,
Hojicha Tea , Kai Hua Long Ding Tea,
Kukicha Tea ,
Matcha Tea ,
Sencha Tea , White Monkey Tea.
Green Tea brewing
To prepare
green tea, use
: two grams of tea per 100ml of water, or one teaspoon of green tea per five ounce cup.
Green tea steeping time varies from thirty seconds to two, three minutes. The temperature differs as well, from 140°F to 190°F.
Consumers recommend that lower-quality green teas to be steeped hotter and longer and higher-quality teas to be steeped cooler and shorter. In case of steeping the green tea too hot or too long, the resulting beverage is bitter and astringent.
Green Tea benefits
Green Tea lowers the risk of cancer.
Studies have shown the green tea’s contribution against tumors growth, due to its high content of antioxidants, able to fight free radicals which are responsible for cancer spreading.
Green Tea lowers the risk of stroke and heart diseases.
The formation of blood clots (or
thrombosis) is the main cause of the heart attacks and strokes. Green Tea has been acknowledged to exhibit abnormal blood clot formation.
Green Tea lowers blood pressure.
Green Tea is proven to block the effects of an enzyme secreted by the kidneys, considered to be one of the main causes of hypertension.
Green Tea prevents tooth decay.
Dental plaque and bacterial colonies that occur on the tooth surfaces and cause tooth decay can be inhibited by one of the compounds of the
green tea. Also, this beverage has been shown to be effective against fighting gum diseases.
Green Tea inhibits viruses
Studies revealed that
green tea can kill certain bacteria and staphs. It blocks the development of several viruses such as viral hepatitis.
Green tea has also been successful in:
- Slowing early aging;
- Diets;
- The treatment of physical or intellectual fatigue;
- Treating fast cold and flu recovery;
- Preventing allergenic reactions;
- Balancing body fluids;
- Improving the immune function of the epidermis;
- Preventing and mending arthritis;
- Improving bone structure
Green Tea side effects
Green tea is not recommended to patients suffering from high blood pressure, gastric acid secretion, gastritis and ulcer.
Due to the amount of caffeine contained, scientists advise a reduced consumption of green tea for pregnant and nursing women.
Also, this tea should not be drunk after 5 p.m., because the consumption may lead to insomnia, palpitations and agitation.
Green tea is a well known beverage, especially due to its medicinal contribution to a large array of diseases such as arthritis, heart diseases and several types of cancer.... green tea or the wonder drug
Gunpowder tea is a Chinese tea made in Zhejiang Provence, China. It’s a form of green tea made out of withered, steamed, rolled and dried leaves. The name of gunpowder tea was given due to the fact that the small leaves which are tightly rolled into small round pellets, look like gunpowder.
Gunpowder tea, like most green teas, comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant, which is a small leaved bush with many stems that can reach to almost 3 meters.
There are many types of
gunpowder tea, judging by the type of the leaves:
- Pingshui gunpowder which is the most common type, has larger pellets and a more powerful flavor. It is sold as Temple of Heaven Gunpowder.
- Formosa Gunpowder which is grown in Taiwan. Its fragrance is very close to the Taiwanese oolong tea.
- Ceylon Gunpowder is produced at high altitudes in Sri Lanka.
Brewing Gunpowder Tea
There are many ways to brew
gunpowder tea, but the most handy and common preparation is by putting 1 tablespoon of gunpowder leaves for every 5 ounces of water. The gunpowder must be steeped up to 1-2 minutes into water, boiled at 160 degrees. After that, it can be streamed and served.
It is not recommended to put milk or sweeteners in it such as honey or sugar, since the tea already has a soft honey flavor.
What does Gunpowder Tea contain?
Gunpowder tea, since it is classified as a green tea, it shares all of the components of classic green tea, mainly antioxidant ingredients such as green tea catechins (GTC).
The importance of antioxidants is very high since they find and eliminate disease-causing free radicals that can develop cancer or even damage the DNA structure.
Benefits of Gunpowder Tea
Because antioxidants fight free-radicals, the
gunpowder tea helps maintaining your general health.
- It helps fight cancer due to the fact that antioxidants neutralize and reduce the damage that free radicals can cause to cells.
- Prevents type II diabetes due to the fact that green tea may improve insulin sensibility and glucose tolerance.
- It can also be used for treating loose digestion or indigestion. The antioxidants help reduce inflammations that are associated with ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease.
- Heals wounds and controls bleeding because of the strong fluoride content.
- Slows aging process.
Gunpowder Tea side effects
The general side effects that
gunpowder tea can have are the same as the ones normal green tea present, such as nausea or stomach ache. Since it has caffeine,gunpowder tea can cause insomnia, nervousness or irritability, so avoid drinking it in the evening or before bed.
Also it can cause iron deficiency, which is why people who take iron supplements are strongly advised not to drink any type of green tea, or to drink it at least 2 hours before taking the supplements or 4 hours after taking them.
All in all,
gunpowder tea has more benefits for your health than side effects. It is good to drinkgunpowder tea, because it helps your immune system and provides you with all the vitamins you need in order to stay healthy.... gunpowder tea - a popular chinese green tea
Lemongrass tea is one of the most popular teas from South Asia. The lemongrass plant grows in India and tropical Asia being commonly used in teas, soups and curries. This plant has been used in medicinal purposes since ancient times due to its wonderful health benefits.
How To Make Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass tea has a mild lemon taste with a hint of ginger and a tropical flower scent. You can easily brew your own herbal lemongrass tea by following some few easy steps:
First of all you will need a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the leaves of the lemongrass plant because they can cut your skin when you pull them from the parent plant. To cut easier, use a sharp knife. Peel the outer layers of the lemongrass leaves (the dark green leaves surrounding the stalk inside) because they will give the tea a bitter taste if they are used. Then cut the remaining lemongrass plant into slices, about 3 inches long. For each cup you will need 1 tablespoon of lemongrass. Put the slices into the teapot, pour in the hot water and let it steep for about 5 minutes. Then strain the tea into your cup and sweeten it with honey or sugar. Optionally, you can add milk.
Lemongrass Tea Benefits
If you suffer from insomnia, a cup of lemongrass tea before bed provides you relaxation and a restful sleep.
Lemongrass tea is a good aid in digestion, so drinking a cup of tea after a meal removes that full feeling and also, helps remove unhealthy food additives, chemicals and excess fats.
Since it acts like a natural diuretic, lemongrass tea helps keep the kidneys and bladder working properly. Also, its powerful antioxidants keep the liver and pancreas healthy.
A university study revealed that lemongrass tea may have a cholesterol-lowering effect in people.
Another benefit is that lemongrass tea reduces the symptoms of anxiety and nervousness and it has been used in Brazil for centuries to treat nervous disorders.
You can also use this tea on a wet rag to heal wounds or other skin problems, since lemongrass tea is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Lemongrass Tea Side Effects
Despite the fact that it has a lot of health benefits, lemongrass tea also has a few side effects. Make sure you will not drink lemongrass tea if you experience allergy symptoms after consuming lemongrass.
It is not indicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women to drink lemongrass tea since it may have different effects on their child.
In conclusion, lemongrass tea has a lot of benefits, from its calming effects to skin healing properties. Served hot or iced, this tea makes a wonderful drink during meals or before bed to have calm all night sleep.... lemongrass tea - a healthy herbal tea
Gyokuro tea is said to be the finest type of green tea. It is largely consumed for its health properties, but also for its unique taste. Its ingredients balance the diet in a harmonious way.
Gyokuro tea description
Gyokuro tea, or in translation “Jewel Dew”, is a fine type of green tea. It has a deep green colour and a rich seaweed and mellow taste flavor.
Itscomponentsare theanine, caffeine, tannin and vitamin C. Theanine provides the tea’s flavor, caffeine its bitterness, and tannin its astringency.
Gyokuro tea’s high quality and price are related to the unusual growing techniques. The tea is made only with the earliest leaf buds of the April/May harvest. The aforementioned tea is grown under shade cover for 20 days before harvesting begins.
It is considered the best of the Japanese teas and offers consumers a refreshing experience.
How to prepare Gyokuro tea
Gyokuro tea is advisable to be drunk alone, without mixing it with milk or sugar. Occasionally, one can only serve it with a piece of dark chocolate.
It seems that its leaves can be eaten, being soft and healthy.
- Use good quality water to prepare a good Gyokuro tea
- The optimal brewing temperature is between 122 F and 140 F degrees.
- First, preheat the cups or the teapot, because pouring the moderately warm tea into a cold cup changes its temperature.
- Pour some of the boiled water into the tea kettle and wait one or two minutes.
- Add the leaves and the remaining water.
- Use 2 table spoons of tea to approx. 4-5 ounces of water.
- Brewing time is between two and three minutes. While brewing, don’t mix, stir or shake the tea. Try to leave enough room for the leaves to expand.
Gyokuro tea benefits
Due to its high content of antioxidants,
Gyokuro tea reduces the risk of cancer
. It can fight the free radicals responsible for the growth of tumors. This type of tea has a large contribution in making cells less likely to be affected by mutations. There have been instances in which it helped to cell recovery.
Gyokuro tea can be successfully used to:
- stimulate the metabolism
- burn off calories
- lower cholesterol
- protect against various cardiovascular diseases
- soothe and relax the mind
- enhance cognition and alertness
- improve concentration
- keep one energetic
- prevent dental plaque, bacterial infections and dental decay
- freshen your breathe
- protect against bacteria
Gyokuro tea side effects
In case of large intakes of
Gyokuro tea, insomnia may appear, especially to consumers already suffering from a sleep pattern disorder.
Agitation and anxiety are other side effects caused by the content of caffeine.
Children, people with heart medical problems and pregnant women are normally told to avoid
Gyokuro tea or to drink it in limited quantities.
Gyokuro tea contains a great quantity of antioxidants and caffeine that better people’s daily activities by enhancing their state of mind and well-being.
... gyokuro tea health benefits
Hojicha tea is a type of Japanese green tea which is made from the sun-grown Japanese green tea known as
bancha, harvested from the tea plant later in the season.Hojicha tea is roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal at a high temperature, fact that alters the leaf color from green to reddish-brown.
Hojicha tea has been certified as organic by the government of Japan.
Brewing Hojicha tea
There are many ways of preparing Hojicha tea, depending on each and other person’s taste. For example, shorter infusions of
Hojicha tea may produce a fresh flavor, while longer infusions are more developed and have a “nuttier” taste.
For starters, heat the the teapot with boiling water. The heat of the water is the one that brings out the aroma of
Hojicha tea, so it shouldn’t be boiled at more than 180°F (80 degrees Celsius). The next step is adding the tea inside the teapot, one tablespoon of tea for each serving, when the water has just boiled. Then, depending on the flavor that you want, let it steep between 30 - 90 seconds. In the end, pour the tea into a cup, making sure to use all the water in the teapot.
Hojicha tea is usually served after the evening meal or before bed since it has lower caffeine content than other green teas.
Components of Hojicha tea
The main components of
Hojicha tea are, like most green teas, tannin, caffeine, theanine (which is an amino acid) and Vitamin C. Hojicha tea is known for the low amounts of caffeine and tannin (less astringency), fact that makes the tea easier to drink in the evening and it is also more suitable for children and elders. Since it lacks in caffeine, some people even drinkHojicha tea to replace coffee, or before bed for a deep and calm sleep.
Hojicha tea benefits
Hojicha tea has a lot of health benefits, even though the same process that removes the caffeine also reduces the antioxidants. Due to the fact that Hojicha tea is actually a green tea, it basically presents the same benefits as any other green tea:
- Hojicha tea helps fighting against diseases caused by viruses or bacteria and strengthens the immune system.
- Hojicha tea helps protect against cardiovascular diseases, tumors and it’s also an important element when it comes to cancer prevention.
- Hojicha tea is a strong allied in the process of weight loss.
- Hojicha tea gives an overall well-being and helps you relax.
Hojicha tea side effects
Hojicha tea, because of the low caffeine, tannin and theanine content doesn’t actually present any particular side effects. However, being a green tea you should be aware of the following side effects that may appear if it is not consumed properly:
- You should not drinkHojicha tea when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you suffer from anemia or iron deficiency. According to some studies, green tea extract reduces the absorption of iron by 25%.
- It is advised not to drink green tea on an empty stomach since it could cause liver damage.
- Avoid green tea if you have kidney disorders or stomach ulcers.
All in all, try not to drink more than 6 cups a day of Hojicha green tea.
If you are a green tea drinker or if you just want to try a different tea taste, besides the herbal flavor that most green teas have, you should not miss
Hojicha tea. The components of Hojicha tea helps improve your immune system and, generally, keeps you healthy. It’s perfect for cold winter days!
... hojicha tea - a different japanese green tea
Keemun tea is a popular Chinese black tea produced in Qimen County in the Anhui Province of China. It is classified as being a top quality black tea around the globe, especially in the British market whereKeemun tea is considered a delicacy. The tea gained popularity very quickly in England where it has become an important ingredient in English Breakfast tea blends.
Keemun tea comes from a sub-variety of the Chinese tea plant
Camellia Sinensis, named Zhu-ye-zhing which grows in a mountainous area covered by forest in Anhui Province. In that area, the lack of sun, high humidity and low temperature allow the growth of perfect thin black tea leaves which are withered, rubbed, twirled and then baked dry.
There are many Keemun tea varieties such as:
- Keemun Gongfu or Congou which has thin, dark and tight shaped leaves.
- Keemun Mao Feng which has slightly twisted leaf buds and a smoother flavor. For a proper taste, it is recommended to brew a smaller quantity of this type of tea and let it steep for 7 minutes.
- Keemun Xin Ya - a type of tea with a less bitter taste.
- Keemun Hao Ya
Keemun Tea brewing
If it is properly brewed, you will obtain a clear red color cup of
Keemun tea with a fruity, exotic and floral (but not as floral as
Darjeeling tea ) aroma. To get a perfect cup of tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of tea leaves per 8 oz cup into the teapot. Boil the water, pour it over the tea leaves and let it steep between 2 - 3 minutes.
In China, people drink Keemun tea without any kind of sweetener or milk.
Keemun tea benefits
Keemun tea has many benefits even though it does not contain as many antioxidants as green or white tea. The caffeine in the Keemun tea helps enhancing your memory and gives you energy during the day. Since this tea is a type of black tea, it has many benefits for the human body:
- Accelerates your metabolism and allows you to burn fat much easier and faster. With a balanced diet and regular exercise,Keemun tea is a strong allied in the process of weight loss.
- Keemun tea can be a good alternative for coffee. The caffeine in the black tea will give you the energy that you need in the morning and will make you feel full of energy all day long.
- Improves your digestion by dissolving the excess acidity.
- Inhibits the growth of cancer cells and the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Keemun tea side effects
Being a black tea, Keemun tea has a significant amount of caffeine which can cause anxiety, insomnia or irritability if you drink it before bed.
Pregnant women are not advised to drink black tea during the pregnancy since it has been related to spontaneous abortions and birth defects. Also, if you are breastfeeding you should consider reducing the amount of black tea.
People who suffer from anemia are strongly recommended not to drink Keemun tea since it can cause dizziness, blurred vision or headaches.
It is often said that
Keemun tea has an orchid fragrance that leaves a lasting impression in people`s memory. It has a reputation for being a truly exquisite tea with its fruity and wine-like flavor that, combined with the wonderful health benefits, make the tea drinking a delightful experience.... keemun tea - the black tea with an orchid fragrance
If you want to drink a special type of tea, try Olive Leaf Tea! It has an aromatic flavor, similar to green tea, but a bit sweeter, which makes for a pleasant cup of tea. Also, it has many benefits which help you stay healthy. Read to find out more!
About Olive Leaf Tea
Olive leaf tea is made from the leaves of the olive tree. We can find these trees on the coastal areas of the eastern Mediterranean Basin (including areas from Europe, Asia and Africa), as well as in northern Iran and northern Iraq.
The leaves of the olive tree have a silvery green color. They are oblong, measuring 4-10cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The olive leaves are well-known for their many health benefits. Also, olive leaf extract is used for various soaps and skin creams.
How to make Olive Leaf Tea
Olive leaf teacan be bought either in loose leaf form or in tea bag form. In both cases, it is quite easy to prepare a cup of olive leaf tea.
A teaspoon of olive leaves, or a teabag, is enough for one cup of olive leaf tea. Pour boiling water in the cup and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Once the steeping time is done, either remove the teabag or strain to remove the olive leaves.
Also, if you’ve got olive trees around, you can make your own olive leaf tea. First, pick the healthy-looking leaves from the tree. Wash the leaves carefully; then, dry them in the oven, at a temperature below 65°C or 150°F. You can air-dry the leaves, too, but don’t leave them in direct sunlight, as that might reduce their health benefits. Once the leaves are dry, crush the leaves by hand, remove the stalks and store the dried herbs in paper packets. For a cup of olive leaf tea, just follow the simple steps mentioned above.
Components of Olive Leaf Tea
Olive leaves have many components which are good for our body. Seeing as the leaves are the main ingredient for the tea, the components are also transferred to the olive leaf tea.Some of the important ones include various antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Olive leaves, as well as olive leaf tea, also have Vitamin C.
Olive leaf tea doesn’t contain caffeine, so you don’t have to worry about getting any side effects caused by caffeine.
Olive Leaf Tea Benefits
Considering its many components, it’s not a lie when we say that a cup of olive leaf tea brings you many health benefits.
First of all, olive leaf tea helps lower both LDL “bad” cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It also increases the blood flow by relaxing the arteries. Because of this, olive leaf tea is considered an important heart tonic. Olive leaf tea can also help you if you’ve got diabetes, as it lowers the blood sugar levels.
Drinking olive leaf tea during winter can help you strengthen your immune system, and also fight against colds and the flu. It helps you relax, and it can count as an energy booster if you drink a lot of olive leaf tea.
Olive leaf tea may also help you prevent the appearance of cancer or tumors. Plus, it is used in the treatment for viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr disease, herpes, shingles, and malaria. It is also useful in healing inflammations of the bladder, as well as alienating arthritic pain and swelling.
Olive Leaf Tea side effects
If you know you’ve got a low blood pressure, don’t drink too much olive leaf tea. It will lower your blood pressure even more, and that might make you feel dizzy. In this case, be careful with the amount of olive leaf tea you drink.
Some people might experience Herxheimers reaction when drinking olive leaf tea. Herxheimers reaction is an immune response to the release of toxins from pathogens which have been destroyed. It is a normal and good reaction, as that means the olive leaf tea is doing you good. The symptoms include headaches, muscle and joint pain, fever, nausea, sore throat, and vaginal irritation. Reduce the amount of tea you drink, and also drink a large quantity of water daily to help the body eliminate the toxins. With this, the symptoms should disappear after a few days.
Be careful if you’re taking any other medication. Olive leaf tea might interfere with the usual actions of the medication you’re taking. Before including olive leaf tea in your daily diet, make sure you talk to your doctor.
If you’re pregnant or breast feeding, it is best to avoid drinking olive leaf tea. While it is not sure how harmful it can be in this case, it is best not to take a risk, in case it might cause miscarriages or affect the baby.
Also, don›t drink more than six cups of olive leaf tea a day. It will lead to more side effects rather than to help you stay healthy. If you drink too much tea, the symptoms you might get are the following: headaches, dizziness, insomnia, irregular heartbeats, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Make sure to reduce the amount of olive leaf tea you drink, if you get any of these.
Not only does olive leaf tea have a pleasant taste, but one cup brings many health benefits with it. As long as you make sure you won’t get any side effects from consumption of olive leaf tea, you can easily include it in your daily diet. You definitely won’t regret it!... olive leaf tea
Sheep Sorrel is a sour perennial plant that grows up to three feet in height, native to Europe and Asia. It is commonly found in fields, woods and shaded areas. The leaves of the plant are thin and delicate, having a purplish hue. It has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy for cancer and degenerative conditions. Sheep Sorrel is also used as a garnish for salads due to its sour, lemony flavour.
Sheep Sorrel Tea Brewing
The most simple and fastest method of brewing Sheep Sorrel tea is to use tea bags. Pour hot water into the cup over the tea bag and let it steep for approximately five minutes. You can add fruit juice for a more pleasant taste. Enjoy! If you want to brew a larger quantity, add ten grams of Sheep Sorrel in one litre of water.
Sheep Sorrel Tea Health Benefits
Sheep Sorrel tea has antioxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and detoxifying properties. Due to its high content of vitamins and minerals, Sheep Sorrel tea promotes overall glandular health and has blood cleansing effects. The antioxidants found in the plant boost the immune system, lower cholesterol and aid in the relief of cancer. Sheep Sorrel tea in believed to have anti-cancerous properties that help prevent and reduce tumours and cysts.
Other health benefits of Sheep Sorrel tea include its ability to regulate digestion, remove toxins, reduce fever and inflammation, treat intestinal worms, diarrhea or heavy menstrual flow.
Sheep Sorrel Tea Side Effects
Sheep Sorrel tea has no known side effects when consumed in normal quantities, but excessive intake can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, gastric problems, diarrhea and even poisoning.
Sheep Sorrel Tea is a rich source of vitamins and minerals which strengthen the immune system and it can also help in the weight loss process due to its diuretic properties.... sheep sorrel tea
Strawberry tea is a refreshing summertime fruity beverage. The fruit is nutritious, tasty and low in calories, having an uplifting effect. Some of the most important strawberry ingredients include antioxidants, vitamins C, K, B5 and B6, magnesium and potassium, all of which bring numerousbenefits for the organism and strengthen our metabolism.
Strawberry Tea Brewing
Use fresh water heated at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius and steep it for at least too or three minutes in order to extract the beneficial compounds and to attain the full flavour of delicious juicy strawberries. Strawberry tea is a tasty drink that can be consumed plain, but you may also add sugar or honey according to personal preferences.
Strawberry Tea Health Benefits
Strawberry tea consumption can bring many health benefits for the human body. Strawberries have an important nutritional value, containing vitamin C and folic acid, which enhances the production of healthy red blood cells. Another strawberry tea compound is calcium, which enhances the production of milk; therefore the drink is highly beneficial for nursing or pregnant women.
Strawberry tea is effective in relieving the symptoms of certain skin conditions such as eczema. The tea made from strawberry leaves has been traditionally used in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea. There is evidence that shows some strawberry tea compounds might aid in the lowering of cardiovascular disease and cancer risk.
Strawberry Tea Side Effects
Strawberry tea is not known to have any seriousadverse effects, but it may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to the fruit. It is also advisable to consult a specialist if you are taking any blood-thinning medications, as their effectiveness may be increased by some strawberry compounds which can lead to more unpleasant side effects such as bleeding.
You can enjoy a delightful cup of strawberry tea at any point throughout your day, but this enticing, fresh and aromatic drink goes well on your breakfast tray or along a delicious dessert.... strawberry tea benefits and brewing
Back pain is usually an affection caused by both external and internal problems.
Standing too long, pregnancy, weight lifting or pulmonary problems could cause severe back pains.
Other than a prolonged pain localized in your back area, this affection could also interfere with your coronary and circulatory systems: the blood pressure is high and it’s hard for your heart to pump oxygen in your system.
How a Tea for Back Pain Works
A Tea for Back Pain’s main purpose is to make your body release enough endorphins to induce a state of calmness and well-being to your entire organism.
In order to do that, a Tea for Back Pain must contain an important amount of nutrients, acids, volatile oils, antioxidants, enzymes and minerals (such as sodium, iron, magnesium and manganese).
Efficient Tea for Back Pain
An efficient Tea for Back Pain must show results as quickly as possible and be one hundred percent sure (when choosing an herbal treatment, always be well informed of the risks).
If you don’t know which teas could have a positive effect on your health, here’s a list for guidance:
- Ginger Tea – will bring relief to your pain and improve your general health in no time. You can also take it in case you’re suffering from anemia, asthenia, loss of appetite or headaches.
However, in order to avoid other health complications, make sure you’re using a small amount of herbs when preparing this decoction. Otherwise, you might develop an acid foods and drinks intolerance.
- Turmeric Tea – not very popular among Europeans, this Tea for Back pain acts as a great pain reliever, calming all your affected areas and restoring your general health in no time.
You may also want to try it in case you’re suffering from inflammations, bruises, spreads, skin or digestive issues. Make sure you don’t drink more than 2 cups per day and everything will be fine.
- Valerian Tea – used as a great sedative since ancient times, when the Greeks and the Romans drank a cup of it before every night, this Tea for Back Pain will nourish your nervous system and bring relief to your wounded areas.
However, make sure you pay attention to the amount of tea you’re ingesting in order to avoid hallucinations and even death.
Tea for Back Pain Side Effects
When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day may lead to a series of affections, such as nausea, upset stomach, vomiting and even death.
If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’ve noticed some unusual reactions from your body, ask for medical assistance immediately!
If you have the green light from your doctor and there’s nothing that could interfere with your treatment, choose a Tea for Back Pain that fits best your needs and enjoy its health benefits!... tea for back pain
Inflammation is the natural way through which the human body protects itself from injurious stimuli. This way of reaction to external factors leads to a faster healing.
Inflammation may be spotted due to redness, irritation, swelling and pain usually occurring internally or externally.
The damage of the cells can be caused by physical impact, drugs or infections with viruses or bacteria.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are generally used to treat inflammation.
How Tea for Inflammation works
Tea for inflammation usually reduces the pain and swelling associated with the ailments.
Efficient teas for Inflammation
Studies have proven that Green tea and Chamomile tea are efficient as teas for inflammation.
Green tea is one of the most popular and largely used beverages in the world, due to its benefic qualities in dealing with a large array of diseases, like cancer. Green tea is part of the products acknowledged to fight against the free radicals, responsible of spreading the cancer tumors. The antioxidants, these active ingredients from the green tea, are neutralizing the free radicals.
To prepare Green tea as a tea for inflammation, add 2 tablespoons of dried plant in a cup of hot water. Steep it for 10-12 minutes. Strain it and drink it when necessary. It can also be applied topically.
Chamomile tea is another good beverage in treating inflammation.
Its constituents are fighting against bacteria and viruses. It has the ability to boost immunity, to relieve pain and to soothe the stomach.
As a treatment against inflammation, Chamomile tea is prepared by adding 2 tablespoons of dried flowers in a cup of boiling water. Steep it for 10 minutes. Strain it and drink it when necessary. When applied topically, it is also efficient as a tea for inflammation.
Tea for Inflammation: Side effects
Teas for inflammation are not recommended to pregnant or nursing women.
In large doses, these beverages can lead to insomnia or diarrhea. If these side effects occur, contact your doctor and ask for advice.
Teas for inflammation are a good choice to treat this disease. They represent a natural way to deal with this unpleasant ailment, also fortifying the whole body.... tea for inflammation
Gallstones are solid accumulations that stick to your gallbladder due to impurities, kidney failure or other health problems.
Usually, your doctor would prescribe a laser surgery to dissolve them, but many practitioners recommend an herbal treatment before sharpening their scalpels.
You must also take into consideration the fact that the surgery is painful and expensive while the herbal treatment costs you nothing.
How a Tea for Gallstones Works
A Tea for Gallstones’ main goal is to trigger a positive response from your body and make it produce the enzymes necessary for the gallstones absorption.
In order to do that, a Tea for Gallstones must contain the right amount of active constituents, such as acids, natural enzymes, tannins, nutrients and minerals (iron, sodium, manganese and magnesium are well known for their curative properties, especially when it comes to removing gallstones and other gallbladder affections).
Efficient Tea for Gallstones
When starting a treatment based on a Tea for Gallstones, you must keep in mind the fact that it must be both efficient and one hundred percent safe.
Ingesting a small amount of tea every now and then will make your body produce all the necessary substances to fight the solid accumulations and heal the affected areas. However, drinking more tea than it’s advised will not make you healthy faster.
Just take your time and wait for the treatment to be effective. If you don’t know which teas are good, here’s a list to choose from:
- Green Tea –this Tea for Gallstones has all the ingredients necessary to sustain life, as the scientists have shown, so it’s good for a number of health problems, from sore throats to diabetes.
Green Tea contains an elevated level of acids so it can dissolve your gallstones in no time. However, make sure you don’t take it if you’re experiencing menopausal or menstrual symptoms.
- Milk Thistle Tea – contains an active ingredient called silymarin and it’s recommended for a wide range of affections which include gallstones and other kidney problems. However, don’t take more than 2 cups per day for a short time period (1 or 2 weeks) in order to avoid other health complications.
- Globe Artichoke Tea – is very effective in all kidney problems, especially kidney failure and gallstones. This Tea for Gallstones contains antioxidants, such as caffeylquinic acids which has proven its curative properties in the past years. However, if you’re pregnant, you may want to talk to your doctor before making any move.
Tea for Gallstones Side Effects
When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. Exceeding the number of cups recommended per day, however, might lead to a series of health complications, such as diarrhea, constipation, headaches, skin rash and even vomiting.
If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’ve noticed some unusual reactions, talk to your doctor as soon as possible!
If you have the medical approval and there’s nothing that could interfere with your treatment, choose a Tea for Gallstones that fits best your needs and enjoy its great benefits!... tea for gallstones
(Roxb.) W. & A.
Family: Combretaceae.
Habitat: Throughout the greater part of India, also grown as an avenue tree.
English: Arjun Terminalia.
Ayurvedic: Arjuna, Dhananjaya, Kaakubha, Kakubha, Aartagala, Indravriksha, Paartha, Virataru, Viravriksha.
Unani: Arjun
Siddha: Marudam.
Action: Bark—used as a cardiopro- tective and cardiotonic in angina and poor coronary circulation; as a diuretic in cirrhosis of liver and for symptomatic relief in hypertension; externally in skin diseases, herpes and leukoderma. Powdered bark is prescribed with milk in fractures and contusions with excessive ec- chymosis, also in urinary discharges and strangury. Fruit—deobstruent.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the powder of the stembark in emaciation, chest diseases, cardiac disorders, lipid imbalances and polyuria.The bark extract contains acids (ar- junolic acid, terminic acid), glyco- sides (arjunetin, arjunosides I-IV), and strong antioxidants—flavones, tannins, oligomeric proanthocyani- dins.The bark extract (500 mg every 8 h) given to (58 male) patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy.These benefits were similar to those observed with isosorbide mononitrate (40 mg/day). (Indian Heart J. 2002, 54(4), 441.)Arjunolic acid exhibited significant cardiac protection in isoproterenol- induced myocardial necrosis in rats.T (Mol Cell Biochem, 2001, 224 (1-2), 135-42.) A study demonstrated that the alcoholic extract of Terminalia arjuna bark augmented endogenous antioxi- dant compounds of the rat heart and prevented from isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury. (Life Sci. 2003, 73 (21), 27272739.) Cardiac lipid peroxidation in male Wistar rats was reduced by 38.8% ± 2.6% at a dose of 90 mg/kg, in a study based on aqueous freeze-dried extract ofthebark. (PhytotherRes. 2001,15(6), 510-23.)Oral administration of bark powder (400 mg/kg body weight) for 10 days produced significant increase in circulating histamine, a little increase in 5-HT, catecholamines and HDL cholesterol, and decrease in total lipid, triglycerides and total cholesterol in normal rats.Casuarinin, a hydrolyzable tannin, isolated from the bark, exhibited antiherpes virus activity by inhibiting viral attachment and penetration. 50% ethanolic extract of the bark exhibited significant increase in the tensile of the incision wounds.
Dosage: Stembark—3-6 g powder. (API, Vol. II.)... terminalia arjuna
Heart conditions may be triggered by many causes, from stomach pains to vascular strokes and depression.
However, some people have a congenital predisposition for cardiac problems and all they can do is treat this affection as it is.
Having a heart problem could mean that your heart is not pumping enough blood (or too much), that you have an abnormal growth which weakens your circulatory system or that you suffer from arrhythmia (a disease in which your blood flow is never constant, but fluctuates depending on the situation).
How a Tea for Heart Health Works
A Tea for Heart Health’s main goal is to prevent diseases from developing and treating the already installed ones.
If that is the case, you may want to look after teas and tinctures which contain a high level of antioxidants, natural enzymes, volatile oils and minerals (sodium, iron, magnesium and manganese) and are low on acids (in high concentrations, they may cause heartburn).
Efficient Tea for Heart Health
In order to work properly, a Tea for Heart Health needs to be both efficient and one hundred percent safe. Remember that you must schedule an appointment with your doctor before self medicating!
This way, you’ll eliminate the risk of triggering other health problems and you’ll know for sure what’s wrong with your body. If you don’t know which teas could have a positive effect on you, here’s a list for guidance:
- Green Tea – according to specialists, this Tea for Heart Health contains all the ingredients necessary to sustain life, so it’s useful for a wide range of ailments, from sore throats, headaches and migraines to infertility and erectile dysfunctions.
However, you may want to avoid it if you’re experiencing menstrual and menopausal symptoms (due to its acids level, it may cause uterine contractions).
- Yerba Mate Tea – named “the new green tea” by the herbalists, this decoction is a great choice for many problems, such as loss of appetite, asthenia or anemia. Although it remains yet unknown to European public, Yerba Mate Tea is very popular in South American regions. However, don’t drink more than 2 cups per day! High dosages may lead to death!
- Chamomile Tea – has curative properties which are benefic for a series of health problems, from nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach to infertility and hot flashes. This Tea for Heart Health has a pleasant taste and a lovely smell.
Plus, it’s one hundred percent safe, so you can drink as much as you want. If you’re thinking about giving up on coffee, Chamomile Tea can be a great replacer.
Tea for Heart Health Side Effects
When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day may lead to a number of problems, such as stomach pain, nausea, headaches and even death.
Before starting any kind of herbal treatment, make sure you’re well informed of the risks that may occur. Don’t take a Tea for Heart Health if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners or anticoagulants.
The same advice if you’re preparing for a surgery. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and something doesn’t feel quite right, ask for medical assistance right away!
Once you have the green light from your doctor and there’s nothing that could interfere with your treatment, choose a Tea for Heart Health that fits best your condition and enjoy its great benefits!... tea for heart health
Turmeric Tea has been known for centuries thanks to its popularization done by the Ayurvedic medicine. The main field where this tea has the greatest effects is the anti-inflammatory one.
Turmeric is a perennial plant originally from India, but which can be found almost everywhere around the globe, where it’s used as a health adjuvant. Turmeric grows up to 1 meter tall (3 feet) and it has green lance-shaped leaves that hide the stamina in, during the hot season. The roots of this herb resemble to a rhizome and can easily be confused with ginger.
Turmeric Tea Properties
The anti-inflammatory property of Turmeric Tea is due to an active ingredient called curcumin, which is actually a group of very strong antioxidants. Also, curcumin is the substance that makes Indian food and the tea, as well, look yellow. It is important to know that this group of antioxidants prevents and treats inflammations by inhibiting all infection triggers and by cleansing the affected areas.
Turmeric Tea Benefits
Aside from its anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric Tea is a great remedy in case you are suffering from one of the following conditions:
- Joint and bone pains (in order to treat these affections, you can either drink the tea or topically apply the smashed Turmeric leaves).
- Skin conditions, such as acne. Turmeric Tea (applied on the spot or drank) can also heal the scars of bad acne.
- Arthritis, tendonitis or bursitis, by calming the pain and making your coronary walls much more elastic.
- Cholesterol, gallstones and other digestive track problem.
- Alzheimer, gingivitis, upset stomach, bad breath and other conditions that may weaken your general well-being.
How to make Turmeric Tea Infusion
In order to make Turmeric Tea infusion, you need to follow these steps: properly wash the parts that you are about to use (leaves or rhizome), put them in a teapot and add water. Boil for 8 or 10 minutes and let it infuse for another 5 minutes. You can add a small amount of ginger or honey if you feel that the taste is too strong. Don’t drink more than 3 cups per day.
Turmeric Tea Side Effects
When taken properly, Turmeric Tea has no side effects at all. However, a high dosage may cause irritations of the stomach and hallucinations. It’s best to ask for specialized help before starting a treatment based on Turmeric Tea.
Turmeric Tea Contraindications
Do not take Turmeric Tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may cause uterine contractions and irritated stomach. The same advice if you are on blood thinners. If you have already taken it and were not aware of this, talk to a doctor immediately! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
If your doctor gives you his approval, buy Turmeric Tea from a trusted provider and enjoy the wonderful benefits of this well-known Ayurvedic herb!... turmeric tea acne treatment
If you’re experiencing abdominal pain and you’re sure it’s not a digestive tract ailment, it’s very possible that you’re suffering from a kidney disorder.
The same if the pain is localized in the back or on one side of your body. Usually, kidney problems appear when there’s something wrong with your urinary tract and not only.
Overexposing your body to low temperatures may cause urinary infections, impurity accumulations lead to kidney stones. Also, kidney problems can be caused by other health complaints, such as pulmonary edema and cancers.
However, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your doctor in order to find out what’s actually going on with your body.
How a Tea for Kidney Problems Works
A Tea for Kidney Problems’ main goal is to purify your body by triggering a positive response from it.
Once the main substances of these teas reach the affected areas, your organism produces enough endorphins (which are cells specialized in making you feel a lot better by bringing relief to your wounds) and antibodies to reconstruct the damaged tissue.
Efficient Tea for Kidney Problems
In order to work properly, a Tea for Kidney Problems needs to be both efficient and one hundred percent safe. Also, it must contain the right amount of nutrients, natural enzymes, volatile oils, antioxidants and minerals (sodium, magnesium, iron and manganese).
This way, that tea will make your body eliminate the unwanted impurities and improve your kidney function. If you don’t know which teas would be appropriate for your condition, here’s a list to choose from:
- Dandelion Tea – can be prepared from dandelion roots and it’s also a great adjuvant in diarrhea and urinary infection cases. This Tea for Kidney Problems has a bitter taste, but you can add ginger, lemon, mint or honey in order to make it more adequate for you.
Avoid it at all costs if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding: due to its strong purgative and diuretic properties, Dandelion Tea can cause uterine contractions which may lead to miscarriages.
- Marshmallow Root Tea – this lovely tea with a hint of Christmas is useful for a large variety of problems, from infertility to gastrointestinal and digestive complaints. Take a sip at every 5 minutes for an hour and enjoy the wonderful health benefits!
- Buchu Tea – contains antioxidants and antibacterial agents, being a great help in cases of cystitis, urethritis and kidney failure. This Tea for Kidney acts like a natural diuretic and should not be taken by pregnant women.
- Green Tea – as the scientists have proved, this decoction contains all the ingredients necessary to sustain life, so it’s useful for many problems, not just kidney disorders. However, don’t take it if you’re experiencing menstrual and menopausal symptoms (it can cause uterine contractions and stomach acidity).
Tea for Kidney Problems Side Effects
When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day might lead to a number of health problems such as miscarriages, hallucinations, headaches and skin rash.
If you’ve been taking one of these teas and something doesn’t feel quite right, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Don’t take a Tea for Kidney Problems if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners or anticoagulants. The same advice if you’re preparing for a surgery.
If you have the medical approval and there’s nothing that could interfere with your treatment, choose a Tea for Kidney problems that fits best your needs and give it a try today!
... tea for kidney problems
White tea is a fruity low-caffeine beverage with a delicate aroma and a sweet or bittersweet taste. Despite its name, it has a pale yellow colour. White tea originated in the Fujian province of China sometime in the 18th century. Green tea and black tea are made from the leaves of the tea plant, whereas white tea is prepared from its white fuzzy buds. White tea is minimally processed, withered in natural sunlight and only slightly oxidized.
White Tea Brewing
White tea brewing is a quite easy procedure. When preparing white tea, preferably use water heated at a below boiling temperature of approximately 80 degrees Celsius and steep it for three to five minutes. White tea should be enjoyed plain because milk might neutralize its beneficial properties.
White Tea Health Benefits
White tea consumption offers your body numerous health benefits by boosting the immune system and strengthening its power to fight against viruses and bacteria. The beverage is also effective in the prevention of dental plaque, one of the main causes of tooth decay, and it may also have a beneficial effect for people afflicted with osteoporosis or arthritis.
Research shows that some white tea compounds protect against cancer, reduce the cholesterol level and improve artery function, thus lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. The antioxidants in white tea protect the skin and make it appear healthy and radiant.
Regular consumption of white tea may also prevent obesity and aid in the weight-loss process. White tea increases metabolism, encouraging the burning of fat.
White Tea Side Effects
Although white tea has low caffeine content, some people may still experience unpleasant side effects which include anxiety, sleeping difficulties, nausea, faster heart rate, tremors or gastrointestinal problems.
Enjoy the pleasant aroma ofwhite tea and its health benefits at any time of the day. You have a wide range of white teas you can choose from and you can drink as many as four cups a day. White tea is definitely one of nature’s great gifts!... white tea - health benefits, information
Having a lucid dream means dreaming while being aware of the fact that you are dreaming.
However, many people become lucid in the middle of the dream or, on the contrary, fall lose reality contact after being lucid at first.
Although traditional medicine can’t be very helpful in these cases, alternative medicine has a few tricks up its sleeve.
How a Tea for Lucid Dreams Works
A Tea for Lucid Dreams’ main purpose is to make you recall what you have dreamed by calming your nervous system and improving your memory function.
These teas are good for a number of other diseases, such as memory loss, headaches or migraines. However, talk to an herbalist or to your doctor before starting any kind of herbal treatment in order to make sure everything will be alright.
Efficient Tea for Lucid Dreams
In order to work properly, a Tea for Lucid Dreams needs to be both very efficient and one hundred percent safe (since lucid dreams are not exactly a medical problem, you may want to avoid developing one).
A tea that is rich in antioxidants, nutrients, tannins, volatile oils and minerals (sodium, magnesium, iron, manganese) would be very adequate.
You may want to avoid teas with a large amount of acid agents (they could cause stomach pain). If you don’t know which teas could be useful for lucid dreams, here’s a list for guidance:
- Green Tea – contains all the ingredients necessary to sustain life, so it’s useful for a wide range of ailments, not just lucid dreams. If you’re suffering from infertility, anemia, asthenia, loss of appetite, digestive tract complaints or nervous system failure, this decoction could also be useful.
However, you must avoid it at all costs if you’re experiencing some menstrual or menopausal symptoms. The same advice if you’re pregnant (it may cause uterine contractions and therefore miscarriage).
- Valerian Tea – was been used as a sleep aid since ancient times, when the Romans and the Greeks took it before going to bed. This Tea for Lucid Dreams, thanks to its active compounds, is a mild sedative and could also work miracles on your nervous system.
However, you need to make sure that you don’t exceed the number of cups recommended per day in order to avoid hallucinations, tiredness or even death.
- Chamomile Tea – of course, the world’s greatest panacea shouldn’t be left aside. If you’re having trouble remembering your dreams, try a cup of Chamomile Tea before you go to bed! This Tea has a great fragrance and a pleasant smell. Plus, it’s one hundred percent safe so you can drink as much as you want.
Tea for Lucid Dreams Side Effects
When taken according to specifications, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day may lead to a number of health problems, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach or even death!
If you’ve been taking one of these decoctions for a while and you’re experience a negative response from your body, ask for medical assistance right away!
Don’t take a Tea for Lucid Dreams if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners or anticoagulants. The same advice in case you’re preparing for a surgery.
If your doctor says it’s ok to start an herbal treatment, choose a tea that fits best your requirements and enjoy its wonderful benefits!
... tea for lucid dreams
The decision to quit smoking if rarely strong enough to actually put a stop to this addiction.
However, if you are determined and feel that this would be a good day to stop smoking, you may want to try an herbal remedy before rushing off to the pharmacy.
Many people are concerned about the fact that quitting smoking will make them gain weight. That’s only partially true. Since smoking is more a social habit, some people feel the need to replace cigarettes with something else and they usually choose food.
That’s why you might gain a few pounds. However, there are a number of teas capable of inhibiting this reaction, so do not despair!
How a Tea for Quitting Smoking Works
A Tea for Quitting Smoking’s main goal is to make the need for nicotine gone once and for all. Usually, these teas contain an important amount of active constituents which resemble a lot to nicotine, but don’t cause you any harm.
They will trick your body into thinking that you’re still taking nicotine, while actually cleansing your body. Alternative medicine practitioners explain how, in time, you’ll no longer feel the need to smoke.
Some say that these teas have no effect whatsoever and that if they work it’s only thanks to your power of suggestion. If it’s true or not, you be the judge of that!
Efficient Tea for Quitting Smoking
When choosing a Tea for Quitting Smoking, you must keep in mind the fact that it must be both one hundred percent safe and very efficient. In order to be effective, a tea needs to contain the right amount of tannins, volatile oils, acids, minerals (iron, manganese, magnesium and sodium) and nutrients.
Also, a tea with an elevated level of antioxidants will help you cleanse your respiratory ways and restore your initial health. If you don’t know which teas to choose from, here’s a list to guide you on:
- Mimosa Tea – can induce a calming and relaxing state thanks to its great active ingredients which can also bring relief to stress, anxiety and depression (a smoker struggles with these symptoms during the quitting process).
Don’t take more than 2 cups per day in order to avoid nervous system problems, such as sleeplessness or hallucinations.
- Skullcap Tea – is well known for its ability to reduce stress and nervous tension. This Tea for Quitting Smoking could also be effective if you’re suffering from anxiety, asthenia or anemia.
- Chamomile Tea – the world’s greatest panacea has a few benefits in store for you in case you’re trying to quit smoking. It has a pleasant taste and a lovely smell and it’s one hundred percent safe, so you can drink as much as you want.
- Jasmine Tea – probably the most aromatic tea in the world, Jasmine Tea is well known for its curative actions which include general health improvement. Add a hint of ginger, mint, honey or lemon and you’ll have a delicious drink on the table. However, make sure you don’t take more than 2 cups per day in order to avoid any nervous system complications.
Tea for Quitting Smoking Side Effects
When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day might lead to diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, skin rash and hallucinations.
Don’t take a Tea for Quitting Smoking if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners or anticoagulants. The same advice if you’re preparing for a surgery (some of the active constituents may interfere with your anesthetic).
But if you have your doctor’s approval and there’s nothing that could go wrong, choose a Tea for Quitting Smoking that fits best your problems and enjoy its great benefits!... tea for quitting smoking
GENERAL DIET use as a base.
Life is our most precious gift. But at some point that gift might be at risk. It is at such time that food and drink may contribute to our sense of well-being.
Rapidly accumulating evidence links cancer to a growing public awareness of the role of diet. Also, involvement of supplements in cancer prevention are a fruitful area of research.
Vital food enzymes are not destroyed in cooking when a large proportion of food is eaten raw. All food should be free from additives.
A high fat intake is a risk factor in cancer of the ovary, womb and prostate gland. It also affects the bowel flora, changing bile acid metabolism and the concentration of carcinogenic bile acid metabolites. Obesity significantly increases risk of cancer.
Epidemiological studies in man show that people with low Vitamin A levels are more susceptible to lung cancer. Cancer risk is increased by low levels of Vitamin A, particularly Beta Carotene, Vitamin E and Selenium.
Antioxidants control the activity of free-radicals that destroy body cells, and source foods containing them are therefore of value in cancer prevention. Most cancers generate a high degree of toxicity and this is where antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C are indicated. A deficiency of Vitamin C has been associated with cancer of the oesophagus, stomach, lungs and breast. This vitamin is known to increase life expectancy in terminally ill patients and is a mild analgesic for pain. Vitamin B6 may be of value for nausea.
Vitamins and minerals of value: Vitamins A, B6, C, E, Calcium, Chromium, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Selenium, Zinc.
Stimulants should be avoided: cocoa, alcohol, sugar, coffee (including decaffeinated). Tea should not be too strong as it inhibits absorption of iron. Choice should be over a wide range of foods, to eat less fat and more wholegrain cereals and raw fresh fruit and vegetables. ... diet - cancer
Yerba Mate Tea remained unknown to the general public until a while ago, when the South American tea gained an impressive popularity among world-wide practitioners. Yerba Mate is a small tree that grows mainly in hot climate regions such as Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
Yerba Mate Tea can be made from this tree’s leaves and stems. Ancient civilizations believed that this tea was the drink of gods thanks to its curative properties and its ability to purify houses and temples. The custom is to drink Yerba Mate tea from a special container called bombilla and using a straw.
Yerba Mate Tea Properties
Yerba Mate Tea has a bitter-sweet taste and is very similar to the camellia sinensis tea. Scientists found that Yerba Mate tea contains 196 active ingredients, making this South American tea one of the richest decoctions on Earth.
The main substances of this tea are: tannins, antioxidants, polyphenols, amino acids, saponins, vitamins and flavonoids. Herbalists discovered that Yerba Mate Tea contains all the ingredients capable to sustain life. Many recent studies refer to this tea as “the new green tea”.
Yerba Mate Tea Benefits
Aside from its cultural background, Yerba Mate Tea is one of the best teas on Earth, thanks not only to its numerous chemical ingredients, but also to a large amount of diseases that can treat. Although in the Latin Americas this tea is as popular (if not more popular) than the tea, it remains still unknown to European public. However, Yerba Mate Tea may come in hand in case you’re suffering from one of the following problems:
- Low energy level and fatigue, by giving your health system a boost.
- Central nervous system problems, such as headaches and severe migraines, by helping your body produce and release more endorphins.
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as stomach pains and intestinal infections, flushing out of your system all microbes and unwanted parasites.
How to make Yerba Mate Tea Infusion
Preparing Yerba Mate Tea couldn’t be any easier. Just take the dried lives (if you live in South America, try to use the freshly-picked ones. They have a stronger flavor), put them in a teapot and add boiling water. Use a teaspoon of every cup of tea you want to make and wait 15 minutes for the wonderful benefits of this tea to be released. Drink it hot or cold, from a glass or a bombilla.
Yerba Mate Tea Side Effects
There are no reported cases of Yerba Mate Tea side effects. However, in order to avoid any kind of complications, it’s best not to drink more than 4 cups of tea per day. If you’re still having doubts about taking a treatment based on Yerba Mate Tea, talk to a specialist and gather more information.
Yerba Mate Tea Contraindications
When taken in high dosages, Yerba Mate Tea may lead to a number of negative reactions from your body, such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer and kidney cancer. Before starting any herbal treatment, talk to a specialist in order to be informed of the implied risks.
If you feel confident in your health, you already have your doctor’s ok on this matter andyou’re willing to follow a list of basic instructions, give Yerba Mate Tea a try and enjoy its great benefits!... yerba mate tea - the new green tea
Flavones. Natural chemicals that prevent the deposit of fatty material in blood vessels. A group of coloured (yellow) aromatic plant constituents with a spicy taste and smell, chiefly due to the presence of benzene. Efficient absorption of Vitamin C is dependent upon them. Their action is chiefly diuretic, antispasmodic and antiseptic. Some strengthen fragile capillaries and tone relaxed blood vessels, as in veinous disorders. They lower blood pressure.
Notable examples: Buckwheat, Coltsfoot, Citrus fruits, Hawthorn, Euphorbia, Figs, Heartsease, Pellitory of the Wall, Rutin, Skullcap, Lime flowers, Elderflowers, Shepherd’s Purse, Silver Birch, Wild Carrot, Yerba Santa and members of the labiatae family. All are immune enhancers and useful for chronic conditions where prolonged treatment produces no known toxicity. Of value in heart medicines.
Flavonoids are also pigments usually responsible for the colour of flowers and fruits and protect the plant against stress. A diet rich in raw fruit and vegetables provides adequate flavonoids.
Zutphen Elderly Study. Revealed that tea, onions and apples provided the majority of flavonoids in the overall diet. The mortality rate from coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction was lower in those with a high flavonoid intake. (Hertog MGL, National Institute of Public Health, Holland, et al The Lancet, 1993, Oct 23,1007-11)
Among red wines, Italian Chianti has the most flavonoids, with 20mg per litre, fostering healthy changes in the blood. All flavonoids are antioxidants and platelet inhibitors. Antioxidants stop oxygen from binding with LDL, a type of cholesterol. The oxygen-LDL pair clings to blood vessel walls, impeding blood flow. Flavonoids seem to suppress the stickiness. Platelet inhibitors prevent blood clots.
A diet rich in flavonoids would appear to prevent heart disease. ... flavonoids
(PD). Paralysis agitans. First described by James Parkinson, 1817. His description is as apt today as when it appeared in his book “Essay on the Shaking Palsy”. He wrote: “It is characterised by involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened muscular power in parts not in action and even when supported. There is a tendency to bend the trunk forward and to pass from a walking to a running pace. The senses and intellect are uninjured.”
Added to the above are:– muscular rigidity, loss of reflexes, drooling – escape of saliva from the mouth. Muscles of the face are stiff giving a fixed expression, the back presents a bowed posture. The skin is excessively greasy and the patient is unable to express emotional feelings. Loss of blinking. Pin- rolling movement of thumb and forefinger.
Causes: degeneration of groups of nerve cells deep within the brain which causes a lack of neurotransmitting chemical, dopamine. Chemicals such as sulphur used by agriculture, drugs and the food industry are suspected. Researchers have found an increase in the disease in patients born during influenza pandemics.
Treatment. While cure is not possible, a patient may be better able to combat the condition with the help of agents that strengthen the brain and nervous system.
Tea. Equal parts: Valerian, Passion flower, Mistletoe. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water; bring to boil; simmer 1 minute; dose: half-1 cup 2-3 times daily.
Gotu Kola tea. (CNS stimulant).
Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Cramp bark, Ginseng, Prickly Ash, Valerian.
Formula. Ginkgo 2; Black Cohosh 1; Motherwort 2; Ginger 1. Mix. Dose. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 1-3 teaspoons in water or honey. Fava Bean Tea.
Case report. Two patients unresponsive to Levodopa treatment reported improvement following meals of fresh broad beans. (Vicia faba) The beans contain levodopa in large amounts. (Parkinson Disease Update Vol 8, No 66, p186, Medical Publications, PO Box 24622-H, Philadelphia, USA) See also: BROAD BEANS. L-DOPA.
Nacuna Pruriens. Appropriate. Essential active constituent: L-dopa. (Medicinal plants and Traditional Medicine in Africa, by Abayomi Sofowora, Pub: John Wiley)
Practitioner. To reduce tremor: Tincture Hyoscyamus BP. To reduce spasm: Tincture Belladonna BP. To arrest drooling: Tincture Stramonium BP.
Diet. It is known that people who work in manganese factories in Chile may develop Parkinson’s disease after the age of 30. Progress of the disease is arrested on leaving the factory. Two items of diet highest in manganese are wheat and liver which should be avoided, carbohydrates in place of wheat taking the form of rice and potatoes.
Supplements. Daily: B-complex, B2, B6, niacin. C 200mg to reduce side-effects of Levodopa. Vitamin E 400iu to possibly reduce rigidity, tremors and loss of balance.
Treatment of severe nerve conditions should be supervised by neurologists and practitioners whose training prepares them to recognise serious illness and to integrate herbal and supplementary intervention safely into the treatment plan.
Antioxidants. Evidence has been advanced showing how nutritional antioxidants, high doses of Vitamin C and E, can retard onset of the disease, delaying the use of Levodopa for an average of 2 and a half years. (Fahn S., High Dose Alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate in Early Parkinson’s Disease – Annals of Neurology, 32-S pp128-132 1992)
For support and advice: The Parkinson’s Disease Society, 22 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0RA, UK. Send SAE. ... parkinson’s disease
Trigonella foenum-graecum
FAMILY: Fabaceae
SYNONYMS: Greek hay, methi, alholva, bird’s foot, chandrika, fenigreek, Greek clover.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An annual plant reaching a height of slightly more than half a metre with trifoliate, bright green leaves. It blossoms during the summer season and produces beautiful small white flowers. The leaves’ fragrance slightly resembles lovage and the brownish-yellow seeds are a distinctive cuboid shape.
DISTRIBUTION: An aromatic herb native to southern Europe and Asia and one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants. It is widely grown today in the Mediterranean countries, Argentina, India, North Africa and the United States. Major commercial fenugreek-producing countries are Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Nepal, Bangladesh, Argentina, Egypt, France, Spain, Turkey and Morocco, although the largest producer is India. When harvested as micro-greens, fenugreek is known as ‘samudra methi’ in Mumbai.
OTHER SPECIES: The cultivated fenugreek is thought to have derived from a wild species, native to India.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Fenugreek is an ancient spice, although currently not much used in the West. While the seeds and leaves have primarily been used as a culinary spice, it was also employed in classical times as livestock feed, hence its common name, ‘Greek hay’. It was used by the ancient Egyptians to combat fever and in the embalming process. It has a long history of use as a medicinal plant in India and throughout Europe: it is still used in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is known as ‘methi’. Fenugreek seeds have been found to contain diosgenin, which is a compound that has properties similar to oestrogen. For this reason, fenugreek has a long history of use as a breast enlarger and to promote the growth of new breast cells. Due to its oestrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to help increase sexual libido and lessen the effect of the hot flushes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of the menopause and PMS. The plant can also be employed to promote lactation, induce labour and as an aphrodisiac.
In Indian and Chinese medicine, it is traditionally used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), sore throat and heartburn. Recent studies have shown that fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes; it is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits. Topically, the gelatinous texture of fenugreek seed is used for soothing eczema or other skin complaints; it is also applied as a warm poultice to relieve muscle aches and gout. Fenugreek is also nutritious as it is a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins A, C and D as well as iron and calcium. Fenugreek seeds are rich in protein and carbohydrates and the pressed oil is strangely similar in chemical composition to cod liver oil. It also contains choline and lecithin, both substances needed by the liver for cholesterol metabolism. Fenugreek cleanses, stimulates and helps remove waste products from the body: it stimulates the lymphatic system and aids the kidneys and liver in detoxifying the entire system. The oil contains powerful antioxidants that help slow the ageing process.
ACTIONS: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, carminative, demulcent, expectorant, laxative, nervine, stomachic.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the seeds. A fixed oil is also pressed from the seeds.
CHARACTERISTICS: Pale yellow to light brown liquid with a bitter, spicy scent. It blends well with sandalwood, clove, cinnamon, cardamon and other spice oils.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: The essential oil is rich in phytic acid, saponins and trigonelline.
SAFETY DATA: The oil may cause skin irritation: dilute well before use. Avoid use during pregnancy, since it has the potential to induce labour.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Skin Care: Boils, burns, boils, eczema, hair care (dandruff and hair loss), scars, wrinkles.
Circulation Muscles And Joints: Aching limbs, arthritis, cramp, gout, high blood pressure, muscle spasm.
Digestive System: Indigestion, heartburn.
Respiratory System: Bronchitis, colds, congestion, fever, sinusitis.
Genito-Urinary System: Menstrual cramps, PMS, hot flushes and mood fluctuations.
Immune System: Helps fight infections.
Nervous System: Anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, stress, soothes the heart.
OTHER USES: Fenugreek has three culinary uses: as a herb (dried or fresh leaves), as a spice (seeds), and as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens). It is a popular ingredient in the preparation of Indian pickles, vegetable dishes, daals and spice mixes. Fresh fenugreek leaves are used in some Indian curries, while the sprouted seeds and microgreens are used in salads. The leaves are also used in Persian and Ethiopian cuisine, to produce a yellow dye and as a forage plant. The oil is commonly used in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industry.... fenugreek
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