Chia

Native to Mexico, the chia plant (Salvia Hisnapica) belongs to the same family as spearmint and basil. What makes it different from its aromatic cousins, though, is its icredibly high content of omega-3 fatty acid - one 15 gram serving supplies of whopping 3 grams of omega-3s, which is equivalent to three fish oil capsules. Plus, chia is an excellent source of soluble fibre, which ensures a sustained release of nutrients as it passes through your digestive tract; chia is particularly recommended for cholesterol management.

--> Help for Heart Disease
Fibre and omega-3 fatty acids are 2 of the most worrying deficiencies in the modern Western diet. They have been linked to a slew of health problems, from cancer, heart disease and diabetes to poor memory, arthritis ad depression. Chia, beeing high in both, is therefor a smart preventive supplement, helping to support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar, and improve cellular energy production.

A study from the university of Toronto's departement of Medicine measured the effects of adding chia to the diet of patients with type 2 diabetes who were at risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers concluded thet risk by maintaining optimal glycaemic and lipid control. In my practice I have conducted a trial with patients who are chronic asthmatics to see whether the high omega-3 content in chia seeds would have a beneficial effect on symptoms. I ask my patients to take three 15 grams servings of chia seeds daily for two months; in all cases they reported fewer asthma attacks and reduction in severity and duration of symphtoms. although my finding have yet to be confirmed by chlinical research, I would recommended chia to other asthmatics, especially in the light of broader research in to the ability of omega-3 fatty acid to prevent and modulate attacks

by : Dominic Finney (www.medicineroom.net)

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Happy Hormones

Fluctuating hormones can wreak havoc on your health and happiness. The right herbs can helps you feel sharper, slimmer-even sexier. Here's what to use for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hot flushes and hormone-related depression.

--> CHASTEBERRY (vitex agnus-castus)

Chasteberry boosts production of the hormone progesterone, and is commonly prescribed for symptoms of PMS and menopause, including irritability, breast tenderness, bloating, depression, menstrual-related acne, sweating and hor flashes. It is also used for uterine fibroid cysts and to stimulate milk production in new mums.
Dosage : 225mg 1-2 times a day. It may take several months to get the full benefits.

--> LICORICE (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

One of the most thoroughly studied herbal remedies, licorice contains glycyrrhizin which stimulates the adrenal glansd to produce corticostiroid hormones and reduce inflammation. Licorice is rich in phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens), making it useful for menstrual problems and menopause. women with CMS may find thet taking licorice for 0 days up to their period eases symphtoms.
dosage : 200mg (standardised to contain 15% glycyrrhizin) 3 times a day.

--> RED CLOVER (trifolium pratense)

Red clover contains isoflavones that mimic the action of oestrogen and bin to oestrogen receptors in the body, creating either pro-oestrogenic or anti-eostrogenic effects, depending on how much oestrogen the body is producing. Clinical trials show red clover reduces hot flushes and other common menopausal symptoms. Unlike synthetic oestrogen, the isoflavones in red clover do not create unpleasant side effects.
dosage : take according to manufacturing instructions or as professionally prescribded.

--> BLACK COHOSH (Cimicifuga recemosa)

Traditionally, black cohosh has been prescribded to treat menstrual problems and pain after childbirth, nervous distress, and joint pain. It is an effective remedy for hot flushes, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms. Black Cohosh is also prescribed for gynaecological disorders, including periods (absent, painfully, or heavy) and PMS.
dosage : 40 mg (standardised to contain 2.5% triterpenes) 1-2 times a day

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Eucalyptus

DESCRIPTION :
Native to Tasmania and Southern Australia and now cultivated arround the world, the blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) produces an oil wtih distinctive, invigorating scent which is used in a wide variety of personal care products, including creams, ointments, deodorants, mouthwashes and cough lozenges. German botanist Ferdinand von Muller called it "Fever Tree", due to its ability to dry up swampy, marshy areas that were a beeding ground for malaria.

ACTIONS :
Studies show that Eucalyptus can combat certain bacteria and that is antifungual, antiviral and atiseptics properties, The Eucalyptol in the oil acts as a decongestant, making it an effective treatment for coughs, colds, sore throat, sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma. It can treat cuts, wounds, gingivitis, athletes's foot, bites, atings and burns; it also helps repel insects. It refreshing scent promotes alertness : add it to a burner to anchance concentration.

DOSAGE :
Inhalation : Add 10 drops of oil to a basin filled with boiling water; tent your head with a towel and breathe deeply.
Bath : add 5-7 drops to warm or cool bathwater.
Balms, Lozenges, or cough mixtures : follow manufacturer's intructions.

CAUTION :
Do Not use on children under two years, or pragnant or breastfeeding women. Do not ingest the oil, except in commercial preparations. Keep the oil out of reach of children, as it toxic.

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Lavender and Salt Body Scrub

Salt is Super effective exfoliator and leaves skin invigorated. Or, use sugar - It's gentler and it doesn't sting if you've scratched yourself...

Recipes :
- 150 salt (Maldon, crystal or sea salt, kosher or dead sea salt)
- 100 gram dried or fresh lavender flowers
- 375ml sweet almond oil
- 25 drops lavender essential oil

Blend the dry ingredients and place in a sealable jar (one with a rubber seal is ideal). Pour the oil over them. Depending on the type of salt you use, you may eed to add a little more oil to top up the jar. Use by the handful, applied in circular strokes everywhere except the face, which is way too fragile. Rinse to shower off

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Saint John's Wort

The Bright yellow star-shaped flowers of Saint John's Wort( hypericum Perforatun) are a common sight along roadsides in late summer. the fresh flowers and bud are rich in compounds (hypericin and hyperforin) that have mood-brightening effects. Saint John's Wort has a well-deserved reputation as the most popular herbal remedy for easing mild to moderate depression. In dozen of studies, extract of the herb have been proven to relieve mild to moderate depression as effectively as prescription antidepressant.

St. John's Wort also has been used for centuries for treating wounds, burns, bruises, varicose veins and nerve-related pain, such as sciantica, and bruises, varicose veins and nerve-related pain, such as sciantica, and recent studies are verifying the herb's anti-inflammatory and antimicroial properties.

For treating depression, St. John's Wort is most effective when taken as a standarized extract, generally 300 mg three times daily. Because Saint John's Wort has cumulative effect on mood, it can take one to two months to notice a difference. The herb can interact with numerous medications, so consult your doctor if you're taking prescription drugs.

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Calming Chamomile

The tiny, golden-centered flowers of chamomile ( Matricaria Recutita) have a delicous apple scent and flavor, making chamomile teaan herbal favorite. Much more than just a tasty beverage, chamomile easeas indigestion, insomnia and emotional tension. At the same time, chamomile is gentle enough to soothe a colicky baby.

Widely used in topical skin-care products, chamomile contains bisabolol, a coumpound that relieves inflamation, calms skin irritation and fights problem-causing bacteria. Chamomile flowers also are rich in apigenin, a potent antioxidant that reduces inflammation, protects skin from free radicaldamage and helps repair injured skin cells. In German studies, chamomile cream was found to be as effective as hydrocortisone cream and more effective than nontorcisone prescription creams for treating eczema-type skin problems.

Recipes :

HERBAL DIGESTIVE TEA

2 cups boiling water
2 tsp dried chomomile flowers
1tsp dried spearmint leaves
1 tsp crushed fennel seed

Pour Boiling water over herbs in a teapot. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired and sip slowly after meal.

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