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Alternative Medicine

Health Benefits of Silica Supplements

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Sand dune
Silica is abundant in sand dunes (Wikimedia Image)

Silicon is known to be the most abundant element present on Earth’s crust. It is found all around us, from the chips powering the gadget we’re using to read this, to that tiny packet that keeps candies dry, to the implants used to augment breasts. Silicon combined with oxygen, another element you really should be familiar with, forms silica.

Silica can be obtained from a wide variety of food. Among the most common sources of silica are brown rice, oats, and green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, parsley, celery and lettuce. Apples, carrots, and almonds are also good providers of silica to our body. Garnishing with onions and cucumbers would add silica to any dish we prepare and eat. Adding honey to our milk and pancakes would give us adequate amount of silica. Being aware of these sources of silica is a positive step but there may be cases where these foods are unavailable or you cannot consume enough of them. Thus, to ensure that you avail yourself of the health benefits of silica, supplements are necessary.

Among the health benefits of silica supplements is the strengthening of our body’s connective tissues. Silica together with calcium is necessary to hold our whole skeletal system intact. Silica is a prime component of prolylhydrolase, a necessary enzyme in the production of collagen and calglycosaminoglyns which form our body’s connective tissues and parts of our bones, nails, hair and skin. Thus, sufficient intake of silica invigorates our skin and adds luster to our hair and strength and density to our nails and bones. Insufficient silica would weaken our nails, making them susceptible to cracks and discoloration. Not enough silica in our hair would make them appear dull, and allow them to be easily damaged by the elements. Lack of silica would lead to bone deformities and conditions like rheumatism and osteoporosis especially to aged people. Silica is as important as calcium in alleviating osteoporosis by aiding substantially in the bones’ repair mechanism, depositing leached or lost minerals back into the bone and augmenting the healing of cracks and brittle spots. It also reduces the sharp pain osteoporosis sufferers usually feel.

The cardiovascular and respiratory systems bring life to our bodies. Silica supplements can help us take care of these systems. Lung damage, particularly in smokers is a very serious condition. The use of silica supplements can help alleviate this problem by helping in the repair of lung tissues.  Silica supplements improve our cardiovascular system by preventing wear and tear of blood vessels and strengthening the cardiac muscles in our heart.

The wonders of silica should be for everyone to enjoy and with silica supplements, they can now be made available to more people.  Healthy skin, lustrous hair, strong bones and nails are among the health benefits of silica supplements. Hormonal balance coupled with the opportunity to bolster our lungs and heart while alleviating the pain of rheumatism are other positive aspects of taking silica supplements. Take the first step towards a healthier life and take the opportunity to experience the health benefits of silica supplements.[ad#afterpost]

Reference:

Kaufmann, Klauss. (1999) Silica: The Amazing Gel : An Essential Mineral for Radiant Health Recovery and Rejuvenation. Alive Books 2nd Ed.

Health Benefits of Celery

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Celery
Celery

Celery is a vegetable commonly eaten worldwide. Its upper leafy part is usually eaten though the lower region is also consumed by some. Although common, it is a valuable source of various minerals and vitamins that invigorate the body and are essential to better health.

A member of the Apiaceae family, celery (Apium graveolens) has been an integral part of cuisines around the world. All its parts are used for cooking and consumption, and all have great health benefits. Throughout history, its seeds have been utilized as a spice and as a flavoring for various dishes. The stems and leaves of celery have corresponding places in some of the world’s tastiest cuisines. Even root extracts are utilized to form celery salts that are used as a food seasoning. Together with other vegetables, celery is a natural and healthy alternative to the processed food we commonly see today.

The health benefits of celery are numerous. From the vitamins and minerals it supplies, to various other compounds it contains, eating celery will surely improve one’s health. This leafy vegetable has a very low fat and calorie content, thus it is ideal for people who wants to lose weight.  It is also a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Thus, eating celery improves one’s digestion, while boosting the immune system.

Another great property of celery is that our body actually spends more calories digesting celery than the amount of calories it obtains from it. In other words, you lose calories by eating celery.

Celery contains essential elements like calcium and magnesium that help improve one’s bones and teeth. The presence of potassium and phosphorus adds to celery’s nutritive value.  These two elements are natural diuretics.

Celery seeds have also been utilized as a treatment for arthritis. This debilitating disease can be relieved by consuming celery seeds which prevents inflammation of the joints. Because of this anti-inflammatory property, celery has been utilized as a pain reliever, even during ancient times.

Celery seeds are also able to cleanse a person’s blood, leaching out impurities. This property together with its diuretic properties is an asset for a person’s undergoing detoxification.

Celery can also help lower a person’s blood pressure. High blood pressure, caused by stress, obesity, and other factors can lead to serious diseases like strokes, diabetes and heart attack. People from Asia have long consumed celery to help alleviate and prevent high blood pressure. This was clinically proven using rats applied with a compound, 3-N-butyl-phthalide, commonly found in celery seeds. This compound allows the muscles around blood vessels to relax, effectively facilitating the flow of blood by allowing the vessels to expand.

Cancer has been a bane in today’s world. The number of cancer cases worldwide has been steadily increasing. Celery contains various compounds that help prevent the occurrence of cancer.  Coumarins and acetylenics are known compounds which have anti-cancer properties. Celery also contains phenolic acids which prevent the growth of tumors or abnormal cells. These properties make celery an effective shield against cancer.

The number of compounds in celery mandates caution for pregnant women. Some compounds found in the oil of celery seeds may stimulate activity in the uterus, leading to premature contractions. Also, celery provokes severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Severe allergic reactions could lead to anaphylactic shock, which when untreated, may result in death.

The health benefits of celery are staggering. By simply consuming celery, you will not only improve your digestion but you will also lose weight and prevent cancer and high blood pressure.

Reference:

  • Ilott ,Charles (2010) The Book of Asparagus; With Sections Also on Celery, Salsify, Scorzonera and Seakale General Books LLC

Health Benefits of Mugwort Tea

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What is Mugwort?

Artemisia vulgaris
Artemisia vulgaris (Wikimedia image)

Mugwort is a common name for several herbs belonging to Family Asteracea, mainly in the genus Artemisia. Artemisia vulgaris is the most commonly referred species when using the term mugwort in North America, Northern Africa and Europe. It is also called Old man’s or St. John’s plant, Felon Herb and Wild Wormwood. The term mugwort also refers to Artemisia douglasiana in Western North America and Mexico where it is called dream plant and Douglas’ Sagewort. In Asia, the Chinese usually refer to Artemisia argyi as Chinese mugwort and the Japanese have Artemisia princeps as Yomogi or Japanese mugwort. Mugwort is closely related to the absinthe plant/wormwood Artimesia absinthium. Worldwide, members of this family have been used for generations as an herbal cure for a wide range of maladies.

Mugwort is a perennial shrub averaging three feet in height but may reach five feet having leaves with dark green upper regions and a clump of soft, curly white hairs at the bottom. Its flowers are minute, yellowish to darkish red and appear in clumps.

Mugworts are native to temperate areas in regions like Asia, North Africa, Europe and Alaska. It has been successfully reproduced and is now widespread in North America. It is considered a weed, growing in uncultivated areas like abandoned farmsteads, roadsides and vacant lots. It prefers nitrogen rich soil. Thus it is easily obtainable. Simple ranging around one’s neighborhood could yield a substantial harvest of mugwort.

The leaves are usually used for tea though some brew in the roots, stems and flowers for purportedly additional effects. Aside from tea, mugroot can be used via inhalation, or thru combustion in several practices the Chinese call moxibusion. Obtaining mudwort is easy, aside from simple looking for one in the vicinity of your home, there are also available in capsules and pills in herbal stores, natural medicine centers as well as over the internet.

Mugwort tea is made either boiling plant parts in water or by steeping a teabag containing mugwort plant parts in warm water. Some prefer drying the plant parts first before using as medicine. Ginger and other herbs can be added depending on the desired medicinal effect. Dosage is arbitrary, though mostly 2 cups per day. Moderate drinking of low amounts is recommended since mugwort contains very potent substances.
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Health Benefits

Mugwort tea has been known to prevent and eliminate parasitic worms. In cats, dogs and sheep, mugwort has been shown to eliminate hookworms, lungworms and other nematodes.

Mugwort tea is utilized as a relief to various stomach ailments. This includes relieving bloating and reducing flatulence. It is also used to treat diarrhea. Cases of indigestion have also been known to be alleviated by drinking mugwort tea.

Mugwort pollen is one of the causative agents of hay fever, allergies and asthma. However, mugwort tea has been said to be able to relieve symptoms associated with these diseases.

Mugwort contains thujone, a substance also found in Thuja orientalis. Thujone can stimulate menstruation as well as relieve cramps and other menstrual pain. Mugwort tea combined with 5 to 10 grams of ginger is the most effective way to achieve this desired effect. However, thujone is a very potent and toxic substance, thus pregnant women should not consume mugwort tea to avoid abortion and premature birth.

Drinking mugwort tea could benefit one’s disposition and general mood. It has been used as a nerve tonic and a health drink to lift one’s spirits and to avoid malaise. It stimulates the appetite, indirectly improving one’s health and invigorating those with depression.

Mugwort tea can also relieve kidney concerns, acting as a diuretic and relieving kidney pain.

In some regions, it is used to induce and enhance dreams, mostly by ingestion as tea, though placing a bag with mugwort plant parts or smoking one in the vicinity of one’s bed is also performed.

Mugwort is effective as a relief to a large variety of illnesses and disorders due to the number of chemicals. Mugwort contains flavonoids, compounds that serve as plant pigments but when ingested, have medicinal properties. These compounds are said to reduce chances and severity of allergic attacks, while also protecting against infections. It also reduces swelling and may also contribute to the prevention of cancer. Aside from flavonoids, mugwort also contains terpenes which may aid in the treatment of bronchitis. Coumarine, an anti-inlfammatory and anti-arrhythmia compound is also present in mugwort.

The natural world has given us medicine for many of our illnesses. Used throughout the years, mugwort has been invaluable as a simple herbal supplement and a source of relief for many ills.  With the presence of many compounds, mugwort, even with its many health benefits should be used carefully monitored, since it is also capable of having toxic effects.

References:

  • Ramawat, K. G., Ed. (2004). Biotechnology of Medicinal Plants:Vitalizer and Therapeutic.
  • Science Publishers, Inc. Enfield, New Hampshire
  • Hartung, Tammi (2000)Growing 101 Herbs that Heal. Storey Books, Massachusetts
  • O’Mathúna ,Dónal (2010) Does it work? Can mugwort help with childbirth? Irishtimes.com accessed June 11 2011 at http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2010/0713/1224274564092.html

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Health Benefits of Wheat Grass

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Wheat Grass Juicing
Wheat Grass Juicing

The health benefits we obtain from wheat grass are traced from its complementary nutrition down to its extensively useful therapeutic properties. Most of us are aware how useful wheatgrass is, but only a very few know the real reasons why!

As you go further along, you’ll be amazed with how wheat grass does wonders to our body:

  • Chlorophyll, that green pigment you find on wheat grass leaves, acts as a powerful antiseptic and antioxidant. It purges your body from harmful toxins that could make you susceptible to debilitating diseases. It cleanses your lymphatic system and cells from toxic metals.
  • Wheat grass is embedded with naturally occurring substances that have powerful effects on the body. It is packed with all the other elements that your body systems don’t have enough of. It has lots of vitamins (A, C, K, many others), minerals (Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, many more), enzymes and essential fatty acids that help in revitalizing your cells.
  • Wheat grass contains 17 amino acids, and contains zero fat. It has been proven to aid in effectively bringing down your weight by subduing your appetite, boosting metabolism, and improving blood circulation. So forget those phony diet pills. Go organic, instead.

Quick and Interesting Wheat grass Trivia:

  • A small regular shot of wheat grass is like consuming a regular serving of spinach.
  • Taking a single shot of wheat grass is like absorbing the nutrients of milk and bananas all in one teaspoon.
  • It shields you from carcinogens by providing an immunization effect
  • It can either be taken in capsules, tablets, and powder form, so it’s much easier for you to travel around with it anywhere.
  • It can be used on our skin to make it supple and toned.
  • The so-called “The Grass Juice Factor”, a miracle asset of wheat grass, helps it sustain the life in animals such as cows, mice and guinea pigs.
  • It delays the ageing process so you don’t need to worry about being in a geriatric center very soon!
  • It clears your eyesight and prevents you from getting those ugly dark circles around your eyes.
  • It can be applied on both our scalp and hair to maintain their health.

Dosage Recommendations:

As earlier mentioned, wheat grass comes in various forms as tablets, powder, and juice. A daily dosage of about 3.5 grams is highly recommended to achieve optimum health results.

Wheat Grass Detox Plan:

While it has been known that a shot or two of wheatgrass can supercharge your intake of vitamins and minerals, you might want to try adding one more shot in the morning and another one at night time, doubling it to 4 shots a day to optimize your detox program. Don’t worry, you won’t get overdosed. This is purely organic. It’s understandable that you’d get bothered by its taste the first time you take it. If you want to mask its flavor, you can try mixing it with other fruits and vegetables to achieve a palatable effect.

Wheat grass works as the best part of any detox plan, however, it shouldn’t be taken as a stand-alone item.  You can’t just solely depend on wheat grass to detox, there has to be a balanced approach. Wheat grass helps you achieve a desired detox effect by being incorporated in a plan rich in foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish and chicken.

Contrary to the belief that it can cause allergies, wheat grass doesn’t contain any gluten unlike the wheat berry. Therefore, it is very safe to take. Any shot of wheat grass gives you nothing but pure chlorophyll.

Truly, nature only offers nothing but the best things in their simplest forms. The health benefits of wheat grass are infinite that it’d take me the whole year to finish enumerating them. Wouldn’t be a shame not to put it in your family’s diet plan?