Spice Combinations

1. Garam Masala

2 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp coriander seeds
2 tbsp cardamom seeds
2 tbsp black peppercorns
1 tsp whole cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp grated nutmeg

1. Add all the spices except the cinnamon and nutmeg to a skillet and toast on medium heat for a few minutes, just until fragrant. Do not burn the spices or you’ll have to start over.

2. Add all the spices to a spice mill or coffee grinder and grind into powder. Store in an airtight container.

2. Chinese Five Spice

2 tbsp anise seed
2 tbsp fennel seed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp whole cloves
2 tbsp whole peppercorns

3. Curry Powder Mixture

8 tbsp cumin powder
7 tbsp coriander powder
2 tbsp ginger powder
4 tbsp turmeric powder
1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper

4. Jamaican Jerk Spice Mixture

2 tsp ground thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp fine grain sugar
2 tsp dried chives

5. Herbes de Provence

1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp chervil
1 tbsp rosemary
1 tbsp summer savory
1 tsp lavender
1 tsp tarragon
1 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp mint
2 chopped bay leaves

6. Cajun Spice Mix

1/4 cup of salt
2 tbsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp paprika
1-1/2 tbsp. onion powder
2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp ground mustard
1/8 tsp ground cloves

The Amazing Benefits of Olive Leaf

I've been recently researching olive leaf (thanks to the testimony of a friend who said it had cured her son of a chronic nose drip)  I have had the boys on elderberry and olive leaf all winter and they haven't been sick (even with the weather change) since I did. I'm sold.

Here are some highlights:

*Olive leaf appears to be the most aggressive Free Radical Scavenger known, almost twice as effective as Vitamin C, Green tea and Grape Seed extract. 

*Anti-viral (in tests olive leaf stopped every virus with which it came in contact)

*Anti-bacterial

*Anti-parasitical

*Strengthens the immune system

*Lowers cholestrol and blood pressure

*Lowers blood sugar

*Soothes the stomach

*Cleanses and detoxes the skin

*Helps curb infections eye, ear, tooth and other vaginal infections.

*Reduces symptoms of PMS

*Prevents bacteria such as E. coli sticking to the walls of the intestinal walls; will also rid the body of the salmonella bacteria

*Natural antibiotic

*The liquid extract shows an antioxidant capacity almost double green tea extract and 400% higher than vitamin C

Doesn't it sound wonderful?!

Here are some websites with loads of information! (my sources)

http://asktom-naturally.com/naturally/hsnltr.html

http://www.theoliveleaf.net/olive-leaf-extract-benefits

http://www.olivus.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_leaf

http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/Benefits-of-Olive-Leaf-Extract.html

http://www.greathomeremedies.com/herbs/oliveleaf.html

How to make your own Tincture:

Stuff dried leaves tightly into pint-sized jar. Fill up to the top with vodka, water or apple cider vinegar, seal and let it sit for four to six weeks in a dark place. Give it a good shake every two days or so.

When this process is over you will need to strain and squeeze excess out of leaves. Keep the vodka liquid and put in dark bottles. This is your finished tincture.  

Take four drops, three times daily. If you are suffering from an acute conditon then double that. ie increase the frequency and the dose.

Tea: (http://www.therighttea.com/olive-leaf-tea.html)

Olive leaf tea has a pleasant taste, like a weak green tea, slightly less bitter and certainly sweeter. It is an amber or golden infusion.

How to make olive leaf tea: put 1 ounce (2 Tablespoons) of dried olive leaf 4.25 cups of water. Boil until the water reduces to half the amount. Then take two cups per day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

It takes longer to steep than a regular tea and it can be drunk hot or iced.

Here’s a tip: This tea is sold as loose leaf and tea bag. So, if you have the choice available to you, go for loose olive leaf tea, you can alter the quantity to your liking and also blend with other herbs, coming up with new and interesting flavors.

Herbal Sources of Vitamins and Minerals

Did you know that vitamins and minerals can be obtained naturally from herbs?  In addition to the nutritional benefits, herbs also provide a great energy boost that is so much better than any fortified energy drink laden with sugar, artificial flavorings, additives, colors, synthetic sweeteners, and other nasty ingredients. Plus, herbs contain additional healing properties that can boost the immune system, treat a variety of illnesses and disorders, naturally tone and balance the mind and body, and so much more!

To prepare a nourishing infusion, simply place 1-2 handfuls of the herb of your choice in a glass quart jar, fill to the top with boiling water, cap tightly, and steep overnight. Strain in the morning and sip throughout the day.

VITAMIN A: Enhances immunity, prevents eye problems and skin disorders, important in bone and teeth formation, protects against colds and infection, slows aging process.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, borage leaves, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, hops, horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantain, raspberry leaves, red clover, rose hips, sage, uva ursi, violet leaves, watercress, yellow dock.

VITAMIN B1 (Thiamine): Promotes growth, improves mental attitude, aids digestion, helps strengthen nervous system and prevent stress.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, bladder wrack, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, hops, nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaves, red clover, rose hips, sage, yarrow, and yellow dock.

VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin): Needed for red blood cell formation, aids growth and reproduction, promotes hair, skin and nail growth, important in the prevention and treatment of cataracts.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, bladder wrack, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, hops, horsetail, mullein, nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaves, red clover, rose hips, sage, yellow dock.

VITAMIN B3(Niacin): Essential for proper circulation and healthy skin, increases energy, aids digestion, helps prevent migranes.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, hops, licorice, mullein, nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hips, slippery elm, yellow dock.

VITAMIN B5 (Panothenic Acid): Enhances stamina, prevents anemia, helps wounds heal, fights infection, strengthens immune system.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, nettle, yellow dock.

VITAMIN B6 (Pyridoxine): Needed to produce hydrochloric acid, aids in absorption of fats, and protein, mildly diuretic, helps prevent kidney stones, helpful in treating allergies, arthritis, and asthma.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, catnip, oat straw.

VITAMIN B12 (cyanocobalamin): Helps prevent anemia, protects nervous system, improves concentration, aids digestion.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, bladder wrack, hops.

VITAMIN C (ascorbic acid): Helps calcium and iron formation, enhances immunity, helps prevent cancer, aids in production of anti-stress hormones, antioxidant required for proper tissue growth and repair, and adrenal gland function.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, hops, horsetail, kelp, peppermint, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, pine needle, plantain, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hips, skullcap, violet leaves, yarrow, yellow dock.

VITAMIN D: Essential for calcium and phosphorous utilization, prevents rickets, needed for normal growth of bones and teeth, helps regulate heartbeat, prevents cancer and enhances immunity, aids thyroid function and blood clotting.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, horsetail, nettle, parsley.

VITAMIN E: Antioxidant which helps prevent cancer and heart disease, prevents cell damage, reduces blood pressure and promotes healthy skin and hair.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, bladder wrack, dandelion, dong quai, flaxseed, nettle, oat straw, raspberry leaf, rose hips.

VITAMIN K: Promotes healthy liver function, helps bone formation and repair, increases longevity.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, green tea, kelp, nettle, oat straw, shepherds purse.

CALCIUM: Builds and protects bones and teeth, helps maintain regular heartbeat, prevents muscle cramping.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, chicory, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, flaxseed, hops, horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantain, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hips, shepherd’s purse, violet leaves, yarrow, yellow dock.

CHROMIUM: Vital in the synthesis of glucose and the metabolism of cholesterol, fats and proteins, maintains blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Herbal Sources: Catnip, horsetail, licorice, nettle, oat straw, red clover, sarsaparilla, wild yam, yarrow.

COPPER: Converts iron to hemoglobin, protects against anemia, needed for healthy bones and joints.

Herbal Sources: Sheep sorrel.

GERMANIUM: Helps fight pain, detoxify the body, and keep immune system functioning properly.

Herbal Sources: Aloe vera, comfrey, ginseng, suma.

IODINE: Needed in trace amounts for a healthy thyroid gland, and to help metabolize excess fat.

Herbal Sources: Calendula, tarragon leaves, turkey rhubarb.

IRON: Essential for metabolism, and the production of hemoglobin.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, chicory, dandelion, dong quai, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, licorice, milk thistle seed, mullein, nettle, oatstraw, paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantain, raspberry leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla, shepherd’s purse, uva ursi, yellow dock.

MAGNESIUM: Prevents calcification of soft tissue, helps reduce and dissolve calcium phosphate kidney stones, helps prevent birth defects, improves cardiovascular system.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, bladder wrack, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel, fenugreek, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, licorice, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover, sage, shepherd’s purse, yarrow, yellow dock.

 MANGANESE: Minute quantities of this mineral are needed for healthy nerves, blood sugar regulation, normal bone growth, and thyroid hormone production.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, mullein, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hip, wild yam, yarrow, yellow dock.

MOLYBDENUM: Small amounts of this mineral are required for nitrogen metabolism, supports bone growth, and strengthens teeth.

Herbal Sources: Red clover blossoms.

PHOSPHOROUS: Needed for teeth and bone formation, nerve impulse transfer, normal heart rhythm, and kidney function.

Herbal Sources: Burdock root, turkey rhubarb, slippery elm bark.

POTASSIUM: Regulates water balance, and muscle function, important for health nervous system and regular heart rhythm.

Herbal Sources: Catnip, hops, horsetail, nettle, plantain, red clover, sage, skullcap.

SELENIUM: Provides an important trace element for prostrate gland in males, protects immune system and helps regulate thyroid hormones.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, fennel seed, ginseng, garlic, hawthorn berry, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, milk thistle nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla, uva ursi, yarrow, yellow dock.

SULFUR: This mineral helps skin and hair, fights bacterial infection, aids liver function, disinfects blood, protects against toxic substances.

Herbal Sources: Horsetail.

VANADIUM: Needed for cellular metabolism and formation of bones and teeth, improves insulin utilization.

Herbal Sources: Dill.

ZINC: Promotes growth and mental alertness, accelerates healing, regulates oil glands, promotes healthy immune system, and healing of wounds.

Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, hops, milk thistle, mullein, nettle, parsley, rose hips, sage, sarsaparilla, skullcap, wild yam.

This information was obtained from Cori Young’s article “Nourishing Daily Brews”. To view the original article, see: http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May05/healingwise.htm

All of these herbs can be found on our website: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/bulkherb/bulkherb.html

Cheers to these wonderful and healthful herbs!

Chiropractic and Pregnancy

Chiropractic and Pregnancy!!

Chiropractic and Pregnancy!!   During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in a human body, creating the environment for the developing baby. This also involves weight bearing changes which causes added stress to the spine. Chiropractic care during pregnancy not only can help you to stay more comfortable, but can also help to facilitate your birth.   During pregnancy, the pelvis can get misaligned. When this happens, the amount of room available for the fetus greatly reduces. This restriction is called intrauterine constraint. Less amount of room may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. Through Chiropractic Care, pelvic balance and alignment can be obtained.   Chiropractic care during pregnancy may provide the following benefits:   * Helps to maintain a healthier pregnancy * Helps in controlling symptoms of nausea * Increases the likelihood of full-term delivery * Can reduce the time of labor and delivery * Helps relieve back, neck or joint pain * Can prevent a potential cesarean section   Chiropractic care during pregnancy is ABSOLUTELY safe for both mother and fetus. Spinal adjustments are especially gentle during pregnancy. This is due to the increase in hormones released during pregnancy which causes significant muscle and ligament relaxation. Hence less force is required to correct sub-luxations Special adjustable positions can also be provided ensuring comfort and safety for both mother and fetus.   So, as a pregnant woman adjusts to her new body during her pregnancy, it is important for her to learn and understand the benefits of chiropractic care. Small adjustments may improve her overall health as an expectant mother.   Also chiropractic care is a drug-free approach to pain reduction and that eliminates unnecessary complications that might arise due to intake of unnecessary medication. And above all, scientific studies have proved that chiropractic care works!   Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy is proved to restore balance to the pelvis and the muscles and ligaments that attach to the pelvis. That leads to better deliveries for you and your baby.   We shouldn’t forget that pregnancy should be a time full of health and happiness! It should not be a time to suffer from pain or discomfort . Contact your local Chiropractic Physician who has specialized training in maternity care and work with them so that you can experience the quality of life you and your unborn child deserve!   Learn and understand more about Chiropractic Care at the Chiropractor pages athttp://chiropractor.zupatips.com/   Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Furnem  

By: Synergea Chiropractic