By Stephanie Singer

Spirulina is one of hundreds of blue green algae species. Algae are organisms, found throughout the world, that usually grow on inland waters. It resembles a blue-green scum. Algaes are usually divided by color. Some examples are green, blue-green, yellow-green, red, and brown. There are 8000 species of green algae in the world. Spirulina is the easiest of the three main types of algae to digest.

Spirulina does not have roots, leaves, or stems as most herbs do. But spirulina does contain chlorophyll and performs photosynthesis. Spirulina also creates proteins and sugars as animals do.

The Aztecs of Mexico ate it as a staple food. They dried it and spread it on tortillas. Africans of the Sahara region also use dried spirulina with grains and vegetables. Around the world, spirulina is used as a food source for animals and humans.

Following are a few spirulina benefits. Spirulina enhances the immune system through the antioxidants it contains. Spirulina is highly nutritious and is an excellent source of chlorophyll, protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It contains twenty-six times the calcium that milk has. It also contains phosphorus, B12, and is a good source of iron. It is safe, has no side effects, and is easy to store. All these won it the name “Manna of the future.” It is used to treat anemia, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, glaucoma, cataracts, hepatitis, physical imbalances, and it aids in weight loss.

As an immune system builder, spirulina appears to increase production of interferons and interleukins, both anti-inflammatory chemicals. These may decrease or prevent some allergic responses and block the release of histamine during an allergic reaction. This in turn decreases histamine’s effects such as muscle contraction, blood vessel expansion, and stomach acid production.

The afore mentioned antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties in spirulina may help it fight cancer cells. It also helps to release a chemical in the body that attacks tumor cells. Spirulina also appears to block virus cells from entering into host cells. In tests several viruses, including HIV, have apparently been killed or damaged by spirulina.

NASA stated, “The Nutritional value of one kg spirulina is equivalent to 1,000 kgs of assorted fruits and vegetables.” In other words, spirulina is an exceptionally nutrient substance. Spirulina is made up of 85% protein, compared with 20% in beef. All the essential amino acids and most of the nonessential ones are found in Spirulina and, as noted above, it is extremely rich in vitamins and minerals.

You can purchase spirulina in tablets, capsules, and powder form. One tablespoon of spirulina powder is about 7 grams. Doses should be from one gram to ten grams a day. That is just about two teaspoons. For serious illnesses such as hepatitis four tsp per day are recommended. Consume as much as you want. It may be used as the primary source of protein. Some even like to make smoothies with Spirulina. Others just sprinkle it on their food like seasoning. Spirulina powder can be added to fruit or vegetable juices or to add nutrition to dishes. It is tasty in pasta, soups, salads, or mixed with yoghurt. Just remember this: spirulina is most nutritious uncooked.

About the Author: The book, To Train Up A Child, addresses the apparent and easy method to educate our kids to be decent kids worthy of admiration from other people and stay a life of appropriate discipline and right choices.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=563107&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

By Brennan Howe

Rooibos or Red Bush Tea as it is also known is not a true tea but an herb which is indigenous to the Cederburg area of South Africa. Due to its widely publicized health benefits it has grown into a billion dollar export industry since the mid twentieth century.

The tea has no caffeine and only half the tannin of ordinary tea. Apart from being refreshing to drink, in place of ordinary tea and coffee, it has the advantage of containing minerals and powerful antioxidants. Having no oxalic acid it also does not irritate the kidneys.

The Japanese scientists, who did studies in the 1960’s, discovered Rooibos contains a powerful antioxidant similar to SOD which is thought to retard aging and quercetin which is believed to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Besides that Rooibos is also found to contain aspalathin which counteracts the atherosclerotic processes that result in heart disease. Due to this the Japanese promote it as an Anti-Aging Tea and import large quantities of the tea.

Research was done elsewhere where the French found that hair lotion containing Rooibos promoted faster hair growth with improvement in the hair condition and caused no allergic reactions. In South Africa research found that the polyphenol content in Rooibos is similar to green tea. Polyphenols help protect the body from damage by free radicals.

Rooibos has been found to be helpful with general health problems. It relieves digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and constipation. Having a calming effect it helps with irritability, insomnia and depression.

Both pre natal and breast feeding Mothers supplement their intake of manganese, calcium and fluoride drinking Rooibos and therefore promote strong teeth and healthy bones in their babies. Rooibos, when applied at every nappy change, relieves nappy rash and when drunk by the baby relieves colic.

Preparation of Rooibos is the same as ordinary tea. First warm the tea pot with boiling water and then place one teaspoon of tea or tea bag per cup required in the pot. Pour over boiling water and let infuse for a few minutes. The longer it is left before drinking the more antioxidants the tea will contain. Can be served plain, with hot or cold milk or lemon. It can be lightly sweetened with honey or sugar or just left without any sweetening. Rooibos also makes a wonderful ice tea.

In South Africa Rooibos Tea is often used in day to day cooking as not only does it add important minerals and antioxidants to the diet and help digestion, it also enhances the flavors of the cooking. Just replace the water in a recipe with the tea.

Next time you are in your health shop or in a department store stocking specialty teas, why not pick up a packet and try it out?

About the Author: Brennan Howe is owner of http://www.freeinfosites.com. Where you can find free information on a variety of topics including hair loss prevention.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=32521&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Rose petals have been used for centuries in skin care preparations. They are gentle on the skin and have a wonderful scent. Rosewater and rose oil made from rose petals are antiseptic and astringent. Rose preparations are gentle and benefit dry or sensitive skin.

One use of rose petals is to add them to homemade facial scrubs. Grind the rose petals and add them to other ingredients that are good in facial scrubs, such as ground almonds, ground oats, cornmeal, baking soda, or clay. Using only one or two ingredients is fine. Just add enough water to a teaspoon or two of the scrub to make a paste, and gently massage your skin with the mixture.

Rosewater is a gentle astringent that can be used as a toner. Rosewater can be either bought or made at home. There are several methods of making homemade rosewater. Some involve distilling rose water on the stove or in a jar in the sun. Other methods involve letting the rose petals sit in a jar with water and witch hazel (or alcohol) for a matter of weeks, similar to how herbal tinctures are made.

Rose petals can also be used in herbal facial steams. Add the roses to other herbs, such as lavender, chamomile, calendula, or comfrey. Add water, bring the herbs to a boil and remove from heat. Sit with your face over the steam, with a towel over your head. You can also use hot water in a bowl instead of boiling water. Steam your skin for 5 to 8 minutes.

Rose oil is very expensive, because it takes many rose petals to make a little oil, but can be added to homemade lotions in small amounts. A few drops of rose oil are added to larger amounts of carrier oils, such as almond oil or grapeseed oil. Rose oil can also be used in aromatherapy. It has a soothing effect on the nerves and is helpful with tension and depression.

Always use rose petals that are pesticide-free in homemade preparations. Pesticides may irritate the skin. When using rose oil be sure it is genuine. There are synthetic rose oils for sale, but they don’t have the therapeutic effects of authentic rose oil.

Passion Flower (passiflora incarnata) is an exotic looking flower, and it is used as a calming herb, despite it’s name. Passion Flower was named after the Passion of Christ because the flower seemed to have symbols of the crucifixion. It is a very useful herb, and can be taken as a pill, tincture, or infusion (tea).

Passion flower is most commonly used as an anti-anxiety herb. It has a soothing sedative effect. It can also be used for problems with insomnia. It has been used to help with seizures, lower blood pressure and to relieve muscle tension as well. It also works well as a cough suppressant, relaxing the muscles of the throat. Which makes it wonderful to take before bed if you have a cough and want to be able to take a break from coughing and get some sleep.

Passion flower has been used as a calming herb and sleep aid for over 200 years. One scientific study found passion flower as effective as oxazepam for treating general anxiety. It is approved by the German Commission E for use as a treatment for nervousness and insomnia. Passion flower is considered safe when used in moderation, however it may interact with prescription medications, specifically sedatives, blood thinners, and MAO inhibitors. It can increase the effects of these drugs.

Another common name for Passion Flower is Maypop. It can be found growing wild in certain areas in the Southeastern United States. Passion flower can be grown in a garden or as a houseplant. It grows on vines that can reach 15 feet in a season. There are many kinds of passion flower plants. If you decide to cultivate your own for medicinal uses, make sure you are growing the correct type. Passion flower would be a beautiful addition to any garden, but for those without green thumbs, it can also be bought in capsules, tinctures, and teas.