Herbal Migraine Tincture

I have just discovered an amazing herbal remedy for migraines, along with a recipe for how to make it – and had to share.
There are several herbs today which are thought to relieve pains triggered by this condition. Studies show that lemon balm and feverfew may be effective in the treatment of common headache, stress, headache caused by PMS, migraines and tension headaches.
Also known as balm mint, blue balm or bee balm, lemon balm is a wonder herb that has been widely used in the treatment of various common health conditions for hundreds if not thousands of years now. Coming from the family of chrysanthemum, lemon balm resembles chamomile, which also came from the same family, and both are reported capable of controlling spasms.
Studies show that this herb is useful in the treatment of toothache as well as in soothing tension headaches. It has also been used to treat migraines and buzzing sensations in the ears which is a condition known as tinnitus. Lemon balm also has a history of use to treat upset stomach, intestinal gas, bloating, vomiting, painful menstrual cramps, hysteria, melancholia, insect bites, Alzheimer’s disease, cold sores, tumors, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and high blood pressure.
Feverfew, another herb which has been in use since old times [1] also promises results in soothing irritating headaches and migraines. According to research, headaches and migraines normally trigger the brain to release substantial amount of neurotransmitter serotonin which causes the blood vessels to constrict. Feverfew works because of its parthenolide compound content that helps in dilating constricted blood vessels. In a study published in the prestigious British medical journal Lancet, it was claimed that parthenolides play major roles in inhibiting the production of prostaglandin hormones that are known to trigger pain. Numerous other studies have supported this use of feverfew. [2]
In a study involving 270 participants in Britain who consumed 2-3 feverfew leaves everyday, it was found out that over 70% of the participants were actually relieved from tension headaches and migraines. [3] According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, parthenolide may have anti-inflammatory effects and may be capable of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. [3] Aside from migraine, feverfew is also thought beneficial to treat fever and arthritis.

So there you go – some genuine science behind this!

REFERENCES:
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1291660/
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210009/
[3] http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/feverfew-000243.htm

Note: as this recipe involves alcohol it is for adults only. Also, please note (as per usual) this is just an informational blog where I report on the world of herbalism. None of the contents of this blog are medical advice nor a recommendation to self medicate – and this blog has not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult a physician if you have symptoms, and be especially careful if you are using medications to check and be sure that herbs will not interact adversely with them.

Supplies needed
-Solvent (i.e. 100 proof alcohol or vegetable glycerin)
-quart sized glass mason jar
-4 oz. fresh or 2 oz. of dried herbs

Ingredients

-3 parts lemon balm
-2 parts feverfew
-100 proof vodka to fill

Method

1. Measure your herbs depending on whether you are using fresh or dried herbs.
2. If using fresh herbs, chop until fine.
3. Add herbs to glass jar.
4. Pour solvent over herbs to fill the jar. The solvent should rise 1-2 inches above the herbs.
5. Place the lid on the jar and shake until the herbs are well combined.
6. Label jar with contents and date.
7. Set in a warm, sunny window and steep for 2-6 weeks, shaking daily.
8. Strain with a cheesecloth, compost the plant material, and place tincture in dark colored bottles for storage in a cool, dark place. The tincture should keep for up to 5 years.

Adult Dosage
At the sudden onset of migraine symptoms, begin taking 1/4-1/2 a teaspoon of the tincture every 30 minutes to an hour until symptoms subside.

Hormone Imbalance

If you have troubles such as fatigue, skin issues, weight gain,trouble sleeping, always sleeping, PMS, endometriosis, infertility, PCOS or other issues, there’s a good chance that you might have hormone imbalance!
Hormones are critical chemicals in the body that act as messengers, triggering other reactions and influencing processes. Hormones are made by the endocrine glands – which include the pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, testes and ovaries.
I discovered a great page from Wellness Mama that give 9 super tips on balancing hormones. These include everything from exercise tips through to dietary changes herbs, minerals and supplements.It is definitely packed with some helpful information and worth checking out.

One of the ones that caught my eye is to attempt to avoid hormone-disrupting toxins such as plastics. While avoiding plastic is easier said than done, I think it is extremely important. Plastics have been shown to leach into foods and cause an estrogenic effect, disrupting hormone balances in the body and have even been linked to reduced fertility in males.
I would suggest to start replacing kitchen storage and cooking equipment with glass or stainless steel. Switching out plastic-bottled water for filtered is a good idea. Buying fresh produce that has not been plastic wrapped is optimal – however one thing that continues to frustrate me is how organic produce is plastic wrapped in larger stores. This almost defeats the purpose! I suppose they do it to differentiate it from non-organic when it comes to the cash register…
So the first step is to limit plastics in foods but then there are other important steps such as limit exposure to chemicals from non-food sources. This gets tricky owing to the prevalence of these things in the modern world.

Not All Foods Were Created Equal

Not all foods were created equal - some are so packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and other beneficial substances that they've been deemed "superfoods".

Superfoods have incredible health benefits, packing a powerful nutritional punch that helps protect against cancer and heart disease, lower cholesterol, protect the organs from toxins and improve digestive health. Some nutritionists even say superfoods can help you live longer.

Here are 10 superfoods that can supercharge your diet, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, legumes, grains and fish.

  

Acai: This exotic berry from the Amazon has been the subject of intense hype, but there's a good reason why it's so trendy. Named by famed nutritionist Nicholas Perricone as his number one superfood and one of the most powerful foods in the world, acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) contains a remarkable concentration of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. It's considered one of nature's best offerings to combat premature aging thanks to its high monounsaturated oleic acid content. Oleic acid helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate cell membranes, making them more supple. 

Yogurt: It's alive! Yogurt contains active cultures known as "friendly bacteria" that restore healthy balance in the digestive system. Among the most well-known cultures is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which passes through the stomach and populates the intestines, helping the body fight off infection. One cup contains 50 per cent more calcium than the same size serving of milk, and it's also full of potassium, riboflavin, magnesium and phosphate. 

Broccoli: This cruciferous vegetable is loaded with vitamin C, folic acid and carotenoids, which are packed with vitamin A and can protect your cells from the damage of free radicals, enhance immune system function and improve reproductive health. Just one serving (1 medium stalk) provides 175 per cent of the recommended daily value of vitamin K, which helps build strong bones and plays an important role in blood clotting. Just half a cup of broccoli per day is also said to help prevent a number of cancers, particularly cancers of the lung, colon, rectum and stomach.

Lentils: Among the most nutritious legumes, lentils are a great source of cholesterol-lowering fibre and lean protein. They contain lots of iron and B vitamins and are very filling, yet low in calories. Folate and magnesium also contribute to heart heath and improve the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. 

Sweet potatoes: They'll satisfy your craving for starches but are far healthier than their white, nutritionally lacking cousins. Carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium and fibre are just a few of the benefits of eating this savoury-sweet veggie, which is ranked among the highest vegetables on the nutrition scale. Sweet potatoes can help stabilise blood sugar, making them a great choice for diabetics, and are relatively low in calories. 

Blueberries: Hidden within the juicy, deep blue-purple flesh of this tasty fruit is cancer-fighting ellagic acid, an antioxidant that has been proven in laboratory research to slow the growth of some cancerous tumours. Blueberry extracts have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and help prevent infectious bacteria from clinging to the walls of the gut, bladder and urethra. 

Wild salmon: Packed with omega-3 fats, wild salmon can help reduce the risk of sudden-death heart attacks and contains lots of vitamin D and selenium for healthy hair, skin, nails and bones. Wild salmon can be eaten with little fear of mercury or excess contaminants and is more nutritionally rich than farmed salmon. Wild salmon also has a smaller environmental impact. Consume two to four four-ounce servings a week for optimal benefits.

Goji berries: They've been called the most nutritionally dense food on Earth, and they taste something like salty raisins. Lycium barbarum, commonly known as goji berries, contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots and more iron than steak. The dried Himalayan fruit is also a great source of B vitamins and antioxidants and contains 15 amino acids. Goji has been used medicinally in China for centuries to improve blood circulation, strengthen the limbs, improve eyesight, protect the liver, increase libido and boost immune function.

Kale: A dark, leafy green in the same vegetable family as broccoli and brussels sprouts, kale contains high amounts of beta carotene, iron and folate. It's also a low-calorie, low-carb source of protein that's packed with fibre, which improves digestive health and helps you feel full. A small cupful of cooked kale provides more than half the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. 

Barley: This low-glycemic grain is high in both soluble and insoluble fibre, which help the body metabolise fats and promote a healthy digestive tract, respectively. Eating hulled barley on a regular basis is said to lower blood cholesterol levels, protect against cancer and keep blood-sugar levels stable. Barley is rich in niacin, vitamin E, lignans and phytochemicals that function as antioxidants.

Sodium vs. Salt

There is a lot of confusion about salt vs. sodium and how much is too much. The following information will help you understand the difference between the two, how salt impacts your health, and what amounts you need to stay fit.

Sodium vs. Salt: A Shade of Difference

Salt is sodium plus chloride. Both are minerals. Salt is made up of 40% sodium and 60% chloride. It's that 40% that causes so much concern among doctors today. Their findings point to the dangers of people overdoing salt intake in their daily diets. High blood pressure, strokes, and kidney disease have all been associated with excessive salt intake.

Salt's Bad Rap

Just as fitness gurus warn against the dangers of salt, understand that salt is important--too little of this good thing may also be harmful. Salt, or sodium chloride, does great things for the body. It's essential for the health of all the cells. Along with potassium, you need your salt so that your nerves can function properly and your muscles can contract. Salt helps balance out the body. It contributes to fluid balance, electrolyte balance and pH balance.

Sodium: Counting Down

Various health organizations recommend different levels of sodium as safe for dietary intake per day. As a rule of thumb, think of the range this way: Don't go over 2300 mg if you're a healthy adult, but aim for the lower threshold of 1,5000 mg if you know you suffer from high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes. Older persons should aim for that lower range, too.
If you just had to deal with natural foods made from scratch, you would find this an easy task. The trouble is when people eat a lot of processed foods--out of the package, out of the can, out of the shake-well bottle. Nutrition experts estimate that processed foods account for as much as 75% of what most people eat each day. That's where sodium intake becomes the problem. Go to any supermarket, take a can of soup, tomato sauce, or beans off the shelf and read the label. Odds are that the sodium levels are quite high.
Here is a list of some high-sodium packaged and canned foods. Use them in careful moderation:

• Tomato sauce
• Soups
• Pickles and sauerkraut
• Cured meats (bologna, salami, hot dogs, sausage)
• Processed cheese
• Condiments (ketchup. mayonnaise, salad dressing)
• Salty snack

Sodium Outlook: Better Days Ahead

With so much concern among consumers and health practitioners, the food industry today is reacting by making a variety of low-sodium options available. What's more, the American Heart Association says that you get used to eating foods with less sodium once you cut down. Apparently, sodium is an acquired taste. The AHA says it takes about two to three months for your taste preference to change.

Yours in Good Health,

Ev
-Namaste-

Supercharge Your Smoothie For Energy

SUPERCHARGE YOUR SMOOTHIE

Here are 6 all-natural fresh fruits, veggies and boosters to reach for to give yourself a natural burst of energy that will help supercharge your body for the whole day!

BANANAS

This yellow beauty comes with a boatload of natural energy. Loaded with potassium, fiber and b vitamins, bananas are a great pre and post workout fuel as well as a crazy nutritious snack.

BERRIES

A cup of berries gives your body a good amount of healthy Vitamin C. This is great for a natural boost of energy and is filled with fiber—great for keeping things moving regularly.

CITRUS FRUITS

These vitamin C powerhouses provide a quick burst of energy and endurance. Citrus fruits are easy to add to any green smoothie by squeezing the juice from a half of lemons or limes or tossing in some peeled oranges or clementines to your recipes.

LEAFY GREENS

The powerhouse of veggies, leafy greens contain vitamins A, C, K, Magnesium, Iron and the almighty B which all provide natural energy and keeps your energy levels up and running throughout the day.

NUTS

Full of magnesium, most nuts provide a quick pick-me-up and help to keep you there. Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee, reach for a handful of your favorite nuts. *tip* Be kind to your tummy and blender. Soaking nuts in water the night before helps with digestion and is also easier for your blender to chop them up without hurting the blades.

SEEDS

Chia and Sunflower seeds help regulate your blood sugar giving you energy throughout the day. They’re a great source of fiber and protein and you can’t beat that crunch factor. 

Keep a handful of these items on hand at all times if you’re struggling with keeping your energy-levels up. You’ll thank yourself later!

Here is a little gem of an idea:

 Take a serving of wheat grass, about one eighth of a tray, put it in a high speed blender, add one or two cups water and blend until water is nice and green. Strain and keep water, that is where all the good stuff is. Put it back in your blender and use that as a base for your smoothie, whatever you decide to put in your smoothie, it already has an excellent base of great nutrition in the wheat grass juice.

Namaste!

Ev