Saturday, February 23, 2013

How herbs effect your body

I've spoke a lot about using herbs now let me explain how the whole herb thing works. Different herbs effect the body in different ways.  These are called 

Herbal Actions.  


Here are a list of 4 Herbal Actions

(I'll post more at a later date)





♦Adaptogen: Adaptogens help to increase the bodies resistance to stressors.  They are used to help the body cope, stay strong and heal.  Both Astragulus and Licorice root are 
adaptogens.


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Echinacea
 

Burdock


♦Alterative: An Alterative such as Burdock, Dandelion or Echinacea which are also known as blood purifiers, help to restore health to the body by improving healthy function.  

Dandelion

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White Willow Bark


Arnica
Bergamot

♦Anelgesic: These are herbs that help with pain both inside and outside the body. These include Arnica, Bergamot and White Willow.

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Fennel

Red Raspberry Leaf
Chamomile
♦Antacids: Most of us have heard of antacids. These neutralize acid in the stomach.  Some example of the antacid herbs are Fennel, Chamomile, Red Raspberry leaf and Mint. 
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Saturday, February 16, 2013

Tea's for Asthma

Chamomile Tea - Helps relax inflamed airways.

♥Chamomile tea's most well-known benefit is as a sleep aid. It is known for its relaxing and soothing properties and is often taken before bed to promote restful sleep. 

♥Chamomile is helpful for a variety of stomach problems. It soothes stomach aches, eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, promotes elimination, and assists in overall digestion.

♥Menstrual Cramps The ancient Egyptians used it to soothe menstrual cramps and now science is catching up. One study found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea helps menstrual cramps.

♥Cold Fighter Chamomile has immune boosting properties and helps in the fight against colds due to its antibacterial properties.

♥Diabetes Management Chamomile tea is being studied for its beneficial effects in the management of diabetes. In one study, daily consumption of chamomile tea was found to prevent the progression of diabetic complications and hyperglycemia.

♥Cancer In-vitro studies show possible protection against several different types of cancer cells.

♦ Precautions Some people have serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to chamomile. If you are allergic to other plants in the same family such as daisy, ragweed, aster, chrysanthemum, or marigold you should use caution when using chamomile. Chamomile should be avoided during pregnancy because it may act as a uterine stimulant and therefore increase the chance of abortion. People with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners should avoid chamomile, as it contains coumarin and may increase the chance of bleeding.


Elderbery Tea - May help alleviate asthma symptoms.


♥It Reduces Inflammation Elderberries are a rich source of flavonoids '" particularly anthocyanins '" the compounds that give dark red and purple berries such as blueberries their color. Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory effects which can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Sipping elderberry tea may be a safer alternative to taking prescription anti-inflammatory medications.

Add three tsp. of dried elderberry flowers into 1/2 cup of boiling water. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes.


Elecampane Tea - Long regarded in helping treat various respiratory ailments like asthma. 


Elecampane tea recipe: 1. Simmer 1-2 teaspoons of dried elecampane root for 5 minutes. 2. Strain and drink



Eucalyptus Tea

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Scientific research suggests that the oil extracted from eucalyptus tree leaves has anti-inflammatory properties that may be applicable for those suffering from asthma and other steroid-sensitive disorders as a viable long-term therapy. Dried eucalyptus tea- leaves offer a mild method of ingesting these beneficial properties. One study published in the March 2003 "Respiratory Medical Journal" noted that the findings of a double-blind placebo controlled trial deduced that eucalyptol, a constituent of eucalyptus oil, is a useful mucolytic agent in upper and lower airway diseases, able to aid in dissolving mucus.


Here’s the thing about Eucalyptus. It is considered toxic yet beneficial at once. It’s in many creams and cough drops but in large quantities it’s too much. You really want to keep your cats and dogs and children away from it the most. And enjoy it occasionally in a brew.

Ingredients 4 Eucalyptus leaves torn 2 cups water

Instructions Wash the eucalyptus leaves and place them in a pot with water and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let them steep for 15 minutes. Reheat if necessary and strain into a cup.





Ginger Tea 

Helps minimize symptoms of asthma and other respiratory ailments. 

Lavender tea and it's calming benefits.


Lavender Tea it is too strong to be used alone in a tea. My favorite Lavender Tea recipe is: 1/2 cup Mint Leaf 2 Tablespoons Dried Lavender 2 Tablespoons Stevia (optional) Mix all and store in an air-tight container. Use 1-2 tsp per cup of water to make hot or iced tea.


♥Lavender tea may help ease insomnia.

♥Lavender tea may help calm nervousness and anxiety. It may also be used to alleviate stress and uplift flagging spirits. 

♥Lavender tea may help treat an upset stomach, as well as flatulence and colic. It may also be used to treat stomach and bowel infections.

♥Lavender tea may help alleviate depressive and migraine headaches.

♥Lavender tea, when applied topically, may help alleviate colds, cough, asthma, bronchitis and similar problems in the respiratory system.

♥Lavender tea may help induce sweating and consequently reduce the body temperature during fever.

♥Lavender tea, when applied topically, may help heal cuts, wounds, ulcers and sores.

♥Lavender tea is also useful as a mouthwash to combat halitosis.

Basil Tea Helps with your digestives system, eyesight, healthy hair and skin and more!


Recipe For Healthy Homemade Basil Tea

Ingredients: (makes 2 cups of tea)
2 cups water
3 tbsp chopped fresh leaves
OR
2 cups water
1½ tbsp dried basil
tbsp = tablespoon
Directions:
Fresh: Add the chopped leaves to a cup, and pour on some just *boiled water and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. If you chopped them finely enough, you can chew and eat the fresh leaves without straining.
Dried: You can use it just like loose tea leaves and just do the same as above, or, add the dried herb to a teapot and pour in some boiling water. Let steep (sit) for about 5-10 minutes before pouring through a strainer.

Mint Tea Helps sooth digestive upset.


Homemade Mint Tea Recipe

Ingredients: (makes 2 cups)
2 cups of water
1½ tbsp fresh mint leaves
Agave nectar or honey (optional)
OR
2 cups water
1 tbsp dried mint
Agave nectar or honey (optional)
tbsp = tablespoon
Directions:
Fresh: You can use whole leaves or finely chop them first. I find by chopping them you get a stronger flavour.
Add the leaves, chopped or whole, to 2 cups and pour on some just *boiled water.
Let steep (sit) for 5-10 minutes before serving. If you like your drinks a little sweeter add the agave nectar, honey or any other natural sweetener.
You can remove the whole leaves or strain the tea if you chopped them. Alternatively you can drink the herbs.
Dried: Divide the dried mint into 2 cups and pour on some just boiled water. Let steep for a few minutes before drinking.
Or add the dried herb to a saucepan of just boiled water before letting steep (sit) for about 5-10 minutes. Making it this way makes it easy to pour through a strainer prior to serving.
*Boiling herbs and spices too long may negate some of the health and well-being benefits.

Reminder: When using herbal teas it's never good to drink in excess. 


Oregano Tea for Colds, Fever, Menstrual pain and more.

Note: You shouldn't drink this if you're pregnant. May cause uterine stimulation, miscarriage or premature labor.




Homemade Oregano Tea Recipe

Ingredients: (makes 2 cups)
2 cups of water
1½ tbsp fresh oregano leaves
1 tsp orange juice (optional)
OR
2 cups water
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp orange juice (optional)
tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon
Directions:
Fresh: Finely chop the leaves and add to 2 cups. Pour on some just boiled water and, if using, the orange juice.
Let steep (sit) for 5-10 minutes before serving.
You can remove the chopped leaves by straining first. Alternatively you can drink around the leaves.
Dried: Divide the dried oregano into 2 cups and pour on some just boiled water. Let steep (sit) for a few minutes before drinking. Strain first if required.
Or, add the dried leaves to a teapot before pouring. Doing it this way makes it easy to pour through a strainer prior to serving.

Parsley Tea an aid in Bloat, Balancing Hormones and Boosting the immune system.

Health Benefits of Parsley Tea




Parsley Parsley is a natural diuretic. It aids the circulatory system and the normal functioning of the kidneys and helps to excrete the excess fluids and the toxins from it in the form of urine thereby preventing any buildup of water. Add two teaspoons of dried parsley to a cup of boiling water and steep for ten minutes. Strain and drink the warm tea at least three times a day. You can also eat two tablespoons of fresh parsley leaves in salads everyday.

Recipe For Homemade Parsley Tea
Ingredients: (makes 2 cups of tea)

2 cups water
2 tbsp chopped fresh leaves
OR
2 cups water
1½ tbsp dried parsley

tbsp = tablespoon

Directions:

Fresh: Add the freshly chopped leaves to a cup and pour on some boiled water. Let steep (sit) for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can drink the herbs.

Dried: Use like you would loose leaf tea leaves and do the same as above. Or, add the dried herb to a teapot and pour in some boiled water.

Let steep (sit) for about 5-10 minutes before pouring through a strainer.

That's it! A refreshing, healthy drink in no time at all

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Ladies:The Best Workout and Diet for your Body type Part 2. Straight/Rectangle/Banana body

If you have a Straight Body you have the most common body type.



This means that your hips and bust are balanced and your waist is not very defined. You probably have a bottom that is more flat than round. You tend to gain weight in your torso first and then your upper thighs and arms. Your lower legs are always shapely and one of your best assets.

How to Dress a Straight Body Shape 
The key to dressing a Straight body type is to proportionally dress the top and bottom of your body while enhancing your waist. If you are comfortable doing so, you can wear form fitting clothing (such as a tube-type dress) and create a waist by adding a wide, dark belt. However, to create a more curvaceous effect add volume (or the illusion of volume) proportionally to your upper and lower body by mixing and matching suggested separates.

Diet
Recommended diet for a rectangular shape: For the Rectangular shape, diet should focus on maintaining the shape while also trimming zones of extra fat deposition eg the abdominal area. The most important thing is to maintain a balanced diet to ensure that your body does not miss out on essential nutrients and micronutrients, regardless of body shape. Diet should primarily consist of: high-quality protein, especially derived from eggs, lean meat, and nuts as well as adequate amounts of green leafy vegetables and kimmed dairy products. sugar intake should, ideally, be restricted. White processed foods are absolutely to be avoided.

Exercise
To add some curves, women with straight builds should focus on tightening their core—especially their deep abdominal muscles which pull in the belly, and the obliques, which cinch in the sides of the waist. Straight/boyish body types should also increase weight training to add lean muscle mass (read: curves) to their butts. Upper- and middle-back exercises will help un-hunch a square-body-type’s shoulders, lessening the frail-looking frame.


Tones: Butt, thighs, shoulders, triceps, and core

      Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold dumbbells up at your shoulders—elbows bent and pointing out to the sides, palms facing forward. Take a giant step forward with your right leg and lower your body until your knees are bent 90 degrees. Your knees should be in line with your ankles.

(A) Press into your right foot, straighten your right leg, and come to a stand, simultaneously pulling your left knee forward in front of your hips (so you’re standing on one leg) and pressing the weights up toward the ceiling .

(B) Return to start. Repeat with your left leg. 10 to 12 reps per leg To make the move more challenging, place your front foot on a step.






Tones: Core (especially obliques) and shoulders

     Assume a side plank position, with your right elbow on the floor directly beneath your shoulder. Stagger your feet so your left foot is in front of your right foot.

(A) Raise your left arm directly overhead—bicep next to your ear, arm extended, and with your palm facing the floor—so your arm is in line with your body. Arch your left arm towards the floor as you raise your hips up in the air.

(B) Return to start. Repeat for a full set; then switch sides. 8 to 10 reps






Tones: Shoulders, triceps, chest, and core

      Lie facedown on a fitness ball, with both hands on the floor. Walk your hands out, allowing the ball to roll beneath your body until it is under your shins. Your hands should be directly below your shoulders, so it looks like you’re ready to do a pushup. Keeping your torso straight and your abs contracted, bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the floor. Stop when your upper arms are parallel to the floor.

(A) Return to start, and immediately contract your glutes as you lift your right leg off the ball.

(B) Lower your right leg to the ball, then lift the left leg. That’s one rep. 8 to 12 reps Make the move harder by placing the ball under the tops of your feet. Make it easier by keeping the ball under your knees.






Tones: Core

      Lie on your back with your arms by your sides. Bend your knees to 90 degrees and place your calves on a fitness ball. Lift your head and shoulders off the floor, making sure to keep your head, neck, and shoulders relaxed. (Put your head down at any time if you feel stress in the upper body.)

(A) Take 5 short, consecutive inhales, followed by 5 short, consecutive exhales. Do this 10 times for 1 rep. At the same time, lift arms off mat and pulse them up and down palms facing down, in unison with the breath.

(B) 10 reps, 100 breaths per rep




Tones: Core

      Lie on your back with arms and legs outstretched so your body forms an X.

(A) Contract your abs and raise your head, arms, and legs a few inches off the floor. Keeping them extended, simultaneously bring your left arm and right leg together over your abdomen.

(B) Lower your limbs back to start. Repeat to the opposite side. That’s one rep. Alternate for a full set. 10 to 12 reps To make the move more challenging, keep your head, arms, and legs raised throughout the exercise. To make it a little easier, bring only your arm and leg off the floor each time.






Tones: Butt, thighs, shoulders, triceps, and core

      Hold a dumbbell in each hand, elbows bent in front of your torso, weights in front of your shoulders, palms facing in. Stand with your feet in a wide straddle stance, toes turned out.

(A) Bend your knees and squat back, keeping your knees from extending over your toes.

(B) Press back to the start position, turning your right palm forward and pressing the weight directly overhead.

(C) Immediately lower into another squat, pulling your right arm back to the starting position. Stand again, this time pressing the left weight overhead. Alternate for a full set. 12 to 14 reps





Tones: Full body and raises heart rate to burn extra calories Assume a standard pushup position, with your feet extended wider than shoulder-width apart.

(A) Quickly hop your feet together and up toward the outside of your right hand.

(B) Hop back to the starting position. Then repeat to the left side. Alternate for a full set. 8 to 12 reps

Ladies:The Best Workout and Diet for your Body type Part 1. The Pear

The Pear Shaped Body


Pear As a Pear Body type (sometimes called triangle), your hips are larger than your bust and you have a nicely defined waist. You have an elegant neck and proportionately slim arms and shoulders. You first gain weight in your bottom and legs flowed by your tummy and upper body. Your waist is your best asset so don’t be afraid to show it off.

Some Dieting tips from Dr. Oz

Diet Plan: Eat a Low-fat Diet Research shows that a low-fat diet actually helps break down stubborn fat cells in your bottom region.

Cut Back on Saturated Fats To get on track with a low-fat diet, begin by cutting down on saturated fats, including animal sources such as high-fat dairy and red meats. Eliminate hidden saturated fats such as hydrogenated oils found in processed foods.

Include Low-fat Dairy in Every Meal You don't have to cut out dairy entirely. Studies demonstrate that calcium helps to regulate the way fat cells store, build up and break down fat. Subsequently, low-fat dairy sources such as milk, yogurt and cottage cheese help promote weight loss. Choose low-fat (2%), not no-fat dairy.

Sample Menu:

Butt-blasting Breakfast: Low-fat Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and granola

Lunch: Low-fat cottage cheese with tomatoes, cucumbers and grilled chicken Snack: Low-fat milk with dark chocolate cocoa

Dinner: Lean turkey burger with low-fat cheddar cheese

How to Dress a Pear Body Shape The key to dressing a pear body type is to enhance and add volume (or the illusion of volume) to your upper body while emphasizing your waist and de-emphasizing your lower body to create a balanced, hourglass appearance. Create the most curvaceous effect by mixing and matching our suggested separates.

The Best workouts for a Pear
A pear often becomes obsessed with whittling down her lower body by doing dozens of lunges and leg lifts. Of course you want your butt, hips, and thighs to be tight and toned. But, pears: you also want your body to be balanced, so don’t neglect what’s above the belt. The Best Workouts Monday: For each exercise shown, do 1 set of the prescribed repetitions, rest 30 seconds, then do another set of that same exercise. To amp up your results, follow your strength workout with a round of Smart Cardio Intervals.



Tones: Butt, thighs, shoulders, triceps, and core

      Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold dumbbells up at your shoulders—elbows bent and pointing out to the sides, palms facing forward. Take a giant step forward with your right leg and lower your body until your knees are bent 90 degrees. Your knees should be in line with your ankles.

(A) Press into your right foot, straighten your right leg, and come to a stand, simultaneously pulling your left knee forward in front of your hips (so you’re standing on one leg) and pressing the weights up toward the ceiling .

(B) Return to start. Repeat with your left leg. 10 to 12 reps per leg To make the move more challenging, place your front foot on a step.



Tones: Butt and thighs; raises heart rate to burn extra calories

     Stand with your right leg forward and your left leg extended behind you, toes on the floor. Bend your right knee and dip your left knee toward the floor, so you’re in a lunge position. Place your arms straight out in front of you or out to the sides.

(A) Swiftly jump up and switch legs in midair, in a motion like a scissor.

(B) When your back knee grazes (or nearly grazes) the ground, jump again. Keep jumping continuously, without resting, for a full set. To prevent injury, try to land as softly as possible. 10 to 20 jumps




Tones: Shoulders, triceps, chest, and core
 
     Lie facedown on a fitness ball, with both hands on the floor. Walk your hands out, allowing the ball to roll beneath your body until it is under your shins. Your hands should be directly below your shoulders, so it looks like you’re ready to do a pushup. Keeping your torso straight and your abs contracted, bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the floor. Stop when your upper arms are parallel to the floor.

(A) Return to start, and immediately contract your glutes as you lift your right leg off the ball.

(B) Lower your right leg to the ball, then lift the left leg. That’s one rep. 8 to 12 reps Make the move harder by placing the ball under the tops of your feet. Make it easier by keeping the ball under your knees.



Tones: Core

    Lie on your back with your arms by your sides. Bend your knees to 90 degrees and place your calves on a fitness ball. Lift your head and shoulders off the floor, making sure to keep your head, neck, and shoulders relaxed. (Put your head down at any time if you feel stress in the upper body.)

(A) Take 5 short, consecutive inhales, followed by 5 short, consecutive exhales. Do this 10 times for 1 rep. At the same time, lift arms off mat and pulse them up and down palms facing down, in unison with the breath.

(B) 10 reps, 100 breaths per rep



Tones: Core (especially obliques) and shoulders

     Assume a side plank position, with your right elbow on the floor directly beneath your shoulder. Stagger your feet so your left foot is in front of your right foot.

(A) Raise your left arm directly overhead—bicep next to your ear, arm extended, and with your palm facing the floor—so your arm is in line with your body. Arch your left arm towards the floor as you raise your hips up in the air.

(B) Return to start. Repeat for a full set; then switch sides. 8 to 10 reps




Tones: Core, biceps, and shoulders
   
     Hold a dumbbell in each hand, with your arms extended at your sides and your palms facing forward. Sit on a bench and lean back slightly, pulling your knees to chest height, so you’re balancing on your tailbone. Curl the weights to your shoulders;

(A) then immediately rotate your wrists so your palms face forward and press the weights straight overhead.

(B) Return to start. Each dumbbell extension is one rep. Balance on the bench during the entire set if you can. 8 to 10 reps




Tones: Butt, thighs, back, and shoulders

      Hold a dumbbell in your left hand and lunge forward with your right leg. Taking a cue from the triangle pose in yoga, turn your left foot out—so it's perpendicular to your leg—and rest your right forearm on your right thigh, palm up. Extend your left arm straight down, with your palm facing your right leg.

(A) Keeping your left arm extended, squeeze your shoulder blades together and raise your left arm straight out to the side until it reaches shoulder height.

(B) Return to start. Complete a full set, then switch sides. 10 to 12 reps per side




Tones: Triceps, shoulders, and upper back

     Sit on the edge of a bench with your feet flat on the floor, knees bent 90 degrees. Grasp the seat on either side of your butt; make sure your fingers are facing forward. Walk your feet out slightly and inch yourself off the seat.

(A) Bend your arms, keeping your elbows pointed straight back as you dip your butt toward the ground. Simultaneously contract your abs and pull your right knee toward your chest.

(B) Return to start. Concentrate on using your arms to raise your body, rather than pushing up with your legs. Complete a set, alternating legs. 10 to 12 reps

Exercise without going to the gym






















Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Today's Healthy tips




Broccoli sprouts 

Turns out broccoli sprouts contain up to 50 times the amount of cancer-fighting compounds found in mature broccoli heads.



Canola and olive oil 

Replace the butter and margarine in your stir-fries with vegetable oils. The omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats may help slash cholesterol levels as well as your risk for heart disease.  It also tastes a lot better and has those Omega 3's I wrote about in earlier posts.





Low-fat milk and cheese

Your body absorbs calcium most effectively from food, not from chocolate-flavored supplement chews. Along with vitamin D, absorbing 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams of the moo mineral daily (a cup of milk has about 300 milligrams) will significantly reduce your risk of joining the osteoporosis club.  Also you'll remember in my previous post Vitamin D helps speed up your metabolism.




Cinnamon 

This antioxidant-rich seasoning slows down the rate at which your stomach unloads that enchilada lunch, which prevents blood sugar spikes and crashes. In fact, studies show that a half-teaspoon a day lowers blood sugar and cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. This is another metabolism booster I mentioned in my previous post.



OJ 

A six-ounce glass of 100 percent juice (that means no added sugar, don't be fooled by "diet") every day reduces your risk of stroke by up to 20 percent. Bonus points for gulping the kind with fiber-rich pulp. Remember "High Fiber" = Metabolism booster!






Watch a comedy!

The amount of mood-stabilizing endorphins released from one minute of laughing is the same as the amount released with 10 minutes of strenuous rowing.


Sex

A good romp can torch up to 200 calories (equal to running 15 minutes on a treadmill)