Things about Reishi Mushro​oms You Should Know

Cancer

Reishi mushroom extract contain beta-glucan polysaccharides, triterpenes, and other natural biological compounds. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, these components may help support the immune system in cancer patients, alleviate nausea brought on by chemotherapy, and enhance the effects of radiation therapy.

A small 2003 study in Immunological Investigation found that 12 weeks of treatment with reishi extract did improve the immune response of patients with advanced cancer, and a 2010 review published in Clinical and Experimental Metastasis found that reishi may help prevent cancer from spreading.

Immunity Booster

The same compounds that support immune function in cancer patients help boost immunity in others as well. Reishi's antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties all help to support the immune system.

Liver Disease

Reishi is a traditional remedy for liver disease in Asian cultures. The polysaccharides in reishi may help to protect liver cells, and the antioxidant properties of reishi help support liver function. Reishi is believed to improve liver detoxification, liver cell regeneration, and overall liver function.

Asthma and Respiratory Complaints

An article published in Herbs for Health in 1997 described a 1970s study in which more than 2,000 Chinese patients with chronic bronchitis reported feeling better and having increased appetite after two weeks of treatment with reishi mushroom extract, and a 1990 study at the University of Texas Health Center found that reishi could be used to treat bronchitis, among other complaints. This may be because of reishi's anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.

These effects are also beneficial for asthma sufferers, as are the the antihistmine properties of the oleic acid and cyclooctasulfur found in reishi.

Heart Disease

The many biological compounds in reishi mushrooms may also help prevent heart disease, both by lowering blood pressure (a traditional use of the mushroom) and potentially by lowering cholesterol.

Insomnia

Treatment of insomnia is another traditional use of reishi mushroom extract, and I personally take reishi to help me stay asleep through the night. Long-term use may help promote slow-wave sleep.

Cinnamon Can Aid Weight Loss

Weight loss is one of the most popular topics in modern day health news due to the expanding waistlines of people around the world. People like to cling to the thought of a miracle food or super pill like cinnamon powder in order to lose weight. But the reality is that a balanced diet and exercise regimen is the best way to lose and maintain a healthy weight.

While there is no magic bullet or overnight cure, there are some foods, herbs and spices that can help assist you in your weight loss journey. One of these weight loss aids is cinnamon. Today, we will be exploring six ways in which this common spice can help. First, though, you should know you that cinnamon is a substance that has been given the GRAS designation (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the US Food Drug Administration.

How Cinnamon Helps Aid in Weight Loss

Controls insulin levels
Cinnamon powder has the unique ability to imitate the activity of insulin in the body. For those who are unfamiliar with the process of glucose metabolism, insulin is the chemical that helps your body regulate its levels of blood sugar (glucose). People who are more familiar with conditions like diabetes know that maintaining a blood sugar level is important as spikes that are either too high or too low can be dangerous for patients, especially. Even within non-diabetics, increased blood sugar levels can be problematic because they cause excess fat to be stored, making it harder for people to maintain or lose weight. Cinnamon helps regulate your levels so this excess fat does not build up.

Decreases blood sugar
For the reasons mentioned above, maintaining a regulated blood sugar level is important for weight loss. Cinnamon can help do this by controlling insulin quantities as well as directly act on the blood sugar itself. A study has even shown that adding cinnamon to a meal can lower its glycemic index by 18-29%. Eating lower glycemic foods is important to avoiding spikes in your blood sugar levels.

Speeds metabolism
As mentioned in the discussion of how cinnamon helps control insulin levels, the spice has the ability to alter the metabolism of not only sugar, but of carbohydrates as well. Your body is better able to use your carbohydrate storage, so that they do not turn into excess fat. The consumption of cinnamon itself, also causes a metabolic reaction. Similar to when you eat hot peppers, the presence of the cinnamon in your body allows your metabolism to speed up just because it takes a little extra energy to metabolize. This boost in metabolism allows you to burn more calories and assists with weight loss in this way.

Lowers LDL cholesterol
Research has also supported the idea that cinnamon can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is great for your heart health. Diabetic participants in a recent study showed lower LDL among other weight loss indicators like BMI when taking the given dose of cinnamon during the study period.

Helps to burn belly fat
The consumption of cinnamon is said to impact abdominal fat more so than fat found in other parts of your body. This is often a problem area for many, so this is good news for those who have struggled to lose body fat. Not only does it benefit your dress or pants size, but abdominal fat is actually the most dangerous type of fat as it surrounds some of our most vital organs. For this reason, less belly fat is good for your overall health.

Suppresses appetite
Cinnamon powder can actually slow down the process of moving food into your stomach. This is a good thing for those attempting to lose weight because this activity will help you feel full for a longer period of time. In addition, the sweet nature of cinnamon can help alleviate a sweet craving. Many times when you are on a weight loss diet, sweets are off limits, so the cinnamon can fill this void so that you do not feel tempted to reach for high calorie desserts.

Best Way to Flavor Coffee with Cinnamon

Saving calories can often be accomplished with a little creativity. For example, swapping the cream and sugar (roughly an ounce or 2 tablespoons) with a teaspoon of cinnamon powder could save up to 70 calories per cup-o-Joe. Looks like this special spice may change the standard coffee routine.

One study found just half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day can significantly reduce blood sugar levels, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes  . But for those who don't have to worry so seriously about insulin levels, cinnamon has also been shown to have many other benefits:

Cinnamon can slow the speed at which the stomach empties following a meal, which can help control sharp rises and falls in blood sugar levels.Softening these sugar spikes can theoretically reduce cravings. Cinnamon powder can enhance the way antioxidants from other foods help the body defend itself, strengthening the immune system.

Additional suggested health benefits include relieving congestion, reducing stiffness in muscles and joints, counteracting inflammation, supporting digestive health, and even boosting brain function. This super spice has also been shown to stimulate good circulation with its blood-thinning properties.

Want another reason to sprinkle some cinnamon in coffee? That other coffee sweetener—sugar—has been linked to weight gain, diabetes, and may even be "toxic"  . Just another reason for cinnamon powder and coffee to band together! Still, there are some reasons to be wary. Many of the studies on the subject were conducted on mice, not humans, so it's unclear how well their benefits carry over. And while it might be nice to try something new in that morning cup of coffee, a teaspoon of cinnamon doesn't exactly taste the same as cream and sugar. Some may like it more and others less, but this (quite picky) Greatist taste-tester and coffee-lover actually enjoyed mixing it up a bit. With no sugar and a pinch of spice, my cup of coffee was still everything nice.

Is Organic Produce Healthier Than Conventional?

There are at least two good arguments for eating organic fruit powder: fewer pesticides and more nutrients. Let’s start with pesticides. Pesticides can be absorbed into fruits and vegetables, and leave trace residues. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, pored over the results of nearly 51,000 USDA and FDA tests for pesticides on 44 popular produce items and identified the types of fruits and vegetables that were most likely to have higher trace amounts. Most people have no problems eating conventionally grown produce but if you feel strongly about pesticide residues, the EWG’s list below should help you shop.

As for nutrients, in 2007 a study out of Newcastle University in the United Kingdom reported that organic fruit powder boasted up to 40 percent higher levels of some nutrients (including vitamin C, zinc and iron) than its conventional counterparts. Additionally, a 2003 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that organically grown berries and corn contained 58 percent more polyphenols—antioxidants that help prevent cardiovascular disease—and up to 52 percent higher levels of vitamin C than those conventionally grown. Recent research by that study’s lead author, Alyson Mitchell, Ph.D., an associate professor of food science and technology at the University of California, Davis, pinpoints a potential mechanism to explain why organic techniques may sometimes yield superior produce.

It’s a difference in soil fertility, says Mitchell: “With organic methods, the nitrogen present in composted soil is released slowly and therefore plants grow at a normal rate, with their nutrients in balance. Vegetables fertilized with conventional fertilizers grow very rapidly and allocate less energy to develop nutrients.” Buying conventional produce from local farmers also has benefits. Nutrient values in produce peak at prime ripeness, just after harvest. As a general rule, the less produce has to travel, the fresher and more nutrient-rich it remains.

A 2008 review by the Organic Center of almost 100 studies on the nutritional quality of organic produce compared the effects conventional and organic farming methods have on specific nutrients. The report’s conclusion: “Yes, organic plant-based foods are, on average, more nutritious.”

Bottom line: “Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables in general is the point,” says Mitchell. If buying all organic isn’t a priority—or a financial reality for you—you might opt to buy organic fruit powder specifically when you’re selecting foods that are most heavily contaminated with pesticide and insecticide residues. See next page for a handy chart for common fruits and vegetables.

Amazing Health Benefits of Cinnamon Powder

When it comes to honey it’s hard to know which one to use even if you are just going to add it to a cup of tea. Anyways, you should use only raw one which means it has not been heated up!

Cinnamon powder by any other name would certainly taste as sweet… Or so the saying goes.

There is some confusion concerning cinnamon, as the common name refers to several different species of cinnamon that are similar but not the same.

In the United States, if you buy ground cinnamon from the store you are most likely buying Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia cinnamon). This cinnamon is native to Indonesia and now grows in tropical climates all around the world.

In other parts of the world, Cinnamomum zeylanicum is considered the “true cinnamon” and is also called Ceylon cinnamon.

Ceylon cinnamon is considered to have a sweeter and lighter flavor, while cassia cinnamon is considered to be spicier and more pungent. Ceylon cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, or Ceylon. Referring to the difference in taste between these two spices, chefs prefer Cassia cinnamon in savory dishes such as meats and soups and prefer the sweeter Ceylon cinnamon in dessert dishes.

If you are wanting to take large doses of cinnamon regularly then it is probably best to choose Ceylon cinnamon powder(Cinnamomum zeylanicum).

There are actually over a 100 different varieties of cinnamon trees out in the world, but these two are the most commercially available. When it’s necessary to distinguish between these two kinds of cinnamon, I’ll refer to them as either Cassia cinnamon or cinnamon powder.

Fennel Seed Extract / Foeniculum Vulgare Powder

Foeniculum Vulgare Powder has been used for many, many years.  Roman warriers were said to use it to keep them in good health while the Roman ladies used it to prevent obesity!  This is one of the herbs held sacred by the Anglo Saxons for the power against evil.

Every part of the plant (from the seed to the root) is edible! It has a very pungent smell.

A member of the carrot family.

Recognised to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

• Reaches 6 feet 6" (2 metre tall).
• Hardy perennial.
• Prefers full sun, well drained soil (which helps the seed to ripen), will tolerate some shade.  Avoid clay soil.
• Has fern like leaves.
• Large umbels of yellow flowers July - October.
• Sow late Spring / early Summer. in 1/4" (0.6 cm) deep drills, in rows 18" (45 cm) apart.
• Thin to 18 - 24" (45 - 60 cm) apart.
• Will self seed.
• Can be divided in Spring every few years.
• May require staking.
• Flowers will attract bees and pollinating insects.

• Top Tips.
• Do not plant near Dill as they cross pollinate.
• Leaves are better used fresh (as they loose their potency when dried).
• It is not recommended that you gather in the wild as other poisonous varieties look very similar.

• Culinary Uses.
• The seeds are good in sauces, curries, biscuits and bread and a good accompaniment to fish.
• Seeds can be dried and used for an aniseed flavouring.
• Leaves are nice in salad or use in soups.
• Flowers are edible.

• Medicinal Uses.
• Seeds can reduce inflammation.
• Can aid digestion, constipation, wind, colic, intestinal cramps and menopausal symptoms.
• Can reduce the toxic effect of alcohol in the body (as it is a liver tonic).
• Can ease coughs.
• Chewing the seeds can relieve hunger.
• Can be used to treat conjunctivitis (snakes use it in the wild when they have shed their skin!)
• It is a relaxant.
• Increases milk flow in breast feeding Mothers.
• The root can be used for urinary disorders.
• Can be gargled to ease sore throats.
• Can compliment prostate cancer treatments (always check with your doctor first).
• The oil from the seed can be use to massage muscular and rheumatic pains.
• Crushed leaves and stems can be used to treat sore or swollen breasts (due to breast feeding).

• Other Uses.
• Can sweeten breath.
• Can be used for deep cleansing in baths or facial steamers.
• Rubbed on dogs and cats coats (or their beds) can deter fleas.
• Sometimes used to flavour liquers and toothpaste.

DisclaimerAs with all alternative medicines and plants of Fennel Seed Extract with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using. Do not take excessive doses. Avoid during pregnancy or if you suffer from epilepsy.  

Cinnamon Can Benefit Your Skin

Cinnamon grows abundantly in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India and other Asian countries and people out there have been using cinnamon powder for various medicinal purposes including for skin disorders.

One great thing about cinnamon is there are so many ways to use it – cinnamon oil, powder, mask, etc.

Cinnamon is proving to be a spice that not only adds flavor to various dishes but can also cure many infections and diseases.

There are several researches being conducted all over the world about the benefits of cinnamon for diabetes, hair loss, cholesterol, memory, arthritis, skin and more.

A topical application of cinnamon with honey is said to get rid of pimples, ringworms, eczema and other skin infections.

Cinnamon essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and it combines well with lemon, lavender, cardamom, geranium and rosemary essential oils. Cinnamon essential oil can be used as a massage oil to cure arthritis, general pain and such.

Cinnamon Benefits for the Skin

Cinnamon has been used for centuries in traditional medicines  in Asian cultures-Chinese and Indian. Among the various benefits which cinnamon offers, one of the most important is its role in maintaining healthy skin.

In addition to this, it can also help remedy various skin related diseases and infections. Thus, cinnamon can be used in multifarious various to improve your skin.

Here are some of the benefits of cinnamon for skin –

9 ways cinnamon will benefit your skin

1. Plumps Skin

Cinnamon is said to improve fine lines by plumping the skin.

This means that using cinnamon can stimulate blood vessels and bring blood to the surface of the skin. Use a mixture of 3 drops essential oil of cinnamon and 2 tbsp olive oil or petroleum jelly. Apply this mixture to fine lines on the skin, taking care to avoid the eyes.

The skin soon plumps out and fine lines become less visible. This can even be done to plump up lips and can be used as an alternate to lip gloss.

2. Cleanses the Scalp

Cinnamon can also be used to nourish the scalp. Make a paste using 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp warm olive oil and 1 tbsp honey. Massage this into the scalp and leave on for 15 minutes.

Wash off after this using a normal shampoo. Cinnamon acts like an exfoliating agent to stimulate the scalp and provide nourishment to hair follicles.

3. Treatment for Eczema

Eczema is a condition in which skin gets  inflamed and irritated. A large number of medical conditions are grouped under the term ‘eczema’. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is an inherited condition. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but the most important cause is an overactive response by the body’s immune system against an irritant or allergen.

Eczema can be a very irritating skin condition that leaves behind light colored patches.

Some people have found that using 1 tsp cinnamon powder and 1 tsp honey on these patches could provide relief.

However, this paste must not be used on the face for it can cause irritation. You are advised to perform a skin test before using cinnamon paste on the skin.

4. Treatment for Acne

Cinnamon is said to help with treatment of acne and pimples. Mix 1 tbsp cinnamon powder and 3 tbsp honey and apply this on pimples. Leave this paste overnight or for 20 minutes before washing with warm water.

Acne scars could dry out and skin could get rejuvenated.

This paste can also declog pores and bring oxygen and blood to the surface. However, this must not be used more than once a week since it could cause skin irritation.cinnamon for skin care

5. Antiseptic

Cinnamon has antiseptic properties. If you have an open cut or wound, just dust a pinch of cinnamon over it. Bacteria will be killed and the wound heals faster.

A large number of studies have determined the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of cinnamon.

As far back as 1978, a study reported the anti-fungal effects of o-methoxycinnamaldehyde from cinnamon. It was reported that this compound inhibited the growth and toxin production by the mycotoxin producing fungii.

It completely inhibited the growth of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus at 100 microgram/ml and Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus versicolor at 200 microgram/ml.

A comparative analysis of the bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of 13 essential oils showed that the True Cinnamon bark oil had the highest anti-microbial activity.

It was particularly effective against resistant strains. The study was exhaustive and analysed the effect of the oils against 55 different bacterial strains. Thus, cinnamon can effectively be used to eliminate various bacterial strains.

Another study has shown that Cinnamon essential oils can help combat the infectious agents which are resistant to the traditional antibiotics, e.g. Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, it was found that Cinnamon oils are much more effective as compared to olive and paraffin oils in fighting Multi-Drug Resistant S. aureus.

Thus, cinnamon oils can be used to fight Staphylococcus infections.

Thus, the anti-microbial properties of cinnamon powder and its oils have been definitively proven in numerous studies. Since sepsis is an inflammation caused by infection, it can be inhibited by using Cinnamon extracts and oils. Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition which might result in septic shock and multi-organ failure.

Medicinal Properties of Foeniculum Vulgare Powder

Foeniculum Vulgare Powder, commonly known as Fennel, is a popular medicinal plant with various pharmacological activities mentioned in traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) and modern phytotherapy such as antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, bronchodilatory, estrogenic, diuretic, lithontripic, galactogogue, emmenagogue, antithrombotic, hypotensive, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, memory enhancing, and antimutagenic activities. No serious adverse events were recorded after ingestion of F. vulgare except some cases of allergic reactions. 

The estrogenic activity of F. vulgare brings some side effects such as decrease in protein concentration and acid and alkaline phosphatase in male genital organs, increase in weight of mammary glands and reproductive organs in women and premature thelarche in girls. However, no evidence of teratogenicity was recorded, it is better not to use F. vulgare during pregnancy due to its estrogenic activity. Because of inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), the pharmacokinetic parameters of drugs mainly metabolized by this isozyme may be affected by Foeniculum Vulgare Powder. In addition, a significant interaction between cyprofloxacin and F. vulgare was demonstrated. The aim of current paper is to review pharmacological properties, toxicity and adverse events, and drug interactions of vulgare and brings conclusive results about the use of this plant in men, women and during pregnancy.

Foeniculum Vulgare Powder for Your Health

Anemia: Iron and histidine, an amino acid found in fennel seed extract, are both
helpful in treatment of anemia. Whereas iron is the chief constituent of
hemoglobin, histidine stimulates production of hemoglobin and also helps
in the formation of various other components of the blood.

Indigestion: It is a common practice, particularly on the Indian
Subcontinent, to chew fennel seeds after meals. This is done to
facilitate digestion and to eliminate bad breath.

Some of the components of the essential oils in fennel are stimulants
and they stimulate secretion of digestive and gastric juices, while
reducing inflammation of the stomach and intestines, and facilitating
proper absorption of nutrients from the food. Furthermore, it can
eliminate constipation and thereby protect the body from a wide range of
intestinal troubles that can stem from being blocked up. It also has
antiacidic (basic) properties and is extensively used in antacid
preparations. In culinary applications, it is also used as an ingredient
of focal point of many appetizers.

Flatulence: Fennel is very popular as an antiflatulent, due to the
carminative properties of the aspartic acid found in fennel. Its extract
can be used by everyone, from infants to the elderly, as a way to reduce
flatulence and to expel excess gas from the stomach. It is commonly used
in medicines to reduce symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia and flatulence in
infants and young children.

Fennel11Constipation: Fennel seeds, particularly in powdered form, can
act as a laxative. The roughage helps clear the bowels, whereas its
stimulating effect helps maintain the proper peristaltic motion of the
intestines, thereby helping promote proper excretion through the
stimulation of gastric juices and bile production. Fennel is also
commonly found in medicines that treat abdominal pain, diarrhea,
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and other intestinal issues.
Heart Disease: Fennel is a great source of fiber, as mentioned above,
but besides the advantages to digestion that fiber provides, it also
helps to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol in the blood stream.
This means that it can stimulate the elimination damaging LDL
cholesterol, which is a major factor in heart disease, artherosclerosis,
and strokes.

Cancer: The raw vegetable itself hasn’t been extensively studied in
regards to cancer protection, but the fennel seed extract has, and the
findings regarding cancer protection are quite impressive. It shows that
the extract can not only inhibit the growth of tumors, thanks to its
concentrations of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols, but that it can
even be somewhat chemo-protective against the harmful effects of
radiation during cancer treatment. Foeniculum Vulgare Powder has been found to
be preventative of various breast cancer and liver cancer strains.
Blood Pressure: Fennel is a very rich source of potassium, which is an
essential nutrient in our bodies and is vital for a number of important
processes. One of the attributes of potassium is its quality as a
vasodilator, which means that it relaxes the tension of blood vessels,
thereby reducing blood pressure. High blood pressure is connected to a
wide range of health issues, including heart attack, stroke, and
artherosclerosis. Also, for diabetic patients, blood pressure issues can
make management of their insulin and glucose levels very difficult, and
can be the cause of many potentially lethal complications. A cup of
fennel bulb in your daily diet will pump you full of potassium and all
the benefits that come along with it.

Brain Function: Potassium, found in high levels in fennel bulbs and
seeds, is an electrolyte, which means that it facilitates increased
electrical conduction throughout the body. This includes connections
within the brain, which is a veritable switchboard of electric currents.
Potassium can help increase brain function and cognitive abilities
through this quality. Also, fennel is a vasodilator, which means more
oxygen reaches the brain and neural activity can work at optimal
functionality.

Diarrhea: Fennel is helpful in curing diarrhea if it is caused by
bacterial infection, because some components of the essential oil in
fennel such as anetol and cineole have disinfectant and antibacterial
properties. Some amino acids, such as histidine, can aid in digestion
and the proper functioning of the digestive system, thereby helping to
eliminate diarrhea due to indigestion. Fennel has long been used by
indigenous cultures as a way to eliminate diarrhea.

Colic: Polymeric and heavy molecules are useful in the treatment of
Renal Colic. Such polymers, also called Phytoestrogens, are found in
Anethole, a component of the essential oil in fennel. This attribute of
fennel makes it quite helpful in the treatment of Renal Colic. Fennel
has certain antispasmodic qualities which also help it relax smooth
muscles and reduce the discomfort associated with the condition.
Immune System: 1 cup of fennel bulb contains almost 20% of the daily
requirement of vitamin-C, which makes fennel quite a rich source of this
beneficial element of our diet. Vitamin-C improves general immune system
health, produces and repairs skin tissue, helps to form collagen, and
also protects the blood vessel walls as an antioxidant against the
harmful effects of free radicals that can frequently lead to heart
disease!

Menstrual Disorders: Fennel is also an Emenagogue, meaning that it eases
and regulates menstruation by properly regulating hormonal action in the
body. Furthermore, fennel is used in a number of products to reduce the
effects of PMS, and it is also used traditionally as a soothing pain
reliever and relaxing agent for menopausal women.

Breast Enlargement: The flavonoids present in fennel seeds increase the
amount of estrogen thereby acting as a stimulant and tonic. Fennel seeds
helps increase the size of the breasts as they increase the formation of
new cells and tissues in the breast.

fennelEye Care: Using fennel in food helps protect the eyes from
inflammation, as well as helping to reduce disorders related to
premature aging and macular degeneration. This is due to the high
abundance of antioxidants (vitamin-C and amino acids like Arginine which
are very beneficial for rejuvenation of tissues and the prevention of
aging), detoxifiers and stimulants. They are more specifically in fennel
essential oil, as well as minerals like cobalt and magnesium. Finally,
the juice of fennel leaves and the plant itself can be externally
applied on the eyes to reduce irritation and eye fatigue.
Fennel is also a rich source of flavonoids, which are very useful in
protecting against pigment cells dying due to oxidative-stress-induced
death. By protecting against this destruction of the pigment cells,
fennel can safely be classified as effective in eye health for numerous
reasons.

Respiratory Disorders: Fennel is useful in respiratory disorders such
congestion, bronchitis, and cough due to the presence of Cineole and
Anetol which are expectorant in nature, among their many other virtues.
Fennel seeds and powder can help to break up phlegm and prompt loosening
of the toxins and buildup of the throat and nasal passages for
elimination from the body and quicker recovery from respiratory
conditions.

Other Benefits: Fennel is diuretic, which means that it increases the
amount and frequency of urination, thereby helping the removal of toxic
substances from the body and helping in rheumatism and swelling. Fennel
also increases production and secretion of milk in lactating mothers and
since this milk contains some properties of fennel, it is an anti-
flatulent for the baby as well. It strengthens hair, prevents hair loss,
relaxes the body, sharpens memory and has a marvelous cooling effect in
summer. This can be achieved if the pale, greenish-yellow water, in
which it fennel is soaked, is ingested with a bit of sugar and black
salt.

A Few Words of Caution: You must remember that there are two sides to
any story and too much of anything is harmful. This is obviously true
for Foeniculum Vulgare Powder as well. Certain components of the fennel essential oil such as Anethol, and a few chemicals present in the plant itself, besides being beneficial, can be dangerous if ingested in too large of a
quantity. You must remember that the compounds which can kill bacteria
and microbes in low doses can be harmful for you too. Excess use of
fennel can cause difficulty breathing, increased palpitations, irregular
heart beat, and various neural problems.

Are Mulberry Leaves Safe or Not?

I’ve been in the herbal tea business for 11 years now. I’ve researched the herbs we sell extensively, interviewed some of the top experts, walked miles in farm furrows in countries all over the world, written hundreds of articles and consumed a LOT of tea. I think, in my admittedly tiny niche, I’m a legitimate expert. But when it comes to people’s health, my policy is, check and double-check.

After my last blog post I received an email from a reader that concerned me. This reader had found a discussion on a popular urban foraging website that said Mulberry Leaf Extract were toxic. Since my last post was on White Mulberry Matcha French Toast I was concerned. We’re the leading retailer in the USA of White Mulberry Leaf Tea. We sell white mulberry leaf capsules and we offer culinary grade white mulberry matcha. Had I missed something? Was I selling a product that would make people sick?

I had a lot of evidence and experience to the contrary. Most livestock, especially pigs, absolutely love white mulberry leaves. White mulberry leaves are used in cuisines around the world. I’ve eaten lamb stuffed mulberry leaves in Lebanon and chicken stuffed white mulberry leaves in China (with a fried silk worms as a garnish, but I digress!).
White mulberry leaf matcha is second only to green tea matcha in Japan and is available in many tea shops. The way a traditional Japanese matcha is prepared there is no way to not consume a lot of the leaf itself. In fact, that’s one of the benefits of this style of preparation.

So, what gives? Why would a respected forager and herbalist say white mulberry leaves were toxic and warn his readers against them? I started my research with the most obvious first step, I googled, “Are white mulberry leaves toxic?” If you don’t actually read the resulting web entries and just scanned the headings quickly, the results are pretty scary. White mulberry appears up on several state agriculture website’s under the heading “Poisonous Plants”. There’s even a research study (on page one of the search results no less) on the toxicity of Mulberry Leaf Extract to makers of traditional lutes in Iran. That was enough to clue me in that the toxicity concern was not totally unfounded. Time to dig deeper.

I came up for air several hours later. I especially enjoyed the research study on traditional lute making. Who knew they were made out of white mulberry wood? But I also ended my research much relieved. The bottom line with white mulberry wood and leaves is that the sap, the same sap that makes the silk from silk worms such a wonder, is indeed mildly toxic. If you get it on your skin it will cause a rash and if you eat a handful of raw leaves you may get nauseous. But once cooked or dried, white mulberry leave are not only perfectly safe but, as you’ve heard me say many times already, very good for you.

White mulberry leaves have been shown to not only be rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants but also contain DNJ. DNJ has been found to help your body block the absorption of dietary sugars and so can be beneficial for helping to manage blood sugar or as part of a weight loss regimen.

So what’s the moral of the story? 1) Science is fun! (at least for nerds like me) 2) the internet can be a confusing place, check and double check, and most importantly, 3) You can continue enjoyingMulberry Leaf Extract from The Immortalitea Company. They are not only perfectly safe, they are good for you.

Reishi Mushroom Extract

Reishi Mushroom Extract, also known as Ling-Zhi (Chinese), has shown in recent studies to be helpful for heart health, including normal cholesterol, blood pressure, and circulatory system support. Reishi Mushroom Extract contains a high amount of polysaccharides, which are essential for proper functioning of the immune system.

Latin Name: Ganoderma Lucidum

Active Ingredient: Polysaccharides detected by UV

Appearance: Fine Brown Powder

Part Used: Shell-broken spore powder

Extraction Type: Solvent Extraction

Grade: Pharmaceutical grade, food grade

Funtions or Efficacy

Anti-cancer activity

Improve the immune system: (bronchitis and asthma, nasal allergies, herpes sexual diseases and HIV infection) 3. Cardiovascular health: (high blood pressure and reduce platelet clumping)

To protect liver function (chronic and acute hepatitis treatment)

Support the nervous system and Anti-aging

Application

Neurasthenia, frail and fatigue syndrome.

Cancer adjuvant therapy.

Due to radiotherapy and chemotherapy-induced leukocyte reduction, poor spirit, loss of appetite, vomiting, hair loss, etc.

View our Reishi Mushroom Extract here.

Mulberry Leaf Extract

Mulberry Leaf Extract (Folium Mori) means the fresh or dry leaf of Morus alba L., with English name as Mulberry Leaf. There are 16 kinds of this plant all over the world, distributing in the North Temperate Zone, the Asian tropics, the African tropics and the American area. Mulberry Leaf is considered as a nice herb in the ancient China for anti-inflammation, anti-aging and maintaining health. Mulberry leaf is rich in amino acids,vitamin C and antioxidants.

Latin Name: Morus alba L.

Active Ingredient: DNJ, Deoxynojirimycin

Specification: 1% DNJ, 1-Deoxynojirimycin

Appearance: Brown yellow powder

Part Used: Leaf

Extraction Type: Solvent Extraction

Grade: Food Grade, Cosmetic Grade, Pharmaceutical

Funtions or Efficacy

Mulberry Leaf Extract can reduce the high peak value of the postprandial blood glucose.

Promote ß cells to secrete insulin, and then advance the carbohydrate use of cells and the liver glycogen synthesis.

Improve the carbohydrate metabolism, and finally achieve the purpose of reducing the blood glucose.

Inhibit the multiplication of harmful bacteria and relieve the abdominal symptoms of bowel sound.

Exhaust and abdominal distention through increasing the acidity of intestinal contents, and to depress side effect in gastrointestinal.

Inhibit free-radicals and adjust immune system.

Mulberry Leaf Extract is benefit for weight loss activities by preventing absorption.

Application

Mulberry Leaf Extract is widely used in pharmaceutical, food, health food production of natural raw material.

Source from: Mulberry Leaf Extract

Baobab Fruit Powder Health Benefits

In Africa, the baobab fruit has been used medicinally for centuries to treat everything from fevers, malaria and gastrointestinal problems to vitamin C deficiency. In countries like the US and UK, however, this somewhat organic fruit powder with a citrusy flavor has remained largely unknown – until recently. As more scientific research on the remarkable nutritional value and health benefits of the baobab fruit emerges, people across the world are beginning to show interest in products made from this up-and-coming superfood (pure baobab fruit powder made from the dried fruit and baobab seeds are just a few examples of baobab products that can now be found in health food stores in the UK and the US).



Most of the potential health benefits of baobab fruit powder and its fresh counterpart have been largely attributed to the unusually high levels of vitamin C this exotic superfood contains. A 100-gram serving of baobab fruit pulp has been reported to contain up to 500 milligrams of vitamin C – that's nearly 10 times the amount of vitamin C found in an equivalent serving of fresh oranges. In fact, the organic fruit powder is considered one of the very best food sources of vitamin C in the world, with only a handful of foods – including kakadu plums, camu camu, acerola, and rosehips – beating this super fruit in terms of vitamin C content.

In this article, we take a look at the potential health-protecting properties of the baobab fruit (many of which are derived from the fruit's high vitamin C content). At the end of this article, you'll also find some tips on where to buy baobab powder in the UK or US.


1. Baobab Fruit's Benefits for the Skin

Baobab Fruit Powder - 5 Health Benefits
Foods rich in vitamin C are a cornerstone of the anti-wrinkle diet. Vitamin C, whether derived from foods or dietary supplements, helps your body form collagen and elastin, two structural proteins that give your skin support and elasticity. In addition to being a natural source of vitamin C, the baobab fruit has been shown to possess strong antioxidant properties, which may further boost the benefits of this super fruit for the skin. As you may already know, antioxidants neutralize free radicals, unstable atoms and molecules that can cause damage to your body at the cellular level, increasing the risk of degenerative diseases and other signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.


2. Vitamin C and Glycemic Control to Support Your Weight Loss Efforts

Adding vitamin C rich foods such as baobab fruit powder (or fresh baobab fruits if you can get them) to your diet might also enhance your body's fat burning capabilities during a workout – especially if your current diet does not contain enough vitamin C. A team of scientists from Arizona State University discovered that people with low blood concentrations of vitamin C burned 25 percent less fat during a 60-minute walk on a treadmill, compared with those who had adequate levels of vitamin C in their blood. The potential weight loss effects of vitamin C may be linked to the fact that it is needed for the production of carnitine, a compound that encourages your body to turn fat into fuel, rather than to store it as body fat.



What's more, the baobab fruit may also help overweight or obese people reduce weight due to its effects on starch digestion and glycemic response. A study published in the November 2013 edition of the journal Nutrition Research found that baking baobab extract into white bread at 1.88% concentration significantly reduced rapidly digestible starch from the tested white bread samples. The baobab fruit extract was also found to significantly reduce the glycemic response in the study participants, both when consumed at a low-dose (18.5 g) and at a high-dose (37 g) in 250 milliliters of water along with white bread. Meals that trigger a low glycemic response (also called low Glycemic Index, or GI, meals) promote weight loss by reducing appetite and cravings, and by keeping the fat-storing hormone insulin under control.


3. Baobab – A Preventive Treatment for Heart Disease and Varicose Veins?

Foods that supply your body with plenty of vitamin C may also help keep your heart and overall cardiovascular system healthy. A study from University of California found that study participants who took a vitamin C supplement (providing 500 milligrams of vitamin C) daily for two months experienced a 24 percent drop in their plasma C-reactive protein levels. New research suggests that C-reactive protein levels, or CRP levels for short, are an excellent measure of a person's heart disease risk, potentially even better than cholesterol levels.

Varicose veins and venous insufficiency are further examples of cardiovascular problems that may sometimes be alleviated by adding vitamin C rich foods, such as baobab fruit powder, into the diet. Vitamin C is needed for the manufacturing of collagen and elastin, connective tissues that help keep veins strong and toned, plus it can help boost circulation within the body. Therefore, it is not surprising that low levels of vitamin C have been associated with varicose veins. The positive effects of vitamin C on veins are believed to be stronger when vitamin C is consumed together with vitamin E, so next time you blend yourself a smoothie featuring baobab pulp powder, be sure to add a healthy source of vitamin E (such as ground walnut, another great superfood) to the mix as well.


4. Baobab Fruit – A Natural Liver Cleanser and Detoxifier?

If your liver is not healthy, it will not efficiently do one of its most important jobs – detoxifying toxic substances, including metabolic wastes, and excreting them from your body. A high exposure to toxins such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, alcohol and many other substances can cause damage to the liver and limit its detoxifying capabilities, but luckily there are also many foods and supplements that can get your liver back on track.

In one study, researchers tested the hepatoprotective activity against liver injury in rats (the term hepatoprotective is used in medical circles to refer to substances that are capable of preventing damage to the liver). The water-based baobab extract used in this study was found to have significant protective effects against liver damage. It has been proposed that the potential hepatoprotective properties of the baobab fruit extract may be linked to the presence of triterpenoids, beta-sitosterol, beta-amyrin palmitate and ursolic acid in baobab pulp.


5. Powerhouse of Minerals

If you're still not impressed by the health benefits of the baobab fruit, consider this: using fresh baobab pulp in cooking or adding concentrated baobab fruit powder to your favorite dishes can also supply your body with a slew of beneficial minerals including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Minerals act both individually and synergistically to perform hundreds of tasks in the human body.

Wheat Grass Benefit for You

Wheat grass devotees believe this is money well spent. They claim the juice has remarkable effects on the body, neutralising pollutants and clearing the digestive system, fighting free radicals and repairing cell damage, increasing energy levels; some claim it even helps prevent and cure serious illness such as cancer.

Over 70 per cent of wheat grass is chlorophyll, the pigment plants use to convert sunlight into energy. Devotees say chlorophyll has a number of benefits for humans as well as plants, such as improving heart function, detoxifying the liver and bloodstream, and providing a particularly effective treatment for anaemia.

But can sprouted wheat really deliver so much? The plant, like many others, is certainly a good source of A, B, C and E vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Laboratory tests carried out by Dr Chui-Nan at the University of Texas in 1978, and by biochemists in France and Poland in 1992, do seem to show that wheatgrass extract has antimutagenic properties, and may help prevent cancer-causing agents from provoking cell mutations. But demonstrating a plant's property in the laboratory is a far cry from organising a scientific trial on humans; so far, rigorous research into the supposed superfood is thin on the ground.

What is more certain is the beneficial role all wheat grass powder and vegetables play in protecting against common Western diseases such as heart problems and cancer: population studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in plant-based foods are generally much healthier than those who don't, although no one is exactly sure why. Current thinking is that the protective effects of plant foods - known as phytoprotective factors - are unlikely to lie in their vitamin content alone, since experiments using vitamin supplements have often failed to provide the same effects. Other elements in fruit and vegetables are likely to come into play, and it may be that wheatgrass is particularly well endowed with those beneficial compounds.

Nevertheless, nutritionists are sceptical about the ability of any single food to act as a magic bullet. To function properly our bodies need to extract over 50 nutrients from our diet, and it is unlikely that any one source can provide the bulk of our requirements. They recommend we stick to tried and trusted advice: accept that there are no shortcuts to good health, eat a varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit and veg (at least five portions a day), and follow the usual caveats about smoking, alcohol and exercise.