Echinacea

ECHINACEA, also known as coneflower, is a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to help keep the immune system active and healthy.

Echinacea contains a compound known as echinacein which protects healthy cells from viruses and bacteria that are trying to invade them.

Echinacea is particularly beneficial in helping the body heal quicklyfrom colds, flu, sore throat, sinus infections, sinusitis, hay fever, bronchitis, canker sores, enlarged lymph glands, ear infections, gingivitis, enlarged prostate, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections.

Echinacea is also a blood purifier and has anti-inflammatory properties. As a topical disinfectant and analgesic. Echinacea can be used as an ointment or salve to help heal, reduce the pain and swelling associated with psoriasis, eczema, skin irritations, boils, scrapes, wounds, bug bites, bee stings, sunburn, and hemorrhoids.

As an herbal supplement, Echinacea can be taken as a capsule, tablet, extract, tincture, or tea. Due to its powerful immune boosting abilities,its best to only take Echinacea for a short period of time, usually from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your illness. This short duration will activate your immune system, but also protect it from becoming over-stimulated.

 If you are fortunate enough to have an Echinacea plant growing near where you live, the plant and roots can be dried and used as a medicinal tea. Echinacea can be found online by clicking here http://amzn.to/1yvDsv3 or at your local health food store.

HEALTH BENEFITS

IT CAN TREAT AND PREVENT COLDS

For centuries, Echinacea has been used as an effective method at treating colds and flus, as well as alleviating associated symptoms. In fact, it can also reduce the duration of a cold by nearly two days. Recent studies have even proven that it can actually help decrease your risk of ever getting a cold, too! According to the University of Connecticut’s School of Pharmacy, Echinacea can reduce your chance of catching a cold by a whopping 58 percent! That’s more than half!

IT CAN FIGHT CANCER

It sounds far-fetched, but Echinacea may be able to help treat cancer, too. According to the National Institutes of Health, Echinacea’s high levels of phytochemicals make it a valuable tool in fighting tumors – particularly those in the brain. Though it is not meant to be a miracle cure, when combined with treatments, it can be highly effective for cancer patients.

IT CAN IMPROVE SKIN HEALTH

If you have skin issues, Echinacea may be your answer. It’s been known to treat eczema, rashes, psoriasis, stings, infections, spider bites, snake bites and more. It can even help wounds heal faster.

IT CAN REDUCE INFLAMMATION

Inflammation causes pain, stress and a variety of adverse health conditions. Fortunately, Echinacea can help with this too. Studies have shown it can actually reverse inflammation and alleviate its associated symptoms.

IT CAN ACT AS A LAXATIVE

Echinacea is particularly good for the digestive system, and it can even be used as a mild laxative if needed. It also helps with constipation, calms irritable bowels and more. The best way to enjoy these benefits is via an Echinacea tea.

IT CAN BOOST MENTAL HEALTH

Aside from its physical benefits, Echinacea is also known to have mental and cognitive perks, too. It’s a well-known natural treatment for ADHD, and it can also help with anxiety, depression and other phobias.

IT CAN IMPROVE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the body’s immune system is highly impacted by Echinacea. In fact, just 10 mg of it (per kg of body weight) can effectively boost immune function and ward off infections and bacteria.

IT CAN RELIEVE PAIN

Native Americans often used Echinacea as a pain killer too, as it’s been shown to alleviate all types of aches, pains and injuries. It’s particularly effective for bowel pain, toothaches and sore throats,though it can also alleviate headaches and other general pains.

IT CAN HELP WITH RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS

Coughs, croup and other issues in the upper respiratory tract can all be treated, at least in part, with Echinacea supplementation. This is likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost the immune systems.

Echinacea is also a powerful disease and infection fighter, and it can help keep your body healthier and disease free for many years to come.

OTHER USES FOR ECHINACEA

In addition to being a time-tested cold and flu remedy, Echinacea can also be used to treat dozens of other health problems. Over the years, it’s been known to cure or alleviate all kinds of conditions, including things like:

• ADHD
• Blood infections
• Chronic fatigue
• Diphtheria
• Dizziness
• General aches and pains
• Gum disease
• Herpes
• Indigestion
• Malaria
• Migraines
• Snake bites
• Syphilis
• Tonsillitis
• Typhoid
• Urinary tract infections
• Yeast infections

Echinacea is truly a powerhouse of health benefits for your body. If you’re looking to get healthier this year, consider working some into your daily routine, via a few cups of Echinacea tea. You’ll feel better for it!

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Eating Trans Fat May Damage Memory

“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet.”  -- Counsels on Diet and Foods, page 81

Partially hydrogenated oil, the type of oil that has trans fats, was used for decades in packaged foods to increase their shelf life have now been shown to damage memory. In a study conducted by the American Health Association of 690 young and middle-aged men, those who reported eating the most trans fat remembered 11 fewer words out of 104 than those who ate the least.

“Trans fats increase the shelf life of the food but reduce the shelf life of the person,” said Dr. Beatrice Golomb, a professor at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. “They’re a metabolic poison and that’s not a good thing to be putting into your body,” she said. “They don’t provide anything the body needs.”

Trans fats have also shown a link with obesity, aggression, heart disease and diabetes. The study also adds to the growing body of evidence that what we eat affects how we think, said Dr. Patrick T. O’Gara, president of the American College of Cardiology. “The supply of nutrients in the blood to the brain can actually affect its function.”

While the cause and effect have not been proven, the effect makes sense. “These artificial fats penetrate every cell in the body and can disrupt basic cell functions,” said Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Trans fats have been drastically cut since 2006 when manufacturers were required to list trans fats on labels. Most baked goods and margarines, for instance, have been reformulated and now do not carry them. The effect has been a reduction in heart disease and diabetes in areas where they are banned, in particular. However government regulations permit any product with less than half a gram of trans fat to be labeled as trans fat-free. So, there are still products that have them.

The best way to reverse the effect of trans fats is to live as healthy as possible. Foods prepared in a simple manner from fresh ingredients are the most healthful, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Prepackaged crackers, biscuits, cookies, and other high-fat, commercial foods, etc., should be avoided for the most part.

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Got info from USA today story.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/11/18/trans-fat-damage-memory/19213173/?utm_source=KTF+Insider&utm_campaign=06bc785ea7-November_201411_5_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_79e2854feb-06bc785ea7-49823221

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Cucumbers

CUCUMBERS are a highly alkalinizing and hydrating fruit that is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, magnesium, silicon, and potassium.

CUCUMBERS are also one of the best natural diuretics around, aiding in the excretion of wastes through the kidneys and helping to dissolve uric acid accumulations such as kidney and bladder stones. They have wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits which can significantly benefit autoimmune and neurological disorders. It can also help to diminish swelling and puffiness underneath the eyes when applied externally.

CUCUMBERS also benefit teeth and gums as the fiber and nutrients help to massage the gums and remove bad bacteria from the teeth. Their high silica content promotes strong and healthy hair and nails which has earned them the reputation for centuries as being a “beautifying” food.

CUCUMBERS are also packed with antioxidants and enzymes such as erepsin which helps to digest proteins and destroy parasites and tapeworms. The high chlorophyll and lignan content in the cucumber skin makes it a great anti-cancer food and can be particularly helpful in reducing the risk of estrogen related cancers such as breast, uterus, prostate, and ovarian cancer. The high fiber content of cucumbers makes it an excellent remedy for constipation by adding bulk and hydration directly to the colon.

HEALTH BENEFITS

 

1. Help You Stay Hydrated

Cucumbers are 95.2 percent water, which means that a 5-ounce serving contains 4.8 ounces or 150 ml water. That’s already about 26 percent of your daily water intake through food.

2. Support Heart Health

Cucumbers contain potassium (152 mg per cup), which can help lower blood pressure. A review of the best studies conducted on potassium intake showed that a higher intake “is associated with lower rates of stroke and might also reduce the risk of total cardiovascular disease.” As less than 2 percent of U.S. adults consume the recommended 4,700 mg potassium per day, eating cucumbers is an easy way to start increasing your potassium consumption.

3. Protect Your Brain From Neurological Diseases

An anti-inflammatory substance called fisetin is present in cucumbers, as well as strawberries and grapes. It has recently been suggested that fisetin plays an important role in brain health: It would have “the ability to reduce the impact of age-related neurological diseases on brain function,” and it would also help maintain cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Protect Your Skin Against The Effects Of Aging

There is a reason why cucumbers are used in skin care: They have been shown to be effective as a potential anti-wrinkle agent in cosmetic products, protecting our skin form the effects of aging.

5. Fight Inflammation In The Body And Reduce The Risk Of Cancer

Cucumbers can help lower the inflammatory response in the body. They contain polyphenols called lignans, which can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

They also contain plant nutrients called cucurbitacins, which have anti-cancer properties: “Scientists have already determined that several different signaling pathways required for cancer cell development and survival can be blocked by activity of cucurbitacins.”

6. Relieve Pain

Flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory substances, and tannins in cucumbers have both been shown to limit the release of free radicals in the body and to reduce pain.

7. Reduce Bad Breath

Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth. Fiber and water-rich vegetables like cucumbers can boost your mouth’s saliva production, which in turn helps wash away the bacteria that cause the odor in the mouth.

8. Protect Your Bones

Cucumber are a good source of vitamin K: One cup contains 22 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for bone health, as low vitamin K intakes have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Vitamin K is also important for improving calcium absorption in the bones.

9. Prevent Constipation

Cucumbers are rich in water, and their skin contains insoluble fiber. Both water and fiber help food to move through the digestive tract quicker and more easily, helping prevent constipation.

10. Maintain A Healthy Weight

Cucumbers are very low in calories (16 calories per cup) and they also contain fiber in the skin. And foods that contain fiber can help maintain a healthy weight.

This information was in The New York Times as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.

Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds?  Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool?  Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite.  Works great on wrinkles too!!!

Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge?  Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa?  Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

Just finished a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints?  Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel?  Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

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Collard Greens

COLLARD GREENS are an incredibly nutritious and healing green leafy vegetable that contains anti-viral, anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compounds. They are packed with vitamins A, C & B-complex and minerals such as iron, calcium, selenium, and zinc. They are also exceptionally rich in vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids which are very important for neurological disorders especially those affecting the brain.

COLLARD GREENS are also a phenomenal source of folate which is an essential nutrient for woman of child bearing age as well as for overall cardiovascular health. They are particularly beneficial for hemorrhoids, constipation, high blood pressure, age related macular degeneration, chronic infections, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and weight loss.

Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, COLLARD GREENS are also an ideal food for those suffering with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiomyopathy, Lyme’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Collard greens are also known to be very helpful in the prevention of stomach, colon, breast, ovarian, cervical, lung, skin, liver, and prostate cancers and can help to significantly lower cholesterol.

They are an excellent detoxifying food that helps to purify the liver and move it out of stagnancy.

COLLARD GREENS need to be cooked as they are a COARSE vegetable. Collard greens are also excellent added to soups or stews. Collard greens are a nutrient rich vegetable that can be found in the produce section of your local supermarket or health food store.

HEALTH BENEFITS

BONE HEALTH:

Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium.

One cup of boiled collard greens provides a whopping 770 micrograms of vitamin K; well over 100% of the daily-recommended need.

CANCER:

Since the 1980s, maintaining a high intake of cruciferous vegetables has consistently been associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer. Recently, cruciferous vegetable intake has been linked with targeting prostate cancer cells as well. These vegetables have sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates, which have been studied for their ability to impede the cancer process at different stages of development for lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. New preliminary studies have found that glucosinolates may also be effective against melanoma, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Collard greens and other green vegetables that contain high amounts of chlorophyll have been shown to be effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines, which are generated when grilling foods at a high temperature.

DIABETES:

Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of boiled collard greens provides about 8 grams of fiber.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 g/day for women and 30-38 g/day for men.

COLLARD GREENS also contain an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid, which has been shown to lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity and prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes. Studies on alpha-lipoic acid have also shown decreases in peripheral neuropathy and/or autonomic neuropathy in diabetics.

DIGESTION:

Collard greens are high in both fiber and water content, which help to prevent constipation, promote regularity and maintain a healthy digestive tract.

HEALTHY SKIN AND HAIR:

Collard greens are also great for your skin because they are packed full of vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.

Adequate intake of vitamin C (one cup of boiled collard greens provides over 50% of daily needs) is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair.

Iron-deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, which can be prevented by an adequate intake of iron-containing foods like COLLARD GREENS. Not getting enough iron in your diet can also affect how efficiently your body uses energy. Collard greens are a great non-heme source of iron, along with spinach, and lentils

SLEEP AND MOOD:

The choline in collard greens is an important nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation. Folate, also found in choline, may help with depression by preventing an excess of homocysteine from forming in the body, which can prevent blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Excess homocysteine interferes with the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate not only mood, but also sleep and appetite as well.

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Cold & Flu Remedy

Nature's/Russian Penicillin:

3 grapefruit

2 lemons

2 large onions (chopped about 1-inch pieces)

2 whole bulbs garlic (chopped)

½ t. peppermint oil (optional)

½ t. eucalyptus oil (recommended) 

1-inch piece of ginger grated (optional)

⅓ t. cayenne pepper (90,000 Heat Units recommended, but if you only have store-bought (40,000 Heat Units), that's okay.

Cut Grapefruit into 4 equal pieces, then cut those 4 pieces in half, leaving you with 8 pieces, and squeeze into a stock pot, squeezing all juice into the pot, then throw the whole peeling into the pot as well. Do the same with the lemons, only cut those into 4 equal pieces.

Mix everything together in the pot and add 8 cups of water, (½ gallon /2 quarts) and then bring to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, turn it on low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, then turn it off and remove from the hot burner to a cool burner eye.

Drink ½ c. of this every half hour....this stuff is known to KNOCK OUT A COLD/FLU/RESPIRATORY PROBLEM, etc. This is only one recipe for one person for one day. One recipe is usually all it takes.

Be sure to use 2 whole bulbs of garlic and not cloves...the bulb is the whole big thing...to cut each clove, first cut off the hard piece at the end, then simply take a large cutting knife and lay the flat side of the knife against the garlic and press down hard. The peel should come right off. Do this to all the cloves, then chop them. They don't have to be finely chopped.

Please share this recipe with all your friends & family.

WARNING: Those people who take cholesterol medication cannot use grapefruit, so they would use oranges instead. If they are high cholesterol & diabetic, they cannot use the oranges either, so have them do lemon & lime instead.

By the way, only drink the juice of this batch. You don't eat the garlic, onions, etc. You can if you want to, but it's not required. Only the broth.

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Got info from another source.