Did You Know

Almonds: have many healing properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, almonds are considered anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic. They help with alkalinizing the blood and relieve qi stagnation in the liver. In Ayurvedic medicine almonds are used to calm the mind and nerves. Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, fiber and are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fat. They are good for the bones and contain more calcium than any other nut. Almonds are also said to contain anti-cancer nutrients and help keep the heart healthy by lowering cholesterol.

Onions: Onions are a great natural way to lower your cholesterol, thin your blood, and control your blood sugar.

Onions are also a powerful antioxidant and aid in cellular repair.  They help destroy bacteria in the body and contain antiviral and antihistamine properties.  Onions have been used for centuries in many folk remedies.

Magnesium plays a key role in the body’s cellular processes, absorption of calcium, and maintaining the proper functioning of nerves and muscles.

Magnesium deficiency can result in muscle cramping, insomnia and headaches. Chronic magnesium deficiency is implicated in a number of illnesses including osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune function, depression, erectile dysfunction, migraine, Restless Leg Syndrome, allergies and ADHD.

Foods rich in magnesium include spinach and other leafy greens, blackstrap molasses, bananas, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, miso, tempeh, cocoa, tea, brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, brown rice, oats, corn, barley, salmon, halibut, avocado and peppers (the hotter they are the more magnesium they contain).

Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal values. Studies with type II Diabetes have shown that cinnamon helps control blood sugar levels, decrease glucose levels and decrease unhealthy blood flats like triglycerides and cholesterol. Cinnamon also has anti-fungal properties, anti-bacterial properties and helps prevent infections.

Ginger is one of the easiest to use and most important spices for health & wellbeing is ginger.  Ginger is used worldwide for digestive ailments, nausea, rheumatism, fevers, and even as an aphrodisiac.  It has been shown to have antibacterial, analgesic, antiviral, antidiabetic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have used Ginger for thousands of years in medicinal and food remedies.

Saw palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulata is a male tonifying herb, especially beneficial to the prostate gland and urinary tract. Several studies have proven it effective in reducing the frequency of nocturnal urination and as a remedy for benign prostatic hypertrophy with symptoms such as burning or incomplete urination and reduced flow.

Saw palmetto has been used in the treatment of prostate enlargement. It was especially effective when treating the early stages of the disease and considered to be less likely to cause the patient harm from side effects than using other drugs.

Saw palmetto is also popular as an herbal remedy for a type of hair loss and baldness called androgenic alopecia, or male and female-pattern baldness. Saw palmetto also has been shown to enhance vitality and strength.

Saw palmetto was a popular folk remedy used by Native Americans to treat urinary conditions in men.  It has become an accepted treatment for symptoms associated with benign prostate gland enlargement (called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) in many parts of Europe and in New Zealand. In North America, saw palmetto is considered an alternative herbal remedy. (July 2008)

Gotu kola, also known as Centella asiatica, has been found to boost circulation and has had significant results in healing of skin and other connective tissue.  Gotu kola stimulates the central nervous system, aids in wound healing, and increases circulation especially in the legs.  This herb has also been used to enhance cognitive function and memory.  It is regarded as one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda. (June 2008)