Posted by reflectionswithrhonda | Filed under Medicinal, Uncategorized
Benefits of Tea
19 Sunday May 2013
Benefits of Ginger Tea
18 Saturday May 2013
Posted in Food Facts
Ginger is an herbal supplement derived from the root of the Zingiber officinale plant. In addition to its culinary uses, ginger has a variety of medicinal effects that may be helpful for certain health conditions. It is often brewed into a tea and consumed for its health benefits, which include improved circulation, reduced nausea and relief of inflammation and pain. You can make tea using either whole or powdered ginger, which are equivalent in potency.
Pain and Inflammation
Ginger tea is a remedy for inflammatory pain. It contains gingerols, which inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes that trigger production of inflammation-causing chemicals called prostaglandins. According to the National Institutes of Health, ginger has an advantage over anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen in that it also prevents activation of genes involved in the inflammatory process, such as chemokines and cytokines. This distinction may explain why ginger tea is less likely than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to cause side effects like stomach irritation and kidney damage.
Ginger tea may be useful for treating pain associated with osteoarthritis, headache, lower back pain and minor injuries, including muscle strains and sprains. However, using ginger with NSAIDs may increase the risk for bleeding and other side effects.
Circulation
Ginger has warming properties that make it useful for improving poor circulation. Its blood-thinning effects may help reduce the viscosity of blood, resulting in enhanced blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body. Ginger may also reduce blood clotting, which can be beneficial if you have a history of ischemic stroke and heart attack.
Ginger can increase bleeding risks when combined with blood-thinning drugs like aspirin or Coumadin. Ask your doctor before using ginger tea if you take these medications.
Nausea
Ginger tea is a powerful remedy for many types of nausea. Ginger reduces both the occurrence and severity of nausea caused by chemotherapy. It is also as effective as the antihistamine dimenhydrinate in reducing morning sickness, according to the National Institutes of Health. Other uses include treating motion sickness and stomach inflammation caused by gastroenteritis.
Side effects of ginger tea include belching, indigestion and a burning sensation in the mouth. If you have a digestive disorder such as GERD or a gastric ulcer, use ginger with caution, as it may cause a worsening of symptoms.
Things You’ll Need
-
Fresh ginger root
-
Water
-
Lemon (optional)
-
Honey (optional)
Instructions
- Cut thin slices off of a fresh ginger root. You will need about one teaspoon of ginger per cup of tea.
- Place the sliced ginger
into a pot or kettle. - Add water and place the kettle on the stove on medium-high heat.
- Bring the water to a boil and then remove it immediately.
- Pour the tea into cups right away, using a strainer to catch the ginger slices.
-
Add honey and lemon, if desired, and stir.
Read more: How to Make Homemade Ginger Tea | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2113357_homemade-ginger-tea.html#ixzz2QCJqXqGm
High Protein Foods
17 Friday May 2013
Journal Entry: May 15, 2013
16 Thursday May 2013
Posted in Journal, Juice Feast/Fast 2013
Good morning. Or should I say good afternoon?
Double whammy today. I do not know if I shut my alarm off in my sleep or if it just didn’t go off. The entire household overslept today. To make it worse, an old injury is bothering me. Last year I was rear-ended at a stop light and sprained my right knee and ankle. My knee has been a little stiff as of late and caused me to fall. Now I have a sore knee, swollen ankle, and my hip is sore. The joys of getting older. lol
I did not let this setback keep me from going to work or from my daily tasks! I even remembered my headphones and brought them into work today. Now I have something to keep me on task while I make up the two hours I missed this morning.
Hope you have a wonderfully awesome day.
Day 10 Juice Feat/Fast
I ran out of the house today without my lemon juice. Ugh! However, I am staying on top of the water intake. If you have noticed, I have been drinking my distilled water at room temperature. During your juicing fast cold water could cause trouble with your digestive system. Distilled water is suppose to be best for our purifying experience.
Again, I did not make the time to juice. Shame on me. I really need to get out of my rut, get up in the morning and just do it. I have been too busy the past few nights, otherwise, I would have juiced for the following day.
Note: Juice will keep fresh up to 24 hours when stored in the refrigerator. I bought Mason jars at Cub Foods for a reasonable price and can make single servings for travel.
As you know, I am not letting the lack of running the juicer stand in the way of my goal. I opted for the Naked Green Machine and the Berry Veggie.
My dinner plans for the evening revolves around tomato soup while the family devours the steak and potatoes I am making. Really need to rely on my will power tonight.
It is recommended that you continue drinking green juices to melt the fats. When the fat melts we may experience skin breakouts as the oils in the body are looking for an outlet and comes through the skin, causing pimples, acne, rashes or eczema.
As I mentioned yesterday I am starting to get acne. I have noted that it starts at my cheek bone, along my jaw line and my cheeks. This is a really good thing; serious detoxification going on.
In the first week your body will be ready to get rid of poisoning by toxic agents, an old illness, a disease, a surgery or a trauma that had not healed properly before. The nutrients from the fresh juices begin to stir up old toxins in old scarred tissues. These toxins are being dumped into the bloodstream to be eliminated. They register as irritants that cause the same pains that you had when that injury first happened; need to drink plenty of water to aid with the elimination. Another enema is recommended to relieve the pains quicker.
Yes, I have some serious joint aches going on. At first I thought it had something to do with the change of weather until I read my notes. Although I am on my 10th day of juicing, only 3 days of complete faithfulness and will power. I am going to Walgreens tonight to pick up a colon cleansing kit. I will begin the process tomorrow. I already planned to stay around the house on Saturday.
Just an FYI for those that have never done a colon cleanse, you really need to plan your schedule because the final days is a serious cleanse of your colong, whereby, you will spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Before beginning a cleanse, you need to eat soft foods during the first few days – in this case, juicing. Your final day consists of 64 ounces of Gatorade with a special mixture, drinking one glass in 15 minutes until the Gatorade is all gone. The following day you will still have some spasms and will still need to use the restroom for have the day, but not as frequently.
My will power did not get fully put to the test. Instead of cooking a steak dinner, I ordered one from Applebees. I did get 7 small grilled shrimp for myself. So, dinner consisted of the well-chewed shrimp and tomato soup.
I am proud to announce another successful day.
Benefits of Parsley
16 Thursday May 2013
Posted in Uncategorized
Though traditionally overlooked as just a garnish, parsley is a giant amongst other herbs in terms of health benefits, and in such small amounts too. Here are six reasons why a sprinkle of parsley can not only make your meals tastier, but also your body healthier.
Anti-Cancer
Studies show that myristicin, an organic compound found in the essential oil of parsley, not only inhibits tumor formation (especially in the lungs), but also activates the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which helps the molecule glutathione attach to, and fight against, oxidized molecules. Myristicin can also neutralize carcinogens like benzopyrene in cigarette smoke that can pass through the body, consequently fighting against colon and prostate cancer.
Antioxidants
Parsley is rich with an antioxidant arsenal that includes luteolin, a flavonoid that searches out and eradicates free radicals in the body that cause oxidative stress in cells. Luteolin also promotes carbohydrate metabolism and serves the body as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, two tablespoons of parsley contain 16% of the RDA of vitamin C and over 12% of the RDA of vitamin A – two powerful antioxidants.
Anti-Inflammatory
Along with luteolin, the vitamin C found in parsley serves as an effective anti-inflammatory agent within the body. When consumed regularly, they combat the onset of inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis (the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone) and rheumatoid arthritis (a disease causing inflammation in the joints).
Healthy Immune System
The vitamin C and vitamin A found in parsley serve to strengthen the body’s immune
system, though in different ways. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen, the main
structural protein found in connective tissue. This essential nutrient will not only accelerate
the body’s ability to repair wounds, but also maintain healthy bones and teeth.
Vitamin A, on the other hand, fortifies the entry points into the human body, such as mucous
membranes, the lining of the eyes, and respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts. Moreover, lymphocytes, or white blood cells, rely on vitamin A to fight infection in the body.
A Healthy Heart Homocysteine, an amino acid that occurs in the body, threatens the body’s blood vessels when its levels become too high. Luckily, the folate (or vitamin B9) found in parsley helps convert homocysteine into harmless molecules. A regular garnish of parsley can help ward off cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
Vitamin K
Two tablespoons of parsley have a whopping 153% of the RDA of vitamin K, which is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that strengthens the composition of our bones. Vitamin K also prevents calcium build-up in our tissue that can lead to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Finally, the vitamin K found in parsley is essential for synthesizing sphingolipid, the fat needed to maintain the myelin sheath around our nerves, and therefore our nervous system as a whole.
Journal Entry: May 14, 2013
15 Wednesday May 2013
Posted in Journal, Juice Feast/Fast 2013
Good morning. Yes, it is. I was extremely tired when I woke up; multiple trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I noticed that I was clenching my jaw in the middle of the night and took a little extra time to unwind this morning, but I did get up without the assistance of Mario. lol
I am in a way better mood today versus yesterday; however, I am still a little off with my mood. Part of the change probably has to do with actually having a conversation with my oldest son. At $10 per phone call it will be limited.
My day at work is uneventful. I wish I would quit forgetting my headphones in the car! It would be really nice to have the music on to help with my nerves. Plus, today seems to be dragging time wise. Music would be a great distraction to make the time feel like it is going by faster.
Wedding plans are done. The date is set, park is reserved, judge is booked, and dinner reservations are made. Due to circumstances of Mr. Man and my son, we will be doing a casual civil wedding on June 18, 2013, followed by a formal Catholic wedding on June 18, 2016. I am hoping my son will be present at that time.
Speaking of my child, he is still in need of pen pals. Please do not be shy, he is very personable, friendly and funny. go ahead and drop him a letter.
Johnathon Smith #1825000, Hutchins State Prison, 1500 Langdon Road, Dallas, TX 75241.
Day 9 Juice Feast/Fast
I did manage to take the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. However, I did not take time to make a juice today between the extra time I spent unwinding this morning and the errands that I ran. As usual I fell to my familiar staple: Naked Juice.
Again, the morning Starbucks Skinny Vanilla Latte killed the morning appetite. I noted that it was leaving a funky taste and texture in my mouth so I had to drink plenty of water. I do not have this issue with the White chocolate Mocha so I am unsure if it has to do with the milk or the sugar-free syrup. Now that I think about it, I should find out what makes it sugar-free. If you did not know, aspartame is very bad for you. That is why I gave up drinking pop and paying attention to labels. I sent Starbucks my question.
Does anyone know if Starbucks or Caribou sugar-free syrups contain aspartame?
I cannot stress enough the importance of drinking plenty of water while doing a juice fast. I know I have been slacking this past week and am starting to pay for it. I was up and down most of the night using the restroom as I have the beginning stages of a urinary track infection. Water and probiotics, very important while detoxifying. Our digestive system has ”good” bacteria and “bad” bacteria. Maintaining the correct balance between the “good” bacteria and the “bad” bacteria is necessary for optimal health.
” When the digestive tract is healthy, it filters out and eliminates things that can damage it, such as harmful bacteria, toxins, chemicals, and other waste products. On the flip side, it takes in the things that our body needs (nutrients from food and water) and absorbs and helps deliver them to the cells where they are needed.
The idea is not to kill off all of the bad bacteria. Our body does have a need for the bad ones and the good ones. The problem is when the balance is shifted to have more bad than good. An imbalance has been associated with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, muscle pain, and fatigue.
There are several different kinds of probiotics, and their health benefits are determined by the job that they do in your gut. Probiotics must be identified by their genus, species, and strain level. Here is a list of probiotics and their possible health benefits.
There are more than 50 species of lactobacilli. They are naturally found in the digestive, urinary, and genital systems. Foods that are fermented, like yogurt, and dietary supplements also contain these bacteria. Lactobacillus has been used for treating and preventing a wide variety of diseases and conditions.
2. Bifidobacteria
There are approximately 30 species of bifidobacteria. The make up approximately 90% of the healthy bacteria in the colon. They appear in the intestinal tract within days of birth, especially in breastfed infants.
3. Saccharomyces boulardii
This is also known as S. boulardii and is the only yeast probiotic. Some studies have shown that it is effective in preventing and treating diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics and traveler’s diarrhea. It has also been reported to prevent the reoccurrence of Clostridium difficile, to treat acne, and to reduce side effects of treatment for Helicobacter pylori.
4. Streptococcus thermophilus
This produces large quantities of the enzyme lactase, making it effective, according to some reports, in the prevention of lactose intolerance
5. Enterococcus faecium
This is normally found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals.
6. Leuconostoc
This has been used extensively in food processing throughout human history, and ingestion of foods containing live bacteria, dead bacteria, and metabolites of these microorganisms has taken place for a long time.”
I hope you found the information provided helpful. For the purposes of juicing, these fruits and vegetables contain probiotics:
- Yogurt
- Kefur
- Dark chocolate
- Spirulina
- Chorella
- Blue-green algae
- Miso soup
- Kombucha Tea
Other foods that contain probiotics:
- Pickles, without the use of vinegar may contain probiotics.
- Sauerkraut, look for refrigerated brands to ensure your kraut contains live cultures.
- Kimchi, mix of salted cabbage spiced with garlic, chili peppers and jalepenos.
- Miso, soybeans crushed into a paste to make miso.
- Tempeh, probiotic-rich grain made from soy beans.
Spirulina seems to be the most popular amongst juicers, along with Kombucha tea.
Improvised Miso Soup Recipe while on fast:
- 2 teaspoons dashi granules
-
4 cups water
-
3 tablespoons miso paste
-
2 green onions, finely sliced
-
1 celery stalk, finely sliced
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine dashi granules and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and whisk in the miso paste. Separate the layers of the green onions, and add them to the soup. Simmer gently until celery is soft.
“Dashi is a basic stock used in Japanese cooking which is made by boiling dried kelp (seaweed) and dried bonito (fish). Instant dashi granules are sold in conveniently sized jars or packets and vary in strength. Add more dashi to your soup if you want a stronger stock. You can use yellow, white or red miso paste for this soup. Yellow miso is sweet and creamy, red miso is stronger and saltier.” — Michelle Chen
I may make this for dinner tonight.
Instead of the modified miso soup, opted for an Organic French Onion Soup.
Just what I needed.
Side note: The feeling of a coming urinary track infection has dissipated. Told you water was important.
My face is starting to break out. Believe it or not it is a good thing; means I am detoxifying. Now I will try out natural remedies, like a lemon and honey mixture at night or a celery mask to aid in the acne breakout. Further evidence of detoxification would be the softer bowel movements.
Anyone start their juice fast? How is it going?
Honey Reverses Allergies
15 Wednesday May 2013
Posted in Medicinal, Uncategorized
Itchy watery eyes, scratchy throat, congestion and headaches–allergies can be pure misery, but an effective inexpensive treatment may be no further than your local farmers market. The common treatment for allergies, antihistamines, often cause drowsiness, and according to Tom Ogren, author of Local Honey and Allergies, Revisited, lose their effectiveness over time and have been linked to increased risks of cancer. Allergy shots are effective but costly. Unprocessed locally produced honey offers a natural alternative to greatly reduce or eliminate seasonal allergies.
Honey as Medicine
According to “The Honey Prescription,” honeybees produce honey through an intricate process that includes combining their saliva with nectar from plants and storing it in the honeycomb until it matures. Honey contains numerous beneficial substances, including vitamins, minerals and complex pre-biotic sugars–sugars that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. It is also high in antioxidants, substances that protect the body from aging and degenerative diseases like cancer. The most unique benefits of honey, however, may come from enzymes in the bees’ saliva, says “The Honey Prescription.” There are numerous medicinal applications of honey for ailments ranging from depression and surgical wounds to the common cold and stomach ulcers.
Honey and Seasonal Allergies
According to Health Benefits of Really Raw Honey, honey effectively treats allergies because it contains small amounts of molds, pollens and dusts that cause the allergies in the first place. Ogren compares honey therapy for allergies to the effect of allergy shots. By ingesting small amounts of allergens over time, the body’s own immune system has the chance to build resistance and become accustomed to the allergens, resulting in no or greatly reduced allergic reaction.
Local Honey
Use local honey for the strongest anti-allergy effect, recommends Ogren. Look for local honey, produced as close to your daily environment as possible. It will contains the same allergens that you take in on a regular basis and be most effective in helping treat your allergies to those substances. Be sure that your medicinal honey is not filtered or heat-treated, since these processes remove or alter the very substances that will benefit you, cautions Health Benefits of Really Raw Honey and “The Honey Prescription.”
Honey Therapy
Start taking honey at least one month before allergy season, recommends “The Honey Prescription.” Take 1 tsp. or more every day. You can take it straight from the jar or in food or tea. But remember not to cook the honey as high temperatures destroy its benefits. According to Health Benefits of Really Raw Honey, raw honey may even be safe for diabetics, but be sure to check with your doctor first.
Averse Reactions
Ogren says that some people with extremely bad allergies may have allergic reactions to honey therapy. To watch for such reactions, start honey therapy with just a 1/4 tsp. per day. If you don’t experience any averse reaction, gradually increase your daily dose. If you experience an allergic response, such as a scratchy throat or sneezing, reduce the amount of honey you are taking. If the reaction persists, you may need to stop honey.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/192745-honey-allergies/#ixzz2QCHTcDX6
How to cut a mango
14 Tuesday May 2013
Journal Entry: May 13, 2013
13 Monday May 2013
Posted in Journal, Juice Feast/Fast 2013
Tags
Broth, Chicken Broth, Chinese soup, Juice, juice fast, juice feast, juicing, Naked Juice, Soup
Good morning?
I was not feeling like myself today. Crabby and irritable. Do you recognize the feeling of being so mad you could cry? That is how I am feeling, but for no reason.
Thank goodness Mario forced me out of bed or I would not be going to work. By force, he openened the blinds and let the sunshine in. When that did not work he pulled the blankets off from me. I wasn’t grateful at that moment but was glad I went to work.
Really wishing I did not leave my headphones in the car. I am having a hard time focusing at work. Feel just plain overwhelmed. I am sure it is a combination of Mother’s Day with wedding. I am disappointed that my quality of life has not improved enough over the past two years to overcome this feeling. It is better, just not 100% yet.
I arrived home and still felt like crying. I even asked Mario if he was a little nervous about getting married. Of course he said “no.” I am a bundle of nerves.
Day 8 Juice Feast/Fast did not start perfect. First, I did not take the 2 tablespoons or drink water. Second, I rushed to get out the door for work without juicing.
Today I made a promise to myself;
Nothing but liquids would pass my lips today!
When I arrived at work, I had a latte and purchased my breakfast and lunch. Although I did not make time to juice, I did the next best thing.
The latte killed my morning appetite and I did not juice until lunch. I had the Green Machine at 2pm , then the Blue Machine at 5pm. The timing was perfect because I was not starving and did not have a food craving.
High five to me.
Dinnertime was already researched and planned. I Googled a Chinese soup recipe made with a chicken broth. I improvised the recipe so there wasn’t any meat.
1 32oz Organic Campbell’s Chicken Broth
1 tbsp Rice Wine
1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
1/2 Red Onion finely sliced
1 Celery Stalk finely cut
Salt & Pepper to taste.
Simmer 30 minutes, or until celery is soft.
The soup was delicious. I am going to research other variations in order to make dinner more palatable.
If you have an awesome broth recipe, please share with me.
Journal Entry: May 12, 2013
13 Monday May 2013
Posted in Journal, Juice Feast/Fast 2013
Happy Mother’s Day!
My kids woke me up with breakfast in bed: Strawberries, raspberries, pineapple and apples juice. Delicious. I was really surprised since they have never juiced, they always make smoothies.
I spent a couple of hours socializing, then had to take a nap. I have not been sleeping well at night.
Once up we opted to do something fun for Mother’s Day. My intentions were to find a place with an awesome salad. You would think at 3pm in the afternoon the Mother’s Day/Sunday rush would be over. That was not the case.
After trying three restaurants with a 45 minute wait, I remembered that Osaka had finally opened. It was great! No lines and the place was virtually empty. I am sure many were not aware that the restaurant in Woodbury Lakes was now open.
No, I did not hold back on what I was going to eat, I even did a big no-no: steak with shrimp and fried rice. The broth, salad, vegetables would have been OK for clean eating purposes. The shrimp teetered it on the edge, but the steak totally tipped the scale.
Thanks the the stomach not expanding as it once did, I was not able to eat a whole lot yet managed to feel super stuffed on what I did eat.
Side note: The food was fabulous and look forward to treating myself there again in the future. Now I no longer have to drive to St. Louis Park for Benihana’s. 
We went to the movies afterwards in which I enjoyed a bottle of cold water. believe it or not, I still felt sickening full for over 5 hours while the food digested in my stomach.
Tomorrow is a new day and nothing but fluids will be passing my lips.
How was everyone else’s Mother’s Day?
