Alternative Cures by Yulia Berry

Marshmallow and Heartburn

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:11:00 +0000

When people start talking about marshmallows, most people tend to think about that bag of big fluffy white snacks that people like to take with them on camping trips. However before these essential components to s’mores became a mass produced snack item, they were actually made from the root of a plant that could be found growing in the marshlands. The marshmallow plant, also known as Althea, has a white root that is slightly sweet to the taste. Along with being a traditional ingredient in everyone’s favorite campfire snack, Marshmallow root was also used in traditional medicine to help soothe coughs, irritations and help to combat heartburn.

It’s all about the mucilage

Marshmallow, or althea root (as most health food stores like to label it), contains a high percentage of mucilage. Mucilage is a substance that swells up and takes on a gel like consistency when it is mixed with water. This gel like substance can then coat the inner lining of your throat and esophagus and help protect and soothe it making it an ideal additive to natural cough and sore throat remedies.

This ability to coat and soothe also makes marshmallow root tea an ideal remedy for mild heartburn because of its ability to shield the lining of the esophagus from the harmful effects of stomach acid reducing inflammation and irritation. It is also thought to be helpful in cases of ulcers,ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease because it can also help coat the lining of the stomach and intestinal walls.

Besides being used as a tea to help with a host of digestive and throat ailments, Marshmallow root can also be used as a paste to help soothe irritated skin. Simply mixed the powdered root with enough water to make a paste and apply it to the affected skin and then wrap with a layer of gauze. However, be sure to rinse off immediately if any itching or irritation occurs.

Side Effects

While drinking marshmallow root tea will help keep stomach acid from irritating the lining of your esophagus, there are also certain side effects that you should be aware of. Since mucilage does coat the digestive tract, it will also interfere with the absorption of prescription drugs so be sure to give it at least two hours to wear off before taking your daily pills. Marshmallow is also capable of affecting blood levels so people with diabetes or hypoglycemia should consult a physician before taking it.

Aged Garlic for Colds and Flu

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:54:00 +0000

Move over chicken soup. It looks like Mother Nature has decided to one up you in the cold fighting department. In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers have found that individuals taking an Aged Garlic Supplement were able to effectively fight off cold and flu symptoms better than those who were taking a placebo.

After taking an aged garlic supplement for 90 days, the garlic group wound up having more immune system cells (gamma-delta T cells and NK Cells) in their system than the placebo group. They also displayed a 21% reduction in cold and flu symptoms and were found to recover from their ailments 61% faster. This translated into less work days missed due to sickness (with the exception of “nicedayitis”) and more overall productivity due to milder symptoms.

Aged Garlic Extract, also known as AGE, is a dietary garlic supplement that has been aged for over 20 months. Unlike fresh garlic (which is still good for you) Aged garlic goes through some molecular changes that not only mellows its garlic taste but also allows for the development of certain sulphur containing substances which are thought to be responsible for the supplements unique health benefits. These sulphuric compounds are thought to increase the glutathione levels in the immune system cells thus making them more effective at patrolling the body and rooting out cold and flu bugs before they can start any serious trouble.

On top of helping people make it through the cold and flu season, taking aged garlic supplements is also believed to be very beneficial to overall heart health. It has been shown to slow the clogging process and improve overall circulation. The antioxidant power of the garlic is also believed to help protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals, slowing down the aging process and cancerous cell growth.

You can find aged garlic at most health food stores and you can either take it as a supplement or even cook with it.

Treating Heartburn the Natural Way

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:45:00 +0000

Frequent Heartburn is the bane of our modern society. 1 in 5 Americans are said to suffer from heartburn and frequent heartburn due to gastroesopageal reflux disease (GERD) is becoming a more common diagnosis by doctors all over the country. GERD is the result of your stomach’s acid contents breaching your lower esophageal sphincter and flowing back up your esophagus.

People who suffer from GERD experience…

-Frequent Heartburn

-Chest Pain, especially when lying down

-Sore Throat

-Coughing

-Wheezing

-A Sour Taste in the Mouth

-Food or liquid coming back up

While occasional heartburn might help you lay off the pizza, frequent Heartburn as the result of GERD can result in some rather serious health consequences including bleeding, ulcers, strictures and may even contribute to cancer.

The Causes

The biggest contributor to heartburn is your diet. Some of the foods that we all just love to eat also happen to be known triggers for heartburn.

These Include:

-Citrus

-Mint

-Coffee (No!)

-Chocolate (Double No!)

-Deep Fried Foods

-Spicy Foods

-Alcohol

-Tobacco

-Soda

-Tomatoes, Onions, Garlic, Pepper and pretty much everything else found on pizza

While diet is the major reason why so many of us get heartburn, our lifestyle also plays a big factor. Large portion sizes, eating our food too fast and right before going to bed, and living a stressful lifestyle that causes us to eat fast food, smoke, drink, and over dose on caffeine all help contribute to this growing problem in our society.

How to Eliminate Heartburn

While seeing a doctor is important, especially if your heartburn is frequent, there are other things besides taking acid blockers that play havoc on your digestive tract or having surgery to get your sphincter tightened that you can do to help curb your heartburn woes. Making some changes and your diet and lifestyle can be the first big step in eliminating heartburn. Keeping a food journal to eliminate the culprit foods is a first good step and not taking a nap after eating a big meal is a great second rule of thumb.

How you eat is also as important as what you eat. Instead of wolfing down your food as your are driving home from the drive thru, try sitting down and eating slowly, being sure to savor thoroughly chew your food. Smaller portions will also help eliminate heartburn as well as cut down on your waistline. Also, eliminating distractions while you eat will help you focus on what you are eating and even help you find the food that is causing your problems.

Working at reducing your stress can also help contribute to lessening your heartburn. While research has yet to find a direct link between stress and GERD, it has been found that a stressful lifestyle does spur people to do things like eat fried foods, drink copious amounts of coffee and booze and smoke, all which can lead to heartburn.

Natural Cures for Hair Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:39:00 +0000

While some of us rock the bald look, most of us who suffer from hair loss would much rather have a full head of hair again. Unfortunately implants are painful and costly and prescribed hair loss treatment like Rogaine and Propecia take time and have varying results. Clever haircuts or thickening shampoos will work for some time, but eventually, the only one you are going to be fooling is yourself. Eventually, you are going to have to come to terms with that growing horseshoe, and if you do not have the money or the commitment to join come hair club, you are going to have to learn how to be comfortable with it. It’s not like you can wear that cap all the time.

Hair Loss Causes

However, do no not despair. There are ways to stave off the inevitable. The most important thing in treating baldness is knowing what causes it. While genetics (if your mother’s father or your own father was bald) plays a big part, hair loss is also exacerbated because of excess hormones and poor blood circulation. While you cannot help where your X chromosome came from, you can address the other two problems through natural treatments.

Healthy Body, Healthy Scalp

Lack of blood circulation to your scalp can lead to premature hair loss. The two main FDA approved treatments for hair loss are actually vasodilators which promote blood flow to the follicles that have been choked off by the buildup of DHT. By taking care of yourself through a diet rich in veggies and an active lifestyle, you can help promote better blood flow which will help you keep your hair from falling our prematurely. Iron, Zinc, B Vitamins, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids are all essential in maintaining a healthy scalp.

Some other Natural Hair Loss Remedies

-Washing your hair with baking soda and rinsing with Apple Cider Vinegar Everyday is a great way to help wash off the residual buildup of DHT and promote new hair growth.

-Saw Palmetto has been called Nature’s Rogaine. Like the over the counter drug, this plant can help reduce the amount of excess DHT (the hormone most responsible for hair loss) in your scalp, leading to thicker, fuller hair.

-Inversion therepy is not only good for your spine, it can also help promote circulation to your scalp. Massaging your scalp while upside down can also help.

-Simply massaging you scalp everyday will also promote circulation and new hair growth.

-Alma Powder soaked overnight in cast iron and then used to wash the scalp can also help invigorate growth.

Baldness and Apple Cider Vinegar

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:27:00 +0000

Apple Cider Vinegar has been touted for its many useful health benefits. Drinking it on a daily basis can help with everything from heart burn to regularity and it can also be used topically to help treat a number of different skin disorders including eczema and warts. It makes you wonder if there is anything that apple cider vinegar is not capable of curing. The next thing you will be hearing is that is can literally make you look 20 years younger.

Well, guess what…

For all of you men (and women) out there wishing that you had the strong wavy locks of your youth back, it turns out that apple cider vinegar can help you out. That’s right, while perhaps not exactly what old Ponce Deleon was looking for, Apple Cider Vinegar can actually help reverse alopecia and takes a decade or two off of your scalp.

Here’s How

Scientists now believe that the excess build up of DHT around the root follicle is what causes the hair follicles to die off and becoming incapable of producing new hair growth. The DHT essentially builds up around the follicle like wax choking off the blood supply causing it shrink and eventually die off. Organic Apple Cider can actually help dissolve this extra DHT build up around the follicle and promote new hair growth. It acids and enzymes might also help kill off certain pathogens associated with excess DHT and hair loss due to Alopecia.

Along with helping to prevent hair loss, Apple Cider Vinegar also help balance the pH of your hair and scalp which also helps to prevent dandruff and leave your hair healthy and shiny looking. It will also kill off any other bacteria of fungal problems that might be going on up there.

You can find lots of natural shampoo and rinse products that utilize apple cider vinegar online or at your local health food store.

Alma Powder

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:14:00 +0000

Alma Powder is derived from the Indian Gooseberry, also known as the Alma fruit. This fruit, which is native to India, is extremely high in antioxidants, amino acids and tannins. The fruit has long been used in Ayurvedic Medicines for its astringent and tonic properties and the powder form of the fruit can now be found in numerous health and beauty products.

Alma Powder for your Hair

Alma has long been used to help strengthen hair and even to help grow new hair that might have been lost due to Alopecia. Extremely rich in Vitamin C, Alma Powder helps with the formation of healthy collagen which is the connective tissue that leads to stronger, thicker hair. The amino acids that are present in the powder also help to nourish the scalp and supply your follicles with moisture and essential proteins. While Alma Powder cannot do anything to repair hair follicles that have already been damaged, it does strengthen any newly growing strand which in turn leads to less hair loss.

Soaking Overnight

In order to get the most out of Alma Powder, it is necessary to soak it overnight, preferably in a cast iron container. After the overnight soak, simply strain the water and then use the resulting tonic to wash your hair.

Other Hair Uses

Alma Powder is not just for people who are in danger of hair loss. It is also an ideal remedy for gray or dull hair. Mixing Alma Powder with lemon juice is a great way to add shine to your hair. A paste made out of the powder and coconut oil applied to scalp daily is a great way to help reduce grey hairs while at the same time adding gloss.

Warnings

While Alma Powder is a great way to nourish the scalp and prevent hair loss and graying, you should be aware that it may darken your hair. Be sure to test your Alma Mixture on a small patch of hair before using it on your entire head.

Pickled Garlic

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:08:00 +0000

Garlic has been cultivated for its peculiar pungent flavor and health benefits for over 5000 years and it is still valued today not only for its ability to kick up the flavor a couple of notches but also for its ability lower blood pressure and fight off bacteria and viruses. When it comes to health benefits, it is often recommended that people use raw pressed or chopped garlic because this is when garlic is in its most potent form.

While unleashing a number of pungent oils and leading to a more pleasant taste, cooked garlic loses much of its health benefits. By crushing raw garlic, you release the all potent alliinase which has been known to fight off everything from fungus to cancer. The only problem with consuming garlic in the raw is that it can cause an upset stomach and give someone that unwanted garlic breathe that no amount of toothpaste is going to be able to get rid of.

Eating Pickled Garlic is another way to get a lot of the healthful benefits of garlic while at the same time mot having to put up with a rumbling belly or that pungent garlic breath. Pickling garlic is achieved through soaking the garlic in vinegar or lemon juice. The acid in these solutions will go to work on the garlic, neutralizing the alliinase while at the same time, breaking down the cloves into water soluble compounds known as S-allyl cysteine or SAC. While not the greatest antimicrobial agent, SAC is known to help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels. It is believed that SAC also has some anti-tour properties as well.

The longer you let your garlic cloves pickle, the more SAC will form. Pickled garlic also is easier on the stomach and is less likely to give you that stinky garlic breath. It is easy to pickle garlic right at home, allowing you to enjoy the wonderful benefits of garlic in yet another form.

Concentrated Cherry Juice for Inflammation

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:52:00 +0000

Cherries are a delicious, versatile fruit that can be found in abundance throughout the world. From pies to salads, these little red fruits can add a tangy sweetness to just about any dish. More importantly, cherries are packed with both dietary fiber and loaded with antioxidants making them just as super of a super food as blueberries or broccoli. Also, despite what Big Pharma does not want you to know, Cherries are known to be powerful fighters against inflammation, beneficial in muscle repair and have even been known to help cure gout.

It is all about the Anthocyanins

Next time you see a cherry red sports car and start to droll, you can take a moment to give thanks to anthocyanins which are the pigments that give cherries that distinctive red color. These pigments are also known to be very powerful antioxidants which give the cherry all of its miraculous powers. Inflammation is caused in part to free radical damage to your muscle and tissue cells. Anthocyanins helps eliminate these damaging free radicals and by doing so help bring about relief from inflammation.

Helping out with gout

Certain studies done at Michigan State University have also shown that cherries can help lower blood uric acid levels. This makes the fruit extremely valuable to those who suffer from gout. Gout is a painful condition that is caused by raised levels of uric acid in the blood. While there are prescriptions available for gout, they all come with side effects. While cherries can aggravate IBS symptoms in some people, the fruit lacks any other serious side effects and are seen for the most part as beneficial.

Big Pharma’s Problem

A few years ago, there was a big Hoo Haw involving the FDA and certain manufacturers of concentrated cherry juice. The Feds apparently had a beef with the companies stealing Big Pharma’s thunder by putting the fruit’s gout curing capabilities on the labeling when no sponsored scientific studies had been done to verify it. While the FDA was merely following the law over labeling practices, some people saw it as yet another attack on natural health solutions on behalf of the pharmaceuticals who have trouble with healing plants they cannot pout a patent on. Thankfully, the word is already out there, with thousands of online testimonials from people verifying concentrated cherry juice’s ability to combat gout.

How to take them

Most people find relief by taking concentrated tart cherry juice which available online and most health food stores. However, simply eating a handful of dried or fresh cherries (tart or sweet) can also bring about significant results.

http://www.greathomeremedies.com

Hemp Oil: A Super Food

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:39:00 +0000

For all of you who are still on the “Just Say No” bandwagon, you might believe that hemp seed oil, which is derived from the seeds of the cannabis plant, is just another way for those dang hippies to get high. However, while the flowers this controversial plant are capable of bringing about mild hallucinations and making everything on FOX News seem hilarious, the seeds and the beneficial fatty oils that they contain, will do no such thing. In fact, hemp seed oil is thought to be one of the most beneficial supplements a person can take in order to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Once upon a time before politicians and business interests got involved, hemp was an important crop with any industrial and medicinal uses. On the health front, the seeds of the hemp plant were found to be an almost perfect food source, containing 80% of the essential fatty acids that our bodies need as well as globule edestins which is a rare protein that is similar to globulin. Hemp oil is easily digestible and contains pretty much all of the essential fatty acids that the body needs in order to stay functioning properly. Modern Research studies have found that taking hemp oil on a regular basis can help repair a damaged immune system and even reverse wasting making it an important natural supplement for both cancer patients and people with AIDs

Taking Internally Hemp Oil Can:

- Increase vitality

- Help with motor skills

- Ease Arthritis Pain

- Strengthen the Immune System

- Treat Tuberculosis

- Decrease Sun Related Damage to the skin

People with conditions caused by deficiency in LA (Omega 6) and LNA (Omega 3) can be treated by taking hemp oil because it has those essential fatty acids (EFA) in balanced, ideal proportions.

Hemp seed oil has a low level of Stearic acid (18:0) which is beneficial for health because high levels of Stearic acid form flow-impeding clots in blood vessels and work against the healing qualities of the EFA's.

How much to take:

On the daily basis you can take 2-4 dessert spoons (up to 50 ml) per da. In the case of therapy you can increase the dose up to 150 ml per day for approximately 7 days, then return to the regular daily amount.

Soothing Slippery Elm

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:26:00 +0000

Slippery Elm has long been used by the Native American as an herbal remedy for irritated or inflamed skin or tissue. Taken from the inner bark of a species of elm tree (Ulmus Rubra) that is found native throughout Eastern North America, slippery elm contains a high percentage of mucilage, a gel like substance that can serve as a protective coating for both skin and tissue. While few modern studies have been done on Slippery Elm, it has a very, very long history as a folk medicine and preliminary medical studies have found it to be potentially useful in a number of different areas.

Heartburn

One of the main ailments that slippery elm is thought to be beneficial is heartburn. Heartburn occurs when certain foods or eating habits end up forcing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus causing an uncomfortable burning sensation that many of us have become all too familiar with. Aside from the unpleasant feeling, the acids from frequent heartburn can also end up damaging the delicate lining of the esophageal wall, leading to more serious health complications. The mucilage in Slippery Elm can help coat and protect the esophagus helping to lessen the painful burning and even protect the lining from further damage.

IBS

On the other end of the digestive tract, slippery elm is also thought to be helpful for inflammatory bowel diseases such as IBS and Ulcerative Colitis. A study done in 2002 actually links the herb with the ability to help ease inflammation in the lower digestive tract.

Sore Throat

Back before Big Pharma had its way, Slippery Elm was actually listed (until 1960) in the United States Pharmacopeia as the standard treatment for sore throats. The mucilage provided a natural coating that helped soothed an irritated throat and suppressed a cough. While no longer prescribed by doctors, slippery elm is still a main ingredient in many natural sore throat lozenges.

Where to Find

Slippery Elm can be found in many health food stores in powdered form as well as in lozenge, tea, and supplement form. You can make your own slippery elm tree by steeping two tablespoons of powdered slippery elm bark in hot water for three to five minutes. Like all natural substances with a high percentage of mucilage, slippery elm can adversely affect the absorption on certain prescription drugs, so be sure to give it a few hours to wear off before taking them.

Shilajit - The Miracle of the Himalayas

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:23:00 +0000

The resin like substance known as Shilajit has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an all important component in the preparation of many different remedies. Also called asphaltum, mineral pitch and girijj, Shilajit is actually decomposed plant matter that has been undergone centuries of intense pressure in the mountains before it slowly oozes out during the summer heat. The resin is soft and slimy and pale to blackish brown in color. It has a heavy consistency and in soluble in water. It can be found in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, where it is harvested, purified and then used for a wide range of health concerns.

Purified Shilajit contains many different biochemical substances including fulvic acid, humic acid, uronic acids, hippuric acid along with benzopyrones, phenolic glycosides and amino acids. Indian Ayurvedic healers have used it for large number medical problems from arthritic pain to sexual dysfunction. It has proven to have strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal treatment for arthritis, rheumatism, gout, back pain and any other joint related problems. It has also been found useful in elevating mental fatigue and strengthening the nervous system, helping out with disorders like depression, stress, and even epilepsy.

Here are some other things that Shilajit has been used for:

Better Learning

It is believed to help with concentration, enhancing overall intelligence and learning skills.

Stomach Problems

It has been used to treat abdominal disorders including stomach pain, indigestion and constipation. It has also been helpful with piles.

It is said to help the liver function better, allowing for better a metabolism and waste elimination.

Immune System Function

It is noted as having strong anti microbial properties, helping to purify the blood and strengthen the immune system

Blood Pressure

It is also believed to be useful in helping to control blood pressure.

Breathing Problems

It has even been used to help treat cases of asthma.

Urinary Tract

It has helped relieve symptoms such as Dysurea and burning micturation

Diabetes

Shilajit can help metabolize glucose in the blood stream

Kidney Function

It is believed to help the kidneys function better

In the Ayurvedic System of Medicine, Shilajit is a very important substance used for all manner of treatments including the ones mentioned above. It is also believed to help with the overall strength and endurance of men and has even been called the “Indian Viagra” for its power to help regulate the sex hormones and allow for proper functioning and higher sperm count. It is also given to patients that are recovering from a prolonged illness or surgery and can help with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in people who are suffering from a deficiency.

Feeling Fatigue

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:47:00 +0000

Fatigue can affect anyone, from the Olympic athlete to the desk jockey to the day laborer. If you find yourself feeling tired at midday or needing to take a nap in the late afternoon, then you suffer from fatigue and what is causing it may surprise you. New studies have found that it is not necessarily what you are doing that is causing your fatigue but, rather, what you are missing that may be heightening this sense of tiredness. Mineral deficiencies, especially magnesium deficiency, have been found to play an important role in fatigue.

A diet based on greasy fast food, overly processed foods, and foods that are high in sugar is one reason why Americans tend to be undernourished and suffering from signs of fatigue. Lacking the proper vitamins and minerals, we end up gaining weight while continuing to feel tired. Without these much needed minerals, our bodies can operate at their full potential and we start showing the symptoms of mineral depletion including food cravings, weight gain, poor immune system functioning, and fatigue.

Magnesium is a mineral that every single cell in our body needs in order to function. It is used in over 300 different enzymatic interactions including cellular respiration and muscle relaxation. When our bodies are defiant in magnesium, we start to slow down on a cellular level, becoming more sluggish and tiring easier. People with chronic fatigue syndrome have been found to have low magnesium levels in their red blood cell count. The lack of magnesium along with calcium is also thought to contribute to nervous tension since both minerals help soothe and protect nerves and are critical for both energy production and proper nerve function. Magnesium is also important in order for the body to retain proper potassium levels. Low potassium levels in cells are also thought to contribute to fatigue since low levels of this important mineral generally means low blood sugar levels which in turn means fatigue symptoms.

Another common cause for fatigue is anemia which is the shortage of iron in the blood. Women in their reproductive years who experience heavy menstrual cycles are especially susceptible in developing anemia. In fact, it is considered the leading cause of fatigue in women. This excess bleeding leads to a deficiency in iron-laden hemoglobin which helps carry oxygen throughout the body. This leads to oxygen deprivation resulting in fatigue.

Many other things can end up causing fatigue including poor diet, stress, and even caffeine abuse. Whatever the cause, there are definitely ways in which you can overcome fatigue. These include eating better, exercising more and taking mineral supplements to cover your bases. By doing this, you will find yourself feeling healthier and having way more energy allowing you to do more of things you wish to do. Be sure to speak with a health care professional in order to discover the things that you need to do in order to overcome your fatigue.

Fulvic Acid and Your Health

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:38:00 +0000

Not to be confused with folic acid, fulvic acid is considered to be one of the overall key components for your overall health. This mineral has always had a natural presence in plants, but it has largely been ignored for its potential to energize and balance cells until now. Eating the right combination of foods and taking enough supplements to get the 3 essential fatty acids, 12 amino acids, 17 vitamins and 59 minerals needed for optimal health may not be enough. If your body fails to absorb all of these important building blocks, it is left open to disease and failed bodily functions. What fulvic acid does is it helps with the overall absorption of these nutrients by extended their life cycle and transporting them directly to your cells. This ends up giving you higher energy levels. Fulvic acid also helps remove toxins and heavy metals from the bloodstream and acts as a natural electrolyte, helping you to rebuild your immune system.

Hailed as “Nature’s Miracle Molecule” Fulvic Acid can also be used externally to treats wounds, abrasions, burns and even fungal infections. You can use it to treat open wounds and cuts and to help heal burns without scarring, pain, or discoloration. Serving as a wide spectrum fungicide, this mineral can also be used to kill the pathogens that cause athlete’s foot. It is also an effective anti-microbial, making it ideal for the treatment of rashes, insect bites and skin irritations. It can even help neutralize both poison oak and poison ivy.

While once abundant in the plants that we eat, poor agricultural practices have left our soils deficient in mineral like fulvic acid which we (and the plants) need in order to achieve optimal health. By focusing on quantity over nutritional quality, our food supply has not seen sufficient levels of fulvic acid in generations. Even eating foods that are supposed to be rich in this miracle molecule may not be enough making supplementation necessary in order to avoid deficiency.

Fulvic Acid is a natural electrolyte which helps balance electrical and chemical reactions in cells leading to higher cellular energy output and enhanced regeneration of cells. It is also essential for the proper absorption and utilization of vitamins and minerals allowing for more efficient production of enzymes and hormones. On top of that, it acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to eliminate free radicals and essentially detoxify the body.

Its affect on the human body is nothing short of fascinating, making supplementing your diet with it a top priority.

Royal Jelly for Your Health

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:34:00 +0000

Royal jelly is a creamy ultra nutritious substance that worker bees secrete in order to feed bee larvae. Royal Jelly is only produced in small quantities in the hive, making it a pricey health food store commodity. However, due to its many nutritional benefits as a supplement, it is still highly recommended and sought after by health conscious consumers.

The Benefits

For many centuries, royal jelly has been used to help with a large host of different health problems.

Including:

Energy Boost

Packed with B-Complex Vitamins and protein, it is most commonly used to combat fatigue and to provide an energy boost to athletes.

Skin and Facial Rejuvenation

Full of antioxidants and beneficial enzymes and amino acids, Royal Jelly is believed to help bring on a more youthful appearance and reduce wrinkles

Healthy Hair and Nails

Full of Crude Protein, Amino Acids and Vitamin K, Royal Jelly can also help strengthen nails and hair follicles.

Immune System Help

Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A as well as other antioxidants, it is believed that it can also give your immune system a boost, protecting you against common ailments and sickness.

Fertility

Royal Jelly has long been used as a way to help with the reproductive health of both men and women.

Medical Research

While Royal Jelly is certainly not a “cure all” substance that will replace everything the doctor gives you, recent studies have found that supplementing with it may have many different benefits. Composed of 12.7% crude protein, researchers have found that the substance is packed with many beneficial amino acids as well as an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Medical Studies have found that it can help stimulate the growth of neural stem cells and can even help lower your cholesterol levels. It has also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects.

Bee Pollen

Bee Pollen is another highly nutritional substance produced by bees, but unlike Royal Jelly, it can be found in abundance throughout the bee hive. Considered to be one of the original energy supplements, Bee Pollen is also packed with protein, minerals, vitamins and amino acids yet tends to be far less costly then Royal Jelly. Millions of people supplement with bee pollen on a daily basis, taking in granule, capsule, or powder form. It is also sold in a potent liquid form. Oftentimes, pollen is consumed along with all of the other offerings of the honey bee including propolis, honey and royal jelly. Many people believe that combining all the ingredients from the hive together makes for a highly synergistic nutritional supplement.

When purchasing bee product such as Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen, it is important to make sure that they are processed correctly. Many companies end up pasteurizing these supplements and killing off all the beneficial live enzymes they contain. Buying local and fresh from the hive will ensure that you are getting the best products for your health.

Fatty Liver Detox

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:18:00 +0000

Steatotis, also known as fatty liver, is the accumulation of fat within the liver cells. The liver’s two main functions are to regulate your metabolism and to filter your bloodstream. When too much fat ends up in the liver cells, both of these functions are affected. Your liver can no longer efficiently burn off fats and sugars leading to obesity. It also has trouble filtering out and breaking down drugs and other impurities which then. It is estimated that over 100 million Americans suffer from some degree of fatty liver and most do not even know about it. Thankfully, once you discover that you are affected by steatosis, there is a way safe and natural way to reverse the cycle and quickly reverse the problem.

The first big step towards reversing fatty liver problems is making some changes to your diet. Eating way too much meat, especially red meat, and too few fruits and vegetables is the biggest contributing cause. By eating less meat and more veggies will put you on the fast track to a healthy liver. The second big step is eliminating any substances that may be causing your liver to work too hard. Alcohol, Caffeine, Nicotine and other recreational drugs all wreak havoc on your liver. You also want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of reducing the amount of prescription drugs you are taking. Even homeopathic remedies and over the counter remedies need to be scrutinized. By ridding yourself of these substances, you give your liver a fighting chance of healing itself.

Certain herbs have also shown promise in helping your liver regenerate. The two biggest herbal healers for the liver are milk thistle and raw turmeric. Artichoke and linen are two other herbal remedies that you might want to look into. You can also find liver detox products that feature a combination of all four of these herbs, but there is no evidence that taking a combination of these herbs is any more effective as taking them individually.

Going on a liver detox diet is also a very good way to kickstart the healing process. This involves avoiding solids for a full week and ingesting only vegetable and fruit juices (preferably freshly juiced). While this can help you get on the fast track to a healthy liver, this “quick fix” is essentially pointless if you do not make diet and lifestyle changes as well. Still combining it with a change in diet, a reduction in drugs, and supplementing with healthy herbs is a sure way to a healthy liver.

Having a fatty liver is not a death sentence but doing nothing about it can lead to obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, liver failure and cirrhosis. By taking the steps mentioned, you can completely reverse the problem and find yourself facing a healthier future.

Chaga Mushroom Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:43:00 +0000

Chaga mushrooms are irregularly shaped mushrooms that can be found growing along trunks of birch trees in Northern Europe. While virtually unheard of in the West, this strange looking mushroom found amongst the bark of Birch trees has long been considered a potent health elixir for the people of Northern Europe, Russia and Siberia. Tea made from the Chaga Mushroom is believed to help strengthen the immune system and recently it has shown potential in the treatment of certain types of cancer.

Unlike your typical cream colored mushroom, the chaga mushroom is black and charcoal like. It has a cork like texture and its insides are the color of rusted iron with cream colored veins. Being a fungus, the chaga mushroom is essentially a parasite in nature, feeding of its host birch tree and eventually contributing to its demise.

Chaga Mushroom Tea was popularized in the modern world thanks in large part to the novel “Cancer Ward” by Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn. The novel is semi-autobiographical account of the author’s own struggles with cancer and the part chaga mushroom tea played and helping to cure him. The book along with interest in the author, helped awaken the West’s interest in this potentially powerful new way to combat cancer.

Over the years, there have been various studies done looking into the purported cancer fighting abilities of chaga mushroom tea. A 1958 study done by Finnish and Russian researchers found that the mushroom was affective at fighting cancer of the breast, liver, and uterus. Later, in the mid 1990s, Japanese Researchers found that cells exposed to chaga extracts were less likely to grow out of control and a later polish study confirmed that the mushroom does indeed inhibit tumor growth. In 2005, Korean researchers found that chaga mushroom extract infused cells were more resistant to damage caused by oxidizing free radicals.

The reason why Chaga Mushrroms is such a potent anti cancer herb seems to be the presence of a large amount of phytochemical, polysaccharides and antioxidants found within the mushroom. The presence of this compounds is the same reason that other mushrooms such as the cordyceps, reishi, and shiitake are thought to have strong medicinal properties. On top of these powerful anti-cancer substances, the Chaga mushroom is also rich in Betulinic acid, which is a substance it derives from its host birch tree. Betulinic Acid is believed to have powerful anti viral properties and to help fight off tumors.

The traditional way in which to partake of Chaga mushroom in Russia is to have it as a tea. To make the tea, the inner parts of the mushroom are first shredded and then left to soak in cold water for a few hours. The water is then strained and saved and the softened mushroom parts are put into a cup of hot water and stored at room temperature for two days. After that, the remnants of the mushroom are discarded and resulting tea is combined with the saved water from the first soak to make for a powerful tea that will remain potent for up to four days. The tea has a bitter coffee like taste going down but leaves no aftertaste. It is also slightly astringent.

While chaga mushroom tea is now popular as a to strengthen the immune system, promote healthy cells and to fight off tumors, it has also been used as a folk medicine for a host of ailments including aches and pains, stomach problems, hypertension, viral infections and even diabetes. Recently it has also become popular as a potential treatment for HIV. While there are no known side effects, cancer patients should always discuss using chaga mushroom tea with their physician so that it might be used as a complementary method of their existing treatment.

Exercising the Lymphatic System

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:38:00 +0000

The lymphatic system plays a vital role of collecting toxins from your body’s cells. Some of the organs that are part of this system are the lymph nodes, lymph veins, tonsils, adenoids, appendix, and spleen. When the lymphatic system is not working properly, these cells that rely on it for elimination then become sluggish as they fill up with their own waste. When the lymphatic system is clogged up, it goes from being a life sustaining system to a breeding ground for bacteria and other parasites. Many of these invaders then become locked up in your lymphatic system leading to degenerative diseases and rapid aging.

Eliminative organs are very vital for proper body function. When foreign substances enter into your body, it is the job of these organs (kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, bowels and lymph system) to expel it. However, when these systems are not working (because of pharmaceutical drugs for instance) these toxins end up circulating through the body leading to a number of degenerative diseases. The U.S. Healthcare system has a tendency to overlook the vital role that the lymph system plays and seldom recommends lymph system stimulation in order to combat signs of toxic build up.

Exercising your Lymph

The best way to help detoxify your lymphatic system is to do things to help aid in its circulation. Since the lymphatic system is not directly connected to your heart, you need rely on other activities to help push the toxins through. Vigorous exercise is one way you can do it. Massage is another way you improve circulation in the lymph system.

Rebounding

The lymphatic system is made up of millions of tiny one-way valves which push lymph fluids upward against gravity. While almost any type of movement helps stimulate the movement of fluid in these valves, one of the most is effective ways is jumping on a rebounder. The steady up and down motion of bouncing on a rebounder, helps to cause the valves in your lymphatic system to open and close simultaneously, making lymph flow as much as 15 times more efficient.

Massage

One of the best ways to keep your lymph system functioning properly is to massage each lymph area for five minute each day. The nice thing about the massage is that it can be done while you are watching television.

Keeping your lymph fluids flowing is a great way to prevent numerous disorders including allergies, prostate problems, sinuses, heart disease, skin conditions, fatigue, parasites, MS, edema, lupus, inflammation, high blood pressure, lower back pain, arthritis, obesity, and a host of other problems that your probably had no idea were connected to your lymph system.

Hearing Loss Myths Exposed

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:34:00 +0000

While it is generally assumed that only the elderly experience hearing loss, younger people can have hearing problem as well. While statistics are on the side of young people, it is important to realize that there are other factors other the age that affect hear loss. In fact, the number one cause of hear loss is trauma, so the more loud noise you are exposed to, the greater your chances of experiencing some type of hearing loss at an early age.

Think about all the noises that you are exposed to on a daily basis: Planes flying by overhead, construction zones, loud music blasting through your head phones, traffic. If you happen to work in a field or engage in a recreation that exposes you to loud noises, you are at an increased risk at suffering ear trauma and experiencing hearing loss before the age of 65. There are also hereditary factors that you need to consider, that have nothing to do with the onset of age.

Hear Loss in Children

Certain hereditary factors or extreme ear trauma can end up causing hear loss in children. In fact, it is estimated that five percent of this Countries children under the age of 18 suffer from hearing difficulty. While adults may be better able to cope with losing their hearing, hearing loss in children can end up causing learning difficulties if they are not addressed. It can also lead to emotional difficulties, anxiety and depression which can further lead to problems at home and in school. Since children generally will not voice their problems with hearing, it is important for the adults around them to be aware of this potential problem and to get them tested as soon possible. The longer you let a child’s hearing problems go, the more problems it might cause them.

Hearing aids do not involve risky surgeries or require special knowledge. In fact, they are not even medical devices, but simply devices that are capable of amplifying the sound around you. Nowadays, hearing devices can be made small enough, that they are practically invisible and are fairly easy to utilize. Whether you are getting older or still in your twenties, if you find yourself experiencing hearing problems, be sure to talk to your doctor to get a hearing test. Also, if you are a parent, be sure to discuss potential hearing problems with your child’s doctor.

Little Changes for Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:26:00 +0000

This country with obsessed with losing weight. It seems like every day there is a new fad diet or weight loss pill on the market, promising all of fat Americans rapid weight loss. While we all know that losing weight and keeping it off takes time and dedication and that trying to achieve quick results can be dangerous to our health, we still find ourselves shelling out for these new diet solutions. Instead of relying on the latest fad or going overboard on dieting or exercising, what Americans really need to do is learn the secret of how just a few small changes can lead to lasting results at the waistline.

Drinking Water

Drinking more water is one of the best things that you can do in order to achieve your New Year’s Resolution of going down several pant’s sizes. Getting in eight glasses of water a day is high recommended to help aid with elimination and speed up weight loss. If you have trouble with drinking just plain old water, try alternating it with your favorite beverage or add some juice to it to give it some flavor. Juice can also count towards your daily water input but beware that juice is generally high in sugar and calories.

Exercise

Burning those calories through rigorous exercise is one of the surest ways to control your weight. If you lack the will power or time to get to the gym every day, try incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Take the stairs for example, or park farther away from the store so you have to walk further. If you are committed to an exercise routine, make sure you do not over do it in the beginning and turn yourself off of exercise before you even get started. Go into gradually, building up a tolerance.

Supplements

Making sure you are getting all of your vitamins and minerals can help stave off hunger and keep your metabolism in check. A number of studies have found that getting enough calcium is important for a healthy metabolism; it was found that dieters who got enough calcium were able to burn calories more efficiently than dieters who did not. Chromium is another important mineral when it comes to weight loss. It helps to regulate blood sugar, improving your metabolism and even eliminating the symptoms of fatigue that many dieters tend to experience.

These small changes along with a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables will end up giving better and long lasting results than any of those fad diets out there.

Vegetables for Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:21:00 +0000

First of all, it should be said that when compared to other food groups, most vegetables out there tend to perform way better than average when it comes to keep you weight under control. Vegetables are packed full of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients) and are extremely low in calories making them the ideal food for people who are looking to lose weight or about to go through weight loss surgery. However, like professional athletes, there are some vegetables out there that tend to perform better than all the others when it comes to losing weight.

Here is a list of the top ten vegetables that you should be eating to lose weight:

!. Leafy Greens: Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, ect..

2. Cucumbers

3. Sweet Bell Peppers (any variety)

4. Tomatoes (really a fruit, but that’s ok)

5. Carrots

6. Peas

7. Yams and sweet potatoes

8. Squash

9. Onions

10. Garlic

As you may notice, the powerhouse vegetables Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Brussels Sprouts do not make the top ten list. While these super foods are packed with lots of good nutrients and also have a low calorie count, they also tend to be a bit gassy, which is not ideal for people who are about to go through weight loss surgery. If you do not mind being gassy and are not planning to on getting surgery, feel free to add these to the list as well.

Preparation Tips

Whenever it is possible, always go for fresh vegetables. If fresh is not possible, frozen vegetables are a good second choice. Canned vegetables are robbed of much of their nutrients during the canning process. From garden to the shelf, vegetables tend to be handled multiple times before they make it to your plate so always be sure to wash your vegetables before you consume them. Eating them raw is the best way to get all the nutrients. You can also steam them or bake them and still get a lot of the nutrient value. Boiling can leech your vegetables of all their nutritional value, so try to keep the heat lower while you are making soup.

A Facial Solution

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:52:00 +0000

No one wants to “grow old gracefully” these days, and the cosmetic industry has responded by bombarding the public with procedures, treatments, skins and creams aims at eliminating wrinkles and a sagging face. These solutions can be very expensive and even have negative side effects, yet people still go for them, desperate to keep their youthful look for as long as possible. Instead of looking for a shortcut to the fountain of your through surgery, injections or creams, what people really need to be doing is exercising… their face. Facial exercises can tighten and tone the skin, eliminating wrinkles and lifting sagging skin and it costs nothing but your time.

Why not Botox?

It seems like everyone you see on television has gotten Botox injections, and most likely, more than one of your friends and neighbors have tried it. What many people do not realize is, is that you are injecting Botulism toxin, a deadly poison, into your face. What Botox does, is it paralyzes your facial muscles, smoothing out your wrinkles for several months. The problem with Botox is, is that it can end up changing your natural look over time, causing your muscles to relax and thin, resulting in a bulldog look. Also, Botox treatments are only temporary and pricey, meaning you will need to shell out more money in a few months for more treatments. Also, while Botox is considered safe, there are risks involved with using it.

Face lifts

While it can give you some dramatic results, most people do not even consider cosmetic surgery because of the high cost and long recovery time. Those who can afford it, only have to read a few tabloids to find proof that face lifts do not always turn out great. Like any surgery, cosmetic surgery comes with a lot risks and the results are permanent.

Creams

Every year, billions of dollars are spent on over the counter creams and concoctions that promise to make your wrinkles and sagging skin disappear overnight. People spend large amounts of money on toners, moisturizers, eye creams, masks, peels, and lotions, and find themselves achieving only minimal results. Many times, the only thing these miracle creams end up achieving is moisturizing the skin, which is beneficial but not the one step solution to a more youthful appearance.

Facial Exercises a win win

A facial exercise regime has none of the drawback as the other options. In fact, facial exercises can help you eliminate the sagging side effects of Botox. The only cost is a book or instructional DVD (if you cannot find it online) and you do not have to worry about injections, side effects or depleting your savings. By spending time everyday exercising your facial muscles, you can eliminate that double chin, that sagging neck, jowls, crow feet, and all the other signs of your age. Just like the rest of your body, your face has muscles as well and all you need is time and know how in order to learn how to exercise them and achieve a beautiful and natural look.

Cinnamon for the diabetic

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:50:00 +0000

While I was watching Bret Michaels rock is way through Celebrity Apprentice the other night, I could not help but note that he mentioned cinnamon as an important spice for people who suffer from diabetes. Michaels has lived with Type 1 diabetes since he was six years old and the charity he is playing for the American Diabetes Association. While choosing flavors for his “Troppa Rocka” Snapple drink, he was determined to try to incorporate cinnamon into his diet Snapple Drink, because he said that current research points to this spice as an important ingredient in helping to maintain a person’s blood sugar levels.

According to recent health news, the rocker apparently knows what he talking about. Scientists around the world now believe that this favorite oatmeal sprinkling can help control blood sugar making it a potential weapon in the fight against diabetes. Research has show that something in the spice helps fight inflammation and can even display insulin like properties which helps decrease blood sugar spikes in the body.

At the Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Center, lab studies found that cinnamon contains a number of beneficial polyphenols including a compound known as proanthocyanidin. Polyphenols are antioxidants that can help boost the level of three different proteins that help trigger insulin response, move blood sugar through the system, and deal with inflammatory response.

Another earlier study that the Center did showed that Type 2 diabetics who took three doses of cinnamon a day for 40 days showed improved insulin sensitivity. These improvements faded after 20 days, proving that cinnamon was an important factor in the overall benefit.

While the jury is still out as to whether the Rockstar’s new cinnamon laced Snapple flavor will be a hit, at least this good news about cinnamon has been able to get out so that people with diabetes, or with family members with diabetes can now take a closer look at this popular spice and the benefits that it may potentially bring to them.

Coenzyme Q10 - Ubiquinone is everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:38:00 +0000

The health conscious among us have most likely heard the term “coq10” being bounced around as the next big supplement. Lately, Coenzyme Q10 or Ubiquinone has literally mentioned everywhere: from a glossy fashion magazine article of skin care to a DR. OZ television special on the most important supplements. This essential nutrient that our cells need in order to produce energy and fight off free radicals has been hailed as the next best thing since Vitamin C, helping people to be active and look younger, and has now even garnered its very own display rack in many health food stores.

What is Coq10?

Coenzyme Q10, or Ubiquinone is an essential enzyme that our bodies produce that plays a very important role in cellular biological energy (ATP) production. It is also a very powerful antioxidant on par with the much better known Vitamin C, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce the effect of aging. It is referred to Ubiquinone because it is essentially needed everywhere, or at least everywhere a cell happens to be, which means are bodies need to produce a lot of it throughout our lifetime.

Now, the question that you may want to ask is: why would I need to take supplements of this stuff if it already can be found everywhere in the body? Good Question. Here is what the latest health research tells us:

While a young and healthy body can produce all the Coq10 it needs, once father time has his say, our bodies eventually start to produce less and less amounts of the stuff. In fact, many scientists studying aging actually use the enzyme as a biological marker for the aging process correlating its decline with getting longer in the tooth. This lack of adequate amounts of Coq10 can then add fuel to the aging fire, making our cells less likely to withstand stress and properly regenerate.

Studies on aging rodents have shown that those treated with CoQ10 supplements ended up living a third longer than those who were not. While researches on its effect on human longevity remain only theoretical, it has been shown to be beneficial in certain medical conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure.

Also the skin

Coenzyme Q10 can help your skin in several different ways. First, as a powerful antioxidants, it helps fight off the skin damaging effects of Free Radicals. Secondly, is can help boost your skin cells regenerative powers, and aid in the production of collagen, elastin and other important molecules that help keep you looking young. While it is still up in the air as to whether topical skin care products with added CoQ10 can actually be effective since the enzyme can be rendered inactive when exposed to air, some studies have shown promise for the reduction of crow’s feet.

Natural Skin Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:30:00 +0000

We all need to learn to love the skin we are in. The living tissue that envelops and protects us, our largest organ, is oftentimes the most neglected. Where would we be without our wonderful skin wrapped around us: a big pile of bones and vital organs without form, definition, or identity? Our skin is our boundary from the outside world, keeping foreign things out and familiar things in. It is our wall that protects us from the invading hordes and when need to keep it well maintained in order to keep things from falling apart.

Healthy skin supplements derived from natural sources are a great way to keep your skin from breaking down and not doing its job properly. Here are some of the most important repair tools that you will need for healthy and revitalized flesh:

· DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) derived from the skin of fish (especially salmon), this natural compound is capable of providing extra collagen support in the outermost layers of your skin. Collagen is the mortar that keeps together your wall of skin cells tightly woven together and extra collagen support will make your skin firmer and reduce all those fine lines and wrinkles.

· Vitamin C is needed by your body for practically everything including proper skin maintenance. When applied as a topical, Vitamin C can help reduce sun damage. Taken internally, Vitamin C can help keep your skin looking great by neutralizing skin damaging free radicals and increasing collagen production.

· Alpha Lipoic Acid is a natural acid that can be found in small amounts in nearly everything we eat, especially liver, kidneys, heart, broccoli and spinach. It is an ultra powerful antioxidant that can help stop the effects of aging and the breakdown of skin elasticity.

· Retinol, otherwise known as Vitamin A, is necessary for skin regeneration and rejuvenation. It is also helpful for people who happen to have sensitive skin that is prone to redness and peeling. It is readily available as a supplement and can be found in abundance in certain fruits and vegetables such apples and carrots.

Supplementing your diet with these four natural skin protectors will help guarantee you a better looking and better functioning epidermal layer by providing your body the things it needs in order to maintain healthy skin tissue.

Using these four topically can also help moisturize your skin and erase any blemishes caused by acne, scarring or wrinkles.

The health benefits of actual sarsaparilla root

noreply@blogger.com (Yulia Berry) — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:24:00 +0000

Anybody who is a fan of old westerns knows the stereotype of the old timer in the salon asking for a sarsaparilla. Aside from whiskey and beer, this old fashioned cousin of root beer was a favorite drink in the old west. Made from a combination of sassafras and sarsaparilla, it was especially tasty and refreshing drink in the hot dry day and was thought to help purify the body by inducing sweating. This saloon drink went on to become a popular soft drink flavor, and can still be found in specialty stores today, although most are now made with artificial ingredients.

Before is became synonymous with the old west, sarsaparilla’s detoxifying benefits were utilized for a number of ailments including liver disease and syphilis. Native to the Western Hemisphere and favoring the hot and dry climates of Latin and South America, Sarsaparilla was first introduced to Europe during the late fifteenth century. From the 16^th Century up until the middle Eighteen Hundreds, Europeans and their American Descendents put the thorny wooden vine to use as a blood purifier, tonic diuretic and sweat inducer.

During the latter half of the Nineteenth Century until the early Twentieth, Sarsaparilla was widely used as an additive to many patent medicines, including many who which were the Victorian Age equivalents to body building supplements and Viagra. This was due to the notion that the root actually contained testosterone. This one time belief that the herb actually contained the hormone that helped controlled a man’s sex drive may help explain why it was also so popular with the old timers in the saloons (many of which doubled as brothels).

While modern research has disproved the idea of actual male hormones in the plant, they did find steroidal saponins which are believed to mimic hormones, indicating that the cowboys and snake oil peddlers might have been on to something after all.

Today, sarsaparilla is prescribed by homeopathic practitioners as a treatment inflammation and to help cleanse the liver. With slight anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it can also be used as a treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Dried sarsaparilla root can be found in many health food stores and if you look hard enough, you just might be able to find old timey sarsaparilla soda also.