Lifestyle

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Photo credit: © Brainsil

 

“The cure for the pain is in the pain.” ~Rumi

 

Your body keeps a physical memory of all of your experiences.

You have lots of memories stored in your brain that you can recount at any given moment. You can recall names, faces, where the event took place, what it smelled like. But over time, these memories fade or change as time passes and we mature. However, even when the memory begins to fade from your brain, it lives on in your body in the form of physical sensations and behavior patterns.

The body doesn’t forget.

The events of our lives leave physiological imprints in our bodies, especially when we experience trauma or situations of extreme stress that cause the body to fight, flee, or freeze in order to cope.

In a perfect world, we would be able to release the trauma or soothe the stress response soon after it was triggered. But we don’t live in a perfect world, so we’re all walking around with physical imprints of past experiences (good and bad) stored in our bodies. Most of us don’t know how to release them because we don’t even realize they exist!

You may feel your body tense up when you have to ask for help or borrow money, or your face may get hot when you’re asked to speak in front of a crowd. The sensation is your body remembering.

It’s remembering a past experience when you asked for help and it didn’t go well. Maybe someone made you feel ashamed because you “should be able to handle it yourself.” Perhaps you were called to the front of your third grade class and asked a question you didn’t know the answer to, so you felt embarrassed and humiliated.

The body doesn’t have words to express itself, so it responds with physical sensations.

You can forget, block, or intellectualize the memories that are stored in our brains, but how do you work through the memories being stored in your body?

Animals shake when they experience trauma or anxiety. Think of a dog who’s been in a fight with another dog: Once the fight is over, both dogs will shake to calm their nervous systems and quiet the fight, flight, or freeze response. This enables them to move on without the physical memory of the situation.

Humans, however, don’t naturally do this. Instead we carry our stress, anxiety, and trauma around with us every day and use food and other addictive behaviors to soothe ourselves and quiet the emotional discomfort.

There’s nothing wrong with turning to food or other means to soothe yourself, but typically habitual behaviors provide a short-term solution, and you’ll continue to feel the discomfort until you release the memory from your body.

I am a recovering sugar addict. I used to stuff myself with cake, cookies, and ice cream any time I felt sad, angry, or alone. The sugar high helped me cope with difficult emotions and soothed the pain of a childhood marred with stress and abuse.

It was a behavior that eventually made me sick. Chronic yeast infections, migraines, and fatigue were the norm for ten years before I realized sugar was making me sick. I eliminated it from my diet, but the changes in my physical health were minimal.

In order to truly heal my body, I had to address the emotional issues that caused me to self-medicate with food. I did this by creating an emotional tool-kit.

In order to release the emotions and create a more peaceful state of being, it’s important to create an emotional tool-kit to help regulate your nervous system and soothe the discomfort.

 

The first tool to put in your emotional tool-kit: non-judgment

 

When you feel emotionally triggered and tempted to turn to food or other addictive behaviors for comfort, try not to judge the reaction. Our bodies are programmed to seek pleasure, not discomfort, so it’s natural to try and find something to soothe the pain and make yourself feel better.

The need to soothe yourself with food or other means doesn’t make you a bad person—it makes you human.

 

The second tool in your emotional tool-kit: permission

 

Give yourself permission to feel—you have to feel it to heal it.

Often the reason we feel the need to numb what we’re feeling is because we believe that the emotion we’re feeling isn’t allowed. We think we’re not allowed to be angry or we’re supposed to be strong, so we can’t cry.

Giving yourself permission to feel allows you to have power over it—you control it instead of allowing it to control you, and in the process you create the space to heal.

The healing process will bring up lots of different feelings and emotions; many will be uncomfortable. When these uncomfortable emotions come up, allow them to come up without becoming attached to them; notice them for what they are and know that there is a natural ebb and flow to them.

It may be horribly uncomfortable initially, but allow yourself to witness them without judgment or reaction. This will allow you to respond objectively. Feelings aren’t forever. They come and go—if you let them.

 

The third tool in your emotional tool-kit: release

 

Now that you’ve allowed yourself to feel, it’s time to release the emotion from your body.

You can do this by gently shaking. Start with your feet and work your way up, one body part at a time, or you can turn on a song that mirrors the way you’re feeling and sing, dance, or cry until you feel physically and emotionally satisfied. All of these things will help give the emotion a voice and move the emotion out of your body.

Not quite ready to move your body? Grab a journal and write. No filter, no editing; leave the anger, frustration, sadness, and anything else you’re feeling on the page. Feel free to tear or safely burn the pages when you’re done as a symbolic release.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all way to release. There will be times when moving your body helps, and other times singing or writing will feel more effective. Choose the method that feels best to you in the moment.

 

The fourth tool in your emotional tool-kit: forgiveness

 

This is the most important tool in your tool-kit. In order to truly heal, you have to be able to forgive yourself.

Beating yourself up for past transgressions isn’t productive, and certainly doesn’t make you feel good about yourself.

Understand that no matter what situation(s) led you to numb yourself with food, drugs, sex, or your self-soothing mechanism of choice, you did the best you could with the information you had on a physical, mental, and emotional level. You dealt with your emotions in the best way that you knew how.

Hindsight is 20/20, and it’s easy to get caught up in the “shoulda, coulda, woulda” spiral of shame when looking back on a situation. But when we’re in a state of discomfort, we don’t always have the capacity to think logically or rationally. Your brain and body respond to discomfort based on what feels like the safest option in the moment, and sometimes that means turning to habitual or addictive behaviors.

Forgive yourself because you did the best you could at the time, and move on knowing that you have the knowledge and tools to think differently next time.

 

Finally: time.

 

We have a tendency to look for the quick fix, but there’s no six-hour healing elixir that can magically erase the pain and discomfort from old wounds. Healing takes time.

Give yourself time to fill your emotional tool-kit and understand that healing is a journey—one that lasts a lifetime.

 

Of course, practice makes the journey easier, but there is no perfection. There will be times when you fall back on old patterns and behaviors, when that happens reach into your emotional tool-kit and take what you need. You are equipped. You can do this.

 

Blog by Jennifer Sterling

Are detox programs really good for you? There seems to be an equal amount of warnings and recommendations for detoxing, which can make it confusing for the would-be detox dieter. While it is possible to get it wrong, as long as you get it right you’ll be helping yourself in several different ways. We’ve outlined some of the benefits you can expect by following some of the more well-organized detox programs out there.

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1. Boosts Your Energy

Many detox program followers report feeling more energetic. This would make sense because while you’re detoxing you’re stopping the influx of the things that caused you to need a detox in the first place. By cutting out the sugar, caffeine, trans fat, saturated fat, and replacing them with fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll be getting a natural energy boost, one that comes without a resultant crash. It’s vital to stay well hydrated while on any detox program, and that can also be a source of increased energy if you typically don’t get enough water throughout the day.

 2. Rids the Body of Any Excess Waste

The biggest thing that detoxing helps with is allowing the body to rid itself of any excess waste it’s been storing. Most detox programs are designed to stimulate the body to purge itself, helping the liver do its thing as well as the kidneys and colon. Cleansing the colon is an important part of the detoxing process because those toxins need to exit the body, and a backed up colon can cause them to be reintroduced into the body, rather than exiting as planned. Sticking with fruits and vegetables even after the detox program is completed is a good way to keep things moving.

 

3. Helps with Weight Loss

It’s easy to see how a detox diet would cause you to lose weight in the short term, but a healthier way to look at it would be to establish long-term eating habits, and rid yourself of unhealthy habits. Many times it is the drastic reduction in calories and rapid weight loss that is focused on, especially in the media. But these short-term results won’t last if you don’t make it a point to replace bad foods with good, and use your newfound energy to exercise more and be more active overall.

4. Stronger Immune System

When you detox the body you free up your organs to function the way they should. This helps to give your immune system a boost since you’ll be able to absorb nutrients better, including Vitamin C. Many of the herbs you take while on a detox will help the lymphatic system, which plays a big role in keeping you healthy and firing on all cylinders. Many detox programs also focus on light exercises which help to circulate lymph fluid through the body and helps it to drain, strengthening your immune system in the process.

5. Improved Skin

Your skin is your largest organ, so it only makes sense that it would show positive results from a detox program. One way to help your detoxing efforts is to take a sauna to help the body sweat out additional toxins. You can expect clearer, smoother skin at the end of your detox plan. It’s also been reported that detoxing can help with acne, although the condition may worsen before it gets better as the toxins are released. You may find that your skin itches or gets patchy before clearing up, but this is part of the process and is a sign that you’re on the right track with your program.

 6. Better Breath

Follow a detox program that includes a colon cleanse because those toxins need to be released from the body. It’s been theorized that one contributor to bad breath is a backed up colon. When you are able to clear it out and get your digestive system functioning well again, you may find that your breath improves. Be aware that your breath may actually worsen during the detoxing process, but when it’s finished it will be better. This is natural, and occurs as toxins are released from the body.

7. Promotes Healthy Changes

It’s hard to change a long-standing habit, and a detox program – no matter how long – is one way to put a wedge between your old ways and your new ones. If you have addictions to sugar, caffeine, fried, or crunchy foods you can use a detox program to help you kill those cravings. Often if you just try to quit eating those foods or drinking those beverages you’ll have limited success, and go back to your old ways. But if you cleanse the body and replace those foods with healthier choices, you can retrain yourself and be more likely to stick to your new habits.

8. Clearer Thinking

A good detox program will pay some attention to your state of mind during the cleanse. The use of meditation is often recommended as a way to get back in touch with your body during this time of purging and cleansing of toxins. Detox followers often say that they lose that sense of fogginess, and are able to think more clearly during a detox than when not on it. It makes sense, since many of the sugar-filled and fat-filled foods that surround us each day will cause us to feel lethargic and can factor heavily in the quality of our thinking.

9. Healthier Hair

By the time you can see your hair, it’s already considered dead, as all of its growth occurs within the hair follicle. This is why it’s important to keep your body functioning at its full potential through a regular detoxing strategy. When your hair is able to grow uninhibited by internal toxins you’ll see and feel the difference in your hair. In many instances hair gets shinier, and feels softer to the touch. Detoxing isn’t enough to stop male pattern baldness, but many report that their hair grows more quickly, a sign of healthier hair.

10. Lighter Feeling

One of the reported benefits of detoxing is a feeling of being lighter. There are several reasons why this would be the case, especially if you’ll be doing a colon cleanse as part of the program. When you stop eating foods that weigh you down, and replace them with fresh organic fruits and vegetables, a lighter feeling is bound to occur. It’s also important not to overeat while detoxing, which will yield a lighter feeling as well, and will give you the energy you’ve been missing.

11. Anti-Aging Benefits

The constant barrage of toxins that the body has to deal with is one contributing factor to the aging process. By reducing the amount of free radical damage done to the body, you’re going to see not only short term benefits, but also long term benefits in an increased longevity. When you finish your detox program, it’s very important not to go right back to the lifestyle that was causing the toxicity. Sticking to a improved diet and getting daily activity are great ways to make sure that you feel good each moment of your life.

12. Improved Sense of Wellbeing

When you detox, you feel good, and when you feel good, good things happen. Detoxing is often used strategically to lose weight or to start a new diet plan, but really there’s no better reason than just to feel better. When you set the stage for wellbeing, you are going to improve all areas of your life, and you should see better relationships, better productivity at work, and a newfound or renewed zest for life.

Blog by bembu.com

Let’s face it: It’s no fun giving (or receiving) a half-hearted holiday gift. While the expectations around gift-giving this time of year can make shopping feel like a chore, selecting something meaningful for the people who matter to you can be a powerful act of love. In our view, what makes a gift special isn’t its monetary value; it’s the thought that counts! We know being thoughtful in the wake of so. many. things. can be overwhelming, so our editors have curated six gift guides with our namesake values in mind: mind, body, and green. See all of our gift guides here.

Our homemade edible gift guide is all about sharing a little of the goodness we like to enjoy in our everyday lives with others. By sharing healthier handmade treats, we can show the people we care about how better-for-you treats can be tasty, too. Each one of these gifts eschews refined sugars and overly processed flours in favor of whole-foods-based treats that taste celebration-worthy amazing.

Gingerbread Granola

Photo credit: Stocksy

Get the taste of the season with a vegan granola brimming with spice and crunch. I don’t stir this granola at all after it goes in the oven to create big chunks that are ideal for snacking.

You can make granola part of a bigger host gift by adding it to a breakfast basket, along with fancy coffee, organic yogurt, and the best in-season fruit you can find.

Makes about five giftable portions

Ingredients

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups mixed nuts and seeds (we used pecans, walnuts, and pepitas)
• ½ cup almond meal
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom
• ⅛ teaspoon pinch cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted
• ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons unsulfered molasses

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 325°F and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and salt until well-combined.

2. In a pourable measuring cup or bowl, combine melted coconut oil with maple and molasses.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix well with a rubber spatula until the oats are evenly coated. Spread out on the lined baking tray in an even layer.

4. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, rotating the tray 180 degrees at the 20-minute mark. Allow to cool fully on the tray. Break apart into pieces by hand and transfer to jars.

Dukkah

Photo credit: Stocksy

This savory spice blend with Egyptian origins lends crunchy and exotic flavor to everything from avocado toast to soups. A great gift for that foodie friend who’s always looking to try something new. The best part: It takes 10 minutes (at the most) to make.

Check out this recipe for Cashew Hazelnut Dukkah.

Vegan + Paleo Fudge

Photo credit: Wholefully

Made with just a few simple ingredients, this indulgent treat is filled with healthy fats and antioxidants.

Wholefully’s Dark Chocolate Coconut Oil Fudge gets it right.

Almond Butter Cups

Photo credit: Stocksy

A gourmet Reese’s will win everyone over. We love Sprouted Kitchen’s Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups.

Chai Hot Chocolate Mix

Photo credit: Stocksy

Move over, Starbucks gift card. Make your own chai-spice-packed hot cocoa mix (think a majorly upgraded Swiss Miss) and attach instructions for serving.

Makes 2 to 3 small jars

Ingredients

• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Preparation

Mix ingredients together in a bowl until everything is evenly distributed.

Serving Instructions: Blend 1 tablespoon with a cup of warmed milk (we love unsweetened vanilla almond milk or coconut milk for this). Add a teaspoon (or more, as needed) of maple or honey for sweetness.

Roasted Cocktail Nuts

Photo credit: Gourmande in the Kitchen

On a savory note, we like something with spice and aromatics, and these Spicy Rosemary Roasted Nuts from Gourmande in the Kitchen definitely fit the bill.

Healthy Nutella

Photo credit: Liz Moody/Sprouted Routes

The beloved chocolate and hazelnut spread gets a healthy makeover. Sprouted Routes‘ version made with simple, good-for-you ingredients has our vote.

Energy Truffles

Photo credit: Abigail Hopkins

They look and taste like truffles, but they’re packed with vitamin- and mineral-rich foods like dates, cacao, nuts, and more to leave you feeling energized rather than foggy from a sugar hangover.

Some of our favorite recipes:

• Coconut Brownie Bites
• Cherry Hazelnut Truffles
• Chocolate + Coffee Truffles
• Chai + Almond Butter Energy Balls
• Chili Chocolate Truffles
• Fig + Tahini Truffles

Spiced Golden Milk

Photo credit: Stocksy

For your wellness-minded pals who know what’s up. As with the Chai Hot Chocolate above, be sure to attach serving instructions for your mix.

Makes 1 giftable portion (scale up as needed)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

Preparation

Place all ingredients together in a small jar, pop the lid on, and shake until combined.

Serving Instructions: Whisk 1 teaspoon into warmed almond or coconut milk until the texture is smooth. Stir in a pinch of freshly ground black pepper and a little maple syrup or honey.

Pumpkin Butter

Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

Pumpkin butter is like the spreadable version of pumpkin pie—it’s great stirred into oats, slathered on toast, or sandwiched between cookies.

Minimalist Baker’s recipe for 20-Minute Pumpkin Butter uses coconut sugar and maple for sweetness and comes together in, you guessed it, 20 minutes.

How to package your gifts

A few ideas to make packaging cute, affordable, and responsible:

• We love these 8-ounce glass Ball Mason Jars ($7.50 for 12)
• These labels dissolve when you wash them, so the jars can easily be repurposed. ($4.49 for 60)
• We’re all about bakery boxes made without harsh chemicals or coatings. ($32.88 for 25)

Blog by Leah Vandervelt via MindBodyGreen.com

The half-truth is dangerous

Osho says that forcing yourself to think positive all the time is simply denying the reality of our lives, and it will eventually come around and bite us:

“You ask me: Am I against positive philosophy? Yes, because I am also against negative philosophy.

I have to be against both because both choose only half the fact, and both try to ignore the other half.

And remember: a half-truth is far more dangerous than a whole lie, because the whole lie will be discovered by you sooner or later. How long can it remain undiscovered by you? A lie, of course, is a lie; it is just a palace made of playing cards – a little breeze and the whole palace disappears.

But the half-truth is dangerous. You may never discover it, you may continue to think it is the whole truth. So the real problem is not the whole lie, the real problem is the half-truth pretending to be the whole truth; and that is what these people are doing.”

The negative ideas of your mind have to be released, not repressed

Osho goes onto say that it’s harmful to repress negative emotions:

“The negative ideas of your mind have to be released, not repressed by positive ideas. You have to create a consciousness which is neither positive nor negative. That will be the pure consciousness.

In that pure consciousness you will live the most natural and blissful life…

You don’t like a person, you don’t like many things; you don’t like yourself, you don’t like the situation you are in. All this garbage goes on collecting in the unconscious, and on the surface a hypocrite is born, who says, “I love everybody, love is the key to blissfulness.” But you don’t see any bliss in that person’s life. He is holding the whole of hell within himself.

He can deceive others, and if he goes on deceiving long enough, he can deceive himself too. But it won’t be a change. It is simply wasting life – which is immensely valuable because you cannot get it back.

Positive thinking is simply the philosophy of hypocrisy – to give it the right name. When you are feeling like crying, it teaches you to sing. You can manage if you try, but those repressed tears will come out at some point, in some situation. There is a limitation to repression. And the song that you were singing was absolutely meaningless; you were not feeling it, it was not born out of your heart.”

Blog by The Power of Ideas

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In the deep south of Nicaragua, just a stone’s throw from Costa Rica there is a special beach you can only hope to stumble upon while traveling – Playa Escameca. Arguably one of the nicest beaches in Central America, you won’t find Playa Escameca in any travel books and that’s because this spot is unique. This incredible stretch of beach presently only has 1 eco-resort where we will be staying named ‘Costa Dulce’ which means ‘Fresh Coast’. It boasts not only gorgeous scenery but some seriously gnarly surfing conditions that you can enjoy all to yourself. You are about as far away from honking horns, pesky sales people, crowded waves and booming late-night parties as you can get. That’s why Free & Easy Traveler (Breathe in Life’s sister company) jumped all over the opportunity to start building our own little sanctuary for the travelers we know are out there looking for something peaceful and off-the-beaten-path. Many of you actually may have seen it before and not known it; Playa Escameca was the setting for the tv show Survivor Nicaragua! You know this show always finds the most beautiful, remote paradise locations so this says a lot about this special spot.

At the beach-house we stay in you will experience resort living in an ecological reserve teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. This private villa has been custom designed using green building concepts, native hardwoods and stones. High ceilings and large overhangs provide shade from sun and rain showers. Boundaries between indoors and outdoors blur when sliding walls open kitchen and bedrooms to large decks overlooking the beach. The yoga studio has a stunning view as soothing sounds of jungle and ocean intermingle. Monkeys sometimes even make an appearance at our sessions!

Enjoy the surf, enjoy the beach, enjoy the peace and serenity on our ‘Smitten with Life’ Yoga retreat with Graham Parsons and Caitlin Varrin from Yogalife!

Long-hailed for its medicinal, therapeutic and culinary benefits in India, China and around the world, ginger continues to gain ground as a root for well-being.

As the world’s most widely cultivated spice, ginger may also be the world’s most versatile, evidence-based natural health remedy. Numerous studies have been conducted on the medicinal benefits of this wonder spice for over 100 health conditions. It has a long history of use, and as a testimony to its numerous benefits, it remains a component of more than 50% of all traditional herbal remedies.

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 Ancient uses

Ginger was cultivated and used as a spice and medicine in India and China, before historical records even begin. The earliest medical texts of both countries extensively discuss the therapeutic uses of the spice, both in fresh and dried form.

Chinese texts from the fourth century BC describe ginger as a remedy for treating stomach issues, nausea, diarrhea, cholera, toothaches, bleeding and rheumatism. Chinese herbalists also use the herb to treat various respiratory conditions, including coughs and colds. In the fifth century, Chinese sailors were using ginger’s vitamin C properties to treat scurvy on long voyages.

In India, Ayurvedic texts consider ginger to be one of the most important herbs available, to the extent of describing it as an entire medicine chest in itself. Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe ginger as a powerful digestive aid since it fuels digestive fire, whets the appetite, and clears the body’s micro-circulatory channels. This helps to improve the assimilation and transportation of nutrients to targeted body tissues. Ginger is also used in Ayurveda as a remedy for joint pain, nausea and motion sickness.

With such staggering benefits, it’s no wonder the spice has been a staple in kitchens and medicine cabinets for over five thousand years. Moreover, it continues to prove to be an effective natural remedy for many modern diseases, described below.

Top Ten Therapeutic Benefits of Ginger

#1 Popular Digestive Aid: Settles stomach issues

Ginger has been used as a digestive aid for thousands of years by ancient cultures. Its carminative properties promote the elimination of intestinal gas to prevent bloating and flatulence, while its intestinal spasmolytic properties relax the gastrointestinal muscles to soothe an upset stomach.

Eating slices of ginger sprinkled with salt before meals can increase saliva flow to aid digestion and prevent stomach issues. It is also helpful to drink ginger tea after a large meal to reduce bloating and flatulence. If your stomach problems are more severe, you can also take ginger to help alleviate the various symptoms of food poisoning.

Ginger is frequently recommended to treat dyspepsia (chronic indigestion), provide relief from colic in children, and help in the treatment of bacteria-induced diarrhea.

#2 Therapy for nausea: Reduces motion sickness and more

Ginger is very good at subsiding various types of nausea and vomiting, including morning sickness in pregnant women, motion sickness in travellers, and even nausea in chemotherapy patients.

70% of patients who undergo chemotherapy report struggling with nausea, despite being given anti-emetics during treatment. A recent study on adult cancer patients found that supplementing a daily dose of 0.5 to 1 gram of ginger before chemo, significantly reduced the severity of acute nausea in 91% of the participants.

The herb also helps reduce the dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo. Research in this area indicates that the spice’s therapeutic chemicals work in the brain and nervous system to control the effects of queasiness.

#3 Powerful anti-inflammatory: Reduces joint pain and relieves arthritis

Ginger contains a very potent anti-inflammatory compound calledgingerol, which is the substance responsible for alleviating joint and muscle pain. According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, ginger affects certain inflammatory processes at a cellular level. It shares pharmacological properties with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, making it an effective treatment for both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Many other scientific studies support the effectiveness of ginger for its pro-analgesic effect on the joints, particularly in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis. Many patients suffering from osteoarthritis have also reported reduced pain and improved mobility by consuming ginger on a regular basis.

Research in Hong Kong suggests that massage therapy using an oil of ginger and orange seems to reduce short-term stiffness and pain in patients with knee issues.

Ginger can also reduce inflammation and muscle pain caused by exercise. In a study carried out by the University of Georgia, researchers administered raw and heat-treated ginger to two groups of 34 and 40 volunteers, over 11 consecutive days. The results, published in The Journal of Pain, concluded that daily use of ginger supplements relieved exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%.

#4 Provides Pain Relief: Soothes migraines and menstrual pain

Research has shown that ginger can provide pain relief from migraine headaches. A study performed in Iran and published in the Phytotherapy Research journal, found that ginger powder is as effective in treating migraine symptoms as sumatriptan – a common medication for the illness.

In the clinical trial, 100 migraine sufferers with acute symptoms were randomly selected to receive either sumatriptan or ginger powder. The researchers found that the efficacy of administering both were similar, while the adverse effects of ginger powder were less than sumatriptan – making it a safer remedy for migraines.

Ginger works on migraines by blocking prostaglandins, which stimulate muscle contractions, control inflammation in the blood vessels, and impact some hormones. Drinking ginger tea at the onset of a migraine attack stifles prostaglandins to block the unbearable pain, and stop the associated nausea and dizziness.

Ginger can also help women effectively reduce the pain associated with dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). A research study in Iran divided 70 female students into two groups. One group was administered ginger capsules and the other was given a placebo – each for the first three days of their menstrual cycles. The researchers found that 82.85% of the women taking ginger capsules reported improvements in pain symptoms, compared to 47.05% of those on placebo.

Many cultures also pour fresh ginger juice on their skin to treat burns, and topical application of ginger oil has been found to be very effective in treating joint and back pain.

#5 Anti-tumor properties: Successful in killing cancer cells

Modern research has recently been looking to ginger as a potential remedy for various types of cancer, and has come up with some promising results.

One study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger not only killed ovarian cancer cells, it also prevented them from building up resistance to chemotherapy – a common issue in ovarian cancer patients.

In the study, researchers applied a solution of ginger powder and water to ovarian cancer cells. In each and every test, they found that the cancer cells died when they came into contact with the ginger solution. Each of the cells either committed suicide, which is known as apoptosis, or they attacked one another, which is referred to as autophagy.

Ginger has also been proven to effectively treat breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer.

Research published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnologydiscovered that chemicals from the ginger plant halted the proliferation of breast cancer cells, without affecting normal mammary cells. This property, known as selective cytotoxicity, is highly significant as it does not occur with conventional methods. And while many tumors respond well to chemotherapy treatment, breast cancer cells can be more difficult. They tend to survive and gain resistance to the treatment.

The use of natural remedies like ginger that are safe and can suppress growth of breast cancer cells is highly desirable. The other advantages of using ginger are that it is easy to administer in capsule form, it has few reported side effects, and it’s a low-cost alternative to conventional drugs.

In 2011, a Georgia State University study set out to explore ginger’s effects on prostate cancer, based on the herb’s proven anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Their results, published in TheBritish Journal of Nutrition, found that ginger extract killed cancer cells in the prostate without affecting any of the healthy cells.

Modern scientific evidence suggests that ginger can also reduce inflammation in the colon to potentially prevent colon cancer. In a University of Michigan study, researchers administered two grams of ginger root supplements or placebo to a group of 30 patients over 28 days. After 28 days, researchers found significant reductions in colon inflammation markers in patients that were assigned ginger root, making it an effective natural prevention method for those at risk of colon cancer.

Ginger compounds have also been studied to inhibit other forms of cancer, including rectal cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and pancreatic cancer. It’s also interesting to note that beta-elemene – an anti-cancer pharmaceutical – is derived from ginger.

#6 Anti-diabetic compounds: Lowers blood sugar and increases insulin release

In the case of diabetes, studies have shown ginger to be effective both preventively and therapeutically.

Research at the University of Sydney in Australia found ginger to be effective in glycemic control for people with type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the Planta Medica journal, showed that ginger extracts can increase uptake of glucose into muscle cells without using insulin, therefore it may assist in the management of high blood sugar levels.

Another clinical trial concluded that diabetic patients, that consumed three grams of dry ginger for 30 days, had a significant reduction in blood glucose, triglyceride, and in total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Overall, ginger works on diabetes by increasing insulin release and sensitivity, inhibiting enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism, and improving lipid profiles. Ginger also has a very low glycemic index (GI), which means it breaks down slowly to form glucose, and therefore does not trigger a spike in blood sugar levels like high GI foods do.

Several other studies have also established ginger to have a preventive effect against diabetes complications. Ginger can protect a diabetic’s liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and reduce the risk of cataracts – a common side-effect of the disease.

#7 Heals the heart: Treats a variety of cardiovascular conditions

High in potassium, manganese, chromium, magnesium and zinc, and famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger has been used for years to treat heart conditions.

In Chinese medicine, ginger’s therapeutic properties were said to strengthen the heart, and ginger oil was often used to prevent and treat heart disease.

Modern studies indicate that the herb’s compounds go to work by lowering cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, improving blood flow, and preventing blocked arteries and blood clots – all of which help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

#8 Relieves respiratory disorders: Effective in treating asthma

Ginger compounds have shown positive results in treating respiratory disorders, and research indicates it is a promising treatment for patients suffering from asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease that occurs when the muscles in the lungs’ oxygen channels become inflamed and sensitive to different substances that induce spasms.

Recent research published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, demonstrates that ginger works on treating asthma in two ways: first, by inhibiting the enzyme that constricts airway muscles, and second, by activating another enzyme that works to relax the airways.

Part of the reason ginger works is due to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds, which have properties similar to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the negative side effects. While asthma can be a deadly disease, some of the medications used to treat asthma can also carry troubling side effects. Therefore, finding alternative, safe remedies like ginger, is a promising discovery in the treatment of this disease.

#9 Immunity-booster: Reduces coughs and colds

Ginger is a wonderful immune system booster, making it a well-known treatment for colds and flus. And since it helps calm symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, it also works on coughs, sore throats and bronchitis.

Ginger clears the micro-circulatory channels of the body, including the pesky sinuses that flare up during colds. Drinking ginger with lemon and honey is a popular cold and flu remedy that has been handed down for many generations, both in the east and the west.

Ginger also has thermogenic properties, so it can warm up the body in the cold and, more importantly, can promote healthy sweating. This type of sweating, which helps to detoxify the body and assist in releasing cold symptoms, has also been shown to fight off bacterial and fungal infections.

Recent research in Germany found a potent germ-fighting agent contained in sweat which they named dermicidin. This is manufactured in the body’s sweat glands, secreted into the sweat, and transported to the skin’s surface, where it works to provide protection against bacteria like E. coli and fungi like Candida albicans.

Best of all, ginger has concentrated active substances that are easily absorbed by the body, so you don’t have to use very much to receive its beneficial effects.

#10 Potent Antioxidant: Slows down DNA damage

Many worldwide studies have found ginger to contain potent antioxidant properties, which help protect lipids from peroxidation (rancidity) and DNA damage.

Antioxidants are extremely important as they provide protection against free radicals, which helps reduce the various types of degenerative diseases that come with aging, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and more.

While all spices are known to be powerful antioxidants, ginger seems to be extra-potent. It contains 25 different antioxidant properties on its own. This makes it effective at fighting a variety of free radicals, and in different areas of the body.

Ginger Components

Ginger is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal. Similar to other plants, ginger is a very complex mixture of compounds, containing several hundred known constituents, including beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid and curcumin.

The pungency in ginger is derived from the principle compounds gingerol, shogaol and zingerone.

Gingerol is the active component in fresh ginger, and is related to capsaicin, which is the active component in chilli peppers. Zingerone – the least pungent compound – occurs when gingerol is cooked, while shogaol – which is twice as pungent – occurs when gingerol is dried.

Origin and Trade Routes

Found extensively in the lush tropical jungles in South Asia, ginger is thought to have originated on the Indian subcontinent. The ginger plants that grow in India show the largest amount of genetic variation, implying that the plant has grown longest in that region.

Ginger was first exported from Asia in the first century AD along the lucrative Spice Route. It made its appearance in the Mediterranean over 2000 years ago with the Arab traders, who brought it to the Middle East then across to the Red Sea, where it was sold to the Greeks and Romans.

Records from ancient Rome show that imported ginger was taxed as it made its way ashore at Alexandria. With the fall of Rome, ginger and its uses were lost to most of Europe until the 11th century, when it made a comeback. It was desirable not only for its culinary benefits and medicinal properties, but also for its trade value.

By 1128, Marseilles started placing a tariff on ginger imports, followed by Paris in 1296. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the value of a pound of ginger was equivalent to the cost of a sheep. By the 14th century, ginger had made its way around Europe, and became the most popular spice after black pepper.

By medieval times, ginger was being imported in preserved form to be used in sweets. Queen Elizabeth I of England was said to be very fond of the spice, and is accredited for the famous gingerbread men that are now customary at Christmas in Europe and North America.

The herb made its way from Europe to the New World with the Spanish Conquistadors, and later on, with the western European immigrants as they began to settle the Americas.

Ginger Production Today

Today, ginger is grown in tropical countries around the world and exported globally.

India remains the largest producer, consumer and exporter of the spice, with China close behind, followed by other Asian countries, including Nepal, Japan and Thailand.

The Caribbean islands are also known for their ginger production, especially Jamaica, where the quality of ginger is similar to that of the Indian plant.

South American countries such as Brazil, and African nations like Nigeria and Sierra Leone also cultivate the herb, along with Australia and Fiji, where it is grown on a smaller scale.

Some Things to Note

• Ginger should not be given to children under the age of two
• In general, adults should not take more than 4 grams of ginger per day, including in cooking
• Pregnant women should not take more than 1 gram per day
• You can use dried or fresh ginger root to make ginger tea and drink that two to three times daily
• To reduce acute inflammation, you can massage the affected area with ginger oil a few times per day
• Ginger capsules are said to provide better benefits than other forms
• Ginger can interact with other medications, including blood thinners
• Always consult a doctor for ginger dosage information and potential side effects for specific issues

Therapeutic Recipes

Ginger drinks

Brew #1: Helps purify the blood

• Beat ginger and crush it to extract the juice. Leave the juice for 15 minutes in a glass container
• Leave the sedimentation, and store the clear juice in a refrigerator for 5-6 days
• Mix 2 tsp of this ginger juice with 2 tsp of honey, and consume it every morning on an empty stomach
• It can be consumed for 48 days once every 6 months

Brew #2: Aids digestive issues

• Wash fresh ginger and peel off the skin
• Cut ginger into small pieces, and soak it in honey in a wide-mouth glass bottle
• Cover the bottle mouth with a thin, white, cotton cloth, and keep in the sun for 12 days
• Consume 2-4 pieces daily in the morning and evening to get rid of any indigestion issues

Brew #3: Reduces risk of colds

• Mix 4 tsp of ginger juice, 4 tsp of honey and 2 tsp of lemon juice in a cup of warm water, and consume. This is a great remedy to reduce your susceptibility to colds.

Ginger-Lemon Tea

This healthy tea recipe will leave you feeling fresh and invigorated, without the side effects of caffeine.

• Boil 4.5 cups of water in a saucepan
• As the water boils, crush a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger with about 25 – 30 Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves
• Add the paste to the boiling water, along with 2 tsp of dried coriander seeds (optional)
• Continue to boil for 2 – 3 minutes
• Strain the tea into cups and add 1 tsp of lime juice and jaggery to taste. Serve hot!

Watermelon-Ginger-Mint Cooler

Here’s a “cool” recipe with ginger, honey and watermelon that can be a great boon during the summer months.

Ingredients

• A quarter of a watermelon
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper powder to taste
• 3 Tbsp of honey

Method

• Peel the watermelon, deseed, and chop roughly
• Toss the watermelon pieces into the jar of a blender
• Peel ginger, crush and add to the jar
• Add the mint leaves, salt, pepper powder, and honey
• Blend everything together until smooth, then pass the contents through a strainer
• Pour the juice into glasses and serve

Blog by isha.sadhguru.org

Successfully cultivating dinner-table vegetables in containers is always possible, but there are some that are ‘superstars’ in pots, since they grow easily and produce heavily in there.

Moreover, the productivity of a small-room garden improves a lot when you use its vertical space. Using trellises to provide support to trailing plants and vines is always of great help!

These are 10 of the most productive vegetables to grow in pots:

1. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are called ‘heavy feeders’ and require regular watering routine as well. You can grow them in a medium-to-large sized pot (depending on the cucumber variety) placed in full sun. In this easy way, you can have your own homegrown crunchy cucumbers within just a few months.

2. Beans

Beanstalks are natural climbers (or bushier type), so they grow upward with very little support. They are also very productive when grown in pots.
You can start them on a trellis near a wall, or balcony space. Watch how within weeks you will get a ‘green wall’ of beans busily spreading across the trellis!

For growing beans you need a sunny place, and a pot that is minimum 12 inches deep (the bigger, the better, is the rule of the thumb) and a structure-like trellis for support.
Beans simply “fix” the nitrogen, so most of the vegetables that require more nitrogen are good to grow beneath them. If your beans are in a very sizable pot, you can grow kale, summer savory, or celery along with them.

3. Lettuces

Since lettuces grow up very quickly, you will have the chance to harvest them time after time throughout the growing season. As lettuce is a cold season crop, you will have to decide on the right time to start it for your weather conditions. But, usually, seeds are started in spring time. And if you live in a warm climate, grow lettuces in winter.

For growing lettuces, choose a wide planter [rather than deep (6″ deep is enough)]. When planting it, leave space of at least 4 inches between each plant.

Note: Leaf lettuces can be grown more closely than head lettuces. Use well-draining soil for planting, and do shallow and frequent watering to always keep the soil slightly moist.

4. Chilies and peppers

Chilies and peppers are super-productive, excellent ‘candidates’ for growing in pots. They also look great in pots.

They need a sunny and warm place to thrive. If you keep the container in a sunny spot, and provide the right soil and fertilizer, it will fruit richly. A large pot, at least 12 inches deep, is optimal for peppers.

5. Radishes

Radishes are one of the quickest-to-grow veggies, and are very suitable for container vegetable gardening. You can grow them in both small and wide pots.

A planter that is just 6 inches deep is enough for radishes, but if you are keen on larger varieties, you should use an 8-10 inches-deep pot.

Note: Allow 3 inches of space between each plant.

6. Asian greens

Asian greens are great crops to grow in garden pots as they grow pretty fast and, unlike other plants, they don’t suck up a lot of sun. You can grow them in a shady spot that receives only 3-4 hours of morning sun.

In order to thrive, provide them with plenty of moisture and organic fertilizer.

7. Spinach

The spinach is simply ‘invented’ for containers. It develops well in partial shade, and in any kind of space. Growing spinach in containers is so easy that you can even grow it indoors on your kitchen windowsill!

For growing your spinach leaves in pots, choose a pot that is least 6-8 inches deep. You don’t need a very deep pot – only a wide one.

8. Peas

Peas are veggies that need moderate conditions. They are a perfect crop for container gardening, and don’t require a very large pot. They grow quickly without a lot of attention. You can even grow peas on your balcony, instead of growing decorative fruitless plants.

Note: For the purpose, choose a dwarf or bushier type varieties, and do regular and frequent watering as peas like slightly moist soil. Keep the plants in a spot with full sunny periods to partial ones (especially in warm climates).

9. Carrots

Carrots do their best in cool weather. These nutritive veggies need regular watering – otherwise the roots go dry and easily crack! Growing this plant in containers is easy, and it doesn’t take much space either.

10. Tomatoes

Tomatoes, without any doubt, are the most productive fruits you can ever grow in pots! Tomatoes need ample sun (5-6 hours daily as a minimum). The pot size for them depends on the type of tomatoes you are going to grow.

Note: In containers, growing dwarf varieties of the chosen type is best. You can also try cherry tomatoes for much higher yield and much better use in your dishes.

Blog by dietoflife.com

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Most of us are accustomed to looking outside of ourselves for fulfillment. We are living in a world that conditions us to believe that outer attainments can give us what we want. Yet again and again our experiences show us that nothing external can completely fulfill the deep longing within for “something more.” Most of the time, however, we find ourselves striving toward that which always seems to lie just beyond our reach. We are caught up in doing rather than being, in action rather than awareness. It is hard for us to picture a state of complete calmness and repose in which thoughts and feelings cease to dance in perpetual motion. Yet it is through such a state of quietude that we can touch a level of joy and understanding impossible to achieve otherwise.

It is said in the Bible: “Be still and know that I am God.” In these few words lies the key to the science of Yoga. This ancient spiritual science offers a direct means of stilling the natural turbulence of thoughts and restlessness of body that prevent us from knowing what we really are.

Ordinarily our awareness and energies are directed outward, to the things of this world, which we perceive through the limited instruments of our five senses. Because human reason has to rely upon the partial and often deceptive data supplied by the physical senses, we must learn to tap deeper and more subtle levels of awareness if we would solve the enigmas of life — Who am I? Why am I here? How do I realize Truth?

Yoga is a simple process of reversing the ordinary outward flow of energy and consciousness so that the mind becomes a dynamic center of direct perception no longer dependent upon the fallible senses but capable of actually experiencing Truth.

By practicing the step-by-step methods of Yoga taking nothing for granted on emotional grounds or through blind faith we come to know our oneness with the Infinite Intelligence, Power, and Joy which gives life to all and which is the essence of our own Self.

In past centuries many of the higher techniques of Yoga were little understood or practiced, owing to mankind’s limited knowledge of the forces that run the universe. But today scientific investigation is rapidly changing the way we view ourselves and the world. The traditional materialistic conception of life has vanished with the discovery that matter and energy are essentially one: every existing substance can be reduced to a pattern or form of energy, which interacts and interconnects with other forms. Some of today’s most celebrated physicists go a step further, identifying consciousness as the fundamental ground of all being. Thus modern science is confirming the ancient principles of Yoga, which proclaim that unity pervades the universe.

The word yoga itself means “union”: of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. Though many people think of yoga only as physical exercises — the asanas or postures that have gained widespread popularity in recent decades — these are actually only the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.

There are various paths of Yoga that lead toward this goal, each one a specialized branch of one comprehensive system:

Hatha Yoga — a system of physical postures, or asanas, whose higher purpose is to purify the body, giving one awareness and control over its internal states and rendering it fit for meditation.

Karma Yoga — selfless service to others as part of one’s larger Self, without attachment to the results; and the performance of all actions with the consciousness of God as the Doer.

Mantra Yoga — centering the consciousness within through japa, or the repetition of certain universal root-word sounds representing a particular aspect of Spirit.

Bhakti Yoga — all-surrendering devotion through which one strives to see and love the divinity in every creature and in everything, thus maintaining an unceasing worship.

Jnana (Gyana) Yoga — the path of wisdom, which emphasizes the application of discriminative intelligence to achieve spiritual liberation.

Raja Yoga — the royal or highest path of Yoga, immortalized by Bhagavan Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita and formally systematized in the second century B.C. by the Indian sage Patanjali, which combines the essence of all the other paths.

At the heart of the Raja Yoga system, balancing and unifying these various approaches, is the practice of definite, scientific methods of meditation that enable one to perceive, from the very beginning of one’s efforts, glimpses of the ultimate goal — conscious union with the inexhaustibly blissful Spirit.

The quickest and most effective approach to the goal of Yoga employs those methods of meditation that deal directly with energy and consciousness. It is this direct approach that characterizes Kriya Yoga, the particular form of Raja Yoga meditation taught by Paramahansa Yogananda.

Blog via yogananda-srf.org

Growing a mini-Ayurvedic pharmacy at home isn’t as hard as you might think—and the benefits are huge. Imagine being able to reach into your own garden, where you know exactly how plants have been grown, and picking medicine for you and your family’s well-being. There is nothing more natural; and it can be a fulfilling way to add to your household’s health.

Ayurvedic medicine uses a variety of herbs and spices to create balance and nourishment for your mind and body. There are some commonly used herbs that can be grown easily in the United States. Some of the more tropical herbs such as cardamom and turmeric may present problems for those who live outside of warm climates. But even in cold climates, these herbs can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse.

These five easy-to-grow herbs and plants can make a positive difference in your life. You can always expand your garden once you’ve mastered the basics. Through the practice of creating your own herb garden, you will open your life up to the true understanding that food is medicine.

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Photo by balanceandbliss.com

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Holy basil or Tulsi is highly revered among practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine and is considered to live up to its name holy within Hinduism. It has a long association with Lord Vishnu, the preserving/sustaining personality of the Hindu godhead, and it’s easy to understand why.

This herb has many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s prized for both its culinary and medicinal qualities. It can be used in your recipes just like its close relative, the familiar sweet basil. Holy basil leaves can also be steeped to make a great tea, which can be used to treat digestive disorders and help recover from chemotherapy.

Tulsi is generally safe for use; it can be mildly Pitta aggravating in high doses for those with a high fire content and temperature. Its main effect is on Kapha, which is why it’s so effective against colds, flus, and respiratory tract issues. Use a little in your food on a regular basis to give a boost to your general health and well-being.

How to grow holy basil: You can plant these as seeds or as a starter. The seeds need to be planted just beneath the soil at about a half-inch deep. Water as you would any other seed until you have sprouts, which should appear in about 10 days.

Once sprouted, give these plants no less than six hours of direct sunlight daily. Water the plant as needed. Although it’s resilient, you don’t want to overwater or dry it out. Pay attention to the soil and water it when it shows dryness, but before it’s bone dry. If you don’t wish to cultivate seeds for new sprouts, you can pinch back flowers. Otherwise, allow it to bud for a continual supply of this wonderful medicine. Some recommend chanting to this plant, as it seems to be curiously receptive to this practice.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)

You might have already experienced the benefits of ginger. It’s phenomenal at easing digestive issues, including nausea and heartburn. Ginger is a heating food, so its main effects are on Vata and Kapha imbalances.

This root is versatile and can be used to fit whatever digestive issue you may have. If you need to work on a Vata problem, use fresh, moist ginger. Choose a dried form of ginger when dealing with Kapha, as it will balance the wetness of this dosha. It positively influences every stage of the digestive process.

One of the best ways to get ginger into your diet is by making tea out of the root. It also can be chewed before meals to boost Agni and ease digestion. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory. Even if digestion is not a problem for you, regularly eating or drinking some ginger is beneficial.

How to grow ginger: Since you’ll be cultivating the root of this plant, don’t start this from seed. Ginger can be grown from the same fresh specimens you find at your local grocery. This root will tolerate most soils, but you generally want to go for nutrient-rich, loose soil. When starting your own ginger plant, take your fresh store-bought ginger and soak it overnight. Take it outside and bury it about 4 inches deep.

Water it regularly, but don’t oversaturate the root. If your ginger has knobs on it, face them upward when you place it in the ground. You want to plant ginger in a well-drained area with low sunlight. Ginger does best in shady areas, as long as it’s not a soggy spot.

You can grow ginger indoors. However, it does best as an indoor-to-outdoor transplant at the start of the season. The root stays close to the surface; be mindful of this as you’re growing it.

Critters love this stuff; take precautions specifically against caterpillars and cutworms. Harvest your ginger in about 8 to 10 months—once its growth slows down. Store by drying or freezing your root for long-lasting results.

Feverfew (Tanacetum Parthenium)

This herb has been especially useful to my family. It was one of the first plants to show me the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine. It has made my life easier by calming the symptoms of my beloved Pitta. For years, my wife suffered from migraines until I found this herbal treasure.

Feverfew is not a traditional Ayurvedic herb. However, it can be used in this way and is easy to grow. From an Ayurvedic perspective, feverfew or “bachelor’s buttons” carries a bitter taste and is cooling on the system. This herb is effective in balancing Pitta and Kapha. As the name implies, it’s well known for its effectiveness against fevers and other body issues that stem from overheating.

The best way to take feverfew is as a daily supplement. You can take 2 to 3 leaves of this plant daily to receive the benefits. I just throw it into meals I prepare. The taste isn’t especially strong or distracting from recipes. You might want to test your own sensitivity to this herb. Some may choose to chew the leaf directly, which is more potent.

How to grow feverfew: These plants are easy to maintain, making it a suitable herb for the beginning gardener. Feverfew is a perennial and reseeds itself. Plant your seeds close to the surface, just barely in the dirt. Make sure you pick a place where the seeds will receive plenty of sun. Don’t overwater. In my experience, Feverfew is pretty tolerant and forgiving of newbie gardeners so this a pretty low-maintenance addition to your herbal arsenal.

Aloe Vera

While this plant is technically a succulent, it’s included on this list because of its overall medicinal awesomeness. This plant, which is native to Africa, has been used as an herbal medicine since the first century A.D. and today is used in a wide array of cosmetics.

Aloe’s main effect on our bodies is cooling. It can be used on sores, cuts, and all kinds of skin conditions. It also can be used as a laxative and is effective in treating ulcers. Despite its cooling effect, aloe is actually balancing to all three doshas and is a very good detoxifier when taken as a juice. The gushy insides of the aloe leaf can be used to treat facial skin as well.

How to grow aloe vera: This is another plant that is easy to cultivate. The best method is to transplant it from a mature aloe plant. However, you also can grow it from seed. Since aloe vera plants are mostly water, they’re sensitive to cold temperatures.

Water aloe only as needed. The plants store a lot of water within their leaves and have a shallow rooting system. Slightly water the plant and then let the soil go dry before watering it again. You may feel like you’re going too long between watering.

This is another very forgiving plant; don’t be afraid to jump right in and plant one of these in your home garden. Aloe vera is drought-tolerant and requires sunlight with some shade to be happy outdoors. We keep ours indoors near a window and it has turned into an aloe “tree” on us. If you have kids, you’ll find its use for cuts and “boo boos” especially helpful.

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

This herb is one of nature’s greatest gifts. Like several other previously mentioned plants, humans have a long history of cultivating and using the gifts of lavender. Its use is widely known even in mainstream society today, where it is often touted for its effectiveness as a sleep aid and its pleasant smell.

Lavender has also been known to be an effective pain reliever, anti-anxiety medicine, and a digestive aid. Oil made from this plant can be used in your bath, in massage, or a diffuser in your home. Lavender can be made into a scented oil for aromatherapy, tea, and pain-relieving oil.

How to grow lavender: Don’t overwater lavender and allow plenty of space for breeze in between new starts. I purchased this plant already sprouted and would recommend that you do the same. Depending on the region of the country you live in, it may be hard to establish a plant from seed.

Once these plants are rooted, they’re very strong. Give them full sun and allow them to dry before re-watering them. Lavender is sensitive to dampness, so watering 2-3 times a week during the summer is a good idea. They’re resistant to drought; don’t be afraid to let them dry out, once they’re established. I watered ours quite a bit at first and almost lost several plants.

Humidity can be a problem for these plants. These plants thrive with full sun and less water. There are several kinds of lavender available; do a little research and see what does best in your area.

These are just some tips I have picked up in my own journey as a gardener. I recommend doing further research—there’s a lot of herbs to choose from. Remember, growing your own medicine is not only cost-effective; it’s also healthy and sustainable.

References:

Dollemore, D. Gottlieb, B. New Choices in Natural Healing. Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Rodale Press, Inc., 1995.

Weil, A. Natural Health, Natural Medicine. Boston. Houghton Mifflin Co., 1995.

Simon, D. Chopra, D. The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook: Forty Natural Prescriptions for Perfect Health. New York. Three Rivers Press. 2000.

– See more at: http://www.chopra.com/ccl/gardening-rx-how-to-grow-5-ayurvedic-herbs#sthash.UZiBMCtx.dpuf

Written by Leo Carver

 

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Dietary habits are shown to affect brain structure, influencing the body both chemically and physiologically. It is becoming clear that what you consume can lead to altered behavior: You are what you eat, so to speak. Look at the foods you and those around you eat and the corresponding behavioral patterns… what do you see?

Gary Johnston, a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety disorders for over 30 years, demonstrates the important role that nutrients play in mental and nervous system disorders.

 

Sight, vision, muscles, heart, lungs… our entire existence depends on the nervous system. With our current dietary habits, devoid of nutrients and extensive use of pharmaceutical and recreational drugs and things like antibiotics, which are known to deplete the intestinal tract of beneficial bacteria, its no wonder gastrointestinal problems, and gut mal-absorption are leading our bodies starving for nutrients. Prepackaged foods, loaded with neurotoxins and consisting primarily of flours, sugar, and dairy are devoid of many of the required nutrients our nervous system needs to function properly.

Alcohol and sugar especially interfere with the neurotransmitters in the brain, changing our perceptions, moods, emotions and thoughts, which then can lead to mood swings, nervous system disorders, anger, anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior. Once the body is out of balance it reaches an acidic state, which also creates an addictive state craving more of these self-defeating substances.

The solution? Nourish your nervous system! Omega 3 Fatty acids, B Vitamins, Vitamin D, and amino acids, such as tryptophan which helps synthesize serotonin in the brain are all required to nourish your cells and help improve mood and mental stability. Avoiding substances like alcohol, sugar and processed foods is key to emotional wellbeing.

Dr. Tamlin Conner, a researcher for the Department of Psychology at the University of Otago in New Zealand did a study showing the “causal relationship between dietary intake of fruits and vegetables and mood”

“On days when people ate more fruits and vegetables, they reported feeling calmer, happier and more energetic than they normally did,” says Dr Conner.

Further study found that a 16oz glass of fresh vegetable/fruit juice met the researchers recommendations to help improve mood.

The benefits of drinking more alkaline, chlorophyll rich juiced vegetables, such as cucumber, celery and kale is they help offset the acidic effects of the sugars and alcohol and any processed foods. Dr. Gabriel Cousens, of the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center states that the more one dislikes the taste of greens, the more one needs to detoxify. Your body will adjust to the taste. Give yourself 7 days to adjust.

This “Green juice” is being found to help alter the addictive cravings for such processed foods, alcohol and sugars. Cucumbers alone are considered natures best hangover cure with a high dose of electrolytes and replenishing minerals for the nervous system, including the vital B vitamins which help hydrate and nourish the nervous system as a low glycemic antidote.

A favorite brain power whole food supplement is a blue-green algae, found at your local health food store. Rich in chlorophyll, phytonutrients and omega 3 fatty acids, you can take 1-2 Tbsp daily in a glass of juice to help lower inflammation in the body and nourish your nervous system, which may just lead to a healthier, happier, you.

Written by Kristin Fraser from Inner Glow Nutrition. Join her in Nicaragua in March of 2016!