Calendula for Healing Wounds

How does Calendula work? How does this little orange flower support the body to heal cuts, scrapes and wounds while preventing infections?

In homeopathic medicine we can’t connect how a plant grows or what it looks like with what it does. It is simply empirically proven that it works in a certain way. 

But, with Anthroposophic medicine, the attempt is made to connect the phenomenology of a substance with its effect, to understand why it works. This means… the way something LOOKS or SMELLS or HOW IT GROWS or WHAT COLOR it is can help us to understand WHY it works. 

An advantage of this approach is that it enables us to assess the medicinal effect of a new substance without trying it out in a homeopathic proving.

Calendula has abundant growth energy. Its growth is lush and moist and the flowers come quickly and keep arriving into November. They are an intense orange, almost fluorescent. Although it is an annual, it re-seeds easily and comes back each year. It can grow in poor soil because it has so much innate vitality!
Thus it contains a life energy which helps damaged tissue to remain vital and knit together without any infection.  

But there is more to it. When you SMELL the plant, its background scent is not exactly pleasant. In fact, you may find it smells SOMEWHAT ROTTEN! Yes, it smells decayed underneath the pleasant scent, even though it looks perfectly lovely and alive and full of vitality.

Because…Calendula contains an image of the illness it is used to treat, as well as the cure! The vibrant orange flowers and other parts have resins that preserve tissue against deterioration. It’s also interesting to note despite the lush growth, the numerous flowers stop overgrowth, preventing it from getting “out of control”.  

Thus, Calendula shows the illness of excessive, “inflammatory” growth and the remedy of proper containment, establishing healthy boundaries again. 

10% Calendula gel can be an important addition to your natural healing cabinet.

A Powerful Golden Detox Tea

Along with its anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties, Turmeric is a metabolism boosting spice.  It is a great detox agent, helping the liver break down toxic chemicals.

This delicious spice tea is a wonderful drink on its own. You can double the recipe and sip throughout the day.

• 2 cup Hot Water

• 1/2 tsp Turmeric

• 1/2 tsp Powdered Ginger

• 1 small Ceylon Cinnamon stick

• 1/2 tsp. Coconut Oil (aids in absorbing turmeric)

• 1 tsp raw Honey

• Pinch of Cayenne

• Pinch freshly cracked Black Pepper (boosts effectiveness of turmeric)

• Juice of 1/2 small organic Lemon

  Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.  Add ingredients except lemon and honey. Simmer for 5 min.  Remove cinnamon stick. Add lemon and honey.

  Let cool slightly and enjoy.

• ~ Cheers! ♥

The Secrets of Sage

Salvis Officinalis, comes from the Latin salvare, meaning to 'save' or 'cure'.

There is a proverb in an old Italian manuscript that states: 'Why should he die who has sage in his garden?'

We have the English to thank for the idea of smothering sage in onions and adding it to breads and sausage for stuffing! Who knew.

The English also drank sage tea long before black tea became the choice for this afternoon tradition. I found it very tasty.

The Secret?

Several scientific studies show that Sage brightens your mood, rejuvenates your concentration, and sharpens your memory.  Perhaps that's why a sage is thus named?

Sage extract has also been valuable in alleviating or preventing:

• Age-related Memory Loss
• Alzheimer's
• Cancer
• Diabetes and
• Ulcers

Sage is native to the Mediterranean.  This aromatic plant is easy to grow in many temperate climates, and will attract bees with its lavender flowers.

Clary Sage is the sweet and milder variety, Greek is stronger.  Dried Sage is usually Dalmatian Sage native to Croatia, and is sold rubbed, crushed or powdered.

In Cooking:

Sage goes well in gravies, butters, stuffing, meatloaf, scones, polenta, on pizza, and with fatty fish.. like Salmon.

As a Tea:

Place 6 - 7 leaves in 9 oz of water and simmer for 15 minutes.

Storage:

Sage will keep for up to a year kept in an airtight container, and stored in a dark, dry place.

Powerful Food Synergies - Print the List!

Some food combinations amplify each others' nutritional benefits to such an extent, that together they become super powerful healers.  

Below are notable food synergies that can help you plan meals that will boost your family's health.

1. Green Tea + Blk Pepper + Lemon - increases ECGC absorption

2. Turmeric + Black Pepper - increases absorption by 2000%!

3. Cooked Tomatoes + Olive oil - fat helps nutrient absorption

4. Tomatoes + Avocado - absorb 7x more lycopene

5. Broccoli + Tomatoes - prostate cancer prevention

6. Raspberries + Dark Chocolate - loosens clumpy blood platelets (dark chocolate also boosts blood flow to the brain)

7. Spinach + Lemon - increases absorption of iron

8. Grass-fed Red Meat + Rosemary - reduces carcinogens formed when grilling meat

9. Cold Water Fish and Broccoli - cancer protecion (fish like Salmon, are rich in thyroid-protecting, cancer-fighting mineral selenium. Paired with broccoli, rich in sulforaphane, it is 13 times as potent)

10. Red Wine + Almonds -heart healthy

11. Fermented Foods* + Whatever! - tons of probiotics; helps with sugar cravings

* Top 7 Fermented Foods:

1. Tempeh

2. Miso

3. Sauerkraut

4. Kombucha

5. Coconut Yogurt

6. Sour Pickles

7. Kimchi

Note:  Foods with high quantities of unsaturated fats, such as nuts, have high amounts of compounds with antioxidant properties, which protect against the instability of these fats.

However, store nuts and seeds in the refrigerator if you won't be using them within 2 weeks of purchase, since they can go rancid.

~ Be Well! ♥

That Cheeky Curcumin (aka Turmeric) is in the News

I love how frequently the foods we secretly know are excellent for preventing several serious illnesses, due to overwhelming testimony over decades of use, get 'discovered' by the news media, and featured. It may take the rest of the world a while to catch up with us, but the war is won a small battle at a time.  :D

*~*~*~*~*

Curry may help to boost the chances of fighting bowel cancer, according to researchers in the UK.

Laboratory tests suggest curcumin, a compound found in the yellow spice turmeric, can increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and has traditionally been used as an alternative remedy for a host of illnesses.

Now early test results suggest it may be able to reduce the development of bowel cancer.

The studies began after it was noticed that British Asians -- referring to Indians and Pakistanis -- were significantly less likely to develop the disease than non-Asians.

Now a two-year trial by scientists from Cancer Research UK and the University of Leicester aims to recruit for further tests about 40 patients with bowel cancer that has spread to the liver.

"We are very hopeful. You don't often see results like the ones we have had in the laboratory," chief investigator Professor Will Steward said.

"Certainly it is very, very promising and we are cautiously optimistic that we might see an improvement in outcome not just in terms of treating the cancer, making people live longer, giving people a better quality of life but also possibly reducing some of the nasty side-effects of chemotherapy."

Researchers hope that within three years they will have established once-and-for-all that one of our favorite curry ingredients is helping to prevent bowel cancer.

Hoda says: Why wait?? Eat more curries and stews with turmeric now!

Garbanzo Bean and Kale Salad

Thai Yellow Curry Paste

Read more here.

  ~ Be Well. ♥

Eat Wild Thyme for a Wild Time!

Thyme, botanically known as Thymus vulgaris, is a perennial garden herb that has been employed since ancient times for medicinal and culinary uses.

thyme1

The World's Healthiest Foods

notes that thyme has traditionally been associated with courage, with medieval women giving sprigs of thyme to knights going into battle; it has also been used as an herbal remedy for a host of ailments (PMS, Indigestion, Coughs..). It is an excellent source of iron and manganese, a very good source of calcium and a food source of dietary fiber.Since the 16th century, thyme oil has been used for its antiseptic properties, both as mouthwash and a topical application. Thyme tea, rich in volatile oils, minerals, beneficial phenols and flavonoids, is a healthy beverage choice. One of the popular culinary herb plants, thyme is native to Southern Europe and Mediterranean regions.

For thousands of years, herbs and spices have been used to help preserve foods and protect them from microbial contamination. Research shows that both thyme and basil contain constituents that can both prevent contamination and decontaminate previously contaminated foods.

Thymol has been found to protect and significantly increase the percentage of healthy fats found in cell membranes and other cell structures. In particular, the amount of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) in brain, kidney, and heart cell membranes was increased after dietary supplementation with thyme.

In Lebanon we use green and dried thyme extensively.  Dried thyme mixed with sumac, toasted sesame seeds and salt is called Zaatar. It is the main ingredient in the most traditional breakfast food, namely the Man'oushi...or Zaatar pie, which is sold in every bakery and many street vendor carts.

Man'oushi

(photo courtesy of Stephen Masry)

Culinary Tips

Green wild thyme makes a very healthy salad!  Serve it with grilled meats and fish, or accompanied by Feta cheese and tomatoes for breakfast.  I like to use it in place of Oregano in some pasta dishes.  Dry Zaatar is delicious sprinkled on yogurt, hummus and plain omelets.

You can find Zaatar at most Middle Eastern markets. Make sure you choose Jordanian or Lebanese Zaatar.  There are some inferior products out there.

Zaatar

For each 1 cup of store bought Zaatar (Middle Eastern Thyme mix) you will need:

• 1 Tbs. dried Sumac (available at Middle Eastern markets in packets or jars) 1/2 tsp. of salt

• 1 tsp. toasted Sesame Seeds (even if there are some in the mix)

Mix all together and store in airtight jars in the refrigerator for 6 months, or freeze for up to 2 years.

zaatar, green

Green Wild Thyme Salad

• 1 bunch of green Wild Thyme, rinsed and leaves picked off stems

• 1 very small Onion (yellow or white), finely chopped

• 1/3 c. finely chopped organic Green Onion

• Juice from 1 freshly squeezed Lemon

• 1 Tbs. extra virgin Olive Oil

• 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt (opt.)

Mix all together in non-metal bowl.  Serve at room temperature for best flavor.

~ Sahtein! (double health)  ♥

The Overlooked, Misunderstood Dandelion

Once upon a time there was a tall, slender green plant called a Dandelion.  Its name came from 'Dent-de-lion' which means lion's tooth in French.  This is due to its jagged edged leaves. Unfortunately, when you say 'Dandelion' many people think of the tiny yellow flowers and the stemmed puffs of white wispy hairs that crop up in their lawns, disturbing the otherwise monotonous green blanket of grass.  It is treated like an unwelcome visitor, annoying and over-staying its welcome.

dandelion2

Aaah, if they only knew who this disguised visitor really was, not only would they welcome it, they would shove the grass over to make permanent space for it!

As David Beaulieu said; "The war on lawn weeds in general -- not just dandelions -- is based on the notion that "the lawn is meant to showcase the diligence of the person who owns it. According to this view, lawns should be uniformly composed of grass, with no "intruders" permitted.

But others would argue that dandelions bear rather attractive flowers, whose yellow hue complements a green lawn nicely. "While the flower isn't bad," perhaps you object, "the seed head that succeeds it is unsightly." Even so, there are easy ways to minimize the impact of dandelions on the lawn, as long as you're willing to show some tolerance toward their presence. One way is to pluck the flowers as they appear. Another is to eat your weed problems away! "

Unveiling the Dandelion

The Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, which means the "Official Remedy for Disorders", is so well-respected, in fact, that it appears in the U.S. National Formulatory, and in the Pharmacopeias of Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, and the Soviet Union. It is one of the top 6 herbs in the Chinese herbal medicine chest.

According to the USDA Bulletin #8, "Composition of Foods" (Haytowitz and Matthews 1984), dandelions rank in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value. According to data, dandelions are nature's richest green vegetable source of beta-carotene, from which Vitamin A is created, and the third richest source of Vitamin A of all foods, after cod-liver oil and beef liver! They also are particularly rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and are a good source of protein.

This perennial has been known since ancient times for its curative properties and has been used for the treatment of various ailments such as infections,bile and liver problems, some cancers, dyspepsia, heartburn, spleen and liver complaints, hepatitis and anorexia. However, its use has mainly been based on empirical findings. There is evidence to suggest it may have anti-inflammatory effects and assist with urinary tract infections in women. 

Note: Due to its high potassium level, dandelion may increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with potassium-sparing diuretics.

The Plea

Now will you let it hang out in your yard?  Ok then, here's yet another reason...It's DELICIOUS!!

Sautéed with garlic, cilantro and lemon it beats Spinach in flavor...and  used in salads it adds a nice slightly bitter 'edge', much like escarole.

The following is my favorite Dandelion Greens Salad...it's quick and simple to prepare.'

red onion chopped

Hoda's Simple Dandelion Salad

• 4 cups chopped organic Dandelion leaves

• 1/2 Red Onion, chopped fine

• 2 Tbs. Lemon Juice

• 2 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. cumin (opt)

Combine all in a deep bowl, toss well and serve.

dandelion salad

~ Compliments whole grain, lentil and bean dishes. Also good with roasted chicken. ♥

If You Won't Drink it... Eat it!

There is scientific evidence that drinking 3 - 4 cups of tea a day boosts your health and may even decrease the likelihood of some cancers. 

But if you don't drink that much tea, you can eat it!

You'll need:

1. 4 c. filtered water

2. 4 Tbs. organic Green Tea (Dragon Well, Sencha, or Gunpowder are best)

3. A clean glass or ceramic pitcher not metal or plastic)

Heat water to just below boiling point.  If it boils, then let it sit 5 - 6 minutes first.

Place leaves in pitcher.  Add water and stir. Allow it to steep covered for 5 minutes.

Now, either drink the tea throughout the day with a tiny squeeze of lemon to boost its anti-oxidant capacity, or save and use in place of water in practically any recipe you're making!

You can store the brewed leaves in a glass bowl (refrigerate up to 2 days) and when you stir--fry veggies, make stew, soup or beans... add the tea leaves to the dish! 

P.S. Kids won’t notice them in stir fry’s or stews, so they get a nice dose of “Auntie Oxidant”! :-)

~ I rest my tea kettle. ♥

Argentinian 'Pesto'

Chimichurri Sauce

In South America this sauce is traditionally used over grilled meats.  It works well with fish as well.

You may adjust spiciness as you like.

 4 servings

chimichurri

• 1 c. organic Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped

• 1/2 c. organic Baby Arugula, chopped

• 2 cloves Garlic, minced

• 1/4 tsp. fresh organic Oregano

• 1/4 tsp. crushed Red Pepper flakes

• 1/2 cup + 2 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

• 2 Tbs. Red Wine Vinegar

• Salt and Pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until well mixed.  Alternately you can hand chop the veggies and mix all together.

~ Buen Provecho!  ♥

Red Clover

This common plant contains an astonishing 125+ chemical constituents, including many minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Like soy, it contains genestein, and also daidzein, daidzen, and daidzen-glycoside.  This is one reason former USDA herbalist James Duke, PhD, included red clover flowers as an ingredient in his cancer prevention salad. At Purdue University, scientists showed that an extract of red clover “significantly inhibited” a common carcinogen and decreased its binding to DNA by 30 to 40 percent.

A major active compound was then isolated from the clover and identified as biochanin A.

Red clover tea is sweet tasting and innocuous. Through summer and fall you can usually find red clover growing wild (choose a non-polluted area!). Just use one or two clover heads per cup of tea. You may also include whole fresh red clover heads in salads.

Abstract: The Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavone biochanin A inhibits aromatase activity and expression.

The Reasoning for Seasoning*!

Abstract: The activation of nuclear transcription factor κB has now been linked with a variety of inflammatory diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, diabetes, allergy, asthma, arthritis, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, psoriasis, septic shock, and AIDS.

Extensive research in the last few years has shown that the pathway that activates this transcription factor can be interrupted by phytochemicals derived from spices such as turmeric (curcumin), red pepper, cloves , ginger, cumin, anise, and fennel, basil and rosemary, garlic, and pomegranate (ellagic acid).

herbs

For the first time, therefore, research provides “reasoning for seasoning.”*

Suppression of the Nuclear Factor-κB Activation Pathway by Spice-Derived Phytochemicals: BHARAT B. AGGARWAL*, SHISHIR SHISHODIA.

Article first published online: 12 JAN 2006 - DOI: 10.1196/annals.1329.054

Tea for Two? As Long as it's Green!

Two recent large population studies have shown that cancer patients who drink ample amounts of green tea have significantly longer survival rates. No other beverage contains this level of antioxidants. You can replace some of your water drinking with chilled green tea, add lemon, ginger or mint for variety, or add a Chai or Earl Gray tea bag.

Did you know you can cook with green tea?  What a great way to get the recommended amount in your diet.  Replace water or half the liquid called for in a recipe with green tea... for example in baking, soups and stews.

Green tea is unfermented, unlike black teas. White tea is harvested before the leaves are fully open.

DRAGON WELL is the ultimate green tea. It is distinguished by its bright green color.  It has a brisk, full-bodied flavor. The leaves can be added to soups and stir-frys. This tea will cost a little more than other green teas.

GUNPOWDER leaves are rolled in tiny balls that look like the old gunpowder used to. This reduces its exposure to oxygen so it stays fresh longer than other teas. It has a somewhat strong grassy flavor. I like to add almond milk and a bit of Stevia to my tea.

MATCHA powdered tea is made from hand-picked, high-grade Japanese green tea leaves.  Whisk it into warm (not boiling) water) to make it frothy. Matcha works as a dessert ingredient. Scientists at the University of Colorado have found that Matcha has 200 times the concentration of EGCG* compared to commercially available green tea!

Scientists have identified at least one of the mechanisms by which EGCG seems to work to fight cancer: it inhibits a key “signaling pathway,” called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is responsible for transmitting instructions at the molecular level to cancer cells, prompting them to grow and multiply.

SENCHA is the most popular of the Japanese green teas. It has a lightly astringent yet sweet taste. Lesser quality Sencha is called Bancha.

tea_session

How to Brew:

1. Never brew your tea in aluminum pots...actually I don't use aluminum against ANY foods or beverages...acids will break aluminum down. )If you wrap pizza in foil and wait a few hours, you'll see holes in the foil it contacted the tomato sauce!)

2. Use filtered water

3. Remove water from heat when it starts to stir, but before it boils

4. Allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes before pouring over tea

5. Use 1 teabag or 1 tsp. leaves per 8 oz. cup

6. Cover to exclude oxygen

7. Allow to steep for 2-3 minutes if bags or cut leaf, and 15-20 minutes if loose, whole leaf

8. Strain and remove bags

9. You can use a tea bag twice

10. Brew a pitcher at a time (3-6 cups), so you can drink it all day,  or brew a pitcher at night and refrigerate for the next day

*Note: EGCG  is a naturally occurring compound that is found mainly in Green Tea. It is a powerful antioxidant and makes up about 30% to 42% of the content of green tea. Catechins like EGCG are much more powerful than vitamins like A, C and E in defending your body against "free radicals", which do all kinds of damage to the body; speeding up the aging process, causing cancer, triggering Alzhiemers disease and other chronic diseases.

Cinnamon - The King of Antioxidants

Cinnamon has the highestanti-oxidant strength of all the food sources in nature!

1/4 tsp. of Cinnamon provides 1/4 of the antioxidants you need in a day.

Although there are four main varieties of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon are the most popular.  Ceylon cinnamon is sometimes called true cinnamon. It is more expensive and has a sweet taste. Ceylon cinnamon is sold in specialty stores.  Most cinnamon sold in supermarkets in North America comes from the less expensive variety, Cassia cinnamon.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Cassia cinnamon is used for colds, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and painful menstrual periods. It's also believed to improve energy, vitality, and circulation and be particularly useful for people who tend to feel hot in their upper body but have cold feet.

In Ayurveda, cinnamon is used as a remedy for diabetes, indigestion, and colds, and it is often recommended for people with the kapha Ayurvedic type.

• The active compounds in cinnamon are known to have anti-diabetic, anti-septic, local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon-sticks has been found to have anti-clotting action, and may help prevent stroke and coronary artery disease.
• This spice may increase the motility of the intestinal tract.
• It contains  vitamin A, niacin, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine.
• Cinnamon is an excellent source of flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants.

Cinnamon may help or treat:

• Type II Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Ulcers
• High Blood Pressure
• Stroke
• Polycystic ovarian Syndrome
• Yeast infections
• Food Poisoning

Sprinkle on toast, cereal, soups, and berries. Add to stews and rice dishes.

~ Tastefully yours ♥

Black Pepper

Black pepper can be a vital anti-cancer component in your diet. Piperine is the active component in pepper that is believed to prevent the harm that free radicals can cause your body. Piperine also has the ability to enhance the absorption of other beneficial anti-cancer compounds in other foods.

When black pepper is ingested alongside green tea, the absorption of the anti-cancer compound EGCG present in green tea is highly increased.  Also, the body’s absorption of  curcumin (the compound in turmeric) increases by 2000% when you add black pepper!

Read more about curcumin here.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

  Turmeric:  is a bright yellow spice that has an anti-inflammatory effect and demonstrates anticancer as well as antioxidant properties.

 Its primary active ingredient, curcumin, may be useful in the prevention and treatment of stomach, intestinal, colon, skin, and liver cancers. It has been found in studies, that curcumin blocks the growth of human tumors and prevents tumor angiogenesis which basically deprives the tumor of a nutrient source.

Turmeric may be quite useful in colon cancer because of its ability to reduce the levels of COX-2, the enzyme responsible for production of inflammatory molecules.

A teaspoon of turmeric added to soup, salad, or oatmeal is a quick and easy way to increase your curcumin intake. I will also post some dessert recipes (yes, ones that are in harmony with this diet) that use turmeric.

It should be noted that the body’s absorption of the curcumin increases by 2000% when you add black pepper!

The best Curcumin and the one used at M.D. Anderson is: Super Curcumin C-3 formula with bioperene.

On the Internet you can find 120 x 1,000 mg caplets sell for about $30.00, which is pro rated to 25¢ apiece. If you took six of these per day (3 doses of 2 caplets apiece) this would cost $1.50 per day.

~The new Mellow Yellow! ♥