chamomile benefits

Chamomile: A Soothing Herbal Delight 🌼

🌼 Chamomile: A Soothing Herbal Delight 🌼

✨ Are you looking for a natural way to promote relaxation and enhance your well-being? Look no further than chamomile! This delightful herb has been cherished for centuries for its numerous therapeutic benefits. Let’s delve into the wonderful world of chamomile and discover why it’s a must-have addition to your daily routine. ✨

1️⃣ Calming and Relaxing: Chamomile is renowned for its soothing properties, making it a perfect bedtime companion. Sipping on a warm cup of chamomile tea before sleep can help calm your mind, ease anxiety, and promote a restful night’s sleep. Say goodbye to tossing and turning and hello to sweet dreams!

2️⃣ Stress Buster: In our fast-paced lives, stress often takes a toll on our overall well-being. Chamomile acts as a natural stress reliever, helping to reduce tension and anxiety. Incorporating chamomile into your daily routine can provide a gentle and effective way to unwind and find your inner zen.

3️⃣ Digestive Aid: Chamomile has long been used to support healthy digestion. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe an upset stomach, ease indigestion, and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. Sip on a cup of chamomile tea after a meal to aid digestion and promote a happy tummy.

4️⃣ Skin Soother: Chamomile isn’t just beneficial when ingested; it’s also great for your skin! Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a fantastic natural remedy for various skin conditions. Whether you’re dealing with irritations, acne, or dryness, chamomile can help soothe and nourish your skin, leaving it looking radiant and revitalized.

5️⃣ Immune Support: Boosting your immune system is always a good idea, and chamomile can lend a helping hand. It contains compounds that support the body’s natural defence mechanisms, helping to ward off infections and keep you feeling your best. Incorporate chamomile into your wellness routine to give your immune system that extra boost.

 

🌿 Embrace the Power of Chamomile! 🌿

With its remarkable ability to promote relaxation, support digestion, and soothe the skin, chamomile truly is a herbal delight. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting tea, incorporate it into your skincare regimen, or explore other chamomile-infused products, this gentle herb can work wonders for your well-being. So, why not embrace the power of chamomile and experience its natural goodness today?

 

 

 

FOOTNOTE:

While chamomile is generally safe for most people, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking medications. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

🌱 Allergic Reactions: Individuals who are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed or chrysanthemums, may also be allergic to chamomile. If you have known allergies, it’s advisable to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using chamomile.

🌱 Blood-Thinning Medications: Chamomile contains coumarin, a natural compound that can have mild blood-thinning effects. If you’re taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, such as warfarin or aspirin, it’s important to speak with your doctor before using chamomile, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

🌱 Sedative Medications: Chamomile has mild sedative properties and can enhance the effects of medications or substances that cause drowsiness. If you’re taking sedatives, including tranquilizers or sleep aids, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating chamomile into your routine.

🌱 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While chamomile is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when consumed in moderation, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. High doses or prolonged use of chamomile should be avoided during these periods.

🌱 Interactions with Medications: Chamomile may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, sedatives, and drugs that are metabolized by the liver. If you’re taking any prescription medications, it’s important to discuss chamomile use with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no potential interactions.

🌱 Drowsiness: Although chamomile is often used to promote relaxation, it can cause drowsiness in some individuals. If you’re planning to operate heavy machinery or engage in activities that require alertness, it’s advisable to use chamomile with caution.

As with any herbal supplement or natural remedy, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding chamomile to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Remember, individual responses to chamomile can vary, and it’s essential to prioritize your safety and well-being by seeking personalized advice from a qualified healthcare provider.

5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Eating Chilli!

5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Eating Chilli!

Chilli, Jalapeno, Cayenne…

Spices add an incredible amount of flavour to what you eat and are enjoyed all over the world in a variety of exotic dishes. Did you know that spicy foods not only taste delicious, they have amazing health benefits too?

Here are 5 surprising health benefits of eating Chilli:

1. Weight Loss

Research has found that the chemical capsaicin, which is found in hot peppers, can speed up weight loss. Why? Because capsaicin increases your body temperature and speeds up your metabolism, which helps your body burn calories quicker. Studies have also shown that people who eat spicy food, tend to eat small portions and have fewer cravings for sweet, salty, or high-fat foods after meals. Don’t forget that an extra kick of hot sauce can also make even the blandest diet food more appetising, meaning you’ll be more likely to stick with your weight loss plan.

2. Healthier Heart

Numerous studies have found that people living in cultures where spicy food is commonly eaten, have lower rates of heart attacks and strokes. Research shows that chilli peppers have the ability to reduce the effects of bad cholesterol and capsaicin can fight inflammation and reduce blood clots which all reduce the risk of developing heart issues. Include red peppers in your diet to keep your heart healthy!

3. Lower Risk of Cancer

It has been found that regular consumption of spices and chili can decrease the chances of developing cancer. According to some medical professionals, capsaicin can have the same effect on some cancer cells as powerful cancer-fighting drugs. Some medical research has shown that capsaicin has the potential to slow the growth of deadly tumours and can even kill some cancer cells!

4. Pain Relief

Did you know that capsaicin is one of the main ingredients in pain-relieving creams? Adding chilli to your food can reduce joint and muscular pain associated with conditions such as arthritis. Some spicy food can also release serotonin in your body that is known to decrease pain and increase feelings of happiness.

5. Cold and Flu Relief

Having a cold or the flu is not considered particularly dangerous, but the symptoms can leave you unable to work, eat or sleep properly because your sinuses are blocked which makes you feel terrible! The capsaicin found in peppers, is similar to the compound found in many decongestants. Capsaicin promotes sweating and eases cold and flu symptoms by opening up your nasal passages. Consider adding some chilli to your soup for fast recovery!

Final Thought

Spicy food is becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. It’s not just the thrill of testing your limits against the chilli, but also the fact that spices have some amazing health benefits when consumed in moderation. So, next time you eat something that makes your eyes and nose run, remember that it’s good for you!

Submitted by Abby Whiffen of “Ethical Abby” – www.ethicalabby.com

 

Valerian, medicinal herb and sedative with tranquilizing properties by Raw Passion, a vegan and cruelty free skincare company specialising in handmade products made with organic, raw and natural ingredients.

Valerian, medicinal herb and sedative with tranquilizing properties!

Valerian is a medicinal herb. The root contains great sedative and tranquilizing properties which provide awesome health benefits for many. Valerian relaxes both, the central nervous system and the muscular system which makes it a very sought after medicinal herb.

Valerian is more than just a root

Valerian contains valepotriate and isovaleric acid, some well known calming and relaxing properties. The root is rich in calcium, quercetin, manganese and ascorbic acid. The relaxing and calming properties valepotriate and isovaleric acid are particularly beneficial if you suffer with nervousness, restlessness, chronic insomnia, headaches, menstrual problems as well as anxiety. The medicinal herb is also very supportive in soothing the digestive tract, from stomach cramps and cramps associated with (IBS) irritable bowel syndrome. For overall heart health and for the cardiovascular system Valerian has been known to be of amazing benefit. Why not give it a try, you have nothing to lose.

Hunger and the urge to eat due to stressy times can be controlled with Valerian Root. Conditions like epilepsy have been known to reduce seizure (fit/convulsions) activity. I have even tried this myself on Shadow, my Dalmatian who suffers with epilepsy for five years now.  To relax the central nervous system I combined valerian with some other herbs such as hops, lemon balm and passiflora, which all have healing properties and benefits.

Take note of awesome Valerian:

The root of this awesome plant is what is used for medicinal purposes. There are many ways of taking the herb. It is pressed to fresh juice, freeze-dried to form powder, infused to make a herbal night tea, or just made into a tincture.

Most people take Valerian as a supplement in the form of a capsule. It depends on your reasons and preferences. Personally we make our own organic tinctures and infusions.

rosemary fresh or dried by Raw Passion, a vegan and cruelty free skincare company specialising in handmade products made with organic, raw and natural ingredients.

Rosemary fresh or dried a miracle herb and neurotoxin!

Rosemary fresh or dried is one of the herbs that has the reputation for miracles for more than thousands of years. Rosmarinus officinalis is commonly known as rosemary and is native to the Mediterranean region. The perennial herb is woody, with a delicious scent, evergreen and has needle like spiky leaves. When in flower rosemary grows white, pink, purple, or blue beautiful flowers. But beware! For some rosemary fresh or dried and as essential oil is a neurotoxin!

Benefits! rosemary in flower

Rosemary fresh or dried or as an essential oil is used for many things. For an example as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, analgesic, antiviral, disinfectant, expectorant and even as an aphrodisiac. Fresh or dried the miracle herb has been praised for easing nerve-related conditions, boosting the immune system to strengthen the immunity, fighting off all sorts of bacterial as well as viral infections, encouraging respiratory ailments, improving the circulatory system, regulating and strengthening digestion.

Rosemary acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory as it contains the important caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid which makes it an ideal herb for those suffering with an autoimmune disorder like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia as well as polymyalgia.

The herb is known to contain properties and volatile oils that kind of work similarly to anti-histamines, which you may well know is extremely useful to treat conditions like asthma and also those suffering with chronic migraines. Rosemary relieves symptoms of edema, gout and kidney stones due to the diuretic properties.

If you want to stimulate memory, improve bad concentration or get over mental fatigue by increasing the blood flow to the head and brain consider that rosemary has the ability to support those symptoms. Are you suffering with depression, despair, sadness, anxiety brought on by stress? Try Rosemary!!  ** see below!

Rosemary oil is often added to hair, skin and beauty products as it has the ability to cleanse and nourish the scalp, soften your hair, and in skincare heal and repair the skin. Do not use undiluted! And do not take large amounts during pregnancy / breast-feeding!

A steam vaporizer to disinfect the air in your home/office containing essential oil of rosemary can also be used, which is also amazing during the cold and flu season and the colder winter evenings.

Very potent providing great health benefits for some!

Most gardeners grow rosemary in their garden, so if you haven’t tried it yet, try rosemary fresh or dried taken as a tea, add it to fresh guacamole, hummus, summer salads, winter soups, add a sprig to your potatoes or really, you can add it to any of your meals.

** RAW PASSION  doesn’t use rosemary of any kind in any of their products and won’t in the future. Although rosemary has many great properties as well as health benefits, if you or someone you know suffers with long-term neurological issues such as epilepsy, seizures of any kind (known or unknown causes!), fits and convulsions rosemary should NOT be used topical or internal in some cases!  Rosemary contains neurotoxins!

** The same applies to dogs who suffer with epilepsy/convulsions/fits. Rosemary is a neurotoxin, so beware of the many dog foods / sprays /medicines containing the herb! 

parsley flat or curly by Raw Passion, a vegan and cruelty free skincare company specialising in handmade products made with organic, raw and natural ingredients.

Parsley flat or curly, a herb with personality!

Parsley flat or curly is much more than just a green garnish. The herb adds awesome flavour and colour to your dishes, fills your kitchen with the most delicious, fresh smell and is so SO healthy!

There are two main varieties of this delicious herb. Parsley flat or curly! The curly parsley (Petroselinum crispum) with ruffled leaves and Italian parsley (Petroselinum crispum neapolitanum) with flat leaves. Personally I love both of them.

Curly Parsley, not just a plate garnish! organic curly parsley

Curly Parsley, also called garden parsley is usually associated as a plate garnish and sadly very often left on the plate. Looking beyond the appearance, curly parsley is robust in texture, as well as flavour. Wash, chop and add it to any soup, chunky or liquidised, you definitely won’t regret it. You can also chop it as small as you can and sprinkle it on the serving plate. It’s not only pretty, it tastes delicious.

Flat Leaf Parsley has a stronger flavour!

NO kitchen should be without this amazing multi-purpose herb. Use as a garnish, flavouring, and as a vegetable. Both types can be used for the same purposes, but to me flat leaf parsley has a stronger flavour and is very often favoured in Mediterranean cooking. As I said, I love both of them and I eat them both raw, in cooking, added to vegetable soups, veg stir fries, and try cooked potatoes tossed in organic olive oil with a good handful of the chopped herb and a big pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt. YUM!

Some Benefits!

Parsley even in small amounts contains an amazingly high level of vitamins and minerals. The herb is extremely rich in bone-strengthening vitamin K, an excellent source of vitamins A and C and a great number of flavonoid compounds, ie luteolin and apigenin, which have an antioxidant effect, meaning that they render harmless free radicals that would otherwise cause oxidative damage to cells. FULL of awesome chlorophyll as well as natural essential oils parsley freshens the breath and has antibacterial effects. Parsley is rich in cancer fighting compound. It has been suggested that the compounds found in parsley may even inhibit tumor growth! High in iron parsley is recommended if you suffer with anemia. Relaxes stiff muscles and is unbelievably great for digestion. Due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties parsley flat or curly relieves joint pain. Is an excellent source of beta carotene and supports healthy kidney function. But be aware, parsley contains ‘oxalates’  and if you have underlying kidney and gallbladder issues consumption should be kept to a minimum. 

Related links:

Health benefits of parsley – Dr Mercola 

Parsley Nutrition Facts!