Benefits of Elderberry Tea

Benefits of elderberry tea include its ability to reduce chest congestion and LDL levels. It is also a very good antioxidant.

Elderberry tree grows several countries across the world. It is a shrub which at times grows to the height of a small tree. Its flowers are cream in color and fragrant. The flower gives way to a dark purple colored fruit.  Its scientific name is sambucus nigra. Native Americans used it to treat rheumatism. In Europe it is used in the preparation of food products like jams, wines, jellies and pies. Elderberry tree that grows in Europe is different from the one that grows in America.

  Elderberry Fruits

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Evelyn Simak

Nutritional Content

Elderberry fruits are a rich source of calcium and iron. They also contain vitamins A, C and B6. Over the years elderberry fruit has been used to treat stomach ache, common colds, rheumatism, sore throat, diarrhea, and constipation. Elderberry leaves and bark have been used as an expectorant, diuretic, laxative and for topical applications.

Antioxidants

Elderberry fruits have excellent antioxidant properties. It is said to have higher antioxidant capacity than cranberry. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, elderberry may have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-toxic properties. It helps to fight against free radicals which can cause cell damage.

Preparation of Elderberry Tea

Add 2 tbsp of dried elderberry flowers to a cup of boiling water. After it cools down, strain the tea. It is now ready for drinking. Only dried elderberry flowers should be used to prepare tea. Unripe berries and leaves should not be used as they may cause vomiting.

For Chest Infection

Elderberry is very effective in treating chest and upper respiratory tract infection. It helps to control the formation of phlegm and is a good remedy for colds and cough. It is also a good remedy for chest congestion and sore throat

LDL Levels

It helps to reduce LDL levels. It also helps to increase the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). It is very good for the heart.

Arthritis

Elderberry tea can help to reduce the pain due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Antiviral Properties

Antiviral properties of elderberry tea can help to recover quickly from chicken pox and measles. It would also promote quick recovery from influenza and fevers.

Side effects

“Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicines” says elderberry should not used by people suffering from kidney and liver diseases. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should also not use it. It may cause allergic reactions like itching, skin rashes, swelling, nausea and vomiting in some people.

Benefits of Sage Tea

Sage is a herb, which has been used for centuries for both medicinal and culinary purposes.  It was used by ancient Egyptians as a fertility drug. It has anti-fungal, antiviral, antiseptic and astringent properties. It can help to reduce perspiration. It is also an antioxidant. It has been used for long to treat respiratory problems. Gargling warm sage tea combined with honey and apple cider vinegar can help to cure sore throat and cough. The tea helps to strengthen the nervous system and memory.

                                           Sage Plant

                 Source: Wikimedia Commons: Aomorikum

              

 

Stimulant

Sage tea is a stimulant for the brain which helps to boost memory and helps you to think clearly. It is very useful for Alzheimer’s patients.

Preparation of Sage Tea

Sage tea can be prepared by adding a cup of boiling water to half a cup of sage leaves and straining it after 5 minutes. One tbsp of honey and one tbsp of lemon juice can be added to the tea. It may have blood sugar lowering effects. A cup of sage tea can be taken daily for maximum of ten days. You can resume drinking the tea after a gap of another 5 days.

Sage Tea for Lung Problems

Sage tea has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes and helps to get rid of cough and colds. It is an excellent expectorant and helps to expel mucous. Add a 10-12 sage leaves to water and boil it. Inhaling the fumes can also help to clear the mucous.

For Dental Care

Sage tea has the powers of a disinfectant and is especially useful for the heath of teeth and gums. It is highly effective as a mouth rinse.

For Skin

Sage lotion helps to get rid to excess oil from the skin and tighten up the pores. The tea can be applied to improve your complexion and get rid of acne. It is used in manufacture of deodorants and lotions because of its astringent properties. According to mothernature.com, it can help to suppress excessive perspiration. 
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Hair Loss

Sage tea helps to reduce hair loss. It can also help to stop graying hair and promote hair growth. It contains zinc, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B and C. You can apply it over your scalp with a gentle massage overnight and wash it off after next morning. According of University of Maryland Medical Center, sage oil can be used for aromatherapy to treat insomnia, hair loss and anxiety. The oil can be inhaled or applied on the skin.

Menopause

Sage tea can help to reduce hot flashes and night sweats for menopausal women. It may also reduce excessive sweating. It acts as a general tonic, helping to sooth the irritability during the period preceding the menopause. Prepare dilute sage tea pouring half a liter of boiling water over 3 tsp of dried sage leaves and steep it for 30 minutes. Drink a cup of the tea thrice a day.

These are some of the health benefits of sage tea

Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Juice Cleanse

Cayenne pepper, maple syrup and lemon juice drink can help to get rid of the toxins from the body  

Cayenne pepper is a spice which is hot. It is grown across the world and is available round the year. It is used in a variety of cuisines. It is highly nutritious as it contains vitamin A and beta-carotenes. It is also an excellent anti-oxidant. It has an active ingredient called capsaicin which can help to ease the pain due to arthritis. It can also be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. 

   Cayenne Pepper

  Source: Wikimedia Commons: Pierre Selim

Cayenne Pepper Inflammation

Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder which destroys the tissues. The antioxidant properties of cayenne pepper help to reduce inflammation of the joints reducing the pain. 

It also helps to reduce the inflammation due to psoriasis. But it cannot get rid of the disease as it is chronic.

According to Maryland Medical Center, ointments and creams made from capsaicin can help to relieve pain due to arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. It can also help to reduce lower back pain.

Constipation

Cayenne pepper can help to get rid of constipation. It can be taken in the form of powder or capsules. 

Blood Pressure 

Cayenne pepper can help to bring down blood pressure. Take a glass of warm water and add a tsp of powdered cayenne pepper. Drink this concoction every day. It will help to bring down your blood pressure in about a month. 

Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Juice Cleanse

A combination of cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and maple syrup will help to cleanse the body and remove all the toxins. It will also promote weight loss. The active ingredient of cayenne pepper, capsaicin is mainly responsible for the detox. 

The ingredients to be used for the detox are

4 tbsp of lemon juice 
4 tbsp of natural maple syrup
¼ tsp of cayenne pepper
250 ml of mineral water

Taking 6-8 glasses of this detox drink every day will help to improve your metabolic rate and improve digestion. 

The drink will boost your energy levels. The drink will help to 

Reduce weight 
                                                                                                     Reduce chronic pain due to due to arthritis

Reduce headache and toothache

It will also help to get rid of sore throat and improve blood circulation 

It is not advisable to follow this diet for more than two days at a stretch. 

These are some of the health benefits of cayenne pepper and lemon juice. 

Nutritional Benefits of Potato and Health Benefits

Potato has very good nutritional and health benefits. It is an important part of our diet. It is grown across the world. In fact potato is the fourth largest crop in the world. Potato contains abundance of dietary fiber.

Potato Benefits for Nutrition and Health   

Vitamin C

Potato is rich in vitamin C.  The high iron content of potato helps the body to absorb vitamin C better. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which has anti-aging properties. It is also rich in iron and copper. Iron helps to maintain hemoglobin levels in the blood. Lack of iron would result in anemia and lack of energy. Both copper and iron are essential for red blood cells. 

Potatoes

Potatoes and Weight Gain

Potatoes may lead to weight gain. According to research results published in New England journal of medicine, potatoes are calorie dense. Mashed, boiled and baked potatoes may lead to weight gain. French fries and potato chips can lead to even greater weight gain. Potatoes do not contain fat. 

Blood Pressure

Potatoes are rich in potassium. They help to neutralize the effects of sodium in the body. They also contain magnesium. Magnesium promotes blood flow. These two minerals can help to keep the blood pressure under control

Potatoes for Skin

Potatoes have properties that can bleach the skin and lighten your complexion. They can also reduce the pigmentation and other blemishes of the skin. Potato slices can be rubbed to the skin. Potato juice can be applied to the skin and washed off next morning.  Raw potato contains minerals like potassium, phosphorous and sulphur. It is highly effective for skin care as it is an antioxidant and contains vitamins.  Its antibacterial properties can help to get rid of pimples, acne and blackheads. It can also get rid of warts. It is also an effective remedy for dark circles under the eyes.  Rubbing a potato slice on the skin can help to get rid of excess oil. 

Digestion

Potatoes are easy to digest as they are rich in carbohydrates. So they can be included in diet for people suffering from diarrhea. 

Inflammation

Potatoes are a very good remedy for inflammation of the intestines and digestive system as they are easily digestible. They are also good for mouth ulcers.

These are some of the important nutritional and health benefits of potatoes. 

Black Pepper Health Benefits

There are several health benefits of black pepper, which is known as the"king of spices". It has been used for culinary purposes for thousands of years. It adds flavor and taste to your food  Black pepper also provides relief for colds, cough, respiratory disorders, digestion, constipation and heart disease. It is grown in Southern India, especially in the state of Kerala and is available right through the year.

Black Pepper

Wikimedia Commons: Minasari66

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Is an antioxidant

Has anti-bacterial properties

Promotes urination and sweating

Is rich in dietary fibers

Aids Weight loss

Black Pepper for Weight loss

Black pepper contains an ingredient called piperine which prevents the growth of fat cells. It is useful in the treatment diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders. Black pepper stimulates gastric secretions and increases the metabolic rate. Research has shown that it increases the metabolic rate by about 8% and promotes weight loss.

Black Pepper for Blood Pressure

Black pepper contains vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron which can help to lower blood pressure. Even though it contains very low levels of potassium it neutralizes the effects of sodium to reduce blood pressure.

Anti-depression

Black pepper contains piperine which has anti-depression properties. It stimulates the nervous system and the brain function.

For Colds

Black pepper contains vitamin C which helps to clear the nasal passages and clear congestion.

Improve Digestion

Black pepper helps to increase the secretion of gastric juice and improves digestion. As it is rich in dietary fiber, it helps to regulate and cleanse bowel movements. If it is included in your diet you can prevent problems like gas and diarrhea. To improve digestion mix powdered black pepper and ginger. Take it 3-4 times a day.

Black Pepper for Skin

Piperine contained by black pepper can treat skin ailments like vitiligo. Its antioxidant properties can neutralize the effects of sun’s rays on the skin. It also has anti-cancerous properties.

Add a tsp of ground black pepper to clarified butter. Use it as a topical application for eczema, skin allergies and scabies

Dental Care

Black pepper is a very good remedy for toothache. Mix 3 tsp of ground black pepper and ½ tsp of salt. Add some water and make a paste. Apply this paste to gums or cavity. It will help to relieve toothache.

Black Pepper and Honey

Add a tsp of ground black pepper to a tbsp of honey and 2 tsp of lemon juice. Take it twice daily. It helps to get rid of colds, cough and also to reduce weight

Black Pepper Tea

Add a tsp of powdered black pepper to 2 cups of water and boil it. Add a tsp of honey and a tsp of lemon juice to it. Drink this tea piping hot to relieve all the symptoms of cold and cough.

Black Pepper Milk

Add a tsp of black pepper and a pinch of turmeric powder to milk and boil it. Drink it to get rid of colds and cough.

These are some of the health benefits of black pepper. 

How Can You Strengthen Your Immune System with Food

Food can help you to strengthen your immune system. Our body is susceptible to a variety of diseases. But it is possible to lessen the susceptibility to a certain degree by strengthening our immune system. This can be done by including certain foods in our diet. These foods help to increase the number of white cells in the blood that fight the diseases 

                           

                      Fruits ; Source : Dani Luri Wikimedia Commons

Minerals, vitamins and antioxidants are necessary to strengthen the immune system. All these cannot be found in a single food item. Certain mixture of foods are necessary to get these absorbed by the body efficiently. It has been found that some nutrients help to fight the ill effects of radiation and chemotherapy used for cancer treatment. It would be advisable to use recipes  which contain these combinations of food. For example chicken soup which is such a popular remedy for colds contains the right ingredients for that particular problem. The immune system can be weakened by our lifestyle and environment. Pollution, sunlight, poor diet can all contribute to the weakening of the immune system. This makes the body vulnerable to attacks from viruses and bacteria. Here is a list of foods to boost your immune system naturally.

Garlic

Garlic is a wonder food and an antioxidant. It is described as a miracle food. Garlic contains sulfur which gives immune boosting properties. Sulfur also gives garlic its pungent aroma. It contains an antibiotic called allicin in minute quantities. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. As an antioxidant it also has anti-ageing properties. It is also capable of cleaning the body of chemical residues of drugs, alcohol and pollutants.

Green Tea

Green tea is an antioxidant. It contains catechins which boost the immune system. It can kill cancer cells without affecting the healthy cells. It also gets rid of the free radicals. It helps to fight against heart disease and obesity.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a probiotic which contains good bacteria. It helps to stimulate the disease fighting white blood cells. Yogurt also helps to overcome gastrointestinal infections. It is recommended for children suffering from diarrhea. Yogurt helps to minimize the ill effects of antibiotics on friendly bacteria. It is a very good remedy for yeast infections of the vagina. It contains lactic acid which helps the absorption of minerals. It also increases the absorption of calcium.

Carrots

Carrots contain beta carotenes which is an antioxidant. It induces the immune system to target cancer cells. It also protects the cells against free radicals. It contains potassium, calcium, vitamin A, B and C. Carrot acts as an antiseptic. It can be used as a laxative and a vermicide. It can also be used to treat certain liver conditions and also as poultice.

Seafood

Salmon, tuna, crabs and oysters help to boost the immune system. All these contain vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. They can also help to prevent cancer, arthritis and heart diseases.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain beta glucans which inhibit the replication of viruses. They are also found in yeast, barley and oats. They help to boost the production of white blood cells and remove toxins from the body.

A change in life style like stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and regular exercises will also help to boost the immune system. Broccoli and cabbage can also be included in the list of foods to strengthen your immune system naturally.