|
| Below please find a variety of information on herbs, teas, supplements, and various other areas of health that I have found helpful in my own journey... * |
Maureen Kelly |
|
|
Herbs, Teas & Supplements:
|
| Ashwagandha: |
An Ayurvedic herb that maximizes the body's ability to resist stress, thereby supporting our immune system. Also encourages a restful night's sleep. Click here to learn more.
|
| Astragalus: |
An adaptogen used to protect and support the immune system, preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, lower blood pressure, treat diabetes, and protect the liver. Used for thousands of years in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine.) Click here to learn more.
|
| Chia Seeds: |
Native to South America and a staple in the diets of the Mayan and Aztec cultures for centuries, these seeds offer a plethora of health benefits.
* Nutrients: Rich in omega-3 fatty acid: (specifically alpha-linolenic acid) which helps reduce inflammation, enhance coginitive performance and reduce high cholesterol as well as twice the protein of any other seed or grain, and five times the calcium of milk.
* Hydration / Hunger cravings: Chia seeds absorb nine times their volume in water. This is wonderful for a few reasons... A great percentage of us are walking around in a dehydrated state and we all know how important water is to our health in every way. So that's one good thing. This will also help stave off those cravings for less healthy 'stuff' (esp. around that 'dip' time of mid-afternoon.) This gel can be added to any food or drink and not change the taste. As these carbs are released slowly, you will get the feeling of being full.
Digestion: The gel that is formed by mixing the chia seeds with warm water is 90% soluble fiber which is wonderful for the digestive track. Diabetics are also finding chia seeds helpful because because the soluble fiber in the gel forms a wall between carbohydrates and the body, releasing them slowly which helps control sugar levels.
P.S.Chia seeds are GLUTEN FREE.
|
| Chrysanthemum Tea: |
Supports immune system, liver detox, lung support, coronary health, cholesterol levels and more. Click here to learn more.
|
| CoQ10 (Ubiquinol): |
Coenzyme Q 10 is a natural antioxidant found in the body that generates energy within our cells. There are two forms - ubiquinone and ubiquinol. In order to benefit from CoQ10, we must convert ubiquinone to the ubiquinol. It is recommended (per Dr. Mercola as well as other experts) that anyone over the age of 25 years or so take the ubiquinol form as we lose our ability to do the conversion as we age.
A highly recommended supplement for the following reasons:
* Acts as a catalyst to support production of energy
* Helps strengthen overall cardiovascular system
* Added defense against oxidation (free radicals)
* Helps maintain blood pressure in normal range
* Provides a boost to the immune system
* Supports nervous system
* Helps maintain vitality and reduce normal signs of aging
...AND IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ANYONE TAKING
A STATIN DRUG AS THESE DRUGS WORK TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL IN THE SAME PATHWAY AS YOUR BODY USES TO PRODUCE CoQ10.
For more info, here is a link to a youtube video in which Dr. Mercola explains all of this in detail.
|
| Vitamin D3/Vitamin K2: |
Vitamin D3 is a very important addition to just about everyone's
daily supplement intake. It has been shown to influence many
conditions including heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, autism, TB,
hypertension, MS, Colds & Flu to name just a few.
BUT here is an EXTREMELY important footnote to those of us taking
Vitamin D: One of vitamin D's biggest benefits is improved bone development by helping us absorb calcium, BUT without Vitamin K2 accompanying it, the calcium will not be directed where it is 'supposed to go' (i.e. skeleton) and end up being deposited where we DON'T want it (i.e. organs, joint spaces, and arteries.)
As people are upping their dosage of Vitamin D it is truly crucial that it is accompanied by Vitamin K2. Learn more here.
|
| Dandelion Root: |
Liver tonic, diuretic effects, good source of Vitamins C, D, A & B, helps relieve digestive problems as well as mild depression. Click here to learn more.
|
| Ginger: |
Everything from A to Z! Improves absorption of nutrients in body, supports blood flow, aids in abating nausea, stimulates digestion, anti-inflammatory properties, reduces congestion and and and. Click here to learn more.
|
| Iodine (Colloidal): |
WHEN THE THYROID IS LOADED WITH BENEFICIAL IODINE, IT IS LESS APT TO ABSORB HARMFUL, RADIOACTIVE IODINE-131. (Think Fukashima.)
It has been written that the fundamental building blocks to health are water, salt, soda and iodine. Of these, iodine seems to be the least understood and most neglected. Its main function is synthesis, storage and secretion of thyroid hormone.
Detoxified, ingestible iodine in its colloidal, 99% bio-available state is unparalleled in potentially helping to support and saturate the thyroid for proper functioning. It is not the typical toxic iodine in its denser state sold as an antiseptic, or as iodine trichloride (claiming to be atomized), or as added to potassium iodide to make it safer. It is also unlike glandulars or prescriptions containing hormones that take over the thyroid’s job instead of nutritionally building the thyroid to do its own job. And seaweed, seafood, greens, raw sunflower seeds, and iodized salt may not have the levels of assimilable iodine needed to support and saturate the thyroid.
Radioactive tracing of iodine shows much of it going to the thyroid first, followed by the blood (where it mixes with tyrosine or histidine and becomes the surveillance mechanism for abnormal cells), nasal cavities, gut, breasts, stomach, and cervix, then followed by the bones, extracellular fluids, and connective tissue of almost all organs.
Iodine and the heart: Dr. Michael Donaldson says, “Iodine stabilizes the heart rhythm, lowers serum cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, and is known to make the blood thinner as well, judging by longer clotting times seen by clinicians. Iodine is not only good for the cardiovascular system, it is vital. Sufficient iodine is needed for a stable rhythmic heart beat..."
(Colloidal iodine offers a more bioavailable form of iodine than typical compounds of sodium iodide or potassium iodide.)
Email me for more info on purchasing Biodigestible, colloidal iodine.
|
| Mullein Tea: |
Supports respiratory health, heals bladder and urinary infections, aids in abating stress related insomnia, cleanses and detoxifies. Click here to learn more.
|
| Quercetin/Bromelain: |
Quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant found in plant foods (such as apples, berries, leafy greens), is an important part of our diet in fighting free radical damage and the effects of inflammation. It is sometimes referred to as 'nature's benadryl' due to its ability to suppress histamine response. Research has shown that quercetin is helpful in managing not only allergy symptoms but other inflammatory imbalances such as arthritis and heart disease.
Derived from the stem of the pineapple, Bromelain has its own anti-inflammatory properties, but also helps the body more readily absorb quercetin when taken together.
Suggested dosage for allergies*:
400-500 mg of quercetin/100-200 mg of bromelain
2-3 times a day between meals
This combo is also recommended for pets suffering from allergic symptoms. Here is a link to a wonderful article with more info and dosage suggestions.
(For further general info on these two supplements, click here.)
|
| Shatavari: |
Used for centuries in Ayurveda as an aid for the reproductive system, particularly for females, and as a support for the digestive system. Also a rejuvenative tonic for the female reproductive system. This support is for women of all ages aiding in alleviating the symptoms of menopause. Click here to learn more.
|
| Triphala: |
A traditional Ayurvedic herb that means "three fruits". Known for its use as a gentle bowel tonic promoting regularity as well as aiding healthy digestion, nourishing of the tissues and acting as a natural antioxidant. Learn more here.
|
| Turmeric: |
Turmeric and its chief active component, curcumin may have benefits too many to mention. In short, an overview published in Advanced Experimental Medical Biology in 2007 states that, "Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities and thus has a potential against various malignant diseases, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and other chronic illnesses." Click here to learn more from Dr. Andrew Weil.
(Add dash of pepper for increased absorbency.)
|
| Vitex: |
Also known as Chasteberry, this herb is recognized for its ability to keep levels of estrogen and progesterone in balance in the body. Because of this, it is very beneficial in relieving symptoms of PMS, menopause, enhances chances of conception by regulating ovulation and will also aid in combatting estrogen dominance. Click here for much more info... |
|
Health Practices & Resources:
| Ayurveda: |
Ayurveda - The Science of Life: Ayurveda is well over 5000 years old and is known as the only complete medical system still in existence. The roots of Ayurveda stem from the Vedic culture of ancient India. Ayurveda is referred to as the knowledge or science of life and is a conjunction of two Sanskrit words- ayur “life” and veda “knowledge”. Ayurveda offers a path to optimal health and development for each individual through its profound understanding of natural laws.
For much more info on Ayurveda, check out Dr. John Douillard's website as well as Banyan Botanicals.
|
| Thermography: |
As per Dr. Mercola: "Thermal imaging, or thermography is a tool that creates a digital map of your body that illustrates heat patterns -- patterns that may detect some condition or abnormality. It uses a scanning-type infrared camera that measures your body surface temperature, presenting the information as a digitized image.
These thermal images (called thermograms) are analyzed for abnormalities that may be signs of disease in your body. Additionally, since your body is thermally symmetrical if normal, thermal asymmetries can indicate problems.
I (Dr. Mecola) recommend this tool because measuring inflammation through thermal imaging is a proactive, preventative method you can use for detecting disease, which significantly improves your chances for longevity and good health.
Thermograms benefit all women. They may be particularly useful for young women who want to monitor their breast health before the recommended age of 40.
|
|
|
Glossary:
|
| Adaptogen |
Herbs and plants with properties that exert a normalizing influence on the body, neither over-stimulating nor inhibiting normal body function, but rather exerting a generalized tonifying effect. (http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Adaptogenic_Herbs.shtml)
|
| Ayurveda |
See above.
|
| Cartenoid |
Naturally occurring pigments that hold powerful antioxidant properties that are crucial for good health, carotenoids are the compounds in foods that possess vibrant color—from green grasses to red beets, to the reds, yellows and oranges of bell peppers.
|
| Free Radical |
Free radicals, also known simply as radicals, are organic molecules responsible for aging, tissue damage, and possibly some diseases. These molecules are very unstable, therefore they look to bond with other molecules, destroying their health and further continuing the damaging process. Antioxidants, present in many foods, are molecules that prevent free radicals from harming healthy tissue. (http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-free-radicals.htm)
|
| TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine.) |
With a history of 2000 to 3000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has formed a unique system to diagnose and cure illness. The TCM approach is fundamentally different from that of Western medicine. In TCM, the understanding of the human body is based on the holistic understanding of the universe as described in Taoism, and the treatment of illness is based primarily on the diagnosis and differentiation of syndromes. Learn more here.
|
|
| *Information found on sagebutterfly.com is not intended to offer diagnosis, treatment, or prescriptions of any kind. The decision to use or not to use any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. |
To contact Maureen: sagebutterfly2@comcast.net * (360) 920-1125
Trust in the Magic.
Click here to receive Sage Tidings... a 'now and then' newsletter with updates and life philosophy.
|