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.

What are the Health Benefits of Ginger Root?

Ginger root has a wide range of health Benefits.  It is a very good remedy for digestion and nausea.  

Ginger is a perennial plant which grows in tropical climates. Ginger has been grown for thousands of years across the world and is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Ginger root is used in alternative medicines like ayurveda, aromatherapy and herbal therapy to treat a variety of diseases. It is also used to flavor food in several cuisines. It is been wide use alternative medicine for its health benefits for a long time

Ginger

Wikimedia Common: Thamizhpparithi Maari

Ginger for Vomiting and Nausea

Ginger can be eaten powdered or raw to get rid of nausea and vomiting. It can get rid of nausea and vomiting which occurs during the 15-18 months of pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that ginger is also effective in controlling nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Ginger for Digestion

Ginger stimulates digestion and is a very good remedy for digestion problems. It also prevents E.coli from causing diarrhea. Ginger is soothing on the stomach and aids digestion. It can also contribute to weight loss. According to researchers from Maastricht university of Netherlands, it has fat burning properties and boosts metabolism.

Ginger for Cough and Cold 

Ginger is a very good remedy for cold and cough. It can even provide relief for laryngitis. Ginger tea can be prepared with the addition of lemon and honey. Take it several times a day to get rid of colds and cough

Cholesterol and Hypertension

Ginger will help to reduce the LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood. Higher levels of LDL can contribute to the formation of plaque on the walls of the arteries and narrow them down. This will increase the blood pressure levels. The plaque can also lead to the reduction of elasticity of blood vessels. The reduction of blood pressure will reduce the chances of the formation of blood clots. This will also help to prevent heart attack and strokes.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has several health benefits. Peel ginger and get rid of its skin. Cut it into thin slices. Boil water in a sauce pan. Add the slices to it and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add lemon and honey to it. Drink a cup the tea 2-3 times a day. This will help you to get all the health benefits of ginger.

Other Methods of Using Ginger

- Fresh ginger can be grated or ground and added to your food

- Crystallized ginger candies which can be purchased, can be used like lozenges

-  The commonly available beverage, ginger ale is quite tasty and healthy.

These area some of the important heath benefits of ginger.

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedies

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedies 
                                                                                                                 Apple cider vinegar(ACV) is made by crushing apples and extracting the juice. The juice is fermented by adding yeast and sugar. Apple juice turns into alcohol during the first stage of fermentation. Fermentation continues further and vinegar is obtained. It contains a substance called pectin which has disease fighting properties. It also contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It is an excellent preservative of food products. There are several apple cider vinegar remedies.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Blood Pressure

It contains potassium which helps to reduce blood pressure. Mix ACV with some oil and add it to salads instead of salad dressing. It is also a blood thinner. Two tsp of ACV can be added to water to taken before meals every day to reduce blood pressure. It has a strong acidic taste. A physician has to be consulted before starting on ACV. 

Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss

ACV has been used to aid weight loss for hundreds of years. It increases the rate of metabolism and helps to burn fat faster. It is also said to reduce cholesterol levels. Add two tsp of ACV to half liter of water and keep drinking it right through the day.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Detoxification

ACV is used for the detoxification of liver and blood purification. It helps the body to get rid of the toxins effectively. It aids digestion. Add 2-3 tsp of ACV to water and take it before meals.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Cholesterol

ACV benefits include the reduction of cholesterol in the blood. It has water soluble fiber pectin, which helps to absorb cholesterol and fat in the body. It is then excreted.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Growth

It is an excellent remedy for thinning hair. It is full of nutrients that promote hair growth. It removes the dead skin cells that block the hair follicles. It is also a very good remedy for dandruff. Add half a cup of ACV to an equal quantity of water. Apply it to your hair after shampooing. Rub it in gently. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Healthy Skin

It is an antiseptic which destroys viruses, bacteria and yeast, when it is applied to the skin. Excessive oil in the skin is absorbed by ACV. It helps to remove acne and blackheads. It makes the skin soft and smooth.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Sore Throat

ACV gargle is a very useful remedy for sore throat. Mix it with equal quantity of water and gargle once every two hours. But make sure that you rinse your mouth with water after gargling to prevent the deposit of acid on the teeth.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

Drinking ACV regularly will help to reduce acne. You can apply ACV directly to the affected skin. Acne will start to reduce after several applications and vanish.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux

It is a very good remedy for acid reflux. Add one tsp of ACV to a glass of water and drink it thrice a day. It will get rid of all the discomfort and uneasiness. 

These are some of the important apple cider vinegar remedies