Since ancient times our ancestor’s harvested the many herbs and spices that grew wild around them, mixed potions, and treated ailments. Man was after all a hunter-gatherer, and an omnivore, (an organism which gets its food energy from both plant and animal material).

The humble herb and spice rack in your kitchen today need not be just a decorative feature, although they look quite pleasing to the eye hanging on the wall, in both modern and old fashioned styled homes. They can in fact hold a plethora of natural healing ingredients that can also add great taste to the foods you eat every day.

Of all the herbs and spices you can choose from for flavour, there are 15 that are more powerful than the rest. Below is the list and you may well be surprised to learn of the many diverse conditions for which they’ve proven so very useful.

1/. BASIL Basil is an herbal carminative, that is, it can relieve gas and soothe stomach upsets. One possible explanation for its calming effect is a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to help ease muscle spasms. Research is still preliminary, but laboratory studies also suggest that compounds found in basil may help disrupt the dangerous chain of events that can lead to the development of cancer

2/. CAYENNE Cayenne pepper is a hot red powder made from tropical chilli peppers. It contains alkaloid capsaicin, which relieves pain by blocking the chemicals that send pain messages to the brain. If you eat cayenne at the first sign of any type of headache, with plenty of water as a chaser, this spicy herb may be an effective alternative treatment. Added to food, cayenne perks up appetite, improves digestion and relieves gas, nausea, and indigestion. The herb also thins phlegm and eases its passage from the lungs, thus helping to prevent and treat coughs, colds and bronchitis.

3/. CINNAMON Cinnamon bark contains an oily chemical called cinnamaldehyde that kills a variety of illness causing bacteria, including the dreaded E.coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureas. Research shows that cinnamon is also able to stop the growth of the Asian flu virus. Herbalists report that cinnamon bark also helps regulate the menstrual cycle and checks flooding during menopause. Also cinnamaldehyde has a tranquilizing effect that helps reduce anxiety and stress.

4/. CLOVE Oil of clove is 60 to 90 percent eugenol. A potent pain deadening antimicrobal. Clove has earned the official endorsement of the FDA as an effective stopgap measure for tooth pain. Clove is also among the spices that can help the body use insulin more effectively, thus lowering blood sugar somewhat. In one lab study, clove was also found to speed healing of the dreaded cold sores.

5/. DILL Dill has been used to soothe the digestive tract and treat heartburn, colic and gas for thousands of years. In fact, the word dill comes from the Old Norse word dilla, meaning to lull or soothe. The herb has an antifoaming action that suggests why it might help break up gas bubbles. Like parsley, dill is rich in chlorophyll, which also makes it useful in treating bad breath.

6/. FENNEL Rich in volatile oils, fennel is what’s known as a carminative herb, meaning that it can ease bloating, gas pains, and digestive spasms in the small and large intestines. Fennel can also reduce bad breath and body odour that originates in the intestines. Women who are breastfeeding may find that fennel, which works in a way similar to the body’s hormones, increases milk flow.

7/. GARLIC Intact garlic cloves contain an odourless, sulphur-containing amino acid called alliin. When the garlic is crushed, alliin becomes allicin. Research shows that allicin helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and also helps prevents blood clots. Garlic can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses that cause earaches, flu and colds. Research indicates that garlic is also effective against digestive ailments and diarrhoea. What’s more, further studies suggest that this common and familiar herb may help prevent the onset of cancers.

8/. GINGER When it comes to quelling the queasiness of motion sickness, ginger has no equal say herbalists. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness. Ginger stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas and diarrhoea, and is effective as an anti-nausea remedy. This aromatic herb also helps lower cholesterol. Herbalists have also found it to be useful as a pain reliever.

9/. MINT Herbalists the world over use mint, as a premier stomach tonic, to counteract nausea and vomiting, promote digestion, calm stomach muscle spasms, relieve flatulence, and ease hiccups. Menthol, the aromatic oil in peppermint, also relaxes the airways and fights bacteria and viruses. Menthol interferes with the sensation from pain receptors, thus it may be useful in reducing headache pain. Scientific evidence suggests that peppermint can kill many kinds of micro-organisms, and may boost mental alertness. In one study, people who inhaled menthol said they felt as if it relieved their nasal congestion, although it didn’t increase their measurable airflow.

10/. OREGANO Oregano contains at least four compounds that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odour. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help un-knot muscles in the digestive tract, making oregano a digestive aid. This familiar spice also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure too.

11/. PARSLEY Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections and keep our body’s plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. They also relieve bloating during menstruation. Also there’s a reason for that parsley on the edge of the diner plate, its not just there for fancy decoration; it’s an effective breath freshener because it contains high levels of chlorophyll.

12/. ROSEMARY Rosemary is one of the richer herbal sources of antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent cataracts, and contains 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that help fight infection. Traditionally used to ease asthma, this common culinary ingredient has volatile oils that can reduce the airway constriction induced by histamine, that chemical culprit of asthma and other allergy symptoms. Herbalists think that rosemary may also help ease breast pain by acting as a natural drying agent to fluid filled cysts.

13/. SAGE The oils found in sage are both antiseptic and antibiotic, so it can help fight infections. Sage is effective for symptoms of menopause, night sweats and hot flashes, because of its estrogenic action and because its tannins can dry up perspiration. There’s also compelling evidence that sage may b of value to people with diabetes for whom the hormone insulin does not work as efficiently as it should. Lab studies indicate that sage may boost insulin’s action.

14/. THYME Thyme contains thymol, which increases blood-flow to the skin. The warmth is comforting, and some herbalists believe that the increased blood-flow speeds healing. An anti-spasmodic. Thyme relaxes respiratory muscles and is endorsed for treating bronchitis by Commission E, the expert panel that judges the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines for the German government. Aromatherapists say that thyme’s scent is a mood lifter.

15/. TURMERIC Many clinical studies agree that curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, including a significant beneficial effect in relieving rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Curcumin, which gives this spice its familiar yellow pigment, may also lower cholesterol. Turmeric is also packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, which have been shown to prevent cataracts.

Passed down to us by our forefathers and countless generations throughout the world, these 15 food additives and enhancers are just a selected few that are currently known to have medicinal and beneficial properties, yet represent the more commonly used. By including these herbs and spices into your daily cooking or diet on a regular basis, you will greatly enhance your quality of life, and reduce the need for those expensive, and often damaging pharmaceutical drugs.

To your continued good health

John Elliott aka Oaky Wood is the co-founder of The Corner 4 Women thecorner4women.com thecorner4women.com is a poet, writer, artist, webmaster and designer.

Tags: antioxidant, anxiety, asthma, cholesterol, diet, Heart, hiccup, menopause, perspiration, quality of life

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, but because men have higher rates of heart disease it has long been assumed that estrogen is what creates that difference. Heart disease is more prevalent in post-menopausal women than pre-menopausal women, so this has also helped fuel the myth that estrogen has something to do with heart problems. Actually it is probably just due to the fact that post-menopausal women are older.

There has been a clear relationship established between amounts of natural estrogen and breast cancer, osteoporosis and endometrial cancer. The longer you have natural estrogen in you because of early menstruation, drinking alcohol, or certain medications the greater the risk of breast cancer and the lower risk of osteoporosis. However, no clear relationship has been established between natural estrogen and heart disease.

So what does put a woman at risk for heart disease? A family history of heart disease. Levels of lipids, the most common one is known as cholesterol, are also a factor. High levels of an amino acid called Homocysteine have also been shown to increase risk. (Good news is that can be lowered with vitamin B and folic acid.) High levels of C Reactive Protein produced during periods of inflammation increases heart disease risk and this protein is also increased by estrogen. Other factors that increase the risk for heart disease include personality type, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure and having blood that clots easily.

In terms of Estrogen therapy and heart disease, this means that even though studies have shown that HRT reduces the risk of heart disease in women, the studies have been more observational in nature. Because the studies are observational they really have not yet answered the question if the issue is that estrogen lowers the instance of heart disease or if the instance of heart disease is lower because women who are healthy tend to be on estrogen in the first place. None of the studies done so far have been random controlled blind studies. All the women were of higher social and economic status, highly educated, thinner, non-smokers and also were more likely to have had a hysterectomy. They were more likely to have insurance coverage, therefore more likely to go to a doctor regularly and have had preventive healthcare, lowering their risk of heart disease anyway.

All in all, the evidence showing that HRT can lower the risk of heart disease is circumstantial and considering the recent studies showing links to Breast Cancer and HRT, it would seem that whatever unproven benefit of HRT does not outweigh the risk of taking it. And the American Heart Association recommends the same thing - women with heart disease should not be given HRT to prevent further occurrence and women already on HRT that have heart disease should only continue to take it if the have an additional reason to take it besides heart disease.

There are additional ways to prevent heart disease besides HRT than you can do, like lifestyle changes and drugs that can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure so if the only reason you are considering HRT is for heart disease, it’s probably best to pursue those other options first.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to menopause-treatments-guide.com/ Menopause

Tags: cholesterol, Heart, menopause, smoker, smoking

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Hair loss solutions for women are out there. When most people think of hair loss, then think of men. Female balding occurs in women more often then we would like. The good news is this: it’s easier to find a solution for women then for men as womens’ conditions are usually temporary and can be improved.

The causes of hair loss in women:

There are a few reasons why women face female balding. It’s important you identify the reason of your hair loss before beginning any treatment.

Some common reasons for female hair loss are:

- Androgenetic alopecia: This is the hereditary form of baldness which usually affects 50% of men and some women after the age of 40.

- Hormonal changes: Hair thinning occurs sometimes in women after menopause when they experience hormonal changes.

- Pregnancy: During pregnancy hair loss may occur because the body’s metabolism is stressed with the pregnancy, while feeding the baby at the same time and trying to balance the mother’s body. Sometimes during pregnancy women are faced with other deficiencies such as calcium for the same reason. Pregnancy during hair loss will pass the month after the baby is born.

- Stress: This is a very popular cause of hair loss in women and men. It can be delayed as much as three months after you were faced with a stressful period. Physical and emotional stress always take a toll on your body and often show physical signs in your hair, nails, teeth and skin glow.

- Diets: Some women undertake crash diets in order to achieve a desired look. Nutrition greatly effects your hair growth.

Individuals who undergo a crash diet can experience a variety of undesirable results such as a loss of the natural glow in their skin, their nails can become very britle and they can notice signs of thinning in their hair as well.

On a positive note, aside from hereditary baldness, all of the above conditions can be treated. Hereditary baldness, however, can only be treated through hair transplant and/or wigs.

Treatments for hair thinning or hair loss

- Hair tonic: There are many products available on the market today with some applicable in the shower and some you leave in your hair after a shower. They are very beneficial should you follow the full treatment religiously.

- Hair mask: The mask acts similar to the tonic but hair masks must be washed out. A mask conditions and nourishes your hair from the root to the tip of the hair folicle. Use hair masks before every shower or as indicated on the package.

- Drugs: If you’d rather not bother with hair applications, specific drugs are available in the pharmacy that target both hair and nails. They too are very effective if a proper treatment if observed. Taking care of your diet as well as balancing your stress levels is the key to great hair and lively health. Eat healthy and exercise to improve your body’s nutrition and general well being.

For more tips on preventing hair loss, visit stopfemalehairloss.com stopfemalehairloss.com to discover new stopfemalehairloss.com/Baldness-Formula-Actually-Works-Says-New-Research.html hair loss solutions to help you regrow a healthy head of hair.

Tags: diet, Hair, hair loss, menopause

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It has recently been found that hormone replacement therapy is linked to increased health problems in menopausal and post menopausal women. Yes, it’s true that the hormone replacement therapy does lessen and in some cases, eliminate the symptoms of menopause—but at what risk? There are other, alternative ways to increase your health, lower the symptoms of menopause and not add risks to your health, which are mainly achieved through diet.

Nuts and the fat in nuts have been linked to reducing heart attacks and lowering cholesterol.

Essential fatty acids, especially Omega 3’s are essential to a healthy heart. You can find Omega 3 in fish, such as salmon, trout, herring and sardines, seeds, beans, nuts and whole grains. You can also introduce EFA alpha-linolenic acid into your daily regime to lower your risk of fatal heart attack.

Seaweed is also beneficial to a menopausal woman—seaweeds help to regulate triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterols as well as stabilizing blood pressure, lengthening the life of the heart and promoting healthy and steady heart beat.

Carotenes, which are plentiful in broccoli, cut down a menopausal woman’s risk of stroke by 40 per cent. Eating broccoli once a week will halve your risk of heart disease.

Limit or eliminate carbohydrates, such as refined sugar and flour to reduce your cholesterol levels.

Garlic is your best friend—women who eat several cloves of fresh, raw garlic reduce their blood pressure, cholesterol and phospholipids can increase their immune system, even out blood sugar levels, reduce clotting and the chance of stokes and strengthen the heart’s action and health overall. No—you don’t have to eat fresh garlic, you can use powdered garlic or scentless garlic pills to increase the garlic intake in your diet.

Hawthorn berry tincture is a typical herbal heart tonic—it’s broadly effective and perfect for all women, menopausal or not. Hawthorn helps your heart to strengthen, relieve stress on the heart and throughout the cardiovascular system.

Motherwort is another herbal supplement perfect for menopausal women and a great heart tonic.

Every woman is going to love this—eat chocolate. Chocolate is loaded with phytochemicals which are healthy for your heart. So freely indulge in chocolate to keep down your blood pressure, curb oxidation of your blood vessel walls and keep them relaxed. Chocolate also helps to limit the oxidation of LDL—protecting the lipids in your blood from free-radical damage. Chocolate is more powerful than Vitamin C.

Also add a cup/glass of green tea and/or red wine to your daily diet to help prevent strokes.

Eat meat—and don’t be afraid, but make sure you are getting beans and whole grains in your diet as well to ensure that you are processing everything completely by increasing your vitamin B levels.

Increase fruits, vegetables and grains in your diet when you are menopausal and decrease the amount of high-fat foods, like meat.

Don’t forget about milk, cheese and other sources of calcium to keep your bones strong. Menopausal women are at high risk of osteoporosis and calcium will help protect your bones. You will still need to take a calcium supplement, but getting some original calcium from dairy products is still highly recommended. You will want to find a calcium supplement that is coupled with magnesium and vitamin D to promote best bone health.

Your diet should lack in caffeine and fat as much as possible. It is more important to eat small meals often than large meals less often. Your body will accommodate the nutrients better if you give them in smaller doses and you will also curb weight gain while promoting a healthy heart.

While diet is important if you are menopausal, so is exercise. You must get up and move at least once a day to protect your heart and bones. It doesn’t have to be much, but get your blood moving and your heart pumping with some light exercise. Don’t overdo yourself, stay within your boundaries—but find someway to move throughout the day.

naturesmenopauserelief.com naturesmenopauserelief.com

Tags: cholesterol, diet, Heart, menopause, vitamin c

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