If you are following the diet section please read in date order starting from Jan 01, 2012.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Turmeric

Many clinical studies agree that curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, including a significant beneficial effect in relieving rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Curcumin, which gives this spice its familiar yellow pigment, may also lower cholesterol. Turmeric is also packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, which have been shown to prevent cataracts. Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

Thyme

Thyme contains thymol, which increases blood-flow to the skin. The warmth is comforting, and some herbalists believe that the increased blood-flow speeds healing. An anti-spasmodic, Thyme relaxes respiratory muscles and is endorsed for treating bronchitis by Commission E, the expert panel that judges the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines for the German government. Aromatherapists say that thyme's scent is a mood lifter.

Sage

The oils found in sage are both antiseptic and antibiotic, so it can help fight infections. Sage is effective for symptoms of menopause, night sweats and hot flashes, because of its estrogenic action and because its tannins can dry up perspiration. There's also compelling evidence that sage may be of value to people with diabetes for whom the hormone insulin does not work as efficiently as it should. Lab studies indicate that sage may boost insulin's action.

Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the richer herbal sources of antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent cataracts, and contains 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that help fight infection. Traditionally used to ease asthma, this common culinary ingredient has volatile oils that can reduce the airway constriction induced by histamine, that chemical culprit of asthma and other allergy symptoms. Herbalists think that rosemary may also help ease breast pain by acting as a natural drying agent to fluid filled cysts.

Parsley

Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections and keep our body's plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. They also relieve bloating during menstruation. Also there's a reason for that parsley on the edge of the diner plate, its not just there for fancy decoration; it's an effective breath freshener because it contains high levels of chlorophyll.

Oregano

Oregano contains at least four compounds that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odor. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help un-knot muscles in the digestive tract, making oregano a digestive aid. This familiar spice also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure too.

Mint

Herbalists the world over use mint, as a premier stomach tonic, to counteract nausea and vomiting, promote digestion, calm stomach muscle spasms, relieve flatulence, and ease hiccups. Menthol, the aromatic oil in peppermint, also relaxes the airways and fights bacteria and viruses. Menthol interferes with the sensation from pain receptors, thus it may be useful in reducing headache pain. Scientific evidence suggests that peppermint can kill many kinds of micro-organisms, and may boost mental alertness. In one study, people who inhaled menthol said they felt as if it relieved their nasal congestion, although it didn't increase their measurable air flow.
I carry peppermint oil and use a drop of it on the temples for headache relief.

Ginger

When it comes to quelling the queasiness of motion sickness, ginger has no equal say herbalists. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness. Ginger stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas and diarrhea, and is effective as an anti-nausea remedy. This aromatic herb also helps lower cholesterol. Herbalists have also found it to be useful as a pain reliever.
Look for my earlier posts regarding my weekly tea preparation including ginger.

Garlic

Intact garlic cloves contain an odorless, sulphur-containing amino acid called alliin. When the garlic is crushed, alliin becomes allicin. Research shows that allicin helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and also helps prevents blood clots. Garlic can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses that cause earaches, flu and colds. Research indicates that garlic is also effective against digestive ailments and diarrhea. What's more, further studies suggest that this common and familiar herb may help prevent the onset of cancers.

Fennel

Rich in volatile oils, fennel is what's known as a carminative herb, meaning that it can ease bloating, gas pains, and digestive spasms in the small and large intestines. Fennel can also reduce bad breath and body odor that originates in the intestines. Women who are breastfeeding may find that fennel, which works in a way similar to the body's hormones, increases milk flow.

Dill

Dill has been used to soothe the digestive tract and treat heartburn, colic and gas for thousands of years. In fact, the word dill comes from the Old Norse word dilla, meaning to lull or soothe. The herb has an antifoaming action that suggests why it might help break up gas bubbles. Like parsley, dill is rich in chlorophyll, which also makes it useful in treating bad breath.

Clove

Oil of clove is 60 to 90 percent eugenol. A potent pain deadening antimicrobal. Clove has earned the official endorsement of the FDA as an effective stopgap measure for tooth pain. Clove is also among the spices that can help the body use insulin more effectively, thus lowering blood sugar somewhat. In one lab study, clove was also found to speed healing of the dreaded cold sores. On the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale used by the National Institute on Aging in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to assess the antioxidant value of foods, clove has the highest ORAC score.
I remember using Oil of clove for Wisdom tooth pain.

CINNAMON

Cinnamon bark contains an oily chemical called cinnamaldehyde that kills a variety of illness causing bacteria, including the dreaded E.coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureas. Research shows that cinnamon is also able to stop the growth of the Asian flu virus. Herbalists report that cinnamon bark also helps regulate the menstrual cycle and checks flooding during menopause. Also cinnamaldehyde has a tranquilizing effect that helps reduce anxiety and stress.
Cinnamon is know to help balance sugar problems.

Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is a hot red powder made from tropical chili peppers. It contains alkaloid capsaicin, which relieves pain by blocking the chemicals that send pain messages to the brain. If you eat cayenne at the first sign of any type of headache, with plenty of water as a chaser, this spicy herb may be an effective alternative treatment. Added to food, cayenne perks up appetite, improves digestion and relieves gas, nausea, and indigestion. The herb also thins phlegm and eases its passage from the lungs, thus helping to prevent and treat coughs, colds and bronchitis.

Sunday, May 20, 2012


Every weekend I boil water in the microwave in an enormous 8 cup pyrex mixing cup. Then I slice ginger (anti inflammatory) and fill an enormous tea ball to drop into the boiled water. I have another tea ball (they are about 3 inches) that I fill with hibiscus (blood pressure) to brew. This red tea gets poured into a jar and sits in the fridge all week to use if I make other tea or to add honey (or sweet n low) and drink cold. I just dropped the tea balls in and one wasn't latched right so it opened. Now I have to strain the entire thing before storing. Yuck! I usually spill the red tea and stain everything.
In Hawaii, hibiscus grows wild and is found in home gardens. It is extremely high in vitamin C and some studies show that it may lower high blood pressure and even cholesterol. Hibiscus is high in electrolytes, making it great for replenishing the body after exercise. Electrolytes effect the muscles and water in the body. Hibiscus tea also inhibits enzymes that break down complex sugars and starches. When amylase enzymes are blocked by hibiscus, it slows down the metabolism and absorption of carbohydrates.
Ginger is known to be great for stomach problems, but it also has cholesterol-lowering properties. Ginger controls chronic pain, inflammation, infection, bad breath, reduces dizziness and more.
You could add lemon, mint or honey to your tea. I add a little apple cider vinegar to the glass sometimes for its benefits. I use my mixture to reheat and brew a green tea bag with it.
However you enjoy it, I find this to be a helpful, healthy drink.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Apparently I posted something on or around April 13th that has been removed.
I wish I had been told what it was as to not do it again and to apologize. My content is original or it is quoted and I thank where it comes from. I believe that information on health, diet, and nutrition should be shared.
I do use public images off Google search to brighten the posts. 
 My apologies to whomever I offended.

Saturday, April 21, 2012





I just stole these off someplace else cuz I had to share them and hope they get sent to me (MMMM)
Check this out:

Low Carb Flourless PROTEIN COOKIES:


Ingredients:

  1. Preheat oven to 375.
  2. Combine all ingredients and mix well.
  3. Scoop onto cookie sheet and flatten with a fork. (Makes 8 large, using an ice cream scoop as a guide. Making 12-14 smaller would also work!)
  4. Bake for 14-18 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to brown (my bake time on this was funky. I first baked for 10, then took it out for a few, then put it back in for 5. I also turned the temp up to 375 for the last few minutes. Just watch for browning).

Eat when you’re in need of energy or want to stay full for hours!

(stolen from Frugalgirls .com)

Monday, April 16, 2012

STOP!!!!!!
Now, think about WHY do you want to lose weight?
And for WHO?
Take one of those index cards and write your answers down.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Anxiety? Mood Swings? Stress? Vit C! Folic Acid! Tryptophan!

(I had an image of Dr Oz on here because I learned this from him but I have removed that image out of respect for him. Dr. Oz does not sell any products and I am only trying to give credit when I obtain information from someone.)
For Anxiety:
Drink Kefir Milk
This milk is different from regular milk because it’s fermented with probiotic kefir grains. Kefir milk is also loaded with tryptophan – an amino acid that also helps raise serotonin levels in the brain – which can help reduce anxious feelings. Drinking one cup a day is enough to keep you feeling calm.
For Mood Swings:
Eat Asparagus
If you’re prone to mood swings, asparagus is a must-have vegetable in your diet. It’s packed with folic acid; low levels of this nutrient have been linked to depression. Just one cup of asparagus has 66% of your daily value of folic acid. It’s easy to incorporate this superfood into your diet – you can use it as an ingredient in an omelet or throw some asparagus tips into a salad. Try to work it into at least two meals a day to regulate mood.
For Stress:
Eat Oranges
Oranges are packed with vitamin C, which brings high stress hormones back to normal levels more quickly. Vitamin C also helps lower blood pressure. Blood pressure can rise in response to stressful situations. Eat an orange as a snack on the days when you anticipate extra stress at home or at work. Doing so about an hour before a stressful situation can help you stay calm.
(thanks Dr. Oz )