The "Cure" for Heartburn and Heart Attacks

Heartburn is probably one of the most common dietary ailments that Americans suffer today, and it is incredibly irritating, annoying, and painful. Of course this is true for anyone who experiences heartburn, but for some - the symptoms can occur so frequently and so severely that medical help and prescription medications seem to be the only solution. If you're pregnant, over-the-counter medications, as well as prescription drugs, can be risky.

During my first pregnancy, I had daily bouts of heartburn, sometimes very severe. I learned that there is a small flap between the stomach and the esophagus that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. However, it is quite common for this flap to become "loose fitting" during pregnancy, which allows stomach acid to seep into the esophagus - especially while laying down.

But you might be surprised to find out that one of the most soothing substances to the stomach lining actually comes from the pepper family - Cayenne. Doesn't sound possible? I wouldn't have believed myself if I hadn't personally tried it - and with great success!

While cayenne pepper is known for the soothing effect on the lining of the stomach, it is also considered a miracle herb by many in the herbal community. It has been claimed as the single life-saving substance for many heart attack sufferers, who say that without cayenne pepper - they would have surely died. Their doctors would probably agree. For an incredibly thorough look into how the red pepper can save a heart attack victim, be sure to visit Shirley's Wellness Cafe.

To take cayenne:
One teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper steeped in one cup of hot (not boiling) water is quite soothing to the stomach. While it may be your "cup-of-tea", you can purchase gel capsules and ground cayenne at most health food or herbal stores, and make the capsules yourself. The quickest and easiest way to take cayenne by buying a bottle of cayenne capsules!

The Many Uses of Dill

Dill is a wonderful herb, but few people know much more about it than it being the main flavor in pickles! As far as it's culinary uses, it is a wonderful addition to salads, soups, dressings, vinegar flavoring, bread, and is great on seafood - especially as a salmon seasoning. But what you probably don't know about dill is that is has long been used as a medicinal plant and home remedies.

Herbal folklore gave way to the belief that one could cure a case of the hiccups by smelling the aroma of dill. It has also been long considered a breath freshener, as well as an aphrodisiac.

Dill is also a useful herbal remedy in modern alternative medicine as well. It is most commonly used to to stimulate the appetite, and provides relief for minor coughs, colds, and sore throats, as well as bronchitis. It is helpful in relieving intestinal gas and flatulence, and easing and preventing infections. It can be used to help reduce fever, and as an aid in problems with the liver.

While the leaves, seeds, and dried fruits are all used in herbal medicine, the seeds are especially favored among herbalists. Dill is usually taken as a tea or an infusion, generally a teaspoon per cup of boiled water. Most grocery stores carry a fresh dill package in the produce area.

Make a Healthy Hawaiian Punch Alternative that Everyone will Enjoy

Summer is a great time for iced drinks, but kids all too often reach for sugary drinks - usually with food dyes and artificial colors. Not to mention that the unhealthy options that are available in most stores are super expensive, and hardly worth the price of the container!

One of the most pleasing alternatives to fruit punch, tropical punch, or other fruity beverages, can be made at home for less than the cost of most of the store bought options. What is it? Well depending on where you live, the brilliant flowers may be referred to as rosella, hibiscus, jamaica, or perhaps even another name. Made as a "tea" from the dried flowers, this beverage is a s common as iced tea in many cultures, but with a vitamin-packed power punch!

Where to get it:
If you regularly shop at a health food store, dried hibiscus flowers can easily be purchased either in bulk, or prepackaged. Alternatively, you can head over to the Mexican foods section of the grocery store, which generally offers a selection of packaged dried herbs and spices (such as garlic, cumin, chili peppers, anise seeds, and various dried leaves). The dried dark red flowers should be labeled as Jamaica, which is pronounced ha-MIKE-ah. If you are lucky enough to have a Jamaican (Carribean) community in your area, you could also look for Jamaican Sorrel, or red sorrel flowers. The flavors of the different varieties of the flowers are sometimes significant, so when you find the variety you like - remember where you bought it! Each has it's own unique and powerful flavor, and all of them are loaded with vitamin C.

How to make it:
Bring a large pot of water to a full boil. Stir in about 2 ounces of the dried flowers, and continue to stir for one minute, then remove from heat. Cover, let steep for about two hours. Add honey, stevia syrup, or other sweetener to taste. If the tea is too strong or tart for your liking, try adding a small amount of water before sweetening it more, and alter your recipe for next time!

Now sit back, relax and enjoy the summer while you're sipping on a nice tall glass of good ole' fashioned red tea! Oh, and if the kids try to spoil your "vacation" time, just put theirs in a really awesome glass with a straw and one of those cool little umbrellas, drop in an orange slice - the kids will love the special drink. For an extra special "sunset" drink, fill the bottom of the glass with a small amount of orange or pineapple juice, then slowly pour in the hibiscus tea. Add a spritz of lemon-lime soda (or carbonated water and a splash of lemon.) Top with a bing cherry and a slice of orange to create a festive tropical drink!

Black Willow Bark for Inflammation and Swelling

White Willow Bark has made quite a name for itself over the past few centuries as a pain reliever, and is closely related to aspirin. Known also as salacin willow, white willow has several beneficial medicinal properties. But did you know that Black Willow Bark is good for pain as well as swelling?

Black willow, also known as pussy willow, has medicinal properties that have also been known for centuries as a pain relieving plant. It has properties that also work to relieve swelling and inflammation.

Both barks can be made into a decoction by soaking 1-3 teaspoonfuls in cild water for up to three hours, (up to four hours for white willow bark). After soaking, bring to a boil and then promptly remove from heat source. This can be taken internally one mouthful at a time, but no more than one cup per day.

Combined, these two willow barks could be used (in small doses) much like you would use aspirin and ibuprofen, working to relieve both pain and inflammation, as well as the reduction of joint pain.

A Few Things You May Not Know About Parsley

Parsley is quite a wonderful and nutritious herb! Most people know that it's great for the breath after eating garlic, but not too many know what a power packed veggie it really is. Parsley is loaded with vitamin A, just like it's relative, the carrot - but parsley contains nearly 30,000 I.U. per ounce! Parsley is loaded with calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, and would be similar to eating the same amount of spinach. It is also quite rich in vitamin C and iron.

But what else could parsley help you with? Parsley is a diuretic, which means that it can help you shed extra water weight, or help combat water retention, especially during menstruation. But don't over do it, just drop a teaspoonful intoboiled water, and slowly simmer for 10 minutes. You can drink it like you would any other herbal tea.

If you prefer fresh parsley, try adding a small handful into your salad, or drop it into your soup as you would with fresh kale. For an extra special treat, you can eat your parsley in a wonderful dish like tabouli (which is made with lots of parsley), falafel (also contains parsley), hummus, and lettuce folded into flatbread, and either topped with tahini or yogurt mint sauce. Yum!

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Drink Too Much? Try a Natural Hangover Tea

Okay, I'll be honest - I've given out my Hangover Tea many more times than I would have thought - but people just keep drinking more than they should!! This is especially true for holidays (the New Year is coming...) and birthdays, but I've never actually had to drink my own Hangover Tea. Maybe for me it acts more like a preventative...or maybe it's watching people put their face to the cement outside or stick their cheek to the toilet bowl and beg for help...yep, I'd say that's the ultimate preventative, and it works very well for me!

It's a good idea to have the ingredients on hand, otherwise, you could be caught off guard and need a few more herbs to complete your tea. Most of the herbs you would use for this tea can be found in the local grocery store, but the cheapest are the stores that have a "Mexican food" section of the store, complete with herbs and spices. Even better, if you can find the little herbs that hang in plastic bags, they range in price from $0.50 a bag, to $1.99 each. Otherwise, start your search in the local herb store, or natural foods store, but both would be much more expensive. Some herbal stores even carry bulk herbs, where you can purchase them by weight. No matter where you buy your herbs, be sure that they are not capsulated, just the dried herbs. I have used this tea with people who were praying to the porcelin god to save them from the depths of drunken death, and after just a few sips of tea, they were thanking God for making the plants that saved their life - typical of a drunk sick person, but still amazingly quick results.

Place the following ingredients into a heat resistant container, dried ingredients first, then add two cups of boiling water into the herbs, do not drop the herbs into boiling water, it will destroy some of the properties of the herbs. Take tea sparingly, such as a spoonful every five minutes, starting with two to three initial spoonfuls. Continue as needed.

• 3 teaspoons of ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon of basil
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 1 teaspoon of peppermint
• 2 teaspoons of star anise
  (seed anise can be used if no star anise can be found)
• 1 teaspoon of chamomile

If you don't have all of the ingredients, use a combination of the herbs that you do have, the ginger is the most important herb, and the herbs in bold are also very important to the Hangover Tea. Try to have at least these three on hand, they are also good for indigestion and other stomach problems that are common during holidays and other "feasts".

This information is provided for entertainment purposes only and is not intended in any way to be a substitute for the advice of a trained medical professional. Please see a doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms after consumption of any amount of alcohol.

Healing Powers of Peppermint

Peppermint is known to be one of the oldest herbal remedies, and is also considered one of the safest herbs when used as a tea. It is very strengthening for both the heart and the stomach. While coffee and black tea have been accused of hindering digestion, peppermint tea can actually aid in digestion, and unlike coffee - peppermint does not cause constipation. Coffee is known to cause weakening of the heart and nerves, in contrast with the healing powers of peppermint, which actually acts to strengthen the heart muscle and nerves, even relieving and preventing heart palpitations and other heart troubles.

Peppermint is an herb favored pregnant women as well, as it will allay the symptoms of morning sickness, calming the stomach and helping to prevent nausea. For women suffering frequent headaches, two to three strong cups of peppermint tea is considered highly effective and much safer than aspirin and other drugs, producing no known side effects. The essential oils of peppermint can be inhaled to relieve headaches, a powerful aromatherapy cure. When used in conjunction with white willow bark, it can be invaluable in relieving headaches. Peppermint is a cleansing herb, and can prevent the growth of certain types of bacteria, as well as cleanse and strenthen the whole body. It is useful in cases of fainting and dizziness, restoring natural warmth and glow, and preventing relapse.

The minty herb is a general stimulant, helping with digestive and stomach troubles including colic, flatulence, nausea and vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diarrhea. and aids in the production of an enzyme in the liver that helps to detoxify the liver. If a tea is not available, or is not preferred, the leaves can be chewed and swallowed, greatly aiding in digestion. Peppermint has also been used historically for fever and chills, influenza, cholera, hysteria, and dysentery.

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Chamomile is More than Just a Sleepy Tea

Chamomile has been a useful herb for many centuries, and the inspiration for a plethora of literature on the flowering herb. It grows wild in many areas, including England, Germany, Asia, North Africa, and North America. Although there are several different types of chamomile, the conical centers of the common chamomile flower-heads have become the standard used in herbal medicine.

Chamomile is widely known for its tonic properties, and one of the most common ingredients in sleep aid teas and herbal sedatives. The flowers have a sweet smell, described by the Greeks as a "ground-apple". The Spaniards call it Manzanilla, which means "little apple". Not all varieties share the same smell, but it is characteristic of the common chamomile plant. It has been said that when placed near other plants that look "less-than-healthy", that it causes most other plants to become healthier within days. The overall health of a garden was determined by the number of chamomile plants growing within the borders.

In the past, it was used for many herbal remedies, many of which are no longer popular as medicinal uses. Considered a very useful herb in women's health, as it is both an emmenagogue and a diuretic, and therefore used during menstration by many women. It was also useful for nervous conditions, and helped in returning a woman from hysterics. It was also considered the only cure and preventative of nightmares, and still used today to induce calming sleep in children and adults. It is relaxing, soothing, and has absolutely no side effects, making it a natural mild sedative that can be taken safely.

For the elderly or those who have a weak appetite, it has been a useful appetite stimulant. Taking one cup of tea about an hour before a meal can greatly improve the ability to eat. When used with ginger root, it can ease indigestion, flatulence, colic, heartburn, occasional headaches, and increase appetite. The anti-diarrheal properties work well to bring normal activity to the bowels, and is a wonderful stomachic. On the flip side, if taken in strong doses it is an effective emetic. When used externally, chamomile was a popular anti-inflammatory, and used as a warm compress to ease the pain and swelling of open wounds, sprains, and bruises.

Are Herbs and Herbal Supplements Safe?

(Disclaimer: Consult your doctor about the safety of any herbs you plan to take. This article is for information purposes only and should not be substituted for the advice of a qualified medical practitioner, preferably one who is trained in herbal medicine.)

One of the most asked questions concerning herbs is "Are they safe?" Many of the herbs that you would find on your grocery store shelf in the tea and coffee section are proven to be relatively safe in the one serving tea bags, are subject to FDA approval, and generally very effective. For example, you can find echinacea tea in just about every grocery store, yet is highly effective for easing the symptoms of the common cold and the flu, and can shorten the duration of the illness. It can also provide a healthy boost for your immune system. However, when it comes to some of the more exotic herbs, or when choosing herbs from an herbal store, your choices should be well backed by knowlege of the herbs you purchase. Don't buy something that could affect your health just because everyone else is...remember the Fen-Phen fad?

There are some products on the market that contain ephedra, which for some people has cause heart problems, but for others can make breathing easier. Again, talking to your doctor would help understand your own body and to determine which types of herbs you should avoid. However, herbs such as chamomile amd green tea have relatively few (if any) side effects other than the wakeful effects of the caffeine in green tea. According to the FDA, if you find it on the shelf, it should be considered as safe as taking an aspirin. Some herbs even have fewer side effects than their pharmaceutical relatives, such as white willow bark - it has similar properties to aspirin, but without the stomach troubles!

Special care should be taken making herbal purchases online. While herbal and alternative medications in the United States are regulated by the FDA and therefore subject to the same safety standards as other over-the-counter medications, herbs sold on the internet may not be marketed by American companies, and safety standards could vary drastically in other countries. Herbs can be a great health benefit if used with care and knowlege. However, when determining the safety of dieting supplements, it should be noted that a healthy diet and plenty of fresh air and excercise can provide the body with the desired results of weight loss, as well as having other health benefits that are not easily replaced with a supplement, herbs, or vitamins pills. Knowing your own body is extremely important, for example if you have a pre-existing heart condition, you may want to avoid certain stimulating herbs. There is no substitution for education, and no supplement that can take the place of a healthy diet.

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Echinacea Herb for the Cold and Flu Season

Winter is coming quickly, and the air has taken on a nippy chill - that means cold and flu season. Taking care to improve your immune system and combat colds or even the flu can save you pain and suffering, and could reduce your number of sick-days this year. Echinacea has been used for many years to not only prevent common illness, but also has a wide variety of medicinal purposes. The plan resembles a Black-Eyed Susan, and is sometimes referred to as the purple cone flower. It is a North American perennial, indigenous to the central plains where it can often be found on the side of the road, in fields, the dry open woods, and in the prairies.

There are several parts of the echinacea purpurea plant that are used in herbal medicine, mainly the root and the leaves. Both are have mild antibacterial and antiviral properties, are are proven in German research to have the ability to strengthen the body's immune system, as well as the ability to prevent and naturally treat colds and flu. Others have cited it as a homeopathic treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, indigestion, gastroenteritis, and it is used for diet and weight loss. It can aid in the healing of wounds, both by drinking it for general healing, but also used in compresses to help prevent infection. The native Americans used it to treat snake bites, allegedly because it grows from a thick black root. It has also been known to be effective against virus activity in cases of herpes as well as flu, and can reduce the severity of sore throat, runny nose, and reduce the duration of the illness. The herb's antibacterial properties can stimulate the healing of wounds and skin conditions such as burns, bug bites, ulcers, psoriasis, acne and eczema. Echinacea also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve arthritis and lymphatic swelling.

Echinacea helps to kick the immune system into a disease fighting state, and is considered by herbalists to be one of the best blood purifiers, as well as an effective antibiotic, activating the body's immune system, and increasing the chances of fighting off any disease. Echinacea has even been known to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever, and ironically grows in areas known to cause hay fever to some people. It's an interesting revelation in the theory that for every ailment, there is a cure growing nearby.

You can take echinacea in the same way that you would take most herbs, such as in capsule form, and is also palatable in the form of tea. Be sure that if you are taking echinacea to improve your immune system that you are aware of what toxins you are putting into your system as well, such as sugar - one of the most common immune system suppressors in our diets. Other culprits include white flour, tobacco, red meat, coffee, and alcohol. This could mean re-thinking the trip to Starbucks and McDonalds, while smoking a cigarette on the way to work...yeah, we've all done it!

Healthy Benefits of Green Tea

The health benefits of drinking green tea are undeniable. Many researchers throughout the world have come up with answers that herbalists from China and Japan have known for centuries. Green tea is less fermented than its cousins oolong tea and black tea, preserving the benefits that are received from green tea. One particular study showing the effects of all three of the teas, following over 40,000 people in Japan during a period of nearly 11 years. The amazing results proved that those who drank five or more cups of green tea per day were considerably healthier, and lowered their risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 26%, lowered their overall mortality rate by 11%.

Green tea contains some incredible natural chemical ingredients, and is extremely rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. Research shows that EGCG, a powerful anti-oxidant, can prevent the growth of cancer cells, and kill cancer cells without harming healthy body tissues.

Several studies in the 1990's concluded that these polyphenols are also present in the diets of the French, who indulged in certain red wines containing the cancer and heart disease preventing compounds. This is the same ingredient in green tea that has proven to decrease the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men, even though they were quite often smokers.

Green tea has also shown to be effective in lowering the risk of abnormal blood clots, and lowering LDL cholesterol levels. This leads to a lowered risk of heart attacks and stroke, which are largely caused by the formation of abnormal blood clots.

Overall, green tea has proven helpful in preventing and treating cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, infection, impaired immune function, food poisoning, tooth decay, and obesity. Switching from your daily dose of coffee or soda to hot green tea in the morning or ice cold green tea on a sunny afternoon, you would greatly reduce your risks for many diseases, but reducing your intake of sugar if you are substituting a healthy cup of green tea for your store bought whipped cream laden coffee drink, and they do sell green tea drinks at your favorite coffee shops most of the time, too!

Red Raspberry Leaf is a Pregnancy Wonder Herb

During pregnancy there are many different stages that the body goes through. During each trimester there are many diverse changes within the body, affecting how a person feels. Some herbs are useful during some stages of the pregnancy, and others are are useful during another. But there are few herbs that have wonderful effects on the body during most stages of pregnancy.

As mentioned in one of our previous articles, Overall Health and Natural Foods, certain herbs and foods have a beneficial effect on specific areas of the body. Red raspberry leaf is no exception, it is a tonic herb that has beneficial properties working specifically on the pelvic region, and most specifically the female reproductive system. During pregnancy, it can help tone the uterus and prepare the muscles for childbirth. The herb has been used for thousands of years, and known in many countries around the world for it's ability to ease some of the discomforts during the pregnancy. Since it can help facilitate the childbirth process, it should be used with caution, and your physician should be contacted prior to using the herb. However, red raspberry leaf is considered generally safe to take, and is not generally considered an herb that induces labor.

Red raspberry leaf is a wonderful herb, suitable for uses other than pregnancy, with many healing properties for all types of people. For instance, the tannins in the tea (one teaspoon per eight ounces of boiled water) act as an astringent, an anti-diarrheal, and soothes intestinal inflammation. The leaves are high in vitamins A, C, E, and some B complex vitamins, in addition to calcium, phosphorus, potassium. The calcium in red raspberry leaves is easily assimilated (absorbed by the body), making it a great dietary suppliment for those who are seeking substitutions for the calcium in milk. Red raspberry helpful in aiding sore throats, canker sores, astringent for cleansing wounds, burns and scalds, laxative (as a cold infusion), and stomach aches. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other herbs. Enjoy a cup of warm tea before bedtime for relaxation. Red raspberry leaf tea is great by itself, but if you feel the need to sweeten, try honey instead of sugar. Sugar can destroy some of the natural properties of herbs as well as prevent proper absorption. If you absolutely must use sugar, go with raw instead of bleached sugar.

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