Now that the holidays are over, the next big event that many have to look forward to is the beginning of spring. Even if you’re a fan of winter, there’s no denying that one has to be extra vigilant, as illnesses like colds and the flu spread like wildfire. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of cold weather. Even when I eat right and manage to stay healthy, the coldness and stiffness in my bones and joints can leave me feeling demotivated and lethargic. But then I discovered ginger tea, one of nature’s most potent and beneficial “warming herbs.” Let’s go over why you should consider drinking ginger tea for cough, colds and to keep the body warm this winter.

Ginger: The Universal Medicine

Ginger has been used for thousands of years, and is highly revered by two of the world’s leading traditional health systems: Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Due to its ability to treat so many ailments, as well aid in digestion and warm the body, ginger is often touted as “the universal medicine.” Even if you haven’t intentionally used ginger for medicinal purposes before, there’s no doubt you’ve consumed it in cooking or even raw.

Ginger’s scientific name is Zingiber officinale. The plant itself is green and leafy, but when we’re talking about ginger as either a food or a medicine, we’re referring to the root. Ginger is native to a variety of countries, but especially places like China, India and Nepal.

Nutritional Content

Ginger is rich in vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6. When it comes to minerals, ginger is a good source of potassium, magnesium and manganese, among others. The root also contains only 80 calories per 100 grams. (1)

The Benefits of Drinking Ginger Tea in the Winter

As we’re about to go over, there are so many benefits to drinking ginger tea in the colder months. Of course, you could also eat ginger raw. But when you’re feeling cold, drinking something warm is a no-brainer, so you might as well add some beneficial herbs to your drink!

One of the special things about ginger tea is that the ginger used can be fresh. This is in contrast to many other herbs for which you must use their dried or ground form to make tea. Furthermore, there are so many different varieties of ginger tea that you can make, depending on what ailment you’re treating or which flavor you prefer.

After going over the main benefits of ginger tea for cough, cold and other ailments, we’ll also discuss some awesome ginger tea recipes further down below.

1. Ginger Tea to Warm the Body

Ginger tea is one of the best home remedies to keep the body warm. It’s considered a “warming herb” by both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine systems. But what is exactly is a warming herb?

What Are Warming Herbs?

In Ayurveda, “warming” herbs are herbs which help increase the amount of Agni, or ‘fire’ in the body. It’s important to mention that the goal is not to add too much fire to the body, but to create a balance when this fire is lacking.

Warming herbs are typically considered as such because they help speed up the body’s metabolic rate and help boost circulation. This, in turn, raises the temperature of the body. That’s why ginger is also touted as a great digestive aid (see below). (2)

Other herbs that are considered warming herbs are thyme and turmeric. Interestingly, in addition to helping warm the body, these herbs also share some other benefits in common with ginger, such as cough and cold relief. Of course, some of the ultimate warming herbs would have to be cayenne and other types of chili peppers. (3)

It’s no wonder why in the English language, we often use the terms ‘hot’ and ‘spicy’ interchangeably. While not hot to the touch, spicy herbs like ginger help increase the ‘internal fire’ of the body.

In Chinese medicine, this same hot energy is referred to as yang. It’s important to consume yang herbs to provide optimal balance with the yin, or cold energy of the body. Consuming herbs like ginger, then, can help reduce some of the sluggishness one often feels when faced with extremely cold temperatures.

The concepts of both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine go much, much deeper that what we just covered, but hopefully you get the idea of why ginger tea is considered as one of the best home remedies to keep the body warm.

2. Ginger Tea for Cold and Flu Relief

The winter season is when we’re most susceptible to illnesses like cold and flu. These can be difficult to avoid, especially if stuck in closed quarters with lots of other people, like crowded trains or cramped offices. Drinking ginger tea regularly is a great way to either prevent the onset of these illnesses or help your body overcome them. Ginger is both a natural immune system booster and also has powerful antimicrobial properties.

Another reason why ginger tea is so effective for colds, flu and other ailments is that it encourages the body to sweat. Sweating is a natural way for our bodies to expel toxins and pathogens, but it’s rare for people to sweat in cold weather without vigorous exercise.

Ginger’s high vitamin C content and anti-inflammatory properties are further reason why you should consider ginger for cold. Also, by drinking lots of ginger tea every day, you’ll encourage your body to rid itself of even more toxins through frequent urination.

Furthermore, ginger tea is also useful for getting rid of mucus.

3. Drink Ginger Tea for Cough Relief

With colds often comes a cough, though you can certainly experience one without the other. One reason to consider ginger tea for cough is its antihistamine properties, which both treat allergies and help support the body’s respiratory system. Furthermore, ginger can help soothe the throat and suppress coughing thanks to chemical compounds known as phenylalkylketones. (4)

When it comes to a wet cough, the type of cough caused by excess mucus buildup, ginger tea is especially helpful. Ginger is a known expectorant, meaning it helps the body rid itself of mucus. This is a common property of warming herbs, such as thyme, which we previously wrote about here.

It’s no wonder, then, why ginger lozenges are so popular these days. These can be great for when you’re on the go. Otherwise, try drinking a couple of daily glasses of ginger tea for cough relief.

Have a cough, cold or joint pain? Ginger tea is an excellent remedy for all

4. Ginger Tea for Digestion

Many people complain of gaining weight in the winter. This can be due to a number of factors. In the cold weather, we’re naturally less active. And our bodies also respond to the season by slowing down its metabolism. Think of bears hibernating all throughout the winter. It’s quite natural for our bodies to perceive the colder months as a time to slow things down and conserve energy.

But in modern times, we’re still faced with the same jobs and daily obligations as we are in the warmer months. We can’t just sit holed up in a cave or cabin like our ancient ancestors might’ve. That’s why it’s especially important to choose the right food and drink to keep our bodies healthy and our digestive systems running smoothly. Yet again, ginger tea comes to the rescue as the perfect wintertime digestive aid.

Above, we went over the Ayurvedic concept of how warming herbs help stimulate the metabolic processes of the body. This is one major reason why ginger is great for digestion in the winter – it helps speed up the digestive system which has otherwise been slowed down.

Ginger is also rich in certain oils which help ease intestinal cramping and release tension in the GI tract. Furthermore, ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can help ease inflammation in the gut. (5)

Winter is a time when we have some of the strongest cravings for heavy foods. Don’t feel too guilty about indulging from time to time, but be sure to drink a nice hot cup of ginger tea afterward for smoother digestion.

5. Ginger Tea for Joint Pain

Those who suffer from chronic joint pain and arthritis often dread the cold weather. But joint pain during the colder months, especially in the knees, ankles or hips, is not all that uncommon in otherwise healthy people. Furthermore, runners and other types of athletes know all too well that the colder weather can make the body especially injury-prone.

There doesn’t seem to be much conclusive evidence as to exactly why this happens, but it probably has something to do with not enough blood spreading to our joints in the colder months. Another reason is likely the barometric pressure in the atmosphere resulting in an inflammatory response in our joints. This is likely why not just cold, but damp, rainy weather can cause joint pain as well. (6)

Drinking ginger tea is a great idea for joint pain and arthritis because of the herb’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And ginger is also known to help boost circulation. To look at the matter in more technical terms, here’s a helpful explanation from the site Natural Arthritis Treatments:

“Ginger is known to suppress prostaglandin (a pro-inflammatory molecule) synthesis by inhibition of the enzyme cylooxygenase (COX-1 & COX-2). It also inhibits 5-lipoxygenase enzyme to suppress leukotriene (involved in inflammatory response) production.” (7)

Some studies have even shown ginger to be as effective as echinacea for treating joint pain. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who regularly experiences arthritis, you can’t go wrong with a few daily cups of ginger tea in the winter. (8)

Ginger Tea Recipes

Ginger tea is highly beneficial on its own, but there are also plenty of ways to combine it with other healthy herbs and foods. But before going into some of these recipes, let’s look at the best way to prepare plain ginger tea:

How to Make Ginger Tea

As mentioned above, ginger is one of the few herbs that can be used for tea in either its fresh or dry form. And one of the great things about ginger is that it’s easily available for purchase at the supermarket all year round.

To make ginger tea, simply cut off around 2.5cm of ginger root and peel off the skin. Then take a knife and slice it into several smaller pieces (you can also grate the ginger if you prefer). After that, place the ginger and about 2 cups of water into a saucepan. Heat up the water, bringing it to a boil, and then lower the temperature slightly. You’ll want to let it simmer for around 10 to 15 minutes, after which the color should change. Either keep the ginger in there as is, or use a strainer. (9)

And there you have it! Fresh, homemade ginger tea. But most people like to combine ginger with added flavoring or other herbs for even additional benefits. Let’s take a look at some different variations of ginger tea you can try.

Ginger Tea with Raw Honey

After your tea is done, simply add in a couple of tablespoons of honey, or however much or little you prefer. When buying honey, always make sure to purchase the raw variety, as a lot of “honey” on the market these days doesn’t really contain much honey at all.

Ginger Tea with Rosemary

To even better protect yourself from cold or flu, you may want to consider adding in another anti-inflammatory herb like rosemary. To do so, simply add in around a teaspoon of dried rosemary with the ginger and water when following the steps outlined above. (9)

Ginger Tea with Goji Berries

If you’re not familiar with goji berries, they’re one of the most powerful antioxidants and longevity-boosting herbs in all of traditional Chinese medicine. You can learn more about their disease-fighting benefits right here. I’ve also mentioned how goji berries can be added to chrysanthemum tea. In contrast to ginger, chrysanthemum is a cooling herb. So how come goji berries work so well with both? Because goji berries are considered neutral – neither warming nor cooling.

Making goji berry ginger tea is really easy. It’s not an exact science, but try adding about a tablespoon of dried goji berries in your cup before pouring the hot ginger tea over it.

As far for what type of goji berries to buy? You’re probably best off looking for goji berries sourced from Ningxia province, such as this one and this one. You can learn more about why in the article.

Ginger Tea with Lemon

Lemon, along with honey, is among the most common ingredients people add to ginger tea. Not only does it help reduce some of the bitterness, but it adds a powerful vitamin C and antioxidant boost to your drink. Simply add as much or as little lemon juice as you like. Either squeeze the juice right into the tea, or add a slice of lemon into your cup or tea strainer.

Ginger Tea with Turmeric

Turmeric is another fantastic antioxidant warming herb that works well with ginger. The two together make for a great digestive aid. To make turmeric tea, you should also try adding in some black pepper, which increases turmeric’s bioavailability.

To make the tea, follow the directions above, but add in 1 teaspoon of grated turmeric together with the ginger. Bring the water to a boil and let everything steep for 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, add in a teaspoon of grated black pepper, along with however much lemon and honey you desire. (10)

Fresh vs. Powdered Ginger

Generally speaking, whether we’re discussing herbs or vegetables, fresh and raw is always best. However, in comparison with other herbs, ginger seems to maintain many of its nutritional benefits in the powdering process. You may want to do more research on the matter, but generally speaking, use fresh if you have it. If all you have is powdered ginger, you should still be fine.

Ginger Tea Bags

When fresh ginger is so easy to buy, and ginger tea is so easy to make, there’s little reason to choose tea bags over the fresh root. That’s not to say that ginger tea bags are completely devoid of any benefits, but it’s likely that they won’t be as healthy. Of course, a lot also comes down to the quality of the herb and how it’s all processed.

There are some instances when you might want to buy ginger tea bags. A lot of other types of teas come added with ginger nowadays. For example, I like to buy both green tea and Ceylon tea that has added ginger, in which case it’s slightly more convenient to buy the tea bags. Of course, I could just add fresh ginger to regular green tea, but I guess we’re all a little lazy sometimes!

Potential Ginger Side Effects

There aren’t many side effects associated with ginger. In rare cases, a person may suffer an allergic reaction, in which case you should call for help immediately. Other minor problems include ginger potentially lowering blood sugar too much or causing diarrhea.

If you’re already taking medication for blood pressure, you may want to ask your doctor before drinking ginger tea. In regards to combining ginger tea and turmeric, ask your doctor first if you have experience with kidney or gallstones. (11)

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many reasons to regularly drink ginger tea, especially in winter. If there’s a particular type of tea that you like to drink that wasn’t mentioned here, there’s still a good chance that ginger could work well in the mix. You wouldn’t want to consume ginger together with cooling herbs, though, so make sure it’s another warming herb or something neutral. Whether you’re drinking ginger tea for cough relief, ginger tea for cold, or drinking the spicy tea to warm up in the winter, your body is going to thank you for ingesting this “universal medicine.”

Sources

(1) https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/ginger-root.html

(2) https://www.internationalintegrative.com/articles/warming-herbs-ayurveda

(3) https://www.alive.com/health/herbs-hot-cold/

(4) https://www.livestrong.com/article/539683-the-benefits-of-ginger-for-a-cough/

(5) https://theherbalacademy.com/three-reasons-to-eat-ginger-during-wintertime/

(6) https://www.self.com/story/why-joints-hurt-more-cold-winter-weather

(7) https://www.naturalarthritistreatments.net/rheumatoid-arthritis/how-ginger-helps-in-rheumatoid-arthritis

(8) https://www.healthline.com/health/ginger-for-arthritis#research

(9) https://www.organicauthority.com/how-to-make-ginger-tea-from-fresh-ginger-root/

(10) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/turmeric-ginger-tea.html

(11) https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/dangerous-side-effects-of-ginger/#gref

The post 5 Reasons to Drink Ginger Tea This Winter appeared first on Holistic Health for Life.

What is Echinacea?

Echinacea is a plant indigenous to North America which belongs to the daisy family. It was commonly used in the traditional medicine of a number of Native American tribes to treat different kinds of ailments, including snakebite. In total, there are nine different species of echinacea, but the three varieties commonly used as medicine are “echinacea purpurea,” “echinacea angustifolia” and “echinacea pallida.”

Nowadays, echinacea supplements are widely available over the counter at drug stores throughout North America and around the world. Despite its wide availability and amazing health benefits, many remain skeptical of this cheap and natural herbal remedy, often citing a lack of “scientific proof.” Those with actual experience using the herb, on the other hand, will often tell you how helpful it can be for a wide variety of health issues.

Echinacea is not a miracle drug, of course, and doesn’t work for everyone all of the time. But considering the significant boost it gives the body’s immune system, echinacea is definitely something you should consider keeping in your cabinet at home.

5 Amazing Echinacea Benefits

1. Echinacea Helps Prevent and Fight Off Colds

During a study conducted by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, “the researchers found that echinacea decreased the odds [of catching a cold] by 58 per cent. . .” (1) Furthermore, echinacea is especially effective when used in combination with vitamin C, as the odds were then reduced by 86 percent.

Personally, for the past few years I’ve been using pretty much nothing except echinacea for colds. Whenever I start to sense that a cold may be oncoming, a few echinacea capsules are the first thing I reach for. A decent dose of the supplement combined with a good night’s rest is often enough to bring me back to normal the next day.

2. Echinacea Acts as an Anti-inflammatory

Taking echinacea has been shown to reduce a wide variety of symptoms related to inflammation. It was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat wounds. As I wrote about in a previous book, many of the serious conditions plaguing modern society can be attributed to inflammation. Some major health issues related to inflammation include:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• clogged arteries
• autoimmune diseases
• depression

While the best preventative measure against inflammation is a consistent healthy and nutritious diet, taking echinacea also has a number of anti-inflammatory benefits. According to WebMD, “Echinacea seems to activate chemicals in the body that decrease inflammation.” (2)

3. Echinacea Helps with Skin Conditions

More and more people are discovering the power of echinacea when it comes to getting rid of acne. In short, acne and pimples are typically caused when pores get clogged with dead skin cells and bacteria. In contrast to prescription medications which target bacteria – both the good kind and the bad kind – echinacea can help clean the blood without causing your body any additional harm. Through a process known as phagocytosis, echinacea helps clean out the nasty debris and dead cell tissues safely and naturally.

As many skin conditions are also rooted in inflammation, this benefit is closely linked with the point above. Other inflammation-related skin conditions such as sunburn can also be treated with echinacea.

4. Echinacea Helps Fight Infections and STD’s

Echinacea’s promotion of phagocytosis also comes in handy when fighting off a variety of infections. The blood-purifying activities of echinacea have been shown to be effective when treating candida infections and strep throat. It was also commonly used by Native Americans to treat eye infections. (3)

Furthermore, “When taken along with an antifungal cream, oral echinacea may help prevent recurrent vaginal yeast infections.” (4) There is still some debate over the effectiveness of echinacea when it comes to alleviating herpes symptoms, however. Though conclusive clinical studies are lacking, many have reported that echinacea has helped them deal with recurring outbreaks. This is likely in part due to echinacea’s strengthening of the body’s white blood cells.

5. Echinacea Helps You Recover From Injury

Echinacea also helps repair what’s called ‘hyaluronic acid,’ an acid which keeps the cells of the body together. The herb not only repairs existing hyaluronic acid but also stimulates its production. It’s no wonder why echinacea was traditionally used to treat snake bites, as harmful snake venom acts to break down tissue in the body. The same process which helps protect the body against snake and spider venom is also effective at repairing torn joints and ligaments resulting from common injury. (5)

This is good news for runners and athletes. Next time you’re experiencing some chronic pain after a hard run, you may want to consider giving echinacea a try.

Reaping the Benefits of Echinacea: Dosage and Frequency

The best dosage for echinacea depends on what you’re taking it for. From my experience, I’ve found that taking larger doses (several 400mg capsules) the first day or two that I’m experiencing cold-like symptoms works best. For other ailments such as chronic pain, injuries or inflammation, it’s recommended to take lower dosages daily over a longer period of time.

Other Things to Consider

Some proponents of the herb recommend drinking echinacea tea, while others prefer echinacea tincture. Personally, I’ve experienced positive benefits from all three forms. I take echinacea in capsule form most often simply because I find them easiest to store and take with me when necessary.

Understand that the three main varieties of echinacea (angustifolia, pallida and purpurea) work slightly differently. Purpurea, for example, is best known as a general immune system booster while echinacea angustifolia is the best at treating snakebites. Echinacea pallida is the variety better at stimulating white blood cell production. (6)

Unfortunately, when buying over the counter echinacea supplements, it may not always be clear which variety of echinacea you’re getting. Furthermore, different parts of the plant can be used for different results.

To save confusion at the store, you may want to buy the exact variety you need online. For most of the echinacea benefits listed above, most people will probably want to go for the purpurea variety. Some of the more popular echinacea purpurea capsules are the ones made by Pure Naturals or by Nature’s Way. Hawaii Pharm also makes a popular purpurea tincture product.

To be sure exactly what you’re getting, you may even want to consider growing some echinacea of your own.

Potential Side Effects of Echinacea

Echinacea is completely safe for most people but it’s very important to do the proper research and consult with your doctor or naturopath if you have a pre-existing condition. Echinacea could potentially cause harmful side effects for people who suffer from certain allergic reactions. Additionally, prolonged echinacea usage over the course of a few months could potentially result in liver damage. (7)

Conclusion

Though the major pharmaceutical companies may disagree, echinacea is an extremely beneficial and versatile plant.

Common cold and cough medicines are known to contain a number of harmful chemicals and typically only mask cold symptoms without doing anything to actually cure your cold. Next time you’re feeling under the weather, why not try giving your immune system a boost naturally with some echinacea?

Sources:

(1) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/75225.php

(2) https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-981-echinacea.aspx?activeingredientid=981&

(3) https://www.christopherhobbs.com/library/articles-on-herbs-and-health/echinacea-and-goldenseal-the-dynamic-duo/

(4) https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/echinacea#1

(5) https://homegrownherbalist.typepad.com/my-blog/2013/05/echinacea-the-rest-of-the-story-patrick-p-jones-dvm-echinacea-has-long-been-touted-as-an-effective-anti-inflammat.html

(6) https://www.naturallivingideas.com/echinacea-tea-benefits/

(7) https://www.livestrong.com/article/58864-side-effects-much-echinacea/

The post Five Amazing Benefits of Echinacea appeared first on Holistic Health for Life.

But first, a little about the chrysanthemum.

What are Chrysanthemums?

Chrysanthemums are part of the Asteraceae family of flowers. The flower grows in a wide variety of colors, such as white, pink, purple and gold. While the flower looks pretty in all its different forms, Its gold variety in particular is recognized for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. The name ‘chrysanthemum,’ in fact, is derived from the Ancient Greek words for “gold” and “flower.” (1)

As mentioned, chrysanthemum tea has been commonly brewed in Asia for centuries. Out of dozens of different varieties of the flower, which commonly blooms in autumn, the two types used for tea are ‘Chrysanthemum indicum’ and ‘Chrysanthemum morifolium. (2)

It should be noted that like with many other herbs revered by traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum tea should be consumed over a long period of time to see substantial results. If you’re like me and love the flavor, though, that shouldn’t be too difficult a task. One problem might be getting ahold of the flower petals in the first place, depending on where you live, but there’s more info on where to find chrysanthemums down below.

Now let’s look at the main reasons to start drinking this delicious tea on a regular basis.

The Top 5 Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits

1. Chrysanthemum Tea Helps Detoxify the Body

Drinking chrysanthemum tea on a regular basis is a great way to prevent toxic buildup in the body. One of the reasons why chrysanthemum tea is so beneficial is because it’s chock full of vitamin C, vitamin B and beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A. (2)

Regarding minerals, the chrysanthemum flower is packed with calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Magnesium is especially good for detoxification due to its role in maintaining healthy levels a Glutathione, a power antioxidant produced by the body.

The Chinese have long considered drinking chrysanthemum tea as an effective way to soothe an overactive liver. The liver, of course, is one of the main organs responsible for expelling toxins from the body. Too many imbalances in one’s system can overwhelm the liver, preventing it from properly doing its job.

In Chinese medicinal or Taoist terms, chrysanthemum tea can help soothe the “yang” of the liver. Yang can be broadly described as the active or fiery aspect of something. Chrysanthemum tea is also considered to have a cooling, calming effect on the body’s organs overall, which can also help explain why it’s so good at fighting inflammation. (3)

2. Chrysanthemum Tea is Good for the Skin

Chrysanthemum tea is good for the skin due to the high amount of beta-carotene it contains. Beta-carotene is common among yellow or orange fruits and vegetables, so it’s natural that its also found in abundance in the gold-colored chrysanthemum.

Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, and this conversion process takes place in the liver. Vitamin A is known for a wide range of skin benefits. It can help reduce wrinkles, repair the epidermis, heal wounds and reduce rosacea by normalizing blood flow. (4)

In regards to vitamin A, there are a lot of mixed opinions on taking it in supplement form. Some studies have even suggested that taking vitamin A supplements could potentially worsen cancer or heart disease in those already suffering from them. Therefore, consuming beta-carotene from a natural source and allowing your body to make its own vitamin A is considered a much better alternative.

3. Chrysanthemum Tea Helps Relieve Arthritis

Chrysanthemum tea can help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In a study conducted on rats using Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE), injections were given to 40 rats. About half of the rats were suffering from arthritis and hypertension. The study concluded that chrysanthemum extract does indeed help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, as well as delay its onset time. (5)

Aside from consuming chrysanthemum regularly in tea form, there are also methods for applying chrysanthemum externally. One idea is to combine a handful of flower petals with a teaspoon of olive oil. After applying the mixture on the affected area, take a plastic wrap and wrap it around wherever you just put the mixture, securing it with a bandage. Then, leave it on overnight before removing it the next day. (6)

4. Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea Can Improve Eyesight

Spending a lot of time every week on the computer, my eyes and eyesight have been gradually suffering as a result. And in our current era of smartphones, laptops, and all sorts of other portable devices, I’m sure I’m not the only staring at a bright screen for a little longer than they should. The good news is that chrysanthemum tea is also great for the eyes.

Drinking the tea over a period of time is said to protect the eyes against things like retinal neuropathy and cataracts. This is likely due to the flower’s high vitamin A content and antioxidant properties. (7)

While you likely won’t revert back to 20/20 vision overnight, chrysanthemum leaves can also be used as a quick refresher for red or sore eyes. First you’ll want to brew a cup of chrysanthemum tea using either 1 teaspoon of dried leaves or 2 teaspoons of fresh leaves in a cup of water. Soak some squares of gauze in your tea and after they cool down a little bit, place them over your eyelids for about 10 minutes. (8)

5. Chrysanthemum Tea Helps Boost Longevity

This benefit of longevity, obviously, is not going to be noticeable right away. But for many years, the Taoists of China have touted chrysanthemum tea as one of the secrets to living a longer, fuller life.

According to one legend, the residents of a village called Yeohyeon were known for their unusually high life expectancy. A group of Taoists on the hunt for new ‘elixirs of life’ visited the town to see why this might be. They noticed chrysanthemum flowers growing alongside a local stream which the villagers used as their main water source. The Taoists concluded that the water must be absorbing the flowers’ properties and that the chrysanthemum should be considered as a way to boost one’s longevity. (8)

By looking at the other health benefits of chrysanthemum tea outlined above, there are plenty of reasons for why this might be true. The flower’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, high vitamin and mineral content, and its soothing and cooling effects, are all things which would could lead to a longer, healthier life.

How to Make Chrysanthemum Tea

An herbal tea, or infusion, can simply be made by boiling a cup of water and then placing either 1 teaspoon of dried or 2 teaspoons of fresh chrysanthemum flowers in it. The flower petals should steep in the hot water for about 10 minutes before consumption. It’s up to you whether or not to drink the herbal tea with or without the flower petals still in it.

You should generally drink your chrysanthemum tea infusion within a day of making it to gain the most healing benefits from the flower petals. If you’re going to put it in the refrigerator overnight, be sure to keep the container covered.

The web site Vision Times recommends an additional method. You can simply add 5 to 7 flower heads to a cup of boiling water. After waiting for it to cool down, drink it as it is. After finishing, you can add more hot water and keeping the same flower petals in there should be good enough for several more cups. (9)

Getting Started With Herbal Teas

I can’t remember the exact brand of the teapot I use to make herbal teas, as I threw away the box a long time ago. However, it looks and works a lot like this.

I generally prefer to drink herbal teas without flower petals or leaves still floating around in them. If you’re like me, this type of teapot is great because you can simply take out the basket which contained the flower petals and the tea will be smooth.

Where to Buy Chrysanthemum Tea

Many other tea-drinking regions of the world are now using chrysanthemum tea as one of their standard flavors for pre-packaged teas sold at convenience stores or in vending machines. As tasty as these are, it’s possible that they might contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners or preservatives.

That’s why it’s better to brew some chrysanthemum tea yourself whenever possible. If you want to make it sweeter, try adding a little bit of raw honey.

But where to buy chrysanthemum flowers? If you have an Asian market or grocery store in your area, you might want to go check it out and see if they have any chrysanthemums available.

Don’t have any an Asian market nearby? Fortunately, there are also plenty of places to buy loose chrysanthemum tea online.

Potential Side Effects

There aren’t too many serious side effects or potential drug interactions to worry about when drinking chrysanthemum tea. According to WebMD, however, the tea might increase one’s sensitivity to insulin as well as the amount of blood that flows to the heart. If you have any concerns or notice any adverse reactions, be sure to contact a physician. (10)

It should also be noted the chrysanthemums are naturally caffeine free, so the tea is a great choice for those with adverse reactions to caffeine.

Conclusion

The chrysanthemum is truly a special flower. Not only is it nice to look at, but it comes with a wide array of powerful health benefits, too. But how much chrysanthemum tea should you be drinking, exactly? There’s no way to say for sure, but a few times a week over a long period of time is generally thought of as enough to experience some of the benefits listed above. Fortunately, chrysanthemum tea is very tasty as far as herbal teas go. Drinking this golden ‘elixir of life’ shouldn’t be too difficult to integrate into your normal routine.

Sources

(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthemum

(2) https://www.theepochtimes.com/detox-with-chrysanthemum-tea_706908.html

(3) https://www.shen-nong.com/eng/herbal/juhua.html

(4) https://www.theskincareclinic.com.au/science/vitamin-a/

(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5402234/

(6) https://onejive.com/chrysanthemum-tea-drink-prolongs-life/

(7) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/benefits-chrysanthemum-tea.html

(8) “The Essential Herbs Handbook” by Lesley Bremness

(9) https://www.visiontimes.com/2016/10/05/heres-how-chrysanthemum-tea-can-benefit-your-eyes.html

(10) https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-904-chrysanthemum.aspx?activeingredientid=904&activeingredientname=chrysanthemum

The post Five Reasons to Start Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea appeared first on Holistic Health for Life.

Millions of people all around the world today are suffering from joint or nerve pain. In fact, it’s estimated that 31 million people in the United States alone are suffering from osteoarthritis. (1) Prescription medication to treat arthritis comes with plenty of potential side effects, however. Just a few of these are increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s no wonder, then, that many people suffering from ailments like arthritis and sciatica are looking for safer and cheaper alternatives. One of these herbs is called devil’s claw, an herb I also have personal experience with. Keep reading to learn why so many people are starting to ditch their prescription meds and instead try devil’s claw for pain relief.

What is Devil’s Claw?

Devil’s Claw, also known as Harpagophytum procumbens, is a root which originates in the southern part of the African continent, particularly around the Kalahari and Savannah Deserts. It can also be found on the island of Madagascar. It was used by groups such as the Khoisan people to treat a wide variety of ailments like hypertension and fever. (2)

Today, the herb is not incredibly common or well-known in North America or the West in general, although a number of studies have taken place in Europe. As more and more people report their positive experiences with devil’s claw, word is starting to spread, especially in regards to the herb’s ability to relieve pain.

My Story

A couple years back I had a strange nerve issue in my leg. It became difficult to walk for more than twenty minutes at a time without needing to stop and rest. It’s not that I was tired, but the pain would just get too unbearable to continue.

I could hardly run or even do normal leg stretches. I wasn’t worried for the first couple of weeks, thinking it was just a temporary problem that would fade away. But it went on for several more months with no signs of improvement.

Worried, I shelled out lots of money for both acupuncture and a physical therapist, regularly visiting both practitioners over a period of months. Unfortunately for both my leg and my bank account, neither did anything to solve the problem.

Fed up, I did some research on what herbs could help nerve issues and pain relief, which is when I first discovered devil’s claw.

I’d already given up on both acupuncture and physical therapy by the time the 1 month supply of devil’s claw arrived. I took the recommended dosage every day until the bottle was finished. I would’ve ordered another bottle because I was still experiencing pain, but I was in the middle of a trip abroad at the time I finished the first one.

Several days after the bottle was finished, though, I began to notice that I could walk for much longer periods at a time. Then I realized that I could jog again, and even dance!

So what was this nerve issue with my leg? I’m still not sure, as no doctors I visited were able to tell me. As you’ll read more about below, it was likely something called sciatica.

What I do know is that the painful symptoms lasted for about half a year and then went away for good. While I can’t say with 100% certainty that devil’s claw was solely responsible for solving my problem, I’d be willing to bet that that was the case. And I only ever needed that one bottle. Ever since, I’ve been recommending that my friends and family experiencing nerve or joint pain to consider taking devil’s claw for pain relief.

How Does Devil’s Claw Help Relieve Pain?

Devil’s claw contains a chemical called harpagoside which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the herb also contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and phytosterols. These compounds are also known to help prevent muscle spasms. (3)

Devil’s claw has also been traditionally used to treat fevers, sores and digestive issues.

Devil’s Claw for Arthritis

Clinical studies done on harpagoside, one of the main chemical components of devil’s claw, have shown it to be effective at relieving pain from osteoarthritis. Patients suffering from arthritis have also demonstrated increased mobility after ingesting devil’s claw over a period of time, usually from one to three months.

Another study done in France found devil’s claw just as effective at pain relief in the hips and knees as a prominent prescription drug. Devil’s claw, of course, is all-natural, which means it comes without many of the side effects which are common with man-made medications. Therefore, you would be wise to consider something like devil’s claw for pain relief before spending money on a potentially harmful prescription drug.

If you’re suffering from hip or back pain due to arthritis, Dr. Weil recommends looking for a type of devil’s claw which contains a daily dose of 50 – 100mg of harpagoside. (4)

Devil’s Claw for Back and Neck Pain

Devil’s claw has even been shown to help those suffering from neck and back pain, a major annoyance for millions of people worldwide.

The herb beat out placebos in clinical studies involving groups suffering from pain in the neck, back or shoulder area. Another particular study of 197 people focused specifically on those with lower back pain. In all cases, the herb came out a winner each time. (5)

Much of the relief happened after 4 weeks of consumption, so don’t consider devil’s claw for pain relief if you’re looking for instantaneous results. It may require a bit of patience, but the herb has been proven to be effective time and time again.

Devil’s Claw for Sciatica

Though none of the medical professionals I visited for my leg pain were able to give me an official diagnosis, I was likely suffering from an ailment known as sciatica. And as mentioned above, devil’s claw is most likely what healed my problem when nothing else worked.

Sciatica is generally characterized by pain in the sciatic nerve which runs down the back of each leg. Sciatica nerve pain usually just persists in one leg and not both, as was the case with me. It can be caused by any number of things, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. My pain started the day after a strenuous jog during a time when I was already experiencing lower back pain.

Some of the main symptoms include sharp pain when both sitting and walking, as well as occasional numbness and tingling throughout the leg. The level and duration of pain can seem somewhat random. Some days it’s worse when moving while other times it’s just as bad while seated. Still on other occasions, a person may be able to go about a normal day with little pain before it comes back again. (6)

So why is devil’s claw so good for treating sciatica? It’s likely due to the herb’s potent anti-inflammatory properties. More specifically, devil’s claw has an effect on a group of molecules called leukotrienes which play a role in inflammation. (7)

In addition to joint pain, alleviating symptoms of sciatica and other nerve issues is yet another use of devil’s claw for pain relief.

Interestingly, another herb that’s been shown to help with sciatica is turmeric, which I covered in a recent article.

Potential Side Effects of Using Devil’s Claw for Pain Relief

Devil’s claw has not been shown to have too many side effects, although certain groups of people may want to be cautious before trying it. Devil’s claw can lower blood sugar, so you may want to be careful if you’re hypoglycemic. (4)

You should also be careful if you’re experiencing stomach ulcers, as ingesting devil’s claw may alter your stomach’s acid levels. Other possible adverse effects include potential allergic reactions, although these are considered rare.

Where to Find Devil’s Claw

The only type of devil’s claw I have any experience with is the kind sold by Now Foods. As mentioned, taking just a bottle of this pretty much completely eliminated the bad leg pain I’d been experiencing, which was probably sciatica. Fortunately, I did not experience any adverse side effects.

There are a number of other brands selling devil’s claw in both capsule and even liquid form. Most varieties should be fine, but you’d be best off checking online reviews before buying any supplement.

Conclusion

Are you or anyone you know suffering from some of the ailments listed above? If so, you may want to give this strange-looking root a try. My own positive experiences with devil’s claw for pain relief was yet another positive affirmation of how beneficial and effective natural herbs can be. Do you have any experience with devil’s claw or a similar herb for relieving pain? Be sure to let us know in a comment down below!

Sources

(1) https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/arthritis-statistics-facts.php

(2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpagoside

(3) https://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/09/22/devils-claw-root-pain.html

(4) https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/bone-joint/devils-claw-for-arthritis/

(5) https://healthyfocus.org/benefits-of-devils-claw/

(6) https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciatica

(7) https://www.healthcracker.com/revealed-a-5-cure-for-sciatica-pain-say-bye-bye-to-back-pain/

The post Relieve Pain Naturally With Devil’s Claw appeared first on Holistic Health for Life.