Herbal Pharmacy – 8

Drinking two cups of dandelion tea several times each week could flush away up to five pounds of fluid from your tissues, lowering blood pressure the way many diuretics do — without the negative side effects of the manufactured drug. Look for loose leaf dandelion tea bags in health food stores.

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In one study, middle-aged women who added 1 teaspoon of cumin to their diet several times each month lost an average of 3 pounds in 90 days without cutting caloric intake. Add cumin to main dishes, soups, stews and sauces.

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For relief from fall allergy symptoms, sip a mug of rooibos tea. The brew can instantly open and drain sinuses by reducing inflammation in your airways. Sip the tea while it’s hot for a soothing and cooling sensation. The tea flavonoids reduce the immune system’s production of symptom-triggering histamines.

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A recent study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that curly or flat leaf parsley has potent anti-cancer properties and actually seeks out and works against cancer. It acts as anti-oxidant, destroying free radicals before they damage cells and DNA. Add fresh, chopped parsley to salads, in green smoothies, potato dishes, omelets. Parsley is easy to grow and will do well on a sunny window sill. I have several articles here in the archives about the benefits of this wonder herb. You can grow parsley almost year round as it is a hardy plant.

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Feeling blah and sluggish? Take a few deep whiffs of patchouli essential oil. The earthy scent stimulates the limbic system which controls the emotional center of the brain. A steady rise in alpha brain waves slashes the “blue-mood” in half, so by breathing in the aroma several times each day you’ll feel on top of the world. Where to buy: Vitacost 100% pure patchouli oil – $11.00 for 1 ounce. Vitacost.com.

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Headaches from too much screen time? The journal Pharmacognosy Review confirms the anti-inflammatory herb feverfew helps ease headaches. Feverfew is generally safe and works quickly, often within 15 minutes. Where to buy: iHerb.com.

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A Japanese study reveals the citrusy aroma of bergamot contains compounds that cut your output of the stress hormone cortisol. Dab a drop of bergamot essential oil on your left wrist before you leave the house for work or appointments. Sniffing the fragrance when you’re feeling tense will make you calmer in minutes. Why the left wrist? The pulse is stronger and carries the aroma much faster to the senses.

Blessed Be, sweet ones.

~ Meadow Walker

Always consult with your doctor or health care provider before using or consuming any herbal product.

Image courtesy of thegoodenoughparent.blogspot.com

References:
http://www.dandeliontea.org/
http://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-tips/cumin-spice-weight-loss
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.7078/full
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210009/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25824404