Sunday, May 30, 2010

May 30 - 2010 - All About Herbs

Healthy Eating - Alfalfa Grass
By Eric J Smith Platinum Quality Author

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Alfalfa grass is of the Genus, "Medicago" and the species is "satvia" it is from the Fabacea family of plants. Alfalfa grass can be used as high protein food for humans and livestock. It is recognised in agriculture as Lucerne. It is used as a stock feed and can be bailed for hay and used as chaff in horse or rabbit mixes and commercially available stock feed pellets.

Alfalfa is an amazing "Super food". It is high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and trace minerals. Alfalfa is also high in vitamins A,B,C,D,E,F and K. The roots of the Alfalfa are known to grow more than 30 metres into the soil. It can contain a wide variety of minerals and elements that are found deep in the soil. Alfalfa can grow up to a metre in height (around 3 feet)

Alfalfa has many health benefits including regulating the bodies cholesterol levels.

Alfalfa has long been recognised for it health benefits, its name is derived from the Arabic "al-fac-facah", which means "father of all foods".

The health properties of Alfalfa have been recognised by the indigenous people of Arabia for thousands of years. The Arabians noticed that their overall health improved when even small amounts of Alfalfa grass were added to the diet.

Alfalfa grass has been grown commercially around the world for centuries.

There are several ways you can use fresh Alfalfa grass:

  • Alfalfa sprouts are used in salads and in sandwiches. Alfalfa seed can be purchased from your local health food sore and soaked in water. Sprouts can shoot in either a sealed plastic bag or plastic or glass container. Sprouts can also be purchased pre-sprouted from supermarkets and health food stores.
  • Alfalfa grass can be found in many health food supplements and super foods.
  • It is thought Alfalfa may aid in reducing water retention and may stimulate food digestion in the bowel.
  • Research has shown Alfalfa to be beneficial in arthritic conditions.
  • Alfalfa is naturally detoxifying. Its diuretic nature relates to its high nutrient and chlorophyll levels.
  • Alfalfa sprouts are often used as a substitute to lettuce in mixed salads.
  • Alfalfa sprouts can be cooked and used in stir-fry and many Asian dishes.

Alfalfa and other legume sprouts will have a huge part to play in maintaining a constant nutrient supply in the coming years. Their use will increase in third world countries and will be a huge nutrient source for countries suffering from poor soil fertility and salinity.

Eric describes himself as being "Passionate about Organics". Eric is Married and has 2 Children. Eric and his wife Narelle represent Miessence Certified Organic Skin Care, Cosmetics, Home & Nutritional Products. www.buy-organic-products.com Alfalfa Grass is an ingredient in In-Liven Probiotic Super food

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Friday, May 28, 2010

May 28- 2010 - All About Herbs

Herbs and Foods That Prevent Signs of Aging
By Angie Lewis Platinum Quality Author

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he best way to slow down the aging process is to feed your body well. The best super foods for looking younger than your age are sprouts, wheat grass, greens, seaweed, berries, red grapes, green tea, and most vegetables when eaten either raw or lightly steamed.

Your body absolutely needs nutrients every day to regenerate healthy cells, keep your immunity strong, and to rejuvenate the skin. Common herbs that prevent the signs of aging when applied on the skin or ingested on a consistent basis are green tea, horsetail, ivy, rosemary, and horse chestnut.

Sprouts I've been sprouting organic seeds for years. It is fun, easy and excellent for your health. I mostly sprout the wheat berry, alfalfa, mung bean, and sunflowers seeds, but you can sprout many other kinds of legumes and seeds as well. Alfalfa sprouts are full of life giving nourishment and should be included in your healthy lifestyle. Eating a cup of alfalfa sprouts each day mixed in with your salad or sandwich is all you need to get the nutritional benefits from it.

How To Sprout Add ½ cup of your favorite sprout seeds into a wide-mouthed jar and cover seeds with filtered water. Allow the seeds to sit over night. The next morning rinse your sprouts and drain off the water using a mesh screen. Secure screening with a rubber band. Tip the jar onto its side and let nature go to work. Rinse your sprouts a couple times a day. I rinse mine in the morning and before I go to bed.

In three days you will have wheat berry sprouts. These are excellent little nutty gems that add a slight crunch to your salads. Wheat sprouts can also be eaten with yogurt or mixed with dried fruits. In five days you will have alfalfa sprouts. Alfalfa sprouts are excellent in your sandwiches and salads. In four days you will have mung bean sprouts, and these are great added to your stir-fry dishes. Take the stir-fry off the heat and stir in a cup or two of mung beans sprouts.

Juicing Fruits and Vegetables I also do a lot of juicing of fresh fruits and vegetables. The best fruits and veggies for juicing are carrots, sweet potatoes, celery, apples, berries, grapes, grapefruit and oranges. My secret for never getting sick is to add a couple cloves of garlic into your juicer and juice the garlic right along with your favorite fruits and vegetables.

Be sure to always drink your fresh juices on an empty stomach to ensure you are getting the full benefits of the nutrients absorbed into your system without delay. Juicing or eating fruit should never be done when the stomach is full because you will not efficiently absorb the vitamins and minerals from the fruit into your body.

Green Tea Green tea is a powerful antioxidant but you should drink at least two to three cups a day. Green tea has been shown to suppress inflammation anywhere within the body. Arthritis is a typical example of inflammation. Symptoms of inflammation are soreness, redness, swollen joints, stiffness, and even loss of joint function.

In a healthy immune system the body can fight off inflammation on its own. The immune system becomes stronger when it is given the super foods listed above on a consistent basis while also maintaining a healthy balanced diet. Green tea heals the inside of the body as well as the outside through continuous use of it. The peoples of Japan are known to have one of the longest life spans in the world. And yes they drink lots of green tea and they eats lots of seaweed.

When green tea is applied on the skin it reduces the signs of wrinkles, cellulite and delays skin aging. I know of a wonderful body applicator that consists mainly of green tea and horse chestnut and many other skin toning and tightening herbs that will regenerate your skin and reduce the signs of cellulite and wrinkles. The ultimate body applicator really works-I'm using it! The wonderful thing about the body wrap is it is made up of only natural ingredients. It is safe to use.

Yes, the body applicator really works! http://www.heavenministries.com/Health.htm

I love sugar but sugar hates me! That's why I wrote the book Sugar Overload Syndrome. My new book covers the health conditions of ADHD, bipolar, hypoglycemia, alcoholism, depression and more. Provides simple, proven techniques incorporating a whole foods diet, cleansing, sprouting, juicing, exercise and herbs to treat illness. Includes wholesome recipes, two free cleanses and age reducing and skin enhancing chapters. For all books by Angie, click here: http://www.lulu.com/AngieLewis/


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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

May 26- 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA

Treatments of Eczema - How Alfalfa Sprouts Can Eliminate Eczema

Monday, May 24, 2010

May 24 - 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA

Organic Alfalfa Leaf Uses

Saturday, May 22, 2010

May 22 - 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA

Alfalfa Herb - Alfalfa Benefits from the 'Father of All Foods'
By Joy Mary Platinum Quality Author
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The Arabs named it alfalfa meaning 'father of all foods.' It is also called Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, and Purple Medic. The ancient Greeks used it to treat bladder and kidney conditions. The Chinese use alfalfa herb to treat kidney stones. For 1500 years it has been used as a food and herbal medicine. So what makes alfalfa so good?

First, the alfalfa herb is rich in vitamins A (eye health), E (heart and cardiovascular health), U (treats peptic ulcers), B6 (stimulates protein and fat metabolism), K (blood clotting and liver functions), and D (regulates the use of calcium and phosphorus in the body). Second, alfalfa contains many valuable minerals such as calcium and phosphorus (bone and teeth health), iron (needed in hemoglobin), manganese (lowers blood sugar levels), potassium (muscle tone and nerves), chlorides (regulates fat, sugar and starch metabolism), sodium (regulates fluid balance), and silicon magnesium (stimulates brain function).

Alfalfa also contains eight essential enzymes: Amylase (acts on starches), Coagulase (clots blood), Emulsin (acts upon sugar), Invertase (converts cane sugar to dextrose), Lipase (fat splitting), Pectinase (forms vegetable jelly), Peroxidate (oxidizing effect of the blood), and Protase (digests proteins). These in turn help in digesting all four classes of food: proteins, fats, starches and sugars. The alfalfa herb is also rich in protein and fiber.

Alfalfa benefits lower cholesterol by attracting it to itself before the cholesterol can stick to vessel walls. The chlorophyll, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins all aid digestion and help stimulate appetites. As a mild diuretic and laxative, it may improve appetite and relieve some causes of swelling. The chlorophyll in alfalfa helps fight bad bacteria. Alfalfa may help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels which can benefit heart health. It is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, as well as problems with the prostate, kidney, and bladder. Alfalfa has anti-inflammatory qualities and thus can relieve pain associated with arthritis and bursitis.

Consider this list of alfalfa benefits in child birth: relieves problems of morning sickness, constipation, anemia, and heartburn; vitamin K reduces postpartum bleeding and increases K level in the baby; increases and sustains milk supply; reduces swelling, and balances blood sugar levels. Alfalfa may reduce hot flashes in menopausal women as well.

The nutrition of alfalfa may be ingested as leaves or as a tea. It can also be purchased as a liquid, tablet, or capsule. Not all the benefits listed above may be desirable. For example, because of its blood thinning qualities, it is not recommended for those with lupus. The alfalfa herb certainly deserves the name 'the father of all foods.' Such a multitude of alfalfa benefits should motivate more people to get in on its goodness.

As amazing as the alfalfa herb is, there are other herbs that are equally important to round out your diet. Learn more alfalfa benefits and get the critical information that will have you feeling amazing as your body runs like it was meant to.


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Thursday, May 20, 2010

May 20 - 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA

Scalp Eczema - How Alfalfa Sprouts Can Make A Difference To Your Eczema
By Janet Simpson Platinum Quality Author

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

May 18 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA

Alfalfa - Father of All Foods

Sunday, May 16, 2010

May 16 - 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA

Benefits Of Alfalfa Plant Juice

Friday, May 14, 2010

May 14 - 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA

Alfalfa Alert - Healthy Or Not?
By Mary Bodel

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One of the most loved foods of our younger daughter's horse is alfalfa. She works all the other hay bits around and carefully picks out the alfalfa first. It's also becoming very popular with humans, both for health benefits and as a food.

There are many benefits to this legume. It has a high natural protein count and many vitamins and minerals. Herbalists have used it for various reasons for thousands of years. In China and India, it was used for digestive complaints. Native Americans also used it, though the uses were more for jaundice and to help clot blood. It is still used traditionally to lower cholesterol.

There are three reasons alfalfa could pose a problem to humans. The first is actually more a threat to horses than humans, but do keep it in mind. A type of insect called a blister beetle can infest the alfalfa, and it has killed many a horse.

The second problem is bacteria. Outbreaks of salmonella and e. coli are frequent enough to merit a warning by the FDA. The elderly, the very young and people with compromised immune systems are discouraged from eating alfalfa...including those cute little sprouts at the supermarket.

Large amounts of alfalfa pose a bigger threat. A constituent in the plant can cause lupus like symptoms in people. Even worse, it can reactivate lupus in those who already have it. The good news, humans rarely eat enough raw alfalfa for this to be a problem.

There are two reasons I mention it. One is to let those with lupus know of the danger and the other has to do with the popularity of juicers. I read reports of some of the strangest things being put through these machines, and it would be very easy to see someone juicing alfalfa. Don't do it.

You don't have to totally give up the health benefits, though. Cooked and dried alfalfa doesn't have this component. Neither do the tablets. Always discuss any new supplement with your doctor. If you have any problems with your immune system, you may need a referral to a nutritionist to make sure no other food products will cause you harm.

For more information about home remedies, you can visit my site: http://healing-home-remedies.com/. There are blogs and articles about many herbs and the conditions they may help. Subjects include stress, back pain, the flu, gout and cholesterol. You can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. The report discusses the uses, side effects, precautions and interactions of popular herbs. My eBooks, also found on the site, contain information about foods and herbs that can help you deal with the problems life throws our way. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at: mary@healing-home-remedies.com. Mary Bodel, MH


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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

May 12 - 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA

Is The Food Supplement Alfalfa Safe?
By Rebecca Prescott Platinum Quality Author

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The health benefits of alfalfa are largely unsupported scientifically, although there is plenty of anecdotal enthusiasm for it. Alfalfa is highly nutritious, containing approximately 16% protein, and 8% of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains small amounts of the vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Alfalfa is believed to support the immune system, help in normalizing blood clotting, assist with the absorption of nutrients, alleviate hot flushes, cleanse the blood, and promote heart health.

New research also found that alfalfa sprouts and other sprouted vegetables (like broccoli and clover sprouts), may help protect new cells from DNA damage. In the trial conducted on human cells in vitro, researchers at the University of Ulster's School of Biomedical Sciences found that whilst sprouts didn't improve the health of already damaged DNA, it did protect cells from new damage. DNA damage is a biochemical indicator of cancer.

However, there are a few things to consider before adding a lot of sprouts to your diet, or supplementing with alfalfa.

Sprouts can harbor bacteria that leads to food poisoning. This is particularly of issue for children, the elderly, and people with immune related illnesses, like Aids. The problem can be eliminated if sprouts are cooked, but then you don't get the benefit of all the enzymes in them, and some vitamins may be lost. There was an outbreak of salmonella in 2002 in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, and the FDA recommends that sprouts be cooked first.

And in 1995, alfalfa sprouts were associated with an outbreak of salmonella in Chicago. 17 people experienced symptoms ranging from diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headaches, and 4 people had to be hospitalized. Many organic growers, however, feel their seeds are safe, and the risk is exaggerated. Washing sprouts well can minimize the risk of bacterial poisoning like salmonella. Thorough washing also removes mold, another possible problem.

One potential issue intrinsic to alfalfa is that it has been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in animal studies (as opposed to human trials or cases). Alfalfa supplements have been associated with the activation of dormant SLE as well. SLE is an autoimmune disease, which can damage the kidneys and other organs.

Alfalfa can also interfere with the way the body uses vitamin E, and has been linked to abnormalities in the blood. These possible issues make taking alfalfa supplements long term a bit risky.

References:

1. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=52995

2. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=34189

3. Dr Kenneth Cooper, Advanced Nutritional Therapies

For a green food supplement alternative to alfalfa that is also highly nutritious, click here. Find out the benefit of spirulina here. Rebecca Prescott runs the website http://www.vitaminstohealth.com

Sunday, May 9, 2010

May 09 - 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA


Alfalfa Extract - What Are the Health Benefits?

May 09 - 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA


Alfalfa Extract - What Are the Health Benefits?

Friday, May 7, 2010

May 07 - 2010 - All About Herbs - ALFALFA


The Perennial Herb Alfalfa Has Many Medicinal Uses
By Bob Cotto Platinum Quality Author

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The perennial herb Alfalfa has many medicinal and dietary benefits and uses. Research shows that this herb may lower glucose and cholesterol in the blood and Alfalfa supplements are safe for oral consumption by most people - there are a few cases where symptoms similar to lupus occurs. Alfalfa sprouts and seeds contain the amino acid L-canavanine which appears to cause the symptom (the leaves however do not contain it). Alfalfa plant leaves are extremely rich in nutrients and minerals which include magnesium, potassium, carotene and calcium. Alfalfa is effective for reducing fevers, contributes to healthy blood and contains natural fluoride which helps prevent tooth decay.

The Arabs first used Alfalfa and called it "the father of all foods" and initially used it as horse feed as they believed that it made their horses mighty and swift. Alfalfa has been used as a crop for animals for more than a thousand years as well as herbal medicines. The Chinese have used Alfalfa (as far back as the 6th century) to relieve swelling and fluid retention.

Alfalfa is effective for disorders in the bladder, kidneys and prostrate as well as urinary tract infections while also being a good laxative and diuretic. More recent and significant benefits have been identified - Alfalfa may lower cholesterol levels as it contains substances that adhere to cholesterol thus removing it from the blood and it might play a role in lowering blood sugar levels.

As a food source Alfalfa is great as a vegetable or even in salads and a lot of people say that Alfalfa is important in healthy eating plans. Alfalfa has the highest nutritional value (together with algae and wheat grass), has high dietary fibre content and contains minerals, vitamins and all the necessary digestive enzymes.

Well established Alfalfa consumers say that initially many people will not like its taste (might also create the sense that it is burning the tongue tip) and they recommend that one should persevere as it is definitely an acquired taste. Normally after regular consumption, appetites for heavier foods actually lessen.

A great tea can be made when Alfalfa leaves are left to steep in hot water and is a good source of nitrogen. Plant enthusiasts also use the tea as a foliar spray on plants such as Delphiniums and Irises and Alfalfa is also used as mulch for flower beds.

Bob Cotto spent most of his life as a Sr. Sales & Marketing executive. Two years ago his wife of 43 years, Joanne was told that she had 4th stage cancer. Since then, Bob and Joanne have devoted all of their energy to assisting her in maintaining a high quality of life. Find out more about his efforts at his site 4-Ideal-Health.

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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

All About Herbs - ALFALFA


Alfalfa Leaf is a Terrific Restorative Tonic Herb
By Cary Heather
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Alfalfa Leaf has been used for centuries for its nutritional value. Aboriginal people of North America used the seeds of the alfalfa plant to make bread or mush and the branches were boiled and the greens were eaten. It was considered a very healthy addition to the diet. And still today, this herb is highly prized. It is considered a superlative restorative tonic that is used to treat all chronic and acute digestive weaknesses. It does this by helping the body assimilate nutrients. Alfalfa is also rich in many nutrients, including calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, betacarotene, and vitamins C, D, E and K, making it a wonderful supportive herb that restores strength to the sick and the weak. It works to build strength and vitality and can be used to increase weight.
Its cooling properties make alfalfa ideal for disorders related to aging problems that include too much heat and inflammation. Traditionally, this herb has been used for cystitis, burning urine, prostatitis, insomnia, increasing mother's milk, lowering fevers, lowering cholesterol, diabetes, ulcers, arthritis and rheumatic problems, lower backache, jaundice, asthma, hay fever, and to encourage blood clotting.
Clinically, we find alfalfa is also wonderful for those suffering from toxicity; chronic fatigue immime dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS or CFS), weak bones, sluggish bowels, or general weakness.
There is no absolutely established dose for alfalfa. A standard infusion is often suggested at a dose of one cup three times a day. Some experts recommend 500 - 1,000mg of the dried herb a day or 1 - 2ml of the tincture three times a day. You can find various forms of the herb, such as Alfalfa Leaf Capsules, Alfalfa Leaf Tea, Alfalfa Leaf Powder and even Alfalfa Leaf Creams and Salves!
At the recommended doses, alfalfa is extremely safe. It should not be used, however, by people with lupus. Alfalfa is safe to take while pregnant or breast feeding, though one source says to avoid the seeds while pregnant. Brinker speculates that you should avoid extensive use while pregnant: no one else lists this concern, and Amanda McQuade Crawford, in her women's herbal, endorses alfalfa herb as a safe alternative during pregnancy.
For a great selection of Alfalfa Leaf products at ZooScape.com.
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