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Category: Natural Medicine

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As the seasons change so do our bodies.  Our bodies react to the changes in our environment. If we live in a moldy home, or if we are in a dusty, pollen filled area; our immune systems work over time to try to normalize our system.   In the summer we receive more vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D increases immune function.  We often drink more water, and get more exercise during the summer months; these actions increase our ability to heal faster.  These activities invigorate our systems and increase circulation.  As we move into fall and winter our bodies DNA reacts to the environmental change.   Our body chemistry adjusts to the time period.  Allergens such as dust, mold, and pollen cause reactions in the body.  We always want of health to be to notch.  During the fall and winter months we may be indoors more.  The direct exposure to dust, mold, and other allergens may be taxing.   Continue to drink a sufficient amount of water and get as much sun, and exercise as possible.  These seasonal changes are normal.  However over exposure to pathogens, and a poor diet contribute to a breakdown in the immune function.    The good news is there are many immune building herbs that aid the body during these changing times.  Herbs that will support our immune systems and give us the extra help we need to continue being healthy.

Eleven of the most immune boosting herbs are;

1.       Astragulus- It is anti viral, a known immune builder used by the Asian population for centuries.  It is used for treating cardiac arrhythmia, HIV infection, and pneumonia.

2.       Echinacea- It reduces inflammations, improves skin problems, alleviates pain, it is used as a anti aging her, fights against colds and flu, used for bladder infection, fevers, breast feeding problems, blood poisoning, yeast infection, sinusitis, bacterial/viral infections, chronic fatigue, and athletes foot.

3.       Elderberry- It builds up the immunity to colds, fights viruses, coughs, tonsillitis, fevers, good for asthma (when it is combined with mullein it works best to alleviate asthma or lung congestion), it is good to use for allergies, eye infections, and hay fever.

4.       Olive leaf- It increases energy, anti viral, anti bacterial, reduces fevers, astringent, antiseptic, and dilates blood vessels.

5.       Cat’s Claw- It stimulates the immune system by enhancing its ability to destroy pathogens.

6.       Ginseng- Good for anemia, high blood pressure, internal bleeding, it contains vitamin A, E, and B12.

7.       Ginger- It removes congestion, it is good for fevers, it has anti cancer properties, allergies, parasites, it is a germ killer, heart disease, warts, worms, infections, and it is high in potassium.

8.       Oregano- Excellent for immune health, it contains vitamin E, calcium, Vitamin K, manganese, iron, and fiber.  It is good for bone health; it destroys free radicals, and detoxifies the body.  It is an antioxidant, and anti-bacterial.

9.       Garlic- It kills germs, lowers high blood pressure, good for allergies, ear infections, cold congestion, to remove parasites, heart disease, fevers, arthritis, and toothaches.

10.   Calendula- It is more popularly known as marigold.  It is an anti inflammatory herb.  Good for athletes foot, fungal infections, hemorrhoids, acne, and conjunctivitis.  The Egyptians believed it had rejuvenating properties.

11.   Turmeric- Last but not least turmeric, which contains curcumin.  It is a strong herb used in many curries.  It has a “Heal All” type of effect, it’s a tonic herb. It is also; Anti fungal, anti inflammatory, anti cancer, good for treating the following illnesses; diabetes, worms, headaches, swelling, gout, lice, pain- reliever, ulcers, it works to cure illnesses that require steroids such as lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.

There are many herbs that should be added to the fall/winter diet.  We need herbs that bring heat to the body, especially during cold weather.  Here are a few to use as you need them;

1.       Black pepper- antioxidant, antiseptic

2.       Cardamom- expectorant

3.       Cinnamon- digestive tonic

Read more: Herbs for All Seasons

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Category: Natural Medicine

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 In America, 67 million peoples have been diagnosed with hypertension, and the number is climbing.  Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure.  There many causes of this disease, the main one is poor nutrition.    A few others are over eating, age, sleep apnea, hormonal disorders, kidney disease, drugs, and lack of exercise.  High blood pressure is a reaction to the waste that is inside of blood vessels. This excess sludge that is on the walls of blood vessels causes the heart to work harder.  High cholesterol can clog the arteries.    Excess cholesterol can also damage the heart and blood vessels.  The blood pressure is a natural function that Allah Ta Ala has create which sustains life.  So what is blood pressure actually?  It is the amount of force exerted in the blood stream as it passes through the arteries.  When the heart contracts or squeezes down it forces blood into the arteries.  This is called systolic pressure (the top number on the diagnostic reading). 

Diastolic pressure happens when the heart is at rest or relaxing in between beats.  At this time the heart is filled with blood and pressure against the artery wall drops.  This is the bottom figure in the diagnostic reading.  If you have a reading of 120/80 this is considered normal.  A reading of 140/85-90 is considered border line and as the numbers increase the problems may occur.  As we age our blood pressure does rise a little.   Heart attack is one of the major killers in America.  Every 34 seconds someone passes of a heart attack or stroke.  Understanding how the heart works and what it needs helps you take care of it better.   There many herbs, exercises, and foods that help reduce blood pressure.   Modern living has cause many illnesses.  Fast food, processed, high fat content, refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup are the main villains in this fight for health.

HERBS:

Some of the best herbs to have in your cabinet to lower blood pressure are; hawthorn leaves berries (cardiac herb), kelp (reduces H.B.P and high cholesterol), valerian (nervine tonic, tranquilizer sedative), fenugreek (dissolves mucus and fatty substances), parsley (diuretic blood cleanser), ginger (dilating), dandelions (diuretic), these are all very helpful.

Read more: High Blood Pressure, the Silent Killer