Friday, May 6, 2016

Reishi Mushroom Tea and its Health Benefits

Ganoderma lucidum or reishi mushroom is famous in the East as a medicine ingredient. The name ‘reishi’ mushroom means “mushroom of immortality” with a direct Chinese translation of ling chih.

During the ancient Eastern times, reishi mushroom was even called the “medicine of kings” since it offers unbelievable health benefits that will ward off almost all kinds of illness. Reishi mushroom tea health benefits were highlighted by writer Rebecca Wood in her book entitles “New Whole Foods Encyclopedia” where she said, “Reishi indeed sounds like a cure-all”. Her explanation as stated in the Natural News states that reishi is an immunostimulant which has proven to be very helpful for people with HIV and AIDS, Epstein-Barr, leaky-gut syndrome, chronic bronchitis, cancer and other infectious illness. Minor benefits involve the mushroom to take effect as a laxative, as a diuretic, helps those with insomnia and lowers harmful cholesterol in the body.

Dried reishi mushroom is best used for tea to avoid its bitter taste and maximize the health benefits that it provides like treatment against cancer, infections, allergies and other diseases. (Photo Credit)

Dried reishi mushroom is best used for tea to avoid its bitter taste and maximize the health benefits that it provides like treatment against cancer, infections, allergies and other diseases. (Photo Credit)

The Benefits of Reishi Mushroom

It seemed odd that this fungus can make so much benefit to the human body. The medicinal benefits of red reishi mushroom tea are famous for its antioxidant properties wherein it fights irregularity in the cells lowering chances of cancer cell growth. A study published in the journal Experimental Oncology confirmed the effects of reishi on human cancer cells and the fungus astonishingly prevents further cell damage.

Since reishi mushroom is an immunostimulant, it means that it modulates, regulates and supports the immune system. The mushroom contains chemical compounds called polysaccharides like beta glucans that boosts the immunity.

Another benefit is that it lowers blood pressure making it a popular choice for people with cardiovascular issues. It is highly advised in APA’s “Practical Guide to Natural Medicine” that people with hypertension should take this fungus as a supplement. In effect, it also lowers cholesterol, stabilizes blood pressure and further prevents blood clotting.

Lastly, a lot of people are suffering from allergic reactions. Reishi mushroom is one of the favorite additive to blend with allergy teas, as stated in Live Strong.

Here’s a short summary of the illness that can be treated by reishi mushroom:

Making Reishi Mushroom Tea

The best way to brew or make reishi mushroom tea is with the use of dried and powdered mushroom. The raw or fresh mushroom is much less preferred since it tastes bitter and awful for most people, as said in the Health Line. it is recommended to drink the herb daily and a daily dose of the recipe will require half an ounce of dried reishi mushroom. The mushroom will be boiled with a pint and a half of water and put to simmer for another 45 minutes. Allow the mixture to stand for at least 30 minutes prior to consumption.

Reishi Mushroom, A Shen Tonic and Immune Modulator

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Find Wellness with Elderberry Tea

Elderberries or Sambucus is widely used in Europe, Western Asia, North America, and North Africa even in the ancient times. Because of its popularity, the medicinal benefits of elderberry are being studied and investigated.

Elder plants make berries but before the berries appear, flowers bloom that is used to make elderberry tea. Its is stated in the Live Strong that a study at the University of Maryland Medical Center showed few studies on elderberry flower tea benefits. But much of its benefits seem to be associated to its rich antioxidant flavonoids. Herbalist would often recommend elderberry as an add-on to a patient’s health care.

Elderberries are widely used all over the world for its simple but helpful health benefits although further research is needed to support these claims. (Photo Credit)

Elderberries are widely used all over the world for its simple but helpful health benefits although further research is needed to support these claims. (Photo Credit)

Components of Elderberry

Elderberry is rich in different kinds of healthy compounds like organic pigments, amino acids, carotenoids, tannin, sugar, flavonoids, viburnic acid, rutin, and vitamins A, B and lots of vitamin C. Elderberries are slightly diuretic, diaphoretic and laxative. According to the Herb Wisdom, the health benefits of organic elderberry tea to cold and flu are mostly associated with the flavonoids that contain anthocyanins which are very powerful antioxidants that protect the cells from suffering damage.

Elderberry Tea Health Benefits

Usually, elderberry is used to treat different kinds of infection from viruses and bacteria, sinus pain, body pain, nerve problems, boost the immune system, and fix chronic fatigue syndrome. Other studies have shown the potential of elderberry for treating cancer and hay fever or allergic rhinitis, and also increase urine flow and sweating for a cleaner bodily system, as reported in the Web MD.

People with cold and flu find it hard to soothe themselves especially with its symptoms combined with a headache, fever, sore throats, cough, and fatigue. The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health discussed how to make elderberry tea bags recipe to fight off cold and flu. A daily dose of elderberry tea will require four tablespoons of extract mixed with warm water, which should be taken for three consecutive days to obtain maximum benefits.

Another major issue is sinus infection which is usually caused by bacteria. Studies have pointed out that drinking the tea combined with other decongestant and antibiotic medicines will clear up bacterial sinusitis more quickly than using medicine alone.

Elderberry Tea Recipe

One great recipe was thought in Wellness Mama, which could be taken immediately after preparation. About 2 tablespoons of dried elderberries will be used and boiled with 16 ounces of water for 15 minutes. Great health benefits can be obtained with added one-fourth teaspoon cinnamon powder and half teaspoon turmeric powder. Honey may be added to sweetened taste after the mixture was strained to remove solid elderberries. Simply refrigerate the solution if you prefer it cool.

How to Make Elderberry Tea & Syrup

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Thursday, May 5, 2016

What Makes Saffron Tea Good for You?

Saffron tea was very loved by the ancient Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians for its use in culinary and herbal foods as well as for folk medicinal use. Aside from its promising benefits, it also looks as pleasing as it sounds since it belongs to the lily family, where its flower has a delicate part that houses pollens.

It is extremely difficult to make saffron tea since the bright red stigmas are carefully picked off the plant leaving only the golden stamen on position.

Saffron tea made naturally from saffron threads may be taken iced or hot but its medical properties are best obtained at a higher temperature. Photo Credits

Saffron tea made naturally from saffron threads may be taken iced or hot but its medical properties are best obtained at a higher temperature. Photo Credits

Organic yellow saffron tea benefits have recently gained popularity with more clinical trials being conducted to show its health benefits, according to the author of “The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods” Michael Murray N.D. as reported in the Live Strong.

Important Health Benefits of Saffron Tea

Health benefits of saffron tea to depression is one of the most popular since it has been proven to have similar effects as the over-the-counter drugs. The anti-depressant effect of saffron, as discussed in the Health Benefits Times,  goes through the nerves providing some sort of calming effect on the person. Experts say that the best thing is that saffron is a natural herb and regular consumption will not do much harm. In addition, it even provides prevention of depression if taken on a regular basis giving people the ‘happy’ feeling that everyone needs.

Saffron is an aphrodisiac so saffron tea benefits to skin are more on the sexual side of the body making the drinker have increased libido than normal.

The SF Gate reported that a cupful of saffron tea a day could lessen the risk of blindness in the future as a direct interpretation of the article “Saffron: Golden Secret of Clearer Sight”. Scientific studies showed that saffron has special fatty acid content that protects human vision. Clinical trials showed that eye vision of patients with eye issues significantly progress as they regularly drink saffron daily.

Saffron Tea Recipe

People should know how to make saffron tea bags recipe since it is very easy. They first need to purchase saffron tea bags or use loose saffron threads to make a tea. Every bit of saffron is important since it is very expensive. Experts advised that homemade saffron is the best since the quality is much more controlled. Threads will be steeped in room-temperature for iced tea beverages while 180 degrees Fahrenheit is needed to fully activate its aromatic and healthy components. Only a little over one milligram of threads is needed for 8 ounces of water and steep for 10 minutes. It is best to stir the solution before drinking to dissolve all threads in hot water. The tea can last for three days inside the refrigerator.

How to Make Saffron Tea

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The Wonders of Organic Holy Basil Tea

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also called Tulsi, has been widely used in the ancient times dating to as far as 3000 years ago. The herb was termed “sacred” in the Rig Veda some time in 1500 BC making people celebrate it in the Purana, and highly appreciated and accounted for its Ayurvedic medicine – because it has organic holy basil tea health benefits.

Tulsi is unlike any regular basil that is added to marinade sauces and food ingredient. Holy basil is native to Southeast Asia, as mentioned by Dr. Axe. this herb has been used for its medical properties for centuries which have been proven to treat different kinds of ailments. Holy basil is believed to be the cure for cleansing the body.

Health Benefits of Tulsi Holy Basil Tea

A study about holy basil has been reported by the Health Line saying that it was confirmed to have therapeutic value and its “health promoting qualities is sure to bear rich fruit.” But this 2010 study fail to conduct the test on humans because all results mainly came from animal samples.

Tulsi is usually taken as a tea. It claims to provide treatment for a number illnesses.

Holy Basil Tea

Tulsi, or holy basil, has made its way to providing significant developments in the field of herbal medicine especially since it is easily taken as a tea which provides a number of amazing health benefits. (Photo Credit)

First, it heals wounds easily. This claim may seem to be supernatural but scientific studies showed that it has a chemical component that hastens wound healing.

Second, it fights off bacteria. Bacterial infections have been a growing problem worldwide. And holy basil has been found to have some sort of antibiotic properties that fight off these deadly bacteria.

Third, lowers risk of diabetes. People with diabetes need to control and manage their diet wisely. Experts suggest that they should know how to make holy basil tea recipe since it would be a good addition to help control their blood sugar levels. However, it is advisable to talk to your doctor first prior to using tulsi.

Fourth, the Medicine Hunter reported several studies have shown that holy basil can significantly decrease the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood so this herb is a really good treatment for the heart especially to those suffering from chronic stress.

Fifth, it lessens the chance of having an ulcer. Tulsi has anti-ulcer properties because it has been known to reduce stomach acid and increase the production of healthy stomach mucus. Find out more about holy basil tea benefits to ulcers.

And sixth, the journal Nutrition and Cancer published a study discussing the promising cancer-killing power of tulsi with its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Consequently, it protects the patient from having pain, stress, fever and protects important organs like the liver. People who take holy basil are found to be less likely to develop cancer cells throughout their lifetime.

Holy Basil Tea Recipe and Health Benefits

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Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Stop Diabetes and Cancer with Bitter Melon Tea Benefits

Bitter melon leaves may be used in making teas, extracts and tinctures that may be taken best as a hot beverage. (Photo Credit)

Bitter melon leaves may be used in making teas, extracts and tinctures that may be taken best as a hot beverage. (Photo Credit)

Benefits of Bitter Melon Tea To Your Body

Bitter melon, or originally bitter gourd, is a tropical plant with a long history of being used as an herbal medicine. Momordica charantia is native to Africa, Asia and South America which people usually eat fresh or made into fresh tea.

Bitter melon is also called cerasee, balsam pear, or Karela, as reported in Live Strong. The plant resembles a small, warty cucumber best known for its power to decrease sugar levels in the blood. But experts want to remind people that self-medication using bitter melon is not advised until a doctor advises the patient to.

There is no trash with bitter melon since its fruit, stem and leaves can be used to make teas, extracts, and tinctures. Herbal stores commercially sell bitter gourd tea bags, extracts and powder form for easier tea making since it is known for its antioxidant properties and cancer prevention.

Anti-cancer Properties

Some chemicals in bitter melon have anti-cancer properties as concluded in a study published in the journal Cancer Research in 2010. They found that it inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in laboratory medium, but there is still no conducted clinical trials to support this claim.

Bitter Melon for Diabetes and Weight Loss

Since bitter melon is known for decreasing blood sugar level and increasing the degradation of glucose in the body, then it is a good remedy for diabetes. The plant has already been listed at the University of Maryland Medical Center for managing diabetes. Some scientists call bitter melon as the “vegetable insulin” but studies remain inconclusive since results vary from one person to another.

The Life Hack said that bitter melon promotes weight loss when taken with proper diet and exercise. The plant has very low-calorie levels which make it good in maintaining a healthy weight. But its lack of calories is balanced with its high nutrient components and these are the benefits of bitter melon tea to diabetes and weight loss aspirants.  

Anti-oxidant Properties

Bitter gourd promotes an overall healthier immune system that fights off infections and disease. There are several bitter melon tea recipe benefits that focus on increased immunity. Furthermore, it decreases the damages done by free radicals. A study published in Phytotherapy in 2005 found out that taking bitter melon tea in higher temperature increases the antioxidant activity occurring inside the body.

Precautions

Although bitter melon promotes a number of healthy benefits, the SF Gate still reminded readers that there could be some potential side effects when taking the plant. Some people reported that they experience side effects when taking it alongside certain medications. And other studies showed that it promotes abortion on animal studies making it inadvisable for pregnant women.

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