The fruit has a deep purple color to it and is about the size of a grape. The acai berries have a sharp taste that is reminiscent to a blend of chocolate and berries.

Even though only about ten percent of the acai berry is edible, it contains many nutrients. It’s proponents believe that it may be one of the most nutritious foods on earth. Acai berries are crammed full with amino acids, antioxidants, and important fatty acids. (...)>

Read the rest of Amazing Health Benefits from Brazil: Discover the Acai Berry (125 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: acai berry, antioxidants, berries

Broccoli is misunderstood and under-appreciated, but this superhero of super foods can do more for you in one cup than other foods can in several servings. Keep reading and perhaps you’ll gain new respect for this SUPER super food. (...)>

Read the rest of The Benefits of Broccoli — The Super Hero of Super Food (442 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: antioxidants, broccoli, detox your body, digestion, potassium, super foods, vitamin a, vitamin c

What are super foods?

That’s the million dollar question, or rather, the 100-year-old question. Super foods do what those ” miracle” products can’t — and they do it naturally. How did your ancestors manage to live long, healthy lives without all the powders and potions? It wasn’t just because they stayed fit by working from sunup to sundown. The food they ate had a lot to do with it.

Unlike the much-hyped powders, pills, and potions said to cure what ails you, super foods aren’t ” super” because they are filled with additives and other proprietary substances that the manufacturers keep secret. These foods are ” super” because of just how uncomplicated they really are.

Super foods, as they have been dubbed, are actually foods that are nutrient dense but contain no additives or preservatives. (...)>

Read the rest of What are Super Foods? Discover the Secret Benefits of Real Food! (350 words)

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As a food, it is rich in protein, contains 18 amino acids, polypeptides, polysaccharides, terpenoids, germanium, vitamins and minerals including potassium, magnesium, calcium and germanium. It contains high levels of antioxidants, which help to destroy cancer-causing free radicals.

It is the polysaccharides (complex sugars) that impart the highest degree of immune support and other benefits. The Red Reishi contains the highest number of polysaccharides of all of the varieties of ganoderma. These high levels of polysaccharides are also responsible for the Red Reishi’s remarkable detoxifying powers.

Red Reishi’s ganodermic acids may help alleviate allergies. The mushroom is traditionally used to help asthma and skin conditions like rashes and psoriasis.

Red Reishi is good for people who are under stress. It is regarded as an adaptogen, which helps the body’s defenses against a variety of assaults including environmental and biological ones. Red Reishi helps to improve physical strength and stamina and helps lower blood pressure.

In numerous scientific studies, it has been scientifically proven to treat a variety of human diseases including Lupus, HIV, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and cancers of the lung, prostate and blood. In numerous scientific studies Reishi has been shown to possess anti-tumor properties. Red Reishi also helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with the common allopathic cancer treatments of radiation and chemotherapy.

In China and now around the world, the Red Reishi has a reputation as a ” miracle herb.”  (...)>

Read the rest of Red Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum): Miracle Superfood? (316 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: asthma, lupus, mushrooms, red reishi, superfoods, supplements, tea

It is used to ward off colds and the flu as it is believed to strengthen the immune system. It is helpful in soothing coughs.

Fresh ginger roots are sold in the produce department of most grocery stores. Other forms of ginger include dried root, capsules, tablets, tea, extracts and tinctures. Ginger roots can be peeled, sliced and simmered in water and sugar to make a delicious candied-ginger treat.

Ginger combats nausea caused by motion sickness and is far superior to the commonly used over-the -counter and prescriptions drugs used for motion sickness. Ginger may also be taken as a remedy to prevent or relieve nausea resulting from chemotherapy, pregnancy and surgery.

A recent study revealed that chemotherapy patients who started taking ginger capsules several days before their scheduled treatment had fewer or less severe side effects from nausea.

Ginger soothes the digestive system resulting in relief from gas and indigestion. It is effective in reducing migraine headaches without the side effects of drugs. Herbalist recommend ginger to regulate blood cholesterol and improve blood circulation especially to the hands and feet.

According to Jack Ritchason, author of ” The Little Herb Encyclopedia,” Cornell University Medical College conducted a study that revealed ginger may prevent hardening of the arteries and that ginger’s active ingredient, gingerol, has proven effective in preventing the reoccurrence of “mini strokes.”

The gingerols found in ginger are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit the production of nitric oxide, which helps relieve joint pain that is associated with arthritis. It also provides substantial pain relief from gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and decreases swelling and morning stiffness.

Ginger has twelve types of anti-oxidants and is an excellent antiseptic and body cleansing herb. It contains active ingredients that promote lymph-cleansing and stimulate the kidneys to increase their filtration. It is also considered to be an aphrodisiac.

Ginger is an excellent aid to digestion and combats motion sickness far superior to over-the-counter remedies. Ginger has very few side effects when used in small doses, however, it does contain moderate amounts of oxalate, therefore, if you have a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones seek advice from your personal physician before using ginger or any alternative health practices.

Make an easy ginger tea by boiling about 2 cups of water, then adding a small piece of ginger (about 1″ long). Allow it to steep for 15 minutes and add sugar, honey or lemon to taste.

Recipe for Ginger Candy

10 oz. fresh ginger roots
2 cups of sugar
1 tablespoon water

Peel the ginger and slice them length-wise into 1/8″ slices. Punch holes in the slices with a fork as if you were tenderizing a steak. Combine sliced ginger, sugar and water into a heavy wok or cast iron pan. Bring to a slow simmer. Simmer and stir occasionally for one hour. Then lower the heat, allowing it to slowly simmer, continue stirring until the sugar crystallizes. Keep your heat low and do not allow the mixture to turn brown like caramel.

Warning: Since raw ginger or ginger juice has a hot a spicy taste it is advisable to avoid giving it to very young children.

Reference: Ritchason, Jack, N.D., The Little Herb Encyclopedia, Woodland Publishing, 1994.

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Geranium is a natural anti-fungal, antiviral, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent and deodorizer.

It is used in aromatherapy and in skin care for its restorative effect on sebaceous gland activity, helping to normalize oily skin, oily scalp, dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. It is widely known for its skin rejuvenating properties. Five to seven drops of this oil in the bath water can help to revive tired skin.

Because of its cicatrisant properties, geranium also helps to reduce the appearance of scars from surgery, acne boils or other trauma. Use approximately one drop of geranium oil per ounce of carrier oil and rub it into the scar daily.

Geranium’s regenerative properties make it an excellent treatment for acne and burns. In these cases apply the undiluted steam distilled oil directly to the affected area with a q-tip. (...)>

Read the rest of Geranium: Uses for Health and Home Remedies (358 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: aromatherapy, depression, geranium, pms, skin care

Walnuts are used to remedy several physical illnesses, promote weight loss and enhance overall health. The most beneficial effects may be linked to their high content of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, which are absolutely essential for the good functioning of our bodies. Black walnut also contains sterols, tannins and iodine.

Many of the healing properties of walnut can be attributed to their high content of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are also called linolenic acid (ALA). A high intake of ALA protects against heart attack and it is able to burn excessive toxins and fatty materials, while it helps balance sugar levels.

Herbalists use the green hulls of the black walnut as an aid for intestinal health; it is a powerful anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. Black walnut tincture is a remedy for a variety of skin ailments including acne, ringworm, jock itch, athleteís foot, psoriasis, eczema, and blisters.

The black walnut offers many medicinal uses and benefits, it is used as an antiseptic, a germicide, an anti-parasitic and a laxative. The American Indian tribes recognized the benefits of black walnut for treating the itchy rash of poison ivy and poison oak.

Black walnut extract can be taken internally for gout, rheumatism, glandular disturbances and can expel intestinal parasites and tapeworms by oxygenating the blood to kill the parasites.

The green hull of the black walnut produces a brown stain; because of its high organic iodine content resulting in an antiseptic that is excellent for healing.

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Special note: It is important to wear gloves whenever handling walnut hulls because gathering walnuts with your bare hands will leave a dark brown stain on your hands that will not wash off. Walnut stains typically wear off in one or two weeks.

How to make a Black Walnut Tincture

1. Gather the nuts from a mature walnut tree in the fall while they are still green.
2. Separate the green hulls from the shell and the nut it contains. The inner meat of the nut should be picked out and bagged. These nuts can be frozen for use throughout the year.
3. Wearing rubber gloves, break the green hulls away from the nut, wash the hulls and place in a large mouth jar ( wide mouth canning jars or pickle jars work well).
4. Chop the hulls and mash down into the jar.
5. Fill the jar with enough vodka to cover the hulls. Screw on the lid and tighten it.
6. Store the jar away from direct sunlight while allowing the hulls to remain in the liquid for about 6 weeks.
7. Shake or stir this mixture a couple times a day.
8. After 6 weeks, strain the liquid through cheese cloth or coffee filters.
9. Using a funnel, transfer to amber or blue colored bottles.

Typical dosage for black walnut tincture is approximately 15 drops or 1 dropper full once or twice per day. Black walnut tincture can be applied to areas of the body affected by fungal and other skin conditions. The tincture should be carefully wrapped, however, because it can stain clothing.

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© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: black walnuts, home remedies, tinctures

The wine-making process can enhance the natural healing powers of a specific fruit or herb. For instance, wines made from dark berries not only retain the natural qualities of those fruits but also amplify their antioxidant properties many times over.

Elderberry is well known for its ability to inhibit cold and flu and it is valued by healers as a remedy for its antiviral and antibacterial properties.  Elderberry Wine is also a powerful antioxidant, made more powerful by the fermentation process.

Blackberry, besides being a powerful antioxidant, is historically used as a strengthener of the gums and and fortifier.  Blackberry is also used for diarrhea, skin rashes and minor sore throats.  It is a powerful agent against cancer-causing free radicals.  And, along with other purple-colored berries, it helps improve vision, especially at night. (...)>

Read the rest of Medicinal Wines and the Bounty of Berries (36 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: berries, wine

Hydrangea is very helpful for urinary problems, preventing the formation of gravel, helping any deposits to pass through the ureters from the kidney to the bladder. It increases the flow of urine and will remove bladder stones as well as the accompanying pain. Hydrangea acts as a solvent to help break down and prevent further formation of stones and deposits in the urinary and glandular systems.

Hydrangea is a diuretic herb that promotes the overall health of the prostate gland, by reducing inflammation, infection and swelling.

It also contains nutrients and minerals including high concentrations of calcium that is so important for strong bones and healthy connective tissues, and it is helpful for the swelling of arthritis and can ease the effects of severe rheumatism.

References:

Kroeger, Hanna, “Heal Your Life with Home Remedies and Herbs,” Hay House Publications; 1998.
Ritchason, Jack, N.D., “The Little Herb Encyclopedia,” Woodland Publishing, 1994.

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In countries that have not suffered the effects of Prohibition as the U.S. has, wine is regarded as a food and a source of nutrition. Only in recent decades has the remarkable amount of research reflecting the health benefits of moderate wine consumption forced the medical profession in the U.S. to revise their stance against wine consumption.

The Framingham Heart Study, which was first begun in 1948 and encompasses three generations of participants, demonstrates that there are 50 percent fewer deaths from coronary disease among drinkers than non-drinkers.

According to studies, one of the natural substances in red and white grape wine associated with longevity, improved cardiovascular health, immune system enhancement and anti-cancer properties is resveratrol.  This constituent has been the subject of numerous studies and is most often associated with the health benefits of wine in the collective mind of the public. (...)>

Read the rest of Rediscover the Medicinal Properties of Wine (428 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: research, wine

Pycnogenol. This herb is a powerful anti-oxidant capable of reducing free-radical tissue damage. Pycnogenol is much more effective than vitamins E, C, Carotene, Selenium.

In the winter of 1535 the French fleet of explorer Jacques Cartier, lay frozen solid at the mouth of what is now known as the St. Lawrence River in Canada. Adding to their plight, scurvy broke out resulting in the death of 25 crew members. As their provisions dwindled the remaining crew went onto the Quebec Peninsula to hunt and trap game, but without fresh fruit and vegetables they were in danger of dying from scurvy and malnutrition.

The remaining 85 crew members, growing weaker, were eventually rescued by friendly Quebec Indians. The Indians being experts on the medicinal properties of plants and trees offered them a tea made with the needles and bark of pine trees growing in the area.

Unsure of the results of the tea, the cure was given to only two of the sickest crew members, who began showing recovery so fast that within a week the tea was given to all the crew members with lifesaving results.

Four hundred years later, a research professor named Jacques Masquelier, visiting Quebec to study flavonols in pine bark and grape skins, learned of Cartier’s experience which had been chronicled in his journal, “Bref récit et succincte narration de la navigation faite en MDXXXV et MDXXXVI.”

With continued research he discovered that the Maritime Pine used by Cartier and his crew, which grows along the southern coast of France. Through his research, Masquelier “found that the maratime Pine Bark contained a blend of flavonols called proanthocyanidins which he later patented under the name Pycnogenol (Ritchason 175).” (...)>

Read the rest of The Anti-aging Benefits of Pycnogenol (226 words)

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The Europeans, Chinese and American Indians used the leaves and fresh berries of the Uva Ursi to treat bladder infections, kidney stones and incontinence. Marco Polo also recorded in the 13th century that the Chinese physicians were using this herb as a diuretic, for kidney and bladder problems. In other parts of the world, some North American Indians used an infusion of Uva Ursi to heal sore gums, canker sores and as a mouthwash.

Medical herbalists report that the diuretic action comes from arbutin, which is absorbed, remains unchanged and then is excreted by the kidneys producing an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucus membranes.

Uva Ursi strengthens the urinary passages and is good for inflammation of every part of the urinary system. It also increases the flow of urine and cleanses the spleen.  (...)>

Read the rest of The Benefits of Uva Ursi, aka Bearberry (131 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: bladder infection, herbs, urinary tract, uva usi

Although much of our early knowledge about how to use herbs for beauty has faded away, the idea of adding herbs to cosmetics is enjoying a renaissance.

Herbals are relatively free of side effects, which makes them the safest and most effective choice for beautiful, clean and healthy skin. One of the best ways to ensure the purity of your cosmetics is to make them yourself. If you understand the healing their properties, you can make herbal skin care creams and lotions in the kitchen of your home, using fresh herbs and oils. Here are is guide to using herbs for skin care: (...)>

Read the rest of Herbs: Natural Solutions for Healthy Skin (323 words)

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Before making a decision, sit and have a frank discussion with your doctor. While Internet research may be helpful, your doctor is trained to help you understand the risks and benefits of using antidepressants in the treatment of your depression.

There are two sides to every story and depression is no exception. What are the symptoms that you are experiencing with your depressive disorder? Are you able to function normally in your everyday life? How long has this latest depressive episode lasted?

Depression can cause life-altering changes in the body, mind, and life a person. These changes can be simply too much for a person to deal with. There can be feelings of sinking further and further into a deep dark hole with no chance of escape. This is where medication comes in.

Let’s look at a few examples of the benefits that antidepressants may provide a person suffering from depression. (...)>

Read the rest of Is it Time for medication? The Benefits of Antidepressants (378 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: antidepressants, depression, medication

Decreasing carb intake causes the body to burn fat for fuel instead of sugar, initiating rapid weight loss. And when the excess weight is gone, continuing a low carb lifestyle will ensure a healthy weight.

Because of the reduction of sugar in the blood, a low carb diet also produces other health benefits such as lower triglycerides, reduced blood glucose, increased good cholesterol, decreased blood pressure, as well as less muscle mass loss.

Obviously the benefits of a low carb diet are different for each individual. In addition, individuals can see and feel specific benefits at different times throughout a low carb diet and lifestyle. While weight loss is the most obvious benefit, and the main reason individuals choose a low carb lifestyle, there are other benefits that most people don’t expect, such as:

• Increased energy
• Reduced or eliminated brain fog
• Increased alertness and ability to focus
• Decreased hunger
• Quicker feeling of satisfaction from food
• Fewer mood swings; increased feeling of happiness and well being
• No more food binges or compulsive eating
• Improved dental hygiene; less plaque buildup and improved gum health
• Improvement in PMS symptoms
• Decrease in symptoms of menopause
• Decrease in headaches
• Improvement in joint and muscle pain
• Heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems decreased
• Improved skin appearance and texture

Of course not everyone who begins or maintains a low carb lifestyle will have every single one of these benefits, and not every single individual will experience these benefits in the same time frame. But, even if you just reap just one benefit, a low carb lifestyle can improve your quality of life for years to come.

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A few minutes a day of sunlight is sufficient to receive the necessary amount of vitamin D, however, this small amount is not enough exposure to the sun to cause adverse effects. Using sunscreen can block up to 95% of your bodyís vitamin D production.

The most important function of vitamin D is to control how much calcium our bodies absorbs from the foods we consume. Our bodies use calcium to build strong teeth and bones and to strengthen our nerves and muscles. Vitamin D maintains a sufficient amount of calcium in the blood and strengthens the immune system which may be a contributing factor in reducing the risk of contracting cancer, especially colon cancer.

A small amount of vitamin D is naturally found in a limited number of foods, such as nuts, eggs, and fish, and it is a common additive in milk and orange juice. This is known as vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol. It is the form of vitamin D that is used for most vitamin D supplements.

As scientists and doctors learn more about vitamin D, research is showing the mineral may be helpful in treating a variety of ailments. (...)>

Read the rest of The Benefits of Vitamin D — Disease Prevention (381 words)

© Healthy Journey 2010. | More articles: vitamin d

The health benefits of strawberries include eye care, proper brain function, and relief from high blood pressure, arthritis, gout and heart diseases. (...)>

Read the rest of Bite into the Health Benefits of Strawberries (506 words)

© Healthy Journey 2009. | More articles: fruit, strawberries

Green Tea For Health

All types of tea (green, black, and oolong) are produced from the Camellia sinensis plant using different methods. Fresh leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are steamed to produce green tea.

Common Names — green tea, Chinese tea, Japanese tea

Latin Names — Camellia sinensis

The Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea has a long history of use, dating back to China approximately 5,000 years ago. It has been used to treat everything from headaches to depression. (...)>

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Cranberries are the fruit from a native plant in North America. These red berries are used in foods and in herbal products.

Common Names — cranberry, American cranberry, bog cranberry

Latin Name — Vaccinium macrocarpon

Using Cranberry for Health

Cranberries are tart red berries that can be eaten and used medicinally. Historically, cranberry fruits and leaves were used for treating wounds, urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems.

Recently, cranberry products have also been used in the hope of preventing or treating urinary tract infections or Helicobacter pylori infections that can lead to stomach ulcers, or to prevent dental plaque.

Using cranberry can also act as a deodorizer for people that suffer from strong or odorous urine. Eating cranberries makes one’s urine more acidic, which creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria.

The Benefits of Cranberry

Cranberry is a good source of vitamin C and is also reported to have antioxidant and anticancer activity.

The compounds in cranberries include bioflavanoids, organic acids, carotenoids, and fiber.

Identified active phytochemicals in cranberries include proanthocyanidin oligomers, flavonol and anthocyanin glycosides and triterpenoids like ursolic acid, all of which have been found to inhibit cancer cell growth, either individually or in combination with one another.

How Is Cranberry Used

The berries are used to produce beverages and many other food products, as well as dietary supplements in the form of cranberry extract, teas, and cranberry vitamins in the form of capsules or tablets.

Cranberry Extract or Cranberry Vitamins?

The medicinal properties of cranberries can be obtained both from the whole fruit and from cranberry extracts. Cranberry doses usually range from 400-800 mg/day as a vitamin or extract or 8-16 fluid ounces of juice per day.

Cranberry Extract, usually made from cranberry powder, can be up to 20 times more concentrated than whole cranberries and doesn’t contain unnatural sweeteners like many juices.

The Science behind Cranberry

Some studies testing cranberry products for their ability to prevent urinary tract infections have shown promise. These studies have generally been small in size, and some were not randomized or controlled; therefore, the results are not conclusive.

Cranberry products have not been adequately tested to see if they can be used to help treat an existing urinary tract infection.

Research shows that components found in cranberry may prevent bacteria, such as E. coli, from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection. However, the mechanism of action of cranberry is not fully understood.

NCCAM, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research are funding studies to understand cranberry home remedies and whether:

• Cranberry can prevent urinary tract infection
• Cranberry can prevent the formation of dental plaque

Side Effects and Cautions

Eating cranberry products in food appears to be safe, but drinking excessive amounts of juice could cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.

Cranberry extract supplements are generally considered safe. However, anyone with a history of kidney stones should talk to a doctor before using cranberry extract as long-term use may increase one’s risk of developing a kidney stone.

People who think they have a urinary tract infection should see a health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Cranberry products (including cranberry extract and cranberry vitamins) should not be used to treat infection.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

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© Healthy Journey 2009. | More articles: cranberry, fruit