The Benefits of Peppermint

 

 

No one really knows the origin of peppermint but it has been around for a long time. Dried leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids dating from about 1000 BC.  Peppermint has many values including relieves gas, bloating and colic and has many other applications.

 

Peppermint is an aromatic herb with a fresh, minty scent and taste.  Peppermint has cooling properties and is often found in skin care products, toothpaste, candies, mouthwash and is used in aromatherapy.

 

The volatile oil of the peppermint plant is strongly antibacterial. Menthol (found in the volatile oil) is antifungal, antiseptic, cooling and anesthetic to the skin. 

 

Benefits of Peppermint:

• Nutrients:
• Peppermint is an excellent source of :
• Vitamin C and vitamin A.
• Magnesium
• Folate
• Dietary fiber
• Calcium
• Iron 
• Vitamin B2
• Potassium
• Copper
•  Digestive Problems:
• Peppermint is excellent for the digestive system because it increases the flow of digestive juices and bile and relaxes the muscles of the gut.  Often people will put a few drops of oil in with water and drink after a meal to aid in digestion.
• It reduces colic, cramps and gas and helps to soothe an irritate bowel. Alleviates irritable bowel syndrome.
• It soothes the lining and muscles of the colon to help relieve diarrhea and relieves a spastic colon.
• Dissolve gallstones.
• Ease nausea and vomiting.
•  Improve digestion and reduce heartburn
• Stimulate appetite.
• Pain Relief:
• Applied to the skin,  peppermint relieves pain and reduces sensitivity.
• Soothe muscle aches and control chronic pain (topically).
• Relieves headaches and migraines when applied to the temples and back of neck.
• Soothe itchiness from insect bites and hives (topically).
•  Ease menstrual cramps.
• Applied topically helps relieve Shingle pain
• Infection:
• Diluted oil is used as an inhalant and chest rub for respiratory infections. The whole herb is important for digestive infections.
• Clear congestion and cough related to colds and allergies.
• Menthol helps subdue many disease-producing bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Anti Cancer:
• Perillyl alcohol which is found in the essential oil of peppermint and other plants has been shown to regress pancreatic, mammary, and liver tumors and has the ability to kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells.  
• Studies suggest that perillyl alcohol may have potential as a non-toxic preventative treatment for various types of human cancers.
• Relieves Athletes foot when applied topically.
• Dental Care:
• Peppermint oil, due to its antiseptic properties, is useful for dental care.
• Removes bad breath
• Helps teeth and gums deal with germs.
• It is also useful for treating toothaches.
•  Respiratory Problems:
• Menthol, which is present in abundance in peppermint oil, helps in clearing the respiratory tract.
• It is an effective expectorant and instantaneous, though temporary, relief in respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough. It is used in numerous cold rubs. When these cold rubs are rubbed on the chest, they remove nasal and respiratory congestion immediately.
 As  a child, whenever I had a cold my mom would put a "stinky rag" around my neck. The "stinky rag consisted of Vicks vapor rub or Menthol and rubbing alcohol spread onto a dish rag and pinned around my neck. Boy did it stink, but it helped relieve coughs and clear the mucous out. My kids get this same treatment today because it works better than any cold medicine that I have tried.  Do not use on children under 2 years of age.
• Relieves Stress:
• Peppermint essential oil provides relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. It is also effective against anxiety and restlessness. Simply place a small amount on a cotton ball and smell throughout the day.
• Immune System:
• Peppermint oil increases your immunity to diseases and helps in preventing a number of diseases.
• Blood Circulation:
• It also improves blood circulation.
• Hair Care:
• Peppermint oil is very useful for hair care as it gives a cooling effect to the head, and removes dandruff and lice.
• Skin Care:
• Menthol is good for skin. It gives a cooling effect,  it nourishes dull skin and improves oily skin.
• Weight loss:
• Peppermint helps to increase the sense of fullness and satisfaction after eating.
• Smelling peppermint will help curb appetite resulting in fewer calories ingested.
• Hair Loss:
•  Peppermint is used in hair growth products for  its aromatic qualities as well as its ability to promote hair growth by stimulating circulation on the scalp. This stimulation promotes the development of new cells and stimulates hair follicles, resulting in hair growth.

So there you have it, another amazing herb that our Heavenly Father has made available to us. I am sure there are many more uses of Peppermint but this will give you a good idea of its many uses.

Peppermint can be found in herbal teas or in essential oils. You can find herbals teas at most grocery stores, in health food stores, Amazon, Doterra Oils, and Vitacost.

 

References:
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/488826-peppermint-for-hair-loss/

 
 

 

 

 

 

 



Essential Vitamins and Minerals

My Grandpa has been a follower of Dr. Joel Wallach for years, so I decide to look into what Dr. Wallach teaches.
Dr. Wallach has been involved in biochemical research and clinical medicine for over 30 years. He actually started out as a veterinarian. While studying different animals and diseases, he discovered that by giving animals the right amount of minerals, diseases like SIDs were reduced. He decided to move onto studying medicine because he wanted to find out how this information could help people.

Why Supplement with Vitamins and Minerals
A common recommendation made by most medical doctors is that in order to get all the nutrients necessary to maintain health you must, on a daily basis, eat food from each of the four basic food groups (i.e., meats and proteins, fruits and vegetables, breads and grains and dairy products). Dr. Joel Wallach challenges this belief when lecturing on health and highlights the reasons why it is practically impossible to get all the nutrients (especially the minerals) necessary to prevent disease by eating food from the four basic food groups. Dr. Wallach argues that an unfortunate consequence of the American public's faith in the four basic food groups has been a huge increase in the incidence of chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. over the past 40 years.   (http://www.majesticearth-minerals.com/why.php)

You must give your body all the raw materials it requires to maintain and rebuild itself. Raw materials are so vital to your health, but can be very hard to find. Centuries of mining, farming, irrigation, and acid rain have eroded life giving minerals from our soil. These mineral deficient soils are then used to grow and cultivate our food. Because of this, our food is lacking essential minerals. In fact,  Dr. Wallach as stated, "One sentence has killed more people than all the wars in American history.... You get all the nutrition you need from the four food groups."

"99% of American people are deficient in minerals, and a marked deficiency in any one of the more important minerals actually results in disease." U.S. Senate Document #264

I was amazed at all the diseases Dr. Wallach claims can be prevented by the body receiving the right amount of nutrients and vitamins.  "The only way you can heal your body is to give it the 90 essential nutrients daily that it needs to rebuild and maintain itself over time." - Dr. Wallach

Here are just a few of the examples of over 900 diseases that can result from nutritional deficiencies:

 

Disease	Primary Nutrients Missing
Acne	Essential fatty acids, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, Zinc
ADD/ADHD	Enzymes, Chromium, Vanadium
Arthritis	Calcium, Copper, Boron, Essential fatty acids, Germanium, Vitamin B- 6, Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfates
Asthma	Essential Fatty Acids, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Potassium
Birth Defects	Folic acid, Magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B-12, Zinc, Copper
Cancer	Selenium, Germanium, Cesium, Antioxidants
Depression	Biotin, Boron, Calcium, Chromium,Copper, Iron,Iodine,Lithium, B complex, Zinc
Diabetes	Chromium, Vanadium, Zinc
Eczema	Boron, Calcium, Essential Fatty Acids, Inositol, Niacin, Vitamin B-5, Zinc
Gray Hair	Copper
Infertility	Chromium, Essential fatty acids, Lithium, Manganese, Selenium, Vanadium, Zinc, Cholesterol, Amino Acids
Memory Loss	Folic acid, Niacin, Vitamin B-1, Zinc
Nervousness	Calcium, Boron, Iodine, Magnesium, Potassium, B complex, Vitamin D
Osteoporosis	Calcium, Boron, Germanium, Vitamin K, Magnesium
Receding Gums	Calcium, Magnesium, Boron
Sexual Dysfunction	Selenium, Zinc, Manganese, Iodine, Cholesterol
Wrinkles	Copper, Sulfur
This Is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the missing vitamins and minerals. There are many other nutrients that are required to help in the absorption and utilization of these vitamins and minerals. It is intended as a reference of the primary missing nutrients only. – Dr. Wallach

(-This information taken from Youngevity Essential Life Sciences.)

Dr. Wallach has developed his own line of nutrients and vitamins because he wanted to offer something that is plant derived and that the body will absorb.  Following is information that I found from his website:

You must take mineral supplements to achieve optimal sustainable health!

Organic Colloidal Minerals — These minerals have been processed through a plant and have undergone a biochemical transformation which makes them extremely absorbable (90% to 98%) and non toxic. Specifically, when a mineral is drawn from the soil into a plant via its roots, the process alters the mineral's bio-electric charge, changing it from positive to negative. Because the linings of our intestines carry an overall positive charge a natural magnetic gradient is created across which the mineral is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Metallic minerals, on the other hand, do not undergo this biochemical transformation and therefore remain positively charged. A positively charged metallic mineral can cause problems for the body. The body is designed to recognize and use minerals in a organic colloidal form and will automatically rid itself of any excess. By contrast, the body has more difficulty recognizing positively charged minerals. As a consequence they tend to accumulate in the body to sometimes dangerous levels. This is why metallic arsenic, for example, has been found to be 65 times more toxic than is organically bound arsenic.

Buyer Beware: Don't be fooled into buying mineral supplements that simply claim to be "colloidal." The term "colloidal" refers only to the very small particle size of the minerals used in these products. A far more important determinant of both the absorbability and safety of a mineral is whether or not the mineral is "organic" (i.e., derived from plant sources). Organic colloidal minerals are up to 20 times more absorbable and non-toxic when compared to inorganic colloidal minerals. It is a sad fact of the marketplace that many of the products being marketed as colloidal minerals are, in fact, inorganic colloidal minerals!
Forty four million copies of Dr. Wallach's Dead Doctors Don't Lie tape are presently in circulation. The message it contains has generated intense public interest in colloidal mineral supplementation. Unfortunately, few products on the market measure up to either the spirit or the intent of what Dr. Wallach advises. Some companies, for example, get their product from inappropriate sources, from ancient sea beds or clay deposits rather than directly from plants. Some companies water down their minerals or spike their product with metallic minerals to boost spectrograph readings. There is, however one company, one line of organic colloidal mineral supplements that towers above the rest. Not surprisingly it is Dr. Wallach's very own line: the Majestic Earth line of mineral supplements. When it comes to your health and the health of your loved ones insist on the best: MAJESTIC EARTH!

I found listening to Dr. Wallach's Dead Doctors Don't Lie to be very interesting and informative. It is amazing to think that if our bodies have the right amount of nutrients then they can repair themselves. Don't take my word for it though, this is just what I found while researching Dr.Wallach and listening to what my Grandpa has learned over the years.

If you are interested in learning more visit his website: http://www.thewallachfiles.com/publications_4.php
or check out his radio show
http://tunein.com/radio/Dead-Doctors-Dont-Lie-p20163/

If you are interested in purchasing his line of vitamins visit:

http://aburt.my90forlife.com

References:
http://www.thewallachfiles.com/publications_4.php
http://www.majesticearth-minerals.com/
90 Essential Nutrients - Youngevity Essential Sciences Flyer

Lemons

When life gives you lemons, make Lemonade.

Okay, so a lemon is not an herb, but I felt like the benefits of lemon are definitely worth sharing. Lemons are a versatile and an important natural medicine available for home use. It is high in vitamin C which helps the body resist infection, making it an effective choice to use against colds and flu. It is also great for digestion, stomach conditions,  skin conditions, circulatory problems and thickening of the arterial walls (arteriosclerosis).

Benefits of Lemons include:

• Nutritious and contain several vitamins and minerals such as:
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Vitamins A & C
• B Vitamins
• Copper
• Flavonoids, a composite that holds antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
• Skin Care:
• The citric acid in lemons make it effective for treating acne. The vitamin C helps to brighten the skin, while the alkaline present helps to kill bacteria and infections in the skin.
• With a cotton ball apply lemon juice to face nightly and wash off in the morning.  At first it may sting a little, but is effective at treating acne.
• Great for corns and calluses. Take a slice of lemon and apply it to the affected area, wrap and bandage it on. 
• Reduce the effects of eczema a with a lemon wrap.
• Add 8 drops of lemon essential oil to 1 cup lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon of  honey. Honey has anti-inflammatory effects and strengthens the healing power of lemon.  Soak a linen cloth in the liquid, squeeze out the excess, and place the cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. This ease the infection  and it will reduce the overwhelming urge to scratch.
• Take the sting out of bug bites and stings.
• Massage 1 to 2 drops of lemon oil mixed with 1 tsp of honey onto the affected area.
• Health Benefits:
• Lemons antiseptic and cleansing actions make it valuable for those who are prone to infections and fevers, especially of the stomach, liver and intestines.
• Bioflavonoids help strengthen the inner lining of blood vessels, especially veins and capillaries to help reduce varicose veins.
• Helps prevent circulatory disorders.
• Helps prevent bleeding gums.
• Improves the appetite and helps ease stomach acidity, ulcers, arthritis, gout and rheumatism.
• Use as a gargle to relieve sore throats, gingivitis, and canker sores.
• Never use straight lemon as a gargle as it can strip the enamel off teeth. Be sure to dilute with water.
• Lemon Balm has a calming effect, making it effective to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Ease effects of Cold and Flu:
•  Add the juice of one lemon to hot water, add honey and drink every two hours.
• Relieve a sore throat.
• Add the juice of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon of sea salt to 1 cup lukewarm water. Gargle three times a day for 1 minute.
• Ease Pain:
• Lemon juice has a powerful alkaline effect in the body and is therefore a natural agent against excess acid, which is in part responsible for rheumatism. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water 3 times a day and if you experience severe pain add the juice of 2 lemons 3 times a day.
  Lemon oil has pain-relieving qualities, so to inhibit inflammation and ease pain, massage the affected area daily with several drops of lemon oil mixed with 1 tablespoon jojoba oil.
• Indigestion and Constipation:
• Drinking lemon water regularly will help cleanse the bowels and remove toxins. Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink first thing in the morning.
• Internal Bleeding:
•  Lemon has antiseptic and styptics properties, it can stop internal bleeding. You can apply lemon juice on small cotton and place inside of  nose to stop nose bleeding.
• High Blood Pressure: Drinking lemon juice is helpful for people suffering with heart problems as it contains potassium. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as provides relaxation to mind and body. 
• Weight Loss:
• Adding lemon to water helps promotes digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes.  This stimulation helps with digestion as well as the utilization of fats.
• Good for the Liver:
• Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning stimulates the liver to produce bile which aids in digestion.
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels:
• The acidity in lemons help to reduce the blood sugar level when lemon water is drank shortly before or after a meal.
• Cholera: The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon juice, as it acts as a blood purifier.
• Lemon makes a natural cleaning agent:
• Because lemons are acidic they provide antibacterial and antiseptic cleaning properties.  Not only will they disinfect but they will leave your home with a wonderful citrus smell.

I could do a whole other post on the cleaning benefits of lemons. I will leave that for another day.  To learn how to make lemon vinegar, head on over to One Good thing by Jilliee. She has a great post on lemons.

Amazing all the benefits of lemons and I have only touched on a few of the benefits of drinking lemon water.  If you love essential oils, invest in lemon as it will be a great one to have on hand for skin care and health issues.  So go stock up on lemons and essential oil and enjoy the benefits.

References:
http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-lemon.html#
http://www.livestrong.com/article/491372-what-are-the-benefits-of-lemon-water-weight-loss/?utm_source=undefined_R1

 

Aloe Vera

 “As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.” Numbers 24:6

When I was a little girl, my grandmother had a ginormous Aloe Vera plant. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if  she still has the same one. As a kid, I was intrigued by its long, pointed leaves and the gel that they contained.   Back then I only knew that the Aloe Vera gel was good for wounds. After studying it out a little more, I am amazed by all the benefits of Aloe Vera.

 

Aloe Vera originates from Africa and is usually cultivated as a potted plant and has two types of medical uses. The gel contained within the steams has a healing effect on wounds. The sap from the base of the plant works as a laxative.

 

For more than 3500 years Aloe Vera has been know as a healer. In fact the Greek physician Dioscorides wrote that Aloe Vera was effective in treating everything from burns to kidney problems to constipation.  Queen Cleopatra saw the gel as a fountain of youth and used it to moisturize her skin.  It is believed that the Egyptians used aloe in their embalming processes. 

Benefits of Aloe Vera:

Beauty Treatments:

• Helps keep skin supple and soft.
• Replace creams and lotions as a general moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing!
• Reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles.
• Make skin new again with an exfoliating, organic sugar scrub by mixing together 2 tbsp. of aloe Vera, 2 tbsp. of organic brown sugar and 1 tsp. of organic lemon juice.Prevent pesky pimples and treat acne.
• Aloe is used in many beauty creams as an ingredient.
• Aloe Vera helps to rejuvenate the skin cells. It aids cell growth and thus keeps skin bright.
• Aloe Vera is used in making all types of creams.
• Protects the skin from pollutants when applied to the skin.
• Aloe is used in shampoos to treat dandruff and other scalp conditions.
• Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower.

First Aid: Aloe Vera is a must have for all first aid needs.

• Soothes and promotes the healing of sunburns and other minor burns.
• Useful for bug bites and mild skin irritations.
• Taken internally, aloe is an effective laxative and promotes healing.
• Swab over blisters for relief.
• Take a swig to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating and discomfort.
• Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain.
•  Drink to lower blood sugar levels—especially for diabetics.
• Strengthen gums and promote strong, healthy teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with aloe Vera ingredients.
• Drink to help ease congestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections and prostate problems.
• Reduce tissue damage from frostbite.
• Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to alleviate asthma.
• Stops bleeding and protects from infection.
• The protective and healing effect of aloe also works internally, and the gel can be used for peptic ulcers.

Skin Conditions:

• Prevent scarring and stretch marks.
• Begin massaging aloe Vera on your stomach twice a day and continue throughout your pregnancy and after delivery for a few months until any stretch marks fade.
• Alleviate mysterious rashes.
• Make feet baby soft with an exfoliating foot mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a half cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of aloe Vera gel and a half cup of unscented body lotion.
• Fight Athlete's Foot.
• Use as an antidote to allergic skin reactions.
• Soothe Psoriasis.
• Shrink Warts.
• Help eliminate Eczema.
• Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.

Aloe Vera is available in juice, capsule and gel form.
Aloe Vera can be purchased at many locations or you may choose to grow your own plant. To harvest the gel out the the plant, break off a stem and cut it open to release the gel. Be sure and apply it liberally to the desired area. Your skin will absorb it quickly.  After applying, place the remainder of the stem into a plastic bag and place in the fridge until you are ready to use again.
There are many varieties of Aloe Vera on the market. When purchasing Aloe Vera make sure the main ingredient is Aloe Vera or states on the container that it contains 97% or more Aloe. Otherwise you may get a watered down version.

So there you have it. Another amazing plant available for our use. I have only touched on a few things. There are many more benefits of Aloe Vera. What a blessing to have such a great natural moisturizing and healing aid available.

Amazon and Vitacost both have a great selection of Aloe Vera products.

When clicking on the Vitacost page you will receive a $10 gift certificate for creating an account.

 

 

References

http://www.thealoevera.com/aloe-vera-and-beauty.html

http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/amazing-aloe-vera.htm