Nutritional Suppleme
5 Herbs for Easy Peasy Use at Home
If you’re ready to try a few herbs out to see how they work for you, we recommend starting with these. Of course, a doctor’s care is always essential to make sure you’re making the right decisions for your body and household, so consider that before using anything recommended here. Also, herbs can be quite potent (sometimes even more potent than a prescription alternative!) so make sure you consult the current research and packaging instructions (if you purchased a pre-packaged herb) before you take anything. It is possible to take too much of a good thing, so always keep that in mind too!…
The Most Popular Health, Beauty and Household Uses for Epsom Salts
What are epsom salts and why are so many people using them? An excellent source of magnesium, epsom salts (known chemically as magnesium sulfate) are a popular mineral compound typically sold in crystal form which have been used for decades for a variety of health, beauty, and household benefits. According to the Epsom Salt Council, proper functioning of many bodily processes and adequate regulation of enzyme activity in the body relies upon magnesium. Since magnesium is a primary component in epsom salts, epsom bath soaks and other transdermal applications are highly beneficial. Sadly, most Americans are magnesium deficient, adding…
Why It’s Time to Stock up on Elderberry Syrup – or Make Your Own!
Have you ever tried elderberry syrup to prevent or decrease cold symptoms? Well, if not, it’s time you did! An ancient folk remedy used by Europeans and Native Americans, the elderberry has been used for a variety of ailments, most widely to prevent or alleviate symptoms of the common cold or flu. Fans of the little black berries swear by their efficacy and insist that when taken at the very first sign of a cold (which means it must be kept in the house at all times — and during cold/flu season especially), you can bypass the cold entirely. Others say…
What is Leaky Gut?
Are you suffering from a leaky gut? How do you know if you have a leaky gut? If you are experiencing symptoms of a leaky gut, here is some information to help you understand leaky gut. There are several symptoms that indicate whether or not you have a leaky gut. Although it may feel hopeless, there are certain steps you can take to heal. First, you will need to change your dietary habits so that there is not any more damage on your gut. Next, if you want a quicker and effective recovery, try taking supplements. If you are unsure…
The Whats and Whys of the C-Diff Diet
What’s C-Diff and Why Should I Need a Certain Diet to Treat It? Also referred to as C. difficile, C-diff is considered a ‘superbug’ by many, and is officially termed Clostridium difficile. It is a bacteria which causes the irritation and swelling of the large intestine or colon. Known as colitis, this type of inflammation can result in loss of appetite, dehydration, fever, weight loss, diarrhea, nausea and cramps. It can be transferred between people on door knobs, telephones, or bed rails when the ill individuals do not wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. Diagnosed mostly in those being…
What is Histamine and How Can I Treat Its Effects?
A body chemical found in and released by certain cells, histamine has a role in the immune system protecting against foreign bodies and germs. It also results in various symptoms depending upon where the release occurs (and in these situations, it is usually considered an excessive release in response to dust mites, insect bites, pollen, foods, or medications), including itchy and watery eyes, sore and scratchy throats, a runny nose, and/or a tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing. Increased histamine levels are a sign the body is using its natural defense systems, producing issues within minutes…
The Pros and Cons of Protein Powder
From Slimfast to Visalis, Mercola Pure to SunWarrior, we’ve all had a protein shake, and chances are — we kinda liked it. Who doesn’t love a tasty and refreshing shake or smoothie made with their favorite protein powder? Toss in some fruits, a few ice cubes, and a spoonful of chia seeds and you’ve even got a healthy meal, right? Well, actually, some people might disagree – and strongly. Let’s check out what the experts have to say about the pros and cons of protein powder. First, let’s look at the pros: You’ll lose weight and/or gain lean muscle Research…
The Delicious, Nutritious Secrets of Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelions are secretly nutritious Once known as a prominent ingredient in many recipes made during the Great Depression, dandelions may surprise you! While they may seem to most people to be just unattractive, annoying little yard weeds, dandelions actually have numerous health benefits. Used medicinally through the centuries for ailments from liver problems to kidney disease, heartburn, stomach problems, as diuretics, for appetite stimulation, appendicitis, immunity-boosting, breast milk flow problems, fever, boils, diabetes, diarrhea, eye problems, gallbladder troubles, swelling and skin conditions, they are also eaten for their consistency and taste in sandwiches, soups, and salads. According to the University…
What You Need to Know About Gluten Allergies
What’s up with gluten and why are so many people allergic to it? According to Dr. Tom O’Bryan, a leading expert on celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten is not necessarily bad for you. To explain a bit further, he states, “Gluten isn’t bad for you. Bad gluten is bad for you.” By this he means that the gluten encountered in corn, quinoa and rice are different than that found in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten, says O’Bryan, is an “umbrella term” for families of proteins, and only the latter three types are bad for humans. In a recent interview,…
A Bevy of Aloe Vera Benefits
Aloe vera, otherwise called the Lily of the Desert, Elephant’s Gall, and the Burn Plant, belongs to the succulent family in the genus ‘Aloe.’ With origins dating back to the African region of Sudan in the 4th millennium BC, this versatile plant has been recognized for its beneficial uses in cultures from Greek to Japanese, Persian, Indian, African and Italian (among others), and has been widely used medicinally for numerous ailments over many centuries. What makes it so great? The most remarkable components of the aloe vera plant include the polysaccharides, lectins, anthraquinones, and mannans stored in…
Herbs to help Alleviate Anxiety
Stressed out? You’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders currently affect 40 million adults in the United States, and are ranked as the top most common mental illness in the country. While said to be “highly treatable” by NIMH, only approximately a third of all anxiety sufferers seek out professional treatment. So what are the alternatives? Some sufferers swear by the effectiveness of certain herbs or other similar options, although WebMD disregards many such treatments as providing “insufficient evidence” to prove their claims. Others, however, bear the description of “possibly effective” on the site. In any case,…
The Many Amazing Uses of Lavender Oil
If you’re like me, you’ve mainly used lavender oil for relaxation in the form of aromatherapy — like pillow sachets or a couple of drops on a light bulb diffuser from time to time. But did you realize there are numerous benefits to this oil, including the treatment of skin, circulatory, and respiratory problems? Neither did I before today. Let’s get into some very interesting facts about this fragrant and truly miraculous essential oil. How many ways can we use it? According to Wellness Mama, lavender is widely loved for its scent — but the love doesn’t stop there. Mountain Rose…
