Health Benefits of Ginger and a Homemade Spiced Ginger Tea Recipe
Check out this awesome blog we found today from www.healthambition.com. A great little story about the health benefits of ginger and an awesome recipe for homemade spiced ginger tea!
Category: Ingredients We Choose
The benefits of KALE!
Ever needed to fill your meal full of a nutritious leafy green? Well Kale would be the best one to do it! Do you know why? Here are some reasons:
- Kale is extremely low in calories, very high in fibre, as well as having zero fat! One cup contains around 36 calories, 5 grams of fibre and 0 grams of fat.
- It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fibre content.
- Just one single cup of kale contains; Vitamin A; Vitamin K; Vitamin C; Vitamin B6; Manganese; Calcium; Copper; Potassium; Magnesium; Thiamine; Riboflavin; Niacin; Iron; Phosphorus.
- These can also be called Antioxidants, which are amongst the substances that help counteract oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is believed to be one of the leading drivers of aging and many diseases, including cancer.
- Kale also contains substances that bind bile acids and lower cholesterol levels in the body.
- Vitamin K is a very important nutrient, in which most Australians do not get enough of. Lucky for us, Kale is one of the world’s best sources of vitamin K, with a single raw cup containing almost 7 times the recommended daily amount. It helps prevent heart disease, osteoporosis and is absolutely critical for blood clotting.
- Kale is also believed to have protective effects against the growth & reproduction of cancerous cells, due to the fact that it is actually loaded with substances that have been shown to help fight the formation of cancers, at the molecular level. Although, Studies have shown that vegetables like Kale, may significantly lower the risk of several cancers, the human evidence is proven to be mixed.
- Kale is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that have been linked to a drastically reduced risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Kale is extremely low in calories, but also provides you with the significant bulk which should help you feel full. This is due to the low calorie but also high water content, which means the food has ‘low energy density’. Although, there are no tests directly linking kale to weight loss, eating plenty of foods associated with ‘low energy density’, have in fact been associated with numerous weight loss tests.
- Did you know? Cooked kale offers more iron than one pound of beef and more Vitamin C than an orange!
It is very clear why this newly found and very cheap superfood is causing such a huge buzz, not only with the organic kind, but with absolutely EVERYONE!
Sourced From: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408/Top-10-Health-Benefits-of-Eating-Kale.html
FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL
For some time now coconut oil has been a buzz word around the health industry, mainly because of its varied health benefits.
There has previously been a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for heart health. In reality, it is extremely beneficial for the heart. Coconut Oil can improve blood cholesterol levels and may lower your risk of heart disease as it is loaded with saturated fats which raise HDL (the good) cholesterol and change the LDL (the bad) cholesterol to a benign subtype. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in actively preventing various heart problems like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It reduces the incidence of injury and damage to arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis. Studies suggest that the intake of coconut oil may help to maintain healthy lipid profiles in pre-menopausal women.
Coconut oil is an excellent massage oil that acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skin, including dry skin. Unlike mineral oil, there is virtually no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin from the application of coconut oil. Therefore, it is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It can also delay the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin, which normally accompany aging. It helps in preventing degenerative diseases and premature aging due to its well-known antioxidant properties and can help in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. For that exact reason, coconut oil forms the base ingredient of various body care products like soaps, lotions, and creams that are used for skin care.
It strengthens the immune system because it contains anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, and even HIV. Candida, also known as Systemic Candidiasis, is a tragic disease caused from excessive and uncontrolled growth of yeast called Candida Albicans in the stomach. Coconut oil provides relief from the inflammation caused by candida, both externally and internally. Its high moisture retaining capacity keeps the skin from cracking or peeling off.
So if you haven’t yet discovered for yourself the health benefits of Coconut Oil do yourself a favour and try it, either in your cooking or on your skin. Your body will love you for it!
Sourced: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
Features and Benefits of Nettle
The leaves of the nettle plant are used to treat and relieve allergies. It is believed that consuming stinging nettle leaf before meals can cure food sensitivities. Nettle has anti-histamine properties, which act against the histamine present in the body and also against the allergic rhinitis. These leaves are helpful in treating seasonal allergies, hay fever, coughs, sneezing, hives and asthma.
Nettle has also been studied extensively and has shown promise in treating Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, bladder infections, bronchitis, bursitis, gingivitis, gout, hives, kidney stones, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, PMS, prostate enlargement, and tendinitis! Externally it has been used to improve the appearance of the hair, below are some of the wonderful benefits Nettle has for your hair;
Treats Hair Loss Problem:
Using nettle is one of the oldest treatments for combating hair loss. Stinging nettle capsules and tea can be consumed to treat hair loss internally while a good scalp massage using nettle oil combats hair loss effectively.
Helps In Hair Re-Growth:
Not only does nettle help in combating hair loss, it also helps in hair re-growth. Nettle leaves are rich in silica and sulphur. This helps in making hair shinier and healthier. Rinsing hair with nettle extracts and water results in re-growth of lost hair and also helps in restoring the original hair colour.
Treats Dandruff:
Massaging your scalp with coconut or mustard oil infused with dried nettle leaves and leaving it overnight is a very effective treatment for dandruff. Juice extracted by crushing fresh nettle leaves is also massaged on the scalp to treat dandruff.
Apart from the above mentioned benefits, nettle has some other benefits too and they are:
- Nettle is beneficial to the endocrine system.
- Nettle leaf is a good source of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, which make it anti-tumor and help in treating neoplastic diseases.
- Nettle leaves are helpful in treating neurological disorders like sciatica and neuralgia.
- It is also known as a spring tonic and improves circulation.
- It is known to stimulate digestive glands and helps in treating indigestion.
- Nettle tea is used to gargle for treating mouth and throat infections.
- It is known to kill intestinal worms and parasites.
- Rinsing mouth with nettle water acts as anti-bacterial and prevents gingivitis and mouth and other gum diseases.
- Nettle leaf also improves immunity and helps to cure hypertension.
EverEscents use Nettle is a number of our products. We enjoy using this ingredient for its wonderful features and benefits as mentioned above.
Sourced From:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-nettle.html
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-nettle-leaf-for-skin-hair-and-health/
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
The health benefits of Tea Tree Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, balsamic, expectorant, fungicide, insecticide, stimulant and sudorific substance.
Tea tree oil”s has become more popular within the last few years, and it is now added to soaps, shampoos, lotions, and other personal care products. Tea tree oil has many uses around the home which include:
- Toothbrush cleaner – A drop of tea tree oil can disinfect your toothbrush, which is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
- Mold treatment – Mix a drop with a cup of water, spray on moldy areas, and then wipe clean. For an all-natural disinfectant, you can also sprinkle a few drops of tea tree oil along with baking soda on your bathroom or kitchen surfaces.
- Natural pest control – The strong smell of tea tree oil naturally repels ants and other insects.
- Laundry freshener – Adding a few drops of this oil during the wash cycle will make your laundry smell crisper and kill organisms lurking in your washer.
Tea Tree Oil has wonderful properties that makes it a popular natural agent for curing all three types of infectious organisms: fungus, bacteria, and virus. More importantly, it is known to effectively fight a number of infections that are resistant to some antibiotics. Therefore, Tea Tree Oil is an excellent natural remedy for hundreds of bacterial and fungal skin ailments such as acne, abscess, oily skin, blisters, sun burns, athlete”s foot, warts, herpes, insect bites, rashes, dandruff and other minor wounds and irritations.
You can use Tea Tree for the following:
Acne Treatment
A common use of Tea Tree Oil is as a natural Acne treatment. An effective remedy is to dab a cotton swab into tea tree oil and then gently apply the oil onto affected areas before going to sleep. In the morning, rinse off the oil and wash your face as usual. Repeat this daily.
Boils and Carbuncles
Tea Tree Oil has also been used for the treatment of Boils or Carbuncles. It has been found to speed up the healing process while also relieving discomfort. Dip a cotton swab into the tea tree oil and then apply it directly onto the boil or carbuncle. Be sure to carefully dispose of the swab and make sure it does not touch any uninfected parts of your skin. Repeat this 3 to 5 times per day until the boil has healed.
Toenail Fungus
Tea Tree Oil helps treat toenail fungus infections. Simply apply 1 to 2 drops of the oil directly onto the infected toenails and rub it above and under the tip of the nail. Repeat this once per day.
Hair Care: The stimulant property of tea tree oil can be very beneficial for taking care of certain hair conditions. If you suffer from dandruff or hair loss, simply apply a diluted amount of tea tree essential oil to your scalp. The increased blood flow that you experience will help your follicle stay healthy and strengthen the hold on your hair, so you won’t suffer from premature hair loss. Also, since the skin will become healthier, it will be easier to keep moisturized, reducing the amount of dandruff and dry skin!
Please Note: Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid the use of Tea Tree Oil.
Sourced From:
http://www.homeremediesweb.com/tea_tree_oil_health_benefits.php
http://www.undergroundhealth.com/tea-tree.oil-health-benefits/?PageSpeed=noscript
The features and benefits of Lemongrass
Whether using the dried leaves steeped to make tea or the extracted essential oil, lemongrass produces considerable benefits.
What is lemongrass?
Lemongrass is a perennial plant with thin, long leaves and is indigenous to India and other areas of the Asian continent including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thai
land and Vietnam. It is also common in Ceylon, Central America, China, Guatemala, India, Java, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, the West Indian islands and Zambia.
Lemongrass has long being used as a flavouring in Asian style cooking. When added to recipes, the citrus-like flavour of the lemongrass herb powder or dried leaf adds a unique element to the meal. Though lemongrass is more widely known for its use as tea, it may be added to curries, beef, fish, poultry, seafood and soups.
Properties
Lemongrass is antimicrobial and therefore effective in destroying or inhibiting microorganisms. It also contains antifungal properties and has phenomenal qualities, which explains its industrial use as an insect repellent. It also has a positive effective on the body’s ability to use Vitamin A. Lemongrass also has rubefacient properties, meaning that it may be able to improve blood circulation.
Medicinal Uses
Lemongrass has been reported to have innumerable therapeutic and other health benefits. Widely used to alleviate certain respiratory conditions including laryngitis and sore throats, lemongrass has earned a reputation for its anti-pyretic property which reduces high fevers. Called fevergrass in some cultures the vapor is inhaled, leading to increased perspiration and eventually the complete removal of fever.
Lemongrass has powerful pain relieving properties. It helps to alleviate muscle spasms by relaxing the muscles thereby leading to the reduction of pain-related symptoms. It is thus useful for all types of pain including abdominal pain, headaches, joint pains, muscle pains, digestive tract spasms, muscle cramps, stomach ache and others. This remedy has also been linked to increasing the body’s ability to repair damaged connective tissue such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons and is thus recommended for these types of injuries. Another related benefit is for improvements in blood circulation.
As an antifungal and antibacterial, lemongrass inhibits bacteria and yeast growth. For this it is useful for gastrointestinal infections and may also be applied externally to wounds as it fights germs. As an antioxidant lemongrass, contributes to liver and pancreatic health by helping the body to more quickly remove toxins. It has also being linked to lowered or normalized cholesterol levels. It also treats digestive issues including gastro-enteritis and may be helpful in relieving constipation.
Some sources suggest that lemongrass has antidepressant properties and is thus beneficial for nervous and stress-related conditions. It is said to be helpful in alleviating anxiety and depressive symptoms. It helps to strengthen the nervous system and may thus be useful for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
The presence of Vitamin A in lemongrass makes it helpful for skin issues such as acne pimples. It helps to brighten the skin and eyes and clear up oily skin thus improving acne. Its antibacterial property is also valuable for skin infections. Lemongrass may improve poor body odour by controlling excessive sweating.
EverEscents use Lemongrass is a number of our products and not only is the aroma beautiful, we enjoy using this ingredient for its wonderful features and benefits as mentioned above.
Sourced from:
https://www.organicfacts.net/…benefits/…/health-benefits-of-lemongrass….healthers.org/lemongrass/
Essential Oils Features and Benefits…Part 3
Manuka essential oil
Properties: Manuka essential oil is an antidandruff, an antidote to insect bites and stings, as well as antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antihistaminic, antiallergenic. cicatrisant, cytophylactic, deodorant and is a great nervous relaxant.
Health benefits: It is commonly used to treat dandruff, counter venomous bites, inhibit bacterial and fungal infections, sedate inflammation, check production of histamine and reduces allergic symptoms. Finally, it quickly clears up scars and spots, promotes growth & regeneration of cells, and reduces body odor.
Patchouli essential oil
Properties: Patchouli oil is used as an antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, sedative, and a tonic.
Health benefits: This can be used to fight depression and uplift mood, soothe inflammation resulting from high fevers, does not allow wounds to become septic, increases libido and cures sexual disorders. Furthermore, it helps to tighten gums and muscles, and it stops hemorrhaging, heals scars and after marks, promotes cell growth, eliminates body odor, increases urination and removes toxins. Finally, it is well known for its ability to cure fever, kill fungus and insects, as well as reduce emotional and nervous disorders.
Rose essential oil
Properties: Rose essential oil has long been used as an antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, cholagogue, cicatrisant, depurative, emenagogue, haemostatic, hepatic, laxative, nervine, stomachic, and a uterineoil substance.
Health benefits: Traditionally, it fights depression and uplifts mood, soothes inflammation due to fever, protects wounds against developing sepsis, relieves spasms, fights viral infections, enhances libido and cures sexual disorders, while tightening gums and muscles, and stopping hemorrhaging. Furthermore, it inhibits bacterial growth, promotes discharges and secretions, heals scars, purifies the blood, opens up obstructed menses, stops hemorrhaging, boosts liver health, cures constipation and nervous disorders, as well as being good for stomach and uterine health.
Rosemary essential oil
Properties: Rosemary essential oil is great for stimulating hair growth, and as a disinfectant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, antibacterial, and analgesic substance.
Health benefits: It is very useful in terms of hair care, skin care, mouth care, anxiety, mental disorders, depression, pain, headache, rheumatism, respiratory problems, bronchial asthma, indigestion, and flatulence.
Sandalwood essential oil
Properties: It can be used as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, astringent, cicatrisant, carminative, diuretic, disinfectant, emollient, expectorant, hypotensive, memory booster, sedative and a tonic substance.
Health benefits: Sandalwood essential oil protects wounds from infection, soothes inflammations due to fever and other conditions, clears up spasms, tightens gums and muscles and helps stop hair loss. It can also reduce the chance of hemorrhaging, heal scars and after marks, give relief from gas, increase urination, fight infections, and it keeps skin smooth & free from infections. Finally, sandalwood essential oil traditionally cures coughs and colds, reduces blood pressure, increases memory, soothes nervous disorders and inflammations, and boosts your immune system.
Ylang Ylang essential oil
Properties: This essential oil is an antidepressant, antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, nervine and sedative type of substance.
Health benefits: It fights against depression and uplifts mood, stops sebum secretion, protects against sepsis while also reducing blood pressure, curing nervous disorders, soothing inflammation and reducing the severity of nervous disorders.
Sourced from:
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/list-of-essential-oils.html
Essential oil properties, uses and benefits…Part 2
Clove essential oil
Properties: It is antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, and stimulating in nature.
Health benefits: CLove essential oil has long been used in treatments related to dental care, like toothaches and cavities, as well as for infections, skin care, stress, headaches, respiratory problems, earaches, indigestion, nausea, blood circulation issues, blood purification, diabetes, immune system weakness, premature ejaculation, cholera, and sties.
Geranium essential oil
Properties: It has a range of qualities, including use as an astringent, haemostatic, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, diuretic, deodorant, styptic, tonic, vermifuge, and vulnerary.
Health benefits: It is employed to induce tightening of the gums, muscles, skin and blood vessels and in stopping hemorrhage, scar healing, promotion of cell growth, and increased urination. It is also used to stop body odor, tone up the body, and kill intestinal parasites and worms.
Grapefruit essential oil
Properties: This substance is a diuretic, disinfectant, stimulant, antidepressant, antiseptic, aperitif, lymphatic, and a tonic.
Health benefits: In various parts of the world, it is used to stimulate urination, fight infections, reduce depression and uplift spirits and mood. It also protects wounds from becoming septic while increasing the elimination of of toxins.
Jasmine essential oil
Properties: It is considered an antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, cicatrisant, expectorant, galactogogue, emenagogue, parturient, sedative and uterine.
Health benefits: Jasmine essential oil fights depression and uplifts mood, protects wounds, cures sexual dysfunctions, and increases libido. It also reduces spasms, heals scars and after marks, gives relief from phlegm and coughs, increases breast milk, and regulates obstructed menstrual cycles. The oil also eases the delivery of babies and labor pains, while sedating inflammation and nervous disturbances.
Lavender essential oil
Properties: Lavender essential oil can be calming, sleep inducing, analgesic, disinfectant, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal.
Health benefits: This oil is beneficial for treatment of issues with the nervous system, insomnia, pain relief, urine flow, respiratory disorders, skin care, hair care, blood circulation, indigestion, and immune system health.
Lemongrass essential oil
Properties: It is an analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, galactogogue, insecticidal, nervine, sedative, and a tonic.
Health benefits: Traditionally, lemongrass reduces pain, fights depression, inhibits microbial growth, reduces high fever, protects wounds from being septic, strengthens gums and hair and reduces hemorrhaging. This essential oil kills bacteria, eliminates gas, reduces body odor, promotes urination, reduces fever, stops fungal infections, increases milk, kills insects, strengthens nerves, soothes inflammation and nervous disturbances.
Sourced From: http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/list-of-essential-oils.html
Essential Oils properties, uses and benefits
Part 1 of 3
Essential oils are used extensively in aromatherapy and various traditional medicinal systems. Due to the numerous health benefits of essential oils, they are increasingly being explored by the scientific community for the treatment of a variety of diseases including cancer, HIV, asthma, bronchitis, heart strokes, and many more.
There are more than 90 essential oils, and each has its own health benefits. Most essential oils blend well with other essential oils in terms of function and odour, which allows herbalists to prepare a vast repertoire of aromatic essential oil combinations.
Here are EverEscents we use essential oils in all of our products and take great pleasure in knowing that it is benefiting all that use it. The following three weeks we will be talking about our preferred oils and their features and benefits.
Basil essential oil
Properties: Basil essential oil is carminative, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, antibacterial, and opthalmic.
Health benefits: It has long been used for skin care, indigestion, respiratory problems, infections, stress disorders, blood circulation issues, pain, and vomiting.
Bergamot essential oil
Properties: It is considered deodorant, vulnerary, vermifuge, antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, sedative, analgesic, antidepressant, disinfectant, febrifuge, cicatrisant, and digestive in nature.
Health benefits: Bergamot essential oil removes body odor, relieves spasms, suppresses pain, improves mood and fights depression, heals cuts and scars, and promotes efficient digestion.
Black pepper essential oil
Properties: It is considered a digestive, diaphoretic, carminative, aperient, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, and an antioxidant.
Health benefits: This essential oil aids in digestion, increases perspiration and helps remove toxins from the body. It also helps to remove gases from the intestines and does not let them build up, while acting as a purgative, curing spasms, and helping to treat arthritis and rheumatism by removing uric acid and other toxins from the body. Black pepper essential oil inhibits bacterial growth, fights premature aging and neutralizes free radicals that damage the body in countless ways.
Camomile essential oil
Properties: Traditionally, camomile essential oil has been used for almost anything you can imagine, including its use as an antispasmodic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antidepressant, antineuralgic, antiphlogistic, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, emenagogue, analgesic, febrifuge, hepatic, sedative, nervine, digestive, tonic, bactericidal, sudorific, stomachic, antiinflammatory, anti-infectious, vermifuge, and vulnerary.
Health benefits: Camomile essential oil is known to cure spasms, protect wounds from becoming septic and infected, curb biotic growth and infections, fight depression and uplift mood, cure neuralgic pain by reducing swelling in the effected vessels, and soothe inflammation from fever. It also eliminates gases, promotes discharge of bile, helps decrease visibility of scars, opens up obstructed menses and regulates them, cures pain, reduces fever, and is good for the liver. Furthermore, camomile essential oil sedates inflammation and hyper-reactions, improves nervous system health, aids digestion, reduces spasms, kills bacteria, increases perspiration, improves digestion, and fights infections. It is one of the most popular and useful essential oils out there!
Cedarwood essential oil
Properties: It is antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, diuretic, emenagogue, expectorant, insecticidal, sedative, and a fungicide.
Health benefits: Cedarwood is known to help cure seborrhoea, heal wounds, fight spasms, cause contractions in the gums, muscles, tissues, skin and blood vessels, while increasing urination and the subsequent removal of toxins, water, salt and fat from the body. It also regulates menstrual cycles, cures coughs and colds, kills insects, sedates inflammation and nervous disturbances, and inhibits fungal growth and infections.
Cinnamon essential oil
Properties: It is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, astringent, anti-clotting, stimulating, cooling, and carminative in nature.
Health benefits: It is frequently employed as a brain tonic, as well as for respiratory problems, skin infections, blood impurity, blood circulation issues, infections, wound healing, pain relief, birth control, menstruation problems, breastfeeding, heart disorders, diabetes, colon cancer, indigestion, and as a relief for bad breath!
Sourced from: http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/list-of-essential-oils.html