Sue Hardman

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Wonderful Ginger – so much more than an anti-nausea remedy

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gingers healing propertiesGinger a wonder botanical medicine

Ginger, has been cultivated and used medicinally since antiquity and is used throughout the world as a medicinal agent, from the traditional medical systems of the west, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa and South America.

It’s from the same family as turmeric, which possible explains its amazing benefits. The medicinal benefits come from the pungent gingerols and shogaols, and they account for the majority of ginger’s health benefits acting as a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

Gingerol, has been thoroughly evaluated clinically, and the research backs up why you should use this herb on a regular basis.

Top 8 Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is a mainstay of traditional medicine with powerful benefits for just about every system in the body. Research shows it’s effective in several health conditions and that it is a multi-faceted remedy:-

1) The best-researched use of ginger is in combating nausea, cramping and vomiting, by neutralising stomach acids and stimulating the production of digestive juices.It has powerful anti-inflammatory botanical hence it’s effectiveness in relieving digestive irritation. Use it to treat your stomach ache (especially when due to undigested food), poor appetite, dyspepsia, flatulence and nausea.

2) Heart health – It can help to lower high blood pressure and keeping the blood thin in higher doses.

3) Ginger root contains compounds called gingerols which, studies say, help calm down the inflammatory “heat” that triggers swelling and discomfort in joints, muscles and other tissues.

75% of Rheumatoid Arthritis and osteoarthritis patients experienced relief in pain and swelling, and all patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief of pain – in an uncontrolled clinical study using dried ginger.

Being a warming circulatory stimulant ginger increases circulation to the affected joints and enhances the effectiveness of other anti-inflammatory’s in a formula.

ginger2

4) Poor Immune and respiratory health – it’s an anti-viral and makes a warming cold and flu remedy. In addition, this root is a natural decongestant and antihistamine, and is often included in herbal cold and cough preparations.

In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for the immune system because it is so effective at warming the body, it can help break down the accumulation of toxins in your organs. It’s also known to cleanse the lymphatic system preventing toxins from accumulating so that your less susceptible to infections.

5) It has anti-pain properties by lowering the body’s production of prostaglandins (hormones involved in inflammation).

6) Poor digestion and malabsorption – if your body is not digesting or assimilating nutrients correctly you will end up with nutrient deficiencies.  This is why ginger is so important. As we age our digestive ‘fire’ also decreases, try some fresh ginger just before a meal to stoke your digestive fire and support a healthy gut!

7) Fungal infections are increasingly resistant to conventional medicine, of the 29 plant species evaluated in a University study, ginger won the prize for having the extract most effective at killing fungus.

8) Researchers have found that compounds in ginger interrupt the cycle of cancer cell development—in a sense, throwing a spanner into the gears of the tumour machinery. Ginger oils provide compounds that interrupt inflammatory triggers that can cause the development, growth, and spread of tumors.

How To Use Ginger For Maximum Benefit

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In India, ginger is liberally used in daily life. Ginger-infused Chai is a household favourite.

On dining tables in India, you’ll see fresh ginger that’s turned a soft pink from being soaked in lemon juice and salt: a zingy accompaniment to any cooked meal.

You can grate it up and squeeze it into a hot tea (this is my favourite), add it to juices, baked goods, smoothies and more… experiment and have fun.

For a powerful anti-fungal, mix several drops of pure ginger essential oil with tea tree oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil, and apply up to three times a day.

Herbalists frequently add ginger to herbal formulas, as it’s known to play a role in increasing the bio-availability of other substances and it’s actions – Clears Heat & Toxins.

 

 

 

 

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Lymph Moving Low-Impact Exercise

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The Best Low-Impact Exercise To Get Your Lymph Moving

What does the Lymph System do for you?


It’s a vast network of vessels, ducts and lymph nodes that interact with every organ and tissue of your body.  It responsible for immune function and it circulates and produces immune cells.

Your lymphatic system is the “garbage Diagram of the lymph systemcollector” of your body removing toxins from your organs and tissues.

Why is movement vital for your lymph and therefore your health?

There is three times more lymph fluid in the body than blood, but there is no organ like the heart to pump lymph around your body. Your lymph relies on deep breathing and exercise to move.

Thoroughly cleansing the lymphatic system is the key to long-term and efficient weight loss and great health.

What is one of the most effective and efficient exercises for you lymph?

rebounder moves lymphRebounding on a mini-trampoline achieves a weightless state. The top of each jump and on landing you achieve twice the force of gravity with each bounce. This shift in gravity benefits all your muscles, cells of the body and provides huge benefits to the lymph system.

NASA have found that a 150-pound person spending one-hour on a rebounder will burn more calories than the same person jogging for an hour! (NASA, Journal of Applied Physiology 49(5): 881-887)

What are the beneifts of Rebounding?

Rebounding will give your energy a boost, get your lymph flowing, tone muscles, and will give you a great, all over workout – right in the comfort of your own home.

Rebounding specifically stimulates the flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system. The change in gravitational forces allows for greater blood flow and this increases the amount of waste and toxins flushed from the body. Rebounding can increase lymph flow by up to 15%!

Unlike running, the forgiving surface of a trampoline allow your entire body to share the G-force impact, whereas when running your feet, ankles and legs bear most of the force and fatigue. The pounding effect of running on your legs is mostly ELIMINATED with rebounding.

How To Start
It is really easy to start rebounding on a mini trampoline. No particular specific instructions or courses are required and most rebounder’s come with ample guidance and often supporting exercise videos.

I have personally done countless types of exercise and always will. When I’ve been injured the rebounder has been my savior and gives me the aerobic ‘high’ or boost I crave that only aerobic type exercises can do for me.

 

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Adaptogens The Answer To Fatigue, Stress or Anxiety

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Adaptogens boost energy levels and help your body cope with stress.

“The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you’ll feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.”Tony Robbins

Do any of these sound familiar:-

  • Your life is constantly busy and you’re always racing from one thing to the next?
  • Constantly on the go, juggling – very busy schedule? Panic about time.
  • Energy levels not what they used to be?
  • Too tired to do most things, even exercise that you know you should do?
  • Feeling anxious?
  • Not getting a good nights sleep, waking often?
  • That extra band of fat around the middle, that you’re struggling to lose?

Then this might be of interest to you.

If your stressed and fatigued you might often reach for a coffee or some form of sugar, to give you a quick lift. Usually there’s a crash afterwards and to get that lift again you need more caffeine or sugar.

Your day could turn into a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows. There are other ways to get through the day – and one of my favorites is with “adaptogens,” the special herbs that help your body adapt to stress and resist fatigue.

In China and India the use of tonics to fortify health and promote longevity dates back thousands of year. Research on these tonic herbs called adaptogens began in 1947, which showed that they have remarkable health-protective properties and that they play an important role in helping strengthen resistance to the daily stresses of life.

Herbal adaptogens, like Siberian ginseng help your body to use energy more effectively and people from all walks of life who work hard and play hard have experienced these benefits.

They help strengthen your body’s response to stress and enhance its ability to cope with anxiety and fight fatigue – slowly and gently, without jolts or crashes like caffeine. The effects are initially subtle and although it may take time for the benefits to be felt, they are certainly real.

The use of herbal adaptogens to improve athletic performance became more widely known when it was reported that the 1994 Russian Olympic team had been using Siberian ginseng as part of their training problem (Eluethrococcus senticossus), they went on to win 11 gold medals.

Dr. Nikolai Lazarev defines an adaptogen ‘as an agent that allows the body to counter adverse physical, chemical, or biological stressors and allows the body to “adapt” to the stressful circumstances’ and use oxygen much more efficiently.

Extensive research and experiments done on Russian athletes using ginseng; ‘scientists have reliably demonstrated the value of adaptogens for increasing endurance and shortening recovery time from both training and sports injuries’.

Of course if adaptogens can benefit a well trained athlete, thenimagine how that can help you with your anxiety, ongoing exhaustion and stressful lives.

These are a few adaptogens you can consider using – Ashwaganda, Reishi, several types of Ginsengs, Licourice, Schizandra berries, Rhodiola and many others.

Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is an ancient plant with an impressive 3000 year safety record. It’s highly prized by ayurvedic practitioners and western herbalists due to its reputation for strengthening your nervous system and increasing a person’s ability to cope with stress.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, it’s has calming and relaxing effects on your body and is most famous for its rejuvenating and nourishing qualities. By supporting the proper functioning of the adrenal glands, boosting immunity and improving brain function, it’s been used for many years as a remedy for insomnia, anxiety and stress. It has a reputation for boosting the immune system after long periods of illness or stress.

Scientists who studied the plant’s ability to reduce high levels of the stress hormone cortisol – participants reported reduced fatigue, improved sleep, and most impressive of all, a 26% reduction in cortisol levels. This has implications for many modern stress related conditions such as adrenal dysregulation/fatigue and burnout.

It has a reputation among athletes for helping to increase stamina and performance, those who work long hours. amazing ability to help improve memory and cognitive function, helpful for students during stressful exam periods.

Herbalists use adaptogens to support adrenal function, enabling cells to access more energy and helping them eliminate toxins and improve the body’s natural rhythms. Though they all work in these similar ways, each adaptogen has a distinct personality and unique medicinal qualities.

To find out more about how you can manage your stress, anxiety or energy levels please contact [email protected].

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Broccoli and Potatoe Soup

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Broccoli Soup

 

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

4 cups salt-reduced vegetable stock

400g/14oz potatoes, peeled, coarsely chopped

450g/1lb broccoli, cut into florets

2-3 handfuls of baby spinach leaves

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

1/3 cup light sour cream (optional)

1 tablespoon store bought basil pesto / homemade

 

METHOD

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat with the olive oil.

Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook until lightly browned.

Add stock and potato to the saucepan. Bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add broccoli and simmer for 6-7 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.

Remove from heat, add spinach and stir until wilted. Leave to cool slightly so you can blend. This might take up to 15 minutes.

In a blender add basil leaves and half of the soup mixture and blend until smooth. Pour into a clean saucepan and repeat until all the soup mixture has been blended into a smooth consistency.

Heat soup over medium heat for 2 minutes or until just before boiling point.

Combine sour cream and pesto in a bowl. Divide soup among bowls. Top with pesto cream and serve.  For vegan option, simply top with a half teaspoon of the basil pesto and omit the sour cream.

No Bake Lemon Cashew Energy Bites

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No Bake Lemony Cashew Energy Bites

No Bake Lemon Cashew Energy Bites

 

Ingredients:

1 cup cashews

1 cup dates

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

 

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor, pulse until finely ground, transfer to a bowl, scraping the sides.
  2. Form into an inch ball. Keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Brain Health – Use These Steps To Regenerate It

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You can regenerate you brain

We were always told once a brain cell dies, it’s gone forever. However, scientists are now proving that brain cells can be regenerated. Just like your muscles the brain needs regular use.

While many diseases and conditions have genetic predispositions to them. The truth is, you do have the power to control these genes by living healthily. All your brain wants is a little attention.

The same basic rules apply for both your brain and body when it comes to health. A well-balanced healthy diet, with a rainbow of colourful food, lots of good oil, exercise for oxygenation, and time out.

Free radicals break down the neurons in your brain causing damage. Colourful fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants – the dark purples ofAntioxidants for brain health blueberries, the deep reds of pomegranates, the rich green of kale and collards, the bright orange of sweet potatoes.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who ate more dietary antioxidants had 70% less Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Food is a powerful ways to control or neutralise the major causes of all disease in your body – aim to eat 8 – 10 servings (1/2 cup = 1 serving) of fruit and vegetables everyday.

Oil and more oil, everyone of your brain cells is insulated by a layer of fat, and your brain is made up of 60 percent fat cells. So it needs oil for nourishment. Among the best nutrients are omega 3 fatty acids – the kind of fats found in salmon, tuna, mackerel, nuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and green leafy vegetables.

In fact Omega 3’s have been shown to boost intelligence. Walnuts are considered a super brain food in Ayurvedic medicine and if you look at a walnut shape it looks a lot like the cerebral cortex.

Exercise is one of THE most important anti-aging medicines known. It’s a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and stress buster. It will also help you sleep better, lower your cholesterol, lower your blood sugar and insulin levels. Aim to exercise 4 times a week –whether it’s walking, running, swimming or dancing, your brain will thank you.

Some supplements to consider if you’re under a lot of stress – take a good all round combination that contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. B-Vitamins are essential for normal brain function.

Super anti-ageing herbs:

  • Rosemary, sage, rose and mint – research has shown that inhaling these essential oils when learning a new task or studying enhances your recall. Put them in an oil burner when studying or rub into your temples.
  • Gingko bilobo – very commonly used supplement to enhance cognition and memory as it helps to increase blood flow to the brain. A word of caution for those people on blood thinning medication, consult a qualified professional.
  • Gotu kola – traditionally used and renowned for it’s intellectual-promoting, nervous system soothing and general mind enhancing properties. This is one of my favourite herbs Herbs for the brainbecause it has so many benefits, to name a few – anti-ageing & wonderful skin healing benefits.
  • Rhodiola – can greatly improve concentration and memory. In Siberia where they drink Rhodiola tea regularly, many people live well past 100. It also has the ability to reduce stress hormones.

As renowned women’s health expert Dr Christine Northrup says ‘Be a life long learner’, she believes this could be one of the most important factors in maintaining and enhancing your brain function, be actively engaged in some pleasurable activity that involves growth, development and learning. Do crossword puzzles or suduko.

So why wait? Start protecting your brain now because mental decline is not inevitable, you can boost your memory and mental alertness at any age. Research shows clearly that healthy, well-nourished and well-educated people show no signs of declining mental function with age. Feed your brain, both with the right nutrients and the right information.

 

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