Bathing For Health

Who doesn’t like to take a long, relaxing bath…especially in winter! Did you know that baths have been used as a health enhancing and wellbeing promoting therapy for centuries? Baths or “Hydrotherapy’ can be used as a complimentary therapy for many and varied conditions both physiological and emotional. Baths are a cheap, safe and affordable way to help maintain your wellbeing as well as assist in healing and the removal of environmental toxins, whach as well know, are a major contributing factor in many illnesses and conditions affecting wellbeing.

The effect of ozmosis is a fantastic way for the healing properties of herbs, essential oils and other ingredients placed into the bath to reach the intended area faster and in some cases more effectively. Water is truly an amazing healing medium.

Some Things to Be Aware of.

When taking any of the following baths, the bath should be filled to the top and you should immerse everything except the hair. If you become uncomfortable or become dizzy while bathing, you should sit up for a while before returning to the reclined position; the recommended length of time for bathing should not be exteded. you can experiement to find the right warm temperature to suit yourself.

Because baths can sometimes be experienced as temporarily draining, they are best taken before bedtime or retiring for the evening. drinking extra water is advised to counteract any possible dehydration. It is also advisable to be taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement or eating a diet high in minerals when using baths as therapy to ensure any mineral leached during the bathing time are replaced. this is particularly true for people who are ill or have a lowered constitution.

Cleansing Bath Recepies

The following recepies are some tried and true recepies used to cleanse and replensih the body, mind and emotions.

Seasalt and Baking Soda Bath - (Either seprate or combined)

Purpose: Primarily to clear radiation; from microwaves, computers, mobile phones etc, cleanse the biofields and clear lymphatic congestion. If the concern is with clearing radiation, use just baking soda.

Dosage: In combination, average is about 1/2 kg of each in a full sized average bath filled to capacity. If just using the either on their own, use 1 kg. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Hotter water results in stronger bath. 2-4 baths per week is ample.

Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

Purpose: Good for infections particularly bacterial, or for certain skin conditions. helps to acidify the body, thus having an antibacterial effect. Recommended for females who have vaginal or bladder infections.

Dosage: 1 litre in a in a full sized average bath filled to capacity. Soak for 30 minutes using hot water.

NB: Once condition has cleared, it is recommended you have an Epsom salts bath each evening for around 3-4days to ensure any excess acidity is removed and any toxins from the healing process are eliminated.

Clay Bath

Purpose: Clears the bioenergetic fields and also helps to pull out some radiation. Great for the skin and can aid some skin conditions through helping to leach out toxins.

Dosage: one cup of green clay in a medium to hot bath. Soak for 30 minutes.Average of two per week for 2 weeks is recommended.

Harmonising Essential Oil Bath

Purpose: this recepie works really well as an emotional, mental, energetic harmonizer.

Dosage: Pure rose, geranium, lavendar, Wintergreen, Rosemary and Sage oils. Use 2-3 drops of each and soak for around 30 minutes twice per week.

NB: Not to be used by pregant or expectant women or breastfeeding mothers.

Lemon Bath

Purpose: Helps to clear old stuck mental patterning.

Dosage: juice of 3 lemons in a hot bath for 15 minutes. Average of 6 baths, one per week.

Lime and Tumeric Powder Bath

Purpose: This also works as an energetic cleanser and as well as this, helps to clear metallics, radiation and drug residues.

Dosage: four limes plus two teaspoons of Tumeric powder in a hot bath for 15 minutes. Average of 6 is recommended at once to twice per week.

Epsom Salts Bath

Purpose: These are often recommended to draw out uric acid and other toxins from the body through the skin pores. Epsom salts baths are also extremely beneficial for the treatment and relief of the following conditions; arthritis, paralysis, rheumatism, sciatica, neuritis, injuries such as mscle strains, sprains and soft tissue soreness.

Dosage: Dissolve 0.5 - 2.0 kg into a hot bath and soak for 10 minutes initially. then exit the bath and retire for the evening. Make sure you have adequate water intake as the body will need extra to help eliminate the toxins.  Increase the bathing time each time until a maximum of 20 minutes has been reached. Take one bath every third day until this maximum is reached. Then have a 20 minute bath 2-3 times per week or when ever it is needed to aid condition. Can be taken daily but you should use far less Epsom salts, around 200 – 500 grams per bath.

Of course you can combine any and all of these recepies to suit your needs and most of these are ok to use with younger children, just make sure you halve all dosing and ensure the water is not too hot for them, luke warm for the real little ones.

A helping hand is as close as your bathroom and kitchen cupboard so the next time you are feeling a little under the weather, try one of these recepies and relax away!

Have a great day.

Craig Hitchens.

 

More About Adaptogens

I wrote a while back about adaptogens and adaptogenic herbsand how they are very special herbs in that they have the ability to literally adapt to and normalise imbalances and stresses in the body. This makes them extremely good for many and varied ailments. What I have here for you to read is a great run down on some of the most commonly used and available adaptogens. Many herbalists and naturopaths/nutritionists will use these and some of these are freely available in shops and specialty stores as well. Enjoy the read.

Jiaogulanis a member of same family as cucumbers, melons, and gourds. It grows in five-leaf clusters, hence its botanical name, Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Jiaogulan has a long history of use in China, but is just now gaining popularity worldwide because of new scientific research supporting a wide range of health benefits that may very well eclipse that of any plant yet discovered. In its native home in southern China, jiaogulan is so revered that it is called xiancao (“herb of immortality”).

There is much truth to this honorary name, as is demonstrated by the recent discovery of longevity pockets in the small southern provinces of Guangxi and Guizhou where jiaogulan is used regularly as a tonic. In some of these remote mountain villages, an extraordinary number of people were found to be living very long lives in robust good health, with many reported to be living well beyond 100!

Jiaogulan is in current clinical use in Asia for the treatment, prevention or management of an astounding 54 diseases, conditions, and syndromes. No other herb has demonstrated such versatility in its applications.

In China, jiaogulan is believed to slow down the aging process, and it is said that those who drink it daily look younger than their years. Scientific studies have shown that jiaogulan’s exceptionally high antioxidant power is responsible for this effect.

Jiaogulan has been shown to have a similar effect to drugs such as Viagra® by helping to relax arteries to increase blood flow. Leading scientists have stated that jiaogulan may work far better in this regard than arginine or any other natural sexual enhancement supplement. The mechanism of action nitric oxide release is also of great benefit to the cardiovascular system, and it has a profound effect on fighting inflammation as well.

Jiaogulan is the premier member of an elite class of plants called adaptogens. These rare herbs help the body to adapt to all forms of stress and imbalance. Chinese scientists have found that jiaogulan exerts a unique two-way action on the central nervous system, calming the nerves when they are irritated and gently energizing them when they are depressed.

Jiaogulan’s broad spectrum of preventative and therapeutic effects can be explained by its status as a potent adaptogen. This rare class of herbs has the ability to normalize abnormal conditions and to bring balance to the body under a wide range of stressful circumstances. Adaptogens also enhance the body’s ability to defend itself by improving immunity and by increasing energy, stamina and endurance. The chemical constituents responsible for the balancing effects of adaptogens are called saponins, and these exist in many forms. It is believed that the adaptogenic power of an herb is directly proportional to its content and variety of saponins. With 28 saponins, Panax ginseng is renowned as an adaptogen. But jiaogulan contains more than 100 health-giving saponins, which experts believe to be a broader and more powerful range than is found in any plant in Nature. These include powerful gypenoside saponins that are not found in any other species. You can see why scientists around the world are so excited about jiaogulan, and why they believe that it holds such promise for human health and well-being..

Recently, scientific interest in the plant has led to studies observing its potent health benefits. Over 300 scientific papers have been published documenting its amazingly positive effects in the human body, and leading experts believe that its wide range of health benefits will greatly exceed that of any plant to have ever been discovered!

Japanese Sophora Budis considered the world’s richest source of the flavonoid quercetin, a powerful antioxidant. This is because it is very rich in rutin which is converted to quercetin in the body.

Rutin is a member of the flavonoid family of plant chemicals, which have been credited with a wide range of health-promoting advantages.

Rutin is a combination of just two chemicals, quercetin and rutinose, and it is found in many plants, also including buckwheat, tea and apples. Both quercetin and rutinose are strong antioxidants which are effective against inflammation, and protect against cell damage and blood circulation problems largely because if its powerful antioxidant properties.

Rutin works well together with vitamin C.

An additional benefit of rutin is that it helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels in your blood, resulting in better circulation. It also supports the immune system.

Schisandra Berryis typically used as a tonic and an adaptogen plus it provides healthful benefits to the liver, lungs, blood, and kidneys. Its name in Chinese comes from the little known but interesting fact that its berries possess all five basic flavors: salty, sweet, sour, pungent (spicy), and bitter.  

This valuable berry contains Vitamins A, C and E along with compounds called lignans. The large amount of lignans found in schisandra berries are beneficial for liver support as well as for strengthening the immune system. Lignans basically help enzymes in the liver produce antioxidants in large amounts.

Schisandra berries function as an adaptogen similar to ginseng, though not as potent. They help reduce fatigue and increase body energy as well as being beneficial for the digestive system. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties. 

Luo Han Guo Fruit like the goji berry is one of several that have been called the longevity fruit.

The vine of the Luo Han Guo grows to 9 to 16 feet long, climbing over other plants by means of tendrils which twine round anything they touch. The narrow, heart-shaped leaves are 4- 8 inches long. The fruit is round, almost 3 inches in diameter, and contains a sweet, fleshy, edible pulp and many seeds.

The Luo Han Guo plant is rarely found in the wild today as it has been cultivated for hundreds of years in China’s mountainous regions.

The main health benefits of the luo han guo come mainly from the mogrosides, a group of Triterpene-Glycosides which function as a unique and special antioxidant. These mogrosides, are also what gives the Luo Han Guo its very sweet flavor.

The Luo Han Guo fruit extract is nearly 300 times sweeter than sugar and has been used as a natural sweetener in China for nearly a thousand years due mainly to its flavor.

Luo Han Guo is mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a sweetener. It is also reported to aid in longevity.

The Luo Han Guo fruit promotes respiratory health, enhances immune function, and promotes health and vitality. 

Rhodiolais a perennial plant that grows in the high altitudes of the northernmost reaches of Russia, China, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Tibet. It bears spikes of blue-green leaves bearing a single yellow flower that blooms during the brief arctic summer. Like the better known siberian ginseng or eleuthero root, rhodiola is an adaptogen, enabling the body to maintain physiological balance during times of physical or mental stress.

In one study (from March 2003) 161 cadets, ages 19 to 21 years, were randomized to receive either a single dose of standardized rhodiola extract, a single dose that was 50% stronger than the standardized dose, or placebo. Researchers found that the cadets who received rhodiola extract showed significant lowering of fatigue as measured by an antifatigue index compared to those on placebo.

Rhodiola also seems to improve healthy brain function! In an open study of 27 healthy students, physicians, and scientists, researchers reported that Rhodiola root improved the amount and quality of work and very significantly decreased the percent of errors made. Performance levels soared!

In an open study of 128 patients aged 17-55, research suggested that Rhodiola could alleviate occasional bouts of fatigue, irritability and distractibility.

The Russians think so highly of rhodiola root that they are giving it to their Olympic champions and also their cosmonauts to protect them from the incredible stresses of life in outer space.

Blueberriesare packed with a wide range of micronutrients, with notably high levels of the essential dietary mineral manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber. Also they contain Dietary fiber, Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc.

Blueberries, especially the wild species, contain anthocyanins, other antioxidant pigments and various phytochemicals which greatly support nutritional health.

Researchers have shown that blueberry anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, flavonols, and tannins inhibit free radicals activity, which assists with the body’s normal response to inflammation.. Similar to red grape, some blueberry species contain in their skins significant levels of resveratrol, a very valuable antioxidant and phytochemical.

Consuming blueberries (and similar berry fruits including cranberries) provides many benefits for the mind, including improvements in mental focus, concentration, and mental sharpness.

Addition clinical studies have shown blueberries to be beneficial for maintaining cholesterol and blood lipids already in the normal range and for maintaining blood pressure already within the normal range.

Antioxidants are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals associated with the aging process. Blueberries, contain many of these naturally occurring antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E. In addition, blueberries contain anthocyanins and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants. Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity.

Using a test called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), researchers have shown that a serving of fresh blueberries provides more antioxidant activity than many other fresh fruits and vegetables.

Elderberrieshave been used to make syrups, marmalades, and even marshmallows. However, we will find out that the nutritional value of elderberries is pretty amazing. Elderberries happen to grow in clusters on a large shrub and are native to the temperate-to-subtropical regions of both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

Black elderberries, have been traditionally used as a laxative, diuretic, cleansing tonic and for nutritional support for the respiratory and digestive tracts. They are also known to provide an energy boost to the body.

The nutritional value of the elderberry fruit is quite extensive.

Elderberries contain Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin C,

Protein (in the form of lectin), fats, calcium, and carbohydrates for energy, iron and phosphorus. Elderberry contains ursolic and oleanolic acids which assists with the body’s normal response to inflammation.

Research has shown the elderberry provides immune system support.

The flavonoids found in elderberries include anthocyanins, probably the most powerful antioxidants known to mankind for preventing free radical cell damage caused by poor diet, environmental pollution and stress. In addition elderberry juice can also help improve vision, especially night vision.

Classical Greek healers were very impressed with the elderberry and considered it as one of the best known healing plants found on this earth.

The Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.) is a cousin of the blueberry and huckleberry and bilberry. Native peoples used cranberries as food, in ceremonies and medicinally.

There has been a rapidly growing recognition of cranberries for their consumer product popularity, nutrient content and antioxidant qualities, giving them commercial status as a “superfruit”. But, by far the cranberry’s most popular application is its juice.

Cranberry’s benefits come in a variety of forms.

Cranberries contain bacteria-blocking compounds that are believed to be helpful in preventing urinary tract infections, and scientists now think this same function may be useful in blocking the bacteria responsible for ulcers and certain oral bacteria that can lead to gum problems.

There is no doubt cranberries are a healthy fruit. They contain no cholesterol and virtually no fat and are low in sodium. Various cranberry products may contain substantial levels of dietary fiber and certain vitamins, as well as a variety of phytochemicals that may be beneficial to health. Scientists believe that it is the combined actions of many different phytochemicals that contribute to the overall healthy effects, and cranberries are rich in these compounds.

Cranberries are a source of vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 Thiamine, Vitamin B2 Riboflavin, Vitamin B2 Complex Niacin, dietary fiber and the essential dietary mineral, manganese, as well as a balanced profile of other essential micronutrients such as: Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Vitamin A,Vitamin K, Beta-Carotene, Lutein and zeaxanthin.

Cranberries are a source of polyphenol antioxidants, which provide benefits to the cardiovascular and immune system.

Pomegranates are originally from Asia and the Middle East, the pomegranate fruit is also known as the Chinese apple.

Pomegranates are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and potassium, and pomegranate juice contains antioxidants polyphenols that will help to protect your blood lipids from oxidation.

The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate juice are the hydrolyzable tannins called punicalagins which have free-radical scavenging properties in laboratory experiments.

Other phytochemicals contained in pomegranates include polyphenols catechins, gallocatechins, and anthocyanins, which is a valuable antioxidant..

The ORAC score or antioxidant capacity of pomegranate juice has been measured at 2,860 units per 100 grams.

In addition, pomegranate juice, like aspirin, can help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted clots.

Recent research has found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily for three months improved the amount of oxygen getting to the heart muscle.

There is evidence to suggest that pomegranates may also support healthy joints.

The astringent qualities of the pomegranate flower juice, rind and tree bark are considered valuable for a variety of purposes. They have been used for toning skin, (after blending with mustard oil) and even firming-up sagging breasts.

Cherriesare very high in antioxidants. Cherries, (as either dried, frozen, or cherry juice), have among the highest levels of very valuable antioxidants, as compared to other fruits. Cherries also contain important nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium,magnesium, iron, fiber and folate. Cherries are contain 19 times more beta carotene than blueberries or strawberries.

Cherries have a very high ORAC antioxidant score – here are some of the ORAC score levels for a serving of various types of cherries:

* Cherry Juice Concentrate: 12,800 ORAC units

* Dried Cherries: 6,800 ORAC units

* Frozen Cherries: 2,033 ORAC units

* Canned Cherries: 1,700 ORAC units

Cherries derive their much of their antioxidant power from the powerful anthocyanins contained in cherries. These anthocyanins provide the distinctive red color and may hold the key to the cheery’s many health benefits. The rich, red pigments that give cherries their color are a type of phytonutrient known as flavonoids, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits.

Scientific studies have shown that anthocyanins in cherries help the body to respond to inflammation by blocking the actions of cycloxygenase-1 and 2 enzymes.

Cherries are exceptionally rich in many health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic anti-oxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene. These antioxidant nutrients act as protective scavengers against harmful free radicals that play a role in aging.

Here is something I found surprising to learn. Cherries contain melatonin and are one of the very few foods that contain it. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant produced naturally by the body’s pineal gland that helps regulate biorhythm and natural sleep patterns. Eating cherries can help you get to sleep faster and also ease jet lag.

A University of Michigan study shows a cherry-enriched diet may help lower body fat (especially belly fat), reduce weight, and support heart health.

Cherries have also been shown to provide excellent joint health support.

Aronia berriesare mainly known to have the highest level of antioxidants of any fruit. This translates to the aronia berry having an ORAC (oxygen radical absorptive capacity) score or value, which is higher than any other food.

Native Americans in North America used the aronia berry for medicinal purposes, for making dyes for clothing, and for preserving meats and other foods.

The antioxidant power of the aronia berry is largely due to its high concentration of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, both of which are largely responsible for the aronia berry’s dark, almost black, color.

Anthocyanins is a pigment that causes the red, blue or purple colour of plants, fruits, vegetables and flowers. Anthocyanins are flavonoids which help to keep arteries clear, so they are good for cardiovascular health.

The aronia berry also contains vitamins B2, B6, E, C and Folic Acid (another B-vitamin).

Studies have shown the aronia berry can benefit or support blood circulation, urinary tract health, heart health and gastrointestinal health.

Jujube is one of the worlds oldest fruits, having been used in Chinese medicine for over 4000 years.

While Jiaogulan has been called the “Immortality Herb”, Jujube has been called “The Fruit of Immortality.” The jujube tree fruit is usually reddish in color, and oval shaped. The jujube fruit can grow up to 2 inches in diameter, and it has a smooth skin and a single seed or stone. The fruit is often dried and used in herbal remedies.

In traditional Chinese medicine, jujube has a tonifying effect, it calms the spirit and nourishes the blood. It is also often used as a synergistic herb in herbal formulas to make the ingredients taste better and function more smoothly.

Let’s examine the Nutritional aspects of the Jujube Fruit.

* Jujube contains heavy concentrations of B-Vitamins niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and two forms of vitamin A (beta-carotene).

* The Jujube fruit also contains the valuable minerals calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.

* The Jujube fruit contains 100 times more vitamin C than apples and 20 times more than citrus fruits like oranges.

* The Jujube fruit contains and array of phenols and nine bioflavonoids, which support vascular function and cellular health

* The Jujube fruit contains 18 amino acids.

* The Jujube fruit contains a very large variety of organic acids, the most notable being betulinic acid.

Acai is rated as one of the highest antioxidant containing fruits in the world. Acai has 10 times the antioxidant level of grapes and twice that of blueberries. Acai also has up to 30 times the Anthocyanins of red wine.

Acai can have a fairly high ORAC score – fresh acai berries (100 grams) can have an excellent ORAC antioxidant score of up to 5500. However, freeze dried acai (100 grams) can have an off the chart ORAC antioxidant score of over 70,000. These are totals – this means you would have to eat 100 grams or about 3 and a half ounces of fresh acai berries to get 5500. And eating 1 gram of freeze dried acai would give you an ORAC score of 700 per gram.

The amazing benefits of Acai include increased energy, anti-aging, improved sleep and strong heart health, just to name a few.

Let’s examine what Acai contains from a nutritional standpoint.

First Acai is very rich in vitamins and minerals. Acai contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. Acai contains as much Vitamin C as blueberries. Acai also contains the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc.

Acai is a very valuable source of Plant Sterols There have been 3 specific plant or sometime called photosterols that are contained in Acai – B-sitosterol, campesterol and sigmasterol. Photosterols have numerous health benefits like healthy heart and digestive function.

Acai is also a very valuable source of Amino Acids and Protein. 19 different amino acids have been identified in Acai.

Also the Acai berry is a very rich source of the healthy unsaturated Omega fats like Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. Almost half of the Acai berry is fat, with 74% of the fat being the healthy unsaturated fats like Omega 3

 Amalaki Fruitis a centerpiece of many traditional Ayurvedic formulations. It is sometime referred to as Indian Gooseberry.It is very rich in vitamin C. The fruit is a powerhouse of antioxidants, polyphenols, tannins, bioflavanoids, amino acids, trace minerals and other beneficial phytonutrients. The fruit also contains flavonoids, ellagic acid and gallic acid.

It is highly regarded for promoting healthy digestion..

In addition here are some of the other healthy benefits of the amalaki fruit:

* It Promotes cellular rejuvenation, energy, and vitality.

* It improves nutrient absorption, and overall intestinal health.

* It assists with the body’s normal response to inflammation.

* In contains anti-aging properties

* It enhances the immune system

* As an antioxidant it fight harmful free-radicals..

Lychee, translated from Chinese means “gift for a joyful life”.

Lychee fruit is high in the antioxidant Vitamin C and the essential mineral Potassium plus riboflavin and copper.

It is also a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin and folates. These vitamins are essential since they function by acting as co-factors to help body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Lychee fruits are low in calories and rich in dietary fiber which can be very important for individuals who are concerned about excess body weight.

Lychees are high in heart-healthy polyphenols, containing 15% more than grapes, a fruit commonly referenced as high in polyphenols.

Here are some of the many Health & Nutritional Benefits of Eating Lychee

Lychee helps in increasing the energy of the body.

It increases fluids in the body, which are required for good health.

It enhances the feeling of well being.

Lychee is extremely rich in Vitamin C and contains approximately 40 percent more vitamin C than orange.

It even has high levels of Beta carotene, greater than that found in carrots.

It contains unsaturated fatty acids, which help in the absorption of beta carotene, and many other fat soluble vitamins.

Lychee fruits have been used for coughs and it is also considered a good antacid.

Seeds of Lychee are said to have analgesic properties and a herbal tea made by boiling tree bark, roots, and flowers from the lychee tree can boost the body’s immune system.

Traditionally in northern India powdered lychee seeds are taken to support the digestive tract.

Bilberry

The bilberry gained fame during World War II as an aid to help pilots. British Royal Air Force pilots ate Bilberry preserves before night missions as an aid to night vision. It works by helping the eyes better adjust to quick change in light. Bilberry works by improving the microcirculation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance required for good eyesight.

Bilberry has long been recommended for poor vision and “night blindness.” Clinical tests confirm that given orally it improves visual accuracy in healthy people.

Bilberry supports heart health by improving blood circulation as well as supporting the health of arteries. Moreover Bilberry contains many antiseptic properties as well.

The bilberry is a strong antioxidant that keeps capillary walls strong and flexible. It also helps to maintain the flexibility of the walls of red blood cells, which allows them to pass through the capillaries better. Bilberry contains anthocyanidins and phytochemicals which support healthy blood pressure, and enhance blood supply to the nervous system. Studies indicate that anthocyanidins can provide up to 50 times the antioxidant protection of vitamin E and 10 times the protection of vitamin C. In addition, bilberry supports and strengthens collagen structures, assists with the body’s normal response to inflammation, and has anti-aging properties.

Bilberry’s fruit contains flavonoids, Vitamins A and C, providing antioxidant protection which can help prevent free radical damage to the eyes. Vitamin A is required for sharp vision, while Vitamin C helps form collagen and is needed for growth and repair of tissue cells and blood vessels.

Anthocyanosides support and protect collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, assuring strong, healthy capillaries that carry vital nutrients to eye muscles and nerves.

Codonopsis is a  long, sweet root is used extensively in herbal medicine. The Chinese name for codonopsis is tang shen, other common names include bastard ginseng and bonnet bellflower.

Codonopsis is a relatively inexpensive herb that is quite often substituted for Panax ginseng in herbal tonics. It has a similar action as ginseng only not as strong. Thus it gets the name the “poor man’s ginseng” as it has often been used as a ginseng substitute in herbal formulas when ginseng was too expensive or not available.

 Thus codonopsis root is often used by poorer Chinese patients, however, its relatively low cost does not diminish it’s place as one of the more important Chinese herbal medicines.

Codonopsis is typically used to supply increased energy in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine. It is also known to provide healthy support to the digestive, respiratory, and immune systems.

It can also help improve metabolism and provide healthy blood pressure support. It also functions as an adaptogen.

Astragalus root is also called huang qi or milk vetch. It comes from a type of bean or legume.

In China, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners would make herbal drinks by soaking the Astragalus root in boiling water and drink it like a tea or a soup as Astragalus has many health benefits. It is usually combined with other herbal supplements. Astragalus root has been used for centuries by traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.

Many herbalists believe that Astragalus is an ideal substance for boosting the immune system. In addition it has multiple health benefits like:

It increases antioxidant protection and improves circulation.

It has also been shown to provide healthy heart benefits.

It can help fight fatigue as well as improve sleep.

It also can help in maintaining blood pressure already within the normal range.

It fights against free-radical activity, and assists with the body’s normal response to inflammation.

Also studies show it may be beneficial for maintaining cholesterol and blood lipids already in the normal range.

 Astragalus root contains important nutrients like glycosides, polysaccharides, choline, betaine, rumatakenin and b-sitosterol.

Ginger is a root plant related to turmeric.

What makes Ginger Root so unique is it has been used around the world for thousands of years for both medicinal purposes and as an aromatic spice. Ginger also acts as a useful food preservative.

Here are some of the useful benefits of Ginger:

It has been used as an aid for motion sickness.

Ginger maintaining cholesterol and blood lipids already in the normal range.

Helps maintain and support healthy joints.

It is a very potent antioxidant against free-radical activity, which assists with the body’s normal response to inflammation.

Other benefits of Ginger Root include use as a natural antihistamine.

It is frequently employed to disguise the taste of medicines.

The two most active ingredients in ginger root are shogaols and gingerols.

Ginger is composed of various nutrients and phytochemicals. The nutrients ginger contains are: Amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-3, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, and zinc.

The Phytochemicals it contains are: Alpha-pinene, beta-carotene, beta-ionone, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, camphor, capsaicin, caryophllene, chlorogenic acid, citral, curcumin, farnesol, ferulic acid, geraniol, gingerols, lecithin, 1,8-cineole, and zingerone

Camu camu provides nutritional support for a healthy immune system, and support for the brain, lymph glands, heart and lungs. It is also an excellent antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Camu Camu has an extraordinarily high Vitamin C content. In fact it has the highest concentration of Vitamin C among all fruits on earth. The Camu-Camu fruit provides about 30- 50 times more Vitamin C than an orange. The vitamin C from Camu camu helps protect the fat-soluble vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation. Camu Camu vitamin “C” as found in nature consists of enzymes, bioflavonoids and many other components that together are referred to as the P factor. These P factors benefit the body in numerous other ways besides antioxidant activity. The P factors strengthen the vascular system.

Plus camu camu contains natural beta-carotene, calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, thiamin and the amino acids valine, leucine and serine.

Camu camu is also rich in very valuable nutritional flavonoids and phytochemical compounds which have demonstrated health benefits.

Longan is often referred to as a (”dragon eye”). It is so named because its fruit, when it is shelled, resembles an eyeball (the black seed shows through the translucent flesh like a pupil/iris.) It is used in Chinese herbal medicine.

Longan contains several compounds, including valuable ellagic acid, that bestow antioxidant and cellprotective effects.

Longan is also rich in a number of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, and is rich in vitamins A, B-Complex, Niacin, Calcium, Phosphorous and Vitamin C. In traditional Chinese medicine, longan is considered to have a sweet taste and warm energy, and is associated with the Heart and Spleen meridians.

Longan fruit is beneficial for improved sleep, forgetfulness and anxiety. Longan promotes relaxation and tranquility. It also increases energy and physical stamina.

** Thanks for this informative article must go to Lyndon & Joann Biernoff who are a dynamic Nutritionist/Naturopath mother and son team that share over 50 years experience in the field of natural medicine.  Both have been interviewed regularly in the media to offer perspectives on health related issues and to discuss the latest breakthroughs in the field of nutrition & science. Their passion is simple, “The most valuable asset & the best piece of real estate that you will ever own is your own body”, taking the time to understand how to best look after it and to have it perform at its optimum is essential in today’s fast paced society.

Theese are views I share with them and their work is outstanding.

Have a great day.

Craig Hitchens – Natural Health Specialist.

Dips; H.Sc.(life Science). Med. H. Adv. Couns. Reflex. Massage. S.H.(Meditation). NESCP. TFTCP. IICT Member.

Constipation Study

  

Let’s face it, getting a dose of constipation is not the most pleasant thing to experience and the pharmacy has a plethora of dodgey drugs to alleviate the issue that tend to leave you wishing you hadn’t! There are some long known about herbal solutions to this and now science has finally caught up and given them the thumbs up! Below is a link to a study recently published on http://biomedcentral.com detailing how certain herbs namely containing Pimpinella anisum L. (Green Anises) , Foeniculum vulgare. (Fennel)  Miller, Sambucus nigra L. (Sambuguiero)  and Cassia augustifolia (Senna) have been proven to aid in constipation relief and bowel condition.This is a freely distributed study and you can download a copy for yourself if you like. Enjoy the read. Download Here.

Craig Hitchens – B.HSc. NESCP. Naturopath – NES Quantum Bioenergetic Therapy

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